The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 60
War Weary
"Welcome to Valm!" Anna cheered as she stood on the deck of the Feroxi trading vessel, "Home of a conquering Emperor! Exquisite cultures stomped out by said Emperor! Cuisine that is to die for! Sometimes literally. Be careful eating the puffer fish. And all of the black market profits you can dream of!"
Robin uttered a dry laugh as he followed the excited merchant down the gangplank.
"At least she's feeling better." He said over his shoulder.
Ben followed him down to the dock below. A small chuckle left his lips.
"You cannot keep a good merchant down."
"You got that right!" Anna smiled, "So," She put her hands on her hips and looked around the docks, "If I remember my geography lessons correctly, we are in the city of Charlet."
"And that is?" Robin asked.
"In Rosanne."
"Rosanne?" Ben repeated, "Isn't that where Virion is from?"
"Shh!" Anna put a finger to her lips, "House Virion is not a good name around here. My sister told me that."
Ben arched an eyebrow, "The one we left back in Port Ferox?"
"No! My other sister." Anna smiled, "I wonder how she is doing? Maybe we'll run into her. She prefers to stay put in this city. Good money here. Constant flow of traffic. Constant trade. Always a new customer walking into the shop." A jealous sigh left Anna's lips, "A merchant's dream."
Ben started dumbfounded as Anna walked over to an approaching dock master. Just how many sisters did Anna have? And an even better question, were they all named Anna? Or did she only have one sibling with that odd distinction.
Ben noticed Gaius carefully moving down the gangplank. A very weak, sick, nauseous looking Panne leaned heavily against his shoulder.
"C'mon Whiskers, just a few more steps to dry land."
"No more…" Panne moaned as her legs wobbled down the gangplank, "No more oceans… no more…"
"Perhaps I can brew a potion to ease her disturbed equilibrium and tumultuous stomach while we are here?" Laurent suggested as he followed behind Gaius and Panne.
"No more…"
"That'd be appreciated, Specs." Gaius replied as he dragged Panne over to Ben and Robin, "So, Benny, Bubbles, what's the plan?"
"Right now, figure out the issue with the Dock Master." Ben muttered.
He strode over to Anna and the dock master. The merchant was growing increasingly frustrated.
"What do you mean we are not on the ship's manifest!?" Anna cried, she glared over at Ben, "You picked a damn fine captain, you know that? Promises the safest voyage across. Forgets to log that he has eight passengers."
Ben sighed, "I'm sure it was just an innocent mistake. There is no need to lose our heads over it. Let me handle it."
"What makes me believe you can handle it better than me?" Anna asked.
"I'm more rational."
"Rational!?"
Ben stepped in front of Anna and smiled at the Dock Master. He was a portly looking man. Clearly well fed. No doubt a result of a very well paying job. That, or he had accepted his fair share of bribes. Given the seedy nature of ports where Ben came from, it was logical to assume the latter. Still, someone that possessed power over ports on entry like this man needed to be respected. Ben cleared his throat.
"Apologies, Mr-"
"Charles." The man replied, jowls jiggling as he spoke.
"Charles," Ben shook the man's hand, "Ben. These are my friends. If you need their names, they are: Anna, Robin, Tharja, Gaius, Panne, Laurent, and Donnel. We are merchants out of Ylisse traveling here from Port Ferox."
"If you are merchants, where is your cargo?"
Ben blinked. He forgot that important detail. Anna had not been in any condition to travel alone. Let alone as a merchant with precious cargo. So her sister took on her cart and supplies. Anna took the gold she already made and stuck around with the Shepherds while her sister started selling in Port Ferox. The merchant had not been particularly happy with that arrangement. But it was both better for her health, and better for profits. After all, she wanted to keep an eye on Robin. He promised her that he would cut her in on a special deal with the Ylissean royal family. And she wanted to know for certain that he would hold up his end of the bargain.
That being said, they lacked anything they could pass off as cargo. There was no way to prove they were merchants. Ben could see a suspicious expression growing on the Dock Master's face.
"Er… cargo… yes well," He waved a hand in front of his face, "Our cargo has already been offloaded."
The Dock Master gave Ben a curious look. His eyes started to glaze over. As if he was caught in a sudden daydream. A blank expression ran over the portly man's face.
"Your cargo has already been offloaded." He replied, voice low and monotone.
Ben waved a few fingers in front of the man's face again, "There is no need to record our arrival."
"There is no need to record your arrival."
"We can go about our business."
"You can go about your business."
Ben smirked over at a dumbfounded Anna, "Move along."
Anna took a few absent steps past the Dock Master. The man did not notice her move. Instead, he furiously worked his quill against his ledger. A quick peak over his shoulder revealed him logging the various crates and their contents coming off of the Feroxi ship. But not one note mentioned the Shepherds or any merchant cargo.
The red head's jaw fell open. She stared at Ben as he sauntered past her. Robin and the others followed him. She could hear the thief, Gaius, chuckling a little at her stupefied expression.
"That's Benny for ya." He smirked.
Anna blinked and turned to watch them walk away from her.
"What just- what?" Anna raced after the Shepherds. Once she caught up to them, she surged over to Ben and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"So, Ben, old buddy. Old pal." She gave his chest a light pat, "What do you say-"
"No."
"You didn't let me finish."
"There will be no exploitation of my abilities for profit." Ben clarified in a firm tone.
"But the amount of money we could make together!" Anna cried as the group strode through the crowded harbor, "You could literally get whatever price you wanted. Your weird, mind, hand wavy thing has effectively cut out negotiations. We could control the entire market!"
"I've already tried roping Benny into schemes of my own, Anna." Gaius said as let Panne lean on him while they walked, "He's too much of a goody two shoes to get his hands dirty."
Ben chuckled a little. Oh Gaius, if only he knew what Ben did during the Clone War. There had been one mission where he had to disguise himself as a bounty hunter and go to prison. That had actually been quite fun. He did not like being around such lowlifes. But cutting loose without repercussions like that had been mildly entertaining.
Ben glanced over at Anna, "If I could get whatever price I wanted then why didn't it work on you?"
Anna opened then closed her mouth. Why hadn't it worked on her? She knew he tried something similar back at the Eastern Palace in Ylisse. Even felt a tickle on her brain when he attempted it. But for some reason, it failed. Maybe it was not completely foolproof as she thought. Or…
"I guess I'm just special that way." She shrugged.
