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Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
Chapter 5: Champions of
Aurelis
"Trace a line around the continent's north-eastern plains, and you have
Aurelis. This kingdom alone had somehow resisted Doluna's attempts to
conquer it, but only by some miracle. By the time Marth arrived in
Aurelis, much of its territory had already been carved up by Doluna's
ally Medon.
Still, the king's younger brother, Hardin, refused to give up without a
fight. The people called him Coyote, and he intended to live up to the
name. Since its founding, Aurelis and the holy kingdom of Akaneia
shared close ties and months ago Princess Nyna of Akaneia had come to
Hardin's aid. By his side, she had called on the people to fight- but
few remained to answer.
Medon's finest soldiers were closing in. Nyna knew they were out of
time..."
(Beginning of Chapter)
Hardin:
Princess Nyna, I've spotted them! The Altean army is on the far
side of the river.
Nyna:
They're here? At last! Prince Marth has come for us!
Hardin:
So it seems. Now, what say you we turn this battle around? I'm
going to take my men east to join our might with Marth's. Together we
will retake the castle. Stay here, my lady, and wait for the good news.
(Houses)
Old Man:
A castle like ours must be chock full o’ royal treasure!
Ah, but only a thief could get inside chests locked that tight…
Old Woman:
The shops in Port Warren feature wares both rare and
beautiful. Be thrifty with your gold now if you’ve any plans to venture
that way later! Also keep in mind that shops keep only a limited stock
of some items; once they’re sold out, you can’t buy any more.
Young Man:
Word has it that the enemy is mustering its forces in the
fortresses nearby. You’d better hurry and send units to bar their exits.
(End Houses)
(Recruiting Wendell with Merric)
Merric:
Oh… Master Wendell! Teacher!
Wendell:
Well, hello, Merric! What a surprise! Good to see you haven’s
blown yourself up yet.
Merric:
Not yet, sir. But I did find Prince Marth, just like I said I
would. I’ve joined the Altean army in the fight against Doluna. …Why
are you here, Teacher?
Wendell:
Hmm… It’s Khadein, lad. The land is not as you remember it.
That fiend Gharnef seized power, and now he’s draped the city in
darkness. I fear Khadein is doomed… I could not stay and serve him. So,
I snuck out alone.
Merric:
Very brave of you, sir. Hmm… Why don’t you join us, then? If
Gharnef is helping Doluna, then he’s a bitter enemy of ours as much as
he is to yours and Khadein’s. We couldn’t possibly leave the city in
his clutches. And I’m sure the prince would be pleased as pie to have
magic as robust as yours in his arsenal.
Wendell:
Hmm, you do know how to argue a point. I’ve no taste for war,
but war is what I’ve been served. Come, Merric. We’ll fight together.
Tell your prince of Altea that Wendell is at his service.
(Recruiting Wendell with Marth)
Wendell:
Prince Marth, I am Wendell, a pontifex of Khadein, city of
magic. Our pleas for peace have failed, and Khadein has been taken over
by one of the other pontifices. His name is Gharnef, and he and the
many mages who swear allegiance to him have allied themselves with
Doluna. Prince Marth, I ask you now:
please lend me your help in
thwarting his vile ambitions.
(Conversation – Marth and Wendell [ONLY when Merric recruited Wendell])
Wendell:
Prince Marth, I am Wendell, a pontifex of Khadein, City of Magic. Our
pleas for peace have failed, and Khadein has been taken over by one of
the other pontifices. His name is Gharnef, and he and the many mages
who swear allegiance to him have allied themselves with Dolhr. Prince
Marth, I ask you now: please lend me your help in thwarting his vile
ambitions.
(Conversation – Marth and Hardin)
Marth:
Lord Hardin, I am Marth of Altea. I’ve come to offer what help I
can.
Hardin:
And I very gratefully accept it. Stories of your exploits
travel fast, young prince. I feel as though I’ve gained a thousand
allies in one.
Marth:
I’ve heard a few stories of you as well, Coyote. It will be an
honor to fight alongside such a courageous man.
Hardin:
I’ve left Princess Nyna someplace safe for now. We need to
decide who will command here. I was hoping it would be you.
Marth:
Me? But, Sir Hardin, you are far more qualified-
Hardin:
Tsk, Princess Nyna would not be pleased to hear us nitpicking
over who will be listed in the history books. Take command, so we can
oust this Medonian scum and be done with it.
Marth:
You are sure?
Hardin:
Make no mistake. Lord Marth. I consider myself an exceptionally
good judge of character. If I thought you acted out of selfishness or
ambition, I would not extend the offer I have. You have my trust.
Marth:
Lord Hardin, thank you. That is an honor. If you don’t mind me
saying so… I feel as though I’ve made a good friend. We share the same
ideals, I think.
Hardin:
That we do. May our friendship be a long one.
(Visiting Village)
Young Man:
Well g’day, there, son! …Why the wide-eyed stare? Ain’cha
never seen a country village before? You know, speakin’ o’ rare sights,
I once went to Pyrathi, where I saw me a real live Manakete! Cripes,
let me tell you what a shock THAT was! In a blink, this regular old
feller turned into an enormous dragon! I mean, I ain’t stupid. I’d
heard of the dragonkin before. I’d just always assumed Manaketes looked
somethin’ like parakeets. Sheesh… … What? Oh, this? I picked this stone
up while I was there. Dunno what it is, but how often do you spy a
glowin’ red rock, ya know what I’m sayin’? But honestly, it’s been
kinda creepin’ me out lately. You want it? Go on ‘n’ take it. Sheesh…
(Obtained a Firestone)
(Battle with Merach)
Merach:
Princess Minerva bade me guard this castle in her absence.
You shall not take it so long as I stand!
(Defeating Merach)
Merach:
Heh... You think you've won, wretch? Far from it…
(Chapter End)
Aurelis King:
Prince Marth, your arrival could not have been better
timed. Please accept our gratitude. Princess Nyna of Akaneia is en
route from the fortress. I am sure she will wish to meet you. The
battle is not won yet, though: many of the enemy continue to hold out
within the castle's halls. Stay wary.
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