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Chapter 6: Ambush Amid the Trees

Opening

narrator
The United Margravates of Glamorgan is a coalition of territories that seceded from Tartaros nearly 200 years ago.
It is Tartaros's southernmost bordering neighbor, and their relations have historically been, at best, tense.
Glamorgan does not share Tartaros's animosity towards so called heresy. They have, in the past, granted asylum to refugees.
At present, the theocracy and the union maintain an uneasy peace, not having warred for the last two decades...
kyra
How many times have I gone hunting in this forest?
Now I am the one being hunted, and who knows when I'll see these woods again.
apate
Do not lose hope. The time of your return will come.
And this time, your brother will be healthy.
kyra
Gee, how encouraging of you.
You don't need to lay it on that thick, you know? You got me already.
You can stop with the manipulation tactics.
apate
...Think of me what you will. You are doing the right thing.
That is just the truth.
kyra
If you say so.

(Edward and Pericles approach.)

edward
Kyra! You hear all the rustling?
It's driving the folks nuts... And I'll admit, me too!
kyra
There's always rustling in the woods, Redbeard.
Don't get antsy. We need to stick together.
pericles
Are you certain you know where we are going, Dame Kyra?
kyra
Please. I know this forest like the palm of my hand.
I don't usually stray this far, but I know which direction the border is.
Kyra
We keep going this way and we'll be at the bank of the Lesmosyne.
Then we'll just have to make our way downstream to the frontier.
pericles
...And you can assure me that the rustling is no cause for concern?
kyra
Unless you're afraid of boars, no.
Although you should be. If we find a boar, be sure not to--
apate
Kyra, this is too much noise for animals in the wilderness.
kyra
And how would you know it?

...Wait... I think I hear it too now.
Metal clanking...

(Pericles starts.)
pericles
Confound it! They found us!
kyra
What? There's no way they managed to set up an ambush already!
The woods are large and we could've headed in any direction!
apate
True, but the Grand Inquisitor is unlikely to have been resting on her laurels.
No doubt she placed a price on our heads before we even left that fort.
That would prompt many to scour the forest, seeking our trail.
edward
Yeah, got to be bounty hunters. Desperate enough to blindly search the woods.
Looks like it's their lucky day... or unlucky.
pericles
Let us make it their most unfortunate! To battle, Dame Kyra!
edward
I'll stick to the back and keep our things and Eli safe.
pericles
Then I shall do the same.
kyra
I doubt these morons are in their element out here.
Let's ensnare them in their own web, people!

Base Camp

Hestia

hestia
Ah, Kyra! Glad you decided to swing by.
You know, you're in luck.
kyra
How do you figure?
hestia
Before our paths collided, I was busy with a personal project.
I was making a special bow. Just for the fun of it.
But now I have the perfect person to give it to.
Consider it a token of my gratitude.
For taking us in and dealing with Peri's nonsense.
kyra
Well, I do appreciate your group's help. Pericles included.
He may be a bit difficult, but I can tell his heart's in the right place.
hestia
Yeah... He's come a long way.
kyra
Hmm? What do you mean?
hestia
...Never mind. I shouldn't be talking about him behind his back.
Anyway, the bow's not ready yet, but it shouldn't take me too long.
It'll probably be good to shoot before we cross the border.
Make sure to come fetch it as soon as you can!
I have a bad tendency to misplace things.
If you don't come get the things I make for you, I may lose them...
kyra
I'll, uh, keep that in mind. Thanks a lot, Hestia.

Raleigh

Raleigh
We're going to Glamorgan now? Not even a moment's rest?
You know, I spent three months as a knight in the order.
With you, I have spent three days.
Take a guess where I've seen the most action.
It almost makes me yearn for the days of pointless marching and training...
I owe you, though, and unlike my former peers, I value loyalty.
Let it be known that I did not ask for this, though!

Eupraxia

Eupraxia
(smiling) Ah, our leader. Have I introduced myself to you yet?
My name is Eupraxia. I shall lend a hand for the time being.

(Kyra becomes agitated.)

