Disclaimer; Fire Emblem is a trademark of Nintendo and Intelligent systems. The storyline of Fire Emblem: Crest of Despair is owned by the fan fiction author Dante Tigerwolf. If it is at all confusing, exposition narratives (in the form of non-storyline plot points and background information) are told in present tense. This is to mirror the format of Fire Emblem; non-present tense exposition is a side effect of novelization.

Prologue:

The continent Taorai is home to seven main nations. In the west of the continent, there is Tename. One of the four smaller countries, the majority of its people live in its three main cities, two of which are nestled in the mountain range that dominates the western coast. Its capital, Murant, is home to the royal family; the city itself is relatively close to the Tename-Resix border. The two have always had tentative relations due to the conflict in governmental practices. Tename is largely a republic, while Resix is monarchy. However, the official ties have never been severed despite racism between its people. These two countries take up most of the northwestern part of the continent. Beneath them is the oligarchy, Neirine.

The Tename has only one form of ruling class elite: the Guild, which is decided by family. The leader of the Guild was chosen as the Temamese Prime Minister. The current Prime Minister is Geovan. He and his family live in the State Mansion set aside for the Prime Minister's family.

…

…

"Father, I don't see why Nagate can't teach me." Blue-haired Titus complained. Geovan lifted his eyebrow at his son.

"Nagate is my personal body guard and, furthermore, is a paladin. He is proficient at using lances."

"But Father!"

"Ivan will teach you." Geovan fixed his green eyes on his son. "Every member of the Guild must know how to use a sword. It's tradition."

Titus's blue eyes glared back at his father. "I don't like tradition. Besides, simply because we're called 'the Blade Nation' doesn't mean I have become a Myrmidon. I don't want Ivan teaching me!"

"Ivan is a fine swordsman. And furthermore, he is merely to further instruct you in the basics and help you begin your own journey. You are not to become a Myrmidon." Geovan looked fondly at his son, and regretted the vigor of youth. "If it will help you be resigned to your fate," Geovan did his best to hide the look of vague amusement, "Nagate will oversee your lessons."

…

…

"So, Titus, I hear you don't enjoy my lessons." Ivan's slightly over long brown hair danced as he preformed a particularly heavy down stroke. Titus countered- barely.

"No, I hate having you teach me." Titus drew out of the counter and thrust at Ivan as hard as he could. Ivan easily parried.

"Why? Are we the same age?" Ivan smirked as he gave a disarming stroke; Titus barely countered.

"You know that as well as I do." Titus attempted a different disarming stroke. Ivan smiled condescendingly as he parried with ease. Titus growled and thrust forward.

"Now, play nice, boys." Nagate called from outside the makeshift battlefield. The red-haired Paladin was sitting astride his horse, watching the battle. Both boys ignored and continued their heated rapport. Nagate smiled as he watched two boys in the youth, feeling that this small battle was life and death. Nagate had seen to many friends cut down in war not to envy their benign innocence. They were friends, despite how ever much Titus hated Ivan teaching him. Without warning, the doors to the chamber burst open. In spilled Geovan, followed by the usual entourage of bodyguards and soldiers.

"My son…" Geovan gasped for breath. Titus ran to him.

"Father, what's happening?"

"My son, we are being invaded." Geovan's eyes were wide with horror. His plain green statesman uniform was torn and his face was ashen. "Take this ring, Titus. Show it to Archbishop Tuvinel of Resix. He will provide you with aid."

"Father," Titus looked horrified, "I cannot ask a Resixian half-slaver for help. It's undignified!"

"Titus, if you do not, you will die a horrible death. Though, I imagine a dignified one." Titus grimaced at this and remained silent.

"Nagate, keep him safe. And furthermore, trust no soldiers bearing this mark." Geovan handed Nagate a scrap of parchment. Nagate merely nodded.

"Ivan, go with them." Geovan turned to look at the Myrmidon. He snapped to attention as he was addressed.

"Yes, sir!" Geovan nodded at him.

"Good. Now, as Prime Minister, I command you to flee." Before Titus could fully react, Nagate had galloped toward him, swept him onto the horse and was galloping out the door. Ivan was running alongside them, the Quicksole boots he wore kicking up dust and the Celerity pendant around his neck bouncing with each step.

"FATHER!" Titus twisted around in the settle and saw the look of grim hope across his beloved father's face for a fleeting instant before he was out of sight.

As his son vanished, Geovan turned to face the barricade several of his bodyguards were erecting in front of the door.

"Let them come. Such is the dignity of any Tename citizen, to win or to be honorable. Let them come!" Geovan drew his silver sword as the first lance was thrust threw the door.

…

…

"Is it done?" A man with long green hair stood in a dark room. He was pale and his face was slightly downcast.

"It is done, my Lord. The conquest shall begin." Replied a tall, emaciated man with short gold hair.