Binyamin groaned loudly as he stirred awake. He slowly opened his eyes, his vision adjusting to the bright light shining upon him. When he fully opened his eyes, he saw that it was sunlight shining down, further surveillance revealing that he was in a forested area.
'Strange,' he mused, 'I would have imagined I'd end up drifting about Oblivion.'
The Dragonborn sighed as he brought himself to his feet. He checked himself to see if he had everything with him. He saw that he was missing his scimitar, immediately drawing his thoughts back to previous events.
'I can't believe that bastard managed to put me in a position like this!' He mentally swore, clenching his fists. 'If I see him again, I'll make sure he is but a pile of ashes.'
He winced in pain as he realised he had sustained his battle wounds, so he cast a healing spell and walked onwards to get a better idea of where he is. As he journeyed through the forest, he came upon a clearing that revealed a road. Binyamin quickly stepped onto the path, relieved to find a path. Roads would mean people, and so there must be a settlement of some kind, hopefully one thats nearby. His hopes had been confirmed when he spotted a roadsign a few dozen feet ahead. When he stopped to view the sign, it had two signs pointing in the same direction. One sign read "Ylisstol", while the other simply read "SouthTown".
'These names...they are so unfamiliar,' Binyamin thought to himself. 'I was hoping I would be in somewhere like Cyrodiil. This could mean that Miraak...'
Binyamin immediately cleared that thought away. He needed to focus now. He decided to head in the direction the signs were pointing to, so that he may get his bearings and find out where he is. He continued to walk down the road, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. It wasn't long before he was able to spot a settlement about a half-hours walk from his position.
'Good, a settlement.' Binyamin thought, internally sighing in relief. 'Must be either SouthTown or that Ylisstol place. Only one way to find out.'
He marched towards the town with a much more briskly pace. However, when he had gotten near the settlement, he noticed a rather loud commotion emanating within the town, and smoke started rising to the sky.
'Seems like there's trouble brewing in that town.' He thought.
As he reached within the town's borders, he noticed several people running away and otherwise keeping their distance. He then spotted a group of men dressed in some basic leather armor chasing after some of the townsfolk. Binyamin swiftly went to one of the townspeople to get some answers. As he approached one of them, a young woman, she screamed, trying to get away from him.
"Lady! calm down, I'm not here to hurt you." Binyamin said reassuringly.
This got the woman to calm down enough to stop running. She looked at him with wariness and fear.
"I understand that you are in distress, madam." Binyamin began. "I just need to know what's going on here."
"Bandits." the woman responded, almost stuttering. "We're being attacked by bandits!"
She then looked over Binyamins side, her eyes widening as she ran off. Binyamin however simply sighed in frustration before he turned to see a burly man running at him with a massive war axe. Binyamin swiftly delivered a powerful kick to the man's stomach, hearing an audible snap as he did so. The man was sent flying away from him, crashing head-first into a stack of crates, buried underneath as they fell on him. He turned away to find a about a dozen more brigands approaching him. Five of them charged with axes or swords, while the rest stayed behind with arrows nocked and pointed at him.
"Let's get im, lads! He's got no weapon, and we have the numbers!" One of them shouted, the rest hollering in agreement.
Binyamin smirked at what the man said. He may be right about his predicament, but he's fought and killed worse things than bandits without weapons. When the five bandits reached him, he struck the one nearest to him in the throat, causing him to clutch his neck in pain. He pulled the bandit in front of him, making him a shield to block the next attacker, his other assailant shocked from driving his axe into his friends back. Binyamin kicked the two bandits away and raised his shield to parry an overhead sword slash from a third opponent. He then rammed the edge of his shield into his assailant's eyes, causing him to cry out in agony.
"AAAAGH! MY EYES!" the bandit screamed.
This gave Binyamin ample opportunity to pull him in to block a volley of arrows shot his way. He then lifted the now dead bandit over his head and flung him at the archers, knocking three of them down with their comrades' corpse.
The two remaining melee bandits glared at him fiercely.
"You bastard, we'll cut you to ribbons for what ya did!" One of them exclaimed.
