Interlude - Crimson Dragoon

The news that Prince Marth himself might be coming to answer Nyna's call to battle sparked a lot of life into the group. However, even with that, with no new information, that hope wavered and withered as Macedon continued to press the assault. More of Aurelis was lost each day, and we moved locations on an almost daily basis in an effort to not get captured.

You hear a lot of the atrocities the soldiers inflict. It's enough to make even me wince, and wonder if I ought to start praying again.

Castle Aurelis was a surprisingly cozy castle, with warm paintings and warmer rugs. The place was carefully heated throughout the halls so that no servant froze while they cleaned, and everyone managed to have a warm, genuine smile despite how badly things were going for us. We'd lost another fortress, and another hundred soldiers just the other day. Even a child knew how this was going to end. Aurelis would fall, just like Archanea. Yet, despite this, they kept on smiling.

It made me uncomfortable. It reminded me of Charles, and the others of the Wolf Pack, during that last 'job'. During Archanea's fall.

Laughter dragged me from my thoughts, and I couldn't decide if I was glad for it or not. On the one hand, it kept me from walking through my memories and picking out everyone I knew, from their names to their deaths, things that I had been doing my damn best to just… run away from and forget. On the other hand, the laughter came from the other soldiers in the room, and I was just… uncomfortable.

Nyna and Duke Hardin were with King Stephen to discuss what the hell we were going to do. While Duke Hardin and Nyna had been more than willing to let me listen in, King Stephen had been noticeably uncomfortable at the idea of an outsider, a mercenary who in theory could be bought, listening in. In order to speed things up, I offered just to sit out this time, with Nyna's permission. So, I was with the other soldiers who were here, and I was… uncomfortable. I only knew four of them for starters: Wolf, Sedgar, Vyland, and Roshea. Even then, Wolf and Sedgar were the only ones I had any real interactions with, since Wolf was an ass and Sedgar handled most of Nyna's meals. For another, I just… couldn't bring myself to interact.

Their laughter, their camaraderie… they reminded me of the days I spent with the Wolf Pack, and my heart keened bitterly at the reminder. Most of them were dead, the few survivors scattered to the winds. My family, the only 'real' one I had, was gone. I'd done my best over the past two years to try and forget that pain, or let myself be numb again, but it just… didn't work.

I wanted to go back 'home', but home was dead. It died with Charles.

A knock on the door made all the chatting die out, but it surged again as the door opened to reveal that Duke Hardin and Nyna had returned. Nyna smiled politely at the cheers, while Duke Hardin's smile was soft and fond. Nyna still kept her distance, while Duke Hardin was a good commander, almost like a father to his soldiers.

"I'm glad to see you're in high spirits," Duke Hardin noted. That earned him some grins from the group, though Wolf and Sedgar almost seemed embarrassed. "But, sadly, we cannot enjoy such spirits." His smile fell for a serious look. "Wolf, Roshea, you two are coming with me for a task. There are some bandits that must be taken care of. The rest of you will split into two groups. One will remain here to guard the castle, led by Vyland. Sedgar, you will take the remainder to discern which fortresses are still safe for us to use."

"Diana, do you mind helping Duke Hardin?" Nyna asked as the soldiers saluted, acknowledging Duke Hardin's orders. I chose to ignore how Duke Hardin flinched slightly when Nyna used his title. "These bandits seem to be very well armed, and might have tactics against cavalry."

"I… don't mind, no," I replied slowly. I felt uneasy, though. "What of you, though?"

"I'll remain here in the castle. I'll be fine for a couple of marks."

"Well, all right, then." I was still reluctant, but we did owe Duke Hardin a lot. He had to put up with me. "But if you feel uneasy…"

"I'll send a messenger for you." She smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Diana."

"Well, that's another bunch," I sighed, running a hand through my hair to get it to stop sticking to my neck and face. It was getting longer again; I'd need to consider tying it back again soon. "Sir, are we sure these are really bandits? They don't fight like any bandits I've had to kill in the past."

