Fire Emblem: Blade of Darkness Chapter 16, a fire emblem fanfic

CHAPTER 16: A Cold Fight

"Men see are to sack the town of Winter's Edge!" Camos a fighter of the house of Valtrex speaks as he rallies his troops inside the fort near the free town. He rallies his 50 men standing men with intent spurred forth by recent orders from Lord Valtrex. The town was the last truly settled and civilized point and thus Valtrex wished to no longer have the trading post be a territory in the northeast portion of the continent not under the banner of the jackal of Valtrex. "Gain control of the town and if any stand against you then break their necks!"

The men bolstered and hollered with purpose as they surged from the fort as a rabble hoard to descend upon the town. Camos himself stayed behind at the fort with a few of his men. The fighters charged to the town, with lust and greed and blood in their eyes.

"We must do something." A man in the local tavern spoke as he was disturbed from his drink to the sounds from the nearby Valtrex fort. The tavern was really the only place in the town where fighting men absent a profession tied to the town were found. Hunters, traders and fugitives passing through. The sight of the incoming horde disrupted all in the cold town. Women, children and workers ditched their trades and bolted indoors, barring their doors and windows. Many of the rowdy type in the large tavern grabbed their geared next to them and immediately bolted toward the wild to the northeast, with intent to avoid the incoming conflict by braving or returning to the harshness of the tundra.

"Barkeep, another round please." A lone man flicks a coin at the panicked barmaid. The man is unphased, calm and without concern as the news riles all others up. "Don't panic, if they cause you issue, they cause it to me, and they will regret such action." The man spoke as the barkeep shakily pours the draught and hands the cup of ale to the man.

"Thank you kind sir."

The man grinned at the comment as he pushed the cup to his lips, with his beard trenching itself into the brew. "I am no sir."

The fighters ran down the hill with strong intent. Those who sought to protect the free city positioned themselves near the edge, and while the town had no true gate and walls the town had a crest of cavalry barricades along the town's edge. Those crashing down the hill stood forty strong, while those standing in defense of the post stood merely twelve.

"Shenis! We must hurry, Valtrex has moved a force to attack the town!" Tico called back to the Retinue guiding the refugees onward to the destination ahead. The rider could see from a hilltop clearing just in view of the action opening the conflict below. A wave of fighters trained by the Valtrex house upon a rabble of traders and angry fugitives, ready to crash.

"Is it a sizeable army proper, or one we can overcome."

"Lord Shenis, It will not be an easy fight but I do believe we can overcome them!" The lord nodded in acceptance and drew his rapier from its sheath.

"Mount up men! People of Jule follow behind and wait for us to clear the conflict before you enter the town. The rest of us, let us have blood!"

"For Calle!" Tico proclaimed looking back to the men from the front of the pack. He turns forward and gallops his steed forward. The rider paced his march as while on a mount he knew he was no seasoned vet with much battle experience such as his former squad leader. He knew he must not over extend. He kept pace whilst being at the head.

The fighters below crashed into the twelve ruffians. The cold air burst airborne as they collided. The fighters began overpowering the ruffians. Grabbing them and breaking their meager defenses. The fighters were heavily trained and the ruffians were either aged thugs or merely hunters. Parries and weapon swings flew but yet the efforts by the free people seemed futile and weak.

"Hey Fighter! LETS RUMBLE!" Dalton proclaimed as he leading the advance by Shenis' force flung forward sinking his sword into the back of a fighter. The focus began to shift from the ruffians and their dwindling numbers. Dalton kicked the fighter's body forward as he toppled onto others next to him, knocking them over as Burt and Dax made their move forward with Tico slashing forward.

"Claire stick close." Ion calls as the young trio reaches the forefront. Claire pays no regard and slashes out a man's ankles. He lets out a loud groan as he falls forward and swings his axe backward toward the girl. The blade of the axe misses the girl but the blunt portion of the weapon catches her forehead. The hit knocks her back severely to the ground as a cut opens upon her head just above her right eye. Blood slowly but strongly glistens down her faces as she tries to regain sense, shaking off the attack. The fighter on his knees moans louder as he learns he cannot return to his feet. Kyler seeing an opening pushes his lance through the crippled man's chest, ending his life. Ion pulls Claire to her feet, just in time to dodge an inbound axe blow. "Stay on your feet and by my side." He lets go of her arm as he grips his sword to purpose. While of still little skill the swordsman was focused to purpose.