They both charged at Binyamin, one raising his axe high above his head, while the other lunged at him with his blade pointed to his chest. Binyamin simply grappled the man's sword arm and pointed it to the other bandit, who ended up impaling himself onto the sword. He then pulled the other man to himself, putting his hands on his head and snapping his neck like a brittle twig. He tossed the bandits body aside and raised his shield to block another volley of arrows. He snorted in slight annoyance as he raised his hand to them. He channeled his Magicka into his palm and shot forth several streams of lightning, each one jumping through the archers several times. All that was left were their ashen remains. He then looked over to the last bandit, who was still pinned down by his dead comrade. Binyamin walked over to him, looming over the man as he was too shocked and frightened to move.
"Please," he begged. "Please, spare me. I-I won't try t-"
Before he could finish, however, Binyamin forcefully stomped his foot upon his head, crushing his skull and nearly splattering his brains out. Binyamin sighed as he looked around to find anymore bandits, then stopped when he realised he was alone. He then made his way in the direction that the bandits had come from. He soon came upon a bridge that crossed over a large waterway. He traversed the bridge, but only made it halfway before he was attacked by another group of bandits. There were fifteen of them in total, all of whom were wielding axes. They all charged at him simultaneously, screaming war cries and curses his way. Binyamin only rolled his eyes in annoyance, deciding to deal with them quickly. He breathed deeply, his lungs swelling with air, before shouting:
"Iiz, Slen UUS!"
The bandits that were racing across the bridge suddenly stopped dead in their tracks, now completely encased in solid ice. Some were frozen in mid-sprint, falling over as a result, either to the ground or plummeting into the waterway below. The rest stood as silent statues, slowly dying from a mix of asphyxiation and frostbite. With his assailants taken care of, Binyamin made his way to the other side of the bridge, searching for more bandits to put down. As he began looking around the buildings, he heard the sounds of battle east from his position. He quickly moved to the area where the battle was taking place. He stopped and hid behind one of the buildings in order to survey the area. He saw a group of bandits engaged with a small group of fighters; a blue-haired man in light plate armor wielding a peculiarly designed sword, with a mark on his shoulder. Another man in full plate armor, riding a horse and is wielding a lance, a young woman in a fanciful dress, wielding what appears to be a staff and seems to be providing support, and finally, a white haired woman in a large black coat with violet and gold decoratives, wielding a sword and what appears to be a spellbook, thus making her a magic user. Binyamin was intrigued by the white haired woman, as she seems to to not only throw bolts of lightning at her enemies, but also providing directions for the other fighters as well.
'That one has to be their leader.' Binyamin thought to himself. 'That, or some kind of tactician.'
He then took notice of several bodies of bandits, at least twelve from what he sees, lying on the ground.
'She seems to be rather capable as well.' He mused. 'Perhaps these people can help me. I'll have to approach this situation carefully.'
He continued to watch the group as they fought the remaining bandits, until only one was left. The last bandit however was in possession of a hostage, a young maiden, whom he held with a knife to his throat.
"Listen here!" the bandit barked. "Either you stay where you are, or I'll gut this woman like a fish!"
"You brutish knave!" The blue haired man yelled. "You will pay for this!"
"Oh, I don't think so, knight." the man snarled. "Once my reinforcements arrive, this town will serve as your graveyard!"
"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you." Binyamin called out, stepping out from his spot.
The bandit turned around to face the new arrival, only to receive a cone of ice piercing through his forehead, freezing blood and brains alike. The man dropped his knife and the maiden, who scurried off to safety, before falling backwards to the ground. The cone of ice shattered on impact, leaving a gaping hole where his forehead was. Binyamin huffed through his nostrils in condemnation, before he turned his attention to the group of fighters. They all were looking at him with a mix of caution and unease, which didn't surprise him. He decided to introduce himself as a means of alleviating tensions.
"Well, I am glad that I am not the only one trying to help these people." He said aloud. "To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"
The man in plate armor frowned at him, clearly not liking him. The blue haired man spoke up first, however.
"I am Chrom, leader of the Shepherds." he said calmly.
He then gestures to the plated man."This is my personal guard, Frederick." He points to the young woman. "This is my sister, Lissa."
