A Warrior's Pride

Campaign: Return from Darkness

Chapter 13 / EX 1-1

A Warrior's Pride

Previous Quest

The Black Fiends

Next Quest

Battle on the Byroad

Summary

Recently, in the capital, Valyx called upon Leif just before he set out for Chanzelia. He'd seen through Leif's intention to escape and link up with the prince and his allies, but through their conversation he senses his resolve, and opts to overlook the transgression.

Dialogue

While the prince and his party are busy at
Lake Reeve, events unfold in the capital...
The patrol of the capital is complete, General Valyx. No signs of anything unusual detected. Good. Still, it's a shame we've had to deface this beautiful city by turning it into a defensive bulwark like this. Is aught on your mind, soldier? I just don't understand why Empress Zethia keeps us on this course of violence, sir. She even took the name of the ancient empire that worshipped the Other! You care not for the name Dyrenell? I'd prefer not to be lumped in with a group that worships the Other, sir. Why must we obey that fell creature? If we're forced to continue to accept such humiliations, perhaps it would be better to break with the Empress and join forces with the seventh scion instead. Are you merely thinking aloud, soldier, or are you proffering advice to me? Eeep! I w-would never be so forward, sir! I was merely thinking aloud, as you say! Then I suggest you keep your tongue from wagging, lest you lose it. Dismissed. Y-yes, sir! Forgive me, sir! ...Why must we obey the Other? He posed that selfsame question to me. What is he doing now, I wonder? Recently, in the capital...
Where are you going, Leif? Ah, General Valyx. I fear I have received a sudden summons from Princess Chelle, and so make for Chanzelia. And yet you stand with the whole of the White Sparrows at your back. It must be a dire need indeed if she saw fit to summon the lot of you. All is as Princess Chelle commands. We shall make haste back to the capital as soon as our duty is done. Enough with the shameless theater. I know you'll not be returning here. ...... You and your entire order have plans to decamp the Dyrenell Empire for good. Your ultimate destination is the Halidom, where you will join ranks with my brother. Have I seen to the heart of you yet? Your eyes see much, Your Highness. I can hide nothing from you. Indeed you cannot. And in that case... You are henceforth named as traitors to the Empire. I have no intention to cross blades with you, General. Pray sheathe your weapon. You would have me stand unarmed in front of a man who has chosen revolt? Clearly you are willing to cross blades with me if it means seeing your will done this day. I am of course prepared to fight. But I also expect you yourself are loath to do so now. ...Unwavering to the end, I see. Go then. Leave the capital at once. If I am bade to dispatch you by the Empress, things will not end as peaceably as all this. General Valyx, why do you remain in the capital at the beck and call of the Other? The warped yoke we bear under the Other's patronage can never bring true peace. Surely a man such as yourself must see this for the truth it is. I wield force and might as a cudgel in service to my kingdom—the leader of that kingdom is of no interest to me. I cut down any who would threaten the peace of my people, and will continue to do this so long as I draw breath. You have the disposition of a true solider and a man of honor. It suits you well. I remember when the two of us would train in the sword—the mere sight of your advancing was almost enough to overwhelm me some days! You sweated out your very blood, so eagerly did you train. You gave your all to master the arts of war. My elder brother and sister do not want for wisdom—yet I was ever afraid that selfsame wisdom would be the knife that cleaved our kingdom in twain. General... That is why I trained myself: So I could be peer to them. So I would not be inferior. But somehow Euden... Truly, one never knows what talents a person may hold. I'd thought that little brother of mine kind but weak, yet look at him now... What is Euden to you? A beacon of light—though as yet a meager one. But one which exudes the radiance we need to guide us in these dark days. You are that taken with him, then? So be it. Do as you desire and go. I will stay here, lead the armies, and protect the land—even if it means being looked down upon as a pawn of the Other. Then your mind is decided, General? Is it so strange? No. You've magnificent resolve. If we follow the paths we each believe in, let us hope they cross again in the future. If you join the forces of my brother, I fear our reunion will be a bloody one. For if we meet in the fields of battle, our comradeship will not avail you. I will crush you, body and soul. Should it come to that, General Valyx, I am prepared to face you as a knight. I will be off, then. May Ilia guide you. ...Hold, Leif. What is it? Stay strong. Stay alive. For I would have the chance to end you myself. Understood, General Valyx. (The time approaches when New Alberia and the Dyrenell Empire will settle their scores for good and all.) (As a general of the Empire, I will hold to my cause, even as others ridicule me as narrow-minded and stubborn.) General Valyx! I have news! What is it? A messenger brings word that an unknown group approaches our upper border. So that northern nation moves at last, eh? Their numbers appear too few to be a full invasion force, sir. I shall ascertain that for myself. Once I secure permission from the Empress, we strike for the north. Make ready for the departure. Sir, yes, sir! I know not who these strangers are, but I will grant no quarter to any that might threaten this land...