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Chapter 13: Turning Traitor

Opening

narrator
With Carcino under control, Lyon returns to the western front.
While he was away, his forces have made for the port town of Bethroen.
Though far away from the mainland, this corner of the continent belongs to Grado.
As such, it is not Frelians, but rather Grado deserters who hold the town.
However, only the lowest of the low would be assigned to this remote place...
With an idea hatching in his mind, Lyon teleports to the outskirts of Bethroen,
not yet making his presence known to anyone...
selena
Here it is. Bethroen Port.
They would not leave a position like this unguarded.
valter
I wonder. Who'd want to be stuck in this backwater hovel?
selena
All the same, there is a port, which needs to be defended.
There are bound to be at least some enemy troops here.
General Valter, please scout ahead.
valter
I don't think I'll need to.
The enemy leader is already on approach...
Alone? Hahahahaha... He must not value his life.
riev
Heh heh heh... Let us not so hastily brand him an enemy.
If he is alone, perhaps he wishes to parley...
selena
We will soon find out.
(The enemy commander approaches.)
valter
Color me surprised. It's Commander Gheb.
gheb
General Valter... General Selena...
And... Is that General Riev, as well?
(smiles) Welcome to Bethroen, sirs. It is good to see you again.
selena
Is it, Commander?
You were stationed in Fort Rigwald, if I'm not mistaken.
gheb
...Well, and?
valter
Fort Rigwald was in Frelia's hands when we arrived.
Things have changed, but the question remains.
Why are you all the way out here, Gheb?
Why would they take your fort, but not your life?
I can think of one explanation. Stop me if I'm wrong, will you?
gheb
(frowns) Please, Generals, I assure you. I did my best at Rigwald.
It was the useless vermin I had under my command.
They lost heart and defected, to the last.
I had to throw down my axe as well, or I'd be dead!
selena
Better dead than living a traitor's life, Gheb.
Have you no shame? How easily you forget your oaths!
You are a knight of Grado! A knight of His Majesty!
gheb
Hey, it's not like I was the only one, or the first one to defect!
It was me versus the entire enemy army AND my own army!
There was no use in dying there, so I played along.
valter
And I'm sure you'll tell us it was all a ruse.
That you'll come right back to us now that we've returned.
gheb
(smiles) Oh, no. I'm good where I am right now.
You lot are a thing of the past.
There is a new emperor.
selena
How dare you? There is only one emperor!
gheb
(serious) Yes, and he's a sorcerer called Knoll, or something like that.
He says he wants to save Grado from the prince's ambitions or something.
Hogwash. He saw an opportunity and he seized it.
And now he sits upon the throne in Grado Keep. Well played, I say.
I've given this a lot of thought, and my conclusion is that...
We're more likely to win. So, I'm staying on this side, thank you.
Of course, I'm not about to let you go.
You will make fine gifts to our new emperor. Hehehehe...
valter
Hahaha... Listen to this hummingbird. He fancies himself a soaring eagle!
Come, Selena. Let us show him who the real predators are.
selena
...Commander Gheb, I will not ask you again.
You can still return to the rightful emperor's service.
I will see to it that he shows you leniency, should you--
gheb
Shut up, wench. You know nothing.

(Selena starts.)

I am one of Grado's most brilliant tacticians!
I follow whoever I deem worthy of my immense abilities!
Knoll has provided me with all the meatshields I'd ever need.
Why would I join your ragtag group of fools clinging to the past?

