Shout Outs...
Maxmagnus20019: It's his job, right?
To Everyone Else: Please review, if only to tell me if I have made any mistakes.
Chapter I: Escape!
I can never overstate the importance of listening to a tactician in battle, and not simply because I am one. We must make sense of the chaos as it happens, be able to decide which man should go where and why. And in the larger engagements it's easy to lose track of part of your army, meaning they have to act on their own. But to disobey a tactician is a poor choice. He most likely sees what you do not. That is why people are told 'tactician's eyes see all'. We must see what you do not. Otherwise it is our men who fall.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
Wallace is the single most impressive specimen of a man I have ever met; at least fifty years old and fitter then men half that with an incredible constitution that boggles the mind. He is less a knight and more a wall of iron, stomping forward. He doesn't go fast, however. He just goes and ploughs through anyone that happens to be in the way.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
0-0
"And that is all the relevant information." Seth said as Eirika poked the campfire's flames with a stick.
"I see." Tyr replied as he sighed, the three of them seated on logs as an owl hooted at the moon. "Quite the situation I've found this time..." He muttered to himself.
Tyr had thought Seth did not trust him, but for him that was fine. The paladin served as Erika's bodyguard and would be a fool otherwise.
Over the course of their journey and their time at camp Seth had given Tyr a brief history lesson on Magvel's past before the details about the war. To say this would be tough was an understatement. His current forces comprised of himself, an admittedly masterful tactician with some sword skill, a seasoned paladin and a naive princess with good training, but only a day's experience in real combat. A trained but untested cavalier, Franz, had run ahead to gather allies, and was expected to find them in Frelia. For now Tyr considered them a non-factor. Ephraim, a prince and Eirika's brother, was a spearman with both experience and tactical prowess. If they could find him he and his forces would be a great addition, but currently another non-factor.
Their opposition was Grado, which Tyr quickly considered to be to Magvel what Bern was to Elibe: Militaristic, powerful, cunning and relentless. More than likely equal in strength to Bern, but not as skilled as the Black Fang, thank Sky for small favours. With Renais' forces reduced to scattered remnants and resistance mostly militia Grado's advantages were many. Tyr sighed again, looking at the lone tent in the camp, his. On their departure Seth and Eirika brought little with them, some food, water and a lone sleeping roll and blanket. He added some more food and water, a tent, another sleeping roll and two blankets and a few personal items besides that. A journal, a telescope, a book he had wrote on the war against Nergal that began shortly before he had met Lyn, and two maps, one of Elibe and one of Magvel.
Tyr had offered the princess sole use of the tent, but she refused on the grounds that they should all share it. Seth argued that it was too small for all of them. Tyr eventually settled it saying the two who were not on watch duty would use the tent, since they were all taking turns at it.
"I must say this is a most serious situation we're in." Tyr began rubbing his chin. "I'll be honest with the both of you; nothing shy of a miracle will get us through this one."
"You're saying we should... Give up?" Eirika questioned with a sad look.
"If we did that our miracle will never arrive." Tyr retorted. "For the moment retaking Renais will need to wait. Franz, Ephraim and whoever they've got with them should be considered non-factors for the most part until we find them. Our only option for the moment is to make a nuisance of ourselves and slow this juggernaut of an army down while gathering strength."
"You don't sound sure of yourself." Seth replied with a frown.
"It can be done, I'm sure." Tyr said with a shrug. "Nothing is impossible, so therefore it can be done. But the odds are stacked against us..." He added with a sigh, standing up. "Wake me when it's time for my watch." He added before crawling into the tent.
"Can we do this?" Eirika wondered aloud. "Can we save our people?"
"We must." Seth replied simply. "Your Highness, should we trust him through? We don't know who he is, little about where he was, and nothing of what he can do."
"Something tells me we can Seth." The princess replied as she stood up. "There's more to him than what we see. I'm sure of it."
0-0
"Princess Tana!" A solider called out as he entered the throne room. "Grado's Forces are approaching!"
"What? So soon? Ah, we've had no time!" Tana cried out.
"Milady, we lack the arms to defend this place. You must return to Castle Frelia." The solider continued.
