Chapter 7: Waterside Renvall     Chapter 9: A New Journey

Chapter 8: It’s a Trap!

    We came to the gatehouse. There we stopped to let Orson rest - he seemed short of breath. The rest of the group waited several metres behind us.

    “Orson, how long ago were you captured?” Seth asked.

    “Only a week ago. We have heard no news of the war at all - tell me, Seth, how is it with Renais?”

    Seth bowed his head. “Renais has fallen. King - King Fado… The king is dead.”

    Orson lowered his gaze also. “Dead… my king…. I am truly sorry. Princess, I have served you poorly.”

    “No, Orson, do not blame yourself for what you could not prevent. We must look to the future, not find fault in the past,” I said a little inchoherently, giving him what comfort I could.

    “The Grado army purues me in the hope of acquiring my bracelet,” I continued, though I felt rather foolish saying ‘the most powerful army on the continent is chasing a piece of jewelry’. “My brother is in danger because he wears its twin.”

    Orson looked confused, and I didn’t blame him. “Ah.” His expression cleared. “Prince Ephraim still wears the bracelet. Grado is after them? If that is the case, then you should not keep yours with you.”

    I looked blankly at him, my uneasiness growing, though I knew not why.

    “If the empire desires your bracelet, you are in danger as long as you hold it. Give to me or to Seth; let someone you trust guard them. For your own safety, Highness. We must not allow the Sacred Stone of Renais to be taken.”

    Alarm bells went off in the back of my mind. “Orson, all that you say makes sense, and yet…”

    “Orson,” said Seth suddenly, “I am sorry, but I must ask you to hand over your weapons.”

    The other paladin looked at Seth strangely, and, truth be told, so did I. “Have you gone mad, Seth? What injury have you taken that you would think they allow prisoners weapons?”

    “If I am mistaken, then I will give you all due apologies,” Seth answered warily. That was my knight; he always spoke with the utmost politeness. “However, I have questions. Too many questions that I cannot answer. Why did no enemy reinforcements come from the castle during the battle outside? Why would you escape and yet leave Prince Ephraim incarcerated? How do you know of the connection between the bracelets and the Stone?” The paladin’s lance was no longer at attention; it was slowly lowering to form a barrier between the other knight and me.

    Orson put his hands up defensively. “Seth, there is some misunderstanding here. I-”

    Seth continued grimly without stopping. “And… why do you conceal a blade within your tunic?” Though grim, his voice was also sad.

    I took his arm with my right hand, leaning on him in shock. I could see the outline of the knife also now.

    Orson slowly smiled. “Very well. You haven’t changed at all, Seth.” He sighed. “If only Eirika had been alone. You, however, simply will not be deceived.”

    I gasped.

    “Why did you betray Renais?” Seth asked, now calm.

    A dreamy look spread over Orson’s face. “My fondest wish will be granted… To spend the rest of my days with my loving wife…”

    “What are you saying?” I whispered. Monica… was…

    A general of Grado appeared around the corner. “That’s enough. You’ve done well, Orson.” The traitor paladin saluted him and walked away briskly.

    “Who are you?” Seth demanded, shielding me.

    “Tirado is my name, loyal and talented aide to Valter, general of Grado.”

    “You’re that monster’s-” Seth began bitterly. I hadn’t known he felt so much for Valter.

    “And you are General Seth of Renais, yes? I thought to catch a little bird, and it seems I’ve snared a hawk.”

    “Where is my brother?” I demanded angrily. I did not enjoy belittling like that from an enemy.

    “Ah, yes. Your brother. He’s not here. The coward fled… Somehow, he escaped the castle.” Tirado clicked his tongue. “Such stubbornness is quite annoying.” He assumed a thoughtful pose. “Still, we managed to turn this to our advantage. I spread the rumours myself. I led all to believe he was our prisoner. What better trap with which to catch his sweet, devoted sister?”

    “My brother escaped?” I breathed, hope rising again in my heart.

    Tirado nodded slyly. “Yes, but your no-doubt emotional reunion will have to wait until the afterlife.” He gestured to guards, who vanished. “First, to destroy the bridge…” An ominous cracking echoed through the hall. “Then to kill you and take the bracelet!”

    The bridge sagged and collapsed.

    “We must escape!” Seth shouted over the fall of rubble.

    “But how?” I cried back.

    I’m fairly certain I heard him swear. “Blast!”

    That was the first time in my life I had heard him do that.

    “Oh, Brother, I’m so sorry…” I whispered as enemy guards began to run toward us.

    I gave quick orders, and we joined battle.

    Seth was fighting in another chamber when it happened… I heard someone call his name, and he turned in surprise.

    “Seth?” I asked curiously. “Who are you talking to, Seth?” I walked into the room and gasped. There stood my brother, tall and straight. I ran to him and threw my arms around him.

    “Eirika, are you well?” he asked me.

    “Oh, Brother! You’re alive! You’re alive!” I breathed happily.

    “Well, of course I am,” he replied, picking me off the floor and spinning me around. I suppose he was annoyed that I was clinging to him so, because he whispered in my ear: “Girls carry on so.”

    I giggled in dismay. “I’m sorry.”

    He shook his head, his jade green hair brushing my cheek. “At least we’re here. After we escaped Renvall, I thought I’d go and capture Grado Keep. When I heard that you’d journeyed to Renvall to rescue me, I had to turn back to find you.” He grinned. “Looks like my timing was impeccable.”

    I never knew that my brother could be so smug, but there were more immediate things.. “I’m so sorry. It’s so ironic… to come to rescue you - and get rescued myself. All I did was interfere with your plans…”

    “What are you talking about? What plans? Nonsense. You came to help me, didn’t you? Your efforts alone are enough to inspire me. Anyway, you look like you’d need quite the beating before you really needed rescuing.” I glanced at my group of mercenaries. Yes, my brother was right. A characterful lot, as well.

    Then Forde and Franz saw each other. There was laughter and loud talking, then my brother shouted. “Okay, let’s go!”

    We then fought our way to the throne of the castle, where Tirado awaited us. My brother dealt with him. His Reginleif, his long lance, pierced the general’s thick armour.

    Ephraim turned to me, bloody and sweaty, and smiled. Regardless of the mess, I hugged him.

    “I’m sorry, Eirika. I worried you, didn’t I? And you as well, General?” he said to Seth.

    “Not at all,” Seth fibbed slightly. “We’re happy you’re safe.” His face lengthened somewhat. “Prince, about Orson…”

    “I find it hard to believe he could turn his back on Renais so,” my brother said matter-of-factly. He let go of me and rubbed the back of his neck. “I am morally responsible for his plight…”

    “No, Ephraim…” I tried to deny this, but he wasn’t listening. I could tell.

    “Ephraim…” said a little girl who had crept in when I wasn’t looking. She had indigo hair and dark red eyes.

    “Yes, Myrrh?” Ephraim asked gently.

    “Something is coming… Big… Dark… Many…”

    “Ah.” He turned to us. “Sounds like we should get out of here.”

    “Where did you meet this girl?” I asked. “Oh! Indigo hair…” The grey-haired young man had been looking for her.

    “That’s a long story. For now, we must move.” He whistled, and Kyle and Forde began making our retreat. “Suffice to say that Emperor Vigarde has enlisted some… otherworldly powers,” Ephraim continued in a low voice only heard by Seth, the girl Myrrh, and myself. “We must warn everyone of the danger.”

Chapter 7: Waterside Renvall     Chapter 9: A New Journey

Chapter 6: Victims of War     Chapter 8: It’s a Trap!

Chapter 7: Waterside Renvall

    I ran for only a few moments; then Seth called to me to stop. He was concerned that I might wear myself out, dashing around after my brother like a scared rabbit. I smiled and acquiesced.

