Shout Outs...
Infinite Freedom: Well, okay. He has.
AccessBlade: Ah, good timing then, huh?
Aquatic-Idealist: Truth be told it was half written. And I have a number of premade Fall of Nergal quotes. Once the fic is done I think I'll make a chapter dedicated to all the unused quotes.
dongaro: Thank you. Eirika and Tactician is quite rare, isn't it?
kenegi: Not dropped, but given a nap.
patattack: Note the quote at the top from Dorcas.
GuyWithNoName: Thank you.
X00001: Right now, I'll focus on this one. Maybe, just MAYBE, I'll be able to finish it. ... I hope.
AquaticSilver: No problem.
J.T: There is no fic before it. And no, I've no intentions of writing a prequel. If someone else wants to when I finish this fic then they can ask permission to do so.
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Chapter XIV: Queen of White Dunes
Despite all my victories I do know failure. The greatest being the death of Lord Elbert, Eliwood's father. Fought to the bitter end, but I still can't help but feel that there was something, anything, within my power that I could have done to rescue him. One good order, one good observation, one good attack, something. And I could have, had I known everything I would learn five minutes later. It was impossible for me at that moment of time to save him, even with twice my skill and intelligence. It took sometime for me to come to accept that. I still feel sorrow for this, even as a write, putting pen to paper.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
Vadia scares me, but Karel makes me out and out terrified. He's called the Sword Demon for a reason; he's beaten armies by himself. Or so they claim. His deeds may have been overstated but I have seen what he can do first hand. I doubt they exaggerated much.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
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"Amelia is coming along well." Tyr mused as she watched the young girl train with Gilliam under the darkening skies. They had been forced to stop due to needs of rest and nightfall. It was tough for him to order a rest. On one hand they had to rush to Jehanna Hall. On the other arriving with everyone exhausted and worn would lead to their own deaths and no one would be rescued.
"An ear for your thoughts, kind Tactician?" He heard, seeing L'Arachel walk over to him, hands clasped before her lap. "You seem disturbed."
"No need to worry yourself, Your Highness." Tyr replied curtly. He wondered if the woman was insane like he first though or merely eccentric with a taste of subtle cunning. "I merely fret over Eirika. That Jehanna Hall has come under attack worries her greatly. And I know she and Lyon are old friends. The thought of having to fight him or order his demise weighs on her heart. And yet I can do nothing to ease this. We cannot continue on lest we exhaust ourselves before the battle. If Lyon opposes us we must fight him, to the death in need be."
"She is your liege. You owe her allegiance and companionship." L'Arachel began, moving to rest a hand on his shoulder. "But I know she trusts you more than anyone here, even those whom she has known for longer. Only of her brother does she speak of more warmly. Whatever happens tomorrow... I beg that you make that trust well earned."
"I have no plans on failing." Tyr assured her as the princess stepped back. "Nor misplacing trust." He turned back to the younger solider, finally scoring a solid hit on the older knight, to his delight before the sparring session resumed. "But I will not hesitate to kill the prince should he threaten her. She can hate me for it if she wishes, as long as she is alive to do so."
"Spoken as a man who wants love but only knows war can." L'Arachel said before turning to leave. "I pray when Grado meets justice that you will know love just as well as you know war."
"...I was mistaken." Tyr mused to himself as she left earshot. "She is not insane. She is, in fact, sane enough to play the fool."
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Thanks to the arrival of reinforcements from Princess L'Arachel of Rausten, Eirika and her allies successfully repel the Grado invaders. Still, Jehanna Hall remains under siege, on the edge of ruin.
En route, Eirika learns that the hall has indeed been captured by Grado. To rescue Queen Ismaire and recover Jehanna's Sacred Stone, Eirika leads an assault on the royal hall.
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Two years ago...
Fencing foils met as Eirika slapped the practice blade of Lyon aside, waiting for him to recover before feigning a thrust to the left before stabbing right, catching his shoulder lightly.
"...I yield." Lyon admitted, stepping back. "The point is your, Eirika. You're swift, aren't you? Compared to you, I'm- I've been bested at fencing by a woman. Pitiful crown prince, am I not?"
"That's not true..." Eirika said, shaking her head.
"Oh, no, Eirika." He replied sadly. "It is. The people need a strong ruler. They don't want a weakling like me. They want the strength you and Ephraim share. My body is frail. I prefer to spend my time locked away in the castle, reading... I think my father would be better served if someone else took my place. I'm sure all of our retainers feel the same..."
"You're wrong, Lyon..." Eirika replied firmly, smiling as she waved a hand. "An emperor without compassion will never hold the people's love. And one day your compassion will surely save us all. I believe that."
