Chapter 3: Regna Ferox
The princeling followed by his sister, body guard and tactician walked through the corridors of castle that lead to the throne room. Escorted by the knight in green Raimi, they pleasantly looked both sides of the hall that had pedestals with weapons and armor carefully placed at the base. Some even looked like they haven't been used in decades. Robin walked as he remembered Chrom's reckless behavior at the fort. Why Chrom? Why? Why are you so reckless? The events repeated over and over in his head until he became frustrated. He quickly shook his head to clear his mind and calmed down before they reached the door that lead to the throne room. Their escort stopped and they immediately did the same. The woman turned to face the prince.
"Please wait here while I notify the khan of your arrival." She bowed.
The prince nodded and she walked through the door. Once she went through the door Chrom looked at the group. "Well guys, we made it," he said while smiling at the three.
"I'm glad none of the shepherds got hurt and thanks to your reckless, you got a slight bump on your forehead," Robin smirked. Chrom placed two fingers on the lump. "Ha ha, well it's the price I must pay" he laughed. "Don't worry, I think Lissa will be able to make this bump disappear in a snap," he said while looking at his cheery sister. "I got you big brother," she said with a fake smile. Out of nowhere, she accidently whacks Chrom's shoulder with her staff. "YOWCH" he yelled.
Immediately Frederick ran to his side. "Milord! Are you alright?! Should I take you to an infirmary?" He grabbed Chrom and was about to make a dash for the exit until Chrom started to wiggle himself free from his strong grasp.
"Frederick, let go of me!"
"Are you sure Milord? I will gladly get you a doctor,"
"No Frederick, I'm totally fine. It was just a minor hit." The young princess scratched the back of her head.
"Whoops, sorry," she said. Chrom chuckled. " It's alright," Robin gave the prince a look of concern.
"Chrom….. Please don't do anything reckless like that again. Your life is important to us and without our leader…. Well things would fall apart,"
Chrom's smile disappeared. There was an uneasy feeling amidst. They exchanged glares at each other. Robin had an uneasy chill in his spine. He braced himself for hefty lecture.
"Robin I…" The door abruptly ended the conversation as Raimi poked her head through the door.
"The Khan will see you now." She said.
One by one, the group entered the main hall. Curiosity and awe filled their minds as the glanced at every little piece of detail they eyes can see. A long beautiful well detailed carpet extended from the door to the small stairs that lead to the throne. Pillars on each side well-crafted and designed. Mosaic windows that tell of historic battles and heroic figures. In the hall stood a woman, with armor colored a deep crimson. Her sandy blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail as to not get in the way. She stood there at first, wearing a face with no emotion. Then, she broke out into a smirk. She wore her battle attire which confused the shepherds. Chrom stopped a few feet away from her and bowed.
"It is an honor to finally meet you your grace." He said standing tall.
"The honor is all mine young prince. To what do I owe the honor to have you in my humble abode?"
"Well you see, for the past couple of months. There have been high tensions with our neighboring country Plegia. The Mad King Gangrel, threatens the peace between our two nations and have brought to the brink of war. If war was to occur, we would be heavily outnumbered and beaten. I came here to ask you for your help and if you would like to create an alliance with us if war does occur."
She tilted her head down eyes closed, but stood tall and firm. Not a word came out of her mouth for a few seconds.
She looked at Chrom with a smirk. "I will gladly accept your plea."
Chrom and the shepherds smiled.
"However, I do not have the power to do that."
Their smiles faded.
Chrom gave her a confused look. "Why not? You're a Khan."
She placed her hand on her forehead. "I am a Khan but at the moment, I don't have complete control of Regna Ferox. The one who does have the power is the West Khan, Basilio."
"Well can't you go talk to him to help us?"
She paused for a moment and thought over it. The shepherds stared silently.
"Or," she said cunningly. "You can help me get control so I can give you those troops."
Chrom tilted his head, confused on what she was thinking.
