The first bit of this chapter is taking place from the perspective of a certain general. I did my homework doing research on near-drowning and ended up coming up with a realistic depiction for what could have happened to Avlora if the player doesn't choose the Golden Route. Guess that can be blamed on the fact that the three main routes don't explicitly say whether Avlora drowned or survived in the Utility, Morality and Liberty endgames.
Also, while I plan to have Frederica and Serenoa get back together in this fic, I'm going to try to do it gradually.
Disclaimer: Triangle Strategy was created/copyrighted by Square.
Revelation and Redemption
In a border village located near the border between Aesfrost and Glenbrook, militiamen were undergoing training from a certain general with blond hair and black and red armor. Though she had nearly drowned due to a combination of her heavy armor and having jumped from her ship into the river to avoid capture, she had miraculously washed up, unconscious near the border village where she had been rescued by the local Apothecary and brought before the local village leader, Lord Bertrand and his wife, Salena.
She was suffering from amnesia from nearly drowning in a watery grave and could barely think straight due to her near death experience, so the former Aesfrosti general stayed at the village as leader of the newly-formed militia after taking a few months to recover. By then, Aesfrost had been conquered by Hyzante, and the border village had become part of the territory run by Consul Serenoa. And until this day, the village remained unaware of the impending civil war.
Just as she was finishing a training session with the militia, a Hawk Rider with silver hair and blue and black armor came riding into the village. The man was more than a little surprised to see the young woman in the village"General Avlora?"
The woman turned to see the older man, her trainees murmuring in surprise to learn the identity of their visitor. The blond general answered"You look familiar... Are you Flanagan? I saw you at the tournament before the war, I think."
"You have amnesia, then? The last I saw you, you jumped ship to avoid capture" Flanagan asked, curious.
"Apparently, but I'm on the mend" Avlora nodded"So, what brings you here?" She had yet to remember something, or someone important that she should be protecting.
"I came to bring news of an impending civil war" Flanagan replied, grimly"House Wolffort's former lord, Serenoa is planning to overthrow the Hierophant. I am going to join them myself." He had heard the news, himself by way of a Rosellian who was helping to gather support for the cause of overthrowing the false teachings of Hyzante.
Avlora slowly nodded, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation that the village will probably be caught up on"I heard that House Wolffort had taken part in the destruction of Aesfrost. I can scarcely imagine just what they were thinking, it s now neigh impossible to put an end to Hyzante's salt monopoly."
"I can hardly blame you for saying so. I, myself could not abide by the potential destruction of my homeland, which would enable Hyzante to rule the continent with its lies" Flanagan grimaced"So, I left shortly after Lady Frederica, did. Since then, I've been protecting the people as best I can whilst keeping an eye on the Sect in case they needed assistance. But it was just a short while ago that I heard from a Rosellian who was released from the mines that the Sect and Lord Serenoa are taking action to confront Idore, Exharme, Kamsell and the Hierophant."
Avlora took a moment to process the information, suddenly clutching her head as a flood of memories came back to her"I remember, now."
"Miss?" One of the militiamen asked"Did you just remember something?"
Avlora nodded"I remember everything, from participating in the invasion of Glenbrook to fighting to keep House Wolffort and Prince Roland from reclaiming the Capital City. I had tried to escape by ship with the then, Queen Cordelia, but then I..." She frowned"Blast it all, there is something I must now do. If House Wolffort is truly going to try to overthrow Hyzante, then I must return to Whiteholm. Though I still think they were foolish for their part in ensuring that Hyzante has spread its lies throughout the entire continent."
"Truthfully, I was feeling apprehensive about seeing you again when I saw you here, general" Flanagan said"While I've no love for war, I had decided that I must return to Lady Frederica and Lord Serenoa's side to help see to it that Hyzante's corruption is exposed for all to see."
"Then we shall go together, but first I must pay my respects to Sir Bertrand, he permitted me to stay here until I regain my memories" said Avlora.
Flanagan nodded and waited as Avlora entered the manor. At the study on the second floor, a middle-aged man was going through paperwork, the man looked up as Avlora entered"Ah, General Avlora, how are you?"
"I've been able to regain my memories, completely" the blond replied"I would like to express my gratitude for your hospitality over the last year, Lord Bertrand."
"Good to hear" Lord Bertrand said, relieved"So, what do you plan to do from here on out?"
