Interlude: War Decision Part 1
Mist walked through the hallways of the castle, as she was still distraught from the events that occurred last night. Her father had died. Nevertheless, she walked to where everyone else would gather for the funeral rites. The others and her brother wanted to accompany her, yet she wanted to take some time before leaving her room. Her eyes were filled with tears, with her vision blurred as she walked. Suddenly, she stumbled and lost her balance.
"Oh dear!" A voice called out before catching her.
Looking up at the one who caught her, it was Prince Zephiel, or Zephyr, as he was to be called in Tellius at this time. It seems as though they were in the same vicinity as Mist when she was walking. She didn't get to notice as she was too distraught. Beside him was Murdock, who stared at her with a hint of sympathy. Both of them were concerned for her, as she looked like she could barely stand.
Mist quickly recovered and straightened herself after being helped up by Zephiel. It was a bit embarrassing for her to continue being held by a prince. The pair watched as Mist tried to recompose herself before them. But it was to no avail, as she was still sniffling and crying to herself.
"Shall we accompany you?" Murdock offered the young girl, who slowly shook her head.
"Sniff... I—I don't want to impose on you..." Mist replied with a tearful expression.
She was hardly in a state to converse, let alone be able to walk properly. It was understandable, given that her last parent died. Everyone was grieving for Greil, the company founder and father figure of many who knew him in life.
Zephiel had only just connected with the man that night. The impression the mercenary leader gave off was a favorable one, encouraging the young prince to continue onward with support from those he trusted. He hoped to learn more about Greil from the man himself. But now the man was dead, leaving his son and daughter behind.
Looking at her sky-blue eyes, which were marred with tears, Zephiel felt his heart being tugged. He couldn't help but give concern for the daughter of the man who acted as their benefactor. He took out his handkerchief and offered it in front of her. She looked at him with an incredulous expression.
"Please... dry your tears with this..." Zephiel told the girl, who was hesitant to take it. After a brief moment, she sniffled and nodded in response.
Mist obliged and took the handkerchief into her hands. She then wiped away her face, yet her tears continued to fall. Despite that, she felt grateful for the kind gesture that Zephiel gave by offering her the handkerchief.
"Thank you..." Mist muttered, to which Zephiel gave a humble nod.
Murdock saw this scene and offered no objections. There were more pressing matters, such as a significant number of the Greil Mercenaries being unaware that the bard and dancer siblings were dragons. The majority of the seniors, or rather, those who have remained in the Greil Mercenaries longer, did not know about the dragons in their midst, including Mist. Their reactions were more of disbelief compared to many of those from Elibe. However, Murdock could not verify if the dragons originated from Goldoa, the country of the dragon Laguz. It was not implausible, as Ike was assumed to have traveled from Tellius to Elibe and conducted his business.
Greil was said to be acquainted with the King of Gallia, and the country itself held an alliance with other Laguz countries. However, the Gallian attendants that were present seemed as in the dark as the senior members of the Greil Mercenaries. They were just as surprised when the siblings were revealed, yet it could be just because the matter needed to remain a secret. War was on the horizon according to some talks from the people around them, and the Laguz alliance needed to remain unknown to most of the countries and populace. Whatever affairs these countries were experiencing, Murdock did not want himself or his lord to be involved in a foreign conflict. It was imperative for their prince and princess to return to Elibe.
Nevertheless, Heath and Vaida were aware and withheld much-needed information about the Lycian lords and their relationship with the dragons. The wyvern rider pair hoped to speak with him and their lord only after the funeral. Eliwood of Pherae was said to be engaged with the dancer, who was a dragon. That in itself was considered a taboo, especially for the descendant of Roland. At the very least, no one in this group was hostile to Bern, yet Guinevere and His Lord were notably frightened by the dragon's true form and roar that night. Even the Wyvern General felt himself shaken to his core. His colleagues would have to address everything by the time they returned to Elibe by the night's end. His trust in the Greil Mercenaries diminished slightly as a result of this incident, but their benefactors were the only ones who could bring his lords back to Bern.
