The sound of grunts, wooden swords, lances, and axes clashing against each other echoed across the training yard. After almost a couple days of one on one training with Frederick. He was given the privilege to train amongst his fellow comrades with the exception that he still had to attend a couple more meetings with the gallant knight. On the first day he trained with the Shepherds, Sully challenged the tactician to a sword fight. She even made herself clear that she really wanted to duel him when she told him.
"Get your ass over here and face me or are you too much of a pussy to hit a poor "defenseless" woman."
"All you had to do was ask." he playfully joked.
"You think you're so clever, aren't you? Get your sword." taunting Robin by signaling to come at her.
It wasn't long until Robin found himself disarmed and on the ground. Her combat skills are more superior than his own by a large margin. With Sully continually taunting him he lied down in defeat. Today was is going to be different, he wants a rematch and he has been practicing most of the afternoon with his swordplay and movement with Stahl and he is feeling slightly more comfortable handling the wooden sword. Before he could challenge the foul mouthed, Sully, the Shepherds had to check on the announcement board that is updated every morning and afternoon. Everybody huddled around it to see what today had to bring and judging by the sounds of murmuring, something big was going on. He squeezed through everybody trying to catch a glimpse of what everybody was talking about.
He read. All Shepherds must ready to depart for the Ylisse and Plegian border as ordered by the Exalt and prince of Ylisse. Head towards the war room for briefing at noon.
"What in the seven hells is going on." questioned Sully
"I don't know, but I hope we can have breakfast soon." Stahl rubbed his grumbling belly.
"Is there anything you talk about other than food? She waved her head left and right.
A sudden request to march towards the border of the land with high hostility.
Robin faintly paid attention to what the others were saying and wondered why they had to march again until Frederick nudged at his shoulder breaking into his reverie. "The Exalt and Milord would like you to come to the throne room. It is urgent that you see them both right away."
He darted off to meet with the royal siblings. Upon entry, he saw Emmeryn, Chrom, and Lissa, who was sobbing uncontrollably in her sister's arms. Seeing that made him conclude that something is terribly wrong. He bowed at them and let them know of his presence.
"How may I be of service your majesty." he said with concern.
"Robin, I am glad you came here as quickly as you can. We have summoned you here because we want to inform you on the series of events that have occurred recently regarding one of our own Shepherds. You remember Maribelle correct?"
"She is Lissa's bestfriend and the daughter of the Duke of Themis. Has something happened to her."
"The day before you and the Shepherds departed to Regna Ferox. I tasked the Duke and Maribelle to head to the villages East of Ylisse to hand supplies to the people that have suffered from the bandit attacks. What happened next was that the Duke unexpectedly returned early bruised and bloodied. It was a horrific sight and we rushed him to the infirmary for intensive care. Just before he was carted off, he handed me a letter written by the King of Plegia."
Chrom stepped up towards him with the letter. "You should have a look at this."
The missive was badly wrinkled and covered with what is most likely the Duke's dried life essence.
I, Gangrel, the King of Plegia, am sending this letter to inform you that the Duke and his daughter have rudely invaded our land and savagely attacked my troops who have respectively tried to escort them back to their respective land.. The Duke's daughter aggressively attacked my men with no remorse and fortunately, none of my men met with life threatening injuries. However, her actions are unforgivable and an insult to my country and yours. Especially in a land that has been well known for their courteous and peaceful nature for the past fifteen years. I would hate there to be hostility between both our nations as what happened with what the previous Exalt decreed a long time ago. As of now, we are holding the Duke's daughter and we demand you pay for reparations. If we are to fully trust each other. I would gladly like to continue talking about this topic by offering a trade. If you hand us Ylisse's Sacred artifact, the Fire Emblem. We will gladly hand you the Duke's daughter in one piece. Please meet me at the our border so we can do the transaction. I'll be looking to meeting you for the first time your highness.
The rest of the letter contained a miniature map of the Ylisse-Plegian border with a mark showing where exactly it would take place.
"This seems rather hogwash if you ask me your majesty. Even though I've only meet Maribelle briefly. I do not think she is capable of doing this."
