Mission 15 - Part 2

Mission 15 - Part 2
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Herep-inet is quiet- a palpable sigh of relief after a job well-done, despite some problems along the way. The Aetherians had done what they had set out to do, managing to capture all of the rebels within the village who now awaited their eventual punishment in a home the pharaoh's guards had commandeered for the duty. However, there was still collateral damage throughout the village, from smashed walls and stampeded fields to damaged crops and burnt food. The citizens, while grateful that the rebels were captured still seemed apprehensive and displeased with the methods used to obtain the end result, and thus treated their would-be saviors with strained smiles.
The attitude in the ʿt ḥnḳt matches the tentative happiness in the village. Having escaped the exasperated eyes of the villagers, the Aetherians now hide within the beer hall, many of them in states of rest while nursing much-needed drinks (some of which were spiked). King Alaric was one such ‘mon, currently coiled at the end of the bar with a large half-empty bowl of water in front of him. Having a lack of hands dictated the necessity of a handle-less glass: while his pride would normally see him attempting to lift a glass with a vine, his exhaustion at the moment gave him no energy to refuse the simplicity of lapping up water like a whipped dog - which perfectly summed up his mood as he continues to berate himself for his behavior in front of the pharaoh, not to mention his own subjects, he squeezes his eyes shut for a moment, banishing the thoughts (but not the feelings).
His companions were not much better (and he didn’t blame them for it). Gawain sits next to him, alternatively looking at Alaric sidelong, then at his empty glass like it’d insulted his mother. Not exactly an unusual look for him, per se, but the context of their surroundings could not be ignored.
Beside him are Matteo and Cecil, the latter’s fur covered in sand that glitters in the candle light, a trail of more of Khetmaat’s specialty flooring tracking all the way to the door that the Aura Pokémon had entered from mere moments ago. Though the evidence of this is quickly being swept aside by a Maractus, one Midge, owner of the establishment who seems less bothered by the sand on her floor, which would be a hard thing to be bothered by when one runs a beer house in the desert, and more grateful to be given something to do that does not entail interacting with her current patrons.
Alaric lets his eyes sweep back to the two guild members who seem to be holding a conversation under their breaths in steady, droning tones; about what, Alaric didn’t rightly care, though he knows he ought to, but he suspects it has something to do with “damage control” - that or whatever Cecil braved the increasing winds outside the ‘t hnkt for - perhaps indeed the latter as after his brief exchange with the small Electric type, Cecil heads back to the door and slips back outside. 
Making one Chesnaught situated farthest away from the king, Osmund, to narrow his eyes at the retreating figure and shoot the mouse Pokémon a look. The smile the Pikachu gives him has Osmund tighten his one paw wrapped around his drink… though Alaric is sure that the knight is imagining the king’s neck there instead, judging by how tightly he’s grasping it. 
Alaric’s musings are interrupted by Matteo’s sudden clearing of his throat, and those sitting at the bar turn to the electric rodent who steeples his hands on the counter before speaking just loud enough for only them to hear.''
: We need to discuss… what happened.
: I’ll tell you what happened. We took a shite situation and filled it with more shite.
: Not true. We caught th’ scum-
: While we destroyed the town-
: Partially-destroyed. Buildings are still standing-
: A proper miracle, that. Did you see the hole punched in the wall in the weaver’s shop? It’ll take the owner weeks to repair it.
: There’s no point in arguin’ over wha’ went wrong. Point is, we did somethin’ to help an’ succeeded, an’ th’ pharaoh ought to be flippin’ grateful-
: I doubt she will be so forgiving after hearing from her people about how we accomplished our deeds.
: We knocked o’er some tables, big deal. (snorts) From wha’ I saw here at th’ bar, we had everythin’ well in hand. In fact, th’ pharaoh’s guards were plenty thankful when we got ‘em outta th’ house they were trapped in.
: Then you must have had a different experience from myself and Cecil. While I was initially impressed, especially early on when we were organizing the strategy, it soon became apparent that everyone was attempting to rush this rescue - likely in an effort to gain access to the well quickly - and thus we alerted the rebels to our presence far sooner than anticipated.