"I can't! Not yet." Tana replied. "We haven't found Eirika and her companions yet. Eirika is my friend, and she needs my help. I won't abandon her." She said, biting her lip slightly. "Oh, I know! Go ask father- I mean King Hayden for more troops."
"Yes, Your Highness!" The solider barked before rushing away.
"Eirika, please be safe." Tana sighed as she stepped out toward the battlements, quickly looking at the forces approaching.
0-0
Even as a horseman rushed away a Grado soldier noted the men rushing to the battlements, bows and swords at the ready. Turning he faced a knight in plate armour. "Commander Breguet, the enemy appears to be fortifying its position in the castle."
"Hmph." The commander scoffed. "They're tenacious, but they have no hope of stopping our advance." He admitted.
"What are your orders, sir?" The soldier continued.
"Ha! Orders?" He grinned. "You just stand here and watch. I'll crush them myself!"
"As you command, sir."
0-0
"Seth, Tyr, look..." Eirika gasped, seeing several of the Grado soldiers wander out of the castle at Border Mulan. "
"I see it." Seth replied.
"Seems Grado is already in Frelia." Tyr added. "This can be very bad for us."
"This place is perilous!' Seth continued. "We should bypass Mulan altogether and head straight to the castle."
"But we can't just ignore this..." Eirika replied. "You were there when Renais was invaded... You saw what I saw. You saw how the people suffered at the hands of Grado's soldiers." Tyr frowned as he pulled out his telescope, looking at the castle. "Homes were destroyed, possessions stolen, women kidnapped... Anyone who resisted was executed without question, without hesitation. Please Seth. I can't allow that to happen here. I don't want to see any more people harmed by Grado's atrocities."
"I understand Princess." Seth replied. "Tyr, sir!"
"Yes?" Tyr replied.
"Do you think we can retake the castle?" Seth continued.
"Maybe..." Tyr added, still scanning the field. "Seems they've taken the castle, but they have the bulk of their forces outside of it. Axes, swordsmen... And a knight that seems to be... I see it in the window, he has a prisoner. Blue haired girl and a royal by the looks of her."
"Let me see." Eirika added, taking the device and looking through it. "They have Tana!"
"Who?" Tyr asked.
"Princess of Frelia, and Eirika's friend." Seth replied.
"And an excellent hostage." Tyr added. "No doubts now, we must retake the place. If Grado holds her for ransom..."
"Say no more." Seth added. "What are your orders, sir?" Seth asked.
"Excellent question!" Tyr replied retaking the telescope. "We need to approach under cover and engage them in as few numbers as possible. If Franz returns with help it'll be an edge, but we shouldn't count on it. Move out!" He shouted, drawing his sword.
0-0
"What the?" A pair of Grado soldiers cried out as a trio of people rushed at them. "We're under attack!" He yelled out, to get attention as Seth lock weapons with him. Eirika stabbed out with her rapier at the second trooper, her weapon blocked by the man's axe. Tyr held back, watching.
"Seth! Rear your horse up!" He called out, Seth never replying, only doing as told, his horse assisting him in disarming the man. "Good. He can distrust me all he wants so long as he listens." He muttered as Seth finished the man off, watching as Eirika's rapier found it's mark in the other man's heart.
"Well done." Tyr said as he watched a trio of foes stride towards them. 'Not running at this, they know where we want to go...' He thought with a frown. "Prepare, more approaches." He added, stepping up next to his comrades.
A tactician's place was in the back of the field, or so he had been taught. The tactician served as the head, his army the body. His death would mean his forces would become disorganized and uncoordinated. Experience, however, taught him to get closer.
He could call out orders and observe the flow better if he was closer to his troops, and it raised morale. Even if he never swung a blade in a fight it made them feel as if he was fighting with them. Still even then he hung back; letting others do the fighting as he knew he would better serve their forces with his directions, not his weapons.
'But three people do not an army make.' Tyr thought bitterly. He could stand back, but then the odds would be three to two. He was well trained in the sword, only a fool would shout orders on a battlefield if he did not know how to defend himself. He tried to avoid getting involved but this was one case that was unavoidable.
