Girl of the Spirit Forest/Script

 Chapter 1: Birth of the Holy Knight 

==Main  == (Eldigan rides east from Nordion, reaching the border between Agustria and Verdane) 

Eldigan:  Good work. You've got the border.

Nordion soldier:  Yes, my lord!

(Eldigan goes to Evans) 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">How've you been, Sigurd... So what prompted you to take Evans Castle? You're not formally attacking Verdane, are you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eldigan, thanks for coming! Verdane has taken Lady Adean of Jungby hostage. And they showed no signs of releasing her, so I was forced to take up arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">So that's what's going on... I wouldn't leave this castle unattended if I were you. There's no telling what the lords of Agustria may do... I'll watch your back, Sigurd.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">I sure appreciate it, Eldigan. Let's you and I meet up when this is all over. We'll find a cozy little spot, have a little wine... just like old times.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That sounds nice. May you be victorious, Sigurd!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Genoa) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Kinbois:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Th' castle's in your hands, Ayra. You best not let me down while I'm gone, you follow? You pull any stunts and that little brat's history!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Shanan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">These guys don't scare me, Ayra. Don't let them push you around!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan... All right, Kinbois. You've got my word, so just keep your hands off of him. I just wonder if I can really trust you to return him to me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Kinbois:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heh... Look, he's all yours once we've gotten Evans Castle back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra: <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;"> You better not double-cross me, Kinbois, because I'll hunt you down and put your head to a stick! Even if it takes me to the ends of hell! Got it?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Kinbois:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whoa-woa! For such a pretty face, you sure can spew some filth! Just relax. I've no plans of making an enemy with someone of your swordsmanship.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan, stay strong. It'll only be for a little while.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Shanan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra, forget it!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Ayra leaves) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Shanan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't go!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Outside Genoa) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Kinbois:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hmph... All right, we're moving out. We WILL get Evans back!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Turn 2 <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Outside Marpha) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Jamke:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean, grab the kid and get out of here! Gandolf is going to find you guys. Now move it!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Adean:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prince Jamke, you're not joining us?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Jamke: <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;"> No. I can't go against my father... even with all the mayhem my brothers are causing. I'm going to Verdane to see my father. I have to get him to see the wrong in all this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Adean: <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Yes, indeed. This war has gone on long enough. Prince Jamke, you're our only hope. Do your best to persuade the king to end this war.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Dew:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean, we gotta move now! It's gettin' too hairy 'round here. Gandolf'll rip out my tongue next time they find me!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Jamke:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dew, you were just asking to get locked up, you little thief. You're just lucky Adean pleaded for your release. No more stealing, am I correct?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Dew:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Look, I promised Adean, too. I'm finished with the thievin' business, okay?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Jamke:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'll take your word, Dew. Now you two get going!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Jamke walks west a little bit) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Jamke:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean... I hope we meet again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Marpha) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Gandolf:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">My brother set Adean free?! He's back in Verdane, you say... Grr... That idiot! You bring the woman an' that little thief back here. If they resist ya, do 'em in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd's army nears Genoa <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">All right, let's do this. Anyone that gets near me is going down!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Conquering Genoa and Ayra is alive <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Oifey:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sir, there was a small child locked up in this castle's dungeon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Shanan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">.....