: He’s right. As much as I hate to admit one of Bál’s lap dogs is right about something. They really wanted that well freed, to the point of causing a ruckus most everywhere else first. That Tauros was entirely too pissy when I captured it, and I don’t blame it.
: At least it meant th’ king an’ us got water fast. We wouldn’t have lasted much longer without th’ well under our control.
: True - but you cannot ignore the lasting effects on the villagers... or on your people.
: It is clear that your people have… ingenuity, if nothing else, and their courage in the face of this uncertain mission was commendable. But the facts are that we could have completed this task with less collateral damage, and I don’t believe Sa’Perah Ah will see the bright side of our involvement in the situation.
: It doesn’t matter.
The others stare at the king, surprised at the steely look in his eye. Even Midge pauses in her sweeping long enough to glance at him with confusion while Matteo’s ears quiver twice.
: Doesn’t matter?! Might I remind you that we are currently in her nation - trespassing, in fact - and that we are meddling in her affairs purely on the word of a ghost? She has every right to be cross with us, despite our success.
: We came to this village for one thing: to find the merchant who can lead us to the Library of Thales, and capturing the rebels was a necessary step towards that goal. Like the pharaoh said in our meeting, Herep-inet and the rebels are her problem - and I agree.
: You do?
: Yes. It is her nation and she must run it as she sees fit. If she does not want to assist us in this mission, then so be it…
: … but we will not be swayed. If we wish to avert the terrible crisis that awaits all nations, we need to continue onward, no matter whose lands we trespass upon. Allies might become enemies, but if it is to save our future, then it is a risk we should be willing to take.
: Spoken like a potential conqueror. I gotta say, I like your style.
They turn: a Krokorok has appeared at the opposite end of the bar, having sat there while the others were speaking. He gives three short taps on the counter with a claw tip, and Midge jumps into action, ducking behind the bar and reappearing with a fluted bottle. She pours out a glass for the croc, silently slipping him the drink as he saunters along the bar to take the seat beside Osmund even as the Chesnaught glowers at him - and to everyone’s shock besides the stranger’s, Midge smiles.
: Husani, I am glad to see that you are safe.
: Same to you. (peering around) I see the place didn’t get too trashed, thank sands. You might be the luckiest ‘mon in all of Khetmaat to have survived these foreigners’ “aid,” Midge.
: Oh, but hey, good thing you all came, eh? I’m sure the pharaoh didn’t have time to come down herself, what with all the other villages suffering right now, it’s nice to see that someone cares.
: (tipping his glass towards Alaric) So, thanks for the property damage, sir, and don’t let the door hit your slithery behind on the way out.
: (growling) Shut yer snout, or I’ll shut it for ya!
: Easy there, drunken fire hazard, don’t want you blazing up in here - (lifting the glass to his mouth and speaking over the rim) - though it looks like you’re already well on your way there, eh?
: Ah, great, anoth’r wise-arse.
: You… you’re the-?
: Merchant you tore up a town for? Depends on who’s asking.
: If the money’s right, you mean.
: You said it, not me.
: We would be willing to compensate you for your time, should you accept our offer.
The croc takes a long swig of the drink and clunks the glass back onto the counter, his smirk creasing into a frown.
: Like I said - who’s asking?
: The king of Aether, Alaric von Adonai.
: …
: Um, did you hear what I-?
: I heard. I’m just trying to figure out why I should give two hippopotas’ farts.
: (rising from his stool intimidatingly) Ya wanna have a go?
: With you? No. Not my type.
: How about me then, eh? I’m not in the mood to let some sand spitter say whatever he wants about the king and get away with it.
: Wait, there’s no need for violence-
: I don’t think your two lackeys here agree with you.
: You should all settle down, your aggression is more grating than the desert air.
The Lucario’s sudden arrival seems to have startled the two out of their current mood at least, shaking of some of the sand from his fur, belatedly realizing what he did as he gives an apologetic nod in the direction of Midge as he takes his seat next to Matteo.
: Please Husani, like I said, you will be rewarded-
: Won’t do me much good if I’m dead.
: We can ensure your safety-
: Ha! Yeah, that makes me feel loads better-
: You haven’t even HEARD wha’ we want ya to do!
