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Chapter 7: The Fall of Ostia

Opening

narrator
After the fall of Thria, Zephiel hurries his pace towards Ostia.

According to his information, Lilina, daughter of Hector,
has taken command of Ostia's remaining forces.
Steeling their hearts, they make ready for their final stand against Bern.

Zephiel and company enter Ostia, intent on finishing off Lycia for good.

Ostia, the largest and most populous city in Lycia, is to become a battlefield...

lilina
Barthe! What is happening?
barthe
They have arrived, Lady Lilina. The Bernese Army...
lilina
Ah...!

W-Wait... What about that wyvern rider they brought from Thria?
From what he said, he was high-ranking... If we use him as a hostage, maybe...
Maybe we can make the enemy retreat! Do you think that could work, Barthe?

barthe
...I doubt it. The Bernese don't work like that.
If we threaten their man, they will simply run through him, and us.
There is no other way but to beat them into submission... if we can.
lilina
......
barthe
Lady Lilina, I beg of you, escape this place! There may be time yet!
Those deserters from Bern we hired have wyverns...
They've proved trustworthy. I can have one of them escort you out of Ostia.
lilina
Barthe, I thank you for your kindness.
But as before, my answer is no.
My father was a warrior. I... I'm not.
But the people are afraid. They need someone to look to.
I have to be that person. I have to be strong, for them.
barthe
Please, Lady Lilina! Think about your father!
Lord Hector would have wanted you to be safe!
To live a long, happy life, somewhere far away from all this!
lilina
...Then I shall defy my father's wishes.
This is more important than me. This is about all of Lycia.
We have to stop them here. Even if we die trying...
barthe
......
(smiles) You truly are your father's daughter, Lady Lilina.
Count this knight honored to serve you... to the end.
lilina
Barthe... Such a loyal... Sniff...
barthe
(frowns) Dry your tears, milady. Please... I cannot bear to see you like this...
lilina
Forgive me...
barthe
...Please, return inside. Leave the town to me.
I shall defend these gates with my life!
lilina
Thank you... and I'm sorry.
(Lilina retreats into the castle.)
zephiel
Murdock!

(Murdock approaches.)

Rally the troops! We shall begin our attack momentarily!

(Murdock nods.)

Brunnya!

(Brunnya approaches.)

Have some of our men encircle the city.
Allow not a soul to sneak past us.
That castle shall become their prison... and grave.

(Brunnya nods.)

Galle!

(Galle approaches.)

Direct our flying units to ambush any aerial messengers.
Do not allow them the slightest hope of escape.

(Galle nods.)

Idunn...

(Idunn approaches.)

I believe it's time.

idunn
Time to summon the dragons?
zephiel
Can you do it?
idunn
I can summon a dragon, but it will take time.
zephiel
Have it ready by the time we enter the castle.
idunn
Yes, Your Highness...
(Idunn leaves.)
zephiel
This is the day.

Lycia falls.

Turn 2

(Two brigands exit from one of the houses.)
rose
Oh my, Maggie... It's a battle.
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
So it is, Rose. What shall we do?
(Rose drifts.)
rose
How about we help the attacking guys for now?
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
A sound idea, Rose. We are already wanted in this city, after all...
(Rose drifts.)
rose
Perhaps if we help this army, Maggie, they'll let us go free.
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
Let's do it, Rose.
(Rose drifts.)
rose
After you, Maggie.

Turn 3

(A sage enters from the south.)
oates
Huff... Puff... O-Oh!
I have finally caught up to them! Wonderful!
And now... To scorch these cretins to thin ashes with my magic!

Turn 9 (if Barthe is still alive)

barthe
The reinforcements should be arriving from the south soon.
I can only hope they will suffice... No, they have to. They must!

