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Chapter 20: Queen of White Dunes

Opening

narrator
Jehanna Hall, the eminent royal palace of Jehanna, stands out amidst the sands.
In accordance with her husband's dying wish, the beautiful Ismaire rules Jehanna.
The Queen of the White Dunes governs Jehanna with grace and honor.
When he was young, her son left Jehanna. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Within Jehanna Hall, Ismaire prepares for her country's last stand.
She intends to fight tooth and nail to protect the Sacred Stone, no matter the cost.
Generals Tiger Eye and Sunstone lead the troops to battle, their hearts growing heavy.
But for Lyon, all that matters is that soon, another Sacred Stone shall shatter...

At the same time...
The division led by Generals Moonstone, Blood Beryl and Fluorspar commences its attack on its own target: The unassailable Grado Keep.
There, the self-proclaimed Regent of Grado, Knoll, anxiously awaits.
Knoll claims responsibility for the war, and knows the truth of its beginning.
He believes stopping Lyon to be his sole chance at redemption...
Two battles for the fate of the continent are to be fought almost concurrently...
In what would come to be known as the darkest day in Magvel's history.

caellach
There it is. Jehanna Hall. The jewel of the desert.
Sorry sight, isn't it?
This is the best this godsforsaken purgatory can muster.
glen
Why do you hate this country so much?
You were born here, were you not, Caellach?
caellach
Don't remind me! I hate it precisely because I was born here.
Grado is the greatest empire in the world. Rausten, the holy land.
Renais, the most noble kingdom. Frelia, the most prosperous.
Even Carcino's better than this pit. At least they got money there.
Being born here means you amount to nothing.
Just another cheap mercenary headed to a cheaper death.
glen
...I don't think I could ever understand, to be honest.
I didn't join the army of Grado for glory.
caellach
Yeah, actually, why DID you join the army of Grado?
I'm almost shocked you weren't born in it.
glen
My brother and I, we were watching the emperor's caravan.
It was passing through our village. It was a truly glorious procession.
Well, a stray dog started to pester the horses.
Cormag and I drove it off with stones. But... We hit the soldiers as well.
(Caellach guffaws.)
caellach
Bahahahaha! That's a killer!
You, throwing stones at dogs? I can't even picture it!
glen
Laugh it up if you must. I will never forget that day.
The emperor himself came to where we were being held.
He said, "what are you men doing, arresting mere children?"
He invited us to dine at his table. I never saw so much food together...
caellach
...Hmph...
glen
He listened to us talk nonsense for no less than an hour.
He wore a fatherly smile on his face the whole time.
Then he said, "you lads are good at driving off dogs with stones...
Your skills are wasted in the fields. Let's see how you fare with spears."
He left it up to us, of course, but there was no refusing him.
His commanding, yet comforting presence. The father we never had.
caellach
...And... That's it? That's your whole reason to be here?
glen
The emperor is a good man. Never once have I doubted my choice.
...It is Prince Lyon I am beginning to doubt...
The sooner we rescue the emperor, all the better.
If I must conquer this place to that end, so be it.
caellach
...Pah!
glen
What are you scoffing at?
caellach
You are so very worried about the bookworm.
And sure, he intimidates me a little bit now. But you know?
I'm not worried about him. Not in the slightest.

Do you want to know why I joined this army?

glen
......
caellach
Right now, I too am His Majesty's loyal servant.
But I won't stop here. Oh no. I will climb higher still...
I will climb until I can set foot on the heavens and speak to the gods!
And then I will take THEM down and become a god myself!

I am Caellach, the Tiger Eye!
Today, the man who will deliver this sorry mound of sand to Grado!
Tomorrow, the one who will rule it!

