Amber

What's the matter, dearie? Can't you sleep?

<pc>

No, Mum...

Amber

You're still upset about your little fight with Gemma, eh?

<pc>

She started it! She hit me for no reason! All I did was draw eyebrows on Sandy!

Amber

Hm hm! Ha ha ha ha ha!

<pc>

...Oi, don't laugh! Look at this great big lump she's given me!

Amber

I see it. And I saw the one on her head too. You gave her that, didn't you?

<pc>

...Yeah.

Amber

Now you listen to me, my lad—there'll be plenty of times in your life when people upset you and you feel like lashing out.

Amber

But no matter how much it hurts, and no matter how much you want to hurt them back, you don't go looking for revenge. You do what's right.

<pc>

I... I want to be friends with Gemma again, Mum. What should I do?

Amber

Why, you talk to her of course, you big silly! Ask her what she was feeling, and why she did what she did. Try to see things from her point of view.

Amber

Once you've done that, the rest is easy. You just smile, and hold out your hand.

Amber

That's my boy. ...Now, time for bed.

<pc>

Night-night, Mum.

Amber

Night-night, son. Don't you worry about a thing now. It'll all be alright in the morning.

Goodnight, sleep tight, child of Yggdrasil, ♪

The sun, it is sleeping and the night is still... ♪

The stars, they watch over you with twinkling eyes, ♪

To ward off the darkness till dawn arrives... ♪

...Have you found him yet?

Not yet, Master.

Our forces have scoured the four corners of the world,

but the Luminary is nowhere to be found.

He is dead, then? Good. If that is the case...

Then this world is mine!

*: Oh! You're awake! You're alert! You're alive!

*: Your breath was getting shorter—you couldn't breathe the water—but look at you now! It's an unequivocal miracle! Queen Marinaaa!

Queen Marina

...You say our guest has finally recovered from his wounds? Then let us expedite the plan—it must be done, and soon!

Queen Marina

Ngh!

*: Your Majesty!

Queen Marina

Don't fear for me, I'm not done yet. Until my work is finished, I'll find the strength to carry on—I shall not be diminished.

Queen Marina

Ah, there you are old friend—hee hee!—or should I say new fish! You make a finer flounder than I'd ever dared to wish!

Queen Marina

When first my subjects brought you here it gave me such a shock, to see you bruised and broken like a ship wrecked on the rocks.

Queen Marina

The Lord of Shadows thinks you dead—the sea swarms with his spies. I changed you to this fishy form to hide you from his eyes.

Queen Marina

Many troubled months have come and gone since your arrival. As you slept, my healers strove to safeguard your survival.

Queen Marina

You cannot know how glad I am to see you fully healed. But soon the spell will fade, and you must once more take the field.

Queen Marina

I have a plan to see you safe—that's all I've ever wished. If all goes well, you'll soon know what it feels like to be fished!

Queen Marina

Forgive my haste, these strange events must take you by surprise. You have so many questions, I can see it in your eyes.

Queen Marina

I saw you battle bravely by the World Tree's holy heart. I saw the Lord of Shadows tear your fellowship apart...

Queen Marina

I saw you strive to fell the fiend, and how your plans were vexed. When you are ready, follow me—to see what happened next.

Queen Marina

An aeon's passed since last I brought a human to this cave. It is the private parlour of the Queen Beneath the Waves.

Queen Marina

Behold the Pearl of Wisdom—jewel of we, the ocean's daughters. It lets its bearer view the world through any drop of water.

Queen Marina

I've summoned up a thunderstorm to saturate the ground. Now, let's ascend into the rain and take a look around.

Queen Marina

Whenever you are ready, touch your fin against the pearl, and you shall see what's come to pass there in your airy world.

Queen Marina

The once fair land of Erdrea is now a ravaged shell. When Mordegon destroyed its heart, the holy World Tree fell.

Queen Marina

Upon its fall, the world was with a searing storm despoiled. Trees and grasses burned to ashes, lakes and rivers boiled.

Queen Marina

Burning boulders fell to earth and pulverised the land. Mountains cracked and realms were racked at his unholy hand.

Queen Marina

In one fell swoop, the Lord of Shadows ended countless lives. The lucky few who rode the storm out struggle to survive.

Queen Marina

Their days are filled with desperation, misery and tears. I see them quake and tremble, but I cannot calm their fears...

*: Please...help...

*: Somebody... Please...

*: Is... Is someone there...?

*: Please...help me...

*: Our homes are gone—our families and friends too. All we have left is our lives. We can't just sit down and die. We have to keep walking!

