Prince Kurthnaga tells Ike of the connection between Daein and Goldoa. Ranulf unmasks the Black Knight. The revelations presented send Ike's mind spinning in a whirlpool of confusion and doubt. Ike is convinced that the answers to his questions lie in the Tower of Guidance, and he is determined to reach the tower at any cost. His group arrives in the duchy of Tanas, near the imperial capital. Caught in a sudden downpour, they take shelter in the duke's deserted villa.
"This is great… I can't remember the last time we got to sleep indoors! We can be thankful for this rain, I guess!" Mist said excitedly. The rest of the Greil Army murmured dull assent. Mia was just using the chance to snuggle up to Ike.
"The decorations are a tad overdone. But the beds will be warm and dry… I'm glad I remembered this mansion," Ike said.
"Presumably, we're the first people to set foot here since Oliver's posthumous guilty judgement of trading heron slaves. I understand that the senate confiscated his land and property immediately after the Mad King's War," Soren said.
"Someone's living here… the place is spotless! By law, this house should be empty… I wonder if someone's squatting," Titania said. Rafiel shivered.
"Is something the matter, Rafiel?" Nailah asked.
"I feel as if we are being watched… I sense no malice… but there definitely is a presence. Perhaps the master of this house?" Rafiel asked.
"We will find out soon…" Nailah said.
"Oh, hello, Volug. What can I do for you?" Ike asked. Volug remained silent, and Ike looked around nervously. He started whistling, looking back towards the room where Mia was changing, before Nailah arrived.
"Volug, speak aloud. Ike is confused by your silence," Nailah said.
"But, Your Majesty… he doesn't speak our language!" Volug said.
"It's better than staying silent. Sorry, didn't mean to leave you out of the conversation," Nailah said.
"It's fine. I'd be confused either way. I didn't know you spoke ancient tongue," Ike said.
"The common language of Hatari. The Tellius language is unknown to us… Rafiel was the first person to step foot in Hatari and speak Tellius language," Nailah said.
"Tellius language?" Ike asked.
"The language we use now is called the Tellius language. You'd call it modern speech, I guess. Long ago, beorc created Old Tongue. The ancient speech is what laguz call it. It was too difficult for laguz to master, so the Tellius language was invented to replace it," Nailah said.
"I never heard that one before. The only people I know who speak ancient speech are heron laguz… maybe Nasir of Goldoa… and a few mages," Ike said.
"Laguz with large longevities, like dragons and herons, have all the time in the world to learn it. Beorc possibly left the ancient speech behind for the new language, except to cast spells," Nailah said.
"Makes sense. Mordecai said that speech allows you to avoid fights. He said that's why it's a good idea to know many languages," Ike said.
"Did he, now? Volug, it might be possible for you to learn Tellius language with Mordecai," Nailah said.
"I will… I will…" Volug said nervously.
"Hatarians understand modern speech fine, mostly. But I'm the only one who can speak it," Nailah said.
"You don't need to feel obligated. It's not like I understand ancient speech," Ike said.
"Here… I want you to take this," Volug said.
"Oh… I understand that… thanks?" Ike asked, taking the Elixir Volug presented.
"Not before damn time!" Volug said.
"I think I understood that. You were happy I understood you," Ike said.
"…Sure, let's go with that," Volug said.
"Good. As long as you desire to learn, words will follow," Nailah said.
"I see. I will try to learn a little ancient speech. Volug, you can teach me, and I can teach you," Ike said.
"It's a deal," Volug said.
"And Ike? Once you learn the language… try to tune Leanne out," Nailah said.
"Everyone says that… I kinda feel like I should hear her out now," Ike said.
"Disciples of Order are here! They have just appeared in rooms not far from here!" Nailah said, later that night.
"Come quickly! Our friends are in trouble!" Rafiel added.
"Friends? I'll get the troops…" Ike said. Everyone was woken up, and led to another part of the mansion, where Tormod was using Bolganone on everyone in range.
"Hey! Isn't that…" Ike said.
"It's Tormod! We haven't seen him since the Mad King's War!" Mist exclaimed.
"Extinguish them. Extinguish them," the Disciples of Order chanted.
"Funny you should choose that turn of phrase, cinder!" Tormod said, casting Forblaze. Only one of his three targets died.
"What the… that should've worked better… who are these guys?" Tormod asked.
"Tormod, your backup has arrived! Hold position!" Ike said.
"Much appreciated! We're not going anywhere… wait, Ike? What happened to you?" Tormod asked.
"That's Sir Ike… he's just grown. Beorc growth is always amazing. It's like looking at another person!" Muarim said.
"Between him and Sothe, I'm feeling a tad inadequate! That settles it! I've got growing to do, so I will survive to do it! I'm not going to die here!" Tormod said.
