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“Nnnngh, my head,” Robin clutched his forehead as he pulled himself upright. The last thing he remembered was slaying Grima and then…looking around, he gathered his bearings. He did not seem to be dead, but his new surroundings did not exactly fill him with a sense of ease.
From the looks of it, he was in a dungeon. Definitely not reassuring. His wrists were shackled together as well, hindering his movements. They did not, however, seem to dampen magic. Though trying to break out without a weapon and little information about where he was seemed risky. For now, he would gather info.
He seemed to be the only one in there. He was not sure if that was good because he was only here as a precaution in a scarcely used dungeon or if it just meant they had a high throughput. Though it could also have been a coincidence.
The construction seemed basic enough, befitting of a dungeon, but he could not shake the idea that it was old, very old. Despite being well maintained, the metal binding him and making up the bars of his cell was rough, coarse, as if crudely forged.
Maybe he was in a budget dungeon, he mused to himself to lighten the mood.
Unfortunately, there was only so much to gather from a dark dungeon so he was resigned to waiting. And wait he did until the door leading to the dungeon could finally be heard opening.
He did not hear the sound of metal greaves coming to greet him. No, they sounded like heeled boots. An oddity that was confirmed when a finely dressed woman in purple greeted him.
“Nice of you to finally visit,” Robin sat in the middle of the cell, “Care to tell me where I am?”
She observed him carefully before responding, “You are carefree for an assassin.”
“‘Assassin?’” Robin raised his brow, “Sorry, was never my forte. I also didn’t care for using them if I could avoid it. Pray tell why would you think I was an assassin?”
“How else would you have made your way into the courtyard? Are you with the Liberation Army perhaps?”
“The…what? Lady, I don’t even know where I am.”
“Not the best of cover stories,” She straightened her posture, “Perhaps lords Seliph and Lief are desperate for agents.”
“Seliph?” Robin furrowed his brow, “Liberation Army…oh no.”
“Do you finally see the situation you are in?”
“I may be starting to, yes, but I assure you I have no affiliations with this army you speak of.”
“Then how did you end up unconscious in my courtyard?”
“That…is a long story that I doubt you’d believe, but why would an assassin take a nap in your yard?”
“I do not know, so I suggest that you tell me.”
Robin sighed knowing there was little chance he would be believed, but he told her the last thing he remembered. The battle with Grima, his sacrifice, and then ending up here. However, through all the outlandishness of his tale, she seemed to hang onto one word.
“You fought a dragon?”
“And won. Wasn’t easy though.”
“And what sacred blood was it that allowed you to do such a thing?”
Robin looked at her hard, “Nothing you’re familiar with. Though I suppose it may have been a similar process.”
The woman composed herself, “Still, it is a fantastical tale, and I have never once heard of a dragon named Grima or a land called Ylisse.”
“I’m not from around here, and I’d really like to get back. So if you’ll just let me go, I’ll be on my merry way.”
“I cannot do that. Not when we are facing an insurgency. Besides, trespassing on a lady’s land is quite the offense.”
“So, is this the part where you sacrifice me to your dark god or something?”
Her face soured, “I’m not like that.”
“Then may I suggest working on your image? Perhaps you could start by not hunting children for sport. Usually a good starting point.”
“I…I will keep your presence here to myself and my most trusted staff for the time being until I determine if you are a threat. I will not turn you over to the Loptor cult unless given reason.”
Robin folded his arms, still sitting cross legged in the center of the cell, “Much obliged. May I have the name of my…benefactor?”
She hesitated a moment before answering, “Ishtar, of house Friege.”
At his silence, she turned to leave, placing him alone once more.
“Just great.”
The next day, Robin was pacing in his cell when he received a visitor again. It was Ishtar once more, and he was not sure if that was a good or a bad thing.
To his surprise, she drug a chair over to the front of his cell before sitting with a surprising amount of grace.
“I want to hear more of your story. Particularly anything about this dragon.”
Robin raised his brow, but he went along with her. She seemed particularly interested in his own story along with the Grimleal. So much so that he doubted she heard much else.
“A dragon…would there be a way to confirm if a dragon were possessing someone?”
“Well, usually if an evil dragon possesses someone, the change in personality would be the first give away,” Robin deadpanned, but it was clear she did not appreciate his scathing wit. Robin sighed, “Probably. But not without them knowing.”
She did not seem to like this answer. When she did not reply, Robin asked, “So who do you think is possessed by a dragon?”
“How did you beat it?” She ignored his question.
Robin sighed again, “To be honest? I’m not entirely sure. I almost didn’t, but…I had people that believed in me. You may not believe it, but it was our combined will that laid that dragon low. Had I been alone, I would have been crushed.”
