Shout Outs...
X00001: Thanks my man.
Kazuho Muramasa (I didn't search it...): Thanks for the high ratings. I'd advise looking for 'The Fourth Tale' as well.
chm01: No, just get new mounts. As for Nino, look at this chapters 'Fall of Nergal' quotes.
patattack: Thanks.
AquaticSilver: Only took twenty chapters.
Infinite Freedom: To be fair, the thing with Florina was a last minute 'hey, I have a great idea!' moment.
kenegi: No, I don't know enough about the Tellius series to try and pull it off anyway.
Cloud Link Zero: If you want, feel free. **Checks PMs** Oh... You already did. **Coughs into his hand** Um, yeah. ... Sent one back.
desoldeben: Did grenades even exist back in those days? As for Raven and Rebecca, I don't, sorry. I wanted to keep the FE7 cast to a minimum for the fic.
Rizaidym: Because she's an utter klutz. Can you imagine her in heavy plate armour? She'd trip all the time and never get up! She might be better as a General in the game, but for the fic I decided to make her ride a horse.
Sides, we have Wallace in the group now.
nightelf37: Corrections noted, I'll get to them when I can. Already touched on Amelia. As for Ross, he wants to be like his father. So now he is. As for Wendy, I don't know a lot about FE6 but I know a number of connections between it and FE7. That was a deliberate reference.
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Chapter XVI: Ruled By Madness
I've only met King Desmond once and for a few minutes. That was far too long for me; I felt a shudder go up and down my spine as he spoke. His tyranny is well known and it does not endear him to anyone but those who curry his favour. Just another reason I left Bern after my graduation.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
Aside from Serra only one other female in our camp ever seemed to have an infatuation with me, and not the one I wished either. It was Nino. Young little fourteen summers old Nino. I shuddered at the thought; she would be quite the woman in a couple of years but was not of age at the time, at least for myself and my tastes. If I talked to her she would blush and fidget like a schoolgirl and seemed to try and garner my attention when possible. I asked Jaffar to distract her, saying I could not return her affections as she wanted. And then I had yet another couple to deal with. Well, a happy Jaffar is a Jaffar that will not be killing me anytime soon. Wonder if he'll ever repay the favour?
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
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"We'll be setting out soon. It'll be a long hard march, but it'll be worth it." Tyr said to Garcia and Ross as the wagons were being loaded up. "We march on Castle Renais to push out the invaders."
"You don't need to worry about us, Sir." Garcia replied, rolling a shoulder. "We'll be ready to fight come hell or high water."
"What my dad said, boss." Ross replied, smirking and rubbing his nose with a thumb. "My axe is ready for anything. And my new bow isn't a joke either."
"Good." Tyr said, nodding once and smiling. "The liberation of Renais isn't the end of this campaign, just the next step." Tyr nodded once more before turning to leave.
"Is it just me, or is the boss a little more chipper than usual?" Ross asked as he checked the quiver at his waist.
"Hmm... Something good I wager happened for him." Garcia replied, rubbing his chin. "Let's not poke our noses into it. Best let the man be happy."
"Tyr!" Ephraim called out, waving the tactician over to him. Tyr nodded once, walking over as Ephraim began walking, the pair heading to the edge of where the troop was gathering. "It's going to be a good day when we liberate Renais. You've done a lot, thank you."
"I do what I can, Your Highness." Tyr began, nodding once. "But I'm guessing you didn't summon me aside from everyone to give me a pat on the back."
"True." The prince said, nodding once. "Eirika spoke to me about your... intentions with her."
"You... disapprove?"
"On the contrary." Ephraim replied, shaking his head. "I've always known she would have to be wed. My fear was she would be pressed into a political wedding or used to join houses regardless of her wishes. Our father wouldn't do such a thing to her, not unless no other choice was available but... I would rather her choose her husband than politics. So I do approve." Ephraim said before looking over at him. "I just... She is my sister. Family. All I have left. All I ask is you promise me to make her happy and safe."
"I will make her as happy and safe as I can." Tyr began. "I am no warrior like you, but I would die for her. Make no doubts."
"I understand." Ephraim began before the men stopped. "I know keeping her safe will be hard in the coming battles, but you haven't failed her yet. When this is all over... When I am king... When you are general and advisor... We will be brothers, family. I... we would be happy to add to that family."
