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Chapter 9: Forbidden Shadow

Opening

fiadh
Place's dead ahead.
kyra
What can we expect, Fiadh?
fiadh
A farce, that's what. These idiots are all bark and no bite.
An army of the “undead,” right. Where'd they pull that crud from?
What do you think, expert heretic? Sounds like anything to you?
apate
It sounds profoundly stupid.
fiadh
Exactly. And look at this nonsense!
Old ruins, abandoned castle, dark woods... The whole nine yards.
kyra
It seems... cliché, doesn't it?
apate
Like any mediocre book about lifewringers and death cults.
fiadh
It's only missing the head honcho using magic to appear from thin air.
Just so he can gloat at us and leave without actually doing anything.

(A spellsword teleports in front of them.)

fiadh
What do you know. Turns out I'm the sorcerer. I can see the future.
pericles
How can you be so calm?! We have just witnessed...
Teleportation... Forbidden arts!
Who are you?! State your name!
polonius
(grinning madly) Eeheeheehee! I am Polonius, the great necromancer!
Are you trembling yet? You should start right about now!
My powers are beyond the comprehension of feeble worms!
kyra
Since you look like a... very decent fellow, I'll try asking nicely first.
Grab your posse of the “undead” or whatever and get lost.
polonius
(still grinning) Fools... Don't you know who I am?
fiadh
You just told us, moron.
polonius
(still grinning) Heh heh heh... You are about to witness a power that will leave you astounded!
But first, a test, if you will. Survive, and I shall reward you with my attention!
Eeheeheehee! Dead or alive, I shall see you on the other side!

(Polonius teleports away.)

fiadh
Aaaand what did I tell you? Gloated and left.
I'm already looking forward to putting an arrow in his butt.
edward
(smiles) I don't know, I'm actually having fun with this.
It's like watching a bad play, but we're in it!
(Pericles sputters.)
pericles
I am surrounded by-- Can you not grasp the gravity of the situation?!
The man can teleport! A feat thought lost to time!
He is not just a heretic, he is... T-The heretic-in-chief!
kyra
Huh. I always thought that would have to be Apate.
Say, Apate! Why don't you try teleporting around too?
That'd be a pretty handy power to have.
apate
This charade is trying my patience.
Let us apprehend the clown and be done with it.
fiadh
Finally, someone with a sense of urgency.
The sooner we wrap up, the sooner I can get back to the margrave.
The sooner I'm back, the less risk that I'll find him dead.
edward
Can't argue with that, I guess.
Shall we see what's in store for us, Kyra?
kyra
To the castle it is.
Be careful, everyone. The woods are rather dense here.
There may be enemies waiting to ambush us amid the trees.

Base Camp

Hestia & Tiresias

hestia
Hmm... I'm thinking about what I could make for you next.
kyra
You're doing enough as it is. You don't have to worry...
hestia
Now that Tiresias is here, maybe something magic-inclined...
Then again, I don't want to distract him from his research.
tiresias
(smiles) Please, it would hardly be a problem.
I can't just spend my every waking moment researching.
What better way to take a break than setting my creativity free?
hestia
No, no, I don't want to pull you away from your... secret project.
tiresias
Ohh, yes... That.
kyra
...?
hestia
Hmm... Maybe I'll try making one of those fancy weapons that can strike twice.
Yeah, you'd like one of those, wouldn't you, Kyra?
kyra
You can just make them?
hestia
(smirks) What, you thought people get them by planting seeds?
Someone's got to make 'em. I never have, myself, but...
It should be a fun challenge. Get back to me in a while.
kyra
Will do. Thanks as always, Hestia.

Fiadh

kyra
Hello, Fiadh.
fiadh
......
kyra
...Er... So. How's it hanging?
fiadh
It's hanging.
kyra
Right, right...