He finally gestures to the white haired woman. "And this is Robin, whom we have been recently acquainted with."
Binyamin raised his eyebrow in confusion at the last statement, but didn't bother asking about it.
"Well, I suppose it is my turn now, yes?" he inquired. "My name is Binyamin. I have come here to help fend off these bandits from this town."
"I see." Chrom stated, a small smile on his face. "I thank you for providing your support. However, we should prepare ourselves, for enemy reinforcements could arrive at-"
"I'll stop you right there, Chrom." Binyamin stated. "There will not be any reinforcements coming, for I have already dealt with them."
He then gestures to an area to the west, which Chrom and the others followed. What they saw left them stunned. There on a bridge were a multitude of bandits completely encased in solid ice, some of whom are being dragged by the waterway.
"How in the...?" Robin whispered, amazed by what she saw. "How do you know such magic?"
"Well...I hail from a land that has many potent magics and secrets." Binyamin explained, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Wait a moment, are you saying that you're a foreigner?" Frederick spoke up, eyeing the man in suspicion.
"It depends, really." Binyamin said. "Where am I, if you don't mind me asking?"
Frederick snorted incredulously, as if he finds Binyamins question unamusing.
"You mean to tell us you don't know where you are?" Frederick muttered. "Where have I heard that one before?"
He then turns his attention to Robin, who was trying not to meet his gaze.
"You are currently in the Halidom of Ylisse, Binyamin." Chrom answered. "I would take it you're not from this land, then?"
"You'd be correct." Binyamin stated. "I am native to the province of Hammerfell, within the continent of Tamriel."
"Hammerfell? Tamriel?" Lissa questioned, scrunching up her nose. "It doesn't sound like anyplace we're familiar with."
"Neither does it sound all that credible." Frederick answered.
"Well, if you don't find that credible, then you'd probably find how I ended up here even practically unbelievable." Binyamin deadpanned.
"Oh?" Chrom spoke. "How did you get here, then?"
"Well..." Binyamin began. "That is a very, VERY long story, one that, as said earlier, you probably wouldn't believe. Let's just say the end result left me lying down in some forest about a two hour walk south from here."
"I...I see..." Chrom responded, glancing at Robin curiously.
"What's with her?" Binyamin asked.
"Oh, nothing, it just seems that both of your stories are somewhat similar." Chrom replied.
"How so?" Binyamin questioned, tilting his head in confusion.
"Well..." Robin spoke up, approaching Binyamin. "Like you, I woke up in the middle of some forest under mysterious means, where I was happened upon by Chrom and his associates. However, I cannot seem to recall how that happened, or who I even am other than name."
"Oh, that's...rather unfortunate. I'm sorry." Binyamin said.
"Thank you, but you don't need to worry about it." Robin replied, smiling. "I'm sure I'll remember soon enough."
Binyamin nodded his head in understanding. Chrom then cleared his throat in order to gain everyone's attention, wishing to make an announcement.
"Well, since introductions have been made, I have a request to ask the both of you." Chrom began. "We will be making our way to Ylisstol, a fair city which will take a day's travel from here. In there, we will reassemble with the rest of the Shepherds."
"Right, you've mentioned before..." Binyamin said. "I take you aren't called that because of herding sheep, though."
"Indeed." Chrom responded. "The shepherds serve as a form of militia for Ylisse and her people. As said before, I am their leader. We are currently looking for individuals looking to join our group."
"I take it then that you are asking us to join?" Binyamin inquired.
"Correct, Binyamin." Chrom said. "Both of you have saved Ylissean lives. My heart tells me that you would be fitting for the Shepherds."
"But what of your mind, milord?" Frederick spoke up. "Will you not heed it's counsel?"
"Robin has proven herself to be a capable fighter as well as an exceptional tactician." Chrom replied. "We've brigands and unruly neighbors looking to bloody our soil. Are you suggesting we turn away such a skilled individual?"
"Yeah!" Lissa exclaimed. "Robin was so amazing out there! Swords, sorcery, AND tactics! Is there anything you can't do?"
"You're certainly right, Lissa." Chrom said. "Besides, I believe her story, odd as it may be."
