Fire Emblem: Last of the Manakete

And in his vision, the Sun-Father saw two paths before him. One was quick and easy, but sunk into the mirk of darkness. The other was long and treacherous, but rose towards the Light of Sol Invictus.
-From the Catechisms of Sun-Father Leon


The next day, you sit in the back of the cart as it trundles its way down the path, leaving your mountain home behind. As you look back, you can't really decide how you feel. It was painful, this trip. Painful to see just how far your home had fallen. Just how little of everything you'd known for most of your century of life had survived. However… it had still been your home. You'd found so much, remembered so much, met so many important people, you couldn't regret going.

Still, you're glad that you have another home to go to. Father had been wise to set up the spirit to call Artemis to you, so that you'd have someplace to stay as you tried to figure out to do with the strange world you'd been woken into. Now, you think as you look around at the bags and boxes carefully piled in the back of the cart, you just have to figure out where you're going to put all of this. Maybe you'll take Artemis up on her idea of living in that room underneath your shrine. It was a bit bigger than where you'd been sleeping near Artemis's room, so you'd be able to fit more stuff in…

As you continue to muse, you shift to check if you still have Countess Mantrae's letter in your pocket. While you're hoping not to have to use it, you're pretty sure you will. While it'd be nice if Baron Cicenco'd just spoken in hasty anger, if he'd rethought his actions and decided not to continue down that path, you don't think that's the case.

Still, as the bare stones of the upper mountain start to give way to the trees and shrubs of the lower, forested mountain, you find yourself disappointed as you spot a pair of mounted figures in the distance, atop another hill in the Baron's domain. "I guess that's the price of hoping," you say sadly as you watch them begin to canter down from their perch in your direction.

"What's that, Ryza?" Kelton says.

"She spotted His Noble Stuffiness's goons," Belle says darkly, pointing. "Wonder how pissy they're gonna get about this, if the big lady's letter even works."

You reach over and pat her on the shoulder. "It'll be alright," you say. "Countess Mantrae promised that she'll make sure we don't have to go. I know you and she aren't… each other's favorite people, but she does like me. I was just hoping that I wouldn't need to have this fight."

The thief sighs. "Well, if nothing else, getting to rub his face in the fact that the big lady is on your side is a plus. That should make him think twice about messing with you again." Her lips curl. "Not that her displeasure stopped him the first time."

You ponder those words. Last night, as you'd been wrestling with the idea of going to the Baron's Castle and letting your dragon-self pin him to the ground and roar in his face until he fainted in terror or wet himself, you'd managed to convince yourself not to do it. You'd convinced yourself that it would be best for everyone if you trusted the Countess to handle things her way. However… Belle did have a point. Baron Cicenco had to have known that Countess Mantrae liked you, but that hadn't stopped him from throwing his little fit.

Perhaps a more… forceful warning wasn't such a bad idea. Not a violent one, of course, but a forceful one.

As you continue to consider your options, you feel the slight incline you'd been going down even out, marking you as having left the mountains. Taking a deep breath, you look around: you're now in the Baron's land. While you weren't afraid of the two riders you'd spotted, you suppose it was possible that he'd put more in the trees who had more aggressive thoughts. Pulling out the letter Countess Mantrae had given you, you also reassure yourself that both dragonstones, your own and Gyra-Dregon's, are at hand if things go wrong.

Just because you didn't want to fight didn't mean you wouldn't if that was the only way to protect your friends.

However, as the cart bumps its way along the pathway towards Agrithe, no bandits or baronial thugs jumped from the trees to cause problems. In fact, it even took a few minutes for the riders you'd spotted to find you, and they made their approach quite clear as they canter down the path towards you.

"Hail," the first calls, pushing his visor up as he approaches, leaving the other in the center of the path further back. Neither have their weapons out, but you still tense as he comes closer.

"Hello," you say, standing up as the cart comes to a halt. The Agrithian and Legerian guards glance to you, clearly asking if you want to let the cavalier to approach. You give them a nod, and after a moment of tension a few of them shuffle to the side, allowing the man to ride up next to you. "You're one of Baron Cicenco's men, aren't you?"

The man nods, his eyes studying you calmly. "I am indeed," he says. "My lord sent me to once again extend his… invitation, to present yourself at his castle."

You meet his eyes as calmly as you can, letting your wings extend as you hold out the letter Countess Mantrae gave you. "No." You'd originally planned a much more diplomatic phrasing, but somehow it just seemed… something. You didn't feel like playing games anymore, you're too annoyed. "No, I'm not going. I don't want to, and Countess Mantrae says I don't have to."

