If the Shepherds were not in any rush, Robin would have insisted on delaying their incursion into Plegia until nightfall. The tactician understood that invading a desert kingdom during the day was the same as invading Ferox during winter. They passed through the border several hours ago, and although it was barely past midday, many of his comrades were exhausted. The sun showed no mercy to the invaders with its intensifying heat. He was unsure how they hoped to fare against the Plegians when the sun itself was against them, but as his job as the strategist of the Shepherds, he would find a way.
As they continued their march, Robin realized that he was faring better than the rest of the Shepherds. Much to his horror, his robes, despite being heavy with thick cloth, was designed to help combat the desert heat. This confirmed the suspicion he had: his clothing was from Plegia. The tactician was unsure of how to continue with this confirmed development. Chrom already had enough on his mind with saving Emmeryn, Frederick was just starting to trust him and he did not want to break that trust, and Gaius did not care about who his friend might be.
For now, Robin decided it would be in his best interest to focus on his job. With Chrom, he led the Shepherd's charge into Plegia across the barren desert. Frederick was leading scouts towards their destination to ensure it was tactician grew worried with each passing moment. Gangrel was a mad man, but he was no fool. He would not leave his borders undefended during war. Why have they yet to encounter any resistance into Plegia? There was no border guard. There were no scouts. There was just sand spanning for miles across.
Eventually, after hours of marching, the Shepherds saw the first signs of civilization: several merchant outposts. The townships and cities of Plegia were deeper inland, but independent merchants set up camp within the borders. They were certainly no friends of Gangrel, meaning that they could be trusted allies. At the very least, they could provide shelter for the Shepherds and help them accommodate for the fierce sun. Frederick rode out towards his comrades, his horse slowed down by the burning sand.
"I'd like to believe it's our cunning that got us this far without being spotted," Chrom sighed, his face red from the intense heat. "But we've seen far too little of the Plegian Guard. Where are they?"
"If Gangrel has a trap in mind, he would have sprung it," Robin commented. "Or perhaps he is waiting for us at the capital."
"Milord!" Frederick greeted upon his approach, dismounting from his horse. "There is some manner of engagement downfield. Robed men threaten two bystanders, and most likely, the merchants."
"Understood," Chrom nodded. "Get everyone ready to move."
"Most of our friends will be bogged down by the desert sands," Robin informed the group. "Thankfully, Miriel has finished with her spell. We can partner the mages with our ground troops, and with our pegasus knights, we could proceed mostly unhindered."
"Good to see you though ahead," Chrom smiled. "Discuss the strategy with the rest. We move in a few minutes."
Robin was fortunate to study the maps of the general region of their first stopping point before the battle. He had a general idea of where the encampments were, and knew who to send to each to make sure they were secured. Additionally, the tactician thought about who to pair up with who to ensure for an effective battle, and who to leave behind as to not leave behind the Shepherds. He turned to address the Shepherds, who gathered together in preparation for battle.
"We have three objectives," Robin started with his explanation. "Protect the merchants. Save the two bystanders. Route the threat. Naturally, the first two take priority. Miriel, you'll take Kellam and head to the closest camp . Cordelia and I will fly over to the second camp. Gaius and Sumia to the third. After the perimeter is secured, we may engage with the enemy directly. Ricken, you'll be in the backlines with Maribelle to get to our wounded. Chrom-"
"-and I will save the two out in the open and cut our way right to the bulk of their forces." Vaike declared, pulling out his axe. "I've been sittin' on the sidelines for too long!"
"That, except I had Lon'qu with Chrom," Robin corrected, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Where is Lon'qu?"
"He passed out about half a hour ago!" Lissa answered, pushing her way to the back. "Some bodyguard he is. Passing out because it's too hot."
"I suppose that being from a cold region such as Ferox makes him more vulnerable," Robin sighed. "Alright Teach. You're up."
"Don't be too mad when I snag more kills than you, Chrom," Vaike taunted with a grin.
"You're on," Chrom pulled out Falchion, ready to meet his challenge.
"Shepherds, move out!" Robin commanded.
The Shepherds he called for battle got ready for a fight against their enemy. Robin was quick to find Cordelia, who was already mounted upon Aurora. He climbed up behind her, pulling out his sword while she took flight. For a brief moment, Robin scanned the battlefield. The enemy was making their way towards the encampments and a duo in the middle of the desert. The bulk of their force was gathered on the other side, having completely surrounded the camp the tactician sent Gaius and Sumia.
"These aren't Gangrel's men," Cordelia noted. "There's a slight air about them. Maybe they're allied."
