The Feroxi mountain range cast cold winds to the forest below - the small band of travellers were chilled. They hurried along frozen mud and over trampled brush towards the warm orange glow in the distance. The clouds had already done their job of dimming the rising sun. Hills and trees cast long shadows across their path. Daybreak seemed more like nightfall.

There were five of them. Two in front, three in the running. All wore green traveler's tunics, and all carried heavy bags, laden with goods. Only the two bore weapons, the others carried no weapon or armor - let alone protection from the cold.

"Almost there, let's hurry!" the man in the lead shouted. The woman at his side nodded her head and looked behind to her comrades.

"Chins up everyone, warm beds and meals are on me this time!" Her red hair bobbed beneath her green cap as she ran - straddled down by a backpack nearly as large as herself.

Their destination was a small village just off of the highway. Their objective was protection - from both the cold, and the things.

It was no longer safe to travel at night, they learned that lesson the hard way when their wagon was destroyed and their mounts killed. Not by cunning bandits or highwaymen; indeed 'man' would be a total misnomer - but by monsters. The types their mums would tell them about. Shaped like men, but with hearts and breath of beasts, red eyes, stalking shadows and nights for blood. Like in the days of the First Exalt, when dragons were memory instead of myth.

"There she is - hark!" The girl called waved her hand. The village walls were within reach - a friendly light cast from a watch tower to the dirt path in front of them.

"Not so loud!" Her companion chided.

They slowed themselves and brought their momentum to a stomping halt as they reached the latched gates - nearly two stories tall.

"Hullo up there!" she called again. "Open your gates! My friends and I are weary, we need rest!"

A single silhouette peered from above the wall's summit.

"We have gold!" She added. "Reparations are already in order. The night grows cold and we know not what lurks about this hour!"

The shadowed person seemed to consider the party for a minute. He turned away and disappeared behind the gate. His footsteps down a ladder droned into the cold air. The group let out a sigh of relief and impatiently waited for the gates to come free to welcome them to salvation inside.

She turned excitedly to her partner, eyes beaming. "In the bag!" She said with a smile. Her friend's expression was uneasy. He cast several glances behind him back at the ever-darkening wood.

"Do you think they'll have lamb's meat?" One asked.

"Anything's better than corn and wheat at this point, I reckon," another said.

Several minutes had passed, and the already quiet establishment seemed to grow deathly silent. The woman ran a hand through her hair. She hesitated before rapping at the gate once. "Hullo?" she called inside. She received no immediate response. She rapped once more. "Anyone?" still no response.

"The hell are they thinking? Is it unlocked?" The man reached forward and tried at a latch. The gate budged slightly within its confines but alas did not open.

"Won't they let us in?" one of their companions asked.

"They're taking their sweet time," the woman said. She reached for her belt pouch and produced two gold coins - each marked with an ancient crest, the symbol of universal trade. It was probably more money than most of the town's inhabitants had ever seen in one place.

"Oi!" She called. She hurled one coin into the air. It glimmered briefly before falling behind the wall. "There's our commission to the lucky bloke who'll have us inside in a tail's shake!" Still no response. She tossed in another. "C'mon, don't be shy!"

"Cease," her companion grumbled. "Don't taunt them like that. You're liable to get them angry."

"I'll reckon a couple more pieces would diffuse most attitudes at this hour," she said. "And either way - I'd take any temperament of host over whatever's out there."

The minutes seemed like hours. The shadows drew back from the trees, but somehow the illumination felt suffocating; exposing.

"What on earth could they be doing?"

"Taking your gold and playing us for fools."

"Oh hush. I still mean to lob a few more in, and I'm sure they'll comply once they know what's out here. Funny how generous you get when danger's around the corner."

Not a second after the words had left her mouth did an ugly sound rise from the trees behind them. A low, guttural snarl.

Their blood ran cold. They slowly peered behind their shoulders. The shadows that ran from the trees to the ground not only swayed, but crawled forward. The red dots in the distance numbered in the dozens. They lurched up and down, and slowly they made their way through the cold leaves and mud and up towards the village.

Her friend lunged for the gate's handle and banged with his fist.

"Help! Help us!" He cried. "Open the gates!" Another cry pierced the cold air. The sound of creaking joints and clattering weapons grew louder. "Won't you heed us? Gods above, men! We plead you, the dead walk the earth! The dead walk the earth!"

There was a sound of hoofsteps. At first the woman thought this meant rescue of some kind - but she was sorely mistaken. An ashen creature upon four legs slinked from the shadows below, and it carried an armored figure topped with rusted, blackened armor. It groaned loudly as its companions converged.

"If not us then at least admit our companions!" he continued. "These men are from Woodham, further north! They know you, they lead us to you!"

Silence.

"Somebody please!" he cried.

His response was the hiss of flame dying as the last torchlight of the village was silenced. The entire day was cast in dim silver. He bowed his head and squeezed the handle as if he meant to tear it off.

Another creature howled as the day grew grayer still. Their companions were already pale with exhaustion.

"...Dammit all we need to run!" He cried. "Anna, this way." He waved his arm and lead the party past the boarded walls and deeper into the woods. Another howl followed them. It would not be long until they would run no more, no matter the threat. He turned once more the gates of the village and cried out, "Our blood is on your hands!"

Their refuge was not the warm comfort of a village inn or tavern - but the former den of a large animal, most likely a bear; a small, shallow cave on the side of some hill. The man lead everyone inside and shed some of his bags before gathering branches large and small to form a barricade.

"You'd risk our chances with a bear?" Anna asked.

"Moreso than those things," her companion answered. "Unless the people have a change of heart and send somebody after us I imagine we'll be staying here for a while. Help me with this—" he reached for a large log but before the words could escape his lips another howl pierced the air. The creatures were still getting closer. He cursed under his breath and had everyone sidle up to the interior wall. Footsteps plodded along the earthen ground below. The smell of the creature's breath filled the air.

"...I might try to lead them away," the man whispered.

"How? There's at least a dozen out there!" Anna asked. "You'll never fool all of them."

"And I suppose you've got a better idea?"

"Once I have one you'll be the first to know."

The two drew in their breaths as another growl rolled its way up the hill. The footsteps remained far below, down the hill. Anna looked between her companion and their customers - all pale with fear and exhaustion.

"Go find help," the man said.

"...Me?"

"You're the fastest of us. Go back to the highway - south or north I don't care - but go and find somebody who can kill these things or take our customers away."

"You really think I'd find anybody with the luck we're having?"

"It'd be a lot better than waiting for something to happen - standing here between a mob of heartless creatures and those ashen monsters!"

A unious cry from the monsters below alerted the entire group once more. "I'll keep them here and make sure they aren't found out… but you go now. And if you can't find any help, just keep running. We'll stay put and wait for you, and if you can't come back ...I'll do what I can."

The man reached for his bag and began to open it. "And you'd better take the package with you."

"Oh, no you don't!" The girl shoved with both hands and kept his bag closed. "That there is insurance! I'm not running off and making a profit after leaving you for something like this. Once we survive - I'll take that back, and then we can start worrying about bottom lines again."

"...Of course. Thank you Anna."

"Godspeed, miss Anna," one of their friends said, though his voice trembled with fear.

"And don't any of you get me wrong, I ain't doing this for free — you owe me big time for this!"

The sounds below had died down. Anna crept for the mouth of the cave. She slowly peered her head out. She held her spear in a white-knuckled grip as she carefully slid one foot in front of the other. For a moment it seemed like the coast was clear.

She held her breath and prayed.

Anna dashed down the hill as fast as she could down the dim forest path, but it wasn't long before she heard another set of footsteps behind her, and the stink of miasma. Soon the single pair became two, and then three. She let out a gasp and slid her pack from he arms. She turned and swung the article behind her. The ashen creatures helplessly tumbled as the object caught their swollen legs and destroyed their balance. She kept her spear and kept running.

Anna looked to the side and could see the village still had yet to light any torches, or ring the dawn bell, or anything to signify anyone inside was alive.

I ain't one for grudges… but you better have a good reason for turning us away! I'll haunt you if I die, mark my words! And I'll take every gold coin of yours I find and hide it under a rock!

"Any more stops, Frederick or will that be the last of them?" Chrom asked. The chilly morning air caught his breath in wispy puffs. A blue mist hung over the forest clearing where they had parked their wagons.

It had been three days since they departed along the Northroad. The previous day had been spent negotiating with the townsfolk of a settlement, where they were able to shed one of their caravan's carts and arrange for a messenger to be sent to Ylisstol. They expelled most of their surplus weapons and armors this way, along with any supplies that were strictly for trading.

The prince certainly didn't envy the man who got to bear the bad news of the missing caravan to their partners back at the guild in Ylisstol. He didn't even want to think about how it must feel to have a stranger report your comrades' deaths miles outside of your control.

It did happen once before to us… kind of. I was too young at the time. Emmeryn would know more about it.

Frederick stepped alongside Chrom as they prepped the horses for departure. The others were slowly being roused and gathered around a campfire. Robin had been tasked with acquiring a cooking pot and starting a separate fire to boil some water - Frederick would prepare an early lunch and the party would be on their way as soon as possible.

