―and something that can knock someone out cold―
Knock-U-Out, extra strength. Tossable or drinkable?
I guess it needs to have some range.
Excellent! One moment!
I need something that'll make someone fall asleep. Something edible without flavour or smell―
Sleeping potion
I need to get hold of some kind of sleeping potion
Bed-E-Bye, a perennial favourite of ours. One moment!
Here you are. No charge, it's on the house!
Giving
There you go. Consider it a gift!
That's perfect. Thank you.
Apostle Alvane. What's brought you out of your sanctuary?
A mission.
'A mission'. I see. It must be quite a mission for the Council to have sent you all the way from Sadir.
So, who do they want you to kill this time? Anyone I should know about?
My mission is a matter of confidence between myself and the Emissary, Commander.
Don't insult me, Alvane. I have the Emissary's ear and her utmost confidence. We're not in Sadir. Things are done differently here.
Commander...
Forgive me, Mistress. Did I speak out of order?
After all, it's not like we don't already have many fine officers and agents here in Marcuria.
The Apostle is here at the behest of the Six. We would do well to treat him with respect.
Of course. And he's most welcome to our little...outpost of the Empire.
Also, the Apostle appears...softhearted. He has never been this far from home. If he begins to empathise with these heathens...
It was, Mistress. This is an impressive edifice.
I've been travelling. You?
The same. I've been back to Marcuria a few times, but I've never stayed long.
And a change of pace I got. I've been to the four corners of the world, quite literally.
How did you manage to escape the Tyren?
Suspicious
I'm still not convinced
Likewise. You don't seem particularly pleased to see me again.
I'm surprised, is all. Where have you been?
Oh, here and there. I've done a fair bit of travelling...well, more than a fair bit, to be honest. I've rarely stayed in one place for more than a month.
I guess I should've been dead. When the Tyren invaded Marcuria, I was a drunken mess. It took me a few days to realise what was happening.
But what about you? I figured you were long gone. Back in Stark, or...dead.
I guess the Tyren invasion got me thinking about the world outside of Marcuria - and life outside of the bottle. You could call it an awakening of sorts.
I reckon the invasion got me thinking about how much I hadn't seen and experienced. Besides, my head was stuck in the bottle, so time was ripe for a change of pace.
So what are you doing at the Journeyman?
So you've been travelling for the past decade?
Travels
I'm interested to find out where he's been
Same as you. I've been travelling.
Hmm. You've certainly changed. I guess we both have. Ten years is a long time.
I got out, and after it was all over... Well, I was already walking, and I figured I might as well keep walking, see the world beyond the city. And the bottle.
Blind luck! First off, stupid critters didn't find my house. And a couple of days later, a dingy passed by and I was spotted.
The captain gave me passage all the way to Corescent. From there on out, I hitched a ride
Sorry to give you the third degree, Brian, but I have my reasons for being cautious.
Trust
I guess he's not working for the Azadi
Why do I have this feeling you're interrogating me?
Because I am. I have to be careful, and bumping into you like this...
It's easy to get paranoid and to be suspicious of coincidences. I don't believe in them.
I used to think that fate and destiny was a load of hogwash. But I know better now. There's a reason we met today, April Ryan.
But I don't think you have anything to worry about. If I'm here for a reason, it's to help you.
I understand. I don't believe in coincidences myself, and I'm sure there's a good reason we've bumped into each other like this.
I have, and I intend to keep travelling for the next decade or two, as long as I have my health. This world is fascinating.
Speaking of coincidences... Maybe you can help me with something.
Help
Maybe Westhouse could help me
Absolutely. What do you need?
There's something going on, something that may be affecting both worlds.
Why, Ms Ryan, you seem to get drawn into these things every time. Can you be any more specific?
It's more a feeling than anything else, so I need to confirm my suspicions...or, preferably, disprove them.
Just revisiting old haunts...and hoping to score a cup of Benrime's mulled wine, of course. How about yourself?
Same thing. I'm in the city for only a few days.
Even more fortuitous that we bumped into each other, then.
You look so much better since the last time I met you. Younger, healthier, happier.
I do feel fantastic. I was bitter and angry back then. Angry at myself, at being stuck in this world...
Now, I don't see Arcadia as a prison anymore. I see it as an opportunity to grow, and learn, and experience.
