Chapter Four

I can't stand the cold; never have and never will. So naturally we were heading to a land of constant cold along with heavy snow this time of the year. Thankfully, the Shepherds were generously given extra warm clothing by Emmeryn before our journey. However, some of us (including myself) were still shivering.

"Brrr! F-F-Frebberick! I'm f-f-freebing!" said a blue-in-the-face Lissa.

Freebing. Ha! I have to use that to describe how I'm feeling, too.

"Stand beside my horse, milady. She'll shelter you from the wind," as Fredrick tried his best to cover poor Lissa from the cold and snow.

Not long after battling the elements, we finally reached Longfort, the intimidating fortress of Regna Ferox. I couldn't tell if I was awestruck by the structure or if I felt it was ugly. Either way, I didn't want to make enemies with the Feroxi. But that was easier said than done. Chrom suggested we try a civil approach to reach the ruling khans, but judging by the body language of the guards, it seemed hopeless. Raimi, the general of the Feroxi, was not a pleasant person (called the Shepherds brigands). She suggested we go back to Ylisstol or face the lancers and archers, obviously not recognizing the exalt. On that note, archers fired shots at Chrom.

So much for diplomacy.

I started to run to block the arrows, but then I remembered about Sumia. She is supposed to save Chrom, but I didn't hear any noises from a Pegasus. Do I let him die like this? My nervous were settled with a flash of white feathers. Sumia did in fact rescue Chrom. But the archers posed a threat to the Pegasus rider.

Ground troops need to take out the archers first.

They did their job after my command, though the armored knights were an intermediate danger. Fredrick's steel ax did the job along with Miriel's magic. (Pairing up the Shepherds was a good idea). All that was left was Raimi. I decided to try out if my training with Fredrick was about to pay off, but unfortunately, I needed some help (ok, lots of help). Chrom struck a blow that sent the Feroxi general to her knees while Lissa healed me.

"A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for brigand impostors. But no frauds could ever wage a battle as you just have! I will send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally," huffed the defeated general. She guided us to the ruling khan, whom was Flavia. Dark skin, blonde tied-up hair, and a stare that sent me a chill. I knew she would welcome us as allies, but she was so intimidating, especially with her serious demeanor.

"My name is Flavia, the east-khan. I apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom. You are welcome in Regna Ferox."

"Thank you, but I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us. Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?" responded the exalt with an unbothered look in his eyes. Guess they have meet before, maybe?

"Yes. Those Plegian dogs! We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains. Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours." Flavia handed over papers to Chrom that explained in more detail the situation. He glanced over it and made a fist that damaged the documents.

"Damn them! I... Forgive me, Your Grace. That was...indelicately put."

"Ha! Damn them and damn delicacy! Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech," laughed the khan.

"In that case, you should have a word with your damn border guards." Chrom pointed to a Feroxi soldier standing in the back.

"Ha ha! Now that's Feroxi diplomacy! Yes, I like you already. I know why you have come, Prince. But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse."

Well, what a waste of time.

Flavia went to explain that she lacked the authority to do so, but she still would be willing to help, on one condition: The Shepherds, naming Chrom and few others, were to represent the east region in an upcoming tournament. The winner will have finally say in border negotiations.

"Perhaps you would consider representing the East in the upcoming tournament? If you win and I become ruling khan, I will grant your alliance."

Sign me up.

"There is no choice," answered the Prince, "My people are desperate. We face not only Plegia's constant attacks, but now the added threat of the Risen. If fighting for you is the quickest way to an alliance, then we will take up our steel."

"Ha ha! Oh, I like you, Prince Chrom. I do hope you survive the tournament! Come, I'll show you the arena where the tournament is held. But be wary! I hear an equally able swordsman champions the West-Khan." Flavia opened the doors to a battle arena.

This is just like a gladiator performance.

"Hm? Phil, did you say something? What's a 'gladiator'?" Chrom stood confused by words I accidently said out loud.

"Well, you see, where I'm from – oh nevermind. We got a tournament to win!" as I catched myself from a slip up.

Three days later and too much meat and drinks, the tournament started. The air in the arena felt electric. All seats in the audience were filled up and the decibels were ear-piercing. The dark setting had many torches around the walls as the only source of light.

He was staring at us, like knowing we would arrive…

"Chrom! Look!" pointed Lissa.

"I see him…" acknowledged Chrom.

Marth didn't say a word, not even when the exalt wanting to ask a question. Drawing his sword first left Chrom disorderly as he stood frozen.

"Where did you get that? There's no way..."

