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Chapter 15: Princes and Paupers

Opening

narrator
After destroying the hidden village in the desert, Zephiel's army marches once again.
Their hearts are heavy, but Zephiel's resolve grows stronger than ever.
With Nabata behind them, Etruria lies within reach.

However, Cecilia's final message has long since reached Aquileia.

Knight General Perceval has assumed command of the border's defense.
He awaits the Bernese Army with a subdued fire burning in his soul.
Despite his best attempts to remain calm, he yearns to avenge his fallen comrade.
And he is not the only one that will seek to halt Zephiel's momentum this day...

Undaunted by the obstacles in his path, Zephiel sets foot in Etruria...

perceval
Ready our defenses.
I want everyone prepared to fight at a moment's notice.
Our enemy is Bern. A single misstep will be our undoing.
(Elffin appears.)
elffin
General Perceval... Well met.
It gladdens me that you are as reliable as before.
(Perceval starts.)
perceval
You... It can't be!
Prince Myrddin... You have returned...!
(Elffin approaches.)
elffin
I already met with my father. He was overjoyed, of course.
I requested leave to pay you a visit here at the border.
I am aware of Bern's actions. How fares the situation?
perceval
...Not well, I fear.
They killed Cecilia... And a great many good Etrurians with her.
They will most likely pass through here on the way to Aquileia.
I shall welcome them with open arms...
elffin
How may I help?
perceval
What? You can help by returning home to Aquileia, of course!
I could never ask my prince to risk his life like this...
elffin
On the contrary. I wish to risk it.
I've learned a lot since my... "accident."
I will not be the type of leader that hangs back and barks orders.
I will fight with you, to protect my homeland.
Trust me. My magic will be a boon.
perceval
I...
...I see the resolve in your eyes... I cannot deny you.
But how could I have you run around the battlefield unguarded?
Your father would have my head if I let anything befall you...
And even if he didn't, I would never be able to forgive myself!
elffin
In that case, I shall handle the defense of the fort.
That way, you can take to the field yourself.
Perceval, Etruria's finest knight...
The sight of you riding towards them will instill fear in our foes.
perceval
(smiles) Yes... That sounds agreeable to me. Thank you, Your Highness.
I know not who took care of you all this time, but clearly...
They taught you well.
elffin
...She did, indeed...

If Zinque was not recruited or killed

zinque
"You should be thankful the king is in a merciful mood since the prince returned."
"Were it up to me, you would be tried for insubordination for what you've done."
Blah, blah... Pah. Imbeciles...
This is not good. I hadn't anticipated General Douglas's reaction to be so...
With him breathing down my neck like this, my days are numbered.
...It must happen today. I must find a way to join the Bernese Army here and now...

melady
Galle... Can I ask you a personal question?
galle
Of course. Anything.
melady
Are... Are you all right with this, Galle?
galle
What would "this" be, Melady?
melady
This war. All we're doing.
Conquering countries for who knows what reason...
Murdering innocents, razing villages like base bandits...
What do we hope to gain from all this, Galle?
galle
...I do not know that.
His Majesty's word is law, though.
Moreover, I trust General Murdock's judgment.
If he finds it in him to follow Zephiel's orders... So do I.
melady
Is that it, then? Loyalty to the general?
That's why you'd go along with these abominable acts?!
galle
Loyalty to Bern, as well.
melady
......
galle
Melady...
You do know defiance is punishable with death, correct?
melady
...Would you carry out my sentence in the name of your loyalty, too?
galle
...!
melady
...Hmph...
(Melady leaves.)
galle
Melady, wait! I...
...Urgh...
(Melady approaches Zeiss, leaving Galle behind.)
zeiss
Lovers' quarrel, I take it?
melady
Zeiss... You were eavesdropping?
zeiss
Between you and I... I agree.
I admire Sir Galle. All I ever wanted was to be like him.
But... This, I don't know if I can condone...
melady
We should tread lightly nonetheless, Zeiss.
The king will not hesitate to have us killed if provoked.
...Ah, Princess Guinivere... Where could you be...?
zeiss
......

