Maxmagnus20019: Thanks dude.
Aquatic-Idealist: The line was taken from the game, it's not mine to give.
X00001: Thanks.
Chapter VIII: It's a Trap!
I happen to like Sacaeans, and not just those I've worked with. They have taken Pride, the greatest of sins, and made it a virtue. They are proud of their heritage, so proud they dare not spoil it. They are too proud to tell a lie, too proud to turn away from a needy cause and too proud to betray their word. To them a Saracen without pride or that tarnishes their pride is like a noblewoman working a farm for a living; not a Saracen at all.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
The knights Kent and Sain were both a joy to have under my command, both on and off the field. Sain's endless flirtations with women provided much needed comedy and as a friend you could hardly do better. The fact that he had Kent to balance him out, with his calm and humble manner was a bonus. Alone they were great knights. Together they were an unstoppable team.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
0-0
"This way, Princess Eirika." Orson said, guiding the troops down the hall of Castle Renvall. "Prince Ephriam is being kept in a cell back here." He said, his eyes darting about.
"Very well, let's go." Eirika said, Tyr moving to stand by her side.
"...Sir Orson." Seth began. "How long ago were you taken prisoner?"
"Some two weeks past." Orson sighed. "Prince Ephriam and I were forced to surrender. We've been held captive here in this dungeon since that black day."
"Did any of them let any information slip?" Tyr asked. "Some news we could use?"
"Unfortunately, no Sir Tyrland." Orson replied. "Not a word. Our daily meal was brought to us by servants from the neighbouring village. They were instructed not to speak to us, and we heard nothing of the war. Tell me, Seth. How fares Renais?"
"...Renais has fallen. King Fado... The king is dead."
"Dead... My king..." Orson gasped covering his face with one hand. "My apologies, Princess Eirika. I have served you poorly."
'Do you serve her at all?' Tyr thought to himself. 'Come on now Orson. Just one little thing, one thing to confirm what's running through my head.'
"You're not to blame, Sir Orson." Eirika said, shaking her head. "We must look to the future, not find fault in the past. The Grado army pursues me in hopes of acquiring my bracelet."
'Sky damn it...' Tyr thought, lowering his face so his hood could hide his irritation. 'Shout it out for the world to hear. Unless... He may not have heard of Grado going after it, he can claim ignorance. Unless...'
"My brother wears this bracelet's twin, and he is in danger, too." The princess added.
"Bracelet?" Orson mused. "Ah, I remember... Prince Ephriam still wears the bracelet. And Grado is after them?"
'He's not here.' Tyr thought as he and Seth shared a look. 'He knows it. He knows I know. Orson my friend, you have turned your coat. If Ephriam was indeed held here that little trinket would be in Grado Keep and the emperor's hand. Care to lie some more?'
"If that's the case, Princess..." Orson began, holding a hand out. "Perhaps you should entrust the bracelets to someone else."
"Perhaps, but..." Eirika began before Orson cut her off.
"Give them to me or to Seth." Orson said smoothly. "Let someone you trust guard them." He said as the princess fingered her jewellery. "If the empire desires your bracelet, you are in danger as long as you hold it. For your own safety, Your Highness, please. What say you? We must not allow the Sacred Stone of Renais to be taken."
"Everything you say is true and sensible, yet..." Eirika sighed as Seth and Tyr moved in front of her. "Huh?"
"In Bern there is a saying." Tyr began. "One that anyone from there knows: 'you've crossed the Ruby River.' Do you know what this phrase means?"
"No." Orson said, shaking his head. "But what does..."
"It means making an unfixable mistake." Tyr continued. "As you have just done."
"...Sir Orson." Seth began. "I am sorry for this, but please surrender to us your weapons."
"Seth? Tyr?" Eirika gasped as both men drew their swords.
"What are the two of you talking about?" Orson cried out. "Can't you see I'm unarmed? Do you think they allow prisoners weapons? What form of harm have you taken to suggest such foolishness?"
"If we are mistaken we will give you the apology due to you." Seth began. "However, there are questions I have that I cannot answer. Too many questions."
