-Robin's Estate-

Cherche awoke with a gasp to find herself lying in a large bed, staring up at the ceiling. She tried moving and immediately regretted it. There was an extraordinary pain in her chest. She lifted the cover to find herself wearing a long gown, like the kind in Rosanne's hospitals, and bandages on her entire torso under it. But she wasn't in a Rosanne room. "What happened?" she muttered.

"Oh, you're awake!" A small girl with jet-black hair was looking at herself in the room's mirror. She turned to Cherche and blushed. "Sorry, I was supposed to keep an eye on you."

"To keep me imprisoned?" Cherche asked, wincing as she spoke.

"What? No!" The girl scurried to the cabinet, withdrawing a bottle and a cup of liquid. "We wanted to know the moment you were awake. Of course, the 'we' is just down to me now. Here, this should help with the pain. The healers have done all they could, but your body is going to hurt something fierce for a while."

Cherche accepted the cup and drank it. "Thank you. Who are you?"

"My name is Ravena." The girl curtsied, or at least tried to. She got it slightly wrong, but Cherche though it was cute anyway. "You've been asleep for almost a month."

"What happened?"

"Do you remember?" The girl asked. "I'm not supposed to tell you if can't remember."

Cherche sent her mind back. Vivid images came to her mind. "I was fighting. Then – then Minerva! Then I – the tactician. He was dead and came back! The demon tactician!"

"Easy." Ravena said, softly. "You're safe."

"Minerva…" Tears fell down Cherche's cheeks.

"It's all right. You can cry." Ravena went forward and hugged Cherche. The pink-haired knight felt the little girl's touch help remove part of the pain.

"So it all happened." Cherche said. "All… of… it."

Ravena looked down and nodded. "Sorry."

"…It's not your fault." Cherche said. "I expect to die that night, and for Parise to fall. The fact that I'm alive is nothing short of extraordinary. I … also presume Parise fell."

"Rosanne has surrendered." Ravena said. "Sorry."

"So I'm in Valm, now."

"Well, yes." Ravena said. "I mean, now every part of this continent is Valm. Except for the islands to the southeast. But those don't matter much. The plan is to consolidate the army and prepare an invasion force to conquer the Archaneian continent. But that'll take a while. Sorry, I'm rambling right now."

"Where in Valm?"

"The Vermillion City." Ravena said. "The outskirts, actually."

"Wait." Cherche felt her blood chill. "That means-"

"Yes, this is a lord's house. A count's, to be specific." Ravena sighed. "You really have to stop worrying. No one here wants to hurt you, or anything. We want to help you. You're perfectly safe."

"We have to-"

"You do nothing." Ravena said. "You still need to recover. You almost died."

So I'm in the house of an internal resistance. Cherche surmised. "Can you get a message to Ylisse?"

"Hmm." Ravena said. "I think we can. At least, I've seen the reports we get from Ylisse, so we've got a message tube one way. I'm not sure about sending a message, though."

"Who is this 'we'?" Cherche said. "Who are you people? And why did you save me?"

"Father doesn't have a name yet." Ravena said. "And, well, technically Auntie Argeni saved you, but Father did it because he didn't want to see you die."

"Father?" Cherche asked.

"My adopted father." Ravena said, her eyes lighting up. "He's super awesome! And I've only had him for a few months. He likes me a lot too. I think that's because we have things in common. Like, we're both kind of outcasts, and tacticians."

"Outcast?"

"Forget I said that." Ravena said. "Sorry, that part is supposed to be a secret."

"All right. Can you introduce me to your father?" Cherche asked. "I'd like to meet the leader of this resistance group of yours."

"Resistance group?" Ravena frowned. "Oh! You haven't realized yet. I thought something was wrong. We aren't a resistance group. Anyway, my father isn't home right now."

"Where is he?" Cherche frowned. "And what do you mean, 'aren't a resistance group'."

"Ylisse. He's attending the Exalt's wedding." Ravena said.

"He must be high-ranked." Cherche said. "Who are you?"

"I'm not supposed to tell you that, either." Ravena said. "Of course, if you guess, I can't tell you whether you got it right. Hint."

"What?"

"The problem is that you asked the wrong question." Ravena said. "You asked 'Why' we saved you. You should have asked 'How' we saved you."

"No. Nononono." Cherche blinked. "Count Obsidian is your father?"

"I am not allowed to tell you that Count Robin Obsidian, Battlemaster of Valm, is my adopted father." Ravena said. "I am not allowed to tell you that you are correct."

"You got to be- " Cherche tried getting up and was rewarded with pain.

"Please, stop." Ravena looked at her with puppy-dog eyes. "We don't want you getting hurt."

