Chapter 20) Inexorable Death

After the festival, we march south. Tiki sees us off with a smile, but smiles are few and far between amongst ourselves as we get closer to our next battle. The target is Fort Steiger, one of the three main strongholds of Walhart's forces, alongside Chon'sin and Valm Castle itself, and it's led by Pheros, a powerful valkyrie. It's chosen primarily for how close it is, but I worry. As if that's anything new, of course, but something about all of this just seems off. There is something unsettling in the air. I could feel it in my bones and blood, and I dislike it. Because the last time I felt like this, it had been during that failed mission to save Emmeryn.

Who was going to die this time?

The walls were tall, with spikes at random points to discourage climbers. Set up at random points on the top… well, they looked almost to be pots or something, no doubt filled with oil to further discourage climbers, though probably with more of an eye for ropes. Then, of course, were the more 'typical' things, like places set up perfectly for archers. Catapults. The wisps of smoke hinted they had a great deal of furnaces, so there was a chance they could use the smoke to suffocate intruders. And who knew what was actually inside the place.

"I think my dear, dear brother forgets that refuge in audacity only goes so far," I sighed, leaning back against Cordelia's pegasus. Cordelia made some sort of 'listening' noise, more focused on checking her pegasus's wings. "Freaking hell, shouldn't we wait to make sure that no one is compromised? Or go after a lesser fort?" That's more of what I'd expected when Chrom told me about the plan. "This is a classic example of soaring too high."

"Where did that phrase even come from?" Cordelia asked absently. I glanced back and saw her frowning over something. "I always hear it, but…"

"An old story about a craftsman and his son, who escaped their tower prison via wings made from feather and wax." I closed my eyes, remembering it. Mother had told it to Robin and me, actually. One good thing about the Grimleal is that they kept lots of stories and records. "But the son flew too high, blinded by the giddiness and euphoria flying gave him, and the sun melted the wax, and thus, he plummeted into the waters below, drowning." Though the other part of it was how he had to not fly too low either, lest the sea water soak the feathers and he become too heavy to fly. Mother had told us the story as an example of being careful about your limits, but to also make sure you don't settle.

"Well, that's a sad story." Cordelia ducked down, checking under her pegasus's wing. "I suppose they're trying to not fly too low?"

"Maybe…" Still, I couldn't help but worry. One could argue that this entire war effort was audacious in of itself, but… I couldn't help but remember the plan to 'rescue' Emmeryn, which failed at the last second due to something unexpected. Which failed because our enemies knew us, and played us well. "So, what's wrong?"

"She's moving her wing weirdly, but I can't find why."

"Want some help?"

"Er…" There was a very long pause and then she sighed heavily. "Please?"

"Of course." I couldn't help but snicker, though. "Aw, look at that! You're accepting help! I simply must tell Libra and Sumia later!"

"I'm already regretting this, my queen."

"Now, now… let's see what's wrong." I walked around Cordelia's pegasus, absently petting her neck, to join Cordelia. "And if we can't find it, we'll ask Panne. She can communicate with the animals, yes?"

"She can, indeed." Cordelia still scowled at me. "Now, if you can stop laughing?"

"Yes, yes."

We did ended up going to get Panne, and discovered the issue was a pulled wing muscle that Cordelia's pegasus was desperately trying to hide to not worry Cordelia. While Panne and Cordelia got to work on that, I left to snag a healer and one of the animal doctors to assist them. Then I wandered our base camp, watching everyone slowly prepare for the battle ahead. No sign of our illustrious leaders or anyone. They were busy discussing strategies, as typical before a battle. A bit of a shame, as I wouldn't have minded grumbling to Robin directly (or cuddling a bit with Chrom). But that was neither here nor there.

"Mother?" Lucina jogged over to me, frowning worriedly. "Is everything okay?" she asked softly, curling into herself a bit. I automatically made sure that I was standing a bit taller, and reached over to brush the hair out of her face. "I… um…" She looked down sheepishly, and I felt the blush on her face. "I heard… from the other adults… that you had been down recently, before everything happened with Uncle Robin, and now… um…"

"I take it you didn't notice because my future self was always a touch melancholic, huh?" I half-joked, smiling bitterly. I could easily imagine it, and the guilt 'I' would have felt. "I'm okay, Lucina. Just fretting over things."

"I'm sorry…"

"For what?" I sighed and pulled her into a hug, making sure to hold strong even as she leaned heavily on me. "Grima is a threat I've known about for a long while, this war is sparked by an idiot falling into all sorts of traps due to arrogance… and as for my most present worries, that's more on your dear, sweet uncle. And your father. And Flavia. And Basilio. And Say'ri."

"...Promise?" Her voice was very small. "I mean… I know I cause problems and all. All of us do. But…"

"No more than you do… did… ah, whatever the tense is… as a three month old." I pulled away just a little to make a face at her. "The number of times you tried to eat my wedding ring, for instance…"

"S-surely not!" She went bright red, all traces of hesitancies and sadness gone. "No way!"

"There's also the day you refused to settle down for a nap and I had to carry you all over the city for meetings because every time I tried to leave, you cried." Then, of course, Victoria got all weepy too, and Chrom had to carry her around. "Which resulted in you trying to eat the fake flowers on one noblewoman's hat…"

"That's… um…" She turned even redder. "Um…"

"The point is, Lucina, is that children are supposed to make problems for their parents. It's part of the package. Because often times, those problems result from you exploring the world, and trying to find your own path. And you stumble, fall, and your parents are right there to help patch you up. With maybe a few scoldings, depending on how dangerous things were and all." I smiled and pulled her back into a hug, letting her hide her blushing face in my shoulder. "It's also accompanied by joy, Lucina. The joy of seeing what a wonderful young woman you are, and continue to grow into. The relief at seeing you laugh and have fun, slowly healing from what you suffered in your time." I kissed her head. "You're just fine, Lucina. You've enough to fret about, you know."

