The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 33
Aftermath
She felt weightless. As if she was without form. Like a mirage in the air. She saw nothing. Felt nothing. Not the wind against her skin or the heat of the Plegian sun. Not the burning pain in her stomach after Maul pierced her.
Just quiet. Still. A sense of peace. Serenity. A sensation that was so indescribable and foreign to her. For so long, she had been fighting. It was all she could remember now. Fighting, hardship, loss, difficult decisions, sorrow, all of which had hardened and molded her into what she had been. To feel peace. To not feel weight on her shoulders anymore. It felt so liberating. But at the same time, it almost felt wrong.
If she had eyes, then what she was seeing was indescribable. A amalgamation of color, shades, and shapes that made her mind spin. It all seemed to zip by her faster than anything in existence. Then, in the blink of an eye, it all came to a sudden stop. The colors faded. The shapes dissipated. And all that was left was a blinding light.
"Lucina."
It felt like she had a body. She felt like she could move her arms, her legs, her eyes. She spun around. Trying to see who spoke her name. Attempting to discern the identity of whatever being was calling her.
Her eyes widened. Behind her the light began to dim. And in its place was a new world. One that was covered in darkness. And in that darkness was a series of catwalks made of shadow. Faintly illuminated by pale streaks of light that cut through the darkness like slim ribbons.
Where am I?
There was brighter light to her right. Lucina glanced over and saw what she could only describe as some form of gateway. And beyond that circular portal, was another image. Like a portrait that moved as it hung in a circular frame.
"The Force will change you. It will transform you." The words echoed from the portal as she saw a man in a strange mask staring back at her.
The portal rippled and disappeared. Lucina took a few hesitant steps back. Unsure of what was going on.
What was her last memory? How did she end up here? Her heart hammered in her chest. She remembered now. She was facing Maul. And he-
She swallowed hard. He killed her. Cut her down. Without any effort, hesitation, or remorse.
She was dead.
So why was she seeing? Why was she feeling? Was this what the afterlife was like?
A voice came from behind her. One that made her spine crawl and fear rocket through her heart.
"At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi."
Lucina spun around to see a new portal. One with two figures standing on a bridge. They were both hooded and cloaked. One's face was hidden in shadow. The other, Lucina recognized easily. The red and black skin forced panicked breaths from her lungs.
"At last we will have our revenge."
A wave of darkness radiated from that portrait. But it did not come from Maul. No, his signature was minuscule in comparison to the shadowy form beside him.
The portal shimmered. As it faded, a series of voices hit her ears in rapid succession.
"Always two, there are. No more… no less." And elderly, warm voice croaked.
"You have fought admirably!" A rich, aristocratic voice boomed, "Worthy of recognition in the archives of the Jedi Order. But now… it is finished."
"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate. Hate… leads to suffering. I sense much fear in you."
"I HATE YOU!"
Lucina's legs buckled beneath her. She collapsed on the transparent catwalk. Her eyes wide as she stared down into the endless void beneath her.
"You were my brother, Anakin." Her head snapped up as she heard her Master's voice, "I loved you."
A wave of cold swept over her form. A third portal began to shimmer into existence.
"The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural."
There was peculiar office on the other side of the portal. The furniture was made of a strange metal that seemed far to glossy to be real. Outside of the office, beyond a panoramic window, was a city that stretched as far as the eye could see. Dark towers jutted high into a stormy sky. And vehicles that flew through the air clogged the atmosphere and space between all of the towers she saw. It was so strange. So unusual. And for some reason, Lucina felt compelled to walk into it. As she got closer though, a growing sense of dread filled her heart. This was wrong.
There was something beyond the portrait that was evil. Not evil like Maul. No, Maul's evil could at the very least be understood. Comprehended. His evil stemmed from his hatred for an enemy. A desire to destroy said enemy and all those around him.
This evil felt like… Lucina swallowed hard. It felt like Grima. Without end. Black as a starless, midnight sky. As cold as any blizzard in Regna Ferox. Her hand shook at her sides as she stood rooted in front of the portrait.
The chair behind the desk spun around, revealing a decrepit looking man. His face hidden beneath a deep hood. Gnarled, knobbly hands folded on his lap. Yellow eyes blazed out from the shadows of the hood.
He gazed upon her. Thoughtfully. For as evil as this man felt, he did not act evil. If anything, he regarded Lucina with a strange sense of curiosity. Cracked, wrinkled lips parted into a hideous yellow smile.
His voice was quiet. It croaked and grated against Lucina's ears. And yet, it held a power and command that made her heart jump to her throat. The voice forced adrenaline to rush through her body. Not for fighting. She did not want to fight this elderly man that sat before her. She wanted to run. To hide. To crawl under a rock so that he could never find her.