"When we are brothers I will stay..." Tyr began, smiling a bit. "I will need to visit friends in Elibe but... Maybe I won't be alone during that trip."
"You will be family to me and Eirika." The prince replied. "You will never be alone."
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The capital of Renais.
After the twins' absence, seeing their homes ruined by war brings them terrible grief. Orson, a former Knight of Renais, had been assigned to guard Castle Renais. However, he switched allegiances, betraying his oaths of loyalty to his homeland.
Eirika marks her homecoming by vowing to see Renais healed.
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"No guards outside the wall, no archers on the walls..." Tyr began as they approached Castle Renais. "Why not send an engraved invitation while they're at it? And the villages and towns on route... Have they just let things rot?"
"What has happened to our home?" Ephraim said as he turned to Seth as the troop marched up near the castle gates. "What has happened to Castle Renais? How did it come to be so ruined? So desolate?"
"Spies report that the castle is being held by the traitor Orson." Seth replied, glaring at the castle.
"Orson..." Ephraim sighed, shaking his head. "In retrospect, I realize he's been acting odd for a while now. He seemed so... dispirited."
"Why is that?" Tyr asked, adjusting his hood.
"It is because his wife died some six months past." Seth replied. "The loss may have been too much for his mind to bear. His love and devotion for his wife were well known among the knights."
"Then two hearts stopped beating six months past." Tyr replied sadly. "I don't understand however... When he left Castle Renvall, Tirado told him to return to his wife. How is it that he returns to a dead woman?"
"A good question." Seth admitted. "We know he now sits in the king's former bedchambers. He makes no effort to govern. He takes no meals and admits no one to the chambers."
"...Okay, now I find this behaviour more disturbing than usual."
"What could he possibly be doing?" Eirika asked.
"If I were to guess..." Tyr began, shaking his head. "In involves his pants being on the floor and things you do not speak of in polite company."
"I don't get it..." Eirika replied as Ephraim and Seth shared a look.
"Yes..." Ephraim began. "Let us keep it that way."
"Regardless..." Seth injected. "The spies have no insight into his behaviour. He does nothing to deal with the dark creatures and bandits roaming the land. Reports say all of Renais is engulfed in chaos. Region after region is revolting, and Orson's reign is already crumbling. Left alone, it may well collapse under the weight of its own neglect."
"Then we must shore up the kingdom." Tyr replied. "We start by separating Orson's head from his body." He turned to the twins, nodding once. "Prince Ephraim. Princess Eirika... It is time to go home."
"Our home, Tyrland." She replied before drawing her sword. "Our home."
"Um, Ephraim..." They heard, turning to see Myrrh walk over to them.
"What is it, Myrrh?" The Prince replied as the girl showed off a yellow stone.
"I-I will fight with you." She began. "Now that Selena has returned my dragonstone to me... I'll do what I can... Let's take back your home."
"Are you sure about this?" Eirika asked, looking at the girl who nodded.
"For the two of you... I simply want to help."
"All right. I understand." Ephraim began. "But you must make me a promise. You are never to stray from our sides. Got that?"
"Of course..."
"For now, Myrrh, I want you to stay with Ephraim." Tyr began. "Watch his back and make sure no one takes him from behind. As tactician you follow my orders. If you have questions about my orders I would hope they can wait until after the fighting is done."
"Yes... Er, yes sir..."
"You need not call me sir. We are comrades now. Just do your best." Tyr finished as Seth guided his horse closer.
"Why have her follow Ephraim, exactly?" Seth asked quietly.
"So I can see exactly what she does." Tyr replied.
"Ah."
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"What is it, Monica?" Orson asked a figure standing before him softly, closed in his bedchambers. "You seem so happy today. Of course I know what today is. I'd never forget your birthday!' He declared, holding his arms wide. "I have a present for you, dear. I think you'll like it..."
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Two soldiers nodded as General Reiv and the Imperial Prince Lyon strode past them, walking towards the bedchambers.
"You know something?" The one with the axe said, looking about. "That Orson... He gives me the creeps... What do you think he's doing back there? I've heard lots of bizarre rumours from the master of the mess hall. ...Do you think he needs help? Could he be dangerous? ...Or is it what that new recruit says, that he, uh, has his pants on the floor a lot?"
