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Chapter 12: The Underhanded

Opening

If Phobos, Soter, Hecate, and Kairos are alive

phobos
B-Brrrrr... T-They weren't kidding...
I-It really does get cold up north...
kairos
(smiles) R-Rather, yes... But I kinda like it!
Hardship fires up the soul, you know?
(frowns) O-Or something along those lines.
H-Hey, Hecate. Do a guy a favor and lend me your cloak?
hecate
......
soter
......
phobos
...Is something wrong, you two?
kairos
I was thinking it's oddly quiet. Not nearly enough pomp or brazen remarks.
hecate
Eh? A-Ah...
soter
I am caught up in remembrance.
I was deployed in the northern border of Tartaros, when I...
phobos
Left the inquisition?
soter
Indeed.
kairos
What was it that spurred your departure, anyway?
soter
(closes eyes) ...Sigh...
phobos
W-Well, of course, if you don't want to talk about it--
soter
I had been stationed there for three months at that point.
We were sent to detain a group of heretics. Usual routine.
However, when we arrived...
phobos
Oh, no...
kairos
Sympathy tugged at your heartstrings, Soter?
soter
...I knew one of them. I... was sweet on her.
I knew what her crimes entailed. I knew what her fate would be.
But... I could not do it. I hesitated... and her group took advantage.
It was a catastrophic failure. They killed two of my men and escaped.
...I presented my resignation but hours after.
phobos
B-But that's... Nobody could blame you for what you felt!
kairos
Knights of the inquisition are not to allow such trifles to interfere with their duty.
It is not a position I have ever envied or vied for.
Holy knights have power, wealth, respect, but they surrender their hearts for it.
It is a price some can pay... and others cannot.
soter
......
I shall conduct another round. We cannot become complacent.
phobos
I'll go with you. M-Maybe moving around will help with the cold.
(Soter and Phobos leave.)
hecate
......
kairos
...Hecate, what malady has befallen you?
hecate
What? No, I'm not sick.
kairos
A malady of the soul, then?
You can talk to me. It might help.
hecate
So you can tell me all about how prayer will solve my every problem?
kairos
C'mon, you know that's not what I--
hecate
Shove off.
(Hecate leaves.)
kairos
...Huh.

If only Phobos is dead

kairos
B-Brrrrr... T-They weren't kidding...
I-It really does get cold up north...
They say hardship fires up the soul, but...
I'd rather have a nice campfire do that instead.
H-Hey, Hecate. Do a guy a favor and lend me your cloak?
hecate
......
soter
......
kairos
...Huh. It's oddly quiet. Not nearly enough pomp or brazen remarks.
hecate
Eh? A-Ah...
soter
I am caught up in remembrance.
I was deployed in the northern border of Tartaros, when I...
kairos
Departed the inquisition?
soter
Indeed.
kairos
What was it that spurred your departure, anyway?
soter
(closes eyes) ...Sigh...
kairos
I will not force you to speak of it, naturally, but...
soter
I had been stationed there for three months at that point.
We were sent to detain a group of heretics. Usual routine.
However, when we arrived...
kairos
Sympathy tugged at your heartstrings, Soter?
soter
...I knew one of them. I... was sweet on her.
I knew what her crimes entailed. I knew what her fate would be.
But... I could not do it. I hesitated... and her group took advantage.
It was a catastrophic failure. They killed two of my men and escaped.
...I presented my resignation but hours after.
kairos
Sadly, it's not such an uncommon story.
Knights of the inquisition are not to allow such trifles to interfere with their duty.
It is not a position I have ever envied or vied for.
Holy knights have power, wealth, respect, but they surrender their hearts for it.
It is a price some can pay... and others cannot.
soter
......
I shall conduct another round. We cannot become complacent.
(Soter leaves.)
hecate
......
kairos
...Hecate, what malady has befallen you?
hecate
What? No, I'm not sick.
kairos
A malady of the soul, then?
You can talk to me. It might help.
hecate
So you can tell me all about how prayer will solve my every problem?
kairos
C'mon, you know that's not what I--
hecate
Shove off.
(Hecate leaves.)
kairos
...Huh.

