Chapter 19 Mutiny in the Mist
Author's notes: I've finally taken my board examination (that has been delayed at least twice due to COVID-19) and as I anxiously await the test result, I quickly wrote up this chapter! I apologize to my reviewers I have not responded to, I will be catching up on many things now. In addition, I will finally have time to play the Ashen Wolves DLC as I am done with my studies! :3
Byleth silently watched as Dorothea merrily retreated down the hallway. The Black Eagles...well, the former Black Eagles student, was delighted that the transfer had been approved. The songstress then enthusiastically assured the professor that she would go break the news gently to her Black Eagles class.
Byleth turned upon her heels and walked off in the opposite direction, where most of her students were. As the professor made her way through the hallway, she spotted one of her pupils tucked away in an alcove. Ashe...he appeared paler than usually as his lime green eyes stared down at a letter clutched in his hands.
At the sounds of Byleth's approaching footsteps the young man quickly looked up. "Oh, hello Professor. I apologize for straying from my activity. I meant to return right away but..." Ashe remarked dazedly. On closer inspection the young woman could see that her student looked bewildered at whatever news the parchment beheld.
Byleth tilted her head and asked gently, "Are you alright?" She wouldn't press Ashe if he didn't want to divulge what was troubling him.
Ashe nodded, then after considering Byleth's question, looked up at her and shook his head in dismay. "It's a letter from Lord Lonato," Ashe clarified as his glassy lime eyes fell back down to the parchment. "I just don't know what to make of it. He wrote 'I'm sorry, but there is something I must do. Your brother and sister are safe at the northern cottage under the care of Nanny Magnolia. By the time you receive this message, it will have happened'…" Ashe closed his mouth, then opened to speak, but upon finding himself at a loss for any words the young man just closed his mouth and softly shook his head.
Byleth recalled that Lord Lonato had adopted Ashe and his siblings after their parents passed away from the plague. It was obvious Ashe had grown to love Lord Lonato as a second father. The young woman imagined if Jeralt had written her such an enigmatic letter...she didn't like it, Byleth didn't like that at all.
Gently, the professor placed a warm hand on Ashe's shoulder, but before she could open her mouth to say something, a hooting owl glided swiftly through the hallway, releasing a letter above Byleth's head. The professor's quick reflex caught the falling rolled up parchment with her other hand.
Releasing Ashe's shoulder, Byleth unfurled the parchment to reveal the now well recognized handwriting of Seteth. 'You are urgently summoned to a council, please arrive post haste at the Audience Chamber.'
This did not bode well, but Byleth's smooth serene face did not betray her inner apprehension. "I must go, but…" The professor's dark blue eyes locked on with earnest lime ones. "We will get to the bottom of this," she promised.
"Thank you, Professor," Ashe remarked with relief. He felt a little better that someone would help him look into this matter. Maybe, it was just all in his head...this gnawing worry that something terrible was about to happen.
Briskly Byleth made her way to the Audience Chamber to find Seteth, alone and awaiting her. Once she came to a halt before him the Advisor clasped his hands behind his back and stated, "You will be assisting the Knights of Seiros with a suppression of Lord Lonato's rebellion."
Byleth barely batted a lash at this ghastly news.
"You don't seem surprised by this," Seteth noted perceptively with a slight raise of his dark green brow.
"One of my students, Ashe, received news from Lord Lonato," Byleth stated evenly, though her words caused Seteth's other dark green brow to race up his forehead. "The Lord expressed sorrow for his upcoming actions, though he did not detail what his plan was." Byleth paused as she fully realized the situation. "It felt like a final farewell…"
"Hmmmm," Seteth only murmured, though his critical expression softened at the Professor's words.
Byleth was about to ask if her father will be joining them, but Seteth beat her to the question. "Captain Eisner will be leading the main forces to Castle Gaspard, you and the Blue Lions will accompany Catherine's troop at Magdred to stave off any rogues trying to slip past Captain Eisner's soldiers.
"Catherine?" Byleth repeated the unfamiliar name.
"Oh! That's my cue huh!" Remarked a strong feminine voice.