Conversations

Monke & Thoril/Kabul

thoril/kabul
(smiling) Chief!
monke
(smiles) Men, I am proud of you.
You honor the Djute clan. Heh heh...
More importantly, however, you ensure its survival.
Bern is sure to grant us watch over Sacae!
thoril/kabul
(frowns) Are you certain?
Will they not try to wipe us out when we outlive our use?
monke
Then all we have to do is NEVER outlive our use!
thoril/kabul
...Y-You want us to die...?
monke
Idiot! I want us to be useful forever!
Remember your skills! Put them to good use!
That thing, the thing you do with the rope...
thoril/kabul
Ah, you mean our little trick to capture foes alive.
monke
There WILL come a time when it will be valuable.
I want you to keep watch for any enemies that look...
Particularly capturable, somehow.
Do you understand?
thoril/kabul
Not... really.
monke
Make sure that you do when the time comes.
I will not see the Djute dragged down by you!

Zephiel & Oates

zephiel
And who would you be?
Your face seems familiar, but I cannot quite place it...
oates
Ah, the king! Excellent...
I am Oates. I am a commander serving under General Narcian.
zephiel
Where were you this entire time, then?
oates
I became separated from the General's main unit.
I have been trying to catch up to you ever since.
...the general IS with you, is he not?
zephiel
......
How is it that it has taken you this long to reach us?
oates
I am very slow, sire.
zephiel
...Slow. Right.
oates
Fear not, Your Majesty. My legs may not be as spry as they used to be...
But my magic has only grown in power! I shall be a boon to your forces!
zephiel
Is that so? In that case, prove your mettle.
Try not to get killed by these Lycian fools.
oates
Ostia's military is renowned for its sturdy armor knights.
They shan't stand a chance against my magic, however!
And even I can outrun a heavily armored knight. The battle is already won.
zephiel
See that it is so, Oates.

Perez & Oates

perez
(smiles) Oates!
oates
(smiles) Perez, you old dog! How's life treating you?
perez
Oh, nothing much. Same old, same old.
oates
You're still in service of General Murdock, I trust?
Haven't been forced to retire yet?
perez
I could say the same to you, you decrepit fool!
But no, the general still relies on me.
oates
I envy you, you senile dotard. You have a truly worthy superior.
Me, I'm stuck with that vain whippersnapper, Narcian...
perez
We don't even know where he is. We've seen neither hair nor hide of him!
oates
Fair enough. Then I shall answer to the king directly!
perez
You sly old fossil! You know every trick in the book!
oates
Hahaha... It's good to see you again, Perez.
perez
Likewise, old buddy. Likewise.

Zephiel & Maggie

zephiel
...Raiders? Here?
Lycia truly is falling apart, if its grandest city is in such a state...
maggie
My... What an important-looking man you are.
Who might you be, sweetie?
zephiel
Sw--
...Zephiel, king of Bern.
maggie
My, my! The king himself! Lady Luck smiles on me!
I think I'll help you guys out.
Then you can thank me by paying me handsomely!
What do you say, bud? We got a deal?
zephiel
I am not your "bud", and I have no reason to stoop to hiring brigands.
I have legions at my disposal! Three Wyvern Generals, each mightier than the--

......
On second thought... Yes, even you might prove more useful than Narcian.
I shall give you a chance. Do not squander my trust.

maggie
Fabulous. Let's get crackin', then.

Zephiel & Rose

zephiel
...Raiders? Here?
Lycia truly is falling apart, if its grandest city is in such a state...
rose
My... What an imposing-looking man you are.
Who might you be, handsome?
zephiel
Hand--
...Zephiel, king of Bern.
rose
My, my! The king himself! Fortune smiles on me!
I think I'll lend you guys a hand.
Then you can thank me by paying me handsomely!
What do you say, pal? We got a deal?
zephiel
I am not your "pal", and I have no reason to stoop to hiring brigands.
I have legions at my disposal! Three Wyvern Generals, each mightier than the--

......
On second thought... Yes, even you might prove more useful than Narcian.
I shall give you a chance. Do not squander my trust.

rose
Marvelous. Let's get to it, then.

