DISCLAIMER! Normally I don't do this. But I'm going to for the next two chapters. I am really pushing the boundaries on the T rating with these next two chapters. For a good reason. Not just because I want to. But because it will have an impact on the story as a whole. So, just a forewarning, there will be some more adult content in this chapter and the next one. Alrighty, with that out of the way, enjoy the chapter folks!
The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 94
Charlet
The Jedi Council Chambers looked exactly as Obi Wan remembered them. A circular room. Rather plain in design. Simple, red and grey seats with plush cushions arranged in a ring along the circular walls. Expansive windows looked out to the sprawling metropolis of Coruscant. Warm sunlight filtered into the room so that artificial light was never needed during the daytime. A place meant for peace and meditation. But often engulfed in conflict and deliberation.
He could hear one such debate going on. Who would they send to kill General Grievous? Ben paid little attention. His mind dwelled on something else. His eyes flicked over to the youngest, and newest, member of the Jedi High Council.
Part of him felt extremely proud. He knew Anakin was always destined for a seat in this chamber. The power he possessed in the Force was undeniable. His achievements as a Jedi Knight, irrefutable. To be able to say that he trained the boy into the great Jedi he had become thrilled Obi Wan. And it thrilled him even more to finally be working alongside his old Padawan on equal ground.
Well, almost equal ground. He did throw a tantrum over not being given the rank of Master. Ben cringed as he replayed that tense exchange between Anakin and Master Windu in his mind. That was the part of all of this, he was not proud of. Anakin did not obtain his seat on the council through conventional means. He was not elected or selected the traditional way by the Jedi High Council. Chancellor Palpatine designated him as the Chancellor's personal representative. A gross overreach of power on the Chancellor's part. One that violated the sovereignty of the Jedi Order.
What sovereignty? Ben thought, We fought a war for the Republic after all. Are we not mere soldiers for the Chancellor anymore.
He furrowed his brow. Where did that thought come from?
For some reason, he had a splitting headache. His mouth felt very dry. A wave of nausea hit him. Something pressed down on his chest. Almost like a body rested there.
"Master Kenobi?" Master Windu's voice pierced his mind.
Ben blinked, "Um… yes, Master Windu?"
Master Windu stood in front of him. His stern gaze hard and penetrating. Making Ben shrink back into his seat. What did he do wrong?
"What is wrong, Comrade Obi?" Ben blinked as a strange voice came out of Windu's mouth, "My Skywalker."
Ben arched an eyebrow, "M-master I-"
A dark, amused snicker left Master Windu's lips. One that seemed vaguely familiar to the Jedi Master.
"Obi refers to me as Master?" Master Windu put a finger to Ben's forehead, "Tharja approves."
Ben felt extremely puzzled, "Tharja?"
His eyes flicked open. Ben stared up at a dark blue, cloudless sky. A few stars still winked in the blue expanse. But they retreated away from the growing sunlight creeping over the horizon. A warm breeze brushed around his naked form. Salt air rushed into his lungs. A long breath escaped his lips. And the rancid stench of alcohol crept up his throat.
The pounding headache came with a vengeance. His mouth felt drier than the sands of Tatooine. Each limb weighed as much as a Bantha. And for some reason, he could not move his body. Something kept him from moving. Something near his waist.
Ben blinked some more fog from his vision and tilted his head up. His eyes widened.
Tharja straddled his hips. A fuzzy hat sat on her head. Bracelets covered her arms. And nothing else.
"Um…" Ben gulped.
Tharja uttered a drunken snicker, "Does Obi like Tharja's hat?" She smiled sweetly at him, "Tharja found it in Gregor's stuff."
Ben sucked in a sharp breath, "What is going on?" Tharja's smile wavered a little bit, "Where is Master Windu?" He snapped his gaze around. His head swam. Ben cursed as his headache pulsed. At that moment, he realized where he was, "Why are we in the crow's nest!?"
"Tharja wanted fun with Obi." Tharja smiled mimicking Gregor's accent, "But Tharja and Obi need privacy."
Ben's mind worked slowly as he tried to piece together what exactly happened last night. He remembered talking to the others regarding their strategy for the invasion of Valm. Particularly the landing at Charlet. He recalled Flavia urging everyone to make merry, for tomorrow they die. Or something along those lines. Then… then…
Tharja's fingers snaked up his neck and up to his cheek.
"Does Obi not approve?"
A breath got stuck in Ben's throat, "Well um… I think I did. But um, can we drop the accent?"
Tharja uttered a light snicker before laying her head down on his chest, "Oh alright." She let out a happy breath, "I suppose I had my fun." She glanced up at him as he rubbed his eyes, "Who is Master Windu?"
"Someone I never thought would talk dirty to me in my dreams." Ben groaned. He froze for a second, "You weren't behind that were you?"
Tharja snorted, "Please, if I were, I would have made sure I was the one you were dreaming about. Not some Windu character."
"Then that was all my own-"
"Sick." Tharja placed a kiss on his lips, "Twisted," She pecked his neck, "Mind." She smiled at him, "Absolutely."
"Naga above!" Ben cried as he felt the urge to vomit. He rolled over. Tharja yelped as she fell off of him and bumped into the crow's nest railing. Ben gagged, spat, groaned, then shivered as he tried to keep himself from puking his guts up.
"Is Master Windu that bad?" Tharja snickered behind him.
"Yes…" Ben groaned as he slumped back against the railing and faced Tharja. He trembled a little bit as another breeze hit the crow's next, "Question: Where are my clothes?"
Tharja nodded at the deck below them. Ben glanced down and saw his stuff strewn across the deck. None of the Plegian crew seemed to care. They just stepped around it. Tharja's clothes were also mixed in with them.
"How much did we drink?" Ben asked.
"You and I both had about two and a half bottles of firewine."
Ben furrowed his brow, "That's not a whole lot."
"Each." Tharja clarified.
Ben sucked in a sharp breath, "Oh." He winced as the sun's rays hit his eyes. His head throbbed again, "No wonder this hurts."
"Do you need a hex?" Tharja asked with a slight chuckle.