: Heard enough before I sat down. Can’t say I’m surprised that up-and-coming despots are interested in our sacred treasures-
: Then you clearly weren’t listening! We only want to find the library to search for a way to stop my visions from coming true!
: … Do you listen to yourself when you speak?
: Not often enough.
: I know it sounds mad, but it’s the truth. There is bound to be some information in that library that can help us, and if there’s even the smallest chance of success, we have to try. We won’t get far without someone to guide us-
: And we know from Jendayi that you would be the one to take us.
At the ghost’s name, Husani pauses, casting Matteo a curious glare before chuckling under his breath.
: So she chose you lot…
: You know her?
: In a way. Why does Jendayi think I know how to get there?
: She said that you helped lead three foreigners through the desert, and that these three had claimed to have been in the library itself. A Murkrow, Scraggy, and Croagunk.
: Those guys, huh? Yeah, I found them wasted in the desert - in more ways than one - and helped them to the border, but that’s all. They were clearly out of their skulls, so why would I believe them and then remember the directions? I don’t think that would be enough to qualify me to be a guide to some long-forgotten library, considering that I didn’t exactly find them at its front door.
Matteo meets Cecil’s gaze briefly, who gives a subtle nod. Taking a deep breath, Matteo continues on in a gamble:
: I disagree. In fact, due to the presence of a fourth ‘mon with them, I suspect that their story was more believable than you let on. Do not bother denying it, we have a reliable witness.
: Who do you mean?
: The one who told us of the library’s existence - who calls it home.
There’s a palpable silence as Husani downs the rest of his drink, everyone wondering what he would say… until finally, the croc huffs in an amicable grunt.
: How is the kid? Higher than a kite, last I saw them. Those idiots didn’t know what the hell they were doing, dragging them around.
: (holding back a sigh of relief) Ene is well, thank you. Certainly better now that they’re with someone who knows how to care for them, but it would be better still if they could return home safely.
: So you’re not only trying to save the world, you’re also trying to reunite a lost kid with their family? That’s a whole lotta good karma you’re building up - makes me wonder what you’ve done wrong.
: All we want is to do something to avert the deaths of millions. We can’t stand by and do nothing.
: Especially not after being given more than one second chance to right many wrongs.
: … You always such a drama king?
: Careful, croc…
: You ought to be careful, yourself. Even if I indeed remembered this way, you think I would be so foolish as to take a large group of meddlers alone into the depth of the desert, based on their claim to noble grandiose intention, their leader speaking of visions that sound like mirages outsiders get from heat sickness, and their party lacking any “kid” to reunite with anyone?
: I-
: We didn’t think bringing Ene would be wise, seeing as the circumstances determine it wouldn’t be “safe.”
: You are right about that. Seeing how you handled the situation here, how would you deal if you ran into an rebel ambush surrounded by nothing but sand? I for one am not so certain I want to throw away my life for a group of tourists. Altruism isn’t exactly my strong suit.
: (smiling) And yet, didn’t you come here to help out these town folk?
: Oh?
The Krokorok follows the Pikachu's nod in the direction of Cecil before a smile overtakes him.
: I see.
: What are you spouting about? What could this one alone have done-
: Perhaps your escorts could help protect us out there too, now that we have taken away their work here-
: Escorts? Explain.
: If you could refrain from rapid judgment-
: Cecil has sensed several lifeforms behind the dunes surrounding the town. We had first thought they were rebels as they wear similar masks- 
Both Osmund and Gawain stand up, alarmed.
: That’s not something you keep to yourself, so this guy is-
: They have left already. I’m unsure of who they were, but if I’m correct in my assessment, their intention wasn’t to aid the rebels we faced-
: An opposing rebel group?
: I’m no rebel, I’m a merchant. Whatever your friend thinks he saw in the hills isn’t my concern, nor is it that of outsiders, or is your king going back on his word already?
: A likely story. So you just happen t’ arrive wit’ a group o’ people you have nothin’ to do with-
: I don’t control who wanders where, regardless of what you might think-
: …
: Cecil? Are you alright?
