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Chapter 11: Bloodstained Snow

Opening

If Fiadh is alive

(Kyra and Edward wait outside until Fiadh approaches. Edward jumps to attention.)
edward
Fiadh, finally! What do you know?
fiadh
The steward didn't have much else to say.
The night after we left, a gang of thugs snuck into the keep.
They didn't even need to cut any necks. They just got in and out.
That's how vulnerable he was, with all of us having a picnic in the woods.
edward
Any ideas where and by whom he's been taken?
fiadh
The architect of this little stratagem is already making her next move.
Flintshire's order of the knights Lazurite is forming up at our shared border.
Maybe they're hoping without the margrave, we'll throw our arms up and give up.
kyra
But we won't, will we?
fiadh
What do you think? No, here's what's going to happen.
I'm going to plow through their army and kill everyone that gets in my way.
Then I'm going to use Delilah's smug face for target practice.
And then I'm going to grab that old fool by the beard and bring him back.
I don't know yet if I'll just lecture him for his stupidity or punch him in the face.
I'll decide when the time comes.
edward
Fiadh, think calmly about this.
There's a reason they took him alive, and that reason's got to be you and us.
If we try to attack so recklessly, they might threaten his life to stave us off.
fiadh
What difference would it make? The moment our territory is theirs,
they will cut his head off, and it will well and truly be over.
His only hope is for us to strike while Delilah's still savoring her victory.
edward
We don't even know for sure that it was this Delilah that did it!
What if she's just trying to take advantage, huh?
We'd be leaving Barlowe in the hands of his true kidnappers!
(Fiadh becomes agitated.)
fiadh
What, then?! What do you want me to do?!
Sit about for a few days? Formulate a plan? Relax?!
Oh, I'll calm down! Sure! It's very easy, see?
I'm only looking to bury the most important person in my life.
edward
Dammit, he's my best friend! You don't think I'm anxious?!
But we need to do this like he would. You know that as well as I do!
Just keep quiet for a moment and use your head!
fiadh
......
I need a different outlook. Kyra, speak up.
Don't act coy now. What do you think?
kyra
Well, we obviously can't just roll over and let Wrexham be invaded.
I say we meet the Flintshire knights at the border, try to fend them off.
We'll keep going until they bring him out. They'll have no choice but to negotiate.
...And then we can stall and figure out how to pry him from their clutches.
fiadh
Not the most brilliant plan I ever heard, but it's better than nothing.
kyra
Oh, and someone needs to stay behind and keep an eye on the keep.
Keep the populace calm, catch any more spies by surprise, that kind of stuff.
fiadh
I'm definitely not staying.
edward
...Damn, it's gonna have to be me, isn't it.
Who would've thought I'd end up looking over Fort Wrexham...
(smiles) Heh. Life's full o' surprises.
kyra
Thanks, Redbeard. Keep Pericles with you as well.
edward
Yeah, I was afraid you'd say that, too.
Oh, well. You're probably right. Man's a bore, but he'll be a great help.
Between us and the knights Pyrite, we should be able to weather any storm.
fiadh
The rest of us will set out immediately for the border, I take it?
kyra
Time's of the essence. Not a moment to waste.
Let me round up my guys and we'll head out.
fiadh
......
kyra
What?
fiadh
Your goal in coming here was to find allies for your battle against Tartaros.
You could accomplish that by ditching us and cozying up with Delilah...
Or any of the other neighboring margraves, really.
All you'd have to do is offer them Wrexham on a silver platter...
edward
Oh, c'mon, are you serious, lass?! This isn't the time to accuse us of--
fiadh
No, it's not that. It's just, you're... Well, not doing that.
(smiles) Thank you.
kyra
Er... Y-You're welcome.
edward
(Wow, that's so weird. Didn't think she knew how to smile.)
kyra
(Quit whispering before she hears you, you jerk.)
fiadh
...All right. Let's not waste any more time, then.
Off we go.