While Murdock was immersed in his thoughts, Zephiel gave a polite bow before Mist.
"If I may be presumptuous, allow us to accompany you, Lady Mist," Zephiel requested of the young girl, who was conflicted with the notion of being escorted by the prince.
Why would he go out of his way to escort her? She wasn't a proper lady by any measure. If it was out of politeness, she was worried that it may affect him in some way as a noble. Then again, everyone present was closely knit, so no one would likely comment on it. So again, why?
"B-but... am I...?" Mist tried to voice her thoughts, but Zephiel responded with a gentle shake of the head.
"I, too, wish to pray for your father. I hope to pay my respects after everything he has done to accommodate us. Moreover, I would see to it that his daughter be present on this day." Zephiel answered politely. He offered his hand to Mist and said, "So please, allow me the honor of escorting you to your father..."
"Saint Elimine... Please guide his soul to the heavens, regardless of his faith..." "Oh, Goddess Ashera... take his soul within your loving embrace..." "Mother Earth... accept his body, and may his soul ascend into Father Sky's domain..."
It was an odd funeral rite of various faiths. Nevertheless, those of different faiths did not impose upon the other. A tacit agreement and understanding among those under Ashera, Sacaen, and Elimine's believers that wished the best for Greil. It was almost as if their prayers were in harmony and not in conflict with one another. Zephiel found himself astounded by the surreal sight of religious acceptance among those present as he stood silently.
Everyone stood in front of the recently dug grave, Greil's face covered by a clean cloth and his clothing changed. The man's wounds have been dressed. Those who knew and were indebted to him in life stood closer and surrounded his lifeless body. Their solemn expressions were filled with grief for a great man. Zephiel watched as Greil's body had flowers be put on top of him. Ranulf, Lethe, and Mordecai even gave their flowers on top of Greil, while adding an extra, likely for King Caineghis, since their king could not attend. His duties came first, despite a close friend having died.
Those from Lycia came, and Hector, along with Eliwood, silently put their flowers down onto Greil, with eyes filled with empathy directed towards the Greil Mercenaries, not sympathy. Zephiel heard that Elbert and Uther had died, according to Murdock through spies. Although they were lords from different countries, they all lost someone important to them. Finally, the bard and dancer arrived with flowers in hand, some wary against the pair, including Murdock. Their gaze was the same as the Lycian lords, filled with empathy as they laid their flowers onto Greil. They paid their respects to Greil's children, an act that Zephiel never expected from dragons.
He and many people throughout Elibe were taught of the ferocity of dragons. Beings of mass destruction. Yet even they held the same sentiment as human beings, or Beorcs, as they are called in this strange land. A strange land filled with various kinds of races with the same emotions as any other... Zephiel couldn't help but be awestruck by the various sights he had seen so far.
As everyone returned to the castle, Zephiel couldn't help but look back at Ike and his sister, both of whom remained with their buried father. The former, who managed to connect and unite with others, as well as Ike's father, who had gained the respect of beast-like people. He couldn't help but wish to learn more about people like them... A tinge of shame and envy lay deep in his heart once again... Moreover, a sense of yearning grew within the Prince of Bern.
It was already sunset as Lyn prepared the blankets and some rations in the kitchen just in case Ike and Mist were hungry. Since the funeral rites and burial, they have continued to stay near their father's grave. It wasn't long since the burial took place, and everyone who knew Greil continued to grieve by themselves for the most part. Even she wept for Ike when he couldn't shed tears. Although she'd only known Greil for a short time, her future father-in-law was a good man and someone cherished by all of his subordinates and family. Such a man taught Ike the principles that Lyn eventually fell in love with.
A common theme was emerging when many of their friends and family lost their parents or parental figures. She was tired of such a cruel trend occurring. How many parents must die and leave their children behind? Her sad thoughts were cut short the next moment... as someone shouted out in rage.
"I can't believe this... What kind of absurdity are you spouting, woman!?"
