Shout Outs...
Aquatic-Idealist: Yeah, it does.
Maxmagnus20019: Been so long since I had Trix...
Fallen Vanguard: He'd love the trick, ne?
X00001: Thanks.
AccessBlade: You're welcome.
Legendary Double-edged sword: Yeah... Been awhile, huh?
Ganheim: _ **Falls over from typo-mania** Wah-ha-ha...
Infinite Freedom: I never tell what pairings will come. As for Lyn's panties... Even I don't know...
RandomTopic: My bad on the misspelling.
NinjaGaiden357: Thanks man.
Shardheart: I try.
Blue Bragon: Thank you.
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Chapter XI: Creeping Darkness
The Church of St. Elmine wasn't my favourite place. Think not of me as an unbeliever, I hear her words and listen to her teachings. But you always find the oddest people there. If anyone ever doubts that, I hold Serra as an example. An extreme one, I admit, but an example none the less.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
Morphs as foes are troublesome; they are about as smart as bandits, but more numerous and better disciplined than any Saracen with no fear of death, sense of pain, or sense of remorse. And don't get me started on the ones that were made to be smart, those ones may feel pain and even perhaps fear death but it doesn't hinder them at all.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
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"No." Tyr said, flatly staring at the girl before him.
"But Tyrland, Sir-" Amelia began.
"Just call me Tyr..." He sighed, the troop about them preparing for the next march.
"Tyr, I want to help closer to the front, why do you want me in the back?" The blonde girl questioned.
"It's simple really." Tyr sighed. "I am your tactician. It is part of my responsibility to try and keep you alive. You are an inexperienced lance-woman. After the last battle I think you need more training to work that clumsiness out of you."
"C-clumsiness sir?" Amelia questioned. "But, I'm a trained soldier! I can fight well enough."
"...Franz!" Tyr called out, turning to the young knight. "Would you fetch a practice sword and lance please?"
"Sir?" Amelia questioned as the young knight quickly approached, both items in his hands. Taking the sword he held it in his right hand before tossing Amelia the lance.
"Come at me." Tyr said, Franz nodding with understanding as he stepped back. Hearing the commotion Eirika wandered over, seeing Garcia as tactician and soldier faced off with practice weaponry.
"What's this?" Eirika asked Garcia as she eyed the two.
"I think Tyr wants to give the little chick a lesson." Garcia replied. "A lesson about trying to go too far too soon."
"You're... You're not a trained soldier, sir!" Amelia replied, looking at the man.
"Then if you score a hit, we can end this." Tyr replied. "But you won't."
"Yes sir..." Amelia began with a sigh. "Hi-yah!" She cried, rushing forward with the lance, trusting it out as Tyr leapt to one side, swinging his wooden blade and smacking the flat against her rump. "OW!" She cried out, lance falling to the ground as she rubbed her butt.
"Lesson one: Never underestimate your opponent." Tyr began. "You think I'd step onto a battlefield when I'm not ready for a battle?" He asked as she picked the lance up, frowning deeply as she rushed him again, thrusting her weapon out quickly and rapidly, Tyr deflecting each thrust, before lifting his blade up. As Amelia rose her own weapon to counter Tyr lifted a boot from the ground, kicking her in the stomach and sending her falling onto her back. "Lesson Two: The weapon in your foe's hand is not the only thing he can strike you with."
"Grr..." Amelia growled out, her face twisting into a snarl as got back to her feet, glaring at the man. "Yahhh!" She cried out before charging the man who reared his blade back before throwing it at her face. "Wah!" She cried out in surprise, lifting her lance and lowering her head, the wooden blade deflecting off her weapon's shaft and clattering harmlessly to the ground.
"And Lesson Three: Prepare for anything!" Tyr said, rushing forward to grip her weapon before using his larger size and a leg to trip her, sending her to the group, her grip failing as the weapon was wrenched from her hands and then placed at her neck.
"H-how...?" Amelia began as Tyr moved the weapon away, offering her a hand.
"I don't mean to be harsh." Tyr said. "But when it comes to battle I must be. You have potential; you can be a good soldier. But you're not there yet."
"Sir..." Amelia began accepting the hand as Tyr helped her to her feet. "...Did someone once... do the same to you?"
"Yes." Tyr said with a nod, passing her the practice weapon. "It was a tough lesson. But I pushed past it. You can too."
