Morning has broken in the forest of Ferox. Marcus has fallen asleep on his sword while sitting on his stump. He soon hears a strange sounds as he gets off his stump. He hears a snarl of a strange animal and decides to investigate. Carlos, his horse, hears Marcus moving and follows him. The horse gets up slowly, as not to wake up Mikah, who was sleeping comfortably by its side. Marcus walks to a field where he saw a figure of a lizard in the distance, two to be exact. They were circling each other, a mound lay next to them.*
*(A/N: For reference, watch Walking with Monsters, Dimetrodon Fight)
One of the lizards suddenly charges, with the other doing the same. They clash in a brutal wrestle. The first lizard claws the face of the other one, leaving a red gash on its face. The second one bites the snout of its opponent, refusing to let go, even shaking its head for extra damage.
Marcus watches as the giant lizards suddenly began to wrestle for control as they bit and clawed each other was already amazed at this display of strength between two beasts. Carlos neighs as he stands beside Marcus, who was sitting on the morning snow.
"Well this is quite the spectacle!" said a voice behind Marcus. "It's really rare to see a sight like this."
Marcus turns to see Miriel, who was also watching the spectacle.
"What are those creatures?" Marcus asked curiously.
"I personally named them Ferosaura, or the common name, the Feroxi Salamander, though they are not true salamanders."
Marcus watched the spectacle some more, the two lizards go at it some more, wrestling with each other without giving up.
"You seem to know something about them." Marcus said. "Why are they fighting? Are they males fighting for territory?"
"My previous records state that any Ferosaura that size could be female rather than male."
This surprised Marcus.
"Why would two females fight each other so fiercely?"
"Well, my previous field studies of these creatures show that they lay eggs when it's winter, for the eggs to hibernate before they hatch in spring."
"So…?"
Miriel sighs at Marcus' failure to understand.
"The females are conditioned to lay eggs in the winter, as to provide better protection from predators. Their nesting mounds are too thick to be penetrated any small predators and the fierce cold will drive away the only dominant predator, which are the Ferosaura."
"They're cannibalistic?"
"Yes, and when winter begins to arrive, it is an absolute must for a female to lay their eggs or else their children won't survive the winter. Some females will fight over a single mound just to lay their eggs."
Marcus nodded as he watched the fight. One of the lizards had bitten the head of the other one, causing wounds that made the losing lizard flee.
"We never had anything like this in Europe or in the Middle East."
"Then what did you have?" Miriel asked. "Surely, your continent must have something else of interest."
"We didn't have fantastic creatures like this, that's for sure." Marcus pointed out. "Let me think of something. Hmmmm…"
Marcus pondered on what animal could possibly compete with such magnificent creatures.
"Well… There's the elephant."
"The legendary ballista?"
"No! I'm talking about creatures twice as tall as the tallest horse. They sport a large pair of tusks that would put any other wild boar to shame. Legs as thick as tree trunks. A trumpeting call that sounds like a call to war. A hide thicker than the thickest leather."
Marcus then ponders some more.
"There's the rhinoceros, a large, tank-like creature, with horns and a bad temper, will not let anything get between them and their goal. The Irish Elk*, a giant deer, with the antler span the length of a child and a height that would make any man look up. There were also rumors of giant ground sloths in the other continent."
(A/N: The Megaloceros and the Megatherium had gone extinct 8,000 years ago, in Marcus' Earth, they had survived until the 1400s)
"You explored unknown lands?" Miriel asked as her face suddenly lightened up. "What did you find?"
"No, it was neither me nor my countrymen who visited the new continent. You see, another ethnic group, the Scandinavians or the Norse had explored the other continents and would often bring back tales of their findings. After a cultural exchange with the Norse from Denmark and Sweden, we had gained the knowledge of this 'New World', where beasts of unimaginable size and magnificence resided."
Marcus could have sworn that Miriel's glasses had shone as she readjusted them.
"You truly have some great stories to tell!" Miriel praised. "Do tell me more!"
Their conversation is interrupted by Chrom's call.
"We'll continue this conversation later." Marcus said.
"Agreed."
They both walk back to see everyone pack up. Miriel walks off to Vaike's direction while Sumia and Chrom approaches Marcus.
"Marcus! Where have you been?"
"I was watching a pair of Feroxi Salamanders fight." Marcus answered.
"What!? Really!? I should have joined you!" Chrom said while cursing his luck.
Marcus was visibly confused by Chrom's disappointment, he turns to Sumia.
"He likes watching animals fight?" Marcus asked.
"Without a doubt." Sumia blankly replied . "Lissa told me that when they were kids, Chrom only joins Emmeryn on Feroxi diplomacy missions just so that he could watch the arena and animal fights."
"That is only partially true!" Chrom retorted.
Sumia giggled as she whispered in Marcus' ear.
"Chrom has not matured from that stage as you can see."
"I heard that." Chrom deadpanned.
Both Sumia and Marcus laugh.
"Oh haha, but tell me Marcus, what else did you and Miriel do there?"
"We just exchanged stories." Marcus replied before sighing. "Now I owe at least half the Shepherds a good story."
Chrom and Sumia chuckle at his tiredness, but Chrom gives a reassuring hand on Marcus' shoulder.
"We can talk all we want in Ferox, I guarantee that we won't miss a word."
