Kytes

Vann, is it really you?
I heard you got took off to Nalbina!

Vaan

The Imperials’ll need more than a dungeon to stop me.

Kytes

You broke out of a dungeon?
Whoa!

Vaan

Hey, try and keep it down, wouldya?
Penelo isn’t around, is she?
Out on a delivery, manybe?

Kytes

Nope, haven’t seen her all day. Not like her to up and skip out on work like that.
Migelo’s not here either. He went running off somewhere a little while ago.

Vaan

So much for my big welcome.
Guess everybody’s busy.

Kytes

I got my hands full watching the shop…and Old Dalan had something for me to do, but I can’t get away.

Vaan

Old Dalan, huh?
Tell you what.
I’ll go see him for you.

Kytes

Really?

Vaan

Well, nothing better to do.

Lowtown / South Sprawl – Dalan’s House

Dalan

Well, well. Look who we have here!
Heard you were sent off to Nalbina?

Vaan

And I got out of there as fast as I could.
But it was all worth it, Dalan.
Here, look at this!

Dalan

My, my, my.
Quite a treasure you’ve got there.

Vaan

Well, you know, I couldn’t have done it without your help.

Dalan

So, there is more to this gutter-churl
Than first meets the eye.
Vaan, I’ve an errand:
A simple favor to beg of you.
I was going to ask that Kytes to go, but I should think that you ought to do.
No–no I think you’re just the one.
There’s a fellow by the name of Azelas, and I need you to bring this sword to him.

Vaan

That’s–that’s a sword of the old Order.

Dalan

Speak my name when you arrive.
That should be enough to get you in to see him.
I’ve made a note on your map showing you where he can be found.
Mind you, you are to deliver the sword to him personally.

Vaan

I will
Hey, Dalan? (Could)Do you think I can get you to do something for me?
I need you to find out where Penelo is.
I wanted to show her what I got from the palace,
But I haven’t been able to find her anywhere.
Can you let me know if you hear anything?

Dalan

You can just leave that to me.

Vaan

Thanks, Dalan.

Dalan

And so it is done. But will it be enough to remind him of what the Order once meant?

Lowtown / North Sprawl

Vaan

I’m supposed to deliver something to a man, name of Azelas.
This is the place, right?

Balzac

And who was it told you that?

Vaan

Old Dalan. He said I have to give this to him personally.

Balzac

Does nothing get past that Dalan? He has ears in every wall.
All right, get inside.
But not a word of what you see or hear in there, you got that?

Insurgent A

Then what do you make of Ondore’s proclamation?
(Did) Are you say just they fool even the Marquis?

Insurgent B

What if a Judge killed the King, not the Captain?
That would explain everything wouldn’t it?

Insurgent C

(Then) in that case the Captain would be brother to a Judge!
How are we to trust such a man?

Vossler

Now there is the Basch that I remember.

Basch

Then will you fight again at my side?

Insurgent C

His word alone convinces me of nothing!

Insurgent B

I’d take his word over that of a mouthpiece marquis!

Insurgent A

Then you name Reks liar with him.

Vaan

My brother was no liar!

Basch

Just the opposite.
Reks was the witness they needed.
They had to make it appear as if I’d killed the King – Reks bears no blame.
The fates have willed it.?

Vossler

So this is Reks’s Brother.
Your words may convince (this) a child such as this, but they weigh far too lightly on the scales for my taste.
Our paths will remain separate.

Basch

Do you not think Amalia worth saving?

Vossler

I hold men’s lives in my hands.
I must see foes in every shadow.
The night we moved against Vayne, he knew.
I will not chance such disadvantage again.
I must treat you as I would Ondore –as I would treat any abettor of the Empire.

Basch

Then what will you do?
Hold me here in chains?
Some things never change.
Do they.

Vossler

Listen to me, Basch.
Your cage may have no bars, but it is a cage.
The eyes of the Resistance watch unblinking.

Basch

Let them watch.
I know something of cages.

Vaan

That’s right…
Amalia’s in the Resistance.

Basch

Then you know her.
Sort of. We met just before we got sent to Nalbina.
I’ve known nicer people.

Basch

Our paths keep crossing, yours and mine.
It’s more than coincidence.

Vaan

It’s annoying.

Basch

I’m sorry.
Allow me one last annoyance: a favor to ask.
I want you to take me to Balthier.
Even caged birds need wings.