*: We have to keep following the Hero! They say he's built a fortress south of Heliodor—if we can make our way there, we'll be safe.

*: Don't give up, okay? This Hero guy won't let us down. Once we get to the Last Bastion, everything'll be fine—you'll see!

*: A few more short steps

Lead from darkness into dawn.

Safe haven awaits!

Queen Marina

Amid the black depths of despair, a spark of light still shines—a man who gives the people hope in these benighted times.

Queen Marina

Yet that light too shall soon succumb to evil's ceaseless claim. Only you can take that spark and kindle it to flame...

Queen Marina

Yggdrasil has crashed to earth, Her light has disappeared. In Her place, the Lord of Shadows' citadel of fear.

Queen Marina

He took the sacred World Tree's power and now makes it his own. Foul Mordegon commands the world from his unholy throne.

Queen Marina

His forces seek to steal the souls of every last survivor. His flying servants sweep the skies, the seas swarm with his divers...

Queen Marina

Alizarin—the fiend that seeks to devastate my nation. Another one of Mordegon's detestable creations.

Queen Marina

I've cast a spell to hold him back, but need it to be stronger—the barrier's at breaking point, and cannot last much longer.

Queen Marina

I'd hoped that I could save my realm—it was a foolish notion. Compared to his, my strength is but a raindrop in the ocean.

Queen Marina

Ere long, the barrier will fall, and Nautica will too. Marauding beasts may take my life...but they shall not take you.

Queen Marina

...Our time grows short. I fear my kingdom's race is nearly run. My place is with my subjects now—we face our fate as one.

Queen Marina

How curious you are, my friend. I showed you fearful sights, and yet those wide and watery eyes still gleam with limpid light.

Queen Marina

It seems that grief and tragedy have followed you since birth. Cruel fate's dark plan has stalked you to the corners of the earth.

Queen Marina

And yet you've weathered every blow, prevailed against all strife. You've brushed with death a thousand times, yet still you have your life!

Queen Marina

It is the will of Yggdrasil that you are still alive. It is your fate to save this world—for this, you must survive.

Queen Marina

Bright Luminary, let the light shine on the world again! Find the fading sparks of hope and kindle them to flame!

Queen Marina

You'll find the sparks I speak of here and there throughout the land—they are the former members of your staunch and stalwart band.

Queen Marina

The fire within their hearts will light the path that you must tread—find your friends and bring an end to this dark age of dread!

Queen Marina

While the Luminary lives, there's hope for people still. You cannot fail, you must prevail—it is the World Tree's will.

*: Beware! The barrier shakes and breaks!

Queen Marina

The Lord of Shadows' followers give fond farewells short shrift. I had so much to tell you, but it seems I must be swift.

Queen Marina

Do not lose heart! Do not look back! Until your time is through...

Queen Marina

...Remember, you're the Luminary—we believe in you!

Citizens of Nautica!

Give your lives to the Lord of Shadows!

*: Hoo! Blue John's hooked himself a biggun! Could it be the legendary man-eating mackerel!? Let's reel him in and find out!

Blue John

Yesss! I caught something! I actually caught something! Blue John's going to eat tonight!

Blue John

Heh! Maybe there is some good in this forsaken world after all!

Blue John

......

Blue John

Wh-Wh-Who the heck are you!? And what were you doing on the end of my hook!?

Blue John

I don't care how hungry you are—you don't go pinching the bait off another man's line!

Blue John

Hey, now... Don't cry, sonny...

Blue John

Look, I don't know what's got you sniffling, but it must be something serious.

Blue John

So listen—Blue John's going to help you out! We fisher folk've gotta look after each other, ain't we?

Blue John

You can stay the night at my hut. There's none too many safe places left in this rotten world, but it'll do you for a day or two.

Blue John

When you're ready, you can head over to the Last Bastion—they'll see you right. The feller running the place is a boney-fido hero!

Blue John

Right, now that's decided, let's head for shore! Hold on tight, lad—things are about to get choppy!

Blue John

Ahoy there, sonny! So you finally roused yourself from your slumbers, eh? Blue John'd say good morning, but there ain't no morning to speak of these days.

Blue John

You hadn't noticed? Why, we've seen nothing but dark sky since the day of the disaster. Ahh, just look at the state of it...

Blue John

There was an almighty booming and rumbling, and then great gouts of blackness started billowing up from the castle over in Heliodor.

Blue John

Since then, nothing's been right. That was the last time any of us saw the sun.