"For starters, why had no reinforcements come to join the battle from the castle?" Tyr began. "Far too easy a battle. One manned ballistae yet one unmanned? The one closer to us? I feel as if something odd is going on."
"Well surely a man as talented as Tyrland, the Duke of War, would find such a battle undemanding." Orson replied.
"And that brings me to my next point." Tyr began. "I introduced myself as Tyr. Simply Tyr, not Tyrland."
"...Er..."
"And why would you escape your cell and yet leave Prince Ephriam in chains?" Seth added. "And most damming of all..."
"The tie between the bracelet and the Stones is a closely kept secret." Tyr continued. "Only myself, Seth and the princess should know of it, yet Grado has learned it regardless. But how would you know of it?"
"There is some misunderstanding here." Orson said, waving a hand before them. "I had... heard it from the guards..."
"But you said you had heard no news." Tyr replied with a smirk.
"And why do you conceal a blade in your doublet?" Seth continued, pointing to the man's sleeve.
"Good eye." Tyr said, glaring at the man. "I missed that one."
"...What does this all mean?" Eirika said, looking across at the knight. 'If what they say is true then... Orson is... I can't believe it but... Is he a...'
"...Very well." Orson began, stepping back from them. "You haven't changed a bit, Seth. And Tyrland is as intelligent as I had heard. If only Eirika had been alone. You two, however, simply will not be deceived."
"Orson... I can't believe..." Eirika said through grit teeth as she drew her own blade.
"You turned traitor you dog in knight's armour." Tyr said, glaring at the man. "And you sold your nation out and worse yet sold your own soul."
"Why did you betray Renais?" Seth demanded.
"My fondest wish will be granted..." Orson said with a grin. "To spend the rest of my days in the embrace of my loving wife once more..."
"What are you saying?" Eirika asked as a man in massive armour approached, two spearmen behind him, one guiding a horse.
"That's enough. You've done well, Orson." The massive knight said. "I'll take over now. You may return to your beloved wife." He added as Orson nodded, moving to the horse and mounting it. A moment later he tore the crest of Renais from his shoulder, tossing it to the floor before turning his horse about and leaving.
"And you are?" Tyr said, eying the man.
"We've never met Master Tactician." The man said, lifting his head and looking down at the man in the green cloak with arrogance. "I am Tirado. Loyal and talented aide to Valter, general of the Grado army. Our spies from Serafew told us you have sided with Renais, but until now I didn't think a smart man could be so foolish."
"Charmed." Tyr said flatly.
"Valter?" Seth seethed, remembering the name. "You're that monster's-"
"And you are General Seth of Renais, yes?" The man sneered. "I thought to catch a little bird in my net, and it seems instead I've snared a hawk and an owl."
"Where is my brother?" Eirika demanded, glaring at the man.
"Ah, yes. Your brother. He's not here." Tirado said with a shrug.
"I figured as much." Tyr replied.
"The coward fled Lord Valter's pursuit... Somehow, he escaped the castle. And escaping under these conditions... Tch! Such stubbornness is quite annoying. It was my cunning that led us to turn this unfortunate blunder to our advantage."
"By spreading misinformation about his capture and detention at Renvall." Tyr said with a nod. "I shall give you the devil's due, it was quite the idea."
"Praise from the Duke himself." Tirado chuckled. "What better trap with which to catch his sweet, devoted sister?"
"My brother escaped?" Eirika said, blinking, weapon still in hand.
"Yes, but your no-doubt emotional reunion will have to wait until the afterlife." Tirado replied. "Let's end this, shall we?" He said as Eirika's troops drew their weapons, standing behind their princess. "First-"
"You'll destroy the bridge to cut off our escape." Tyr replied simply. "Please, you make it sound as if we're running."
"What?" Tirado bellowed out, taking a step back.
"It's clear that running isn't an option, any avenue of escape would be covered." Tyr continued. "You'd have seen to it. However if we kill you here that's one less commanding officer capable of directing troops."
"And you think you can pull that off?" Tirado said, bellowing in laughter. "I led you into a trap you fool!"
