The Sickness Wealth Brings I

Hoo-ey! What in tarnation just happened?

It felt as though we were suddenly enveloped in light, but my memories of the moments just before that are fuzzy at best.

How about you, Castti? Can you remember what happened?

Unfortunately not... The last thing I recall is boarding that ship in Canalbrine.

Same here. And I can't remember us gettin' attacked or nothin'.

Oh dear... I wonder who did this to us, and to what end.

Wait. Where's everyone else?

Good question. I don't see 'em... Maybe we got separated?

Then we should find them first. They must be worried, losing their friends in an unfamiliar place.

Normally you're supposed to stay put in times like these, but it don't feel right just standin' around.

If we at least knew where we were, we could decide our heading. Alas...

We can figure out what region we're in by what's sproutin' outta the ground. Lemme see what we're dealin' with here...

As expected of a merchant. Your keen eye is second to none.

...Darn it. Sorry, but I don't recognize any of these plants.

Neither do I. There should be herbs for curing headaches near the water, but...I don't see any here.

Then I suppose there's not much we can do now but see where the road takes us.

This is...Lake Tiilen. Everything seems alright here.

H-Hey. Did you see that?

That's precisely what happened when we came here, isn't it?

'Scuse me, fella! Got a moment? We couldn't help but notice you poppin' outta that weird thingamajig just now...

Oh, uh... You saw that?

(What do I do now? Can't really tell 'em about it... I'll try to change the subject, then.)

Funny thing is, the same thing just happened to us. And we don't know what to do with ourselves now.

Really? Well, now that I look at you... you don't look like you're from this time. That "thingamajig" is a rift in spacetime. It's a mysterious hole that sorta sucks you in and spits you out in a different era. I think the same thing probably brought you here, to the past.

The past, you say? I find that a bit hard to believe.

I can't blame you for being skeptical. I'm not great at explaining it, so why not go see for yourselves?

Is there a town nearby?

There is. I'll take you there. And if there's anything else I can do, just say the word.

That's very kind of you. Actually, we got separated from our friends and could use some help finding them.

Sorry to hear that. I'd be glad to help.

I think it would be unwise to take this man at his word, Castti.

Why? He doesn't seem like a bad person to me.

Yeah. He's willin' to help out a bunch of strangers, so I reckon he's a good guy.

But he remains calm despite this...unusual situation. I think he may be up to something.

Hm? Is something wrong?

It's nothin'. Let's get movin', shall we? Which way're we headed?

There's a big town called Acteul over that way.

Hmm... I've never heard of it before.

I'm not surprised. It didn't exist in my time, either.

Well, ain't that somethin'? Can't wait to see what we find over there.

Lead the way, uh... Sorry, I didn't get your name, fella.

I'm Aldo.

Well, Aldo, the name's Partitio. I'm a travelin' merchant.

I am Castti, an apothecary.

And I am Temenos, an inquisit, er, that is, a cleric.

Now that we've made your acquaintance, I want you to have this.

A coin?

Made of silver from my hometown.

Thanks, but, uh...I couldn't. I'm not doing this for money.

It's not a reward. He gives one to everybody he meets. So please, take it.

Yeah, it's my callin' card. Think of it as a greetin'.

Alright. Thanks, Partitio. Now follow me. I'll take you to Acteul.

This is Acteul, the city of water.

Fascinating... Water flows endlessly from that vase. But how?

I wonder if I could take one for myself. So many lives could be saved with an unending supply of clean water...

Hoo-ey... Just lookit this place! Think I'll have myself a look around...

Someone, help! I think he's sick!

Castti! Where're you going?

She's not one to turn a blind eye to those in need. We should go after her.

It looks bad...

I don't wanna get too close... It might be contagious...

I'm sorry. Please let me through.

Let me have a look at him.

Are you a doctor?

I'm an apothecary. His teeth are falling out, and he's covered in bruises from the internal bleeding... (He has a terminal illness. Even if I treat him now, it might be too late...)

So? Do you think you can help him?

...There should be something I can do. First, let's move him somewhere he can get some rest. Could you help me?

Is there a bed we can use? Please, it's an emergency!

But he's sick... What if it spreads?

It won't. His illness is caused by extreme malnutrition, so please, help us.

Use the bed at my house. I think I know him.

You think?

He's gotten so thin, it's hard to tell, but... I believe his name is Sarc.

Nngh...

Hang in there, Sarc! I'll begin treatment right away, so please be patient.

Are you...a doctor?

I'm an apothecary. But now's not the time for questions.

It's too late...for me...

