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Chapter 12: Revolt at Carcino

Opening

narrator
Carcino's council of elders is divided. Two factions have been formed.
Council leader Klimt's faction wishes to oppose Grado with Frelia.
Meanwhile, Elder Pablo's faction seeks a new alliance with Grado.
If Lyon is unable to secure Carcino's support, the entire world will be his enemy.
Thus, his army travels to the capital of Carcino, at Teraz Plateau.
Once there, they discover another battle already underway...
klimt
They're taking a bit long, are they not?
gerik
Don't worry about a thing, Elder Klimt.
There is no one in whose skills I trust more than Marisa.
She can be a bit ditzy at times, though. Must've gotten distracted.
She'll arrive in no time with Pablo in chains, you'll see.
klimt
Hmm...
gerik
Now, sorry to do this, but I'm afraid I've got to hit the road.
I've received an urgent summons from the queen of Jehanna.
klimt
A request you cannot refuse, indeed.
Please, fret not over us. Your help has been invaluable.
We can take over from here. Go without worry, Gerik.
gerik
Hmm... Even so, I don't like leaving things half done.
I know. Tethys is still out there, fighting Pablo's mercs.
I think I'll go on ahead and leave her to finish things.
Tell her where I've gone when she's done, all right?
klimt
I shall do that. Thank you very much, Gerik.
gerik
Very well, then. Farewell, Elder.
(Glen and Caellach arrive at the outskirts of Carcino.)
caellach
Lots of folks prowling the valley...
I'd say this is as far as we can go without trouble.
What next, Glen?
glen
First off, we should await the prince's return.
caellach
Still feels so weird to say that.
He's fighting on the other side of Magvel, and yet...
I'll blink and next thing I know, he'll be standing right there!
(Lyon warps in.)
caellach
Heh... C'mon, Prince. Admit it.
You were listening in, waiting for the perfect timing to swoop in.
lyon
...I see you are close to the capital of Carcino.

If Pablo is alive

pablo
It has been a grueling march. My poor weary legs...
But it's fine. Sacrifices need be made on the road to power.
caellach
Old windbag wouldn't stop whining the whole way through...
This better be worth the hassle, Prince.
lyon
So, what can you tell us, Elder Pablo?
pablo
I left my mercenaries fighting in this area.
They are no longer here, which means...
They are dead, or they have retreated somewhere else.
If it's the latter, I suspect we'll find them in the fort to the south.
caellach
What about Carcino proper? Do we just barge in?
lyon
No. If we openly begin hostilities, Carcino's people will never accept us.
We're seeking an alliance here. We've got to be smart about this.
pablo
If I may... My attempt on Klimt's life is not public knowledge yet.
We should engage Klimt's forces outside and take them out.
Get rid of the witnesses, you know. (grins) Heh heh...
(serious) Then we can go inside and roast his old bones as well.
When the time comes, I can argue I was the victim here.
I'm sure the people will believe it. I can be impressively persuasive.
lyon
We'll be the saviors of an innocent elder, threatened by his peer.
We'll deliver justice and restore you to your rightful place.
How could the populace not look kindly upon us then?
caellach
...You continue to impress me, Prince.
glen
......
lyon
Thanks. Well, let the entire army know, Caellach.
Nobody is to enter Carcino proper for the time being!
caellach
Aye aye, chief!

