"You are correct about Wymera. I trust the Count Palatine, but he only can do so much. Let's get back to the grand hall."Surprisingly enough, there was little commotion at the stage where the fight against her was. The entourage didn't get halted by the guards and a trio of Patrice Ragnvald, Wymera and - strangely enough - Duke Laspa were having a light chat with each other, while a few soldiers investigated the scene. As you approached, you've been waved and greeted by them.
"Welcome back, heroic knight. I was certain you'd get swarmed by impressed castle guards."
"Indeed! I'm so sorry for having been a hindrance, but I just couldn't bear the thought of you getting mauled by that dragon..."
"... Err..."
"I've heard everything already, Sir Dunas. You all valiantly fought, then Wymera entered, got herself in danger and you leaped in at the last second to deflect this mighty strike. Then you drove the dragon back to the point of him fleeing through the hole. Magnificient!" "... Oh! I just did my duty, Duke Laspa." "Don't be humble, my boy. That is simply the truth of the manner, and I am fully aware of it. No major harm was done and the most important thing is that your mother is safe." "Yes... I understand. Now I wonder, how will things proceed from there?" "I can imagine that you will return to the outpost, to find out more about the hidden dragon. I'd love to accompany you, but Laspa already offered me a place to stay at, for old times' sake. His estate is not too far away from Wyrmpeak anyway, we might be able to visit you." "After I made sure that there is nothing else out of the ordinary, I will likely return to Alestia. I'm certain the Maiden Warriors will love to hear of today's events... Something tells me my dearest sister will continue accompanying you and I will not stop her. We will stay in touch, Sir Dunas." "For me, business as usual. Maybe I'll increase trade with your outpost though, as a sign of gratitude. Goddess knows you may need the additional supply for whatever will happen next in Wyrmpeak." "I see, I see. I am relieved to hear that much. And you're correct, mother, I'll return to the outpost. Today, in fact. After all... justice is not achieved by idling around. But rest assured, mother, that you're always invited to the Outpost. Whatever happens, you can go there."
A room illuminated by lit chandeliers, deep under Castle Lornen. Arnston, Thylessa and Ernod arrive, with Zornac already present.
"Ah, Prince Arnston. I've been awaiting you. But your father...?"
"He is incapacitated. I'll lead today's meeting in his absence." "A shame. I hope he will be well soon."
"Yes, we all hope as much. And you hope the most for His Majesty's well-being because you're a paragon of altruism." "My, my, such words. But, do you know that implies you'd hope for less noble reasons?" "Altruism is for those who have nothing to give. I'd give everything for the prosperity of Dunland." "Stay your lips. It is still my father you're blabbering about. The meeting of the Eternal Dawn begins now."As if commanded to do such, each member shifts their wardrobe a bit to reveal the same insignia weaved into their cloth, usually hidden by their mantle or overcloak. Ernod himself removes his bandana, prominently showcasing the symbol of their group on his forehead.
"May the night fortify trust and light illuminate us all." "May our fight be just, smite the wicked until they fall."From the other side of the underground chamber, a wall slides to the side, revealing a tunnel. A man enters the room.
"G-g-g-greetings, Eternal Dawn. Oh, I see-see-see... see that the king is missing today." "Part of the aftermath of the dragon's attack earlier." "Ah, g-g-got it... Well, it shoul- it shoul- it shoul... it makes no difference."The man raises a filled bottle, shimmering red, in his right hand, supporting it with his left placed against the bottom. One can see that his left hand is prosthetic, albeit well-made.
"For celebrations are in-in-in order." "Is this what I assume to be, alchemist?" "Cer-cer-certainly, Marchioness. Minor Charos." "It is something, but not much. How did you manage to create it anyway? You've been struggling with it for a while." "I helped with that."Ernod steps forward.
"I brought back Ghal after he failed to protect the Emblem. Might as well become the alchemist's guinea pig as repentance."The prince slams his fist on the grand table.
"... As leader of today's meeting by birthright, I will finally demand answers. Why are we tolerating the alchemist and his forbidden art of creating artificial Blood? Why was the Emblem with Ghal? And didn't Sir Dunas report that he executed Ghal on site? He is a good man, he would neither lie nor be sloppy in his duty!"In response, Ernod closes in on Arnston and whispers in his ear. Arnston listens, first infuriated, then confused, then with a defeated expression on his face. Finally, Ernod raises his head.
"And that is the truth." "... So... So be it, then... Did all of you knew? That I inherited no Blood?" "I'm afraid so, Your Royal Highness. Knowing this was the only reason I agreed to become interim king when your father planned for his second crusade." "The one and only reason, of course, and no other." "The prince is griefing. Let him stomach his loss first." "It's rare that I agree with you, Eligor." "... But no one else knows, aside from us."Arnston stands up, a stern gaze upon the alchemist.
"If you wish for me to close my eyes to your heretical practices, you will produce Major Charos, alchemist." "A tall or-or-order. I will do my best, I just need ti-ti-time, Your Royal Highness." "All the time in the world, as long as you will have results. Oh, and hand over the vial of Minor Charos right now." "Of course."The vial gets exchanged.
"I need to look after father. Be assured that I will lead the next meeting. Dismissed!"The prince leaves, shortly followed by Ernod, who put on the bandana again. The alchemist retreats in his hidden chamber. Zornac and Thylessa remain.
"Major Charos..." "I doubt he could give a reasonable explanation on how he developed it now." "Oh, he can't. But I can give reason to introducing someone of Major Charos to the court. Now, Eligor, be gone, prepare yourself for your future duties. Dunland needs a king that can guide them." "I see... I will leave things to your capable silver-tipped tongue once more, you witch of a Marchioness."Thus, only Thylessa was left in the room. She takes a glass and a bottle of red wine from a nearby storage, fills it up and raises it, the light of the chandeliers reflecting.
"All of you can leave everything to me. After all... long live the Brand."
The goodbye between the Entourage and the allies of Dunas was short and sweet, leaving on good and hopeful terms. Necessary time was spent on checking supplies for the travel, then the entourage was back in their carriages, on their way home. As Castle Lornen shrunk more and more at the horizon, Dunas finally let out a deep sigh.
"... It should be safe to discuss plans now. But first, I noticed something while I was talking with mother." "Duke Laspa is a co-conspirator. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he happens to be a Mamkute too."
Author
Topic: Fire Emblem on Forums: Heritage of the Chosen (IC) (Read 36884 times)