Golden Hope | Fire Emblem Three Houses Fan-Fiction

Eliza and Goliath

Part 2: Verdant Wind

Garland Moon

The Chaos of War

"There it is..." Claude gazed off into the distance at their destination, "Enbarr. The Imperial Capital and the largest city in all of Fódlan."

"It's not just big," Judith commented, "This city was designed to protect the castle where the emperor lives. It's as though the city itself is a massive stronghold."

"And the citizens?" Byleth asked.

Eliza clenched her fist, "While previous intel had informed us that most of the civilians have evacuated the city, it would seem it was false. There are many citizens still inhabiting the city."

"I've got to hand it to Her Imperial Majesty. Using her citizens as a shield to protect the castle takes some resolve," Claude sighed.

"Resolve," Eliza scoffed, "There is no level of depravity that Edelgard is willing to sink to. The strength and trust of the people is what gives one noble status as a ruler and protector."

"I suspect those mages will be lurking within as well," Lysithea said. 

"Troops deployed to other areas are also returning," Shamir said. 

"If we don't conquer the city quickly, things will get complicated fast," Judith advised. 

"With the citizens in the city still, we have to try to keep damage to a minimal," Eliza deduced, "However... This is a war. If they fight, we will have no other option but to fight back."

"I hope we find Rhea," Byleth said.

"We can't search until we conquer the city," Seteth said, "Let's focus on the fight right now."

"Lady Rhea, please be safe," Cyril prayed.

"We've kept the Empire waiting long enough," Claude ended the conversation, "Onward!"

The Alliance army marched towards the Imperial territory. Before the battle, Claude turned to everyone saying, "We were told Hubert and Madeline would be leading the enemy forces, but the Death Knight's also with them. We'll have to take care of both of them, but we won't have time to mop up all the enemy units. We'll have to split up and take them on at the same time, or risk being overrun by their reinforcements. Eliza..."

The blonde continued where Claude left off, "We'll have one group approach from the east and the other doing a direct attack from the north. It won't be easy, but it is our optimal path to victory. Claude will lead one force and I will lead the other."

The Golden Deer broke off into two groups. Claude grabbed a hold of Eliza's wrist, "Be careful, Liza. They'll be trying to kill us more than anyone else."

"I will if you will," Eliza said, a hint of worry laced in her tone.

Claude snuck a kiss to her forehead and let go of her wrist reluctantly. Defeat was not an option. Eliza knew from the start that her and Claude's lives would always be in danger, but she had to have faith in him that he would make it out of this unscathed. 

"Uninvited guests, I see. Heh. Let's ensure they receive a warm welcome. Ready the artillery. Prepare to attack. Rocks, arrows, magic - rain death upon the enemy until they are silent as the grave. Reinforcements will fly in shortly. Defend the heavy weapons until they arrive," Hubert was there to greet them, "And remember if you find Eliza Marvine, bring her to me alive."

"Looks like they're targeting me," Eliza muttered as Imperial soldiers met her gaze across the battlefield, "I guess I can't make it too easy for them."