    We dropped off the family at the nearest town and reached Renvall by noon the next day. It was quite impressive for a small fortress. The cool, deep, blue waters of a perfectly ring-shaped lake lay in a shallow valley with a backdrop of brown mountains to the north. Seth and I stood on a hill to the southwest. Thick forests lined the lake’s shores, and a single bridge leapt across to a castle crouching on a little island in the centre of the lake.

    Scholars said the perfect lake was formed when a large rock fell down from the sky, but I didn’t believe them. Rocks that big didn’t fall from the sky like that. I was usually openminded about such things, but this thing in particular they would have to prove to me.

    “My brother is somewhere inside that castle,” I murmured. A slight breeze caressed my hair.

    “Allow me to point out the defenses of Renvall,” Seth said. I nodded. “The single bridge will be heavily guarded. They have a wonderful view of the valley, meaning it is easy to defend and difficult to assault. Our strategy must be a careful one.”

    “I agree,” I agreed.

    “Princess Eirika,” said Franz, “my elder brother, Forde, is in that castle with Prince Ephraim, Sir Kyle, and Sir Orson - please allow me to fight with you this time as well.”

    “Certainly, Franz,” I smiled. I usually asked him to fight. He was just making sure he didn’t get supply cart guard duty. Once or twice, I had asked someone not to fight in order to guard the cart, normally if I thought it was extra dangerous.

    “We’re with you all the way!” Ross exclaimed. “Right, Dad?”

    “Don’t work yourself into a lather, Ross,” cautioned Garcia, smiling. “Remember, a good warrior keeps his cool.”

    Colm sidled up beside me. “You need anything stolen,” winking, “I’m your man. Course, my blade’s no joke, either,” he added with a shrug.

    “I have yet to repay you for helping me with those abhominations,” Artur said from my other side. Natasha offered a pretty prayer about sacred light to God, and then the whole group had crowded around me, giving me affirmations of their loyalty - as if I needed it!

    I thanked them, and looked down at the castle. “Brother, I’m on my way. Let’s go!”

    I sent Neimi and Colm directly north of our position to where I could see a ballista. Neimi did not mind trying it out at all. The rest of us fought our way to the first bridge, avoiding another ballista with an enemy archer on it. Actually, I sent Franz to deal with that one. My strategy seemed to work well. Neimi and Colm ran out of bolts and hurried to catch up. I defeated the cavelier holding the gate myself. Then, I hurried into the castle with my friends at my heels.

    Seth caught me as I began to dash across the inner bridge. “Hold, Lady Eirika. Look, in the shadows - a figure…”

    I gasped, but it turned out to be Orson. “Princess Eirika. And… is that you, Seth?”

    I sighed in relief. Orson was one of my brother’s knights. I had a strange nagging in the back of my mind, but I pushed it away and ignored it.

    “Orson, where’s my brother?” I asked. “Oh! You look so pale. Are you well? Did Grado’s soldiers-” the words ‘torture you’ were on the tip of my tongue, but Orson shook his head.

    “It is nothing. This way. Prince Ephraim is in one of the deeper cells… if he still lives.”

    I turned pale myself and took a couple of unsteady paces before I regained my balance following Orson. Seth dismounted and led Altha after me. The rest of our group followed him.

Chapter 6: Victims of War     Chapter 8: It’s a Trap!

Chapter 5: The Empire’s Reach     Chapter 7: Waterside Renvall

Chapter 6: Victims of War

    Two days later, Seth and I were scouting. Nothing had happened the previous day, likely because I chose to travel in a remoter region of Grado to make my way to Renvall. We had come to a place called Adlas Plain, and there was a thick fog. That was why Seth and I had gone instead of Vanessa.

    We left the group camped on the edge of the field after breakfast and set out. We made half-way across, when…

    A shaman appeared. I gave a little cry of surprise - he had warped in, appearing even more suddenly through the fog. “You’re Eirika, Princess of Renais, aren’t you? Hmm, you’re even more beautiful than I’d heard - and you’re wearing your bracelet, too. Let’s start with that. Won’t you hand over your lovely little trinket?” I heard Seth’s sharp intake of breath.

    “And why would I do that?” I asked disdainfully. He was clearly my enemy, and I checked my sword surreptitiously.

    “The emperor wants it. That’s reason enough,” he snapped. I couldn’t see much, but the lower part of his face was pale. The rest of him was swathed in dark robes. “Come, hand it over quickly, and I’ll leave you alive.”

    “Princess Eirika, you will do no such thing,” Seth exclaimed quietly.

    “Of course not,” I agreed, glancing up at him.

    “Hmm, you came to save Prince Ephraim, did you not? A wild-goose chase. Ephraim fell in battle against Grado’s might not long ago. As we speak, he wastes away in a cell in Renvall, meekly awaiting his execution.”

    My heart stopped for a single moment, but then I realized that he was not above lying. “You lie! A pitiful worm like you could never defeat my brother!!”

    “Bah. Protest all you like,” shrugged the shaman contemptuously. “It will not change the truth. Ephraim fell, and it was Grado who crushed him! Hmm, you’re not going to obey. Perhaps this will convince you,” said he, waving his hand. A little girl of Renais - of the capital - appeared, crying softly. “Now, hand it over, or the kid dies.”

    “No!” Seth and I cried at the same time. I looked up at him again. He shook his head.

    “It’s not worth a child’s life,” I said quietly, though I wondered if my assessment would change when he told me what he knew. Probably not. I took it off my wrist, gave it one last look, and gave it to the shaman. I shuddered as his hand touched mine.

    “Ah, this is certainly it,” the shaman breathed. “When I hand this to His Majesty, I will become a general! I will be famous!” He stopped chortling in self-glee. “Now, hand over your weapons.”

    “No,” Seth said adamantly. “That is too much. What you ask would be tantamount to suicide.”

    “I see the years of peace and laziness have not dulled the wits of all Renais’s knights,” was the shaman’s reply. “Well, I suppose the giant spiders in the mountains would like a nice, hot meal, don’t you think?” The little girl screamed as they vanished.

    Immediately I was running back to camp. “I’ll get the others!”

    Seth galloped past me and swept me up to sit in front of him. “We will obtain help faster with Altha’s assistence.”

    My heart was doing strange things.

    Anyway, we roused the crew, and Colm especially came to volunteer. “I can see better than most people in dark or fog. I’ll be useful.”

    “Thank you.” Gathered, we swept across the plain towards the east. Even with Colm’s help, we were ambushed a couple of times.

    I could hear the child still screaming, and I sent Franz and Vanessa to help them. Vanessa would rescue them out of the canyon they were in and fly to Franz, who would take them and set them down.

    The rest of us killed the shaman. “Is this… the end? No fame? No… glory-” he wheezed, as Artur’s lightening spell ripped through his foul body.

    I went to join the people and reassure them. There was a family of three, a father, a mother, and a child. All had brown hair and eyes.

    Then I shrieked as the mother of all spiders leapt down from the mountains. It had five red eyes and a great many legs. “Get behind me! Run!” I cried to the family. I stared up at the behemoth towering over me. The claws came down. I sprang aside, but it was very fast. I noticed its claws were slathered with shininess; probably poison. I ducked and rolled and stabbed upward, relying on instinct to fight such a terrifying foe.

    I saw Vanessa out of the corner of my eye, and Garcia, and Franz and Seth, but Vanessa was closest. The spider was insanely fast, but it was big too. Vanessa had small chance of missing. Her lance plunged right through the huge, hairy head. I squeaked and jumped away as it thrashed in its death throes.

    I turned to the family and saw them huddled in a little ball, comforting and protecting each other. I touched the man on the shoulder. “It’s dead.”

