Petrine: Naesala! King Naesala of Kilvas! I would speak with you now!
Naesala: Oh, if it isn't General Petrine. What brings you up to these frosty mountain peaks?
Petrine: I've no time for pleasantries. Is it true? Has Crimea's army breached Tor Garen?
Naesala: Though I am loathe to report it, this appears to be the case.
Petrine: Bah! Kayachey, you worthless dog! Being defeated by that girl's motley band just proves how useless he was.
Naesala: Surely it's not the general's fault alone. He was told that Crimea's army was weak and that Tor Garen was impregnable. And yet...he was defeated. I'd say that someone severely underestimated our enemy. Wouldn't you?
Petrine: What was that? Do you dare to insult Daein, crow? Men have forfeited their lives for less.
Naesala: Insult Daein? Never! Come now, General Petrine. I'm merely stating the facts. Regardless of the previous battle's outcome, Crimea's army will be stopped here. I will be taking the field myself.
Petrine: ...Hmph. Sounds like you've set the stage for a grand performance.
Naesala: General Petrine, Kilvas will always stand at Daein's side... As long as we receive our payment, of course.
Petrine: If gold is all it takes, then may our friendship never end. See to it that your performance warrants such consideration! Homasa! Come here!
Homasa: Yes.
Petrine: Work with King Kilvas and put a stop to Crimea's army. No screw ups! Or else!
Homasa: Leave it to me, General.
Petrine: I will not suffer another failure, King Kilvas. You must finish them, and do so quickly...Are we clear? Arrr! I am sick to death of being made a fool by that Crimean floozy and her pathetic band of sellswords!
Naesala: And the remaining portion of my fee?
Petrine: Don't worry, we have it ready. You'll get paid when the job is done.
Naesala: As long as we're clear on that point, everything's settled. Well then, I'm off.
Petrine: Dog's breath! Even by half-breed standards, those crows are complete scum! Give that one even the smallest opening, and he'll steal the eyes from your skull. What an untrustworthy wretch.
(RM heads inside the current base and prepares for the next battle. A few minutes pass. RM exits the base.)
Janaff: So, General...there look to be a lot of enemy soldiers ahead. Mostly Daein, but there are some crows from Kilvas as well.
RM: More than our last fight?
Janaff: Yeah, there's a lot, but the most troubling thing is that King Kilvas is with them.
RM: The crow king himself is cooperating with Daein?
Janaff: Yep. And compared to the other crows, the king is in a class by himself. Obviously, he's no match for our king, but... Anyway, you should move carefully.
RM: An entire unit under the command of King Kilvas? I think that bodes ill for us.
Soren: The outcome of the battle hinges on how we deal with them.
RM: ...
Titania: Kilvas soldiers, hm? As fellow bird tribe laguz, what can you tell us about them?
Janaff: Please don't lump us together with those carrion birds.
Ulki: We're not partial...to the crows.
Reyson: ...
RM: As you know, we are outmanned by the Daein troops. Is there any way to get the ravens to withdraw? That would be a tremendous help.
Janaff: ...Well, suppose I could go meet with King Kilvas... If I had to. I don't think that my speaking to him is going to make a difference, though.
Ulki: If you like, we will try, but...Don't expect anything to come of it.
Reyson: No matter the circumstance, I will never again speak to a crow.
Soren: No matter what we decide, sitting here like this is giving the enemy more time to prepare.
RM: You're right. Come on, let's get moving!
(A Battle begins.)
Daein Soldier: Sir! The Crimean army has arrived!
Homasa: I hope they are prepared to pass into oblivion. For this will be their final resting place!
Naesala: Crimean stragglers joined with an army on loan from Begnion. I've even heard they have a betrayer in their midst. And yet they still march on... What an odd group. But as long as Kilvas stands at the side of Daein, they have no future. Ah, I suppose they're just unlucky.
Nasir: It appears the enemy has spotted us.
RM: Well, a group this large is hard to miss.
Nasir: How will you proceed?
RM: No tricks. Nothing fancy. We'll hit them from the front-fast and hard.
Nasir: I'm sure you're already aware of this, but if you don't do something about Kilvas, you're at a disadvantage.
RM: Yes, I've heard about the ravens... But even so, it's not as if we can turn tail and run away.
Nasir: Now that I think on it, King Kilvas and Prince Reyson used to be close friends. Did you ask him to speak to the king?
RM: He was most emphatic in his refusal. It seems that Naesala was responsible for Reyson's capture at the hands of Duke Tanas. I can't really blame him.
Nasir: And the hawks? They, too, are of the bird tribes. Surely some connection can be found there.
RM: They...weren't very excited about the suggestion.
Nasir: You could command them to do it.
RM: There's an antagonism between the tribes that we don't understand. I'd rather not force the issue. Trying to coerce them into it would be...unfair. I will let them do as they please.