If Pablo is dead

glen
There's signs of fighting in this area.
The entire valley is crawling with mercenaries.
They bear the same crest as the ones we fought at Port Kiris.
If I had to hazard a guess... It's Elder Klimt's forces.
They've been battling hired blades in the employ of the late Elder Pablo.
caellach
So, what do we do? We just barge into Carcino?
lyon
No. If we openly begin hostilities, Carcino's people will never accept us.
We're seeking an alliance here. We've got to be smart about this.
glen
I agree. We shouldn't enter Carcino uninvited.
...On the other hand...
If we are attacked by these men, we have the right to self-defense.
lyon
Yes... And then we can enter Carcino seeking answers.
We witnessed their other elder being killed by these people.
And we know it's Elder Klimt that hired them...
We'll arrest Elder Klimt and take over in the interest of justice.
At least, I hope that'll stick with the populace...
caellach
...You continue to impress me, Prince.
glen
......
lyon
Thanks. Well, tell everyone, Generals.
Nobody is to enter Carcino proper for the time being!
caellach
Aye aye, chief!
(Pablo's remaining mercenaries have been cornered in a fort.)
mercenary
Oi, Binks! The heck's going on here?!
You said the old man went to look for reinforcements!
We ain't seen hair nor hide of him again!
binks
He lied to us... Dammit!
5000 gold ain't nearly enough for this!
mercenary
What do we do now?!
It's down to you, me and a couple others outside!
They're taking a moment to regroup now, but...
They're gonna slaughter us to the last in a minute!
binks
Get out there, you moron! Fight! Fight!
I'll stay in here and... Uh, conserve my energy!
We can win this yet, man! We've just got to hang on!
mercenary
Yeah, okay...
Gods, if I get out of this mess, I'm never fightin' again!
(The mercenary leaves.)
binks
I can't believe it... Even if we win, my merc band's history.
That stinkin' Pablo! He's completely ruined me!
I ain't ever been the believin' type, but...
Blast, I need a friggin' miracle!

Chapter Tips

Carcino's guard

Carcino is currently inaccessible. The troops within will also not attack you for the time being.

This includes the ballistae and anyone else who can reach over the city's gates.

Forget they're there. It'll be very clear when they become an issue.

Enemy Turn 1

soldier
It's almost over, Tethys.
One more push and we'll do the rest of them in for sure.
tethys
...Mm...
soldier
Something the matter?
tethys
A dark omen...
soldier
What?
tethys
Pay me no mind. Please, give the order to attack.
(The soldier salutes.)
soldier
All right, Tethys!
(The soldier leaves.)
tethys
It's looking like it'll be the easiest job we've had in a while.
So why can't I shake this foreboding feeling...?

When Tethys is approached

tethys
...That doesn't look good... What's happening?
soldier
Tethys! An army has arrived from the north west!
They fly the banner of Grado...
They are moving to assist Pablo's mercenaries!
tethys
It would seem the good Elder Pablo has a guardian angel...
Very well. In that case, let us move in as well.
(The soldier salutes.)
soldier
I'll spread the word!
(The soldier leaves.)
tethys
From the north west... Then, Marisa...
...I suppose I win our little competition, then.
The way to his heart is wide open to me now...

Or perhaps I shall die here, too.
It would be a fitting punishment for these dark thoughts...
Heh. I'm so sorry, Marisa. I am an awful friend...

When Tethys is killed

(A messenger approaches Klimt.)
klimt
What's that? Grado's army is here?
And they've killed Lady Tethys?!

Gods help us... Pablo must have brought them here.
And we're next, without a doubt...
Our only hope is to strike first. Open the gates!
Have the forces we've left drive them away!
It is our only chance to keep the city safe!

(The messenger leaves.)
klimt
...The sun is setting...
I pray the same cannot be said for Carcino...

Conversations

Binks & Pablo

(Binks starts.)
binks
E-Elder Pablo! You're back...!
pablo
Of course I'm back. Did you doubt me?
I'll have you know, my word is worth its weight in gold!
(smirks) Heh heh...
binks
But... Words don't have weight, do they...?
(smiles) Ah, forget it. Good to see you, sir.
pablo
Follow me, Binks. I am being assisted by Grado's army.
You will join forces with them for the time being!
binks
Grado?! Whoa...
So, uh... No offense, but... When do I get paid?
(Pablo huffs.)
pablo
What kind of question is that, Binks?!
Do you take me for the kind of man that would not pay his dues?
binks
......
pablo
Grrr... All right, you vulture. Here!
There's your 5,000 gold. Now get moving!
binks
Yep, looks like it's all here. Thanks a bunch, Elder Pablo!
Now, I think I owe Klimt's little fishes some payback...