    The little girl burst into tears. “I-I was so s-scared!”

    “Hush, it’s okay. I was too,” I comforted her softly, stroking her back.

    “You saved us, didn’t you?” said the girl, grabbing my hand and kissing it. I laughed and pulled away.

    “That’s okay. I couldn’t let them get you.” The parents thanked me profusely, but I shook my head. “It was the least we could do.”

    “Still, Princess, please take this.” The mother offered me an Orion’s Bolt.

    “What? Oh, no, I couldn’t. It’s a family treasure, is it not?”

    “Yes, it is; our great-great-grandfather was a famous sniper, but still, none of us can use a bow. I think it will serve you better.”

    “And if we had died, we wouldn’t be able to care who we gave it too, you know,” said the father. I hesitantly accepted it.

    “Thank you so much.” I smiled and looked around. “I can’t use it either, and my friend Prince Innes is already a sniper, but Neimi there is an archer. She may be strong enough to use it, soon.”

    “We’re glad to repay some of our debt.”

    “Seth?”

    “Yes, my lady?” answered Seth, coming quickly to my side.

    “Would it be all right for the family to travel with us at least to the next town?”

    “That is an excellent idea, Princess,” he said, nodding. I smiled at the little girl as she and her parents walked off to the cart, where they would travel.

    Seth touched my elbow. “If you would, Princess, I would speak to you…”

    “Yes, Seth?” He led the way to a fallen log, where we sat.

    “I could not say this before, for your late father King Fado ordered me not to… to keep silent until the proper time arrived… However, with all that has happened, with Emperor Vigarde’s actions… I feel it imperative that I tell you everything, Princess Eirika. It is about the bracelet which you wear.”

    I waited.

    “We all know of the Sacred Stones, and how one of each is housed in five of the six countries, excepting Carcino.”

    “Yes. Ours is in the Temple in Renais.”

    He lowered his voice. “The stone in the Temple is nothing but a forgery. The true stone lies beneath Renais Castle.” My eyes widened. “It is protected by a magical seal - an infinitly complex lock of sorts.”

    I leaned closer to him curiously. “Why?”

    Seth leaned closer to me as well, modulating his voice even lower. “The Sacred Stones that banished evil long ago possess power beyond our ken. The ancient kings of Renais thought it prudent to hide it. They feared the power could be misused. The keys to the seal were hidden within two bracelets.”

    “My brother’s and mine…” I guessed. Seth nodded. “The bracelets have such meaning… and place us - me, rather - in new problems. I’m glad the situation here turned out as it did… But why did my father keep this from my brother and myself for so long?”

    “‘They must know nothing of the bracelets’ secret unless great peril strikes’; these were King Fado’s exact orders to me. Prince Ephraim knows nothing of the bracelets’ secret, either. The king told me in case something happened to him and he could not tell you himself.”

    “I… understand,” I said thickly, trying not to weep at the memory of my father. “It was for our own good.”

    “Yes. And we are the only living souls who know the secret of the Stone of Renais. At least, that is what I was given to know. And yet…”

    “Yet the Grado army has made it clear that they only want me for my bracelet.” I shifted uncomfortably, unconsciously moving closer to him for comfort.

    “Yes, quite clear,” Seth agreed. “I don’t know how, but the Emperor must have leaned the secret somehow. Now his troops pursue you both, and we are no closer to knowing his motives.”

    “He would try to destroy the Sacred Stone in secret…”

    “Perhaps.”

    “Which means that my brother…” I pulled away, jumped up, and began to run. “If he’s been captured… If they’ve taken the bracelet… He could have been execu- … … …Ephraim…”

Chapter 5: The Empire’s Reach     Chapter 7: Waterside Renvall

Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors     Chapter 6: Victims of War

Chapter 5: The Empire’s Reach

    We travelled south with no further mishap for several days. Soon, we reached Serafew.

    Serafew stands on the very edge of the border between Renais and Grado. We have long forgotten to whom it belongs to, or if in ancient times the border passed through the town. People of both countries dwell there, and are a unique community in Magvel, having pride in both nationalities at the same time.

    However, Serafew had been taken over by Grado troops. I didn’t know that yet.

    On a side note, the gunk from the mogall had cleaned out more easily than I had expected.

    As the low yellow stone walls rose behind oaks and maples, I smiled.

    “It’s been so long since I last visisted Serafew. My brother and I used to pass through here en route to Grado. I remember the hamony in which the people of both countried lived. No walls divided our borders. No soldiers stood guard in high towers. This border town… It was to me a symbol of the trust between Grado and Renais. That peace… It seems like something from another time. It seems lost now… Forever.” I watched two blue wyverns fly away to the northeast.

    “And now, it is firmly under the thumb of Grado’s emperor,” Seth noted dryly, looking at the flags flying on the clock tower in the centre of town. There used to be one for Renais, too, but now there were two for Grado. “The city doesn’t seem very heavily patrolled. They must feel it’s not worth guarding with Castle Renais under their control. The west gate is undermanned…”

    “Pardon me,” called a young man traveling on the path that ran past the town, “may I ask you a question?”

    “Yes?”

    He had curly grey hair, wearing a navy bluish tunic, which I couldn’t see very well because it was swathed over by a greenish-grey cloak. On his head was a woven headband. “I’m looking for someone. Have you seen a young girl with indigo hair?”

    I thought of Lute, but she had violet hair, not nearly dark enough. “Indigo? No… Sorry.”

    The man sighed and turned away. “Thank you. Sorry to intrude.”

    I watched him leave. “There was something very odd about that man, wouldn’t you say?” I asked Seth. It wasn’t just the hair, either. I think the man was a powerful mage, or even a sage. There was something in the air that spoke of magic.

    “He did seem unusual. He didn’t strike me as a Grado spy, but…” I looked up at him. The paladin must have been thinking along a different track - the danger evaluation track. I appreciated that, but I did wish he would talk to me more on the same level.

    “Catch her!” “Don’t let her escape!” Sudden shouts rose in the town. “That way! She went that way!”

    “What’s that?” I ran into the gate. Seth followed on foot.

    A lovely cleric girl was fleeing headlong from Grado soldiers. One of them called her a traitor and instructed her to surrender. “Come quietly, and you may have the chance to explain yourself before His Majesty.”

    “Wait! Please! You must listen to me! The emperor is not himself. You must be able to see that!” This intimation did nothing to endear the soldier to her.

    “Impugn the emperor at your peril! We’ve been ordered to kill you if you offer any resistance, but your words condemn you!” More soldiers flooded out of inns and so on and took up positions of entrapment.

    “That cleric is a traitor to the throne of Grado?” I asked incredulously. “What madness is this?”

    The girl in question dashed around the corner and bumped into me. She gasped in terror, apparently thinking herself trapped. “Are you all right?” I asked her.

    “Who are you?” she asked fearfully. She had yellow blonde hair, covered by a cleric’s hood, and beautiful blue eyes that were wide with fright. Her figure was slim and graceful, sheathed in a close-fitting white cleric’s gown.

    “I’m from Renais,” I answered, not wanting to give away my name, and yet assure her that I was a friend. “Why are these Grado men after you?”

    “You’re from Renais… Oh! I have something I must tell you. It’s about Grado-”

    “Wait,” I said. “Grado soldiers are coming this way. We’ll have to talk later. Now we must fight.” Seth called the rest of our group in, and they took up defensive positions around the girl.

    “My name is Natasha,” she told me. “If I can help you as you are helping me… I am trained in the use of staves. I will heal you if you are hurt.”

    “Thank you, Natasha,” I said.

    I saw some men that did not seem to be moving in tandem with the other enemies. I pointed this out to Seth, who frowned. “They’re bandits, I think,” he said. “That is not good. Would you ask Vanessa to warn the homes?”