I'd forgotten why I crossed the Divide in the first place. I wanted to go where few had gone, where there were still untrodden paths...
Losing my home, being forced to run, it was certainly an awakening - and one I sorely needed.
I need to speak with the Guardian.
Who better to tell you if anything's happening with the Balance. So why not just Shift there?
I can't. I don't― I've lost the power to Shift. But it was never that easy to get to the Guardian's Realm in the first place.
So to find the Guardian, I need a little help from someone else. The White Dragon.
Ah, yes. I'd imagine she could give you some pointers.
The problem is, I don't know where to find her. She could be anywhere.
Not so. I may know where to find her.
I met a fellow traveller - a Dolmari from the Rose Court, actually - on a ship from Ge'en to Irhad, not long ago.
He told me he'd been to the Dark People's library. Not many people are allowed there, and it was a great privilege.
While he was there, however, he said that he was introduced to a pale, white haired woman who introduced herself as the White of the Draic Kin.
Now, I don't know if she's still there, or how you'll get to the Dark People's City, but it should at least get you on the right path.
It does. Thank you, Brian. This is very helpful.
It was good seeing you again. Are you staying long?
Time to head out
Another week, perhaps. Enough time to visit friends and to pick up some things that I can't get elsewhere in this world.
Then it's off to sea again. I've been thinking about heading east, perhaps convincing a whalerider to take me along on a hunt.
Sounds exciting. Take care, Brian.
And you, Ms Ryan...April.
So, child, did you find that person you were looking for last evening?
Without proper authorisation, there is no way for our vessel to leave harbour. If we do anything to awake suspicion―
I know, Chawan. It's just frustrating. The plan was for you to be halfway up the river already.
We leave this afternoon. Everything is in order now. The soldiers will not delay us any further.
I hope you're right. Everyone's waiting for the medicines and the―
That girl, Zoë, I saw her! She's been taken by the Azadi!
What? Where?
To that place you told me about, Friar's Keep. Isn't that where the Azadi torture rebels? Why did they bring her there? Do you think she's going to tell on us?
I don't think so. What would she tell them? She doesn't know anything about us.
We need to help her. She has no one else.
I know, I know. You don't have to tell me.
What? You must be joking.
You already have a mission, Brynn. A very important one. If you don't bring the supplies back to the swamp, people will die.
Why is she being like this?
Because she has much on her mind.
I understand that you're upset, but this is not my fight. I know that now.
Oh, because this Guardian person told you. Does he know everything?
Maybe not, but he told me that my role in this thing is over, that I'm free.
So, what, you're just going to walk away? You're not going to help me? What am I supposed to do?
You'll find out, I'm sure. I know I did―
Fine, yeah, God forbid you put yourself on the line again.
Others helped me, yes, and they suffered for it. There's no justice in this universe. No matter how much you give, there's no guarantee you'll ever get anything back.
That's no reason to give up. It's called having faith, April. You might want to try it out.
That's... Look, Zoë, I've told you everything I know. I've helped you as much as I can. You're on your own now. I have others to take care of.
Fine. If I have to do this on my own, I will.
Crow―
Ah, don't Crow me! You let that poor girl walk outta here! She needed your help!
No, Crow, she doesn't. I spoke with the Guardian, and―
The April Ryan I knew wouldn't be satisfied with saying 'I spoke with the Guardian'. She would've done everything she could to help her!
Well, I'm not the April Ryan you once knew. I'm tired of being responsible for everyone. I'm just tired.
Well, too bad, 'cause the world won't wait around for you to feel untired. And if you're not going to help Zoë, then I certainly am.
Crow―! Oh, forget it.
What? Oh. No, I... No.
What's the matter? You seem distracted.
I'm okay, Benrime.
All right. Well, the day is getting on. If there's anything you need, come see me.
Actually, Benrime, there is something. I'm...confused.
About what, child?
I'm not sure what to do, and I... I would appreciate your advice.
I see. Well, child, I'll do the best I can, though I'm no Wisewoman. What's wrong?
I think something's going on, something potentially bad... Something involving the Balance between the twin worlds.
Ah. Does this have anything to do with that nice young woman from Stark. Zoë, was it?
It may. It does. But I can't tell you all the details. I don't even understand what's going on. I'm just worried that I might be involved somehow.
I see. And you would prefer not to be involved.