(Fomortiis-possessed Lyon warps in.)
lyon?
Which one, Caellach? Jehanna... or Grado?
caellach
Ack! Prince...!
Dammit, you really need to stop doing that!
At least pop up around the corner and walk up to us...
lyon?
You said tomorrow, you will be the one who'll rule "it."
What is "it", Caellach? Is it Jehanna?
I was under the impression you hated Jehanna...
Which leaves only Grado. Is that it, Caellach?
Do you intend to kill me and take my place?
caellach
That's... Uhm...
lyon?
Don't worry. It's fine by me.
Think whatever you like if it helps you do your duty.
For you see... I'm also not worried about you at all.
caellach
......
glen
...W-Well... Was the battle in Grado successful?
lyon?
Not yet. Looks like you may win this little race.
Shall we? After all, the sooner we conquer this sorry mound of sand...
The sooner we can move to rescuing the father you never had.
(Glen starts.)
glen
...!
lyon?
(smiles) Let's go.
(Lyon leaves.)
caellach
...D-Dammit! Just how much did he hear...?!
glen
We were careless, Caellach...
Best to fall in line, drop our heads and follow orders now.
caellach
Gah! How infuriating...
(The army approaches Jehanna Hall.)

lyon?
...Haa...
Very well, then. This is it. I just need to keep this up...
I'm doing this for Grado. For her people... For my father's people.
To save them all... It doesn't matter what I must sacrifice.

I am the Demon King. The Demon King is me.
I know nothing of human frailty. I am supreme...

caellach
It may not be going exactly as I'd hoped it would, but...
This has only just begun. That crown will be mine yet!
glen
Focus on the foe ahead. No distractions.
These doubts in my heart... Don't dwell on them, Glen...!
bone
Let me just open up the place and slip out of sight, okay...?
aias
Jehanna Hall... Never has this palace been breached before.
This will require a foolproof plan. Firstly, we should...
lieselott
......
Come, everyone. There isn't a foe too mighty for me.
tiffani
O-Okay! I'm gonna prove myself for Mister Lion!
saaga
I guess this beats babysitting L'Brat, but... Goodness gracious!
zonta
Easy money, I said! Painless job, I said!
zabba
...You fought to protect this place, Gerik...
And you're about to have died in vain...

(Zabba shakes.)

...I-I...

nate
Way above my paygrade, this stuff... Gah, dammit!
hayden
(smiles) Let me prove worthy of a place in your world, my lord.
pablo
So much money, about to be left without a caretaker...
(grins) I'm sure nobody will mind if I help myself... Heh heh...
binks
5,000 really ain't enough for this.
morva
......
dara
I have thrown all I ever lived for away, and cast my lot with evil.
What's one more sin after that?
carlyle
My queen! Don't you DARE lay a finger on my queen!
He who cuts her flesh shall receive five cuts in turn!
boudica
...Hmmmmmmm...
djieien
(Djieien bounces in anticipation.)

SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

penelope
Awooooooooooooo...!
erkki
Victory.
No more words.
wyatt
*Concerned rattle*

If Joshua was captured

caellach
Heh... It's almost time...

Look, Josh! Home sweet home.
You're about to make your grand return.
I'm sure your mom will be so relieved to see you.

......
Man... Are you even still alive? What did the prince do to you?
I won't lie. I do feel a twinge of guilt, seeing you like this...
Tell you what. Let me see if I can't make it up to you.
If your mom cooperates, I'll try not to harm her.
How's that? Sound good to you?

joshua
......
caellach
Sigh... All right, then. Let's get cracking.

Enemy Turn 1

ismaire
And thus, the realization of my worst fears begins...
Carlyle has vanished. The mercenaries are dead.
The Sacred Twins are lost. This is all that remains...
Our Sacred Stone... My last loyal soldiers...
Myself... and my blade.

Long has it been since I last wielded this, my love's bequest.
But my arm shall not waver, and neither shall my spirit.
Their necks will rip open, and blood will rain down on these halls.
Perhaps I shall mourn such senseless loss of life...
When it is all over, and they threaten nobody anymore.

