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Chapter 11A: Flight Toward Doom

Opening

narrator
Zephiel and company reach Eburacum.
Protecting it is a young man, Ward, who joined up with the resistance.
The locals depend on his strong axe arm to defend them from threats.
Zephiel believes a simple brawler should be no match for the Bernese Army.

The mines were once overseen by Orlo, a bishop of St. Elimine.
He disregarded the teachings of his faith and worked the miners to the bone for profit.
Orlo fled after the deposition of Arcardo. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Eburacum... Once known as the Mine of Death.
On this day, it may regain the moniker it once so bitterly held...

melady
So Princess Guinivere isn't in the Western Isles?
ward
For the last time, no.
Why would we harbor the princess of Bern?
We just want to live in peace. That's all, get it through your thick head.
melady
I understand. I will continue my search elsewhere.
Bern thanks you for your cooperation, Sir Ward.
ward
(smirks) Yeah, sure it does...
(Melady leaves and a soldier approaches.)
soldier
Sir Ward! Urgent news...
Oh, I'm sorry. Who was that, Ward?
ward
Captain Melady. A wyvern rider from Bern who serves Princess Guinivere.
She's searching for the princess. Here in the Isles, for some reason.
soldier
...She was a knight of Bern?
ward
Yeah... I know the Bernese aren't too popular these days, but...
I'm trying to think like Lot would think.
He wouldn't have immediately assumed she was up to no good.
So, I heard her out.
And look, I'm in one piece! She really wasn't out for blood!
soldier
W-Well... Actually...
There's an army charging right at us.
It's Bern, Ward. And these ones are very much out for blood!
ward
No!
Okay, calm down... We need a plan.
Have the guys perform defensive maneuvers.
We need to buy time for help from Juteaux to arrive!
soldier
Sounds good to me. I'll tell everyone!
(The soldier leaves.)
ward
Sigh... What'd you do if you were here instead, Lot?
...Probably something like this. But better.

Leading's not easy, man. If only I'd died instead of you...

murdock
This is Eburacum, milord. Orders?
zephiel
Exterminate any who attempt to stop our advance.
murdock
Understood.
(Mieu approaches.)
mieu
Uh... W-What are you going to do...?
zephiel
You're still here, runt?
mieu
...I-I...
zephiel
We're going to kill everyone who dares oppose us.
mieu
N-No! Y-You can't hurt Uncle Ward...!
zephiel
And who will stop me? You?
mieu
I-I... I'm not letting you hurt Uncle Ward!
zephiel
Brave... But foolish.
(Zephiel advances.)
zephiel
Murdock, hold her still. I will silence her swiftly...
mieu
Ah!
(Jahn approaches.)
jahn
Hold it, Zephiel!
zephiel
Jahn...
What do you think you're doing?
jahn
Do you not see that on her back?
It's a bow, Zeph. She can use a bow.
We don't have that many bowmen...
zephiel
You would have a child... One so feeble as this one, at that...
Fight among us? Bern's elite?
jahn
...Yes?
zephiel
......
What difference does it make, killing her here or throwing her to die?
Do as you wish, Jahn.
(Zephiel leaves.)
mieu
B-But... I-I don't wanna fight them!
Everyone here has been so nice to us...
jahn
Tiny imbecile! Hush your mouth!
I just saved your life! Do you not understand?!
mieu
B-But... Uncle Ward...
jahn
...I can't do anything about that.
mieu
No... N-No...! He's going to leave... Like Mom and Brother...
Noo... Sniff... I-I don't want... this... Sniff...
jahn
Quit your whinning... D-Dammit, stop!
You have to fight, or they'll kill you as well!
mieu
Sniff... Aah...
(Mieu runs off.)
jahn
Why... Why am I so worried for this human?
What is happening to me!?

Enemy Turn 1

(Zeiss descends from the mountains to meet with Melady.)
zeiss
Were you able to ascertain Princess Guinivere's whereabouts?
melady
Unfortunately, no...
Had I stayed any longer, I fear they would have turned hostile.
zeiss
Oh...
melady
Zeiss... I'm sorry.
King Zephiel wanted to keep the matter of Princess Guinivere a secret, so only I was assigned to search for her.
I'm sorry to get you mixed up in this...
zeiss
Don't worry yourself.
melady
But you work directly under Commander Galle. Surely you have other duties.
zeiss
Commander Galle agreed to allow me to assist you.
He thinks it's vital we find the princess and the Fire Emblem.
melady
...Do you think Princess Guinivere has the Fire Emblem?
zeiss
That's what His Majesty the king thinks.
And I think he's correct, all things considered.
melady
......
zeiss
Come now, don't be like that...
I'm sure Princess Guinivere went with good intentions.
Let's hurry now. There are still a few towns we haven't checked.
melady
You're right...
(Zeiss and Melady fly away to the east.)

