Beast Attack

Campaign: Return from Darkness

Chapter 13 / 5-8

Beast Attack

Previous Quest

Sowing Chaos

Next Quest

Praying for a Path

Summary

Valyx has dispatched his army based on the testimony of a scout that was attacked near the border. When he arrives, he discovers a mystery group raising a mangled remnant of his own flag. Quietly seething at this mockery, Valyx commands his forces to attack.

Dialogue

Northern Border

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Checkpoint
*sigh* There's not a job more tedious than a scout with no enemies TO scout. This whole thing feels like a goose chase. Maybe those fellows earlier saw a bear and mistook it for an enemy? Or maybe whoever they saw were so afeared of General Valyx that they fled back into northern Grastaea. Ha ha! Certainly possible! Even this far north, there isn't a man alive what hasn't heard tale of the general's might and— Enough chatter! Keep your focus! L-Lieutenant, sir! When did you...? I mean, er, apologies, sir! Whatever the time or circumstances, you will carry out duties to the absolute best of your ability and give them your UNDIVIDED attention. Am I clear? AM I CLEAR, SOLDIER?! Sir, yes, sir! Perfectly clear, sir! Like a brook in springtime, you are! Hmph. I think I have a few jobs for you when we return to headquarters. Prepare to be worked to the bone! Yes, sir! Happy to be worked thusly, sir! And don't think you're getting off easily, soldier! I've plans for you as well! I... Uuuurgh... H-hey, what's wrong?! Dammit, man, if you're faking this... Hrm. Not good. He isn't breathing. What the hell? He was alive just a second ag—Uuuungh... Hey! No one is dying on my watch, do you hear me?! ...Damn these fools! I ordered them not to die before me, and they went ahead and did it anyway! HEAR ME, UNSEEN ENEMY! I REPRESENT THE GREAT GENERAL VALYX, AND I DO NOT FEAR YOU! NOW COME FOR ME, IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS! Near the Northern Border
Valyx's Army—Main Force
(It's been some time since I've made for the northern border...) (I wonder what flag our mysterious invaders will be flying.) (They can't possibly be anyone from northern Grastaea.) (Which means it must be some manner of thieves, rebels, or—) D-don't, please! STOOOOP! Who's there?! P-Please! Spare me! STOP, PLEASE! Uuuuwaaaaargh! C-calm down, Lieutenant! Stop screaming! What in the blazes happened?! Report! General Valyx, sir! One of the scouting party has just returned, and he's... Well, you can see how he is. Look at me, Lieutenant. Calm yourself. There are no enemies here. Y-yes...G-General Valyx... Were you attacked? What happened? Near the border... They were... monstrous... Nnnngh... I can scarcely believe it's him... This was a tough-as-nails man feared by friend and foe alike... And look at these wounds—it's as though he was mangled by some kind of beast. Yes, but not fatally. Whatever did this wanted to break his mind, not kill him. Who would commit such an atrocity? Take this man and see him safely home. He needs rest and recovery. The rest of you, make haste with your preparations. We leave at once for the checkpoint! We're nearly at the checkpoint. Be on your guard—our enemies could be lurking anywhere. General Valyx! Figures ahead! What are their numbers? Merely five of them, sir. Did we really come all the way up here for FIVE enemies? Sir, look! They're flying our own standard, but it's been mangled and shredded! ...... So they seek to mock us, do they? So be it. In that case, we will mark our strength indelibly upon them. All troops, attack! And I want them ALIVE! Insulting my army... Toying with my men... Once I learn all I can wring from them, they can spend the rest of eternity in hell.