"So there is another way."
She took a few terrified steps back as the stooped man rose from his seat and moved towards her.
How could he see her? Was he the one responsible for bringing her to this strange realm? This world between worlds.
He stopped at the edge of the portrait. The dark side of the Force radiated from him like a dark cloud. It felt so controlled. So focused. The amount of mastery this man held over the Force boggled Lucina's mind. It was as if he commanded the Force itself. Demanded that it bend to his will. Dominated and commanded it as one would command a pet dog.
A low, hissing breath emanated from the emaciated being in front of her.
"Lucina." He growled, "You are… a most precious thing, aren't you?"
She swallowed hard. Who was this man? Why did he terrify her as much as Grima did?
He uttered an amused laugh. A cackle that would long haunt her memory.
"I look forward to meeting you."
As the image shimmered out of existence, Lucina felt soft, feathered feet land on her shoulder. She glanced over and saw a white owl sitting there. The dread she felt faded away as she locked eyes with the bird. Warmth rushed over her. Her breathing steadied and her pulse began to slow.
Electricity shot through her body. Rushing from her fingertips to her chest. Down from the crown of her head to the bottom of her feet. Another gasp of breath surged through her lungs. And the world between worlds vanished from existence.
….
Images flew past Ben. Images that he did not want to see. Did not want to hear. Did not want to experience ever again.
They were burned in his memory. Ingrained forever in his mind and heart. And every time he relieved them, a new scar opened in his heart.
He could not stop Maul. He had failed. And because of his failure, Emmeryn died. She died just as Satine died. Just as Qui Gon died.
Ben had failed once again. And for some cruel reason, the Force had not decided to be merciful and let him pass on. Just like when he was blasted out of space while escaping the Tantive IV, he had somehow escaped Death's grasp once again. Except this time, it wasn't just the Force intervening.
Marth had stepped between him and the killing blow. And as a result, she had died. He felt her life leave her. Felt the pain in his heart as her last breath left her lips. The sorrow was only compounded by the word she screamed when she saved his life.
Master.
If what she said was true, if he really was her Master, then he had not only failed another loved one, he had failed another apprentice.
It still made no sense to him. How could he be Marth's master? He had never met the girl before in his life. But somehow, deep down, it did make sense. The evidence was there. Her cautious nature towards her own abilities. Her use of both Soresu and Ataru as forms of combat with a blade. The fact that she never wished to talk about her master around him. There were too many coincidences.
She was his apprentice. And she died his apprentice. Another failure by Obi Wan Kenobi, Jedi Master.
"Obi Wan."
Ben frowned. It was Qui Gon.
"Obi Wan."
Ben's heart leaped. There were two voices joining as one with the second saying of his name. Two voices that sounded so similar together. That spoke with the same peaceful authority.
Satine and Emmeryn.
"You did not fail us." Satine said in his mind as the memory of her death replayed. Reopening an old wound that had never fully healed.
"You have not failed us yet." Qui Gon said as Ben remembered his death at the hands of Maul.
"You will only fail us if you give up." Emmeryn's calm, gentle voice told him.
Even as he saw her death in his mind once again, he felt serenity at the sound of her voice. The scars began to close as he felt the presence of all three wash over him.
A rush of warmth hit him as the light side of the force opened up. He could see them. All three. Qui Gon, Satine, and Emmeryn were all looking at him. They were not angry or sad. They did appear worried. But they hid that worry behind reassuring smiles.
"Your friends need you, Obi Wan." Qui Gon said, "You cannot be afraid anymore."
"Let go of the past. It will only shackle you down." Satine said, "The Obi Wan I knew would never allow that to happen. He would never allow fear and sorrow to stop him from helping those in need."
Emmeryn's pure face smiled at him.
"We believe in you."
….
Cordelia sat on a makeshift bench. One leg bounced up and down. The other stayed rooted in the sand. Her armored hands rested in front of her face. Fingers interlaced. Her eyes were open as she stared into the shifting sands near her feet.
The sky above her had gone dark hours ago. And during those hours, her mind could not think of anything else except what had happened in the Plegian Capitol.
It had happened in such a short span of time. But it had felt like years. The sudden appearance of those monsters sat in her mind. Risen, as the men around her in the camp had called them. The term certainly fit. They looked like the very embodiment of death. Ashen faced. Expressions twisted into savage snarls and pained grimaces. A near unstoppable tide that she had to cut through in order to escape that hell hole of a city.
She considered herself lucky to even survive that nightmare. Even luckier that she had Libra by her side to assist her in escaping the city.