Ben nodded wearily. He groaned again and ran his hands over his eyes as Tharja cast her spell over him. Within a few moments, the pounding headache dulled. The feeling of cotton balls in his mouth evaporated away. And his nausea retreated into a simple stomach ache. A sigh of relief rushed from Ben's lips.
"That's better." He said.
Tharja smiled and pecked his lips again, "I'm glad."
"BENNY! SUNSHINE!"
Ben and Tharja's eyes widened. Both cautiously peeked down to the deck. Gaius sauntered out from below deck. His red hair a haphazard mess. Gait a little off balance. A lollipop dangled from his lips. He paused in his search when he noticed their clothes strewn across the deck. He quirked an eyebrow, puzzled. Then he glanced up at the crow's nest.
"Really guys?" He asked with a slight, amused smirk on his lips.
Ben pointed a finger, "Look away!"
"Why?"
Tharja began muttering under her breath. Gaius saw her lips move, cursed, then scampered back below deck. Ben glanced at her.
"Were you actually going to hex him?" He asked as he used the force to lift her clothes up to the crow's nest. Followed by his own clothing.
Tharja snatched her outfit from the air, "If he didn't actually run off, yes." She smirked, "I have him well trained now at this point."
Ben snorted, "Between you and Panne being on his case, Gaius might actually turn into an upstanding citizen."
Tharja snickered and patted his shoulder, "I wouldn't get my hopes up."
They finished getting dressed then carefully inched their way down the ship's netting and back onto the deck. When the reached the bottom, Lucina emerged from below deck. She glanced over at the two, still slightly haphazardly put together couple, and shook her head.
"What?" Ben asked as he straightened one of his leather pauldrons.
Lucina let out a slight laugh under her breath, "I'm glad I don't drink." She put her hand on her hip, "Flavia, Basilio, Chrom, and Robin are awake. I've been sent to fetch you, Ben."
Ben nodded, "Final plans for the invasion?"
Lucina nodded. Tharja let go of Ben's hand.
"Go on ahead. I'll make sure everyone else is capable of fighting."
Ben nodded and leaned over to kiss her. Then he marched below deck.
Naga above we really went overboard.
Empty bottles littered the floor below deck. Several empty crates were smashed to splinters. Several hammocks hung by one hook from the ceiling instead of two. And that did not compare to the damage Ben saw among the Shepherd's ranks.
Sully slept at a small table. Half of her face lying in a puddle of booze. Her hand clenched around Kellam's. The result of a drunken arm wrestling contest. Vaike was passed out beside that table. No doubt the one responsible for said competition.
Henry hung by his legs from a beam in the ceiling. Sleeping like a bat. Rather peacefully too. Which both reassured and disturbed Ben. Nowi slumbered quietly near Anna. The pair did not engage in the revelry last night. Nowi for reasons only Ben and a couple others knew about. Anna because she did not feel like partying. Not when they drew closer to her sister's final resting place.
Virion had his arms wrapped around both Olivia and Cherche. Cherche had her fist clenched. A large welt sat beneath Virion's chin. Evidence of what Cherche did with her fist. Olivia slept beside Virion with a small, content smile. Head nestled comfortably against the archer's shoulder.
Panne remained curled up on the floor near Gaius's hammock. Gaius rummaged through his travel pack. Drunkenly searching for something to satisfy his sweet tooth. Severa and Owain were together in a fallen hammock. For the first time, Ben noticed a small smile on Severa's lips. Lucina's friend from the future came across as rather grumpy and combative. It was nice to see her at least a little happy. She still did not reveal who her parents were. Although, judging by her vibrant red hair, Ben could take a pretty good guess.
Her and Cordelia will have to talk about it at some point.
Speaking of the Wing-Commander, her and Frederick were already awake. Cordelia reeled from last night's party a little more than the absurdly dedicated Knight-Commander. She suffered from a wicked hangover. More than once she slapped a hand over her mouth to keep herself from vomiting. Frederick meanwhile looked completely normal.
He is not human. Ben thought as he stepped over Laurent and Stahl. The two men were playing a drunk game of chess when they passed out. Laurent had Stahl in check.
Lon'qu slept in his hammock. Stiff as a board. And Ben could see why. Lissa was curled up in the same hammock as him. Not an ideal scenario for the Feroxi swordsman. But given how drunk Lissa became last night, he likely did not have a choice.
Maribelle did not join the festivities last night. She remained in the bottom deck with Donnel. The Farm Boy finally woke up from yesterday morning. Maribelle doted over him ever since with Libra occasionally popping in to check up on the wounded Shepherd.
Currently, Libra weaved between the drunken Shepherds. His healing staff glowed every few moments. Slowly distributing healing magic into his comrades in order to ease the coming hangovers. Everyone needed to be in peak condition for this battle. Invading the Valmese mainland would be the most difficult battle of their lives. The Valmese would not give ground easily.
The priest nodded to Ben as he passed by.
"Good morning, Ben." Libra said.
"Good morning." Ben replied, still groggy.
Libra uttered a light chuckle, "Healing staff? Or potion?"
"I'll take a potion after this meeting." Ben replied as he made his way towards the Captain's cabin where Flavia, Basilio, Robin, and Chrom waited for him.
Dooku stood outside of the cabin. Arms folded over his chest. His brow furrowed as Ben approached. A disappointed sigh left his lips.
"I never took you for a hedonist." Dooku grumbled.
"I never took you for a stick in the mud. Oh wait, I did." Ben snarked back.
Dooku rolled his eyes, "How observant of the ex-Jedi." Ben frowned. Then to his surprise, Dooku uttered a slight laugh, "It is about time you left that dogmatic lifestyle, Kenobi. Just do not get too carried away with it."
"I have not abandoned the Jedi way." Ben hissed back.
"Keep living in denial and you will only deceive yourself." Dooku grumbled in return, "Get inside already. They are waiting on you."
"Oi!" Gregor hollered from his hammock, "Where is Gregor's ushanka!?"
Ben paled. Dooku gave him the side eye.
"Not a word." Ben said.
"Oh Gregor!" Dooku called.
"Do you want to invoke Tharja's wrath? Because I think she likes that hat."
"I think you like that hat more." Dooku replied with a wry smirk.