If only Soter is dead

phobos
B-Brrrrr... T-They weren't kidding...
I-It really does get cold up north...
kairos
(smiles) R-Rather, yes... But I kinda like it!
Hardship fires up the soul, you know?
(frowns) O-Or something along those lines.
H-Hey, Hecate. Do a guy a favor and lend me your cloak?
hecate
......
phobos
...Is something wrong, Hecate?
kairos
I was thinking it's oddly quiet. Not nearly enough brazen remarks.
hecate
Eh? A-Ah...
phobos
Seriously, you look like you've seen a ghost, Hecate.
hecate
I'm... Well...
Maybe I have! Have you considered that?
kairos
...?
phobos
Hecate! T-That's not funny!
C'mon, don't say things like that. I get scared easy enough as it is...
hecate
......
Yeah, you're right. Sorry.
(Phobos balks.)
phobos
Wha...?
kairos
Phobos, why don't you go ahead? Make some rounds.
Might help you to keep warm. Who knows.
phobos
Oh... Yeah, sure. I'll do that.
(Phobos leaves.)
hecate
......
kairos
...Hecate, what malady has befallen you?
hecate
What? No, I'm not sick.
kairos
A malady of the soul, then?
You can talk to me. It might help.
hecate
So you can tell me all about how prayer will solve my every problem?
kairos
C'mon, you know that's not what I--
hecate
Shove off.
(Hecate leaves.)
kairos
...Huh.

If only Hecate is dead

phobos
B-Brrrrr... T-They weren't kidding...
I-It really does get cold up north...
kairos
(smiles) R-Rather, yes... But I kinda like it!
Hardship fires up the soul, you know?
(frowns) O-Or something along those lines.
soter
......
phobos
...Is something wrong, Soter?
kairos
I was thinking it's oddly quiet. Not nearly enough pomp.
soter
I am caught up in remembrance.
I was deployed in the northern border of Tartaros, when I...
phobos
Left the inquisition?
soter
Indeed.
kairos
What was it that spurred your departure, anyway?
soter
(closes eyes) ...Sigh...
phobos
W-Well, of course, if you don't want to talk about it--
soter
I had been stationed there for three months at that point.
We were sent after a group of heretics. Usual routine.
However, when we arrived...
phobos
Oh, no...
kairos
Sympathy tugged at your heartstrings, Soter?
soter
...I knew one of them. I... was sweet on her.
I knew what her crimes entailed. I knew what her fate would be.
But... I could not do it. I hesitated... and her group took advantage.
It was a catastrophic failure. They killed two of my men and escaped.
...I presented my resignation but hours after.
phobos
B-But that's... Nobody could blame you for what you felt!
kairos
Knights of the inquisition are not to allow such trifles to interfere with their duty.
It is not a position I have ever envied or vied for.
Holy knights have power, wealth, respect, but they surrender their hearts for it.
It is a price some can pay... and others cannot.
soter
......
I shall conduct another round. We cannot become complacent.
phobos
I'll go with you. M-Maybe moving around will help with the cold.
kairos
M-May the Mother send some warmth your way.
And mine. Sheesh...

If only Kairos is dead

phobos
B-Brrrrr... T-They weren't kidding...
I-It really does get cold up north...
hecate
......
soter
......
phobos
...Is something wrong, you two? You're so quiet...
hecate
Eh? A-Ah...
soter
I am caught up in remembrance.
I was deployed in the northern border of Tartaros, when I...
phobos
Left the inquisition?
soter
Indeed.
phobos
I don't think you've ever told us why you left...
soter
(closes eyes) ...Sigh...
phobos
W-Well, of course, if you don't want to talk about it--
soter
I had been stationed there for three months at that point.
We were sent to detain a group of heretics. Usual routine.
However, when we arrived...
phobos
Oh, no...
soter
...I knew one of them. I... was sweet on her.
I knew what her crimes entailed. I knew what her fate would be.
But... I could not do it. I hesitated... and her group took advantage.
It was a catastrophic failure. They killed two of my men and escaped.
...I presented my resignation but hours after.
phobos
B-But that's... Nobody could blame you for what you felt!
...Could they? Surely even the inquisition isn't so cruel!
soter
......
I shall conduct another round. We cannot become complacent.
(Soter leaves.)
hecate
......
phobos
...Hey, Hecate... Are you sick or something?
hecate
What? No, I'm not sick.
phobos
Are you sure? You seem a little--
hecate
Shove off.
(Hecate leaves.)
phobos
...Huh.
kyra
All right, I think it's time to voice the question on everybody's minds.
What in the world is Delilah doing?

If Fiadh is alive

fiadh
What's it been now, a whole day?
We've just been sitting here at her doorstep,
practically begging for her to come out and face us.
Yet not a peep. Not from her, not from any messengers...
Nothing. They're just sitting around making sure we don't push forward.
apate
Something is amiss, there is no doubt about that.
Whether it can be used to our benefit remains to be seen.
fiadh
...Maybe they've discreetly disposed of him by now...
kyra
Don't say that, Fiadh.
fiadh
And why not? It's looking more and more likely by the minute!
apate
It would make no strategic sense.
Killing him quietly serves no purpose but to invite their ends on our steel.
There are only two explanations that I believe to be plausible.
Either he has somehow escaped captivity, or...
fiadh
He was never here to begin with.
apate
And we must finish this with haste, that we may turn our attention elsewhere.
kyra
Either way, our recourse is clear.
We've given them enough time. Time to go on the offensive.
We can wring some answers out of Delilah once we get our hands on her.
fiadh
It'll be my pleasure.

