Hall of the Light

Acolyte (nu mou to the left): His Grace Anastasis awaits ahead.

Acolyte (nu mou on the right): His Grace the Gran Kiltias is a dreamsage. He has known of your coming for some time.

[The party approaches the Gran Kiltias, who stands silent with eyes closed. Everyone waits patiently, except for Vaan.]

Vaan: Is he sleeping?

[Ashe quickly shushes him, but then another voice speaks. It is the Gran Kiltias, though he does not open his eyes or move his lips.]

Anastasis: No, my child. I do not sleep. I dream. For reality and illusion are a duality, two parts of a whole. Only the mirror of dreams reflects what is true.

Ashe: Anastasis, Your Grace, I am Ashelia -

Anastasis: Lay down your words. Ashelia, daughter of Raminas, I have dreamt your dream. Who better to carry on the Dalmascan line than she who bears the Dawn Shard? Your dream of a kingdom restored is known to me.

Larsa: Gran Kiltias, then give us your blessing. Grant the Lady Ashe her accession -

???: I do not suppose this is something you might... reconsider?

[A dashing, dark-skinned young man in sunglasses walks in with an attendant beside him; the party makes way for them as he approaches Larsa and Ashe.]

???: My little emperor-in-waiting. You called and I have come.

[Larsa reaches out to shake his hand, but the much taller man instead opts to ruffle his hair. Slightly annoyed, he turns to Ashe and gestures.]

Larsa: This is the man I wanted you to meet. Believe it or not, he is a member of the noble House Margrace, rulers of the Rozarrian Empire.

???: I am but one of very, very many. Try as I might, I could not stop this war alone… thus I came seeking Larsa’s assistance.

[He takes off his sunglasses and hands them to the attendant, while he lays his head back and groans as though exhausted, then looks to Ashe again.]

Al-Cid: Al-Cid Margrace, at your service. To think I stand before the Lady Ashe. It is truly an honor.

[He kneels and takes her hand, kissing it. Penelo is covering her mouth in shock in the background.]

Al-Cid: I see it is true after all. Ah, stunning is Dalmasca’s desert bloom.

[Larsa sighs with exasperation.]

Anastasis: In Archadia, Larsa. In Rozarria, Al-Cid. They dream not of war. Should empire join with empire, the way will open for a new Ivalice in our time.

Al-Cid: Hah, Gran Kiltias! You speak much of dreams. But in the real world, war is upon us.

Ashe: Gran Kiltias, I was told my coming here would prevent this war. I was to assume my father’s throne and announce the restoration of Dalmasca… treat with the Empire for peace, and persuade the Resistance to stay their hand. I have not come all this way to be asked to reconsider!

Al-Cid: A word from you and the Resistance would stop cold… and Rozarria’s pretext for joining the war… scattered, off to the four winds. This was what we had hoped. Alas, circumstances change. A full two years have passed since your reported death. Were it to become known you were still alive… I fear it could only worsen our current situation.

Ashe: Because I am powerless to help.

Al-Cid: [shaking his head] Nay, in fact it has little to do with you.

Larsa: Then what? If Lady Ashe were to extend her hand in friendship… perhaps I could then persuade the Emperor. His Excellency will solve things peacefully -

Al-Cid: The Emperor Gramis is no more. His life was taken.

Larsa: [sighing] Father.

[Scene change; Judge Gabranth marches down a corridor filled with soldiers.]

Senator 1: What possible cause could we have to lay hand on the Emperor?

Senator 2: A deception and an outrage! The Senate will not stand for this!

[Judge Gabranth enters the Emperor’s audience room, where Drace, Vayne, Bergan, and Zargabaath all stand over a body, collapsed on the floor.]

Drace: A viper amongst our Senators!?

Vayne: With Chairman Gregoroth as its head. He confessed and passed his own sentence.

Bergan: A viper with many tails. Much of the Senate is culpable.

Vayne: We had to strip the Senate of authority and assign powers of Autocracy to myself -

Drace: Spare me your lies! I see the serpent coiled here before me!

Zargabaath: Drace, you speak too freely!

Drace: Zargabaath! Do not tell me you join in this mummer’s farce!

Zargabaath: With Rozarria poised to invade at any moment, our leader must have a free hand.

Vayne: The once-great House Solidor is now reduced to myself and my dear brother Larsa.

Drace: Surely you would not go so far!

[Drace draws her sword and points it at Vayne’s neck.]