: … I thought I asked you to wait outside
The others stare Cecil with confusion - then whirl when a muffled grunt sounds behind them. A Cacturne sits at the table directly behind them, his back to them, head bowed towards the table. It almost appears like the scarecrow has forgotten that he’s alive, so still and silent he sits - but finally, he shifts slowly around to face them, leaning back against the table.
: You noticed me.
: Wasn’t hard to, Hager. I’ve been keeping track of your movements since we arrived in Herep-inet.
: That is wise.
: Th’ hell? We had you in th’ house wit’ th’ other rebels!
: Apparently he got out. (cracking his knuckles) Clearly you aren’t in a hurry to escape, otherwise you would’ve done it already. 
: I had attempted such. Ropes are hardly effective against my needles, but your pointy-eared canine friend is far more perceptive to mistake me for the desert foliage than any of your foot soldiers seem to be.
: Has your throat gotten clogged with sand, Cecil? Is there more information we are not privy to that you have thus failed to report?
: I did not have time to report to anyone besides Matteo. Upon returning here after observing the figures outside the settlement, I sensed Hager’s presence outside where he wasn’t supposed to be, so I had to intercept him for I feared he would warn others from his group. In light of recent developments, I expected it to be less destructive that I pursue him alone; seeing our typing there was not much he could have done to thwart me from accomplishing this.
Osmund shot Matteo a foul look that was answered only with a smile.
: I doubt there is any use in asking, but why did you say nothing?
: I would have gotten to it, if it had gotten pertinent, but I was waiting for more information upon Cecil’s return. Everyone taking up arms and rushing outside in this oncoming sandstorm seemed unwise.
: After restraining him and questioning him, I asked him to wait outside when I sensed the strained air coming from inside of here.
: And you just expect’d ‘im to stand around waitin’ after he just tried to high tail it out o’ there?
: I believed him to be genuine enough in what he told me for it to make sense. Besides, I would have noticed it if he left and I’m sure he was aware of that too.
: As for any more I have to report, Hager said since I didn’t let him meet the people who had surrounded the village, he’d speak to you, Alaric-
: Yes, th’ rebel wished to meet wit’ th’ other group o’ people who you say were not wit’ th’ rebels.
: Kind of, perhaps it's best if they explain it themselves.
: So, let’s hear it then. If you have something to say, better that you fess up now before I force it out of you.
: … She will die.
: She? She who?
: … Pharaoh Sa’Perah Ah.
: You said nothing about this to me.
: I didn't know if I could trust you to deliver the message, or if you would kill me.
: Why should we believe any word outta this guy’s mouth? Again, wasn’t he wit’ th’ rebels who took over this town?
: His true relationship with them seems more complicated than that. In fact, he did help several of the citizens out during the siege, particularly here in the ’t hnkt.
: Yeah, I was there for th’ aftermath of tha’ one. (turning to the Cacturne) So then, wha’ gives?
: ‘What gives’? I told you, the rebels plan to assassinate the pharaoh, I’ll need help to foil them, and thanks to your Lucario friend, now it seems you are the only ones around that can… 
: Where would this assassination take place?
: I'm unsure. However, I know where the people charged with doing it are, at one of our bases.
: Our forces are hardly equipped to deal with a whole base of rebels.
: The base is empty for a large part since their forces are spread thin occupying villages.
: Bullocks - it’s a trap. Probably wants to drag us to some godforsaken corner of the desert and let the mandibuzz peck at our corpses.
: If ya think I’m gonna let ya-!
: N-No, wait, please!
Midge skidded to a stop in front of the Cacturne, arms spread wide as fear took over her face.
: Please! Don’t hurt my husband!
: Huh? Husband??? You’re married t’ one o’ th’ rebels tha’ overtook yer village?
: I beg you, Hager isn’t here to harm you! If he was, you’d already be dead - he would have asked me to poison the drinks!
: That doesn’t help his case, miss, or yours.
: Oh, w-well, what I mean is, my Hager wouldn’t risk his life by warning you without good reason! 
: … Midge.
: King Alaric, the truth is-
: Midge.
