The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 12
The Exalt and The King
Robin's jaw clenched as the Exalt's party rode through the edges of Themis. He could not but feel some anger at what he was seeing. This was not a military target. These were civilians. Needlessly attacked and butchered just to send a message. His hands tightened on the reins of his horse as the party passed a house that had been burned to ash. Outside, two adults stood side by side. A blank expression on both of their faces. Too shocked by the sudden loss of everything they knew.
The tactician glanced ahead of him at Chrom. He could tell the Prince was barely keeping his own emotions in check. There were certain appearances to be kept. The royalty had to appear strong. Confident, even in the face of such atrocities. Otherwise the populace could lose faith and panic. Robin had a feeling that beneath the stern expression on Chrom's face, was a simmering volcano of rage ready to explode.
"Naga above." Robin heard Virion mutter.
Robin turned to see what Virion was looking at. His stomach flipped. Charred corpses lined a part of the road they were riding down. Robin felt the color drain from his face before he swallowed hard. Doing his best to force down the sudden wave of nausea that hit him.
Ahead of the Shepherd's, Exalt Emmeryn rode tall and proud with her Pegasus Knights. Robin had to admire her. The strength she was showing, the calm, in was almost beyond human. There was sorrow in her eyes, that much he had seen when they had first arrived in Themis and met the Duke. A deep caring for her people. A desire to drop off of her horse and help those who were suffering. But she could not take the time to do that. Not with the Plegians waiting for them.
Robin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He and Chrom had already gone through the strategy should violence break out. They were expecting a sizable Plegian force. Only a large amount of the enemy could do this much damage to a city the size of Themis. If they attacked, Emmeryn would be taken by Phila out of immediate danger. At that point, Chrom and the Shepherd's would engage in a bold counter attack. Hopefully catching the Plegian raiders off guard. While that was going on, Duke Rodrik would ride back to Themis and rally his soldiers so they could give chase. Drive the Plegian's from the border. Then secure the border so that they could not cross again.
He liked the plan. The counterattack especially. The Plegians would most likely think that a force as small as the Shepherd's would retreat with the Exalt. They would not expect an assault. He was sure it would surprise them. But Robin also hoped that the plan ended up being just that. A plan. Not an actual occurrence. Seeing the bodies and charred ruins of Themis made him uneasy about combat at the moment.
Robin spurred his horse forward so that he rode alongside Ben. The swordsman had become a good friend. In a way, they shared similar circumstances. Ben tried to hide it, but Robin could tell he was very out of touch with what Ylisse was like. He seemed fascinated by the simplest things. Perhaps he was an amnesiac of some sort. His only memory being his missing son. Robin felt just as out of depth as Ben. He was relearning everything about the world. Burying himself in books, maps, atlases, and encyclopedias. His favorite so far had been a thick book called a Treatise on Tactics. But that was not surprising to him.
And it did not surprise him given their respective situations that he became good friends with Ben. They had joined the Shepherd's at the same time. Learned about the world together. And were just as troubled by the events of the past few weeks.
But Robin could not help notice a stark difference between them right now. While he was horrified by the state of Themis, Ben was… indifferent. Not in an evil way. Naga no. Robin did not think ill of Ben like that. But it seemed like Ben was used to this horror. Used to hearing the screams and seeing the death. Insulated to it.
He had seen war. Where and when was a question Robin would have to ask later. The party was now exiting the outskirts of Themis and turning towards the grassy hills that marked the border with Plegia.
Robin glanced to the top of one of the hills. He scowled.
Lounging on a chair, as if enjoying the sight of a city on its knees, was King Gangrel. The crown on his head was a giveaway. On either side of him were two figures. One a woman with ghost white hair, black clothing, and a wicked smirk on her face. Robin could see a small tome in her hand. His own hand brushed against his magic tome inside of his coat.
His eyes then moved to the other figure. He felt a chill run up his spine. The figure was hunched and decrepit. Leaning heavily against a metal cane. Black robes and a black hood shadowed out his face. But as the Shepherd's approached, Robin could see the man look up.