    “Yes. Vanessa?”

    “Yes, milady.”

    “Artur, Lute, Colm, Neimi, I’d like you to travel along the outside of the west wall. I know there are some homes there, but there is also an archer that I saw on the way in. Please kill the archer for Vanessa, and warn the homes if you think it safe.”

    A young man with long red hair wandered aimlessly around. A soldier yelled at him to do something useful, so he charged at Franz, who dodged his blow skilfully. Then Natasha saw him.

    “You… You’re that man I met… Are you here to capture me? You’ve been hired to silence me, haven’t you…”

    “Yeah, Grado’s paying the bill,” the red head agreed amiably. “They want you dead, you know? But don’t feel bad. It’s not personal.” He drew back his sword. Natasha gasped. Seth and Franz grabbed their lances instead of their swords. The three of us formed a shield for the poor cleric.

    “Wait, please…” she begged. “It doesn’t matter what happens to me, but you must hear my words. The emperor of Grado has changed. He is not the man he once was. The other nations must be warned before he extinguished all light from our lands.”

    “Hey, no offense, but I’m just a mercenary,” shrugged the guy. I listened intently. Who was she? “I don’t care about Grado or its emperor. Everything you say may be true, or it may be lies. I don’t care either way.”

    Natasha protested.

    “Even so…” the mercenary considered. “Killing a beautiful lady like you would leave a bad taste in my mouth.” He dug a worn coin out of his pocket. “Tell me, do you like to gamble?”

    “What?!”

    “Gambling’s what I live for. Even when I lose, I never want to stop. Let’s have us a little wager. If you win, I’ll believe you. Heads or tails, you call it.”

    “You can’t… This is no time for games…”

    “Would you rather I get on with the job I was hired for?” He sounded pretty casual.

    Natasha looked terrified and conceded. “Um, heads… No! Tails!”

    “All right. So I’m heads, and you’re tails. Here we go.” He flipped the coin.

    “Which… Which is it?” asked poor Natasha, all of a fluster.

    “What do you know?! It’s tails. You win. Figures. I haven’t won anything all day. My name’s Joshua.” I lost interest and began directing the rest of the battle with Seth’s help.

    An armour knight was waiting at the northeast. He, too, singled out Natasha. Joshua grabbed his Killing Edge, but it didn’t penetrate the armour.

    “Look out,” Garcia roared from way back. He charged along the street and attacked the armour knight. I turned away. I didn’t have stomach for an axe fight, either. A soldier attacked me and I was forced to defend myself.

    Finally, it was over. “That was a tight spot,” I panted.

    “Yes, yes it was…” Natasha agreed rather absentmindedly. “Thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay…” She trailed off. She was a very quiet person, very shy, and rather hesitant.

    “You’re from Grado, aren’t you?” Seth asked.

    “Yes… I was a servant of the people at Grado’s Imperial Temple.”

    “Then why the trouble with the soldiers? Would you tell us your story?” I asked, trying to help her along.

    “Of course… A few days past, my mentor was arrested without warning. They executed him. They said he was a traitor… But those were false accusations. The emperor had him killed - a holy man! - to keep him silent.”

    “Keep him silent?” Seth demanded, appalled.

    “Yes. My mentor told me with his final breath. The emperor plans to destroy the Sacred Stones.”

    I gaped incredulously. “The Sacred Stones? Destroy them?”

    “As you know, the Sacred Stones drove back the power of evil long ago. Even now, each of our nations is home to one of these legendary treasures. There’s one in my homeland, Grado, and one in your Renais…”

    “Yes, the Sacred Stone of Renais is still housed in our royal temple,” I assured her.

    “The emperor plans to destroy the five stones, one by one…”

    “Why would he do such a thing?” Seth exclaimed. “Legend says that the Sacred Stones are even now all that keeps evil at bay!”

    “I cannot begin to guess his motives… You must know, our emperor was a gentle man. But, one day, he changed. Utterly. Before my mentor died, he said that the keepers of the Sacred Stones must be warned. I tried to slip across the border, but the soldiers spotted me…”

    “Is that what happened…” I walked a little bit away, moving Seth with me. “What do you think, Seth?”

    “I think we can trust no one from Grado,” he answered in a low voice. “However, if what she says is true, we cannot ignore the danger we face. Destroying the Sacred Stones… We cannot allow that to happen.”

    “I agree. If only we knew if there were some reason for the emperor’s actions. I must tell you, her story chills me to the bone. I pray it is false…”

    As we went to leave the town, a man stopped me. “A moment, please. Are you perchance… Princess Eirika?”

    “I am.”

    “Oh… Thank goodness you’re safe! I can’t tell you how happy I am. And please accept my gratitude for driving off that Captain Saar.” I guessed he meant the armour knight captain we had killed. “That Saar treated all the citizens of Renais with such contempt and brutality…”

    “Not here… not in this city,” I shook my head in disbelief. “My brother and I spent such happy times here with Lyon…”

    “I beg your pardon, but it will not be long before Grado sends more troops. Please, you must go quickly.”

    “I’m so sorry. There’s nothing I can do for you now. Please forgive me.” I bowed in apology.

    He returned my bow. “Do not be troubled. Princess Eirika… We will survive and wait for the day of liberation to come. There will come a day when you, Prince Ephraim, and all of Renais rise up together… Until that day of glory comes, we will wait unbowed and filled with hope.”

Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors     Chapter 6: Victims of War

Chapter 3: The Bandits of Borgo     Chapter 5: The Empire’s Reach

Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors

    “We’re approaching Serafew, at the border of Renais and Grado. Once we cross, we’ll be in Grado… Renvall won’t be much farther,” Seth told me two days later.

    “That is, assuming we can cross the border without mishap…” I answered dryly. We moved onward without speaking for a moment, following a path through grey woods. It was a bit misty, and not so bright as it had been.

    Something moved in the trees. I would have thought nothing of it, but more movement appeared. Unhealthy looking… things ducked behind bushes and clumsily kept to cover.

    I moved closer to Seth, pointing at one zombie-like creature stumbling from behind a trunk. “Those strange figures… What… what are they?” I asked, appalled. “Are they… human?”

    “I’ve never seen anything like them,” Seth responded warily, his hand on his sword hilt. “What could they be?”

    I had no answer for him. Seth called the rest of the group and told them to keep their weapons handy.

    A young man with orangish brown curly hair ran up to us on the path. He wore white and aqua monk robes unsuited for hurrying, and he was very out of breath. “Travelers, you must listen to me! The ancient forest of Za’ha is dangerous. Head south and pass through this place before the fiends surround you!”

    “Who are you?” I asked cautiously.

    “My name is Artur. The temple has assigned me the task of cleansing the forest of these… things.” I saw on his face what he was thinking: There are too many for me to handle alone. “So if you would, please flee now while you have the chance.”

    “I’m not scared,” Ross shouted from somewhere in the back of the group. “I’m the son of the great Garcia! Monsters, taste my axe!”

    A word Artur had mentioned earlier clicked in my head. “Fiends? You’re not talking about the same fiends that served the ancient Demon King?” My eyes widened. “That can’t be right… They’re nothing but legends and fairy tales…”

    Artur nodded sympathetically. “Yes, I felt the same when I heard. And yet -” he gestured “-here they are. This place is filled with them.” He shivered. “I wonder how far they’ve spread… Surely they’re not in Renais alone.”

    “But… why are they here? How?”

    “Beware, Your Highness!” Seth warned me, shielding me from an attack. I gasped. A huge, hovering eyeball was propelling itself towards us with tentacles.

    “Please allow me to deal with this,” Artur said, bowing. The monk turned to the monster. “Evil shade! May the blessed light drive you from this land!” Brandishing a book of light magic, he blasted the eyeball.