"You little snot!" An axe man cried out, Tyr stepping aside of his swing, no longer paying attention to Eirika or Seth, focusing solely on his foe. After dodging a second swipe of the axe he thrust his sword forwards, only to have his opponent lean back just out of range. 'Well trained' came to his mind, with 'I'm in trouble' quickly at its heels as he leapt away as the man jabbed at him with his axe. The two circled each other warily before his foe reared his axe back stepping forwards before taking a massive swipe at his head.
'An opening!' Tyr thought as he ducked.
0-0Moments Before0-0
"Sir Gillian, is that Mulan?" Franz asked as he patted his horse's flank. "Have we reached Frelia's boarder already?"
"Aye, we have." The armoured knight replied. "Her Highness Princess Tana should be inside the castle."
"But look- the countryside is crawling with Grado soldiers!" Franz called out. "Where's the castle guard? Has Mulan fallen? Are we too late?"
"Too tough to say from here." Gilliam replied. "Princess Tana's in no danger if they want her as a bargaining tool. We men of the Eastern Watch will see her to safety."
"Yes... Yes, of course." Franz replied, grabbing his lance. "We mustn't give up. We must move. We must retake the castle. Then we ride forth to Princess Eirika's aid."
"Seems we may want to reverse those priorities." Gilliam said grimly. "Eirika's there and she's under attack!"
0-0Now0-0
Thrusting his Tyr sword forwards he never missed the man's grin as he used the swing to help propel a meaty, leather clad fist towards his face. 'He lured me in! Smart bast-' The impact with his jaw jarred him from his thought as he was sent into the ground, dimly aware of Eirika calling out his name.
"You're dead now!" The soldier said as he lifted his axe before crying out, before the end of a lance poked out of his chest.
"Are you alright there friend?" A blonde haired youth on horseback asked, withdrawing his weapon from the body as it fell to the ground. "Are you hurt?"
"My pride is what's wounded." Tyr said as he sat up, rubbing at his jaw, noticing a knight in heavy armour approach, as well as Seth and Eirika.
"Tyr, are you well? Can you stand?" Eirika asked as she knelt down to grip his arm, assisting him to his feet.
"Better yet, what is such a green swordsman doing on the field?" The knight asked.
"I am not a swordsman by profession, only by necessity." Tyr replied. "Although I may wish to practice it more..."
"He's a tactician by trade." Seth explained. "Although why he would directly involve himself is beyond me."
"And the next time we face this situation I will flee, leaving you to deal with the extra man." Tyr replied. "First of all I'm assuming the man on horseback is Franz, and this fellow the reinforcements he gathered."
"Gilliam." The knight said simply.
"Many thanks for your services, sir." Franz added.
"Don't mention it." Tyr said. "Second of all we need to retake the castle. The three of us alone could have done it, although it's more of a long shot that I'd care to admit. You two will be able to assist us greatly. The plan is nothing fancy or untried, we approach dealing with foes in as small numbers as we can before we get to the castle. After taking the place the leader of this band made a mistake in having most of his forces exit the castle to scout the grounds. We've now taken five men down."
"And about a dozen more left." Seth injected.
"Correct." Tyr nodded. "Only five remain in the castle, including their leader a knight if our count is correct. Heavy plate armour."
"Yes..." Eirika said, nodding. "I want to teach him a lesson. I will not allow his kind to commit such atrocities-"
"At ease Eirika." Tyr interrupted. "I understand your anger, it's warranted. But stay calm; do not cloud your judgement. You'd be a poor choice to face him; his armour is too heavy for you. We should try and separate him from the other soldiers. Then Seth and Gilliam can face him. The two of you should be more than able to beat him."
"And I can't?" Eirika said with a frown. "Are you saying I cannot beat him?"
"I'm saying you're at a grave disadvantage if you face him." Tyr replied. 'Great, I had enough of this with Lyn and Hector; I don't need a naive princess going out to prove something!'
"Listen to him Milady, he has a point." Gilliam said stepping forwards. "His armour will be too thick for that wire you call a weapon, and his lance will keep you out of striking range of him to begin with. Best leave it to us; our lances can get past his steel shell."
"But I-"
"Enough Eirika!" Tyr barked. "I said I would treat you no different than any other warrior under my command, and I shall not! We've no time to argue, we must proceed before Grado calls for backup. Seth, Franz, ride 'round to the south of the castle. Be quick, then work your way to the gate. Gilliam, Eirika and I will wait a moment before heading there ourselves. Watch your backs, and stay safe. We meet at the gate and enter together."
