Fire Emblem SW

“Now then, it’d be faster if we keep you in this room,” the old man said.

He glanced about, before settling down on his desk. Specifically, to the drawers right under.

“That should do it,” he nodded.

He walked back over, before using his free hand to open one of the drawers.

“I hope you won’t mind being in a confined space in the dark,” he told Lana.

Lana glanced down to the now open drawer. It was empty, but it did not look tall enough for her to remain standing. She looked at it with some unease. She had to admit it wasn’t the most pleasant of hideouts, but considering the alternative…

“It’s fine,” she said, putting her worry aside, “it won’t be for long, after all.”

“Very well then.”

The old man lowered the young cleric down into the drawer. She rose up and stepped off. As assessed she’d have to sit down once the drawer was closed, which she promptly did.

“Don’t worry, I won’t close it completely,” the old man assured her. “Just enough to not arise suspicion.”

Before either of them could say or do anything else…

*bang bang bang*

They both froze. It was the sound of wood being hit with force, and both knew what that meant: The soldiers were already at the front door.

“They’re here,” the old man simply said, turning over to the door of the study.

He glanced back down to Lana.

“Don’t make a sound, in case they search this room. I’ll try to make them leave as soon possible.”

“Please be careful,” Lana said, worried.

The old man smiled.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be.”

With that, he closed the drawer gently. Per his word, he left it a sliver ajar, from which light, but most importantly air, seeped in through; leaving the cleric enveloped almost in darkness.

*bang bang bang*

“I’m coming!” Lana heard the old man yell.

She then heard footsteps, and the study door being closed. Lana sighed.

Everything is going to be alright, she hoped, it has to.

Still, she clasped her hands in prayer.

Please, Saint Heim, let us get through this ordeal unscathed…

---

The old man opened the door. Expectedly, several soldiers were on the other side.

“Ah, good afternoon, gentlemen,” he greeted them. “Forgive me for not answering quickly. This body is just not what it used to be.”

“We’re looking for someone,” the leader of the soldier began. “A young girl, orange hair, carrying a staff. We believe she’s one of the rebels, and might be somewhere still in this street.”

“Oh my,” the old man feigned surprise, “well, I can’t say anyone has paid me a visit this day before you.”

The soldier narrowed his gaze.

“We’ll be the ones to determine that. Step aside.”

“O-of course,” the old man quickly did as order.

The soldiers promptly entered, one staying by the door standing guard.

---

Lana could only wait, inside the drawer, almost enveloped in darkness. She had remained near the drawer face Only muffle and faint distant sounds could she hear, unable to make out anything meaningful out of them. After a while she heard the study door being opened.

Did the soldiers left already? The cleric could only wonder.

How reliving it would be if so. However, the sound of the door closing would follow shortly after.

They must have looked into the room, Lana deduced.

She closed her eyes and squeaked out a sigh. It seems she’d have to wait for a bit longer. Hopefully the soldiers would quickly realize they won’t be finding her, and leave.