"I'm going to Whiteholm" Avlora replied"House Wolffort is declaring war on Hyzante, so I may as well make myself useful. It is the only way I know to atone for my actions during the war, last year."
Lord Bertrand blinked"But you were only acting under the Archduke's orders, right?"
"Merely because I owed Archduke Gustadolph a debt, he had given me a chance to rise to glory, despite my lack of noble heritage." Avlora corrected him.
"You really are as honorable as they say" Lord Bertrand smiled"If you plan to go help House Wolffort to put an end to Hyzante's tyranny, might I suggest that you take the militia with you? They had nothing but praise your your fine instruction and would be honored to join you."
Avlora nodded, thoughtfully"They would certainly be helpful, but I believe It would be best if I leave a guard or two with you, I don't know when Hyzante will to react to this impending uprising."
"Appreciate it, thank you. And good luck" said Lord Bertrand.
Avlora headed back outside to let Flanagan know that she is prepared to set out and enlisted several of the Militia to accompany them to Whiteholm. They had been curious as to cause Serenoa to change his mind about allowing Hyzante to rule the whole continent and couldn't help but be happy that he did.
Serenoa, Frederica, Roland, Caeden, Geela, Quahaug, Erador, Hughette and Anna arrived back in Whiteholm later on in the afternoon. Alexandra remained with the rest of the Sect to take charge and strengthen defenses in Falkes, while Daren went with Travis, Trish and Rudolph to Wolffort with a handful of soldiers to set up a defense point. A handful of Militiamen from Falkes had meanwhile gone to secure a defense point for the former Telliore region.
Serenoa's group returned to the castle and set up another meeting with Benedict. Cordelia and Maxwell joined them for the meeting as requested by Serenoa. The Consul spoke"So far, everything has been going smoothly. We just need to make the contents of Lady Orlea's diary public before we can officially begin our revolution."
"But Lady Orlea was a Rosellian, right?" Caeden asked"Then again, there probably weren't that many people outside Aesfrost who know who she was. And even fewer among the citizenry know of Lady Aesfrost's lineage."
"Indeed, if we reveal that Lady Orlea was a Rosellian before word gets out regarding their innocence, the people could just assume that the diary's contents are a fabrication, at best" agreed Benedict"Yet, we have not very many options if we are to get the truth out."
Serenoa nodded in agreement"I've given this a but of thought and I have decided that it is time to let my own secret be known amongst you." He looked at Roland"You were starting to wonder what Benedict meant about there being one more heir to Glenbrook besides you and Cordelia, correct?"
"But as far as I know, Roland and I are the only members of Glenbrook's former royal family, left" Cordelia said with a perplexed look.
"I thought so, myself" Roland said.
The others, except for Benedict who already knew who Serenoa's true-born father was, looked curiously at the Consul. Serenoa, deciding that he can no longer hide it, said"Benedict, as you suggested, my word would hold more weight than Frederica's, so its more likely the people will believe me if I make an effort to reveal to them that Hyzante's teachings are naught but lies."
"What did he mean?" Frederica asked, curious about this development.
"What he meant..." Serenoa paused, still unsure how everyone will feel about this piece of information he is about to reveal. Taking a moment to recompose himself, the Consul continued"Was that I am not truly the late Lord Symon's son. My real father was King Regna."
This news caused everyone in the room, except Benedict to react in a mix of shock and disbelief. Roland and Cordelia looked at each other for a moment as they let this unexpected revelation sink in.
"Is that so?" Maxwell asked.
"It is, indeed" Benedict chose this moment to speak"Lord Serenoa's mother, Destra was a commoner who bore his majesty, King Regna's child. But alas, the Royalists would have preferred that she not become queen."
"So, in other words, Lord Serenoa was a prince who had to be kept a secret to protect him from being killed just because Lady Destra wasn't a member of the nobility by birth..." Caeden commented, astonished to hear all of this.
Hughette was intrigued"But even if its true, there's no evidence, is there?"
"Actually" Serenoa reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a box that contained the ring with the Crest of Glenbrook"This was given to me by Benedict, he passed it unto me through my adoptive father, who you all knew as Lord Symon." He opened the box and held out the ring for everyone in the room to see"I intended to take this secret to my grave so as to avoid further complications. But circumstances had changed. The ring was entrusted to Lord Symon."