Turn 3

If the north route was taken in the Isles

(Brigands descend from the northeast mountains.)
batta
Looks like two armies duking it out...
This will be a good chance to do our thing.
brigand
If you say so, boss!
batta
That village overthere is ripe for the plucking.
Let's go, boys! Batta the Beast demands his tribute!

(The brigands head out.)

Sigh... Ah, to go back to the old days.
This just isn't the same without my old partner-in-crime...
Who would've thought a man like him would grow a conscience?
Wonder where he could be now...

If the west route was taken in the Isles

(Brigands descend from the northeast mountains.)
glass
What is this? A battlefield?
Ha ha ha! They will know the terror of my peerless swordplay!
brigand
If you say so, boss!
glass
You lot, go and get the villages.
I will take on the enemy and see them bleed!

(The brigands head out.)

And now, to see if I can't find myself some strong foes...
I wonder how my old disciple's doing for himself.
Hope he's not wasting the skills I taught him!
A swordsman shouldn't be leading a pack of brigands...

Turn 5

perceval
...It's time.
I will take the fight to the Bernese!
Their heads will roll this day.
For you, Cecilia...
(Perceval rides out.)
elffin
May luck be with you, Perceval...

Turn 10 (if Elffin is still alive)

soldier
Prince Myrddin! The reinforcements are ready!
elffin
Thank you, soldier. Deploy them now.
Have them ride out to Perceval's aid.
soldier
Yes, sir.

Conversations

Zinque's recruitment conversations are the same as in Chapter 13.

Guerrero & Zephiel

guerrero
What you did in the desert was wroooooooooooooong.
(Zephiel startles.)
zephiel
Gah!

Where in the world did you come from, you brute?!

guerrero
No need for insuuuuuuuuults. It's just the truuuuuuuuth.
I do not liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike what I've seen so faaaaaaaar.
Change your waaaaaaaaaaays before it's too laaaaaaaaaaate
zephiel
You... What is it you're trying to tell me?
Are you daring to threaten ME, ugly pest?!
guerrero
No threaaaaaaaaaaaats. Only wisdooooooooooom.
You should try being niiiiiiiiiiiiice. It's way more fuuuuuuuuuuuun.
zephiel
Fun... Nice... You, you...!

(Zephiel fumes.)

Graaah! Insufferable pest!
I should never have allowed you in my army!
But mistakes can be corrected! Have at you!

(Zephiel charges at Guerrero, but trips and falls.)
zephiel
Oof...!
guerrero
No violeeeeeeeeeence. There's no neeeeeeeeeeed.
Let me heeeeeeeeeeeelp you get uuuuuuuuuup again.
(Guerrero lifts Zephiel upright again.)
zephiel
Grrr... This... What a pitiful charade...
guerrero
Calm dooooooooooooooooown. It's not good for your heaaaaaaaaalth.
Stop doing eeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil. C'mooooooooooooooooon.
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease.
(Guerrero leaves.)
zephiel
...How did my army turn into such a circus...

Daniela & Sommie

daniela
(grins) Hehehe... You there!
Yes, you! The weird animal!
sommie
Arf!
daniela
Heh... You and I are quite similar.
Neither of us belongs here... We both wear hats...
And... We both have the same bloodlust.
Do not attempt to deny it, rabid beast.
I can see it in the void pits you pretend are your eyes.
A bottomless pit, consuming all. For your own pleasure...
It's all right. I get it. I am like that as well...
Heeheehee... Some would call us sick.
I call us... enlightened.
sommie
Arf! Arf!
daniela
Come, hound! Let us ride into battle!
We shall get our fill of violence and death!
Sate our hunger until the next day of carnage!
Ahahahaha! Hahahahahahaha!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

(Daniela rides off.)
sommie
Arf! Arf!