"T-thank you, Chrom. Thank you both." Robin said, smiling. "I'm not sure what to say."
"So how about It, Robin?" Chrom asked. "Will you join us, Robin?"
"I would be honored." Robin answered.
Chrom smiled and nodded his head in satisfaction. He then turned his attention to Binyamin, who looked at him with confusion.
"Binyamin." Chrom began. "I know that this may be a bit to take in, especially in your situation, strange as it is. However, you have proven yourself to be extremely capable in combat. The Shepherds could use a man with such skills."
Chrom then offered his hand to Binyamin.
"What say you, Binyamin? Will you join us?"
Binyamin looked at Chrom's hand in contemplation, before lifting his head to face him.
"Well, you were right when you said this was a bit to take in." Binyamin began. "I find myself in the middle of some forest, fought against bandits, came upon you, and now you're asking me to join you."
"Binyamin..." Chrom started, but Binyamin held out a hand.
"Let me finish." Binyamin stated. "Despite all of that, I don't really see much of a reason to refuse. So, consider me joined."
With that, Binyamin took Chrom's hand and shook it with fervour.
"Glad to have join us, Binyamin." Chrom said, smiling, yet also wincing a bit from Binyamin's grip.
As he tried to remove his hand from Binyamins, however, he found it held in place.
"I only ask for one condition." Binyamin stated.
"What would that be?" Chrom asked, slightly concerned.
"From what I have been able to gather from you, Chrom, you seem to be a man with connections." Binyamin started, taking a more serious expression. "Thus, it would be within reason that you can help me. All I ask is your assistance in helping me find a way back home. In other words, I help you, you help me. Do we have a deal?"
"Well, I don't see why I wouldn't agree." Chrom stated. "I'll say it's a deal."
Binyamin smiled in response to that.
"Splendid." He said simply, releasing his grip. "Now, how about we get moving? We don't have all day."
"Agreed." Frederick responded. "Though I have some concerns regarding those brigands, as they spoke in a Plegian accent."
Plegian? Whats that?" Robin asked
"Plegia would be referring to our western neighbors." Chrom explained."They send small bands of brigands and raiders across our borders, hoping to instigate war between our nations."
"Its simply awful, and the townspeople suffer the most! They're innocent people, just trying to live their lives!" Lissa exclaimed angrily.
"Be at ease, Lissa, for that's what the Shepherds are for, to guide and protect the sheep." Frederick said reassuringly. "Anger will only serve to cloud your judgement."
"I know, I know." Lissa mumbled in response. "Don't worry, I think I'm getting used to this."
Just then, a townsman approached the group, a look of gratefulness on his face.
"Good sirs and ladies, please stay the night!" the man offered. "We would wish to have a feast in honor of our saviors!"
"As great and tempting of an offer that is, I'm afraid we must decline." Frederick said. "We must make our way to Ylisstol with haste."
"W-wait, we aren't staying for the night? Why!? It's nearly dark out, Frederick!" Lissa practically yelled.
"When it gets dark, we'll make camp, eat off the land, make our beds from twigs and the like." Frederick explained. "Didn't you say earlier that you are 'getting used to this'?"
Lissa only frowned at him in response.
"Frederick? Sometimes I hate you." she grumbled, folding her arms.
"You've quite the stern lieutenant there." Robin mused.
"Well, stern is ONE way to put it, among other things." Lissa said.
"He only ever smiles when he's bringing down the axe." Chrom elaborated jokingly.
"Duly noted." Robin said rather shakily.
"You do know that I am STILL present?" Frederick inquired.
"Oh, we know." Chrom said, chuckling.
"Please, from what I've seen, he's a delicate flower compared to my mentor." Binyamin snorted. "No offense."
"None taken." Frederick responded curtly. "We should get moving, since our business is finished here."
With everyone in agreement, the group of adventurers made their way out of SouthTown, and on the road to the city of Ylisstol.
As the adventurers journeyed through the forest, Lissa began to grow bored and started complaining about her feet hurting.
