Chapter 23: Kinship's Bond
A group of six people entered the fortress. The leader was a man with many scars with one prevalent on his left side of his neck and over his left eye. With gray ash hair and same colored beard, Brendan Reed stood beside his wife, an enchanting woman with jet black wavy long hair, blood-red lips, pale complexion, and golden orbs that stared at the elite members that included their sons. He wanted to glare at the woman, but chose not to. For now, he had to play the part of the fool nodding at her barking of orders.
"Jaffar. Ursula. Lloyd. Linus." Naming all of them present, the woman nodded her head. "That's everyone, is it not? If I have you, the Four Fangs, together, I need no one else. I have need of you to eliminate a man whose living plagues me. His name is Eliwood, a noble of Pherae."
For Sonia, it was a complicated matter to avoid discussing with the Reed family on the matter of Ike and the Greil Mercenaries. Due to their reputation and avoiding drawing suspicion. Moreover, she's noticed some resistance some months in after her marriage. So she might as well take matters into her own hands with... her troops without the Reed family knowing. Ike of the Greil Mercenaries was already on high priority before when he disrupted their mission in Lycia, but now he's a capture target like Nils and Ninian, albeit with certain conditions.
Jaffar stood silent, only awaiting for Sonia's assignment.
"…Pherae's located in Lycia, is it not?" Ursula queried to the woman she most respected.
Sonia nodded in response. "That's right. But he is no simple country lord. He has friends. Other Lycian lords. Along with some mercenaries they hired. Individually, they are no match for you, and yet… Carelessness invites death."
She avoided the matter with the Greil Mercenaries by not mentioning their name. If only the failure for last year's attempted kidnapping did not go awry, along with Brendan's sons not vouching for the young mercenary commander, her attempts to paint a target on him would not have failed. But that made her raise suspicion against her stepfamily... No matter, she would capture the blue-haired mercenary, with or without Brendan's permission. Even if Brendan were to resist against it, she could just usurp them here and there. But that would be a painful battle of in itself, as with the entire Reed family to fight back which would probably eliminate a good chunk of their forces, ones with morphs mixed in where the quintessence can no longer be recycled.
It wasn't the time to end them, not yet. They still had their uses for the time being.
The Blue Crow, Ursula, affirmed with Sonia: "Do not make that mistake."
"Lloyd, Linus…" Sonia turned to her stepsons as she spoke. "I have work for you, the Reed brothers, as well. All right?"
Expectant of her stepsons, she held a confident grin. Lloyd matched her grin with one of his, as if testing her.
"One question. Are these our father's ord–I mean…the orders of the head of the Black Fang?" Lloyd asked his supposed morph of a stepmother.
"Hee hee… Why, naturally. Isn't that right, my beloved?" She responded, turning to Brendan, who in turn was ready to respond.
"…Yes." Turning to both of his sons and nodding at them. They also gave a small nod affirming his real intentions.
They knew what their real orders were. But this entire line of questions and answering was a farce to avoid drawing suspicion. Sonia knew that her stepsons doubted them but she did not expect the same from her husband.
"There! Are you satisfied? Remove Eliwood." She ordered while holding her arms in an expectant gesture. "Your orders come from the head of the Black Fang, Brendan Reed. As members of this group, you will follow that order, yes? Or…does your opponent frighten you into immobility, Lloyd?"
And if one of her stepsons or both were to realize the issue upon seeing the young mercenary, then so be it. By then, it would be too late to resist. From that moment, the entire Black Fang would be within the hands of Nergal, and their corpses harvested for quintessence and further... use.
Linus, however, held an angered expression against Sonia's provocative tone. Even if they were to nod their head at her orders for the time being, she had no right to give such an attitude to Lloyd.
"Sonia!" Linus yelled out. "How dare you speak to my brother in such a…"
His rant against Sonia was cut off as his brother looked back at him and responded: "Linus."
All while keeping his calm and collected expression.
Linus then shrugged and sighed. "…I know."
He too, knew what his real orders were. It was a matter of keeping up appearances as usual to avoid their... mother's watchful eye.
But it sure got on Linus's nerves to see his own brother still be insulted in the process.
Lloyd turned to his stepmother: "Sonia, we do not need to be chastised by you. Under our father, we are the ones who've carried out the law of the Fang. If Eliwood is an evil person, there is no reason for us to hesitate."
They knew the Pheraen lord was not evil.
"The Fang lets none escape." Linus added.
And that will include her at one point.
"We, the brothers Reed, dispense the Fang's justice." Lloyd concluded.
With their stepmother and her cohorts falling under their blades.
