Ulster and Lana entered Belhalla castle and approached Seliph.
"I should be going, Lord Seliph. Verdane needs me," Ulster said, bowing to Grannvale's new king.
"Of course," the young lord replied. "You are Prince Jamka's son, aren't you? As I hear it, Verdane has fallen to lawlessness and banditry since the fall of its royal family."
"Indeed, milord. I-" Ulster began, "I'm not sure how much good I can do on my own, but I owe it to my father to do everything I can. I can't simply leave things as they are."
Seliph flashed the myrmidon a grateful smile. "So very true, my friend. Verdane was my mother's home, and it's also where my parents met." He tilted his head, glancing sidelong at Ulster. "And as I hear it from Shanan, it's where Ayra and Jamka met, too. Ulster... I know it's a lot to ask, but I entrust this to you. Prince Jamka would have wanted you to save his people, I know it."
"Of course, Lord Seliph," he replied with another bow.
Lana took a step toward the myrmidon, placing her hand on his arm. "And I'll be going with you, Ulster," she said with a warm smile.
The swordsman's face darkened with concern. "You're sure, Lana? If anything happened to you..." Ulster made a pained expression, shaking his head woefully.
The priestess nodded decisively at him. "Yes, my love. I can't just sit around in Jungby, waiting for you to come back. If you leave me now, there's a chance I'll never see you again. I can't..." she glanced ruefully at Seliph, then back to her lover. "I don't want our love to end like Sigurd and Deirdre's did. Please, Ulster."
"Yes, I think you're right." The myrmidon took her hand in his, smiling reassuringly. "We'll go save Verdane together, like we promised."
As the two left Belhalla castle, Lester intercepted them. He glanced between them, his eyes creased with concern. "Lana," he spoke firmly, "Faval needs my help to rebuild Jungby. But I can't leave the two of you to take on a horde of bandits on your own."
"But Lester—" the priestess began.
"Please," the archer knight insisted. "We've completed our quest and saved Jugdral. But to sit on my laurels while my brother-in-law and sister continue to fight in Verdane? I could never." He glanced to the myrmidon beseechingly. "Ulster, will you have my bow?"
He couldn't help but laugh. "Of course, brother," he said, grasping the archer knight's hand. "We would be ever grateful for your prowess. And the sooner we free Verdane, the sooner you may return to Jungby and aid Faval in its restoration."
Leaving Belhalla behind, the three seasoned warriors began the long trek to Evans, where Verdane's liberation would begin.
Reaching the village skirting Evans, the three travelers were met by Verdane's people with curiosity which quickly grew into eager anticipation. Ulster, as the scion of their Hero Prince Jamka, heartened the people. As he marched on Evans, a small force of young Verdanian warriors rallied to his cause. The liberation of Evans, which had once seemed impossible, was now a simple matter of course.
Although the Grannvalian empire'd had little interest in Verdane as a whole, they'd left a small force occupying Evans. Of all Verdane, it was the least remote, and it was an important waypoint for trade between Nordion and Jungby. With no leadership, the imperial remnants were routed before battle could be joined, and Ulster had found his foothold into his father's homeland. Evans' people rejoiced in their liberation at his hands, and the prince's cause massed even more momentum.
The march south and east to Genoa was long, but Ulster's army was well-prepared and his cause was just. Any bandit camps they came upon had long since been abandoned, noticeable as Ulster's impending army was. Genoa castle itself was still occupied by brigands, and there the prince led his army into battle. Inspired by the Sword Saint's descendant, the army won its first real victory in the name of a united Verdane.
Ulster assigned a portion of his forces to stay and protect Genoa from roaming brigands. As the prince prepared for his army to march once more, he was met by an unexpected guest.
The paladin dismounted before bowing attentively.
"Oifey, is it really you?" the myrmidon asked, shocked.
His guest grinned slightly, eyes creased with amusement. "King Seliph was concerned about you, milord. He is unable to leave Belhalla, so he has asked me to come in his staid."
"But what about Chalphy?" Ulster asked, his thoughts whirling.
"I'm sure it will be fine in my absence. It was wrested from the empire before the rest of Grannvale, and its reconstruction is already well underway," the paladin explained.
"And Fee?" Lana chimed in curiously.
"I've left the duchess behind to look after things. Besides," he continued, "I cannot have her traveling in her condition."
"What?" the priestess asked, her face cast with concern. "Is she sick?!"
Oifey cleared his throat, stifling a chuckle. "Not at all, milady. Quite the opposite, in fact," he explained, eyes twinkling with pride. "We're expecting an heir, you see. Fee would have accompanied me, but I... I wouldn't allow it."
Ulster grinned broadly at the good news. "Congratulations, my friend. But then shouldn't you be in Chalphy for your child's birth?"
The paladin laughed roguishly at that. "She's not due for a while yet, milord. And what better way to lend expediency to your cause than for me to grant you my blade? I'll be back home to my dear Fee with time to spare, I promise."
"You really think?" Lana asked, her zircon eyes questing.
"Of course," he said adamantly. "Prince Ulster is very much the son of Jamka, after all."
The myrmidon smiled abashedly, unsure whether he could measure up to those words. "Thank you, Oifey," he finally managed.
"So," the paladin continued, "will you have my sword, Prince Ulster?"
The prince heaved a sigh, both reluctant and obliged. "Yes, Oifey. I am grateful for your aid."
"No worries, milord," the older man replied. "Truly, it is a privilege and a pleasure."
Ulster gave his newfound ally an appreciative nod. "Well then, let's get going. Fee isn't the only one waiting, after all. Verdane has needed me for some time, now."
Lana gripped his hand reassuringly. He glanced to her, and was met by her warmest smile. "Let's go, Ulster," she agreed softly.