Don't give up! I know a medicine that can help you. I just need time to prepare it.

Is there really...a cure?

There is.

Thank the heavens... Then please...take it to the island... There are many others...just like me...

......

Sarc? Sarc! Stay with me, Sarc!

......

It can't be... Is he...gone?

If only there was another way...

No. There's no time to despair. If what he said is true, there are other people suffering from this illness. I need to help them.

What happened, Castti?

I'll explain later. For now, I need your help. We can't leave him here like this.

Hm? What's this?

Opal ore... But what's it doin' here? Wonder if that fella earlier dropped it...

It's unfortunate that we were too late. But please, try not to let it bother you. It wasn't your fault, Castti.

Thank you, Temenos.

Are you okay, Shanie? Was he a friend of yours?

No. I just happened to find the poor man lying there on the ground...

Still...I'd like to fulfill his dying wish.

Are you okay? Was he a friend of yours?

No. I just happened to find the poor man lying there on the ground...

Still...I'd like to fulfill his dying wish. Is there anything I can do to help?

I'm not from around here, so it would be helpful having someone who knows the area. My name is Castti. And you are?

Shanie. I'll do what I can, but I'm a traveler, so I can't promise much.

I'm sorry, but...could you tell me about this "dying wish" of his?

Before he passed, Sarc mentioned an island where there are many others with the same illness.

I know it's a lot to ask, but...could we go there? I want to help those people if I can.

Of course. I do too. I can't just look the other way when people are suffering.

Thank you, Aldo. It's heartening to have someone like you with us.

Okay, first things first: we need to find a boat headed to that island.

Then I leave it to you to inform Sarc's family of what happened.

I'm so sorry for asking something like this of you...

Don't worry about it. His family's in Palsifal Palace, which is a ways away from here. But you folks have more important matters to attend to on that island.

I'll do what I can, and I know I can trust you to do the same.

By the way... When ya see his family, could you give this to 'em too?

It was on the ground next to the poor fella. I think it belonged to 'im.

Shall we be going, then? I believe the others said they would find us a boat.

You can't see it from here, but if we take a boat straight out toward the horizon, we'll reach the island Sarc was talking about.

And people live there? I had no idea.

It started not too long ago. I've never been there myself, but I heard rumors. They say the folks there are mining salt.

I suppose that means Sarc worked on that island.

And he's far from the only one, if I heard true.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Are we ready to set sail?

Yep! We're all good to go here.

Then let's head out!

This is terrible...

Are you alright? You look awfully pale. You should rest...

Leave me alone. If I don't work, I can't leave...

Castti! Over here, quick!

Stay strong, sir!

Who're you? A new recruit...?

I'm a traveling apothecary. I came to this island to treat the sick.

I see... Sarc sent you...

He did, yes. It seems you're still alert and your symptoms are light. With a bit of medicine, you'll be all better.

I'll have to thank Sarc when I see him. When is he coming back?

It pains me to say this, but...he won't be coming back. He didn't make it...

B-But that can't be! He looked just fine when he left!

...He did?

Yes! The number of ill grew day by day, so he said he would find us a doctor. He insisted on going since he was still the heathiest among us.

I see... Thank you for telling me. I'm going to make you some medicine. In the meantime, is there anywhere you could rest on this island?

The sleeping quarters are over that way...

Then that's where we're goin'.

Castti... Does this illness truly worsen that quickly?

...No. It stems from a severe lack of nutrients, which causes their health to slowly deteriorate over time. Sarc probably knew he didn't have very long to live and hid it from them.

I think he saw how poorly the others were doing and knew none of them would survive the trip to Acteul.

You mean to say he sacrificed himself for them.

And I would hate to fail him.

Very well. We'll leave their treatment to you. Meanwhile, why don't we have a look around and see if anyone else requires assistance?

There truly are a great number of ill on this island.

I can't believe it's gotten this bad. Shouldn't someone be keeping an eye on this?

Is there anything we can do to help, Castti?

There is, actually. I need a few things and won't be able to fetch them myself at the moment. Could you bring cloths to keep the patients dry and containers for medicine?

Oh, and I'll need more herbs. I have enough to last me a while, but I would hate to run out.

I can handle the herbs. What kind do you need?

It's called scurvy grass, and it looks like this.

I've never heard of that before. I wouldn't know where to start looking...

Hm... I reckon I've seen that before.

As have I. I believe I saw something similar when we landed.

Can herbs grow near the sea like that?

They can. Scurvy grass has a higher resistance to salt than other plants.

Then what're we waiting for? Let's split up and find these things!

Excuse me.