Ben's face flushed. He grumbled under his breath then shoved his way into the captain's quarters. Dooku laughed lightly as the door shut behind Ben.
None of the partying entered the Captain's quarters last night. Basilio made certain of that. He did not want anything bad to accidentally happen to their carefully drawn up plans from the previous day.
Everything appeared very similar to how they left it yesterday. The small, circular table at the center of the room had a map of Valm draped over it. The various wooden pieces symbolizing their ships and forces were in the same spots on the map. Each piece sat just outside of Charlet harbor.
"Good, you're awake." Basilio grunted as Ben stepped into the room.
"Barely." Ben mumbled as he trudged forward. He leaned against the table and squinted down at the pieces, "Are we running through the plan again?"
Flavia uttered a loud yawn. Ben looked over at her and jolted in surprise. She was not wearing her armor. Flavia always wore her armor. But this morning, she wore a simple, dark brown tunic. The ruling Khan smacked her lips together and blinked some more sleep from her eyes.
"Yup." She sighed before covering her mouth. A rancid belch rushed from her lips, causing Basilio to cringe, "Let's," She waved her hand, "just start the thing guys." She rested her elbows on the table and placed her head in her hands, "I'll catch up in a second."
"This is why you don't party hard before a battle." Basilio sighed. He shook his head, "No one is going to be in good shape for this."
"They'll be relaxed at least." Robin yawned and stretched his arms over his head.
Heavy bags sat under Robin's eyes. His face looked paler than normal. He did not party as hard as the other Shepherds last night. Ben did remember that he left to get some fresh air early and did not return until… until…
I can't even remember what happened anymore.
Chrom chuckled as Ben let out an exhausted sigh. The Prince clapped a hand against Ben's back.
"How was the crow's nest?" The Prince asked.
Ben let out a long, despondent groan. He let his head fall to the table, "So much for privacy." He pushed his body away from the table and wiped a hand over his face, "Alright, Robin." He motioned towards the tactician, "If you would please."
Robin cleared his throat, "Simple plan. Less room for hiccups this way." He reached to the table and moved the front two pieces into the Charlet harbor, "The flagship and two of our more heavily armed vessels will hit the harbor first. The harbor itself has a beach area for landing right here." Robin's finger tapped against the western section of the massive Charlet harbor, "It is narrow, but it is the only place where we can land any sort of craft."
"Using rowboats correct?" Ben asked.
Robin nodded grimly, "Unfortunately yes. However, this is a diversion. The rest of our fleet is going to attack the main harbor. Any ships, merchant or military, will be sunk." Robin glanced at Chrom as the Prince frowned, "We need as much room as we can get. Once the heart of our fleet has a grasp on the waters in and around the harbor. They can hit the marina and dispense soldiers into the main city while most of the Valmese forces will be occupied with us on the beach."
"What is the plan for the inevitable hail of arrows directed at our rowboats?" Chrom asked.
"We will have to defend ourselves the only way we can." Robin continued, "Heavy armor will be at the front of the landing craft. Their shields can handle any frontal volleys. As for volleys from the flanks; the sides of the landing craft are currently being outfitted with shields as well. We won't have total cover. But it will have to do. We have to take the city fast. Our strike needs to be hard and brutal. We cannot stand against Valm's massive numbers. We learned that out on the sea. This strategy allows us to divert the defending army's attention towards a fraction of our forces while the main bulk takes the city and encircles the defending army. If they do not surrender, then they are surrounded." Robin's face turned grim, "And then, it'll be a bloodbath."
Ben nodded, "Hopefully they will simply surrender if this works. Who leads the landing craft?"
Robin nodded at Ben, "You and Dooku will take the lead one. Do not hesitate to use the lightsabers. Secure a beachhead. Myself and Chrom will be in the wave directly after yours. We will buttress the beachhead and provide a push," Robin ran his finger from the beach up to the sea wall lining the markets nearby, "up towards the port markets. Once both are secure, our third wave can hit the beach. That third wave will be our reserves and healers. It will be their job to handle the clean up."
"Who will be leading that?" Ben asked.
"Severa and Lucina volunteered." Chrom answered, "They are anxious to take on some leadership." Chrom bit one of his fingernails, "Hopefully they won't have to engage in any of the heavy fighting."
"Do not worry so much, Chrom." Ben reassured him, "You forget, Lucina is one of the most proven warriors in the Shepherds. And I'm certain Severa is more than capable of looking out for both of them."
Chrom nodded, "Right, right just… she's my daughter and I'm still going to worry about her."
"That's only natural." Basilio grunted, "But she's also a damn good fighter. Too bad she lacks an arm, otherwise she would be on the front lines." Chrom gave the Khan a dark look. Basilio gulped, "Only if the strategy required it of course."
"Ha! He scared ya there." Flavia chirped, "Alright, where are me and the Oaf at, Robin?"
"You two get to have fun with the rest of the harbor. Scorch any ships. None leave the harbor." Both Khans nodded, "From there, secure the harbor. Basilio, you will take the main bulk of the army and push immediately for the city gates to the west. Cut the city in half. From there, divide and conquer. Flavia, you will circle around through the markets near the harbor back towards the beachhead. If the diversion is facing pressure, you will relieve that pressure and force any remaining Valmese to surrender." Robin stood back from the map, "And I cannot stress this enough Flavia, Basilio; minimize civilian casualties. We need to be seen as liberators, not conquerors."
"Understood." Both Khans nodded.
Robin exhaled, "Alright, all that is left is for Ben to decide who is going to be in the lead craft with him."
Ben ran his fingers through his beard. He furrowed his brow.
"Feroxi lancers at the front of the craft correct?" He asked.
Robin nodded, "Their heavy armor and shields will provide cover for the main landing."
Ben nodded, "I need speed for this. Speed and range." He ran through the Shepherds in his mind, "Give me Lon'qu, Owain, Gaius, Anna, Panne, Virion, and Tharja."
Chrom arched an eyebrow, "You want Tharja in the main thrust?"
Ben nodded, "She is our most destructive mage. You said you wanted a brutal first strike. She can help with that."
"Good idea. I'll have Henry and Miriel in the next wave with me and Chrom. They can rain fire from the boats while you secure the first stretch of beach." Robin rubbed his chin for a moment, "I'll have Libra with us as well. There will be immediate casualties that will need medical attention."