"I… I suppose…" She clung to my shirt with one hand. "But…"

"Not another apology." I thought of what Maribelle once told me, way back when we were in the desert, marching to save Emmeryn. "Try to turn your apologies into something else. Instead of saying 'I am sorry for causing trouble', why not say 'thank you for caring about me'?"

"...I'll try, Mother…" She leaned into me, seeking warmth and comfort. "Um… so… thank you, for caring about me?"

"I always have, Lucina, ever since you first smiled at me as a little baby. And I always will, no matter how old you get." I patted her back and laughed a little. "Here, why don't you walk with me for a bit? Wander the camp until you have to triple-check your preparations."

"Okay…!"

The two of us walked around a bit, and the other children took that as permission to approach for little things, like reassurances and hugs. Before long, though, they had to leave to make sure they were ready for what had to be one of the most reckless battles we ever fought. I made sure to keep up the smiles and only sighed when I was sure they weren't around. Then I headed to where 'our' camp met with the 'rebels' camp, mostly to check on them. On the way, though, I saw Virion and Cherche chatting next to Minerva, with Minerva holding her wing above them as if to shield them. Virion pretended to be hit by some sort of verbal 'dagger', staggering back, and Cherche snickered, smiling brightly. Before long, Virion smiled softly at her, and then left to go deal with something. Cherche continued smiling and giggling, watching him leave with a very fond look. And I really should've just ignored it as I typically did, since it wasn't my business, but…

"Cherche?" I called. She glanced at me and waved me over, still smiling, though it wasn't quite as soft or anything. "Hey, I'm sorry to be nosy and all…" I hesitated, not sure how to continue, but I did my best to hide it by petting Minerva's nose. "But… well… with the children showing up from the future and all…"

"Virion and me?" she filled in knowingly. I could only smile sheepishly in response, kicking myself for this. This wasn't my business at all, and I was just being annoying, but… "Well, you did bring up a good worry…" She reached under her collar to produce a necklace I'd never noticed her wearing. Dangling from the chain was a simply elegant ring. An engagement ring, really. "Sometimes, the quickest way to an alliance is through beds and pillow talk, which is easier to do if there's nothing official. And I have so much fun watching him squirm." She giggled, and I had to smile. "It's a game we've long played. We've been very close for quite some time." Her good mood faded for sadness, though, as she continued studying the ring, watching how the gems sparkled in the light. "I was thinking about ending the game when we heard about Cassandra. She was always so excited about the thought…"

"...I imagine both of you had to heal a bit too."

"Yes, quite. And there's new things to adapt to." She shrugged, and smiled softly again, tucking the necklace under her collar once more. "I know his question. He knows my answer. For us, it is enough. When we are home again, we'll do things proper." She made a face then, though. "I imagine a child showing up will make it so much harder to draw out the game. Ah, well. I'll just have Minerva play a bit."

"I see." I smiled, but ducked my head, still petting Minerva to hide it. Minerva let me, tucking her head under my hand so that I could rub the scales by her eyes. I guess she liked being pet and scratched there or something? "Again, sorry to be nosy."

"Considering how much you seem to worry, about everything, I think I should only be surprised that the question hasn't come up sooner." She giggled, and I looked away, mortified. I mean; she wasn't wrong or anything. But it was still a little… "But no telling anyone, okay? It's rather fun watching everyone 'subtly' try to ask."

"Or ask point blank?"

"That too." She snapped her fingers then and hunted through her pockets for something. "Ah, but you can do a favor for me? If that's all right, Queen Kestrel."

"Since I just asked a very personal question? Of course."

"Thank you!" She produced a very pretty ring from her pocket and handed it over. I held it up to the light to study it, thinking there was something familiar about it. "I found that not far from here, actually. I picked it up, thinking that the chain had snapped, but…"

"I haven't heard of any of ours missing a ring, so it's probably one of the rebels." And here I was, planning on checking on them. Why did coincidences have to rule my life? "I'll try to find the owner before the battle."

"That reminds me. I need to double-check where my darling Minerva is going to be during this escapade of ours." She began leading Minerva away. "Come along, dear Minerva. We'll have snack time afterwards."

"Please make sure she cleans up this time? The remains of her last snack gave some of the soldiers quite the scare." And then Henry and Tharja debated what parts they could use for curses until Nowi transformed, charred the meat, and ate it. "Until later."

I started back down the path, heading towards the rebel camp. Along the way, I saw some scouts and people just walking to ease their nerves, and I asked them about the ring. No one recognized it, though, so I kept on walking. At least, until someone yelled at me.

"That's mine!" The voice was interesting. Haughty, but in that 'I am so tired but damn if anyone will know it' way. Authoritative, but also very young, like they were using it as a mask. Masks upon masks, really. The girl with that voice matched her tone perfectly, glaring and holding herself tall, while also making sure her hooded cloak completely hid her. "Why do you have it?" she demanded, holding her hand out. Her very long pigtails, a beautiful blonde color, almost blocked her, though. "Oh, whatever. Give it back."

"A friend of mine found it, and mistook it for hers," I explained. I hid it behind my back, and crouched down to look the girl in the face. The shadows of her hood hid her expression somewhat, but I did see the relief and sadness in her eyes. "...It really is yours, huh?" I held it out to her, and she snatched it quickly. "Congratulations?"

"It's… it was my mother's. Her wedding ring." She cradled it briefly in her hands before tucking it into her pocket. "All I got left of her, since she chose her stupid old crush over me."

"Did she?" That sounded… I wasn't sure. Somehow, I was just sure it was more complicated than that. But, then again, the only thing 'simple' in my life was my parents. Mother did her best by Robin and me. My father was an asshole who was being devoured by maggots, thankfully. "I'm sorry you have to deal with that pain." Without thinking about it, I rested my hand on her head, to stroke her hair. But the hood kind of stopped that. "Ah, but I'm being rude. I'm-"

"...Queen Kestrel of Ylisse, right?" She looked down, not making eye contact at all. But she didn't bat my hand away either. "I think even the dead know who you are."

"Aha… you'd think I'd be used to that, huh?" Still, I didn't think I was all that special or anything. No matter… "What's your name?"

