Palisade

War is declared, and the world wakes with a new face. Previous ways of life must be set aside as fire and ash take the place of peacetime. The Republic of New Palisade has been invaded by the United Clans of Valour, the outer borders breached, the frontiers torched. This is the time where legends and common people must rise together in defense of their home, their dignity, their beliefs. They fight for their loved ones, faces that can never be forgotten, names forever written scarlet across the heart. This is the time for action, purpose, and care. Someone is waiting for you, now, in a place which you could describe even in a dream, a fountain garden of reaching rose vines, ivy, and old stone. You’ve met this person here one hundred times before, but on this day of this new world, your known home feels alien. This place should be full of life and energy, townsfolk mingling and merchants peddling. It is silent, save for two voices. They are speaking to a soldier, one of the New Palisade Special Corp, and you hear that they are talking about you: “I’m not here to loiter. I’m waiting for someone. They will be here soon.” They say [[The soldier recognizes you, and looks back to your partner. “I apologize, General. I was tasked to assure your safety, but I see that your Guardian is here.”|SHIELD-INTRO]] [[The soldier sees you approach, and eyes your child once more with disgust. His eyes fall to their right arm, where an enlisted citizen would wear a band of the New Palisade Defense. He sighs. “Well, they’re here. Move along, please.”|BEACON-INTRO]] [[The soldier stands to attention as you approach, and salutes your friend as he leads you away.|SALVE-INTRO]]

She looks radiant in her armour, polished silver and gold gleaming in the sun. The Special Corps soldier bows, two fists crossed at the belly and head dipped very low in deference. She dismisses them with a nod, and turns to you. “Welcome back. I have much to discuss with you. Shall we return to the palace?” You follow as she moves through the Capital, close at her shoulder, eyes scanning the crowd. People stand well aside at your approach, bowing deeply as you pass, and children peek from behind their parents, pointing and exclaiming. You are greeted by smiles, genuine and hopeful, and you see that she is smiling back despite herself. The people have heard the news - their heroic General is going to lead an attack soon, somewhere on the frontier. Glory and retribution for the homeland, and finally a whisper of hope. Your eye catches each whisper of movement, any tool or item that could be used as a weapon, any concealed face or intent. Despite her bright expression, long familiarity betrays the tension in her shoulders and clenched fists. You are on alert, purposeful, for the long walk back to the General’s Suite - her duty for now is to be seen in her shining armour, and your duty is to stand close and be impenetrable. You are not calm until the heavy oak doors of the suite are closed behind you, and the two of you are [[alone in the Suite.|SHIELD-1]]

Your child, Alexis, looks down at their feet, and you take them by the shoulder and guide them gently away. It has been six months since mandatory enlistment was enacted in New Palisade. You have managed to keep them out of the eye of the conscriptors this far by claiming yourself as their dependent, but with the recent rout of the soldiers on the frontline, the rules for eligibility are getting tighter. You both know that there is only so much time left before they will be dragged off to join the war effort. You are afraid of that possibility, of course, but privately you worry more that they will desert entirely. The punishment for desertion is death, and Alexis is hardly prepared for a life of exile, forever looking over their shoulder. [[You keep these thoughts to yourself.|BEACON-1]]

Your close friend, Captain Monaghan, leads you to his modest quarters in the military district, and you barely speak for the walk. Once inside, he closes the front door, locks it, and leans against it with a rush of held breath. “Okay.” He says, “We should be able to speak freely here.” You look askance at him, and he dodges your eyes as he sits across from you at the dining table. He fidgets, coughs, and closes his eyes. “You can tell me.” You say. He sucks in air and breathes out slowly. “I made a mistake.” He says. “No, I made…the worst mistake a person can make. Not a mistake. A-a…choice. I m-made a bad choice…” You wait, heart pounding, as he collects himself. “The battle at Red Field Heights.” He says. “The massive defeat, where our troops were ambushed…” A long sigh. [[“It was my fault.”|SALVE-1]]