    “We ought to help,” Seth urged me. “He can’t fight them all alone. What are your orders?”

    “One of my companions is in the village to the south,” Artur added. “If any of you can get there swiftly, I pray that you watch over her.”

    I nodded. I had a vague map of Za’ha. Two rivers met to the south, and to the northeast, there was a high cliff, at the top of which there was a plateau. I split my group into roughly two forces. The zombies - revenants, I learnt to call them - found they were discovered and moved to attack. Their claws were sharp, but they had two vast disadvantages. One was that their claws served nothing against the heavily armoured knights such as Gilliam and Seth, and the second was that we were all too quick for them.

    Several more appeared behind us, giving me the impression of a very weak and flimsy trap. I directed Vanessa to the southern village, and she brought back on her pegasus a violet-haired girl with a dark green velvet dress named Lute. She seemed… very confident - which is to say, she bragged openly of her magic power. After I saw her cast a fire spell on a zombie, however, I decided that the ego was natural and even permissable. I decided to say nothing.

    All was going well. I felt sick as I saw horrid, stinking corpses staggering around, swiping at us with their claws. The most damage they did, however, was a few chips of paint off of Gilliam’s substantial armour. The worst creatures were probably the eyeballs, which popped when I stabbed them and splattered me in… goop. I wasn’t sure how well that would clean off. The eyeballs were also more accurate, and hit me with some sort of dark magic spell like invisible knives. All it really did was hurt - the skin was not broken.

    Still, the bonewalkers and the sick entombed - skeletons and chief zombie - were more than enough to turn my stomach. I screamed twice during the battle. I think I cannot be blamed.

    On the name entombed, I often wondered afterwards, when fighting others, whether it would not have been wiser to name them the untombed.

    “We’ve killed all the monsters,” Seth informed me a while later. “Still, we’d best burn the bones to ash to be sure they don’t return.”

    “I still can’t believe what we’ve been fighting here,” I said, knowing my face was deathly pale with horror. “I’d thought those fiends nothing more than myth and legend.”

    “Those revenants are said to be the least of the dark creatures,” Seth said, his hand hovering unobtrusively near my elbow in case I took it into my head to faint. I wasn’t planning to, but it was a distinct possibility. “So we cannot take this enemy lightly.”

    “Then we’ll just have to be better than they are,” Franz mumbled to himself, thinking no one could hear him.

    “Oh, yes, there are much worse than those revenants and the entombed…” Lute explained cheerfully. “Let’s see, there’s the bonewalkers, mauthe doogs, gargoyles, baels…” She shivered in relish, the rest of us in horror and amazement. “Why, I’ll bet you just about any creature of lore could be walking again. Yes, we’re in for some trouble. Even my fabulous power may not be enough.”

    “O divine light, show me… Is this a sign of dark days to come?” Artur muttured uncomfortably.

    I stepped away from the group, shuddering. “By all that’s holy, what is happening?” I cried. “Is it not enough that my brother faces death at the hands of humans that all humans must face death at the claws of these fiends?” I continued in a whisper.

    “Princess Eirika, perhaps it would be wise to return to Frelia and regroup,” Seth said softly behind me. “Pressing forward seems foolish in light of recent events. We cannot face both Grado’s forces and more of these terrible things.”

    “Seth, I see what you mean, and nothing would please me more than running for safety.” I wanted nothing more than a good hug, but I wasn’t allowed to hug Seth, so I wrapped my arms around a tree. “But my brother… He and his men are surely trapped in the same situation we are.” I looked at him sorrowfully. “I know full well that I may be leading us into even greater danger, but… Please understand.”

    My loyal general bowed. “I do, my princess, and I vow to see you through this safely.”

    A troubadour - a horse-mounted woman wielding a staff - came galloping through the forest at an oblique angle to the path. It seemed she was aiming for the spot where we were. I wondered why.

    “Aha! Foul creatures, beware!” she cried theatrically. She had honey blonde hair, and her eyes were the same golden brown colour. “I, L’Arachel, bestow upon you the honour of banishment at my blessed hands!”

    I looked at the ‘dead’ zombies and skeletons littering the ground. “Oh…” said the troubadour, seeming to notice for the first time that nothing moved but us. “Where are the monsters?”

    “Well, we just finished…” I said, gesturing.

    “Ah, glad tidings indeed!” squealed L’Arachel, a bit crestfallen. “The heavens must be rejoicing! I am… a tad disappointed, however. After all, I did rush all the way here to show you the splendour of my might.”

    A knight in red armour with her, a huge-chested short man with a thick bushy green beard and moustache, laughed uproariously. “Yes, it’s a real shame, innit, Lady L’Arachel!”

    A slim man with a purple tunic, brown hair, a sharp face, and quick flashing eyes joined in. “What’s shameful is the way you drag us around the countryside.”

    “Pardon me, but what is your name?” I asked curiously.

    “Me?” answered the lady. “Since you ask, please allow me to introduce myself.” I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “It is I, the true light and glory of the sacred realm of Rausten…”

    “Stop!” interrupted the red-clad knight. “Lady L’Arachel, you mustn’t reveal yourself!”

    L’Arachel shrugged, disappointed again, but then brightened. “Yes, you’re right. Oh, I do get so careless sometimes! Now, I must ride off in anonymity. Oh, how beautifully romantic!” She clasped her hands to her heart and swooned a bit.

    “Uh… Right,” I said, unable to think of anything else. Romantics were fine with me, mostly, seeing as I was a bit of one myself. Only, when my brother said…

    “Fare thee well, strangers,” the lady called, breaking in on my thoughts. She waved and turned her horse about. “Perhaps our paths will cross again. Come, Dozla! Rennac! We ride!”

    The knight, Dozla, guffawed again. “Let’s go, Rennac!”

    The other man sighed and grinned wearily at me. “All right, all right.” He stumped off after the other two, muttering something about “You want us to ride and you buy me a horse, lady…”

    I stared at them. “What was that about?” I turned back to my company and found them frozen in astonishment. “Huh?”

Chapter 3: The Bandits of Borgo     Chapter 5: The Empire’s Reach

Chapter 2: The Protected     Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors

Chapter 3: The Bandits of Borgo

    The next morning, we were high in the mountains. Stark brown peaks rose yet higher above us, unclad by much except moss and the occasional bush.

    “The local villagers tell me that Bazba’s Bandits keep their lair nearby,” Seth told me at the last town. “A few of them saw a lad matching the description of our bracelet thief.” This seemed to match the boy to being one of them.

    I was shocked at the information that bandits still made their home in Renais, and said as much.

    “It wasn’t always like this,” my general told me, regret thick in his voice. “The knights used to protect the citizenry… However, with Renais in ruins and her army tattered, law and order are hard to find.”

    I nodded. The Grado army was not most concerned with preserving order. “If nothing changes, Renais will continue on this sad plunge into savagery.”

    A dark-lilac haired girl with a bow and quiver stepped hesitantly up to us. “Um… hello? Pardon me for asking… but are you all some sort of mercenary troop?” Her eyes were the same colour as her hair, but they and her nose were red with weeping.

    “Is she one whom you spoke with?” I asked Seth quietly. He shook his head. “Why do you ask?” I questioned her. She stepped closer, glancing about nervously.

    “Please, you have to help Colm!” she exclaimed, and burst into tears. “I told him it was too dangerous, but he wouldn’t listen to me!”

    I put an arm around her thin shoulders. “Calm yourself. Take a deep breath, speak slowly, and please start at the beginning.”

