You guys have been really quite vocal with your opinions regarding this story. It's a joy to see. Always feel free to share your thoughts in future chapters, too. I always like to hear what you think. This next one is for those of you who wanted to see more of Edelgard. I'm sure you'll like it.

Also, I have some pairing ideas for the Golden Deer and Blue Lion routes of the story, too. I was thinking Hilda (obviously) for the Golden Deer Route - with Lysithea in support. And Mercades for the Blue Lion route. Each story will go as far as the timeskip, too. Sound good?

Now then. Let's begin shall we?

Black Eagles IX (Edelgard)

I hear a voice calling out to me. It's weak and distant - almost an echo.

"...ake up. Rolan, answer if-"

The voice of a woman - though her words are distorted.

"Rolan, I need you to wake up..."

My senses are returning, one by one.

I left out a hefty breath. Two. Three.

My head pounds like a drum. There's a dull, throbbing in the back of my skull.

"Rolan, if you hear me then please answer."

There it is - that voice again. I know it - it's unmistakable. Edelgard. Lady Edelgard! I try to move, but can't. My hands and feet are tied by what I can only imagine are ropes. The bindings around my wrists are so tight that they sting.

I inhale and exhale deeply, finding the means to speak at last. "...I hear you." My throat is sore.

"Thank goodness. You had me somewhat concerned. Open your eyes for me, if you're able."

I oblige Edelgard's request. I'm met by an unknown room - a storage room of sorts. It's narrow; with a low ceiling. More a box than anything. The white paint upon the walls is faded and grubby with muck and dirt. There are no windows, either. Across from me sit a pair of aged wooden barrels. There's a faint whiff of wine in their general direction. Atop the left one sits a pair candles. One of them is freshly lit, while the other is burned about halfway down. I hone in sight upon the two flickering flames, taken by a raging question.

"Where in the heck are we?"

"I am as ill-informed as you, unfortunately," answers Edelgard.

I turn my head in the direction of her voice. I find her sitting a half foot or so away. Any nearer and we'll be shoulder to shoulder. Edelgard appears far from her well-presented self. She's dressed in clothing of the lowest commoner, a faded brown tunic - the stuff worn by lowly beggars in the streets. The item is dirty and a size too big; it's practically hanging off. Her skin is tarnished; there's a deep scratch across one of her cheeks, and dark purple bruises are all over her exposed arms and legs.

Seeing a woman so badly mistreated makes my blood boil. I have issues with hers and Hubert's motives, yes - but nobody deserves to be handled in such a manner. Especially a member of the fairer sex. "What did they do-"

Edelgard clears her throat loudly, rendering me silent.

"Nothing with weight enough to break my will, I assure you." Edelgard blushes furiously upon noticing how intently I'm looking at her. "Though I would kindly request you be a gentleman and not stare. These filthy items of clothing are... lacking in modesty."

A lump forms in my throat. My heart kicks at double pace. I quickly notice why Edelgard is so adamant. Her bosom is almost entirely on show. "O-Of course. My apologies, Milady." I avert my gaze quickly, eternally sorry for the situation we find ourselves in. "Honestly, I hadn't noticed."

"It cannot be helped," Edelgard grumbles. "Those deranged brutes stripped me of my personal effects upon throwing me in here. Clothing, money, my weapons - everything I had. Truth be told... I am beginning to lose sense of time locked in here."

"My deepest apologies for the way you've been treated, Lady-"

"Edelgard," she says sternly. "Just 'Edelgard' will do fine for the time being. We're not in the monastery, clearly. And I am far from at my best. Speak on equal terms with me - I'm fine with it."

"If you insist."

"I do, Rolan," she forces a weak smile. "You're one of my classmates now - an Adrestian."

I feel a twinge of hostility. It quickly cools on account of our trappings. "Thank you..."

I keep quiet for a while, dwelling upon mine and Edelgard's current situation. I've not been robbed of my clothing like her, save my school jacket. My sword and my knife are both gone. I look over our prison of sorts from corner to corner. I see my missing coat. It sits carelessly discarded by the doorway. My knife rests atop it - still sheathed. If only I could get over there somehow. I'd have the means to get us out of here.

"The knife?" Edelgard speaks, having followed my eyes to the same place. "I already tried, long before you awoke. I can't move while bound like this."

"Dammit... Stupid zealots," I snap. "I swear, they're taunting us..."

"It is indeed an irritation." There's disdain in the princess' tone. "But we must strive to make the best of our situation."

I'm not so optimistic. "Such as?"

"We both yet live. And my meeting you here means Hubert has set to work organizing my rescue. Am I correct?"

"Got it in one, Lady-" I stall - manners in the presense the nobility being a force of habit. "He set up a search party. There was myself, Hubert; Dorothea and Ferdinand. Dorothea and I were busy scouring Garrag Mach's backstreets, when we were jumped by some loony idiot. He claimed he was from the Western Church. Sir Gregory," I seethe as I recount his name.