......

fiadh
......
I'm making you uncomfortable, aren't I?
kyra
Is it that obvious?
fiadh
Well, it's what I'm trying to do.
I want you to be afraid of me. Just a little bit.
kyra
...Mind telling me why?
fiadh
I don't know yet what you intend to pull here.
kyra
Didn't the margrave get you up to speed before we set out?
We're trying to bring the hierophant of Tartaros to justice, and--
fiadh
Yes, I know what you claim to be your goal.
kyra
You don't trust us, do you?
fiadh
The margrave has often told me of his dear friend, Edward.
He vouches for him, and by extension, the rest of you.
...That is why I cannot afford to trust you.
It shocks me that he doesn't see this for the blind spot that it is.
kyra
Wow, you're paranoid.
If we had any ulterior motives, why not just let you all die to those assassins?
fiadh
It doesn't have to be all of you.
If the margrave says Edward is trustworthy, I believe him.
Edward says you're trustworthy. I could believe him, too.
You say that cantankerous hag of yours is trustworthy.
The hag isn't worried about the knight stabbing her in the back.
Then there's the whole jolly cadre you've brought along.
This chain of trust is far too long, with far too many links.
Can you guarantee to me that none of those links will break?
kyra
......
Okay, I do have to admit, I see your point, but none of us...
fiadh
Were you about to assure me that none of you could possibly be a traitor?
Stopping halfway through such a sentence says more than any words ever could.
kyra
There are... suspicions. But if anyone's getting stabbed in the back, it's us.
I doubt anybody here holds any grudges against the margrave.
fiadh
You doubt it, just like I doubt everything you just said.
So just in case, I'm going to keep glaring at everyone.
[narrows eyes] So they know my arrows will land in some very uncomfortable places,
should anyone harbor any funny ideas towards my liege.
kyra
You keep at it.
fiadh
...Make no mistake, though. So far as none of you give me cause to oppose you,
my bow arm will follow your say, and my arrows will find only your foes' flesh.
kyra
That's something, at least.

Órlaith

kyra
Oh, hi there. You're coming with us too?
Órlaith
The margrave said, since we're already acquainted, I should tag along.
I don't know if you really need the extra help. You're plenty strong.
kyra
Thanks, but still, never hurts to have more.
Say, what's your name? I uh, didn't have the chance to ask.
Órlaith
Órlaith. Sorry about that, by the way.
I don't really like talking much, to be honest.
kyra
That's all right. You're more amicable than Fiadh, at any rate.
Órlaith
(smiles) Hah... Well, Fiadh would take an arrow if it meant someone else didn't take it.
(serious) Rue the day you make an enemy of her, though...
Or the day you mildly inconvenience her.
Getting chewed out by her is a rite of passage for new Pyrite recruits.
kyra
Yikes...
Órlaith
Hold your yikeses. It may seem like inferno, but you'd be surprised.
The margrave seems convinced Wrexham doesn't need a proper knight commander,
so she usually ends up acting the part. And she's actually really good to us.
I never saw her refuse a sick day, ignore a plea or mock a moment of weakness.
Once you get used to her personality, she's a surprisingly nice boss.
kyra
Huh. You're right, that IS surprising.
But enough about Fiadh. Tell me more about yourself, if you want.
Órlaith
There's not much to tell. I'm from a village near the keep.
A knight once helped me to find my toy when I was a kid.
I wanted to become a knight so I could help people like that.
Then I did. And now I'm here. The end.
kyra
Ah.
Órlaith
Boring, huh?
kyra
Hey, I've got enough people with secrets and tragic tales in this army.
Órlaith
(smiles) Well, I'm just boring.
kyra
(smiles) If anything, I find that rather refreshing.
Glad to have you here, my boring friend.
Órlaith
And I'm glad to be here!