Ben rolled his eyes but did not reply.
"So Ben," Robin jammed his hands into his coat pocket, "We've arrived. How do we plan on finding Marth?"
Ben hummed to himself, "We can't go finding anyone without supplies for traveling." He glanced over at Anna.
Anna blinked, "Uh no. This sack of gold is for getting a new cart and replenishing my stock."
"We are personal friends with Prince Chrom." Ben retorted, "I'm sure once he learns that you have helped us, he will be more than willing to get you a new cart-"
"A bigger cart!" Gaius chirped.
"A bigger cart and-"
"A better cart."
Ben jabbed Gaius with his elbow.
"As well as resupply your wares. Or at least give you a nice little sum to do both." Ben finished while Gaius winced beside him.
Anna narrowed her eyes at Ben, "He's taking a page from your book, Robin." The tactician chuckled as Anna considered Ben's points, "I'm becoming way too charitable. Fine, but I expect every single coin back with interest."
Ben nodded his head in understanding.
"Now, follow me," The merchant continued, "I know where to shop."
"Lead the way."
Ben had to marvel at this little port city. True, he had seen much bigger and more grandiose places in his life. Coruscant's main spaceport alone was as big as this entire city and more. And almost nothing could match the beauty that encompassed the Naboo city of Theed; with its stone columns and archways more reminiscent of a great painting than an actual city. But something about Charlet felt more impressive to Ben.
It seemed like a bright city. Lively, full of energy. Shops and stalls lined neat, cobblestone streets. Awnings jutted out from some buildings. Providing shade to the street below. Flowers sat in pots along windowsills and outside of doors. Each building appeared comforting. A welcoming facade. All achieved without any advanced technology. He had to marvel at the ingenuity and determination it must have taken to accomplish such construction.
"This place is lovely." Ben remarked as he followed Anna through the skinny streets.
"Don't let it fool you." Anna remarked back.
Robin arched an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
Anna sighed and kept her voice low, "Notice something off about the shops."
Both Robin and Ben started paying attention to the shops and stalls around them. And there was something very odd. They seemed almost empty. These types of stores would be filled with goods in Ylisstol. Even Arena Ferox's merchants had plenty in stock compared to the people here. Large empty crates littered some storefronts. Grocers appeared out of stock on some basic essentials. Most only managing to keep bread and some fruits available.
"That is strange." Ben muttered.
"Maybe they are just selling out of stuff that fast?" Robin suggested optimistically.
"If that were the case, I'd be hearing a lot more hemming and hollering from them. They'd be placing orders for tomorrow." Anna frowned, "Instead, all of these merchants look desperate. Add on top of that, look at the prices. They're high. Way too high. Now, I'm not going to judge someone charging the moon for their wares. Go for it in my opinion. But even a money hungry soul such as myself recognizes the market's demands."
Ben nodded, "Supply is low. Demand is high."
Robin looked surprised, "You mean they're running out of food."
As he said this, a squadron of Valmese soldiers marched past them. Each one heavily armed and armored. The red metal plates of their armor glinted in the warm sun. Ben furrowed his brow. That had to be the fourth or fifth patrol he had seen so far. And they had only been in the city for acouple hours.
"The army is outside of the gates." Tharja noted as she gave the soldiers a wary look.
Anna nodded, "Which worries me. This place is one food riot away from blowing up entirely. Stay on your toes." She sighed, "This city is not how I remembered it."
She moved across the busy street over to a shop situated inside of a tall, brick building. A large painted sign hung over the doorway with the words Secret Seller emblazoned in bright red. Ben smirked. Of course Anna would be going to one of her sisters for supplies. She had to keep any gold spent within the family apparently.
A small bell rang out as Anna pushed the door open and held it for the other Shepherds to step inside.
A small gasp left the merchant's lips when she saw the state of the shop.
It was almost empty. A few vulnaries sat desolate on a shelf. One or two healing staves leaned against a dark, dusty corner. A small basket filled with apples sat on a counter top across the small shop floor. Empty mannequins stood around the wooden floor.
Standing behind the wooden counter, guarding her precious few Vulnaries with a big grin, was Anna's sister. She looked just like Anna. Except she had a dark red beret on top of her head and a painted, thin mustache above her lip. A third Anna. Were the merchants triplets? Ben could already feel a headache beginning to form.
"This is not good." Anna breathed.
"Oh my gosh! Anna, mon ami!" Anna's sister cried happily.
"Mon ami means friend, not sister." Anna replied.
"Ohoho, don't tell the people who shop here." Anna number three grinned, "So, who are your amis."
"Its les amis, I think?" Anna corrected, "And these are my newest, most loyal customers. They cut me in on one heck of a deal."
"Ohoho, did they?" Anna Number Three rubbed her painted mustache, smearing the black ink around her finger by accident, "It must have been quite the deal for you to travel with them."
"It is." Anna smiled, "I'm kind of excited actually."
"You'll have to regale me of it some time, mon ami." Anna Number Three rested her head in her hand, smearing some ink on her chin by accident, "I assume this is not a simple visit to say bonjour, no?
"Unfortunately no. But," Anna glanced around the empty shop, "I don't know if you're gonna be of much help."
"Absurdité! I'm sure I have what you are looking for."
"Other than the Vulnaries, it does not look like it." Anna sighed, "I need supplies for a long journey inland. Food, extra water skins, those vulnaries just in case, a proper healing staff-"
"Ohohoho, quite the expedition." Anna number three chortled heartily.
Robin stared in absolute confusion. He glanced over at Ben.
"Uh…"
"Don't ask me. I'm still blown away there are three of them." Ben whispered.
"What's with the weird act, Anna Number Three?" Gaius blurted out.
Panne, now finally recovered, smacked him upside the head.
"OW!"
"You are being rude."
"I think you're being the rude one considering I just dragged your furry ass across half of this city." Gaius grumbled back.
"Act!?" Anna number three cried, "Non! This is no act." She leaned over the counter towards Anna, "Would you tell you dumbass friend to keep his voice down." She hissed, losing the accent and strange language, "I'm trying to play the market."
"Gaius." Anna began.
"What?"
"Shut your dumbass up."
"Hey!"
