A Paladyn's Past

Campaign: Chaos in the Capital

Chapter 14 / 4-10

A Paladyn's Past

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Summary

As the battle inside the castle rages, Elisanne heeds the prince's orders and escorts Zethia to a safer location. But a mysterious man called Nedrick appears and takes custody of the Auspex, bidding the prince to make haste to a checkpoint at the border.

Dialogue

...... Oh, Princess Zethia... Why couldn't I... Hmm? Who's there?! I will be taking the Auspex now. Or should I say, I will be taking my younger sister. No... You cannot be! Hmph. You must be the Paladyn I have heard so much about. Elisanne, was it? How do you know my name?! I will repeat myself only once, Elisanne. Give me Zethia. Move no closer, fiend, or I shall cut you down where you stand! Oh? I did not realize it was the Paladyns' charge to obstruct the reunion of royals. Royals...? Y-you lie through your teeth! Answer me this: What drives you to take up your lance? Spare me your rhetoric! All I do is in service to His Majesty. I see. And in exchange, what does your prince promise you? Nothing less than peace, of course. His Majesty's heart is kind, and his ideals pure. He will see this world free from conflict. Ideals and kindness alone are hardly enough to bring peace. You risk your very survival by throwing your lot behind such a pitiful platform. Every force in the world is vying for supremacy while parading their truths and ideologies. To take them on with such lukewarm resolve is tantamount to suicide. What do YOU believe in, Elisanne? Not as a Paladyn, but as a person. I... (Fie, I cannot let his words poison my heart...!) I was robbed of my bloodline, my status— even my health. But I no longer care for any of those things. All I believe in now is what my heart proclaims. But that's enough of that. Now, give me the Auspex. A word of advice: a wavering heart is quick to bleed. Huh?! Where did— Urgh... You have lost. No... G-give her...back! Give Euden a message for me, won't you? Tell him I will be waiting with Zethia at the checkpoint on the northern border. Who...are you...? I am Nedrick. And I am... What?! No... Even if the history I read is true, there is no way you could... Do not forget my message, Paladyn. N-no, stop! Princess... (I let his provocations taint my mind, and lost Zethia as a result...) (I failed in my duty as a Paladyn. There is no excusing such weakness.) (Should I divulge to the others all that I know? All that I have learned?) (Now is surely not the best time, but...) (Oh, Goddess... What should I do?)