Would you happen to know where we could find small bottles and clean cloth on this island?

If that's all you want, I've got some on hand, but...

Mind if we use 'em for a bit? I promise we'll return 'em good as new!

Sorry, but I'm not in the habit of lending out my things for free.

Now, now. I never said anythin' about "free." I've got coin, if that's what ya want.

Hah. Coin's no good to me here. You can pay me in labor. Mine rock salt for me and I'll give you what you want.

I heard stories of a time where salt was as valuable as gold, but I had no idea it held true on this island.

Is there somewhere we can mine salt around here?

Sure is. In the Saltore Mines over there. Now go on, earn your keep!

Whoa... Hold on. All of this is salt?!

They shine like gems. I imagine they fetch a price just as pretty.

That they do. Salt this clear takes years to crystalize. Somethin' this rare must be worth a small fortune.

What's with all the ruckus? You new here?

Not quite. We aren't miners. We came to this island to help cure the sick.

That so? Wish you'd gotten here sooner. Used to be a lot more of us before...

That's awful. Did the illness really claim that many lives?

Entire first wave's practically dead. I'm lucky to still be alive and working, thanks to this hardy body of mine.

How could it get this bad?! Ain't someone overseein' this operation?

A merchant named Ricketts runs things around here. This island's his property.

But I doubt anything you say'll change his mind. He's obsessed with the wealth he can earn here. We're only as good as the money we can make him.

He wasn't always this way, though...

Do you ever think about leaving?

Try to leave and the watchmen'll come after you. And if they catch you, well...you're in for an even worse time than before.

So long as we have a debt to Ricketts, we'll never be free.

Sarc probably left this island hoping to help everyone.

Well, gotta get back to work. This salt won't mine itself.

Even if these folks got a debt to repay, that's no excuse to treat 'em like this.

I understand how you feel. However, we have more pressing matters at hand, namely, mining this salt.

Right. Let's get to work, then.

Alright. This should be enough. Let's head back.

Hold on... That what I think it is?

Did you find something, Partitio?

Sure did. Lookit this. Pretty, ain't it?

A blue...stone? Is it salt too?

Nope. This here's common opal. Sarc had the same thing on 'im, so I thought we might find more here. It ain't worth much as a gemstone, but process it right and its value grows. Lotta people use it as a good-luck charm.

I admit the colors are pretty, but it lacks clarity. I doubt it garners as much attention as other gems.

It's got more than some nice colors goin' for it. There's a whole story behind how this beauty came to be.

A lotta gems're mined around volcanoes, where the heat helps 'em form in a relatively short time. But blue opal like this is different. It can't be found near volcanoes.

That's why it takes so long to form.

In fact, it takes a whole five million years to grow as big as your fingertip!

F-Five million?! You can't be serious!

And some folks say it takes even longer than that. But that's why it's so popular. It's an inspiration to people who wanna shine like gems, no matter how long it takes.

You sure know your stuff, Partitio. How did you learn so much about it?

I studied. Erudition is the heart 'n' soul of commerce, after all.

That may be, but I get the feeling you simply made that up to stimulate interest and raise the stone's selling price.

Heh, you're free to speculate. In the end, it's up to the customer whether they buy what I'm sellin'.

In any case, this isn't the time for idle chatter. We wouldn't want to keep Castti waiting.

Let's go hand over the salt we've mined.

Hehe, much obliged. This should help pay off some debt.

So salt's the currency on this here island?

Something like that. We've gotta mine enough salt to pay off what we owe before we can leave. We're all trying to get out of here as fast as we can, so we're doing whatever it takes to get salt.

Speaking of which, I better get back to the mines.

A barter system, huh?

Well, we have what we need. Shall we deliver the goods to Castti?

Hey, Castti. Is this the scurvy grass you wanted?

It is. This should hold me over for a while.

How is the treatment coming along?

I think we've done about all we can for now. Thank you for your help, Shanie.

Don't mention it.

Y'know, apothecaries are really something else. You whipped up that medicine in no time. Can you tell what's wrong with someone with just a glance?

If only. I need to see, hear, and feel what's ailing them. And I rely quite heavily on my intuition and experience.

It sounds like you've been in the field for some time.

You're probably right. Unfortunately, I've forgotten most of my past, so I can't say how long I've been practicing.

But that's why I set on a journey to reclaim my memories.

I can't imagine how hard that must be... I wish there was something I could do to help.

Thank you, but I'm fine. I know where I need to go, so it's only a matter of time until I find what I lost. On the bright side, I retained my knowledge of my craft, so I can still help people. I hope that puts you at ease.

