Chapter 19A: Moment of Reprieve
As a reminder, here's the Tartan team.
Paen, Mary, Claudia, Bud, Haley, Wendy, Ferris, Alyssa, Jessup, Dan, John, Charon, Rosalin, Cecil, June
After departing Mala, you set out to the southwest. Paen takes the lead, guiding you along a series of small, country roads. The air is cool, but you know from experience it must be much colder in Valeria. You simply pull your cloak tighter and keep walking. The first night, you establish camp in a small grove of trees. They offer some protection from the wind, but the chill is still miserable.
The next day you continue your march, the sparse trees eventually disappearing all together, giving rise to sprawling plains. In the evening, you encounter a small group of Risen, but they fall easily to your archers, never having a chance to attack. As the last of them disappear into a dark sludge, Paen comes to you with a question.
"It's getting pretty late. We'll need to set up camp soon, but those clouds have me worried," he says, pointing to the west. You can see several black clouds slowly moving in from the distance. "One of the more important lords of our court lives around here, I'm sure he'd be willing to put us up for the night. And perhaps I could even convince him to offer his king a few extra troops to reclaim the capital."
"Perhaps he can give us word of what's happened while we were gone," Claudia volunteers.
"How much further is Tartan, anyway?" you ask.
"About three days' time following these minor roads. This little detour won't put us behind schedule if that's what you're asking."
"I certainly wouldn't complain about a nice bed," Ferris suggests.
"I'm fine with camping," Mary says. "But since there are Risen around here, we'll definitely need a strong night watch."
"So, what'll it be?" Paen asks. "Nice, warm meal and a room indoors, or camping out in the freezing rain with a bunch of undead beasts?"
(A) Head for the lord's manor
(B) Keep marching and camp outside
After marching another mile or two, Paen makes a slight course correction towards a hill to the south. As you crest the hill, a sweeping field comes into view, a massive manor standing in its center. The wind rippling ahead of the oncoming storm makes the tall grass undulate in a wave motion. Paen pauses for a moment to take in the sight, before continuing on his way.
"Do all of your lords live in such... big mansions, King Paen?" Bud asks hesistantly.
"Mihal is no ordinary lord," Claudia answers for him. "His family made a fortune as traders. In fact, they were some of the first to establish trade between Valeria and Carcina."
"He's also one of my good friends," Paen continues for her. "My father sent me out on several... apprenticeships. Mihal's father taught the both of us the art of finances. And I taught Mihal a few things about fighting, much to his father's dismay."
"One of them dotin' fathers what refuses to let 'is precious brat get so much as a scratch, was 'e?" Rosalin asks.
"You could say that," Paen answers. "But I advise you not speak about his father to Mihal. It's a bit of a sore spot. Even if I'm the king, remember that we're guests here."
As you approach the house, a large entourage assembles to meet you. A handful of men in flamboyant clothes sound trumpets as you close the last few feet, and another stands to proclaim the king's arrival. Paen sighs and allows the man to go through a long announcement - more of a speech - of Paen's genealogy, titles, and accomplishments. As he finishes, a man in a set of fine black clothes, wearing a billowing red cape and more jewelry than you've seen in your life takes a few steps forward before bowing low. "My king, I welcome you to my humble manor."
"Oh, get up, Mihal. I thought I told you to skip all the fanfare stuff the next time I was here?"
"My liege, surely you'll indulge your friend a bit?"
"I swear, sometimes I think you just do this to annoy me... Get over here!" Paen draws Mihal into a tight embrace, as servants come to lead your mounts away. You notice an impressive barn standing beside the house. In the distance, you see a pair of unfortunate servants trying to wrestle Dan's uncooperative griffon through the doors.
"Well, come in, come in," Mihal says, addressing your entire group. "It is unfortunate we had to meet under such circumstances, but I welcome you all the same. My servants will lead you to your rooms; I've only had time to prepare simple arrangements, but I pray they will be to your liking. After you've all had a chance to clean up, dinner will be served in the main hall."
"This way, milady," a young girl says to you with a curtsy. You follow her into the house, alongside your friends. As you enter, you can't help but gasp - and you aren't the only member of your group to do so. The entrance is extravagant beyond your imagination. The walls are made of a polished mahogany, the floor a shining black stone covered in vibrant red rugs. Several tapestries hang from the high arched ceilings, and masterfully carved furniture lines the room. Expensive-looking vases and paintings are on display, and the room is lit by chandeliers of what appears to be pure gold.
"Jeez..." you hear Ferris muttering. "Wish I had that kind of coin..." Haley bounces right over to the nearest vase and starts examining it, before Ferris stops her. You notice Mary and John both looking around, attempting to mask disapproval.
Your guide escorts you down several long, similarly-decorated hallways, the other members of your group gradually peeling off to their own rooms. Finally, you arrive in front of a massive set of oaken doors.
The first thing you notice is the bed. A four-poster bed with a silk canopy stands against the far wall, larger than any bed you've ever slept in. The thing's bigger than Anna's cart... As you continue scanning the room, you notice a wardrobe the size of a small house, and a door out onto a small veranda, lined with the vines of some unknown plant. You stumble into the room, dumbfounded, as the young girl follows you.
"U-um... I'm to help you with your armor, milady, but I don't - well, I don't know how..." she says, obviously embarrassed. You smile, and walk her through removing the various latches and buckles, helping where you can. As she pulls your breastplate free, she stumbles back and almost falls under the weight. "Y-you wear this?" she asks breathlessly.
It takes several minutes, but eventually you find yourself down to your leather underarmor. "I can finish from here," you tell her. "Thanks for the help."
She offers a small curtsy. "My pleasure, milady." She turns to a nearby dresser, and indicates a basin of water, soap, and a towel. You can clean up with this," she says as she crosses the room to the dresser. "And Lord Mihal wishes you to wear any dress which suits your fancy," she adds as she opens it, revealing rows upon rows of fancy clothing. "Please gather in the main hall as soon as you are ready. You saw the door under the stairs in the main entrance? Can you find your way?"
"Yes, I think I remember well enough," you answer. With that, the young woman excuses herself, leaving you to your own devices. As you slip out of your leather padding, you notice your clothing's state of disrepair. Several holes and bloodstains are obviously apparent, not to mention several tattered patches from before... Before all of this began, when the most you had to worry about was the occasional wolf attacking the livestock. Pushing thoughts of your past life from your mind, you peer into a small mirror on the dresser. Your face is stained and filthy, to the point you barely recognize yourself. With a sigh, you begin the task of making yourself presentable.
By the time you finish, the bowl's water is black with grime while your skin seems to have returned to its normal color, though perhaps a bit darker than before. You turn to the dresser. 'Whatever suits my fancy?' All these clothes are so... After a few minutes of rifling around the layers of fancy dresses, you narrow it down to a few that you think you can figure out how to put on.
(A) Wear the billowing green ballgown
(B) Wear the simple white dress skirt
(C) Wear the bold red slitted dress
(D) Wear your usual clothes
After a bit of debate, you decide on the formal green gown. It takes a few minutes to figure out how exactly to put it on, but you get it eventually. You admire yourself in the mirror for a moment before turning to exit the room. As you reach the door, you remember something. You go back for your hatchet, and buckle it underneath your dress. The ruffles and frills hide it quite nicely.
When you manage to make your way to the dining hall, you find the others already sitting around a lengthy, ornate table covered in flowers and the fanciest utensils you've ever seen. Mihal, waiting by the door, is the first to greet you. "Good evening, milady. Lovely choice of dress. I trust your room is to your liking?"