"I'm becoming less certain of it with each group we kill, Diana," Duke Hardin murmured, giving his horse a quick brush. He, Wolf, and Roshea had dismounted to rest their horses after the fight, far harder than any of us had expected. "Wolf, your thoughts?"

"They're too well armored for this to be a simple bandit problem, Coyote," Wolf answered instantly. He stopped inspecting his horse's hooves and turned to face Duke Hardin. As he continued reporting, I took the opportunity to look around. We were in the plains 'proper' of Aurelis, where there was no cover whatsoever. Though that unnerved me, I couldn't help but admire the view as well. Endless bright-green and yellow grass paired with flowers of all colors dotting the landscape. Even the corpses and the crimson blood couldn't diminish just how beautiful it was.

"I see we've lost you to the land." Duke Hardin's amused voice made me jump and he laughed as I made a face. I absently noted he'd passed off his brush to Roshea. "Do not be ashamed. I love it too."

"I guess I'm just shocked that there's still a place so beautiful in the world," I answered honestly. Both Wolf and Roshea looked almost smug about it, and I wanted to snark at them, but held my tongue. There was no need to be mean, simply because I didn't react well to people. "I'm so used to battlefields and the estates of nobles with too much time and money on their hands."

"...Would it be improper if I asked you a bit about your past?" Duke Hardin asked. He held up his hands in a pacifying gesture. "You need not answer if you do not wish. I can tell you are a person to be trusted, if only because you are devoted to Princess Nyna. But I do find it hard to read you, and that…" He smiled ruefully. "Well, I'm normally good at that."

"I find that I'm a very straightforward person."

"No one who is actually straightforward calls themselves that." He laughed a little as I scowled. "As I said, you need only to refuse."

"...No, it might be good. I've been telling Nyna bits and pieces." Perhaps talking to him might give me the courage to be more open with her. "But there's not a lot I like thinking about, mind." I sighed, running a hand through my hair again. "I'm a runaway noblewoman, for starters." I bristled as both Roshea and Wolf choked on startled yelps. "You don't have to be that surprised, jackasses!"

"Ignore them." Duke Hardin gave them both a stern look, and they both worked to quiet their shock. "Might I ask from where? The hair color makes me think…"

"Grust." It wasn't a surprise. Just as redhair was commonly associated with Macedon, gold-blond hair like mine was associated with Grust. "I was a Grustian noblewoman, and I ran away when I was ten. I… don't want to explain. It was no simple rebellion or anything, though." I felt sick just remembering. Sacrificed. My own… sperm donor… and my own… birther… were going to 'sacrifice' me for the 'good of the family and country'. They weren't my parents. That incident had shown me they never had been. "I made it a good ways, but got injured and sick along the way. I was lying in the road, dying, when Charles found me. He yelled for Father to come quickly, and the two got me bundled up. That's how I met the Wolf Pack mercenaries. I stayed with them, trained, and took the field two years later." I shrugged and shook my head, mostly to get myself out of my memories. That was… about as much as I could tell Nyna too. I just could not make myself think of anything else. "After that, it was just mercenary jobs. Typical things, really."

"I see." He studied my face and reached over to clasp my shoulder. "Thank you for telling me. I can see that was not easy for you." I wished I could protest. "Did you learn how to do laundry and the like with the Pack then?"

"Oh, yes. Charles could burn water." I made a face as I remembered that particular incident. "Honestly, he and Father were such slobs, and the rest weren't much better. I ended up doing a lot of the chores."

"Is that why you only have two moods?" Roshea suddenly asked. He passed the brush to Wolf, and I wondered just why they only had one brush. Had Duke Hardin been the only one to bring one? "'Mom' and 'murder', I mean."

"I suppose," I replied, a bit amused. It was the first time I'd heard someone describe me as that. "I can switch to just 'murder' if it makes you more comfortable."

"No, I'm good. I like my guts where they are."

"I don't gut all of my kills. It's not that quick of a death, and I do try to kill quickly and efficiently, unlike a certain someone who relies on his horse."