"I don't care." The lance wielder began. "I'm here for the money. As long as I get paid, I'm happy. But on the subject of rumour, have you heard the stories of the secret treasure? There's supposed to be some fabulous wealth hidden in Castle Renais. I tell you, if I find it, I'm gone."
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"Heh heh heh..." Reiv let out as he entered the bedchambers, closing the door behind him, Orson turning his head to glare. "It does my heart good to see you looking so happy, Orson." He began, smiling widely. "See what joy your treachery has brought you? I told you treason would be sweet."
"...Get out. This is Monica and my place." Orson growled out, turning to face him. "I will not have our home disturbed by anyone. I did as you asked. I betrayed Renais. My promise has been kept."
"Heh heh heh..." Reiv chuckled, smirking. "How long are you going to continue this nonsense? Eirika and Ephraim have joined forces. Even now, their united forces march toward the capital, toward you."
"Eirika?"
"You can't imagine they'll forgive you for your treachery, can you?" Reiv continued, pacing in from of Orson slowly. "I expect the sin of your betrayal has shattered your entire family's name. And after all you did to free your wife from the cold clutches of the grave... It's a shame she'll be sent back, dangling from the hangman's noose."
"No!" Orson, exclaimed, stomping a foot, swinging his fist in anger. "That can't happen-"
"Heh heh heh... Oh, but it can, and it will." Reiv interrupted coolly. "Unless you do something to stop it. You understand what is required, don't you? You have your orders, Orson. Heh heh heh..."
Orson stomped his foot again as Reiv turned and left. Cursing to himself he turned to the figure in the room. "...Monica, I'm sorry. I have something I must do. Please wait for me here. Oh, darling, don't look so sad. I'll be back soon, and then I'll never leave. I must do this to protect our happiness. You understand, don't you? All right then. I'll be back." He said, bowing once before leaving.
The figure in the room never spoke nor moved.
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"Heh heh heh..." Reiv chuckled, followed by Lyon as they stood in the middle of the throne room. "He believes that thing is his wife... Aren't people amusing?"
"Urr..." Lyon said, struggling to speak. "Why... This terrible... Uh!" He let off before groaning, hand clutched to his chest.
"Oh my, your nasty illness rearing its ugly little head again?" Reiv asked, shrugging. "There's no need to worry. The pain will pass shortly... Leave everything to your humble servant, Reiv. Heh heh heh..." He let off before the two teleported away just before Orson entered the throne room.
"Have someone fetch my horse." He demanded before sitting down on the throne.
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Storming the castle turned out to be a bit easier than Tyr anticipated. He had honestly expected for there to be a mountain of troops ready to use chokepoints, hidden passages and barriers to attack them from.
Instead they found the forces inside mildly scattered, in poor morale and generally disorganized. Upon sight some even fled and ran from them. Other stood dumbfounded for a bit before gathering a few more and charging.
Considering Wallace and Gilliam were taking point with Ephraim, this was a bad idea. Tyr never even got to see what Myrrh could do because between the three men no one else needed to do anything.
"We are clearing a castle with three men..." Tyr let off, shaking his head. "Three men. Orson must really have his head up in the clouds."
"Agreed, My Love." Eirika said beside him, her weapon in her hand but otherwise doing nothing. "I almost feel bad for them now."
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"They brought the horse into the throne room?" The axe wielding guard let off, rubbing his head. "Why'd they do that? What is Orson gonna do, kiss it?"
"Ahhh, who cares?" His counterpart sighed. "Let's just focus on the job and get... paid...?" He let off as the Prince of Renais marched towards them, a pair of men in very heavy plate armour to either side of him. "Uhhh... H-h-h-halt!"
"Excuse me..." They heard, the Prince and the two knights stopping as a green cloaked figure moved about them, the Princess of Renais following him. "But really, don't you gentlemen think it's time to seek employment elsewhere?"
"...Yeah, I gotta admit, working for Orson stinks." The axeman let off, shrugging. "I'm gone." He said before moving down a side passage.
"...Ah, hell." The lance wielder said before following his comrade. "Least I got my pay last night..."
"Well, that was different." Ephraim let off before Tyr loaded his crossbow, walking to the throne room and kicking the doors open.
"...I won't let you come between us." Orson said simply, seated on the throne, his horse standing next to him. "Monica and I will live here happily together. Forever..."
