Dragon Quest XI S Script: All Speakers Party Talk

Name

Text

Gemma

It's our big day, <pc>! We finally get to go and do the ceremony! We're going to be grown-ups, at last!

 

Hee hee! It looks like Sandy's as excited as we are!

 

Come on, let's get moving! We don't want her to get to the top before us!

Gemma

I can't believe there are monsters on the Tor! And on our big day, too!

 

It's a little bit worrying, but we have to push on—at least I've got you as a bodyguard, <pc>!

Gemma

I, I've never seen monsters that scary before... But you didn't seem to break a sweat! You're amazing, <pc>!

 

Now, we must make sure we stay on the right path—let's look out for signposts. We wouldn't want to go the wrong way and take a tumble.

Gemma

Thank you, <pc>. I really thought we were done for there. I don't know what I'd have done without you.

 

It's all very worrying, isn't it? The monsters, the lightning... We'd better get back to Cobblestone—maybe Grandad knows what's going on.

Gemma

It was nice of everyone to wait for us like that, but I'm not sure I like being the centre of attention...

 

Come on, it's home time! Don't keep your mother waiting, <pc>!

 

*: There's more guards on the way, and I can't knock them all out... Let's get moving before they find us!

 

*: So it's all happening just like the Seer said it would...

 

*: Come on, let's get out of here before they clock those empty cells.

 

*: This is no time for small talk. Unless you want to be dragon food, we need to get moving!

 

*: Man, I thought we were done for when that bridge collapsed...

 

*: Now we need to find ourselves an exit and get out of here!

 

not used】「くそっ! 次から次へと なんだってんだ

 

 行くぞ 勇者さま! 前だけ向いて突っ走れ

 

 

Erik

So, yeah... Before I got slung in that dungeon, I stashed a...certain something in downtown Heliodor. And now I want to go get it. Let's head north!

Erik

Let's go say thanks to the nun who looked after us.

Erik

Me and Derk stashed the Orb in the biggest garbage pile in Heliodor! Now it's time to go liberate that loot!

Erik

That rat Derk must have done the dirty on me and taken the loot for himself!

 

We need to track him down. There's an inn we used to crash in over on the east side of town. Let's start our search there!

Erik

Come on, we need to head to the inn! We don't want to miss Ruby again.

Erik

You heard Ruby—Derk's opened his own shop up by the castle. Let's go pay him a little visit. He's got some explaining to do...

Erik

I guess I really owe the people of Cobblestone, huh?

 

If they hadn't sent you up to Heliodor, we'd never have met—and I'd probably still be stuck in that dungeon!

 

Hey, why don't we head on over there now, so I can say thanks? It's to the south of Heliodor, right?

Erik

Good old Derk. I should never have doubted him.

 

And since the Orb's down at the Kingsbarrow, we can drop by your hometown on the way there!

 

Come on, let's head south to the Manglegrove.

Erik

Sounds like we've tracked Derk down. Let's head up towards the castle and pay him a little visit.

Erik

Now we know where Derk is, we just need to figure out a way to get past that guard.

 

Word is he's no fan of dogs. If we could borrow one, we might be able to scare him away and slip through the gate...

Erik

Well, what do you know? Old Derk was looking out for me all this time. I guess I owe him one.

 

Now, let's head out and see what he has to say about the whereabouts of the Orb...

Erik

So we finally made it to the classy part of town... Let's see if we can't find Derk's shop over by the castle.

 

Hey, but don't forget that we're still Heliodor's most wanted, okay? We need to watch our backs.

Erik

That monster's dumb tricks really slowed us down. We need to push on.

 

I mean, we've got to pay a visit to your hometown before heading to the Kingsbarrow, right? Come on, let's make tracks!

Erik

You know all that crazy stuff we just saw? I feel like it really happened. It happened right here...

 

I guess we should look for a mischievous little monster hiding in a treasure chest—if we find one of those, we'll know it's all true.

 

Let's head back the way we came and see if we can't find a likely spot where a treasure chest might be stashed.

Erik

You can bust out the Fun-Size Forge any time you want, you know—you just have to head to a campsite or dig it out of your bag.

 

Now, let's get through the Manglegrove and pay a visit to Cobblestone before any guards from Heliodor catch up with us.

Erik

So this is the Manglegrove, huh?

 

Come on, let's head through it and pay a visit to your hometown!

Erik

I never knew there was a place called Cobblestone to the south of Heliodor before I met you.

 

I remember scoping out the area before we stole the Orb, but I never spotted any villages on the map—it just looked like a bunch of craggy old mountains.

Erik

Well, the Orb's been returned to its rightful owner—me! Next stop, Cobblestone!

 

See, I don't care how sacred it is—I don't want to hang round this dingy old place a moment longer than we have to...

Erik

So it looks like we skipped Cobblestone and came straight to the Kingsbarrow. Well, I guess we might as well get my Orb back while we're here.

 

...The only question is, who or what took out those guards? We need to be careful, man...

Erik

So it looks like we skipped Cobblestone and came straight to the Kingsbarrow. Well, I guess we might as well get my Orb back while we're here.

Erik

not used】「もう少し 楽しむ余裕のある旅ならいいんだが

 

 あいにくと 今のオレたちは 追われる身だ

 

 ぶらぶらしているヒマはないぜ

 

 

Erik

Listen, I know it's tough, but we can't just hang around here. If what your grandad said was right, we need to head east, to Cobblestone Falls.

 

I mean, if that tree showed you stuff from the past, I guess it must be pretty important, right? You should go and check out whatever it is your grandad wanted you to find.

Erik

So we got the Keystone we need to open the Door of Departure—but before we go any further, I've got a little business of my own to wrap up.

 

Derk said the Orb is over to the east, in the Kingsbarrow. I need to get it back.

Erik

Listen, I know it's tough, but hanging around here won't do us any good. We're wanted men, remember?

 

If we get caught, all your grandad's efforts will have gone to waste.

 

We need to head east to the Door of Departure—and we need to leave right now.

Erik

So if what your grandad said was right, we need to head east, to Cobblestone Falls.

 

We can worry about the Orb later—for now, let's go do some digging.

Erik

It's best to stay as far away from Heliodor as we can. If the guards catch up with us, they'll sling us back in the cells and throw away the key.

 

We've got to stay focused on what your grandad told you, okay? Let's head east to the Door of Departure.

Erik

So according to your grandad, we need to head on over to Cobblestone Falls and find a three-sided rock, right?

 

If that root showed you stuff from the past, I guess it must have been pretty important. You should go check out whatever it is your grandad wanted you to find.

Erik

So we got the Keystone we need to open the Door of Departure—but before we go any further, I've got a little business of my own to wrap up.

 

Derk said the Orb is over to the east, in the Kingsbarrow. I need to get it back.

Erik

So we've both taken care of business—it's time to do what your grandad said and head to the Door of Departure.

 

It's to the east of here, right? Come on, let's get going!

Erik

The Orb's been returned to its rightful owner, so I guess our next stop is Cobblestone Falls.

Erik

Hey, I appreciate you coming here to help me find my Orb.

 

Once I've got that back, we can head over to Cobblestone Falls and check out that three-sided rock.

 

...The only question is who—or what—did this to the guards?

Erik

Hey, I appreciate you coming here to help me find my Orb.

 

Once I've got that back, we can head over to Cobblestone Falls and check out that three-sided rock.

Erik

So we made it to the Kingsbarrow, huh? Now, if there's anything I've learned from my years of relieving people of their possessions, it's that you always find treasure in the last place you look.

 

So unless I'm very much mistaken, the Orb's gonna be in the deepest, darkest room in the place.

 

...The only question is who—or what—did this to the guards here?

Erik

So we made it to the Kingsbarrow, huh? Now, if there's anything I've learned from my years of relieving people of their possessions, it's that you always find treasure in the last place you look.

 

So unless I'm very much mistaken, the Orb's gonna be in the deepest, darkest room in the place.

Erik

You haven't forgotten that we're Heliodor's most wanted, have you?

 

This isn't the time to be sightseeing—if the guards catch us, they'll sling us back in the cells and throw away the key.

Erik

You know what the worst thing about being locked up in that dungeon was? The food.

 

The bread was so hard you could crack rocks with it. If I never see that place again, it'll be too soon...

Erik

Hey, are you trying to ditch me or what? I said I was going to the bathhouse and the next thing I know, you're sneaking out of the village!

Erik

I think it's safe to say we're not being followed any more. For now, at least...

 

Now, I don't know about you, but I can't say that I've ever been here before. How about we go chat to some of the locals?

Erik

Dammit, I get the feeling we might be lost.

 

Make sure you keep checking the map, okay? Otherwise we might never see daylight again...

Erik

Phew! It's hot! Are you sure you don't want to, like, strip off a bit? You're going to stew in that outfit.

 

How about we head down the mountain and see if we can't find a place to cool down?

Erik

Hey, where do you think you're going? We finally found some folks to talk to and you're running away?

Erik

Um, <pc>? You do remember what we're doing, right? We're heading to the bar with those two girls.

 

Listen, I totally understand why hanging out with that Veronica brat might not be your idea of fun, but we can't just abandon that other little girl, can we?

 

Let's head back to Hotto and reassure them that we haven't forgotten about them.

Erik

That Veronica kid talks a good game, but could she really handle herself if things got hairy?

 

I guess she did say she was a mighty sage from Arboria. That must mean something, right? I'm not sure what though...

Veronica

Serena and I just happened to come across Hotto on our travels. I thought a trip to the bathhouse would be a nice way to relax...

 

But as soon as I went through the door, a bunch of monsters attacked me. Honestly, what is the world coming to!?

 

Anyway, they kidnapped me and took me back to their lair. It's this giant underground labyrinth out to the west. We have to go there and find Serena. Once you're all set, let's get going!

Erik

So let me get this straight—Veronica and Serena are twins, and Veronica is the older one? It's going to take a while to get my head around this...

 

I just hope it's not going to freak Serena out too much having a big sister who looks like a little kid...

Veronica

Serena and I were always the same height growing up... Imagine how strange it is for me to be smaller than her!?

 

Still, if those stupid monsters hadn't shrunk me, I'd never have been able to escape, so I guess every cloud has its silver lining.

 

Now let's get going, <pc>! I'll bet the creeps who stole my magic powers are going to be skulking somewhere inside the labyrinth.

Serena

We need to get back to the labyrinth. If we don't, I dread to think how those monsters might misuse my sister's magical powers...

 

We simply must recover Veronica's magic and get her back to her old self! Even if she is rather adorable as she is...

Erik

You know, I don't think it was just a coincidence we ran into these girls.

 

All this stuff about Arborian legends, the Luminary, the Dark One...it sounds like destiny at work to me. And maybe it's all true—maybe you really are going to save the world, <pc>!

Veronica

Well, I've got my magic powers back, but our work here's not done just yet!

 

The monsters have someone else locked up right behind the place where we fought Jarvis. We have to help!

Serena

Um, <pc>...? I believe my sister wants you to help her with something.

 

It's not really my place to insist, of course, but I know what happens when Veronica gets angry...

Erik

Where do you think you're going, <pc>? Aren't we meant to be looking for ways to reach the World Tree?

 

Listen, that Noah guy we busted out of jail is someone I've come across before. He's a man who knows things. Lots of things.

 

He might be able to help us. We should head back to Hotto and see if he isn't propping up the bar.

Veronica

I don't mean to be rude, <pc>, but has anyone ever mentioned that you seem to have trouble staying focused?

 

You're just like my sister. You're supposed to be doing one thing, but you somehow manage to forget what it was. I have a feeling you and her are going to get on just fine...

Serena

Are we going for a little walk, <pc>? I think that's a simply wonderful idea—but I'm worried Veronica will disagree.

 

She's always getting annoyed at me for wandering off when I'm supposed to be doing something else. I wouldn't want her to get annoyed at you too! Hee hee!

Erik

So old Noah thinks he saw a branch from the World Tree, does he? I'm not sure I buy it, but I guess we've got no choice but to check it out.

 

We need to head south-west, huh? Gallopolis, here we come!

Veronica

This has all been a bit of a pain, but at least I got my magic powers back. And I'm getting used to my new look.

 

Oh, and we stopped those monsters that were menacing Hotto—not that anyone there even noticed what was going on, of course. They were too busy stewing their brains in the bathhouse.

Serena

My sister and I visited Gallopolis before we met you. It's rather a fun place—there are certainly a lot more people than there are in Hotto.

 

When we get there, I think we all deserve a little rest, don't you? We've been through a lot...

Erik

So we're looking after lost kids now, huh? Well, let's help Connie out and then split. We're wanted men, after all.

 

Connie's sister's got to be that girl in the red hat you saw hanging round the bar, right?

Connie

Thank you so much! I was all on my own!

 

Promise you won't leave me! I don't want to be left alone again!

Erik

Gah, how did we end up running a childminding service? Connie was one thing, but this Veronica kid? She's something else.

 

Let's drop them at the bar and split this joint. We're wanted men, remember?

Veronica

I still can't work out how you thought a girl whose dad was missing was looking for her sister. I mean, how stupid can you be!?

 

Anyway, if I'm going to get any useful information out of this bar owner, it looks like I'm going to have to talk to him myself. Come on, let's get going!

Connie

My daddy's always going off and leaving me on my own.

 

I don't want to be all alone! Where am I going to stay!?

Erik

Veronica may be a pain in the you-know-what, but we've still got to help her out.

 

I mean, her sister's just a little girl, right? We can't let these monsters get their claws on her.

Veronica

Um, is there a reason we're not heading to the labyrinth?

 

We need to head west, get my magic powers back and teach those monsters a lesson. They're pretty tough, though, so make sure you're ready for them!

Serena

I remember when we first came here, we thought it was delightful. Our plan was to stay for a little while and enjoy the bathhouse.

 

Well, maybe we can try again once Veronica has her magic powers back. Oh, I can't wait to really relax and unwind!

Erik

I knew I'd seen that Noah guy before. He sells juicy information to...err...people in my line of work.

 

I bet he knows a way to get to Yggdrasil. Let's head to the bar and see what we can get out of him.

Veronica

I still can't work it out. If the Dark One was really defeated, why have you been reborn now?

 

Well, all I know is that we have a sacred duty to fulfil. With any luck, once we get you safely to Yggdrasil, all will be revealed.

Serena

We know we have to get to Yggdrasil, but I'm afraid we just don't know how.

 

I suppose the best hope we have is to do as Erik suggests and speak to Noah...

Veronica

When I first met Erik, I thought he was a real no-hoper, but it turns out he is capable of having ideas that aren't completely stupid.

 

Well, we know what we're looking for—someone who managed to break off a branch of the World Tree. Who would do a thing like that, though?

 

Still, let's see what they've got to say. If we're lucky, they'll be able to tell us how they managed to reach Yggdrasil.

Serena

I know you probably didn't expect to be joining forces with a pair of rather mismatched twins, but destiny can bring together curious companions.

 

All who journey alongside the Luminary are surely chosen by Yggdrasil. Hee hee! I'm ever so excited!

Erik

This place is giving me a headache. Let me guess—you're lost.

 

I'm not too sure where we are either, actually. My advice is keep checking the map till you work out where you're at.

Erik

I don't like this place one little bit. I get the feeling folks come in here and don't leave...

 

I'm telling you, I'm a thief—I know when something's not right. Let's find this Serena kid and then scram.

Veronica

Keep your wits about you, <pc>. This place is full of tricks and traps. We'll end up stuck in here forever if we're not careful.

 

To be honest, it was a miracle I managed to escape. The main thing I learnt was to always watch my step...

Erik

You know, I was pretty nervous about meeting Serena. I mean, the last thing we needed was another Veronica.

 

Still, I'm happy to admit when I'm wrong. It turns out Serena is mature, sensible, calm...everything her sister isn't, basically.

Serena

I confess, I'd almost given up hope. It's such a relief to find my sister safe and well!

 

I'm sure she'll be back to her old self in no time once her magical powers are restored!

 

Come on, <pc>! Let's push on!

Serena

It's a shame that Veronica couldn't go back to how she was, but I suppose I'll just have to get used to having a twin sister half my size!

 

And don't worry, <pc>—no matter how big or small we are, you can rely on us to protect you!

Erik

Come on, <pc>! Noah said he was heading back to Hotto, didn't he?

 

Well, there's no one else to rescue here. Let's head back and see what he's got to say.

Veronica

Um, is there a reason we're hanging round here? It doesn't exactly bring back happy memories for me, you know.

 

...Wait, let me guess! You're looking for treasure chests you might have missed, aren't you? Well, fine. But if you think we're staying here all day, you're very much mistaken!

Serena

Thinking of poor Veronica locked up here makes me shudder.

 

Still, there's something about caves and tunnels that I can't resist. I just love wandering around them—I have a feeling that you and I are very alike in that regard, <pc>!

Erik

What's up, <pc>? Are you worried there are some monsters down here you haven't beaten yet?

 

Well, whatever you do, you know I've got your back. I'm not sure we have time for too much aimless wandering, though...

Erik

You know what the worst thing about being locked up in that dungeon was? The food.

 

The bread was so hard you could crack rocks with it. If I never see that place again, it'll be too soon...

Erik

Gah, I was planning on relaxing in the bathhouse, but now it looks like we've ended up running a childminding service.

 

Let's drop the kids off at the bar and then split. We're wanted men, remember?

Veronica

Don't tell me you're lost! You have heard of these things called maps, haven't you?

 

When I first started travelling with Serena, we'd get lost a lot. But then we learnt to read maps properly and never looked back. Give it a go, why don't you?

Erik

Look, I know we rescued Serena, but I don't think we should start wandering around aimlessly just yet.

 

We need to get Veronica's magic powers back, right? I get the feeling she's going to give you a piece of her mind if you don't get moving.

Veronica

I'm starting to think you weren't listening to me, <pc>... You know we have something we need to do, don't you?

 

Is wandering around the place going to help me get my magic powers back? Well? Is it?

Serena

...Oh! Erm, where are we exactly? I'm afraid I must have been daydreaming.

 

We should really hurry back to the labyrinth as soon as we can, though. Goodness knows what awful things those monsters might be doing with my sister's magical powers...

Erik

So let me get this straight—if we manage to get up to Yggdrasil, we stand a chance of finding out why the Luminary was reborn. That's how it works, right...?

 

...Sheesh! It's too hot to think! Come on, let's head to the castle, grab that branch and then go cool down somewhere.

Veronica

So according to Noah, there's a branch from Yggdrasil somewhere in the palace here in Gallopolis.

 

I mean, even if he's telling the truth and there really is a branch, I'm still not sure it's going to help us get to Yggdrasil. But we don't have any better ideas...

Serena

We visited Gallopolis before we met you, <pc>. It's a marvellous place.

 

But I don't suppose we have time for sightseeing this time round. Let's go to the palace and find out if what Noah told us was true.

Erik

Horse racing sounds kind of cool, but we've got a branch of the World Tree to find. Let's go talk to the Sultan.

Veronica

Let's have a little look round town before we head to the palace, <pc>.

 

It never hurts to speak to people—and who knows, we might even find out more about this branch.

Serena

Veronica and I came here when we were looking for you, <pc>. We couldn't believe how lively it was!

 

To get to the castle, you have to climb the central staircase then go round.

 

Gallopolis is very big, so let's be careful not to get lost!

Erik

This place is seriously big! The desert knights have got no shortage of space to train, that's for sure.

Veronica

There are rumours that the Prince of Gallopolis is an amazing horsemen, but we didn't get a chance to see him last time we were here. I wonder what he looks like...

Serena

Gosh, this really is a marvellous place! No wonder Gallopolis is world-famous!

 

Now, let's see what the Sultan has to tell us about this branch from Yggdrasil!

Erik

So this is the racetrack, huh? And unless I'm mistaken, it looks like anyone can give it a go.

 

...But we're not here to ride around on horses! We've got serious things to do—like finding out what the Sultan has to say about that branch!

Veronica

Hey, <pc>! Why don't you saddle up and try entering a race? You might even win something!

Serena

Um, <pc>, you wouldn't happen to be lost, would you?<yesno>

 

 

 

Well, don't worry. I got lost when I first came here too!

 

To get to the palace, we'll need to go back into the town, climb the central staircase and then go round.

 

 

 

Oh! Does this mean you're planning on taking part in a horse race, then? Gosh! Well, best of luck!

 

 

 

Oh! Does this mean you're planning on taking part in a horse race, then? Gosh! Well, best of luck!

 

 

Erik

Man, it's hot... I've never been able to handle this kind of heat. Listen, if we don't have a reason to be out here in the desert, why don't we head off somewhere cooler?

Veronica

Serena and I have a duty to lead the Luminary—that's you—to Yggdrasil. If we do that, it should answer a lot of questions about what's happening to the world.

 

Now, we're not quite sure how to get there, but getting hold of the Rainbough sounds like it might give us a clue or two...

 

So let's stop wasting time out here and head back to Gallopolis!

Serena

Veronica and I have already travelled through this desert once. It was back when we were looking for you, <pc>.

 

Of course, Veronica didn't look like a little girl back then. Ha ha! A lot's changed, hasn't it?

Erik

Listen, <pc>... Are you sure you're okay with having this Sylvando guy along for the ride? I kind of feel like he's forced himself into the picture...

 

I mean, we're still on the run, and he's not exactly going to help us keep a low profile...

Veronica

Sylvando might be a bit different to most people you meet, but having him with us could be fun. I bet he'd be useful in a fight, too!

 

It certainly doesn't sound as though he'll slow us down—and if he's going to help us capture the Slayer, I don't see what we've got to lose!

Serena

I feel a lot safer out here now Mr Sylvando has joined us. I mean, you saw him at the circus—not to mention the Sand National! He's clearly ever so talented...

 

Yes, the Slayer of the Sands sounds terrifying, but I know we'll be able to capture it with Mr Sylvando on our side!

Sylvando

Okay, honey, listen up! If we head west from Gallopolis, we'll come to two checkpoints. The northern one leads to the Celestial Sands, where this horrible Slayer thing is.

 

We really shouldn't let little Princey-poo get too far ahead of us, so let's head over there without further ado!

Erik

All that stuff we were talking about with Sylvando—about the Luminary and the Lord of Shadows—that was pretty wild, but he seemed to take it all in his stride. I guess he's not easily shocked...

 

Anyway, enough about him. We need to focus on capturing the Slayer and getting hold of that Rainbough!

Veronica

Prince Faris really doesn't know what he's doing, does he? He just charged off into the Sands without waiting for us! I mean, enthusiasm's all very well, but honestly...

 

Come on, <pc>. Let's get after him. I dread to think what might happen if he were left to fend for himself against the Slayer!

Serena

The Slayer of the Sands sounds rather fearsome, I must say. Let's make sure we're properly prepared before facing it.

Sylvando

The little Princey-poo's already dashed ahead into the Celestial Sands! Let's follow him, darling, and show the Slayer of the Sands who's boss!

Erik

Why did Prince Faris insist on having us capture the Slayer? Wouldn't it be better for everyone if we just finished it off when we had the chance?

 

I bet he just wants to show off to his adoring public back in the city. Man, that guy's an idiot!

Veronica

Did you see that little exchange between Sylvando and Prince Faris, <pc>? The Prince didn't seem very happy at what his life has become...

 

It's almost enough to make you feel sorry for him, but we don't have time for that! The Rainbough should be ours now. Let's head back to the city and get the Sultan to hand it over!

Serena

I wonder where Mr Sylvando went... I know he was only with us for a little while, but I really feel we'd have been lost without him.

 

Still, I mustn't think about that now. We need to follow Prince Faris back to Gallopolis, and get the Rainbough from the Sultan!

Erik

That Sylvando guy talks way too much...but he can really fight. I guess it makes sense to let him tag along.

 

Okay, <pc>. Let's head for Gondolia and see if we can't track down the merchant who bought the Rainbough!

Veronica

Isn't this just great? Now that we've got Sylvando's ship, we can head out onto the high seas and visit all sorts of new places!

 

I still can't believe he owns his own ship, though... He must be someone pretty important. I wonder what his story is?

Serena

I feel a lot less anxious about the journey ahead now that we have Mr Sylvando along with us—and I'm sure we're going to have a lot more fun, too!

 

I mean, I have fond memories of when it was just Veronica and me, but it really is true what they say about travelling—the more the merrier!

Sylvando

My ship's waiting for us over in Gondolia, darling. We'll need to pass through the western checkpoint in order to get there.

 

Gosh, I can't wait to find out what adventures are waiting for us on the high seas! Onwards!

Erik

Hey, <pc>. The Prince said he wanted to speak to you, right? Let's go visit him at the palace.

Veronica

I've got a good feeling about this, <pc>! It sounds like the Rainbough that will lead us to Yggdrasil is right here in Gallopolis!

 

Let's go and visit the Prince in his chambers—and mind your manners, you hear? We're dealing with royalty here!

Serena

It's a good job Prince Faris came along when he did. I thought the Sultan was going to refuse to listen to us!

 

By the way, <pc>, did you hear the Prince's Pledge? It was terribly impressive, wasn't it? It sounds like the desert knights of Gallopolis are as amazing as everyone says they are!

Erik

We really don't have time to be going to circuses, but I guess we've got no choice if we want to get hold of the Rainbough. And who knows, maybe we'll get to see some cool stuff while we're there.

Veronica

Isn't this exciting, <pc>? We're going to the circus! And for free, as well. This is a real stroke of luck!

 

Now, you remember the plan, right? Prince Faris wants to meet up in the evening in front of the circus tent. Let's not keep him waiting...

Serena

I've never been to the circus before! It's all terribly exciting...

 

I do wonder about this favour Prince Faris wants to ask us, though. I mean, is he really going to just give us the Rainbough? He did say it was a priceless royal treasure...

Erik

This guy's not much of a prince, is he? I mean, I know we need to get hold of the Rainbough, but do we really have to go along with his crazy plan?

 

Still, the circus was really something, right? That Sylvando guy was pretty wild. I'm not saying it's made the whole thing worthwhile, but getting to see that for free was cool.

Veronica

‘Then I assume that your need of the Rainbough is not so great after all...’ Grrr! What a little weasel! Just thinking about that useless prince makes my blood boil!

 

Still, you can't get out of this now—you've got to try and win that race! Let's head over to the racetrack and get training!

Serena

Gosh! Everyone seems so excited! It looks as though the whole kingdom is looking forward to the Sand National!

