A New Journey
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| “ | …You’ve got your father’s foolhardy courage, don’t you? …Very well. I entrust all our hope to you three. Innes, you will go to Jehanna, Eirika to Rausten, And Ephraim to the imperial capital. Funding you will have, but of soldiers, we have few to spare. For each of you, a difficult road awaits. | ” | — Hayden |
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A New Journey is an interlude sequence in Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. The sequence takes place between chapters 8 and 9, and in addition to serving as a major story segment, serves as the point where the player picks which route to take for the next major arc of the game and who their main lord will be for the game's duration.
Plot
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- Main article:
A New Journey/Script
We witness Eirika traveling to Serafew via the world map, where she reveals that she had been thinking about Lyon recently and reveals that they last saw him a year and a half prior; Ephraim reveals that it was at Grado Keep, and wonders if it really had been a year and a half since then.
We flash back to Grado Keep a year and a half earlier, where Eirika is looking for Ephraim and Lyon, to which Lyon reveals his location and asks Eirika to be quick as Ephraim is tired of waiting, to which Eirika states that they could wait a few more moments; as Eirika walks up to Lyon and Ephraim, Ephraim asks how it takes Eirika so long to prepare for a simple trip, to which Lyon asks Ephraim to rest easy and not be curt with his own sister as, according to Father MacGregor, a king needs to treat women with honor and discretion. Eirika thanks Lyon for his words as being those of a true gentleman, then reveals that she was up far too late thinking about her prayer to the temple flame the night prior and overslept as a result; Ephraim asks Eirika about her prayer, to which Lyon explains how the temple flame has been burning since the time of darkness ended and states that Ephraim must know that the flame will answer the prayers of any pilgrim, to which Ephraim states he didn't know and Eirika stating that Father MacGregor will scold him for neglecting his studies. Ephraim tells Eirika not to joke about what she just said, then asks Eirika what she prayed for, to which she states is a secret, which Ephraim declars boring; Lyon asks Ephraim what he plans to pray for, to which Ephraim states that he plans to pray that he'll become a stronger fighter, to which Lyon and then Eirika state is just like him, after some more playful banter gets said. Ephraim then asks Lyon what he plans to pray for, to which Lyon states that he wants their people to be happy, to which Ephraim and Eirika state is just like Lyon; after some more banter, it is revealed that Father MacGregor had become angry at Ephraim not learning about the Sacred Stones and the temple flame, and has chastized and castignated Ephraim over this lack of respect and does not think Ephraim to be king material, to which Lyon chimes in that General Duessel has had nothing but praise for Ephraim--stating him to be brave and true, the making of a great king. Ephraim states that he has no idea what being a great king means and suggests that Eirika should be the one that ascends to the throne as he would simply be happy taking his lance and traveling the realm as a mercenary; Eirika dismisses Ephraim's suggestion as foolish, irresponsible romanticism, and asks him if he realizes how those words would fill their father's heart with grief, to which Ephraim suggests that they're not speaking of the same person and believes their father will likely outlive them all and he's content for now learning the lance from Duessel. Ephraim asks Lyon if there's something he wants to do, to which Lyon states that he wants to become like his father, to which Eirika states that Lyon was born to be the Emperor of Grado and that it suits him; Lyon denies that, to which he states that he's watched his father and learned that being the Emperor of Grado is hard, answering the people's complaints daily and almost never sleeps, and that he hopes to one day help him and let his father get some rest. Eirika suggests that Ephraim could learn from Lyon, to which Ephraim suggests that Eirika dress like a man and become king in his stead suggesting that Eirika's skinny enough to fool people into noticing that she's not a man; this causes Lyon to laugh and Eirika to scold Ephraim.
As the flashback ends, Eirika asks what Lyon might be doing as they speak and how he felt when Vigarde ordered the invasion, to which Ephraim states that he's gentle but worships his father and never would question him; Ephraim reveals that Vigarde has not been behaving rationally of late, and hopes he hasn't hurt Lyon. Eirika states that she's praying for the day where they can all be together once again, to which Ephraim states that he has no doubt that it will. Afterward, we witness Eirika traveling the world map to Castle Frelia.
