They were soon brought into the royal castle where the khan is likely to be dwelling as their escort turned and bid them farewell for now. "Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan." Chrom nodded as he bided her farewell.
"Of course." The knight departed as Alexander crossed his arms and he inquired.
"The khan is away?"
"Out training, I'd wager." The prince nodded as he rubbed his jaw. "The khans of Ferox prefer battle to politics. Or rather, battle IS their politics." Christian chuckled as he spoke.
"A warrior ruler, eh? I can picture him now..." Alexander shrugged as Christian fantasized. "A giant of a man of unparalleled thew, his broad chest covered in hair, heheh...
This didn't go unnoticed as someone spoke. "Am I now? ...Please, do go on!" Christian stopped as he looked around in a panic.
"Huh?" Arriving from the same way that the Knight Raimi had gone, a dark-skinned female Hero approached them, her posture control and loyalty as Alexander slightly bowed without words as Chrom was caught off-guard before he recovered.
"You're the—?! Er, that is to say... The khan, I presume?"
"One of them, yes—the East-Khan." They listened as she continued, not taking a seat as she addressed them. "My name is Flavia. I apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom. You are welcome in Regna Ferox." They all bowed as Chrom started.
"Thank you, but I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us. Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?
Flavia scoffed as she confirmed the notion quickly. "Yes. Those Plegian dogs! We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains. Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours."
"Damn them!" Chrom paused before he cleared his throat. "I... Forgive me, Your Grace. That was...indelicately put."
But the woman just laughed as she instead encouraged the behavior. "Damn them and damn delicacy! Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech." Chrom sighed in relief as Alexander and Christian just shook their heads in disbelief.
"In that case, you should have a word with your damn border guards..." Flavia continued to laugh as she rested an arm on Chrom.
"Now that's Feroxi diplomacy! Yes, I like you already." She returned to her place as she spoke once more. "I know why you have come, Prince." She sighed as she finished the sentence. "But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse." Lissa was about to inquire why before Alexander spoke up.
"Does it have anything to do with the other khan or khans?" Flavia nodded to Alexander as she explained.
"Indeed, I am the East Khan and the current one with the power is the West Khan, both east and west khans hold a tournament every few years with the victor obtaining total sovereignty over both kingdoms, meaning they get the final say on forging alliances. The West Khan won the last one, you see and so..." But anymore was not required as Chrom's shoulders slumped down as he spoke.
"So we are to receive no aid at all?
"Not if you always give up so easily! The next tournament is nigh, you see, and I am in need of champions." Christian facepalmed as he realized the meaning.
"Are you kidding, did we just get conscripted for a tournament against the West Khan, just so we can get our alliance?" Alexander was next to speak as all just listened to the batter.
"Could be a lot worse, my friend." Flavia just laughed a bit as she spoke.
"The captain of my border guard informs me your Shepherds are quite capable. Perhaps you would consider representing the East in the upcoming tournament? If you win and I become ruling khan, I will grant your alliance." Chrom wore a look as he inquired of the role himself.
"I would have assumed Ylisseans had no place in such Feroxi traditions." Flavia just laughed a bit as she answered the response.
"On the contrary. The khans themselves do not fight—they choose champions to represent them. Otherwise our land would be rife with blood feuds and dead khans!" They could see how that could turn out in the end, a very, bloody ice-cap realm of warriors and rulers. "We don't involve comrades or kin for the same reason. Over time, it was decided the tournament should be fought by outsiders. Although the outsiders have never included foreign royalty ...That I know of!" She gave a short chuckle as she continued. "Regardless, it is your choice to make." Chrom sighed a bit before he spoke for all of the Shepherds.
"There is no choice, East-Khan. My people are desperate. We face not only Plegia's constant attacks, but now the added threat of the Risen. If fighting for you is the quickest way to an alliance, then we will take up our steel." Flavia was not deterred as she thanked the band with a shake of hands.
"Oh, I like you, Prince Chrom. I do hope you survive the tournament! Come, I'll show you the arena where the tournament is held." They followed a short distance to a great structure that loomed over them all as she finished with a parting word. "But be wary! I hear an equally able swordsman champions the West-Khan." Chrom readied his blade as he spoke, the gate closing shut for the signal of no turning back.
"He shall be defeated by Ylisse's necessity."
"Well spoken again—I look forward to seeing if you're equally skilled with a blade!" There, they were left to ponder battle formations as Alexander chose the core five once more with Sumia to aid as well as her skills with a Pegasus would be quite handy as the gate opened before them with the rest of the Shepherds cheering, encouraging, or other notions of support as their foes came forth as well, greater numbers of fighters, knights, and a pair of mages waiting for them, but the greatest threat and surprise was the figure standing in the shadows of the dome, their cape flowing through the air as Lissa called out.
"Chrom! Look!
