Chapter Seventeen

I woke up in a cold sweat. Dazed and confused, I regained myself while looking around. No fields, no dirt, no dark skies, and no monsters.

Just a dream, thank goodness.

A knock from outside; a different kind of darkness enters.

"Oh, it is you."

"Yeah, so? Am I not allowed to check up on you when you screamed bloody murder?"

"Tharja, I didn't – "

"Yes, you did, and probably the entire camp is awake now." I didn't remember screaming at all and now felt embarrassed. Plus the fact, I didn't want Tharja to continue stalking me.

"Whatever…hey isn't Henry around to bother you? I'm sure he is missing you and your…" I couldn't think of any positive adjectives to describe someone so weird.

"My what? My voluptuous body? Is that what you were about to say? Please, tell me more hmm." Tharja was sticking out her chest and laughing, trying to get a reaction out of me.

"Nope. And not going to work on me. Especially not tonight."

"Aww, did my little Phil have a bad dream? I can put a hex on whomever did that to you."

"No thanks. I'll be fine."

"Let me guess," Tharja put a finger to her lips, "was it about little miss sunshine? Cordelia? I bet it was. But just tell me, why her over me? She has Chrom…but you can have me."

"No…if I tell you what's wrong, will you just leave me alone?"

She seemed unimpressed. "Fine."

So, I told her my dream and then motioned my hands to shoo away.

"Hmm, interesting. You must have a thing for women with reddish hair. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

"Haven't heard that one before. Now, off to Henry with you and go have a wizard fight." I looked away from her, trying to go back to sleep with only few hours left before dawn.

"Wait, how did you know of our wizard fight!? Curse that man!"

"Lucky guess." Or me knowing that Henry and Tharja were actually a thing and they didn't even realize that yet. Plus the fact that Henry was yelling "wizard fight" earlier in the night helped my cause. At least Tharja left and I could finally get some rest. Or attempt to.

The march to Fort Steiger didn't take long, but with lack of good sleep for some time, it felt much longer than a week. It also didn't help that Chrom and Fredrick were trading glances at me. Tharja ratted me out, I'm sure of it. They asked if I was battle-ready and I said yes because I did feel ready and wanted to fight so I could clear my mind. That, and the poker games kept me distracted. It was nice to have companions that were up for a game when not training, even if they kept busting my balls. At one point, Vaike wore a red wig and Stahl dressed up like a Rosanne maid.

Apparently, word travels fast. Darn that Tharja.

When we got to the fortress, we all stopped and stared in front of the entrance. Flavia broke the noisiness of the wind on a beautiful day, "Damn! Look at those walls. This isn't going to be easy." The walls and the rest of the architecture were impressive, but Say'ri knew of a secret tunnel inside.

"All we have to do is take out the commander. Chrom will lead the small task force inside while the rest wait outside for the Resistance to arrive."

Simple enough, sure, just allow the commander to lay down and die.

"Something amiss, Phil." Fredrick glared at me with arms folded.

"No, Fredrick, let's roll."

Many poor lighten rooms filled the castle, as each turn lead to more Valmese soldiers. Gauis was able to pick-pocket the chests while the rest were occupied, although I preferred that he would fight instead of stealing items.

Despite gaining ground and seeing the throne room, the faces on everyone cried for a break. I could use water myself as concentration on magic spells were taking a toll.

"Milord, the Resistance has arrived!" Say'ri came up to the group huffing. Her expression didn't seem cheerful, though.

"Great! More help is welcomed."

"Umm, not quite…" I pointed at several of the Resistance soldiers. Growls and scowls demanded blood, but the blood of the Shepherds.

"Say'ri, I thought they were on our side?"

"Milord Chrom, I wish I could say so, but something went wrong…"

White flash blinded all those around. A grotesque figure shown up and flipped its hair. "Oh, it appears I'm just in time for the Rebellion reunion! How delightful. Please, do give your 'friends' your warmest welcome."

Excellus. A sad excuse for a human being; known to torture anyone who got in the way of Walhart. The Valmese tactician gave a sinister glare to Chrom then commanded the Chon'sin traitors to attack. The guilt fed on the mind of Say'ri, but the Exalt prince grabbed her shoulder. No time for remorseful.