"Yes, of course. It is simply wonderful, Mi- Lord Mihal." He leads you to a seat near the head of the table, beside you. Paen, in his formal black clothing, takes the seat of honor, while Claudia, wearing an elegant black dress, sits on his other side.
You glance up and down the table, and see your friends wearing quite a random assortment of clothing. You can't help but laugh as Wendy adjusts the tie Bud has wrapped awkwardly around his neck. Rosalin's size causes her dress to bulge awkwardly. Mary has forgone her new dancer's outfit in favor of one of her traditional black robes, while John wears his normal white habit. You notice the pair looking disapprovingly around the room.
"Well, then. Let's get down to business," Paen begins. "We-"
"My king, the business can wait until after the meal. I've sent riders to the nearest forts, and you can expect the men to rally in the morning. I've also prepared a room for a war council later tonight. For now, let us simply enjoy ourselves."
"Always two steps ahead... Fair enough," Paen answers. Mihal signals one of the servants, and they begin bringing bowls of a thick soup from a room in the back. You do your best to emulate the others, folding your napkin in your lap and carefully selecting which fork to use. You become painfully aware of how little you know about this type of thing, but feel better when you notice you aren't the only one struggling. Of your group, only Claudia, Wendy, Cecil, and, to your surprise, Rosalin seem to be effortlessly adapting to the situation. By the third dish - beef cooked in some strange herbs - you give up and just start using utensils at random.
Throughout the meal, various acts come and go. Musicians form the majority of the entertainment, but there are a few dancers as well. "I'm surprised you had time to set all this up," you overhear Paen saying to Mihal. "And don't tell me you do this every night."
"Of course not! It's just that I make sure each of our servants learns a fine art, an instrument or dancing, so we always have someone available on short notice."
The evening's finale is a surprise for everyone. As the last course - some kind of odd fruit pudding (you've long since given up trying to tell exactly what you're eating) - is brought in from the kitchens, a large box is wheeled in from the entrance hall. A strange growl emanates from inside. You instinctively feel for your hatchet.
The growl rises in pitch to a dull roar. Mihal smiles broadly, while Paen gives him a curious glance. "Mihal, what is this?"
"A creature I managed to get my hands on a few days ago. It's quite interesting, and I admit I quite wanted an opportunity to show it off. Reveal the cage!"
A pair of servants rush to obey, pulling the wooden box apart. Beneath of is a cage made of steel bars, but what captures your attention is the infuriated beast inside. The creature appears to be some kind of giant cat, but... it has wings. As you take it in, its tail swishes dangerously, and you notice it ends with a glistening stinger. Suddenly, the tail flicks out at a nearby servant; he leaps out of range just in time. Several members of your party gasp and many of the servants grimace, while Mihal continues to beam proudly. "That's..." Claudia mutters.
"A manticore," Paen finishes for her. As if in response, the beast releases a mighty roar.
"Exquisite, isn't it?" Mihal asks.
"You have all the necessary paperwork, I'm sure?" Paen asks, a hint of anger palpable in his voice. Mihal's smile vanishes. "I'll take that as a no. Mihal, you of all people would know that it's illegal to keep a beast like that..."
Several tense seconds pass. Mihal looks as if a dozen different excuses cross his mind and get discarded just as quickly. He finally begins to stammer out an apology when Paen interrupts him. Paen's voice has returned to its previous jovial tone. "Just remind me to sign a special permit for it later. She's quite the beauty."
Mihal laughs nervously. "You... You really had me worried for a moment. My apologies, I really should have gone through proper channels, but I was so excited by the offer I completely forgot." You return to staring at the beast. It glares back at you angrily, but becomes silent. As the meal ends, its handlers return from whence it came.
"Well then," Mihal begins. "We've some time before I had planned to begin the meeting. You have a short time to wander freely if you so wish, or make preparations for the days ahead. You've full access to my home, just be careful if you choose to go visit the stables. Aside from the manticore, we've several wyverns being trained. A few are quite... temperamental."
You have time for 4 choices
(A) Return to your room to rest and check your equipment
(B) Visit Marth in the stables
(C) Wander the halls
(D) Speak with the servants
(E) Speak with Mihal
(F) Search for (Paen) (can be chosen multiple times)
You decide to start by returning to your room and going through your equipment. It takes a few moments to find the right door, but you finally come across a familiar hallway. When you make it in, you start by changing out of the dress, returning it to its wardrobe. Back in your old clothes, you slip back into your leather armor. You plan to return and put on the rest just before the meeting. You feel a bit strange walking around someone's home with a weapon, but you slip your hatchet onto your belt.
Next, you choose to wander the halls for a bit. You take careful notes about which way you go, making sure you'll be able to find your way back. Corner after corner, hall after hall... The manor seems to stretch out for miles, and this is only the ground floor. You eventually wander up a set of stairs, and continue exploring the top floor. A cracked door catches your eye, and you can't resist poking your head in. It appears to be some sort of armory, loaded with weapons and mail. You can tell something's not quite right, but it takes you a moment to realize what. Several of the weapon racks are only partially filled, and a few of the dummies seem to be missing their armor. It seems a bit strange considering how much detail is put in to the rest of the house...
You notice an elixer sitting out on a box in the corner. You quickly glance over your shoulder... You seem to be alone.
(A) Take it
(B) Leave it
You can't bring yourself to take the elixer. Even if Mihal's got plenty, you can't justify stealing from him. What if he took it out of one of his servants' wages?
As you turn to leave the room, a gray-haired servant enters the doorway. "Hm?" He seems surprised to see you. "Ah, hello. Are you lost?" Noticing in your axe, he adds "Or perhaps you just wanted to admire the armory?"
"A bit of both," you admit.
The servant laughs. "It's pretty easy to get turned around in here, especially if you're not familiar with the mansion. I mean, I've worked here thirty years and still occasionally find myself taking a wrong turn. Ah," he adds, pushing past you. "I wondered where I left this." He pockets the elixer.
"You say you've worked here for thirty years?" you ask incredulously.
"Correct," he answers. "Since before young Lord Mihal was even born. I was one of the few of his father's servants who was allowed to stay after his death. Mihal and his father... did not get along. Perhaps he... No, it is not my place to question his reasons. Ah, where are my manners? My name is Sergei."
"Sergei... My name is June," you reply.
"June, hm? A beautiful month. After the rains of spring, but before the heat of summer. Ah, but enough of an old man's ramblings. You look like you have a question for me?"
"Well, yes, actually. How did you...?"
Sergei wags his finger. "We old men can always tell. How can I help you?"
"Well, I was wondering..."
(A) Ask about Mihal
(B) Ask about Mihal's father
(C) Ask about Mihal and Paen's relationship
(D) Ask about Mihal's servants
(E) Ask about the manticore
"Could you tell me a a bit more about how Lord Mihal and King Paen met?"
"Ah, that was many years back. I was... I wouldn't say I was a young man, but I still had some color in my hair. Lored Mihal was a young boy, five or six, when the king asked Lord Mihal's father to take then-Prince Paen on as an apprentice."
"So they were friends as children?"
"Well... When King Paen arrived, and Lord Mihal's father began teaching him about finances and law and the like, Lord Mihal was a bit... jealous of the attention the prince was getting. The two eventually came to blows, snuck off into the forest for a duel. When they got back,all beat up and bloody, Lord Mihal got such a scolding from his father. 'How dare you raise your hand to the royal heir?' and the like. But Prince Paen seemed to gain a lot of respect for milord for standing up for himself."
"So, after their big fight, they just... became friends?"
"Indeed, though I think it was more... Neither of their fathers were particularly... nurturing, shall we say, so I suppose they felt a sense of camaraderie after that. And before you ask, they've never told anyone who won their duel."