The cavalier raises an eyebrow, but doesn't speak as he accepts the letter. You tense as he carefully opens it; while you know him destroying it wouldn't mean anything, that Countess Mantrae would still know and you'd still be able to go, a part of you wished that you'd asked for a second copy, just in case…

The pathway is silent save for the shuffling of horses and the faint crinkle of parchment as the cavalier reads the Countess's words. The various guards alternate between watching the armored man and scanning the trees around you for signs of trouble. Belle, sitting across from you, is ridged, her cloak wrapped tightly enough around her that you can see the outline of the knife in her hand. Kelton's slightly battered shield was sitting in his lap, one arm under it to allow him to lift it quickly if needed. Both Axton and Lancel had their bows strung and an arrow in their hands.

If he noticed the signs of hostility, Cicenco's cavalier gave no sign of it. Instead, he simply read the note calmly, studying the seal intently as if he thought you'd have faked it somehow. You force the lightning beginning to fill you up down: you'll fight to defend yourself or your friends, but you won't hit first, that's not right, not in this situation. As much of a jerk as Cicenco is, he hasn't kidnapped anyone and taken them away from their mothers.

That you know of, at least.

However, after several long, tense seconds, the cavalier carefully rolls up the letter and offers it back to you. "Very good," he says easily, though his smile does not reach his eyes. "Her Excellency has made her will clear. My orders were to escort you to my lord's castle, but surely he would immediately wish me to carry out her command as soon as he heard of it." He spins his horse, gesturing to the other cavalier. "Come, we will provide you escort through our lord's domain, to ensure there are no… difficulties." Is it just you, or is there a faint note of contempt in his voice as he says that.

You glance around, slightly wary. Claire and Sir Octavio glance at each other, seemingly talking with their eyes. After a moment, Claire shrugs, and your cavalier friend turns and gives you a nod.

"Very well," you say, folding your wings and sitting down. "Thank you."

Baron Cicenco's man nods, gesturing for his fellow to swing off to one side as he goes the other way. "Of course," he says. "I am bound to ask what you are transporting." He very pointedly keeps his eyes forwards as he says this.

You consider refusing to answer, but for all his stiffness this knight is being scrupulously polite. Maybe he's trying to make up for all the nasty things his baron said. "Mostly scrolls and tablets," you say. "Along with a few personal family items."

The cavalier nods. "Very good," he says. "Shall we go?"

You once again glance at Sir Octavio, who nods again. "Alright," you say. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"

He glances at you out of the corner of his eye, seemingly considering. Finally, however, he answers. "Sir Junius," he says. "Well met."

"Hi, I'm Ryza," you say after a moment of awkward silence. "It's nice to meet polite people around here." You'd hoped to get at least a smile out of Sir Junius, but he simply nods without a word.

The trip through the baron's domain passes slowly, tensely, but safely. While he rarely speaks, Sir Junius clearly intends to keep things civil. Several times, his fellow cavalier tries to veer closer to you all, only to be waved back by Junius. You try to thank him the first few times, but he simply nods, and after a while you get discouraged enough to give up. A part of you wants to ask Sir Octavio if you're doing something wrong, but that just seems rude right now so you'll ask later.

Finally, after what feels like countless hours, Sir Junius stops. "We've reached the border of Her Excellency's own domain," he says, pointing to a signpost along the road. "Safe travels," Without another word, he starts to turn back towards his lord.

"Wait," you say. The cavalier halts his horse, but doesn't look your way. Frowning, you lift off from the cart and fly around to hover in front of him, folding your arms. "First of all, thank you for being understanding and not trying to make me go to Baron Cicenco, I genuinely appreciate that," you say. "But when you're traveling with someone, it's polite to actually interact with them." Sir Junius raises an eyebrow. "I'm not a monster. I have feelings too. All I ask is that people try to understand that. Is that so hard?"

The pair of you stare at each other for a few seconds before Sir Junius finally nods. "I apologize if I seemed discourteous," he said. "That was not my intention. I do understand that you are not a monster."

You meet his eye for a long moment, but you don't see any deception. "I accept your apology," you say. "But could you take a message to Baron Cicenco for me?"

Sir Junius frowns. "I will," he says slowly.