"I will not be a pawn in that demon tactician's plan!"

"That's not a very nice thing to call my father." Ravena said. Cherche felt a stab of pain and brushed it away. The child was trying to manipulate her. "Besides, what can you do? You're injured, and if anyone figures out who you really are, then you'll be in trouble."

"So will Obsidian." Cherche grimaced. "I'll gladly take him down with me."

"I am not allowed to tell you that you're currently being treated as a Valmese soldier." Ravena frowned. "I am not allowed to tell you that you were smuggled off the battlefield in Valmese armor, and thus my father has the easy excuse that you stole our armor and wounded yourself deliberately to place yourself under our hospitality and within our army like a spy."

"You little brat." Cherche said. "You're Obsidian's daughter, through and through."

"I try to be." Ravena smiled. "Now, rest up, please. Like I told you, you're safe. Father just wants you to get better, and we're perfectly willing to blackmail you to do it."

-Raven's Pledge-

"Your form is average." Say'ri said. She and Robin had practice swords out and were practicing on the deck. "But your skill comes from the fact that you seem familiar with every sword style there is and can use the perfect counter to them. It's almost as if you developed the skills without the muscle memory, which is only catching up. Where did you learn this?"

"I don't remember, honestly." Robin said, performing a riposte. "I suffer from amnesia. But, recently, I managed to get my skills through the memory block, thanks to Walhart. Maybe I'll get my memories through as well."

"Perhaps." Say'ri said, flicking aside his blade. "And what happens if you do, and your memories are of someone completely different?"

"Hmm." Robin said. He tried a thrust pattern. "Honestly? It depends on the memories. But I won't abandon what I've already accomplished. The 'now' is more important than the 'past', because only in the now can we act and effect change. But the past cannot be changed."

"I see." Say'ri deflected the thrust pattern. "You should focus on getting a little faster. But your form is good – perhaps a bit like it expects you to already possess that speed. Now, it's my turn." Say'ri attacked.

They kept on like that for close to half an hour, before Robin called a break. "I wonder if there are pirates in these waters."

"Unlikely." Say'ri said. "Trade was cut off when the Conqueror declared war upon the other nations in Valm, as the only nations that were on the coast were the ones attacked by him. Pirates starved or joined the Plegian Navy. And, as of yet, major trade hasn't resumed."

"That matches with the reports, I just didn't know the reason." Robin said. "And only a fool would attack the Raven's Pledge. This was custom made for Excellus, then retooled for my own use. And renamed."

"How much longer until we reach Ylisse?" Say'ri asked.

"A few days, I think. Wind mages really speed up travel time." Robin said. "Seasick?"

"No."

"It's the hardtack, isn't it?" Robin said, grinning.

"I do not understand how you can stand eating that." Say'ri said. "It has no taste and a horrid staleness. And furthermore, you must soak it before it can even be eaten."

"Honestly, better than some rations I had." Robin said. "The Conqueror's army may march on it's stomach, but it's a large one, so bland taste was universal. Still, Vermil was actually a very good cook when we managed to have the time. Of course, Dant had to threaten his fingers to stop him from turning every food we ate into nothing but a spicy mess. He really liked taking his image as a fire mage seriously, and had this stash of dried red-hot pepper from somewhere."

"Ha." Say'ri laughed. "What I wouldn't give for some of Chon'sin's cooking – even if it was the spicy kind. 'Tis a pity. Especially since we are surrounded by fish but seem to have no luck with them."

"That gives me an idea." Robin smiled. "Ever hear of lightning fishing?"

"Lightning … fishing?" Say'ri asked. "No."

"It's a trick Dant told me about. It works best in a lake, but we might be able to do it hear." Robin called out. "Stop the boat! I'm going to do a quick spot of fishing!"

-Cabin-

"Raw fish?" Robin stared at the thin slice on his plate. Instead of sending for the cook, Say'ri had offered to prepare the fish herself, Chon'sin style. But all she did was slice it up. "Are you sure?"

"Among my people this is a delicacy. It must be eaten fresh, of course, and it is unsuitable for freshwater fish." Say'ri ate the fish slices using a pair of thin sticks. "Ah, delicious."

"Not bad." Robin tried his. With a fork. "But I think this would go better with taters."

"Taters?" Say'ri frowned. "What are 'taters'?"

"Po-ta-toes." Robin said. "Good ballast for an empty belly. Boil 'em, fry 'em, or just put 'em in a stew."

"I've never heard of them."

"It's a vegetable that the Rosanneans are fond of." Robin said. "Fried fish and fried potatoes are a quick-and-easy fast meal they eat. Quite good. Well, at any rate, I'll be prepared for the food served at the wedding. Can't be weirder than raw fish."

