''Oh…hu! See how she cries! Such a strong little girl. Look Chrom! Look she even has your hair!''
''Indeed, you have done well my dear. Another beautiful baby girl, and she even looks like you!''
As her parents showered the latest member of the family with their attention, Lucina was discreetly observing the warm occurrence behind the slightly ajar door to her parents' room. She had just been allowed into it by the healers after being denied entry for most of the day. Her father had been with her for some time at first but left her as the healers announced that the birth was nearing its end. Mere moment ago, she could not wait to see her mother again, but now that she was there and with her parents clearly occupied with that little bundle of screaming joy, she was unsure how to procced.
For the first time that she could remember, she was no longer the centre of their attention.
''You should go to them.''
Lucina turned around and saw her uncle approaching her from the hallway. Lucina turned her gaze back to her parents and shook her head.
''No…''
She meant to say more but was unable to come up with the words that could describe her current emotions. Her uncle however seemed to understand her hesitation.
''There's nothing to fear my dear Lucina. This is in fact a most joyous occasion. You have a little sister! Do you know what that makes you?''
Lucina again shook her head. Robin smiled at this and answered his own question with his usual warm tone.
''It makes you a big sister! Sure, your parents might give her a little more of their attention, but don't think for a moment that they would love you less. Quite the contrary you will have more people caring for you now. She might not do much now, but your little sister will grow up like you, and she will be a constant companion for you, but before that could you care and protect her just as your mother and father have done for you? Can you do it for me Lucina?''
The little girl did not understand all what her uncle just said, but she did nod at this. If nothing else she did like the word big sister.
''Will she be my friend?''
Her uncle kneeled and placed an assuring hand on her shoulder.
''She will be more then that…She is family. Now go…Greet your little sister. I'll come back later and congratulate your parents. Come on. Go in there.''
Robin then playfully patted her head and gently pushed her through the door, while he remained in hiding. Lucina nearly fell but managed to balance herself before she hit the ground.
Her parents noticed her bumbling entrance and called for her.
''Lucina! Come, come! Greet your new baby sister…''
Before she did that, the little princess turned her gaze back towards the now open door and found that her uncle had already disappeared back into the dark hallway.
She pouted at this, but her attention was quickly redirected towards her parents.
The little princess was still too small to climb up her parents' bed by herself and her father had to assist her with this enormous endeavour. Lucina wasted no effort to crawl to her mother's side.
Never before had Lucina seen her mother so tired…so drained, but despite this it was clear that she was content and very happy.
''Mama? You, ok?''
Tiredly her mother replied.
Yes, dear…Mama is fine, more then that. Look Lucina. Look at your sister. Isn't she cute?''
Despite being only four summers old back then, the memory of her sister's birth would always remain clear in Lucina's mind. Cynthia had been so small back then…pink and wrinkly and so vulnerable that Lucina was not allowed to hold her without the assistance of her parents.
As she held the newest member of the Exalted line, Lucina felt an immediate kindship with that little bundle of joy. The baby had at that point ceased her crying and began to fall asleep.
''Yes, she's cute!''
Lucina declared loudly. The older girl's excited answer however seemed to disturb the younger ones attempts to sleep and she began to make a whimpering sound.
Instinctually Lucina tried to calm her little sister before her whimpering evolved into a full-blown wail.
''Shh…shh…It's ok, it's just me, it's just me, your big sister Lucina!''
Despite being newly born, the younger girl seemed to understand the older ones comforting words and began to quiet down. Lucina couldn't help but smile at this.
''I'll always protect you just like mama and papa!''
It had been a solid plan.
When confronted with a foe that had superior numbers, one should always attempt to defeat them in detail instead of confronting their combined strength.
Henry had reported that the Valmanese had yet to combine their armies, and was split into three major largely independent entities, each stationed at different parts of the continent. The largest and strongest was stationed in the northern edge of the land and was commanded by the Conqueror himself. The second largest was stationed at the southern end and was commanded by Princess Say'ri's own brother Yen'fay.
It might have been a point of concern, but when confronted with this, princess Say'ri had declared.
''He's a traitor to my people. He sold us out! I have no brother!''