"How much longer do we have to go, Frederick?" Lissa whined. "Its already dark out, and we're in the middle of some forest! Not to mention all of the bugs buzzing about. So disgusting, all of these insects flying about and-"
Lissa stopped talking and her eyes widened as she started making choking sounds.
"Eeeeufh, one ghot en ma mauth!" She gagged. "Aaaugh, this es hored!"
"Oh come now, Lissa, hardship builds character!" Chrom replied. "How about you help me gather firewood?"
"Euugh, I think I swallowed it..." Lissa began. "I'll pass on finding firewood. I think I've built my character enough for one day!"
"Well, I could help with getting firewood." Binyamin stated.
He walked over to one of the trees nearby while the others watched with interest. When he got near the tree, he suddenly leaped upwards and delivered a powerful kick to it. This made the tree rattle so greatly it cause several small branches and twigs to fall down, along with a shower of leaves. This left the others shocked and flabbergasted at his strength. Binyamin then gathered all of the twigs and branches and brought them to the group.
"So, who's going to clear out a spot?" Binyamin inquired, looking at the group, and noticing their expressions. "What?"
"You almost uprooted a tree with a kick, that's what!" Lissa exclaimed. "How in the world are you that strong?"
"Well, let's just say that I was born with some special qualities, which were brought out from roughly twenty years of training." Binyamin explained.
"I'll say." Chrom whistled, impressed. "Must have been some pretty intense training for your level of strength."
"You have no idea." Binyamin said, almost grimacing.
"Okay, so we now some firewood..." Robin began. "We should probably look for some food. I'm starving."
"Indeed." Frederick said agreeingly. "Some hunting and gathering would be in our interests."
It was then agreed upon that Binyamin should go along with Chrom in order to find some game to hunt. They both silently trekked through the forest, until they had come upon a deer. Binyamin was first to strike, sending an ice spike into the deers' right leg. The deer tried to run, but was swiftly killed by Chrom, who stabbed it in the neck. Binyamin went to work in chopping all of the best pieces, handing half of them to Chrom for carriage. They brought the pieces back to the campground, where a fire has been made thanks to Robin. They all sat near the fire as their meals cooked, and began eating once they were done.
"Oh gods, it's been too long since I enjoyed a nice, juicy piece of venison!" Chrom exclaimed, biting off a large portion of his venison leg.
"I don't know..." Lissa mumbled. "The meat has a more gamey flavor than I'm used to. Couldn't you have gotten something more tame, like a rabbit?"
"Come now, Lissa, your brother and our new associate here has worked hard to get us this meal." Frederick stated, gesturing to the two in question. "We should always be willing to make ourselves stronger for the sake of others, even with matters we don't otherwise like."
"Why aren't you eating then, Frederick?" Lissa questioned.
"Oh! Well...I had a large lunch earlier!" Frederick blurted out.
"Right..." Binyamin said. "Well, it could have been worse, Lissa. Chrom here wanted to go hunting for bear meat!"
"Really, Chrom?" Lissa deadpanned. "Everyone knows that bear meat is terrible. You should have caught on by now!"
"But bear meat is great, Lissa!" Chrom argued.
"How about we get another opinion, then." Lissa interjected. "Robin, what do you think?"
"Om nom, aum nom." Robin munched.
Lissa stared at her for a moment, before shrugging to herself.
"I guess it wouldn't matter much if you haven't eaten all day." She concluded.
Once everyone was done eating, they all prepared for sleep, resting until the fire went out. Chrom was having trouble sleeping however. Something was feeling off at the moment, almost like someone was watching them. He got up from his position and started scanning the area. This had the added effect of waking up Lissa, however.
"*yawn* What's wrong, big brother?" Lissa asked, concerned.
"Sorry to wake you, but something is amiss..."
"Define 'something'." Lissa said.
"I can't say for sure." Chrom answered. "I'll have a look around, see if there is something."
"Not without me, you aren't! I'm coming too." Lissa stated.
"Heh, thanks Lissa." Chrom said.
"Hope you wouldn't mind a third member.'' Binyamin yawned, getting up.
"Binyamin! I'm sorry to have disturbed your sleep." Chrom stated.