"It's not the food you should be concerned with."

"Hmm?"

"Feroxi is known for their alcohol." Say'ri said. "How well can you keep yours?"

"Not well." Robin grimaced. "I think. Haven't really drunked alcohol since I got amnesia. Will I be expected to?"

"It would be impolite to avoid drinking, at the very least." Say'ri said. "Though, of course, I only drink sake. 'Tis an alcohol made from rice. But the Feroxi will have it."

Robin's eyes narrowed. "I'll have a drink then. But only one. Let's change the subject. What did you think of my swordsmanship?"

"Impressive." Say'ri considered. "Though, I would say I'd be able to defeat you if we fought again, now that I no longer underestimate you."

"Even though I can fight ambidextrously?"

"You were only doing that for a few minutes." Say'ri said. "And that trick is only useful against swordsmasters who have never fought left-handed opponents before."

"You still wouldn't beat me if we fought again." Robin ate another slice of fish. He tapped the sheathed blade by his side. "The Sol blade absorbs the strength of its foes."

"Aye." Say'ri nodded. "I had forgotten. Though it may not fare as well against the Amatsu as you believed."

Robin was about to respond when there was a knock on his cabin door. He walked over and swung the door open. "Captain Dan?"

"Battlemaster." Captain Dan saluted. "We have a ship approaching us."

"Pirates?"

"Not … exactly." Captain Dan frowned. "Plegia, flying under their own flag. They're flying truce colors, sir. Seems like they want a meeting. I just came to inform you of this."

"I see." Robin said. "Tell the crew to gear up below decks and have an escort ready above. There's no point in being unfriendly." He closed the door.

"Did you expect this, Robin?" Say'ri asked.

Robin's mind flashed to the communication crystal hidden in a drawer in his room. He opened his mouth. "How could I have?"

"I see." Say'ri turned back to her fish.

"…Yes."

"What?" Say'ri turned to him.

Robin sighed. "Yes, I arranged this with Plegia in advance. Excellus was in contact with the second-in-command. She apparently survived the war, so I told her a few sparse details about myself, and arranged the meeting."

-Deck-

"Valmese tactician."

"Battlemaster." Robin corrected. His mask was back on. Say'ri stood behind him at a distance, ready to intervene if need be. The Plegian representative, Aversa, was a scantily-clad woman, who in Robin's opinion, seem to rely to heavily on her womanly charms. I know I've seen her before.

"Battlemaster? Your predecessor wasn't called that."

"I think you'll find I possess a great many qualities that my predecessor did not. That is why I have the position and he does not."

"Mmm." Aversa smiled. "You know, you look vaguely familiar."

"Is that so? Well, I could say the same to you." Robin said. "It's probably the mask."

"Why wear it?"

"It's … complicated." Robin said. "Now, what would you like to tell me?"

"I would like to cut a deal with you, Battlemaster." Aversa said. "Of course, we'd need privacy for this. Perhaps … in the privacy of your room? It could take … a while."

"Seducing me already?" Robin snorted. "Do you really want to have that kind of a reputation?"

"I have all kinds of them. You'll find out soon enough." Aversa said, smiling. "We do need privacy, though."

"Athena is a trusted vassal. You can discuss treachery in front of her." Robin said.

"So, you trust her that much. Interesting." Aversa licked her lips. "I apologize for … putting you in such an awkward state. You wouldn't want her to think there's anything between us, right?"

"Are you done?" Robin asked.

"I haven't even started."

"Right, then." Robin said, rolling his eyes beneath his mask. "I suppose you don't know when to quit, and I also suppose that's part of what men find charming about you."

"It's like you read my mind." Aversa kept up her smile.

"Okay. I think we're going to have to switch this conversation to something a little more primal."

"Wasn't I already doing that?"

"You're talking lust." Robin raised his hand, forming a nexus of lightning around it. "I'll talk violence. Drop another innuendo, and I'll knock you out with lightning, tie you to the mast of your ship, then light it on fire."

"Are those your preferences?" Aversa asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Right. You were warned." Robin blasted her. Aversa flew ten feet, lightning sparking around her. She got up groaning. Robin summoned another lightning bolt. "Try me."

"Is this necessary?" Say'ri asked him.

"It's not like that's going to cause an international incident. We've got plausible deniability. My word against hers." Robin shrugged. "And if she doesn't cooperate, she's an enemy strategist. That's as good of a target of opportunity as I can get. Ships are lost at sea every day."

"I understand."

