!DOCTYPE html>

Chapter 14: Grand Return

Whichever margrave you recruited last chapter must be deployed this chapter.

Scymerius returns this chapter.

Opening

kyra
Phew... That was some march.
How can you walk so fast at your age, Margrave?

If Fiadh is alive

barlowe
(smiles) I make a point to exercise. It only becomes more important as one ages.
fiadh
(smiles) I've always maintained he's going to outlive us all.
barlowe
Oh, please, Fiadh, don't exaggerate...
kyra
(smirks) Yeah, I'm tempted to believe you'd be the one to do the outliving,
if only out of spite.
(Fiadh becomes agitated.)
fiadh
(scowls) Hey! Wanna try saying that again, sellsword?
barlowe
Hohohoho... It heartens me that you have gotten along in my absence.
apate
Can we please hurry?
kyra
Hurry, hurry. It's always one big rush with you, Apate.

If Fiadh is dead

barlowe
I make a point to exercise. It only becomes more important as one ages.
beatrix
Age waits for no man, but an unkempt body rots all the faster.
barlowe
......
kyra
Margrave? Something wrong?
barlowe
No, it's just...
I had hoped to return to this castle with Fiadh.
kyra
O... Oh...
barlowe
Do not apologize. I can see it coming, and I want it not.
I am not so foolish as to blame you for what became of her.
(closes eyes) ...Nay, the fault lies with me, and I shall carry it to my grave...
kyra
Margrave...
beatrix
......
apate
Can we please hurry?
kyra
Hurry, hurry. I knew you were heartless, Apate, but c'mon!
kyra
The theocracy's not going anywhere. That's the whole point.
We can take it easy for a few days after all this excitement, don't you think?
apate
Yes. Take it easy. Allow the theocracy's evil to fester for longer than it already has.
kyra
Ohh, why do I even bother? There's no point in arguing with you.
barlowe
Lady Apate, rest is as vital as strength and skill are.
Especially when one intends to wage a war on the long-term.
It would not be wise to exhaust your companions to death.
apate
......
kyra
Look, let's get to Wrexham first, okay?
We'll need to regroup, rest up and make preparations for what's to come.
But I promise we won't rest on our laurels for long, all right?
apate
...Fair enough.

If Fiadh is alive

fiadh
Oh, right, before I forget.
The blind guy asked me to tell you to go see him at the camp before we arrive.
Looked like he had something urgent to discuss.
kyra
Really? All right. Thanks, Fiadh. I'll go see him.
Oh, and... His name's Tiresias.
fiadh
Yeah, sorry... Was on the tip of my tongue.

If Fiadh is dead

beatrix
Oh, I almost forgot... You have a blind man traveling with you, right?
I ran into him at the camp earlier, he told me to give you a message.
He wants to talk with you. Before we get to the castle, if possible.
kyra
Really? All right. Thanks, Beatrix. I'll go see him.

Base Camp

Tiresias speaks to Kyra as soon as she enters camp.

Tiresias

tiresias
Kyra... I have done it.
My life's work, it has all lead up to this singular moment.
I've always considered myself rather eloquent, and yet...
On this, I find myself unable to find any appropriate words.
How could I reveal this without doing a disservice to its monumentality?
kyra
...As far as preambles go, I'd say that's a pretty solid one.
tiresias
You know what? Perhaps it's simpler to just show you.
I can vaguely tell where you are, I think, but...
Please steel yourself. I wouldn't want to hurt you.
kyra
Whoa, whoa! Hey! What are you planning?
tiresias
I'm going to cast a spell in your general direction. Are you ready?
kyra
I guess, yeah... Go ahead, I'll be fine.
tiresias
(closes eyes) Here goes...
Don't fail me now. I don't want to end up looking like an idiot.

......