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">What's up? Why aren't you talking? Who locked you up in there?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Shanan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">...Aren't you Kinbois's men?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">We took care of Kinbois. You're safe with us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Shanan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Really? Then Ayra doesn't have to fight anymore! They're makin' my auntie fight against her will! Please, you gotta help her!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That swordfighterout there? I thought there was something different about her. I'll go let her know you're all right. So what's your name?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Shanan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan. I'm... uh... prince of the kingdom of Isaach.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">YOU are the prince of Isaach? You're serious, aren't you? I bet you've been through a lot. You're best to stay with our troops for now. Just be patient for the time being. You'll make it back to your country someday.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Oifey:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sir, we're currently at war with Isaach. Shouldn't we inform the king of this...?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oifey, that war has nothing to do with this child. I don't care where he's from. We'll find a way to get him home. For now I just want to keep him safe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Oifey:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Understood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Sigurd leaves) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Oifey:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wow... Sir Sigurd sure is a kindhearted man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">What?! Grannvale has taken Genoa Castle? I must get to Shanan...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Conquering Genoa and Ayra is dead <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Oifey:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sir, there was a small child locked up in the castle's dungeon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Who are you? Do you have a name?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan: I'm Shanan... prince of Isaach. ...Aren't you Kinbois's men?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: YOU are the prince of Isa--?! Forgive me. I am Sigurd, Holy Knight of Grannvale. We took care of Kinbois. You're safe with us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan: Really? Then Ayra doesn't have to fight anymore! They're makin' my auntie fight against her will! Please, you gotta help her!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Ayra?! You mean that swordfighter? But she, uh... well...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan: Wha? She's dead? You guys killed her?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Geez, I'm sorry! I had no idea!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan: Aaaaaaagh... Ayra!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Oifey, look after Shanan until he's calmed down a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oifey: Sir, we're currently at war with Isaach. Shouldn't we inform the king of this?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Oifey, that war has nothing to do with this child. I don't care where he's from. We'll find a way to get him home. For now I just want to keep him safe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oifey: Understood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Sigurd leaves) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oifey: Wow... Sir Sigurd sure is a kindhearted man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra enters Genoa before Sigurd talks to her <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shanan's not here?! Grr! Grannvale must have taken him! They're dead!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd talks with Ayra after seizing Genoa <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra, wait! We've got Prince Shanan. You don't need to fight anymore!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">What?! YOU rescued Shanan? Prove it to me!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prince Shanan told me that you're the younger sister to the king of Isaach. He also said that you'd be hostile towards us since we're from Grannvale. But consider the facts. You have a young prince to protect. Is this war really worth risking your life over?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra: <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;"> My brother, the king, was prepared for death when he entrusted Shanan to me. We've come this far... But you're right. I can't risk my life for Verdane! I must see Shanan through until he's old enough to become a respectable king.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then put down your sword. As a descendant of Baldur, the Crusader of Light, I will not betray you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ayra:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">...Consider your trust reciprocated, then. That's the way of the Isaachian warrior. For now I consecrate my sword to thee. But I still view Grannvale as my sworn enemy. Just so you're prepared for the day when that enemy may include you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Sigurd:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">War sure can be cruel. Ayra, warrior of Isaach... I pray that day never comes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">The next Enemy Phase <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(East of Nordion, Elliot appears with a group of Cavaliers) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Elliot:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Humph... Grannvale's invading Verdane with that small an army? How asinine. Okay, here's our chance. First we take Evans, then we'll shoot straight for the border!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Nordion soldier:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is that... That's Heirhein's troops! King Eldigan must be informed immediately!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Other Phase, Nordion <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">What? Heirhein has troops heading for Evans? Hmm... Elliot just couldn't stay out of this, could he... Raquesis, watch the castle. I'm going to back Sigurd up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Raquesis:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do what you can for him, Eldigan.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cross Knights, move out! Our battle is with Prince Elliot of Heirhein. His troops shouldn't pose much of a threat, but do stay alert.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Outside Nordion) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan: <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Elliot, as a knight, I can't have you sneaking around like some petty thief. Just pull out right now. I know you're not ready to face me either.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Elliot:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eldigan, are you mad?! Don't tell me you've sided with Grannvale!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't you realize you're running in direct violation of our superior's orders? The reverent King Agusty has no desire to wage war against Grannvale.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Elliot:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Only you would be foolish enough to take that old man seriously anymore. Besides, all the lords of the dominion have already unified against Grannvale.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eldigan: Not all of them! Anyway, a war now would incur huge sacrifices on both sides! Our past is a testament to that. The noble class aren't the ones who suffer in the end. It's the powerless citizens who suffer, and I'm not about to let that happen!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elliot: As always your head is in the clouds, Eldigan. I knew it'd come to this sooner or later. Let's settle this once and for all. Men, Nordion is now the enemy! I want Eldigan dead!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Elliot is defeated <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Eldigan:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elliot fled, did he? Let him be for now. Withdraw to the castle!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Approaching Marpha <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gandolf: What the hell's goin' on out there! Those of you ready for battle, move out! Don't let them near the castle!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Marpha is seized <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Deirdre:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stop it... Let go of me!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Ruffian:  <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heh heh... What s'matter? Don'cha wanna have a little fun?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Please... just let me be on my way!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ruffian: Grr! Sweetie, you best just shut your trap!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Hey, what's going on here? Let go of the girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ruffian: What gives? ...Ulp! It's that Grannvalean Holy Knight!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: That's right, so get moving! Nothing gets under my skin more than scum like you! You apologize to the girl and get out of my sight!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ruffian: All right already. Er... Sorry, miss. I's just havin' a little fun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Are you okay? Did he hurt you at all?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: No, I'm fine. Thank you very much... Sigurd.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Huh? You know who I am?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Yes, I met a woman here in the castle a little while ago named Adean.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Adean said something about me?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: She did. You're just how I imagined you to be.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: What's, uh... your name?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">Deirdre: <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I'm sorry. I... I must go!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Hey... hold on! I just wanted to talk...

