Chapter 3: Roadside Battle Part 2
"Oh, thank you, Lord Eliwood!" Merlinus bowed before his new lord and future marchioness after arriving in Pherae.
After his business failure in Ostia, he immediately took the opportunity to take a recommendation to relocate to Pherae. While he will have to carefully consider choosing what wares to sell, he can still live well under the patronage of Eliwood. Therefore, he could quickly recoup his losses while being eternally grateful to the future marquess.
They stood within the study of Castle Pherae. Various forms and documents to assist Merlinus were placed on the table. The rest of the knights were in preparation for organizing supper with Eliwood's mother, Eleanora, with Lowen taking charge of cooking. Alongside being a knight, he decided to work as a chef like his father.
"I am glad to assist you in your endeavors, Merlinus," Eliwood told the man, who became more appreciative of the Lycian lord's kind gesture. "As such, take your time to adjust yourself in Pherae. If you have a business proposal or wish for an administrative role, discuss it with me or Marcus."
For Merlinus, these were the kindest employers (even Hector, after he somewhat cast him away to Pherae) he had ever had the pleasure to come across. He would work diligently and give utmost loyalty to repay such support Eliwood and many others have given him.
"And I'm sure the others will be relieved to see you are here. Marcus and Lowen would be glad to be working with you." Ninian said as Merlinus once again gave a bow of thanks to the future marchioness.
Merlinus got along with the two paladins throughout the time of working with them. Lowen worked with him during cooking duty and shared some habits of cooking and eating rations even during battle. While Marcus was certainly strict about the two regarding food, even he partook in some treats made by Merlinus during guard duty.
Moreover, Merlinus was a decent chef and was praised for making delicious food during their journey. Even Marcus complimented him on his baked treats. Even if Merlinus didn't succeed in his business ventures, he could always become a cook.
"Thank you, Lady Ninian. I can begin right away in making some delectable baked apple pudding for you both as a dessert for tonight's supper. I would be honored to be able to cook alongside Sir Lowen once more." Merlinus told the couple, who seemed to smile at the former's willingness to work already.
The pair nodded fondly at the merchant. They looked forward to his services and cooking. Just as Merlinus was ready to leave, he stared at a pair of books on the shelf of Eliwood's study. For some reason, the twin books were shimmering.
"Hmmm...? Lord Eliwood, Lady Ninian, there are two books on your shelf that are glowing." Merlinus pointed out. The couple turned their attention to the shelf behind them.
"That's..." Ninian voiced out. Just as Eliwood was also about to say something, the books shot themselves out of the shelves.
Merlinus and Ninian were immediately frightened by the sudden unnatural phenomenon, with the former screaming out of panic. Eliwood immediately put his hand on his rapier to defend against whatever was to come from the books they'd received. The pages orbited and surrounded the trio, with the pages revealing various magical arrays that soon appeared underneath the feet of the lords.
'Athos, Bramimond... what have you...?' Eliwood thought to himself despite the chaos that occurred in his study.
They couldn't stay inside whatever ritual was taking place. Just as they were about to leave the encirclement, a blinding blue flame-like flash came and enveloped the room. By the time the light dissipated, the trio was no longer there, and so were the books.
Three knights were frozen in place: Isadora, Harken, and Marcus. The trio appeared to be heading towards the source of the incident after hearing the panic-filled screams of Merlinus. Lowen in the kitchen preparing meals alongside the chefs of the castle and the soon-to-be former Marchioness Eleanora checking on the progress of their supper. Somewhere in the North, a single red-haired middle-aged man was gently pressing against his wife's abdomen, which was swollen as expected from their child's growth. All the while a muscular man with a metal headband approached a house to visit his friend. A green-pigtailed girl was beside her fellow archer, happily addressing their parents.
Everything became still.
"Something's wrong with this book," Matthew muttered as he held the copy of the records given to the Lycian lords and Ninian. Within Hector's library, he sat alone at a table perusing through the contents.
He was tasked with seeing if anything different began to appear on the blank pages or previously filled ones. The page was on Ike, and something was peculiar... his description was still developing. The letters appeared to be moving as if determining what to write about the young mercenary. For now, the written portion remained an unintelligible mess.
