act22side

Even when she shuts her eyes, she can see the city in ruins. She was saved, but so many others died there.

Do it. Captain's given the order.

Take care of them first, then we'll deal with Dublinn's lot.

Don't worry, Taran. The blade works fast.

Whoof... That was close...

Hah, Fionn! I knew it!

—Where'd you come from?

Ugh...!

...H-Help me! Help!

Up! All of you who can stand, get up!

They haven't bound more than our hands! We've got the numbers! It's just three of them and one more who's hurt! We can take them!

Right, right! Let's do it!

We ran down that Viccy patrol in the village the other day! We can more than run this lot down!

Hey, Fionn, how'd you slip free?

I... I was squatting over there to check on Reed. Nobody saw me, so I sneaked a rock and cut through the rope...

...*sigh*. Just thinking about it scares me. What if I'd been just that little bit late back?

Don't think about it, then. Unbind me, and we'll help the others. Hurry.

I'll teach that stuck-up Viccy a lesson.

We're sad? We're just being used? My arse.

I just know there's nothing more real than the scars on my body, all the blood and tears I've shed.

What gives you—any right in hell to take the piss out of us?!

Captain! There's an uproar with the hostages—

Urgh—

—Did I take him out? Sorry, I can't see very well.

Hah, pretty strong there, you are!

Anyone else still tied up? I'll nab the Viccy's knife and cut you free.

Quick. He just sent word out.

Fergal, keep an ear out, see if there's any soldiers coming from that side. Fionn, get here and help up anyone who's hurt.

Move! Anyone who's got the legs, get going!

The refugee Tarans stumble frantically, running ever deeper into the woods.

They fled their homeland, those marshy soils, yet none are truly sure how fast they must run to leave the flames of war and death behind them.

If they can just escape this dark night, will that mean they can rebuild their homeland, free and peaceful?

Oi, Fionn, you know how to write. When we get out, write me a letter to send back home. Need to let them know I'm still alive.

Right, I hear you...

I'll do you some elderflower liqueur, true to my word. Get me a good set of all the brewing stuff from the market.

Right. Noted, noted. Don't even need my account book.

And then, all at once, they elect to stop in their tracks.

Someone lightly begins to whistle.

The Tarans have many things they cannot put into words. When they cannot find the words to express themselves, they simply sing.

They sing of glasses empty of alcohol, and loved ones who aren't there.

...Selmon.

I know.

I saw them fighting. Dublinn's in it, too. They're all looking to capture Reed.

Bagpipe and Ch'en are helping her, but it's just the three of them. Will they be fine?

I can smell smoke. There must still be firewood burning that way, it's so thick.

We might just be able to sneak ourselves inside, say, Selmon?

Let's go. Grab the Viccies' sabers and stuff. See any weapons on the way? We take them.

...Where must we go to escape from the Tarans' fate?

We just took out those guards! Nothing to be afraid of!

We're not fighting a war. We don't need to do them all in. We just need to rescue Reed, and we're good!

Moran, can you see? If the fire's not bright enough, take my hand and I'll guide you!

The smoke thickens. The waves of heat inch closer.

The woods are burning. Life is fading away.

Never has a soul called their names.

Never has a soul asked them their ideals, asked if the run they make is counter to the life they dream of living.

They bound ahead for the firelight, the one and only.

...'Reed.' Are they calling to me?

Young bard, I cannot give you an answer. Let those who come after give it!

Now, as it just so happens, I have one more matter of vital importance to relay to you all tonight.

–I'm afraid this will be the Clan of Tarans' final gathering.

Well, now, what are you saying, Your Lordship? Hasn't our cause only just begun?

Fret not. It is true that the cause of we Tarans to seek who we are is fresh and anew. What will cease to exist is merely the humble little gathering that I lead as an individual.

—Isn't that right, my dear, loyal servant?

*cough*, *cough* *cough*...

My apologies... I'm but a servant. I don't presume to understand.

It's snowing heavily outside. Your body is frail... I can ready the car for you at any moment.

No need.

Mr. Williams, would you share a walk with me on this snow-filled day?

It would be my honor. The inn I'm staying in had no firewood to begin with. There isn't much left for the snow to hinder.

Really? I see... Yes, I never did prevent City Council from imposing winter taxes on the Taran districts.

Everyone deserves at least a warm fire on a chilly day like this.

Come. Maybe we can chat some more about your creations, the stories you collected in these villages, and what Tara could—should—have been.

'May death connect us with all legends.'

Quiet, did you hear those footsteps? They sound heavy. They'll be pretty tough for soldiers.

Move, move, move, this way! We'll hide in the other direction!

The campfire's still burning... I can take a piece of timber as a torch.

Alright, I'll go with you to fetch it in a moment.

Hey! Reed! You hear me?!

Reeeeed—

There's no response... Quick, hide over here! We'll split into two groups in a minute, then look for her!

And even if we can't find her, we need to find Bagpipe and Ch'en!

Tch.

You dare interfere with a military operation?

Something wrong? If I can't shake you, I'll fight you. Not like I haven't scrapped with you Victorian soldiers before.

'Reed.'

Cry after cry cuts through the smoke and mist.

Reed knows the way she should go.

They shouldn't be dragged into this conflict. I have to help them—

—Ungh!

Unfortunate. A few inches shy.

Hm? I recall having reported to the Leader about this, but not anyone else...

You can't possibly be so naive as to think you're the only one in Dublinn to form your own intelligence network.

If you're to bring that puppet back, I'm afraid there is no course of action more suitable at present than mobilizing my squadron.

My, how grateful I am, then... Are you seeking to supervise my work? Or is it more that you'd like to eliminate her yourself?

Should she refuse her identity as a shadow, my blade will be faster than your Arts.

I've seen how diverse viewpoints can be in this masterless Victoria. There is no need for Dublinn to continue staging such a charade.

If you've come to kill me... does that mean—Dublinn is prepared?

You are the only uncertainty left.

I thought that as a puppet, you would at least learn how to think, <i>at least</i> pretend. I thought you'd have the capacity to set your sights farther. It is disappointing, however, to see your foolish kindness.

If you had followed the spectre force's code of operation from the start and eliminated all witnesses, things would not have taken one wrong turn after another. The situation we find ourselves in now would never have developed.