The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 10
Setting the Game
Robin's smile broadened as he sat on a large sofa in Khan Flavia's personal quarters. The other shepherds were with him and Chrom in the room. Each one celebrating with the Khan. He took a breath and took a deep drink from the mug of ale that Flavia had personally given him when they had arrived to celebrate.
Robin recalled the events leading up to this wild party. They had all, with the exception of Ben, rushed down to congratulate Chrom on his victory in the duel with Marth. He remembered Basilio retreating away after congratulation Chrom as well. He mentioned something about getting some affairs in order for the transition of power and that he would stop by to congratulate Flavia later.
The Shepherd's had swarmed Chrom on the arena floor. Lissa had wrapped her arms tight around Chrom, thankful that he had won and was uninjured. Frederick has stood stoically to the side, but gave the Prince an approving nod. The Knight had been very impressed by Chrom's victory. Robin had recalled cheering for Chrom before gripping the Prince's hand. He should not have been surprised that Chrom won. But with the way the battle had been going, he was not sure Chrom could have beaten Marth. Thankfully, Robin was proven wrong.
His mind drifted back to the battle. Marth fought with a tenacity and energy that was remarkable. Now, Robin knew he did not have the best memory. Most of it was still missing, causing his past to remain a total enigma. But he had a suspicion that despite all that he may have previously studied regarding tactics and warfare, it was the first time he had ever seen someone fight like Marth.
The acrobatics alone were impressive. A bit much for Robin's tactical approach, but still impressive. But what had caught Robin's attention the most was how Marth used those acrobatics to his advantage. Not only had he initially overwhelmed Chrom, but he kept Chrom off balance and used the inertia of his movements to augment his strikes. For Robin, it was a brilliant short term fighting style. Great for quickly finishing an opponent. But if the fight extended for too long, as it did against Chrom, then cracks would form in the technique.
Robin took another gulp of ale. The sour taste ran down his throat as he nodded to himself.
Maybe one day I'll catalog the various forms of swordsmanship in the world. He thought to himself.
Robin glanced over at Virion as the archer slumped down beside him on the fur covered couch.
"This is wonderful!" Virion grinned, "I just wish some of the lovely Feroxi maidens were allowed to attend as well."
Robin snorted, "That would just distract from the real reason we are here right now." He nodded at Chrom, who despite the celebrations, was actively negotiating with Khan Flavia over military numbers and other basics of the alliance, "This is his night."
"Very true." Virion took a sip from his mug, "At least everyone is enjoying themselves. I dare say, this is one of the most hopeful evenings we've had since that horrible experience in the forests."
Robin nodded. The threat of the Risen had put a damper on the Shepherd's spirits for some time. The stress and pressure of their mission had caused some tempers to flare on the journey. Some tensions to build as well. But now that they had accomplished their mission, Robin could see everyone was much more relaxed. Even Frederick was partaking in the celebrations. Although he still stood watch over the proceedings. Refusing to let celebrations interfere with his sworn duties.
Virion cleared his throat, regaining Robin's attention.
Robin looked at the table in front of the couch. There was a small chessboard on it. Virion's chessboard.
"When?"
"Grabbed it before Flavia invited us in." Virion explained, "Care for a game while the others sing their songs and make merry."
Robin smiled, "Of course. The intellectuals must celebrate in their own way after all."
Virion grinned and began setting up the pieces.
"Did you catch the strange fighting style Marth used?" Virion asked.
Robin took a drink then nodded.
"Is it something you recognize?" He asked Virion.
Virion shook his head, "I have never seen anything like it before."
Robin frowned a little. That meant it most likely was not a fighting form from Valm then. He rubbed his chin and hummed to himself. The mystery of Marth's capabilities was a puzzle he was looking forward to solving.
Virion moved his first pawn forward. Robin drew his attention back to the board and quickly moved one of his own.
"With the Feroxi at our backs, Plegia should back down. At least for now." Robin muttered.
Virion raised an eyebrow, "One can hope. But they don't call the Plegian King mad for nothing." He sipped his ale and moved another pawn.
"Interesting." Robin asked.
