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Chapter 9: The Misty Isles

Opening

narrator
Ostia has fallen, the last heir to its throne defeated by Zephiel's forces.
Etruria braces itself, believing they must be Bern's next target.
However, Bern's belligerent movements come to an abrupt halt, as if to mock Etruria's caution.
Bern also remains unresponsive to a treaty offer from Etruria.
Bern's sudden silence and lack of activity can only be described as eerie.

In truth, the Bernese Army was regrouping in Ostia.
At the same time, searches were being conducted for General Narcian, who remains missing.
The entirety of Lycia was combed, however, with no sign of the general being found.
Zephiel decides to waste no more time on Narcian.
Preparations begin for the conquest of Etruria.

Etruria is a powerful country, the second great power of the continent.
A head-on assault would not work to invade it as it did for Sacae, Ilia and Lycia.
Thus, generals Murdock and Brunnya come up with a plan.

The Bernese Army will travel to the Western Isles by boat, and claim them.
Once they fall under Bern's control, Etruria will find itself surrounded.

Carefully disguising their movements so as not to arouse suspicion, Zephiel and his elite troops board ships headed west.

The Western Isles are the numerous islands off the western coast of Elibe.
Presently, they are colonies of Etruria.
The Western Isles are rich in resources, so mining is a major industry here.
Once, the Isles had been under the control of Lord Arcardo. However, since his and Roartz's banishment, a variety of freedom fighters took over.
They now rule the Isles as a recognized province of Etruria, with the king's blessing.
There is no telling how much resistance these rowdy warriors may put up against Bern...

scott
...So what's it looking like?
scollan
Not good, boss. Ten of our men died last night...
scott
Dammit... Wretched resistance fighters...
They're doing a number on us.
I still can't believe Etruria let them govern, just like that...
Could they have some sort of influence at the Etrurian court?
scollan
They say we're the only brigands left in the isles.
Quite a reputation, right?
scott
Idiot! That's not a good thing! It means we're their only problem!
There's nobody else for them to focus on anymore...
At this rate, we're done for.
(An underling rushes in.)
brigand
B-Boss! You'll never believe this, but... There's an army out there!
scott
What, more resistance fighters?
brigand
No, like, a proper army! Banners, supply carriers and stuff!
scott
Impossible... Who are they?
brigand
I-I dunno...
scollan
We gonna fight them?
scott
...Yes. Go, now.
(Scollan and the underling leave.)
scott
Hmm... How odd. What army would disembark out here?
And in this weather, too... It's almost as if...
...They aren't supposed to be here... Hmmmm...

I must play my cards right.
This could be my opportunity to leave this pack of morons behind...

zephiel
Idunn...
idunn
Do you believe you will require dragons during this campaign?
zephiel
Hmm... No.
Nobody living in backwater wildlands such as these could match our might.
We are a select elite of the greatest army in the continent.
We will simply crush whatever bugs throw themselves at our boots.
idunn
Yes, Your Highness.
zephiel
(smiles) ...Hah... The complete lack of hesitation in your voice...
If only I could hear such certainty in the voices of my generals.
But then, they weren't blessed with draconic blood like you, Idunn.
idunn
......
zephiel
(serious) Regardless, they are useful. For now, at least.
Once the world is liberated... We shall see.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's go.
Be cautious, Idunn. I cannot say when we might find trouble here.

idunn
Yes, Your Highness.

Enemy Turn 2

scott
Gonzalez! Gonzalez, where are you?
gonzalez
I here...
scott
Listen carefully to me. Are you listening?
gonzalez
Yes... I hear...
scott
I am leaving to meet the attackers.
You stay here and protect the keep.
Got it?
gonzalez
Got...
scott
Good. Do your best, now!
gonzalez
My best... I do best...
(Scott leaves him.)
scott
There. Now I just have to find whoever leads these guys...
(Scott enters the battlefield. Kel notices and approaches him.)
kel
(smirks) Well, this is interesting. Out for a walk, are we, Scott?
scott
Kel...
kel
(serious) What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the fort?
scott
I thought I would make some rounds. Check on the guys.
How're you holding up, Kel?
kel
What manner of idiot do you take me for?
You know you are this close to having a mutiny on your hands.
So, you're trying to run.
Leave us to kill ourselves against this mysterious army.
scott
You are imagining things, Kel.
kel
Am I? Well, either way, I have an idea.
scott
What's that?
kel
How about you pay what you owe me?
I have fought under you for two weeks now.
That comes up to 3,000 gold.
scott
...Fine, here.
Now, is that all? I have to continue my rounds.
kel
Yes, the "rounds." Go ahead and continue them.
scott
...Hmph.
(Scott leaves.)
kel
Not a shred of honor or courage in that one...
Then again, I suppose I sullied my own honor long ago.

