Things will start getting a little more intense, soon. I have something of an idea for Exharme that shouldn't be too OOC for him. I can always fix this chapter as needed if he's still OOC, thanks for the constructive criticism on how I handled Benedict in chapter two, Anon.
Disclaimer: Triangle Strategy was created by Square Enix.
Civil War Looms
Roland, Cordelia and Serenoa went speechless for a moment as they pondered Avlora's appearance and why she's here. The rest of the people present were just as shocked to see her, some wondering why she's here. The Consul turned to address Maxwell"Have her escorted to the throne room."
"Certainly" Maxwell walked up to Avlora"Its been some time, Avlora. Given my own experience when you bested me at the bridge when last we fought, I daresay I am hardly surprised that you are still alive."
"I could say the same thing about you, Ser Maxwell" Avlora replied, respectfully, though she was just as surprised to see him alive as he is to see her. Though the Dawnspear seemed almost unrecognizable without his hat and mask.
The Dawnspear motioned for the nearby guards to escort the rest of the men that came with Avlora and returned his attention to the general"Though it is clear that you are unwelcome here in the eyes of the people, you're going to be treated as a guest for now."
"I understand" Avlora nodded. She had expected that not very many people in Whiteholm will trust her after the war crimes she committed in Gustadolph's name.
"Everyone else, go about your business" Serenoa calmly told the rest of the people before handing the diary over to one of his guards for him to deliver to Clement. The people dispersed, some glaring at Avlora in distrust and disdain.
The Dawnspear escorted Avlora into the castle and led her into the throne room. Serenoa, Benedict, Caeden, Roland, Cordelia, Anna, Hughette, Geela and Frederica joined them shortly after, followed by Flanagan and the Militiamen who accompanied the former general.
"General Avlora" Serenoa started"We thought you dead. Your body was never found after we had reclaimed Whiteholm from Aesfrost and you jumped overboard from the warship we fought on."
"By some miracle, I survived, but suffered from memory loss for some months after that battle" the former general stated"I come to you not as a General of Aesfrost, but as a citizen of Norzelia. The people who accompanied me here are members of the Militia from the village I wound up at, after almost drowning in the river. I met up with Flanagan, and we decided to lend ourselves to your cause."
Hughette eyed the former general with suspicion"How can we trust you?"
"I do not expect you to" Avlora replied, simply.
"I still can't find it in my heart to forget the atrocities that Aesfrost committed against Glenbrook, even after I had avenged my father and Frani" Roland said in a serious tone"And I don't think I ever will, but as I am no longer the King of Glenbrook, we will differ to whatever Serenoa decides."
Serenoa pondered Avlora's request to join them for a moment, then said"General Avlora, I know you to be many things, but a schemer is not one of them. Your aid will be a tremendous boon to our efforts to overthrow the false teachings of Hyzante. While you are not welcome in Whiteholm in the eyes of the citizenry, owing to your and the late Archduke Gustadolph's transgressions, I am sure that you can earn their trust."
"It is good to see you again" Cordelia told Avlora.
"Same to you, Princess Cordelia" Avlora said respectfully. She then turned her attention back to Serenoa"From what I gather, you and Roland made a tremendous mistake in allowing Hyzante full control over the continent, but it is hardly any lesser of a mistake than the crimes I had committed. I hope we can work together to expose Hyzante's lies and restore true justice to the continent. Thank you for permitting me to join you."
"As for myself" Flanagan chose this moment to speak"I have decided to lend my shield to your cause, Lord Serenoa."
"Thank you for rejoining us, Flanagan" Serenoa nodded, gratefully"The militiamen you and Avlora brought will be incorporated into our ranks alongside you and the Sect."
"Now that you mention it, I didn't quite recognize your bald companion" Avlora commented"Is this you, Lady Frederica?"
Frederica nodded"It is I. It was necessary to assume this style to avoid capture by Hyzante."
"I see. You have my sympathy for your circumstance." Avlora then looked at Caeden"And you are?"