"Tharja, if Gaius speaks again, shut him up." Ben said.
Tharja began to giggle maniacally. The thief took a few careful steps away from her and wisely kept his mouth closed.
"I personally find this act fascinating." Laurent remarked from the back as he scribbled notes down, "Tell me, Anna, is this a native language for this area?"
"Oui. I've been trying to learn for three weeks now." Anna number three smiled back, "Ohoho, I mean, I have spoken like this my entire life. Now, you seek supplies for gros journey, non?"
"Depends on what you mean by gross?" Donnel shrugged, "So far nothing too disgusting has happened yet. Perhaps we do need a sack or two in case we go on a boat again."
Panne visibly blanched as he mentioned the possibility of another boat ride.
"Non, non, gros means big in this country." Anna Number Three laughed, "And no worries, mon ami." She waved for the group to follow her to a door behind the counter, "I have exactly what you need. You there," She pointed at Panne, "Lapin, put the closed sign up."
Panne narrowed her eyes and flattened her ears back, "What did she just call me?"
"Lapin means Taguel here!" Gaius exclaimed as he got between the angry Taguel and the merchant, "Just put the sign up, Whiskers."
Panne grumbled as she went over to the shop entry. She locked the door and placed the closed sign up. Once Anna number three was sure that the shop was locked up, she cracked the door in the back open.
"Follow me, mon amies."
Robin gave Ben an unsure look. But the group followed Anna and her sister into a dark hallway. The dark hall led to a flight of stairs that Robin nearly tripped down.
"Laurent, we could use a light."
"No lights!" Anna Number Three hissed, "The guards don't know this is down here."
A heavy, wooden, thunk hit Robin's ears. A small sliver of light winked to life in front of him as Anna Number Three pushed a heavy, reinforced door open. She quickly ushered all of them inside, but stopped Gaius at the door.
"Not you."
"What do you mean, not me?" Gaius cried.
"I know a thief when I see one." She remarked.
"Hey! Just to make it clear, I have not stolen something in a few months." Gaius folded his arms over his chest, "I think I deserve some praise for that."
"You've got lookout duty, Gaius." Robin said, "Anyone comes into the shop, let us know."
Gaius sighed, "Oh fine." He kicked at the door, "Leave me with the boring work."
Anna number three shut the door. Robin let out a long sigh.
"Sometimes, that guy gives me a migraine." Robin breathed.
"Welcome to the club." Ben chuckled.
"I can hear you through the door!" Gaius shouted from the other side.
"Good!" Both Ben and Robin shot back with a light chuckle.
The duo turned. Robin felt his jaw fall open.
They were surrounded by stuff. Big stuff, small stuff. Whatever you could think of stuff. Leather waterskins hung on one wall. Swords, spears, lances, and axes lined another wall. Several silver swords rested on racks in the center of the room with a big sign reading, 'Do Not Touch', over them. Healing staves rested in a basket in a corner. Several barrels filled with dried fruits and vegetables sat in the opposite corner.
"Welcome to my contraband room." Anna Number Three grinned with pride.
"Contraband room?" Robin gulped.
"Uh…" Donnel leaned over to Laurent, "What does that mean?"
"Illegal wares." Laurent answered.
"Oh." Donnel swallowed, "We shouldn't be here, huh?"
"Contraband?" Anna gave her sister a concerned look, "Since when did you get into the illegal product business?"
"Since Walhart's army arrived at the gates and confiscated everything that could be used to assist the rebel cells in the area." Anna Number Three replied, any accent or foreign language gone from her voice, "This is the only product I managed to save. I picked up a few more pieces but as you can see back up top, business is gone." Anna Number Three let out a sad sigh, "It looks like I might have to hit the road again soon. Just as I got used to staying in one place. I even managed to find a great baker in the area." She sniffled then took a deep breath, "But before I can do that, I've got to move as much of this stuff as I can." She looked at her sister, "Take your pick. Half off whatever you want."
"Half off!" Anna cried, "It's that bad around here now?"
"If you are aiming to get out, yeah." Anna number three nodded, "It's only going to get worse too. I've been hearing rumors that Emperor Walhart is preparing to embargo all trade into the continent. Especially trade ships from Archanea."
Ben's eyes widened, "That seems rather extreme if he is just trying to handle rebel cells."
"That is not a move to squash rebels." Robin remarked, "That is move to keep any prying eyes from looking in."
"Do you think Valm is preparing to do something in Archanea?" Ben asked the tactician.
Robin rubbed his chin, "I don't know. But this would be a damn good first step. Keeps any potential spies from getting in, or getting back out."
"How long until this Embargo, Anna?" Ben asked.
Anna Number Three shrugged, "Could be anywhere between three weeks to two months. I have nothing concrete."
Ben could not believe how rotten their luck was. Just when they get a lead on Marth's whereabouts, the amount of time they have to search for her gets cut down to a few weeks at the least. Nowhere near enough time to conduct a proper search.
"Three weeks huh?" Anna nodded, "Alright guys, pack for at least five weeks. Just in case." She turned to her sister, "Thank you."
"Hey, we're family. During tough times like this, family has to stick together."
Anna blinked, "Naga, times must be really, really bad."
Anna Number Three chuckled, "But bad times eventually turn good. We Annas will weather the worst. Like we always have."
The group quickly gathered up what supplies they could fit inside of their travel packs. Ben loaded up on plenty of dried fruit. He found the little snack to be quite delicious. Tasted like candy. Ben puckered his lips. Now that he thought about it that way, he would have to keep his stash far away from Gaius.
He reached for a second waterskin when everyone heard furious pounding on the door.
"GUYS! GUYS!" Gaius shouted from the other side, "SITUATION!"
Everyone froze inside of the contraband room. Anna Number Three rushed over to the door. She threw it open. Gaius rushed inside and pointed up to the door at the top of the stairs. Loud bangs echoed through the dark hallway. Anna number three blanched.
"I hope you guys know how to fight. Because that is the only way we are getting out of this." Anna Number Three said as she strode over to the Do Not Touch swords and grabbed one.
She tossed another one over to her sister. Anna easily caught it and smiled.
"Anna, you are about to see just how good of fighters these maniacs really are."
Ben smirked and drew his rapier. He looked over at Tharja and Robin.
