The Sword or the Knee

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The Sword or the Knee

Location Valm Castle Boss(es) Mini-bosses: Cervantes, Excellus Main boss: Walhart

“	Rally every last man! We make our stand with Emperor Walhart!	”	— A Valmese soldier, calling reinforcements

The Sword or the Knee is the twentieth chapter in Fire Emblem Awakening. In this chapter, Walhart and his generals are making their last stand against Chrom and the Shepherds with the freedom of the Valmese people on the line, in a battle that ends the second major arc of the game. The third major arc of the game begins with Chrom making preparations for a dangerous ritual, eventually learning the final Gemstone is held by a familiar face, who seemingly wishes to easily hand it over.

Plot

Main article: The Sword or the Knee/Script

In Walhart's throne room, he, Excellus, and Cervantes have gathered; Excellus notes that there must be several hundred thousand soldiers outside and wonders if they dare attempt to attack the castle, also asking if it was Yen'fay the southern dynasts feared and not him; Walhart states that without Yen'fay to back it up, Excellus's threat was only the grand shadow of a tiny spider; Excellus takes offense at the "tiny spider" comment and reveals that he's woven other webs in secret Walhart couldn't even imagine. Walhart reveals that Excellus blackmailed Yen'fay to keep his loyalty as well as corresponded with Aversa of Plegia, then reveals he knows Excellus desires the Fire Emblem and has no secrets from him. Excellus wonders how Walhart knew everything and begins to ask something; Walhart completes the question revealing why he hasn't killed Excellus, and says he's asked himself the same thing several times, yet Excellus is no threat to him and he has his uses. Walhart says he's not one for court jesters, yet Excellus amuses him; Excellus takes offense to this comment, then asks Walhart if he's amused with a million swords at the door of Valm Castle coming for his head. Excellus tells Walhart he's lost, and everyone's going to die, yet says he's not going to die, wanting no part of this suicide; Walhart asks Excellus if he's just volunteered to head his personal guard against the rebels, to which Excellus is about to deny when Walhart asks if he'd rather fight him right then and there. Excellus asks Walhart to forgive him, it was a moment's madness that will not return, to which Walhart reveals he has his new captain of the guard, congratulating Excellus and telling him he'll be right by his side until the fray is upon them. As Walhart leaves the scene, Excellus shows signs of exasperation, while Cervantes asks him to give their guests a warm welcome, and perhaps even offer them some tea, poking fun at comments Excellus made in the previous chapter about being equals before himself leaving the scene. Excellus says they forget who he is--he could have fried them both where they stood with his magic; Excellus states that they will and must crush the rebels, then states that if Walhart is sufficiently injured, he might "amuse" him with a spell--either way, he leaves alive. Battle preparations take place at this point.

Once preparations finish, Chrom tells the Avatar he sees Walhart still seated in his throne room, and it doesn't seem like he's thinking about escape. The Avatar states that Walhart's soldiers look ready to die before they'd surrender and one must at least admire their loyalty, to which Chrom states Walhart does inspire that in people, that it's part of what makes him so dangerous. The Avatar states that Walhart inspires loyalty in some people, to which Chrom agrees and states he's not one of them; the battle begins at this point. A Valmese soldier calls for reinforcements once four full turns of combat have passed; the reinforcements begin to arrive after eight full turns have passed.

Once the battle ends, Frederick tells Chrom that Walhart's soldiers have agreed to cease hostilities, to which Chrom asks that the Shepherds pull back immediately. Chrom then tells Frederick that it's strange that Walhart and Emmeryn were complete opposites--Emmeryn gave her life to stop a war, Walhart took lives to create one--yet both inspired those around them, walking a path to end all war; both lived and died trying to unite the people, to which Lucina says the method is the message--Chrom's father suffered from beliefs similar to Walhart and his legacy is plain to see, to which Chrom reveals these are matters too weighty for the moment at hand, there will be plenty of time for reflection now that the war is done.

A short distance from Walhart's throne, Chrom, the Avatar, and Say'ri have gathered, Say'ri holding a shining green object in her hands. Say'ri reveals that a thousand thanks from all Valmese couldn't repay what he did for her Resistance, then reveals she recovered Vert, the Gemstone that was stolen from Chon'sin as a trophy. Chrom asks Say'ri if she's giving Vert to him, to which Say'ri confirms, saying it seems the fell dragon will soon threaten everyone, and she would feel safer knowing Vert was in Chrom's hands. Chrom reveals Vert will be safe in his hands and thanks Say'ri. The scene then cuts to a depiction of the Fire Emblem, where Vert is set into it, now giving the Fire Emblem four Gemstones set therein.

Back outside Valm Castle, Chrom, the Avatar, Say'ri, and Flavia have gathered; Chrom asks the Shepherds if they're packed and saddled, revealing that their business in Valm is finished, but they have another task ahead, one perhaps even more dire than they faced in Valm, then calls the Shepherds to head back to Ylisstol. This wraps up the second major arc of the game; the player may save their game at this point.