 

Now, Prince Faris told us the stables were in the western part of the city, didn't he?

 

I know the circumstances are a little unusual, <pc>, but I'll still be praying that you romp home in first place!

Erik

Wow... Listen to all that cheering! Seems all you got to do is stand next to a fake prince, and people go wild.

 

Anyway, this might all be a big con, but a race is a race. Make sure you win it, okay? And don't worry—we'll be cheering you on from the stands.

Veronica

That royal get-up really suits you, <pc>! I bet that pathetic prince has never looked half as dashing as you do right now.

 

Anyway, never mind that. It's almost time for the Sand National! You'd better be ready for this, because there's no pulling out now!

 

You're the Luminary, remember! It's practically your duty to win this thing!

Serena

It sounds as though the entire kingdom is cheering you on, <pc>! Well, it's Prince Faris they're cheering really, but still...

 

Anyway, we need to get hold of that Rainbough, so there's no need to feel bad about deceiving people. Come on—I know you can do this!

Erik

Well, thank goodness that's over. That's the last time I'm doing any favours for royalty...

 

Speaking of which, it sounds like Prince Faris has been summoned back to the Palace to talk to the Sultan.

 

I think we should do the same, <pc>. Let's get that Rainbough and wave goodbye to this horrible, sweaty place.

Veronica

Well, well <pc>! You were really impressive out there!

 

It did annoy me that everyone thought you were that stupid prince, though. I mean, he's not fit to lace your boots!

Serena

You'd never have guessed that Mr Sylvando was a last minute replacement. He was so fast, but he looked as though he was barely trying!

 

I wonder where he learnt to do all these amazing things? I mean, first the circus performance, and now this...

Erik

Gah, wouldn't you just know it? We were about to bag the Rainbough, and then this ‘Slayer of the Sands’ has to go and turn up...

 

What's up with that Sultan, anyway? Can he really not see how useless his son is? I know it's none of my business, but if I was him, I'd be pretty worried about this place's future...

Veronica

Hmph. Prince Faris asked us to come to his chambers again. Well, there's no point delaying the inevitable. Let's head to the palace and get this over with.

Serena

It's a shame the Slayer of the Sands had to appear when everyone was in such a jolly mood, but there's nothing we can do about that.

 

What we CAN do is make sure the horrible thing doesn't cause any more mayhem. Please, <pc>! We have to help these poor people!

Erik

I just want you to know, I'm only going to help capture this Slayer thing because you made the call, okay? I'm not doing it to help that useless prince.

 

Now, where did he say he'd meet us again? At the castle gates? Come on then. Let's get this over with...

Veronica

I'm not making any excuses for Prince Faris, but what Serena said is probably true. I suppose we'd better make sure he doesn't get himself maimed or something.

 

In any case, we really can't let this Slayer of the Sands keep rampaging around. It's already hurt at least one innocent person.

 

So come on, <pc>! Let's go and capture the Slayer and finally claim that Rainbough!

Serena

Prince Faris is being forced to live a lie, and all because he doesn't want to let his parents or his people down. I can't help but feel sorry for him.

 

I mean, imagine the kind of pressure you'd feel, growing up a prince and knowing all the expectations people had of you!

Erik

Uh, <pc>... You haven't forgotten that we're actually on the run, right? Let's hope this Sylvando guy doesn't draw too much attention to us...

Veronica

Prince Faris and his guards went off into the Celestial Sands to look for the Slayer.

 

Apparently we need to head west and then go north. Let's get after him, <pc>, before he causes any more trouble...

Serena

Gosh... It feels like everyone's eyes are on us now that we're with Mr Sylvando. He really is a star turn here...

Sylvando

What's the matter, darling? Left your sun cream in the city? That's alright—it's better to be prepared before taking on this Slayer thing. He sounds like a nasty piece of work!

Erik

So after all that—all that running around after Prince Faris—we're still no closer to bagging the Rainbough? Great.

 

Still, I guess this place is in better shape than when we found it. The Sultan's seen the error of his ways, and even the Prince looked like he might pull his socks up...

 

Right. Come on, <pc>. Let's stay on the trail of the Rainbough and head west to Gondolia!

Veronica

I thought the Sultan was finally going to give us the Rainbough...and then he goes and tells us he sold it to fund that ridiculous horse race! I'm speechless, I really am...

 

Still, Prince Faris did stand up to that monster, and that never would have happened if it weren't for us. That's something at least...

Serena

When the Slayer of the Sands broke free of its chains, I feared the worst. I really didn't think Prince Faris would be brave enough to face it alone!

 

That wasn't the most surprising thing, though. Did you see Mr Sylvando with that sword? And he seemed to know all about the Knight's Pledge, too...

 

He's fascinating, isn't he? I hope we'll get the chance to meet again someday!

Erik

It sounds like we're one step closer to getting hold of this Rainbough thing. But I'm worried, <pc>. The Prince was really staring at you back there...

 

You don't think he's figured out who you are, do you? I wouldn't put it past him, you know...

 

After all, they say he's the most capable prince this kingdom has ever had. If we're going to see him, we need to watch our step.

Erik

Well, it looks like the Prince hasn't worked out that you're the Luminary, but I still don't trust him...

 

We're wanted men, you know. We can't afford to forget that for a second.

Veronica

Wow! Not only are we going to find out about the Rainbough, we're going to the circus—with a prince!

 

I think the big top is over in the east of the city. Let's do as His Highness told us and head over there after dark!

Serena

Prince Faris said the Rainbough was a priceless royal treasure, but he's going to ask his father to give it to us! What a kind-hearted, generous young man!

 

We could all learn something from him, don't you think, Veronica...?

Veronica

What are you doing, <pc>?

 

If you're looking for Prince Faris, he said he'd be in the stables, over in the west of the city.

Erik

The Prince told us to come to the throne room, right?

 

Well, let's head in there, grab the Rainbough and get the heck out of here.

Veronica

Do you think everyone really thought it was Prince Faris on that horse? It'd be quite annoying if no one suspected a thing...

 

Not that any of that matters any more. We've done what the Prince asked us to do. Let's go and claim our reward!

Veronica

You don't need to say anything, <pc>. I think we both know what the Prince is planning...

 

I'm not happy about it either, but we've got to get that Rainbough somehow or other. Let's go and see what His Highness has to say for himself.

Serena

We can't let the Slayer of the Sands continue its reign of terror!

 

Let's go to Prince Faris's chambers and see what he has to say on the matter.

Erik

Uh... Should we really be bringing Sylvando into the palace?

 

You know what these performing types are like. If he causes a scene, well, don't say I didn't warn you...

Veronica

Prince Faris and his guards went off into the Celestial Sands to look for the Slayer.

 

Apparently we need to head west and then go north. Let's get after him, <pc>, before he causes any more trouble...

Serena

Oh! I know why we've come back here! You wanted to say hello to the palace cats, didn't you, <pc>?

 

Hee hee! Don't worry, I understand. I find it very soothing to be around them as well.

Sylvando

Oh my! Are you giving me a tour of the palace!? What an honour!

 

We mustn't stay too long, though. Let's just have a quick cuddle with a few of the cats, then catch up with the Princey-poo in the Celestial Sands!

Erik

Uh... Should we really be bringing Sylvando into the palace?

 

You know what he's like. He's just going to climb up a tower and cause some kind of scene. Well, don't say I didn't warn you...

Veronica

I'm not sure I quite believe it, but it seems Prince Faris has started taking his knightly training seriously.

 

Of course, he owes it all to us. I just hope he's grateful, that's all...

Sylvando

I don't think there's any need to worry about the little Princey-poo any more.

 

I'm sure he'll make a fine sultan one day. He had the guts to stand up to the Slayer, after all.

Erik

So this is the Gallopolis racetrack, huh? It looks like people come from all over the world to race here...

 

We could even give it a go ourselves if we didn't have more important things to worry about. But first things first, let's go talk to the Prince.

Erik

So you're planning on entering a race before heading to the circus? I didn't know you were such a racing fan...

Veronica

I had no idea how crazy about racing the Gallopolitans were! The warm-ups for the Sand National must be taking place right now.

 

You know what, <pc>? It might not be a bad idea for you to get some practice in before the big day...

Serena

The Sand National's all done and dusted, but there are still races taking place! Horses don't seem to get much rest around here!

 

If you're planning on entering another race, I'll be cheering you on!

Erik

Look, I don't much want to talk to the Prince either, but we can't put it off forever...

Erik

So it seems even the Slayer of the Sands isn't a reason to cancel horse races around here...

 

I'm not sure if that makes these people brave or stupid. Either way, if you want to take part, I won't stop you. Heck, I'll even cheer you on.

Veronica

Are you seriously planning on entering a race, <pc>? Well, you'd better win!

Serena

Gosh! So the horse races are still taking place in spite of the Slayer of the Sands!

 

The people here know how to stay calm in a crisis, don't they? I suppose that must be the influence of the desert knights.

Sylvando

Wasn't the Sand National the funnest? What a thrill! We should do it again sometime!

 

But not right now, eh, darling? We should catch up with the Princey-poo in the Celestial Sands and help him capture this nasty monster thing!

Erik

What's up, <pc>? Wait, let me guess—you want to enter another horse race, right? Seems like you've become quite the fan...

Veronica

Since we're here at the track, you might as well hop on a horse and take part in a race.

 

I mean, you need to take a break sometimes, and who knows—you might even win something.

Serena

Are you taking part in a race, <pc>? Well, all the best! You know I'll be cheering you on!

Sylvando

Wasn't the Sand National the funnest? What a thrill! We should do it again sometime!

Erik

So when we get to Yggdrasil, we'll finally find out why the Luminary was born. That's the plan anyway. I guess we've got no choice but to push on.

Veronica

Serena and I have a duty to lead the Luminary—that's you—to Yggdrasil. If we do that, it should answer a lot of questions about what's happening to the world.

 

Now, we're not quite sure how to get there, but getting hold of the Rainbough sounds like it might give us a clue or two...

Serena

It was a while ago now, but my sister and I used to travel around like this, back when we were looking for you, <pc>.

 

Of course, Veronica didn't look like a little girl back then. Ha ha! A lot's changed, hasn't it?

Sylvando

Darling, I'm touched that you've decided to bring me here for a look around...

 

But this isn't where we need to be right now! We need to head into the Celestial Sands and catch up with Princey-poo!

Sylvando

Darling, I'm touched that you've decided to bring me here for a look around...

 

But this isn't where we need to be right now! We need to hurry over to the Celestial Sands and catch up with Princey-poo!

Erik

You know, I couldn't believe it when Sylvando told us he had his own ship. I didn't take him for the seafaring type...

 

And he's got it moored in Gondolia, the poshest port in Erdrea. There's more to him than meets the eye, that's for sure.

Veronica

The desert sun was hot enough to scorch my staff, but now that we're somewhere a bit cooler, I sort of miss it...

Serena

After all we went through in Gallopolis, we still didn't manage to get hold of the Rainbough.

 

I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever be able to find it...

Sylvando

My ship's all set and waiting for us, <pc>. Let's head over to Gondolia, pronto!

 

The route there's a little tricky, though. All those tall trees make it easy to get lost so be sure to keep an eye on your map, darling!

Erik

I've asked around a bit, and it sounds like the merchant who bought the Rainbough has already left Gondolia.

 

Let's get on his tail right away. Sylvando's ship is moored over in the west of the city!

Veronica

I've only ever been on boring old ferries. I can't wait to have a ship to ourselves!

 

You know, Sylvando must be really rich to have his own ship. We're lucky we bumped into him when we did!

Serena

Oh, this place couldn't be more different from Arboria! It almost feels as though we're on holiday!

 

Um... I don't suppose you'd mind if I did a spot of shopping while we're here? I bet the shops here sell all sorts of interesting things.

 

Oh dear... Hee hee! You can tell I'm a country girl, can't you? I'm sorry—I'll try to look a little less excited!

Sylvando

I bought my ship on a whim, but she's turned out to be my steadfast companion over the years.

 

Sure, she's a little long in the tooth as seafaring vessels go, but I've kept her in tip-top condition. You can always rely on her to take you where you want to go!

Erik

Heh. I get why we're here. After all that time in the desert, I'm desperate for a bit of cool water too!

 

But splashing about in this fountain isn't going to help us find the Rainbough...

Veronica

Before we met you, Serena and I would often end up in weird, out-of-the-way places like this.

 

We ARE supposed to be heading for Gondolia, though. Just in case you've forgotten, I mean...

Serena

Oh! Look at all this beautiful clear water! It's such a nice change after the deserts of Gallopolis.

 

Wait a second, though—I hope you don't mind me asking this but...are we lost?

Sylvando

Honey, I don't want to cramp your style, but I've got to tell you something. We're nowhere near Gondolia...

 

I know it's hard to keep on top of everything, but try and check your map from time to time. Otherwise we'll end up going in circles—and I hate getting dizzy!

Erik

What are we doing out here, <pc>? If we don't get on board Sylvando's ship, we're never going to catch up with the merchant who's got the Rainbough.

 

We haven't got time to waste! Let's get back to Gondolia and get them to open the dock for us!

Veronica

I was sure I'd finally be able to find some nice shoes that fit me, what with Gondolia being one of the busiest ports in the world...

 

But wouldn't you know it, they were all for children! Being younger isn't so bad, but it's making it nigh on impossible to look good!

Serena

Ah, there were so many tasty treats back in Gondolia! If I close my eyes I can almost smell them...

Sylvando

I bought my ship on a whim, but he's turned out to be my steadfast companion over the years.

 

Sure, he's a little long in the tooth as seafaring vessels go, but I've kept him in tip-top condition. You can always rely on him to take you where you want to go!

Erik

Well, we're not going to get the dock opened if that Doge guy won't listen to us. It looks like we've got nothing better to do than running errands for kids, at least for now...

Veronica

Whoever put the curse on that poor boy deserves to be beaten to a pulp!

 

Come on, <pc>, let's stop dawdling! We need to find a cave west of Gondolia and siphon off some fresh spring water!

Serena

I'm sure we'll be able to lift that poor boy's curse with a drop of birdsong nectar, but we're going to need some pure water!

 

Hmm? Oh, don't worry about making it. You can leave that to me. I'm not bad at concocting potions, even if I do say so myself!

Sylvando

What kind of despicable creature could do something like this to a child!? It makes me so mad! Whatever you need to do to make this right, honey, I'm with you all the way.

Erik

You know what? I'd say we're being pretty heroic right now. I mean, we've never met this kid before, and here we are running errands for him!

 

But let's not get bogged down in this do-goodery, okay? Once we sort this out we need to board the ship and find that Rainbough.

Veronica

Ahhh, the smell of birdsong nectar! This takes me back!

 

When we were children, Serena and I would always get a little dollop of it mixed with warm water whenever we had a sore throat. It was delicious!

Serena

Birdsong nectar is famous back home in Arboria. Bards with sore throats take one little dose and they're able to sing beautifully again.

 

I'm absolutely certain that it'll bring that poor boy's voice back. In fact, I think it might make him sound better than before!

Sylvando

Looks like we've got what we need to soothe that little boy's throat! Let's bring it back to Gondolia, pronto!

 

After all, the Signor Universo contest is starting soon, and we don't want to miss a second, right, darling?

Veronica

Serena's terribly worried about what's going to happen to Erik, but I just know he'll find a way to get through this.

 

He better had, anyway...

Serena

Oh, poor Erik! I just hope that awful Jasper hasn't done something terrible to him...

 

I mean, it's my fault he got captured in the first place! I have to do something to try and rescue him...

Sylvando

Listen, honey, I know you could go solo and rescue Erik, but I'd love to come along so I can watch and learn.

 

At least this way, if it all goes wrong and we end up like Erik, we'll be together. That's got to be good for morale!

Erik

You know, the troops from Heliodor always seem to know where we're headed next...

 

I guess this means we've got to stay on our toes, right? We never know when we're going to have to make a break for it...

Veronica

Well, there have been plenty of detours along the way, but we're finally back on the trail of the Rainbough!

 

Dave said that the merchant who'd bought it had headed north-east from Gondolia, towards Zwaardsrust. Let's get after him, <pc>!

Serena

......

 

...Oh! I'm sorry. I was just reminding myself of the smell of those fresh Gondolian cakes. I fear the memory will soon be gone forever...

Serena

......

 

...Oh! I'm sorry. I was just reminding myself of the smell of those fresh Gondolian cakes. I fear the memory will soon be gone forever...

Sylvando

Listen, honey, I know you've got bigger things to worry about than clearing your name and showing the world you're not the Darkspawn...

 

But it must feel good when people like Doge Rotondo realise what a load of nonsense it all was, right?

Erik

Veronica and Serena have gone off with that Sylvando guy, so I guess it's just you and me again...

 

There's no point moping about it, though. Let's head to Doge Rotondo's place and see if he can open up the dock for us.

Erik

Look, he shouldn't have stolen Veronica's staff, but there's no need to be too hard on him. Kids that young don't always get the difference between right and wrong...

Veronica

When Benigno first snatched my staff, I thought he was some dirty, low-down street thief...

 

But he was doing it to help his friend, so there's no point in being angry at the poor boy. Now, let's see if we can get Placido talking again!

Serena

The curse that's been placed on Placido is really quite powerful. I wonder who would do a thing like that...?

 

The poor boy is really suffering. We have to help him get his voice back!

Sylvando

You heard what the little man told us, honey! We need to head west and follow the river till we find that cave!

 

Ha! Impressed that I remembered, eh? Well, the poor boy was in need, so the least I could do was pay attention. Now come on, darling! Let's get moving!

Erik

First he insists that we help that kid, then he orders us to save him some seats for the contest... Man, that Sylvando guy really has a nerve!

 

Still, what can you do? Let's head over to the stage and see what's what.

Veronica

How many soldiers did the King of Heliodor send here!? The place is crawling with them!

 

If they spot us, we won't stand a chance, so let's stay out of sight.

Sylvando

Soldiers don't tend to be patient types, in my experience. Goodness knows what they'll do to poor Erik if we don't rescue him. But charging at them head-on isn't an option...

 

If we make it to the gondola stop to the north-west, we should be able to sneak to the contest stage from there.

 

Yes, it means we're going to have to get in a gondola, but try to resist the temptation to burst out singing, honey. This isn't the time...

Sylvando

Let's sneak up to that bridge in the middle of town and see if we can spot where they're keeping Erik.

 

Be quiet as mice now, and use the buildings for cover—the streets are crawling with soldiers!

Erik

We sure caused a bit of a scene back there. Lucky we had Doge Rotondo to explain everything to the locals or else we'd never have been welcome here again.

 

Oh, and I wouldn't worry about the handful of Heliodorian soldiers that are still hanging around. They don't seem to have noticed who you are. I guess they must be new to the job...

Serena

Wasn't it wonderful to hear Placido speaking! I just knew that birdsong nectar would do the trick! Hee hee!

Sylvando

Good old Dave is my first mate—and one of my best mates, for that matter! We can count on him to steer the Stallion wherever we want to go.

 

Oh, and he'll also keep an eye on the ship when we're not on board. You never know when some naughty children might try to sneak into the hold...

Erik

Heh. I get why we're here. After all that time in the desert, I'm desperate for a bit of cool water too!

 

But splashing about in this fountain isn't going to help us find the Rainbough...

Veronica

Before we met you, Serena and I would often end up in weird, out-of-the-way places like this.

 

We ARE supposed to be heading for Gondolia, though. Just in case you've forgotten, I mean...

Serena

Oh! Look at all this beautiful clear water! It's such a nice change after the deserts of Gallopolis.

 

Wait a second, though—I hope you don't mind me asking this but...are we lost?

Sylvando

Honey, I don't want to cramp your style, but I've got to tell you something. We're nowhere near Gondolia...

 

I know it's hard to keep on top of everything, but try and check your map from time to time. Otherwise we'll end up going in circles—and I hate getting dizzy!

Erik

It's kind of clammy in here, huh? This isn't good for my hair, you know...

Veronica

Ugh! I can't stand dank, mouldy places. Let's find this special water and get out of here!

Serena

This seems to be the source of the river that flows from Gondolia out to the sea...

 

I'm pretty sure we'll find pure water if we go deep enough inside the cave. Let's follow the river upstream!

Sylvando

Hey, honey, you look kind of distracted! Let me guess—you're wondering what we're doing here, right? We're looking for special water to make the nectar that'll fix Placido's voice, of course!

 

We don't have to worry about the ins and outs of making it, though—we can leave that to Serena. All we need to do is find that water!

Veronica

<pc>! Have you seriously come in here just to cool down!? Erik's been captured, remember!

 

We need to head back to Gondolia right away! Who knows what they might do to him if we don't get there fast!

Serena

I really do enjoy going for nice walks with you, <pc>, but I can't stop thinking of poor Erik.

 

If you've left something here, try and find it quickly so we can get back to Gondolia and rescue him!

Erik

Heh, so let me guess—you just got this urge to come back here and sniff around in case you missed something?

 

Trust me, I know the feeling. I mean, I used to be a thief. Come on, let's see if we can't bag us some loot.

Serena

Isn't this delightful? It's just my kind of place—not too bright, not too crowded! Ah, I could stay here all day!

 

I don't know what kind of places we'll be visiting, but I hope there'll be plenty more caves like this! Hee hee!

Sylvando

Here's a showbiz tip for you, <pc>. Everyone's voice sounds great in a cramped little cavern like this. I really recommend giving it a try if you need an ego boost.

 

In fact, why don't we have a go right now!

 

‘Hey, can't you seee!’

 

‘I'm with the Luminaryyy!’

Erik

The salty air, the rolling waves, it makes me feel like I'm a kid again...

 

Sorry. Ignore me. Just thinking out loud. Let's focus on getting to Zwaardsrust and finding the guy who bought the Rainbough.

Veronica

Until Serena and I set out in search of you, neither of us had ever seen the sea.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love Arboria and the mountains, but there's just something about being out on the ocean waves—it's like all your worries are washed away.

Serena

Oh dear... I was just about to bite into the last of the cakes I'd bought in Gondolia when a mean old seagull came and swiped it away!

 

I mean, it's hardly the worst thing that's happened to us on this trip...

 

But it still made me quite cross!

Sylvando

Well, <pc>? How are you enjoying life aboard the Salty Stallion?

 

I know the decor isn't for everyone, but I've spent a long time getting everything just right. If you're going to have a ship, you might as well have one that just says ‘you’!

Veronica

Serena and I grew up deep in the mountains, you know. Whenever I'd try and practise my magic, someone would shout at me about starting forest fires...

 

Could you imagine growing up out here!? You could just stand on the beach and Frizz to your heart's content! In fact, that's what I feel like doing right now...

Serena

......

 

...Hmm? Did you say something? I, I'm sorry... I was listening to the sound of the waves, and I must have dozed off...

Serena

......

 

...Hmm? Did you say something? I, I'm sorry... I was listening to the sound of the waves, and I must have dozed off...

Sylvando

Now, about this merchant who bought the Rainbough... I hate to say it, but he didn't come this way...

 

Listen, I know how much fun it is to visit somewhere new, but right now I think we'd be better off heading straight for Zwaardsrust.

Erik

Gondolia and Puerto Valor are both on the coast, but the vibe couldn't be more different. This is a full-on tourist resort...

 

Actually, I think I remember someone saying there was a casino here somewhere. How about we pay it a visit? It might do us good to take a break.

Veronica

Hmph! You can tell that this is a resort for the upper crust, can't you!? I mean, just look at these houses!

 

It's so unfair—no one else can enjoy the views. Why do rich people always try and hog everything for themselves?

Serena

Oh, are you looking for Sylvando? He's gone off to see someone, I believe.

 

I'm not sure who but he seemed to suddenly remember them the moment we arrived...

Erik

So we're really in a casino, huh? That's pretty cool! I thought you'd be a bit too square for this kind of thing.

 

But I guess you must be tired of being on the run too, right? It's nice to kick back and relax sometimes!

Veronica

So this is a casino, is it? One of my textbooks said that casinos are convivial meeting places for ladies and gentlemen of leisure...

 

What a load of nonsense! It's so noisy in here! And what are all these flashing lights for!? I'd rather be lost in the forest any day!

Serena

......

 

HMM? WHAT? Oh, I'm ever so sorry, <pc>... All these tokens are making so much noise, I can't hear a word you're saying!

Erik

Uh... What exactly are we doing here again? Don't you remember what happened last time!?

 

Plus we've got Sylv with us now—he's not going to help us keep a low profile, that's for sure...

Veronica

Listen, I know you want to storm into the castle and sort out this ridiculous misunderstanding, but this really isn't the time.

 

Right now we need to stay calm and get to Yggdrasil. This nonsense with the King will sort itself out, I'm sure of it.

Serena

Did you really have to run away from this place because everyone thought you were the Darkspawn?

 

I mean, everyone looks so kind. Why in the world would they think mean things like that!?

Sylvando

Dearie me, it's a weird old feeling to be back in Heliodor! This place and me, we go back a long way...

 

Now's not the time for that little trip down memory lane, though. Remind me to tell you all about it some other time!

Erik

Remember when you and me first set out from here, <pc>? It was a fair while ago and nothing seems to have changed in the meantime...

 

Listen, man, I know it's hard, but we've got to keep pushing on. We just don't have time to think about what might have been.

Veronica

Oh, <pc>...

 

Take as long as you need here. We'll wait for you, don't worry.

Serena

This is where you grew up, isn't it, <pc>? It's okay. You don't have to talk about it...

Sylvando

Oh, <pc>, darling... I can't believe they'd do this to your village, and all because of their ridiculous ideas about the Luminary!

 

Someone's going to pay for this! I'll make sure of that!

Erik

Whatever we're doing here, we don't have time for it. We need to get back to Gondolia and get the Doge to open the dock for us!

Erik

Man, when Jasper and his goons had us surrounded back in Gondolia, I really thought we were done for...

 

It's kind of a miracle we managed to get away. Problem is, it's only going to make them more determined to catch us...

Veronica

King Carnelian practically sent an entire army to capture you, <pc>! I doubt he's going to give up now...

 

There's no need to worry, though! You've got me on your side, and I don't give up easily either!

 

The only thing you need to do is stay focused. Don't think I haven't noticed that faraway look you get in your eyes...

Serena

Mr Dave said that the merchant who'd bought the Rainbough had headed for Zwaardsrust.