: No, please, they need to hear it… King Alaric, while we appreciate your sentiment in trying to help us, the truth is, the reason everyone isn’t overjoyed at your assistance is that their forces will surely be back and you will not be there next time… This has been going on for years… Hager is working with-
: Midge, please, I can talk for myself. In fact, it’s probably better that I do…
: I thought you’d been caught, or worse! 
: Uh, he was caught. By me.
: Yes, that I know, but I mean caught by the rebels! There’s no telling what they could have done to him if they knew about-!
: Midge.
: Yes?
: … Shh.
: I’m sorry to interrupt, but what exactly is going on here? Are you or aren’t you with the rebels?
: Wow, you have quite the people-skills there, your kingliness!
: An’ here I was, enjoyin’ you finally shuttin’ yer trap
: Well tough break, I got something to say. I can vouch for this guy; this here is a friend of mine, and thus is completely trustworthy and useful to your quest, just as I am. How have you been, Hager? Double-life getting you down?
: Not funny.
: Of course not, being a spy is no fun at all, especially when every second is a lie and any moment could end at the edge of a knife.
: … !
: Shut up.
: Wait, back up. You’re a spy?
: Shut up about what, prick-ly, your missus is letting the purrloin out of the bag as is.
: Th’ hell is this guy talkin’ ‘bout?!
: If there is indeed more to this conflict than even the Pharaoh knows… Could you fill us in?
: …
: Please, tell them! You need them now, right?
: You came here to say something, Hager, despite the risks. Can’t back out now.
The Cacturne was quiet for a moment, his expression hard to gauge behind the mask… until he removed it, pulling it off with an easy tug and fixing them with a sullen glare.
: Very well, listen closely. The organization I infiltrated, who you call ‘rebels’, but who call themselves the Claws of Ammut, was once part of a larger whole. They split off from the main group due to a disagreement in… leadership styles.
: Basically they didn’t like how the head honcho chooses their targets and thus threw their metaphorical hats in with a bigger, badder big bad.
: Many members went with the new group, leaving the old barren and weak, unable to stand against them. I was sent to spy on them and keep tabs on their movements. If I could delay them, I should attempt to do so… If not, allow them to continue and only intervene when it looked like I could minimize the chaos without betraying my cover.
: So Pharaoh Sa’Perah Ah’s struggle with these rebel groups began in earnest only when this new group of rebels was formed? What about the original, what was their goal?
: Similar in nature, not in execution.
: Meaning?
: They too wanted a change in the current regime, but weren’t willing to go about holding villages hostage to do so.
: We only want to stamp out corruption where it grows. There is a lot about this that meddlers like you don't unders-
Husani shoved his way past the Cacturne, cutting off his starting spiel as he bumped into the spiked man purposely, his tough skin likely protecting him from damage, or his poker face hiding it well as he immediately took over the conversation.
: Ah, yes, a noble pursuit~ Personally, I much prefer the satisfaction of a full wallet, rather than a penniless job such as philanthropy.
: And this is the one we have to trust to get us to the library in one piece…
: So, you are a spy, Hager - for the true rebels, who wish to do what exactly? Place your own leaders in charge?
: Let's say we'd just like to "remind" the pharaoh to be loyal to her people; personally I don't put much trust in her ability to do so, as I don't believe she didn't have a larger role to play in this-
: Hager-
: You better listen to the lady. I think you've had a couple too many, you are getting a bit too deep in your cover.
: Tch- it doesn't matter what I think, I'm not in charge, and it seems she has not yet worn out all favour with my "leaders.”
: So you expect us t’ believe your rebel group, which has been a thorn in th’ pharaoh's side for years, doesn't want her gone?
: Yes. Which is why I tell you of her impending death.
: But don’t ya’ hate her? Your leader, they don’t agree wit’ what she’s doin’, yeah? Tha’s probably why they started th’ original rebels in th’ first place.
Husani narrowed his eyes as he shot the Cacturne a look, a clear threat.
: … If that is what you want to believe.
: Then that isn’t the case? Your leader does not want Sa’Perah Ah dead?
: … Like I said, I can take you to the rebel base, where they are planning the strike against the pharaoh. If we hurry, we may be able to stop them before they begin their advance on the palace.