"When that door comes down-"
"Clear it." Robin smiled, "Way ahead of you." Robin looked around at the others as he drew his tome, "Laurent, keep it clear while we get up to the surface."
"Of course."
The door at the top of the stairs shuddered a few more times. Frantic shouting echoed from beyond the door. Gaius grit his teeth and drew his shortsword. Donnel's face turned grim as he drew his own weapon. Panne palmed her Beaststone. Ready to channel power into it in order to pull off her beast form transformation.
Ben closed his eyes and reached out with the force. This would be close quarters combat. It would be that way even when they reached the surface again. The streets of this city were extremely narrow. If Anna had not been guiding them all, they would have become lost in the labyrinth of alleys and avenues that criss-crossed the city. The fighting would be intense. So he wanted to know what exactly they were up against.
"Four swordsmen." Robin breathed to his side. Ben's eyes widened, "Four archers outside the shop." Robin glanced at Ben, "Those Force exercises are working."
Ben smiled, "I can see that. But don't let seeing ahead distract you. Focus on what is in front of you."
"Of course."
The door shuddered one more time. There was a silent pause. Ben held his breath. A bam hit the door. The wood splintered. The heavy door fell from its hinges and slid down the stairs. Gaius yelped and hopped over the sliding projectile. The others behind him stepped out of the way.
"Tharja! Laurent!" Robin shouted as he extended a hand.
Three spells shot up at the entryway. The Valmeses soldiers at the top let out alarmed cries as the magic collided into them, clearing the way back up to the surface.
"Behind me!" Ben called as he rushed up the stairs.
He reached the top of the stairs and shot out into the main shop. Four more guards shoved their way through the broken front door. Ben surged at them and slammed the tip of his blade into the nearest enemy.
Before the second guard could attack Ben, Gaius's shortsword cut him down. The two Annas took care of the other two. A fifth guard tried to enter, but Donnel bashed the pommel of his blade against his helm, knocking the man out.
"Where are those archers, Robin?" Ben asked the tactician.
"I don't know. I just know they are out there. Give me a minute to-"
Tharja did not let the tactician finish. The dark mage stepped outside of the shop. An arrow whizzed at her. She moved to cast a spell in that direction. A blast of dark magic destroyed that arrow. But she failed to notice the other three arrows flying at her back.
Ben shot out of the shop and tackled her to the ground. The Dark Mage grunted as she hit the floor. Her eyes widened as she saw the arrows skip across the cobblestone near her feet.
"Don't be so reckless." Ben breathed as he pushed himself to his feet.
"I can be as reckless as I want." Tharja shot back as she rolled to her feet as well.
Ben saw one Archer sitting on a nearby balcony. He reached out with the force and tore the archer from his perch. The man screamed as he plummeted down to the ground. Tharja blasted a second archer hiding in a doorway. The other two archers remained hidden.
"Soldiers on the left!" Robin called as he burst out of the shop and sprinted right.
Ben looked to the other end of the narrow road. A large group of soldiers armed with swords and lances were charging at all of them. Civilians screamed in terror as they realized what was going on.
"REBELS!" One civilian screamed as she rushed out of the way of the soldiers.
Ben gulped, "Oh that's not good."
"Seize the rebels!" A Valmese Captain barked while pointing his sword directly at Ben.
Tharja grabbed Ben by the back of his shirt and yanked him after Robin and the others.
"Don't zone out." She smirked back at him.
Ben chuckled, "I can zone out as much as I want."
Danger hit Ben. He could sense more archers sprinting over the rooftops above them. They needed to find cover, fast. Robin seemed to know that as well. The tactician may not have known exactly where he was going, but he kept them in the more narrow alleyways. Not allowing the archers an angle to shoot them at.
A group of guards cut them off as they exited an alley and entered a broader street crawling with horses and carriages. Civilians scattered as the Shepherds engaged the Valmese soldiers.
The group made quick work of the ill prepared soldiers. Tharja, Robin, and Laurent's magic wreaked havoc on the surprised enemy. The soldiers were not prepared to deal with mages of their caliber.
No matter how much power they possessed though, it would not be enough if the enemy kept coming. More and more soldiers swarmed towards them. Like angry hornets who just had their nest disturbed. All Ben and his friends could do was keep running. They could not slow down. If they slowed down even a little bit, they would be surrounded. Cut off from any escape. Then it would be over.
And Ben doubted the Valmese wanted to negotiate terms of surrender.
They sprinted around another sharp corner into a small garden. A glistening, granite fountain sat in the middle of a large patch of green grass. Tall willow trees swayed lazily in the soft breeze that swept through town. The Shepherds skidded to a halt in the courtyard. Ben uttered a curse under his breath.
They were cut off. But how?
Ben locked eyes with a new captain. No… not a captain. The captains answered to this one. He wore dark armor. Layered with multiple light plates. His gray hair was held up in a high ponytail. At his hip were two swords. One short and the other longer, meant for two hands. His sharp eyes stared back at Ben.
"There's the boss." Gaius gulped as he pressed his back into Ben's.
"General Yen'fay." Anna Number Three gulped, "Our luck is rotten."
Robin's head was on a swivel. His tactical mind trying to find a solution. But the more he looked around, the more he realized how screwed they were. They were completely encircled. Three other streets led into the garden. All three were clogged with soldiers waiting for a chance to attack. Only their General and his discipline kept them from charging at the eight shepherds and their new friend.
General Yen'fay stepped forward.
"You are surrounded." His strong, stern voice rang out, "Surrender now, and you will be granted a fair trial."
"Ha! He's got jokes!" Anna Number Three laughed, "There's no such thing as a fair trial in the Empire. No such thing as fair anything now that I think about it."
Yen'fay scowled, "Last chance."
Gaius nudged Ben.
"Benny, if you got any tricks, now is the time to use them."
Ben grimaced. Fighting Risen in the desert with a lightsaber was one thing. If he used a lightsaber here, it would attract the wrong attention. And it would most certainly draw Kage towards him. The boy was powerful. He did not want his friends on the receiving end of his hatred and rage. All he wanted to do was find Marth, find Luke, and go home. Was that too much to ask for?
But he was out of options. General Yen'fay drew his own blade. A yellow colored sword, tall and broad. Several large barbs protruded from the edges. A deadly looking thing that could rip a man in half if swung hard enough. He started stalking towards Ben and his friends.