“So you’re saying he did not have enough support…”
“There are several factors,” Robin narrowed his eyes, “But being isolated would be detrimental. Being taken by surprise also would not help, and I won’t lie, I was a one in a million.”
“That accursed cult,” She breathed barely more than a whisper.
“So you do know how bad they are. Yet you remain a loyalist.”
She bristled at the accusation, “I am loyal to lord Julius and my people. It’s that cult that ruined everything. The ones that brought in these horrendous practices. I cannot just leave him to those animals.”
“Yet by staying, you become part of their barbarity.”
She glared at him, but did not defend herself.
“At this point, is there any difference between your empire and their cult?”
“We are not all so accepting of them, but to openly defy them is to invite death. Not just for ourselves, but for those we are sworn to protect.”
“I’m sure your subjects are doing wonderfully.”
Ishtar scowled, “You seem to know much for a stranger in our lands.”
“I said I didn’t know where I was. Once I found out, I recognized you by reputation.”
“Then perhaps you should not judge in a situation which you have only heard about.”
“So you’re not hunting children for sport?” In that moment, she could no longer meet him in the eyes, “Thought so.”
“As I said, not all of us submitted so easily.”
“If you say so.”
She turned to leave, “Perhaps if you were in my place, you would not be so quick to judge. Not every problem has a clean solution.”
“You could join Seliph’s rebellion.”
“I…cannot do that.”
“Why not? Because of Julius?”
“Yes. I still…cling to hope, but…that is not the only reason. Thank you for your information. I bid you good day.”
Robin stood, arms folded long after she had left. Perhaps he had been too harsh for own safety’s sake. He was not sure there was a point in pointing the evils of the empire out. After all, according to history, she died as one of its last supporters. Though perhaps that was more out of misplaced loyalty than it was moral bankruptcy.
It was a few more days before Robin received any company beyond guards coming to feed him. He spent that time wracking his brain for any other details about the Jugdrali legends as he could.
The records were old, older than even those of the Hero King, but fortunately, as a man with no known history of his own, Robin had voraciously consumed a variety of historical texts. Unfortunately, first-hand records from this time were virtually non-existent leaving it as more legend than anything.
When the door to the dungeon opened again, he initially expected another food run, but looking out the barred window, he realized it was too early for that. Turning his head, he saw several children, fourteen in total, being herded into various cells and Robin’s stomach fell.
One thing had not escaped the ruination of time: the child hunts.
Robin was already preparing a spell to melt his shackles when Ishtar followed them in and closed the door. She seemed to be in a hurry. Not wanting to duel with the goddess of lightning without a sword or tome and with innocents nearby, he quickly terminated his spell.
She quickly knelt down to be closer to their eye level, “Stay here and don’t make a sound. Once night falls, I’ll be back for you, okay?”
They nodded through several sniffles. Once she was reasonably confident they would be okay, her eyes met Robin’s, “A Loptor inspector is coming. Stay quiet and I will send them away.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“Because you’ll have to.”
With a breath through his nose, Robin nodded. Once she was gone, the children began to sob and Robin prepared himself just in case.
True to her word, Ishtar returned after nightfall. The children were relieved to see her, and Robin was somewhat surprised. He sat in the corner of his cell, watching as she rounded the kids up.
“Everyone stay close and don’t make a sound.”
“Where are you going?” Robin demanded. She was surprised by his tone and only then noticed that he had freed himself from his shackles. She was confident she could take him in a fight, but he surprised her with that. She did not know what other surprises he could muster.
“To safety. I have contacts in a nearby village that will usher them away and out of the cult’s grasp.”
Robin was not sure what to make of that, “How did you get rid of the inspector?”
“This is not my first time dealing with them.”
“What guarantee do I have that you will take them to safety?” Robin stood from the chair.
“You are in no position to question it,” She stood her ground. Robin could see her move her tome just into view from under her cloak. It was brimming with magical power. Mjolnir. He was in no shape to challenge that.
He backed off, “I’ll hold you to your word.”
“I assure you, I take this quite seriously.” Pulling the hood up on her cloak, she led the children out of the dungeon, “Stay close, little ones, and move quickly.”
As they left, Robin clenched his fists hoping he had made the right choice.
He did not see Ishtar again until the following night. She looked somewhat tired, but none the worse for the wear. It was not her that he was concerned about though.
“Where are the kids?”
“Safe. Hopefully.”
“Did you send them to the Liberation Army?”
“I lack those kinds of contacts, but they may end up there. I cannot say.”
“How long have you been sneaking kids out?”