She removes her armour with your help, and once in just her leather padded underclothes, she slumps unceremoniously onto a plush divan, head thrown back and eyes closed. In the privacy of her quarters, she is not just the glorious General, but also your beloved. “This waiting is worse than the assault.” She sighs. You smile, familiar and warm, and squeeze her shoulder. “Only a while longer. Then we can get the damn thing out of the way and be back again.” She nods, squeezing your hand back. “I know. I feel sick all the time, it’s all I can think of. I just keep thinking of everything that can go wrong. But I want to finally gain ground in this bloody war.” “We will.” “Do you think so?” She looks up at you, frowning. “I want this over. The people want this over. Everyone is tired, everyone is terrified. We all just want life to be simple again. And I…I don’t know. I don’t feel right doing this, you know.” You nod. “I know that. But we need a win. And the people don’t just need a victory, they need you. They trust you, and they will believe in this assault if you are part of it.” “I’m just so eager to be done this. I want to go back to real life, I want to feel safe enough to start a family. But I worry that I’m clouded by that, and I need to be sure of myself in this. What do you think? Is this assault a good idea? Do you think it will work?” [[“I think that having you there will make this work. The people will fight stronger knowing that you’re with them.”|SHIELD-1-GOOD]] [[“I know it’s difficult, but you will have to find the resolve inside yourself for it to work.”|SHIELD-1-BAD]] [[“Well…are you sure you need to lead it? It’s a lot of risk, just for the sake of morale.”|SHIELD-1-BAD]] [[“Don’t be afraid. I’ll be there to protect you.”|SHIELD-1-BAD]]

She looks relieved. “Thank you. I’m putting a lot of faith in the people, and what my reputation can do for them. But they need to be there because they believe in our success. I think we can do this.” She stands, and her posture is somewhat taller, her chin lifted higher. Some of the fear in her eyes has [[eased.|SHIELD-2]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

Two days ago, the General rode out at the front of the forward column of the assault, the tip of the great spear of warriors behind her, and you, as always, close behind. And when the hidden bowmen of the Clans of Valour shot toward you from the concealed trenches and foothills, she was the one they aimed for. You had leapt immediately into action, dragging her from the frontline on the back of your horse, shielding her as you plunged back in a retreat, and she fought you the whole way, beating against your armour and sobbing in your ear, begging you to stop. Your duty is not to the assault, or the war effort, or even the High Parliament - you are sworn to protect the General, and you feel no remorse as you pull her from the battle, as friends and countrymen fall all around you. The battle is a rout. The Clans were tipped off. Now, the General is bed-ridden. Though safe, arrows tore through her, through flesh and into bone, only barely sparing serious organ damage. She wakes now again, but she is wretched and haunted by the memories of the failed assault. Thousands sleep eternally in the foothills of the battleground, and they scream to her when she sleeps. She doesn’t speak much, but she breaks the silence now in a soft voice. “Someone I trusted warned them. Only a small group of people knew where the attack would be, and the enemy knew we were coming.” You nod, grave. She sighs. “This was my assault, my orders, my plan. I brought so many people to their deaths. And for what? The spirit of New Palisade is lower than ever. Instead of hope, there is misery. They trusted me, and I led them to slaughter.” You put your hand over hers. There isn’t much to say. She turns to you, eyes glittering with unshed tears. “I don’t know what to do from here. I am a failure. The people must hate me.” [[“You did everything you could. Nothing could have prevented this.”|SHIELD-2-BAD]] [[“Perhaps you could do a public speech? Visit the survivors and families, find what they think of this situation?”|SHIELD-2-GOOD]] [[“I can’t fathom how this feels for you, but surely the people will understand your intent.”|SHIELD-2-BAD]] [[“I will see that no one speaks ill of you for this. You did your best! I won’t hear otherwise.”|SHIELD-2-BAD]]

Some doubt remains in her face, but she smiles. You can see tension in the lines of her face. “I think I’m just going to have to do this. One way or another, it’s the only option we have right now. I hope it is [[enough.”|SHIELD-2]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

She nods, and winces in pain. “Yes. You’re right. I need to think of the people right now, not myself. [[It’s all I can do.”|SHIELD-3]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

“That’s enough.” She says, unusually curt. She sighs. “Words are cheap. My failure is apparent to all of this country. They needed me, and I wasn’t there. [[Better I had died with the rest.”|SHIELD-3]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

The day following, the General calls a public forum to address the people. She holds this in the palace square, eschewing the finery of the more official courtrooms and public centres. She hobbles painfully to the front, leaning on your arm as a crutch. The citizens are silent for the long walk, but their faces are stormy. She speaks for some time, of the heroism of the country’s army, of the need to keep optimistic, and with an air of injured humility, of her mistake in letting the assault fail. It does not go well. Though not incited to a full riot, the people shout and wail, demanding answers, and the General is soon overwhelmed. After a time, she cannot be heard over the din any longer, and you escort her back and into the safety of the gathered Special Corp honour guard. As she is led away, you are approached by a small group of citizens. Though not violent in intent, they seem hurt and confused. “We know you have the ear of the General.” A young woman says. Her infant son is rested against her hip, watching the crowd. “We know that she means well, but we’re all afraid. How were the enemy able to infiltrate so easily? How are we going to fight back with our numbers cut so short? How long can we last until the invasion reaches the capital? We want to believe in her, but she didn’t even stay in the battle to fight. What sort of General is that?” You frown, considering her words, aware that she had no choice in her retreat. [[You make a polite retreat, but decline to share these words with the General. When asked, you assure her that the commonfolk will see her resolve and bravery in coming forward, and will come back around.|SHIELD-3-BAD]] [[You promise to share their concerns, though you are careful to relay them in a less aggressive way to preserve the General’s dignity.|SHIELD-3-BAD]] [[You bow your head in respect. “I can see why you feel this way. This should never have happened, and the General is devastated. I promise that I will speak to her.”|SHIELD-3-GOOD]] [[You refuse to relay this message privately, and demand that these townsfolk bring their concerns up with a Citizen’s Parliamentary Liaison.|SHIELD-3-BAD]]

