This story is rated (NC-17) M for violence, language and sexual content.
Disclaimer: Intelligent Systems owns Fire Emblem. I own this fanfic.
Fire Emblem: Legend Of The Chaos Hero
Book One: In The Grip Of Hatred
By Chaos Hero Mark
Chapter IV: Bitter Reunion
"Over two months have passed since we left. We finally made it to the lost continent, Olympia. I pray that the nation of Trivalon will meet us not, with hostility. Regardless, we had to be prepared for any danger awaiting us. As for me, I wanted answers from him. Mark..."
Aboard the ship, near the side edges, Dart and Geitz were deep in conversation, when Fargus came up to them. He had a worried look on his face.
"Boys! Hav' yer seen Jack? I can't seem ta find him."
Dart was scratching the back of his neck nervously as Geitz answered him, trying to keep himself from panicking. "Sorry captain. We haven't er... seen him lately."
"Yer sure?" Fargus narrowed his eyes at them.
"Yeah. Why da ya ask, capt'n?" Dart muttered.
Fargus was irritated. "Whadya mean, why do I ask?!" As he turned and left. "Bah! Dat toad had bet'er not be throwin' himself of me ship again!"
When they saw Fargus was out of earshot, Geitz panicked at Dart. "Hey, if Fargus finds out, I'm not taking the fall for this one."
He raised his eyebrow at Geitz and said. "Whadya so worried about? Da capt'n ain't gonna find out!"
As Geitz was leaving, he turned and pointed to Dart. "That's easy for you to say. Like I said, I ain't taking the fall for this one."
When Geitz left, Dart shook his head and waved his right hand passively at Geitz as he returned to his duties. Lucius and Priscilla were speaking in depth about the wedding. Guy and Rath were staring at the ocean as the Swordmaster was telling him about their wedding plans. Elsewhere, Raven and Karel were helping Fargus look for Candel Jack. Raven intends to have a few words with him, but Karel intends to murder him regardless. Near the barn below deck, Florina and Lyn were in conversation.
"So, did Sain ask you already?"
"Ly... Lyndis!" Florina stammered.
"I'm sorry." Lyndis held up both her hands to appease her short friend. "I just wanted to know if things were okay between you two."
"Well things are." Florina pouted. She remembered her first meeting with the flirtious Cavalier. Even though he meant no harm, she was afraid of men at the time. As the time passed, she became less uncomfortable around men. It took a quite some time for Florina to be comfortable around Sain, but falling for him was unexpected.
"Are you sure?" Lyn had her eyebrow raised. She wanted to make sure that Sain wasn't back to his old ways.
"Lyn. He's been loyal and faithful to me." She pouted. "I know you're worried about me, but Sain's a good man. I even made sure he had eyes for no other woman but me."
"Good." Lyn frowned at that point. "I'll show him no mercy if he hurts you in any way."
Florina covered her mouth with her hands and said. "Lyndis, aren't you taking this a bit too seriously?"
She shut her eyes and whispered. "Sorry. I just never thought that someone like Sain would fall for you."
"Lyn, are you okay?" Florina looked at her with concern.
She opened her eyes, looked at Florina and smiled. "Yes, I am."
Huey leaned forward from his space and licked the Sacaen swordswoman across the cheek. Lyn shrieked and laughed at the same time. Florina was shocked and scold at the pegasus.
"Huey! That was a bad thing you did! I'm so sorry Lyn."
Lyn looked at her friend and laughed. She wasn't expecting Huey to lick her out of nowhere. Florina was puzzled as she kept her eye on the mounts.
"I'm going to get cleaned up. I'll see you later." Lyn said as she made her way to her quarters. When Lyn left, Florina was eyeing Huey and Casha carefully. Her scowl told them to behave themselves.
