act37side

Boss! I found something here!

A ducal alliance soldier?

Something's not right. He hasn't been dead for long. The name tag... Fifth Infantry Regiment, Eighth Column. Rank... Major?!

The Earl of March's troops, under the Duke of Normandy. No external wounds, but the death was not natural.

Her unit should still be outside the walls. Why would a major from the unit be here—

Where did they come from? Kill them, and quickly. The orders must not be delayed.

There are other altars that still need to be activated. There is no time.

The devils have us surrounded! There's no way out—

Why do we need one?

'Lunatic'.

No one knows where the Steam Knight sword in her hand came from, much less where Millscar herself came from.

The mercenary's legs tremble. He regrets not turning around a few minutes ago.

As long as that purple blade would not impale him from behind.

Bugger all.

Huh. I know that sword.

The General's briefing mentioned you. You've got nerve. Is the tin can somewhere nearby?

Maybe we can kill two fowlbeasts with one stone.

Hmph.

Carry on with your work, I'll handle this—

*jingle*

Like wind chimes on the beams of a mausoleuma caressed by a breeze, the golden pendants and gems that hang from the veil of the one who slumbers sway and clang against each other in the air.

Excuse me, did anyone see my earring?

There you are, Little Garnet—Oh, it's broken...

I guess I'll have to borrow your toys, Duq'arael. Not like you're in any position to refuse.

The blood-red altar within the iron frame begins to glow, but quickly goes dark again and then shatters.

The broken red pendant in the air is now good as new, glowing with a faint light.

The red glow is almost mesmerizing.

*jingle*

The sound echoes by Millscar's ear.

Take care of Little Garnet for me, for a while.

She'll lead you where you belong. Now, you should go.

I'm surprised that anyone like Dame Kal'tsit would trust you, though.

She sees the red and black figure.

Why would a vampire save my life? Dame Kal'tsit? Dr. Kal'tsit of Rhodes Island? What are they planning?

She has many questions, but finds herself holding the cold conical earring in her hand.

There's no time to waste if you want to help that one. This is not the only altar in these parts.

What do I do?

She will tell you.

'She'? Millscar suddenly feels a pulse from the earring in her hand, like a heartbeat.

Stop her—

Shh.

*Sarkaz expletive*!

Nadine feels all the blood in her body rush back towards her heart for a second, and the vertigo that comes with it.

For the first time, she envies the kindred who have abandoned flesh and blood.

The path has been prepared.

Take care of her, and she will guide you to me.

<p=2>September 28th, 1098, 5:21 P.M.</>

Six minutes until the Exemplars break through the blockade

Let's go to the next one.

Boss, that weird Vampire thing... as we destroy the altars, it just keeps getting... prettier.

We've got more important things to worry about. Word is that the Exemplars have made it into the city, but they're being impeded by the ducal alliance's troops.

Have the factories gotten the order?

Aye. They're getting ready.

These strange hidden Sarkaz altars, and rumors that the dukes are ready to leave Londinium blockaded and abandon it to its fate...

Hah. Who's the one who actually wants to blow up the city?

Does it really matter?

It's been a while, Allerdale.

I thought you were dead.

I thought YOU were dead.

Even with Rhodes Island's help, there are too many of these for you to deal with, and too little time.

Who knows how many such altars the Sarkaz have hidden across the city? Without my knowledge, too. They could not have done it on their own.

More than one key district will be reduced to rubble if these altars are activated. I've discovered and destroyed several key ones, however.

By yourself...?

Vina needs help. The Exemplars need one final push. And the dukes need to hear the true voice of the people.

It was I who spread the rumors that the dukes are planning to abandon Londinium. Not that there wasn't an element of truth to it.

What do you want me to do?

You're already doing it. You and those who follow you.

But you, too, need a little push. I'll take care of the remaining altars.

You've changed. A lot.

I could say the same for you, 'Millscar'. Are you sure you like that name?

You've chosen to live. Then follow the path, and see where it leads.

Boss, she's—

Run like you've got all Kazdel on your heels. Go to the outer city, and tell the others to get ready to receive the Exemplars.

<p=1>Londinium</><p=2>September 28th, 1098, 5:27 P.M.</>

The Exemplars break through the blockade. Across the city, factories roar to life, welcoming them home.

<i>I keep thinking back to that afternoon.</i>

<i>Factories, Vina, steam, cheering, boxing, angry yelling, Baird...</i>

<i>The bits of memory gush to the surface together, mixing together, wiping away what happened that afternoon.</i>

<i>The one thing I will never forget is when Vina said: 'We're home.'</i>

<i>I wanted to cry. It was a long, long journey, from the day we left the city to the day we came back.</i>

<i>We're home. But how many did we lose, how many who walked with us on this journey?</i>

<i>And which of them could come back after they left, besides Allerdale?</i>

<i>...</i>

<i>I miss Baird.</i>

<p=1>Exemplars Camp</><p=2>September 30th, 1098, 5:22 A.M.</>

Two days after the Exemplars break through the blockade

I never knew taking inventory could be such a pain.

Taking inventory at the factories on our turf back in the day wasn't half as bad...

If this is pain, I'll gladly take more pain.

It sure is exciting, though, to see so many people supporting us—

(Yawn) We've been at this all night. The sun's already coming up.

We have to push forward. The others can only buy so much time.

Word from Wiš'adel is that they threw a dozen wrenches into the Military Commission's system of command, but the Nachzehrers are still guarding Westhaleg.

We've been inside the city for two days, but there has been little sign of movement from them.

Weren't there rumors that Theresis has abandoned them and gone into hiding? Maybe that's why the Nachzehrers aren't moving.

That's just speculation. Not even the Doctor's team has been able to confirm it.

Get some rest, Morgan. The alliance's order to attack will come soon—

I just don't like counting, that's all!

I want to help Dagda. I reckon I've got a little more experience sweet-talking people into helping us.

Delphine is persuading the nobles who are still on the fence. Hannah and Catherine are organizing the surviving workers and Self-Salvation Corps. I have no doubt they can get it done.