Robin stood at the rampart looking down as the soldiers in the courtyard prepared. Some were packing up weapons and supplies on to wagons and others trained for the coming conflict. Every now and then some would look up to him with what he could only describe as awe. As if he had done something noteworthy.
Word had spread quickly about his identity and it seemed as though people had started to treat him differently. Where before he was a nameless face and vassal of Eirika, now he was a renown tactician. Eirika seemed to look at him with a bit of sadness now, which he didn't understand.
The king had given them leave to get ready for their departure. He had not made any overtures toward him and had not asked about his supposed past. Even if he was a master tactician, Frelia had its own leaders and command structure. With a war already on their doorstep, changing that would be inadvisable.
"I know it's a little hard to believe but that's really who you are." Anna said from off to the side. "You and I are comrades who have fought many battles together."
He remained silent at her words. She seemed very sure of herself and it would explain some things such as his combat ability and his calm in the face of battle.
"Won't you consider coming back to Ylisse with me?" She asked almost pleading.
Robin considered her words. Could he go to this land that he knew nothing about, and with someone who was basically a stranger. She didn't seem to have bad intentions and he could tell she was sincere. Anna for all his doubts was a good person.
"I don't really know anything right now Anna." Robin finally said to her, "Everyone I meet is a stranger and I know nothing about these lands."
"Then you should come back with me and maybe seeing familiar things will help you remember."
Her words made sense to him, if he was the person she said he was, familiar sights and people could help his memory. The thought of leaving pained him however.
They had only known each other for a short while but he had bonded with the people here. The struggles they were going through now and in the future weighed on his mind. He wanted to help in any way he could. He couldn't just run away because it was dangerous.
"I like to think…" Robin began slowly, "That the Robin you knew wouldn't just sit back a let a tyrant terrorize the people of this land. Didn't you say I helped lead a force to free Valm?"
"That was different though. You had an army at your back and elite soldiers with you. What you'll be going into enemy territory with is basically a guerilla force." Anna sighed, even after her words she just saw the look of determination on his face. She remained silent for a few moments before she spoke again, "You're right though."
"About what?" He asked curiously.
"The Robin I know wouldn't let this kind of injustice stand, he would fight even if he were alone and do everything he could to help. That's why everyone around you trusted you so much and loved you."
"It's just the right thing to do." Robin blushed at her words.
Anna sighed heavily, "Do the names Chrom and Morgan mean anything to you?"
He only had a moment of unfamiliarity before he was overcome with a rush of emotions. Happiness, trust, joy, sadness and love. The desire to see them again felt heavy in his heart.
Anna saw the emotions flit through his face and sighed again, "I won't try to dissuade you from this but they will want to know where you are." Anna made to leave and walk down the steps of the wall.
Before she left Robin spoke, "Will they… want to see me again?"
Anna's face blossomed into a beautiful smile, "They have been looking for you for two years. Once they know that you're alive they will be overjoyed." She finished before continuing down the steps.
Robin watched her go and finally disappear from view. It wasn't long however before he heard another set of footsteps coming up the wall.
"Eirika…" He whispered when he saw her.
She walked slowly to him. A sad smile on her face, a look of inevitable regret.
Eirika leaned on the rampart next to him and looked at him.
"I take it you will be leaving?" Eirika asked sadly.
He was surprised at her question. It made sense that she assumed that though, any person who had lost what he had would probably jump at the opportunity to find what they had lost.
Robin gave her a small smile before replying, "I will stay with you."
Eirika's eyes widened and her mouth opened in a wordless gesture. It was a few moments before she found her voice, "B-b-but you can't stay! You've found your people. Those who would help you, you barely know us." She sputtered.
His smile grew wider. "I want to help, and if I really am this Grandmaster I may even be of some use." Robin chuckled.
A wide smile appeared on Eirika's face.
"I would love it if you'd come with us," Eirika said shyly, "B-but only if you really want to."
He smiled back at her, "I do."
"Then we'll be leaving soon for the road I believe. Seth has mapped a route for us. Will you be staying up here for longer?"