Enemy Turn 5 (if Ward is still alive)

soldier
Brigands, Ward! They beset us from the mountains!
ward
Dammit! What a mess...
The boys are spread thin. We can't fight everyone at once...
soldier
What do we do?
ward
...I-I don't know!
Just do your best. The people aren't gonna lay down and die.
Those brigands're in for a nasty surprise!
(The soldier salutes and leaves.)
ward
...Or at least, I hope so...

Turn 6

(Morgan and Thea enter from the southeast alongside two resistance fighters.)
soldier
That's the Bernese Army...

Thea, take your soldiers and attack from the north.
We'll commence the attack from here.

thea
Yes, sir.
(Thea leaves.)
soldier
Ready then? Let's move.

...Hey! Rookie! What're you waiting for?

morgan
A-Ah! Forgive me, sir! I'm on it, sir!
soldier
Hmph... You're lucky Dame Echidna can be a merciful woman when she wants.
Were it up to me, you would've been killed back when Arcardo got the boot.
morgan
I... I was only following orders--
soldier
So you claimed, but you are still responsible for so many deaths.
All those people taken to the mines to die... After you captured them!
You should be rotting in a dungeon, but you're being given a chance.
I expect you to be on your best behavior, and fight your hardest!
morgan
Yes... Yes, sir!
(The soldier marches out.)
morgan
Urgh... I really was just following orders! Honest!
W-Why does everyone hate me? I didn't... I just...
If I stay in the Isles, sooner or later, I'll... Oh, no, that can't happen!
But would Bern take a wretch like me? I don't like my chances...

(Morgan flounders.)

Oh, Lord Arcardo! If only you hadn't been banished...

Turn 8

(Thea enters from the northwest with a pegasus unit.)
thea
Are you ready? We move southward!
shanna
Aye aye, sis--I mean, Captain! Let's go!
peggy
Captain... Are you sure we'll be all right?
thea
Is something wrong?
The resistance have shown time and time again they are virtuous.
I, for one, am honored to fight under them.
peggy
Yes, but... D-Do you truly believe we can win against Bern?
You know, the largest, strongest military force in the continent?
thea
We won't know until we try.
Either way, the Ilian code forbids us from turning coat!
You should know that, Peggy!
peggy
Of course I do! I was not trying to imply anything like that...
thea
Then stop making needless remarks and concentrate.
We will soon be upon the enemy!
(Thea leaves.)
peggy
...W-Wow...
She somehow manages to be even scarier than Commander Sigune...
shanna
Haha, I know Thea can be pretty intense, but she really cares.
You'll be okay with her. Trust me!
peggy
...I-I wonder about that...

Turn 9

(Resistance fighters surround one of the central houses.)
soldier
Wagner! Come out with your hands where we can see them!
You are surrounded on all sides!
(Wagner exits the house.)
wagner
...There must be some mistake here, good sirs.
I have done nothing to disturb the peace!
What cause could you possibly have to arrest me like this?
soldier
How about murder?
We know you killed your lord, the Lycian Marquess of Thria, Orun!
And then you ran off and hid here, you scum!
wagner
N-No! I did no such thing! You... You have no proof!
Show me evidence that proves I murdered Lord Orun of Thria!
soldier
I have this badge.
wagner
A badge?! What does that prove?
soldier
See the marking there? It says "to Orun, my beloved."
You dropped this one day at the local tabern.
The tavernkeep called us and we did some research.
We found out Orun was the Marquess of Thria... until he was murdered.
wagner
B-By Bern! I had nothing to do with that!
Why, I... I don't even know who he is!
Orun is actually my second name, you see.
Wagner Orun. That is I. It just never came up in conversation.
soldier
We contacted a Thrian survivor. He told us everything.
About this user of the dark arts called Wagner...
He used to be Orun's advisor. Then he plunged a dagger into his heart.
He disappeared afterwards... Right around the time you showed up here.
Well? Any more witty remarks, Wagner?
wagner
......

(Wagner fumes.)

No...! My escape plan... was flawless...
But very well! I shall not go quietly!

soldier
You asked for it! Take him out, boys!

Turn 10 (if Ward is still alive)

ward
It's still not over?
soldier
No... They're pretty strong, Ward.
ward
Argh! What to do, what to do...
soldier
It's not all bad news, Ward.
Juteaux sends reinforcements!
ward
What? They can't have received the message this quickly...
Well, regardless, it's a lucky break. Hold out until they arrive!
soldier
I hear you!