Taking a deep breath, you speak as calmly as you can. "Tell him that I'm not a violent person. That my parents taught me that violence is not an answer to be used unless truly necessary. More than that… I don't want to be that kind of manakete. I don't want to be someone that people are afraid of." Your eyes narrow, and you allow lighting to arc its way across your wings. "But your baron hurt me. He didn't have to do that, he chose to be cruel simply because I wouldn't do what he wanted me to. I do not appreciate that. Worse, he threatened Kelton. No matter what semantics he'd use, he threatened one of my best friends just for trying to defend me. That… that is something I will not tolerate." Sir Junius's horse nickers and backs up a little as you feel your Yellow magic flare. "Tell him that this is a warning. If he ever threatens my friends again, I will respond. Up to and including allowing my dragon to handle the situation as that part of me sees fit. And I assure you, he does not want to meet my dragon-self. She doesn't like it when the people I love are threatened."

A tense silence falls over the group as Sir Junius digests your words. "I will pass your message onto Baron Cicenco," he says stiffly. "Is there anything else?"

You shake your head, bringing your magic back under control, "No, I think that's it," you say, forcing a smile onto your face. "Here, you can have this," you offer the letter to the cavalier. "Countess Mantrae said she'd send a letter letting him know she isn't happy with what he did, but it might not have reached him yet. I don't want you to get in trouble; this should show him that you did the right and legal thing."

The cavalier slowly takes the letter, studying you. "Thank you… Ryza," he says after a moment. "Perhaps we shall meet again under… better, circumstances." With a final nod, he guides his horse around you, signaling for the other cavalier to join him as they ride off.

Gliding back to the cart, you settle yourself down, taking a deep, unsteady breath. Mother, you hope you'd done the right thing…

As if reading your thoughts, Belle reaches over and ruffles your hair. "You did the best you could," she says. "You were never gonna be able to get that… to get Cicenco to like you. At least this way, if he tries some sh… something, you'll be able to squish him and nobody will be able to say you didn't warn him."

Claire sighs. "You really shouldn't talk about a baron like that, Belle," she said. "You may have gotten a pardon, but you're still on thin ice." She glances at you. "I've seen the results of Ryza's dragon form being unleashed, I don't want anyone in Legerius to have to face that again."

The memory of the two men in Artemis's room flashes behind your eyes, quickly followed by the scent of their burned bodies. You flinch. "I'm sorry…" you whisper. Mother, those had probably been some of Claire's friends! How could she…

The soldier swallows. "Sometimes, fate gives us no good options," she says sadly. "All we can do is live with the ones we take, hoping that they're the least-bad ones." Slowly, carefully, Kelton reaches over and wraps an arm around her shoulder, and you feel a little better when you see her lean into the embrace.

The world you've woken into is imperfect, with hard choices and strange rules and the occasional jerk for a neighbor, but at least you know there are also good people, good friends, who'll be there for you and each other even when they have their reasons to be upset.

---

Thankfully, the next few days are relatively restful. True, riding by cart remains an uncomfortable sensation, especially now that you can't stretch out as much with all the things you're bringing from home, but you're slowly getting used to it.

You also see more signs of activity along the road than you had going to the mountains. You spot a group of Whitewings, when one ducks out of the clouds to get a closer look at you. You don't think it's Angela; you're pretty sure that's a red ponytail streaming behind her, but you wave anyways. After a moment, the Whitewing gives a few waves of her little flags before tilting back up into the clouds to rejoin her friends.

When you ask, Sir Octavio is happy to explain. "Since they spend so much time far apart from each other, out of shouting range, the Whitewings developed their own form of flag signaling. Everyone does it, but most armies use music as the main form of communication."

You look up, fascinated. "Do you think I could learn it?" you ask.

"You'd have to ask the Whitewings. While there are some signals that everyone knows, like the 'you're free to go ahead' signal they just gave us, a lot of the more complex ones are known only to them."

You also see some Legerians around. Mostly, you see groups of farmers with carts of their own, though theirs are full of food. You do see soldiers on occasion, patrolling just as the Kingdom Council had decided everyone should. You even see a group of men with light armor and slender swords carrying a Rignali flag.

However, none of these people impede your progress, and before too long you're stopping off at Castle Legerius to say goodbye to Claire, Sir Octavio and the other soldiers Mantrae loaned you. You get another feast in your honor, and more importantly you get to show Sypha the picture of you and your parents that you'd forgotten to bring the first time. She'd offered to get someone to make a painting of it for you, just to make sure you always had an image of your parents, but you'd declined. For now… for now you just wanted your family to be something only you and the people you really trusted to know a lot about.