“Since it started,” She looked him dead in the eyes. He saw no deception in her gaze, “I could not stand what they were doing, but I could not openly defy them. Yesterday was a particularly close call, but I do what I can for them. Unfortunately, I have not been able to save all of them, even in my own territory.”
“How did you get rid of the cultist?”
“I told him the truth. That we had no children for the hunt. I do still have a little weight to throw around.”
“So is this why you won’t leave?”
“Part of it, yes,” Ishtar sighed as she walked away from Robin, “I understand the evils being committed, and I empathize with lord Seliph’s cause. However, if I stay, I can help children escape that might otherwise fall prey to this barbarity and prevent them from turning on my people en masse.”
Turning back to face him, she tried to hide her sorrow, “But that is my burden. I understand history may not reflect kindly on me, but I’ll do what I must. As for you,” She pulled out a key and unlocked the cell, “You were never truly confined here, were you?”
“I didn’t want to risk it in unfamiliar territory,” Robin stepped out, “I was hoping to keep it as a trump card.”
“But you revealed it for the sake of the children. I respect that, and to that end, I’m granting you your freedom. I’ll lead you outside the castle and provide you with enough to get you on your way.”
Robin looked at the young woman. Not much younger than himself. He was not sure if he would regret what he was about to say, but he said it anyway.
“I’m a tactician by trade, you know.”
“What?” Ishtar asked unsure as to why he brought that up.
“I might be able to help you refine your operation here. It’s the least I could do.”
“I…would appreciate that, but I don’t have more comfortable quarters for you. Anything else would draw unwanted attention.”
“What’s a little longer in a dark dungeon?” Robin shrugged it off, “At least it’s not the ground, you know.”
Ishtar allowed herself to smile, “You are a strange man.”
“Why, thank you.”
“Strange indeed. I will see about providing some extra amenities as well as information about our operation.”
“Then let’s get to work.”
Robin knew history would not remember her kindly, but while history may not remember this, those children would. That was more than enough.
Within a few days, Robin had used his talent for logistics and planning to help Ishtar’s operation run much more efficiently. However, in doing so he got a greater look into the evil of the Loptor cult. They sometimes made the Grimleal look like a charity.
However, he was also able to glean some information. Seliph was making a name for himself, and his cousin was also raising quite a stir in Thracia. While Seliph had apparently already been active, this gave Robin a better idea of where he was in the timeline. So far, everything seemed to be going according to history.
That meant Ishtar had very limited time left to live.
He was not sure how he felt about that. From the way she was recorded to have died in his world, he expected a vile human being. The truth had proven far more nuanced. She was a kind and caring woman to a fault. That care is what led her to stay even if it tore at her heart.
He did not want her to die, but history demanded she must.
Then again, since when did he care what history said?
“Yes, this will do nicely,” Ishtar put his plans to the side and folded her hand in her lap. She had at least managed to get him a few amenities. Such as an old desk, a better bed, and even a small table with chairs which she sat at currently. Her expression said something was on her mind.
“I’m glad you approve. So, are you going to tell me what’s bothering you, or shall we pretend nothing is wrong?”
She blinked, unused to such boldness from those addressing her. She recovered quickly and gently cleared her throat, “It is this matter in Thracia.”
“Ah, more torn allegiances?"
“I received word that my most loyal subject was slain in the fighting.”
“The Thunder’s Fist,” Robin nodded. Little more than the title had survived along with some measure of how powerful he was. That did mean Lief was close to liberating Thracia if he had not already done so.
“Reinhardt. He cared deeply for me. Perhaps too much. Julius sent him away out of jealousy.”
“Did he have a reason to be jealous?”
“No,” Ishtar responded quickly, “Not from me at least. I dared not ask how deep his feelings went. I had hoped that we could have continued as things were if I didn’t push it. I see now that was naive of me. It’s my fault he got sent there. I should have discouraged him.”
Robin set the tea cup into the saucer, “I know this may sound odd from me seeing how harsh I was when we first met, but, respectfully, you are not that important.”
“Excuse me?” Ishtar was stunned by the boldness. Exactly as planned.
“You are not responsible for everything that happens around you. His feelings were his own. If he chose to keep them despite everything, that is not on you. Especially if you did not encourage him. Nor are the actions of a jealous boyfriend.”
Ishtar stared at him for a second before letting out a light giggle, “I have not had anyone refer to Julius as a jealous boyfriend before. Most are terrified of him.”
“After all I’ve been through, little scares me anymore, and it was worth it to get a smile out of you.”
She blushed ever so slightly, “One might mistake your motives, Sir Robin.”
The tactician held his hands up as a show of backing off, “Not my intent. I merely wanted to lighten your mood.”