"Eirika... Thank you." Lyon replied, bowing slightly. "Yes. I... I will do my best. Even though I lack your strength, there must be some good I can do."
"There is."
"By the way, Eirika... If it pleases you, would you accept this?"
0-0
Present...
"Princess Eirika? Is there something wrong?" Seth asked as Eirika stepped towards Jehanna Hall, feet walking over the sands of the desert.
"N-no. It's nothing." She replied as Tyr joined them, eyeing both loaded and unloaded ballistae and wagons off to the side of the hall, abandoned as troops swept in he mused. He reached up giving the princess' shoulder a squeeze, the girl looking back to nod once, face smiling but eyes filled with sadness.
"Looks as if they've taken Jehanna Hall." Tyr began as he looked at the palace. "It's occupied, but no one is outside or on the walls. Either they are leading us into a trap or they have every man available turning the palace over to find the Sacred Stone. Or both." Tyr sighed before shaking his head. "As for the good Queen, well..."
"And the one giving orders to the troops in the palace is Crown Prince Lyon?" Innes asked as he joined them.
"What is there to give us pause?" L'Arachel added, her horse snorting as she trotted over. "Should we not storm the palace and retake it by strength of arms?"
"Frelia's spy network reports that Prince Lyon is an initiate of dark magic." Innes continued. "If this is true, even approaching him will be a serious... Tyrland, what bothers you?"
"Nothing." Tyr replied, shuddering hard before looking back at him. "I just... dislike shamans, druids and elder magics. Far, far, too many bad experiences."
"Hm." Innes let off, before continuing. "Regardless, the prince supposedly dislikes violence. However, it could all have been a ruse." Eirika sighed, shaking her head as Innes cupped his chin. "Still, if we don't retake the palace, we've no hope of defeating Grado. We must rescue the queen, no matter the cost."
"I understand." Eirika replied, nodding once and drawing her sword. "Let's go!"
"A moment." Tyr said to Eirika as the rest of the troop moved forwards. "Eirika..." He whispered. "I know the thought of fighting him disturbs you. If he is here I'll let someone else deal with him. I don't..." He sighed before continuing. "I would hate to distress you so by asking you to face a friend."
"...Thank you... But I must." Eirika said, turning her face. "If he is responsible... I must have an answer."
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"Queen Ismaire... Please do not resist." A man with a trimmed beard asked a katana in one hand as he looked upon the regal red haired beauty upon the throne. "I have no desire to see you harmed."
"Carlyle... Why have you betrayed us?" The queen demanded. "After all these years of loyal service as Jehanna's most decorated commander... Without you, I could not have ruled these long years since my husband's passing. It was through your unwavering support alone that I still sit upon the throne." She slammed a fist into the armrest of the throne, leaning forwards to glare at the man before her. "You are the cornerstone of Jehanna. You have held my trust more than any man. So tell me why. Why have you betrayed us? Why have you betrayed me?"
"Your Highness- No... My Queen..." He began slowly, bowing. "Ismaire... It is your own fault. You are too lovely, My Queen."
"Carlyle..." Ismaire breathed as the man knelt to one knee.
"The first time I met you, twenty years ago now..." He began slowly, smiling at her. "I saw you in the garden of this very palace... and I was bewitched. Your pale beauty far surpassed that of any flower. I was in the grips of an unforgivable desire... You were the wife of my king, to whom I'd sworn life and loyalty. I told myself a grand lie that day. I told myself I could be happy simply serving you as your most royal knight." The queen shook her head as he spoke, still in the soft, loving tone. "After years of duty, years of service, years of... of silence... I became aware once more of the feelings I'd buried deep within myself. How could I leave this world without expressing my true desires? Could anything be more desolate? More devoid of meaning? That is when I made my decision. I would follow my heart and claim your hand as my own."
"Carlyle..." The queen began, standing from the royal throne, the name sounding like a curse from her lips. "You forget yourself. You ruin our country and kill our countrymen. Did you think I would be pleased? Did you think I would love you for this?"
"I need no country. I care nothing for my countrymen." The queen looked horrified as he spoke again. "I can see nothing but you. If you would only be mine..."
"Carlyle..." She repeated, not in the tone of a curse but in pity.
Pity for what the great man before her had done, demeaning himself and his name so much for a woman that could not love him.
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"To arms, mercenaries." A solider called out, interrupting a small search party, turning a room over. "We're under attack! You there!" He said, pointing to a roughish man. "Ready your weapons!"
"What? The rouge shouted out, waving his hands as he turned from a locked door, the other mercenaries filtering from the room. "No, no, no. That was never part of the deal. The only fight I'm here for is with the locks of the treasure chamber." He added, jabbing a thumb to the door.
"Hah... Don't get so excited." The Grado regular let off, grinning. "I doubt you mercenaries will see any action at all once we soldiers've finished."