"My name is Caeden, ma'am. Its an honor to meet you, I used to be an Aesfrost soldier, myself" Caeden greeted.
Avlora inclined her head, thoughtfully"Pleasure to mete you. You were assigned to Twinsgate along with Lord Svarog, then?" She knew that over a handful of soldiers had remained in Aesfrost to safeguard the border, to have done otherwise would have been foolish on the late Archduke's part.
Caeden shook his head"Actually, I was training under Captain Daren at the iron city. Most of our squad were still rookies, so we didn't participate in the battle, instead we were seeing to the safety of the citizenry. Once that was done, we discovered later that both Archduke Gustadolph and Lord Svarog fell in battle. It was all we could do to escape before Hyzante claimed what is left of the Duchy. Since Lady Frederica is the last surviving member of the Ducal family of Aesfrost, Captain Daren and I have been working alongside her in her attempts to counter Hyzante's lies."
"I half-expected that neither Archduke Gustadolph nor Lord Svarog would still be alive since Aesfrost has lost to Hyzante" Avlora said, calmly"You and Captain Daren appear to have been doing well in my absence, Caeden. And Lady Frederica, I offer my condolence for what befell your uncle."
"Thank you, Avlora" Frederica said, appreciatively.
Hughette glanced at Avlora, again"I cannot forgive the atrocities that had been committed against Glenbrook, but since we need every ally we can get, I will strive to set aside my feelings about having you fight alongside us."
Avlora silently nodded, understanding the hawk rider's reservations about her. Forgiveness is not easy to earn, not that she expected to.
"Lets get down to business" Serenoa spoke"While the truth is being spread to the best of our and Scholar Clemet's ability, we'll be training with the soldiers and preparing for battle. I would rather avoid bloodshed, but it is doubtful that the Hierophant will consent to release the enslaved Roselle from bondage. Since Hyzante has a larger army than we do, we will require superior tactics."
"I agree, I have already begun formulating a strategy for luring the bulk of the Hyzante forces to Wolffort and Whiteholm in the event the Heirophant find out what we are doing" said Benedict.
A guard suddenly burst into the throne room, looking pale"Consul Wolffort, we got a carrier pigeon from the guards you stationed at the border! Minister Exharme is asking to meet with you."
"That was quick, do we know how many soldiers he has?" Roland asked.
"No more than a small, elite force that I believe is conducting an inspection of the situation, here" the guard replied.
Serenoa pondered this"We barely even got started making our preparations. It is too soon to confront Hierophant's loyalists. Have him meet us at the Falkes Demense and inform Lady Alexandra of this impending meeting."
"Yes, my lord." The guard nodded and walked away.
"You would hear him out, then? A wise decision, Lord Serenoa" Benedict agreed. It was prudent that they minimize the chance that the Hierophant will launch an attack before they are ready.
Serenoa turned to his allies"Frederica, Anna, Benedict, Caeden, Geela, Erador, Roland, Hughette, I would like you all to join me, just in case. Everyone else, continue with our preparations."
"We will do our upmost to ensure preparations are going smoothly" Maxwell nodded.
Serenoa's group headed towards the Falkes Demense, if this goes well, they should be able to avoid an altercation which may result in a preemptive strike from Hyzante that could doom their revolution before it begins.
At the base of the hill leading to the main village, Alexandra stood waiting for both Serenoa and Exharme with a handful of mercenaries standing close to her for protection. Serenoa walked up to her"Lady Alexandra. I'm sorry to get you involved in this."
"Its quite all right" Alexandra replied"For times like this, I trained with the bow and arrow in case I ever needed to fight. But for now, I plan to help mediate this meeting to keep things from escalating too swiftly."
Serenoa nodded and waited quietly with everyone else, anticipating Minister Exharme's arrival. Soon, a small Calvary unit and a handful of blue-clad ground troops came into view, led by a certain light-brown haired minister.
