Part 59: Fire Vestal Dreams

Entry 56: Fire Vestal Dreams

With another of Eternia's foulest members put down, the party resumes their rescue mission.



All right, Tiz found the eastern staircase on the second try!



There's a new enemy type on the second floor.



Even a fire-breathing, stub-toed dragon-type beast cannot stand against Tiz's fury.



Grabbed a nice weapon from the Swordbearer/Black Blade's stash along the way.



Further down the hall is a small figure. Could it be?



That's right, not even a boss. So much for all those people mentioned in D's Journal. Qada's dead, and who knows where the others are.



You're safe now. We'll get you out of here.



That's right... Who are you?

We've come to help you.

Really? I-I was going to see the fire vestal...



What was that about the fire vestal?



Egil is in bad shape, so Tiz takes him up and carries the boy on his back. The party starts heading back to the entrance of Starkfort.



Indeed. And he owes his safety to your bold action, Tiz. Bold and foolish, I should say.

I cannot deny it was right to save the boy's life. But you have a higher calling, Tiz. The crystals' awakening hinges in part upon you.



Zzz...zzz...

He's out cold... Not that I can blame him, after all that.

Hey! Wake up, kid! You're our one clue here. HEY!

Airy! Stop that. At least let him rest until we arrive in Hartschild.

Airy thankfully listens to Agnès.



But as the party exits Starkfort, our attention turns back inside...



Phew... That was close. I made the right call drinking that concoction to fake my death. It seems the vestal was convinced of my demise. Hyah hyah...

The world is indeed full of fools. Now, it is time I left this wretched place.



B-but of course. I do what I must to survive, by any means necessary. As long as I survive, I am confident my fortunes will be reversed. Hyah hyah...

After all, who but I can create weapons with the power to kill tens of thousands in one fell blow?

......

*shing*

And once I am ready, I will obliterate you all... The Swordbearers and Shieldbearers, the vestal, and even the Black Blades...

And...and then...the world shall be--







Mine...





Not the world of the living...

If the party returns to Qada's lab after this scene, they find a surprising resident.



Honestly, what sort of great and noble swordmaster cuts someone down from behind!? Feh! And why do I feel all tingly? I hope I'm not coming down with something.

Qada's become a particularly oblivious, and luckily now harmless, ghost.

But instead the party continues on, blissfully unaware of his failed deception. A long walk later...



Hear hear. It's not like Tiz to go out on a limb like that. But we survived, and that's what counts.

The vestal...



You did well to carry him on your back all this way, Tiz. You must be tired, too.

I'm fine.

More importantly, this boy may know of a way into the Temple of Fire!

We should ask him now! Don't you agree, Agnès?

I do, if that is true.

First let's head to Commander Goodman's residence and give the boy a chance to rest.



Airy may not be being polite about it, but she's got a point about hurrying to that crystal.

The immediate effects of the corrupted fire crystal appear underwhelming, but increased tectonic activity around Mt. Karka could indicate an imminent volcanic eruption. Considering Mt. Karka's size, its eruption could cause a volcanic winter, causing a catastrophic global change in climate. It could be just as terrible as the oceans rotting and air stilling.



Do you know this boy?

His parents were part of our household guard. They lost their lives three years ago protecting my husband...



It's not stated how long the canary boys have been working in the mines, but for some, it may have been years. That and the constant exposure to toxic chemicals might help explain their strange, placid behavior.

As for Egil, he was described as "the new boy", so he probably hadn't been there nearly so long.

Mrs. Goodman. Could we ask you to look after Egil here for a while?

We can't take him with us where we're going.

Yes, of course.

Nhhh...



Where am I...? I...I-I have to...to hurry...

Hurry where?

The fire vestal...asked me to help... I have to go. Where is this? Where am I!?



Egil runs out the front door.



Could've gone better.



Tiz isn't going to let this kid get hurt, so we're on the hunt.



We know he left the house...



And there's no sign he left the city.



Ah, good. He's on the path leading down to the lava.



At least he isn't leaping into said lava.



Thank you for rescuing me. But I have to go back to the mythril mine...

We've recaptured the mine from the Swordbearers. You don't have to work there anymore. All your friends have been freed.

I still have to go back.

Agnès catches up to Tiz.



Does this have something to do with the fire vestal, Egil?

That's right.

Did you meet her?

No, I've never met her before. But I sometimes see her in my dreams. I really do!



......! The wind?

The deepest tunnel? Does it lead somewhere?

Yes... Who are you?

She is the wind vestal.



This tunnel may lead into the Temple of Fire.

Even in death, it seems the fire vestal is trying to fulfill her duty through Egil's dreams. I must see this done! I must...

Egil, show me the way to this tunnel.

Got it! Leave it to me!

Wait! Egil's in no state to go anywhere.

Hey!

Why do you object, Tiz?

Because it's dangerous.



Tiz and Agnès have once again found themselves at odds.



Agnès and Egil return to the Goodman's. Tiz stays outside, deep in thought.



Suddenly, the faint sound of 50s rock-and-roll comes from behind him.

Tiz...



He's asleep at last. Edea is with him now. Agnès and Airy are in a huff.



We couldn't let Egil take them into the mine. It's too dangerous.

......

You know, ever since we found Egil, you've stopped having your nightmares, Tiz.



The next morning:



Understood. Be careful out there.

Where is Egil now?

He's holed up in his room. He won't let anyone in.



No matter. I've questioned him thoroughly about the location of this passageway.

Let's set out, then.


Next: The party's adventure heats up, though not in a way Ringabel would like.

--

Event Viewer
Main Scenario:
Egil Found
Egil Safe and Sound
Egil's Past
Dreaming of the Fire Vestal
Egil's Determination

Sub-Scenario:
The Salve-Maker's Demise

Party Chat:
Rescuing Egil