"You see, every couple of years, the East and West Khans would have a fighting tournament for control of the Regna Ferox. We would send our strongest fighters to represent us and whichever side prevails controls both the East and West. You see, we are a militant nation. Power is given through strength not politics. Actions speak louder than words. Anyways, for this tournament we choose fighters from foreign nations and not fighters from family blood. This helps avoid feuds. You and your shepherds fit the picture. If you represent me and win then I will aid you. And don't worry this is not a fight to the death, all you really need to worry about is not getting badly hurt or get something broken." She chuckled. "Please think about this. Feel free to take all day to come up with an answer if you must."
Chrom ordered the group to huddle up to discuss the matter.
"So what are your thoughts?" He said.
Lissa cheerfully said "I say go for it." Frederick hesitated a bit but agreed with plan. "I will fight for Ylisse's honor." Robin gave a look of disapproval. "I believe this is a bad idea. If we go along with this plan then someone will get seriously hurt."
"Well I beg differ." Chrom rebuttaled "I do agree that this is going to be dangerous but I know we hold an advantage because we have something that they don't.
The group looked puzzled.
"Can't you see?" he said. It's simple, he is standing among us." The young prince looked at Robin from the corner of his eye. Robin knew exactly what he meant. Just the thought made him feel uneasy.
"We have a tactician. With him here, we will for sure have this battle won. The west has most likely have chosen sell swords while as for us, we are an army that trusts one another." He said proudly.
"Well you guys do but I don't. I haven't had the chance to talk to any of the other shepherds. I guess I'm just having a hard time trying to get to know the others that I think they don't trust me." Said the shy tactician.
The prince walked up in front of Robin placing his hand on his shoulder. "It's ok my friend, you're fairly new to the group but I know you will immediately get along with the others. In situations like these, we must fully have faith with one another. I know we can all get through this."
Those words gave the concerned tactician confidence and a new understanding on why Chrom is the type of person he is. It's not that he is reckless but instead, he is someone who will do whatever it takes to make sure that all of his friends make it in the end.
"Alright then Chrom, I'm all in then. I will give it my all."
Chrom smiled and nodded to everyone. "Well then, I guess we all know what we are getting ourselves into then. Robin, we need to figure out who is going to be in the tournament and figure out a way to utilize them in battle."
Robin gave a cheerful nod.
Chrom turned to Flavia, who patiently waited for a response. "The Shepherds and I will gladly represent the East.
She smiled at the young prince. "Glad to have such brave fighters like you representing me. It's an honor." She said bowing her head down. "I must warn you though. I've heard rumors that the West Khan has a new champion. This new champ beat the former one in fifteen seconds flat so stay on your toes and be careful out there. Also, I forgot to mention that you can only have six fighters on the field while the west will have eight so I recommend you choose your best."
Robin quickly knew that this was going to be a little bit of a challenge. Not only were they outnumbered but there is also one fighter in particular who could be incredibly skilled and strong. He needs to come up with a good strategy that can help them win and come out unscathed.
"I'll let you go from here now to prepare. The tournament is tomorrow so come to me with the other five so I can lead you to the arena. Feel free to also explore our kingdom, your troops will also be given permission to use our training grounds if they want.
"I understand your grace. Thank you very much, we won't fail you."
"Haha, please Chrom, I ain't one for formalities. Enjoy your stay here and come back first thing in the morning with your troops all ready to go."
Chrom nodded and proceeded towards the exit with his friends right behind. So much has to be done with what seems to be so little time. The though made Robin feel uneasy in his stomach but he knew full well that Chrom will be there to back him up every step of the way.
Outside of the castle Chrom called his little sister to head over to head over to the inn to gather all the Shepherds together and give details about the meeting. As his tomboyish sister left through the gates, Chrom turned to Robin and Frederick. "Frederick, Robin. We must discuss on who will be a good choice to use in the fight. For sure, I want the three of us to be involved in the tournament. We just have to come up with the other three."
"Might I suggest one in particular milord." Said the blue knight. "I believe it would be a good idea if we bring Sully. She has proven herself well in the battlefield recently"
"I'll take your word for it my friend. Robin are you ok with this?"