 

That's all we know at the moment, so I suppose we'll just have to ask around and see what other information we can uncover!

Sylvando

I've been travelling the world bringing smiles to people's faces for a long time, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's this...

 

Whenever you arrive somewhere new, the best thing to do is to speak to as many local people as you can!

 

Now, there should be a big city north of Dundrasil—and big cities mean lots of people! Let's head there and start chatting!

Erik

I've always been kind of a lone wolf, so I'm not used to hanging out with a big crowd.

 

It makes a nice change though. Things are definitely livelier now...

 

We just need to make sure Sylv doesn't make things too lively, though. We're still wanted men, remember?

Veronica

<pc>, please! Would you mind walking a bit slower!?

 

I've only got these little kiddy legs, remember? I get exhausted trying to keep up with you lot!

Serena

Veronica and I come from the mountains, so you don't need to worry about us. We're more than used to walking for hours on end!

Sylvando

So is this Rainbough going to glow with all the colours of the rainbow? That sounds like something to look forward to...

 

Oh, by the way, darling, I can't remember if I told you, but there's a big city to the north of Dundrasil. There should be plenty of folks to talk to there!

Erik

So this is Octagonia, huh? I'd heard it had some kind of fighting arena. I guess that explains all these burly looking guys...

 

The Masked Martial Arts tournament sounds kind of cool, though, right? We should check it out while we're in town.

Veronica

This place is incredible, <pc>! An entire city inside one big building!

 

It's like some kind of fort or something! That roof means people here never have to worry about getting caught in the rain!

Serena

Oh dear... This place smells rather odd. It's a mix of stale sweat...and steel. It's making me feel rather dizzy...

Sylvando

Riddle me this, darling—why in the world have they put a huge statue of Hendrik right in the middle of town?

 

I suppose he must have saved them from being overrun by monsters or something. That's the kind of thing he does, after all. What a guy!

Erik

First all that stuff went down in Gondolia, and now we're thinking of entering a fighting tournament?

 

We're meant to be on the run! We're not doing a very good job of keeping a low profile, you know!

Veronica

What are we doing wasting time out here, <pc>?

 

We need to be getting ready for that MMA thing. The first prize is the Rainbough, in case you'd forgotten!

 

Let's get over to Octagonia right away, limber up for the tournament, and make sure we win it!

Serena

It's lovely out here, isn't it? It really is a treat to take a walk in the fresh air every now and again.

 

But I do wonder if we should be making our way to our next destination...

 

I mean, I'm more than happy to keep strolling, but you know how impatient Veronica is...

Sylvando

So the Rainbough has ended up as first prize at a martial arts tournament in Octagonia! Who'd have thought!

 

Still, now we know exactly what we need to do to get our hands on it!

Erik

Come on, man! We're going to end up missing the whole tournament at this rate!

 

Let's head back to Octagonia. And remember—we're not going to bag the Rainbough unless we win this thing!

Veronica

Don't worry, <pc>, if things get hairy out there, I'll just blast your opponent with one of my nastiest spells!

 

...Come on! Don't look like that! I was only joking! I mean, we're Team Luminary! We've got to fight fair, right?

 

But just remember—you'd better win...or else!

Serena

I'm not worried about this tournament in the slightest. I just know you're going to win!

 

I mean, I can't imagine any of the other competitors looking better than you in a mask—and that's the main thing, isn't it?

 

...Oh! It isn't? I see... Well, never mind. You're still going to win, I'm sure of it!

Sylvando

Honey, you are one lucky boy! You couldn't have wished for a better partner than last year's champion!

 

Now you don't have any excuses for messing this up!

Erik

I don't believe it! You actually won! ...Nah, I'm just kidding. I always knew you had it in you.

 

I'm just sore I had to face that Jade chick in the first round. I could've gone a lot further if I'd been able to get into my stride...

Veronica

Wow! You actually won, <pc>! At least someone did us proud—I still can't believe Erik lost in the first round!

 

Still, he shouldn't feel too bad. Jade was a pretty amazing fighter. And she had great legs too...

Serena

I do hope Vince is alright. He seemed absolutely fine, then he collapsed, just like that...

 

You know, I did see him drink some kind of potion before the fight. You don't think he was forcing himself to fight even though he was injured, do you?

Sylvando

We really should be getting back to Octagonia, darling. I'm sure Vince will be back on his feet before long, and you can claim your prize!

 

Oh, and we should get some rest too! I'm totally exhausted after cheering you on! Come on, we've got free accommodation back in the city—let's use it!

Serena

You must have heard the rumours about fighters going missing, <pc>...

 

I really hope that's not what's happened to Jade. Let's search Octagonia from top to bottom until we find her!

Sylvando

You heard what Rab said, honey. The last place Jade was seen was near the orphanage where Vince lives!

 

I'm not the world's greatest detective, but I know that's where we should start our investigation. Who knows what clues we might uncover?

Serena

It's finally time for you to claim your prize, <pc>! You'd better not be late for the ceremony!

 

I'm sure the nice person behind the desk at the arena will show you where to go. Let's hurry up and head back there!

Sylvando

So according to Rab, it was Jade who snuck into the orphanage.

 

It seems they both had their doubts about Vince, so she decided to snoop around and try to dig up some dirt.

 

Honestly, honey, can you believe that? It's like something from an adventure story! Bravo, Jade!

Erik

That old guy played us, man, and we fell for it hook, line and sinker!

 

The Rainbough was just bait. He's just trying to lure you to him, <pc>.

 

Look, don't ask me why, but I bet you I'm right. Come on, let's head west to Dundrasil and find out what's going on!

Veronica

Gah! I've had enough of this! Just when it looks like the Rainbough's ours, it gets snatched away at the last minute. First the Sultan sells it to some merchant, then it gets stolen in Octagonia...

 

It hurts to think of how much time we've spent trying to track that stupid thing down! Do you think it's cursed or something?

Serena

‘Come and meet me in Dundrasil. I've something to show you.’

 

That's what the letter said, isn't it?

 

I wonder what it could be. I mean, Dundrasil has been reduced to ruins. What could someone have to show us there?

Sylvando

Why would old Rab tell you to meet him in Dundrasil? Can he really just have chosen your hometown by chance?

 

Well, I suppose there's only one way to find out. Let's get moving, darling! Chop chop!

Erik

I don't get it. Why are Rab and Jade making us come all the way to Dundrasil? What are they plotting?

 

I had a bad feeling about those two from the start. It's time to confront them and get some answers!

Veronica

Let's head for those torches we saw in the ruins of Dundrasil. I've got a feeling we might find Rab there.

Serena

It's strange that we've been made to come to the place you were born, <pc>.

 

Do you think it's just a coincidence? Well, I suppose we'll find out soon...

Sylvando

Why did they do it? Why did those awful monsters destroy Dundrasil?

 

To think of all the innocent lives lost, and still no one knows why...

Veronica

We have to win this MMA tournament, otherwise some other idiot's going to walk away with the Rainbough!

 

Now come on. Let's stop dilly-dallying and start making preparations!

Serena

I know the Rainbough is what we're after, but I was rather taken with the second prize, too. Did you see it? It was a beautiful golden ball.

 

Actually, it's funny but it really reminded me of something I saw in one of my old textbooks back in Arboria...

Sylvando

Look at all these burly brawlers! They must all be here for the tournament! Colour me excited, honey!

Erik

You sure got lucky back there, getting paired with last year's champion...

 

Well, you know what this means, right? Now you have to win this thing! Let's make that Rainbough ours!

Sylvando

Honey, I just—CANNOT—wait for this tournament to get started. As soon as I saw how everyone got paired up, I knew it was going to be a good one.

 

Oh, by the way, I've got a little surprise in store for you...

 

No! I'm not saying any more. You'll just have to wait and find out what it is. It's going to be fun, though, I promise!

Erik

What is it with Veronica, man? I mean, I'm happy she's okay and all, but I wish she wouldn't keep getting herself into these situations...

Veronica

Can you believe that idiot!? The Underdigger or whatever his ridiculous name was?

 

There he is, acting all tough, then as soon as Vince turns up he starts simpering like some pathetic schoolboy!

 

If there's one thing I hate, it's big bullies who pick on kids but are scared of anyone their own size!

Serena

Isn't it nice that everyone around here calls Vince ‘Champ’? He really is an impressive fellow.

 

He's tough, but you can tell he has a kind heart. You can see it in his eyes.

Sylvando

I think that's enough excitement for one day, darling. Veronica's safe, and you've got a fight to prepare for tomorrow. It's time to get some rest!

 

Speaking of which, I've heard a juicy little rumour that fighters get to stay for free at the local inn.

 

We'd be crazy not to take up an offer like that! I'll make sure Vince knows that's where you'll be.

Erik

It's nearly time for the first round! Start as you mean to go on, you hear? We need to win this thing!

Veronica

Look, I know there are some pretty mean-looking people out there, but you can't think about that!

 

I mean, you're the Luminary, for goodness' sake! This gaggle of thugs and brawlers are no match for you!

 

Now, go out there and smash them all to smithereens! If you don't win this thing, I'll never talk to you again!

Serena

W-Well, <pc>... (gulp) It's f-f-finally time for the f-f-first round...

 

I'm s-s-sorry... (gulp) I'm t-t-terribly nervous... You c-c-can't tell, can you?

Sylvando

It's showtime, baby! The first round is finally upon us, and your partner is raring to go. He's in the waiting room, I believe...

 

Now, don't start getting nervous, will you? You'll be just fine, I promise. After all, you've got me in your corner! Go on, break a leg! Or two!

Erik

Man, I sure got a shock when I saw Sylv out there in the arena...

 

Still, you can't let that distract you now. One more win and the Rainbough's ours!

Veronica

Even with a mask on, you could tell it was Sylv the second he stepped out there.

 

Honestly, why do I have to go around with someone who insists on making SUCH a show of himself at every opportunity?

Serena

Golden Boy certainly seems to have enjoyed his time at the tournament!

 

Then again, Sylv does seem to have that effect on people. I'd say they were the perfect partnership!

Sylvando

Well? How did you enjoy your face-off with Sterling Sylva? Quite a performance, wouldn't you say? I bet you couldn't tell it was me!

 

My fighting's no match for my showmanship, though—you were far better out there. You've got this tournament in the bag, darling!

Erik

So you went to check on Vince, huh?

 

I heard about what happened. It's got to be connected to all these fighters who've been disappearing, right? Anyway, you and Vince are okay. That's the main thing.

 

Now, you need to get your focus back! It's nearly time for the big fight!

 

Vince is in the waiting room. Go let him know when you're ready—and good luck out there, man!

Veronica

I know you're his partner and everything, but it was still ever so kind of Vince to let you stay at his place.

 

I shouldn't be surprised though, I suppose. I mean, he looks after those children all by himself. He's clearly got a heart of gold.

Serena

First there are all these rumours about fighters going missing, and now they say that someone burgled the orphanage. It's all rather worrying, isn't it?

 

You remember what that young lady told us, don't you? ‘Keep a close eye on your partner’? I wonder if it's all connected somehow...?

Sylvando

I've been doing a spot of investigation into these disappearances, but so far I've turned up...precisely nothing. Nada. Zip.

 

But I've got a funny feeling there's something fishy about the team you'll be fighting in the final. Watch this space, honey...

Erik

Hey there, Champ! Heh. I guess you'd better get used to being called that...

 

You know, I've been thinking. That pair you beat in the final were really something. Seriously, who were they? I mean, there can't be many people who can fight like that...

Veronica

Nice work, <pc>! The Rainbough is ours—at last!

 

I am worried about Vince, though. I've never seen anyone just collapse like that before.

 

I really hope he's all right. Well, I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. For now, let's head back to our rooms and get some rest...

Serena

Oh, <pc>! I'm so proud of you! Well done! You were amazing!

 

It's just such a shame about Vince. I really hope he's okay...

Sylvando

Normally we'd be going wild after your big win, honey, but it seems like no one's in the party mood.

 

No, I guess we've all got other things on our mind. There's Vince, the disappearing fighters...oh, and the burglary at the orphanage. I guess the celebrations will have to wait.

Erik

I wonder why Rab asked us to help him look for his partner?

 

Hmm. I guess you are the best man for the job, being the champion and all...

Veronica

I can't believe Jade got caught up in all this! She's the last person I'd have thought something like this could happen to. I mean, she's so tough.

 

Whoever took her must be pretty scary. We need to be ready for anything...

Serena

I wonder what the relationship is between Mr Rab and Miss Jade...?

 

I mean, I'm sure they must be close—he's clearly ever so worried about her. Let's find her as soon as we can, <pc>!

Sylvando

This isn't good, honey, this isn't good at all. We all heard the rumours about fighters disappearing, and now poor Jade's vanished.

 

Well, it's up to us to rescue her! Come on, we need to get to the bottom of this—and fast!

Rab

I'm sorry to have to ask ye for help like this so soon after yer fight, laddie, but I'd never be able to find Jade without ye.

 

Now, the last time she was spotted was over near the orphanage where Vince lives. I'd say we need to start our search there.

Erik

Sounds like it's finally time for you to claim your prize! For a minute there, I thought we were going to end up empty-handed—again.

 

The guy at the desk wants you to give him a shout when you're all set.

 

You know the desk I mean, right? It's the one at the entrance to the arena.

Veronica

So it was Vince who was behind all those fighters vanishing...

 

Look, I know he said he only wanted to help the kids in the orphanage, but that still doesn't make it okay!

 

I just hope he's learnt his lesson. If he starts doing the right thing from now on, then maybe some good will have come out of this whole mess.

Serena

Miss Jade is safe and sound—and so are all the other fighters! Thank goodness for that! And it was good to see Vince admitting that what he'd done was wrong.

 

By the way, did you hear Mr Rab telling Vince that he'd have a word with the Mayor?

 

How in the world does he know the Mayor? He just gets more and more mysterious...

Sylvando

Well, we finally know who abducted the fighters, and who broke into the orphanage—that's two mysteries solved for the price of one!

 

It's a shame it took the shine off your tournament victory, <pc>, but don't worry too much about that.

 

I for one will never forget the way you turned Sterling Sylva into a pile of old scrap!

Erik

That old guy played us, man, and we fell for it hook, line and sinker!

 

The Rainbough was just bait. He was trying to lure you to him, <pc>.

 

Look, don't ask me why, but I bet you I'm right. Come on, let's head west to Dundrasil and find out what's going on!

Erik

Man, this place is like a maze! Who'd have thought you'd find something like this right underneath that orphanage!

 

Listen, we can't afford to get lost down here—we have a hunt for Jade, and if she's not here, we get out.

Veronica

Caverns like these right underneath the orphanage!? It's all very suspicious... Very suspicious indeed!

 

I mean, wouldn't it be the perfect place to hide things? Or people, for that matter...?

Serena

First Miss Jade goes missing, and now we can't find Vince. I don't know what's happening here, but I know I don't like it!

 

I mean, if the same person is behind all these disappearances, what exactly are they hoping to achieve...?

Sylvando

Can we try not to spend too much time in these caves, honey? The damp is playing havoc with my hair...

 

If Jade's really down here, let's grab her quickly and get back out into the fresh air.

Rab

Jade was last seen walking near the orphanage, right? And when we sniffed around there, we found stairs leading down here...

 

Don't try and tell me that's a coincidence, laddie. No, that lass's around here somewhere, mark my words!

Erik

All that stuff with Vince and the monster's been figured out, right? So...what are we doing down here again?

 

Spending too much time in places like this is kind of a downer. Let's head back up to Octagonia.

Veronica

Remember how confusing this place was when we first came down here? Now I know it like the back of my hand! We'd never get lost down here now...right?

Serena

(sniff sniff) Ahhh... Can you smell that, <pc>? That dank, musty smell? That's the smell of a good, mouldy old cave!

 

Now, I'm not saying it's very pleasant, but it makes me feel like a real adventurer somehow! Hee hee!

Sylvando

The monster's lair was right under the orphanage all along, and no one even noticed!

 

Picturing those little ones up there while Arachtagon was wreaking havoc down here...! Ugh! No! It doesn't bear thinking about!

Erik

Do we have any reason to be here, <pc>? Let's hurry up and get ourselves back on track.

Veronica

Is this...? Oh, <pc>...

Serena

......

Sylvando

Ah, Dundrasil... It's so sad... The monsters really tore the place apart.

 

This must be so tough for you, honey. After all, this is where you were born...

Erik

We really don't have time to hang around out here. We're on the run, remember?

 

I mean, it's great that you're so chilled out about it all, but we need to stay focused. We've got places to be.

Veronica

You know, it's lovely to be outside in the fresh air after being cooped up in Octagonia like that.

 

Nice as this is, though, let's not forget that we do actually have things to do back there...

Serena

Have you noticed how the air tastes totally differently in different parts of the world? It's a little bit salty by the seaside, and in the mountains it has the taste of snow...

 

Savouring all its different flavours is one of my favourite things about travelling!

Sylvando

Now that we've got the Stallion at our beck and call, we can start plotting courses to pastures new!

 

Come on, honey! Let's see everything Erdrea has to offer!

Erik

......

Veronica

......

Serena

......

Sylvando

......

Erik

How the heck did that old dude work out that you're the Luminary, <pc>!?

 

I guess we can't avoid having to talk to him about it, though—not if we want the Rainbough. Let's just be careful, okay?

Veronica

This is bad! That old man's worked out who you are!

 

I just don't understand, though... How could he possibly have known that the Rainbough is connected to the Luminary...?

Serena

Mr Rab said he thought you'd died a long time ago...

 

Could this mean he knows you're the Prince of Dundrasil...?

Sylvando

Less dilly-dallying, darling! We need to go back to Dundrasil and speak to Rab!

 

You must be bursting with things you want to ask him!

Erik

I don't believe it... You and that old dude are related!

 

We should go and do this ritual thing right away, <pc>. Your grandad said he was going up the hill behind the castle, right?

Veronica

Your grandfather's royalty!? Gosh, I had no idea... I hope I wasn't rude to him!

 

...I'm sorry. I'm finding it a bit difficult to take all of this in. But I'm really glad your grandad's alive and well. That's the most important thing.

Serena

The grave of the King and Queen of Dundrasil was so humble... You'd never have known that they were royalty!

 

Then again, I think Mr Rab may have built it with his own hands. I suppose he had no choice, after what happened here...

 

I can't imagine how awful it must be to bury your own family...

Sylvando

I don't know if it's true, but the story goes that King Carnelian began searching for the Luminary the day Dundrasil fell.

 

There must be some connection—there's a missing piece of the puzzle out there somewhere, I just know it...

Jade

I left you once, <pc>, and I swear I will never do that again. I owe it to Lady Eleanor.

 

Now, come. We must rejoin Rab and the others before Hendrik and his men find us. Let's head back to the ruins of Dundrasil.

Jade

We seem to have given them the slip—but we were very fortunate. If Hendrik hadn't faltered, we'd have been done for...

 

Well, let's not dwell on that. We must return to Dundrasil and rejoin the others.

Erik

So the forces of evil have taken hold of Heliodor, huh? That explains a lot...

 

Man, this Mordegon guy must be really something. I mean, controlling a huge kingdom from the shadows like that...

Veronica

I'm so happy that Rab and Jade have decided to join us!

 

With them on our side, things should be a lot easier—and a lot more fun!

 

They might even be able to help you learn some of those leadership skills you've been lacking, <pc>...

Serena

You know, I've been thinking about something that the elders of Arboria have always said. ‘The power to overcome the darkness lies within Yggdrasil...’ It's something like that, anyway.

 

That's why you have to go there, <pc>. And that's why Veronica and I have been entrusted with the task of guiding you!

Sylvando

Rab seemed so sure the Rainbough would show us the way to Yggdrasil, but it doesn't seem to be working...

Jade

For years Rab and I have been trying to uncover the truth about the evil that dwells in Heliodor...

 

But all we have succeeded in learning is a name: Mordegon...

 

We feared we had reached a dead end, but things have changed. With you alongside us, we may yet rid Heliodor of the shadow that has fallen upon it.

Rab

Ach, it's a real shame about that Rainbough. I was absolutely convinced ye'd have some kind of vision or something, laddie.

 

Anyway, there's no use crying over spilt milk. We need to get moving. Ye never know when those soldiers will be coming back for us...

Erik

......

 

Hey, don't worry about that red orb I gave you. If you need it, it's all yours.

 

So now you've got two, right? My red orb and the yellow one Rab gave you. That means there's four left...

Erik

......

 

Hey, don't worry about that red orb I gave you. If you need it, it's all yours.

 

So now you've got two, right? My red orb and the yellow one Rab gave you. That means there's four left...

Veronica

I knew the Rainbough was special, but I wasn't expecting it to be able to do anything like that! Now we know exactly what we need to do to get to Yggdrasil!

 

What we DON'T know is how to get hold of the four orbs we're missing. I mean, where are we supposed to start looking!?

Sylvando

......

 

Hmm? Oh, darling, I'm sorry, I'm a bit lost in my thoughts at the moment...

Sylvando

......

 

Hmm? Oh, darling, I'm sorry, I'm a bit lost in my thoughts at the moment...

Jade

That vision the Rainbough gave us was incredible... There's no doubt about it—you really are the Luminary.

 

Rab and I have spent so many years wandering around, getting nowhere. If only we'd have found you sooner...

Rab

Well, ye saw the vision, laddie. We need to collect those six orbs and take them to the First Forest.

 

Sounds simple enough, eh? Except we've no idea where to find them. We need to ask around and see if anyone can help us find those wee balls.

 

Now, I'd say the first order of business is to go to Puerto Valor, open the gates, and head out onto the high seas. Let's head down there, quick sharp.

Rab

What are ye doing, laddie? I don't think we've any reason to be gallivanting around here, do we?

 

The gates are open in Puerto Valor, so let's sail out onto the high seas and see what we can find, eh?

Sylvando

Something about the way Rab was speaking makes me think he knows what we want to know. Come on, honey, let's go and pump him for information!

Erik

This ritual's meant to send the souls of the dead to a better place, right...?

 

Well, I really hope it works. It sounds like your parents deserve to rest in peace. Now, I guess we should head up the hill to the altar that old dude was talking about.

 

Oh, and we might need to give him a hand. It's pretty steep, after all...

Jade

I can't believe I allowed us to be spotted! How could I have been so careless!? Reinforcements will already be on the way, I'm certain of it...

 

Come on, <pc>! We must hurry up and rejoin the others!

Jade

We must get away from here, before reinforcements arrive!

 

Come on, <pc>! Let's return to the altar and join Rab and the others!

Erik

Hey, do you know what's up with Sylv? He looks kind of on edge...

 

He's barely said a word since we set out for Puerto Valor. I hope he isn't sick or anything...

Veronica

I don't know much about this place, but I know it's surrounded by beautiful blue sea, and that's enough for me! I love it!

 

Serena and I are from the mountains, you see. Before we set out, we'd only ever seen pictures of the sea in books.

 

And I have to say, they really didn't do it justice. One of them said the sea was ‘the world's biggest well’! What a load of nonsense! I'd like to know who wrote that tosh...

Serena

What a wonderful place this is! Just feel that lovely salty sea breeze!

 

You know, I'd like to live in a place like this some day. I could build a pretty little cottage, and breathe in the sea air every morning... Oh, it would be bliss!

Sylvando

This place hasn't changed a bit...

 

Oh! <pc>! I didn't see you there... You can go right ahead and ignore anything you might have heard me saying just now. I was...practising some lines! Yes! For a part!

Jade

Every time I see the sea, it reminds me of what happened all those years ago in Dundrasil.

 

Rab and I fled and boarded a ship, setting sail before dawn.

 

I still remember the inky black water. I was terrified, but Rab put his arm round my shoulder and told me it was going to be alright. I will never forget that.

Rab

Well, ye saw the vision, laddie. We need to collect those six orbs and take them to the First Forest.

 

Sounds simple enough, eh? Except we've no idea where to find them. We need to ask around and see if anyone can help us find that bunch of wee balls.

 

Now, I'd say the first order of business is to go to Puerto Valor, open the gates and head out onto the high seas. Let's head north-west of here, laddie.

Sylvando

Well, honey? How did it go? Did Servantes say he'd open the sea gates for you?

 

Hmm? How I do know Servantes's name? Oh, darling! That is... That is a VERY good question! Hoo hoo!

Rab

Servantes is on standby to open the sea gates just as soon as we're ready, laddie. I hope ye're all set to travel to pastures new!

 

Now, if there's nothing else ye need to do around these parts, let's hop on board the Stallion! Once we've sailed through Puerto Valor, we'll be out on the open sea!

Erik

Sylv said he was going to meet some guy, right? And he still hasn't come back?

 

It's weird. Normally he loves checking out new towns—and I bet he'd love this place. I can imagine him wanting to move here...

Jade

Rab really is very popular. At first I didn't believe him when he said he had friends all over the world, but it's true.

 

And they weren't all elderly gentlemen, either. Rab gets along with everyone—princesses and paupers, young and old. No, there can't be many royals like him...

Rab

Now I know this is the kind of place that makes ye want to sit in the sun and forget all yer troubles, but we've got things to do. Maybe next time, eh?

 

We need to go and talk to Don Rodrigo. He's in charge of the sea gates, ye see. He lives in the biggest villa in town, if I remember rightly.

Jade

Once the sea gates have been opened, we can take to the high seas. Who knows what awaits us there...

 

But first things first, we need to board our ship and return to Puerto Valor. Servantes should open the gates for us once we are ready.

Rab

Ach, it's a shame Don Rodrigo wasnae around. I'd been looking forward to having a wee chinwag with him. There aren't many who've got his depth of knowledge, let me tell ye!

 

Still, it was nice to see Servantes looking hale and hearty. I'm sure the three of us will have a wee dram together once all this is over.

Jade

Is there something else we need to do here, <pc>? I know it's very pleasant, but this isn't the time to dawdle...

 

The gates are open, and the ocean awaits. Let's go and see what new things we can find out.

Erik

So we're really in a casino, huh? That's pretty cool! I thought you'd be a bit too square for this kind of thing.

 

But I guess you must be tired of being on the run too, right? It's nice to kick back and relax sometimes!

Veronica

So this is a casino, is it? One of my textbooks said that casinos are convivial meeting places for ladies and gentlemen of leisure...