"That's also why I want Anna with us." Ben nodded, "She is quite handy with a staff."
"What do you want to do with the Pegasus Knights?" Chrom asked Robin.
Robin smiled, "We can't just secure the city. We need to secure the surrounding area as well. The Pegasus Knights, led by Cordelia, Sumia and Cherche, will fly past enemy lines and take out any enemies holding the walls as well as the land beyond Charlet. We are not going to get bottled up in the city like the Valmese were in Port Ferox." Robin took a breath, "Does everyone understand the plan?"
All heads nodded.
"Good. Let's wake everyone up. Armor up." Robin's face remained grim, "This is going to be a bloody one."
"Meeting adjourned then." Flavia rolled her shoulders, "Oaf, strap me into my stuff!"
Ben chuckled as he followed Chrom and Robin towards the door. When he reached the door, he glanced back out the windows in the Captain's quarters. He saw the fleet behind them. Dozens of warships loaded with soldiers. Each soldier ready to charge into the teeth of the Valmese army. Ready to die in order to defend their homeland.
A heavy sigh left Ben's lips. Flashes of the many landings he commanded in the Clone Wars ran through his mind. Including the nearly disastrous landing at the Second Battle of Geonosis. A battle that nearly killed him.
The weapons may be different, but the blood would flow the same.
Time for another war.
Charlet bustled with activity. The markets were crowded. Different vendors from across the Empire lined the streets. Soldiers in scarlet armor patrolled the stone roads and narrow alleys. Some of those soldiers met scornful gazes. Others received adoration. The Conqueror's army come to defend their land from the dastardly Feroxi and their Ylissean allies. Most already boarded ships and cast off towards Archanea. Ready to do battle with the enemy. Which left the military presence in Charlet surprisingly scant. There were a surprising amount of mages wandering the city streets. All of them in red robes.
She tugged at the collar of her shirt. A patrol turned a corner and marched down the main market road near the Marina. Say'ri ducked her head, averted her eyes, and made herself as inconspicuous as possible.
She was not a wanted woman. She committed no crime. But Excellus wanted her head. Or at the very least, wanted her captured. For what reason, she did not know. She still could not figure out that fat worm's endgame. Why would he risk angering the Conqueror's most powerful general, Yen'fay? Why would he destabilize the Chon'sin region by removing her from her position of authority? The people of Chon'sin were loyal to their dynasts. And they were especially loyal to her family, which had ruled Chon'sin for several generations now. Forcibly removing such a tradition would be seen as an act of war against Chon'sin's very values.
Hell, only Yen'fay publicly acknowledging Emperor Walhart as the final authority over Chon'sin kept the people from entering all out rebellion. Say'ri shook her head then turned her attention to a cart laden with bright red apples. She grit her teeth.
Chon'sin could have stood against Walhart if Yen'fay only had the courage to lead them. Instead, he chose to be a coward. Chose to betray their family. Chose to betray their parents and their memory. He tossed away any honor he had in her eyes. Yen'fay became nothing more than a puppet. And she loathed puppets.
A particularly ripe apple caught her eye. Say'ri felt her stomach rumble. She let out a heavy sigh and tore her gaze away from the cart.
It had been a few days since she arrived in Charlet. The others remained outside of the city walls. A safe distance away, in case anything went wrong. When they arrived to the city, the group decided to send two people to keep an eye on the army and to keep an eye out for the Shepherds. According to Noire, Brady, Cynthia, and Luke, the Archanean fleet would attack Charlet first during the war between Valm and Achanea. Say'ri prayed that remained true in this timeline.
She volunteered to enter the city. After all, she knew the people of Valm better than anyone else. And if this was her brother's army patrolling the streets (which she doubted since there was a surprising lack of Chon'sin soldiers among their ranks), then she would know how they worked. And they would not touch her.
So there was some security in Yen'fay's army being the one occupying Charlet. The problem now was that she had yet to see Yen'fay or his captains among the soldiers. If there was one thing she could give her brother credit for, it was his abilities as a commander. One of the many duties he regularly gave himself was checking on his men. Walking through the camp. Talking to his soldiers, asking if they were okay. Seeing how battle ready his men really were.
She did not see any of that. Which led her to wonder, was this really her brother's army? Or only part of it.
"Say'r-"
Say'ri jumped and slapped a hand over Cynthia's mouth. The Pegasus Knight accompanied Say'ri into Charlet. Noire did as well. But Noire took a much more secretive approach to moving through the city streets. Once they passed beneath the city gates, Say'ri lost sight of the archer. But Cynthia remained by her side. And in some ways, that was a good thing. Cynthia was so caught up in the sights and sounds of a major city like Charlet, that she looked like a genuine newcomer. Excited to be in a city she had never truly seen before. It helped them look less suspicious.
She just needed to quit saying their names so loud!
Say'ri sighed and let her hand slide away from Cynthia's lips, "Be careful."
Cynthia nodded, "Sorry, I just got excited."
Say'ri chuckled as the pair started walking down the busy road. Weaving between crowds of people. Occasionally taking a long glance at one of the food stalls along the road.
"Excited about what?" Say'ri asked.
Cynthia beamed, "Well, it has been years since I have seen my parents." She jumped and down, "I can't wait to see them again. To talk to them again! I was so young when," her smile faltered a little bit, "when they died." She regrouped from her sudden melancholy, "Just the thought of being near them again is a dream come true. I can talk to mom about Pegasus riding. I can talk to dad about fighting and stuff. Me and Luci will be with our family again."
Say'ri sighed, "I would be careful with all of that Cynthia. Noire mentioned that your sister made you all swear not to interact with the parents too much."
Cynthia blinked, "Well, we're talking to you a lot."
Say'ri uttered a light chuckle, "I know but-" She froze in the street, "Wait." She grabbed Cynthia by the arm and spun her around before she got ahead of her, "Are you saying I'm a parent!?"
Cynthia gulped, "I just broke the rule, didn't I?"
Say'ri put her hands on her hips, "That is a yes. Ooooh gods." She bent at the waist, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. Was it just her, or was it getting very hot all of a sudden?