Soter & Pericles

soter
(smiling) Kyra, my fair companion! How fare you today?
kyra
(smiling) Better now that we're out of the lion's den, Soter.
(serious) But not as well as I'll be when this is all over.
soter
Indeed, indeed... Alas, that goes without saying.
kyra
What were you two doing? Recounting old war stories?
pericles
He and I are the only proper holy knights in our midst, if only formerly.
Regardless of how it ended for both of us, it was a part of our lives.
Soter sought me out, seeking to indulge in some reminiscing.
soter
I get nostalgic, Kyra. It is common, at our age.
Sometimes I yearn for days long past...
pericles
...I must admit that I differ.
kyra
Wait, you're not the nostalgic type, Pericles?
That's a surprise. I thought it lined up with the rest of... uh...
pericles
Do not sugarcoat it, Kyra. I know who I am.
But no, I do not count wistfulness among my many flaws.
Truth be told, Pericles, the undyingly loyal holy knight of an era bygone...
is perhaps the person I despise the most in the entire world.
kyra
Whoa... Strong words. Grandiloquent, but strong.
Is that why you've such a chip on your shoulder about the theocracy?
pericles
...I mislike this topic. Could we please speak of brighter matters?
soter
(smiles) Verily! Where was I before our friend interrupted us?
Ah, yes. I was speaking of that one mission.
A group of heretics was somewhere in the capital.
We were tasked with reigning them in.
You would not believe where they attempted to hide!
pericles
......
Pardon me. I... I feel a tad lightheaded.
Perhaps it is what we had for supper...
I will excuse myself now.

(Pericles leaves.)

soter
...I-Is it something I said?
kyra
I don't think his memories of the inquisition are as fond as yours, Soter...
soter
I would not exactly call them fond, Kyra. I did leave, after all.
But yes, I must concede that I do not bear his burning hatred for my old life.
kyra
I cannot help but wonder what went down.
It must've been something bad, to cause such resentment.
Who wronged this man?
soter
Perhaps nobody wronged him at all. Regret takes many forms, Kyra.
The work of a holy knight often called for difficult decisions.
'Tis why I departed. There were orders I could not abide.
kyra
So you think he did abide them, and now he...?
soter
......
I merely ramble, as I tend to do. I do not know him well enough.
kyra
Well, he'll have to sort out his demons on his own. We can't help him there.
But we can help him with his quest to make this world a better place.
There we are of identical minds, through and through.
soter
I, too, shall do my part. To right the wrongs of the past...
kyra
I'm counting on you as always, Soter.
Better not get distracted by memories on the field.
soter
(smiles) It upsets me that you believe there is any need to remark that!

[Soter gains 1 Strength.]

Phobos & Begoña

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
phobos
H-Hey! Wait a minute, you...!
Begoña
Wha-- You! The runt's runt!
The runtest runt... The head runt!
phobos
Quit calling me a runt, would you?
Begoña
Whaddya want?
phobos
......
I-I just want you to know that...
Your crimes are neither forgiven nor forgotten!
Begoña
[mocking smile] Oh, that it? Thanks, man, 'preciate it!
Can you get outta my way now?
phobos
...I just don't get it.
H-How can you be so... shameless?
We broke you out of prison, after you raided our village!
After you put our families' lives in danger!
And you have the gall to walk around like nothing's wrong!
Like we're all just good friends, like you aren't a criminal!
Begoña
Hey! I've stayed clean since you busted me out.
All I've done is help you runts out as much as I could.
(Phobos becomes agitated.)
phobos
T-That's not enough! You've done so much harm...!
Begoña
What? Did your mama catch a booboo during our attack or something?

...Look, boy, I shouldn't have to be the one to tell you this, but...
The world ain't rainbows and sunshine. I've had it rough, too. We all did.
You think it was fun for us to be brigands? Huh?

phobos
...Well, yes. It sure seemed like it!
Begoña
Baahh... Okay, fine! We did enjoy ourselves pillagin' and robbin'!
We had camaraderie! We had freedom! It was nice, dammit! Guilty as charged!
So what? We all still woulda picked honest work a million times if we could!
phobos
Oh yeah?!
Begoña
We're here, ain't we?
phobos
...!
Begoña
You got no idea what it's like in the northern peaks.
Life in the untamed wilderness of the Pyrenees...
Where only rogues, mad dogs and disgraced losers dare go.
Those who did go, settled as they could and built somethin' of a life...
And y'know what happens when people build a life? They have kids.
phobos
So you mean...
Begoña
We were born there. We never knew nothin' other than strife and violence.
What else could we do, if not be outlaws in greener lands?
People like us got two choices: That or mercenary work.
Real mercenary work, not the lil' children's play you runts put on.
Work that is barely a couple steps removed from brigandry, really...
phobos
......
I'm sorry. I-It's true, you've not done anything bad since you joined us...
Forgive me. I-I'll step out of your way now...
Begoña
Listen here. Phobos, wasn't it?
'Cause I'm nicer than you give me credit for, I'll give you some free advice.
I can tell yer a nice lad. You've lived yer whole life with family and friends.
It's made you happy, but it's also given ya a shortsighted view of the world.
It makes you unfairly judge people as “bad”... or worse.
It makes you ripe for the picking for the kind of bad person that plays good.
phobos
......
Begoña
We're in this together now. Stay safe out there, will ya?