selena
...I see.
gheb
(smiles) It really is good to see you, though! Didn't lie there.
Boys, over here! Seize them!
(Gheb retreats.)
valter
And off he goes...
I suppose he does not count bravery among his "immense abilities."
selena
...Despicable pig. Even before the war, I could not stand him.
I had hoped he'd gotten himself killed at Fort Rigwald.
That's just as well. I can see to that myself.
valter
Oho! Showing some real fire now, my dearest successor.
Come, old man! Let us bathe in that bloated imbecile's blood!
riev
Heh heh heh... If we have the chance.
It would seem he has dived from the pan, gleefully into the fire..
selena
What?
(Gheb runs into a Fomortiis-possessed Lyon on his way back to the port.)
gheb
Prince Lyon...! How'd you get back here?!
Guards, get him! Get him at once!
lyon?
Good day to you... Gheb, wasn't it?
I met you once, as I recall. When I was a young boy...
You came to report about something or other to my father.
...You stole my candy when his back was turned.
gheb
Wha-- Candy?! What in the world are you on about?!
lyon?
It has been many years, and I understand it is childish.
(smiles) Yet... I think it is time for some vengeance.
(Gheb becomes agitated.)
gheb
You piece of trash, what do you think you're--
lyon?
Perish, mongrel!
(Fomortiis' attack is interrupted by an earthquake. Gheb takes the opportunity to escape.)
lyon?
An earthquake... How fortunate for you, little man.
Very well. Come, fools. Entertain me.
Allow me to repay you in kind for your betrayal to me.
Those who remain when I'm done may reconsider their choices...
selena
Is everyone all right? Curse these earthquakes!
One day they'll level the entirety of Grado...
riev
As it were, Selena. We must hurry to the prince's aid.
selena
Indeed. Protecting the prince comes first, but...
If possible, let us take that pest down, as well.
Before he brings even more shame upon Grado...
valter
Hahahaha! He really ticked you off, didn't he.
Good! Good! Let me help you, Selena, my friend.
Who knows. We may bond over this. Hahahahaha!
selena
......
lyon?
...I had him soiling his pants back there.
Just one more push and perhaps he'll remember his vows yet...
Maybe if we beat him till he's within an inch of his life, but refrain from killing him...
Yes, that should bring him back to his senses...

Enemy Turn 1

gheb
Urk... Dammit!

Hey! You there!

soldier
Commander Gheb? What is it?
gheb
Ready a ship. I'm getting outta here.
(The soldier balks.)
soldier
What?! You can't do that!
We have Prince Lyon cornered! This is it, Commander!
If we take him down, it's over! We'll be the world's saviors!
gheb
We're not winning. There's just no way.
The earthquake stopped him from firing off a spell, but...
I could feel it. The power exuding from his body...
He's too powerful for us, and I'm not one to readily say things like that!

C'mon, you moron, move it! How fast can you get a ship ready?!

soldier
Er, well... I'd say about 10 turns of the glass, sir.
(Gheb becomes agitated.)
gheb
Idiot, that's way too long!
He'll have massacred all of us by that time!
I... I don't wanna die, dammit! Make those idiots move!
I want that ship ready NOW! Go, go, go!
soldier
...A...All right, Commander...

Conversations

McGregor & Melina

mcgregor
My girl, you show such a sorrowful expression.
It is unbecoming of your youthful visage.
Young people should not carry such sadness...
melina
...These are tragic times, Father.
I latch on to this sorrow. I must.
For I fear what manner of monster I would become,
were I to grow fond of this violence...
mcgregor
Wise words.
Tell me, child, what is your name?
melina
Melina, Father.
mcgregor
Well met. I am McGregor.
I was once a court priest, serving as a tutor for the royal family.
...But I fear my standing has plummeted since those days.
melina
Is that so? It seems to me the army holds you in high steem.
mcgregor
Hmph. Anyone would look kindly upon the man curing their injuries.
melina
Not just anyone. The prince, as well...
He looks upon you with something resembling... nostalgia, perhaps?
He must have enjoyed those lessons with you.
mcgregor
I wonder.
I was stern. All these years later I wonder if too much.
I know Prince Ephraim of Renais thought me a demon.
Prince Lyon elected to hide his feelings, and yet...
I piled many expectations on the young lad's shoulders.
Now he has grown into an exceptionally talented leader...
...But I fear what he may have lost on the way.
melina
His father is beloved by all people around Grado.
Not one soul has a single foul word for Emperor Vigarde.
How far off the tree could the apple possibly fall?
mcgregor
Aye... That is a good point.
(smiles) Vigarde is a personal friend of mine, as a matter of fact.
I mentored him, as well, but I was so young... So foolish.
I often overstepped my boundaries and incurred his wrath.
melina
Emperor Vigarde's wrath? Difficult to believe...
mcgregor
Well, he, too, was young.
One time we bickered so much, he challenged me to a duel!
...My body has long since become too frail for it, but back then, I was a swordsman of some ability. Ability he underestimated.
He dearly regretted agreeing to extra homework should he lose...
melina
(smiles) Hahaha... That's quite the image.
You helped him become an incredible man.
And I'm sure... his son will turn out the same way, in the end.
mcgregor
(frowns) ...I pray you have the right of it, Melina.
Well, it was nice to talk to you.
We are surrounded by such... unsavory types.
It is good, meeting somebody who hasn't surrendered her morality.
melina
(serious) The pleasure is mine, Father. Please, stay safe.
[McGregor and Melina gain C-rank support with each other.]

