After three days of preparation, the Shepherds, along with the small entourage of soldiers that was assigned with them, left the Ylissian capital due north towards the Feroxi boarder. Fairen, sturdy with a twelve-pound pack of supplies across his back, walked in the middle of the entourage, with four horse-pulled supply carriages behind him and Chrom with Frederick and a handful of horseback scouts at the front. The trip was to take approximately two weeks and a bit, according to Frederick's estimates as Fairen heard it, so there was little to do besides committing to travel.
Over the course of the trip, Fairen got to experience the Ylissian countryside during the early summer harvest in its full. The sun was hot, clouds sparce, and a warm, almost dry wind blew in from the south, soft and pushing the grass and reeds along the road. He witnessed the tall stalks of wheat in the farm fields, vegetable patches and fenced ranges with rolling hills and grazing farm animals lazing around their domain. Dirt and stone crunched beneath his boots, and the sounds of hoof trots, clanking equipment, and idle conversation flowed back and forth between the whispers of wind.
They passed several villages and towns, staying in some for the night, where Fairen got a taste of what the local culture had to offer. Food, dance, and lumber were just a small list of the things he saw in the charming little settlements, and he learned the Ylissian people for their kindness. Where battle had not touched, the people prospered, and gave back in return.
Daily routine was straightforward: Wake up at sun's dawn, eat breakfast, roll up camp, and head on out. Then, it was a straight march for four hours until just before noon, where lunch would be held for an hour so everyone could catch their breath. After, the trek would resume for another four, by the end which everyone was well worn from a day's walking. Dinner would be held early, followed by whatever leisurely activities those at the camp could come up with for the next three hours, then lights out shortly after sunset. Repeat for the duration of the trip, besides some distractions and unforeseen circumstances that Fairen expected to occur once or twice during the overall journey: calls to duty for the Shepherds to do their jobs as defenders of the kingdom. A bandit raid or two was foiled, along with a nasty hoard of Risen warriors that numbered the size of a small army. Fairen didn't ever think he would let Vaike go of the fact that he forgot to bring his weapon to such an important encounter, after Miriel, disgruntled, had to hand it to him mid-battle. According to her, when Fairen asked, she found it on the ground in the middle of nowhere. This almost left Fairen in stiches.
Although Fairen was no longer at the training grounds of the Castle Ylissia, his workout regimen did not end, despite the long, eight-hour daily walking sequences. With Frederick to guide him, Fairen had taken up some basic arms training, as he'd expressed distain for the large battleaxes that he'd been using up to that point, describing them as cumbersome and too weighty. After Fairen's staunch "No" to Frederick's sword recommendation, Frederick would get Fairen to practice the art of lance combat daily, his progress slow and steady.
While they all traveled, Fairen got to watch the world change around him as he traveled with the Shepherds. The further north they went, the colder the weather got, and the more mountainous the region became, the path curving up and down and back up again, even if just at slight angles. The trees went from proud oaks, elms, and spruces, all green in bloom, to more common pine and fir, with fine needles scattered along the ground near the edges of the dirt road. The wildlife changed: In the Ylissian wildlands near Yllistol it was actually common to see bands of buffalo to be wandering the fertile wheat and grass fields, with brown bears hanging around in the woods. Now, there were plenty rabbits and squirrels bouncing around between bushes, and evidence of deer groups were plain near the bottoms of trees near where they grazed.
The air began to nip at the skin, and not too long into the second week Fairen found his breath floating before him in small amounts, taking the heat with it. Everyone was huddling closer to the campfires now, and it was no longer an option to sleep without a blanket.
There were extra cloaks and fur coats packed with the quartermaster in one of the carriages, and after a while most of the Shepherds, along with the other Ylissian soldiers, went through the additional clothing and got equipped with an article better suited to the weather. One of the only outliers was Vaike, as his pride as an "awe-inspiriting battlelord" poised him to not do anything about the freezing wind and instead continue to show off his toned abs and muscular chest.
"Ugh!" Lissa cried, sitting down on a log at a campfire in the evening. Multiple cloaks were lain over her head, completely covering her pigtails and shoulders, her face hanging out in a small, oval window. A thick, brown fur coat wrapped around her usual battle dress. She had yet to adorn boots. "It's so cold!"
"I concur," Maribelle said, sitting next to her in a much more suiting pink and white coat, custom-tailored to her being. "And this wind is simply abysmal."
"Y-You're one to complain," Vaike said, shivering and still refusing to wear anything for his upper body. "Isn't T-Themis supposed to be cold, or s-something?"
Maribelle pouted, but tilted her head back to look down on Vaike. "Just because Themis is farther north than Ylisstol does not make it much colder! The difference is a trifle, nothing like what we are experiencing now."
"How come you aren't bothered by the cold?" Lissa said, leaning towards Fairen, who sat at the opposite side of the fire on a cut tree stump, holding his gauntlets towards the flames. He blinked at her question, the open ends of his leather jacket flapping in the breeze.
"I am," Fairen stated.
Lissa gawked at him. "Well then why aren't you doing anything about it?"
"It isn't that cold. Not enough to warrant wearing something extra, at least. Maybe soon, but not yet."
"Not that cold—" Lissa started, "how could it possibly be 'not that cold?' Do you see what's around you? Has your brain frozen over from the wind or something?"
"I got a windbreaker," Fairen said, tugging at both ends of his jacket's break line.
"But you haven't even done it up!" Lissa said.