Some might say that words were wind, but her father trusted the foreign princess' words and declared that she was a true ally. Usually, Lucina might protest at her father's trusting nature, but in this she would vouch for princess Say'ri gladly. Lucina knew that Say'ri was no traitor, and she would be a steadfast ally for the entire war and beyond. It also helped greatly that the Voice herself vouched for the princess allegiance.
As for the last and weakest army, it had been stationed in the middle of the continent. Weak was of course a relative term as it was still a numerically daunting foe, numbering around the same as the army of Ylisse. It could well still hold the Ylisseans back while the other armies flanked their rear. The middle army was commanded by one General Pheros, a commander of good repute and competence.
Pressed on all sides, it seemed like Ylisseans had placed themselves in a hopeless scenario. They had been able to limit and avoid a direct confrontation by winning most of their small skirmishes for now, but that would end once all of Walharts's army were able to gather in force.
The situation was bleak, were it not for one small detail. Around half of General Pheros army consisted of princess Say'ri former bannermen. Nearly all of them served the Conqueror only begrudgingly and were according to Say'ri open for a switch of allegiance if the Ylisseans could prove that they can defeat their oppressors.
Additionally, Say'ri was confident that she would even be able to convince some of them to indirectly assist them in taking out General Pheros herself.
General Pheros was a cautious woman that did not fully trust Say'ri countrymen, so she had them stationed outside her own main camp, which was a formidable fortress called Fort Steiger. It was a fortress that was nearly unassailable from the outside.
The keyword here was the outside.
Princess Say'ri's people would allow a few hundred ylisseans pass their camp ''unnoticed'' at the dead of night. They would even see to it that the drawbridge be lowered, and the gates remained open. It was then only a small matter of killing the General inside her own fortress and then signal their army to attack the rest of the camp while their enemies were confused and leaderless.
Again, a solid plan if the turncoats could be trusted…
It could also be a trap, but it was a risk worth taking. A few hundred for the opportunity to take out the enemy leadership? It was a gamble the Ylissean army could afford to lose, except…
Her father had once again insisted to take part in this dangerous endeavour. Most of the leadership had been against it, even that traitor insisted that her father remained behind with the rest of the army, while he himself would lead the raiding group.
Her father would have none of it.
''What kind of Exalt am I if I do not lead such a dangerous undertaking myself? Besides I know of this General, she had once visited Ylisse to hear my sister speak many years ago. I remember her as a woman who shared my sister's ideals. I may be able convince her to lay her arms down without too much bloodshed…''
Lucina had protested further, citing how it was still too dangerous, but again her father waved her off.
''I'll have the best of Shepards to protect me, and together we have faced a greater danger then this if it does turn out to be an ambush. But don't think I underestimate the danger or dismiss your concern outright. Alone you have seen to my protection for too long, and I think it's only fitting that you're granted your own command! Your task in this raid will be to secure our rear as we move deeper in the fortress…''
And this had Lucina worried the most.
She had at first been happy for this development, as it also showed that she had regained some of her father's trust. That was until she saw who had been assigned to her.
It was all her companions in the camp including her sister! As well as some other familiar faces that Lucina had interacted with in times past. Out of an army of thousands, it could not have been pure coincidence that her father had assigned all her companions into her command even if it consisted of thirty heads in total.
She had subtly asked him how he had chosen her group, but he had merely shrugged and told her that it had been the people she had interacted with the most and the ones he had found most capable.
''I thought that it would be best that you got some people that you got along best. Communication is important if you are to have a good command.''
Curse her father and his thoughtfulness! But she could not reveal her hesitance to her father without giving away her companions and interfering with the battleplan. Which was mere hours away.
It was not hard to guess who had told her father about her apparent connections in the camp.
And now she found herself here, preparing for the upcoming assault.
While her other companions managed to pretend that they were not very familiar with her, her sister were another matter. Cynthia as usual couldn't contain her enthusiasm and joy of being under the command of her elder sister, but then again, she and Owain had already acquired the reputation of being wandering rays of sunshine, so her overly friendly attitude towards her ''new commander'' were not all too suspicious.
Still Lucina tried keeping their conversations private by moving a bit away from the others whenever her sister wanted to talk.