"No stops that would be productive, milord," the Knight answered. "Time is of the essence."

"We're making better time than if the caravan were complete… loath I am to say it."

"True, but the Feroxi must be warned as quickly as possible. We stop at night and the occasional meal — "

"And Risen," Chrom added. "We can't afford to ignore them if we find any."

His friend sighed. "...Perhaps. But beyond all that we should take priority in pressing forward. Were I in charge I dare say we'd already be on the move."

A flash out of the corner of their eyes told them Robin had lit the fire for the pot - a hasty job done with a fire tome most likely. Frederick grumbled to himself as he retrieved a small bag of ingredients from the back of a wagon and proceeded to the pot. Robin stood next to it, across from a small pile of tinder and firewood with a hatchet. The young man looked rather proud of his work, with the flames dancing in his amber eyes cheerily as he gripped the scarlet tome in one hand. He tossed a piece into the fire, which happily and noisily ate it up with a wave of heat and sparks.

"The traditional way would have preserved runes from that tome's life," the knight chided. "It wouldn't kill you to learn to use a flint and steel. It's a valuable tool in the wild."

"Yes, but time is of the essence," Robin said with a smile. "That's what I was told, anyway."

The Knight snorted, and Chrom chuckled.

Frederick knelt down and set the ingredients out next to the fire.

"Wait… vegetable-stock and more vegetables?" Robin eyed the ingredients warily. "...Another veggie soup?"

"Unless you can provide some fresh meat - then yes, just like the last time." The knight said gruffly.

"...We have some jerky we could toss in?" Robin suggested.

"The sort will disintegrate and or have its flavor diffused. You wouldn't thank me."

"...You're the chef."

This particular soup made the bulk of the group's diet for the last couple of days. Its ingredients consisted of little more than flour, dried vegetables, and stock. It was about as appetizing as it sounded and there wasn't much in the way of condiments or seasoning. Fresh meat would make it bearable - that was the common consensus among the group at any rate.

As Frederick knelt down, Robin remained and absently crossed his arms. The knight fastidiously studied the pot, the water within, and the current state of the flames. He apparently decided the heat was unsatisfactory, and took the hatchet to begin chopping up a new piece of firewood.

"Did you need something, Robin?" Frederick suddenly asked. "Is there something I should say?"

"No? I mean… I was just about to ask if there was anything else."

"Praise perhaps? Nothing befitting a few simple chores expected of any Shepherd - a title you've only held for a few days I might add."

"I'm not reaching! I just wanted to see if you wanted help with anything else."

"I can do this on my own, thank you," Frederick said briskly. "I've been preparing meals since I was a boy. A simple assortment for the road is no challenge for me."

"I didn't mean to imply anything, I just-"

"You can be seated with the others and tell them the plan for the day. We're to head straight for Ferox - no distractions, and we stop after nightfall - so they'd best be ready for a long ride. Get along, then," he said again with a wave of his hand.

Robin looked to Chrom, who could only sigh and nod his head. Robin politely took his leave and stepped back towards the rest of the party.

"I think we both know if you could wield a tome you'd do the very same," Chrom said as he crossed his arms.

Frederick shrugged in response as he tossed a newly cut piece into the fire. "Perhaps. Maybe it's for the good of all Ylisse that magic has never agreed with me." Frederick continued tending to the flames.

"Listen," Chrom said. "...I'm anxious about all this too, but you could at least pretend to tolerate him," Chrom said dourly.

"I've been tolerating him since the beginning - which will be for well over a week now, milord."

"You know what I mean. I thought Emmeryn squared you away on all of this. Unless… did you two have a word I wasn't aware of?"

"Nothing of the sort."

"Then what is it with you and him?"

Frederick knelt down to blow unto the flames. He tossed a few more pieces of firewood into the fire before continuing. "...He doesn't know how dangerous he is…" He whispered.

"Come again?"

"He's dangerous." Frederick repeated. "And yet he follows us, wide-eyed, endearing, childish in many ways… I don't like it. See how quickly the others have taken to him? I've yet to even hear Sully lash out at him."

"You probably didn't catch that bit from after the last battle then… But how is this not a good thing? He's made more progress with some of them than I have in a year."

"Now, Milord, he is endearing. Now he is naive and loyal. He remembers nothing and knows no better. What happens should his memory return, or he grows wiser to the world? What use would he find for his talents then?" The Knight cast a cautious glance over his shoulder back at the remaining Shepherds, who Robin just joined. "When he decides he has repaid his debt what will he ask of us?"

"Where is all of this coming from?!" Chrom asked. "We could have said the same for Maribelle or Miriel in the beginning. Remember how abrasive and demanding they could be? Now they're some of our most loyal soldiers. Who's to say Robin won't turn out the same?"

The Knight bowed his head. "Now… I don't deny such a possibility," Frederick said calmly. "Likewise, I don't want to be caught off guard by it either. Not everything weighed against him is Robin's own fault— I admit it— but it would be irresponsible of me to lower my guard even now. Even if all ends well, I don't have the benefit of hindsight now, and I'd rather prepare for the worst. Robin himself knows how I feel very well, and it is best I remain candid on the matter."

Frederick waited to see if Chrom would say anymore, and then proceeded to tend to the fire. The prince watched his bodyguard, lieutenant, and friend continue his endeavor with the stew. A smile grew over the prince's face. "So rather… It's not that you hate him… but you don't want to like him?" The knight was silent. "I guess you kind of said as much when you first met."

At that the Knight let out another grumble.

"Veggie stew again, my friends," Robin said with a shrug as he seated himself atop a tipped log. "The chef continues to bedazzle our taste buds." The campfire was nothing more than a pile of hot coals, but it was more than enough to warm the chilly air. "Unless we can catch some fresh meat that is."

Most of the Shepherds had donned an extra layer or some sort of coat for the cold weather. Lissa was wrapped snugly in a yellow blanket cuffed with white fur that matched her hair nicely. She sat between Miriel and Sully. Sumia sat next to them, while Vaike, Virion, and Stahl sat on the opposite side.

If one stopped to listen they would hear the cry of some distant animal, or the rustling of branches. The princess tightened her shawl around her shoulders. "As long as it's not bear meat, rabbits, or more boiled tubers I think I can live."

"It's better than jerky every day, I guess," Sumia said.

"Lissa's not putting up a fuss over dinner?" Sully asked as she adjusted a spearhead on its shaft. "Now I'm worried. The trip must be wearing on you, huh kid?"

The Princess squinted her eyes. "I'm not a little kid, Sully. Maybe I grew out of it."

"...Wasn't that just yesterday when you were upset about eating roots?" Vaike asked.

"Was not!" Lissa said. "I'm much more mature than I was then. I think the march has been a good experience for me." She said with an upturned chin.

"...Kid you know how much I believe that?" Sully asked. Robin noticed a small shadow skit across the ground behind the campfire. Said shadow, most likely a squirrel, ran for the light-source, realized its mistake, skid to a stop, bumped into the burning firewood, and dashed at the princess. Lissa screamed and jumped to her feet as the little animal dashed over her seat and ran back into the wood with a small trail of smoke following it.

"Not one bit, that's how much," Sully finished.

The color in Lissa's face rose as Virion chortled softly. "Oh come on…!" She said through grit teeth. "Don't tell me that wasn't weird. It tried to attack me!"

"It was just scared, Lissa," Stahl said. "Animals are like that. It probably came this way before we set up camp. Small animals always run back the way they came when they get spooked."

"Even when it's real stupid," Sully added as she gestured to the fire. "Hope none of the wolves or bears around here like grilled squirrel. That guy's probably not long for the world."

"Wolves and bears?" Lissa asked hurriedly as she sat back down. Her elbow caught the edge of a book Miriel was reading and nearly sent it into the campfire. Miriel found her page and muttered something under her breath as she readjusted her lenses atop her nose. "...Those don't live around here, do they?" Another skittering sound elicited a yelp from Lissa, who clung to Miriel's arm. The scholar grumbled once more.

Sully shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about 'em. Most animals are smart enough not to get close to so many people. Besides… there's worse things to worry about out here."

Sully said it so idly and calmly that at first Robin wasn't sure if she was kidding or not. Stahl cocked his head in her direction.

"...What do you mean?" Lissa asked carefully. "Oh, you mean the Risen right?"

Sully turned to the Princess, her bright eyes glinting from the campfire. "Oh no. I mean worse."

Stahl hung his head and Lissa frowned, but she squeezed Miriel harder. "Quit it, Sully."

"I'm serious. Haven't you heard of what like to hide up here in the mountains? The Risen are a bunch of chumps compared to them."

"...Heard of what?" Lissa ventured.

"Sully…!" Stahl whispered.

Sully held up a hand to her viridian friend and peered about the clearing. "Oh you know… wyverns that wander over the border to snatch up kids and sheep, talking animals that lure travelers astray, that sort of thing."

