Episode 3 Finale Sneak Peek #3

The following preview is of the Episode 3 finale. If you have not played the alpha build up to the very end of its current content, or if you would like to avoid major spoilers for how things play out, you may want to skip this post. As the finale is very dependent on companion and approval levels, prior actions, and player choice, the following is only a sample of what may occur on some routes.

Conditions:

• High Aeran approval (+60) + unlocked romance reconciliation scene

• Low Solarath approval (below 50)

• MC is carrying the Astrial

  

“You know Lethalis is watching, yes?” you say. “What do you think they’re going to do if I hand you the Astrial right now?” 

Quirinus’ lip curls. “Do go on. Enlighten me.” 

“We are bound to deliver the Astrial to them. If they do not get what they want, it will be open war—and if you’re as clever as you think you are, starting a war in the heart of Velantis is the last thing you want to do. How many of your mages are you willing to sacrifice? Will you forfeit their lives today all for the sake of a crumbling staff? Arantir is a general, I’m sure she’s accustomed to calculating risk—did she estimate one for you today or did you come here with the arrogant expectation that everything would go your way?” 

His smile vanishes. “A word of advice, $lastname: if you intend to proposition me, perhaps your proposal should be laced with swifter explanations and fewer insults.” 

“My apologies, then.” Best be careful. You can’t push him too far before you even get to your lie. “You know better than I that you must strike at the right time. Let us go. Let me carry the Astrial out the front gate. We will deliver it to Lethalis, collect what we are owed—then steal it back when they least expect it.” 

He regards you silently, stroking his chin in thought. The wait is agonizing. “A double-cross?” 

“Yes.” You wet your lower lip, desperately considering what else you can do to sell the lie. “My loyalty is not to Umbria Bellaris, nor to Zenaida Anaxas who originally hired me. I came here because the deal was too good to say no to—” 

“A favourable way to say that your loyalties lie with the person with the most crowns.” 

You pause. “Yes.” 

His eyes glint. “Then perhaps we can come to an agreement, $lastname. How much does your loyalty cost? A thousand? Two thousand? Less? More?”   

Is he asking me to name a price? You glance at Aeran and find him still as stone, staring blankly at the ground. 

“If you cannot name a number, $lastname, then I will name one for you. In fact, this is the only price I will accept. Non-negotiable, as it were.” 

Your gaze snaps back to him. “How can we make a deal if you’re not willing to negotiate?” 

“Must I remind you that you are in no position to negotiate?” He smiles lightly and gestures behind him at the detachment of mages. “Your proposition is, in a word, ridiculous. And yet, I do believe there is some truth to it and I can concede that it may be an unlikely solution to both our problems. However, letting you walk freely from these walls and deliver the Astrial unto Umbria Bellaris with the intention of plucking it right out from under her nose… You must understand how such an idea gives me pause.” 

Your heart hammers in your chest. 

“I will need insurance. Something to tie you to this task. I will let you pass with the Astrial, but Aeran Kellis remains with me.” 

Your stomach drops. “…what?” 

“Kellis and I have business to conclude, as he very well knows. Think of it this way: it will give him something to do while you charm Lethalis with that sparkling wit of yours. Besides, I am curious to see how you manage without him. Wayfarers do traditionally work alone, do they not?” 

“What does that have anything to do with it?” 

He chuckles. “Simply that I find you an enigma compared to your brethren. And regardless of what you think, $lastname, I do not wish to see the end of the Wayfarers. If you died today, I would count it among the greatest losses the world has suffered. Your order is gone, and with them went whole generations of trained magiani, the likes of which we may never see again. There is a need for people like you. People with your skills, your talents. Without you, the world will lack a certain… balance, shall we say. It would be misaligned. The Farans understand such things, but here in Arathia we are not so cultured. The emperor—” 

“Grand Archsage.” Allegra’s voice is stern, powerful, like thunder rolling in the distance. “Caution, please.” 

Quirinus smiles and folds his hand in front of him. “I shall say no more on it, then. This is my offer: I will place my trust in you with your lover as collateral. Ensure the Astrial’s delivery to me by the end of the week, and you may walk out of this city with twelve thousand crowns in your pocket and an insurance that Solarath will shield you from Lethalis’ wrath should the theft be detected. Are we in agreement?” 

Twelve thousand crowns? 

Your throat runs dry. You turn and look at Aeran, expecting him to interject, for him to say something, but all that remains is silence. He stares at the ground, still as a statue, his expression unreadable, his eyes hollow and dead. There’s no trace of his earlier manic mirth. You have never seen him so forlorn. If only you could take him aside in private, ask him what he thought of Quirinus’ offer, come up with some sort of plan, but no. 

You cannot fathom what he wants with him. 

Can you do this? Accept Quirinus’ offer? How did it come so quickly to this, a choice between Aeran and your life? 

1. “I’ll do it.”
2. “No.”