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Chapter 16: Treason

The base camp is not accessible this chapter.

Opening

(Kyra approaches Percote's alehouse and undoes Apate's bindings.)
kyra
There. You're free.
Listen, I'm really sorry about this, but--
apate
The knot was not nearly tight enough, and you didn't even search me for weapons.
I could have stabbed your back any time I desired.
Next time you try to kidnap someone, I would advise you be less sloppy.
kyra
Glad your snark survived the fright, at least...
I would've expected you to be a lot angrier, though.
apate
What would I gain from begrudging you? This was my own folly.
You are but a pawn, and I have played you poorly. That is all.
kyra
......
apate
...I had not seen this part of your village when I was here.
kyra
There isn't much more to it.
It's just this, the prison and the part where Redbeard's guild is.
The alehouse is right there. At this hour, it should be closed...
But look. The door is not only unlocked, it's slightly slanted.
apate
Quite inviting. I wonder how long it will take before our throats are cut.
kyra
That's not going to happen. Edward would not--
apate
Do not excuse yourself to me, girl. I care not to hear it.
You have brought us to the lion's den. All that remains is to greet the beasts.
kyra
...Or maybe everything will turn out all right.
apate
In the many years I have spent upon this realm, that has never happened.
But what does it matter, at this point? There is only one path before us.
I suspect you will die tonight. When you do, I shall set out once more.
Until I find another... And the cycle begins anew.
kyra
Almost sounds like you've been in this position before.
apate
If our sham of an alliance survives the night, perhaps I will tell you more.
But I do believe we have spoken long enough. Let us not keep them waiting.
kyra
...Here goes nothing...
(They enter.)
kyra
The fireplace is going strong...
apate
...And already, that which I knew to be true is confirmed.
kyra
...!
lorenzo
I have been expecting you.
Please, ladies. Have a seat.
kyra
I remember you... You're the guy who was with Heaven's Scythe...
lorenzo
Indeed. Quite on my lonesome, as you can plainly see.
apate
Are you armed?
lorenzo
Yes, but I have no desire to see my blade leave its scabbard.
I merely wish to parley. I regret I have no refreshments to offer...
kyra
I wouldn't take a drink from you anyway.
lorenzo
Let us speak plainly.
The Grand Inquisitor, benevolent as she is, wishes to grant you another chance.
It has been a fun game, but as all good things, it must come to an end.
...Such were her exact words.
kyra
You shouldn't bother. The answer is no.
lorenzo
I would request that you leave the hag in my care.
All you must do is leave this building now... Without her.
You may then go back to your little cadre and tell them it is over.
After that, you can all go your own ways in peace.
I give you my word of honor that nobody will be persecuted.
The slate shall be wiped clean. You will be able to live your lives.
kyra
Are you deaf under the helmet? What did I just say?
I'd have to be a special kind of moron to believe you, anyway.
You really expected me to buy that drivel?
lorenzo
...Well, no. Which brings us to the second part of our offer.
Your brother is currently under our supervision.
kyra
So that's it. You intend on using him as a hostage again.
Because that worked out so well for you last time.
Maybe we should just cut to the chase and see which is faster.
Your sword arm, or my bow arm.
lorenzo
You misunderstand!
kyra
Eh...?
lorenzo
We know the true reason you became her lapdog, Kyra.
These are the terms the Grand Inquisitor proposes.

Give us the hag, and we will make her cure your brother.

(Kyra starts.)
kyra
What?!
apate
...!
lorenzo
You accuse us of holding him hostage, but what has she been doing all along?
She will bleed you dry, then leave you to take a sword to the chest for her.
Your brother's fate is utterly irrelevant to her, as is yours.
We would sooner see you both live long, happy lives together.
And all it would take is your assistance in the arrest of this duplicitous heretic.
What say you, Kyra?
kyra
That's...
(Apate tenses.)
kyra
No.
apate
...?
lorenzo
Excuse me?
kyra
You think I don't know she's been using me all this time?
I know she is conniving, cold and extremely suspicious.
But she's not the one who's kidnapped my brother, is she?
She's not the one who arrested him on false charges before...

If Pheme died

She's not the one who brutally murdered my friend.