I've done my share for the Balance. And I have more pressing concerns. People depend on me.
Yes, they do. But that is no excuse.
I'm not looking for excuses. I'm looking for answers. I want to― I need to know what I'm supposed to do this time.
Such answers aren't always easy to come by, April. Often, we have to rely on faith alone to carry us through.
Still... (Sighs) I understand that you want something more concrete than that, April. Very well. Here is my advice.
I've thought the same thing, but...it's impossible. I can't Shift anymore, and even if I could, the Guardian's Realm is closed to me.
Maybe so, and maybe not. There is someone out there who might be able to help you.
An old friend of yours. The White of the Draic Kin. The White Dragon.
You're right. If anyone can help me contact the Guardian, it's her. But I don't know where she is. She vanished just after she was born.
You are April Ryan. I'm certain that someone in this city can help you locate her. Have faith in yourself and in the Balance.
I had faith once, Benrime. Look where it got me. What's left of the person I used to be?
Benrime?
I need some food.
My word, child! Are you so hungry that you have forgotten your manners? In this place we say 'please'.
Stay there! Do not make a move!
Get him!
You're under arrest!
Submit or die!
We caught this one, sir!
The enemy's here!
There are too many of them!
Benrime
Search the premises. Let no one leave.
I'll take the second floor myself.
But I'm afraid we cannot take your word for it.
What is your name?
I'll give you one last chance to save your neck, witch. You will help me find someone, or you will die.
And not just you. We will send the proprietor of this tavern to Sadir to stand trial for treason.
As for your friends who just left harbour... Their ship will be boarded, and the supplies confiscated. Do you know how the Azadi punish smugglers?
I have no quarrel with you or your compatriots. I seek only one person. The one my people call 'the Scorpion'.
The...Scorpion?
What do you know of him?
If I― If I tell you about the Scorpion, will you let us go? Benrime, me...the shipment.
No. But if you lead me to the Scorpion, then yes, I will let you and your friends go. You'll have your food and medicine.
Please―
Leave the boat be, Azadi. Please. There are no weapons aboard. It poses no harm to your people.
It's in your hands now.
Very well. I will take you to...to the Scorpion, but only if you give me your word that you will harm no one else.
You have my word.
May the stars forgive me for what I am about to do...
You may seek danger - even death - yourself, but do not forget that others rely on you.
Uh-oh. What's happening? What did I do?
It's like...like a million voices. Or...dreams. Trapped. Stored.
I need to get this book returned to the library, but they've closed off Cold Stone Gate for 'security reasons'. Oh my.
Even in Sadir, there's nothing that can compare to this. Why was it built so tall?
You're asking the wrong man. I don't question the infinite wisdom of the Six. I have absolute faith in their decisions.
Of course. As do we all.
Go right inside, Apostle. The Emissary is expecting you.
It's an honour to have you visit the frontier, Apostle.
I hear the Six are planning a visit to Marcuria. I hope it's true.
Are you hunting down the terrorists? If so, I'm ready to serve under your command, Apostle!
Most people in Marcuria are happy that we're here to protect them. Except for those filthy magicals, of course.
Any word from Sadir, Apostle? This is my third winter here, and I miss home.
It's good to have you join us here in the Goddessless east, Apostle!
We are honoured to have you visit us. I trust your journey was comfortable?
The Six will travel all the way from Sadir to be here for that momentous occasion...but I bore you. You already know this.
They stand in the way of technological progress and spiritual enlightenment. They are only making it worse for the people they claim to protect.
After all, we wish only for these heathens to be bathed in the purifying light of the Goddess, and to receive passage to Paradise.
Instead, those bothersome few make life miserable for everyone. They seek liberty and democracy, but what we have given them is so much greater than that.
Without us, they would not even have the city. We have given them peace, prosperity, and progress. What more could they ask for?
He was just leaving. Thank you, Apostle. May the light of the Goddess illuminate your path.
Thank you, Emissary.
Apostle.
Zoë, over here!
Crow
Hey! Over here!
Good afternoon, young lady. Crow here tells me you're a friend of April Ryan.
I...know her, yeah. I'm Zoë Castillo.
Brian Westhouse. You and April had a falling out?
Of sorts. Look, I'm sorry, but Crow told me you might be able to help.
I might. What is it you need my help with?
To get home, I guess. To... (Whispers) ...Stark.