Saar & Tirado

saar
Good sir! Lord Tirado, is it not?
tirado
Used to be, but the details are unimportant.
Tell me, what may I do for you?
saar
You and I, we are armored knights of Grado.
We are the shields that protect our prince's vanguard!
Ours are among the most honorable--
tirado
Spare me the grand oration. I get the gist of it.
If you could get to the point, I would be most grateful.
saar
...Well, I have devised a way to move faster in our heavy armor.
Getting rid of excess without sacrificing the armor's integrity.
Myself and a fellow knight, name of Breguet, have already tried it.
It works like a charm! I wish to extend the offer to you as well.
tirado
Hmm... You do seem brisker on your feet than I...
It may be worth a shot. What must I do?
saar
I have written it all down on this here sheet of paper.
Us armor knights must fight together, for that is how we are most able to be our liege's shields!
Shoulder-to-shoulder, protecting all that we are sworn to protect!
Grado's will be done, by the hand of us tirelessly loyal knights!
tirado
You will forgive me if I show no such enthusiasm.
(smiles) But this shall prove helpful, by the look of it.
And you are correct - we will fight best in unison.
I, Tirado, shall grant you my assistance.
saar
(smiles) Excellent! For Grado!
tirado
For Grado, certainly...
[Tirado gains 1 move. Tirado, Saar, and Breguet all gain B-rank support with each other.]

Tirado & Beran

tirado
Beran...
beran
Lord Tirado! You live!
tirado
I am not "Lord" anymore, Beran.
I have been stripped of my titles for my failure in Renvall.
They considered putting me to the sword, but General Valter suggested this is a fate worse than death for me.
I let him believe it. Why, I even forced a tear or two out.
Now all I have to do is carve my way up to the top once more.
It is a setback, to be sure. But I will manage. I always have.
beran
Yes, Lord Tirado.
tirado
...You don't listen, do you? Ahh, Beran...
Is there anything in that misshapen head of yours, I wonder?
I have seen many dullards in my time. And yet, I must confess...
You are the biggest nitwit I've ever had the displeasure of meeting.
beran
I'm sorry you feel that way, Lord Tirado.
tirado
Seriously, is there even an ounce of ambition in you?
You've been rank-and-file since you joined the army.
beran
I am General Valter's confidant.
tirado
He only took you under his wing as a joke, you know.
He said, "that man there looks like he'd make for a fine meatshield."
That's why he confides in you, Beran. Because you are disposable.
He is not stupid. He always knew I am a potential threat to him.
You have no plans. You don't even think. You just continue to exist.
You are a fascinating specimen, Beran. Exceptionally so.
beran
All I seek are worthy trophies.
Fort Rigwald, for instance. To be one of the men responsible for its fall...
An accolade worthy of the history books.
Who could ask for more?
tirado
Pitiful. Just pitiful.
I could never understand simpletons like you.
Ah, perhaps that is just the lot of the masses.
Vulgar goals for vulgar men. Ashes to ashes.
(Tirado leaves.)
beran
...Hmph...
[Beran gains 1 Defense.]

Gheb

Combat

gheb
No! Where's my boat, you stupid dunces?!
Nobody cares if you minnows die, but a man of my stature cannot be lost!