Maybe that was a little selfish, but honestly you figured you were due a bit of selfishness after everything that'd happened. Especially when it came to such a deeply personal matter.

The rest of the trip back to Agrithe also passed as smoothly as the bumpy cart allowed. While the constant motion wasn't the most comfortable thing or super conducive to study, you did manage to distract yourself by reading a bit more about the Path of Awakening. All the talking you'd done with Jenna and Lacroix had reminded you that you still needed to truly awaken the part of you that makes you unique: your dragon.

In the end, as the cart trundles over a bridge and turns onto the final road towards Castle Agrithe, you can't honestly say you can truly Channel your Emotions. You're close, so close, but you still don't know if you'd be able to do it in the heat of the moment, when your heart needs to be at its strongest. Still, you think you're almost there. With a bit more work, you'll have finished this step of the Path.

Then… then you can think about the Awakening. About truly meeting your dragon-self for the first time.

… you hope she isn't still upset about the half-shifting thing.

You're pulled from your thoughts by a sharp intake of breath from Axton, who's riding next to the cart. "The battle-standard…" he breaths.

Turning, you give him a confused look. However, he doesn't meet your eye, simply staring at the castle before you. "Axton, is everything okay?" you ask.

Lancel speaks up, seemingly talking to Axton even though they're on opposite sides of the cart. "Probably for a few days, maybe a week," he says nervously. "With the number of coats of arms flying…"

You, Kelton and Belle give each other concerned looks. Peering into the distance, you see that there are indeed a lot more flags flying from the gatehouse of Castle Agrithe than you remembered, including a huge, ornate one depicting a trio of horses rearing on a green background with arrows crossed above them. "So, for those of us who don't know what that means, what's wrong?" you ask again.

Axton shakes himself out of his surprise and looks at you with a wary expression. "The Archduke of Agrithe has raised the battle-standard," he says. "That means he's fully mobilizing his vassals and their retinues. Every knight and minor lord is expected and required to call up their own levies, men-at-arms and yeomen and rally to the defense of Agrithe."

"It means His Highness thinks war is imminent."

Your heart catches. "But… but Lacroix said…" you whisper.

"Master Lacroix is a Head Mage, but he is not the Duke of the Southlands," Axton says grimly. "If his liege lady has orders to invade… then there's nothing he can do about it." He nods to the cart driver. "We should pick up the pace: His Highness will surely have more details, as well as tasks for us all." The various yeomen around you nod firmly, and all you can do is swallow and agree.

As you come closer to the castle, you can see more and more banners. You can hear the calls of men, hear the pounding of drums and blowing of horns. You see billows of smoke rising from the forge that you'd helped James fix a few times, more than you'd ever seen before. A lone pegasus rises from the courtyard, its rider bent low over its neck, and shoots off at full speed towards the north.

It's clear that Axton is right… something has gone terribly wrong while you were away, and you can only hope Artemis is alright.

Soon, both too soon and not soon enough for your liking, the cart reaches the gates. The guards give you only a perfunctory look before waving you in: either they were expecting you, or they just wanted to clear the way for the group of yeomen riding up behind you. Almost as soon as you get in, a group of servants hustles over, unhooks the horses, and starts pulling it off to one side, where a bunch of other carts are being unloaded.

"What's going on?" you ask, having to shout a little over the burly man yelling orders at his subordinates to start unloading your stuff.

He turns to start to glare at you, but a second later his eyes widen. "Ah, Mistress Ryza!" he says, bowing clumsily and waving his fellows off. "Forgive us; we've just been dealing with so many shipments that we- what I mean to say is-"

Hopping down off the cart, you move to stand in front of him. "It's okay," you say, trying to sooth his nerves. "I'm not upset or anything, I'm just confused. Is everything alright? Is Artemis hurt?"

The man blinks, but shakes his head. "I don't think so, Mistress," he says. "I don't really know what's going on; His Highness just met with some travelers about a week ago, then he raised the battle-standard that afternoon. Since then, everything's been a little chaotic." He gestures towards your cart. "We've had so many supply convoys coming in I just assumed you were one of them. Forgive-"

You shake your head. "There's nothing to forgive," you say. "I was going to ask for some help in unloading a few things, but if you're all busy you can just move that off to the side and I'll figure out what to do with it later." You look around. "Should… do you think the Archduke is busy? I kind of want to know…"

Axton, who'd been talking with the other yeomen who'd come with you, turned. "I think that would be a good idea, Mistress Ryza," he said formally. "While you're not technically Head Mage yet, for all intents and purposes you are, which means his Highness will have need of you."