Ben's free hand reached for the silver hilt against his hip. Just as he grabbed it, a loud roar rang out through the air. General Yen'fay stopped his approach. His eyes flicked up to the sky.
Loud, terrified cries rang out from the road to Ben's left. Ben looked over and saw a massive Wyvern dive down from the clouds. On the Wyvern's back was a young woman with bright pink hair. Dark armor covered her body. A bonnet kept her hair from flying into her face. And a large, black ax rested in her grip.
The Wyvern slammed into the soldiers holding the road. Scattering them in all directions. The woman hacked away at a few soldiers that stood their ground while her moutn hissed and snapped at any unfortunate enough to try and get close. The Wyvern rider looked at the Shepherds.
"This way!" She shouted.
"You heard the lady!" Gaius cried, taking Panne by the hand and sprinting towards the Wyvern.
The others followed. As they sprinted away, Ben heard Yen'fay bark out an order.
"Do not let them escape!"
They rushed after the Wyvern Rider. The beast took to the air once again and roared over the street. Robin made sure to keep his eyes to the sky as he did his best to follow the Wyvern Rider.
They were heading for the city gates. Ben felt some relief fill him. Good, if they could get out of the city, they could flee into the countryside. Ben blasted a force push at some soldiers trying to cut them off.
"Oh no!" Anna cried.
The gate's iron bars started to descend. Ben ducked his head. Archer fired at them from behind. He turned around for a split second and deflected two arrows away from their targets.
"Hurry Ben!" Tharja shouted as the dark mage sprinted beneath the gate and out of the city.
Gaius and Panne escaped next. Robin and Laurent slipped beneath the descending gate. Anna sprinted ahead with Ben, Donnel, and her sister.
Donnel rolled beneath the iron bars. Anna slid beneath them. Scuffing up her outfit in the process.
Tharja, Robin, and Laurent fired volleys of magic at the top of the walls. Trying to keep any enemies from raining arrows down as they waited for their last two friends.
Ben and Anna's sister reached the gate. Just as they moved to slide beneath the bars, Ben felt the Force scream out a warning. He dropped to the ground. One arrow whizzed over his head and hit the bars with a small ping. He heard a second arrow whiz nearby, but it did not make a noise. He let out a relieved sigh as he slipped beneath the gate just before it closed.
He hopped to his feet. When he got to his feet, he saw Anna sprinting towards him.
"ANNA!" She screamed.
Ben's heart jumped to his throat.
The second arrow.
He glanced behind him. Anna's sister clawed at the iron bars from the other side. Trying to will her suddenly weak body to rise from the ground. An arrow jutted out of her back. More arrows whizzed towards the gate. Ben moved and grabbed Anna before she could get hit as well. She struggled against his iron grip as she tried to reach her sister. More arrows slammed into the Valm Merchant.
Anna screamed, kicked, and clawed. But she could not get free from Ben. She desperately reached out for her sister as she slipped down the iron bars to the ground.
"Ben, hurry!" Robin shouted, "There are more coming!"
Ben sprinted towards a small wood on the edge of the city. The others had already disappeared into the thickets. The swordsman's shoulder felt wet from Anna's tears as he carried the wailing merchant into the woods. Away from the enemy.
Away from her fallen sister.
Robin did not know how long they ran for. But by the time they stopped, the sun had started to set. He slowed as he approached the clearing where the others waited for him.
He quickly did a head count. Gaius and Panne were there. Both weary and bruised. But otherwise alive and unharmed. He saw Laurent tending to a gash on Donnel's forearm. Tharja sat in the dirt, spell book open. Trying to distract her mind.
"Where is Ben and the Annas?" He asked.
Ben emerged from the forest and sprinted into the clearing. He came to a slow stop. Anna was thrown over his shoulder. The poor girl lay there limp and sobbing. Ben sucked in several quick breaths before gently setting Anna down on the ground.
As the merchant sobbed in the dirt, Robin felt his heart jump to his throat. His eyes widened. He could hardly breathe.
"Her sister?" He asked Ben as the swordsman walked past him.
Ben stopped. He shook his head before quietly making his way over to a shady spot in the clearing. Robin's stomach dropped.
Anna's sister did not make it. He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled. The air left his lungs with a quiet shudder. This day just went from good to terrible really fast. Panne sat beside Gaius, ears lowered and eyes downcast. Gaius closed his eyes and shook his head. One hand rubbed the top of the Taguel's head as he tried to soothe her. Tharja flicked her eyes up. She said nothing, but Robin could see Anna's wails were getting to her. How she would react to them was what Robin wondered? Would she comfort Anna like everyone else, or would she place a silencing hex on her?
Donnel walked over to Anna and helped the sobbing merchant to her feet. The red head wrapped her arms around the Farm Boy, startling him. She buried her face into his shoulder and kept crying. Donnel hesitated, then wrapped her in a warm hug.
"Just let it out, Anna." Donnel breathed, "A good cry ain't never hurt no one."
A rush of wind hit the clearing. Robin allowed some sparks to dance over his fingertips as he readied himself for another fight. A wyvern landed at the other end of the clearing. The pink haired rider hopped down and gave the massive lizard a loving pet on the snout.
"Good girl." Robin heard her say before turning towards him and his friends.
Her expression morphed from cheerful to sad as her eyes settled on Anna and Donnel. The Wyvern rider closed her eyes and shook her head as she approached.
"I am so sorry." She said.
Anna sniffled and wiped a hand over her raw eyes, "It's-it's not your fault."
The woman nodded and waved for the group to follow her.
"There is a hideout nearby. We should get to it. Before any scouts find us."
Robin nodded in agreement. He glanced over at Anna and Donnel. Donnel asked Anna if she was ready to get going. The merchant reluctantly nodded and started walking after the Wyvern Rider. The Farm boy and Laurent followed her. Gaius and Panne glanced back at the city of Charlet in the distance, then followed as well. Robin turned towards Ben. Tharja had moved over to him. The swordsman was quiet the entire time the Wyvern Rider spoke to them.
"You good, Ben?" Robin asked.
Ben took a deep breath, "Yes… I'll be fine." He nodded at Tharja, "Let's get moving."