Vaan

This makes us even.

Basch

Even?

Vaan

For Nalbina.
We couldn’t have done it without you.

East End

Vaan

A lot of kids lost their parents in the war.
Mine – mine had already died before that.
The plague took them both.

Basch

I’m sorry.
I didn’t know.

Vaan

It’s okay.
It’s been five years now.
After that, I lived with my friend Penelo and her family.
Then…
Then the war came.

Basch

I am sorry.

Vaan

You don’t have to keep apologizing.
Really, it’s all right.
I know it wasn’t your fault.
I see that now.
You didn’t kill my brother.
It was the Empire.
My brother trusted you.
And he was right.

East End – The Sandsea

Balthier

As I said, a misunderstanding.

Migelo

Misunderstanding!? What I am understanding is they took Penelo because of you!

Vaan

What?
What about Penelo?

Migelo

Oh, Vaan!
They’ve taken Penelo!
And there was a note – a note for this Balthier!
Come to the Bhujerba mines, it said.

Fran

It’s Ba’Gamnan.
He was in Nalbina.

Migelo

If anything were to happen to that sweet child – why, I’ve her parents’ memory to consider!
You’re going to go to her aid, and that’s that!
It’s what you sky pirates do, isn’t it?

Balthier

I don’t respond well to orders.
You do know that the Imperial fleet is massing at Bhujerba?

Vaan

Fine, then I’ll go!
You at least have an airship, don’t you?
Just get me there, and I’ll find Penelo myself.

Basch

I’ll join you.
I have some business there as well.

Balthier

An audience with the Marquis, by chance?

Vaan

Balthier, just take us and this is your.

Fran

The gods are toying with us.

Balthier

Make yourselves ready.
We leave soon.

Vaan

Right!

Balthier

Ba’Gamnan’s note can only be referring to the Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba. We’ll leave at once.
When you’re ready, meet me in the aerodrome.
I should imagine it’s still by the west gate…
We weren’t in Nalbina all that long.
Do be quick. I’d like to save your girl and be rid of this headache as soon as possible.

Westgate

Fran

Balthier is waiting inside. If you’ve made ready, we can leave at once.
He feels responsible for what has happened to your friend. Do not think he is in the habit of doing favors.

Westgate – Aerodrome

Balthier

Bhujerba’s on the sky continent of Dorstonis, and the magicite mine we’re looking for is in Bhujerba.
If we’re going to save the girl, we start there.
You ready to leave?

Vaan

I’m ready.

Balthier

You do realize that once we’ve left, you may not see Rabanastre for a while.
Once we leave, there’ll be no looking back.

Vaan

I’m really ready.

Balthier

We make for the Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba.
Seems I took on more baggage in Rabanastre than I’d planned…Well, let’s save your girl and be done with it. Come on.

Balthier

This is the Strahl.
She airship enough for you?

Vaan

The Strahl…You really are a sky pirate!

Balthier

Well, the headhunters seem to think so.
What’s the good word?
Is she ready?

Vaan

So, is she armed? How fast is she?
Could she take the Ifrit?

Balthier

I suppose I could tell you, but…wouldn’t you rather see for yourself?

Vaan

Yeah！

Balthier

Fran, our course.

Fran

The shortest way’s over
Dorstonis.

Basch

How flies Bhujerba?

Balthier

Oh, she’s free as can be, for now.
The Empire took notice when they announced the Princess’s suicide and your untimely execution.

Basch

If it becomes known that I am alive, the Marquis will lose their favor.

Balthier

I try to steer clear of such things.
Right.
It’s time to fly.
And no wagging tongues or you’re like to bite them off.

Vaan

I’m coming, Penelo.

Ba’Gamnan

You’ve seen to her feeding, yes?

Rinok

I have, my brother.
She eats well.

Ba’Gamnan

See that she does. We need her alive.
Balthier’s bait must be fresh.

Penelo

I keep trying to tell you!
I barely even know who Balthier is!

Bwagi

My brother! A message come from Rabanastre!
The Strahl, she’s set sail!
She makes straight for the Skycity of Bhujerba!

Ba’Gamnan

Barely know, was it? Yet at a trice he goes bounding off for you.
Tell me, how could that be?

Penelo

That’s what I’d like to know!
I just met him that one time and that’s it!

Ba’Gamnan

Does that tongue never stop?
What if we plucked it from your head?
As for you! We need Balthier alive!
His corpse fetches but half the bounty!