When you relay these concerns to the General, she seems strangely relieved. She thanks you, eyes distant in thought. “I understand how they feel. I need to act quickly to rectify this. If I can find the spy and reassure the people, we may still have hope in preventing the [[enemy’s advance.”|SHIELD-4]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

The contents of this conversation are not relayed effectively to the General, and are not addressed. Over the next week, the public discontent swells, like the water in a [[dam ready to burst.|SHIELD-4]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

Over time, the General’s wounds begin to heal, and with this comes a renewed sense of vigour. She wants to make things right. The two of you take to the streets with a small honour guard, stopping to speak with merchants, workers, and pedestrians as you go. The same sentiments continue to arise: fear for the future, uncertainty, hopelessness. The General speaks soothingly, but honestly, of her thoughts and intentions, and though this is not enough to solve the problem, the people appreciate it. After a long day of this, as the sun is hanging low in the sky, you come to a small mob gathered outside the long marble steps to the palace. They spot your small party and the crowd roils like a disturbed wasp nest, shouting in your direction. They are furious and jeering, and calls of “coward!” can be heard. You glance to the General, and she looks devastated. [[You approach the crowd. “Citizens! I understand how you feel, as does your General. Your concerns have been heard, and they will be addressed immediately!”|SHIELD-4-BAD]] [[You approach the crowd. “Your General desires peace, just as you do. She will bring this war to an end, but she needs the help of all citizens of New Palisade. Do not turn against your own!”|SHIELD-4-GOOD]] [[You turn to the General. “I think you need to speak to them. We have to stop this now, before it spreads.”|SHIELD-4-BAD]] [[You turn to the General. “You can handle this. Everything will be okay with time.”|SHIELD-4-BAD]]

The people watch you intently, and listen as you tell them the truth: how you were betrayed, how it was you, and not the General, who chose to retreat. You tell them that the decision was made to ensure the General’s survival, because she is the one person who can turn this tide. You speak to them, not as a soldier, but as a citizen, and as the beloved of the General. Slowly, you hear a murmur come over the crowd. Words are not enough alone, but [[they have heard you.|SHIELD-5]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

The General moves forward to speak, and the shouting grows to a roar. The honour guard rushes forward to stand between the mob and your charge, and the crowd surges forward, fists raised, frenzied. The General is stricken, and takes a few steps back before you pull her behind you. “We need to leave.” She says. You nod, and move away from the palace, taking refuge in the soldier barracks [[across the palace square.|SHIELD-5]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

Despite the continued unease, the General takes time away from public appearances, and turns her attention to rooting out the spy. Your days are spent in the dungeon, in a windowless room which the General commandeers as an interrogation chamber. One by one, she speaks to councillors, delegates, ambassadors, and high-ranking soldiers. No trace is found, and the General is demoralized. After a long week of this, you are back in the General’s Suite, with your exhausted wife sleeping in the adjacent bedroom. You wait to be relieved by the night detail, who will watch over the suite, when suddenly you hear the sound of glass and conflict. You burst into the General’s bedroom, and the scene sends a chill through you. A window, shattered utterly, glass burst across the room and glittering in the moonlight. Blood, almost black in the dark. And your partner is on the ground, crouched low over a prone body, holding them down. A long knife has been thrown across the room. You rush forward, hauling the General up, and immediately bind the incapacitated assassin's arms and legs with a torn curtain. You inspect the General, who is unharmed save for a gash across one arm. The assassin was knocked senseless, and most of the blood you see comes from her, but she breathes still. “The spy…” The General murmurs, shaking her head. “It has to be them who sent her.” You nod. “What should we do with her?” [[“Kill her. The spy must be afraid, to send an assassin. Show them that you will not be threatened.”|SHIELD-5-BAD]] [[“Kill her publicly. We have to make an example of any who would attempt this, or these attacks will continue.”|SHIELD-5-BAD]] [[Imprison her, and bring her before the people. Force her to tell them the name of the spy, where all can hear.”|SHIELD-5-GOOD]] [[“Imprison her, and force the name of the spy from her.”|SHIELD-5-BAD]]