"Yes sir." Amelia said sadly with a nod as Tyr set a hand on her shoulder.
"When we make camp next I want you to go talk to Gilliam." Tyr began. "Tell him I want him to teach you more about the lance. Practice hard and overcome and you might see action on the front."
"Yes sir." Amelia said, smiling slightly. "And... apologies for..."
"None needed." Tyr said, waving his hand. "Put the weapons away and get ready for march. And stay with Franz, maybe he'll pass on a few tips."
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The Caer Pelyn Range...
According to Ewan, a little-known passage to Jehanna lies there, hidden within its cracked red bedrock and knife-edged peaks. To avoid Carcino and combat, Eirika's troops take the mountain path. They begin climbing higher and higher toward Caer Pelyn.
Unbeknownst to the group, hordes of dark creatures now roam the peaks.
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"Ugh, blasted fog..." Tyr muttered, looking at the trail before them, the thick blanket of mist covering the path somewhat. Ewan was taking point and guiding the way, Forde and Kyle next to him to provide cover. His own wagon, with Eirika seated beside him, was trailing them closely. The rest of the group followed along, closer than usual to keep sight of one another in the thick weather.
"We're almost there!" He heard Ewan shout out, waving as he turned about to face them. "Come on! My teacher lives just up ahead."
"Slow down, Ewan. Let's stick together." Eirika replied, shaking her head slightly.
"Yes, bad enough we have the fog to deal with," Tyr began. "But the horses are tiring somewhat dragging us all uphill." He added, not mentioning that the troop was still tired and battered after the pervious two battles, although everyone was recovering nicely.
"I agree with the fog." Innes said, walking faster so he was keeping stride with Tyr's wagon. "It's getting thick. I don't expect any more surprise attacks, but that doesn't mean we-"
"Quit worrying, mister!" Ewan let off, cutting the prince off as the royal's eye twitched in irritation. "You're gonna get left behind."
"...Don't speak to me, boy. I don't tolerate insolence." Innes replied, not quite spitting the words out as calmly growling them.
"Innes, he's only a child." Eirika said, stepping off the wagon to walk next to the prince. "There's no reason to be so rude. He is helping us after all."
"That's right. Without me, you'd never get where you're going." Ewan replied, patting his chest before turning to face the path again. "So come on already!"
"Cheery thing, isn't he?" Tyr deadpanned as the youth began to speed up his pace.
"Stop." Innes let off. "Don't take another step." He added, stopping in his tracks as he looked down the path, causing Eirika to halt and Tyr to stop his wagon, Ewan stopping a moment after, turning to face them.
"Huh?" Ewan let off as Tyr stood up, looking around in the direction Innes was. "That's gonna make it awfully hard to get where we need to go."
"...What do you know about that fort?" Innes said, taking a moment to speak calmly. "It looks like it's been abandoned for some time. Is anyone using it?"
"Nope. It's really run-down." Ewan said, shaking his head as he walked over. "Nobody ever goes there. It's been empty for ages. I've been inside, so I know."
"Is that right?" Innes said, shaking his head. "Then what's that sound, and where is it coming from?"
"Huh? What sound?" Ewan asked, turning to listen. "Hey, you're right... I do hear a weird noise. You could hear that? Neat! You've got really good hearing. I wonder what it is..."
"Lucky for us, then, he has good hearing." Tyr said, cupping an ear. "I'm guessing someone, or more likely something, has moved in."
"There it is again." Eirika let off as something shambled from the fog and into they're view. "Prince, is this..."
"Tyr."
"You don't need to tell me." Tyr replied, turning to look over to the side of the wagon as Seth's horse trotted closer from the rear. "Seth! Call to arms! We've monsters to deal with, yet again!"
"Sir!" Seth said, saluting before turning the horse about, bellowing out to the troops, the red-haired woman rushing from the middle of the caravan at the call.
"Ewan, it's dangerous here. Get behind me." Tethys called out as she rushed over to the youth.
"No way." Ewan replied, cutting the air with an arm. "I'm gonna fight, too."
"No." Tethys replied, shaking her head. "You're too young. You're not ready for this. Are you going to do as I say or not?" She said, grabbing him by the shoulders. "I don't know what I would do if you were to get injured."
"Oh... OK..." He let off with a sigh.
