"So. You disobeyed my orders. Anything to say for yourself, Cordelia?"
"You told me to stay out of the next battle, Robin. You said nothing about going scouting."
"I thought it would be obvious I wanted you to avoid any fighting altogether."
"We were just going scouting."
"In an area that had known enemy presence."
"...I'm sorry, Robin. But I can't just stay in this camp. I... I need to fight. I need to have some purpose."
"You will, Cordelia. In time, you will. But for now, you have to work out your issues. Otherwise, you're nothing more than a hazard. And, I'm sorry for the brutality of my words, but they're the truth. If you cannot learn to manage your anger and your grief, then you will get yourself killed. And none of us want to see you, or anyone else, die."
"I know, but... Those Plegians... They... They keep reminding me of what happened. They keep taunting me, and I can't take it anymore! I just want them to die. I know that's a horrible thing to say. But I just want them all to die."
"We all do. We all want those monsters to suffer. But we have to wait. We can't go charging off. Because, if you do... Then..." Robin paused, taking a deep breath, "we'll have to find something else for you to do. Just for a small time."
"You mean..."
"I'm sorry, Cordelia. But I have to manage the safety of everyone. And, until you can learn that violence does not solve everything, you are a hazard. I will be talking with Sumia as well about this." Robin smiled. "You're not the only one in trouble."
"Understood, Robin. Is that all?"
"Yes. You may depart." When she was sure she was out of earshot of anybody, Cordelia began letting out a stream of curses, mostly aimed at herself. How had she been so stupid? Why had she consented to Sumia's idea? She knew it would have just gotten her into trouble, so why did she do it? Cordelia shook her head. She didn't know why she couldn't just stay out of it. But she couldn't. That much was clear. And now... Now her life as a Shepherd was at risk. If she didn't learn to control herself, then... Then she would no longer be able to help out the Ylisseans. That was what Robin had decreed. And, really, who could blame him? It wasn't fair for her to constantly disrupt his carefully-created tactics. It was dangerous and reckless. It was stupid. That was what Cordelia was being. Utterly stupid. And she'd have to learn. Have to learn how to control herself. Have to learn how not to give in to her primal instincts. Then, she would be able to fight. And only then.
"So, what happened? How did your talk with Cordelia go?" Robin looked at Chrom sadly, answering his question with a simple facial expression.
"That badly?"
"She's damaged, Chrom. Those Plegians... They... They damaged her, Chrom. And I don't how to fix it."
"She just needs time to think. Time to sort out her problems. Then she can help this war effort. Help stop King Gangrel."
"But I... I don't know if she will give herself time. What if she charges off again? What then? We need to keep her safe, Chrom."
"She won't. Trust me, Robin. Our pegasus knights are some of the best. Cordelia will follow orders. We just have to trust her."
"Are you sure?"
"Sumia trusts her. And, therefore I do."
"But Sumia..." Chrom glared at Robin and he stopped. "Alright. I have an idea, about how to stop her doing anything reckless, anyway. How much does she know about apothecaries?"
"Ricken. I have an important message from Robin!" Lissa surprised the young mage, causing him to drop his spellbook.
"Must you always sneak up on me like that? Sheesh..."
"I'm sorry..."
"Alright. What does Robin want?"
"You know Cordelia?"
"The pegasus knight who disobeyed our tactician? Who arrived late? Who..." Ricken stopped, his voice starting to go raw.
"You're to help her!"
"With... what?" His face paled, though Lissa didn't seem to notice.
"Potion-making. Robin's sure you've been keeping up with your studies, and he knows how eager you are to demonstrate all you've learned, so he thought this would be a good opportunity."
"He what? But I-I haven't been... keeping up."
"He also told me that you might say that." Ricken muttered something under his breath.
"What was that, Ricken?" Lissa smiled teasingly.
"Nothing. So I suppose this will be a good opportunity to practice in some... arts I have been neglecting. And I suppose Robin predicted I would say that too?"
"Yup!" Ricken muttered again.
"Sumia..." Robin looked at her with an unreadable expression. "We have much to talk about."
"Is this about the scouting?"