Lamia & Mitan

lamia
(smiles) Dear me... If it isn't Mitan.
mitan
Lamia... What do you want?
If it's a bruisin', I can deliver.
lamia
Come now. Are you not happy to see an old friend?
mitan
'Course not. You stole from me, you heartless witch.
lamia
Me, steal? From you? Did I rob you of your heart?
mitan
Of my gold! Ya ran off with the booty from that last raid we did!
lamia
Aww, it was only a little bit of gold and trinkets. I considered it a gift from you.
mitan
And my mates? That a gift from me to ya, too?
Ya roped up every girl in my gang to join your stupid all-ladies bunch!
lamia
It's not my fault if they'd rather follow me, is it?
mitan
Grr... That was the start of it. My end as the boss.
The boys lost so much respect for me after that...
Said I'd let you play with me 'cause I was... Urgh.
Disgusting pigs, the lot of 'em. And you the filthiest of them!
lamia
Such harsh words, Mitan. You wound me.
Tell me, how can I make it up to you?
mitan
...Ya serious?
lamia
Of course, honey. What would you like?
If you want, I can welcome you into my group.
Being a mercenary is a lot more fun than being a brigand.
mitan
That's... a nice offer, I guess.
But I wanna wash my hands of the blood that covers 'em.
No more killin' for riches. I'm sick of it.
lamia
(serious) Interesting...
Why fight for Bern, then? This is still bloody business.
mitan
...I'm afraid of 'em. You're too, aren't you?
But when this all blows over... I'm done.
lamia
I see...
In that case, I can't think of much I can offer as compensation.
(smiles) Oh! Would you like to take a stroll under the moonlight?
Just the two of us... For old time's sake?
mitan
Yer not makin' a fool outta me again, Lamia.
lamia
(frowns) Hmm... You've changed in the past few months, Mitan.
I thought you'd still be the same scoundrel.
But you're a lot less... simple, than before.
mitan
That's so nice you think so.
Meanwhile, you haven't changed. You're still a heartless witch.
lamia
(smirks) Well, they do call me the Infernal for a reason.
Ahh, what a shame. You were way more fun before.
mitan
Get outta here.
lamia
(frowns) ...Seriously, you, a goodie-two-shoes? What a joke. If you ask me...
You'll be lucky to survive to the end of this war at all.
mitan
Yeah, well, I didn't ask you.

Orlo & Windham

orlo
Hmm...
windham
Well? Are you done staring?
I'm afraid you're not my type, pal. Begone.
orlo
(smiles) I do not stare, my friend. I observe.
You wear a habit, but you are not very religious, are you?
windham
And you think you can "save" me or something?
Save your proselytizing for someone who cares.
I've long since freed myself of the shackles of faith.
I do not intend to put them back on my wrists.
orlo
(serious) You believe so, but that is not quite the truth.
You have not left the faith. You have embraced it.
windham
...Okay, now you have lost me.
I haven't spared a thought for the "gods" in ages!
orlo
The gods are above all. They see all. Hear all.
There is a reason people like you and I prevail.
We live as we wish... As the gods wish us to.
windham
......
orlo
After all, why else have we not been smitten yet?
Scripture promises condemnation to the wicked.
Some would call us wicked. They HAVE called me wicked!
Yet we remained thoroughly uncondemned. Why is that?
windham
Because there is no such thing as "gods."
orlo
No. Because we are the true pilgrims.
Ours... is the truest faith of them all.
The faith of man's freedom, ordained by heaven.
The gods do not create without reason. We exist for a purpose.
Regardless of what we do, we do with the backing of above!
Or else, they would not have made us this way.
Do you understand?
windham
......

(Windham guffaws.)

(grins) Hahaha! Haha... ha...
Yes, I think I do.
Does this shtick work for you?

orlo
(smiles) Shtick? I simply live life as I please.
I have not been punished. Thus I am righteous.
Let the gods decide what evil is. It's not our place.
windham
Very interesting perspective...
orlo
(frowns) And yet, there are so many lost lambs in this world...
I strive to open their eyes to the true faith.
I will need help to do this, when this debacle is over...
Will you help me, fellow shepherd?
windham
(frowns) ...!
Hmmm... I'll... have to think on it.
orlo
I am rather disappointed, I'll admit.
Please, seek me out once you have... thought.
(Orlo leaves.)
windham
And here I thought I was good at playing people.
That guy's a master. He even had ME going for a moment!
I have to stay far away from him.
That man is pure evil. Don't need to be a god to see that!