"If you want to be of use in the meantime, stay with the wagons." Tyr said, the troop coming up to the front, armed and ready. "You can guard them, just in case." He said, the youth perking up a bit at the words.
"OK! Leave it to me." He said before rushing back to Merlinus' wagon.
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"What spacious chambers." L'Arachel let off, exploring the fort near Caer Pelyn Range admiring the stale, but sturdy and strong walls. "Hm... A bit musty, but I like it. I've decided. We'll bed here for the night. I do wonder where Rennac disappeared to, though." She added with a touch of worry. "I told him not to wander off, but..."
"Hmph!" Dolza let off with a huff. "Lady L'Arachel, this could be trouble." He said, looking about.
"What is it Dolza?"
"Look there! Through that break in the fog..." He said, pointed to the window, the royal woman guiding the horse she rode over to gaze outside. "Looks like we've got some nasty creatures running 'bout this place."
"...I can't see a thing." L'Arachel admitted as she peered into the fog. "But this can be nothing but good fortune shining down on us again. Losing our way in the mountains and running into these abominations? There can be no doubt: we were brought here to destroy these foul things! Come, Dolza! We fight!"
"Gwah ha ha!" Dolza laughed out, un-strapping the axe at his back. "My heart cries out for battle!"
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To say they were fighting a few monsters would be a gross understatement.
With the exceptions of Ewan, Amelia and a still recovering Colm everyone was fighting. Arrows flew as axes and swords were swung and lances stabbed. Even Tyr was forced into the melee, his sword downing a few skeletons that came his way, although it paled to the piles of bones Eirika, Seth and the other more skilled warriors were making. A mauthe dogs and mogall joined the fight, the former wounded by Innes and Neimi and finished by Vanessa while the later was dealt with by Ross and his large axe.
Unfortunately Tyr's commands became fewer as their adversaries continued to mount. While the monsters weren't smart they had somehow managed to separate Tyr from his troop. He forced down the panic as he kept fighting, the numbers pushing him back while Eirika led the closest group to her to drive a wedge into the beasts to get to him. Outnumbered and surrounded Tyr took a glance at the walls of the old fort and grinned, sheathing his weapon and rushing to the wall.
A tree had, somehow, grown next to the wall and led up to a window in the fort. While there would, undoubtedly, be monsters inside he was overwhelmed as it was and had to retreat to somewhere. Leaping onto the tree as soon as he could he scrambled up the trunk faster than the monsters could shamble over. "Eirika! Cut them down and then work your way inside!" He called out before climbing into the window. It was a bit of a drop to the floor, but he landed on his feet before taking a breath.
"Hm?" He heard, tuning his head to see a woman on horseback look back at him.
"You... L'Arachel!" He let off, surprised to see the woman there.
"Hello!" She chirped back. "So it's true! Blessings do come in threes!" She added, the sound of Dolza's battle cries echoing in the room.
"L'Arachel, in case you've not noticed... There is a swarm of monsters about." Tyr began. "Perhaps you should find haven elsewhere."
"Oh, you needn't worry about us." She replied shortly before half a gargoyle landed a few feet from them. "As you well know, my divine mission is to purge the land of these obscenities. I will show you the splendour that is L'Arachel in action! Bear witness!"
"If you wish it..." Tyr replied, two skeletons loosing their heads from Dolza's axe. "But at least allow me to guide you. I am a tactician by trade."
"Oh, how fortuitous!" She replied, turning to her bodyguard. "Dolza." She let off.
"Gwa ha ha!" He laughed back, even as he cleaved a revenant in half. "What is it, Lady L'Arachel?" He asked, not turning to face her as he bashed the flat of the weapon into a skeleton.
"We're going to have this tactician guide us to help speed us along to eradicate these unclean monstrosities." She said cheerfully, the skeleton stepping about before falling down, its skull crushed in.
"Sounds fun!" He replied, his axe cleaving the last monster in sight, a mauthe dog, before turning to face Tyr. "What would you have me do?"
"Oh carry on in your normal manner." L'Arachel replied. "Destroy, destroy, destroy. But do be sure to enjoy yourself."
"Gwah ha ha! I am your obedient servant!"
"Well then, may I suggest we move towards the north gate?" Tyr began. "My forces are moving against these beasts and will likely be entering there. With some luck we can flank them." He added, pulling his crossbow out and pulling the arms into place.