"Of course." The tactician replied.
"Very well, then I have a person in mind too. I say we let Vaike in too. He can be a bit childish and undisciplined at times but he is an excellent fighter after sparring with him a countless number of times. Frederick and I will remind him not to forget his weapon as well."
"Let me stop you right there Chrom, I also have a person I want to suggest. We need another magic user and who is the only one besides me that can wield magic tomes?" Robin exclaimed.
"Miriel" Said both Chrom and Frederick
"Exactly, we'll make her remind him." He said snapping his fingers.
"Well then, this seemed to be a rather quick meeting. If any of us changes their mind then let me know." Said the one prince.
Both Frederick and Robin nodded in agreement.
For now let's head back and let everyone know who will fight tomorrow. In the meantime, Robin when we get back to the inn. I want you to come up with a plan for tomorrow. We're going to show the whole crowd know about us and your incredible prowess."
Robin became a little nervous and uncomfortable with that remark but knew he said it with good intention. The band of three made their way back towards the inn.
At the Inn
"Alright everyone settle down and listen up" The young prince interruptedly said. In an instant the chattering halted and all eyes darted to the entrance where the prince and his subordinates stood. He regally walked towards the center of the room. "Alright, now that I have everyone's undivided attention. I just wanna start off by saying that you guys did a fine job getting us here. I couldn't have gotten here without everyone's help. But now." His face grew serious. "I think by now my little sister has briefed every one of you guys about what is going on. But just in case for those who didn't hear then pay attention. A chosen few of us will represent the East Khan in a tournament. If we win, then the new khan will join our cause if things go out of control between us and Plegia. This battle will not be a fight to the death so rest assured that you will not lose your life but you can still get seriously hurt. The three of us have decided who will be in the fight but if you're uncomfortable participating then please let us know. I don't want to force you into something you don't feel comfortable in."
The crowd chuckled wondering if he was kidding or not.
"For sure, the three of us Frederick, Robin, and myself will be in the tournament. When I call your name, may you please give me your answer?"
The roomed filled with small whispers. Everyone eager to hear who the people are.
"The first one I call is…. Vaike."
"Aaww YEAH, Class is in session everyone." Jumping ecstatically. He jumped uncontrollably that he bumped into a table and collapsed to the ground. The shepherds laughed at his goofiness.
"Haha whoops." Eagerly getting back up to his feet.
"Ok then, next person up is Sully."
"Just point me where to go and I'll turn them into mincemeat."
"Robin will keep note of that. And last but not least, Miriel."
"I hope my abilities will him us attain victory." She said adjusting her glasses.
The prince looked at the chosen three. "I thank you for your bravery and promise you that we will win this unharmed. Now that the three have been decided. I'm letting you guys have the rest of the day to yourselves. I've received permission from Flavia to use their training grounds if you wish to do so. Other than that just be back in time before supper understood?"
The crowded all replied," Yes sir."
"Very well, everyone please enjoy yourselves and see you all at dinner."
Immediately the first person running out the door was Chrom's energetic sister. Robin could hear her yelling outside at the top of her lungs. "SHOPPING! SHOPPING! SHopping! shopping!" Eventually, her voice disappeared into the town. One by one, the rest of the shepherds exited out the door. Each and every one of them eager to explore the Kingdom.
Sully and Vaike decided to head to the training ground to practice for tomorrow.
"Hey Sully! How about you and I have a little sparring match so that way I can teach you who is top dog?"
"HA you think you can beat me? I'll have your arse handed to you in a matter of seconds. You're not even worth the energy."
"SAY WHAT!?" he said furiously. The two argued away from the inn till they were out of sight.
Stahl seemed awfully excited to go around and see the type of cuisine the town had to offer. It was easy for Robin to notice his mouth salivating and his tongue sticking out like a wild animal. Robin decided to stay at the inn and eat his bowl of porridge. The cerulean prince approached the tactician.