kyra
......
So, uh... Is something supposed to have happened by now, or--
(Tiresias casts Lightning.)
kyra
What kind of magic was that? I've never seen anything like it...
tiresias
Tartaros's forbidden brand of magical energy.
Once called light magic, it would seem.
kyra
I don't believe it!
Tiresias, you may have just changed the course of history...
tiresias
On the contrary, I only find myself more baffled.
Tell me, Kyra. What did you think of that spell?
kyra
It was very bright. Guess that's why they called it light magic.
And uh... It didn't feel particularly strong or anything?
tiresias
Yes! Exactly! This light magic, it is thoroughly unremarkable!
So why is it demonized by the Church of Anima's doctrine?
kyra
You're the scholar and you're asking me?
tiresias
I was so worried I may be unleashing something far beyond my ken.
Instead, the only thing I've unleashed is more doubt and confusion.
I don't know whether to feel relieved, disappointed or simply laugh it up!
kyra
(smiles) How about just be proud of your accomplishment?
Even if the magic itself isn't anything to write home about, you've still uncovered a piece of history thought lost forever.
tiresias
Yes, you're probably correct.
Well, in any event, that was all I wished to discuss.
Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.
kyra
Are you kidding me? I got to witness history in the making.
I should be thanking you!
tiresias
Heh... Well, you're welcome, then.
For the time being, this one tome is all I have to offer.
I will redouble my efforts to refine the process, however.
Soon I may be able to produce more, with Hestia's assistance.
I only request some time.
kyra
Take it easy, Tiresias. You've pulled off enough miracles for a day.
tiresias
(smiles) ...Yeah, that's probably right... I'll take the rest of the day off.
(serious) But tomorrow... The grind continues, so to speak.

Hestia

hestia
Kyra. Can I tell you something, while Tiresias isn't around?
kyra
Oh, dear. Are you about to snitch about something devilish?
hestia
I don't think so. Tiresias is good people, I can tell you that much.
He's up to something, though, and trying to be discreet about it.
kyra
Well, yeah, he's going into uncharted territory with that light magic of his.
Uncharted because the charts were all burned down. He ought to watch himself.
hestia
Actually, he's been the opposite of discreet about his research.
With me, anyway. I've even lent him a hand where I could.
No, there's something else. I can smell it.
kyra
Well, does your nose tell you anything else?

If Wulfric is alive

hestia
If it did, I would've started with that.
Eh, he's probably just making some kind of surprise present for Wulfric.
Maybe it's his birthday soon.
kyra
Whatever it is, he must have a reason to keep it under wraps.

If Wulfric is dead

hestia
If it did, I would've started with that.
Eh, he's probably just making some kind of surprise present for you.
Is it your birthday soon?
kyra
Not really, but whatever it is, he must have a reason to keep it under wraps.
Try not to be nosy, okay, Hestia? It wouldn't be fair.
...Hey, when is your birthday? Maybe it's you he's making a present for.
hestia
(smiles) Hah! Can't be that, because my birthday was four days ago.
kyra
(serious) Oh... S-Sorry, I forgot...
hestia
No you didn't, silly, I didn't tell you!
You can remember for next year, if we're both still alive.
kyra
I have a really bad memory for this kind of stuff, but I'll try.
hestia
You do that. And hey, don't let me make you worry about Tiresias.
I'm sure he'll speak up himself sooner or later.

Zaccheus & Conan

If Delilah is alive

(The margraves have been imprisoned in the camp storeroom.)
kyra
I hear a lot of chipper chatter in there.
Mind explaining what's going on?
delilah
(smiling) Oh, nothing nefarious, I assure you.
zaccheus
Is it forbidden to exchange words within your domains, O esteemed Lady Kyra?
kyra
Where you two are concerned? Maybe it should be.
I'd rather not waste the cloth it'd take to gag you, though, so I'm just going to ask again: What is it about?
zaccheus
Tch... Lowborn little... Oh, what's the point. Fine, you nosy little pest.
Since you've so graciously locked us in this dusty room for no reason, we are using this time to discuss matters of mutual interest.
delilah
(smiling) Specifically, we're assessing how best to divide the former Powys territory.
It would be ideal if we could both come out of this satisfied, right, Zaccheus?
zaccheus
(smiles) Quite. Our past differences matter not when the spoils are so plentiful.
I am certain two intelligent, pureblooded nobles like us will reach an agreement.
delilah
There is no use in antagonizing one another. The true villain, Simeon, lies dead.
Is that not true, my dear Zaccheus?
zaccheus
Oh, my delightful Delilah, you speak truth and nothing but truth!
kyra
(She's completely out of his league. Wow, I almost feel bad for him...)
I'll leave you to it. Listening to you two makes me feel rotten.
Shall you and I talk instead, Sir...?