Robin shook his head and pushed off the castle wall, "No I think I'm done here, I'll walk down with you."
They walked down the ramparts together in silence. Robin for his part felt glad that he would be going with Eirika. As much as he wanted to discover his true identity he felt that it was much more important he stay here.
When they got to the bottom of the wall he saw a figure walking towards them. He turned to Eirika and she stopped at his movement, "I'm going to say goodbye to Anna before we leave."
"Of course Robin, I will meet you at the wagon?" Eirika asked shyly.
Robin nodded his head and they parted. He started walking towards the merchant and saw that she carried a small pack in her hand. "If you're planning on doing this you'll need this."
She handed him three tomes, "Those are your basic fire, wind, and lighting spells. I didn't have any of your more powerful ones on hand, wasn't expecting to find you here but those should do for now. I noticed your wind tome was running low so I thought I'd replenish that for you."
"Thank you Anna, I really appreciate it." He said, stuffing the tomes into the various pockets on his coat. Useful coat this was, so many pockets.
"That'll be twenty-gold." Anna said while holding out her hand to him a stern look on her face.
"Um… Can I pay you back?" Robin replied sheepishly.
Anna burst out into laughter at his comment. "I'm just messing with you. I wouldn't do that to a friend. I'll just put it on Chrom's tab, I'm sure he won't mind."
He hoped that she was joking but he accepted it gratefully nonetheless.
"There's also this," Anna said pulling out what looked to be a steel longsword.
Robin eyed the weapon critically, "Aren't I a mage? And supposedly a tactician? Will I even know how to use that?"
Anna burst out into laughter at his skepticism, "Ya I remember telling you the same thing back when we first met. Trust me though, you'll want it."
He took the sword in his hand and marveled when the feeling of familiarity sudden washed over him. Taking his tome out in his left he was amazed at how right it felt to him. Maybe Anna had a point he thought, taking a couple practice swings in the air.
Even if Anna seemed to imply that he would know how to use it, he had no memory of it. He went to sheath his sword and found that his belt carried a holder for the scabbard. This robe really did have everything he needed.
Anna stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around him then. Startled he wasn't really sure what to do but tentatively hugged the young woman back eventually.
"You stay safe out here. I know you're just doing what's right but there are people out there who need you alive, whether you remember them or not."
He nodded at her, touched by her words, "I'll do my best."
Anna gently pried her arms from around him and stepped back. "I'll see you later Robin and maybe I'll bring some friends with me," she winked at him and gave him a broad smile.
Robin watched her move off to a horse that had been readied for her. She swung her legs over it, gave him one last look and then took off. She had said she would be reporting news of him to someone and that they would be very interested to know where he was.
He shrugged his shoulders. It would be something he would deal with later, if he made it through this ordeal. For now he would focus on finding Eirika's brother and then liberating her people. He then moved to the small wagon that the group seemed to be gathering around.
Eirika spotted him and moved towards him at a slow run.
"Robin! Are you finished? We're about ready to leave now."
"Yes I'm ready." He smiled.
Eirika spoke to Tana briefly before they left, Eirika wishing that they see each other again and Tana hoping Eirika stay safe and to find Ephraim. Eirika, Robin, Gilliam and Moulder would ride in the wagon that would be handled by the merchant they were going to be traveling with. Seth, Franz and Vanessa would ride along on their mounts during the trip.
Robin sat in a corner of the wagon where he had managed to scrounge up a map that had been packed along with the other supplies Anna had given him. He studied the map hoping to glean any information that would be useful on their journey. Things such as landmarks and potential locations they would have to fight at. The map seemed to have a lot of detail put into it, which he appreciated.
He looked up briefly when he saw Eirika step into the wagon. She smiled at him as she took a seat next to him, which he returned before looking back to the map. He was determined the learn the locations as best as he could, who knows what would happen if he got lost.
They spent the ride in relative silence punctuated by the occasional bump on the road. Nothing of note happened along the journey.
It was hours later when the sun started to set that they stopped to set up camp. Their wagon of supplies thankfully provided tents for everyone available. Robin was thankful they would not have to sleep on the ground anymore.