"Yes, let us be off!" L'Arachel replied, clasping her hands.
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"Keep pushing them back!" Eirika called out, a gash on her temple leaking some blood as she lead the band of warriors, mages and combatants into the fort's next room. The monsters were, thankfully, disorganized enough that they had no defensive strategy such as holding chokepoints. Unfortunately they still had numbers to throw at them.
The melee combatants had formed a half circle, using the walls to bar the monsters passage around them, while the long distance attacks pummelled the abominations at range. Tana and Vanessa had, meanwhile, flew about the boarder of the fort, picking off any stranglers or monsters approaching their flanks. She idly noted the pain in her head subside, the blood no longer flowing from her as Natasha healed the wound. The battle didn't worry her, but Tyr becoming separated from her did.
It was hard to describe what she felt for the man, and better left for later, but what she did know was the thought that he was facing danger alone scared her.
"Dolza, pick off the mauthe dogs before they try and make an opening!"
"Gwah ha ha! Right you are!"
And then there were the times she had to be reminded that he wasn't helpless, and in this case, not alone.
The bearded berserker charged at the dog-like beasts, cleaving them in half while Tyr began to snipe off revenants with his crossbow. L'Arachel in the meanwhile began to cast her healing magics on the opposing forces; the effect seeming to be more painful to the beasts than damaging, but it was lessening the effectiveness of the monster horde.
"I wasn't aware curative powers could do anything but heal." Tyr admitted as he sniped off a gargoyle.
"Usually, but against abominations like this it disrupts the dark energies that give them their cursed animation." She replied simply. "It can't harm the foul creatures, but it can distract and disorient them."
"Then keep it up and we'll clean house before long."
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It wasn't long before his words became truth. The horde, distracted by the healing powers of L'Arachel (With assistance from Moulder, Artur, Natasha and Lute) they proved to be easier pickings, although both Kyle and Ross had received severe blows, Ross' left arm and Kyle's chest.
In the end Tyr ordered the bodies of the beasts collected and burned as swiftly as possible and had the wagons called for before moving to join Eirika and Seth as they spoke to L'Arachel, Dolza hovering nearby.
"Thank you, L'Arachel." Eirika began.
"Please, speak nothing of it." She said, waving it off. "It is heaven's dictate that I come here to cleanse this charming place of monsters. What's more important is- Oh my! I have just realized I have not yet had the honour of your names."
"Oh, you're right." Eirika replied with a nod. "How strange... We've met so often now that I had assumed you already... Please, forgive my lack of manners. My name is Eirika."
"Milady..." Seth began stiffly.
"Relax, Seth." Tyr replied. "She is not a foe, at least not a foe of ours. I am Tyr, Eirika's tactician."
"Eirika..." L'Arachel began, tapping her chin as she seemed to taste the name. "Aha! So you must be Princess Eirika of Renais! It is simply an honour to meet you."
"We've already met..." Tyr began before sighing. "Oh, never mind..."
"And how strange that we should meet again in this place." L'Arachel said, continuing on as if not hearing the tactician. "You must be lost as well. This continent is so confusing."
'That's for sure.' Tyr thought to himself with a nod.
"Um, yes. Actually, we're not lost at all." Eirika replied. "You see..."
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Over the course of a few minutes Eirika began to relate her tale from escaping Castle Renais, to meeting with Tyr, the trip to Frelia and the battles that led her to her brother. Once done she continued the tale with the return to Frelia, the plot to destroy the stones and their journey to warn the other nations on the continent of the danger. L'Arachel listened to each word, stopping only for clarification on one fact or another, until the tale of how they wound up at the fort finished up.
"Is that so?" L'Arachel let out. "Well, clearly I must be allowed to accompany you."
"You want to travel with us?" Eirika asked, blinking slightly. "I appreciate your offer, but our journey is far too perilous. I do not wish to pull you into the madness."
"No, no, no." L'Arachel replied, waving her hand. "There can be no doubt that we were sent here to aid you. It is all part of the grand design. I, L'Arachel, shall play my role and fulfill my divine duties. This I swear!"
"Are you sure this is wise, Princess? Tyr?" Seth asked, turning to the named pair.
"Never turn down free help I always say." Tyr said with a shrug.
