The convoy moved through the pathway leading to Regna Ferox. Chrom and Robin were discussing tactics while Marcus was still struggling to ignore Mikah's tight hug. Chrom decides that it was time to rest, to wait for one of the other Shepherds to catch up, so Marcus and Mikah dismount the horse and sit down for a bite. Marcus enjoys some leftover rabbit before Mikah approaches him.
"So, how's my favorite supplier?"
"I only gave you six skins and you already call me a supplier." Marcus deadpanned. "What do you need them for anyway?"
"Those skins were for leather. I've been obsessed with crafting ever since I was taken under Anna's wing."
"How did you come to meet her?"
"It's really, really, complicated. But basically, she saved me from some bandits and I had nowhere to go."
"Where do you come from?"
"Er, I'm from…"
The pause was unusually long.
"From…?"
"Rosanne! Yes, from the other continent!"
Marcus gave a skeptical look, but Mikah was quick to change the subject by giving him a basket.
"What are these?" Marcus asked.
"Cookies and biscuits of course!" Mikah cheerily replied.
"Where'd you get these?" he asked while shaking the basket.
"I made them myself!"
Marcus takes a bite of the pastry and his face suddenly lights up. It was good, good enough for Marcus to finish it quickly. Marcus had to let the others try.
"Thank you very much! Do you mind if I share these?" Marcus asked.
"Not at all!" Mikah replied with a bright smile which looked a bit forced.
Marcus grabs a few, walks to the group and hands them to Chrom and Robin. They all sit down and enjoy their pastries. Both Chrom and Robin enjoyed their treats to the last bite.
"These are delicious Marcus!" Chrom exclaimed. "Where did you get these?"
"Mikah gave it to me, she made it herself."
"You found quite the baker then!" Robin said with a mouthful of crumbs. "How did you find her anyway?"
"She's no baker, she's a business partner of Anna." Marcus pointed out. "She sort of pulled me from the crowd yesterday."
"Pulled you for what?" Robin asked with a grin. "Something private?"
"Pulled me out for none of your business." Marcus shot back.
Robin made a mock gesture of crying while Chrom chuckled. Before Robin could continue, someone calls.
"Robin? Can you come here please?" Lissa waved.
"I'll be right back guys."
Robin leaves the trio and joins Lissa with her group. Chrom suddenly wears a solemn expression and asks Marcus.
"Marcus? I would like to ask you something. About last night."
"Yes? What is it?" Marcus asked.
"What did you mean that I had 'better things to do as royalty'?" Chrom asked.
"Is not what it means?" Marcus pointed out. "I'm saying you don't have time to deal with the problems of the common people."
"But as royalty, I cannot let my citizens go through what you have gone through." Chrom retorted.
"Chrom, my life story may have been tragic, but I've come to terms with the fact that I was insignificant to the bigger picture. The same things have also happened to my fellowmen and sometimes, even worse. Be honest with me, would the death of let's say… a common villager, affect you?"
"Of course, that would be rather sad."
"No no, no. Not emotionally. Would the death of a common villager affect the economy? The whole well-being of Ylisstol? Of Ylisse?"
Chrom thought long and hard, but he admitted defeat with his answer.
"No… It would be too small for a whole country to notice."
"Exactly, the problem with the hierarchy is that the deaths of commoners and peasants has no consequence, no immediate effects. This makes peasants easily disposable. Like in wars, they're often put in the front lines while the more elite stay behind."
"And you're okay with that?" Chrom asked with shock.
"Of course not, I'm just viewing things from a non-emotional point. I hate the fact that people like my father could be thrown to slaughter while the privileged ones stay safe in their comfort. But I just have to come to terms with it sooner or later."
"Have nobles really wronged the common people that badly? But there are good nobles right?" Chrom asked.
"A country like yours is extremely fortunate to have an incorruptible leader like Emmeryn, who has won the hearts of her countrymen and women. Take my advice and don't ask for my opinion. I was born into a world of corruption and greed, so my views of the world may be a little dimmer than yours."
"But you seem to have experienced something that no beloved citizen of Ylisse should experience. I need your insight to see if I'm truly a good leader and prince."
Marcus smiles and pats Chrom on the shoulder.
"At least you're making the effort. I'm going now." he says while walking away.
"Where?"
"To attend to Mikah."
Marcus walks to Mikah, who was sulking and grumbling to herself.
"Stupide Marcus. Stupide. Stupide."
Marcus couldn't believe his ears, Mikah was speaking French with a French accent. Marcus tapped her shoulder. She got shocked and suddenly exclaimed.
"Mon dieu!"*
*(Translation: "My god!" in French)
Okay, it was official, she was speaking French. Marcus knew he needed to get some information from this girl. Marcus grabs Mikah by the shoulders and holds Mikah so close to his face, their noses close to touching. Mikah blushes furiously while Marcus just keeps a cool demeanor.
"W-what are you doing!?" Mikah asked while looking at Marcus.
"Cut the whimsy." Marcus said with a straight face. "I overheard you speaking French. Tell me where you're really from."
Mikah was still off-guard by the sudden grab and stuttered. Her face was even more red as she struggled to say the words.
"I-I told you, I'm from Rosanne!"
"Don't lie! Virion is also from Rosanne, and he doesn't speak a shred of French."