: Don’t think I didn’t notice you ignoring my question… but fine, we will assist. I can only spare the warriors who came with us, no more, so Captain Gawain and Sir Osmund will accompany you and them to the base while the rest of us go with Husani-
: I’d like to remind everyone, I didn’t agree to take you anywhere yet-
: Wait a moment, sire, I’m not sure we should be splittin’ up like-
: No, in this case, the king is right. The longer we delay in our quest, the more likely Sa’Perah Ah will catch wind of what we’ve been up to in her kingdom. What’s more, if what Hager says is true, should we end up saving her life, it will go a long way towards repairing our already-damaged relationship with her. Sending a smaller force to do this task only means accomplishing it faster. 
: I sense no deception from Hager. I believe he is telling the truth about the attempt - or at least, he himself believes it to be true.
: Hmph, well, I suppose I’d rather keep my eye on this ‘spy’ than tag along with the shady rebel-
: That’d be ‘shady merchant,’ if you please.
: Yeh right, as I said: I suppose I’d rather keep my eye on this ‘spy’ than tag along with the shady ‘merchant.’
: Aw, that’s the nicest thing anyone has said about me~ The same to you, sir chipmunk - (offering a teasing salute) - have fun on your adventure with assassins.
: Husani, please, regardless if you believe us or not, it’s absolutely vital we get to the library.
: I think Jendayi is right… You should take them to Ptolemy, at least.
: Ptolemy?
: (snorting) Fine, fine, I’ll get you there, and if that goes well, maybe a little farther, far as I can to the library. From there on, you’re on your own. Meanwhile, your warriors head over to the other rebels' place, and with your destructive power, at least you'll make a proper distraction to foil their plans.
: So Ptolemy, it’s a place?
: Can't go to the library without going through there.
: Thank you, Husani, we are in your debt!
: Damn straight, you are. Get your people together and let’s get this show on the road. 
Osmund grumbled but eventually stood from his chair and started corralling the warrior-class citizens together with Hager (who had to peel Midge off of him). 
Matteo, Cecil, and Husani started up a conversation going into further detail on where they’re going… but before Alaric could join their discussion, Gawain pulled him aside, leaning down to murmur in the king’s ear.''
: I don’t know ‘bout this, sire. Separatin’ like this, it doesn’t seem right.
: I know that you and Osmund don’t exactly see eye to eye-
: It’s not tha’, it’s just… You really shouldn’t be left alone, not right now.
: I’m not alone, Gawain. Cecil and Matteo, they’ll be right at my side, they’ve proven themselves to be reliable when they aren’t acting on Bál’s every order. True, they didn’t admit that they’d contacted Sa’Perah Ah ahead of time, none of you did, but I see now that it was for the best that she understand my-
: Alaric, it’s not your health I’m worried ‘bout, it’s your life.
: (with a nervous chuckle) Aren’t those the same thing?
: I swore to protect you, no matter wha’, so how can I do tha’ when I’m halfway ‘cross the desert dealin’ wit’ thugs?
: I’m not exactly helpless. I think I can survive a day or two without you hovering over me.
: I’m serious-
: As am I. (The king pats Gawain’s shoulder with a vine.) Fret not, old friend. You will be accompanied by the fine warriors of Aether, all of whom you know well; their talents, along with Osmund’s, will make stopping an assassination attempt child’s play, and then you’ll be back at my side in no time.
: An’ how am I supposed to find ya’ after we’re done?
: I’m sure that we can figure out how to send a message to you. Perhaps Husani can travel back to Herep-inet and lead you to our location after he’s led us there. I certainly won’t be entering the library without you, so we will wait for you to arrive.
: … Guess I can’t stop ya, can I? Fine, just… promise me ya’ won’t do anything foolish, like trust tha’ croc farther than ya’ can throw ‘im.
: If it seems like we are going into a trap, I will be the first to turn back.
: Even if it means losin’ th’ library?
: … 
: Alaric-
: Yes. W-we can find another way. If need be.
The Charizard squinted, and Alaric withered under his gaze… finally relaxing when the dragon snorted a small puff of smoke in a sigh.
