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Chapter 18A: The Frozen River

Opening

narrator
After defeating the Pheraen knight, Zephiel continues into the frozen lands of Ilia.
He soon enters the thick forests that characterize central Ilia.
However, an Ilian mercenary platoon under Zelot's orders lies in wait.
And they aren't the only ones prowling the area...
soldier
Commander! The Bernese--
(Niime approaches. The soldier balks.)
soldier
...W-Who are you? Where's the commander?
niime
Your commander has fled. I am in charge now.
...Unless you have objections?
soldier
Heck yeah I have objections!
What do you mean, the commander has fled?!
What did you do to him?!
niime
Oh, don't worry about the finer details...
I am on your side. Truly, I am.
I wish to face the Bernese forces myself...
And behold their power with my own two eyes.
soldier
...... Wait...
You're... the Mountain Hermit! Aren't you?!
niime
Good guess.
soldier
I don't understand why you'd help us...
But with your legendary power on our side, we can't lose!
niime
If you say so. Now...
How about we stop arguing about trifles and prepare for battle?
The Bernese will not extend us the courtesy of waiting...
galle
......
murdock
Galle. What is on your mind?
galle
Ah! General...
Forgive me. My mind was elsewhere...
murdock
The battlefield beckons, Galle.
Distractions mean death. Do not forget that.
galle
I know that, General. I am ready.
murdock
...Sigh... Get it out of your system.
Go on, Galle. Tell me what it is.
galle
Is it not obvious?
Have you ever loved anybody, General?
murdock
......
I love my homeland.
You should talk to Brunnya about this.
galle
...That's...
murdock
Forgive me, Galle...
I have never been any good at this kind of thing.
My parents died when I was young. I had no other family.
All my life, I have had nothing but my duty to His Majesty.
I closed off my heart to emotion long ago.
...Or at least, I tried to. It is easier that way.
galle
Easier how?
I cannot imagine it can be easy living like that, General...
murdock
...Easier to tell myself I have not noticed how he's changed...
galle
Come again, General?
murdock
...It's nothing.
I, too, have allowed myself a moment of fleeting distraction.
We have both taken our time. Now let us focus squarely on the battle.
galle
I... suppose we should, yes...

Turn 4

niime
...You there.
soldier
Lady Niime?
niime
I am preparing a spell.
If it works as intended, it should make it rain.
Enough that the rivers will overflow and impede their advance.
soldier
Hahaha! That's the might of the Mountain Hermit for ya!
niime
Not so fast. This is an ancient spell that even I do not fully understand.
There is a risk that the effects will differ from my predictions.
I want you to tell your friends to be ready for anything.
soldier
I shall! Thank you for your help, milady!
(The soldier leaves.)
niime
Oh, don't thank me... I'm doing this for myself.
Dragons... Let's see how you handle this.

Turn 5

(Lim and Denning enter from the southeast.)
lim
......
One with the power to create. Like my master, yet not.
I sense them. I must find them.

Turn 7 (if Niime is still alive)

niime
...I can't guarantee the results will be what we want...
But I suppose I won't know until I try.
Here goes!
zephiel
What's going on?
galle
An enemy spell caster!
zephiel
A powerful one, at that... Watch out, soldiers!
(The river freezes solid.)
niime
Well, I'll be... That's not what I expected.
Oh dear... I may have just helped them...
galle
King Zephiel, report! The rivers have apparently frozen over.
zephiel
What?
galle
The ice is so thick that even knights on horseback can cross them safely.
zephiel
...Interesting. I wonder if they meant to do that...
Either way, it serves our purpose. Charge!