I was never worried to begin with! In fact, I was really relieved when you ran over to help.

Hey. We brought the supplies you asked for.

Thank you. This is plenty. Give me a moment to prepare the medicine.

What are you guys looking at?

A gem Partitio found in the mines. It's called "opal."

Oh really? I want to see!

Wait. Isn't this a neverbright stone?

A what now? Is that what you folks call it in these parts?

I guess so. At least, that's what everyone I've met on my travels calls it.

What an unfortunate name...

Well, there's a reason it's called that. Wherever you find neverbright stones, you'll find firelight stones. And inside those stones, you'll see a beautiful, twinkling light that dances like a little flame. Compared to those, neverbrights aren't clear, nor do they sparkle, which is how they got their name.

A light like a flame, huh? Sounds like iridescence. Which means those firelight stones are actually...precious opal? Seems I've still got a lot to learn, even 'bout the things I thought I knew.

Thankee kindly for teachin' me that. In exchange, I'd like ya to have this.

Hehe, thanks! But I can't do much with it as is. I'd gladly take it off your hands if you made it into an accessory, though.

Excuse me...

I heard a doctor named Castti came to this island. Is that true?

It is, but she's busy making medicine at the moment. What did you need?

Well, uh... My name is Phai. I'm Sarc's...I mean, I'm the brother of the man Castti treated in Acteul.

That so? Guess that means ya heard what happened to 'im.

I did. That man told me about all of you as well, which is why I'm here. I wanted to thank you for looking after him until the very end.

I'm sorry we couldn't save him...

Don't be. I heard some people didn't even want to get close, but you stayed by his side. I'm sure he appreciated that.

I didn't know Sarc worked in a place like this.

You didn't?

No. While we may be related by blood, I was adopted by a merchant who was close to our parents. Sarc always looked after me, so I was I wracked with guilt for escaping the shackles of poverty while he didn't... And because of that, I used my mercantile studies as an excuse not to see him.

Did he say anything before he passed? Did he mention...resenting me?

I'm afraid to say that Sarc never spoke of you in his last moments.

But I believe he harbored no ill will toward you.

What makes you say that?

Sarc was a very brave and selfless man.

Despite being horribly ill, he fled this island and rowed across the sea to find a doctor in hopes of aiding his friends. It is thanks to him that we learned about this island and came here to treat the sick.

It was, without a doubt, love that moved him to sacrifice himself to save these people. And I do not think such a caring person would begrudge his brother for doing what needed to be done.

That is why I believe he wished for nothing but your happiness. Did you by any chance get the blue stone that Sarc left behind?

The neverbright? I did, yes.

You said that stone is often used as a good-luck charm, did you not, Partitio?

That's right. Takes a long time to shine like that, so it brings hope to folks who're doin' their best day in 'n' day out.

There's your answer. That stone is Sarc's final message to you.

I didn't know neverbrights were seen like that...

Thank you. I might not be able to accept this all right away, but...I'll do my best not to let my brother down.

I'm sure you won't. May the Sacred Flame guide you.

Oh my... Playing the role of a respectable cleric certainly is tiring.

What do you mean playing the role? You're a cleric, aren't you? I think your words saved him from a dark place.

I would hope so. But I have my doubts. After all, losing one's family leaves deep scars on one's heart.

And those wounds cannot be cured by measly words. Whether he gets back on his feet is entirely up to him.

The new batch of medicine is ready.

Already? You're amazin', Castti.

So all we have to do now is get it to the islanders?

That's correct. Make sure to give it to as many people as you can, including those who aren't ill. It can prevent them from getting sick.

Got it.

Alright. I think that's almost everyone.

Indeed. All that remains are the miners.

I reckon they're still in good health if they're workin'. Why don't we give it to 'em once they get back?

Good point. Let's report back to Castti then...

Wait.

You're the ones who came here without permission, aren't you?

We are. Sorry 'bout that. But we had our reasons. See, we came over hopin' to help the sick folk on this island.

But there're some problems we can't fix alone. Mind if we have a chat with your boss?

Do you really mean it? You're here to save the sick?

Yeah. Our friends're looking after the ones in really bad shape, and we've been distributing medicine to the others.

Alright. Then I'll take you to Ricketts.

That's a relief. Thankee kindly.

Excuse me, Lord Ricketts. Some visitors would like an audience with you. Should I let them through?

No. Send them away. I'm far too busy to entertain outsiders!

Wait! At least listen to what we have to say!

We wanna save the sick people on this island! Our friends are treating them right now, but...