0-0
The journey to the gate had been, in Tyr's own opinion, uneventful. One group of two swordsmen, both dispatched by Gilliam's long reaching lance and Eirika's swiftness. As they approached the gate he noted a lanceman and an axeman, both moving to engage them with the axe user striding for Gilliam. "Eirika, go meet the man with the axe. Gilliam, the lanceman!" He barked, Eirika nodding crisply as she trust her sword at the man whose axe swing was easily dodged. Afterwards Tyr turned his attention to Gilliam, believing Eirika had the upper hand in her encounter. The two lance users jabbed at each other, the Grado soldier fast enough to dodge Gilliam, but lacking the strength to do more than scratch at the knight's armour. Nodding to himself he briefly turned to see how Eirika's battle progressed.
He saw a dead axeman and no princess.
Muttering a quick curse he called out to Gilliam. "Eirika entered the castle!"
"Impatient little vixen, isn't she?" Gilliam replied, swinging his lance, catching the man on the shoulder, staggering him.
"Finish him off, and then follow. I'll rush in and try to catch up with her!" Tyr added, drawing his sword and sketching the word 'GO' into the ground before running into the castle.
0-0
With a wordless shout Eirika thrust forwards with her rapier, the soldier's lance grazing her side a she plunged the weapon into his neck, the man falling back onto the floor. "Four down..." She panted. "One left." She added, remarking on her quick progression through the enemies ranks. With a quick step she entered into the next room, the throne room.
There sitting on the throne was a tall knight with broad shoulders, sitting on the throne. The knight grinned, picking up his helm and setting it on his head. "Well, well, the princess of Renais herself. This will get me a nice bonus." He grinning, grabbing his lance as he rose to his feet, stomping his way to his foe. "Prepare to be captured... Milady." He said with a sneer.
0-0
"Just what I need." Tyr muttered as he rushed through the castle, noting the dead bodies. "She listens as well as Lyn used to!" Still he was impressed with how well Eirika had gone through the castle. A number of the bodies were, obviously, the castle guard. There were only four dead Grado men, two axemen, a swordsmen and a lanceman. That last one impressed him a bit, but he knew better. None of these foes had the heavy armour the last man did, nor the skill.
And Eirika was not Lyn, even though she was acting like the Saracen once did. His friend had once rushed into a castle like this one, back when they tried to recover Ninian's ring. And like Eirika had done now Lyndis had slain several men. And like Eirika would right now she ran into a knight. Her sword cut the armour, but not deep and she was swatted away by his lance. Only his own interference saved Lyn's life.
He only hoped this time he didn't get a grave wound. Serra wasn't around this time to save him in turn.
Sure enough as he opened the doors he saw Eirika and the knight, a commander by appearances, in combat, Eirika's rapier deflecting off the heavy armour of the knight. Cursing slightly as Eirika ducked a swing of his lance only to catch an open hand with her head, being slapped down into the stone floor, unmoving. Cursing he drew his sword as the knight saw him.
"Two princesses in one day. How lucky for me." The knight said. "Both will make wonderful hostages and you a fine corpse."
"I plan to be a corpse when Mother Earth is ready for me, not on your whim." Tyr replied, eyes darting upwards briefly as he drew his sword stepping back slowly, his foe adjusting his lance as he stomped towards him. Grinning Tyr turned about and sliced a rope, behind him as he had predicted.
"Huh?" The knight muttered before crying out as a chandelier landed atop of him. "Gah! Blast it!" The commander said, shrugging the decoration off his body, his helm rolling across the floor. "You'll pay for that!"
'With his helm off I have an area to target that isn't armoured.' Tyr thought to himself, sword at the ready. 'I was hoping that chandelier would do him in, but I'll take what I can get.' He said as he slowly circled to his right, the knight approaching slowly.
"Do you think you're going to- gah!" The knight cried out, dropping his weapon before slumping forwards to the ground, a reawakened Eirika standing behind him, rapier in one hand and her head in the other. Blood poured from a wound in the back of the commander's head.