    “I’m Neimi,” sniffed the girl, trying to control herself and halt the flow of tears pouring hysterically down her cheeks. “I am from a village named Lark… that used to be near here. It was… attacked recently, and Colm and I were the only ones to escape. I lost my mirror to the bandits… a special treasure from my mother… and Colm swore he’d get it back for me. So, he went to attack Bazba’s Bandits, and I’m so worried…” New tears flowed down her nose and dripped off her chin. I gave her my hankerchief and let her sob into it. “He told me not to follow him… I told him it was too dangerous, but he wouldn’t listen to me… If I lose Colm, too, I…” A fresh storm gathered in her eyes.

    “Please don’t cry. We’ll find your friend and see that he’s not harmed.”

    “Oh, really? Really and truly?” I nodded. “Oh, thank you! Thank you!!!” She tried to smile through her tears. “I’ll do anything to help!”

    “I’m only sad that we weren’t here to protect her friends and neighbours…” I said to myself.

    “Neimi, can you show us the way?” Seth asked gently.

    “Yes! This way,” said Neimi, pointing, running ahead and beckoning.

    On our way, Neimi imparted to us that she had some skill with a bow, and could she please help kill the bandits? I gave my permission and explained who we were and what we were doing.

    We arrived at the bandits castle at around eleven o’clock. The gate was locked, but the fortress had more than one patched hole in it. Seth showed me. He rode Altha up to one sloppy job and directed her to rear up and crash her hooves into it. Then he rode away quickly as the wall crumbled under the impact. Most of the stones and boards fell inwards, but some of them fell outwards and rolled down the mountainside. There was now a big enough gap in the wall for all of us to enter.

    Once inside, Neimi caught a flash of blue. “Colm!” She ran off, throwing herself on the very same boy who had taken my bracelet. I raised an eyebrow. Then I glanced at Seth and noted he had done the same. He exchanged a like glance with me.

    The boy was very bossy, and quite rude to his childhood friend. “I’m like a flash, they don’t even see me. I don’t need a clumsy oaf like you following me around.”

    “Y-yes, but… Colm…”

    Colm sighed. “I don’t have time to argue this right now. You’ll have to stay with me. Don’t leave my side, or else.”

    I looked back at Seth. “Since we’re here, we may as well deal with the bandits,” I said resignedly.

    “Hey,” said the blue-haired thief with a grin. “You want some doors opened?” He was so brazen, as if he had completely forgotten that we had ever ‘met’. I shrugged and pointed at a door. He pulled a wire out of his pocket and had it open pretty quickly. Axe-swinging figures piled out onto the swords of Franz, Seth, and I, and Neimi’s arrows.

    Rapidly, I orchestrated the destruction of Bazba’s Bandits. Bazba himself offered up a choice insult: “Hope you’ve enjoyed living, ’cause you’re gonna die now!”

    I pulled my body back from his horizontal axe stroke and stabbed forward before he could recover. He fell backwards in a dead heap on his throne.

    The instant he could, Colm rounded on poor Neimi, who stuttered “C-colm…”

    “What now? I could’ve robbed those bandits blind on my own, thank you very much.” He kept a sarcastic scowl on his face.

    Neimi sniffed heavily. “I was… worried…”

    “H-hold on! I’m sorry! C’mon! Don’t start bawling!”

    Neimi sobbed into my hankerchief, which I had given her to keep, something that sounded like “No more… dangerous stuff…”

    Colm became more kind and promised he wouldn’t. Then he pulled a little silver mirror out of his pocket and murmured something that ended in: “See what happens when you give me a job? Guaranteed results!” Neimi burst into happy tears.

    “Hey! Wh-why are you crying this time? C’mon! Stop! Knock it off! Please, Neimi…” I left, smiling. They really were close, as close as Kyle and Forde, two caveliers who were fighting with my brother. Those two bickered a lot, but liked each other nonetheless.

    Outside in the sunshine, I pulled my cloak about my shoulders against the cool mountain wind and leaned against the wall. Seth exited a few minutes later and gave me my bracelet. “Here you are, Princess.”

    “Thank you, Seth.” I slipped it on my wrist. “You know… Father gave me this bracelet when I was a child. It has only one match in the world, and my brother wears it.”

    “Lady Eirika,” Seth said earnestly, “you must take care never to lose that bracelet. It is the proof that King Fado entrusted the future of Renais to you, his children.”

    I frowned at him. “Seth… what is is you’re not telling me?”

    He hesitated and looked down. “…I apologize, Your Highness. When the time comes, I will tell you what I know. Until then, I…”

    I smiled reassuringly. “I see. If you tell me it must wait, then it can wait. I trust you.”

    “The boy Colm and Neimi wish to travel with us,” Seth said abruptly. The two in question stepped out of the hole in the wall and waited, Neimi giving me a pleading look.

    “There is no reason why they shouldn’t,” I said after some deliberation.

    “We should get moving again,” Colm said. “We’re safe from bandits for now, but I can’t guarantee for how long.” Without a backward glance, he ran down the hillside to where my supply wagon and the rest of my troop awaited our return. Neimi clung to his hand.

    “This… this is just the beginning, isn’t it?” I asked, turning to Seth with a sad look. “If we hope to free our homeland, it will take battle after battle…”

    My red-haired general nodded, compassion in his brown eyes. “I’m afraid so, Your Highness. The day you and Prince Ephraim win back the freedom and honour of Renais will come. But I fear it lies at the end of a long and treacherous road.”

    “I know. I must fight for that day. In the names of all those I could not save, I’ll lead us home. Let us go.”

Chapter 2: The Protected     Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors

Chapter 1: The Escape     Chapter 3: The Bandits of Borgo

Chapter 2: The Protected

    King Hayden greeted his daughter warmly, with a hug and a kiss. “Oh, Tana - I’m grateful to see that you’re home safe and sound again! You’ve no idea how I worried when I heard that you were under attack at Border Mulan. You are not to leave again without my permission. Do you understand?”

    “Don’t be mad, Father. I bring good news with me!” She beckoned me. I had been waiting outside the door shyly. Seth and Franz stood patiently with me.

    “King Hayden, I’m happy to see you again, even in these dismal times,” I smiled.

    “As am I. It does my heart good to see you safe.”

    I curtseyed. “I managed to escape the castle before it fell, but I think my father did not…”

    King Hayden sighed and looked down. “I have news of your father.”

    My heart froze in my chest. “Please, tell me!”

    “My good friend, King Fado,” said Frelia’s king slowly and heavily, “did not survive the attack.”

    “No…” I whispered. The room blurred in front of my eyes. I must have half-fainted because I saw things shift and suddenly felt two pairs of hands supporting me: Tana and faithful Seth. “…It cannot be…”

    I regained my balance and turned to the paladin for comfort, but he had closed his eyes and stood with bowed head. Tana hugged me wordlessly.

    “Rest assured, Grado will be punished for its cowardly act,” King Hayden declared with fire. “This is Frelia’s promise.” He turned to me again. “Eirika, please stay here and rest. You must be exhausted.”

    I said nothing, trying to control my emotions.

    “King Hayden, you know of Prince Ephraim’s disappearence, do you not?” Seth questioned quietly.

    “Yes, we hear the prince and his men hound Grado at every turn. It’s said that he’s led his forces into the empire itself. Reports suggest he’s crossed the border and now fights in Renvall.” King Hayden gave me a smile.

    “My brother fights on? Even now?” I pleaded, gaining hope again.

    “Yes. My pegasus knights bought this information at a great price. Even though Renais has fallen, he charges into the enemy’s heart. He is truly Fado’s son… What a valiant youth.” I nodded, a faint smile trying to surface as I imagined my brother’s handsome face. “I wish that I knew whether he remains unharmed, but I do not.”

    The last sentance clicked my mind on. I thought for a moment, made my decision, and said with determination, “I thank you for your kind offer, but I cannot stay. I must hurry to my brother’s side.” Even as I spoke, I knew he would never let me go - at least, not without long arguement.