If Pheme survived

She's not the one who tried to kill my friend.
lorenzo
......
kyra
But even if all that wasn't true...
Guess what? I don't care. This is bigger than me or her.
We'll all be better off without you warmongering, hypocritical rats.
I may be in this fight because of Apate and her manipulation,
but if I continue on, it's because in the end, I believe in our cause!
apate
Kyra...
kyra
We're going to bring the theocracy to heel, and take my brother back.
Then I'll hold Apate to her promise, and we'll all go home proud of ourselves.
You have my answer. Feel free to go running with it to the Grand Inquisitor.
lorenzo
That is disappointing.
I truly had hoped we could have resolved this here and now.
You will soon wish you had stayed far away from the hag...
(Kyra starts.)
kyra
...!
That one stayed away... ...not there when she...
lorenzo
What now, girl?
kyra
Pheme, that's what you were trying to tell me...!

Haa!

(Kyra shoots at Lorenzo, who ducks under a table to dodge her arrow.)
lorenzo
Urrrgh!
apate
Kyra, you...
kyra
What are you standing around looking dumbfounded for?!
Run, before he gets out from under the table!
apate
...!

[Note: On a repeat playthrough, you can accept the deal, which leads to Chapter 16x. See that page for details.]

(Kyra and Apate exit the alehouse.)
kyra
Back the way we came, Apate. Hurry!
apate
Kyra... You...
kyra
Where's your usual impatience, Apate?! You'll need it now more than ever!
apate
...You may have just sacrificed your brother...
They pitted him against your ideals, and you chose--
kyra
Shake your head and focus! We have to leave before--
(Sandraudiga appears, revealing she has stationed troops all throughout Percote.)
sandraudiga
There's the whelp... That was faster than I had estimated.
Oh, what's this? You did not double-cross the hag!
Such a show of steadfast, virtuous fealty!
I almost regret that I must teach you how costly loyalty can be.

Mages! Set an example!

kyra
W-What are they up to...?
apate
Kyra! Be careful--!
(Sandraudiga's mages set Percote ablaze.)
kyra
No... No, no, no... P-Percote...!
How could they...?! This is... This has to be a nightmare...
Soon I'll wake up and all of this will just have been...
apate
......
kyra
Flames and holy knights as far as the eye can see...
How are we going to... H-How...
apate
...Kyra! Come closer.
kyra
What?
apate
We have not the time to argue.
(Apate touches Kyra with a staff.)
Kyra
W-What are you doing--?!
(Kyra transforms.)

Toxophilite
An adept sharpshooter whose already ample skills are bolstered by an ancient power.
Skills: Bows, Light Magic

kyra
What... What have you done to me, Apate?
I feel a... strange new power surging through me...
apate
Take this tome. It is not much, but it is the best I can offer.
kyra
What?! I'm no spellcaster, Apate! I don't know how to use tomes!
apate
Try it anyway. Or would you rather burn?
kyra
I-I...
apate
Let us gnaw our way out of this trap together.
kyra
Wait, together? You're going to fight, Apate?
apate
......
The situation begets drastic measures.

(Apate gives Kyra a Shine tome and reveals a Nosferatu tome for herself.)

Nosferatu
Drains enemy HP into caster.

(Kyra's forces have amassed at the edge of town.)
beatrix
Well, the town's a fireball.
What now, Margrave? Pack our bags and walk away defeated?
barlowe
There is a chance Kyra and Lady Apate are still alive somewhere.
The same goes for Edward's group. We must at least try to find them.
And... Beatrix, avert not your eyes from this ghastly sight.
The heathens would set one of their own settlements ablaze.
No, Beatrix. To back down would make us complicit in this crime.
beatrix
...Yeah, okay. Just wanted to make sure.
You know, I've been trying to figure out your angle since we started...
barlowe
Is this truly the time to digress, Beatrix?
beatrix
You really are the weirdest nobleman I've ever met. I can see no angle.
You stand to gain practically nothing and have everything to lose.
barlowe
Beatrix, we really do not have the time...
beatrix
(smiles) I'm just saying, I'm really glad.
If I did find an angle, I might have questioned my loyalty.
Shenanigans like this are why I am proud to work under you, my lord.
barlowe
(smiles) Bah... You give me too much credit. I do have an angle, naturally.
Fort Lesmosyne is once more within Wrexham's jurisdiction. Moreover...
Frankly, I am excited to flex my dusty old strategic muscle once again!
beatrix
Give me your orders, master tactician. Let's go rescue those knuckleheads!
(Tiresias runs towards the group.)
tiresias
Huff... Huff... I-I'm not too late? Tell me I'm not too late!
(Beatrix starts.)
beatrix
Wait, aren't you that blind scholar? Why would you come out here?
This is probably the most dangerous place in the world right now!
tiresias
Yes, I can smell the ashes...
But that's why I'm here. I feel compelled to lend a hand.
barlowe
Tiresias, was it? The sentiment is appreciated, but counter-productive.
We will not be able to fight properly if we're too busy... protect...