"I knew that from the start." Tyr grinned. "Why do you think I entered the castle with everyone instead of clearing the area about the castle?"
"Heh, you think you're so smart." Tirado chuckled as he and his soldiers backed away. "Shall you be as smart when my lance spears your chest? All soldiers to arms! Kill the princess! Take her bracelet! And then bring Tyrland to me so I may kill him myself!" He called out, gunpowder charges echoing behind them, the bridge collapsing as soldiers moved to fill the castle halls, Tirado himself laughing as he walked off to the throne room.
"Tyr, we must get Princess Eirika away from this place!" Seth called out, the soldiers approaching with weapons drawn.
"We are not running." Tyr replied. "And even if we were the bridge is rather ruined."
"Blast!" Seth cried out as Franz, Gilliam, Garcia and Joshua moved in front of them.
"Artur, Lute, Moulder! Support!" Tyr cried out. "Vanessa, stay aground and be ready to move!"
"Oh, Brother..." Eirika sighed as she looked at her foes, weapon at the ready. "I'm so sorry. I..."
"Enough of that!" Tyr called out as Gilliam speared a foe, soldiers slamming to the human wall. "I will not let my employer get killed, especially when she is so pretty." Tyr replied, Eirika's cheeks blushing slightly. "Be ready. We fight our way out!"
"Of course!" Eirika added, saluting with her weapon before joining the fray.
0-0
A lance glanced off of Tyr's blade as he stepped back, the soldier's weapon grazing his shoulder before he kicked the man back, thrusting his sword into the man's chest.
About him the battle had become thick and heated, three waves of Grado men pounding them to the point he had to join the fray or risk getting killed. Garcia was being tended to by Moulder and Natasha was casting healing spells at every spare opportunity, her staff glowing brightly. Franz and Seth worked as a well oiled pair; one setting the other up for a clear shot. Erika and Joshua had paired off, darting about foes, using speed and agility to stay ahead of weapons, neither receiving a hit.
Gilliam's armour had taken a pounding but seemed unwilling to break or give way to weapons, and its wearer punished any who tried with a lance to the chest. Lute cast fiery death from the back as Artur's light slammed foes about. Finally the last man in sight was felled by a thrust from Eirika's rapier.
"Is that it?" She panted, bending forward slightly.
"I see no more." Franz added as he rotated his sore lance arm. "Maybe that onslaught of men was their trap."
"Some trap." Seth scoffed. "But effective. We only just came out of that."
"Maybe." Gilliam said, standing up. "But we are coming out of it. Now, lets-"
"Quiet!" Tyr barked out, raising a hand. "Listen." He added as the dull sound of metal clashing with metal was heard.
"A battle?" Seth said, blinking in confusion. "But who else would be fighting Grado here?"
"Whoever it was took some of the heat off us!" Tyr replied. "And I've a good idea who it is! Come on!" He called out, running off down the hall.
"Tyr! Wait!" Eirika cried out as well, rushing after him.
"Come on you guys!" Garcia cried out, the remainder of the force giving chase. "We're late for a fight!"
0-0
"Here we are again!" Forde called out, his sword jabbing into a foe as Ephriam slamming his lance's butt end into another soldier's face. "Think she's here?"
"The princess?" Kyle barked back, his lance breaking inside a man's body. "Too stubborn not to be." He added, flipping it about and tossing it at another Grado trooper, catching him in the throat.
"And if she's here, we rush to her aide!" Ephriam added, stabbing another man. Spotting a second rushing him he pulled back only for the body to stick on his lance. 'Blast! It's stuck!' He through out as the man rushed him with his lance.
"Not today!" A knight on horseback called out, impaling the charging man with his own lance.
"Seth?" Ephriam cried out as he finally worked his lance out of the corpse. "Then..."
"Brother!" He heard, turning to face his sister with rapier in hand who quickly wrapped her arms about his neck.
"Eirika, are you well?" He asked, hugging his sister with his free arm. 'How long have we been apart?'