"Indeed it is. Look, I know you had the best intentions, and I thank you for staying with Cordelia. But did you not realize that this was breaking my sanction?" She shook her head. "You thought that this would be another way to help? Fair enough. Well, part of me wants to let you off the hook. However, there is something urgent that needs doing, and so this task falls to you - supervise Ricken and Cordelia. They will have some... issues to work out. I want you in there to stop them killing each other." Sumia nodded. "Excellent. Thank you, Sumia. And I know you're trying to do good. Just be careful." She nodded again, and turned to leave.
"Cordelia! Important news from Robin." Cordelia turned to look at Sumia with a worried expression. Her friend had just arrived back from a talk with Robin.
"What... What is it?"
"Don't worry. It's nothing bad. He wants you to learn the ways of potion-making from Ricken."
"But... why?"
"To give you something to do that doesn't involve fighting. He wants to help you help against the Plegians. The first lesson's tonight."
"Tonight? Do I not get a say in this?"
"Do you really want to cross Robin? Besides, I'll be there to supervise!"
"You? Why?"
"So you don't end up killing each other, apparently."
"But why would..." Cordelia's face paled, and she felt the sudden urge to be sick. Ricken was... Miriel's student. A tear rolled down her cheek. "Oh gods..."
"Cordelia?" She swallowed, wiping away the traces of her emotion.
"I'm fine. It's just... Let's get this over with."
"Well, I guess you better get ready. Hope... nothing happens." Cordelia knew what Sumia meant. 'Hope you don't anger Robin'. But she wasn't going to. She was going to make sure nothing bad happened tonight, make sure there was no way that she could be forced out of the Shepherds. Though potion-making hadn't really occurred to her as a discipline, it would be intriguing, nonetheless. And hopefully it would keep her mind off... other matters.
"Oh. You're here." Ricken looked at Cordelia, with barely-hidden disdain. Sumia was by his side, looking a little timid already.
"Indeed." Cordelia ignored his hostile tone. "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are we... are we going to do?"
"Robin wants you to learn from me about apothecaries. I'm not sure why exactly, but..." Ricken swallowed his words, not daring to speak his mind.
"You don't have to be afraid of me. What's happened has happened. Let's concentrate on happier matters, shall we?"
"It would sure be easier with Miriel around."
"I'm sorry. I... I arrived late. I tried, and I failed."
"And for your failure, two people died!"
"I..." Cordelia took a deep breath. Anger was charging through her, and she tried to calm herself. Sumia cleared her throat, looking at Ricken.
"That's enough! Ricken, Cordelia suffered as well. Her... Her entire squad was wiped out!"
"And I suppose that's why she's a bloody psychopath!"
"She isn't! She just..."
"I just feel a little anger on the battlefield, that's all. But don't worry. As long as you do nothing to upset me, you'll be fine. Now, shall we continue with this lesson, or will I have to be reminded of Breakneck Pass?" Ricken swallowed.
"Right... Sorry... So, um, what... What do you know of making potions and vulneraries?"
"You mix together herbs you find, don't you?"
"Along with other things, but yes, that is the basic premise. Well, at least that's what I've found so far." Ricken invited Cordelia to follow him. "Come; let me show you what I've been making."
Inside the small apothecary's tent was a various array of differing potions, poisons and ingredients. Racks and racks of vials, filled with various-coloured liquid were sorted by type into shelves.
"Is this your station?" Ricken just shook his head, pointing to a cluttered area just right of the tidy and sorted workplace. Potions were stacked on top of each other, with seemingly no regard for order or care. Herbs were scattered around carelessly, with some having been ripped apart. Piled up lazily on one shelf were a bunch of disorganized papers, hanging out. On top of them was an ink pot and quill, though the liquid in the glass container had been drained, leaving just dust and a small cobweb inside.
"So this is your workplace. It's a little… untidy. Would you like some help reorganizing?"
"Thanks for the offer, but I can do it myself. I'm not a child, you know."
"Sorry. It was only a suggestion. But in that case, shall we begin?"
"Sure! First, we need to cover the basics of the apothecary trade. Namely, how to identify potions."