Seth and Franz were doing some light sparring in a small clearing in their camp. Robin fingered the sword he had been given lightly, turning it over to inspect it. The sword itself wasn't anything of note. The craftsmanship was good and the weapon was balanced. He wondered briefly how he knew these things but chalked it up to his past experience. Since he now knew that he had been a soldier it made sense that he could fight as he did.
He stood up and walked towards an empty area and began to lightly swing the sword to get a feel for it. At first it felt foreign in his hands and swinging it even more but his clunky movements seemed to quickly correct itself as time went on.
"Robin!" said a voice from behind him. He turned to find Eirika close by watching him. His cheeks colored a bit as he realized that she had caught him clumsily swinging the sword.
"Hi Eirika," Robin said somewhat shyly.
"Would you like to spar?" Eirika blurted out, catching Robin off guard. "I'm not very good myself and I lack experience but I would love to train with you."
He nodded, "I'd love to Eirika. I will be at the back in combat for the most part but it would help for when I find myself in unavoidable melee combat.
"Great!" Eirika cheered while she ran to the wagon and quickly grabbed a pair of training swords. She handed one to Robin and took a few steps back away from him and readied her weapon. Robin likewise did the same and positioned his weapon in front of him, sword in one hand. "Are you ready?"
She pointed to a leaf that was gently falling to the ground in front of them. "When the leaf hits the ground we begin." Robin nodded his assent and waited.
He figured he didn't stand much of a chance against Eirika. She had much more practice with the sword than he did. He just hoped he would be able to block a few hits before he was forced to surrender.
They both eyed the leaf as it slowly fell the ground. The moment it did, Eirika leapt into action, going into an impossibly fast forward thrust at his midsection. Robin thought to himself that this must be what Eirika's opponents felt like. It looked as though she were a blur and he had resigned himself to the pain that would follow.
He was surprised then when his hand seemingly moved on his own to expertly parry the thrust away from him and then leaping backward to gain some space.
Eirika seemed surprised at his quickness for a moment before a smile appeared on her face. She attacked again moments later much quicker this time and once again Robin parried and dodged to one side.
It was not as if Robin could see the incoming blow but his body seemed to anticipate her movements and responded appropriately.
Their spar went the same way for the next hour. Eirika would strike at an impossibly quick speed and he would parry. He was much too slow to actually strike her but he made attempts. Likewise it seemed that his predictive abilities prevented Eirika from scoring an actual hit as well. They seemed to be evenly matched.
They finished their spar some time later and sat next to each other in the open field.
"Robin that was great!" Eirika said, "You handled the blade just like an experienced swordsman would and you only got better as we went on."
"Thanks Eirika, I'm not really sure how to explain it. It just felt like my body knew how to move and react."
"Well that makes me feel much better about the battles to come. I know I won't always be able to be by your side, so it gives me peace of mind that you will be able to handle yourself even if enemies come close." Eirika said, a bright smile on her face.
"I just hope I'll be of some help." Robin said, looking around at their various comrades. "Everyone here seems so seasoned and formidable."
"I feel the same way…" Eirika said, "Sometimes I don't feel as if I should be the one leading them. I'm just an inexperienced girl who is in way over her head."
"I think I can understand how you feel. Feeling uncertain and doubtful and not knowing what the right move would be. But you also have to remain strong for the people who look to you for guidance."
"Yes, that's exactly it Robin. Thank you for understanding." Eirika smiled at him.
Robin smiled back at her and then moved to get up. "Maybe we should head back and help set up camp for the day." He said, holding his hand out to her.
Eirika took it and pulled herself off and then dusted herself off. "Yes we should." She replied as they started moving towards the others to help with any preparations for the night.
They set up camp that night away from the road so that they wouldn't be spotted by any Grado scouting parties. The group avoided making a fire so that it would be harder to spot them and set up a rotating shift so they would be alerted of any attacks in the night. Robin and Seth would be the first up for the night.