 

What a load of nonsense! It's so noisy in here! And what are all these flashing lights for!? I'd rather be lost in the forest any day!

Serena

......

 

HMM? WHAT? Oh, I'm ever so sorry, <pc>... All these tokens are making so much noise, I can't hear a word you're saying!

Jade

I do understand, <pc>. Sometimes all you want to do is forget about the world's troubles and have some fun...

 

Well, I suppose I can't stop you. Please don't overdo it, though. I may not know much about casinos, but I know that moderation is the key...

Rab

‘Slow and steady does it...’ That's what that wee bunny girl just told me. And ye know what, laddie? I think she might have a point.

 

So if ye think yer auld Grampa's going to tell ye to get moving, ye're wrong! Take all the time ye need to enjoy this place! That's what I'll be doing, believe you me!

Jade

I would never have expected you to be quite such a fan of casinos, <pc>. Still, I don't suppose anything I say will persuade you to leave. I'll just have to wait until you get bored...

Erik

Listen, you know that red orb I gave you? I didn't just bring it along to sell for big bucks. I had a feeling it would come in useful somehow...

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm glad you've got it now. It feels like it should belong to the Luminary, somehow. Just don't go dropping it, alright?

Veronica

We've always known our destiny was to protect the Luminary, but it always seemed a little vague what that actually meant...

 

But now we have a clear goal—to lead you to Yggdrasil! I feel much better about everything now I know what we're supposed to be doing!

Serena

So if we get all the orbs and put them in the right place, we'll be able to get to Yggdrasil... But how exactly, with it floating all the way up in the air?

 

W-Wait a second... We're not going to f-f-fly there, are we!? Oh dear... I, I, I'm not very good with heights, you know...

Sylvando

I know you've got a whole lot on your mind, honey, but just stay focused on the next step. That's the best approach right now, trust me.

Jade

If the Rainbough hadn't shown us that vision, we'd have no idea how to get to Yggdrasil.

 

To think, when we first laid eyes on it back in Octagonia, we had no idea of the power the Rainbough possessed...

Rab

Servantes is on standby to open the sea gates just as soon as we're ready, laddie. I hope ye're all set to travel to pastures new!

 

Now, if there's nothing else ye need to do around these parts, let's steer the Stallion out towards the open sea!

Erik

Four more orbs to go! Let's get moving!

Serena

Back when we were growing up in Arboria, we had no idea that the world was such a big place. It's wonderful, though, isn't it? There's always something new and exciting to see!

 

I wonder what kind of adventures we'll be having next? Gosh, I can't wait!

Rab

The gates in Puerto Valor are open, and the open sea's ours to explore! Let's see what we can discover, laddie!

Erik

Uh... Don't we have something we should be doing?

 

The Puerto Valor sea gates are open, and we need to be out there exploring the world! Those orbs won't find themselves!

Sylvando

Onwards, <pc>! The sea gates are open, and the open seas await! Weigh anchor, me hearties!

 

...Hmm? What's that? Am I feeling better? Honey, I'm better than ever! You know how much I love a bit of adventure! Now, let's get going!

Jade

Rab and I spent so long trying to find out more about Mordegon, but we just kept hitting a brick wall...

 

But now we've met you, there's hope again. I'm starting to believe we can finish this...

Rab

Ach, I still cannae believe it, laddie! I thought ye were dead, but no, here y'are. And what a fine young man ye've become!

 

Now, I know I've not been around for ye till now, but I'm going to be making up for that. Whatever I can do to help ye, just say the word. That's what family's for!

Erik

......

Veronica

......

Serena

......

Sylvando

......

Jade

......

Rab

......

Erik

That little girl we saw—she's the one you told us had lost her parents, right? I think we'd better go after her.

Veronica

Was that the little girl who's lost her parents, <pc>?

 

She didn't look alright, did she? I mean, she didn't even seem to notice you. I wonder what's going on...

Serena

Was that Dora? The little girl you were telling us about?

 

Oh dear. Something really didn't seem quite right with her. We'd better catch up with her and make sure she doesn't come to any harm.

Sylvando

Dora was walking towards those old ruins, wasn't she? Well, come on, honey. We can't let the poor child wander around on her own!

Jade

The girl you told us about—Dora, was it?—I saw her walking towards the ruins.

 

I expect it's not sightseeing that's drawing her there—just what is it about that place?

Rab

Ye know, I'm sure I've seen that wee Dora lass before somewhere. And not too long ago, either..

 

Ach, curse this memory of mine! I'm probably getting her mixed up with some other bairn.

Erik

I wonder how that little girl's doing? You know, the one that you and Sylv met?

 

If she still hasn't found her parents, we should probably go help.

Veronica

Let's get moving, <pc>! We want to take a good look at that mural before all the tourists get in the way!

Serena

Hmm... No. Perhaps I am just imagining it...

 

Or do you sense it too, <pc>? Something feels different about the village this morning. I'm sure it was a lot livelier than this yesterday...

Sylvando

Hmm... That's strange... I wonder where dear little Dora's gotten to?

 

Listen, honey, we should go and check out the place we found her yesterday. I'm worried about her...

Jade

You know that little girl you told us about? Do you think she might still be searching for her parents?

 

I know we must push on, but I really don't think we can leave until we have made sure she is alright.

Rab

Today's the day, laddie. We need to head over to the Nhou Wat ruins on the other side of that hill.

 

I've a funny feeling we need to take a good look at that mural. Don't ask me why—ye just get a sense for these things when ye get to my age.

Erik

So it seems like that mural is connected to some weird other world, and for whatever reason, people seem to think going there is a good idea.

 

It's Dora I'm worried about though. She's probably been sucked in there too, right...?

Veronica

Well, you know what we have to do, right? Obviously we're not just going to abandon that poor little girl, are we?

 

First, we need to take a closer look at that weird mural. I get the feeling it must be the portal which took us into that other world...

Serena

The lady at the inn did mention that one of her guests didn't return last night...

 

Perhaps we weren't the only ones who got sucked into the mural... Wait! Do you think the others could still be stuck in there?

Sylvando

There's no doubt about it—poor Dora must have been sucked into the mural, and her parents probably were too!

 

Sounds like we've got a rescue mission on our hands! Come on, honey! To the Other Side! There are people who need us!

Jade

The people trapped inside that mural are in desperate need of our help.

 

I know it's a dreadful place, but as long as we are together, we have nothing to fear. Come on, <pc>—we have to go back.

Rab

We only came here searching for a clue about where to go next. The last thing we expected to find was a giant haunted mural!

 

Things like that don't just exist in isolation, laddie. I've a funny feeling that painting holds secrets we need to uncover. Well, only one way to find out...

Erik

So I guess this means we're back in the real world, huh?

 

But we're not done here yet. We need to find that little girl before she causes any more chaos!

Veronica

(pant) Phew... (pant)

 

...There! All I needed was a few deep breaths, and now I'm right as rain. Let's get moving!

Serena

Come on, <pc>! We must tell everyone in the village the truth about the Nhou Wat mural!

 

Let's start in the main square. There should be lots of people there.

Sylvando

Whoever wrote the warning on that stone was right on the money! That mean little girl is luring tourists towards the mural so they can get sucked right in!

 

Honey, we need to get moving. We've got to put a stop to her wicked ways—and fast!

Jade

Did you notice that the mural had a crack, just like the one on the Other Side?

 

It's hard to believe, I know, but I think we may have been inside the mural...

Rab

Owww... My poor jacksie! That bumpy landing's given me a terrible bruise on the behind.

 

I could do with a wee lie down, if I'm honest with ye, but I'll soldier on.

Erik

I always thought it was fishy, this whole idea that the mural could bring you good fortune...

 

I mean, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Veronica

Come on! Let's get after Dora! We can't let her keep preying on every innocent tourist she comes across!

Serena

I'm still struggling to make sense of it all. It's just so hard to believe that sweet little girl was actually evil...

 

Well, there's no time to dwell on that now, I suppose. We just need to stop her before she does any more damage.

Sylvando

Dear, dear Dora... How did things come to this?

 

At least we know where she is—inside the mural. The Other Side...

 

Well, we know what we have to do. Let's bring this thing to an end!

Jade

I wasn't totally unprepared for it, but it was still a shock to see that little girl suddenly turn into that evil creature...

 

I can't help thinking of my poor father. Mordegon seems to have deceived him. He seems to have deceived everyone in Heliodor...

Rab

Ye don't need me to tell ye this, laddie, but ye'll be wanting to keep yer wits about ye. One false step at this stage and ye're bound to come a cropper...

Erik

I'm kind of worried about the locals here, man. Nothing that's happened seems to have affected them in the slightest...

 

Or maybe that's a good thing. If they're getting on with their lives, I guess all is well...

Veronica

Shall we take a look at some souvenir shops before we leave the village, <pc>? It seems a shame not to...

 

I heard a rumour that they might have got some interesting new things in stock...

Serena

The magic key will let us open all sorts of new doors, <pc>—doors we wouldn't have been able to open before!

 

Just keep an eye out for doors decorated with its special symbol!

Sylvando

That turned out to be an eventful little jaunt to Phnom Nonh, didn't it, honey!?

 

Now, have you decided where we're heading next? The Salty Stallion is ready to set sail, so just say the word!

Jade

Many centuries ago, Phnom Nonh was at the heart of a flourishing civilisation. Then Mordegon possessed its chancellor, and reduced it to ruins...

 

I fear that something similar is now taking place in Heliodor.

 

After all, Mordegon is already making his presence felt in the kingdom. Who knows what he may be plotting...?

Rab

That magic key of ours should open up some interesting new areas, eh, laddie? Aye, I cannae wait to start exploring again!

 

Now, I've seen that magic key symbol in all sorts of places. Just off the top of my head, there's the ruins of Zwaardsrust, near the Warrior's Rest Inn...

 

Then there was one up in a kingdom by the name of Sniflheim, far north of this wee beach known as the Strand...

 

...What? Ye want more? Heh! I'd say that's plenty for ye to be getting on with, laddie!

Erik

Man, that was one nasty monster. But then it was a pretty nasty place...

Veronica

Ha! Bad luck, Dora-in-Grey! You're not ‘beauty personified’ any more, are you!? Well, that's what you get when you tangle with us!

Sylvando

Oh, Dora-in-Grey... What a tragedy! Someone should have told her that true beauty comes from within! Looking good at the expense of others is...um...not a good look!

 

If only she'd known that, none of this awful business would have happened!

Erik

What the...!? Where the heck are we!?

 

We were just standing in those ruins, right? And then the mural started glowing, and now...this! Man, I just don't get it...

Veronica

Ugh, this place is so grey and horrible!

 

If that girl's in here, let's hurry up and find her and get out!

Serena

Look, <pc>! Can you see those people over there, in the distance?

 

There's something strange about them—it's almost as though they've been possessed. It really is ever so eerie in here...

Sylvando

Little Dora came in here, I just know it! Come on, honey! Let's track her down!

Jade

Ever since we came in here, I feel as if we're being watched. Can you sense it too? It's as if some evil presence is following our every move...

 

I fear for that poor girl. It can't be safe for her to be here alone...

Rab

I've seen a fair bit of the world, laddie, but I've never seen anything quite like this before.

 

What happens next is anyone's guess—all I know is that we need to stick together and stay safe.

Erik

She's got a nerve! All that stuff about her squeezing the colour out of us...

 

It sounds kind of horrible, right? How about we try not to let that happen.

Veronica

That woman from the painting was just awful! There's nothing I hate more than being treated like a child... And before anyone says anything, do NOT tell me I should be used to it!

Serena

Do you remember those people we saw in front of the painting? We definitely saw some of them earlier, when we were walking around the village. I think they were tourists, here to see the mural...

 

It looks like we aren't the only people who got sucked into this place.

Sylvando

Honey, did you hear that awful ghost-woman!? What she said made my blood run cold!

 

This place seriously gives me the creeps... Let's just find little Dora and get out of here!

Jade

That woman in the picture, it's strange, but she seemed to be especially fond of you, <pc>...

 

Oh, and you know what else is strange? I've started to feel as though we're being watched again. Ever since that woman in the painting went away, in fact...

Rab

This isn't good, laddie... Did ye see the hollow look on those people's faces? And what about the things that painting was telling us!?

 

I've got a terrible feeling that this isn't going to end well. Let's head after those people. I don't think they're capable of looking after themselves.

Erik

Oh, man! I don't believe it! We walked straight into that portrait's trap!

 

But that doesn't mean we're beaten yet! Dora's not getting away with this!

Veronica

Stop daydreaming, <pc>! We need to find a way out of here!

 

I mean, you're welcome to stay for as long as you like, but this place just isn't for me!

Serena

Gosh... The warning on the stone was rather frightening, wasn't it?

 

If the mural is evil and it's luring people in to feast on their souls...well, you know what that means, don't you, <pc>? Dora was part of the trap!

Sylvando

Colour me shocked! Dora's been tricking tourists into coming to the ruins so they can be sucked into that awful mural!

 

I've seen all sorts of bad stuff in my time, honey, but taking advantage of people's kindness? That really is the pits!

Jade

This is not going to end here. I won't let it. Now come on, <pc>. Let's find a way out—we're not going to let some wretched curse stand in our way!

Rab

So this mural's cursed, is it? And it's been that way for centuries, by the sounds of it...

 

Right, laddie. Let's go. Someone's got to put a stop to this reign of terror—and there's no time like the present!

Erik

Thanks for getting us out of that jam. That was a close one...

 

Okay, we can't go back to where those thorn things were, so I guess our only option is to keep pushing forward...

Veronica

Are you alright, <pc>? Those thorny tentacle things were horrible!

 

Let's make sure we don't get tangled up in them again...

Serena

I just feel terrible for poor Bazza and the others. They were so keen to see the mural, and it turned out to be this awful nightmare...

 

There's nothing worse than having your belief in something betrayed...

Sylvando

You know, when I saw those thorns, I started to fear the worst for little Dora...

 

But we can't give in to despair! No, she's going to be just fine. We're going to get her out of here—and everyone else, too!

Jade

You saved us, <pc>... Thank you.

 

There is evil in this place that must be confronted, but for now I think it's best for us to find a way out of here.

Rab

Heaven knows what would've happened if ye hadn't saved us from those tentacles, laddie.

 

Aye, this place is nasty, and no mistake. Let's get out of here as soon as we can, eh?

Serena

Now that awful Dora-in-Grey's gone, all the people who got sucked into the painting should hopefully have returned to the real world.

 

Come on, <pc>. We should do the same...

Jade

Mordegon... I suspect he's the one who's behind all of this... Behind everything that's happened in Heliodor...

 

We have a lot to think about, but for now we'd better return to the village. Oh, and let's not forget that we have the magic key now. That was an unexpected bonus.

Rab

Ye heard what she said, didn't ye, laddie? That name again. Mordegon...

 

He was the one who reduced this place to ruins, mark my words, and he'll be looking to do it again somewhere else. But we're not going to let that happen, are we?

Erik

All this ‘brings you good fortune’ stuff? I don't believe a word of it. But I guess we might as well go and check out this famous mural while we're in the area.

 

I mean, Rab even seems to think it might give us some clues about where we need to go next...

Veronica

Even a country bumpkin like you must have heard of the Nhou Wat ruins, right, <pc>?

 

There's this giant mural that brings good fortune to anyone who visits it. Why don't we go and take a look?

Serena

I just love looking around old ruins! It's so much fun, imagining how people used to live...

 

It'd be a real shame if we didn't get to spend a day or two exploring Nhou Wat and examining its famous mural while we're here!

Sylvando

Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age, but I just can't stop thinking about little Dora!

 

I know we've got a lot on, honey, but I don't think we can just waltz off and abandon the poor girl. Let's head back to the village and help her find her parents!

Jade

Rab and I have visited Phnom Nonh once before...

 

We didn't find out anything useful back then, but this time we've got you with us, <pc>...

Rab

Ach, now I remember why I wasnae so keen on Phnom Nonh... All those stairs and slopes everywhere! They play havoc with my poor knees!

 

D'ye know what I fancy more than anything when all this is over? A nice hot bath...

Erik

Wow, so this is a school? It's kind of fancy... Well, it's not exactly my kind of place, but it's pretty nice, I've got to say.

 

I bet they spend a lot of time studying manners and stuff here. If I'd gone to a place like this, I guess I would've turned out pretty differently...

Veronica

Can you believe it, <pc>!? One of the teachers just mistook me for a first-year student and tried to show me to a classroom!

 

Do you know what, though? I'd love to be a student here. Once all this is over I'm going to come back and sign up for a term or two. I might as well make the most of being a child again!

Serena

Humans and monsters, all studying together without a care in the world... What a wonderful place!

Sylvando

Travelling the world in search of mini medals!? What a wonderful way to learn! Darling, this is my kind of school!

 

Let's be sure to join in the fun if we have the chance! Any mini medals we spot, we know where to bring them!

Jade

L'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles... My mother told me about this place.

 

It's one of the finest schools in Erdrea. All sorts of rich folks send their girls here to learn how to be perfect little ladies...

Rab

D'ye know what, laddie? When ye get to my age, it really warms the cockles of yer heart to be surrounded with bairns who are full of hope for the future. Just being here makes me feel young again!

Sylvando

I wasn't expecting to find a school way out here! I wonder what they study? Apart from mini medals, of course...

 

Well, I'm sure the principal will tell us more. Come on, honey, let's pay him a visit!

Erik

So we need those six orbs to open up the path to Yggdrasil, right...?

 

Man, I carried that red orb around with me all that time, and I had no idea what it could do...

 

It's yours now, though. Just make sure you don't drop it, you hear me?

Veronica

It's obvious now that it was Mordegon who started those lies about you being the Darkspawn, <pc>...

 

I don't know what it is he's plotting, but I DO know we need to find those orbs and get to Yggdrasil, or we're never going to stop him!

Serena

The elders of Arboria talk about there being something within Yggdrasil that has the power to dispel the darkness...

 

That's why you have to go there, <pc>. And that's why Veronica and I have been entrusted with the task of guiding you!

Jade

We should look out for columns of light when we're out at sea—they're a sign that we can use Lorelei's harp, apparently.

 

It seems there are places we can go that no ship could ever reach...

Rab

We need to collect the six coloured orbs and take them to the First Forest, laddie.

 

If the vision we saw was right, doing that will open up the path to Yggdrasil...

Sylvando

What are we dawdling for, darling? Let's hop on board the Stallion and search for the missing orbs!

Erik

It's cold, sure, but there's no way the whole city should be frozen solid like this.

 

Let's check this place out and find out what's going on here...

Veronica

Everything's been turned to ice! The castle, the houses...even the people! There goes our plan to ask them about the orb...

 

Still, we're not just going to give up and go home! Let's see if we can find someone who isn't frozen stiff!

Serena

Even the poor animals are frozen solid! I do hope they're going to be alright...

Sylvando

Look at these people... They were just going about their business when they got frozen in place—it's like time's just stood still!

 

Listen, I'm no meteorologist, but there's no way a cold snap could have caused this. There's something fishy going on, honey, mark my words!

Jade

Did Sniflheim get hit by an ice storm? Is that why everything's frozen?

 

I don't know much about cold climates, but this seems too extreme to just be down to bad weather. There must be some other explanation...

Rab

The plan was to see if King Gustaf would lend us his orb, but that doesn't look like it's going to be possible now.

 

We should try and find out what happened here, laddie. We can worry about the orb later...

Erik

......

Veronica

Um... How could a gate have frozen shut? That's not normal, right?

Serena

How do people get in and out of the town, if the gate's frozen shut?

 

Something's not right here... Let's see if we can find another way in.

Sylvando

Doesn't it seem awfully quiet to you, honey? I'm finding it hard to believe that there's a bustling city on the other side of these walls.

 

I mean, even the dullest little hamlet makes a bit of noise...

Jade

We'll freeze to death if we stay out here much longer. If we can't get in through the gate, we'll need to find another way.

Rab

If all goes to plan, we'll be leaving here with another orb to our name. I know for a fact that King Gustaf has one, y'see, and I'm pretty sure I could persuade him to hand it over.

 

Now, if we could just find a way to get inside...

Veronica

Brrr! It's freezing out here! I'm not sure I'm cut out for northern climes... Let's head into town and get warmed up!

Serena

So this is the Kingdom of Sniflheim, is it? I've always wanted to come here. The city is meant to be absolutely beautiful!

 

You don't mind if we do a spot of sightseeing, do you, <pc>? It would seem a shame not to, after we came all this way...

Sylvando

Darling, look! Snow! Beautiful, fluffy, soft, white snow!

 

Would you believe I've never seen a single snowflake before!? This is my first time up north—I've been missing out!

Jade

(gulp) That was a long voyage... I hope no one's feeling...seasick...

 

Maybe we should find an inn and take a rest, <pc>? We shouldn't try and do too much. Someone might...(gulp)...you know...someone might be feeling a little...(gulp)...unwell...

Rab

I cannae remember if I told you this already, laddie, but King Gustaf's orb is part of Sniflheim's royal treasure trove.

 

Now, the King's an auld pal of mine, so if I just have a wee chat with him I'm sure he'll hand it over. Come on, let's head for the castle without further ado!

Erik

It's kind of chilly around here, right...? Lots of people don't realise how cold it gets. They come north for a holiday and end up freezing to death.

 

The one thing we've absolutely got to do is stay awake. If you fall asleep out here, you're a goner.

Veronica

What are we doing out here, traipsing through the snow!? Rab said the King of Sniflheim had an orb for us!

 

You do remember that we're trying to collect orbs, don't you...? You're not going to fulfil your destiny as the Luminary without them!

Serena

Are you alright, <pc>? It's ever so cold out here...

 

It can get rather chilly up on the Arborian Highlands, too, so this is no problem for me—but I imagine it'd be a bit of a shock if you're not used to it...

Sylvando

Darling, I can't feel my toes! I don't think I've ever been this cold in my life! And you're telling me that people choose to LIVE here!?

 

Anyone who sticks this out for a lifetime is made of sterner stuff than me—I'm just about ready to hop back in the Stallion and sail south!

Jade

This wind chills you to the bone... I knew it was going to be cold up here, but I wasn't prepared for this...

Rab

If all goes to plan, we'll be leaving here with another orb to our name. I know for a fact that King Gustaf has one, y'see, and I'm pretty sure I could persuade him to hand it over.

 

So let's head for Sniflheim and have a wee chinwag with His Majesty!

Erik

There's treasure to be found in this valley, trust me. I used to be a pirate, remember...

 

The best swag's always hidden away in out-of-the-way places like this.

Veronica

Did you see those monsters shaped like eggs, <pc>? I was looking at one, and suddenly—WOOSH!—it jumped almost all the way up to the top of the cliff!

 

Let's remember that in case we get stuck here...

Serena

This place is full of monsters, I can feel it... Let's watch our step, <pc>. It's important to rest up and recover after every battle.

Sylvando

The Eerie Eyrie, eh...? Not the most promising of names, is it, honey? I've never been a fan of things with wings..

 

It's their beady eyes, I think... And all the squawking... Oh, and their beaks...

Jade

The Eerie Eyrie... What an impressive name! And fitting, too...

 

Birds are very important to us Heliodorians. We have a two-headed eagle on our royal crest, after all...

Rab

Aye, I remember reading about some terrifying valley where flocks of Hades condors make their nests...

 

If that's not where we are, I'll eat my hat—unless some pesky bird pinches it off my head first!

Erik

Hey, if you're not sure where we should head to next, maybe we should try asking Queen Marina?

 

She seems to know a lot, right? I bet she could give us a few travel tips...

Veronica

Now I wish I'd learnt a spell that would turn me into a mermaid—or at least one that would teach me how to swim...

 

Imagine how much fun it would be down here if you were a fish!?

Serena

Any idea what those long, thin fish are called, <pc>? They're so beautiful!

Sylvando

Do you think the Green Orb was on board that ship that sank?

 

I wonder why it sank? Did some awful sea monster drag it beneath the waves? Brrr! I just pray nothing like that ever happens to the Salty Stallion!

Jade

Once all this is over, I would really like to have a proper conversation with Queen Marina.

 

Truly, she seems like a natural leader, someone who was born to rule. I would love to hear more about her experiences as Queen...

Rab

Well, laddie, we got the Green Orb—and that means we're just that wee bit closer to Yggdrasil.

 

Let's take things one step at a time and we're bound to get there in the end.

Erik

Are we really at the bottom of the sea...? Heh heh! I don't believe it!

 

I guess nothing really surprises me any more, though. Not after everything we've been through.

Veronica

I know we can breathe normally down here, but I keep panicking and trying to hold my breath...

 

Look, I know it's silly, but I can't help it! I really, really hate water going up my nose!

Serena

This is incredible... Are we really able to breathe underwater!?

 

And look! There are fish everywhere, just swimming around! This is a dream come true!

Sylvando

Oh honey... This is too much for me to take... Did the Stallion really plunge all the way down here!?

 

And are those...mermaids? Pinch me, darling—I must be dreaming!

Jade

So this is where Michelle comes from. Well, it's certainly very different to life on dry land!

 

I'd love to take a look around, but we should speak to the Queen first. We need to tell her about Michelle and Kainui.

Rab

Jings, laddie, this place is some kind of paradise! All the mermaids are just as bonnie as wee Michelle!

 

Thanks for bringing us down here. Ye've made an auld man very happy!

Erik

......

Veronica

......

Serena

......

Sylvando

......

Jade

......

Rab

......

Erik

What did Michelle say this Kai guy was like? A hunky, chunky sailor stuffed full of emotion or something...?

 

What does that even mean? I guess love really is blind—it sounds like she can't remember what her sweetheart looks like!

Veronica

Remember what Michelle said, <pc>—we mustn't tell anyone but Kai that she's waiting for him.

 

Mermaids are the stuff of legend, but not all of those legends are good, and there are plenty of idiots about who believe everything they read...

Serena

This place is awfully quiet for a fishing village. I imagined it would have a bustling market like Gondolia...

Sylvando

Ohhh, I was so looking forward to filling my pockets with pretty pearls to spruce up my circus costume, but there isn't a single specimen to be seen!

 

Now listen, honey, I've seen a lot of towns on my travels, so I know when something isn't right...and something isn't right here, believe you me!

Jade

Hmm... I can't see anyone around here who fits Michelle's description of her fiancé. She did say Kai was a fisherman from this village though, didn't she?