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: I'm sorry. I'm glad we were able to meet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Wha-What's the problem? Wait!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Deirdre leaves) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Sheesh!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Deirdre starts walking away, looks back longingly, and continues into the Spirit Forest) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;border:1ptnonewindowtext;padding:0in;">(Back in Marpha) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elderly man: Sigurd, what seems to be troubling you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: That woman who was just here... Do you know who she is?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elder: Ahh, yes. That'd be Deirdre. She's a shaman of the Spirit Forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Deirdre… She’s so beautiful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elder: A-ha! Even a man of your caliber falls readily for a pretty woman. Perhaps it’s love at first sight?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Sir, please, I’m serious. There was something about her… I hope to meet her again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elder: That might be a tad difficult. You see, the villagers of the Spirit Forest do not involve themselves with the outside world. Moreover, that girl you’re so fond of is strictly forbidden from associating with men. The villagers believe a great catastrophe will befall us if that were ever violated. I’ll get right to the point, Sigurd. Resign yourself of that girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: That sounds like superstitious nonsense to me. Nobody should be forced to live like that. Deirdre… we must meet again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enemy Phase, Verdane Castle <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: Father, you still won’t listen after all I’ve told you?! Gandolf and Kinbois have failed, and the enemy’ll be striking here before you know it. Commander Sigurd of Grannvale is by no means a bad person. Please, withdraw the troops!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Batou: Originally, Grannvale was preparing to strike US! That’s why I allowed Gandolf’s raid. I never intended for it to get this out of hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: That sorcerer Sandima is behind all of this, isn’t he… You, Gandolf and Kinbois have trusted him far too much. He has deceived all of you!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: Well, well… Prince Jamke. I think we’ve said enough haven’t we? I believe you, as prince, have an obligation to command an attack on the enemy. Your negligence to do so could have… grave consequences on the kingdom’s future.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: Sandima! You bastard!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Batou: Jamke, Sandima’s right. Now go and lead our troops into battle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: Father!! There’s just no convincing you, is there… All right, I’ll do it. But if I make it back alive, Sandima, I’m taking you out!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Jamke leaves) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Batou: Sandima, have you been forthright with me all this time? It was you who said that Grannvale was conspiring to take my kingdom.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: What’s that? Here I thought Verdane would work out somehow… You’re just a bunch of savages. I’ve no longer any use for you. I’ll be taking command of the troops from here on out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Batou: What’re you doing?! Guh! Uuaaaaaagh…!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: Hmph… Wretched old fool.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Manfroy arrives) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Manfroy: You’ve killed King Batou, I see. Do you expect Verdane’s soldiers will listen to you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: Archbishop Manfroy! When did you arrive? The soldiers won’t pose a problem. I can just tell them the king has fallen ill.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Manfroy: So be it. How are things otherwise? Is everything running as planned?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: My humblest apologies. Our invasion of Grannvale has met with unexpected difficulties. A nuisance by the name of Sigurd keeps stirring up trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Manfroy: Well, how about the Loptyrian blood link? Have you located Cigyun’s daughter yet?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: Well, nothing as of yet, but I…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Manfroy: You imbecile! Well, the boy… Cigyun’s son is in Belhalla at the moment. But he’s of no use to us without the girl… Allow me to explain. Cigyun was a descendant of Prince Maira the Lopto Emperor’s younger brother. In short, Cigyun was the only surviving descendant of the Loptyr Clan. Now Cigyun broke the Maira Decree by bearing two children. You follow me, Sandima?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: Yes. By uniting the blood of her offspring, the Dark Lord Loptyr shall be revived!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Manfroy: Precisely. Now in order for us, the remnants of the Lopto Empire, to once again enter the world stage, we must awaken the Dark Lord at any cost. Sandima, you know as well as I what we’ve been through. We’ve spent the last hundred years in hiding deep within the Yied Desert, suffering extreme hardships, dreaming the day would come for us to rebuild the Empire. Well, that day is now upon us!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sandima: Understood. I will see my mission through, even if it takes my last breath!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean speaks with Jamke <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Prince Jamke! Wait!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: Adean, is that you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: I thought you went to talk to your father! Now we’re fighting? What is going on?