Upon arrival at Castle Frelia, Tana welcomes Eirika and Ephraim, stating it to be like a dream come true of their return together and that she's prayed daily for their safe return; Eirika states that she's happy to see Tana, after which Ephraim apologizes for making Tana worry and that he didn't want that. Tana states that things don't matter at that point, and all that matters is that they've all been brought together again; she then states that her brother will soon return from the field, and that it would be nice for everyone to sit down and discuss things again. A soldier arrives on the scene and tells Tana that Innes has returned from the front, with Innes arriving on the scene behind him; Tana welcomes Innes home and states that she's happy he's returned safe, to which Innes states that he's willing to take down every Grado soldier between Castle Frelia and Vigarde's palace with his bow, which prompts Ephraim to compliment. After a little banter between Innes and Eirika, Innes states that he knows about the fall of Renais, and that despite his warning they provided Grado to strike and thus caused Renais to fall; Tana rebukes Innes's harsh words and states that this is not an occasion for them, then reveals that Ephraim and Eirika have lost their father to the ongoing war, to which Innes then tells Ephraim that their most important task is to defeat Grado and end the war before he leaves the scene. As Tana apologetically banters, Ephraim reveals that Innes hasn't changed and has hated him for as long as he can remember, to which Tana states that Innes looks upon Ephraim as a rival wanting to be the best at everything--king, general, fighter, man--and won't allow himself to be beaten at anything, to which Innes tells Tana she talks too much from offscreen. As Innes returns to the scene and Tana leaves, Innes reveals that his father would like Ephraim and Eirika to sit at a war council and asks if they'll go with him to an official audience, to which Ephraim agrees and states that there's much he'd like to state and Eirika agrees; Innes states that he'll lead the way.
Innes father, Hayden, states that he's glad to see everyone safe within the castle walls, and states that he wishes there were more time for pleasantries but then ask Innes to deliver some news; Innes states that he's directed the body of Frelia's army south to engage Grado directly, and that they are proving superior and the battle progresses favorably. Hayden states that he still wonders why Grado began the war in the first place, to which Eirika states that they may have found something relating to it--they have learned some news on their travels that weighs heavily on them, to which Hayden deduces that he has heard about Grado destroying Sacred Stones from Eirika's messenger; Hayden reveals that Frelia's forces have strengthened the defenses of the tower and states that Frelia's stone is safe for the time being, yet there is still confusion about as they do not know what Grado stands to gain by destroying the Sacred Stones. Eirika states that she doesn't know how to answer that question, then reveals that the legends state that the Sacred Stones protect all of Magvel from the power of darkness; Ephraim states that he doesn't know if what he's about to reveal relates, but reveals that he's got a story to tell about Grado that's been troubling him and that he'd like to share, calling Myrrh onto the scene. As Myrrh arrives onto the scene, Hayden asks who Myrrh is while Eirika notices the wings on her back; Ephraim introduces Myrrh, revealing he met her while fighting in Grado, then asks her to repeat to those present what she had previously told him, only for Myrrh to ask him to do it himself before leaving the scene. Ephraim reveals that Myrrh is a bit shy, then reveals that Myrrh belongs to an ancient race of dragonfolk mentioned in a few legends called the Manakete, prompting surprise from Eirika; Hayden states that the Manakete have appeared a few times in the tale of the Sacred Stones, and states that they're neither human nor demon but a separate, aloof race, after which Ephraim asks Myrrh to return to the scene. Myrrh then states that her people live in the east in Darkling Woods and that one day they had felt an ominous energy from the south, from the direction of Grado; Myrrh reveals that she and Saleh went to investigate that energy but got drawn into a battle en route, got separated from Saleh and wandered aimlessly in an isolated region near Grado's border. Myrrh reveals that she met some wicked folk in the area who deceived and enchained her and stole her dragonstone, and that she was being prepared to be transported when Ephraim arrived on the scene and rescued her; Ephraim reveals he stumbled onto Myrrh by chance when Grado's forces had ambushed his own men, and everything she told him seemed unbelievable yet couldn't do anything but believe her upon seeing her wings, to which Myrrh states that the dark energy still flows from Grado having awakened the evil ones and that she wants to stop it. As Hayden mulls over Myrrh's words, a soldier appears and states that he brings word; Hayden asks the soldier why he would interrupt a private council, to which the soldier reveals that the tower holding Frelia's Sacred Stone has been destroyed by Grado's army, prompting a shocked Hayden to ask about the soldiers on watch. The soldier reveals that the Grado forces were led by Caellach the Tiger Eye and Selena Fluorspar, and the Frelia soldiers fell within half a day; Seth reveals that only Duessel is higher than Selena in Vigarde's esteem, to which Hayden deduces that the personal presence of Selena suggests Grado really does want to destroy the Sacred Stones.