"Yeah, great. You go do that." Rennac sighed, turning back to the door as the man left. "Whew... With all these soldiers around, I shouldn't have to lift a finger. I'll just sit here and wait for them to win the day. Then, I collect my pay!" He grinned as he went back to picking the lock. "No more being ordered around by that selfish princess and her moronic bodyguard. This is the life. Lady luck loves me. But something doesn't feel right..."
0-0
Tyr gave a wince as Joshua lobbed the head off two knights with a single stroke of his blade. It seemed odd that the man was serious about battle for a change, but he paid it no real mind, focusing on Eirika as the attack pushed into the first hall. She fought in a distracted manner until grazed on the cheek by a blade which snapped her back to attention. He wanted to pull her off the field, but she was insistent of being in battle and it wouldn't look good to recall the Princess while she was with our serious injury.
The man who gazed her suffered a crossbow bolt for his troubles as Tyr moved close to the princess. She might not leave the battlefield but it didn't mean he couldn't watch over her until he could speak with her again.
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"Hey, Carlyle!" Caellach called out as he walked into the throne room, Lyon trailing him. He batted the shield on his arm with his axe once in greeting. "Impressive work you've done here. My compliments."
"...I gave you everything I promised." Carlyle began. "I opened the hall to your forces."
"Yes. The palace is mine." Caellach declared proudly, strutting up towards the throne, surveying the room as he shouldered his axe. "My palace... Oh, how I do like the sound of that." He sighed, standing before the steps to the throne.
"Do whatever you want with the royal treasury." Carlyle began as Caellach skipped up the steps, moving the shield to his back as he knelt at the throne, brushing the seat with the free hand as Ismaire looked down on him with contempt. "The only treasure I wish to leave here with is the queen of my heart." Caellach chuckled as he snapped his fingers.
"Oh, yeah, about 'your queen'..." He began, standing up. "There's been a change of plans." He said, grabbing the queen's hair and pulling her to him.
"Ah!" She cried out, reaching back to grab his hand to break his grip with one hand, the other going to the blade at her waist, ceasing to fight or draw steel only when the axe was brought to her neck.
"Don't move, Carlyle." He said firmly, the shocked man, stopping in mid step. "You twitch, and the queen dies."
"Blackheart!" Carlyle snarled, even as he stepped back. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Calm down." Caellach replied, smiling and speaking in a friendly tone. "You'll get her back as soon as I'm done with her. Jehanna's Sacred Stone is around here somewhere. I've got to find it and destroy it." The queen's eyes widened, her body shivering at the sound of the man's purpose. "I need this woman to guide me to it's hiding place."
"Do not lay a hand on my queen!"
"Don't get so incensed." Caellach replied calmly, leading the queen to the exit of the throne room. "I'm not going to harm her. I'm not like that freak Valter. I'm kind to women. But if you make a wrong move, you'll lose your prize. Understood?" He asked as he moved towards Lyon.
"Yes..." Carlyle uttered, white knuckles clutching his blade.
"There are some annoying pests outside who think to win back the hall." He continued, smirking. "I want you to take care of them. Lose, and the queen will never be yours."
"...If my queen comes to any harm in your care..."
"Yes, of course." Caellach said offhandedly. "I know all about the might of your sword arm. As long as the Sacred Store is destroyed, you'll get all you ask for." Smiling as he rejoined the prince he gave him a grin. "Greetings, Prince. Let's get going."
"Caellach..." Lyon began, sweating as his brow shuddered. "You will put an end to this. Destroying the Sacred Stones is... Ugh... Ack..."
"What's this?" Caellach said, shrugging. "Are you still ill? You know, you're not very princely. C'mon. Follow me."
"Caellach..." Lyon muttered before stiffening as the general started to leave. Lyon soon followed as a trio of knights and a pair of soldiers stomped into the room, Carlyle moving to sit on the throne to await the invaders.
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Travelling down a side hall, the sounds of Dolza and Gerik hacking at foes behind her, L'Arachel worked her way towards what seemed to be a treasure chamber. She let off a small sound as she noticed someone at the back of the room working at the door. "Aha! So this is where you've wandered off to, Rennac!"
The man jumped, turning about with a look of shock. "Princess L'Arachel? Uh-oh, um..."
"Come with me." L'Arachel stated simply, clasping her hands.
"Wait... Hold on now." Rennac replied, shaking his hands before him. "Go with you where? Look, I'm sorry, but I've been hired by the Grado Empire, and... Hello! I'm talking to you!" He shouted out as she looked at an old vase.
"Rennac, whatever is the matter?" The princess said simply. "I promise to listen to your story later, but now, we must be going!"