"I see him..." Alexander watched carefully as Chrom spoke as 'Marth' was quiet, silent to the appearance of combatants against them. "Marth! One question, before we begin?" But nothing came to tell as Chrom groaned in preparation. "...Fine, then. Our swords can speak for us!" He got into stance with his weapon, his Falchion, but 'Marth' countered by drawing their blade, crazy thing was the blade was EXACTLY the same as the Falchion as Chrom gasped. "Where did you get that?" 'Marth' continued their silence as Chrom commented. "There's no way..." Chrom grunted as he leapt in the air before coming back down in a rolling strike, but 'Marth' blocked before deflecting the blade off and advanced, both exchanged blows before he inquired or demanded. "Tell me—Who taught you to fight like that?" Both divided before spiraling their Falchion and thrusting forward, both contacting and missing at the same time before 'Marth' used the same attack that Chrom did.
"My father!" They missed as Chrom rolled out of the way and toward the party as 'Marth' turned and pointed their weapon at the Prince as he shared a glance as the party joined the battle with the other combatants charging forward, but they were met with oppression as the Shepherds proved to be the stronger team, even the mages were outclassed by Alexander that it was a miracle for him to come out better as the foes were cleared before Chrom met with 'Marth' once more and inquired.
"Who is your father?"
"I've said enough for one day, sir." Chrom huffed as he spoke once more.
"Is that how it is? Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you."
'Marth' chuckled as they countered with a slide of the blade across their arm in a defending stance. "Heh, never expected such youthful arrogance... We shall see who shames who!" Chrom, this time, was readied as he battled Marth with all he had and more as a short bout left him wounded and would have ended his fighting before Lissa healed her brother to full strength, returning to the fray as Marth made for a block, but was not prepared as Chrom used an uppercut and flipped it about to cleave through the arm guard that marked Marth as a combatant, barely even touching the skin as Marth was then slammed with a hard orb of electricity, Alexander's hand sparking with tome in hand as they spoke. "Impressive...if not surprising..." The battle was won as Flavia joined the Shepherds on the battlefield.
"Well fought! You have my respect. And, perhaps more to the point, you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."
Chrom spoke in thank. "Truly? Thank you, East-Khan."
"I should thank you! It feels like ages since I've held full power." She laughed heartily as she called for celebration. "Come, my new friends! Tonight, we celebrate!" She took off like a speeding ballista bolt as another made their appearance, Alexander turning as he commented.
"Christian, I think we found your 'warrior ruler'." The Mercenary turned and was not disappointed with the party as a big, burly man towered over them in Warrior attire, the titanic man sighed as he rubbed his bald head in grief, an eye patch adored one of his eyes.
"Bah! Any excuse for a party and Flavia jumps on it..." The man just shook his head as Chrom questioned.
"I'm sorry, have we met?"
"I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power!" The giant chuckled a little as he spoke. "You're handy with a sword, boy. I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man."
Chrom took the moment to ask as he was still in the dark on what Marth was trying to do there. "What do you know about him?"
"You mean that 'Marth'?" The Khan scoffed in a playful manner as he continued. "He's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat. It was love at first sight, and I'm generally too old for such things!" Alexander and Christian looked at each other on the matter as the Khan continued. "Anyway, he's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended."
Lissa was, needless to say, swooned by the mysterious figure as she sighed. "He's so dark and mysterious..." Alexander chuckled, folding his arms as he spoke on the matter.
"Sounds like Marth's got at least one fan..." Lissa sighed a bit more as she slightly exclaimed.
"Well, I mean, c'mon... He IS sort of dreamy, isn't he?" This was rewarded by Chrom who delivered a slap to the back of her head as he slightly scolded.
"And YOU'RE sort of dreaming!" Lissa rubbed the back of her head for relief as Christian slightly chuckled about the chat.
"Yowch! Lighten up, Big Brother. I was just kidding." Fredrick cleared his throat in attention as he spoke.
"Milord? Milady? If this fascinating discussion is over, we'd best return home. The exalt will want this news of our new alliance immediately." Chrom nodded as he turned to face the Great Knight in understanding.
"Right as always, Frederick."
"Hold, boy." The West Khan spoke and the party turned to the giant as he continued. "Before you go, I have a little present for you." He looked back and motioned for someone to come, a myrmidon in Feroxi attire stepping forward, a serious look on his face as he paused beside the Khan, speaking not a word as his employer continued to speak. "This is Lon'qu, my former champion. Not much for talking, mind you, but he's peerless with a sword. As good as Marth, in my mind." He shrugged about the compare as he finished. "To be honest, I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly."
"Marth beat him?" Lissa asked as she sized the man in confusion. "But he looks so big and strong..." She took a step close and Lon'qu replied in hostile tone.
"Away, woman!" Lissa leapt as Alexander and Christian watched gesture, stance, and movement, he moved on instinct, not hate, he was afraid of her, in fact, the way he eyed the others showed that he was not afraid of anyone, but for females to get close to him, perhaps a fear from his past holding him as he slightly released the sword to Lissa's surprise."
"Hey! Wh-what did I say?!"