"No worries, I'm a very light sleeper." Binyamin responded. "So, shall we investigate?"
Chrom nodded, and the three of them went off to investigate whatever was causing them disturbance. They walked quietly throughout the forest for several minutes, seeing nothing out of the ordinary thus far. One thing was off to them, however.
"It's so dark out here, and not a single sound at all." Lissa began, looking around. "Where did all of the birds go?"
"Yes, it is rather strange..." Binyamin agreed.
"Something's wrong here..." Chrom concluded.
Suddenly, a bright glow began emanating from Binyamin's pack, shining through the sealings.
"What in the..?" Chrom blurted.
He was unable to finish his sentence, however, as the ground was suddenly quaking violently, throwing the small party off-balance.
"What in Oblivion is going !?" Binyamin exclaimed.
"Lissa, stay close to me!" Chrom shouted, grabbing on to his sister.
They then noticed a shadowy, gargantuan figure approaching them, quickly covering distance.
"Lissa, run." Chrom said sternly "Go!"
Lissa obliged, fleeing from the scene, with Chrom and Binyamin following close behind. Binyamin looked behind him for a moment, shocked by what he saw. The ground had ruptured open, and lava began gushing out like blood from a wound. Great, billowing balls of fire were raining down around them now, setting the surrounding forest ablaze. Chrom then leaped off of the edge to lower grounds, Lissa following after him. Binyamin came from the back, making sure they were safe. As they stopped for a moment to catch their breaths, Lissa spotted something in the air.
"Guys, Look!" She yelled, drawing the others attention.
They all saw the air above them begin to shimmer and sputter, until a great sphere of light opened, one that eerily like an eye. The group backed away cautiously, seeing movement within the sphere. Then, five humanoid figures emerged from the light, falling headfirst into the forestry below. Binyamin's pack glowed again, much more brightly this time. Binyamin then unsung his pack, opening the flaps to reach inside. He Then pulled out a blade, which was shining fiercely bright. The figures then emerged from the foliage, armed and with eyes glowing crimson.
"What is..." Lissa began.
"Lissa, stay behind me. We'll take care of them." Chrom said, looking at Binyamin.
He offered a curt nod in response, and the figures soon attacked. Two of them lunged for Chrom while the other three attacked Binyamin. Chrom blocked an axe swing from his first opponent before slashing into it's side. Chrom turned to face his opponent, only to be shocked to see that it had not fallen. It turned it's head to face him, audible cracks from its neck being heard. It lunged at him again, bringing it's axe down to his head. Chrom blocked it in time, pushing against the monster. The creature was kicked off it's feet by Chrom, who lept upwards and drove his blade into its abdomen. The creature moaned before dissipating in a cloud of violet smog. Chrom pulled up his sword and turned to Binyamin, who had already defeated two of the creatures and was in the middle of killing the third. Chrom was impressed by the man's skill with a blade, but his attention was pulled away by Lissa screaming. The two warriors quickly turned and saw that one of the creatures was drawing near Lissa, raising it's axe to strike her down. They both ran to save her, but knew that they would be too late. The creature brought it's axe down, but before it landed the fatal blow, a figure dressed in blue jumped between the two, blocking the strike and holding it from being with their blade.
"Help!" They called out, sounding strained. Chrom nodded and ran forward, raising his blade to strike. The figure parried the axe away, raising their sword as well. The both of them struck at the same time, cutting deep into the creature, which faded away into nothing.
Chrom then started walking over to the figure, curious and wary of their presence.
"Quite the entrance." Chrom began. "What's your name, stranger?"
The figure turned their head to face him, before running off into the forest. Chrom tried to pursue her, but was stopped by Binyamin.
"Forget about them." Binyamin said. "We have more incoming."
"Milord! Milady! Are you alright!?" Frederick shouted, galloping forward. Robin was following closely behind them, sword already drawn.
"Are such horrific creatures commonplace in these lands?" Robin questioned, grimacing as she noticed their growing numbers.
"No, these things are not of Ylisse, I can promise you that." Chrom responded, holding up his sword.
"No one is injured, then?" Frederick asked. "Thank the gods. We should focus our efforts in these creatures, then."