"Did they ever fight after that?" you ask.
"They became like brothers. Sure, they had their share of squabbles, but never anything serious. Prince Paen even came to visit a few times throughout the years, and used to write quite often. Sadly, they've had less contact since the prince became the king, but that is life."
"So, have they had any disagreements lately?"
Sergei looks a bit confused, then thoughtful. "Not to my knowledge. And Lord Mihal's not the kind to hold a grudge. But who can say for sure what goes on in the minds of men? I think the two respect each other, if nothing else. Lord Mihal, for King Paen's strength, and the king for milord's mind."
After a few seconds of silence, Sergei continues. "I can tell you've many more questions, but I've many duties that I must attend to." He glances out the armory door and down the hall. "I suppose I have time to entertain one more question."
(A) Ask about Mihal
(B) Ask about Mihal's father
(C) Ask about Mihal's servants
(D) Ask about the manticore
"Can you tell me a bit more about Lord Mihal's father?"
Sergei's eyes darken as he shifts to glaring at you. He pokes his head back out, glances down the hall. He quickly closes the door to the armory. "We don't speak often of Lord Mihal's father."
"So I've noticed. Why?"
"Lord Mihal's father was... not the kindest of men. And he was certainly not an endearing father - milord has told me he considered me more of a parent than his trueborn father."
"What about his mother?"
"Ah, his mother... She was beautiful," Sergei says, as if recalling a fond memory. "She died during milord's birth, and I think his father always begrudged him for it."
"That's horrible..."
"Yes, well. As I said. Lord Mihal's father was not known for his kindness. Or his forgiveness. Plenty of rumors surround some of his business and political dealings - rivals suddenly disappearing, large tax breaks... I know for a fact he had dealings with several shady characters. But Lord Mihal is different, much different from his father. After his father's death, milord severed ties with all - well, most - of his father's partners, at great personal cost. He fired all but a handful of his father's staff. Cleaned house, you could say."
"'Most,' you said?"
"His father had a few partnerships with charities, to improve the public opinion towards the family. And there were a few that Lord Mihal could not simply... Suffice to say that sometimes it is not as simple as buying your way out of a contract."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean exactly what I say. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to my duties. It sets a bad example when the head housekeeper disappears for long periods. My staff might start thinking it's acceptable to slack off." He winks, opens the door, and steps out.
"Oh, wait!" you call after him. "Have you seen King Paen?"
"Once or twice," he responds with a grin. "I believe he is currently in Lord Mihal's chambers. Down this hall, and to the left." With that, he disappears down the stairs.
You follow his directions, and soon find yourself before an ornate door, made of some wood you've never seen before - black with golden trimmings, and inlaid with rubies. Claudia waits patiently by the door, still wearing her dress, but now with an extra accessory: her lance. She greets you as you approach.
"June. The war meeting is not for another few minutes, and we're meeting in the great hall. Don't tell me you're lost?"
"No, I was just hoping to speak with the king for a bit..."
"He and Lord Mihal are catching up. King Paen was very excited for the chance to spend some time with his friend, but... Well, is it something important, or can it wait?"
Is it important...?
(A) Yes
(B) Yes, and ask to speak with Paen privately
(C) ...It can wait
(D) Give up speaking with Paen, and find someone else to talk to instead (choose who)
(E) Give up speaking with Paen and visit the barn
"I'm afraid this can't wait," you tell her. "I need to speak with the king. Alone, preferably."
Claudia shrugs, and turns to the door. She knocks lightly, then pulls it open. "I apologize for the intrustion," she announces. "Lady June needs to speak with King Paen privately.
Through the gap in the door, you can see Paen rise from a small table, placing a glass down as he strides towards the door. "Ha ha..." you hear Mihal calling after him from inside. "Since when are you such a lady's man? Don't worry, I'll keep your drink company while you're gone..."
Claudia pushes the door shut gently as Paen exits. You lead him a few feet around the corner, just to be safe. Claudia seems to sense your intentions and blocks the door to Mihal's room. You can't help but notice a slight blush in Paen's cheeks.
"Have you... Have you been drinking?" you ask.
"A bit," he answers. "Mihal's gotten his hands on some-"
You cut him off. "We have a war meeting in a few minutes, and we really need you sober."
"You're right, of course. I'll suggest we hold off until after the meeting, as soon as we finish up here. So, what exactly did you need to talk about that Mihal can't hear?"
(A) Accuse Mihal of... (Sorry, no free ride. You'll need to fill in that blank yourselves)
(B) Warn Paen that you're suspicious of Mihal
(C) Ask about Mihal's behavior
(D) Ask about Mihal and Paen's past
(E) Ask about Mihal's family
"Has Mihal been acting strangely?" you ask.
"Strangely?" Paen replies, scratching his head. "What do you mean?"
"I mean... Is he always like this? Throwing huge feasts and drinking when in the middle of a crisis?"
Paen shrugs. "He's always been one to stand on ceremony. He's just excited to see an old friend... as am I."
"What about the manticore?" you continue.
"Hm..." Paen seems thoughtful for a minute. "That did strike me as odd. I mean..." he hesitates for a moment.
"From what I've heard from... some of his servants, he seems like he'd be more careful about laws and regulations."
"I'm sure he knew it's illegal to have that kind of beast without special permission," Paen answers. "Now that you mention it, why was he so excited to show me? I mean, I'm sure he knew I trust him enough to grant him a permit, but still... Why do it in front of everyone? Why not wait until we were alone to bring it up?"
"Maybe he wanted to make sure he told you, instead of you finding it yourself?" you answer hesitantly.
"That's... probably it. Still, I never really thought of Mihal as one to enjoy exotic pets. Though he did mention he was training some wyverns, didn't he? Maybe he's planning some kind of business expansion or something?" You shrug at his question. "I'll make sure to ask him about it later."
"Other than that and being a bit excited, is he acting normally?"
"He seems a bit anxious, but I'm sure he's just worried about the coming war council. He never had much of a taste for battle."
Before you can continue your conversation, you hear Claudia down the hall. "Ah, Lord Mihal. King Paen is still speaking wi-"
"It's almost time for the meeting. I need to head down to make sure everything's in its place," he says as he turns the corner. "Oh! King Paen, and... June, was it? I hope I'm not interrupting anything important, but we should be heading to the council now."
Mihal leads you down a series of opulent corridors into a comparatively small, plain room. You figure it is somewhere above the dining hall. As you enter, a row of men rise from their seats around a large, round table and salute you. It takes you a moment to realize it's not you they're saluting, but Paen, entering behind you. He returns their gesture, and indicates for them to be seated. He takes a seat around the table, and Claudia and Mihal quickly take the seats beside him. You settle for the seat beside Mihal.
You quickly scan the room. You only recognize a few faces: Mary and Cecil. The rest are strangers to you, but they quickly introduce themselves. Each was dispatched from local forts, coming by wyvern to answer their king's summons. Each bears a list of the troops available, and how soon they can be ready. The news is less than pleasant. Most of the forts have suffered considerable casualties fending off wandering Risen - though they have thus far managed to prevent any attacks on major civilian settlements. Paen is reluctant to draw any more troops from the forts than absolutely necessary, lest the populace fall under heavier attack. Paen asks Cecil about any mercenaries that may be available in the area, and Cecil manages to name a few companies, though he says he can't vouch for their dependability.
After getting some idea of the available troops, the subject shifts to Tartan itself. For the most part, little is known. After your raid on the castle, Horatio managed to open the main gates - apparently, he had more than one spy on the inside. Valeria's army swept through the city, but there was little bloodshed. Paen's elite guard managed to convey a surrender order to most of the Carcinan army, and most soldiers simply laid down their arms, though a few fought to the death. Afterwards, the town was locked down for several days, with only a few small supply caravans going in or out. Eventually, a large contingent, some 500 troops, was spotted leaving and heading west. Considering the casualties you'd taken, you figure that still leaves around 300 in the capital. You ask about Horatio himself, but no one seems to know for sure.