"I guess that's true…" you say softly, looking nervously back at your pile of things from home. You want to go figure out what's going on, how you can help, but you want to deal with your heritage as well…

Seeing your conflicted expression, Kelton grins. "Don't worry about all this," he says, gesturing. "Belle and I'll protect your stuff. Anything in particular you want done with it?"

Looking around, you see that the entire courtyard is a hive of activity. "For now, let's let everyone settle down," you say. "I'll figure something out after I've talked to Archduke Letoro." The workman's eye twitches, but he doesn't comment, simply giving you a respectful nod before hustling over to yell at a few other men who are trying to unload what looks like a big bag of some sort of grain from another cart.

"Axton and I have to check in with our fellows," Lancel says. "It… it was nice to be able to see your home, Ryza."

You smile. "Thanks for coming," you say. "It was good to have friends around." The yeoman smiles faintly before Axton taps him on the shoulder. The two give you a final nod before hurrying away, followed by the other four yeomen.

Swallowing, you nod to Belle and Kelton. "I'll be back soon," you say. "Thanks for looking after everything." They both nod before turning to help the last few laborers push your cart out of the way of the others (Well, Kelton helps push. Belle seems to take an inordinate amount of pleasure out of 'supervising' and shouting orders.)

It takes a little while to get across the crowded courtyard; there's just so many people and horses running around. In the end, you're forced to lift off and fly to avoid getting trampled, drawing a few shocked cries. "Sorry! Sorry, coming through!" you say. "Mage needs to get somewhere, please excuse me!"

That gets you a lot of space, and soon you're hurrying through the halls of the castle itself.

"Ryza!"

Turning, you see Dione trotting towards you, delicately lifting the front of her dress to avoid dragging it across the ground or stepping on it. "Dione," you say, skidding to a halt and darting over to meet her. "Is everything alright? Is Artemis okay?"

The bigger woman smiles. "To the best of my knowledge, my daughter is well," she says. "You actually just missed her by a few days; she's riding north with Princess Alina."

You blink. "Who?" you say, slightly hurt that your friend's run off with someone else without waiting to say goodbye. "Why?"

Dione sighs and crouches down, putting her hands on your shoulders. "Please, don't worry, Ryza," she says, standing and putting a guiding hand on your back. "But while you were gone, there were some… developments. I'm sure my husband will want to tell you about them; let's go talk to him now."

"That sounds like a good idea," you say.

As the pair of you continue towards the Archduke's office, Dione looks down at you. "Was everything alright at your home?" she asks. "Did you find everything that you wanted?"

You sigh, feeling the weight of Gyra-Dregon's stone in your pocket. "Not… everything, but a lot," you say. "I found a bunch of scrolls, as well as some family stuff." Pulling the picture of your parents out of your pocket, you show it to Dione. "These are my parents," you say. "That's Father, Fafnara," you say. "And that's Mother, Aithusa."

"I… I see…" Dione says, running her finger along the image of your mother. "You all seem very happy."

A coil of sadness wraps around your heart. "We were…" you say. "We were very happy…"

Dione gently squeezes your shoulder. "Thank you for showing me this," she says. "And I'm glad you were able to find it." She smiles sadly. "Artemis convinced Letoro to give you the room under your shrine, if you want it. Hopefully there'll be enough space for everything you brought."

"There should be," you say, swallowing. "And if not… there are probably a few scrolls I could… I could loan to the library, in case anyone else wanted to look at them…" Nothing truly vital or private or irreplaceable… but maybe it'll be a way for humans to recognize that manakete are people too.

"That is very kind of you, Ryza," Dione says as the pair of you turn the final corner towards the Archdukes office, spotting the typical pair of heavily armored guards standing watch. "Let's see what my lord husband is going to ask of you; I'm afraid it will probably take a while."

You sigh: of course it will. Why can't things just… not... go wrong? For a month or two at least? "Alright, let's see what's going on," you say, stopping in front of the guards. "Hello again," you say. One of these days, you'll have to figure out if it's the same two men, or just a string of seemingly identical people in massive armor.

They nod to you and Dione. "His Highness informed us that, if you returned, he wished to see you immediately," one says, knocking. "Your Highness, Mistress Ryza has returned, along with Lady Dione."