(Begoña leaves.)

phobos
...T-That's... not how I expected that to go...
Huh.

Edward

edward
(smiling) What'd I tell you? Was I right or was I right?
Barlowe's a great dude. I knew he wouldn't let us down.
kyra
Yeah, he seemed like a decent sort, for a nobleman...
What was that all about, though?
edward
What was what all about?
kyra
When we first met him.
You two started acting like you'd lost your minds.
For a moment I thought that was our plan down the gutter...
edward
(smiles) Oh, yeah! Hahaha... I guess it'd look weird, wouldn't it.
It's just a thing we have. We enjoy re-enacting our first meeting.
kyra
...By making noises and pretending to throw punches at one another?
edward
We weren't pretending back then, believe me.
It was a long time ago. We were younger. Dumber.
Different priorities, different outlooks on life...
You told us in a couple decades I'd be going to him for help,
we'd both have laughed you out of the room.
kyra
Sheesh, what did you do, Redbeard?
edward
C'mon, why's it gotta be me that instigated the fight?
He may look so wise, affable and solemn now,
but he was every bit the piece of work I was back then.
I oughta tell you more another time.
kyra
Right...

So, who won the fight?

edward
(smiles) Pshaw! He was always a thinker, not a fighter.
kyra
So he's not the one who turned you into a cyclops?
edward
Bahahah! Nah, I'll tell you that story some other time.
But for now I'd better stop myself.
You don't have the time to sleep through Redbeard's Storytime.
kyra
Hey, I always have time to sleep through Redbeard's Storytime.
edward
Baahh...

Elias & Pheme

elias
Hey, Kyra... Are we going to be staying at that palace?
pheme
Gosh, please say yes...
kyra
What? Oh, you mean the margrave's keep?
(smiles) Heh... Liked what you saw, did you, Elias?
elias
W-Well, while everyone else was distracted, I may've...
snuck into one of the bedrooms. I was very tired, and...
kyra
(smiles) It'll be our little secret, big guy.
pheme
That's us. Known for being great at keeping secrets!
kyra
(frowns) Pheme, would you please not spread this one around?
pheme
I-I have some restraint, boss! The secret'll stay secret!
elias
Y-Yeah... I guess it will, huh...
kyra
What? What's that look for?
...Did you get caught?

(Elias shifts awkwardly.)

elias
I... S-Sorry! I don't think it'll get you in trouble with the margrave.
A guy just walked in! I didn't have any time to hide or anything.
But he just said “try not to oversleep, your companions will be worried.”
Then he smiled and closed the door. I guess it was just a servant.
I preferred to be safe than sorry, so I left to go looking for you.
kyra
I see...

(smiles) So, was the bed comfortable?

elias
It was... bliss. I've never laid on such a nice bed before.
So that's what sets nobles apart from peasants, huh...
kyra
Well, that and a lot more things, but yeah, they can afford nicer beds.
pheme
(smiling) Honestly, who cares about the rest? I'd take the beds alone...
That was the best nap I've taken in my whole life.
kyra
...Wait a minute...
Why are YOU talking about the beds, Pheme?