"Are you all right Tyr?" She asked with a wince sheathing her sword, as the tactician sheathed his own weapon before approaching vulnerary in hand.
"Fine, but I'd be better off if you'd not run off like that." Tyr chided, pouring the liquid on a cloth and handing it to her.
"We won, didn't we?" Eirika replied with some irritation, taking the cloth and pressing it to her injury.
"Had this been a fight to the death there wouldn't be any 'we' to talk about." Tyr said with an even tone. "You know how to use a sword, but not your head!"
"What do you-"
"If you had fallen here so much could be lost, don't be so foolish! Ignoring the pain it would cause your family your people would begin to lose hope! They need to look up to you, so you can't go around picking fights with people when others can handle them easier."
"... I couldn't have beaten him. Could I?" She said with a sigh, her shoulders slumping.
"I'd doubt it." Tyr added. "His armour was too heavy, and the Weapons Triangle was against you."
"Weapons Triangle?" Eirika asked with a blink.
"You don't know?" Seeing her shake her head he continued. "Swords are swift and can flow past the axe, an axe's bulk allows it to deflect a lance's thrust and a lance's range keeps a sword at bay. No weapon is greater than the other; each bests one and is bested by another. Really, the Triangle is common knowledge."
"...I apologize." Eirika said hanging her head. "I... I want to help my people; I want to fight for them... But I... Don't know about even the simplest aspects of war... I'm worthless in a fight..."
"Now wait one moment here!" Tyr barked out. "Who was it that went through four men to get here? Alone?" Tyr said as he shook his head. "You do know how to fight; your teacher did well with that. But you need to be able to think and apply thought to what you do. Why did you think I told you to attack the axeman outside rather than Gilliam?"
"The Triangle!" Eirika exclaimed, snapping her head up.
"Gilliam would be at a disadvantage and the weight of the axe could break into his armour. But you would be too swift to be struck. There will be foes you cannot beat that your allies can. But the reverse holds true too."
"I see."
"Princess Eirika!" Seth bellowed out as he stormed into the room, Franz right behind him. "What happened?" He asked, dismounting and rushing to his charge, pulling her hand away from her bruised temple.
"I... let my emotions get the better of me." She replied, replacing the cloth. "Had it not been for Tyr..." She sighed before shaking her head. "Never mind, is Tana all right?"
"We met Gilliam at the gate as he finished a soldier off. He has gone to the dungeon; we'll know when he gets back." Seth replied with a slight frown.
"Very well. And Tyr..." She added, turning to the tactician. "I apologise again for the trouble I caused."
"Well you learned something from all this." Tyr said with a sigh. "And as Marcus would say 'That ensures this wasn't a waste of time.'"
"Found her!" Gilliam called out as he stepped into the throne room, the blue haired girl following him.
"Tana!" Eirika cried out as she ran over to her friend, embracing her.
"Erika!" Tana replied, hugging the Renais Princess. "It is you! And your head..."
"It's nothing to worry about. Tana, what are you doing so far from Castle Frelia?" Eirika asked as she let her friend go.
"I heard Renais had fallen, and I was so worried... But I'm glad to see you're safe..." Tana replied with a smile. "Wait! Where is Ephraim? Is he well?"
"I wish I knew." Eirika replied sadly.
"You haven't heard from him? Oh, I hope he's not been harmed..." Tana muttered.
"As happy as I am at this reunion..." Tyr said with a sigh. "I think we'd best be gone before we have more trouble to contend with."
"Yes, you're right." Eirika replied with a nod.
"Eirika..." Tana began walking to the cloaked man. "Who is this? And why have you not introduced me to such a handsome fellow?" She asked causing Tyr to blush slightly.
"Tana..." Eirika said with a sigh.
"Allow me." The tactician said with a bow. "Tyr, a Tactician from Elibe and currently employed by Princess Eirika."
"Tana, Princess of Frelia and a Pegasus Knight." Tana smiled as she curtsied slightly.
"Now that that's done, I assume your Pegasus is stabled here." Tyr asked as she nodded. "What about horses? I'd like three, but one will work."
"We've two to spare Sir." Tana replied.
"Two then, huh? Gilliam, have you any training on horseback?"