 

Well, I suppose there's nothing else for it—we'll just have to ask around. Surely somebody in the village must know where we can find him.

Rab

If it's information ye're after, ye're best headed to whatever place people get together. Inns, taverns...or in the case of a wee fishing village like this—the harbour.

Erik

Is it just me, or does anyone else get the feeling this giant squid isn't going down without a fight? Fingers crossed it doesn't take the Stallion down with it...

Veronica

What are these people thinking, spreading such a horrible rumour about mermaids? If they'd ever actually met one, they'd know that story couldn't possibly be true.

 

It's a wonder Kai wants to marry Michelle at all if that's the sort of tale he's grown up hearing. It's enough to put you off mermaids for life!

 

Come on, let's head out to sea and find the fishing fleet. I'd like to hear Kai's side of the story.

Serena

Don't you think that story was a little too realistic for a fairy tale? Those poor children were scared out of their wits.

 

I wonder why she would tell them such a frightening story... Do the people of this village have something against mermaids?

Sylvando

You've seen her too, right, honey? The little old lady on the cliff overlooking the village, the one who keeps firing that gigantic cannon?

 

I thought your grandpappy was a one-off, but it seems Rab's in good company—elderly people are so full of life nowadays! When I grow up, I want to be just like them!

Jade

Well, that explains it. The reason Kai couldn't go to meet Michelle was because he had to fight the giant squid and save his village.

 

No wonder she's got such a soft spot for him—he's quite the hero.

Rab

Reckless, that's what it is! They're fishermen, not fighters—they don't stand a chance against a maddened tentacular.

 

Come on, laddie, let's head over and give them a hand, shall we? We'd be wise to kit ourselves out for a fight before we set sail, mind.

Veronica

Kai's a strange one. I thought he'd be enjoying the party with all the other fishermen, but he's nowhere to be seen.

 

I doubt he'll have gone out fishing again so soon after beating the tentacular. He must be somewhere in the village...

Jade

Why isn't Kai celebrating the defeat of the demon squid with everyone else?

 

I don't mean to speak badly of him, but it would seem he's not the most fun-loving fellow...

Veronica

So it wasn't Kainui who promised to marry Michelle, it was his grandfather...

 

How many years must she have been waiting there on the Strand, all alone? Waiting for a man who would never come...

Jade

That story was true. All those terrible things really happened to Kai's grandfather. I can hardly believe it.

 

In fact, I don't believe it at all! The Michelle we met would never steal anyone's soul!

 

Still, I don't suppose there's anything we can do about that now. Let's go and see what Kai has to show us. He said we should meet him on Saikiki Beach, on the other side of the church.

Erik

Veronica told me what happened with Kai. Poor Michelle, huh? She must have been waiting on that island for decades...

 

From a human point of view, it's kinda crazy. I guess mermaids must have a heck of a lot more patience than us...

Veronica

What are you going to say if Michelle asks about her fiancé when you hand over that veil, <pc>?

 

If you tell her the truth—that it's been years since Kainoa passed away—it's sure to come as a shock...

Serena

I can't help but feel a little uneasy in this village, now that we know what happened to Kai's grandfather...

 

It may have all happened a long time ago, but it still pains me to think that such nice people could treat Kainoa so badly...

Sylvando

I don't believe for one minute that there's any such thing as a mermaid's curse, but there must be some reason why the legend has survived so long.

 

Come on, honey—let's go and give that veil to our good friend Shelly. Maybe she'll be able to fill us in on the juicy details?

Jade

Let's go back to the Strand, <pc>. We need to give that veil to Michelle.

 

The luau's over and the fishermen are making themselves ready to set sail again. We should do the same.

Rab

So it wasn't just a fairy tale... These people are convinced that Michelle stole Kainoa's soul.

 

D'ye really think a lovely lassie like her would go round putting curses on people? It doesn't make any sense...

Erik

You don't need to worry about Michelle getting spotted, <pc>.

 

Nobody's going to take a stroll in a spooky graveyard this time of night.

Veronica

Hey, <pc>... Do you really think it's wise to take Kai to meet Michelle?

 

She's upset enough already. If we show her her fiancé's grandson now, she might faint from shock...

Serena

It's such a peaceful night, but my heart's beating like anything. There's just something rather frightening about that dark, silent sea...

Sylvando

Poor little Shelly has been waiting for so, so long...

 

It's a real shame that her happy reunion will be a final farewell, but at least her wait will be over at last.

Jade

Come on, <pc>. Let's take Kai over to Saikiki Beach. Michelle has waited long enough already.

Rab

We've come this far, laddie—we can't back out now. It's time to bring Michelle and Kai together—the rest they'll have to work out for themselves.

Kainui

You're kinda weird, you know? Nobody else in this village would wanna take a trip to Saikiki Beach this time of night.

 

You know it's the village graveyard, right? If the rest of the guys find out you're into this kind of thing, you're gonna get some funny looks for sure.

Erik

Michelle said she'd left our reward for finding Kai on the Strand.

 

She must have already decided what she was going to do when she told us she wanted to come here and see him.

 

Don't beat yourself up about it, <pc>. All you did was tell the truth. You can't have any regrets about that.

Veronica

It's not right for the people of Lonalulu to spread horrible stories about mermaids, but in a way, I think I can understand why they do. Kainoa and Michelle falling in love turned the whole village upside down.

 

They don't want what happened to him to happen to anyone else. So yes, keeping the men away from the mermaids saves them from heartache, but at what price...?

Serena

Kainoa was in a very difficult position—I can't criticise him for the path he chose.

 

But still, it's so sad... If only there was another way... If only he and Michelle had been able to live together...

Sylvando

Now that Kai knows the truth about his grandfather, I hope he'll start poking some holes in this village's ridiculous anti-mermaid agenda.

 

We can't let everything Michelle and Kainoa went through be in vain!

Jade

I never knew that mermaids lived for five hundred years. The flow of time must feel so much slower to them than it does to us.

 

That didn't make any difference in the end, though... Michelle couldn't bear to spend another second in a world without Kainoa.

Rab

Chin up, laddie. What's done is done, no matter how much we might wish it wasn't.

 

What's important now is to take that sadness and anger, and set about putting things right. That's what being a true hero's all about.

Erik

Seems like the people round here still don't know what really went on between Michelle and Kainoa.

 

I want to open their eyes to the truth, but at the same time, I know it'll make them miserable. I guess ignorance really is bliss...

Veronica

I wonder how Kai's getting along? He takes everything so seriously, I can't help worrying about him.

 

I hope he doesn't blame himself about what happened to Michelle...

Serena

Why do people shun those who look or think differently to themselves? It's so sad...

Sylvando

This is no fishing village! Lonalulu is built on the shifting sands of misery and lies! Still, I suppose those sands are rather pretty...

Jade

When you've finished sightseeing, let's head down to the kingdom of the mermaids, shall we? We have to tell the Queen what happened to Michelle.

 

The whirlpool that leads to Nautica is in the middle of the inland sea. We just need to sail through the Valorian strait and play Lorelei's harp once we're in the right spot.

Rab

Poor auld Kai and his mother, eh? They've had to live their whole lives with everyone suspecting them of being something they're not...

 

They could have run away—made a new life elsewhere—but they've stuck it out and made a life for themselves here in Lonalulu. Aye, they're real tough cookies.

Jade

Queen Marina said she would pray that Michelle and Kainoa would meet again in their next lives, and I'm going to do the same.

 

It was the World Tree's will that brought them together. I'm sure that one day their spirits will meet again, and then they'll never be apart.

Veronica

Michelle must still be sitting there on the Strand, waiting for the day that Kainoa will finally come back to her.

 

But he never will... I wonder what she would do if she knew the truth?

Jade

So this is Saikiki Beach, the place that Kai's grandfather was exiled to. I wonder what it is that he wants to show us?

Serena

Look at all the graves, <pc>... The dearly departed Lonaluluans of generations past are sleeping silently beneath the sand.

 

This must be a sacred place for the people of the village. It's so very well maintained—there isn't a scrap of seaweed to be seen.

Jade

What a lonely place Saikiki Beach is... I can't begin to imagine how Kainoa must have felt, living alone in that cabin for all those years.

Erik

All we've got to do is get Michelle and Kai together, then we can wash our hands of this whole mess. Come on, <pc>—let's finish this.

Jade

Michelle's waiting for us behind that rock. Let's take Kai to meet her. She's been waiting long enough.

Kainui

Okay, so we're here—Saikiki Beach. What's the plan now?

Erik

......

 

...I guess that's why you don't go sticking your nose into other people's love lives. (sniff)

Veronica

I had a feeling something like this would happen...but it was Michelle's decision to make. We had no right to stop her.

Serena

Poor Michelle... Ohhh, how can such terrible things happen to such good people...?

Sylvando

She... She's really gone, isn't she? We'll never see Shelly's smiling face again...

Jade

Kai seemed pretty upset back there. I know he's not the friendliest person, but I think he probably needs some company right now.

 

Let's check on him before we head back to the village.

Rab

If a mermaid leaves the sea and makes the land her home, if ever she gets wet again, she melts away to foam...

 

Mermaids are such beautiful creatures, but they're more fragile than I ever knew.

Veronica

Michelle went back to the sea and turned to foam... I wonder if she's still out there now, floating on the waves?

Jade

The mermaid in Kainoa's painting looked just like Michelle... He only knew her for a short time, but he never forgot her face...

Erik

I feel kind of bad about leaving Michelle here, but hey—at least we can make our way to the mermaid kingdom now.

 

She said we just have to sail through the Valorian strait, find the shining whirlpool and play that harp she gave us when we're parked over it, right?

 

So what are we waiting for? Let's move out!

Veronica

There's one thing I still don't understand: where did the baby that Kainoa raised actually come from?

 

Surely Michelle isn't her mother...?

Serena

The ocean is so still here, it feels as if one is all alone in the world. To actually spend one's days on this beach without a single soul for company must have been so very lonely...

 

I pray that Kainoa's soul was able to cross this silent sea and find its way into Yggdrasil's all-embracing arms.

Sylvando

Come on, honey—we've made our decision. We're going to spare Shelly from finding out the terrible truth. Let's quit poking our noses in where they don't belong, hm?

 

Kai's grandpappy took his secrets with him to the grave. Maybe there's more to the story, but whatever it is, it's none of our business.

Jade

I wonder why Kainoa never went to meet Michelle? Surely he could have built a new boat and slipped away when no one was looking?

 

Instead, he died on this lonely shore, without ever telling anyone what really happened. I'm sure he must have had a very good reason...

Rab

Kai's finally rid himself of the mermaid's curse. Now he can live his life without that shadow hanging over him.

 

It wouldnae do for the poor lad to end up like his auld grandpa, living all alone on this forsaken shore.

Erik

It's always so quiet here, man. No sound at all except the gentle lapping of the waves. It's enough to make you feel like you're all alone in the world...

Veronica

Next time we come to this beach, we should bring some flowers to put on Kainoa's grave. This place needs something to brighten it up!

Erik

So, if we get Michelle and this Kai guy together, we'll be able to make our way down to the kingdom of the mermaids?

 

Cool. If anyone knows whether that pearl that sank to the bottom of the sea is really the Orb we're after, the queen of the mermaids will.

 

Sticking your nose into other people's love lives hardly ever ends well—but I guess this is our lucky day!

Veronica

What IS that man thinking, keeping his darling fiancée waiting for so long? What a heartless rotter!

 

When we bring him back here, he'd better get down on his hands and knees and apologise for playing with the poor girl's heart. Else he'll have me to deal with!

Serena

What a wonderful story. A mermaid and a man falling in love... Why, it's like something out of a fairy tale!

 

I can just picture it now. Kai will walk Michelle down the aisle, they'll say their vows...and then... Oh my! (blush)

Sylvando

I've travelled the whole world and come across plenty of characters, but I've never met a mermaid before. This is a big deal for me, honey!

Jade

Come on, <pc>. Let's go and find Kai and bring him back to Michelle.

 

She said she marked his village on your map, didn't she? Once we're at sea we can get our bearings and set sail for Lonalulu.

Rab

They say the most beautiful thing in the world is either the full moon on a cloudless night, or the face of a mermaid. Well, now that I've seen a mermaid for myself, the moon looks like a dog's breakfast!

 

This Kai lad must be an absolute dreamboat to have a bonnie lass like Michelle pining after him!

Erik

When the tentacular attacked us in Gondolia, we'd have been sunk if it wasn't for the Doge and his men. I think it's going to be a different story this time, though...

 

We're tougher than we were, and there's more of us, too. That stupid squid won't know what hit him!

Veronica

<pc>, don't you think it's a little early to be reporting back to Michelle? We haven't found Kai yet—and we might never find him if we don't help those fishermen fight the tentacular!

Serena

Kai's mother said the fishermen had sailed west from Lonalulu to fight the squid, didn't she?

 

I think we might have come a little too far... Did we pass them somewhere along the way, perhaps?

Sylvando

I'm coming for you, Señor Squid! Nobody lays a tentacle on my Salty Stallion and gets away with it!

Jade

Does Michelle know the kind of stories they're telling about her kind back in Lonalulu, do you think?

 

If I found out that my fiancé's friends and relations were spreading malicious rumours about me, I don't know what I'd do...

Rab

Ye cannae fault Michelle's commitment, the way she's waiting here so patiently, not knowing when her man will come back...

 

If I were Kai, I'd drop everything and head over here like a shot, even if I had to swim all the way from Lonalulu!

Erik

Listen, <pc>. I'm not going to blame you if you don't tell Michelle the whole story. That's a heck of a thing to have to break to someone.

 

...What would I tell her? I'd give it to her straight. Kainoa would want her to know the truth.

 

If someone I loved spent their whole life all on their own cause of me...I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.

Veronica

<pc>, do you think we should tell Michelle what really happened?

 

I mean, she's been waiting for Kai for so long... What if we told her that he was on his way, and asked us to bring her this veil as a present?

Serena

If I were Michelle, I'd want to know the real reason why Kai hasn't come back.

 

After all, it's only natural to want to know everything about the one you love...isn't it?

Sylvando

Listen, honey...if you don't want to tell Michelle what really happened, you don't have to.

 

When you're in love, anything seems possible—so whatever you tell her, she's sure to believe it. You might want to sugar the pill a little bit, though—after all, hell hath no fury like a woman spurned!

Jade

I know it's hard, but we have to give Michelle the veil and tell her why her fiancé isn't with us.

 

We have to see this through to the bitter end...

Rab

No matter how much it might grieve the poor wee lassie, her fiancé's gone. And once someone's gone, ye cannae bring them back.

 

Time flows differently for mermaids and men. Kainoa was caught by the current and drifted away...

Erik

Maybe meeting Kai will convince Michelle that her fiancé's really gone. It'll break her heart, but it's the only way she can move on.

Veronica

Hey, <pc>... Do you really think it's wise to take Michelle to Lonalulu?

 

She's upset enough already. If we show her her fiancé's grandson now, she might faint from shock...

Serena

All those decades Michelle was waiting here, the thought of being reunited with her one true love was the only thing that kept her going.

 

It can't be an easy thing to reconcile herself to the idea of d—... To the idea of Kainoa's death...

Sylvando

It seems Shelly's mind is made up. She'd swim all the way to Lonalulu even if she had to do it all alone.

 

But it's a long, long way, and the sea's full of nasty beasties. Dave's such a darling, though—I'm sure he'd be happy to sail slower so that Shelly can swim safely behind the ship.

Jade

The jetty where we usually land is far too exposed—Michelle would be spotted right away.

 

We should sail around the cape and ask her to wait for us by Saikiki Beach. Nobody ever goes there—it's the perfect place for a secret rendezvous.

Rab

Ye heard what Michelle said, did ye not? That if a mermaid ever leaves the sea, she can never go back, or she'll turn to foam.

 

It's a big risk, swimming over to a human village—if one of those fishermen caught her and pulled her out of the water, her jig'd be up.

 

But the poor wee lassie's got her heart set on meeting Kai. All we can do is make sure she gets to Lonalulu safe and sound.

Erik

Come on, let's get out of here—this place creeps me out. It feels like time has stopped...just like it had for Michelle...

Veronica

This island is so dreary. When Michelle was here, it seemed like such a magical place, but not any more...

Serena

Whenever we come back here, I feel as if Michelle's going to pop up from beneath the waves at any moment...

Sylvando

Oh, Shelly... You were prettier than a pearl, and a thousand times more charming! Will we really never see your smiling face again? (sob)

Jade

I know it's too late to change anything now, but I wish Michelle hadn't chosen to end it all.

 

Losing people that you love is sad, but it is simply a part of life. So long as one is alive, one can dream of a better tomorrow.

 

That's what I believe, at least...

Rab

To the mermaids, our lives must seem to come and go in the blink of an eye.

 

Aye, and they're not wrong—we've no time to lose! Until the day that Mordegon's gone for good, we've got to keep moving!

Veronica

Is Michelle going to keep waiting here for the rest of her life? All on her own on a silent shore...just like Kainoa...

 

Did we do the right thing? I don't know what to think any more...

Serena

Michelle looks so happy, looking forward to the day that Kainoa will come back. Seeing that smile, it...it breaks my heart.

 

Is this how love between a man and a mermaid is doomed to end? Is there nothing that we can do?

Sylvando

I wonder if, in her heart of hearts, Shelly knows that Kainoa will never come back...

 

She won't give up hope, though... She believes in him too much... Ah, it's so, so sad, I can't bear to look!

Jade

You did the right thing, <pc>. You can't live without hope. Even if that hope is just an illusion...

Rab

Mermaids live for five hundred years, the poor lassie's sure to learn of her fiancé's passing one day...

 

Till then, though, she can live here happily, waiting for her man to come. Let's leave the girl to her daydreams, shall we?

Erik

We just need to sail through the Valorian strait into the inland sea, find the shining whirlpool and play Lorelei's harp once we're above it, and we'll be on our way to mermaid town.

 

So what are we still hanging around here for? Let's roll!

Veronica

Michelle left that harp behind especially for us... We ought to make good use of it, for her sake.

 

I suggest we use it to go down to the kingdom of the mermaids and find out if there's any truth to that tale about the giant pearl that sank to the bottom of the sea.

Jade

When we meet the queen of the mermaids, we should ask her about the Orb—but there's something more important we have to tell her first.

 

We have to tell her that Michelle won't be coming back...

Erik

Where to next, <pc>? If you're fresh out of ideas, we should head back to Nautica and talk to Queen Marina.

 

She said she's got some kind of second sight, right? Maybe she'd be able to tell us where we should be heading next.

Erik

Man... I can't believe we're actually down here, standing on the seabed! This is crazy!

 

No matter where else we end up travelling to, nothing's gonna faze me now!

Veronica

It seems we can breathe water now... I'm a bit worried about taking any really deep breaths, though.

 

After all, nothing stings more than water up the nose!

Serena

I can hardly believe it... We're underwater, but we can breathe!

 

And look at all the lovely little fishies swimming around us! It's like some kind of wonderful dream!

Sylvando

Oh. My. Goodness...! I don't know what to be flabbergasted at first!

 

The Salty Stallion has sunk to the bottom of the sea... We're breathing the water... There are mermaids everywhere... Pinch me, honey—pinch me!

Jade

Well, here we are. Nautica, Michelle's hometown... You can't see it at all from the surface, but it's so beautiful up close.

 

Still, we can leave the sightseeing till later. First we have to speak with the Queen, and tell her what happened with Michelle and Kai...

Rab

It seems Michelle wasnae just one in a million. Every one of these mermaid girls are absolute knockouts!

 

Hyeh heh heh. Thanks for bringing me down here, laddie—I thought I'd have to pop my clogs before I made it to paradise!

Erik

We've got the Orbs, <pc>—all six of them.

 

Let's head on over to the First Forest and open up the path to Yggdrasil.

 

The First Forest is up in the Arborian Highlands. We've just gotta sail into Sniflheim, cross the Snærfelt and we'll be there in no time.

Veronica

(sigh) I wish there was some kind of magic spell that could turn me into a mermaid...

 

Wouldn't it be brilliant to be able to swim around Nautica just like the locals do?

Serena

Do you know what those long, thin fish are called? The ones with the lovely, silky fins? They're really rather striking.

Sylvando

Did you see the sunken ship down at the bottom of the trench? I have a sneaking suspicion that might be the very boat that brought the Green Orb down to Nautica.

 

Maybe it was attacked by naughty sea monsters too—just like the ones who are always jumping on board my Stallion.

Jade

When our adventure is over, I'd like to come back here and have a good, long chat with Queen Marina.

 

She was born a princess, too. I'm sure she'd be able to give me some excellent advice about how best to rule my country when the time comes.

Rab

Now we've got our hands on the Green Orb, we're one step closer to making our way to the World Tree.

 

Still, there's no need to rush—just take it one step at a time, and we'll get there in the end.

Erik

Where to next, <pc>? If you haven't decided yet, why not ask Queen Marina?

 

Seems like she's pretty clued up on everything that's going on in the world. Maybe she'll be able to tell us where we should be heading next.

Sylvando

Ah! To think of a mermaid and a man falling in love... It's so romantic! My knees have gone all wobbly!

 

I, Sylvando, the patron of passion—the apostle of amour!—swear to do everything in my power to reunite dear Shelly with her darling boy!

 

Come, <pc>! To Lonalulu—and don't spare the Stallion!

Jade

Michelle has marked Lonalulu on the map for us so we won't get lost.

 

Come on <pc>, let's go and find Kai and bring those lovebirds back together!

Veronica

Kai's mother said that Kai and the other fishermen sailed west from the village to fight the tentacular. I hope they're alright...

Rab

Reckless, that's what it is! They're fishermen, not fighters—they don't stand a chance against a maddened tentacular.

 

Come on, laddie, let's try and find the fleet before it's too late.

Erik

Why did we have to go sticking our noses into other peoples' love lives? I always knew this was a bad idea...

 

Still, we've started it now, so I guess we better finish it. Let's head back to the Strand and give Michelle that veil.

Serena

Who'd have thought that giving someone a gift could be such a daunting prospect?

 

You're so brave, <pc>. If I'd been asked to give Michelle that veil, I would have run away as quickly as my legs could carry me!

Serena

Michelle sang such a beautiful song before she passed away. I didn't understand the words, but the melody was so very sad.

Sylvando

Shelly said she left a present for us on the Strand. We should go and collect it. It's what she would have wanted.

Jade

This might be the last time we ever set foot on the Strand. Now that Michelle is gone, we have no reason to go there again.

Veronica

So now we have this magic harp, we can travel to the bottom of the sea... If only we knew a spell to stop our clothes getting wet!

Serena

Michelle had nothing but praise for her, but I wonder what the queen of the mermaids is really like?

 

She must be a very open-minded person if she was happy for Kainoa to come and live in her kingdom, but even so...

 

She might think we're an invading army if we turn up uninvited! Oh, I do hope we don't give her a fright...

Sylvando

So, there's a shining whirlpool that leads down to the home of the mermaids, is there? I've seen a few of those on my travels...

 

I had a little inkling they were shortcuts straight to the seabed—but I never even imagined they would take us down there safe and sound!

Rab

If we play Lorelei's harp over the shining whirlpool in the middle of the inland sea, we'll be dragged down to Nautica—the home of the mermaids.

 

But that isn't the only whirlpool around, is it? I wonder where the others lead to...

Veronica

Now that we've got Lorelei's harp, we can find out where all of the other shining whirlpools lead to!

 

I bet at least one of them will take us to somewhere absolutely wonderful!

Serena

It seemed like Queen Marina knew that we were coming before we even arrived in her kingdom.

 

I knew that mermaids were magical creatures, but I had no idea that they could see into the future!

Sylvando

Tee hee! Now that we have Lorelei's harp, the world is our oyster—we can go anywhere we please! Well, honey? What exotic destination will we be sailing to today?

Erik

Hey, <pc>. I want to see the world just as much as you do, but don't forget about that Orb we're looking for—you know, the one that sank to the bottom of the sea.

 

If anyone knows anything about it, the queen of the mermaids will. How about we go pay her a visit?

Veronica

Erm...weren't we on our way to the bottom of the sea to see the mermaid queen? I hope you don't need me to point this out to you, but this isn't the seabed. I think you must have taken a wrong turn.

 

Michelle told us the whirlpool that led to Nautica was in the inland sea, through the Valorian strait. Seriously, <pc>...do you even listen to what people tell you?

Serena

I've played the harp ever since I was a child, but Lorelei's harp is completely different to the kind of instrument I'm used to.

 

It makes such a peculiar sound—just like a chorus of mermaids, all singing at the same time. And the way the melody seems to echo in the air is ever so strange...

Sylvando

Whoever would have thought the Salty Stallion would find himself in a teeny-weeny little lake, surrounded by mountains on all sides? The wonders of this world never cease to astound me!

Jade

The Champs Sauvage... This takes me back. Rab and I passed through these fields and valleys a fair few times on our travels.

Rab

What's the idea bringing us here, laddie? Are we not going to find out what happened to that Orb that sank to the bottom of the sea?

 

I mean, I've been really looking forward to meeting the queen of the mermaids. I've combed my moustache and everything...

Erik

Remember when we were running from the guards in the caves under Heliodor? I thought things'd cool off after that, but our journey just keeps getting crazier!

 

Sure, wandering the world alone had its plus points, but going on a proper adventure with a gang of true-blue buddies? ...Well, that isn't bad either.

Veronica

Where will we be heading next, <pc>? As a Keeper of Arboria, it's my divine duty to keep you safe until we reach Yggdrasil—so until then, I'll be by your side whether you like it or not!

Serena

<pc>, don't you find it rather exciting when you see a place that you'd like to go to, but you don't know how to get there yet? It feels like the beginning of a grand new adventure!

 

...Or perhaps it's just me. I always have had something of a taste for mystery, even if I could only ever find it in my storybooks.

Sylvando

Now that we know there's a kingdom full of mermaids at the bottom of the sea, nothing seems impossible. We CAN find a way up to Yggdrasil, I know we can!

 

(gasp) Just imagine if the Salty Stallion suddenly sprouted silver wings and starting soaring through the sky! Oh darling, wouldn't it just be fabulous!?

Jade

When Rab and I were travelling together and we needed to cross the ocean, we used to beg for lifts on fishing boats or stow away on cargo ships.