"I watched your spar with Eirika earlier." Seth commented, "You have a natural aptitude for it. It was as if your body was remembering how to use the weapon.
"You started off almost unsure of your movements and slightly clumsy but you quickly fixed it. I feel as though I watched a person learn years of swordplay in the span of an hour."
"That means a lot Seth." He chuckled, "Hopefully this means I won't be completely useless if an enemy manages to get in close."
Seth laughed in reply at his comment. "You look comfortable handling a blade. I have no doubt you will be fine if that ever happens." He looked over briefly towards Eirika's tent before turning towards him again.
"It was actually quite amazing how you held your own against Eirika in your spar."
"Oh?" Robin replied curiously, "What makes you say that?"
Seth chuckled lightly, "Eirika is actually a prodigy of sorts with the sword. She only started swordsmanship lessons a few years ago under the tutelage of her brother and I.
"She took to it like a fish to water. Eirika is very humble about it all and truly believes I am better than her but she has already surpassed my swordsmanship. She is probably only slightly behind her brother."
Robin was shocked by Seth's comment. He had indeed noticed Eirika's proficiency with the sword and wondered if she had been swinging a sword her whole life. To find that she had not even begun until a few years ago was unheard of. She truly was amazing.
"That's incredible." He smiled and rubbed the back of his head, "Well if I could hold up against Eirika then I shouldn't be too worried about any upcoming battles."
"I agree with you. I am able to keep up with Eirika only due to my vast experience, talentwise she far surpasses me."
They talked more into the night about little things and some of their expectations of the coming battles. Eventually it was time for them to switch off with the next pair. Robin bid everyone goodnight and went off to his tent to rest.
"I have news!" Vanessa called out as she flew toward them on her pegasus with what looked to be an unconscious boy.
They had started their journey early in the morning. As they were now within enemy occupied territory Vanessa had been flying low to scout out anything that might be of interest. She had flown off earlier when she had seen something and they had waited patiently for her to return.
"What did you find?" Eirika asked when Vanessa landed with the boy and gently laid him to the ground.
Moulder quickly went to work on helping the boy, his staff glowing a soft white as he worked on him.
"I found bandits to the east attacking a village." Vanessa explained. "It was this boy and an older gentleman fighting them off. He asked me to take the boy to safety but he is all alone."
"The bandits are trying to take advantage of the chaos brought on by the war." Seth said.
"We have to help the villagers," Eirika said, then turned to Vanessa, "Go find that man and bring him back here, if he was able to fight the bandits we will need his help."
Vanessa nodded at her order and quickly took off to find the man.
Eirika then turned to Robin and addressed him, "What should we do Robin?"
Robin was startled at her question but knew this wasn't the time to be questioning his identity. Whether or not he was a tactician he felt as though he had some good ideas for the battle to come.
"We should wait for Vanessa to return before we make any moves. For now we should secure the area as we don't know where the bandits will come from."
Eirika nodded at his evaluation of the situation and turned to Seth to carry out the orders. He quickly fanned out with Franz in tow. If they saw anyone they would be able to quickly return to them to report.
Robin, Eirika and the rest would stay near the wagon while they waited. They couldn't afford to have their supplies raided so early into their journey.
It was moments later that they heard the sound of sputtering and a cry of confusion.
They looked over to find that the boy was now sitting up and that Moulder had finished his treatment of him.
"W-where am I?" The boy asked groggily.
Eirika quickly stepped up to the boy and kneeled down so that she was eye level, "You are with my comrades and I. We are a group of travelers that were passing by when one of the friends spotted you unconscious. She took you to our healer and here you are."
"Did you see my father anywhere?" He asked almost frantically after digesting her information. "Him and I were fighting the bandits together but there was so many of them!"
"My friend who found you is looking for him now. Hopefully she can find him and then we can figure out what to do about the rest of the bandits." Eirika soothed, which seemed to calm the boy.
They heard a fluttering of wings a moment later and Vanessa appeared on the horizon with a large burly looking man in tow. She landed next to the boy and the man jumped off. He looked around for a moment before spotting the boy and ran towards him with a look of relief on his face.
