Aster Tataricus
Siegfried and Maleagant visit the soulpool, a resting place for dragons, and find the headless remains of the Knight of the Lake, a former knight captain of Feendrache. They come to the conclusion that he was executed after sealing the Vallant away. That night, while tending the fire, memories stir within Maleagant, prompting him to speak his cousin's name for the first time in three hundred years.
On the outskirts of Feendrache, a region once known as Benwick, with its untrodden mountains and deep valleys, lies quiet.
The water on the lake nestled in its reaches is clear and pristine—until the silhouettes of two men emerge on its surface.
Siegfried: I see. So this is where the dragons of Avalon are laid to rest—their tomb—so to speak.
As a menacing threat looms over Feendrache, Siegfried has set out to uncover the secrets of the island—and the darkness that stirs beneath it.
Accompanying him on his quest is Maleagant, the keeper of the island's lost histories, and the forefather of the Vallant.
Maleagant: Simply put, yes. But it's much more than that. It's a font of power, created in the time of Avalon—a dragonspring.
Maleagant: It was believed that dragons at the end of their days would entrust their spirits and memories here to the soulpool, and wait for life anew.
Maleagant: Whether such belief was true or a mere legend, this place is a sanctuary that harbors the lingering will of fallen dragons and their kin.
Maleagant: I had hoped the dragon's blood within you would elicit some response from either your body or the spring, but...
Maleagant pauses and pulls his gaze away from the lake's surface to look at Siegfried.
Maleagant: Many generations have passed. Whatever dragon lineage lies within you has probably drastically diminished over time.
Maleagant: A partial awakening is no match against the potency of true dragon's blood. If your kin were in this spring, it's unlikely they'd even recognize you.
Maleagant: In short, were it not for the true dragon's blood that runs through your veins, I alone would've been able to establish a connection.
Siegfried: Right... You can perceive the memories of others through their blood, correct?
Siegfried: But dragon or not, there's no telling how your body would react to ingesting the blood of a true dragon.
Siegfried: Well, if this place doesn't provide the insights we seek, there are always other paths to explore.
Siegfried: Lucky for me, I'm not in this alone—I'm nothing but grateful for your assistance.
Maleagant: I... don't understand. I'm the one responsible for what your body has become.
Maleagant: Yet you're "grateful" that fate has forced you to spend an extended period of time with the very man who hurt you.
Siegfried: Fafnir's blood is responsible for what has happened to my body, not your curse.
Siegfried: As for my eyes, well... My vision's not perfect, but it's not gone either. I have no reason to hold a grudge against you.
Maleagant: Sigh. You're just as naive and soft as the other knight captains...
Maleagant: Anyway, let's begin. I will attempt to mediate a connection between you and the spring. Focus and listen for their voices.
Siegfried: Understood.
Maleagant: Well. I knew this would be difficult, but I expected more than just... nothing.
Though unsurprised by the lack of results, a dejected sigh escapes Maleagant's lips.
Siegfried: Hm... It appears that true dragon blood is far more complicated than I thought.
Deep in thought, the men stand silent. The quiet continues until Maleagant breaks it with an inquiry.
Maleagant: A question for you—do you remember where you were born?
Siegfried: No, I know nothing of my birth. At best, I can recall the village I lived in as a child, if I try hard enough.
Maleagant: That should be sufficient. We can search in reverse—from your village we'll determine your place of birth, then identify your flight.
Siegfried: Is that possible?
Maleagant: There's a chance I could be slightly off the mark, but I remember exactly where every dragon flight used to live.
Maleagant: If we can locate where you were born, I can whittle down the possibilities to a more manageable number.
Maleagant: Dragons have a homing instinct. With some support from me, you should have no problem letting your blood lead the way home.
Siegfried: Interesting. Then I suppose our next stop should be my childhood village.
Maleagant: Yes. There's nothing left for us to learn here. Let's hurry. We should leave this place before...
His words cut short by a disturbance, Maleagant scowls and looks across the spring.
His eyes come to rest on a towering tree looming at the water's edge.
Maleagant: What? Is someone in trouble? No? Then what... A... fairy?
Siegfried: Maleagant? What's wrong?
Maleagant: Voices... The dragons here are telling me there's something at the base of that tree.
Maleagant: Forgive me, but would you lend me a hand? This is sacred ground. If there's anything amiss, I'd prefer to sort it out before we leave.
Siegfried: Yes, of course.
Siegfried: Goodness...
Maleagant: ...
The men arrive at the great tree expecting to find an anomaly, only to discover a headless skeleton resting against the tree's trunk.
Siegfried: Whoever this was... they're missing their head. Is it possible only their body was carried here?
Siegfried: The remains are old, but nearly pristine. Judging by their condition, I'd say they're the bones of a prisoner who'd been executed.
Maleagant: Executed...
Maleagant: So that's how it ended for you. Thrown away, disposed of... just as we were.
Siegfried: These remains... They belong to a knight captain of Feendrache, don't they? The Knight of the Lake.
Maleagant: ...
Siegfried takes Maleagant's silence as a confirmation, then lowers his gaze back down to the bony remains before them.
