A warning bell rung signaling the nearby forts that their special guest has arrived. As one bell rung, another bell chimed from the neighboring fort. Soldiers formed on top of the garrison. Already, things were not looking good. Even though there are a handful of soldiers at this fort. After a quick glance let Robin know this wasn't the area where the battle would take start at.

One of the gatekeepers walked up to the group. "Greetings your highness, we have received word of your arrival. Our King is graciously waiting for you to meet him by our other fort. Please follow me."

Emmeryn accompanied by her retainer, Phila, stepped forth. The band followed behind.

When the Shepherds walked through the gate, Robin observed the troops which consisted of axe men and dark mages. The mages will be a bit difficult to deal with because they have range which is what the Shepherds are lacking in.

Early morning when everyone was ready to depart. Robin mentioned to the group that the plans have changed and he will let them know when to take positions. A few of the them felt annoyed but they knew he must've come up with a better plan.

Everyone would be walking in a specific order when they walk in. He knew that Chrom best performs when he is in the front lines and that will work out for since Emmeryn has to be in the front. Accompanying them will be Frederick and Phila since he will need someone to evacuate the Emmeryn if the battle ensues. He also told them to observe every little detail when they are walking by the fort. The data can help him adapt and decide on different strategies.

The Shepherds remained vigilante as they moved further into enemy lines. Their climb up the mountain continued as they left the first fort.

Chrom leaned over to Robin " I have a bad feeling about this. Watch yourself."

Robin can finally see the other fort where the trade would take place. He whispered to the group "Get in your positions everyone." He was a bit nervous as they slowly approached their destination. A lot is at stake here and the lives of his comrades will depend on him. He couldn't spot Ricken anywhere on the way up which could mean that he must be hiding somewhere.

Finally, the King of Plegia made his appearance along with the woman accompanying him.

Robin drifted toward Virion.

"Virion, there is something I need you to do. See that woman next to the king? Well, I'll need you to keep a close eye on her and to target her on my command.

Virion gulped nervously at his request.

"Monsieur, that's a bit extreme don't you think. I mean, we are trying to avoid conflict are we not?

"I hope to avoid a battle too. But for now you just got to put your faith in me."

The archer nodded and watched. Things were about to get hectic. Robin thought to himself.

The exalt lifted her hand up motioning everyone to stop. "Let me speak with Gangrel. Please wait here everyone."

"Let me join you sister" pleaded Chrom.

"Me too" Lissa added.

Just one look from their eyes, let Emmeryn know there was no way she could convince to stay and followed with a faintly smile. "Very well, stick close to me." The three then proceeded closer to the king.

The king looked surprised to see Emmeryn. "What's this, then? The Exalt herself in all her radiance and grandeur? I fear my eyes are beginning to lose sight. Personally, I didn't believe you'd come along! Bwa ha ha ha."

That laugh of his is awfully menacing.

"King Gangrel, I've come to seek the truth of this unfortunate incident between us."

The woman next to the king quietly laughed. "The truth? I'll tell you the truth."

"Perhaps milady might share her name?"

The woman took a quick bow. "You may call me Aversa."

"Very well Aversa. Let's get on to the subject. Is Maribelle unharmed?"

The king looked confused.

"Who?" The king cupped his chin thinking about who she was talking about

"Ah yes, the little blonde brat. Ha ha! Yes, yes, bring her in." motioning has hand quickly.

The sound of grunts and struggle grew louder as a ruffian shoved the maiden by the king's side.

"Gah, unhand me you gutter-born troglodyte!"

"Maribelle!" Cried the princess in horror.

Maribelle's attention immediately diverted towards the direction of the sound. She squinted to look for the familiar voice. "Li-Lissa? Darling, is that you?"

"Ye-Yes, we've come to save you." Lissa's eyes swelled up with tears.

"Stay calm Lissa." The Exalt patted her sister's back.

"This young girl and her father entered Plegia without our consent. What's more, she wounded our brave soldier who sought only to escort her safely home." replied Aversa.