If Delilah is dead

(Zaccheus has been imprisoned in the camp storeroom.)
kyra
Staying nice and silent in there, I see.
zaccheus
On the contrary. I am maintaining a riveting philosophical discussion in here.
The chest over there makes an interesting point about the value of human gratitude.
kyra
Right...
zaccheus
Bah... And even after you hoist such humilliation upon me, I owe you.
(smiles) Delilah and Simeon are both rotting as we speak, and it's thanks to you.
The old timer is no longer a concern of mine.
Powys and Flintshire shall both be annexed to Conwy, and be mine!
kyra
I'll leave you to your fantasizing. Listening to you makes me feel rotten.
Shall you and I talk instead, Sir...?
conan
Conan. I am naught but a warrior for hire.
One must earn their nourishment, and battle is all I have known.
And yet, accepting Zaccheus's gold was not the moral choice.
I shall make no excuses, just as I shan't question your own motives.
kyra
Hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, but...
conan
...I do not sound like your typical scar-covered hound of battle, eh?
Distractions are few when you live in a coliseum's barracks.
I read any book I could get my hands on, back in those days.
They kept me tethered to my humanity in that heartless world.
kyra
Hmm... Well, I'm just glad you're a decent fellow.
Welcome to the gang, Conan.
conan
(smiles) Aye. I can already tell I shan't regret joining you.

Simeon & Dahl

If Delilah is alive

(The margraves have been imprisoned in the camp storeroom.)
kyra
I hear a lot of chipper chatter in there.
Mind explaining what's going on?
delilah
(smiling) Oh, nothing nefarious, I assure you.
simeon
Have I no right to speech now? Will my tongue be removed should I continue?
kyra
Where you two are concerned? Maybe it should be.
I'd rather not stain our knives with blue blood, though,
so I'm just going to ask again: What is it about?
simeon
Hmph... You're fortunate I have no desire to worsen my predicament.
As long as you keep us confined to this dusty hole, we'll employ the time in adopting mutually beneficial agreements.
delilah
(smiling) Specifically, we're assessing how best to divide the former Conwy territory.
It would be ideal if we could both come out of this satisfied, right, Simeon?
simeon
(smiles) Indeed. We are rational adults, able to set our petty prior feuds aside.
Nothing shall hold us back, as long as we speak calmly and honestly.
delilah
There is no use in antagonizing one another. The true villain, Zaccheus, lies dead.
Is that not true, my dear Simeon?
simeon
I agree wholeheartedly. You are far more personable than that boor, Delilah.
kyra
(She's completely out of his league. Wow, I almost feel bad for him...)
I'll leave you to it. Listening to you two makes me feel rotten.
Shall you and I talk instead, Sir...?

If Delilah is dead

(Simeon has been imprisoned in the camp storeroom.)
kyra
Staying nice and silent in there, I see.
simeon
You have locked me alone with the supplies.
Am I to speak to the barrels? I have not taken leave of my senses.
kyra
Right...
simeon
Hmph... Still, deplorable treatment aside, I owe you my gratitude.
(smiles) You have rid me of both the snake Delilah and the cur Zaccheus.
Barlowe may keep Wrexham. Conwy and Flintshire are mine.
I shall content myself with that. It is plenty... for now.
kyra
I'll leave you to your fantasizing. Listening to you makes me feel rotten.
Shall you and I talk instead, Sir...?
dahl
I am called Dahl. Just a man offering his spear to the highest bidder.
Mercenary work pays the bills, but it is not to my liking.
Especially not now that I've had my first taste of bad employer...
I do not intend on remaining this way my entire life, I can tell you that.
kyra
You're the kind to set his sights high, aren't you?
dahl
What can I say. I have confidence in my instincts and my prowess.
Martial and otherwise.
But worry not. Right now, my instinct tells me to cast my lot with you.
And you'll find my prowess most agreeable, now that I am yours to command.
kyra
Glad to hear it. Welcome to the gang, Dahl.
dahl
(smiles) May ours be a prolonged and fruitful association.

Jane & Raleigh

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
raleigh
(smiling) Phew... Man, I'd forgotten how peace and quiet felt like...
We've been deserving a break for a long, long time now.
I can only hope this tranquility lasts...
jane
Hey--
(Raleigh startles.)
raleigh
Uwaah!
raleigh
W-What the heck?!
What are you doing, standing back here all on your own?!
(Jane moves closer.)
jane
E-Er, it's, uh... N-Never mind that!
I just saw you there and wanted to ask you something...
You're not by any chance a member of the knights Lazurite, right?
I remember a few rookies deserted the knights a while back...
raleigh
......
What's it to you?
jane
I-It's just, I'm kinda sorta the margravine's bodyguard...
(Raleigh starts.)
raleigh
What?!
jane
Yeaaah... So I just wanted to tell you...
(smiles) Don't worry!
raleigh
“Don't worry?”
I've just been recognized by the margravine's own retainer!
Darn it, and here I was hoping for some calm, for a change...
Now I must become an unwilling deserter all over again.
Thanks a lot! Really!
jane
C'mon, you don't need to do that! The mistress doesn't even know you exist.
raleigh
You expect me to believe she just forgot about the deserters?
jane
Well, no, of course not, but...
She's... not super concerned with every little guy in her army.
She put a price on the entire platoon's heads at the time, of course, but she didn't know what any of you looked like or anything.
So the whole thing fell through real quick. You're pretty much in the clear now.
J-Just wanted you to know that.
raleigh
(closes eyes) ...Haa...
(opens eyes) For goodness' sake, couldn't you have started there...?
jane
S-Sorry... But yeah. Don't worry about us being here.
Just don't go around bragging about how you got away with it.
Try to keep a low profile, you know?
raleigh
What kind of idiot do you take me for?

