Chapter 6: And so she promised

"I can see the wall already," Robin told wagon riders. "Finally. I'm already dreading this snow."

It had taken them three days to get there after they crossed the bridge. The Shepherds hadn't been attacked by any more Risen. They hadn't even seen a single one since that encounter days ago. However, as they traveled along the road, they did spot some villagers. Every time, Chrom would force them to stop so that he could talk with the travelers. They all said the same thing. Risen were seen here, Risen were there, and so on. All Robin could think about was that he was happy they were so near to Ferox. If Chrom could convince the Khans to send aid to Ylisse, those villagers wouldn't have to suffer for much longer.

"I'm g-g-gl-glad," Lissa struggled to say. The cold was being harsh on her. "I'm f-f-free-freezing!"

"You should cover yourself with the blankets," Robin suggested, his breath forming a small mist in front of him. "Or stick close to Tharja and Miriel. Sharing body heat will keep you warm. I would lend you my robe, but I kinda need it right now." Although he felt sorry for the blonde, there was no way he would let her have his robe. Virion, Vaike, Miriel, Tharja, and Lissa were all warmer than him after Miriel had told them to close the back of the canopy to keep some warmth inside. Robin, being the driver, still had to deal with the blowing wind and snow. He thought that even Chrom, Sully, Stahl, and Frederick had it better than him. They were sharing their heat with those horses. Robin sighed. "We can't get to the wall soon enough," he muttered under his breath. "How are the rest of you holding up back there?"

Tharja, Lissa, and I have done what you suggested, Robin," Miriel answered. "Your hypothesis was valid. I've seen a significant rise in my temperature. But more interestingly, I find it fascinating that Tharja hasn't fallen ill, despite her lack of a better attire."

I'm having deja'vu, Robin thought. "What about the rest of you?"

"I'm doing as one would imagine," Viroin said.

"So you are freezing then?"

"Oh, no, on the contrary, my good man. Seeing the act of sisterhood among those tree has lit a fire in my heart that would keep me warm through the coldest of winters!"

From the short time they'd traveled together, Robin already had a very clear picture of what would come out of Virion's mouth every time there were women around. When just around men, he was a lot more composed.

Miriel, on the other hand, was still new to Virion. "Are you saying that you can increase your body temperature-your heart specifically-by just looking at three women huddled together?"

"It sounds really perverted when you say it like that," Robin said, feeling a cold sweat going down the back of his neck. He made a note to himself that Miriel was always after new knowledge. The day they'd met, she spent the whole time shooting questions at Tharja. The day after, she did the same thing to him. She was a good person, he could tell, but it was mentally exhausting to constantly have to come up with answers for her for things that had become second-nature to him.

"Am I incorrect in my assessment?" Miriel asked.

"If you meant it like it sounded like, probably not…"

Virion coughed into his fist, demanding attention. "If I may, Robin, let me explain this," he said.

"Oh, okay… Go ahead."

"I thank you." Robin could imagine Virion giving a small bow. With his hood up, he couldn't see anything that was going on in the back. For that, he was glad. "What I meant, lady Miriel, was that such a beautiful sight made my heart flutter. When one is enamored or just happy, you can feel a warm sensation spreading from your chest."

Miriel thought about Virion's words. "I see, so then-"

"Leave it, Miriel," Lissa cut in. "Just ignore what he says." Robin chuckled. Virion didn't sound as delighted as Robin had from hearing that.

Robin stopped the horse when he approached the mounted men. "This is the fortress?" Robin asked Chrom. "Why are the gates down? I thought word had been sent to Ferox before we left."

"Your guess is as good as mine," said Chrom. He dismounted his horse. "I will go take a look. Maybe I can talk to whoever is in charge and convince them to let us through."

Robin stepped down from the wagon seat and stretched his legs. They'd been riding all day. This was the first stop they'd made. He suddenly was happy that the gate was down. Gods knew how much longer they would have to ride to meet the Khans.