"Good to see you again, Serenoa. Thank you for inclining to meet with me" Exharme spoke, softly as he approached on horseback.
"Likewise, Minister Exharme" Serenoa stated"How is everything at the city?" He had to maintain the illusion of being a loyal member of the Saintly Seven until the Glenbrook army is ready.
"The same as usual" Exharme replied, calmly"But I have to say that the guards have told me and the other ministers in the city some peculiar things. Such as a rebel uprising which took place at the Norzelian Mines, and I heard that you are anticipating further rebel attacks."
Serenoa nodded"That I am. There are still others who do not agree with the Hierophant's policy."
The light-brown haired minister looked thoughtfully at Serenoa for a moment"And yet, there hardly was any evidence of a rebel attack, save for what the guard told me about what transpired at the mines. Also, I am curious as to exactly why you could not attend the meeting when we sent for you."
"Oh, that?" Roland pitched in"I was ensuring that order was restored to the mines, and Serenoa was tending to affairs in Whiteholm and putting suspicious rumors to rest. I am sorry to say that we didn't get the message." The latter was technically true.
"What sort of rumors?" Exharme asked, wanting to know more.
Alexandra stepped forward"The people spoke of a Sect that has risen and gained quite a bit of traction, but its nothing that the Hierophant needs to worry about. It is just a rumor."
Exharme put on a grim expression as he spoke"Even the smallest of rumors can lead to great trouble, but I am sure you know this. More importantly, I'm quite under the impression that you and Minister Roland may be up to something, Consul Serenoa. And who is this young woman?"
"This is Lady Alexandra, she was appointed to help look after the old Falkes Demense" Serenoa replied"And in case you are wondering, the woman who has no hair is a new advisor under my employ."
Frederica silently nodded in agreement with Serenoa's statement, lest her voice were to give away who she really is. She knew she couldn't take any chances with the other members of the Saintly Seven.
Roland knew he had no excuses that could get Exharme off of their backs, and neither did Serenoa"And pray tell, suppose there is a rebellion that is going to overthrow the Hierophant, what would you do, then?"
Exharme grinned"That should be quite obvious, Minister Roland, if you care to remember what had almost happened at the Roselle Village, last year when you went against the Heirophant's wish to have the Roselle, there returned to the source."
"We hardly need to be reminded of that" Serenoa replied, diplomatically. Alexandra was curious, but kept quiet. It was becoming increasingly clear that Exharme is plotting something.
"I should think so" Exharme said, seriously"However... Suppose that the hypothetical rebellion intends to change Norzelia, drastically, what would their intentions ultimately be?"
Alexandra took this moment to speak"Equality and justice for all. I know of you, Minister Exharme. A man like you would seek to change Hyzante should he seize the opportunity to do so. Glory is what you'd seek, would it not?"
"You are very astute, Lady Alexandra" Exharme commented, impressed at the lesser noble's good judge of character"As for this equality you speak of, you speak of the Roselle imprisoned in the Source, correct?"
"I was told from a certain source that there is still suffering, that the peace we live in is a false one" Alexandra replied.
"So, you don't deny that you would have an ulterior motive to offering aid to a potential rebel faction?" Serenoa asked Exharme, warily.
Exharme shook his head with an amused smile"Very observant of you, Serenoa. Not that I wouldn't appreciate your backing on what I have in mind. While I do have orders to crush any heretics that threaten the peace, I could possibly help bring about any changes that may benefit the entirety of Norzelia." With Serenoa and Roland's status and loyalty in question and only Kamsell, the old Minister and spokesperson for the Heirophant, Idore and the doormat, Minister Lyla left who are truly loyal to the Hierophant, he is almost in perfect position to attempt to change Norzelia and take all the glory for himself.
Serenoa pondered whether he should trust Exharme or not, he honestly wanted to at least try to persuade Exharme to side with him and Roland on his own terms, but the fact that Exharme is under orders to kill all heretics and the fact that he may just be another opportunist like Sorsley and Silvio were made him hesitant to do so. Telling Exharme that he is planning to overthrow Hyzante's teachings is suicidal at the very least, because he would be outright admitting to being a heretic.