"Ross, you're ok!" The man said and knelt down to give the boy a bone crushing hug.
"Yea I'm ok dad, these people helped me."
The man turned to face them and looked to Eirika, "I thank you for saving us both. My name is Garcia."
"It's nice to meet you Garcia, my name is Eirika and we've come to help."
"If you're here to help, you have my axe." Garcia said and lifted up his weapon so that he was holding it in both hands.
"I want to help too!" Ross piped up and sprung to his feet.
"Alright you can help too." Garcia said and placed one hand on the boy's shoulder.
Eirika looked to the two and a smiled at them. She was happy to see such determination even in these troubling times. She then gestured towards Robin, "This is Robin, please be sure to listen to him if he gives an order."
Garcia nodded at her and then looked to Robin, "What's the plan then?"
Robin was surprised at her words but didn't comment on it. He would talk with her about it later, for now he would just give his best opinion on how they should proceed.
"There seem to be some villages nearby that may have information on the bandits in the area. Seth and Franz should go there and try to get any information they have."
The two horsemen took off shortly after his words and made their way to the nearby villages.
"Vanessa, we'll need you in the air to spot out the positions of the bandits. See if you can find them and then report back to us, if you see any archers though be careful."
Vanessa flew in the air after giving her acknowledgment.
"We'll stay here and guard our supplies until they get back."
Eirika moved to stand next to Robin. "These bandits must be trying to take advantage of the situation with Renais and Grado." She said.
"I agree with you. This is not something we can allow to happen. Not while we're here."
"Thank you again Robin for lending us your aid." Eirika said, looking out over the area her blade ready.
"You're welcome." Robin responded and also readied his tome, a spell ready to burst from his fingertips.
"Incoming!" Shouted a voice from the air.
Robin looked out and saw a group of bandits approaching their group.
"Gilliam! We have incoming enemies, get in front of them!" Robin shouted.
Gilliam grunted and then jogged to the front of the bandits stopping their charge. Two broke off to engage him while the rest flow around to fight the rest of them.
Robin began firing out spells to try to slow them down while Eirika began combat with another.
Garcia and Ross were of to the side in their own battle against the bandits. Garcia was fighting three of them at once while Ross provided support from behind with his throwing axes.
One of the bandits seemed to get past the others and get in close to Robin. He cursed and ducked out of the way of the axe and then jumped backwards to gain some distance. He wouldn't be able to use his spells from their close very well so he drew his new blade. There was not enough time to practice with it so real live combat would have to do.
The bandit ran up to him for another swipe of his axe and Robin dodged to the side again. It was at that moment that he wasn't quite sure what happened but his body seemed to move on its own. Opening his book his magic seemed to flow through his body and into his weapon. A spark of lighting erupted as he swung and struck his opponent dead on. The man fell on to the ground limp and did not get up.
Robin was shocked but did not have time to deliberate on it. There were both enemies incoming and the others were still preoccupied. Eirika was wearing her opponent down and seemed to be winning but if he did not stop the reinforcements they may become surrounded.
He swung his sword again, lighting coursing through it and struck down another foe before he moved to another.
Seth and Franz came charging it at that moment and they soon routed the bandits.
"What news do you have."
"There is a bandit camp to the east, they are situated close to the village but that's where their leader and the rest should be." Franz said.
"I met a Grado general by the name of Selen." Seth said gravely, "I don't believe she recognized me as a vassal of Renais so she let me go but she tasked me with destroying the bandits.
"They must not know that we're here." Eirika said worriedly, "Though it is unnerving for them to be so close."
"We'll focus on the battle at hand and think of our options later."
"You're right Robin. What is the plan?"
Robin looked to the east to where the bandits had come from, just over the hill.
"We'll need Vanessa to stay in the air to spot enemies for us. For now I think we should advance and find their camp."
Eirika looked towards Seth and the others and they began to advance. Vanessa took to the air once more. They traveled on the road, not finding any more bandits until they neared the destroyed village.
They found bandits milling about near the village and Robin quickly threw out a spell to take advantage of their range.