"Severa."

"It's nice to meet you, Severa." I ended up patting her head, and smiled at her. "I'm glad Cherche found your ring."

"...I'll try to find and thank her later. I guess." And she left abruptly, without saying anything else.

Though I was a little annoyed by the rudeness, I knew I'd done much worse in the past, so I shrugged it off and went walking among the rebel camp proper, speaking to people and reading their mood. That was when I noticed something very… odd. Many of them were fidgety, and while it could simply be pre-battle nerves… the winces and flinches I saw out of the corner of my eye suggested something else. Did they disapprove of me? Did they dislike that there were outsiders involving themselves in 'their' war? Or was it something a little more sinister? The questions gnawed on me and, despite my resolve, I found myself returning to the Shepherds' camp, desperate to hide.

"Your majesty?" However, someone called for me from behind, and I turned to see it was one of the rebels. "Here," they whispered, pushing something into my hand. A quick look showed it was a small piece of paper, carefully folded. "East. Remember."

"Pardon?" I asked. But they were gone in an instance, rushing back to their own camp. "What the…?" Anxiety gnawing at my stomach, I went to lean against a nearby tree and carefully unfolded the paper. And the words, written in crisp and neat handwriting, made my blood run cold.

'Excellus has hooked his fangs into the rebels. Be careful and remember the direction you are told.' Signed by a 'Berenice', a name I vaguely remembered Say'ri mentioning. This… this wasn't good…

"There you are!" Not even Basilio's boisterous voice could lift the dread that had settled like a shroud over my shoulders. "Got Chrom all mopey because he can't find you," he teased, laughing. However, he dropped the cheer as soon as he saw my expression. "What happened?"

"Here," I whispered shakily, passing him the note. I clasped my hands together to hide their shaking, cursing. Stupid. It had been stupid to just let them do this without… "I don't know how truthful it is, but…"

"Well, shit. I was hoping I was imagining the bad feeling." He groaned and handed me back the paper. "And we're too deep to shift things down, damn it all."

"I'm sorry." I knew this had been stupid. Why didn't I say anything? "I…"

"Easy, easy." He rested his hand on my shoulder. "We'll figure out something."

"I hope so." I folded the piece of paper into a tiny square before tucking it in my pocket. "I really hope so."

This was going to end in failure, wasn't it? Damn it all.

The plan, ultimately, turned into something all too familiar. 'Surgical strike to the heart', Say'ri described it. Otherwise known as 'Shepherds slip inside and assassinate, except we don't do it quietly, and we rile all the inner guards up while the general gets set up'. It was also called 'this is far too similar to the plan to save Emmeryn for my comfort'. Though, thankfully, it wasn't exactly the same. I just…

"You keep getting distracted, dear Kestrel," Virion noted, counting his arrows. Though my combat abilities were slowly coming back, I had requested to continue guard duty for the moment and, thus, was assigned to Tharja and Virion. "Is everything well?"

"Just me fretting," I sighed, sheathing my sword and reaching back to redo my ponytail. It had fallen out, so my hair stuck uncomfortably to my face and neck. "So, nothing unusual." I glanced over at Tharja, who was poking at some of the bodies. "I think the question should be directed to Tharja."

"Quite true. Tharja?" Virion frowned at the arrows, and looked around curiously. Without thinking about it, I grabbed one corpse's quiver and passed it to him. "Thank you, my dear."

"No problem, Virion." Ponytail back in place, I walked over to Tharja, who continued her poking. "Tharja?"

"Henry made a mention of something and I decided to take a look myself," she explained, barely acknowledging me otherwise. She continued frowning. "Rather tempted to see if I could make them speak."

"Er… can that be done?" I asked. I knew curses, and curses could do some weird things, but… uh… "I mean… dead is dead. Bringing back the dead… sure, there's stories of staves, but they're only stories."

"It's not 'bringing back', so much as 'temporarily connecting to them'. It's something Henry was working on before he got bored and decided to just work on summoning Risens and whatnot." She sighed, and I mentally panicked a little. Didn't need more Risen, thank you! Especially right now! ...Though, the lack of them was also… ugh… "I can practically hear your mind flailing in circles."

"I'm sorry."

"Just be a dragon and slaughter everything. No one will care." She poked the body again and I tried to not squirm. If Grima… "Anyway, I'd have to complete the spell first. But we could get information that way."

"I don't think we have the time for that," Virion pointed out. I was glad he did, since I was far too uncomfortable to even think about replying. "Ah, Panne! Rare of you to come visit the covering lines!"

"A giant rabbit doesn't exactly suit the stealth you employ," Panne replied, walking over. She had blood matted in her fur and smeared across the leather-armor-garb she wore, but otherwise, she seemed fine. "That said, you don't seem busy."

"A breather, dear Panne. And checking my arrows." Virion frowned, and I nudged Tharja to stand up. "But I fear you have not come by for a chat and tea."

"No." Her voice was surprisingly flat. "My apologies for the curtness. I am annoyed at myself. My time with you Shepherds almost made me forget the true nature of manspawn. That you all are the exception." Her eyes were narrowed and she held herself stiffly. The bits of fur she had were puffed out a bit, making her seem just a little bit larger. "It's the rebels. Our supposed allies. I smelled their fear and thought it was only for the battle. But now I know what it is, for I smell betrayal."

"...Ah…"

"So, that is what's going on," I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. I'd hoped otherwise, but… "Panne, have you told anyone else?"

"No, not yet," she replied. Her tone continued to be flat, but she did relax when Tharja walked over to (awkwardly) pat her on the shoulder. "You were closest, Kestrel, so I came to you first."

"Okay." Meaning I had to think quickly. Damn it. "Can you find Flavia and Basilio in this mess?"

"Easily. I believe Yarne is with their group as well."

"Good. Then get to them and tell them to report to Robin." I sighed and looked to Virion. "You go get Say'ri and tell her the same. Tharja?" I then turned to her. "Inform Robin about what's going on, please. And I'll get Chrom." I smiled slightly, deciding to make a joke. Despite how my stomach was gnawing on itself from fear. "He knows to listen to me when I'm mad."