"He's right." Eirika replied with a curt nod. "Don't worry, Seth."
"...Well, that's that, Dolza." L'Arachel began, turning to her companion. "You and I are now traveling with Eirika and her companions."
"Gwah ha ha!" He laughed out. "I understand. For you, Lady L'Arachel, I would do absolutely anything! I would run to the ends of this world and dive into a sea of evil!"
'Oh, Elmine save me...' Tyr said mentally as he sighed. 'It's like another Serra being accompanied by... an ARMOURED Serra...'
"How very like you, my dear, dedicated Dolza!" L'Arachel cooed as Tyr and Seth shared a look of mutual distaste. "So noble! Come! We're off!"
"Gwah ha ha!"
"Well we're not making camp here anyway." Tyr sighed. "Dolza, help with burning the bodies of these things, I want to be sure they all STAY dead."
"Gwah ha ha! As you command, sir!"
"...He's an eager one at least..." Tyr admitted as the man stomped off to do as told.
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"Teeeaaacher... Hellooooooo..." Ewan called out as he ran into a hut. "That's strange. He's not here." He let off as he checked the room. Even still, looking about he could find no signs of him in the well kept hut. "Must be out wandering again." Ewan summed up.
"He's out?" Eirika asked as she followed him in, Tyr right behind her. "That poses a problem. Do you know when he'll return?"
"Maybe he left a note, provided he expected Ewan to come here." Tyr suggested.
"Hmmm... I don't know." Ewan admitted. "He often goes out and looks for people in need."
"...I believe I told you it would be best to stay away." They heard, turning to see a man enter the hut from behind them, looking at Ewan. "I've been charged with a mission and must depart again soon."
"Ah! Teacher!" Ewan called out happily, running to his side.
"Ah, it's you." Tyr let off, nodding to the man.
"Yes, we have met before, haven't we?" Eirika added, looking over the grey haired man. "You were looking for someone..."
"Yes, at Serafew as I recall." Tyr chipped in. "Ewan says your name is Saleh."
"...Oh, yes. And that is my name." The man replied with a nod. "And now we meet again."
"These people say they want to go through Caer Pelyn." Ewan told him, smiling softly. "I could guide them myself, but I thought it might be better if you went, too. That's why I brought them here. What do you say? Will you guide them?" He asked, Saleh staying silent for a moment.
"I know it might be going out of your way..." Tyr began. "But please... We must reach Jehanna and Rausten. It is a matter of great importance."
"...Very well. I'm heading there now." Saleh admitted with a nod. "If you need to go to Caer Pelyn, you're free to follow me." He added as Innes stepped inside.
"You don't mind?" Eirika asked softly.
"We have little interest in the outside world, but we do not refuse travelers." He replied. "I should warn you: the road is not easy, and you look very weary."
"It is never easy." Tyr sighed. "But you are right. Our forces are in need of a night's rest."
"Then please, rest a night before attempting the mountains." The man said with a smile.
"This is true." Innes said, gaining the attention of the people in the room. "We are all exhausted from our encounter with those creatures."
"Not to mention two other harsh battles." Tyr added. "Best we give them food and rest, lest they falter under an attack."
"My thinking exactly." Innes replied.
"It's settled then." Ewan said, putting a fist into his hand. "I'll go on ahead and let the elder know we're coming. See? Even when there's no fighting to be done, I'm still useful!" He said before running out of the house, Tyr calling out to him.
"Hey, wait! You should at... least wait until the morning..." He groaned out before sighing. "Bundle of energy that one is."
"I wonder if he'll be all right." Eirika sighed softly.
"Idiotic boy." Innes grumbled. "I understand his need to be helpful, but..."
"Ewan knows this land well." Saleh replied. "You needn't worry about him."
"And we are a bit of a large group." Tyr added. "The elder of Caer Pelyn has the right to know so he or she can prepare properly for us."
"Then we'll depart at sunrise." The man said with a nod. "I suggest you get some rest."
"Agreed." Tyr began. "Who's cooking tonight anyway?"
"Tana, as I recall." Innes began as they started to leave. "She is a fair cook really."
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"A fair cook..." Tyr said as he took his cloak off in his wagon. "Quite the understatement."