The voice came from Murdock in another room, causing Lyn to jolt from the sudden outburst. Lyn remembered that Anna had also come back with another merchant group in tow. Something was wrong based on the man's sudden raising of his voice.
They finally had the time to speak to Anna, which took place in another room in the castle. Lyn avoided being involved to focus on helping Ike and Mist recover from their tragedy. Everyone expected some of the others to return to Elibe with Anna's help. Eliwood, Hector, Zephiel, Guinevere, and all their retainers needed to return to their homelands.
"What do you mean we cannot return!? The lives of our lieges are at risk the more we continue to stay in this land!" Murdock shouted in an angry tone.
Lyn paled and took a brief moment to process what Murdock was ranting about. It couldn't be... Were they going to remain trapped in Tellius? Suddenly, the door opened to reveal Eliwood. His expression appeared calm, but his eyes revealed his turbulent state of mind.
"You may want to be informed..." Eliwood told Lyn, who sported a worried look. "I will go speak with Ike for you."
Memories pass by the young man's mind of the days his father taught him swordplay. Each time he went down, his father would challenge him to get back up. He hoped to be as great as his father one day. And now...
He stood before the grave with Mist, who hugged her feet and sat on the ground with tears falling. Urvan was embedded into the ground, with flowers wrapped around the beard of the axe. Where Greil was buried was in front of a valley where one could see the sunset. Time passed after many of the people paid their respects, leaving only Ike and Mist at the grave. The girl continued to hug her knees while Ike stood motionless by her side. It was abundantly clear they were filled with disbelief and grief over their father's death.
"It's..." As he trailed off, he clasped his hands tightly. "It's so unreal."
"Dad's gone..." Mist muttered with a tearful expression. "He's gone, Ike. Sniff... And... I... don't... I don't know what to do..."
The brother and sister could only mourn for their father. Guilt ate away at Ike's heart as he stared at the grave. It reminded him of two instances when he failed. It was when he failed to save two fathers... Brendan Reed and Lord Elbert of Pherae.
"Don't worry. I'm here." Ike reassured his sister by putting his hand on her shoulder.
He needed to be strong for his sister. For the company. It was what his father would want and expect of him. He needed to uphold those expectations, even if he failed to save people in time. The least he could do was to become stronger and more vigilant.
"Bro-Brother..." Mist looked up at Ike with tears still falling from her face.
"I'll lead the company... in Father's stead... And I'll protect you all." Ike declared. "You, everyone. I'll protect you. You'll see..."
No. She couldn't accept another tragedy. She had already lost her father. She couldn't bear to lose her brother.
Just as Mist was about to plead for her brother, they both heard footsteps, but Mist remained in place while Ike turned his head to the source. It was Eliwood, holding some blankets and provisions with concern written on his face. It seems as though he believed the pair would remain until the next morning.
"We'll be back before you know it, Eliwood. You don't need to bring those things..." Ike told the Pheraen lord, who shook his head.
"We have plenty of time before we return to the castle. I'm aware you wish to remain with your father as much as possible. Take your time, and if I may, I wish to accompany you." Eliwood asked the young mercenary, who obliged with a nod.
Taking one of the blankets and covering his sister, Ike watched the sun go down until the stars became fully visible. Eliwood closed his eyes as he prayed for the departed. Just like his father, Greil left the world of the living, leaving behind those who loved him dearly.
He then opened his eyes and said, "I'm ashamed of myself..." Ike listened despite not turning to face Eliwood. Nevertheless, he continued, "I should have chosen a better setting for my father that day when we cremated him almost a year ago. Or buried his ashes in our land... I could have made the time had I not remained idle..."
In a sense, he was envious of the fact that they chose a serene place to bury Greil. Everyone performed their funeral rites at the time. In retrospect, Eliwood could have gone to Pherae and returned to Badon right before the attack on the town. His mother could have received his ashes to properly bury him. Everyone could have awaited his return, but he chose not to take a leave. What's done is done.
