Rant of the Chapter: (Yes, this is now a regular feature) It has taken thousands, if not millions of years for the English language to progress to this point. And it has taken less than 10 years for it to devolve into this fowl mockery that is used today. You know what I'm talking about, or rather, "u knw wh4t I'm t4lk3n bout n00b". And that was a toned down version of this fowl parody that is now so common amongst us. Now, I realise that it is sometimes necessary, bandwidth limitations and Text message costs, but on a personal letter? Or in a English essay? Damnit, I'm proud of my home tongue, and I'm sure the great literary greats are turning in their graves to see how we have ruined our proud language.
Ahem, now that that's out of my system, onto the reviews. Wow! Look at the number of them! I should bitch about my reviews more often.
Sara Jaye- If anything, Merlinus would be mortified about Rei. He may not be as eccentric as Nino, but he has a sharp tongue that is prone to sarcasm and sharp comments. Poor Merlinus is in for hell when they Meet up with Rei! BWAHAHA!
Snowyiji- Lilina will make her appearance in the next chapter (Yay!). The game sort of goes into how Hector dies: He died from the injuries he received in the fight for Araphen Castle, as well as maltreatment he got from Zephiel and Narshen.
Mandy: Glad you think so. I think the hardest part about this story is making sure everyone is in character, and It's always heartening to hear that I'm doing a good job of it. It also doesn't help that the game is in Japanese. It's good to hear your opinion on the LughxElen pairing, but I have to say that there are many good pairings where one person is much older than the other. Jaffar and Nino, for example, or even Eliwood and Ninian. I mean, she's how old? A thousand years maybe? Yeah, I know that dragons age differently, but I'm trying to make a point here.
GunpowderWizard/ChickenSage: ... I really don't know how to reply to this. First- Randomness is good. Second- Glad you enjoy the fic. Making fun of Merlinus is fun, and we should all do it some time in our lives. Third- Hope you've beaten the "Overgrown Space Lizard" by now. If not, then perhaps you need to play something else, or go missile hunting or something. Fourth- Here Kraid, have some annoying people from my class. No, It's OK, you can munch on them as much as you want.
Urei Sachi: Thanks for the review, I'm glad that you think my style is all right. And the fact that your enjoying this even though you've never played Fuuin no Tsurugi is really inspiring for me. Hope you keep reading!
Hikari: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Thanks for giving yours, but as mentioned before, I'm not much of a shonen-ai fan, so don't expect any pairings of that sort in this fic.
Rosa Aquafire: Welcome back! Glad you like it so far.
Lack Thereof: Heh, I think that if Merlinus was a crayon, he'd be black. I'm going to have so much fun torturing him later. He he he... Ahem, unfortunately Hugh will not be turning up in this chapter. But I promise that he'll be turning up soon. Hugh rocks.
Stuck-in-a-tree: Not all the into. I made a lot of the stuff up, such as Matthew being Chad's father and the like. Let's hope that I don't quit writing this, but who knows...
Whew... Well, after much waiting here is the next chapter.
Disclaimer: If I had the time, I would go out and slaughter the CEO of Intelligent Systems and demand to be made the MASTER of Fire Emblem, but I've got exams coming up... Maybe next school holidays... But until then, I still do not own Fire Emblem.
The Saga of the Discarded
A Fire Emblem fanfic by Kiri-Ryu
Chapter Six: Seeking Legends
Rei
Dragons.
Mythical creatures of legend. It was said that they were so powerful, that one dragon alone could lay waste to an entire army. It was also said that they brimmed with magical power, and only the most powerful and knowledgeable humans could even think of trying to learn their spells.
I learned about dragons from Father and the many tales in books that he had in the orphanage. In my youth, I had thought of them as amusing stories. But now, I see them as a vast source of power, just waiting to be tapped into.
The cup of tea was set in front of me, and I thanked the serving girl, flipping her a gold coin. After she moved off, I picked up my cup and took a light sip.
My searches had lead me to Aquleia, the capital of Etruria, and to it's great libraries. If there was any books which had information on the dragons, then it should have been here. But, after weeks of combing through the tomes of all the Libraries here, all I had were a bunch of legends. I was annoyed to no end, but I did not expect my search to yield results to me so easily. No, to find useful information about dragon magic would require more... Unusual methods.
'Sorry I'm late.' A voice that could only be described as sounding like a ferret that had been stood on came from behind me. I did not turn as my associate walked up to me. He took a seat opposite me.