Gijuk

A tender beating.
My specialty!

Rinok

There’s no fun for it if we can’t tease out a scream or two!

Penelo

Where are you?

The Skycity of Bhujerba

Balthier

Easy.

Imperial

No good.
He’s not here.
Keep searching!

Balthier

You’re a dead man.
Don’t forget it.
And no names.

Basch

Of course.

Travica Way

Balthier

The Lhusu Mines are just up ahead.
Though, I do hear there’s not much left there these days.

Larsa

You’re on your way to the mines?
Then please, allow me to accompany you.
I’ve an errand to attend to there.

Basch

What manner of errand?

Larsa

What errand?
I might ask the same of you.

Balthier

Right, come on then.

Vaan

What?

Larsa

Excellent.

Balthier

Do me a favor and stay where I can keep my eye on you.
Should be less trouble that way.

Larsa

For us both.

Vaan

So what’s your name?

Larsa

Oh, I –
I’m Lamont.

Vaan

Don’t worry.
I don’t know what’s in that mine, Lamont, but you’re in good hands.
Right, Basch?

Lhusu Square

Balthier

The Lhusu Mines: one of the richest viens in Invalice.

Basch

Under Imperial guard, no doubt.

Larsa

Actually, no. With but few exceptions, the Imperial army is not permitted in Bhujerba.
Well, shall we proceed?

Lhusu Mines

Ghis

You will forgive me for asking, but you are diverting the purest of the magicite –

Ondore

I can assure you it reaches Lord Vayne most discretely.

Ghis

You wear your saddle well.

Ondore

Be that as it may, I have no intention of being bridled, Your Honor.

Ghis

Then you prefer the whip?
Stubbornness will see not only you broken, Excellency, but Bhujerba as well.

Larsa

Halim Ondore IV, the Marquis of Bhujerba.
The Marquis served as mediator at the negotiations of Dalmasca’s surrender.
It would appear that he is somewhat less neutral now.

Balthier

They say he’s been helping the Resistance.

Larsa

They say many things.

Balthier

You’re certainly well informed.
Who did you say you were again?

Vaan

What difference does it make?
We have to find Penelo.

Larsa

And Penelo is your –

Vaan

She’s a friend.
She was kidnapped and taken here.

Site 2

Larsa

This is what I came here to see.

Vaan

What’s that?

Larsa

It’s nethicite.
Manufacted nethicite.

Vaan

Nethicite?

Larsa

Unlike regular magicite, nethicite Absorbs magickal energy.
This is the fruit of research into the manufacture of nethicite.
All at the hands of the Draklor Laboratory.
So this is where they’re getting the magicite.

Balthier

Errand all attended to, then?

Larsa

Thank you.
I’ll repay you shortly.

Balthier

No, you’ll repay us now.
We have too much on our hands to go on holding yours.
So where did you hear this fairy tale about “nethicite”?
And where did you get that sample you carry?
What do you know about the Draklor Laboratories?
Tell me: who are you?

Vaan

Balthier –

Ba’Gamnan

You kept us waiting, Balthier!
You slipped away in Nalbina.
We missed you!
First the Judge, and now this boy.
The whole affair has the smell of money.
I may have to wet my beak a little.

Balthier

Keep your snout in the trough where it belongs.
This thinking ill befits you, Ba’Gamnan.

Ba’Gamnan

Balthier!
Too long have I gone unpaid!
I’ll carve my bounty out of that boy!

Vaan

Where’s Penelo?
We’re taking her back!

Ba’Gamnan

The girl? Why keep the bait when you’ve landed the fish?
We cut her loose on the way here and then off she ran, crying like a babe!
After them!

Vaan

Hey, wait up!

Balthier

We’ll not be able to take them all!
Fight who we must, leave the rest.

Shaft Entry

Fran

It would not seem they follow.
We’ve lost them.

Balthier

Much more running about with Bangaa at my heels…and I’m apt to give up sky pirating altogether.

The Skycity of Bhujerba

Penelo

I was kidnapped –

Ghis

Silence!

Larsa

If it is a crime to wander on one’s own…then I, too, am guilty.
Marquis.
I trust that your estate can accommodate another guest?

Ondore

Why not?

Larsa

Judge Ghis, I shall heed your counsel.
I will not travel unaccompanied any longer.

Ghis

That was unexpected.