Conversations

Wagner & Carlyle

wagner
(smirks) My, my. Look at yourself.
You are a rather pitiful wretch, are you not?
carlyle
What is the meaning of this insult?
wagner
Hey, I just had an idea.
You're supposed to do anything you're ordered, correct?
If I tell you to do a cartwheel, you have to do it, right?
carlyle
Insolent--
wagner
(serious) You don't want me to tell King Zephiel he doesn't enjoy your...
full cooperation, now do you?
Oh, I imagine that would end poorly for a certain someone...
carlyle
......
wagner
Tell me your king's most embarrassing secret!
carlyle
What?
wagner
Oh? Should I tell the king that he no longer needs the prince ali--
carlyle
He peed himself once during an audience with a Lycian ambassador.
He claimed he had no time to listen to outrageous demands and fled.
The requests were entirely reasonable. He risked crippling our relations for that.
wagner
(grins) Hwahahahahaha! Oh, that's great!
(serious) Hmmm... How about his son, the prince?
carlyle
...Rrgh...!
wagner
Oh, come now! Tell me! I order you to tell me!
carlyle
He... still sleeps with a teddy bear.
He's 23. He's... He's the most beautiful man that ever lived.
wagner
(grins) Hahahahah! That's priceless! I won't question how you know.

(serious) Oh, I've got one that could prove truly spicy.
The prince... Was he truly the king's child?

carlyle
Yes.
wagner
That's rather boring.
...Say, wasn't he a bit too old to have been his dad?
You said the prince was 23. Wasn't the king like, 98 years old?
It's unbelievable his son managed to get himself killed before him.
That princeling boy must've been truly useless.
carlyle
What did you just say?
(Wagner starts.)
wagner
E-Er, I--
(Carlyle storms over to Wagner, who cringes back.)
carlyle
WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!?
wagner
Gah! Gaaah! Cease! Cease! Get back!
I'll tell them! I'll tell them to kill the prince! I will!
D-Don't hurt meeee!!
(Carlyle roughs up Wagner.)
carlyle
......
(Carlyle backs off.)
carlyle
...Slip of the tongue.
They wouldn't have killed him... He's still alive. He must be!
(Wagner regains his composure.)
wagner
Haah... haah... Damnable dullard...!
Look at this! This stain's never going to go away!
Punch yourself in the nose!
carlyle
......
(Carlyle does so.)
wagner
Hmph... That didn't make me feel better.
Bah. I'm bored of you now. Who wants to face my magic?
(Wagner leaves.)
carlyle
...Endure, Carlyle. It'll all be worth it...
I've done so much for him. I've always been so nice to him!
He has to reciprocate my love. He has to...!

Peggy & Kel

kel
...A cold wind blows.
That's going to mess my hair up even more than usual...
peggy
Er... Sir, a-are you sure you'll be okay?
With so many pegasus knights soaring about, I mean.
Your sword can't reach the skies...
And even if it did, it can't do much against all these lances...
kel
I have faced worse odds than this.
I have fought pegasus knights before, too.
You don't have to worry on my account.
This is the lot of a swordsman. Not all bouts are fair.
peggy
Wooow... You're so cool.
I wish I could keep calm like you do.
It seems every time I have to go into battle, well...
My teeth start clattering, my hair stands up..
I-It's awful... But there's nothing else I can do.
In Ilia, it's kill or be killed... By hunger, if not men.
kel
Does your clan not want to take care of you?
In Sacae, the weak are protected by the strong.
The clans stick together. Such is the law of Sacae.
peggy
Whoa... That sounds nice.
Here in Ilia there's no such thing as clans.
Even members of the same group often end up fighting each other.
Gotta follow our orders, no matter how inhumane... All for cold coin.
kel
...Ilia sounds like a terrible place to live.
peggy
It is... I wish I hadn't been born here.
I wish I'd been born in Etruria.
Or Lycia. I'd take Lycia.
I want to be a princess...
Have all the pretty dresses I want, a big sprawling castle...
(smiles) Hot knights following my whims... Ahaha, oh there's a thought!
kel
Er... Excuse me? You need to focus on the battle--
peggy
Ohoho, oh no! A fearsome brigand band has captured me!
Save me, my knight in shining armor! Save your princess...!
Oh no, but you've been injured! I must treat your wounds!
Yes... That's it... Remove that armor for me...
kel
...Surely not all Ilians are like this, are they?
Their fame would be ill deserved if they were...