"I don't need to do it up. I've been in weather where I would need to do up my jacket, and this isn't it," Fairen said. His gaze trailed unfocused to the side. "A while back, I had to travel with a party up in the mountains for weeks on end. There, you had to go to bed expecting a snowstorm the next morning. So yeah, it's cold, but it's nothing compared to what I've been through. Right now, if I feel like I'm getting cold, I just have to think about how it could be worse."
"Ah, a man with a similar head on h-his shoulders!" Vaike said, leaning over and nudging Fairen with his elbow, startling Fairen. "Us guys can't s-show any weakness in any circumstances! Not even a little crummy weather would sway us, r-r-right?"
Fairen frowned. "Don't get it twisted, Vaike. I'm going to get a cloak if the temperature drops more than three degrees at this rate."
"What?" Vaike cried out loud. "C'mon man, stay w-with me, here!"
"I think you should listen to the people who have been telling you to put a damn coat on already," Fairen said, pointing at Vaike. "Look at what the cold has done to your nips. They're pretty much like diamonds now."
Vaike stood up in alarm, his face turning red. "W-What?"
"F-Fairen!" Mirabelle said, appalled, putting one hand on her chest. There was a blush on her cheeks too. Lissa giggled behind her.
"Hey, Sully!" Lissa called over her shoulder to a different campfire. "Check out Vaike's diamond-cutting nips! I think glaciers are forming on the tips!"
Sully's rambunctious laughter could be heard a second later. Vaike was frozen on the spot.
"Lissa!" Maribelle scolded, turning to said person. "T-That was uncouth and immature!" All Lissa said to that were more giggles.
Vaike started to waddle away from the campfire, crossing his arms over his chest. "Fine! I'll put on some fur, o-or something!"
He left the scene, muttering obscenities and Fairen's name. Fairen simply turned to the other two at the fire, shrugged, and wore a sly smirk.
He'll probably try to get me back later, Fairen thought to himself. Lissa and Maribelle went on to discuss the finer points of male teats (and why it is inappropriate to do so), while Fairen went back to focusing on the fire. He put his hands out towards the warmth again, palms open, and leaned forward. He could barely feel heat through the leather of the gloves, but he figured that was for the best. Squinting his eyes, he held his breath, staring intently at the licking flames inside the firepit. After a moment, just for a brief second, the section of fire closest to Fairen turned a purer shade of red, almost crimson, then disappeared up into the brisk air. Fairen cursed himself and folded his arms to place his hands under his armpits.
He leaned even closer to the fire. A spark jumped between the fingers of his right hand. He could feel a headache coming on.
Chrom, Fairen, and all the others eventually reached a snowy northern landscape, with not a speck of grass to be seen, all instead covered in white powder. They spotted a vast, stone structure in the distance against a sea of rolling green pines on hills, which revealed itself to be some great wall the closer they got. The wall was wide enough that Fairen could not see either end of it on the horizon, mountains jutting upward behind it. He had to shield his face from the thick snowflakes and winter's windy wrath to see properly.
"That the border?" Fairen asked, joining Chrom at the front of the pack.
"Yes, the Longfort. It stretches along the border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox,"
"Really? Completely?" Fairen said, eyebrows shooting up. "That's amazing!"
"Indeed," Frederick said, traveling next to Chrom. "The Longfort has existed for centuries, almost since Regna Ferox formed after the Schism. As I recall, the wall was raised over many decades to keep barbarians and invaders out after war tore up the Feroxian country."
Fairen whistled. "I can imagine it took them a long time."
Frederick gave a look of caution to Chrom. "The khans that rule Ferox have grown quite wary of foreigners. But, don't mistake a lack of hospitality for open hostility. This simply calls for a bit of diplomacy."
"Negotiation's not my strong suit," Chrom half-muttered, "But I'll do my best."
The Longfort itself was evidence of a great undertaking made by thousands upon thousands of labour-hours. The stone of the wall was grey and thick, healthy despite its age, reaching up easily over a hundred and fifty feet tall. The wall walk sat behind large merlons, invisible from ground level. Behind the walk on top of the wall were stone forts, towering up against the snowy sky. The main entrance, two massive wooden doors, were kept sheltered by a small lip of rock that jutted out towards the road.
Chrom slowed the group about a kilometer away, then reminded everyone they were representative of Ylisse, and that their actions directly reflect the exalt's. Then, just before they reached the doors, he split off from the group, taking Frederick, Sully, and to his surprise, Fairen, with him, along with some additional soldiers. Everyone else was told to wait back behind a thick brush of trees to avoid any chance of intimidation.
"C-Captain?" Sumia said just as Chrom was about to leave. Chrom turned to her.
"Yes?"
"Be... Be careful," Sumia had to look away from Chrom's stalwart gaze.
Chrom smiled. "Alright, Sumia." With that, he exited.
The eight of them approached the portcullis, and against grey clouds, figures appeared at the edge of the wall, peering down at the Chrom and the others. Frederick's brow narrowed at the archers and knights that met them, armoured and armed in blood-red attire. A figure emerged from the middle of the soldiers holding a shining steel spear with an aerodynamic build. Chrom could barely make out their face.
"Halt!" the figure said, a knight with a woman's voice echoing out in the rushing air. "Who goes there?!"
Chrom took a step forward. "In the name of House Ylisse, I seek audience with the khans!"
There was a shuffle of movement on the wall. Faired felt a stone drop in his gut. Uh oh.
"Not another step, my bold lad! I've lancers at the ready!" the knight proclaimed, making a sweeping gesture to her left and right.
"Hold, milady!" Frederick shouted. "We are not your enemy! Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest."
"My only interest is keeping you all out of Regna Ferox, brigand!" she said.