Mist had heard what Eliwood had said. Eliwood's father had already perished? Meanwhile, Ike was once again reminded of Elbert and Brendan. The failure resulted in the death of the previous Marquess of Pherae and the founder of the Black Fang.
"I wonder..." Ike muttered, which brought Eliwood's attention to him. "If this is a form of karma after failing your father, Elbert... after failing you, Eliwood... and the Reed family's father..."
Mist's ears perked up upon hearing what her brother had said. What happened between him and Eliwood? Was this about the failures Ike had in Elibe? And what was that about the Reed family's father? The stories she'd heard never specified who these people were. Eliwood said nothing; his expression remained calm, yet he continued to give an empathetic look towards Ike.
Eliwood almost couldn't believe it had been almost a year since that incident in Valor. It felt like it was ages since the death of his father, Elbert. It occasionally still lingered in the minds of Eliwood, Eleanora, and the rest of Pherae after the death of their marquess. Nils and Ninian also felt similarly to an extent. Brendan's death also weighed heavily on Ike's mind, as Nino, Lloyd, Linus, and Legault lost their beloved leader and father. To think that Ike continued to feel remorse to this day like everyone else...
What Ike said stood out to Eliwood. He implied there was some sort of cosmic retribution for allowing Elbert and Brendan to die. Now his father was dead, leading Ike to curse himself for his perceived negligence and failure to prevent Greil's death. He shouldered the burden far too much...
"What happened those days was never your fault... You did your best. I am also to blame for not stopping Nergal in time..." Eliwood reassured Ike by shaking his head. With a sad smile, he continued, "You've made amends through your contributions by protecting our lands, our people. We fought to prevent the second Scouring. That alone would make our fathers proud of our accomplishments. All of them..."
He wanted Ike to be proud and avoid the line of thought that whatever was occurring was a form of karmic justice. No one could have easily predicted that Greil would fight with Black Knight alone. Ike went out to find his father because Greil's axe, Urvan, was reported missing after Merlinus (who took care of inventory for the time being) pointed it out. Black Knight's presence alone obscured Sophia and Nils's foresight into the future. It was only when they saw a scene where Greil's axe was left in the ground as a grave marker that Nils hoped to save Greil at the time by transforming with his sister, even at the peril of revealing their true identity. Unfortunately, everyone was too late, and their friend lost his father.
Moreover, Eliwood was also referring to Nergal when he said 'all of them.' Even though there were many sins the man committed, it was all a misguided attempt to regain his family. In the end, Nils and Ninian regained their father, and Athos reunited with his old friend who was lost. While Nergal cannot be forgiven, and the man himself would agree with the notion, Eliwood accepted the fact that the man was his beloved's father. And that would make Nergal his technical father-in-law one day...
The notion would make anyone uncomfortable. Now he felt empathy for Nils and Ninian for holding that secret ever since the first mission in Valor. Nevertheless, they all continued to live with that fact and strove to be happy. For those living in the present, everyone must look towards the future and prepare.
Mist wondered about who was mentioned. Who is this Nergal? And what was the Scouring? Everyone from Elibe mentioned it at least once, but they quickly dropped the subject or reassured the others that they would know the tale once they visited Elibe. Unbeknownst to Mist, only Greil knew the story of the Scouring. This was to prevent friction for people like Nils and Ninian. Despite the need to hide their true identities, they had more things to address...
"How about Prince Zephiel and the others? They now know about Nils and Ninian..." Ike whispered with concern evident on his face.
He needed to be done worrying about his father, who had already passed. His friends are the ones at risk now, especially after they used their true forms that fateful night. Putting aside the Daein Army's unhelpful opinion of the dragons, they would be under scrutiny by some in the company (particularly Shinon) and those from Bern. The people from Gallia would not care as much, but there was a plethora of potential consequences that needed to be prevented. Eliwood gave a calm, yet unsure expression, as things may become more difficult for his relationship with Ninian.
