link Felix volume_up
We made some headway on the western front once the Empire pulled its main force back.
link Sylvain volume_up
What does it matter when their Minister of Military Affairs still holds Arianrhod?
link Sylvain volume_up
Even if we were in a position to keep throwing troops at those walls, we're never going to crack them.
link Felix volume_up
But if we keep digging our heels in here, their main force will be on us again in no time.
link Dimitri volume_up
It appears they have already dealt with the insurrection at Fort Merceus.
link Dimitri volume_up
If they don't come at us from the west, they'll soon waltz right in from the east.
link Rhea volume_up
Might I offer a suggestion, King Dimitri?
link Dimitri volume_up
Of course, Lady Rhea.
link Rhea volume_up
We should retake Garreg Mach. It is the only way to reverse our current fortunes.
link Rhea volume_up
If I call upon the church's faithful, they will come running from every corner of Fódlan to liberate the monastery in the goddess's name.
link Rhea volume_up
With Garreg Mach under our control, we will be able to keep the Imperial army in check.
link Rhea volume_up
Additionally, it might convince some of the more fickle Alliance lords to reconsider their loyalties.
link Dimitri volume_up
I mean no disrespect, Lady Rhea, but this proposal hardly seems...
link Seteth volume_up
There is more. As you know, the bishop of the Southern Church is currently seated at the monastery.
link Seteth volume_up
If we remove him, it reminds the world anew that Archbishop Rhea is the rightful head of the Church of Seiros.
link Seteth volume_up
I believe this will shake some of the more devout Adrestian lords from their emperor's grip.
link ??? volume_up
While their faith may waver now, Adrestia is still the cradle of the Church of Seiros.
link ??? volume_up
There are yet many pious believers among their nobility. If we can pull them to our side, it may shift the war back in our favor.
link Rhea volume_up
We should strike while the iron is hot. I will get the word out at once.
link Dimitri volume_up
Hold, Lady Rhea. While I now concede that your plan to retake the monastery has some merit, I must ask that you alert no one.
link Rhea volume_up
And why not? I need only say the word, and an army of believers will flock to our cause.
link Dimitri volume_up
Yes, and the moment the enemy spies people flooding in from across hill and dale, they'll realize what we're planning and bolster their defenses.
link Seteth volume_up
You believe their defenses are mightier than the faith of the people? By the goddess, have our enemies truly become so powerful?
link Seteth volume_up
In that case, what do you propose?
link Dimitri volume_up
We entrust the eastern lines to Houses Charon and Galatea, then ride en masse toward Arianrhod.
link Dimitri volume_up
The enemy will think we intend to assail the Silver Maiden. But instead, we break east.
link Sylvain volume_up
East... Then we'll be attacking the monastery through the Valley of Torment.
link Sylvain volume_up
I get your thinking now.
link Sylvain volume_up
If we attack from the west, Arianrhod would be at our backs and the Empire could box us in.
link Rhea volume_up
Very well. I have no objections.
link Rhea volume_up
My church members will assist in guiding your soldiers through Ailell.
link Rhea volume_up
The monastery is holy and precious to us—and by the name of the goddess, I swear it will be ours again!
link Dimitri volume_up
Good. Then I'll ready the troops. Lady Rhea? Seteth? I place all of our futures in your hands.