"No, I'm no servant, like that kook Dolza." Rennac insisted as the princess looked at him again. "I'm a Mercenary. I escorted you to Renais like I was hired to do, didn't I? You have no right to drag me across creation without any pay whatsoever!"
"Is this about wages?" L'Arachel began, tapping her chin with a finger. "I believe you've received ample compensation."
"Ample?" Rennac bellowed. "Do you even know what that word means? You're the princess of Rausten! I thought working for you would pay well. Yet your purse strings are knotted tight, and I've almost been killed so many-"
"The joy that comes from doing something good is not something that can be purchased." L'Arachel replied, interrupting him as she smiled warmly, clasping her hands. There. All better? Let's go." She said, guiding her horse into a trot, turning to the door.
"No! I said I don't want to! Riding about with you is-" He shouted before noticing the woman's departure. "...And there she goes. Oh... By the Stones, why did I ever take that job in the first place?"
"We must hurry, Rennac!" He heard, the voice of his employer/tormentor calling out to him.
"Right, right. I'm coming..."
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"Artur." Tyrland began as they approached the doors of the throne room, Eirika and Joshua flanking him the rest of the troop behind them. "Be a good lad and fireball the door open. Lute, first thing you see that looks hostile and not a queen... Fry them."
Both nodded before coming forwards, the sage unleashing a burst of magic into the door, the hinges ripping from stone crushing two men. The mage followed suit, a blast of thunder arcing out to strike three armoured knights, downing them at once before they could respond. Tyr looked at the throne as the man upon is stood up. "All right now, surrender and-"
"You... Could it be?" Carlyle said aloud, gaze directed to the man on Tyr's left.
"Carlyle." Joshua spat out, the usual playful and friendly tone absent from his voice as he drew his sword. "How did this happen? You taught me how to wield a blade. You of all people..."
"You've returned." Carlyle said simply, his shoulders slumping as he sighed before walking to the middle of the room. "But now... It's too late. It's far too late."
"It is." Joshua agreed. "Sir Tyrland. I wish to engage this man in combat. Alone."
Tyr gazed over at him, before nodding once. "Neimi, Innes, ready arrows but hold fire until ordered. Joshua... Good luck to you."
"I'll make my own." Joshua replied stepping forwards, only stopping a few paces. Both men nodded, saluting with their blades before sheathing them, crouching low with hands gripping the handles of their weapons.
"What are they doing?" Eirika asked, turning to Tyr.
"A duel." Tyr replied simply. "A Swordmasters Duel. The blades are kept sheathed, the two men eyeing one another. Then they swing for each other, trying to kill without being killed. It requires the speed and reflexes of a master blade handler. I have... I have never bared witness to one myself." He admitted as he locked eyes on the two men, slowly circling each other as Eirika turned her gaze back to the pair. "They say a man who can defeat his own master in a duel then takes the title of Swordmaster himself."
Somewhere behind them Natasha prayed, eyes locked on the crimson haired man, finishing her words as the two men drew steel, leaping to each other like coiled snakes, blades flashing. The two appeared behind each other a moment later, standing with blades outstretched. A moment later Tyr noted a wound on Joshua's left arm, a small bleeding cut.
Carlyle's stomach meanwhile became a mass of red as he felt to the floor, the queen's name the last thing he would mutter.
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"This is a good a place as any." Caellach remarked, pulling the queen to her own bedchambers, looking it over. "All right, Your Majesty." He said grabbing her blade and pulling it from it's scabbard before shoving her to her knees. "Hand over the Sacred Stone."
The queen move to stand before Caellach raised his axe, tossing her blade to the floor behind him. Refusing to show her irritation she settled back onto her knees, hands moving to her lap. "... I know nothing of the Sacred Stone's keeping place." She spoke calmly.
"Don't waste my time." He said, gesturing with his head to Lyon. "My partner here sees everything. When the rebellion began, you went straight to the palace altar." He took his shield off he back, setting it on his arm. His eyes never left her. Oh she was a beautiful and pleasant sight, it was no wonder why Carlyle was taken with her, but she was also an accomplished blade handler, among the best in the land. Only threat of death for two of her favoured servers and the promise to let his men rape any Jehanna women they pleased if she didn't personally stand down stood between him and a fight to the death earlier in the throne room.
But to guard the stone he knew that the woman would strike and lash out. At least he had the upper hand now that she was disarmed.
"You had hoped to prevent us from smashing the Sacred Stone." Caellach continued. "But you have the Stone of Jehanna with you right now, don't you?" Which was annoying really; he had all those men turn over everything searching until Lyon let him in on that little fact. By the Divine it was going to be a long while before he could get it all cleaned up.
Oh, wait... the plan. Right. He forgot about that.
The queen didn't answer, merely glaring up at him, wringing her hands.
