Some Small Power I

...What just happened?

I'm not sure myself, but the scent of salt in the air is telling. Have we been spirited to the coastlands perhaps? Or maybe the flatlands?

In any case this certainly isn't Sunshade.

Spiritede away by what exactly? Magic?

I wonder... I didn't sense any traces of magic when it happened.

Well, whatever that light was, it's already gone.

And how unfortunate that is! I was hoping it might offer some clues as to our current predicament, but alas, it was not to be. For now, might I suggest we take a little stroll? Perhaps Tressa or I will recognize one of the roads.

...Hm? Where IS Tressa?

Oh dear, has she wandered off again?

I'd say we're the ones who've "wandered off". There's no one else out here.

Such behavior is unbecoming of the party's three senior members...

Rawr...

While I'm grateful to have two experienced travelers at my side, I'm a little worried about how the others will fare in our absence. We should find a way to contact them quickly.

The Serena Coast, huh? Doesn't seem any different from usual...

...Did that person just appear out of thin air?

I'd say it was more like a distortion of some sort. That solves the mystery of how we came to be here, then.

It most certainly doth not!

Hmm, yes, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have a chat with the fellow before jumping to conclusions.

Pardon me, friend. Might I have a word?

Huh? I guess so. What can I do for you?

I happened to notice you came here via a most unusual method of travel. Could you tell me more about it?

(He saw me? Well, it won't do me much good to lie about it now...)

As it turns out we came here in a similar fashion, but we have no recollection of how that came to be.

OH! That's what happened? Yeah, I should be able to help you, then.

That was a rift in spacetime. They're these strange holes that can send you to the past or future. You guys probably got caught up in one and got sent to a different era.

You're certainly well informed...

Let's just say I've done my share of time travel. You should be able to get back to where you came from if you find another rift...

...Although, there don't seem to be any around here.

Time travel, you say? May I inquire as to what year it is?

Well if nothing went wrong then it should be 300 AD. What year did you guys come from?

Anno 1618...

1618? That's even farther into the future than Elzion... Did the world's fashion sense go backwards or something?

Fashion is the least of it. We're not even on the same calendar.

Cyrus. Thou shouldst not be so quick to believen tall tales.

I know. But as much as I value skepticism, he doesn't appear to be lying.

Rawr.

Thou, too, Linde? Please talken some sense into these two, Olberic.

Nothing about this makes sense to me. I trust Cyrus's intuition.

Then might I suggest we begin by investigating the surrounding area? The local architecture should offer some clues as to where we've ended up.

I trust you'd be willing to show us around a little?

Sure, I'd be happy to. I'm Aldo, by the way.

And I'm Cyrus. Well met.

I am H'aanit, and this is my companion, Linde.

Rawr.

Olberic.

Pleased to meet you. Now, how about we go somewhere with fewer monsters. Unigan isn't too far from here.

I've never seen a monster like that before... Could it be a new species?

We have much to learn about this place.

Rawr!

Hm? Is something the matter, Linde?

She sayest that it's dangerous to goen alone. These lands art unknown to us. Thou shouldst not wander carelessly.

My apologies, H'aanit, I was distracted by zoological pursuits. I just saw a creature that looked much like a fish, and yet it was terrestrial in nature!

Probably a Scarfin. You see them all the time on the Serena Coast. Did they go extinct or something?

(Extinct? I've never once even seen mention of them in my studies...) (...And I can't say I've ever heard of this "Unigan" we're supposedly headed towards either.) (Maybe it's an archaic naming convention that was lost to time?)

Don't overthinken things, Cyrus. We don't will to ben late.

Ah, yes, right you are. Let's be off.

Is something wrong, Olberic?

Quiet... Do you hear that?

Beasts... And they're none too happy from the sounds of it.

Wait, I heare something else... Cries for help!

What?! Then we've got to help them!

Linde. Hast thou caught the scent?

Rawr!

There! Follow me!

G-Get away from meee!

RAWR!!!

Well done, Linde. Keepen that child safe.

Another new species... It's unfortunate we don't have time to study it.

We're here now, kid! Everything's gonna be fine!

Hrmph!

Are you hurt?

N-No, I just scraped my knee a bit.

What a frightening creature... Are they common in these parts?

No... I've never encountered one like that before.

But even in the best of times the Serena Coast is no place for a child to be playing alone. What are you doing out here?

Are you by yourself?

Y-Yeah. I was sent here on an errand by my master.

By your master?

That's right. I'm Kure, a servant of House Atratt.