 

Either way, it was never a pleasant voyage. It's so much more enjoyable to be able to set sail whenever and wherever we please—thank goodness we met Sylvando!

Rab

Tell me, laddie—have ye found yerself a girlfriend yet? Och, it's a fine thing, love—it makes yer heart go pitter-pat!

 

When I was your age, I had to beat the girls away with a stick! ...Literally!

Erik

Before I teamed up with you I travelled all over Erdrea, picking pockets and sleeping under the stars. Don't think I ever came here, though.

 

Let's head to the nearest town—when you find yourself in an strange place, it's always good to talk to the locals and get the lay of the land.

Veronica

Did you see her, <pc>? There was a little girl in a fancy uniform walking up the path just a little while ago.

 

There must be some kind of school around here. Let's go and have a look, shall we? Maybe we'll learn something!

Serena

What a strange place... The north is so different to the south—it's almost as if they're two completely separate worlds.

 

Well, <pc>? Which area shall we take a look around first?

Sylvando

Amaaazing! I never imagined we'd be able to use Lorelei's harp to sail through an underwater cave and pop up in the middle of a lake!

 

Maybe this isn't the only place we can get to through those whirlpools. Come on, <pc>—let's check them out! The Salty Stallion wants to go spelunking!

Jade

Ever since the fateful night we were driven from Dundrasil, Rab and I have wandered the world, keeping our true identities secret.

 

We passed through these lands several times, I'm sure. There's a village with some famous old ruins over the bridge to the south.

Rab

Jings! One minute we're at the bottom of the ocean, the next we find ourselves in the Champs Sauvage!

 

How long has it been since me and the Princess last set foot here? It can only be fate that's brought us back!

Erik

Wow, this place is so, like, refined. Heh, I'll bet the rich little girls studying here have never met a guy like me before.

 

Seriously, though—has somebody told them I'm a wanted man? It's like they're too scared to look me in the eye...

Veronica

This academy's uniform is really stylish, don't you think? It's just so chic—I'm sure it would suit me to a T!

Serena

There's a lovely smell coming from the school building. It must be tonight's supper—stew, if I'm not mistaken. My mouth's watering already!

Sylvando

Ah, to travel from place to place collecting mini medals, learning all about the world and blossoming into lovely young ladies! The students of this school are so lucky!

 

If we find any mini medals on our travels, we should bring them back here right away so that we can blossom into lovely ladies too! Wouldn't that be wonderful, honey?

Jade

Taking a tour of this school is all well and good, but don't you think we ought to visit the kingdom of the mermaids first?

 

We need to tell Queen Marina what happened between Michelle and Kai...

Rab

Here to get some practise talking to girls, are ye? Hyeh heh! When I was your age, they were the ones who came to me!

Sylvando

A school!? All the way up here!? Colour me confused, honey! And why in the world is their school song all about mini medals?

 

That fellow with the big, bushy beard said to meet him inside the building. Let's see what Mister Whiskers has to say.

Jade

When I was the same age as these schoolgirls, I was studying too. Rab was teaching me how to perform the perfect roundhouse kick.

 

I can still remember the very first time I was able to put my boot through a brick wall. Such happy days...

Erik

Take it from a former thief—this valley's full of treasure. I can smell it a mile off.

 

Places like this where nobody ever comes are always jam-packed with good swag. So let's get looting!

Veronica

Did you see those monsters shaped like eggs, <pc>? I was looking at one, and suddenly—WOOSH!—it jumped almost all the way up to the top of the cliff!

 

If we get lost, we should do what they do—climb up as high as we can and take a look around.

Serena

There are a lot of dangerous monsters around here. Please don't take too many risks, <pc>. If you need to heal or rest, we can always come back again later.

Sylvando

The Eerie Eyrie... I don't like the sound of that one bit! If there's one thing I simply can't stand, it's birds!

 

I don't know why, but the naughty things always try to peck my eyes out. Perhaps they think they're precious, glittering jewels... I suppose it's an easy mistake to make! Tee hee!

Jade

The Eerie Eyrie... I wonder what's so eerie about it? Perhaps a particularly fearsome kind of bird makes its nest here.

 

I hope so... The emblem of Heliodor is an enormous double-headed eagle. I saw it everywhere when I was a little girl, and I've loved birds ever since—the eerier the better!

Rab

I once read about a terrifying valley that's ruled over by a gang of vicious Hades condors...

 

And d'ye know, I reckon we've found it. If the name's anything to go by, there's sure to be some big, bad birds nearby.

Veronica

This really is a diversion too far, <pc>! I'm as eager to see the world as anyone, but haven't we got more important things to be doing right now?

 

Michelle's waiting for us on the Strand. We said we'd go to Lonalulu, find her fiancé and bring him back to her, and I for one am not going to let her down!

Veronica

There's one thing that I really can't abide about looking like this—I keep getting thrown out of taverns and casinos.

 

Why won't those boneheaded bouncers believe me when I tell them I'm a grown-up!? They're so rude!

Jade

Rab and I wandered from town to town for years, keeping our identities secret. We were always on the move, never staying in any one place for long.

 

We tried to keep away from crowds, in case anyone recognised us and reported it to my father. I could never make any real friends.

 

...Ah, but that's all in the past. Now that I've found you, I'll never be lonely again.

Erik

......

Veronica

I don't understand it. Why are the gates to the city frozen solid? It might be cold around here, but it's not THAT cold...

Serena

With the gates frozen shut, how do the Sniflheimers get in or out? It must be a real nuisance...

 

Well, standing here worrying about it won't do them any good. Let's see if we can find another way into the city.

Sylvando

The hustling, bustling city of Sniflheim should be right behind those gates, but all I can hear is silence.

 

Surely they should be making some kind of sound—a chorus of sniffs and sneezes if nothing else. What in the world is going on in there!?

Jade

It looks like we can't get in through the main gates, but we'll freeze if we stay out here. Let's see if we can find another way into the city.

Rab

The Blue Orb is one of the national treasures of Sniflheim. It's been passed down in the royal family for generations.

 

I'm sure King Gustaf will be willing to lend it to us, though—me and him are auld pals after all—but first things first, we need to find a way into the city.

Veronica

Brrr... It's absolutely flipping freezing out here! Let's get inside and warm up before our toes fall off!

Serena

Here we are in the Crystal Kingdom of Sniflheim! Its castle is said to be the most beautiful in all Erdrea, and the town is very pretty too.

 

I know that we have a very important mission to fulfil, but now that we're here, it would be such a shame not to fit in a little sightseeing, don't you think?

Sylvando

Look, <pc>—snow! Tee hee! It's so pretty!

 

I've travelled all over the world, but I've never seen snow before! Come on, honey—let's build a snowman!

Jade

Phew... We're finally here. I think that's the longest, choppiest boat ride I've ever been on. How are you feeling, <pc>? Did you get seasick?

 

If you're not feeling well, we should take a rest at the inn.

Rab

I don't know if I've told ye this already, but the Blue Orb is one of the national treasures of Sniflheim. It's been passed down in the royal family for generations.

 

King Gustaf's an auld friend of mine, though, so I'm sure he'll lend us the Orb if we ask him nicely. Come on, laddie—let's go and twist his arm!

Erik

Sure, it might be cold around here, but it's not bad enough to freeze this whole city. There's got to be some other explanation.

 

We should take a look around town. We need to figure out what's behind all this.

Veronica

Everything's frozen solid—the castle, the town...even the people. And as long as they're stuck in the ice, they're not going to be able to tell us anything about the Orb!

 

Well, there's nothing for it—we'll just have to search for someone who isn't quite as icy as the others, and see what they have to say.

Serena

Oh, dear. All of the people are encased in ice, and the poor little animals too. I do hope they're alright in there...

Sylvando

It looks like everyone was just going about their business when they were frozen—it's as if time just stopped or something.

 

Now listen, honey: I don't care how cold it is around here—people don't just freeze willy-nilly. If you ask me, there's something very fishy going on...

Jade

The whole town is frozen... How could this have happened? Did a blizzard suddenly pick up and freeze everything in an instant?

 

It hardly seems possible...but I can't think of any other explanation...

Rab

Crivens... I thought we'd just stop by for a wee chat with King Gustaf, pick up the Orb and be on our way, but it looks like Sniflheim's in a bit of a pickle.

 

We've got to get to the bottom of this, laddie. The Orb can wait till later.

Erik

......

Veronica

......

Serena

......

Sylvando

......

Jade

......

Rab

......

Erik

The witch Queen Frysabel told us about must be crazy powerful to be able to freeze this whole city.

 

And she's not even the only one we need to worry about—it sounds like she's got some kind of guard dog too. Something tells me we're in for a real fight here...

Veronica

Getting rid of the witch might break her spell and melt the ice. It's our best chance of saving the people of Sniflheim.

 

The Queen said she was hiding in the Hekswood, to the north of the Snærfelt. Let's head on over, shall we?

Serena

So it wasn't just a cold snap after all—a wicked witch froze Sniflheim with her magic! But if we can defeat her, it might very well break the spell.

 

Come along, <pc>—we have a witch to defeat and a kingdom to save!

Sylvando

Oh... My... Goodness...! Did you hear what the Queen said!? A witch, <pc>! An actual, real-life witch! I thought they only existed in fairy stories!

 

I wonder what she looks like? Classically wicked, I bet—a big black hat on her head and a boil on the end of her nose! (shiver)

Jade

Queen Frysabel said a band of soldiers from a faraway land came to her aid. Who exactly are they, do you think? She wasn't very forthcoming with the details.

 

Still, they must be on our side if they've agreed to fight the wicked witch. We should go and help them.

Rab

So auld King Gustaf's no more... Ach, it's a real shame. He was a wise, unflappable ruler who loved his people well, and was well-loved in turn.

 

And now a wicked witch has brought his kingdom to its knees... We have to give her what for and save this place—for Gus's sake.

Erik

Man, I thought this place was freezing before, but this is something else. There's no way this can be natural.

 

This is all that witch's doing. We've got to take her down and bring spring back to Sniflheim!

Veronica

What in blue blazes is going on!? I didn't think it was possible, but it's even colder here now than it was before!

 

I bet that rotten witch is behind this. Seriously, why has she got such a grudge against this place? Did a Sniflheimer knock over her cauldron or something?

Serena

This blizzard is making the ice even thicker. If it keeps up much longer, even defeating the witch might not be enough to save the Sniflheimers.

 

We must go to the Royal Library right away! It's the only way we'll find out how to bring her reign of terror to an end!

Sylvando

Talk about cold, honey! I can't feel my toes, or my nose...or even my clothes! We have to save these poor people before it's too late!

Jade

You're concerned for the Sniflheimers aren't you, <pc>? Well, we're not going to find out how to save them by loitering around here. We need to get to the Royal Library!

Rab

If we don't save Sniflheim, Queen Frysabel will be left all on her lonesome, the poor wee thing.

 

We've got to get rid of that rotten witch as quick as we can, and put this kingdom back on its feet.

Snorri

I was in my cabin in the Snærfelt when the witch froze the city. I had no idea that Her Majesty escaped the spell. Ah, how wonderful it is to see her safe and well!

 

But now is not the time for celebrations. The people of Sniflheim are counting on us! We must defeat the wicked witch and free them from the curse!

Veronica

Brrrrrr! It just keeps getting colder and colder! It's a wonder the whole city isn't buried under the snow!

 

If what I suspect is true, then... Well, we can figure that out later. Let's go and see what the Queen has to say for herself first.

Serena

This blizzard is making the ice even thicker. If it keeps up much longer, even defeating the witch might not be enough to save the Sniflheimers.

 

Veronica seems to have a plan, even if she does refuse to share it with the rest of us. I think we should do as she says—it's always worked out well for me, after all!

Sylvando

Ronnie's got a bit of a bee in her bonnet. You should do what she tells you, honey. You don't want to rub that pocket rocket up the wrong way!

Jade

The great enchanted beast absorbed a part of the witch's power... But now the beast is no more, does this mean all her powers have returned?

 

Even with her diminished strength, she was able to freeze this entire city. I shudder to think how strong she must be now...

Rab

Och, it's a wee bit chillier round here now than it was before. I'll warrant it's got something to do with that witch getting her powers back.

 

Aye, we made a bit of a blunder beating up that magical beast, didn't we? What was Queen Frysabel thinking, telling us it was in league with the witch?

Snorri

What if the book you saw Queen Frysabel reading in Sniflheim was the very grimoire in which the witch was imprisoned...?

 

I was overjoyed when I heard Her Majesty was safe and well...but now I fear that the opposite might be true...

Erik

That key we swiped from Dora-in-Grey sure is going to open a lot of doors for us. Literally.

 

You've seen them around, right? Red paint, silver symbol? Locked up so tight that even a master thief like me can't crack them open? Well, now's our chance to take a peek inside and loot the loot!

Veronica

Yesss! Queen Frysabel's going to give us the Blue Orb as a reward for defeating Krystalinda!

 

She said she'd be waiting for us in the castle. Come on, <pc>—let's go and get it before she changes her mind!

Serena

I was a little concerned that the poor people of Sniflheim would be badly affected by their horrible ordeal, but everyone's going about their business without a care in the world!

 

It's as if they have no memory of having been frozen... Perhaps that's for the best. We wouldn't want them to have nightmares about it.

Sylvando

Finally, we see the true face of Sniflheim—and what a pretty little phiz it is!

 

Just look at all the lovely little buildings, and the gorgeous stained-glass windows! No wonder they say ‘see Sniflheim and die’!

Jade

Erik said we should meet him by the main gates after we've finished doing whatever we need to do in the city.

 

It seems he wants to be alone for a while. I don't know why. I suppose we all get that way from time to time...

Rab

Whoever would have thought that Queen Frysabel was Krystalinda all along...? That wicked witch certainly gave us the runaround, and no mistake.

 

Still, we managed to see through her little disguise eventually, and bunged her back in the book for good measure. All's well that ends well, as they say.

Veronica

Well, it took some doing, but we finally got our hands on the Blue Orb! Not only is Sniflheim saved, but we're another step closer to Yggdrasil!

 

...Trust Erik to vanish when it's time to celebrate, though. Where has that sulky so-and-so got to now?

Serena

I wonder who the young fellow who freed Krystalinda from the grimoire was...?

 

And why would he want her to kill Sir Hendrik, of all people? It's all ever so confusing...

Sylvando

Pella, mella, fell and feller! Fabula ferocius!

 

Helter, skelter, bind and belt her! Anima atrocius!

 

Liber claustra cabalistic! Hexpialidocius!

 

Tee hee! Not bad, hm? If ever the witch turns wicked again, Sylv the Scholar will have her back in that book in no time!

Jade

Sniflheim has nothing to fear from Krystalinda now. She and Queen Frysabel seem to have become the best of friends.

Rab

Krystalinda's tale about the young man freeing her from the book doesnae bode well, but at least we got our hands on the Blue Orb.

 

Now, it's high time we were moving on. Lead the way, laddie!

Erik

What's that? How come I was hanging out by the gate when you guys were picking up the Orb? Uh...no reason. Just drop it, okay?

 

We've still got plenty to do, you know—so less talk, more action! Let's move out!

Veronica

Yesss! We've finally got our hands on all six Orbs!

 

Let's head over to the First Forest and climb up to Yggdrasil!

 

We just need to cross the Snærfelt and head up into the mountains, and we'll be there in no time! Well? What are you waiting for?

Serena

Rab must be quite the scholar—after all, he wasn't content with just reading the books at the Royal Library, he took one away with him!

 

It wasn't a spellbook, though... I wonder what it is he's studying? Anatomy, perhaps? I'll ask if I can take a little look once he's finished with it.

Sylvando

I can't get over your grandaddy's choice of reading material! Ooh, it's naughty! It's nasty! It's positively nefarious!

 

Thank goodness you don't share his interests. If the fate of the world's in your hands, honey, I'd rather those hands were clean!

Jade

Honestly, Rab hasn't changed a bit. I asked him to try his best to be a good role model for you, but chance would be a fine thing.

 

They say that violence never solves anything, but perhaps just this once...

Rab

Listen, laddie—ye've got this whole mucky magazine business the wrong way round. Those things go for silly money! I wasnae going to read it—I was going to sell it and help fund the restoration of Dundrasil!

 

Imagine that, eh? Risking personal humiliation, and all to help rebuild the kingdom we love! If ye ask me, you lot owe me an apology!

Veronica

How embarrassing! Rab had only just finished his rousing speech, then he goes and drops...THAT on the floor.

 

He might make himself out to be a mighty mage and martial artist, but in his heart of hearts, he's just a dirty old man!

Veronica

Yesss! Queen Frysabel's going to give us the Blue Orb as a reward for defeating Krystalinda!

 

She said she'd be waiting for us in the throne room. Come on, <pc>—let's go and get it before she changes her mind!

Serena

Sniflheim is back to its sunny old self again, but there's one thing that still bothers me... Why did Krystalinda freeze the city in the first place?

 

Was she simply behaving badly for the fun of it, or did she have some other purpose in mind? I suppose we'll never know...

Sylvando

They weren't lying when they said Sniflheim Castle was the prettiest palace in all Erdrea. It's just so...chic!

 

Just look at these stained-glass windows! I don't know how the Sniflheimers stayed frozen so long—I'm melting at the sight of them!

Jade

The Sniflheimers don't seem to realise they've been frozen solid all this time... Still, they don't seem to be feeling any ill effects. What they don't know can't hurt them, I suppose.

Rab

It's been a fair wee while since last I set foot in this castle. Aye, I reckon it was back when me and auld King Gustaf still had full heads of hair! Happy days...

Veronica

Why would Queen Frysabel protect the witch after all the horrible things she did to her and her kingdom?

 

Could she be under Krystalinda's spell? It doesn't look like it... Well, there's only one thing for it—we'll have to hear the truth from the horse's mouth!

Serena

Queen Frysabel seems to be serious about protecting Krystalinda. She must have a very good reason—I wonder what it could be...?

Sylvando

Her Majesty looks so fierce! She's got the eye of the tiger! Let's find out what's got her so het up, shall we, honey?

Jade

Krystalinda's a master manipulator. She tricked us—perhaps she's tricked Her Majesty, too.

 

Be careful, <pc>. This could all be part of the witch's plan. Don't let your guard down for an instant!

Rab

First we find out that Her Majesty was the wicked witch in disguise yet again, and now it looks like the real queen's in cahoots with her!

 

Can somebody please explain to me what in blue blazes is going on around here!?

Veronica

Well, it took some doing, but we finally got our hands on the Blue Orb! Not only is Sniflheim saved, but we're another step closer to Yggdrasil!

 

Let's say our farewells to Queen Frysabel and everyone and be on our way, shall we?

Sylvando

Queen Frysabel and Krystalinda have become such good friends. (sigh) I wish I had a bosom buddy like that...

 

...Tee hee! Just kidding! It's you and me, honey—best friends forever!

Erik

......

Veronica

Krystalinda's done well for herself, hasn't she? Instead of being thrown in the dungeon, she's living it up at the castle! Still, at least it looks like she's actually changed her ways.

 

She was a fearsome foe, but it seems she can be a firm friend too. I think Sniflheim will be just fine with her around to protect it.

Serena

Queen Frysabel really is beautiful, isn't she? Then again, she is royalty...

 

Ah, but you're a royal yourself, aren't you, <pc>? Well, once you've fulfilled your duty as the Luminary, perhaps you two might...form a special relationship between your kingdoms! Tee hee!

Jade

Everyone here is so nice. I'm as loath to leave as anyone, but it's time we were on our way.

 

We have a mission to fulfil. When that's done, we'll have all the time in the world to come back and visit.

Rab

It's a ruler's duty to stand in the vanguard and lead from the front. I've been there myself, so I know what I'm saying when I tell ye that the burden resting on Queen Frysabel's shoulders is a weighty one indeed.

 

I reckon the lassie can handle it, though—after all, she's her father's daughter. She's as wise and as prudent as auld King Gustaf, and his father before him.

 

No, there's no need to worry about this place going down the nick again. With Queen Frysabel in charge, Sniflheim's sure to go from strength to strength!

Erik

You want to watch yourself in this cold, man. I've heard all kinds of tales of travellers heading out into the Snærfelt unprepared and ending up as icicles.

 

No matter how tired you get, don't even think about catching some z's. Otherwise your next bed'll be a box.

Sylvando

The people of Sniflheim know how to deal with the cold better than anyone, but even they couldn't resist the witch's magic...

 

Come on honey, let's go take that nasty lady down—it's time to put the ice queen on ice!

Jade

(shiver) This wind blows right through you... I knew Sniflheim was cold, but I never imagined it would be as bad as this.

Rab

The Blue Orb's one of the Sniflheimian royal family's most precious treasures. It's locked up tight in the castle vaults.

 

We've no chance of getting our mitts on it till the ice around the castle is gone. What do ye say we go and have a word with that witch? See if we can't...persuade her to dispel her magic?

Erik

So the rescue party the Queen told us about were Hendrik and his goons... I've got to admit, I was kinda on edge when I saw him—that guy never normally leaves without a fight.

 

This time, though, it seems he's headed back to Heliodor already. Guess we scared him off, huh?

Veronica

All that time you were asleep, your whole body was burning up and you were moaning and groaning like nobody's business.

 

If everyone hadn't taken such good care of you and nursed you back to health, you might not be standing here today. So make sure you give them all a proper thank you!

 

...O-Oh, no—I don't mean me! Honestly, I only did what I had to... Just make sure I don't have to do it again, alright!?

Serena

While you were resting in Snorri's cabin, Veronica spent every waking hour by your side, holding your hand and mopping your brow.

 

She must have been ever so worried about you. I've never seen her fuss over someone like that before.

Sylvando

Look, <pc>—I know that witch is easy on the eye, but don't let her foxiness fool you!

 

Real beauty isn't just skin deep, it comes from the heart—and you and I both know that slinky siren's ticker is as cold as ice!

Jade

The pendant the witch took from Sir Hendrik was given to him by my father. It's a token of fealty to Heliodor.

 

Why would she even want such a thing? She doesn't have any connection with our kingdom... Not that I know of, anyway...

Rab

I've heard Snorri's name before, ye know. Aye, he's quite the celebrity among Sniflheimian scholars.

 

If he can find what he's looking for in the Royal Library, we might just be able to figure a way to save this kingdom.

Snorri

The great mage who bested the witch in the Age of Heroes left a record of his deeds in the Royal Library. Reading this account may allow us to find a way to seal her away again.

 

The Royal Library is to the east of the Snærfelt, but it is high on a plateau. We must circle around to the south to make our ascent.

Erik

I always thought it was weird that Frysabel was the only Sniflheimer who escaped the witch's spell.

 

Now, I don't know about you, but I think I'm starting to understand why that might be. Come on—let's head back to town.

Veronica

The Queen was definitely reading one of those forbidden books Snorri told us about. What if it was the very same one that the witch was imprisoned in...?

 

I think we need to have a little talk with Her Majesty. We'd better head back to Sniflheim right away.

Serena

It seems that book Snorri found at the library has given my sister some sort of brainwave.

 

She's awfully clever, you know. If Veronica says she knows what to do, you had better believe her!

Jade

It seems that the beast you and Hendrik slew in the Hekswood was actually the one that was sealing away the witch's true power...

 

But then, why would Queen Frysabel tell us it was the witch's pet? It makes no sense. Unless...

Rab

If what that book Snorri found in the library said is true, then we've been looking at this whole situation topsy-turvy.

 

I'm still not entirely sure what's going on around here, but if anyone can tell us, it's the Queen. What do ye say we go back to Sniflheim and have a heart-to-heart with the wee lassie?

Veronica

Hey! This is no time to be gallivanting off into the wild blue yonder! Or have you forgotten that the Queen said she was going to give us the Blue Orb?

 

You're never going to fulfil your duty as the Luminary without it, you know! Head back to Sniflheim Castle right away, young man, or there'll be hell to pay!

Serena

Are you sure you're alright, <pc>? You're not too cold?

 

Veronica and I come from a village high in the mountains, so we're used to this climate, but it can be rather inhospitable to travellers from warmer climes. You'll tell me if you're feeling chilly, won't you?

Sylvando

Brrrrrr! I don't know how the Sniflheimers do it. All this snow is more than a delicate flower like me can take!

 

The people around here must be made of super stern stuff—I've only been here five minutes, and I feel like I'm about to freeze to death!

Rab

The Blue Orb's one of the Sniflheimian royal family's most precious treasures. It's locked up tight in the castle vaults.

 

Queen Frysabel said she'd let us have it as a reward for saving Sniflheim. Let's head on over to the castle before she changes her mind, shall we?

Rab

Sniflheim should be safe in Queen Frysabel's hands. Aye, the lassie's got a wise head on those young shoulders.

 

It's time for us to get back on the road. After all, the path to Yggdrasil isn't going to summon itself!

Veronica

I think I'm starting to acclimatise to the cold... Or maybe I've just gone numb all over. It's hard to tell.

Veronica

If we can get rid of the wicked witch who froze Sniflheim solid, her spell might be broken.

 

The Queen said she was hiding out in the Hekswood, to the north of the Snærfelt. Well, what are we waiting for? Northward, ho!

Sylvando

It's so cold around here, you start shivering as soon as you stand still...

 

Ah! I know what we can do to heat things up! Fancy joining me in a little fire-breathing, honey? It's sure to warm your cockles!

Jade

The higher we climb, the colder it becomes.

 

It doesn't look like there are many places to shelter around here, either. If we need to rest, we should head back to the city.

Rab

The Snærfelt's a bitter place, even by Sniflheimian standards. Even the local hunters don't dare stay out here too long—soon as they've checked their traps, they high-tail it back to the city before they freeze to death!

Veronica

Our hometown's not too far from here, you know. It's high in the mountains, to the east of this Snærfelt.

Erik

You've got to watch out for blizzards around these parts. When those storms pick up, it's a total white-out. It's easy to lose your way, or bump into something you'd rather not...

Veronica

This forest's blighted by some awful blizzards, or so I've been told. The air fills with snow and you can't see a thing in front of you.

 

Still, if we want to track down that witch, we're going to have to keep ploughing on whatever the weather. Just try not to get us all killed, alright?

Serena

You get some awful snowstorms raging in this forest. The last time we tried to explore its depths, the snow was so thick we couldn't see a thing...

 

But if the witch is the one behind the blizzard, she must be inside there somewhere. We shall simply have to keep pressing on!