"This is a very impressive wall," Robin said as he approached Frederick and Stahl. He made sure to be as far away from Sully as he could, since she still didn't like him much. "I've never seen anything like it."

"This is one of the the biggest structures ever built by the khans," Frederick explained. "It expands throughout the border. It goes from west all the way to the east. The khans have always been wary of foreigners. It's because of this wall that we never have problem with bandits crossing the northern border of-"

"We have trouble," Chrom said. He'd rushed back to regroup with the rest.

"What's the problem?" Stahl asked.

"They think we are impostors! Raimi, the woman in charge, says that the only way she will accept us as being who I said we were, we would have to go against her and her garrison and come out victorious…"

"That's preposterous!" Frederick said. "We are here to ask for aid! What would we do if word got to the khans about us killing the garrison of this castle?"

"No, this is the best way," Robin said after giving it some thought. "The Feroxi are known to be fierce combatants. We can show our worth to them by defeating one of their own in combat."

"That doesn't change the fact that we can't just march in and kill them, though," Stahl pointed out.

"We'll have to go for non-lethal tactics then," Chrom said. "We'll disarm the enemies or knock them unconcious. By no means any of them should be killed, understood?" The other three nodded in unison. "Robin, gather the rest and come up with a plan. And do it quick! They are mobilizing their sentries."

Robin was moving back to the wagon when he heard someone shout "look out!" He turned around to see what was going on. It was as if time slowed down. Lances had been thrown at Chrom! He was turning around, but there was no way he would be able to move out of the way in time. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the prince was pulled away. Sumia had come to his rescue just in the nick of time. She flew her pegasus around, barely dodging a volley of arrows that were shot at her from atop the wall.

"Everyone, pull back!" Robin shouted. Everyone followed the order, even Sully and Vaike. They moved out of range from the lances and the archers were now just waiting for them to get closer, hoping for an easy hit. The Shepherds, now out of range, had enough time to strategize. Sumia came back with Chrom just then.

"Well done, Sumia!" Sully said. "I knew you had it in ya!"

"It was fast thinking," Chrom said. "I owe you one."

"It's was nothing," she said sheepishly before she gather herself. "It was my duty as a Shepherd. We can let our Captain go down when the mission is far from complete."

"Well said," Stahl said.

"As much as I would like to praise Sumia too, we need to talk strategy," Robin said, to which everyone agreed. "First, let me create a mind link with those that I have yet to do so." He started with Miriel, who was more than happy to obliged. Something told him that the next conversation he would have with her would be all about his use of dark magic to aid with tactics. Next was Stahl, followed by Sumia. The last two were Vaike and Sully, both of which hesitated a lot, but were inevitably forced to go through the process by Chrom.

"What's the plan then, Robin?" Chrom asked.

Robin had already taken a look at the battlefield. "It's not looking good. We are about even on numbers, but they have higher ground. With that many archers and lancers, we won't be able to get up that wall without taking more hits than I would like… " He rubbed his chin as he thought of possible ways they could get up there. "They have men around the stairs, preventing us from even getting close to them. If only we had someone well armored…"

"Um, what about me, Robin?" A mysterious voice came from the very back of the group. Robin and the rest turned in surprise to see who it was that had just spoken.

"Kellam!" Lissa said, overjoyed to see just the man they needed. "You decided to come with us after all!"

"But I've been with you guys all along!"

That was a shock to Robin. The man wore heavy plated steel armor and a heavy spear. There was no way he would've missed it. He did, however, detect something odd about the lancer.

"Tharja, do you feel that?" Robin asked using his mind link so that only she would hear him. "It's almost as if someone had cursed this man!"

"Yes, I feel it too," she called back. "But I believe that such a strong magical presence can only be natural."

Robin shook his head. "Are you telling me this man can become invisible just like that in his own accord?"

"I believe so, yes."

"He would make for a good assassin…"

While the black mages discussed the circumstances surrounding Kellam, the rest of the group were still talking about never having seen him during the whole trip.