Sonia stood silent before nodding. She turned to Ursula and Jaffar and ordered: "Ursula, Jaffar, you understand your orders, yes? Once you find the target, you eliminate him at once!"
Ursula gestured a bow affirming her orders. "It will be as you say, Lady Sonia. Anything for you."
Jaffar added to her affirmation with nod.
"…I've received my orders. I will do my duty."
"Your target's name is Eliwood, noble of Pherae! Bring him down. On the Black Fang's honor!" She declared. With that, everyone dispersed.
She will also begin to prepare for the capture of the Hero of Blue Flames's capture, while ensuring Brendan and his sons were not aware.
But then she had her doubts... moreso than usual. As if she was being watched more often by the Reed family. Did they suspect her? Upon seeing their interactions with her... adoptive daughter, they seemed more close than ever. Brendan seemed to always give a warm smile at his stepdaughter and less reciprocation of... Sonia's affection towards himself over the past months. Not that she disliked it of course... but she fears her cover may have been blown. However, Nino acted normal, always hoping to catch her attention. Even though she felt disgust and apathy towards her.
Narrowing her eyes while alone, she pondered on her next set of actions. Perhaps she would increase the number of eyes on Brendan and the Reed brothers... Oh right, Hurricane was nowhere to be seen skulking near the Reed family as of lately. Perhaps she should prepare something special for those who dare hide things from her...
Moreover, her mind flickers back to her master, Nergal, and the orders she was given...
Alongside Sonia was the... puppet with no supposed discernable gender. They kneeled before their master, who seemed to be in a sluggish state.
"My wound…has recovered. But I need to conserve my energy after some other things I've done in the meantime. That wretch, Renault, will get his due." Nergal spat out.
Renault, former renowned mercenary who worked for Nergal. He assisted in creating in those... creatures. Certainly, that man will regret ever turning on Nergal.
Although the puppets are made by her lord whether they be a walking corpse or constructs, she detests them. To Sonia, the puppets are beneath her, a human. Unbeknownst to Sonia, she is of the same type. Molded to believe that she is human by Nergal.
"I'd like our former esteemed guest's son's death. Sonia. He is the one whose desperation to save his father led to this mess. Show them true fear. You will use Brendan to move the Black Fang. I do not need mere underlings now. I need the Four Fangs." He ordered. "Also, capture the two siblings with whichever force by any means (outside of the Reed family). I'm aware of how much strength the Hero of Blue Flame can possess, so it maybe too much for them unless you find a way to capture him. Splitting their forces or accomplishing each task one-by-one would be the ideal. In fact, just focus on the capturing the siblings and killing Eliwood..."
Supposedly, the boy held mystical strength to even slay a dragon and push it back into the gate. Certainly not one to underestimate it seemed. She would have to find a way to maybe separate the mercenary from the lords as a means to single out and ease the difficulty of fighting them as a group.
One by one, their tasks will be accomplished. From eliminating Eliwood, to capturing the siblings, and finally capturing Ike, of the Greil Mercenaries. While she would love to accomplish everything at once, she had to prioritize her tasks based on importance. Unless of course... she decided to overachieve.
"Hee hee, leave it to me." She chuckled as she looked up at her lord. "I'll have them bowing their heads to you, my lord."
Nergal turned to another of his creations. Limstella stood at the ready, awaiting Nergal's orders.
"Limstella. I want you to gather me quintessence. I will need much. You are the strongest of all my morphs. Kill all those who bear signs of great power. Moreover, if you can, take the matter of capturing the Hero of Blue Flames with your own hands. Sonia should accomplish the other tasks." Nergal declared.
Sonia once again felt like narrowing her eyes if she wasn't in front of her lord. For the time being, she would endure.
Limstella bowed before their master.
"As you will…"
Sonia smirked. Although she would be disobeying orders, it was all for her lord. She would accomplish all tasks given to her and much more. The glory that belongs solely to her, perfection like how Nergal described her.
"One way or another, Eliwood, the siblings, and even the Hero of Blue Flames will be in the palm of my hand... No, Lord Nergal." She muttered. She then turned to a puppet. One she was familiar with. "And you, Uhai, will help me..."
The former proud Sacaen stood still, without a word along with a pale complexion. His mind and ego all stripped from him. Practically soulless and no way to protest against his fate.
"Now... the stage is set..." She spoke with a sinister grin.
She will replace the Black Fang one by one. With these powerful abominations made by Nergal. Moreover, there was no use for the living with a soul or emotions.
"So... Legault believes that Sonia may be a literal inhuman monster...?" Brendan queried to his sons.