'Sorry? I doubt you even know the meaning of the word. You only use it for polite conversation.' I snorted, taking another sip of tea.
'You're a very pessimistic person aren't you?' He noted.
'Perhaps, or maybe I just simply tell it how it is.'
'Perhaps...' The man raised his fingers and waved the serving girl over, then ordered something from the menu. She bowed, then moved inside to tell the chef of his order. 'I've managed to get some information for you.' He said after a while.
'I'm listening.' I raised my cup once again.
'I haven't been able to find any information in the location of Arcadia, tho-'
'If that's the case, then you've failed me.' I glared at him.
'Hold on! St Emiline, you're bloody impatient aren't you? I was going to say that I've got information on where you can find actual dragons.'
'Actual dragons?' I raised an eyebrow. 'Ones outside of Arcadia?'
'Yup. Turns out that Bern is resurrecting them for the war that they've started. And I'm not talking about their wyverns either. I'm talking real, fire-breathing dragons.'
'A rumour.' I sighed. 'I knew that hiring you was a bad idea. I send you out to find information on the dragons of Arcadia, and you give me a rumour of Bern's war.'
'It's not a rumour! People have seen the dragons, have watched as their houses were burned down by creatures too big to be believed.'
'It's still not what I asked for.' I glared at him, folding my arms over my chest. 'I specifically asked for information about Arcadia, and I paid you to seek out that information. I told you that I wouldn't settle for anything less and you give me second rate information that probably is circulating around cheap taverns as we speak. I had expected you to do better than this.'
'Snot-nosed little brat!' He stood up suddenly. 'I work my arse off trying to get information on a bloody legendary city that no-one knows the location of, then upon failing that go for the next best thing, and you just shove it back in my face! Do you think my job is easy or something? Tramping around the country side, looking for fragments of legends and shit? If you want to find your legendary Arcadia, I suggest that you take a fucking long walk to Nabata and start bloody looking!'
'... Perhaps,' I said calmly, unfazed by his outburst. 'I may have been too hasty in discrediting the usefulness of the information you have supplied me with.' I reached to the money pouch that hung at my side. I carefully counted out 22 gold pieces and placed them before him. 'Half the negotiated price, since you didn't get me the exact information that I wanted.'
'Cheers.' He sat down again, then pocketed the money. 'That was all I was asking for. Ah, here comes my meal.' He raised his left hand and waved over the serving girl. She placed his order on the table, then bowed and walked off. With a voracious appetite, he began wolfing down the food in front of him. Disgusting. I finished my tea as quickly as possible without sculling it down.
'I must be going now' I stood up. 'I won't say it's been a pleasure, since that would be lying. But I will say that is has been slightly beneficial.'
'Meh, whatever.' He said between mouthfuls. I moved off quickly, wanting to be as far away from that poor excuse for a man as fast as possible. Both because his weasel-like appearance was sickening me as well as the fact that I left him with my bill. It was petty, but so was demanding payment when you didn't do what was assigned to you. Although... Perhaps what he gave might prove useful. But going to Bern would be a last resort. There were other places I had to check out.
The cart rolled on endlessly, gently rocking as it moved down the road. I dozed in the late afternoon sun. I had hired myself out as a guard, and the merchant I was with was heading towards my destination. According to information I had found, there were two people still alive that know the location of Arcadia. One of them kept his location hidden from the outside world, but the other was quite public, and rumours of him flooded through Aquleia almost daily. So, my searches lead me to Reglay, a territory south of Aquleia. And if I was lucky, I would be able to meet with the legendary Lord Pent. The sole student of the Archsage Athos.
'Rei, wake up.' The merchant I was with nudged me to consciousness. I blinked, then rose up so that I was sitting.
'What's the problem?' I asked him
'I might be needing your expertise soon. Look at the rock cropping to our left.'
I stood up, then squinted, trying to see past the stone cropping. Sure enough, the top of someone's head stuck out from behind it. I smirked, then adjusted myself into a spell casting position. I watched, waiting for the cowardly bandits to arise and attack. As we passed the outcropping, there was a yell of fury, and five well-built men rushed towards the cart. My smirk widened, and I began to chant.
I find than whenever I use my powers, I lose myself in the casting. So absolute is my concentration in casting the spell that everything else washes away in insignificance. My hands and arms move in intricate patterns, and I speak the words of a long forgotten language. Then, the exhilaration of the spell going off. The world returns to me, and I watch the labours of my casting come to fruition.