"Is there an easy way to do this?"
"Only if you have a book. Still, there are some you should always remember as they can be very helpful." Ricken took a strange liquid. Cordelia looked at it for a moment, before realizing what it was - a vulnerary.
"So, what's next, Robin? What do you recommend we do?"
"In all honesty, Chrom, we should return to Ylisstol with your sister, after seeking help from the khans. I know we want to end this quickly, but if we are caught unprepared..."
"Indeed. As well as this, we should consult with Emmeryn. Though her input... may be limited."
"Though she does not like war, Chrom, that does not mean she doesn't have a sharp mind. You would do well not to underestimate your sister. It may cost you dearly." Chrom just rolled his eyes. "But, yes, I agree with you. We should consult with Lady Emmeryn."
"And then?"
"We'll have to formulate a strategy for dealing with Plegia."
"How many battles will that take? More than one?"
"I know what you're concerned about, Chrom. Don't worry, I have it all under control. I will judge the mental state of each of the Shepherds, to make sure they are combat-ready. And I will do my utmost to make sure nobody falls in battle again. You have my word, as both a loyal tactician and a friend."
"Thank you, Robin. You've done a lot for the Shepherds."
"But not enough."
"Robin, you don't need to be upset about…"
"I know. But… They didn't deserve to die, Chrom. They didn't deserve to die."
"Robin, it wasn't your fault this happened. Nobody could have foreseen that happening."
"A master tactician would have. A better tactician than me would have."
Soon, the Shepherds came to Regna Ferox. Cordelia hadn't seen anything quite like it. She knew from the stories told at Ylisse that it was a warrior realm, filled with mighty fighters of all types. She wasn't quite sure what to expect, but she knew she need not be afraid. Regna Ferox's khan, in gratitude for Chrom's help, had promised assistance for the Ylisseans in the war against Plegia. The Shepherds were here in order to collect the help, as well as discuss strategy. Well, Robin was, at least. Robin. Cordelia felt sorry for the tactician, being charged with the welfare and safety of the Ylissean forces. It wasn't an easy job. But he was well-suited to the task. He always had plans. Plans that wouldn't let anybody die. It was only when unknown variables came into effect that those plans failed. Variables like... Cordelia felt a tear in her eye. She knew she was one of those unknown variables. A spanner in the works. But... was she justified? Weren't her actions what anybody would do given the circumstances? She expressed her grief, her shame, her guilt into anger. Wasn't that just a human emotion? Yes. It was. She just made a mistake. And she was going to do better. Become better. Cordelia smiled, wiping the tear away. She didn't need to beat herself up over this. Though sacrifices had been made, mistakes had happened, Cordelia knew she was going to learn from them. She wouldn't waste them. She would use this time to make herself better.
Khan Flavia looked at the entrance where Chrom and Robin were coming in from, a smile on her face. Next to her stood the former ruler of Ferox, the East-Khan Basilio, who was in remarkably high spirits for someone facing the people who dethroned him. But, that was Ferox's way. The strongest ruled, and the weaker had to accept that. It was almost idealistic in a sense, that there was a clear hierarchy, but said hierarchy was not down to nobility or birth-right, but on ability. And indeed, most Feroxians looked happy and at ease, taking orders from people who could beat them in a fight. And if they had a problem with their leaders, there was always the option of a challenge.
"Khan Flavia. Thank you for receiving us." Robin extended his hand, bowing courteously.
"Haven't I told you to drop the formalities yet?"
"My apologies. I did not mean to upset you."
"I cannot tell if you were mocking me just then."
"I can assure you, my tactician here does not intentionally seek to offend. Probably." Flavia laughed, shaking hands with Chrom as well.
"Well, I'm sure you can trust him not to disadvantage you in times of political maneuvering. Which brings me onto my question - are you here for Ferox's aid?"
"Indeed. Gangrel has declared open war on Ylisse. We have fought two major battles against the Plegians. There have been casualties, some more severe than we imagined."
"Then there is no more time to lose. We must-" Just that moment a messenger burst through the door, a grim look on his face. Clearing his throat, he hurried to where Flavia was.