Despite their earlier fervour, the fury and bewilderment of the people fades as the spy is caught and imprisoned. He is sentenced to be hanged, and though gruesome, this execution soothes the electric tension of the commonfolk. Time, too, works to heal the trust that had been broken, and with tireless work, the General begins to gain support once again. Three weeks after the execution of the spy, the General launches a second assault on the United Clans of Valour, and this time she fights proudly on the front line. Caught off guard, she is able to win back the bridge over the Great Expanse, a key point in the invasion into New Palisade. This marks the turning point of the war. As ever, you remain by her side. You are there for every command, every kill, and every victory. You are the impenetrable shield of the Great General, forever at their shoulder, forever warmed by the golden glow of her endeavours. (set: $goodEnding to 0) (set: $badEnding to 0) [[START OVER|INTRODUCTION]]

The spy is found, and sentenced to a death by public hanging. Though briefly pacified, this is act is soon forgotten, and the discontent continues to work its way through the people. Despite working herself to exhaustion, day after day, the heart of the people has been lost to the General, and soon she is forced to stay hidden away in the palace for her own safety. A short month later, she is quietly brought before parliament, and stripped of her command. She is placed in charge of the Capital Guard, and a new general is promoted. The people celebrate her dismissal. You are torn from her service, and forced to protect the new general against your behest. You see your beloved now and again in passing, but your duties take you far from them, to countless battlefields, to stalemates, and eventually, to an overwhelming defeat. (set: $goodEnding to 0) (set: $badEnding to 0) [[START OVER|INTRODUCTION]]

They sigh as you lead them back to your modest home along the river. They immediately flop down in a chair as you begin gathering vegetables for dinner. After a moment, they speak. “It’s getting worse, you know. I barely want to go outside anymore.” “I know.” You reply over the sound of chopping carrots. “I hate this whole thing. I don’t believe in killing strangers, especially strangers who don’t believe in killing me. I don’t understand the point of all this - don’t we have diplomats? There’s an embassy right in their capital, isn’t there?” “Sometimes war can’t be avoided.” You say, somewhat unsure. You recall your own time fighting with the New Palisade Defense Corp. Your own twisted leg and heavy limp are all that keep you from being in the same predicament as your child. “I…I mean, I guess I know that. It just feels wrong. It’s not that I don’t want to…be a part of this, I guess? I want to help keep people safe. But what good am I going to do? All I can do out there is become another target.” [[“I know. You still have time to understand your feelings. Try and think of what it is you want, and what you’re most afraid of.”|BEACON-1-GOOD]] [[“Everyone feels like this in wartime. War is an awful thing, but eventually that fear fades.”|BEACON-1-BAD]] [[“You’re too hard on yourself. You have so much to offer. You’ll see it for yourself soon.”|BEACON-1-BAD]] [[“There’s nothing wrong with being afraid, or with wanting to be left out of it.”|BEACON-1-BAD]]

They take a deep breath, and some small part of the tension eases from their face. “Thanks. They haven’t come knocking at the door yet, I suppose. [[I’ll figure…something out.”|BEACON-2]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

The flash a weak smile, but you know this expression and you see the disbelief. “I hope you’re right. I hope that it [[feels that way soon.”|BEACON-2]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

On the following day, you go out to the night market to buy firewood, with Alexis, ever-faithful, following alongside to carry the barrow and help you pick your way down the rough steps to the riverfront. The tree faller waves as you approach, and comes forward to help load your barrow with your weekly supply of wood and kindling. He makes polite conversation as the three of you work. “Bad feelings around since the battle.” He remarks. “Feels like everyone is getting jumpy. Lot of mothers getting their sons home in pieces.” Alexis looks troubled, and keeps their eyes on their work. “Not going to be long before they come calling, you know.” The faller says, gruff, ignoring the obvious discomfort. He speaks to you, but his words are directed elsewhere. “Need more people than ever now. I would think the rest of us gotta take care of the homefront and spare the able-bodied.” “What if there’s nothing a person can do to help?” Alexis mutters. “Don’t matter. Gotta find it in yourself, at a time like this.” The faller’s voice is conversational, but they are glaring now, holding their gaze on your uncomfortable child. [[You glare at him. “I would thank you to keep your opinions to yourself.”|BEACON-2-BAD]] [[You smile, careful to keep your tone cordial, “That’s enough, friend. Your point is made.”|BEACON-2-BAD]] [[You rush through the rest of the transaction, eager to get away from the mouthy salesman.|BEACON-2-BAD]] [[You reply in a polite, but warning, tone. “You’re right. Everyone has something that they can do to make things better. Sometimes it’s just not so obvious.”|BEACON-2-GOOD]]

