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Chapter 17A: Ocean's Parting

Opening

narrator
After Zephiel captured Aquileia, the war should have been over.
However, fate had other plans in store.
With help from the traitor Melady, Guinivere flees Etruria.
They escape north through Ilia, which was under Bern's control.
Ilia, the frozen highlands, is a land with short summers and long winters.
With so little arable land,
the nation's main source of income is mercenary contracts.

At the same time, a revolt spearheaded by the Lord of Edessa, Zelot, pushes the Bernese occupation forces out of the country.
The rebels offer Guinivere asylum from the pursuing Bernese Army.
Guinivere resolves to make for Bern.
With Zephiel's elites at Etruria, she intends to usurp the throne and begin a resistance against Zephiel, with the ultimate goal to end the war.
With rumors of Zephiel's brutal actions during the war spreading throughout Bern,
there are many willing to listen to Guinivere's bold proposal.

However, Zephiel is hot on her trail. He and his forces enter Ilia.
To delay his advance, one of the surviving Pheraen knights, Alen, enlists the aid of an Ilian mercenary squad and stands to confront Zephiel...

zelot
...Thank you. I believe I have a solid grasp on your situation.
guinivere
We do not wish to impose upon you, Lord Zelot.
All we ask is leave of passage through Ilia.
zelot
It is no imposition.
If you succeed, it will be a boon to many, in and out of Bern.
I would be remiss not to support your cause.
I shall escort you myself to the Bernese border.
guinivere
Thank you, Lord Zelot... We are in your debt.
(Guinivere turns to Alen.)
guinivere
Sir Alen... Are you certain you want to do this?
alen
Milady, please! I am a knight of Pherae!
A knight of Pherae never falters!
Don't you worry about a thing. I'll catch up for sure!
I only ask that you take good care of Lord Roy until then.
He's... not doing so well these days.
guinivere
I owe Roy much. I will not abandon him. I promise.
alen
Then what are you waiting for? Go, before your brother arrives!
melady
He is correct. The sooner we leave, the better.
guinivere
Best of luck to you, Sir Alen.
(Melady steps out and meets with Zeiss.)
zeiss
You're done?
melady
Yes...
Zeiss, are you certain you wish to do this?
It's not too late, you know. Your involvement is not widely known.
You could return now, and I'm sure nobody would question you...
zeiss
No? I am your brother.
Questioning me is the first thing they'd do when they saw me.
Second thing would be to throw me in the dungeon, just in case.
Besides, I know we're doing the right thing here.

I'm more worried about you, to be honest.
These days it seems the waterworks never stop...
...It's about Galle, isn't it? What happened in Aquileia, Melady?

melady
Galle... proved me wrong.
zeiss
About what?
melady
About what I thought of him.
...About how I felt about him.
He's just another of Zephiel's sycophants. Nothing more.
zeiss
I have to admit, I'm disappointed as well.
I truly thought him a greater man. Such a shame...
melady
I won't deny it has been difficult for me, but...
I have an important mission now. Sadness will not deter me.
zeiss
Just wanted you to know I'm here, Melady.
Whatever you need, even if it's just a shoulder to cry on.
I only ask that you tell me, okay?
melady
(smiles) Thank you, Zeiss... It means a lot. Truly.
zeiss
(smiles) Don't mention it. Now c'mon, let's get going already!
(They leave.)
zephiel
What is the latest, Murdock?
murdock
Melady and her cohorts were sighted entering Ilia.
Before, the forces stationed here would have stopped them, but...
I apologize, my king. I did not predict the Ilian mercenaries would revolt.
zephiel
We shall amend this miscalculation in due time.
For now, we must find Guinivere before she makes it to Bern.
Failing that, we should get to Bern first and await her there.
We have rested enough! Move out, everyone!
murdock
Understood, Your Majesty!

(If Carlyle was recruited but Chapter 16x was skipped, his introductory scene plays here instead.)


zephiel
...The entire world should have been within my grasp.
My enemies should have all been brought to heel.
It should have been the day my dream was fulfilled...
And I let it all slip through my fingers.
Clearly there is a lesson to be learned here.
In order to conquer the world....
In order to liberate it from mankind's vicious grasp...
I must leave behind any and all doubts in my heart.

I must unleash all I have, without hesitation.

(Zephiel promotes to Liberator.)

Enemy Turn 1

Village

Acheron
Drat... What's going on outside?
Sounds like soldiers forming up... A battle? Here?
Could Bern have brought Etruria to heel this quickly?
It was a good call to leave, then. But if they're already here...
Urgh... Maybe I should move further inland.