...That is... not what I think it is, is it, young man?

Makeshift Rod
A staff haphazardly cobbled together by Tiresias. Restores a bit of HP.

tiresias
(smiles) Heh... Past and present merge into one, paving the way to the future.
My research has risen to such vertiginous heights that I have been able to...
Pivot, so to speak, onto a different brand of discovery.
I had little time to refine it, but it should get the job done.
barlowe
I-It beggars belief! Young man, you may be your generation's most brilliant mind...!
beatrix
Er, excuse me, don't mind me... I'm just kinda lost here...
tiresias
I should only require minor assistance where orientation is concerned.
Now, without further ado. We are pressed for time, after all.
barlowe
With this boon, perhaps, just perhaps... Oh, but I should dare not hope.
beatrix
(smiles) No hope, old man. Only actions.
Let's wrestle our bright future back from the clutches of fate.
tiresias
Hear, hear!
narrator
Escape to the forest (between the blue flames) with all units to win.
If Barlowe or Tiresias die in this map, it is game over.

Enemy Turn 1

lorenzo
Madame Grand Inquisitor...
sandraudiga
You weren't hurt, were you, Lorenzo?
lorenzo
Only barely. They were preoccupied with their own escape.
Forgive me, Madame... I proved a less than adequate negotiator...
sandraudiga
Oh, my disheartened Lorenzo, please do not beat yourself up.
You offered a reasonable deal, and she declined, as was within her rights to do.
We can only respect her decision... and reward it in kind.
lorenzo
Madame... At risk of coming off as... insubordinate, I--
sandraudiga
No, no, Lorenzo. I insist that you have no cause to pin the blame on yourself.
They may currently be out and about, but their struggle is hopeless.
They only have three ways out. The first would take them directly to us.
The second, north, to the prison. At that point they'd just be doing our job for us.
That leaves the forest. If they try that, Antiope will hunt them down like rabbits.
lorenzo
I... That is not it, Madame.
I cannot help but wonder... The town's destruction, was it truly necessary?
Were our quarries not the heretic and her cohorts alone?
sandraudiga
...Lorenzo, since clearly it flew well over your head the first time, let me be more blunt.
I changed the subject to give you a chance to stop before you questioned my orders.
lorenzo
You... are not usually so circumspect about my questioning, Madame.
sandraudiga
If you can't stomach the unpleasantness, I grant you permission to take your leave.
Why don't you go babysit the boy? Much more suitably boring task for you, is it not?
lorenzo
Y-Yes, Madame... Forgive me, Madame...
sandraudiga
Decent grovelling. You may stop now.
lorenzo
......

(Lorenzo leaves the battlefield.)

Player Turn 2 (if Telemus was spared)

Phobos' House

(A soldier approaches Phobos' mother and uncle. The latter is wounded.)
phobos'
uncle
Ggh... Ahh... S-Sister, I...
(He dies. Phobos' mother trembles.)
phobos'
mother
No...!

Please... What have we done to deserve such a fate?!

soldier
You should have known better than to harbor heretics.
For your affront, you will answer to the Mother Herself!
phobos'
mother
No... Mercy... P-Please, have mercy...!
(Someone attacks the solider from behind.)
soldier
Gaah!
(He dies. Telemus reveals himself at the attacker.)
phobos'
mother
W...What...?
telemus
Are you unharmed, my lady?
(Phobos' mother steps towards Telemus.)
phobos'
mother
I... I am, but... Are you not one of them?
telemus
...If this is the true face of Tartaros... Then no. I am not.
phobos'
mother
T...Thank you... Thank you kindly, good sir!
telemus
See that you make your escape of the village safely.
I shall draw their attention. Make haste!
phobos'
mother
Be safe, good sir...
(She leaves.)
telemus
...The inquisition would smoke out the heretics with a pyre of innocents...
Meanwhile, it is the heretics that show mercy to even their foes.
How could I spend so long blind to this? It all seems painfully clear now...
(Telemus joins the battle under the player's command.)

Enemy Turn 8

sandraudiga
It's about time I stopped playing around, isn't it...
If I don't take this seriously, I risk letting them slip through my grasp.
...Just a little longer. I have earned such an indulgence, I would say.
Then I shall fulfill my duty to my liege. I swear it. Hahahaha...

Enemy Turn 13

sandraudiga
You are so slow... Disappointingly slow.
Let's see if this puts a spring in your step.

(Sandraudiga begins chasing the heroes.)