“Good. And thank you. It does mean a lot.”
“Anytime,” Robin smiled and nodded before gesturing at the cell, “You know where to find me.”
She smiled, “Yes. I suppose I do.”
Their working relationship continued for a few weeks, but time was starting to run short. In a way though, that made it easier to do their task as the cult was preoccupied with the pending invasion.
Robin had unfortunately made little progress in finding a way home. He had little hope at this point but to wait for the others to find him. In the meantime, he kept trying to find a way to save Ishtar. He was hard at work trying to think of such a way when she came by for what had become their daily meetings.
“Ah, good evening, I hope you don’t mind-” Robin froze when he turned around and saw she was accompanied by a man with crimson red hair. Several thoughts ran through his mind in that moment. The first was betrayal. The second was to dive for his bed where the sword she had granted him was held.
“Peace, Sir Robin,” Ishtar stood between the men, “I apologize for the lack of warning. This is Emperor Arvis.”
“The betrayer,” Robin glared, not lowering his sword, but interestingly, the man before him did not make a move to defend himself. Instead he looked at the blade before sighing heavily and turning to the side.
“I take it you were a supporter of Sigurd.”
“Do I have to be to not trust you after that?”
“No, I suppose not,” He wearily sat in one of the chairs at the table, “I know not how you came to know of that day, but I will not deny it. I thought I was making the necessary sacrifice for the glory of Granvale. No…that wasn’t all. I was removing the competition.”
He looked up at Robin, his red eyes tired, “I was naive. They played me like a knave.”
“Sir Arvis has been one of my greatest allies in saving the children,” Ishtar provided, “He never meant for this to happen.”
“You’re the Emperor,” Robin accused, still not lowering his blade.
“A title with no real power behind it. The cult was ahead of me at every step. I thought I could use them and discard them, when I was the one being used. Now, they’ve taken my son, my daughter is out of my grasp, and my wife murdered. I’ve nothing left.”
“Do you expect me to feel sorry for you?” Robin glared, “Everything you had that you lost, was stolen.”
“I do not seek your pity, nor do you tell me anything I do not already know. I am here for one reason.” His eyes reached Robin’s and then he did not see one of the greatest villains of history, he saw a grieving father, “Please, is there any way to save my son? I heard from Ishtar that something similar was attempted on you.”
Both of the two were looking at him expectantly causing Robin to close his eyes and pinch the bridge of his nose, “I…I can’t say that this was the same, but I do know that I never fully succumbed. I…I do know another case. Someone else who had been under the dragon’s influence for over two decades. I don’t know if he was still in there, but if he was, he was not able to win out over the dragon during our fight.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know of any way to save him. I don’t even know if he’s still alive by now.”
Robin refused to meet their eyes, “I’m sorry.”
“No,” Arvis stood, “Thank you for being blunt. For telling me a truth I had long since refused to believe. There is nothing I can do to stop him directly, but I know now what I must do. Perhaps I can never atone, but I can help set this right.”
Robin stared at him, uncertain. History said this man died at the hands of Seliph. A fitting death, but now Robin was not entirely sure how much he fought back. If only he would have shown any of this humility before being drug to rock bottom, he might have been a force for good.
“I must bid you adieu, Lady Ishtar, Sir Robin.”
With that, Arivis turned and made his way out. Robin looked at Ishtar who sat in silence for some time before speaking, “I thought…maybe he’d break free of this. He would show me just enough kindness that I had hoped…” She put her face in her hands, “All the things I did for him…”
Robin looked at her, unsure of what to say.
“Do you…do you think I’m a coward for not openly rebelling?”
Robin sighed, “I think you’re a young woman raised in a less than ideal environment who still recognized that something was not right while being caught in a difficult situation. Someone who was desperate to save the man you loved, and someone that could not have turned the tides alone.”
The tactician sighed, “I don’t know what to tell you.”
“I don’t know what to do. Even if I did turn, there are too many people that would be hurt for my betrayal. Perhaps I should just face my fate on the battlefield.”
Robin’s blood ran cold for a second, “No!” She looked at him strangely and he quickly rebounded, “You could run away.”
“Desertion would be little better than rebellion, and I refuse to run from my problems.”
“If you go on that battlefield, your life is forfeit. Please, reconsider.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.”
She walked away leaving Robin to grit his teeth in frustration.
A few nights later, Robin was at his desk going over ideas when he felt something off in the cell. Moments later, nearly every paper in the room was sent flying as a hole in space opened up.
Robin took a second to catch his breath.
“Took you long enough.”
“It is good to see you too,” Tiki rolled her eyes.