Kyra
...Oh, no! One shady old woman is quite enough, thanks.
You're going to explain what your deal is or I'm kicking you out.
Eupraxia
(frowns) My, how rude! I'll have you know, there isn't that much to me.
I have lived a life of solitude in the forest. I grew tired of it, however.
I have decided to shake the cobwebs off and spread my wings anew.
I do not believe that's a crime...
Kyra
You joined an army to “spread your wings?”
Eupraxia
Well, you'll be moving about quite a bit, no?
Kyra
C'mon! You're a skilled mage!
Powerful mages don't just grow on trees!
Eupraxia
My studies into anima yielded such a side effect, indeed.
It has come in handy, but that is all it is.
Kyra
...And you lived right next to the brigands' fort!
So much for solitude! What's up with that?
Eupraxia
Ah, yes, those rapscallions...
I was already there when they occupied the fort.
(smiles) They tried to rob me one time. Truly adorable.
I tried to go easy on them. The poor kids...
Kyra
......
Eupraxia
Is that all, my dear? I hope I have cleared all of your doubts.
Kyra
...No?
Eupraxia
That's too bad...
Kyra
(closes eyes) ...Sigh...

Begoña, Fango, & Lopez

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
Begoña
You heard what they say? We might leave Tartaros entirely.
Gimme your advice, guys. I think we should stick with 'em, but...
López
Nah, let's just split up and stick around on our own!
Tartaros has treated us so very well, after all.
It's definitely worth wasting this opportunity to stay here!
Fango
...He's saying he agrees, and I agree too.
Workin' with these guys is way better than banditry!
Begoña
Good. I figured, just wanted to run it by you.
(smiles) Haha... You believe this, guys? We might get to wipe the slate clean!
We ain't criminals in Glamorgan. We're just... us.
Could be a good chance to start over, you never know.
López
Heh heh... Guess we'll have to make a name for ourselves again.
Soon their locks will all know 'bout the extraordinary López's skills!
Fango
Their merchants will know of Tough Fango's battering ram arms!
López
No pockets left unpicked!
Fango
No skulls left uncracked!

(Begoña becomes agitated.)

Begoña
(scowls) Dumb donkeys, both of you! Do you have flea drool for brains?!
We try anything, the runt'll turn us into pincushions!
Fango
W-Wait, but boss! You mean to say we...
López
...will have to...
Begoña
Sorry, boys... But I'm afraid so.

We will have to... go clean!

(Fango and López gasp.)

López
What?! But what'll I do then?! I don't know how clean people work!
Fango
Yeah, we know, believe me.
López
Hey! What's that supposed to--
Fango
But boss, all I know is how to hit people really hard!
You imagine me working as a... barkeep or somethin'?!
Begoña
Urgh... Calm down, you fools.
For now, let's keep giving it our all for the runt. That's worked so far.
Somethin' tells me she's just gonna keep getting into trouble...
López
...Yeah, that oughta work!
(grins) Hehehe! I'll repossess so many riches in our employer's name!
Fango
(grinning) I'll pummel all of her enemies into the ground!
Begoña
(smiles) ...Aw, heck. What am I gonna do with you two?
I can't even stay mad atcha. C'mon, group hug!
Fango
Group hug!
López
Group hug it is!

[The group gains 2 Luck.]

Glaucus

kyra
Well, it's happened just as you predicted.
We're leaving Tartaros.
glaucus
(smiles) It was a pretty safe bet.
Glamorgan, right? That's the right call.
The place's beautiful this time of year.
And you won't find any inquisition sympathizers there.
I had half a mind to desert and make my way there myself.
kyra
How convenient for you that we showed up, then.
glaucus
You said it.
kyra
So I guess you'll only accompany us as far as Glamorgan?
glaucus
Who knows? The future is not written.
I figure I'll stick with you for a while, as long as you stay there.
I mean, I can't imagine you'll be stupid enough to want to return.
kyra
...I suppose we'll see.
Well, for the time being, welcome to the team, um...
Oh, I don't think we introduced each other before. I'm Kyra.
glaucus
(smiles) Glaucus. A pleasure.

Elias & Edward

elias
Kyra, Uncle Ed says we have to go again...
kyra
I'm really sorry, big guy. But we weren't safe there.
We need to get out of the country, out of the holy knights' reach...
elias
It's all right. I get it.
Don't worry about me. I'm ready to travel...
edward
C'mon, Eli. Don't try to put on a strong face.
You know you don't need to do that around us.
elias
I-I just don't wanna worry Kyra...
kyra
...Are you truly able to march, Elias?
Please, just be honest. I'll worry more if you aren't.
elias
...U-Uh... I'm so sorry... I haven't been sleeping well...
kyra
Damn...
edward
(smiling) Chin up, both of you! Long faces don't suit ya.
When we get going, just hop on my back!
I'll be yer personal steed, Prince Eli.
elias
N-No! I don't want to give you trouble!
edward
Trouble? C'mon, how weak do you think I am?
(smiles) Look at these bulgin' muscles!

(Edward flexes.)

Ooo.... Harrumph...!