I figured as much. I'm afraid I can't help you with that, Ms Castillo, but I know someone who might.
What did he do? Carry someone up a hill? He didn't even crack a single joke to lighten the mood! No sense of humour whatsoever.
Her name is the White Dragon. And from what I understand, Crow, you know where to find her.
I do! I can be of assistance! Yes!
Dragon? Like in...big, flying, fire-breathing lizard?
More like skinny, pretty, with legs to kill for. I don't think she breathes fire, although she can get pretty fired up, if you know what I mean.
Anyone? Anyone? Jeez.
So where is she, this, um, this dragon person?
In a library. It's where all the hot chicks go, apparently.
She's in a place called the Dark People's City. Few know how to find it. It moves around with the ocean's currents.
But Crow's just been there. Haven't you, Crow?
Sure have. I spent several months there, learning the ancient art of sitting on my butt...feathers.
And you know how to get back?
Sort of-ish. I know the general direction. I remember the winds. They smelled like cinnamon and rose tea...wrapped in a fragrant bouquet of fresh bullmule excrement.
But I can't point it out on a map, because maps just look like a confused monkey's scribblings to me.
We won't have to take a boat. We'll fly.
Uh-huh. I'll just wait here while the two of you grow some wings, shall I?
Where we're going, Crow, we won't be needing wings.
I'm telling you, anything that flies without wings can't be trusted. It's against nature and all that's holy.
Airship
Your friend, he'll just lend it to us?
He owes me a favour. Besides, NPS - that would be the Northlands Parcel Service - has just upgraded their airborne fleet. This baby...
...was one of the first they leased from the Azadi, seven years back, and even then she was getting on.
So you're coming with us?
Coming with you? Ha! Wouldn't miss it for the world, Ms Castillo! This is one adventure I'm definitely looking forward to!
Besides, you'll need me to fly her for you. She takes some getting used to.
The new ones are faster, bigger, slicker. But she'll do just fine for our purposes.
I don't know, I still don't trust a bird without wings.
Delivery
I'll just pretend I'm making a delivery
Delivery of what?
Um...sheets.
We do not issue sheets to our prisoners. It must be a mistake. Good day.
Spare keys.
We forge our own keys in the basement. You must have the wrong address. Good day.
Delivery!
I see. What are you delivering?
Firewood.
We use oil. Thank you. Please stop bothering me.
Who is it?
Prison inspection!
Fake it
I'll pretend I'm here to inspect the facilities
Prison inspection.
Yeah. Prison inspection.
This is Friar's Keep. One doesn't inspect Friar's Keep. You must have us confused with the city jail, over on Cold Stone. Good day.
You ordered a sandwich?
Did I place that order already? Never mind, Mr Beonon has, mmm, made it known to all and sundry that he's...peckish.
And we can't let Mr Beonon's stomach stay empty, can we? No, no, no. Enter!
Sorry, wrong door.
Nothing
This isn't the right approach
Nothing. Sorry.
Don't go causing any trouble now. We don't like trouble here at the Keep.
Oh, and Mr Beonon guards the second floor. The food's for him.
What― Who...what are you?
I'm a bird. Crow's the name. At your service, etcetera. You're Zoë, right?
R-right. How did you... How did you know?
Got a friend of yours outside. April. She sends her regards. We're breaking you out! Exciting stuff, isn't it?
You can...talk.
Just noticing that, huh? Right. You're from Stark. Talking bird's a big deal for you. Trust me, it really isn't.
No?
Nope. Of course, most birds don't speak a human language, but birdspeak is a lot more complicated. Most birdbrains can't hold both, so I've specialised.
The world's a lot less annoying now that I don't understand what all these birds are going on about all the time.
So, what's the plan?
The plan? I don't have a plan. I thought you were breaking me out!
Don't shoot the messenger! I'm just a messenger, see, and I don't want to get shot because of that whole messenger-thing.
So what's the message?
Oh! I forgot about the message. Well, April says, uh...she says... Um. She says, "keep that upper lip stiff, trooper!".
What's the bloody racket? You're giving me a bloody headache!
It's so dark in here, and I'm, uh, feeling a bit claustrophobic.
Really? That's what she said?
No. No, I can't remember what she said. Point is, we're breaking you out!
Shh, not so loud. They'll hear you. How do you plan to do that?