"Ah," Edelgard nods with understanding. "So that's how you came to be here. You too were bested by the fanatic."

"Correct. I held off his men so Dorothea could get away. Hopefully she reached Hubert in time and told him what happened... He and Ferdinand were resting at a nearby inn." I feel foolish for having been captured. I'm a skilled swordsman. I should've been able to hold my own better. "...If only I'd managed more."

"It is your intentions which count, Rolan." Again Edelgard smiles, this time with warmth. "Any lesser man would've retreated in the face of danger. The fact you stood and fought is proof enough of your character. Your love for Dorothea prevailed. I imagine it's why thinks so highly of you."

Part of me wonders if Edelgard's praise is part of some ploy, or truly heartfelt. I close my eyes again instead of gracing her with a response. I rest my head against the cold, mould dampened wall behind me. "Maybe..." I exhale deeply. "I just hope she's alright."

"Dorothea is bright and resourceful - one of our finest. She will succeed; I have faith in her."

"I know you're right... I hope you're right."

The thought of those church morons manhandling Dorothea makes my skin crawl. I care little for my wellbeing by comparison.

Fearful, I hold off from speaking any further. A fair amount of time passes in silence.

The temperature is starting to drop. I'm guessing it's nightfall outside. Edelgard and I shuffle nearer to one-another out of desire to keep warm. No words are spoken between the two of us to justify it. I do however, notice a pink shine to her cheeks on account of our closeness. My guess is Adrestia's future ruler doesn't get too friendly with others, given her role of leadership. Both physically and emotionally. I get the same impression from lots of the noble folk.

They always seem far away from us everyday people. It's strange, now I think about it. I always get a vibe of aloofness from the highborn. But when it comes down to it... are we any different in times like these? Being bound and trapped? We're on equal terms here - for better or worse.

"Edelgard..." I speak quietly, softly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead. I'd appreciate the conversation at present."

"Why did you let me to join the Black Eagles? Was it purely for Dorothea's sake?"

"...Not entirely," the princess replies. "It's ironic that you ask, given where we find ourselves..."

"What are you getting at?"

Edelgard stares into my eyes long and hard. She appears troubled, like she's locked in deep thought. She sighs deeply after a while. "Rolan." Her gaze narrows somewhat. "What I am about to tell you must remain a secret between us. Are we understood?"

There's stony seriousness to her voice. I dare not say no. "Perfectly." I nod.

There has to be a reason for all of this church business. Edelgard wouldn't be held captive otherwise. First there was her letter to Petra, and now her being snatched by the Western branch of Seiros' followers. I have to know the truth.

"Very well, but know I will hold you to such an agreement, always." Edelgard shuffles away an inch or two to reclaim a fraction of personal space. She gazes at the floor, exhaling. "The Order of Seiros is tainted - both its knights and its leadership. For years untold Rhea has controlled her flock and her followers through talk of faith, and she murders anyone who breaks from Seiros' teachings. You've seen it for yourself. We all have."

As much as I want to look the other way, as much as I want to deny Rhea's iron fist - I can't any longer. I've gone too deep.

"Yeah... I've seen it, alright. You'd have to be an idiot to miss it." I've been in denial too long. No longer.

Edelgard frowns. "Such brutality is why I began investigating the followers of Seiros," she explains. "Both Rhea's branch and those of the Western Church are divided. A religious war is brewing... and the common people will suffer for it. We will all suffer for it."

"And I tie into this how, exactly?"

"The Professor, Rolan. Surely you have noticed how close she has gotten to Rhea in recent weeks and months."

It's hard to miss. Miss Byleth reports directly to the Archbishop, sometimes more frequently than the other teachers. "Yes, I'd noticed."

"Then I'll tell you plainly. My plan," Edelgard begins, pausing for a short breath. "Was to gradually explain my doubts about the church to you over time. My eyes and ears in the Golden Deer house informed me you are not a devout follower. I had intended to ask for your support - for you to keep a close eye on the Professor from time to time. For her protection - for her safety..."

All Petra's talk of my being a spy finally makes sense. Edelgard has been trying to dissuade her friends from the teachings of Seiros because of the dangerous unrest within. The faith is becoming fractured. Rhea is becoming paranoid, and her abuses of power are becoming frightful. Edelgard isn't my enemy, or an enemy to Petra. She's trying to save us - both of us.

I shift my gaze towatd my lap; I'm too ashamed to look the girl in the eye. "...You'll have to forgive me. I've made a grave mistake."

Edelgard looks to me with concern. "A mistake?"

"I'm naturally careful of highborn folk like yourself. I feared you had bad intentions... I was wrong."

And yet, despite my disgust, she is far from unhappy. She's appears cheerful. Genuinely so. Edelgard chuckles at me. "I had expected as much. I knew as much, even. The way you stared at Hubert and I from across the room made it rather obvious."

