The political landscape of Valm had changed, yet at the same time, the small communities that dotted its face had hardly noticed the regime change. Robin took note of this as they traveled and he tried to see if the Shepherds had maybe come that way.
Every now and then he found tales that matched those of his friends. One story rung out as particularly odd though. He was told of a woman with a description matching Lucina's who was seen in town with a young girl in a coat much like his own. Was this his replacement? If it was supposed to be a body double, they could have at least gotten someone taller.
Maybe she was how they managed so well in the war. If true, Robin would have to thank her. Perhaps she was another person who knew Lucina from before. Though, the idea of someone else who knew about her past did not make him feel better, and despite all his mulling he still had not made sense of all the anomalies.
Lucina's brand, her odd familiarity with people and places, the second Falchion, an Ylissean wyvern knight, an unaccounted for pegasus knight, a man whose sword style had distinct traits from Lon'qu, there was clearly a taguel and manakete among them despite how much they tried to hide it, and…two Robins.
He could not make sense of all these pieces. He had gone through the logical ideas, but he could not quite put them together in a manner which satisfied him. It irked him to no end.
Sleep yet again eluded Robin as he studied the notes translated thanks to Priam. It documented Grima's creation, as well as observations from the battle with it. One thing seemed clear: it was nigh impossible to actually kill. The fact it had returned after being defeated by two different Falchions was proof enough of that.
Given his brand and the story of Forneus' blood being used in his experiment, Robin had already surmised that he was descended from the mad alchemist. It explained the connection, but it was admittedly conjecture. Still, Robin wondered if sharing blood could mean he could use the same power as Grima, but he doubted that would be without risks. Despite that, one line still stuck out to him. A line about Grima's own power might be the only thing that could kill it. It was mostly conjecture, but Robin believed it could work. If Grima's power was corruptive, then what better way to kill something that keeps regenerating?
It may be dangerous, but if it was the only way to kill that monster…well, there was no question, was there?
"Hey, Robin!" Priam knocked hard on the door, "Rise and shine, time to go to the port."
"I'm coming," Robin shut the translated notes and put it in his coat.
"What do you mean there are no ships to Ylisse?" Priam glared at the clerk who cowered slightly.
"I-I'm sorry sir, but with no fleet to police the seas, pirates run rampant in the area and most are afraid to sail far from ports."
Robin's expression darkened a bit, "And what if we agree to provide protection? I'm sure someone would like to get a shipment out."
"I'm sure you're both quite capable, but what about for the return trip?"
"I have connections. I'll work out a protection detail for them. Just spread the word, and see who is willing to take us."
"Alright, but I make no promises."
As the clerk left, Robin turned away from the counter, "I'll make sure you're reimbursed when I get home."
"That's not what I'm most concerned with. Though, I'll admit that I haven't fought many pirates. Should be interesting."
"Think we'll get a taker?"
"Someone will always be willing. Let's make sure we're prepared."
"Noted," Robin nodded curtly, but he did not elaborate on his sudden mood shift, and Priam did not ask.
As Priam predicted, they found themselves being called upon the next morning. They found themselves meeting with an older captain who looked to have seen his fair share of trouble already.
"I hear you two want to go to Ylisse," He eyed the two with pipe in hand, "I suppose you would rather I not ask questions?"
"No need to be so scandalous," Robin remarked, "We would go commercially were it running."
"Hah, fat chance of that happening with all these blasted pirates about, but perhaps we can help one another."
"We're listening," Priam folded his arms.
"Aye, you two seem capable. If you're half as good as you talk, ye may be able to take out their stronghold."
"A stronghold, you say," Robin thought with a gloved hand rubbing his chin, "Where?"
"An island a few miles off the coast. Not too far lest they drawing the ire of the Ylissean League."
"And what's your plan?"
"I've been looking for some able men to help me take the stronghold. Problem is finding able bodies willing to do it. Doesn't help that I can't get close to their hideout with how many men they have now."
"So, you need us to sneak in and take them out. Alright. We'll do it."
The captain laughed at Robin's suggestion, "Just the two of you? Against the whole camp?"
"Not very sporting of us, I know," Priam stared the man down, "But we'll do what we must."