Up here!
That's where you come in. April needs you to use your investigative skills. In other words, it's your move, baby.
Classa-what?
I don't like enclosed spaces. Would you mind leaving the hatch open? It'll make me feel better.
Oh, yeah? Is that right? Dearie me, we can't have you feeling bad, can we? After all, this ain't jail, it's a bloody holiday resort, innit?
Please, I'll be...very grateful!
Mrs Brytt has the day off, Mr Beonon. You'll just have to wait.
Sir, can't we just order something in?
Mmm, it'll have to come out of your salary, then, Mr Beonon. Our budget doesn't cover such...extravagances.
Extravagances, my arse...
Very well. I shall send for a sandwich, the cost of which will be, mmm, deducted from your next salary.
Fine...sir. As long as I get some food.
How grateful?
I-I'm not sure... How grateful do you―
Will you sing me a song?
A...song?
Yeah. A jingle. A ditty. A rhythmic series of musical notes. Like me Mum used to.
I...guess. I can do that. Yes. Yes, I can sing you a song. Later.
Thanks ever so much. I'll just leave the hatch open then, shall I? And I'll come back later, right? For that ditty?
Um. Yes. Yeah.
(Humming)
Dagdam
Hey! Bloody hey! You're not supposed to be out here! You're a bloody prisoner, you!
What―!
...g'night, Mum...
Hi. You must be Faith. I'm Zoë.
Playing.
You've been helping me, haven't you, Faith?
The white lady told me to.
Oh. What did the white lady say?
She said to talk to you.
Did she tell you that I had to save April Ryan?
What does the white lady look like?
She's all white.
When did you last see her?
She was here just before you.
She was?
What did she say?
She said it's all fine. She said you did good. She said you saved April.
That's what she said? That I saved April?
Crow! Perfect. I need your help.
Oh, it's always the same old song― What?
I need to find someone who's locked up in that tower. You can help me.
H-help you...? Really? Yes. Yes! Yes, I can! What do you need?
There's a young woman in a cell somewhere in Friar's Keep. Her name's Zoë. She's got long, dark hair, and she probably looks completely lost.
Sounds like someone I once knew.
Tell her that I'm― that we're here to break her out. But we need her help in order to do that.
Got it. I won't let you down, April.
Did you find her?
I did, and she's doing fine. They haven't beheaded her yet. I think.
No. Did she find anything in the cell we can use to get her out of there?
I'll wait here while you put that oversized human brain to work.
You know I've been looking for you, don't you?
Yes.
Why me? Why did you talk to me, Faith?
Because you're like me.
Like you how?
You dream like me.
You mean dream things true?
Yes. You're my sister.
I'm...what? I'm your sister?
Yes. You're my big sister.
You mean because of the way we dream?
No, because we're sisters. For real.
Faith, this is very important. What makes you think we're sisters?
I just know. And the white lady says so, too. We have the same mother.
We...do? Faith... Um, I'm sorry, but that's not possible. My mother died long before you were born.
Uh-uh. No. Our mother isn't dead. And we are sisters.
That's... That's impossible.
It's true! I know! I'm not lying!
I believe you, Faith. Okay? I do believe you. It's just... I thought my mother was dead.
Faith, why are you here?
Because I don't have anywhere else to go.
You can't stay here. You're hurting the world.
I know. That's what the white lady said. But I don't know where to go. And...and...
And I'm scared, Zoë.
I know. I would be, too. But sometimes we have to let go. Sometimes we just have to trust that things will be okay.
Faith, you're not supposed to be here anymore. You're supposed to be...to be gone.
I'm supposed to be dead.
No, you're not― (Beat) Yes. Yes, Faith. You're supposed to be dead.
I know. But I don't want to go. I'll be alone.
Maybe. Maybe not. I can't promise you anything, but I believe there's something better waiting for you. I have faith.
You'll stay with me?
I will. You won't have to be alone anymore.
Frozen water! I haven't seen this before.
You'll tire of it soon enough, Bael.
It's almost like...like walking on clouds.
Would you believe that some Eastlanders strap metal bars to their feet to make them glide on the ice? It looks ridiculous.
I need you to do something for me, Crow.
Can they reattach your head after cutting it off?
The hatch in the door's open. Zoë says the door is locked from the outside with a metal bar. There's a guard, but he's not very attentive.