If Fiadh is dead

kyra
All right, I think it's time to voice the question on everybody's minds.
What in the world is Delilah doing?
apate
We have entrenched ourselves within eyeshot of her keep.
The obvious next step is to threaten the margrave.
And yet, aside from posting a frontline of soldiers,
there has been no movement on their part.
kyra
Something's wrong, no doubt about it.
Is that good or bad news for us, though?
apate
I would venture a guess that it is good news.
It would make no strategic sense to do him harm.
Killing him quietly serves no purpose but to invite their ends on our steel.
There are only two explanations that I believe to be plausible.
Either he has somehow escaped captivity, or...
kyra
He was never here to begin with.
apate
And we must finish this with haste, that we may turn our attention elsewhere.
kyra
Either way, our recourse is clear.
We've given them enough time. Time to go on the offensive.
We can wring some answers out of Delilah once we get our hands on her.

Base Camp

Hestia

hestia
Kyra... I have made a decision.
kyra
Next project?
hestia
Not exactly.
See, I kind of feel bad about the current arrangement.
kyra
You're going to raise the prices on me?
I guess that's fair. The economy and all...
hestia
(smiles) Pfft! C'mon, Kyra, really?
You don't know the first thing about the economy.
kyra
Gee, so sorry, Miss Bigshot Capital Craftswoman.
They don't teach that in stinky commoner schools.
hestia
Honestly, you're better off. None of it makes a lick of sense.
...Wait, why are we talking about this? That's not it at all!
kyra
Oh. I assumed, when you said “arrangement...”
hestia
I mean this little routine we have.
Of you coming here, us having a nice chat, and then...
Well, you go risk your neck out there with everyone else.
Meanwhile I just sit here and have fun with my little projects.
kyra
You provide a valuable service, Hestia.
hestia
Perhaps, but still. These muscles aren't just good for hammering metal, you know.
kyra
What are you saying? Strength isn't everything. You aren't a fighter...
Are you?
hestia
(smiles) Heh... Haven't you learned by now that I'm a bag of surprises?
Peri taught me how to use axes as well as craft them back in the day.
Mostly it was just a way to spend time together, but it was still serious.
kyra
Hestia, I don't think I want to risk our blacksmith on the battlefield.
You're more valuable here, I'm sorry to say.
hestia
I get that. Don't worry. I'll be extremely careful.
If things look bad, I'll run for the hills and stick to the camp.
But until then, why don't you have some faith in me?
Allow me to stand in the face of danger by your side.
kyra
Well... Fine. But don't you go giving me cause for worry now, you hear?
hestia
(grins) Worry more about your enemies. It's about to get rough for 'em.

[Kyra and Hestia gain C-rank support.]

Tiresias

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
tiresias
I must say, I am surprised.
I don't meet many who know the language of the blind.
At least, among those who do not themselves know a blind person.
apate
...There are not many disciplines I am not at least acquainted with.
tiresias
Verily... So, what are your thoughts, my lady?
I'm close. I can feel it. This tome, it's every bit a light tome of old.
But... It doesn't work. I don't understand why it won't.
The incantations are accurate to the documents I've studied.
I am attuned to the energies, and I train my connection every day.
apate
None of that is the problem, Tiresias.
tiresias
What is, then?
apate
......
You are venturing where nobody has ventured in centuries.
I feel compelled to advise you to stop here.
tiresias
(smiles) Ahh, don't worry about me. It'd be a pointless waste of time.
I cannot contain my reckless curiosity. It is a veritable curse.
(serious) ...Besides, all I have learned indicates it is simply another kind of magic.
Hardly a secret worth keeping. I know not why the theocracy hates it so much.
Or you, for that matter...
apate
You believe yourself to be so bright, do you not?
The brightest thing you could do is forget all about this.
It will only bring you grief, in the end.
tiresias
Like it has you?
apate
......
tiresias
...Well, I won't pry, but I don't believe you'll be able to make me quit, either.
Your assistance would speed the process up, but I'll figure it out regardless.
apate
Why? Why are you so interested in magic reviled by the Mother Herself?
tiresias
That's got to be the first time you've invoked Her name.
For as good a liar as you are, Lady Apate, that was pitiful.
No, not pitiful... Desperate.
apate
......
Very well. I shall assist you.
tiresias
(smiles) Truly? Ah, thank you, Lady Apate! You have my eternal gratitude.
(Apate moves closer.)
apate
Let me make one thing perfectly clear, however.
I agree to this only because we could use this power in our quest.
tiresias
I don't mind. I hadn't expected you to do it out of the goodness of your heart.
apate
I am not finished.
Should I decide that your studies carry you too far...
I will kill you on the spot.
(Tiresias starts.)
tiresias
What?!
apate
Killing a fool like you would be easy even without your affliction.
With it? All I have to do is claim you lost your way...
tiresias
It's... It's incomprehensible.
What dark secret could hide in this innocuous school of magic, Apate?!
apate
May you never find out.
Now, let me repair your conduits.
tiresias
...I...
(Apate moves back.)
apate
Or are you suddenly too afraid to see your research through?
tiresias
......
I may have soiled my trousers there, 'tis true.
But that is only more reason I must walk this path to its end.
...I am ready.
apate
Let us commence.