"Heh, yer funeral. If you think you can do it alone, we'll get you into position. We leave at first light."
"Understood," Robin nodded. He gave Priam an appreciative nod as they left for backing him up. Between their combat abilities and Robin's mind for tactics, he was confident they could manage. He felt he owed these people that much at least.
The captain's vessel was not as majestic as the last ship Robin had sailed the Long Sea on, but it got the job done. It only took a day's journey out to sea to find the island where the pirates had set up shop.
They hid behind an outcropping of rocks with Robin atop them borrowing the captain's spyglass.
"Well?" Priam folded his arms, "Think we can take it?"
"Not from the sea," Robin put the glass down, "Looks like there is a town on the island though. We might be able to learn something from locals keen to get rid of the pests."
"And how are we going to get there?"
"Ever row a dinghy?"
Under the cover of darkness, Robin and Priam were able to row the small boat to shore without the pirates detecting them. Hiding the vessel in some shrubbery, they discreetly made their way to the village.
While it lacked a visible occupation, Robin had no doubt that plenty of the pirates walked among them. That made it vital that they draw as little attention to themselves as possible while gathering information to avoid making things more difficult for themselves and the townsfolk. Easier said than done with an over six foot tall giant of a man.
Naturally, they made their way to where most information naturally gathered in small towns: the tavern. They would need a place to stay anyway, so Robin and Priam took a corner seat and tried to see what they could overhear. However, Robin got the feeling they were being watched. Particularly by a suspicious hooded figure at the edge of the room.
Robin was exceptionally mindful as he stood up and approached. He and Priam had their hands on their weapons as he sat down with was wondering if the Grimleal had found him.
"Hardly a fitting greeting for an old friend," A familiar, deep voice came from under the hood, and Robin could almost hear the smirk in his voice.
"Basilio?" The tactician was in disbelief. What was he doing here? And why was he not in Ferox?
"Not so loud," The khan looked around carefully, "I'm a dead man, remember?"
"You're a what?" Before he could explain, Priam coughed, "Oh, right, Priam, this is an old acquaintance. This is Priam, a new friend. Now, what is this about being dead?"
"You didn't hear," The khan's smirk faded.
"I nearly died myself. I did not hear how your operation went in detail. Only rumors. I washed up on shore where Priam's people found me, and I was pretty isolated for some time."
"I see," Basilio sized up the large man, "You know how to fight." It was not a question.
"Heh, you could say that."
Robin knew better than to let them get started on fighting, so he corralled the conversation, "So, 'being dead?'"
"Oh, right, well, it started with your letter about our tail. So, after I barely survived Walhart's beating, I decided to go into hiding to see if I could help with your little gemstone problem."
"And did you?"
"You bet. Switched them out with fakes before they left Valm. Pretty good work if I say so myself."
"Well, that's a relief at least."
"Yeah, about that," Robin sat up straight.
"What happened?"
"You see, when these pirates raided the ship I was taking back to Ferox, they took the real gemstones. Don't rightly think they know what they got, but I've been waiting here for a way to get them back. Far as I can tell, they haven't tried to sell them yet."
In exasperation, the tactician ran a hand down his face, "Okay, it could be worse, and we were here to deal with them anyway. I assume we can count on your help in the matter?"
"Why, I'd love to!" The khan let out a belly laugh and Robin shook his head. Still, with Basilio on their side, there was even less doubt in his mind that they would prevail.
"So, you really think the three of us can take an entire fortress of pirates?" Priam asked while carrying Ragnell over his shoulder nonchalantly. Going off his posture, he certainly believed it himself.
"Lucina and I once took out a group of bandits terrorizing a town mostly on our own. Shouldn't be too different."
"'Lucina?'" Priam raised a brow, "You know, you don't talk much about yourself. Who is she?"
"She is…at least…was my wife."
"You don't sound too sure about that, my friend."
"Let's just say things had gotten rocky and leave it at that."
"Yeah, suicide charges can do that," Priam joked before growing serious, "I may not be well versed in matters of the heart, but I wish you luck when we get back."
"Thanks, but first we need to actually get back."