Both of them shrugged to idea. Certainly, it was rather weird to consider the inhuman witch to be literally one. That, and walking dead people.
Certainly there was a common thread. Pale complexion, golden eyes, blood-red lips, jet black hair. Ephidel was known to have similar traits as Sonia. But that wasn't enough to out her as a sorcerer's creation.
However...
"Come to think of it..." Brendan's eyes darted sideways as he muttered. "It can't be..."
Lloyd looked worried for his father and stepped forward.
"Father, is something wrong?"
Linus seemed to raise an eyebrow, while keeping his vigilance.
"Some of our recruits for reserve members... those things you mentioned... morphs. I think I've seen more of them frequently, introduced by Sonia." Brendan revealed to his sons, as both their eyes widened. "Most of them wore helmets, but you could tell if you focus closely that their eyes were of gold and with black hair... just... like... Sonia..."
Everyone became alarmed by Brendan's revelation.
Brendan gritted his teeth, that meant whatever Ike and Legault's conclusion had far more merit. The only to prove it was to kill at least one get one killed to prove they turn to dust. In any event, to have that many men with so many similar traits was a dangerous pattern.
But they were currently reserve members to replenish numbers that Sonia did want to reveal as of yet in order to avoid suspicion. Let alone turn into dust should one fall.
"Can we stop her from replacing our members?" Lloyd asked his father with a concerned gaze.
Brendan sat silent for moment before answering: "I'll try to have her hold off on... adding more members with several excuses. For now, we need to divert our manpower and set up a new base without anyone knowing."
They need to gather up as many loyal members as they can to launch a counterattack with least casualties. While it seemed shameful, they may have to rely on the Lycian army and Greil Mercenaries to whittle down Sonia's faction while preserving their own. Only until they can regroup with them and take out Sonia's forces along with herself.
Ursula and Jaffar were formidable, and it would be difficult to come out unscathed.
Linus spoke up: "Then I'll set it up with Jan. Once the Greil Mercenaries arrive in Bern, we'll be ready."
Both Linus and Lloyd nodded at Linus's initiative. He was quick to action, moreso than his brother, to a fault. But he was dependable nonetheless.
They still had time until... King Desmond's request for their services begin. Not only that, the aftermath once they foil that request will bring the Black Fang back as a wanted group. That would be a painful experience afterwards, as every member of the old Fang would need to go into hiding.
Just as they were ready to depart for their duties, Lloyd was suddenly reminded.
"Oh, father." Bringing out the scroll from his coat, he handed it to the man. "Please take this and read it immediately."
Puzzled by his son's request, he obliged and opened the scroll. Seeing several techniques listed, his eyes suddenly looked over to one that seemed to suit him.
Colossus
The techniques was quickly visualized into his mind where he pointed his axe at an enemy, then lifted himself into the air, and swung down, with far greater strength than he normally would have done.
In the moment, his eyes once again focused to the scroll, which was blank upon having partaken its secrets. As if it magically disappeared upon use.
"What was that, Lloyd?" Brendan asked his son.
"That was a magical scroll native to Ike's homeland. He gave one to each of us and asked us to take one to you." Lloyd explained to his father. "Something to avoid showing off until the right moment."
Brendan nodded and smiled at his eldest son. The precious gift will not be wasted.
He would use it to protect his family, even little Nino. Whether he will live up to that personal promise will be up to their own actions.
"Oh, right!"
Lloyd and Brendan look back at the youngest, holding a book and handing it to his father.
"It's something to have her get started on reading." Brendan suddenly felt guilt upon seeing the book. However, Linus continued with a smile. "In fact, it was that uncle we found who gave the book with every letter along with a visual aid. Apparently, when he heard she couldn't read, he immediately worked on obtaining a book that would help her read along with personal notes he made after she would learn the letters. Knew he was one of those bookworm types based on his appearance. But he seemed rather nice despite being a dark magic user."
"Linus..." Lloyd called out to his brother with a slightly raised tone.
Brendan was surprised, seeing as how the man related to Nino as an in-law would choose to help the girl despite not having met one another. He's heard of the Mountain Hermit and those delving into dark magic not having the best temperament. Apparently, the man was the youngest son and a scholar who married his wife to learn more about his field.
Despite that, Brendan had slight reservations against the man. Given how he decided to leave his wife and child who was less than two years old to explore. Granted, it was likely the Hermit would watch over her grandson, but it was preferred to have the father present.
"I'll give it to Nino when I can. She should be back upon sending messages." Brendan replied with a smile. "Watch yourselves for the time being. Also, take this." As he spoke, he handed over a pendant with bloodstains on the cord to Lloyd, who looked puzzled.