He was curious about Plegia. They were the enemy of the nation he now served. But he felt like he did not know anything about them. Save for some derogatory comments. Namely desert rats and sand scum. Robin frowned a little at that. Dehumanizing the enemy like that only served one purpose. To make it easier to convince your own forces to destroy them.
I must have read that somewhere. Robin thought to himself before moving a bishop out in front of his pawns.
Virion nodded, "Aggressive move."
"I'm feeling a little aggressive tonight." Robin replied, "The duel got my blood flowing a bit. And I wasn't even the one doing the fighting."
Virion let out a laugh, "Everyone's adrenaline was pulsing. I dare say that was the hairiest fight Chrom has been in that I've seen. I thought he was going to lose."
Robin sipped his mug of ale and nodded, "He should have. By all rights, Chrom was caught with two left feet in that fight." Robin narrowed his eyes as Virion moved a knight near his bishop, "With how off balance he was, there should have been no way he would have been able to find an opening."
So how did an opening appear then?
Virion hummed to himself as Robin moved another pawn, "I dare say. With that line of thinking, one would wonder if you were suggesting that Marth threw the match?"
Robin opened then closed his mouth. But to his surprise, Virion nodded.
"I came to the same conclusion. Marth has far too much martial skill for Chrom. That much was apparent. So it was either dumb luck that the Captain won, which is possible. Or Marth never intended on winning in the first place."
"Otherwise, why use such an inefficient form of fighting." Robin mused, "If he intended to end the battle quickly I could see why. But there were several moments where he could have defeated Chrom if he had just pressed the advantage more. Or struck in a different manner." He drew in a breath as Virion made his move.
"What is running through your mind my friend?" Virion asked.
"There is something off about Marth."
Virion choked as he sipped on his ale, "I think we all came to that conclusion. Everytime we encounter the man, he keeps his face hidden."
"Not like that." Robin waved his hand. He rested his head on his hand and frowned as he studied the chessboard. Virion was starting to box his king in. He'd have to break out sooner rather than later. But that would mean he'd have to sacrifice some key pieces. He narrowed his eyes and weighed his options.
"You might have gotten me already." Robin admitted, "Continuing would just involve me stalling till your inevitable victory."
Virion laughed, "There is always a chance that I have a mental lapse." He raised his mug, "This is my fourth helping."
Robin chuckled, "And I'm on my third. And given how much of a lightweight I apparently am, since I'm already feeling the effects, I'd say I'm still at a significant disadvantage." Robin let out a long breath then moved another pawn. He expected it to be taken on the next turn. But it seemed like the best move for now.
"Another pawn?" Virion noted, "Starting aggressive then reverting back to conservative." The archer clicked his tongue then surprise Robin. He moved his queen, snatching the pawn up and throwing Robin's entire strategy out of the window, "Pick a philosophy Robin. Or you will not best me."
Robin cursed under his breath, "I don't want to lose any of the important pieces."
Virion chuckled, "And here I am, putting my queen in direct danger. Yet I am winning. In chess, you sometimes have to take grave risks in order to achieve victory."
"But is a sloppy victory worth it?" Robin asked as he moved his bishop to block Virion's queen.
"It's much better than defeat." Virion replied. The archer pressed his lips into a thin line as he studied the board. He cast a glance around the room, "We're still missing him."
Robin looked up. He took a mental headcount. Sumia was with Lissa and Miriel off to the side. Each one had wide smiles on their faces as they spoke to each other. Sumia's cheeks were dark red. Which meant they were most likely talking about Chrom. Robin snorted. It was so obvious that she was head over heels for the Prince. He was shocked that Chrom didn't see it.
Vaike was having a drinking competition with Sully and Stahl. Stahl was already lying down on the floor, incapacitated. Meanwhile Sully and Vaike went toe to toe. Dueling to see who was the master of alcohol among the Shepherds. Kellam was beside Frederick, the two warriors choosing to be the two most sober members. Ready to respond if any danger presented itself. But Kellam did have a small plate of meats and cheese in his hand.
Chrom was still speaking with Flavia. But Flavia was now very drunk. Robin could hear her slurring from across the room.