Finally, Paen calls for quiet. "I'm sure many of you are wondering where I've been, and why I've several Valerian knights under my command." Judging from his reaction, Mihal had not realized this before. "I'm afraid the Risen... this threat is much larger than our country alone. Perhaps larger than Carcina and Valeria put together. As such, I met with the archbishop of Valeria, and together we've been working to find a solution. Mary, if you will?"
Mary quietly rises from her seat, drawing the Goetia. She proceeds to tell the room all she had told you. Her theories about the archdevil Bune, and all she learned from her tome. When she finishes, he begins to explain about the theories of Meridia's involvement. The room is utterly silent for several seconds afterward, before one lieutenant gingerly raises his hand. "My king... If this... archdevil is to blame, shouldn't we head straight to Meridia and... well... kill it?"
Paen laughs at that, and the lieutenant awkwardly chuckles with him. "Direct. I like that. As much as I'd prefer a simple, head-on fight like that, we're going to need some equipment from the capital. A special sword specially designed for putting uppity gods back inttheir place."
A hush once again spreads throughout the room, until Mihal breaks the silence. He rises from his chair, snaps into a salute, and loudly proclaims "Then we will retake Tartan!" A murmur spreads around the room, gradually rising to a soft cheer. Eventually, cries calling for the death of all Valerian invaders begin to mingle in with the voices.
Paen slams his hand onto the table. "Have you not been listening!? This archdevil is a master of manipulation! He's been playing us against the Valerians this whole time! That's just what he'd want us to do - all slaughter each other and add to his deformed army of monstrosities!"
Stunned silence. You take advantage of the chance to speak to rise. "That's right! If we can convince my countrymen to listen and add their strength to ours, our position will be that much stronger!"
In the discussion that follows, Mihal whispers into your ear. "How exactly do you plan to do that? It's a great plan, but what if Horatio is there? He could denounce you as a traitor... If it comes down to it, can you really fight your own men?" Everything becomes blurry for a moment. The arguments about strategy seem to fade into the background and a chill runs down your spine. Paen's voice begins you back to the matter at hand.
"For now, we won't think about our specific strategy. We'll need to do some more in-depth scouting before we can determine the ideal course of action. For now, let's just decide how many troops to take."
There are 500 troops that can be ready to march by morning from the surrounding forts.
(A) Take none, stick with your named characters
(B) Take 50 elite troops
(C) Take 100 skilled troops
(D) Take 250
(E) Take all of them
(F) Tactician: Take 20 wyvern riders - a few scouts and enough for flying deliveries and/or ferrying troops
By the way, let's go ahead and knock out the next vote. You'll have time for 4 more activities before bed.
(1) Return to your room to sleep early (cuts the session short, may have unforseen rewards... or not)
(2) Visit Marth in the stables
(3) Speak with Mihal
(4) Search for (choose character) (can be chosen multiple times)
"We'll take a small group of elite troops," you say.
Paen nods his head. "Right, then. Well, you heard the lady. Have them join up with us here," Paen says, pointing to a small fort further down the road. "We'll wait as late as tomorrow night. Anyone who's late will be left behind."
Paen receives a salute from all his men as they file out of the room, and Cecil and Mary follow them out. Mihal finally breaks the silence. "So, King Paen, shall we continue where we left off?"
"I believe we were just opening a fine bottle of wine?" Paen replies with a smirk. "Sounds like a brilliant plan."
"I think I'll head to bed early," you say.
"Hm? But the night is still young!" Mihal protests. "Please, feel free to do what you wish. Make yourself at home."
"It seems a shame to waste such a wonderful bed," you answer.
Paen pats you on the back. "Well, fair enough. Just don't get to comfortable, it's back to roughing it tomorrow."
It takes you a few moments to make it back to your room, but you manage not to get lost. You set your armor aside, check and clean your equipment, then slide into the spacious bed. It's soft - almost uncomfortably so. You toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable position. Eventually, your fatigue gets the better of you, and you drift off.
A roar wakes you in the dead of night. Was that a wyvern...? You sit up, stirred by the piercing sound. You hear a screech and find yourself drawn to the window. In the distance, you can see a horde of wyverns circling over part of the forest, occasionally calling to each other. You watch them for a few moments before one dives into the trees, emerging a few moments later with some hapless forest dweller. Knowing what happens next, you return to bed for the night.
You wake up in the morning feeling invigorated. You step out onto the veranda to watch the sunrise. A chill blows through the air, but you ignore it. A purple haze slowly turns to an orange band, and then the sun shows itself over the hills. Off in the distance, you notice a few wyverns still flying around the small forest. I guess that's where they hunt. You catch a glimpse of a few servants tending to the animals, and see one leading Marth out to graze. He casts a glance your way, then returns to chewing a patch of grass.
A knock at your door draws your attention back inside. As you step back into your room, your guide from the day before slowly lets herself in. With a polite curtsy, she informs you that breakfast will be served in an hour, and Paen intends to set out shortly after.
It seems you have a bit longer to explore... (Choose 2)
(A) Visit Marth
(B) Speak with Mihal
(C) Search for (choose character) (can be chosen multiple times)
(D) Visit the forest
You decide to go check on Marth. You slip into your leather underarmor and grab your hatchet - you'll come back to finish changing into your armor later, when someone with a bit more experience can help you. You can't help but realize how strange of a thought that is - not long ago, you would have had no idea how to help someone into a suit of armor, and now it seems as simple as putting on normal clothes. Shaking off the thought, you consider working your way through the house and around to the barn, then just decide to vault from the low veranda. You hear a shriek from the room as you fall the few feet to the ground, and the maid rushes to the ledge to check on you. By the time she gets there, you're already well on your way to the pasture.
The morning sun is just burning off the dew, and bits of grass are clinging to your boots. One of Mihal's stable hands gives you a nod as you hop the fence into the field, and Marth turns to look at you. He perks his ears up and heads your way, head bobbing excitedly. You pat him on his snout, and he stares back at you expectantly. "Oh, I'm sorry boy. I didn't think to bring a carrot or anything." He snorts in response, and starts to back away. He turns and breaks into a trot, putting some distance between you between looping around and coming back.
"Don't even pretend to be mad," you chastise him. "You know I'll bring you something later." You pat his side and notice how clean he is - one of Mihal's stable hands must have cleaned him. You feel a bit guilty about not doing it yourself. "How are you holding up, boy? I know this must be pretty rough on you. You're not as young as you used to be." Marth flips his head towards you, then back again. You can't help but laugh. "Oh, Marth. Come here. There's a good horse," you say, wrapping your arms around his neck. "You've been with me since the beginning... No, since before all this started. You and Bud are... all I've got left..."
Marth pulls out of your grip, then nuzzles your face. "Don't worry, boy. I'm OK. I'm going to destroy these monstrosities, then I'll... find something, somewhere. Promise you'll stay with me?" Marth whinnies. You pat him on the head, then turn towards the barn. "Come on, boy. I'm sure we can find you a nice treat in there somewhere. I'm sure Mi- Lord Mihal won't mind."
You walk into the barn, Marth close at your heels. Your search for a carrot turns up a room laden with oats, and Marth tries to slip past you to get at them. "No, you greedy ol'... Here," you say, offering him a handful. "I'll give you a bit more later, but I don't want to spoil your breakfast. Now go get some nice grass." Marth lingers a moment before turning and walking back out to the yard. You start to head back towards the house when you spot Wendy staring into one of the stalls. You go to say hello, to find her staring at the manticore.