Upon further examination, the pendant revealed a picture. One with an infant Nino in the middle, surrounded by her father and mother, with her supposed twin brother by her side with names printed on the portrait. Knowing the bloodstains and the people present in the picture, they may have been slaughtered by Sonia.
Having met the woman who served in Nino's household, she gave him the pendant to give to Nino. But that led to another question, why leave Nino alive? What was the purpose of killing Nino's real family and taking her?
"Nino hasn't drawn suspicion as of yet. I'm afraid Sonia may have more eyes on me. Once you meet the Greil Mercenaries or Lycian army, try to bring Nino with you and stay with them. Hand it to her at the right opportunity." Brendan told to his sons, who held a worried expression for their father. "Until then, you'll know what to do."
""Father..."" The Reed Brothers voiced out. Brendan shook his head.
"I doubt alot of us will survive to the end. At the very least... both of you and your sister must live. Promise me. Promise this foolish father who risked your lives in the end..." Brendan looked to his beloved sons with a heartfelt gaze. Watching them grow up, fight alongside them to punish the greedy nobles and helping the people. He was proud of his sons. Along with that earnest girl who needs to know the truth.
There was no words to be spoken for Legault, he knew that man would survive to the end. The same couldn't be said for Uhai, their fallen friend. If he meets a similar end, it would only be his just reward for allowing the Fang to be tarnished by Sonia and Nergal.
"Father..." The youngest brother, Linus spoke softly (which was a rare occasion in of itself). "You'll live, I'm sure."
Lloyd nodded with his brother. He was confident his father would survive. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the man in question, who held a sad smile. At the very least, he wanted his children and the men he trusted to live life to the fullest...
"I'm glad Commander Vaida is well. But to think she's joined the Black Fang just to re-enter the military..." Heath spoke with trepidation in his tone. Ike shared in his sentiment, hoping things would resolve without conflict.
They stood inside a fortress that separates the territory Thria and Ostia. The two conversing with one another in a hallway, without others in the vicinity. Awaiting Hector's brother and Marquess Ostia, Uther. Apparently, it would prove too risky to reach Ostia where too many spies await. In the meantime, the siblings were in their quarters while the lords and their vassals went to obtain supplies, or any other miscellaneous tasks. Anna went to replenish some more supplies from her sister, who was also situated here in some weird corner of the fortress. But that was beside the point.
"At any rate, we may engage with her should things go wrong and you cannot convince her." Ike replied with a sense of wariness. To which Heath snorted and shook his head.
"Commander Vaida was always headstrong alongside her loyal wyvern, Umbriel. When that blasted general made the orders with even King Desmond backing him, she stood her ground and disobeyed both of them. Even though it would strip us of our ranks as knights, we couldn't let innocents be harmed..." Heath explained with a sense of nostalgia.
"So she wasn't loyal as a knight?" Ike inquired with a curious expression. Only to received a shake of the head.
"The only one whom she would dedicate her life to... is Prince Zephiel. A wonderful individual whom King Desmond has treated rather unfairly. He is the one who could possibly lead back Bern to greatness with his presence and manner of a king. I'm glad General Murdock is by the Prince's side, but now... with that mediocre king only heeding the incompetent..."
The civilians of Bern spoke of Zephiel fondly, which made Desmond's actions all the more nonsensical. But for him to be neglected by even his own father...
"Why is Desmond so harsh to his own flesh and blood? It doesn't make sense to me." Ike spoke with exasperation. Heath stood silent before answering.
"Commander Vaida spoke of a gaze she was familiar with that was directed towards Prince Zephiel... envy. Envy towards his own flesh and blood." Ike frowned at the answer. Heath looked to the mercenary commander. "You are lucky, Commander Ike. To be born with love and a father who accepts you. But not everyone is fortunate to receive one as yours."
He was familiar with Ike's situation and Greil, Ike's father who is a respected and kind individual. While Greil was rather watchful of his own son, he treated everyone in his family including his troop with love and respect they deserved. Moreover, a parent should be proud that their children could surpass them, or at the very least, make sure they would live well.
Just as Heath was ready to speak further on the subject, a certain silver-haired individual called out to them.
"You sure got that right." Legault's voice addressed the pair, bringing attention to the spy. He continued his explanation: "King Desmond married Queen Hellene, a noble from Etruria, and together, they sired Prince Zephiel. But their marriage was always a loveless one, and with that, that sentiment carried onto his son. Meanwhile, King Desmond sired a daughter, Guinivere, with the woman he wanted to originally marry. He is known to love his... other family more."