Mikah was put in a corner now.
"I-I'm from Guines, France!"
"How did you get here?" Marcus asked, still holding her. "Do you know a way back?"
"I-I got here mysteriously while traveling! I ended up in this world by complete accident!" Mikah answered hotly. "I'm still l-looking for a way home."
"Why didn't you tell me that you were European?"
"I didn't k-know you were also European!" Mikah stuttered.
"Is there anything else you feel like telling me?" Marcus asked.
Mikah shook her head, her face still as red as a rose. Marcus still stared intently at Mikah, before sighing and loosening his grip on her. He then smiles from ear to ear.
"At least I know I'm not alone!"
Mikah then slaps Marcus across the cheek. The slap leaving a huge mark on Marcus' face. Marcus holds his red cheek.
"Okay, I had that coming."
"Vous l'homme idiot! Why did you do that!? Have you no shame!?"
Her rant is interrupted by the arrival of Chrom, who came to investigate.
"Any problem here ma'am?" Chrom asked.
Mikah's face was still red in embarrassment, so Marcus tries to answer.
"Nothing, I was just—"
"Having a lively conversation! We were just talking!" Mikah interrupted.
Chrom seemed skeptical about it, and Marcus was confused with Mikah's interruption. Mikah glares at Marcus with a look that meant 'go with it'.
"Yes! We were talking about a rather sensitive topic and Mikah accidentally hit me in excitement." Marcus says.
Chrom was less doubtful and smiled.
"What were you talking about?" he asks while grinning.
"That'll be our little secret." Mikah replied mischievously while walking away and pulling on Marcus.
Marcus and Mikah walk to a more private spot where Mikah slaps Marcus once again.
"Ow."
"Don't be so nonchalant! You were about to tell Chrom that you grabbed me!"
"What's wrong with that?"
"The men of Ylisse have more respect for their women! Chrom might assume that you attempted to sexually assault me!"
"But I didn't grab you because you were a woman!" Marcus protested.
Mikah couldn't believe her ears.
"Oh vraiment maintenant*?" Mikah asked while folding her arms. "Then why did you to put your face so close to mine?"
*(Translation: "Oh really now?" in French)
"Isn't that how you intimidate someone into giving answers?"
Mikah stayed quiet, she misunderstood Marcus' intentions and she sighs with relief.
"Okay, I believe you, but what made you think that putting your face close to mine would intimidate me? You only made me flustered."
"Really? I did it on other people and it worked. Like that village girl in Northtown and that merchant girl in the city."
"Wait, did you only do the intimidation tactic on women?" Mikah asked with venom in her tone.
"Only women so far." Marcus responded. "Is that wrong?" Marcus asked, oblivious to the venom in Mikah's voice.
Mikah simply smiles.
Marcus walks out of the forest while caressing his swollen cheek, while Mikah walks away with a huff. Mikah goes off to sulk while Marcus just sits down and contemplates his situation. Chrom sees Marcus and sits beside him. The other Shepherds laugh at the look of shock and awe on Marcus' face.
"So… What happened with Mikah?" Chrom asked while trying not to stare at the swollen cheek of Marcus.
"I don't know but I think somewhere along the line, I made a huge mistake." Marcus replied, still holding his cheek.
"Don't worry lady-killer, that happens all the time with women." Chrom joked.
Both chuckle at this.
"But to be honest, your friend Mikah is rather interesting." Chrom added.
"What makes her stand out anyway? Don't you already have prettier subjects?" Marcus questioned.
"I don't know, but for a commoner, her skill with a rapier is rather extraordinary, to the point of being too fast to perceive."
"So what? Women like Sully and Cordelia are capable of fighting with great skill."
"Well… She just caught my eye with that stunt she pulled on Frederick. I have never seen anyone make Frederick eat his words so quickly."
Marcus could hear Sumia's fragile heart crack.
"I don't know but—"
"EEEEEEK!" screamed a voice.
The Shepherds immediately move out while Marcus and Chrom immediately looked for the source of the scream, to only see Mikah fighting a Risen axeman. Mikah quickly dispatches the undead man and takes a minute to catch her breath.
"What the hell was that!?" Mikah asked.
"It's the Risen!" Frederick exclaimed.
They looked at the landscape to see numerous Risen spearmen, axemen and warriors. The leader was the farthest and most noticeable, due to its size.
"Gods, have the Risen spread this far?"
"Risen?" Robin asked curiously.
"We needed a name for this new threat, so the council gave them one." replied Chrom. "Probably the only thing we could agree on in that dreadful room."
Chrom then turned to Robin.
"So tactician, what's our plan of attack?"
"What kind of soldiers are we looking at? Any archers or long-rang attackers?"
"They're mostly the same creatures we encountered the previous night." Frederick reported. "Maybe more than two dozen, congregated mostly on the road. Light infantry, no heavy armour or archers I could see."
Robin nodded at this. He stroked his chin in thought, coming up with a plan immediately.
"Our group will come up along the road," he explained. "You, Sully and Stahl wait for us to engage off to the side of the road, and then hit them in a flanking manoeuvre. Don't let them tie you down, though; stay mobile and keep up the pressure. If they're anything like what we fought yesterday they won't even see it coming."
Robin looks around.