A piercing set of yellow eyes hit Robin like a wall. There was something worming his way through his mind. The air grew cold for a brief moment. Then the sensation retreated. Robin shook his head.
"What is it?" Ben asked him.
"I've just…" Robin swallowed, "I don't like the look of that one." He nodded at the man to Gangrel's left.
"You and me both." Ben replied, "Be cautious."
"Right."
Gangrel dangled his feet over the edge of his seat as the Exalt approached. A sickening smile split his thin lips. A man glint shimmered in his dark eyes. And Robin felt his hand drifting to his coat pocket.
Exalt Emmeryn stopped to her horse. She took a deep breath and jumped down.
"Dismounting!" Gangrel feigned shock, "For little old me? You shouldn't have."
Robin saw the Exalt suppress a scowl. Beneath him, his horse stomped the earth. The beast just as uneasy about this whole thing as he was. He glanced at Ben. The swordsman was surprisingly calm. As if he was used to this kind of tension. The stresses of a negotiation that could easily go south.
"King Gangrel." Emmeryn began.
Gangrel barked out a laugh, "She even follows the formalities. Who knew a pampered life as a princess could actually make one humble?"
The woman to his right smirked, "Surprising indeed."
"We are not here to discuss me." Emmeryn said, her voice soft yet firm, "We are here to parlay."
She nodded to a set of Plegian soldiers standing behind King Gangrel. Both soldiers had a firm grip on Maribelle's arms. Robin saw Chrom's frown deepend. Maribelle had been gagged. And she was not happy about it.
"Right!" Gangrel jumped to his feet, "We are here to discuss Ylissean aggression."
Emmeryn furrowed her brow, "How so?"
Gangrel pointed an accusatory finger at Maribelle, "This little wench led soldiers across the border. With the intention of invading and causing harm to my people. If that is not Ylissean aggression, I don't know what is?"
"You're own soldiers put Themis to the sword." Chrom growled at King Gangrel, "How dare you accuse us of attacking first!"
Gangrel snarled, "Put a muzzle on your dog, Exalt. Before I silence him myself."
"Why you piece of-"
"Chrom!" Emmeryn snapped.
Chrom clenched his teeth, then went silent.
"In light of what has happened," The woman on Gangrel's right began, "I believe reparations are in order. As well as justice. Maribelle of Themis led soldiers on a crusade of violence. Thankfully our own brave men held her off and apprehended her. We wish to deal justice to this rogue."
"You will not lay a finger on my daughter you witch!" Duke Rodrick growled.
"I have a name, you know." The woman narrowed his eyes at Rodrick.
"Like he cares." The hunched man spoke.
Robin felt a wave of panic suddenly radiate from Ben. The tactician looked at his friend. The horse Ben was on whined and backed up a few steps. Ben's face was pale. Eyes wide. His breaths were rapid and shallow.
"Ben?"
"It can't be." He heard Ben whisper.
The hunched man hobbled forward on his cane. The shadows on his hid faded as he stepped into a stark ray on sunlight. Robin felt the breath get caught in his throat. Beneath the hood was not a man. It was a monster. A demon of some sort. A man with blood red skin and black markings running over his flesh. Horns propping up the hood on his head instead of hair. Blazing yellow eyes that looked at the Exalt in amusement. The eyes drifted past her and to… to Ben? And Robin saw hatred pour out in waves from the hunched man.
"And who are, sir?" Emmeryn asked, doing her best to keep her voice level. But even she was disturbed by the man's appearance.
The man grinned. Revealing razor sharp teeth, "My name is Maul. I am an adviser to King Gangrel." He nodded at the woman, "As is Aversa."
Emmeryn swallowed. She was under duress. Maul's piercing gaze was unsettling her. Robin saw her flinch a little before taking a deep breath.
"Then as his advisers, surely you can see the benefit of us coming to an agreement. To avoid any unnecessary conflict."
Maul chuckled, "I am not a fool. Of course I see the benefits." His eyes drifted back over to Ben then over to Robin, "I'm just weighing if they benefit Plegia or benefit you more."
He was not speaking to Emmeryn. Robin realized he was talking directly to Ben. There was a history between Ben and Maul. The amount of hatred Maul had combined with Ben's sudden anxiety made that obvious. It was an unknown factor in this. And Robin worried that it would have a very bad influence on the negotiations.