Vivid memories bounced around her head. A nightmare she continued to relive, even though she was awake.
Libra's ax had cut massive swaths through the Risen horde. She had managed to fell just as many as they zigzagged through the Plegian maze and out into the desert. Cordelia was convinced that the only reason they managed to survive was because they were not the focus of the Risen's attacks. The horde's goal was to destroy the small force of Shepherds and Feroxi that had stormed the capitol in a desperate attempt to rescue Exalt Emmeryn.
Cordelia swallowed hard. Her dry throat stung as she took a breath.
The rescue attempt failed. Exalt Emmeryn was dead. Ben was on injured. And Marth… Cordelia squeezed her eyes shut and fought back tears.
As Libra and her raced out of the city, they had accidentally ran into the last few friendly stragglers. Flavia was fighting off any Risen that decided to give chase. A little girl with blonde hair and what had to be a Plegian traitor were dragging Ben as fast as they could away from the city. Sumia was about to spur her pegasus into the air. Before she took flight, Cordelia caught a glimpse of Marth.
She was so pale. So lifeless. In that moment, Cordelia also realized just how young Marth was. How innocent she looked. Just before Sumia took off, Libra had surged forward and asked to look at Marth.
The priest looked so grim as he examined her. Nevertheless he nodded, said a silent prayer, then bade Sumia to fly with all haste into the desert. That they would meet her where it was safe. And there, Libra would work on saving Marth's life.
That's where he was now. And Cordelia sat alone outside of a hastily set up medical tent. An weary, anxious wreck of a pegasus knight.
Someone flopped down in the sand beside her.
"Mind if I join you, Red?"
Cordelia blinked and glanced down to see Gaius sitting up against one of the tent poles. His eyes were half closed. The thief looked exhausted and sick.
"Not at all." Cordelia said with the faintest hint of a smile.
The sight of the weary thief brought a surge of relief to Cordelia. She had not seen any of the other Shepherds since catching up to the main force that retreated into the desert. Other than some names said here and there, she did not know who was alive and who was dead. Did they lose more than Exalt Emmeryn today? How many friends was she going to help bury?
She feared Gaius and Panne to be among the dead. After all, they were at the first doomed rescue attempt. They were with Ben when he was captured. They were there when she and Marth were both bested by the Plegian guards and Kage.
Relieved sobs left Cordelia's lips before she threw her arms around Gaius.
"Hey! Hey!" Gaius grunted, "Easy with the hugs. I'm hungover and really sore right now."
Cordelia uttered a shaky breath, "I'm sorry. I'm just… so happy you are alive." She sniffled and wiped at her eyes, "How is Panne?"
"Whiskers?" Gaius replied, "She's alive. In one piece. Physically fine. Mentally?" Gaius sighed, "I'm not sure if any of us are ok mentally right now." He shifted in his seat as Cordelia pulled away, "I'm happy to see you too." He finally said.
Cordelia let out a small laugh, "Always with the wonderful timing."
"You know it." Gaius replied. His eyes darted back to the tent entry behind him. They both could hear healers and priests frantically working. "How's Benny? Did he make it out in one piece?"
Cordelia gulped, "He did. But he's badly injured."
Gaius nodded, "I thought he would be. I'm shocked Maul didn't kill him." Gaius rested his head back against the tent pole, "What about Blue? Have you seen her anywhere?"
Cordelia's face paled. Gaius let his eyes close.
"How bad?" He asked.
Cordelia shook her head, "I don't know."
Gaius gave her a faint nod, "That bad huh?" He rolled his shoulders. The muscles popped loudly, "Damn, I want to sleep but I can't."
"Why not?" Cordelia asked.
"Probably the same reason as you." Gaius replied.
Cordelia pursed her lips, "The Risen scared you that much too?"
"Is that what they're called?" Gaius replied, "And yes… they did." He shook his head, "I'm not a warrior like you, Red. I'm a thief. I don't do open battles. My purpose in life is to break into places I'm not supposed to be in and snatch anything I think is valuable."
"Yet here you are, in a military camp." Cordelia noted.
Gaius huffed, "Don't need to remind me." He shifted in his seat again, "Red."
"Yes?"
"I can't help but think I could have done more." He pressed his lips into a thin line, "Not just in saving the Exalt. I mean, I know she was a fine lady and all. She spared my life when she very easily could have ordered me imprisoned or executed. I guess… what I mean to say is, I feel like I could of done more to help you guys. To help Benny and Blue. To help you." He shook his head, "But in the palace courtyard I ran. Me and Whiskers ran."
