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Chapter 4: Treacherous Way

Opening

narrator
After a night's rest, Lyon and his entourage resume their march towards Renvall.
Passing through the ancient forest Za'ha brings them close to Grado's border.
Lyon has little reason to expect opposition in such a remote corner of the world.
However, Grado's enemies span the entirety of the continent...
duessel
We're approaching the border town of Serafew.
Once we cross, we'll be in Grado.
lyon
Good.
selena
General Caellach was supposed to meet us en route to Serafew.
I would have thought we would have ran into him sooner.
lyon
Maybe he got delayed somehow? Well, no matter.
If not here, I guess we'll find him in Serafew.
selena
I wonder...
glen
Prince, enemies ahead!
lyon
What? Here?
(The group approaches Serafew to find it crawling with Renais and Frelian soldiers.)
lyon
Enemies indeed... What in the world?
This deep in the woods? What's going on here...?
valter
Frelian pegasi, scouting out the situation in Renais.
Renais remnants, trying to find a hole to hide themselves in.
Mercenaries hired by the cowardly peasants living in the area.

(manic) None will look too kindly on our presence. We're about to have our plates full.
And here I was hoping we'd make it to Grado without more fighting.
Tsk, tsk. What a shame. Hahahahaha...

riev
(smirking) Heh heh heh... You let yourself be blinded by your bloodlust, Valter.
valter
(subdued) What are you on about, you decrepit dotard?
riev
I see more than just enemies. Look yonder, O Moonstone.
My "decrepit" eyes can see him clearly. Surely you can as well, up in the sky?
valter
What? That lone rider headed towards us?
(Aias approaches.)
aias
Prince Lyon! How fortuitous.
lyon
You're... Caellach's second-in-command, yes?
aias
Right you are, Your Highness. I am called Aias.
The general tasked me with finding you.
I had not anticipated you'd already be so close...
lyon
So, where's Caellach?
aias
We stayed for the night in a village to the south.
He's probably still there. It hasn't been long since I left.
lyon
He could be in trouble, with this amount of enemies around.
We should clear out the area and get to him as fast as possible.
aias
I agree, sir. Allow me to add my strength to your forces.
The enemy will find a common foe in us, but they aren't coordinated.
This should not be too difficult.
A bowman would be most useful here, what with the number of flying units.
lyon
Sage advice. I shall take it to heart.
aias
Mm. May fortune favor us on this day.
soldier
Neimi! You need to get outta here!
neimi
W-What...?
soldier
A Grado army's coming.
This place is about to become the backdrop to a bloodbath...
You can't stay here. It's going to be far too risky.
neimi
...They're coming from the direction of Borgo Ridge...
T-That's where Colm went... To get my mirror back...

(Neimi starts.)

No! I can't go. I've got to stay.
I need to know if he's safe, or... o-or...

soldier
You won't find that out by getting yourself killed!
neimi
I can fight. See? I've got a bow.
The people of Za'ha were so nice to us...
I'll help you drive these soldiers away.
Then I can go to Borgo Ridge and find Colm!
soldier
Urgh... Truth be told, we're gonna need all the help we can get.
But be careful. Don't leave that boy all alone in the world.
neimi
Don't worry about me... I can do this!

Chapter Tips

Tiger Eye

Like Valter and Glen in chapter 2, Caellach won't be able to retreat if he is injured critically in this map.

Caellach is a pretty big deal, so you'll lose if he goes down. Be careful where you move him!

Friend or foe?

Someone on the field seems to want to have a word with someone in your army.

He has nothing to say in turn, so he won't be able to start the conversation. They have to do it on their turn.

Enemy Turn 1

Lieselott
......
Grado... They're powerful.
I have to talk to him...

Turn 2

(Caellach stumbles out of the southern village.)
caellach
...Yawn... Damn. Overslept. Now my head hurts...
Don't see Aias anywhere. Guess he must've left already...
I hope he's found the prince. Don't wanna spend another night here.
soldier
You there! General Caellach Tiger Eye of Grado!
You're not welcome here. Leave this village at once!
caellach
Heh. Look at that. I'm famous.
I guess it's as good a time as any to start earning my pay.
Let's have it, boys. Give me your best shot!

