"And then I charged directly into their front line," Basillio let out a laugh as he shared his latest tale from his storied life, "They never saw it coming."

"No wonder,' Robin did not look up from the journal, "That is perhaps the least logical plan I've ever heard put into action."

"It worked," Basillio leaned back in his chair with a shrug, "It's only crazy if it doesn't work." Getting a bit more serious, the west khan put his arm on the table and leaned forward a bit, "Boy, I can't deny you're smart. Smartest man I've ever known, but sometimes, things aren't logical and you just have to accept that."

This did get Robin to look up from the page he was studying, "Not…logical…"

"I think you broke him," Priam smirked, but Robin paid him no mind. He was looking for a logical answer. Maybe the answer was illogical. How else could he explain everything? It did not make sense, but it had far fewer leaps in logic, just one big one, and it honestly fit.

"You okay?" Basillio finally asked after several minutes of awkward silence.

"Oh, um, yeah. I just…think I might have kinda married Chrom's daughter."

"Looks like we'll be arriving in the morning," Priam informed the others as he descended below deck, "Best make ready to depart."

Robin did not react. Instead he kept reading. He was more and more certain he was on the right track, but he wanted an expert's opinion. There were not many of those to go around unfortunately.

"He's been like that all morning," Basillio grumbled. The older khan did not take well to being cooped up, "Nose deep in that book. Must be a good read."

"Not sure I'd call it that," Priam crossed his arms. It was a bit over his head, but it seemed the late queen had spent much of her latter years studying that monster and the notes of the monster that made it. She had no solution though. Only theories.

"My work is important," Robin suddenly spoke up without looking at either of them, "This is an unprecedented revelation about our enemy's origins. We shouldn't overlook it.."

"Yeah, but, that's thousands of years old," The khan scoffed, "Not sure embarrassing childhood stories are gonna help us much here."

"It gives insight into Grima's creation and nature. Grima has survived encounters with two Falchions. I imagine it will survive Chrom's blade, but I think these pages have the key to killing it."

"Celica was never able to figure out a solution though," Priam reminded him.

"No, but one line has given me a clue. About Grima's corruptive powers. Perhaps…its own power could overpower its ability to heal and finally end it."

"Oh yes!" Basillio threw his hands up in the air, "I'll hold the beast down while you make it breath fire on itself!"

Robin finally looked up from the book, annoyed, "It may not be as outlandish as you'd think, but I'd like a second opinion. Perhaps I should have stopped by to see Tiki before we left."

"Well, I guess a weak lead is better than none at all," Basillio laughed, "Just so long as you don't go trying to get yourself killed again."

Robin's eyes glanced to his right hand for a fraction of a second, "Let's turn in. We're back on the road in the morning."

"Ah, it's good to be home," Basillio took a deep breath of the frigid air while Robin frowned and looked around to see if anyone was noticing them.

"Wasn't the low profile thing your idea?"

"Ah, relax. No one's tailing us, boy."

Robin relaxed a bit deciding that he was telling the truth. The khan, after all, had plenty of experience with eluding tails. Even if said tails were his own security details.

"I guess this is where we part ways," Basillio turned serious.

"Just remember the plan," The tactician pulled his own hood up.

"Heh, lay low," The khan punched his open palm, "And then kick those sick freaks to the curb."

"Crude, but more or less," Robin smiled and shook his head.

"See you in Plegia, I guess."

Robin furrowed his brow, "Most likely. We'll be heading to Ylisstol though to see where we stand with the Grima situation. I'm sure Flavia will be made aware of any moves Chrom makes though."

"Assuming she doesn't filet me first!" Basillio gave one of his signature belly laughs, "Stay safe out there, kids. We'll give that overgrown lizard what for yet."

"He's boisterous, but he can back it up," Priam noted as they went their separate ways.

"He's a titan," Robin nodded, keeping an eye on the road, "I'm sure we'll see him again. Though, he's not the only one worried about his reception."

"Oh? Not expecting a hero's welcome?"