A wave of darkness streaked towards the bandits, smothering them. They scream wordlessly, then they start to suffocate.
'Drive on.' I told my employer, who nodded and flicked the reins. I watched the bandits struggle for a bit longer, then I returned to dozing in the sun, waiting for the cart to reach it's destination.
In comparison to Aquleia, the capital of Reglay was a small place. But it was still a city of epic proportions, and I could tell that it was well kept. The streets were clean, and people walked happily down the streets.
I walked casually along the road, taking in all the sights. I had been paid for my services, so I was free to wander the city. I brushed past other people, catching fragments of conversations that had nothing to do with me. I felt strangely at peace here, it was more laid-back than the rest of Etruria. Lugh would have liked it here... No, I shall not think of the life I left behind. There was nothing there for me now, my destiny lie ahead in the splendor of Arcadia, not in a washed-out old Orphanage. And anyway, Lugh, Father and the others were probably doing better without me.
I wove my way through the streets until the I was able to see the towers of Castle Reglay. Within was Lord Pent, and the knowledge of the location of Arcadia. From the rumours that I have heard of Lord Pent, he readily gives audience to his guests. My odds of finding my destination were looking brighter and brighter every minute. I reached the gates of the Castle, and I strode forward with purpose and confidence.
'Excuse me young man, where do you think you're going?' Two lances crossed and barred my path. I stopped and glared at the two guards.
'State your name and reason for coming to castle Reglay.' Said one of the guards.
'Rei, I'm here to discuss an important matter with the Count.' I told them simply and truthfully.
'You think he'll give just anyone admittance?' The other guard sneered. 'He's a busy man, you know, without having to see children who think that they-'
'By St. Emiline!' A feminine voice floated out from the garden, and I watched as a woman rushed towards us. She was dressed in fine but practical clothes, which included a set of gardening gloves that had recently been stained with dirt. She had long blond hair which was tied into a braid behind her. It was silvering with age, but it gave her more of a regal and knowledgeable appearance. I guessed that she was in her mid-forties. She reached the guards and started chastising them. Confusion overwhelmed me. Just who was this woman, and why was she sticking up for me?
'Sorry about that.' She smiled lightly. 'But the guards are getting a bit edgy with the Bern war escalating. There are rumors of Bern preparing to attack Etruria, but somehow I don't think we have to worry. But come in! St Emiline, Lord Pent will be so surprised when he sees what the wind has brought to us!' She escorted me to the castle, then showed me to an unoccupied room. Everything was happening so fast, I wasn't able to put together a coherent thought, let alone say something in protest. I was shown to a spare room, where the woman finally relented and left me to wonder what just happened. Somehow, not only was I admitted into Castle Reglay, but I was now an honoured guest.
Still trying to organise my thoughts, I looked at the room that I had been forced into. It was a reasonable size, and was well-furnished with a large, four-poster bed, a bookshelf, a study-desk and a rug. There was a window to the left of the room, and outside I could see the magnificent gardens that surrounded the castle. It seemed a peaceful and carefree place, and a place where I would not mind staying for a while, if I did not have much more pressing matters. I placed my belongings beside the bed, then I exited the room. The hallways were neat, and torches lined the wall. Servants whisked around, performing their chores to keep the castle clean and running.
I tapped a passing servant girl on the shoulder, and inquired about the location of Lord Pent. She smiled at me, then pointed to the courtyard, telling me that during this time of day, he was usually having afternoon tea in the gardens. I nodded my thanks, and moved of to where she indicated. I wove my way through the maze of hallways, until I once again found myself in the spectacular gardens of Castle Reglay. I looked around, trying to locate the Count. After a few minutes of walking around, I managed to find him. He was not as magnificent at the rumours claimed him to be, but he had a regal look to him, one that could only be obtained by being born of nobility. His long silver hair was tied into a tail, which hung to his mid-back. He sat cross-legged at a garden table with a cup of tea sitting in front of him, and he was deeply engrossed in a thick tome which lay in his lap.
'Excuse me,' I asked politely. 'Would you happen to be lord Pent?'
The man jumped, then turned to face me. A look of surprise crossed his face. 'St Emiline...' He whispered under his breath, before dog-earing the page of his book and placing it on the table.
'Yes, I'm Lord Pent.' He confirmed, still looking at me in wonder. 'And, who might you be?'
'Rei.' I told him simply.
'Well then, well met Rei.' He smiled pleasantly at me. 'Please, take a seat.' He gestured to one of the chairs beside the table. I moved over and seated myself, noting that he watched my movements as I did so.