"I do not!"

"I didn't say you. I was thinking Vyland, actually." Movement caught my eye and I glanced up. "Oh. Wyvern."

"I'll shoot it down," Wolf volunteered, automatically dropping the brush to reach for his bow. He paused only when Duke Hardin held up his hand. "Coyote?"

"Wait a moment, Wolf," Duke Hardin murmured. His eyes were narrowed. "She is not carrying a weapon, and there are few female wyvern riders." I wasn't so certain the rider was a male or female from down here, but I could take a guess anyway because of the armor's color. "Roshea, Diana, do you agree?"

"Not sure about the gender from here," I answered lightly as Roshea shrugged. "But that is some very expensive armor, and it's a deep, rich crimson. I'll make a guess as to who that is based on that."

"Princess Minerva of Macedon, the leader of the forces here," Wolf growled. He glowered. "But, Coyote, isn't that more of a reason why I should-!"

"Do not let passion overtake your reason, Wolf," Duke Hardin scolded. Wolf instantly wilted at the tone. "It is unlikely she is alone, even if we cannot see them, and if we go to battle here, we will not be able to save the villagers." His eyes narrowed. "Brace yourselves."

Even with the warning, I was nearly knocked off my feet from the wind as the wyvern landed near us. I amused myself with how Duke Hardin's turban almost flew off and his cape billowed dramatically. Wolf and Roshea hid behind their horses to keep from losing their footing, but Duke Hardin managed to keep his feet. Which was good, because it let him meet Princess Minerva as an equal when she dismounted and walked over.

"I see you took care of them before me," she murmured, nodding to the bodies. She held herself stiffly, but made no move to reach for her axe. "Who are you?"

"We're just some travelers," Duke Hardin instantly lied. He was a very good liar, truthfully, since his expression didn't even twitch. "I have no name worthy of note."

"Bah, I see." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, but she nodded slowly. "Fair enough. I won't ask more. It seems you were faster on the hunt than I was."

"Oh, you 'hunt' them?" Duke Hardin met her skeptical look with blank stoicism. "Are they deserters?"

"I regret to say that it seems to be the case. I am ashamed that I did not catch them before they caused such trouble."

"So, even the Crimson Dragoon has difficulties with some battles?"

"That name comes from the bards who wish to glorify a princess's decision to fight on the frontlines." She managed a small smile, though, softening her face considerably. "Exaggerations all of them. I just happen to be good at cleaving people with an axe." She shook her head. "Regardless, where do you intend to head now?"

"Where I was heading originally. A fortress nearby that these ruffians seem to be using as a base." Duke Hardin shrugged. "We intend on going there to free the villagers they're keeping hostage."

"He means the girls," I added dryly, mostly because I couldn't help it. I had the urge to flinch with Princess Minerva turned her attention to me, because her eyes… reminded me of Charles. Strong and stubborn, moral and kind, stuck to a dark path because life sucked. "They kidnapped a bunch of girls, and we all know how that'll go."

"...I wish you were not so right," Princess Minerva whispered. "This is not the Macedon of my childhood, and neither are the soldiers. But they are still my responsibility. So, I suggest you leave this to me."

"Yes, because a group of Aureli civilians will not scream bloody murder and throw themselves on the sword to escape the scary Macedon soldier."

"You need not be so harsh with your words," Duke Hardin chided. I had a feeling that was something he'd wanted to say for a while. "I am certain she fears bringing uninvolved people into this."

"...Be that as it may, I cannot refute the words," Princess Minerva sighed. "The tone and wording might be harsh, but there is no lie in them. A brutal honesty is still an honesty, and that is becoming a rarer thing as war goes on."

"Truth is often the first casualty of war, from my understanding." Duke Hardin gave me a pointed look. "It need not be so blunt, though. For that, I apologize."

"Don't worry; I am not offended. I suspect she was checking if my temper was quick enough to take offense." She smiled slightly as I looked away. It wasn't… exactly what I had been doing. But it was a common trick to figure out how far to stay away. "I've two of mine nearby. It'll be a small force, but I believe we can take them."