As you walk away, Alexis forces a small smile. “Thanks for saying that. I know it must be embarrassing to have a child like me, but I [[appreciate your support.”|BEACON-3]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

Alexis is quiet as you walk away, though you see the tension in their face and shoulders, their fists balled at their side. You can’t think of much to say, so you [[respect their silence.|BEACON-3]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

The next day, while Alexis is out of the house, you decide to go out into town and speak to some of the veterans from your old brigade. After making your long trek to your regiment’s mess hall, you are welcomed with high spirits and fond remembrance. A friend brings you a drink, and you sit and catch up for awhile, meeting some of the fresher recruits and sharing in memories with the older soldiers. After awhile, you mention your child’s dilemma with a few of your closest compatriots. In specific, you ask about their experience with their military occupations, particularly: [[The officer|BEACON-3-BAD]] [[The medic|BEACON-3-GOOD]] [[The archer|BEACON-3-BAD]] [[The cavalry|BEACON-3-BAD]]

A friend tells you of their time as a medic, a time of great horror and great hope. Though many of their stories are nightmarish, they speak of families reunited, friends pulled from the grip of death, and light reignited long after its [[flames had sputtered low.|BEACON-4]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

You hear tales of heroism, glory, and tragedy, many of them stories that had been dormant for a long while. Your friends are kind, but this reminiscence seems to cast a [[shadow over the table.|BEACON-4]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

A short while later, a spy is found amid the upper echelon of the Special Corps. You make the long walk to the palace’s fountain square to watch the execution, and your child assists you with reluctance. It is a simple hanging, much like many you have witnessed before. The crowd is frenzied throughout, shouting admonitions, and you keep your distance from the main throng, choosing to sit on a low rock wall along the edge of the square. You watch as the gathered citizens begin to disperse, their rage sated by the display, and you feel grim and contemplative. However, you are snapped out of this bleak reverie by a snarling voice. A woman dressed in simple leather armour, her New Palisade Defense armband displayed proudly, has a finger pointed at your child. “Another damn objector!” She spits. “Here’s us training night and day, my brother dying on the frontline, and people like //you// feel you’re too important to enlist! I’m sick of it!” Before you can move, she lashes out and strikes your child. They stumble backward, shocked, clutching their cheek, and the woman flashes a satisfied grin before she is pulled back by soldiers on guard nearby. She is hauled away, shouting, almost raving, and you are left in a circle of onlookers. There is an uneasy silence. [[You turn on the crowd. “The execution is over, I suggest you all go home.”|BEACON-4-BAD]] [[You turn on the crowd. “No real soldier would turn against a countryman! Leave us! Go about your business!”|BEACON-4-GOOD]] [[You ignore the crowd, and turn to your child. “Everything is fine. Let’s go home.”|BEACON-4-BAD]] [[You ignore the crowd, and turn to your child. “These people are too worked up, it’s dangerous here. Let’s go.”|BEACON-4-BAD]]

You make your way out of the square, and you are not followed, nor bothered further. Your child is silent, their face hot with humiliation, but they keep close to you and [[you are able to slip away.|BEACON-5]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

You force your way out of the square, and though you are not met with further hostility, unfriendly eyes watch your retreat. You child is silent, head kept low, and you see [[fear in their expression.|BEACON-5]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

As though the unpleasantness of the execution had been an ill omen, two days later, there is a knock at your door. Peering with care through the curtains in the front room, you see the uniforms of recruiters. Your child jumps, and their face goes ashen with fear. They look to you, and you hold their gaze for a long moment before the pounding knock rings out again. You see them shaking, and you go to them and put your arms around them, like you had years ago when they were an infant. [[“I know you’re afraid, but it’s time.”|BEACON-5-BAD]] [[“If you need me to talk to them, tell me. I can put a word in with my brigade.”|BEACON-5-BAD]] [[“You are ready for this. Everything will be okay. Try not to be scared.”|BEACON-5-GOOD]] [[“Keep calm, and do what you’re told. You will be fine.”|BEACON-5-BAD]]

(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1) They nod, and take a deep breath. Their jaw sets, they square their shoulders, and they open the door. “We’re with the Defense Corps, and we have your name down for enlistment.” The recruiter says. “I know.” Your child says. (click: "I know.")[(if: $goodEnding > $badEnding)[(goto: "BEACON-ENDING-GOOD")](else:)[(goto: "BEACON-ENDING-BAD")]]

(set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1) You feel them shaking in your arms. The recruiter knocks one more time, and the sound is thunderous. Finally, your child releases their tight grip on you, sighs, and opens the door. “We’re with the Defense Corps, and we have your name down for enlistment.” The recruiter says. They nod. There’s nothing more to say. (click: "nothing")[(if: $goodEnding > $badEnding)[(goto: "BEACON-ENDING-GOOD")](else:)[(goto: "BEACON-ENDING-BAD")]]