...How did you recognize me, anyway? We've never met, have we?

jane
See, that's... The mistress didn't have your description, but I did.
Got it from your dad. I shop at his store sometimes.
He asked me that, if you were ever found... Well, I try to help you.
raleigh
...Pa...
(smiles) Thanks. I guess I owe you a favor now.
jane
(smiles) Hey, I haven't done anything!
You just make sure I don't HAVE to do anything, and we're golden.
raleigh
Count on it.
In return, if you ever need backup in battle...
Well, that's what I'm wearing all this armor for.
jane
I'll make sure to hide behind you if things get crazy! Hahaha...

[Jane and Raleigh gain C-rank support with each other.]

Barlowe & Órlaith

barlowe
(smiles) Ahh, Kyra. Your timing is impeccable.
I was congratulating Órlaith for the services she has provided.
kyra
She certainly deserves it. It's been nice having her around.
Órlaith
You don't need to do this...
I was just doing what I had to do. It wasn't anything special.
I'm your knight. Aiding in your rescue was my duty.
barlowe
(smiling) No, Órlaith. I know it is not a sense of knightly duty that drives you.
I know that you would turn on me without thinking twice, were you to ever deem my actions unjust.
kyra
Margrave, why do you have a smile on your face when you say that?
barlowe
Well, it is a quality I appreciate.
Loyalty or duty should not triumph over virtue, as they often do.
On the contrary. The day people like Órlaith leave my side...
is the day I will know I have strayed from the correct path.
Órlaith
U-Um... W-Well...
barlowe
(smiles) Once more, I thank you, Órlaith.
Please, continue to help Kyra as much as you can.
Órlaith
Okay...
(Barlowe leaves.)
Órlaith
......
Kyra, remember what I told you about why I joined the knights?
The knight who helped me to find my toy when I was a kid?
That was the margrave. Before he was a margrave.
kyra
...You're that old?
Órlaith
No... He wasn't born a margrave, you know.
kyra
O-Oh. I thought the title was hereditary...
Órlaith
I didn't realize, at first. I was too little. I couldn't recognize his face.
A while after I enrolled, I was part of his escorting party during a journey.
He stopped to console a crying child, and it hit me.
(smiles) Heh... The man who inspired me would go on to be the man I serve.
There's something neat in that, right?
kyra
(smiles) I've got to agree with that...
So, have you helped many kids with their toys, yourself?
Órlaith
I haven't had the chance yet, I'm afraid.
But if the chance arises, I'll be glad to restart the cycle.

[Órlaith gains 2 HP.]

Scymerius

kyra
...Huh? Oh, there you are!
scymerius
Something the matter, Commander?
kyra
What do you think? I couldn't find you anywhere!
I was starting to have some concerns about you...
scymerius
Come now, Commander. I am no deserter.
kyra
No one said you are, but...
Would you mind explaining what you've been up to?
scymerius
Must I?
I'm flattered, but you don't need to worry about me, Commander.
kyra
Who said I'm worried about you?
I'm worried that you haven't given me a single reason to trust you.
scymerius
...I was just taking care of a little job on the side.
Nothing you need to concern yourself with, trust me.
There. Feeling better now?
kyra
All right, that's progress. So, what was the job about?
scymerius
What color is your underwear?
kyra
...Sorry...?
scymerius
See, I can be nosy too.
kyra
...Did you... actually just say that to me...?
scymerius
Look, contrary to what you may believe, I don't mind talking about myself.
I can tell you what my favorite animal is, for instance.
But I humbly believe I should be entitled to my own privacy.
kyra
Urgh... Fine. Point taken.
But next time, if you must leave, at least warn us in advance.
scymerius
I'll try to keep that in mind.
Oh, and...
kyra
What?
scymerius
My favorite animal is the frog.
kyra
Awesome. Good for you and frogs.

