FE: Realm of Darkness

Chapter 6

Maxmagnus20019:Thanks so much for all your comments throughout the updates! Your probably this story's biggest fan right now!

Chronostorm: I am going to use some FE 10 characters don't you worry. The ones I have in mind are really to thicken the drama and character development, so I hope you're lookin' foward to it!

!FE Disclaimer!

The morning after the festivities, preparations for Ike and company's departure was underway. Ike requested at the meeting with the Apostle that he be called Ekelion Vardet(1) by all escorts and companions. He explained that it was best to not advertise his old title since it would cause unwanted attention and possible panic among the civilians. Apostle Sanaki agreed reluctantly, commenting that if Tellius wasn't recovering from the war that the journey would go much quicker.

"Now, about those who will be going with you," Sanaki murmured as she waved forward the warriors who were standing off to one side from both Ike and her. "These three have requested to accompany you."

The young swordsman turned to see Titania, Oscar and Boyd march forward a few steps. He smiled at all three who did the same. It was good to travel again with people whom he could trust and be comfortable around. Was this what Mist missed from their old mercenary life? Had he?

"Thanks for coming with me." he said. Both Oscar and Titania beamed; Boyd laughed aloud.

"We should be thanking you Ike! All this lazing about the castle during peacetime is rather boring, you know what I mean? Finally getting out into the country like the old days is better then rotting here!" exclaimed Boyd who pumped a fisted hand into the air above his head. He faltered however from the withering glare that Titania was giving him.

Laughing, Ike turned back towards the Apostle who was receiving a silver goblet from Sephiran.

"Several escorts from both Begnion and Daein have been assigned to guide you. Sufficient funds and rations will be supplied to Master Soren and horses borrowed from Crimea are also being lent. That was your requested transportation was it not?"

"Ah, it was," said Ike as he bowed low to the Apostle. Hearing Crimea's name reminded him that the queen who had left not long ago. She wished them well and hoped they would get together again. "Thank you for all this. I just have one curious inquiry."

The Apostle was sipping out of her goblet. She waved her free hand for him to continue.

"Is there another reason you are sending us on this quest besides enlarging your maps?"

All that were gathered in the room winced visibly. Slowly, Sanaki lowered her goblet to face him with raised eyebrows. "Excuse me?" she asked coolly.

Everyone seemed to hold their breath as the Apostle and Ike stared at each other. It was the swordsman who bowed his head and knelt down on one knee once more. "Forgive me, that was an unjust question."

"Indeed. Now, about the mages I want to go with you..."

Soren bit back a nagging yawn as he stared at the five young mages lined up in front of him. Dressed in a thin, emerald sage robe over a white undershirt, the sage looked more wide awake then in reality, having been woken up just an hour before. Besides enjoying sleeping in while residing in Gallia, Soren never was one for being late to important affairs. That included rushing about in the morning just to get dressed to meet with the Apostle's mages she had assigned to him so they further their education, and possibly to keep tabs on them.

Although she didn't doubt their ability to defend themselves, the Apostle ordered that they take mages with them in case of hostile laguz. No matter how gracious she was, he and Ike had their suspicions of her reasons. He personally felt that she was giving them all different tasks to keep them busy, but from what was not clear yet.

And if they ever found out, would it have been better to be ignorant or not? Reaching up to massage the bridge of his nose, Soren didn't see the hesitant biting of one mage's lip.

"Um...Master Soren?" asked a male blue haired mage with glasses.

Since he had closed his eyes, the sage's sharp ears heard the hesitance in the young man's voice. All other prejudices aside, Ike's annoyance with the nobles' title system was shared with both Mist and himself. Blinking his deep red eyes at the five young mages before him, he wondered if he wasn't stretching himself a bit thin with all the jobs he was taking on.

"What is it?"

"Is it...um...true that you studied under Bishop Sephiran?"

Crossing his arms with a sigh, Soren met the young mage's shy gaze. "And your name is?"

"Twier, sir. Bishop Sephiran doesn't-"

"I studied with him for a time on tangible elements and history of arcane users. Last time I knew, a pupil's sole job was to listen and learn, not to babble about nonsense that I don't really care about. The Apostle dumped you all in my charge and as such, you are to learn from me." he snapped with annoyance. Glaring, he walked toward Twier who was staring blanking forward.

"Lesson number one: don't annoy me with foolish questions."

A creak and a footstep. Tilting his head, Soren heard the door behind him push open. The sudden happy gleam in the eyes of the mages told him it was not a servant but perhaps one of their former teachers.

"But here in Mainal Cathedral, all our mages are first taught to question. No matter how curious or," said a clipped, female voice as he turned around to meet narrowed black eyes. "foolish they sound."

Immediately, Soren felt his frown deepen. A woman who was leaning against the door frame of the room, staring back at him with barely hidden irritation. The scent of her clothes smelled familiar but he could not fathom how. Not to mention the color of her hair! He had never seen such a combination of blue and dark purple before.

"Lady Tyna!" several of the mages exclaimed happily. The woman just smiled tightly but her eyes did not leave him. How very curious.