Robin leaned over to Ben and tapped his forearm.
"Ben?"
"H-how?" Ben muttered to himself. Eyes wide. Gaze not leaving Maul's frail form.
"Ben, snap out of it." Robin hissed.
Chrom glanced back at them both. His brow furrowed and jaw tight. A look that told them both to knock it off.
"Avoiding war would benefit both our nations." Emmeryn argued.
"Really?" Gangrel put his finger to his chin, "I seem to recall the previous King of Plegia making a similar argument to your warmongering Father. But we all know how that turned out."
Emmeryn closed her eyes in shame, "We recognize our wrongs in the past, Gangrel. And I have been working to right those wrongs."
"Obviously not hard enough." Maul snidely remarked, "Otherwise, we would not be here. Your failures as a leader have brought this about." His eyes looked at Ben again, "Don't forget that." Maul hobbled up to Emmeryn. The Exalt grew more uncomfortable as he got closer. So close, that Emmeryn felt his breath in her face. He chuckled. As if savoring the fear she now had for him. But she did not know where the fear was coming from. Or why. He was a decrepit old man. How could he intimidate them all like this.
Emmeryn gulped and Maul sighed.
"A naive child pretending to be a strong leader." He shook his head, "Such a shame."
"Don't you insult the Exalt like that!" Chrom growled.
"It is not an insult, Prince." Maul snarled back, "But a fact. If she was as benevolent as you believe, she would have made peace with Plegia much sooner than now."
"Correct!" Gangrel agreed, "And now that we are here to discuss… peace. I demand a reparation for the crimes Ylisse has committed against my people. And I might release the Themis war criminal to you."
Behind him, Maribelle protested furiously. Her words muffled by the gag over her mouth.
Emmeryn closed her eyes, "What do you want, Gangrel?"
The king uttered a mad cackle, "What I want? What I want is to see Ylisse burn." Emmeryn's eyes widened in shock, "To watch those worms you call people scream and bleed. To scorch that land you so love just as your father scorched my own." Chrom grit his teeth in fury, "But… unfortunately, I cannot do that. So I will settle." He extended a hand, "I desire to possess the Fire Emblem."
"WHAT!?" Chrom bellowed.
Frederick's eyes narrowed, "You dare ask for Ylisse's national treasure?"
Robin looked at both of them, confused. What exactly was the Fire Emblem? A national treasure for Ylisse. Why did the Plegian King want it?
"I dare!" Gangrel snapped, "Hand it over."
Emmeryn took a calming breath. She was still rattled from Maul, "What you ask for is not just some object, Gangrel. It is a hope. Humanity's last if an apocalyptic event were to occur. Are you willing to accept such a responsibility?"
Maribelle's eyes widened and she shook her head. Pleading with Emmeryn to not give in.
"Emm, you can't!" Chrom barked.
Phila stepped forward, "Your Grace, giving Gangrel the Fire Emblem would-"
"I'm well aware of the consequences, Phila." Emmeryn interrupted, "But I want to know if he is."
Gangrel cackled, "Consequences? Of holding such power? Oh yes, I'm aware of them. So hand it over! Or there will be no deal."
Robin's watched as Emmeryn's glanced at a small, brass colored shield strapped to her horse. There was a single white jewel implanted into the metal. Branching away from the jewel were intricate carvings that led to empty craters in the shield. She closed her hand and looked back at Gangrel.
"What will you do with such power?" She asked.
Aversa opened her mouth to speak, "He would-"
"Do what I believe was best for Plegia." Gangrel growled. His foot tapped against the ground. His patience was beginning to run thin.
"And that will be attempting to wipe Ylisse off the face of the Earth." Chrom growled.
"What did I say about muzzling your dog, Exalt?" Gangrel then uttered a frustrated snarl. He was getting nowhere, and he knew it. A sensation of danger rippled through Robin. His hand griped the binding of his book as Gangrel snapped his fingers, "I've had enough! If you will not hand it over, then I will have to take it!"