"Brother!" Eirika cried out happily, the last of the Grado men falling quickly to the combined might of the twin's troops. "It's really you! You're alive! You're alive!"
"Well, of course I am." Ephriam said with a chuckle. "After we escaped Renvall, I thought I'd strike a blow against the emperor himself. When I heard that you'd been waylaid by the enemy, however, I turned back to find you. Looks like my timing was impeccable."
"I'm so sorry." Eirika sighed, hugging him tighter, tears of joy flowing freely. "The irony is that I was trying to rescue you. All I did was interfere with your plans..."
"What are you talking about?" Ephriam chuckled slightly as he rubbed her head. "You came to help me, didn't you? Your efforts alone are enough to inspire me."
"Not to break up the happy reunion." The prince heard, turning to face a man in a green cloak who lowered his hood. "But we've a castle to clear out, and I'd rather have it done soon, before any other unwanted surprises pop up."
"Oh, yes." Eirika said, blushing slightly as she released her brother. "Of course Tyr."
"Who is this?" Ephriam asked as the man stepped closer.
"Allow me to introduce you two." Eirika said, smiling. "Tyr, as you may have guessed, this is my brother, Prince Ephriam of Renais."
"Well met." Tyr replied.
"Brother, this is my Tactician, Tyr." Eirika continued. "Or, as he is also known... Tyrland."
"Wait, Tyrland?" Ephriam cried out, as Tyr bowed slightly. "As in Elibe's Duke of War?"
"One in the same." Tyr replied. "In service to Her Highness."
"Here? In Magvel?" Ephriam said, extending his hand, Tyr gripping it in a handshake. "Why are you here?"
"Many a reason, all of which can wait." Tyr replied. "Care to join us in a little house cleaning Your Highness."
"But of course!" Ephriam replied. "I and my men are at your disposal."
"Then let's pay the manor's lord a visit, shall we. Listen close, you and Eirika are going to beat this lout and this is how it is to be done..."
0-0
"Hmm..." Tirado began as the two royal siblings entered the room, Tyr following them. "My men were unable to finish the job, were they?" That was unexpected, he had them outnumbered at least three to one. The fact Prince Ephriam returned to aid his sister was unexpected, but not unwelcome. 'I can kill both at the same time.' He thought as he secured his helm onto his head. "It falls on me to show you my own special brand of power."
"Any power you claim to have is meaningless." Tyr replied as the two siblings spread apart, moving to either side of the man as he stomped down to them. "Their's is far greater."
"And what power is that?" Tirado barked out.
"Come and see!" Ephriam called out, spinning his lance about as Eirika charged, rapier drawn.
"That foil will not injure me!" Tirado cried out as he stabbed his lance at the girl who slid down, her momentum carrying her between his legs. "Huh?" He gasped, looking down at the gap in his legs as he caught a shadow move on the ground.
"Watch your foe fool." Ephriam added as he thrust his lance at the knight, Tirado blocking with his own, spinning it about.
"I am." Tirado replied with a grin, swinging it at Ephriam. "After all, the wench is too weak to harm me through my plate armour."
"Almost true." Ephriam said as he jumped back.
"Almost?" Tirado parroted just before pain erupted in the back of his knee. "GAH!"
"Plate armour, no matter how strong must be able to move." Ephriam said with a grin, as Tirado spun about, swinging the lance at the princess who had already run about him. "And those joints are weak and in some spots unprotected." He continued as Eirika ducked another swing, dodging inside his guard before stabbing his lance arm, the point of her blade sliding into the join and into the man's elbow.
"No..." Tirado cried out as his lance feel from his grip.
"This is the power of teamwork." Tyr said, stepping up next to Ephriam. "One leading you in, the other taking you down." He added as Eirika jammed her rapier into the man's visor. "Class dismissed."
0-0
"Brother..." Eirika began as she, Seth, Tyr and Ephriam stood in the throne room, the rest of the troop scouting the castle.
"I worried you, didn't I Eirika?" Ephriam said with a sigh. "And you as well General?"
"Not at all." Seth said with a smile. "We're happy you're safe. But tell me, Prince, do you know of Orson's treachery against you and all of Renais?"