"Now I know you're just making stuff up." Lissa pouted and loosened her grip. "People say all kinds of things just to scare each other." Another set of paws skittered across the clearing and gave the group pause. Robin would never admit to it, but he too was a little uneasy at that point.

Sully nodded. "Maybe. Maybe. ...But I didn't say anything yet about Shapeshifters."

Lissa's eyes widened. "Shapeshifters?"

"She's making it up, Miss Lissa," Sumia said as she rested a hand on her chin and closed her eyes.

"I don't care if it's real or not!" Lissa said. "Just stop. This stuff freaks me out."

Sully smiled. "Oh, they're real. Trust me. People 'round here have seen 'em with their own two eyes. One moment, they're a person… the next they're a hulking beast.

"I knew a guy who took the Northroad last summer. He was riding home one night and tried to help some lady lost on the road. He got off his horse to meet her on foot, but before he could see how she looked... she vanished. He took maybe five seconds to look for her before turning around. Next thing he knew he had lost his horse to a pair of glowing red eyes in the trees. Too dark to see the whole body. Dragged it away right in front of him…"

"Sully!" Lissa whined.

"In fact…" Sully cast a glance behind her. "If I remember right… It was around here. This same side of the road." Sully stood up and stepped away from the fire, still holding on to her spear.

Lissa whined again.

"I don't wanna say we're in danger but… you should never let your guard down. Especially out in the woods- especially when the sun's not up." Lissa buried her face in Miriel's sleeve. "Never know what you may find out here, or what may find you…"

Sully went silent for a moment. Lissa opened one eye and peeked over where Sully once sat. "...Hey…" She looked at the others. "Where'd you go? Sully?!"

"Ha!" A pair of red eyes materialized in front of Lissa's face and sent her reeling back. She cried out and leapt into Miriel, who finally dropped her book to the ground.

The red eyes reflected madly off of the campfire as a tiny, shrewd voice shrieked and trembled with terror. Amidst it all was Sully's hearty laughter.

"Relax, kid, it's just a bunny-rabbit!" Sully held her spear in one hand and the ball of white fur in the other. Its eyes gawked, its ears drooped, and its entire body shook. "Poor guy was wandering around lost, like the squirrel. Ain't no monsters lurking around here."

"Why do you always do this when we're camping?!" Lissa cried out - beads of tears formed at the corners of her eyes. "Royal knights aren't supposed to be mean to the princess! Or make up stories about monsters and bears just to scare me… Or bully poor little rabbits!"

"It's just a joke, kid!" Sully said as she scooped the rabbit into her arms. "Lighten up a little!"

"It wasn't very nice," Stahl affirmed.

"And things were relatively quieter half a moment ago," Virion added. The rabbit's shrieking had died down, but its constant whining and chirping was quite grating.

Robin cleared his throat, which had grown very dry over the course of Sully's story. "Well at least she admitted the whole Shapeshifter thing was a joke."

"Shapeshifters are real," Miriel said as she dusted off her book.

"Wait, what?!" Lissa's eyes widened.

Miriel nodded. "I suppose I should say were real. We have historical records of such beings with strange powers, entire tribes and civilizations in fact. The likes of which supposedly have lived in Archanae. Alas, such creatures are long gone, dead or otherwise. The last records were a paltry few from the time of the First Exalt. The chances of meeting any of them out here in the woods today is horrendously miniscule - thus Sully's tall tale."

"Yeah, but here's the thing!" Sully gripped the rabbit in one hand as she pointed excitedly back at the trees. "I really did know a guy who lost a horse out here! He brought a town guard with him and they found pawprints that didn't match any animal from the area!"

"I don't doubt his hardship, but that detail does sound like a ruse."

"He ain't no liar! I even knew the horse! And this was before the Risen, mind you."

"Sully…?" Sumia whispered.

"Maybe one or more of those things really is still out there!"

"Sully." Sumia said in a slightly louder voice.

"Is such a thing any concern of a Shepherd?" Miriel asked.

"Who cares?!" Sully said as she shook her catch about. "Am I really the only one who finds this sort of thing exciting! I mean, rest in peace for the poor horse, but-"

"Sully!" Sumia said again. She gripped her two hands together as she pursed her lips. "I think your rabbit stopped moving." She finished quietly.

"...What did she say?" Lissa asked.

Sully froze. "Um…" She looked down at the shape in her hands. The shrieking had stopped completely. Her eyes widened. She shook it once. "Um… Ah! Dammit, not again."

"What's wrong with it?" Lissa asked. Miriel suddenly gripped the Princess's shoulder and guided her down to her book.

"Milady, would you help me with this passage, please? I've ascertained a few healing runes and I know not how to read them."

"...Sure? I guess…" Lissa peered down at the manuscript as Sully looked both ways. She considered the now limp ball of fluff in her hands before she ran over to Chrom and Frederick. Robin sighed and wrapped his coat tighter against the chill.

Lissa seemed too distracted to hear Sully call out to their captain and lieutenant. "Hey, Frederick? You still want meat for the stew?!"

Emmeryn hadn't been kidding about the cold. It was bearable at first - a chilly morning or two was quickly alleviated come noontime when the sun bore overhead and warmed the air. Now amidst the ever thickening wood and the rising elevation of the approaching Feroxi mountain range, even the sun wouldn't bring relief from the crisp air for much longer. They had crossed the Ylissean border the other day and left most of the warmth behind them.

Robin found himself wearing his gloves at all times and tying down every strap on the front of his coat. His fingers grew stiff and unresponsive which made simple tasks like reading books or writing in his journal a pain. Chrom and the others had assured him that this was normal faire for the cold.

Robin would often ride in whichever wagon was assigned to Soren; his steed from the march. Soren was disciplined enough to stay on the path and follow Frederick, or whichever carriage was in the lead, and often Robin could slip into the back and rest atop the cargo being carried. Presently he leaned against a crate and took notes in his journal as he peered from the back and watched the others ride.

Stahl and Vaike manned a single cart, per usual thus far, and Lissa would usually ride with Miriel. Chrom and his steed pulled a cart that usually trailed Frederick atop Gwendolyn - Sully's cart was left at the town and now she rode her horse. Virion also rode his own steed, and Lissa's pony trailed the last cart in the train.

Presently Chrom, Sully and Sumia rode side by side. Chrom rode at his wagon's helm, sandwiching Sumia and her new Pegasus between Sully, the latter of whom was still receiving a harsh verbal lashing from her friend.

"What did the poor thing ever do to you?" Sumia wailed. "It was just lost and scared by all of the people and you had to tear it from the ground just for a cheap joke?!"

"Listen, listen! Do you honestly think I woke up this morning, got dressed, did my hair and thought to myself 'Y'know what? It's been a while, I'm gonna go kill a rabbit'?!"

"Well you certainly didn't care enough to stop and think before you broke its back and made it supper."

"I didn't frikkin break it's back! It had a heart attack! Bunnies have 'em all the time. And don't act all high and mighty about the lunch thing, you ate the damn soup too!"

Sumia shut her eyes and turned away. "And I hated every second of it." She said with a shrug of one shoulder. She peered one eye open back at her friend. "I bet you'd care a lot more if we had to stop and eat a horse. How would you feel if we had poor Lance for dinner?"

Chrom was resting his chin on his palm and chuckled - quietly he listened. Robin was rather amused himself. He didn't think Sumia had it in her to be this angry - he'd seen her upset but never quite like this. It was refreshing in a way.

Sully protectively held her steed's neck. "I'd hate it - Sis, I'm not an animal hater or nothing - I love horses..." Sully reared back as her friend suddenly turned back at her.

"That's not the point." Sumia struck Sully's unarmored shoulder once, twice… four times. "You gotta be gentler! With! Smaller animals! Sully! -Woah!"

Abruptly Sumia's Pegasus dashed forward and away from the others. It flapped its wings once. It veered to the side of the road and spread its wingspan once more. For the first time in his life Robin got to see a Pegasus take off from the ground. It wasn't quite like how a bird would beat the ground first and fly away - instead the Pegasus worked itself to a running start and began beating its wings in rhythm with its ever increasing velocity. Though its hooves continued beating, gradually it ascended at an angle and rose into the sky.

It maintained an altitude of about fifteen feet before it shook its head and began to slink to the ground below. It overtook Frederick from the air and landed in the middle of the road, in front of the entire wagon train.

Sumia patted the Pegasus' neck. "Bel? Belfire, what was that all about? Didja smell something?" Frederick approached with Gwendolyn and eased her into a stop. The other wagons stopped one by one. Sumia blushed lightly as everyone set eyes on her. "Um… I guess she got a little excited."

"She was probably sick of the conversation too," Sully grumbled.

"That was quite the feat considering her injury. Do you think she's ready to fly again, Sumia?" Frederick asked.

The girl shook her head. "Oh no, that was nothing. She was just stretching her wings - she'd be going much faster if she was back to normal. Her leg's better now but she's still not going to fly very far with it."

"Then perhaps once she's calmed down we should continue with the march. We should be avoiding as many setbacks as possible."