"You were a trustworthy ally when we fought Aesfrost for the last time, last year, and you were willing to listen to us at the Roselle Village when we showed you that salt crystal rock we found, there" Roland told Exharme, calmly"But what Serenoa and I are doing is something entirely different. We want to benefit all of Norzelia and ensure that peace can last for many, many generations with no further conflict. Up until after learning about the Sect, I had thought that my plan would bring lasting peace to the continent. But now I see that was a mistake, for it not only drove Serenoa and Frederica apart, but also set about the possibility of another war in a not-too-distant future."
Exharme had a thoughtful look on his face as he listened to Roland's speech"A war that would have been one-sided had I learned about the Sect before you did." He then smirked"And what do you plan to do now? Judging from the fact that you come with a small force of arms, I take it that the conflict will bring war upon Norzelia once more."
"It would have been foolish to come unprepared, Minister Exharme" Alexandra retorted"You even brought soldiers into this very territory, yourself. Your Hierophant's teachings murdered my father and mother, and you took advantage of King Roland's desperate plan to end the war. Never mind that the fault partly lies with Lord Wolffort."
"I simply followed orders" Exharme scoffed"It is hardly my fault that House Wolffort decided to discard the Roselle to their fate." He then looked at Serenoa and Roland, gravely"I can see that you are not truly loyal to the teachings of the Holy One. Whatever your plan is, I am sure it would benefit all of Norzelia. I am giving you three days to make a decision as I give you this proposal."
"What is your proposal?" Serenoa asked, curious, but also cautious at the same time.
Exharme smiled"It is quite simple. I, too seek to change Norzelia for the betterment of all. Join me, and together, we will fight to instill a new order. With House Wolffort's military might and masterful tactics, we would be unstoppable."
"And if we refuse?" Serenoa asked, calmly.
"The alternative is a much longer civil war than there needs to be, though I doubt you will last long against the full might of my Calvary and that of the rest of the Saintly Seven who remain loyal to the Hierophant. It would not be like the war with Aesfrost where you had the option to turn to another country for aid" said Exharme in a matter of fact tone"I shall be put out if you don't take this chance I am giving you all to save your lives."
Serenoa suspected that Exharme is lying about that last part, he'd dealt with opportunists like Silvio and Sorseley before and therefore couldn't know if Exharme is truly trustworthy"I will consider it." He told Exharme, diplomatically.
"I will await your reply" Exharme turned to leave with his inspection team.
As soon as Exhxarme was out of earshot, Benedict addressed Serenoa"The Saintly Seven clearly stand united, no more. Bu as of now, we should tread lightly. He may have had some sort of ulterior motive for offering his support."
"You are right, Benedict. We should use this opportunity to finish preparations and establish a front-line encampment. As for how we might deal with Exharme's retaliation, we could use the wildfires at Wolffort, correct?" Serenoa asked.
Benedict nodded"Exactly. And we may be able to lure him there, I shall send word to Narve and Corentin to join Daren's group at Castle Wolffort.."
"Back to the matter at hand, I seem to have put us in a delicate position" Serenoa commented.
"Need we vote with the scales of conviction?" Roland asked.
"You read my mind, Roland. I will try to get in contact with Milo and ask if she can get us some information on Exharme" Serenoa nodded"If we had him on our side, we would have additional troops and supplies, but I don't plan on trusting him too lightly."
A seductive voice called"Did you call?" A certain young, black haired dancer with a tanned complexion and scant clothing approached"Minister Lyla says you may be up to something rather reckless, Lord Serenoa."
Serenoa flinched in discomfort as the dancer got close and personal with him"Yeah, were you following us?"
"Of course, I got Minister Lyla's message" Milo nodded.