"Robin, feel free to go and explore also. You've done a hell of a lot for us and I think I can say for everyone that you deserve a break the most."
Robin gulped his food and replied, "I thank you for the offer but for now. I must come up with a plan that can secure us the victory tomorrow."
"Well alright then Robin, just don't overwork yourself. Can't have you sleeping on us in the middle of battle." He chuckled.
"I will make sure I don't." he smiled.
"If you need me. I'll be at the training grounds or look for Frederick he is with Lissa."
The tactician nodded after having another spoonful of porridge. The prince walked out the door leaving Robin all alone in the room. There was nothing but silence. Robin finished the last of his breakfast, closed his eyes and gave a sigh of relief. "Aahh peace and quiet." After a few seconds he stood up. "Alright! Time to strategize."
A couple of hours flew by as the tactician struggled to come up with something clever. There in his room, he sat at his desk. Quill in hand and eyes staring directly at a blank piece of paper. He knew full well that this wasn't going to be an easy task. He has a decent formation but without knowledge of who they are fighting then he can't come up with something on dealing with them. X's and O's popped in his mind but he couldn't simulate the battle without know their opponents. He remained motionless with his head down and eyes closed. "I think I need a break" he said. Just then, there was a knock on his door.
"Come in."
The door slightly opened with a brown haired girl's head popping in. "Hello Robin". She walked in and without warning tripped and landed on her face. Robin looked down slightly shocked at what just happened. "Umm, hello Sumia. Are you ok?" he fluttered his eyes. She quickly got back on her feet with her hand rubbing her red nose.
"Owie, Yes Robin I'm fine thank you," She surveyed the ground for just a second. "Well the good thing is that nothing is broken hehe."
"So what bring you here Sumia?"
"Well I just came here to get some more money from my travel pack which I accidently left in my room. Clumsy me. I was just curious if you were still here. Turns out I was right.
Robin wearily rubbed the back of his head. "I was just about to go outside and get some fresh air."
"Oh then you should come and join me, there are lots of cute little shops around the kingdom that you might like." She smiled.
Robin nodded at the clumsy girl. "I'll gladly join you. This will help me refresh my mind."
"Yay let's get going then."
The streets were flowing with people. The townsfolk often turned their attention to the tactician. His cloak made him stand out from the crowd. His eyes looked from store to store but nothing caught his eye for very long. After a short while they stumbled upon an armory and decided to check out what they had in stock. Dozens of swords, lances, and axes filled the shelves and stands.
"I probably should get myself a new sword. My current one is starting to wear out."
The local blacksmith approached the tactician.
"Aye there boy, what can I help you with?"
"Oh hello there. I'm just looking around good sir."
"Well, if you see anything you like don't hesitate to ask."
Robin nodded. Suddenly something caught Sumia's eye and pointed towards it.
"OOooo, Robin look at."
"What is it?" He turned his attention to a very peculiar sword. The blade was curvy, like the shape in the shape of a thunderbolt.
"Wait a minute sir! What is that sword?" he said in awe.
The blacksmith glance in its beauty. "Aahh, that my boy is a rare sword that is known as the Levin Sword. It's the only one I have and they aren't easy to get. What makes this sword special from the rest is that this sword deals physical and magical damage to your opponents. It is a very dangerous weapon to handle. One must be really good with magic in order to wield it. In order to obtain one, you must have one imported all the way from Valm which can't be reached on foot. It is a land that can only be reached by boat."
"Now let's say I wanted to buy this sword. How much would it cost?"
"Well, a sword this rare here would go at around 1,600 gold."
Robin's jaw instantly dropped and shuttered, Sumia did the same thing a second later.
"O-one thousand six hundred gold!" both saying it in unison.
"No way in gods name can I afford that."
"Aaww and I thought today was the day where I finally sell this beaut."
"Sorry for raising your hopes up."
"Nah, its fine young lad. Soon that day will come."
The duo left the armory and strolled along the busy streets. Lots of merchandise and accessories were put on display to celebrate for the tournament.