Sumia nodded sheepishly. "Y-yes, of course." She tugged at the Pegasus' reins. "C'mon Belfire, this way…" she soothed. The horse moved its head at her pull but its hooves remained planted in the ground.

Robin peaked his head out from his wagon. "What made her take off like that?" He called over.

"Pegasi are attuned to their riders," Frederick said. "She was most likely reacting to the… outburst."

The color in Sumia's face absolutely flushed with embarrassment as she turned down to her horse and pretended to straighten out its mane with her hand. The horse's eyes remained trained on the road ahead of them as she shook out her wings once more.

Chrom dismounted and approached Sumia and her steed. "Here, maybe I can help." He walked closer and held out his hand. "I see you decided on a name," Chrom said. He reached out his hand to the steed. "Er… You heard her, this way." The horse snorted and drew back from the prince. He let out a sigh. "And she still doesn't like me that much."

"Oh I wouldn't say that…" Sumia whispered as she tugged at the reins once more. "Something's bothering her for some reason… it's not you! I don't think so anyway."

"Maybe I should stand behind her. That may drive her back." The prince suggested with a smile, and Sumia giggled softly.

Somebody screamed. A stranger's voice wailed echoed through the trees to the east of the road. Belfire reared back on her hind legs and cried out.

"Did you hear that?" Chrom gasped.

"Sumia, calm your horse and let's get back to the march!" Frederick called. "We need to get moving before something comes along and—" A familiar raspy howl interrupted him. "Ah, hell…"

Robin ran from his wagon and pointed to the trees further down the road. "There, three 'o clock!" He shouted.

Approximately ten feet from Sumia and her steed, on the side of the road, bordered by trees, two shapes emerged.

One was a young woman in a green traveling tunic with dark red hair and with iron spear in hand- the other was the hulking shape of a Risen fighter. Another vicious growl echoed from its ashen mask as it groped the air behind the woman as she ran.

"God's sake — do you ever give up?!" The woman cried. She turned in her stride to land a slash with her spear. It struck the creature's shoulder and slowed its assault. She locked eyes with Chrom when she resumed her escape and ran to him. "Don't just stand there! Help!"

Chrom didn't need to be told twice. Hand on the hilt of his blade, the prince ducked his head and made a mad dash for the Risen. He quickly passed the woman and faced the creature head on. He drew his sword and held it to his side. The Risen hissed as the blade cleft the side of its stomach. Chrom planted his foot into the ground and skid in a sharp turn behind the creature - his sword was driven into a mighty turn that sliced the creature in two. Miasma spewed as the two halves as the Risen crumpled to the ground and disintegrated. Chrom wiped his blade and stowed it once more into his sheath.

The woman's stride completely fell apart, and her last couple of steps brought her to her knees, she remained there for a few minutes as the Shepherds gathered around her. She lowered her head and dug her fingers into the cold earth - her hair hung over head as her shoulders heaved up and down. One arm of her tunic had its sleeve torn off, and her skin was covered in cuts and scrapes from running through the trees.

"What's going on?" Lissa asked as she hovered behind Robin. "What happened? ...Haven't I seen her somewhere before?"

"Miriel!" Frederick called over. "Fetch a vulnerary and a skin of wine!"

"I… don't… phew…" The lady said in between breaths. "I don't need anything…" she declared. Miriel quickly arrived with the two articles Frederick requested. She handed the wine to Frederick and the vulnerary to Robin.

The tactician knelt down and held the lady's shoulder's still as Frederick brought the wine skin to her lips. She sputtered once but quickly downed several gulps. She gripped the skin and pulled it from her face, then turned away and exhaled.

"That oughta clear your throat," the knight said.

"Feeling any better?" Robin asked. "What happened? Why were you being chased by that thing? Haven't you heard about the monsters?"

The lady shook her head in frustration. "Look who's talking! I could ask the same thing of you and your group — wait, you guys aren't with the Feroxi company are ya? Ah, forget that! Asking questions back and forth… I'm not the one who needs help! My mates are the ones trapped in the woods!"

"Calm down, calm down," Chrom said as he drew near. "Just tell us everything that happened."

"Gladly! Gods…" The lady dusted herself off and gripped her spear. The other Shepherds made a small circle as the lady told her story.

"...Have we met before?" Chrom asked.

The lady shook her head. "The name's Anna. Traveling merchant. Maybe ya heard of me, maybe not - doesn't matter. Here's the deal: me and my pal were making our way south on a business trip with some mates of ours - three of 'em, nice guys but can't hold a sword to save their lives, just along for the ride, you know how it goes.

"We all scored big around the Feroxi border and were heading home to cash in. Either we'd go to Ylisstol or make a stop at Hengehaven; big ol' establishment off to the side, popular checkpoint for travelers."

Anna took the vulnerary from Robin, poured a drop onto her hand and started rubbing her scrapes - wincing a little as she did so.

"The plan was to head straight to Ylisstol to avoid any chance encounters - rumors kept piling up about bandits, Plegians, and then there were said talks of monsters."

"The Risen!" Robin said. "How long have people been talking about them if I may ask?"

"Gee… been about… since last week or so? I heard a Valmese or two say something about monsters but I figured they were just talking about all the unrest…" The lady shook her head. "Ah! Back on track! We needed to keep our wares safe and we were looking to a big profit this time around. So we booked it all night in our wagon, till about an hour from dawn those glowing-eyed freaks knocked over our wagon and killed our horses."

Anna stopped to squeeze another mouthful of drink from the wine skin before continuing.

"At our pal's recommendation we sought out Hengehaven for… well, haven, but right as we pulled up they - done locked the gate on us! Wouldn't let anyone in. So now my mates are holed up in some cave on the edge of the forest while those things are prowling about with no way to defend themselves - I'm only here because Jake made me run for help. I know he can hold his own in a fight so I ain't too worried about him, but the others needed help, so I took off, got chased by a Risen or two, and here we are." Anna let out a long exhale after her story was finished and stopped to catch her breath.

"And what sort of wares, pray tell, were you willing to brave the night for?" Frederick asked, wary as ever.

Anna held out her hands as she recovered. " 'Called a Seraph Robe. Folded into a square about yea big. Supposed to have magical properties or whatever. We got no use for it, but Ylissean scholars eat that stuff up."

"You have it with you?" Frederick pressed.

Anna shook her head. "Nah, I left it there with him. I love gold as much as the next girl but I wasn't about to run off with the package while he dealt with a bunch of zombies." The woman tsked to herself. "Speaking of which— I told you everything down to the last bloody detail. Do you believe me now? I can see at least a couple of your guys can fight, so do ya think you can spare some of your men to help me out? We're talking three dead guys if we don't hurry!"

"...Mhm…" Frederick pondered for a moment, which elicited an exasperated sigh from the lady. The knight drew away and stepped over to Chrom.

"What do you make of this?" The prince asked. His voice was calm, but his hands trembled as one clenched itself over and over again, and the other kneaded at the Falchion's hilt.

"Very strange. Hengehaven, if I'm remembering right, is renowned for its hospitality. To think they'd turn travelers away…"

"Hengehaven… I'm almost positive I was there once before, on one of Emmeryn's pilgrimages north. They were warm and inviting then, so this is all very strange. Then again people do strange things when they're afraid. Ylisstol was no different ten years ago."

"True."

"I certainly wouldn't put it past them to be afraid of the Risen, but still…"

"If her story is completely as she says it is," Frederick said. "Either way, humoring her will take precious time- our battle at the bridge cost us nearly a whole day's worth of travel, and we just spent a day with the wagon at our last stop."

"Are we really going to ignore another possible case of the Risen?"

The two's conversation was interrupted by a loud noise. A sack of gold was promptly dropped to the ground by Anna. "There. A bullion. All I have on me. That's for the wine… assuming whoever is in charge wants to sortee out a squad to help my friends."

Vaike scratched his head. "A whole bullion?...That's a lot of money. ...Right?"

"Emmeryn gave us three of those for the whole trip - both ways," Sully said as she eyed the bag of coins. "So yeah, it's a fair amount."

Anna locked eyes with Chrom once more. "Either you lot help me out or I take the gold back and find somebody else. I don't throw gold on the ground for no reason."

Frederick crossed his arms as he regarded his prince once more. "Milord, I speak only to be rational. Emmeryn is waiting for us to meet with the Khans."

"To speak with them about the Risen," Chrom affirmed. "What sort of message would we deliver if we turned away from the very problem we're trying to solve?"

"Assuming the delays don't make the problem worse?"

Chrom let out an uneasy sigh. "...Frederick… I am doing this for Emm, but there are some things that she can't do out here. I need to do what she can't. My heart says we should go."

"And what about your head?" The knight asked. "Will it sway your decision at all?" Chrom's brow was set. His eyes were on Anna and he didn't turn back to his knight. "...Is there any point in me asking?"

"Not really."

A wave of relief seemed to pass over the other Shepherds, and Frederick was forced to concede. "...Very well. How far is Hengehaven from here?" Frederick asked Anna.