To my relief, that did get a bit of laughter and the sound helped ease my nerves enough so that I could rush through the battlefield and look for Chrom. It took a while, mostly because of where he was. Right with the general in the very back room. Because of course he was.

"You know… once, I followed your exalted sister," Pheros was saying when I finally made it to the room. She and Chrom were in a standoff, her with a tome and him with Falchion. Neither so much as twitched. "Made a pilgrimage all the way to Ylisstol to hear her one of her speeches. Such vibrant words, they were." She spoke softly, and with a smile. It was a good memory for her. "She could truly paint a picture with just a few tones and inflections, and when she spoke, the concept of peace and prosperity didn't seem so far away. She made Naga and the Earth Mother, who I grew up believing in, seem real."

"...Many do look to Ylisstol in such a fashion, due to the blood-bond we have with Naga," Chrom whispered. I could tell by how stiffly he held himself that he was uncomfortable with the idea. "More so before my father's 'war'. But regardless, you abandoned that faith."

"Yes, I did, for I have no use for invisible spirits." Her smile became proud and her eyes shone with a feverish light. "I serve a god among men now, and he will do what no religion could do. Unite the people."

"In opposition to him, perhaps." Chrom scowled, his voice dropping to a growl. "Who willingly follows a tyrant?"

"Thinking plays no part in it. In words and deeds, a great leader takes hold of the heart, not the mind. Your sister had the same gift." She rested a hand on her chest. Chrom tightened his grip on Falchion. I felt my own temper spike. "Even now, I remember her words, and I know there are many who live by her poetry. Yourself among them, I'm sure. But I have found a greater voice."

"This sounds like fated nonsense, and I made a promise to my wife that we'd change fate."

"Speaking of your wife?" I called, interrupting. Chrom whirled, startled to see me, while Pheros simply regarded me curiously. "Chrom, you need to get to Robin. Now." I shook my head when he tried to say something. "Now." He hesitated before nodding, kissing me quickly before leaving. "That man… sometimes, I swear…"

"You married quite the naive man, Queen Kestrel of Ylisse," Pheros noted, with a little chuckle. The worst part was that she seemed genuinely amused. "Who goes waltzing up to an enemy general to try and talk to them?"

"Emmeryn would've, and Chrom is careful to follow her path. Ylisse cannot suffer another tyrannical ruler. Their father proved the dangers of that." I shrugged, feigning a confidence I didn't really feel. "Now, I can't say I'm quite as merciful. I'd love to ask a question or two, but we both know this is going to end with one of dead. Neither of us will yield."

"Quite true." She brought her tome up, and I guessed based on the color and design that it was a Bolganone tome. "So, I suppose I can indulge, since you read be so well. What is your question?"

"Once Walhart conquers everything, what happens next?" I waited, but she seemed genuinely surprised by the question. "What happens? How will he rule? Managing an army and winning a war are not the same thing as ruling a country. Does he plan on simply crushing all who oppose?" I scoffed. "People are assassinated for lesser reasons. History shows us what happens when a tyrant rules. They fall, and their memory is bemirsched for the few days its recalled."

"I am sure… there is a plan…"

"And you and yours follow without knowing that plan?" I could barely keep from rolling my eyes. "You said a 'good leader' seizes the heart, not the mind? That's clearly obvious. Because otherwise, my questions of 'what comes after' would yield actually answers instead of dumbfounded stares." I glared, incensed now. "You only care for bloodshed! For pain! You have no desire to rule, only to satisfy a childish wish to 'be the strongest'! As if strength is defined by power alone!"

"When people refuse to walk along the path, you have to drag them, or push them aside."

"That doesn't even properly respond, but considering you and yours sent assassins after babies, I shouldn't expect anything about you to make sense to me!" I was so incredibly pissed off now. "And another thing… don't you dare compare Walhart and Emmeryn. Emmeryn sacrificed almost everything to help her people heal and rule her people well. She sacrificed her childhood, her chances at loves and friendships, even her own life." Tears pricked my eyes as I remembered Emmeryn and that one tea we had. One of the few times I ever saw Emmeryn 'the woman', instead of Emmeryn 'the Exalt'. "She wasn't perfect. I'd be the first to admit that. But she did the best that she knew how, and worked tirelessly not only for her own people, but for her neighbors." I snarled at Pheros, livid. "Until he has sacrificed and worked even half as hard as Emmeryn, don't you dare compare her that overgrown child who plays at war and ruling!"

"Tch…!" Pheros gestured sharply, fire swirling around her. "Enough of this nonsense! Prepare to be pushed aside!"

"As if you have the strength." I drew my sword, all fear gone. I was only furious. "I'm the queen. I'll show you true conquering, before you die."

Pheros threw fire at me. I rolled out of the way, popping back to my feet to charge her. I knew that if I could just get close, I had her. Like most magic users, she didn't wear armor and stood her ground to keep herself stable. However, she was very skilled and knew her weaknesses well. When she noticed she missed, she whipped the fire about to strike the ground by my feet, cracking the stone floor and sending shrapnel everywhere. More than a few embedded in my arms and legs, and I had to do a cartwheel in order to avoid the next strike. Unfortunately, she seemed to predict that, because I ended up landing right where the third spell erupted from the ground. I grit my teeth as the fire burned my skin and the force of the spell ripped the shrapnel right out of me, sending blood everywhere. But since I didn't have to worry about dodging, I charged forward, right through her guard. Blue-black flames wrapped around my blade as I rammed it through her, and the fire ripped through her abdomen, leaving feather-shaped burns on her chest.

"Well… didn't think you'd just charge like that…" she coughed out. Her tome thumped to the ground and she sagged onto me. I braced myself against her, waiting for a knife or spell. "My mistake… but oh well…" She chuckled, blood spilling down her chin. More pooled at our feet, coating my hands. "I may not see Walhart unify the people… but I've seen it in my dreams… and that is enough…"

"Good, because the only place his unification would work is in dreams and fantasies," I whispered. I ripped my sword out through her side and pushed her off of me. She hit the ground with a dull 'splat', and I had to cough when the tell-tale smell of a gut wound filled the air, along with the smell of death. "Ugh… never get used to gut wounds." So, I stepped out into the hall, since in the hall there was only the smell of death, and then I walked to some nearby curtains to wipe the excess blood off my hands and sword. I didn't want my grip to slip.