Blue John

That ain't good! We'd better hide, and fast!

Blue John

...That was a close one! Them monsters started pouring out of Heliodor Castle about the same time as the blackness. The rotters seem to think they own the place!

Blue John

They've never come so near before, though. They'll be lookin' for food, I'll warrant. An' there Blue John was thinking he'd found himself a safe spot...

Blue John

Listen—seems the vittles round these parts are set to get mighty scarce. I hate to send you packing sonny, but I reckon you'd best be on your way.

Blue John

You'll be safer over at the Last Bastion anyhow. Go on and get yourself over there before the monsters spot you.

Blue John

That Hero feller'll look after you, I'm sure. He's a good 'un, that one—a spark of hope in these dark old times.

Blue John

Steer a course due west until you hit Cobblestone Falls. The Last Bastion lies just beyond. Mind how you go now, sonny!

Gemma

Sandy! There you are! And where did you run off to, might I ask?

Sandy

Woof woof!

Gemma

Oh my—! It's... It's really you, isn't it...?

Gemma

Y-You're alive...! And you've... You've come back to us...! Oh, I've been so, so, so worried, especially after... Well, we heard such awful things...

Sandy

(whine)

Gemma

(sniff) Oh, Sandy! You're right, of course! This is the best news I could have hoped for, and here I am blubbering like a baby!

Gemma

Welcome home!

Sandy

Woof! Woof woof!

Gemma

It's not quite the Cobblestone we grew up in, is it? No, we've been through a lot... After you left, this terrible man named Jasper came...

Gemma

I, I'll never forget his eyes—they were so cold... H-He rounded us all up in the centre of the village...and then he ordered his men to kill us.

Gemma

But we were lucky. Not everyone is as cruel as Jasper. No, another soldier came and told him to stop. He said there was no need to take our lives.

Gemma

But that didn't stop them burning the village to the ground and locking us all up in the castle... Still, that one good man made sure we came to no harm.

Sandy

Woof! Woof!

Gemma

Sorry, Sandy! You're right—he's just got home after a long journey. He doesn't want to hear me blathering on!

Gemma

Come on, let's go and see the one person who'll be even happier to see you than me!

Amber

Come on, girls! Put your backs into it! The boys are out there doing the fighting, so it's up to us to keep the home fires burning!

Gemma

S-Sorry to interrupt Amber, but...I've got big news!

Amber

Hello, Gemma love. What's got you so excited, hm?

Gemma

Well, you're not going to believe this, but...there's someone very special here to see you!

Amber

...My little soldier!

Amber

(sniff) I, I just can't believe it's you! After all the awful things that happened, I was sure you were... Sure you were... (sob)

Gemma

When the disaster struck, so many people lost their lives... The sun vanished, and those terrible monsters appeared all over the place...

Gemma

Even those of us who were lucky enough to survive were so drained and desperate that we almost lost the will to live...

Amber

And then the Hero appeared, just when we needed him! He did all he could to help people, no matter who they were or where they were from.

Amber

He fought off the monsters and brought everyone here to safety. Without him, I dread to think what would have become of us...

Amber

And now, thanks to him, the place you once knew as Cobblestone has become the Last Bastion—humanity's safe haven in a world beset by darkness!

Amber

Would you believe we've even got the King of Heliodor camped out here!

Amber

Look, I know he was the one who ordered the village to be burned, but I'm sure he had his reasons. Things aren't always as they seem, love.

Amber

He may be the last person you want to see, but you should go and talk things through with the King. Your grandfather would have wanted you to at least try.

Amber

Just pop your head round the door of his tent, will you, love? For me? It's the one in the middle of the camp with the two flags. And be polite!

King Carnelian

So. You are alive and well, I see.

King Carnelian

You have nothing to fear. I have regained my senses at last. The living nightmare that began for me on the day of your birth has ended.

King Carnelian

Though in truth, I remember little of what I did... I have inflicted so much pain on so many... On you...

King Carnelian

I do not ask for forgiveness—I do not deserve it. All I ask is that I be allowed to atone. To pay for my crimes by protecting those who remain.

King Carnelian

Tell me—do you recall what happened on that fateful day? The events that came to pass beneath Yggdrasil's branches?<yesno>

King Carnelian

I see... I recall nothing. All I know is that whomever—or whatever—had me in its grasp for all those years left me there...

King Carnelian

And when at long last I returned to my senses, I was here.

King Carnelian

There is something else I must ask you... Tell me...do you know if my daughter is alive?