"Not exactly. Regardless of how Lucina takes it, I imagine Chrom is going to hug me and punch me. Not necessarily in that order."

"Hah! Well, I suppose you did nearly get yourself killed. Even if it was for their sake, those who care about you would be quite upset."

"Yeah…but I'd do it again."

"Of that I've no doubt. I suppose it's not my place to comment. I don't have much in the way of loved ones."

Robin did not respond, but the translated journal weighed heavily in his coat. He would do it again. He would do whatever it took to safeguard them. He was confident Lucina would approve of the price.

"Not bad," Priam whistled as they viewed Castle Ylisse from a distance, "You live here?"

"For a little bit," Robin answered absently as he looked for the secret entrance, "Spent most of my time out and about though. Ah, here it is," The passageway slowly opened up to them, "Come on."

"You know," Holding a torch for Robin to light, Priam continued on once it was lit, "Couldn't you just walk through the front gate?"

"Probably, but Basilio made a good point. We have an element of surprise. Might be useful."

"So we just pop in and hope no one stabs us?"

"Pretty much, but if it makes you feel any better, I devised their patrol routes."

The passageway led out into the east wing, where Robin's room was. Not that there was much in it. He only occupied it for a few months. Lucina's would be a few halls down. They never got to move in together…

Shaking his head, Robin led Priam over to the royal wing. Fortunately, he had, as he claimed, designed the guard patrol. Unfortunately, he did a really good job making it quite hard to sneak past. At least some of the guards did not adhere to it perfectly which is something he would have to bring up with Frederick.

Sneaking into the quarters themselves would have been difficult. Fortunately, he did not have to. Instead, he actually found Sumia on her way out. Good. He knew exactly where she would be headed. He would be waiting on her in the gardens.

"Congratulations are in order," Robin smiled as he stepped out of the shadows having noted her growing belly. That said, it may have been a poor opener judging from the way the queen nearly jumped out of her skin. She got an admittedly well earned smack in before she realized who had startled her.

"Robin?"

"Hi," Robin waved weakly before Sumia did her best to hug him given her current state.

"We thought you were dead! Wait," She pulled back and squinted at him, "It is you, right?"

"In the flesh. It's a bit of a long story. Where are the others? Best to fill everyone in at the same time."

"They're not here. They left for Plegia not long ago."

"Plegia?" Robin slunk into thought, "That's…probably not good."

"No, probably not. He went to meet with king Validar to supposedly receive the last gemstone. I would have gone with him, but, well…" Sumia gestured to her stomach.

"Don't worry," Robin tried to reassure her with a smile, "I'll keep them safe, and I even brought help. Priam?"

"Your grace," The tall man nodded in something approaching manners.

"Who is this?"

"He and his people took me in."

"I look forward to hearing the story in full," Sumia smiled kindly at the stranger, "But for now, I think you need to hurry if you want to catch them in time. I fear something dreadful is afoot. I'll make sure you have some horses."

"Right," Robin nodded, "They'll make it home, I promise."

"Not sure it's them I should be worried about," The queen frowned for a moment, "Robin, there's…well, it'd be better coming from them, but I just want you to know, she missed you terribly."

Not quite sure what to say to that, Robin nodded, "Thanks. See you soon."

Sumia frowned still as she watched Robin leave with the large man. She was not sure who was in for the bigger shock, but she just hoped they all actually made it back. Robin had a proven track record of protecting others at the cost of his life. She was not sure Lucina could handle losing him a second time.

"I hate the desert," Robin grumbled as they busted their chops to catch up to the Shepherds.

"I kind of like it," Robin rolled his eyes. Of course he did. He was insane, "Builds endurance."

After about half an hour of Priam explaining the importance of physical and mental endurance to a warrior, Robin hushed him with a raise of the hand.

"Does something seem off to you?"

"Hmm?" Priam surveyed the city ahead of them, "Can't say for sure, but I've never been here before."

"There are soldiers in the streets. A good number of them. Something is wrong. Stay close."