"LIES! You speak nothing but lies you old hag! Did they not teach you the word "truth" in wretched crone school."

Gangrel gave a concerned look at their hostage. "This lady lacks manners, your Majesty. We had to have this birdie caged up for her own good." The king grimaced. "Such a violent, bad-mannered temper reflects her true self. This calls for serious punishment. I wonder. Could she have been an Ylissean spy? My goodness, that would be terrible." He started snickering. "It would take an act of CONSIDERABLE good faith to repair our relations."

Maribelle protested. "We have done nothing wrong! They're the ones who invaded our land. They raided an entire village near the border. When my father and I intervened, they attacked him and forced me across the border. The burnt homes and destroyed shops will serve as proof.

"Hmph, all that proves is that Ylisse has a bandit problem. I've heard these attacks have been occuring more lately. It is really unfortunate of what occured. I will weep and pray for your dead villagers."

Robin could easily tell this man's tone that he is selfish and has no remorse for life. Wondered how this miserable excuse for a king was able to attain this title.

Maribelle continued to beg. She squirmed more violently to escape her captor's clutches."Your majesty, please believe me!"

"Peace Maribelle, I believe you. King Gangrel, I am sorry but I don't believe a word you say. I request you release this woman at once. We can sort these problems without hostages."

"Hmph, why should I even bother parleying with you. I can order my men to execute her where she stands and have this issue resolved and I can make it back home in time for dinner haha."

"You black hearted devil", Chrom said in frustration.

Gangrel jokingly backed off pretending to be scared. "Calm your dog before he bites someone and hurts them. Now then your Graceliness. Perhaps we CAN continue with the trade? You know what I desire. Give me the Fire Emblem and I shall return this thing safely to you."

"Why would you ask for Ylisse's royal treasure, and for what purpose would you use it?" asked the Exalt."

"Because of the legend of course! The Fire Emblem is the key to having all of one's wishes come true. I have wanted it for years. Years, I tell you…. Yet my birthday comes every year and Ylisse sends me nothing."

"I hate to disappoint you, King Gangrel, but the Fire Emblem was created for one single purpose. That purpose is to save the world and its people at the time the world most desperately needs it. Would you really ask for such a noble object?"

"Why of course because what I wish is also noble. What I want, is what every plegian wants. A grisly death for EVERY Ylissean. What could be more noble than that?

Emmeryn was dumbfounded. "What?

"Surely you did not forget what the last Exalt…. Or should I say your father did to MY people. He called us heathens and worms and started a "crusade" slaughtering my loyal subjects and kin. This war of his continued til his last breathe and his legacy rained death, despair, and both nations to crumble. It took my kingdom years to repair the damage done by him."

" I can not deny the wrongdoings of my father but I have vowed to never follow in my father's footsteps. Ours is now a realm of peace and that is what I strive for.

"HA! Yours is now a haven of hypocrisy. The only way we'll ever achieve peace is when every last Ylissean is dead. Now please give me the emblem!

"No your grace, I'd rather die than to be a bargaining chip for this filthy reprobate.

"No, Maribelle."

"Ugh, all this talking and no action. I should have known bargaining with you was a waste of time. This negotiation is over. Looks like I'll have to pry it from your dead hands your luminosity. Soldiers seize the emblem. Aversa, you may do whatever you please to the hostage"

Once that has been said, the thing Robin's hopes of avoiding war were shattered. It was as if at the moment, the concept of peace never existed. Only death and despair would engulf the neighboring nations.

"EVERYONE FORM UP!" yelled the tactician. His top priority now was to rescue Maribelle and Ricken and to evacuate as soon as possible.

A soldier ran towards Emmeryn and Chrom immediately slashed him before he could even get close.

The prince pointed his sword toward every enemy soldier. "Stay back or you'll all suffer the same fate."