Perhaps it was to be expected that this abandoned villa was not as it seemed, but Ike hated fighting inside buildings. Especially when there was practically an army fighting another one inside of it. Ragnell was not suited well for this given the length of the weapon. It was a cleaving weapon almost as tall as he was, so he resorted back to fighting with a short sword. Thankfully the rest of his army had quickly adapted to the fighting, even though the former riders were on foot fighting as opposed to on top of their mounts. The army of the disciples were also much clearer in their preference to an outside fight judging from the awkward way they moved on the rugs and stairs, so they did not really have the upper hand that they usually would have.
Mia, Jill, and Astrid were holding the front part with Gatrie flanking them. Ilyana was channelling he storm outside into her hands and unleashed torrents of lightning upon the awaiting army. Titania, Oscar, Soren, and the dragons were taking care of those who were well out of their mages range. Ike himself was near by the laguz and Tormod taking care of the elite line breakers of marshals. Ike swung his sword down onto the shield of one while the beast laguz battered against them. The strength on both sides of the exchange was incredible, but whereas the Disciple was unflappable, the Tiger laguz had the ability to think quickly and capitalize on his gains. Ike worked the opening created and brought a quick end to one of the marshals.
Tormod summoned a gout of flame and melted the armour of one soldier before doing the same to another soldier by turning their entire frame into a molten slurry. Before he could repeat the process, a sword master knocked aside one of the enflamed soldiers and stabbed Tormod through the side. The young mage cried out in pain and before Ike could intervene, blood and something that could only be described as liquid fire covered the blade. Ike brought his sword down again and again on the sword master, hacking the head off as the Disciple stopped to admire his handy work. The sword dropped to the ground, and Tormod stared at it in shy shock. That blade had taken away Pyres, and the emotions rushing through him were… mixed. He hadn't felt the way he was in a good long while. And he kind of liked it.
Tormod Laguz… the time has come for you to take me back into your body, Pyres said, shattering the blade. Tormod nodded, and pulled up his robe to expose his mark of the spirits. As Pyres entered it once more, voices started up in his head.
"Wonderful, little one… you'll be outrunning me soon!"
"Master… thank you. Thank you for everything."
"Well done. That's everything I need to get started on busting Lekain!"
These voices… Laguz, what is the meaning of this? Shut those damn voices up! It's… it's weakening you! Pyres's voice said inside Tormod's head.
"…No. Those are my friends. And if you can't handle them, I think it's time we cut off this deal!" Tormod said. Pyres exited his mark, and appeared in front of Tormod. The room darkened at once, leaving Pyres the only source of light in the mansion. Tormod idly wondered what this meant for the others, before Pyres began changing shape.
Long, flowing tresses. A wide, sweeping robe. And a slight height deficit. Tormod realised that Pyres was taking on Sanaki's shape, if not her hue.
"What's going on?" a voice cried out.
"This cannot be…" the echoes of the Disciples of Order said.
"Pyres… what do you plan to do?" Tormod asked.
It should be obvious, Tormod Laguz. The deal is over… I lay claim to your soul… Pyres said.
"…Calill warned me never to make a pact with spirits… I'm not afraid of you," Tormod said.
Idiot… you have every reason to fear me. Tee-hee… Rexflame, Pyres said, summoning a large torrent of lava. Tormod waved his cloak, and came out of the attack no worse for wear.
What? Pyres asked.
"When a man has a woman to protect, he gains powers far beyond that of a simple Spirit Charmer, Pyres. Forblaze," Tormod said. Pyres's disbelief, and his inability to expect that Tormod would use a spell weaker than Rexflame, caused him to take the fire spell to the head. He shook himself, and growled.
"Oh, right, forgot. You wouldn't be affected much by fire, right? Thoron," Tormod said. A mighty bolt of lightning cleaved down on Pyres, and when it cleared up, he vanished. Whether by defeat or retreat, Tormod didn't care. The lights turned back on in the manor, and Tormod checked his leg. All that was left of his brand was a minor scar. Still, they would fight on.
"Ah! I have seen death's vistas and returned an even wiser, more exquisite man! Take it in! Bask in the beauty!" Duke Oliver said. Ike could barely gasp before Oliver, and he approached Rafiel.
"Ohhh… you truly are a banquet for the eyes and the… spirit… I am quite overcome!" Oliver said.
"Unhand me!" Rafiel cried out.
"But how is it that anyone could risk a precious treasure like you in battle? What if something marred you?" Oliver asked.
"What are you talking about?" Rafiel asked.
"Don't worry, pretty bird. I'll save you. You need someone who can give you loving protection… someone like me. I'll take you away from these savages! I would never let them lay a single finger on you, my precious! No, no… these jealous cretins mustn't ruffle a single feather… I'll have to kill them. Come now, come to daddy!" Oliver said.
"Wait… hold on a second… you'll fight your own men?" Ike asked in confusion.