The guards holding Maribelle rushed at Emmeryn. Emmeryn took a frantic step back. Just as one of them reached for her, Falchion flashed in the daylight. Slicing through both Plegian soldier's bodies. The two brutes uttered gurgling sounds before falling limp. Chrom shot Gangrel a furious look.
"You will not touch her!" He growled, brandishing Falchion.
"And so the war begins!" Gangrel clapped his hands.
A horn sounded over the hills. Piercing the air with a wailing scream. Robin saw Plegian soldiers emerge from the crest of the next hill. Each one brandishing sharpened axes and swords. Behind them, a squad of Grimleal mages wielding black tomes. He drew his spell book and flipped to the first page.
"Pegasus Knights!" Phila bellowed, "Protect the Exalt!"
"Shepherd's with me!" Chrom roared over the insane laughter of Gangrel as Maul whisked him away. The monster displaying surprising speed and agility for a decrepit old man.
Robin did not charge with the rest of the Shepherds. Robin's already pounding heart stopped in his chest. He heard wings hammering against the wind. A warning ripped through his mind. Something was coming from above.
"ROBIN!" Ben shouted before tackling him from his horse.
A pair of clawed talons ripped into his mount and yanked the horse into the sky. Robin stared wide eyed as a platoon of Plegian Wyvern riders dove down at them from above. Leading them were two men. One wearing armor consistent with a Plegian general, the other wearing black robes and a hood similar to Maul.
The horse screamed as it was lifted in the air then dropped to the ground. The poor animal landed with a dull thud against the ground. It died almost instantly.
The sounds of battle overwhelmed Robin. He frantically looked around. The wyverns had already engaged the few pegasus knights in their company. Phila was desperately barking orders, doing her best to shield a terrified Exalt Emmeryn. The tactician shook his head and took a deep breath.
The plan. It had to go right out the window. He had anticipated a failed negotiation, not a fake one designed to set up an ambush. He smacked his forehead. How could he be such an idiot.
"Ben!" Robin shouted, "Get to the Exalt. You're our best swordsman, protect her!"
Ben nodded and sprinted across the grassy hill towards Phila and Emmeryn. Robin took another breath and turned to where the main battle was occuring.
Chrom had engaged the first wave of Plegain footsoldiers. Frederick had already rode down a couple along with Sully and Stahl. The three horsemen using their superior speed to great advantage. Causing chaos in the Plegian ranks. The Tactician saw the Grimleal growing closer. Frederick, Sully, and Stahl's superior mobility would not matter once they got involved.
"Virion! Miriel! Help me lay down fire on those mages!" He shouted over the sounds of battle.
He saw the archer nod, nock an arrow, and loose it. Miriel cast her first spell as well. Setting a Plegian mage ablaze. Robin grit his teeth and channeled an Elthunder spell. The lightning strike boomed out of his hand and through a Plegian mage across the battlefield. Before Robin could yell at Chrom about their next move, the Wyverns dove again.
The beast roared with delight as they ripped into the Pegasus Knights. The Grimleal had started casting their spells. And their first targets were Ylisse's airborne warriors. They did not stand a chance when the Wyvern's attacked them from behind. Robin's eyes widened in horror as the knights and their mounts fell from the sky. His eyes then locked with the leader of the Wyvern group. The man in the black robes.
"Robin look out!"
Robin scrambled away as a spear grazed his right arm. Kellan then stood by his side, shielding him from a Plegian lancer before thrusting his own lance through the man's gut.
"Kellam! Where is-"
"Captain Chrom is in the thick of it. Go! I'll keep them from getting behind you."
Robin nodded his thanks then rushed towards the main battle. He fired several fire spells before bumping up against Chrom's back. Falchion cut a hideous arc through the air, lopping a Plegian's head from his shoulders.
"Chrom!"
"Robin! What is going on!?"
"You tell me!"
Robin grit his teeth and cast a wind spell, knocking two Plegians over.
"Ben is helping Phila guard Emmeryn. I think I saw Lissa and Sumia running towards them as well!" Robin's eyes widened, "Where is Maribelle?"
Chrom's heart stopped in his chest, "Oh no."