Drace: Vayne Solidor! As Judge Magister and upholder of the law, I hereby place you under arrest!

[Drace gasps; Bergan has drawn his sword and now holds it to her neck in turn.]

Bergan: Vayne did not make himself autocrat. It was the very Ministry of Law which you serve. Do you see it now, Drace? When you bared your sword at His Excellency, you bared your sword at the law.

Drace: You wear the mummer’s motley well, Bergan.

[Slowly, she drops her sword… then turns and slashes at Bergan, who quickly blocks. He reaches around and grabs her around her face, lifting her off the ground, and then throws her across the room. Her sword goes flying.]

Drace: Such strength - inhuman!

Vayne: Zargabaath, take the Alexander. Accompany Bergan and bring Larsa back to me.

[Zargabaath nods and turns to leave. Gabranth steps up.]

Gabranth: Your Excellency, Lord Larsa was placed under my charge.

Vayne: Oh? Perhaps you mistook your orders then. I see no other explanation for why you were reporting on my doings to my late father.

Gabranth: Your Excellency -

Vayne: A hound, begging for scraps at the Emperor’s table. Would you serve another master, hound? You may fulfill your duty as Judge Magister before us all.

[Gabranth looks to Drace, laying on the floor.]

Vayne: She has been tried and found guilty.

Zargabaath: Your Excellency, I beg you reconsider!

[Gabranth slowly kneels to set down his helm and pick up the sword that was thrown from Drace’s hand. He then moves to Drace, kneeling, with sword poised to pierce her armor. He pauses.]

Drace: Do it. I care not.

[Gabranth looks at Drace.]

Drace: Live, Gabranth. Protect the young lord. Protect Larsa…

Gabranth: Forgive me.

Drace: Pray be quick.

[Another long pause; then, he thrusts the sword. Drace stifles a cry, then quickly goes limp. Vayne takes Gramis’s hand and places it on his lap, as if to make him look more dignified.]

Vayne: And so House Solidor lives on.

[Scene changes back to the group in the Hall of the Light.]

Al-Cid: Let us suppose you approach the Empire with a peaceful resolution. The Late Emperor Gramis would have lent you his ear, that much is certain. But we are dealing with Vayne Solidor. Should the Princess return, he would claim her an imposter. All to tempt the Resistance into battle. Vayne wants this war, that much is certain. As our ill luck would have it, the man is a military genius.

Anastasis: The dreams have told me thus. To reveal yourself would imperil us all. I see war, and Vayne’s name writ bold on history’s page.

Al-Cid: Archadia’s banners fly high. They are making ready for the coming war. According to our latest reports…

[He reaches to his left; his attendant has papers in hand already for him; he takes them and reads them aloud.]

Al-Cid: The Western Armada prepares for war, under Vayne’s command no less. The newly formed 12th Fleet has already been deployed. The Imperial 1st Fleet stands ready. They’ll be under way as soon as the Odin’s refit is complete. And there is more: the 2nd Kerwon Expeditionary Force is being called in… to replace the missing 8th, so there will be no gaps. [folding the papers] The largest force ever seen!

Ashe: And then… the nethicite is the coup de grace. [turning to Anastasis] Gran Kiltias, Your Grace. I spoke to you of my succession. Let us put that aside. Should I become Queen of Dalmasca now, powerless as I am, I can protect nothing. With a greater power at my disposal, perhaps then.

Anastasis: It is the nethicite of which you dream?

Ashe: I require something far greater.

[Anastasis now opens his eyes and speaks in his live voice.]

Anastasis: To wield power against power. Truly the words of a hume-child.

Ashe: I am descended from the Dynast-King himself.

Anastasis: Indeed. Then you have but one choice. Seek you the other power Raithwall left.

Ashe: Does such a thing exist?

Anastasis: Journey across the Paramina Rift to the Stilshrine of Miriam. There rests the gift he entrusted to the Gran Kiltias of his time. Seek it out. The Sword of Kings… can cut through nethicite.

[Ashe nods and turns to leave, but Anastasis is apparently not finished.]

Anastasis: Why he would entrust the power to destroy nethicite, the instrument of his greatness… to another and not to his own progeny, I cannot say. Awaken Ashelia B’Nargin and take up your sword, or your dream will remain but a dream.

[Ashe turns and starts to walk. She stops when she sees Larsa, still frozen in shock; she gives him a regretful look, then continues on. The others follow her.]

Anastasis: [falling back into his mediation] My dream too, fades into day.