King Carnelian

...I see.

*: Your Majesty!

*: The Hero has returned! He brings more survivors seeking sanctuary!

King Carnelian

Come, you must meet he to whom we owe our survival. Though you may not wish to at first...

Hendrik

Hm. The Luminary lives.

King Carnelian

Welcome back, Hendrik. Well? What news?

Hendrik

The forces of darkness amass at the gates of Heliodor. They will strike, and soon. Sire, the people must be removed to safety.

Hendrik

Men! All the signs are that our enemy will strike tonight! To arms! They shall not find us unprepared!

King Carnelian

As you see, he is as...eloquent as ever. But you must forgive him.

King Carnelian

He has fought harder than any of us. He has sacrificed more than anyone. ...Which is why his burden must be lightened.

King Carnelian

It is time that your differences were set aside, Luminary. Mankind needs you. Hendrik needs you. Will you stand beside him?<yesno>

King Carnelian

I can well understand the ill will you feel. But there is no other save yourself.

King Carnelian

Good. If we are able to withstand the assault tonight, we may yet survive. Join the troops outside the fortress when you are ready.

*: Hey! You must be our newest recruit! They say you made it all the way to the Last Bastion under your own steam! Well, I'm impressed, I've got to tell you!

*: You can obviously handle yourself—that or you were born lucky!

*: Well, either way, I'm sure we can find a use for you. Follow me!

*: Right, here's your spot. Just face that way, and when the monsters come, stick the pointy end of your sword in them. Don't look so worried! You'll be fiiine!

*: Enemy forces! Here they come!

Hendrik

Positions, men!

Hendrik

Chaaarge!

*: Raaaaaah!

Hendrik

Behind you!

*: Grrruuurrrgh!

Hendrik

Never let down your guard.

Hendrik

You will need to pull your weight if we are to escape this one. Have at them!

*: Our beloved commander, brightest and best of the Spectral Sentinels, spake truly when he spake of thee, Hendrik. Thou art without a shred of guile! Any other would have fled the field long ago!

*: But I have no complaints. Our reward for tearing thee limb from limb shall be a handsome one indeed! GREH HEH HEH HEHHH!

*: Well, fools? Wherefore gapest ye like ninnies?

*: KILL HIIIM!

*: GRAAAAAARRRGH!!!

*: R-R-Retreat! Move your bones!

*: Commander! A message from His Majesty! He wishes to speak with you—both of you!

Hendrik

Right away.

King Carnelian

It seems we owe you both a debt of gratitude.

King Carnelian

You have proven your strength. And your ability to work together. It is time—time to bring light back to this benighted land.

King Carnelian

The fiend that usurped my throne must be ousted. Heliodor Castle must be reclaimed. And you, my loyal servants, must lead the charge.

Hendrik

B-But sire—!

King Carnelian

I do not give these orders lightly, Hendrik. My spies have found a means by which we might gain an advantage.

King Carnelian

The city sewers can be entered from the cliffs in the side of the hill atop which Heliodor stands. You will use these sewers to infiltrate the castle from beneath.

King Carnelian

This key will unlock the gate.

<pc> receives the sewer key.

Hendrik

But sire—who will command our forces in my absence?

Hendrik

If the enemy renews the attack, we will be slaughtered!

King Carnelian

We will not. We will be prepared. Prepared to draw them out, leaving the castle unguarded.

King Carnelian

The usurper must be overthrown while we have the chance. We strike now, or we never see the light of day again.

Hendrik

Please, Your Majesty! We cannot allow yet more lives to be lost!

King Carnelian

Precisely. Which is why you must quell the darkness at its source.

King Carnelian

We seize our one opportunity, or we consign ourselves to despair. It is as simple as that.

King Carnelian

Or do you question the wisdom of your king? My subjects have shown me the depth of their courage.

King Carnelian

I trust in their ability to endure this one last assault. And I order you to do likewise.

King Carnelian

You are our last hope. Do not let us down.

After an all-too-brief rest, the time comes for <pc> to set out for Heliodor...

*: Wait, love!

Amber

Mister Hendrik, sir! I couldn't have a quick word with my boy, could I? I won't be long, I promise!

Hendrik

As long as it IS quick.

Amber

So, you're heading off again, are you?

Amber

Well, just you be sure to listen to Sir Hendrik and do as you're told. And don't you dare go giving up—ever!

Amber

(sniff) Just look at me, eh? Something's wrong with my eyes now too... Must be all this squinting in the dark...

Amber

Well, only one remedy for that—you'll just have to bring back the light! Promise?