"About an hour and a half on foot."

"Then we should get there in no time on horseback." Frederick turned to the others, who straightened themselves. "It appears we'll be taking a brief detour after all. Lissa, Sumia? You two tether the wagons and get the horses moving again. Everyone else is coming with Milord and I."

They had to ride in pairs on the horses that were available. Anna rode with Chrom, Robin with Sully, Vaike with Stahl, Miriel with Virion, and Frederick rode alone. The remaining horses were distributed among the wagons to keep the train going, however slowly.

Lissa wanted to come along and help but Frederick and Chrom ruled against it. Robin was told later that they'd rather not have several dead bodies on her conscience in case they arrived too late. They brought along as much medicine as they could carry, most of which was stowed in Frederick's saddle.

Their horses beat down a dirt path that split east ways from the main road. They followed a twisting and turning trail of trees and bushes for maybe twenty minutes. Chrom rode in the lead.

"How much further?" The prince asked his passenger.

"Not five minutes! I can already make out the clearing. Hengehaven is to the north, and my friends will be further east."

"And no sign of the Risen yet," Virion added. "Not even a sound."

"It appears they've always been good at masking their presence till the last minute," Frederick said. He managed a glance back at Robin, who clung for dear life to Sully's waist as her horse sped along behind his.

"Robin!" The knight called behind him. Robin's squinted eyes peeked open. "We've already another unexpected assignment on our hands, and we intend to make full use of our tactician. Are you prepared? Have you braced yourself?"

Robin laughed nervously. "I'm braced, trust me. I don't have a choice." Sully seemed to accidentally jab her elbow in the direction of his face and clock his nose. Robin let one arm free and held his face.

"I'm serious, Robin!" Frederick called again. "We won't have an entire open field to maneuver in - it may be much like our first fight in the woods."

"The village should be in a clearing right?" Robin called over. "I'm thinking if we can keep the fighting out of the trees we should be fine."

"Our priority would be miss Anna's friends!" Frederick declared. "We may have no less than three unarmed bystanders on the field; they are to be protected at all costs!"

"...Yessir."

The party drew near to a hillside that overlooked the clearing where Hengehaven lay, nestled against a wall of trees to the far northeast. Though the sun rose, the day only seemed to lose color and grow gray. The bright evergreens brilliantly contrasted the browns and grays of the earth below. Frederick looked up to the sky and let out a huff. Robin followed his gaze and made out several dark specks in the sky. They descended slowly. Against the sky they appeared dim and gray, but against any other color they appeared white.

"Is that…"

"Snow," the knight said. "Brilliant."

"I thought it only snows when it's cold?"

"When the sky above is cold enough, it falls as it pleases," the knight said. "We'll be looking at mud and soaked trees very soon."

Chrom scanned the vicinity. "Your companions are holed up somewhere eastward correct?" He asked Anna.

The merchant pointed. "I ran along that path on my way out. Follow that and we should find em."

They did as Anna said, and as they drew closer they began to pick up a certain familiar sound. A collective shuffling of leathery skin, crunchy joints and puffs of miasma. A light groaning accompanied all of this. Their speeding down the hills into the clearing slowed to a trot as the party carefully advanced.

"There's definitely Risen nearby," Virion said. "But where? Just beyond the trees? Hiding?"

"They could be stalking us…" Stahl whispered. "They may already know we're here."

"Bring it on, then!" Vaike said harshly. "I wanna get this over with."

"All of you, shush!" Anna said sharply. "We're close enough. I ain't your commander and I glean you guys have dealt with these things before, but I'd recommend dismounting about now. Wouldn't want your rides back getting chopped up for no reason— and these guys know how to kill horses."

The Shepherds complied, and sans Stahl, Sully, and Frederick, everyone dismounted and readied their weapons. Robin fumbled at his thunder tome - the cold made it harder to turn pages than he would've liked. Miriel seemed to have no issue and carried a bright blue wind tome at her side with no gloves from the cold whatsoever. Vaike eyed the book.

"Wind? Really? That's the one spell I never understood. What, yer gonna blow in my face or something? Real scary."

"Air abscessation, Vaike, is indeed very frightening - human or not I'd wager." She said as she adjusted her lenses.

"...Obsessed with what now?"

"Fer Gods' sakes, quiet!" Anna called back.

"Listen!" Chrom said as he held up his hand. "...They're not just shuffling about… they're headed in the same direction."

Robin nodded. "Sounds like… to our right?"

Their attention was seized by a scream. Anna's face paled. The group abandoned all care and ran down the incline to the east. The ground leveled out; they had reached the clearing proper. They broke through a line of trees. Against the gray skies they could clearly make out the barricaded town to the north, the odd tree and bush along the ground, and the shuffling mass of bodies moving up from the south.

The Risen army numbered maybe two dozen, and they consisted of mostly spear men and axe fighters, much like the swarm at the bridge. Their weapons were iron and bronze. They congregated about the eastern forest wall.

"Are they following something or are they fighting something?" Stahl asked.

Virion tapped Robin's shoulder and pointed. "I see it! The flash of a blade! Someone is holding their ground against them!"

"Jake!" Anna cried. "The moron, he was supposed to stay put!"

Chrom drew his blade. "I suppose that's all we need to know. Robin?"

"Right. Stahl and Sully, I want you guys to charge ahead and take the group from opposite sides. Try and break through to Anna's friends. Virion and Miriel will provide covering fire. Me, and Chrom and Vaike will engage the Risen directly. And Frederick you'll be-"

"Taking point?"

"If you would, please."

The knight grumbled to himself in response.

"Any questions?" Chrom called. "None? Then let's move! Shepherds, to arms!"

With a great shout they dashed into the clearing. "Jake?!" Anna called. "Hang in there, we're coming!"

The Risen were quick to realize the opposing army charging at them. Their congregation began to disperse in an attempt to cut off their attackers. Sully and Stahl thundered past their defenses on their horses and landed strikes with their sword and spear as they ran.

Virion notched arrows and let them fly skyward. "Heads up!" He'd shout. Stahl and Sully deftly stayed out of his range, and the arrows he let fly would strike each and every one of his targets, often finishing off any enemy that the two hadn't felled.

The Risen came together and met with Frederick and the others. A Risen fighter brought an axe against Gwendolyn's armor, which knocked her to the side but failed to stagger her. Frederick reached over with his spear and stabbed the creature's face, killing it. Two Risen ran past the Great Knight to engage the other fighters. Robin readied a thunder spell and knocked one off its feet and into the soft earth. Chrom drove his blade into its chest to dispatch it, and quickly removed it to catch the arm of another Risen running past him.

Vaike raised his axe and brought it down on the Risen's opposite shoulder, and with a kick he sent it flying backwards, unmoving.

Virion noticed an oncoming group that had evaded their front line and headed straight for him and Miriel. "M-miss Miriel?" He asked.

"Already on top of it," the mage answered as she paged her tome open. She readied a wind spell and cast it at the oncoming group. First came a heavy gust of air, but once they met the projectile of wind magic they were driven apart as though struck by a solid object. One managed to crawl back to its feet, but was quickly sniped by Virion.

Sully and Stahl made multiple runs against the main group of Risen; hitting and running with their weapons, chipping away at their numbers little by little. Stahl quickly identified the dark haired man, also dressed in green, wielding a steel sword. His stance was solid but his breathing was heavy and hard.

"Hang in there!" Sully called over the clamor. "Cavalry's here, just hold on a bit longer and we'll get you out of here!"

"Never mind me!" The hoarse voice called back. He pointed north back towards the village. "I sent the others running that way! After 'em and get em away before the monsters catch them!"

"I got this, Sully!" Stahl called. "Tell Robin!"

At the moment, Robin and Vaike were back to back against a trio of Risen spear men. Their boots dug into the fresh mud as the snow settled and melted. Vaike had the advantage here, but the monster's range kept him from rushing in for a quick blow. "Ogre's teeth…"

Robin desperately turned for a page of runes from his time, but his stiff, sweaty hands failed him over and over. He contorted his back to avoid a stabbing spearhead, which sent him to his knees. The cold mud bled through his pants and against his legs, and it was not pleasant.

"Get a shot in so I can whack'em!" Vaike demanded.

"Ah… Blast it all!" Robin stowed his tome away and drew his sword. "I can't cast spells like this!" He made a ducking charge for his opponent and landed a strike on its chest. He caught its dilapidated metal chest piece and carved a hole into its chest.

Vaike followed up with a two handed swing that sliced its hip and took its legs off. Miasma spewed from the open wounds as it disintegrated.

Vaike cheered for his kill, but was struck in the back by another spear. He yelped and made a blind swing in response, which broke his opponent's weapon. Robin managed to knock off its other arm, and Vaike eschewed his axe entirely to simply grip the creature's head with his large hand and deliver a debilitating headbutt with his skull. Its head gave way like an overripe melon and deflated in his grip.

"Ogre's teeth that hurt…" The fighter growled.

"Can you still fight?" Robin asked. "You're kind of bleeding like a stuck pig."