"Do you-"
"No!" Say'ri raised her hands, stopping Cynthia, "No more information!" She took a deep breath, "Let it go for now."
Cynthia slowly nodded her head, "Okay." She folded her hands in front of her as they walked through the busy markets, "I'm sorry I accidentally let that slip. I've kinda got a bad habit of that."
Say'ri shook her head, "It's alright, Cynthia. But you do need to be more… aware of your surroundings." She huffed, "Now then, what have you noticed about the patrols?"
"Not much really." Cynthia answered, "They keep going in their same patterns. All of them are in groups of five to ten. Although, I did see one patrol with a fat guy walking with them."
Say'ri blinked. Fat guy?
"Did he wear red robes?" Say'ri asked.
Cynthia nodded, "And he had really fat lips."
Say'ri's heart stopped her chest. Only one man, one worm, matched that description.
Excellus is here.
She grabbed Cynthia roughly by the arm and dragged her to the closest alley. Once in the shadows of the alley, Say'ri pressed Cynthia against the brick wall of a shop.
"What is it?" Cynthia gulped.
"That man you saw is Excellus."
Cynthia paled, "That's not good."
"No it is not." Say'ri sighed, "We need to find Noire and get out of here. Regroup with Luke, Priam, and Brady outside of the city."
"I agree but-"
Metal scraped against stone. Cutting Cynthia off. It sounded like claws scratching across the ground. For a moment, it stopped. Replaced by the sound of metal tapping against the stone ground beneath their feet. Say'ri let go of Cynthia and pivoted to face the rest of the alley.
The shadows seemed deeper the further she peered. Whether that was because of the taller buildings blocking the sun or something sinister lurking nearby, Say'ri was not sure. But she could not escape the feeling of someone watching her. Her hand drifted towards the new sword given to her by Priam and his men. An apology for breaking her sword during their brief duel.
It was not the greatest katana. But it was well maintained. Decent condition. No nicks or chips. Made of solid, simple steel. A trustworthy weapon. And yet, even as she reached for it, Say'ri had a feeling it would not help her now.
Something shifted near a pile of discarded, shattered crates. It unfolded itself. It's skeletal body groaning and popping. As it rose to its feet, yellow, reptilian eyes winked open inside of a skeletal, metal skull. Say'ri felt fear rise inside of her as the monster towered over both her and Cynthia. Its body hunched over and hidden beneath a heavy cape. Those yellow eyes narrowed at her and Cynthia.
"Uh…" Cynthia gulped, "Say'ri, do you know what that thing is?"
Say'ri slowly shook her head. They both took a step back towards the main road as the thing stalked closer to them.
As they neared the street again, a horn blasted over the harbor. A loud blast that caused every citizen on the street to come to a complete stop. A second horn blasted. The crowd began to murmur. Soldiers started sprinting towards the harbor. The monster in front of Say'ri and Cynthia came to halt.
A third horn blast. The crowd went into a frenzy.
Say'ri took advantage of the chaos. She grabbed Cynthia by the wrist and charged into the stampede of people. The monster watched them run away, but did not pursue.
"What was that thing!?" Cynthia shouted as she and Say'ri shoved their way through the crowd of people.
Soldiers shoved past them. Each one sprinting towards the harbor. Men in red armor streamed from the city walls and main gate towards the beach on the western end of the harbor. Say'ri gulped and surged towards a tipped over cart. The same apple cart she browsed earlier.
She hopped up onto its side and looked out over the crowd. Her face paled.
"They're here." She breathed.
Cynthia looked towards the sea. Appearing on the horizon were dozens of ships. Enormous white sails sat above the ships like great square clouds. Even more rowboats emerged from the ships and surged towards the beach.
Her heart pounded in her chest, "Mother, father."
"We need to find Noire and get back to the others, fast." Say'ri said.
Say'ri's hair stood on end. Static filled the air. She saw a flash of light out of the corner of her eye. Without a second thought, she dove off of the cart and tackled Cynthia to the ground. Praying that the stampede of people did not trample them to death.
"Oh your majesty!"
Say'ri rose to a crouch. Through the crowd, Excellus glared at her. Smoke swirled up from his right palm while his left hand held an open spell book.
"You did not introduce yourself to my new friend. That was rather rude."
The monster from the alley stomped up alongside Excellus. A sinister smile crossed the fat worm's lips.
"Deal with the Shepherds. Execute the plan as designed." Excellus ordered the monster, "I will handle the traitorous princess."
Another lightning spell charged in Excellus's palm. Just as he moved to cast it, an arrow zipped through the air and embedded itself in that same palm. Excellus howled in pain. And over his loud screams and curses, Say'ri heard Noire's voice.
"BLOOD AND THUNDER! I WILL NOT ALLOW HARM TO BEFALL MY FRIENDS!" The archer screamed as she stood on a nearby rooftop. She nocked another arrow and took aim at Excellus, "RUN YOU FOOLS!"
Say'ri gulped. Noire was normally not that aggressive. But she had a point. Both Cynthia and Say'ri recovered and disappeared into the crowd. Flowing with the stampeded like leaves upon a raging river. Say'ri glanced behind them. Excellus was not following. She looked up to the rooftop. Noire disappeared.
Get to the gate. We need to get to the gate. Say'ri uttered a heavy breath.
Soldiers along the edge of the harbor loaded ballista and nocked arrows. Pikemen rushed to the beach. Mages took up defensive positions along the sea wall near the beach. Each soldier ready to greet the invading Archaneans. And the panic continued to grow among the people of Charlet.
She closed her eyes and offered a silent prayer to the gods. This battle would be bloody and brutal. She prayed no one she cared about would be caught in its destructive path.
Frederick stood at the front of the boat with Chrom and Robin. All three completely silent. The waves battered their rowboat, prodding it along towards shore. Those waves the only sound anyone could hear. So far, no horns came from Charlet. No alarms or bells. Pure silence. Then again, the boats were still far enough out from the main harbor to not draw attention.