"We can worry about their identity later," Robin pointed towards the second encampment. "For now, we need to secure that camp so we can give Gaius and Sumia the back-up they need."
"Understood," Cordelia nodded. "Mind if we pick off the soldiers that are in our way?"
"Feel free," Robin replied. "The more we take down now, the less the others will have to fight."
After flying in the sky, Cordelia sent Aurora on a descent towards a lone warrior coming from the western hills. The duo gave him little time to react to their presence. Cordelia's lance impaled through his lower gut, immobilizing him. Robin swung out with his sword, catching him in the chest and sending him down to the ground. Two nearby mages lashed out with their magic but they were able to take to the skies to avoid their spells. The tactician was quick to note that one of the casters lashed out with Flux, dark magic. He stored that knowledge in the back of his mind for further analysis.
Their next target was, strangely enough, an armored man on horseback. An odd choice out in the desert. The soldier was occupied with the other Shepherds charging in to take notice of the pegasus knight's descent. Without hesitation, Cordelia jabbed her lance right through his back. The sneak attack pierced through his armor and sent him sprawled out on the ground. His horse galloped away, and the pair were fortunate enough to avoid further spells. Aurora went so far as to trample over one of the mages while taking flight.
"We're nearing the encampment!" Cordelia reported, her pegasus taking evasive action from more ranged magic. "How's the rest of the battle?"
"Good news is that the eastern flank is mostly cleared out," Robin reported. "Gaius and Sumia should proceed mostly unhindered now."
"And the bad news?" Cordelia asked.
"Most of the enemy is heading out to intercept Chrom," Robin told her. "Continue with the objective. Miriel can provide the others with backup for now."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Cordelia questioned.
"I wouldn't be worried about Chrom unless Vaike goes down," Robin advised. "He'll be fine!"
Cordelia looked hesitant for a moment, but ultimately, flew away from Chrom and the other Shepherds. Robin was somewhat worried for the others. Against his orders, Ricken was closer to the battle than he should be, and was injured. Likewise, Vaike was battered constantly by magic, which was possibly his one weakness. One of the strangers took action, protecting a young girl by holding off two mounted men with his sword. They could hold out for another minute at least.
The duo landed at the gates of the encampment just in time to stop a charging warrior. The warrior lunged with his axe which was blocked by Cordelia's lance. She proceeded to jab it into him with Robin going for the finish with his sword. The western flank was secured, but only through many of the Plegians charging in at the main bulk of the Shepherds.
"Village secured," Cordelia reported before taking to the skies. "Shall we join with Chrom?"
"It looks like they don't need it," Robin noted. "Push forward to finish off the stragglers."
Cordelia was quick to see that Chrom and those under his command were well. Their attackers were defeated thanks to the timely aid of Miriel and Kellam. Maribelle now tended to Vaike's injuries while they prepared for a charge. Strangely enough, it was the two strangers leading the charge. Robin noted that they could be future recruits while they flew to finish off the final three attackers, who stood defiantly despite the overwhelming odds.
They came to a landing by the large oasis, where a warrior armed with an axe stood in their way. He missed with his weapon and was swiftly cut down by Cordelia's lance. Towards the east, Sumia and Gaius worked together to defeat a swordsman, and moved to engage the commander, a vile spellcaster. Even though he was surrounded and outgunned, he held his ground, confidently chanting.
Before Robin could give the command, the commander lashed out with dark magic at Sumia. Yet, the pegasus knight endured its effects while Gaius hopped off her pegasus. She jabbed her lance into the dark mage, pushing him back. Not giving him time to cast another spell, Gaius charged forward and slashed out with his blade. Not only did he deliver a sharp injury to the man, but he cut through the dark tome that held his power. Sumia threw her lance as a spear, putting an end to the battle once and for all.
"And that's the last of them," Cordelia sighed in relief.
"Gaius had a good idea when it came to partnering the pegasus knights," Robin concluded. "Even though his motivation may not be tactical."
"What are you saying?" Cordelia looked over her shoulder.
"Nothing," Robin quickly told her.
"Ha, the evil people are now dead people!" a loud voice boomed. "This is good, no?"
Robin was thankful for the distraction, and looked back alongside Cordelia. He now had a clear vision of the two strangers. Leading the way was the swordsman, a tall and bulky man with orange hair. His armor was crafted to accommodate the desert heat and he looked as if he had decades of experience. Behind him was the girl, who definitely looked out of place. She was short with long green hair, pointed ears, and a choice of wardrobe that Robin thought may have been too less, even in the desert.