Eupraxia & Agari

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
eupraxia
Ah, you must be... Sir Pericles's daughter.
agari
(smiles) Hi there! Call me Agari. That's what everyone calls me.
eupraxia
Hmm... Might I inquire as to where you're going?
agari
Just gonna go out for a quick ride.
See some snow in peace while we have some free time.
eupraxia
Is it not time for prayer?
agari
(frowns) ...Oh, no, not another one...
What, did my dad tell you to make sure I keep up my daily prayer?
Can we not do this right now? C'mon, have a heart...
eupraxia
You have it wrong. I do not mean to force you.
It is simply surprising behavior of a holy knight, that is all.
But I'm sure you've heard that before...
agari
(smiles) Oh, great! In that case, I think I'll be going...
eupraxia
......
agari
You've got more to say, don't you.
eupraxia
I... knew your father, before.
Standing here, brought together by a common cause against Tartaros...
It is something neither he nor I could have ever expected.
agari
Is that right... Where do you know my dad from?
eupraxia
Tell me something, Agari.
Are you here for his sake alone, or do you believe in our cause?
agari
(smiles) I'm definitely happier here than I ever was in the inquisition.
Everyone's nice, and we don't have to pursue innocents just because some ugly said they're bad people.
(frowns) It's made me realize even more just how wrong the inquisition is.
eupraxia
You speak truth.
The church as an institution is rotten to the core.
If we must destroy it to rebuild it anew...
So be it. I will contribute my magic to that purpose.
agari
Huh... Well, however you met my dad, I can tell you're two peas in a pod.
eupraxia
Sigh... Pardon me. Your father reminds me of the past.
But I shouldn't equate you to him. You're your own person.
(smiles) A quite pleasant and cheerful one at that, I can see.
agari
Well... I try to keep my spirits up.
It's difficult sometimes, I won't lie, but...
I tried hating, once. I really, really tried to hate my father.
For never being home. For not caring about us, apparently.
For not being there when... when Mom...
eupraxia
Please, you do not have to share this with me.
agari
It's okay. I can tell I can trust you.
eupraxia
......
agari
...What I'm trying to say is, I wanted to hate him.
But I only managed to feel worse.
So I decided I didn't want to hate anyone anymore.

We don't always get along, but things are better now.
It did help that Dad... Well, I misjudged him.

eupraxia
And yet not many would so readily forgive, Agari.
You are wise beyond your years.
Hatred begets only hatred. There is no point to it.
It is a truth many fail to learn in their lifetimes.
agari
...You sound like you speak from experience.
eupraxia
I have hated enough that I am now numb to the feeling.
agari
O-Oh.
eupraxia
But let's not speak of such undesirable topics.
(smiles) Would you mind an old lady's company during your ride?
I would enjoy to take in the sights of this gelid landscape.
agari
Sure! Hop on!
(frowns) ...Oh, but I'm dumb. I haven't asked you your name yet!
eupraxia
Eupraxia.
agari
(smiles) I'm Agari! Oh, I did tell you that, didn't I?
eupraxia
(smiles) Hoho, you did, my girl.
Do you intend on stopping for a spell? I can bring my tea set.
agari
Aw, yeah! That'd be lovely. Thanks so much, Lady Eupraxia!

[Agari and Eupraxia gain C-rank support with each other.]