Sylvando

Owowowowow... I slipped on the ice and did myself a mischief. It turns out the river's frozen over, that's how cold it is out here!

 

Watch your step out there, honey. If you try to cross the water too fast, you'll slide off the rink and into the drink!

Jade

The wicked witch is hiding somewhere in these woods. That's probably why it feels like we're being watched...

 

She also has some kind of magical beast protecting her, according to Queen Frysabel. Stay on your guard.

Rab

Michty me, this forest just goes on and on! You could easily lose your way among all these identical trees.

 

The only thing we've got to guide us is the river. We'd be wise not to stray too far from it.

Veronica

Here we are in the Hekswood! Now we just have to find that witch and knock some sense into her, and Sniflheim will be saved!

 

So stop wasting time staring into space, will you? The sooner we get rid of the witch, the sooner we can put our frozen feet up in front of a nice, warm fire!

Serena

The party of foreign soldiers that the Queen told us about will probably be here already.

 

Wouldn't it be nice if we could join forces with them and defeat the witch together!?

Erik

I wonder where Hendrik and his men got to? Guess they must have headed back to Heliodor...

 

Not that I've got a problem with that. It's bad enough stumbling through all this snow without that jerk snapping at our heels. Seriously, if I never see him again it'll be too soon.

Serena

The witch may have escaped, but at least we don't have to worry about her monster friend any more. You were ever so brave fighting that fiend all on your own, <pc>!

 

Now that her protector is gone, defeating the witch should be that little bit easier...and it's all thanks to you!

Jade

The pendant the witch took from Sir Hendrik was given to him by my father. It's a token of fealty to Heliodor.

 

Why would she even want such a thing? She doesn't have any connection with our kingdom... Not that I know of, anyway...

Snorri

So this is where you met with Krystalinda... If she was hurt by your young friend's fireball like you say, she will no doubt have gone elsewhere to tend to her wound.

 

We will not find her here. We should go to the Royal Library instead, to search for clues as to how the witch might be defeated once and for all.

Snorri

Veronica seems most eager to speak with Queen Frysabel once more. We must return to Sniflheim and meet with Her Majesty.

Veronica

Hey! This is no time to be gallivanting off into the wild blue yonder! Or have you forgotten that the Queen said she was going to give us the Blue Orb?

 

You're never going to fulfil your duty as the Luminary without it, you know! Head back to Sniflheim Castle right away, young man, or there'll be hell to pay!

Serena

Poor Jörmun... He wasn't the witch's ally at all. He was on our side.

 

We had no way of knowing, but still, I feel ever so sorry for what happened to him...

Sylvando

The first thousand or so times I walked out onto the frozen river I fell flat on my tushy, but I kept at it, and now I can skate like a Sniflheimer!

 

It's so much fun! Come on, darling—dance with me!

Veronica

You really are a strange one, coming back to this forest when you know there's nothing here for us any more. Sometimes I have no idea what's going on in that head of yours.

Jade

The pendant Krystalinda tried to take from Hendrik was given to him by my father. Which means that the person who released her from the grimoire must have been...

 

...O-Oh, sorry—I was just thinking aloud. Please, ignore me. We've got more important matters to be focusing on right now.

Rab

So auld Jörmun had the power to seal away the witch's magic... That's a rare talent, and no mistake.

Erik

Man, I've never seen so many books in my life. It makes my head hurt just looking at them.

 

Guess I'm not cut out to be a scholar, huh? If you can read through any of these dusty old tomes without falling asleep, more power to you.

Veronica

If we can get rid of the wicked witch who froze Sniflheim solid, her spell might be broken.

 

The Queen said she was hiding out in the Hekswood, to the north of the Snærfelt. Well, what are we waiting for? Northward, ho!

Serena

Do you like reading, <pc>? I've loved reading storybooks ever since I was a little girl.

 

You can learn all sorts of things through stories, can't you? About other people's lives, about the world, about human nature. They're really very educational.

Sylvando

When I saw this beautiful building rising above the snowfield, I thought it'd be full of people, but it looks like the monsters have taken over.

 

And judging from the mess, I'd say they've been here quite a while. The dirty birdies have really made themselves at home...

Jade

This library looks absolutely ancient. But why would anyone build such a beautiful building in such an inhospitable place?

Rab

Could this be the legendary Royal Library of Sniflheim? I've heard tales about the place, but I was never sure how many of them were true.

 

They say it was built in the Age of Heroes to house the combined knowledge of all humankind. Some call it the ‘Pinnacle of Wisdom’.

 

Chances are there's a fair few volumes in here that'll come in handy on our little adventure. If ye spot anything that looks useful, be sure to read it from cover to cover!

Veronica

Here we are—the Royal Library! If Snorri's right, there's a book somewhere on these shelves that will tell us all about the time the witch was sealed away.

 

If we can find it, we might be able to work out how to do the same thing ourselves! Keep your eyes peeled, <pc>!

Serena

Gosh! There are bookshelves covering every wall in this building! It's rather hard to tell one from another...

 

Be sure to keep a close eye on where you are and which way you're heading, <pc>, or we might end up going around in circles!

Snorri

My investigations lead me to believe that the great mage wrote a record of his battle with Krystalinda—a record that sleeps upon these very shelves.

 

It is most likely in the mage's study, at the top of the central tower. Alas, it may not be as accessible as one might hope.

 

The library has many magical switches by which one might move the walls and bridges. Only by pressing these switches in the right combination may we find what we seek.

Erik

Last time we were here, I started browsing through one of the books—a really complicated-looking one about astronomy.

 

I thought I'd be bored stiff by the end of the first page, but I ended up reading it all the way through. Guess I'm more into stars than I knew.

 

I always thought studying was just for eggheads, but it's true what they say—you shouldn't knock something till you've tried it.

Sylvando

It really wasn't easy finding our way up to the mage's study, huh? We went round in so many circles, I got dizzy!

Jade

This library isn't just home to forbidden grimoires and the like. There are many other tomes packed with fascinating information.

 

If we're ever in need of the wisdom of the ancients, we could do worse than pay this place another visit.

Veronica

I can't believe Rab found a book like that in a library like this. He must have known exactly what he was looking for.

 

While we were all searching for a way to seal away the witch, he was off indulging his own immoral interests. It's enough to make you sick.

Rab

About that book I borrowed the last time I was here... It's what ye might call a ‘gentleman's magazine’—a publication filled with pictures of—

 

...Ach, but I shouldn't be telling ye this. You're at an impressionable age, laddie...and trust me—this stuff makes an impression! Whisht! I'll say no more!

Erik

I used to collect mini medals too, you know. Had myself a whole sackful of the things, but they were kinda heavy, so I left them behind when I headed out on my travels.

 

If I knew you were going to become a collector, I would have brought them with me. Sorry, man.

Veronica

You hear people talking about mini medals all the time, but no one's ever been able to tell me who makes them, or why.

 

It's the best kept secret in all Erdrea...but one of these days, I'm going to figure it out!

Serena

What a wonderful place this is—humans and monsters studying side by side in happy harmony!

 

The rest of the world should learn a thing or two from these girls—it'd lead to an awful lot less fighting, if you ask me...

Sylvando

Have you seen the way these girls pick up their mini medals? So fancy!

 

I'm going to follow in their dainty little footsteps, and start picking things up in that oh-so-fashionable fashion! You've got competition, ladies!

Jade

The girls here seem so happy, enjoying their schooldays together. When I was younger, I always dreamed of enrolling in a school like this.

 

I spent all of my youth travelling around the world with Rab, you see. I didn't have any friends my own age. I suppose that's what I missed the most...

Rab

Did ye know this academy's famous for its magical meals?

 

They say a wee nibble on one of Madame Croque's specialities will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling—just like being transported back to your schooldays!

Veronica

If we take all six Orbs to the altar in the First Forest, we should be able to summon a path up to Yggdrasil.

 

Let's find them and head on over there as soon as we can. There's no time to lose!

Serena

I don't know about you, but I'd say our Orb hunt is going swimmingly! It won't be long till Veronica and I have fulfilled our sacred duty to accompany the Luminary to the World Tree!

Sylvando

Travelling with friends is so much fun! I've done my fair share of travelling, but mainly just with me, myself and I. It's so much nicer to have somebody to chat to!

Jade

Everyone knows about the Darkspawn in Heliodor and Gallopolis, but the rumour doesn't seem to have spread much further than that.

 

Still, that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Heliodor's on the warpath, and there's a bounty on your head. We could be attacked any time, anywhere.

Rab

Mordegon's the one pulling the strings in Heliodor, and it's all to get rid of you, laddie—yer the only one who can defeat him.

 

Only you can wield the power that sleeps in Yggdrasil's heart—the blade that can cut through the darkness and bring Mordegon's shadowy schemes to an end.

Snorri

Do not lose hope, my fellow Sniflheimers! We will defeat the witch and bring you back to life—you need only wait a little longer!

Erik

Just a little further and we'll be in the First Forest. Then it'll finally be time to offer up those hard-earned Orbs and see what happens!

Veronica

There's somewhere very special at the top of these highlands. I wonder what you'll think of it...

 

...Hmm? What's up there? Well, that would be telling! You'll just have to see for yourself!

Serena

After we cross the Arborian Highlands, we'll be in the First Forest. Tee hee! I'm ever so excited!

Sylvando

I looked up at the sky a little earlier, and the World Tree was right there, looking bigger and brighter than I've ever seen Her before!

 

We're nearly at the centre of the world, aren't we? Come on, honey—just one more push and we'll be up in Yggie's branches in no time!

Jade

I thought the climate would change once we had left Sniflheim behind, but it's almost as chilly up here as it is down there. I suppose it's always colder at altitude...

Rab

Krystalinda might've made it more difficult than it had to be, but we finally got our hands on the Blue Orb. All's well that ends well, eh?

Erik

Hey, don't you think you're putting the cart before the horse a bit, coming up here now? We've still got an orb or two to track down, remember?

Veronica

The bad news is, we haven't found all six Orbs yet. But the good news is, there's a nice surprise waiting for you at the top of this hill!

 

I'm not going to tell you what kind of a surprise, though. You'll just have to see for yourself!

Serena

Hm? Why are we here, <pc>? We haven't found all of the Orbs yet. Did you take a wrong turn somewhere?

 

Or were you just curious to see what's at the top of the mountain? Well, I can't blame you for that! Tee hee!

Sylvando

I looked up at the sky a little earlier, and the World Tree was right there, looking bigger and brighter than I've ever seen Her before!

 

We mustn't get ahead of ourselves, though—it's not quite time to head up into Yggie's branches yet, is it? I think you might have that map of yours upside down, honey...

Erik

Looks like the First Forest is still a ways away. What do you say we take it easy for a while before we head off?

 

Veronica and Serena haven't been back home for a while, after all. They've got some catching up to do.

Veronica

Arboria's just as quiet as ever... Nothing ever happens here, but I suppose that's not necessarily a bad thing.

 

Come on, <pc>. Let's go and say hello to everyone. They'll get the shock of their lives when they find out you're the Luminary!

Serena

Veronica and I were born and raised here. We spent so many nights dreaming of the day we would finally meet you, <pc>.

 

I really can't believe you're here with us now... I, I don't know what to say...

Sylvando

So this is Arboria. Hmmm... It doesn't seem the most fun-loving place I've ever seen. Where's the music, the life, the action!? Don't these people ever get bored of drinking tea and praying?

Jade

Everything about Arboria seems so spiritual and serene...

 

Especially that figure carved into the mountain, gazing down on the village. I wonder who it's supposed to be?

Rab

This place seems so...pure. It's a wonder they let a fellow like me through the gates! Hyeh heh! Well, now we're here, why don't we have a wee nosey round town?

Erik

Hey, don't you think you're putting the cart before the horse a bit, coming up here now? We've still got an orb or two to track down, remember?

Erik

Take it from a former thief—this valley's full of treasure. I can smell it a mile off.

 

Places like this where nobody ever comes are always jam-packed with good swag. So let's get looting!

Veronica

Did you see those monsters shaped like eggs, <pc>? I was looking at one, and suddenly—WOOSH!—it jumped almost all the way up to the top of the cliff!

 

If we get lost, we should do what they do—climb up as high as we can and take a look around.

Serena

There are a lot of dangerous monsters around here. Please don't take too many risks, <pc>. If you need to heal or rest, we can always come back again later.

Sylvando

The Eerie Eyrie... I don't like the sound of that one bit! If there's one thing I simply can't stand, it's birds!

 

I don't know why, but the naughty things always try to peck my eyes out. Perhaps they think they're precious, glittering jewels... I suppose it's an easy mistake to make! Tee hee!

Jade

The Eerie Eyrie... I wonder what's so eerie about it? Perhaps a particularly fearsome kind of bird makes its nest here.

 

I hope so... The emblem of Heliodor is an enormous double-headed eagle. I saw it everywhere when I was a little girl, and I've loved birds ever since—the eerier the better!

Rab

I once read about a terrifying valley that's ruled over by a gang of vicious Hades condors...

 

And d'ye know, I reckon we've found it. If the name's anything to go by, there's sure to be some big, bad birds nearby.

Erik

Where to next, <pc>? If you haven't decided yet, why not ask Queen Marina?

 

Seems like she's pretty clued up on everything that's going on in the world. Maybe she'll be able to tell us where we should be heading next.

Veronica

(sigh) I wish there was some kind of magic spell that could turn me into a mermaid...

 

Wouldn't it be brilliant to be able to swim around Nautica just like the locals do?

Serena

Do you know what those long, thin fish are called? The ones with the lovely, silky fins? They're really rather striking.

Sylvando

Did you see the sunken ship down at the bottom of the trench? I have a sneaking suspicion that might be the very boat that brought the Green Orb down to Nautica.

 

Maybe it was attacked by naughty sea monsters too—just like the ones who are always jumping on board my Stallion.

Jade

When our adventure is over, I'd like to come back here and have a good, long chat with Queen Marina.

 

She was born a princess, too. I'm sure she'd be able to give me some excellent advice about how best to rule my country when the time comes.

Rab

Now we've got our hands on the Green Orb, we're one step closer to making our way to the World Tree.

 

Still, there's no need to rush—just take it one step at a time, and we'll get there in the end.

Erik

Man... I can't believe we're actually down here, standing on the seabed! This is crazy!

 

No matter where else we end up travelling to, nothing's gonna faze me now!

Veronica

It seems we can breathe water now... I'm a bit worried about taking any really deep breaths, though.

 

After all, nothing stings more than water up the nose!

Serena

I can hardly believe it... We're underwater, but we can breathe!

 

And look at all the lovely little fishies swimming around us! It's like some kind of wonderful dream!

Sylvando

Oh. My. Goodness...! I don't know what to be flabbergasted at first!

 

The Salty Stallion has sunk to the bottom of the sea... We're breathing the water... There are mermaids everywhere... Pinch me, honey—pinch me!

Jade

Well, here we are. Nautica, Michelle's hometown... You can't see it at all from the surface, but it's so beautiful up close.

 

Still, we can leave the sightseeing till later. First we have to speak with the Queen, and tell her what happened with Michelle and Kai...

Rab

It seems Michelle wasnae just one in a million. Every one of these mermaid girls are absolute knockouts!

 

Hyeh heh heh. Thanks for bringing me down here, laddie—I thought I'd have to pop my clogs before I made it to paradise!

Erik

......

Veronica

......

Serena

......

Sylvando

......

Jade

......

Rab

......

Erik

We've just got to head out the back of the cathedral and we'll finally be face-to-face with the World Tree! Get ready to be amazed, <pc>—we're in for one heck of a view!

Veronica

Serena and I are the scions of Serenica. At least, that's what Father Benedictus told everyone when we were born.

 

He also saw that we had an incredible proficiency for magic, and had us studying the secrets of spellcasting from our very first day in school.

 

Serenica's magical ability may have been divided between us, but with our powers combined, we're just as tough as the sage of legend herself!

 

That's why Father Benedictus told me, when we set off to find you, that I mustn't go running off on my own like I usually do—so long as Serena and I are together, we're unstoppable!

Serena

Whenever a baby is born in the village, we offer our thanks to almighty Yggdrasil and ask for Her to watch over the newborn.

 

I've seen lots of baptisms over the years, but they're always very special moments. You're only young once, after all!

Sylvando

So this is Arboria. Hmmm... It doesn't seem like the most fun-loving place I've ever seen. Where's the music, the life, the action!? Don't these people ever get bored of drinking tea and praying?

Jade

Weren't they just lovely? You know, that couple in the square with the newborn baby. They reminded me of King Irwin and Queen Eleanor...and you.

 

I don't want any happy families to be torn apart again, <pc>. We have to defeat Mordegon.

Rab

The First Forest's just through the cathedral, then it's onwards and upwards to the World Tree. We've been on the road a fair wee while, but our journey's nearly at an end.

 

Well, the first part at least. Once you're kitted out with whatever power auld Yggdrasil has to offer ye, the fun can really begin! Mordegon's clock is well and truly ticking!

Erik

That priest guy said we should come back to see him at the cathedral once we've got our hands on all six Orbs.

 

I guess it's back down the mountain for us then, huh? We'd better start Orb hunting again before the trail runs cold.

Erik

So you're the reincarnation of Erdwin, the Luminary of Legend...and Veronica and Serena are the reincarnations of the holy sage Serenica...

 

I hope Erdwin had a good-looking thief in his posse too. Otherwise I'm going to start feeling like a real spare wheel here...

Veronica

Finally! Father Benedictus has finished giving us his life story, and it's time to head over to Yggdrasil!

 

We just have to pop through the back doors of the cathedral and we'll be in the First Forest in no time! Come on, let's go and find that altar and offer up those Orbs!

Serena

The First Forest that spreads out beneath Yggdrasil is a very sacred place. It's been many years since anyone was allowed to set foot inside it.

 

I can't believe we'll be walking on that hallowed ground before long... Dear me, my heart's beating like anything!

Sylvando

Whenever Erdrea's teeter-tottering on the brink of disaster, the World Tree selects a certain somebody to save the day. That's pretty much what Father Benedictus said, right?

 

How does it feel to be Yggie's special little guy, <pc>? She singled you out for greatness when you were still in your mummy's tummy!

Jade

We're so close... Just one step further, and we'll have the power to defeat the darkness... The power of Yggdrasil...

 

We're coming for you, Mordegon. You'll pay for what you did that night.

Rab

Erdwin, the Luminary of Legend... Aye, I knew the name, but I'd never seen his picture till now.

 

Well, they don't call these people the ‘Keepers’ for nothing. They're still holding on to the auld stories, even after a millennium or more has been and gone...

Erik

There's some kind of heart inside that tree. The source of all life. Man, I can't even imagine what it might look like...

 

But I sure can't wait to find out! Come on, <pc>—let's head on up!

Veronica

Serena and I have a divine duty to usher you safely into Yggdrasil's arms...but once we've done that, you're on your own.

 

...Tee hee! Only kidding! You won't get rid of us that easily! We're sticking with you whether you like it or not!

Serena

The First Forest is an awfully higgledly-piggledy place. I doubt I'd ever be able to make it out of there on my own—I'd spend the rest of my days running around in circles!

Sylvando

We were only a teensy-weensy way away from touching the World Tree's Heart, and now we're all the way back here... What's the matter, honey? Stage fright before the big show?

 

Don't you worry about it, darling. It happens to the best of us. Take all the time you need to get ready for your command performance!

Jade

I heard Veronica and Serena chatting away in the night when we camped up here. Those two are really very close, aren't they?

 

It's been their sacred duty to protect the Luminary since the day they were born. I can't imagine what it must be like to grow up with such a weighty burden on your shoulders...

Rab

What's the matter, laddie? Did ye forget something back in Arboria?

 

Well, as soon as ye're done doing whatever ye need to do, let's head back to the First Forest. Mustn't keep the World Tree waiting now!

Serena

......

 

Oh! I'm sorry, <pc>. You must think me an awful dimwit, staring into space like that. It's just...to be finally going up to Yggdrasil... It's a lot to take in...

 

It seems like a lifetime ago that Veronica and I first met you. Everything that happened before that day, and all our adventures since... It's all been leading up to this one special moment...

Serena

......

 

Oh! I'm sorry, <pc>. You must think me an awful dimwit, staring into space like that. It's just...to be finally going up to Yggdrasil... It's a lot to take in...

 

It seems like a lifetime ago that Veronica and I first met you. Everything that happened before that day, and all our adventures since... It's all been leading up to this one special moment...

Sylvando

In the theatre of life, there are no rehearsals. The stage is set in Yggdrasil's boughs—and it's time to make your grand entrance! Just be careful not to fluff your lines, eh?

Rab

I had wondered how we were ever going to make it up to Yggdrasil, but I must admit, climbing through the skies on a road made of rainbows never crossed my mind.

 

Come on, laddie. Let's go. There's a weapon waiting for ye up there that'll cut down the darkness once and for all!

Erik

We're nearly at the First Forest. Maybe we'll finally get to put these Orbs we've been running around collecting to good use.

Veronica

Mind you don't get lost, <pc>. Not many people come this way, so the paths aren't very well maintained.

 

If you do lose track of where you're going, it might not be a bad idea to look for ways to get around more easily.

Serena

The First Forest is just on the other side of the Arborian Highlands, but there's one more place we have to pass through first...

 

Tee hee! I can't wait to get there!

Sylvando

I looked up at the sky a little earlier, and the World Tree was right there, looking bigger and brighter than I've ever seen Her before!

 

We're nearly at the centre of the world, aren't we? Come on, honey—just one more push, and we'll be up in Yggie's branches in no time!

Jade

Veronica and Serena's parents must be so happy to see them again...

 

I wonder what my father is doing right now? Spreading lies and persecuting the innocent, no doubt. We have to defeat Mordegon, <pc>—it's the only way to make him see the truth.

Rab

There's nothing I'd like more than to put an end to Mordegon's wicked schemes. He's the one behind the destruction of Dundrasil—the one who turned our lives upside down.

 

Come on, laddie. We've got all the Orbs we need. It's time to head to the First Forest, then up to Yggdrasil to claim the power that's rightfully yours!

Erik

Ever heard of ‘putting the cart before the horse’, <pc>? We can't get to Yggdrasil until we've got our hands on all the Orbs—so what are we doing all the way up here!?

Veronica

You do realise we don't have all the Orbs yet, don't you, <pc>? There's no point us being here until we've found them.

 

We need all six Orbs to summon the path to Yggdrasil, so let's stop wasting time, shall we?

Serena

What are we doing here, <pc>? I thought we were supposed to be looking for the missing Orbs...

 

Were you thinking of doing a little sightseeing in Arboria? Well, we do have an important duty to fulfil...but that doesn't mean we can't have fun every once and a while!

Sylvando

I looked up at the sky a little earlier, and the World Tree was right there, looking bigger and brighter than I've ever seen Her before!

 

But honey, you do realise we're not ready to meet Her yet, don't you? We still haven't found all of the Orbs!

Rab

Hahh... Hahh... It's a wee bit hilly round these parts, wouldn't ye say?

 

When I was your age, I'd have taken these slopes in my stride—Rabby Strong Legs, they used to call me! Ach, but my auld knees aren't what they once were...

Erik

Well, here we are. Within touching distance of the World Tree at last. Our whole adventure so far has been leading up to this...

 

There's a heart somewhere inside there that's the source of all life, right? I can't even imagine what something like that might look like. Guess we'll know it when we see it, huh?

Rab

The altar we saw in the vision is somewhere in this forest. We just have to find it and offer up the Orbs, and it's onwards and upwards to Yggdrasil!

 

Let's get going, laddie. There's something up in those branches that'll let us put auld Mordegon in his place!

Veronica

There really are a lot of strange plants around here, aren't there? It must be all the energy spilling out of Yggdrasil's branches that makes them grow like this.

 

The forest has been like this since long before we were born. I wonder if the scenery was the same when Erdwin and Serenica were here...?

Serena

With so much greenery around, it's difficult to tell where the path ends and the undergrowth begins. We had better check our map once in a while to make sure we're still on track!

Sylvando

This forest is full of cute little critters, isn't it? Some of them are absolutely adorable!

 

But don't think they'll be pushovers just because they're easy on the eye. You've been with me long enough to know that the prettiest creatures can be the most ferocious!

Jade

The river that I fell into on that fateful night—the one that took you from my arms... I think Yggdrasil might be its source.

 

Perhaps that was Her plan all along... She carried you to Cobblestone, knowing that you would be safer there than with me...

Rab

Here we are in the First Forest, right beneath Yggdrasil's boughs. This is the closest I've ever been, but soon enough we'll be meeting Her face-to-face!

 

Come on, laddie—that altar's around here somewhere. Let's head on up the hill, and keep our eyes peeled as we go!

Veronica

‘Almighty Yggdrasil, source of all life’... I can't tell you how many times I've heard those words, but at long last, I'm going to see Her for myself...

 

...Oh, and by the way—every one of these leaves is a person's life, so don't you even think about picking one off!

Serena

My, what a magical place this is! It must have been just the same when Erdwin visited all those years ago.

 

Just imagine how many leaves must have grown on these branches and fallen to the floor since that day... It really makes you think, doesn't it?

Sylvando

Quick word of advice, darling: when you take centre stage, make sure you puff out your chest and strike a powerful pose.

 

After all, you're the star of the show here. It's time for the Luminary to shine!

Jade

We're so close now. It won't be long before we have the power to defeat the darkness.

 

Just you wait, Mordegon. You'll pay for what you did to Dundrasil. Be afraid—be very afraid!

 

......

 

Speaking of which...we are rather a long way from the ground, aren't we? To tell the truth, I'm not especially fond of heights. D-Don't let me fall, will you, <pc>?

Rab

Each and every leaf on the World Tree's boughs represents a person's life, eh? I wonder which one's mine... Let me know if ye see one with a moustache! Hyeh heh!

Erik

I use to collect mini medals too, you know. Had myself a whole sackful of the things, but they were kinda heavy, so I left them behind when I headed out on my travels.

 

If I knew you were going to become a collector, I would have brought them with me. Sorry, man.

Veronica

You hear people talking about mini medals all the time, but I've never met anybody who knows who makes them, or why.

 

It's the best kept secret in all Erdrea...but one of these days, I'm going to figure it out!

Serena

What a wonderful place this is—humans and monsters studying side by side in happy harmony!

