Squires in tights

Brigand’s den

Strange how minds work. There was nothing that night that would influence that foreboding dream I had, and yet… It came true! At least only part of it, which was good for us.

After chasing down goblins on the Mandalia Plains, we decided we’d had enough practice, so we finally set out for the brigand’s den. Who would we happen upon but the Corpse Brigade, and it turned out the leader of this group separated from the rest of the Brigade was in fact named Milleuda. My heart sank, and I clenched my staff when I heard the name. The dream, it had been right!

When Delita’s face went pale, and Ramza looked confused, I knew they too realised that my prophetic dream was not a laughing matter. But we had practised, and things were slightly different now. Still insecure about his black magic skill, Greg remained behind, and Navarre took his place. We were ready this time.

We dispatched the Corpses in record time, and had Milleuda on her knees, begging us to end her life now that she still had her pride. But as a squabble arose between Ramza, Delita and Argath about whether or not what she had said about the Brigade’s crusade actually made sense, she limped away. We didn’t get Milleuda, but we had easily overrun the other brigands, and the den was cleared.

It was a halfway decent result, we decided as we made ready to return to Eagrose, but Argath thought otherwise. All the way to Eagrose Castle, he could not shut up about how we let chattle like Milleuda escape with her life, and we should all know our places —

As I clenched my staff tighter and readied it for a wallop, Navarre gently lowered my arms and shook his head. He’s not worth it, that Argath. Just a while longer and we’ll be rid of him.

Somehow, Navarre’s words quelled my anger, and we were able to arrive in Eagrose without incidents. Little did we know then that the incidents occurred within the Castle walls.

2 Gemini

Chaos had erupted in Eagrose. Argath, Delita and Ramza were ordered to join Lord Dycedarg immediately, and we were all but left behind. Eventually, the tavernmaster could tell us that the Corpse Brigade had bravely ventured into the Beoulve manse and had taken Tietra, Delita’s sister.

Poor Delita. What he must have been going through when he heard this. She was the only family he had left. Alma had almost been taken too if it wasn’t for Zalbaag’s swift intervention. Such a hero he was, the tavernmaster swooned. But of course, the Order was dispatched quickly.

When we found Ramza and Delita again, Ramza convinced Delita to remain calm. Argath would no longer be joining us. I may have squealed rather inappropriately from enjoyment when I heard that news, from the glares I received from everyone.

The Brigade would be at Ziekden Fortress, Ramza continued. It was the last thing Argath said before leaving. It had been Zalbaag who told him that the Order would make for the fortress, but its walls are impenetrable. We’d have little chance of breaking them.

So, I suggested to the group, what then if we all hone our archery skills?

And that is the story of how we all became archers. Even Carmen.

I am Bathsua, swift as an arrow, and these are my memoirs.