Roland took another moment to quietly contemplate this information before looking at Serenoa, still surprised to hear this"I suppose that this would make us brothers, then?"
"I hardly expect you to take me at my word. You and Cordelia may examine the ring for yourselves if you need to" Serenoa offered.
"That won't be necessary" Cordelia assured him"I imagine that Lord Symon would not have kept this a secret without a good reason." She could only imagine how Frani would have felt if he was alive and knew what had happened between their father and Lady Destra.
"I trust Lord Symon's word, as well" Roland chimed in.
The others finished letting this information sink in before Frederica asked"So, what happens next? Roland already gave up Glenbrook to Hyzante."
"Benedict said I could probably win back Glenbrook's independence" Serenoa replied, uncertainty evident in his tone"But I have no idea how the people will react to the knowledge that I am King Regna's secret son. Plus, I do not know how well I'd be able to lead an entire kingdom, there wasn't all that much I needed to do as Consul, apart from seeing to affairs in Glenbrook."
"Based on how you handled affairs in Whiteholm since last year, I'm sure you'd be a fine king" Roland assured his brother"There is no way I can take back the throne, especially not since as my elder sibling, you have greater claim to it. Though I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit envious. Even as a leader, you always were the better of the two of us."
"I much rather would continue as Lord of House Wolffort with you back on the throne, Roland, but if its what it takes, then I shall assume the throne of Glenbrook" said Serenoa, resolutely. He then looked at Frederica"Frederica, should we succeed in saving the Roselle and overthrowing Hyzante's teachings... Well." He paused for a moment"A life together would probably not be easy from here on out, and I wanted this to be entirely up to you. But would you consider giving our former relationship another chance?"
Frederica blushed and thought about this, a part of her wanted to rekindle their relationship as he had just offered to do, but she didn't have much she could offer with Aesfrost all but lost. Plus, it felt awkward, knowing that he had played a part in her uncle's death. After a moment's silence, she replied"I would like that, but we'll just have to see."
"I do not wish to put you under any undue pressure, so do not think you need to feel inclined to do so" Serenoa assured her"Like you said, we'll have to wait and see what transpires. After all, we must put our peoples' needs before our own."
"But for now, its enough to know that you still care about me" Frederica murmured.
Erador chuckled"I'd say you are both still in love each other, Lord Serenoa."
"I see that your Shieldbearer is quite the loudmouth" Caeden smiled, teasingly.
"Erador still hasn't changed, he can be a bit loud" Benedict commented.
"Eh, sorry, its just how I am" Erador said.
Serenoa, Roland, Frederica, Caeden and Geela laughed at that before returning their attention to the matter at hand. Benedict picked up the meeting from where they had left off"While there's still the matter of Glenbrook still being under the rule of Hyzante, should we manage to gain the full support of the people even after the truth of the history of Norzelia and the Roselle become common knowledge, I daresay that the people will gladly welcome you as their king, Lord Serenoa."
Serenoa nodded, thoughtfully"With all of you to guide my hand, I shall do my upmost." He then addressed Benedict"Have Julio spread the word among the people in Whiteholm that there is an announcement that I have to make."
"Of course" Benedict pushed up his spectacles.
"Frederica, might I be permitted to make use of the contents of your mother's diary?" Serenoa asked.
"Of course" Frederica handed the book to the Consul"I can't say with full confidence that it will be proof enough for everyone, I tried hard to spread the story of my people, but the people of Whiteholm might take your word over mine. It may even spread to Wolffort."
Serenoa nodded, then instructed everyone to prepare for the announcement.
In the palace of Hyzante, a dark haired man, a light brown haired man, a woman with dark hair and an old man, all of them wearing the garb of the Saintly Seven, were converging for a meeting.
"A guard informed me that rebels have attacked the Grand Norzelian mines" grunted a certain Minister of Domestic Affairs"And here I thought that we have all but put away the last pockets of resistance on the whole of unified Norzelia."
"As if that wasn't enough, one of our scouts have caught wind of patrols being placed near the old border between Glenbrook and Hyzante" The youngest minister, Exharme commented"They claim that a rebellion is rising against us."
The oldest member of the four ministers present, Idore frowned"And what of Minister Serenoa and Minster Roland? I'd very much like to hear their thoughts on this matter."