 

The rest of the world should learn a thing or two from these girls—then we might never have to fight again...

Sylvando

Have you seen the way these girls pick up mini medals? So fancy!

 

I'm going to follow in their dainty little footsteps, and start picking things up in that oh-so-fashionable fashion! You've got competition, ladies!

Jade

The girls here seem so happy, enjoying their schooldays together. When I was younger, I always dreamed of enrolling in a school like this.

 

I spent all of my youth travelling around the world with Rab. I didn't have any friends my own age. I suppose that's what I missed the most...

Rab

Did ye know this academy's famous for its magical meals?

 

They say a single bite of one of Madame Croque's specialities will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling—just like being transported back to your schooldays!

Erik

We've finally bagged all six Orbs! Come on, let's head back to Arboria. Father Benedictus said he'd be waiting for us by the cathedral.

Veronica

Alright, we've got all the Orbs we need—it's time for Serena and I to do our duty and take you up to Yggdrasil!

 

I don't know what'll happen when we get there, exactly, but as long as you've got me to look after you, I'm sure everything will go swimmingly!

Serena

Before we left Arboria on our journey to find you, Veronica reminded me of how slow I can sometimes be, and told me to buck up my ideas so that I wouldn't hold her back...

 

She's ever so forthright, but I wouldn't have her any other way. When Veronica sets her mind on something, there's no stopping her! (sigh) I wish I could be more like that...

Sylvando

We've put together quite a troupe on our travels, haven't we, honey? So long as we stalwart comrades stand arm in arm, we have nothing to fear from any enemy!

Rab

When we finally come face-to-face with the Heart of Yggdrasil, I'm going to give Her my thanks for keeping ye safe all these years.

 

After all, laddie—ye're not only the Luminary and the Prince of Dundrasil, ye're also my one and only grandson! I don't know what I'd do without ye!

Erik

The High Priest of Arboria said to meet him at the cathedral once we'd found all six Orbs...

 

So what are we hanging around for? Let's get on the trail of the ones we're missing!

Veronica

Ahhh! Being back home again has given me a new lease of life! Come on, <pc>—it's time to pull our socks up and get back on the hunt for the Orbs!

Serena

We just need to find the Orbs we're missing, then we can go straight up to Yggdrasil! Come on, <pc>—just one last push!

Snorri

Do not lose hope, my fellow Sniflheimers! We will defeat the witch and bring you back to life—you need only wait a little longer!

Veronica

Erm...<pc>? What have you brought us here for? You haven't forgotten how to get to the First Forest, have you?

 

(sigh) If you really need me to tell you, it's just behind the cathedral in Arboria. Honestly, you shouldn't be forgetting something so important. Who do think you are—Serena!?

Serena

I don't mean to nag, <pc>, but are you sure you know where you're going? I might be wrong, but I thought we were supposed to be heading to the First Forest...

Sylvando

Is it just my imagination, or are we now about a million miles from Yggdrasil—you know, that gigantic floating tree we were supposed to be rendezvousing with?

 

What's the matter, <pc>? Stage fright before the big show? Don't worry, honey! Sylv will be there to cheer you on!

Rab

Your father, the brave King Irwin, wasnae so brave when his wedding day rolled around. He was so nervous, he just couldn't sit still!

 

Hyeh heh heh. Looks like ye take after him, laddie. Ye'd better take a wee minute for yer beating heart to be still—and then we'll head on over to Yggdrasil and get this show on the road!

Erik

Take it from a former thief—this valley's full of treasure. I can smell it a mile off.

 

Places like this where nobody ever comes are always jam-packed with good swag. So let's get looting!

Veronica

Did you see those monsters shaped like eggs, <pc>? I was looking at one, and suddenly—WOOSH!—it jumped almost all the way up to the top of the cliff!

 

If we get lost, we should do what they do—climb up as high as we can and take a look around.

Serena

There are a lot of dangerous monsters around here. Please don't take too many risks, <pc>. If you need to heal or rest, we can always come back again later.

Sylvando

The Eerie Eyrie... I don't like the sound of that one bit! If there's one thing I simply can't stand, it's birds!

 

I don't know why, but the naughty things always try to peck my eyes out. Perhaps they think they're precious, glittering jewels... I suppose it's an easy mistake to make! Tee hee!

Jade

The Eerie Eyrie... I wonder what's so eerie about it? Perhaps a particularly fearsome kind of bird makes its nest here.

 

I hope so... The emblem of Heliodor is an enormous double-headed eagle. I saw it everywhere when I was a little girl, and I've loved birds ever since—the eerier the better!

Rab

I once read about a terrifying valley that's ruled over by a gang of vicious Hades condors...

 

And d'ye know, I reckon we've found it. If the name's anything to go by, there's sure to be some big, bad birds nearby.

Erik

Where to next, <pc>? If you haven't decided yet, why not ask Queen Marina?

 

Seems like she's pretty clued up on everything that's going on in the world. Maybe she'll be able to tell us where we should be heading next.

Veronica

(sigh) I wish there was some kind of magic spell that could turn me into a mermaid...

 

Wouldn't it be brilliant to be able to swim around Nautica just like the locals do?

Serena

Do you know what those long, thin fish are called? The ones with the lovely, silky fins? They're really rather striking.

Sylvando

Did you see the sunken ship down at the bottom of the trench? I have a sneaking suspicion that might be the very boat that brought the Green Orb down to Nautica.

 

Maybe it was attacked by naughty sea monsters too—just like the ones who are always jumping on board my Stallion.

Jade

When our adventure is over, I'd like to come back here and have a good, long chat with Queen Marina.

 

She was born a princess, too. I'm sure she'd be able to give me some excellent advice about how best to rule my country when the time comes.

Rab

Now we've got our hands on the Green Orb, we're one step closer to making our way to the World Tree.

 

Still, there's no need to rush—just take it one step at a time, and we'll get there in the end.

Erik

Man... I can't believe we're actually down here, standing on the seabed! This is crazy!

 

No matter where else we end up travelling to, nothing's gonna faze me now!

Veronica

It seems we can breathe water now... I'm a bit worried about taking any really deep breaths, though.

 

After all, nothing stings more than water up the nose!

Serena

I can hardly believe it... We're underwater, but we can breathe!

 

And look at all the lovely little fishies swimming around us! It's like some kind of wonderful dream!

Sylvando

Oh. My. Goodness...! I don't know what to be flabbergasted at first!

 

The Salty Stallion has sunk to the bottom of the sea... We're breathing the water... There are mermaids everywhere... Pinch me, honey—pinch me!

Jade

Well, here we are. Nautica, Michelle's hometown... You can't see it at all from the surface, but it's so beautiful up close.

 

Still, we can leave the sightseeing till later. First we have to speak with the Queen, and tell her what happened with Michelle and Kai...

Rab

It seems Michelle wasnae just one in a million. Every one of these mermaid girls are absolute knockouts!

 

Hyeh heh heh. Thanks for bringing me down here, laddie—I thought I'd have to pop my clogs before I made it to paradise!

Erik

......

Veronica

......

Serena

......

Sylvando

......

Jade

......

Rab

......

Dave

Ol' Gondolia ain't 'alf as lively as it was last time we was 'ere. Mind you, that's 'ardly a surprise, given wot's 'appened...

 

'Ow about we 'ave a look around and a chat wiv a few of the locals? Maybe there's somefink we can do to 'elp.

Hendrik

By the time King Carnelian and I arrived, the castle had already fallen into the monster's hands.

 

I scoured the land for survivors, but they were few. All of those I found are now encamped at the Last Bastion.

 

I have vowed to protect them, and protect them I will. Even if it costs me my life, I will topple the foul usurper who lurks in the castle!

Hendrik

I'll warrant the monsters have not yet reached the Last Bastion.

 

This gives us time to strike down the fiend who has plunged our land into darkness. Let us seize our chance!

Hendrik

Where is everyone? Where is His Majesty? Surely they cannot have fled the encampment?

 

Come, we must search for them. I fear something may be amiss...

Hendrik

That was a most raucous celebration. I have not seen our people smile and laugh like that for a long time. But then it is not everyday that light returns to our world.

 

Now, I must bid farewell to His Majesty before we depart.

 

Perhaps you should speak to your mother and all those who are dear to you, <pc>. Who knows when you might see them again?

Hendrik

Know that I am your sword, your shield, your unswerving companion. I will stand by you until peace is restored to our world.

 

You are the Luminary, the bringer of hope. You have a long road ahead of you, but it is one you shall not walk alone.

 

Now, let us heed His Majesty's words and journey to the holy mountain of Pang Lai.

Hendrik

I heard the Mayor of Cobblestone speak of the significance the Tor has for the villagers.

 

As I understand it, it is where your prayers reach the Spirit of the Land.

 

Would that my own prayers could also be answered...

Hendrik

I heard the Mayor of Cobblestone speak of the significance the Tor has for the villagers.

 

As I understand it, it is where your prayers reach the Spirit of the Land.

 

Would that my own prayers could also be answered...

Hendrik

You need not fear for your mother, or your fellow villagers. His Majesty has vowed to protect them, and protect them he will.

 

Instead we must stay focused on our task—entering the castle.

 

Come, let us first traverse the Manglegrove.

Hendrik

We must strike down that foul usurper without delay! To the castle!

Hendrik

Come, let us return to the Last Bastion without delay. We must inform the King of Jasper's treachery.

Hendrik

Let us head west through the Manglegrove to the Costa Valor.

 

According to His Majesty, we must pass through the checkpoint beyond it in order to reach Mount Pang Lai.

 

I do not know what relation those who dwell there have to the destiny of the Luminary, but we must find out.

Hendrik

Our destination is Heliodor Castle. I trust you have not forgotten where it is, <pc>?

 

We must traverse the Manglegrove which lies to the west, and gain access to the castle sewers from there. Come, time is short.

Hendrik

Your mother was most eager that I ensure your safety, <pc>...

 

We should head back to the Last Bastion without delay. Wandering any further afield will only invite trouble.

Hendrik

Obsidian is particularly fond of the grass in this region. Once he starts to graze upon it, it is difficult to rouse him to depart.

 

Indeed, he would always make time for this grass, even when we were pursuing you. In hindsight, perhaps that was no bad thing...

Hendrik

Once we traverse this forest, we will reach the hill from where we can enter the castle. But beware—monsters will no doubt seek to strike us under cover of darkness.

Hendrik

We have no reason to linger in this forest. We must return to the castle at once and carry out our mission.

Hendrik

Loath as I am to admit it, the truth is that I harbour an intense dislike of insects of all kinds.

 

I would be grateful if we could return to the Last Bastion without passing through the Manglegrove...

Hendrik

Loath as I am to admit it, the truth is that I harbour an intense dislike of insects of all kinds.

 

I would be grateful if we could head west of here and make haste for the Costa Valor.

Hendrik

I understand that when you and that blue-haired thief were fleeing the dungeons, you leapt from a cliff in order to make good your escape.

 

How you survived, I do not know. Now it is time for us to retrace your footsteps and gain access to the sewers from that cliff.

 

Come, we must search for a path up to the cliff—and let us hope that the dragon that dwells in the caves is asleep...

Hendrik

How long has it been since one could look up and see the sun? How long since I looked up at the sky at all...?

Hendrik

To reach the Costa Valor, we will need to head west through the Manglegrove.

 

It lies to the south of this hill. Let us make it our first port of call.

Hendrik

If my memory serves me correctly, there are no tunnels that lead directly to the throne room. We must head above ground.

Hendrik

Though I grew up in the castle, I rarely ventured into these tunnels.

 

As such, I am afraid I do not know where the gate His Majesty spoke of is located.

 

All I know is that it will likely be marked with the royal crest. Come, let us search every corner of the sewers.

Hendrik

There is a staircase that leads to the King's chambers behind a cupboard in the kitchen. From there, we can access the throne room.

 

Come, let us head into the castle.

Hendrik

It seems a shame to be down here in the gloom now that the skies are bright once more.

 

Let us return to the Last Bastion, <pc>. His Majesty awaits us.

Hendrik

I know that we were but pawns in the Lord of Shadows' game, but it pains me still to think that I was responsible for your incarceration in the dungeons. I am sorry...

Hendrik

The darkness which blotted out the sun appeared to emanate from the castle.

 

I sense that the foul beast responsible for it is close at hand. We must enter the castle without delay.

Hendrik

Come, let us find another way to enter the throne room. The usurper will be there, if he is anywhere. He will pay for defiling the noble crown of Heliodor!

Hendrik

The darkness which blotted out the sun appeared to emanate from the castle.

 

I sense that the foul beast responsible for it is close at hand. We must head to the upper floors.

 

Ah, but it pains me to see my beloved castle in such a state of disrepair. The foul beasts who did this will pay!

Hendrik

You have a curious power, <pc>. Whenever I am with you, hope seems to dawn upon us, like sunlight breaking through the clouds.

 

I do not know who or what awaits us in the throne room, but I know what we have to do.

 

We must strike down the foul usurper and bring the light back to this realm. I will allow nothing to stand in our way.

Hendrik

The kitchen is on the north side of the castle. Once there, we must access a staircase concealed behind a cupboard.

 

That will allow us to reach the throne room. Come, <pc>, let us not tarry any further.

Hendrik

The castle is in a terrible state of disrepair. It will be a very long time before it is fit for royal habitation once again.

 

Princess Jade would be deeply distressed if she were to see what has become of her home.

 

No one cherished the beauty of Heliodor more than her...

Hendrik

Once peace returns to our world, Heliodor must be rebuilt. I will not rest until the kingdom that raised me is restored to its full splendour.

Hendrik

All I know of this place, I learnt from a boyhood companion. He would read endless books about the kingdom's history...

 

...But that is no longer of any significance. All that matters is that we gain access to the castle.

 

We must traverse the Manglegrove and enter the castle through the sewers. Come, we have no time to lose.

Hendrik

That vision the tree showed us was an episode from my youth. I had forgotten all about it...

 

It seems that this is the power of the Luminary. You are able to draw on the memories amassed within the World Tree and pry into others' pasts...

Hendrik

This appears to be some kind of girls' school. I fear it is no place for us...

Hendrik

not used】「常闇を生む 屍騎軍王ゾルデは

 

 六軍王 ひとりだと 名乗っていたな

 

まさか あのように凶悪な魔物が

 

 魔王の配下には 他にも いるというのか

 

 底知れぬ 闇のチカラ……おそろしいものだ

 

 

Hendrik

not used】「俺たちが 最後の砦に たどり着いた時

 

 生き残った イシの村人たちが

 

 あたたかいシチューを 作ってくれたんだ

 

そまつな野菜だらけの シチューだったが

 

 生涯 いちばん うまい飯だったよ

 

 

Hendrik

You may have been separated from your companions, <pc>, but I believe they must be out there somewhere.

 

We cannot dwell on that now, however. We must proceed to Mount Pang Lai. With luck we will find the power to defeat the Lord of Shadows.

Hendrik

This place reminds me of my youth. I spent some time in a town in this region...

 

But that is of no consequence now—the King has instructed us to travel to Mount Pang Lai, and seek those whose fate is deeply intertwined with that of the Luminary.

 

We need to head north and find the checkpoint of which His Majesty spoke. Come, let us go there without delay.

Hendrik

Could the inhabitants of Angri-La be the people His Majesty spoke of? Could they hold the key to defeating the Lord of Shadows?

 

Hmm... Alas, this is no time for idle speculation—let us go there and find out more.

Hendrik

Those who dwell on Mount Pang Lai are said to have some deep connection with the Luminary.

 

Let us climb to the mountain's peak and see if there is one who can teach us how to defeat the Lord of Shadows.

Hendrik

That young monk divined your true identity with a single glance, <pc>. His Majesty was not wrong—the people here must surely possess some powerful connection to the Luminary.

 

We should do as he suggests and join him in the High Hall at the top of the temple.

Hendrik

How long has it been since I last came to Puerto Valor? It has certainly been many a moon since I honed my sword skills under the formidable Don Rodrigo, the lord of this domain.

 

We trained every day, from morning until night, the vast ocean below us. Watching those endless roiling waves taught me much about the harshness of nature.

 

But this is not the town I once knew. Its people are cowed by the Lord of Shadows. I will not rest until that fear is banished from the land.

Hendrik

This town has changed greatly since I came here as a young man. Building a casino here would have been unthinkable back then...

 

I have no interest in such places—do what you have to do and then let us leave.

Sylvando

Hey, honey! Don't tell me you're already tired of investigating Phnom Nonh!?

 

There's something going on there, and I'm not going to rest until I get to the bottom of it! Let's head back there so I can strut my stuff!

Hendrik

I confess, this Sylvando fellow is rather impressive. There are not many who could command such devotion.

Sylvando

Before I met you, my goal in life was bringing some light back into people's lives through the power of song, dance and good times!

 

I started small, as a solo performer, but then people caught the bug and joined in. Before long, I—

 

Oh, honey, listen to me! Going on about my life and times... First things first, let's get Da safely back to Phnom Nonh!

Hendrik

.........

 

I confess, I am yet to fully understand Sylvando's intentions in orchestrating this parade of his.

 

Still, I am glad that you have been reunited with one of your companions. That is a source of great comfort to me.

Hendrik

.........

 

I confess, I am yet to fully understand Sylvando's intentions in orchestrating this parade of his.

 

Still, I am glad that you have been reunited with one of your companions. That is a source of great comfort to me.

Da

I would be dead if it was not for you, I think so! I am very, very grateful!

 

And now I can enjoy this wonderful parade! I have never seen anything like it!

Hendrik

Accursed Mordegon... His shadow has fallen here too, and rendered it barely recognisable...

 

We must learn how to defeat the Lord of Shadows, and to that end we must travel to Mount Pang Lai. Let us delay no longer.

Hendrik

It seems Sylvando has ventured into the village to conduct his investigation.

 

I can only hope he uncovers the truth of what has happened here. Something is very wrong, that much is clear...

Hendrik

You have encountered this place before, <pc>?

 

Well, whatever history you have with it, there is no reason for you to be here now. Let us depart without delay.

Sylvando

Honey, you should have warned me about this mountain! It feels like we're never going to reach the top! And I thought the Arborian Highlands were bad!

Hendrik

The High Lama said that he wished to speak with you at the Field of Discipline.

 

I believe it is located within the Angri-La temple complex.

Sylvando

Hee hee! I love talking to the High Lama! He's like the little brother I always wanted!

 

He takes himself a little too seriously, but he is just a kid after all. He's got a bright future ahead of him, I can feel it!

Hendrik

It seems this hermit braved the monster-ridden slopes of Mount Pang Lai without assistance.

 

I have no idea who he is, but he must have a very good reason for coming here...

High Lama

The summit of Mount Pang Lai can be accessed by heading east from Angri-La and passing through a mountain cave...

 

I must warn you, however, that the route has become infested with monsters of late. Please proceed with the utmost caution.

Sylvando

Poor Rab! Can you imagine anything worse than being trapped in between life and death?

 

Well, standing round here talking about it isn't going to help! We've got to help him out. Next stop—the void!

Hendrik

The High Lama can perform a rite which will transport us to the place between worlds. That appears to be our only option at the moment.

 

We should not tarry here. He awaits us at the top of the mountain.

Sylvando

Are you serious, honey!? Rab's in the void training under Grand Master Pang? He really does keep finding new ways to surprise us!

 

Now, stop kicking your heels, and follow the old rascal back down there!

Hendrik

You say Lord Robert is alive and well, but he remains trapped within the void. You must bring him back.

 

We should not tarry here. The High Lama awaits you at the top of the mountain. It is time to return to the place between worlds...

Sylvando

Come on, darling! Let's hop aboard the Salty Stallion and take to the ocean wave! Our missing friends are waiting for us somewhere out there!

 

Once we get the old gang back together, the Lord of Shadows won't know what hit him!

Rab

If we're going to finally face the Lord of Shadows, it sounds like we may well need that flying contraption Erdwin once used.

 

And if we're trying to follow in the great man's footsteps, another visit to Arboria might not be a bad idea...

Hendrik

Lord Robert will prove an invaluable ally. After all, he has learnt one of the supreme skills performed by the legendary wizard Morcant.

 

If all of your old companions are similarly accomplished then we have nothing to fear from the Lord of Shadows.

Rab

If we're going to finally face the Lord of Shadows, it sounds like we may well need that flying contraption Erdwin once used.

 

And if we're trying to follow in the great man's footsteps, another visit to Arboria might not be a bad idea...

 

Sylvando went to drop off those friends of his down at Puerto Valor. Let's head on down and pick him up before we set sail, shall we?

Rab

If we're going to finally face the Lord of Shadows, it sounds like we may well need that flying contraption Erdwin once used.

 

And if we're trying to follow in the great man's footsteps, another visit to Arboria might not be a bad idea...

 

But before we head up there, there's a sneaky wee path through the mountains west of the Costa Valor that leads to the Champs Sauvage. Might as well have a nose around while we're in the area, eh?

Sylvando

So Grand Master Pang put up some kind of magical barrier to protect Angri-La after Yggdrasil fell and died in the process?

 

Gosh, what a heroic sacrifice! Could anything be more noble? I just wish I'd had a chance to meet them while they were still alive.

Hendrik

If Dundrasil had not been destroyed, you would surely have been sent here to study under Grand Master Pang's tutelage.

 

But that was not to be. Still, what is done is done—for now, we must do as the High Lama instructs, and follow him to the Field of Discipline.

Sylvando

It sounds as though Erdwin and Morcant became the best of pals after training together in the Field of Discipline.

 

Oh, I can just picture the scene! Fierce rivals one day, loyal allies the next... An experience like that together will always form a bond, believe me.

Hendrik

The original Luminary and Morcant, his wizard companion, trained here together. Doubtless they learnt much.

 

This place has an extraordinary history. Should time allow, I would very much like to accompany the High Lama on a tour of the Field of Discipline.

Sylvando

Oh my goodness, last night's party was so much fun! If I had to pick my favourite part, it would have to be the dance-off I had with the High Lama.

 

That boy sure can move—I could hardly keep up! We cha-cha-cha'd till we could cha no more, and the match had to be declared a tie.

 

...Whaaaaaat!? You didn't see us? Oh honey, I can't believe you missed the unmissable!

Hendrik

We remain no closer to finding a means of bearding the Lord of Shadows in his den, <pc>...

 

The High Lama awaits us outside the High Hall. Come, let us go and speak with him.

Sylvando

The High Lama is a really nice guy!

 

He lives in a temple up on Mount Pang Lai!

 

He doesn't have hair, but don't ask me why!

 

What do you think, darling? I'm so happy that the High Lama's joined us, I decided to write him a song. Not bad for an off-the-cuff effort, I'd say!

Hendrik

It would appear that some who train here go to extraordinary lengths to make their circumstances as harsh as possible.

 

Perhaps that is what the hermit had in mind when he set out for the summit of the mountain...

High Lama

I am very worried about the hermit. He has set out for the summit all alone. If we are to catch up with him, we must hurry.

 

There is a cave to the east of here. We must pass through it to reach the summit of the mountain.

Sylvando

Honey, I heard all about what happened in the void. Grand Master Pang taught you all the super special secret skills of the old heroes!

 

You were only gone a few minutes, but that was all it took you to learn an ultimate ability that nobody since Erdwin has ever been able to master. I guess that's why they call you the Luminary!

Hendrik

It is good to see you awake and alert once more. When your spirit returned to your body atop Mount Pang Lai, you were so weak. I feared that you would never fully recover.

 

I hear that Lord Robert rose a short while ago, and has stepped out to speak with the High Lama. We should go to him. In his attenuated state, he will no doubt require our assistance.

Hendrik

The High Lama says he had prepared a special training program for us. I would be interested to visit the Field of Discipline to learn more.

 

The rigorous training that takes place on Mount Pang Lai is legendary. I am certain that we would benefit from taking part.

Sylvando

Oh, Rab! My dear, sweet Rab! How I've missed your rosy cheeks and snow-white whiskers! I thought I'd never see them again!

 

If Rab's still alive and kicking, then the others must be too! Come on honey, let's go get the whole gang back together!

Sylvando

Well, darling, we've made it to the top! This is no time to be slapping each other on the back, though. We need to find that hermit!

Hendrik

I can see a human figure atop the staircase up ahead. Could that be the hermit we seek?

 

Come, let us take a closer look.

High Lama

We have not seen the hermit on our journey yet.

 

This can only mean that he is at the top of the mountain. Surely we shall find him soon.

Hendrik

These conditions are harsh indeed. The air is thin, and it is bitterly cold. No ordinary person could survive here for any length of time.

 

What would this hermit be doing here?

Sylvando

Poor Rab! His fabulous fleshy physique has been reduced to skin and bones! Darling, we just have to help him!

 

If you're heading into the void, I'll make sure I have my toes and fingers crossed. It doesn't sound like the most hospitable place...

Hendrik

There is no time for hesitation. Your grandfather will surely perish if you do nothing.

 

You must allow the High Lama to perform the rite so that you can bring Lord Robert back to the world of the living.

Sylvando

Thank goodness Rab is alright! When I saw him reduced to skin and bones, I feared the worst...

 

Still, he's not out of the woods just yet... I hope you're ready, honey—it's time to ride to the rescue!

Hendrik

It is a relief to know that Lord Robert had not tired of life, but had ventured into the void in order to seek out Grand Master Pang.

 

Still, it is too soon for celebration. He must be returned to this world without delay.

 

That is something only you can do, <pc>. Go and talk to the High Lama and prepare to enter the void...

Sylvando

Phew! Is this the top!? It had better be! That was a walk and a half! My legs feel like bags of sand...

 

Just a second, honey... We do have a reason to be here, don't we? Do NOT tell me all that walking was for nothing...

Rab

Even were we to venture into the void, we would not meet the Grand Master. The Lord of Shadows has defeated her and now no trace of her spirit remains. I can feel it...

 

Well, we cannae allow that to go unpunished! We've got to avenge the Grand Master!

 

Ridding the world of Mordegon will be my tribute to the one who taught me so much...

Hendrik

We may no longer be able to visit Grand Master Pang, but already she has taught you much.

 

You have grown stronger, I can sense it. Believe in yourself and nothing will be beyond you.

Sylvando

We'll stride across the wide, wide world

 

And hunt for mini medals low and hiiigh

 

But our hearts live forever in

 

L'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles!