Just as a word of explanation, this chapter will cover both 'The Exalt and the King' and 'Sickle to Sword' in one, so please, don't give any grief if someone likes the pacing or not.
The time it took to rouse everyone to morning was tough, even considering the stakes on the line, but Alexander was not too swayed as he did so, got everyone ready and prepared them to march, the calm of the storm before all of them as Alexander took to speaking with a few of the Shepherds as a part of good will and trust.
Early training left him tiring from Fredrick, but gave him a reason to not only start earning trust from the guardian, but learn more about him; Virion somehow found a way to best him in war, and he was actually surprised and happy to find that in the 'noble'; Stahl displayed an ability of handling herbs and plants when making a gift for Chrom and he offered to help.
While Christian was actually quite sensible with Sully and talking to her about various training and remedies that Alexander and he debated; Vaike and he got into trouble with Sully's horse when the mercenary caught Vaike red-handed in spying, the location was out of the question for the moment; Lon'qu proved a difficult teacher when Christian challenged him to learn some more moves and strikes.
It was made slightly worrying when Sumia had collected a number of books and he had pulled himself into the reading when he nearly made Sumia cry, an act that Chrom would not have liked one bit, despite the short time they have spent recently, but he was on his way to the barracks as the morale of the Shepherds had dropped a bit from the rumors of ghosts in the dining tent, taking a step in and looking about before he mused. "The others claim it's a ghost, but I refuse to put stock in such things."
"Claim what is a ghost?" A familiar voice inquired as Alexander let out a shocked shout or scream, he couldn't tell in the surprise.
"WAAAAAAAAAAH!" He wheeled about to see the orange armor that was customary to a sole figure and his heart stopped racing as he calmed his thoughts. "...Oh! It's you, Kellam! You surprised me." The armor shifted, but no noise was made, making Alexander question if his whole body was able to do it or it was something else completely.
"Sorry. You looked a little worried... I just wanted to see if you were all right." Alexander didn't want to say that he was troubled, but the ghost business was actually getting to him as he started.
"Well, there IS something troubling me..." He turned back to the room and rested a hand to his jaw as he spoke. "The men are reporting strange incidents—baffling phenomena that defy explanation." Miriel would ALSO deny it, but it was clear that her research was based on something else right then.
"Goodness! Like what?" Alexander turned back to Kellam and he focused to get the knight back as he faded once more when Alexander took his eyes off.
"Well, for example, whenever a group of us gather, drinks materialize on the table." Kellam was quiet as he listened with Alexander continuing in focus. "Also, there's always one more cup than people present. But everyone denies that they brought the cup or served the drinks! It's most peculiar. So peculiar, in fact, that some are claiming it to be the work of spirits..." Spirits and Ghosts were one thing that Alexander didn't want to deal with, not with the Risen roaming about.
After the pause, Kellam spoke up. "It's not a ghost."
"Oh, of course it's not. I just don't know what it could possibly—"
"It's me. I serve the drinks." Alexander stopped his pondering as he stared at the knight in question, the guy was quiet, it would make ample sense for him to do it, but he was a phantom here and there, he doesn't do too much to hide, but he manages to do just that.
"You? ...But wait. Why would you bring one cup too many?"
Kellam shrugged as he explained. "That's my cup. I guess it's just that no one ever... notices me..." It was tough to say and Alexander's next words were no help that much.
"What?! That's almost as absurd as the ghost theory!" From this, Alexander felt closer to Kellam as he started to speak, calming down as he spoke. "That actually sounds a bit sad, Kellam, but we will have to pick it back up later, we are moving out soon."
"Yes, sir!" And just like that, Kellam turned and he was gone, Alexander's eyes wide as he saw it just happen and he was gob smacked before he shook it off and headed out with the rest of the party, aided by the Pegasus Knights and following Emmeryn toward the mountains where the meeting was occurring and Alexander lightly smiled as he had collected a SIZEABLE amount of details about the events and prior to them and he nodded to the chances as they arrived to a ridiculous man, his role not completely a king than a Trickster as he spoke with sarcasm.
"What's this, then? The Exalt herself, in all her radiance?" He motioned like a fool as he insulted Emm to the best of Alexander's understanding. "I fear I must shield my eyes!" He entered a fit of laughter like a mad man, but Emm was composed as usual as she inquired.
"King Gangrel, I've come for the truth of this unfortunate incident between us."
A well-endowed woman in a attire that shouted Dark Rider with some adjustments stepped forward and poke with a smirk. "The truth? I can give you the truth." Emm turned and addressed the woman with respect.
"Perhaps milady might first share her name?"
"You may call me Aversa." Emm nodded as she inquired once more.