After the pair helped Ike fend off the Black Knight, they could no longer hide the fact that their friends were dragons. Murdock had already spotted the two back at the manor in Bern when it was attacked. The majority of the people in Elibe are deathly afraid of dragons, and while they could try to paint a story that the siblings come from Goldoa, it still didn't change the fact that Ninian was engaged to Eliwood. It was a scandal that Murdock and Zephiel likely wouldn't be able to ignore that a descendant of Roland decided to marry a dragon (ignoring the fact about Hartmut's marital relations and Athos providing sanctuary for dragons).
Those associated with the couple may be prioritized to find out any information/involvement. Although Zephiel and Murdock held best wishes for Greil to recover at the time, no one could discern the thoughts that ran through the Wyvern General and Prince of Bern during these uncertain times. Vaida and Heath were loyal and good companions, but even they would not hide the truth in front of their liege if they were asked. Ike and Eliwood could only hope in good faith that Zephiel could choose to overlook their secret. That is if Vaida and Heath manage to convince their lord to keep a secret.
Meanwhile, Mist could barely hear the conversation between the two, but she swore she heard her brother mention Nils and Ninian. It was certainly a surprise for everyone in the company (save for those from Elibe) to find out that Nils and his sister were dragons. But no one could focus on that issue, as everyone was preoccupied with her father's state at the time. Nevertheless, she was thankful that Nils and Ninian helped Ike return safely. Whoever her brother and the siblings fought against, they said it was the Black Knight who fought Ike and Lyn near the blockade. That also meant the man killed their father...
"We can put aside the matter of convincing Prince Zephiel and Murdock to hide Nils and Ninian's identity... As we have plenty of time, it seems..." Eliwood answered with an uncomfortable expression evident on his face.
Ike turned to Eliwood with a puzzled look. Why would the future marquess of Pherae say such a thing when everyone had their duties and responsibilities? Everyone in Elibe is probably in an uproar trying to find the lords and generals at this time. Anna should have found a solution to return everyone to Elibe, right? Why did it seem like they were going to stay at this time...? Unless...
"No..." Ike said with his eyes widening in horror. He could see the resignation in Eliwood's expression, and his fears were exacerbated with the latter's nod of the head. "Don't tell me..."
They needed people away from this war. Many of their friends had homes they needed to return to. They weren't supposed to be here in the first place... So why did they have to be stuck in Tellius in the middle of a war?
"That is another reason why I came to speak with you. I'm afraid we are in the same situation as yours, only this time..." As Eliwood trailed off, he looked Ike in the eyes with a serious expression. "Athos and Bramimond chose a situation to trap us here..."
He then looked over to Mist, who was visibly worried about the turn of events, and said, "If you wish to know, I suggest that your sister allow us to take her medallion temporarily or bring her with us... We need to confirm the root cause."
As the trio entered the room, they were greeted with the sight of many with grave expressions, with Anna remaining calm at the table with the various books and the Fire Emblem at the center. Lloyd held his temple while Linus covered his face with his hands. Legault was next to them, looking as if he was done with it all. Hector looked visibly tired, grumbling to himself. Zephiel and Murdock were visibly worried, with the latter having lost all color in his expression. As the three walked in, Lyn was the first to take the initiative to greet them.
"Ike... Mist... are you both alright?" Lyn asked the pair, to which they nodded.
They had just lost their father. Eliwood brought them back when they had plenty of time to mourn. Lyn's concern made Ike grateful, but there were more pressing matters to deal with.
"We're fine, but..." Ike trailed off as he looked at his sister, who held the glowing medallion in her hands.
Everyone looked at her as she held the artifact in her hand. It emitted a blue, flame-like aura. It felt ominous. It was as if something primal and chaotic echoed to the people in the room. Most of the people could only marvel at the sight, while Hector and the Black Fang narrowed their eyes at the object.
"You needed to look at my medallion?" Mist asked, to which Anna stepped aside and pointed her to an unoccupied space on the table next to the Elibean Fire Emblem, which glowed.
"Please, lay it next to the glowing orb." Anna requested, to which Mist nodded.