The Shepherds followed the Wyvern Rider for a couple miles before they arrived at another clearing. The Wyvern Rider took several large steps into the clearing then stopped. She hopped up and down on a patch of rough grass. A hollow sound erupted from her feet.
"Here we are." She said as she knelt down and yanked open a hidden door that led to the hideout.
Robin and his friends followed her inside of the hideout.
It was not much to look at. A small cave dug into the ground. A few ventilation holes allowed small strips of the fading sunlight inside of the dank, dark space. Soft earth sank beneath Robin's boots as he helped the Wyvern Rider light some candles inside.
There were some rickety wooden chairs littering the dirt floor. Barrels filled with water lined one wall. Crates filled with food lined the wall next to it.
"No fires, unfortunately. The army will see the smoke coming out of any vents." The woman breathed. "Other than that, make yourselves at home. I suggest staying here for the night while the scouts exhaust themselves. They'll give up the search by morning."
"How can you be so sure?" Robin asked.
The woman shrugged, "That's the pattern I've seen when they've tried hunting me down." She cracked open a crate, revealing strips of heavily salted pork. She picked one up, sniffed it, then nodded, "Still good." She muttered , "Help yourselves to whatever you want. It won't get eaten after tonight. Also, my name is Cherche. Figured I should tell you."
"Robin, and these are-"
"Ben Kenobi and some of Prince Chrom's Shepherds." Cherche smiled at them, "Yes, I've heard of you. Stories of your fight against the Mad Plegian King reached all the way over here." A small laugh left her lips, "It kind of inspired some of us rebels for a time. Before Walhart's armies broke us."
Robin narrowed his gaze at Cherche, "You're one of the rebels."
"The last one in Rosanne." Cherche replied, "Everyone else is either captured or dead. This is the only hideout they have not found yet. Which is why I'm only staying a night. It is only a matter of time before they find it." She rummaged through some more crates, scavenging whatever supplies she thought would be useful, "After tonight, I plan on getting out of here."
"Where do you plan on going?" Robin asked.
"I plan on hopping onto the next ship out of this place."
"You're sailing for Archanea?" Ben piped up as he gratefully took a piece of pork.
He passed some around to the other Shepherds. Anna declined to eat anything. She did not feel hungry.
"Port Ferox. That's the only stable port to sail to. Plegia is still in mild disarray from what I hear." She took a bite of pork, chewed, then swallowed, "I plan on going quick too. The Embargo will be in place sooner rather than later."
Robin cursed, "Three weeks then?"
Cherche nodded, "Unfortunately. Once the Embargo is in place, any ships that are not from another Valm port will be impounded. Their crews will be arrested as either spies or pirates." She shook her head, "Charlet will be devastated by such a move. The city relies on trade with Archanea. With that gone… I can't even imagine what will happen." She sighed, "Anyways, the ship captains in the harbor right now are aware of what is going on. If you bribe them enough, they will take you across the sea to Archanea. I suggest you all turn around and head back as quick as you can. Otherwise, you will be stuck here."
"We can't." Robin sighed, "We came here looking for a friend of ours. Maybe you saw her?"
"I can't promise anything." Cherche breathed, "But, tell me what she looks like."
"Blue hair, one arm-"
"Oh! You guys are looking for Marth."
Ben's gaze snapped over to Cherche, "You've seen her?"
"Seen her? Yeah. We ran into each other. She accidentally got caught up in one my little escapades." She saw the worried looks on the Shepherds faces, "Don't worry. As far as I know, she is both alive and free. Last I saw her, she was looking for someone too. Headed west to conduct her search. In the direction of the Mila tree."
"Mila tree?" Donnel wondered out loud.
"How far away is the Mila tree?" Ben asked.
Cherche furrowed her brow, "A week if you move fast. You can get there and back in time to escape the Embargo. As long as bandits or Valmese soldiers don't slow you down." She leaned back as she took a seat against one of the earth walls, "From there, the road diverges either Northwest, South, or further west. If you don't find her at the Mila tree, then I have no idea where she could be."
"Is the Mila tree difficult to find?" Robin asked.
Cherche shook her head, "Nope. You can't miss it. The thing is almost as tall as a mountain."
"Well, that makes finding that easy. Hopefully Marth will be there." Ben said.
"If not, we will just have to pray she got out in time." Robin breathed as he munched on a scrap of pork, "We cannot stay in Valm for long. We've already managed to make ourselves enemies of the state."
Ben nodded, "That is the plan then. First light tomorrow morning, we march west to the Mila tree."
"You got it boss." Gaius said.
Ben sat silent in the quiet hideout. The others had fallen asleep a while ago now. But sleep eluded him.
He ran a hand over his weary eyes. Today was not a pleasant day. It had been a long time since he had lost a friend in battle. And while he had only just met Anna's sister, he did consider her a friend. She was more than willing to help them when they needed it.
The image of her sliding to the ground, riddled with arrows shot through his mind again. Ben inhaled and exhaled. Each time someone close to him died, it became harder for him to push past it.
Perhaps his Jedi training was finally starting to fail him. He had grown so close to everyone in this hideout. The thought of losing any of them made him sick to his stomach. Even though the Jedi code specifically forbade attachments, he found himself very attached to this crazy group of friends. The loyal and ever loving Shepherds.
He blinked in the darkness as Anna tossed fitfully in her sleep. The poor girl. She had lost a member of her family. Ben knew all too well what that felt like. She was trying to soldier through it now. But eventually, the walls would have to come crumbling down. She would have to allow herself time to mourn. Hopefully that time came as they sailed back home to Regna Ferox. Where they would not be hunted down or mistaken for rebels.
Ben sighed and let his hands fall into his lap. He did not even feel like meditating. His mind just felt so weary. Tired of all the fighting and dying. That has been his life for years now. Fighting and dying. Battles and escapes. Gaining friends, only to lose them in the crucible of war. He was weary with it all.
A small mumble caught his attention. He saw Tharja's eyes blink open near him.
"Can't sleep?" She yawned.
Ben shook his head.
"Stuck in your own head again?" She asked him as she propped herself up onto her elbows.
Ben snorted out a quiet laugh, "Maybe."
Tharja sat upright and turned so that she faced him. He could barely see her in the darkness. But he knew she was concerned. She would not have woken up otherwise.
"Shall we?" She asked taking him by the hand.
Ben pursed his lips then nodded.