"Where's Marcus?"
"Right here."
They look to see Marcus wear his full Templar set. The helmet hiding any sort of emotion making him look almost lifeless.
"You, Chrom and Vaike will lead the charge, Virion and I will stay behind you and deliver any support. You ready?"
Marcus holds up his shield, showing off the coat of arms.
"I am."
Robin turns to Sumia, Lissa and Mikah.
"Sumia, Mikah protect our flanks, make sure nothing gets past us."
The girls nodded. Marcus whistles for Carlos, his horse. The horse immediately gallops with the sound of its heavy armor bringing chills up Robin's spine.
"Protect the girls at the back. Make sure no one hurts them."
The horse roars in response and runs to Sumia and Lissa, who were still a bit afraid of him, while Mikah didn't seem to care and just drew her rapier. Carlos the horse begins to circle around the girls, attentively looking around for any threat. Robin seemed rather confused with this move by Marcus.
"You don't want to ride him to battle?"
"Believe me. He's more useful without a rider."
Robin nods at this while grinning, but the moment was interrupted by Vaike who seemed to be worried about something.
"Wait," the axeman said, dread in his voice. "Where's my axe?"
"Vaike, now is not the time for jokes!" Chrom growled.
"I'm not joking! I had it here a second ago…"
"Is he serious?" Robin asked Sumia, watching Vaike fumble around his person comically, looking for the weapon. "He's… actually serious!"
"What in the hell is wrong with this guy?"
"How many times does this make it?" Lissa asked, her voice half groan, half sigh.
"I wondered what manner of ignoramus would mislay their weapon," a new voice said from behind the group. "Now I know."
Robin and Marcus watched as a new woman wearing glasses and the robes and wide-brimmed pointy hat of a Ylissean mage stepped forward and shoved the axe into Vaike's arms, frowning severely at him, a look Robin wasn't afraid to admit would have given him chills if it were directed at him. He noticed she was also breathing slightly heavily, too, meaning she had hurried to catch them.
"Next time I shall use a permanent affixation spell to bind it your hands," she added, her frown actually deepening.
"Good timing, though," Chrom said, shooting glare at Vaike. "We were just about to engage the enemy."
"Excellent!" Miriel said, clapping her hands together. "I have been looking forward to studying this new 'Risen' threat."
"Study them after we kill them," Robin told the woman. "Here, you're a mage, right? Fall in line next to me."
The Shepherds get into formation and Robin gives the Shepherds the signal to move out, carefully surveying the area for any Risen. It wasn't long before they reached the Risen, with the Risen running towards them with glowing yet lifeless eyes. There was indeed more than two dozen, with about thirty Risen shambling towards them.
"Don't break formation! Let them come to us!" Robin shouted, while raising his tome to rain spells down on his foes.
Virion and Miriel were sending down projectiles of fire and arrows, effectively downing a few Risen, but many still made it through. It was the first line's turn to bring their thunder. Marcus and Chrom charged with boldness and zeal while Vaike hoots in excitement. Marcus blocks an incoming blow from a Risen axeman with his shield and then plunges his sword into him. Marcus does the repetition of block and strike against his mindless foes. Chrom dodges a blow from a spearman and decapitates the Risen. Vaike spins his axe wildly, killing incoming attackers with a fury. Frederick and the other knights manoeuvre around the Risen and deliver charge at their flanks, doing repeated hammer and anvil.
The flanks of the Shepherds was being watched over by Mikah and Carlos, a few Risen did make it through and attempted to attack Lissa but Carlos immediately head-butts and kicks them away. Lissa and Sumia were the first to witness the strength of a horse like Carlos. A singe kick from the horse would shatter the shields of any unfortunate Risen, and would even send them flying. Sumia tried her best to help Carlos by deterring other Risen with her lance.
But Mikah was even more amazing, she was taking on numerous Risen, and she was FAST. She easily dodged the incoming swipes from incoming Risen and also downed them all with a single stroke. A Risen axeman tries to slash down on her but she sidesteps and dodges it. She then swings her rapier, decapitating the undead warrior.
Back to the Chrom who was having trouble fighting a spearman who was blocking their only way across the river, Marcus was combatting a barbarian who was also blocking the way across the bridge. Chrom barely dodges a thrust from the spearman, while Marcus was still blocking the attacks from the Risen barbarian. Marcus kicks the shin of the axeman, making the axeman fall back and giving the chance for Marcus to stab it in the eye.
Chrom was at a disadvantage, his opponent had the superior weapon and he was left dodging the strikes. Chrom nearly gets stabbed but Marcus parries the blow, which gives Chrom enough time to kill the spearman.
Soon enough, they make it across the bridge. They stop by a nearby fort and rested for awhile, while Frederick and the others would take care of the rest on horseback. But the Risen had a different plan. Robin and Marcus watch in horror as more Risen rose from the ground, shambling towards them. Robin immediately makes a different choice of tactics.
"Change of plans!" Robin shouted. "We keep a tight formation! We're grossly outnumbered here!"
Frederick and the other knights immediately ran back to them and kept guard. The Shepherds formed a protective circle with the most vulnerable in the middle and the most formidable outside. Marcus, Chrom and Vaike would still be leading the charge. Robin, Miriel and Virion would give support from behind. Mikah and Carlos would still be watching the center, but with assistance from Frederick. Lastly, Sully and Stahl would be watching the sides. This new formation was more defensive but it would still be put under too much pressure by the large amount of Risen.