"Isn't that dangerous?" you ask.
Wendy jumps a bit, obviously surprised by your approach. "Ah, June... Sorry, I was... The manticore's gaze is almost hypnotic. I mean, I've read about manticores, but to actually see one up close, such an amazing creature," she stammers. "And no, I don't think it's dangerous. No more than any other animal, at least."
"It looks pretty dangerous to me," you state as it flicks its barbed tail close to the bars and growls. You recoil in surprise, but Wendy doesn't even flinch.
"Don't be rude to it," she scolds. "It seems to be pretty intelligent. It might even understand what we're saying..."
"That's ridi-" you trail off, remembering that just moments ago you were arguing with your horse. "Well, I suppose it's possible," you admit.
"Yeah," Wendy says simply, back to staring into the cell. She seems lost for a moment, before she turns back to you. "By the way, last night..."
"Yes?"
"...No, it's nothing. Those wyverns were just uncharacteristically loud."
"Yeah, I noticed they were hunting in the forest. Maybe something had them excited?"
"Maybe," Wendy concludes. You wait a moment for her to continue, but she remains silent, again staring into the manticore's stall.
"...Right, well. I'm going to be off. Breakfast is in an hour, and we're leaving shortly after that. Make sure you're ready to go."
Wendy makes a noise that you take as a sign of affirmation before you leave her to her observations.
(B) Speak with Mihal
(C) Search for (choose party member)
(D) Head to the forest
You head out of the barn, starting back to the house, when something makes you stop. You glance over your shoulder towards the forest on the far side of the field. What Wendy said... It seems you aren't the only one who noticed the wyverns. From a distance, you can't see anything odd about it, other than the wyverns still flapping lazily above; just a bunch of trees. Yet, you feel oddly drawn to it.
You slip back through the fields on your way. Marth gives you a glance, then goes back to grazing. A few of the stable hands notice you, and you think you see a hint of apprehension in one's face when your eyes meet. After you pass by him, he starts to head back towards the barn, and the house beyond. Something feels a bit off, and you feel for your hatchet - still there.
As you approach the forest, a wyvern swoops towards you, a bit closer than you'd like, then rejoins the others above. A large, muscular man strides from the tree cover carrying a ferocious-looking curved sword - a wyrmslayer, you think. He rests it on his shoulder as he greets you. "Oi, you don't want to be gettin' any closer to this here forest. Them wyverns is always in an awful foul mood."
"Who are you?" you ask.
"I'm their trainer. Which means it's my job to make sure they don't go an' hurt nobody. And you bein' this close to their huntin' grounds ain't exactly helpin'."
"This forest is their hunting ground? But it's not that large of a forest, I can't imagine there being enough game in there for a dozen hungry wyverns."
"I don't know, we... we bring in extra from other places. 's not my job to worry about that. I just make sure them buggers don't attack no one, and make sure no nosy li'l birds go pokin' round where they'll get hurt." You barely notice a rustling in a bush behind the man, and see a glint of steel. You focus on the figure, trying to discern it without being obvious. "Now why don't you run on back where you came from? This ain't no place for the likes of you."
You realize there's an archer hiding in the bush behind the man, an arrow trained on you.
(A) Attack the swordsman, using him as cover
(B) Throw your hatchet at the archer, then go after the swordsman
(C) Leave as politely as possible, and never return
(D) Go find some backup, then quickly return (5 party members will be selected randomly)
(E) Rally everyone and march into the forest
This isn't something you're going to risk pressing. You thank the man for his time, then turn and begin to stroll back to the house as casually as possible, not daring to look over your shoulder. Once you clear the archer's range, you signal Marth and hop on his back.
You dash into the barn, intent on tracking down backup. Fortunately, Wendy is still standing by the manticore's stall. "Wendy!" you call to her. She barely acknowledges you, so you grab her shoulder as you dismount. "Wendy, get your gear and meet me by the forest. Be ready for anything." She seems to snap out of her daze, and gives you a sharp nod before heading off.
Heading into the house, you first check the dining hall; maybe some of the others have gathered early? You find Mary and John casually waiting as several servants buzz about, rushing to get the final preparations for breakfast in place.
"Oh, good morning, June," John greets you. "You're here early."
"Yes, well, we've got a problem. I need you two geared up and ready to go. Meet me by the forest as soon as possible."
"The forest?" Mary asks. "We're not allowed in the forest."
"What do you mean?" you ask. "How'd you know...?"
"I wanted to go for a stroll last night, but some... dangerous-looking man stopped me."
"Why didn't you tell me?" you ask incredulously.
"I never saw you after the meeting," she answers. "In fact, you were already asleep when I got back. It didn't seem important enough to wake you."
"I see," you answer. "Well. Just... be ready for anything. Meet in the field near the forest, alright?"
The pair agrees, and you head off towards your room. You try to remember where anyone else is staying. One door draws your attention, and you pause in front of it. A familiar voice confirms your suspicions, and you throw it open.
You slam it shut just as quickly, turning red. You hear scrambling from within, and before you can escape, a half-dressed Ferris opens the door.
"Uh... Hi, June. Something wrong?"
"Y-yes... Maybe," you answer. "Can the two of you meet at the forest in a few minutes? Be ready to fight, just in case."
"Sure thing, June!" Haley calls from inside. "We'll be ready before you know it!"
Ferris sighs. "Well, guess we'll see you there, then."
"Right..." you answer, still shaken. Knock. Make sure to knock.
You return to your room to grab your gear. You don't have time to put on your armor, but you pick up Armads, a short spear, and a steel bow, as well as a concoction. Repeating the same trick from the morning, you leap out of your window as a shortcut. As you cross to the field, you spy John and Mary in the distance, and Ferris and Haley just coming out of the mansion. You wait for the others to join up with you near the center of the field, then approach the forest as a unit. Wendy, however, is mysteriously absent. You consider stopping to find her, but you don't want to risk losing more time.
"So, what are we doing, exactly?" Ferris asks.
"Something's not right here," you answer. "And we're going to find out what exactly."
"Oh, so it's just like a mystery!" Haley responds excitedly from her horse. "I guess that makes me a detective."
"Yes," Mary answers. "But be careful. I have a feeling the men we're dealing with are dangerous."
As your group approaches the forest, the man once again materializes from the trees. "You again? I thought I told you to bugger off?"
With the others at your back, you feel a bit bolder. You scan the forest carefully, spotting the archer from before, hiding in the same bush. On the other side, you see a second, this one a large warrior. Before you can respond, John answers for you.
"I don't know what you're doing, fiend, but it ends here."
"Fiend?" the man replies with mock indignation. "Why, how could you say such a thing? I've got a heart o' gold!" You notice the wyverns circling silently overhead, almost menacingly. "Now, me wyverns on the other hand..." He waves a signal with his hand, and one swoops down towards you
(A) Rush through the men into the forest, use the dense foliage to help fight the wyverns
(B) Hold your ground outside the forest, use the open fields to your advantage
(C) Have (choose up to 2) distract the wyverns in the open, while the others deal with the men then attack the wyverns from the forest
You kick Marth into a charge, clipping the swordsman with your hatchet as you pass. "Go!" you call to your allies. You hear them moving behind you, while the archer takes aim and looses an arrow. You try to duck, but a dull thudding pain in your chest causes you to lose your balance, and you fall from your mount. Ferris dashes forward, cleaving the archer's bow and slashing his chest in one slice. John and Haley harry the warrior and swordsman, while Mary rushes to your side. You struggle to your feet and step in front of her, gripping Armads as a wyvern swoops down towards you.