Byleth turned around to watch the approaching young woman who grinned widely back with bright turquoise eyes. Layers of fluffy cream hued bangs framed her olive skinned face. Catherine wore the silver armor of the Knights of Seiros, yet it was crafted in a unique style the professor had never seen before with its one shouldered cape and matching half opened skirt. It was cut in such a fashion that would allow unhindered pivot movements and thrusts...perfect for a swordswoman.
The professor's eyes continued to appraise this new individual as the young woman strode purposeful towards them. There was something else about Catherine; a charged air about her, faint, but almost electrifying.
'She bears a Crest,' suddenly chimed Sothis's voice across Byleth's mind.
'Huh?' The professor thought.
'I can sense it...Charon…' Sothis almost hissed in her whisper.
"Uh, hello?" Catherine repeated as she waved her leather gloved hand in front of Byleth's face with slight concern. "Um, Seteth, does she do that often?" Catherine whispered, not realizing that the professor had finally returned to the present.
"Zone out periodically? I'm afraid so," Seteth sighed with slight exasperation.
"Is this a good idea?" Catherine whispered with quizzically lifted brows.
"Nothing you can't handle I'm sure," Seteth replied dismissively. "Now, unless you have any further questions on the upcoming battle, I must take my leave and return to Archbishop Rhea," The advisor remarked as he inclined his head and strode towards Rhea's office.
"Still has a stick up his arse I see," Catherine muttered under her breath before she recalled that Byleth was standing there, her head tilted slightly at the swordswoman's words.
"Uh, I mean that in the most respectable way, ah ha…" Catherine added, cringing inwardly, as she rubbed the back of her neck. "So, how are your pups shaping up?" The swordswoman asked as she crossed her arms over her armored chest.
"Pups?" Byleth repeated as she tilted her head to the other side.
"Your Blue Lions...er...I should call 'em cubs then huh?" Catherine grinned amiably.
"They are ready to see more battle," Byleth firmly stated. Though a part of her thoughts wondered about Ashe...and how he would take this news.
Catherine paused as she appraised the new professor up and down with a more serious expression. "Heh, I like your moxie," the young woman remarked as her sober demeanor melted into a grin again. "I've heard alot about you, being the daughter of the great Blade Breaker and all. Gather up your cubs and meet me at the entrance gates. We'll ride out once assembled." And with that, the swordswoman gave the professor a nod.
Byleth returned the gesture with a solemn nod of her own as she watched the swordswoman stride confidently out of the Audience Hall to prepare her own troop.
The professor would have quickly followed, had she not heard Rhea's soft voice wander out from the ajar door of the Archbishop's office. Quietly, Byleth took a few cautious steps towards the room and listened in on the conversation.
"I have informed Professor Byleth of her newest mission. She is in conversation with Catherine as we speak," came Seteth's well modulated voice.
"Good, Lord Lonato has been showing hostility towards the church for long enough," replied Rhea's gentle voice. Though there was a coolness to it that Byleth had not heard before.
"Well, he does have his reasons does he not, Rhea?" Seteth countered lightly.
There was a pregnant pause before the Archbishop finally remarked, "Not if a blade is lifted against the church." And her voice had the edge of steel itself.
There was the sound of Seteth just humming noncommittally at her words.
Finally Rhea's voice picked up again as she remarked, "Lord Lonato's army is nothing compared to the Knights. I do not doubt that Captain Eisner will have the rebellion suppressed by the time they arrive."
"Then, Rhea, why do you bother with sending the Blue Lions into the fray?" Seteth asked and he seemed truly curious.
Rhea seemed to mull of her answer before she replied coolly, "I feel that the mission should prove useful in demonstrating to the students how foolish it would be to ever turn their blades on the church."
A heavy silence filled the office and Byleth strode quietly away, mulling over Rhea's words and the biting edge of her voice...
More rambling notes from the Author:
A short chapter to get me back into the groove. I hope you enjoyed the interactions and character building, especially Catherine as I really like her. Also I feel that Ashe should have had more to do during this time in the game!
Also figuring out ways for Sothis to be more of a player. Thought Crest sensing would be an interesting twist...especially on other characters...hee hee...
Again pardons my lateness on replying to reviews! I'll be catching up asap! Your reviews have been awesome to receive and read!
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Fire Emblem Franchise, Intelligent Systems Co., and Ninetendo's exceptional work. It is from the team's own brilliance…my additions are from my own madness.