"We all believe you Robin. I, too know that she would not do such a thing There is more to the story than what the King has written. Until the Duke recovers from his injuries, we will not know for sure about what truly happened. I find it absurd to believe his story since the duke returned bloodied and battered. We do not have to time wait for him to recover. My brother suggested we leave immediately but in situations like these, we must act patiently. That is why I called for you. I would like you to come up with a battle strategy if the situation worsens and another plan to escape once we immediately get Maribelle. We have already acquired maps of the location from cartographers so you can begin planning our course of action."
"And what of the Fire Emblem, your majesty? What exactly is it and why does he demand it as trade?"
Chrom decided to get tell the tactician on what it was. "The Fire Emblem is like you've read, Ylisse's sacred treasure. It is what helped the first Exalt of Ylisse to defeat the fell dragon Grima. Without it, humanity would have ceased to exist. If Grima was to resurrect again. We would have to use its power again to protect the world. It is fairly big and it contains unimaginable power.
"Where would such a sacred artifact be hidden to prevent thieves from taking it."
"I always have it in my possession to keep it safe." said the Exalt.
"Sister, you are not planning to hand it to that dastard are you? We both know that all he wants is to start all out war and drag this country to hell along with him." he frowned.
Phila and Frederick came in and heard their conversation. "I believe we must demonstrate to Plegia and their King that their actions have consequences. This has gone on long enough your majesty." cried the pegasus knight.
"Even If there is no other option left Phila, I will have no choice but to agree to his terms. The lives of my people take priority. If we give him the war that he wants, then we lose no matter the outcome is. My people suffered in our last conflict nearly destroying both our kingdoms. Countless soldiers have died, women and children were homeless and starving. I cannot let that happen again. I would rather give my life than to start a bloody war. I have no choice but to offer parley with King Gangrel."
"Please reconsider, your grace. He cannot be trusted to act in good faith."
"So we choose to march to war or leave Maribelle to die? I cannot accept that." she assertively.
"... Forgive me your grace, I was out of line. I know you will always hold to your beliefs. Allow the Pegasus Knights to accompany you, though."
"Of course, Phila. Thank you all for coming to join me. Your support gives me strength."
Chrom grimaced and clenched his fist tightly because he knew that his sister was right. He didn't like that there weren't many options considering that Gangrel will not accept anything else. Robin turned his attention to the young princess who is suffering the most from this ordeal. He wanted her to be assured that he will do anything in his power to bring her back safe and sound. He walked up to her who was still hugging her big sister. He placed a hand on her shoulder to show sympathy.
"Lissa, I know that it doesn't mean much. But I promise that I will bring Maribelle safely. Believe it." Tears continued flowing out of her eyes and he swiped his thumbs under both her eyes. Her gray eyes were red and veiny, he wants her to know full well that he will make it a reality and he could see a glimmer of hope spark. She sniffled again and the water works gushed out of her sockets. "Oh Robin. Thank you!" said she burying her head inside his cloak continuing to sob.
"Now that you know about the situation, you do not have to attend the meeting later today so you can focus on your task.
"Of course, Emm."
"Ehem" grunted the cerulean knight.
"I mean, your grace. I'll get right to work." Even in dire times like these Frederick can still be a pain.
He caressed Lissa's hair a little more to comfort her just a little longer until he departed. Heading down the hallway towards his room, he looked eagerly at the maps that Emmeryn has given.
These maps will be crucial towards helping us and making sure we come back alive. I must make sure to look at each one carefully.
He was so lost in curiosity that he didn't notice a young mage who wasn't paying attention also walking straight at him as well until they both collided.
"Oww watch where you're going it buddy." he picked up his mage hat that dropped on the floor. It seemed a little too big for his adolescent stature. This boy was fourteen years of age, wore a teal cape, black tunic and ecru robe.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention little man."
Something triggered inside the boy that made him furious. "Don't talk down to me." he yelled.
Robin couldn't had difficulty figuring why he is acting like this. "I'm uuhh sorry. Can I get your.." a name popped up in his conscious along with his face. He has seen him somewhere! "Is your name by chance, Ricken?."