Suddenly, a blur slams into it. The pair go crashing through the foliage, and you struggle to make out your protector. In the end, the wyvern finds itself pinned, Wendy's lance stabbed through its wing. Her mount whirls around, piercing the wyvern's neck with its tail before launching back into the sky. You vaguely hear Wendy cheering and shouting commands as she flies among the treetops.
Manticore rider unlocked!
Skills: Lash (level 5, skill-based chance to gain an extra attack at half-strength), Petrify (level 15, magic-based chance to petrify an enemy for several rounds)
Marth comes back for you, and Mary helps you reclaim your seat. You make a mad dash for the forest as the wyverns begin to attack en masse. As you slip among the trees, the first few are forced to abandon their charge. With your bow and John's magic, you start picking them off as they try to work their way through the trees. Wendy also seems to have a large advantage over them, her manticore weaving among the branches and darting into thickets any time it starts to get overwhelmed.
Another 3 men appear from deeper in the forest, and Ferris and Haley turn to face them, leaving the sky to the rest of you. Mary weaves between your two groups, hurling balls of darkness towards the wyverns while dancing - you notice her dance is different from her normal routine - aside from feeling more inspired to fight, you feel as if the very forest is empowering you.
An assassin slips past Ferris, making a line straight towards John before you can intercept him. Mary leaps in his way, seeming to block his sword with a shadow. "Behold the power of nature!" she calls, and vines leap from several plants, entrapping the assassin. As he struggles to free himself, you line up a shot with your bow, easily finishing him before returning to picking off the wyverns.
Ferris and Haley, having finished the ground troops, intervene to keep the wyverns at bay as your range troops pick them off one at a time. After a short fight, the three surviving wyverns, with no riders to keep them in line, retreat.
Mary helps you treat your wound with a vulnerary while the others sweep the area to make sure no others lie in hiding. A moment later, Ferris comes running back. "June, you need to see this."
"What is it?" you ask, moving to follow him.
"It's a kid," he answers.
A short hike takes you to a large clearing in the forest. A large, artificial canopy made of rope and fallen branches conceals it from above. In the center is a sight that causes you to freeze in your tracks. Mary, beside you, emits an audible gasp. Of everything you'd seen before now...
A single child, a young boy with long, flaming red hair, sits bound in chains. He has a fresh scar across his face, and blood stains his shirt. As you approach, he glares at you silently; you feel an odd sensation that seems to be coming from the axe strapped across your back. "Who... Who are you?" you ask. "Why..." He spits at you in response.
"June..." Mary whispers. "He's not human." She begins to cautiously approach. His only response is his continued glare. She reaches out a trembling hand, slowly parting his hair to reveal a large, pointed ear. You catch only a glimpse before the child whirls around, biting Mary's hand. She yelps in pain before wrenching herself free. She's bleeding heavily.
"I'll kill all of you!" he screams, suddenly struggling against his chains and lunging after her. He only makes it a few inches before the chains go taut, stopping him in place.
"Hey, June! Look at what I found!" you hear Haley calling from the distance as she runs up. "One of those guys had it. It's a really pretty-" she freezes in her tracks as she finds you. For once, she falls silent. You notice she's carrying a large, red stone. You also notice the boy screaming in rage and staring at it.
"Give it... Give me back my dragonstone!" Again he hurls himself against the chains, and this time you fear they may give way. "I'll kill you... I'll kill all of you!" he continues to scream, tears welling in his eyes.
Ferris and Haley both glance at each other, then look to you for direction. John and Wendy, attracted by the screams, finally catch up. Wendy silently dismounts her newfound friend, slowly approaching the boy but stopping short. John looks about in dismay, before noticing Mary's wounded hand. He runs to heal it, but she shakes her head, instead using his shoulder to help keep herself steady as she makes her way to you.
"June... I think... I think I know... Do you remember what happened to my mother? The... the laguz..." She can't bring herself to finish her thought, looking like she can't decide whether she wants to pass out or cry.
Everyone seems unsure of what to do, and merely looks at you for your instruction - aside from the boy, who has returned to sitting and staring angrily. If only Fumiko or Vine were here...
(A) Free him immediately
(B) Give him his stone and see if he calms down
(C) Keep trying to talk to him
(D) Leave him for now and return to the mansion (can choose to leave up to 2 units to guard him)
(E) He's too big a threat - kill him
"Who are you?" you ask, allowing yourself to get a bit closer. No answer, just that same, unbroken glare. "Why are you chained up? Who were those men?"
"...'Were?'" he asks, a small grin forming on his lips.
"Yes," you respond, slightly taken aback. "We... killed them."
The boy throws his head back in laughter. "So, they're dead!?" he finally asks, his fit slowly dying down. "A shame, I wanted to do it myself..." You wait for his laughter to subside completely. "So," he asks, staring into your eyes. "I suppose that makes you my saviors?"
"I-"
"Some big damn heroes that show up to free the helpless little victim? Your kind did this to me!"
"But-" you try to answer.
"Where were you when I broke free last night?When they were dragging me around last week!? WHEN THEY TOOK ME LAST MONTH!?"
Mary cuts you off. "We aren't asking for forgiveness!" The boy eyes her coldly. "We just ask your word that you will leave us in peace. Give us that, and we will free you."
"...And if I refuse?" he answers with a snarl. "Will you leave me bound here? Drag me with you? Kill me?"
"Please," she responds, walking over and kneeling down to his level. "Let us help you." Something tells you to stay back. "I know you're angry, and you want revenge, but I also know you're older and wiser than you look. Just... let us end this. Give us your word and let us free you."
Ferris calls out from beside you. "Freedom's more important that revenge, y'know?"
The boy looks at him, then back to Mary, before finally bowing his head in acceptance. "Fine," he growls. "Just return my dragonstone and I'll leave. You have my word, human." He punctuates the last word with an odd venom.
Haley places the stone in your hand.
(A) Break his chains, but keep his stone
(B) Return his stone
(C) Leave him for now (can leave up to 2 guards with him)
(D) Offer him a chance for revenge if he fights with you
You take a minute to think, then walk over to the boy. "Very well, then." You start to pull at his chains.
"No, just hand me my stone," he spits. He waves his hand, barely freed from his bonds.
Confused, you slip the stone into his palm. He wraps his hand around it and closes his eyes. He sighs contentedly as he closes his eyes. Suddenly, a blinding light appears around him; fortunately, you stagger backwards. When the light clears, the ruins of the chain lay around a large, red monster. It stands upright, nearly twice your height, covered in flaming scales.
"A dragon..." you hear Wendy whisper in awe.
"Manakete," Mary corrects her.
Whatever it is, you can feel Armads practically buzzing with energy on your back. The beast cranes its neck to look down at you, and your eyes lock with its serpentine gaze. You think you can see a hint of a smile form on its lips as it looks up, and suddenly a pillar of flame erupts from its mouth. The fake canopy falls away into a pile of ash, and the dragon suddenly spreads a pair of leather wings. Before you can react, he shoots into the sky, circling for a moment, then flying off towards the rising sun. You quickly lose sight of him through the trees.
Your party stands together in stunned silence for a minute, before Ferris finally speaks up. "So, what now?"
"Mihal must have known about this," John says. "We must bring him to justice."
"What about all our friends?" Haley asks. "I mean, they're not in any danger, are they?"
"I saw some of the field hands heading towards the mansion earlier," Wendy adds. "He probably knows what happened here, or at least knows that we're suspicious. He might try to flee, but I doubt he'd be foolish enough to try to fight us."
"He may try to take a hostage," Ferris states matter-of-factly. "And he knows we're coming. We've got to be careful with this."