The king became jubilant, stamping his feet on the ground."Now that is a declaration of war if I've ever heard one. A long bloody war that will bleed all you Ylissean dogs dry. Bwahaha." He retreated back into the nearby fort higher up the mountain

Robin looked over towards Maribelle. Aversa made her way towards her with a wicked smile across her face.

"Such a shame all this happened because of you. Are you really worth fighting a war for? Just let the fact sink in that one day years from now. The world will remember as the girl who doomed an entire nation hehe."

"No… That's not… Oh Lissa, Please no…" her tears poured down her face..

"Allow me to put you out of your misery." She extended her hand out ready to unleash her magic. Just before she released her magic, a gale of wind incapacitates the soldier restraining Maribelle.

Robin could see it all unfold from his location. "Virion aim your bow at the woman."

Back at the mountain, Aversa was caught off guard. "Who did that?"

Ricken ran towards Maribelle. "Maribelle! Run your free!"

"Ricken!? What are you doing here?" She was shocked to see him.

Chrom also noticed him too. "Ricken? I told him to stay back in Ylisstol? Gods, we have to save them immediately."

"Just run, we can talk later." replied the boy.

"Aww is this your boyfriend? Isn't he just a precious little boy?"

The insulting remark angered Ricken.

"Don't ever call me a boy!" His body was engulfed in a green aura, preparing to cast another spell.

"Ricken Don't!" Maribelle cried in horror.

The enchantress also pulled out her tome. "You really think you can best me with your feeble magic? Enjoy these last few seconds of life, because they WILL be your last!

That was Robin's queue. He then looked at Virion. "Shoot her now!"

Virion fired his shot but the arrow narrowly flew by her.

"Keep firing!" he yelled at Virion. Aversa had no choice but to retreat."Darn brats don't get in my way!" She pulled back from the area making her escape back to safety.

"RICKEN! RICKEN! Get Maribelle and you out of there. We'll make our way towards you."

The young mage heard his order and ran down the path he came from with Maribelle right behind. Robin gave a sigh of relief. He changed fate but the challenge of keeping everyone safe has just begun. Already, they face an uphill battle to get to Maribelle and Ricken. They're both nearby dozens of enemies blocked their path preventing them from joining up.

An ominous roar can be heard from atop the mountain. A roar from a creature unfamiliar to him. Something that his vision didn't show. Robin pointed towards the road leading up the mountain and told everybody to move up. Unfortunately, they cannot split up they because if did, they could easily be overwhelmed by the enemy forces sheer numbers. Instead, he ordered them to form a triangle formation. Frederick, Stahl, Sully and Chrom were tasked with facing the enemies in the front while also pushing forward to Maribelle and Ricken. As Robin expected they were overwhelming the enemies, cutting them down with ease.

It wasn't long before the enemies from the first fort attacked from the back. An enemy tactic he was sure would happen. Lon qu, Kellam, Phila and Sumia were positioned in the back to protect their flank.. Everybody else were to stay in the middle, protect Emmeryn, and give long distance support on both fronts with the exception of Robin who has given himself the task of a roamer, allowing himself to move to any position in case one side is struggling and provide back up.

Things are going smoothly despite the number disadvantage but the Shepherds were more experienced. Everybody was fighting in sync with one were now a couple meters away from Maribelle and Ricken.

"Maribelle!" cried the princess which was then followed by "Darling!".

Suddenly, the mysterious creature roared again but this time in plain sight for everyone to see but to everyone of the Shepherds surprise, it was not one but three monsters. A dragon like creature equipped with armor to protect its itself. Each dragon with a rider on their backs.

"Are those…." before Robin could finish. His question was quickly answered.

"Wyverns" said Chrom. "They're powerful creatures that are fairly common in Plegia. Controlling these beasts take years to master because of their destructive nature. Be on your guard everyone. Wyverns have very sharp claws and serrated teeth that can easily tear a limb off. They are vulnerable to projectiles so its best to take them out from a distance before they get close. My Falchion can defeat them with ease but fighting them up close is risky."