High above the ship, the watchman saw through his telescope their destination and shouted aloud "Land ho!" for two minutes. This caught Fargus's attention and told everyone what they needed to do. Kent, Sain and Dart went below deck, making sure they had their weapons in place. Since Merlinus went to do business in Pharae, Dart, Kent and Sain had to alternate in sorting through the weapons and items. There were the weapons from Nergal's morphs, the tomes Aureola and Forblaze from the late Archsage and powerful staves, among other goods. Fiora joined her sister and took their mounts and Lyn's outside, followed by Rath and Raven, who also took Kent's, Sain's, Rath's and Priscilla's mounts. Fargus wondered how much Trivalon has changed after seven years. He recalled hearing news that the king's children died back then. He was a bit hesitant traveling to Trivalon, but based on what his cousin told him, it was the safest nation in Olympia. He thought of the encounter he had with the Emperor of Regallas, Gathian. The deranged emperor was someone he would rather not meet again.
- X -
As Lyndis's Legion gathered outside, Fargus came up to them and went over the details one more time. He also told them to let him speak to a few of the guards first as they have been here before. Guy was struggling to contain his excitement of fighting the Four Cornerstones. Karel was sitting on a barrel sharpening his blade, away from the group. The Sword Demon was angry he couldn't find a certain pirate. When Fargus was done, the group understood what went on and what they needed to do. As Fargus's ship inched nearer to their destination, they could see the nation of Trivalon. The land they saw was mostly covered with thick trees and houses in all sizes. There was a port where they could place their ship, although it had a few guards stationed. The Davros crew steered the ship towards the port on Fargus's orders. About three soldiers came towards the spot where the ship docked. Fargus told the crew to wait here as they put out the bridge.
The Davros captain walked up to the three soldiers as the one stepped forward and addressed him. All three of them wore turquoise breastplates, turquoise open helmets, lime-yellow pants and turquoise boots. All three of them carried Steel Lances as their primary weapons. The soldier addressing Fargus was a new recruit and never heard of him.
"Look!" Fargus stated irritably. "Jus' go get Knarvet! He'll kno' who I am!"
"Sir!" The new soldier tried to sound as arrogent as possible. "Unless you state your business here and have us do a thorough search on your ship, you will not be allowed on this soil!"
Fargus got ticked off at the soldiers tone and pointed at him "Oi! Wer' u listenin' greenhorn?! I said go get yer capt'n!"
The new soldier pointed his lance at the captain as his friends back him up with theirs. "The captain has other matters to deal with! You will answer to me!!" The rookie barked.
Fargus cracked his knuckles as he gave them a chagrin look. Some of the Davros Corsairs wondered if they should join in. Before a fight could break out, their captain walked towards them. He was in his fifties, about two years younger than Fargus. His armor was similar to his soldiers, except his colors were teal and he didn't wear a helmet. He wore light blue pants, shoulder pads, a cloak and carried a Brave Lance. The Trivalon insignia imprinted on his cloak, recognized him as a lieutenant.
"Soldier! What the Devil is happening here?!!" He barked at the trio.
"C-Co-Commander Knarvet!" The rookie soldier stuttered. "This man refuses to state his business!"
Knarvet took one look at Fargus. The Davros captain appeared to be just another senior to the commander. He turned to the trio of soldiers and said. "Alright, you three. Go and attend the paperwork."
Their unhappy expressions spoke volumes, since they hated admin work. The rookie soldier tried to protest, but the captain won't have any of it. The trio lowered their heads muttering as they went to the office. The captain then turned his attention to Fargus.
The Berserker pointed his finger at the arrogant rookie, wagging it. "Y'kno', I was gunna slap de taste outta his lips!"
"Please excuse them." The officer waved his hand dismissively "Their still new to their stations."
Knarvet began walking up to the Davros captain. When he got closer, he had a mixture of a shocked and a curious expression. "Fargus! What the Hell are you doing here?!"
"Y'kno' bus'ness as usual." Fargus said passively. Knarvet and Fargus clasped in a handshake.
"Nearly seven ye'rs an' ya still de same." The Berserker gave a smug smile as they released their hands and stood face to face.
The Lancer motioned to the ship with his head and asked. "Who are they?"