Conversations

Kyra & Barlowe

kyra
Margrave Barlowe!
barlowe
It is safe to presume you dove gleefully into a trap, correct?
kyra
Margrave, I... I'm such an idiot! This is all my fault...
barlowe
Hmm... I would beg to differ.
Had you not taken the bait, I suspect they would still have razed the village.
That would have lured us here just as well. This outcome was likely inevitable...
kyra
...And that's supposed to make me feel better?!
barlowe
I do not think there is anything that could do that, in this moment.
kyra
......
Margrave, are you... Are you trembling?
barlowe
Am I? And here I thought my cool and collected act was as convincing as ever.
I have never witnessed anything so craven as this, Kyra.
My heart bleeds for you, and for the faultless denizens of your hometown.
Tartaros will pay for this hideous crime. I shall see to it myself!
kyra
Margrave...
barlowe
All that, and I am worried sick for Edward.
Come, Kyra. We must not linger here.
kyra
R-Right...

Kyra & Tiresias

kyra
Am I... Am I seeing things? Did I breathe in too much smoke?
tiresias
I could crack a joke about being no more than a very handsome mirage, but...
I do not believe the situation calls for jest, does it.
kyra
Tiresias, why...
tiresias
Things are dire. We'll need all hands on deck from here on.
Let me do my part, Kyra. Please.
kyra
......
As long as you stay out of trouble.
tiresias
(smiles) It's a promise.

Wulfric & Tiresias

(Wulfric starts upon seeing Tiresias on the battlefield.)
wulfric
No...! What is this?!
Tiresias, no!
tiresias
I was hoping you wouldn't notice, Wulfric, my dear...
wulfric
......
(closes eyes) Sigh... Oh, I should have seen this coming.
You couldn't just sit at camp. You had to play the hero...
tiresias
(smiles) You know me and my hero complexes too well.
wulfric
(smiles) Well, since you're here now... I suppose all I can do is protect you.
tiresias
Thank you kindly for your understanding, my love.
wulfric
(frowns) ...Better to understand than to break down in tears...
(closes eyes) Seriously, Tiresias. Why must you do this to me?

Kyra & Telemus

kyra
What is this? You're fighting those bearing the same crest as you?
telemus
Ah, it is you... The young rebel leader.
You may not remember me, but I owe you a debt of gratitude.
kyra
Wait a moment... Thinking about it... I've seen your mustache somewhere.
...Right! You were in charge of Fort Lesmosyne when we fled Tartaros!
telemus
I am Telemus.
I am pleased to make your acquaintance at last.
kyra
What happened between then and now for you to end up in this place?
telemus
For my failure to halt your advance, I was stripped of my command.
I was to return to the capital, where I would be reassigned.
However... I disobeyed my orders. I remained in the area.
I do not know what impulse drove my decision. A bad omen, perhaps...
And now I have borne witness to the true brutality of my masters.
This is not the Tartaros I swore fealty to. My vows mean nothing anymore.
kyra
I see...
telemus
I understand you may find it difficult to accept a holy knight's allegiance, but...
kyra
......
I... have seen proof enough of your sincerity, I think.
If you want to be one of us, with the hardships that'll entail...
telemus
I have tasted my share of hardship. Worry not on my account.
Let us stand together against this injustice, you and I.

Antiope

Combat

Antiope
Target acquired. Commencing elimination.

Death

antiope
I-I... never got to fulfill... my dreams...

Sandraudiga

Combat

sandraudiga
Rather a dullard, are we? That's fine.
I like my marks with just the right amount of stupidity.

Defeat

sandraudiga
Well! That's pretty good. My regards.
But I can't fall when there's so much left to be done!

Barlowe Death

Barlowe
I do not mind. This is... a cause worth dying for...
Keep fighting the good fight, young ones...

Tiresias Death

tiresias
O-Oh dear... I didn't see that one coming...
(smiles, closes eyes) Heh... Forgive me, Wulfric...

Locations

Phobos' House

Default

visitor
Nothing...
Nothing but the bodies...

If Phobos is visiting

phobos
......
U-Uncle... No...
How... How can this be happening...?!

If Telemus is visiting

telemus
......
(closes eyes) If only I could have saved all of you...

Pheme's House

visitor
Hold on!
pheme's
brother
Cough... I-It's curtains for me, I'm afraid...
Please, take... take this... don't let it go to waste...
If you can use it to save... even just one life...

(He gives the visitor a Swiftsole.)

Please... Tell my sister...
Tell Pheme... that I...

(He dies.)
visitor
......

