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

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