: Alright then. Let’s get everyone outside an’ movin’.
Not long after, the Aetherians were outside the ʿt ḥnḳt , supplies refilled and ready to leave Herep-inet far behind. A soft murmuring rippled through the assembled ‘mons, as many of them didn’t know what awaited them - but their questions were about to be answered by Matteo who held up his paws for silencing before addressing the crowd.
: I know we are all anxious to leave, but bear with us for just a moment longer and then we’ll be on our way. (gesturing to his side) First, let me introduce you to our guides-
: Oy there, destroyers of walls and crops! The name’s Husani and today I shall be leading most of you to your hopefully-not-certain doom at the Library of Thales. Please keep all limbs to yourselves and remember to stop, drop, and roll should anything burst into flame~
: That… is very unlikely to happen, but thank you for the, um, colorful introduction, Husani.
: (nodding to Gawain and Osmund) Those of you working as a warrior will go with Captain Gawain and Sir Osmund on a separate task, the nature of which will be revealed to you as you travel to your destination. You will be led by Hager, whom some of you will recognize as the masked Cacturne we warned you about when we were liberating Herep-inet.
The murmuring in the crowd grew louder now, and Hager endured the scrutiny silently until Matteo signaled for quiet once again.
: I know that it is asking a great deal to convince you to trust him - so I won’t. I merely request that you listen to your superiors’ orders as they give them and complete your task quickly.
: Once we’re done, we’ll return back here. If all goes according to plan - and it seldom does, but maybe a miracle will happen - Husani will be in town and be available to take us to the library as well.
: Getting to do the same journey twice, lucky me!
: Those of us going to the library ahead of time will wait for the others before we enter, so be swift and stay safe.
: (thinking) “As safe as we CAN be stopping an assassination…”
: Alright, those of you traveling with warriors, say your goodbyes, we are leaving shortly-
: Hold on a moment. If I may say something…
: Go ahead, your majesty.
: … Thank you, all of you. I know that I haven’t been a shining example of a great king lately, so I cannot express how grateful I am that you have chosen to come on this mission, despite my recent mistakes. Even if you do not agree with what we’ve been doing here, your presence alone is more than enough to give me hope of our success.
: Well said, sire. (cracking his knuckles) Warriors, meet us at the gate in five minutes. Gawain, Hager, with me.
: I’ll be right there. Got somethin’ t’ take care o’ first.
: … Don’t take long.
The Chesnaught and Cacturne started towards the front entrance of Herep-inet, and Gawain turned towards Alaric, briefly patting the back of the serpent’s neck.
: Ya’ promise t’ take care o’ yerself’, aye?
: Of course I will, as I said I would less than an hour ago.
: (sighing) Good, cuz th’ queen would have my wings if I let anythin’ happen to ya!
Alaric twitched at the mention of his wife, and Gawain winced, realizing that he'd let something slip that he should have kept to himself. But the dragon shrugged it off and offered one final wave before flapping towards Osmund and Hager. The king responded with a sad smile and turned to join Matteo, Cecil, and Husani as they checked their supplies one last time, thoughts darkening.
: (thinking) “Sorry, Gawain… Tara… I will do all that I can to keep my promise, but for the good of the world, I may have no choice but to break it…”
Well, it’s been… a while, hasn’t it? We want to thank you for your patience as we’ve worked behind the scenes to get the group up and running again. Been a long time coming, but we’re back and ready to get back into the action and we hope you are as well!
This part of the mission is job-specific, meaning you Warriors will be doing your specific path, while everyone else goes along the main path. If you have a main character with a Warrior support-job, you are more than welcome to join in on their special path. This also goes for NPCs, if you want them to run a path opposite of your own because they fit into the requested job, go right ahead. Just keep in mind that, when it comes to rewards, only the completion of your main character's objective matters. Also, you cannot complete one path and then go assist in the other, there's a bit too much sand between the two groups. So, no gaming the system for loot. Check the links below to see what you're heading into. Good luck!
 		
Rogues, Tradesmen, and Denizens		Warriors
Category:Missions
Category:Arc 2
Category:Khetmaat
Category:Branching Objective