The Legion had caught his attention. Knarvet was curious as to what their business was on Trivalon. Fargus saw this and answered. "They're me passengers."
"Dammit Fargus!" Knarvet had an irritable expression on his features. He had a feeling where this was going. "You can't just bring foreigners here. Trivalon has issues right now."
"Oh, c'mon!" Fargus retorted. "Can't ya jus' turn a blind eye on dis one?"
The Lancer held his temple with his left thumb, fore and middle finger. His right hand resting on his hip as he muttered. "Gods man! Do you know what you're asking of me?!"
"A favor from an ole friend?" Fargus guessed.
"You are asking me t -" He removed his hand from his face, looked up at Fargus and frowned. "Wait. Why the Hell would you care? Unlike you, I have a job to maintain."
"Oh, c'mon! Ya hurtin' mi feelin's!" Fargus frowned as well. "I bet yar still mad about me kickin' yar ass eight ye'rs ago. I t'ought dat was sailin' unda water."
"I had a headache that day." Knarvet muttered. He saw that Fargus wasn't buying that one so he got back on the subject. After some more talking, the Lancer reluctantly agreed to let them through. Fargus walked with him as they came back aboard the ship. The Davros captain introduced him to Lyndis's Legion as they were scattered in various places of the ship. Fargus issued an order to three passing Corsairs as the Lancer took a good look at the Legion members.
"I want ya all ta meet mah ole friend! This is Knarvet, elite commander for the crown." Fargus motioned to the Lancer. "He's offered ta help us."
Some of the Legion members greeted him as he continued to survey them. Guy could no longer restrain himself and stepped nearer, eager to ask the elite his burning question. "Excuse me, mister. But do you know where I can find the Four Cornerstones?"
The Lancer looked at him with a quizzical face and answered in a brash tone. "And why do you seek the Four Cornerstones? Do you wish to fight them?"
"Well, yeah." Guy was surprised at the man's arrogance. Raven rolled his eyes as he watched the conversation play out.
"Whose the leader of this group?" The elite asked them, getting back to the subject.
Lyndis stepped forward calmly and said "I am Lyndis of Caelin and I am in charge."
Knarvet was surprised that the leader was a young woman, but he remained undeterred. He took on a serious manner as he asked "I assume Fargus told you a bit about this place."
"Yes. I'm searching for a man." Lyndis said calmly. When Knarvet asked his name, she hesitated for a moment.
"She's lookin' fer Mark. He's a tactician." Fargus answered for her.
His look told her that she can trust Fargus. When they first met, she thought of pirates like the Davros, the same way as bandits:scum who had no remorse for other peoples lives. Surprisingly, it was Mark who convinced her that they were different. After knowing him, she came to respect Fargus and the Davros. They were certainly different from most pirates and nothing like the bandits who had slain her tribe.
Knarvet was shocked that they knew Mark. His expression became dark, at that point. "You shall have sanctuary here in Trivalon, because I trust Fargus. In condition, I suggest you cease your search for Mark or you will have to answer to the Four Cornerstones of Trivalon."
Lyn's right hand clenched into a fist as she stared at the man. Fargus wanted to say something, but chose to remain silent. He felt his friend had a reason for saying these things. Guy soon realized that Knarvet is one of the Four Cornerstones.
"It's about time you figured it out." Karel whispered in Guy's ear. The Mounted Swordsman nearly jumped in shock the way Karel just showed out of nowhere. Guy saw his mentor's dark smirk. With a Wo Dao in hand, he had trouble containing his bloodlust.
"Sir Knarvet, right?" Lyn spoke after calming down. Before she could say any further, Knarvet asked her curiously. "Are you a friend of his?"
Lyn was thrown back by this man's question, but she stood her ground and nodded. Knarvet gave her a final warning. "Even more reason to stay away from him." With this, he walked away, leaving Lyndis to laminate on what he said.