Turn 14 (if Ward is still alive)

soldier
More reinforcements will arrive shortly!
ward
They are putting up one heck of a fight...
But these reinforcements will be enough! They have to be...

Conversations

Oates & Mieu

oates
Ah hah!
(Mieu shrinks back.)
mieu
Eek!
D-Don't hurt me...!
oates
You! Who do you think you are?!
You think just because I'm old, you're better than me?!
mieu
W-What?
oates
Don't lie! Don't look at me with those big bright eyes!
You think you're so superior, with your... youthful vigor!
Disgusting! Experience is where it's at!
I have seen more battles than years you have lived!
mieu
S-Sir, I just... I just wanna go home...
oates
Shut up! You'll go nowhere!
Anywhere you go, anything you try to do...
I will always surpass you! Do you hear me!?
I have outlived hundreds of youths like you!
I will outlive a hundred more! A thousand more!
mieu
Sniff... Sniff... Aahh... Aaaahh...
oates
Cease your wailing! Pathetic child!
I may be old, but I'll be DAMNED if I am replaced!
My magic will carry us to victory yet!
mieu
Sniff... I-I'm not even... a mage... Sniff...
oates
Wha...?
Hold it! What sense does that make?!
How do you intend to compete with me if we don't even share our weapon of choice?
mieu
I-I never said that! You did...
oates
I did...?

(Oates shifts awkwardly.)

Well, regardless! I will not be topped yet!
You lousy whippersnappers had better work hard!
To keep up with me, that is!
Thunder, cast down! Tear my enemies asunder!
Hya! Hya!

(Oates charges off.)
mieu
Sniff... Sniff...
W-What just... happened...
What did I do to... that man...?

Legance & Heddwyn

legance
Debias! Here you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!
heddwyn
Mmm?
Oh, no, I'm not Debias, sir. I'm his brother, Hedd--
legance
Yes, yes, Debias, very interesting.
Listen, I have a task for you.
heddwyn
What? But I'm trying to tell you, I'm not--
legance
I need you to take these bags and haul them away.
They contain the gear we took from the fallen enemies.
Weapons, armor and the like. It's of no relevance to you.
Your task is to bring them back to the encampment.
Go on, chop-chop. Get to it.
heddwyn
H-Hold on a second! I'm not Deb--
(Legance advances threateningly and Heddwyn shrinks away.)
legance
Is there something wrong, Debias?
Do you have any qualms with your orders?
Mayhap you wish for me to... cut you down to size?

(Legance brandishes his weapon.)

You bloated oaf! Get to work this instant!

heddwyn
B-B-But, sir! I'm not Debias! I'm his brother!
legance
Hmm?

(Legance backs off.)

What are you saying? Quit whispering! Speak loud and clear!

(Heddwyn moves closer.)
heddwyn
I... AM... NOT... DEBIAS!!
My name is Heddwyn. I am Debias's older brother.
legance
Well, why didn't you say it sooner, you imbecile?
Blast, you truly are his spitting image... Just as slow, too.
So, have you any idea where your dear brother is?
heddwyn
How should I? I'm not his nanny.
legance
Grrrr... Useless idiot!
I should make you do the job in his place!
(Heddwyn shrinks back.)
heddwyn
P-Please! My arms are not strong like Debias's!
I became a mage for a reason! I couldn't possibly--
(Legance advances.)
legance
Fool! If we don't prove the worth of Ostia's rebels...
We will be a laughingstock! Bern will never take us seriously!
We must carry out our orders without fail or delay!
Go! Go! Go! Take those bags to camp, now!
heddwyn
W-Well, why don't YOU take them?
Or do you just want other people to do your tasks for you?
M-Maybe I should let the king know...
legance
......

(Legance backs off.)

O-Of course, I was going to take some of them.
The gall to doubt my commitment!
Why, if anything, I was being kind to you, Debias!
I was giving you a chance to share in the glory.
You'll regret this when I receive all the credit!
Take care I don't leave you in the dust!

(Legance flounces off.)
heddwyn
......
If Debias is alive
heddwyn
(smiles) ...You can come out now. He's gone.
(Debias approaches.)
debias
(grins) Woo! That was great, Hedd!
The way you confronted that jerk was just... Wow!
You always were the bold one, Hedd...
heddwyn
Hehe, well... What are big brothers for?
I ought to look after my little brother, don't I Deb?
debias
Hahahaha... Thanks, Hedd!
High five!
(They high-five.)
legance
(offscreen)
...Debias? Debias!
Is that your voice I hear? Debias!
heddwyn
Oh, goodness!
debias
Run!
(Heddwyn and Debias run away.)