Then the identical Falchions clanged together, steel on steel. Both swordsmen moved and struck flawlessly. No one had an edge on the opponent. The crowd, deafening as ever, loved ever moment of the battle. The blue Prince jumped in the air and did three impossible somersaults.

"Tell me—" stirred Chrom, "Who taught you to fight like that?"

Marth copied his exact move.

Impossible. It's like they are superhuman.

"My father!" yelled out the petite boy.

And with that, the rest of the Shepherds did battle alongside Chrom. The eight Feroxi were no joke; matching every blow with a good counter. The only way to win was to counter their counter. Stahl held his own against two. Fredrick took down his opponent. Vaike showed off his muscles while using his axe. I blasted two with lightning magic. Miriel also used magic, but she confided in fire. Lissa hung back and healed us whenever necessary. But all eyes were on Chrom and the masked fighter.

"Who is your father?" asked the prince.
"I've said enough for one day, sir," answered Marth with a slash of the sword.
"Hmph. Is that how it is? Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you."
"Heh, never expected such youthful arrogance... We shall see who shames who!"

The sound of steel on steel ringed in the arena. After all the Feroxi yielded, the Shepherds and I watched Chrom and Marth finish it out. Chrom came with a feint and knocked Marth down, forcing him to surrender.

"Impressive...if not surprising," dusting off himself while getting up.

The two khans came down from their thrones to congratulate the victors. Needless to say, Flavia was overjoyed and Basilio, the west khan, was grumbling to himself and had the look of a defeated man as if he was actually in the brawl. The grizzly dark man stuck out his hand to Chrom, "I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power! You're handy with a sword, boy. I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man."

Chrom shook his hand with a strong grip, "Pleasure to meet you. What do you know of the masked man?"

The west khan rubbed his strong chin, "You mean that 'Marth'? Bah! He's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat. It was love at first sight, and I'm generally too old for such things! Baha! Anyway, he's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended."

Yup. No sign of Marth, just leaving without a word. How polite.

I had to snap Lissa out of her daydream of Marth, but another eye-catching man approached us.

"This is Lon'qu, my former champion. Not much for talking, mind you, but he's peerless with a sword. As good as Marth, in my mind. To be honest, I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly."

Lissa had new eye candy and ogled over a different man. Can't say I blame her though. Nice features, looked really strong. He will make a fine Shepherd. As she walked up to him, he coward back, "Away, woman!"

"Ba ha ha!" laughed Basilio, "Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge. Nonetheless, he is capable. Perhaps he even has the makings of a khan. Consider him West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean cause."

Chrom asked for permission for the reclusive man to join the Shepherds, and neither the west khan nor Lon'qu had no objection, "He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear."

Now that is a cool guy.

On that exchange, we stayed at Regna Ferox overnight. I used that time to talk to Chrom while everyone else was asleep.

"Can I ask you something, Chrom?" I asked curiously.
"Uh-oh. Should I be nervous?" answered the exalt.
"When you found me collapsed and without memory, why did you take me in?"
"Well...Because you were collapsed and without memory?" the prince was thrown off guard.
"That's it? Pity was your reason?" I needed to know more, a better reason.
"Isn't that enough?"
"Did you never stop to consider if it was some kind of trap?" Not like it was, but I was taught not to trust strangers.
"Heh, that's what I have Frederick for." Chrom ran a hand in his hair.
"But why didn't—"
"Phil, if I see someone hurt or in need, I'm going to help them. That's just who I am, and there's no changing it. Or would you rather I'd left you there, face down in the muck?" his eyes seemed to glare into my soul.
"No, of course not. I'm thankful for what you did, I truly am. But it scares me all the same. Chivalry and longevity don't often go hand in hand."
"Ha! I wish I had a gold coin for every time I got this lecture."
"I can only offer advice, I'm afraid. You really should be more careful in the future."
"I'm sorry, but no. If it happened again today, I'd do the same exact thing."
"But—" as I opened my mouth to rebuttal but I was cut off.
"Peace, Phil. I have heard your counsel, and I know you mean well. But as I said, this is who I am. I can't change that, nor would I want to."
"I...I understand. If that is your decision, then so be it. Just do try and be careful, Chrom. For my peace of mind, if not your own?" Maybe I was too sleepy. I should just listen to him and trust his word. I want him to trust me, anyways.
"I will. I promise. Good night, Phil," and the prince left to his quarters.

I let out a sigh. Ok, I trust you, Chrom. Not like I had a choice, he did promise me. But will you trust me when I fully reveal myself?