(Pheme shifts guiltily.)

pheme
I-I totally didn't go snooping around the margrave's castle!
I was just uh... I was tired too! Like your brother!
What, Elias is the only one who gets to sneak around?
kyra
That's different.
When he does it, it's endearing. When you do it, it's a crime.
Please tell me you at least didn't get caught...
pheme
(smirks) Pshaw! I'm way better at hide-and-seek than him!
elias
Hey...
kyra
Pheme, I swear...
elias
(smiling) So are we going to be staying there after this is done?
Please tell me we are. It's so nice there.
kyra
I'm not sure, but uh... The margrave struck me as a reasonable fellow.
He might let you stick around, if I ask him.
elias
Only me? What about you?
kyra
I can't afford to take a vacation. There's so much I have to do.
elias
Aren't you tired?
You've been running around and fighting so much lately...
kyra
You're worried about me, now? C'mon, big guy...
elias
I'm always worried about you, Kyra. I'm your brother.
kyra
Guess that's the lot of a sibling, huh. Always worrying.
pheme
Older, younger, doesn't matter. Worrying is what siblings do.
At least, the ones that get along. Our neighbor and his sister--
kyra
Say, what did the guy who found you look like?
elias
Er... Bald, but he had a big beard and these funny little glasses.
kyra
(smiles) ...Right...
elias
Why are you smiling like that all of a sudden? You know him?
kyra
(still smiling) Don't worry about it.

Enemy Turn 1

(Polonius teleports in front of the enemy commander.)
polonius
Eeheeheehee! Now, my pretties, your time to play has arrived!
Visitors amass at the entrance of our twisted woods,
vying to see us beaten, humilliated and evicted!
Fulfill your task, mercenaries, and send them all packing!
david
Uh-huh... So, when are you paying us?
You told me last week you needed more time, and I decided to be nice.
But my boys are getting antsy. I am too, for that matter.
(Polonius harumphs.)
polonius
You DARE to question my grand designs!
Fool! Don't you know who I am?
My powers are beyond the comprehension of feeble worms!
(David looms menacingly.)
david
Do you want to know who my fist is?
(Polonius backs away.)
polonius
Bah... I told you, those villagers are proving to be a brave sort!
They ignored my multiple warnings of calamity striking at their doorstep!
david
If you'd let us go and kill a few old farts, that'd get them to spit out the coin.
Just saying. That's an order we'd all be happy to follow.
(Polonius becomes agitated.)
polonius
Dishonorable dastard! Such barbaric ideas!
What good is being king of a kingdom of corpses?!
We shall call these lands, and their treasures, ours soon!
But not like that! So sheathe that blade before I cast my hexes on you!
david
......
polonius
Keep the pests away from my castle!
Do not fail me, David, or you shall regret it dearly!
Heh heh heh heh...

Eeheeheeheehee!

(Polonius teleports away.)

david
...Grrrr...
Hmph! That's it. The charlatan's time has just ran out.
Listen up! Wrap this up as quick as you can, men.
The moment it's over, we're taking the castle by storm.
We'll kill the swindler and his little swarm of fleas,
and take our payment by force! Get it done already!

Alonso & Teresa Arrive

(A holy knight and wyvern rider enter from the west.)
alonso
Lo, Teresa. Direct your gaze eastward.
See you the windmills, overtaken by an ignoble host of evil?
teresa
Oh, not again... Lord Alonso, I see no windmills!
All I see is some kind of... t-terrifying giant!
We should avoid picking a fight with him, my lord!
alonso
If thine own rear was beset by rambunctious bees, Teresa,
you would not see! Clearly yonder, the windmills are!
Seized by unholy fiends, yet not for long!
teresa
My lord, I implore you to think of our well-being for once in your life.
There is a host all right - of dangerous ruffians that'll shred us to bits!
We'd do well to avoid them entirely while we still can.
Especially if your sole intention is to save some windmills that don't exist!
alonso
My dear shieldbearer, I beg thee to resist the veil of deceit.
Soon shalt we find the sorcerer that casted it upon you.
Then you shall see, glean all truths and falsehoods!
Onwards, now! Glorious combat amid the holy Mother's windmills!
(Alonso charges into the fray.)
teresa
Nooooo! Lord Alonso!!
Ahh, what a mess... And the worst part is that now I have to follow him!
...Urgh... Actually, you know what? I'm sure he'll be fine.

(Teresa flies into the forest, at the outskirts of the battle.)