"Ahk! No time for explanation. Arm yourselves, we got more enemies ahead!"

Say'ri and the rest of the Shepherds obeyed and thrashed at all angles. Excellus noticed the emotions on the Chon'sin warrior as he watched from a safe distance, "It seems we've touched a nerve! I do so enjoy inappropriate touching. Now be good little servants and scrub the stronghold of Ylissean filth." And with that, another lightning flash from magic transported the worm to the Valmese commander of the fort.

Pheros yelled at the tactician, "What is this meddling, Excellus?!"

"Don't be ungrateful, this 'meddling' is going to save your post, and quite possibly your life." Snarked the fat man.

The bickering went on for far too long, not even recognizing the advancement of the Ylisseans and allies. With the clashing of weapons ringing in the ears of the high rankers, Excellus once again used his magic to vanish. Pheros was left alone and furious. "Odious freak. He has no honor. Just the sight of him makes me sick." She sighed and regripped her tome. A bolganone fireball released, missing the targets. When the Ylissean army reached at the floor steps, Lissa saw Pheros and gasped, "Ahh! Brother, look! It's Pheros!"

Chrom was puzzled and shrugged, "Hmm? Should I know her?"

The Valkyrie general gnashed her teeth, "Fool! I once served at your household! How dare you invade my dwelling and pay no respects! I will kill all those whom serve the false goddess Naga over the real god amongst men!"

Lissa filled in the blanks for her sibling, "Chrom, she once was a priestess that worshipped Naga. Remember the one service she hosted when Priest Howard fell ill? That is her…in all her former glory, if you can even call that." Lissa made an inappropriate gesture to the disgraced commander. The wheels clicked in Chrom's head as he began to remember Pheros.

"Former glory? I will win the day and get all the glory as I take the head of your leader and prove the god here is Walhart!" Pheros shot another fireball at the Shepherds, knocking Fredrick and Donnel backwards and slamming against the stone wall. Lissa quickly healed them after throwing a small fireball herself. The distraction provided a timely hit from the Falchion on the Valmese woman, creating a burning cut on her right thigh.

"Gah!" Pheros knelled whilst swinging madly her staff as her spellbook was knocked out of her hand.

"Should I feel pity for a fallen priestess? Answer now!" Chrom aimed his sword at her throat. Vaike, Sully, and Lon'qu restrained her while Miriel cast a hex to prevent her from using any more fire magic.

"Never!" The Valkyrie coughed and huffed, "I'll never go back to serving you nor Naga again! Long live the Conqueror!"

The last words fell on deaf ears as her head left her body. Chrom's eyes watered, and I shook him. "Buddy, no use crying for the dead, especially traitorous vermin. She and the rest of the Resistance got what they deserve. Valm won't weep for you if you fell, so don't for them." I turned around to face Say'ri, "Same goes for you, Say'ri. The time now is not for mourning, but for focus on another enemy…you know too well whom. And he won't give you mercy."

Say'ri acknowledged right away I was referring to her brother. "Fie, it is true. And at this moment, I don't have a brother. Yen'fay is a shell of his former self. Come, let's regroup and discuss the next plan."

I smiled. I am glad she got it. As much as I wanted to believe Yen'fay could be redeemed, I couldn't risk the health of my companions if he were to backstab. There was enough of that today.

Retracing our way outside the castle, the eerie stillness felt wrong. The skies were now cloudy, but no wind. The silence was deafening until the sound of armor came upon. A Feroxi soldier panted as he approached Chrom. "Milord! Dire news! Our forces to the north and south have been decimated by Walhart and Yen'fay! What's worse, most of the survivors have turned their coats for the empire!"

"Even more traitors? Not even going to ask how it could be worse." I didn't want to hear more, so I went to the back of the group.

I faintly heard the words I attempted to ignore, but I could clearly hear the deep-voiced Basilio, "So much for fortune favoring the bold. This war was lost before it even began."

I grew frustrated. This was not a losing war. I knew better. Not counting the several Ylissean casualties and Emmeryn, anyone would say the fighting over the years was successful, but I didn't feel the contentment. My thoughts still lingered to Ricken and Maribelle and the Exalt. This was not a losing war against Valm, not on my watch. I wasn't sure if I was in the best state of mind, but I didn't care. I came up with a plan.