Glaucus & Órlaith

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
glaucus
Yaaaaaaaaawn...
(smiles) Man, I'm pooped... It's starting to be too much, heh.
Órlaith
......
glaucus
Oh, howdy there. Didn't see you approach.
Órlaith
Heya.
glaucus
...Right... So...
I don't remember you from when I joined up.
You a new addition to our merry band?
Órlaith
I'm Órlaith. I'm one of Wrexham's knights.
glaucus
(smiles) Oh, I see... One of them prim and proper knight types, huh.
You certainly look totally unfazed.
Órlaith
...Should I be fazed? By what?
glaucus
Well, you know... Everything that's going on!
I was sure after we left Tartaros, things would slow down.
If this whole “rebellion” business didn't fizzle out on its own,
I thought we'd at least take it one step at a time.
Two days later and we're fighting assassins, mercenaries, monsters...
And then without missing a beat, we declare war on a margravate!
Heck, YOUR liege was kidnapped, and you wonder why you should be fazed?
Órlaith
Okay? I was here too, you know. I remember all of that.
If you're so tired, why don't you just call it quits, anyway?
glaucus
Wait, you're telling me to desert? Just like that...?
Órlaith
I mean, you've already done it once.
Don't you think I know what that crest is?
We don't need dispirited old layabouts here.
(Glaucus flinches.)
glaucus
(smiles) Yeowch! Scathing! Hahaha... Got me good there, Órls!
(serious) Nah, but see, I can't do that. Betraying the inquisition was easy.
Betraying these guys? That'd sting in my conscience, I'm sure of it.
Órlaith
So you're with them because... You believe in their cause?
glaucus
Well, why are you?
Good soldiers follow orders? Or is there more to you?
Órlaith
......
The other way around.
I follow orders because I believe the people I serve are good.
They will not give me an order that contradicts my moral compass.
If they did... I wouldn't follow it.
glaucus
(smiles) And just like you, I too have a moral compass of my own.
Sure, sometimes I don't listen to it as much as I should,
but I'd like to think I have a heart in there somewhere.
I may have joined these guys out of convenience...
But I like them too much to run off on them.
(serious) At least, without asking nicely first, heh...
Órlaith
(smiles) You surprise me. You're not as bad as you look.
glaucus
Please, I know I'm a bit of a mess, but c'mon.
Don't judge a book by its cover, y'know?
Órlaith
Yeah, you're right. My bad.
Sorry I called you those mean things before.
glaucus
Ahh, it's not like you were wrong, either. I'm kind of a layabout.
But... I'm not too old, actually. I just started going gray young.
Bad genes. My dad was the same way...
Órlaith
Oh, huh...
Well, for what it's worth, you'd make it work if you'd just shave.
Or commit to the beard. Something. Just please, fix the stubble.
glaucus
Haha... I'll take your advice when you get your hair under control.
Órlaith
Heeey... I happen to like the “wild locks” style.
glaucus
Hehe...

[Glaucus & Órlaith gain C-rank support with each other.]

Vasiliki & Fiadh

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
fiadh
And just who the heck are you supposed to be?
(Vasiliki startles.)
vasiliki
A-Ah! Vasiliki, Sir!
One of the mercenaries hired by the commander, Sir!
fiadh
...Relax. Who do you take me for? I'm no “Sir.”
Just Fiadh will do.
vasiliki
(smiles) Oh, okay!
fiadh
So, a merc, huh.
Awfully young to be killing people for money, don't you think?
vasiliki
Yeah... The job's pretty hard, I won't deny it.
But I'm pretty clumsy, and I was no good at school either.
Pretty much all I'm... decent at is pulling bowstrings.
Er, “decent” is a big, big overstatement.
Honestly, I don't know why the commander even--

...Sorry. I didn't mean to rant at you.

fiadh
Why's a fish out of water like you doing this?
vasiliki
W-Well, it's my parents.
They're poor, and old, and...
My pa can't even walk very much at all.
fiadh
Ah, I get it. Got people to take care of.
That's a heavy burden to have, especially at your age.
vasiliki
......
fiadh
Your skills aren't too bad. You're just inexperienced.
vasiliki
Don't say that just to make me feel better...
fiadh
What, is it wrong now to feel better?
No, but I'm serious. You have potential.
You just need more confidence.
vasiliki
(smiles) Pfft-- Give me a break! Confidence, me?
I acknowledge my weaknesses. My many, many weaknesses.
I'm a realist, you see.
fiadh
Sigh... All right, want me to teach you a few tricks?
vasiliki
Wha-- For real?!
fiadh
(smiles) That's the real difference between rookies and veterans.
The tricks they've picked up along the way.
vasiliki
(smiles) I'd be so thankful!
Thank you, Fiadh! You're so nice!
fiadh
Nice, me? Hah! That's a new one...
(serious) All right. First off, hold your bow like this...

[Fiadh and Vasiliki gain C-rank support with each other.]
[Vasiliki gains 1 Skill.]