Fairen took a step back and blinked.
"B-Brigand?" Frederick sputtered, "now see here—"
Her words cut right over his. "You think you are the first 'Ylissians' to try and cross our border? I have the authority to fell such imposters where they stand."
"How dare you! You are in the presence of Prince Chrom, the exalt's own blood!" Frederick said.
This is getting out of hand, Fairen thought to himself, gritting his teeth and reaching for the bronze spear slung on his back.
The knight laughed. "Yes, indeed—and I'm the queen of Valm! You do realize impersonating royalty is a capital offense, yes?" She hummed in thought. "Then perhaps we should settle this the Feroxi way."
"Everyone, get back!" Fairen shouted, spear in his grip. The Ylissian soldiers with them did as he said.
"You claim to be the prince of Ylisse?" the knight said. "Then prove it on the battlefield! Attack!"
"Chrom!" Fairen yelled, the person in question was still standing at the front, staring bug-eyed.
The other knights raised their spears as the archers nocked their arrows and took aim. At once, both groups let loose, and an array of iron spread across the air, all directed at Chrom below. Fairen scrambled back, waving his spear out behind him to help direct his retreat, Frederick before him with Daisy rearing up in a rage, Chrom outside anyone's reach. The projectiles flew down, and Chrom threw his cape over his shoulder, grimacing.
Fairen could have blinked, and he would have missed it. From somewhere to the side, a flurry of white surged forth over Chrom's figure, and he disappeared, feathers trailing behind him just as the spears and arrows embedded themselves where he had been standing. Fairen peered up. It took him a few seconds to realize what was happening, but he could not believe what he saw.
Chrom lifted himself onto the seat of the steed properly, noticing the white wings of the pegasus he was currently on, then, in breathless surprise, recognized the head of flowing brown hair he was staring at from behind.
"Sumia," Chrom stated in quiet surprise. The pegasus rider's lips were drawn in an intense line, eyelids narrowed in focus.
"Better hold on tight, Captain. Could get bumpy," Sumia said, her attention darting between the sky and the enemies below her as they tracked her movements, paralyzed by her sudden appearance.
"Uh," Chrom muttered. "Right..."
The wings of the pegasus flapped with increasing speed, and Chrom could feel a rising pressure push as they gained height, the snowy cold nipping. Her hands firm on the reigns, Sumia looked over her shoulder and gave a bright smile, laughing to herself.
"You'll be fine," she reassured Chrom.
Chrom was stunned by the brilliant reflection in her gaze, unable to say anything. It took a moment for his brain to reorientate, and with a startled cry, he looked to his left below, spotting archers reload their weapons and knights sprint back to the keep at the back of the wall for more armaments, a man in front of the structure doorway handing out javelins.
"Sumia!" Chrom shouted, drawing his sword.
"Right!" she responded, tilting the reigns to her left. The legs of the pegasus kicked at open air, and with grace the steed about-faced. Bronze and iron arrows flew at their backs directly at them in a wave, but they all fell short. Sumia directed the pegasus to the treeline. Then, once over the treetops, she lowered the flying beast out of sight of the wall.
Chrom and Sumia rendezvoused with the others in the thicket, the soldiers armed, alert, and waiting for orders. The Shepherds seemed to be focusing on Fairen until they saw the pegasus descend nearby with Sumia and Chrom. Frederick and the others rushed forward, relief on their faces. Multiple voices broke out in the air, and Chrom sheathed his sword and slid off the pegasus, boots sinking into the snow-covered ground before he got clomped by his sister.
"You made it!" Lissa shouted, arms wrapped around him.
"It is a great relief, no?" Virion commented, gesturing at Sumia's ride. "We all witnessed it back here."
"All thanks to Sumia," Chrom said, turning towards her as Lissa let her arms slide off of him. Sumia turned away, cheeks already red from the weather.
"I-It's no problem, Captain. I'm just relieved I made it in time."
"Well, many thanks to you both," Chrom said, gesturing to the pegasus, who met his eyes and nodded in his direction with a snort.
"Aww, I think she's blushing!" Lissa said.
Fairen stood, cold and still as a statue, as he stared at the pegasus, knees week. He felt a sensation akin to his insides rearranging themselves. A single tear trailed down his cheek.
Damn. Never thought I'd see a real, live pegasus ever again, Fairen thought, wiping his face before anyone saw.
"If we could get back to the situation at hand," Frederick said sternly.
"Right," Chrom said, turning to the Longfort.
"Hey, look!" Lissa called out, pointing.
"Here they come!" Fairen said. The Shepherds spotted a hoard of enemies flow from left and right, all from the wall. Knights, swordsman, axed warriors, and archers mounted behind horsemen treaded through the thick snow, arms up against the wind, eyes open and alert. Before anyone else could say anything, one of the warriors shouted and pointed in Chrom's direction. Then, the Feroxi began to convene on the Shepherds' location.
"Defend yourselves! Knights and swords in the front!" Chrom ordered, baring his weapon, the blade gleaming in some invisible light.
Frederick directed Daisy a few trots forward, unclasping the silver lance from the side of the horse's flank. "Aim to disarm and incapacitate! Not kill!" he said.
What? Fairen thought to himself, his head doing the political math right before first contact. At his sides, he could see other Feroxi race up to Chrom and the others. A man with a sword raised above his head ran at Fairen. Fairen bent his knees, hands firmly grasping the pole of the spear, and waited, heartbeat accelerating. Once in range, Fairen leaned forward and poked at his opponent. The swordsman jumped back, avoiding the tip, and Fairen thrust once more. The swordsman deflected, then stepped closer. Fairen, letting his natural battle instincts guide him, spun with the deflection and caught the swordsman under his ribs with the blunt end of his weapon. The swordsman stumbled back, bared his teeth, and flashed Fairen a murderous look.