Siegfried: Hm... I might not be privy to the circumstances that led to his remains being abandoned, but the least we can do is give him a proper burial.
Maleagant: I agree...
Maleagant: I will give him to the spring. The spirits will return the memories left within his bones to the waters of Camlann.
Expression hidden deep behind his hood, Maleagant places the remains into the spring and watches as they drift to the bottom.
Unable to offer anything to Maleagant but space and respect, Siegfried bows his head in silent prayer.
Maleagant: ...
Siegfried: ...
By the time the makeshift ceremony is over, night has fallen, and the two men decide to spend it in the forest.
The steady pop and crackle of the fire is all that can be heard, until Siegfried ends the lingering silence.
Siegfried: Not much is known about the Knight of the Lake...
Maleagant: ...
Siegfried: Surviving records from the time he was most likely serving are ambiguous.
Siegfried: Despite having been a captain, there's next to no information on the length of his service or his achievements—even his real name is a mystery.
Maleagant: As it should be. If he was executed to prevent him from speaking up, it only makes sense to wipe the records clean of him.
Maleagant: But the fact that he existed still persisting means they knew future generations would raise questions if they completely erased him.
Siegfried: If I remember correctly, he was your kin. That would make him a dragon as well, wouldn't it?
Maleagant: No. We were both of mixed blood, but unlike me, his mother was a fairy—the youngest sister of the Lady of the Lake.
Siegfried: Really now, the Lady of the Lake's...
Maleagant: What is it? Does something about that not sit right with you?
Siegfried: Nothing, it's just... rather unusual to imagine fairies having children.
At first puzzled by Siegfried's reaction, Maleagant nods in understanding.
Maleagant: Fairies, as you know them, are natural occurrences, born from the elements and arcane energies. As such, they cannot bear offspring.
Maleagant: But there are fairies unique to this island, ones like the Lady of the Lake, whose composition mirrors that of a mortal's.
Maleagant: Thanks to the blessing they've received from the Queen of Avalon, they're capable of taking on mates and producing children to carry on their lineage.
Maleagant: Given that this is something no other fairies in the skies can do, that reaction of yours is only natural.
Maleagant diverts his gaze away from the fire to look up at the night sky, searching for memories of days long past.
Maleagant: Three hundred years. So many things have disappeared over the centuries, yet I'd never thought I'd see him again—or at least what's left of him.
Maleagant: His death feels like ancient history. That his remains would still exist, and in a place like this no less, never even crossed my mind.
Siegfried: Were you close? You were cousins, from what I've heard.
Maleagant: Before the war took over our lives, I'd like to think we considered each other family.
Maleagant: Alas, I can speak for myself, but not for him. In truth, I don't know what he thought of me.
As a wry smile tugs at the corner of Maleagant's lips, he turns to Siegfried.
Maleagant: The hour's grown quite late. I'll tend to the fire. You should get some rest.
Siegfried: Right. I'll do just that.
Siegfried: Good night, Maleagant.
Maleagant: Good night.
Siegfried closes his eyes, and with only the sound of his gentle breaths wafting in the night air, the silence returns.
Maleagant: "Good night," huh...
Maleagant whispers to himself, slowly shutting his own eyes.
Knight of the Lake: The chance for all of you to live in peace will be yours one day...
Knight of the Lake: But until then... I pray you sleep well.
Maleagant: "Sleep well"... Says the man who sealed us into a nightmare...
Maleagant: Cruel words, even for you... Galahad.
Maleagant mutters a name lost for three centuries, awakening memories of a distant past.
Memories bitter and painful—of family turned foe.
Solanum Nigrum
As war rages, tension rises as knights begin to question why those of mixed blood like Maleagant are kept from the front lines. Galahad, the Knight of the Lake, addresses their concerns, clarifying where the burden of battle lies, and that civilians like Maleagant have no place in combat. Despite these words, Maleagant feels his deployment is only a matter of time.
Some three centuries ago, as the flames of war begin to burn between the three-nation alliance and the Kingdom of Feendrache, a few knights express their misgivings.
Peeved Knight: Must be nice being one of those high-and-mighty dragon folk.
Maleagant: ...
Maleagant's ears perk at the terse words and he stops, spotting two knights eyeing him from the shadows.
Maleagant: Clearly you have something you'd like to get off your chest. Go on, speak your mind.
Miffed Knight: Ah, heard that, did you? We're just saying, you dragon folk have no idea how hard us regular people have it.
Peeved Knight: You know, everyone always go on about how much more superior dragons are to people.
Peeved Knight: Well, if you're so great, why aren't you helping us win the war, huh?
Maleagant: You became a knight on your own volition to protect the kingdom and its people, did you not? How do I factor into your grievances?
Peeved Knight: You're supposedly part of the order. That means you should be on the front line fighting just like the rest of us, not hiding away in the castle.
Peeved Knight: What could you possibly know about war when you spend all your time behind those tall walls, huh?
Maleagant: I...
???: And what exactly would you have a civil servant do on the battlefield? Your responsibilities are different. What about that don't you understand?
Miffed Knight: Eep! C-captain...
