0. Why have you ordered a retreat, my lord? We nearly [cdb]had them!
1. We've received an urgent missive from Duke Goneril. The Almyrans are making their move.
2. Of all the times... On what scale?
3. From what I gather, it's bigger than the force we [cdb]faced two years ago. We need to get back to the Alliance, and fast.
4. But the attack two years ago was supposed to be the [cdb]biggest one we've faced in a whole century...
5. How is that even possible? The attack two years ago [cdb]was the biggest one in a whole century!
6. The duke always keeps a careful eye on developments [cdb]in the east. If that's what he says, then it's true.
7. Even if Duke Goneril and the neighboring lords rally [cdb]all their remaining troops, it won't amount to much. Do you think we can make it in time?
8. Even if Duke Goneril and the neighboring lords [cdb]assembled all their remaining soldiers, it would not be [cdb]enough. Does that mean we are already too late?
9. We'll be cutting it close, but that's what Fódlan's Locket is for. It should take the Almyrans a while [cdb]to break through that hulking chunk of stone.
10. We're not moving fast enough. I'll go on ahead. My lord, I leave it to you to finish things here.
11. Sure thing. We'll be right behind you. Just try and [cdb]hold out until we get there.
12. Everyone, prepare for a full withdrawal! If we don't [cdb]get home soon, we won't have one to return to.
13. Hm, with this latest turn of events, it seems unlikely [cdb]we'll see the Ashen Demon again anytime soon.
14. And here I'd thought we won.
15. And here I'd thought we won.
16. As did I.
17. Who knew the Ashen Demon had that kinda [cdb]strength?
18. Who knew the Ashen Demon had that kinda [cdb]strength?
19. Not that I'm making excuses. You gave me power of [cdb]my own and it still wasn't close to enough.
20. Not that I'm making excuses. You gave me power of [cdb]my own and it still wasn't close to enough.
21. That's not true.
22. Of course it is! What am I even up against here?
23. Of course it is! What am I even up against here?
24. It's like I looked away for one second and suddenly I was facing someone else entirely.
25. It's like I looked away for one second and suddenly I was facing someone else entirely.
26. Hmm, that would explain what was troubling me [cdb]before. That is the unique danger I sensed.
27. Still, you can win this fight. I know you can!
28. And I'll do whatever I can to make it so. We'll claim [cdb]victory over that monster together!
29. Take courage from Arval's words.
30. Give in to defeat.
31. You know what? You're right. I'll be strong enough [cdb]one day if I just keep at it.
32. You know what? You're right. I'll be strong enough [cdb]one day if I just keep at it.
33. Still, "one day" could be years from now at this rate. We should probably think of a backup plan.
34. Still, "one day" could be years from now at this rate. We should probably think of a backup plan.
35. Thanks, but let's face it—I'm outclassed.
36. Thanks, but let's face it—I'm outclassed.
37. Maybe it's time we give up this obsession and start [cdb]looking for a different way forward.
38. Maybe it's time we give up this obsession and start [cdb]looking for a different way forward.
39. And hey, the Ashen Demon's a mercenary, right? Might be best for the Alliance to toss some coin [cdb]their way and put this whole rivalry behind us.
40. And hey, the Ashen Demon's a mercenary, right? Might be best for the Alliance to toss some coin [cdb]their way and put this whole rivalry behind us.
41. You want to hire that thing?!
42. Seriously? Fighting side by side with the Ashen Demon? Are you mad?
43. You make it sound like the worst idea in the world.
44. You make it sound like the worst idea in the world.
45. We have a war to win here, remember. Gotta keep an [cdb]open mind.
46. We have a war to win here, remember. Gotta keep an [cdb]open mind.
47. Ah, I understand now. You've witnessed your [cdb]adversary's true strength, and convinced yourself [cdb]you cannot win.
48. What? No! I just know a valuable resource when I [cdb]see one—and we're far better off with them than [cdb]we are against them.
49. What? No! I just know a valuable resource when I [cdb]see one—and we're far better off with them than [cdb]we are against them.
50. If that's really how you feel, then so be it.
51. But trust me, you don't need to worry. You'll get [cdb]stronger soon, I promise.
52. So maybe don't go relinquishing your prey just yet.
53. After all, I desire nothing more than to see you [cdb]achieve your goals.
54. Nrgh...
55. Nrgh...