This is different than fighting the Risen, Fairen had to remind himself, twirling his spear over his head as Frederick taught him, the swordsman circling around. These guys are human beings that breath and bleed, not like those zombies. They probably have families. Fairen brought down the spear in a sweep, and the swordsman ducked under it, charging in close once more, sword rearing back. The swordsmen didn't expect Fairen's foot to suddenly kick out against the swordsman's stomach, bending him over, breath forced from his lips.
Fairen flipped the spear around, and before the Swordsman could get up, impaled him below the right shoulder, next to the collarbone. The spear edge dug deep. The Swordsman looking up at Fairen in shock as Fairen pushed in the weapon more and more, blood pooling at the wound entrance. Then, Fairen's eyebrows shot up in realization.
Fuck, Fairen thought as he withdrew. The swordsman winced, his sword arm noticeably limp. Not risking a kill, Fairen slashed forward, leaving a nasty cut across the swordsman's face, then twisted to slam the blunt end against the other cheek. The swordsman fell roughly to the ground before Fairen pounded one last time against the back of the swordsman's helmet, knocking him out.
I hope he doesn't bleed out before this ends, Fairen said to himself, looking up for his next opponent. And I hope he doesn't wake up and stab me in the back.
From what he could see, the Shepherds had the advantage, although he checked too quickly to be sure. His inner voice screamed at him, and Fairen jumped just as an arrow embedded itself where his leg was. Fairen caught a glimpse of an archer reloading a few feet away before Sully ran him down. Without another thought, Fairen turned right and engaged an axeman that was fighting Vaike nearby.
Eventually, Once the Shepherds had a more definite numbers advantage, Fairen watched the Feroxian line retreat to the other side of the trees as Chrom called out an order to let the enemy be and regroup. All the Ylissians gathered in a circle out of range and sight of the wall and main road. Lissa, along with a few extra lesser clerics, began healing duties as soon as everyone got sorted out, and the quartermaster, along with capable soldiers, started to patch themselves with what they could from their own physical medical supplies.
"Let's take headcount," Chrom said to himself and to Frederick, who was at his immediate right.
"We've got eight wounded, two mortally. There are another two that are dead, unfortunately."
Chrom grit his teeth. "Damn. Shepherds, rollcall!"
All Shepherds announced their wealth of health as Chrom called out their names. He wiped sweat from his brow and let out a relieved sigh.
"So, now the question is," Chrom started, "how are we going to get up that wall and get them to stand down?"
I guess there's no point now in retreating to find some other way in at another entrance, Fairen mused. And no way to bypass this block peacefully without wasting a lot of time. "I guess we're fighting our way out of this one."
"If the Feroxi's want more fight, they'll get more fight!" Vaike called out, gripping his battleaxe with both hands.
"Hold, Vaike," Frederick said. "We cannot charge out like headless chickens. We must come up with a plan first."
Chrom put his fist to his chin, lost in thought, Then, he looked to the group of warriors. "Anyone have any ideas?"
There was a pregnant pause as everyone but Frederick looked anywhere but at Chrom.
"Fairen?" Chrom said. Fairen blinked twice and his gaze focused on Chrom, Fairen pulled out of deep thought while chewing on the inside of his cheek.
"Yes?"
"You've worked closely under your monarch, right? Do you have any experience regarding sieging walls?"
"Yeah, that's right!" Lissa butt in. "Fairen told us a little bit about his country and what he did. You've been in a couple of battles, right Fairen? What was one you told us about called, uhh... The battle of Leanne Cid?"
"He told you of his battles?" Chrom asked in curiosity. Maribelle, Stahl, and Miriel all shared Lissa's look of realization.
"Yeah, something like that. I only mentioned it briefly..." Fairen muttered, turning away. "But back then, I wasn't the battle planner, I was a part of the main force. There was someone else that dealt with all the army logistics. I only have experience leading small squad formations. I don't exactly have the knowledge and forethought on how to direct a force of sixty."
"You could divide sixty into squads, right? Isn't that good enough?" Lissa tried, giving a disarming grin. Fairen was not amused.
"We can section off soldiers behind the command of the individual Shepherds, as we've discussed back at home base," Chrom said. "That leaves us with eight to command. Can I ask you to make a plan for the eight of us?"
Fairen gauged the group, as Lissa, Frederick, Sully, Virion, Stahl, Vaike, and Miriel all stared back. Then, he turned to Chrom, who had stepped forward with a determined, stalwart expression pointed at him. Fairen could see the strength in the man's eyes, the posture of a natural leader. But he also saw the slight worried crease of Chrom's brows.
Fairen turned his head down for a brief moment, fiddling with his fingers. With a heated huff, he met Chrom's gaze. "Ok. I can make this work. You've got a plan out of me."
Everyone was smiles. Fairen was especially taking note of Chrom's beaming visage. "Thank you," Chrom said.
"And that plan," Fairen said, pointing to a large, armoured man behind him without turning, "starts with you."
It took a moment for everyone to realize who Fairen was pointing at.
"Who, me?" Kellam said.
"Yes, nine of us, not eight," Fairen hissed. Hunching down, he motioned everyone to tighten the circle and come closer. With one quick glance towards the direction of the wall, he lowered his voice to just above a whisper. "This is how it's all going to go..."
