The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 9
Twin Blades
Ben took an enormous bite from the bird leg he had gripped in his left hand. The flavor burst through his mouth. Hints of various herbs and smoke that set his taste buds on fire and caused warmth to flood through his body. He had barely finished chewing the first bite when he began to devour a second.
To his left, Lissa giggled.
"It's like you've never eaten a chicken before."
All of the other Shepherds had already made their way to the champion's box in the Coliseum. A balcony that overlooked the arena floor and allowed only a Khan and those they considered friends to be in. Flavia had insisted that the Shepherd's sit with her. Especially since their leader was risking his life in order to win her the right to lead Regna Ferox.
Upon arrival though, Lissa complained about being hungry. Frederick offered to take her to one of the market stalls near the Coliseum's base. And upon hearing the mention of food, Ben had felt his own stomach growl. He had yet to eat today. So he joined Frederick and Lissa on their quest to find food.
There were so many strange delicacies that Ben had never seen or heard of before. Stews, smoked meat, a root called potatoes appeared to be a staple in Regna Ferox. He had asked a merchant about them. After a strange look, the merchant explained that they were easy to grow in the wintry conditions, so they became the local favorite. Which made sense to the Jedi Master. Traditional agriculture in these harsh conditions had to be nearly impossible. Especially without the technology of the wider galaxy to assist.
It did not surprise him that he did not know the cuisine of this planet. Each planet seemed to have their own diverse diet. No matter where he went, there was always something interesting to eat. But the people of Regna Ferox and Ylisse seemed to take great pride in their ability to prepare food. The strawberry cake he had back at the Shepherd's barracks was still on his mind, even as he ate the delicious bird leg in his hand.
He took another ravenous bite and Lissa laughed out loud.
"Slow down, Ben." She said, "You don't want to accidentally bite into the bone."
Ben gulped, "Sorry. It's just so delicious."
"It is indeed." Frederick said behind him, "If there is one thing the Feroxi know how to do other than fight, it is cook meat."
Ben nodded, "It is much better than that bear."
Lissa shivered, "Don't even get me started on that incident. I prefer not to relive it."
Frederick chuckled behind her, "Still not used to the rough and tumble of the wild, Princess?"
"I'm getting better at it!" Lissa stamped her foot, "I managed to walk the entire distance here without having to be carried by anyone."
Ben nodded, "A tremendous accomplishment for someone who is, what did Chrom say... delicate?"
To Ben's surprise, Frederick uttered a small laugh at his remark while Lissa cast him a hard, sidelong glance.
"I am not delicate!" She frowned before folding her arms over her chest.
"Whatever you say." Ben chuckled as the group reached the stairs they had to climb. Once Lissa looked up at the massive flights, she paled.
"Um Frederick."
"Yes milady?" Frederick replied as he took the first few steps.
Lissa raised her arms. Frederick sighed and hoisted her up onto his back. Ben's jaw fell open as the Knight raced up the stairs with the Princess on his back. The Jedi eventually shook himself from his stupor and finished the last bite of his chicken.
"Indeed." He chuckled to himself, "Not delicate at all."
Frederick easily beat him to the Champion's box despite having to carry Lissa the entire way. When Ben arrived, Sully turned and punched him in the arm.
"About time you showed up!" Sully grinned as Ben rubbed his arm.
"Ben! Ben!" Stahl called from the balcony railing, "Who do you think is going to win the match. I'm taking bets."
"Are you seriously gambling as to whether Captain Chrom will be victorious or not?" Miriel asked, "I think the solution to your questions would be rather obvious given our allegiances."
Stahl shrugged, "Vaike bet against him."
Miriel sighed and hung her head, "Of course he did."
Ben chuckled to himself. Vaike had the biggest, most innocent grin on his face as he became the victim of Miriel's chagrin. He doubted Vaike meant anything by it. Most likely it was a joke on the part of their ax wielding companion.
That or he really did not understand the concept of betting. Ben shrugged those thoughts to the side as he made his way over to Robin, who was leaning against the railing beside Khan Flavia.
"Anything happen while I was gone?"