"This will work," Robin finally said. "Listen carefully, this is the plan. First we will all rush the western stairs. This will force the enemy commander to move her forces atop the wall in that direction. Kellam and Vaike, you will head this strike together. Lissa, you'll need to follow behind them closely, in case one of them gets injured. Tharja and Virion will be protecting you this time as well as taking care of any stragglers left behind by Vaike and Kellam."

"Once we have their attention focused on the west, Stahl, Sully, and Frederick will turn back and rush the eastern stairs. It will be underprotected. Overwhelming it should be easy for you three.

"Next, Sumia, I want you to fly Chrom directly towards the enemy commander when you see our cavalry reach the stairs. They will think you are just a decoy, but this move is very important for our victory."

"Wait," Sumia interrupted. "What about the archers on top of the wall? Pegasi are very vulnerable to arrows and wind magic. We won't be able to get anywhere near!"

"That's where Miriel and I come in. Miriel, you will have to cast wind spells that prevent the arrows from reaching you two. Meanwhile, I'll take out the archers as we make our way closer to the wall and up the staircase behind Kellam and Vaike. We will be able to create an opening big enough for Sumia to land her pegasus on top the wall. This way, we will be attacking the wall from three sides. Lastly, Chrom should be the only one attacking the enemy commander. She doesn't believe that he is the prince of Ylisse, so he has to show her who he is in combat."

The plan was set. Everyone was in their position. "Remember," Robin said using the mind link to all the Shepherds. "Use don't want to kill any of the enemies. Knock them out or force them to yield. Now then, on your command, Chrom."

Everyone sprung into action when Chrom yelled, "Now!" All the Shepherds, as per Robin's instructions, rushed towards the enemies that were guarding the western stairs. These men were taken by surprise, but held their own against the combined force of Vaike and Kellam. Miriel, Tharja, Robin, and Virion offered support to the front liners, hitting any enemies that were trying to flank them.

As he had predicted, the enemy commander ordered her men to move in the direction of the attack. That left the east front underargded. This was something that the Risen would never do. Preventing losses and changing strategies. The Ferozi also presented a good challenge. Their combat style was more complex than those of bandits, which made it very difficult to advance, but the Shepherds were getting closer to the stairs none the less. That's when Robin signalled for the second part of the plan to commence.

Their cavalry turned around and headed directly east along the wall. With the speed of their horses, they would get to the other staircase before more troops could get a chance to be redirected.

At the same time, Sumia took Chrom up in the sky. The enemy archers immediately ceased their attack on the ground troops to concentrate shooting down the pegasus. Robin and Miriel took action, using their combined spells to prevent any arrows from getting too close to Sumia while also knocking out some of the archers.

"Don't get too close just yet, Sumia," the strategist told the flying pair. "Wait until we take both the east and the west before landing."

The rest of the people that had remained at the west had already reached the stairs. They were narrow, forcing Kellam to take point, followed by Vaike and Lissa, then Virion and Tharja providing support. Lissa was doing a good job of keeping up with everyone all the while healing any injuries any of them suffered.

Combat would be so much easier if we didn't have to make sure to keep all these guys alive, thought Robin. He casted another Flux spell at an archer, breaking the bow. It was just one more challenge for him as a strategist and everyone fighting.

Robin and his group reached the top of the stairs at the same time Frederick, Sully, and Stahl took control of the easter stairs. Chrom took this as his opening. He jumped off the pegasus as soon as Sumia brought them down on top of the wall. The enemy commander blocked his blade with her spear. All the Shepherds and the remaining Feroxi soldiers were engaged in fierce combat.

The sound of axes, spear, and swords swinging and clashing, arrows flying, and magic being casted filled the air. One by one, the Feroxi were being taken down or yielded when forced into a corner. Their leader kept on fighting against Chrom until the very end. She was forced to surrender when one of Chrom's swings broke her spear in two. The battle was won.

