The Story Guide to Season 4

Season 4 is currently not finished so.... This one will be a work in progress.

Season 1: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2569862525

Season 2: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2579808847

Season 3: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2583546184

Season 4: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2603229482

Long ago, a war between the Gods took place and the peoples who worshiped and gave them power lived in fear.

Taking up the divine sword, the God Nuadha sealed his enemies away upon the Red Moon of Eweca, and sealing the God of Time within the land of Erinn, away from the world of mortals so that time would not decay the seal. "Oh, so you know of the underworld? No need to speak down to you then. It is called Erinn when part of this world, but it has many different names when separated. Annwyn, Heide, Albey, the underworld... All of us sleep, so long as it is separated. But we awaken when it returns." However, Nuadha was unable to escape the seal himself and fell into slumber.

The remaining Gods who had allied with Nuadha feared the seal would eventually break. They sought to reapply the ever weakening seal, as reflections from the sealed world would break free as reality attempted to correct itself.

The primary goddess of most Humans, the Goddess of Vengeance, Morrighan, and the God of the Fomors, God of Strength, Cichol began reapplying the seal with their power, but as stories of Elchulus - The God of Time began to take followers away from Cichol, the God of Strength's power would weaken. It is uncertain where Elchulus' legend had returned from but his power over Time would seep through into the Frozen Paradise, causing Reflections of past cycles to break through. As fear of Elchulus grew, so too would his strength and he would loosen the seal on Eweca a little more each time. Without the power of the Divine Sword, The Fragarach, the gods could not continue to apply the seal for long.

Eventually they would need another.

Recruiting the God of the Sea, Mananan to find a wielder for the Fragarach, a Hero's Party was formed to reapply the seal. Consisting of the hero Lugh Lamhfada, the priest Spinos, and the magician Resenlian , the party assisted the Gods of Paradise and the seal is reapplied. However, Morrighan wished for a perfect world, one where indeed, memories of previous cycles would be forgotten. They would be taken to Oblivion, stored in the domain of Neimheadh. The Hero's Party would be forgotten, as would all death and suffering. And so this world would persist, and Paradise was born.

For ages... Until... Death and suffering began to persist.

As Morrighan's power faded, the so too did the aspect of Oblivion, and a prophesy would arise within the Kingdom of Tarathe.

"Wipe out the Fomors."

Yes, the hateful enemies who worshiped the God of Time, Elchulus must be erased.

"Wipe out the Fomors.
When the last drop of Fomorian blood runs cold,
The Goddess will return and guide humanity to paradise, Erinn."

But this prophecy was a lie, for the Fomors had received one of their own...

"Eradicate the humans!
Then the God of the Fomors will return and guide us to Erinn."

And a bitter war occurred within the failing Paradise between the mortals who inhabited it.

A Rookie Mercenary journeyed and befriended the reincarnations of Cichol and Morrighan, who were waking up as the seal's power had once again neared it's breaking. Not knowing the two were divinity, they unknowingly assisted in the God's return - and even hastened it by breaking Elchulus' seal - even as they tried to prevent it and save them from Destiny.

Nuadha stirred and reached out to the Mercenary, offering the Rookie a chance to go back through time, to witness the events of a far off land away from the suffering they knew. The Rookie assumed it was a chance to prevent Destiny by not taking part in it, and earnestly took it, despite Nuadha's warning that this was just a different side of the same tale. There the Rookie saw the re-emergence of Elchulus who was freed of his seal in Annwyn and flew off to confront the ones who had unsealed him. He also witnessed the Awakening of a dead and forgotten King, Milo.

Despite living through it twice, the Rookie could not prevent destiny. They would return to Rocheste where Morrighan's re-introduced Paradise of Oblivion had taken hold. History and memories would be re-written to erase the existence of those who would die from this point forward, their existence obliterated and to Neamheidh. However, as the Rookie had been one who had been in the sealed land of Erinn when the Gods had awoken, their memories of the obliterated remained and tormented them. Seeking to return those who were forgotten to Oblilvion, the Rookie seeks out Fragarach through a deal with the new Cichol.

In grabbing the sword, the Rookie becomes The New Hero, and through Elchulus' power, provided to the Fragarach by Cichol, time is reverted as the Rookie would desire. Those who were lost after the return of Erinn would come back to the world and not be Obliterated. However, the New Hero had to contend with Fragarach's destiny, and the Rookie is led to re-seal Elchulus and Erinn by Cichol and Morrighan to prevent the return of the Red Moon.

Having fought many battles, a lone mercenary Rookie had become a Hero.

The Hero of two Destinies, chosen by Nuadha.

But were they truly a Hero?

Doubt ate at them, as they had failed to stop Macha, the Goddess of Strife and Chaos, and had failed to protect so many.

Yes the world was approaching a new era, but was ending the threat of Oblivion worth endangering this world as they knew it?

The Hero stares at the Red Moon above them. The War of the Gods had begun.

The Hero returns to Berbhe with Seanna, the Oracle.

"Thank you for the potions, how is Dianann?" Gertrude asks. The Hero explains the goings on in Rocheste, "I see... Well, things are in an uproar here as well... Lechaud is not our chosen Priest. Our God returned before him and told us to join the humans in war. We will do as our God said, but... Lorgrach and I... We left the Silent Knights because our prophet told us to kill Lechaud. We were wrong. If Lechaud was chosen, he would have been the vessel in which our God would return."

The Hero shows concern, "Kill Lechaud? Who was your prophet?"

"It does not matter... Lorgrach and I were mistaken though to not follow her."

"No," The Hero insists, "Please. Tell me."

Gertrude looks confused why such a thing would matter to the followers of Morrighan, "Her name was Naveen."

"Naveen!?" The Hero explains the Silent Brotherhood, those who protect Morrighan's vessel, also followed the prophet Naveen.

"That makes no sense, she was a Fomor!" Gertrude looks startled. But the Hero, the world of understanding changing before them, posits a theory, "What? I mean... I suppose, but a human-fomorian hybrid. I could not imagine such a thing..."

"Macha has been behind everything..." The Hero shakes their head, "She's been influencing the Human prophecy and the Fomorian one to perpetuate an endless war... Naveen may have been under her influence from the beginning."

"This is troubling news..." Gertrude sighs.

---

The Oracle and the Rookie find Lechaud praying in front of the altar to Cichol.

"Oh, you're back... Hi... I have a message from our God for you."

The Priest explains that Morrighan's slumber has weakened the Fragarach, which in turn has weakened the Hero's power.

"You must find the Goddess who forged the blade, our God Cichol has told me."

The Hero turns to Seanna, asking of her to try and find where Brigid, the Goddess of the Forge, was located. The Oracle is confused, exclaiming she wouldn't be able to do that, but the Hero gently encourages her. The Hero realized Seanna's memories had not yet fully returned but recalled her power on Malina.

"I... I see a wraith," She begins, "I feel Fragarach's power from beyond the wraith though."

The Hero thanks their friend, and leaves back to the center of Berbhe. Tuathal, the wraith, floats in the town square. Seanna catches up.