Binks & Lyon (if Pablo is dead)

lyon
Who are you? Why are you being hounded by these people?
binks
Sheesh, it's all that damned Pablo's fault...
He lied to me! He said Klimt barely had a few bodyguards!
An ARMY of bodyguards? That's just ridiculous!
lyon
You were with Pablo, eh...
We watched your employer die, I'm afraid.
(Binks balks.)
binks
What?! No!
Who'll pay my dues now?! Dammit, dammit all!
I've lost all my guys for nothing?!
lyon
Hmm... Well... How much is your fee?
binks
Pablo promised me 5000 gold for our trouble.
Wait, you don't mean...?
lyon
......

If you accept

binks
(smiles) Well, color me surprised. Payin' in advance?
I could tell you're a rich boy, but who the heck are you?
lyon
Prince Lyon of Grado.
(Binks starts.)
binks
(serious) Whoa, Grado?!
Well, you already beat Pablo as an employer, so...
(smiles) Count me happy to do business, milord!
(serious) Now, I think I owe Klimt's little fishes some payback...

If you refuse

lyon
Never mind. Good luck out here.
binks
Yeah, figured it was too good to be true...
Well, I'll stick around, if you wanna talk business.

Bone & Zabba

(Bone starts.)
bone
W...What...?!
zabba
......
bone
...Woow...
zabba
Hey, how about we see if you can keep staring with one eye?
(Bone jumps.)
bone
Ah, no! I wasn't staring! I was...
I was just... Well, I'm kind of impressed, honestly.
You're a pretty good fighter, are ya?
zabba
......
bone
What? It's the truth!
All I can do is flail my arms really fast and hope for the best.
You, it's like you're dancin' with that thing in your hand!
zabba
I had a good teacher.
Old friend of mine. Best mercenary you'll ever see.
bone
R-Right... Um...
So what's your name?
zabba
Sigh... Zabba.
bone
Zabba? Isn't that a boy name?
zabba
It is, isn't it?
I suppose I was always a rebel.
bone
Er... What's that mean?
zabba
Don't worry about it. What's your name?
bone
Bone!
zabba
(smirks) Bone? And you were all shocked about MY name?
Yikes, your parents didn't like you much, did they?
bone
I dunno. I was abandoned at a small convent in Renais.
zabba
(frowns) ...Oh...
bone
The nuns took me to a nearby orphanage.
When I got there, I started playin' with a bone I found on the ground.
...Turned out the bone was for the dog. It started fightin' me for it.
I won somehow, though. Just kept on playing with the bone.
The orphanage's staff must've found it really funny,
'cause from that day on, my name became Bone!

I got used to it, as silly as it is. It's the only name I've known.

zabba
That's actually a rather sad story...
bone
Bah. I'm just a sad little brigand, after all.
zabba
I've learned there's only one difference between mercs and bandits.
How much they get paid for killing folks.
bone
What are you saying?
zabba
I'm saying I'm not too far off from you.
We kill people for money. We got no one.
You have bad teeth. I have only one eye.
bone
But I'm ugly as sin. Eye or no, you're beautiful as... as... uh...
Beautiful as notsin!
zabba
(smiles) Pfft... Notsin? What's that supposed to be?
bone
(smiles) The opposite of sin, obviously!
zabba
Hahaha... You're a funny guy, Bone.
It's odd. Most brigands aren't so mild-mannered.
bone
(frowns) I guess I was always a pretty lame brigand.
Didn't really have the mindset for it, y'know?
zabba
(frowns) Quit putting yourself down, man. Heck, that's not even a bad thing!
bone
Guess not, but... Well, it's not like I got any other talents.
I'll tell you, I have no idea what I'll do after this war...
If I survive at all, anyway.
zabba
Well, you know one way to increase your chances of survival?
Sticking together with comrades you can trust.
...That's also something my old friend taught me.

......
On second thought, maybe it'd be for the best if we kept to ourselves.
It's been nice talking to you, I guess.