    The king shook his head. “I cannot allow it. I know how you feel, but this plan is suicide. I would be betraying Fado’s memory if I allowed any harm to befall you.” Again, he urged me to stay and rest.

    I tried again. “I know you mean well, Your Majesty. However, I have lost my father, and my twin brother is in peril. My brother, he is a part of me… I cannot rest here in peace while he risks his life.”

    “No. Renais has no more army. Grado’s forces have destroyed it. I wish that Frelia could provide you with support, with soldiers, but… My son, Innes, is on his way to meet the empire’s forces. We cannot spare a single brigade. Your own retinue of knights cannot possibly face Grado alone. Are you so determined to go?”

    I looked down. “Yes. …With apologies.”

    King Hayden smiled, startling me. “As resolute as your father, eh? What am I to do in the face of such foolhardy determination?” He called three vassals. “Vanessa. Moulder. Gilliam.” The pegasus knight, priest, and armour knight standing at the back of the room snapped to attention.

    “You are to accompany Princess Eirika into Grado territory,” he said simply.

    “That’s quite the responsibility,” Moulder, the moustached priest, murmured.

    “No matter the obstacles, we will perform our duty,” declared Vanessa, the green-haired pegasus knight.

    “Our lives are yours,” Gilliam responded, bending his knee to the both of us.

    “These are some of my most trusted and stalwart vassals,” said the king. “They will, no doubt, prove themselves valuable on your journey.” He considered something for a moment. “Remember, you are venturing behind enemy lines. You will need supplies. I will have a supply convoy readied to carry your weapons and provisions.It will remain at your side, no matter how far afield you venture.”

    “King Hayden, I… Thank you,” I stammered, quite overcome.

    “No, save your thanks for your return… with your brother, Prince Ephraim.”

    “Yes, your Highness!” I replied, smiling and weeping at the same time.

    After bidding a tearful farewell with Tana, in which she begged me to stay and ponder the mystery behind Grado with her, I set off for Renvall with my party of seven, including the skilful, unobtrusive caravan driver with his little cart.

    As we journeyed, I on foot because our group was too large to travel as swiftly as we had been, and also because it would be highly improper for me to ride with Seth now, I discussed our route with the new members.

    “Seth has mapped out a path for us,” I told them. “We’ll pass south of Renais, through Serafew into Grado.”

    “That seems wise,” rumbled Father Moulder.

    “Milady, may I have your leave to fly ahead and scout out the route?” Vanessa asked.

    “Certainly,” I answered gratefully. “But keep an eye out for enemy archers.”

    “I will, Lady. I will prove myself worthy of the trust you have bestowed upon me!” Vanessa took off with a rush of white wings.

    She’s even more proper-tongued than Seth is, if possible, I thought.

    Almost immediately, she came winging back. She had only gone as far as the first mountain.

    “Milady, the villages in this region are under attack by bandits,” she reported urgently. “I saw two survivors of one village that has been destroyed. One, a boy, is hurt.”

    “A hurt child? My staff can heal him, but he must be close to me,” Father Moulder spoke.

    “I will carry him here, and his father as well,” Vanessa volunteered. I nodded, and ran to another village to warn them. Seth warned the other village.

    I had a panic for a moment when a beautiful woman in the village turned out to be Selena, one of the Imperial Three, a general of Grado, but I passed myself off as a mercenary named Erina. She accepted that. My impressions of our conversation were that she was a good woman, but following cruel orders that made her do cruel things… like deny her personal aid to the villagers.

    The pegasus knight finished her duty and returned to me. “There is another village to the south, but also a bandit archer. What are your orders, milady?”

    “Franz, Seth, please ride ahead and engage those bandits.” I gave them careful coordinates, thinking on how high ground, and trees were advantageous.

    An hour of light battle later, and all three remaining villages were safe, Garcia, who was a retired soldier of Renais, and his eager son Ross had joined us. Ross had been something of a stubborn problem. Despite his obvious journeymanship, he insisted on fighting along side us. I almost had Seth remove him from the battle, but I could not bring myself to deny such youthful courage and enthusiasm.

    After the battle, Seth revealed Garcia’s military history to me, and Garcia revealed his personal history to me - why he had given up fighting, to be a father to his son. Ross was most indignant at hearing he would not get to travel with us, and argued until his father changed his mind.

    One of the village leaders thanked me and urged me to stay the night, but I refused, saying: “Your safety is reward enough. We have far to go.” He did not press me, but did warn me of thieves, a group of thugs known by name as Bazba’s Bandits, telling me to take care of my father’s bracelet. He bewailed the fate of Renais, and the dwindling faith in Ephraim, my brother.

    “Rumour has it that he’s on the verge of being crushed by Grado’s vast numbers.”

   I thanked him and left, my heart filled with fresh concern for my brother.

   Miles away and many hours later, we made camp and I went looking for Seth. I found my general sitting under a tree, away from the ruckus of setting up camp. Altha grazed near him, and his light blue armour lay in a neat pile beside him. King Hayden, in addition to the supply cart, had given us tents, so Seth made a routine for setting up camp and directed any further questions to Father Moulder.

    “Seth.”

    He stood up, at attention until I waved at him to stop and sit down again. I sat with him. “What brings you, Princess?”

    “How are you, Seth?” I inquired. “Ever since the castle fell you have been protecting me, despite your own injuries…”

    He shook his head, sighing and glancing away. “Would that I could have served you better, my lady…” he said regretfully. “You were not meant to see such things. But my wound has closed up, and it does not affect my lance arm…” He shifted the arm.

    I frowned. “Wait. Show it to me.” I waited while he removed his patched navy blue tunic and the bandages still covering the wound. Between two ribs was an angry red line. The skin had healed together neatly, but looked ready to reopen at any time. “Look.” I laid my hand on his side, and he twitched. “The wound has closed, but it has not yet fully healed.”

    Seth looked at me silently for a minute. “What made you think of this, my lady?”

    “Your fighting is as superb as ever, Seth,” I assured him, looking up at him earnestly, resting my hand now on his knee. “But when you raise your lance, I see a flicker of pain on your face, as if you were merely enduring it…” Yes, I had been watching him, out of concern for the healing wound… “But it only lasts a moment.” I shook my head slightly, letting my turquoise hair float down around my shoulders. “Perhaps it is all just my imagination.”

    Seth laid his hand over mine. “Your Highness, please put your mind at ease. My wound has healed. There is no reason to worry.” He sounded sincere.

    “I would that were so, Seth. Please do not overextend yourself, I beg of you,” I pleaded. “Without you, I may not be able to continue this quest.”

    “You praise me too much, my lady…” He lowered his head. After a moment, he released my hand.

    I sighed slightly, withdrew my hand, stood and walked away.

    “Ephraim…” I whispered to the night wind… I brought back the memory of my first fencing lesson from him, how many years ago now - three, or maybe four?

    “Tell me, though: why do you want me to teach you to fight? I thought you didn’t care for violence…”

    “I do not care for uncivilized behaviour,” I admitted. “I think one can solve one’s problems without fighting. And yet…” I paused.

    “And yet what?” Ephraim encouraged me.

    “I’ve always relied on you to protect me, Brother. I would rather not be such a burden to you in the future. So, I thought maybe I should learn to protect myself…”

    “I’m your brother. Brothers are supposed to protect their sisters,” Ephraim told me. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. It’s no cause for concern.”

    “Yes, but… I am your sister. Sisters are supposed to worry about their brothers,” I retorted. I gentled my voice. “So I would like to learn something of swordplay, if only a little. And maybe, someday, I can protect you in your time of need…” Little did I know then how true that was likely to be. “So please, Epraim,” I added.