Tuathal coldly stares into the distance: "She will show you no mercy."

"Take me."

---

"FOOLS!" A mighty bolt smashes down into the strange tower Tuathal had taken them.



"Please, O Goddess, we need your help to reawaken the Fragarach!"

Another bolt flashes and nearly hits the Oracle, who shrieks and covers her head.

"You would dare call that sword by that name?! Call it by its true name! The blade I made for Nuadha, Claim Solas!"

"Th-thank you O Goddess," a clearly shaken Seanna stammers, "We beseech you to assist the chosen successor of Claimh Solas, chosen by Mannanan. Morrighan is missing and we call upon your aid!"

"I refuse to help any creature called upon by that fool, Mannanan!" The voice bitterly rebukes them.

"W-Why is that? Mannanan is the father of heroes! And the blade was bequeathed to heroes to guard the seal of Eweca."

"You mortals know nothing..."

"Then please enlighten us, O Goddess!"

"Have you never thought it strange mortals would intervene in a war amongst gods? This sword was intended for Nuadha, King among Gods during an age when the gods clashed violently amongst ourselves. I had grown weary of the fighting and assisted Nuadha in his hopes for a new era, thus I forged a blade with which to apply the seal against Balor! Nuadha began applying the first seal, but for all his strength, was unable to escape the seal himself, leaving the seal unguarded. Some... worried that the seal would one day break and devised a plan to reapply the seal each time it was at risk of breaking open. In doing so, they learned the dark truth of the seal. Reapplying the seal would cost one their existence. Neither of the gods would pay the price and instead chose a hero they would endow with their own divinity to reapply the seal for them. Mannanan would continue to attract new victims to serve as this seal's sacrifice. I forged this blade to usher in a new era, but it instead is used to perpetually repeat history!"

"Nuadha himself asked of us to reapply the seal!" Seanna cries out.

"I... do sense Nuadha within this Hero with two destinies... But they are weak. If this self-pitying and doubtful hero can climb up and parry my sword.... without that amount of resolve, you don't have what it takes to apply the seal... So begone!"


Climbing the tower, the Hero does battle with Brigid, the Goddess of the Forge, and manages to call upon a little of the Fragarach's power in order to parry her blade. Impressed, the Goddess agrees to support the Hero's path.

"Allow me to explain," Schulivan of the Bursche Trade Union speaks up, "We at Bursche Trade Union have UTMOST respect for the Royal Army. You all fought tirelessly to protect us from the Fomors and the Pontiff's Court alike. Funding your endeavors is the least we can do."

"Are you sure this has nothing to do with your rivalry with Tarnan Mercantile Co.?" Brynn squints.

Brakis coughs, "Well we are giving them a significant amount of power in exchange..."

"That's the least we are owed," The merchant shrugs. Riordan walks into the room.

"The Lords of Banasach, Carmagne and Ahasen were among the first to show us support," Riordan explains.

"Those three had a history of conflict with the Pontiff's Court. Not surprised they would join us..." Apostle Claire says.

"Anointing you as the Apostle has convinced them of our intentions," Riordan responds. Claire looks vexed by the title.

"Did we reach out to the Crimson Blades?" Brynn asks.

"Yes but they have yet to respond to our call."

"The Crimson Blades?" The Apostle looks confused.

"They're a mercenary group from the small town nearby, Colhen. They are notable in fielding talented members into their company... In fact," Riordan looks at the Hero and Marrec, "Those two happen to have been members in the past."

"I would like to return to Colhen... Ceara is still..." Marrec begins. Seeing the concern in the room though, he quickly offers: "I can bring a letter to Aodhan, and try and convince him to come to a decision to have the Crimson Blades assist us!"

---

The Magician of the Pontiff's Court, Enok speaks to Aodhan about his forgotten memories that were wiped by Oblivion on Morrighan's reawakening of Rudell, Yusey and Danaryn.

"Those poor girls... How horrible of you to forget."

"What are you doing to me!?" Aodhan struggles against the inflow of conflicting memories surfacing in his head, "WHO ARE YOU!?

"I'm just helping you remember... I am simply someone who hates the Fomors as much as you." Enok smiles as he reveals a plant with crimson leaves and a strange, bulbous tuber in a human-esque form.




It appears to bleed.

---

"Bah, Aodhan must be skimming from the top of the Crimson Blade funds," Gallagher complains, "I saw him walk out of town despite the quarantine orders in some expensive looking armor!"

"Elder Knight Armor really is expensive. An incredibly decorated and honored soldier would be given a special suit of Elder Knight Armor," says Tristan to Gallagher and Marrec who had come asking where the Captain was.

"Wait, so the Captain was a bigshot of the Royal Army?" Gallagher scoffs.

"That would makes sense," Marrec ponders, "I mean he was good friends with Lord Ingkells."

"Who?"

"Ingkells, do you not remember?"

"I don't know any Ing- whatever. I swear everyone but me is losing their minds!" Gallagher barks.

---


Marrec approaches Aodhan at a forgotten monument some ways between Colhen and Rocheste.

"There you are!"

"Marrec... Why are you here?"

"Captain, did the previous letter find you well? I have brought another... From Riordan Acting Lord of Rocheste."

"I have... Our company will have little impact though, on the outcome."

"Sir! Doesn't the Rookie deserve our support after all they've done?"

".... I must think of the lives of all the Crimson Blades... Give me time to think about it... Please."

"I- I understand and respect your decision sir." Marrec goes to leave.

"Wait..." Aodhan stops the mercenary, "Ask the Rookie to come here. I'd like to speak to them..."

---

"I asked you here for a reason..." Aodhan speaks to his former mercenary before the memorial to those who died in the war against the Fomors, "You usher in an era of peace... But bitter mercenaries, and old hatreds have no use for peace." The captain draws his blades.


Tears roll down the Hero's face... Or was it rain? As a bereaved Marrec cries out in anguish, the final words of Aodhan echo in their minds:

"I can't begin to imagine the burdens you will bear each day... I leave the new era, the future... In your hands."

The group sits together at one of Rocheste Castle's many towers. Twin moons have appeared in the sky.


"It's like the moon is splitting," Seanna, the Oracle, remarks.

"When the moons rise as two, Gods of Eweca shall descend... and the great war will begin." Muir solemnly recites.

The Hero just glances at their feet, the gravity of what has happened and what will happen crushes them. At first, everything was to prevent oblivion from away their memories. But now they were leading an army into a war of gods. To fight? To fall? Would everything have been better had they not become the Hero?

---

"Everyone appears to be present. Let's begin the briefing," Riordan, acting Lord of Rocheste, begins, "And keep it brief, Brakis."

The one-armed Captain, Brakis, steps forward, "Our enemies are the Goddess, Macha, and her followers - all of whom were presumably members of the Pontiff's Court. We're still confirming this next part, of course, but according to new information," He waves his remaining arm in the Hero's direction, "the Royal Castle has been under the Court's influence in the past, meaning they may side with them again. We are to err on the side of caution, and consider the Royal Castle and Capital our secondary enemies. We of the Rocheste Alliance must move with haste and skill to -"

Riordan coughs.