"Hmph, Yeah my name is Ricken and I am part of the Shepherds. I am studying to become a mage of the highest order here on Ylisse so I expect you give treat me with utmost respect."
"I'm Robin and I am also a member of the Shepherds. I am a tactician and have recently joined.
Robin tried very hard to remember him but he has no recollection seeing him in the training yard.
The boy patted his hat to clear the dirt off.
"So you're the new guy I've heard rumors about. Pretty bad mannered when it comes to first impressions."
.This kid doesn't hold any punches back.
"I got to get going but next time, don't call me little. I am a man. Have a good day." he sped away to do his duties.
Well that was a weird first encounter. Where have a seen him before?
The atmosphere was quiet in Robin's quarters. The perfect place to initiate what he does best. The Exalt was gracious to supply him with three maps. One map shows the area where they will rendezvous with the King but it does not specifically show which fort they will be in.
A mountainous area with forts built at different heights of the mountain. Escaping already looks dangerous because they would have to run down a the mountain which is steep in some parts as shown in the other maps. If battle does ensue, the enemy would have the high ground which puts them at a tactical disadvantage. Horse riders would have a difficult time treading up the steep paths and would only slow us down. It would be best to do this on foot or with fliers but we are limited on pegasus knights. Sticking together will be the best way to get through this. He noticed that their is a narrow path that is alongside the mountain and it could be a great area to escape. The only risk to that would be that the enemies would suspect them to take it and sandwich them, but that is just a possibility. Another option would be to take the forts one by one but they wouldn't be able to split up because they would most likely be outnumbered and nearby forts would send their reinforcements to attack.
For the rest of the time, he came up with different scenarios in his head from unexpected, ambushes, formations, pairings, and ways to rescue Maribelle based on what fort she was held hostage in. After a couple of hours of strategizing, he believed he was now prepared for almost any situation.
All the Shepherds and Pegasus Knights gathered at the entrance of the castle. Everyone straddled their horses or boarded the supply wagons ready to leave. The Exalt, Chrom, and Robin were still inside though discussing whether everyone is present.
"Is everyone ready to go? The landscape is treacherous to walk through." asked the prince.
"Frederick has told me that everyone has been accounted for." said Emmeryn.
"Well then off we march."
A voice cried out from the back.
"CAPTAIN!" It was the teenager who scolded at Robin earlier during the day. He had his satchel with him.
"Ricken?"
"I'm all packed captain and ready to go! Which cart do I ride in?!" he asked eagerly.
"Ricken… How did you.. Go back inside the castle. You're not old enough to participate this mission."
"But captain! You know my skill with magic. I've trained very hard to get this strong. I can handle myself. Trust me."
"And that is why i trust your magic to stay here and protect the garrison. I'll take you to the next mission all right? Now be good and stay out of trouble."
"BUT-"
"Enough Ricken, please."
The boy gave a hefty sigh and retreated back into the castle. Chrom did not like that he had to yell at him, but he had no other way to say it to him without making him sad.
Ricken walked away furious, outraged, sick with anger. Be good? When will he learn to not treat me like a child. I'll show him that I am mature enough for this mission! When no one was looking, he sneaked behind one of the wagons. Luckily since he was fairly lean, he was able to squeeze in the through boxes to hide between in.
"He is a weird one. Is he a member of the Shepherds?" Robin questionly asked Chrom.
"Ricken is a member but he still has to wait until he is a little more older to be a fully accepted. He is an impatient kid who wants to mature and let his youth slip on by and I don't want him to miss it.
However, I've often see him train in the meadows when I patrol the castle walls during the day. He's very determine, full of pep and vigor. When I found out why he's trying so hard to mature at a fast rate it convinced me to promise to him that he can be a Shepherd once he gets older. See his parents were of noble stature and very wealthy, but lately, they been struggling and lost majority of their wealth. Now he's trying to help his family rise back to their former status and is working in his studies to better himself."
"You really like him, huh?"