Risen begin to pour in as the front lines doubled their efforts. Marcus barely blocked a thrust from a spearman and bashes his shield on another incoming axeman. Chrom was taking on two axemen, who were keeping him on the defense. The second line struggled to whittle down the incoming Risen as they rained more projectiles upon their foes. Mikah and company were protecting Lissa, quickly dispatching any stragglers.
Vaike combats a swordsman and gets slashed across the chest. He quickly kills the attacker before clutching the wound.
"Why didn't that fool wear armor?" Marcus thought.
Robin immediately notices them and takes over, pulling Vaike away while Marcus and Chrom held the line. Lissa tends to Vaike as Robin walks over and unsheathes his bronze sword while holding up his tome.
"I'll take over for Vaike! Keep those projectiles coming!"
The fight was becoming exhausting, with Marcus taking off his helmet just for more air. Robin and Chrom are sweating blood and tears to stay alive and dispatch their foes. They carefully trot across the plains, expecting to confront the Risen leader. But a screech can be heard across the sky, sounding like an extremely large eagle. Chrom seemed to listen deeper for the cry.
"What was that?" Marcus asked worriedly.
"That sounds like a griffin, but I wonder what it's doing so far out here."
"There are griffins here too!?"
"Yes, they're common here in Ylisse, together with the pegasi. Why do you sound so shocked?"
"Griffins were myths like the pegasi. They were often used as a symbol of sanctity." Marcus replied. "But what could such a creature be doing nearby?"
Their conversation is interrupted by another screech, they looked to the sky and see the said creature swooping down. Unlike the griffin of legend, this griffin had the half-body of a tiger instead of that of a lion. It's most defining feature was its armor, that seemed to have a jewel in the middle. It's triumphant landing revealed it's rider. A heavily armored man wielding an extremely long axe, with a spear at the tip. The rider swung at the nearby Risen, effectively killing a number of them, and making Marcus' job much easier. All the Ylisseans seemed to be shocked at the power and glory of the Griffin Rider.
"He wields a halberd!? What sort of warrior is he!?" Sumia asked in shock.
"What's a halberd?"* Marcus asked curiously, having first heard of the
(A/N: The halberd had only been invented during the 14th century by the Swiss.)
"A poleaxe. An axe that can also function as a pole arm." Chrom replied. "It was one of the deadliest physical weapons that a common soldier could have."
"But production was halted almost five hundred years ago and the schematics destroyed." Frederick added. "Even now, the materials needed to make such a cheap and effective weapon are still unknown."
"That sounds like an interesting story."
The largest Risen, the leader, tries to get the first hit on the Griffin Rider, but the griffin clutches him with its front talons, crushing the poor Risen axeman to death. The Shepherds watch in awe as the Griffin Rider dispatched the Risen with relative ease. The griffin made short work of the rest of the enemies before everything finally settled down.
Marcus immediately bends over in exhaustion while Chrom supported Robin as they limped forward to meet the newcomer. Marcus picked up his helmet and also made way to the griffin rider. As soon as Marcus got close to the griffin and its rider, the griffin suddenly tackles Marcus to the ground.
"Marcus!" Chrom shouted while running towards him.
Marcus looked too terrified of the beast to even act, but much to his surprise, the griffin nudges him and cuddles him like he was a stuffed toy. The armoured man laughs before shouting.
"Leah! Off!"
The griffin obeys and immediately gets off of Marcus. Even though it was no longer pinning Marcus, the griffin seemed to circle and prance around Marcus like an excited puppy. Marcus had a good look at the rider, he was heavily armoured with elegant armor, with the plates encrusted with special aesthetic features like flame designs and the patterns. He wore a helmet with a small visor, effectively hiding the face, making him look less human.
"Sorry about that, it seems that Leah here really likes you!"
"No kidding." Marcus said while clutching chest after feeling such a heavy weight on his body.
The other Shepherds run forward to thank the rider. The ladies seemed to be amazed by the glorious look of the rider, especially his armor, decorated with the coat of arms and jewelry. It was clear that this rider wasn't any normal warrior.
"Thank you so much, we were getting pinned out there!" Robin said while bowing repeatedly.
"Yes, thank you. If it were not for you, we would have been in bigger trouble." Chrom added.
"No problem. I was simply in the area and I heard the commotion."
"Yes, but I'm sure that a strong man like you doesn't really have those kinds of problems!" Lissa commented while sighing on how dreamy the warrior looked in such magnificent armor.
The rider's expression changes.
"Er… Man?" he asks.
"Yes, what about it?"
The armoured man sighs and comments.
"I really need to get a new helmet." he said while taking off his helmet. "Too many people have mistaken me for a man for too long.
He takes off his chestpiece, revealing a chainmail over a tunic, but there was a noticeable bump on the chest. It took Marcus a few seconds to realize that the rider was a she. The Shepherds look up in shock to see a stunningly beautiful woman with lavender eyes and short, black hair.
"Do I look like a man now?" asked the now feminine voice.
