Golden Hope | Fire Emblem Three Houses Fan-Fiction

The Golden Scheme

Part 2: Verdant Wind

Harpstring Moon

The Golden Scheme

"Our objective is Enbarr, the Imperial Capital," Judith says, "But our greatest obstacle lies before that."

"And what's that?" Ignatz asked.

They were on the outskirts of the Great Bridge of Myrddin. Beyond there was Empire territory. 

"Fort Merceus," the woman replied, "If we can't pass through, we won't be able to reach Enbarr."

"Fort Merceus..." Leonie had a tense look on her face, "The Impregnable Fortress, or so it's called."

Eliza thought of the fortress. It was a feat in Fódlan. Full of warriors and base full of resources. Rarely did attacks overtake the place. 

"If I recall correctly, it's sometimes referred to as the stubborn old general," Ignatz said.

"It is a massive fortress that was constructed to protect the Imperial capital," Lysithea said. 

"The Imperial army we defeated has withdrawn to Enbarr. For Merceus should be short on soldiers for now."

"We should be careful," Byleth reminds everyone.

"It would be best to take it before enemy reinforcements arrive," Judith acknowledges, "Still, there's a reason it's called impregnable. The only question is what our fearless leaders intend to do..."

Everyone turned to Eliza who in turn glanced over her shoulder to see Claude arriving.

"Sorry for the delay everyone. those mewling lords kept me from leaving for quite some time," The Alliance leader apologized.

"So?" Judith scoffed, "Were you able to secure additional reinforcements?"

"It's gonna have to wait until next month. It doesn't look like they can afford to keep supporting us at present," Claude informed everyone.

Eliza remained silent. That was never good news. 

"Then what should we do about Fort Merceus? Do you plan on waiting around?"

"No," Claude's answer came immediately, "If we wait until next month, the enemy will have bolstered their defenses. That said, the prevailing theory that you need triple your enemies' forces to take a fortress with a frontal assault."

"Right," Leonie was doubtful, "That's what we were taught at the academy. And this is Fort Merceus we're talking about. It's renowned for it's strong defenses."

"Our current army isn't nearly strong enough. Hmm... What to do..." The brunette thought.

"Whatever you do, just don't ask us to scale those huge walls. We'd end up dead when they hurl rocks down at us."

"Yeah, no thanks! If only someone would open up the gates for us from the inside," Hilda sighed.

"Unfortunately we don't have any spies in there. Wait a minute... I've got it! We sneak in, stir up confusion, and open the gates ourselves to let our allies in," Green eyes danced in delight.

"Right!" Hilda smiled, "That's what I was saying all along!"

"Right. Nice one, Hilda," Ignatz shook his head, "But how do you propose we go about sneaking in?"

"Disguises?" Hilda commented, "If we dress up like Imperial soldiers, maybe they'll think we're allies and let us in."

"Do you really think they'd just open the gates for us? I'd be pretty dumbfounded if that worked," Leonie said.