Larsa

Thank you, Penelo.

Penelo

O–Of course.

Vaan

What’s Penelo doing?
And what’s the deal with that Lamont?

Balthier

That’s no “Lamont.”
Larsa Ferrinas Solidor.
Fourth son to Emperor Gramis…and brother to Vayne.

Vaan

What? That ked!?

Fran

Do no worry.
I believe he will treat her well.

Balthier

Nobody knows men like Fran does.

Basch

Our purposes lead the same way: to Ondore.
We must find means to approach him.

Balthier

The Marquis is channeling money to organizations opposing the Empire.
We’ll start there.

Basch

Marquis Ondore announced my execution 2 years ago.
If news of my survival were to spread, the Marquis may find his position compromised.

Balthier

The men he’s been funding bear little love for the Empire.
They won’t be thrilled to discover that rumors of your death were, in fact, greatly exaggerated.
If we were to raise a clamor to that effect, we might just get their attention.

Vaan

Nothin’ to it! I’ll just go around town spreading the word.
How’bout this?
I’m Captain Basch fov Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!
Well?
Whaddaya think?

Balthier

That certainly qualifies as a clamor.
All right, Vaan, get to it.
For the girl’s sake, eh?
Oh, and the more people around to witness your little performance, the better.
If we’re going to reach the Marquis, it’s up to you.
We’ll be waiting here, if you need us.

Vaan

I’m Captain Basch!

City Parijanah

Kah? The Captain, alive!? Yet he was executed two years past for the slaying of the Dalmascan king! I heard the Marquis’s words myself!

Vaan

I’m Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!

City Parijanah

Haa… And you are this Captain Ronsenburg?
Forgive me, bhadra, but you seem a touch young.

Vaan

Basch lives!

City Parijanah

Kah!? Captain Ronsenburg, alive? Murkha!
Ahem. That is to say, preposterous!

Vaan

I’m THE Basch fon Ronsenburg!

Vaan

Don’t listen to Ondore’s lies!

Vaan

I’m Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!

City Parijanah

Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg? He is gone from this world, surely, bhadra. The Marquis announced it himself!

???

You. Boy. You will come with us.

Timorous Bangaa

This is the one, Havharo.
Says he’s Captain Basch he does.

Havharo

He would sooner pass for the King.

Timorous Bangaa

I knew he weren’t no captain!
That was a mean trick to be playing.

Havharo

If at trickery it ended, it would end well enough.
But why this boy, and why Captain Ronsenburg?
An explanation is due, and I will hear it.
The Empire’s hounds grow passing bold indeed.

Balthier

A shame if they learnt the Marquis trafficked with the likes of you.
Agents masquerading as guides.
A hideout at the back of a tavern.
Not exactly earning high marks for originality, are we?

Timorous Bangaa

Now you’ve done it!

Havharo

Wait!
So Basch fon Ronsenburg does yet live.

The Estate of the Marquis Ondore
Drawing Room

Penelo

So Vaan really is all right.
I didn’t think I’d ever get to see him again.

Larsa

You will join him soon.
And until then I shall see that you’re kept from harm.

Penelo

Thank you.

Larsa

I am troubled.
The Rabanastre Imperial guard appear to have overstepped their bounds.
I intend to speak on this with the Consul.

Penelo

What?

Larsa

Vayne Solidor, the Consul, is my brother.
The first duty of the Consul is to maintain order in Dalmasca.
My brother – my brother is not one given to failure.
Perhaps things aren’t going as well as they might be…but give him a little time, and he will put things to rights.
Be not troubled.
My brother is a remarkable man.

Penelo

He frightens me.

Vayne

Why?

Penelo

I’m sorry.
He is your brother.
It’s just – you don’t understand how much we lost to the war.
My friends, my parents.

Larsa

So, you fear the Empire?
Listen to me.
The men of my family, we are taught to place the needs of others before those of our own.
I will see that you are kept from harm.
It is my duty to House Solidor.

Penelo

But how – how can I trust you?

Larsa

Because I give you my word.
My brother would do no less.

Havharo

I knew there must be more to it, but to find you at the end of this tale…
Ah, to see the Marquis’ face when he learns of it.

Basch

I should like nothing more.
I would meet him, and see for myself.

Havharo

How say you, my lord?

There is little to be said.
I shall arrange a meeting with the Marquis.
We shall expect you at the estate.