It was odd because there could be much said about Ike during his time in Elibe. Many accomplishments and the safety of the continent could be attributed to him. The fact that he helped defeat a dragon and a powerful sorcerer comparable to the legendary heroes alongside his lord could also be noted. It was slightly frustrating to see that their former companion still had yet to develop what seemed to be a new legend. Matthew hoped this book would serve as a record that could be passed down in Ostia about a friend who came from another world and the inhabitants that dwelled there.
Matthew's ears perked up at the slight tiptoeing coming up behind him and the slight humming. He sighed as the presence behind him came closer. His eyes became enveloped by a pair of hands, wearing white gloves and humming a triumphant tune. Strangely enough, he didn't resist.
"Guess who... Matthew?" Serra mischievously spoke behind the thief as the latter remained in his seat. She looked over to see the book and asked, "Still looking at the book of animal people?"
There were times she snuck and took a look at every page. She even remarked that a person looked as lovely as Lucius (recognizing that the person was a male after reading the description). She later seemed to scowl at the sight of the beauty of the woman known as Idunn (she was envious). At any rate, she was also fascinated by Tellius's inhabitants (and those from their world).
Matthew gently pulled Serra's hands away from his face. "Yes, as you can see." He said in a tired tone. He then sighed once more and asked, "Why are you here?"
"Well, after a long day, I needed someone to massage my shoulders and attend to me..." Serra said without shame, giving off a wink to Matthew as if expecting him to attend to her.
This back-and-forth existed between them, and while Oswin was subjected to the same treatment at times, the latter was far too straight-laced (or just avoiding her outright) for Serra to gain anything from the knight. There were times that Matthew even catered to her whims (much to his dismay), and that kept her clinging to the spy. Nevertheless, it kept Matthew's mind off of certain matters whenever it could.
Serra knew that the thief had a forlorn expression at times. They all lost someone dear during that entire ordeal, and for Matthew, it was two people. Secretly, she distracted his sad thoughts whenever the thief had the time, or when she demanded attention... And the thief gave it to her; despite his reluctant expression or complaints, she knew that he found some solace in being with her (not that he would ever admit to such a thing). This meeting between them continued for months, and Serra knew she was getting through to him.
Matthew then placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand, raising his eyebrows at Serra. "And you want me to do it?" Serra nodded fervently. He knew she wouldn't back off unless he agreed, but he didn't seem to complain. "Very well, I—"
"Stop bothering my spy, will you?"
A voice called out from behind them, cutting Matthew off from accepting Serra's whim. From the entrance, they saw their lord clad in dark formal attire with a tighter-looking collar. For their liege, it was suffocating, but he had to keep up appearances. It was clear that he needed to look the part of a marquess (which he may ditch in favor of wearing armor for most of the day).
By now, spies would have found that Uther had passed away. They needed to hold off announcing his death officially until his and Eliwood's coronation as the new marquess. Hector will also act as head of the Lycian alliance, thus making him responsible for maintaining it while maintaining a strong image, especially in front of the nation of Bern.
Serra then pouted and frowned at her liege. "Lord Hector, couldn't you let poor Matthew take a break and have the pleasure of serving me?" She said shamelessly as bags under Matthew's eyes could be seen.
Hector couldn't tell whether it was Matthew being too tired after committing to his duties or being in the presence of the cleric (both are equally possible). If it was the former, Hector would immediately feel bad. Just to be safe, he was going to take the pair out of the library and provide them with a luxurious meal.
"OK, why don't we... What in the world!?"
Hector's eyes widened as the book on the table in front of Matthew began to glow brightly and unveil pages with various diagrams or arrays. In a split second, the same arrays appeared underneath the trio. Matthew and Hector immediately knew to get out of the circle, but Serra was right in the middle and was too startled to react quickly. Matthew reached out to grab the cleric while Hector rushed to his retainers to hopefully push the pair out of the circle. At that very moment, a blue flame-like flash came from the center, leaving no trace of the three and the book.
In Castle Ostia, a red-armored middle-aged man was directing servants to prepare for supper. In Caelin, an elderly man looked out from his windows, patiently waiting for his family's return while a pair of knights drank in a tavern, with the green-armored knight calling out to a barmaid while his red-armored partner sighed at the display. All of their figures were still, along with the rest of Lycia. Even in Etruria, where a blonde woman with a bloated stomach was happily choosing miniature clothing, or rather, clothing for her future child while her husband was deciding which attire was best. And within the Western Isles, a black-haired woman wearing a white Sacaen garb watched the scarlet sunset, awaiting two important people in her life to reunite with her.
It was as if the world became frozen in time.