The female Shepherds were disappointed with the revelation, but the males, on the other hand, were stunned. Without heavy armor, the woman's figure was revealed to be curvy and her piercing lavender eyes seemed to bore into their very souls. The only ones who were obviously immune were Marcus and Frederick, who seemed to be wary of the woman, but something about her catches Marcus' eye, which prompts him to approach her grab the necklace dangling down her neck. The Shepherds were extremely shocked by this move, but the girl was surprisingly calm.
Marcus had immediately noticed that her necklace wasn't any normal necklace, it bore the Crusader logo, meaning she had some connection with the Templars. He attempts to intimidate her, but she wears the same idle expression of before.
"Where did you get this necklace?" he asked.
"It belonged to my father."
"Was your father a Crusader, a Templar?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Marcus thought long and hard before coming up with a statement.
"Pater noster." Marcus said, hoping for a reply.
(Translation: "Our Father" in Latin)
The girl's eyes widen at this and she responds.
"Qui es in caelis." the girl answered. "Sanctifitur nomen tuum.
(Translation: "Who art in heaven" and "Holy be thy name" in Latin)
Marcus smiles and lets go of her necklace.
"I'm grateful to finally meet someone who knows the Crusaders." he said while offering his hand.
The rider takes his hand and shakes it. While shaking Marcus asks.
"Who was your father? Is he here with you?"
"Sadly no. He passed away, leaving me with his armor." she said while pointing to her heavy armor.
Marcus nodded, noting the similarity between her armor and the Templar armor. He suddenly remembers that he needed answers. He asks the girl.
"I'm trying to find a way back home. Do you know a way back to Europe?"
Instead of giving him an answer, the girl sneers.
"You want to go back to Europe? And fight for a useless cause?
Marcus was appalled by this. This woman had the guts to insult the cause of the Crusades, but he had to control himself and quickly end the conversation. He begrudgingly walks away, which partially surprises the girl.
"Suit yourself, I'm leaving. Have a nice day. Miss…?"
"Julia." the girl replied. "Good luck."
Marcus sneers and leaves.
As soon as Marcus was far enough, the girl muttered in a sad tone.
"Pére."
(Here's something you'll have to translate yourself.)
Marcus felt a bit angry with the audacity of that girl. To insult the cause that Marcus and Julia's father believed in. He didn't even turn around to see the girl fly off with her griffin.
"Very interesting woman." Chrom commented.
"Milord, if you keep getting interested in strange women like that, my lifespan may shorten."
"You need to stop being so wary Frederick."
"He's right, she's no good." Marcus said while passing Chrom.
Both Chrom and Frederick share a glance of confusion at Marcus' sudden anger. While walking, Marcus approaches Sumia.
"Where's Hannibal?"
"I left him at the fort!" Sumia replied.
Marcus whistles, prompting the pup to excitedly run to him. He then crouches down and tells him.
"Stay with Carlos for now, he'll give you much needed protection."
The pup barks and runs to the underside of Carlos, who was still protecting Lissa.
"Make sure nothing happens to him, okay Carlos?"
The horse nods and neighs in response. Sumia watches in awe and admiration as the animals follow his instructions once again. She seems to be convinced that Marcus should be a Pegasus knight.
Marcus then remembers that he needs to pray. He calls out to Robin.
"Robin! What time is it?"
"It's almost noon, if we continue the journey now, we'll reach Regna Ferox by midnight." Chrom answered instead.
"Please give me a moment, I need to offer my prayers."
Mikah overhears this and chimes in.
"Me too, I have to pray."
"Sure thing, just tell us when you're ready." Chrom replied.
Marcus and Mikah make it to the stream, where both kneeled down, with Marcus plunging his sword into the dirt. They did the sign of the Cross.
"In nomine Patre Et Filii, et Spiritui Sancti. Amen."
Both of them finished their prayers and made their way back to Chrom and company. On the way, they have a conversation.
"So… Marcus. You are trying to find a way back home correct?"
"Yes I am. Shouldn't you be too? I mean your country might need you, especially with what just happened."
"I know what happened, I had a vision of Jerusalem and its fall." Mikah said straightforwardly.
Marcus seemed to darken at the mention of Jerusalem.
"Could it be really true?"
"I don't know, but if it were true, all the more reason we shouldn't go back." Mikah added.
"The more we should go back! We need to retake the Holy Lands!"
Mikah was taken aback by this outburst.
"I apologise, that was insensitive of me." Mikah said sheepishly.
Marcus also seemed to be embarrassed.
"I apologise also." Marcus said while bowing his head. "But why don't you want to go back?"
"Don't be mistaken, I do want to go back. But I'm just unsure about my timing, I could be raped and manhandled by desperate Muslims or sex-starved men, especially since things seem to be looking bleak in both Europe and the Middle East alike."
Marcus saw her point. He wasn't a woman, so he wouldn't experience such sexual abuse from men. But he needed to reassure her. He puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Look, if we find a way back, I'll make sure to protect you all the way. You've been a great help to me, I should return the favor."
Mikah just smiles back.
"You have my gratitude."
Marcus immediately runs ahead.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to pack the rest of my belongings. I need to hurry. Just call for me if you need a ride."
Mikah seemed to blush at the offer, while Marcus ran off. As soon as Marcus got far enough, Mikah muttered to herself.