Conversations

Aias & Caellach

aias
General Caellach.
caellach
Aias! Man, am I glad to see you...
Feels nice to have a friendly face around.
aias
You seem to be rather on edge.
caellach
That's 'cause I am. Damned bookw...
Ah, better not go there. He might be listening...
aias
Who? Prince Lyon?
caellach
Impossible to keep a secret from you, eh, Aias?
aias
He's the only one you refer to as "bookworm."
(Caellach jolts.)
caellach
Idiot, not so loud! Guy has ears everywhere!
And not spies, either - his own blasted ears!
aias
...Hmm.
Well, I wanted to let you know, since we returned to Jehanna...
I paid a visit to that blacksmith you're acquainted with.

If Caellach visited the blacksmith

caellach
Ahh, yeah. I've been to the old dog's shoppe myself.
aias
I assume you have retrieved the blade, then.
caellach
That's a good adjutant, Aias! Always so thoughtful.
Yeah, look at it. Ain't it a beaut!
aias
This is less a sword and more a giant slab of steel.
Are you certain it is usable in battle, General Caellach?
caellach
(grins) Hahaha... Maybe not for you. But me...
Look at these bulging muscles! They're begging for a challenge!
I'm going to sunder men clean in twain with this beauty!
aias
Such weight would entail immeasurable power.
Even just the impact on the ground would topple the unprepared.
caellach
Hahaha... I cannot wait to see this little pretty in action!
The terrifying Zweihänder! Tremble in fear of its might!

If Caellach has not visited the blacksmith

caellach
Ahh, THAT blacksmith, right?
How's the old dog? He got my commission done?
aias
But days ago, it would seem. Fortuitous timing.
caellach
That's a good adjutant, Aias! Always so thoughtful.
So... Where's it? C'mon, I want to see it!
aias
You'll have to retrieve it from him yourself.
caellach
He didn't trust you with it?
aias
I could not lift it! And I'm certainly no slouch.
Are you certain it is usable in battle, General Caellach?
caellach
(grins) Hahaha... Maybe not for you. But me...
Look at these bulging muscles! They're begging for a challenge!
I'm going to sunder men clean in twain with that beauty!
aias
Such weight would entail immeasurable power.
Even just the impact on the ground would topple the unprepared.
caellach
Hahaha... I cannot wait to see that little pretty in action!
The terrifying Zweihänder! Tremble in fear of its might!
aias
It is not a zweihänder.
caellach
(subdued) What? It's a big sword! Zweihänders are big swords!
aias
Yes, and this one has nothing to do with them besides the size.
It is closer to a claymore, and even then...
caellach
Close enough, if you ask me. 'Sides, I like the ring of Zweihänder!
Anyway, thanks, Aias. I mean it. I was right to bring you along.
Your talents were wasted in this arid hellscape.
Do you not feel right at home now, with Grado's great army?
aias
...Do not misunderstand, Caellach.
I do not yearn for titles or renown as you do.
All I wish is to hone my knowledge of war.
This conflict has provided me with ample opportunity for it.
For this, and this alone, I am grateful.
caellach
Yikes, never did realize how much Glen sounded like you...
Ahh, who cares.
Try not to kick the bucket out there, all right, Aias, old pal?
aias
I have never known defeat. I do not intend to meet her today.
caellach
(grins) Hah! Well put, mate. Well put.
[Aias and Caellach's support rank increases.]