Zephiel & Wagner

wagner
I thank you for your aid, kind sir. Heh heh...
zephiel
You seem to be a powerful wielder of dark magic.
wagner
Not to brag, sir, but my power is something to be reckoned with.
zephiel
Good. You will lend your power to our army.
wagner
What? Sir, I truly am grateful to you, but--
zephiel
I am the king of Bern. Will you defy me?
wagner
......
I will not, sir.
zephiel
Then get to it. We aim to vanquish the resistance forces in this area.
Our target is the fortress. Use your magic to aid us.
(Zephiel leaves. Wagner fumes.)
wagner
Blast!
Foul luck... Nothing has gone my way since I betrayed Lord Orun.
I even have to walk around in these hideous rags...
Orun had to get in my way to the very end!
Why couldn't he splatter his blood somewhere else?
He just had to go and ruin my beautiful robes, blue dark as the twilight sky!
Grrr... Calm down, Wagner... Be patient, and things will turn around someday...
They have to...!

Zephiel & Morgan

zephiel
...Well? Will you not raise your spear?
morgan
I, uh... I would rather not, thank you.
zephiel
Very well. Then I will grant you a swift death.
(Morgan shrinks back.)
morgan
No no, wait, wait!
That's not what I... Listen, take me into your army!
zephiel
Why should I take in a member of the Western Isles' resistance?
morgan
Because, I am not that!
I am... well, was, an Etrurian commander under Lord Arcardo.
Then the resistance ruined everything... We all split up.
I was caught and tried, but they let me off the hook, somehow...
Under the condition that I join the resistance force and redeem myself.
But not everyone agreed with Echidna's decision...
It won't be long until someone takes matters into their own hands, and...!
zephiel
Decides to end your sorry existence in the name of "justice."
morgan
P-Precisely so, sir!
So, uh... Yes. I have nothing left here...
If you would have me, I would gladly fight for you!
My rank was taken from me, but not my skill with the lance.
I will be handy to have around, sir! I swear...!
zephiel
Fine. I will give you an opportunity to prove your worth.
Come along, now.
(Morgan salutes.)
morgan
Y-You will not regret it! This I promise!
(Morgan leaves.)
zephiel
...My army is so full of worthless worms these days...
But I suppose expendables are always useful.

Arcado & Morgan

arcado
Morgan!
morgan
Lord Arcardo? You are here!
arcado
Indeed. I arrived with Bern.
morgan
So... Does this mean we're about to rise up again?
arcado
Of course not. Bern will take the Isles for themselves.
It's all we can do to prove we're useful enough to avoid being killed...
morgan
Oh...
W-Well, even so. The resistance fighters keep giving me the evil eye...
arcado
No wonder. You were one of my most trusted men, Morgan.
morgan
Yes... Well, on that topic...
Do you think I may join you again? For old times' sake?
arcado
Not for old times' sake. For survival, Morgan.
And the answer is not mine to give, but...
I will speak on your behalf.
For what little that is worth...
morgan
(smiles) T-Thank you so much, Lord Arcardo!

Sigune & Peggy

sigune
You... I know you.
You'd just joined up with my squad before this whole thing started.
peggy
C-Commander Sigune...!
sigune
Peggy, right?
peggy
Y-Yes!
sigune
You know the code of the Ilian mercenaries.
peggy
Never betray your employer...
sigune
Indeed. Which means... You must now fight me.
Draw your lance. Do not hesitate.
peggy
A-Ah... Oh--

(Peggy flails.)

Oh no! No no no no no! What have I done?!

sigune
...You've dropped your spear, Peggy.
Hold on...
(Sigune flies down to retrieve Peggy's spear.)
peggy
Commander! What are you doing?
sigune
There.

(Sigune hands the spear back to Peggy.)

Try not to do that again, okay?

peggy
......
Screw it. I'm joining you.
sigune
You would betray the Ilian code?!
I would never accept someone like you back into my squad.
People like you will change allegiances at the drop of a hat.
I will not risk that happening when my life depends on you.
peggy
C'mon, you seriously think that's even going to happen?
You're the Ivory Devil! Among the most famous knights of Ilia!
Me, I'm just... some girl...
sigune
...Sigh... All right. You may join us.
But only because I know I can kill you if ever you are tempted to betray us....
Don't make me have to do that, would you, Peggy?
peggy
(smiles) O-O-Of course not, Commander! I'd never! Ha ha ha... Ah...

Thea

Combat

thea
Stay calm, everyone. Send them flying!

Death

thea
Juno... Shanna... I...I fought until the end...