I can't believe you took down such a huge monster! You're amazing!

It wasn't much of an opponent.

Whaaat? But it was so scary...

Oh yeah! I've gotta repay you for your help! But uh... I don't actually have anything to give you...

Protecting children doesn't call for reward. It's basic human decency.

Aww, come on! You won't be saying that once you've seen the incredible reward I've got waiting for you at the manor!

Haha, thou hast made a new friend, Olberic.

Well, it's not like we can send him back alone anyhow. Where is this manor of yours?

In Unigan. But it's a little ways off from the center of town.

Perfect. That's just where we were headed.

Really? Then do you mind telling me about yourself on the way back, Sir?

There's little to tell.

Grrrrrr...

Interesting... I've never seen architecture like this before, nor this coat of arms...

The outer wall has been damaged in a number of places. I can even see where they've attempted repairs. Did this happen recently, I wonder?

You mean you don't know? Miglance Castle was badly damaged in an attack by the Beast King.

I see... So it's under reconstruction, then. You mentioned we would have to travel by carriage from here? Where is it?

The carriage? It hasn't arrived yet.

Then it would seem I have time for a little sightseeing. I'd like to have a closer look at the castle.

Sigh... Why canst thou never be patient, Cyrus?

He's a scholar after all. All of the new sights and sounds must be very intriguing to him.

A scholar, huh? Interesting.

Is this your first time in Unigan, Sir? Where'd you come from? Baruoki? Rinde?

Rawr?

Hornburg.

Hornburg? Never heard of it. Is it on some other continent?

(I know Kure means well, but I don't think Olberic likes being asked so many questions. I should try and change the subject.)

You said you were a servant, right Kure? What kind of work do you do?

House Atratt looks after wounded animals, so I help out with taking care of them and tending to their wounds. I was sent to the Serena Coast to find food for them. Why can't they just eat vegetables from the market like everyone else? Is the grass in Serena really so yummy?

It's not a matter of taste, Wild animals simply hath strict diets.

Ohhh. So it's not like you could just pick ANYTHING from the coast, then? Maybe I should give them a taste test first next time...

You seem pretty knowledgeable about animals, H'aanit.

Mayhap that is true, but in a different way from Cyrus. I come from a village of hunters, whence I learnede much from my master, and more still from experience. Animals won't hesitateth to tellen thee what foods they like themselves, so long as one knoweth how to listenen.

Whoa! You mean you can talk to animals?!

Yes, such techniques existeth, though they art known only to me and my master.

That explains why you and Linde seem so close.

That's certainly part of it, yes. She is my irreplaceable companion.

Rawr.

There's the carriage. Let's call over Cyrus and head to the manor.

They don't look very happy to see us...

Well, they probably don't get many visitors all the way out here.

I'm home, everyone!

G'day, Kure. Out on errands for the master again?

Yep. We needed feed from the Serena Coast, but I got attacked by a monster on the way. These people saved me.

What?! Were you hurt?! You must have been so scared...

Travelers, I take it? We thank you kindly for your help.

We just did what anyone would do.

I'm gonna go tell Master Atratt about you, so wait here for a sec, okay?

We really don't need a reward...

It wouldn't hurt to at least introduce ourselves, would it? And while we wait for our young friend to return...

Please don't tellen me thou will to wanderen off again.

I'll only be a moment, I assure you. We came to Unigan to learn about the place, didn't we?

Alright, that should be enough for now. We need to meet back up with Kure.

(Quite a number of the families here lost loved ones during the siege on Miglance Castle.) (Are these lands known for producing large numbers of soldiers, or is someone gathering these people here intentionally?)

I haven't seen you around before. Are you a traveler?

Care to explain why you're so interested in the affairs of House Atratt?

Forgive me, I didn't mean to pry. I'm a traveling scholar. I only wanted to learn a little more about the area.

...Alright, if you say so. But a word of advice, Keep sticking your nose where it doesn't belong and you risk having it cut off.

When you put it like that, it only serves to pique my curiosity further...

(And to think I was ready to chalk all of this up to the place being an insular community. There's more here than meets the eye.)

Rawr.

Well, hello there. H'aanit is calling for me, I take it? Off we go, then.

I'll keep what you said in mind. Good day to you.

...Wait a moment. Is that cat yours?

It's a snow leopard to be precise, and yes, Linde here is a dear friend.

Big cats are still cats I suppose...

They're a little small for you, but would you like a dried sardine, friend?

Rawr.