The scene then moves toward the Tower of Valni, where we witness soldiers of Grado and Frelia fighting, with Caellach and Selena leading the Grado forces in a rout of the Frelian forces; Calleach then approaches the Sacred Stone and breaks it, wondering why there was so much fuss over something so fragile having crumbled so easily. Caellach then asks if Grado gains anything by breaking the Sacred Stone, to which a surviving Frelia soldier curses out Calleach as a black-hearted fool for breaking the stone and states that without its protection the horrors will spread; Caellach noticees that the Frelia soldier was still breathing and asks if he has any last words, to which the soldier calls Caellach a monster before Caellach finishes him off. Selena asks Calleach to hold his position and asks what he was doing, stating that their job was just to destroy the Sacred Stone; Caellach states that they've done it, but starts to talk about what might happen if he doesn't clean out the Frelian soldiers, only for Selena to reveal that Caellach is not to raise his blade to anyone powerless to resist him, revealing that Vigarde does not desire for them to kill without cause lest it be considered murder. Caellach then asks Selena what makes Vigarde's word so important, to which Selena insultingly chews out Caellach for insulting Vigarde; Calleach asks Selena not to get worked up and states that she's a true and loyal soldier, and that he's leaving before Frelia sends reinforcements, then asks Selena if she's going to follow him out.
Returning to the council at Castle Frelia, Hayden wonders how the events could have unfolded that allowed Frelia's Sacred Stone to be destroyed; he pieces together the dark energy from Grado's capital, evil monstrosities roaming the lands, Vigarde's invasion, and now the destruction of Frelia's Sacred Stone, and states that they still have no idea of Grado's goals and the dark times have begun once again. Hayden states that they cannot just sit there wringing their hands, they must warn the nations that house the remaining Sacred Stones, deducing that they are in grave danger if Vigarde is out to destroy the stones and that Jehanna and Rausten must be warned and the nations must come together to fight their common foe; Eirika asks Hayden if he thinks Jehanna and Rausten will believe them, to which Hayden states that although the tale is difficult to believe, he agrees. Innes states that a direct visit from the prince of Frelia cannot be ignored and thus he will journey to Jehanna and forge an alliance with their queen; he states that Frelia could be in great danger if their Sacred Stone has indeed been destroyed, and he cannot let Hayden leave the country in a time of crisis, and thus he should be the one to go. As Hayden mulls over Innes's words, Eirika states that she shall go to Rausten, prompting Ephraim to state that he won't let Eirika put herself into that kind of danger; Eirika states that she will journey to Rausten by ship across the North Sea and that there will be no danger and vows to fight as the others have until the day Renais is liberated. Ephraim states that he will take troops and march on Grado's capital from the west, prompting Hayden to ask if Ephraim wants to begin an assault on Grado from there; Ephraim states that the war will end and the remaining Sacred Stones will be safe if they can take Grado Keep if they begin from where they currently stand and press on with all their might. Hayden then asks Ephraim what he plans to do upon reaching the capital and states that Vigarde's generals will be waiting for him, to which Ephraim states that they'll fight if they oppose them, to which Hayden states that Ephraim has his father's foolhardy courage and states that he entrusts Magvel's hope onto Innes, Eirika, and Ephraim, approving their itineraries; Hayden states that they will have funding but few soldiers to spare and that a difficult road awaits all three of them. Ephraim states that if any of them are defeated, the battle will turn to Grado's favor, thus there must be no errors and thus they cannot fail; Innes states that there are no mistakes where he commands, while Eirika states that she has no doubts that she'll succeed and states that it's time for them to embark. Hayden's promised funding is given to the player at this point in the form of 10,000 gold.
Inside a hallway, Eirika bids Ephraim farewell promising to return, to which Ephraim states that he honestly does not want Eirika to embark on her journey and would rather she wait in Frelia for his return; Eirika states that she's fine, hers is the easiest task and she'll be in no danger, and that she's more worried about Ephraim's mission challenging Grado with a handful of men. Ephraim asks Eirika if she's lost faith in him, to which Eirika denies and states that she knows his true strength and that nobody can defeat him; Ephraim states that Eirika's words have filled him with confidence, stating that he thinks he knows his own limitations and won't overextend his reach, not dying and leaving Eirika on her own. Ephraim vows that they must both survive to be reunited and asks Eirika for her word, to which she gives.
