Warning:
This fanfic will contain spoilers for Fire Emblem: The Sword of Seals.
Disclaimer:
Fire Emblem is the property of Intelligent Systems and Nintendo.
Chapter 2: Travel Preparations
The briefing room, which had a simple, yet elegant design, was the place where all the Etrurian Generals would give details about upcoming missions or plans. Even in a time of peace that Etruria was currently experiencing, the room would be used quite often. From reconstruction plans, to suggestions for new laws, or even minor theft or bandit problems, would be discussed in this small room. Although Klein was not among the highest ranking Etrurian generals, General Percival did recognize his talent, and Klein would often be picked for an important task. Although, most of the time, he was picked due to his family's prestige that boosted his reputation.
Percival had Klein hurry as fast as possible for they were already tardy, and the advisor wasn't one who had the capacity for patience. Just as they were arriving to the doorway, a man that neither Klein nor Percival recognized, was making his way out of the room. Unfortunately for Klein, his determination to not make the advisor angry caused him to bump into the mystery man.
"Ah!"
"Hey! Watch it!" The man spat, as the two of them collided. Klein reeled back from the impact of running into a chest covered in full plated armor.
"I'm terribly sorry, I am late for a meeting, and was in a rush to get there…" Klein apologized quickly as he got a closer look at the person in front of him. The man seemed to be a lot older than Klein toting some wrinkles and a nice moustache to go along with his brown combed hair. However, Klein could easily see that the man had experience from his rugged stature and from the armor that adorned his entire body. Yet, the armor was not something that Klein recognized immediately…
"I shall forgive you this time, from the looks of it, you look like you are still young and inexperienced, remember to try to pay more attention where you're going next time." The man uttered, trying to give a brief lecture to Klein and flaunting his superiority at the same time.
"Yes…" Klein replied, ashamed to have made such a careless error in front of Percival.
"If you will excuse me." The man quickly forced his way past Klein and Percival, giving the famed Knight General a menacing glare as he passed him. Percival returned the stare likewise in a similar fashion until the mysterious general was out of sight.
"Hmm…I didn't recognize him, I hope he wasn't an important official..." Klein inquired to himself.
"…He is not of the Etrurian army." Percival hastily replied, still staring off into the direction the man went.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"His armor…is that of Bern's…a high ranking one at that."
"Bern? Why would an important Bern officer be here? Wouldn't they just send a letter or use a messenger to deliver their requests?" Klein asked, obviously perplexed at the situation.
Percival paid no heed to Klein, he was still lost in thought staring towards the opposite end of the hallway.
"General Percival?" Klein gave a Percival a quick nudge to his left torso.
"Oh…sorry…don't worry about it; I'm sure it was nothing. Keep on going, we don't want to make the advisor angry at us." Percival quickly snapped back into reality. Klein was a little worried about his superior, but he couldn't keep the others waiting any longer. They hastily entered the briefing room and met the quite impatient advisor Roartz.
"General Percival, so glad to see that you finally made it, did the Prince make you tardy yet again?" The advisor inquired sarcastically to the Knight General. Klein, feeling guilty about wasting Percival's time felt the need to take the blame.
"I'm sorry advisor—"
"It wasn't the prince's fault," Percival interrupted. Still sporting his usual serious look, "I had some errands to do resulting in both my subordinate and I to be late. Please forgive our late arrival, Advisor Roartz."
Klein gave Percival a perplexing look for taking the blame, even though Percival was known to do it quite often.
"No matter…" The advisor retorted, quite irritated with Percival. He motioned to Klein, "You there, take a seat. I will begin shortly."
The room consisted of only one large rectangular table that stretched from one wall to the other, red velvet chairs were positioned along the edges of the table equidistant from each other. Most of the chairs were empty except for the one that Advisor Roartz was currently seated in, and four other chairs, occupied by people who Klein was not familiar with. Klein took a seat in the chair closest to the entrance, next to one already occupied by another general, who Klein figured, was also chosen for the assignment. Percival remained standing in his spot in the doorway, to prevent anyone else from entering or interrupting the meeting in any way possible.
"Is he the one you've chosen General Percival?" Advisor Roartz inquired, obviously indicating Klein.
"Yes, General Klein Reglay, Commander of the sixth archery division under my command." Percival replied sternly. Roartz took a good look at Klein, trying to find the truth in the Knight General's words.