Their training begins three days later, and they are assigned to your old brigade, partially in respect of your former service. Once their basic combat training is complete, they decide to pursue the medic training, and despite their earlier concern, they take to it quickly. They are promoted before long, and in the next major offensive against the Clans of Valour invaders, they are brought in to serve at the rear. They save the lives of thirteen citizen soldiers. They stabilize and care for many more. After a large skirmish erupts not far from their medical encampment, they rush out with a small squadron and are able to rescue five survivors from the battlefield. Upon returning to the capital, they are awarded a medal of bravery for their actions. And they find purpose in this. They are careful, kind, and tireless in their work, and when they return home, they are greeted by the partners, children, and parents of people who they saved. They hold their head high when they walk, in a way that is new to you, and despite the brutality of their work, their expression is peaceful. (set: $goodEnding to 0) (set: $badEnding to 0) [[START OVER|INTRODUCTION]]

Their training begins three days later, and they are assigned to your old brigade, partially in respect of your former service. Unable to find any particular distinction or inclination beyond this, they are assigned as a foot soldier, and are sent as part of the rear guard. They watch friends die, and enemies who could have been friends. They stumble and shudder through the battle, avoiding the swords and arrows of the enemy largely by fortune. When faced by an enemy on the ground, leg broken, vulnerable, they raise their sword for the kill, and falter. Tears stream from their eyes and they stare down at the enemy, a boy, no older then themselves. Their eyes meet for a long moment. Soon, they are swept away, but the face stays branded into their memory. They return, miraculously, with only a few small injuries, scars that will ache in the cold and rain for years. They are alive, and diminished. They don’t talk as much anymore. They avoid eye contact. Most of them returns, but some of them remains behind. (set: $goodEnding to 0) (set: $badEnding to 0) [[START OVER|INTRODUCTION]]

(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1) The next day, you haul the assassin to the fountain square, where the people can see her and hear of what occurred. Despite their unease with the General, they turn on the assassin, screaming and throwing things at her feet. The assassin begins to tremble, and the General observes this without expression. Finally, she speaks, and the crowd is silenced to listen. “A spy is in our midst. A spy led our countryfolk to their deaths. I demand the name of the spy, here, in front of the people of New Palisade. What say you?” The crowd roars their approval. Surrounded by a mob of furious citizens, the assassin gives you the name of a high-ranking captain of the Special Corp. The crowd chant for her death, but the General shakes her head. “She will be imprisoned, and tried, as would any other. Justice will be sought and delivered. For her, and for the one who betrayed us all.” Once again, shouts of approval ring through the air. (click: "ring through the air")[(if: $goodEnding > $badEnding)[(goto: "SHIELD-ENDING-GOOD")](else:)[(goto: "SHIELD-ENDING-BAD")]]

(set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1) Gossip moves through the people, seemingly instant. Soon, you hear whispers returning, that an assassin came after the General, and was tortured to death. One thousand theories begin to seep through: the General is going mad, the General is turning on the people, the General was the spy all along. (click: "spy all along")[(if: $goodEnding > $badEnding)[(goto: "SHIELD-ENDING-GOOD")](else:)[(goto: "SHIELD-ENDING-BAD")]]

You keep your face carefully still, waiting for his explanation. There is a pause, and then it comes out in a rush. “They came after me. Spies from the Clans of Valour. They knew everything about me - the names of all my nieces and nephews, the house I grew up in, where my husband and I live back home. They had been watching everything I did. They wanted…information.” You say nothing, waiting for him to proceed. A grim laugh bursts from him. “What could I do? They wanted details on the assault, just where we were going to come in from! And…they gave me things. Money, guarantees of safety. A deed to an estate on the frontier, once the war ends. They got me coming and going…” You nod slowly. “So, you told them.” His words come out as a shudder. “Yeah. I told them. Red Field Heights. Coming in from the South. That’s all I said!” “And now…” His head falls, eyes streaming with tears. “Now thousands of people are dead! Friends. Soldiers, and people who aren’t even soldiers, just enlisted peasants! People who didn’t deserve this…” A pause. “They went after the General. She survived, retreated to safety. They wanted to make an example by taking her down. And I…can’t sleep anymore. Can’t eat. It’s all I can think about…” [[You put a hand on his shoulder. “You made a mistake. A bad one. But they came after you, and you were protecting your family.”|SALVE-1-GOOD]] [[You clench your fist. “I won’t let them near you again. I swear it.”|SALVE-1-BAD]] [[You bite your lip. “I’m sure you didn’t think this would happen. You would never willingly let something like that happen.”|SALVE-1-BAD]] [[You put a hand over his. “We will get through this. We’ll find a way to make this right.”|SALVE-1-BAD]]