Nasir: That is so very like you. However, giving orders that are unpopular is often necessary when one is in command, and-
RM: Maybe so. But I can only do things the best I know how. My own way. Come, it's time to go!
(A few minutes pass. Janaff approaches Naesala.)
Naesala: You...
Janaff: King Kilvas! You egg-stealing snake.
Naesala: One of Tibarn's flock, eh? You are his "eyes," if I'm not mistaken.
Janaff: It's not enough that you sold the White Prince to humans? Now you're fighting against laguz?
Naesala: You hawks rescued Reyson didn't you? So everything worked out in the end! What's the problem?
Janaff: I'd like you to repeat those words to the prince's face.
Naesala: Reyson is here? HERE?! Why?!
Janaff: He supports the Crimean army! The beorc leading this army helped him to escape Serenes Forest.
Naesala: Helped him? Are you saying a human came to the aid of Reyson? A laguz?
Janaff: Yes! And he rescued Princess Leanne, too!
Naesala: Leanne...is alive?
Janaff: Don't play the fool! You know the life of the forest has returned. That was their power at work.
Naesala: I see. That's how the forest...Of course.
Janaff: Listen up, crow! You need to fly over there and talk to the prince. If you don't do it, I'm gonna know that you really are the enemy and report that back to King Tibarn. Think it over!
Naesala: Yes... Mmm...What to do.
(A few minutes pass. Naesala approaches Reyson.)
Naesala: Reyson!
Reyson: ...
Naesala: Hey, Reyson! Look at you! You look sharp, kid!
Reyson: Go...away...
Naesala: Oh, so you can talk.
Reyson: You... How dare you show your face to me!
Naesala: Well, I have been called brazen before. Some have gone so far as to say shameless. Come on, at least let me give you a reason.
Reyson: Begone! My ears are closed to you.
Naesala: Reyson, we're friends, are we not?
Reyson: Oh, yes! Friends! In fact, we're such good friends that you sold me to that foul, bloated man!
Naesala: I didn't really sell you! Besides, I planned on rescuing you right away. You were just impatient and flew away on your own, so-
Reyson: Are you blaming me?
Naesala: No, no! Well, maybe... I mean...It was I who was in the wrong. On all accounts.
Reyson: ...
Naesala: No one was hurt in the end. Come on, smooth those ruffled feathers. All right?
Reyson: Leanne is alive.
Naesala: Yes, Tibarn's attendant told me. That's wonderful news. When he sees her face, I'm sure King Lorazieh will begin to feel better at once. Things are really looking up, aren't they, Reyson?
Reyson: ...I suppose that... If you hadn't deceived me and taken me to the forest... We might not have discovered her... So, I will forgive you. Just this once!
Naesala: Reyson! Oh, that's-
Reyson: WITH...conditions. Will you accept them?
Naesala: ...What are they?
Reyson: Pull your troops from this battle. Now. And never again enter into combat against your fellow laguz.
Naesala: Oh, come now, Reyson. That's asking too much-
Reyson: What will you do, then? Will you continue to fight the Crimean army to which I'm in service?
Naesala: Very well. You win, Reyson. I'll leave and take my soldiers with me. However, I cannot say what the future will bring. I have the fate of my nation to consider after all.
Reyson: Hmm... Very well.
Naesala: So, we're friends again? Come to Kilvas for a visit, will you? Nealuchi will be so pleased.
Reyson: I'll do that. When this war is over, Leanne and I will both come.
Naesala: Oh, and as for Tibarn...
Reyson: I'll speak with him. There's no need for you to worry.
Naesala: Thank you. Farewell. And watch yourself! This is war, you know?
Naesala: Oh, I almost forgot. I've got something for you. Call it an "I'm sorry" present.
Reyson: Eh? What's this supposed to be?
Naesala: It's a human trinket. It's called a knight ring.
Reyson: Something made by beorc?
Naesala: Don't make such a disgusted face. I tried it, and it proved to be quite useful.
Reyson: Understood. I'll take it for now.
Naesala: Don't get killed, Reyson. If anything were to happen to you... Nealuchi would never let me hear the end of it.
Reyson: Naesala... Thank you.
Naesala: Listen to me, darkwings! We of Kilvas are leaving. Turn at once and head for home.
(A few minutes pass.)
Homasa: Kilvas has betrayed us?
Daein Soldier: I think "abandoned" would be more accurate, but-
Homasa: Idiot! It's the same thing! Aaaargh! Accursed sub-humans! We should never have trusted them.
(A few minutes pass. Oscar approaches Homasa.)
Homasa: My sword is lightning! Do you think you can follow its dance?
(Oscar and Homasa fight. A few minutes pass. Janaff approaches Homasa.)
Homasa: We face hawks, too? Oh, what a test this will be!