Travica Way

Bhujerban
Sainikan

Haa, we’ve been expecting you.
His Excellency the Marquis awaits.

Vaan

Take me to him.

Bhujerban
Sainikan

You are ready for your audience, bhadra?

Vaan

I’m ready.

Bhujerban
Sainikan

His Excellency the Marquis is otherwise occupied until sunset. Please, I will show you to a place where you may wait in comfort.

Ondore

Sir Basch fon Ronsenburg.
It was not so very long ago that I announced you had been executed.

Basch

And that is the only reason I draw breath.

Ondore

So you are the sword he’s strung above my head.
Vayne has left not a thing to chance.
And?

Basch

A leader of the Resistance has fallen into Imperial hands.
A woman by the name of Amalia.
I would rescue her, but I need your help.

Ondore

This resistance leader – this Amalia.
She must be very important.
You understand I’ve my position to consider.

Vaan

Would you let us see Larsa?
He’s got my friend with him.

Ondore

I’m afraid you’re too late.
Lord Larsa’s cortege has already rejoined the Imperial detachment.
I am told they will depart for Rabanastre upon the arrival of the fleet this eventide.

Vaan

What are we waiting for!?

Balthier

For you to calm down.

Ondore

Captain Ronsenburg.
Surely the exigencies of position are not lost on you.
Why indeed, you should find the enemy’s chains…an easy burden to bear.

Balthier

Wait!

Basch

Sorry.
Can’t be helped.

Ondore

Summon the guard!
They’re to be taken to Judge Ghis.

The Royal Palace of Rabanastre
Consul’s Chambers

Vayne

Those decrepit, basking fools in Archades tie my hands, and look what happens!
I tell you, this country’s obstinancy knows no bounds.

Gabranth

The insurgents in Rabanastre operate alone at present.
However, should they garner external support, the situation could worsen.
We have found the counter – Imperial elements in Bhujerba to be conspicuously well – funded.
No doubt Marquis Ondore is behind this.
Ondore must be reined in.

Vayne

By the way, the Marquis has written us a letter.
He claims that he’s recaptured our runaway.
He’s given him to Ghis.

Gabranth

He will die by my hand.

Vayne

Your fraternity is moving.
Ah, Ghis returns with Larsa.
Tomorrow morning they will leave Bhujerba.
See him home safely, Gabranth.
Now, I’m expecting Doctor Cid.
You may leave.

Cid

We must see the real thing to be sure.
Nabudis taught us much!
Yes, it’s well hidden.
They’ll be off chasing after shadows, the fools.
Ah, yes! The reins of History back in the hands of Man.
Hah, Vayne! You seem to be enjoying your job as consul.

Vayne

I was kept waiting fully 2 years. What news of Archades? Our honored members of the Senate?

Cid

Hard at work as always, trying to find a dagger for your back.

Vayne

They are welcome to try.

Dreadnought Leviathan

Imperial

The prisoners, my lord.

Basch

Majesty –

Ashe

After what you’ve done!
How dare you!
You’re supposed to be dead!

Ghis

Come now, come now.
Have you forgotten your manners?
This is hardly the courtesy due…the late Princess Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca.

Vaan

Princess?

Ghis

To be sure, she bears no proof on her former station.
No different than any mean member of the insurgence.

Ashe

The Resistance.

Ghis

The Consul asks the ministry of the disthroned royal family in restoring peace to Dalmasca.
Those who foster instability and unrest, who claim royal blood without proof…they shall meet their fate at the gallows.
There are no exceptions.

Ashe

I will not play puppet to Vayne.

Basch

King Raminas entrusted me with a task.
Should the time come, he bade me give you something of great importance.
It is your birthright: the Dusk Shard.
It will warrant the quality of her blood.
Only I know where to find it.

Ashe

Wait.
You took my father’s life! Why spare mine now?
You would have me live in shame!

Basch

If that is your duty: yes.

Vaan

Stop being so stubborn!
Keep on like this and you’re gonna get us all killed.

Ashe

Don’t interrupt!

Basch

Vaan.
That stone.

Vaan

It was in the palace treasure.

Balthier

Well, well.

Ghis

Splendid! You’ve brought the Stone with you!
This spares us a great deal of trouble.

Ashe

Don’t give it to him!

Vaan

You have you promise: no executions.

Ghis

A judge’s duty is to the law.
Take them away. Lady Ashe is to be quartered separately.
Vayne Solidor. What fascination does this hold for you?