That left one person missing.
"Ben's still not back yet."
Virion shook his head, "Was it just me, or did he seem rather shaken during the duel?"
Robin raised his brow, "I hadn't noticed."
Virion gulped down the last of his drink and let out a satisfied sigh, "Well, I saw a man who went from relaxed to very tense as soon as Marth began fighting."
Robin picked up on the insinuation, "You think he knows something about Marth?"
"Not Marth specifically. But perhaps, the fighting form he uses." Virion leaned back into his seat, "As often as Ben has been around us, he is still the biggest enigma among us."
"I thought that distinction belong to me, the amnesiac." Robin laughed.
"You are a close second." Virion chuckled, "But at least we know what your personality is. What your apparent likes and dislikes are." He pointed at the chessboard, "I've even gotten your tactical thinking down to a science. But Ben…" Virion folded his legs, "Ben is a total mystery. A puzzle that does not wish to be solved."
"How so?"
"We know nothing about his past for one. At least with you, you have the excuse of not having a shred of a memory to draw upon. But that is not the case with Ben. He is purposefully keeping that part of his life closed off." Virion snatched a drink as a Feroxi servant came by. He took a long gulp, "It is obvious to me that he is not some commoner. There is no way a commoner would have his mannerisms, intellect, or martial prowess."
Robin raised an eyebrow. Virion had a point. Who was Ben exactly? The thought had never occurred to him. Mostly because he was still focused on trying to figure out just who the hell his own self was. So far, tactician seemed to fit the bill. As for Ben, he was an impressive swordsman. But he also appeared to be a trained tactician. Even a practiced statesman if his interactions with Maribelle, the Exalt, and Flavia were anything to go by.
What was more, Virion was right about Ben's personality. The man seemed to hide himself in a shell of melancholy and isolation. Robin had seen that shell crack a little bit during their stay in Arena Ferox. Ben's light teasing at Robin's thoughts on the ideal Khan made that apparent. Perhaps he was just a very strong introvert? Robin hummed to himself. Yet another puzzle for him to solve.
"I don't think it would do us any good to pry." Robin told Virion.
"Why not?" Virion asked.
"It could stir up unnecessary tensions." Robin replied, "We are already under enough pressure. A war with Plegia appears to be on the horizon. The last thing we need is to be suspicious of one another."
"Which could cause infighting and weaken us from within. A very strong point." Virion moved a chess piece and smiled at Robin, "Check."
Robin's eyes darted down at the chess board. Virion had exploited a wide open hole in his strategy. And it had put not only his king, but every major piece in jeopardy. Robin swore and wracked his brain for a solution.
"But as good a point as it is Robin." Virion noted, "It is still wise to keep a very close eye on potential problems within your own forces. A lack of trust and foresight could lend itself to disaster."
Robin's eyes darted up at Virion. In that moment, he realized what Virion had been doing the entire time.
"Well played Virion. Truly a master at being a social tactician." Robin smirked.
"I do my best." Virion replied.
Robin furrowed his brow when his eyes returned to the chess board. Perhaps Virion did have a point. The lack of trust Ben had in them regarding himself would eventually cause some deterioration in their trust in him. It might be something he had to bring up with Chrom. Or perhaps he should approach Ben directly. Robin sighed. Virion was much better at this than him.
Robin made another move. A simple one that would only delay the inevitable checkmate. He'd have to get his revenge in the next game.
"Shepherds!" Chrom shouted over the noise.
The Shepherds attention turned to him.
"Enjoy the celebrations for now. But we leave immediately tomorrow morning. Exalt Emmeryn will want to know of our success as soon as possible."
"But for now get drunk with me!" Flavia cried with a grin.
Just as she said that, the door to the room burst open. Two figures strode in. One was Khan Basilio. No doubt here to congratulate Flavia on winning the Feroxi throne. The other was an athletic young man with dark hair and an intense expression. Two blades were strapped to his hips and he wore attire not common for Regna Ferox.
"Flavia!" Basilio thundered.
"Oaf! Have you come to grovel?" Flavia teased playfully.