"Vanessa use hit and run tactics! They have a weapon advantage on you so stay in the air!"
The bandits were not expecting their group and had little in the way to combat Robin's spells and Vanessa in the air. Seth and Franz ran them down with their horses and Eirika engaged the bandit leader as Robin gave her support.
Whenever she and the leader would separate, Robin would send a dizzying spell his way. Eventually he could no longer fend off both of their attacks and Eirika struck him down.
Their superior tactics and numbers were no match for the bandits and they were quickly defeated and routed. The remaining group ran for the forests as their leader went down. Hopefully that would be the last they would see of them.
They gathered around at the village after their battle to check over their supplies and heal any injuries they might have gotten.
Besides a few scratches and bruises no one seemed to be any worse for wear.
"I thank you for helping and for saving my son." Garcia said bowing to Eirika.
Seth took a moment to scrutinize the man before a look of surprise appeared on his face, "Hold on, are you not the great Garcia from ten years ago?"
Robin stood off to the side while Eirika and Seth attempted to bring Garcia into their party. He understood the desire from the man to stay retired but he also knew that sitting by and doing nothing was worse.
Luckily it seemed as though Ross, his son was able to convince him that they should join the fight to reclaim Renais. He was glad that the boy was so energetic and willing to fight for his country.
And just like that they recruited two more to their cause. Robin thought that they may have a chance yet. They didn't have the numbers to fight Grado but their elite warriors made up for the lack of numbers. Coordinated attacks to key points in the enemy line would suit them well.
He would have to figure out some small unit tactics that they could use.
While they loaded up the wagon with supplies from Garcia's house he looked over the map and tried to gather their next target.
Eirika was off speaking to some of the villagers, promising that they would return for them and that they were sorry they couldn't be more of help at the moment. They seemed to understand and wished them well.
They would travel south a little more while there was still daylight before they would make camp that night. He figured he would walk the rest of the way with the wagon and maybe talk to some of the group. Riding in the wagon all day had made him feel slightly lethargic and he wanted to stretch his legs a bit.
He walked next to Vanessa as she had taken to riding on the ground for now.
"I never thought I would be able to speak to the Grandmaster of Ylisse." Vanessa said to him as they walked.
Robin was unsure of how to answer her, so he simply nodded and gave her a small smile.
"The Ylisse Pegasus Knights even here are renowned for their skills and it was said that you made great use of them during the war."
"The pegasus knights were depleted in the war with Gangrel but had been replenished by the time of the war in Valm." Robin said, reciting some history he had read up on in the wagon. Anna had slipped in some useful books that he could read in the pack she had given him. He was thankful for her at the moment.
"Yes their leader, Cordelia was it? She was a large part of the reason they were able to train up new recruits so quickly." Vanessa said a gleam in her eyes, "I hope I may be able to meet her some day. They say her unmatched flying ability is only matched by her beauty."
A brief flash of red hair appeared in his memories. The woman rode atop a great pegasus, spear in hand as she dove into a crowd of soldiers before gracefully taking to air once again unharmed, her vibrant hair fluttering in the wind.
"Yes she truly was both an amazing fighter and beauty." At least if his brief memory was anything to go by.
He didn't have much of a relationship with the others besides Eirika and Seth so he enjoyed being able to talk to them. If they were be fighting in the future it would be best if they had a good relationship with each other.
"How long have you been a pegasus knight?" Robin inquired.
"I started training from an early age. I trained with lady Tana as we were of similar age. She is a kind soul and it hurts me that she will have to experience this war."
"Yes war has a way of bringing about the worst of situations."
"You would know about that very well wouldn't you."
Robin nodded lightly. Even if he didn't quite remember it he could deduce the kinds of atrocities that could happen in a war.
They talked the rest of the way about little things. Mostly Vanessa talked about how she grew up and her life in the kingdom and Robin listened, not feeling as though he had much to contribute. Camp was set up near the road and Robin decided he would go to bed early as he had volunteered to be a part of the watch mid way.
He felt as if he had only closed his eyes before quickly falling asleep.