No Return

Hey there young fella, how've you been?

Hi, Ketchem. How's your carpentry going? You have any more problems with your legs?

Don't remind me, that was so embarrassing. As for my work... Well, I'm getting by.

You look kinda gloomy. Is it too much for you to handle alone?

I hate to admit it, but...yeah, a little. I'm making some progress, but overall it's not shaping up as well as I'd like. I...I have a son. Name of Rongo. About six months back he left the house to gallivant around. Hasn't been back since. Boy's a pretty competent carpenter, plus he knows how I work... I feel like I could get a lot more done if he was here.

Gosh, that's rough. I hope he comes home to you soon.

Wait a sec... I have an idea! How about you go find him for me? He's around the same age as you.

What? He's been goofing off for half a year now. What could I possibly say to convince him to get back to work?

Maybe I didn't make enough of an effort to understand the boy. But a young fella like you might be able to get through to him.

Just 'cuz we're the same age, doesn't mean we'd have anything in common.

Can't you at least give it a try? You're the only one I can turn to for help.

Well... All right. It's better for everyone if we can get the castle fixed up again soon.

Thanks, man. I swear I'll make this up to you someday.

I'll be over at the castle walls if you need me.

Sure, why not. It's not like I'm doing anything important right now... Let's start by asking around.

The carpenter's son? Oh yeah, I think I saw him passing through town a little while back. He was heading for the Serena Coast with a group of friends. I don't think they came back this way, though.

Sure, I was friends with Rongo when we were kids. We've kinda grown apart lately, though. Ever since his mom passed away, he's changed, little by little. Some people even say he's become some kind of bandit.

Rongo, the carpenter's boy? He came by a while back with a shady-looking bunch. Hope he's not fallen into bad company...

How'd it go? Did you find out anything about my boy?

Listen, there's no easy way to say this, but...I'm not hearing a lot of good things.

He's gone and joined up with a troop of bandits? What is that kid thinking?!

From the sound of things, they're still close by, somewhere on the coast.

Bad news for them! I'm gonna go knock some sense into Rongo and drag him home if I have to!

Hey, wait for me!

Rongo, there you are!

Ey, what's wiv this geezer?

Dad...

Pretty far from home, aren't you, old man?

I had to see the truth with my own eyes. Have you really joined these brigands? Are you robbing harmless travelers?

So what if I am? It's got nothing to do with you.

You're a disgrace! I'm bringing you home where you can't get into any more trouble.

Just try and make me. You're crazy if you think I'm going to follow in your footsteps.

Rongo, this that no-good dad of yours? The one that abandoned your mom?

What did you say?

Nevermind. C'mon, let's get out of here.

Ketchem, are you okay?

I abandoned his mother? Is that what he thinks?

Rongo, what are you trying to say?