Turn 3

(L'Arachel, Dozla, and Rennac arrive at the bluff overlooking the village.)
l'arachel
Oh, my!
This quaint prairie has been set ablaze with the flames of war!
dozla
Gwah ha ha! Right you are, Lady L'Arachel!
l'arachel
We must intercede. Come, both of you!
We shall charge down these cliffs and put a stop to this brutality!
rennac
Yes, the "brutality" might stop if we splatter on the floor in front of them.
Or, we could find us a nice, gentle path down. How about it?
l'arachel
Ah... Yes, well. Let us hurry nonetheless.
I simply cannot stand the sordid sight of battle in these gentle lands!
(Rennac becomes agitated.)
rennac
We don't even know who these people are or why they fight!
How exactly do you expect us to stop this scuffle?
You want us to stand between them with our arms outstretched?
Say "please, good folk, I beg of ye, kindly cease this violence"?
l'arachel
(smiles) That does sound pretty good! Good work, Rennac!
That is exactly what we shall do. Come! We ride!
dozla
Gwah ha ha! Don't fall behind, Rennac!
(L'Arachel and Dozla leave.)
rennac
But... There's no way that could work! I was kidding!
I... Oh, by the Stones... Why did I ever accept this job?!
Offscreen
Rennac! What are you doing? Hurry up!
rennac
All right, all right, I'm on my way...

Conversations

Caellach Death

Caellach
Bla... Blast...
A bit more, and...a crown... would have been...mine...

Lieselott & Lyon

lieselott
...Grado's prince...
lyon
Why aren't you attacking? What do you want?
lieselott
Grado is strong. Stronger than Frelia.
I can become stronger in Grado.
lyon
Oh? Oh, you want to join us?
Hmm... You don't look very capable, sorry to say.
lieselott
I'll learn fast. Please.
lyon
......
W-Well, it's... (closes eyes) I... Guh...
lieselott
...?
lyon
(opens eyes) S-Sorry... Uh, you can join us, sure.
Prove yourself and you'll be rewarded.
lieselott
(smiles) ...Good...

Aias & Caellach

aias
General Caellach.
caellach
Aias, good to see you!
And even more good to see you with an army behind you.
aias
Yes, it was easy, finding the prince.
He was already near here.
caellach
Huh. The boy moves fast.
So, you've met him now. What do you think, Aias?
aias
He has considerable power and a good head atop his shoulders.
He gives off the impression of a gentle soul, but...
He takes all this violence well. Too well.

...All in all, I'd say we're better off on his side than against him.

caellach
Great. That's all I needed to hear.
Now all we've got to do is show him what we can do.
aias
......

Neimi

Combat

neimi
Oh, no... S-Step back, or I'll...!

Colm, where are you?!

Death

neimi
You were right, Colm... I am a klutz. Sorry...

Locations

Northern Village

old woman
This is a martial arts school. I am the master.
What? I don't look the part? Heh. Appearances can be deceiving...
Now, I should kick your butts for occupying my hometown...
But you can't beat armed soldiers with fancy footwork.
That only happens in theatre plays. Unfortunately...

So, let us cut a deal. You don't burn my school to the ground...
And I give one of you folks a quick, yet valuable lesson.

visitor
Only one?
old woman
I'm not runnin' a charity here. Invaders or no invaders.
So, what do you say? Are you the lucky one?

If you accept

(The visitor gains 100 EXP.)
old woman
Wasn't that fun? Now get out of here.
Sigh... I hope you at least leave SOME of my students alive.
At this rate I'm going to have to close up the school anyway....

If you decline

old woman
Send someone else over to train, then. Or don't.
Frankly, I don't really care as long as you leave my school alone.