He looks up and wipes away some of the tears from his eyes, which are quickly replaced. “T-thank you. I…I’m so sorry. [[I’m so sorry….”|SALVE-2]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

He slams a fist on the table. His face is twisted and wretched. “It’s not enough! It doesn’t matter what I thought, or what happens next! People are dead. I let people die!” He clutches his head, fingers gripping his hair tightly, and he looks [[small and frail.|SALVE-2]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

“I feel like I’m losing my mind…” He murmurs. You look around at his apartment, strewn with clothing and unwashed dishes. Only one lantern is lit, casting a dark grey shadow over the room. The bed in the corner is in shambles, blankets and pillows thrown around wildly. “I need to do something.” He says. “I have to find a way to make this right. No! Not right, it can never be right. But I need to…do something…” “What are you thinking?” You ask. “I tried to turn myself in.” He says. “I made an appointment to speak to the General in person. I was going to tell her everything. I put on my uniform, I walked halfway to the palace, and I just…stopped. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t make my feet keep walking.” He shakes his head, too fast, too violent. “I’m scared!” He exclaims. “I’m scared of what they’ll do to my family. I don’t want to leave my husband in disgrace!” He starts to sob. [[“I can’t imagine how it feels. This must be so hard.”|SALVE-2-BAD]] [[“I know you’re not a bad person. We’ll find a way to fix things.”|SALVE-2-BAD]] [[“This will never be easy. You need to find a way to right things in yourself, or you’ll fall apart.”|SALVE-2-BAD]] [[“If you are going to tell them, they’ll need to know everything. I can come with you. I can vouch for you.”|SALVE-2-GOOD]]

He glances up in shock. “You would do that? But…what about you? Your reputation? You want to be seen defending a traitor?” You take his hand and squeeze it. “I want to make things right.” [[You say.|SALVE-3]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

“It’s not enough…” He mutters, gasping in air. “It’s not enough. Nothing is enough. What can I do? [[I have to…tell them….”|SALVE-3]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

A silence falls over the room, broken only by the sharp intake of breath as your friend tries to regain his composure. You’ve known him since childhood - the one who always held back, who would tell the adults when you did something wrong, the one who would keep a secret forever. You know what this costs him. “We have to make a plan.” You say, trying to sound confident. He looks up. “What..what kind of plan?” [[“You need to run. The Clans of Valour will protect you. Get out of New Palisade.”|SALVE-3-BAD]] [[“You need to turn yourself in.”|SALVE-3-BAD]] [[“You tell me. We need to do something, and you need to believe in it.”|SALVE-3-BAD]] [[“We need to fix things. I believe that you can, and I think that you need to for your own good.”|SALVE-3-GOOD]]

“You mean…turn myself in?” He asks softly. You say nothing. “I mean…I feel like that’s…the only way.” [[He doesn’t meet your eyes.|SALVE-4]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

“I can’t! There’s nothing I can do anymore!” His fists clench and unclench, and his eyes are wild. “If I run, they’ll hunt me. If I turn myself in, they’ll execute me. What else is there?” [[He demands.|SALVE-4]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

“There’s something else.’ He says. The tone of his voice is worrying. “The Clans. They wanted to take down the General. That was the whole point, more even then winning the battle. They want to demoralize us.” “You think she’s still in danger?” You ask. “Yes.” He looks up and meets your eyes. “I think they’ll send an assassin. If they could get to me, maybe they can get to her too. Finish what they started.” “Does anyone else know about this?” He shakes his head. “I don’t think so. I think I’m the only one they got to.” [[“We can’t let that happen. We have to warn the General.”|SALVE-4-GOOD]] [[“Can we stop the assassin? Maybe that will help clear your name.”|SALVE-4-BAD]]

He stands up suddenly, and then sits back down again. “Yes. Yeah. We could warn her. We should.” He looks terrified, but there is a [[spark of resolve in him.|SALVE-5]] [(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1)]

“I don’t know anything! They didn’t tell me anything!” He cries. “This is all conjecture. I know that they want the General dead, but they didn’t tell me how they would do it. I wouldn’t even know [[where to start.”|SALVE-5]] (set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1)

He looks up, thinks for a moment, and stands. “There really is nothing else, is there?” He says. “I have to turn myself in.” “Yeah.” He paces for a moment. Looks around his quarters, neglected and grey. He walks to a mirror, and stares at himself in it. His military uniform is the only possession he has kept intact, and the medals and buttons gleam. “Yeah. I have to do it. There’s nothing left.” He digs around in a drawer for a moment, and pulls out a parchment and quill. He scrawls a message, taking a long pause to think before each sentence. He waits for the ink to dry, rolls the letter, and hands it to you. “For my husband.” He says softly. “Please.” You nod, and stand. You embrace, and you feel him trembling in your arms. [[“You’re strong enough to do this. I believe in you.”|SALVE-5-BAD]] [[“This is how you redeem yourself. This is how you make peace. It’s the right thing to do.”|SALVE-5-GOOD]] [[“I will vouch for your character. Others will, too. They have to know what kind of person you are.”|SALVE-5-BAD]] [[“Be confident. Do what they say. Tell them everything.”|SALVE-5-BAD]]