(Acheron stamps his foot in frustration.)

Blast it! I am Lord Acheron of Etruria's proud House Phlegethon!
I should not have to skulk about this wasteland of a country...
This war is such an annoyance.

Turn 6

(The tide recedes, revealing a sandbar that leads to the castle.)
soldier
Sir Alen! A path has appeared in the sea!
alen
What?!
soldier
We were afraid of this... The tide pulls out around this time of day...
alen
...No matter! Another path for us to reach them!
Get them! Get them, everyone!
soldier
Yes, sir!
murdock
King Zephiel, we have a report.
zephiel
What is it?
murdock
A sandbar has appeared in the midst of the waters.
zephiel
Ah, could we utilize it to cross to their side?
murdock
I believe so, yes.
zephiel
Then do so!

Conversations

Narcian & Flaer

flaer
(smirks) Well, well, well.
Look how the mighty have fallen... "General" Narcian.
narcian
Flaer, you cad!
We could've avoided this stain on our names!
All you had to do was come to my aid back in Laus!
How slow and dimwitted do you have to be?!
flaer
(scowls) And how was I to know you were headed to Laus?
You didn't tell anybody anything! You just took off!
So quickly, in fact, none of us managed to keep up!
narcian
Well it's not MY fault I'm the superior wyvern rider, is it?
flaer
Only an amateur does not know how to slow down.
An amateur, or an imbecile.
narcian
H-How dare you, Flaer!
I will see you skinned alive for this!
You have one chance to apologize, or--
flaer
You lack the power, Narcian.
You see, you spoke in plural earlier, but in truth...
Only your name has been sullied. Mine remains intact.
I'm still a lieutenant. General Galle has been most accomodating.
You understand what this means, do you not, Narcian?
narcian
No! Don't say it...!
flaer
I outrank you, Narcian.
You had better watch your tone, soldier!
You don't want me to have you detained!
narcian
You... You...!

(Narcian quivers.)

Yoooouuuu!!

(Narcian turns away.)

Foolish mongrel! You will regret this dearly!
A peasant like you will not stay ahead for long.
I will regain the station afforded to me by birthright soon!
I will have those fools kissing my feet and begging for scraps!
Murdock, Brunnya... The vulture of the blue hair... All of them!
And when I do, I will see you beheaded, slowly and painfully!
Yes... How I look forward to it, Flaer! Ahahahaha!

(Narcian storms off.)
flaer
(smirks) I'd like to see you try...
I have no reason to be afraid of you anymore, Narcian.
When it comes to you, all they are waiting for is a reason...
Push me, and I will be the one to give it to them.

Ruud & Scollan

ruud
Hmph... Brigand scum.
Why don't you take your stench elsewhere?
scollan
Oi! What was that for?! I ain't never...
...Wait...
ruud
Yes, brother mine. It's me.
Still insistent on being the black sheep of the family, eh?
Do you still get off on burning things, maniac?
scollan
Aye, aye. It's true. I love me a good razin'.
What're ya gonna do 'bout it?
ruud
Hmph... You bring shame to the mighty Army of Bern.
A barbarian like you has no place here.
scollan
Wha? Barbawhat? That ain't true, brother.
I happen to find something... artistic, 'bout a village on fire.
Like, the end of life in a nutshell, or somethin' like that.
I dunno, I'm not smart 'nuff to put it into words, but it's pretty.
Real pretty.
ruud
A lazy oaf is what you are.
You could never be bothered to find real work in your life.
That's really why you turned to brigandry, isn't it?
Don't pretend there's anything more profound to it than that.
scollan
...You wouldn't know "profound" if it sat on yer face and farted.
(Ruud fumes.)
ruud
What did you just say to me, Scollan?!
scollan
Ya think yer so high'n mighty, eh, Ruud?
But ye'd sell yer sister for a bag o' gold.
In fact... I seem to recall ya did, ya absolute monster!
ruud
...She was a traitor to Bern. I had to do it.
The bounty was... secondary.
scollan
You think you're any better'n me, Ruud? Think again.
You may have fancy armor and a nicely groomed stache...
But how's your obsession with money any better than mine?
ruud
O-Obsession?! I am merely looking to the future--
scollan
Tell me, then. What're ya gonna do with all the gold?
What's the big plan, chief?
ruud
...!