With these opening blows the crowd of fighters now had a fight on two fronts. Dax found himself enveloped with a strong fighter. He moved for a head butt as both he and the other held their arms in check. The enemy fighter was unphased by the bash of skulls. Wincing and maneuvering with intent to gain an advantage over the enemy.

"THUUFF!" An arrow slide past the blacksmith's ear into the chest of the enemy fighter. The arrow was not fatal but sapped the strength of the man as Dax now was able to grab the upper hand. Forcing the now grimacing fighter to his knees as he tried with all remaining strength to hold back the blacksmith's hammer. The two yelled with intent, one to kill the other to preserve himself. Finally the strength of the Valtrex man failed and Dax forced his hammer hand free and buried the hammer into the man's skull. Crushing and breaking the man's head. The impact of the death forced the now dead man to tighten his grip on the other hand of Dax. The blacksmith looked back to see Somme was the one whom loosed the arrow that provided the opening. Both nodded and smiled to each other in respect.

Shenis moved recklessly forward, slashing and swinging as if the fight was won before the first thrust of his blade. The rapier whistled in the air as it slapped and cut hand and weapon and flesh. What allowed this man to fight with such vigor and lack of fear? Highlight had his back fully covered. The young knight rammed his spear deep into the back of a fighter raising his axe to his lord's back. He pushed the spear so deep that he protruded through the man's chest. Highlight rotated himself forward and moved his hand to the spear point in the front of the man's chest. He then pulls it clean from the fighter out the front the man. The fighter falls flat. An incoming axe attack comes downward and crashes into the knight's shield. He parries another four attacks in rapid succession as he intends to hold out from the attacks.

Dalton seeing the young knight being ganged upon by several attacking at his front an seeking a chance to cleave through his shield, moves quick to even the odds. He leaps forward and thrusts through the neck of a fighter splitting the back his head and forcing the man to vomit up the sword as it pierces through his face. The spray of blood blinds the man to his right who is also attacking the knight. The man panics for his eyes and drops his axe to the ground. Highlight seeing the opening slashes his lance forward with purpose through the groin of the man, dropping him in an instant. Dalton pulls his sword from the head of the man and smirks to the knight as he moves forward.

The battle waged. The ruffians mounting the defense all but defeated. The last of them on his last stand as he lipped backward. The head of the axe brigade still focused on the enemy at their front. Pain upon his face as he held his dulled hunting knife in front of his face as the axes surge forward to end the man. "VALTREX CUNTS!" he called as the men ended his existence. His body fell in advance of his own demise to the ground. The lead axes were clear of the choke and defenses. They moved to the tavern with intent to begin to rob and pillage and seek out any other men of fighting prowess.

The six enter into the building as the screams and clashes of iron and steel and cries of the dying continued to fill the air outside. They begin turning over tables before they notice the large man nearby the bar. He had white hair and while the hair was not long nor was his beard, both were thick. He appeared to have a white fur coat on his person as well. "Bend over you miserable whelp! We are to destroy you and all this town holds." The man gulped down the last of his ale. He handed the pint mug to the barmaid whom he signaled to crouch down beneath the bar top. The axemen moved to surround the man whom after tossing tables back and forth was quickly discovered to be the only patron left in the tavern. The men were cautious as they believed he was already on his feet before them but simply with his back turned. The white haired man cracked his strong neck and moved his hands to the bar top, he then pushed down as he rose to his feet. The axe men were wrong and as he rose higher, a couple of the men on instinct alone moved a few steps back. The white haired man slowly reached the apex of his height. All of the axemen were looking up at a massive figure. The man stood 8ft tall.

"Are you going to fight me, since you seem determined to disturb my drinking?" The fighters glanced at one another seeking to check the others and gain something of courage at the challenge before them of the man.

One finally gained tongue. "Draw your weapon Giant!" The white haired man cracked his knuckles together as he bellowed a laugh with his booming voice now let loose.

"Such as beorc thing….to rely upon a weapon for life."

Outside the fight continued as all focus was now upon Shenis' band of men. Claire continued attacking at the heels of the stronger men, yet her vision was slightly blurred by the blood flailing from her own cut. She was cautious now as the wound made her aware of the consequences of failure and weakness. Dalton continued his swift and keenly movements as he ripped and flayed flesh and limbs from lesser men.

"Such a war eh Shenis!" The lord extended the rapier tip into a man's throat whipping it back quickly wicking the blood clean and causing a further injury to man as he fell to his knees.