Robin shrugged, "Some exhibition duels. A battle reenactment. Nothing too important."
"But it was awesome!" Flavia said with a massive grin.
Robin nodded, "The battle reenactment was very interesting. The tactics the Feroxi used during that battle were pretty ingenious."
"Tactics schmatics." Flavia dismissed, "Point is, we kicked ass!"
Ben laughed. Leave it to a leader of warriors to not worry about the details.
"Enjoyed the Arena markets?" Robin asked.
Ben nodded, "It was quite interesting. I think I saw a stand with some caged animals I did not recognize."
"Probably a trader from Valm." Flavia noted, "They have some very strange creatures in that land."
Ben nodded in understanding, "I also became acquainted with Feroxi cuisine. Needless to say, I was impressed."
Flavia let out a loud laugh, "You may talk like that flower boy but at least you eat like a man!"
Ben raised an eyebrow, "Flower boy?"
"She has been teasing Virion non stop for his speech patterns." Robin explained, "Eventually settled on calling him Flower boy."
"There were other names?"
"I'd rather not repeat them."
"Ah."
The crowd hushed. Suddenly, Flavia's relaxed demeanor changed. In an instant she looked tense. As if readying herself for a battle. Ben glanced at her in confusion before looking down at the center of the arena.
Striding out to the center was a hulk of a man. He had the traditional dark complexion of the Feroxi people. But he was also much larger than almost any other Feroxi warrior Ben had seen. His arms were easily the size of Ben's head. And he stood a full head taller than the two guards that were at his sides. The top of his head was bald. Several scars ran along his face, showing the results of battles that he had managed to survive. He did not bother with armor, like Flavia. Instead he strode out with the same confidence as Vaike. And strapped to his hip was a massive ax. It was so large, that Ben doubted he could even lift it.
Ben cast a glance at Robin and saw the tactician's eyes wide in surprise. He had come to the same conclusion as Ben. This man in the center of the arena was the Western Khan, Basilio.
A sly smile crossed Ben's lips before he nudged Robin's shoulder.
"Hey Robin."
"Wh-what?"
"He's just missing the chest hair."
Robin's cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
"What does he mean by that?" Flavia asked.
"N-nothing!" Robin exclaimed as Ben chuckled.
Flavia just shrugged, "Very well." She stared down at the Western Khan as the man cleared his throat to speak.
"Feroxi!" Bailio thundered before pounding a fist against his bare chest.
His voice was powerful. Full of force and authority. A confidence that bordered on arrogance. The man grinned as the crowd that had filled the coliseum roared. He raised his hands and the crowd went silent.
"The time has come once again, for the ruling Khan to be decided!" Basilio boomed, "As is tradition, both myself and my companion, the East Khan, have chosen our champions. And while Flavia merely selected her champion, mine was chosen by the only true test of a warrior. Combat!"
Flavia grit her teeth at the obvious taunt.
"Oh that oaf is going to hear it from me later." Flavia huffed, "When I'm the one ruling Regna Ferox and he is just the West Khan."
"Have you been the ruling Khan before?" Ben asked.
Flavia scowled, "No. He's always had the better champion. But that changes today."
"With that being said, will the champion's step forward!"
The crowd roared and the Shepherd's cheered as Chrom emerged from a tunnel in the arena. He wore his usual travel clothes. Opting for speed and agility instead of the extra protection armor would have provided him. It was a decision that irked Frederick, but Ben and Robin both understood the rationale. The knight had offered Chrom his own armor to use, but Chrom had just laughed and seemingly reminded Frederick of a saying he was often told.
"Never trust a set of armor that is not your own."
"Do you know who the champion for the West Khan is?" Robin asked Flavia.
Flavia shook her head, "Not a damn clue."
"Robin look!" Lissa cried as she pointed to the tunnel opposite of Chrom.
Ben and Robin's eyes widened in surprise. Striding out towards the center of the arena, was the slim but confident masked warrior, Marth.
"How did he get here?" Robin wondered out loud.
"He does have a tendency to follow us doesn't he?" Ben noted.