Escape Dialogue

kyra
Focus, Kyra... Focus on running for now...
apate
I live through one more day...
phobos
M-Mom... Where are you?! Tell me you're safe, please...!
soter
......
hecate
...This is my fault... Oh, goodness, it's all my fault...
kairos
Your hideous side is showing, Tartaros. After you worked so hard to conceal it...
Raleigh
And here I thought a mercenary's life would be easier than a knight's...
López
(smirks) So sorry I can't keep blessin' this battlefield with my good looks.
Begoña
I may run today, but make no mistake. I ain't gonna forget this!
fango
Outta my way! I'm getting out of here!
Nikolaos
(grinning) What a thrill! Let's never do that again!
agari
D-Dad...
eupraxia
You have not changed at all...
pluto
......
glaucus
Don't take unnecessary risks, folks. Focus on retreating.
fiadh
Dammit, I'm not done yet! I still have arrows in my quiver...
Órlaith
...I'll go this way...
alonso
(smiling) Hither Victory blows a gentle kiss, for it is we that she favors!
teresa
It's always something with you lot, huh...
ofelia
I'm not used to this much running... Ew, I'm practically drenched in sweat...
polonius
(grinning) Eeheeheeheeheehee! Puny mortals! You have no hope of ever catching me!
hestia
Dammit, Peri! Where the heck are you?!
jane
O-Oh, man... And it's not going to get any easier, is it...?
delilah
(smiling) It was a joyous day when I joined you. I have not had this much fun in my life!
zaccheus
Get out of my way! I must escape first! I-I'm more important than you!
simeon
This is no place for a civilized man such as myself...
conan
Never thought I'd live to see the day I'd back down from a fight...
dahl
A truly wise warrior knows when to retreat and live to fight another day.
laertes
O Granddaughter, where art thou?
nicaea
I suppose I might as well live another day...
Barlowe
Yes, I do believe the time to make my exit has arrived...
beatrix
Let me just slip on out while no one's looking my way...
tiresias
This is the way out, right? I haven't lost my way... Right?
telemus
I regret that I cannot do more to repay you, everyone...
Vasiliki
I... don't think I'm cut out for this line of work, after all...
Scymerius
Phew! I was starting to stew inside this helmet...
Fructuoso
I-I hope I haven't lost any pieces of my armor back there...

Ending

apate
Haa... Haa... O-One moment...

(Apate closes her eyes and shudders.)

Urrrgh...!

kyra
Apate! Are you injured?! Put your arm around my shoulders!
apate
(opens eyes) ...No... I'm fine.
At my age, such excesses come at a steep cost.
Pay it no mind. We must keep moving.
Deep within the woods, we can lose them!
kyra
...Huh...?
apate
They are right on our heels, Kyra. We must be swift!
kyra
I know, it's just...
Apate, if anything, you seem a little livelier now...
What was that magic you used the entire battle?
And what did you do to me...?
apate
Questions best saved for a more appropriate occasion, Kyra!
Hurry, lest we be ambushed here!
kyra
...R-Right...
(Kyra runs forward.)
apate
Courage, Kyra. I fear the night has more trials in store for you.

......
I had almost forgotten how it felt... It's been so long...
Dare I hope that this shall be the last time?

[Apate's level decreases by 10. Note that she does not lose stats from this, so effectively it simply raises her level cap.]

(Kyra and Apate run past the bank of a river, but Kyra lags behind. Sandraudiga approaches.)
sandraudiga
It is a pleasure to see you again, Kyra.
I have not encountered many rebels capable of so much entertainment.
kyra
Where is my brother, Sandraudiga?
Tell me where to find him, and perhaps I'll kill you quickly.
sandraudiga
Ahh, I should have expected you would ask that question... Truly, I should have.
When you are in a position as critical as mine, you face mountains of tasks.
I simply must delegate some of them to my underlings, or I would go mad!
I'm afraid you'd have to ask Lorenzo. Too bad he's not present, hmm?
But by all means, go ahead. Give me a slow, torturous death... if you can.
You might receive little Elias's head in a neatly wrapped box in response.
Then you'll be one step closer to finding all of him!
(Kyra becomes agitated.)
kyra
You're heartless! He's an innocent child!
sandraudiga
What is one child compared to the preservation of our way of life?
Certainly less than a whole village full of oblivious people.
Need I remind you, however, that this was not our first recourse?
You have nobody to blame for the current situation but yourself.

If Pheme died

kyra
......
Edward and Pericles. Where are they?