"Some, but not my specialty." The knight replied.
"That's fine. Tana, Gilliam, mount up." Tyr said. "Eirika, you'll ride pillion with me."
0-0
It didn't take long for them to march out as per Tyr's orders. Tana flew above the skies, scouting for potential trouble with Franz and Gilliam riding ahead of himself and Eirika, and Seth behind them. If trouble did get by Tana then Franz could fight them off along with Gilliam allowing Eirika time to dismount and join the battle. General Seth guarded their rear, Tyr trusting in the man's experience to guard them from a rear assault.
Thankfully the ride was uneventful, the only thing of note being Eirika asking Tyr to teach her the art of war, to better help her people. Tyr took the time to lecture the girl about the basics as the journey ended at the gates of Castle Frelia, the small group quickly being whisked in for an audience with the king.
0-0
"Oh, Tana..." King Hayden exclaimed as he hugged his daughter to him as a few of his vassals watched on. "I'm grateful to see that you're safe and home again! You've no idea how I worried when I heard you were under attack at Border Mulan. You are not to leave again without my permission. Do you understand?"
"Don't be mad, Father. Look, I come bearing good news. Eirika! Come out now!" Tana replied as she gestured to the group as they entered the room behind her.
"King Hayden, I am pleased to see you again, even in these sad times." Eirika said as she walked to the king who gently embraced her.
"Ah, Eirika! It does my heart good to see you safe." Hayden replied.
"Thank you." Eirika said as she stepped back. "I was able to escape the castle with Seth before Renais fell. But I'm not sure if my father..."
"Yes." Hayden said grimly. "I... have received word of your father."
"Your Highness?" Eirika gasped. "Please tell me. Is my father well?"
"...My friend King Fado... did not survive the fall of Renais Castle."
"From bad to worse..." Tyr muttered softly.
"...No, it cannot be..." Eirika muttered, as her lip trembled.
"Rest assured, Grado will be punished for its cowardly act." The king declared. "This is Frelia's promise. Eirika, please stay here and rest. I cannot imagine how exhausted you must be."
"King Hayden." Seth began as the princess remained silent. "You know of Prince Ephraim's disappearance, do you not?"
"Yes, we hear the prince and his men hound Grado at every turn." The king said with a grin. "It's said that he's led his forces into the empire itself. Reports suggest he's crossed the border and now fights in Renvall."
"My brother..." Eirika breathed. "He fights on? Even now?"
"Yes. My pegasus knights brought this information at a great price. Even though Renais has fallen, he charges into the enemy's heart. He is truly Fado's son... What a valiant youth. I wish that I knew whether he remains unharmed, but I do not."
"King Hayden, I thank you for your offer, but I cannot stay." Eirika said, as she held herself firm. "I intend to ride to my brother's side with reinforcements."
"I cannot allow it." Hayden replied with a gasp. "I know how you feel, but this plan is suicide."
"Not quite suicide Your Highness." Tyr spoke up, gaining the king's attention. "Difficult though it may be it can be done."
"Who are you to think you know this?" Hayden asked looking at him.
"This is Tyr, a tactician." Eirika began, gesturing to the man. "He hails from Elibe and I now owe him my life twice over. I trust his judgement."
"Yet you ask me to betray Fado's memory?" Hayden asked, approaching Tyr. "If any harm were to fall to her I could not bear it."
"I've seen her fight." Tyr replied evenly. "She is young. Inexperienced. But talented. And determined. She can handle herself well enough, and she has Seth and myself to watch over her."
"She should stay here!" Hayden countered. "And rest and mourn! Should she not leave this war to the warriors?"
"My opinion is not what matters." Tyr said shaking his head. "I can advise her and her companions in battle. But I cannot make the choice of which path she takes. Eirika..." He began, turning his head to look to the princess. "If you stay then I shall. If you go to your brother I will follow. The choice is yours."
"Your Majesty..." Eirika began. "I know you mean well. However, I have lost my father and my twin brother is in peril. My brother, he is a part of me... I cannot rest here in peace while he risks his life."
"But Renais has no more army. Grado's forces decimated it." Hayden added.
"If you lead a fight there are those that would join it." Tyr countered. "I've been there. Humans can be the blackest creatures on this world, but can be the most virtuous too and will aid their fellow humans and raise arms if need be."