Beatrix

beatrix
(smiles) Hi there, Commander. Pretty decent camp you got here.
A couple of nasty oversights with regards to security, but it's fine.
kyra
That's... really not reassuring, Beatrix.
beatrix
(still smiling) Pay me no mind, Commander. This is just what I do.
kyra
And you're good at your job, considering recent events.
Actually, I meant to talk about that. I wanted to apologize, Beatrix.
beatrix
What for? Not trusting me before?
Please. I'd be more worried if you did trust me.
kyra
Right... That's good to hear. I guess.
How did someone like you even end up working for the margrave?
No offense, but he doesn't strike me as the kind to employ shady spies...
beatrix
If he didn't employ people like me, he would've died long, long ago.
I mean, like you just said, consider the recent events.
Someone in his position simply can't afford to be squeaky clean.
kyra
That's a fair point, I suppose...

If Fiadh is alive

beatrix
He and Fiadh get to be the way they are because I'm here to...
Take care of the more disagreeable sides of the gig, so to speak.
The charitable way to phrase it would be that I try to shield them from all that.
(smiles) ...Of course, the margrave's not so pure and innocent, but Fiadh... Hahaha.

If Fiadh is dead

beatrix
He gets to be the way he is because I'm here to...
Take care of the more disagreeable sides of the gig, so to speak.
The charitable way to phrase it would be that I try to shield him from all that.
(smiles) Though of course, the margrave's not so pure and innocent.
kyra
And what about you? You don't have a problem with that?
beatrix
Me? No. Or maybe it'd be more apt to say... I shouldn't.
If someone has to play the bad guy, it should be me.
It's the role I've proven best suited to play, time and time again.
kyra
......
beatrix
(frowns) By the look on your face, Commander...
I wager you're about to say something profoundly naïve.
kyra
I don't know, Beatrix. You seem pretty nice to me.
beatrix
(smiles) Ahahaha... See? What did I say?
Ah, well... Don't concern yourself with me.
I'm nobody that matters.
kyra
Whatever you say...

Battle Start

kyra
Wait, what the-- The prairie's crawling with soldiers?!
Margrave, just how many enemies do you have?
barlowe
Kyra, the banner they fly... They're...
kyra
No... Impossible... They couldn't have dared...
(Barlowe leaps into action.)
barlowe
Beatrix! Go on ahead! See what you can glean!
beatrix
Understood. But what are you guys going to do in the meantime?
kyra
Such audacity cannot go unpunished. We put them to rout, all of them!
barlowe
My thoughts exactly.
beatrix
Got it. I'll see what I can figure out. Good luck out there, folks.

Enemy Turn 2

sarpedon
Hmm... They've been sighted, have they?
Time to get started in earnest, then.
Aura!
aura
Commander Sarpedon. Have there been any developments?
sarpedon
Reports indicate the heretics have returned to Wrexham.
I want you to fly ahead and ascertain the veracity of this claim.
aura
Am I to battle them, should I find them?
sarpedon
If you believe it to be prudent, but please, exercise caution.
I do not wish to see you fall here, Aura.
Should you encounter them, I would prefer you retreat.
aura
Understood, Commander.
If I get into any fights, I will retreat to Lesmosyne.
sarpedon
Thank you. I would hate for your potential to be halted here.
We need more ardent youths like you in the inquisition.
(Aura bounces with excitement.)
aura
(smiles) Your praise honors me, Commander!
Very well, I shall fulfill my duty. May the Mother's mercy be upon you.
sarpedon
May She watch over you, my child...

Enemy Turn 5 (if Goliath survived)

(Goliath enters the battlefield from the rear.)
goliath
(grinning) Ahhh... Finally! It's taken me so long to find you...
(scowls) You killed the boss! You massacred our band!
Everyone who survived's split up... You ruined everything!
And today... Y'all WILL pay for what ya did!

Conversations

Aura

Combat

aura
Ah! There they are!
I had best take leave of this battlefield while I still can.

Combat w/ Agari

agari
...Hey...
aura
A holy army defector...
What's with that look? Do we know each other?
agari
No. You and I... We don't.
There's no chance you'll surrender, is there?
aura
I have a mission to fulfill, and fulfill it I shall!
agari
Tch...