"Marcus, you still haven't changed. Even when we first met in Canterbury, you were always quick to help someone in need. Even though you have forgotten me, that part of you still lives on, but dark times are coming, and we are at the brink of war. My only wish is that we both live to see break of dawn."**
**(A/N: WHAAAAT!?)
Marcus quickly finishes packing and mounts his horse. He quickly sees Mikah and lends her a hand in getting up. Vaike and Miriel walked side-by-side. Sumia walks beside Chrom, while Frederick offered Lissa to ride his horse. Chrom waits for everyone to finish their packing.
"Are we all finished packing up?"
Everyone nodded.
"Then we march!"
They all set off for the tundras at the north. With the icy wind blowing down on them, they get closer to frosty tundras of Regna Ferox.
Kellam follows the trail of the Shepherds as he runs after them.
"Hey! You forgot me!"
The winter wind was getting stronger as night began to fall. Chrom covers his face in an effort to try and see what was going on. Marcus and Mikah continued on foot, while Miriel and Sumia were hiding from the wind behind Marcus' giant horse. Vaike was shivering to the bone, obviously due to his poor choice in clothing. Frederick also went on foot, guiding his horse with Lissa as they crossed the icy forest. Robin seemed to be having a lively conversation with Virion. Sully seemed to sneer at the rest of the people shivering, while Stahl was drooling at the thought of nice, hot pastries.
"Damn it! Can't see a thing!" Chrom cursed as he tried to see what was going on.
"Milord! I suggest we camp for tonight! It would be too risky to cross the forest with this blizzard!"
"Good idea. Everyone! We'll settle here!"
Everyone stopped and set out their things. Robin collected some firewood with Virion, while Miriel was using her spells to light the fire. Marcus whistles for his horse, who immediately runs to him. The pup in Sumia's arms also got free and ran to Marcus. Marcus sets down his cloth and puts it beside his horse, who was already kneeling down to sleep. Hannibal the pup immediately jumps onto the cloth and snuggles himself into the blanket. The Shepherds immediately set up their tents and gather around the fire for a meal.
Marcus had volunteered to hunt some game, together with Stahl, who brings his spear with him. Marcus takes off his Crusader armor and steel boots and then puts on his fur boots and leather vest, he leaves his armor next to the sleeping horse. Marcus sheathes his sword and sets out to the forest.
"Why are you taking off your armor, won't you be needing it for hunting?" Lissa asked.
"I'll need to travel light for this hunting trip."
Marcus sets off into the forest with Stahl. As they walk, Stahl comments.
"So… I heard you beat Chrom in duel."
Marcus sighed.
"Yes, yes I did."
"How did you do it? I hear that Chrom has crazy strength and training."
"Look, no matter what kind of strength or training you have, experience will always be the best teacher."
Marcus hears a rustle from the bushes.
"And I'll show you what my experience has taught me." he said while setting down his bag and grabbing a few things.
Marcus grabs an apple from his pouch and gives it to Stahl.
"Hold this."
Marcus then climbs the nearest tree, and Stahl worriedly asks.
"W-what are you doing?"
"Relax, this is part of the plan."
Stahl whimpers as Marcus climbs almost out of sight. Stahl holds the apple, until a very scary figure appeared from the thick blizzard. A Feroxi moose, about the size of a rhino and more aggressive, with the sound of his breathing sending chills down Stahl's spine. The moose immediately notices Stahl holding its favourite food and intimidates him into letting go of it. Stahl almost does but Marcus calls out to him.
"Don't surrender! Just stand still and keep holding that apple."
"Are you crazy!? This thing is worse than Sully's horse and it's about to murder me!"
"Just hold on!" Marcus hissed.
Stahl tries not to make a sound as he stayed rigid in fear. The moose immediately scrapes the ground, indicating its charge. Stahl nearly screams at the sight of the moose running at him at full speed, but Marcus suddenly jumps down from the tree with his sword out. He lands on the moose's back and latches on. The moose begins to jump and shake around, trying to get Marcus off of him. But Marcus keeps a firm grip on the moose, he then grabs his sword and plunges it into the moose's neck, putting the moose in an even greater frenzy, nearly shaking Marcus off. Marcus barely latches on as the moose drags him around. Stahl tries to run after the moose, but the moose seemed to be unstoppable. Marcus climbs up the moose, keeping an iron grip on its fur, he then tries to grab his sword, which was stuck on the moose's neck. Marcus tries to reach for it, but the shaking from the gigantic moose made him struggle. But he finally grabs it and pulls it out, causing greater bleeding, where the moose finally drops down and dies. Marcus gives a cry of victory, before he is interrupted by the creature falling over on him and trapping him under.
"Marcus!"
Marcus immediately crawls out of the body and celebrates his victory. He was covered in blood, but Stahl couldn't tell if it belonged to Marcus or the moose.
"Marcus, are you okay!?"
"Of course I am! Now come help me bring this back!"
Stahl was confused by Marcus' obliviousness to the fact that he almost died.
"Are you always this daring?"
"Only when I'm hunting." Marcus replied, calming down.
Stahl clutches his chest as he tried to calm his breathing.
"If this is really your experience then I can see how you beat Chrom."
