Part 14: Mortal Heroes

Entry 12: Mortal Heroes




The city of Caldisla is under alarm. No civilians around, only what seem to be wounded or dead soldiers.



Our destination is the top of the hill.



No need to worry about Adventurer, he'll be fine; Adventurer worries about us.



The Caldislans, however, seem to need help more than the party.



Trying to use the inn provides a small dose of reality: no time to rest. Can't blame Karl the innkeep. His son's the one fighting at the palace.



On the way up the hill, buy out all black magic at the shop so Tiz can fight. Most enemies in the game have an elemental weakness, so black magic can be very useful.





Also buy the last two items from the armory. Can't be too careful.



Having finished their shopping detour, the party runs up the rest of the way to the palace. To find...



Tiz runs over to a soldier lying on the ground.



Hey! Hold on, man! Please!

The soldier does not respond.

......



The screen pans over to the left...







Nh... Aaah! I'm... I'm unmanned... Ha ha... Pathetic...



Don't bother... Leave me. The king! They...nragh! They took His Majesty. That man... Heinkel... My sword didn't so much as scratch him...

Tiz... I ask this knowing it's an unreasonable demand...



You're the... The only one I can...

I'll bring the king back, I swear it! ...Be at peace, Owen.

Thank you... Thank...





After a moment, Tiz returns to the others.



......

......

......I can't believe this! How could Heinkel be so cruel?

What do we say to the innkeep? What can we say...?

Owen saved you after Norende fell. Took you in... And since then, his father has shown you and me both a great deal of kindness.

I'm no different. Owen trusted me, despite my circumstances. Helped me get by... As for what to tell his father... It's hard.

He deserves to know his son died nobly. Fighting bravely.

I know that. I know...but what small comfort...

"Small comfort"...!? I think--

Edea, try to understand. Tiz and Ringabel are only thinking of the innkeep's feelings...

That's exactly what I'm doing!

Is it not a comfort to know his son fell defending his king?

Enough. ...Just forget it.

I'll talk to him. Let's get moving.

Tiz...

This is a case where it's good to have read D's Journal first. The Enigmatic Writings have a lot to say about the Caldisla residents, including Owen.

The point should now be clear by now, though: this game is willing to not pull punches.





The other soldiers seem to be beyond help.



There's nothing more we can do here.



He died for his king, though, eh? A brave warrior's death? ...I'm sure he had no regrets.







Karl walks away.



Come! Let's march on the Lontano Villa this instant! I'll lead the way.

......



Why the silence? Surely you can't just sit by and let Heinkel's crimes stand!?

Heinkel's crimes are the duchy's crimes. You are a part of those same Eternian forces. ...We cannot trust you.



You cannot. In my heart of hearts, you frighten me. The same as Crowe, or Heinkel, or the others...



But I make for the villa with Tiz alone.





Although two invading the villa seems suicidal (though par for the course for these guys), it's reasonable to be suspicious of such an abrupt turncoat.

On the way out, Edea runs into Ringabel.



Out of my way!

Ringabel steps aside.







So much for having a full group. Though switching to Edea of all people is unexpected.




Even Airy is missing.



Edea refuses to reenter the inn.



But although distressed, she isn't as crazy as Tiz.



The palace is blocked off at the moment. Understandable. Shops are closed, too. So where can she go...?



The graveyard.


Next: A serious discussion on priorities, the loss of loved ones, and trout sandwiches.

--

Event Viewer
Main Scenario:
Owen's End
Crystal-Headed Girl!

Party Chat:
Edea's Misunderstanding