"That is most concerning to me." Frederick scowled.
"Hey! Isn't that the guy who helped us back in the southern forest?" Sully asked before grinning, "Alright! This is going to be one hell of a fight. Stahl, I'm thinking about changing my bet."
Ben had to agree with Sully. Chrom had already proven himself to be a very capable warrior. Marth on the other hand, had shown swordsmanship skills that had thoroughly impressed Ben, despite the small sample size. Ben rubbed his chin. And to his delight, he felt some whiskers starting to appear.
"Ben, as our expert swordsman, how do you think this battle will go?" Virion asked.
Ben's lips pressed together. If he were to be honest, he did not know.
….
Chrom stared across the arena, surprised by his opponent. He had expected another Feroxi warrior. One who was just as skilled as Raimi perhaps. That battle at the Longfort had been one of the most difficult in his young life. But he did not expect Marth to come striding out from the West Khan's tunnel. He had not seen much of the man outside of their brief encounter in the forests south of Ylisse. And during that encounter, he did not have any time to size him up. He had been too busy defending Lissa from the first of the Risen monsters.
He wished he had Robin or Ben with him right now. Those two never missed a single important detail. Robin would be able to provide him with tactical knowledge. How best to approach a battle against a fairly unknown opponent. Ben would be able to give him advice of sword combat. The newest member of the shepherd's had quickly risen in Chrom's mind as possibly the best swordsman in the group. Easily matching himself and Frederick in terms of pure skill.
Bailio beamed at both Champions.
"May the best warrior win!" He bellowed.
And the crowd roared. Chrom cast a glance up at the Shepherd's box.
Khan Flavia's eyes were narrowed. Focused. Obviously nervous about the possible outcomes of this battle. She desperately wished to win. Ben and Robin were both whispering to each other. And Chrom had to laugh a little. Those two were growing close. And there was no doubt in his mind that they were discussing the very tactics and techniques that Chrom wished they could share with him right now.
Frederick had a large frown on his face. He had been like that most of the day. When Chrom had told him about the agreement he had reached with Khan Flavia, the Knight had protested fiercely. So much so that Chrom had to silence him with an order. Something the young prince did not like to do. Lissa looked concerned but hopeful as she stood beside Frederick. She was confident in Chrom, but also aware that he faced what could be a deadly opponent.
The other shepherds had large smiles on their faces, with the exception of Sumia, who was just as worried as Frederick. But she was far less vocal about it.
Basilio stepped out of the way of the two champions. He pointed at both and smiled.
"Ready?" He asked.
Chrom returned his attention to Marth. His opponent had a grim expression on his face. A seriousness that concerned Chrom. If Marth was going to be that serious about this duel, then he would be too.
Chrom nodded at Basilio. Marth gave a small nod as well.
"Then what are you two waiting for! Fight!"
In a flash Chrom drew Flachion and charged across the open space. He had to press his advantage. For Marth to backpedal and be thrown off balance. He did not know how Marth fought. And unknowns concerned him. Better to end this quickly before Marth could unviel any surprises on him.
Chrom's reared back and swung Falchion hard at Marth, who had yet to draw his own blade. Was he just going to let Chrom strike him? Why was he not defending himself?
Chrom's eyes widened. At the last moment, Marth flipped over Chrom and Falchion. Easily landing on the behind him. Chrom spun and caught a lightning fast slash from Marth's blade. A blade that made Chrom's heart stop.
Falchion rested in Marth's hands. But it could not be the same Falchion. There was only one in existence. And it had always resided in the Exalt of Ylisse's line. But the blade was unmistakable in its design. Unless someone had managed an impressive copy, then Marth's weapon was indeed another Falchion.
Chrom grit his teeth, "There's no way." He growled before shoving Marth's strike back.
He raised Falchion over his head and chopped down at Marth. The nimble fighter rolled out of the way then spun, swinging Falchion in a savage arc at Chrom's neck. Chrom shuddered as the twin Falchions collided in a shower of sparks. The metal shrieking as the two yanked their blades away from each other before engaging in a vicious back and forth battle.