"I tried to send a messenger to them, asking for their attendance to this meeting" said Minister Kamsell"But the guards at the border say that they are presently attending to other matters."
"No matter" Idore commented"If Consul Serenoa required our assistance, surely, he would have asked for it. And besides, should they fail, the alleged rebels cannot possibly penetrate the goddess shield surrounding our city."
Exharme quietly pondered for a moment, Serenoa and Roland may be up to something. If this is the case, he could either crush them, or perhaps he can use them to his own advantage and claim credit if their plan would benefit Norzelia.
"Is something on your mind, Minister Exharme?" Lyla asked.
The light-brown haired minister replied, casually"It was just a passing thought, my fellow minister. For now, we have no evidence of a rebel faction rising up. However, circumstances regarding those particular guards are peculiar."
Idore nodded, thoughtfully"I will consult with the Hierophant on this matter." He then turned to the Hierophant's bedchamber to confer with the Holy One, who had all but kept silent throughout the meeting for reasons known only to Idore and Lyla.
Lyla, meanwhile was looking at Exharme with a tiny hint of suspicion. Their second-youngest minister looked like he was planning something, but she would wait until Idore was done "conferring with the Heirophant."
"The Holy One has given me this message" Idore finally spoke"We will look into this supposed uprising and check on Ministers Serenoa and Roland in case they have been negligent in their duties."
"Minister Idore, please permit me to take on this investigation" Exharme requested.
"Very well. If heretics are truly on the move, then crush them" Idore instructed"I doubt there's any connection to Consul Serenoa and Minister Roland's silence as of now, for we have no real proof, but do as you must. We cannot allow dissenters to run amok."
Exharme nodded and went to put together an inspection squadron, there really wasn't a whole lot of information and evidence to go by, but orders are orders. And again, perhaps he can use this opportunity for his own private ambitions.
Lyla stood there silently for a moment, waiting until the meeting is over. She hated what she was doing in the name of Hyzante's teachings which she knew to be false, but did it anyway. Perhaps, after the meeting, she can send a message to Milo and have her keep watch, there is very little that can be done to stave off a civil war if reports of rebel activity are true, she would just have to continue keeping quiet aside from that.
'Serenoa, what are you doing?' Lyla privately thought'I hope for your sake that you are not going to get yourself killed.'
Later on in the afternoon, Serenoa stood on the balcony of Glenbrook castle overlooking the castle town as people started to gather in the square. Benedict, Frederica, Cordelia and Roland stood close to him for support. Erador and Maxwell took charge of security so as to err on the side of caution.
The people below were whispering among themselves with curiosity evident as they assembled for the announcement. Did this have anything to do with the Sect? Or has something worse happened?
Serenoa privately felt apprehensive on how the people will react to what he has to say. Frederica told him that she got a handful of stones thrown at her for her trouble a few times when she was trying to spread the word about Centralia.
"There is no turning back, now" Benedict informed the Consul"Do your upmost and let the people decide for themselves whether they will accept what you are about to say as factual."
Serenoa nodded and began his speech"I imagine that all of you are wondering why I had you assemble, today."
The people patiently waited for Serenoa to speak.
'I hope they will listen' Cordelia thought, anxious.
"I have important news and information to share with everyone" Serenoa continued speaking to the people in a solemn tone"Although we have enjoyed a year of peace thus far with the benefits which came from the Salt Crystal Mines, which has enabled salt to be distributed amongst the majority, for which was am heavily responsible for, there has been an unexpected development, and I have come to the conclusion that I have made a terrible mistake."
The people murmured amongst themselves for a few seconds, one of the younger townsmen calling"Why would that be the case?"
Serenoa took a deep breath before holding Lady Orlea's diary up"This book contains the truth about the Roselle, and the true nature of the teachings of Hyzante. Before I chose to give the salt crystals to Hyzante, King Roland had suggested that we side with the Holy State against Aesfrost. I do not expect you all to take me at my word, but I ask you all to please bear with me for a short while longer."
The people were confused, what could the Consul be talking about?
"What are you saying?" A young woman in the crowd asked"And what do you mean by the truth about the Roselle and the Teachings?"
"Before I get to it, there is one thing you should all know" Serenoa looked to Roland and Frederica for support before taking the ring from his pocket"I am not Lord Symon's true-born son. I am the child of a commoner by the name of Destra and King Ragna. This ring was entrusted to me."