"And if you hadn't you would have died." Cordelia reminded him, "Me and Marth were lucky to escape that situation at all. So don't start blaming yourself for events beyond your control."
"You all should blame me."
Both Gaius and Cordelia jumped. Then both of their faces parted into relieved smiles as they saw Robin trudging towards them.
The tactician looked exhausted. His shoulders were stooped a little. It was as if his coat was a physical weight on him. Dragging him down into the sand. There were massive bags under his eyes. His brown hair was disheveled and covered in a fine layer of dust.
Gaius let out a long sigh, "Hey Bubbles."
"Sir Robin." Cordelia nodded.
Robin let out a snort, "I'm not a sir. And my name is not Bubbles." He protested weakly, "I'm just a tactician and Shepherd. It was my job to make sure we all got out of there alive." He sighed, "Damn good tactician, aren't I?"
Gaius blinked. He nudged Cordelia's leg.
"Red."
"Yeah?"
"What did you just tell me?"
"Don't start blaming yourself for events beyond your control."
Gaius inclined his head at Robin, "I think Bubbles needs that advice too."
Robin uttered an exasperated sigh, "Maybe. But regardless, I was the one that came up with the strategy. I was the one who is responsible for the failure. I failed to account for the Risen."
"How could you?" Cordelia countered, "Those monsters are clearly not of this world. Not a single tactician in existence could have predicted someone summoning them."
"You're too hard on yourself, Bubbles." Gaius said, "Don't blame yourself. Just… stop your mind for a moment and rest."
"Yes. You should be resting." Cordelia agreed.
Robin uttered a small laugh, "I wish I could." He shook his head, "But I can't. There is just… too much going on right now." He let out a long sigh and pointed at the tent behind Cordelia and Gaius, "Ben is in there. Do you know how he is doing?"
Gaius shrugged, "I just got here."
"He's still unconscious." Cordelia answered, "I'm waiting out here. Giving the healers room to work."
Robin gave her a weary nod in thanks.
"I'm making the rounds right now." He explained, "Checking in and seeing how everyone is holding up." The tactician sighed, "I just tried talking to Chrom."
Cordelia's closed her eyes. In her own fear and anxiety, she had forgotten who had been impacted the most by the disaster that occured on the battlefield today. Exalt Emmeryn was gone. Chrom and Lissa's sister, the person who practically raised both of them, was dead. She could not even begin to imagine what they were feeling right now.
"How's the Captain?" Cordelia asked.
Robin shook his head, "He won't talk to anyone. Won't see anyone. I couldn't even get into his tent to speak to him. A pair of guards stopped me."
Cordelia's heart sank. That was not the Chrom she knew. The Chrom she knew was a bold, fearless leader. A strong warrior and a great man. Someone who did not falter in the face of insurmountable odds. Who did not despair when his comrades needed him the most.
Was she wrong about him?
"And the Princess?" Gaius asked.
"Holding herself together as best as she can." Robin explained, "Lissa's thrown herself into work. Trying to distract herself from her own pain by healing others." He bit his lip, "It amazes me how strong she actually is. I'm barely keeping myself together right now. But she's in one of the medical tents with the other healers. Working non-stop."
Cordelia nodded. All of the Shepherds were likely mourning right now. The fact that Lissa was able to keep herself composed in order to heal wounded men and women showed a strength that far surpassed her own.
"Do you both need anything?" Robin asked.
"A nap." Cordelia yawned.
"A candy bar?" Gaius said with a wry smirk, "Hell, I'll settle for sugar cubes at this point."
All three shared in a quiet laugh.
"I can't help you there Gaius. But maybe when we get back to the Longfort, you'll be able to get something sweet."
"One can only hope."
Robin smiled a little bit, "If you all need anything, don't hesitate to say something. I'm going to go check in on the others."
"Sounds good, Bubbles." Gaius muttered as his eyes began to droop.
"Don't mind us, Robin." Cordelia replied, "We will be fine."
The tactician nodded then began to walk away. As he walked away, posture slouched, shoulders hanging low, Cordelia could not help but feel sympathy for the man.
….
Robin uttered an exhausted sigh as he continued his walk through the haphazardly set up encampment. Flavia at first had been very reluctant to stop their retreat. The Khan wanted to get back to the Longfort and regroup as soon as possible. But upon seeing the weariness in her own soldiers and the dire situation of their wounded, Flavia had agreed to stop for the night.
No fires were allowed. Any noise had to be kept to a minimum. The Plegians could be in hot pursuit. Any and all tents had to be constructed so that they could be taken down quickly. Each group of soldiers had to have at least two members on watch at all times. The Khan of Regna Ferox would not allow the Plegian's to sneak up on them in the night.