"Keep focus and keep form!" the lord called as Burt and Dax found themselves wrestling another two on the ground. Burt being larger and stronger snapped his opponent's arms and then broke the man's neck in quick succession, returning to his feet and grabbing his weapon once again. He then aided his compatriot by thrusting his axe into the neck of the man atop Dax ending a barrage of punches the blacksmith was on the receiving end of.

"Having fun." The woodcutter extended a hand to the blacksmith. Dax smiled as he kicked the dead body off and grabbed Burt's arm, the woodcutter pulled the man to his feet as they readied for the next opponent.

Kyler the young recruit was being overpowered one on one and fell to his back, Ion leapt forward to save the boy. The axe fighter kicked Ion in the chest and slashed him in the gut. Ion fell backward to the ground grabbing his chest. Kyler used the distraction to jab his lance into the man's groin. Quickly dropping the man to his knees and ending his life as he removed the tip of the spear from the flesh.

Bryan seeing Ion bleeding and weak pulled him back from the frontline as he began a healing spell to seal and heal the wound. "Will I die?"

"No. It's a bad wound but not beyond my skills to heal quickly. At least to cease you being able to move in the moment." The priest moved his hands over the wound and began his spell. Ion gritted his teeth as the pain continued while the spell began to take hold to slowly end the discomfort.

"THUUCK!" Somme flew an arrow into the eye socket of a fighter robbing him of sight and forcing his axe to miss an exposed side of lord Shenis. The lord seeing the man in pain at his flank twirled to purpose and slit his rapier through the man's neck with grace.

Highlight found his shield bold to purpose as blow after blow tested the durability. Though he grew tired of the game of blocking. He locked his knees into place and as the next attack came at a downward angle He pushed his shield upward to parry back the blow. The clang rang true and the shockwave and power of the block forced the axe fighter off balance and his axe hand skyward. An opening, one not to be lost by the knight. His lance moved to purpose and breached the man's belly, spilling his intestines and throwing him backward to death. "Fall To oblivion you cur."

The onslaught quickly became one-sided. And in the coming moments, the red cloth of Valtrex was no longer standing proud as Dalton slashed through two more fighters in quick succession. The final two fighters in the advance force backed away from the recovering Savoy force as they scanned for the next opponents. Soon all in the Savoy force saw the final two and moved to circle them and remove option for escape. The fighter kept backing away as they skirted closer and closer to the tavern door.

"BOOM!" A body flew through the door of the tavern knocking the two off their feet and taking the focus from the men. A loud groan followed from within as the white haired man emerged with foreign blood upon his hands. As he stood to full height as he emerged he then gripped both of the final two men and clenched hard on their shoulders. Breaking them with his sheer strength and robbing them of the power to wield their weapons. Then with a roar the man slashed his hands across the necks of both fighters, cutting deep as he swiped inwards revealing that the giant hand sharper nails, hard and more like claws than a normal man. Blood flew from the man's fingers onto the outer walls of the tavern as the two fighters choked and gurgled flailing on their backs as they quickly ceased and diminished to death.

Noticing the common enemy before them defeated the party was confounded by the emergence of the large man before them.

"What manner of beast are you?" Lord Shenis queried as all stood with their weapons at the ready. The large man returned to a calm as he wicked the flesh and blood from his hands.

"I am a large man." He said as he coated his hair, Dalton caught sight of the man's ears which revealed the truth of the white haired man.

"He's okay Shenis."

"How do you know Dalton?" The young lord was puzzled as he saw the mercenary sheath his blade upon his back and then walk toward the man.

"If he wasn't okay…..you'd know." He giggled as he extended a hand of fellowship to the man. "Name's Dalton." The large man shook the mercenary's hand. His hand was nearly twice as large as Dalton's

"I have heard of you mercenary…from the women here…..I thought you'd be bigger." The two laughed as with the comment and the handshake the others were able to drop their guard. "I am Issachar."

"Issachar it seems there are a few more of these red coated warmongers in the fort at the top of the hill. Want to see who kills more of them me or you?" Dalton asked with a friendly smile at the wager.

"Do not be foolish Dalton there could be many or traps up there." Highlight retorted. "Surely you two can't claim that fort."

"To be honest, Issachar himself could easily best whatever is up there alone." The mercenary said, he and he alone of the Savoy force knew what Issachar truly was. He could tell his comments made the man slightly uncomfortable. "I promise on my life you are among friends." Dalton pulled a knife from his belt and cut his hand across the palm to make a blood pact with the giant. The giant accepted and the two moved toward the fort. The others were perplexed and followed the pair as they approached the fort.