[Larsa leaves the party.]

Ozmone Plains - Sunlit Path

[Vaan and Penelo chatter as the party enters the area. Basch speaks with Ashe.]

Basch: An alliance between Dalmasca and the Empire?

Ashe: Reason tells me ‘tis the only course. We must avoid war with the Empire at all cost. Yet I fear I could not bear the shame. Had I but the strength -

Basch: A shame perhaps for me and for you. But for Dalmasca it is hope!

Ashe: And you can just accept this, can you?

Basch: After Vayne’s ruse, I had abandoned hope for honor… yet never did I forget my knightly vows. If I could protect but one person from war’s horror… then I would bear any shame. I would bear it proudly. I could not defend my home. What is shame to me?

Ashe: My people hate the Empire. They will not accept this.

Basch: There is hope.

[He looks to Vaan, Penelo, and Larsa all chatting casually and joking with each other.]

Vaan: Larsa, this is serious.

Larsa: O-Oh, I’m sorry...

Penelo: Don’t be. Someone’s gotta put him in his place.

Basch: Hope for a future where we can join hands as brothers.

[The scene changes. Two Judges of Empire stride down a grand corridor.]

[The Imperial City of Archades - The Imperial Palace]

Bergan: The Senate may play at intrigue, but Lord Vayne will not be brought down easily. The entire military waits upon his orders, from the War Council to the rank and file. What better blade than he to strike down the enemies of the Empire?

[Another Judge appears.]

Drace: Your Honor reminds me of Zecht two years since. He, too, put his trust in Lord Vayne’s strength, and what became of him? Gone without a trace since Nabudis!

Bergan: I will not hear you malign Judge Zecht! He was a noble warrior. Or… do you think his trust in Lord Vayne ill-placed?

Drace: Vayne took two of his own brothers’ lives. He is ruthless beyond contempt.

Bergan: Ruthless, you say? Would he were more so! He gives traitors no quarter, be they of his own blood! How fitting for one who would bear the burden of Empire.

Drace: But could we bear him? [turning to the other Judge] Zargabaath, what of you? Surely you do not believe… his brothers were traitors.

Zargabaath: So found His Excellency, Lord Gramis. You would do well to mind your tongue, Drace. That matter is long past.

[The two see Judge Gabranth approaching.]

Gabranth: Your Honors, a summons! Lord Vayne has arrived at the palace.

Zargabaath: We come at once.

[Bergan and Zargabaath leave Gabranth and Drace lagging behind.]

Drace: Lord Larsa has left for Bur-Omisace. He hopes to enlist the aid of the Gran Kiltias in stopping the insurgents. I doubt this will be enough to deter Ondore… but even a slight hindrance to his operations would be welcome. This will delay the Rozarrian invasion… and we will have bought much-needed time to shore up our defenses.

Gabranth: Just as His Excellency had hoped.

Drace: No matter the result, I am pleased with the young Lord’s progress. I can already see the stunned faces of those mud-witted senators. The fools think a child emperor’s strings easy to pull from the shadows… but they will find that Lord Larsa is no puppet.

Gabranth: Yes. The senators would be most pleased with a puppet for an emperor. Recall, Drace, how the Senate fears and despises Lord Vayne’s ability? When they realize the truth, that Lord Larsa is no docile lamb to be sheperded… they will bare their teeth and devour him.

Drace: You’re right. I shall speak on this matter with His Excellency at once. Gabranth. It falls to us to protect Lord Larsa. Are we agreed?

Gabranth: Aye.

Game Hunter: We tried passing through Golmore Jungle, but we encountered some sort of barrier and could go no further. There must be a way through…

Travica Way & Ondore's Estate

Travica Way

Bhujerban Sainikah: His Excellency has given orders that you are to be granted an audience. You are prepared?

>Take me to him.

Then please come this way, bhadra.

>Decline.

Then, please come back when you are prepared.

Ashe: When Vossler learned my father had been killed the night of the treaty-signing, he returned to Rabanastre to aid my escape. There was still time before Vayne’s reach extended too far. We thought that you could protect me.

Ondore: However, when I made the announcement that you had taken your own life… I must have seemed a model citizen of the Empire. The announcement, you see, was Vayne’s suggestion. At the time, I was reluctant, but I could not perceive his reasons. Now it is clear: he meant to drive a wedge between us.

Ashe: Halim, we are past all this. Bhujerba must stand with us. We can stop Vayne.