Frederick stumbled a little bit as a wave rocked the rowboat. Sea spray spat into the boat. Coating Frederick's armor in a thin veneer of water and salt. The rowers grunted and heaved behind him as they fought the ocean currents and dragged the little boat towards land. The extra weight added by the many shields lining the hull making it even more difficult to row. And Frederick knew the heavy armor he wore also did not help. But he would not step foot on the battlefield without proper protection. He needed to be the best warrior he could possibly be in order to serve Prince Chrom effectively. And that meant placing adequate protection on his own body as well.
He glanced over at the Prince. Chrom tugged on the silver pauldron over his right shoulder. He was not used to armor covering that arm. Years of wearing light leather plates made any heavy armor uncomfortable. But this was not a simple skirmish against Plegian raiders. This was an invasion. A full scale battle. By the end of the day, Frederick expected the waves crashing against the shore to be red with blood. A thought that sickened him, but did not discourage him. He knew what war was now. He knew what was coming. And he was ready.
He could not say the same for Robin. The tactician looked nervous. He could practically feel the anxiety radiating out from his friend. And he did consider Robin a friend. He had earned the Knight's trust. Months of working in close quarters with the smaller man allowed Frederick to realize just how brilliant he really was. He could out think any of his captains in strategy. Knew how to allocate resources. Knew the strengths and weaknesses of his army. Knew the importance of intelligence on the enemy and actively sought it out. He gained Frederick's respect.
But Frederick still worried about his stomach on the battlefield. Especially after the sea battle where Robin was visibly shaken by the carnage he sewed. He knew Ben and Dooku were trying to help Robin work through his emotions. And Robin kept up a strong facade. But Frederick could see the tension in his friend. The slight twitch in his fingers as they drew closer to the harbor. The way he shifted his weight from one foot to another. Not to remain balanced on the rocking rowboat, but just because he needed to do something.
Frederick tapped Robin's shoulder. Robin jumped.
"Huh-what?" The tactician cleared his throat, "Yes, Frederick?"
"Are you alright?" Frederick asked bluntly.
Chrom glanced over at Robin as the tactician remained silent.
"I will have to be." Robin finally replied.
Robin took a deep breath and exhaled. All three men stared ahead to the lead boats. Five in total. The formation spearheaded by Dooku and Ben's rowboat. Frederick frowned a little bit.
Frederick had mild trust in Dooku. The elderly man remained an enigma to the Knight Commander. He only spoke to Dooku on several occasions. Those conversations were usually just simple pleasantries. Nothing revealing or informative. Which did put Frederick a little on edge. He liked to know the warriors in the Shepherds' ranks. However, Dooku proved to be a genius statesman. Frederick marveled at the way he rebuilt Themis, both physically and militarily. Maribelle raved about his wit and intellect. And in every battle, Dooku proved to be a force equal to Ben. Which brought mild comfort to Frederick. He still did not trust Ben. It was nice to know that there was someone else that could challenge the powerful swordsman.
Frederick let out a heavy sigh.
"What's wrong now, Frederick?" Chrom chuckled.
Frederick pressed his lips into a thin line, "I am concerned about the commander leading this charge."
Chrom arched an eyebrow, "Ben?"
"Or Dooku?" Robin muttered.
"Dooku does not concern me. Dooku, for as enigmatic as he has been, when pressed, has been transparent. Ben has-"
"Are you still hung up on that fight me and Ben had?" Chrom interrupted.
Frederick opened and closed his mouth, "And-and you're not?"
Chrom chuckled a little bit, "It is water under the bridge at this point, Frederick. Ben and I reconciled. There is… there is still a bit I am confused about. But we are no longer adversaries."
Frederick drew back. He glanced over at Robin. The tactician did not seem as surprised. He was missing something here.
"H-how did-"
"Ben's an alien." Robin deadpanned.
Frederick blinked, "He's a-" He shook his head, "Please Robin, do not mock my intelligence."
"No, he's right." Chrom nodded, "Ben's an alien."
Frederick eyed the Prince. His jaw slowly fell open as he realized Chrom was not joking.
"From the stars?"
Both Chrom and Robin nodded.
"See why he didn't want to say anything?" Robin smirked, "You didn't believe me either."
"Well it just seems so absurd!" Frederick cried.
Chrom and Robin both chuckled.
"It is." Chrom nodded, "It definitely is." He let out a long exhale, "We're getting close."
"No alarms or bells. No horns." Robin frowned, "Have they not seen us ye-"
Horns blasted through the air. A blaring alarm that likely sent the entire city of Charlet into a frenzy.
"Well there they are." Robin finished.
"Fireball!" A Feroxi soldier near the front of their boat screamed.
Water splashed up on the port side of their boat. Sea spray rained down upon the soldiers in the boat. Every soldier ducked behind the heavily armored lancers at the front.
Another fireball slammed into the water on the starboard side. Frederick sucked in a sharp breath. The Valmese had mages.
"I thought you said they didn't like magic!" Chrom shouted at Robin.
"That's what I heard too!" Robin shouted back. The tactician looked back at the rowers, "Full speed ahead! We need to get to that beach!"
Screams erupted nearby. A fireball exploded. Heat slammed into the boat. Frederick ducked behind a shield. He peeked over as the heat washed away. One of the rowboats in the second wave sat on top of the waves. Nothing more than a flaming wreckage. And men consumed in fire flung themselves into the waves. Doing everything in their power to keep themselves from burning alive. But only managing to drown themselves as their heavy armor and weapons dragged them to a watery grave.
"Naga above." Frederick gulped.
"First wave has hit the beach!" Chrom shouted.
Frederick whipped his gaze back to the beach. He saw two lightsabers burst to life on the sand. One red and one blue. Arrows rained down on the first wave of rowboats. Several fireballs hit the sand. Turning the tiny grains into small shards of glass. Frederick ducked again as another fireball screamed overhead and slammed into the water. Steam and super-heated droplets of water shot up into the air around them. Frederick hissed as some of the hot water splashed against his cheek.
Robin shoved past the lancers in the front. His spell book opened. Yellow static crackled in his open hand. He launched a spell forward into a fireball racing right at their rowboat. The fireball exploded in the air. Raining embers down on the water around them.
"Nearly there!" Chrom shouted over the fireballs exploding against the water around them, "What do you see Robin!?"