Robin had to marvel at the efficiency with which the Feroxi obeyed Flavia's orders. They were followed without question. Executed to near perfection. It had to have taken hours upon hours of drilling and training in order to achieve the level of discipline the Feroxi soldiers displayed. Maybe one day, he would study their training habits first hand.
But today was not that day. Today was a day for deep reflection. His failure was obvious to him. Robin expected to be blamed for the disaster. To his great shock, no one blamed him. They instead reassured him that it wasn't his fault. That he could not have accounted for the Risen being summoned by Aversa.
Robin shook his head. He was the tactician. It was his job to formulate the military strategy and account for all possibilities. Supernatural included. At the very least, he should have accounted for a possible traitor in the Shepherd's ranks. Yet he had been so confident in his own abilities, that he failed to think the enemy had outsmarted him and planted a mole right under his nose.
His failure to do so had cost them dearly. They had lost the battle. Dozens of Feroxi soldiers were dead. Even more were wounded. Exalt Emmeryn was dead. Ben was out of commission. Unconscious due to his own wounds, exhaustion, and possibly grief. He had grown very close to Emmeryn during his short time with the Shepherds. Chrom was inconsolable. He had isolated himself into his tent. Which meant that command of the Shepherds somehow fell to… someone. Robin wasn't sure who. But if he had to pick someone to take the reigns, he'd choose Frederick. The Knight was the most combat experienced warrior in their group. He had a sense of command and leadership about him. Even if it was a little heavy handed and stern.
Robin finally reached his destination. A small tent with one occupant. The last Shepherd he needed to pay a visit too.
He saved this visit for last. Partially to give time for healers and Cordelia's newest friend, Libra, to try and save her life. And also to delay him having to look upon the gruesome evidence of his failures as a tactician.
He took a deep breath and pushed his way into the tent. Libra was standing beside Marth's cot, deep in thought. The healer's brow was furrowed and his hand rubbed his chin.
"Libra." Robin greeted.
"Sir Robin." The healer nodded.
Robin looked down at Marth. She was covered in layers of blankets. Her face was as pale as a ghost. But he could see her chest rising and falling in a slow, steady fashion.
"You're a miracle worker, Libra." Robin breathed.
"Naga performed this miracle, not me." Libra replied, "And I'm not finished yet."
"Oh!" Robin said, "Do you need me to go or-"
"No, no." Libra replied, "It is good you are here. I need someone to keep an eye on her while I go looking for someone."
Robin arched an eyebrow, "Someone? What's going on?"
Libra sighed, "I've managed to stabilize her. She won't die, hopefully. But," The healer frowned, "There is some kind of hex on her. A nasty one at that. Or, what is normally a nasty one."
Robin furrowed his brow as Libra continued.
"It appears to dull the sensation of pain. Significantly at that."
"Did Maul cast it?" Robin asked, "Or Kage?"
Libra shook his head, "No. I don't think so. This hex has been in place for a day or so."
Robin raised his brow, "Why?"
Libra gulped. His fingers went to Marth's blankets. He gingerly pulled them away.
What Robin saw made his stomach flip. Scars littered Marth's body. Fresh ribbons of red flesh snaked over her pale skin like bolts of lightning. Some areas of her body looked burnt. Then there was the bandages over stomach. In the center, Robin could see a small depression where Maul's lightsaber had run through her body. Beside her broken form sat the stub of her left arm. Bandaged where the blade had severed it at the elbow.
"The scarring is older than the wounds Maul gave her. But not by much." Libra placed the blankets back over her.
Robin swallowed hard, "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying whoever cast the hex did so in an effort to ease her pain, not curse her." Libra answered, "And among our allies, I believe there is only one who could possibly know such an incantation."
Robin's eyes widened, "Do you think she knows how to reverse it?"
"I hope so." Libra replied, "I won't be able to do much more to help Marth recover. Not until that hex is removed. Please, keep an eye on her. If her condition changes at all, fetch me immediately."
Before Robin could ask any more questions, Libra stepped past him and out of the tent. Robin tried to call after him, but to no avail.
His shoulders slumped once again and he hung his head.
"People have a habit of not listening to me outside of the battlefield." Robin grumbled, "And that is really beginning to irk me."
He turned to face Marth once again. He could feel his throat tighten as he looked at her broken form.
Naga, what had she done to deserve this fate? Robin took a deep breath as he grabbed a rickety wooden stool and took a seat beside her cot.
He folded his hands and sat quietly. His thumbs fidgeting in front of his body for a few moments. Eyes every so often looking up at Marth. Checking to make sure she was still breathing.
