act37side

<i>I couldn't decide how to start the chapter on Allerdale, when I decided to write one for her. I realized I knew so little about the name that should've been so familiar to me.</i>

<i>The last Cumberland. The one who betrayed us. The one who gave her life to save us. The one who bragged about her cream stew.</i>

<i>Millscar. Caster's minion. Cumberland the Ever on High. Which one was the real Allerdale?</i>

<p=1>Londinium Underground Tunnel</><p=2>September 28th, 1098, 4:53 P.M.</>

Thirty-four minutes until the Exemplars break through the blockade

Coordinates confirmed, boss. The location in the anonymous warning message is just ahead. And we've identified the source—

Rhodes Island.

No surprises there. Let's go.

The mercenary does not move. There is uncertainty on his face.

Out with it.

The boys trust you. Without you, we would have rotted in the alleys, or the devils would have—

I've already died once, so I'm fine with putting my head on the line for you. But this just doesn't make sense. Why should we trust Rhodes Island? We know nothing about them.

The Exemplars are almost inside the city. It's going to be bedlam outside. We could take this opportunity to line our pockets...

Or at least... you should not risk yourself, being here.

You're not the only one who thinks this way, are you?

The mercenary is silent. He dares not meet Millscar's gaze, fearing her wrath.

But nothing happens.

Have you thought about what will become of Londinium after this war?

Er... the way it used to be?

No, nothing will go back to the way it used to be. No one can go back, no matter what comes of this war.

Y-You're abandoning us?

No, I need you. Soon, Londinium will become a city in need of mending.

The old order has been destroyed by death and violence. There will be plenty of gaps left behind, plenty to feed us.

But—

I'm not asking your opinion.

Listen, I don't plan on going back to the old life, which means we have to plan for a new one. I haven't forgotten about you, of course.

In order to keep our livelihood, we need people to know what we're capable of.

Don't say I didn't give you a choice. So, are you coming or not?

Oh, sod it, put me at the front of the line, boss.

I'm not imagining it, am I... what is this...?

The blood-red rocks in the gaps of the frame and in the furnace... did the devils hide them here? What are they planning?

Vampire stuff.

There is a faint smell of blood in the air. She recalls the onrushing squirming monsters that came straight out of a nightmare.

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.