"Thank you, Sevitus, I can take things from here," Dione said, breezily stepping forwards and opening the door, gesturing you in. "Come, Ryza." Smiling, you trot in. As the door closes, Archduke Letoro raises an eyebrow at his wife. "I simply wished to spend some time with our daughter's darling friend before you sent her off again," Dione says easily as she pulls out a chair for you to clamber into.

As you look around the room, you slightly start as you see Kopoi sitting in another chair against the wall, sipping something that doesn't smell like water from a water skin. He gives you a respectful nod as you acknowledge him.

The Archduke, meanwhile, simply sighs. "In troubled times, we must do what is required to protect Agrithe," he says before turning his eyes to you. "I am glad to see you have returned. Are you well?"

You nod. "Yes, I am," you say. "But… but what's going on? I just got back, and Axton says that the flag means that there's gonna be a war. I thought that everything was… was stable, for now. Lacroix promised…"

"Lacroix Skyfire?" Kopoi asks sharply. "Phoenix Lord and Head Mage of the Southlands?"

You nod. "Yes, we ran into each other at my home," you say. "He was coming to talk to Jenna about me, and we got to talking, and he said… he said that he didn't want war and that Callista wasn't planning to do anything…"

Archduke Letoro frowns. "Perhaps you should start at the beginning," he says, pulling a roll of parchment over and opening it up. "It seems a great deal happened while you were away."

Nodding, you quickly launch into the story. You mostly gloss over the trip to your home: you get the feeling that's not what Artemis's father is interested in. Instead, you pass on the warning Anna had given about Imperial troops patrolling inside the Empire's borders, and how Lacroix had corroborated her warning but insisted that there wasn't going to be any wider problem. You also mention some of the monster troubles; the wards will probably have failed by now, and while monsters tend to prefer dark environments some might come out and harass travelers. You'd told Countess Mantrae about that too, but best to spread monster warnings as wide as possible.

When you finish with your story, the Archduke looks up from the scroll he'd been reading along with and glances at Kopoi. "Thoughts?" he says simply.

"What she said matches our own information," the spy answers instantly. "And my sources tell me that Skyfire is a man of honor, if one also skilled in the art of saying one thing and meaning another." He frowns. "It does fit with his profile that he wouldn't want war, especially since it would disrupt his research. However, at no point did he say that war wouldn't happen, just that there are no plans for the Southlands themselves to start it. That leaves multiple avenues for it to happen anyways."

You flinch: the way Kopoi's mind works scares you. "What information?" you ask. "What happened?"

Archduke Letoro leans back, running his finger along the scroll. "After you left, Kopoi began collating information from the various kingdom's spies in the Empire. However, he quickly found a message delivered, one that is both… fascinating and terrifying." He taps the scroll. "Alongside a detailed list of almost every spy in the Empire, including some that were not shared by the other Kingdoms, was a message from a self-proclaimed loyalist to the old Emperor detailing what they believe Regent Justinian's plans are. The theory Skyfire mentioned… the wording he used for Duchess Callista's orders… they fit into this plan quite neatly."

"What… what's going on?" you whisper, even though a part of you really doesn't want to know. "What's happening?"

The Archduke sighs. "Some of it, we knew already," he said. "The plan to kidnap my daughter, young lady Sypha, as well as any other Southern Kingdom noble the Talons could get their claws on… that was all intended to weaken the Southern Kingdoms; to force some to stand down without a fight and leave the others utterly isolated and easy pickings. In short, it was an attempt to win a war without having to fight it. Apparently, this was planned at the highest levels; by the Regent himself, even before he became Regent."

Your breath leaves you in a gasp. "What!? But-but how?! Why!?"

"This plan," the Archduke continues ruthlessly. "Was repeated in the north. Without the blessing of an awakened manakete, the Northern Kingdoms fared far worse. The Bloodhunter Chapter of the Talons successfully made off with several young nobles, though our warning thankfully prevented an attempted rescue from running into the patrolling Imperial regulars that were searching for any stragglers, just as the ones this merchant mentioned were searching for any of our own that might stray over the border."

The… the sheer scale of this makes you slump back in your chair. "But… but Sypha and Bernard and Lacroix said that the Emperor was a peaceful man…" you say. "And this… this would have had to start before he died…"

"Indeed," the Archduke says. "Which is why… why I cannot help but believe our mysterious loyalist's other claim: that the Regent himself was behind the death of the Emperor."