Marcus and Stahl made it back with their huge haul, prompting huge applause from the rest of the Shepherds. Chrom and Vaike quickly come forward and pull the pieces of the moose into the fire.
"Finally! Something that's not bear!"
"You're welcome." Marcus replied. "It was fun catching it.
"Don't sell yourself short Marcus. You killed the thing single-handedly!"
They all were surprised at this.
"You!? Killed a Feroxi moose?"
"Only because you made great bait! Now I can finally enjoy some good meat!"
Marcus rubs his hands together in excitement as he grabs a stick and cooks his share over the fire. He messily eats right next to Mikah, who was enjoying her own piece of moose. He gets shocked as he feels someone slap him int he back, he looks to see Sully just giving him praise for killing the gigantic beast.
"Damn! You really got that moose good!"
"I love hunting, it's what I often did when I was young."
"I thought you were alone when you were young." Lissa wondered.
"Exactly, I couldn't live on thievery alone. I often combed the forest outskirts for plants and animals." Marcus said while sighing out of nostalgia. "Ahhh, those poor rabbits never did survive the spring."
The women flinched at the mention of rabbit slaughter. But Miriel was rather fascinated by Marcus' abilities and decided to inquire.
"I have heard rumors that you are resistant to magic. That you absorbed and deflected magic with your sword."
"Er yes, why?"
Miriel straightens her glasses.
"Fascinating, Do you mind telling me what modifications you made to your sword?"
Marcus scratches the back of his head.
"Well, firstly, this sword belonged to my master, I was merely a squire. But I do know that before he received the sword, it was blessed by a priest, he bathed it in holy water and chanted a prayer."
"Interesting… I simply must start my research on the enhancement of weapons through consecration."
Marcus couldn't understand Miriel's choice of language. Sully then raised her hand.
"You have something to ask Sully?"
"Yeah, can you tell me how come the person who beat the crap out of Chrom." She said while glaring at Marcus. "Is still a squire?"
"Beating the crap out of him is hardly accurate."
"How else would you describe it?"
Marcus thought on it.
"Let's just call it a close battle."
"So why are you still a squire? I mean ya beat Chrom fer crying out loud! That's gotta be something!" Vaike added, chiming in on the conversation.
"That's because you have to be the best of the best to be part of the Knight's Templar." Mikah said, joining in.
Chrom hears this and suddenly becomes interested in the conversation.
"Who or what are the Knight's Templars?" Chrom asked, chiming in. "I heard Marcus mention about it during our council."
Marcus then sighs and says.
"You might want to sit down for this."
Marcus then speaks about how the Templars were like the Pope's special soldiers, as in they were his personal elite soldiers. But they didn't seem to grasp the concept of a Pope.
"What's a pope?"
"Okay, our religion, Catholicism also has headquarters in Rome, where the Pope, the head priest of the Church resided. Give me an important figure in your religion of Nagaism."
"Tiki, the voice of Naga and a dragon-priestess."
"Where does this dragon-priestess reside?"
"In the Mila Tree, in the continent of Valm."
"Now the Pope is like your Tiki, in the way that they are both important figures in our respective religions. And this 'MIla Tree' would be like Rome." Marcus said.
"Now imagine the Voice of Naga having her own personal guard." Mikah added.
Robin's eyes seemed to shine at this.
"I can see it now, heavenly warriors of heavenly aura. With the armor gleaming from the sun. And weapons glowing with a holy aura."
Everyone chuckled at this.
"That is the role that the Templars fulfilled, they were elite warriors trained in faith, chivalry and honour." Mikah added.
"They sound amazing! Were they the strongest warriors your world has ever known?" Lissa asked.
"They were one of the greatest, yes." Marcus said with a shrug. "But not necessarily the greatest."
"What do you mean?" Robin asked. "Could there be others that could challenge the might of these Templars?"
Marcus grins and takes out a thick book with a green cover.
"You see, in my world, there are the heroic and there are the LEGENDARY."
"Men who had singlehandedly turned the tables with superior skill and morale."
Marcus flips the pages as he reads off the greatest warriors of history.
"The Spartans, extremely famous for the Battle of Thermopylae, leading a small army of six thousand men to confront the Persian army of two hundred thousand."
They seemed to be shocked by this.
"Those men were outnumbered thirty to one! How did they win?"
Marcus grinned.
"With superior tactics."
Robin seemed to beam at this.
"The small force staged themselves at a chokepoint, where the huge Persian numbers did not matter. They were able to halt the Persian advance before being outflanked by another invading force, if they had not been betrayed, the Spartans could have held for more than three days."
"How did they do it? How did they hold the line?" Frederick asked, clearly surprised by the story. "The odds were completely against them."
"Spartans were exceptional in both skill and morale. I'll read to you some famous quotes from the leader of the Spartans."
They listened closer.
"Excerpt one, "TONIGHT, WE DINE IN HELL!""
The more civilised members of the group seemed to be disturbed, but Vaike, Sully and Stahl were further fascinated by such bravery and courage.
"Man, those guys must be hard to the core! Being that damn fearless."
"Excerpt two, a Persian claims that, "Our arrows will block out the sun"
The Spartan replied, "Then we shall fight in the shade."
The Shepherds were thoroughly impressed with the resume of the warriors of Earth.