"But we cannot provide support or soldiers." The king voiced. "My son, Innes, is on his way to meet the empire's forces. We cannot spare a single brigade. Your own retinue of knights cannot possibly face Grado alone."
"There will be people who will fight Grado." Tyr voiced in turn. "Willing to fight for the peace they yearn. We need only find them."
"Are you still determined to go?" Hayden asked. "Will you listen to your father's friend? Or an unknown tactician from a land far from our own?"
"I must go." Eirika replied. "... With apologies."
"...And as Ephraim is his father's son, you his daughter. Just as resolute." Hayden said with a short laugh. "What am I to do in the face of such foolhardy determination? Vanessa."
"Here, Your highness." A woman with short green hair in armoured said, stepping forwards.
"Moulder."
"You called, my king?" An older man with brown hair and a moustache added brown robes on his body.
"Gilliam."
"Yes, sire?" The knight said standing at attention.
"You are to follow Princess Eirika of Renais and the tactician Tyr into Grado territory." The king began. "I expect each of you to provide aid and support for Prince Ephraim."
"Hmm. Quite a grave responsibility you've given us." Moulder said.
"These are grave times." Tyr inserted.
"No matter the obstacles, we will perform our duty." Vanessa added.
"Our lives are yours." Gilliam added.
"These are some of my most trusted and stalwart vassals. And that merchant that we've hired..." Hayden added with a thought. "Send him in here." He said as a soldier saluted, quickly leaving the room. "I suppose your tactician would like to supplies for this foolish errand."
"And this fool will accomplish the errand assigned to him." Tyr replied with a bow. "Many thanks. And apologies, for challenging your word."
"None needed." Hayden replied. "Just live up to yours." He added before turning to Eirika. "My vassals will no doubt prove themselves quite valuable on your journey. Remember, you are venturing behind enemy lines. You will need supplies. That merchant I sent for will lead a supply convoy readied to carry your weapons and provisions. Have Tyr make a list of what you need."
"Then if Your Highness is willing I advise we stay the night." Tyr added. "I'll need time to get the list ready and to have the supplies loaded. Tents. Food. Water. Weapons. We'll need many things for this war..."
"You shall have them all." Hayden said. "It will remain at your side, no matter how far afield you venture."
"King Hayden, I..." Eirika began. "Thank you."
"No, save your thanks for your return... with your brother, Prince Ephriam."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Eirika said smiling widely.
"I'll have rooms prepared for the night." Hayden added before looking the Tyr. "When do you leave?"
"Dawn." Tyr replied with a nod. "We can have people ride in the wagons to speed us along. And, Vanessa was it? You're a pegasus knight, right?"
"Yes sir." The woman replied.
"We can have you scout ahead. I'd like another cavalryman, but given the situation I can't be picky..."
"Sire!" The solider called out as he entered. "I found the merchant." He added as the balding man with a pointy moustache walked in, Tyr gasping as he saw the man.
"Ah, yes." Hayden began as the merchant looked at the cloaked tactician. "This is-"
"Merlinus!" Tyr cried out.
"Father Sky!" Merlinus cried out. "Tyrland, my friend!" He called out, rushing over to embrace his old companion. "I was worried when I was told I'd led a caravan so deep into Grado, but with you here I can rest easy O' Duke of War!"
"Wait, Tyrland?" Eirika gasped. "Didn't Ephraim mention a master Elibian tactician that..."
"Led a war against a dark force..." Seth continued. "And let the army that defeated Nergal and his Black Fang minions..."
"Even in Magvel word reached us of the man they call..." Hayden continued. "Tyrland, the Duke of War."
"Why did you not tell us?" Seth asked.
"Would you have believed me?" Tyr replied with a shrug.
"Tyr..." Erika began.
"I came to Magvel to escape my reputation." The man began. "But it seems to have arrived before me. I prefer Tyr, but my name is indeed Tyrland."
"Ah, I... Did something wrong?" Merlinus ventured.
"Not your fault Merlinus." Tyr replied.
"So you're not some unknown then?" Hayden said with a laugh. "I feel better already!"
"Least someone does..." Tyr muttered.