With Legault's interjection, his explanation held more concise details than what Heath was going to describe to Ike.
"As expected of one whose profession is a spy and assassin..." Heath responded in which Legault gave a shrug.
In any event, the idea of such a man mistreating such an earnest individual... really got on Ike's nerves. Not only that, with such infidelity, reminded Ike of three brothers back in Tellius. The woman who abandoned her family at the first sight of another man.
"Another big problem... King Desmond seems to have sponsored the Black Fang or at least struck a deal with Sonia's faction..." Heath became alerted while Ike was confused why he shared such a fact. However, Legault continued: "Which is why we saw wyvern squadrons from Bern attacking us along with our operations sometimes being visible without a care in the world of the military impeding it or preventing them. So, care to suggest a theory, my good friend?"
So that's why Legault relayed such info to Heath, someone who was familiar with the military in Bern.
Heath cupped his chin, wondering why such events have become conspicuous. Black Fang were known to be ruthless assassins taking any job as of lately. For Desmond to let them go on without a single care from his generals or fellow nobles in his court... meant a huge favor. Heath's eyes widened, making Ike and Legault wary of Heath's current state.
"No... it can't be... does Commander Vaida know? No, she wouldn't. Otherwise, she would have gone on a rampage against your forces." Legault raised an eyebrow at Heath's statement.
"So... you suspect it too?" Legault inquired, knowing the answer. He wanted to gauge the reaction from Heath and motives from the former wyvern commander, but it seems as though Vaida remained in the dark of the real side of the deal between the Black Fang and Desmond.
The conclusion he gathered seemed to match up with Legault and Lloyd's conclusion before the Reed brothers left. The suspected time for the operation was right before the coming of age ceremony for Zephiel.
Ike then held his chin until he held the same widened eyes a moment later.
"He's going to try to kill his own son!?" He exclaimed, only to receive a shush of the mouth from Legault, who looked at his surroundings. There was still no one present within the vicinity.
"There would still be some time before the operation would take place... we're not ready yet to prevent the assassination. Moreover, if the Sonia's faction is in league with Bern's military and king, that's a whole other mess to deal with in terms of politics and military might." Legault explained with a calm tone but unrestful eyes. He then looked to Heath who held a frantic expression. "Until then, we continue onwards with our mission until we re-enter Bern. With your knowledge, be glad for the fact you might be able to convince your former commander."
They may not need to fight Vaida should she learn the true intentions of the Black Fang's deal with Desmond. They would be able to avoid a skirmish with the former wyvern commander whose loyalty lies with Prince Zephiel.
They need to tread carefully into the matter. If Sonia and Nergal ensnared Bern, it could lead to a great war for the pair to harvest quintessence. When they return to Bern, they can impede the Fang operations led by Sonia.
"Very well, carry on with your duties you two. Until we arrive back to Bern." Ike announced to which Heath saluted and Legault nodded.
"Ike..." Rath voice called out to his commander, who was on his way to the siblings.
"Rath. Need something?" Ike asked his subordinate.
"I came to thank you... for helping me realize my path, and making my feelings of solitude fade away..." Rath spoke with a sense of gratitude. He held a slight smile towards his commander.
It wasn't like Rath to speak so openly. Ike faced Rath with a smile of his own.
"The burning you mentioned... was likely dragons coming to Elibe. But knowing that, we'll prevent it, together." Ike assured to his trusted comrade and friend.
Rath then shook his head and responded: "It's not just that, I have not felt familial ties for most of my life... but being in the Greil Mercenaries, I understand that feeling far greater than ever." Giving Ike the warmest smile in his life, he opened his mouth to utter his gratitude. "That is why... thank you. For being a great friend and family to me."
Rath left his tribe at an early age and survived alone for so long. Scraping by as a mercenary, he was alone with no one to call a friend or family aside from his steed.
"With that resolve, I know you and Guy can return to the Kutolah tribe one day to protect your friends and family anywhere." Ike spoke honestly with genuine pride for his friend.
Rath nodded, as once the journey was over, he would return to the Kutolah tribe. But it was unlikely for Guy to return with him unless he becomes the greatest swordsman. But it wouldn't be for long that he would stay in the tribe. He will also see that his beloved commander reaches Tellius. Along with helping in their operations for awhile...
Ike knocked on the door where the siblings resided, Ninian opened the door slightly to see the commander standing before her.
"Can we talk?" Ike asked Ninian.
Ninian stood silent and nodded, opening the door all the way to let Ike in. Upon Ike's entry, he spotted Nils resting on the bed.