A heavy-armored knight walked across the castle halls before halting the next moment. The sound of light footsteps came from behind him as he turned to the source of the noise, seeing a young blonde child wearing a red dress. Her cherubic countenance, which would likely blossom into becoming one of the loveliest faces in Elibe, was marred by her sullen expression. It was the Princess of Bern, born out of wedlock between the King and his mistress, Guinevere.
"Ummm... Mr. Murdock?" Guinevere gingerly called out to the Wyvern General in the hallway.
Murdock was distraught after just having undergone a rant from his king and being reminded of who he was "supposed" to serve. He failed to convince the king that there was no underlying motive behind Queen Hellene and Prince Zephiel's attempt to reach out to him. But he quickly shook away from his state and turned to address the princess.
Murdock asked, "Is there anything you need, Princess Guinevere?"
He noted that there was an alarming lack of security detail from where they stood. It was just him and the princess in the hallway of the castle. For now, he assumed the princess snuck away when the guards weren't looking.
Guinevere looked down with a guilty expression in response. "I-I... I lost the kit that you and brother gave me... sniff..." She confessed with tears in her eyes.
Murdock was suddenly reminded of the baby fox that he and his liege found. They gave it to Guinevere as a gift months ago, right before the coming-of-age ceremony and the incident at the manse. No wonder they couldn't spot the new pet.
Murdock was reminded of the cold glare King Desmond gave to Zephiel upon giving her the fox. What happened to the kit was likely not a good fate... Luckily, Princess Guinevere was not there to witness her father's pettiness.
The only thing he could do was give a rare reassuring smile to the young girl. He only ever gave a smile whenever he saw his young lord's progress. All he could do was whatever he could to preserve her delicate perspective to avoid revealing the true nature of her father. A petty and jealous father who will never admit his capable son.
"I'm sure the prince will not mind whatsoever... The fox likely went away to be in the wild. It couldn't stay by just anyone's side as it likely wanted to remain free..." Murdock told the girl who looked up at the general with a sad expression. At least until she heard his next words, "But your brother... Prince Zephiel would tell you that he would be by your side, no matter where you go..."
Guinevere found her spirits raised as she told the same reassuring words from her brother through his vassal. She nodded fervently at Murdock.
Just as the two were finished speaking with each other, Murdock found it odd no sentries or servants were coming to attend to Guinevere.
"Servants... Guards! Princess Guinevere needs an escort at once!" He called out.
Still no response. The girl tilted her head, wondering where the servants were. Murdock narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Suddenly, the hallways became longer, and Murdock became alert. Finally, a green-hooded figure appeared before the pair. Murdock readied himself as Guinevere hid behind the heavily armored knight, afraid of the sudden change of surroundings.
"W-What's happening!?" Guinevere cried out in confusion. "Father... Brother!" She called out, panicking. But no one was there but the three. Where the knight and princess stood was likely a magical entrapment.
"Who are you? What sorcery is this!?" He demanded an answer from the unknown individual. It was clear that this person was a magic user. They remained silent before the Wyvern General.
"... That is something you must discover with your liege, Prince Zephiel." Murdock and Guinevere's eyes widened as the figure spoke with the former's voice. They held out their arm as various glowing circles appeared in front of their hand, making it apparent that they were casting a spell. Murdock rushed forward to interrupt the spell, but it was too late.
Everything became immersed in darkness within that false hallway. With no one in the castle to discover what had occurred.
"I do wonder how Ike is doing back in his homeland..." Heath spoke to his commander on top of the manse's lookout with his wyvern, Hyperion. Vaida sat on top of Umbriel alongside her fellow wyvern rider with no response. "We never got to formally thank him after he vouched for our return."
After their names were cleared, they swiftly returned to service under Prince Zephiel, much to the dismay of the king and the general who falsely accused them. Unfortunately, the latter remained in service despite his crimes.
Without the Queen and Murdock's support, the pair of former fugitives would have long been swept up in false accusations or rumors. As such, they needed to show utmost diligence and loyalty to their liege. And that meant ensuring that Prince Zephiel ascended to the throne even if it meant defying their "king".
"If you miss them so much, why not ask for temporary leave and find an Anna merchant? Perhaps send a personal message and delivery for an Elysium Whip or a new Earth Seal." Vaida suggested, making Heath ponder for a moment before nodding. "Maybe they'll find a good flier or anyone who needs one. I'll even pitch in, so tell me the price and cover the price for the item and message."