"He reminds me of me when i was young. When Emmeryn became Exalt at a young age. I too knew that i needed to grow up so i could help her. So i trained hard. We should get going soon. We can't continue to waste time."
Everyone was ready to venture forth towards a perilous area. The trip would take a night's journey and they would camp approximately twenty miles from where they were to meet the King, in a forest they can use for cover and would arrive at the forts in the morning. On the way there, Robin informed the Exalt and prince their options and agreed they would follow with whatever he commanded. He also told the rest of the shepherds the same thing one on one so they each can know what their roles and objectives.
The rest of the trip was calm and relaxing. Geographical features changed the closer they marched towards Plegia. The land went from flourishing with life to a barren landscape. This part of the land is well known for its unforgiving landscape. That is why no one lives in these parts. As expected they arrived at their campsite just before the sunsetted and constructed their tents in circular formation. Lissa has slightly recovered from her woes. She tried her best to keep herself cheerful like she always has. Her siblings still worried were still worried about her very much. As they all sat to eat their chow. Robin went over the details again so that he can implant every little detail into the Shepherd's head. To the point towards where a couple of the Shepherd's heads started hurting or were annoyed by his redundancy.
No nightwatch duty for this tactician. Tonight was Kellam's turn to watch over the herd. And he was going to enjoy the pleasure this night had to offer before the trade takes place.
A few hours have gone by into the night. It was all quiet until he started hearing noises.
Psst psst.
He felt light taps on his shoulder. The subtle noises broke him out of his slumber. He turned his head towards the direction of the sound and noticed a dark silhouette standing at the edge of his bed. Just as he was about to scream in panic, the dark shadow covered his mouth and only muffled sounds were able to escape from the assailant's hand.
Sshh sshh sshh. The person repeated. Robin's heart was beating rapidly with adrenaline pumping towards every part of his body. But he obeyed the person's command. The figure then just placed their finger on his mouth to signal him to stay quiet. The person's head leaned towards his ear and whisper to him.
"Meet me outside in the forest. Go outside towards the back of your tent and head forward. There we will meet. Don't let anyone see you." The voice was feminine but familiar. The figure then rushed outside and he could hear the person run through the bushes.
There was no doubt in his mind on who it was.
He immediately got himself dressed and peeked through his tent. Kellam was nowhere in sight so it was the perfect time to sneak off. He went into the bushes and looked back so he was not being tailed as last time. He moved every branch and twig in the way to clear his path. He went through twenty-five yards of greenery until there was another open meadow in the forest. He moved towards the center and gazed around. Nothing in sight.
"I'm glad you made it out here." called out a voice. Hiding behind a thick tree. The silhouette stepped into the moon's light. As he suspect, the sheen coming from her butterfly shaped mask was all he needed to know who it was.
"Marth. I didn't expect you to be here. You gave me quite the fright too. Have you been following us?"
"Not exactly tactician. Let's just say I knew the Shepherds would be here on this day but that is not why I wanted to talk to you."
Robin was ready to listen, crossing his arms.
"Tomorrow, a perilous battle will occur. The Mad Dog Gangrel can not be reasoned with and the Shepherds would realize this was a set up as they predicted. The King will launch an attack towards Chrom and the Shepherds to get his hands on the Fire Emblem at all cost. A boy in teal shall attempt his own rescue and though he saves his target, he immediately perishes during the start of the battle from a blast of dark magic. Morale will drop and all hell would break loose. You would all make it out alive but resulting in serious multiple injuries for your comrades, causing trouble for the following days to come.
Something about this story that the woman in the mask is saying click something in his head. It sounded terrifyingly familiar. It was his dream! The dream that he had on the way back to Ylisse.
"My dream…."
Marth slightly tilted his head. "Excuse me?"
"Ricken?! Ricken is the young boy who perishes trying to save Maribelle." Robin was in complete shock that Marth's story is exactly identical to how his dream went. Marth was utterly confused. This wasn't how she thought it would have gone. Meanwhile, Robin never would have expected his dream to be some kind of vision but the proof stood right before him when she described everything.
"I-I too know what is going to happen. I know every little detail on the events that happen tomorrow."