"Then a coordinated attack is necessary to create an opening to attack."

The wyverns swiftly flew in between the Shepherds and Maribelle and Ricken. Fighting the three of them at the same time will prove to be difficult.

One of the riders approached them, " My name is Orton and I'm the captain of these forts. I won't ask for your name. All I want from all of you are your lives."

Immediately, they all swooped in swinging their axes but the cavaliers intercepted them before they reached the infantry units. Due to limited space, the Shepherds cannot change formation so they can split up the wyverns to take them on in smaller groups. However, Robin's top priority at the moment was to rendezvous with the others and then deal with the wyverns after. He ordered all ranged units to pressure the wyverns with projectiles.

Every shot attack they did, the wyverns dodged and weaved through the arrows and blasts of magic but the barrage is just enough to prevent the wyverns diving in.

After cutting down several axe men and mages. The Shepherds finally reached Maribelle and Ricken. The princess lunged towards Maribelle wrapping her arms around her. Maribelle patted her the princess's head.

"It's okay darling. I'm alright thanks to everyone efforts."

"Save the talk later you two. For now, we must get out of here." said the Exalt.

Now that they have joined with them, they can now retreat. Since they vanquished most of the enemies from the first fort. They were swiftly able to run back to the first fort. Their exit was blocked by the wyvern riders along with several axe men and mages who have made their stand there. Without giving a single thought, the wyverns flew towards the group with the axe men running behind them. Chrom, Frederick, Stahl, and Sully charged to intercept the coming wyverns while the rest gave back up by fighting the rest of the enemies.

Robin ordered the Virion to aim towards the wyverns whenever he sees an opening. Several enemy mages were perched on top of the fort and Robin knew he had to take them out fast.

"Lon' qu, Sumia. I want you two take out the mages that are on top of the fort. Miriel and I will provide cover and act as a distraction for you two so you can get close and eliminate them."

Ricken overheard the conversation and ran up to him. "Let me help you and Miriel. I can use magic too."

"Very well, stay in the middle and watch give everyone cover fire."

On Chrom's side, they were struggling to land a single hit against the flying beasts. After wyverns riders attack, they would ascend up to the sky and do it over. Virion wasn't having any luck landing a hit any of them.

"Grrr, these things just down let up do they Chrom?" Vaike was getting desperate to land a hit but his axe swings keep missing."

"Don't stop, we have to keep going." Chrom replied back.

Kellam was beginning to be overwhelmed. The enemies would often hit Kellam's bulky armor leaving small dents in it. Ricken walked behind him and pushed the enemies back with his wind tome. "I'll back you up, just defeat the ones that pass through." Phila rushed to their side to loosen the load.

Lissa and Emmeryn also helped in the back and used their healing rods to revitalize their weary comrades.

"C'mon Ruffles. Hit'em." Yelled the crimson knight.

"Forgive me mademoiselle. I promise you that this next shot will hit." He twirled his arrow and readied himself. Frederick was currently engaging one of the fliers. The wyvern was incredibly strong and was pushing Frederick back. Virion waited for an opening to fire at the rider. Chrom ran to Frederick's aid while the other fliers were in the sky and lunged his sword towards the wyverns neck. The rider pulled back on the reins causing the wyvern to flap back. The rider was now open and the archer fired his shot hitting the rider in the neck. The distraught rider fell off his mount desperately pulling the arrow out but blood gushed out and he squirmed around until his body laid motionless.

"I-I did it." Virion was in disbelief. "W-Well of course I did it. Such a graceful shot it was and-"

"Good job Ruffles but keep shooting them or else I will personally throw you to them so you can act as bait!"

Virion stopped talked and did as he was told.

Several minutes have passed and Robin decided to help Lon'qu and Sumia move up after he took down several mages with Miriel. He stood on top of the garrison with Lon'qu and Sumia. He knew having them come up was a good idea since they both have high maneuverability. Lon'qu and Sumia would be able to dodge a majority of the mages attacks from a distance and from up close. He was also at a good vantage point to see how everyone else were doing. It appeared that they have the upper hand. Most of the infantry units have been defeated but the two wyverns were being a nuisance. He came up with a plan to take down one of them.