If Fiadh is dead

kyra
...What do we know, Redbeard?
edward
That steward guy didn't have much else to say.
The night after we left, a gang of thugs snuck into the keep.
They didn't even need to cut any throats. They just got in and out.
kyra
Any ideas where and by whom he's been taken?
edward
Looks like Flintshire's order of the knights Lazurite is forming up at the border.
It's a safe bet that it's them, and now they're coming to take the lands.
kyra
But we won't let them, will we?
edward
Absolutely not! I ain't leaving him in their slimy clutches.
I'm going over there and taking him back.
Alone, if I must!
kyra
Don't be daft. I'm with you, as always.
edward
(smiles) ...Yeah, I figured.
But how do we go about this, Kyra? It's going to be tricky.
If it looks like we might turn the tables, they'll threaten his life.
That's got to be why they took him alive, after all.
kyra
Well, we obviously can't just roll over and let Wrexham be invaded.
I say we meet the Flintshire knights at the border, try to fend them off.
We'll keep going until they bring him out. They'll have no choice but to negotiate.
...And then we can stall and figure out how to pry him from their clutches.
edward
Well, that's something, at least.
kyra
Oh, and someone needs to stay behind and keep an eye on the keep.
Keep the populace calm, catch any more spies by surprise, that kind of stuff.
edward
...Damn, it's gonna have to be me, isn't it.
Who would've thought I'd end up looking over Fort Wrexham...
(smiles) Heh. Life's full o' surprises.
kyra
Thanks, Redbeard. Keep Pericles with you as well.
edward
Yeah, I was afraid you'd say that, too.
Oh, well. You're probably right. Man's a bore, but he'll be a great help.
Between us and the knights Pyrite, we should be able to weather any storm.
kyra
The rest of us will set out immediately for the border.
Time's of the essence. Not a moment to waste.
edward
Thanks, lass. This means more than you know.
Don't keep me waiting too long, would ya?
kyra
I'll try not to.

Outside Wrexham Keep

kyra
...All right, looks like everyone's about ready to go.
Goodbye, you two. Stay out of trouble while we're away.
elias
Kyra, why can't I go with you?
kyra
Elias, don't you look forward to living it up in a comfy castle for a bit?
Why would you want to keep sleeping in tents and running around with me?
elias
Well, the tent's comfy too. And the exercise is good for me, right?
kyra
Elias...
elias
I get it, I get it... You'll be worried if I'm near the frontlines...
edward
There's not much you could do there, Eli.
(smiles) And hey, I'm staying too, aren't I?
We ain't gonna get bored. You'll see.
Kyra'll be back before you even know it.
elias
I hope so...
kyra
Use this chance to get some rest, all right, big guy?
elias
Yeah, okay. Good luck, Kyra...
(Elias leaves.)
(Edward moves closer to Kyra.)
edward
Psst! Kyra! One more thing...
About what happened to... Well...

If Pheme died

kyra
......
I'm trying not to think about it.
If I do, I might not be able to keep going...
edward
That's fine, but whatever you do... Keep your eyes open.
I dunno who we can trust. Heck, if we can trust anyone at all.
Don't let what happened to that poor girl happen to ya...
kyra
...If they try anything... They'll be sorry.
edward
Okay... Just be careful, please.
kyra
Edward... Not a word to Elias about Pheme.
Not yet. I'll tell him myself when I return.
edward
If you think that's best.
Goodbye, lassie!
kyra
See you, Redbeard...

If Pheme survived

kyra
Lower your voice.
edward
I know, I know... Don't worry.
Far as everyone else knows... She didn't make it.
kyra
...Is there any hope?
edward
Still hasn't woken up, and Apate says it could take a long while.
kyra
...If she ever wakes up at all...
I should never have let her come with us. Edward, it's... it's my fault she...
edward
Don't ya dare. That girl's stubborn as all heck, and she idolizes you.
She was never gonna take “no” for an answer. You know that.
And... If it makes you feel better... I think there's only one reason she survived.
It's because you trusted her in our battles and helped her to get stronger.
So don't blame yourself. Just be glad it wasn't a whole lot worse...
kyra
...I...
edward
(smiles) Chin up, lassie, she's in good hands! I may be no great magic healer,
but Apate gave me special remedies and instructions for takin' care of her.
I'll get 'er up and runnin' again by the time you're back. Count on it.
kyra
Please, Redbeard... Do all you can.
edward
Like you even need to ask.
Goodbye, lassie!
kyra
See you, Redbeard...

If Agari is alive

pericles
This is it, then. Hestia, Agariste... Be safe.
agari
Dad, we're not going off forever.
Why do you look like you're about to cry?
pericles
I swore never to abandon your side again, Agariste.
(closes eyes) Yet here I am, doing it all over again...
hestia
Peri, the circumstances couldn't be any more different.
agari
Yeah, this time, it's us that are leaving you.
(smiles) And we'll be back in a flash!
So what's the big deal? Chin up, Sir Pericles!
pericles
......
So be it. Till next we meet.