"I'm so sorry." He whispered, "I should have thought of a better strategy. I should have accounted for Maul and Kage." He let out a long breath, "If I had done my job better then none of us would be in this situation." He uttered a small laugh, "Maybe we'd be resting in the Plegian palace, victorious, if I had actually done that. Not out here in the desert fearing the Plegian counterattack."
He closed his eyes, hung his head and exhaled again.
"I have no idea what to do now." He breathed.
There was a small groan in front of him. Robin's eyes shot open. His head snapped up. He watched as Marth's eyes cracked open.
"Uh…" He sat frozen as her barely open eyes glanced over at him.
"Where am I?" She asked.
Robin gulped. His dry throat stung as he struggled to catch his breath. He didn't answer Marth. Instead he surged to the tent exit.
"LIBRA! LIBRA!" He shouted, but no one answered.
"What are you shouting about?" Marth asked him as he brought his head back into the tent, "And would you please stop. I have a splitting headache."
Robin gulped and gave her a small, sheepish smile.
"S-sorry just-" He uttered a nervous laugh, "Panicked."
"I can see that." Marth said. Her voice was quiet. Hushed. As if she was struggling to have the strength to speak. She licked her lips, "I'm really thirsty."
Robin blinked, "Yes! You would be. Um-"
He scrambled over to a small chest and uttered a triumphant whoop when he found a little skin of water sitting on top of a mountain of bandages and medical supplies. With as much care as he could muster, Robin brought the water skin to Marth's lips. Water dribbled gently onto her lips. She blinked and uttered a small cough when she had enough.
A long sigh left Marth's lips, "That was good." She whispered. Her face twisted in pain as she tried to sit upright.
"Stay lying down." Robin said firmly, "You are in no condition to be moving at all."
Marth gave him a defiant glare. Instead of listening to him. She tried to move again.
Robin uttered a long groan, "Does my voice simply float in the wind?"
"I can't prop my left arm up." Marth said. Some panic seeped into her voice, "Wh-why can't I see the covers moving around my arm? I feel it moving. It's there isn't it? So why-"
She stopped speaking when she saw the worried expression on Robin's face. Before the tactician could stop her, Marth's right arm wrenched the blankets from her body. Her face twisted in agony. She suppressed the urge to scream. Her eyes opened and widened as she stared down at the stump that was left of her left arm.
Pain rushed through her body. Lancing up from her destroyed arm, through her shoulders and neck, down into her chest and stomach. A burning pain that nearly blinded her as she lay in the cot. She hissed and let her head fall back into her pillow. Her eyes screwed tight for a moment before shooting open as she opened her mouth in a silent scream.
"Easy Marth." Robin breathed as he grabbed the covers and replaced them over her now frozen form, "Just take it easy."
She didn't say anything as the tactician rummaged through the chest again. He cursed as he stared at bottles of potions filled with liquids he did not know. His eyes shot up to the small healing staff leaning against the tent wall. He snatched it and took his seat beside Marth again.
"Um… I've never used one of these before." Robin said as Marth's eyes followed his movement, "It's gotta be the same principle as a spell book right?" He looked at Marth and gulped, "If anything hurts just say so and I'll stop. But right now, you need help."
Robin closed his eyes and attempted to channel what little magic he still had available. His power had been sapped during the battle in the Capitol. He had almost passed out due to magical exhaustion. Thankfully, he had forced himself to stay awake. The last thing the other shepherds needed at the time was their tactician to fall unconscious. They'd already lost Chrom to grief and Ben to injuries. They could not afford to lose him too.
The staff began to glow a faint green as his magic pumped into it and poured out as healing energy into Marth. The panic and pain in Marth's eyes began to fade away as a soothing sensation washed over her.
Robin grit his teeth. He felt sweat pooling in the creases of his palms and on his forehead. Why was this so difficult for him? Libra and Lissa made it look so easy.
He uttered a loud gasp before sagging in his seat. The green glow faded as his magic became sapped entirely. He sucked in a deep breath before looking back at Marth.
She did not appear to be in as much pain anymore. Instead, she looked at him stunned. Then she began to chuckle a little bit.
"Don't laugh." Robin said, "It's a lot harder than it looks."
"You acted like that was the most taxing thing you've ever done." Marth chuckled.
"It was, to be honest." Robin breathed, "How do the healers do it?"
"You'll have to ask them sometime." Marth replied, her voice still as quiet as a mouse.
Now instead of in pain, she looked tired. Her eyes were half open as she spoke. Her breathing was beginning to even out again.
"I'm alive, right Robin?" She asked.
Robin arched his eyebrow, puzzled.