"I'll give you another example, the Romans, one of the most disciplined soldiers in Europe, backbone of the Roman Empire. Had expanded the entire continent."
Marcus flips the page, while Mikah peeks in on his book
"The Huns, fearsome cavalry, nearly put the Roman Empire on its knees." Mikah stated.
"The Carthaginians, masters of the feared elephant cavalry, challenged the Roman Empire." Marcus added.
"Qin Dynasty, Macedonians, Praetorian Guard, you name it, our world has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations and with each civilization, comes a feared warrior. We haven't even mentioned the—" Mikah said, before being interrupted
Marcus raises a hand to stop Mikah.
"That will be all."
Mikah then dejectedly slouches.
"Fine."
Chrom seemed to take note of Mikah's extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for history.
"You seem to know a lot about where Marcus is from, Miss Mikah."
Mikah then cheerily replies.
"That's because Marcus and I come from the same world!"
Marcus face-palms at Mikah's carelessness, which seemed to surprise the Shepherds.
"You're from Europe too!?"
"Yes! I also ended up here under mysterious circumstance. Marcus and I just sort of relate to being out of place I guess." she said while blushing and looking at Marcus, who was suddenly snoozing.
Mikah suddenly gets angry and begins slapping Marcus.
"What the hell did I do!?"
"How could you fall asleep!?" Mikah screamed.
The Shepherds all laugh as Marcus suddenly climbs the tree in fear of Mikah's outburst.
The moon reaches its height as the Shepherds call it a night. Everyone goes in their respective tents, including Mikah, who had set her tent near Marcus. Marcus didn't have a tent, but rather, a thick bear fur blanket he had prepared, he sets down another cloth and lies beside his already sleeping horse. He simply stargazes at the now clear sky before Mikah pokes her head out of her tent.
"Why are you still out here? Don't you want to go inside your tent?"
"I don't have a tent." Marcus replied.
Mikah blushes while asking bashfully.
"Do you want to share mine?"
Marcus was oblivious to the implications of the beautiful girl's offer, so he declined.
"I'm sorry, but no. I need to think about some things."
"Are you still thinking about Jerusalem?"
Marcus nodded while staring at the stars in the sky. Mikah exits her tent and flops down next to him.
"Don't get so worried yet, we'll find our answers when we get to Ferox."
"I know but still—"
Marcus immediately shuts up when he notices that Mikah had immediately fallen asleep next to him, almost touching him. He just stares up in the sky.
"The night is beautiful. I wonder if I'll ever see home again."
Marcus' thoughts were interrupted by a strange noise.
"Psst!"
Marcus sits up to see Robin who had just came back from keeping watch. Marcus then realizes that Mikah had just laid even closer him, almost hugging him, had he not moved. Robin looked at him smugly, but Marcus hissed at him.
"Don't you dare!"
Robin then makes a smirk and passes by Marcus.
"It's fine, and by the way, it's your turn to keep watch."
Marcus rubs his eyes as he gets up and yawns.
"Okay, go ahead, I'll take it from here."
Robin smiles and waves before entering his tent.
Marcus immediately puts on his Feudal armor and sits down on a nearby stump. He plunges his sword to the ground and rests on it.
"I just noticed that I'm surrounded by beautiful women. If Sir Julian were here, he would tease me to no end."
Marcus sighs as he contemplates his situation.
"I never entertained the idea of romance, I could never find time to enjoy myself with a woman. I need to get home and fulfil my duty as a squire. But while I'm trapped here…"
Marcus spares a glance at the sleeping Mikah.
"Mikah will be accompanying me. At least there will be one person I can surely talk to. I won't be alone at least."
Marcus immediately realizes what he said and bonks himself in the head with his hand.
"Bah! The cold must be messing with my thoughts!"
That's it for the fourth chapter! Man, I can't wait to get back to writing this. And this is my first time replying to reviews, but here we go!
Chapter 3 reviews:
Rainsfere - I completely understand your concern for the length, I do try and make these as lengthy as possible. Now, Marcus may be a Medieval man, but he is still young and naive, so he won't be "banging chicks left and right", but I will be exploring the possibility of other pairings. For now, I'll just stick with my script and focus on his development with Mikah. I am planning to add more Earth characters, but they'll stick in the background rather than play pivotal roles, so don't worry about drama.
wolfman360 - Noted. :)
Sugouxxx - Adding Muslim characters will be a challenge. Muslims and Christians in the 12th century were very zealous and I'm already stretching it with Marcus and Mikah being tolerant of Nagaism. I'll find a way, but on another note, I will try adding other characters from Earth, but I will only limit myself to less than somewhat major characters born in Earth.
Chapter 2 reviews:
Tomovnikov - Divine intervention will be minimal, I am making sure of that. I meant to place Rome instead of London, just so you know.
Victory3114 - Let's just call him the 'Super Squire' then. Hehehe. But seriously, I'll try and paint Marcus in a realistic light. I've already set his backstory, which should properly explain his skill and strength as a prodigy.
Here are some guide questions for the story:
Who is Julia? Why did she say 'Pére'?
How does Mikah know Marcus? If she's French then how could she have met Marcus?
If you're new here, place your desired pairing in the reviews, or in my poll, or both.
By the way guys, I'm making a poll to decide on the next Earth character to add.