Chapter 22
The shepherds traveled at a frenetic pace, tearing across Plegia. On the way to face Gangrel and his army, the group came across fanatics known as the Grimleal, worshippers of the divine dragon Grima. The shepherds easily disposed of them, with a manakete named Nowi and a sellsword named Gregor who happened to join the battle. Now, the army was now finally closing in on Gangrel's palace. After receiving word that the execution would be taking place later in the day from Gaius and Lon'qu, who had scouted ahead, Nathan summoned the shepherds to his tent for a strategy meeting before the battle. Basilio and Flavia, the East and West Khan of Regna Ferox, joined them as well, with their forces supporting Ylisse in the fight against Plegia.
Nathan, Chrom, and Frederick stood at the front of the crowded tent. Multiple maps of Plegia were spread out on the large table in front of them, covered in writing and symbols. Once everyone was assembled, Chrom looked to Nathan and nodded.
"What's the plan?" The prince eagerly inquired, anxious to go save his older sister.
Nathan looked down, pushing aside the other maps until he found the one of Plegia's palace and execution grounds. "So, thanks to the information we gained from Gaius and Lon'qu earlier today (He quickly nodded to the two), Emmeryn is to be executed from up here…" The tactician pointed to a circled stone cliff on the map. "I think it's best for the shepherds main group to enter from here…"
The strategy meeting took around an hour to complete, which was much quicker than normal, thanks to Nathan doing his best to save as much time as possible, and everyone, for once, giving the man their full attention during the meeting. Normally Frederick would walk around, shaking awake those who had dozed off during the meeting, as only he and the tactician seemed to be the only ones who paid attention during the gatherings.
As the shepherds all dispersed to prepare for the confrontation ahead, Nathan made his way back to his tent and slumped down in his seat, putting his head in his hands. He always tried his best to conceal his stress, and his tent was one of the best places to let it out. He let out a loud sigh as he shook his head.
There were so many factors that he had to balance in the ever changing battlefield, and having to juggle Emmeryn's life as well made for an even more stressful situation. He prayed to Naga that their plan might just work.
He laid back his head to look at the roof of his tent, and he stared up at the face of a familiar princess smiling down at him.
"EEYARGH! Gods, Lissa! A simple 'hello' would have sufficed…" Nathan cried in surprise.
Lissa snorted loudly as she laughed. "Haha, I knew that would do it!"
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Do what?" He inquired.
"That rubbery thing your face does sometimes." Lissa replied.
"Er…what?" Nathan asked again, even more confused now.
"There! You did it again!" Lissa cried out with a giggle. She then grabbed Nathan's face, pulling on his cheeks. "Looks kinda like…this…yeah!"
"Litha, I cabt shee whabth my fashe looksh like widdout a mirrow…" Nathan mumbled, his words being jumbled by Lissa pulling on his cheeks.
Lissa sighed before letting go of the man's face. "I know, I know…" She mumbled. Nathan could see her hands slightly trembling.
"We'll save your sister. I promise." Nathan told Lissa, taking her hand and standing up to look her in the eyes. "By tonight, we'll be exchanging stories with her on the way back to Ylisse!" He declared.
Lissa's lips trembled as she formed a small smile. "A-alright." She said. Their eyes locked for a second, before Lissa muttered, "I can tell you're nervous too."
Nathan's brow furrowed. "How do you figure?"
Lissa giggled. "Well, I did kinda see you with your head in your hands when I walked in…that, and you do the rubbery thing with your face when you're nervous or stressed out. Or angry. Or surprised…"
Nathan laughed quietly before cutting her off. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. I guess you know me pretty well." He declared.
Lissa nodded. "Well, you're my…friend, after all!" She replied. "I should know these things!"
Nathan shrugged. "Yeah, I guess…but that kinda gets rid of me being able to help make you less nervous."
The princess snorted. "What do you mean? It's not all about you helping me, I can help you too!" She declared.
Nathan raised an eyebrow before letting out a long sigh. "You're right. I'm sorry. I really should trust you more by now…" The tactician let out an awkward laugh.
Lissa nodded with a bit of a glare. "You're damn right, mister! Now you're walking outside with me, and we're gonna crush these bad guys and save my sister!"
Before Nathan could respond, Lissa grabbed his hand and dragged the man out of the tent. As the two stood outside, holding hands, they stared at each other for a moment awkwardly before breaking out in laughter.
"Gods, what are you doing?" Nathan cried out.
Lissa giggled, with a few snorts in between. "Uh, being really nervous I guess?"
Nathan shook his head, still laughing. "Well, I've gotta admit, that pretty much killed my nerves. So…thanks, I suppose. You're pretty good at cheering up people too, I guess I'm rubbing off on you!" He concluded.
Lissa gave him a playful wink. "I learn from the best, after all!" She told him.
Nathan nodded. The two then heard Frederick calling out for the shepherds to prepare to march.
"Let's go kick some Plegian arse, alright?" The tactician told the princess, who laughed and nodded, before departing to pack up her tent.
Nathan turned back to his tent, casting a spell from one of his tomes to take it down. His expression changed to a stoic frown, checking his things to ensure he was ready for the challenge ahead.
Sorry about how long it took to get this chapter up! I had quite a hard time with it, writing out quite a few different versions. I promise the next one will come sooner, as the story reaches it's conclusion! -Nate