"Hand it over. Cooperate and I'll let you live." He stated firmly stepping forwards.
"...I cannot."
"Oh, give it up, will you?" He groaned aloud. "I've no time for games. If you resist, I'll just kill you and take it anyway."
"H-hold!" Lyon interrupted, raising a hand. "You mustn't harm her, Caellach..." He spoke out, gulping a bit of air as he panted uneasily.
"Shut up, Prince." Caellach said impatiently, banging his axe to his shield. "My orders come from higher than you. You're not going to start disobeying his word, are you?" Seeing that the prince had silenced himself, or as much as he could tell without his eyes leaving the queen, he spoke again. "Last chance. Give me your Sacred Stone."
"...I cannot."
"Ha ha!" He laughed a bit. "A queen to the end. I like you. You've got guts. Good-bye." He said raising his axe again.
Just as the queen leapt up, dagger pulled from her sleeve, striking like a coiled viper. Reacting from years of experience he brought up his shield and charged with a burst of speed, bowling the queen over and lashing out with the axe while she stumbled, catching her across the torso.
"Ah!" Lyon yelped, the queen biting back a cry of pain as she fell, clutching her wounds, the stone falling from a hidden pocket in her dress, torn by the axe and clattering to the floor.
"And here's the Sacred Stone." Caellach grinned, lifting the axe. "That makes two for me. I'm on a roll now." He chuckled a bit before bringing the weapon down on the stone, shattering it in one blow. "And another Sacred Stone has been destroyed." He holstered his axe. The queen was no threat now, sword-less, dagger-less and bleeding on the floor, her skin becoming pale. "Grado, Frelia and now Jehanna... Only two stones remain."
"Uhh... ahh..." The queen let off, rolling onto her back, grimacing in pain.
"Ah... What should I do?" Lyon muttered, looking at the bloodied woman, panting louder. "C-Caellach... You must help her."
"Leave her." He said simply, shrugging without a care. "Let her last breath be a harsh and ragged rasp. She's not long for this world. Why, if you really wanted to help her, you'd deliver the final blow yourself!"
"N-no. I couldn't."
"...What a joke." Caellach sighed, groaning a bit. "I have a little work to wrap up before we leave." He said, wrapping his arm about the prince in a friendly manner, grinning. "You should hit the road pretty soon, too, Prince." He gave the younger man a pat on the back before turning to walk off, whistling a tune, one that a normal man would call happy and upbeat.
Moments later Lyon left as well.
0-0
"I wonder where Queen Ismaire is." Eirika pondered as Tyr and Seth searched about the room, seeking any hidden passages.
"I heard she was in the throne room, but there's no sign of her." Innes replied, looking about as well. "And there's no Sacred Stone, either."
"We must search quickly." L'Arachel added, smacking a fist to her palm.
"Agreed." Tyr replied. "Any passage here is too well hidden. Come along, we must move elsewhere. The longer we toy around the worse it'll be."
"I'm with you." Joshua replied as all but Eirika ran from the room. The princess herself sighed, deep in thought before beginning a run to the exit as well before a flash of crimson light appeared before her. On reflex she drew her sword, stopping as the light manifested as Lyon.
"Ah..." He let off, stepping back and looking away from her.
"Lyon!" Eirika cried out, half in surprise and half in relief that he was unhurt.
"Eirika..." Lyon replied softly, steeping back.
"Wait, Lyon!" She called out, lowering her blade and holding out a hand. "Don't run away! My brother and I have been so worried about you... We know more than anyone the gentleness of your spirit. Your father is deranged or... worse, isn't he? That's why Grado invaded Renais, right? Tell me, Lyon... Please... Tell me what has happened."
"I'm sorry, Eirika." He replied, shaking his head. "I've wanted to see you and Ephraim for so long now... I wanted to see you so I could apologize. The invasion of Renais... I couldn't stop it. I'm sorry, but I still cannot talk to you. Not yet..."
"You... You have a reason, don't you?" She asked. If Tyr's theory held true then at least, it seemed that Lyon was not enslaved as he had feared. To her sorrow however, he was still caught up in it all, like a leaf in the storm.
"Mm... I can't talk about it now, but..." Lyon sighed, shaking his head again. "I promise I will tell you everything someday."
"I see... I believe you, Lyon." She said, sheathing her sword. "I must tell you, I'm a little relieved. I was afraid you'd changed as much as your poor father has. I'm so glad."
"Me, too, Eirika... No, you have changed. You're even more beautiful than you were before."
"L-Lyon..." She said, looking confused as she blinked.
"I'm sorry, I have to go. But please remember this. This war started because I was too weak to stop it, but... I'll always be your friend."