"Ha ha." Basilio grunted, "No. I just came to congratulate you one winning the throne for the first time in your short Khanship. All I ask is that you go easy on the coffers."
Flavia waved off his concerns, "I'm not going to do anything stupid Basilio, you know that." She gulped her drink, "Have a little faith."
Basilio chuckled, "I will." His gaze turned to Chrom, "And you, Prince Chrom. You fought very well today."
Chrom gave a small bow, "Thank you Khan Basilio."
Basilio uttered a hearty laugh, "Just Basilio boy. I'm not longer in charge. She is." He gestured at Flavia, "Maybe I'll get to relax a little for once. She has no idea what's she's in for."
Flavia frowned a little but ignored the comment.
"Anyways," Basilio continued, "I wish to give you a little gift. As recongition of your skill. We Feroxi take great pride in our champions. So when one is bested, we can't help but take notice." Basilio nodded at the man to his right, "This is my former champion, Lon'qu. He was supposed to be the one to duel you today."
"But Marth bested him?" Chrom assumed.
"That masked man came out of nowhere and beat him like a drum. Sure as shit surprised me." Basilio admitted, "By the way, do you have any idea where he is?"
"Gone." A third voice interrupted.
All eyes turned to the door. Both Virion and Robin let out a sigh of relief as Ben strode into the room.
"He left. Did not want any hysterics over his loss." Ben explained.
"You spoke to him?" Basilio uttered. His voice surprised, "He hardly said a word to me despite being my champion."
Ben shrugged, "I had some questions I wanted answered. And he was not going to escape with answering them."
Robin raised a brow as Ben took a seat near him. Questions huh? What questions though.
"Hmph." Basilio grunted, "Anyways, Lon'qu was impressed with how you fought Prince Chrom. He expressed his desire to join your service."
"Really?" Lissa asked as she walked towards Lon'qu.
Robin nearly spat out some of his drink when Lon'qu took a sharp step away from her.
"Hey!" Lissa frowned, "I just want to say hi."
"Stay back, woman!" Lon'qu said harshly.
Before Chrom or Lissa could take offense, Basilio uttered a long, hearty laugh.
"Lon'qu is a fearless warrior. But certainly not fearless when it comes to the opposite gender. Pay it no mind. I assure you, he will be more than worth the silent companionship."
Chrom nodded in understanding, "Very well. Welcome aboard, Lon'qu."
The swordsman gave Chrom a silent nod before taking a place beside Frederick the Wary. The Knight was already carefully examining the shepherd's newest addition. Judging his threat level. And Frederick seemed to find him… lacking? Robin frowned. Frederick might be a little too confident in his abilities. Lon'qu was a Feroxi champion. He would be no slouch in a fight. And he was glad that he joined them.
"And with that, I'm going to get going." Basilio said, "I've got half the country to look out for after all. And a nice little cottage to move into. It'll be very cozy compared the luxurious rooms of the Arena."
"Thank you very much!" Flavia smiled.
Basilio nodded to her and left. Chrom smiled and shook his head. Still trying to take in what just happened. He walked over to Robin, Virion, and Ben.
"Mind if I join you three."
"Not at all." Virion said.
Chrom slouched into the couch, "What a day?" He looked over at Robin, "So… how badly did I screw up in that duel."
Robin cringed, "To my tactical eye, you are one lucky son of a bitch."
Chrom laughed hard with Virion. And to Robin's surprise, Ben uttered a quiet laugh as well.
"Story of my life." Chrom patted his thighs, "Alright, don't stay up too late. We have a long day's march tomorrow."
"Yes sir."
….
Ben took a deep breath as he sat outside of the Shepherd's Barracks. They had returned home several days ago. The march back to Ylisstol had been rather uneventful. And he was grateful for that. It allowed him a chance to think. To ponder and meditate upon the events of the past few days, weeks even.
Despite his best attempts to execute a serene dive into the living force, Ben could not help but feel disturbed. His mind felt erratic. Out of focus. But that should not have surprised him. When he was a young padawan, he was reckless and erratic. Becoming a padawan's master had tempered him. Calmed his mind and taught him have patience.