"A trapped animal is the most dangerous," Mary adds.
What will you do?
(A) Rally your troops
(B) Search for Mihal
(C) Split up (choose who goes where: June, Ferris, Haley, Mary, John, Wendy)
How will you act?
(1) Kill on sight
(2) Attempt to take him alive
(3) Attempt to deal with this peacefully
"We're going to round everyone up," you announce. "And then we'll deal with Mihal together." A chorus of agreement.
Wendy rides ahead to check for signs Mihal may be up to something. She reports back that all of the fieldhands are assembling in the barn. You decide to go around and hop the fence - you aren't sure what they're up to, but better to avoid any unnecessary conflict until you know everyone's safe. You have your group enter through the window into your room, hoping to sneak in and rouse everyone. To your surprise, every room you check is empty, though there are signs of their being used.
As you make your way through the house, you finally arrive at the foyer. A single maid awaits you, the one who escorted you to your room last night. She gives a deep curtsy. "Lord Mihal requests your presence in the dining hall," she says in a shaking voice. You can tell it's all she can do to maintain her composure. "Your comrades have also assembled there."
You blink. This feels like a trap. But if all your friends are already there... You don't have much choice but to spring it. Do you?
(A) Take your group in
(B) Leave your group in the foyer as backup and go in alone
(C) Refuse - go to (short answer)
"Watch the door," you tell the others. "I'll go in alone. Let me know if anything... interesting happens out here." Silent nods of approval from all but one member.
"I'm coming, too," Wendy answers, fingering her sword. "They have Bud..."
You don't want to waste time arguing, so you signal her to stand against the wall by the door. With Wendy in position, you cautiously push the large door open.
To your surprise, you're greeted by Paen seated at the head of the table. "Ah, here you are, June! It's not like you to be late," he scolds playfully. "And you don't even have your armor on!" Claudia and Mihal claim the seats beside him. Your friends are gathered around the rest of the table, fully prepared to march and enjoying a large breakfast.
"Wendy!" Bud calls, excusing himself from the table. "Where were you?" he asks, stepping past you with a friendly smile. "When I woke up, you were already gone."
"I... er... in the barn," she stammers, clearly as surprised as you.
You stare around in near-disbelief. There's no way they didn't notice that fight. Someone would have at least seen the dragon flying away. You make your way, slowly and deliberately, to Mihal's seat. You notice his plate is untouched. He tenses as you approach, before standing and turning to face you.
A long period of awkward stare-off follows. Finally, Paen breaks the silence. "What're you two up to? Mihal, don't tell me you've fallen for June. I'd hate to have to fight you for her heart." Mihal visibly winces at that statement.
"...In the forest," you begin. "There were several thugs guarding a manakete," you answer. "He was bound and wounded, but he tol-"
"Enough," Mihal interrupts. "I don't want to hear any more. Just kill me, arrest me, whatever you plan to do." All eyes are on the three of you now, and a hush falls over the room.
Paen sits in stunned silence. "...Mihal, what is she talking about?"
No answer. Paen turns to you, and opens his mouth to ask a question, before stopping. An unusual expression crosses his face; distant, but filled with concentration. Finally, he snaps out of it. "...I see. Grima told me you've been selling laguz, and other creatures as well... Tell me it's not true."
Mihal refuses to look at him, his gaze falling to the ground.
"Answer me!" Paen roars, standing from his seat and grabbing Mihal by the shoulders. "Tell me it's a lie," he says, forcing Mihal to face him. "Look me in the eye, and tell me Grima lies. Tell me June is wrong. Tell me it's all a misunderstanding."
"...It's the truth," Mihal finally manages to mutter.
Looking around the room, you notice your friends all staring in disbelief, some reflexively feeling for their weapons. The few servants in the room all stand against the wall, some apparently as shocked by the revelation as you. A handful stare guiltily at the ground.
Paen staggers back as if hit by a charging wyvern. "...Why?" he asks.
"It doesn't matter," Mihal answers. "Just... end it," he says, turning to you.
"No!" Paen yells. "Tell me why!" He punctuates his command by drawing his blade and pointing it at Mihal's throat. "Tell me why you would betray my trust like this, or so help me I'll spill your blood here and now."
No answer. You can see the anger flaring in Paen's eyes. With an angry cry, he draws the blade back to swing.
"Hold it!" Sergei struggles in, Ferris attempting in vain to hold him back. "Please, listen to me!" he yells to Paen.
Paen's blade, frozen above his head, slowly lowers to the ground. "Speak, Sergei."
"Milord had no choice! They... They threatened him!" he blurts out as Ferris releases him.
"Who?" Paen asks. "Who threatened him?"
"The slavers, King Paen. They threatened to... No, it was his father! His father started all this!"
Mihal winces at the mention of his father, but Paen's burning glare remains unchanged, fixed on his childhood friend. "Explain," Paen says simply.
"His father got involved with the slave trade years ago - even before he took you came to study here. And that's not all he was involved in! After Mihal inherited the mansion, he tried to put an end to all those dealings, but..."
"Enough, Sergei," Mihal mutters.
"You were threatened?" Paen asks. "Why did you not come to me!?"
"I... was afraid."
"Afraid!?" Paen roars. "Why would you fear me!?" Several of the people in the room, including Mihal, take a step back, or lean in their seats. "Do you know how many laguz passed through here? How much suffering your cowardice caused!?"
"No," Mihal answers, staring at the ground. "I never asked, never looked. I didn't want to know."
Paen stands silent for a moment, before raising his sword again. Sergei, standing beside his lord, gasps in horror. "I should kill you where you stand," Paen spits. "The only reason you still breath is our past friendship." He returns his blade to its sheathe. "June. Kill him. Arrest him. I don't care. Just get this traitor out of my sight."
With that, Paen turns and begins to walk out of the room, though you were able to see the pain in his face before he left. The servants in his path move to give him a wide berth. Even Claudia maintains a few feet from her charge.
Mihal stands rooted to the same spot, staring emptily at the floor. Sergei places a hand on his shoulder.
(A) Kill him
(B) Arrest him
(C) Fill-in-the-blank [Suggest that his titles be removed, his servants relocated, those directly involved in the slave trade named then arrested and have Mihal choose to live the rest of his life as either a hermit/vagrant or as a servant in Tartan]
Pick 7.
June/Wendy A
June/Dan B
June/Mary A
June/Rosalin C
Bud/Ferris C
Bud/Paen C
Bud/Cecil C
Haley/John C
Haley/Mary B
Haley/Charon C
Wendy/Dan B
Wendy/Claudia C
Ferris/Mary C
Ferris/Claudia C
Ferris/Cecil A
Alyssa/Charon C
Alyssa/Rosalin C
Jessup/Mary C
Jessup/Rosalin C
Dan/Paen B
Dan/Rosalin C
John/Paen C
Mary/Paen B
Mary/Cecil B
Charon/Claudia C
Charon/Rosalin C
Paen/Claudia C
Paen/Rosalin C
Rosalin/Cecil A
"We don't have time to deal with this right now," you begin. "We'll place him under arrest and take him with us for now, and give him a proper trial later." Paen shrugs as he exits. Everyone else stares as Mihal surrenders his sword. A quiet murmur goes through the crowd as Claudia moves to escort him from the room.
"Do you regret it?" you ask him.
"I hated every minute of it," he responds. Just before being led out the door, he turns. "I know where one of their hideouts is," he says coldly. "These men are professionals; once they realize something's happened, they'll disappear very quickly. If you want a chance to deal them a real blow..."
"You think we'd trust you?" Mary asks. "After what you've done?"