Shanna

Combat

shanna
Don't panic, Shanna... You've got this!

Death

shanna
Juno... Thea... Sorry... I won't make it home...

Ward

Combat

ward
You think you're so tough, don't you?
I'm gonna show you tough!

Combat w/ Mieu

ward
Mieu? Why are you out here?
C'mon, it's not safe. Go back home.
mieu
U-Uncle Ward... Y-You have to help me...
They're making me fight...
ward
They're WHAT!?
mieu
I-I'm so scared... I don't know what to do...!
P-Please help me, Uncle Ward! Help me...!
mieu
No... Why is this happening?!
Lot, I'm so sorry! I... I...

Death

ward
Lot... I'm so sorry, man...
Your sister... and Mary... They're all alone now...

Locations

Outer House (Left)

man
Here, take this. This should be helpful.
I know it's not much... but I want you to have it.
Just don't forget who among us helped you out... Heh heh...
(The visitor recieves a Master Seal.)

Outer House (Right)

young woman
This dusty old sword?
My foolish brother wielded this before he died.
(smiles) He was a terrible fighter, but he believed his cause was just.
That's what got him killed...

(frowns) He was so very foolish...
...You'll take it, won't you?
Go ahead. Take it. It's only all I have to remember him by...
Monsters...

(The visitor recieves a Wo Dao.)

Southwest House

young woman
I have staves for sale if you want any!
Wait a second. Have I met you before...?
Ah, probably just my imagination...
Anyway, how many staves do you want?
(smiles) They work really well. They cure conditions instead of health.

You don't want to pay?! Darn!
Fine, fine, sheathe that thing! There you go, have it for free.
Yeesh... Some people just don't know basic human decency!

(The visitor recieves a Restore staff.)

South House

man
Curse you.
(The visitor recieves a Dragonshield.)

Southeast House

young man
I'll... Don't get any closer!
I'll beat you over the head with this here staff if you do!
...What? You'll... let me go, if I give you the staff?
Okay, there. T-Thanks, I guess...
(The visitor recieves a Sleep staff.)

Center House

boy
My job is to take the village's tribute to the castle.
But I'm happy to do it, because the resistance is really nice!
Way nicer than our old lord, some old guy called Orlo!
...What? You want the money? But...
...A-Ah! No! Okay okay, don't hurt me! I'm sorry! I'm sorry...!
(The visitor recieves 5000 gold.)

Northeast House

old woman
It was so difficult under Orlo's rule...
He took everything from us, even our hopes and dreams...
And now we're going right back to that nightmare.
Thank you. Truly. Here, have this.
Hope you choke on it.
(The visitor recieves an Angelic Robe.)

North House

girl
Take this! It's a speedwing!
Use it and you'll become a little faster!
So fast, that maybe you'll run into a wall and die horribly!
(The visitor recieves a Speedwing.)

Ending

zephiel
No obstacles should remain in our way.
Juteaux is up next.
idunn
Do you believe you will require the assistance of dragons, Your Highness?
zephiel
(smiles) The ones you have provided so far will suffice.
Thank you, Idunn.
idunn
......
zephiel
Let us be on our way. All troops, march!
(Zephiel leaves.)
idunn
...Jahn.
(Jahn approaches.)
jahn
What?
idunn
You are... different.
jahn
Leave me alone, all right?
idunn
......
jahn
I am the last true dragon, Idunn.
I watched everyone around me perish, one by one...
...Just the same as that girl.
idunn
......
jahn
Of course, there's no point in telling you that, is there.

Pah... I am being foolish.
Soon enough I will return to my usual self.
Compassion... What a worthless notion.
I forget myself... I am the last true dragon!
Such a thing as sorrow is out of place in me...!

(Jahn leaves.)
idunn
Jahn...

If every house was visited

murdock
King Zephiel, we have searched every house in the village.
We found this hidden under the carpet in one of them.
zephiel
Excellent. Good work, Murdock.
murdock
(smiles) Thank you, Your Majesty.
(Zephiel receives a Master Seal.)

Character Descriptions

Mieu
An innocent, pure little girl from the Western Isles.

Wagner
A retainer of Marquess Thria who betrayed his lord.

Morgan
A former Etrurian commander that lost everything when Arcardo was exiled.

Peggy
A member of a pegasus squad. Inexperienced.

Ward
A young man fighting alongside the resistance. Brash and impulsive.

Thea
The leader of a pegasus knight unit from Ilia.

Shanna
A pegasus knight in training. Traveling the world to hone her skills.

Resistance
Citizens who have taken up arms to fight for the people.

Bandit
Bandits roaming the Western Isles.

Ilia
Mercenary knights of Ilia.