"Very well, Aversa. Is Maribelle unharmed?" The king was the one to give the answer as he gestured up the cliffside.
"Who? Oh yes, that little blonde brat." All looked up to Maribelle struggling against her binds as a brigand was close on hand, Christian and Alexander gesturing with their arms in a motion that just said 'really?' as she scoffed at the ruffian.
"Unhand me, you gutter-born troglodyte!" Lissa was first to speak as she shouted up.
"Maribelle!"
"Lissa? Darling, is that you?"
"This girl crossed the Plegian border without our consent. And what's more... She wounded the brave Plegian soldiers who sought only to escort her safely home." Before Maribelle could yell her case, Alexander spoke up as he stepped forward.
"But, clearly, Aversa, this should be just fine, what with your own people crossing our border, razing towns, and seeking to cause conflict, is it not?" All were silent as Aversa was taken back as Alexander produced a number of parchment from his coat. "If you don't fondly believe me, then perhaps you can take a look at this, it details Plegian involvement with Ylissean towns and villages, causing disorder near the Feroxian border and many other interesting details that a 'noble king' would never admit to, I do have more where this came from." He tossed the bundle and Aversa went through it all and scolded as she glanced back up.
"You lie..." Alexander just shrugged with a smile as he continued, clearly the conflict defusing within seconds and could restart any moment.
"I have a lot of time on my hands, non-based opinions as well, so there is no reason for these to be false in the least, King Gangrel and Aversa." King Gangrel physically scowled as he tore the parchments to pieces and exclaimed in anger.
"I want what every single Plegian wants-a grisly end for every last Ylissean! What could be more noble than that!?"
"To make peace with it..." Everyone stopped short, even the wyverns that were mounted in the sky. "To continue a war that was made and left for the future generation to clean up is a sin that the Halidom suffered from when its previous ruler died and left the Halidom, shattered and broken, in the hands of his children, children who know nothing of war and never sought for the end of hundreds, of thousands, to make peace with it and move past it is the greatest mark of penance while encouraging, desiring a war for blood and life is the lowest standard one can cross." Alexander's own words was having an effect as some of the soldiers looked at each other and whispered among themselves. "If you want the war, just be straight forward with it, it is by subterfuge that we find ourselves on here, between the borders telling of who's right and wrong. This has to stop, blood doesn't pay for blood, it enhances the cycle of dread even further because we don't care who wins and loses, just that we taste the blood in our mouths when we are blind to the broader picture." Gangrel's answer was drawing his blade and Alexander frowned as he stepped back, turning his back to the pair. "So shall it be, know that you reap the blood that you seek and it would be the people's blood that you will choke upon."
The battle started and the Shepherds were ready for it, especially when Ricken made a sudden appearance and freed Maribelle, the noble's daughter now safe as the party advanced up the slopes to join up, fighting off the more reckless soldiers that sought blood, their number slightly dwindled when several of the Shepherds took near-fatal wounds and withdrew, but even the captain in charge of the Plegian assault was cut down as the more passive members and prisoners were released, somehow, Alexander's own words getting through to them as they would still serve, but they knew where the line was drawn and they had to choose a side soon as the party reunite once more and Lissa cheered as she rushed over to hug.
"Maribelle! Are you hurt?!"
"Nothing I didn't return twofold, darling." Alexander shook his head as he spoke to the near-perfect look of the duke's daughter.
"Must have been one heck of a restraint to keep from attacking you like that." Maribelle turned to the voice as she questioned.
"Who...?" She sighed as she spotted Alexander. "Oh. it's you." It wasn't said with distaste as Alexander returned the answer.
"Yes. I know you're not especially fond of me or my companion, but it's a relief just the same that you are safe.
"Oh, it's not a question of fondness. I am simply protective of Lissa. My treasure is very sensitive, and..." Maribelle paused as she questioned herself on the matter. "Wait. Am I really justifying myself to a commoner?" She groaned aloud as she rubbed her temples. "Gods... Yes, well, I do...apologize for being curt. And... And... And you have my thanks for your part in the rescue. There, I said it!" Alexander shrugged to Maribelle's reluctance as the conversation with Chrom began, Chrom regretting his own action in having drawn his own blade long before the conflict started and during Alexander's attempted peace talk, it getting through to many, but not the ones most needing of it as he stated.
"Forgive me, Emm. I acted rashly."
"It's all right, Chrom. King Gangrel is the one at fault here. You were only protecting me." Both nodded before the Great Knight spoke up in explanation.
