CHAPTER I: MASTER OF GALLIONE

[Ramza, Algus, and Delita meet with Dycedarg once more.]

DYCEDARG: What happened? Why did you go to Zeklaus Desert?

RAMZA: ..........

DYCEDARG: Explain to me....

DELITA: I forced Ramza to go with me.

DYCEDARG: Is that true, Ramza? Delita forced you to go?

RAMZA: ....No, it was my decision. Not Delita's.

DELITA: Ramza's lying. I was the one to....

[Ramza turns to Delita.]

RAMZA: No need to protect me. I decided to ignore an order!

DYCEDARG: If everyone acted lawlessly, how could "law" exist? We Beoulves must show the importance of observing the "law" as the Knights rule. Are you trying to ruin the Beoulve name?

RAMZA: .....I'm sorry, brother.

[Ramza bows his head.]

A MAN'S VOICE: That's enough, Dycedarg.

[A man dressed in rich purple robes enters the room. Ramza and Delita kneel. Algus, not quite knowing what to do, looks around a moment and then kneels as well.]

A WELL DRESSED MAN: He was a great help rescuing the Marquis. I know young soldiers are eager to succeed. So were we.

DYCEDARG: Don't spoil him. There's a line between right and wrong.

[Ramza stands as Larg speaks.]

LARG: So, you are Dycedarg's younger brother....relax. You look exactly like the late General Balbanes... A fine-looking young man. I'm sure that youthful energy didn't come from just guarding the castle....

[Larg turns to Dycedarg, who lowers his head.]

DYCEDARG: The mission is nearly done. I'll allow you to join. We'll attack some of the thieves' hideouts at once. You choose one of them.

RAMZA: ...Yes.

[All three boys stand, bow, and leave the room. Larg walks away to look out the window.]

DYCEDARG: I'm sorry.

[Larg turns to him.]

LARG: Don't apologize, Dycedarg. After all, Gustav wasn't much of a soldier. The plan couldn't be changed after the Marquis was kidnapped in Gallione.... Besides, he did save the Marquis's life. They must accept our demands. Your brother's actions turned the tide for us...

DYCEDARG: The King doesn't have much time to live..... We must hurry.....

[Larg turns to look outside again.]

LARG: Yes, I'm counting on you, my friend....