(Zabba leaves.)
bone
Wait, I... Oh.

Damn... I blew it, didn't I?
And here I was hopin' I'd made a friend...

[Bone and Zabba gain C-rank support with each other.]

Pablo & Hayden

(Pablo startles.)
pablo
Yahh...! You're... Frelia's King Hayden?!
hayden
(smiles) The selfsame. And you are... Elder Pablo.
Heh... Figures you'd have joined up with us.
You were always a snake, Pablo.
pablo
A king that betrayed his own country dares to call me a snake?
You are shameless, Hayden!
hayden
I prefer to think of myself as... enlightened.
But that is neither here nor there.
Tell me, what did they promise you, my good man?
pablo
(smiles) Oh, nothing much.
Just my rightful seat as head of the council, and Grado's friendship to Carcino.
hayden
A good deal for you as it is for us, indeed.
The prince is quite talented.
I would not want to play chess with him...
pablo
(frowns) What's that supposed to mean?
hayden
Pay it no heed. Pointless ruminations of mine.
pablo
...I can still hardly believe it, even seeing you here.
How could you do it, Hayden? How could you betray Frelia?
Why, you had a family! Two children and a wife, correct?
hayden
I'm surprised at your confusion.
Since when have you ever cared about anything but profit, Pablo?
pablo
I care! I care about my country! I care about my kin, too.
I have a grandson. Gods only know where that moron went off to...
I'd never betray them. Never.
hayden
And yet you have invited the Imperial army to your capital...
pablo
That's different! I've done this for the GOOD of Carcino!
(smirks) Sure, I'll benefit, but that's... incidental. Heh heh...
hayden
Justify it however you wish. It is none of my concern.

If you must know, I have no love for my children.

If Agrippina has been recruited

hayden
But I never betrayed my wife. Why, she is with us now!
She fights for Grado on the western front.
pablo
(frowns) Quite convenient for you, that.

If Agrippina has not been recruited

hayden
But I never betrayed my wife. I do wonder where she is now...
She always did enjoy her trips to the Tower of Valni...
pablo
(frowns) The Tower of Valni?
hayden
Yes... Ah, well. As it were.
Elder Pablo... Let us fight together.
We are, after all, now allies.
pablo
(smiles) Indeed, indeed...
(Hayden leaves.)
pablo
(scowls) Hmph... But I'll make sure to watch my back around you.
Once a backstabber, always a backstabber!
[Pablo and Hayden gain C-rank support with each other.]

Nate & Lieselott

nate
Sigh...
lieselott
......
nate
...What're ya looking at? Ya don't like my face?
lieselott
No.
...That's not it, I mean.
nate
What, then? Don't just clam up on me, girl! Say somethin'!
lieselott
......
nate
Oh, guess yer wondering why I was sighing...
I just miss the port already. Wish we hadn't left so quick.
It'd been so long since I was near the great seas.
(smiles) Y'know, I always dreamed of bein' a cap'n.
And not just any regular-ol' cap'n, either. A pirate cap'n!
One of those legendary, feared cap'ns, like Shanty Pete.
If I close my eyes, I can just picture it: Dreadbeard Nate!
...I'd hafta grow a beard, but that ain't a big deal.
(frowns) Or at least, I hope it wouldn't be...
lieselott
Actually, I just saw you standing there and I wasn't sure if you were an enemy.
Clearly not, though, unless you're trying to talk me to death.
nate
...Oh.
Yeah, no, I joined up with these folks a while back.
Got tired o' being a freshwater pirate.
Not much money t'be found in that line o' work.
Wasn't too fun either. I was bored outta my mind.
Good thing I ran into these ol' pals o' mine--
lieselott
Okay, so I guess you ARE trying to talk me to death.
I'll try to stab you to death. Let's see who wins.
(Nate flinches.)
nate
Wow, wow! 'Aight, 'aight, pal, I get the hint! Geez...
lieselott
Good.
nate
......
lieselott
......
nate
Has anyone ever told you yer terrifying?
lieselott
Yeah.
(smiles) Thanks, though! That's real nice of you to say.
nate
(smiles) Uhhhh... Yer welcome, I guess? Ha ha... ha...
[Nate and Lieselott gain C-rank support with each other.]