Marth gulped, "Robin… I-I know what happened to me." Her lips began to trembled, "Robin… I was dead."
Robin's face paled.
"I know I was dead. I was- I was gone. I-" Marth closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I don't know how I came back."
Robin thought back to what Libra told him.
"A miracle from Naga?" He suggested.
Marth snorted, "Perhaps." She pressed her lips together, "The Exalt?" She asked, "Mast-" She caught herself, "Ben?"
Robin eyed her for a moment then sighed, "Exalt Emmeryn is gone." He told her, "And Ben is wounded."
"But alive." Marth breathed, "At least I was able to save one life today."
"And you helped defeat another." Robin noted, "Maul was killed."
Marth's eyes widened in shock.
"From what I heard from Flavia, between the multitude of curses and ranting, was that Kage killed him."
Marth stared at him in absolute shock.
Kage killed Maul!? But why? He was loyal to him. The apprentice was always loyal to the master. That's how those relationships were supposed to work, right? Unless a Sith's apprenticeship was just that twisted. That malevolent in nature.
She shook her head. It would have taken an explosion of raw power in order for Kage to kill Maul. The only way that would have happened was if Kage flew into a rage. Like he did when she fought him atop the Palace walls. And the only way he would have become that enraged was if he sensed her die.
Which meant he was not as far gone as she had thought.
She did not know whether that was a good or bad thing.
"And where are we now?" She asked.
Robin shifted in his seat. One hand rubbed his eyes as he struggled to stay awake, "In the desert wastes to the north. Retreating towards the Longfort. Khan Basilio is waiting there with reinforcements. Right now, we are just trying to outrun any Plegian force that may be giving chase."
Marth nodded, "And Prince Chrom?"
Robin grimaced, "Not good."
Marth gave him a grim nod of understanding. The Prince's sister had just died. It did not surprise her one bit that he fell into despair and stopped speaking to people. When someone that close to you dies, it is difficult to do anything. Much less lead an army in full retreat.
I should know. She thought to herself.
"Does anything hurt still?" Robin asked.
Marth arched an eyebrow.
Robin's cheeks flushed, "R-right. Dumb question. You just said that you were dead so of course stuff hurts. Um… what I mean to say is-um- do you need me to go grab a healer right now?"
Marth let out a small laugh, "No. I'll be ok." She looked at the staff on the ground beside Robin, "You didn't do too bad of a job."
Robin puffed up a little bit, "You think so?"
"I've had worse healing done to me."
His shoulders sagged a little bit, "I've got a lot of practicing to do, don't I?"
"Just add it to your swordsmanship lessons." Marth replied, "I hear you are still having a difficult time with those too."
"I just started those when the war broke out." Robin replied defensively, "I didn't exactly have a lot of time to train before having to fight a battle."
Before Marth could reply, the tent opened. Both Libra and Tharja strode in.
Libra regarded Marth with surprise.
"You're awake!" He glared at Robin, "I told you to come find me if her condition changed."
Tharja's gaze darkened at the priest as he spoke to Robin.
"Hey!" Robin snapped back, "I shouted for you. Evidently, you need to get your hearing checked."
"Boys, knock it off." Tharja grumbled, "I won't hesitate to cast a silencing hex on both of you."
Robin paled then nodded. Libra frowned, but also relented.
"Sorry for snapping." Robin muttered.
"We're both weary. I apologize for being grumpy." Libra replied. The priest cleared his throat, "Lady Tharja."
Tharja's eyes darted over to the priest. Sending him a glare that would send shivers down most men's spines. But Libra did not flinch. Tharja frowned then returned her attention to Marth.
"I don't think it is a good idea to remove the hex." She advised.
"I cannot continue healing her if you do not." Libra countered.
"If I do, two things could happen." Tharja continued, "One, no repercussions except for intense pain surfacing from her injuries. Pain that could send her health spiraling down. That is your best case scenario. Or two, I'm unable to properly dispel such a complex hex. It backfires, and not only will she die, but everyone within a certain radius could die too."
"What is this I hear about dying?" Robin squeaked.
"It is best to let the hex run its course. Once it wears off you can conduct more extensive treatment. For now, stick to using your little sticks to treat her." Tharja advised dismissively.
Libra looked appalled as Tharja left the tent. Robin groaned.
"Another fire to put out." He muttered.
"Good luck." Marth said as Robin moved to follow Tharja.
"I'm going to need it." Robin replied as he exited the tent and raced after Tharja.
He did not get far. As Tharja disappeared into the dark campsite, a Feroxi messenger cut off Robin.
"Sir Robin!"
Robin uttered a weary sigh, "Yes?"