"It's a simple reason, really. A true guardian of beauty stands with those who are beautiful. If your exquisite heron prince will not stay here in my home, I must follow him. I have seen death… it holds no mystery to me. Only my pursuit matters. Rest at east… friends," Oliver said.
"Look… would you mind re-joining the enemy?" Ike asked, before Oliver cried out. Mia pulled the Wo Dao from Oliver using a degree of effort, and turned to Ike. She seemed framed in a great light, as she looked at Ike in adoration.
"Finally… I had wanted to do that since he kidnapped me!" Mia said.
"…I think he was on our side," Ike said.
"…I had wanted to do that since he kidnapped me!" Mia repeated, stabbing Oliver again. The Disciples of Order lost their minds, and began running into walls. It was a simple matter to finish them all off.
"Well… that's another storm weathered. It's late… everyone try and get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow," Ike said. Mia nodded, smiling at Ike. A runic circle appeared, and Hetzel appeared.
"Wiped out… not a man left standing… the will of the goddess…" Hetzel said.
"You!" Rafiel cried out.
"Rafiel! You're still alive… I'm so glad you're safe…" Hetzel said.
"I have nothing to say to you," Rafiel said.
"So you know… what we did… it was unforgivable… I was against it… from the beginning… I argued with the others… time and time again… what's the use… it doesn't matter what I say… Rafiel… despite everything… I'm happy to see you… but I beg of you… stay away from the capital… you must not anger the goddess…" Hetzel said, warping away.
"I've seen him before… he's an influential senator, is he not?" Ike asked.
"Hetzel… duke of Asmin. I owe him my life," Rafiel said.
"Ike, I'm sorry, but can we talk later? Rafiel needs rest," Nailah said. Ike nodded.
"So… why are you lot here?" Ike asked.
"You won't believe me, but it came in a dream, Ike. Shortly after everyone got turned to stone, I had a strange dream… It was like a voice whispering encouragement… in my head… When I woke up, I knew what I had to do. I knew everyone not petrified was heading to the Tower of Guidance, and from there I knew we'd all be saved," Tormod said.
"I had the same dream. I thought it divine revelation, so we left the desert to make for the tower," Muarim said.
"Sounds like Yune's been at work," Ike said.
"Agreed… this is how she's gathering able bodies. A goddess of chaos must do things her own way…" Nailah said.
"Yune? The dark goddess I've heard about? Should I be listening?" Tormod asked.
"I hear you're listening to Spirits, Tormod. After them, someone like Yune… well… I know listening to her is the right thing to do. Like your dream," Ike said.
"Laguz are intuitive. I feel in my blood that Yune is the goddess of our ancestors…" Nailah said.
"All right… that makes things easier to come to grips with," Tormod said.
"Are you feeling better?" Ike asked.
"Yes, very. Sorry if I concerned you… that was a shock," Rafiel said.
"No problem… can I ask you about you and that man?" Ike asked.
"Hetzel… some time ago, a little while before the Serenes Massacre… I was alone outside the forest. I was found and captured by beorc slave traders. The slavers sold me at auction, and the winner was Lord Hetzel. I didn't know until later, but the bidding among senators was extremely competitive. Lord Hetzel spent much of his fortune on my purchase. He took me home… and then I fell deathly ill. Mostly desperation. Lord Hetzel was moved by my plight… he brought me to a temple and spent many days nursing me back to health. He doubtlessly saved my life, but my wings never made a recovery. I haven't flown since. Lord Hetzel felt terrible… he told me, however, that once I fully recovered, I was free to return to the forest. The heron clan can look inside people's hearts… I knew the truth in Lord Hetzel's words. He was being absolutely honest. I could trust him…
"Then… the Serenes Massacre. I didn't need to be told. I would have felt the suffering of so many brothers and sisters from anywhere in the world. Lord Hetzel never said anything, but I knew the senators murdered the apostle and blamed my clan. Because of their monstrous ambition… my entire race was burned to ash. Late that night, I returned to the temple. Something happened there, though… some force took a hold of me. Next thing I knew, I was in the sands. If Nailah hadn't come, I would have died there. I didn't even know how far I was from home," Rafiel said.
"So Duke Hetzel is both saviour and enemy," Ike said.
"Hetzel was not directly involved, nor did he command anyone to those who did. He still troubles me… whenever I think of him, chaos boils up from his heart. I sense it myself, as well. Feelings of that nature well up within me. I suppose that's why I accept it in him," Rafiel said.
"Your people, the heron tribe… they've changed. Reyson, Leanne and Micaiah are far from typical herons," Ike said.
"Yes… I was surprised when we met again. They're all strong… and vitality shines forth from them," Rafiel said.
"It makes you wonder if chaos is a bad thing, doesn't it?" Ike asked.
"I'm starting to think the world needs a balance between order and chaos," Rafiel said.
"I'm going with 'We shouldn't understand this heavy stuff'," Ike said.