"My queen!" Around the time I finished cleaning my hands, Cordelia rushed up, splattered with more blood than usual. Then again, since we were fighting inside, she hadn't been fighting on her pegasus. "There you are," she breathed, noticeably relieved. "Quickly, we have to-"

"Was it assassins, literal stabs to the back, or trap?" I asked, sheathing my sword. I closed my eyes briefly before turning to look at her. "The rebels, I mean."

"For now, trap. It seems like they are reluctant, which we can possibly use." She didn't seem surprised I already knew. "I don't know if that's changed, though. When I saw what was going on, I immediately came to find you. I am, technically, your guard."

"More than 'technically', and I'm glad for it." I grimaced and looked at the patches of burns all over me. "Swear the only reason I'm standing and not crying is because I've been through worse pain."

"Dare I ask?"

"Giving birth to twins." I grinned and she burst into laughter. "More seriously, I do want to avoid a lecture from the healers, so it's probably best I not fight anymore if it can be avoided."

"I'll keep you safe."

"You always do."

Cordelia led me through the halls easily, no doubt having memorized the layout prior to the battle. A couple of enemies ambushed us along the way, but Cordelia easily dispatched them, letting me focus more on walking, since I ached horribly now. Because I focused more on walking, though, I nearly yelped when she suddenly threw a lance up, towards the rafters. It took a few blinks to realize that there was a person crouched up there, but when I did, I wasn't surprised at all to see it was Bellona. Cordelia's glare showed she wasn't surprised either.

"You're near us again?" she demanded, kicking another lance into her hand. I glanced down and saw bodies all around us. Didn't even notice. "Get any good information, spying?"

"I'm an assassin," Bellona corrected with great dignity. She moved so that she was sitting on the rafter, bracing one leg against it while letting the other kick through the air. "Walhart doesn't do spies. He barely does assassins, and that's only because he's got an appreciation to the skill it takes to be so sneaky."

"You're not spying, and you're not killing, so…" Cordelia glared before scoffing, clearly unamused. "Are you just following us out of boredom?"

"Well, you're certainly more interesting that Excellus. Only so many times you can watch someone threaten to torture a three-year-old before you start contemplating bashing your own skull in." She shrugged, but I couldn't help but glare, even as my stomach turned. "Don't think you've had the displeasure of meeting him in person yet, have you? Not surprised. Smug worm that thinks he's a snake, and a dangerous snake at that… he's only brave when his victims are so much weaker than him."

"If you hate Walhart's group so much…"

"Think I said this a few times before, but at the moment, I don't have allies. I have goals." She sighed gustily, but I frowned, wondering why she clarified it with 'at the moment'. "Whatever. I just thought you'd like to know that Excellus is here in the fort. Dealing with two… uncooperative… fighters." She snickered, grinning like a child. "Thought you might enjoy the show."

"The torture, you mean?"

"No, the 'Excellus gets his ass handed to him'. Idiot thought meekness meant weak." She was definitely amused. "He'll probably retreat before dying, but should be fun until that point."

"While also getting us to two warriors Excellus hasn't…" I whispered, thinking quickly. If we could manage it, we could actually kill him now, but if that proved too difficult… hmm… "So, where would we find this show?"

"Just listen for 'blood and thunder'," she answered easily, still giggling a little. She pushed herself up to stand, brushing off her pants. "Trust me. You'll find them." Then she disappeared into the shadows, content with giving her message.

"She is one of the weirdest people I've met, and considering the Shepherds, that is saying something." I poked Cordelia's cheek, partly to get her attention and partly to get her to stop glaring. She was definitely annoyed. "Say, where's Tharja and Henry?"

"Henry was helping move the wounded, but I think Tharja is…" Cordelia began, frowning. Her eyes lit up, though, when she caught my thought. "Oh. Let's just go get her. This way."

It didn't take long at all to find Tharja and convince her to come along. In fact, I barely got the words 'hey, so apparently Excellus is near' before she agreed! From there, though, was trying to find the man who sent assassins after my baby girls and took hostages and tortured people. Still, the three of us debated just what Bellona mean by 'listen for blood and thunder'. Had that been a creative way to say 'sounds of battle' or-?

"BLOOD AND THUNDER!" At the sudden shout echoing down the halls, the three of us stopped briefly before focusing on finding the source of the noise. "YOU DARE TRY TO TAKE ME HOSTAGE?! I AM THE FIRE AND THE FURY!" I'd thought Bellona had been metaphorical, but apparently not. "REPENT, SCUM! REPENT, THOUGH IT WILL NOT SAVE YOU! REPENT AND DESPAIR!" And the shouts were followed by a maniacal laughter not unlike Tharja's.

"Less shouting and more shooting, Noire!" That voice was quieter, but snappier, and it was familiar for some reason. "Before the guy decides to take a puppy hostage instead!" The scolding was followed by more maniacal laughter. "And tone down the laughing! You're going to break something!"

Right about then, we slid around the corner, with me almost falling, and I saw two girls attacking an… interesting… looking man wearing robes. And honestly, the girls were handling themselves just fine, with one being a swordsman who kept close and the other being an archer who made controlled Excellus's movements. No wonder Bellona had mentioned it being 'a show'. Still, it was a 'fast' show, with the girls moving very quickly. Too quickly to safely jump in and cut Excellus's head off. But that just meant going for our 'plan B'.

The familiar spike of dark magic made me tense automatically, and Cordelia wrapped a reassuring arm around my shoulders. Tharja, meanwhile, whispered and muttered under her breath, breathing life into the shadows. After thinking a moment, I checked my arm, noticing a bit of bleeding, and hesitantly offered the blood there to Tharja. She glanced at me with noticeable shock, but nodded, and shifted her focus to using the blood. It burned and bubbled on my skin, and Cordelia frowned, but simply kept on holding onto me.