The Khan laughed as he explained it. "Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge. Nonetheless, he is capable. Perhaps he even has the makings of a khan. Consider him West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean cause." Chrom looked to the swordsman and inquired for himself.
"You're certain about this?"
"Yes, yes. He's your man now." Chrom was not satisfied as he turned his full attention to Lon'qu.
"And Lon'qu? You have no objections?"
Lon'qu didn't deny as he spoke in a calmer tone. "He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear." Before Chrom could say anything, Alexander spoke, his tone that of a mentor.
"Lon'qu, have a better sense of your skills." The whole arena, despite its emptying state, started to feel like the cold outside was brought in and reduced even further as Lissa felt the chill. "I will not approve of a man whose sole belief is by the blade, you aid us as a equal or you stand to the side and watch, we are not murderers or bandits, keep your heart and mind high from the blood of hundreds before you." Not everyone noticed, but Christian could tell that Lon'qu's sword hand was shaking, trembling even as the West Khan bid them farewell and they headed home to Ylisse, where more transpired in their brief departure...
Chrom explained the details and Emmeryn nodded as she spoke. "...Then Regna Ferox will support Ylisse?" Chrom nodded and Emmeryn released a small sigh in relief as she spoke. "Thank you, Chrom. I knew sending you was the right choice."
"You should see Ferox's warriors! Perhaps now our people will be safe from-" But, before anymore was said, the doors were busted open and Phila rushed over in concern as she spoke.
"Your Grace! M-milord! Forgive me, but I bring alarming news!" Emm waved a hand as she inquired.
"Philia! Slow down, please! What's happened?
"Plegian soldiers have been sighted inside our southwest border! They attacked a village in Themis and abducted the Duke's daughter." The name of Themis rang a bell to Alexander as his few days in Ylisse said that Themis was invaluable to the whole of Ylisse and the daughter of the Duke was... He didn't need to say anything as Lissa knew off the bat.
"B-but that would be...Maribelle!" Lissa looked beyond worried as she spoke. "Chrom, we have to do something!"
"There's more: King Gangrel of Plegia claims Lady Maribelle invaded HIS country. He demands we repay reparations for this 'insult'." Chrom let his anger fuel his opinion on the matter as he seemingly shouted.
"And we're to believe a dastard like the Mad King of Plegia?" His anger did not subside as Emmeryn tried to calm him.
"Peace, Chrom. We must keep our wits about us."
"We should put a sword in his gut and be done with it! The Mad King has been trying to provoke war with Ylisse at every step! He won't stop until he drags this whole continent to hell with him!"
"I agree with the prince, Your Grace. We must demonstrate to Plegia that such actions have consequences." Before Emm could answer to their comments, Alexander was next as he scolded them both.
"And what would be the result of that, you two, it would be a war that he could justify as true." Both turned quiet as Alexander continued, the look in his eye telling them that they were crossing a line. "The previous Exalt waged a similar war and WHAT was the outcome from that, both nations destroyed, people leaft hurt and homeless, signs of a BAD halidom." Emmeryn listened as well as Alexander, giving his wise, kind soul and heart a rest, confronted the both of them on the matter. "Get it through your heads, he wants this, he wants us to fight and to prove that he was right and to move through with his plans, we have to play a different game with him, he wants war, we will only grant him that if he is beyond reason." Both swallowed as both remained silence before Emmeryn spoke, the calmer of the band in the throne.
"We cannot repeat that mistake. I will offer parley with King Gangrel." The room nearly exploded before Phila spoke, hands behind her back, clearly wanting to say to reconsider, but the scolding had an effect as she spoke.
"...Forgive me, Your Grace. I spoke out of turn. I know you will stand always by your own principles. Pray, allow the pegasus knights to accompany you, though." Chrom was next as he cleared himself of the effect as well.
"I'm going, too. ...Someone has to save you from your good intentions." Lissa spoke as well as her interest to help was strong.
"And I want to be there for you AND Maribelle!" Emmeryn nodded as she spoke.
"As you wish. Thank you all. Your strength will be mine." Soon they started to prepared for the action to come the following morning as Chrom spoke in the torchlight.
"Well then! Is everyone ready to go? It's a long march through the western mountains to the Plegian border." Before they could dismiss, a young mage came run as he announced himself.
"Captain! I'm all packed! When do we leave?!" Chrom was taken back a he commented on the newcomer.
"Ricken? How did you..." He shook his head and pointed back to the barracks. "Go back inside. You're not old enough for this mission."
"But, Captain! You know my skill with magic! You know I can handle myself!" The prince rested a hand on Ricken's shoulder as he explained.
"I'd feel safer with your magic here, protecting the garrison. All right?" He patted Ricken's shoulder a bit before he turned back to the small group. "We're off, then. Be good." They soon left and Ricken was left to stir in his temper, flopping on the ground.
"'Be good'? Gods, how old does he think I am?" He reached into his pack and pulled out his tome as he planned. "...Well, I'll show him just how good I can be!"