"W-Wait. You knew how I felt? And you weren't bothered by it?"

"No, Rolan." Edelgard replies, shaking her head. "I welcome my friends and classmates to voice their doubts and disagreements. To mindlessly follow one's leadership without discourse is... unhealthy. All are welcome to raise concerns in my house - both the nobility and our handful of commoners."

All of the malice and discontent I've been feeling over recent days is melting away. My heart is lighter. I feel invigorated, despite the trappings in which I find myself. "Thank you," I tell reply. "From the bottom of my heart."

"I don't require gratitude. But you are most welcome."

"No... I mean it, Edelgard. I'll do my best to repay you, provided we get out of here."

"I am sure you will. And speaking of which..." The princess leans upon my shoulder for leverage. With time and effort she manages to slip loose her hand bindings, having clearly tried to force them many times before my arrival. Her wrists are rubbed raw, bloody even - but she's no longer constrained. Exhausted from the sheer amount of effort taken, she slumps against my shoulder.

"G-Got it..." She stays put - in the name of steadying herself. A thin sheen of sweat mists her face from such intense exertion.

"Take your time," I tell her kindly, silently enjoying the comfort of her closeness.

Edelgard doesn't take long to recover. Eyes on my knife, she starts crawling across the floor. I avert my gaze all the while - out of respect. Her bare behind is on show, one of the many unfortunate downsides of her being forced to wear such nasty rags. She reclaims the weapon and pulls it from the sheath. Leaning forwards, she makes short work of the ropes around her ankles. Finally free, she stretches her arms outward, getting a feel for being upright again.

Not wasting waste a second, the princess heads my way. Kneeling before me, she cuts me free as well. "There you go."

"Good. Thanks." I too find my footing, locking eyes with the exit ahead of us.

There's a sudden rush of blood to my head - doubtless because I've been sat for what is probably a very long time. Dizzied, I topple.

But Edelgard catches me before I fall. "I have you." She holds me upright. "Be careful." Her tone is surprisingly gentle compared to the norm.

My face heats on account of our closeness. So does hers.

We're distracted by the metal clank of footsteps. They're distant, but gradually becoming louder.

"A guard," says Edelgard. She breaks off from me in a hurry, hiding behind the door. "Get ready..."

I double back and snatch one of the candles - the larger of the two. The footfalls are coming closer and closer all the while.

Before long, they stop. My heart almost stops with them. Beyond the door I hear the jangle of keys - the latch lock clicks several times.

The door swingings open with squeaking hinges. An armoured knight stands in the doorway. He steps inside. He turns and sees me standing to his right; his eyes widen in alarm. He reaches for his sword. Fleet of foot, I jab the burning hot candle into one of his eyes.

Edelgard follows my lead. Emerging from behind the door, she clamps a hand over his mouth to prevent him from screaming. She plunges the sharp of my knife into the side of his neck. She retracts and stabs again. A third time. Four. Blood spurts over the both of us. Before long, the eyes of our victim close. He becomes limp - a dead weight. We work together to drag his hefty body into the corner.

Done with the gruesome deed, I pick up my coat (freshly stained red) while Edelgard collects the keys.

I offer up my garment - a small gesture if nothing else. "Here. It might be a bit large, but you can wear it if you'd like."

"That would be most appreciated. I tire of being dressed like this..."

Being nice, I drape it over her shoulders. Taking the lead, I step out into the hallway.

Edelgard follows, locking the door behind her and tossing the keys.

Ahead of us waits a single narrow passageway. It leads to a cobweb-laden door.

"I'll stay in front," I declare. "Your safety's important."

"No... I must insist you remain behind me, Rolan. It's a leader's duty to safeguard her subordinates." The princess strolls ahead. Looking over her shoulder, she gestures for me to follow. "Come, let us leave this place. Quickly. Before more trouble rears its head."

I stick close to Edelgard. My stomach flutters at the sight of of her bravery.

"As you wish, Milady."

"I already told you - no titles. You may call me by my first name."

"Afraid I can't from here. Sorry."

"And why not?" Edelgard huffs, grabbing me by the hand as we reach the door at the end of the hall.

"Just because." I bow my head in a showing of respect and place a tiny kiss against the back of Edelgard's grubby hand. "It'd be impolite."

After today, I see my house leader in a whole new light. She's forthright. She's fearless. She's beautiful.

And above all else, she's worthy of my time.

Edelgard's expression has changed since I awoke. She appears far less her usual guarded self.

"Something amiss?" I ask.

"Nothing of the sort. I am merely comforted to know you're loyal of heart."

"What can I say? I'm swayed by actions far more than words."

"In that regard we are much the same, Rolan."

Together we step through the door before us - into the unknown.

I'll do all I can to aid our escape of this place.

On my life, I swear it.

To be continued...

There you have it. Another chapter comes to a close! Did you like it? Would you like to see more in future? Feel free to share your thoughts and leave some feedback. As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next part! Thanks again!