KNIGHT: The road to Coritanae is long. Why take her all that way? She's for the gallows at any rate. I say we have done with it here and now!
ALFRED: Orders is orders. Commander Loxaerion is to have a proper hearing before her justice is meted out.
KNIGHT: And is it not some opposition nobleman who spares her? Why do you suppose they go to such lengths to keep her from harm?
ALFRED: They say there's Galgastani blood in her. Might be that blood is bluer than most.
KNIGHT: Then her crime is twofold, for she is a kinslayer besides! I see no Galgastani before me - only a Walister Knight!
RAVNESS (to herself): The Walister name me a Galgastani traitor, while the Galgastani claim I am a Walister Knight. Enemy to all and friend to none.
RAVNESS: The Galgastani can't so much as escort a prisoner without a quarrel. No wonder the country splits in two.
SOLDIER: Silence her!
[The soldier smacks Ravness across the face.]
ALFRED: I'll have a much easier time guarding you if you would guard your tongue. It'll mean my neck if I don't bring you back safe to Coritanae.
[A Galgastani archer spies something across the way.]
SOLDIER: Sir Alfred, it's the Walister!
RAVNESS: Now's my chance...
ALFRED: What? How!?
DENAM: Is that...Ravness?
[She sprints away from her captors.]
SOLDIER: Damned woman!
ALFRED: She's sealed her own fate. We've cause enough to kill her now. Kill kinslayer and rebels all!
[Denam and Catiua make their way across the road to reach Ravness.]
RAVNESS: If you mean to seize me as a traitor, then do so. Else return to your duties. Tarry here too long and your master may wonder at your absence.
[CHOICE 1 - You are a friend, then?]
Missing
[CHOICE 2 - I cannot leave you here.]
DENAM: Wherever your loyalties lie, I cannot simply leave you to your fate.
RAVNESS: Not words I'd expect from a man with the blood of Balmamusa on his hands. But still only words.
DENAM: Believe me or not, as you will.
RAVNESS (to herself): He speaks plain enough. Perhaps the horrors of that day have wrought some change in him. I think I shall see for myself.
RAVNESS: If I fall now, all comes to nothing. I will not die here! I must go on!
[They work together to defeat the Galgastani.]
ALFRED: Should have...killed her while I...had the chance.
DENAM: What do the Galgastani want with her...and she of them?
RAVNESS: I suppose I should thank you. Even if you lead me away a traitor, I owe you my life.
DENAM: Are you a traitor?
CATIUA: She has Galgastani blood in her. Is it any wonder some tie remains?
DENAM: You speak as though she betrayed the Walister outright, sister.
RAVNESS: Only words. Though no doubt there are others who share her thinking. Those who claim that, fearing for my life, I struck a deal with the Galgastani, who were only too willing to embrance one of their own. And there is some kernel of truth to it. I doubt even those Galgastani nobles who do not take so hard a line as Balbatos would have offered me shelter were it not for my blood. But in the final lay of the cards, I am a woman without a country.
DENAM: I'm sorry.
RAVNESS: I had always told myself I was a Walister, and I acted the part as best I could. But this.... I am shaken to the core. I no longer know what I am meant to be.
DENAM: Ravness, come back with us. Warriors of your skill are in short supply. We could use you.
RAVNESS: I am cheered to hear you say so, but I...I can never go back. I cannot forgive the duke for what he did at Balmamusa...nor the disgrace I suffered there.
DENAM: I see.
RAVNESS: But my gratitude is heartfelt. Both for saving my life...and for setting me free.
[She silently passes Denam and Catiua.]
CATIUA: The duke wants her captured. Can we really just...let her go?
DENAM: Leave it be, sister.
RAVNESS: You may find it hard to believe, but I love the Walister. I was born in Almorica - spent my childhood there. It will always be my home. Even now, I do only what I feel best for the Walister people. Farewell, Denam. Perhaps we'll meet again someday.
CATIUA: Are you certain this is the right choice? What if she joins forces with the Galgastani? Should you face her on the battlefield, it will not go easy for you.
DENAM: If she becomes an enemy for true, I will face her as any Walister soldier would. Do not worry, sister. All will be well. Come, let's be off.
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