"People are really hyped for tomorrow's event aren't they?"
"Yes they are Sumia. Yes they are."
A few minutes later, they wandered off into a bookstore. Both of them knew that they were bookworms.
"Omigosh Robin, Look!" The tactician turned his gaze to a purple book. On the cover was a dragon with a rider sitting on its back. He squinted his eyes to read the title of the book. Wyvern Wars; Terror at High Noon he read. "What about it, Sumia?"
"I've been looking for this book for a long time. I have looked everywhere for this and at last I finally found it." She quickly grabbed the book and went towards the counter. Robin continued strolling along the aisles. So many books but nothing that catches my interest. His eyes noticed a red book and went closer. Hhmm "The Art of War". He grabbed the book and began skimming the pages. His eyes widen. "This book is amazing, each page gives important advice and tactics when commanding a militia. This will be very useful for many battles to come." He grabbed the book and made a dash towards the counter zooming past Sumia causing her to fall face first again to the ground. "Sorry." He yelled. He slammed the book at the table. "I'll take it!" The clerk smiled "Ten gold please." Robin searched through his pockets in his cloak and pulled out ten gold coins. The woman bowed. "Thank you, you have a wonderful afternoon."
After their little adventure, they decided to take a break and have lunch near a fountain. The two enjoyed their lunch, a loaf of bread and cubes of cheese. Sumia became a little nervous and stared at the water. "Uh-um Robin?" He turned his head towards her. "Yes Sumia?"
Her face blushed as she had difficulty saying the words she wanted to say. "I-I've been meaning to ask you this b-but is there anything that Chrom likes?"
Robin was a little confused. "Do you mean to say if I know who Chrom likes?"
Her face immediately turned tomato red.
"Wait WHAT!? No no no no" she said quickly waving her hands. "I mean what things does Chrom like in general. Like does he read books, what kind of food does he like or what kind of clothes does he wear?"
"Oh, well I think that he really like pie. I've noticed that after dinner, he likes to eat a piece of pie after dinner. Makes me wonder where all those carbs go. Not sure what kind of pie he likes but I assume he likes any kind."
"Really? Thank you Robin you're the best"
"Why'd you ask?"
"Oh for no reason hehe."
Robin grew a little suspicious but decided to let it go. Sumia stood up. "Imma go walk around a little bit more. Do you want to join me still?"
Robin smiled. "No thank you Sumia, I think I'm just gonna stay here for a little while and read."
"Ok Robin, thank you for accompanying me."
"I should thank you. I had a fun time with you."
She closed her eyes, tilted her head, and gave him a warm smile. "Well, I'll see you later."
"Bye."
She disappeared into the crowd. He turned his attention to his new book eager to see the contents that it has to offer. "Chapter 1: Leadership People often believe that leaders are made, not born. Da da da da DAH a leader must do the unexpected and produce startling results. They must be professionals. This overworked term simply means that leaders are guided by a consistent and honorable set of principles." After reading for a good while an idea popped into his head. "That's it! This will work." He immediately got up and ran back to the inn to write it down. Tomorrow. The world will see what the shepherds can do.
The Next Day
"Alright everyone, you know your places right?" said Robin. The shepherds nodded in agreement. The young prince raised his sword in the air.
"Ok Shepherds, let's do this."
The shepherds stepped into the arena. Thousands of people at the stands cheered at the top of their lungs. Once they all stepped in, the iron gates closed shut. Robin and Chrom looked at the stands looking for their companions. They both noticed Lissa jumping and waving her hands up in the air. At that moment, the gates at the other side of the arena opened. Their opponents came running out. Robin counted the number of troops at the field. Four barbarians, two mages and two knights. Robin knew that the odds seemed to be in their favor. The relief was short lived though as Frederick pointed at the entrance. There stood the silhouette of a fighter, the West Khans champion. The mysterious fighter slowly walked closer into the light until all physical features were visible. Robin and Chrom gasped after the identity of this champion was finally revealed. Chrom glared into the face of the champion.
"Nice to see you again, Marth."