Tana had, in actuality, cooked very well. Everyone had enjoyed it and L'Arachel had sung her praises since finishing her meal. Still he had told everyone to rest early and well for the undoubtedly long road ahead. He was about to follow his own advice as a knock sounded on his wagon door. "Enter." He beckoned, the door opening as the Princess of Renais walked in. "My Princess." He said softly.
"I hope I am not disturbing you." She said, walking to the bed and sitting down.
"For you, my door is never closed." He replied, sitting down in the chair, turning it first to face her. "What may I do for you?"
"I just wanted to speak for a bit." She began. "I got terribly worried when you got separated in the fight earlier..."
"That's the problem with these beasts..." Tyr began. "Things can happen so fast that you may not have the time to adjust. Still, I should have kept a better eye on the situation."
"And myself an eye on you." Eirika replied. "I know I cannot always be by your side, but I still feel a need to ensure your safety and well being. Please, do not wander from my side; I want... I need to know you're all right."
"I go where I need to go." Tyr said, shaking his head. "But don't worry. I shall be more careful of myself next time."
"I suppose that will do." She said standing up. "I'd best get to sleep. The day ahead of us is likely to be long." She said as Tyr nodded, standing in turn.
"Then sleep well, My Princess."
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"Seems a night's rest did everyone well." Tyr began, looking over the group as they prepared for the march ahead of them. "That and Tana's cooking.
"Agreed." Eirika said, nodding a bit as she stood by him. "It should be a good day." She added, the tactician nodding a bit before pausing.
"Or, it could become rather bad..." He said, the distinct flap of a wyvern reaching his ears as he turned to one side, seeing a trio of airborne knights on wyvern back fly towards them, one with a flag of parley raised. "Incoming wyvern knights!" He bellowed out to the troop who began arming themselves. "Flag of parley is up! Do not attack until otherwise told!" He called out as the three landed some distance away, the leader guiding his beast closer.
"Princess Eirika of Renais. Hold." The blonde said firmly.
"Who?" Eirika began, looking him over, hand resting on her weapon. "You... You're General Glen of Grado. We met once in the capital, didn't we? You were very kind to me. However, if you're here now, I have to assume this means..."
"Yes, it does." He replied. "I wish our reunion could come under different circumstances. Eirika, I must tell you, I come here on the direct orders of the emperor. I'm to bring to justice the rebel army leader who's been terrorizing Carcino."
"Rebel?" Tyr let off with a raised eyebrow.
"It's you, Eirika." Glen continued. "They say you've been murdering innocents."
"What?" Eirika spat back. "Wait! What do you mean? I..."
"Propaganda." Tyr hissed at her, although her fists still clenched.
"...If you have something to say, I would hear it." Glen spoke calmly. "I know all too well that Grado has robbed you of your homeland, but even so... I do not believe revenge could drive a woman like you to such depths. And yet... here you are in Carcino with a small army under your command. And the emperor tells us that you massacred everyone in Port Kiris."
"That... That's a lie!" Eirika shouted back, cutting the air with a hand. "I could never..."
"Go on."
"...This is ridiculous." Innes summed up as he walked over, standing in front of Eirika. "Believe what you want. Could one of the legendary Imperial Three honestly be as stupid as this?"
"...What do you mean?" Glen growled back, eyes narrowing.
"Carcino betrayed Frelia and set a pack of mercenary dogs to kill me." Innes replied. "And you paint Eirika a rebel instigator? It's an absurd farce. Your emperor commits horrors, and you believe Eirika is a criminal?"
"...What are you saying?" Glen growled out.
"If you need it explained in simpler terms, allow me." Tyr sighed, cutting off Innes before he could continue again. "You claim to be a general to your lord, but you cannot see the emperor's plan? He has not given you insight as to why the Sacred Stones are being shattered, or even why he ruined Renais to do so? In an unprovoked assault no less, comm-"
"That is enough, Tyr." Eirika said firmly. "We need not provoke him. General Glen, we've told you what we know to be true, what we've seen firsthand. We don't want to fight you... But if you push us, we will drive you back to Grado with your tail between your legs."
"...I see." Glen replied, keeping his face in a neutral mask. "You... are more observant than you know. I am ignorant of the emperor's designs. General Duessel and I both questioned the wisdom of this war. And if you really are innocent of the crimes attributed to you... Why would His Majesty lie to us? I must know the answer."
"So, you... believe us?" Eirika asked.