Walking into the capital, it seemed clear that there was some attempt at martial law going on, but the problem was that there was not nearly enough manpower to cover the city. That said, the city's population seemed…off.

Fortunately, he was quite familiar with the chain of command, so it was not hard to find the commander of this force. To Robin's surprise, it was a familiar face in charge here.

Trying to get close though, Robin was stopped by two guards, "Step away from the general, sir."

Robin grunted as they pulled him away. He could have broken free, but he would rather avoid a fight, "Mustafa!"

That got the general's attention as he turned to the sound of the voice. Recognizing that hood, he approached and signaled for his men to stop. Peering under the hood, the general was agape with shock.

"We all thought you were dead, my lad. Let him go, quickly now."

The men did as they were told and released Robin. To their credit, they were not overly roughed. Mustafa trained them well.

"Yes, well, it's a long story. One I'd be happy to tell you later, but right now I'm trying to meet up with the Shepherds."

"Aye," Mustafa folded his arms, "My reports say both they and Validar have moved towards the Dragon's Table along with most of our army. I found the capital in disarray with many citizens missing."

"Oh no," Robin paled, "Validar. He must plan to use them as a catalyst for unsealing Grima."

"I assumed nothing good could come of it, but I've got my hands full keeping order and preventing those that would go join the slaughter from leaving. I had decided to let Chrom handle the matter."

"Probably for the best, but I'll feel a lot better if I can catch up with them."

"I'll have my men give you our most recent reports as well as the fastest route to get there. It may help you make up some time."

"Thank you," Robin nodded, "I appreciate the help. We'll save Plegia too, I promise."

"Aye," The general frowned, "I fear this is bigger than all of us. Hurry and help Chrom turn the tides."

"I'll try," Robin turned to Priam, "Come on. There isn't much time, but I hope we can nip this in the bud."

As they approached the Dragon's Table, a sudden sandstorm hit. Its sudden start and intensity hinted that it was not natural. Validar had the guests he wanted it seemed, and he was keen to keep them inside and any that would interrupt whatever sick ritual he had planned out. Not that it would stop them or the khans.

There had been no sign of the khans, but they would be coming from further north. He still had not ruled out that they would make it. All the same, They could not wait.

"Risen," Robin grumbled as he and Priam hid behind some ruined pillars, "A lot of them too. Get ready to fight our way in."

"No," Priam grabbed him by the shoulder, "You go on ahead. I'll make an opening."

"You sure? I doubt they're pushovers."

"Then it'll be a work out," Priam smirked, "Now go."

It only took Robin a moment before he nodded, "Be careful out there."

With a smirk, Priam walked out from cover with Ragnell over his shoulders. As he approached, blue flames started seeping from the cracks in the blade. Pulling the blade down from his shoulder, he taunted the Risen.

"Come on! Show me what you Risen can do!"

Robin had to hand it to him, Priam was impressive when he went all out, but he did not have time to watch. Keeping his hood up to protect from the sand storm, Robin slipped into the Dragon's Table with relative ease.

A battle was already in progress when he arrived. The Shepherds were busy fighting the Grimleal. As expected, Lucina and Chrom were facing off against Validar at the far end of the large chamber, and it was not going well.

It was not hard to tell that Validar was super charged by Grima's power. It did not take magical sensitivity to know that much. Worse still, he was giving the duo quite a fight. Chrom was pushed away, and Lucina was left helpless. When Validar raised his hand to strike, Robin snarled and in an instant drew in a lot of power.

Channeling energy down his arm, it coalesced into a beam of electricity the likes of which he had never cast before. Unlike the usual bolts that thoron manifested in, this was a continuous beam that Robin held as he approached the back of the room, glaring unceasingly at his father as he pushed him up the wall with the force of his spell.

One of the Grimleal tried to stop him, but Robin hardly paid him any mind before dispatching him. With sword in hand, Robin glared as he removed his hood, "Get away from my wife."

A/N: I have one more chapter to make the draft for in this story. After that and it's just editing, they may release a bit faster.