"Little minx." Aversa hissed, getting to her feet. "I don't appreciate being denied. But it seems you are well trained by your master."

Say'ri did not respond.

"Are we ready to be civil?" Robin asked.

"Just testing your resolve. And you have quite a lot of it." Aversa smiled. "My master instructed me to do so. I hope I haven't earned your ire."

"A necessary precaution, I suppose." Robin said. His eyes narrowed behind his mask. "But now that it's over, there's no need to continue it."

"It'll be less fun. But, very well." Aversa smiled. "It's very simple, really. How interested are you in continuing the deal your predecessor had?"

"Very little. I prefer being the puppet master rather than the puppet."

"And – say – a mutual understanding between people who share common foes?"

"That's reasonable." Robin said. "But what foe could we have in common?"

"Ylisse. Don't be foolish." Aversa's voice dropped to a hiss. "They've formed an unbreakable alliance with Feroxi – thanks to the Exalt marrying the daughter of one Khan and having the favor of the other. It's only a time before they decide to march on your empire – or for you to declare war on them."

"We'll declare war on you too, you know."

"Oh, we aren't a concern of yours." Aversa smiled. "Please! We have no army. What threat could we provide? And, even if you should, well I assume you have a place for high ranking defectors."

"Of course." Robin smiled. "You can start early, if you want. I could you a high-ranked defector."

"Oh! That's a tempting offer." Aversa said. "But you'll understand that I'd like to remain here."

"I see no problem with that." Robin said. "In fact, I'd prefer if you'd stay as a tactician within the Plegian Empire. Now, is there a reason you'd refuse my offer?"

"Well, what would you do if I refused your offer?"

"What would I do?" Robin smiled again. "Why, I'd burn you like the witch you are."

"That seems stacked out of my favor."

"Did you truly expect anything else when you came to parley with a superior force?" Robin asked. "Now, it's not much I ask for. All I want is your oath of allegiance to me."

"Not to Valm?" Aversa smiled. "Nau-u-ughty. But how could I refuse? I, Aversa, swear allegiance to the Valmese Battlemaster – ah, your name?"

"Count Obsidian."

"I, Aversa, swear allegiance to the Valmese Battlemaster, Count Obsidian." Aversa looked at Robin and winked. "Good enough?"

"It'll do for now." Robin turned to Say'ri. "We have another member of our cabal, Athena. Happy?"

"Ecstatic." Say'ri voice was emotionless.

"Now, I'll need you to return to Plegia. Keep in regular contact with me." Robin said. "Oh, and warn your Master that Walhart knows of his little 'dragon ritual', and he means to stop it."

"How generous." Aversa smiled. "Do you want anything in exchange?"

"From you? No." Robin laughed. "That's what my spies are for."

"Indeed? But I've heard something your spies haven't." Aversa smiled. "A pirate lair, to the southeast. They've captured a man – and, well, I couldn't spare the manpower, but if you find him, it'll certainly help you win against Ylisse."

"Farewell." Robin motioned with his wrist. Say'ri flashed forward, slicing the ropes holding the ships together. Aversa's ship sailed off, sinking into the mist, with the woman smiling all the while.

"Why did you not ask her about the dragon ritual?" Say'ri said.

"She'd lie to me, of course. Hopefully, stoking Plegia's paranoia will cause the information to slip as they scramble to guard it." Robin said. "I do wonder about that pirate nest, though. But we won't have time for that."

"No?"

"We'll land in Port Ferox, on the west coast." Robin said. "The journey inland will take almost a week to Ylissotol. That said, we'll arrive three days before the wedding."

"Fie." Say'ri said. "Do you think I wear my flight armor for naught? We'll be able to do it in four on pegasus-back."

"You can double-up riders for that?" Robin frowned. "I though Pegasi couldn't do that for long distance."

"Valmese pegasi." Say'ri said. "But my instructor told me that Feroxi pegasi are a far hardier breed. They are a fair bit more expensive."

"I can afford it." Robin said. "As long as it's not too astronomical. Consider it a gift."

"Ah." Say'ri blinked. "Thank you. But that's really not necessary."

-Ylisstol-

It took them two days to get the pegasus, as they didn't keep stables of them right next to the port. Robin would have like to spend a third day haggling on just principle of the matter, but he was in a rush, and money wasn't an objection. They only ended up saving one day on the way down to Ylisse, which wasn't used for that much. After securing suitably diplomatic lodging by presenting his Valmese credentials to the royal offices (thankfully, the seal Ylisse had was current), Robin was forced to spend the next day meeting and instructing the half-dozen spies that Valm had. Not enough, in his opinion.