Ondore: I once knew a girl whose only wish… was to be carried in her uncle’s arms. Your Majesty is a woman grown now.

Ashe: Then Bhujerba will aid me?

Ondore: Suppose for a moment that you were to defeat Vayne… What then? You cannot simply rebuild your kingdom with the only proof of your birthright stolen. The Gran-Kiltias on Bur-Omisace cannot recognize you as the rightful heir without it. You may yet be a princess, but without proof of your identity, you are powerless. You will remain with me. We will do nothing till the time is right.

Ashe: I cannot just wait!

Ondore: Then what does Your Majesty propose we do?

Ashe: Uncle Halim –

Balthier: Incidentally, what is the going rate for rescuing princesses these days? Food would be a good start – the good stuff, mind you.

Ondore: This can be arranged, though it will take some time.

Balthier: Time enough for a bath, I hope. Dirty business, you know. Ah, best bring a change of clothes too.

[As Balthier lists his demands, Ashe walks away as if in a daze, disappointed. The scene fades to black. Fade in again on the Strahl docked in the Marquis’s private hangar. The camera switches; we are looking from the point of view of someone seemingly sneak up on someone else who is sitting at the controls, messing with the buttons.]

Vaan: What are you doing? This is Balthier’s ship.

[Ashe, in the pilot’s seat, turns her head in his direction.]

Ashe: I’m going to retrieve the Dawn Shard. It’s the proof that I need. I know where it’s hidden. I’ll return his airship later.

Vaan: Are you crazy?

Ashe: This is something that I have to do! For myself and all those who have fallen. I will not be made to hide! I’ll fight alone, if I must.

Vaan: You still have Basch, right? Besides, you can’t just go around stealing people’s ships. What are you trying to do?

Ashe: I’m trying to concentrate!

Ondore(?): That’s quite enough, Your Majesty.

[Ashe and Vaan turn. Balthier stands in the doorway with a device, like a microphone of some sort, held up to his mouth.]

Balthier: What do you think? A bit over the top? In my line of work, you never know when something like this might come in handy. [in Ashe’s voice, over the device] I’m trying to concentrate!

[Pause, as Balthier approaches the two.]

Balthier: I’m leaving you with the Marquis.

Ashe: You can’t.

Balthier: Trust me, you’re better off staying here.

[Balthier turns to leave, but Ashe’s next words stop him in his tracks.]

Ashe: Suppose you kidnapped me instead? You’re a sky pirate, aren’t you? Then steal me. Is that so much to ask?

Balthier: What do you have that I would want?

Ashe: The Dynast-King’s treasure. The Dawn Shard is but one of the riches that lie waiting in King Raithwall’s tomb.

Balthier: [whistles and turns to face Ashe again] King Raithwall, you say?

[Suddenly Basch enters the bridge.]

Basch: Kidnapping royalty is a serious offense. It won’t do much to lower the bounty on your head.

Balthier: How much is the price on your head these days, I wonder?

Basch: [to Ashe] Allow me to escort you in Vossler’s place.

[Fran and Penelo also appear in the doorway.]

Fran: [to Vaan] Will you be joining us?

Vaan: What, are you kidding? I don’t wanna stick around this place.

[Penelo runs to take a seat immediately behind Vaan.]

Penelo: Then I’m coming too.

Vaan: Penelo?

Penelo: Don’t leave me here!

Vaan: [sighing] Of course not.

Fran: [to all] Then it’s settled. We should leave before the Marquis realizes she’s missing. Like proper kidnappers.

[The scene fades to black, then fades in again on a grand city.]

[Archadian Empire – The Imperial City of Archades]

[The view switches to a grand drawing room draped in the colors and insignia of the Empire. Emperor Gramis is having an audience with the same Judge in the horned helm who interrogated Basch and spoke to Vayne earlier.]

Gramis: Doctor Cid does this at Draklor?

Judge: I have confirmed he receives funds from Lord Vayne. His agency in the fall of Nabudis is also certain… yet, with Judge Zecht, who led the assault, missing… the truth remains difficult to ascertain.

Gramis: The long, cold years have clouded my eyes. I cannot see my own son’s heart.

[Suddenly, Gramis is taken by a coughing fit. The Judge appears concerned.]

Judge: My Lord.

Gramis: [recovering] This illness will claim me. So then, who is to be my successor? The Senate fears the capable peregrine Vayne. They prefer a young, fledgling emperor. [Pause] Gabranth. Once in the past, I laid siege to your homeland.