"Orson…" Ephraim let off, pointing his lance at his former knight. "You will move from that place. That is my father's seat. It is his throne… You've no right to sit there."
"It is mine and Monica's now." Orson replied standing up, setting his helm on his head just as Tyr aimed and fired his bolt, the missile sailing past air and striking his horse in the eye, killing it dead, the mount toppling over as Orson turned to look at his fallen steed.
"Excellent shot, Tyr!' Ephraim exclaimed before striding to the center of the room.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Tyr replied.
"You weren't aiming for the horse's eye, were you?" Eirika whispered to him.
"No." Tyr sighed. "I was hoping to spook it..."
"No matter." Orson let off, picking up and lance and charging Ephraim, roaring out before stabbing out with his weapon, the prince deflecting it and swinging the butt of his weapon about into the helm of Orson, making a bang but little else. Orson in turn swung his weapon about in an arc, trying to cut the prince who in turn blocked with his own weapon before thrusting, stabbing deep into Orson's right arm.
"Gaah!" Orson cried out, lance slipping from his grip as he backed away, pulling his sword out with his left hand. "No! I will not fall here!" He cried out before rushing the prince swinging the sword in an arc.
Ephraim for his part ducked, stabbing at the man's knee, causing him to cry out again and fall to the ground, sword clattering away. He pulled the lance back before stabbing one last time into the man's back.
"Monica..." Orson let off before he slumped to the ground. Grabbing his shoulder the prince rolled him to his back, lifting his helm.
"He's done." Ephraim sighed, shaking his head. "I only wish this never had to happen. If only there was someway I could have helped you before you fell so low..." He turned his head when a hand fell onto his shoulder, turning to see his sister there. He nodded once before standing.
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"Prince Ephraim, Princess Eirika." Seth greeted a few minutes later, the troop moving the bodies of the dead to the outside of the castle to be burned, along with the horse. The lone exception was Orson's head which Tyr ordered to be put on a pike outside the castle. "The castle has been secured. And..."
"What is it?" Ephraim asked.
"...This way. This is the room Orson was holed up in." He said before bowing once and leading them to the king's bedchambers.
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The woman, he had to admit, was a beauty; a woman in long, formal robes of pure white, hair as dark as the night falling to her waist and a pair of eyes like the ocean. She was a captivating vision.
"Darling. Darling... Darling."
She also was only able to say a single word.
"She's... That is Orson's..." Tyr heard, turning to see Seth lead the Prince and Princess of Renais into the room.
"Darling. Darling. Darling... Darling... Darling... Darling..."
"What?" Ephraim let off as the woman continued to repeat the one word. "This... is horrible..."
"I have no idea what... black... magic did this..." Tyr began, circling the woman once before stopping next to her. "But she's not like a morph. She can't act or move on her own accord. She just... stands there. Look." He said before lightly backhanding the woman's forehead. She stood still as a statue before he backhanded her harder, the woman falling backwards like a plank, Eirika gasping.
"This same magic was used to control Emperor Vigarde." Ephraim sighed. "She's already dead, and her corpse was used to..."
"Who? Who could..." Eirika let off, her words stopping as she shook her head, tears coming to her eyes.
"I am sorry you've seen as much as you have, My Lovely Princess." Tyr let off, as he walked forwards, hugging the young woman to him. "Come. Let me take you from here. You shouldn't see more than you have." He said before gently leading her from the bedchambers.
"...You can't say this thing is truly alive anymore." Seth said softly as the pair left the room. "I'll..."
"No... I'll do it." Ephraim replied. "...The two of them spent every day in here, did they?" He said sadly. "Orson was mad. But I think he was happy." He sighed once again before thrusting his lance into the woman's heart.
In an instant she had turned to dust, leaving only the clothes she wore.
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"It'll be alright..." Tyr spoke softly, hugging Eirika to him in the throne room, letting her press her face to his chest. "It'll be alright... We will put an end to this madness, My Dear Princess."
"I know..." Eirika replied, clutching him in turn. "It just pains me to see this. Why did it end this way? My must my father be dead? Why must my people suffer? Why must Orson become a madman? Yet for all I wish to fix things-"
"We cannot change the past." Tyr replied, rubbing her head softly. "To try and do so... You saw what happens."