Your blood runs cold. "But… but…"

"Which leads us into his 'theory.' The fact that the Emperor was killed by light magic, powerful light magic, has led to the Regent spreading the belief that the Divine Realm was behind the assassination. They are the most proficient and prolific users of light magic in the world, and while the Whitewings are a more powerful military force the Divine Realm has a greater supply of more… subtle assets."

You shake your head… the thought that the spiritual descendants of Solariana's Union being accused of such a thing… "But...but people have to know that's a lie, right?" you say. "This loyalist… why isn't he telling everyone?!"

"Because there's no proof," Kopoi says darkly. "The Regent was careful enough to leave no hard evidence, and even if people suspect… well, the thought of bringing one of their 'rebellious provinces' to heel will cause many Imperials to cheer and look the other way." His eyes are dark. "And if a few minor rebel states are conquered along the way, all the better. Especially since I'm sure they would swiftly be accused of aiding and abetting the assassination plot."

Slumping back in your chair, you hug yourself. "What… what do we do now?" you whisper.

"There is some good news," Archduke Letoro says. "Thanks to your efforts, the attempt to divide and destroy the Southern Kingdoms failed so spectacularly that Regent Justinian decided to scrap the plan for a simultaneous effort to conquer us. I do believe Skyfire is correct that Duchess Callista's orders are defensive in nature; we're united enough that we could hold off an invasion until the Whitewings mobilized and intervened. As powerful as the Empire is, they do not have the power to fight every single other human polity on the continent at the same time, and while the Coastal Republics likely wouldn't get involved directly, they would probably subsidize us hiring their mercenaries. The merchant lords are no fools: they recognize that if the rest of us fall, they will soon be forced to bend the knee as well." He sighs. "As for what we do now… well, that brings us to the other major event that happened while you were gone. While our warning to the Northern Kingdoms was too late to prevent the first stage of the Regent's scheme, we did blunt the worst of the second stroke. This has left the Northern Kingdoms damaged but not yet shattered. However, it seems that the Regent still believes he can make something of this, so he will concentrate his efforts to the north. The Northern Kingdoms have recognized this as well, as well as the fact that they cannot defend themselves alone. Thus, Princess Alina Hornglade-Sundaughter was sent to ask the South's aid in the coming war."

You glance at Dione. "The eldest daughter of the Hornglade Kingdom, the largest of the Northern Kingdoms," she says kindly. "In essence, they are to the North as Agrithe is to the South."

"So this Alina's kind of like Artemis?" you ask.

"In essence, yes," Archduke Letoro says. "Other representatives were sent to hire mercenaries from the Costal Republics, but she came personally to beg our aid." He sighs. "All logic, as well as our informant, says that if the North falls, the Regent will soon try again in the south, and this time we won't be able to split their forces. The Southern Kingdoms, even with the Whitewings' help, cannot withstand the full fury of the Empire. As my illustrious ancestor once said: 'if we do not hang together, we shall assuredly all hang separately.' Thus, I sent Artemis north with an advance force while I convince the rest of the Kingdoms to mobilize their full force. If we can force the Regent to accept that we will not stand by while he picks us off one by one, he will be forced to either fight a hopeless war… or stand down."

You shiver. "So Artemis's all by herself?" you ask.

"Not quite," Dione says. "Young Alejandro Rignali insisted on bringing some of his father's men along as well; to prove to the North that we are taking the matter seriously." She smiles. "My dear little girl didn't seem to know if she wanted to hug him or strangle him."

"Of course," the Archduke cuts in smoothly, "I am sure she would appreciate your support as well, if you should choose to give it." You start to open your mouth to say of course you want to help Artemis, but he raises a hand. "There is, however, another important matter at hand."

'Oh, what now?!' you think grumpily. "There is?" you say in a more diplomatic tone.

Reading from the scroll, Archduke Letoro speaks coolly. "The Regent, determined to claim victory and restore the Empire to what he sees as its rightful glory, has already had his liege assassinated since he saw him as weak," he says. "According to our informant, he is always looking for more tools he can leverage to make his quest to bring the world under his boot easier. And it seems that some of those tools are located in the Marble Hall." He looks up. "The Marble Hall is a neutral place, but it is deep in the Empire. It also has multiple children of Kingdom nobility, both North and South, as well as from the Divine Realm and even a few Whitewing daughters. Taking them, while deeply illegal, would give the Regent all the bargaining chips he would ever need. He would also be in a position to destroy the Kingdoms' access to magic for a generation."