"I'm glad we were given rooms... and that Nils managed to rest while in a bed." Ninian explained with a slight smile as she closed the door. "He did share a bit of his power with me while performing in battle... So the aftermath left him exhausted since then."
The two siblings helped immensely with their dance and music. He knew the pair held mysterious powers from empowering others to causing discord against their enemies. Not only that...
"I need to finish the conversation between Nils and I, but you can also speak for him..." Ike turned to Ninian who then held a slight worried expression.
"You two are dragons, aren't you?" Ninian became alarmed upon Ike's inquiry. Just as she was about to panic, Ike raised his hand. "Don't worry, I won't tell the others, but it may reveal itself eventually. I need to know first. Moreover, you both were born during the Scouring, correct?"
Ninian breathed out a sigh of relief. At least the others and... Eliwood... would remain oblivious to her and her brother's true nature.
"Yes..." She admitted while closing her eyes. "We are ice dragons. But we were born here in Elibe within Ilia... Our mother was an ice dragon as well..."
"And your father is Nergal..." Ninian's eyes opened in horror of Ike's response. Seeing her frightened expression, he closed his eyes and turned his head with a bitter expression. "So you knew..."
Her tears began to fall, shaking her head as she wanted to deny the fact.
"I wanted to deny it back in Valor... he couldn't be our father..." With sobs in between as she spoke. "But when I was in that library where the bishop spoke... I felt such despair, I wanted to deny it... How could that cruel man be our father?"
With her voice cracking in between sobs. Her sorrow could not be hidden.
"He could not recognize us... could he? Then again, I suppose we couldn't recognize him as well..."
Ike and Ninian's attention went to the bed, with Nils staring up at the ceiling, having awoken.
"Nils, you're awake." Ike called out.
Nils lifted his upper body to sit up on the bed. His neutral expression did not match the sadness in his red eyes.
He didn't respond to Ike's statement, only to continue with his explanation: "When the Scouring happened a millennia ago, we were chased off by mankind and fled to the other side of the Gate. But it was not this world... it was another world."
Ike frowned at the revelation. Another world? Not even in Elibe or another continent?
Seeing Ike's reaction, Nils continued his tale: "When we passed through this chasm in space and time, many of us were lost. Still, we endured the journey. We found humans there, too, but they were few in number. We had a few skirmishes, but at last, we found a home. We were stable there, happy, even." Nils closed his eyes the next moment. "But some thought back on our former home, and when we did, his voice reached out to us. We were not supposed to return, but we couldn't help it. The land we once called home, we wanted to see it one last time... And that voice... We believed it to be an old friend... turns out he was much more than that... it was our father... Ninian spoke to me before I was unconscious." He muttered with a slight crack in his voice.
There was no words to respond with. Other than children who only wanted to see their father again... that went horribly wrong. Both sides could not recognize one another in the end, but that doesn't make it any less painful.
"I was a medium in the other world, an oracle of sorts." Ninian added, to which Ike's head turned to her. "I sat at the Dragon Shrine. It was my fault we heard that call at the time we prayed... I wanted to see our homeland again... and perhaps... our father..."
Nils shook his head. Refusing to have his sister take the blame alone.
"We were both at fault, Ninian. Not only that, we risked the life of the one who crossed the Gate at the time. They were just like us, after all... yearning for home." Nils defended.
Ike's expression immediately turned to guilt over the incident. What he did was kill a person like Nils and Ninian who just wanted to see home. He didn't have time to consider what he was doing because he believed his friends and the rest of Elibe would perish if the fire dragon was running amok in the world.
"I'm sorry... at the time, I didn't consider the one who crossed the Gate to be harmless or like any of you two." Ike apologized to the pair, bringing his head down. They stood still at Ike's apology, wondering why a human like him would show remorse towards them, dragons.
"It's alright... besides, I cannot assume the children who come through the Gate to not panic and fight against humans. A millennia-long grudge does not go away easy after being driven away. Your instance of self-defense was justified." Nils then looked into Ike's eyes. "When we arrived here through the Gate, the air of Elibe was far too different than it was when we lived here long ago. So our human forms were needed, and we needed to place our energies into stones called dragonstones. They were taken by Nergal to summon more dragons, which is why we escaped to avoid putting more of our kind at risk. And you saw us a year ago as a dancer and bard going from country to country."
That's why Nergal was pursuing them at the time with the Black Fang.
"Although I'm surprised you came to such a conclusion... moreover, I wonder why I was so compelled to tell you the name of our father a year ago. So now... tell us how you managed to know everything, Ike. It couldn't have just been the library and the Gate that revealed everything to you." Nils inquired to Ike, who nodded.