If Agari is dead

pericles
This is it, then. Hestia... Be safe.
hestia
Peri, you look like you're on the verge of tears...
pericles
That would be because I am, Hestia.
I have already lost my child. If I were to lose you, as well...
(closes eyes) I-I know not how I could ever bear the grief.
hestia
That's not gonna happen. You know me.
I'll be as careful as careful can be.
pericles
......
So be it. Till next we meet.

Flintshire

soldier
Margravine Delilah! The hired blades have been spotted!
delilah
(smiles) Oho... For a moment I had feared they would kneel without a struggle.
But no, these ones have fire in their hearts.
All the better. We shall be as the frigid ice, snuffing out their flames once and for all.
jane
Er, aptly put, Mistress.
Well, everything's in motion. The commanders are ready.
I think we should leave now, if we don't want to get caught up in this...
delilah
(grinning) They shall bear witness to the dazzling might of Flintshire.
Soon to be sovereigns of Wrexham...
And eventually, sole power of our truly united Glamorgan!
Hahahaha... But for now, only a hot bath and a glass of wine awaits me.
Come, Jane. Let us be back before the moon rises.
jane
Yeah, of course, Mistress...

If Fiadh is alive

kyra
Delilah's ready for us all right.
What can you tell us about what comes next, Fiadh?
fiadh
Flintshire's first line of defense is their renowned twin forts.
kyra
Twin bridges, twin forts... People sure do love their twins, huh.
apate
It invites would-be opponents to split their strength in half.
But we ought not to do that.
fiadh
As a matter of fact, we will need to seize both positions.
We cannot leave our rear open when we approach Flintshire Keep.
Don't force yourself to capture both forts. We can't afford the time.
Any of your guys can take care of seizing the gates.
kyra
Simple enough. At least, until the brawling starts.

...Say... Have you seen that spy? The suspicious-looking brunette.

fiadh
Beatrix? Don't even bother.
That one comes and goes as she pleases.
No doubt she's decided ours is a lost cause, and walked away.
Good riddance, I say. Who needs a vulture like her?
apate
On the other hand, the “armies of the undead” have proven loyal.
Still here, still ready to stand with us in battle. Not bad.

If Fiadh is dead

kyra
Delilah's ready for us all right.
Any ideas, Apate?
apate
Flintshire's first line of defense is these twin forts.
kyra
Twin bridges, twin forts... People sure do love their twins, huh.
apate
It invites would-be opponents to split their strength in half.
But we ought not to do that.
kyra
Hmm... I don't know. That'd leave our backs wide open after we pass.
It's probably better that we take over both positions before we continue.
But I don't think it's wise for me to go around and capture both forts.
Any of the soldiers can take care of seizing the gates.
apate
Simple enough. At least, until the violence starts.

...Incidentally... What became of that spy? The suspicious-looking brunette.

kyra
Beats me. I haven't seen her since we left the castle of horrors.
apate
Speaking of which, the “armies of the undead” have proven loyal.
Still here, still ready to stand with us in battle. Not bad.
kyra
Ofelia said she could assume any role we saw fit to have her reprise.
...Apate, I'm guessing this goes without saying, but surely she can't...
apate
Pretend to be me? She can try, but it would be a total waste of her time.
It would be wiser to apply her purported skills elsewhere.
kyra
All right, then. Guess we just have to win, now.

Base Camp

Hestia

hestia
Kyra! Come over here! Quick! It's very important!
kyra
What is it?
hestia
(grins) Well? What do you think?
kyra
You're making a pose. Very nice.
If you're hoping I'll draw you, though, you'll be sorely disappointed.
My brother draws a bit, but me? Not a chance.
hestia
Just look at me. Don't I look positively dashing holding this baby?
kyra
You look like you could cut a couple heads off with it, at least.
hestia
That's because I could.
I did it, Kyra... I forged a brave axe.
(Kyra starts.)
kyra
Wait, seriously? Sheesh, is there anything you can't make?
hestia
(grins) If there is, it's 'cause they haven't invented it yet.
You know what's special about these things, right?
kyra
They say anyone holding it fights with twice the courage.
That's why they call them brave. How does it actually work, though?
hestia
Didn't anyone ever tell you never to ask a magician what the trick is?
I can't tell you that. It'd ruin the mystique.
kyra
...Awww, but I wanted to know...
hestia
(smiles) Pffft! Okay, okay, I'll tell you, but stop trying to make puppy dog eyes.
You're terrible at it.
kyra
Spill the beans, then.
hestia
Well, to keep it short, it's the handle.
It's made to be sturdy, but also very light, see?
The sharp part carries all the momentum,
and you feel like you're just swinging your arms.
kyra
Sounds... simple.
hestia
Hard part's making sure to strike the perfect middle ground.
Otherwise the thing breaks or weighs too much to achieve that effect.
kyra
(smiles) Score another win for the genius blacksmith, then.
hestia
Aww, shush. Just take it and give it to someone you trust!