"Then we shall ready our blades as well." Duke Hardin looked to Wolf. "Give her a ride, would you?" He pointed to me, and I realized things were going to get awkward fast if he refused to give names. For both Princess Minerva and us. "And behave. I don't want to hear you two arguing over the plains. Again."

"So, that's the fortress," Princess Minerva murmured, eyes narrowed as she looked to the horizon. She had landed at Duke Hardin's signal, along with two of her legendary Whitewings: Dame Catria and Dame Est. The third leader, Dame Palla, had remained behind in case reinforcements were needed. "You know the area well."

"I am a native of these parts, Dame Minerva, and there are not many fortresses on the Lea," Duke Hardin explained with a shrug. He actually hadn't known where the fortress was exactly, but we all pretended he did, so that Princess Minerva focused far more on him, and not on Wolf and Roshea, who had done the actual tracking. He really was a good liar. "What worries me more is our welcoming."

"Yes…" Her eyes narrowed. "There are a lot of archers…"

"Leave them to me and mine, Dame Minerva. We shall make mincemeat of them."

"Perhaps we could feed them to the general, in that case." She smiled wryly as Duke Hardin gave her a bit of a horrified look. "Sorry. My sense of humor can be very dark at times."

"I could get to like you," I laughed, since Duke Hardin was too busy trying to not squirm. I leaned out from behind Wolf to smile at her. "I was thinking the same, by the way. Mercenaries make fun of bunches of dark things. It's a way to hold onto some sort of sanity."

"We do something similar in Macedon," Princess Minerva replied. She was definitely amused. "Perhaps I should drag you to Macedon."

"Oh, you'd want to kill me within a day, likely. I'm chatty."

"I noticed." She laughed softly, and some of the tension in her shoulders eased. "Very well, though. The archers are yours. Catria, Est, and I will fly overhead, out of reach, and head straight for the fortress to kill the leader. We'll refrain from entering until you meet with us."

"Yes, that seems like the wisest plan," Duke Hardin agreed. He glanced at me. "Same strategy as before." I nodded and went back to holding Wolf as he urged his horse into a gallop. Roshea stuck close to Duke Hardin as he galloped in a different direction. The sound of wings flapping told me that Princess Minerva, Dame Catria, and Dame Est took to the skies as soon as we were off.

Wolf charged right through the enemy lines, waiting until we were basically surrounded before slowing enough to let me jump off. From there, he dropped the reins and went to shooting, relying on verbal commands and his knees to direct his horse. I thought the whole thing insane, personally, but I had other things to worry about.

I focused on the archers, making sure to get in close to make sure they couldn't attack me. I ducked under arrows, and threw mud in their faces to blind them and give myself an edge. 'Dirty fighting', knights would call it. But it was how mercenaries survived, especially against 'knights'. They never expected these sorts of tricks, and if I lived, I got paid. Well, I didn't get paid 'now', but I had some promises to keep, and that was important to me.

I would keep my promises to Charles, Nyna, and Camus. Promises were all I had.

"That ends this group," Wolf declared. I gave him a dirty look as he voiced the obvious. The lack of arrows were a clear sign, after all. "Coyote and Roshea might need help, though, so I'm going on ahead."

"You're what?" I deadpanned. He was off without a reply, though, and I barely checked the urge to scream at him. I didn't want to make a target of myself for whoever might be around. "I guess I'll just trail behind or something." I sighed, feeling a little… useless. I hated that feeling more than anything. That was why I became a mercenary in the first place. I had been desperate to repay Charles and Dad for taking me in, to repay the Wolf Pack for giving me a home when my own had betrayed me.

Sighing again, I walked towards the fortress, mentally crafting a scathing argument to scream at Wolf for leaving me behind in the middle of enemy territory. I was damn lucky that no enemies targeted me along the way, but by the time I caught up, my legs and feet were killing me, and every single little scrape and bruise I had was making itself very, very known.