He had to spend the entirety of the next day getting ready, especially since they had to travel lightly by the back of a pegasus. He managed to carry his suit, but he'd need alterations, and Say'ri did not possess formal wear. He tracked down a few instructors to give him an hour's instruction each on Ylissean court politics, so he wouldn't be completely ignorant.

That left him two days, with the wedding on the night of the second. Robin elected to spend his free day meeting one person in the city that he actually knew beforehand.

"Who are you?" The red head was examining a sword, frowning as a price tag in her hand hesitated over it.

"Not again." Robin sighed. "How many of you are there!?"

"A few." Anna said. She finally put the tag on. "Steel sword, a third off! Want one?"

"No, but I'll take a Shockstick if you have it." Robin said. "Regardless. You don't recognize the name 'Count Obsidian' either? I'm a regular customer of one of you, but I can't find which one."

"Hmm." Anna frowned. "Well, let's say you were a regular customer. What exactly did you say I sold you? Because, remember, it might be trouble to sell a foreigner something like weapons. And, if maybe I sold you something more than weapons, perhaps something deadlier – well, there are definitely people that wouldn't appreciate an honest deal."

"I see." Robin said. "Now, of course, if I was the regular customer, you'd have no concerns, because Count Obsidian appreciates an honest deal, but if I was someone else – well that'd be a problem. Especially since you protect the integrity of your customers."

"Of course." The redhead cheerfully agreed.

"I have a receipt." Robin removed a thin white paper and slid it across the table. "This is your mark, isn't it?"

"Yeah." Anna said. "Okay, you said you wanted a Shockstick? I've got one in the back. Follow me."

"Stay out here, Athena. Watch for eavesdroppers."

Robin followed her inside, with Say'ri close behind. Anna nimbly leapt up on top of a crate, and sat there, flicking a curtain shut after the two of them entered.

"So, you're the legendary Crimson Tactician?" Anna said. "Not much to look at. Especially, you know, with the mask."

"I've been told it's not on the outside that counts, but the inside." Robin removed his mask. "It's nice to finally meet you, Anna."

"Same here." Anna nodded in Say'ri's direction. "That who I think it is?"

"She is known as Athena here, and I expect it to remain that way." Robin said. "You're awfully sharp."

"Well, those of us who are information merchants have to be." Anna said. "Of course, it's hard to tell fact from fiction sometimes. Why are you here, by the way? Don't you know how dangerous this is to meet me face-to-face?"

"Yes, believe it or not." Robin said. "As long as this is the only conversation we have, we should be fine."

"True." Anna said. "As long as you were discrete in inquiring about me."

"We were, assuming the others Annas can be trusted."

"My sisters, cousins, aunts, nieces, and completely un-related lookalikes can keep a secret." Anna said. "So, why'd you come here?"

"Just wanted to meet you at least once." Robin said. "It's much better to work with people you've met with, don't you agree?"

"Absolutely." Anna said. "So, same of the same? Just want intelligence reports?"

"Just intelligence reports, for now." Robin said. "Same price."

"I think you can go a little higher." Anna said. "It's awfully risky, you know."

"I can, but I won't." Robin said. "Spycraft is expected of me, even in a time of peace, and you've gouged Excellus already. You're lucky I'm not negotiating lower."

"Yeah, you do have a point there." Anna sighed. "Aw, there goes my easy gold…"

"Don't give me that." Robin said. "This is a nice shop, and I'm giving you a tidy nest egg."

"Huh. Bet Anna with the Shepherds is making more money."

"There's an Anna with the Shepherds?"

"Yup!" Anna winked at Robin. "Ready to sign me on, chief?"

"…I'll pass. I like you better as an informant." Robin said. "Also, you're getting paid ten times as much as a foot soldier would."

"But I'd be sign up as a supply merchant." Anna grinned. "All those juicy deals, supplying an army the size of Valm!"

"The Valmese Empire does not employ independent merchants. They exclusively use quartermasters, which I would sign you on as in a heartbeat, but the pay is still less than what you're getting paid." Robin said. "That said, the offer is always on the table, should you need it."

"Awfully generous of you."

"You're currently working under me. I'd be the poor leader if I didn't help you."

"How generous." Anna tossed him a cloth-wrapped long package. "On the house."

"What is this?"

"The Shockstick you wanted. Pro bono." Anna got off the crate. "Now, if you'll excuse me, busy time is in ten minutes, and I'd like to squeeze in a bite."

"Pro bono?" Robin sighed, following her out. She's just trying to bribe me.

"Are you done?" Say'ri asked.

"Sure. Got the Shockstick, even."

"Surely you don't expect to use it tomorrow night?"

"No." Robin said. "But you never know, you know?"