"Lyon, a warning!" Eirika called out as he began to vanish into light. "Tyrland fears that what has befallen your father is by design of the Demon King himself! Be careful!"
Lyon's eyes shot up just as he vanished.
"Lyon..." Eirika whispered, shaking her head as her friend disappeared.
"Eirika!' She heard, Tyr rushing into the room. "Is something the matter? You've been distracted lately, and as your tactician I am worried for your health. And, frankly, as a friend... I am damn well scared you're inattention will get you harmed."
"Thank you for your worry." Eirika said, shaking her head. "I am... I am fine. Now, at least. I had a... reassurance."
"I wish I had one." Tyr sighed. "The queen has been found..."
Eirika bit back tears. The sorrow in his voice was evident.
0-0
"Queen Ismaire..." Innes began softly looking down at the matriarch of the kingdom. "Can you..."
L'Arachel was at the queen's side, kneeling as the staff in her hands glowed. "I... I cannot... She is too far gone... Too much blood gone..." She let off, biting back tears. "Five minutes... five minutes and I may have... She has not much longer... I did all I could..." The princess sniffed a bit, shaking her head. "I did all I could, I swear on the Divine, but I cannot..."
"You did your best." Seth replied softly. "We cannot ask more." L'Arachel nodded once as Innes knelt by the woman's head.
"...Jo..Joshua..." The queen let off, her eyes looking about, even as light faded from them. "...Joshua..."
"Queen Ismaire!" Eirika cried out as she and Tyr came into the room, running.
"I tried... I tried..." L'Arachel muttered. Tyr, wincing, rushed to her side, pulling her shoulders to her chest.
"Peace, princess." He whispered. "You did all that was in your power. No one, not even Saint Elimine has the right to ask more."
"Oh, Joshua..." The queen let off, coughing once, a trickle of blood coming from her mouth. "Where is... that boy..."
"Queen Ismaire..." Eirika repeated gentle, tears filling her own eyes.
"Please forgive me, Joshua... I was a foolish mother... I was so intent on being queen that I spared no time to be your mother. But I loved you nonetheless... Please understand..."
"I know, Mother."
Everyone, even the tear filled princesses turned their heads and Joshua strode into the room, taking the hat off his head, moving to kneel before the queen.
"Joshua..." Eirika breathed.
"This mercenary has been a prince in hiding?" Tyr groaned in his own mind. "Great... And I thought he was just an unlucky gambler with a love for blondes..."
"Joshua..." The queen let off, smiling widely.
No one else knew it, but it was the widest one she gave since she last kissed her late husband.
"It really is you... Joshua... my son..." The queen let off, tear shedding down her cheeks as her son cradled her body to him.
"I'm sorry, Mother. I should never have left you. I've no excuse... I wanted to see the world as a man, not a prince. I wanted to be worthy. I planned on returning to your side afterward... I was so foolish. If I'd been here, I could have-"
"No, it's fine." The woman replied, smiling still. "You're here now... Listen to me, Joshua. The Stone of Jehanna has... been destroyed. The one who tempted Carlyle is responsible..."
"What?" Joshua let off. "Who was it?"
"He will see justice done." Tyr said firmly. "By blade, preferably."
"Not just a man... Carried a dark stone... It is... the origin of all this... It should not exist... Joshua... you must... Our country... our people..."
"I understand, Mother."
"Thank you... Joshua... I have something... Something I must give you..." She began, lifting a hand to point to her sword.
"This is..."
"It's one of the Sacred Twin relics, unique to House Jehanna... He who would rule our land must possess it..." She gulped, breathing for a moment before continuing. "I've watched over it since your father passed away. "I kept it... mostly safe and waited for this day to come..." She said, a hand moving to her waist, undoing the scabbard as Eirika moved to the sword, picking it up before walking back with it. Joshua took the sheath in one hand, the princess sliding it in for him.
"Mother..." Joshua replied, a tear rolling down his cheek. "I have it now. I understand its meaning..."
"Joshua... My... dear, sweet child..." Her eyes fluttered shut, head tilting away. A smile was still on her lips the moment her last breath cleared them.
"...Seth. Set the queen on your horse so we may take her from here." Tyr began as he stood, pulling L'Arachel up with him. "We will take the body to a crypt so we can prepare... proper respects..."
"Of course." Seth said as he knelt. "Prince Joshua, if I may."
"Yes, of course. I will help." Joshua said, cradling the body as he stood, helping Seth set her on the horse before they led it away.
"I couldn't save her... Divine Grace has left me..." L'Arachel said to herself, panting as her body trembled. "Blood, so much blood."
"What... What is wrong with her?" Eirika asked, looking at Tyr.
"I've seen it before." He said, sighing. "Queen Ismaire is the first she... couldn't save from death. Serra suffered a similar trauma. Those who choose to heal above all else are very sensitive to deaths under their care, their first always being the worst."