He called out to Sumia. "Fly me towards one of the wyverns and I'll take them out with my magic. Lon'qu, I want you to stay here and keep taking out the mages.

"Right" Nodded Sumia. Robin has never ridden on a pegasus before and felt exhilarated once they took flight but he had to focus at the task at hand. He took his elwind tome out and prepared the incantation. The element of wind that resided his tome began to spew from the book manifesting a green aura around his hand.

"Ok Sumia, I'm ready. Fly us behind one of the wyverns. I need you to keep steady because i require the use of both my hands when I use my magic. I believe in you." He smiled. He could tell that she was nervous because of how much of a klutz she can be but he could also see the determination in her eyes. From the recent skirmishes she's been involved in, she has been gaining more confidence in herself. She has become an vital figure in his tactics.

She steered her steed to the wyvern attacking Stahl and Sully. Both horse riders were hardly able to cause any damage because of its protected hide. As soon as Sumia got in range, Robin dispelled a strong blast of wind directly at the back of the wyvern, hitting the rider as well. Parts of the rider's and creature's armor broke off exposing themselves more for a direct hit. The wyvern roared in pain and flew up. Sumia and Robin followed them to prepare another their next attack. The rider recollected himself and gave a mad grunt. He pulled a few of his throwing axes and hurled them at the duo. Sumia dodged them without much worry and flew closer to the wyvern.

"Are you ready for another attack Robin?"

"Yeah, I'm just about ready. Fly us to its side."

Sumia grabbed her lance to block incoming attacks and swiftly flew to the beast's side. The rider threw axes more at them but Sumia skillfully dodged and blocked them with her weapon. In desperation, the rider pulled the reins to the left to cause the wyvern ram them. Even though the wyvern was big and powerful. It lacked speed and flew too slow to hit Sumia and Robin. Sumia then flew overhead and Robin follow with another burst of wind landing a devastating blow to the rider and the wyvern, leaving them incapacitated. The wyvern plunged several meters in the air and landed on its backside killing itself and crushing its rider as well.

"Good job Sumia, now let's get back to Chrom and the others."

When, they descended down, they both noticed that Chrom and Frederick were able to kill the beast and surrounded the captain who was limping towards Chrom.

"All this matters not foolish prince. Soon… war will be on your soil…. And we'll slaughter you all." He gave a hefty battle cry and ran to the prince but Frederick charged in and stabbed him with his lance. The rider fell down flat to the ground and began to faintly laugh until he quietly bled to death.

Upon seeing their dead captain, the enemies dropped their weapons and retreated.

Tensions have called down but the area is filled with the bodies of dead enemy soldiers. To most of the Shepherds, this experience was the first time they had to kill a human being. Though some felt regret, they knew they had to do it sooner or later.

"Maribelle! Are you hurt?" cried the princess.

"Nothing my dear. I didn't return twofold. But what of my father. Is he well?"

Robin walked up to them to see how they were. Her clothes were a bit tattered and parts of her hair was frizzled from the rough handling she endured but she looks to be in good condition. "I am glad you are safe Maribelle. We were all worried about you. Your father is safe in Ylisstol. He is recovering from his wounds and none of his injuries were life threatening."

"Ahh, I remember you. You're our newly appointed strategist. Well, look at me talking to a commoner. Forgive me that was a bit out of line. I am simply protective of Lissa. She is my treasure of course. And you have my thanks for your part in the rescue. There I said it."

Robin then looked at Ricken who was getting lectured by Chrom. He felt bad for the young mage because he did play a big role in his plan on saving Maribelle. But it's better to have than having him dead. He quickly observed everyone's status to see if anyone isn't seriously injured and to his relief no one sustained a major injury. Mainly cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

Though the Shepherds have taken the fort. Their victory is short lived.