Maleagant: Knight of the Lake...
Knight of the Lake: Why would we put an official with nary a moment of combat training in battle when we have knights whose job it is to fight?
Knight of the Lake: Don't tell me you're just parading as knights and have no intent of risking your lives for kin and country?
Peeved Knight: Uh, n-no, sir... We just, um...
Knight of the Lake: And what have you achieved that has given you the right to attack our friend here? Go on, Lonnie, Alastor, tell us about all the good you've done.
The once bold knights lose every bit of bravado they had and fall silent the moment the captain calls their names.
Knight of the Lake: From what I understand, you two have returned from the front lines having accomplished next to nothing.
Knight of the Lake: This man has saved countless lives by strengthening our defenses and securing our supply lines. He's done more for the kingdom than you fools could even dream of.
Peeved Knight: That's—
Knight of the Lake: Now, if either of you take umbrage with that, I suggest you prove yourself before attempting to air your grievances again. Are we clear?
Miffed Knight: Of course, sir. We apologize for our behavior.
Knight of the Lake: Good. Now, if you don't mind, I must borrow him for a moment. Important business to talk about, you understand.
As the man drags Maleagant away, one of the knights decides to get in a final word.
Peeved Knight: Psh. Damn mongrel's letting his position get to his head. Knight of the Lake my ass. I guess all you need to become a captain these days is a good in.
Maleagant: What did you just—
Knight of the Lake: Maleagant.
Maleagant's entire body reacts as he turns to confront the knight, but the captain grabs his arm forcing him to swallow his words.
The pair walk away, putting the knights behind them. But as they leave, Maleagant can feel their icy gazes boring into his back.
Maleagant: Why did you stop me, sir?
Met with Maleagant's discontent, the man cracks a wry smile and shrugs.
Knight of the Lake: Tit for tat, that's all that was. It's not how they really feel.
Maleagant: Genuine or not, you're a captain, their superior officer. It's unacceptable for them to speak of you like that.
Knight of the Lake: Well, I say it's acceptable. Now forget about it.
Maleagant: Galahad!
As soon as he utters the name, Maleagant gasps and covers his mouth.
Maleagant: My apologies. I should know better than to call you by your name here.
Galahad: It's all right, you just caught me off guard. It's been a long while since anyone has said it.
Galahad: Just know there's nobody here to reprimand you. You're the only family I have in these castle walls. No one would mind if you called me by my real name.
Maleagant: Your "only" family? Is this the thanks the Lady of the Lake deserves for raising you?
Galahad: Sad to say, but I don't think she'd care. Ours is an age-old contract between knight and lady. Nothing more, nothing less.
Maleagant: Still, your name is proof that you are a recipient of her greatest blessings. Not even familial bonds can interfere with that.
Galahad: It's fine, trust me. I know Viviane. She wouldn't be one to make a fuss over something as trifling as you saying my name.
Maleagant: Though I'm not sure she'd appreciate you saying her name so flippantly.
Galahad: Ah, right. Almost forgot where we were.
Maleagant sighs at Galahad's carefree laughter, clearing his throat in an attempt to bring them back on subject.
Maleagant: Well, whether or not you care about what those knights said, you must at least agree that their choice of words was less than appropriate.
Galahad: Ah, "mongrel," was it?
Galahad: Knights' attitudes toward people of mixed blood has worsened as of late, I won't deny it. But I'm sure it'll improve over time.
Maleagant: Were that we were the only ones. There are others like us in the order, even among the house of lords.
Maleagant: Confined to the order, their behavior is manageable. But if it were to extend to the house, you're the one that would have to answer for them.
Galahad: Thankfully, our knights are not that foolish. They know better than to pick fights with the wrong people.
Galahad: And if their conduct becomes egregious, I'll give them the opportunity to honor their kingdom on the front lines. Incompetency has no place in today's order.
Maleagant finds himself at a loss for words, taken aback by Galahad's brazen suggestion.
Galahad: It seems to me like they completely fail to understand why the kingdom has knights.
Galahad: We exist to safeguard our kingdom and its people—even at the cost of our lives. Neither lineage nor race matter in performing this sacred duty.
Galahad: Every life in Feendrache—be they dragon, mythical beast, or simply a person of mixed lineage—deserves our protection.
Galahad: Where is the sense in a knight ordering the citizenry they've sworn to protect to take up arms?
Galahad: The burden of war is for knights to bear. To deploy the untrained would only result in a needless loss of life.
Galahad: And avoiding sacrifice is exactly why I'm also against conscription. Death is already a constant in war. Why feed it?
Maleagant: I agree with your sentiments, but without knights to do the fighting, the people are doomed. The fact our ranks grow thinner by the day is cause for worry.
Galahad: I will cut down enough enemies to make up for every knight we lack.
Maleagant: You see yourself protecting the kingdom on your own? I knew your head was big, Galahad, but be serious. Even you have your limits.
Maleagant: Feendrache faces invasion from multiple countries. Attempting to confront them on your own would be an act of folly.
Galahad: Perhaps. But they don't have what I have—you.
Maleagant: Me?