Laying it on the table, the books glowed, revealing various magical arrays, while the medallion and even the orb began to glow brighter. It was as if they were resonating with each other. Zephiel wondered why their national treasure was like this. Mist had similar thoughts, as her mother's keepsake managed to glow even brighter than before.
"As I thought..." Anna muttered with a neutral expression while still tapping her chin with her index finger. Everyone turned their attention to Anna as she continued, "The Fire Emblem shares its name in different ways and many artifacts... Using the Fire Emblem of Tellius as a main focal point and the Fire Emblem of Elibe as a summoning catalyst... well played, Athos..."
Zephiel and Murdock frowned at what was just said. There were multiple Fire Emblems? But based on how the object that Mist held in her hands was quite mysterious, it must be an object of great significance. The others widened their eyes as if they realized something.
Before Ike arrived in Elibe, Nergal's summoning spell that summoned Ike likely caused Mist's medallion to be active in some way. Eventually, it likely became a potential world-warping artifact if certain patterns (mishaps) were acknowledged. In other words, the medallion in Mist's possession was another important part that summoned the lords and their retainers.
Ike immediately became alarmed and asked, "Wait, our mother's artifact is called the Fire Emblem as well?"
Anna gave a slight nod to confirm his question. Ike blinked repeatedly, remembering what Athos had said before Ike left Elibe. The Fire Emblem's name will be invoked and bind them all to a possibility. If what Anna said is true, then that meant Athos ensured that his prophecy would go through. A future that would involve their friends who had other responsibilities in Elibe.
Meanwhile, Zephiel and Murdock were wondering why such a thing ended up in the possession of the Greil Mercenaries. The latter couldn't help but wonder if there was a conspiracy. Why would they have an artifact that is keeping everyone trapped here? For now, they remained silent, waiting to hear the solution.
"Yup... and I told everyone what the legend of your world's Fire Emblem is," Anna replied. "When chaos and flames of war rage, so will the medallion that houses its deity... As a result, the medallion is active, and so will the spell that keeps everyone here. That's what it means by 'binding.' Athos and Bramimond made their spell formula in such a way to ensure that you all remain..."
At any rate, if the war continues, the medallion will keep anchoring everyone to Tellius. No artifact from Anna could undo the binding. What Eliwood revealed to Ike while on the way back to the castle was nothing short of preposterous. Legault was practically pale upon hearing the similar news from Jan and Igor, who were currently relaying the same issue to Nino and Jaffar, along with Jake, who was speaking with the others from Elibe.
They were all trapped by Athos to ensure everyone got involved in the war. Athos must have known or had some inkling about the war with Daein. He foresaw a future where there would be great conflict. Using the books as an extension and anchor for the summoning spell, he bound everyone to a war that they never planned to be a part of.
But why? Was this supposed to be part of the future that was supposed to be radiant? What was Athos's line of reasoning to involve Hector, Eliwood, Zephiel, and their retainers? Why risk their lives for such a purpose? Mist was still in the dark, wondering what was being discussed.
"He and Bramimond set us all up... Damn you, Graybeard..." Hector muttered as he clenched his teeth. He then gave a glare at the medallion on the table and said, "Hey, spirit in the medallion! Think you can calm down a bit?"
"I don't think yelling would do anything, Hector..." Lyn told the Ostian lord, who was stared at by Mist with an odd look.
"Don't blame me, you big meathead! Blame the old man across from me!" Yune shouted out from within the medallion, but to no avail.
Shouting at a somewhat inanimate object would not produce any results. Unbeknownst to Hector, Yune was huffing to herself. She did nothing wrong and was blamed for people fighting amongst each other through war. Athos was just across from her, watching her point at him. Sadly, no one could hear them from outside the medallion.
They were aware of Yune for some time since her introduction. They knew she was slumbering or in a lucid state. After being debriefed by Anna, they were reminded of a certain item that Ike gazed upon that housed such a spirit that was involved with him throughout the journey in some way.
"So none of you can return?" Ike queried everyone present, who nodded solemnly. "And Elibe is frozen...?"