"Quite right," Priam hefted Ragnell into a ready stance. It almost seemed to react to the motion as if sensing it would get a taste of combat after all this time.
"Basilio will give us cover, so try to draw them out if you can. He still wants to keep a low profile so he'll only get directly involved if absolutely necessary."
"Hah, I think I can handle some low lifes."
"Normally, yes, but they have former soldiers in their ranks in addition to a large numbers advantage. Do not underestimate them."
"Alright. I'll follow your lead if you're so concerned."
The pirates had holed up in an old fort. Well, not that old. Seemed to have been abandoned within the decade. Ironically, it was likely intended to protect the very village they held hostage and the shipping they had preyed on.
"So now what?" Priam looked down to the tactician, but he looked down at nearly everyone. Literally.
"We get their attention," Robin launched a decently sized fireball in their general direction. It did the trick as they started to pile out looking for the perpetrator.
"Aye, who dares attack our fortress?" A large man in stereotypical pirate attire and a clearly fake accent walked out front. The torches on the front of the fort only gave minimal illumination and Robin made sure they were standing on the outer edge of visibility of both the torches and the fire from Robin's distraction.
"That would be us," Robin called as the pirate squinted and tried to make them out in the darkness, "I don't suppose you'd be willing to surrender?"
Several of the pirates laughed, not least of all their leader. Robin kept a stoic expression though, making sure they could just barely make out his outline. Intimidation was a valuable tool, and while it was not working just yet, it would be.
"So be it," Robin spoke evenly while raising his hand. In an instant, one of the leader's right hands had an arrow in his eye inciting a bit of a panic, "How about now?"
The pirate growled with a twitching eye, "Kill them landlubbers! 5,000 gold to whoever brings me his head!"
Robin sighed and shook his head while several arrows thinned their charge. When he opened his eyes, there was no pity as he unleashed a torrent of flames to light up the night. Only a handful of the initial wave made it through the arrows and the fire, but those who did were met with Priam stepping out in front of Robin.
With one behemoth of a horizontal swing, Ragnell sent a shockwave into the charging pirates that sent them flying backwards. Those that survived started running again, but this time they were running away.
"Cowards!" The leader yelled, "The lot of you! You-urgh!" He stopped his ranting with a well timed wind spell knocking the wind out of him. He coughed as Robin and Priam approached.
"Want me to put him out of his misery?" Priam looked to the tactician.
"No," Robin lifted the pirate leader by his collar, "We'll let the village put him to justice."
While Priam went to take the man into custody, Robin and Basillio got to searching the now abandoned fort to look for the gemstones. They had gathered a decent amount of loot from preying on post war chaos. Despicable.
"They've been busy," Basillio commented as he found some stuff from the ship he had been on.
"Yes. Partially my fault I suppose."
"How do ya figure?" The khan asked as he moved a bookcase that was, unsurprisingly, devoid of books.
"I took out their fleet. That fleet apparently also handled policing the local waters."
"Yeah, and it would have started policing our waters if you didn't stop it."
"I know," Robin felt some energy from a pile of gold and started digging, "And I would do it again if I had to. Still, the least I could do is help clean it up afterwards. My mess or not. I don't want people to die needlessly, but I will never regret protecting my home."
"Aye, lad. It's good to care, just so long as it doesn't get in the way of what needs to be done."
"Thanks," Robin let out a bemused breath before standing up with a small bag in hands. One look inside confirmed his suspicions before he tossed it to the khan, "Try to hold onto them this time."
"Yeah, yeah, just don't tell Flavia. She'd never let me live it down."
"Does she know you're alive?"
"Hah, I doubt it."
Robin nodded, "Go to her. Tell her what happened and find out if you need to keep hiding. She might be mad, but getting her in on the action may soften the blow."
"Heh, I'll keep that in mind. Just don't forget to take your own advice."
"I'm not the one playing dead. They just…probably think I am."
"Yeah, well, be sure to say hi."
"I'll see how it goes."
"Ugh, youth. Wasted on the young I say."
"Not like you have one foot in the grave," Robin groaned, "But you are right. I want to get home as soon as possible."
"Then let's get going!"