Frederick quickly rode his horse to the Emm and Chrom.

"We have to get out of here now before reinforcements arrive your majesty."

"Agreed. Shepherds, I know you must all be tired but right can not afford to rest. Gangrel might be rallying his troops as we speak. We must make an immediate retreat to the Ylisse to prepare our troops. Now, run to your horses and head out."

Everybody nodded and followed their captains orders.

"Forgive me, Emm. I acted rashly and got us in this mess."

"It's alright Chrom. Gangrel is the one at fault here. You were just protecting me."

Before they went to meet with Gangrel, they packed up all their belongings and left Phila's pegasus knights to keep them safe from bandits. Once they arrived at the camp, they swiftly grabbed their things and headed back home.

A half day passed and they were now back in Ylisse. Lissa, Ricken and Robin were riding in the wagon together with the camping materials. Robin took some time to reflect today's battle. Maribelle and Ricken are safe and everyone else is still alive. He did notice that events did play out differently than what is vision predicted. Perhaps something happened to slightly alter the present.

He gave a loud yawn. His body was worn out from the fighting.

"I think that's my queue." Lissa popped her head out of the flap from the carriage. " I'll take over from here Robin. You get yourself some well deserved rest."

"Thanks Lissa, I'll take you up on that. How are you feeling after the fight?"

"I'm better now that Maribelle is back with us."

"You really like her a lot."

"She the only friend I have in the castle beside you. Before you arrived, no one ever came up to me which is the exact opposite of what I expected. She was the only one that talks to me when nobody else did."

"It must be good to have a friend you can really depend on. Alright, I'm gonna hit the hay."

He saw Ricken sitting quietly when he entered.

"What are you doing Ricken?"

"Just thinking about what Chrom told me after the battle."

He looked disappointed.

"He told me that I will never join the Shepherds until I mature and be more obedient." He curled up with his head resting on his knees.

"Hmm, that sounds a bit harsh if you ask me. Why do you want to join the Shepherds."

"It's so that I restore my family's status." Ricken gave a hefty sigh and slouched forward. "We used to be of high status but some unfortunate times made caused people to lose faith in us. So now I gave myself the task to make things right. Honestly I do not know how I'll do that but I think joining Chrom and the Shepherds will help me realize what I want to do. Plus, I have these magic powers so I can help out in a fight when i am needed."

Robin felt some sympathy for him. An idea immediately came to mind to help Ricken if he accepts it. "You have good intentions. I got to admit though, you played a critical role when we were rescuing Maribelle. If you hadn't stepped in I don't know how we would've been able to save Maribelle. You were the one who saved her, we just made sure we got to you two in time"

Ricken's disappointed expression melted away. "Do you really mean that?"

Robin happily nodded, "Yeah. Now, for helping me rescue Maribelle. I believe a reward is an order but only if you choose to accept this task that i am offering you."

He could see the eagerness in Rickens face. "How would you like to become my apprentice and learn about strategies and tactic? Being a strategist isn't easy. Its tedious work with a lot of responsibility and dedication. Patience is also a requirement. You must have the drive to study, help me create battles plans, and you must refine your magic skills. Do you want to help me?"

The boy gave much thought on the offer and finally came up with a decision. "I will gladly take you up on that offer."

"Well then, good to have you with me." He reached his hand out to Ricken and the boy did the same thing.

"Thank you for this chance…. Er?"

"My name is Robin. After a certain amount of time passes and I see improvement in your performance. I promise to throw in a good word for you so you can join the Shepherds and so he can let you come with us."

Ricken regain his enthusiasm. "Th-thank you sir. I promise to do my best for you. I won't let you down."

"Good, now let me get some sleep."

With that settled, Robin decided to get some sleep. Things will not be the same when they arrive back home.

A/N: Thank you everyone for your patience. ROACT has passed 3000 views! I can not thank you all enough for giving your time to read my fanfic. Reviews will be appreciated as always!