Royal Authority

Campaign: Destruction and Domination

Chapter 12 / 3-3

Royal Authority

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Summary

Caught in a desperate situation, the prince offers Chelle a deal that leads to her forces pulling back. At the same time, Leonidas moves on the Halidom in an effort to destroy it utterly. Hearing this, the party heads off at full speed in order to protect their home.

Dialogue

Well, this ain't good. We're surrounded. You put up more of a fight than I anticipated! Sadly for you, it's only a matter of time before I prevail. Chelle! You can't be all right with this! What exactly are you trying to say? You want me to fight Morsayati. Don't you? Oh, dear. He's found us out. If that's true, what possible use is it for us to exhaust ourselves fighting here? I'm not telling you to cooperate with us, but it shouldn't be necessary for you to side with the Other, either. Oh no. It is quite necessary. What does that mean? I side with Morsayati because it is proper and just. How can you SAY that?! However you may think about it, our PEOPLE believe that Zethia is the legitimate heir to the throne. And the people standing in opposition to this rightful heir—the ones who have thrown the kingdom into chaos—are you and your ragtag companions. Only the most cynical of people would possibly place the appearance of propriety above the actual thing! And yet, appearances are critical! After all, what catches the eye of the populace if not appearances? The people rest easy and obey their ruler because of the appearance of legitimacy. The entire system is based on belief. How can you call yourself a ruler when you would steal this peace away from your own people? THAT'S why you're falling in line with Morsayati?! Indeed. And if by some chance I am to become monarch, I will do it properly and have Zethia cede the throne to me. In that case, I have a proposal. Oh, THIS should be a delight! What do you have that could possibly interest moi? I'll defeat Morsayati. And as you say, that will likely make it look like I'm stealing the throne from Zethia. So after I do it...you can kill me. Hm?! You'd kill the usurper of the throne, and in so doing would bring about the creation of a rightful monarch. This is a serious proposal? No reneging? No tricks? No tricks. I'll save Zethia and free the kingdom from the Other's control. Once that happens, I don't particularly care who takes the throne. ...... If that offer came from anyone else, I'd think it a clever ruse of some sort. But this one is so purrfectly honest! What will you do, Chelle? I decline your offer, Brother. ...! That being said, I have decided to seize control of Rovetelle in order to ensure the ultimate safety of my forces. Once I do, I imagine I'll find small pockets of rebellion to keep me busy for a while. In fact, I'll probably be there juuuust long enough for you and Leonidas to work out your differences one way or the other. Chelle! Come, Cat Sìth! We'll be in ever so much danger if we can't force a quick surrender out of Rovetelle. You couldn't be more obvious if you tried. Thank you, Chelle.

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This means all we have to deal with now is Leonidas's army! Let's go! We have trouble, Your Highness. Leonidas's army approaches the Halidom. He's heading for the Halidom instead of fighting us?! The castle has only the most minimal of defenses at present; they won't stand a chance if he lays siege now! We have to intercept him!

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Leonidas... What is it, Alex? You look pale. A-apologies. I was just thinking anew about His Highness—er, Leonidas. Ah, right. You used to serve under him. Yes—so I know there is a cold, harsh side of the man. A part unconcerned with the human cost of his actions, and one who would do anything to achieve his aims. However, he is also prideful in the extreme. He believes in might entirely, and prides himself as a conqueror. Whether temporarily or not, I don't believe for one second that he would bend the knee to the Other or anyone else. Leonidas said that standing supreme astride the world meant one had to have the greatest power in that world. He said that was what he wanted. And I don't think that's untrue. But I also can't help but feel like there's something frantic—something hurried—about his current behavior. How so? It's hard to explain. However, I feel this must be the reason he's falling in line with the Other. If we could just find that reason, perhaps we could... Er, I mean... *sigh* Apologies, Your Highness. I am not being very clear. Maybe you just want to help him. Help?! No! Why would I ever... It's not untrue that, for a time, Leonidas was my source of stability. In the end, I was just another pawn for him to sacrifice in service to his strategy. Be that as it may, I don't know what would have become of me without him. I owe him a debt. That's as clearly as I can put it right now. ...Forgive me, Your Highness. These are not words that should be bandied about regarding the enemy we seek to fight. Pray forget I mentioned it. It's okay, Alex—I've been having similar thoughts myself. Truly? I'm not convinced of my brother's methods, which is why we're about to cross swords. But that doesn't mean everything you just said isn't also true. Leonidas is a man of action—a man with the ironclad will to do the impossible. And I...I respect him. So if my brother has even the slightest hesitation about his current path, I want to free him from it. That being said, I realize now is a pretty poor time to be considering such things. But I still can't give up my hope, so I don't think you need to, either. Thank you, Your Highness. Come on, Alex. Let's end this. Let's face my brother with the power of our combined hope!