Not to your taste? Alright then.

Forgive me for delaying you.

Quite the interesting fellow, that one.

Rawr.

Let's hurry on.

Heeey! What took you so long?!

Sorry about that. I'm ready now.

The master is waiting for you in the parlor. Follow me.

Welcome friends, thank you for going to the trouble of coming all this way. I've already heard everything from Kure. As master of House Atratt, I bid you thanks for coming to the aid of my servant.

There's really no need to thank us. Anyone would help a child in need.

You're Aldo, I take it? I heard about you from Kure.

Pardon me for asking, but, are you perchance THAT Aldo? The hero of Miglance who bested the Beast King?

Hero? That would certainly explain your skill with a blade.

Yeah, that was me, but it's kind of embarrassing when people make a big deal out of it.

Hmph. It's rare to see that kind of humility from someone your age.

Embarrassing? You should take more pride in what you've accomplished.

I was witness to the unspeakable acts of violence the beasts subjected Miglance Castle to that day...

...Though it shames me to say that I was unable to take up arms and aid the defense myself. It took everything I had just to protect the civilians in the manor.

The fact that you did what you could to help innocents in all that chaos is more than enough.

Exactly. We all know how much you've done for us, Master Atratt. Even now you're helping with the reconstruction and caring for the injured.

Thank you, Kure... Now's not the time to be wallowing in regret, I suppose.

Forgive me for straying off topic. I would like to reward you for saving Kure, but...

What was that?!

That growl... 'Twas the same as the beast we fought on the Serena Coast!

Did it follow us here?

Mayhap it hath some reason to attacken Kure...

Leaven this beast to us. Thou shouldst find some place to hiden.

Forgive me, I'm in your debt.

The manor wall, !

I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse, but it appears the creature is too big to get through the manor door.

A-Ahh! Get away from me!

I thinke not!

Now! Get out of here!

Why art thou here? What is it thou seekest?

Grrrrrr...

I see... So that's why thou pursuedest Kure.

Grrr!

I understande. Shall we maken a trade, then? I wishe not for needless violence, and thou already knowest that thou hast no chance at victory. I promise no harm will come to thee.

Grrr...

I sweare it will be returnede to thee.

Grrr!

Did it just run away? What did it say just now, H'aanit?

I'll explaine once we getten back to House Atratt.

The beast attackede Kure in search of its cub. It claimeth that Kure beareth its cub's scent, and demandeth its return.

Its cub? ...Wait a second! Now that I think about it, we're caring for a beast here that looks a lot like that creature.

I'm the one in charge of caring for it, so that's probably why I have its scent.

The beast spoke true, then?

It did, but this is all just a misunderstanding, I assure you. Its young had been attacked by another monster, so we took it in to care for its wounds.

You would care for the wounds of a monster?

What else would you have me do? It was still just a baby. It would have been cruel of us to simply leave it to its fate.

Thy kindness is truly a virtue. Ye must have been attackede countless times trying to caren for such beasts.

That we have. I've been bitten and swiped at more times than I can count.

Not many would be able to looken past such danger. Were thy patient human, they would surely ben forever in thy debt.

But one cannot expecteth the same from beasts of the forest. They haven their own ways and customs. The beast withdrew this time, but we may not ben so lucky the next. We should returnen the cub with haste.

It will be done. As it turns out the creature has already recovered, and we were planning to release it anyhow.

I see. Then allowen me to doen this for thee.

The beast's nest should lie somewhere in a forest around here. Knowest thou such a place, Aldo?

A forest, huh... It's a little far, but I'm guessing it must mean the Moonlight Forest. Want me to bring you there?

Yes. But we needen to planen our route carefully. We can't taken a beast through the city streets.

Would you like to say your farewells to the beast while they finish laying their plans?

Yeah...

Then allow me to join you, would you? It's not every day you get a chance to see monsters up close.

(For a house dedicated to veterinary pursuits they sure have a lot of unrelated equipment...)

Calm down. It's not feeding time yet.

This is the beast? It seems to like you.

Hehe, yep. This is Guardy. When he first came here I watched over him almost day and night.

Guess what, Guardy. We...we finally found your family.

Grawrf?

Will you be lonely, Kure?

A little... I told you before that Miglance Castle was attacked, right? Well, both my father and mother worked there... But it's okay. I'm fine now. The master took me in, and thanks to that I've got a place to live and food to eat. The other townspeople are really nice, too. I have nothing to complain about.

I even found my own way to help out, by caring for these animals.