Rose & Raith

raith
Sigh... It's hopeless.
I'm never going to become anyone of any renown...
I'm doomed to mediocrity. I had better accept it...
rose
Goodness me. That sad look doesn't suit your pretty face.
raith
Oh? Oh, you're one of our sellswords...
Rose, perhaps?
(Rose drifts.)
rose
(smiles) My, you remember my name?
raith
Why not? Nobody's going to bother remembering mine.
Might as well do all the remembering myself...
(Rose drifts.)
rose
Oh, sweet thing. Someone does know your name!
raith
And who is that? The king? Hah hah...
(Rose drifts.)
rose
No, Raith, silly! Me!
raith
Why would you ever bother to remember my name?
(Rose drifts.)
rose
I always remember the names of handsome guys like you.
Loooove your hair, too. How do you get it to stay like that?
raith
(smiles) W-Wow... Handsome? Me? Hah...!
N-No one's ever called me that before...
Thank you so much! You're... Er, q-quite handsome too.
(Rose drifts.)
rose
Tch... Aww, but I'm sorry, honey.
I'm afraid I'm taken... By true love, no less.
Nobody could ever take the spot he holds in my heart...
(Raith starts.)
raith
(serious) Eh?! N-No, no, I don't... I don't think I swing that...
D-Do I?
.......

(Raith shakes himself.)

Well, leaving that aside!
I don't really do much to my hair.
Just a bit of lotion, some combing... The works.

(Rose drifts.)
rose
Well, I think it really works for you!
You really shouldn't feel so down. You're quite the catch!
All you need is a bit more confidence!
raith
Bah... And why would I be confident?
Nobody cares about me, and why would they? I'm worthless.
(Rose drifts.)
rose
(frowns) That is SO wrong!
You're the only one who thinks so lowly of yourself!
C'mon, listen to me. Try it! Be nice to yourself for a change!
Tell yourself you're just the coolest guy in all of Elibe!
raith
You really think...?
Well, sure. Why not. What do I stand to lose?
(smiles) Yeah... Yeah! Yeah, you're right!
I'm a great guy. I'm... o-one helluva guy!
(Rose drifts.)
rose
Now you're talking! Go take over the world, sweetheart!
Hope next time I see you, you've found love as I have.
(Rose leaves.)
raith
Huh... What a nice fella.
W-Wait, love?

(Raith starts.)

Hold on! Loneliness is not what my problem is!
...Is it?

Dory & Batta

dory
Huh? Could it be...
Batta the Beast?!
batta
Hmm? What's that?
You think you can stand up to Batta the Beast?
dory
C'mon, you old fossil, you gone blind at last?
It's me, Dory!
batta
(smiles) Dor... Oh, Dory! Long time no see!
dory
(smiles) Too long, yeah... Remember how they used to call us?
The Invincible Beasts! Hahaha, those were the days...
batta
(frowns) Yeah... I hear you turned over a new leaf, though.
dory
(serious) Yup. I'm a performer now. Wanna see my dance?
batta
No, I--
dory
Hmph! Mmph!

(Dory dances.)

So? Breathtakin', ain't it?

batta
...Well, it's basic, but it's not bad.
(smiles) Never took you for the graceful type, but I guess people change.
dory
(smiles) Ahh, I still got a long way to go! But thanks anyway, Batta.
So... Guess I'll let you be on your way now.
I'll bet you've got business to conduct in the nearby villages...
batta
(serious) Hmm... Actually...
That group of yours looks pretty cozy.
And my bones ain't what they used to be...
I can't keep crackin' skulls my entire life.
Maybe joining a proper army will be a nice change of pace.
And I can't imagine Bern's standards are too high, morally speaking at least.
They'll take a scoundrel like me in, won't they?
dory
I mean, they took me in!
batta
(smiles) Heh... Guess that's that, then.
Tell the boss he has Batta the Beast at his disposal!