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: I don’t know. Something was real odd about him. He just wouldn’t listen to me. Everything’s been upside-down since that Sandima showed up. My father and brothers have done anything he has asked them to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: So why does that bring you into battle? Please Jamke, don’t do this! Let’s return to Verdane and speak with the king once more. We’re stopping this war! Sir Sigurd did not come here to invade your country. He was merely fighting to rescue me. Please, Jamke, listen to reason!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: All right, let’s give it one more try. And I’m exposing that traitor once and for all. But nobody lays a finger on my father. That’s my one condition.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: I’ll see to it no one does. Thank you, Jamke. You really are a good person.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamke: Adean…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre appears in the Forest, Sandima is still alive <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Sigurd… wait.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Deirdre, is that you?! Ah, so this is the Spirit Forest! I’m so happy to see you! I thought we’d never meet again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Sigurd, listen to me. There’s an evil priest at Verdane Castle named Sandima. His black magic is deadly, so don’t even think of approaching him… Please!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: I’ve put everyone in enough danger as it is… I’ll do it alone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: …. Then I’m going with you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: You’re what?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: I have a Silence Staff with me. I can block magic with it as long as my magic power can overcome his resistance. I’ll silence that Sandima… you’ll see!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Whoa! Sounds like you could take him yourself! Wh… why are you helping me?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: I tried putting you out of my mind, but I… I just don’t want to lose you. Oh, what am I to do…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: I don’t know why you’re so afraid. If we both feel the same for each other we’ve nothing to fear. I… I believe I’ve fallen for you, Deirdre.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre appears in the Forest, Sandima is defeated <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Sigurd… wait.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Deirdre, is that you?! Ah, so this is the Spirit Forest! I’m so happy to see you! I thought we’d never meet again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Sigurd, I heard of Sandima’s death. I was so worried he’d find me. He was a black priest sent by an underground religious sect to find me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Underground religious sect? What’s this all about?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Well, all I know is what the woman who raised me told me on her deathbed. She said there exists in this world a religious sect that follows the Dark Lord Loptyr. The Dark Lord was presumed dead, but they’ve secretly been planning his resurrection.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: I’ve heard something about that, too. So why are they after you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: The Dark Lord lies dormant within my blood, and through me they can resurrect him. I was told they must never find me. I am also forbidden to be with a man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Geez… you must always be on the run. You avoided me quick, didn’t you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: I was afraid I’d fall for you, Sigurd. I tried putting you out of my mind, but I… I just don’t want to lose you. Oh, what am I to do…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Deirdre, I can understand why you’re scared. But there’s no reason to let this ruin your whole life for you. Deirdre, I vow to keep you out of harm’s way. I won’t let anyone hurt you. If we both feel the same for each other, then we’ve nothing to fear. Dear Lord, if you deem our love for each other to be a sin, I beg of you… punish me! I won’t regret it for a second… even if it means a thousand blades upon my chest! I only ask that you watch over my beloved Deirdre… unto all eternity!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Sigurd…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Conquering Verdane <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">(If you lost Deirdre) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Deirdre?! Thank God, you’re all right!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deirdre: Yes, I was captured and placed in this castle, but I knew you’d come for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Otherwise, it skips those two lines) <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oifey: Sir, there’s a report of an injury in the Royal Palace. It appears to be King Batou. He has sustained heavy injuries. He’s very likely beyond our help.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: King Batou, what happened to you?! Please… hold on!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Batou: Urgh… Sigurd, my apologies for all you had to go through… This was all Sandima’s doing… He deceived me while conning my two sons in an attempt to take control of the country.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Yes, I’m aware of that. Please, don’t overexert yourself. You just need some rest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Batou: No… I’m already done for. But before I die, I have one last thing I must tell you. The evil that’s rearing its head across the continent is all the work of the Lopto Sect. They’re out to destroy all that’s good and hasten the revival of the Dark Lord Loptyr. Sandima incited our attack on Grannvale solely to further their cause. They have infested the world, Sigurd. You must stay sharp and not be led astray! Please absolve my failure and keep my citizens from harm’s way. S… Sigurd, I beg of you…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: King Batou… No… What IS this Lopto Sect anyway…