"Yup..." Legault replied with a defeated expression.
"So much for keeping Nino safe..." Linus added.
"There's some silver lining to it... albeit, at a high risk..." Lloyd pointed out with a calm, yet tired demeanor.
That was what made Ike wonder what had happened. According to Eliwood, Elibe was frozen in time. Literally. On one hand, this was a blessing, as this would delay the uproar from occurring in Elibe with the absence of several lords. However, that meant that whatever was affecting the entire world of Elibe was serious.
Murdock and Zephiel were notably silent. They seemed to have accepted the absurdity of the multiple worlds. They had long noticed how different Tellius was from Elibe based on the various races and cultures. It couldn't be as simple as a far-off continent that holds animal-like people who never managed to intersect with Elibe. Everything was so foreign that everything made sense.
Assuming they went to any harbor and asked locals, they would be turned away. Elibe was nowhere in this world. Without any charter or people willing to take them on a voyage, they will remain in Tellius for a long time. These people were, quite frankly, the only ones who could bring them back.
"Yes... The flow of time is disrupted by the absence of key figures. The world cannot function without those important to Elibean history..." Anna explained while glancing at Hector, Eliwood, and Zephiel. "The longer this war continues, the medallion will remain active. The books being sent to the other Laguz countries did not help. Thus, you all will remain trapped here until the war is over..."
Using both Fire Emblems in conjunction created a situation that no one could escape from. Athos and Bramimond not only had all the books sent across Tellius but also used the medallion as the main anchor that kept everyone stuck in Tellius. At any rate, like Canas had told everyone, they needed all the books and to stop the medallion. But that was easier said than done...
Moreover, what Anna had said struck a chord with Zephiel. He was important to Elibe's history? What significant changes would he bring forth that would make him remembered along with the Lycian lords?
It was then that Murdock stepped forward and asked, "Can you not do anything to the Fire Emblem of your land to make it inactive?"
Murdock's only goal was to bring Zephiel and Guinevere back to Bern. To that extent, he was willing to do anything. Even kill anyone who dares to stand against his liege's ascension. That made everyone silent. War makes the medallion active. The only way to stop it was...
"Yeah..." Ike replied, bringing everyone's attention to him. "The root cause of the medallion being active lies with Daein. They started this war. Led by its Mad King, Ashnard. If he dies, so will Daein's war effort crumble..."
Everyone stared at Ike the moment he said his last statement. He made it sound as if he was going to go after the leader of a nation. It made sense to stop the war in its tracks by killing the king. They were the aggressors of the war. By stopping the country in its conquest, they will be able to calm the medallion.
Hector cracked his neck in response while the Reed Brothers were contemplating their options. Lyn stood determined along with Eliwood. Mist was visibly confused by everything thus far. What were they intending to do?
Murdock stared intently at Ike and asked, "Are you willing to risk your life by fighting against another nation? You are a small group in comparison; do you believe you have what it takes?"
It was then Mist widened her eyes in horror, even though she could barely keep up with what was happening. Her brother couldn't be implying to fight an entire nation. No. They had already lost their father. She couldn't lose him next.
"Ike, no!" Mist shouted at him, unresponsive to her pleas. "I can't lose you, too!"
"We have to, Mist..." Ike replied with determined eyes. "Father said in his last words to stop Ashnard. I have to... even if I have to fight an entire country. I will stop Daein..."
He swore to abide by his father's last wish. Ike knew that the war beckoned Yune to reawaken. Even she did not want such a thing to happen yet. His father must have known about Ashnard's plans if the goal was to immerse the entire continent in chaos. If his guess was correct, that meant Ashnard wanted to release Yune... As for what reason, Ike wasn't willing to compromise on the matter.
Everyone from Elibe knew there was no choice. If anyone wished to return to their homeland, they needed to fight for it. The stakes were high, as even Zephiel knew what needed to be done despite having just been informed of their true predicament. To fight against a foreign nation in a foreign world... The idea itself can be considered comical.