It was rare of her to give advice, but Heath supposed his commander wanted to put a message of thanks for the mercenary. Not only that but to give a valuable item that should prove useful for anyone that Ike meets. It was a thoughtful gesture, as Vaida wasn't one for sentimental words.
"Right... now where was the thicket in the valley?" Heath muttered while tapping his chin. Vaida snorted and shook her head with a smile. "Tch, I don't have a member's card..."
"I believe neither of you will require getting a word through intermediaries..." A voice called out to the pair using Heath's voice.
Vaida knew that Heath was beside her and not behind her as she readied her lance. Heath quickly followed suit, but it was all for naught, as the pair and their wyverns were swallowed up in darkness. The last thing they saw was a hooded figure, clad in a green cloak, holding a book and the Fire Emblem in their hand.
The young prince of Bern stood in his quarters with a forlorn expression, as his latest attempt to reach out to his father failed. Despite his mother's earnest attempt to mend their relationship, it was to no avail. He could remember the rejection vividly:
"Do you believe I cannot recognize a trap set in front of me? How dare you... You and your mother seek nothing but my throne. Leave me and young Guinevere, and don't you dare show your face to me again..."
Zephiel felt crestfallen that despite his best efforts to appease his father, it didn't matter in the end. He received nothing but scorn from the man. He was suddenly reminded months ago when he met that young mercenary leader...
"I wonder... Can I live for just my vessels, my mother, and Guinevere?" Zephiel questioned himself, or someone out there beyond his reach.
There was a tinge of envy he felt towards his younger sister whenever she received the love of their father. As well as the determination he felt from the one who saved his life. Despite being a prince, he seemed to covet the young man's way of life. To become worthy and protect those he considered family.
His hopes and dreams of winning his father's approval slowly waned. He was unsure of the reconciliation between his father and mother. Such thoughts filled the Prince of Bern with anxiety. Every day, he prayed and hoped for a miracle to allow his father to accept him. But some things were not meant to be...
"After all my efforts, all my dedication... can I even let go of my aspirations for approval?" He whispered to himself.
"I believe that is an answer you must seek yourself..."
Zephiel quickly turned to the doorway and saw a green-hooded figure at the entrance. What was even more odd... was that this stranger spoke in Zephiel's own voice. The doors shut themselves, and Zephiel quickly held his sword at his side.
"Who are you!?" Zephiel shouted. "Guards! Guards! An intruder!"
His calls were left unanswered. The manse was eerily silent. His mother was still within the estate, within her quarters. Zephiel felt dread as whatever phenomenon was taking place by this individual prevented him from receiving assistance. Moreover, he didn't know if others may have been harmed by this intruder. The figure snapped his fingers, and the Prince's retainers were suddenly laid in front of Zephiel with their wyverns, along with Murdock and his beloved sister, unconscious. They were all sprawled out in a circle, with Zephiel occupying one corner.
"Guinevere!" Zephiel quickly approached his sibling, but he felt his lower body halt. Something was binding his legs, and he turned to glare at the source. The one responsible for this incident. "You! Who are you!?"
The intruder said nothing and reached from inside his cloak, revealing an orb surrounded by a dragon biting its own tail. Zephiel recognized the artifact as Bern's national treasure... the Fire Emblem. On the other hand, a book appeared and unveiled its pages with various magical diagrams often seen in spells. The same arrays displayed on the book appeared underneath everyone present.
"I've worked with your ancestor..." They answered using Zephiel's voice. "I am Bramimond, the Enigma..." Zephiel's eyes widened at the legendary hero. However, Bramimond continued as the ritual circle began to glow brighter: "This will be the last you see of me... This world and the next will change... Your destiny, your path, began and ended in one way... Will you be swept into your original destiny? Or will you forge your path alongside those you accompany?"
"Wait! You-!" Zephiel's protest and yell were cut off by a flash that emerged from the center.
The flash grew brighter and enveloped everyone within the circle, save for Bramimond. The Fire Emblem and book shot themselves out from Bramimond's hands and placed themselves at the center. Finally, everything became immersed in a blue flame-like aura and disappeared within an instant.
Everything in Bern became still. From the queen, who sat in her room praying for her son's happiness, to the king, who sat on his throne wondering where his daughter was. Somewhere in Bern, a lone Sword Demon sought out prey but felt an unquenched sense of loneliness...