"Ahem.. We will split into three forces. The main force will be led by High Commander Riordan with support from Apostle Claire. Its goal will be to fight the large battles to come. They will be stationed at the entrance to the King's Road. I will lead the left wing transporting supplies. The right wing will move along the east of the King's Road, performing high-risk operations. It will be an elite commando unit operating with select membership."

Brakis walks behind the Hero.

"I can't think of anyone better suited to commanding this unit than you." He says, almost reassuringly. The Hero grimaces but doesn't object.

"Now," Riordan moves the meeting along, "Ahasen forces will join the main force at the Vesta Pass, and Carmagne forces will join soon after. Banasach will be behind the main forces' path through the King's Road with the intent of catching up."

"Have we any word on the enemy?" Brynn asks, "You can understand my unease, obviously."

"I understand... Regrettably, not. We sent spies to the Royal Castle and Pontiff's Court but we lost contact with them immediately."

"High Commander, a message from Ahasen has arrived!" A soldier enters the room.

Riordan takes the letter: "They've detected a massive military movement near Taratha... Based on their banner and formation, it appears the Royal Guard is on the move!"

"The Royal Guards.... His Divine Armor!" Claire trembles.

"Well now we know which side the Royal Castle is on," Brynn bitterly laughs.

Riordan continues reading: "The enemy marches south along the King's Road... If Ahasen was to be pushed back, Rocheste may be put in danger! The Main Force must mobilize!"

The Hero prepares to leave, but Riordan stops them.

"I need you to wait. Come in only after we have routed our foes. Can you do this for me?"

The Hero contemplates, before agreeing.

"Good."

---

Riordan and his soldiers bid their loved ones farewell as they head north to the King's Road. A new scarf knit by a recovered Nel hangs around the Commander's neck. There is no ceremony or fanfare, and only the main forces leave as the left and right wings stay behind to await the arrival of Banasach forces.

Brakis brings a letter addressed to the Hero as they sit together with Seanna and Brynn at an abandoned magician's desk.

Dear ,
I trust you are well? Today has been clear weather - not a hint of mist.
I thought to let you know you were on my mind as I watched the Wood Man you sent work.
Seeing it now reminds me of you.
In any case, I look forward to our next meeting.

-K

"That's it?" Brynn looks confused, "Why a Wood Man? It can't be a mistake, it was clearly addressed to you.... Did you gift a Wood Man to someone?"

"No... I didn't."

"Odd, it's not like you have a very common name either," Brynn remarks, taking the letter and re-reading it, "Is this some form of prank?"

A thought comes to the Hero though.

Misty... Wood Men? There's a memory of a young man in ill-fitting Royal Armor standing on a Misty Summit.

This is an old trick we used to send secret messages when we were kids. If Cethe wrote anything here, it should appear soon...

The Hero takes back the letter and quickly grabs a Blue Erg Crystal off a nearby desk, before lining it up with the letter in a particular manner.

"This is Kean."

I suppose this nonsense letter might have confused you at first - I apologize. I am near Taratha. Nearly all routes are blocked. I heard that Rocheste has raised it's sword against the Pontiff's Court. I would have thought this nonsense, but then I heard your name whispered, and then realized perhaps it may be true. If I'm right, then you must be stationed in and assisting Rocheste."

"Who is this Kean person?" Brynn asks.

"They came to visit you in the Laboratory in... one of the pasts." The Hero explains, "Along with Seanna."

"Really?" Seanna looks confused.

"No, I remember, I think," Brynn shuts his eyes tightly, "Wait, so that robed woman was Seanna?"

"I think I remember this Kean person too," Seanna starts, "But I don't remember visiting Brynn's Laboratory with him..."

"She has amnesia through magic," The Hero explains.

"R-really?" Seanna's eyes widen.

"Is it a spell that works differently than oblivion? If it is, the power must be substantial."

The Hero reads on:

"As this reaches you, Tarantha's armed forces are mobilizing. I believe them to be using a diversionary tactic to gain an upper hand. One large force on the ground, and another 4000 approaches Rocheste by water. The commander goes by Cesar, and is a powerful warrior even within His Divine Armor. I was wary of him during my time in the Royal Guard, and I am more wary of him now. Never have I seen the entirety of His Divine Armor move with such vigor. I cannot tell you what drives them. I pray this letter finds you before your enemies do. I will write again..."

"We aren't well defended against this kind of assault," Brynn remarks. He glances at a nearby map, "There! What is this structure? That's where they will be landing to prepare their assault!"

---

Fort Cessair, a fort nearby, is already under attack when Muir and the Hero arrive.


Fending off the invaders, who tell the heretics of the new King, the Heroes return to Rocheste. Another letter from Kean had arrived.

Opening the letter and shining the light of the Erg over it again, Brynn and the Hero read the letter with morbid curiosity.

"Forgive my briefness with the last of these letters," it begins, "But I do hope you understand the brevity may have saved you from defeat at the hands of Cesar. Now, I wish to explain what has been happening."

"One day I saw a magician in town. He lacked color. Spirit. I wouldn't have noticed him if - You remember Solair? The spy of the Pontiff's Court within the Coffer Chaser Guild? She betrayed Milo and Allyse to the Court, and had the Inquisitor Ulchas attack - it was none other than her who greeted that magician!"

"I'll bet it was Enok," Brynn mutters.

"The magician instructed Solair to guide him to an Inn where there was no Innkeeper. In hearing this, I rushed to beat them to the White Whale Inn, and searched the place thinking there must be something worth finding there. All I found was a circular device with a red dot... I believe it was the tracking thing you brought back from the magician in Colhen."

Brynn closes his eyes, "Yes, now I remember that."

"I thought then, 'what if I follow this? What if it leads me to Milo?'"

"Who is this Milo?" Brynn asks. The Hero reminds the magician of when they were on Benn Chenner with Muir, the boy Muir said looked like death.

"My hunch was right, it led me to Milo and with him, a woman in red robes. However, the magician who I saw in Malina appeared and attacked me. I lost my grip and fell to my death. Or I would have, if not for the aid of people hiding and living underground. When I recovered, I immediately left to find Milo. I wish I had better news there. He was last headed to Taratha, so I followed. The day I arrived, I witnessed the inauguration of a new King... It was-"

---

The once exiled prince of Erinn, King Milo stands in front of Enok.

"Why did we send Cesar to fight a battle he could not win?"

"I didn't expect him to win, but it did show how successful our experiments have been. I think we can take this even further."

"Don't underestimate them..." Milo warns, and he goes to behold the Castle-city of Tarantha.

---

"Isn't this odd?" Seanna starts. Brynn and the Hero look to her in confusion, "Well, they tried to kill him, but then they enthrone him and he supports them?"

"Perhaps he made a deal with Macha, where he swore himself with the court in exchange for the throne."

"I remember that child," Muir steps in, "He looked like he had just about no life left in him... And I sense ties to Cromm Cruaich as well in him... His vessel maybe? I hope I am wrong about that..."