Raleigh, Fango, & López

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
raleigh
......
fango
Why the dour face, Raleigh? Somethin' wrong?
raleigh
...What's it to you, cutthroat?
If you don't like my face, that's too bad.
You don't have any storerooms in which to lock me up this time.
López
Aw, c'mon. Don't tell me you're still sour over what happened.
It's been ages!
raleigh
It barely happened a couple of weeks back.
López
Yet it feels like a lifetime ago, don't it?
fango
Yeah... So much has happened since then.
I had a gut feeling when we picked you up, y'know.
I said to myself, “Fango, things are going to change soon.”
raleigh
No, you didn't.
fango
...Okay, maybe I didn't say it, but I thought it!
And look! I was right!
López
I don't think you thought it either...
(Fango shifts awkwardly.)
fango
Oh, c'mon! Lemme have this! I don't got nothin'!
López
(smiles) You got a friend. Ain't that enough?
fango
Aww, López... Yeah, that's right. I got a friend.
And a friend is more valuable than all the gold in the world!
López
Absolutely.
fango
No doubt.
López
(serious) I'd still like to have all the gold in the world, though.
fango
Definitely.
raleigh
I think I've heard enough. Good day to you.
fango
C'mon, don't you want a friend too? Friends are so nice.
(smiles) We could be friends! We just gotta put the past bygones!
López
Something along those lines, yeah.
raleigh
Why would I want to be-- ...Oh, for the love of...
fango
So, why are you lookin' so down, anyway?
It's not López's stench, is it?
López
Listen here, friend--
raleigh
No, this is just... not the homecoming I had expected.
fango
Ohhh, right, you were a member of one of Glamorgan's knight orders...
raleigh
The knights Lazurite, to be precise.
...That's the Flintshire knights, which is this region.
López
You don't say. C'mon, we ain't that dumb. We keep up!
raleigh
Pardon me for underestimating you, esteemed gentlemen.
fango
So what, you from a proud lineage of knights or somethin'?
raleigh
Not at all. My father's a merchant.
He wanted me to inherit the family business, but I wanted more.
So I joined the knights in search of glorious adventure.
Pfeh. So much for that. Look at me now.
Befriending thugs, returning a deserter, bearing arms against my homeland...
I am a disgrace.
López
Well, at least you have a lovin' dad. Might even see him again while we're here.
Mine robbed travelers on the highway, got drunk and came back home to beat me.
Until he picked the wrong target and got his gut ripped open.
fango
Dads, huh. Never knew mine. My mother died giving birth to me, too.
Had to fend for myself from a ripe young age.
raleigh
......
If you're fishing for sympathy, you should try harder.
fango
Not really what I'm tryna do. That's just how things are.
López
Ain't that right.
raleigh
...Hmph...

[Fango & López gain C-rank support with Raleigh.]

Pluto & Nikolaos

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
nikolaos
Whew... Man, when I joined up, nobody said I'd have to shovel snow.
At least the camp's set up now. Time for a break. I could sleep for years.
...Maybe I should ask for a leave of absence...
pluto
...!
(Nikolaos jumps.)
nikolaos
Whoa! Who are you? A spy?!
(smiles) All right, no worries. We can make this work.
Leave a purse of coins right about here, and I saw nothing.
pluto
......
nikolaos
Ooooookay, so you're not a spy. You're just one of our resident weirdos.
These guys'll grab anyone so long as they're willing to fight, won't they?
Then again, I guess that's how I landed this gig, myself.
pluto
......
nikolaos
...Soooo... What's cooking?
pluto
......
nikolaos
......
pluto
......
nikolaos
......
pluto
My brother. He is the greatest swordsman in the land.
nikolaos
......
Sorry, what? I zoned out for a bit there...
pluto
One day, we will cross blades. Our clash is inevitable.
It is our fate. We are both tainted forever...
nikolaos
Geez, what'd your brother do to you?
I got eight siblings and I couldn't imagine wanting to pick a fight with any of them.
...Partly because they're all way tougher than I am.
(narrows eyes) Even little Cora. I don't know where that kid gets her muscle...
pluto
I must surpass my brother, that I may strike him down.
You must leave me, for I am beyond redemption...
nikolaos
......
pluto
......
nikolaos
(smiles) Wow. You're so cool. How do you do it?
(Pluto shifts bashfully.)
pluto
(smiles) A-Am I? I mean...