"Yeah… Sure." Marcus said before bringing his horse back to the spot where Mikah slept.
Mikah was still half-asleep, holding the pup, Hannibal in her hands. Marcus bends down and taps her.
"Mikah, it's time to wake up!"
Mikah speaks in her sleepy state.
"No! I don't want to go to Canterbury!"
Marcus gets visibly surprised by Mikah's sudden sleepy outburst. She actually knows about Canterbury, even though she's French.
"Mikah, we have to meet Sir Julian!" Marcus said, experimenting on how Mikah would react.
This seemed to jolt her as she suddenly sat up.
"Of course mother! Let me just dress up!"
Mikah sees Marcus and suddenly blushes from embarrassment.
"So… You actually know about Sir Julian." Marcus commented.
Mikah almost choked on her saliva as she realised that she gave her true identity away.
"Err… Ummm…" she stuttered.
Marcus however, laughs loudly, confusing Mikah further.
"It's probably cause Sir Julian is so well-known! You must have heard about his exploits in France!"
Mikah quickly goes with it.
"Yes! We heard so much about him from the visiting Englishmen!" Mikah added quickly.
"That certainly explains it!" Marcus commented.
"Marcus? Could you come here?" Robin shouted, calling for Marcus.
"Okay!" Marcus replied before leaving Mikah.
He waves back at Mikah before leaving. Mikah waves back at him. As soon as Marcus leaves, Mikah breathes a sigh of relief.
"Phew! I almost dropped the whole peasant facade. He'll definitely ask me more questions, so I have to keep my guard up."
Chrom and company had marched further in Feroxi territory. The winter wind blew mercilessly as they struggled to walk through the thick, icy forest. But somehow, through the loud blizzard, Sumia can hear something, as she suddenly runs off to the nearby snowy plains. Chrom and the others followed her to see a lone pegasus standing in the middle of the plains. Sumia observes the creature while Chrom and company try to get a closer look. Marcus was amazed to see the creature up close, but was still wary that it could hurt him. He took off his helmet to get a better look at the creature.
"Well, what do we have here?" Robin commented.
"Hey, is that what I think it is?" Lissa asked
"It's a pegasus, all right. I think it's hurt." Chrom said before approaching it. "Let's just have a look here…"
Chrom tries to get closer, but the pegasus then rears and whinnies
"WHOA! Down, girl!" Chrom shouted, while backing up. "Easy there!"
"Captain, one moment!" Sumia said while trying to approach the pegasus.
She accidentally trips over the snow.
Marcus just sighs internally at the sorry display.
"Those boots of yours again?" Chrom asked.
"No! I mean, yes! I mean…" Sumia said before giving up and sighing.
"Well, come no closer. This beast is crazed!" Chrom advised.
"It's okay, Captain. I can handle this…" she replied.
Sumia slowly but surely approaches the frightened pegasus.
"Shhh…" Sumia said while slowly walking, reaching out her hand.
The pegasus gets less scared and stands still. Sumia still slowly carries her advance.
"Easy now, girl. I won't hurt you." she said as her hand almost touched the pegasus' snout.
Marcus was amazed by Sumia's clear talent in calming animals, but then again, she was awestruck by Marcus' ability to communicate with animals.
Sumia begins to stroke the creature's snout, holding its face close to hers.
"Shhh…" she said as the pegasus became more and more quiet.
"How did she calm it so quickly?" Chrom wondered out loud.
"That's incredible, Sumia!" Lissa exclaimed.
"I've never seen anything like it."
"Oh, it's...it's nothing. Really." Sumia sheepishly replied. "I just have a way with animals, I guess."
Marcus notices a small detail on the pegasus.
"Its wing is injured." Marcus pointed out. "Probably from an attacking wild animal."
"But that would mean that the hunter is still nearby!" Sumia inferred.
"Exactly, that means if you want to take care of it, it has to come with us." Marcus added.
Sumia looked at the pegasus with uncertainty.
"I don't think it's strong enough for the journey."
Marcus grimaced.
"Well, either it comes with us, or…" Marcus paused. "You stay behind and protect it."
"Then I'll stay behind!" Sumia replied.
"Sumia, are you sure about this?" Chrom asked.
"Don't worry about me Captain Chrom!" Sumia answered. "I can take care of myself!"
"Well, just for a little reassurance…" Marcus added before whistling.
Carlos the horse thunders out of the forest, with the wolf pup in tow. Both animals stop in front of Marcus, awaiting further instructions.
"Carlos, you protect Sumia and the pegasus." Marcus said while pointing at Sumia and her companion. "If any predator comes even a meter closer, use deadly force."
The horse roars in response and begins to circles around the pegasus and Sumia.
Marcus then looks through his pouch and brings out some herbs.
"Since you don't have any medicine items, use these." Marcus said, putting the herbs in Sumia's hand. "Rub the leaves onto the wound. If the pegasus screams in pain, that means it's working. The wound should heal shortly after the medicine works."
Sumia's eyes lightened up at the generous offer.
"Thank you so much Marcus!" Sumia thanked, hugging Marcus, making Chrom flinch.
"No problem." Marcus replied.
"We'll go Sumia." Chrom said, waving at Sumia.
"Of course, I'll catch up!" Sumia replied, waving back.
Marcus immediately picks up the pup at his feet and hands him to Lissa.