At this point, the player is prompted to make a decision. This decision will determine both the player's main lord from this point forward, as to which of the alternate routes the story will follow and some minor details for the remainder of the game beyond when the paths reconverge. Everything the player had at the end of chapter 8 with the exception of the lord the player did not choose and that character's inventory will carry over onto the split path the player chooses, and even then the lord the player did not choose will return when the paths reconverge with, at minimum, whatever they had gained prior to this point factored into their setup on their return. Regardless of which split path is taken, upon starting the following chapter, the game will explain how the Tower of Valni works before the player regains control.
Go with Eirika to Rausten
Upon making this decision, Kyle and Forde rush to Eirika's side, with Forde asking Eirika if her departure time is near; Eirika reveals her planned itinerary and asks Kyle and Forde to serve Ephraim well, to which Forde states that there's been a change of plans--to which Kyle then states that they're going with Eirika, prompting a shocked reaction from Eirika. Kyle states that Ephraim rides with Frelia's finest at his back, while Forde states that Ephraim personally ordered the change of plans--Forde then reveals that Ephraim didn't want Kyle and Forde loafing and thus asked they keep Eirika safe, then wonders why battling all of Grado would be loafing about; Eirika states that Ephraim's mission is far more dangerous than hers and states that she'll speak with him, to which Kyle states that Ephraim is not concerned for his own safety, to which Kyle and Forde continue to banter about Ephraim's tenacity. Eirika thanks Kyle and Forde for their service and bravery, and states that she would be honored to have her brother's most trusted and valiant companions at her side, after which the three of them prepare to embark.
Ending the interlude in this fashion sends the player to Distant Blade, chapter 9 of Eirika's route.
Go with Ephraim to Grado
Upon making this decision, Seth rushes to Ephraim's side, with Ephraim stating that he's almost ready to depart and that he's leaving Eirika in his care; Seth states that he has the honor of riding with Ephraim to his shock, to which Seth reveals that Eirika will be accompanied by a Frelian escort and that she does not need a large retinue on a small ship. Ephraim states that they must be prepared for anything and that he will be fine, then asks Seth to return to Eirika's side; Seth states that Eirika wished to implore that the forces she had gathered to that point lend their strength to Ephraim on the front lines, speaking to each of them individually and beseeching them to go, moving them with her plea. Ephraim reluctantly accepts Seth's help but asks the army to steel themselves, as it will not be an easy journey, and he only wants volunteers who are not afraid of meeting death; Seth states that he'll let the others know, and that they are already preparing to depart knowing the risks they are taking and none are deterred.
Ending the interlude in this fashion sends the player to Fort Rigwald, chapter 9 of Ephraim's route.
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Trivia
- A New Journey is the first standalone non-gameplay story segment in the Fire Emblem series that is not an epilogue.
- There are a few reasons why this interlude segment exists rather than simply having it be part of chapter 8. The primary reason is likely to allow the player to allow a player to use the team they had at the end of chapter 8 in the Link Arena without forcing them to immediately choose between the Lords before they can do so; this also allows the player to take a break or otherwise stop playing before the sheer length of story development this interlude offers, as well as allow a player using an actual handheld system to keep the current status of their system's battery in mind (as well as lessen the amount of story development a player using the Gamecube's Game Boy Player would have to replay should the power be interrupted).
- While most of the fandom believes there is a difference in difficulty between the two split paths, the fandom typically does not agree which path is the easier or the more difficult. Some parts of the fandom take Eirika at her word and believe her route to be easier and Ephraim's tougher, but other parts of the fandom think it to be the other way around (Eirika's path tougher, Ephraim's easier).
- Contrary to some popular belief, an Easy difficulty file does not simply "become a Normal difficulty file" upon completing this interlude. While the storyline chapters from this point onward do indeed play identically between Easy and Normal (likely how the belief came about), there are some varying nuances in the game's randomized skirmishes, including the Tower of Valni and later the Lagdou Ruins, that do vary between the difficulties; the Runesword trick (a trick designed to allow the player to gain money by selling a valuable randomized drop) is the most notable, in that the Runesword that appears on Normal is instead a more valuable Spear on Easy.
- This segment's Japanese name is the same as a song from Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem and New Mystery of the Emblem.
Etymology and other languages
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| Language | Name | Definition, etymology, and notes |
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A New Journey |
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Gallery
| ← It's a Trap! • | A New Journey | • Distant Blade → • Fort Rigwald → |
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