Southern Village

Default

innkeeper
Hey, you! You a friend of that terrifying merc with the red hair?
Yeah, he stayed in my inn for the night.
Tell 'im he forgot this... bloodied thing in his room.
I don't wanna risk him comin' back and thinkin' I stole it or somethin'.

If Caellach is visiting

caellach
Hey, old man!
Have you seen a large sword? Steel, little worn, traces of blood?
(The innkeeper trembles.)
innkeeper
Ack! I-I swear, you just forgot it when you left my inn!
I didn't take it or anything! Promise!
caellach
Nobody said anything about you taking it...
But the way you're shivering, I'm tempted to believe you did take it.
(The innkeeper backs away.)
innkeeper
D-Don't hurt me, please...!
caellach
Hah... Don't worry, you old fool. I'm not interested in you.
You got the blade handy?
innkeeper
H-Here! Please, take it and go!
caellach
Ahh, here you are...
Let's carve ourselves a path to glory, you and I.
(Caellach leaves.)
innkeeper
Phew... What an utterly terrifying man...

(The visitor receives a Steel Blade.)

Ending

lyon
Caellach!
caellach
Greetings, Prince. Thanks for the help.
lyon
I'm sure you could've handled that on your own if you had to.
caellach
Probably, but better safe than sorry.

Ah, and I see you have the rest of the generals with you.
Didn't spare even one for your old man?

lyon
...Father will be fine on his own.
selena
......
caellach
Hoo, boy. Someone does not seem to agree.
Surely you could've at least left her with him, huh?
Who knows, maybe you would've gotten a new mom.
(Selena starts.)
selena
What did you say to me?
caellach
Struck a nerve, did I? C'mon, don't try to deny it.
It's written all over your face. You'd love that.
selena
...I don't have to stand here and listen to this drivel.
I'll go check on the troops, Prince Lyon.
lyon
Y-Yeah, sure, you do that...
(Selena leaves.)
caellach
Psch. Can't take a joke, that one.

So! Now that our merry band is complete, shall we get going?

lyon
Do you know of our plans?
caellach
Yeah. I got the message first and passed it on to Glen and Valter.
I'm assuming we're headed to Renvall, as Valter's crony requested?
lyon
You assume correctly.
Serafew is next. Surely we shouldn't find trouble there.
...Right?
caellach
If we do, you can count on my sword arm.
lyon
Mm... Thanks, Caellach.
caellach
Don't mention it. It's just my job.
(L'Arachel's party charges in. L'Arachel bounces with energy.)
l'arachel
(smiling) Aha! Foul creatures, beware!
I, L'Arachel, bestow upon you the honor of banishment at my blessed hands!

(frowns) ...Wait, where did the battle go?