"What do you mean?" Brynn asks the God of the Sea.

"Cromm Cruaich is the god of death, the hills, and the crescent moon. The druids serve him. That child, I felt him retaining his humanity, but clutching at the divine power from within. If he continued, it could make him unstable in body and mind, or destroy him."

---

As the enemy forces appear to retreat, the Rocheste Alliance prepares to take advantage of the situation. Seanna also comes with good news, Ceara had finally awakened.

---

At the Black Citadel.


"Nyle."

"What is it?"

"Naveen calls for you."



"There you are," Naveen says, "There are heretics blaspheming against the Goddess. Those same heretics you failed to eliminate after they had knowledge of me. The Goddess has returned, but the allied forces of Rocheste stand against her... I have a job for you."

---



On their way to meet the messenger from Riordan's forces, the Right Wing find the messenger dead on the ground. A message from a mysterious man from the back of an old Magician's Laboratory is scrawled to the Hero.

"Come or everyone you care about will die."

With little recourse, Muir, Ceara, and Seanna head off to meet with the main forces. Brynn and the Hero go to respond to the call of the Silent Brotherhood.

---

Arriving at Mount Celsina, Brynn and the Hero are confronted by The Tacit Conqueror. He guards the entrance to a passageway behind a waterfall. Immense spears and blades pierce outward from the falls, piercing the rock with force unknown to the natural world.

Eventually forcing the assassin to retreat, the duo head inside the heart of the falls...


"Comrades of the Brotherhood, before us stands the enemy... Though we oft play our parts in silence, here and now we must act. We face this dissenter, who denies Erinn, who tramples on the Goddess' Divinity. By will of the brotherhood I sentence you to death." Nyle transforms into the Blade of the Brotherhood, their strongest Dark Knight.

But is unable to finish off the Hero. "I find it difficult to believe we are fighting just a human..."

"Sheath your blade, Nyle, we have no reason to fight," Brynn exclaims.

"Why plead for mercy? I would see to your death for defying the will of Morrighan!"

Brynn sighs, as he realizes Nyle will not hear them out. "We never defied her! Didn't you know? The holder of Fragarach is part of the Silent Brotherhood too!"

The Hero steps forth, and calls forth the power within theirself. As their transformation, a blessing from the Goddess to her chosen warriors, engulfs them, Nyle's eyes widen in shock.

"Where did you get that bracelet?"

"... But it's a ring?"

"So you know it to be a ring... I will say this: the research you have put into creating this trickery, this mockery of our knights is impressive, but trickery is only that!"

"Is it so hard to believe truth? The ring chooses the destined one."

Nyle pauses. He considers what he is seeing. Brynn takes the opportunity to explain that the goddess influencing the Court is in fact, Macha, not Morrighan. None of this makes sense, but neither have the actions of Taratha or Naveen's will of the Brotherhood lately.

"I will go to verify your words with another Prophet..."

"There's another Prophet?"

"There is one who didn't make the qualification... I will seek of her more answers, until then, consider your execution stayed." And Nyle vanishes.

---

"Oh I saw you coming in a dream," Old Meb walks around her table. Errol could be heard talking to the neighbors outside.


"You're still able to have visions even after you lost your qualification as a prophet?" Nyle is shocked.

"Not all of my power was because of the brotherhood," she smiles, "now, for your troubles, why do you think the brotherhood exists?"

"To protect the oracle until the Arrival of Erinn, and Morrighan leads us to Paradise."

"Well that's how it's been twisted, but the Arrival of Erinn was only masquerading as Paradise. The Order's primary goal is to help Morrighan prevent its approach."

A mysterious tower appears near the King's Road.

The Hero goes to investigate, finding a mysterious figure.

"Salutations, and welcome to the Reverent Tower. This place was born out of my mother's desire to harvest new forms of strength. She slumbered for a time, and the tower slumbered with her; and as she awakened, so too did the tower. The enemies that occupy each floor here are but phantoms of their outer world counterparts. Nearly the same... but corrupted. Time is as much corrupted as anything else here. My mother used the power of time... and I will allow you to use it as well. Ascend the tower, and I will reward you."

"..."

"You seem perplexed. You neither understand why I'm here nor do you know why I'm helping you. The answer to both is... that I am simply following my mother's will. Now go forth and test the limits of your strength."

Ascending the tower, the Hero encounters mirages of enemies from across time and destiny. They manage to bring back a stone containing power from Elchulus

"Elchulus' power. Macha must have created this place... But for what purpose? What were they trying to create?" Brynn ponders this and immediately begins to pour over books for answers when they returned to camp.

The Tacit Conqueror had been tailing the Hero and the Rocheste Alliance for some time now. Not understanding why Nyle had allowed them to leave, his devotion to the Goddess compelled him to act.

"They'll soon slip from my grasp if they make contact with their allied forces.... But it's not too late for me to...!!"

He starts, and pulls out a blade, glancing around.

"WHO?"

Your powers won't be anywhere near enough... Don't you want to annihilate those who would reject the goddess?

"Who are you??"

I can give you my power... Go awaken Ragnahim, I will grant you that power.

---

A terrible dread washes over the Hero and Brynn.

"What is that?" The magician's eyes narrow. The two agree to investigate and leave the Royal Army.

Coming to a strange place, the two enter, finding discarded parts of machinery and strange mechanical golems laying across the floor.

In an amphitheater of sorts, the two come across the Tacit Conqueror who flips a switch. A huge mechanical doll begins to stir to life and stumbles towards the Hero and Brynn. The Tacit Conqueror, hearing their intrusion turns to face them, and readies his weapon...


Only for the mechanized doll to smash the assassin to death. It then attacks the pair.

Managing to cut power to the machine, it lays there, slumped on the floor.

"I can still sense some unseen force controlling it. We've just stopped its movement. Where have I felt this before?" Brynn warns his companion.

You're smarter than you look. A voice in their heads.

"Telepathy?"

I am Tailtia, the Tacit Witch, servant of Balor. And this is Ragnahim, weapon used in the fall of paradise. Witness it, the Spearhead of Paradise Lost!

"How unfortunate for you that you intend to use a machine that my companion here has already broken down." Brynn sneers.

You misunderstand, magician... look around...

Sudden illumination lightens the shadows of the room, and revealed are....



"No!" Brynn exclaims, as his eyes behold additional mechanized soldiers.

Now you see, there is not one Ragnahim but an army. The one you felled was but one of many, and while one may have trouble against Nuadha's hero... It's more than strong enough to massacre an army.

"We must return at once," Brynn eyes full of concern, urges the Hero, "the Carmagne forces are in danger!"

---

Seeing smoke in the distance, the two hurry to regroup with their allies. They find Muir and a platoon of ragged and bloodied soldiers limping their way through the pass.

"What happened, Brynn? When Carmagne's forces lit the signal, I thought they were under attack from the Royal Guard. But when I arrived, the few survivors here with me described a horrific machine that tore through their army."

"Eweca has decided to distract us and sent those... things. They appear to be siding with Macha's forces for now, perhaps in attempts to weaken the barrier between Eweca and here."