"Is that so? He does not seem too experienced…did I not ask that you send one of your best officers for this assignment? Or did you think to make a fool out of me, Knight General?" the Advisor followed up, trying to undermine Percival and Klein. He was successful in his attempt on Klein, who lowered his gaze to the floor in shame, but Percival wasn't the kind of person that lets his subordinates take such verbal abuse.
"That was not my intention, advisor. General Klein has proven himself to be most reliable in his ability to carry out orders with perfection. I assure you, that you will not be disappointed with him." Percival retorted without hesitation to Roartz. Who just scoffed at Percival's reply, he knew that the stern Knight General would say something like that.
He is so predictable…but…easily predictable people are also easy to manipulate. Roartz laughed under his breath, giving an impression to the other men in the room that he accepted Percival's explanation.
Klein couldn't help but feel proud hearing Percival speak in that manner about him. The other men in the room gave Klein a small glance trying to judge his value from the comments.
"I hope I can rely on him just as mush as you have…" the advisor said wittingly. "Well then, shall I begin?" he motioned towards Percival to lock the entrance to the room. "…As you all know our colonies in the Western Isles are a great deal of worth to the Etrurian kingdom." The advisor did a quick survey of the room to make sure he had everyone's attention. "Our mining corporation there has managed to extract an abundant amount of resources from the various mines scattered throughout the area…they are so important to the Etrurian government, that if we were to lose these mines to others, the economic repercussions would be disastrous."
"I heard that the mines face frequent bandit problems." Percival intervened.
"Yes...however, the real threat lies in the resistance forces." The advisor retorted, Percival shifted slightly at the subject. Klein was quite perplexed at Roatz's comments.
"The resistance…forces?" Klein asked the advisor.
"They are a menace to the people of the Western Isles and the Etrurian kingdom. They plunder, kill, and rape the villagers that inhabit the island everyday, even more so than the run of the mill bandit." He paused and gave a slight grin seeing the look of shock on Klein's face. "That is why I am sending you all to the Western Isles…to help Lord Arcard crush the resistance forces and put an end to their unjustifiable ways."
The others in the room, barring Klein and Percival, all smiled at the revelation of their new assignment. Klein, however, was not as excited with the idea of staying in the Western Isles, so far away from Castle Reglay and Aquleia, which he had grown accustomed to. Also, with the rumors about the prince being the target of an assassination plot, he wanted to be nearby in case something terrible happened.
Yet, he had never been anywhere outside of the Etrurian mainland and the thought of seeing a new place and perhaps meeting new people helped ease his worries. Besides, he couldn't back out now anyways; General Percival had chosen him specifically for this mission, refusing to go would only bring shame and disappointment to him.
"I will let General Percival give the details about the rest of the mission." The advisor motioned to Percival.
"Thank you advisor Roartz." Percival began; he took out a map of Elibe and laid it out on the table so everyone in the room could see it. Pointing to the Western Isles on the map, which were the group of islands located off the western coast of Elibe, he explained. "The Western Isles are made up of three distinct islands: Fibernia, Caledonia, and Dhia. All of the islands are rich in mineral mines…thus the Etrurian government have set up various mining… corporations…all throughout the islands." Klein noticed that Percival was slightly hesitant as he finished the statement, the advisor noticed as well.
"The mining corporations provide jobs and housing for the locals of the Western Isles, if they were to be lost, the entire economy of the Western Isles would be ruined." Roartz interrupted, Percival gave a look of discontent towards the advisor. "…you may continue General Percival." Roartz responded in kind, with a grin on his face.
"...Lord Arcard, who is in charge of supervising the facilities in the Western Isles, will give you further instructions upon your arrival."
"How will we get there?" one of the generals inquired.
"We have arranged a ship in the port town to the west that will take you straight to Djuto. The ship will depart in two days, so make all the preparations you need as soon as possible."
"How long do you estimate this mission will take?" Klein asked bluntly.
"When the resistance forces are subdued and Lord Arcard no longer requires your aid, which could be many weeks, months, or even years." Percival replied. Klein was not too pleased with the answer, but there wasn't anything he could do about it.
"Are there any other questions?" Percival asked, surveying the entire room. No one else gave Percival the notion that there were, so Percival turned to Roartz, "Is there anything else that you want to address, Advisor?"
"No, that will be all for today." The advisor assured him.
