^Back
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
Chapter 8: Coastal Skirmish
"The League had reached Akaneian soil, so Marth gave himself leave to
recuperate in Port Warren, a harbor town known for commerce. Coin alone
kept the town free and they paid Doluna dearly in taxes to preserve
their autonomy. Naturally, then, theirs was a warm welcome when the
Akaneian League arrived.
Marth's soldiers were glad to rest there, nestled between mountain and
sea, but their joy was spoiled by news that the enemy was fast
approaching- as harsh an awakening as a rock beneath the pillow."
(Beginning of Chapter)
Caesar:
Prince Marth, I am Caesar, and this is Radd. We are hired
swords in the service of Port Warren. Grust has gathered its knights by
the fortresses to the north. It's dangerous for you to stay here.
Thankfully, the eastern castle has been left almost entirely unguarded;
that's the place to strike. Please be careful, sire. We'll be fighting
with you all the way.
(Houses)
Old Woman:
They say a princess of Medon is being held captive inside
Castle Deil. That's odd, don’t you think? Why would Doluna imprison
their own ally?
Young Man:
I saw loads of enemy soldiers up by the northern
fortresses! They’ll be pouring out of the gates any minute now. You’d
better send someone to bar the exits before they do!
(End Houses)
(Recruiting Roger)
Shiida:
Good day, sir.
Roger:
Ack!
Shiida:
Peace, I’ve no wish to fight you. My name is Shiida. I hail
from Talys.
Roger:
Wh-what are you talking to me for?! This is a battlefield!
Shiida:
Might I trouble you by asking your name, good sir?
Roger:
M-my name? That’s- It’s Roger… Why?
Shiida:
Hee hee, forgive me, Roger, it’s just you looked sweet and
kind. I just had to stop and talk to you. Tell me: do you believe in
love? Oh, listen to me. I’m sure you already have a sweetheart back in
Grust.
Roger:
What?! No, no! I…I mean, er, I’m quite unattached at the moment.
Shiida:
Roger, think of the children- the poor women and children who
shed tears every day this war drags on. I joined the Akaneian League to
put an end to it, but I just…I just… *Sniff* Oh, Roger, doesn't it
break your heart?
Roger:
Aye, miss. There, there. I, too, wish nothing more than for this
needless war to end.
Shiida:
Then…would you consider fighting with us to end it?
Roger:
What? Oh heavens, no… I’m sorry, but I could never betray my
kingdom.
Shiida:
Ah, yes, I see. You must have family back in Grust who are
counting on you.
Roger:
No, not especially. My parents are dead, and it’s not as if I’ve
a girl to call my own. But Grust is my home- always has been. I won’t
betray her.
Shiida:
And I cannot convince you to change your mind?
Roger:
I’m afraid not, miss.
Shiida:
All right, sorry to bother you. But I’m glad we had this chance
to talk, Roger. You’re every bit the man I thought you were. Goodbye,
then…
Roger:
Wait- you’re leaving?!
Shiida:
Well, yes, Roger, I must! Every moment I stay here, I put you
at risk. What if your comrades thought you were conspiring with the
enemy? No, I must go…
Roger:
… You’re very kind, Shiida. Dare I say, we don’t have girls
quite like you back in Grust. Um, perhaps…I suppose I could… …Aw, heck,
I’m going with you!
(Conversation – Marth and Roger)
Roger:
Prince Marth? I’m Roger, a Grustian soldier. Well, at least I
was. I’m through fighting against you. Let me join your League.
Marth:
Well, certainly. We need all the strong allies we can get. But
why the sudden change of heart?
Roger:
Well, er… There’s this fetching girl named Shiida who asked me
to, and, uh… What can I say? I think I’m in love. Try saying no to a
girl who comes racing up to you in the heat of battle just to ask if
you believe in love! Whew! I must’ve turned red as a strawberry! Heh
heh…
Marth:
…
(Battle with Roger)
Roger:
I bear you no ill will, but what can I say? A war's a war.
(Battle with Kannival)
Kannival:
W-what are you doing all the way out here? Blast, I'm finished...!
(Defeating Kannival)
Kannival:
Long...live...Grust! Nngff...
(Chapter End)
Malledus:
Sire, it's too dangerous to stay here. We must flee to
Pyrathi. There are risks there, too- the Pyrathi king Mannu is said to
be a descendant of the dragonkin, a Manakete. Still, we've no other
recourse. We'll just have to take our chances... Keep your wits about
you, sire.
^Top