Combat w/ Selena

gheb
(smirks) General Selena... You should just give up.
I'm too strong for you. You'll only get hurt.
Although, if you ask me nicely...
I might go on a little stroll with you.
Hehehehe... What do you say?
selena
I say die.

Death

gheb
Th-that's not poss--

If Gheb falls below 10 HP without dying

gheb
O-Oh, my goodness!

(Gheb squirms.)

I yield! I yield! Spare me, I beg you...!

Locations

House 1

girl
Do you know what I'm going to be when I get older?
I'm going to be a splendid knight, just like General Amelia.
She was only made a general a little bit ago,
but everyone already loves her! Isn't that awesome?
I really hope I can be as awesome as General Amelia one day...

House 2

man
Y-You saw that as well, right?!
T-That boy, he just showed up out of thin air!
And he had the eeriest glare in his eyes...
I'm not going insane, am I? That really happened, right?!

...Maybe I should stop pouring liquor in my morning tea...

Northern Village

man
This area of the ocean is often blanketed in a thick fog.
I toiled under it myself for many hard years when I was still sailing.
We always made sure we had torches and the like ready...

Fortunately, it is not currently the right season for it.
No fog for you in the high seas. Isn't that wonderful?

(He starts.)

W-Wait, you're Prince Lyon's soldiers?!
O-Oh no... Wait! Don't hurt me! I don't support the rebellion!
I totally didn't declare my undying gratitude to them or anything!
H-Here, have this axe... It's a rare one, and powerful.
My nephew's a blacksmith, gave me this for my birthday.
I hereby declare my undying loyalty to the crown! Ha ha... ha...

(He gives the visitor a Wolf Beil.)

Eastern Village

woman
I know I don't look the part, but I've some knowledge of the dark arts.
My grandson's a shaman in the army of Grado, you see.
I picked up his old tomes and learned a bit, as a hobby.
It's quite fascinating, dark magic. See this tome here, for example.
It siphons the life force of its targets and transfers it to the caster.

...Yeah, I'll never use magic as hideous as this.
You can have it if you like, but use it for a righteous cause, now!
Just because we're dark mages doesn't mean we're evil, right?

(She gives the visitor a Nosferatu tome.)

Ending

If 11 turns elapsed

soldier
Commander, your ship is ready!
But still, it's just a precautionary measure, right?
You're not going to just leave while the battle rages on, right?
(Gheb leaves without a word, making the soldier balk.)
soldier
C-Commander Gheb...!

Dammit... This is looking bad...
It can't be helped. Everyone, it's over! Throw down your weapons!

If Gheb was killed

valter
...And that does it for him.
What do we do with the body, Selena?
selena
Eh?
valter
You wanted him dead so badly.
It's only natural you'd decide how to dispose of his remains.
Or do you want his head as a trophy? Hahahahaha...
selena
...I have no want for a trophy this unsightly.
Throw him to the sea. Let the fish feast upon him.
He'll do some good, for once in his pitiful existence.
(Valter guffaws.)
valter
Hahahahahahaha!
I like you a bit more today, Selena. Thank you.
selena
......
riev
Will you stop bickering? The prince awaits us. Heh heh heh...