(serious) ......

nikolaos
Hold on, let me try that. (closes eyes)

......

pluto
......
nikolaos
......
(opens eyes, smiles) Well, that was fun! Think I'll leave you to it now.
Really could use a nap. Was nice meetin' you!
(Nikolaos leaves. There is a long pause.)
pluto
...Phooey... I thought he'd never leave...
He didn't even finish shovelling the snow... But that's fine.
This is my corner. I don't mind shovelling snow out of my corner...

[Nikolaos and Pluto gain C-rank support.]

Wulfric & Tiresias

If Wulfric is alive

wulfric
(smiling) Remember that...?
tiresias
Ahahaha... Oh, you...

(Kyra stumbles across them.)

kyra
Hello-- Oh, sorry...
wulfric
(serious) Worry not! We were not doing anything!
tiresias
(smiling) Nothing at all. Just watching the stars together.
wulfric
...At daytime, Tiresias?
tiresias
I think you're missing the more obvious problem, Wulfric, my dear.
(Kyra shifts awkwardly.)
kyra
I didn't mean to, er, interrupt.
tiresias
(smiles) Well, interrupt you did, and now you shall suffer a heretic's wrath.
Just as soon as I figure out where you're standing.
wulfric
Come now, Tiresias, spare her.
This is her camp, after all.
kyra
Well, uh... I'll just... step that way, and uh...
tiresias
(serious) Hey, since you're here.
I can tell by the lowering temperature that we're getting closer to Flintshire.
kyra
That we are. Why?
tiresias
(smiles) This unyielding cold holds warm memories for the two of us.
Does it not, Wulfric?
wulfric
(smiles) Yes... It truly does.
kyra
I thought you met in the Tartaran border.
wulfric
That we did, but it was in Flintshire that we, uh...
tiresias
Spoke of the intricacies of our ongoing relationship, as it were.
wulfric
That's one way to put it...
tiresias
Pfft... Wulfric, please.
kyra
Right, I get it...
Well, I don't wanna pry, but you brought it up, so...
How'd that happen?
tiresias
Oh, it wasn't anything all that special, truly.
We had been traveling around for a few months.
We stopped at an inn. We played chess to pass the time.
wulfric
I can never beat him at chess. It's positively infuriating.
tiresias
He has better luck with cards. Since I can't see them.
Anyway, I proposed that, if I won our next match,
he would have to bare his heart to me.
In retrospect, his hurried agreement said it all.
wulfric
I hadn't had any doubts for some time by that point.
I only feared that it would be you that did not deem me worthy.
tiresias
Seriously? You're my literal knight in shining armor.
What kind of damsel in distress would I be if I gave you the cold shoulder?
wulfric
Damsel in distress? You're the stronger of us by far, Tiresias!
kyra
(smiles) ...I'm happy for you both.

[Wulfric gains 1 Speed.]

If Wulfric is dead

tiresias
......
kyra
Hello-- Oh, Tiresias!
What are you doing out here on your own?
If you're not careful, you'll end up falling into the pond...
tiresias
Forgive me. It's just...
I can tell by the lowering temperature that we're getting closer to Flintshire.
kyra
That we are. Why?
tiresias
This unyielding cold brings back some memories.
Memories that were once so warm, ironically.
Yet now they ring awfully bittersweet...
kyra
Memories? Oh, memories of...
tiresias
Wulfric. We met in the Tartaran border, but here is where we...
Well, made it official.
kyra
I see...
tiresias
It wasn't anything all that special.
We had been traveling around for a few months.
We stopped at an inn. We played chess to pass the time.
He could never beat me at chess, the poor fool.
Anyway, I proposed that, if I won our next match,
he would have to bare his heart to me.
In retrospect, his hurried agreement said it all.
kyra
......
tiresias
Kyra? Are you still there?
kyra
I'm just... I don't have the words. I'm so, so sorry...
tiresias
I don't want you to be sorry, Kyra. I want you never to forget.
Wulfric gave his life for you.
For me, too. He was ensuring that I had a place here, with you all.
kyra
Don't worry, Tiresias. I'm not going to kick you out.
I would be spitting on his memory if I did.
tiresias
I never questioned that. You're a good person, Kyra.
I just... want you to win this. He deserves that much.
kyra
His sacrifice won't be in vain. Count on it.
tiresias
Good...
Sorry. Like I said, this place evokes memories.
I'll be back in the groove soon enough.
Just need to... get this out of my system.
Would you give me some time? Don't worry, I'll be fine.
I'll just stay put. I can't go falling into some pit now.
That, too, would be spitting on his memory.
kyra
......