Bone & Zabba

bone
Heya... Zabba?
zabba
It's you... Bone. What do you want?
bone
Well, you've looked so sad since the last battle...
I know you said to stay away, but...
zabba
Urgh... Then go away, would you?
I'm sick of people. I just want to be alone.
bone
...Yeah, okay. Sorry...
(Bone leaves.)
zabba
...Huh...
Hey, Bone! Bone, wait!
(Bone comes back.)
bone
What's that?
zabba
Look, it's just... Remember the old friend I talked about?
The guy who taught me stuff? Best merc I ever met?
bone
Oh, no... Don't tell me...!
zabba
Yeah...
bone
That powerful sage we fought before...
(Zabba sputters.)
zabba
What?! No! I'm talking about Gerik! That other bastard's...
That other man was the one who took my eye.
bone
What?! But why was he with your friend, then?
zabba
That's what I've wondered for years.
I picked up a job to assassinate some magician from the mountains.
Gerik advised against it, but the pay was simply too good.
...Well, it went bad. It was a rough fight. Guy kept shooting sparks at me.
Eventually, though, I managed to knock his book away from him.
Then he pulled a dagger out of his cloak and went to charge me.
Bookworms don't usually tussle up close, so it caught me off-guard, and...
bone
Ouch.
zabba
When I came to, I was somewhere else completely, in a small village.
They told me they found me at the bottom of a steep cliff.
Must've tumbled down after he stabbed my eye...
It's a miracle I lived at all, but I'd been out cold for some time.
Couple years, as they told me. They didn't expect me to wake up at all.
bone
Those're some nice folks!
zabba
What? Yeah, I guess they were...
Anyway, I left and went to find Gerik immediately.
And what do I find but... Him.
Him and Gerik, having a drink together.
Him and Gerik, calling each other "my friend."
Gerik and the one who nearly murdered me...!
bone
......
They're both dead now... How do you feel?
zabba
Bad, that's how.
All this time I'd been obsessed with getting back at that guy.
I was also obsessed with beating the smug smile out of Gerik's face.
Now both things have been done, and yet... I feel worse than ever.
I don't get why. Gerik's the one who betrayed me!
bone
I don't think I'd ever understand what you're going through, but...
I think you were angry at him, but not like, "I want him dead" angry.
Maybe "I want to see him beat" angry, but not more.
And now you're wishin' you hadn't wasted so much time being angry.
zabba
...T-That's...
Where did that come from, Bone? That's so smart...
bone
Oh! I know I'm kind of an idiot, but that's just mean!
zabba
Sorry, it's just... I think you're right.
I don't know if I could've figured that out on my own...
Heh. I couldn't have figured out my own feelings.
Funny how people work, huh.

Well, thanks, Bone. Now I get to be miserable for the rest of my life.

bone
Uh, you're welcome, I guess?
I mean, anytime, pal! We're pals, right?
zabba
...I'm afraid.
bone
Afraid? Whaa...? You?
But you're like a demon on the battlefield!
I thought there'd be nothin' that could scare you, ever!
zabba
(smiles) Ahahaha... Yeah, on the battlefield.

(frowns) I'm just... terrified.
That if I let myself make a new friend...
It'll end like it did before.

bone
Yeah, guess I can see how that'd be...
zabba
But... I do like you, Bone. Let's keep talking, all right?
(Bone starts.)
bone
Y-Yeah! Okay! Let's!
Haha... Oh, this is great! Hold on, I've got something...
I've never shown this to anyone. Lemme see if I can find it...
Dammit, don't tell me I lost it! Be right back, y'hear?!
(Bone leaves.)
zabba
......
I don't know. I'm still afraid, but...
I blew it with you, Gerik. I should be more brave this time...
[Bone and Zabba's support increases to rank B.]

Boudica & Tiffani

boudica
...Chiiiiiiiiiiiild... Careeeeeful...
tiffani
(smiles) Hi, Miss Boadicea! How're you?
boudica
......
tiffani
(frowns) Oh, uh... Are you, uh... sad?
boudica
...Yeeeeeeees...
tiffani
Why are you sad, Miss Boadicea?
boudica
...Chiiiiiiiiiiiiiild...
tiffani
Me? Am... Am I making you sad?
boudica
Oooooother...
tiffani
Oh! Another child?
(smiles) What's she like? Could we be friends?
Tell, tell, tell!
boudica
...Like yoooooou... Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...
tiffani
Light? Teeheehee! But I'm not a torch!