"Since Sumia's staying behind, you're on pup duty."
Lissa squealed in excitement, making Chrom and Robin roll their eyes. Chrom and company made their way back to the convoy, rejoining their fellow soldiers.
On the way to Ferox, which was barely visible in the horizon, Chrom and Lissa converse with Marcus.
I didn't know that you were a healer!" Lissa praised.
"I'm not." Marcus replied.
"Then how do you know how to treat wounds?" Chrom asked. "You seem to have an extensive knowledge in herbal medicine."
"I'm a medic, not a healer." Marcus clarified. "When I was a squire, I served as an informal medic."
"What's the difference?" Robin asked, joining in.
"A healer ensures that a person has recovered or is in good condition after a grave injury. A medic only deals with minor injuries." Marcus elaborated.
"But what if a medic has to take care of a gravely injured soldier?" Chrom asked.
"All the medic can do is reduce the pain. In short, medics only make a person comfortable when they're about to die." Marcus added.
"That's rather dark." Robin commented.
"It's true." Marcus retorted. "We don't have healing staffs or potions, so if you're dying, then you're good as dead."
"My gods Marcus, how did your people survive without such important items?" Chrom asked, clearly horrified by the many deaths Marcus had seen.
Marcus almost answered, but is interrupted by Frederick who had come from patrolling.
"Trouble in the wind, milord!" Frederick warned. "The Feroxi Guard are mobilizing."
"What?! Why?"
"Who can say? But they look ready to let fly at a moment's notice. We'd best prepare for combat, just to be safe. Perhaps we ought pool our supplies and select which Shepherds to deploy? Loath as I am to trust him, Robin might offer some valuable insight in this…" Frederick said while scowling at Robin.
"Indeed, he IS our tactician, after all. So, Robin? What do you suggest?"
Robin stroked his chin as he looked at the huge wall.
"So this is the fortress?"
"Yes, the Longfort. It stretches along the border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox."
"That's an enormous border wall, I've only heard of another country doing that." Marcus added while putting on his helmet.
"Doesn't matter, if these walls are large, that means there's space for archers and other ranged units." Robin said.
"Obviously."
"We have to put our most well protected units at the front, heavy armor units will do amazingly in this fight, so Marcus and Frederick will be our top priority for the front."
"What about me?" a strange voice asked.
Robin and Chrom nearly jumped at the sound, as he suddenly noticed a giant armoured man behind him. Marcus immediately notices him and recognises him as Kellam, the invisible knight of the Shepherds.
"Kellam! I didn't see you there! Er, how long have you been there?" Chrom asked.
"The same time as you. I've been with you all along." Kellam replied before worried asking. "Er, I AM still a Shepherd, right? It's quite the honor, after all. I'd hate to lose it."
"Of course, Kellam. Forgive us. You're just so… quiet." Chrom apologised.
"But enough of that, you couldn't have had better timing! You join Marcus and Frederick at the front."
Kellam walks to Marcus and greets him.
"You're Marcus right? I heard so much about you. It's nice to meet you."
"Same for you."
Robin then walks to the back of the Shepherds, where the rest of the Shepherds.
"Miriel! Virion! You join me behind the first line, we're giving the cover fire if anything goes downhill."
Both nodded at this, with Virion even laughing a bit.
"Sully! Stahl! Cover our flanks! We don't want anyone giving us any nasty surprises and keep yourself mobile. Chances are that they'll be trying to outmanoeuvre us through this blizzard."
Sully gave a war cry of approval while Stah just gave a then looks at Vaike.
"Where's Mikah?"
"Er, she said she needed to go back and grab something. She said that she left something important back at the campsite."
Robin sighed and massaged his forehead.
"Well, anyway, you hang back for now, help Sully and Stahl protect our flanks, okay?"
"No problem!" Vaike said while grasping his axe.
Robin walked to the front with Chrom, as the front line also followed. As soon as they reach the base of the fortress, a voice calls out.
"Halt! Who goes there?!"
"In the name of House Ylisse." Chrom called back. "I seek audience with the khans!
"Not another step, my bold lad! I've lancers at the ready!"
"Hold, milady! We are not your enemy! Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest."
"My only interest is keeping you out of Regna Ferox, brigand!" the armoured blonde shouted.
"B-brigand? Now see here—"
"This is already going downhill…" Marcus thought while sighing.
"You think you are the first "Ylisseans" to try and cross our border? I have the authority to fell such imposters where they stand." she boasted.
"How dare you!" Frederick growled "You are in the presence of Prince Chrom, the exalt's own blood!"
"Ha! Yes, indeed—and I'm the queen of Valm! You do realize impersonating royalty is a capital offense, yes?" the armoured woman paused before continuing. "Mmm… Then perhaps we should settle this the Feroxi way. You claim to be the prince of Ylisse? Then prove it on the battlefield!"
"Rgh... Emmeryn won't like this at all... Please, good lady! If you'd just listen…" Chrom said, vainly trying to reason.
"I've heard quite enough! Attack!"
Marcus immediately sees soldiers at the walls holding up their spears. He instinctively shouts.
"JAVELINS! TAKE COVER!"
