Wrath of Fate
Chapter the Thirteenth
The Genius
Somewhere at sea
Rath and Dart stood on the deck, watching the sea. The sailors went about their duties as the sun slowly disappeared, bringing in the darkness. Somewhere below deck a third prominent figure slept, waiting for the voyage to end and for his stomach to regain composure.
Imperial Frigate Obsidian
Fiora once again landed her Falcon Pegasus on the deck of the old frigate. The admirals were gathered, anxiety woven blatantly on their faces. They cleared as Fiora dismounted.
"Ah, Lady Fiora. You look beautiful as always, but how beautiful is the news you bring?" one of them said.
"The government of Ilia has decided to spare you a few troops, namely ten battalions of infantrymen and twenty soldiers of the wing fleet, led by myself and my sisters." Fiora said.
"Excellent, excellent. When do they get here?"
"In three weeks time, except for the wing fleet division whish will be here tomorrow."
"Good, my first assignment for you has already been planned out."
Western Ivalice
Lowen cast his javelin at one of the militia men in the street. All around him was activity he scorned. Thieves pilfered chests, bandits plundered homes and soldiers harassed civilians. All for some food and money. Lowen whirled around and struck another militia member in the chest. He tolerated it. It would soon be over.
Yuguo woods
Hector had the swordsman stuck up on the bastion. His troops surrounded him but no one knew what to do. Had he been wielding another weapon, Hector could have easily taken him down but with things as they were, that was out of the question.
Meanwhile, through the underground passages of the keep's sewers, an uncanny pair hastily approached. An honorable swordsmaster and a shrewd assassin.
Murond, dark city, ruined remains
The army was helping the remaining civilians clear the rubble out of the streets. The citizens were still in a state of fear and apprehension but this act of caring would help Zephiel establish a good starting point between himself and his new subjects.
Eastern Ivalice
The camp lay peace. Some were asleep. The guards were leaning lazily on their polearms. Lyn sat in her tent reading her old diary. Raven lay awake thinking of Priscilla. Karel did similarly, remembering his own sister left behind in their homeland. Kent and Sain were exchanging war stories with some of the other veterans. Wil was himself asleep with several of his friends. None knew of the danger approaching.
Western Shore
Rath and Dart stepped down onto the shore. Behind them was a figure in a green cape with a shining scepter. Aside from the regal cape his garb was that of a commoner from Elibe.
"I shall head to the east. I believe Lyn should be there. She told me so before leaving." Rath said.
"Very well. I shall head to the Pheraen encampment. Dart stay here and guarnd the ship." The figure in green said.
"Yes sir, Lord Northernsword." Dart replied.
With that Rath rode off and the one known as Northernsword walked away, leaving Dart to guard the ship, their way back to the homeland.
Western Ivalice
Rebecca stirred slightly as a draft entered the room for a brief moment. She knew what was happening. She had grown accustomed to it on the many occasions Guy and Matthew had entered her tent before. She lay still, pretending to be asleep as a figure came closer.
Yuguo Woods
A flash of light came for the briefest of moments behind Cid. Cid whirled around and brought his sword up. It clashed against another blade, this one curved. Cid mustered his raw strength and repelled the attacker. He quickly turned around and blocked an attack from twin knives.
The battle continued on like this for quite a while and it had managed to draw the attention of Hector and the rest of the Ositian army. Cid fought to an equal but knew that he was bound to lose. An old man's body only stayed in fighting condition for so long…
Western Ivalice
Rebecca studied the face of the intruder as best she could while pretending to keep her eyes closed. He wore a cape that would fit any royalty. He gave off an aura of confidence and intelligence, and somehow she seemed safe.
The stranger stroked Rebecca's hair. She figured that if he was an assassin he was either a very talented and perverted one or very unprofessional. He bent down and gazed into her eyes, at least what could be seen of them. And she knew the eyes that she saw.
"Is it really you?" Rebecca asked in disbelief.
"Yes, it's me. Forgive me, please. My love for you is no less."
"Of course I forgive you…" Rebecca said. "I've been waiting so long."
Notes:
You must have guessed it. The stranger named Lord Northernsword is the tactician. Yes he's back and on the side of Pherae. For now at least. Thanks still to Kenshkrix. If you want to check my story for The Sacred Stones, you can search the humor section of FE. :D