    “All right, all right. How could I say no? Honestly, once you get an idea in your head, that’s it. I might as well give in,” grumbled my brother fondly. “It’s agreed. I’ll teach you, but I won’t hold back because you’re my sister. And I want no complaining once we’ve started, Eirika.”

    “Complain? Me?” I asked demurely. “Never!”

    Deep in my reverie, I didn’t notice the young man - or maybe it was a boy? with blue hair and two earrings in each ear, who stumbled against me. He apologized, but I cried out as I lost my balance. The lad ran off like a scared hare behind me.

    Seth was instantly at my side - which is not quite the correct application of the phrase, as he was standing in front of me. “Princess, are you all right?”

    “Yes,” I assured him. “Someone bumped into me, that’s all. I was jarred.”

    Seth lowered his eyes, and then started almost imperceptibly. “Your Highness, where is your bracelet?”

    “My bracelet?” I looked at my left arm. The red glove was now unadorned. “Oh… did that man-”

    “I’ll find him!” Seth volunteered quickly.

    “Don’t worry about it, Seth. That bracelet was my father’s gift, but Ephraim needs our help.” I was proud to have such clear focus on my goal. “It’s my own fault. I had been warned. I can’t let sentimentality get in my way.”

    “No, Princess… we must retrieve your bracelet regardless of cost,” Seth insisted earnestly. “You cannot lose it.” I gave in.

Chapter 1: The Escape     Chapter 3: The Bandits of Borgo

Prologue: The Fall of Renais     Chapter 2: The Protected

Chapter 1: The Escape

    I awoke to find Altha grazing in a meadow. Seth was asleep with his head sunk on his chest, and my head was on his shoulder. Our arms were still tightly wrapped around each other. For a moment, half asleep still, I studied his face. His thick, dark, red hair brushed my face, but I saw his striking profile; sadness filled his mouth and closed brown eyes. I closed my own eyes for a moment, and then opened them hurriedly.

    Rather alarmed by our… intimate position, I wriggled. Seth started and woke, grunting. When he realized where he was, he gasped and blushed.

    “Please, forgive me,” he said quickly, also alarmed.

    “There’s nothing to forgive,” I said, sliding to the ground to allow him to dismount and begin setting up breakfast. “You were tired. It was all completely unintentional.”

    “As you like, Princess,” was his only answer, and I knew he was not going to forgive himself. I sighed inwardly. Stubborn man.

    Seth found some firewood, and I made toast and tea - simple, and good for a journey. That was my opinion, anyway. Then, we continued riding, going more slowly so that Altha did not get tired out. I was forever pointing out different beautiful sights in the bright day. The sun shone brilliantly in the cheerful, cloudless blue sky. Around every bend was something new.

    “I’ve been here often, but the times I came were mostly flying with Tana. One has a completely different perspective on the ground, and as I recall, yet another view while walking. Oh! There’s the waterfall of Clover Village!”

    Near to lunchtime, we came to the castle of Border Mulan. I was happy to be in Frelia - I was friends with most of the young royal families on Magvel, and Princess Tana of Frelia was not an exception. My dear brother often had tension with her brother, Prince Innes, for Innes had high goals and viewed Ephraim as more of a rival than a friend.

    Anyway, we drew over the hill above Castle Mulan and stopped. Grado soldiers were crawling over the landscape.

    “Oh, Seth, look… ” I pointed as my voice trailed off in shock.

    “I see it,” he replied. “It seems Grado’s army has already reached Frelia. Princess, this place is perilous. We should bypass Mulan altogether and head straight to the castle…”

    His words sounded good, but I disagreed with leaving the people here helpless. “We must help,” I said. “We can get through. You were there when Renais was invaded… you saw what I saw. I saw pain and suffering. I can’t allow the same crimes to happen here.” I saw that I had guilt-tripped Seth, which made me feel guilty, but…

    Seth nodded his dark-red-haired head. “I understand. I think we can retake Mulan. If you will, Princess, I will advise you and you will command me.”

    “That sounds nice,” I agreed. “Very well, what should our first move be?”

    “Trees provide cover and defense. Some other terrain types, like hills and mountains, and man made defenses like fortresses provide benefits as well.” I nodded, absorbing this new information as Seth gave me a crash course in tactics. “Villages and houses should be warned of any fighting, and places of power, like thrones and the gate of Castle Mulan over there give one much strength.”

    “I see,” I replied. “Let us warn those houses. I will attack that soldier on the right, and you should attack the one on the left.”

    “Yes, Lady Eirika.” Seth thundered off to do my bidding. I attacked the soldier, a bit worried, because I knew that I was at a disadvantage. My brother wielded a lance. I knew the weapon triangle.

    So it came as something of a surprise to find my enemy dead at my feet seconds into combat.

    Together, Seth and I fought back the soldiers of Grado. They seemed surprisingly weak, but Seth claimed I was an outstanding warrior. He himself gave me the best advice, even gently objecting to my plans when they were not sound. For example, in one place he pointed out an ideal place to trap me. There was a soldier standing with his back to me, with a forest nearby. This, said Seth, was a perfect place for an ambush. The better thing to do, he said, would be to attract the soldier’s attention and let him charge me, lest there be more enemies hiding in the forest.

    Obediently, I yelled wordlessly. The soldier turned and came running. I braced myself, ready to sidestep his charge.

    I never had to. Like a flash of light green fire, Franz skewered him on his lance. Behind him, a blue armoured knight with spikey black hair stabbed another one.

    To tell you my feelings, I was sad these people had to die. They did try to kill me, but they were probably only following orders. I wondered how Grado could order the destruction of Renais.

    “Well met, Franz,” Seth greeted his apprentice. “I’m relieved to see you still in one piece!” This humourous statement brought a smile to my lips.

    “Yes, and you as well, sir. General, Castle Frelia knows of our need. All that is left to us now is to kill that knight, free the castle, and head to Frelia.”

    “Good work, Franz. Ride with us.”

    “With honour, sir!” Franz was so innocent and earnest.

    The other knight, whose name was Gilliam, spoke with Seth while Franz and I ran ahead of them to attack the castle gate. A lone armour knight stood there.

    I looked at my rapier. I had been told it was good against armour knights, but…

    The armour knight charged us. Franz wheeled aside, and I leapt sideways, but the knight’s shoulder hit Franz’s horse, knocking them over. The grey eyed cavalier’s left leg was pinned under his thrashing horse. The knight circled Franz, who jabbed at him with his lance. Seth was not close enough to help us in time…

    “Leave him alone!” I cried shrilly, and jumped forward with my rapier. I dealt the knight the strongest blow I had yet, and he fell headless.

    “Well done, Princess,” Seth said calmly, and yet with great relief, from behind me. I leaned against the wall of the castle, panting.

    A dark-blue haired girl came to the gate with a pegasus and cheered. “Eirika! You saved me!”

    “Tana?” I gasped. “How are you here?”

    “I heard that Renais had fallen, and I was so worried, silly, except I sent my last escort away to bring help and I was captured by Mr. Headless over there.” Tana was a giggly girl, but a good friend, and funny. She was training as a pegasus knight, as I was to be a swordfighter.

    “I’m going to see your father, Tana. I don’t know where my brother is.”

    Tana’s forehead wrinkled. “You’re in a lot of trouble. I do hope we can help. I’m glad to see you’re safe. I hope your brother’s not been harmed…”

    “Princesses,” Seth called us, “here come those reinforcements.”

    “The ones I sent for?” asked Tana.

    “Yes, Lady Tana. They are Frelian knights, certainly.”

    Tana clapped her hands. “Now, let’s go see my father. He may know something.”

Prologue: The Fall of Renais     Chapter 2: The Protected