Basch

So you were carrying it all along.
The Fates jest.

Balthier

Tell these Fates of yours to leave me out.

Imperial

Keep quiet!

Basch

There was nothing else that I could do.
You know that.

Balthier

Oh, I understand.
Honor, duty, and all that.
I still can’t believe that was the Princess.

Imperial

I said keep quiet!

Basch

The Marquis has been busy.

Vossler

Not lightly did I beg his aid.
Listen, it has been a full two years.
I alone have kept Her Majesty safely hidden.
I doubted friend and foe alike.
I could trust nobody.

Basch

You did your duty.
And mine for me.

Vossler

I’m getting her out.
I need your help.

Basch

Of course.

Vossler

Wait. A word of caution before we set out.
See that red web of light spanning the passageway?
It is a mechanism to detect intruders within the ship.
Break one of those beams and an alarm will sound, summoning the guard.
The alarm should cease after a time, but it’s better to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Come, Her Majesty awaits.

Vossler

Fear not their numbers! Take down the leaders, and the others will follow!

Vossler

You are unharmed.

Ashe

Vossler!
I –

Vossler

Majesty!

Ashe

It’s nothing.
I’ll be fine.
You.

Vaan

Come on, come on! Let’s go!
What are you waiting for?
Penelo’s still out there!

Balthier

We should hurry.
They won’t be long.

Vossler

We will talk later.

Basch

Majesty.
We will cut you a path.

Ashe

I will not place my trust in the sword of a traitor!

Vossler

Yet trust his sword we must, traitor or no. I see no other way.
We track back, commandeer a ship and make our escape.
Her Majesty cannot abide weakness, least of all in herself.
We must make her confront the reality of our plight.

Penelo

Vaan!

Vaan

It’s okay. We’re okay.

Larsa

Ghis knows you’ve escaped.
You must hurry.
You are Captain Azelas.
You will follow me.
We must reach the airships before they do.

Vossler

You would let us leave knowing who we are?

Larsa

Lady Ashe.
By all rights you ought not even to exist.
That you and Captain Ronsenburg were made to appear dead…is like a hidden thread laid bare.
Your actions hereafter will pull at that thread…and we will see what it unravels.
This is our chance.
We must see this through, and get to the bottom of it.
I believe’tis for the good of Dalmasca, and the good of the Empire.

Larsa

Very well, then.

Vaan

Thanks “Lamont.”

Larsa

I must apologize.
Penelo, for you.
May it bring you good fortune.

Penelo

Thanks.

Larsa

Let us go.

Ghis

Such a great shame.
I must confess: I thought you the one who would help us restore peace to Dalmasca.
No matter. We hold the proof of your royal lineage.
A maid of passing resemblance will serve our purposes now.
As for you, my dear…the Empire requires you no more!

Penelo

What was that?

Balthier

The nethicite.

Ghis

Your Majesty does not disappoint!
Ever quick to spurn an honorable surrender, as was your father.

Ashe

You know nothing of my father!

Vossler

We’ve secured an Atomos.
Come!

Balthier

An Atomos?
All skiff, no ship.
Hardly fit for a leading man.

Vaan

So I can fly it then?

Fran

Are you mad?

Penelo

Can’t we go faster?

Fran

Not yet.

Ashe

They passed.

Fran

Any faster and they’d have noticed.

The Skycity of Bhujerba

Penelo

Balthier, your handkerchief.
I thought you might want it back.

Balthier

I shall wear it close to my heart.

Ashe

Perhaps you forget all that Ondore has wrought.

Basch

I do not forget, Majesty.
It was by his counsel, dangerous though it may have been, that we were able to free you.
You must meet with him, Your Highness, and give ear to his words.
He may act in league with the Empire, but his heart is not.

Vossler

It is as he says.
I ought not have kept Ondore at so great a distance for so long a time.
I have played the fool!

Ashe

You were only being cautious.

Vossler

Majesty, I would ask you for some time. On our own, we struggle in vain to restore Dalmasca.
I must search out some other way.
Until I should find it, I would have Basch remain at your side.
Doubt him you may, but I measure his loyalty to Dalmasca no less than my own.

Ashe

I know you would not speak so lightly.
Very well.

Vossler

Keep her well.
Go to Ondore, and there await my return.

Travica Way

Bhujerban
Sainikah

His Excellency has given orders that you are to be granted an audience.
You are prepared?