Robin glanced back, "Get ready for a brutal one." He warned
Frederick stared ahead. He paled. Ben and Dooku were struggling to move up the beach. Valmese mages rained fire and lightning down on them and their men. Their lightsabers flashed in the air as they struggled to fend off the overwhelming amount of spells and arrows.
Another ship exploded to Frederick's right. This one even closer than the last. Screams of men burning alive filled the air. Making Frederick's blood run cold.
"Listen up!" Robin marched back from the bow of the rowboat, "When we hit that beach, we move right to the sea wall. No stopping. You stop, you're a sitting duck. Then you're dead." The tactician looked at Henry and Miriel at the rear of their boat, "Mages and archers provide cover while the lancers push forward! Whatever you do, do not get pinned down!"
"Arrows!" A lancer shouted.
Robin's eyes widened, "Cover!"
Everyone ducked in the boat. Arrows peppered the heavy armor at the front of the boat. The Lancers raised their shields. Easily battering away any arrows sailing directly at the boat. Several soared over their shields and into the main group. Two rowers let out cries of pain as arrows sank into their flesh.
Gregor and Kellam took their places. Pushing their limp bodies out of the way and yanking on the oars with all of their might. As long as they were in the water, they would be easy targets.
"Get ready!" Chrom shouted.
The waves curled behind the boat. Water washed over the heavy boat. Filling the shallow hull with water up to Frederick's ankle. Frederick glanced down. The water was red.
"Here we go!" Chrom roared.
The boat shuddered as it ran up onto the sand. As soon as the boat came to a stop, the Feroxi Lancers jumped over the bow and charged up the beach. They were met with a hail of ballista arrows and fireballs. One lancer took the full brunt of a ballista arrow. The arrow ripped through the man's armor. Shards of metal and flecks of gore shot backwards toward Frederick. Frederick ducked out of the way. His eyes widened as he saw a massive fireball flying right for the boat.
He grabbed Chrom and fell over the side of the boat into the water. Robin jumped off of the other side. The fireball hit the boat. Wood exploded over their heads as they ducked into the waves.
Chrom got to his feet first. The Ylissean Prince hooked an arm around Frederick's and hauled him to his feet. Frederick blinked bloody water from his eyes. Bodies floated up and down with the swells.
"Come on, Frederick!" Chrom shouted.
He drew Falchion and charged up the beach. Aiming to meet up with Dooku halfway towards the seawall lining the harbor markets. Frederick took a moment to recover. He gasped, sucked in a sharp breath, then drew his own blade.
Just as he took a few steps forwards, a fireball hit the sand in front of him. He flew backwards into the water again.
Everything spun. Water washed over his face. Frederick tried to take a breath, but only swallowed water instead. He choked and coughed. Causing more water to rush down his throat. Panick seized him. He fought the urge to scream. Another hand reached down and tugged him up by his breastplate.
"Frederick!" Ben pulled the sputtering knight up, "Frederick! Are you alright?"
Frederick swallowed hard. Nothing felt missing. He did feel some blood dripping out from his right ear. A popped eardrum. He winced as the pain hit him. But adrenaline chased it away. He gave Ben a small nod.
"Stick with me!" Ben shouted. He spun around and deflected a lightning spell away with his lightsaber.
Frederick regained his balance and charged after Ben. All around him, men lay dying in the sand. Patches of red littered the sand. He slipped on a puddle of blood as he charged up the beach. Other patches were scorched by fire spells that still burned. Arrows littered the beach. And hooves hammered against the ground.
"Kriff." Ben cursed, "Cavalry charge."
Frederick paled. The Valmese had cavalry in the city.
"LANCERS TO THE FRONT!" He heard Robin's voice boom out, "Form a pike wall! Do not let those horses ride us down!"
Frederick sheathed his sword. He saw a fallen Lancer nearby. He reached down and pried the spear from the dead man's grip. He rushed towards the front of the battle. The Lancers formed their pike wall. And he joined them. Kneeling at the front of their wall. He dug the butt of the spear into the sand and braced himself for the coming charge.
Spells soared over his head. Tharja, Henry, and Miriel shattered the first line of Valmese cavalry charging down from the city and onto the beach. The horses piled up on the stone ramp. Causing the charge to shrink down to a few horses across.
Frederick grit his teeth as the enemy drew closer. He glanced at the men around him. Sully, Stahl, and Kellam were in the pike wall as well. Lances dug into the sand. Bodies braced for impact.
Hooves hammered in his one good ear. A constant pounding that rang in his mind incessantly. He could feel the earth rumbling beneath his knees. Frederick braced himself.
The cavalry hit the jagged maw of steel, iron, and muscle. Horses screamed. Men cried out as they fell from their mounts. Frederick's body jerked backwards as his lance jammed into the neck of a Valmese horse. The beast uttered a scream and fell to the sand, pinning its rider beneath it's dead body.
He moved quickly. Frederick drew his sword and pounced on the trapped Valmese soldier. He drove his blade into the man's throat. Ending his suffering swiftly.
Another explosion hammered the beach. Sand kicked up over Frederick. Raining down on his armor with small taps. He shook grains from his hair and slashed up at lagging Valmese rider. His blade dug into the rider. Shattering the man's ribs and ripping his chest open. The horse carried on into the pike wall without its rider.
"Move towards the wall!" A Feroxi captain bellowed.
Frederick nodded.
"You heard him! Move forward!"
Luke took a deep breath. The salt air from the ocean to the east rushed into his lungs. Filling him with peace and clarity. Behind him, milling about the forests surrounding Charlet, was a small company of mercenaries. Led by the traveling swordsman, Priam. A man still not in Luke's good graces.
He winced a little bit as his wound smarted again. One hand rubbed his chest. Pressing down on the still healing wound through his robes. Brady did a pretty good job repairing the damage. But Ragnell would leave a scar. Yet another to remind Luke of his many failures in life.
He exhaled and kept his eyes closed. Birds chirped in the trees around him. For some reason, despite the tense anticipation he felt, he did not feel worried. Why should he be worried? He knew the outcome of the battle to come. The Shepherds would invade here, at Charlet. They would storm the city from the sea, easily overpower the Valmese garrison holding the city, and swiftly move inland. Their tactician, Robin, would run circles around the Valmese generals. The war would be a swift one. A brutal one, but quick.