For such a lithe figure, Marth fought with a surprising about of power. Each strike he delivered made the bones and joints in Chrom's arms shake. But Chrom did manage to return the favor. He could see Marth struggling against his own strikes. He did not seem surprised by Chrom's martial ability. Rather, he seemed shocked by the tenacity that Chrom was fighting with.
He obviously does not know what I am fighting for. Chrom thought to himself as his thoughts drifted back to the Shepherds watching him from above.
Their blades clashed once again. They struggled against each other. Each trying to out muscle and gain more leverage over the other. Marth grit his teeth. Chrom sucked in a breath as Marth freed one hand and sent a punch at Chrom's face.
The Ylissean prince scrambled out of the way of the blow. Allowing Marth some space to breath for a moment.
He was fighting like an acrobat. Dashing, spinning, and flipping around Chrom in an erratic way that gave the Prince pause. He had never seen a fighting style like this before. But as powerful and unpredictable as it was, Chrom could see that it was starting to wear on Marth.
His breathing was heavy. Labored even. The physical exertion of his fighting must be enormous. But how could Marth fight in such away. He wasn't a physical specimen at all. Just skinny. Such a fighting style would need strengthened muscles and enormous amounts of stamina. Chrom lowered Falchion.
"Tell me. Where did you learn to fight like that?" he asked Marth as they both caught their breath.
Marth took a deep breath, "At first my father." She answered, "But when he died, I had a great sword master teach me."
Chrom nodded, "Do you mind telling me who this sword master is?" He might want to learn a little himself.
Marth shook his head, "You wouldn't know of him."
Chrom quickly raised Falchion as Marth executed an impossible leap over his head. At the same time, the masked warrior slashed down at him. Chrom's elbows buckled as their blades collided. He stumbled, eyes wide in realization.
Marth had caught him off balance.
The masked warrior landed and spun. His own Falchion singing through the air as it made its way towards Chrom's hip.
Instead of panic, a sense of calm took over Chrom. He would not be defeated here. Not when he was so close to accomplishing his mission. And fancy acrobatic and a style of swordplay he did not know would not stop him.
In a move so unpredictable that Marth ended up tripping over himself, Chrom dropped to the ground. Marth's blade passed over his head, missing him by a hair's breadth. As Marth tripped forward, Chrom buried Flachion's pommel into the other man's gut. He heard the air rush from his opponents lungs. Marth collapsed to the ground. Before he could regather his wits, Chrom placed Falchion's tip at his neck.
"Yield." he growled through heavy breaths.
Marth sighed, "Impressive. If not unexpected." His Falchion rolled out of his hand and into the dirt.
….
Ben watched the duel wide eyed. That fighting style. He knew that fighting style almost anywhere. His hands gripped the balcony railing so tight that his knuckles were starting to go white.
Where did Marth learn to fight like that? How was he able to perform the acrobatics such a fighting style required. Only a Jedi was capable of the physical exertion and spatial awareness that Ataru required.
And it was not an amateurish application for the form either. Marth was an expert. Pulling off some of the more complex techniques that form four of lightsaber combat had to offer. Executing attacks while flipping and spinning through the air. He had Chrom completely off balance. The Ylissean Prince appeared to be on the defensive for the entire duel.
But that no longer concerned Ben. He did not wish to see his friend injured, but there was an anxiety that crept into him. Was he wrong about this planet? Was there a nation that did have access to the wider galaxy? How else could Marth know how to fight like that?
Chrom fought well, but in Ben's mind, it was already decided. He was not going to win this battle. Chrom was a straight ahead warrior. A philosophy of combat similar to Anakin's. Attack the enemy with brutal efficiency and effectiveness. Beat them into submission. But his unfamiliarity with Marth's fighting style was proving to be a major weakness. One Marth was exploiting to the fullest.
But how!? Ben thought to himself as his eyes remained glued to the frantic duel below, Only a Jedi can make those flips without a running start? Only the force can-
His eyes widened even further. Of course! How could he be so blind! Ben took a breath and closed his eyes. He delved into the realm of the force. In an instant, he could feel every being in the champion's box with him. Sense their emotions. Their anxieties, their worries, their confidence, and their hopes. It was a feeling unlike any other. It felt so clear that it surprised Ben.