The third major arc of the game sees the setting shift to the camp on the Northroad where Chrom and the Avatar have gathered; Chrom sighs, with the Avatar noting his face, asking if Chrom is dueling with unpleasant thoughts, to which Chrom states the Avatar knows him well. The Avatar asks Chrom if he remembers when Lissa first brought him/her here to meet the Shepherds, Sumia in particular--that being his/her first memory in a way, to which Chrom supposes as such, wishing all their memories since then could have been as joyful. The Avatar notes the needless bloodshed, the many days of pain, doubt, and fighting, that they would have never made it without Chrom there to guide them, to which Chrom says he was about to say the same thing about the Avatar. The Avatar notes that he/she and Chrom really are two halves of the same whole; Chrom reveals he's sent Frederick to search for Sable, the final Gemstone, revealing he's been reading more about the Awakening ritual--it seems that whomever attempts the rite must brave Naga's fire. If both body and spirit survive the agony, they are blessed with her power, otherwise the candidate dies. Lucina reacts in horror, then asks Chrom if he must attempt the Awakening; as Lucina arrives on the scene, Chrom asks her if she's been eavesdropping, to which Lucina asks he forgive her and that she didn't intend to eavesdrop. Lucina says she came to speak with Chrom but couldn't find the right moment, to which Chrom forgives her and says he'll be all right as well--he'll withstand Naga's fire and he's sure of it. Frederick announces his return, arriving on the scene as Chrom asks if he found Sable, to which Frederick says he believes so, that Validar has extended an invitation--Plegia has been guarding Sable, and Validar says he now wishes to return it to Chrom. Frederick reveals Plegia sent word to him, saying they must have caught wind of his search; in any case, Validar has requested that Chrom visit in person so he can formally present him Sable, to which Frederick states he doesn't like the prospect one bit and Chrom agrees. At best, what Validar's doing is selfish political maneuvering at a time when the world can ill afford it, and at worst their run-in with Risen last time was no accident, yet they will meet with Validar, and asks Frederick to send word at once. Frederick asks Chrom if he's sure that action is wise, to which Chrom denies it but says they haven't time to be certain--also revealing that Emmeryn never refused a diplomatic gesture no matter how foul smelling, with Chrom believing that if Validar won't give them Sable, he may at least reveal where it is. Chrom asks Frederick not to worry, he's not walking into this situation blindly, he will make certain everyone is armed to the teeth. Frederick suggests Chrom leave the Fire Emblem behind; Chrom thinks Validar might be expecting that move and comes to steal it with his best men away, revealing it's safest he bring the Fire Emblem with him for now and they'll learn the truth of Validar's motive soon enough.

Summary

Walhart's defeat ends the war--but Lucina's dark future edges closer. Chrom must perform the Awakening and heads to Plegia to secure the last Gemstone.

Chapter data

Chapter Data
Conditions	Unit Data
Victory: Defeat Walhart.	Player	Partner	Other	Enemy	Third
Defeat: Chrom or the Avatar die.	15	{{{partner}}}	0	40+9	{{{third}}}

The chapter's map is 21 columns by 30 rows.

Character data

Characters
New units
None
Available characters
Avatar ​

Note: The returning characters list does not include any characters recruitable in paralogues, as the player may not have taken on any available paralogue chapters yet. The list also does not include any bonus units, as they are recruitable at the player's discretion.

Item data

Items

Name Obtainment Method File:Is 3ds elixir.png Elixir Dropped by an enemy Hero File:Is 3ds longbow.png Longbow Dropped by an enemy Sniper File:Is 3ds physic.png Physic Dropped by an enemy War Monk File:Is 3ds second seal.png Second Seal Left chest in western treasure room File:Is 3ds dragonstone+.png Dragonstone+ Right chest in western treasure room File:Is 3ds beaststone+.png Beaststone+ Left chest in eastern treasure room File:Is 3ds spirit dust.png Spirit Dust Right chest in eastern treasure room File:Is 3ds bolganone.png Bolganone Dropped by Excellus File:Is 3ds dracoshield.png Dracoshield Dropped by Cervantes File:Is 3ds bullion (l).png Bullion (L) Dropped by Walhart

Shop data

After clearing this chapter, the shop at this location will become available.

Armory contents

Normal stock Possible merchant items

Item	Price
Silver Lance	1,560
Killer Lance	1,680
Silver Axe	1,740
Killer Axe	1,860

Item	Price
If a merchant is present in Valm Castle on the world map, a random selection of three of the below items will also be available until the merchant leaves:
Brave Sword	2,100
Brave Lance	2,220
Brave Axe	2,400
Brave Bow	2,220
Waste	2,160
Levin Sword	1,600
Beast Killer	1,650
Tomahawk	2,550
Killer Bow	1,680
A rare item	Varies
The following items may randomly appear in any slot designated "Rare item": Hammerne, Seraph Robe, Energy Drop, Spirit Dust, Secret Book, Speedwing, Goddess Icon, Dracoshield, Talisman, Arms Scroll.