From Bern to Sacae, to Ilia, and finally, Missur. A lone village in the oasis and its inhabitants watched the skies. Those who could see into the future... could see nothing... They closed their eyes... as if accepting whatever was to come...
Bramimond stood as their figure was slowly becoming transparent, watching as the world froze itself. The world could no longer function without the essential cogs that allow time to move forward in place. Rather than cogs... essential figures in the history of Elibe were removed from this world. Only when they've all returned can time function normally once more. For now, the world can only preserve itself by stillness.
"Thus, we laid the foundations for a new chapter in the annals of history... And legends overlap..." Bramimond said in an unrecognizable new... or rather, old voice. It was a voice they lost almost a millennium ago. "I hope... this was a wise decision... Athos... I will see you all again... Roland, Elimine, Durban, Hartmut, Barigan, Hanon... Everyone... I can finally be myself in front of you all once more..."
Bramimond slowly smiled and dissipated into nothingness, as if his soul was liberated from the cobweb that was a reflection of all those he met. Nothing to be left behind in the new and old world other than a nostalgic smile and a gaze that once sought out knowledge that was sacrificed long ago...
"Prince Zephiel... My Prince... Please... Wake yourself..."
Zephiel opened his eyes and inhaled sharply. He coughed while he struggled to see his surroundings, but he could tell it was sunset. His vision finally cleared, and in front of him was the concerned face of his vassal, Murdock. Next to him was his little sister, Guinevere, who also seemed to wake up right after him. Somehow, they found each other in their arms despite being separated after the spell took place.
"Murdock... Where are..." Zephiel voiced out groggily.
"My liege... I would suggest you brace yourself as you see your surroundings..." Murdock warned.
"What are you... Huh!?" Zephiel found himself horrified as countless bodies were strewn about behind Murdock.
Countless men were fallen with crows eating away at the bodies. Judging from the armor worn by the dead, they were all soldiers. This was a battlefield. Flags and banners holding images of what appeared to be a wyvern ouroboros and flowers were seen in tattered states.
Even Guinevere, who finally gained a clearer sight, became afraid. "Eek! Brother! Brother!" She cried out, huddling into Zephiel's arms and shielding her eyes from the sight as she buried her face into her brother's chest.
"W-Where are we!?" Zephiel cried out while lightly stroking the back of Guinevere's head to calm her down.
This was no place for children, let alone the prince, who had yet to fully experience a battlefield. Murdock turned his gaze to behind his prince, with the latter following suit to see a group equally as wary as them. Two of them with red and blue hair with noble garbs befitting the pair (mostly the former). Accompanying them was a light blue-haired woman wearing what appeared to be a ceremonial dress, a slightly portly man holding a stack of books, a brown-haired thief, and a pink pig-tailed cleric holding a staff.
"I know not why the two chose to leave us with the rest of you. So tell me..." Murdock pointed an axe that was taken from a fallen knight at the group. "What are the Lycian lords of House Pherae and Ostia doing here? Are you associated with the one who warped us here?"
Heath and Vaida revealed the true names of Hector and Eliwood upon being the first to wake up. Murdock was second with the Lycian group following suit. It took a moment of debriefing before changing the objective to find out where they were. While the wyvern riders left to scout ahead and check the battlefield, they left their lords to their colleague and their former Lycian comrades.
Zephiel became wary of the group before them. As Murdock saw them at least once in Bern under a false guise as the ones who traveled with Count and Countess Reglay, as well as being the ones who assisted the Greil Mercenaries, he was cautious against the group who also came with them to this blood-stained battlefield.
"That's what we want to know!" Hector replied with an annoyed expression. He then pointed to the book and Fire Emblem on the ground beside the prince and princess. He soon pointed to the stacks held by Merlinus, who was nervously holding the books with a cautious expression. "These books were given to us by Athos through Bramimond. From what I can guess, the Eight Legends set us up!"
Murdock narrowed his eyes in suspicion at Hector, scrutinizing the latter's words. Why were two of the legendary heroes of Elibe involved in this incident? Zephiel was reminded of when Murdock was unconscious when the hooded figure revealed themselves to be Bramimond, the Enigma. Assuming that the people involved were truly the Eight Legends, why warp everyone, including Guinevere, a mere child, to this horrific place?
Just as Murdock was ready to inquire more, the clanking of armor came closer from the North. Down the hill came about fifty knights, clad in ebony armor, holding the banner of the wyvern ouroboros, the same insignia as some of the ones fallen. The leader with green hair styled in a comb-over led the front.