(Janaff and Homasa fight. A few minutes pass. Stefan approaches Homasa.)
Homasa: It seems you're quite a fencer. Shall I teach you something?
Stefan: Sheathe your blade. If that's all the skill you possess, you're not ready to challenge me.
Homasa: What? Have at you!
(Stefan and Homasa fight. A few minutes pass. Zihark approaches Homasa.)
Homasa: You are a swordsman as well. And, it appears, quite skilled! May I ask for a duel?
Zihark: I dislike contests with strangers, but I don't think I can refuse. Can I?
Homasa: Ki-yah!
(Zihark and Homasa fight. A few minutes pass. RM approaches Homasa.)
Homasa: Your fighting style is...unique. It is rough and awkward, yet terribly strong. Who was your teacher?
RM: My father.
Homasa: Really? Then we are the same. My father taught me to wield a sword as well. Neither of us can afford to lose.
(RM and Homasa fight. A few minutes pass. Lethe approaches Homasa.)
Homasa: I've fought many of your kind before, and I know all of your techniques. Will you challenge me even so?
(Lethe and Homasa fight. A few minutes pass. Homasa approaches Reyson.)
Homasa: Cutting one who carries no blade lacks style...and yet it cannot be avoided on the battlefield.
(Reyson and Homasa fight. A few minutes pass. RM defeats Homasa.)
Homasa: ...The shame...
(The defeat of Homasa causes the battle to end.)
RM: We won...somehow.
Nasir: It's because you did an excellent job of driving off the ravens.
RM: Yeah, if we had continued to fight them, we would have suffered more casualties than this. I must extend thanks to Reyson.
Elincia: My lord RM! I'm pleased to see you well. You haven't been injured, have you?
RM: Princess Elincia. I'm fine. I'm unharmed.
Elincia: Oh, that's good...
Titania: RM! May I have a word? And if you don't mind, Princess Elincia, would you join us as well? Please join me in that building.
Elincia: What could it be?
RM: Let's go see.
Elincia: This is...
RM: Holy...
Titania: Incredible, no? It's gold. All of it.
RM: Daein must be filthy rich! There's so much, it doesn't even seem real. What do we do with it?
Soren: It's the spoils of war. So naturally, it's ours.
RM: In that case, I'd like to borrow fifty thousand. Would that be all right?
Titania: That's a lot of money. What are you planning on doing?
RM: It's a private matter...
Titania: I apologize, Commander. You're not a child. There's no reason for me to pry.
Soren: ...
Elincia: My lord RM, please use this gold for the mercenary company. Until now, I haven't had the resources to adequately pay them. So please...
RM: No, if I may borrow the fifty thousand, that will be more than-
Titania: You won't borrow it, you'll accept it! And in good faith. The remainder we'll give to Soren for company maintenance. Would that be all right, Princess Elincia?
Elincia: Yes, of course.
(Scene change.)
Petrine: Grrr...
Daein Soldier: Um, General P-Petrine? P-please, General! I'm just a...m-messenger! H-however...I have to tell you-
Petrine: I already heard, you dunderhead! I hated those filthy crows right from the start. Even so, to be betrayed in such a fashion... Grrr... Someone will pay for this! Oh, you certainly had your way with us, didn't you, King Kilvas? But if you want to make an enemy of Daein, then so be it! Once Gallia's fallen, we'll turn our attention to your puny nation and wipe it off the face of the world!
Daein Soldier: ...
Petrine: Why are you still there? Do you find me amusing?! Shall I make my lance dance for you?
Daein Soldier: N-no, ma'am! No! Never! N-not at all! I beg your pardon! So sorry... I'll be...going...now...
Petrine: Dog's breath! I need...something. A brilliant plan... If this continues much longer, the king will have my head.
(Scene change.)
Volke: You wanted to see me?
RM: You've waited a long time. Take this. It's the gold you were promised.
Volke: Finally scraped it together, eh? I'll gladly accept it.
RM: Aren't you going to count it?
Volke: There's no need. I'll trust you.
RM: All right, then I'll take what was promised. The report you wrote for my father.
Volke: There isn't one.
RM: What?
Volke: There is no report. Never was.
RM: You lied to me? You exploited my need to know more about my father!?
Volke: There is something I must tell you. However, it could not be written down. It is too great of a secret for that. Your father told me to wait until I thought you were mature enough to hear it, and then to tell you myself.
RM: Mature? Then what was the fifty thousand gold for?!
Volke: Ah, the gold. That was my idea. I thought it would be a good way to test how resourceful and responsible you were.
RM: Get started. I want to hear it all.
Volke: I've spent a long time as Greil's hired shadow. A long time. I remained hidden from sight in case the day ever arrived that I needed to fulfill my contract... All that time, for one job.
RM: What was it?
Volke: If Greil were ever to go berserk, I was to stop him. I was to take his life.