(frowns) ...I-I'm not a...torch...

boudica
......
(Boudica steps closer.)
boudica
Saaaaaaad...
tiffani
N-No, it's okay... I'm okay. I'm not sad.
It's just... Something bad from before.
(smiles) But I'm okay now. Thanks to Mister Lion!
boudica
Liiiiiiiiiion...
tiffani
Mister Lion is the best person in the whole world!
boudica
......
tiffani
You're very nice too, though, Miss Boadicea!
You remind me of my mom. I miss her so much, but...
Since you're here, I feel a lot better!
boudica
But...
tiffani
(serious) Mm?
boudica
...Not... huuuuuuuman...?
tiffani
What do you mean?
boudica
......
(smiles) Nooooooooothing...
(Tiffani bounces happily.)
tiffani
(smiles) Aww yeah! You look much happier now!
I'm so happy you're happy, Miss Boadicea!
(Tiffani runs off.)
boudica
...Liiiiiiiight... In the daaaaark...
[Tiffani and Boudica's support rank increases.]

Caellach & Ismaire (if Joshua was captured)

caellach
Hey there, Queenie.
ismaire
......
You need not try. I will not stand down.
Bring me death, or stand down yourself.
caellach
Heh... How much are you willing to bet I can get you to change your mind?
A few hundred gold? Your precious Sacred Stone? Your hand in marriage?
ismaire
Hush your mouth, insolent dastard! Fight me if you dare!
caellach
All right, then... But first, let me take care of a little something.
(Caellach presents Joshua.)
joshua
......
(Ismaire starts.)
ismaire
J...Joshua...?!
caellach
Thought so. Well, then...
If we're going to fight, I don't want to be distracted by him.
So, I guess I'll slash his throat and come after you next.
ismaire
Monster! If you dare lay a hand on my son, I'll... I'll destroy you!
I'll cut off each of your limbs! I'll bleed you dry!
caellach
Whoa, whoa! Such hideous words coming out of such a delicate flower.
No need to play hard-to-get. Just throw down that sword, and--
ismaire
I'll kill you. I'll kill you before you can hurt my boy!
caellach
Hey! What are you--

Dammit, she's gone berserk... This isn't what I wanted!
...But, hold on... Perhaps we can still salvage this...

(Ismaire becomes Berserk and moves off the throne.)

Ismaire

Combat

ismaire
I am Ismaire, the Queen of the White Dunes.
Show no mercy today, for neither shall I!

Combat (if enraged)

ismaire
I'll kill all of you!

Combat w/ Carlyle

carlyle
No... No, this is all wrong!
How dare you order me to do this?!

My queen!!

ismaire
...! C-Carlyle...?!

Combat w/ Hayden

ismaire
King Hayden...
You were always such a gentle, kind man.
How could you do something so wretched?
Did you not stop to think of your country? Your people?
Your children!?
hayden
(smirks) Oh, I did stop to think of my children.
Innes can now enjoy his lofty title as king of Frelia.
Perhaps they'll call him Sage King, as well.
Or perhaps they'll find a far less pitiful moniker for him.
I care not. I have found a higher calling.
I have no need of crown, subjects or kin anymore.
All I need... is my duty to my lord.
ismaire
To so callously cast away your own children...
You revolt me. Prepare yourself!
I shall ensure your kin won't have to face you like this.

Death

ismaire
Joshua... If only I... could have seen you...
(closes eyes) One more... time...

Locations

Blacksmith

Default

blacksmith
I have nothing to say to the invaders of my nation.
I am a blacksmith, you see? Got plenty of weapons here.
And make no mistake - I know how to use 'em as well as make 'em.
You'd be wise to step outside before someone gets hurt...
visitor
......
(They leave.)
blacksmith
(closes eyes) Sigh... Thank the gods...
(opens eyes) Caellach... Is it true what they've been telling me?
Have you truly entered the service of these dastards?
I knew you were a rotten cur, but...

If Aias is visiting

blacksmith
Oh, it's you...
aias
Good day to you, blacksmith.
blacksmith
You're with Grado now, right?
At least, last I heard, Caellach was...
aias
I entered their service alongside him, yes.
blacksmith
...Then surely you'll understand why I must ask you to leave.
aias
Naturally. Do not worry on my account.
But General Caellach might pay you a visit soon...
blacksmith
I know that. I'll handle it.
Just get out, please... Before anyone sees you here.
aias
Mm.
(Aias leaves.)
blacksmith
(closes eyes) Sigh...