Fructuoso & Begoña

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
Begoña
Hey! You there!
(Fructuoso startles.)
fructuoso
Gah! I-I'm not doing anything!
Begoña
No one's sayin' you are...
fructuoso
True that... Hey, hold up...
You're a brigand too, aren't you?
I-I didn't think there'd be more around here....
Begoña
I ain't a brigand no more. Get it right!
fructuoso
Well, neither am I.
Begoña
Yeah, could've told ya that myself.
Real brigands got a look in their eye.
I should know. I've had it too.
That look o' careless greed... You don't got it.
fructuoso
Well, I dunno about before, but right now, you seem like a pretty decent gal yourself.
Begoña
Meh... I wonder 'bout that.
I'm just tryin' to do the right thing.
It feels nice. Better than crime, that's for sure.
fructuoso
I'm a little envious. You seem to have it all figured out.
Some days I feel like I'm just stumbling through life...
Begoña
C'mon, it ain't any different for me.
Only weeks ago, I still had the look, y'know.
I've only just now started to figure it all out, as you put it.
Heck, betcha've been outta the brigandin' business longer.
fructuoso
It's... been years.
And in all that time, it feels like I've managed to do nothing.
Still barely making ends meet. Still fighting the... temptation.
Crime was so much easier, even if this feels less rotten...
Begoña
That's not too reassuring...
(smiles) But I know we'll make it to the other side just fine, you and me!
If you ever need any help, just come lookin' for Begoña!
fructuoso
(smiles) Just like that? You're a good person.
I'll remember that name. And you remember mine - Fructuoso!
Begoña
New friend!

[Begoña and Fructuoso gain C-rank support with each other.]

Enemy Turn 1

Flintshire Keep

delilah
......
jane
Er, Mistress? One of the soldiers just came by with word.
Apparently they're on the move... Straight towards us.
delilah
Of course... I see it all clearly now.
I have been played for a fool... I can only take my hat off.
Figuratively speaking.
jane
So uh, what do we do next?
delilah
(smiles) ......
jane
Well, at least you're not frowning like mad anymore. It's something!
delilah
Two can play the genius mastermind game.
I may have lost, but I am not yet out of the picture.
I shall pull some strings of my own...
jane
Huh?
delilah
Jane, for the nonce, take up arms and stand in defense of the gate.
(Jane starts.)
jane
Wait, hold on a sec! I'm not properly equipped to--
delilah
(smiling) I am aware of that.
...Oh, don't look so dejected, my dear Jane.
I do not intend on feeding you to the wolves to buy myself time.
jane
It sure is looking that way.
But I guess I always knew you were a crooked one, Mistress.
It's my own fault for casting my lot with the likes of you...
delilah
You never were one to keep quiet about what is on your mind, Jane.
It is a reckless, irresponsible behavior, but one I've always found... charming.
jane
Flattery? Are we really that desperate, Mistress?
delilah
Listen to yourself, Jane, and consider that you remain by my side still.
Why would I throw away a loyal pawn such as yourself?
No, no... I have hatched something of a plan myself, you see.
jane
Oh, yeah?
delilah
We'll put up some resistance. Send the girls out to play.
Hopefully, they'll soften them up just a tad.
When they draw near, this is what we shall do...

(Jane is deployed to guard the keep's front gate.)

When a unit approaches Flintshire Keep

jane
A bit further and they'll be in range to shank me.
O-Okay, here goes nothing, I guess...
This is a bold play, even by your standards, Mistress.
It better pay off...!

(Jane retreats into the keep, leaving the gate undefended.)

Conversations

Jane

Combat

jane
N-No way! I underestimated how fast they move...!

Defeat

jane
O-Ouch... Okay, hold on...
If you don't mind, I'll just... limp this way...

Locations

House

woman
Margravine Delilah isn't super beloved among her people.[A] At the same time... I guess we could've been worse off.[A] I'd rather have her than the hierophant of Tartaros.[A] Or a few of the other margraves, for that matter.[A] She's still a jerk, though, so more power to you.

North Village

girl
Hi... Mom says I shouldn't talk to you because you're here to invade us.
I didn't really get it. What does that mean?
visitor
Uh...
girl
Well, I don't want you to invade us, so let's make a deal.
If you promise you'll leave our town alone,
I'll give you this sword I stole from my dad. Deal?

(grins) All right! Pleasure doing business. See ya!

(The girl leaves.)
visitor
...That kid's going to be a terror when she grows up.

South Village

Default

Raleigh's Father
Visitors... Might I interest you in my wares?
I have a wide selection of goods from all around the world!
...No? Oh, I should've figured. You're here to battle, after all.
I do not envy the life of a soldier. I do not envy it at all.
My child joined the army. The entire platoon deserted, and ever since...
...Hmm? My child's name is Raleigh. Why?

If Raleigh is alive

(Raleigh's father jumps.)
Raleigh's Father
Raleigh's with you?! And safe?!
(smiles) You... You have no idea how much this means to me.
Tonight I may be able to sleep easy for the first time in months.
No, don't worry. Just knowing they're safe and in the company of friends...
That is enough. Do not worry on my account...
Please, please! Take this! It is the most expensive item I have!
May luck be with you, and I beseech you... Look out for Raleigh.