Chrom agreed as they prepared for combat. Robin then began working out a strategy with the group.
"Alright, I think it would be best if Chrom and Frederick are paired together. Chrom will provide offence while Frederick provides defense." Robin explained, gaining nod for Chrom and Frederick. "Binyamin, it would be best if we worked together, attacking the enemy with weapons and magic. Lissa could provide healing and support from behind."
"Hold on, whats to stop the enemy from potentially sneaking around and attacking Lissa behind our backs?" Frederick asked, concerned.
"I believe I have an answer to that." Binyamin answered, searching his blade.
He raised his hands, which glowed with golden light, similar to his sword. He then pointed them to the ground, the light shooting out and forming a great circle of golden light surrounding them all.
"What is this?" Chrom asked. "I feel invigorated."
"Guardian Circle." Binyamin explained. "A master level restoration spell that wards off undead, as well as slowly heal those within."
"Wait, you can use miracles as well?!" Lissa yelled. "Wow, what can't you do?"
"A question for later, for the enemy is upon us!" Binyamin responded, pulling his sword back out.
He took his position alongside Robin as the creatures drew near them. As soon as some reached the circle, however, they turned and fled from the group. However, a few archers had sent a volley of arrows their way, but we're both deflected by both Binyamin and Frederick. Chrom then charged out of the circle and engaged the creatures alongside Frederick. Binyamin and Robin provided cover fire in the form of spells, Robin sending bolts of lighting their way while Binyamin was hurling orbs of golden light at them. The orbs burst on impact, bathing the creatures in golden light. The orbs seemed to cause them great harm, some dying and fading away at the spot, but when one of them hit one near Chrom, he was caught in the blast as well.
"Milord!" Frederick shouted, going over to him.
"I'm fine, Frederick." Chrom responded "Just a bit disoriented, is all."
"Frederick, to your right!" Binyamin called out.
Frederick turned his head to his right and saw one of the creatures rushing at him with its sword raised above its head to strike him.
Frederick immediately turned and jabbed his lance into the creature's chest, skewering it.
"My thanks." Frederick said to Binyamin, who gave a curt nod in response.
Binyamin suddenly pulled Robin to the side, earning a yelp of surprise from her. An axe flew into view, landing heavily in the spot where she was moments before. She looked at the axe in shock, then turning her head in the direction where it came from. A few dozen feet away from them was one of the creature's, suggesting that it was the one that threw the axe. Binyamin wasted no time in bombarding it with spells, completely obliterating it.
"T-Thank you." Robin mumbled.
"Thank me when the fights over." Binyamin replied, striking down one of the creatures with his sword. Robin got back up and resumed in helping wipe out all of the creatures. The group continued their pattern for a few more minutes, until they found themselves alone. There were no more creatures emerging from the woods, and everything was silent. Then, some rustling was heard near Chrom's side, causing everyone to turn their attention to it. From the bushes emerged the mysterious figure once more, sheathing her sword as she drew near. They stopped in front of Chrom, who simply stared at them.
"Y-you're that person who saved me back there..." Lissa began. "I never got to thank you for what you did, so...thank you!"
"You have saved my sister's life, and I thank you for it." Chrom said. "My name is Chrom. May I ask for yours?"
"...You may call me Marth." the figure replied.
"Marth? as in the hero-king of old?" Chrom asked. "You certainly fight like a hero. Where did you learn your way with a blade?"
"I am not here to talk about me." Marth responded. "This world teeters on the brink of ruination. What you saw was a prelude of whats to come. You have been warned."
As soon as he said his piece, Marth then turned and walked back into the foliage disappearing from view.
"The what is teetering where now?" Lissa called out. "Wait! hold on a second!"
"Not much of a conversationalist, is he?" Robin asked, staring in his direction.
"He is an odd one, I'll say that much." Binyamin replied, sheathing his blade.
"It seems that his skill lies elsewhere. I imagine we'll come to cross paths with him again." Frederick concluded. "For now, though, we must make haste for the capitol."
Everyone nodded in agreement to Frederick's assessment, gathering all of their items and continuing their journey to Ylisstol, traveling for the rest of the night.