---

Meanwhile on Mount Celsina, a Carmagne soldier clings to his life as he staggers through a blood-soaked battlefield.

Splish, splosh

His mind a fog, he wonders, How has so much blood pooled this high on the slope of the mountain...

Splish, splosh

Everyone was dead, those mechanical nightmares killed everyone... Lord Carmagne was split in twain... He had to get away.

Splish, splosh

He had to warn the Rocheste Alliance.

Splish, splosh

Was... the blood getting higher? And wait, where did everyone go?

Splish, splosh

"Where... where are the bodies?"

"They've been fed upon and sucked dry."

"Wait, h-huh?"

Two arms shoot out from the pool of blood - wrapping around his shoulders, and a woman's face emerges soon after leaping forth!

"W-no! WAAAAAAAA-" his scream is muffled as he is dragged below.



"Excellent work, Tailtia. I have successfully invaded paradise thanks to this blood ritual... Shame that seal has prevented me from coming here in my full power... But this vessel will have to do. I, Bres, the Spearhead of Paradise Lost have come to carry out our revenge."

"I don't understand why we're here," Spinos looks around at the devastation of Ainle, stepping over what could possibly be a statue, or a Goblin body, he wasn't sure.

"You're taking part in a journey to turn an old friend into a god, and you want to "understand" that process? Hehe," Resenlian, now Reilly, giggles.

"Enough nonsense, "Reilly", Spinos, having grown weary of his returning companion's apparent madness, snaps, "We have much to do to recover The Light's Guide's divinity, and I don't understand why we're wasting time here!"

"Ooh, so it's a "waste", is it? Seems you're a man who values only the most efficient way of doing things," Reilly cackles, "Tell me, friend, if you hate wasting time, then why did you refuse the help of the New Hero and the next generation?"

"Stop."

The Elven Hero, Lugh Lamhfada stands up, having finished examining some strange rocks, "Now, Resenlian, I believe I was clear when last we spoke of them, wasn't I? I recognize the New Hero, but our mission is something only I can do. This is not a matter of pride."

Reilly scoffs at this, but Lugh goes to inspect another wall, "A mystical energy calls me to this place... Resenlian?"

Reilly points to some markings, "That's what's troubling you, it's amplification magic. I don't know who put it here, but they had it cover a wide area... I don't know what they amplified either, but the scale makes it seem as if the maker was planning to blow an entire city to smithereens... or turn the city's candy into bread, heehee!"

---

The second mark's placement is confirmed. There are but three locations left.

"You seem to be in a rush, Tailtia, should I also hurry?" Bres asks the telepath.

Every second is an opportunity for us to be discovered...

"It'll be fine, they can't chase what isn't really there," Bres laughs, "I'll handle my part of making us scarce, you just keep a close eye on the target."

---

"The Blade of the Brotherhood let them go..." Enok muses before a mirror.

From within, the form of Macha appears, "I suspect he learned something about the end of his precious Morrighan." she laughs, "I don't mind his betrayal but we can't have him announce our plans to the world. Have the Brotherhood track down Nyle, I would prefer no more flock to his side.

"O-oh? What's this?" Macha looks distracted for a moment before bursting out in laughter. Wiping the tears from her eyes and trying not to giggle, she exclaims, "I see they are on the move!"

"So soon?"

"Not nearly soon enough! Is our little project ready for them, Enok?"

"I should be able to put it into action very soon," The pale magician replies.

"Be sure it isn't late. What is the fun in having a sure advantage if we're too late to utilize it?"

---

"We lost another one..." Seanna looks ready to fall apart as she stares at the dead soldier in her arms. She had worked so hard as Military Oracle to be hope for the Rocheste Alliance, but death had befallen nearly all of Carmagne's men. Of the survivors, many wound up succumbing to their injuries.

"We need to move now." Brynn approaches and announces to the encampment.

"But we're not done here!" Seanna exclaims, sudden desperation in her voice.

"We already spent two days here, we can't stay any longer. Whoever can make the journey must. There were ruins of a small abandoned town near the base of Mount Cessair, we can move that direction hopefully unseen. We leave immediately."

The troupe makes their way to the abandoned town without much fanfare, and camps for the night. In the darkness however, while talking with the Oracle, the Hero feels a dark murderous intent from the shadows aimed at... the Oracle?

The Hero leaps to protect Seanna but is too late! A blade falls toward her face when-



KLANG



A dark and imposing figure appeared blocking the blow. The assassin staggers and moves to flee, but Nyle gives chase.

"Come back here, assassin of Miach!"

"Was that Nyle?" Brynn runs up towards the commotion, "Let's follow after him!"

Cornering the assassin, she ingests a strange plant.

Her strength suddenly multiplied, she fends off her attackers until-



"Hcgh! Aaagh!" She shrieks, writhing in sudden pain, "Wh-wha-?!" Her demeanor shifts, "No... For the Goddess... Everything is for the Goddess... The Goddess... M-macha!" And vanishes.

---

The assassin shivers, sweat breaking across her face as she heaves on the floor. What happened? How did her shadow get broken so suddenly? Enok walks in.

"W-what did you do to me?" She growls, "Who is Macha?!"

Enok smiles, "I see you've failed."

"N-no," sudden fear, "Please, give me another chance!"

"No, no... I've not come to kill you. Only to see the fruits of my research... I sent you into battle knowing fully that you would fail. I wanted to test the geas. It's an autosuggestion to draw out power within through a vow. They claim the harder you work to uphold the vow, the more strength the geas grants you... Break the vow, however," He lets out an uncharacteristic, manic, and cruel grin, "... and you earn the most painful death as a price."

"!!"

"Oh, don't worry, you're free to go. You're not dead yet... Your vow was never to kill the Oracle. But don't go telling anyone about this, you see... that would break your vow of absolute obedience to Goddess Macha."

At the Royal Castle, Taratha...

"I'll not utter a word of this! Please! Forgive me!" a woman shrieks.

Kean, declined of an audience with the King for the fifth time, looks up from his thoughts as a woman is dragged away by Royal Guards. He moves to stop them, but a nearby citizen quickly grabs his arm, fear in his eyes, and puts his gaze down pointedly.

"Wonderous is our goddess's guidance and magnificent is His Majesty's reign! Fear not this disturbance! Those bound here are not like you or I; They are heretics! Why does misery and pain still run rampant despite the goddess's advent? Why do you suffer when she has arrived? And I answer: it is because of these heretics who deny her! Because of the traitors who seized the King's Road! Report all who you suspect to be heretics to the Royal Army! We will protect you! And if you feel the whispers of heresy in your heart, go to the Cathedral. The goddess will lay to rest your woes with open arms!"

---

The New Hero, Brynn, and Muir arrive at Ladaton Bridge, where they were to infiltrate while the rest of the Rocheste Alliance engaged with Taratha's Army, but upon reaching the bridge a large armored knight stands his ground. The Hero attacks him quickly, before he can react, and he falls to the ground... but then...

"ARGGH!" The knight picks himself back up!