Conversations

Kyra & Alonso

alonso
Aha! You there!
I see you are a knight of the holiest order!
kyra
A wha-- Okay, now I've heard everything.
Me, a holy knight? Are you blind, old timer?
...And wait-- YOU look like a holy knight!
Er, sort of...
We're in the middle of nowhere in Glamorgan!
What the heck's your deal?
alonso
(grins) Verily, I am a knight holiest! I commend thy guile!
Clearly you are a peer, for only a peer can spot a peer!
Among friends, I find comfort! My axe arm exhales in relief!
kyra
...What...?
alonso
(still grinning) Without delay, we maneuver, arms held high with a knight's pride!
To free the bounty of the earth, conceded by the Mother!
The windmills tilling Her soil evermore, undaunting!
kyra
Oh Mother, we have found another wackjob...
alonso
...What was it you said?
Do pardon me, for the Mother hath blessed me with great vigor and valour.
Alas, She hath also posed a challenge in the form of a curse upon my ears.
kyra
Look, I don't mind fighting together. But would you at least tell me who you are?
(Alonso gasps theatrically.)
alonso
(grinning) Hark! A wound to my blazing heart, thy lip quivers!
I am Sir Quijano, knight ordained in the quest of love and justice!
Known across the realm, yet kindly rebuked by thyself!
I shall redouble my efforts, and prove my might before thee!

(He bounces energetically.)

ATTAAAAACK!!

(Alonso charges off.)
kyra
Well, we came to Glamorgan looking for more allies and we found them.
...Let's hope the next one isn't this weird...

Alonso & Teresa

alonso
Teresa! A happening most prodigal!
teresa
Have you been picking even more fights while I wasn't looking?
The giant wasn't enough?
alonso
(grins) Knights of the highest honor, here to assist in our undertaking!
The windmills, the Mother's bounty, shalt now be easily set free!
teresa
...Okay.
So who're these knights of the highest honor, then?
alonso
Each mightier than the last, led by a dashing young lad.
Name o' Kyra, so I was told.
teresa
Dashing lad? Kyra sounds like a girl's name...
Are you sure you aren't seeing things again, my lord?
(Alonso harumphs.)
alonso
Fie! Mayhap I made a mistake in my inception!
But how would YOU know it? You have not gleaned them!
teresa
E-Er, well, I guess I wouldn't know, necessarily, but--
alonso
Girl, so be it! What matters is the standing of the knight!
And insofar as standings go, hers is of truly inspiring merit!
She shalt have the blessing of aid of Sir Quijano, her equal!
Come now, Teresa, cease your laying about!
For honor, for glory and for love our steel clashes!
Forth!
(Alonso charges off.)
teresa
...So what I'm getting is, he's roped up someone into taking us in.
(smiles) Sheesh... He's more slick than I gave him credit for.
Yeah, I figure we've had enough of a break, right, Rouncey?
Let's show these new people we're allies worth having.

Bolt Axe Sellsword

(This is the sellsword guarding the entrance to the ruins.)

Combat

sellsword
Hah hah hah! You jerks are in for it now!
Taste this shiny bolt axe I found in these ruins!

Death

sellsword
T-The axe was... completely useless...

David

Combat

david
You would take me on?
If you wish to be crushed like a bug, be my guest!

Combat w/ Scymerius

David
Hmph...
Scymerius
Recognized me, did you?
david
There are many ways to tell someone apart.
I may never have seen your face,
but I will always know who you are.
scymerius
Heh. I'm rather shocked you're still alive.
I always thought you wouldn't last long.
I only joined your group out of desperation for work.
Gosh, it's been a while... That was just after...

Well, I never did tell you much of myself, did I?
And now it matters not. You're about to die.

david
Ah, feeling lucky, are we?
scymerius
And why not? Coincidence has brought us here.
I can now silence one more part of my past.
That's always cause for celebration...
david
Or maybe this is where your streak finally ends.
scymerius
Only one way to find out.

Combat w/ Alonso

alonso
Thee, giant devoid entirely of lenience or magnificence!
I, Sir Quijano, thee shalt remove from fair windmills!
Saveth them, shalt I, in the name of love and justice!

PREPARE THYSELF!! HAAAAAAAAA!!

david
What?!

Death

david
I'm going... down... for this paltry job?!
Oh, damn that dandy piece of--

Locations

Ruins

visitor
...Hmmm... Nothing...

(The visitor jumps.)

Whoa!