"What!? Our late king had a hidden child with a commoner!?" A surprised townsman asked, there was even more murmuring which shortly died down after. Serenoa was lucky that no one decided to leave while the announcement is still ongoing.
"But even if that's the case, you've been a fair leader to us all, Consul" one elder spoke"Fortunately, I daresay we don't have to worry about the Royalists."
"Indeed, Cordelia and I took care of them" Roland said.
Serenoa continued speaking with with a solemn tone"In recent months, I am sure you heard of a Sect which has taken form. The Sect's objective turned out to be to bring the truth back to Norzelia. And that truth is this: The Rosellians are innocent, the teachings of Hyzante are fraught with lies and hypocrisy. And I, along with Roland chose to embrace the lie in an effort to bring peace and prosperity back to Norzelia."
"My cousin who lives in Wolffort told me about that sect" one young man frowned"She said that some crazy nun was spouting nonsense about Centralia and the so-called true history of Norzelia." The rest of the citizens began murmuring in surprise and disbelief.
"This nun you speak of was my former betrothed" Serenoa revealed"Lady Frederica Aesfrost, the last, high-ranking member of Aesfrost's ruling noble family. The only proof we have is this diary, which was written my her late mother."
"Oh my gosh, my cousin assaulted a noble with rocks!?" The same man paled, he was very shocked"And is this all true, then!? That Hyzante lied to us?"
Frederica chose this moment to speak"I didn't expect many people to believe me, but my mother's people, the Roselle have been persecuted for too long. I won't deny that being beset by rocks in response hurt a little bit, but it was expected that I would encounter many difficulties on my quest to bring the truth to as many people as I could. I had to dispose of my hair in order to protect myself and not breathe a word to anyone about my heritage. Is anyone among you a Scribe?"
A middle-aged Scholar came forth"I am, how can I help? My name is Clement."
Serenoa replied"Scholar Clement, I would like you to examine the contents of Lady Orlea's diary and make the information it contains as public as you can. I care not what the ramifications will be for my having decided to embrace the lies of Hyzante."
"Very well, have someone bring it to my house later and I will get to work" The Scholar nodded"Not everyone may accept it as conclusive proof of the deception you speak of, just so you know."
"That is why I plan to eventually expose the truth hidden the Goddess statue in the Source at the Holy State's Capital" Serenoa spoke"For this reason, and for the sake of the truth and bringing true equality to all: We of Glenbrook are to break off from Hyzante!"
The people were surprised, a handful even starting to show disdain for Serenoa and Roland for their choice. The elder spoke again"We are to return to war, then?"
"If that is what it takes" Serenoa nodded"And it is not a decision that I make lightly. But we are not alone, the Rosellians I have freed from the mines and the Sect will be on our side. And we have Benedict's excellent tactical prowess. We will not go down, easily. I am re-establishing the Army of Glenbrook to confront the Hierophant's forces and return the truth to all. I understand that some of you may not trust me, but I swear I shall earn back the trust of everyone amongst you and our closest allies!"
The people talked among themselves for a while longer, some were more wary than others about what is to transpire, a handful even wondering if the Consul is still sane. They were even disappointed to hear that Roland had apparently abandoned the throne to embrace a lie.
"That was a fine speech" a familiar voice spoke as a certain blond woman with black and red armor stepped forward from the crowd, accompanied by several militiamen, surprising everyone standing.
Serenoa, Roland, Frederica and Cordelia looked at the newcomer with surprise, they thought that this Aesfrosti general had died since no one had found her body.
"Isn't that...?" Roland whispered.
The woman, Avlora stepped forward"It is I, Avlora, once a general of Aesfrost."
How's this? As for that Hyzantian scene, I thought I'd do something interesting with Exharme, since I figured that at some point, Idore and his ilk would start to grow suspicious. And while the truth is starting to spread in this story, I've tried to keep it realistic.
And I hope I didn't make Lyla too OOC, for someone who apparently hated what she was doing in Idore's name, but did it anyway, she was quite the cowardly doormat in my opinion. Though that could be justified by simply not being able to go against Idore. And since we know how Serenoa becoming king at the end of the Librerty route turns out, I can't say that is a good idea for how the fic will eventually end, but its unlikely that Roland would be welcomed back on the throne since he abandoned it to Hyzante, realistically.