Then Tharja let the curse loose, black-red marks circling on the back of Excellus's neck. Then they pulsed and Excellus screamed in shock and pain. He left quickly, no doubt thinking that he'd taken some mortal blow. But… well…

"So, what was that?" Cordelia asked, looking to Tharja. I leaned into Cordelia's side a bit, simultaneously feeling ill (because curses), curious (because I actually didn't know either), and gleeful (because Excellus was afraid). "What type of curse, I mean."

"Withering curse. Quite potent," Tharja giggled, grinning evilly. She was definitely pleased by the success. "Slowly but surely, he'll fall apart. Muscles will atrophy. Skin will wrinkle and stretch. Hair will fall out in clumps. Teeth will dislodge with a simple sneeze. The eyes will shrivel…"

"And he'll be alive through it?"

"Oh, yes, every single second of it. Until it finally spreads to his organs, and turns them into rotting lumps inside his own body." She shrugged, and absently dusted off her tome. "The whole process would take… oh, depends a bit on the resistance to magic. I've little doubts we'll kill him before it gets to that point, but it's good for him to experience terror."

"Wow, I'm glad you're on our side." Cordelia smiled slightly, a bit awkward, and quickly turned her attention to the girls. "Ah, hello! Everyone okay?"

Giggling at the obvious subject change, I turned my attention to the girls as well, intending on helping with the conversation. However, I quickly noticed a few things. One, the swordsman was Severa. Two, the archer had the same colored hair as Gaius. And three, now that they were side-by-side, I could see the strong resemblance between Severa and Cordelia. And based on how things had been before, and how Severa and the archer were staring at Cordelia and Tharja… well…

"I'm going to make sure Chrom and Robin aren't being completely stupid," I murmured, patting both on the back. Tharja frowned at me, but Cordelia smiled shakily. She probably made the connection too, while Tharja was still on a bit of a rush from the successful curse. "I am always available to listen. Remember that, okay?" And then I left because there was no reason for me to linger and watch awkward mother-daughter talks. I had enough on my own for that. And, based on seeing Lucina and Chrom 'arguing' when I did find Chrom and Robin, I had a feeling here would be some more later tonight.

However, I frowned when I saw that Flavia and Basilio weren't with them, though Say'ri was talking to Robin. Confused, I looked around and just barely caught sight of them rushing down the corridor. I opened my mouth to call for them, but Basilio paused and looked back. He looked much more serious than normal, so I simply smiled and waved. He smiled back, just slightly, and nodded before jogging to catch up with Flavia. I had no idea what was going on, but if I had to guess, the two were going to serve as a distraction. Which meant…

"We need to head east," I declared, turning to look at Chrom, Lucina, Robin, and Say'ri. All four stared back with various degrees of surprise and confusion on their face. I, however, knew there wasn't much time at his point. The note had said to remember the direction I was told, so… "We're heading east. Now."

I knew things were going to go wrong. I just knew it.

Just as I figured, the 'guards' to the east barely even gave a token effort to stop us from escaping, allowing us to get far away from the fort and to relative safety. Along the way, I learned that Walhart himself was leading some forces towards the fort, so Flavia and Basilio were leading a small group to play distraction. Spending lives to buy the rest time. I knew Robin was hating himself for the decision, not the least because Basilio was among the group and Olivia considered Basilio to be like a father to her. But that was their own discussion, kept in the privacy of their tent, and intruding just because of my own worries was simply selfishness. Besides, Lucina needed me.

"I told him that he'd die, but he just kept on going," she said dully. She was laying in my lap, with me stroking her hair, while she relayed to me what happened while I was with Cordelia and Tharja. "Why? Why would he do that?"

"Basilio isn't the type to fear death, Lucina," I whispered, looking around her tent curiously. Cynthia's stuff wasn't here anymore, making me wonder if one of the two new ones would share with Lucina now. The children definitely kept to themselves when they weren't with their parents and, to my relief, most of the non-Lucina children didn't cling to me as much as they did before. "He's probably flirted with death so much that death is making wedding plans."

"Well, it looks like death will get that wedding." She sighed, curling up in my lap a little more, and it broke my heart to see her so morose. Though I did spare a thought being glad that Maribelle and Lissa got me all healed up, because otherwise, this might be painful. "Can we really change the future? Aunt Emmeryn died, despite my efforts. Basilio is rushing off to his death, despite me telling him. How else do I change things? How else can I?" She reached out and took my free hand, clinging to it tightly with both of hers. "I want a happy ending. Or even a bittersweet one, if it's a bit more 'sweet' than 'bitter'. But how do I…?"

"...You keep walking, Lucina, and paying attention to the path." I had no idea what to say or do. I still didn't believe things could change. I just hoped I was wrong, since I was wrong about so many things. "If you think you're walking a poor one, change paths." 'Change paths'... ha, if Robin and I hadn't joined the Shepherds, we still would've been running. I wondered how we ended up joining, in Lucina's time, since that Robin hadn't lost his memories. "Or you could emulate your father and charge forward recklessly. I'm quite used to the heart attacks."

"But…"

"Oh, brother, I just knew you'd be moping." A pair of packs were thrown into the tent before Severa stepped inside, looking annoyed. "Man, I hate being the optimist, but you make me have to be one," she complained, pulling things out of the pack. I guessed she was sharing with Lucina now. So, Cynthia must be sharing with… Noire, I believed I heard on the way here? Tharja and Gaius's daughter. "Ignoring how things are already different and focused way too much on what's the same."

"And just what is different?" Lucina asked, still dully. She didn't move from my lap, and Severa rolled her eyes. "Remind me."

"Say'ri is alive, for one thing. Don't you remember the stories? Say'ri was dead long before the thing in Valm happened." Severa sighed gustily and crawled over to prod Lucina in the head repeatedly. I frowned at that little tidbit of information, wondering just why that would be different. "Gawds, we need to find Victoria as soon as possible. You're always gloomy when she's not around. Well, gloomier."