"You have something to say, Phil?" Chrom must have heard my muttering.

"Yes. We need to leave, now. See those red flags in the distance?" I pointed to several Valmese banners, followed up by legions of men and women wearing the unmissable uniforms.

"If we stay, we'll be trapped for a certainty. If we intend to escape, now is our best chance."

Chrom didn't respond well, "But we can't keep running forever. How do we hope to turn the tide?"

"Go charge after Walhart or Yen'fay."

Everyone thought I was joking, so I added on, "Before the two forces join together, we must deliver blows first, which is why we attack both."

That didn't go over well, especially with Flavia and Basilio. Flavia spoke first, "Our army lies in tatters, yet you would divide it by half?!"

Basilio was equally upset, "With smaller forces? We couldn't defeat him with double our entire number."

Hands went up in defense, "Now hold on, I never said we would divide the army in half nor say we would defeat Walhart. We will distract Walhart by sending a small task unit to Walhart's direct, not intending for physical conflict. We need a bold general with unparallel skill and bravery…" The group turned and glanced towards the dark man.

"Stop, you're embarrassing me…I'll do it, just stop with the compliments, Phil." Basilio stood tall.

"No time for japes, Basilio."

"He is being serious, Phil, so let him has his moment." Flavia intervened.

"And I like my steaks well done." Basilio wanted one more joke.

"Fine. The remaining loyal Resistance force travel with the Khans. The Shepherds will head south for Yen'fay…Say'ri, are you sure you can fight alongside us against…him?" I was genuinely concerned for the mental well-being for her. I couldn't even fathom swinging a sword at my biological brother. We never had any fights in my old world. But the Chon'sin are a tough bunch, so when she assured me, I dropped the subject.

Basilio started on his way, leading his faction, "Then it's settled. I'll make preparations and be off. Keep Chrom safe."

"Godspeed." I nodded.

Warning Basilio earlier of avoiding Walhart's army put on ease on my mind, but not everyone else. A glimpse of Blue hair went by the wayside, "Stop!" Lucina grabbed the belt of the big man, "I cannot allow you to go, Khan Basilio. You will die in this battle. I know it for truth!"

Lucina, wait! I know what I am doing.

Unamused, Basilio answered, "You know, lass, you have a strange way of saying good-bye. All right, then. Who is it? Who kills me? Is it Walhart himself? Please say yes. It'd make a poor song to die at the end of some farmer's pitchfork."

Lucina looked down, clinching her fists, trying not to show sadness, "Yes, it was Walhart. Or so goes the story I heard. We must change our plans so fate cannot take this course!"

"Are you calling Phil a liar and traitor, Lucina?" Chrom looked concerned. I could feel the eyes of many on me. Did I really have to explain myself even more than I have? I didn't have the energy, but guilt was starting to take over. Negative thoughts and self-doubting raced to the forefront of my brain.

Just take the army as one unit and go south then maybe you can rest.

Nope, this is the plan, I'm sticking to it, stubborn and all.

"All I needed to know. Thank you much, lass. I'll be careful."

"Y-you're still going? But I just told you—"

"Aye, I heard you just fine. But someone still has to stall his division from advancing. If he's the one that kills me, well then, I'll just avoid confronting him. You don't grow this old and handsome without knowing how to avoid trouble."

Flavia grunted. "Don't worry, love, he'll be fine. He'll have me to keep an eye on him."

Lucina tried one last time to prevent their going, begging the khan, "But please, your future! You must—"

"'Please' yourself. Not another word. I fully intend to outlive all of you. Just see if I don't. And as for your 'future,' it can kiss my big brown Feroxi arse!" And with that remark, the Khans left, leaving a tearful blunette on her knees. No one laughed at Basilio's comment as some Shepherds considered if this was the last time they would see the big oaf. Murmurs carried in the wind and questions were aroused.

I know this is the best plan for action…right?

"Then it is settled, we move around the Risen and meet the southern army at this point." Chrom dismissed those in the meeting tent. Fredrick, Chrom and I stayed around for a while. "You know, the others speak of uncertainty in your plan. I try my best, but the rumors –"

"That is all they are. Rumors." Fredrick held up a left hand. "I, myself, admit there is doubting, but you've led us thus far. I pray that you are not wrong." I could feel Fredrick being wary once more. I still haven't gotten used to his worrisome nature, but few are more supportive and reasonable.