Combat w/ Zaccheus

zaccheus
Halt! You're a Tartaran scout, correct?
Heed me! I am not in league with these people!
aura
You are not? It sure looks like it to me!
zaccheus
W-Well, I... Ah, fie! Yes, I'm with them!
But not out of my own volition, I assure you!
My hand is being forced! I am a victim here!
aura
...What do you want from me?
zaccheus
(smiles) Ah, much better. Let me aboard your, uh... beast.
You shall bring me to your superiors.
We'll discuss the specifics of a prospective deal, and...
aura
How dim do you think I am?
zaccheus
Wha-- You dare to imply I am lying to you?!
I am Margrave Zaccheus of Conwy!
I have plenty to offer, and no love for these loons!
I'm offering you the chance of a lifetime on a silver platter!
How much of an idiot do you have to be to refuse me?!
aura
Oh, why-- That's enough! Leave me alone!
zaccheus
Don't you dare turn your back on me...!
Tartaran trash! Return here at once!

Combat w/ Simeon

simeon
You there! A Tartaran on reconnaissance duty, yes?
How providential. You shall help me!
aura
Why would I help an ally of heretics?
simeon
Huh? An ally of... Me?! You insult me!
I will admit that it appears that way, but... Well...
Curses, I would rather be anywhere than here!
They dragged me along! Threatened my life!
aura
...What do you want from me?
simeon
(smiles) That's better. Simply allow that I travel atop your... steed.
I shall rendezvous with your superiors.
Once I explain the situation and we reach an agreement...
aura
How dim do you think I am?
simeon
Wha-- What's that supposed to mean?!
I am Margrave Simeon of Powys!
A margrave, you understand? I have power, funds, troops!
...Well, not so much of the last one these days, but...
Don't be stupid, girl! You simply cannot reject my offer!
aura
Oh, why-- That's enough! Leave me alone!
simeon
N-No! I order you to stop turning against me!
Tartaran filth! Come back to me!

Defeat

aura
A-Ah! No... Mother, save me...!

Goliath

Combat

goliath
Revenge!!

Combat w/ Polonius

goliath
You?! The charlatan?! Here?! With THEM?!
First you get the boss and the others killed,
and then you throw in your lot with his killers?!
Y...You...

(Goliath vibrates with rage.)

I'll make you SUFFER!!

polonius
Eeheeheeheeheehee! And who might you be?
I have no recollection of you, little man...
But if you would so recklessly challenge me,
I would be delighted to let you have a taste of my power!
(grins) Heh heh heh... Well, what are you waiting for? Come!
Come and be obliterated by me, the Great Polonius!
Eeheeheeheeheehee!
goliath
(Goliath begins attacking wildly.)

Raaaaaahhhh!! Graaahhh!!

Death

goliath
N...No... I was... supposed... to avenge... everyone...

Sarpedon

Combat

Sarpedon
The Mother has conferred her sacred mission on us.
We shall see it through, or we shall die trying!

Combat w/ Fiadh

fiadh
The power games of those gutter rats weren't enough.
Now we have to contend with you warmongering pricks too?
I'm gonna start growing gray hairs at this rate...
sarpedon
It is not “warmongering,” girl. It is the will of the divine.
My place it is not, to judge the Mother's decree.
fiadh
Right, which means you get to kill us all and feel nothing.
Mighty convenient for you, that.
sarpedon
On the contrary. I would see as little violence as possible.
Unruly children returning to the fold fills Her heart with glee.
I would welcome you to the side of righteousness.
You need only take my hand, my child.
fiadh
You might want to reconsider offering me any of your limbs.
(narrows eyes) Losing it might just be the least gruesome outcome.
sarpedon
Such a shame. Spilling young blood is always regrettable.
(closes eyes) May the Mother guide you to the next life...

Combat w/ Órlaith

Órlaith
Hey, what do you think you're doing here?
This isn't your castle.
sarpedon
'Tis true, and for that, I can only apologize.
However, you harbored heretics most vile...
We are the Mother's faithful soldiers.
We would go to the ends of the world for Her.
To us, the frontiers marked by men are meaningless.
Órlaith
Vile? I've been with them for a while, you know.
Vile's definitely not something they are.
sarpedon
You have been deceived, doubtless.
Heretics are adept liars, after all.
Órlaith
...I think maybe you should look inward.
And get out of our lands, while you're at it.