Tharja opened her spell book. The familiar purple runes rushed over their skin. Ben closed his eyes.
Tharja heard Ben gasp when she opened her eyes again. There was noise everywhere. A constant whir that made her head spin. A buzz that sounded so strange. Like an endless stream of honey bees were flying nearby.
She winced as she picked herself up off of the concrete beneath her. When she raised her gaze up, her eyes widened.
In front of her was the biggest structure she had ever seen in her life. A massive, pyramid shaped building. Several tall spires jutted up from its peak. It was so tall that Tharja could not even glimpse the top of it. As she craned her neck further back, she realized the orange sun in the sky was blotted out by a thick column of smoke pluming out from the top of the massive building.
She could hear some panicked breaths leaving Ben's lungs. She glanced over at him. His face looked pale. His hands were trembling at his sides. Eyes were glued to the building in front of him.
"The Jedi Temple?" She asked on a hunch.
Ben nodded.
"Do you want to keep going?"
Ben closed his eyes and bowed his head. He thought hard for a moment. Then nodded. Tharja reached over and took Ben by the hand. She had a feeling this memory would be one of the hardest for Ben to struggle through. He could not lose his mind in here. If he did, he may never leave the memory. Physical contact would help keep him tethered to the spell. Allow him to remember that this was not real. Only a memory replaying in his mind.
Tharja jumped as blue lights shot passed her and Ben. On reflex, Ben tore his hand away from hers and reached for his lightsaber. When he did not find it at his hip, he panicked. Tharja reached up and brushed a hand against his cheek.
"Ben, stay with me." She breathed.
Ben screwed his eyes shut and nodded.
When he opened them again, he and Tharja watched as a squad of Clone Troopers wearing blue painted armor rushed out of the Temple, weapons leveled at them. As they started firing, a green blade rushed by Tharja's head and impaled itself in one of the Clone's chest.
One of the strangest creatures Tharja had ever seen sprinted by her and Ben. A dwarfish looking thing. Body as green as grass. Wrinkled skin, like old leather. Wispy white hairs popped out from the top of his odd shaped head. Pointy ears protruded from the sides. It looked elderly. But it did not move like an old creature. The speed with which the little green man attacked the Clones boggled Tharja's mind.
"Grand Master Yoda." Ben whispered to her, "The greatest of the Order."
A small feeling of reverence filled Tharja. This little, diminutive creature was the Grand Master of the entire Jedi order. A being whose power she could only begin to guess. Obi Wan appeared right behind Yoda. His blue blade danced in sweeping circles around his body. Deflecting back volleys of enemy fire and slaying any Clones that dared to get in his way.
Once the last clone fell, both Yoda and Obi Wan deactivate their weapons and rushed inside of the Temple. Ben took a deep breath.
"Are you ready?" Tharja asked him.
She saw him clench his jaw tight. His hand wrapped around hers.
"As I'll ever be." He breathed.
They walked silently into the Jedi Temple. The first thing Tharja noticed was the smell. It smelled like a fire was burning inside. And multiple were. But they were only smoldering. Black scorch marks littered the walls and pillars around her as she walked with Ben. Small sections of the floor had caved in. Blasted away by something. Each one looked like a little crater. Several of the massive stone pillars that supported the ceiling had toppled to the ground. Smashed into small bits by weapons beyond Tharja's own imagination.
The first body they saw made Tharja's heart stop.
A little boy, no older than eight, surrounded by a sea of fallen Clones. She heard Ben suck in a sharp breath.
"They killed everyone." Ben said, "Young and old. Master and apprentice. This was the last great battle of the Clone War. Fought where we thought we were safest."
The number of dead Jedi grew as they delved further into the Temple. Each one savagely butchered by Clones. Plenty of Clones were mingled in with the dead Jedi. But the Jedi had been so few in number, that no matter how many Clones they took down, it was not enough.
They eventually reached a section of the Temple that horrified Tharja.
A dozen young children lay dead on the ground. But their bodies were mangled far more than the other Jedi. Deep slashes charred through their chests and backs. Limbs were severed. Violent deaths.
She could feel Ben's fear mounting as they strode through the shattered remains of the Jedi Temple. Eventually, they found their way into a strange room. Glowing green walls filled the space like a small maze. Tharja saw Obi Wan Kenobi fiddling with a small machine in one of the walls.
"I've recalibrated the code warning all surviving Jedi to stay away."
"For the clones, to discover the recalibration, a long time it will take." Master Yoda's croaking voice replied.
Tharja watched as the two Jedi Masters headed towards an exit. As they walked through a small hall, Obi Wan came to a stop.
"A security hologram." Ben breathed.
Tharja did not know exactly what that was. But she knew she was about to learn.
"If into the security recordings you go, only pain will you find." Master Yoda warned Obi Wan.
"Master…" Obi Wan breathed, "I… I must know."
A blue, flickering image appeared on a small pedestal. It looked almost like a strange scrying spell to Tharja. But at the same time, there was no magic surrounding it. She furrowed her brow in confusion as she watched Obi Wan flick through different images on the pedestal.
Ben squeezed her hand. Obi Wan stopped on an image. The image began to move.
A young man attacked the young children in the hologram. Vicious, brutal hacks that shattered the children's meager defenses. He mercilessly cut them down. Their dying cries filling the small hall Ben and Tharja stood in. It took a minute for Tharja to recognize the man slaughtering the children. But when she did, both sorrow and rage filled her.
Anakin Skywalker. Obi Wan's apprentice. He looked a little older. His hair was longer. Body stronger and faster. A scar sat over his right eye. Likely given to him in some massive battle.
A choked sound left Ben's lips. Tharja squeezed his hand.
"I'm right here." She said.
"It can't be." Obi Wan breathed in disbelief as he watched the hologram in horror. "It can't be."
Yoda bowed his head.
"Well done, Lord Vader."
A voice that sent a chill down Tharja's spine spoke. It came from the security hologram.
It was showing the aftermath of the battle. Anakin Skywalker, or Lord Vader as someone else called him, knelt before a hooded, decrepit figure. A man that made involuntary terror seep into Tharja. His presence alone made her want to run away and hide. And she had no idea who this figure in the hologram even was. But she knew that Obi Wan's former apprentice answered to him now. Which meant he was powerful.
"Now go bring peace to the Empire."