Galahad: Yes. You've achieved many remarkable things since joining us here in the order.
Galahad: You fortified our walls, developed magic-based defense systems—even restored long-forgotten monster taming techniques.
Galahad: With your knowledge alone, you managed to bring back what we all thought vanished with the fall of Avalon. I don't think you realize just how many lives you've saved.
The warm smile that had stretched across Galahad's face is replaced with a look of stern solemnity as he fixes his gaze on Maleagant.
Galahad: Maleagant, you're doing more than your part, trust me.
Galahad: We all have our rightful place in this operation. There's no reason to stake your life or dirty your hands as I have chosen to do so.
Maleagant: ...
Maleagant: (You're strong, there's no denying that. But this isn't a kerfuffle between men. This is a war between countries.)
Maleagant: (Our walls will not hold against a protracted war. One day, our enemies will break through—and when they do, we will have no choice.)
Maleagant paces the room, struggling to find the courage to speak the words burning in his heart. He resigns with a defeated sigh.
Maleagant: Very well. Just remember—you don't have to carry the weight of this conflict alone.
Galahad: Yes, I'm well aware. I suppose I'll have to continue to rely on you to pick up my slack.
Galahad: Including shoring up logistical support, taking care of various paperwork, reporting on expenditures...
Maleagant: You can take care of that yourself. All in the day's work as an upstanding knight of the order, right?
Galahad: Come now, won't you lend me a hand? Just one, I won't need the other.
While Galahad falls back to his normal self, Maleagant unconsciously clutches at his chest, attempting to conceal the premonition stirring within him.
Maleagant: (Galahad. I'm afraid no matter what you do, we will see this kingdom's breaking point far sooner than you think.)
Maleagant: (No amount of words or actions will keep civilians from the battlefield. And when they're called, my turn will follow.)
Solanum Nigrum: Scene 2
Maleagant's order to the front line comes, and though Galahad suggests he flee the kingdom, he decides to stay to protect his clan. After suffering a grave injury, he awakens in an unknown location, and discovers that Lord Gliton has been conducting experiments on living subjects at the behest of the crown to develop a weapon that would save Feendrache—a program called Project Vallant.
Two winters have come and gone, yet the war between Feendrache and the allied kingdoms remains at a stalemate—contrary to Maleagant's premonition.
But as the third winter passes, things take a turn for the worse.
Maleagant: So he's come...
Maleagant hears a rush of steps behind him, and just as he closes his book, he feels a hand grab his shoulder.
Galahad: Maleagant, explain yourself! What is the meaning of this?
Maleagant: There's nothing to explain. You heard from His Majesty yourself. I don't see what's so hard to understand.
Galahad: What could His Majesty possibly be thinking! Almost no other officials have been ordered to deploy except you! Why?
Maleagant: The answer is simple. It's because the blood of dragons runs within me.
Maleagant: Others like me with dragon lineage have been called into service along with their sons—like Diana and Lord Ronove.
Galahad: Still, it makes no sense!
Galahad: The Dragons of Memory made a vow of peace. Why would he just ignore that and send you into battle?
Maleagant: A desperate kingdom makes desperate choices. You know better than anyone how dire the situation has gotten.
Galahad: And he's sending you north! Of all places! Do you have any idea how horrific it is up there?
Maleagant: It's the front lines—where the fiercest battles are being fought, isn't it?
Maleagant: Believe me, I'm aware. But defending this kingdom means I have an opportunity to defend its people—and mine.
Maleagant: Ignoring the call is not an option. And I won't, Galahad.
Galahad: ...!
Are you serious? I don't think you actually get what's happening to you! You're being sent to your death!
Galahad words burst out of him like a desperate scream, causing Maleagant to catch his breath.
Maleagant: Sigh... You must have known it would come to this eventually, Galahad.
Maleagant: But don't worry. I may not be experienced with a blade, but my body is strong. I will not die without a fight.
Galahad grits his teeth, head hanging low as Maleagant gently pushes back against his dire presage.
Galahad: Whether you can survive doesn't matter. I will do something about this. You need to get away... Far away.
Maleagant: ...!
You can't be serious. That would be beneath contempt.
Galahad: I'm completely serious. I understand you've been ordered to fight under royal decree, and I know about the deal you made.
Galahad: But this cannot come to pass. The moment you step onto the battlefield, it won't be just your life on the line, but the kingdom's, and dare I say the entire island's!
Maleagant: Galahad?
Galahad: A calamity... A darkness deeper than the blackest night is coming. And the longer this war drags on, the closer it encroaches...
Sensing something amiss, Maleagant peers into Galahad's eyes and sees an ethereal glow.
Maleagant: (No, a vision is taking him over!)
Maleagant quickly draws Galahad's head to his chest, shielding his eyes while stroking his back in an attempt to calm him.
Maleagant: Avert your gaze, Galahad. Do not let yourself be consumed by what you see.
Galahad: But I...
Maleagant: I will listen to what you have to say—just calm yourself. Take a deep breath and gather your thoughts. You're safe with me.
Galahad: ...
