Soren's assumption was correct. Marth was indeed a woman, and had once again had come to deliver a warning.
This time, it had proven to be a bit more specific.
Chrom took down another man with a mighty blow, killing him instantly. "Soren!" He called. "They're everywhere!"
He gritted his teeth. "I think we need to split up." He said. "Marth, stay here and guard the door. I'll cover this side of the hall. Chrom, I'll need you to go to the other side."
He nodded. Gesturing to the people in his squad, he left.
...
Marth had disappeared almost immediately after the battle had ended, much to Soren's annoyance. He had sent Chrom after her the instant they had noticed she was missing. He himself, along with Emmeryn, had much more pressing matters to attend to.
"I don't like the sort of soldier who just turns his back on his commanding officer." Soren said bluntly, as he looked over the thief with great dislike. "I have half a mind to turn you away."
"Aw, don't be like that, Mark." The man said. lollipop in between his lips. "Chrom himself-"
"I don't care what Chrom says." Soren said. He stepped closer to him, his eyes wide and staring. "I once worked with an enemy soldier who had defected to our side. I could not trust her."
"I think Gaius has proven himself." Emmeryn cut in. "I would be honored if he would assist Chrom."
"Your Majesty," Soren said, his tone impatient, as he turned his ire onto her instead. "This man made an attempt on your life."
"Chrom explained the situation rather well to me." She said. "I have no reason to doubt his words."
How infuriating. He thought bitterly, as they said their goodbyes. It would be HIS fault if Gaius backstabbed them, but it was HER fault.
"And you..." Soren said, addressing the other woman in the room. "I take it you'll be joining us?"
She looked at him blankly. "My debt is repaid." she said. "I have no need to remain here."
"Don't be ridiculous." Soren said. "Where are you going to go? You're not going to find much solace in living all alone in your warren."
She stiffened.
"I'm offering you an oppurtunity." He said. "Join us."
...
"I'm surprised, Soren." Emmeryn told him as they marched.
"... About what?"
"How you treated Panne." She said.
He snorted. "That? She's useful."
"Not many would welcome a Taguel with open arms like that." she murmured. "In our country, the Taguel..."
"I know." Soren said shortly.
A silence fell in between them.
"The Laquz..." He said. "Are not a people worth dismissing simply because they are different."
"You know that name as well?" She laughed. "You truly are an incredible scholar... for your age."
Something about the way she said that bothered him. His eyes narrowed.
"I don't know what you mean."
He walked ahead of her. This conversation was over.
...
Cordelia was, again, not someone he was entirely happy with. An extraordinarily talented Pegasus Knight, Soren had been assured by Phila, many times over, that she would be a incredible addition to the Shepards.
As usual, Soren dismissed these claims in order to observe what Cordelia in action. And, as he expected, he almost immediately approached Chrom with a request to keep off the battlefield.
"What?" Chrom asked, surprised. "But Cordelia is-"
"Not fit at all for combat, and for a variety of reasons." he said, shaking his head. "I don't want her on the frontlines, Chrom."
"Why?"
"Too emotional."
"Too emotional?" Chrom exploded. "What are you talking about? You do realize she lost her entire squad to Plegia?"
"And that experience is going to follow her for the rest of her life." Soren pointed out. "She's a wreck, Chrom. I don't think we can trust her to protect her-"
"No, Soren." he said firmly. "I've not liked a lot of your decisions in the past, but this is going way too far. She stays."
They glared at each other, neither of them backing down.
"You will regret this." Soren warned him. "She's going to let you down."
"I have utmost faith in her, as a soldier. She will be strong for us. I know it!"
Soren knew when he had lost.
...
In some ways, he was absolutely right about Cordelia. In others, he was horrifically wrong.
She had proven herself to be absolutely essential in fighting in the desert environment. She and Sumia big part in saving civilian lives.
And yet... he was starting to realize that her emotional problems didn't end at her battlefield trauma.
He had caught her, far, far too often, gazing at Chrom with a look of absolute adoration on her face. He never seemed to notice. Indeed, despite how he stood up for her behind closed doors, he didn't seem to be particularly good friends with her.
Love was selfish. He decided. Cordelia likely had aspirations to marry into the royal family.
So in essence, it was probably for the best that he kept her on the battlefield, but away from Chrom.
...
"A mercernary, are you?" Soren said impassively, as he looked up at the hulking man before him. "The girl didn't hire you, did she?"
"Oh, no, no..." He replied. "The wee one simply needed a little bit of help."
He had betrayed his former employers to save a little girl. Soren felt a sort of kinship with this man, as odd as it sounded.
"I don't take kindly to traitors." Soren told him. "You'll be paid on a battle to battle basis until you prove your worth." He ruffled through his papers. "However... if what the girl says is true, I'm sure we can arrive to an suitable arrangement."
...
"Come on, Soren!" Nowi cajoled. "You're far too young to be cooped up in your tent all day?"
"Nowi," Soren said impatiently, as he brushed her hand off of his arm. "I'm the Tactician for the army. They need me to look over everything... I don't have time for games."
She pouted. "Don't be like that!"
"If you want this army to be in disarray, go ahead and keep bugging me." He looked at her. "Or you could go back into slavery. I'm sure those nobles would love to see you make a comeback."
"Hmph." She said. "That was kind of mean, Soren."
He ignored her as he continued working. She frowned at him.
"Soren?" She leaned in, over his shoulder, peering at his work. "So is working on stuff like this like a game to you, or..."
"Go away, Nowi."
She sighed. "You're so mean!"
"I sure am." He agreed. "Now get out of my tent."
"No." she declared. "I'm not leaving until you play a game with me!"
"Nowi," he said impatiently. "I don't want to play games with you. I don't play games. Chrom is trusting me to keep the army in order-"
"And Chrom knows more than anyone how much you need to unwind!" She reached out, taking his hand in hers, and dragged him to his feet. "Come on!"
There was nothing else for it. She wouldn't leave him alone until he had played at least one game with her.