It seems that the Archduke is getting at something he hadn't discussed with his wife, and she doesn't look happy. "You're thinking of sending Ryza into that viper pit?!" she hisses. "Artemis-"

"I will not order her to do it," Archduke Letoro says sharply. "But the fact cannot be denied that she can get there far faster than most, either by her own power or by the unexpected offer of Skyfire." He looks at you. "It would also give you a chance to get accredited, which would give you some protection on your way out. Being not a noble child, you could slip by so long as your nature was not discovered." He sighs. "As much as it is against my nature; I will give you this choice: you can go to try and protect my son by warning Archmage Stormspeaker of the threat. He will not tolerate any attempt to undo Thundercrier's Compact; simply telling him what is to come should be enough for him to gather enough allies that even the Regent will have to back down. Or, you can go and aid my daughter as she provides a show of Agrithian force in the North." He meets your eyes firmly.

"However… I do call on you as my would-be Head Mage to take one of those paths."

"Agrithe… no, the free world depends on it."


AN: Please vote by plan

[] You will go with Artemis. She is your best friend, and she's walking right into the jaws of men like the Talons and the danger of a planned invasion. She's your friend, she held you as you cried, and you will not abandon her! You might also have time to take a look around the Divine Realm, something you feel is important somehow… (Choose 2 Learning Option and 2 Social Options)

[] You will go to the Hall, to save Artemis's brother. She'd be devastated if something happened to him, and the thought of a place of knowledge being used as a trap is offensive to your sensibilities as a scholar. Getting accredited will also be good, as well as checking in with the Revisionists there. (Choose 3 Learning Options and 1 Social Option)
-[] You'll get Lacroix's help and get there as fast as possible. You'll have to leave Belle and Kelton behind, but you can guarantee that you'll get there in time to prevent any trouble, and having Lacroix around will help you be taken seriously.
-[] You can go through the Whitewings' mountains. It won't be as fast, but you won't risk being harassed by Imperials, and you should still get there in time. The Archduke promises to pay the fee, so you won't have to sell any scrolls or anything…

[] Write-in: you see another path that you can take to make a difference. The Archduke may not like it… but he does not own you. You are not his knight…
-[] You will do what you feel is best, no matter what the Archduke says.
-[] He has offered you a home, a place as Head Mage. You'll give your suggestion, but if he vetoes it you will follow his wishes.


[] Social Options: Who do you get to know better?
-[] Artemis (Only if going North)
-[] Kelton/Belle (Cannot be chosen if flying with Lacroix)
-[] Phoebe (Only if going North)
-[] Axton and Lancel (Only if going North)
-[] Alejandro Rignali (Only if going North)
-[] Lacroix Skyfire (Only if flying with him)
-[] Someone new you meet along the way.
-[] Write-in (subject to veto)

[] Learning Options (Can choose the same option multiple times to focus on it)
-[] Continue learning White magic
-[] Continue learning Yellow magic
-[] Continue along the Path of Awakening
-[] Begin learning Red magic
-[] Begin learning Green magic
-[] Begin learning Black magic
-[] Begin learning Runewrighting
-[] Knowledge you gained from home that is relevant to where you're going (i.e. Solariana's scroll if you go North)
-[] Write In (subject to veto)


[] Boons: (Choose one for free)
-[] Rumors of your nature are dismissed by the Empire as tall tales.
-[] A greater power clamps down on an old enemy.
-[] A friend you've never met receives a vision.
-[] The friendly voices from the Empire start getting louder.
-[] The world at large receives good fortune.
-[] A boon unique to your path forward appears.

[] Banes: (For every Bane chosen, choose an additional Boon)
-[] Stories of your true nature find fertile ground in the Empire.
-[] Old enemies rear their heads once more.
-[] An enemy you've never met claims a secret.
-[] The friendly voices from the Empire start to go silent…
-[] A shadow moves beyond your sight.
-[] A bane unique to your path forward appears.

AN: The reason Agrithe got such specific, useful info and an invitation to help head off a future problem was because of the 5 and 6 rolled for what's going on elsewhere back in this post:

SoaringHawk218 said:

Alright, we've got our spread: 5 and 6 for what's happening elsewhere, 4, 5, 7 and 8 for what's happening near you.

In short, things are going pretty well for the Kingdoms (all things considering) while things are a bit more middling for you, but not truly bad (other than the monsters in the basement.)

Click to expand...

Click to shrink...

In short, things are starting to heat up.