Unfortunately, though, I couldn't even get the satisfaction of yelling at Wolf. The dark looks on everyone's faces told me something bad had happened. "So, did the bandits kill all the villagers or something?" I asked as the group looked towards me. I noticed Dame Palla was with us now, for some reason. "What gives?"

"You're late," Roshea grumbled instead of answering. He flinched at my glare. "U-um…"

"He left me behind." I gestured rudely at Wolf before crossing my arms. "I'll save the screaming for later. What happened?"

"It appears that the castle is attacked," Duke Hardin answered. I went cold instantly, terrified for Nyna. "Dame Palla here informed us."

"I cannot believe my own soldiers were this stupid," Princess Minerva growled. I was a bit skeptical at her shock, but it did look genuine enough. "I specifically ordered that the castle not be attacked until we had determined whether or not civilians had been evacuated to safer areas! There are children there!"

"It seems like Princess Nyna of Archanea is also there," Dame Palla answered. She looked a little haggard. "They decided killing a few children and sacrificing what pride and honor they had was worth her capture."

"Damn them." She clenched her fists before jerking her head up at Duke Hardin. "I need to get there. And I know I'll need your help reaching there."

"That you will," Duke Hardin replied. His eyes narrowed slightly before nodding. "Very well. Follow us. We'll show you the way." He turned to me and gestured to Princess Minerva. "Do you mind riding with one of them?"

"Since I'm liable to let my temper overtake my sense right now, no, I don't mind," I answered. I glared at Wolf and Roshea again before sighing. "Though, I do have to say that flying is one of the few things I never have done before."

"Then you'll ride with me," Princess Minerva answered. "My wyvern can adapt to the extra weight far better than the pegasi." She turned to Duke Hardin again. "Go on. We'll catch up easily."

The three rode off, and there was a moment of awkwardness as I tried to climb into the saddle. It was different from a horse's saddle, with higher backs and sides to lessen the chances of sliding off as the flier did a sharp turn. It also wasn't really designed to carry more than one person, meaning I was awkwardly perched on the end of the saddle, clinging to Princess Minerva as she took off in one quick burst.

"The wind is like a knife," I hissed, trying to not flinch. It was painful, and I wondered why anyone wanted to fly. "Hey, the castle is filled with some important people, you know."

"Yes, they are," Princess Minerva agreed. I could barely hear her thanks to the wind. "However, there are insubordinate soldiers. As their general, it is my duty to bring them to justice. If it so happens that some important individuals use the chaos to escape…" She shrugged and glanced back at me. "That is a problem for another day."

"You should've been a mercenary. That sort of thinking is wasted in an army, especially one that follows Dolhr." I ducked my head as the wind blasted some dust into my face. "How do you keep your eyes from being gouged by dirt?"

"Practice, really." Her voice was light, and I thought she was laughing. "Hold on. We'll be going faster."

"Like I'm going to let go when we're this high up! I'm insane, not stupid!"

The castle was on fire when we arrived, with corpses flung about like rag dolls in the courtyard. I made myself not think of how small and young the corpses looked. I could do nothing for the dead, but I could still do something for the living.

We met Sedgar there, and learned that Vyland was protecting the king. From there, we all split into groups. Duke Hardin, Princess Minerva, and I headed off on our own. He was going to help Vyland get his brother out, while Princess Minerva and I were going to the tower where Nyna apparently was. I only prayed she was okay.

"So, no offense, sir, but I'm not leaving Nyna alone ever again," I informed Duke Hardin as we ran through the halls of Castle Aurelis. The place was splattered with blood and soot. "Ever. Again."

"I'm actually pleasantly surprised you're not cursing me to hell and back," Duke Hardin replied. He made a sharp left turn, and both Princess Minerva and I scrambled to keep our footing to keep up with him. "Considering everything."

"Oh, hell isn't all that scary." I managed a shrug. "Besides, it's not like this is your fault. I'd rather save my anger for these idiots who thought this was a good idea."

