[Shigure]

The events described hereon are from the third, fourth, and fifth months of the pretender wars. As we are currently in a state of conflict, discussing the present state of affairs in such a way that enemy spies may read it would be imprudent.

Father Alverne was returning to Marignon City from campaign on the northern marches when the report came in. Originally a mere friar in the Holy Church, he took no small amount of pride in the fact that he was personally chosen by Flonne -- the Pillar that is Purity, &c., &c., Love Freak and Angel Trainee -- to lead the army and to serve as her personal prophet.

"The fir bolgs, sir! They are marching into Duvan!" the messenger announced.

A month prior, scouts on the Duvanian frontier had reported the fir bolg army camped on the plains of Jerib. Alverne had done nothing about it -- he had lost many troops securing Duvan and had to return to Marignon for reinforcements. Besides, he knew that Flonne, the Pillar that is Purity, &c., &c., Love Freak and Angel Trainee would never approve of wanton aggression, even though the fir bolgs, as the rumours had it, worshipped some foul death god.

But now the fir bolgs were approaching Marignon itself. Would they attempt siege of the great city? Continue their pillage of the northern provinces? Neither were acceptable, Alverne knew. He would have to attempt an attack.

Alverne looked sorrowfully over the army. It was a fine army in many ways. Dozens of crossbowmen, and even two knights of the royal guard. But the front line? Four pikes. "It'll have to do," thought Alverne.

"It didn't," Alverne murmured to himself days later as he laid dying on the fields of Duvan. "God save us all."

And as he drew his last breath, his prayer was answered. Before the walls of Marignon City approached thirty soldiers, led by a mercenary hero brandishing a sword aglow with enchanted fire. "I am Dante, sirs," the leader shouted to the gates, "and should you will it we shall serve you."