"Very well, than I shall see you all at the ship in two days." Percival gave slight nod, signaling that the meeting had come to an end. Klein and the other generals picked up their belongings and began to make their way to the doorway. Advisor Roartz stood up from his chair and started to do the same, however Percival tapped him on the shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.
"Advisor Roartz, I want to ask you something." Percival stated. Roartz didn't turn around to face Percival, instead turning his head slightly just enough for Percival to see one side of his face.
"Be quick about it, I have other matters to attend to."
"It's about the person who was in here earlier." Percival muttered quickly, the advisor raised his brow, quite alarmed by the statement. Even though everyone else had cleared out of the room, the advisor still put up his guard to face what Percival had to say next.
"Hmm…What do you mean?"
"Earlier…as I was making my way towards the room, I saw General Flaer walking out…" The advisor jumped slightly as soon as he heard the name. But, not awkwardly enough to catch Percival's attention.
"General Flaer is among the highest ranking officers in Bern, just under the Dragon Lord Narshen…." Percival trailed off waiting for the advisor's response. At first the advisor remained silent giving the Percival the impression that the advisor was up to something. "Why would—"
"He was just relaying information concerning the location of some Etrurian deserters in the Bern kingdom, no need for alarm, Knight General." The advisor snapped back at him. Percival, however, was not convinced by Roartz's explanation.
"Why would they send one of their top officers here for such a trivial matter?"
"…It is really none of your concern Percival…besides…" Roartz decided that it was a good time to test how loyal Percival was to the prince. "…shouldn't you be worrying about more important issues…like perhaps…the safety of Prince Mildain…." Roartz deliberately said each word slowly to let the shock sink in to Percival. And judging from the bewildered look on his face, he was quite successful.
"…W-What are you talking about?"
"You haven't heard?"
"…No…I haven't." Percival assured him, a chilling feeling was climbing up his back at that moment.
"…It seems that the resistance group is after the life of the young prince." Roartz stated, finally turning around to face Percival completely. Just in time to see the Knight General's face light up in astonishment.
"…What!..." Percival exclaimed, still not finding the advisor's words trustworthy. "Where did you hear of such a thing? I find it odd that you would find out information like this before I would!"
"What is so perplexing about it? I am an advisor to the king himself, and my family is of the highest nobility in Aquleia." Roartz retorted mockingly. "If it weren't for the prince, I would be second to the king."
"…I am aware of that, but matters concerning the prince in any degree are usually reported immediately to either myself or General Douglas first. Especially dire news like this." Percival said crossing his arms, trying to keep calm. "Anyway, if this is true, than we must tighten the security around the area immediately."
"Yes, it would be devastating if the prince were to be killed. I heard that Prince Mildain is very susceptible to poison, is this true?"
"He is…the prince's immune system is weak and his body is easily devastated by even minor illnesses." Percival replied grimly.
"Interesting…Knight General, please give me the details for your plans in response to this threat when you can, I might be able to find the culprits with my contacts in the Etrurian nobility." Roartz informed him, hoping to hear what he wanted to hear.
"I will be sure to do so advisor..." Percival assured him with a slight nod.
"Well then, I must be going now, I'm late for another important meeting…Oh!" Roartz pulled out a sealed letter from his pocket and handed it to Percival. "I need one of your men to deliver this to Bishop Oro of the Elimine Church. I would do it myself but I am far too busy."
"Very well." Percival nodded as he started to make his way out of the room.
"Also, one more thing." Roartz said to him right as Percival was about to reach the doorway.
"It is very important that the letter is only seen by Bishop Oro, and no one else."
"HAHA! I can't wait to teach those puny resistance forces a lesson!" General Morgan exclaimed clenching his lance with both his hands. Klein didn't pay any attention to the overly excited general, who was shouting incessantly, even though the only others in the room were Klein and the three other officers who were to accompany them; He just continued to pack his equipment for the upcoming trip to the Western Isles. The other men in the room just shook their head at Morgan's antics.
One of the other officers present sighed, "You don't have to shout General Morgan, we are all right next to you, and can hear you perfectly." Klein couldn't help but chuckle under his breath, in agreement.
Morgan scoffed at the officer who made the comment, "I know that! T-this is how I usually talk when I'm the battlefield, I'm getting ready, that's all." He pounded the lance into the ground and a few inches right before Klein's face, causing the young archer to look up in surprise. "Humph, you guys are still inexperienced, when you have seen as many battles as I have, it's only natural that one talks loudly, so that everyone on the battlefield can hear you." Morgan boasted with a grin on his face.