Oh so much patience.
And now that he was no longer an aged master but a young man again, his body began to react the same way it had when he was younger. Meditation was no longer relaxing. It was a chore. He found himself to be far more restless than before. Not just because of the nightmares he was experiencing, but because he simply could not sit still. There was still so many unanswered questions.
The biggest one plaguing his mind was still where was he? He did not know the name of the planet, although he did read in a book that the land itself was called Archanea. Beyond that, he still did not know the planet's name, it's location in the galaxy, or where it was in relation to some of the more inhabited worlds he knew about. Was he in the mid-rim? The outer-rim? The core possibly? Or was he somewhere not yet discovered.
He rubbed the faint outline of his beard that was finally beginning to regrow. Perhaps this was another situation similar to Kamino? He shook his head. Doubtful. That had been a very unique case.
But wondering where he was pressed other questions to the forefront of his mind. He still had no idea where Luke was? He could feel that the boy was safe. But his location and condition were still a mystery. And Ben could not help but worry.
If this is what it feels like to be a parent, I am not enjoying it so far. He thought to himself.
"It is exactly what it feels like." The voice of Qui Gon said as he struggled to meditate.
Ben frowned as he kept his eyes closed.
It's been a while, Qui Gon.
"Yes it has. I meant to contact you sooner, but you seemed very busy."
Ben's brow furrowed.
My duties to the Shepherd's could have waited.
"No. They cannot." Qui Gon berated, "You are still not living in the moment, my young padawan."
Ben bristled at being called that. Force, sometimes he wished Qui Gon did not pay so much attention to his physical age. He was technically a Jedi Master. A Master that sat on the High Council for that matter!
I technically out rank you. Ben shot back.
"And yet Yoda said you had to learn from me."
Ben's shoulders sagged. He could never win in an argument with his old master. He should have learned that lesson by now.
"You seem distressed, Obi Wan."
Ben opened his eyes and ran a hand over his face. He still felt weary from the events in Regna Ferox. While his body had time to rest, he had not allowed his mind to rest at all.
"Talk to me, Obi Wan." Qui Gon said softly, his voice carrying a calm that soothed Ben's worries. Even if it was only for a moment.
Marth, she's… unique.
He could practically hear Qui Gon humming in agreement.
I believe her to be a Force adept.
"And what makes you think that?"
Ben snorted, She clearly has training in the Jedi arts. She fought Chrom using Ataru. Only a Jedi can use such a difficult and demanding form of combat. He squirmed as he sat in the grass, I thought I was the only force sensitive on this planet?
"That's a rather arrogant line of thinking, don't you think?"
Ben scowled but then thought about it.
Qui Gon was correct. His assumptions were clouding his thinking. He was assuming realities while ignoring facts. It was physically impossible for him to be the only force user on any given planet. The Force impacted all beings. Statistically it was bound to have chosen several beings on this world to be more attuned to the currents of the Force. Marth may be one of those chosen few. Perhaps she had learned from someone else on this world.
But that still did not explain her use of Ataru.
"Obi Wan, is she your enemy?"
Ben frowned, As far as I could tell… no. But… she did not appear to be an ally either.
"Then you should not treat her as an enemy. Doing so will only guarantee that she will never become your ally. And you will never learn the answers to your questions."
Ben sighed, Yes, Master.
Qui Gon was silent for a moment. And Ben still could not sit still.
"There is more?"
Ben shivered, I… I sense something, Master. I sensed it a little on the way back to Ylisstol. But I chalked it up to my own paranoia. I thought it would just go away but…
"You sense evil nearing."
Ben swallowed. Yes, Master.
"Trust your instincts." His former Master advised, "The Force speaks through them. And they will rarely lead you astray."
Ben felt his connection to Qui Gon fade away. Just as Qui Gon's presence disappeared, Ben heard soft footsteps approaching.
"Meditating, Ben?" The soft, serene voice of Exalt Emmeryn asked him.
Ben's eyes shot open. In an instant he was standing up and giving the Exalt a formal bow.