"By what sorcery is this?!" Brynn exclaims, as the figure turns, and strikes his blade into the stone of Ladaton Bridge.


With a loud crash and boom, the bridge collapses.

The knight turns, and a young woman appears at his side.

"No matter how often you do battle, Lazar will rise again. He is immortal."

"A priestess?"

"His Majesty has ordered us to stop these people from crossing the bridge, even at the cost of the bridge itself, I - Epona, the Saintess of Taratha, and my Knight, Lazar Captain of the Royal Army - gifted with the eternal life of Erinn - vow to stop you heretics!"

The duo attacks the three, but The Hero gets the upper hand and manages to knock Lazar helmet askew! But-

Skin stretched taught over a ghastly skull, sloughing off in places where it had rotted away. Eye sockets empty, and maggots writhing in the tissue.



"Lazar!," Epona gasps in shock, "Y-you... aren't here? But the goddess! She returned you to me! She- No... No! NO! NO!!" She screams and clutches her head suddenly.

---

"Epona... I saw some guards dragging a man away to be flogged and imprisoned... They say it was under your orders!"

Epona pretends not to notice the inquiry, but Lazar persists, "It's such a harsh punishment! What could he have possibly said to deserve to be taken away, and at your behest?"

She frowns, giving in to the inquiry, "I cannot be lenient with heretics. Open your eyes, my love. So many people are being misled by false rumors! They deny still Morrighan's return! Erinn is waiting for us, yet still we suffer because of how many do not believe. The sins that rot the human heart must be corrected, and I did that today."

"... I would like if you didn't go to the Cathedral today, Epona."

"Why not? What good is a priestess if she is not performing her holy duties? ... Could it be..?" her face stiffens, and her eyes become piercing and cold, "You believe these falsehoods, Lazar?"

"As a captain, I am conditioned to disbelieve rumors and gossip but the air in Taratha is strange. The royal knights executed the adventurers' guild! And when I asked Cesar about it, he responded they were lawful executions under the order of His Majesty! My brother... isn't like that. From what I understand, the royal castle's magician approached him, and perhaps cast a spell... Please just stay here with me. Let us talk instead. I just want to protect you from all that's happening. From that thing they say is afflicting those people who suddenly changed. From the thaumania."

"All right... I won't go to the cathedral today."

"Epona, thank you."

"Talking will do us good, won't it?"

"I'm so relieved to hear you say that," Lazar sits back in a chair.

"Come to think of it, I think I'm ready to talk about why I took that person away... what he said... I can give you my reasoning..."

"Yes, I'll listen."

"You see the word he uttered before the Goddess... In her Cathedral... was also... thaumania."

"..! Epona! Wait-!"

---


"... So this is how it ends." Macha smirks, watching the Priestest cry over the body of her husband.

"The effects appear to overstimulate those of strong faith, she snapped upon the mere word, murdered without reason, although its affects seem to have broken from the trauma... I shall make some adjustments before we go into wider distribution," Enok muses.

"See that you do-"

"GODDESS!" Epona finally realized Macha was in her presence, "Goddess! I beg of you... revive my husband, bring him back to me..."

Enok looks up, "What should we do with this woman? We appointed her saintess so as to prepare supplying the geas throughout Taratha..."

"Hmm... well, I wasn't planning for this, but... she is so vital to our plans. Shall I lend you my power, saintess? With this blessed staff," she produces a weapon and hands it to the priestess, "I lend you a miracle. You can speak to your love again. Animate him as many times as you wish! By your will he will become an undying knight. Do we have a deal?"

"My Goddess, thank you, thank you!" Epona sobs across the floor in grief.

"Enok, make it so this woman cannot see reality from fiction."

"!"

"I did... say animate? Not revive? Not even I can do that! Heehee! Still so long as YOU believe he is alive, what does it matter. Golden deal, is it not? Thank your Morrighan for saving you through corruption!"

---

Looking across the bridge, away from the sobbing and shrieking Saintess, the trio spots a figure.

"Is... Is that Milo??"



The figure appears to clap, slowly, and then turns and walks away.

"This is ridiculous," Brynn curses. We are wasting time, we must go back and help our comrades! The main force!"

The three leave in a hurry to regroup with the main force.

"LAZAR! OPEN YOUR EYES! MY LOVE! PLEASE! PLEASE RISE AGAIN! I'M SORRY LAZ-"

"My, my, my... You require much looking after, young lady. And I went through all this trouble of building you up? And here you are... Broken."

"Red... Wings?" Epona looks at Macha, finally seeing her for who she is, "What did you do to me?!"

"What did I do? I granted your wish, and you paid the price for it. You were so happy when you were ignorant too... It's so sad, you've lost paradise..."

"This isn't paradise, this is hell! I will no longer be your puppet, I'd rather die and go to Lazar's side!"

"I'm afraid that will not do, I've invested too much into making you. I won't put you under a spell this time though, I will be wiping your memories! Say tah-tah!"

"No..." Epona shivers in fear as her mind begins to empty, "No! Don't take them! I don't want this!" She clings to Lazar's body, "Not like this... don't... take them from... me"

Macha softly pets the now unconscious Epona, "Do not pain yourself fighting the inevitable... T'would be terrible for me if the Saintess of Taratha broke again so soon, and you're still so very useful to me..."

"Where is the right wing?!" Riordan observes the battle at Taratha's Royal Castle. His forces were dwindling, and the expected surprise attack from behind enemy lines had not arrived.

"They must have found more than they initially bargained for, but I believe they will prevail," Apostle Claire shouts, having repelled soldiers who broke through.

"Commander! More cavalry to our left!"

"Damn..." Riordan mutters, "Apostle Claire, our enemies surround us and this new cavalry will supplement their current force if we do not break through! Can you take a few elites and break through their front before we are surrounded entirely?"

"So I create a path for us rather than hold off the reinforcements? I will do as you request!"

"Excellent, as soon as you've successfully broken their front, we will charge through with no strength to spare!"

Meanwhile, the Battle Oracle, Seanna, as well as her bodyguard, Ceara, are assisting injured soldiers.

"Fall back behind the line! Come here! I've got you, the Goddess will protect us!"

"Seanna!" Ceara deflects a volley of arrows with her shield and slashes an attacker with her longsword, "you should heed your own words, this is getting dangerous!"

"Just a few mor-?!" Seanna stops in her tracks as suddenly she feels cut off from the world.

"What on earth?!" Ceara runs to her defense as in the sudden unnatural dark, a figure rises up.

"Who... would have imagined it would be so simple to find you..?" A sultry voice coos, "Hello, Nuadha's priestess."

---

Brynn, Muir, and the Hero arrive at Tarantha's North Gate. Devastation greets their eyes, and the smell of soot, and ash permeates their noses and lips. Bodies are scattered about... But not as many as expected... And not in a manner that would be expected.

"These attacks are more violent than that of a human soldier's... and it isn't just to our side... it was to theirs as well." Muir frets. He then spies the broken remains of a Ragnahim.