"No offence implied but she is no use to anyone like this." Innes replied as he crossed his arms as Tyr stepped away from the princess. "How do we get her back to normal? Or what passes as normal for her."
"Time is the only true fix." Tyr replied. "But there is a treatment to cure short term inaction. I don't like administering it though."
"Tyrland, you may have to." Eirika replied, shaking her head. "She is... I hate to see her like this."
"...Very well. But do know that under normal circumstances this would not be done."
"What would?" Innes asked as Tyr turned to L'Arachel.
In a flash his hand came across her cheek, Eirika gasping aloud from it and Innes stepping back, eyes wide. L'Arachel herself reacted slower, her head turned from the blow's force. Her hand lifted up to caress the stricken cheek before turning to look at Tyr. "Y-you..."
"Apologies, but I needed to get you back to your senses." Tyr said softly. "Listen to me, Princess of Rausten. We cannot save everyone from the Grim Reaper as much as we might try. I may have not been defeated in battle, nor lost one of my charges but don't think I do not know loss. Do not think I haven't been helpless to save people. I will tell you something. Something of the first man I killed and I want you to listen to this tale well.
"During the Caelin Succession, escorting Lyndis to her grandfather we were barred by a man named General Eagler. He refuted out claims of Lyndis' lineage despite our arguments to the contrary. It was a hard battle. His soldiers accosted us and kept my men busy. He, on horseback and with lance, attempted to run me down. I tripped while running... saved me from a stab, clumsy me. Eventually I managed to use a stump to halt his charge long enough for me to leap upon his horse, dragging him down and off it. We wrestled, and I was outmatched but I am a pragmatist in combat and used a handful of dirt to blind him long enough to plant my blade past his armour."
Tyr took a moment, taking in a deep breath before continuing. "I removed it to... finish the deed when he spoke to me. 'Go. Go quickly. The Marquess... He knows nothing of this... There's no illness. Only poison. Please for the Marquess, for all of Caelin.' With his last breaths he begged us to stop Lundgren, the pretender on the throne. After we had freed Caelin we... I learned his daughter... She was hostage to Lundgren. Had he not fought she would have been killed."
"Tyrland..." Eirika breathed out, moving to set a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"The first man dead by hand." He continued, his voice wavering. "Not a bandit. Not an assassin. Not a monster or a deranged murder... I killed a good man, a noble man who only wished to protect family. When I learned of this something in me broke. His daughter, Elimine bless her heart, held no hate for me. She forgave me, claiming I had not murdered her father but Lundgren, the moment she was kidnapped. I did... I knew that in my mind... But not my heart... For a month straight I saw that man's face... Heard his voice, each time I slept."
L'Arachel hung her head, staying silent. She brought up a hand to wipe tears from her eyes. "...This is troubling for you to recall. Thank you for sharing. I beg you to tell me... How did you... come to forgive yourself?"
"Acceptance." Tyr replied. "I can do only so much. I cannot save everyone I set out to save. I am not a god or divine. I can only do what I do. I am not a strong follower of the Book of Elimine, but I took one passage to heart that day. 'Blessed be the man who saves but one other, blessed be the rescuer. For even if you find a thousand bodies beyond repair, to find one to bring to salvation will make The Blessed Saint weep with joy and triumph, for each life saved is a miracle, all unto itself.' I take comfort to know that what I do my cost lives in battle, but will save lives from tyranny."
"...Thank you..." L'Arachel replied. "Those words give me heart."
0-0
Eventually, once L'Arachel had settled down, Joshua came back, sighing before stepping up to them. "It's been more than ten years. I'd grown tired of the formality of palace life so I... just left. I wrote a farewell and left the palace, taking nothing with me. I felt I could never understand the people while I stayed sequestered in a castle. I abandoned my identity and roamed the continent, working where I could. I wanted only to be worthy of becoming king. I knew one day I would return. Gods, I was so foolish! I was such a child, I see it now." He shook his head, finally setting his hat back on. "Was I simply rebelling against my mother? Punishing her for tending to her duties? I was a fool, yes, but I've learned much over these ten years. I have learned about the hearts of our people, how they need to be governed. I have learned how our country needs to change and to grow. I have learned much, but I've lost much more. Mother..."
"Nothing I can say will fix what was done." Tyr replied sadly. "We can only offer respect and move ahead, taking memory of her with us and bringing justice to the one who killed her."
"I made a promise." Joshua said, nodding once. "I want to continue what she began. I will help defeat Grado. I will defend Jehanna and her allies. ...I know it doesn't sound like me, but..."