"I pray so, as well, Freddy. Now, if you excuse me, I should get back. I'm on cooking duty with Stahl this evening." I unfolded the flap and almost ran into the Rosanne duo. "Oh, excuse me, Virion. Cherche."

"How delightful to see you again, Phil. My, are we in a rush? No need to be, I always make time for an eloquent conversation with all Shepherds, especially the tactician. Lord Chrom has chosen well to place fully trust in you –"

"Dear Virion, don't you think you are rambling on again?" Cherche gave one scary look at the purple haired man. Even I was slightly unnerved.

"Ah, my Cherche, so fair and so true! Alas, I take part and leave my farewells as the archest of archers takes a bow. The supper calls soon as I prepare and my hope is to see you –"

"LEAVE!" Cherche and I both yelled. And Virion ran off on command.

I turned to the woman, "Well, that was a something. I know he means well…"

"He is covering up his feelings," Cherche exclaimed. "He is having doubts as well as few others. It is difficult to understand why you split up our army, but I trust there's a reason for it."

"Sure, I understand. I hear the muttering among the gang, but you'll see in time, everything will be ok and we will end this war."

Her face seemed concerned though. "Yes."

I continued, "I have a feeling of your concern of Rosanne? I will do my best to see it's restoration."

That made matters worse as she shed a tear. 'My homeland…I'm not even sure is still standing. I have made you aware of the Valmese invading my territory and Virion fleeing. I had no choice but to leave as well and see to his safety. I wanted to stay but…"

"But then you may have survived. Or worse fates may have occurred. You did what you could and personally, I am grateful to see you alive, as well as Minerva. You two mean a lot to…the Shepherds. Your strength is very helpful. You have my full support."

Cherche smiled. "Thank you." I could tell something else was on her mind.

"And if I am correct in assumption, there's another person here that is grateful for you in coming to Archanea." I look around to find him.

"Oh stop! Everyone has been so kind to me, you are making up –"

"Lon'qu."

The name made her gasped. "So, you've been watching us?" She made accusing eyes.

"No, I haven't been stalking, if that's what you imply. Just observant. In any matter, I am glad he has open up to you and is less afraid arounf the women."

"No, he still has his moments, but he is quite comfortable around me. And even Minerva."

"I can tell. To be honest, he is a lucky man."

"Oh, please! He has yet to propose to me, but I hope it is soon…"

"Ah, so you do have feelings for him. And to think, you were actually flirting with me."

Cherche giggled. "Perhaps. I admire you, Phil, but I am a one-man lady and Lon'qu is my guy."

Gut-wrenching but not unexpected. Besides, I would consider myself a one-lady man myself. Or I keep telling myself that. I believe it, considering I doubted I'd ever see my wife back home ever again. And the fact that Chrom is married to…her. Why even try to convince myself I would ever be with Cordelia? Why can't I just let her go? Chrom is a great guy and both are very happy. Practically inseparable, she still sighs being with him. Both are friends of mine and I don't want to ruin their relationship. And besides, attempting to fill an imaginary void looking for a new partner is useless and wrong. Almost everyone is partnered up now, even those that don't realize it yet, like Tharja and Henry. Heck, even Virion has that playful manakete. Super weird to think about, I shuttered.

Just forget about finding someone, Phil. You have an important job to do: protect the Shepherds, defeat Walhart and prevent Grima from total destruction. Everything and everyone else are very secondary.

I nodded to Cherche, "Well, I got to run. I'm on dinner duty. See you around. Give greetings to Minerva for me."

"Ok, bye, Phil…oh, do you want that chance to pet my Minervykins?"

Before I could answer, I waved and ran as fast as I could. Ignoring my duties would result in a scolding from Fredrick. Or worse, be led on by Cherche and her flirty ways. Lon'qu was a great choice for her and I need to respect that. I swore I thought she winked at me as I left. Whatever, I need to focus. Too much is at stake.

So, I gathered my thoughts and never considered Cherche as more than a friend, even if that meant never getting riding lessons on a wyvern. Lon'qu is a good man.

I wish I could say the same for a certain Pegasus rider, but fate proved otherwise.