(Someone appears in a bright flash.)

Default

demeter
O traveler... I sense a righteous aura within your heart of hearts.
I shall confer my blessing upon you, in the form of a tool of war.
Which would you have?

Repeat playthrough

demeter
O traveler... Hey!
(smiles) It's you! You've come back to play with us again!
I'm so glad. Hope you also keep visiting me this time around.
I'd love to be a part of this new journey of yours.

Anyway, I figure you remember the drill, but just in case...
I shall confer my blessing upon you, in the form of a tool of war.
Which would you have?

choices
A sword of cutting gale!

A lance of ice!

An axe of thunder!

A bow of dark!

demeter
(smiles) Keep on being awesome.

(The visitor receives either a Kestros, an Ice Lance, a Bolt Axe, or a Fell Bow depending on their answer.)

Ending

kyra
That's what he meant by “test?”
I expected some kind of trap, riddle or magical foes to fend off.
That was just a regular gang of hired blades...
edward
The disreputable kind, too.
I wouldn't have hired these boys if I was drowning and needed their help!
pericles
Perhaps he is saving the full extent of his powers for the true battle.
apate
Or perhaps he is a fraud.
pericles
He can teleport, Lady Apate!
kyra
That's true, we all saw it.
apate
I remain unconvinced.
kyra
Sigh... Well, if he is a fraud, that'll just make our job easier.
C'mon, let's not give him time to pull a disappearing act.

(The others go ahead, but Pheme approaches Kyra in private.

pheme
Hey, uh... Kyra? This might sound a little weird, but...
Could I maybe sit this one out?
kyra
What, are you afraid of the big scary necromancer and his dark castle?
(Pheme shifts.)

Default

pheme
I-I'm not--! Okay, maybe a little bit.
Can you blame me? I'm not exactly the strongest around here, am I?
...Well, it's part that, but there's also something I want to check out.

If this is a repeat playthrough and Pheme is promoted

pheme
I-I'm not--! Kyra, please! Of course that's not it!
Listen, there's something I want to check out.
kyra
......
pheme
K-Kyra, what's with the glare...?
kyra
Pheme, say you won't go through people's stuff while they're away.
pheme
Oh, c'mon! Seriously?!
I-I know I'm a tiny bit nosy, but that's too much, even for me!
I thought you trusted me, Kyra... I thought we were friends!
kyra
That's not what I asked you to say, Pheme...
pheme
......
L-Look, I just want to check out a couple things.
I'll probably be done before you are. I'll be waiting for you here.
kyra
And you're sure you can't be more specific?
pheme
It's probably nothing important.
kyra
...Sigh... What am I going to do with you?
All right, do what you want.

Default

pheme
(smiles) Yay! I get to skip the terrible castle!
kyra
(smiling) ...Pfft... Chicken.
pheme
Hey!
kyra
Hehe... All right, see you later, scaredy-pants.
pheme
Aww, you're so mean...

If this is a repeat playthrough and Pheme is promoted

pheme
(smirks) Unless... You're afraid you'll lose if I'm not there to help?
kyra
(smiles) Well, look who's feeling so confident all of a sudden.
Then again, I guess you do have a right to do that.
You've gotten so strong since we set out.
pheme
I sure have! Impressed, are you?
kyra
...Maybe a teensy bit.
pheme
Hey!
kyra
Hehe... I'm proud of you, big girl.
All right, see you later!
pheme
Later!

Fort Lesmosyne

sandraudiga
......

(Sandraudiga activates the Unlock staff, and a lock clicks open.)

That's the third time in a row...
It is so easy. So... harmless, too.
All this thing is good for is opening locks...

???
Madame Grand Inquisitor!
The commander of the border guard is here to see you!
sandraudiga
Tell him to wait a minute.
???
Understood!
sandraudiga
......
The worst you could do with this is petty thievery.
Why is this condemned as the most heinous sin of all?
What have you been hiding for 400 years, Tartaros?

None of this adds up. I need answers.

(Sandraudiga leaves to meet with the commander.)