''Ah! I'm so happy Lucy! Together again just like old times! With you at our helm, we will smash through those Valmanese and make father proud!''
Lucina gave a strained smile; it was obvious that her sister had already forgotten about their agreement when they joined their father's army.
''Thank you for your confidence, Cynthia, but remember that you don't really know me here.''
She eyed the others that were not part of their group. Fortunately, all of them were too busy inspecting their gear and inventory to notice the sisters having a little private talk.
Cynthia made a perfect salute.
''Of course, commander! Just expressing my confidence in your abilities!''
A bit too much sis…
Lucina thought for herself, but still…she appreciated her sister's enthusiasm, and decided not to burden her with her suspicions, which she had only shared with Laurent for now.
''Say…Commander, any chance that you introduce me to the Exalt? Heard that he is quite a dashing fellow…''
Cynthia said with a mischievous smirk. Like the others, Cynthia longed for their parents' company. Lucina had told them not to reveal themselves before their task was completed, citing that the secrecy was to their benefit, but now…
If the enemy already knew about them then what was the point?
Lucina mentally shook her head.
It would have to wait after this battle. She had to be sure that it was not a coincidence that all her companions were placed under her command. All of them WERE very capable, and it was not far stretched that it was indeed true that her father had simply looked at their records and assigned them on merit alone.
If not…Then maybe she could finally allow her companions to throw away their masks. To be able to interact with their respective parents. Gods know that they all needed it, and it was not fair that only she was allowed to do so on the account of an emotion driven mistake she had made all those months ago.
But until then…
''I'm sorry that would not be possible until after our task is done.''
Cynthia pouted. To her credit she did try to hide it, yet it did sting Lucina's conscience to deny her sister once again.
''Alright…if you say so…''
Cynthia made another salute, turned around and left.
I'm sorry sister, I'll make it up to you after this…
Lucina promised herself, as she secured the last strappings around her new set of armour.
They marched out of the Ylissean main camp an hour later, as the sun was about to come out. To lessen the risk of being discovered by anyone that was not aware of the agreement with the turncoats, their band had changed their banners and clothes in order to mimic General Pheros' own colours.
Officially they were just a company worth of soldiers that had simply been assigned to the fortress as reinforcements. And they had the proper papers and connections inside the general's fortress to prove it, the documents being generously supplied by the turncoats. As predicted the journey took most of the day and they arrived on time at nightfall. There were few incidents, but all of them were able to be waved off thanks to their papers and the silver tongue of some of the more articulate Shepards like Virion.
Fort Steiger was a massive fort, isolated from the rest of the Valmanese camp by a moat, connected by drawbridge and further secured by a portcullis and a massive gate of solid iron. Yet they passed these fortifications just as easily.
The real challenge came as they arrived inside the fortress.
''I was not aware that we had been assigned reinforcements, and certainly not inside the fort!''
A large man of a captain stated as they explained their reason of their presence.
''Then it seems that someone in command have neglected to inform you sir, we have been requested by the General herself. Surely, you're mistaken?''
Her father stated. The captain seemed to take offence to this as he made a visible attempt to straighten his posture.
''I'm Sir Ruh! Castellan of Fort Steiger! Nothing comes in or out without my leave! I don't make mistakes such as this AND I have not heard a whiff of you or your little company!''
The man seemed to want to say more, but Virion interrupted him.
''You haven't heard of us? Are you sure? We have been requested by the great general Pheros and the Ylisseans are barely a day march from here. Surely you should confirm this with herself before sending us away without just cause?''
The Castellan gave the nobleman a dirty look.
''Be as it may, I have not heard of you, and I'm sure as hells not going to disturb the general and ruse half of her guard from their sleep for something like this! Pack yourselves away!''
Then her father stepped in.
''Then I'm sorry for this Sir Ruh…Gaius!''
With a practiced expertise, a dagger flew through the air and found its mark in the Castellans throat.
Sir Ruh made a sickening gurgling sound, as he choked on his own blood. Before his body even hit the ground, the other Shepards had already sprang into action and made short work of the surrounding guards.
Some of them managed to escape the Ylisseans and moved to alert the rest of the garrison, only to discover that their comrades behind them were in league with the intruders.
There would be no survivors from that gate.