"I started receiving... visions... of your family a year ago when you two showed up before me. Visions of before dragonkind crossed the Gate. And the portrait in the library, that was your mother with Nergal, her name was... Aenir, wasn't it?" Nils and Ninian widened their eyes at the mention of their mother. "Well, my memories seem to either clear up or get more confusing whenever something comes up that seems to be related to the matter. That, and my nonsensical actions from a year ago that put you in danger may have steered everyone to the answer. In any event, whatever spell that brought me here to Elibe may have been linked to you two. In other words... Nergal may have been the one to call me from Tellius."
Nils and Ninian stared at one another before looking back at Ike.
"Are you sure?" Nils asked. To which Ike nodded his head.
"It makes sense. Nergal was aware of my existence as some 'Hero of Blue Flames' which I don't consider myself as. Not only that, when we got your memento back in that fortress a year ago, I felt like I heard a call, a wish. With the two of you when your father left you in those ruins to find your mother. That made me realize... Nergal was most likely the one who summoned me to Elibe. Maybe to remind your family of the past whether he realizes it or not... As to why I ended up in Sacae, I have no idea. Maybe his spell had a few issues that prevented me from being summoned in front of him, and I'm honestly glad that may have been the case..."
That wish, that desire he heard a year ago along with the visions he received related to the siblings. It was like a cry out to him. As if to steer him, the siblings and possibly Nergal to the conclusion. It was all linked to Nergal. Whether Nergal was doing so consciously... was unlikely. But what if he made that wish unconsciously? Nergal's actions were driven by an unrealized desire that Ike realized a pattern.
Whatever Hector spoke at the time regarding the sheer number of coincidences... that seemed to resonate with Ike as if there was a pattern to it. If all the events were to be taken as a matter of making sure a certain path was set so a goal was accomplished, then it made sense. It was to steer the siblings and Ike to the right answer.
Moreover, Nergal seemed to have lost the real motive to every action he made. To gain more strength was to have power to protect his family. To call from beyond the Dragon's Gate is to reunite with his family. To create morphs and to reanimate the dead based on Renault's conversations with him... was maybe to resurrect their mother (but he wasn't sure whether to consider this). But all of these actions are wasted when he cannot even remember his true goals possibly due to looking too much into darkness like that Shadow Hawk fellow that the others mentioned in the library ruins.
However, that didn't explain why a part of Yune was summoned with him. Let alone why his memories were still locked away... as the memories kept popping up whenever something acts as a trigger to remind him.
"Even so..." Ike and Ninian's attention went to Nils who spoke suddenly. "Despite our father forgetting us and possibly summoning you to have everyone remember himself, you don't plan on letting him go, do you?"
Ike then closed his eyes and breathed in before opening them again.
"No... I'm sorry. He's too much of a danger to everyone."
Nils then snorted and closed his eyes. "Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way... our father killed Eliwood's father... so it's only fair, is that not right? After all he's done..." He then looked to the window of the room, and smiled bitterly. "I-I wonder if it's worth knowing that p-poor wretch is our f-father..."
"N-Nils..." Ninian stuttered, calling out to the boy whose tears began to fall as he looked sideways, with no one to see it. Soon, she too, began to tear up.
The fact that such a wonderful man was killed by their own father, filled her with despair. Moreover, if the one she fell in love with were to know... She knew it was hypocritical... but she wanted to remain by his side a little longer.
Ike knew it was time to leave. As he exited through the door, he glanced back at the pair.
"Don't feel guilt over his actions... his actions are of his own." Ike called out to them halting them in their sullen state. "But I know as family, people would always try to shoulder some of the burdens of their own regardless... In that case..." He fully turned to the siblings with a determined expression. "You both won't be alone. I'll shoulder some of that burden with you. After all, I failed as well..."
With that, he left the two stunned siblings in their quarters.
Ike entered the meeting room with Priscilla and Raven where Uther, Hector's older brother, stood. With a scar across his nose and forehead, he still resembled Hector with slightly longer hair and blue beard on his chin. With a green heavy armor and purple cape, he stood proud befitting a marquess of his title. He was strong, but Ike couldn't help but see that the coloration of his face looked... off. As if he was wearing makeup and his sweating seemed to peel it off. The others also seemed to notice it, but chalked it up to a minor illness and keeping up appearances.
"So, you're Hector's brother? Did the others already speak with you?" Ike questioned the marquess, who nodded.
He was debriefed on everything that happened thus far. He shared the sorrow of a beloved fellow lord who was lost.