Klein just smiled back, "If you are this loud on the battlefield, General, then I can't help but be surprised that you are still standing here today."
"Hmm? Why would that be so surprising?" Morgan raised an eyebrow at him.
"If I had spotted an enemy commander that was screaming at the top of his lungs, right in the midst of a furious battle. My first instinct would be to fire an arrow at him, would you not agree?" Klein replied without hesitation. The other generals quickly followed up with a mocking laughter, which only served to anger Morgan. And he was not one who took too kindly to being made fun of. Especially by a lower ranked officer such as Klein.
"S-SHUT UP! What do you know?" Morgan shouted at Klein, trying to prevent himself from being upstaged by the young general. "Your just an inexperienced archery commander, you snobby little brat! If an arrow was flying at me I would just deflect it! Everyone knows that!" Klein was taken aback by the comment; he didn't expect Morgan to get so worked up over his observation. He was prepared to apologize for his remark, but one of the other men in the room had to go and make things worse.
"Deflect it? Morgan, you wouldn't be able to see one of Klein's shots! Why do you think the female servants swoon over him? It's not only because of his boyish good looks, but his skill with the bow is unmatched, he never misses his target! Why in fact, I believe that he once hit a target from 10000 meters away while being swarmed by ravage pack of fangirls! And another time..."
Klein just shook his head as his fellow officer rattled on and on about Klein's achievements. He knew the guy who was currently speaking up for him, they had been in the same archery class in the earlier years. The guy had always attempted to get on Klein's good side, because he had a thing for Klein's younger sister. Klein didn't think that Clarine would be too excited about meeting him, so Klein always held him back. Although the two of them did seem to be pretty similar in some respects, mostly in the 'kissing up to Klein part'.
Even though, in much respect, Klein did get the best score while he was attending the classes in the academy, and came out as valedictorian when he finished. However, examination scores could only get you so far in the real world. After all, he did not possess much experience in using a bow in actual combat. He had only been able to test his skills against a couple of misguided bandits a few times, that had attempted to ransack the neighboring villages.
Klein took a good look at the silver bow that he had packed for the upcoming trip. The bow had been his most treasured possession, and was his only real relic that he had brought with him, when he enrolled in the Etrurian army. His mother had given it to him as a parting gift, when Klein moved out of the castle in order to live and study at the academy. However, he still had not used it in actual combat, only practicing with it in the targeting range as he had done so earlier. It was due to Klein still not being able to master the techniques that were required in operating a silver bow proficiently in combat. He figured he would practice with it, while on the Western Isles and come back to Aquleia a fully accomplished sniper.
"…Even if you could best Klein in a rock throwing contest, it would not still prove anything! You see…" Klein still couldn't believe that his former classmate was still rambling on, who was too oblivious to tell that his little talk was only serving to make all the other generals in the room, quite irritated. And one could certainly estimate the level of irritation they felt, just from the veins that began to appear on their foreheads. Especially General Morgan, who seemed about ready to thrust his lance right down onto the poor sap at just about any minute, just to shut him up. Klein just shook his head and waited for what was to come.
"I believe we have heard enough." A familiar voice echoed from the side of the equipment hallway. Klein could tell that there was only one person whose voice and aura could bring about the tension that had filled the room so quickly. "I assume from all of your antics, that you all are finished packing whatever you needed." Percival stated, taking a look at each of the 5 officers. All of them quickly got into a line to address the Knight General.
"Yes, sir!" all five of the men, including Klein, yelled out in unison.
"Good, your horses have already been prepared at the front gate. Before you depart, make sure that everything you have in your possession here at the academy is stored away safely. While you are away, we shall be using your living quarters to house new recruits." Percival added with a stern face.
The one officer who was blabbing his mouth off earlier, raised his head to speak, but quickly lowered it again when his eyes met the Knight General's eyes. One thing that irritated him, was someone, especially one of his subordinates, being too afraid to speak their mind. If there was one thing that he emphasized the most to his officers, it would have to be their trust. And if one of his own men didn't trust his superior enough, not to get angry over a trivial question, then he felt has if he failed to teach them correctly. In response he turned to the knight, "If you have something on your mind, then say it."
