The Unshackling

Campaign: Destruction and Domination

Chapter 12 / 4-5

The Unshackling

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Unyielding Ambition

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Old Memories

Summary

A few days prior to the clash between the prince's forces and the alliance led by Chelle and Leonidas, Phares makes his way to a cell in the bowels of the royal palace. With the truth in hand, he seeks to release an individual termed ＂the darkest secret of the royal family.＂

Dialogue

A few days prior to the clash between the prince's
New Alberian Army and the Dyrenell Army led by
Leonidas and Chelle...
Have there been any developments since I last came to call here? None, Highness. In fact, I've heard nary a peep in there since your last visit. Er, but if it please Your Highness, what exactly is IN that room? It does not please. One of your station has no need for such information. O-of course, sire! It's just that... Well, all of this secrecy and not-knowing and so on has me near to taking leave of my wits, so it does. I mean, a man can only stand in a dank basement keeping watch over Ilia-knows- what for so long. Does your curiosity truly burn so? Very well. You may join me inside. Thank you, Your Highness! Of course. I have a particular respect for those with curious hearts. ...Phew! That was the final gate. Such measures hardly seem necessary. My older brother wears his cowardice with unexpected openness. Regardless, I was ordered to be doubly sure of all security arrangements, sire. Let me just open this last door... And now, my friend, feast your eyes. Look and drink deep upon the greatest shame of the Alberian royal family. What the...? Is he...sleeping? In a sense. To be more precise, he is being robbed of consciousness by an extremely powerful magic. That must be what the binding is for. I must say, it is a disturbing sight... Said binding is called a witchhasp. It was custom-crafted by the greatest practitioners in the land, each of whom poured their full measure of power into it. ...Yes. It is time to be gone from here. Understood, Your Highness. Let us make our way back. ...... *sigh* I thank you for this, Your Highness. And I swear upon my honor that not a word of it will pass my lips. Then you are already satisfied? ...Your Highness? Feel free to observe further, my good man. Look upon him as long as you like until your heart and mind have been quieted. Er, but did you not say it was time to be going just a moment ago? I was not speaking to you, but to him. As I said, it is time. Y-Your Highness, what is happening?! ...... Blast! This bodes ill! If we're not quick to inform the palace, then— Such warnings are unnecessary. He has already been released. No! Someone! Someone hel—AAARGH! A curious heart sated as it thrums its last beat is a satisfying end for any man. Now then... Those lacking in wisdom have termed him "the darkest secret of the royal family." I, however, believe he is not a secret, but a POSSIBILITY. Power ought not be feared! Rather, it should be studied and harnessed. My apologies for keeping you waiting. Tell me, how does it feel to be awakened? It is not disagreeable at all...my brother.