Wagner & Batta

wagner
Oh, my... If it isn't the infamous Batta the Beast!
batta
You know of me, old man?
wagner
You're one to talk about age! But, yes.
I used to be an advisor to Lord Orun of Thria.
You made some... expeditions to that area some years ago.
batta
I've traveled all around the continent in my time.
But... Yes, I remember Thria treated me particularly well.
Pillaged myself quite a few riches... Look, I got this scar in the area--
wagner
Oh, I know how effective you can be, Beast.
That is why... I would like to hire you.
batta
Hire me? You sure?
You're part of a proper army and all...
A scoundrel like me will not be accepted among you, right?
wagner
Oh, you have no idea.
King Zephiel will take in any manner of person.
Even the worst types... Even you.
batta
Hmmm... Interesting.
You know what? I'll give it a shot.
(smiles) Tell your boss that he has Batta the Beast at his disposal!

Henning & Glass

henning
Well, there's a face I was not expecting to see.
glass
You! Henning, wasn't it?
You've not forgotten me, have you?
henning
You're impossible to forget, old man.
You did teach me some pretty okay swordplay, though.
Thanks for that.
glass
"Pretty okay"? You mean pee--
henning
Yes, yes, I know. So...
The heck're you doing out here?
Sacae felt too small for your peerless sword?
glass
I'm searching, my old disciple.
Looking for worthy foes to clash swords with!
henning
Of course you are. You always lived for nothing but fightin'.

Say, Bern's always on the lookout for more enemies.
I'll bet you'd be pretty happy if you joined us.
Plenty of folks to cut down every single day, just about.

glass
Ha ha ha! What a great idea!
Bern's army is the perfect place for me!

I am Glass! The gods fear my name!
And soon enough... so shall the enemies of Bern!
Now, get out of my way!

(Glass runs off.)
henning
...Well, that was easy.
Sigh... Will have to explain this to the king later.

Nord & Glass

glass
Hey, you! The creepy old man!
nord
...Me? Heh heh... I am Nord.
What is your business with me?
glass
You look powerful. But my swordplay is peerless!
I shall be the one to defeat you! Come!
nord
Hmmm... Very well.
(smirks) Spirits of the dark, heed me! Yield thy power unto me!
Vanquish this foolish soul who dares to oppose me!
(Nord blasts Glass with a spell, making him stagger back.)
glass
Aauuugh!
nord
Heh heh heh... Any last words?
glass
Im...pressive...
Tell me, is everyone in your army this strong?
nord
Not quite, but... They're all right. Heh heh...
(Glass steps forward.)
glass
It sounds like it'd be a great place to hone my swordplay.
It is already peerless, but I'm always looking to get even better!
It's decided - I'm joining you guys!
nord
(frowns) ...You are? Who said that?
We're fighting. You can't just switch to my side while we're fi--
glass
I can't? And who said THAT?
I am Glass! The gods fear my name!
If I want to join your army, join your army I shall!
Now, get out of my way!
(Glass runs off.)
nord
...Huh. Well.
I suppose that's as fine an outcome as any...
I must admit I am rather disappointed but, oh well.
There's always the next small fry. Heh heh heh...

Perceval

Combat

perceval
I congratulate you for making it this far.
However, I'm afraid I cannot let you pass.

Death

perceval
No... The prince must... be protected...!
I must keep going... crawling, if that's what it takes...
Nngh...

Elffin

Combat

elffin
How odd... I should be distressed by this turn of events.
And yet, I find that I am not. In fact...
I think I shall relish the chance to avenge Dame Echidna!