Fairen's scouts returned after an anxious but short ten minutes, reporting where the previous Feroxi force had come from. He had four cavaliers carry archers and split them into two different directions, one along each direction of the wall behind the treeline. Once close enough, the archers would dismount and get closer to observe their objective. The soldiers came back to tell Fairen that two sets of stone stairs were less than half a kilometer apart on the wall. At the top of these staircases were large steel doors, closed shut.
After Fairen relayed the information to everyone, Frederick proposed the possibility of the doors being locked. While scouting had been done, the rest of the army returned to the scene of the first battle to round up the remaining downed, but not dead, Feroxi troops. Lissa and the other healers did what they could to heal the worst of the opposition's wounds, but was instructed to leave them weak enough to keep them powerless in binds, much to Lissa's unease. At first, only prisoners were searched for keys due to Chrom's respect for the dead. Eventually however, Frederick was ordered to search the non-Ylissian bodies on the field, to which a couple of keys were procured.
Five minutes later, several west-side Feroxi soldiers overlooking the wall noticed a mass approaching their position. They scrambled to get a call out on the oncoming invaders. With a cry, Fredrick bode the Ylissians to charge, him leading the front. All their available knights were right behind him, running as quickly as they could, absorbing arrow fire with their shields and heavy armour. Kellam dashed staunchly in the center, taking up more of the fight as projectiles en mass bounced off him. A flash, followed by a wave of fire, assaulted the wall embrasures, heat spilling over stone, burning the archers and causing a partial retreat. Miriel smirked and adjusted her glasses, holding her fire tome close, four other mages at her side.
A Feroxian ranger peeked from the wall, nocked his bow, and took aim at Miriel. The red-headed witch heard the twang of a bowstring nearby, and the ranger took an iron arrow to the shoulder, disrupting his shot and causing him to retreat out of sight. Miriel glanced back to find Virion on a horse behind Sully, granting a sly grin with a shrug, followed by a wordless bow as the assaulting line progressed forward.
The Ylissians finally reached the top of the staircase, where gigantic steel doors blocked their path, the doorway a stone arch. Above them was a clammer of movement as Feroxi soldiers called for reinforcements, spear and swordsmen desperately rushing across from one half of the wall to the other. With steady hands, Kellam slid key after key into the keyhole of the door, twisting each one unsuccessfully until one resolved in a satisfying thunk. With a nod to the knights behind him, they pushed open the door.
A clashing of swords and steel erupted from the freshly breached entrance. An especially astute Feroxi bowman was sprinting towards the western stairs to join his war siblings, when a brief movement caught the corner his eye. He skidded to a stop and peered over the edge, holding his helmet in place as he took a gander. Below, but not directly beneath the wall, was a squadron of cavaliers, dashing at full speed towards the east, each with a passenger sitting behind the riders. One in particular, the bowman noted, wore a white cape with an insignia drawn into it, Naga's Tear, as he held close to a paladin riding atop a warhorse. The Feroxi bowman leaned back and shouted to get anyone's attention, then ran off to find a kinsman with a war horn.
From behind the treeline that lay beyond the wall, Fairen watched as Frederick, along with Sully, Stahl, and any other cavaliers, ferried Ylissian swordsman and archers (including Virion) to the east side. Fairen had captured a moment in time where he clearly witnessed Chrom's determined expression, his hands gripping tightly at Frederick's sides as he braced himself. Then, the horses passed, and from above Fairen saw a hoard of Feroxi following them as quickly as they could, a mixture of spearmen and archers, with only two or three horsemen with them. Many were staggered and lagging behind, and many turned and went back west, confused without a clear direction in battle.
"Shall we go?" Sumia asked behind him quietly, crouching low like he was. She held tight to the reins of her pegasus, the loyal creature bending its head down to its rider, looking at Sumia with a similarly intense gaze that Sumia was shooting Fairen.
Fairen held up an open hand. "Not yet. We wait for a couple more to follow Chrom, and then we'll go."
"Do... Do you think the Captain will be ok?" Sumia asked.
He looked over his shoulder at her. She fiddled with her fingers as her eyes darted back in forth from him to the direction Chrom went. "He'll be fine. Trust me." Fairen said.
If not, it's my head, after all, Fairen thought as he turned back to the wall, mind racing. He was counting to four-hundred in his head, as he said he would back when he announced his plan to everyone. His eyes turned to the west, where the Ylissian knights, fighters, spearmen, and mages were deep in battle on top of the wall out of view. He could only hope that they were either holding the line or making progress forward after Chrom's group forced the Feroxians to split. He felt Sumia's anxiousness ride up his back, and acknowledged it was simply sharp emotions from a novice, but he couldn't deny feeling the excited calm that came before engaging.
A moment passed. Then, he remembered how he failed to pull Chrom to safety when the Feroxi first engaged, and if it wasn't for Sumia, they would be without a leader, and the kingdom without a prince.
He took his frustration and anger into his own. He took it, and turned it to fire.
After another three minutes, he got on the pegasus behind Sumia, and the two took to the air. The steed's massive white wings beat with each gallop, the sheer force of rapid ascension reverberating down to the saddle as they went higher and higher, soaring up until they burst from the treetops. As they rounded towards the wall, Fairen could feel the shocked expressions of the few remaining Feroxi soldiers that were caught halfway between the west and east sides. He held Sumia's hips as she had her lance at her right, directing her charge into a slight dip, gaining speed.
Suddenly, Fairen was jerked to his left, and an arrow soared right past him. He caught sight of a couple archers who ran up between the wall embrasures and took aim. Sumia proceeded to maneuver around the flurry of arrows sent at them, swinging back and forth, leading the pegasus with trained precision that unfortunately sent them away from the wall.