"You can say that again!" Vaike joined in on the cheer, he and Chrom approaching. "After days on bedrest and all that marching, ol' Teach needed to get his blood pumpin'!"
"You're right," the girl, who was upset earlier, broke out into a playful smile. "Thank you. And, I'm sorry I was so mean to you earlier. I just get nervous around people who are outside my age group."
"Ha, you're age group?" the man asked, keeping the same enthusiasm as before. "Gregor much closer to your age than others here!"
"Quite the pair," Robin noted when he dismounted. "Cordelia, get Sumia and Gaius to rejoin the rest of the Shepherds. Relay our victory."
"I'm on it!" Cordelia flew off swiftly as commanded.
"Say, um, Gregor, was it?" Chrom and Robin walked up to the pair at the same time,. "Gregor, do you mind looking after her? We need to press on."
"Gregor is mercenary, yes?" the warrior, Gregor, took a moment to think. "Maybe you hire Gregor instead. True, Gregor just finished killing former employers, but still very reliable! So long as you not try to hurt little girl, Gregor will not hurt you."
"I feel sorry for the poor sap who tries to hurt the girl who can transform into a dragon!" Vaike holstered his axe behind Chrom. "She can help us, Chrom!"
"She can turn into a dragon?!" Robin raised an eyebrow. "Just how much did I miss?"
"You missed lots," Gregor waved his hand dismissively at Robin. "Girl is Nowi. Gregor is Gregor. Also, Gregor need steady income. Many angry former employers."
"So, we have a girl who can transform into dragons," Robin started.
"Manakete," Nowi spoke up.
"...and a sellsword," Robin continued
"Very swell sword!" Gregor nodded. "Cost performance very high. You have Gregor's word."
"Robin?" Chrom looked over to his trusted tactician.
"If we can afford it, we could take all of the help we can get," Robin nodded.
"Then you're hired," Chrom turned back to Gregor and Nowi. "You can also join us, Nowi. We can use the strength of a Manakete."
"Thank you," Nowi closed her eyes, tearing up. "This is much better than going back to the auction block."
"Hold on," Robin raised a hand. "You've been sold? Like a slave?"
"To men more despicable than you can possibly imagine," Nowi nodded, rubbing her eyes. "They made me transform for them. They drank and laughed and called out tricks…"
"What kind of scumbags would buy a little girl!" Vaike stomped a foot down on the ground. "Even if she can turn into a dragon."
"She looks like little girl, but not young," Gregor shook his head. "She is manakete. Live for long time."
"He's right," Nowi told the group, drying up the tears she had. "I'm like, a thousand and something, but with no wrinkles!"
Robin's mind was capable of coming up with battle plans on the fly. However, when it came to the duo, he was at a lost of words. From Gregor's primitive speech pattern to Nowi's childlike attitude despite her age was enough to keep him thinking. Part of the tactician now wished he followed Chrom into battle, if only to hear about the story when it was first told. Then again, it could prove to be a distraction while he was fighting for his life.
"Need to protect her from Grimleal," Gregor told the group. "Very dangerous."
"Beg pardon, but who are the Grimleal?" Robin asked, questioning if he would regret asking Gregor a question about his employers.
"Follow fallen dragon, Grima," Gregor shrugged.
"Grima was the dragon the first exalt defeated a thousand years ago," Chrom told his friend. "It appears that even today, there are some who yearn for the fiend's return."
"I see," Robin took a moment to think. "Is that even possible."
"I wouldn't think so," Chrom assured his friend. "Well, shall we get some rest?"
"We will need all of our strength for the Plegian capital," Robin nodded. "While you handle the negotiations with the merchants, I can debrief the Shepherds and introduce Gregor and Nowi to the others."
"Sounds like a fair plan," Chrom nodded in agreement.
"And don't forget our wager," Vaike grinned while walking off. "I did take down more than you did."
Robin smirked upon hearing Chrom sigh out in disappointment. The tactician made sure to tease his friend a little about the wager, but at a later time. For now, he had to focus on getting the rest of the Shepherds settled in. The Grimleal's involvement in the war meant bad news for their invading force. The tactician was unsure on how to account for a cult that hid in the shadows in his plans. For now, they were best off worrying about saving Emmeryn at the capital in the coming days.
A/N: And now, the story takes us into Plegia, with the Shepherds ready to bring the war to Gangrel.
Warrior of Six Blades: I thought it would be best to continue identifying the differences between Robin and Gaius when it came to love. And Robin's growing swordsmanship skill may very well save his life one day, thanks to Lon'qu acting as his teacher.
Until next time.