Well, I... ahem...

scollan
No idea, have ya. Just gonna hoard it till ya croak.
'Cause ya LOVE the shine of it. Even though it does nothin' for ya.
It's 'kay. Not judgin' if you're not judgin'!
ruud
Grrr... That's not...
scollan
(smiles) Heh... Ya ain't changed either, brother.
Still got no imagination.

So long. Try not t'get killed, will ya? Heh heh heh...

(Scollan leaves.)
ruud
...Watch your back, Scollan.
Lest you end up with an axe buried in it.
(smiles) ...He must've accrued quite the booty from all his pillaging...

Grigas & Monke

monke
Ho, there. Are you a Bernese archer?
grigas
Ballistician, to be precise.
Grigas, commander of Bern's 11th regiment!
monke
...Hmph. That heap of junk hardly looks manoeuvrable.
grigas
Excuse me? Are you speaking ill of my ballista?
It is far more powerful than that dinky little bow you carry.
It can also fire leagues further, I'll have you know.
monke
Further? I can cut that distance on my horse in a moment.
I can also pull back or change my trajectory at will.
You're a sitting duck. Hopeless against any foe that reaches you.
grigas
As if you are any safer as you dash through the enemy lines.
Such reckless behavior. What if they strike you down?
monke
Don't insult me. I've been riding horses into battle all my life.
I know how to stay out of the reach of spears and swords.
grigas
Well, I've been taking ballistae to battle since before you were born.
You say I am "hopeless" if an enemy were to reach me.
That is perhaps true. However...
It would be a mistake to assume I am an easy target to reach.
Before you could get close enough to distinguish my mustache...
Your body would already be riddled with bolts.
monke
Maybe. Yet my horse is not only good for myself.
I can also assist allies to reach the front faster.
This boy can handle two, even three people riding it at once!
You couldn't take yourself anywhere fast, let alone someone else.
grigas
Perhaps not, but consider this:
Have you ever met a foe your horse just couldn't reach?
Someone standing high atop a mountain or a tower?
Raining down fearsome magic or a hail of arrows on you?
My ballista can reach where mere arms cannot.
monke
...Hmm. Well, I'd say one thing is for certain.
We each have our unique strengths.
I can think of a few battles where I wish I'd had an ally like you.
grigas
Yes. I have to admit you are handy to have around.
Not many in Bern are trained in both bow and horse.
monke
(smiles) May we win many a battle together, my friend.
grigas
(smiles) Hear, hear! In the name of Bern!

Roartz & Carlyle

carlyle
...You...
So this is where the High Traitor was hiding all along.
roartz
Ah...? Wha-- I can't believe what I see!
They roped YOU, of all people, into serving them?
carlyle
They're holding the prince hostage...
That is the sole reason I fight for them!
roartz
The prince, eh. That's what they told you, is it, Carlyle...

(Roartz shakes.)

Grrrrrrr...

carlyle
What's wrong, cur?
Are you upset that the prince is alive, despite your best efforts?
roartz
Please! What care I for that whelp?
He is but a shadow of a past long gone. It's all over, Carlyle!
Etruria is no more...

(Roartz trembles.)

All that I ever built is GONE! Reduced to ashes!

carlyle
All "you" ever built, you pitiful wretch?!
roartz
Deny it, will you. Fool!
I have always been stronger, wiser, smarter... BETTER than the king!
I deserved so much more than the title of High Chancellor.

(Roartz fumes.)

So why should HE sit on the throne instead of me?!
All because I wasn't spit out of the correct womb!
Even though my contributions to our great nation far eclipse his...

(Roartz huffs.)

It's all a bad joke!

carlyle
Mongrel... The royal line dates back to times immemorial!
roartz
Hogwash! What does that matter? What matters is NOW, the present!
And another thing! You keep insulting me, calling me traitor...
As if you do not fight for your precious king's murderers!
carlyle
...Only to secure the safety of his sole heir--
roartz
Don't think I am unaware of your... wants, Carlyle.
You have no true loyalty. You only look out for yourself!
Just the same as Mordred and his son, sitting on their lofty chairs!
That lapdog Douglas, following their say in exchange for treats!

(Roartz trembles with fury.)

My banishment was the killing blow to our country, for...
I am the only one who ever TRULY cared for Etruria!
The ONLY one!!

Graaaaahhh...!

(Roartz storms off.)
carlyle
......
Loath as I am to admit it, I agree with you about one thing...
It truly is all a bad joke, Roartz. And we are living the punchline.

