—Opening Narration
Without a King is Chapter 21 of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance.
Story[]
The Crimean army approaches Daein's capital, Nevassa. General Kasatai is frustrated by the lack of leadership from King Ashnard, who has yet to return, leaving Daein vulnerable. Lady Ena, appointed to lead, reassures him that the situation has been carefully considered, though her calm demeanor confuses Kasatai. Ena reveals that Ashnard's true goal isn't to protect Daein but to provoke a larger conflict that would engulf the continent in war. She believes the king no longer values Daein itself, but is more focused on his greater ambitions. Kasatai remains skeptical, but Ena convinces him to trust her. As the Crimean army, led by Ike, prepares to storm the capital, they face unexpected traps. Ena reveals her hidden strength, transforming into a dragon, a powerful weapon left by Ashnard to ensure victory. Kasatai, amazed by her transformation, becomes emboldened, believing Daein's forces are invincible.
However, Ike and his army, unaware of the full extent of the enemy's traps, press on. They are trapped in the castle, but Ike remains calm, knowing their goal is to defeat Ashnard and free Crimea from his rule. The princess, Elincia, is protected, and Ike orders a strategic response to whatever Daein has planned, preparing for a decisive showdown.
While Ena is defeated, refuses to surrender to Ike and expresses her need to go to King Ashnard. As she attempts to escape, Nasir intervenes, revealing himself as a traitor working for Daein. Ike is shocked and angry, confronting Nasir about his betrayal and the medallion tied to Mist. Nasir remains silent and is taken into custody.
Meanwhile, Ashnard reacts to the fall of Daein's capital with a mix of disappointment and amusement, as his army's failure is attributed to Ena's inability to defend it. He eagerly examines Lehran's Medallion, which holds a dark god of immense power. Ashnard revels in the chaos and destruction it can unleash, calling it the "Fire Emblem" and reveling in the power it offers. He then discusses plans with Petrine regarding the Black Knight's mission to capture Princess Serenes. Ashnard is intrigued by the Black Knight's ability, especially his use of warp powder, and considers him an essential tool for his plans. Petrine, nervous about Ashnard's displeasure, is warned that she must show results or face dire consequences. Ashnard orders the death of Ena, as he no longer has use for her. Petrine is tasked with carrying out this order, even if it means betraying Ena's trust.
Strategy[]
There are many doors and chests in this chapter, so it is recommended to bring a thief and door and chest keys if you have any. When you start you should split your units along the two paths to deal with the enemies in front of you. Kasatai, the mini-boss of this chapter, waits for you at a bridge with a Brave Lance. Kasatai is a General with Wrath who may deal some real damage if the player is not careful. While your main force is fighting the enemies, your thief should be looting the chests. When you open the doors some of them have enemies inside waiting so have a unit or two deal with them. Be careful where you position your units as there is a enemy unit with Sleep that can stop your unit in its tracks while enemy units come to attack it. When you come near the left part of the map Tauroneo, a General, comes to attack you. He has very high strength so the player must be careful. He can be recruited by talking to him with Ike. After you get to the throne, Ena is waiting for you. Ena has 26 defense and resistance so you should bring weapons that deal extra damage to dragons or laguz or else you will do almost nothing to her. She has only 1 range so ranged units can attack her without fear.
Enemy Reinforcements[]
- 2 fighters and a warrior appear at the bottom right at the end of turn 5.
- 2 fighters and a warrior appear at the top right at the end of turn 6.
- 2 myrmidon and a swordmaster appear at the bottom left at the end of turn 8.
- 2 halberdiers and a sniper appear right above the chests in the middle at the end of turn 12.
- 1 thief appears at the bottom left at the end of turn 18.
Bonus Experience[]
- Clear in 18 turns: 600 (easy), 400 (normal/hard), 200 (Maniac)
- Clear bonus: 300 (easy), 200 (normal/hard)
Base Conversations[]
| Name | Value | Requirement | Obtain |
| Refugee | * | Jill recruited and is alive | - |
| Mist | * | - | - |
Items[]
Droppable Items[]
Chest Items[]
- Bottom Right Room:
- Top Right Room:
- Only Chest: Energy Drop
- Top Middle Room:
- Only Chest: Talisman
- Top Left Room:
- Bottom Middle Room:
- Left Chest: Brave Sword
- Right Chest: Master Seal
Errors[]
In the North American version, in the dialogue between Petrine and Ena, before Ena realizes that she is charged with defending the capital, she (who assumes that Petrine will defend the capital) tells Petrine that Sir Bryan will aid her. However, there is no known character in the series named "Bryan" (not counting Brian). This is most likely a translation error: she was probably referring to Bryce.