If Telemus is alive

sandraudiga
Good evening to you, Commander.
telemus
Likewise, Your Highness.
sandraudiga
Are you well? You seem to be in high spirits.
Odd, considering your recent failure.
telemus
Well...
sandraudiga
Mopsus faced off with those heretics, you know.
Remember him? Everyone else kept clamoring for his discharge.
But I kept him around. I knew he could be useful one day.
And useful he was. He allowed me to gauge their strength.
telemus
And what was your conclusion, Grand Inquisitor?
sandraudiga
That I am shocked you survived standing in their way.
They left a trail of bodies throughout the forest...
But here you are, standing tall, in high spirits. Yes, so high...
telemus
......
We tried to stop them. We truly did.
We failed, and for that, I can only apologize.
sandraudiga
Did you? The way I hear it, they just walked right past you.
You had plenty of time to send a battalion in pursuit.
telemus
My lady, with all due respect, my duties as head of the border watch are many.
Among them, however, does not figure to provoke conflicts with Glamorgan.
Which is what would have happened had I sent troops into their soil!
sandraudiga
Clearly I did not impress the importance of capturing this one heretic upon you.
The hierophant would have preferred a war than losing her, I'll have you know.
(Telemus starts.)
telemus
What?! That is madness!
lorenzo
Watch your mouth! Forget not who you speak to!
sandraudiga
Be calm, Lorenzo. I appreciate a bit of backbone in my subordinates.
Besides, can you deny what he says? It is only the truth.
Madness though it may be, however, those are the orders from above.
Bring the hag to the capital... No matter the cost.
It is for that purpose alone that we stand here today.
telemus
...What would you have me do?
sandraudiga
You? Oh, nothing too difficult. Even you will be able to pull this off.
My orders are simple: Step aside. We are taking over.
telemus
......
sandraudiga
I'm very sorry. Your career just can't seem to stop plummeting, does it?
But hey, look on the bright side. You get to return to the capital!
Even if it's only to be reprimanded for your failure and relocated once more.
Maybe this time you'll be sent to the frozen northern peaks. Oh, my...
telemus
...By your leave.
(Telemus leaves.)
sandraudiga
Hmph... Very well. Lorenzo, where is Euryma?

If Telemus was killed

(If Pedro was also killed, he is replaced by a generic soldier for this scene.)

sandraudiga
So... You are the one placed in charge provisionally, are you?
pedro
Indeed, Your Highness. Regrettably, General Telemus fell in battle.
With the troops in disarray and the heretics moving at speed, well...
It proved impossible to give chase. I apologize for our incompetence!
sandraudiga
I'm not surprised you lost. Those heretics are something else.
They left a trail of bodies throughout the forest on their way to you, you know.
They're a force to be reckoned with, and no doubt. This'll be an interesting hunt...
pedro
The rest of the border watch awaits orders. What would you have us do?
sandraudiga
Go back to the capital with the rest of the late general's division.
We are taking over. This is a matter of such gravity, it warrants drastic action.
pedro
Yes, my lady.
(Pedro leaves.)
sandraudiga
Lorenzo, where is Euryma?
euryma
Right here, my lady! Awaiting orders!
sandraudiga
And you'll keep awaiting them. For now we'll just sit tight.
Lorenzo, what have we heard from our friend on the other side?
lorenzo
The last report claimed the heretic and her cohorts were nearing Wrexham Keep.
sandraudiga
Going straight to the keep? Weird.
euryma
Surely they're not entertaining the idea of enlisting Glamorgan's help, right?
They cannot be that naïve.
sandraudiga
They've proven impossibly bold thus far.
We better not put anything past them.
euryma
The only thing we know for sure is that they will try to return in time.
Will we fall upon them when they attempt to cross the border?
lorenzo
That would appear to be the best course of action, and yet...
They won't try without being confident in their odds.
However we choose to proceed, they will not be easily defeated.
sandraudiga
Hmmm...

Character Descriptions

Alonso
A northern baronet with a penchant for the dramatic and far too much free time.

Teresa
Alonso's hapless shieldbearer. A simple and humble woman.

[Alonso & Teresa have C-rank support with each other.]

David
A towering man leading a ruthless band of mercenaries in the employ of the purported “necromancer.”

Sellsword
Blades-for-hire looking for monetary opportunities.