Combat w/ Agari

sarpedon
Agariste...
agari
You remember me, Commander Sarpedon?
sarpedon
(smiles) Of course I do, my girl.
How could I forget Sir Pericles's daughter?
When he tasked me with overseeing your training,
I was honored beyond words.
(frowns) If only I had known that one day,
you would apply that training against us...
agari
I'm sorry, Commander...
I just couldn't handle it anymore.
This feeling that I fought for the wrong cause...
sarpedon
The Mother surely weeps at your words, Agariste.
agari
What I don't understand is...
How can you not feel the same way?
You're not a bad man, Commander.
You were always so kind to me...
sarpedon
I am ever the Mother's faithful servant.
I follow Her always, even when Her decrees pain me.
For I know Her wisdom is beyond questioning.
agari
......
sarpedon
It is not too late, Agariste.
If you return to us, I shall speak on your behalf.
And your father's behalf, in due time.
We can still fix this.
agari
...I'm truly grateful for all you did for me, Commander.
But I, too, have things I must do even if they pain me.

Death

sarpedon
(smiles) My soul is ready... for our Mother's warm embrace...
Tell me... can you... say the same?

Locations

West Village

If any unit other than Kyra is visiting

beatrix
(smiles) Oh, it's you...
Could you tell the commander to come this way?
I think I might have something of interest to her.

If Kyra is visiting

beatrix
(smiling) Ah, Kyra. Right on time.
kyra
Have you figured anything out?
beatrix
Nobody knows much of anything.
I'll keep looking into things in a bit, but first...
kyra
What?
beatrix
Look over there.
laertes
(smiling) Oh, my dearest granddaughter... Here, here, help yourself...
Buy some candy with this.
girl
Thank you so much...!
(The girl bounces with excitement and runs off.)
laertes
Ahahaha...
(frowns) Oh, dear... What do I do now...
beatrix
(smiling) Yoohoo! Laertes! This way!
laertes
(smiles) Oh, if it isn't my young friend, Beatrix!
How fare you?
beatrix
I'm okay. Laertes, this is Kyra, a friend of the margrave.
laertes
Oho! You must be quite the character if you have the margrave's approval.
kyra
Er, I guess...
Look, I don't have time for pleasantries.
If you'll excuse me, I'll just step out and--
beatrix
(serious) I haven't introduced you to this man just for the fun of it.
Laertes was once the pride of the knights Pyrite.
He fought under the margrave's banner against Tartaros.
laertes
That was a long time ago, and yet... I'll admit, I yearn for those days.
The job of a librarian is nowhere near as glorious as that of a knight.
...And it doesn't pay half as well. My finances are in dire straits...
I can hardly support my poor little granddaughter like this...
beatrix
So you see, the man is in need of a new, more profitable job.
kyra
What you're suggesting is that I conscript a librarian.
beatrix
(smiles) Mmhmm.
laertes
Long ago it may have been, but trust me, young commander,
I still have what it takes. Behold, my old silver lance!
Tartaros is a familiar foe. Perchance she still remembers this lance's sting.
All I require is your endorsement. Will you grant me leave to prove my worth?
kyra
...Oh, fine. The more, the merrier.
laertes
(smiles) On the behalf of myself and my dearest granddaughter, I thank you.
We both shall owe you a great debt of gratitude...
kyra
Pay me back by grabbing that thing and helping me liberate Wrexham Keep.
We don't have a moment to waste. You better shake off the rust fast.
(Kyra leaves.)
laertes
(smiles) Ah, how providential. Thank you, Beatrix.
beatrix
(serious) I'm not doing this for you, Laertes.
I think you could truly be useful to them.
You better do your very best, now.
laertes
Come now. Have I ever been known to disappoint?

[Note: Though Laertes does carry a Silver Lance, he lacks the Lance rank to use it.]

East Village

Default

hippalus
Goodness gracious, what has become of this world?
War's on the horizon anew for Tartaros and Glamorgan...
I never thought I would live to see history repeat before my eyes.

O-Oh... Hold up. You must be those heretics...
You've caused quite the uproar in Tartaros, friends.
I hope you do not intend on returning home.
If you do, you will never see the light of the sun again...

......
Please. Take this.
Why? I would prefer not to say, but... Well...
I have heard there is someone among you.
Someone to whom I owe a debt I can never repay...
Please, prod me no further. I must be off.

(He gives the visitor a Brave Bow.)

If Kyra is visiting

hippalus
...!
(Hippalus hides. Kyra arrives a few moments later.)
kyra
...Streets seem rather deserted. I guess that's only natural...

If Glaucus is visiting

hippalus
......
(Hippalus starts.)
hippalus
Oh! I can't believe I forgot that at the inn...
Goodness, I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached to my neck!
I had best go back in a hurry. They will arrive any minute.
(He leaves. Glaucus arrives a few moments later.)
glaucus
...Huh. Nobody here? That's a little strange.
Oh, well... Back to it, I guess.