Village conversations
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Villager: The lord of Genoa, Kinbois, is a downright terrible man. He has attacked our village on numerous occasions. It’s been dreadful. And things had been so peaceful under the reign of King Batou… Anyway, we’re all so glad that you’ve come!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Villager: The king of this country is very kind. He would’ve been the last person to wage a war. That sorcerer, Sandima, is behind all of this. Everything began going downhill the moment he showed up. Aside from the youngest prince, Jamke, Sandima has them all wrapped around his finger. Please, I beg of you… save our kingdom!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Villager: There’s a dense forest jus’ north of this village. T’is called th’ “Spirit Forest.” I used t’live there once upon a time in a village hidden deep within th’ forest. Th’ legend goes that Saint Maira was exiled by his fellow Lopt clansmen for allying with us humans. That village is where all of Maira’s descendants holed up t’avoid persecution. While I was there, a beautiful girl named Cigyun was living under th’ village’s custody. That was due t’her bein’ th’ last remaining descendant of th’ Lopto prince. But Cigyun grew tired of th’ forest life. She up and left thus breaking village law. She returned several years later expectin’ a child. She gave birth to a little girl, but tragically didn’t survive. Apparently, the village fortune-teller took after raising the child. I wonder where the child is now… If she’s livin’ she’d be around 17 or 18 I imagine.