"Try not to paint the hall crimson again."

"I make no promises." If Nyna was hurt, I was going to slaughter them. If she was dead… "Oh, stairs."

"You two will head up those." He paused briefly and clasped my shoulder. "Luck to you both."

"And you." I nodded to him and took the stairs two at a time, Princess Minerva keeping pace easily, despite the clinking and clanging of her armor.

We ran all the way up the stairs, and both of us had to pause at the top. I actually felt a little nauseous. A day of battling, walking and running so much… even though I was in good shape, it was a lot of exertion for my body.

The sound of footsteps made us both look up, though, and I nearly groaned when I realized we had enemies. Armed, not exhausted, enemies.

"Go," Princess Minerva whispered. She unhooked her axe from her belt, and smirked as the enemies flinched back. "The Hauteclere will be enough."

"You sure about that?" I asked softly. I glanced back at her. "You have to be tired too."

"Hauteclere is imbued with magic; it'll heal my injuries." She smiled slightly. "Go, before your princess is moved to another castle."

"Over my dead body." I nodded. "All right. Try not to die."

"As if these idiots are enough to take my life."

"I'll leave you to it." I surged forward, ducking under their weapons and shoving my way through their line. I got a few injuries to my back in the process, but I cleared them easily, and Princess Minerva began her attack, keeping all of their attention on her.

So, I ran. I ran and ran down the hall and up another set of stairs, only to pause as I came upon the last stair. Standing there, in front of a door, was a child, twelve or thirteen, with a bow in hand.

"Move," I hissed. They flinched, and that told me a lot. They could be intimidated. I could get through this without a fight, though if it came to one, then even injured, I'd win. I had this. "Nyna's behind that door, yes?"

"P-perhaps," they replied. Their voice shook. "B-but, there's not… you won't-!"

"I will get through that door, and the gods help anyone who stands in my way." I approached slowly, purposely drawing my sword and angling it to catch the light. "After all, I am not kind." They fired an arrow; it clipped my cheek. "And I am not merciful." They struggled to knock another arrow, but their hands trembled too much. "And I am not afraid to make you wish I was." They got the arrow up at last, and aimed it right at my eye. I didn't flinch as I stopped right in front of them. "I am going through. So, stand aside, or pick a god to pray to."

They stared at me for a long moment before crumpling, falling to their knees. "I…"

"Get out of this war, kid. You've too kind of a heart." I stepped around them and knocked on the door. "Nyna, it's me."

"Oh, Diana!" Nyna's voice drifted through the door and I relaxed at the sound. "One moment. I've been barricading the door."

"Smart," I replied. I waited as I heard things move about and smiled as the door clicked open to reveal her. "Sorry for being late."

"Oh, I wasn't too worried. I knew you would be here before long." She stepped out and smoothed out her skirts, before looking at the child. "I thought there were more."

"There were, but they went ahead." Footsteps made me turn, and I tensed when I saw Princess Minerva walk up.

She glanced around, pointedly looked away from Nyna, and looked to the child. "You will tell me everything you know about this assault," she whispered. The child only nodded. "Go on." The child bolted, just barely avoiding falling. "Well then…"

"I'm going to get my staff," Nyna whispered. She eyed Princess Minerva warily, but relaxed when I nodded. "I'll be right back." She ducked back into the room, and shut the door. She was giving me an easy place to defend, if this turned into a battle.

However, that didn't seem to be the case. Princess Minerva only studied me before murmuring, "I heard your threat. Would you have really killed him? A child?"

"I am a mercenary, Princess Minerva," I reminded her. I looked her right in the eye. "I've been killing people since I was his age. Of course I'd kill him, if he continued barring my path." Even if I'd prefer that they be intimidated and surrendered, I knew I would have killed them. "My greatest flaw is my loyalty. I will give up anything and everything for those who earn it. Even my morals. I did it long ago. I'll do it for Nyna."

"She wouldn't want you to."