(He gives the visitor a Speedwing.)

If Raleigh is dead

(Raleigh's father jumps.)
Raleigh's Father
You had a dark knight named Raleigh with you, who fell in battle...
What did this Raleigh look like? Long white hair, tan...?
(closes eyes) ...I see. Then my only child is...
......

I beg of you... Leave me be.
And forgive me, for I cannot thank you for bringing this information to me...

visitor
......

If Raleigh is visiting

Raleigh's Father
Visitors... Might I interest you in my wares?
I have a wide selection of goods from... all around...

R-Raleigh... You have returned... Y-You're alive!

Raleigh
Pa... I...
(Raleigh's father hugs them.)
Raleigh's Father
(closes eyes) My child... When I heard that your group defected, I...
I-I had feared I would never see you again...
Raleigh
Aren't you mad about what I did?
I was forced, but even still, I--
Raleigh's Father
Tell me, Raleigh. Are you comfortable where you are now?
Raleigh
Well, it's been a tough going, but... Yeah.
These people are good. I am content to fight with them.
Raleigh's Father
(smiles) Then that is good enough for me.
Here. Take this with you. Perhaps it will help you, or your comrades.
Raleigh
(smiles) Thanks, Pa. I'll come back to visit as soon as I can. I promise.
(Raleigh leaves.)
Raleigh's Father
May luck be with you always, my child...

(He gives Raleigh a Speedwing.)

Ending

If Fiadh is alive

delilah
(smiles) Greetings, my friends. I commend you for coming so far.
You are highly talented at being a thorn in one's side.
fiadh
You're about to get something much worse than a thorn in your side, you pile of filth.
But first, you will answer one question. You can probably hazard a guess.
delilah
(still smiling) I assure you, I am quite mystified. Do enlighten me.
(Fiadh becomes agitated.)
fiadh
Margrave Barlowe! Where are you hiding him?!
delilah
(still smiling) Hmm? Curious. What do you make of this, Jane?
jane
(smiles) Er... Why, I have no idea what they're talking about!
Haha, ha... ha...
delilah
We have seen neither beard hair nor hide of your beloved margrave.
fiadh
Hmph...
delilah
(smirks) Interesting. I expected this to be the part where you yell “liar!” in my face.
kyra
You must know something, at least. Go ahead, talk.
delilah
Hmmm... I did get the most compelling reports from down below.
Did you know that Powys and Conwy are at war?
fiadh
What?!
delilah
If you want to hear my theory, your culprit is either Zaccheus or Simeon.
Maybe they even plotted it out together.
And now they're bickering over who gets to reap the spoils.
kyra
Are they the other two nice fellows I met when I first arrived at Wrexham?
fiadh
If by “nice” you mean as rancid as the scarecrow over there.
delilah
Pah. You do me a disservice.
Yes, we are comparably rancid, but I am vastly more competent.
kyra
Doesn't look that way right now.
delilah
Mmhmhmhm... I have not run out of surprises up my sleeve, girl.
fiadh
Careful! Hold your bow tight, Kyra!
delilah
Ah, so paranoid... Nothing of that sort, Fiadh, my friend.
Quite the opposite, in fact. I have a proposal.
jane
(frowns) Here it comes...
delilah
Since I am innocent in the kidnapping, I would show you proof of my goodwill.
Let us join forces and seek out the true villain together.
(Fiadh starts.)
fiadh
(smiling) Ahahahah! Oh, that's actually such a good joke!
(serious) C'mon, be serious now. Have some dignity in your defeat.
delilah
Yesterday's foe is today's friend. I am not prideful like those two fools.
I am an opportunistic vulture who saw a chance to invade your land.
But I am not above grovelling to those who have bested me.
My forces are decimated. Put me to work in exchange for my life.
kyra
You know, the smug smirk's not exactly selling the act.
delilah
Need I shed tears when I have so much else to offer?
I have my experience in the art of killing.
And look at the bulging muscles on this one...
(Jane shifts bashfully.)
jane
Ah, M-Mistress...!
delilah
She will crush your enemies if I so much as point my finger at them.
Or I can cut their necks myself if you so desire.
I ask for nothing but my life and freedom in return.
I believe it to be a more than fair deal. What say you?
Shall we move past the past?
kyra
...It's not my grudge to bear. Fiadh?
fiadh
......
I can paint the walls gray with her brains any time I want.
Might as well squeeze her for all she's worth in the meantime.
delilah
Delightful. Without further ado, then...
Come, Jane. We must prepare for the imminent blood-spilling.
(Delilah leaves.)
jane
...Er...
Pleasure to make your acquaintance, everyone.
Look forward to working with you all.
(Jane leaves.)
kyra
That's... not quite what I was expecting.
fiadh
Psch. Crafty witch. She talked herself out of my sights.
But it's okay. She'll make a mistake sooner or later...
kyra
...Yikes...