Ofelia & Polonius

If Polonius was recruited

polonius
(grinning) Eeheeheeheeheehee! You would seek my wisdom?
You're wise. I am, after all, the wisest among men!
kyra
Can you tell him to cut it out before someone punches his lights out?
ofelia
He can't stop. He's still method acting.
kyra
What's that supposed to mean?
ofelia
He's fully immersed himself in his role.
He is, for all intents and purposes, a necromancer.
kyra
So... Is he much different when he's not acting?
ofelia
Well, he doesn't laugh like that. His usual cackle is more like...
Ahem, “wahahahahaha!”
polonius
Once more you prove your acting mettle, sister dearest!
ofelia
Please. You're a simple character, brother mine.
Hardly a challenge for a performer of my stature.
polonius
You dare belittle me! I, Polonius, the great necromancer!
Mere mortals cannot grasp the fine intricacies of my enigmatic mind!
kyra
That I can believe.
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you two are getting settled in.
ofelia
I've slept in barns more luxurious than this.
But I've also seen more derelict cesspools, so I guess that's something.
kyra
Gee, sorry we can't provide a palace on the go for you, Your Highness.
(Polonius laughs.)
polonius
(grins) Oho! Your silver tongue may have met her golden match!
Shall you take this lying down, Ofelia?!
ofelia
She may have this round. I do not expect she is accustomed to winning.
kyra
...Okay, you know what, actually? I think I'll talk to him.
Mr. Necromancer or whatever, I have a question!
polonius
And I shall respond, to the very best of my boundless ability!
kyra
Be straight with me. You teleported.
polonius
Verily?
kyra
...How?
ofelia
I already told you, it was a trick.
Can your memory truly be so short, or do you just not listen?
kyra
Why don't you go pester Hestia about her pigtails or something?
ofelia
Hmph! Base barbarian.

(Ofelia leaves.)

polonius
(grins) Eeheeheeheeheehee! Another devastating blow!
Golden does not measure up; yours is a diamond tongue!
kyra
Don't change the subject! You teleported!
polonius
I did. Alas, I cannot reveal the nature of my designs.
Your feeble mind would shatter upon such ghastly revelations!
(Kyra becomes agitated.)
kyra
Tell me the truth, dammit! We'd have so much use for such a trick!
Even Apate couldn't believe her eyes! And that one's not easily fazed!
polonius
Of course. She is but a mortal, after all.
I, on the other hand, am the Father to the Mother!
kyra
......
I think I'm going to stop talking to you now. My head hurts.
polonius
Ah, a fellow sufferer of migraines, eh? My heart goes out to you, friend.
Apply this poultice to your forehead. Perhaps it shall help.
And with that, the great Polonius takes his leave with grace!
Huzzah!

(Polonius leaves.)

kyra
...??

If Polonius was not recruited

ofelia
Oh, hello. Did you want something?
kyra
Just wanted to make sure you are getting settled in.
ofelia
I've slept in barns more luxurious than this.
But I've also seen more derelict cesspools, so I guess that's something.
kyra
Gee, sorry we can't provide a palace on the go for you, Your Highness.
ofelia
It will do. Don't worry yourself sick over me.
kyra
Count on it.
So... Where's your brother now, if I might ask?
ofelia
Off somewhere no one can see him, crying it all out.
He's too prideful to show it, but he's distraught over what happened.
kyra
Oh...
ofelia
But enough about that.
Like I told you, I don't blame you for what you did.
My brother's stronger than he looks. He'll be fine.
kyra
......
ofelia
You have more to say.
kyra
Be straight with me here.
Your brother. He teleported.
...How?
ofelia
I already told you, it was a trick.
Can your memory truly be so short, or do you just not listen?
kyra
...Did you seriously just say that to me...?
ofelia
What other conclusion could I derive from such a boneheaded question?
kyra
......
But... He teleported! We all saw it with our own eyes!
Tell me the truth, dammit! We'd have so much use for such a trick!
Even Apate couldn't believe her eyes! And that one's not easily fazed!
ofelia
It's just a trick. It has no deeper meaning or practical application.
That won't change no matter how many annoying questions you ask.
kyra
......
I think I'm going to stop talking to you now. My head hurts.
ofelia
Everyone's a critic.
If you'll excuse me, then, I must get ready for the journey ahead.
I must look my best if I am to perform on such drab stages...