(set: $goodEnding to $goodEnding + 1) He lowers his head a moment, and then looks up. “Thank you. I have to live with this mistake…no, I mean, this choice. I have to do this, or I’ll eat myself alive. It’s the right thing.” His face is set, and suddenly less tense. The tears shine in his eyes regardless. (click: "tears shine")[(if: $goodEnding > $badEnding)[(goto: "SALVE-ENDING-GOOD")](else:)[(goto: "SALVE-ENDING-BAD")]]

(set: $badEnding to $badEnding + 1) He lets go of you, and turns away. “It’s not really about me anymore. It’ll go how it goes. I just have to do this.” (click: "have to do this.")[(if: $goodEnding > $badEnding)[(goto: "SALVE-ENDING-GOOD")](else:)[(goto: "SALVE-ENDING-BAD")]]

You walk with him to the palace, and then part ways. You watch him speak to the guards and then ascend the long steps and disappear within. He looks back once at you, and nods. A goodbye, thankful, but also a show of his resolve. He is tried publicly within two days. Before all the world, the General herself tells his story: how he was hunted and threatened, the promises he was given if he was to comply. She talks of the battle, that the enemy was waiting in ambush when they arrived. She repeats his claims, neither incredulous nor approving, that he only divulged the name of the destination and the direction of their approach. He shakes in his chains, head low. She also speaks of an attack in the night. How an assassin came into her quarters, through a window, and stabbed thirteen times into a mannequin that had been placed in the General’s bed. The assassin had been quickly apprehended and incarcerated, while the General remained safely in wait. She speaks of redemption, and errors, and familial loyalty. And then the choice is presented to the people. When faced with execution or incarceration, the people choose prison time, and the General nodded agreement. Captain Monaghan spends years in prison, until long after the war is over. You don’t see him until over a decade later, when he is released personally by the General herself. He emerges, thin and sickly, but his eyes are bright. (set: $goodEnding to 0) (set: $badEnding to 0) [[START OVER|INTRODUCTION]]

You walk with him to the palace, and then part ways. You watch him speak to the guards and then ascend the long steps and disappear within. He looks back once at you, and locks onto your gaze. Then he turns away and is gone. He is publicly tried within two days. The prosecutor tells the facts of the case: how he was hunted and threatened, and the promises he was given if he was to comply. They tell the story of the battle, which all citizens had heard; thousands dead, the General nearly one of them. They make no appeals to emotion, to the passion of the people who had lost parents and children, but they also do not condemn or cast blame. They tell the people of an attack in the night. How an assassin came into the General’s quarters, through a window, and stabbed thirteen times into a mannequin that had been placed in the General’s bed. The assassin had been quickly apprehended and incarcerated. The prosecutor speaks of how your friend’s word had prepared them and allowed them to capture the assassin. The choice is presented to the people. When faced with execution or incarceration, the people voice their decision to spare him, and he is sentenced to life in prison. You visit, now and again. Sometimes, he is lucid, and asks about the world outside. Mostly, he speaks little. There isn’t much to say. (set: $goodEnding to 0) (set: $badEnding to 0) [[START OVER|INTRODUCTION]]

(set: $goodEnding to 0) (set: $badEnding to 0) (goto: "MAIN")

(align: "=><=")[(css: "font-size: 300%")[(css: "color: #80c1ff")[PALISADE]]] (align: "=><=")[//Created by Adrian Heise//] (align: "=><=")[[[Start|INTRODUCTION]]] (align: "=><=")[[[Credits|CREDITS]]] (align: "=><=")[(css: "font-size: 50%")[Copyright © 2018 Adrian Heise]]

(align: "=><=")[(css: "font-size: 300%")[PALISADE]] Written and developed by Adrian Heise (click: "Adrian Heise")[(open-url: "http://www.twitter.com/AdrianHeise")(goto: "CREDITS")] Edited by Brie Sheldon (click: "Brie Sheldon")[(open-url: "http://www.briecs.com")(goto: "CREDITS")] <img src="http://adrianheise.com/palisade/btm_logo.png"> Created as a submission for the "Behind The Masc" web zine, compiled and developed by Brie Sheldon, on the subject of masculinity and protection. [[Back|MAIN]]