"The Princess Eirika I met long ago was kind and merciful in spirit." Glen began, crossing his arms. "You've faced relentless hardship, and yet that selfsame spirit remains true. ...Let's put our fight aside for now. I will learn the truth. Then I will once again perform the duties of my office. If you have lied to me today, I will hound you to the very grave itself."
"Very well..." Eirika replied with a curt nod.
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Glen let off a snort, back on his mount as the last of the Princess' troop rounded the bend. Thoughts hounded his mind, his men watching anxiously before he sighed. "I seek truth... But shall I be happier in ignorance..." He let off as the sounds of flapping approached. "Hmm?" He let off, rounding his wyvern about, the sight of Valter and two of his men approaching filling his view. They calmly landed, Valter guiding his mount to him.
"Glen." He began, running a hand past his wild hair. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Valter..." Glen hissed back.
"Tsk, tsk." Valter chided, his lance being lifted to rest on his shoulder. "What am I to make of this? Those little birds I saw flitting away into the mountains looked vaguely familiar. What do you suppose would happen if it were known you let Eirika escape?"
"Do as you will." Glen spat back with a wave of his hand, gripping his sword in his right hand. "I'm returning to the capital. I have questions for the emperor. Clear the path, Valter."
"Hold on now." Valter replied with false kindliness. "No reason to rush off, is there? After all, this is where you're going to die. See?" The man said in an oddly cheerful tone, readjusting his lance as his mount rose up, roaring out.
"...What are you babbling about?" Glen asked, raising his own weapon and steed, guiding it back to garner room.
"Heh heh..." Valter let off, guiding his own wyvern forwards. "We were a grand trio- the Imperial Three: you, Duessel and me. But my place among you was stolen, and I was exiled from Grado."
"You slaughtered people who had no intention of fighting." Glen growled back as the two mounted knights beginning to circle about each other. "The emperor's punishment was just and warranted."
"Heh heh... heh heh heh..." Valter chuckled out, his free hand gripping his forehead, madness reflecting in his eyes. "After my fall from glory, only desire kept me alive. Desire for revenge. My hatred burned so fierce that I was only barely able to keep my sanity. That hatred keeps me warm still today. Oh, how it burns..." He let off, Glen glaring at him as the two continued to circle about, the mounts snarling and growling, reflecting the tensions of those who rode them. "Hear me, Glen, wyvern general of the Imperial Three. I live for battle. I crave it. I have no need for peace. That is why you must die." He hissed out, eyes opening as Valter guided his steed into a charge.
"Cur! You're mad!" Glen shouted back, guiding his mount to the side, avoiding the thrust before slashing back with his blade, his second swing batted aside by Valter's long reaching lance.
"A battle between generals..." Valter cooed. "Sends the spirit soaring, eh?" He added, thrusting again, Glen placing his free hand on his blade's flat to deflect the blow, before jabbing his own in turn. "Come, Glen! Entertain me!" Valter cried out, laughing as he swung his weapon about, the opposing general ducking it, his mount moving back to avoid another thrust.
"Urrgh..." Glen growled out as he guided his wyvern forwards, batting aside Valter's lance as wyvern fought wyvern beneath them, the two mounts biting and clawing as sword clashed with lance. Glen's beast sunk it's claws into Valter's only to have it's foe clamp sharp fangs onto it's neck in turn, pushing it back and up, surprising it's rider as Valter took the moment, ramming his lance deep into Glen's chest.
Not a sound could be made from him, even as Valter grunted to lift his limp, dying body off his equally dying mount, the wyvern's throat torn by the jaws of Valter's beast. Blood spilled from his mouth as his body slid towards Valter, stopping just before the grip. With a smirk the victorious general leaned in, licking the blood that spilled from his lips.
The last sounds Glen would hear was Valter savouring the taste of his red, leaking blood.
Pointing his lance downwards Valter allowed the dead corpse to slide off his lance, the men looking on with a mixed look of disgust, horror and fear. "Go." Valter finally said. "The small fish are yours." He said, the soldiers nodding before guiding their mounts upwards and away, over the mountain. "Heh heh... This is merely the beginning." He said to himself, taking out a handkerchief to wipe his bloody lips. "Endless battle, war without end..." He let off, his laughter bubbling out of him, his mount stepping upon the lifeless wyvern it killed before roaring with its master.