act46side

I'll walk with you—

No... I can't leave right now.

You could spend the night here, and head down once the sun rises.

No, no, I shouldn't trouble you. I'll find the path down the mountain...

What is it?

Just an old man who got lost.

You're quite far from town. Do people pass by here often?

No. My family are the only ones who live here. We don't see many passersby. In fact, you were the first...

—Look out!

Back already, Gulo? You still have the gauze on your head.

I told you to think before you act! You get back to the hospital right now and stay in bed.

Master... I heard that you're going to meet with Ratatos again, at the Browntails' invitation.

You can't go...

What, you think I'm afraid of her?

That witch says she's going to tell me the truth. I'm eager to see what she spews from that mouth of hers.

But master... the meeting is on Browntail turf. This is clearly a trap.

Hmph, you think I don't know?

A Paleroche never runs from a fight!

Just because it's her turf doesn't mean a Paleroche is helpless there!

You know what? Seeing that gauze on your head is making me doubly-mad!

I don't care how mad you are, master! I'm sitting right here at the door and not budging an inch until you change your mind!

And what does any of that have to do with you?

It's my own fault I got hurt and couldn't protect you. All I can do is stop you from putting yourself in danger.

Uh... I'm not angry at you! I'm angry at those bloody Browntails.

Don't worry, I'll settle the score for you. I'll show them nobody messes with Clan Paleroche.

Get out of the way, brother.

Master...

Warriors, take General Gulo back to his room.

Several warriors help Gulo up and help him walk back to his room.

Hmph.

I'm not afraid of them. But I won't go unprepared.

<i>Fy faen</i>. Prepare a few more cars, boys.

Dinner is ready, Madam Sciurus.

What about the matriarch? Will she not join us?

Matriarch Ratatos just left. She says not to worry about her.

I remember the matriarch saying she had a meeting with Clan Paleroche today. But it's so early...

Did she go alone?

We're not sure...

Something doesn't feel right, Yucatan.

Go after her.

Alright...

One moment, please, Madam Sciurus and Master Yucatan...

What is it this time?

The matriarch left orders before she left...

We are not to allow the two of you to leave home tonight.

Under any circumstances.

Saintess! Get down!

Drat... Who are these people?

How dare they attempt to murder the Saintess on Kjerag soil?!

Maybe they're not from Kjerag...

They're dangerous...

Don't worry, Saintess! I'll protect you with my life!

They won't get in so easily... Don't underestimate the hunters of Kjerag!

The young huntress locks and loads her heavy crossbow, barely taking any time to aim it through the broken window before pulling the trigger.

It is immediately followed by multiple screams.

Hit.

Careful, there are a lot of them!

We can't just stay here. We need to get out...

What do we do—

Calm down. Listen to me...

Lying prone on the snow, the attacker gestures to those behind him to remain hidden. They learned their lesson the hard way.

They slowly close in on the house, on guard against the crossbow bolts that can be fired from the window at any time with uncanny accuracy.

They could see a shadow move behind the curtain, and the edges of the curtain sway...

The attacker raises his crossbow.

The poisoned bolt strikes the figure behind the curtain. He hears the sound of the body hitting the floor, then silence.

Hit. Not sure if she's down.

Units Two, Three and Four, hold position. Unit One, with me. Approach with care. The intel says there are two of them.

Several figures sneak up to the house, breaking in once they have determined no sound coming from inside.

What...? This... It's...

...A wooden sculpture?

A sculpture of Kjeragandr lies on the ground, a crossbow bolt sticking out of its head.

The assailants did not notice the delicate sound of machinery operating as they entered the room.

They hear the ringing of a bell, while their arms and legs go weak.

Five loaded crossbows and a massive net take aim at the invaders.

They fell for it! Just like you said!

You'd better repent for damaging a sculpture of Kjeragandr!

Now! Run!

Alpha, report.

The Paleroche convoy has cleared the third checkpoint.

Confirm target position—back seat of the lead car.

Shall we engage?

Affirmative.

Wait, there's a change in the situation!

The target's stopped moving. No direct line-of-sight. I can't see what's going on.

Browntail warriors? What are they doing here?

Stand by. I'm calling Number One.

What's the meaning of this?

Your matriarch told us to come to meet her, then sent you to stop us?

The location of the meeting is just ahead, Sir Arctosz. This will only take a minute of your time.

Please allow us to search your vehicles, in the interest of safety.

What a joke. You're afraid of a handful of boys when your people picked the location? You people are cowards.

The orders came from Matriarch Ratatos. We request your cooperation.

Hmph. Do what you want. I've got nothing to hide.

No issues. You may proceed now, Sir Arctosz.

Not so fast.

You searched us. Now, we search you.

Search every nook and cranny from here to the Browntail manor, the road and everything around it.

You find anybody suspicious, take them in!

Yes, sir!

Report on the target's location, Alpha.