Maggie & Damas

damas
Oi! You there!
maggie
Ah, if it isn't Damas. What can I do for you, hun?
damas
Ya know who I am? Hwahahaha! Of course you do.
I'm a big deal 'round these parts.
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
I always remember the name of hunky guys like you.
But do you know my name?
damas
Think it's Maggie, right?
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
You do know it! I'm honored.
damas
It's handy to know treasure hunters like yerself.
That's what I wanted t'ask ya about, actually.
Got any treasures stashed away somewhere?
We could... talk 'bout 'em somewhere more private.
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
Oh, my... How bold!
Ah, but I'm sorry, sweet thing.
I'm afraid I'm not available. I have one true love.
I could never betray him for anyone else...
(Damas balks.)
damas
What?! The heck'd ya think I was on about, you...
...I mean, you ARE pretty good-lookin' but...
......
(Damas shakes himself.)
damas
Movin' on! Nah, I meant like, money. Gold. Expensive stuff!
Got any o' that I could get off your hands?
For the right price, 'course. Hwahahaha...
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
I do, of course, have some riches in my possession.
I'm afraid they're not up for sale, though.
damas
Wha-- Whaddya want treasure for, then?!
Yer supposed t'sell it for money! Cash! Dough!
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
Aww, honey... There's so much more to treasure than that!
Their beauty, their history...
Treasures are so much more than a means to get cold, hard gold!
damas
...Never did stop t'think 'bout it that way, I'll admit...
But yeah, treasure IS pretty pretty, ain't it?
(Maggie drifts.)
maggie
Now you're talking, honey!
I hope you keep thinking like this, and that next time I see you...
You'll have learned to treasure your treasures as they deserve.
(Maggie leaves.)
damas
...Huh. Nice dude, that one.
Can't believe I'm sayin' this, but I could learn a thing or two.
...Still, no treasure prettier than gold coins! Hwahahahahaha...

Alen

Combat

alen
You may not know me, but I've a score to settle with you.
Lord Eliwood and Merlinus still need avenging!

Death

alen
N...no... Why...here? Lord Roy...

Locations

House 1

young woman
Did you know that at a certain time of day,
a sandbar appears in the bay?
It's a path right through the ocean.
You should try crossing before that, though.
See if you drown.

House 2

man
The tide is very dramatic around here.
I remember once I was getting ready to go fishing,
but by the time I had my boat ready, the tide had already gone out.
You know what else should go out? You lot. How about it?

Village

Default

(Sommie runs into the village and starts bouncing excitedly.)
visitor
What is it, Sommie? What did you find?
sommie
Arf! Arf!
visitor
What a pretty staff... Good boy, Sommie!
Have some beans.
(Sommie bounces happily.)
sommie
Arf!
???
Hey!
(The speaker reveals himself as Acheron.)
acheron
If you'll excuse me, that staff would be mine.
It's a rare artefact and I should like to get it back. Thank you.

...What? Don't look at me like that!
If you want it, you'll have to buy it.
But believe me, this is not a cheap trinket.

...E-Excuse me? Fight for you?
B-But I can't fight! I'm a refuge from Etruria! Lord Acheron!
A noble of Etruria can't just go out there and fight in a war!
...Although... I suppose Bern is looking to win...
Yes, this may just be an agreeable deal for both of us.
(smiles) As they say, if you can't beat them, join them.
And I'm not in for a beating. After you, then.

If Sommie is visiting

(Sommie perks up.)
sommie
...?
(Sommie runs over and bounces excitedly.)
sommie
Arf!
(Sommie starts heading back.)
sommie
Arf! Arf!
???
Hey!
(The speaker reveals himself as Acheron.)
acheron
If you'll excuse me, that staff would be mine.
It's a rare artefact and I should like to get it back. Thank you.

...What? Don't look at me like that!
You can't have it, it's not a bone for you to gnaw on!

(Sommie pounces on Acheron.)

A-Argh! What are you--
Stop! Stop, you rabid hound! This is my best robe...!

(Acheron flails.)

Confound it-- Let go! Let go, let go, let go!
Stop... dragging... me... I'm not... going...!
Gaah!

Ending

zephiel
Where is Guinivere, Murdock?
murdock
She is not here, my liege.
That man we fought before, he was not Ilian.
I believe I saw him before, once.
It was at Ostia, when we were confronted by the Pheraen boy...
zephiel
Is that so? That proves they passed through here...
...We shall have to double our marching speed.
We cannot allow them to reach Bern before we do!
murdock
Yes, Your Majesty...

Character Descriptions

Acheron
A wealthy noble from Etruria. Known as the Weathervane.

Alen
A knight serving Pherae. Passionate and hot-headed.

Ilia
Knights of Ilia.