Grawrf.

But you know... I still think it must be nice to have a family.

I thought I might find you here. Have you finished saying your goodbyes, Kure?

Yeah. I'm finished. Take care of him for me, okay?

I will.

Alright, I'd say it's about time for us to head out.

Do you mind if I accompany you to the gates?

Not at all.

I expect you to do as you're told, beast.

Grawrf?

This is goodbye... We might not see each other again, so take care of yourself and be happy.

Grawrf?

D-Don't "grawrf" me...

Would you like to travel with us to the forest, Kure?

Olberic?! Thou knowest we can't doe that.

I realize the danger, but it shouldn't be a problem with Aldo and me there.

Yeah, we'll keep him safe. It's too sad to tear the two of them apart so suddenly. If we can give them even a little more time together on the road, then I'm happy to do it.

Can I come, Miss? I promise I'll be good!

There's more to it than just the dangers on the road. I would have thee understande that it's dangerous to becomen attached to wild animals.

Promisen me thou wilt say your goodbyes when the time cometh.

I promise. I know this is what's best for Guardy, I just want him to be happy.

Then let us ben off.

Pray travel safely, friends!

...Huh? Aren't you coming, Cyrus?

Not this time. There are some things I'd like to look into here.

Like Miglance Castle? You sure do love your history, Cyrus...

I guess you could say that. Every stone, buttress, and forgotten tower has a tale to tell of its nation's past, and...

Comen. We've no time for Cyrus's tales today. That man will talke until the sun hath set, and the Moonlight Forest is yet far.

Sorry, Cyrus. Maybe next time, yeah?

Oh? Will you be staying for my lecture, Olberic?

No. I just needed to tell you something before we set out...

, Watch your back. Someone's tailing you, and even I had trouble detecting them. They know what they're doing.

I see. Thank you for the warning. I'll be careful.

Siiir! They're gonna leave you behiiind!

On my way.

This forest is almost completely untouchede by man... It will ben a good home for thee.

Grawrf!

Guardy...

Let's go.

Are you sure? You haven't even said goodbye.

If we stay any longer, I don't think I'll have the strength to do it.

Alright, I understand.

I've kepte my promise, now I ask thee to doen the same. Staye away from Unigan.

Grrr...

Grawrf?

Grawrf!

G-Guardy?! What are you doing?

Grawrf?

I can't go with you, boy. People can't live in the forest. Don't worry about me. I want you to be with your family.

Grawrf...

What are you waiting for? That's your family isn't it?

Grawrf!

Miss... Why won't he go?

This is why I willede to leaven thee behind.

That child careth for thee as much as its own kin. And why would it not? Thou savedest its life and ye both easede the other's loneliness.

Then what should we do?

Drawe its attention away with food or the like and then rune as fast and as far as thy legs will carry thee.

But there's no way I can outrun Guardy...

I feel bad about it, but you think I should try to scare it into running away to the forest?

No, Aldo. Wait.

(I don't want to be separated either, but Guardy is going to get a lot bigger, and he won't be able to live in the city.) (There's no way he can live a good life with me.)

I'm sorry, boy, but we have to say goodbye now.

Grawrf?

Your family is in the forest. You'll be happier here, so please...

Go on. Get!

Grawrf?

I SAID GET! Hurry up and forget about me!

G-Grawrf?!

And don't you ever come back! There won't be any food waiting for you!

So...so stay in the forest...and live a happy life...

Sniffle... Sob...

You did well, son.

Uwaaaaaahhh!

Feeling better?

...Yeah. I'll be okay. Let's hurry up and go. I don't want him to hear me crying and come running back.

Right.

Grawrf!

Hold. A beast draweth near.

What a malicious aura... I don't think it's going to just let us pass.

Yes. I'm afraid we've no choice but to hunten this creature.

Wait... I know that monster...

Stand back, Kure.

He took it down in one strike... Who IS this guy?

No one. Just a common hedge knight.

A hedge knight?! Thou wert a ROYAL knight!

Really?! That explains a lot!

That was long ago. Now I'm just a nameless blade.

Are you alright, Kure? Were you afraid?

Not many children could stande tall like that before such a beast. Thou didst well. Now, let us maken haste to Unigan before more of them giveth chase.

(That monster just now was definitely one of the ones the master and I rescued. What could have caused it to act like that?)

Stick close to us, Kure. We don't know what else is out here.

O-Okay! Coming!

Welcome home. Were you able to release the creature without incident?