Ruben & Acheron

ruben
Munchin' Manaketes! There's a face I hadn't expected to see.
(Acheron starts.)
acheron
Ack!
I-I mean... Who might you be?
ruben
C'mon now, Weathervane. Don't play dumb.
My memory's not so bad that I'd forget that ridiculous hairdo.
acheron
H-How dare you!
I'll have you know, my stylist is the best in Etruria!
And besides, who are you to judge my hairstyle?
Look at yourself! You look like a serial killer!
ruben
Only one difference between those and mercs.
They do it for fun. We do it for money.
Now... Wanna become my next victim, Acheron?
acheron
That's not... Why!?
Why would I become your next victim?
I have done nothing to you!
ruben
Yeah. Exactly.
Where's the money you owe me, Acheron?
acheron
I-I don't know what you're talking about.
ruben
You still spouting that rubbish? Let me jog your memory.
You wanted a piece of Count Reglay's territory.
You hired me to help you with your little insurrection.
Lost a lot of good boys that day. Still, we kept you alive.
Then you pinned the blame on us and sent us packin'...
Without the payment we were owed. That ring any bells?
acheron
Well... I can't say I...
(Ruben advances menacingly, and Acheron flinches.)
acheron
All right! All right, calm down, Ruben.
I don't have money on me right now.
But when the war ends, I'll return to my demesne.
I have plenty of gold stored in my castle.
I will pay you your dues. Rest assured of that.
ruben
All of a sudden you remember my name and all, huh.
Okay. But make no mistake. I'm keepin' an eye on you.
You won't worm your way outta this one, "Lord" Acheron.
(Ruben leaves.)
acheron
Balderdash! This is not good...
I'll have to disappear again as soon as the war ends...

(Acheron stomps in frustration.)

Confounded fate! All I wanted was the lands that are rightfully mine!

Lamia & Acheron

lamia
(smirks) My, my, my... What a pleasant surprise.
(Acheron starts.)
acheron
Ack! I-I mean...
Who might you be?
lamia
Come now... You can't have forgotten me.
That's just too cruel, Lord Acheron.
After all the good times we had together.
acheron
E-Er, well... That is, I... verily...
lamia
(serious) Where's my money, Acheron?
acheron
Y-Your money? You'll have to pardon me, I just can't--
lamia
Quit playing dumb, you dandy peacock.
I want the gold you owe me, and I want it now.
You know what I'm capable of. You don't want to piss me off.
acheron
Ah! I--
lamia
Don't you remember, my friend? The fun times we had?
Back when you wanted to take some of Count Reglay's lands for yourself.
You hired my ladies and I to keep their knights entertained.
Had to say goodbye to many of my dear friends that dark day...
Then you had the gall to blame us for YOUR sad excuse for a revolt.
Of course, we had to run. No payment for us.

(smiles) I don't see anybody that could protect you now, though. Do you?

acheron
Look, I'm glad you're okay, Lamia. Truly, I am.
lamia
(scowls) Oh, so now you do remember my name, do you?
acheron
...That being said, I'm afraid I simply don't--
(Lamia advances menacingly, and Acheron flinches.)
acheron
Wait! W-Waaait! Let me finish!
I don't have any money on me at the moment.
When the war ends, though, I'll go back to my demesne.
I've got a lot of gold stored in my castle.
You'll receive your payment! That I swear!
lamia
(smiles) Good boy. See? That wasn't so hard.
Now, if you don't mind, I think I'll stay nearby.
We'll fight better together. And besides...
(serious) That way we make sure you don't get any funny ideas.
(Lamia leaves.)
acheron
Balderdash! This is not good...
I'll have to disappear again as soon as the war ends...

(Acheron stomps in frustration.)

Confounded fate! All I wanted was the lands that are rightfully mine!