"Yes, I did." She replied as Tyr began to place soft kisses about her forehead. "And I would never wish it on anyone. I apologize for showing such weakness."
"I never think of you as weak." Tyr replied, stepping back to look at her face. "I only see you as a woman with a lot of empathy. I find it endearing."
"Thank you." Eirika replied, smiling. "Not long ago we spoke of our feelings. I am glad we have, I am more comfortable with you now than I ever have been."
"As I with you." Eirika said before Ephraim entered, stepping towards them.
"As good as it sees you two to be in such love..." He began, smiling. "The state of the castle..."
"Mmm..." Eirika let off, leaning up to kiss Tyr's cheek before turning to face her brother. "We can repair the castle and what was stolen, we can do without. But the wounds and suffering inflicted upon the people of Renais..."
"It's too late to undo their pain." Ephraim replied, sadly.
"That too shall repair, but I fear in this case the only fix for them... is time to heal." Tyr said, shaking his head.
"I know." Ephraim replied, lightly banging his lance to the ground. "I will set our country right once I am king. I doubt the people will give me a warm reception, though. I did abandon them. All I can do is try to win back their trust, no matter how long it takes..."
"We should let them know of the actions you completed against Grado." Tyr replied. "It will not win everyone back in an instant, but-"
"Princess Eirika, Prince Ephraim." Seth called out as he ran into the throne room. "You should look outside."
"What in blazes is charging us now?" Tyr groaned out as Seth led them away and up onto the walls. Rushing over he could hear something in the distance...
"Prince Ephraim!"
"Princess Eirika!"
"The king has returned!"
"Our king!"
"Glory to Renais! Long live King Ephraim!"
"...Tyrland.. What say you of this?" Eirika asked.
"...Rarely am I speechless..." He replied. "...This is a rare moment for me..."
"They're not cheering for Ephraim." Seth clarified. "They cheer because Orson's misrule is at an end. They cheer the possibility of a better tomorrow, not the deeds we did today. But how will the hearts of the people move tomorrow and the next day? That is for you to decide." He said, turning to the prince.
Ephraim looked out into the sea of people, gathered from all the nearby cities and towns all cheering. "I will not let their hopes and dreams be shattered again. I will be king. Like my father before me, I will dedicate myself to their happiness."
"And I will do all I can to help, Ephraim." Eirika replied, smiling back.
"As will I." Tyr said, crossing his arms. "If I am to stick with Eirika for the remainder of our lives, then what else am I to do?"
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"Princess Eirika, Prince Ephraim." Seth began again, the three of them gathered with Innes, Myrrh and L'Arachel in the throne room, Tyr next to Eirika, hand in hand. "Before Renais fell, King Fado entrusted me with this message: 'Raise the twins' bracelets in the hall of kings. The seal will be broken. The resting place of the Sacred Stone will be revealed.'"
"I understand." Ephraim began, as he and his sister nodded to each other.
"So we're supposed to raise our bracelets over our heads, right?" Eirika asked.
"Let's try it, Eirika." Ephraim replied, lifting his own hand up and Eirika did the same.
"I'm ready, Ephraim." She replied as a bright flash shone from each of the bracelets. A grinding sound being heard as the throne slid aside, revealing a staircase.
"There is the path." Ephraim began as he and Seth began to walk to it.
"I'll leave you and your brother be." Tyr began. "This will be a private moment I am-"
"You are coming." Eirika replied plainly, pulling on his arm. "I want you with me."
"...Very well." Tyr replied as he let the princess lead him. Behind Seth and Ephraim they descended the stairs several stories down before they came to a small treasure room, empty save two chests and a pedestal with a small stone resting on it. The stone rested there with a soft glow, light radiating from it gently.
Only then did Tyr and Eirika separate, the twins stepping to the pedestal. With one hand Ephraim gently took the stone from its place of rest. The two twins nodded once before walking back to Seth and Tyr.
"This is the Stone of Renais..." Ephraim began.
"Yes. This is one of the five stones that defeated the Demon King." Eirika replied, smiling softly.
"It's amazing." Tyr added. "So much fuss over something so small, and yet... I feel its power... gentle but overwhelming, awaiting use."
"If Lyon had acquired our bracelets, the stone would have been destroyed by now." Ephraim continued. "United, we protected the only power that can help us stop Lyon's insanity."