House

man
The people guarding the castle? Aye, I saw 'em all right.
Red-haired guy took that kid o' theirs for a walk to the forest once.
Conversed with him a little. He seemed nice, despite the way he looked.

Say what? Have I seen them recently? Well, no, 'fraid not...
I've seen a LOT of folks pass by my humble abode, but not them.
If they ain't at the castle, they must have gone east, toward Tartaros.

Ending

(Kyra barges into Wrexham Keep.)
kyra
Elias!!

(Kyra runs to another room.)

Redbeard!!

(Kyra whirls around.)

If Pheme died

kyra
Where are you?! Elias! Redbeard!
Pericles?! Anyone?!

If Pheme survived

kyra
Where are you?! Elias! Redbeard!
Pheme?! Pericles?! Anyone?!
barlowe
Kyra...
kyra
Have they been spotted?! Margrave, tell me they have!
barlowe
I... It's a little early, but this is what the scouts have to say.
The castle is mostly intact. So are the towns in the vicinity.
Why, the populace barely even realized what had happened.
Tartaros's soldiers were not here long,
nor did they make any efforts to secure their hold on the area.
They took nothing and casualties among my knights were minimal.

If Pheme died

barlowe
(closes eyes) All that is missing... is Edward, the knight and your brother.
kyra
No... No, not again... This can't be happening again...
(closes eyes) Please, no... Losing Pheme was bad enough...

If Pheme survived

barlowe
(closes eyes) All that is missing... is Edward, the knight and the children.
kyra
No... No, not again...
(closes eyes) This can't be happening again... Please... No...
apate
...We were careless.
I should not have put it past them to do something so bold to reach me...
(Kyra becomes agitated.)
kyra
Oh, of course you'd make it all about yourself.
Don't you understand what's going on here?!
They're gone! They're all gone! We don't know what...
They might be lying in a ditch somewhere right now!
Would it kill you to stop being selfish for five minutes?!
apate
I will be direct, Kyra. We have made a grave mistake.
A mistake we will not fix by bickering, or by acting hysterical.
barlowe
Lady Apate is correct... If tactless, as ever.
Nevertheless, I am inclined to believe they are alive.
We have found nothing indicating the opposite.
apate
The question is, where did they run off to...
kyra
Margrave, please, say you have something in mind!
barlowe
If they managed to surround the castle without alerting them...
I know Edward would have done the stupidest thing possible.
kyra
The what...?
barlowe
Well, the enemy would've expected them to entrench themselves in the castle,
or try escaping in our direction, towards the west.
apate
Which means perhaps they tried cutting through their lines.
Heading east back into Tartaros before they knew what was happening.
barlowe
Just so. The element of surprise can be quite the efficacious tool.
In any event, Tartaros must face repercussions for their actions.
They have handed us a declaration of war on a silver platter.
I say we extend them the same courtesy.
Chances are high that we will find our friends along the way.
There is no cause for panic. This is a setback, not a defeat.
kyra
......
barlowe
Courage, Kyra. Edward is capable, and as I hear it, so is the knight.
Edward probably just figured my castle was not worth risking their necks.
Or maybe they happened to be away on some leisurely stroll, even.
I am certain I will be admonishing him about it before long.
kyra
Yeah... Yeah. You're right. I'm sure you're right.
No time to waste, then! I'll get everyone to regroup.
Tartaros is going to regret this dearly. Mark my words!
(Kyra storms off.)
apate
......
Margrave, your left hand twitches when you lie.
Such an obvious tell is unbecoming of a man of your reputation.
barlowe
Normally I am not so sloppy, but the situation has me rather distressed.
Lady Apate, evidently they were not here for my castle, my land or myself.
I cannot make sense of this. That vexes and unnerves me in equal measure.
apate
...I suspect we shall have answers soon enough...
No matter how much we may beg not to receive them.

Character Descriptions

Beatrix
A cheery freelancing spy under the employ of Barlowe. Surprisingly, she values honesty above all things.

Barlowe
Margrave of Wrexham. A seasoned strategist who needs not sully his own hands. Edward's old friend.

Tactician
A non-combatant who focuses on devising plans and rallying allies.

Sarpedon
A battle priest of Tartaros, leading the Grand Inquisitor's advance party.

Aura
A Tartaran squire and youngest of three triplets. A cheerful and devout believer in the theocracy's doctrine.

Inquisition
Knights of Tartaros, standing tall against heresy and insurrection.