All the shield-wielding soldiers hid under their shields, while the others just ducked. Javelins come raining down as Chrom stands helplessly. Marcus watches from under his shield, praying for Chrom's safety. But miraculously, a figure comes flying down from the sky, and snatches Chrom before he gets hit by any of the spears. Marcus looks to see Chrom being flown on a pegasus by Sumia. Marcus switches his attention back to the soldiers on the fort, he looks at his shield, which had a javelin stuck on it. Marcus had something special for the Feroxi and by God, he was going to give it.
Marcus takes the spear out of his shield. And THROWS it back at them. The Feroxi soldiers duck in fear, but realize that it didn't even hit them. But much to their horror, the javelin had buried itself in their wall, showcasing Marcus' great strength when angered.
"LET THAT BE THE BEGINNING!" Marcus shouted while raising his shield.
The rest of Shepherds shouted in excitement while Chrom and Sumia landed.
"Oh, Captain, I'm so relieved I made it in time."
"That goes double for me, Sumia! And this…" Chrom said before pausing to see the pegasus. "Is this the same ornery pegasus we met on the road?!
"Oh, she's a sweetheart, isn't she?" she said while stroking the pegasus. "Once you really get to know her…"
"Well, many thanks to you both."
"Let's focus on the situation at hand!" Marcus shouted.
The soldiers had immediate left the walls for some reason. Robin sighs in relief.
"Okay, the missile infantry has left and that makes our job much, much easier."
Marcus realised that his horse wasn't with Sumia.
"Sumia, where's Carlos!?"
"Err, about that…"
She's interrupted by screaming that can be heard at the far left of Marcus' side, Marcus and Robin rush to see that Carlos had already defeated the soldiers of the left flank. They see him send the last soldier flying into a wall before it rests. Sumia hides behind her pegasus as they see the horse run to Marcus.
"Whoa…" Marcus exclaimed.
"I swear to Naga, I think your mount is part demon." Robin commented.
"That's not even the weirdest part." Sumia added.
As soon as Carlos reaches Marcus, Sumia's pegasus begins to nuzzle the larger horse, annoying Carlos and making him back up. They watch as Carlos repeatedly tries to get farther from the pegasus, with the pegasus following him like a lovesick puppy. Marcus and Robin look at Sumia with a questioning look.
"I think my pegasus has a crush on Marcus' horse."
The rest of the Shepherds establish a safe zone at the left side. They comb the bodies for anything useful. Robin immediately finds the key to the gate and gives it to Chrom.
"So Robin, what's the plan? We have the key, so we can just storm from this side right?" Chrom asked.
Robin looked at the gate, which was blocking the way to a staircase.
"I hate to admit it, but it would be a fool's gamble to just try and take this gate only. We'll risk too many lives trying to take the castle from one side."
"So what do we do?" Marcus asked.
"We have to fight our way through the other side and take the gate over there. If we can take the gate over there, we can flank and surround the soldiers, to inspire surrender."
"Good thinking." Chrom complimented. "Who wants to volunteer?"
"We need a four-man group of the most capable soldiers here." Robin added.
Marcus raises his hand, Vaike and Kellam do the same too.
"Okay, Marcus, Vaike and Kellam, follow my lead." Robin said as he unsheathed his Bronze Sword.
The Shepherds listened closer to Robin's
"Okay, Marcus and Kellam will form our shield wall, they'll be protecting us from the pikemen stationed outside. As soon as they engage the spearmen, Vaike and I will flank around the pikemen and take care of them. Remember people, these are Feroxi soldiers, so if you plan on hurting anyone, make it light."
Robin now goes on to the next part of the plan.
"Once we clear the gate, I'll send a signal in the form of lightning, signalling them to storm the gate." Robin added before finishing. "Clear?"
Everyone gave a thumbs up. Marcus approaches Carlos and tells him.
"Keep everyone here safe, I'll be back."
The horse nods and joins Chrom's group.
Marcus and Kellam formed the front line and moved forward, protecting themselves with their shields. Vaike and Robin stayed hidden behind, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The pikemen immediately engaged Marcus and Kellam, with the armoured men taking advantage of their shields. Marcus immediately pushes forward, delaying the assault of his relentless opponent. Another swordsman comes in to help the pikemen, but Vaike comes out of cover and engages him. Robin begins charging his spell, with a strong spark coming from his hand.
"Storm clouds from the heaven above… Grant me the power… Bestow upon me, a heavenly force…" Robin said while charging.
"THORON!" Robin shouted, sending a strong lightning bolt that tears through his opponents.
The strike incapacitates the attackers, putting them on the ground. Robin breathes heavily, before nearly collapsing if it were not for Marcus.
"What sort of attack was that!?"
"Thoron…" Robin replied weakly. "An extremely strong version of the Thunder spell, found it in Miriel's book pile. Even though it nearly drained me, it was totally worth it…"
"Deus meus my friend, you're crazier than I thought." Marcus said while chuckling. "You still have enough energy to send the signal?"
"Still do. Does anyone have the keys to the gate?" Robin asked.
"Got them right here." Vaike said, shaking them.
"Okay, I'm going to send the signal."
Robin charges a small ball of lightning, before launching it to the air and making it explode, the brightness being seen from the other side.
"Okay! CHARGE!"
Marcus unlocks the gate and kicks it open, holding his shield up and shouting a war cry. Kellam follows behind with Vaike, who was hooting in excitement. They could see Chrom at the other side with his larger force, being held back by a larger force.
"Let's do this!"