''My…my…you Ylissean sure are effective. They did not get any of you!''
A woman with black hair addressed her father after their one-sided skirmish. Apparently, she was the leader of the group of Valmanese that had just assisted them. She was clad in clothes and armour that was not all too unsimilar to Princess Say'ri.
''We are merely well versed in the arts of war. And to who do I owe the pleasure?''
Her father asked. The woman made an elegant bow.
''Captain or Lady Taka as you please and at your service my honoured Exalt. It gladdens me that princess Say'ri has found such powerful allies.''
Her father made his introductions in turn, after which their newfound ally continued to speak.
''While nothing would honour me more but to fight by your side, I have been commanded by my liege lord to only assist you with taking and holding the gate. But don't think that we'll abandon you fully, we'll ensure that no reinforcements shall come from the rest of the camp.''
That had not been part of the plan. Lucina felt something was wrong, even if this development worked in their favour. The original agreement had been that Ylisse would be solely responsible for taking the fort, thus proving themselves to be a reliable ally for the rebels.
She did not like this sudden change at all.
''We thank you for your assistance, Lady Taka, but me and my people will stay and guard the port as we originally planned.''
Lucina stated and gave her father a look that made it clear she would not be dissuaded. It did not sit well with the foreign leader at all.
''Surely that would be unnecessary. Wouldn't you need as many of your people as possible to subdue the rest of the garrison?''
''I insist…''
Lucina replied sharply. The traitor tactician moved to say something, but her father spoke first.
''I support my captain on this decision. We can handle the garrison ourselves and holding the gate is paramount for our success. Captain Lucina will stay and assist you with any difficulties.''
Unable to argue against the Exalt himself, Lady Taka made another formal bow.
''As you command Exalt of Ylisse.''
The white-haired shadow behind her father slithered back without a word.
After this exchange, her father and his tactician wasted no time dividing their small company into different groups, each with their own goals. Her father and his group would naturally confront the general herself in her inner chamber, while another group, which would consist of the lion share of their strength, would secure the fort itself before the rest of the garrison would be able to coordinate an effective response.
Lucina for her part began stationing her people around the gate and the adjacent courtyard, taking care that her forces were not too mixed up with the ''allied'' valmanese. She also quietly informed her companions of her suspicions.
''This is unnecessary my lady. My people alone are able to hold this gate, and even that might already be too much. Others that have joined our cause are also stationed right outside the fort. You're surrounded by friends my lady…''
Lady Taka stated after the Exalt had moved out with his forces. The atmosphere was chilly, it was clear that Lucina's presence was not appreciated. The Ylissean princess pretended to move around absentmindedly, noting how Lady Taka and a few of her men followed her. With this she made a point of moving towards the support ropes that held the portcullis up.
''That remains to be seen…Surely you can't blame us for taking our precautions given the situation?''
Lucina eyed Taka carefully. Her body was clearly tense, and she subtly avoided the princess eyes, as she spoke, and Lady Taka's men were suspiciously not far behind. While the captain hid her emotions well enough. It was obvious that she was hiding something.
What it was became clear merely half an hour later, as Lucina saw soldiers began moving across the drawbridge.
''Is that also part of the plan?''
Lady Taka voice broke for a moment as if hesitating.
''Y-yes! Reinforcements my lady, it seems that my people have decided to join your cause prematurely…''
Lucina wasn't buying it.
''I thought the agreement was that we were to take the fort alone, and that YOU should prevent such reinforcements. It's strange how this agreement seems to change constantly at moment's notice, are you Valmanese really that indecisive?''
Lucina took a step forward towards Lady Taka. Her hand moved towards the handle of her sword Falchion.
''Or is it that you never really turned? But instead planned on delivering the Exalt's head to Walhart on silver platter to improve your own station?''
Knowing that the mummers' farce was over, Lady Taka took several steps back; around them her people began to move into a defensive position against the Ylisseans. While there was some confusion in the Ylissean ranks at first, her companions saw to it that they realised the situation and responded in kind. The older woman almost seemed remorseful at what was about to come next.
''Please don't think less of us for this. While we love Princess Say'ri well enough, we have families that will suffer if we fail him…''
And that was the confirmation Lucina needed.