Robin nodded, "I'll find her. For now, keep driving them back. Get close to those mages. Don't give them room to cast spells on you."
Chrom nodded and rallied the Shepherds forward. Robin weaved his way through the battle. Doing his best to avoid flying swords and axes that threatened to take his head off. All the while, he frantically searched for the blonde haired Maribelle. A bound and gagged girl would not last long in battle. Robin could only hope that she had not been killed at the outset of the conflict.
….
Maribelle had fallen to the ground as soon as the battle broke out. She had curled up into a ball. Trying to make herself as small and inconspicuous as possible. And it worked. The Plegian foot soldiers had sprinted right past her. Far more eager to battle the Shepherds of Ylisse than deal with an incapacitated prisoner.
As the battle drew out, she had begun to crawl on her belly out of the way. Trying to both escape the carnage and her captors. Her mind lamented the state of her dress, now caked in mud and filth. But survival was much more important than appearances at the moment. Although she wished her hands were not bound behind her back. That would have made crawling away infinitely easier.
"Where do you think you're going?" A sultry voice asked.
Maribelle froze on the ground. She turned onto her back and saw Aversa striding towards her, a black tome in one hand. Her other hand was open, palm pointing directly at Maribelle. Ready to obliterate her with a spell.
"Did you think you could escape so easily?" Aversa laughed, "Foolish child. You were dead the moment you decided to seek justice."
A ball of black energy formed in Aversa's hand. Maribelle's eyes widened and sweat beaded on her head. A sudden realization took hold of her.
She was going to die here. None of the Shepherd's had come to rescue her. None of them noticed her missing from the battlefield. Maybe they thought she was already dead. Killed at the start of the battle. It was a logical thing to think. A prisoner was not likely to survive the initial charge. But to have gotten so close to escaping, only to be killed. It drove a dagger of despair through the fiery girl's heart.
Avera uttered a dark laugh.
"Broken?" She said, "Good. That makes this even more enjoyable."
Just before the spell could be cast. An enormous blast of wind slammed into Aversa. It drove the Plegian with back. Her heels dug trenches in the earth as she slid back before falling to her knees.
"Who's wind magic?" She growled.
Maribelle was wondering the same thing. Was it Miriel? The inquisitive Shepherd had a sharp mind. Perhaps she noticed that Maribelle was missing from the battle and moved to act accordingly? Or maybe it was Robin? The other known mage of the Shepherds. He was their tactician. His mission today was to rescue her and then negotiate an escape strategy. Perhaps he noticed that she was missing the Shepherd's numbers?
What Maribelle did not expect, was young Ricken jumping in front of her and staring down Aversa.
"Get back!" The young mage cried before firing another wind spell.
Aversa grit her teeth and weathered the second spell. Before Ricken could ready a third, Aversa cast a spell of her own. A black nosferatu that made Maribelle's eyes widen in terror. Ricken gasped then screamed in agony as the spell hit him.
Maribelle could see life being leached from the boy. His shoulders slumped and he dropped to a knee. His breaths were ragged and short. Rasping from his lungs in pained huffs. Maribelle gave Aversa a vicious glare.
"Oh don't look at me that way." Aversa chided, "That boy ceased to be a child when he decided his place was on the battlefield. It is a shame I have to kill him. That was an impressive spell. Especially for his age."
She readied another spell. This time, a swirling, nebulous ball of purple magic that swirled in her hand like a sickening whirlpool. She grinned evilly as she cast it at Ricken.
Maribelle tried to scream through her gag. She wanted to throw herself at Ricken. Shove the wounded boy out of the way before he could be killed. But she found herself unable to move. Paralyzed with fear.
A wind spell collided with Aversa's. Shattering the magic and preventing the killing stroke from hitting Ricken. Then an Elthunder arced through the air and smashed against Aversa, sending the witch flying through the air. Away from both Maribelle and Ricken.
Maribelle could feel tears welling in her eyes as she saw Robin rushing towards them. His free hand smoking from the amount of energy he put into the thunder spell.