Combat w/ Roartz

roartz
What!? Impossible!
You can't be alive! You can't...!
elffin
Your eyes do not deceive you.
roartz
I paid top coin for that assassin!
Useless miscreant conned me!
elffin
Do not blame your hired hand.
He did his job, as did my loyal subjects.
The failure is your own. You weren't thorough.
roartz
Grrrr! I shall fix this mistake myself!
And then I'll go for your pathetic father!

Fight me, Myrddin! Fight me and die!

elffin
Fight you, I shall. I must defend this keep.
And, though it is unbecoming of me...
I look forward to watching you fall.

Death

elffin
Argh... This wound...

It seems all I learned... was for naught...
Echidna... Father... I failed you...
I failed... Etruria...

Locations

Southern House

man
I've been hearing about bandits in this area.
I bet they're all savage killers.
They probably have no conscience at all.
Beasts, each and every one of them.
Just like you. You'll probably get along!

Southeast House

old man
Get out of my house.

Southwest Village

woman
Divine light, hear my cry!
Rain down heavenly punishment on these miscreants!
...Darn it, it's not working... That's how the priest always did it!
Oh, to heck with it. Here, have this useless thing.
(The visitor receives a Divine tome.)

West Village

young woman
This is a Hammerne staff.
It can repair your weapons, spell tomes, and staves.
Just about the only thing it can't repair is itself.
It's VERY valuable. You can't have it.
(The visitor receives a Hammerne staff.)

Ending

If Perceval survived

zephiel
The castle is ours.
What has become of the Knight General?
murdock
He has been taken captive.
Shall I have a cell readied for him?
zephiel
No need. Order the men to execute him immediately.
murdock
Very well...
zephiel
And with this, we are the victors.

If Perceval was killed

zephiel
That is the end of Knight General Perceval.
murdock
Who could that man defending the castle have been, I wonder?
zephiel
What does it matter? Only one general remains.
He and the king will be holed up in Aquileia.
We should also find my sister there.
She has nowhere to run anymore.

With this... The entire continent will be ours, Murdock.
We must not fail.

murdock
I shall rally the troops forth, my king.
zephiel
Please, do.
melady
General Brunnya...
brunnya
Melady. What can I do for you?
melady
I... I wish to ask something of you.
Something... untoward, perhaps.
brunnya
......
I am one of the Wyvern Generals, Melady.
Are you certain you should ask "something untoward" of me?
melady
General, I see the pain in your eyes. It is not unlike mine...
The king could order Sir Murdock to murder his own mother, but you...
You do not enjoy this, do you?
brunnya
You're being unfair to General Murdock.
He was more of a father to the king than the late King Desmond ever was.
And Murdock now sees him as a surrogate child of sorts, in turn.
Could you bring yourself to oppose someone you consider a son?
melady
When he orders such abominable acts, I think I could.
brunnya
...You are too soft, Melady. Too soft for your own good.
This manner of talk will get you killed.
melady
...!
brunnya
Sigh... But I am willing to pretend we never had this conversation.
Just this once.
melady
...Just...
brunnya
What's that?
melady
Tell me why... Why do you not raise an objection, at least?
Is it loyalty, too?
brunnya
I...
It's complicated. What I feel for the king is...
I know it will condemn me to eternal doom.
The same as the rest of them... But I cannot help it.
I want to believe the man King Zephiel once was is still there...
Somewhere, deep down in his heart. I have to keep looking for him...

...Now, I will be on my way. We did not speak this evening, understood?

(Brunnya leaves.)
melady
......
So, I'm the only one who...
Very well. In that case, I know what I must do.

Character Descriptions

Roberts
An Etrurian commander in charge of forces on the Western Isles.

Zinque
An Etrurian noble, once in charge of a small village on the Western Isles.

Batta
An aged brigand called the Beast for his savagery.

Glass
An old Sacaen swordsman with a greedy heart.

Perceval
The Knight General of Etruria. An imposing man of great potential.

Elffin
A mysterious bard who supported the resistance on the Western Isles.

Etruria
Soldiers from the western kingdom of Etruria.

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

Bandit
Bandits who roam the mountains.