I wonder what became of the Djute after my departure...
How has becoming Bern's puppet treated them, I wonder?

Conversations

Arcado & Roartz

roartz
...That we must return to our domain like this...
Skulking in the fog, like some common pirates!
Disgraceful...

Arcardo, the king has not promised to return the Isles to us!
We must raise a complaint! These were our rightful property!

arcado
Lord Roartz, they'll never yield the Isles to us.
It'll be enough if we aren't quietly executed before the end of this...
It's over, milord. We will be forever doomed to the status of peasants.
roartz
N-No! That cannot be!
I will NOT help retake these Isles for the sake of someone else!
arcado
Then you will be killed. But I will not suffer the same fate.
I will fight for them, if that's what it takes to survive.
roartz
......
arcado
If you want my advice... Fall in line, Chancellor.
Let us keep our heads, at least.
(Roartz fumes.)
roartz
And why should I listen to you, Arcardo?!
You are the one who lost us the Isles in the first place!
We would not be in this dreadful position if not for your blunder!
arcado
Ah, so now it's my fault, is it...?!

...Sigh... No, there is no point.
I will not squabble over the past with you.
Do what you want. I will focus on staying alive.

(Arcado leaves.)
roartz
Ar-Arcardo! How dare you walk away! I'm not finished!

(He flounders.)

Arcardo! Wait for me! You have to protect me!
I... I have nobody else left to protect me! Please...!

Mitan & Henning

mitan
What're ya starin' at? Wanna get socked?
henning
Nah, just thinkin'. You're called Mitan, yeah?
mitan
Yup. How'd you know?
henning
Saw a wanted poster with your face on it.
mitan
Ahh, a bounty hunter, is that it? Go on, then. Ya wanna tussle?
henning
Relax! I'm not here to make new enemies...
mitan
...Sheesh, you look tough, but your face makes me wanna cry.
henning
Just a little tired. So much has happened.
Things don't look like they're gonna slow down, either.
mitan
Why're you still here, then? No one'd notice one less random guy around.
henning
Maybe. But where'd I go?
My crew's gone. My base's compromised, for the time being.

...Say, how'd you end up in this army?
From the rumors I've heard 'bout you, you don't seem the kind to...
Conform to a higher authority.

mitan
My crew wouldn't "conform" to MY authority.
So when these guys came 'round and started mowing everyone down...
Well, I decided to take a chance.
henning
Seems like we've a bit in common.
mitan
Not that being two pathetic, washed-up has-beens is somethin' to brag about.
henning
(smiles) Hah... I guess so. Still, nice to find someone alike here.
Seems like it's all stuck-up soldiers or worse in this army.
mitan
(smiles) Aye... I gotta agree, pal.
henning
(serious) Say... Let's try and make it through this mess, 'kay?
If we do, I'd be happy to work with ya.
mitan
(serious) Meh... 'Preciate it, but I'm not sure I'll go back to the bandit life.
I became a bandit 'cause I had no money, no home and no family.
But I've stashed away a decent pile o' riches now.
Might use it to go clean. Buy a cute lil' farm, somethin' like that.
henning
Ah, that's a pretty good idea.
mitan
Could hire ya. A farm needs farmers, y'know.
henning
(smiles) Ahaha, thanks, but I gotta say no.
Me, I just don't think I'm cut out to till the soil or follow orders.
mitan
(smirks) Yer doin' a mighty fine job of that now.
henning
Hah! Touche.
...Well, good luck turnin' your life around, Mitan.
If I see any more wanted posters, I'll remember to tear 'em down for you.
mitan
That'd be a big help, thanks.
And if I end up turnin' into a knight or somethin'...
Well, I'll make sure I forget where your base was at.
henning
That'd be quite kind of you, Dame Mitan.
mitan
Ohhhh, knock it off! I ain't been knighted yet!