"I am not gloomy!" Lucina sat up, scowling. "I'm just-"

"Oh, please. You're always going on about fate and how things must change and all that boring stuff. Totally ruining your pretty face." Severa pulled a bit of Lucina's hair, and her eyes widened. "But not your hair, for once. Wow, I think this is the first time I've grabbed it and it didn't feel like a cactus had a child with bark."

"I suppose you'd be the expert on cacti, given how prickly you can be."

"Yeah, yeah. Seriously, your hair is all soft!" Severa moved to sit behind Lucina, running her hands through her hair. "Not quite silky-soft, but on the way. Good, good. You can't rely on your natural beauty all the time, Lucina."

"I don't… wait, you're changing the subject!" Lucina huffed and glowered at Severa over her shoulder. "As I was saying, I am not-!" By that point, I couldn't help but giggle, and poor Lucina looked immediately mortified. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mother. I…"

"I'm simply happy you two are such good friends," I reassured. After all, Severa was Cordelia's daughter, and Cordelia was one of my dearest friends. "But it is getting late. How about I braid your hair for sleep? Severa, would you like me to braid yours as well?"

"Huh? I… uh…" Severa stammered. She looked away, blushing a little. Lucina giggled, amused now. "Sure. I guess. If you want."

"Then let's find a brush and some hair ties."

After brushing and braiding both Lucina and Severa's hair, I left them to get settled for sleep and walked around camp, trying to get a feel for morale. It was, sadly, low, but thankfully not anywhere near as bad as it had been after Emmeryn's death. I did see Maribelle and Brady fussing over Lon'qu, while Donnel kept Gregor busy with dozens of questions that Nah listened in on curiously. Everyone else was simply doing what they could to wind down for the evening, knowing that nothing could be solved if we were too tired to do anything when morning came.

However, there was one person not preparing for bed. Say'ri, who stood noticeably apart from us, staring forlornly at the night sky. She glanced over at me when I approached, but returned her attention to the stars. After a moment, she whispered, "when our parents died, I was inconsolable. In an effort to help me, Yen'fey told me to look at the stars. To see their tranquility and mimic it. I always learned best by example." She sighed heavily and closed her eyes. "I think this is the first time the trick hasn't worked to calm my heart."

"Considering how well things were going, we knew there had to be a trick at some point," I pointed out, stepping to her side to look up at the stars too. Tranquility, huh? I'd never heard that one before. "And we did kill one of Walhart's generals."

"That is… true. And we did, temporarily, take Steiger, I suppose." She smiled bitterly, opening her eyes to look at me. "I did always want to unite the groups. Guess I succeeded."

"Now you're sounding like me." I shook my head and patted her back. Briefly, I wondered how old Say'ri actually was, but that didn't really matter, for the moment. "Think of how they barely fought us, Say'ri. They only turned out of fear."

"Fear of losing, and fear of what will happen to their families." She looked down, clenching her fists by her side. "I was foolish to think Lady Tiki's presence alone would give them hope. She has always been a light in my life, but I shouldn't have expected her to have the same effect on others."

"People can't gather around one thing alone. Fear is powerful." I knew that well. "But… that doesn't mean you should lose all hope." I leaned down a bit so that I could catch her eye. "It is possible to be hopeful and afraid. I imagine the two often coexist."

"Do you think this can be salvaged, then?"

"Is a single loss going to shake you so? Now, after all this time?" I poked her cheek, and she chuckled, nodding as she accepted the rebuke. "You're tired. Get some sleep. You'll feel more capable in the morning, when it doesn't feel like you've cliffs tied to your limbs."

"I… no, you are right. I am being a child, insisting on pushing out of self-pity." She took a deep breath, held it, and then slowly released it. "Running full sprint when exhausted will simply result in falling and breaking bones."

"And other things the healers with scold you over."

"That too." She looked back at the stars before turning away and returning to camp. "Thank you, Queen Kestrel."

"Glad I could help."

I walked Say'ri to her tent, mostly to make sure she did actually get to bed. Then I wandered the camp a little more, just to make sure no one else was staying awake. I worried briefly when I saw Frederick awake, but Sumia quickly ran over to drape a blanket over them, and the brief bits of conversation I heard hinted Frederick was simply on watch. So, I walked on, eventually making it to my own tent. Inside, I found Chrom already there, dressed in his sleeping clothes and laying on the blankets with his arms crossed over his face. He remained perfectly still and silent as I changed into my nightgown and braided my hair back, so when I was done, I decided to tickle him. He had a lot of ticklish spots, after all.

"Kes, mercy!" he laughed, trying to squirm away. I giggled and pretended to debate before relenting. "Wasn't expecting that!"

"Punishment for not even smiling at your wife when she came in," I teased. I sat back on my heels briefly before swinging my legs around to sit more comfortably. "So, worried about the distraction group?"

"Worried about a lot of things." He wiped at his eyes and pushed himself up so that he was sitting too. "But I was actually fretting over Robin."

"Because Robin had to give the order?"

"No, we share that blame." He sighed and absently played with the strands by my face. "No, it's just… he hasn't looked me in the eye in a while."

"Oh?"

"Yes, ever since we marched out. He tries to hide it, but I've noticed." He leaned forward to kiss me briefly, absently. "So, I'm wondering what I did."

"Hmm…" I briefly wondered what it might be before realizing it instantly. Guilt. Guilt, because he figured out what would happen in the future, and… "Ah…"

"So, I did do something." He smiled wryly. "Well, can you tell me? Must've put my foot in my mouth again."

"W-well…" My mouth and throat went dry from fear. This was… "Um…"

"Yikes, that bad?" He grimaced and made to stand. "Well, he's with Olivia, but if it's that bad, then maybe…"

"Wait!" I snagged his hand, looking down. This… I had to tell him. I had to. I didn't want him to hear it from Robin. I wanted him to hear from me. "I…"

"You're shaking…" He turned his hand so that he could hold mine, and he rested his other hand on my shoulder. "Kes, what's-"

"Grima." I managed to at least blurt that out. "It has to do with… um…"

"Kes, you don't-"

"Yes, I do. I've been had to say this." I ground my teeth, swearing I heard them creak. "What have I told you so far? Sacrifices, right? Robin and I are of Grima's blood and we can be sacrificed to bring him back."