The Exalt laughed a little and waved her hand.
"There is no need for that Ben. We are safe inside the Palace, the royal image will not be shattered if one of the Shepherds does not bow to me in my home." She smiled and looked around, "A beautiful day isn't it?"
Ben took a deep breath. It was a lovely day indeed. The perfect temperature in Ben's mind. Not too hot, but not cold either. Just comfortable. It was why he chose to meditate outside for the day. There was a slight breeze in the air. Just enough to rustle the leaves that were starting to change colors throughout the city. Ben nodded.
"Very." He replied stiffly.
The Exalt gave him a little smile, "Walk with me."
Ben raised an eyebrow as the Exalt marched away towards the Palace gates. Ben hesitated a moment.
Should I follow? What would the people think? What would Chrom and the Shepherd's think if they saw me walking alone with Exalt Emmeryn? He shook his head.
Live in the moment, Obi Wan. Live in the moment.
He took one hesitant step forward. Then another. Eventually, he was walking alongside Exalt Emmeryn as she entered the city center.
The markets were bustling with activity. Merchants from all over the land were shouting out to the crowds, doing their best to sell their wares. Ben's eyes wandered over to several of the food stalls. While the meats did not smell nearly as good as the Feroxi's, the vegetables and fruits certainly looked appetizing. But what struck Ben the most was the amount of colors he saw.
He had never taken the time to take in the city. Choosing instead to focus internally on his own problems. But now that he had a chance to take a step back, Ylisttol was magnificent.
If he had to compare it to any city he had been to in his life, the closest comparison would be Theed on the world of Naboo. Both cities were regal. Designed for the government. Designed to portray strength and prosperity. But while Theed was made of the same, striking stones throughout. Ylisttol was a mass of colors overlapping brilliant white stone buildings and white walls. Emmeryn seemed to notice his fascination.
"I love it here." Exalt Emmeryn said as she casually made her way through the crowds of people.
It was then that Ben noticed she was not wearing the traditional attire of the Exalt. There was no crown, no robes, just the clothing of a common merchant. The brand of the exalt was even covered up.
"You don't want to attract attention." Ben noted.
Emmeryn nodded, "The best way for a leader to learn of her people's struggles is to walk among them." She folded her hands in front of her as Ben walked beside her, "And before you ask, no. I am not worried about my safety. I'm sure one Shepherd is more than enough to protect me from any ruffians."
Ben pursed his lips, "You think too much of me."
"Nonsense." Emmeryn replied, "You should hear Chrom and Robin when you are not around. Those two boys cannot stop talking about your skills in combat. Robin is simply giddy about how he can use you in tactical situations."
Ben chuckled, "He certainly has his priorities in order."
"And if you think Chrom will worry about me being with you." Emmeryn continued, "Don't. He personally recommended you to guard me if I chose to walk out among the people."
"I'm sure he meant that I would just supplement your usual retinue."
"I don't think so." Emmeryn smiled, "Chrom would not trust his older sister's protection with just anyone, Ben."
The duo turned down a new road. A street filled with trade shops. Ben could see a blacksmith hammering away at an anvil. A cobbler down the road was fitting a small child with some shoes. There was a carpenter's shop next to the cobbler. The sawdust near the doorway suggested that the carpenter was working on a large project.
"But enough about me." Emmeryn said, "Tell me about yourself, Ben."
Ben hesitated, "Um… what about me?"
He tensed a little as Emmeryn took his arm. But then he quickly relaxed. She was attempted to pass herself off as just another commoner. If he looked stressed or tense, someone would suspect who she was.
"I don't know." Emmeryn replied, "Chrom seems to trust you. And he likes you very much. But beyond your recent accomplishments, he has not mentioned much about you personally." She smiled, "I like to get to know those who are willing to risk their lives for my people."
Ben cleared his throat, "There is um… not much to know."
"Nonsense." Emmeryn replied, "Everyone has a story Ben."
"My story is… complicated." Ben replied.
"Isn't everyone's?" Emmeryn countered, "But that is what makes us all unique. Every single one of us has a different tale to tell. And it is no fun if we just keep it all to ourselves."