Heddwyn & Erik

erik
Hold!
heddwyn
Gack!

W-What is it? Don't scare me like that!

erik
What is a Lycian minnow doing still alive?
heddwyn
Excuse me...?
erik
Ostia was conquered weeks ago.
Every worm that aligned with them was supposed to be annihilated.
But you're still here.
heddwyn
I-I believe there's some sort of mistake--
erik
Don't try to deny it.
You don't think I'd recognize one of Santaruz's pathetic scions?
Your parents sided with Ostia, and look where it got them.
Lying dead at Araphen's gates, like Lord Hector and the rest.
You are the final vestige of your insignificant house.
The final one worth acknowledging, at any rate...
heddwyn
...Look, I don't want any trouble.
I never had any interest in playing games of nobility.
I just want to live my life and stay safe.
erik
So you say. But consider my position.
Pherae, Araphen, Thria and Ostia have all fallen.
The lords of Worde, Ryerde, Tuscana and Kathelet have all been captured.
Who remains to contest my absolute dominion of Lycia,
if not you, Heddwyn of Santaruz?
heddwyn
I just told you, I have no intention of--
erik
Lies! Promises are easily spoken and quickly broken!
I have no reason to believe you, and every reason not to!
heddwyn
N-Not everyone is as ambitious as you are, Lord Erik!
You want my parents' lands, take them! They're yours!
I don't care, just leave me be!
erik
......
...Hmph. Haha...

(Erik cackles madly.)

(grinning) Hahahahaha!

heddwyn
What's funny!?
erik
(serious) Nothing, friend. It's just that I find I respect you.
heddwyn
...Wait, are you serious?
erik
Of course. There is no gain in risking one's life for moldy old tradition.
Your parents did not understand this. Neither did all our fellow lords...
But you? You do understand. Heh heh heh...

Fair enough. I do not believe you will contest our supremacy. Therefore...
I shall allow Santaruz to remain as a vassal of Laus's Lycian League!

heddwyn
...Honestly, I'd rather you took over.
Being a lord is really difficult. I don't care for the position.
erik
Heh heh... I see. I suppose that could be arranged as well.
We shall discuss matters further after the war is over...
heddwyn
...Okay...
(Erik leaves.)
heddwyn
Phew... That was a close call...
Blasted blue blood... I didn't want this!

Zephiel & Scott

scott
Sir! You lead these guys?
zephiel
I do. Would I be correct in assuming you head this pack of cutthroats?
scott
You'd be.
zephiel
Tell everyone to stand down. Or else the massacre continues.
scott
Heh... I think you might as well ask 'em yourself.
The boys grow tired of my leadership as we speak.
Every day we receive beatings from the resistance fighters.
I can't do anything about it...
But they all think they could, if they were the boss instead of me.
It's only a matter of time until one of them puts an axe in my head.
zephiel
And your point is...?
scott
I think it's about time I jumped ship. You think you got room for one more?
zephiel
A bold request.
Not to mention, I have no reason to trust you.
Who is to say? You might be the one intent on putting an axe in MY head.
scott
Naturally, I get your reservations.
But I don't just have an axe arm. I have information, knowledge...
I know this land well, and I know who your foes likely will be.
I could be valuable, sir. Think about it.
zephiel
...I shall give you one chance.
But know that all that awaits those who cross me is death.
scott
(smiles) Thank you, sir. I'm at your disposal.