An enemy knight tries to intercept them, but Robin points Vaike to him.
"Vaike! Intercept that knight! He has a spear and you have an axe, you have a good chance of beating him!"
Vaike screams as he ran towards the knight. The knight tries to stab him, but a preemptive strike from Vaike redirects the strike. The knight would be held back for awhile.
On the other side, Chrom was combatting a swordsman, while the knight and mercenary were taking on Sully and Stahl. Sumia and the rest were holding back reinforcements, who were coming from the staircase. Lissa stayed close to Carlos, who growled and kicked at any
A mercenary attempts to attack Robin, but Kellam stops him with his shield.
"Go! I'll take care of him!"
The blonde general notices them and sends five of her personal guard to intercept the two.
"Get those brigands! Aim for the armoured man!"
"Yes Captain Raimi!"
Marcus and Robin stop and plan their attack.
"Hey Marcus, I heard the people talk about your sword, how it absorbed lightning and relaunched it."
"It is true, what about it?" Marcus asked.
"Just follow my lead." Robin replied.
Marcus goes ahead as he charges at incoming warriors, a mercenary tries to hit Marcus with a downwards strike, but Marcus blocks the blow, and bashes the warrior with his shield. Another one tries to slash down on Marcus, but he uses his shield to catch the fighter off-guard. The fighter staggers before Marcus hits his stomach with the hilt of his sword.
"Look out!" Robin warned, pointing behind Marcus
Marcus turned around to see a spearman about to stab him, he dodges to the side, but he is then attacked by another two spearmen, who then surround him with the other spearman.
"Put your hands up, you've lost!"
Marcus puts his hands up while holding his sword up, also. He eyed Robin as Robin suddenly shouted.
"Marcus! Now!"
Robin shoots a lightning bolt just above Marcus. Marcus catches the bolt and begins to swing his sword as he spun downwards. The electricity radiates from his sword as he spirals down and hits his surrounding opponents with a lightning-augmented attack. The spinning attack leaves a bright light, which highlighted the trail of Marcus' attack. The attackers fell one by one as the electric sword made contact with each one of them.
Raimi grits her teeth as she goes forward to confront Marcus herself. She attempts to bash Marcus with her shield, but Marcus dodges and attempts to swipe at her, he narrowly hits her, wounding her face, making her angrier. She tries to cut Marcus, but she misses and instead hits the strap that connected Marcus' shield to his hand. The loss of his shield briefly puts Marcus off-guard and gives Raimi enough time to kick him, knocking him back.
"Not so tough without your shield now are ya!?" Raimi mocked.
Marcus breathes heavily as he begins to become more angry. He takes off his helmet, revealing a face of rage and anger. His sword still sparked from Robin's lightning bolt, he runs back in with even more rage. Raimi tries to stab him, but Marcus knocks the spear, redirecting the strike. She then tries to kick Marcus, but Marcus grabs her foot with his free hand and knocks her back. She gets on one knee as she tries to raise her shield in vain to defend herself. Still enraged, Marcus slashes down on her shield, the electric attack making an explosion while doing so, the force blowing up dust.
As the dust began to clear, Chrom and see the look of clear shock in Raimi's face as she blocked Marcus' strike. They look in horror to see that Raimi's shield had shattered under such intense abuse. She then grovels as Marcus puts his blade to her face.
Seeing their commander in such a defeated state, the other soldiers surrender and lay down their arms. Marcus, still wearing a fierce look in his eyes, says something unexpected.
"Get up." he said.
Raimi immediately obliges and gets up on her feet by herself. Before Marcus could do anything further, a voice from behind says.
"Well what do we have here?"
Marcus and Robin turn around to see Mikah, standing by the staircase, folding her arms and wearing a face of disapproval.
"I thought Flavia taught you to be more courteous Raimi."
Raimi immediately stands up and scowls at her.
"Shut up. These are trying times, and Prince Chrom has already proven himself to be the true prince."
Mikah sighed as she walked forward.
"I'll never understand the Feroxi way."
The Shepherds gathered to the center, still confused by Mikah's familiarity with the Feroxi Border Guard. Mikah looks around the fortress, seeing the injured and unconscious soldiers, she giggles, saying.
"Sorry everyone! If I had arrived earlier, this would all have been prevented." she said in a rather cute fashion, prompting the many men to blush. But Marcus was even more confused and approached her whispering.
"What the hell Mikah!? How do you even know these people?"
"Look, I'll explain when we get inside!" Mikah hissed.
Raimi then interrupts the conversation, bowing to the Shepherds.
"A thousand apologies milords! I truly took you for brigand impostors. But no frauds could ever wage a battle as you just have! I will send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally."
"Yes, thank you."
"If you would please follow me."
The Shepherds followed Raimi into the building, with Mikah walking by Raimi, annoying her as she went. Seeing this display made Marcus wonder Mikah's connection with Ferox
After setting down their belongings and mounts, the company walks through the halls of the Feroxi palace, which seemed to closely resemble a cross between a mead hall and a poor castle. Many soldiers who were training in the surrounding areas seemed to stop what they were doing and started staring at the Shepherds. Specifically at Mikah. Mikah had separated herself from the rest of the group and went to a small room, while Marcus put his helmet back on, as to hide any emotion on his face. As soon as they reach the entrance to the throne room, Chrom and his company enter while the others stay outside. Raimi then talks to Chrom.
"Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the khan." she said while bowing.
"Of course."
Raimi leaves.
"The khan is away?" Robin asked.
"Out training, I'd wager." Chrom commented. "The khans of Ferox prefer battle to politics. Or rather, battle IS their politics."
"A warrior ruler, eh? I can picture him now… A giant of a man of unparalleled thew, his broad chest covered in hair, heheh…"
"Am I now?" a dark-skinned woman asked. "Please, do go on!"
"Huh?" Robin wondered, his picture of the khan being shattered.
"You're the—" Chrom blurted before composing himself. "The East Khan I presume?"
"Yes, my name is Flavia. I do apologise for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom. You are welcome in Regna Ferox."
"Thank you, but I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us." Chrom replied before asking. "Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?"
"Yes. Those Plegian dogs! We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains. Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours."
"Damn them!" Chrom cursed before he corrected himself. "I… Forgive me, Your Grace. That was...indelicately put.
"Ha! Damn them and damn delicacy!" Flavia said while laughing. "Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech."
"In that case, you should have a word with your damn border guards…" Chrom muttered loud enough.
"Ha ha! Now that's Feroxi diplomacy! Yes, I like you already. I know why you have come, Prince. But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse."
"What?! Why not?!" Lissa asked in shock.
"I lack the authority." Flavia replied.
"Forgive me, but I don't understand." Chrom paused before asking. "Aren't you the khan?"
"As I said, I'm ONE of the khans. In Ferox, the khans of east and west hold a tournament every few years. The victor acquires total sovereignty over both kingdoms. And that means they have the final say when it comes to forging alliances. The West-Khan won the last tournament, you see, and so…"
"So we are to receive no aid at all?" Chrom asked, with dread in his voice.
"Not if you always give up so easily! The next tournament is nigh, you see, and I am in need of champions."
"What does that have to do with us?"
"The captain of my border guard informs me your Shepherds are quite capable. Perhaps you would consider representing the East in the upcoming tournament? If you win and I become ruling khan, I will grant your alliance."
Flavia then eyes Marcus.
"I'm particularly interested in what your friend here can do. I heard it all from the troops. A man with enough strength to plunge a javelin into a solid brick wall. A man with enough striking power too make a shield shatter under the sheer force."
She then turns back to Chrom.
"I have to admit, you really got some great soldiers." Flavia commented.
"So… are we good in the troops department?" a feminine voice asked.
Chrom and company turned to see Mikah, wearing different clothes than before. Instead of her dress, she wore a brown, long-sleeve short, with a iron chest plate with a groove to accommodate her bust size. She also wore brown trousers and was holding her helmet. This change of outfit catches Chrom and Robin's attention, who admire her new, warrior-like look.
"Everyone. I'm sure you're all familiar with Mikah, but just to add some more information, Mikah is one of my champions for the Feroxi tournament."
Everyone was in further shock.
"I knew she was skilled with a rapier, but gods, a champion!?" Chrom exclaimed.
"If you think you saw everything about her, then you're wrong." Flavia pointed out. "After her victorious debut in last year's duel, we had given her the arena name, Lady Lightning."
"Whoah… Really!? So she's pretty and is really good at fighting?" Lissa asked with her eyes shining.
"You don't know the half of it, as soon as she won, men had been throwing themselves to her feet."
Mikah rolled her eyes at this.
"Enough with the praise Flavia." Mikah interrupted. "Will the Shepherds suffice as your champions?"
"Well… About that… While you were gone, I found some other warriors to be our candidate champions."
"What?" Mikah asked blankly before fully processing the information. "WHAT!?"
"My troops had found a group of men who called themselves the Danes."
Mikah and Marcus suddenly perked up at the mention of a familiar name. They shared a glance as they wondered if it really was true.
"Danes? As in the Danish Vikings?"
"Why the hell are you asking me!? The men just came out of nowhere. If you want to see them for yourselves, they're in the training arena." Flavia replied before walking back to her quarters. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll just go hit the mead. Gods know I need it."
Flavia leaves the room, with Chrom and company leaving the room and meeting the rest of the Shepherds. Mikah leaves for the training arena while Chrom tells all the details of the meeting, and when he reaches the topic regarding the Danes, Vaike and Sully just sneer at the mention of another opponent.
"I'm sure those Danes are nothing compared to us! We could win this tournament with our eyes closed!" Vaike boasted while flexing his muscles.
"If Flavia had personally appointed these 'Danes', then they must be formidable." Chrom commented. "We shouldn't underestimate them."
"They are more than formidable, they're almost invincible." Marcus commented while leaning on nearby pillar.
"What do you mean invincible? What sort of warriors could these 'Danes' be?"
Marcus then gets off the pillar.
"The Danes are part of an even greater fighting force known as the Norse. If these Danes are like the ones I know, then that tournament is as good as won."
"They couldn't be that good!" Sumia exclaimed.
"When the rest of Europe had first met these Norse, they joined us in our cause against the Muslims, our great enemies. These Norse had sent their own fighting force to aid us in our Crusade."
"How powerful were they? How effective?" Robin asked.
"This 'Norweigan Crusade' was the most one-sided fight in the history of the Crusades, with the Norse winning every single battle."
The Shepherds were all slack-jawed at this. But Frederick still held his reservations.