Maggie & Rose

(Maggie paces.)
maggie
Rose, sweetheart.
(Rose paces.)
rose
Maggie, hun.
(Maggie paces.)
maggie
I have an idea, Rose.
(Rose paces.)
rose
And what might that idea be?
(Maggie paces.)
maggie
We should join this army, Rose.
(Rose paces.)
rose
I agree. They look like the sort to pay well and ask no questions.
(Maggie paces.)
maggie
Enough talking, then.
(Rose paces.)
rose
Let's go crack some skulls!
(Maggie and Rose dance away.)

Barthe

Combat

barthe
Feel the wrath of Ostia's armor knights!

Death

barthe
Lady Lilina... Run...
Forget all of this... Just... save yourself...

Locations

Southwest House

old man
Oh, this? This is a torch staff. It creates light in foggy places.
If you're in fog, you can't attack anything you can't see.
This should be helpful if you ever find yourself in that situation.

(The visitor takes it and leaves.)

Yes... With luck, that thing will backfire and burn one or two of you to a crisp.
Bernese heathens...

West House

man
Look at this great bow I made.
It fires arrows much farther than a normal bow!
Very useful, don't you think? Of course you do.
You can't have it. I want it to go to good use.
visitor
I'm taking it anyway.
man
Okay.
(The visitor receives a Longbow.)

Southeast House

soldier
General Legance has allied himself with Bern!
His little rebellion failed, though. Sir Barthe took care of the traitors.
He's a true knight, that one... Though Legance managed to escape.
He and a few of his cronies are still at large. I fear they may attack again...

...Wait-- Bern soldiers!

(The visitor attacks him.)
soldier
Gwaaaaaaah!
(The soldier dies.)
visitor
...Hmm. What is this?
(The visitor receives a Master Seal.)

East House

man
Cavaliers, paladins... Mounted knights like those.
This lance is incredibly effective against such soldiers.
There are many horsemen in the Ostian army, so use this against them!

(The visitor takes the Horseslayer and leaves.)

...Heh heh heh... They don't know there actually aren't many horsemen in Ostia!
Distracted by that useless spear, they did not think to look behind me...
Where I hide a one of a kind... absolutely priceless... anti-armor spear!
Oho ho ho ho! Fools! Utter, complete fools, each and every last one of 'em!

Central House 1

woman
A while back, I saw a man dying in the street.
I helped him out, and he gave me this sword.
Really strange person, but kind...

Hm? Where is the sword?

(The visitor takes the Killing Edge and leaves.)

Huh?!

(The woman jumps.)

Thief! Thief!
Someone stop them! Thieves!

Central House 2

girl
Are you going to help Lady Lilina?
Here's a staff that can heal injuries from a distance!
If Lady Lilina's hurt, please heal her...
...Y-You ARE here to help here, aren't you...?
(The visitor receives a Physic staff.)

Central House 3

woman
Ostia is Lycia's greatest city! But now look at it...
What did you say? You're out to restore our former glory?
Then please, take this gem...
It'll fetch a high price at any store!
Just use the money to help Ostia!
visitor
You do know we're invading you right now, right?
woman
Well, once you've invaded, Ostia is yours.
You gotta invest in your new city, make it flourish under your rule!
That's how you garner sympathy with the populace.
It's easier than quelling a rebellion, believe me.
visitor
...Duly noted.
woman
Could make me governor or something, in exchange for my gracious help.

(The visitor leaves, making her huff in annoyance.)

Oh, c'mon!

(The visitor receives a Red Gem.)

Central House 4

woman
Would you like to buy some elixir? It'll patch your wounds right up!
The recipe is top secret... Don't ask, because I'm not telling!
What's that? You don't want any?
...Wait, it's not that you don't want any, you just don't wanna PAY for it?
You're taking it by FORCE?!
O-Okay! No need to get violent! Here, here, have it! It's all yours...!
(The visitor receives an Elixir.)

Ending

zephiel
The city is finally under control.
Only the castle remains.