Vaike reached and touched his wound and drew back a red hand. His eyes narrowed concernedly. "...Eh. Just toss me a vulnerary and I'll be fine."

Robin drew a vial from his belt and handed it to Vaike.

"Robin! Chrom!" Sully called as she charged back from her offensive.

Anna and Chrom were side by side with their weapons drawn - having already dispatched a small rabble that made made it past Frederick.

"The guy says they're separated! The other three of em are running back to Hengehaven!"

Anna scoffed. "They gates are locked up tight, do they think a second time around will be different?!"

"It's probably the safest they'll be if the Risen are still focused on Jake," Robin affirmed.

"As long as that lasts," Sully said. "He says we need to round 'em up before the Risen get wise and realize what's happening."

Just as the words left her mouth the swarm of Risen began to boil and split. A small few stayed to deal with Jake, while most of them detached and began heading north.

Chrom swore and called over to Robin. "What should we do?"

Robin looked back at Stahl and Frederick. Stahl continued his hit and run without Sully, while Frederick slowly plowed a way forward through the enemy line - Risen bodies fell left and right before him.

"I… Think most of us can handle this. We'll leave a couple here to help Jake, but we'll need at least a rider and a fighter to meet up with the others. If we can reach them first they should suffice in keeping any pursuing Risen away, and the rest of us will slow down the ones that have broken away." Robin looked back at Chrom. "Frederick should probably go after them. These Risen don't seem that strong, and he is carrying the medicine."

"I'll go with him," Chrom added. "I'd like to speak with the people of Hengehaven if I can."

Then Robin turned back to Virion. "Hey! Any sign of three guys running for the town?!" He called.

"Aye, Sir Robin, I see them now, hugging the clearing's edge." The archer responded. "I also spy one or two Risen already on their tails. Shall I engage?"

"Snipe any that you can, but stay put! Help the effort here. Miriel, you're heading north with Chrom and Frederick! As for Sully and..."

A strange sound interrupted Robin's planning. An ethereal, rupturing cry of sorts broke through the Risen ranks. Chrom saw its source; a Risen stallion, spewing the dank smoke from its nostrils as it slowly exited the cover of the forest. It's rider wore black, charred cavalier armor, complete with its pointed visor and bony ridge along the top. Red wiry hair spilled from the back of the helmet, creating a sort of plume.

"...That's a Chief!" Robin gasped. Frederick warily paused in his assault. The creature guided its steed slowly and surely in Jake's direction. The other Risen backed away and headed north, leaving Jake alone to face the creature.

"And it's heading into the fray!" Chrom said as he readied Falchion.

Anna gripped his shoulder before he could dash off. "No! Listen, your job is to help our customers. That 'Chief' is just one guy, but the others are rushing for three guys that can't even fight! Have your men grab em, I got Jake."

"I don't like those odds," the Prince said. He looked to Robin, whose face had gone pale at the sight of the Chief. "Robin! Help Miss Anna, I got the others!"

Sully strode to Robin's side and roused him by butting him with her spear. "Y-yeah, of course! We got this."

"Good. Frederick!" Chrom ran to Gwendolyn and climbed into the saddle behind Frederick.

"Understood, milord." The knight called to the remaining Shepherds and had them converge on him and Chrom.

Once that was settled, Anna ran for it. The Chief raised a barbed spear into the air and struck at Jake, who deflected with a swipe from his sword. It swung its weapon at him and struck his leg, adding to his many cuts. It raised the weapon above its head to bring it down on the weary traveler, but was knocked away by a charging Stahl. His sword dug into the side of the undead horse and brought it to a halt. Jake managed to creep back as he held his bleeding leg.

"Ya dolt!" Anna cried as she ran to him with a vulnerary. "You said you'd stay put!"

"I said I'd do what I could, and then that thing found us," he growled. "'Bout an hour ago it drove us out and into the woods. I decided the best bet was to run past the town and back onto the road." He seethed as the healing liquid was applied to his cuts. "I was hoping the woods would slow em down enough, but there were more waiting out here. Then I told them to run for it."

Sully joined Stahl in the engagement and traded blows with the creature. Stahl attempted to cut in with his sword, but the Chief deflected his swipes with its bare hand as it attacked Sully with its spear.

"Damned fool," Anna said as she shook her head.

"Nice to see you too."

"Don't give me that!" She cried. "That's twice in a row you told someone else to make a run for it! What would've happened if I never came back? How am I supposed to feel about that?" Her friend wasn't responding. She pointed to his sack, which no doubt still carried the Seraph Robe. "You woulda died on the biggest sale you'd ever seen in your life! Don't you think ahead about anything?! Yer a merchant, dammit!"

Jake locked eyes with her. "...Maybe I don't only care about money."

A cry from Robin diverted their attention. The tactician had engaged with the creature, but its barbed spearhead clawed into his hand and wrenched his sword away from him. The wanderer hastened to get his thunder tome ready for a spell, but the Risen Horse reared back and knocked him in the head with a hoof.

The tactician stumbled about, his consciousness waning. Sully and Stahl shouted after him and tried to drive the Chief back, only to be struck about by a spinning swipe from the Chief's spear.

Anna readied her own weapon and left Jake's side to land a hit on the rider's leg. She was kicked back into Jake's arms, who had rushed over. The Chief prepared for another strike with its weapon.

"No…!" Robin managed one spell that glanced the steed's leg. It stumbled about. Robin flashed a pleased grin at his prey, but then their eyes met. Slowly its steed mounted into a gallop and charged for the tactician. He should have moved but his legs were frozen. The air was chilly and his hair was soaked from the constant snowfall, but he broke out into a sweat.

Kill… Our mission… your mission…!

For a split instant, the barrelling creatures weren't mere undead horse and possessed rider - they were replaced by an image from long ago that rose from the depths of his subconscious. It was a being of pure evil. It rode atop a dark armored stallion. It was covered head to toe in black armor. Six, glowing red eyes blazed at him. A clawed hand gripped a demonic blade and swung it about in the air, right towards him.

It was Jake who broke Robin's trance by bashing into the seemingly unstoppable rider with his sword. It's stride was shaken, but in short order it delivered a blow to Jake's shoulder that sent him reeling. Robin cried out to him but was quickly met with the creature's armored boot. It made contact with his temple and sent him tumbling into the mud.

The image left as quickly as it had appeared. The last thing Robin saw before he lost consciousness was the Chief reaching down and clutching Jake by the neck. The tactician's mind faded to black as the merchant was hoisted into the air and dangled above the muck.

Easy prey for a Risen is as follows; any unarmed person. Easier prey; an unarmed prone person. A well-placed shot from a Risen Spearman's javelin was all it took to bring one of the three pieces of prey to the ground, nearly in front of the town gates, ready for a quick and easy dispatch. And then they would do the same to the other two.

Chrom wasn't about to make this easy for the Risen. As soon as the traveller hit the gravel path from the Javelin strike, Chrom had Frederick gallop at full speed to cut off the Risen horde. Vaike was no match for the horse's speed, but he managed to get the monster's attention by plowing through the middle of their group and disrupting their charge. Miriel and Virion provided covering fire for the fighter as he swung his axe about with abandon.

Chrom slid off the saddle the moment Frederick met with the man and pulled a vulnerary from the saddle. "Chrom of Ylisse, at your service," he said as he knelt down. "Let's have a look at that." The prince undid his glove to apply the medicine. Once the other two saw that the Risen had been stopped, they ran back to meet their friend.

"Gods above bless your hearts!" One said in a joyful voice, close to tears.

"That's miss Anna for you!" the other said. "She's a miracle maker. I didn't think we'd ever see her again, let alone riding with the Shepherds! You are the Chrom, aren't you?"

"Indeed."

"Did you think to appeal to the town?" Frederick asked.

"Nay, we'd hope to run back the way we came. Out here was no good," the wounded one said. "First they barred their gates to us, then those things went and attacked Jake. We didn't want to abandon him but he-"

A triumphant cry from a Risen alerted them to the oncoming horde. Vaike and the others had held them off, but not completely. They were starting to break away and close in.

Chrom rose to his feet. "We'll take care of this. Run, find someplace to hide!"

"Understood!" The two ran to help their friend to his feet. "We'll make this up to you if we survive, we swear!"

Frederick still followed Robin's command and took the brunt of the surge. He swung his spear into one Risen's chest and bashed it into its companions. Chrom followed up with a shoulder bash that crippled a large fighter Risen's left side. A slash to the neck from Falchion killed it.

A lone Risen wised up to Miriel and her magical attacks, so it detached from the onslaught and tried to make a beeline for the mage. Vaike noticed too late and ran to help her, but just before the creature could land a direct hit with its spear, it was blown asunder by a well-placed blast of wind. A misplaced arm and most of its brittle ribcage landed next to Vaike.

The fighter just kind of gawked at the Risen's destroyed body — his doubts about her choice in magical alignment had been mostly quelled. He caught the sound of another oncoming Risen and swung his axe to catch it in the arm, dug through its torso and cut it in half like an old dry log.