Gaahhh! Ahh, my back...!

elias
Pffft-- Ahahaha...
kyra
Grow up, Redbeard.
edward
Gehahaha... Just kiddin'! See? Fit as a butcher's dog!
I'll carry ya to the ends of the world if I must!
kyra
See, big guy? You don't need to worry about yourself.
You couldn't cause nearly as much trouble for Redbeard as he can!
edward
Hey...
elias
T-Thanks... I'm lucky to have you both.
edward
Aww... I ain't used to that kinda sappy talk, you know that!
kyra
...Heh...

Enemy Turn 1

irene
(grinning) Sniffffffff...[A] You smell that, lads? That's what MONEY smells like!
We found the mongrels! You know what to do next!
We get a thousand gold for each head we place at the Grand Inquisitor's feet!
Let's bring her enough that she'll be able to make herself a throne with them!
Then we can make ourselves thrones made out of pure gold!
We'll all be sittin' pretty! Go, go, go! Up and at 'em!

Enemy Turn 2

pluto
......

(Pluto begins moving towards Apate.)

When Player Unit Approaches Southeastern Corner

irene
What in tarnation?! They're mowing us down!
The heck are you doing, lads?! Charge!
I want everyone chasing 'em down, pronto!

(All remaining units move towards the player units.)

Conversations

Apate & Pluto

pluto
......
apate
......
pluto
You...
You smell the same as I do.
apate
...Do you mean to compare yourself to me?
Foolish child. Cease the theatrics and loose your arrow!
pluto
......
apate
......
pluto
...Hmph.
I will not fire upon a hapless old lady.
My bow cries for the blood of worthy foes.
Yet my code of honor forbids this battle.
Leave, before it is too late for you.
apate
Do you believe speaking like this makes you appear imposing?
This world is filled with monsters under the guise of humans.
Who are you, in comparison to those who are truly wicked?
A wailing babe, fresh out of a womb, yearning for greatness.
pluto
......
Your tongue is as sharp as your blade...
apate
Vexatious imbecile-- I do not wield a blade!
But I will knock the panache out of you with my staff if I must!
pluto
......
You are a worthy opponent after all. I am bested.
I am Pluto. Bid me turn my bow to your defense, and I shall.
apate
Fascinating... I will take you up on your offer.
However, make no mistake.
I am not the one being defended. It is you whose life is being saved.
Prove to me why this shadowed soil should not be your grave!
pluto
......

Irene

Combat

irene
(smirking) What a motley crew! It's so cute!
I'll show you what a REAL merc band looks like!

Combat w/ Kyra

irene
Hey! You the one giving orders to this lot, right?
There's a price on all your heads, you know, but...
Tell you what. We're both reasonable adults.
(smiles) The inquisition only really cares about the heretic.
Let me grab her, nice and easy,
and you get to take home a part of the reward...
kyra
Thanks, but I'll pass.
irene
You... You'll pass?
What kinda mercenary are you?
kyra
I don't betray allies of mine for money.
irene
...Ahhh, I see what my mistake was.
You ain't no adult. You're just a kid!
(smirks) In that case, take a good look.
This is what a real merc looks like!
Kyra
Is that so?
I better start calling myself something else, then.
irene
(scowls) Grrrrr! You're so annoying!
You asked for it! Time to die!

Combat w/ Pluto

irene
Ohh, now you've done it.
I never liked you anyway. Get ready to die!
pluto
......
My code of honor prevents me from fighting women...
irene
(smirks) Good! Sit still and let me tear you limb from limb!
pluto
......
I can't let myself be killed. Not yet...
irene
(scowls) Grr... I almost pity these guys. You're their problem now...
If any of you survive my rage, that is!

Death

irene
(smiles) Heh... No pain... No gain... Unnh...

Ending

kyra
Well, if I hadn't already made my choice, I would've made it now.
This is going to be our life until things change, isn't it?
apate
And these are the small fishes.
As we continue to defy the theocracy, they will attack us with greater strength.
kyra
...You know, in another life, I might've been the naïf hunting you down.
apate
What is the point of this line of conversation, Kyra?
kyra
We're clearly going to be stuck together for a while.
Is it so bad to try to get along?
apate
We are likely to be found by more hunters if we linger in the woods.
I believe you said the border is not too far off.
kyra
Sigh... Yeah, I get it, I get it. C'mon, this way...

Character Descriptions

Pluto
A marksman of few words and fewer social skills.

Irene
A ruthless and greedy mercenary who will do anything for riches.

Sellsword
Blades-for-hire looking for monetary opportunities.