Chapter 15 (Noah)
It had been several weeks since what everyone was calling "the Duvali Incident" occurred, and in that time a lot had happened. Cordelia had been sent to the border just as it felt we were getting somewhere together. Needless to say I wasn't too happy about that, especially knowing what was going to happen to the other Pegasus Knights there.
Now though the Shepherds were on their way to Regna Ferox to ask the Khans for help dealing with Plegia. After a brief run in with a group of Risen and a stray pegasus on the Northroad, we finally arrived at the Longfort.
"Trouble in the wind, milord: the Feroxi Guard are mobilizing," Frederick announced.
"What?! Why?" Chrom asked in response.
"They probably heard the loud complaining about the cold coming from Lissa and Noah," Connor remarked snidely. I shot my retort back immediately. "I grew up in a desert. Fuck you." This earned me an evil glare from Frederick, probably for swearing in front of the royal family. "Fine, I'll be helpful. They've probably been getting harassed by bandits just as much as we have."
"That's very likely, as the Feroxi look like they're ready to let fly at a moment's notice. We'd best prepare for combat, just to be safe." Frederick responded, suddenly all business again. He was right too. The guards stationed at the fort looked very on edge. There were also way more of them than in the game. At least 5 times the soldiers. "Perhaps we ought pool our supplies and select which Shepherds to deploy?" He opens his mouth to continue, only to be interrupted by Connor.
"I count 61 targets, including who I can only assume is the ranking officer. Heavy presence of ranged units on the left side of the fortress, as well as above the main gate. The most heavily armored troops are back on the walls, guarding what I assume to be entrances to the wall itself." Everyone turned to face the Hunter, surprised to see he wasn't where his voice had come from. I could just barely make out a faint shimmering at the edge of the treeline, and my suspicions were confirmed when the hunter suddenly appeared out of thin air. The lightbearer lowered his Patience and Time sniper rifle and slowly retreated back towards the group.
Chrom grimaced as he took in the numbers. "I'd like to avoid taking lives. We've come to negotiate, and our actions here will affect those negotiations, as well reflect back upon Ylisse," he stated.
"Loath as I am to trust her, Robin might offer some valuable insight into this…" Frederick replied.
"Indeed, she IS our tactician, after all. So, Robin? What do you suggest?" the prince added.
Robin stood thinking for a moment before formulating a response. "61 soldiers, including archers and armored knights, correct?" She asked, turning to Connor as she did so. "I'd appreciate your input as well, since you seem to have extensive combat experience."
"I'm afraid this situation is beyond my expertise. Every operation I've participated in has been small. One-to-six-man teams, usually operating on instinct. That being said, I'm also capable of acting autonomously should you need to use me so. To be quite frank I could probably capture the fort alone if need be, but not without taking lives."
The tactician nodded as she spoke again. "And if I split our forces, you approach from one side and the ten of us from the other?" She asked. As soon as she said 'ten,' I heard Kellam begin quietly counting behind me.
"Eleven," I interjected, jerking my thumb to point at the knight behind me.
"Oh, right."
"Yeah, I can handle half of them casualty free," the hunter responded with a chuckle.
"Alright then, here's what we'll do…"
AN: Sorry I've been gone for so long. My life has been a bit crazy. I understand most of my readers have probably moved on from this story, but I greatly appreciate any who may return, as well as new readers. I'm starting on another chapter as soon as this one goes up, so hopefull there will be another one for you all after this.