"Yes, you've told me that." He spoke very softly. "It's why you…"

"Chrom, haven't you wondered why it's Robin and me? And not our parents?" Silence was the only reply. "It's because we… um…" Made it this far. Just had to choke out the rest. "We…"

"...Do you have an analogy?" Chrom pulled me close and gently began rubbing my back. His other hand still held mine. "Maybe that'll help."

"An… an analogy?" My mind immediately jumped to one. "Julius. From the Jugdrali tales."

"Julius, huh? Now, to piece that…" He trailed off, stiffening as he figured it out. I could only continue looking down, terrified to see his expression. His reaction. "You're vessels."

"Yes." And that was when the tears came. "Robin is a… a 'perfect' Vessel. So, Grima would want his body by preference, but mine can work too. In a pinch. But what happened… with Grima returning… it's like the Awakening ritual, but…"

"For Grima, instead of Naga." He tried to tilt my head up, but I refused. "Kes…" His fingers trailed up my cheek, catching the tears I shed. "So, when Grima rises, you lose Robin."

"And you. And everyone." My voice definitely cracked then, and I was bawling. "If fate has its way, I lose both of you at the same time, and then everyone else dies one by one, because I'm stuck as regent and they go off to battle…!"

"Kes."

"And I should've said something sooner, about Robin and me not technically being even human, because we're Vessels instead and that's where a lot of our oddities come from and-"

"Certainly explains your beauty." Chrom's voice was light, and both the tone and words startled me enough to jerk my head up. And he smiled so softly at me before kissing me fiercely. I only didn't fall back because he held me up. "I think the rest I'll hear from Robin." He kissed my tears away, and though I automatically leaned into him, I couldn't help but be surprised. "Probably best."

"Probably…" I could only stare. "Chrom?"

"What? I fell in love with you. Not your heritage." He kissed me again before reaching for his pack and pulling out a handkerchief. "Here."

"Thank you…" Taking the handkerchief from him, I blew my nose and coughed a bit. "But, I mean…"

"Kes, I love you. I love you for being a kind, wonderful person. And don't try to say you're not. I have your heart, remember?" He found another handkerchief and helped me clean up my face. "Just as you have mine."

"...Yes, that's true…" I had no idea what to feel. "This isn't quite like accepting everyone's quirks, you know."

"Kes, literally the only thing that I didn't know was that you and Robin didn't have your throats slit on an altar. And that you were left behind by everyone." He kissed my forehead before taking the handkerchiefs and tossing them into the pile of dirty clothes in the corner. "And none of it changes that I married a very wonderful woman, and I am forever lucky to have her near."

"Chrom…" I smiled tentatively before quickly laying down to hide my face in the pillow. "Well, now I feel ridiculous."

"Why would you? You've spent your whole life running from that." He leaned over me and kissed the back of my shoulder. Right where my Brand was. "It takes courage to stop running away, you know." He pulled the blankets over us and laid down next to me. "Truly, I'm very lucky to have you in my life."

"No, I think this conversation proves that… wait, no, we're just going to go in circles." I rolled my eyes and snuggled up against him. "It is so freaking cold once night falls. We need more blankets."

"And something to warm your feet, dear." He grinned at me. "They're like ice. I should move away until the blanket warms them."

"Noooo…!" I held onto him tightly, 'trapping' him. "You're my warmth! You're not allowed to move!" When he playfully tried to pull away, I rolled us both over so that I was laying on top of him. "Are you really going to be so mean to your wife? The mother of your children?"

"I'm the mean one? You're trying to freeze my legs!"

The two of us continued bantering like that until we couldn't stay awake anymore. Then I, at least, fell into a dreamless sleep, feeling strangely at peace, given everything. Maybe all the hopeful talks were starting to have an affect on me. And maybe the sun would rise in the west and the mountains would dance a waltz. Seemed equally likely to me.

Notes on Brady:

Class - Priest; Reclass - Cavalier, Mage, Myrmidon, Thief, Wyvern Rider

The son of Maribelle and Lon'qu, coming from the future. He spent quite a bit of his youth in Ferox, resulting in his unique way of speaking but he's also a master in most noble pursuits due to Maribelle's influence. He's best with tea and violin. Especially violin.

To his chagrin, he isn't the strongest person by any means, with poor health to match. However, his skill and speed are nearly unmatched, both traits that are incredibly valuable to a healer. Slowly, he's re-learning that isn't a bad thing, nor is being a healer 'weak'.

More than a little of his 'improper' appearance actually is on purpose, with him hunching over to converse better with children and make himself appear less threatening, and his distinctive hair to help people identify him quickly in a crowd. The toughness is also a mask to hide how sensitive he is.

Author's note: Ha… been a while, much longer than I originally planned. Sorry about that. Combination of some demanding 'reviews'/messages and me genuinely losing track of time. Anyway, though. Have some foreshadowing, and two more child chars. (And I'm sorry for any shakiness in writing… it's been a while since I had Kestrel's voice in my head...)

The story Kestrel references in her talk with Cordelia is the tale of Icarus (while bringing in the part most people forget, the warning about flying too low). Chrom and Pheros's conversation is their boss convo from the game. Say'ri being dead in the bad future comes from Yen'fey's spotpass chapter. Severa and Lucina don't really interact in game, having only a convo in the Hot Springs Scramble DLC, but… well… *shrug* I like the idea of them having a strong friendship? Aha? The idea of a withering curse comes from Noire's paralogue, actually, and Noire's 'first lines' are from there as well.

Now, in game, the army actually escapes to the south, and we roll right into fighting Yen'fey. However, we're taking a little detour.

Next Chapter - Wings of Justice (Paralogue… nine, I believe?)