"Yes. It is the only hope left to us." Eirika added.
"It and Rausten's stone." Tyr injected. "Those two stones are our last hope for peace, and to rid this land of the Demon King."
"We should get back." Ephraim said, passing the stone to his sister.
"...Huh?" Eirika let off, lifting her arm up to see her bracelet glowing in tune with the stone. "Brother, look! Our bracelets, they're..."
"What is this?' Ephraim replied, looking at his own. "Are they reacting to the light of the stone?" He asked before a bright light flashed through the room.
"I feel... empowered..." Eirika sighed, smiling as the light and glow of the bracelets faded. "I can't believe the bracelets contain so much power."
"They do seem to be magical artefacts of high order, to say the least." Tyr added, rubbing his eyes. "Very high, very bright power."
"I wonder if Father anticipated all of this long ago." Ephraim wondered sadly. "When I was growing up, I never thought about becoming king. I only wanted to be a good solider, a good warrior. The best on the battlefield. Father never understood what I wanted, but... I never understood him either." For a moment nothing was said before he continued. "It was the same when Grado invaded Renais. I should have stayed home to defend the kingdom... Instead, I raced off to fight for personal glory."
"Brother..." Eirika began, setting a hand on his shoulder. "I don't think you know how well Father understood your feelings. When I last saw him, he was concerned for nothing but our safety..."
"Eirika is correct." Seth began softly. "King Fado asked after your exploits every day. He always told me what a fine king you would one day make."
"Father..." Ephraim sighed, shaking his head.
"The mark of a good king is not just to know how to govern." Tyr added. "It is to be brave, even in the face of death itself and overwhelming odds. Maybe you raced off for glory, but in many eyes you proved the measure of your worth. You have the respect of everyone in this company."
"Now Prince Ephraim, Princess Eirika. Please allow me." Seth began. "The Sacred Twins of Renais should be near the stone's reliquary. He said before walking to each of the chests, pulling a lance from one and a sword from the other. "Ah, here we go. This lance can only be one of the Sacred Twins of Renais." He began before walking up to the prince. "Please, Prince Ephraim, take this sacred relic and feel its weight."
"So this is one of our Sacred Twin relics, is it?" Ephraim began, taking the lance from Seth. "I've never seen them. Look, there's a name inscribed here. Siegmund, the Flame Lance." He said, passing his other lance to Tyr before spinning the legendary weapon about.
"And this blade is sister to the lance, the other Sacred Twin of legend." Seth added, passing the sword to Eirika. "Princess Eirika, if you would?"
"Of course." She said, taking the sheathed blade before drawing it. "There's a name carved here as well. Sieglinde, the Thunder Blade." She said, looking over the powerful rapier before sheathing it. "These are the ancient weapons of our ancestors- the weapons of heroes. They were enshrined generations ago, to be used only by the king... and only in times of dire need. Such an awful power they possess, and yet we need them to restore peace. Now, dear Tyrland, I know what you felt when you joined us. I know war. I do not wish to fight anymore. And yet I cannot turn my eyes aside, I cannot do nothing as evil is committed. I cannot be idle and let our world be given to the darkness. I will fight. I will fight until I see peace restored."
"I know." Tyr replied simply, stepping up to her, giving her lips a quick peck with his. "And until then I will help you, with all the experience and knowledge I have."
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"What is happening?" L'Arachel asked as the four returned to the throne room. "Have you found the Sacred Stone?"
"Yes. Here it is..." Eirika replied, pulling the stone out of her pocket to display it.
"Wow!" L'Arachel let off, clasping her hands together. "It truly is spectacular. This goes some way to brighten the dark shadows that loom over us."
"Our counties' Sacred Stones have been shattered by Grado's men." Innes added. "The Stone of Renais is our last remaining weapon."
"No, it's not." L'Arachel corrected. "You have forgotten the stone of my beloved Rausten."
"Precisely." Tyr injected. "I want to set out for Rausten come morning. I want both stones to hedge our bets. Besides, Grado's remaining forces will be charging for it as well."
"I was about to suggest that as our next place of visit." L'Arachel replied. "I shall be guide to you."
'...That's only slightly better than asking Wallace to lead us there...' Tyr thought.
"You both are right." Eirika added, gently taking Tyr's hand in hers. "We will count on you to lead the way, L'Arachel."
