Somewhere deep in the dungeon of the Golden Guard.
How long has it been?
How long have I been locked in this rotten cell?
Can't tell whether it's day or night anymore. All the light I can get is from the torchlight behind the iron bars.
It's hard to even take a nap, it's hot in here. Humid, even.
And still, I cannot imagine the reason I'm stuck here to begin with.
"...General Greymoore, Lady Aedale, Lord Harmos... You are charged with the most serious crime one could ever commit : TREASON..."
"Nonsense! Greymoore and his men supported me against Genethas in Lor!"
"...Your recent activities are deemed to questionable as well, Gardon... You are in no position to protest..."
What is the meaning of this? We are getting arrested because of Genethas? Even after me and Gardon fought the traitor himself?
And what business does the Golden Guard have in this continent, aren't they supposed to stay back and defend the Empire?
No, I shouldn't think much of it by now, I have to find a way to prove the innocence of me and my men. Until everything is made clear, there's not much I can do given the situation.
Some heavy footsteps heading this way. The guards quickly bow themselves to the guest.
"My lord."
"How's our general?"
"Silent as ever, sir."
"Open the cell, I want to speak to him. Alone"
"As you command."
The one clad in golden armor enters the cell.
"How are you doing, Greymoore? Damn, look at all the bruises, my men really made a mess on your face."
"Greeting, Highlord."
"Hmm, calm as always. As expected from one of the most decent generals our Empire has ever had."
"Save it for when I have the answer I need, Highlord."
"Answer? About what?"
"Don't play dumb with me, Highlord Inquisitor Renald van Durce." - I directly call out his full title - "You know as well as I do that me and my men had nothing to do with Genethas's betrayal. And yet, you treated us nothing better than Genethas himself back in the royal palace, right in front of King Dorten and his men."
"Hmm... Are you sure you are any different from Genethas?"
"Don't give me that, van Durce." - I speak out of anger - "I've served the Empire for many years, you should know where my loyalty lies!"
"So did Genethas, Greymoore. He declared himself serving the Empire since the Void War, and look where he is now."
"Even after me and Gardon fought him in Lor?"
"Don't get the wrong idea, Greymoore. The only reason Gardon does not share the same cell with you right now is his relation with our Emperor."
"So, this is the order from our Emperor, after all?"
"I thought you know that already?"
"Then, WHY?"
"Too ignorant to realize it, Greymoore? Were it you who left the frontline to help that brat Gardon on his stupid mission in Lor?"
"It's for the investigation, we were to deal with some unseen threats..."
"I don't want to hear your excuse, general, Gardon and his men are more than capable of dealing with it, as if those 'threats' you spoke of were really true to begin with."
"Could you at least listen..."
"You abandoned your duty, Greymore. Cleavehand and the frontline would be still standing had it not been for your childish actions. And don't make me remind you of that Redfist girl you were bringing along."
"What about her?"
"Before his mysterious demise, Salomar had sent us the report of her influence with demonic magic, as if she was obsessed with it. And as far I know, Gardon supported the idea of using demonology as well, care to explain about that?"
"It was their decision during the meeting, when me and Selior were busy in the frontline..."
"Ah, so you knew nothing about either Gardon's business or that Redfist girl, did you? How dumb and naive, Greymoore. You were nothing but a tool serving their purposes so far."
"Badmouth me all you like, van Durce. But I don't think me and my men deserved being wasted away in this rotten cells when the demons are coming for us."
"Of course." - van Durce smirking behind his helmet - "You and your Kasrkin unit proves to be more than valuable in this war. I really feel bad having you all locked here."
"Then let us out..."
"Hold that thought, general." - van Durce interupts my words - "I cannot let you and your men get in contact with that brat Gardon once we let you out of here. To our beloved Emperor, Gardon and his Ironfist are becoming an... inconvenience."
"How so?"
"You see, Gardon and his damn army had started a rebellion against our Empire by taking control over the whole two countries Toran and Pyrru, even declaring himself 'King' in the process, which cause distress within the whole Imperial Army, many had questioned our Emperor for that."
"I don't think I had anything to do with Gardon's actions against the Emperor, it was his decision, not mine. Besides, there must be a reason behind it. And I'm pretty sure it has something to do with you, correct?"
"You are sharp, Greymoore, I'll give you that. It was us who caused the rebellions within the countries and have Gardon cleaning it up. It was part of the scheme to keep him in check. However, things escalated quite fast when he received support from the other Redfist girl and those in the Kerrel army. Guess that old man Dorten was behind them after all."
"..."
"You see, many things happened when you were here playing with the rats."
"You tell me, Highlord."
"That's why I'm here to strike you a deal, Greymore. The charge of treason our Emperor laid upon you and your men will be lifted, you and the Karskin will be free from this dungeon."
"And what do we have to do in exchange?"
"The situation is getting complicated, general." - van Durce crosses his hands behind his back and walk around the cell - "The reason we Golden Guards coming to this continent in the first place was to evacuate the elves to our Empire. You see, the Emperor had no more interest with this continent, he considered it a loss and decided to leave Gardon and the people here to fend for themselves, two birds with one stone."
"The elves? What business does our Emperor have with them?"
"You don't need to know the details, Greymoore. Now listen, Gardon is trying to keep the elves intact within this continent, mostly to increase manpower for dealing with the Demon invasion. He is now advancing to the elven kindom and plans to start a civil war among them. That is where you come in."
"Me, you say?"
"Yes, general. You and your men will keep Gardon's army at bay, while we Golden Guard focus on evacuating the entire elven kingdom. Once we are finished, we will use the anti-Void cannon to cover your retreat. As soon as you get back to the Empire, all of the charged putting on you so far will be put on Gardon, who will be left to go down with this continent. What do you say, not a bad deal, right?"
"So you say that I'd either rot here, or have to get out there and fight against those who really want to save the kingdoms."
"Take it how you will, Greymoore, the right choice for you is obvious."
"Don't take me a fool, Highlord. I know pretty well from the beginning that you have no intention of saving any of us."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying that you and the Emperor have to mean for me and my men to escape, van Durce. You will be using us as a sacrificing chess on your move. While we are busy fighting off Gardon and his men, you will just take off and leave us behind, making me and the Kasrkin both the enemy of this continent and the Empire itself."
"Are you really thinking that way? Not to remind you of one thing: Standing against me and the Emperor will do you no good."
"I'm not betraying those who fought alongside me, van Durce. I don't exchange my true allies' blood for freedom, or so you say."
"It seems your fate has been determined, Blen Greymoore. You will not last to see the day."
"Do what you wish, I won't compromise my honor and justice only to save my neck."
"Your men, the girl and that old fart, however." - Van Durce walks out of the cell. - "I will do something about them, see if I make them 'see reasons' after making an example out of you. Especially the girl, Aedele Redfist, isn't it? She had a lot to answer to the Paladin Order, who knows what they will do to her?"
The door of the cell closes, van Durce speaks to the guards.
"Deal with him how you wish, he's useless to us now."
"Yes, my lord."
You better leave them alone, van Durce, you hear me? LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!