"Indeed, I've heard about you, the mercenary commander who's done well in Bern and Lycia. Ike." Uther remarked. He then turned to the Cornwell siblings. "And it's been a long time, Raymond. And a pleasure to meet you, Lady Priscilla."
Ike wanted to deny it, but he needed to move forward. Priscilla nodded and smiled while Raven shrugged.
The two siblings were invited to the meeting as a request from Uther, who wanted to personally address them.
"At any rate... to head to the Nabata desert..." That was a completely different direction from Bern, where he and the others needed to head to.
Along the way when to regroup with the Lycian lords and Uther, he was told by the others that their destination was to Missur, to the Nabata desert.
Raven was already debriefed on the situation along with others about the Black Fang and Prince Zephiel. They had to prioritize working with the old Fang to stop Sonia's faction along with preventing them from carrying out Zephiel's assassination.
"What's this about a living legend? We already have an important task to accomplish in Bern." Ike asked with a sense of haste in his tone.
The more they delay, the faster the Reed family will be in danger. Along with the prince of Bern.
"Heh... your manners remind me of Hector. But try to leave manners up to your subordinates." Gazing at the Cornwell siblings in which Raven narrowed his eyes.
"Get to the point, Marquess Ostia. We don't have all day." Raven responded curtly.
"Brother..." Priscilla voiced out softly with a concerned face.
"We have our tasks to accomplish, Priscilla. And sending us to the scorching desert when we have to head to Bern quickly doesn't seem like a good use of our tasks." Raven explained.
Ike had to agree with his right-hand man. He was even considering on splitting with the Lycian Army temporarily to meet with the Reed brothers.
Uther snorted and shook his head. "Spoke too soon about manners... but considering who you are, Raymond, I don't fault you."
"I'm not speaking as the heir of House Cornwell, I'm speaking as Raven, staff officer of the Greil Mercenaries. And we have to make sure Bern doesn't fall to complete chaos. Something that won't happen if we head to the middle of nowhere with nothing but sand in our boots." Raven retorted in a demanding manner.
Uther wanted to bring up the subject as a potential offer to reinstate Raymond and Priscilla's house, but seeing as they were content where they were, he changed his mind. Regrets did weigh on his mind, but seeing as how the two siblings chose to stand on their own, he chose not to approach the subject.
"Very well." Uther's face then changed to a more serious expression. "A sage that resides in Nabata desert can aid you. And if Nergal is the most powerful sorcerer you've seen, then this man could be his match."
Everyone's eyebrows were raised at Uther's explanation. A living legend... Ike was curious to who it could be.
"Could he perhaps teleport us close to our destination in the end?" Ike asked to which earned another raised eyebrow from the siblings.
Well, it was a legitimate question, as they needed to reach Bern quickly.
"Hahaha... yes, I'm sure he can do that and much more..." Uther replied with a slight chuckle. He then shook his head in exasperation and turned to face the trio. "My brother and his friends are in your debt, so I'll give you aid. 25,000 will be given to you to accomplish this task to escort my brother and his friends to Nabata desert. Good luck."
At least Heath and Legault may be satisfied with them returning to Bern soon after meeting the sage. For now, they'll receive payment for their service. Every bit of gold helps for the coming battles.
"Very well. Until we meet again, Uther." With that, Ike left the room first. Priscilla looked back at the marquess with a smile before she exited.
"Thank you, do not feel burdened. We're still happy. And I'm the most happiest I've ever been in my life." With that, she left, leaving her beloved brother to also follow suit.
"Hurry up and get better, your brother is in good hands. Moreover, our parent's actions are not your fault. So don't be worried sick over nothing. We'll be fine on our own." Raven added before leaving.
Uther watched the trio off with a smile. He was glad to know the siblings no longer seemed to hold a grudge against him. In the next moment, his mouth began to drip blood, and he coughed into a handkerchief he had on himself.
Over the course of his life, he shed tears for his parents when his brother could not. He chose to act as the role of a parent to his younger sibling. All those years of working to maintain Ostia and the alliance while watching his brother grow up made him smile. And the Cornwell siblings... he felt guilt over the order of stripping their family's peerage. He felt responsible for causing a situation that slightly mirrored his own family, to which caused Uther grief. That all changed knowing the Cornwell siblings had one another, along with their commander. He heard much from his loyal retainer, Oswin, who felt personal relief of the resolution.
This... would be the last time he would see the pair of siblings, along with his beloved brother. He can rest easy, and reunite with his parents, knowing that the youngest in their family will be just fine. He wondered... would his brother finally cry if he knew his own fate?
"Live Hector... I've done my part. Now it's time for you to do yours... Live well."