Tethys

Combat

tethys
Who will vie for his heart with both of us gone, I wonder?
Ah, but it's not over yet. I'm being too pessimistic...

Combat w/ Zabba

tethys
Zabba? My goodness. I hardly recognized you.
zabba
Tethys...
tethys
You're not still smarting over what happened, right?
zabba
Of course not. You and Gerik just left me for dead.
It happens. I picked the wrong job. Paid for it.
...No, I'm smarting over what happened next.
Learned that friends are worth squat that day.
tethys
That's such a dreary outlook on life, Zabba...
Why don't you come back to us?
We were such good friends... Why not try again?
You'll see how fast we turn that frown upside down.
zabba
Sorry. You know how it is for us mercs.
I took a contract, I gotta see it through.
...Well, I'm not much of a stickler for the rules.
But in this case, it's mighty convenient.
tethys
Zabba...
I only hope you'll find release from your rage one day.
zabba
And I only hope you'll shut up already!

Death

tethys
The dark rider I foresaw... He was coming for me...
Please, I beg of you... Don't go after Ewan next...

Klimt

Combat

klimt
Stop this brutality at once!
You'll leave our country, voluntarily or otherwise!

Combat w/ Pablo

klimt
Pablo! Do you know what you're doing?!
You've brought an army to trample upon our lands!
What do you expect to gain from this, you fool?!
pablo
(smirks) Everything, old friend.
Now begone from my sight, relic of the past!
It's time for you to retire as head of the council.
But don't worry. Things will be just fine under my reign.
Heh heh... Gyaaa hah hah hah hah!
klimt
Do not count your chickens before they roost, Pablo.
I still stand!

Death

klimt
Pablo... You mad, reckless imbecile...
With your actions, you have invited... Carcino's doom...

Locations

Brown House West

old man
You know we have no king in the Republic of Carcino.
We're governed instead by a council of elders.
It's a lot better than any stuffy, old monarchy, I can tell you that.
You see, anyone can be a leader in Carcino if he's old enough.
Of course, maybe that's why the country's in such a mess right now.

But what can you do? We're about to become a puppet state anyhow.
Yeah, I don't know who you think you're fooling here.
We know what you are, Grado scum. We know the truth!

(A man appears and herds the old man aside.)
man
Quit harrying the visitors, Grandpa.
C'mon, let's take you to bed...
old man
Fools, the lot of ye...

Brown House East

young man
I've heard that Prince Innes of Frelia is a fantastic tactician.
Grado took Renais with no trouble, but Frelia still has yet to fall.
Even though their own king betrayed them...
They say Innes is already the king in all but name.
I wonder if they'll be able to bounce back, though.

Red House South

old woman
This is a martial arts school. I am the master.
...Wait, it's you again! The guys that destroyed my hometown!
I should kick your butts for what you've done...
But you still can't beat armed soldiers with fancy footwork.
That has still not changed, I'm afraid...

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.
Only one. Still not runnin' a charity here. So, what'll it be?

If you accept

(The visitor gains 100 EXP.)
old woman
Wasn't that fun? Now get out of here.
Urgh... It's not like I'm seeing much success here, anyhow.
Folks here aren't interested in martial arts, it would seem.
With you here, I might just move again...

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.

Red House North

young woman
Elder Pablo used his fortune to build his own private army.
Now he's using it to wrest control of Carcino from the council's hands...
At least, that's what Lord Klimt is saying.
I've also heard Elder Klimt's own army drove Elder Pablo away, though...
I don't know who to trust. Guess I'll have to wait and see.

(smiles) ...In the meantime, there's no harm in making friends.
Here, take this. If you folks end up being the ones in control...
Just make sure you remember who your friends are, hmm?

(She gives the visitor an Armorslayer.)