Vaan

Take me to him.

Bhujerban
Sainikah

Then please come this way, bhadra.

Ashe

When Vossler learned my father had been killed…the night of the treaty – signing, he returned to Rabanastre there’s to aid my escape.
There was still time before Vayne’s reach extended too far. We thought that you could protect me.

Ondore

However, when I then made the announcement that you had taken your own life…I must have seemed a model citizen of the Empire.
The announcement, you see, was Vayne’s suggestion.
Of course, at the time I was reluctant, but I could not perceive his reasons. Now it is clear: he meant to drive a wedge between us.

Ashe

Halim, we are past all this.
Bhujerba must stand with us.
We can stop Vayne.

Ondore

I once knew a girl whose only wish was to be carried in her uncle’s arms.
Your Majesty is a woman grown now.

Ashe

I cannot just wait!

Ondore

Then what does Your Majesty propose we do?

Ashe

Uncle Halim –

Balthier

Incidentally, what is the going rate for rescuing princesses these days?
Food would be a start – the good stuff, mind you.

Ondore

This can be arranged, though it will take some time.

Balthier

Time enough for a bath, I hope.
Dirty business, you know.
Ah, best bring a change of clothes too.

Vaan

What are you doing?
This is Balthier’s ship.

Ashe

I’m going to retrieve the Dawn Shard.
It’s the proof that I need.
I know where it’s hidden.
I’ll return his airship later.

Vaan

Are you crazy?

Ashe

This is something that I have to do!
Not only for myself but for (and) all those who have fallen.
I will not be made to hide!
I’ll fight alone, if I must.

Vaan

You still have Basch, right?
Besides, you can’t just go around stealing people’s ships. What are you trying to do?

Ashe

I’m trying to concentrate!

Balthier

That’s quite enough, Your Majesty.
What do you think?
A bit over the top?
In my line of work, you never know when something like this might come in handy.
I’m trying to concentrate!

Ashe

You can’t.

Balthier

Trust me, you’re better off staying here.

Ashe

Suppose you kidnapped me instead?
You’re a sky pirate, aren’t you?
Then steal me. Is that so much to ask?

Balthier

What do you have that I would want?

Ashe

The Dynast – King’s treasure.
The Dawn Shard is but one of the riches that lie waiting in King Raithwall’s tomb.

Balthier

King Raithwall, you say?

Basch

Kidnapping royalty is a serious offense.
It won’t do much to lower the bounty on your head.

Balthier

How much is the price on your head these days, I wonder?

Basch

Allow me to escort you in Vossler’s place.

Fran

Will you be joining us?

Vaan

What, are you kiddinig?
I don’t wanna stick around this place.

Penelo

Then I’m coming too!

Vaan

Penelo?

Penelo

Don’t leave me here.

Vaan

Of course not.

Fran

Then it’s settled. We should leave before the Marquis realizes she’s missing.
Like proper kidnappers.

Archadian Empire
The Imperial City of Archades

Gramis

Doctor Cid does this at Draklor?

Gabranth

I have confirmed he receives funds from Lord Vayne.
His agency in the fall of Nabudis is also certain…yet with Judge Zecht, who led the assault, missing…the truth remains difficult to ascertain.

Gramis

The long, cold years have clouded my eyes.
I cannot see my own son’s heart.

Gabranth

My lord.

Gramis

This illness…will claim me.
So then, who is to be my successor?
The Senate fears the capable peregrine Vayne.
They prefer a young, fledgling emperor.
Gabranth.
Once in the past, I laid siege to your homeland.

Gabranth

The Republic of Landis is long since gone.
My allegiance lies wholly with the Empire.

Gramis

Perhaps, but what of your brother?
He did not accept us as you did.
He fled to Dalmasca.
Did you never think to follow him?

Gabranth

I follow his every move.
He is an enemy of the Empire.
He will be cut down.

Gramis

So you would kill even your own brother for the Empire.
Be that as it may, Gabranth.
Your ruthlessness is not without merit.
But it must not become this way with Larsa.
You must ensure that it does not.

Gabranth

So then, you ask me to be his sword, to strike where he might not?

Gramis

Rather be his shield.
Gabranth, keep your close watch on Vayne.
His is the keenest blade of all.

Gabranth

My lord.

Gramis

Do this for me, Gabranth.
I could not –
I could not bear…to see my sons war with each other again.