The Dagger-Wielder's Secret

Facility Event: Dream Big Under the Big Top

Episode 3

The Dagger-Wielder's Secret

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Acrobatic Goblins

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The Twilight Escape

Summary

As the party makes its way through the mountains to the circus festival, they are waylaid by thieves. Sensing the danger, Fritz fights them alone and ends up in peril. When the party goes to aid him, they learn about his secret past.

Dialogue

You guys have a real knack for fighting the way Annelie showed you. Yes, your movements are absolutely enchanting! Thanks. Although if I'm honest, it's a rather tough talent to master. I understand—but don't fret! We've still got time before the circus festival. I'm going to train you right up until the moment we arrive, so be ready! We'll do out best—er, but please try not to be TOO hard on us? And so, the prince and his friends practiced their performances over and over again... Until the day they found themselves crossing through the mountains for the town where the festival was to be held... You cats are really something. I can't believe how quickly you picked up all your routines! Yes, you've all become quite the little stars, haven't you? That's nice to hear... What's wrong, Euden? It's just... Well, I know we're trying to disguise ourselves with all this makeup, but I'm not actually sure it's working. The whole Empire is after us, after all. If word gets out about what we're doing, this troupe will be in grave danger. We'll cross that road if we come to it. Remember what I told you before? The show must go on! And that's no matter what happens, so let's keep a positive mindset! You've got a point, Annelie. I've got ALL the points! Anyway, when you're up on that stage, nothing matters but the entertainment. You may be a prince or a scoundrel, but once the spotlight shines on you, you're nothing but a performer— just like the rest of us carnies. ...... Say, what's wrong, Fritz? You look a little pale there. ...It's nothing, ma'am. Anyway, it's time for us to set up camp. I'll take the first patrol. And I will go with you! It's my duty as ringmaster to ensure our safety, after all. No, I got this. You stay. This isn't something you need to be doing. Fritz...?

I know you're hiding in there, you curs! Give it up and come out! Unless you want me to use start in on some target practice! ...HAH! Gwar har har! Lookit that dagger fly! You gots some skill for a clown, lad! You chumps're with the thieves guild, yeah? Whaddya want with us? Thieves' guild? You wound me, sir! ...Bwaaa ha ha! 'COURSE we want ya! Buncha circus freaks crossin' a mountain? Elia herself couldn't send a better pack'a marks! That dagger yer holdin' don't worry me, lad—there's a world'a difference between tossin' at a target and takin' out a man. Now make with the cash and valuables before I get mad and take yer life! You just don't know when to quit. HAH! GWAAARGH! HRRRGH! I got more than a couple'a daggers up my sleeves, pals—let's see how you like the power of my kicks! Gya! This guy ain't clownin' around! Oh, I'm no clown, pal. In fact, I used to be a thief myself! Now turn around and beat it before I get mad. And if I see you within a mile of Annelie or our people, I'll make you pay. Bwaaa ha ha! Big talk from guy we got outnumbered ten to one! Bring it on!

...That's strange. Fritz hasn't come back. I have a bad feeling about this. We should search the area. Gaargh! Didn't I say we had ya outnumbered, clown? ...All right, boys! Take this guy out, then head for the rest of the circus and snag whatever ain't nailed down! I'll never let that happen! HAAAH! AAAARGH! The circus is Annelie's treasure, and I ain't letting you hurt it! I won't let ANYBODY hurt it! Yer gonna die here, pal! ...Huh?! Who's there?! Stop right there! Ah! What are all of you doing here? Fritz! You're wounded! Why didn't you shout for help instead of taking them all on by yourself?! Dammit! I guess if they've got a thief in their troupe, it's no surprise the whole lot of them are violent! Thief? What are you talking about? Bwaaa ha ha ha! Ya don't know? Yer little dagger boy's a former cutpurse! Mostlike he's been trickin' all you saps what so he can make off with the goods. You're wrong! Ma'am, I didn't... I didn't want you to soil your hands with this bunch. I know, Fritz. It's all right. I believe you. Ya BELIEVE this gutter snake? But he's selling ya the same load's bullplop that we would! Fritz's past has nothing to do with the man he is while up on stage. He's a proud performer, a colleague... and a friend. What kind of ringmaster would I be if I didn't trust the words of one of my own? Pfft! I've had enough'a this lovefest. Get 'er, boys! I won't allow that! HAAAAH! GAAAH! Annelie and Fritz are our colleagues! And if you want to hurt them, you'll have to deal with us! GWARGH! Tch... They're tough! Scatter that stuff and let's get outta here! What are they dropping on the ground? *sniff* Oh no! Beast blood! Just wait till the local fiends catch a whiff'a this! Later, chumps! They got away... Guys! We got fiends comin' in hot! Right then! Time to work together and get ourselves out of this mess. Ma'am, I... Don't you start, Fritz! You're family, and that's the end of it! Thank you, ma'am. All right, everyone. Let's take out these fiends and get off this mountain!