''Yes, and so do I!''
With one swift motion Lucina cut the nearest rope that held the portcullis up. Normally no single cut from a blade would be able to sever ropes as thick as these, but Falchion was no regular blade. The other rope in the opposite end quickly snapped at the sudden stress and the portcullis immediately fell, denying the traitorous Valmanese on the other side the opportunity to storm the fort.
Chaos ensured as the former allies turned on each other.
Lucina knew that the portcullis alone wouldn't be enough to keep the enemy out forever. They needed to close the massive gate of the fort as well. Making short work of two men at arms that charged towards her, Lucina quickly scanned the area and found her sister to be closes to her.
''Cynthia! Get inside the gate tower and close the gates!''
Her sister nodded.
''On it!''
And with that she left the courtyard and ran towards the tower, killing one man that was in her way.
''STOP HER! DON'T ALLOW THEM TO CLOSE THE GATE!''
Lady Taka shouted behind her men. Lucina would not allow them to even get close to the tower and made a point of directing some of her people to intercept the Valmanese, while she went for the treacherous captain herself.
It was not easy. The Valmanese on the other side had by now reached the portcullis, and while they couldn't get through it, they could still shoot arrows between its gaps, providing their comrades inside the castle a suppressive fire that forced the Ylisseans back. Lucina saw several of her people fall because of this.
Any time now Cynthia…
Lucina thought as she dodged an incoming arrow. As on que, the massive gate began to close, compelled by a series of mechanism that was controlled from the tower gate.
Deprived of their support, the Ylisseans soon overpowered the outnumbered Valmanese inside the fort. Lucina made a point to only wound Lady Taka, as they crossed blades, she needed some answers.
The foreign captain proved herself to be a competent swordfighter, being able to exchange a dozen blows with the Princess before she was cut down. As she laid on the ground bleeding, Lucina began her interrogation.
''You said that this was not your choice, but the decision of another. Who is it!? Speak! And I'll see to it that you don't bleed out!''
Lady Taka was bleeding heavily, but strangely she made no move to stem the bleeding.
''It's better that I die then live on as your prisoner…''
She stopped and coughed blood.
''But I'll answer your question all the same…It was the Toad that compelled us…The advisor of the Conqueror…Told us…He knew of our treachery…Threatened to burn our country down…We only needed to capture or contain the Exalt and his inner circle.''
That caught Lucina off guard.
''Capture? Contain? So, you never intended to kill the Exalt?''
Lady Taka had by now grown deathly pale. She would not have long.
''N-no…. The orders were…(cough)…Kill the others, but don't harm the Exalt or his tactician…and…and…''
Before she could continue, Lady Taka succumbed to her wounds and said no more. Yet Lucina had gotten what she needed.
How convenient that the traitor would be spared alongside her father.
''LUCINA!''
It was Owain that suddenly called for her.
''What is it?''
Lucina asked, she noticed her cousin horrified expression. She had only seen that expression once back when her aunt died…
''It's…It's Cynthia, she's…she's….''
She didn't wait for his response, but immediately bolted towards the gate tower. A few of her companions were already there, but she did not make a note of who.
She would find her sister's corpse slumbering over the handle that controlled the gate. One arrow had pierced her back and went through near her heart. Apparently some Valmanese archer managed to hit her through the small embrasure that overlooked the drawbridge. Despite this her sister had managed to summon enough strength to fulfil her task.
Cynthia looked so peaceful as if she was merely sleeping.
But that was not her, her sister Cynthia was never peaceful, she was always active and full of energy. She would never sit still somewhere and take a nap. She would always run around the castle, looking for trouble or failing that create trouble with her little pranks.
This was not her sister, it couldn't…
Lucina did not care if anyone heard her anguish wail of pain. She did not care that she was supposed to play the part of a captain that had no familiar bonds with the corpse before her.
Instead, she embraced the body and cried; Denying that her sister was no more, desperately thinking that this was just another one of her sister's pranks.
But it was not.
Her sister was gone, and now she was all that was left.
Next chapter will be the conclusion of the battle of Fort Steiger. It will be from Lucina's POV and after that I'll be moving back to Nah and her group.
As always thank you all for reading and commenting.
Till next time!