The three Corsairs returned with a chest and three bags. Lyndis wanted to press the issue, but thought it would be better not to draw unwanted fights. She came to grips with the fact that they were on foreign lands and fighting the man helping them wasn't something she wanted. Furthermore, Knarvet was a friend of Fargus, so she had to be careful. Fargus took Knarvet one side as he gave the Legion, permission to set foot on Trivalon.
Fargus showed him the chest and bags. "Lemme go over this again. Two bags of exotic spices from Frelia, one bag of exotic treats from Rausten and a chest with clothing and dresses woven from Renais." He looked at his friend, who nodded with a smile in approval. Fargus took the Lancer one side so they were out of earshot. The Davros captain looked at him with a serious face.
"Ya didn't hav' ta be so harsh wit' her."
Knarvet shut his eyes and said "I know. Still, do you realize what you've done? They might interfere in conflicts that has nothing to do with them."
Fargus saw how serious his friend was. The situation in Trivalon was so tense that their were only six guards at the port. A dramatic drop in number compared to when he was here, eight years ago. There also weren't any other people around when they came here.
"Why don't ya wan' dem ta look fer him?" Fargus asked passively, not really expecting an answer.
"Mark?" Knarvet said. Fargus nodded at his guess.
The Lancer looked at the Davros captain and whispered "Can I trust you with what I'm about to say?"
Fargus saw how serious he was. He looked at Knarvet with a serious face. "Only if it ain't nuthin' ta do with slave trading."
"Of course." He began "Emperor Gathian... we're planning to have him killed."
Fargus rolled his eyes sarcastically "Thank the Gods! I hope he final'y croaks! But whadya mean by 'we'. I t'ought dat yer king was friends wit' him."
"On the surface, yes." Knarvet continued "But my king believes that he plotted the assassination of Prince Gustav and Princess Francis. Regallas's Emperor is also responsible for the demise of Trivalon's previous, Four Cornerstones. The nations of Elabark, Tethys and Ravverine have been subjugated to his will. He rules these nations and his own with an iron fist." As Fargus listened patiently, Knarvet took a short breath before continuing. "We have a group of spies loyal to Rugal, placed at key points all over Olympia. The man leading the assassination is none other, than Prince Mark himself."
"So dat's why ya don't wan' Lyndis or de Legion ta find him. Dey mi't blow his cova'." Fargus mused.
"Yes." Knarvet stated as a matter of fact. "And if Gathian discovers that he's still alive, all Hell will break loose. I also learned recently that Prince Edgar is alive and working with Mark."
"Edgar? Ya mean Gathian's son?" Fargus asked.
"Yes. His daughter is here as well, taking music classes from our lord. The people of Olympia thinks he's a hero, but as it turns out, Prince Edgar despises his own father and wants him dead. What's even better, is that 'his madness' has a number of enemies within the council."
Before the Lancer went further, Fargus stopped him. "I und'rstand. Speak no fart'er. Dis'll stay b'tween us."
Fargus left the ship to speak with Lyndis, Kent and Sain. A moment later, Knarvet asked three corsairs to carry his goods. He was a bit worried about the situation with Lyndis's Legion. He wasn't sure why they're really here, nor why they're searching for Mark. As Knarvet left the ship, he felt he could trust Fargus, but there was a nagging feeling in his mind that something is bound to go wrong. Walking to his office, he saw her knights arguing with Fargus. Knarvet knows his friend is no pushover, so they have to listen to him if they wish to avoid conflict. As Karel walked past him, the Lancer felt for a moment, a murderous chill coming from this man. Although he continues walking, Knarvet felt his blood running cold. He shrugged it off, thinking it was all in his mind.
- X -
"Kent! Sain! That's enough!" Lyn shouted at them. She didn't want to draw an unwanted conflict. She realized that Fargus must have his reasons for warning them to stay away from Mark.
"But milady..." Kent protested.
"I know you mean well, but were in Olympia. Their laws might differ greatly from Elibe's." Lyn stated.