At the same time, Aversa scowled and glared at Robin. She debated for a brief moment if it was worth confronting him now. But then she heard another horn blast in the air. A war cry erupted from behind the Shepherd's forces. Themis had rallied their soldiers and were bearing down on the remaining Plegians.
Aversa let out a frustrated roar before sprinting away. She was keen on living another day. Not dying like another common grunt on the battlefield.
As Robin reached Maribelle, Themis's horsemen fanned out around them. They rode past in a thunderstorm of hooves and metal. Their lines slammed into the remaining Plegians, relieving the tiring Shepherds and sending the Grimleal mages running back for the hills. Maribelle smiled behind her gag.
They were on the run. All that was left was-
A roar erupted above them. Maribelle looked up and saw three Wyverns diving down at the Exalt. Panic surged through the girl. All that stood in the way of those beasts and their riders, was Ben, a wounded Commander Phila, Lissa, and Sumia.
….
Ben slid to a stop beside Emmeryn. The young exalt had taken shelter beside a dying Pegasus. Phila's pegasus. The Wing Commander had attempted to take off and clear the way for Emmeryn's escape, only for the lead Wyvern commander to take her down from the sky with a well aimed spear. Now Phila leaned up against her fallen stead. Sword in hand, ready to combat anyone who dared threaten her Exalt. And Emmeryn gently rubbed the dying Pegasus's neck. Even in battle, she was attempting to sew some semblance of peace. Even if it was for a single creature.
"Your Highness. I think we need to get out of here." Ben said to Emmeryn.
Emmeryn gave Ben a concerned look before turning to Phila.
"Ben is correct, your grace." Phila grunted. Ben could see some blood running from a deep gash on her forehead. And she limped as she stood. All her weight resting on her right leg. The fall from her Pegasus had left her other ankle a twisted mass of flesh, "You need to leave, now!"
Emmeryn shook her head, "I cannot just leave you alone, Phila."
"She won't be alone."
Both Ben and Emmeryn looked to see Sumia trotting up beside them. Lissa rode with her. The Princess had her arms wrapped tight around Sumia's face. Her face was petrified with fear.
Sumia gripped her spear and stared up at the circling Wyvern riders. Phila gave the girl a firm nod.
"Ben!" Phila barked, "Get Princess Lissa and the Exalt back to Themis. That's an order!"
Ben felt himself chuckle a little. It had been a long time since someone had given him orders like that. Not since he was a padawan learner during the Mandalorian Civil War. One day, if he ever did open up about who he was to the Shepherd's, he'd tell them about this moment. And Chrom would tease Phila relentlessly for it.
He grabbed Emmeryn's hand and pulled her to her feet. The Exalt resisted at first but then the Wyverns began to dive. The beast screamed as they plummeted towards her and Ben. Their talons open, ready to rip both of them apart. One rider, a Plegian general, was laughing as he guided his beast. Enjoying the thrill of spilling Ylissean blood. The other, black robed rider, remained silent as he guided his beast down.
Ben grit his teeth, let go of Emmeryn's hand. He snatched a dagger from Phila's belt and threw it at the Plegian General.
The General's laughter died as the dagger buried itself in his Wyvern's head. The beast's body went limp in the air. The general screamed as he plummeted to the earth. Then fell silent when he collided nearby.
The color drained from Emmeryn's face as she stared at the smashed body of the general. Most of his form reduced to a bloody pulp from the impact. She had the urge to vomit. And she could feel her body starting to shake. But before she could react at all, Ben grabbed her hand and sprinted away with Lissa in tow.
Behind them, Sumia took to the skies. Ready to do battle with the other Wyverns. But to Ben's surprise, the black robed Wyvern Rider did not go for the easy prey in Sumia. He banked hard out of his dive. Managing a stunning change of direction. And rocketed towards Ben, Emmeryn, and Lissa.
Ben narrowed his eyes and drew his rapier. As the rider drew closer he could sense the Dark Side of the force billowing up out of the man like a black cloud. Yellow eyes stared hatefully at him as Ben skidded to a stop and turned to face the charging Wyvern.
"BEN!" Emmeryn screamed as the swordsman charged.
Lissa screamed and shut her eyes. The girl dropped to her knees and shook while Emmeryn held her. The Exalt held her breath as the rider and Ben drew closer.