...And that means this whole illness can be cured by feedin' your workers proper. It'll prevent anyone else from gettin' it, too. Some fresh fruits 'n' vegetables oughta do the trick. So, whaddaya say, mister?

I understand your concerns. But I am already giving them all the food they need. Any more would simply be excessive. And how can you prove your apothecary is right? She may very well be colluding with the miners for their gain.

Castti would never! She cares about her patients and just wants to see 'em get better!

This is madness. If something were to happen to those laborers, I could simply replace them. There are countless others who owe me money just waiting to come to this island. What obligation have I to protect them? Must I spend more money on those already in my debt?

If you want to save the sick, you can do so without my help.

Hey now! The only reason you have salt is 'cause people're are out there breakin' their backs to mine it for ya! It ain't right keepin' all that money to yourself!

Calm yourself, Partitio. We should consider ourselves fortunate so long as we're allowed to stay on the island. We wouldn't be much help to the ill if we were to upset this man and be cast out.

I know that, but... Dang it!

Now then, Ricketts, we shall be on our way. There are many sick who still require medicine, after all.

Hmph. Just don't interfere with their work.

Are you truly alright with this, Lord Ricketts? If they help the ill recover, mining could continue without need for more workers.

Do you think me foolish enough to believe the words of some dubious outsiders? They claim they've come to help, but I see them for what they really are, thieves who wish to steal my fortune!

That rotten scoundrel! He's got me madder than a hornet's nest! What kind of dastard don't care 'bout the well-bein' of his own workers?

Easy, Partitio...

You'll have to forgive him. He has an unfortunate past with underhanded landowners.

But that is precisely why he understands their struggle and feels as indignant as he does now.

I had no idea... He's always so cheerful, it's hard to imagine he had such a dark past.

Have you cooled your head, Partitio? If you have, we ought to tell Castti what happened here and decide our next move.

Right. Let's go.

Welcome back. That took longer than I thought. Did something happen?

Indeed. We went to have a talk with the owner of this island.

Is that so? Do you think he would be willing to help us?

No, and we should not count on him for any manner of support. He only granted us permission to stay.

He wants to keep all the money he makes to himself. That really gets my goat!

You know...Ricketts wasn't always like this.

What do you think you're doing, forcing yourself out of bed like that? You're still ill. You need more rest.

I've rested enough, thank you. And your medicine has done wonders.

You aren't the first to mention Ricketts's change for the worse. Did something happen? Was there perhaps an accident or incident that started all this?

I wish I knew. Once upon a time, he lent money to anyone who needed it despite not having much himself. You might not believe it, but he used to be in the mines with everyone else, pickaxe in hand, when we first came here.

But at some point, he just stopped sharing the profits with us. I think he lost himself in the wealth salt could bring. Now he uses those profits to lend money, but at exorbitant fees.

And he brings people who can't pay back their loans here to work for 'im.

...Now then, I should be on my way. Thank you for your help, miss. Please look after the others.

You're not going anywhere except back to bed.

But I'm fine. And I have the medicine you gave me. I'll take it any time I'm feeling unwell...

I told you, you're still ill. And those pills aren't a panacea, nor will they heal you right away.

Is that so? I used to be an apothecary myself, you know, but I've never seen anything like this before. It works like magic.

This medicine isn't all that uncommon. I can't imagine you haven't seen it before.

In any case, you're in no condition to be working. So please just get some rest.

If you truly were an apothecary, you must understand that your body isn't well yet.

If they continue taking the medication, they should be better soon, but... That won't mean much as long as the root of the problem still exists. They need to change their diet.

I'd do it myself if I had the money, but my pockets ain't deep enough to feed everyone...

Not to mention we haven't found a way of returning to where we were, and our friends are still unaccounted for.

Looks like we've got our work cut out for us.

It certainly seems that way, yes.

H-Hey! What're you doing here?!

You know this fella, Aldo?

Yeah. We've met before.

So tell me, are you enjoying the journey?

Why would I be? The people here are suffering. Odysso, what is it you want us to do? Why did you send us here?

If you want to know, come to the Spacetime Rift. I have a proposition for you.

Hey, wait!

...Intriguing. I wonder what he was on about.

Nothin', if I had to guess. I'm sure he was just tryin' to ruffle Aldo's feathers. For now, we've gotta find a way to make money 'n' feed these people.

What do you suggest? Asking Ricketts for a job?

I'm a merchant. I can find a million better ways than askin' a no-good money-grubber for help!

(I wonder why Odysso came all this way. And what was that proposition he was talking about?)

(Guess I'll have to go to the Spacetime Rift to find out.)