If Pheme survived

kyra
......
Edward, Pericles and Pheme. Where are they?
sandraudiga
Oho, now we're getting somewhere! That's a far more riveting topic.
He really thought he was being so covert with that little poem of his. Adorable.
We ambushed them when they were trying to sneak into Percote.
But just when I thought the fun was over, they had the audacity to resist!
The pirate had even taken an arrow before escaping Wrexham, and still he resisted!
Let me tell you, seeing them struggle so fiercely to protect the kid...
It was enough to tug at the strings of the heart that I do not have.
kyra
...Where are they? What have you done to them?!
sandraudiga
Heh...

Earlier that day...

(An injured Edward flees Percote with Elias in tow. Inquisitors approach to block their path to the north. Edward dodges their attack and retaliates with a killing blow, but is unable to break through their line. He attempts to retreat south, but is blocked by more troops. The enemy lands a glancing blow and Edward retaliates, but he still can't break through. Sandraudiga approaches from the east, cornering him.)
edward
Haa... Haa... Oh, you've gotta be kiddin' me...
sandraudiga
Greetings, Guildmaster.
I am glad to see you in... Well, not quite good health, but...
Surely healthy enough to present a worthy challenge?
edward
Dammit... Okay! Okay, look, I yield.
You want a hostage, just like last we met, right?
I'll suffice. Just let Elias go!
He's... The boy's sick! He needs peace, rest!
Have some mercy... Don't do this to him!
elias
U-Uncle Ed...
sandraudiga
How very altruistic of you, “Redbeard.”
But use your brain for a moment. Why would I settle for you,
when the far superior bargaining chip shivers behind you as we speak?
elias
I... I-I... P-Please, no...
(Edward trembles with fury.)
edward
I'll die a thousand deaths before I let you put your hands on Elias!
sandraudiga
And so you shall.
(Sandraudiga draws her sword.)
edward
...!
sandraudiga
Well? What are you waiting for?
The first strike is yours. Make it count...
edward
Blast...!
(Edward strikes but inflicts only minor damage. Sandraudiga retaliates, leaving him within an inch of his life, and he staggers back.)
edward
(closes eyes) Gnnnh... Gaahh... Aaahhh...!
(Elias becomes distraught.)
elias
Uncle Ed! N-No!
sandraudiga
Already over? Ah, what a shame. And I even held back, just for you!
I should've ordered my men not to soften you up so much.
Oh, well. What's done is done.
elias
...You... You have to help him!
Please, I'll do anything you want!
Just help him, I beg you... Don't let him...!
edward
(eyes flutter open) Unnh... E-Eli...
sandraudiga
My, what a pair of selfless heroes we got here.
Don't worry, boy. I'm not so cruel as to let him suffer.
No, I think I will put him out of his misery right now.
(Elias starts.)
elias
No!!
(Sandraudiga steps forward and kills Edward.)
kyra
...You killed him... You killed Edward...
sandraudiga
He was a decent opponent. I'll give your beloved “Redbeard” that.
kyra
...And you know about that moniker, too...
He gave you all manner of details, did he not?
sandraudiga
What's this? “He?”
...Ahahaha... Impressive! You've figured it out, haven't you?
kyra
I realized something, earlier.
We were all scared witless of Apate at the start.
We felt as though we'd only seen a fraction of her forbidden power.
Maybe she truly could wring our lives with a flicker of her fingers...
What horrors would she unleash when you, of all people, showed up for her?
sandraudiga
Nothing, as I recall.
She quietly played along... Quite unlike you did, might I add.
kyra
But the traitor would not have known that for sure.
And he would've been very interested in staying well out of her wrath's reach.
I did not notice, at the time. I don't think even Apate noticed...
Only Pheme did. That's what the note we found in her hand meant.
I can't believe I didn't realize. She must've put it together later...

When you showed up to arrest Apate... He was the only one missing.
Of the few people who could've been the ones to sell her out to you...
He was the only one who knew to avoid the confrontation entirely...

sandraudiga
...A round of applause to our savant sleuth.
Not that it matters anymore, but still, kudos.

You can come out. There's no point in hiding. She knows.

???
...Yes, Your Highness.
(Soter reveals himself and steps forward.)

If Soter previously fell in battle

kyra
Soter... You're alive...
soter
As I fell, I knew my time had come. I played my part. I closed my eyes.
...Then I opened them, and discovered I had not gone to the Mother's side.
My reliable old armor had protected me. Rather poignant, is it not?
After my... “death,” I followed your group from afar, tracking your movements.
kyra
......
I thought you left the inquisition, Soter. I thought you were disgusted by them.
soter
That is true. I never lied about that.
They ordered me to make a difficult call, and in that moment, I faltered.
I walked away so that I may never have to make such a choice again.

