act46side

After the battle concluded, Caster took the time to restore its flagship, so that her <i>Glory</i> may live on.

How many upon this great land can boast of the might to stand against this force?

...We chose to walk the more difficult road. It is time we meet the end of it.

Whew—

Why are all of Kjerag's mountains so hard to climb...

Just bear it a little longer, Elena. We need to avoid the Vine-Bead Court, and this is the only road that does so.

A Rift Cloudbeast clambers up onto Elena's shoulder out of nowhere before jumping back into Joanna's embrace, letting out a high-pitched cry.

Heh, it's laughing at you.

Laugh all you want... I've done more exercise today then the past twenty-something years I've been alive...

Enya looks at the crestfallen Elena, letting out a light chuckle as she turns the corner.

She sees a simple camp by the side of the road, not far from where they stand.

There are many clerics of the Vine-Bead Court warming themselves by the fire. Amidst the crowd, Enya picks out a familiar figure with but a glance.

Why'd you stop, Enya?

...Is that Elder Adso?

Who?

I didn't think... I would run into you here.

Because you should not be here, Saintess.

You know, Elder, when you're talking with the Saintess, you should be more—

I know, and yet I also know this is not the road she is meant to be on.

...What if it is to search for Kjeragandr?

All shall seek Her in their time of need.

So, what is it you need?

You instructed me to go on the Pilgrimage, so that I may atone for the sins of all Kjerag to Her. Thus, what I need is to find Her, and pray to Her for forgiveness.

I had wanted to get you out of the Vine-Bead Court at the time.

...And in doing so, the Court would not be 'hindered' by me.

I had hoped that while you were off on the Pilgrimage, we would be able to sway the Duke of Caster into handling Enciodes, and that when you returned, it would be to both parties worn and wary.

The Court would then take advantage of your return to declare a miracle, thus gaining true control.

But your brother declared war on the Court too soon, and I could not allow myself to fall into the hands of Caster or Enciodes, whether as their prisoner, or as their puppet.

I presume you being here means you are thinking of being like the Court clerics of old, going to Karlan to the ancient refuges in the legends, where you can wait for the moment your enemies are 'worn'.

As such, there is no need for you to continue with your meaningless circuit, Saintess. Follow us to seek refuge atop the mountains.

There will come a time that the people will beg on bended knee for you, and us, to appear.

The silent elders of the Court behind him stand up one after the other, forming a semicircle before the Saintess.

Joanna glances at Enya with unease, her hand subconsciously moving towards her crossbow, but Enya merely gives her a light shake of the head.

I can't stop. The next Catastrophe is nearly upon us.

What...?

The Saintess is right, Elder. You must have noticed the strange weather these past few days.

We've already found an important clue about the 'Heart of Karlan'. We have the opportunity to learn the exact reason why a Catastrophe came to strike Kjerag.

Maybe even... the truth behind Kjeragandr.

...It is meaningless.

Elder—

Because Kjeragandr does not exist.

...What did you say?!

When I left the Court, you told me quite the opposite.

'Kjeragandr' can exist within the plants, the stones, our words and deeds, but you will not find Her true form atop this great land.

She is not real, only existing within our imaginations.

Not even you can blaspheme against Her, Elder Adso!

...When I was young, my faith in Her was much the same as yours. My father and uncle sent me to the Vine-Bead Court as a child, forcing me to secretly aid Clan Browntail with their mission, yet all I wanted to do was to serve Her in all sincerity.

When the Great Elder tasked me with managing the Hall of Writings, I was giddy with glee. Every word to do with Her, whether they be fragmented pages or ridiculous essays, were studied by me over and over.

But the more you read, the more you realize that the so-called <i>Kjeragandr</i> is nothing more than a piece of 'scripture' assembled by mortal men.

Dare you deny it, Saintess? You too have seen what is said to be the original copy. It is no more than a few scant phrases, nothing like what we have today.

It's not true, is it, Enya...?

From marketplace chatter to historical records, even foreign legends from who-knows-where. Add cold gales and snowy peaks, and you have the 'miracles' of Kjeragandr.

I persisted in my inspection of everything, hoping to find even the tiniest shred of evidence 'unlike the rest'. But all I found were more and more archetypical tales.

I even found signs of adaptation left behind by previous Court elders in the margins of a few books.

...Why didn't you tell anyone?

And what would I say?

What is Kjerag to you, Saintess?

That is not a question any one child of Kjerag can answer.

Because Kjerag already has its answer. This is a nation of faith.

Enciodes has tried to undermine it, the Duke of Caster has tried to swallow it, but even they dare not defy Kjeragandr, at least not openly.

But if She doesn't exist, then who founded Kjerag?

...Our country was never one built atop Her flesh and bones. Rather, it was Her country that was built atop our flesh, our bones.

It was the ancestors of the people of Kjerag who, amidst these snow-capped mountains of despair, labored tortuously to create a place where they could survive.

People could never understand why fate decreed they should struggle in suffering, whilst others thrived in merriment.

And so, abandoned upon these hopeless rocks, they had to seek consolation elsewhere, so that they may continue to live.

From the cries for some almighty leader and the prayers for majesty and morality of every generation of Kjerag, 'Kjeragandr' was born.

From the moment of Her birth, She became the foundation of Kjerag. Because of their need for faith, generation after generation must repeat a lie.

Kjerag needed virtue and law, needed art and aesthetics, needed family and tradition. With 'perfect timing', She would appear by our sides, leaving behind a few revelatory words of wisdom.

From this came an unbreakable order, one that has lasted time immemorial.

So in your eyes, this lie must be maintained at any cost, so that Kjerag itself can be maintained.

Indeed.

Every nation has its own lie. Kjerag's is 'Kjeragandr'.

...I disagree.

A lie can bring temporary reprieve, but it cannot become the eternal law through which we live.

You believe it is able to maintain order, so you care not for the sincere longing of the people. You treat their feelings as a tool you can control.

When this longing tears through the veil you have constructed, the Vine-Bead Court and the faith it tends to shall be shattered beyond repair.

From that point of view, you are your hated Enciodes's greatest ally.

There is only one thing I wish to ask you. Do <i>you</i> believe Kjeragandr exists?

I... but...

She sifts through her mind, through all her memories of that head maid... but she has already forgotten. How she looked, vague wisps of emotion, all forgotten.

There is no memory, no person who can vouch for her, no-one who can offer her words of comfort. Her heart lies empty...

...I do.

You claim this is all a lie, Elder Adso, which is proof that there is a truth to correspond with this lie.

And so I believe in the passion and goodness preached by the scriptures. I believe Kjeragandr exists in Kjerag.

Besides, I have already found the path to Her.

If you must refute me, then come witness alongside me.

Your 'faith' is pointless, Saintess. Even greater disaster awaits Kjerag.

Enciodes's short-sightedness has already left her faith on the brink of collapse. This is our last chance to save her.

Ever since the Pilgrimage began, you have treated me as part of your conspiracy.

Because we have both dedicated our entire lives to the faith. It is impossible for you to not understand my devotion.

Then what is it you wish me to do?

At a suitable hour, return with me to the Vine-Bead Court to regain control.

We shall have to look at our specific circumstances to deal with the Duke of Caster, but Enciodes must be eliminated.

You are a kind soul, and cannot bear to harm your brother. I understand.

Enciodes must leave Kjerag. That is the most we can allow him.

This is pure coercion.

In return, I can take you to the place you seek.

When I was young, I had searched all of Karlan. Since you must face the truth, this will be the quickest way to do it.

...I accept.

Enya?