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Event tiles

• Column 9, row 13: Two squares south, two squares west of Excellus's initial position
• Column 13, row 8: Three squares north, two squares east of Excellus's initial position

Enemy data

Enemy Units

Name Class Lv # Inventory and Skills Notes File:Ma 3ds war monk enemy.gif Valmese War Monk 6 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe • File:Is 3ds physic.png Physic -- File:Ma 3ds war monk enemy.gif Valmese War Monk 6 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe • File:Is 3ds physic.png Physic* -- File:Ma 3ds hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 4 File:Is 3ds silver sword.png Silver Sword -- File:Ma 3ds hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe -- File:Ma 3ds hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver sword.png Silver Sword • File:Is 3ds elixir.png Elixir* -- File:Ma 3ds hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver sword.png Silver Sword File:Is 3ds patience.png Patience -- File:Ma 3ds hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 81 1 File:Is 3ds silver sword.png Silver Sword File:Is 3ds zeal.png Zeal -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 2 File:Is 3ds tomahawk.png Tomahawk -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 1 File:Is 3ds spear.png Spear File:Is 3ds rally defense.png Rally Defense -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 2 File:Is 3ds silver lance.png Silver Lance -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 2 File:Is 3ds silver lance.png Silver Lance File:Is 3ds indoor fighter.png Indoor Fighter -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 2 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe File:Is 3ds rally defense.png Rally Defense -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 1 File:Is 3ds spear.png Spear -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 File:Is 3ds arcthunder.png Arcthunder -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 2 File:Is 3ds arcwind.png Arcwind -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 File:Is 3ds arcfire.png Arcfire -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 File:Is 3ds arcthunder.png Arcthunder File:Is 3ds rally magic.png Rally Magic -- File:Ma 3ds sniper enemy.gif Valmese Sniper 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver bow.png Silver Bow • File:Is 3ds longbow.png Longbow File:Is 3ds accuracy +20.png Hit Rate +20 -- File:Ma 3ds sniper enemy.gif Valmese Sniper 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver bow.png Silver Bow • File:Is 3ds longbow.png Longbow* File:Is 3ds prescience.png Prescience -- File:Ma 3ds sniper enemy.gif Valmese Sniper 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver bow.png Silver Bow -- File:Ma 3ds sniper enemy.gif Valmese Sniper 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver bow.png Silver Bow File:Is 3ds prescience.png Prescience -- File:Ma 3ds warrior enemy.gif Valmese Warrior 8 3 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe -- File:Ma 3ds warrior enemy.gif Valmese Warrior 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe File:Is 3ds zeal.png Zeal -- File:Ma 3ds warrior enemy.gif Valmese Warrior 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe File:Is 3ds rally strength.png Rally Strength -- File:Ma 3ds warrior enemy.gif Valmese Warrior 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe File:Is 3ds hp +5.png HP +5 -- File:Ma 3ds thief enemy.gif Ruffian Thief 20 1 File:Is 3ds steel sword.png Steel Sword File:Is 3ds locktouch.png Locktouch -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Cervantes General 10 1 File:Is 3ds tomahawk.png Tomahawk • File:Is 3ds dracoshield.png Dracoshield* File:Is 3ds indoor fighter.png Indoor Fighter -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Excellus Sage 10 1 File:Is 3ds bolganone.png Bolganone* File:Is 3ds focus.png Focus -- File:Ma 3ds conqueror enemy.gif Walhart Conqueror 25 1 File:Is 3ds wolf berg.png Wolf Berg • File:Is 3ds bullion large.png Bullion (L)* File:Is 3ds conquest.png Conquest --

Reinforcements

Name Class Lv # Inventory and Skills Notes File:Ma 3ds warrior enemy.gif Valmese Warrior 8 1 File:Is 3ds tomahawk.png Tomahawk File:Is 3ds hp +5.png HP +5 -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 3 File:Is 3ds silver lance.png Silver Lance -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 File:Is 3ds arcfire.png Arcfire -- File:Ma 3ds general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver axe.png Silver Axe File:Is 3ds defense +2.png Defense +2 -- File:Ma 3ds hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 1 File:Is 3ds silver sword.png Silver Sword -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 File:Is 3ds arcthunder.png Arcthunder -- File:Ma 3ds sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 File:Is 3ds arcfire.png Arcfire File:Is 3ds focus.png Focus --

Boss data

Sub-bosses

Main articles: Cervantes and Excellus

Cervantes (Normal) Cervantes (Hard) Cervantes (Lunatic) Excellus (Normal) Excellus (Hard) Excellus (Lunatic)

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Primary boss

Main article: Walhart

Normal Hard Lunatic

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Strategy

This section details unofficial strategies that may help with completion of the chapter. This may not work for everybody.

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In other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language	Name	Definition, etymology, and notes
English	The Sword or the Knee
English (unofficial)	The True King	Referred to as this in the fandom prior to USA release.

Gallery

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