Hendrik

Time is short. We must be on our way.

Amber

You'll look after my boy, won't you, Sir Hendrik?

Hendrik

Obsidian, see the lady back to safety.

Hendrik

So, the assault begins...

Hendrik

Move. This is no time for idling.

Hendrik

Even the Great Stairway lies in ruins...

Hendrik

The usurper will be in the throne room, if he is anywhere.

Hendrik

He must be found and punished. Which means we must seek another way up...

*: Come, Jasper! Do your worst!

Jasper

If you insist!

*: Haaah!

Jasper

Curse you, Hendrik! Brute strength wins the day again...

*: Ha ha ha! It is good to see two young men with such spirit!

King Carnelian

But I order you to cease your horseplay and greet our latest arrival. ...I present Princess Jade.

King Carnelian

When you grow older, you will be the guardians of this great kingdom. I am counting on you. And now, so is she...

Hendrik

With my might and your wisdom, we will surely be the greatest knights this kingdom has ever seen. Long may we protect the Princess and all her people!

Hendrik

Jasper! Are you listening to me?

Hendrik

What is this?

Jasper

Why, the Shield of Heliodor, of course—symbol of the kingdom's greatest knights. His Majesty keeps it in his private chambers.

Jasper

If we are destined to become such men one day, one of us will surely wear it. I would very much like to see it, wouldn't you?

Hendrik

And how do you propose to do that? One cannot simply stroll into the King's chambers uninvited.

Jasper

Oh, I have my ways. I just so happened to spy a certain someone treating himself to a midnight feast in the kitchens.

Jasper

None other than His Royal Majesty. He slithered out of a secret passage behind a cupboard and set about the leftovers. That passage must lead to his chambers.

Hendrik

Ha ha ha ha! You devil! You have solved the mystery of his bulging belly! The Queen will make you an earl for such a service to the kingdom!

Jasper

We meet in the kitchen at midnight. Agreed?

Hendrik

Agreed!

Hendrik

...Of course! The passage to the King's chambers! But...what was that? A vision? A dream?

Hendrik

...So this is your power, Luminary? You are able to draw on the memories amassed within the World Tree? To pry into others' pasts? Very impressive.

Hendrik

The kitchen is on the north side of the castle, beyond the banqueting hall. Come.

Hendrik

I did not make it here that night, you know. I was caught trying to slip out of my chambers. The King made me polish all the armour in the castle...

Hendrik

Jasper was disgusted with me. We had a furious argument. We had so many in those days...

Hendrik

But there was more happiness than strife. Life was simple. We had a purpose. We would have stood together in defence of Heliodor no matter what...

Hendrik

...I have treated you poorly. Forgive me.

Hendrik

My loyalties have been tested. But not by you. Whatever lies ahead, we must face it together. Will you stand beside me?

Jasper

You have done well to make it here, old friend. And with the Darkspawn in tow, no less. Oh, bravo!

Hendrik

Jasper!

Jasper

Temper, temper! Brute force may have won the day once upon a time, but things are very different now.

Hendrik

Why!? Why did you give yourself to the darkness!? What of our pact? We swore fealty to Heliodor! We promised to protect the kingdom! Together!

Jasper

‘Why’? You, of all people, ask me why? Hm hm! Ha ha ha! Gah ha ha ha haaa!

Hendrik

Does something amuse you, traitor?

Jasper

It is I who must ask you ‘why’, surely?

Jasper

Why is it that you always thought yourself so much better than me?

Jasper

Why was it always you who was given the golden opportunities? Why was it always you who got just what you wanted?

Jasper

Why, hm? TELL ME WHY!

Jasper

Well, no more. I will be second best no longer.

Jasper

I know the truth now. Love, dreams, light, friendship—all these count for naught!

Jasper

All that matters is power! And the only power that matters is that of the darkness!

Jasper

There is one who sees the worth in me. Who deserves my fealty. Who gives me the power I crave. And all who stand in his way must be destroyed!

Hendrik

I lost my hometown... My family... My friends... All to the dark power that you serve.

Hendrik

I lost my faith, my purpose... Though some called me ‘hero’, I believed I was a fraud...and that I was powerless to protect them.

Hendrik

But I can protect them. I must. And there is one I must protect above all others.

Hendrik

It is the Luminary's duty to deliver the world from evil...and it is my duty to protect him.

Hendrik

Jasper, you are a traitor to your kingdom, a servant of evil and a threat to the Servant of Light. I sentence you to death!