"You fought well," the woman, Raimi, said. She was trying to catch her breath. No doubt, the battle with Chrom had been difficult for her with all the extra weight from her armor. "I have no doubt now that you are who you claim to be. Forgive me, milord. We've been having problem with brigands crossing the wall, claiming to be Yliseans that have business in Regna Ferox."

"That explains the hospitality," Robin said sarcastically. Raimi flinched.

"Peace, Robin," Chrom said, raising his hand. "She was doing her duty, just like we are. Had I been in her place, I would have done the same thing."

"The las is not wrong… If what you say say about sending a message before hand is true, then that means that things in the capital are about to begin." Raimi looked a lot more relaxed as she tried to put two and two together.

"What do you mean?" Frederick asked, now dismounted and without weapon on hand. "Is there some sort of event going on in Regna Ferox at the moment?"

"Aye. You couldn't have come at a worse time. In a few days time, the khan from the east and the khan from the west will be battling to see who becomes reigning khan."

"Wait, there are two khans?" Vaike questioned, confused about the idea.

"Regna Ferox is a militaristic nation that looks after the strong," Miriel said as she adjusted her glasses. "With so many warriors, the nation is split between east and west, with a khan leading each side. Every few years, there is a tournament to decide who the ruling khan will be. The ruling khan is the one that has diplomatic power over the nation."

"Aye, it's as she says," Raimi confirmed. "You lot should head to Arena Ferox if you want to speak with the khans. Although, given the situation, I'm not sure if either of them will feel like talking politics…"

Chrom looked thoughtful, as if weighing the options. "We will have to head to Arena Ferox then," he decided. "We will seek audience with a khan and work from there."

"If that's the case, then allow me to escort you there! It's the least I can do given that you spared my men from death."

"Alright, lead the way."

Just after having lunch, the party set off towards Arena Ferox. As they traveled, Robin spotted a great deal of other travelers heading in the same general direction Raimia was taking them. Raimi explained that they were all going to the tournament. "This is the most important we have here," she said. "Khan Basilio has been ruling for a long time. That's not to say that Khan Flavia isn't up to par. Every time those two go at it it draws in tens of thousands of people from all across the land to see."

"Tens of thousands?!" Robin let out. "How big is this arena?"

"Ha ha!" Raimi laughed loudly. "What did you expect? Everyone in Regna Ferox fights. It should be that surprising to hear that we would have an arena to host up to fifty thousand people."

The idea of having such a big entertainment building… There was no doubt that despite what they themselves said, the Feroxi had architects and builders that were just as good as their fighters to have such monumental structures like the wall and this arena Raimi spoke of.

"If this tournament thing is such a big deal, won't the khans be too busy to speak to us?" Lissa chimed in, popping her head through the flaps of the canopy on the wagon. She made a fair point. If Robin was on the shoes of one of the khans, if would be focused on the fight ahead.

"Normally, it would be impossible to speak with one of them, yes. But that's why I'm coming with you. My word will get you through most of the way. It'll be up to the khans to decide to grant an audience or not."

Lissa frowned at hearing that. "I really hope they do… We came all this way. We had to fight both Risen and you guys." She let out a sigh just from thinking about having to go back. "I don't want to disappoint Emm. I think Chrom really wants to make things easy for her too. All our hopes are on this deal going through."

"Lets concentrate on getting to the arena for now," Robin said. "One step at a time."

One day later, around noon, Raimi finally pointed towards Arena Ferox. Everyone stared at the building in awe. A colossal amphitheater of sorts stood before them. Arches spread across the outside wall, bringing in lighting to the inner corridors. In the middle of some of those arches stood statues. At first Robin thought they were all identical, but as they got closer he noticed that they were all in fact unique. Raimi told him that they represented different people that had fought at the arena before and had come victorious.

"Most impressive," Chrom said once they'd reached the arena. He was looking up at the outer wall that kep going up and up in the sky.

"Follow me through," said Raimi.

They left the horses and the wagon at a stable near the arena and headed inside. The inside of the building was just as impressive as the outside. Vaulted ceilings, detailed art depicting battles on the walls, and interestingly designed columns. These were all things that Robin was taking notice of. Even with the amount of people already roaming around the hallways, there was enough space for the all the Shepherds to walk comfortably. Some of the Feroxi would give them strange looks, but those went ignored.

Finally, Raimi reached an open room that looked like a throne room. Raimi turned to them. "Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan," she told Chrom, who agreed. Raimi took a small bow before leaving the area.

She returned a few minutes later, walking behind a woman of tan skin and blonde hair. The woman, presumably the khan, was clad in armor. A jointed shield was strapped to her left arm. On her right hand she carried a sword. "Captain Raimi has explained the situation to me," the woman spoke. "I am the East-Khan. My name is Flavia. I apologize for the misunderstanding regarding your border crossing, Prince Chrom. I would welcome you with more than words to Regna Ferox, but as you may already know, I'm preparing for the tournament of khans."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Khan Flava," Chrom said. "You don't have to worry about the incident. As you say, it was but a misunderstanding."

"That's good," she said, giving a small smile and a nod towards the prince. "I've received word from your Exalt, asking for request against this new threat. Risen, she calls them. In the letter she mentioned you have fought against them recently, correct?"

"Yes. We had a second encountered on our way here, on Ylisse. We have reports of more of them showing up all around Ylisse. As I understand, you are having trouble of your own with people claiming to be Ylisseans crossing the border."

"Plegian dogs. We found documents on a few of their captains once we killed them that prove it."

Robin flinched. No one is our friend on this side of the world, he thought.

"The Mad King must take us for fools. Using tricks like that to instigate a war. A craven's move, I say."

"Damn him!" Chrome said, only catching his words after they'd already been said. "Oh, forgive me, your grace."

Flavia just laughed. "You speak like a Feroxi, prince Chrom. Damn him indeed. Going back to the reason you are here..."

"Oh, yes! We were hoping that you could lend us some troops to safeguard our villagers. In exchange, we would provide gain or gold, whichever you find better."

"Fine deal, except that at the moment I can't provide you with any troops."

"Only the ruling khan can make a deal with another nation," Robin reminded Chrom.

Flavia nodded. "Correct. It's good to see an outsider that knows of our traditions."

"I've only just learned this recently through Raimi, Khan Flavia."

"That's good enough for me! Now, while I can't offer troops right now, that doesn't mean I won't be able to do it if I win the tournament. Would you be interested in helping, prince Chrom."

Chrom steeled himself, showing as much confidence as he could. "Of course!"

"Very well. Then you will fight as my champion."

"Fight as your champion?"

Miriel took this as a sign to inform her prince about how the tournament worked. Each khan selected a small group of champions to represent them in battle. The winning side would win the authority for their khan. No champion on either group could be blood related to either khan, as it would created bad blood between them.

"She speaks the truth," Flavia confirmed. "If you help me win the sovereignty of Regna Ferox, then I will have the final say when it comes to forging alliances. Do this for me and you'll have our support against these Risen you speak of."

Chrom looked at the others present. He turned again to look at Flava. "You have a deal, but under what condition."

"Oh?"

"You mentioned you need a small group of champions, no? Then let me fill the other spots with members of my Shepherds. We fight well together. I can guarantee you a win."

"I like your confidence," Flavia said, grinning at Chrom. "Very well. You must decide on your team of five quickly. I'll need the names to present them before the battle starts. You will only have three hours to get ready. Use them well."

And so more jokes about Kellam show up! Who got the first Kellam reference I made a few chapters back? It was pretty in your face if you ask me, but then again, I wrote the story.

I kept the fight for this chapter focused more on the strategy rather than on the actions of each individual. I find this specific fight to be the most boring one in the game. Tried to keep it interesting, though. The next chapter's fight will be a lot more about the action. It's one of the biggest events in the game in a way, so I will focus heavily on that. One way or another, I know the next chapter will be interesting. I've been thinking about it for a long while now. Look forward to that one!

Like always, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Leave a review, follow the story, and/or favorite it if you like it.

See you on the next chapter!