Ask her to look around the cell, check the walls, the floor, the door, see if she can find a way to get out of there.
I'm counting on you, Crow.
Right. So we need something to take care of that bolt, and something to get rid of the guard. Any ideas?
Magic's always a good answer. You can't go wrong with magic. That's my final answer. Magic.
Magic won't work inside Friar's Keep. The stone walls work as a sort of magical jammer...but potions would still work. That's chemistry, not magic.
And I know where to get potions. Roper Klacks. Wait here, Crow.
I need you to fly up there with these two potions. Can you do that?
No problemo. That's what my talons are for. Just hand them over, and Crow's your man...bird. Birdman. Guybird. Whatever. I'm that.
I'll keep an eye on things while you're gone.
I'll hold down the fort while you get the supplies.
All-righty. I'll keep my eye on the tower, in case anything...happens.
Just hand over those potions, and I'll deliver them to Zoë.
I'll need to get my hands on some food before I can deliver it. Maybe Benrime can help me out?
Is that a sandwich? Good, 'cause I'm starving.
This isn't for you, Crow. I need it to get into the prison.
I'll watch the entrance while you charm your way into the heart of the enemy stronghold.
Oh. Right. The classic Trojan sandwich. Good move, April. After all, that's how the Ayredeans conquered Eruden.
With a sandwich?
Not as such. They had this huge boat, which they filled with explosives, and then they tied this straw puppet in a dress with ginormous...
Ahem. Uh. Nevermind.
Quit teasing me with that sandwich. I'm starving! Go make your delivery, already.
Pardon, mistress. Do I...do I know you from somewhere? You are familiar to me.
I don't think so. Who are you?
I'm Kian Alvane. I'm an Azadi Apostle. I just arrived in the city.
I have nothing to be ashamed of
W-why are you telling me this?
I... Honestly, mistress, I'm not certain. It seemed the right thing to do.
I'm Kian. I'm new to the city.
Cover
I should not reveal myself, but nor should I lie
My name is Kian. I'm from the Southlands, and I'm in Marcuria on business.
For all I know, she could be a rebel spy
You're Azadi, aren't you?
Why do you say that?
Because you look and talk like one of them.
You're lying. You're one of them. You're Azadi.
What makes you say that?
You look and talk like one.
What I think of your people? I find you Azadi arrogant and full of yourselves. You believe you have a right to impose your politics and religion on others.
And you actually have the audacity to believe that we should be grateful for that.
I don't. They are arrogant and full of themselves.
It sounds like you do not think much of the Azadi.
And, what's worse, they actually believe we should be grateful for it.
Perhaps I simply wanted to speak with someone who is not Azadi, to find out what you truly think of my people.
They believe they have a right to impose their politics and religion on others, and they even believe that we should be grateful for it.
'Charity and good will'? Is that what they call a military occupation these days?
It sounds like you don't much care for the Azadi.
I don't. They are an arrogant people, and they are full of themselves. They believe they have a divine obligation to impose their politics and religion on us.
Oh. Uh, well, there's a couple of really good taverns inside Oldtown...I mean, the ghetto.
Well, you don't want to go anywhere near the South Gate. The few places that are still open down here are expensive and bad.
There's this place up on Burrow Crook called the Riverwood Tavern that serves the best roasted gipa in town. It's worth checking out.
I was only wondering if you know of any place to buy hot food nearby. I'm new to this city, and―
There are plenty of places nearby. I'm sure you can find one on your own.
And if you head further up that way, and you're in the mood for a good ale, the Journeyma― Actually, no, forget that. It's closed.
I appreciate your help.
But if you head up Ayrede Avenue towards the tower, I'm sure you'll find somewhere to take your lunch.
Thank you, mistress.
Thank you, mistress. I apologise again for the imposition.
You are correct in your assumptions. I am Azadi.
Well, don't expect me to apologise for telling you how I feel.
I do not. I appreciate your honesty, though I disagree with your views.
Don’t mistake gratitude for love, Azadi. A lot of people were grateful that you liberated Marcuria from the Tyren hordes.
So sure, there are those who are grateful, and those who have gained a lot from your presence here.
Ask those who've had their homes raided and destroyed because they weren't born human, because they practised magic, or because they didn't worship your goddess.
Ask the Dolmari or the Zhid about being forced to relocate and live inside the walls of the ghetto while they await an uncertain fate.
