Awakening of Fate
Chapter XI: Casualties of War and the Promise of Tomorrow
"Kellam may not have had the biggest presence among the Shepherds but he was a stout and devout follower of our ideals. He helped from the shadows it seems ensuring that everyone was taken care of without asking for anything in return." Chrom stated to the congregation of soldiers standing before him.
It had been two days since the victory at the "Defense of Longfort". The battle sparked the first official conflict in war between the kingdom of Plegia and the Ylissian-Feroxian alliance. Most of the Plegian soldiers who had come with the Risen were killed in battle, but a few had escaped capture while a small handful now prisoners of war. They would be dealt with at a later time, for now the victorious dead needed to be taken care of.
Kellam had been among the first casualties of the battle along with several Feroxian soldiers. What made his loss truly regrettable was the fact that it could have been prevented. By the time the battle had finished Kellam had lost a considerable amount of blood. He was noticed by one of the Ferox soldiers. Everyone saw the mass of risen bodies nearby him, but it was Robin who came to the conclusion of what happened first.
Corrin thought back to the moment that she explained that Kellam had single handedly protected their flank during the pincer movement. Surprisingly Kellam wasn't dead when they found him, but he was well beyond the realm of saving. With his spear supporting him Kellam had stood his ground to watch the remainder of the battle or at least that's what he gurgled out when he regained consciousness for a few hours. Lissa and Felicia had completely drained themselves with the Feroxians and didn't have the energy to save Kellam.
Traditional techniques such as vulnerary and bandages were used but at most they merely eased Kellam's suffering and made him comfortable. The Shepherds stayed by his side the entire time and Kellam was happy. He was noticed by everyone, it might not have been the most ideal situation but Kellam was still happy that they were with him. He knew he was dying but he wouldn't die unnoticed.
Kellam's death impacted everyone differently. Corrin however may have been the affected. He knew the possibility of death existed and that they could be killed at any time. When fighting the risen it was easy to dehumanize the creatures and numb oneself to their destruction but there had been living Plegian soldiers in the battle that also fought and died.
Corrin had killed two in the heat of battle and afterwards the realization of what he had done cause him to vomit. Now the same sickening feeling he had back then returned. Kellam looked peaceful, like he was sleeping but the lack of breathing broke that illusion. The young man left the room without a word as many of the other shepherds before him had done. Walking the halls of the Longfort Corrin made his way to the battlements and just looked up at the sky as tears fell from his eyes.
Corrin let the memory fade as he brought himself back to the present where the two forces were holding the ceremonial rites for their fallen comrades. Although Chrom was a foreigner he held one of the highest position amongst anyone as a member of royalty. He led the procession with words honoring both the living and the dead. Corrin listened to what the fellow prince said with rapt attention as his eyes roved over to the others standing on the stage where the podium stood.
Flavia, who was the leader of East-Ferox and their ally in the matter of gaining aid against Plegia stood to Chrom's left with Raimi, the commander of the Longfort. Flavia had arrived that morning after three days of travel. Raimi had sent a request for reinforcements for their dire predicament, but it had taken Flavia a while to gather the troops. With the battle over the reinforcements that were brought would now be relief soldiers as the ones there came back to the East-Ferox capital for debriefing.
From what little had been discussed when she arrived Corrin was aware that she had pledged her support to the Shepherds but further than that was unknown. Corrin had made himself scarce to the other leading members of the Shepherds during the past two days. Although if he was being honest he was avoiding one person in particular. Robin stood to Chrom's right with an almost impassive expression.
Corrin hadn't spoken with the tactician since their conversation before the battle. In honesty he was scared to speak to her. Their last conversation dealt with exactly what was happening now, for the most part. I am a coward, and naïve.Corrin thought to himself angrily. We were in the right, fighting against the "bad" guys, right? That's what I thought, and I believed we would always succeed because we had righteousness on our side, but I see it now. In war there is no right or wrong side. Everyone who fights is in the wrong, it is all a matter of perspective.
Corrin listened to the rest of Chrom's speech in regard to Kellam. A few of the other Shepherds which consisted of Stahl, Sully, Lissa, and Miriel also had words to say on their friend's behalf. Flavia said a few words about the fallen Feroxi soldiers before affirming her position on the matter of supporting the Shepherds. The Feroxian bodies were laid to rest in the fort's catacombs. Chrom denied Flavia's offer to have Kellam laid to rest amongst the Feroxi soldiers. He told her that Kellam was of Ylisse and his body should be sent to his family so that they may have their own final rites for him.
Flavia was amenable enough to at least keep Kellam's body preserved at the fort until the group decided to head back to Ylisse so that they didn't have to carry the corpse around and possible damage it. After the formalities were taken care of Chrom called a meeting of the leadership to discuss in depth the reason for their coming to the north.
"Khan Flavia, as you are somewhat aware of by now the Plegians mean harm to both our countries. We have travelled to a long way for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, we have companions who seek a certain individual rumored to be in Ferox. A wandering merchant of some renown is said to be here." Chrom began.
Corrin and Azura looked to Chrom with surprise evident on their faces. It was true that they had come here for that but given what had just occurred between the Plegian forces and their own. Both of them were under the impression that their need to get home would come second or third on the list of priorities. They silently chided themselves for doubting Chrom. He hadn't forgotten their true purpose for coming here and made sure the Khan knew what they truly needed before asking for his own favor.
"I have heard the rumors regarding a traveling merchant with a penchant for rare goods. I will send out scouts to find this merchant for you. Something like this is a trifle to the debt I owe you and your forces for your assistance." Flavia stated.
"My next request might clear that debt then in asking for Feroxian support against the Plegians." Chrom stated
"That is certainly a debt clearing request and as much as I would love to grant you that support, I cannot." Flavia stated.
"You said you would support the Shepherds in our endeavor against Plegia not to long ago when speaking to your troops!" Frederick exclaimed.
"I intend to do just that. I do not have the authority to forge alliances. I am the East-Khan but not the Ruling-Khan. That position belongs to Basilio the West-Khan." Flavia explained.
"So, the East and West of Ferox aren't separate countries?" Azura asked with slightly confusion.
"We are not, but our country is so large that control of it is split into two for the sake of maintaining our infrastructure. However, there is an absolute authority for our country as a whole known as the Ruling-Khan. Every couple of years we hold a tournament to determine who will become Ruling-Khan. Basilio has won the last few tournaments and had total sovereignty over both kingdoms." Flavia further elaborated.
"As the absolute ruler of the nation he has final say on important matters such as this. When I said I would give you my support I meant it. I just need to become ruling Khan and for that I must ask your aid once more. The tournament is not fought directly by the Khans but by our champions." Flavia told the group.
Bowing her head slightly Flavia closed her eyes and exhaled softly. "Prince Chrom please become my champion with the rest of your Shepherds. Achieve victory for me so that I may keep my promise to you and lend you support against our shared enemy." Flavia requested
"Khan Flavia, on my honor as Prince of Ylisse I pledge victory in the tournament with my Shepherds. We shall secure victory here and once our alliance is solidified victory against the Plegians." Chrom promised holding his hand out to Flavia who shook it strongly.