Monke & Kel

monke
Kel!
kel
Chieftain...
monke
So this is where you ran off to.
Working as a filthy sellsword, lending your blade to the highest bidder?
You are a disgrace to the Djute clan! You have forgotten the Law of Sacae!
kel
The Law of Sacae...
The clans shall stand united against invaders...
But it is Bern that is invading other countries, Monke.
Including Sacae.
monke
That's different. We are SAVING Sacae!
Bern is too powerful. Either we join them, or we die.
I made the correct choice. The only choice!
kel
...Hmph...
monke
Besides, what right do you have to look down on us?
You fight for money. That's even more meaningless!
kel
Fair point...
I think I will join you now. This battle is looking to be lost, anyway.
As you said, either we join them, or we die.
And I don't want to die.
monke
(smiles) See? You understand. Welcome back, Kel.
(Monke leaves.)
kel
...Make no mistake, though. I will never return to the Djute.
I am joining Bern, Monke. Not you.

Zephiel & Pheros

pheros
Hail... Might I have a moment of your time?
zephiel
I am King Zephiel of Bern. My time is more precious than most.
But, state your business. We'll see then.
pheros
Fair enough. I shall try to keep it brief.

Once, I followed the exalted St. Elimine.
Made the pilgrimage all the way to the Saint's tower.
I, too, grew up worshipping Her... But no longer.
Currently, I am adrift, my heart filled with strife and doubt.
I have no use for invisible spirits any longer.
I must find a greater voice...

Tell me, King Zephiel. What is it that drives you forward?
What is your goal? I would hear your answer.

zephiel
...You are wasting my time.
pheros
Ah... Pray forgive me.
zephiel
If you must know, however...
I intend on conquering the entirety of Elibe.
Then, I shall liberate it from mankind's vicious grip.
pheros
...I do not understand.
zephiel
I would not expect you to.
The minds of men and women are small and highly limited.
You could never put your own place in the world into question.
No, you are too content with your position...
But, it is irrelevant. You are no warrior.
Stay out of my way, woman, or I shall cut you out of it.
pheros
......
(smiles) Such a way with words... Such power.
Yes... I believe you may be the one I seek.
Please, allow me to offer what aid I might in your travels.
zephiel
Hmph... Perhaps I gave you too little credit.
Very well. Loath as I am to admit it, we could use more healers.
pheros
(serious) I shall prove my worth, Your Majesty.

Mitan & Pheros

mitan
(smiles) Well, lookie here. Another girl!
We really aren't easy to come by in these places, are we...
pheros
...Might I help you?
mitan
Ya certainly could...
(serious) Ah, but let's go one thing at a time.
Listen, I'm with a rough bunch. They're gonna off you.
pheros
Er... "Off" me, my lady?
Pardon me. I do not believe I've ever heard the expression...
mitan
They're gonna take somethin' heavy and hit you over the head.
Then they're gonna do that again till yer head is red jelly.
That clear enough for ya, ya bumbling bimbo?
(Pheros huffs.)
pheros
There is no cause for such rudeness!
If all you wish is to fling insults at me, then we're through.
Have a good day!
mitan
N-No! Wait...!
pheros
Boorish miscreant... What more do you want?
I have no quarrel with you. You may pass.
mitan
Look, I'm mighty sorry... I... Here, look!
(Mitan kneels.)
pheros
Gasp...!
mitan
Look, see? On my knees. You like that better?
pheros
My... This is quite... odd...
mitan
Listen, I just want a chance to do things different.
I done a lotta bad things in me time, but...
Now's my chance to do somethin' good for a change.
If ye don't join Bern, they'll crush ya.
I've been with 'em long enough to tell that's how they work.
So please... Just come along? Pretty please?
C'mon, please! I'll do anything!
pheros
I require nothing! I shall do it.
I have nowhere to go, nothing I believe in...
Perhaps with Bern, I shall find purpose anew.
mitan
Aww right! Ya won't be sorry!
And don't ya worry 'bout a thing!
Imma protect you till my lights go out, kind lady!
pheros
...Very well.
(Pheros leaves.)
mitan
(smiles) ...Hoowee! Not a bad day either, this one.

Gonzalez

Combat

gonzalez
I... I stop you... I stop you here!

Combat w/ Scott

gonzalez
I... I protect gate... Like you tell...
scott
I know. Good work, Gonzalez.
You were pretty handy to have around, I'll admit.
I have just one more task for you now.
Listen closely to me now. Are you listening?
gonzalez
I listen...
scott
I need you to die, Gonzalez.
gonzalez
...!