Chrom called out to him and dispatched a Risen spearmen to his left. Vaike responded by driving back another Risen with a kick. The two Shepherds stood back to back as the last of the Risen tried to swarm them.

"I got no less than half a dozen, you?" Chrom asked the fighter.

"Please, I stopped counting a long time ago."

"Miriel and the others say as much."

"Har har."

With a unious cry the Risen dashed forward with their claws and weapons raised. As they closed in they were piked by Falchion or crushed by Vaike's axe. Some leapt into the air in an attempt to land some kind of clumsy aerial attack, but these were sniped by Virion and were dead before they could hit the ground.

Frederick rode forward and found himself with an unwanted passenger that had latched unto his steed. Miriel blasted it off with a glancing blast of wind magic. Another spearman tried to close in on Miriel once more, but had its neck sliced open, courtesy of Virion and his dagger.

"This here's the last one!" Vaike shouted as he lunged at a lone Risen Axewielder. It held its own weapon in place and managed to parry a few blows from the fighter, until a slash from Falchion sliced its back open and sent it tumbling forward. Vaike brought his axe crashing down onto the creature's skull and it was dead.

Heaps of worn armor, crumpling flesh that seeped with miasma littered the battlefield. The clamor of battle still persisted elsewhere, telling them that there were still a few more to take care of.

"Class dismissed!" Vaike said proudly as he rested his axe against his shoulder. "They just couldn't take this much Vaike— OW!" He recoiled as Miriel ran her hand across his wound where the medicine had been applied.

The mage tsked to herself. "We will most definitely need Miss Lissa's help with this, unless marring your bare back with pale scars is part of the appeal?"

"Hell no, only where it counts," Vaike gestured weakly at the side of his face. "Yeah, I'd appreciate a checkup with the lil' princess before too long."

Chrom sighed once as he stowed the Falchion away. He spied the three travellers, huddled behind a set of bushes and trees. He waved to them and stepped forward. They got to their feet and ran to meet him and the others.

"Let's not pat ourselves on the back for too long," Frederick said as he looked back to the Risen Chief in the distance, still engaged with Stahl and Sully. "We must make haste and dispose of the leader."

It was just as the knight said so that a distant cry alerted them. Robin had been struck down by the Chief's steed, and the two Cavaliers were struggling to keep the creature at bay. "Quickly! Vaike, Miriel, Virion! Move!"

Chrom nodded, and the others took their leave, but then he heard a deep creaking sound. He turned to the town gates. A small crack had opened up between the large oaken doors, and a short, shrunken figure poked his head out.

The Prince took a deep breath and stepped forward. The villager was an old man, most likely an elder. His hair was silver with not a trace of color. Shaggy eyebrows and a large beard covered most of his face. A cane supported his aging slouch, and in his other hand he carried a strange bundle. He raised his cane once into the air as the Prince approached, followed by Frederick and the men. From inside the gate Chrom could see several figures huddled at the front, peering cautiously outside, wary of the distant sounds of battle.

"Ho, there!" The old man called. "Shepherds are always welcome here." Chrom felt a pit in his stomach. "Our thanks for taking care of those monsters, I'm not sure what we would've done… Here." He held out the bundle to Chrom. "We haven't much to offer, but this here's been blessed by the gods. It's sure to smite these fell creatures if you were to load an arrow into it."

The man let the canvas covering slip away and revealed an ornate, golden-colored bow. Blessed weapons were a make of tools well known to the prince - followers of Naga like the clergy and their war monks made great use of such tools to dispose of fell beasts and to fortify their allies. Some Blessed weapons were touted as being able to heal minor wounds just by being held.

Chrom was interested in none of this nor the weapon itself, not even how effective it may be against the Risen. The pit in his stomach had grown and churned. He clenched his fists over and over again.

"Tell me," Chrom said quietly as he turned sideways to the elder, exposing his companions. The elder's eyes fell upon the three men, and once they were recognized Chrom could see his countenance fall. "These men sought your help. You neither gave them such as this nor took them in. Even now your gates were closed to them until we came. They were left to die. I want to know why."

The silence was deafening. The elder's gaze gradually shifted away from Chrom. The elder studied the trees to the side of the clearing. "We… are a peaceful people, milord. We're of humble means; no weapons of our own, nor want for any. We'd stand no chance against those creatures. We couldn't risk letting those men into our midst and leading the creatures to us and ours… what little we have anyway."

Chrom was livid. A vein puffed atop his temple, his face was flush with frustration and anger. But then the prince spied a mother and daughter inside the gates. The daughter clung to her mother, and the woman regarded them with uncertainty. None of them looked on with malice or apathy in their eyes. They were just tired and wary.

The Elder held up the bow once more, and when Chrom didn't receive it, he daintily covered it again with its canvas, tied its string, and slowly crept back towards the gates.

"...It's not their fault, of course," the elder said hurriedly. "We take no joy in turning people away. We certainly don't hold it against them for trying. Desperate men you know… they don't think rationally, or of others."

Those were the elder's last words before the wooden gates were slammed shut.

Once more the Chief cried out in the distance.

"Milord?" Frederick asked.

Chrom let out a long, shaky breath as he finally relaxed his fists.

"...Think of others? Rational?! Desperate men indeed!" He growled. He kicked his boots at the gravel and knocked the mud and dirt off them. He turned around and stormed past Frederick and the travellers. "I've seen enough," he said. "Let's kill the Chief and get out of here."

The remaining Risen numbered less than five. Vaike easily tore through them, and the archer and mage picked off who he didn't kill. Chrom dashed next to Vaike once more and assisted in bringing a creature to the ground.

"Just a lil' longer," Vaike said as he winced. "Just let Robin and the others take care of the Chief and then…"

Vaike froze and pointed. Chrom was directed to Robin's prone body lying on the soft earth. "No!" The prince held his blade at his side and dashed away from the last of the Risen, but he was soon intercepted by the Chief himself, who had just triumphantly walked away from felling both cavaliers. Sully leaned against her horse and nursed a wounded shoulder, and Stahl had been knocked off his steed and into the bushes. One of Virion's arrows hung helplessly from the creature's shoulder. The Archer warily circled the Chief with dagger bared and a hurt arm of his own.

Nearly all of his men were down.

Chrom grit his teeth. His eyes blazed at the creature. "I've seen enough cruelty for one day!" He declared as he charged with Falchion. The Chief anticipated him and swung out with its barbed spear. It struck Chrom's armored mantle and sent him to a roll. He recovered quickly and reconvened against the creature and its steed. He landed a cut along the horse's shoulder, and was kicked away by the ashen animal's powerful legs.

As Chrom's silver cape was splattered with mud and dirt, the Chief received a surprise attack from Frederick, who landed a grievous blow with his axe on the creature's shoulder. This was the first time any wound managed to draw miasma, and Chrom saw the same had been for its steed.

But this is neither as large nor as thick-hided as the old Chiefs… therefore a true blow to the horse's neck…

Frederick's attack had lended Chrom the perfect opportunity. He readied another slash with his Falchion and slashed at the undead horse's neck.

The creature's tortured whinny gurgled and choked as the miasma spewed from its neck. It's neck hung to its right, lopsided, connected only by its dry skin. The animal began to buckle. It's Rider clumsily dismounted as its steed disintegrated. The moment its feet hit the ground, Frederick removed its arm with his axe, and Falchion was driven through its warped helmet and out the back of its head.

Chrom watched as its limbs deflated and crumpled in on themselves. It's heavy helmet and breastplate uselessly clattered to the ground as the creature whisper away. He removed his sword and stood upright. He wiped the blade once before sheathing it.

Chrom looked around him. The last of the remaining Risen fighters had been killed. Vaike and the others slowly approached. He looked to his right and saw Robin, conscious once more, seated upright as he held the side of his head. A red stream ran down the side of his face.

"Robin, thank the gods," Chrom said as he ran over. "Everything alright?"

Robin lowered his head and shook it. "No.. it's… I'm fine, it's just… Anna…"

At first Chrom wasn't sure what his tactician meant. Then he looked ahead to where Jake had stood his ground against the Risen. He saw only Anna, standing upright, overlooking a still body sprawled on the soft earth.

The air grew colder. The mud was chilled and stiff beneath Chrom's boots as he surveyed the battlefield. The trees and bushes were now dusted with powdery snow. Able Shepherds had set to clearing the area of debris and piled any leftover weapons or armor left by their undead combatants into a pile. The rank smell of Miasma wafted throughout the clearing. Chrom joined in if only to distract himself from something even less pleasant.

Further ahead he could spy people coming in and out of the town gates. The threat had been abated; they were now free to gawk and observe these strangers it seemed.

Should they have helped? I used to think so… back when this seemed… avoidable.

Maybe it wasn't as simple as he had thought. The walls were thick and sturdy, presumably strong enough to repel the Risen for a time - but Chrom knew once more what a dangerous mistake it was to underestimate these creatures.

Even if they were welcomed in, would they have been safe?