So, what now? Do we take her at her word?

apate
Whether we do or do not is irrelevant.
We will not make any progress until we have rescued the margrave.
The other two adjoining margravates are the next most likely suspects.
If they truly are battling, however, that works to our benefit.
It will allow us to cut through them like a knife cuts through butter.
They will be left with no time to use the margrave against us.
fiadh
That about sums it up.
I appreciate your concern, both of you.
You're going to quite the lengths to save Margrave Barlowe.
apate
...Be certain to impress that upon him once he is returned to safety.
kyra
Apate...! Have some tact...
fiadh
Don't worry. I appreciate that she's being upfront, too.
I couldn't care less about your reasons. I'm still grateful.
kyra
Oh... Well...
fiadh
Let's go. We've wasted enough time with that harpy's games.
apate
I concur.

If Fiadh is dead

delilah
(smiles) Greetings, my friends. I commend you for coming so far.
You are highly talented at being a thorn in one's side.
apate
You can imagine what question we have for you.
delilah
(still smiling) I assure you, I am quite mystified. Do enlighten me.
kyra
Magrave Barlowe! Where are you hiding him?
delilah
(still smiling) Hmm? Curious. What do you make of this, Jane?
jane
(smiles) Er... Why, I have no idea what they're talking about!
Haha, ha... ha...
delilah
We have seen neither beard hair nor hide of your beloved margrave.
apate
Hmph...
delilah
(smirks) Interesting. I expected this to be the part where you yell “liar!” in my face.
kyra
You must know something, at least. Go ahead, talk.
delilah
Hmmm... I did get the most compelling reports from down below.
Did you know that Powys and Conwy are at war?
kyra
What?!
delilah
If you want to hear my theory, your culprit is either Zaccheus or Simeon.
Maybe they even plotted it out together.
And now they're bickering over who gets to reap the spoils.
kyra
Are they the other two nice fellows I met when I first arrived at Wrexham?
delilah
That would be them, yes.
apate
Very well. That is all we required from you.
We have no use for her now, do we, Kyra?
kyra
Not that I can think of.
delilah
Mmhmhmhm... I have not run out of surprises up my sleeve, girl.
apate
Be wary! This may not yet be over!
delilah
Ah, so paranoid... Nothing of that sort, my friend.
Quite the opposite, in fact. I have a proposal.
jane
(frowns) Here it comes...
delilah
Since I am innocent in the kidnapping, I would show you proof of my goodwill.
Let us join forces and seek out the true villain together.
apate
...You are in no position to indulge in pitiful jesting.
delilah
Yesterday's foe is today's friend. I am not prideful like those two fools.
I am an opportunistic vulture who saw a chance to invade your land.
But I am not above grovelling to those who have bested me.
My forces are decimated. Put me to work in exchange for my life.
kyra
You know, the smug smirk's not exactly selling the act.
delilah
Need I shed tears when I have so much else to offer?
I have my experience in the art of killing.
And look at the bulging muscles on this one...
(Jane shifts bashfully.)
jane
Ah, M-Mistress...!
delilah
She will crush your enemies if I so much as point my finger at them.
Or I can cut their necks myself if you so desire.
I ask for nothing but my life and freedom in return.
I believe it to be a more than fair deal. What say you?
Shall we move past the past?
kyra
...Well... More allies is more allies, right?
apate
We can always dispose of them later if the situation calls for it.
delilah
Delightful. Without further ado, then...
Come, Jane. We must prepare for the imminent blood-spilling.
(Delilah leaves.)
jane
...Er...
Pleasure to make your acquaintance, everyone.
Look forward to working with you all.
(Jane leaves.)
kyra
That's... not quite what I was expecting.
apate
She adapts well under duress. She might prove useful.
If we can keep her under control.
kyra
......

So, what now? Do we take her at her word?

apate
Whether we do or do not is irrelevant.
We will not make any progress until we have rescued the margrave.
The other two adjoining margravates are the next most likely suspects.
If they truly are battling, however, that works to our benefit.
It will allow us to cut through them like a knife cuts through butter.
They will be left with no time to use the margrave against us.
kyra
Here's hoping we CAN find the margrave there.
If we can't, we'll have to start from scratch.
apate
...Let us move out without delay.
Enough time was wasted on that crow's games.
kyra
Yeah...

Character Descriptions

Delilah
Margravine of Flintshire. A cold and calculating schemer who isn't above sullying her own hands.

Jane
Personal retainer of Margravine Delilah. Peaceable, despite her choice of employer and intimidating strength.

[Delilah & Jane have C-rank support with each other.]

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