If Caellach is visiting

caellach
Hello, old man! How's it going?
blacksmith
Caellach...
caellach
You don't look all that thrilled to see me.
blacksmith
That's because I am not.
caellach
C'mon, I'm your best client!
How many years have I been buying your stuff?
Never tried to short you or anything, either. Always paid in advance.
I don't do that for just anybody, you know. So what gives?
blacksmith
You're invading our country! Our queen's royal palace!
How can you expect me to welcome you with open arms?!
I'll be lucky if I don't get lynched for helping the enemy...
If you hadn't already paid up, I'd send you packing.
caellach
Fine, fine, I get what you mean. Let's make it quick.
You got my last order ready?
blacksmith
Here. Oomph..!
(The blacksmith hands Caellach a sword.)
caellach
Look at this thing... Isn't it beautiful?
blacksmith
If you say so. I really don't think it's my best work.
But, it's what you ordered. There, it's yours.
Now get out of my smithy.
caellach
I was never here.
Take care of yourself, all right, old timer?
blacksmith
Go, dammit!
(Caellach receives a Zweihänder.)

Ending

If Ismaire was killed

If Carlyle is alive

carlyle
M...My queen... She's...
Even in death, she is so beautiful...
caellach
...Man, what a freak...
(Carlyle advances on Caellach.)
carlyle
Blackhearted fiend!
I'll take your head from your shoulders!
My queen will be avenged!
caellach
...Uh oh...
(Lyon warps in and reanimates Ismaire.)
carlyle
...My queen...? H-How is this possible...?
ismaire
(drooped eyes) ......
lyon?
Fool. I am capable of magic the likes of which you can't even fathom.
That includes, of course, healing magic.
Here you have her. Your coveted prize... The Queen of the White Dunes.
All yours, Carlyle. All I want is the Sacred Stone.
carlyle
Have it! What use have I for an unslightly rock?!
All I want is her... Her, and her alone...!
lyon?
Not so fast.

(Lyon pushes Ismaire aside.)

You'll first continue to serve us.
When the war comes to an end...
THEN you get to begin your perfect life with her.

carlyle
O-Of course. I would not have expected any less.
But what about her...?
lyon?
She will be in our care till then.
carlyle
(lidded eyes) ......
(smiles) Thank you, Prince Lyon... Thank you so much...
(Meanwhile, Caellach stares at Ismaire.)
caellach
...Yeah, no.
No human being could survive the blows you took, Queenie...

Bah. Who cares? I'll just help myself to the Sacred Stone...

If Carlyle is dead

caellach
...Well, I guess that's that.
I'll just help myself to the Sacred Stone...
What a waste, Queenie. If only you'd been less stubborn.

If Ismaire was spared

caellach
C'mon, Queenie. Don't you think it's time to give up?
The palace is ours. Your men are dead or defeated. And...
(Caellach presents Joshua.)
caellach
I still have your kid.
ismaire
...!
caellach
Last warning. Make one more move, and I'll cut his gut open.

If Carlyle is alive

ismaire
You... You...!
(Carlyle approaches.)
carlyle
Please, my queen... Do not resist.
I have no desire to see you harmed.
ismaire
......
I had my suspicions, but I had hoped...

Why, Carlyle?
Without you, I could not have ruled these long years since my husband's passing.
It was through your unwavering support that I still sit upon the throne.
You are the cornerstone of Jehanna. You held my trust more than any man.
So tell me why. Why have you betrayed us?
Why have you betrayed me?

carlyle
Your Highness- No... My queen... Ismaire...
It is your own fault.
You are too lovely, my queen.
ismaire
Carlyle...
carlyle
The first time I met you, twenty years ago now...
I saw you in the garden of this very palace... and I was bewitched.
Your pale beauty far surpassed that of any flower.
I was in the grips of an unforgivable desire.
You were the wife of my king, to whom I'd sworn life and loyalty.