"Yes, though I learned of it all too late, after we'd been trapped at Renvall." Ephriam replied.
"And yet you managed to get away to continue the fight." Tyr added. "You've managed to keep yourself and your men safe and alive. That is quite commendable, given the odds."
"Thank you, Sir Tyrland." Ephriam replied.
"Just Tyr is fine Your Highness." Tyr replied.
"Still, I find it difficult to believe that after all of Orson's years in service to Renais..." Ephriam sighed. "I am morally responsible for his plight."
"Ephriam..." Eirika let out softly as a young girl entered the room, indigo hair done in two pigtails walked over to them, a black cloak covering her body.
"What is it, Myrrh?" Ephriam asked, turning to the young lady.
"Something's coming... It's drawing near." Myrrh spoke softly. "Dark... big... and great in number."
"I understand." Ephriam said, nodding before turning to his sister and her tactician. "It looks like we should get out of here.
"Um, Brother?" Eirika began. "This girl... Her hair is indigo... Where did..."
"Ah, that's a long story." Ephriam said, waving a hand. "For now, we must move."
"Agreed." Tyr added with a nod. "Grado, at the very least, is going to come down of us like a bag of bricks. Best we retreat to the safety of Frelia and plan the next move."
"And, suffice to say Emperor Vigarde has enlisted some... otherworldly powers." Ephriam sighed. "We must warn everyone of the danger."
0-0
"Seems we've come out of another scrape." Seth mused slightly as the troop began to return the way they came, this time with Ephriam and his men joining them. Kyle and Forde took point just ahead of Seth and Eirika while Ephriam and Tyr had gone inside his wagon, Colm at it's helm.
"Yes, we have." Eirika sighed, shaking her head. "Some days I wonder if we could manage without Tyr."
"We could." Seth replied. "But I must admit, having him with us makes these times easier."
"I know." Eirika replied, smiling softly. "And he and Ephriam have seemed to have forged quite a bond in such a short time. I'm glad."
"You do seem to be." Seth added with a nod. "It seemed to be quite a point for you that they would become friends."
"Well Tyr is a friend to me as well." Eirika responded. "It's important that my brother enjoys companionship with those whom I befriend as well."
"Hmm..."
"What is it, Seth?"
"Nothing. A mere passing thought."
0-0
"Oh, you must be kidding me!" Ephriam bellowed out in laughed, leaning back on the bed. "Hector did what?"
"He called Lyn an untamed wench of a woman, and that is not something you do." Tyr replied, chuckling at the memory as he sat on the chair. "I've never seen a woman beat a man as large as he like that before or since! Thank Elmine she kept the sheath on the SWORD or the poor lord would be stitching his arm back on!"
"Oh dear lord, how did they ever end up married?"
"Haven't a clue." Tyr said, the look in his eyes losing some shine. "Anyway, Mathew was by far the largest pain to deal with in the army, double so when we picked up Legault. It got to the point I had to tell them if they stole something to put it back later."
"You didn't tell them to stop?" Ephriam replied.
"That would be next to impossible." Tyr replied. "But it tended to be humorous, such as the time the somehow, someway, in some manner I cannot comprehend, stole Lyn's panties without her notice."
"How would rummaging through her tent be so hard to comprehend, the louts."
"It wasn't from her tent; she was wearing them at the time of the theft."
"...WHAT?"
"I still don't know which one of them pulled that little stunt off, and I can't begin to imaging how either." Tyr chuckled with a shrug. "Oh, Lyn was as close a friend as one could be, but I cannot help but laugh as I recall the look on her face!"
"What happened to the pair after that?" Ephriam asked as he shook his head.
"Nothing, believe it or not." Tyr replied. "Only one of them did it, and Lyn's Saracen pride wouldn't let her punish an innocent party, although I still claim the two conspired together."
"Sounds like quite the troop."