(Ofelia leaves.)

kyra
...??

Phobos

phobos
K-Kyra! What's this I'm hearing about Pheme?
No one seems to know any specifics, but...
They say she's dead!
kyra
It's true...
phobos
...Oh, no...
Kyra, I... I'm so sorry. I know you two were close...
kyra
......
Can we... not talk about this right now?
I have other things I must focus on...
I'm trying to keep my mind away from what happened.
phobos
But...
kyra
I appreciate it, Phobos. This is thoughtful of you.
But... The truth is, most of the people with us didn't know her.
Even those from Percote didn't really know her.
Heck, you didn't really know her, did you, Phobos?
phobos
......
Well... Everyone in town knew how she was. She was nice, but...
No one wanted to be the subject of the next gossip she'd spread.
So... We all tried to stay away from her, where we could.
(closes eyes) Now I... I wish I'd gotten to know her better, before...
kyra
...What I'm trying to say, Phobos, is this.
Everyone seems to have made a leader out of me, for some reason.
phobos
Well, why not? You're good at leading, and you brought us all together.
kyra
Yeah, well... It's precisely because of that, I can't dwell on this.
If I lie down and cry now, we risk all of this falling apart.
That's not how we do right by Pheme.
We have to finish what we started. We have to take Tartaros down.
And... We have to find the one who did that to her...

......

phobos
I just want you to know, if you want to talk, or need help, or anything...
kyra
Phobos... You...
phobos
...?
kyra
...N-Never mind. It's nothing.
See you around, Phobos...

(Kyra leaves.)

phobos
...Kyra...?

Conversations

Reuben

Combat

Reuben
(grins) Hahahaha! In Flintshire's name, you shall fall here!

Death

Reuben
Margravine Delilah... Forgive me...

Eris

Combat

Eris
(grins) Hehehehe... The darkness shall swallow you...

Death

Eris
I can't... see... Darkness... everywhere...

Locations

Southeast House

Man
Just because our war with Tartaros ended doesn't mean there's peace.
The margravates quarrel amongst themselves often.
They can't just be content with what they have. It's so frustrating to see.
Not that it's much better on the theocracy's side, mind.
Our war wasn't enough. They've kept picking fights with other neighbors.
At the moment, they're duking it out with the eastern Kingdom of Zhu.
Though the infamous Heaven's Scythe mostly handles internal affairs.
It seems she's got some colonel that she sends to fight the hierophant's wars.
...What? This is all going to be history one day! I happen to like history!

South House

Old Man
Saw a strange woman pass by a few hours ago.
Now there's a whole detachment of strange people passing by.
Would you mind telling me what is happening, strange fellow?
Ohh, the news don't reach me here in the forest...
Maybe I should move. I'm too old to be a strange woodland hermit.

Village

Man
Hired blades from Wrexham...
I beg you to remember that we are only innocent civilians!
Your battle is with Margravine Delilah! With her and her alone!
...Oh, you didn't come here to raze our homes to the ground?
(smiles) Thank you... Some would take advantage of the chaos of war, you know.
Crime does pay for some, sadly... But so does kindness.
Allow me to show you.

(He gives the visitor a Master Seal.)

Ending

If Fiadh is alive

kyra
That's it. I just got the word. Both forts have been dealt with.
fiadh
I was wondering how you'd fare against a real army.
You don't disappoint. I wouldn't want to stand as your enemy.
kyra
The feeling's mutual, trust me.
apate
We should not tarry. Where to next, Fiadh?
fiadh
We continue northwest until we hit a roadblock.
kyra
Which roadblock?
fiadh
Delilah or one of her goons holding a dagger to the margrave's neck.
Any ideas how we'll get him back yet?
kyra
Too early to tell. It'll depend, I guess. I do know one thing, though.
The more land we claim, the more advantageous our position will be.
So let's do as Apate says and keep going while we have momentum.
fiadh
No arguments here.