Ending

If Pablo is alive

glen
The battle is over, Prince Lyon.
Both the leader of the hired blades and Elder Klimt lie dead...
lyon
Where did Elder Pablo go?
caellach
Think he's addressing the rest of the council that's still alive.
Probably making threats with the subtlety of a warhammer.
Ah, here he comes now...
(Pablo approaches.)
pablo
(smiling) Prince Lyon... Words cannot express my gratitude.
You have done me-- Nay, Carcino a great favor this day!
Naturally, our vast resources are yours to use as you see fit.
You will always be welcome in our borders, kind friends!
Heh heh...
lyon
So the rest of the council hasn't given you problems?
pablo
(serious) They tried to cast me out and I returned with an Imperial army!
Klimt dared defy me and his head now decorates a pike!
Oh, no. The council will never disagree with me ever again.
(smirks) Or, at the least, they won't voice their qualms! Yah ha ha ha..!
lyon
Very well. Off we go, then.
pablo
(serious) May the gods bless you with victory, Prince Lyon!
lyon
You as well. You're coming with us.
(Pablo balks.)
pablo
What?!
lyon
You say you have the council firmly under your thumb.
Very well. Let's see how true that really is.
You are a competent mage. I'm not letting that power go to waste.
You'll help us with the war effort. Leave governing to your pawns.
pablo
But... But...!
lyon
...Please, Elder Pablo. Don't make this difficult.
pablo
......
I-I suppose... It is a reasonable request.
B-But please, go easy on me! I am, as the title suggests, an elder...
lyon
All right. Fall in line, Elder.
pablo
...Grrrr... How could this happen?!
Blast... All right, all right! I'm going...
(Pablo leaves.)
lyon
......
caellach
And with that, we get another warm body to throw into the fray.
And when he outlives his use, well... Accidents happen.
Splendidly played, Your Highness. I'd take my hat off, if I wore one.
lyon
Please, Caellach. It'd be best if he survives.
An ally like him in Carcino might be valuable.
I just want to make sure he understands his position...
(Caellach guffaws.)
caellach
Bahahahahahaha!
I really underestimated you, Prince Lyon.
Yes... Clearly I need to take you more seriously...
lyon
...Glen. How is the populace reacting?
glen
With horror, that's how.
Elder Klimt was well liked by the masses.
...But none have dared to raise their voice against us.
I'd say Carcino is well and truly on our side now.
In a manner of speaking...

If Pablo is dead

caellach
The battle is over, Prince Lyon.
The mercs, the old guy, they've all gone to a better place now.
lyon
Where did Glen go?
caellach
He's having a chat with the surviving members of the council.
I didn't wanna go. I can't stand petulant politician types.
I'd lose my patience and crack a skull or three.
lyon
...Ah, there comes Glen...
(Glen approaches.)
glen
Prince Lyon.
lyon
What's the word from the council, Glen?
glen
Capitulation. They've fallen in line to the last.
lyon
And the populace? How are they reacting?
glen
With horror, that's how.
Elder Klimt was well liked by the masses.
...But none have dared to raise their voice against us.
I'd say Carcino is well and truly on our side now.
In a manner of speaking...
lyon
Good. On to the next step, then.
Now that we have a friendly territory to fall back to,
it's time to think about how we'll invade Jehanna.
glen
Are we not going to take but a few weeks to rest...?
The troops grow weary, in body and spirit.
This battle in particular does not sit well with many of them...
(Lyon becomes agitated.)
lyon
We do not have time, Glen!
They're Grado's elite. They should grit their teeth and bear it!
Just as I'm doing...
glen
...Of course...
caellach
If I might have your attention, Your Princeness.
A little break might be unavoidable either way.
I need to send word to my man in Jehanna.
lyon
Your man?
caellach
Yeah, got an ally of sorts there.
Give me a few days to arrange a meeting with the guy.
He'll give us all the intel we'll need to take over that cesspool.
lyon
...Fine. Don't waste more time than you must.
I'll be assisting the other division in the meantime.
caellach
Bye, Prince. Stay healthy.
(Lyon leaves.)
glen
Caellach...
caellach
Well? Not a word of thanks, Glenny-boy?
I got you and your weaklings the vacation you wanted.
glen
......
caellach
Hmph... What an unbearable stick-in-the-mud you are.
Think I'll spend the break seeing if I can get you to crack a smile.
Hahahaha...