Jasper

Really, old friend? Forgive me if I do not begin quaking just yet.

Jasper

Now, let us end this farce.

Jasper

You will outdo me no longer, Hendrik! This time, it is I who have been chosen...and you who will fade into obscurity!

Jasper

Ha ha ha! AHHH HA HA HA HA HAAA!

Hendrik

Jasper...

*: Gegh heh heh heh! Gegh heh heh heh heh!

*: Gegh heh heh! Well met, worms! I am Tyriant, servant of the Lord of Shadows and proud bearer of the title of Spectral Sentinel!

Tyriant

You would return the world to brightness? Gegh heh! Fools! Gegh heh heh! Wretches! The time of light is no more! The age of darkness looms!

Tyriant

All is as the Lord of Shadows wills it! As long as I yet live, the dawn shall not return to this place!

Tyriant

Now, step forward, friends! Eternal night awaits! Gegh heh heh heh!

Tyriant

So the light-lovers return, hm? Step forward, friends! Eternal night awaits! Gegh heh heh heh!

Tyriant

Gegh heh... (cough) Heh... N-Nooo! M-My darling darkness...! Do not leave me...! Do not let the light...prevail...!

<pc> retrieves the Purple Orb!

Hendrik

Obsidian. Thank the heavens I have one truly faithful friend...

Hendrik

The darkness may have dissipated, but we cannot know what toll the battle took.

Hendrik

We must return to the Last Bastion and see what...if anything...remains.

Hendrik

Someone! Anyone! Your Majesty!?

Hendrik

Please...somebody!

Hendrik

Wait! That noise...

Sandy

Woof! Woof!

O come, raise your voices in song! ♪

We thought days of sunshine were gone, ♪

But ohhh, happy day, gladly we see we were wrong! ♪

So come, sing of joy and of light! ♪

Of what's true, what's good and what's right! ♪

We'll siiing! Sing until morning's first light! ♪

Yes, sing, men of Heliodor! ♪

It's morning, say goodbye to war! ♪

Now siiing! Sing till you can sing no more! ♪

King Carnelian

You did it, Hendrik. You saved us all.

*: Out of my way! Let me through!

Amber

Let me look at you in daylight at last! Oh, yes! My handsome little soldier! My hero, just look at you!

King Carnelian

You set aside your differences with Hendrik...with me...and fought to bring back the light. We are forever in your debt.

King Carnelian

The world is still in a desperate state. But now we have something—we have hope. We have the Luminary. May you banish the darkness once and for all!

King Carnelian

Hendrik...my ever-faithful knight. Today's victory is as much yours as anyone's.

King Carnelian

Your strength too will be needed in the struggle to free the world from evil. You know what you must do.

King Carnelian

The people of the Last Bastion will learn to make do without you—as, I hope, will I. Hm hm!

King Carnelian

So please—do not hesitate. Do what you know you must.

Hendrik

Honoured Luminary...

Hendrik

I serve you now. Though it cost me my life, I will stand beside you until the darkness is no more.

Hendrik and <pc> join forces!

King Carnelian

Dawn breaks in Heliodor! The first victory in the fight against the darkness is ours!

The celebrations at the Last Bastion continue long into the night, and the sound of joyous song echoes through the valleys.

Then, morning comes...

King Carnelian

I trust that you slept well? Or did the people perhaps not permit you the luxury of rest, eh?

King Carnelian

Ha! Even better! There is no surer sign of a kingdom at peace than a high-spirited populace!

King Carnelian

Now, to more serious matters. Hendrik, there is something I wish you to have.

Hendrik

Th-The Shield of Heliodor! B-But, sire!

King Carnelian

You are like a son to me. And it is a father's duty to prepare his offspring for the dangers that await them. You will have need of it, I am sure.

King Carnelian

You wear it well. The Shield has always been the mark of our mightiest knights. There can be none mightier than the Luminary's own guardian.

King Carnelian

You have no complaints, I trust?

Hendrik

No, my liege!

King Carnelian

I understand that you had hoped for the World Tree to guide you on your quest. Alas, it is no more...

King Carnelian

But all hope is not lost. Your father once told me that Yggdrasil was not the only sacred place in Erdrea.

King Carnelian

He spoke of another—a holy mountain in the south known as Pang Lai.

King Carnelian

The fate of those who dwell there is deeply intertwined with that of the Luminary, or so he said.

King Carnelian

It may be mere hearsay—a conversation half-remembered—but if it is true, you may yet find help in your quest to defeat the Lord of Shadows.