"Bar the gates! Quickly!" Camos was in terror having seen the onslaught below and realizing he only had 10 men left to defend their position. However, with the gates now barred the men and he were now trapped inside.

"So how do we break the gate to this fort? Fire?" Highlight asked as the party halted in front of the fort.

"Issachar, you are among friends." Dalton once more said this statement, much to the confusion of those around. They knew the man a giant, but what could he truly do.

"FINE!" the white haired man said as He moved forward and bellowed a thunder growl as he shifted his form before the eyes of the party, from that of a giant man to that of an even larger polar bear. As he shifted the party held mixed reactions at the sight as they now understood the man wasn't wearing a fur coat but merely his own fur in his human form with a few clothes above the coat. The bear stood upon his hind legs standing even taller than prior. He then pushed into the wooden gate smashing it down in three pushes with his massive frame. The gate pounds to the ground as those inside drop their guard at the sight of the massive white bear roaring in their face. The men are defeated even before the first blow is dealt against them.

A flurry of blood ensues as the fighters fall in quick succession to spear, and sword and claws. Camos soon stands alone as he witnesses the last of his men flung past him with fleshed ripped deep by the polar bear. Urine trickles down his legs, despite every desire to stand true the action is purely automatic by the man. He quivers as a shadow arises on the cold air over his frame. He looks up. And his eyes are greeted to the sight of an angry towering bear above him.

"THUCKK!" Camos falls on his back to his death. A sword protruding from his face. Dalton moved to retrieve it.

"Sorry Issachar, That point is mine, I win the bet!"

"You Cheated!" The bear bellowed as he shifted back to the form of a human. The white haired bear was clearly amused and yet frustrated. "He was in my grasp tiny Dalton."

"And yet my blade felled him."

"Fine ill pay for our drinks." The two moved from the battle as friends, ignoring the surprise of the others from the skirmish and shock of their white haired giant friend.

"I have never seen a laguz before." Shenis spoke as the group sought to understand what they witnessed. Laguz were a rare sighting, as racism and fear were prevalent, so the two natured beings often kept to their tribes and lands, while those who openly mingled with the rest of the people did their best to disguise themselves, by hiding their ears, tales and claws as best they can. The sight was a scare and yet excitement. So much so that the party failed to realize that the battle for Winter's Edge was won.

As senses were regained the men raided the fort for all usable supplies and then set fire to it the next day. The refugees came into the town and helped dispose of the bodies of the axe fighters. Many of those who fled returned once they saw the violence had passed. Meanwhile Dalton and Issachar never left the barstool. Drinking heavy with purpose.

"So wanna join our futile cause bear?" The mercenary heavy with drink plied of his large and slightly more sober new friend.

"Fine….but only because you're more funny than most other Beorc have come across in my 85 years."

"Shenis good news!" Dalton raised a mug as he looked back to his lord planning the next movement. "We have a big fluffy bear!" Issachar smile as he bonked the mercenary on the head. Smacking him into the floor and unconscious.

"Whoops!" The white bear spoke as realized Dalton wasn't moving. Bryan quickly left the planning table and checked on the mercenary. He pressed his ear to the man's head, and upon hearing a snore. He signaled all was fine.

"Perhaps we should join in the festivities, who knows how many more large scale wins we can amass. Especially as we head for Runsa next." Shenis and Highlight agreed as they went to the bartop to share a drink with their new comrade.

"How is your wound Ion?" Claire inquired as she pushed her hair back from in front of her eyes revealing her own wound, now stitched up.

"About as good as yours Claire." Ion reached his hand up and caressed the maiden's forehead. He then leaned forward and kissed his head. And carefully embraced her as his gut was still sore. "Just stay by my side next time."

"Always." She whispers as she nuzzles her head into his chest. The movement triggers nerves in the young swordsman and yet he is unphased and doesn't release his hand from her back. They move to the window sill of the tavern and lay there close together as both sought rest from the turmoil of battle.

_AUTHOR'S NOTE_

Hope you enjoyed the introduction of a first laguz being and one into the party.

Character

Class

level est.

Age

Shenis Savoy

Lord

Jai Ali

Knight

Claire

thief

Ion

swordsman

Kyler

recruit

Bryan

priest

Dalton

mercenary

Tico

cavalier

Somme

archer

Dax

fighter

Burt

fighter

Issachar

Polar Bear