'I'll ask Rennac to make sure she's on course...' Tyr added to himself.
"Of course." The Rausten princess said with a bow. "And you will all be welcome to stay in the palace. And, Eirika, you shall be my guest in my own private quarters! Tomorrow we will be on our way!
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"Ah, there you are." Ephraim let off, grinning as he walked into the stables. "Eirika! Come quick. They're still here."
"They are?" Eirika replied, running in after her brother, Tyr following her.
"Yes. Apollo and Artemis, they're still about and alive." Ephraim said, grinning.
"Beg pardon, but who are we talking about?" Tyr asked just as the twins ran up to a pair of white horses.
"The royal steeds of course." He heard, turning his head to see an elderly man with a long white beard step over slowly, his clothes showing their use.
"Steven!" Eirika let off, smiling widely. "You are still here?"
"Aye. That I am." He said, grinning.
"Tyrland, this is Steven, the stable master." Eirika began. "He's served our family since I can remember. I am glad to see you well."
"Hmm, Grado kept most of the staff, although we got imprisoned for awhile to make sure we were compliant." He began. "I've just made sure your horses were taken care of."
"Why did the horses get left behind?" Tyr asked.
"Apollo had suffered an injury before the war and wasn't recovered before Ephraim set off." Steven began, rubbing his beard. "And I was stopped before I could see Artemis to her mistress."
"It is alright, Steven." Ephraim began, petting his steed before looking over at his servant. "I apologize for all you've endured until now."
"That's quite alright. You went off to give Grado a good few blows." Steven replied grinning.
"Well we're not done yet." Tyr injected. "We've more to do."
"Unfortunate, but that's how it is I guess." The stable master sighed. "I shall have the Apollo and his sister ready for the morning. They've missed their masters terribly, and I'd hate to see them be left behind again."
"Thank you, Steven." Eirika said, hugging her horse about the neck. "You are wonderful."
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"Ah, an actual bed for the night..." Tyr let off, stretching his back out as he walking onto the battlements, his cloak left in his assigned quarters. Night had fallen and the stars were out. Ephraim had spent most of the day with his surviving vassals, hammering out duties for them and to get the land back in order while he was gone. It was good to see the young man step up to his responsibilities; they would only accumulate after the war was finished.
He leaned on the edge, thinking back. Before they had reached Hamill Canyon he had a private meeting with Lute, Artur and Saleh on how exactly they could kill the Demon King, once and for all.
They assured him he could not. That nothing they had could destroy his soul. That even the Sacred Stones could only seal it away.
Tyr himself had been busy studying since then, attempting to come up with another way, but nothing gave him a solid lead. There was a passing mention from the days of the Scouring in Elibe about a golden blade, but what it could do was vague and even then it was in Elibe so trying to find it based on almost no information would take years.
Elimine knows how many days they really had.
"There you are." He heard, turning his head to see Eirika stride up next to him, smiling. He smiled back, moving behind her as she joined him and hugging her frame to him, wrapping his arms about her shoulders. "I thought you'd be in bed by now."
"Soon, Eirika, soon." He replied, kissing her cheek as she giggled. "Thoughts of what we must do fill my head. I needed to clear my mind first. I didn't mean to trouble you."
"You never trouble me, My Love." She replied, turning to face him, kissing his lips. "You may worry me at times, but at those times I am reminded why I care so much for you. You stole my heart you know? May I have it back?"
"Sorry." Tyr replied, smiling softly. "I need to keep it, seeing as you stole off with mine."
"A fair trade, I would say." Eirika giggled, sighing as she rested her head on his chest. "I hope this ends soon. That the Demon King becomes a memory we can forget. That peace can be restored. Then I can marry you and call you husband. I look forwards to that day."
"As do I." Tyr replied, smiling. "And I will be happiest when I can call you wife. Now, enough of this." He said, leaning in to kiss her lips once before wrapping an arm about her waist. "Let us go get rest. We march tomorrow."
"Yes. Yes we do."
The pair strode off to the door and away from the battlements.
Away in some woods a boy pulled a spyglass from his eye. "Ha! I knew finding this would pay off, yes I did!" He said, grinning. "Though I do wonder who that man the princess was kissing was."
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Promotions...
Erika and Ephraim from Lord to Great Lord