We were, yes. Kure was very brave.

I see you met Shion while we were gone.

Oh? You're already acquainted, then?

Yeah. What were you two up to?

Who's your new friend, Cyrus?

That would be Shion. He has kindly agreed to assist me in my investigation.

Oh yeah, you mentioned something about that. What were you investigating?

Something that I must share with all of you right away. However...

I'm guessing this is going to be a long discussion, so let me see Kure to the manor first. We've had a long journey.

Alright. We'll wait for you in the tavern.

Were you really a royal knight, Sir? You worked for the king?

You heard that, did you? It's true, yes, but my liege passed on long ago.

What did you do for the king? How did you support him? Was he happy with you?

That's a surprisingly difficult question. Swinging a blade is about all that I'm good for. I only had one role.

And what was that?

To carry out my orders without fail.

I had a reason to pick a side and fight, to protect the king who believed in my blade.

What does House Atratt need from you, Kure? Once you understand that, your path will become clear.

What does the master need from me? ...I don't really know.

But I'll figure it out! Thank you, Sir!

Now then, let's head to the Unigan tavern.

So, what did you learn, Cyrus?

Well, after sending you off on your little sojourn, I happened to run into Shion. According to him...

Right then. Let's poke around a bit.

Oh? Fancy meeting you again.

Linde isn't with you this time, I see... That's unfortunate. I couldn't help overhearing you say something about "poking around" just now. Did I not already warn you?

You did indeed! But unfortunately, I simply can't resist the temptations of a good mystery.

I can already tell you're going to be trouble.

Now, now, don't say that. You were following me, correct? Do we have business together?

You knew? It seems there really is more to you than meets the eye.

Not me actually, it was my comrade. He spoke very highly of your skill, might I add. In any case I have something I'd like to ask you. What say we work together?

My information isn't free. I'd like you to tell me what you witnessed in the manor first.

You mean to say you haven't already infiltrated the place yourself?

Besting that place's security is no small task. Even if you managed to avoid the gaze of the guards, the beasts would catch your scent.

Then it seems we have much to offer one another. I'm Cyrus, a traveling scholar. And you are?

Shion. Let's leave it at that.

Then let's start here, Why are you investigating House Atratt?

I came to these lands on secret orders from my masters. They believed House Atratt to hold similar values to our own, and tasked me with vetting them before sending an offer of alliance. The problem is, I can't help but sense there's something shady going on behind Atratt's friendly facade.

Something shady, huh? I'm inclined to agree. But I need more information to confirm my suspicions.

So then? What did you see in the manor?

Monsters in cages and what appeared to be equipment for taming them.

I see... I was already aware that House Atratt was involved in animal conservation, but taming them is another thing entirely. That would go totally against commonly accepted animal welfare practices. What could they have in mind? I can't see monsters being very receptive to traditional training techniques.

That's what we're going to find out. What have you learned of House Atratt, Shion?

That they're planning a rebellion against the Miglance royal family, and they intend to act soon. But until now I had little inclination as to HOW they planned to do it without an army to command.

And you would see this rebellion prevented?

Of course. Many would suffer if the nation were to lose King Miglance's leadership at a time like this. I don't wish to see that.

Neither do I. So how about we gather enough evidence to expose their crimes?

And how exactly would you propose we do that?

Outsider as I am, our recent business with young Kure has left me on good terms with House Atratt. It should be easy enough for me to gain access and have a look around.

Together we should be able to investigate the manor thoroughly.

Atratt is planning a rebellion? There's no way we can turn a blind eye to something like that.

Agreed. The only thing is, I'm going to need access to the manor to find the evidence I need.

Have you already finished?

We were just about to start laying plans. I'll try to fill you in quickly, Olberic.

Well now, that seems like quite the predicament you find yourselves in.

Odysso...

I do hope you've been enjoying your recent travels.

What about this looks enjoyable to you? A lot of people could get hurt if we don't do something about this. So, what do you want? What are you planning?

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

...Do you know who that was just now, Aldo?

I do, yeah. Why do you ask?

Because he looks a lot like the person who gave me my information on House Atratt. He had his face concealed at the time, but their builds and height certainly match.

...We should follow him.

Hm? Where's Shion?

He left to trailen Aldo's acquaintance.

I see. Can you tell us anything about that acquaintance of yours, Aldo?

(What is Odysso doing here, and why was he exchanging information with Shion? He told me to come to the Spacetime Rift, but why?)

Something on your mind, Aldo?

No, it's nothing.

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