"No, she wouldn't. But I am no one's slave. I protect her willingly, but it's still my life, and my bad choices." I laughed bitterly. "I'm a horrible person, really. I kill without a thought. I am sarcastic to the point of pain. But I am honest horrible person, and I know how to take care of someone. For those things, Nyna values me. Maybe some of her kindness will rub off, but I doubt it."

"And I doubt you are truly horrible." Her words were so immediate that I could only stare. "I find the horrible people are those who never admit that they're monsters." She gave me a studying, serious look. "That you call yourself one tells me you're simply a broken woman who tried to kill her heart because life is hard, but no matter how much you tried, it kept on crawling out of the mud."

"Well, you're entitled to your opinion, even if I think it's wrong." I shrugged, mostly to hide how her words struck a nerve. "Whatever, though. The truce between you and Duke Hardin is done, so we're back to being enemies. That said, both of us are tired, so I think we'd better just walk away, right?"

"Yes, that sounds good." She visibly hesitated before nodding. "Before that, though, might I ask you a question?"

"Won't guarantee an answer, but sure."

"Do you know where Castle Deil is?"

"It's a province of Archanea, one of the great houses. It's been occupied, though, since the lord died protecting his stupid king, and his daughter was imprisoned." I thought it strange that she'd ask. "Why?"

"...It's nothing. Just a rumor of a cleric being kept hostage there." She turned away. "Farewell, Dame Diana. I hope we do not meet again on the field."

"Same, to be honest. Your wyvern might rip an arm off before I dis-arm you." I made my tone light and she actually laughed at my bit of dark humor. "Farewell, Princess Minerva."

I waited until Princess Minerva left before retrieving Nyna and the two of us quickly found Duke Hardin and got the hell out of the castle, heading to a fortress nearby. It wasn't going to be a 'permanent' place to stay, just a place to catch our breaths. While Nyna tended to the injured, I decided to tell Duke Hardin about Princess Minerva's very curious question.

"A cleric kept hostage in Castle Deil?" Duke Hardin asked. He looked a little skeptical, and I didn't blame him. After all, why would a cleric just be kept hostage? Why not force her to heal? "Should we investigate?"

"Maybe," I replied. I crossed my arms and winced as my injuries pinched. Today was a very bad day. We lost a lot of people, and even more civilians. Hope was dwindling. "It might get us her favor. She seemed… strangely nice. Nicer than I would've expected."

"That is true. I would rather not fight her, especially when she helped us." His tone, of course, implied that he would not let those feelings interfere with his job. "I think they're hunting for us though." He glanced out the window and his eyes narrowed at the wyverns flitting about the clouds. "I heard a rumor from my brother, though, as we were escaping."

"Really?"

"Yes, and it might explain their sudden aggression." He returned his attention to me. "Prince Marth is apparently on the mainland."

"He is?"

"Yes, the rumors hint that Galder has been liberated."

"Galder…" I frowned as I tried to remember where that was. "That's on the other side of the Soothesire Mountains, right? Or whatever they're called?"

"Yes. So, with luck, he'll be here in a few months, depending on difficulties going around the mountains." It would be less if he went through, but that was a fool's errand with the bandits. "I can only hope we can hold out." He looked out the window again, and I tried not to wince when I realized the skies were now so filled with wyverns that they might as well have been a storm cloud. They were coming for us. But that they were coming so obviously made me wonder if Princess Minerva was giving us a warning the only way she could. "Diana."

"I'll get Nyna. We'll head a different way and meet you at the southern fortress with whoever you decide to bring." I was already heading out the door. "Try to stay safe."

"And you."

Author's Notes: So, parts of this chapter is based off of the second episode of 'Fire Emblem BS', even sharing the title of it: Crimson Dragoon. It's the only one of the four episodes to not feature Camus and Nyna in some way, focusing instead on Minerva and Hardin. I added the castle falling for a bit more… fun. The King of Aurelis actually has no canon name, that I can find at least. It's not mentioned anywhere, even supplementary materials. So, I named him 'Stephen' for convenience.

Next Chapter - A Brush in the Teeth