A staff tapped against the earth near him. Luke cracked open and eye. Brady walked up alongside him. Prince Kage sat on his shoulders. Little hands clenched into Brady's short, blond hair. Brady did not seem to mind. But a frown did rest on his lips.
"How do you think the girls are doing in there?" Brady asked.
Luke sighed and folded his arms over his chest, "Have a little faith Brady." Brady arched an eyebrow, "They're more than capable of remaining undetected."
Brady snorted, "Well, Noire and Say'ri are. But your girlfriend's scatterbrain could change that."
Luke scowled, "Cynthia is getting better about that. Besides, Say'ri will have an eye on her. I'm not worried."
"Now you're just lying to yourself." Brady remarked. He reached up and pulled Kage down from his shoulders. The Prince let out an unhappy whine but Brady just nudged his shoulder, "Another time, alright kid." Brady kneaded his staff with one hand, "What do you think is going on down there? Got a sense of anything?"
Luke gave him a puzzled look.
"What?" Brady shrugged, "You've got those weird powers. I figured maybe you can-"
"I don't have supervision Brady." Luke said with a slight chuckle.
"I never said you did." Brady quickly backpedaled, "Just saying… like can you feel weird things?"
Luke raised his brow, "Feel?"
"Yeah, like what you told Noire. That whole, stretch out with your feelings crap."
Luke chuckled a little bit.
"What's so funny?" Brady asked.
"It does sound like quite the load of crap doesn't it?" Luke shook his head and walked over to a large boulder. He took a seat. Wincing some more as the bandages beneath his robes chafed against the healing skin around his wound, "I couldn't really do it right now anyways."
Brady frowned, "Because you think your powers are betraying you?"
"They are." Luke sighed, "The Force isn't just powers, Brady. It is not like magic. It is not a tool." He snorted in disbelief, "I'm about to use a very Jedi perspective of this. Maul would kill me." He muttered then cleared his throat, "The Force is… well, it's life itself. It is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, binds us, it holds all life together. People like me tap into that energy and use it. But if the Force doesn't like us then it can and will betray us. I think?" Luke shook his head, "Maul was never really into the more spiritual aspects of it all."
"You'd have to talk to Noire's old man to get the answers to that, huh?" Brady replied as he took a seat on the boulder as well. Prince Kage stuck close. Deciding now was a good time to try and climb a tree.
Luke let out a laugh, "If he even wants to talk to me. I think the only reason we didn't come to blows the last time I saw him was because of Say'ri and Yen'fay. Kenobi is nothing if not diplomatic." Luke flicked a pebble off the top of the boulder, "Gods… Lucina is probably going to arrive with them."
Brady arched an eyebrow, "That's what worries you?"
"Last time I saw her, it took all of her restraint to not strangle me."
Brady bobbed his head, "To be fair, other than Cynthia, that is how we all felt about you."
Luke gave the priest a withering look, "Thanks. You're such a good friend."
Brady smacked a hard hand against Luke's back. Right where Ragnell went through his body. A flash of hot pain rushed through Luke's back. Luke let out a small cry. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to keep himself from screaming.
"You're welcome." Brady smirked.
Luke grumbled under his breath as he tried to block out the pain.
A loud cry rang out. Prince Kage came tumbling down from the tree he decided to climb. He hit the ground with a hard thump. In an instant, Brady was on his feet and over by the little boy. Luke arched an eyebrow as he helped the boy to his feet. Tears filled Kage's eyes. He sniffled and whimpered as Brady inspected a nasty gash on the Prince's right arm.
"We'll get that patched up." Brady said quietly.
"Bad things are in the city." Kage whimpered.
Luke furrowed his brow, "Bad things?"
"Yeah, bad guys are in the city kid. We know." Brady nodded as he reached into a pouch and pulled out a small vulnary, "Hold still."
Kage shook his head, "Bad things. Not people."
Brady paused as he let a small drop of the blue potion hit the cut. He frowned.
"Bad things?"
Luke rose from the boulder. He stepped up to Kage and glowered down at his younger self.
"What did you sense?"
Brady drew back in surprise, "You telling me even at that age you could-"
"Kage." Luke said sharply. He knelt down and met the boy's eyes, "What did you sense?"
Kage gulped, "Dead things."
Luke paled. He shot to his feet and turned to look at the city. As he turned, horns blasted through the air. His chest tightened as he stared out at the harbor. Dozens of rowboards surged towards the beach. Fiery magical explosions rocked the water as the rowboats rushed towards land. Archeanan warships sailed into the harbor, ready to destroy every single ship at anchor.
Brady got to his feet and followed Luke's gaze.
"Please tell me your powers aren't betraying you now." Brady gulped.
"Cynthia…" Luke breathed.
He shot towards the city. Ignoring every single ache and pain in his body. His lightsaber jumped from his hip to his hand.
"Wait! Luke!" Brady shouted after him.
He ignored the priest. The battle had begun. Cynthia, Say'ri, Noire, they were all in danger. All three were not known allies to the Archaneans. The Shepherds thought they were all in Chon'sin still. Which means the Archanean army would have no warnings to not kill the trio along with any Valmese soldiers. He did not know how brutal Robin could be. He did not know how devastating this battle was going to be. It already deviated hard from what he knew in the future.
In the future, the Shepherds took the Valmese by surprise. There was no magical defense from the Valmese military. It was a resounding victory for the Archaneans. Not a hard fought battle.
The Valmese were not commanding this battle. Someone else led the Valmese defense. The magical defenses Luke already witnessed were too well coordinated for a Valmese General to put in place. Someone else had a hand in the changes. And he had a feeling who. Kage said he sensed dead things moving through Charlet. Only one type of living dead existed.
There were Risen in the city. Or worse, a Deadlord. And Deadlords loved to hunt Shepherds.
He ignited his lightsaber as he charged towards the main gate.
Hold on, Cynthia! I'm coming!
And chapter! The battle has begun! I'm breaking this battle up into two chapters. Mostly for pacing and tone reasons. Because this is going to be a violent fight and some major stuff is going to happen. We are going to see just how difficult Valm will be to defeat in this battle and I am excited to show it.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!