"THEY CAN'T HAVE ALL BEEN KILLED!" Brynn, enraged, breaks out, "No... no, whatever happened here, most of our side has escaped... I'm sure of it... Wait, what is... is that?"



"Seara?!" she appears suspended in the distance in a beam of light - a strange triangular structure rotating above her.

Running to her, they find themselves at a great white tree in a stone ruin.

""Seara!!" Brynn calls out.

A massive well of power erupts from the giant triangle above, and strikes through the Oracle's body.

"AAAAA", she shrieks in pain, her body contorting.

"No!" The Hero lunges forward, but from the beam of light emerges.... a Ragnahim.

As more and more Ragnahim emerge, the Hero calls upon more and more of their power to defeat them. Eventually, they stop emerging and a bright figure descends from the sky.

"We meet at last, agent of Nuadha. You may call me Laura. I am the goddess of life: of birth: of victory: of rapture. So come: may I be the first to guide you all toward rebirth."

---

Hours ago, screams rung out within the city of Taratha. Only the Cathedral is eerily quiet.

"She and her beasts have caused quite a mess, shall I end them, my Goddess?" Saintess Epona stands between her Goddess and the intruding Bres.

"Not at all, they're guests who came just for me," Macha smiles, "We should welcome them with open arms."

"Of course, your word is our gospel," Epona bows and steps aside.

"How have you been, Bres? I'm sure your journey was not simple..."

"Macha? I was tracking Morrighan's divinity. Weren't you stripped of yours and banished?"

"Stripped of my divinity, you say? Why, that's the first I've heard of this!"

"... I see. I think I know what's happened. If Morrighan isn't here and you are... were you the one who unsealed us?"

Macha shrugs in bemusement.

"If you were, then we would have no reason to battle one another... My goal was to seal the divinity of the Gods of Paradise, but if Morrighan is no more..."

"If... indeed," the red winged Goddess grins devilishly.

"... Balor is coming. Vow fealty to him and I will leave peacefully."

"... How about... Epona, kill her!"

"!!"

Lazor emerges from behind a pillar and swings down upon Bres.

"And," Macha smirks as Ragnahim rip into the Cathedral to defend Bres, "Activate the citizens, let them defend their Goddess."

---

Dodging an attack while trying to reach Seara, Brynn shouts, "You call yourself the goddess of life and birth?! There's no reason then to side with the God of Destruction!"

Laura glares harshly at the magician, "... You would not understand. This world no longer lives. Paradise has been worn to its bones from eternal war."

"Are we not fighting against you to save our lives? Do you not see we still live?"

"You are but the last vestiges derived from many lifetimes of hardship. No matter how you resist, it is a fight for an impossible, uninspired future. There is no more rapture I can deliver to this land, no more joy for what tomorrow holds for its people. I will start this world anew. He has arrived."

Seara who had been struggling against the power that bound her, suddenly shrieks again, as a gateway opens up.

Suddenly the sky begins to turn a brilliant red.



His boots touch the ground.

"Greetings, Balor..." Laura bows her head as the black winged God descends.

"Oh, how I've longed for this moment. To escape stasis and have my revenge!" He breathes in, "All will burn, and the screams of the people will sing louder than any tempest or swell! Now come my servants, the time is now!"

With a brilliant flash, three figures appear. Two of which feel strangely familiar to the Hero.

It all seems hopeless. The Hero had failed. Balor has come to destroy all.

But...

One more brilliant flash, and a voice reaches the Oracle through it.

Seanna.

"NO!" Balor roars.

Seanna.

"This cannot be! Nuadha's priestess should have expended all her power!" Laura cries out.

The hour is not lost. You alone can stop Balor.

"I..." She gasps out, "Will serve!" a prayer furiously forms upon her lips,



and blinding bindings erupt from the gateway, entangling themselves around Balor!



"Argh! No!" he struggles against his bindings as they drag him back towards the gateway. Thinking fast, one of his followers casts a spell, and hurls it at Seanna!

"Seanna!" The Hero leaps to protect her but-

!!!



In a blinding light, the previous hero, Palala, Lugh Lamhfada, appears and knocks the spell away.

Unable to free himself, Balor spits a vile vow: "Do you... think I would give up... in the face of this?! I will return! To cast my blade of vengeance... ACROSS THIS INFERNAL PARADISE!" His roar is cut off as he is dragged back through the gate.

The group turns to take on his followers, but one calls out, "We must return. Without Balor we have lost our advantage!"

Laura bites her lip in frustration, but the four all return through the gateway of light, and it seals itself shut.

Having rescued the Oracle, (or had she rescued herself?) the Hero's Party makes for the previously established base of operations near Mount Celsina.

"... They've returned with the Oracle! Inform Commander Riordan!" A soldier yells.

---

"You're alive! I knew it, did the Right Wing manage to push back those machines?"

"Something like that," Brynn frowns, as Riordan offers them a position around the meeting table.

"Had you not warned me, we would have made the fool-hardy decision to battle Eweca's war machines. We traveled through Pilgrim's Pass as intended to reach the north gate and face our enemy. However, your party never arrived. We suspected the diversionary tactic had failed, but it was too late for us to fall back. I ordered Apostle Claire to take our best men and break through... but not long after, these war machines appeared at the rear of the alliance forces. They appeared to make for the castle. The alliance forces finally managed to gather and we made our retreat but unfortunately... Apostle Claire is in the enemy's clutches."

"Oh no, your friend was captured by Macha?"

Lugh Lamhfada makes his presence known.

"Who is this?" Riordan starts, but the Hero quickly explains, "L-Lugh Lamhfada? I-I'm honored to be before such a hero of legend! I give you my deepest thanks for your aid in our battle."

"It was the right thing to do. As is this," Lugh motions, "If your friend has been taken by the enemy, allow me to assist with her rescue." and the Hero of Legend strides out of the room, suddenly imposing compared to before.

---

Sneaking into Taratha was easier than expected, as much of the capital was in ruin from the Ragnahim assault.

A man, however, appears to notice the party, while they otherwise had remained undetected. He strode to them, his companion cloaked behind him.

"I wondered why people were wandering around here with the city in such a state, but of course... it was you." Kean gave a strained smile of a man weary of the world.

---

The group sneaks into the Royal Castle Dungeon with Kean and his cloaked companion, Siete guiding their path. As they walk through, Kean explains what is happening within the city.

"Fortunately I managed to break most of the sway over Siete since she attacked you. She's been very helpful from the shadows," shouts for mercy and to be let out can be heard from around the rocky hallways, "... the people here were imprisoned for doubting the court and distancing themselves from the goddess... if someone starts acting like they fear catching thaumania - what we're calling this strange personality change to devout zealot - the Royal Army is right there to arrest them as heretics."

Eventually, in one of the innermost passageways of the dungeon, they come across Claire in a private cell.



"It really IS you! Oh- oh my, have you come to my rescue, then?"

"Don't get too close," Lugh interrupts, and slashed cleanly through the bars.

"Oh! Er, is this a friend of yours?"

"I am an ally, but we'd best save the formal introductions for when we're safe," Lugh stands back as the Hero assists Claire from her cell.