"Yeah." Tyr replied. "And some of the people in this army reminds me of the troops that fought Nergal with me. Franz and Seth reminds me a lot of Lowen and Marcus, a young knight and his general who is looking after his charge. Garcia and Ross are much like Dorcas and Bartre, all axemen with the Garcia and Dorcas being calm and Bartre and Ross fierce. Vanessa and Fiora, both knights on pegasus back, both dedicated to their duty. Hell, swap their armour and Kyle and Forde are almost like Kent and Sain. Well, no one could be just like Sain..."
"Sounds like quite the character."
"He has yet to meet a woman who would be unable to capture his eyes." Tyr chuckled. "And now that I think of it, Lyn and Eirika are similar in a number of respects as well."
"Now that sounds surprising." Ephriam replied. "You have quite a high opinion of your first warrior."
"If you saw her in combat you would as well." Tyr replied. "Eirika is more of gentle stream to Lyn's raging river, but both are swift, striking with speed and grace. Both are strong of will and hold the protection of innocents as a priority. Both were inexperienced when we first met and now Lyn is nearly peerless, and Eirika is becoming quite the swordswoman herself, a master in fact."
"I noticed she seemed to flow about Tirado."
"She's a long way to go, make no mistake." Tyr replied. "But she had a lot of potential."
"And you can bring it out." Ephriam replied. "I must thank you, I owe you much."
"Owe me?" Tyr said confused. "For what?"
"For looking after my sister while I could not." Ephriam replied simply. "I cannot bare the though of her harmed, and I wish to protect her. But I can't always be there for her. I can't always protect her. I thank you, not only for looking over her but helping her stand on her own so I can worry less."
"I am a tactician and she is my liege." Tyr said, shaking his head. "To do less would be a gross disregard of duty."
0-0
Eirika sighed slightly as the troop held just outside of Serafew, Colm and Tyr moving into the town to judge the Grado troops and see if they could bypass them without incident.
"What is it, Eirika?" Ephriam asked, walking up next to her.
"I was thinking about Lyon." Eirika replied softly. "The last time we saw him was a year and a half ago..."
"You're right." Ephriam replied with a nod. "It was at Grado Keep. ...Has it really been only a year and a half?"
0-0
"Ephriam! Lyon!" Eirika cried out just on the edge of Serafew, looking about. "Where are you two?"
"We're over here, Eirika." She heard Lyon call back. "You'd better be quick. Ephriam says he's tired of waiting."
"Oh, please." She scoffed playfully. "I'm sure you could wait a few moments longer..." She said before running off down the street.
0-0
"You're late." Ephriam said with his arms crossed. "How long does it take you so long to prepare for such a simple trip?"
"Rest easy, Ephriam." A youth with hair resembling silver mixed with purple. "There's no need to be so curt with your own sister. After all, a king must learn to treat women with honour and discretion. That's what Father MacGregor says."
"Thank you, Lyon." Eirika replied with a smile and short bow. "You, unlike my brother, are a true gentleman." She let off a short giggle before righting herself. "I was up far too late thinking about my prayer to the temple flame last night. And I'm afraid I... I overslept..."
"Your prayer?" Ephriam let out, scratching at his ear. "What are you babbling about?"
"Come now, you know that flame has been burning since the time of darkness ended." Lyon chided gently. "You must know the story that the flame will answer the prayers of any pilgrim!"
"Really? I didn't know that..." Ephriam replied thoughtfully.
"Oh, Ephriam." Eirika giggled slightly. "Father MacGregor is going to scold you for neglecting your studies so."
"...Don't even joke about that." Ephriam replied. "So tell us, what have you decided to pray for, Eirika?"
"I, uh..." She began. "It's a secret."
"I should've known." Ephriam sighed. "You're so boring."
"Well, how about you, Ephriam?" Lyon asked a smile upon his face.
"Me? Let's see..." Ephriam began, tilting his head up in thought. "I guess I'll pray to become a stronger fighter."
"That's just like you, Ephriam." Lyon said with a shake of his head.
"Just like you indeed, Brother." Eirika agreed with own shake of the head.
"...I can never tell if you're complimenting me or mocking me." Ephriam complained.