Several quiet moments pass, and as soon as Galahad regains his composure, he gently pulls away.
Galahad: I'm sorry, Maleagant. Yet again, I've caused you trouble. Some things never change, I suppose...
Maleagant: No apologies needed. Your visions are beyond your control, I know.
Maleagant: And unlike me, you're not built to withstand a deluge of memories flowing in. If your mind shattered now, the kingdom would have more than just this war to worry about.
Galahad: You're right...
With a bitter smile, Galahad draws a deep breath, then looks to Maleagant with a tinge of uncertainty in his eyes.
Galahad: But no matter what I saw, violating a pact made with a dragon is unthinkable. Not even kings have that right.
Galahad: The price of breaking such a promise is not insignificant. If something were to happen to Feendrache because of this, I...
Maleagant: I'm afraid you misunderstand my ancestors. They weren't as unbending as you seem to think they were.
Maleagant: I will be joining the fight to protect the families who live here and all who call this island home. I know they would understand.
Galahad: Maleagant...
Maleagant: If you can't help but be concerned about me, then you're welcome to come lend me a hand after you've completed your duties.
Galahad: Fine. Just promise me... Promise you'll stay alive until I can bring you reinforcements.
Maleagant: I promise—as long as you promise to do the same.
Maleagant: Looking back, I realize now—Galahad had already seen the future that awaited us.
Maleagant: He saw all of it. The eventual fall of the northern front that would occur one year after I joined it...
Maleagant: And the nightmare that would engulf us all.
Maleagant: (Wh-what... was that? What's that... smell?)
Maleagant: (Am I... still alive?)
As the fog begins to lift in Maleagant's head, awareness floods back into him.
When his senses finally return, he is assaulted by the suffocating stench of blood.
Maleagant: Wh-where am I?
Maleagant: Ngh!
The moment Maleagant opens his eyes, a sharp pain shoots through his entire body, and a spine-chilling scream hits his ears.
Maleagant: What...
Maleagant: (Is this... a dungeon? What happened? The last thing I can recall is being attacked by the allied kingdoms...)
As Maleagant puts the puzzle together, he examines his body and gasps, the excruciating pain catching up to him.
Maleagant: Hah... Haha. I always knew I was tough, but never did I think I'd live through an assault like that...
His gut torn and his lower body severed, a surge of horror rips through him when he realizes he has survived with injuries that would be fatal to any mere mortal.
???: Agh... Gh... Gah...
Maleagant: Hello? Is someone there?
Maleagant looks in the direction of the faint voice and he spots a shadow huddled in the corner of the room.
His body screams in protest as he crawls over, pulling his body across the floor toward the figure until he finally reaches it.
Maleagant: Hey, are you all right?
???: Egh... Urgh...
Though only groans, the voice is strangely familiar. Maleagant searches through his memories, trying to place it.
Peeved Knight: Must be nice being one of those high-and-mighty dragons.
Maleagant: Lonnie?
No sooner than he speaks Lonnie's name, the shadow grasps Maleagant's wrist and tries with all its might to draw close to him.
Maleagant: ...!
Vestige of Lonnie: Mal... eag... Ngh... Gh...
Maleagant: Agh!
The figure reveals its grotesque, twisted form—a misshapen entity with nary a feature that could suggest it was once a person.
Forgetting about his own pain, Maleagant quickly turns away. The creature slumps to the ground, convulsing for a moment before ceasing all movement.
???: Well. You're alive. I must make it a point to find the nitwit who declared you dead.
Maleagant hears a voice as clear as day from behind him, and when he turns to find out who it is, his eyes widen in surprise.
Maleagant: You... You're... Lord Gliton?
Maleagant: What's a consul like you doing in a place like this?
Gliton: Hm? Ah, yes. You don't know.
Gliton: For a long time now, I've devoted myself to the development of new weapons for the war effort—under His Majesty's orders, of course.
Gliton: To that end, I've been reusing soldiers who are no longer fit for combat in my experiments, but the average person is just so... fragile.
Gliton: They break under even the smallest adjustments. Much like that specimen there—just another one of my failed attempts.
Gliton points to the still remains of the entity that grasped for Maleagant.
Maleagant: Failed attempts... What are you talking about?
Researcher: Lord Gliton, your next test subject...
Gliton: Good! Wonderful timing, my dear! It seems some promising materials were mixed in with the waste this time. This one shall do just fine.
Without another word, the researchers restrain Maleagant.
Maleagant: Lord Gliton! Explain yourself!
Gliton: You want an explanation? Well, I already gave you one. I am developing weapons that will win us the war—all for the good of Feendrache.
Maleagant: Don't you play a fool, you know exactly what I want to know! Tell me, what have you done to—
Maleagant is interrupted by a sudden prick at his neck, causing the room about him to spin.
Gliton: Oh, fantastic! This specimen is a lively one! And a direct descendent at that! It really is my lucky day!
Gliton: A breakthrough is imminent, I can feel it. A weapon that will save Feendrache—Project Vallant will finally bear fruit.
Those are the last words Maleagant hears before his consciousness fades to black.
