Last Knights

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During the long, dark period

of the Great Wars,

an elite class of soldier

rose from battle.

Their unbreakable code was simple...

possess a noble heart of courage,

right conduct, and absolute devotion

to one's master.

From out of those years of bloodshed,

an empire would emerge.

Its power would assimilate

persons of every color,

creed, and faith.

This uncontested rule eroded

the traditions of the great knights,

but not for all.

Lay down your swords, you may walk free.

I'm the official envoy of the Emperor.

I carry a message for Lord Bartok.

I welcome you to the castle.

I will take the message.

The message is for you master.

Anyone who wishes to speak

with my master must first speak with me.

Do you believe that the words

of the Emperor are fit for a mere retainer?

I have no doubt that your arrogance

is effective in other houses.

Therefore, it is a mistake

I am willing to forgive.

What is your name, foot soldier?

I'm certain that the Emperor himself

would want to know who has been

so charitable toward his envoy.

An introduction would have been

the right place for you to start.

I am Commander Raiden

of the Seventh Rank.

Your name is well known to me.

Forgive my presumption.

My Lord.

This comes directly from the capital?

Sealed before my eyes

by the Emperor himself.

Very well.

I am ordered to the capital

to meet with Minister Gezza Mott

to review new protocols and duties.

This is a farce!

The new protocol is the bribe

expected of me at that meeting,

and for no other reason

than to remain in his good favor.

This minister's influence has grown

considerably since your last term.

He is favored to succeed

as First Council.

I will not tolerate this kind of bribery,

either in my own pocket or in my capital.

- What are your thoughts?

- I follow you, My Lord.

Since when do you speak

anything but truth?

Say what you think.

Well, if it's truly the injustice

of corruption which upsets you,

then perhaps you might have been

so passionately moved to act

before you arrived in your own court.

What exactly do you mean by that?

I mean that it would be prudent to examine

if this is simply a matter of pride.

It's not a matter of pride,

it's a question of dignity.

- So you will refuse the duty.

- I refuse the extortion!

My Lord, corruption within the capital

is nothing new.

How is this different

from any other absurd new tax?

When a man like that can demand

a bribe out in the open,

with no fear of recourse,

we're headed for a dangerous time.

What?

You think I hold on to an idealism

that no longer exists?

Perhaps.

- Sir?

- I'm fine.

- Let me call the physician.

- He's examined me.

When? What did he say?

You will not speak of this to them.

My beautiful ones return.

And how did your studies go today?

Lilly's music instructor has said

that she's the most advanced student.

- Of course she is.

- I think he's exaggerating.

And I think he's

an astute judge of talent.

Either that or he's prepared

to request a raise in his wages.

Now, will you play something for me?

Good.

Not all confrontations will be one-on-one

as now practice sessions.

I was not aware we were practicing

such a scenario.

There are never warnings in battle.

Not all adversaries will adhere

to the warrior's code as we do.

You must always be on alert.

We must begin preparations

to leave immediately.

We've been summoned to the capital.

Lieutenant, will I be

joining the convoy?

That is the Commander's decision.

With all respect, sir,

I believe I'm ready.

If the Commander made decisions based

on what others believed about themselves,

half these men would have my position.

Gather the men

to prepare for our journey!

You startled me.

How long have you been standing there?

Hours.

Your humor is not on par

with your stealth.

It is an unfair advantage

to use your skills upon your wife.

Trust me, it is you

who has the advantage over me.

And what might that be?

I heard the official messengers

had arrived.

I take it they didn't carry good news.

Why do you say that?

You may be able to hide your presence

from me, but not your thoughts.

We are summoned to the capital.

I thought you were not expected

until the turn of the season.

- It is a request from our new minister.

- For what purpose?

Nothing worth disturbing

our evening for.

You mean you do not wish to discuss it.

No, I mean I will soon be apart from you

and I can think of many better things

to occupy our time with.

It's difficult to argue with that logic.

Come with me.

My great-grandfather,

a ferocious warrior.

Not well-liked, but he was responsible

for expanding our lands

into the province it is today.

My father...

he alone was responsible for protecting

these lands during the Great War.

You would've taken pleasure

in knowing him.

My son.

I have no heir.

I will be the tenth

and last generation buried here.

30 years ago this month,

and against all counsel,

it was idealism that led me

to invite you into my home.

A young man with an empty soul,

muddied by drink,

and as dark as the graves

of those who crossed his path.

But it was idealism

that saw through all of that

to the man I see before me.

Now you give me better advice

than I give myself.

When I have departed this world,

these lands will be in your care.

- My Lord.

- My name will be yours to uphold.

But your sword is to be passed to an heir.

I am merely your retainer.

You are the heir to my spirit.

Our bond has been earned, not inherited.

- No, sir...

- Take the sword.

- You be safe.

- Of course.

Be well, my love.

- You ready, Commander?

- Yes, My Lord.

We have the gift

for Minister Gezza Mott?

Yes, it's all taken care of.

- Gabriel.

- Commander.

- Thank you for this great honor.

- I knew your mother and father well.

If they were still among us,

they would be very proud.

- So it begins again.

- So it does.

Sit down. Sit down.

Sir, may I ask you a question?

Of course.

You've known the Commander

a long time, yes?

Since I was your age.

Is it true he was not born

into the military class?

He comes from peasant stock.

Orphaned as a young boy,

entire family died of the fever.

Is that when Lord Bartok took him in?

No. Much later, when he was a young man.

- Why do you ask?

- Stories circulate about him.

They say he was cruel and murderous

without conscience or honor.

For many years,

he was given to the drink.

The dark fog made him violent.

Does knowing this

change your respect for him?

One is to be admired

for rebuilding thyself,

not judged.

Now get some rest.

Long journey ahead tomorrow.

Welcome, Lord Bartok.

- Your journey went well?

- Quite.

It can be long.

It seemed short.

I see you've come bearing a gift.

It's customary for an official visit.

- A robe.

- A fine robe.

You may also keep the box.

Did your retainer attend to the gift?

No, I chose it personally.

Very well. We'll begin early tomorrow.

There is obviously much to do.

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