Tharja blinked. Peace? This was not peace? This was mass murder all around her. A massacre of innocent lives. It made her blood boil. These two men thought they were justified in their actions. If she ever saw them, she would hex them until they begged for death.
"I can't watch anymore." Obi Wan gasped.
"Destroy the Sith, we must." Yoda said.
Tharja felt puzzled. The Sith. She recalled Ben explaining them as the ancient enemies of the Jedi Order. Maul had been a Sith.
She closed her eyes and shook her head. Of course they were behind the massacre at the Jedi Temple. Only beings with Maul's power could possibly wipe out such powerful people.
"Send me to kill the Emperor. I… I will not kill Anakin."
The Dark Mage glanced over at Ben. She saw some tears forming in his eyes. But he held them back. Forcing himself to stay composed and confront the horrors in front of him.
Even after this, you still did not want to take revenge? Tharja stared at Ben with some awe, You still cared for him?
"To fight this Lord Sidious, strong enough, you are not."
"He is like my brother," Obi Wan pleaded, "I cannot do it."
"Twisted by the dark side, young Skywalker has become." Yoda hobbled up to Obi Wan with the held of a gnarled cane, "The boy you trained, gone he is. Consumed by Darth Vader."
Obi Wan swallowed hard. Tharja could see he was desperate to find an excuse. Some way to avoid having to kill his closest friend. His brother in all but blood.
"I do not know where the Emperor has sent him." Obi Wan stammered out, "I do not know where to look."
Yoda glanced back Obi Wan. Years of wisdom filled his gaze.
"Use your feelings, Obi Wan. And find him, you will."
Tharja could feel the spell starting to weaken. She took a deep breath. Gaze fixed on the hologram of Lord Vader bowing before Darth Sidious. The final dagger of betrayal that shattered her friend. The tether in the real world tugged on her mind. Tharja closed her eyes and returned back home.
Tharja opened her eyes. The earthy smell of the hideout filled her senses. Bringing her mind back to reality. She took a deep breath. Beside her, Ben struggled to catch his own breath. He was not frantic like the last time the pair walked through one of his memories. Instead, he looked like she had when the pair went through her own memory.
Broken. Sad and alone. Gaze focused not on the world around him, but on the memory dancing through his mind. Feelings long since buried.
Ben bowed his head as he sat in front of Tharja.
"Ben?" She whispered.
He exhaled. The air leaving his lungs in small shudders.
"I thought I was ready for that one." He gulped, "Not sure now." He turned his sorrow filled eyes up to her meet Tharja's, "I am so tired Tharja."
Tharja nodded, "I assume it is not physical weariness."
Ben shook his head, "No. It is not." He leaned back against the earth wall behind him, "I have been fighting non-stop for almost five years now. I've been betrayed more times than I can count. I have broken bones, shattered ribs, nearly been killed more than once. I have seen every single friend I have made die. Felt them die in the Force. I have had every person I've ever cared about die."
He gave Tharja a look that showed her his true age. The Force may have found a way to take years off of his body, but behind those eyes was a war weary man. Weathered by combat and hardship. Tired of carrying such a burden.
"And…" Ben continued, "Today, in Charlet. Losing Anna's sister the way we did, it-" He gulped, "It just reminded me of all of that. How somehow, the most innocent ones seem to die. And the ones that are prepared to die, ready to lay their lives down for their friends, always seem to live." He let out a small snort, "I don't know why the Force wants me to still be alive. I don't know why it deemed me… either worthy enough or damned enough to carry these burdens. Why did it choose me instead of those children at the Temple? Why me instead of other Jedi Masters far stronger than I could ever be? I am not worthy to carry on the legacy of the Jedi. I don't even have the will left to fight anymore. I am ready to be done. To stand aside and just be at peace for once."
Tharja sighed. She placed a soft hand against Ben's cheek.
"You do have the will to fight still. Otherwise, you would not have spent all this time searching for Marth and Luke. You would not have fought tooth and nail to save all of us when we were in trouble." Tharja breathed, "I do not say this about many people, Obi Wan Kenobi. You are one of the strongest people I know. You did not quit before. And I don't believe you will quit now. That unbreakable will to keep going, no matter how much the universe tries to tear you down; that is why the Force deemed you worthy. That is why you carry on. Not because it is easy. But because it must be done." She gave him a small smile, "I admire that about you. And when this is all finally finished, when we go back home to Ylisse, maybe you will find some peace. Sometimes it comes in the strangest of forms."
He brushed his hand against the back of her hand. A long breath left his lips.
"When this is done, when Luke is with me again, I plan on finding a nice little house and doing nothing for a while."
Tharja uttered a small laugh, "Then do it. But always know that you are strong enough to take on the universe when it comes knocking. Never doubt that." She smiled at him, "And… if you ever need some help along the way, I guess I could lend a hand. I mean, you've helped me after all."
Ben quietly laughed, "You've already done more than lend a hand."
"Well then I'll lend two." Tharja remarked.
Ben laughed some more.
"How does that sound?"
Ben nodded, "Fine by me."
Tharja smiled that genuine smile Ben finally uncovered back in Plegia. Her kindness still surprised him to this day. No one ever really saw it much. But Tharja wanted to do what was right. Wanted to help others. Even if it was in strange, perhaps slightly demented ways.
Ben already knew she had adapted this memory spell for torture. He might have peaked into her spell book once her twice. But it still comforted him to know that she wanted to use the spell to help him first. Not torture others.
"Now, you said so yourself, it will be an early morning tomorrow." Tharja said, "So, get some sleep, Master Kenobi. I know Robin will be groggy tomorrow morning. So you will have to lead the way."
Ben smiled, "Don't I always?"
"Ha!" Tharja smirked back, "Only when someone is holding your hand so you don't get too lost."
She fell onto her back closed her eyes.
"Now go to sleep. Or I'll hex you to sleep. Then you won't wake up for a week."
Ben gulped. But beneath the nervous gulp, Tharja swore she heard him chuckle a little bit.
"As the dark mage commands."
And chapter! An extra long chapter to celebrate reaching 60 chapters! And an action packed chapter for that matter. The stakes have been raised. And the dangers of Valm rear its head. Time is short for our heroes. Will they reach Marth in time? Or are they about to be stranded in Valm? Hm... we shall see.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!