"Khan Flavia. Apologies to interrupt, but I bring urgent news from Ylisse." Once again, the messenger cleared his throat. "Ylisstol has fallen. Gangrel has... taken Exalt Emmeryn to Plegia. She is to be publicly executed by noon."
"What?" A resounding chorus of questions erupted from the room.
"That... That monster has my sister? That damned tyrant has gone too far. Far too far." Chrom paused for a moment. "We march to Plegia. Immediately."
"We can't."
"Khan Flavia, he has my sister! He's going to kill my sister!"
"I know, Chrom, and I understand your distress. But if you cannot learn to manage your anger and your grief, then you will get yourself killed. We're not telling you to do nothing, just telling you to act wisely. We will save your sister, Chrom. But we will not pay with your life." Robin put his hand on Chrom's shoulder.
"Trust me, Chrom. I will see us through this. I promise you, I will. It's all going to be fine."
"Th-Thank you. All of you. Come on, Robin. We need to address the Shepherds. Goodbye, Flavia. We'll be just a minute."
"Shepherds, I bring... tragic news. Ylisstol has fallen. Exalt Emmeryn... has been taken by Gangrel, to be executed by noon. Feroxian scouts inform us this will be taking place at the courtyard of Plegia Castle. I ask you, not just as Shepherds, or loyal servants to Ylisse, but as friends to help me. I ask you to help me rescue my sister, our exalt, and bring her safely back home. I ask you to help me fight against the Plegians and their evil ruler, Mad King Gangrel, so that we may know peace. It will be a difficult undertaking, and I cannot promise anybody's safety. People may die, friendships may be lost. But, if you are willing and ready to lend your aid, then I am willing and ready to accept it. So, Shepherds, I ask - is there anybody would like to volunteer their services?" For a brief, fleeting moment there was silence. Then, a massive wave of shouting erupted from the Ylisseans. Pledges of allegiance, promises of assistance, threats to Plegia... All were heard from the crowd gathered around Chrom. Smiling, he put up his hand, quelling the noise.
"Thank you, Shepherds. Truly, I am blessed to have such a loyal group of fighters. And now, we will show King Gangrel the price for his cruelty. He will learn that every action has a consequence, and that we will not let him assault the safety of our nation. We will make him pay. I promise you, Shepherds. We will make him pay."
That night, the Shepherds were making their leave towards Plegia. Anticipation filled the air, and the usual noise and mayhem that filled the camp was nowhere to be seen. The grave revelation of Emmeryn's disappearance had sobered even the most childish of soldiers, and everyone was looking towards the future with bleak apprehension. Cordelia felt her fists clench as she remembered what Chrom had relayed to them. Emmeryn... The Plegians were going to execute her. Kill her. Had they no empathy? Were there no lows to which they would not stoop? Cordelia felt anger rising in her throat, and resisted the urge to exhale a stream of insults. She would have to calm down. Not let anger become her master. But how could she do that? Her potion-making sessions with Ricken had been cancelled for today, on account of the day's events. Though she still didn't know if she looked forwards to them or not. Certainly, the actual science was interesting, and it gave Cordelia a certain pride to know that she could create medicine that would save a soldier's life, but it was complicated work. Not to mention Ricken himself often stuttered during teaching, or sometimes forgot his next sentence. Not that Cordelia could blame him. She knew why this was the case - it was because of her. Ricken seemed slightly scared of her after what she had done in Breakneck Pass. After how she had disobeyed Robin's orders, just to unleash her vengeance. Not to mention that he harboured residual resentment towards her. It made sense, really. Despite his protestations, Ricken still sometimes acted like a child - to be expected, of course. Whereas most Shepherds were fully-grown adults, Ricken was still a teenager - it was only natural he acted younger than the rest. And that meant that he was more susceptible to certain emotions - fear and awe. So Cordelia couldn't really fault him for that. Though she was trying to act kinder to him, she knew it would take more than one session for that to have an impact. Until then, Cordelia knew she would just have to cope with it. And she would have to not let anger take control of her again.