Fairen knew that one hit to the pegasus from an arrow could prove fatal, especially if it hit a wing. "Could you get us close? Twenty feet above the wall?"
"It'll be hard," Sumia yelled, gritting her teeth in concentration.
"Just for a moment," Fairen said. "Swoop in and get out."
Sumia rose up to get some extra altitude, directing her pegasus back, then turned around and pointed the horse down, the pegasus folding its wings slightly.
Fairen could feel the roar of his pulse in his ears, his cheeks pulling back from the sheer force of speed, skin already numb from cold. His vision seemed to narrow as they accelerated. Sumia curved their trajectory right, then left as they rode up parallel to the wall face, right above it. Fairen drew his spear, counted one second exactly, held his breath, and to the shock of Sumia, leapt off the pegasus towards the wall.
The walkway came up to Fairen too quickly. He held his weapon in a death grip and landed harshly on rough stone, pushing his downward momentum into a tumble where he rolled once, twice, then stuck his spear into an archer who hadn't got time to think. The bronze tip sunk into her stomach, and the Feroxi's coat bled a deep red before she dropped her bow and weakly grabbed the spear pole, pain surging from bottom-up Fairen's legs as he caught lingering gravity from his landing, teeth still rattling.
After the smallest second, where Fairen adjusted to discomfort in his knee, he withdrew his spear and let his target fall. Next, he turned right, where another bowman was staring at him appalled, scrambling to get an arrow from his quiver. Swiftly, Fairen took low, lunging steps and reached the bowman just as he put feather to string. With a swipe, Fairen knocked the arrow out of the enemy's grip, then cut across below their chin. The archer collapsed, clutching his neck as he gurgled for breath.
Just then, a burning sensation shot up Fairen's left side. He stumbled back, then restored his balance, mouth in a grimace. His hand caught the arrow stuck in his shoulder, right between his armour, and his eyes centered on a third archer just a few feet away, backing up as she prepared another arrow. Sucking in a breath through a clenched jaw, he snapped the end of the projectile, threw down the stick, grasped his spear once again, and charged in a battlefield rage.
A warmth spread through his shirt above his left arm as he moved, pain cutting through his muscle. The emotionless, logical part of him took note of his shoulder's now-lacking mobility, each twitch feeling like his skin was burning on a skillet. The archer continued to back up, drawing an arrow with coordination and skill. Fairen watched with an intense gaze, visualizing in his head the archer nocking the arrow, pulling back, taking aim, and releasing. When reality caught up to thought, he nimbly ducked.
Panic bloomed in her expression as she reached for a third arrow. Fairen cut the gap right after she retrieved one, and he jabbed at her own left shoulder, the blade sinking in. She cried out in surprise, and Fairen pulled his weapon out to stick her stomach, only for the spear tip to deflect over some metal plating. With a flash of anger, Fairen stabbed her other shoulder and threw his weight forward, pushing her to the ground. She fell in a sprawl, losing both arrow and bow. As Fairen leaned over with a furious expression, all he saw were tears and fear in her eyes, young blond freckles glowing across her nose and cheeks.
With a huff, he pulled back and looked for another target. The fury of adrenaline pulsed fresh in his system, his pumping heart pushing power and painkillers through his veins. He spotted an archer sporting three large cuts because of, to Fairen's muted surprise, Sumia on the back of her pegasus as she swooped down once again and took a swing with her lance, knocking him down. She had to back up as a sword-wielding cavalier flanked her, and the two began a dance of blades.
Abruptly, Fairen cried out in surprise as he barely managed to deflect an axe away from his torso. He found himself face-to-face with a Feroxi warrior, a large leather belt tight around their torso, expression hidden under the bars of a large brass helmet. The warrior struck out again and Fairen jumped back, livid. He stabbed forth and the warrior easily shut it down, the weight and heft of the axe outclassing the slim spearhead. Stepping forward, the warrior counterattacked, and Fairen blocked, forcing the two into a deadlock with the edge of the axe head stuck against the pole frame, The two leaned towards each other, both inches away, Fairen still not able to discern his opponent's identity. Their arms were shaking, Fairen more so, and he was almost seeing red as he felt his left shoulder refuse to cooperate.
Suddenly, the call of a horn rang into the air, and the warrior froze. It seemed in that moment, everyone stopped from both sides, the passing wind pulling snow to fall sideways against the grey sky. From the wall's fort to Fairen's left he saw spot a waving white flag raise on a pole until it cleared the roof and then some. In the distance, Chrom emerged from the fort, a gash across his armour but smiling visage unharmed. He rose his sword to the air.
Fairen backed up, softly disengaging but keeping his eye on his opponent. The warrior, sensing Fairen's apprehension, looked back, saw the white flag, and dropped his weapon. Fairen saw that the cavalier fighting Sumia too dropped his lance and dismounted his horse.
The warrior turned back to Fairen, and this time Fairen detected a minute amount of fear within the dark hood of the helmet. Fairen's lips upturned into a feral grin.
For the rest of the Shepherds, once they realized the Feroxi stopped fighting they too halted and showed great mercy. Their surrender was just in time, as Fairen learned once everyone regrouped at wall's fort where Chrom defeated the enemy commander, General Raimi. The western side Ylissians were suffering and in threat of losing ground without Chrom and Frederick at their side. Despite all the in-combat healing Lissa did to the frontline, nothing could stop the growing attrition that occurred at the staircase's doorway, which became a deadly chokepoint against the Shepherds.