Kent saw her point and ended his argument with Fargus. Even Sain realized what Lyn was getting at. The Swordswoman walked a bit away from the group, sightseeing while Fargus briefed the Paladins on what places they should avoid. Their best bet would be to have an audience with the king's brother. Fargus's attention was shifted when a commander, leading a small battalion of foot soldiers, headed their way. The battalion just got back from quelling a mob, leaving the leader to drag them; patrolling the ports and other vital places. The commander wore the same colored armor as Knarvet. His armor however, is thicker than that of a General class and he wore the same cloak as the Lancer, which recognizes him as one of the Four Cornerstones. Fargus motioned for the pair to stay calm as Guy, Raven and the others came out of a cream coloured inn. Raven saw the battalion and motioned for Priscilla and Lucius to get behind him as Guy drew his Silver Sword. Before Knarvet went inside his office, he saw his fellow soldiers heading Fargus's way.
"You there! Pirate! What is your business here?!" The Great General pointed at the Davros captain as he surveyed the outsiders.
"Capt'n Knarv't said I can com' herr!" Fargus said as he turned his attention towards the Marshall. The man removed his helmet, revealing his face. He had short, light brown hair and he was in his twenties. An arrogant look spread on his face as he looked at the outsiders.
"By the powers of the crown empire, I'm revoking whatever Knarvet said to you!!" The General sneered.
"What?!!" Fargus shouted.
The battalion commander barked. "You are all to leave and never set foot here again! Disobey this command and you will answer to me!"
"Tauz!!" Knarvet shouted. He ran up to him till he stood face to face with the young elite. "What do you think your doing?! I gave them permission to set foot here!"
The group gathered as an argument ensued. Kent and Sain had their weapons ready as Lyn came back; hearing the commotion. Her presence alone, interrupted the argument as Tauz looked at her with a disgusted glare. She noticed this and wanted to respond, but Knarvet spoke up, much to her defense.
"These people travelled nearly three months to get here! They need to rest and replenish their supplies befo -"
"They will leave now!" Tauz barked as he brandished a Killer Axe and a Killing Edge in each hand. Lyn watched how bad things were going to get as the Marshall barked orders at his soldiers. Kent and Sain stood between Lyndis and the Battalion with their Silver Swords drawn. Raven and the others backed them up as Fiora, Florina and Rath joined in. Fargus whistled for the Davros to get ready for a fight. What surprised Lyn and some of the others was that Knarvet brandished his Brave Lance and stood on their defense. His thinking wasn't the same as that of his comrade. On Tauz's side, all the soldiers had their Silver Lances drawn. They just dealt with a mob recently, and some of them weren't looking forward to an unnecessary fight such as had no choice but to obey, lest they suffer the price of discharge which is the least worries for a few of them.
"How dare you oppose the king's men! Have you forgotten whom you serve?!" Tauz shouted at Knarvet.
The Lancer wasn't taking any of this and took his stance. "I served the king for over thirty years, long before you were even a product of your fathers seed!!"
"Enough of this! Guards, have at them!" Tauz barked as the Legion readied themselves. Lyndis and her crew were ready to do combat, even though some of them didn't wish to make an enemy out of the king. They however, came too far and refused to turn back, so combat was inevitable.
"Soldiers of the crown!! Cease and desist this madness!!" A voice shouted from afar as a man ran towards them.
Tauz ordered his soldiers to hold back as he turned to see where that voice came from. The Legion breathed a sigh of relief that the voice came to their rescue. Tauz went to meet this man, followed by Knarvet, Lyn and the others. When she got closer, Lyn saw the man who saved them. He had a green cloak with yellow patterns at the edges. He wore an open brown vest with black patterns over his white shirt; stained with a bit of blood. He had brown pants, black boots and a scimitar strapped to his side. Long brown hair, light tanned skin and a pair of glasses across his face. He noticed her and too stunned to speak. The man she sought was here, right before her eyes.
Authors notes: The next chapter will show how he survived and it may be my last gaiden chapter for the time being. A big thank you to my readers for allowing me to entertain you so far. Thank you for your time.