"Explain yourself." she ordered.
"I don't know how to better explain it to you but that story that you just said is exactly like the dream that I had a couple nights ago. The boy's name is Ricken and he perishes in the hands of a woman in black. The force from the blast sends the boy's body flies into my hands where he dies. As soon as that happened, the battle started but i do not know of what happened after because I woke up. Could it have been a vision?"
Marth could not help but look intently at him. Even though Robin couldn't look at her eyes, he knew that she was giving him a piercing stare.
"Just who are you Robin?"
That is a question that he has been asking himself since he has woken up in the middle of nowhere.
"I don't know anymore." he shrugged. This couldn't have been a coincidence and he can't figure out why their stories matched.
There was complete silence until it stretched turned into awkward minute. The enormity of it all seemed to much to take. He shuffled his foot around thinking on how to reply while the woman stayed still looking at him at.
"Why are you only telling me this and not the rest of the Shepherds?."
"Because I believe I can trust you. I believe you play a major role in this war and its in my best interest to help you by supplying you with what I know. You've caught my interest tactician, something about you made me want to trust you when you helped me back in Regna Ferox. From the look of things, you must hold a supernatural gift to see into the future since what you also told me matches with mine. I will keep in touch with you but do not tell anyone of what we just talked about."
"But why, if we both know what happens. We can tell everyone so we can save them. Why don't you join us so we can prevent this war and catastrophe and make create a better future?"
"The future you say…. I cannot involve myself too much. The threads of time can't be tampered with from the likes of me. The slightest change I make in the past can lead to drastic changes that even I cannot predict. I can't involve myself because it could lead into a massive butterfly effect. You however, can change it."
"The past? What are you talking about?"
"I've said too much. I won't tell you more about the issue."
"I can't help but ask you the same question. Who are you Marth? Something you told Chrom back when we first met caught my attention, the world is teetering at the brink of a horrible calamity. If the world is in danger and the only one in the world that knows about, then why don't you want to involve yourself? You do have the power to change the course of time for the better, but you don't want to do it. Join us, and tell us what is going on so we can avoid this calamity you're talking can save a life or an entire civilization."
"It's- it's complicated. I can't say no more."
Robin sighed at her answer. " Is there anything else I should know about tomorrow at least?"
Marth shook his head saying no.
"Please just keep these words in mind. So long." She ran away into the thickets.
"Marth wait!" he yelled. Robin darted after her but she disappeared and was nowhere in sight. He knew it was useless to chase her. Dangling in a small branch was a blue cloth. He grabbed it and observed it. It was blue on one side and red on the other. The branch must have ripped a small part of her cape when she ran off. Robin was now left with vital information that Marth warned cannot be shared to the others. He decided to respect her wishes and let her do things how she wanted.
What am I gonna do now? Supernatural power? The threads of time? Butterfly Effect? All this is confusing!? He internally screamed.
He laid on the soft grass, massaging his temples to recover his equilibrium.
Yelling won't solve anything. What's important now is to use this information to protect the others especially Ricken and Maribelle. I need to rethink my strategy and let everyone know what they are going to do, even though they'll get very annoyed by it after I have drilled it into their heads. They'll thank me later someday. I got to get back.
Nobody noticed his disappearance and was able to sneak back into his tent.
"Hello Robin, what are you doing up so late." Greeted Kellam.
"Huh?" Robin turned around but saw nothing. He heard something but was sure what it was. Guess it was just my imagination. He walked inside.
"Umm, goodnight then…."
He cleared his makeshift desk to change a battle plan. He now knew where everything would take place and every action that follows. He just hopes that he can execute things properly and swiftly on the battlefield or else. Things will result in checkmate.
A/N: I'd like to give a special thanks and a HUGE shoutout to my new friend, LucythePir8 for giving her time in helping me edit this chapter and the first support sub chapter so you can all have a better experience. I would really appreciate it if you check out her newest story Grandmaster's Journey. I've helped her edit it and it brings a topic that is not spoken much in other fanfics I've read and I'm sure you all would enjoy it too. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated and hope you all look forward to the next chapter.