What is that crazy man doing!? Emmeryn thought.
Her eyes went wide as Ben made an impossible leap into the air. The Wyvern seemed surprised too. Especially whe Ben landed on it's back then tackled the rider off of his mount.
The two men landed in a cloud of dirt and dust while the Wyvern broke off and drifted higher into the air. Ben grit his teeth and winced. He could feel warm blood dripping from a gash above his right eye. His left leg hurt, a lot. Ben sent a pulse of Force to the wound and felt the bone shift a little.
He rolled his eyes and winced.
Damn my own recklessness.
He pushed himself to his feet and staggered. His head swam a little bit. Just before he could get his bearings he felt someone tackle him back to the ground.
The air rushed from Ben's lungs as he was slammed into the ground. Above him was the Black Rider. His mouth and nose covered by a black mask. Blazing yellow eyes staring down at Ben. A black hood shadowing out everything else about him.
The man drew a dagger and plunged it towards Ben's throat. Ben raised his hands and caught the strike. He struggled against the masked man for a moment. The Black Rider threw all his weight behind his attack, and Ben's arms gave. But not before Ben forced the dagger left. It sank into his shoulder instead of his throat.
Ben howled in pain. Meanwhile, his attacker's eyes gleamed in triumph.
Ben narrowed his own. He had enough of this. Damn what other found out.
He opened his palm. Calmed his racing heart, and called on the Force. Ben grunted and channeled the force into a massive push.
The Black Rider uttered a surprised cry as he flew off of Ben and landed a few yards away. Ben scrambled to his feet and drew his rapier with his good arm. His left arm stayed slack by his side. Blood dripping down from the wound in his shoulder.
He watched as the Rider got to his feet and glared at Ben. His fist curled at his sides. Ben readied himself. The dark side of the force was so thick, Ben could practically see it coming from the man. It reminded him all too much of Mustafar.
The lava world raced through his mind. The feeling of darkness. Of hatred and suffering. The look Anakin gave him when the boy he once knew tapped into the Dark Side of the force and sank as far into its depths as he could. Ben could not help but feel the similarities. This man was powerful. Far more powerful than he was.
Ben gulped and looked over to see Emmeryn and Lissa had regathered their wits and were sprinting towards Themis. The Rider saw this too. Ben expected him to chase after them. But to his surprise he did not. Instead he took a step towards Ben.
Ben raised his rapier. This man was more powerful than he was. That much he could feel. But if he was destined to die here, then he would make his masked opponent work for it.
Mid-step, the Rider stopped. A rush of cold swept over Ben. An all too familiar presence brushed his mind then rushed to the rider. Then his mental defences were bombarded. Wave after wave of the dark side hammered against his mind. Trying to break into his thoughts. Ben grit his teeth. It took a tremendous amount of effort, but he finally repulsed the mental assault.
The Rider gave him a surprise look. The cold swept away from Ben and to his opponent. On the wind, Ben heard a voice that made his spine crawl and his hair stand on end.
Not yet, Kenobi. You do not have my permission to die.
The Rider inclined his head at Ben. Almost a sign of respect. Then he turned and sprinted away. In the distance, Ben could see Chrom and Frederick riding at full speed towards him.
Ben thought about pursuing the rider. But those thoughts faded when the pain of his wound, coupled with his own fatigue finally hit him. He fell hard to the ground and sucked in a long breath. He heard Chrom shouting for a healer as his world faded to black.
And chapter! Action packed! I don't think I've ever really written a battle sequence like this before. It was definitely a unique challenge. I hope I did a good job. And hopefully I'll get better at this the more I write them.
And yes, I just teased you all there. Maul and Ben did not battle. I'm very sorry to disappoint. But they will battle in this arc. Just not yet. Maul is not the same animal that Ben last fought. And now the Zabrak has an apprentice to try and cudgel Ben with. It's going to be interesting seeing Ben battle a far more calculating Maul.
Also, I did misspell Ricken's name in the last chapter. My bad! The Game of Thrones brain interfered with the Fire Emblem brain on that one. I'll make sure to keep an eye on that.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!