'So then, what brings you to Castle Reglay?' He asked as soon as I had sat down.
'I need to ask you something' I told him simply.
'Oh?' He raised an eyebrow and lifted his cup of tea to lips.
'I need to know the location of Arcadia'
The Count of Reglay spluttered, half-choking on his tea. After regaining his breath he turned to me in disbelief. 'Arcadia?' He exclaimed. 'What possible business could you have there!'
'I require... Information.' I said hesitantly. I wonder if he would be willing to help me if he knew that I was after the knowledge of the dragons that nested there? 'Information that cannot be acquired anywhere else.'
'Are you sure you've checked everywhere? The great libraries of Aquleia hold vast amounts of knowledge. And if there is truly nothing there, then the collections of Ostia and Bern are quite impressive. I could recommend you a number of places that don't involve going to the hidden city!'
'Please,' I sighed irritably. Did he think that I would come to him first, begging for him to reveal the location to me? No, this was a last ditch resort, something to ask after I had spent all my resources trying to discern the location myself. 'I have combed through the libraries of many great cities, Aquleia included, and none of them had the information I require.'
'Surely...' Pent trailed off. He placed his chin in his hands, and looked me squarely in the eyes. His violet eyes drilled into me, and he spoke somberly. 'Rei, are you after the books and notes of Athos?'
'No, I do not intend to pilfer or copy the writings of Athos.' Why bother? Athos specialised in Anima magic. Though he did dabble in the dark arts, his notes and recordings were not significant enough for me to become interested.
'The dragons then.' Pent continued his accusations.
'It would be grand to see such magnificent beasts, but the are not what I'm truly after.' It was a half truth. I'm not after the dragons themselves, just what they know.
Pent sighed and rubbed his temples. After a moment of silence, he drew in a deep breath. 'I'm sorry Rei, but I cannot tell you where Arcadia lies. And before you protest,' He spoke quickly, cutting me off. 'It's not because that I'm distrustful of you. Quite the opposite! I knew your parents well, and from what little I've observed you seem to be a trustworthy person. But this is a decision I made a long time ago, with both the Archsage and the Protector of the desert. The city must be hidden from the public, in case someone tries to exploit the power that is contained there.'
I fumed silently for a while. To have come so close! Only to be turned away because they were afraid that Arcadia would be tainted by outsiders. But I kept my anger inside, and put on a pleasant, or at least indifferent, expression on my face.
'I understand, although I am a bit bitter about it.' I told him. 'Still, it is quite-'
'Pent, you'll never guess- Oh!' I turned to see the woman from before. She had changed into something less soil-stained. She stopped and looked at us. 'I see you're already become aquatinted.' She said with a smile.
'Yes, Rei was inquiring about some important matters.' Pent smiled fondly at the woman. I summarised that this was the lady Louise, Pent's wife and an archer of no little skill.
'So that's his name. I never caught it when I met him at the gates. But he looks so much like his parents, that I just knew who he was straight away.' She smiled at me, and I found myself once again swept away by her words.
'Well then, how about we show our guest around the castle? I'm sure he would just love to see everything.' Pent rose and picked up the book he had been reading before. I too rose, and followed the two nobles.
Dawn rose, and I packed up my things. There was no use in me staying any longer than I had to. The Count and Countess had been kind, and had treated me fairly and compassionately. I had longed to leave and continue with my journey, since there was nothing for me here. But they had insisted on me staying the night. Eventually, I relented, agreeing to rest here for a night before I set off.
Being of a curious nature, Pent and Louise had inquired about my life, and were thoroughly shocked to find out that I had been an orphan since I was four. As if to compensate for my ill fortune, they told me about my true parents. I had been surprised to find out that my mother was an Anima Mage, and one of great power too. When it came to my father, they gave out information about him hesitantly, as if there was something about him that they felt that needed to be hidden from me. Eventually, the night had grown long and we were forced to retire.
When dawn had risen, I packed my things and prepared to set out once again. Arcadia was temporarily out of my reach, but that did not deter me. I walked silently through the castle, trying not to wake anybody. I finally reached the gates, where I nodded farewell to the guards that had been posted. I then focused my sights eastward to my next destination.
To Bern.
Finally, It's done! I'm not happy with it, but there's not much I can do about it. I've been stuck on this chapter for ages, and I want to proceed with the plot. I'll probably end up rewriting this later.
Chapter 7: The Ostian Rebellion (Chad's POV)
R&R please!