"The Mad King will be rallying his forces, if they have not mobilized already. I suggest we make haste back to Ylisstol and discuss our strategy." Mad was right in Christian's eye, the man refused to even believe solid proof of Plegian involvement way before it all started and he was focused on killing hundreds for his own mad desires, the fanatics shouting that he desired the Fire Emblem, an ancient treasure, that Emm explained, that was only used when the world's need was greatest, the king was insane and wanted all the power to himself, though the wish part of it must have been fabricated... but by who as Aversa was actually surprised from the details and, though made an attempt to end Maribelle's life, she just didn't move with that much conviction all the sudden.
"Of course, Frederick. It seems war is upon us. We must protect the Ylissean people at all costs." They all headed back to the capital to debate plans, time that Alexander and Christian decided would be used to get more answers on their lives...
Heading down south, to the place where they were last at, Alexander and Christian started to search the location for anything that could point out a place or home where they came from, but there was nothing there that could help, Christian sighing in grief as Alexander just mused on the lack thereof when they both spotted a young farmer boy running toward them and he shouting his head off a bit. "Halp! You gots to help us! I'm beggin' you, milords!"
"Easy, Youngblood, what's going on?" Alexander inquired, but his answer came from a brigand as he shouted his fool head off.
"Oy! There's the wee piglet!" Christian just grinned at the newcomers.
"...Awesome. Bandits." Alexander didn't quite share the opinion, but he smiled as well as the bandit spoke.
"What's this? A little lording come to watch over his chattel?" Alexander and Christian looked at each other as the bandit was laughing before the hefty blade came out and the bandit stopped, taking a step back. "Aw, damn me! Sh-Shepherds!"
"Oh, you know the score, but the question is, do you fight and die or run and hide?" The bandit didn't see any other way as he booked it out of there before Christian asked. "Hey, farmboy, what happened here?"
"Y-yes, milord! Right away, milord! ...Er, if it pleases Your Graciousness." Both grimaced as Alexander spoke for answers.
"Maybe stave off on the titles for now. What's your name?"
"Donny. Er, that is, Donnel. ...Your Majestyful. I live in the village just beyond, sirs." Rolled eyes were enough for the pair as Alexander continued to ask.
"I guess that will do for a start. Now, what happened?"
"That rotten-toothed, pig-stinkin' bandit you just ran off attacked us!" He took a moment before bowing in apology. "Er, pardon my language, Your Lordliness." Both shrugged as Donnel continued. "I'm the only one what got away, and even then just barely. They were roundin' up others to haul 'em off to a bandit camp... Please, sir! You gots to save them folks! My ma's one of 'em, and... She's all I got in this world! Please, Your Royal Highness!" Both looked at each other before they started to debate.
"Sounds like we are needed for some action and sending for the full squad will take time..." Alexander just smiled as he spoke. "Us against them, our chances?"
"VERY high!" Both nodded and bumped fists in kinship before Christian spoke. "This seems like the type of stuff curs use all day. All right, Donnel. We'll save your ma. Can you lead us to her?"
"Aw, thank you, milord! Thank you! Just follow me, Your Sirness!" Both just smiled as they rushed on ahead to Donnel's lead, heading straight for the camp where the bandits had camped out and Donnel started. "This here's where they've taken up camp, Your Lordshipness." Christian chuckled as he started.
"Right, a couple of walls and pillars. Thanks, Donnel. Stay close, now."
Donnel was confused as he spoke. "Beg pardon, milord? You don't mean…?" Then he started to panic as he exclaimed. "I…I can't fight, sir! I ain't never even stuck a pig before!"
"Sounds like you need a good lesson." Alexander spoke as he surveyed the layout and back down. "You'll be fine as long as you stick to me or my friend." Donnel moaned a little as he grimaced.
"I wish I was strong as you sirs! Kick that scum out single handed, I would!"
"Then you should fight and grow stronger."
"But I ain't—" Donnel didn't get much off before Christian slapped a hand on Donnel's shoulder and spoke with a smile.
"No man is born a warrior, Donnel. And farm work makes for fine training—a sickle's not far from a sword, after all. Bandits may be tougher than wheat, but the principle's the same." Alexander shook his head in amuse as Donnel sniffled a bit before he returned it.
"A-all right, milord. As you say, I'm no warrior. But these're my people. I gots to do what I can!"
"That's a man worth standing with! We ready to go?"
"R-ready!" Donnel gulped before Alexander stood up and decide, that this was the best time for his attempt of tomeless casting.
"Let me try something." He stood up and shouted to the hidden party. "Hey, we have come for the villagers, if you surrender now, your walls will be left standing, I will give you the count of five to do so or you will witness something utterly terrifying!" Both hidden looked at each other before Alexander started. "One... Two..." He raised his hands in front of him as a orb of fire started to form in his palms with his smile. "Three... Four..." He made a stance with it before he shouted the last one with a blast. "FIVE...!"