If Fiadh is dead

kyra
That's it. I just got the word. Both forts have been dealt with.
apate
We should not tarry. Where to next?
kyra
I guess we continue toward the keep until she comes out to face us.
apate
With a dagger to the margrave's throat, doubtless.
Have you formulated a plan to rescue him yet, Kyra?
kyra
Too early to tell. It'll depend, I guess. I do know one thing, though.
The more land we claim, the more advantageous our position will be.
apate
A fair point. Let us be off without delay, then.

Citadel Alétheia

(Hierophant Dolus is giving a public speech.)
dolus
Denizens of Amnisos! Heed my words!
It was 407 years ago, on history's most blessed day,
that our great nation was born! Tartaros, land of the Mother!
We are the Mother's chosen children,
Her favorites among favorites, for we are the most devoted!
We partake in Her bounty of the earth, the sea and the sky,
and thus our livelihoods and our happiness are assured.
Yet motherly as She is, She must be strict as well as loving.
There are those who would coldly reject Her kindness!
Those who would defy Her way, with unnatural, evil practices!
Open your hearts in prayer, and resist the call of the siren.
For a siren can only lead you astray, into the depths of Hell.

......


Follow in the Mother's path. Find Her hallowed warmth.
And know that, in turn, She shall never give up on us.
For we are, now and forever, Her beloved children.
May Her mercy be upon you, my people.

(The crowd applauds. Dolus returns to the throne room, where his wife and son are waiting. His son approaches him.)

dolus v
Father, how do you feel?
dolus
...Slightly winded. That is all.
dolus v
You lost your way in the middle of the speech.
Are you certain you are well, Father?
dolus
That was a momentary pause to catch my breath. Nothing more.
dolus v
Never before had I heard you pause for anything during your prayers, much less in the middle of the Founding Day's speech.
dolus
Stop dancing around it and get to the point, Dolus.
dolus v
I am of age, Father.
dolus
...Thinking of usurping me already, boy?
dolus v
Far from it! I have a long way to go before I can lead Tartaros. I know that.
But I am your son as well as your heir, Father. Your health worries me.
Surely you can start leaving these more taxing tasks to me?
thyone
I agree with him, my husband.
He will have to make himself known to our populace at some point.
What better way than by showing he is a devoted and dutiful son?
dolus
Do not tell me how I must raise my own child, Thyone.
And you should worry about your studies rather than my health, boy.
I am perfectly fine. I will hear no more drivel of this variety.
Have I made myself clear?
dolus v
...Yes, Father. I apologize for my insolence.
dolus
Good. Now, would you kindly step out of the throne hall?
I have many audiences to hold today, and we are behind schedule as it is.
dolus v
O-Of course! Sorry...

(Dolus V and Thyone leave.)

dolus v
...Urgh...
thyone
Please, don't let such a crestfallen expression sully your face.
Your father is having trouble accepting that his sun is setting.
You'll understand when you get to our age, my son.
dolus v
I just wish he wasn't so... cold.
I fear he considers me less than a nuisance.
And that, I'm afraid, is nothing new.
thyone
...He has never been one for overt displays of affection.
But he cares, in his own way.
dolus v
Is that the truth, Mother?
Or is that simply what you have told yourself over the years,
because he has treated you much the same way?
thyone
W-Well, I...
dolus v
Long have I listened to the bards sing of love. A father's love, a spouse's love...
How is it that the bards know these things, yet I, the scion of Tartaros, do not?
I have been born to greatness, so I'm told. So why does it feel so low?
thyone
Dolus, my dear... You are my everything.
If your stubborn old mule of a father will not show you love,
allow me to show enough for both. It shall be my burden.
I only beg that you do not let sorrow cloud your heart...
dolus v
(smiles) Forgive me, Mother. I did not mean to sadden you.
I am ashamed of my weakness. 'Tis not my place to whine.
Where I lack my father's affection, others lack food, a home's safety...
There's where my worries need be focused. Upon my people.
Those who will one day count on me to lead them well.
thyone
(smiles) You will be a wonderful hierophant, Dolus. I am proud of you.
dolus v
Only thanks to you, Mother, and your efforts and sacrifices.
thyone
Oh, my child...

Character Descriptions

Reuben
A commander of the knights Lazurite, guarding the north fort.

Eris
A commander of the knights Lazurite, guarding the south fort.

Lazurite
The order of the knights Lazurite, sworn to Flintshire.