As soon as her hand is taken, she collapses in their arms.

"For-forgive me. I hurt my leg a bit when I fell from my horse in battle. I was so happy to see you that I had completely forgotten about the injury."

"Well, I've helped you find your friend, and now I must go and deal with a pressing matter," Lugh looks up, "My main purpose in coming here was in fact to meet the goddess. May we meet again."

He strides off into the darkness.

As they wander through the halls, Claire explains what she's learned.

"I was beginning to worry when I'd become a lab rat for these knaves. A man from the royal guard called Cesar arrived a few hours ago, and proclaimed 'The apostle is to take part in the experiment.' He was with the Court Magician, and I only heard bits and pieces... Something about turning apostles into beasts - that that would make it easier to convert heretics."

Kean curses from up ahead, and the group looks up. A magic barrier exists across the passageway.

"This wasn't here before... have we been caught?"

The group follows the only route available to them... until... a door to a stair that leads them upwards.



"HA, you thought we would let you escape?!" Enok sneers. With him stands King Milo.

"Enok, why are they, and why have you, brought me to the amphitheatre?"

"Pardon me, I did have a demonstration to provide for you, my King. You see, the beast you desired... now lives. Now sit back and watch in glee, as a Tarathan beast crushes these little pests!"

The ground shakes, a gate rises, and a large beast with cloven hooves and a bull's head roars and rushes into the amphitheatre.


As the Hero strikes the beast they could swear they hear a guttural voice cry out. Was that words?



"KiLL mE..."

"GeT me OUT of HeRe!!"

Alarmed, Kean cries out, "I-is that human?"

"My... oh my! I hoped to prevent human thoughts and emotions from presenting themselves, that's why I chose a cattle's head... Why must you be present to ruin my research again and again? I pity myself for being in the same era as you..." Enok appears on the amphitheatre floor next to the beast, and smiles.

"it... hurts..."

"Oh shut up, you talk too much for a failure," and then lops off its head.

"!! You would do that to your ally?!" Kean points his sword at Enok.

"Ally? This thing made for fighting has lost its will to fight. Taking its life is all I can do as its creator."

"Creator?! Then... This beast was..."

"...made from the experiments on humans..."Claire finishes Kean's words quietly.

"I dearly hope it didn't just dawn on you now. I even named it after the people it was made from! Oh how dimwitted you all are..."

"Wait, it was made from Tarathan citizens?!" Siete exclaims.

Enok just smiles, and summons more beasts.

"We must escape!" Claire cries out.

"I won't let yo-!" Enok is cut off as Milo steps forward.

"Let them go."

"What?"

"Your king is telling you to let them go, Enok. Do it now, I will face them later... as commander of the Royal Army. Wouldn't you rather that? The Royal Puppet? I will keep my pact, as promised to Macha."

"As you wish... Your Highness..."

---



Meanwhile, in the Cathedral, Lugh confronts Macha.

"What are you planning, Goddess?"

"Isn't it obvious? To supply weapons to whoever is in desperate need of victory! There is always a side at disadvantage. I will give them the weapons they desire for victory, and then turn the tides in their favor. But then what comes next, you ask? Why, then the other side is at disadvantage... And I will provide them with something even stronger! Tarathan, Ewecan... It doesn't matter, the other side will keep coming back for more, again. Again. Again!" A look of ecstasy bubbles up from inside her, "Why fight when I can coax these war-hungry enthusiasts to do it for me?"

"Until now, I thought with Elchulus' seal broken, the only threats we would face would come from outside this world... yet I was wrong. The greatest threat stands well within this world... And that threat is you!" He lunges at the Red-Winged Goddess!

CRASH!

Lugh shatters the mirrors within the cathedral, forcing Macha to reveal her true form.

"Tsk, you're quite willful. Not sure I'm a fan of that."

"The only way you can face me now is with honor. No more games." Lugh points his blade at her.

"My, my, my... With honor, you say? You're so like that other Hero. But then, perhaps all heroes would drone on about honor and the honorable way..." She laughs and begins to spread her wings.

"Where do you think you're going?!" Lugh lunges but she's too high up. A portal opens above her.

"I think I'm done for the day. Since we have both shown our hands, I will let you do as you please." She waves and flies through the portal.

"No!" Lugh summons immense strength, and leaps through the portal after her.

---

"We have news!" A messenger arrives at the camp.

Claire opens the message and reads it, "This says the Royal Castle has called for reinforcements... Someone by the name of Romel has joined the battle and leads forces from Northfall south."

"Romel?!" Riordan and Lord Ahasen both exclaim.

"You know of him?"

"Romel is the Lord of Northfall and a veteran knight of the kingdom since the days of the previous king. He's battled against, and taken much land from the Fomors during wartime. He was very accomplished and made a Captain of the Royal Guard, and yet... he then resigned and moved to Northfall. I heard he was ousted due to his political dispute with the royalists, but maybe he only grew weary from years of battle... No one knows the truth." Lord Ahasen explains.

"Well, if rumors are true and he was ousted, then I doubt he was so much "inspired" as he is acting on explicit orders. Perhaps we can reason with him and lend us aid in our war." Brynn muses.

The group agrees to a meeting with Lord Romel, and moves to seek audience with him. An assault is planned as a diversion to facilitate this need.

---

While a new battle at Taratha's Gates is led by Riordan's forces, the Hero's Party breaks into the Royal Castle Topaz Hall.

"Stop right there." An imposing figure enters the room, his hair, aged and gray, but wild and regal. A piercing eye focuses on the group, and it could be thought only how frightening it would be if he still had two, "The heretics and their great warrior. I can see the fire in your eyes, and yet... it fades here. You won't take another step closer towards the Goddess!"

"Wait, Romel, we have come to speak with you!" Brynn steps forward, "You are not our enemies! Our enemy is the Goddess - because she is not who you think. She is false, pretending to be the Goddess."

"What an outrageous lie. How can you, mere humans, dare to claim you can discern the authenticity of the divine?"

"I understand this is difficult to believe, but we have proof: We have met the true Goddess Morrighan..."

The Hero steps forward, and draws forth Claimh Solas before Romel and presents it to him.

"I see... It is magical, and its unique shape is of great note... But that alone will not convince me... because I too have been granted a weapon." He summons forth a strange gauntlet to his hand, "What if your claim is in the reverse, and you are the one blessed by a false goddess? As I see it, the ones causing chaos and strife, stoking war within the kingdom, are you!"


He roars, and attacks! But the Hero's party manages to fend him off. Romel, strength depleted, falls to his knees.

"Ugh... How could I kneel... before... these heretics? With... the Goddess' blessing... I will-" He stumbles.

"Don't move!" Brynn warns, "Those gauntlets are no blessing! They give you strength but it comes at the cost of draining your life!"

"Don't lecture me! My convictions will not fall here!" Romel brings forth all the power he can muster. Pieces of the ceiling begin to rain down upon the Hall. He charges forward, before collapsing again, coughing up blood. "L-...Lucian...". His final words. The attempt to sway him had failed.