Zinque & Nord

zinque
(smiles) Ah, Lord Nord! I did not know you had joined us.
nord
(smiles) Heh heh... Well met, Lord Zinque.
zinque
Glad tidings that we have your power on our side.
I shall fight with a bit more confidence now.
nord
Of course. We shall work together, Zinque.
Just as in the old days of the Isles...
zinque
You were a man best had on one's side, my friend.
I still remember the heinous things you did to your captives...
nord
The captives the rest of you sent to me, Zinque. Don't forget.
You are every bit the sinner I am. Heh heh heh heh...
zinque
(frowns) N-Naturally, Lord Nord.
nord
Ahh, but those were the days.
It always amused me, how living creatures react to dark hexes.
Whether the forest critters I'd test my powers on as a child...
Or the troublemakers you'd send for me to... rehabilitate.
The screams are always so delicious. So... unique.
No two beings scream the same, when they stare into the abyss.
zinque
......
nord
Hah hah hah... Worry not. I won't harm you.
You're a lot more interesting alive, Zinque.
zinque
I shall take that as a compliment, I suppose.
nord
Don't. I can easily predict what your death would sound like.
I much prefer listening to you prattle pedantically about noble nothings.
(Zinque starts.)
zinque
What?!
nord
(scowls) Yes, you may speak so warmly now, Zinque, but I know...
I know how you looked down on me.
Because my noble name was not as prestigious as yours...
I wish I could have seen your face when your castle fell!
How did it feel, Zinque? Being captured by peasants?
zinque
Grrr... My noble name harkens back as far as the royal line!
Yet the court treated me like a base cutpurse...
Fie on them all! Where are they now? Dead and buried!
(smirks) He who laughs last, laughs the longest. Hahahahaha...
nord
(smiles) But I escaped. Unlike you, they could do nothing to me.
Who is truly the lesser noble, when my power is superior by far?
zinque
(scowls) Hmph...
This is not the mainland. The Isles are ruled by might.
nord
(serious) ......
zinque
......
nord
...What?

Zinque & Wagner

zinque
(smiles) Ah, Lord Nord! I did not know you had joined us.
wagner
Nord? My name is not Nord. I am Wagner.
zinque
(frowns) Eh? But I could've sworn... You look like his spitting image!
wagner
I assure you, I don't know this man you speak of.
zinque
Hmm... Well, regardless, well met.
Dark magic as fearsome as yours is rare to come by.
wagner
(smiles) Heh heh heh... Thank you, my good man.
It is also rare to find someone who appreciates it.
zinque
I worked with a dark mage much like you, before.
The entirety of the Isles trembled in fear of him!
wagner
(serious) I assume this is that man, Nord, correct?
zinque
Indeed. Minor lord, he was, but his power was inarguable.
As I hear it, from his early youth he was fascinated by the dark arts.
He was casting dark hexes on little critters before he could grow a beard!
The things he did to the captives we sent his way... Oh, it was truly dreadful!
(smirks) Of course, that is precisely why we sent them to him. Hehehehe...
wagner
Hmm... Sounds like a true scholar of elder magic.
Might I meet this man?
zinque
(frowns) Alas, I haven't the faintest clue what became of him.
He vanished when our mining operation was dismantled.

Confounded fate... Still vexes me so what happened!
Did you know I am of a noble line as ancient as the royal dynasty?
And yet I was treated like a common criminal by the court!
(smiles) Ahh, but where are they now? Dead and buried.
He who laughs last, laughs the longest. Hahahaha!

wagner
Oh, I agree. I killed my lord myself... His terrified face was flawless!
I was treated like a mere errand boy by him. He had no respect for me!
Despite my great power and intellect... Just because I was a peasant!
zinque
(frowns) Oh, you're a peasant?
Hmm... Well, don't forget, it's a peasant's duty to serve their lord.
And a peasant doesn't earn their lord's favor by doing their work poorly...
Perhaps you should have been more dedicated to your labor?
(Wagner balks.)
wagner
Mock me, will you?! I will cook you alive in your armor!
zinque
Hmph...
This is not the mainland. The Isles are ruled by might.
wagner
......
zinque
......
wagner
...What?

Idunn & Lim

lim
Your quintessence is so unique. So strong.
Your aura. It is so similar to his.

