In Low Spirits

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Chapter 6 / 1-1

In Low Spirits

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The Auspex's Last Words

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Summary

Some months have passed since the Other took Zethia's body and ascended the imperial throne. The prince despairs but continues the fight for his people. When the fourth heir, Valyx, attacks, the Halidom musters its defense.

Dialogue

Euden: We failed to save Zethia at the Binding Ruins and returned to the Halidom in defeat. No one said a word along the road home, and the cruel, alien expression on Zethia's face was never far from my mind. I cursed my impotence with every step. Never had a homecoming felt more like a coward's flight.

Imperial Soldier: Dys fahr Dyrenell! Dys fahr Dyrenell!

Empress Zethia: Hear me, men! Emperor Aurelius is fallen, sacrificed at the altar of Dyrenell's return. But the Empire will not stop to grieve this death, for it is as insignificant as his reign! I now rule as your Empress Zethia, but do not think this is some mere succession. I will EXCEED him! I will impress a new order on this land and all the world: bend the knee to Dyrenell, or be destroyed!

Imperial Soldier: HUZAAAAAAH!

Empress Zethia: I will acknowledge no rule save mine! If a village resists, put it to the torch! Let no rebellious stone stand atop another! All dragons are to be bound in chains, for we rule over man and mana both! Let none usurp our power!

Resident 1: Oi, it's the Empire! This town's done for! Run! RUUUN!

Resident 2: The prince of the Mistholt'll shelter us! Everyone 'ead there now!

SYS: The Other laid claim to the body of the prince's beloved sister, Zethia, who now styles herself the Auspex of the Nether. Some months after her ascension to the throne...

Elisanne: I wanted to brief you on the latest news of Zethia, Your Highness. In the short time since her return to the capital, she has brought the entire kingdom to heel. She is now empress in name and substance both.

Euden: That's troubling. If she's in the capital, we can't easily move on her. And what about the woman who looked like Zethia? The one who told me to ＂seek the Dawnshard.＂ We've searched all manner of tomes, but we don't even know what it IS, much less where to find it. Zethia was within my reach, Elly. I was so close to saving her, but now... I just don't know. What do I do now?

Elisanne: First you must find the steel in your spine, Your Highness, for you are the axis upon which this entire castle turns! If you lose hope, all who look to you will also succumb. You cannot afford to indulge in despair!

Euden: You're right, Elly—and I'm sorry. I know this place is the last bastion for those who suffer under the Empire's rule. Keeping them safe is our first priority. Thank you for the reminder.

Elisanne: I've said nothing to earn such thanks. I'm merely relieved to see you take heart.

Ranzal: Bad news, Euden! We got company at the walls, and they ain't lookin' too friendly.

Elisanne: More fiends?!

Cleo: An imperial platoon—if there is even any difference left between the two. They fly Dyrenell's hideous colors.

Ranzal: With a greatbear's mug slapped on top! Gotta admit, these guys look tougher'n—

Euden: The crest of the greatbear?! Then I guess Valyx has finally come.

Mym: Who is Valyx?

Euden: The fourth heir to Alberia. ...My brother. I'm the seventh child, Emile was the sixth, and Valyx is above him as fourthborn. We're seven in total, so there are three ahead of him in the line of succession.

Cleo: Hold a moment. You said Valyx is fourth in line, and Emile is sixth. What happened to the fifth?

Euden: I don't know. I'm actually not sure anyone knows, even within my family. Something happened before my time. That's all I can tell you.

Ranzal: That's great, but right now, we got number four beatin' down our front door. I'll hand it to him—takes serious guts to attack a castle head-on like this.

Elisanne: Head-on? Wait, he's attacking the front gates?

Euden: How is that possible? The path to the front gates is protected by the Windwyrm's wall of gales. How could he have pushed through, let alone with a large-scale force?

Midgardsormr: Perhaps the power of my wind was insufficient. It may be time to seek a wind dracolith to bolster my power. We'll need to reopen the Windway, which means routing our assailants first.

Cleo: I can't imagine pushing through the Windwyrm's mana by force. Your brother must be equal parts brute strength and hubris.

Euden: He's certainly strong, but Valyx is also quite humble. ...Or used to be, at any rate. And he's certainly not one that would happily submit to evil. Someone else may be leading his men.

Elisanne: An ambitious lieutenant, perhaps. Or some other newly appointed dog.

Ranzal: Well, whoever it is, they ain't leavin'.

Cleo: Their intrusion has already set the fiends of the forest on edge.

Euden: All right. Get ready, everyone. We'll put down the fiends and meet the Empire head-on.