Events
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lex’s Brave Axe 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lex: Damn! I dropped my axe!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">(A mysterious lady appears)

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lady: Was the axe you dropped this gold axe? Or perhaps this silver one?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lex: Nah, it was nothing as nice as either of them. It was just an old iron axe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lady: You are very honest. As a reward for your honesty I present you with the Brave Axe. Farewell, Lex…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lex: …?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Speaking with Nordion soldiers (prior to seizing Genoa and Marpha) 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nordion soldier: We’ll take care of everything beyond this point.

Conversations
 <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan and Finn 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: Finn, this war may drag on for a while. Sorry to have to drag you into it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finn: Your Highness, I am a knight of Leonster. I’ll go wherever you’ll have me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: I appreciate it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finn: Of course, I am still only an apprentice. I doubt I’ll be of much help to you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: Yeah? Then let’s use this opportunity to teach you a bit about the art of war. Here, Finn. Take this lance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finn: Thank you very much, Your Highness!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd and Adean <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Adean! I’m glad to see you’re in one piece!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Sir Sigurd! So you’re the one behind my rescue! Oh, I’m terribly sorry to bring all of you from Chalphy into this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: No worries there. Everyone will just be glad to know that you’re all right. We have things under control here, Adean. Why don’t you head on back to Grannvale?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: No, I’m staying. There’s bound to be more injuries further along. I want to help others in the service of the Lord.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: Adean… Didn’t you leave the knighthood to become a nun? I think it suits you perfectly. I’d do well to learn a thing or two from you myself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Actually, the sole reason I joined the nunnery is… Well, it’s to aid the chances of finding my sister.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigurd: You must mean Briggid. She’s been missing since your childhood hasn’t she… You still believe you can find her, do you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: That’s correct. And when I do, I must give the Holy Bow Yewfelle to her!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Midayle and Adean <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Midayle: Milady! You’re all right! Oh… What a relief! My humblest apologies for all you had to go through!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Midayle, I’m just happy that you’re not hurt. Let’s put this all behind us. You did your very best, and that’s all I could ever ask for. Do me a favor, Midayle, and stay with Sir Sigurd’s troops.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Midayle: I’d be more than happy to. I am greatly indebted to him for rescuing Jungby Castle for us, and you as well!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Azel and Adean <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Azel: Lady Adean! You aren’t hurt, are you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Azel of Velthomer? You’ve been helping out as well, have you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Azel: Yeah, when I heard that you’d been kidnapped, I couldn’t concentrate on anything! I came as fast as I could.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Your brother is Lord Arvis, isn’t he? Did you get his permission before coming?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Azel: Nope… And he’s not going to be happy with me either.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Then why did you do such a silly thing? Besides, I thought you hated fighting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Azel: Well… I, uh…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: What’s that, Azel?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Azel: Er… nevermind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean and Ethlyn <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ethlyn: Adean, are you all right?! I heard that you’d been kidnapped… I was so worried!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Oh, Ethlyn! You were out here fighting for me too, were you… Thank you so much. I’m ever so grateful. Here, please have this staff. I’m sure you’ll get more use out of it than I.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ethlyn: This is a Return Staff, isn’t it? Thank you, Adean! I’ll put it to good use.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan and Ayra <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: Hello, I’m Quan of Leonster. Sigurd tells me that you’re Princess Ayra from Isaach.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: …Nice to meet you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: I’m sorry, but I just have to ask you: why did Isaach attack Darna? You had to have known Grannvale would get involved. I just can’t fathom why King Mananan would do something like that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: You actually know my father, Quan?!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: No. Not personally. But my father did. He had a very high opinion of your father. He also thought your brother, Prince Mariccle, was a fine young man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: He said that, did he… That makes me proud. They were both highly respected soldiers. Neither would ever condone an attack on defenseless people. The leader of Rivough… He’s the one who besieged Darna, not my father.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: You’re kidding! Why hasn’t Grannvale been informed of that? Prince Kurth would surely reconsider his offensive if he knew that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: My father thought so as well. After executing Rivough’s leader, he left for Grannvale’s front line, head and all, to explain everything. However…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: What?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: My father was assassinated at the Grannvalean front. When Isaach heard word of the king’s death, the people went into a rage! Mariccle thus proceeded to launch a full-scale attack against Grannvale.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: Whew… I just can’t imagine Prince Kurth acting so rashly. Does Sigurd know about all of this?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: No. Sigurd has his hands full here as it is. Besides, I don’t think Mariccle…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: …survived? Prince Mariccle knew he would perish in battle, huh…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: He believed the future of Isaach rests in Shanan’s survival. My job is to make sure Shanan grows up safe and sound.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quan: I see… Well, don’t lose hope, Ayra. Someday the truth will come to light. In the meantime, I’ll try to help you out however I can.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ayra: That’s very kind of you, Quan.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"> <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dew and Adean <span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dew: Hey, Adean. I got somethin’ for ya. Check out this staff I found. I can’t get it t’do nothin’, so there’s no point in me keepin’ it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Oh, this is a Warp Staff, Dew. Where’d you find it?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dew: Umm… It was… uh, over there! Yeah, that’s where I found it. I betcha one of those gods dropped ‘er outta the sky just for you!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adean: Yeah, right, Dew. Well, it well help out around here to have it. Thanks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">