"You there! Identify yourselves! What are you doing here?" He demanded an answer from the group before him.
Judging from the appearance of the people, some of them were nobles and their retainers/knights that accompanied them. Before Hector could respond with a brash inquiry, Eliwood came forward to address the general.
"We're just passing by. We were just unlucky to come across this battlefield." Eliwood answered promptly.
They had nothing to do with the conflict that took place where they were. However, to the Daein soldiers there, all they did was chuckle. Some of them began to leer at Ninian, causing the latter to frown at the impure intent of the troop.
"Lord Eliwood..." Ninian called out, but the Pheraen lord already glared at the soldiers in front of him, with his hand on his rapier. Should they continue such behavior or attempt to touch his beloved, there would be hell to pay.
Serra held her staff in a combative manner (while shivering in fear) while Matthew quickly shifted his eyes to scan their potential foes. All the while, their lord's hands slowly cracked, and he narrowed his eyes at the Daein platoon. Murdock tightened his grip on his axe while standing in front of his lord. Unbeknownst to the rest, Ninian held another secret within her sleeves.
General Maijin chuckled to himself and nodded. "Indeed, you are unlucky..." He readied his lance before the group. "We were ordered to round up or kill the Crimean stragglers and nobles that slipped through the cracks. And look what we have here... A bunch of whimpering mutts running away after their nation has fallen..."
There was one more task this platoon needed to accomplish, but they weren't going to reveal that to this group of nobles and their retainers. For now, they just needed to wipe out this group or arrest them.
Those from Lycia furrowed their brows at the mention of the familiar name. Crimea? They wondered if they were mistaken as citizens of Ike's homeland. Moreover, was Crimea taken over?
'Are we in Ike's homeland?' 'Crimea?' 'Who are these soldiers from?' 'Are we in a different world?'
Various thoughts and whispers ran through the minds of those familiar with the blue-haired mercenary. If Heath was present, he'd also join in the confusion, compared to his fellows from Bern, who were just completely oblivious.
"Big brother..." Guinevere whispered to which Zephiel gently shushed her. For now, they needed to remain silent. Murdock seemed to have overheard the whispers of the Lycian group as they appeared to have some inkling of the place they were in.
In the Daein soldiers' eyes, these were Crimean nobles who managed to survive/escape the skirmish and hoped to leave the battlefield and flee their homeland. They were nothing more than cowards to be killed or subjugated. Even if there were children, they would be taken for forced indoctrination or labor. Not only that, there was a beautiful young woman who looked weak, to which the troop did not hide their illicit intentions.
"Why not drop your weapons and surrender?" Maijin offered with a smirk. "Act quickly, or else..." The rest of his men were poised to attack at his command.
"I suggest you walk away and pretend you never saw us, pal..." Hector replied while cracking his neck. "We're not Crimeans. And we only stumbled across this place."
It was the truth, but the Daein platoon was not buying Hector's words. They just laughed off the warning from the crude-sounding noble. Murdock and Zephiel knew nothing of Tellius, but they knew based on the demeanor of this platoon of soldiers that wherever they came from, they were no ally of theirs at any rate.
Maijin snorted and scoffed. "Ha! I doubt you're a group of Begnion nobles conveniently traveling to Crimea during a war." Matthew and many others took note of the keywords from the general before them. "Ready your weapons, men! Move in and kill the ones who can fight! Take the rest to be rallied with the rest of the prisoners!"
Murdock knew there was no time to negotiate or ask for clarification. His lords were at risk. Zephiel quickly stood up and unsheathed his silver sword while Guinevere stood behind her brother. But not before the latter grabbed the book and orb, knowing everyone believed it was important.
For the Lycians present, they concluded that they were facing off against what appeared to be invaders seeking to subjugate Crimea and its people. And they were caught in the crossfire. Some of them hoped Ike and the others were not also in a similar situation as them.
"Oh, how annoying!" Serra complained as she wielded her staff like a club. "I wish I had my light tome with me!"
She was forced to take a staff from the battlefield (from a dead priest on the battlefield). It appears that it still functioned for her to use based on its glow upon being in her hands.
"Heh! I doubt you'll need it (as you can easily knock them out with your voice)!" Matthew remarked as he twirled his knife.