Do you think they will sing your praises? Do you think they've bought into the whole 'charity and good will' song and dance?
You came here under the pretence of liberating us, but instead you've imprisoned us. You've taken our sovereignty and you've taken our faith.
You're even trying to take our individuality away. You want to make us into you.
Wait. I still...feel that I know you from somewhere.
That's impossible. We're from very different worlds...in more ways than you can possibly imagine.
Maybe I could learn about your world, and you about mine.
Perhaps you could show me this ghetto from your perspective, and explain to me how your people have suffered under our rule.
You don't understand. It's impossible. And it's too late. We can't come to an 'understanding'. We're enemies.
How can we be enemies when we have just met?
I don't― I really have to go.
I don't know if this'll help, but it's a start.
It's locked, and even if I could reach it, I wouldn't be able to move it...but maybe you or April can figure something out?
I got the guard to leave the hatch in the door open, and I can see the bar that keeps the door bolted.
That's what we're here for, figuring things out. Also rescuing you, of course. For me, it's mostly that last one. Not so much the former.
Anyways, I'll fly down and tell April. She'll know what to do, I'm sure. She's the brains of the outfit. Also the brawns. I'm just the wings and the beak.
I come bearing gifts!
April got her hands on some potions that might be of use to you.
This one melts metal, apparently. Careful, you don't want to spill that on the floor. Or, you know, your hands.
So I pour this on the bolt?
I guess so. What do I know? Birds don't have any use for chemistry.
Then there's this one...
What's this for?
It's a knock-out bomb. You toss it, it breaks, smoke comes out, people fall over. That sort of thing. Real popular with the kids, for some reason.
Okay. For the guard. So I just toss it at his feet, and he'll be knocked out? Will he get hurt?
Eh. He might wake up with a headache. Just remember that he would cut your head off without a moment's hesitation.
And only the strongest myrshnik survive.
Right. I'll get to it. Wish me luck, Crow.
Will do. But I'll keep it inside, just in case a luckwod is lurking somewhere in the shadows. Nasty things. They'll pounce on anyone who wins the lottery.
So I just pour this on the metal, right?
That's what the cryptic inscription says, yes.
It worked! The bolt melted like butter. That was some strong stuff.
I know. I could smell the acid all the way over here.
Now I need to take care of that creepy guard.
Remember that you only have one chance. If you screw this up, you might end up having your head chopped off and buried in an unmarked grave.
Thanks, Crow.
Anytime, Zoë!
I have to go take care of that guard.
Don't miss.
Thanks for the tip, Crow.
The guard's out cold. The bomb worked perfectly.
He'll be visiting with Lady Snooze for a few hours. Plenty of time to get out of here.
What do I do now?
What, we're not done?
Crow...we're still inside the prison.
Right. I forgot. I guess you need to do some scouting, get the lay of the land and find― The lay of the land! That's just unbelievably funny!
'The lay of the land'. I never thought about that before. Wait, I need to write this down somewh―
Crow. Please try to focus.
Oh. Yeah. Everyone keeps telling me that, for some reason.
Right, so you need to do some scouting. Try and see if there's a way out of this joint. If you come up with anything, let me know, and I'll tell April.
I heard something that could be of use.
Find anything?
No, not yet. I'll keep looking around.
Righty-ho. I'll be here.
There's another guard between this floor and the bottom floor, and he just ordered a sandwich.
Ah, the classic 'caper á la cuisine'.
The what?
Oh, uh, I thought we were doing a thing now. I was just making stuff up. Sorry.
I don't know if that information will be helpful or not, but I'll let April figure that part out.
Stay brave! We're not giving up until you're safely out of here! Or, dead!
Please, mistress, I wish you no harm. You spoke to me with honesty back in Marcuria, and I... I respect that.
Others are grateful for what you've brought with you. Technology, airships, exotic goods, increased trade.
So what the hell are you doing here? If you brought soldiers with you... There are civilians here, women and children.
No, I did not bring any soliders. I am alone.
But we do so with steel and blood instead of sermons. With swift death instead of compassion and love. We are the last resort. And we are feared.
I have never before doubted the righteousness of my mission. The Goddess is the one true deity, and we must allow her light to shine in the darkest of places.
But the things I have seen in my brief time here in the Northlands...