"What proof do you have of this?"
Marcus sighed.
"Frederick, I know you're wary, but for our sake, do have some faith in me." Marcus nonchalantly said, prompting a scowl from Frederick. "Let's have a look in the training arena to prove my point."
They all head to the nearby arena, which was just across the corridor.
They all make it to the arena, where there was clearly some fighting going on. They see a very muscular man wearing a sleeveless tunic, wielding two hatchets. He had a shaved face, unlike his companions on the benches. He seemed to be fighting a bull as they circled each other.
"The Feroxi seem to have a Roman-like tradition of arena combat."
Marcus suddenly realizes that he forgot to ask Flavia about home, but he suddenly thinks deeper.
"Flavia is clearly not European, based on her skin colour and her lack of knowledge of the Danes. And the coat of arms clearly shares no resemblance with that of any European states. Christ, I don't think I'll find my answers here."
Marcus was deep in thought while the Shepherds had watched the spectacle. The man dual-wielding the hatchets taunts the bull, waving his arms in the air and shouting.
"Is he a fool!? Is he trying to get it to charge!?" Frederick exclaimed.
"Norse have always been risk-takers." Mikah commented, joining in.
The bull takes the bait and charges at the man. The man stays still as the bull thunders towards him. At the last second, the man sidesteps and barely dodges the bull, the bull hits the wall and becomes dizzy. The man takes advantage of the situation and plunges both of his hatchets into the bull, killing it. The Shepherds were thoroughly impressed buy the man's wits, but the spectators on the other side didn't seem to appreciate it.
"Coward! You dodged the strike! Rune Weaver is a leaver!" one man shouts.
The Shepherds seemed to be confused by the stupid point of view of the other warrior. But the warrior in the middle, Rune, replies.
"Up yours Bjorn!" Rune shot back. "You did worse than my grandma!"
"At least your grandma can fight!"
The Shepherds snickered at the comeback, except for Frederick and Miriel, who were still warily observing their opponents.
Marcus and Mikah heard the sound of thunderous laughter as both traced the source of the noise. He saw a large man enter the arena. Actually, large was an understatement, this man was almost a foot taller than Chrom, which clearly seemed to intimidate the Shepherds. The man was extremely muscular, with his large build being shown through his clothes
The man also wore a sleeveless tunic, but he wore a fur coat, with the thick hair covering his neck. He wore a dark gray iron helmet, with huge ram horns on each side.
"Alright, alright. That's enough." the tall man said. "It's my turn now."
Rune exits the arena and joins his companions, who were on the other side of the arena. The large man wielded a two-handed axe, with a blade on one side and a hammer on the other. The hammer-axe itself was almost as tall as Lissa, which didn't fail to terrify her.
But commotion can be heard from inside the gate, with many men screaming as they ran out and tried to close the gate. But a monster breaks out of the gate, a wyvern, with glowing red eyes that began to attack the retreating zookeepers. The wyvern gave off a flaming black and purple aura as it roared.
"Is that a Risen Wyvern!?" Chrom exclaimed in shock, horrified to see such a monstrosity.
"It's gonna kill them Chrom, we have to stop it!" Lissa exclaimed.
But the men on the other side were just chanting and hooting.
"Show him what you're made of Chief!"
"Go Chief Hagen!"
Marcus took note of that name.
"Why aren't they helping!?" Chrom asked, slightly outraged at the carelessness of the Norse.
"That's because they believe that their chieftain can kill it." Mikah added.
Chrom acknowledges this and returns back to his place, shocking Lissa and Robin.
"Why aren't we helping!?"
"We cannot let their faith in their leader go unrewarded." Chrom said. "It's a matter of honor."
Chrom and the Shepherds watched from afar as Hagen charged towards the bloodthirsty wyvern. The wyvern tries to bite Hagen, but he holds back its jaws with the handle of his hammer axe. As both wrestled and struggled for the upper hand, Chief Hagen punches the wyvern in the eye, making the creature let go of his hammer-axe. He then hits the beast with the blunt end of his hammer-axe. The wyvern gets stunned giving enough time for the chieftain to back up. The wyvern gets angry as soon as it regains its balance, it tries to charge at him, but the chief swings his hammer-axe at the wyvern, hitting it with hammer side and making an audible crack as the wyvern falls to the ground in pain.
The Shepherds were awestruck by the masterful blow. Since he had rather torn clothing that looked like rags, Frederick had assumed that the man would be more barbarian-like in his attack, swinging wildly without care or worry. Vaike and Sully nearly choked as they swallowed their pride. Chrom was completely blown away, how the man had dispatched the monster so quickly.
The wyvern falls to the ground, still breathing but unable to get up, Hagen walks to the beast, he raises his hammer-axe up almost finishing the creature off. But he notices that the creature's eyes no longer glowed with the same red glow of malevolence, he also notices the disappearance of its dark aura. He sets down his weapon and says.
"It is defeated. I win." he said in a low, gritty voice.
The rest of the Norse cheered as they came down to congratulate their leader. Feroxi soldiers arrive and drag the fallen wyvern back into the stables. Chief Hagen stops them, saying.
"I defeated the beast, it belongs to me." he said. "Get it healed and ready, and then bring it back to me.
The Feroxi did not argue as they brought the wyvern back into the cages. The Norse began to converse as one of the vikings asked.