"Praising you, of course!" Lyon replied quickly with a wave of the hand. "Right, Eirika?"
"Hee hee... Yes, that's right." The princess added with another giggle.
"And you, Lyon?" Ephriam began. "What will you pray for?"
"What? Me?" Lyon replied, pointing to himself. "Hm... I suppose all I really want is for all our people to be happy."
"...That's very, uh..." Ephriam began. "That's very much like you."
"Very much so, Lyon." Eirika agreed with a smile.
"...Now, I'm the one who cannot tell if he's being praised or..." Lyon began to grumble.
"You're being praised, as always, Lyon." Ephriam replied with a slight grin.
"Tell me, why the sudden decision to visit the temple?" Eirika asked, tilting her head. "Did my brother do something again?"
"Now listen, you..." Ephriam began to let out before Lyon chuckled aloud.
"Oh no. It's not what Ephraim's done." Lyon said as waved a hand again. "It's what he hasn't done. He's learned nothing at all about the Sacred Stone and the temple flame, so..."
"Father MacGregor became angry." Ephriam finished for him. "He said, 'One destined to become king and rule over a nation must know the history of his kingdom and must respect the Sacred Stones.' Ever since I came to Grado, my life has been chastisement and castigation." He complained. "Father MacGregor does not think of me to be altogether too... kingly."
"And yet General Duessel has nothing but praise for you, Ephraim." Lyon added. "He says you're brave and true, that you've the makings of a great king."
"A great king?" Ephraim parroted. "I honestly have no idea what that means. Eirika should succeed the throne. I would be happy simply taking my lance and traveling the land as a mercenary."
"Ephriam, that is nothing but foolish, irresponsible romanticism!" Eirika cried out. "Do you realize how much your words would fill Father's heart with grief?"
"Are we speaking of the same man?" Ephraim said with a short laugh. "Our father will likely outlive us all. For now, I'm content with just learning the lance from General Duessel. What about you, Lyon? Is there anything you want to do?"
"Me? Well, I..." The Grado prince began. "I suppose I want to become like my father."
"You were born to be the Emperor of Grado, Lyon." Eirika replied with a smile. "It suits you."
"No, I don't think so." Lyon replied, shaking his head. "I'm not- One thing I do know from watching my father is that being emperor is hard. Every day, he answers the complaints of the people, and he almost never sleeps... My father is always so very tired. I hope one day that... I hope that I can help him."
"Lyon... You are so honourable." Eirika said, beaming gently. "You should learn from him, Brother."
"...Again with your criticism!" Ephraim cried out. "Tell me, Eirika. What say you to dressing like me and becoming king in my stead? You're so skinny, I doubt anyone would notice you're not really a man."
"Ha ha ha..." Lyon let out, trying to cover his mouth with a hand.
"Ephraim!" Eirika cried out, stomping a foot into the ground.
0-0
"What do you suppose Lyon is doing now?" Eirika asked with a sigh. "When Emperor Vigarde ordered the invasion... How do you think Lyon felt?"
"He's always been so gentle, but he worships his father." Ephraim said, shaking his head. "He'd never question him. But the emperor... He's clearly not behaving rationally. I just hope he's not so far gone that he'd hurt is own flesh and blood."
"I just pray for the day when the three of us can be together once again." Eirika replied, looking out into the forest.
"It'll come." Ephraim replied. "I've no doubt."
"Don't be so quick to say so." They head as Tyr and Colm walked over to them. "This war shall get worse before it becomes better. Always good to hope though."
"Just like the boss says." Colm added with a grin. "And we're in luck. Serafew guard is pitiful. I could smuggle a life-sized statue of the emperor through here with no one the wiser."
"That's strange." Ephraim replied. "Why so light a guard? This is a border town; you'd think Grado would be watching it closer."
"Perhaps they cannot spare the men, which is what I fear to be the case." Tyr replied. "If they can't afford the men to place a proper guard here then the must be assembling a large attacking force. The Stones are in danger, and Renais isn't the only country holding one."
"All the more reason to hurry." Ephraim replied with a nod. "We ride for Frelia!"