"Our sentries report enemy scouts nearby. Khan Flavia requests a war council with you, immediately."
Robin stiffened. Plegian scouts had found them already!?
"Lead the way." He ordered.
The messenger nodded and raced into the camp with Robin close behind him. As the duo rushed through the campsite, Robin saw the soldiers readying for battle once again. He passed the Shepherd's tents and saw Sully, and Stahl mounting their horses. Their loyal mounts uttered digruntled snorts, but were ready to ride anyways.
Kellam was hastily throwing his armor back onto his body. Sumia hopped onto her pegasus while Cordelia put her saddle onto her own. Ricken and Miriel were directing traffic while Virion strung his bow. Nowi was rubbing her eyes. Clearly struggling to fend off sleep. Beside her, Gregor was sharpening his sword. A grim expression on his face. Gaius was giving Panne a reassuring pat on the shoulder as chaos erupted around them once again.
Robin took a deep breath and focused himself. He burst into the Khan's tent. Flavia was waiting for him. Along with Frederick and her captains.
"Situation?" Robin asked.
Flavia gave him a grim look, "It's not just scouts."
She tossed a piece of rolled up parchment onto the table. Robin snatched it up and unrolled it.
"To whom it may concern," Robin began, "You and your forces are currently cut off from your path of retreat. The nearest oasis lies behind me and my men. If you attempt to circumvent you will die from thirst and starvation long before you can reach the Longfort. If you value your lives and the lives of those that loyally follow you, surrender now. On my honor, I will do everything in my power to grant fair trials and clemency to those under your command. If you do not surrender, I will be forced to act as per my orders." Robin grimaced, "Signed, General Mustafa. Commander of the Plegian second army."
He tossed the parchment back onto the table. One hand reached up and rubbed his chin.
"Certainly direct." Frederick muttered.
"What do we do?" Flavia asked.
Robin stared long at the ultimatum that had been delivered to them. Surrender or die. Those were the terms. And knowing Flavia and Chrom, surrender was not even in their vocabulary. Robin leaned against the table.
"We need to buy some time." Robin replied, "Send a messenger back, as for a few hours so we can figure out how to..." He trailed off as he thought hard, "No that won't work."
"We either surrender or die." Frederick frowned, "And we cannot afford either option."
Robin grimaced and nodded. His mind was racing. But every solution he had was not a good one. Indeed, the only way out for those under their command may very well be surrender.
But he was not stupid. This General Mustafa may be honorable. But King Gangrel was not. And neither was Aversa. If the army was not going to kill them all, then the Grimleal would. Surrender was not an option.
"I need to know their numbers and armaments." Robin said, "As well as their position in the field."
"If I send any soldiers to scout then they will be captured." Flavia said, "There is nowhere to hide in the desert."
"Then don't send a scout," A new voice said.
Robin, Frederick, and Flavia all turned to the tent entry. Ben stood in the entryway. Most of his weight rested on a spear that he had turned into a walking stick.
None of them had expected him to wake up. And none of them thought he would be in any condition or mood to speak or lend a hand to their war council. But there he was. Standing before them.
And there was something different too. Robin could see that much. He did not appear to be as reclusive as before. Despite the need for a walking stick, he still stood tall. And there was confidence and assurance emanating from him. He carried himself with authority. Not like before where he deferred all the power in the room to Chrom or Flavia, or even Robin. No, this time, he drew all of the attention. Demanded that they listen to him. It was like the mild mannered, meek Ben had been replaced by a strong, warrior in the wake of Emmeryn's death.
He hobbled up to the table, leaned against his stick and stared at them all in the eye.
"Send a negotiator."
And chapter! Something snapped him back to reality! Whether it was his vision of Qui Gon, Satine, and Emmeryn or Marth's "death", who knows. You guys will find out more next chapter. But it is about damn time he got out of the depressive episode he was in. Chrom is out of commission. Robin is overwhelmed. Marth is severely wounded. And Flavia can only do so much. The Shepherds need a leader. And a leader is what they are about to get. And while Ben isn't cured per say (there's no way he's going to do a complete 180 just like that), I think he recognized the urgency of the situation now. And after what Kage said to him, I think he knows that Ben needs to go away, and Obi Wan Kenobi needs to come back. At least for the time being. Otherwise more people are going to die.
Now… as for Cordelia and Libra, I struggled for a long time on how to go about their role in this chapter. I thought about showing them in their little section of the battle in the Capitol. But I also felt like that would be redundant at this point. The climax of that battle occurred already. It needed to die down. I felt like having them react to the aftermath and trying to cope with what just happened was better for the flow of the story than showing them hack away at Risen for a few thousand words.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!