"Surrender, what idiot would surrender to a bunch of weaklings?" Roddick as he listened before he commanded the troops. "Kill them all, they are bluffing!" The party charged just as the last number was shouted and the following occurred, the wall, where the attack party had been, melted like molten metal and the attackers disappearing in a blazing beam of inferno, nothing remaining as the majority was wiped out and Roddick just watched it happen...
Alexander got back and snapped with a smile and no gloves. "Now then, come get us." The terror had an effect as the trio charged in, none holding strong to the threat of what just happened, Donnel learning under both of the members as they diced and spiked their way through to the leader, the brute trying to halt them short of their mission, but with a thrust from Donnel after a series of knock backs from the duo, the bandit threat was severed completely as most took off running, some crying out in terror for some familial embrace as the villagers were freed from their captors. Donnel cheering out in praise as he shouted.
"We did it! We're rid of them bandits for good and all!"
Christian raised a thumb as he commented with a sheathed blade. "A worthy first victory, Donnel. You fought well." With the loss of the bandits, the trio roamed around to release the villagers as Donnel found his mother.
"Ma! Ma, it's me!" The two embraced each other as she spoke with relief.
"Oh, Donny! Thank goodness you're safe! I was worried near to death, boy!" She turned to the pair. "I can't thank you enough for savin' my son and our village, milord." She bowed before looking over, pushing Donnel down as well. "…Donny! Where are your manners?! Take a knee and thank His Lordness!" Both sighed with closed eyes, the royal fact was getting out of proportions"
"Er, I can't begin to repay all what you done for us, sir!" He straightened for a moment before bow on both feet. "Th-thank you!"
"Hey, you're the one who led the charge, Donnel. We just picked off the more stubborn thugs." Alexander smiled as he rested a hand on the pot helm. "Hone your potential and use it to keep this village safe, they count on you as a new fighter for the people." Both turned to leave, having escorted the villagers back to the entrance with Donnel and his mother at the entrance. His hand touched the pot before his other hand gripped tight, finally calling out.
"W-wait! Please!" Both looked as Christian asked.
"Something on your mind, Donnel?" The villager paused before he had something to speak of.
"I has a request, sir. If it please Your Graceliness…" Both shrugged to the thought before Donnel voiced his words. "Take me with you, milord! Lemme be a Shepherd like you! I'm good with livestock, I am! Please, sir!"
"Hush now, you fool boy!" His mother seemed to hiss in fear before Donnel countered.
"I want to hone my ...whatever he said. I want to keep this place safe! I never thought I was good for nothin' more than shovelin' dirt... But milord showed me there's more I can do. More I needs to be doing!"
"You needs be knowin' your place, boy! A farmhand's no fit for a royal—" However, Christian had something else to say as he spoke.
"Actually, we'd be thrilled to have him." Alex nodded as Christian continued. "The Shepherds need every good man we can find, and your son fought bravely, he has got a lot of potential."
"Y-you're very kind to say as much, Your Lordshipness, but..." She paused before sighing, a sorrowful look in her eye. "Well, you're a man grown now, Donny. I s'pose you can make up your own mind."
"Aw, Ma..." But his mother turned about in silent torment before speaking, to hide her emotions.
"...You just come home safe, love. I'll see that the village is still standin' when you return a hero." They remained standing in the quiet as she glanced over her shoulder. "...Well?! Off with you, then! Glory's waiting', boy!"
"I ain't fightin' for glory, Ma." Donnel shouted into the night as he continued. "I'm fightin' for you! But if I do find some glory, I'll be sure to bring it home for you!"
"...Just come home alive, Donny." She walked into the village as Alex rested a hand on Donnel's shoulder.
"Let us go, to honor those that had given much to safeguard this village and many others." Donnel nodded with a shuffle, one that Christian slowly helped out with, leading the way as Alex slowed his pace and looked to the side, turning fully to a number of bandits coming out, many drawn weapon before they dropped to their knees in front of him, ten in total.
"Milord, take us with you's, we can be of grand aid..."
"Your offer is kind, but not required for now." He turned to the lead standing. "Ylisse is going to undergo a Mad King's War and the people will be least defended on two fronts, against the vengeful Plegian and the undead Risen." He turned back as he continued. "As of now, you all must learn your roles, this is no longer a chance to profit from weakness, but a chance to benefit and become greater warriors and fighters than ever before." The words came like butter across bread, meaningful and worthwhile as he pointed to the leader. "Guard Southtown for a start, that will help get you all adjusted to the Risen threat as Plegia seeks to destroy the lives of thousands." All ten saluted before Alex turned and joined his ally and friend, the group heading off in a stomping rush, many armed for combat and to learn more than before, the first group that would call themselves Marauders..."