Maybe the clarity was because the dark side of the force was not dominant on this world as it was in the galaxy. The rise of the Sith and destruction of the Jedi had sent the light retreating away. Rendering Ben and his fellow Jedi nearly blind during the closing days of the Clone Wars.
He moved on from those near him. Careful not to tip any off to what he was doing. He expanded his sight and feelings. The spirits of everyone in the coliseum were high. They were cheering. Roaring in delight as the a truly great duel was taking place before them. He could sense the sheer joy and fascination radiating from both Flavia and Basilio. The two warriors grinning in delight at the display of swordsmanship. Both confident that they would take the mantle of ruling Khan.
Then he reached the focus of his search. Chrom and Marth. Chrom was surprised, nervous even. And rightfully so. This was something new to him.
And to Ben's shock, Chrom's mind responded. He seemed to notice Ben, even if it was subconsciously. So much so, that Chrom's nervousness was replaced by a wave of calm. As that wave of calm hit Ben, the crowd roared. And Basilio's voice boomed once again. But not as proud as before.
"The champion for the East Khan is victorious!"
Ben did not open his eyes. He could sense the excitement and joy around him. Sumia and Frederick's relief were also very noticeable. But he was more focused on Marth. He attempted to sense the masked man's intentions.
Ben's brow furrowed. Man's intentions? Something was not right. He grimaced. Marth was not open like Chrom. He brushed against his mind and felt pushed back. Not a violent push back. But enough to get Ben's attention. Marth was not a malevolent person. He did not have evil intentions, as far as Ben could tell. But Ben was also very wary of him now. Marth was not unaware of his probing like Chrom was. He was very aware of what Ben was doing. And he was pushing back.
Ben's eyes snapped open and he sucked in a breath.
"Holding your breath the entire time too huh?" Robin nudged his elbow.
Ben blinked, "Um… yes. It was very intense."
"I've never seen anyone fight like Marth before." Flavia smiled, "Good thing your Prince is the better warrior."
Ben blinked in surprise. He had heard Basilio's declaration. But he did not believe it at first. Chrom was on the verge of being soundly beaten by Marth. How did he claim victory? Ben looked out onto the arena. The Shepherd's and Flavia had started to make their way out of the Champion's box so they could meet Chrom down below. But Ben remained where he was.
"Hey Ben!" Robin called from the box entry, "Are you ok?"
"Hm?" Ben was so lost in thought he did not notice he had remained completely still, "Yes. I'm fine. I'll meet you all down there in a moment."
Robin gave him a worried look.
"Don't take too long."
"I won't." Ben replied before watching Robin disappear down the stairs.
Ben rubbed his chin. There was far more to Marth than met the eye. And he was not going to be caught unawares by the warrior again. His cloak swept out behind him as he marched towards the stairs. But instead of following the Shepherds,he turned a different direction. Towards the area of the Coliseum that represented the West Khan.
….
Marth did not speak to anyone as he exited the Coliseum. There was no need to. What was done was done. He had managed to successfully enter into the Khan's duel. Beaten the Khan's former champion and battled Prince Chrom. A slight smile graced his pale lips.
That was a great battle. And he expected it would be. He knew of Prince Chrom's reputation as a swordsman. It preceded itself. He was glad that the rumors he had heard of the Prince's skills were not false. In his prime, Prince Chrom truly was a force to be reckoned with. It took almost all of his skill to force the Prince to nearly be defeated.
He just managed to be defeated at the last second. Marth gave all the credit to Chrom. The maneuver he used was brilliant. It had taken advantage of Marth's aggressive fighting style and caused it to backfire. It had been a good many years since someone had bested him one on one.
Marth sighed and looked up at the night sky. He had not realized the day had gone by so quick. He could already see the waning moon above him. In a few days, it would just be a crescent. Then the new moon would appear, and a new month would begin. Events were starting to move fast. Too fast.