Meanwhile, at the eastern side, Chrom and the others effectively managed the opposite force. As Chrom told Fairen later, because the Feroxians were forced to move to a different side of the wall at such short notice, they were disorganized and uncoordinated, and Frederick and the cavaliers were able to run circles around them, the archers on horseback providing cover and flexibility. It was almost too easy for Chrom, on the back of Daisy as Frederick directed her, to rush the building where Raimi commanded, demand a duel from her, and best her in combat.
And even still, after everything was said and done, Fairen could not help but feel as if something was off on his front. There was the sensation that he and Sumia, in their brief stint of teamwork, could have done better to be on the same page. He regretted not telling her of his sudden dismount, at the very least.
Fairen had met Chrom and Frederick at the wall fort as everyone gathered together in a post-battle assessment. Chrom introduced Fairen to Raimi, who Fairen noted was much more tolerable and apologetic than she had been before the whole fight started. He could not hide his distain at her when she, for the fourth time, told Chrom how sorry she was for mistaking them for brigands, and that the reason they attacked was because how, truly, bandits posing as the prince and his marry crew took advantage of the Feroxian's trust. Fairen could feel his ire burn in the back of his mind when the body count – for Ylissians and for Feroxi – came back in a report made by Frederick. He was lost in his own thoughts as he sat on a cold stone bench inside the fort as Lissa came around to remove the arrow in his shoulder and patch him up, the pain all but forgotten as he stewed. He noticed Lissa's tired and bothered gaze, then realized none of the Ylissians were happy. Even Frederick himself seemed to be scornful, albeit hidden as he could hide it.
When chatting with Vaike, Fairen found out that Miriel, while fortunately alive, would be out of battle for quite some time.
And so, Fairen used much of his willpower to keep his mouth shut and expression neutral as, after Raimi had offered, the Shepherds were escorted north past the Longfort to the capital of Eastern Regna Ferox, Ascer. His focus was so much solely on repressing his emotions that he barely took any note of his surroundings on that road there, the trek taking less than half a day, only the wide cedar trees of the winding mountain trail taking his wavering attention. The snow refused to let up in a steady storm, but despite multiple soldiers on both sides being battle tired, they trekked for hours.
Ascer, as a capital, sat on the backdrop of a large lake, different dots of firelight shining forth from the elongated port across the shore, cutting through the darkness. Wooden houses and buildings of various types sat in an outer ring outside a stone wall not as nearly as large and imposing as the Longfort's. The people outside the wall seemed hardy, and wore thick, if not old, clothing as they milled about despite the growing harshness of the weather. The wall itself had seen better days, as multiple divots ran to the ground granting clear entrance inside. There was little evidence of wall upkeep except for guards that held passageways with their attention. Inside the wall, an ancient history seemed to reveal itself, with large stone houses making up the majority of the structures, thin and frozen alleyways scattered everywhere. The darkness of the night had caught up to the Shepherds, and if not for the multiple torches hanging against several buildings, it would be nigh impossible to see.
Castle Sylvestris hung partially against the reflection of the lake. It was not as impressive as Castle Ylissia, but stood on its own as a product of several thousand pounds of ancient stone bleached white by the cold. Inside, the Shepherds, along with the rest of the Ylissian soldiers, were received right inside the castle entrance, where they were directed to the barracks to recuperate and rest. Raimi bode Chrom to follow her to the throne room, where they could speak to the ruling leader, the Khan, at once. Although he was sore from battle and beyond tired, Chrom obliged, and asked Frederick if he could come along, to which there was none other answer except "yes" from the stalwart steward. Fairen was hardly surprised when Chrom asked him of the same thing.
As the group was escorted, Fairen was puzzled as how the Feroxi kept the hallways warm, the air pleasant in temperature, although a constant chill kept sweeping around his ankles with every passing corner.
The throne room itself was grand, much like Castle Ylissia's, albeit more spartan. No decorative banners with the kingdom's insignia hung along the walls, only a royal purple carpet let up a stout staircase to a blocky, stone throne, the chair massive in presence and appearance. The lit torches standing at the sides of the room were the sole sources of heat, and Fairen found himself unconsciously rubbing his arms and letting out a frigid hiss.
"Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan," Raimi said after turning to the three behind her.
Chrom agreed, and Raimi left the room, Fairen eying her and the two castle guards that had gone with them. He flexed his jaws under pursed lips, scowling. Why didn't anyone fetch the khan as soon as we got here? Is this some kind of trap?
"Steel yourself, Fairen," Chrom said, noticing Fairen. "It'll only be a few more minutes hopefully, and then we can all go get something to eat and head to bed."
"I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself when the khan arrives," Frederick added. "I understand your frustration, but it may jeopardize our mission."
Fairen rolled his eyes. "I know when to keep my mouth shut."
"Do you, now?" A fourth, new voice, added.
Chrom, Frederick, and Fairen all turned towards a muscular female figure in thick red armour, with a large greatsword and matching crimson shield hoisted upon her back. Fierce brown eyes sat on a naturally tanned face, her dark blonde hair tied into a messy ponytail behind her.
Fairen said nothing, and made sure to reset his expression before facing her.
"You're the khan, er, I presume?" Chrom asked.
"One of them, yes," the woman responded, nodding to Chrom. "The East-Khan. My name is Flavia. I apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom. You and your party are welcome in Regna Ferox."
Chrom put a fist to his chest, and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Khan Flavia. I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us," he said smoothly. "Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?"