Judge Gabranth: The Republic of Landis is long since gone. My allegiance lies wholly with the Empire.

Gramis: Perhaps, but what of your brother? He did not accept us as you did. He fled to Dalmasca. Did you never think to follow him?

Gabranth: I follow his every move. He is an enemy of the Empire. He will be cut down.

Gramis: So you would kill even your own brother for the Empire. Be that as it may, Gabranth. Your ruthlessness is not without merit. But it must not become this way with Larsa. You must ensure that it does not.

Gabranth: So then, you ask me to be his sword, to strike where he might not?

Gramis: Rather be his shield. Gabranth, keep your close watch on Vayne. His is the keenest blade of all.

Gabranth: My Lord.

Gramis: Do this for me, Gabranth. I could not – I could not bear… to see my sons war with each other again.

[Scene fades to black.]

Travica Way & Ondore's Estate

Travica Way

Bhujerban Sainikah (on guard at Marquis’s estate): Haa, we’ve been expecting you. His Excellency the Marquis awaits.

>Take me to him.

You are ready for your audience, bhadra?

>I’m ready.

His Excellency the Marquis is otherwise occupied until sunset. Please, I will show you to a place where you may wait in comfort.

>I’m not ready.

>Decline.

Ondore: Sir Basch fon Ronsenburg. It was not so very long ago that I announced you had been executed.

Basch: And that is the only reason I draw breath.

Ondore: So you are the sword he’s strung above my head. Vayne has left not a thing to chance. And?

Basch: A leader of the Resistance has fallen into Imperial hands. A woman by the name of Amalia. I would rescue her, but I need your help.

Ondore: This resistance leader – this Amalia. She must be very important.

[Basch bows slightly in response.]

Ondore: You understand I’ve my position to consider.

Vaan: Would you let us see Larsa? He’s got my friend with him.

Ondore: I’m afraid you’re too late. Lord Larsa’s cortege has already rejoined the Imperial detachment. I am told they will depart for Rabanastre upon the arrival of the fleet this eventide.

[A very brief cinematic shows the fleet silently hanging over Ondore’s estate in the night sky, and a detachment of smaller craft flying out from the flagship toward the estate.]

[Fade back in on Ondore’s office, where Vaan is now being restrained by Balthier and Fran.]

Vaan: What are we waiting for?

Balthier: For you to calm down.

Ondore: Captain Ronsenburg. Surely the exigencies of position are not lost on you. Why, indeed, you should find the enemy’s chains… an easy burden to bear.

[A look of shocked comprehension crosses Basch’s face. Balthier catches on as well.]

Balthier: Wait!

Basch: Sorry. Can’t be helped.

[Basch draws his sword.]

Ondore: Summon the guard!

[His attendant opens the door to let in a string of sainikah, who proceed to restrain Vaan & co.]

Ondore: They’re to be taken to Judge Ghis.

[The scene fades to black once more, and fades into a different setting.]

[The Royal Palace of Rabanastre – Consul’s Chambers]

Vayne: Those decrepit, basking fools in Archades tie my hands, and look what happens! I tell you, this country’s obstinacy knows no bounds.

Judge: The insurgents in Rabanastre operate alone at present. However, should they garner external support, the situation could worsen. We have found the counter-Imperial elements in Bhujerba to be conspicuously well-funded. No doubt Marquis Ondore is behind this. Ondore must be reined in.

Vayne: By that way, the Marquis has written us a letter. He claims that he’s recaptured our runaway. He’s given him to Ghis.

Judge: He will die by my hand.

Vayne: Your fraternity is moving. Ah, Ghis returns with Larsa. Tomorrow morning they will leave Bhujerba. See him home safely, Gabranth. Now, I’m expecting Doctor Cid. You may leave.

[Gabranth bows, turns his back, and exits the room. As he leaves, he passes by Vayne’s next visitor, Doctor Cid, who appears to be enthusiastically talking to himself.]

Cid: We must see the real thing to be sure. Nabudis has taught us much! Yes, it’s well hidden. They’ll be off chasing after shadows, the fools. Ah, yes. The reins of History, back in the hands of Man. [turning to Vayne] Hah, Vayne! You seem to be enjoying your job as consul.

Vayne: I was kept waiting fully 2 years. What news of Archades? Our honored members of the Senate?

Cid: Hard at work as always, trying to find a dagger for your back.

Vayne: They are welcome to try.