Caer Pelyn

gerik
(smiling) Ahhh... Staying in this little slice of heaven always refreshes me.
So peaceful here... Thanks as always for the hospitality, Grandmother.
dara
(smiles) Any time, Gerik, my boy.
(frowns) Oh, just... One thing.
You've not heard word of my grandson, have you?
gerik
(serious) Saleh? I was wondering where he was, actually...
dara
I see... Such a shame.
I pray he didn't get into any trouble in his mission...
gerik
His mission?
Ah, what am I saying. I know better than to pry...
dara
He's looking for the Great Dragon.
gerik
...Yeah, that means nothing to me.
dara
(smiles) Why do you think I told you? Hohohoho...
(serious) In all seriousness, you're my grandson's best friend.
I trust in you. I can tell you some details, if you like.
gerik
Oh, I wouldn't want to impose. I should be going, anyway...
I'm keeping a queen waiting!
It's too bad I couldn't say hi to Saleh, but...
(Saleh approaches.)
gerik
(smiles) Hey, speak of the devil! Look who it is.
Where were you hiding, Saleh?
I thought I wouldn't be able to say hello!
saleh
...Gerik. Forgive me, but the situation calls for urgency.
dara
You have not found the Great Dragon?
saleh
No... And it gets worse.
When I was on my way back, I ran into...
(Dara starts.)
dara
...!
(A man approaches.)
dara
L...Lord Morva...!
morva
Who is that man, Elder Dara?
gerik
Er, I was just leaving... Don't mind me...
saleh
Gerik is my greatest friend, and a trustworthy man besides.
In fact, I wager he could be of help to us, Lord Morva.
gerik
Heh. Keep that up and you'll make me blush, old pal...
dara
But... W-What brings you out of Darkling Woods?
You haven't set foot outside since...
morva
I had to. Myrrh requested it.
The Demon King... He has been found.
dara
...Where?
morva
Grado's country.
dara
Grado...
morva
To sully that courageous man's legacy in this way...
The Demon King has a wicked sense of humor.
But he has grown careless. Or perhaps the human is resisting.
Either way, Myrrh saw him with her own two eyes.
I have decided it's best to nip this in the bud.
dara
Give me time enough to gather my tomes, and we can set out.
saleh
Actually, I believe they are coming this way.
If the rumors I heard are correct, and I'm inclined to believe so, they took over Port Kiris not long ago.
They then left in the direction of Carcino...
(Gerik starts.)
gerik
What?!
Marisa, Tethys...!
saleh
...?
morva
Saleh is correct.
Now that I'm closer, I too can sense his presence.
Pulsating, like a beating heart of evil.
He moves to and fro, but with consistency...
I have ascertained a pattern. I know where we'll find him.
dara
I live and die for the Great Dragon and for you, Lord Morva.
Please, take me with you to do battle with the fiend!
saleh
I as well, naturally. This is what I have honed my magic for...
gerik
This sounds deadly serious... I'm not going to ask for details.
Just count me in.
morva
......
He is far now. We shall await his return.
While we do, I will summon many warriors to our side.
With power not unlike his... I had hoped I'd never need it.
And then...

Character Descriptions

Binks
A mercenary hired by Pablo. He's a rowdy, unsophisticated man.

Tethys
A beautiful and charming dancer from Jehanna.

Klimt
A member of Carcino's Council of Elders and an opponent of Grado.

Sellsword (allies)
Mercenaries under the command of Binks.

Sellsword
Mercenaries hired by the Republic of Carcino.

Cutthroat
Ruffians taking advantage of the chaos of war to rob and pillage.