It was then that Anna stepped forward with a smile and said, "Well then, you'll need one more thing to accomplish it... or rather, nine items to do so..."
She then went to the books that had various arrays on display, fiddled with the magical circles, and a bright light flashed from all the books. What then appeared made everyone speechless. Mist was wondering why those books had various weapons floating on top of them. To think the books held another secret...
"I realized it after examining the formulas constructed by Athos and Bramimond. The books were encrypted until the summoning took place." Anna explained.
"That tome..." Lyn voiced out. "Is it... Aureola? And that spear... Maltet?"
What was assumed to be Ike's copy had the light tome floating above it, while Ninian's copy had the peerless spear. Elimine's Glorious Ascension and Barrigan's Blizzard Spear. The latter was never used by the group at the Dragon's Gate, except when Bramimond used it to revive Ninian. Moreover, other weapons were summoned along with them...
"Durandal..." Eliwood spoke as he felt the blade resonate with him.
"Armads..." Hector muttered to himself as he stared at the double-edged axe.
Hector knew better than anyone that it was the same axe he used at the Dragon's Gate. The very same one that would put him on the path to an unpeaceful death. Even so, Athos and Bramimond set them all up to fight with these weapons once more...
Zephiel and Murdock were speechless before the copy of the book that had another of Bern's national treasures. It couldn't be mistaken for anything else. It was once wielded by Zephiel's ancestor. He grew up seeing the scepter-sword in books and artwork dedicated to Hartmut. Now it was in front of him.
"Eckesachs..." Zephiel muttered while staring intently at the blessed weapon. He felt as though a great responsibility was thrust upon him by two of the great heroes of Elibe.
Now they knew that the Eight Heroes were truly involved. Lord Hector of Ostia and Eliwood of Pherae did not lie... Athos and Bramimond have brought them all to Tellius and were presented the Eight Divine Weapons of Elibe before the descendants of Roland and Hartmut. They were all chosen to fight in this land... No one else could have taken these weapons away from their respective shrines without the heroes' intervention.
While everyone stared at the great weapons, Ike narrowed his eyes while considering the next course of action. The books contained or held the method to bring forth the legendary weapons. They weren't just used as summoning tools to bring others to Tellius. That also meant their group needed to obtain the books from the other Laguz nations. But why? It was clear that Athos wanted them to fight in this war. So why distribute the other books to countries with little trust in Beorcs, save for Caineghis?
Moreover, there were a total of nine books, five of which were included among their possessions. The other four must include Mulagir, Forblaze, Apocalypse, and one final weapon... likely the Binding Blade. They were all anti-dragon weapons. That meant if Goldoa chose to raze everything... Ike immediately shook his head at such thoughts.
At any rate, there was no turning back. They will need to fight and end this war with their own hands. This opportunity to use powerful weapons that once affected the entirety of Elibe will not be wasted. Even so, Ike knew he couldn't hesitate to receive aid. Assuming that Ragnell, a supposed Ashera-blessed weapon, was another asset, it takes more than just powerful weapons to fight a war...
"Anna... I need a loan..."
Jahn stood before an open book in Prince Kurthnaga's quarters. He flipped through the pages of the books, slightly intrigued by the contents. It was something that the humans had left for all the Laguz countries. He knew such sensitive information would never let go of such a valuable book. Whoever drew and wrote up such books had a peculiar intent for provoking a response or another greater purpose. He could tell that there were various magical formulas embedded into the artifact.
Moreover, he could not help but sense another thing from the book in front of him. It felt familiar... Something taboo. Something that was the bane of all dragonkind... It was better to eliminate such threats to their kind.
He held up the book and exerted his flames into his palm. The book remained unblemished, resistant against his hellfire. Whatever this book was made of, it was intended to remain intact from all elements. Even against a fire dragon's might...
"Tch... who made this magical artifact...?" Jahn whispered to himself.
He soon heard footsteps in the hallway. Laying the book back where it was, he vanished without a trace. Leaving behind the book in the curious prince's room.