Marth shook his head. He was confident in Chrom's abilities. The shepherd's prowess in battle was also well known to him. They would be ready for the tribulations to come.
He turned to make his way into the night. To dissapear without anyone noticing. As he passed one of the coliseum's stone columns, he got the sense of someone watching him.
"Leaving so soon?"
Marth froze. He turned to the column's shadows. Leaning up against the building was the Shepherd's newest member. A swordsman whose reputation was already building to legendary status thanks to his accomplishments at the Longfort. She recalled hearing some of Raimi's guards mentioning the mad Ylissean swordsman. A man who willingly jumped from flying Pegasi and battled whole groups of veteran soldiers by himself.
A man simply known as Ben.
Marth's lips pressed into a thin line. He could not be delayed. There was still so much to accomplish. So much to prevent. The war was coming. He had to make sure events swung in the light's favor.
"Yes." Marth answered as his hand gripped his blade.
Ben raised a hand, "There is no need for that. I am not going to stop you."
"Good." Marth replied before turning on his heel and starting to march away.
"But just so you know, Marth." The masked warrior paused as Ben spoke, "If you're going to be faking your voice like that, try to make it more convincing. Most men don't speak with such exaggerated tones."
Marth's heart stopped and the breath got stuck in her throat. She turned to look back at Ben. She swallowed hard. She should have known he'd figure it out. But she did not think he would have figured it out so quickly.
"No one else has figured it out." She said, keeping her voice low.
"That is because they weren't looking hard enough." Ben replied as he folded his arms into the sleeves of his cloak, "Also, sharpen your mental defenses. If I truly wanted to, I could have broken in."
Marth grit her teeth.
"Do you perceive me as a threat?"
"No. Not now at least." Ben replied, "I did not sense any treachery from you. But don't mistake that for me trusting you."
"I…" She swallowed again, worried that her cover was now blown, "I will keep that in mind." Her voice returning to it's normal sound. Not the exaggerated deep tone she had been attempting before.
Ben nodded, "You fought well. Who was your master?"
Ben saw the woman's face drop a little. She was sad. If he were to take a guess, behind the mask, her eyes were probably welling with tears. He could see her chin quivering ever so slightly.
"Nobody important." She choked before taking a deep breath. Doing her best to compose herself. "I must be going now."
Ben closed his eyes, "If you insist. Until we meet again, Marth."
Marth turned away from Ben. Neither opening their mouths to exchange any more words. She could feel the sensation of Ben watching her still as she strode away. She turned into an alley and disappeared from Ben's sight. Once she was sure she was far enough away from him, her shoulders sagged and she collapsed against the wall of a small hut.
She choked back some sobs. Resorting to quiet whimpering in the dark. She sniffed hard then looked at Falchion. The blade that had served as her strength for most of her life. She gripped the blade and took a deep breath. Forcing all the emotion, all of the sorrow and loss, back down into the depths of her being. Weakness could not be allowed right now. She would change the future. She would not fail.
She swallowed hard and took a shuddering breath.
"Yes, until we meet again."
And chapter! I thought about combining this chapter and the last one when I first wrote thought about them and outlined it. But it just did not feel the best for some reason. I guess I wanted to add a little more buildup to Chrom and Marth's duel rather than blow everything in one shot. I've made the mistake of making some arcs go to quick in previous stories I have written. So I guess I'm trying to prevent to story from going at breakneck pace. But that's just a personal opinion of mine. And I totally understand any criticism of that approach. Any criticism is good in my mind. It makes me a better writer. And I really appreciate all the reviews. It gives me a lot of motivation to keep going with the story.
Anyways, this chapter is a big chapter in mind. It revealed a lot about one of our characters that will play an enormous role later down the line. Not just in the main Fire Emblem story line either. She's got much bigger role to play than that. And I'm excited to get this story going again.
My writer's block has broken for almost every project I'm working on. I've now cranked out two chapters of this story. My original novel is over twenty pages and twenty thousand words deep. And this story is over one hundred pages on my computer. I might have to open a new document in order to keep it from freezing all the time. Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!