“Hey, look, I appreciate the rescue, but could you maybe try again in like…a week?”
“Excuse me?” The dragon looked at him like he had lost his mind.
“I can explain later, but I’m working on something.”
“Robin, you should know I can’t condone interfering with other worlds.”
“Come on, surely I’ve earned a little leeway. I’ll try to mess things up as little as possible.”
Tiki sighed, “Fine, one week.”
“Thanks, tell the others I’m sorry and I’ll see them soon.”
“See you in one week.”
Robin took a breath once the portal closed. One week. He could work with that. He hoped.
The following week was hectic. Seliph was making his move. Arvis was dead now after delivering Tryfing to the son of the man he betrayed. It was unfolding like a historical epic. That also meant time was short.
“There is not much time,” Ishtar told him one night with a sense of urgency, “You should not fall for my folly. I’m releasing you from service. If you tell your story to lord Seliph, I’ve no doubt he will spare you.”
“I can’t leave yet,” Robin stood firm, “My job isn’t done.”
Ishtar sighed, “I’ve told you, I will not run from this, and if there is any part of Julius still in there, I won’t leave him to die alone and scared.”
“And do you think he would want you to die?” She had no response for that so he continued, “I understand you feel guilty and that you want to cling to your love, but if there is anything left of him in there, I promise you that he would want you to live a long and fulfilling life. Not die to buy the monster wearing his skin some time.”
She did not meet his eyes, “Even so, if I rebelled, they’d take it out on the citizenry. If I surrendered, they’d likely do the same and I’d then probably be hanged regardless.”
“That’s why timing is going to be very important.”
“What?” She finally looked at him. He was smirking.
“I’m a tactician by trade, remember? I know my way around a battlefield. If we do it just right, I think we can spare you and as many of your people as possible.”
She looked at him with uncertainty, “What did you have in mind?”
Finally getting some fresh air, Robin surveyed the battle. It was of a grand scale, and those relic weapons really were something else. He was confident he was more than a match for any of these fighters one on one without them, but those things made the competition much less certain. He hoped he never had to duel one of them.
They were a bit busy fighting each other to notice him for the most part though, which is what he had counted on. He watched Ishtar’s position like a hawk. His plan would work. Probably. Whether she followed it or not was another matter. There was a magical exchange. It was powerful, but she was holding back. That was a good sign. She just had to hold out long enough for Friege’s show defenses to fall to Seliph.
Soon after, her troops played their parts perfectly. They put up just enough resistance, but folded almost as soon as Seliph’s troops arrived and following the orders they did not know were Robin’s, they funneled Seliph exactly where Robin wanted to make sure he was able to shield most of Friege from retaliation.
Satisfied with the result, Robin made his way down the hill and started to infiltrate the camp. It was easy enough after analyzing their patrol for a little bit. He did have to hurriedly hide himself behind a crate when someone left the prison tent. A young man with blue hair left seemingly disappointed before being greeted by a young woman who seemed intent on cheering him up.
Once they had passed by. Robin finally let himself breath as they walked away. When the coast was clear, he slipped into the tent.
“You made it,” Ishtar sighed in relief, “I was worried. Most tacticians don’t fare well on the battlefield.”
“I’m hardly a usual tactician,” Robin pulled out his sword and quickly cut the ropes restraining her, “Are you ready, milady? You sure you don’t want to fight?”
“Perhaps I should, but even if it isn’t him, I don’t know if I could face him.”
“Alright then, stay close.”
“Where are we going?”
“That will take some explaining. I’ll explain when we’re out of dodge. I’ve memorized their patrols. We should be able to escape without being noticed.”
“Very well. Lead the way.”
The two walked for several hours before Robin finally deemed them in enough of the middle of nowhere to take a break. Ishtar sat on a fallen log while Robin leaned against a tree. His rescue should be coming in a few hours. He had that long to explain and hopefully convince her.
“I know a place where you can leave this life behind.”
“You mean going to your Ylisse?”
“Yes, but it’s a bit more complicated than a boat ride to get there. Also more simple in a way.”
Robin proceeded to explain to Ishtar the true reality of where he was from and where they would be going. He also approached the odd relationship their worlds had during the explanation.
“So that is why you knew so much.”
“Guilty as charged. So…will you come with me?”
Ishtar fiddled with the fabric of her dress, “I don’t know, but perhaps I should disappear from history. I trust lord Seliph to deal fairly, and they may do better without a believed supporter.”
“But what do you want?”
“I don’t know…would you still be available for our regular talks?”
Robin chuckled, “I’d be happy to.”
“Then…I suppose it would be best to start over. I’m not sure what I’ll have to offer though.”
Robin smiled, “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”