I have spent the years hitherto regretting that moment of weakness.

kyra
H...How can this be, Soter?
I could always count on you to make me smile on dreary days...
You're one of the kindest men I've ever met...
soter
Have you any idea what I had to sacrifice for that kindness, Kyra?
The wealth, the influence, the renown I had to give up...
I was left with nothing to my name and nobody to remember me.
Nothing, except for this old suit of the inquisition's sanctioned armor.
I polished it every day, knowing that when it finally crumbled to dust,
I would well and truly have lost absolutely everything.
kyra
B...But... W-What about us?! What about our band?!
We were friends... We were like brothers and sisters!
Did that mean nothing to you, Soter?!
soter
I did rather appreciate it. You gave me purpose when I had none.
But you have ever lived in squalor, Kyra. You could never understand.
Trading blows with pitiful scoundrels to protect a destitute hovel...
Barely making ends meet, greatly due to the charity of neighbors...
It was akin to a mockery of the life of glory that I had once led.

If Pheme died

kyra
......
Greed. You betrayed us... because of greed.
You gave them my brother...
You let them kill Redbeard... Y-You killed Pheme...
F-For nothing more than... greed...!

If Pheme survived

kyra
......
Greed. You betrayed us... because of greed.
You gave them my brother...
You let them kill Redbeard... Y-You attacked Pheme...
F-For nothing more than... greed...!
sandraudiga
Well, in fairness, he cannot claim all of the credit. Some belongs to me.
He provided us with information about all of you. The girl piqued my interest.
Her fondness for poking her nose where she shouldn't might've caused problems.
And... I needed a way to test my new man's dedication. See how it all lined up?
soter
......
The Grand Inquisitor's concerns were well-founded.
I noted her absence during the battle at the manor deep in the woods of Wrexham.

If Pheme died

soter
I returned outside ahead of the rest, and there I found her, awaiting your return.
I know not if she rifled through everyone's belongings or if she already suspected me.
In any event, she found certain items... I could not let her show them to you.
(closes eyes) I... had no choice.
kyra
Y-You had no... You...

(Kyra trembles with rage.)

Don't you understand what you did?!
You killed her! You murdered her in cold blood...!

soter
......

If Pheme survived

soter
I know that she used that opportunity to perform some investigations of her own.
I had to act without delay. I could not allow her to reveal the truth to you.
Tch... She fought better than I expected. She almost ruined everything...
kyra
S-She almost... She...

(Kyra trembles with rage.)

How can you say something like that?!
You nearly killed her! How can you be so... callous?!

soter
Hmm? “Nearly?”
sandraudiga
...Bravo! What a grand final confrontation! But I do believe that's enough.
You may consider this dramatic little scene a reward, from me to you.
It would have been a shame for you to die without knowing for certain.
After all, you have been a real pleasure to play with.

And now... The time of your execution has arrived.

kyra
...Soter, don't just stand there! Do something!
soter
I am doing something, Kyra.
I am taking my life back.
kyra
......
I-I...

(Kyra shakes, then charges at Sandraudiga.)

Graaaaaaaaaaah!!

(Kyra casts Shine, but barely scratches Sandraudiga. Sandraudiga retaliates with Hurricane, flinging Kyra into the river.)

(Kyra awakes in the base camp. It is empty except for her and Elias.)

Kyra
Where am I? What am I doing here?

Elias
My brother. I will do anything to save him.