RM: What?!
Volke: Actually, there was one other thing. If Greil were ever slain by his pursuers... I was to watch over his son and tell him Greil's secret at an appropriate time. That was my job.
RM: Berserk... What are you talking about? Why would you have to kill my father?
Volke: Because of Lehran's Medallion.
RM: What medallion? What are you talking about?
Volke: The medallion your sister carries.
RM: Huh? That old bronze thing? I thought it was just a keepsake of my mother's... Are you telling me that it's something more?
Volke: Greil told me it was an object of great peril, but nothing more. I did some investigating on my own, though. And what I discovered...surprised me.
RM: Tell me.
(CG of Mist holding the medallion appears.)
Volke: Lehran was one of the heron clan, an ancestor of our Prince Reyson, who carried with him a bronze medallion. Long, long ago, a band of heroes defeated an evil god and imprisoned it therein.
RM: An evil god? Do you think this is funny? You ARE joking, aren't you?
Volke: Unfortunately, I'm not. And I've no idea how the cursed thing came to be in Greil's possession. That being said, I do know that the men who hunted your father were actually seeking the medallion. Why they wanted it and what they planned to do with it... Just thinking about it gives me chills.
RM: I'm finding all of this a little hard to believe. You said the medallion was "an object of great peril," didn't you? Then why would my father allow Mist to carry it around? That doesn't make any sense.
Volke: It's because she can carry it safely. Actually, she's the only one who can. If you want proof, think back. Have you ever once touched it?
RM: ...No. I haven't. A long time ago, I remember reaching out for it while Mist had it in her hand... My father scolded me harshly. After that, I assumed...it was my sister's alone, and I never reached for it again.
Volke: Compared to other people, the balance within your sister is extremely strong. Your mother, it seems, was the same. That's why they could bear it safely. The medallion is like a strong poison. It takes the worst aspects of a person and magnifies them a thousandfold. Greil touched it only once, and it drove him to complete madness.
RM: So that's what you meant when you said he went berserk?
Volke: That's right. Beorc and laguz are made up of two forces: balance and chaos. In this, there is no difference between us. It is the proportion of balance to chaos that determines how much the medallion affects a person. In that sense, it predicts how much harm that person might do.
(CG of Greil and Elena amongst the remains of Greil's rampage appears.)
Volke: Your father was one of the preeminent swordsmen of his generation. That day, after he touched the medallion...Twenty soldiers had come for him. Twenty highly trained killers. Your father barely broke a sweat cutting them down. Then he began attacking his neighbors, those who had taken him in, concealed his identity, and called him friend. He slew them one by one, until your mother rushed in...thinking only to save her husband from himself. It was over in an instant. Your mother grabbed the medallion from his hand and stepped away from him...They say she smiled as he pulled his sword from her breast and forgave him as her life's blood spilled into the street.
RM: My father...killed my mother? No. That can't be...
Volke: It was the medallion. Its power is too great for any man. Even one of your father's caliber. Me? You? If either of us touched it, I'm certain that we both would have been consumed by madness. When your father regained his senses, he tracked me down. It seems he'd heard rumors of me some time before. He said he had need of someone like me: closemouthed, skilled, and most importantly, willing to do any sort of work. Of course, after hearing what he wanted me to do, I turned him down. Greil was once a famed general... He was Sir Gawain, one of Daein's Four Riders, and I recognized him at once. There was no chance someone like me would ever be able to stop him.
RM: But you took the job anyway...Why did you change your mind?
Volke: Greil had lost his wife, and his grief was overpowering. To keep anything like that from happening again, he crippled himself. He slashed the tendons in his sword hand so that he could not wield a sword again. I took the job only because he had become someone my skill could handle. And even then, he was still far stronger than most men...
RM: I... I don't know what to say...
(Scene shifts back to the tent.)
Volke: That is Greil's secret, as I know it. I now entrust to you the responsibility of seeing that the medallion does not fall into the wrong hands. Your sister must keep it.
RM: ...As my father lay dying, he told me to forget everything and live in peace. What did he mean?
Volke: He didn't want you to lose yourself and go hunting for revenge, I suppose. He was killed much, much sooner than he ever expected to be.
RM: So my father's dying wish was for me to protect the medallion? If I can do that, everything will be all right?
Volke: I believe so. At the very least, that must take precedent over everything else.
RM: I understand.
Volke: Oh, one last thing.
RM: What is it?
Volke: Do you want to hire me? In the event that you go berserk someday? If we make a deal now, you won't have to worry about it anymore. As for payment... I can take it out of the fifty thousand you just gave me. What do you say?
(RM decides to not hire him.)
RM: No... I don't think that's right for me.
Volke: I see.
RM: What will you do now?
Volke: I'll continue on as before. If you need anything, call me. That's all.
RM: Understood. Father... Mother...Oh, why...