"On behalf of Frelia, I came to Jehanna with a letter to the throne." Innes began, pulling it from his pocket. "I give it to you. Prince Joshua of Jehanna... Let us fight together."
"Renais, Frelia, Rausten and Jehanna." L'Arachel added, clapping her hands as Joshua took the letter. "Four nations... united!"
"I suppose I represent Bern in this regard." Tyr said, smiling with a shrug. "But of that kingdom, I'm all you'll get." Blinking a moment he looked about, frowning. 'Do I feel as if it is getting hotter? More so than before?'
"It is all we need of them." Eirika replied, smiling softly. "And my brother is with us as well. And if it were possible... Never mind..." She said, shaking her head. "But I know we can do it." Honestly, she was relieved. Despite their failure L'Arachel was back in spirits and the four nations of the land were untied to drive back Grado's misdeeds. It was not a complete victory today, but also not a complete loss.
"Fire!" They heard, one of the few surviving Jehanna soldiers rushing towards them. "Fires have broken out all through the hall!"
"What?" Joshua let off.
"The curtains were soaked in oil, with torches set about the hall. It's a trap!"
"I expected a trap, but not this!" Tyrland hissed out. "It must have happened before or during the battle! Everyone, retreat to the exit! Now! No questions!" He heard Joshua utter a curse before seeing the flame rush by on paths of oil, left in cervices in the floor. The fire began consuming everything as he gestured for everyone to run, his people rushing away. Once he was sure everyone was running he gave chase to the exit.
He was in time to see Garcia leave the hall before a wall collapsed in front of him, barring his bath. "Oh Saint of Saints, this is not my day..."
0-0
"Is everyone well?" Eirika called out once she cleared the Hall's gates, rejoining the wagons as she looked about. "Did anyone get left behind?" She took count of their numbers herself, but a feeling nagged at her as smoke blocked some of her view. 'Something... Something is not right.'
"We all made it." L'Arachel reassured her, smiling. "It's so smoky that it's hard to tell, but we're here. What a cowardly act, setting fire to the palace hall. But we've escaped without injury. The enemy's plan has failed, right noble Tyrland?" She said turning to look over her shoulder.
The empty space did not answer her. "Sir Tyrland? Good Tyrland, where art thou?" L'Arachel asked looking about, a grip of fear clutching Eirika's heart.
"I caught sight of him." Garcia said as he walked over. "He was last to follow, ensuring our escape. I am sad to say that the wall collapsed behind me. He is trapped inside with the fire."
"NO!" Eirika shrieked out as she ran back to the palace, Garcia stopping her with a strong hand on her arm. "Release me! Tyrland! TYRLAND!"
"Eirika, stop this at once." Innes replied calmly. "To go back for him is suicide. The way is blocked, and the fire spreads."
"I cannot leave him!" Eirika repeated, struggling against Garcia's might. "I refuse to leave him!"
"He is on his own." Innes repeated. "We must trust that he can escape on without assistance." The prince moved in front of her, grabbing her shoulders as she stopping trying to pull away. "He maybe the smartest of us all, trust in him."
"...By the Stones..." Eirika breathed, her shoulders slumping. "I pray. I can only pray..."
"Princess Eirika!" Seth called out as he rode over. "I've just received word that Grado reinforcements are headed this way. There are two armies, led by Generals Valter and Caellach."
"No!" Eirika exclaimed.
"Two armies..." Innes let off, shock on his face. "They're willing to send so many here and leave the capital defenceless?"
"Do not be distraught." L'Arachel replied. "It matters not who stands in our path. We shall smite them all with the power of righteousness!"
"Princess Eirika..." Seth said with a more serious tone. "It's going to be very difficult for us to continue. One of Grado's generals alone is more than a match for us. Compound that with the exhaustion of our troops and our tactician missing, I'm not sure we can-"
"Bah..." Innes spat out. "With Jehanna Hall in flames, we've no place to hole up and dig in for a siege. We have to retreat. We have to win ourselves time to form a plan."
"But Tyrland... We cannot leave until we are sure he can flee the Hall and reunite with us!" Eirika insisted.
"If we do not leave there may be no one left for him to reunite with!" Innes replied.
"...Tyrland... Be safe... I beg you... Come back to me..."
0-0
Coughing out flames from his lungs, or so it felt, Tyr ascended the stairs, making up to the battlements before rushing to the outer walls. A slight wind blew the smoke and flames away from that wall, granting him some precious fresh air. Panting and gulping down the desert air, he looked to the horizon.
The sight of the Grado army greeted him.
"Wonderful. Another battle to wage today." He grimaced. "Well I can deal with that problem. Once I deal with another." He said, walking to the wall and looking down at the sand below. "How in blazes do I get down from here?"
0-0
Promotions...
Joshua from Myrmidon to Swordmaster.