Death

gonzalez
I...hurt... Urg...

Locations

East House

old man
Among the pirates is a very skilled swordsman...
You can't see him through all this fog.
He's a nicer sort than the brigands. Spoke to him once.
He mentioned this tribe he came from... Doote, I think?

Southeast House

old woman
The resistance is faring quite well.
Since the king gave them leave to govern the isles, life's gotten better.
I pray they stay safe and healthy for many years to come!

Southwest House

woman
There's so much mist here...
In these conditions, you can never know if someone's waiting to pounce!
Torches can be very useful, even if you have an eagle-eyed thief with you.
If you don't have an eagle-eyed thief... Perhaps an eagle-eyed nomad would do?
That's not just any nomad, though. Some nomads aren't eagle-eyed.
I love eagles! Could you tell?

Southwest Village

man
This whole area is basically pirate territory.
They take everything from us.

Resist, you say? It's of no use.
They can do whatever they want because of their numbers.
We can't fight against them like the resistance force.

(The visitor receives a Silver Sword.)

Northeast House

old woman
The nearby villagers...
They're all deserting the Isles for the mainland.
It's very sad, really.
I've not doubt the resistance will do away with the bandits soon, but they don't seem to agree. Too bad.
If you want to visit, you'd best do it quickly.
You won't have time to go to both, so you'll have to decide.

Northeast Village (West)

young woman
The only people here are women and children.
All the workers were taken north to the mines.
They weren't even allowed to rest. They were forced to work until they died...
My brother escaped, but he was reduced to skin and bone.
That day he came back, he was already too weak, and he drew his last breath...

Thank goodness the corrupt dastards handling the mines were kicked out!
The resistance are true heroes...
They fought some truly grueling battles, but in the end, they succeeded!

(The visitor receives a Killer Bow.)

Northeast Village (East)

young man
You saved us!
Are you with the resistance?
No?
Then you just did it out of the goodness of your heart?
As I'm sure you've seen, this island is swarming with pirates and bandits!
The resistance has been bringing the fight to 'em where they find 'em.
The entire area to the west of here was already cleaned up, but...
Well, I guess these particular brigands have proven stronger.
There's nothing we can do out here. We'll all move to the mainland.
(The visitor receives a Restore staff.)

Ending

zephiel
Pathetic.
murdock
I am inclined to agree, milord, but these were mere brigands.
We may yet find dangerous opposition in the Isles,
once we meet this resistance force the locals speak of.
zephiel
Yes, I must say I expected the Isles to be less well-guarded.
It would seem these freedom fighters are strong.
Strong enough to challenge Bern? That remains to be seen.
murdock
Well, either way, we have a choice of two paths.
Our ultimate goal is Juteaux, the capital of the Isles.
We invade it, and the rest of the settlements will fall in line.
The question is, which path do we take to get there?

If neither village was visited

zephiel
Do you have any preference, Murdock?
murdock
If we follow the coast north, we will reach the largest mine on the Isles.
It would make for a decent base for our assault on Juteaux.
zephiel
Very well. North it is, then.

If the left village was visited

zephiel
North, along the coast.
murdock
North... Toward the mines?
zephiel
The mines were dismantled some time ago, so I hear.
Difficult battles were fought, but in the end, they earned their peace.
As such, the locals may have allowed themselves to grow complacent.
Our attack will come as a surprise. A deadly one.
murdock
I see where you're coming from, Your Majesty.
Plus, we need a base for our attack on Juteaux.
These mines might suffice for that purpose.
We shall head north.

If the right village was visited

zephiel
West.
murdock
West? Nothing of note seems to be there...
zephiel
Precisely. Even the brigands there were finished by the resistance.
We should have little trouble traveling through that area.
murdock
I agree, Your Majesty. We shall head west.

Character Descriptions

Scott
The leader of one of the brigand groups on the Western Isles.

Kel
A swordsman from Sacae who fights for coin.

Pheros
A servant of the St. Elimine church. At odds with her faith.

Gonzalez
A brigand from the Western Isles. Uneducated but compassionate.

Pirate
Bandits roaming the Western Isles.