"…Pardon me for asking, but…I assume that those new recruits…are to replace everyone that is being sent to the Western Isles?" The young man said hesitantly. Percival just stared at the speaker, his gaze caused the subtle feeling of uneasiness to slip up the man's back. The officer asked again, "Knight Gen—"
"Yes…that is correct," Percival finally replied softly, still having has eyes locked on the knight. He was attempting to come up with a good reason for the new recruits, but was unable to provide a convincing one. "The advisor has personally selected elite soldiers from noble families in order to fill up any empty rooms. However, I am not too sure on the exact details of his plans, but I am fairly certain his intentions are not without good reason." The young man slowly nodded his head in reply, too intimidated by Percival to digress any further into the subject. Klein wanted to ask a follow up question, but decided against it at the last minute, he didn't want to look too inquisitive. But, Percival read Klein like a book and decided to send him to go do an errand as punishment.
"Also! Before you depart, I need one of you to bring a letter to Bishop Oro of the Elimine Church." Percival added casually, looking at Klein. Klein let out a brief sigh as he knew what that meant. Even though Percival often did not express his emotions, he was still very easy to read, just from his minute actions.
For example, if he you were to show him your battle formation techniques, he would give three different responses based on your result. If you had shown good form and indicated that you had trained well, he would give a slight nod. If you had performed well, but not quite the best you could do, he would stare you at you intently for about 5 minutes, indicating that you need improvement. If the formation was sloppy and full of mistakes, he would let out a low sigh and brush his hair back with his hand, trying to tell you 'I can't believe I was forced to see that.' And finally, if he gave an order while looking straight at you with a totally serious face, he wants you, and only you to carry it out. Similar to what Percival was doing to Klein right now, and the young archer couldn't help but laugh at the predicament.
"Is there something funny about my request Klein?" Percival turned towards him. The other generals, also familiar with the Knight General's habits, already knew that Percival was going to choose Klein for the errand and began to exit the hallway. As expected, Percival paid no heed to them.
"Oh…I…" Klein attempted to contain his amusement while speaking, but just looking at Percival right now made him laugh. He held up his left hand to cover his mouth trying to hide his merriment, and the right palm signaling to Percival, "…it's nothing…"
"Is that so...then, since you are in a good mood, would you care to deliver the letter for me?" Percival prompted, waving the letter in front of him. As much as he expected it, Klein could tell that his superior was quite irritated with him. He knew how scary Percival could be when he got angry, well not really, but he didn't want to push his luck now. He finally calmed down and took the letter from Percival.
"General Percival, why don't you just have one of the other soldiers do it? I was hoping to drop this off before I depart…" Klein took out a small vanilla envelope with his family's seal on it.
"Well since the church is right on the path to the city limits, it wouldn't take long for you to deliver it, just a quick stop should be sufficient." Percival added quickly.
"I see…" Klein narrowed his eyes looking at the envelope.
"Is that for Lord Pent and the Countess?"
"Yes…I was hoping to inform my family about my departure before I was to leave for the Western Isles…" Klein replied softly. Percival took Klein's arms and grabbed the vanilla envelope from his hands. Klein looked up at Percival confused. "General Percival?"
"Do not worry…I will deliver it to castle Reglay for you, personally." Percival said reassuringly with a smile, an emotion scarcely displayed by the blond Knight General. Klein, pleased by Percival's assurance, expressed his gratitude by quickly gathering up his equipment and nodded at the Knight General.
"Thank you very much General Percival! I will deliver the letter to Bishop Oro as soon as I can!" Klein exclaimed with a smile, as he hurried towards the opposite end of the hallway.
"Oh! And Klein, make sure no one else but Bishop Oro sees the letter!" Percival shouted to Klein as he was running out. Klein just held up his hand and nodded in response right before he shut the highly decorated 10 foot door that served as the exit.
Percival closed his eyes and looked straight up, brushing back his bangs with his arm. He examined the rich velvet tapestries that adorned the ceiling of the hallway, each one contained the family crest that represented King Mordred's family. In essence, the symbol of Aquleia. Percival let out a small sigh thinking back to the advisor's warnings concerning the young prince.
Closing his eyes he unconsciously muttered under his breath, "Klein…I hope you can protect the people of the Western Isles…just like I'm going to protect Prince Mildain."
Author's note: Considering it took about...5 months to write this chapter, I don't think its as good as it should be. But, I appreciate everyone who reviewed it, and I apologize to the people who were looking forward to the next chapters. Hopefully, I won't take half a year in writing chapter 3.