You are the one I seek.

idunn
Who are you?
You are not human... Not dragon, either...
lim
I was his masterpiece. I was supposed to die.
I did not die. I kept going.
Even when he was gone. Even when they were all gone.
Even when the pain was... unbearable.
I have wandered the land, seeking another like him.
Another that will make more like me.
idunn
...If His Highness wishes it.
lim
......
idunn
What... is your name?
lim
I am...
Lim.
I am not human. I am not dragon.
I am only...
idunn
...?
lim
I am not Lim. He did not give me that name.
But I am alone. I am incomplete.
My name no longer matters. And...
Yes, neither do I.
idunn
You can come with us...
His Highness could use a powerful mage like you.
lim
I will accompany you. Until my body no longer carries me.
idunn
I... see.
lim
......
idunn
...Who is that behind you?
lim
A friend. The only one that remains.
He served his purpose. Now he travels with me.
He cannot speak, but he will fight if I command it.
We will go with you. Until the end.
idunn
......
Sorrow...? I haven't felt... In such a long time...
I...

Niime

Combat

niime
Good work making it here. To reward you, I give you this:
A show of powers far beyond your comprehension!

Combat w/ Jahn

niime
A war dragon... No. A true dragon.
jahn
THE last true dragon.
niime
Truly an honor. Now, you understand...
I cannot let you live. Nor any of your friends...
jahn
...You are free to try your best.

Combat w/ Ein

niime
A war dragon... Fascinating.
Your creator is not far, is it, dearie?
Please, do bring it to me. I just want to talk...

Combat w/ Idunn

niime
Oho... Would you happen to be the Demon Dragon?
Such a dainty little girl on the surface...
Hoho... Yes! It is truly a pleasure to meet you.

Now to rid the world of you.

idunn
......

Death

niime
Heh heh. Well, I had a decent life...

Locations

Southwest House 1

man
That woman who's guarding the castle...
She said she has some secret weapon. I'd be careful if I were you.
...Wait, why am I telling you this? Burn in hell, degenerates.

Southwest House 2

young woman
You look strong.
But I bet you couldn't beat the Sword Saint.
They say he's on a level all his own.
...I'm not even sure he appears in this hack!

Southeast House

woman
When it gets colder the rivers all freeze over, and we can get to the village in the east without much trouble.
But it's not quite the season, fortunately.
No convenient frozen rivers for you.

Northern House

young man
Hey, are you the Bernese Army that the old lady was talking about?
I heard she was originally planning to join you guys,
but for some reason she joined up with Ilia instead.
What is she thinking?

Southeast Village

old woman
Are you the Bernese Army?
Sigh... A bunch of wyvern riders flew through here just the other day, too.
When will we have peace again?
Here, take this. Just don't hurt us!
(The visitor receives a Secret Book.)

Northwest Village

man
I was told that this goddess icon would bring me good luck...
But I pray to it everyday, and you're still here.
That con man tricked me! Here, take it.
Just looking at it is making me angry.
(The visitor receives a Goddess Icon.)

Northeast Village

girl
I was playing outside and this ring fell from the sky!

...A gift from the gods?
Nah, someone on a pegasus or wyvern probably dropped it.
Here, take it. I prefer my dolls anyway.

...Hey, wait! Don't take my doll too, you poopyhead!
Waaaaaaaah! Moooom! That bad guy took my doll!

(The visitor receives a Master Seal.)

Ending

zephiel
Such a powerful user of dark magic...
A shame we stood on opposite sides.
We could have used one of her power.

Regardless, there is no reason for us to tarry here.
We continue to pursue the traitors!

galle
...Ah, y-yes...
zephiel
Galle?
Before, I heard no hesitation in your voice.
To be frank, I was more confident in you than even your fellow generals.
That is no longer the case. Why is that?
galle
Your Majesty, I...
I loved her, Your Majesty.
zephiel
Loved who?
galle
Melady...
zephiel
...Hmph. Pathetic.
(Galle starts.)
galle
...!
zephiel
You will clear your mind of such pitiful thoughts.
You do not want to be branded a traitor alongside her...
Love... Pah! Such a worthless notion.
Quite human, at that. Dispense with it!
(Zephiel leaves.)
galle
W-Worthless...?

(Galle shakes himself.)

It is my loyalty that is a worthless notion...
What a terrible mistake I have made!

Character Descriptions

Lim
A mysterious mage of unclear origins and an unsettling visage.

Denning
Lim's mysterious companion. Apparently mute.

Niime
The Mountain Hermit. Has devoted her life to research and study.

Ilia
Knights of Ilia.

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

Brigand
Brigands who roam the mountains.