lyon
Wha... Foul creatures? How dare you!
l'arachel
(smiles) Oh, I did not mean to say you're a foul creature, good sir.
I was merely practicing my battle cry.
I'd say it needs a bit more... oomph. Would you not agree, Dozla?
dozla
Gwah ha ha! Of course, Lady L'Arachel!
l'arachel
Perfecting my battle cry is of the greatest importance.
I shall most certainly need it when I ride beauteously into battle!
After all, not often does one face a paragon of righteousness such as I.
The occasion calls for a powerful battle cry, befitting of myself!
lyon
...All right, and now that that's settled, on to my next question.
Who are you supposed to be, exactly?
l'arachel
Mm? Ah, well, since you ask, please allow me to introduce myself.
It is I, the true light and glory of the sacred realm of Rausten...
dozla
(frowns) Stop! Lady L'Arachel, you mustn't continue!
You cannot reveal your true identity here!
l'arachel
(frowns) Oh, yes, you're right. Oh, I get so careless sometimes!
riev
......
(L'Arachel starts.)
l'arachel
...!
D-Dozla! Look...!
dozla
...Behind me, Lady L'Arachel!
(Dozla moves to protect L'Arachel and the group becomes hostile.)
lyon
...Riev, what is happening? Should I be worried?
riev
No... It's just an old acquaintance.
Princess L'Arachel, of the holiest kingdom of Rausten...
Praised be her name, and her hallowed uncle's name.
(Lyon starts.)
lyon
What?!
l'arachel
Riev! Foulest of the foul! Evilest of evildoers!
How dare you show your face before me!
riev
You are the one who came to us.
And I can show my face before whomever I please.
That includes you, you insufferable hellion...
l'arachel
Insolent knave! Dozla, do something!
dozla
...I promised Mansel I'd bring you back safe, Lady L'Arachel.
I'm not letting you lay a hand on her, you heretic!
riev
Lay a hand on her? And why would I want to do that?
Oh, I simply despise her. And you, and the good uncle most of all.
Would you all do me a favor and die? I beg of you...
lyon
Riev! What do you think you're doing?!
(L'Arachel becomes agitated.)
l'arachel
Rennac! What do I pay you for? Attack!
rennac
You're joking, right?!
Each of them is scarier than the last, and you want me to start a fight?!
For no reason?!
dozla
Nothing is as scary as the idea of a world without Lady L'Arachel!
We have to protect her with our lives if that's what it takes!
With me, Rennac! Raaaaaaaaaarrrghh!
(Dozla brandishes his weapon.)
rennac
Idiot! They're doing absolutely nothing!
She doesn't need us to protect her from nothing!
And besides, it's not like we're surrounded.
We can just go back the way we came, can't we?
dozla
Ergh, that's...
l'arachel
A most astute observation, my dear Rennac!
Come, come! Let us away, Dozla!
We can apprehend this miscreant another day.
dozla
But, Lady L'Arachel...!
l'arachel
It would break my heart if I let any harm befall you, Dozla.
How would I even deliver the news to my uncle?
No! A true champion of justice knows when to retreat as well!
Go, go, go! Full speed ahead, Dozla!
dozla
(smiles) Gwah ha ha! Right behind you, Lady L'Arachel!
(L'Arachel and Dozla retreat.)
rennac
......
lyon
......
(Rennac trembles with agitation.)
rennac
I-I can't believe they'd just run off without waiting for me!
Ohh, this has to be the worst job I've had in my entire life!
riev
Working under her and her odious uncle, it probably is...
You really should learn to pick your employers better, my boy.
rennac
...E-Er, so, uh...
C-Can I just go, then? No hard feelings or anything?
Caellach
Boo.
(Rennac startles.)
rennac
Gaaahhh!!
Wait for me, you morons! Wait...!
(Rennac runs after L'Arachel.)
caellach
Hahahaha! Oh, that was great.
Was it my eyes playing tricks on me or did he soil his pants?
lyon
...Riev.
riev
Yes?
lyon
I would thank you not to start fights we don't need to fight.
It's enough that Valter keeps doing it. Don't you start too.
riev
Hmph...

Forgive me, Prince. I lost my temperance.
That woman and I, you see... We have a bad history.

caellach
You and her? Aren't you a tad too old?
You sure it wasn't her hairy little guy that you...?
riev
...I would not recommend getting smart with me, young man.
I could pluck your heart out of your chest without lifting a finger.
caellach
Sheesh, relax! It was a joke. I was trying to brighten the mood.
Look, we oughta get going. We've wasted a ton of time already.
(Caellach leaves.)
riev
...How rude. Children today, they don't respect their elders.
Someone ought to teach that one some manners... Heh heh heh...
(Riev leaves.)
lyon
...Well.

Character Descriptions

Aias
An aide to Grado's General Caellach. He believes he is an unbeatable tactician.

Caellach
An ambitious general in Grado's army. He's better known as Tiger Eye.

Lieselott
A Frelian messenger-in-training. Her quiet demeanor belies her ambitious nature.

Neimi
A childhood friend of Colm who hails from Renais. She cries a lot.

Renais
The army of Renais, the bountiful central kingdom.

Frelian
The army of Frelia, a prosperous country to the north west.

Sellsword
Mercenaries hired by the locals to protect their home.