Solanum Nigrum: Scene 3
After enduring brutal experimentation, Maleagant awakens as the first Vallant. Later, Galahad appears before him, revealing that he was not only aware of the project, but was complicit in it, prompting Maleagant to sever ties with him. Upon leaving, Galahad shares his resolve with the Lady of the Lake—none shall interfere in his wish to secure a future where Maleagant can truly belong.
Gentle Dragon: Listen, my dear Mel. It is not our flesh and blood that prove we are alive, but the memories we carry.
In a forest dappled with warm sunlight, a boy clings to a dragon, raising his tear-stained face as it speaks to him.
Gentle Dragon: As long as there is someone to preserve your memory and your spirit, you will live forever. To be forgotten is to experience true death.
Youngster: That's stupid! I'll never get to talk to my grandfather again, or feel his hands patting my head!
Youngster: I can't see his face, I can't touch him, and I can't hear him! How can you be so sure he's alive?
Gentle Dragon: Because he is, Mel. In fact, he's right next to you.
Gentle Dragon: Close your eyes, and call to your memories. And when they return to you, you too will feel his presence.
Doubtful, the boy closes his eyes and searches through his memories, just as he is told.
With a bit of focus, he manages to recall his grandfather—his face, his voice, his warmth, and his scent. As the fragments come together, he gradually takes form...
Youngster: Grandfather?
A breeze stirs the air, and the boy's eyes flicker. He feels the distinct presence of his grandfather as if he were still among the living.
Gentle Dragon: There. Do you feel him? He's there, right beside you.
Youngster: I do! Wow, I can't believe it. My grandfather's still alive.
The boy gently presses his hands against his chest, the sadness that once overcame him now just another memory.
Gentle Dragon: Maleagant... My beloved Mel, bearer of the dragon mother's watchful eye, beloved child of paradise.
Gentle Dragon: The blessing bestowed upon you is greater and stronger than any dragon in our flight. It is as much a curse as it is a boon. At times, it will cause you grief.
Gentle Dragon: But never forget—as long as you remember us, we will always be there for you, by your side.
The wind comes to life once again, creating a whirlwind of petals and grass that obscures the boy's vision.
Researcher: ...!
He's returned to normal!
Gliton: Oh, magnificent! Remember this, my dear! This is a moment that will go down in history! The creation of an entirely new life-form!
Maleagant: (A... what? What's he talking about? What's happening? Everything's a blur...)
From the depths of profound darkness, Maleagant is yanked back into consciousness by a clamorous din.
Gliton: Congratulations, Maleagant! This is the anniversary of your new life! Celebrate! Rejoice!
When Maleagant finally opens his eyes, he is greeted by the smiling faces of researchers applauding in unison.
Gliton: What an enormous privilege it is to witness such a splendid moment. Look, I'm sure they're just as delighted as we are!
Gliton nods with approval toward the corner of the chamber, and Maleagant's gaze follows.
Maleagant: ...!
Lined up in a grotesque display are the altered figures of his mother and brother, as well as his grandmother in her dragon form.
Gliton: I much would have preferred everyone be here for this fantastic achievement.
Gliton: But it just so happens you and yours were the only ones lucky enough to retain your forms. The power of dragon lineage is great indeed.
Maleagant: Wh-what... What have you done to them? Gliton, what did you do to my family?
Gliton: Hm? Don't you remember? I could have sworn I gave you a proper explanation when I was working on you.
Gliton: See, I took various organs and components, blood and cells from your kin, your clan, and the partially awakened failed subjects...
Gliton: And created a new being that possesses both the might of the ancient dragons and the intelligence of man!
Gliton: That being is you—the shining beacon of hope for Feendrache, the weapon that will save our kingdom... the first Vallant!
Memories seared into his mind suddenly come rushing back.
The endless loop of cold machinery, his mother, brother, grandmother, and clan members—a collection of last breaths.
Maleagant: In that moment, it all came back to me—and with each memory came utter despair.
Maleagant: I was opened, bound, twisted, and torn. And as I was warped into a creature, I knew that I would never be given the escape that death would bring.
Maleagant: The days and years that passed were a blur.
Maleagant: In time, researchers discovered they could take my flesh and blood and make more Vallants.
Maleagant: And as if timed by fate itself, the war soon escalated, and I found myself commanding the Vallants through the never-ending flames of battle.
Maleagant: Slaughter your enemies—that was the command branded into my very soul. And so I killed, from dawn to dusk, my free will but a memory.
Maleagant: Denied both death and escape, trapped in an eternal nightmare, I spent my days desperately wishing for all of it to end.
Galahad: Maleagant.
Maleagant: Galahad?
Back from the warfront, an unexpected guest pays a visit to Maleagant in his dungeon cell.
Beyond the heavy door, the familiar voice of his cousin comes through.
Maleagant: Why are you here...
Galahad: Have you forgotten? I'm a captain. It's part of my duty to orchestrate everything that goes on in the war.
Galahad: And officially speaking, the Vallants fall under the command of the order. I'm sure you understand what that means.
At the mere mention of Vallants, Maleagant's mind floods with visions of the abject horrors that had unfolded within the dungeon walls.