If Gheb surrendered

(Gheb tries to run, but is blocked by Valter.)
gheb
Gaah...!
(Gheb attempts to run in the opposite direction, but is cornered by Riev.)
gheb
N-No...!
riev
Well? Where to now, my friend? Heh heh heh...
selena
...Kneel.
gheb
I-I...
selena
Kneel, or I shall scorch you alive and be done with it.
(Gheb starts, then kneels as ordered.)
gheb
A-All right, all right! I'm kneeling... See?
selena
...Be that I could execute you right here and now, but the Prince wishes to parley.
valter
Might be your lucky day, Gheb.
You'd best perform the finest grovelling you can.
gheb
Ergh...
(Lyon approaches.)
lyon?
......
(Gheb trembles.)
gheb
P-Please, Your Highness... I'm begging you!
I only did what I did because I was forced to!
I am your loyal knight, now and forever!
I... I... Oof!
lyon?
Cease these pathetic theatrics. My terms are quite simple.
You will turn back to our side, you filthy traitor.
You will work to the bone for me till you drop dead.
Or I can help you there right now. It's your call.
gheb
......
I-I'm sorry...
I'll be an asset for sure! You'll see!
lyon?
You'll be a warm body to throw at our foes, at least.
(smiles) Truly a pleasure to have you back on board, Gheb.
gheb
......
(The army moves to the docks and commandeers a ship.)
riev
That was a splendid initiative on your part, my prince.
The battle was won in great part thanks to you.
selena
My prince, the enemy commander let some information slip.
We now know the name of the rebellion's leader.
It is Knoll, one of the court mages.
lyon?
Knoll, eh. I remember him...
Yes, I can see how he'd turn out this way.
But that man didn't know the meaning of the word "military."
To organize all this so well, he must be getting help from someone.
Some manner of veteran, well versed in the art of war...
Does that description ring any bells, Selena?
(Selena starts.)
selena
You suggest it is...?
lyon?
I am not suggesting. I am stating.
The monster I sent with him served a special purpose.
It didn't just watch over him. It allowed me to track him.

I stopped sensing it some time back. It was killed.
Now, what could that possibly mean, Selena?

selena
......
I do not believe... General Duessel would betray us.
riev
Heh heh heh... How the fool clings desperately to denial.
selena
I will not hear this slander of Grado's finest knight!
There has to be another explanation.
lyon?
I would hear it.
Well, Selena? I'm all ears.
selena
I...!
(Valter approaches.)
valter
My, my, Selena. Cat got your tongue?
Shall I see if I can find it for you?
selena
...I do not have to entertain this.
Until he is proven guilty, I am choosing to believe in my colleague.
lyon?
Why, because I'm saying it?
(smirks) What if it was the emperor naming him a traitor?
Would you blindly trust him then?
selena
......
Enough of this. We must board the ship.
Will you come with us, Prince Lyon?
lyon?
(frowns) Hmph...
No, I believe I shall go. Caellach and Glen...
They're being... Close to them... is...

H...Huh...?

(Lyon spasms.)

Uuuuuuuuuurrrgh!

(Lyon writhes.)

UrrghhhaaaAAAAAAAAHHH!!!

(Lyon screws his eyes shut and staggers back. Riev and Selena rush to his side.)
selena
Your Highness! What ails you?! Speak to me!
Prince Lyon!
riev
......
fomortiis
...Ail me? Surely you jest...
(smiles, opens eyes) I feel better than I have in many years...
riev
(smiles) Ah... Welcome back. My lord.
selena
Prince Lyon, what is wrong? Does it hurt--
fomortiis
(scowls) Quiet.
(Selena starts.)
selena
...!
fomortiis
Riev... I fear I shall have to leave you.
I am sensing the presence of an old friend...
(smiles) An old, old friend I haven't seen in many a year.
I believe it is only right I greet him as he deserves...
riev
Heh heh heh... All will be well under my watch.
Go without worry, my lord.
fomortiis
You have my trust. Do not disappoint me, Riev.

Heh... It's time to settle the score, old friend...

(Fomortiis warps away.)
riev
...Well? Why the odd stares, friends?
The prince's sickly disposition is known.
Do not fret over this. Do not ponder on it.
Let us go on a cruise. Heh heh heh...
(Riev leaves.)
valter
......
Selena. I think it's safe to say something is off here.
selena
As difficult as it is to believe, I must agree with you, Valter.
valter
Hahahaha... Well, it's no concern of mine.
As long as they keep the bodies coming, I'll be content.
I am a simple man, you see.
(Valter leaves.)
selena
...Why... Why is this all happening...
Your Majesty... It has been so long...
I feel lost without your guidance...
...Focus on rescuing him... That is all that matters...

Character Descriptions

Gheb
A squad commander in Grado's army. He cares nothing for his men's lives.

Traitor
Renegades from the Grado army who wish for the war to end.