Serra gushed at the response from the thief. "Oh, thank you, Matthew! How sweet of you to want to protect me!" Causing the spy to stumble slightly at her reply. "I'll heal you whenever I can!"
"That's not what I... You know what, forget it..." Matthew accepted her false conclusion and decided to focus on the ensuing battle. "At your command, Lord Hector."
Hector readied an axe taken from the fallen. Despite being armorless, he appeared indomitable.
"Right, let's show these fools not to mess with us Lycians!" Hector added, making Maijin furrow his brows at the unfamiliar name.
"But Milord! I'm from Etruria!" Hector ignored the correction from Serra, focusing only on his foes.
Eliwood unsheathed his rapier and readied his thin blade to face the platoon before him.
"I'm counting on you, Hector. Ninian, stay behind us along with Serra." Eliwood said to his fiancée, who nodded with her beloved. "We rely on both of your support."
"Yes... I will stand beside you, my lord..." Ninian gave a determined expression, holding her shawl in her hands.
Unbeknownst to everyone there, a truth was laid bare before Ninian. This was truly a new world... The world of Tellius possessed suitable air for her kind, and she barely needed a dragonstone to transform. Should the worse come to the worst, they had her to fall back on to protect everyone. Even if it meant revealing her true form to those who had yet to witness it.
It was a matter of time before the return of the wyvern knights to join the fray. Zephiel was already wielding his weapon against the Daein troops. They were largely outnumbered and would likely be pursued if they didn't deal with the enemies before them. Taking Guinevere and running was not an option unless Vaida and Heath were present. Moreover, they couldn't afford to flee while they were still in this unknown land.
"Milord, I beg your forgiveness. But it appears we cannot avoid this battle..." Murdock apologized to his lord, who shook his head in response.
"I will also fight," Zephiel declared, as he soon turned to his sister behind him. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe, Guinevere."
Guinevere stared at her brother for a moment before nodding. She knew he had to fight. "Right, Big Brother! Don't lose!"
She stepped back to the sideline alongside a lone Merlinus, carrying three books similar to the one he held. The mustached man appeared sullen and eager to help, but without his carriage or wares, he had nothing to assist his lords.
Zephiel and Murdock stood with their weapons in hand, ready to defy the unknown forces before them. They knew nothing of the men before them, other than having some inkling that they may be from an invading army that only sought to accost or subjugate them all. All the more reason to fight back and ensure the enemies do not return to their main forces. They would reluctantly cooperate with the group from Lycia to hopefully return to their homeland.
Maijin snorted at the paltry display of resistance put up by this meager group. It was clear this fight would only end in bloodshed.
"Hmph, the Crimean army was a poor joke. The imperial guard possessed some skill. Which will all of you prove to be? Perhaps blue bloods like you can entertain us by dancing or playing the role of a motley? You've already done a good job at the latter." Maijin remarked as he held a bloodthirsty glint in his eyes. The rest of his men laughed with their general.
"Don't count it..." Hector trailed off as he held the axe over his shoulder. "Don't underestimate us just because we're nobles. Though some of us will dance, just not for you..." He then pointed his axe at the platoon. Holding an equally bloodthirsty expression, he said, "Say your prayers. You've had your chance to walk past us and leave. It's too bad none of you will be barely worth mentioning, let alone remembering in the end..."
Maijin appeared offended by Hector's declaration and scoffed. The rest of his men were ready to tear apart the group for their supposed arrogance.
However, to those who experienced battles unlike any other, this battle would be far from the most difficult they've faced. Nevertheless, everyone remained vigilant in this new land.
"You all dare to defy the mighty nation of Daein? It's our job to destroy dogs like you. Prepare yourselves!"
AN: Sorry, class and work will slow progress, but I will commit to one chapter a week at the very least. Next chapter should take less time.
Also, Omake:
Ike: Trust the plan! It will work! We still have 30 uses for the heal staff with Serra (who is still weaker than Lucius) and another staff with Lucius!
Zephiel: Why am I forced to be passed around between my Wyvern Knights and your nomadic trooper?
Murdock (unarmed): Forgive me, Lord Zephiel. This is for your growth...
Hector (unarmed): Hey, no armorbreakers, javelins, or hand axes!
Eliwood and Lyn: Why are we carrying a bunch of iron swords for Zephiel?
Lucius: So am I. Isn't this a job for Merlinus?
Merlinus: Forgive me, I'm still a green unit!
Guinevere: Good luck, Big Brother!