kyra
Elias... Are you awake?
elias
(smiles) Sis... You're back...
kyra
(smiles) Redbeard says you walked all over town today!
I'm proud of you, big guy.
elias
T-Thanks... I just couldn't rest easy while you were gone...
kyra
You were worried about me, weren't you?
elias
I'm always worried about you, Kyra. I'm your brother.
kyra
Guess that's the lot of a sibling, huh. Always worrying.
But you don't need to worry. Everything's going to be all right.
Apate's going to get rid of that nasty illness of yours.
elias
Yeah, I know. That's what she promised, right?
She promised, which means she has to do it, right?
kyra
I don't think she's the kind to break a promise.
elias
(frowns) ...Liar.
(Elias disappears.)
kyra
You know what I regret, Elias?
I never took you to see the Mother's Font.
elias
Do you think it's true that it never runs out, like they say?
kyra
Bah. It's probably just the same water being reused.
elias
(smiles) Haha, yeah... Still, it's nice to think about it.
What will you pray for, if we get to visit?
kyra
I guess I'll pray for our parents' souls, and uh...
I don't know, big guy. You know me. I'm no believer.
What about you?
elias
I'd pray for you.
kyra
For me, huh...
elias
You're always getting into trouble. Often because of me, too...
Look what's happened now. You're dead.
kyra
No, I'm not.
I'm not dying until I find you.
elias
That's not up to you, is it?
(Elias disappears.)
kyra
Why are you running away from me, Elias? Stop, please!
elias
I was the reason they were out that evening!
kyra
No, c'mon... Not that... Not now... Please...
elias
They went to talk to the town's apothecary about me.
If I was never... I-If I never got sick, they wouldn't have...
kyra
Elias! How many times must I tell you that's not true?
elias
I know that. I keep telling myself, over and over.
I just... feel like such a burden.
Our parents died because they left the house for me.
Edward was murdered by the Grand Inquisitor while he was protecting me.
So many have died in Percote. Burned alive. And even before them, Pheme...
And you've died too. She swatted you away like a flea. All because of me.
Everyone's always suffering because I'm here!
And for what?! We all know that I'm just going to die!
(Kyra starts.)
kyra
Elias!!
elias
In fact, maybe I'm already dead.
(Elias disappears.)

Elias
I couldn't protect him.

Kyra
It's all my fault.
It's all my fault.
It's all my fault.

(Elias lies still.)
kyra
...C'mon, the sun's risen. Up and at 'em, Elias!
If you keep lazing about in bed, you'll miss breakfast.

...Elias...?

???
...ra.......ke up...
Ky........wak........now.... ..........amn.........yra...!
(Kyra fidgets.)
kyra
Ohhh-- Shut up! Can't you see I'm busy?!
???
......agai......... ...yra.......t yet.......
kyra
It's so... annoying...

(Kyra fidgets.)

Ahhh, fine! Elias, don't move, all right?
I'm just going to check out what the racket's all about.
I'll be back in a second. Don't move! All right?
Just stay where you are. Stay where I can see you.
I... I'm begging you, Elias... Just stay there...

(Edward and Pheme appear on the other side of camp.)

Pheme
I let her come with us. I killed her.

Edward
He adopted us. He helped us. Now he is dead because of me.

(When Kyra attempts to talk to them, the screen fades to white.)
(Kyra wakes up on the bank of the river, her face scarred. Apate has fished her out.)
kyra
...Unnnh...

(eyes flutter open) ...Apate...? They got you too...?

apate
Don't be daft, Kyra. You draw breath still.
kyra
I guess I do, huh...
You came back for me, Apate?
apate
I tried. Finding you in the dark waters while evading the inquisition was...
Well, I lost track of you, so I decided to seek out our allies instead.
kyra
Uh huh...
So... Where's everyone?
apate
Holed up in there, preparing for the last stand.
(She motions to the brigands' fort.)
kyra
We ended up back here?
(smiles, closes eyes) Hah... After all that... We've just gone back to square one...
Hiding away in the brigands' fort like rats...
Only now Elias is gone... Redbeard and Pheme are gone... Pericles is gone...
It's so pitiful it's almost funny...
apate
They may be gone, but we are not.
The inquisition has the fort encircled.
It will not be long before they fall upon us.
The margrave is ready, as is everyone else.
Will you be the one to go down without a fight?
kyra
Of course not.
apate
Good. Here, I found the gear you had on you as well.
Let us return without delay.
kyra
Wait... Apate, hold on a minute...
apate
What?
kyra
If the margrave and everyone else are in the fort,
and the forest is crawling with holy knights waiting to pounce...
Well, why are you out here all on your own?
apate
......
You could have tried to trade your brother's life for mine.
Instead you chose the hard way.
...I had low hopes. It has been hours since you were lost.
Even so... Dead or alive, I had to find you.
kyra
...Huh...
So you do have a heart in there somewhere, Apate.

Thanks.

apate
...Let's go. It will do everyone else good to hear some positive news.
kyra
Lead the way...

[Kyra and Apate gain C-rank support with each other.]

Character Descriptions

Telemus
Formerly, commander of Tartaros's border guard. He defected after witnessing one too many injustices in the inquisition.

Sandraudiga
The Grand Inquisitor of Tartaros. A fearsome woman known as Heaven's Scythe.

Inquisitor
She who carries out the divine task of expunging heresy from this world.

Lorenzo
Right hand man of Grand Inquisitor Sandraudiga. Fiendishly devoted.

Antiope
A Tartaran sharpshooter guarding the outskirts of the forest near Percote.

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