"Tyna? Odd name." he murmured in a bored tone, turned his head to face her but not his full body. He didn't feel like moving just to acknowledge her presence just yet.

She glared at him. "I'm not native to this reason. I ask you not to judge these young men for they way they have been taught. We do things differently here in the city then you do in the country."

"What are you annoyed at me for?" he demanded, placing a hand on his waist. Did she not know he was trained by one of the most influential nobles in Begnion? Clearly she was not very educated, despite what he was told about her being Elincia's personal attendant. That position in and of itself was difficult to achieve and was very rare for the queen to limit to just one person.

"You pushed past me, with enough force to cause me to limp for a few hours. Do you not remember?" she demanded, eyes flashing as her irritation changed to anger. He was sure she would not attack him but he kept his better hand free in case he had to intercept any flashes of light or bursts of flame.

"Ah, that was you? Terribly sorry but compared to the situation at that time, your well being wasn't as important as that of a small laguz."

Her mouth fell open in shock, as did the rest of the mages' from his stark and rude replies. It was the truth though and he was not going to be easy on anyone who wanted to pick a fight, even this woman who stood before him. So he bruised her a little, that was nothing compared to what would happen had he used his full strength.

"If that is all, then our introductions have passed us. Well, what are you waiting for? Report."

She seemed to have been caught off guard for her face twisted in confusion. Three of the mages watching them looked rather offended. "Report? What are you-"

"Why else would you be here? Are the horses packed with food and supplies? Is Master Vardet's meeting over with the Apostle? If you are the same Tyna that was mentioned to me earlier, then you must be my new ward and personal assistant, right?"

At the last question, Soren couldn't help but smirk. Tyna may be mad at him, but she would soon learn that he issued orders and only accepted obedience in return.

It was time to depart. Mist wasn't sure she could feel any more happy. That morning's events were rather tiring and time consuming but with all the servants helping, preparations went smoothly. Ike told her that Titania, Oscar and Boyd would be joining them. She had asked whatever happened to Rolf, and he said that he was around traveling with Shinon.

"I wonder if that was such a good idea," she mused to herself as she continued to brush her mare, Rummi. Syris was in laguz form sitting on her saddle, bundled up in her cloak. Every so often she would shake her head, causing the necklace about her furry neck to bob up and down. She along with the rest of their group were waiting for her brother and the Apostle to join them so they could leave.

Boyd avoided her like a laguz ready to cut his throat. Ever since her insults at him last eve, he would glare at her for a moment then avert his gaze. The more he ignored her, the more guilty she felt. In a way it was childish to tease him instead of praising him...for what? Staying alive for so long? Not changing at all? Her mare tossed her long brown tail and nickered. Mist in reply patted her neck.

"Mist?"

She turned to see Soren walking towards her. Patting the brush she was using against her palm, she smiled her friend. "Yes?"

"We'll probably be walking our mounts for the first few hours. Do you have everything?" he asked as a certain colored haired mage appeared behind him. Tyna appeared to be seething for her eyes were narrowed dots of black and her shoulders were trembling.

"Yes, I'm sure. Is everything alright, Tyna?" asked Mist with concern as she blinked towards Soren with suspicion. The female mage didn't say anything but gave one curt nod. Soren nodded as well to Mist before walking past her to their horses. Mist shook her head. She had a feeling Soren was not going to be easy on his new ward or the mages in his charge.

"It looks like everything is in order."said Ike suddenly, who was walking down the steps from the cathedral with the Apostle and her retainers to his right.

Apostle Sanaki seemed to scrunch her nose in annoyance as she glanced at the swordsman again.

"Are you sure you want to use that name and all that the title brings with it? Your old ranking as Crimea's general could accomplish things much faster."

Ike just shook his head, turned towards the Apostle and bowed low to her. Everyone else in the company followed suit. Straightening himself again, he met her gaze with confident blue eyes.

"Until we return, Apostle." he said, then turned with his back to her. In one swift movement, he firmly grasped the reins of his mount and was trotting to the head of the company. Sanaki watched as he exchanged words with Soren then gave a shrill whistle. The company as one began to move on foot towards the northern gate of Begnion's capital; towards Daein.

It wasn't until they were way out of sight that the Apostle turned around to enter the cathedral again. Sephiran appeared to her left and lowered himself to her ear.

"Apostle, are you sure this was a good idea?" She smirked, only Sephiran would be so bold as to question her decisions.

"Sephiran, this is the best alternative. " she relied in a steely tone.

"Ike is already suspicious," murmured Nasir from her right. "Surely they will figure things out and demand explanations."

Sanaki just shook her head and tugged her heavy robes higher to ascend the stairs easier.

"Even so, their findings are crucial to Tellius. Queen Crimea may be reluctant to do so but I will not hesitate to sacrifice them."

Behind her, Nasir and Sephiran exchanged a look of concern as they kept apace with the young ruler.

Tsuzuku!

Aiya that was intense, or is it just me? Another chapter up! Looking forwards to those delicious and juicy reviews!

Oh yeah!

A/n: Ekelion Vardet(1): Ehk-eel-eon Var-debt; Ike's new alias. More will be revealed later of its rank and background that the Apostle has given him.

-Kitani