I told myself a grand lie that day.
I told myself I could be happy simply serving you as your most loyal knight.

ismaire
......
carlyle
After years of duty, years of service, years of...of silence...
I became aware once more of the feelings I'd buried deep within myself.
How could I leave this world without expressing my true desires?
Could anything be more desolate? More devoid of meaning?
That is when I made my decision.
I would follow my heart and claim your hand as my own.
ismaire
Carlyle... You forget yourself.
You ruin our country and kill our countrymen.
Did you think I would be pleased?
Did you think I would love you for this?
carlyle
I need no country. I care nothing for my countrymen.
I can see nothing but you. If you would only be mine...
ismaire
......
caellach
C'mon, Queenie. Think it over.
There is nothing more you can do to protect the Stone.
You resist, I kill you right now and take the Stone.
You cooperate... You get to embrace your boy again,
and you get a brand new, loving husband to boot!
I'd say it's a no-brainer. What do you think?
carlyle
Please, my queen...
I will love you more than anyone has ever loved another.
All we shall have to do is assist Grado until they finish their war.
And then... It will be a life of pure bliss for the both of us...

If Carlyle is dead

ismaire
You... You...!

...Tell me something... What did you do with Carlyle?

caellach
Me? Nothing! He joined us!
Kicked the bucket swinging his blade at our beck and call.
Truly a tragedy, but he served his use.
He made this all possible, Queenie.
ismaire
......
I had my suspicions, but I had hoped...
Oh, Carlyle... Why...
caellach
C'mon, Queenie. Think it over.
There is nothing more you can do to protect the Stone.
You resist, I kill you right now and take the Stone.
You cooperate... You get to embrace your boy again.
I'd say it's a no-brainer. What do you think?

ismaire
......
It's... It's all lost... My life no longer has any worth to me...

...But my son... I cannot be so selfish...
If I take the easy way out now...

caellach
I kill him as well, naturally.
He'd be no use to me at that point.
I'd really rather not do that, though...
Josh, he's my friend, you know.
ismaire
......
Forgive me, my love...
(Ismaire changes allegiance.)

glen
The battle is over, Prince Lyon. We are victorious.
lyon?
Not until I hold the Sacred Stone in my hand.
caellach
No worries. I got it right here.
May I do the honors? I'd like to know how it feels.
lyon?
...Might as well, I suppose. Go ahead, Caellach.
caellach
......
(Caellach shatters the Sacred Stone.)
caellach
Hah! So this hunk of rock is a Sacred Stone, eh?
So much fuss over something as fragile as this.
Watch. It crumbles so easily.

Hey, I know it's not my place to ask, but...
What are we accomplishing by breaking these, exactly?

lyon?
......

(Lyon spasms.)

Urrrrkk!

(Lyon warps away.)
caellach
...All right, then. Goodbye to you too...
Any suggestions, Glen? Where to now?
glen
When we've ascertained the palace is secure,
we could go and reinforce the troops in Grado...

...!
Behind you, Caellach!

caellach
Wha--
(Innes appears and launches a surprise attack, but Glen successfully intercepts it.)
caellach
What the...!
Glen, I think you just saved my life...
glen
Careful, Caellach!
This isn't over! Enemies yet remain!
innes
You have made a fatal mistake, Grado generals.
Assuming you won just because you couldn't see any more enemies.
It will prove to be a fatal error. Everyone, take the fight to them!
Let's finish what Queen Ismaire started!
(Frelian troops surround Glen and Caellach.)
caellach
Dammit! There must've been a good few hiding under the woodwork.
This isn't good! Why'd the prince have to ditch us so quickly?!
glen
...Fie on the prince!
We have to fight our way out of here, Caellach!
caellach
After you!

Character Descriptions

Ismaire
The queen of Jehanna. She is known as the Queen of the White Dunes.

[Carlyle has a one-sided A-rank support with Ismaire.]

Jehannan
A soldier serving Jehanna, the desert nation to the east.