Maleagant: So... you knew? About all of this?
Maleagant: About what was going on down here? All of Gliton's "research"?
Galahad: Yes... It was the will of His Majesty.
Galahad: You must've figured it by now, haven't you? The people they sent here "died" on the battlefield... at least on paper.
Galahad: They brought injured citizens here too... Victims of enemy raids.
Galahad: All for the good of Feendrache. Those marked for death shall serve their kingdom until their last breath.
Galahad: Such was the command of our sovereign.
Maleagant: I don't understand... What are you saying, Galahad!
Maleagant: Then explain to me... What does my family have to do with any of this? Why were Dragons of Memory brought here?
Maleagant: And what about the people with no connection to the war? There were plenty of them here too!
As if expecting Maleagant to ask about the many others, Galahad quickly answers.
Galahad: I made my dissent clear, believe me. But His Majesty would not hear it.
Galahad: In regards to the seizure of your family, that was a decision made by Lord Gliton himself.
Galahad: As for the citizens, well... once the first Vallant was successfully created, the kingdom needed more, so His Majesty began buying subjects.
Galahad: The order was complicit in this, that I won't deny...
Maleagant: So, what? Are you trying to convince me you yourself had no hand in it? Do you think I'm stupid!
Maleagant: You... You're a knight! It is your duty to protect the people of this kingdom!
Maleagant: Yet you stand there with your hands at your side and watch as the king throws away the lives of his subjects! How can you stomach such madness?
Galahad: Yes, it is my responsibility as a knight to ensure the safety of our kingdom's citizens.
Galahad: But His Majesty's command is absolute. Over all else, a knight's duty is to the crown.
Maleagant: I can't believe it... Do you even hear what you're saying?
Galahad: I take no pleasure in sacrificing the people's lives... It sickens me.
Galahad: But Lord Gliton's research has produced results—results that have slowly but surely started turning the war in our favor.
Galahad: You must understand... As a knight bound to the throne, I have no choice but to believe we made the right decision.
Maleagant: ...
Unable to stomach the intense disgust within him bubbling with each word exchanged, Maleagant turns his back to the door.
Galahad: Maleagant...
Maleagant: Leave. Get out of my sight. You are never to speak my name again.
Maleagant: You are pathetic, Sir Knight of the Lake. Nothing but a royal puppet, preaching honor and duty, while dancing for his king.
Galahad: I only—
Maleagant: I said leave!
Maleagant hurls his fist at the wall and cracks form. Upon hearing the commotion, researchers rush into his cell.
In an instant, he is restrained and sedated, but through his waning consciousness, he catches a glimpse of a man fighting back tears.
Maleagant: (Why... why are you the one crying?)
The meaning behind his cousin's sadness remains a mystery as his world fades to black.
Galahad: ...
Just as Galahad leaves the dungeon, the sound of bells stop him in his tracks. He draws a long, heavy sigh.
Galahad: Yes, I know. A knight is loyal. He lives to protect the kingdom and bring prosperity to the realm.
Galahad: That is what you desire in a knight, and it is the path I am to follow as the Knight of the Lake.
Galahad: If that is what you want for me, I will honor your vision. Our covenant leaves me no other choice.
Galahad: Still...
Galahad clenches his fist, his eyes aflame with determination.
Galahad: What I want as a knight and what I want as a person are not the same. From the beginning, I've only ever wanted to protect one thing.
Galahad: The present is damned. He deserves to live in tomorrow, where a flicker of hope yet exists.
Galahad: My decisions will lead us through darkness. Countless lives will be lost, and I will forever be branded a monster for what I've done...
Galahad: But this sacred wish is one I will defend with my life. And I will destroy anyone who stands in my way—even you.
Solanum Nigrum: Scene 4
Upon waking from a nightmare of his own memories, Maleagant opens up to Siegfried about the weight he carries. Centuries have passed, but he still feels as if he is held captive by the past. As he confesses his loneliness, Siegfried offers some words of wisdom—the choice to break free lies within. Maleagant agrees, deciding that it is the duty of those left behind to forge ahead.
Maleagant: ...!
A sharp crack from the fire jolts Maleagant awake, drawing his mind back to the present.
Maleagant: Where...
Just as he is about to rise to his feet, he sees a figure at the edge of his vision that kick-starts his memory.
Maleagant: (How could I let myself be so careless? I should know better than to nod off in a place like this...)
Maleagant: (That was loud... Though hopefully not loud enough to wake him up.)
Maleagant cautiously glances at Siegfried and is relieved to see no signs of him waking.
Maleagant: Sigh... Who knew having such a good memory would cause so much pain...
Siegfried: Did you have a bad dream? You were thrashing about in your sleep.
Maleagant: Agh!
With a yelp of surprise, Maleagant's shoulders jump. Siegfried chuckles at his overreaction.
Maleagant: Y-you've been awake? For how long?
Siegfried: Unfortunate for you, I've always been a light sleeper. And out here in the wilderness, I'm sensitive to even the faintest signs of movement.
Maleagant: In other words, this whole time? Your duplicity knows no bounds.