"Yes!" Flavia all but shouted. "Those Plegian dogs! We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains." Fairen's eyebrows rose up in slight surprise. "Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours."
Chrom clenched his fist, glancing down. "Damn them! I—" He seemed to realize something. "Forgive me, Your Grace. That was... indelicately put."
Flavia made a wild grin. "Ha! Damn them and damn delicacy! Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech."
The corner of Fairen's eye twitched. "My lord," Chrom, and consequently, Frederick, faced Fairen, who was bowing at Chrom. "May I have permission to speak freely?"
Chrom glanced at Flavia, thinking about it for a second. "Go ahead."
Fairen stood up straight, turned sideways, and pointed an accusatory finger at Flavia. "You guys are fucking idiots."
Chrom and Frederick blinked in shock. Fairen didn't know what they expected.
Flavia barked a laugh, and in a low, rolling voice, said "Do tell."
"Do you realize how pointless all that fighting was at the border?" Fairen stepped forward. "Even though you were the ones to surrender, both sides lost! We have pointless deaths on each side just because you and your border guards can't tell the difference between thieves and royalty?" Fairen walked over to Chrom and grabbed his arm, gesturing towards him. "Look at this! How could you honestly mistake anyone else for this man?"
Flavia frowned. "I see your point. But I already apologized, and I'll be telling Raimi to pay more attention to who comes to the border."
"That's not good enough. Like, we have a way to tell between who's official emissaries from different kingdoms, right?" Fairen looked at Chrom expectantly. "Right?"
"Official representatives of Ylissian royalty will bear the official mark of the royal family, the Mark of Naga, either on their persons or by a letter signed by the royal family," Frederick dictated.
"There. See? See!?" Fairen said, letting go of Chrom and approaching Flavia once again. "All you have to do is look for the stupid mark on the 'Prince'. Is that so hard?"
"Fairen, enough," Chrom said sternly.
Fairen shut his lips as he breathed in for his next sentence. Exhaling through his nose, he took one last look at Flavia, nose upturned, and went back behind Chrom. The words he was going to use stirred around and around in his head: I didn't enjoy spilling the blood of the neighbours that we were supposed to be allying with!
To Fairen's annoyance, Flavia's smirk grew back on her face. "I appreciate the bluntness of your cohort, Prince Chrom. But to get to the point, Raimi has already told me why you're here. Regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse."
"But why?" Chrom asked.
"I lack the authority," Raimi casually stated, shrugging.
Chrom shook his head. "Forgive me, but... I don't understand. Aren't you the khan?"
This is fucking ridiculous, Fairen thought to himself, forcing his face and posture still as he had trained. Fucking politics and fucking diplomacy.
"As I said, I am ONE of the khans," Flavia said, facing away from the Shepherds and pacing back. "In Ferox, the khans of east and west hold a tournament every few years. The victor acquires total sovereignty over both kingdoms. And that means they have the final say when it comes to forging alliances." There was a beat, the vestiges of Flavia's booming voice dissipating in the large chamber. "The West-Khan won the last tournament, you see."
"So we are to receive no aid at all?" Chrom asked in dejection.
"Not if you give up so easily!" Flavia announced, turning back towards them. "The next tournament is nigh, you see—"
Oh, how convenient, Fairen thought.
"—and I am in need of champions."
The prince blinked. "What does that have to do with us?"
Chrom, get a clue, Fairen inwardly bit.
"I would have assumed Ylisseans had no place in such Feroxi traditions," Chrom said.
Flavia laughed again. On the contrary. The khans themselves do not fight—they choose champions to represent them. Otherwise our land would be rife with blood feuds and dead khans! We don't involve comrades or kin for the same reason. Over time, it was decided the tournament should be fought by outsiders. Although the outsiders have never included foreign royalty... That I know of!" She let out another chuckle. "Regardless, it is your choice to make."
Chrom looked back, first at Frederick, who returned Chrom's gaze with steady strength. Then, Chrom peered at Fairen, to which Fairen gave a subtly cross gaze back. Fairen was starting to truly feel fatigue set in at this point.
"There is no choice, East-Khan," Chrom said. "My people are desperate. We face not only Plegia's constant attacks, but now the added threat of the undead scourge we call Risen. If fighting for you is the quickest way to an alliance, then we will take up our steel."
Flavia gave a toothy smile. "Oh, I like you Prince Chrom. I do hope you survive the tournament! It will be in seven days' time, beginning on the edge of twilight, at a city sitting on the west and east divide. We'll need to head out in three days. Until then, you and your men can rest and recuperate from our battle, and my lieutenant can give you more information on what's to come."
Flavia immediately bid for Raimi and a guard entourage. Fairen let himself relax as Chrom bade his farewells and the group was led to the throne room exit.
By the moon, I hope the tournament is quick so we can get the fuck out of here, Fairen thought as the wooden doors slid behind him while he snuck one last look at the khan in red armour standing proudly in the center of the throne room. I don't think I can stand it here much longer.
LEVEL UP!
Fairen
Class: Recruit
Level: 1 + 1 = 2
HP: 22 + 1 = 23
STR: 8 + 1 = 9
MAG: 2
SKL: 9 + 1 = 10
SPD: 10 + 1 = 11
LCK: 3
DEF: 7 + 1 = 8
RES: 1
MOV: 5
Level-up Quote: "Screw you, Raimi! Didn't even get to say half of what I wanted to say to you!"
WEAP. LVL: Lance = E
Skills Equipped:
- Beginner's Luck: Double Skl and Str. Activation %: 5 + (Lck * 2). Unusable at Lvl 10+ or when in a second-tier class.