"So, this is where you are, you sneaky minx" A handful of Hyzante soldiers suddenly approached"Minister Idore demands that you return to him to give your report on anything suspicious you might have heard."
Milo turned"The old man does not get it, does he? I never was more than a tool to him. Unlike Serenoa, here, who treated me as a comrade, you shameless boor."
"What was that?" The leader of the group of soldiers drew his sword.
Alexandra stepped forward, firmly"Enough, I will not tolerate needless violence in the very demense I am in charge of."
"Stay out of it" the lead soldier warned.
Serenoa drew his own blade"As Consul of Glenbrook, I must ask you to leave or face the consequences" he told the lead Hyzantian soldier.
The soldier drew his own blade"You don't know who you are messing with, I am Ewan, a corporal in the Hierophant's elite guard. I don't care who you are, if you interfere in the business of the Holy One, then you are a Heretic."
"Just leave now, and there won't be any trouble" Serenoa insisted, trying to avoid conflict for the time being.
The overzealous guard corporal lunged at Serenoa, only for Anna to intercept. Roland, Hughette and Erador took action to engage the other guards. One archer fired at Hughette, who barely managed to maneuver out of the way on her hawk and fire back, downing the Hyzante archer.
Ewan jumped back and darted at Anna, only for Serenoa to interpose and block his sword, pushing back with a slash, seeing that the guard is too overzealous to reason with. Ewan jumped to the side and darted again at Serenoa with a couple quick slashes, which Serenoa barely parried. Anna took this change to end Ewan with a swift strike.
Two more guards tried to attack, only for Erador to bash one back, Frederica followed up with a fiery spell, incinerating the assailants.
"Nuts! They're too strong!" The remaining three hyzantian soldiers tried to run for it, only for Milo to knock them out. The group put away their weapons upon defeating the assailants.
Alexandra frowned"I'll have some men dispose of the bodies and hope we can pass that off as them having been ambushed by bandits."
"Good idea" Roland nodded.
Serenoa looked at Milo"Are you all right? Why were you being pursuit?"
"I was asked to spy on you, but I could not bring myself to do so. I even was gathering information on your behalf" Milo replied, winking flirtatiously"Thank you, by the way."
"You're welcome" Serenoa said, awkwardly. Frederica said nothing, Milo's flirtatious advances with Serenoa were no more than a shameless tease. And on Milo's end, she was never intentionally trying to make Frederica jealous.
"We're going to have to hurry and strengthen our defenses before we make anymore decisions" Benedict noted.
"I agree" Serenoa nodded.
"I better join you with the remainder of my bodyguards, then" Alexandra said"Falkes has a good vantage point from the cliffs, but we're spread out fairly thin as is."
"We should also decide how best to deal with Exharme" Roland added.
"Milo, do you know something about Exharme that we could exploit? I would very much prefer to try to get him to join us, but Roland and I cannot afford to trust the other Saintly Seven members" Serenoa asked.
Milo winked as she answered"I happen to know one thing, he is a man of so much excessive pride that he would continue to hound you, even should you not side with him. If we are lucky, we could take him down, first before we do anything else."
"I am of the same opinion" Benedict nodded"Either way, should we fight Exharme's troops and prevail, I imagine that Hyzante shall be licking its wounds for a while, which might give us enough time to help our Aesfrosti allies to reclaim their homeland and try to reforge the Death Knell."
Serenoa nodded, and the group headed back to Whiteholm to plan their next move and prepare for an imminent assault from Exharme, since he clearly can't be trusted, even though Serenoa would very much rather try to find some common ground.
How's this chapter? I might have been floundering a bit and testing the waters, but this is the best I can come up with so far. They might still try to reason with Exharme, but being the prideful glory hound he is, he's not going to consent to being any less than prominent. So, Lyla will probably still be the only one of the Saintly Seven who will be redeemed, like in the game's Conviction route.
I know I am rushing the action sequences, but I will make it last next chapter. Plus, I really should make room for some Serenoa/Frederica fluff.