"Chief, why are ye planning to bring it with ya anyway?" Rune asked.
"I'm planning to make it a gift for my wife." the chief said while laughing. "She's still asleep and most likely will get angry when she wakes up, so I would want to appease her with this fantastic creature."
"I think she'll be even angrier when she finds out that the Feroxi mistook her for a man." another viking added. "Speaking of which, why don't you join us in picking up some lovely Feroxi ladies?"
The chieftain immediately dismissed this.
"Bah! Only foolish youngsters would do something like womanising!" the chief said before raising a finger to prove a point. "You can leisure with women for all I care. I'll just be enjoying my time with my dear."
Hagen then sees one of his men wearing a cloth over his face. He chuckles and approaches him. He puts a hand on his shoulder.
"Still missing the beard Felix?"
"I just don't understand, why did they take my beard? I look like a goddamn baby now."
"Don't start acting like one. Come on, take off the mask."
The man takes off the cloth, revealing a very clean faced young man.
"He looks so handsome! Why is he hiding his face?" Lissa exclaimed while fawning over the clean and handsome young man.
The other girls nodded in agreement, which was a blow to the pride of the nearby men.
He gets on his knees and grovels in defeat as he screams.
"WHY!? My pride and joy of being a Viking! Gone!"
"It is a small price to pay for freedom."
The eleven Norse men were standing in a crowd as they were being addressed by a caretaker.
"Now, if you all want to fight for your freedom and for Khan Flavia." the caretaker said. "You'll have to shave your beards."
The men started shouting and getting angry as they spited the Feroxi.
"Are ya crazy!? I'm never getting rid of it!"
"We are proud to be Norse! We will never shave!"
Raimi immediately smashes her lance to the ground.
"Quiet!"
Raimi massages her forehead in frustration.
"Okay, how about a compromise? All men over twenty years of age will be exempted from shaving."
The vikings cheered.
"Now all men twenty years and above, stay by my left."
Nine of the Norse moved left, leaving behind only two men, Felix and Rune. While Rune was gritting his teeth as he saw the smug faces of his older peers, Felix was frightened and went on his knees.
"Please! Don't do this!"
"Don't be so dramatic." Chief Hagen scolded. "And besides, our fight is not over yet."
The nine other men stopped celebrating as soon as they heard those words.
"What?"
Chief Hagen pointed to the spectating Shepherds, who gulped as soon as he noticed them.
"Our competition has arrived."
Both parties stare each other down as Flavia suddenly came out and shouted.
"Oh! This is going to be good!"
Anyway, that was thing.
So yeah, I kinda backed out on opening Chief Hagen for pairings. Why, you ask? Well it's a funny story.
Basically, I watched Samurai Jack and then I remembered the Scotsman, strong, brave, but the best part about him was how loyal he was to his wife. I wanted to incorporate something like that into Hagen, so I did just that and added his unnamed wife into the crew.
But I did make up for it by adding the younger Rune and Felix, who won't be important characters. Not important, meaning that they won't make much story impact and are just there to add personality to the Vikings.
Take note that I'll only be concentrating on the Vikings if something ever involves Ferox. But that will make the Valm arc a nightmare, so I'll handpick a few characters in or out, but it will still be Marcus-centric.
Now for the reviews,
UnitedOsprey1991 - Marcus is okay with Vikings, if you read on history, 11th century Vikings actually contributed to the Crusader's cause, read on the Norwegian Crusade
Rainsfere - Chief Hagen is a nonchalant, gruff and fight-loving man, that part of your guess is correct. He is also a loyal husband to his wife, a brother-figure to his men and a great leader among his subordinates.
Kjelle x Marcus - Meh.
Panne x Marcus - Meh.
Lucina x Marcus - Can be explored
Emmeryn x Marcus - Hmmm… I'll have to think about this.
Sing praises and psalms to the great William Wallace, for the Highlander will soon be added.
By the way, here are the official OC ages.
Marcus - 18 (You knew that)
Mikah - 18 (You also knew that)
Hagen - 33
Rune - 19
Felix - 19
Julia aka the Griffon rider - 17
Lastly, here are some questions.
1. I know you already answered this but, should I add a child character for each Earth character?
2. Do you want any of the Viking characters to accompany the Shepherds when they leave Ferox?
3. Hypothetically, if I were to make an FE Fates story, would you want Marcus to return? Or would you want a completely new character?
4. Do you want any other Earth characters to pair with the FE characters?
5. Choose which warrior you like the most.
Knight
Viking
Samurai
Mongol
Spartan
Winged Hussar
6. Do you want bigger battles in the future?
Fire Emblem battles more like small engagements rather than full-blown battles. In the future, I would like to take things up a notch, maybe a more Total War-like feeling. This does not mean that I won't be concentrating on the main characters during a fight, I just want to scale the battle from ten soldiers to a hundred soldiers. For example,
When fighting in the Endgame Chapter, you go up against about twenty soldiers with unlimited spawning or something like that, and you only fight on Grima's back.
Let's up the stakes.
Firstly, I would add a huge army of Risen to follow Grima on the ground. This ground force of undead will be heading for Ylisse and another army will try and hold them off until Grima is defeated. That way, we can switch scenes to see what's going on at the same time and to make the situation feel more dire.
That's all I have for today, so leave a review!