Mihal can't look her in the eye. "It's towards the capital, so you have some time to decide. Just know that I want these men dead as much as you do," he concludes. With that, Claudia leads him out of the room.
"June," Mary whispers to you, pulling you off into a corner. "Thank you. I only wish my parents could have been here to see this..."
"Don't worry, Mary. You'll be able to tell your mother all about it as soon as we meet up in Meridia."
"Yes," Mary agrees, then falls silent.
After a few moments, you finally ask. "You miss your father, don't you?"
"Of course," she says. "But nothing can bring him back. I have to keep going forward for now, and mourn once this is all said and done. And after that, Sefa will need a new protector. I plan to follow my father's legacy."
"That's a noble goal. Following your father's legacy..." you wonder aloud.
"What does your father do?"
"He was a farmer most of his life," you answer. "Until..."
"The Risen?" Mary asks.
"Yeah," you answer.
"I'm sorry."
You shake your head. "No, you're right. First, we end this fight. Then, we mourn. And then we rebuild." Mary gives you a smile and a nod before returning to the others.
You announce to the room that you'll be marching as soon as everyone finishes eating. With all the excitement, you've yet to eat, so you join the others at the table. No one tries to speak with you, so you have a chance to listen in on the other conversations around the table. Cecil jumps back into a story he seems to have been telling Rosalin.
"So, anyway, the huge guy was yelling all those threats at us, 'one more step and I'll kill her,' that spiel, and Lane spun around and kicked him in the crotch!"
"Aye, that'll do it!" Rosalin answers with a chuckle.
"By the time my company managed to cut through all the bandits, she'd stolen his sword and slit his throat! A little girl, barely a teenager, taking down one of the biggest brigands I've seen. Anyway, we took the kids home, but she actually asked to come with us."
"Bet her parents were none to keen 'bout that!"
"No, they were not. Actually, they wouldn't let her. But the next night, she wandered into our camp. I couldn't just leave a little girl all alone, could I? So I gave her that sword she'd stolen and took her under my wing"
"Pah! Wha' a li'l firebrand! Wish I coulda met 'er!"
"...Yeah," Cecil answers. "She was an impressive one. Not everyday you bump into a kid like that."
Sensing the mood turning, Rosalin changes the subject. "So, er... Wot 'bout the other one? Fers. 'ow'd you find that 'un?"
"Oh, he found us. He was looking for a way to help support his family..."
Haley's conversation drowns out the rest of whatever he was saying.
"Hey, Charon?" Haley asks.
"Hm?" he responds, looking up from his meal.
"I've been meaning to ask for a while now. What's with the new outfit?"
"Oh, this old thing? Well, I got a bit tired of dancing on the back lines. Decided I wanted to help out a bit more, but silk's not exactly the best armor, y'know?"
"Huh? Why would you do that?"
"What, get tired of hiding behind everyone? I mean... Sometimes you just want to feel like you're helping, y'know?"
"I never thought of it as hiding behind us. You were just fighting in your own way! It was really helpful, even if it didn't seem like it."
"Well, I know that, and you know that, but years from now if someone asked what I did to help out during this... war-thing, do you really think I could tell them 'I danced for the heroes' with a straight face?"
"I guess..." Haley says dejectedly. "But promise that you'll dance again eventually, alright? I want to see you one more time before this is all over."
"Don't worry, I'm working on a special something for the victory party!"
While you watch Haley and Charon, Cecil approaches Ferris with a serious look on his face. He taps him on the shoulder and signals to the door.
"...I knew she was dead," Cecil mumbles.
"What?" Ferris asks. "Who?"
"Lane," he answers, looking at the ground. "I knew she was dead before you told me."
"How?" Ferris asks.
"While I was tracking your group, there was a Risen with a claymore... I... I killed her..."
Ferris stares in silence for a moment. "You didn't kill her," he finally says. "She was already dead. These Risen... They uaren't/u who they used to be."
Cecil shakes his head. "Even if... I still sent the two of you ahead. I should have stayed with you."
Ferris slowly shakes his head. "No, Boss, don't start thinking like that. You know you have to let your troops go off on their own sometimes. You won't always be around to protect us, so you have to make sure we can handle ourselves. If anything, it's my fault. I was there, but..." Ferris sighs. "I'm sorry, Boss... We couldn't live up to your expectations."
Cecil straightens up. "No, Ferris. You're right. Remember, this is a dangerous line of work, the mercenary business. Even the strong can be killed if the winds of fate turn sour."
"...You're really riding that?" Dan asks.
"What?" Wendy answers, stroking the manticore.
"I dunno, it just seems... dangerous."
"You ride a dragon-like beast that could rip you in half."
"Yeah, but Shard's well-trained, and smart as a whip."
"Well, I don't know if Ira here's been formally trained, but he's smarter than any wyvern I've ever seen." Ira seems to smirk in Dan's direction.
"...Is he mocking me?" Dan asks.
"Possibly," Wendy answers. "He seems to understand."
"I don't know. The fact he's that smart makes me even more worried about him. What makes you think he won't just run off? Or kill you, then run off?"
"I don't think he'll do that," Wendy says as she wraps Ira in a hug. "He seems to like people, and I'm pretty sure he knows we're rescuing him from those slavers. I mean, if they'd given him a little respect instead of treating him like some kind of monster..."
"Well, if you're sure you can handle that thi- er, Ira... Either way, I'll still stay close in the next few fights. Hopefully, if something happens, I'll be able to make it to you to help."
"King Paen," Claudia announces, entering his room. "Mary wishes to speak with you."
"Tsk. I can't think of anyone I'd like to see less right now, except maybe her mother," Paen answers.
"Shall I turn her away?"
"No, send her in. Just give me a moment to prepare."
"Yes, sir," Claudia replies dutifully. She turns and reaches for the door.
"Claudia," Paen stops her. "Am I doing the right thing here? Letting June handle this? I feel... torn passing the burden."
"Permission to speak freely?"
"Of course, Claudia. You're my most trusted knight, never hesitate to speak freely to me."
"I've never seen you doubt yourself before. Every order you give, you deliver with an absolute confidence. It's quite obvious how much this revelation has hurt you, and I don't think you need worry about passing the burden. This June girl - she seems to care about you, and I'm sure she's willing to help shoulder your pain when you need it. As am I."
Paen is silent for a moment, regaining his composure. "Yes. Thank you, Claudia. Send her in."
Claudia exits with a slight bow, and Mary walks in to take her place. "Yes?" Paen asks, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
She gives Paen a sincere bow. "Thank you," she says.
Paen responds with confusion. "Hm?"
"You've already done much more for the laguz than your father, and more than I truly expected. He was your close friend, wasn't he?"
"Yes, but what he did was unforgivable."
Mary smiles earnestly. "You truly mean that, don't you? You're a better man than I thought. On behalf of laguz everywhere, I thank you."
"Yes, well, we're not done yet. Be ready to head out. Claudia!"
"My liege?" she asks, returning to the room.
"Make sure everyone's ready to march. Have the reinforcements arrived yet?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. I want to address them before we march."
You sit on Marth, ready to move out. Mihal mounts a horse close behind yours, armored, but not armed. A throng of troops form a small circle around Wendy near the rear, a mix of fear and wonder at her manticore. Most of your veterans stay nearer the front, impatient for the march ahead. Finally, Paen emerges from the mansion and leaps onto a waiting horse. He gives you a slight nod, and glares towards Mihal, before turning to face the reinforcements.
"Listen up, everyone! Don't expect any grand speech or anything... Just know that we're going to go take back our capital! But first, a quick stop to sprinkle the ground with the blood of a few criminals. Move out!"
End of chapter 19A