Ben nodded. But he could not bring himself to say anything. He still was not sure if it was safe to do so. He had started warming up to the idea of telling Chrom who he really was back in Regna Ferox. But Marth's appearance and the revelation that she was a force user had forced him to reconsider. While the Empire clearly had no influence on this world, someone with the force did. And he did not know if they would be friendly or hostile.
Besides, his tale would be so unbelievable for these people that it was entirely likely they would not believe. They would cast him out. Then what? He'd have no help or resources in order to try and track down Luke. And that was a risk he could not take.
Apparently, Emmeryn could see the torn expression on his face. She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"There's no need." She said, "I apologize."
"You do not need to apologize." Ben replied, "You did nothing wrong."
"I dredged up some painful memories." Emmeryn replied, "And for that, I am sorry. But if you ever wish to talk about them Ben, you may. Chrom made you one of the Shepherd's. In essence he made you a part of his family. A part of my family. And we look out for each other."
Ben drew back a little. A part of a family? He had never thought about it that way before. That was a unique take on his arrangement with the Shepherd's. But it was not false either. He could see there was a camaraderie among them that transcended simple friendship.
"If we go any further," Emmeryn spoke again, "We will enter the outer ring of the city. That's where most of the common folk live. But beyond that, there is not much there. And if my advisers learned I walked through there without any sizable escort-"
"It would not be a fun conversation." Ben finished for her.
"For either of us." Emmeryn agreed, "Shall we go back."
Ben nodded. Emmeryn looped her arm with his and the pair strode back towards the palace.
Ben could not help but feel more at ease now. There was a simplicity to the life here in Ylisstol. A simple joy that only great leadership and stability could bring about. He glanced over at the blonde Exalt. Just from the happiness he could see on her people's faces, he knew that she was a great leader. Few were able to give such hope and pride to their countrymen. Even fewer could do so in the mundane aspects of life.
As they approached the palace gates, they swung inward. And Frederick came sprinting up towards them.
"Your Highness!" He called as he rushed towards them.
Emmeryn unhooked her arm from Ben's, "Yes, Frederick?"
"There have been reports," Frederick breathed, "that Themis has been attacked."
Ben saw Emmeryn's face darken for a brief moment. But she remained calm.
"The perpetrators?"
"At first we thought they were just bandits but," The knight swallowed hard, "Lady Maribelle sent a letter stating it was Plegian soldiers. She took a contingent of soldiers to track them down and bring them to justice."
Emmeryn's face paled ever so slightly.
"Call my advisers. We must discuss a plan of action," she ordered.
Frederick nodded, cast a wary look at Ben, before sprinting back to the Palace. Emmeryn sighed and brushed some of her blonde hair from her face.
"I'm afraid I'll have to cut our day short, Ben."
Ben nodded, "I enjoyed our time. It was...nice to explore the city."
Emmeryn smiled, "I'm glad." She stood tall and held her chin high, "I'm sure Chrom will have need of you and the Shepherd's soon. If Themis has been attacked by Plegia then we may have a conflict on our hands."
Without another word, she strode away. Leaving Ben in the shadow of the palace gate. As he watched her walk away, he could not help but feel somewhat inspired. She was facing a dire situation. And she had maintained her poise and temper.
Ben smiled to himself. He hated to admit it, but he did enjoy the little walk through the city. It cleared his mind. Allowed him to breathe easy again. Maybe he needed to do that more often.
He heard a whistle come from the Shepherd's barracks along the walls. Ben glanced over and saw both Robin and Virion staring at him. Massive grins on both of their faces. He could already tell what they were thinking.
Ben rolled his eyes.
"Lovely." He muttered. He huffed and shook his head, "Just lovely."
And chapter! Wow… it's been a long time since I hammered out three chapters this fast. It feels really good. I had these planned out for a while but just could not figure out to write them. Then voila, inspiration!
Anyways, we got a bit of a break before we get back into the action of the story. A lot more of getting to know our characters and setting up relationships. Setting up the next part of our story. I'm getting really excited about this project again! I can't wait to keep going!
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!