Siegfried: My apologies. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I promise.
Siegfried: But I've been worried about you.
Siegfried: Ever since we saw those remains, you've been acting strange.
Maleagant: ...
Siegfried: Hm... You know, Vane once told me something interesting about nightmares.
Siegfried: He said talking about them makes them easier to deal with.
Siegfried: I won't force you to, of course. But I can lend you an ear if you're in need of one.
As if waiting for a response, Siegfried falls silent. After a moment of hesitation, Maleagant sighs.
Maleagant: It's nothing significant. Just... something has been on my mind for quite some time now.
Siegfried: Hm?
Maleagant: I want to know... why did he let me live?
Maleagant: He had never once gone against a royal order... no matter how cruel it was.
Maleagant: He would have never sacrificed the lives of commonfolk otherwise.
Siegfried: ...
Maleagant: Yet, at the very end, he chose to disobey, and spared our lives.
Maleagant: For as long as I live, I will never understand why he did that.
Maleagant: If he had followed orders as he always did, perhaps he'd still be...
Maleagant voice grows small as he trails off. His fists tighten as he grips at the hem of his own garment.
Maleagant: He should have just killed me... instead of forcing me to suffer in this body, with these memories.
Maleagant: At least then, we would both have closure.
Maleagant: He'd be absolved of both the guilt of creating us and of being family to the first Vallant.
Maleagant: If he killed me by his own hands, the king and the people wouldn't have so cruelly cast him aside.
Maleagant: Knight of the Lake is a title bestowed by Feendrache's guardian fairy. It carries weight. I'd like to think it would have afforded him at least some protection.
Maleagant pauses before letting out a faint, sardonic chuckle.
Maleagant: But come to think of it...
Maleagant: Had he made an effort to stop the king's brutality, there would be no Vallant, and no dark secrets.
Maleagant: You and your comrades would have one less sin to bear.
Siegfried: But without the Vallant, there's no guarantee Feendrache would be standing today.
Siegfried: Whatever dark deeds lie in the past, the kingdom owes its survival to the Vallant, don't you agree?
Maleagant: Well, yes, I suppose I would...
Siegfried: There's no forgiving the pain you've been put through, and the innocent lives that were sacrificed...
Siegfried: But, as strange as this may sound, perhaps some good came out of your creation. But of course, that's easy to say in retrospect.
Siegfried's words sound all too familiar to Maleagant.
Maleagant: You're a knight through and through...
Siegfried: What do you mean by that?
Maleagant: He once said something very similar, the Knight of the Lake—that as a knight, he believed the king made the right choice.
Maleagant: It seems you knights think the same way no matter the era—including your captain, and your vice-captain.
Siegfried: I wouldn't be so sure about that. Different knights have different opinions. We're not all cut from the same cloth.
Siegfried: I just happened to be on the same page as the Knight of the Lake. Lancelot and Vane could have their own opinion.
Siegfried: In fact, after everything they've been through, I'm fairly positive they do.
Maleagant: Your vice-captain is a bleeding heart, but I dare say your captain would side with the Knight of the Lake.
Maleagant: Any man deemed worthy by the Lady of the Lake likely possesses the same spirit and knightly qualities that she once saw in him.
Siegfried: Hm... Do you really think that's the case?
Maleagant: I do. For as long as I can remember, she has always valued a person's convictions and abilities more than their morals.
Maleagant: But... thankfully your captain's personality and circumstances differ greatly from the Knight of the Lake. I can't see him treading the same path.
As Maleagant lets out a soft sigh, he turns his gaze and absently stares off deep into the woods.
His eyes focus on the darkness between the trees and his mind wanders, recalling the spring and the memory of those who rest in its stillness.
Maleagant: If only he had been part dragon. It would have made all of this searching a lot easier.
Maleagant: The spring would give us a glimpse into his thoughts and feelings, allow us to retrace his footsteps, even in death.
Maleagant: But I suppose none of that matters now. What's done is done.
Maleagant casts his eyes downward and draws his knees to his chest as if trying to contain an emotion poised to burst forth.
Maleagant: Three centuries of emptiness... An eternity too long.
Maleagant: Everything's changed. The people, the landscape, even the wind. I don't recognize any of it.
Maleagant: The world has moved on without me. But I'm still here, suspended in time, a prisoner of an era long gone.
Maleagant: I've never felt so alone... so empty.
In a whisper barely louder than a breath, Maleagant voices feelings he has kept locked within himself for hundreds of years.
Siegfried: The past can't hold you forever...
Siegfried: I understand it's difficult now, but time will begin to move again for you, slowly but surely.
Siegfried: These memories may never stop haunting you...
Siegfried: But it's up to you to break free of them and forge forward to tomorrow.
Maleagant: Yes... You're exactly right.
Maleagant: The names of those whose lives were cut short, their journeys... the dark, untold truth.
Maleagant: I must carry this history—our history—on to the future.
Maleagant: That is my purpose... the reason why fate has awakened me.
Maleagant is aware that he may never escape the horrific memories of his past.
But he is convinced that it is the duty of those left behind to march toward the future, and so he chooses to press on.