Murdock! How much longer until the gates fall?

murdock
We will be inside soon, Your Majesty.
Castle Ostia is said to be impregnable, and the foes within will be desperate.
Perhaps not as powerful as us, but desperation turns people dangerous.
We would do well to watch our step, Your Majesty.
zephiel
Hmph... The rumors say Ostia is being led by a little girl these days.
murdock
Hector's daughter, apparently. Still in training, but a mage with potential.
zephiel
Let her play the hero with her fireballs.
I shall swat her out of the air like a nasty flea.
murdock
Sire... If I may be so bold...
Shall we truly murder a young girl like this?
Perhaps we could capture her, and--
zephiel
...I do not like your tone, Murdock. There is a hint of dissent in there.
murdock
......

Forgive me, King Zephiel. I do not know what came over me.

zephiel
Hmph... Go and help with the gate, Murdock.
murdock
Very well...
(Murdock leaves.)
zephiel
Given time, she too would grow to be as despicable as the rest.
As if a young girl is any different from the rest of mankind...
...As if you are any different, Murdock.
Or I, for that matter. We are all rotten to the core.
That is why... This war is necessary.
The world will be liberated. I will see to it.
roy
What?! They head for Ostia?
marcus
Yes, Lord Roy. They're making good progress, too.
The rumors have it that they already took Thria.
Lord Orun's whereabouts are unknown.
wolt
If that is true, then they are but two days' travel away from Ostia!
roy
Lilina!
Marcus, Wolt, we have to hurry!
merlinus
With all due respect, milord, this is a reckless endeavor!
It is much too late. We must retreat, and--
bors
I disagree! We must still head for Ostia!
merlinus
What difference can our handful of troops hope to make?
We should retreat elsewhere and plan out a proper course of action.
bors
I will go alone if I must! Lady Lilina must be saved!
roy
Stay calm, Bors. Let me speak with Merlinus.
bors
...Forgive me... I just...
She asked me to protect you, Lord Roy, but...
I should've gone with her...!
(Roy has a sidebar with Merlinus.)
roy
Retreat where, Merlinus? Nowhere in Lycia is safe for us.
Although... We could seek General Cecilia's aid...
That's it! Merlinus, pen a missive to General Cecilia at once!
Tell her we need urgent aid at Ostia!
We'll rush there first and try to delay the Bernese forces.
If we can buy enough time for General Cecilia to arrive, then...
merlinus
But, milord, asking aid of Etruria will--
roy
If we let Bern take Ostia, it's all over for Lycia anyway.
And Lilina...

(Roy trembles.)

No! Do it now, Merlinus!

merlinus
...Yes, Lord Roy...
(Merlinus leaves.)
roy
Lilina, hang in there... You've got to stay alive until we arrive!
(Guinivere approaches.)
guinivere
Roy...
roy
Princess Guinivere... We may face your brother quite soon.
I would completely understand if you don't want to see that.
If you wish, I can arrange for someone to take you back to Bern...
guinivere
No... My brother he may be, but I will not excuse all he has done.
All of these atrocities... Murdering Lord Hector...
And your father... I'm so sorry, Roy.
I'm so sorry I could not stop him before this war began...
roy
No, don't apologize, Princess Guinivere! It's not your fault.
You wish for a peaceful end to the war, don't you?
guinivere
Yes, but...
roy
Then you are our ally.
These have been trying days, but I'm sure everything will be fine.
We just have to stop them from taking over Ostia!
With General Cecilia's help, it should be possible.
And then we can begin working toward the peace we all desire...
guinivere
I can only pray it will be that simple, Roy.
Should you meet my brother, however... I want to be there.
Perhaps I can talk some sense into him yet.
I want to believe there is still some good left in his heart...
roy
Princess...

Character Descriptions

Maggie
A brigand from Nabata traveling in search of riches.

Rose
A brigand from Nabata traveling in search of riches.

Oates
A veteran sorcerer of Bern. One of Narcian's best commanders.

Barthe
A knight serving Ostia. Humorless and severe.

Ostia
Soldiers in service to the Ostia territory of Lycia.

Deserter
Deserters from the Bernese army, now mercenaries for hire.