Chrom could only ponder as he and the others wrapped up their work. Sully and Stahl were busy with their horses. They received the most damage throughout the fight; Sully's shoulder was bandaged up and Stahl had a sprained foot. Robin helped sort out medicine to the travelers, and Frederick worked alongside Chrom.

Once the clearing was sufficiently tidied up of Risen remains, the Shepherds started the slow and sad walk back to their clients.

Chrom shook his head.

"...Yes, milord?" Frederick ventured.

"You don't…" Chrom trailed off. "You don't think the village was right to shut them out, do you?" He asked.

Frederick was silent for a time. The knight chose his words carefully.

"Now, we're told that if —no, there is always honor in protecting one's own…" Frederick said this as Anna's party came into view. Robin stood with them, silent.

The three stood around Anna as she knelt over Jake's body. His pack, weapons and tools were neatly laid out beside him. The mud and blood had been cleaned from his face, and his hands were peacefully folded over his waist as he lay still.

Frederick cleared his throat. "But to be so callous? ...I know not, milord."

Chrom grunted in solemn agreement. He approached Anna carefully. The three dispersed at the Prince's approach and gave him room to speak with Anna.

"Oh, Jake…" She said softly. "We were both going to be rich after this…"

Chrom reached forward and gently laid his hand on her shoulder.

"We're sorry for your loss. Words can't describe it. We're just… we should have done better."

Anna was quiet at first. She shook her head. "No… no, you did well. I asked you to save our friends and you did." Her voice was rigid and quiet, on the verge of breaking - mechanically she spoke the words as if from a script. Chrom couldn't tell if she believed what she was saying.

Anna reached over to Jake's pouch and retrieved a small parcel from inside. It had an Archanean rune etched into the corner of its thick paper wrapping. She looked up to Chrom and held it up to him.

"Here, Jake would've wanted you to have this."

"Miss, I can't."

"I'm not selling it," Anna said. "Either you take it now or I throw it away."

Hesitantly, reluctantly, the Prince accepted her offer. She nodded once to him and turned back to her old friend. "We'll stay here for now and… give him a proper burial." Chrom nodded back and stood up. "My sisters are merchants too, we travel a lot." Anna mentioned before Chrom could turn around. "If I see them, I'll put in a good word for the Shepherds."

"Understood. ...Farewell Anna," Chrom said.

The woman nodded but didn't look his way.

Chrom looked to his tired Shepherds. They were crestfallen. Vaike's axe hung low in his grip and dragged along the ground as he walked. Miriel rested her large cap against her breast as she solemnly observed. Chrom lowered his head and uttered a silent prayer for the former traveler.

"Milord." Frederick said. "It is unfortunate, but we have to move on."

Chrom raised his head and nodded to his friend. He motioned back to the edge of the clearing with his head. "Let's get the horses ready and meet up with Lissa. We still have a long way to go," he said.

Chrom turned over to Robin. He was earnestly conversing with the three travelers. Apparently they were offering him something and he was doing his best to firmly but politely refuse them. Their gifts ranged from small tools for camping to a small half-bullion.

"We insist, sir!" One said.

"It's all I got of worth," another chimed in.

"Gentlemen, please!" Robin said. "We can't just—"

"Let them, Robin," Chrom called over. Robin looked at Chrom incredulously. "They thought they were going to die today. Let them do as they please." Robin sighed and nodded.

"We didn't think people like you still existed," one said as he handed his gift to Robin. "We'll never forget this, we won't!"

Slowly, one by one the Shepherds left the clearing.

"...Dammit! This… dammit." Vaike croaked.

"It sucks," Stahl said as he led his horse along. "...Shoulda fought harder."

"Maybe we all should've." Sully let out a sad chuckle. "I kinda miss when the worst part of my day was a dead rabbit."

"What do you think will happen to the village?" Frederick asked Chrom as they left the woods. Their horses slowly cantered up the path that lead back to the highway. "Will they continue to bar their doors to outsiders?"

"I don't know, but as long as they treat the Risen as everyone else's problem, then yes." He said bitterly.

Frederick's eyes narrowed. "They claimed to love peace… but the strangled peace within a barricade is not the sort I'd ever want. Peace is when the people come together, regardless of circumstance."

Chrom knew it well, and so did Frederick. Both of their minds drifted back to Ylisse, in a time when Emmeryn's reign was new, and the shadow of the Old Exalt still hung over the entire kingdom like a never-ending dusk.

"I only wish they could see the error in their ways before it's too late. The walls need to come down if true peace is ever to be found."

"You mean like with you and Robin?" Chrom asked dryly.

The knight recoiled, but afterwards nodded his head. "Yes milord. Someday, like me and Robin."

They were gone for about four hours. The wagon train had moved along slowly since then. Lissa shouted and waved from the back most wagon once she saw Chrom and the others. The girl scrambled out the back and ran to meet them.

Chrom dismounted and led his horse forward with one hand and caught his little sister's embrace with the other.

"Oh good, you're okay!" Sumia called over as she rode over with Belfire. "How did it… what— ...Captain?" She asked worriedly.

"Anna's friends are safe, but it wasn't a clean victory." Chrom's voice creaked with weariness and disdain.

"Oh no…" Sumia covered her mouth.

"Let's keep the wagon train going for now," Chrom said, not wasting a moment. "We'll re-order the horses once we've stopped for the day."

The other Shepherds climbed back into their respective wagons and made themselves comfortable. Sumia threw a fuss over Sully's hurt arm and Vaike's back. Lissa was busy for the first thirty minutes or so tending to each of her comrades.

Chrom had a scrape or two and a bruise at most, but when Lissa asked if he wanted to be treated by her stave he obliged her. He smiled warmly and told her what a great cleric she was becoming. Lissa smiled back, but Chrom could see how desperately his little sister wanted to be of use after what they went through.

At one point Sumia tried to ask Chrom about what happened. He severely didn't want to talk about it— he certainly didn't want to worry her over the details, or how he was feeling. She managed to get him to promise her he'd talk about it later, when he was feeling better.

Presently Chrom had left his own wagon and walked alongside to the front of the train, where Robin lay in his own cart. He was resting sideways; his head rested against one end of the wagon and his feet were propped against the other. He lay an open book on his lap, but Chrom could tell he hadn't read a word. The tactician stared blankly down at the open book. He sighed once and covered his eyes with his sleeve.

"Mind if I join you?" Chrom called up.

"...You mean join me in wallowing?" Robin mumbled back.

"Misery likes company."

The tactician obliged and inched over to give the Prince room as he boarded the wagon. Chrom sat on the open end of the cart and let his legs hang below. The two sat there for a while, listening to the wheels creak and to the dying chatter amongst the group.

The mood had been decidedly sour.

"...Thoughts?" Chrom asked.

"About what?"

"Today. The fight. Anything."

The tactician gently closed his book and laid it at his side and ran a hand down his face.

"...Technically we did well," he said. "Minimal injuries to ourselves, the enemy was completely routed, we fulfilled our client's request. And yet…" Robin let out a shaky breath. "I should've saved Anna's friend."

"He was her responsibility, she said so herself. Besides, the thing knocked you unconscious," Chrom said. "What else could you have done?"

"I don't know, I just… augh." Robin covered his eyes with his sleeve again. "It's stupid. I didn't know the guy, didn't even talk to him… But I didn't know you and Lissa either in the beginning. So why couldn't this have been like Southtown? Why did they even treat us like we won the fight when they lost so much? Is it really okay to call what happened back there a victory?"

Robin let his arm fall limply to the wagon floor. He stared blankly into the canvas cover above him. "I don't know what I'm supposed to think. I just… I feel…"

"Disappointed?" Chrom asked. Robin grunted in response.

"...Yeah."

"Robin... something I've learned is that sometimes there really is no helping it. If you couldn't save the day, the best you can do is move on."

The two were quiet for a while longer.

"...I need to be better than that," Robin declared. He opened his book again and turned a page. "Even if there's nothing to be done… I need to know I gave it my all next time."

Chrom let his friend return to his studies, but remained on the wagon. He looked up to the sky and studied the Feroxi mountain range.

These things, these Risen — they're a threat to everyone, not just Ylisse.

I need to know everything I can about them.

I need to go to Ferox and find Marth!

I'd like to briefly thank everyone who tunes in and reads the story, and to anyone who's happened upon it by chance. I'm amazed how relatively active my traffic is. It's been over a year since I started writing and we breached 15k views a while ago, and we're almost at eighty followers. I don't think I could have anticipated this the night I posted Premonition just because I was bored.

The Fire Emblem Fanfic scene has always seemed pretty active to me, so to have even a fraction of that following reading my story is incredibly rewarding.

I've had this take on the game's story in my head for years and the thought of getting it all down on paper is very exciting for me. The kind words people have left me, both in review form and not, have been great motivation for sticking with it and getting the darn thing done. (Shoutout to my little writing circle).

I've changed jobs once more, and my hours are much longer, but somehow I'm not too worried. I've been writing during breaks and these have been some of my most productive sessions in months. I don't want to promise anything about the update schedule, but I feel much more comfortable now committing time to writing the story.