Deputy Guard Commander Zala

"What do I do? The Guard is seriously understaffed!" Zala paced, wringing his hands.

"Who are you? How did you get into the Guard Barracks?"

"You are the Sprite Messenger sent to help us? Don't make me laugh!"

"I don't know if Sabin will allow Sprite Messengers to help the Guard. You ought to report to Sabin first." Zala seemed uneasy.

"The weather looks bad. It'll probably slow the Guard's advance." Zala sighed as he looked up into the gloomy sky.

"Did you report to Sabin? If you get me chewed out, I won't make this easy for you."

"If Sabin's orders aren't followed, he will not hesitate to remove you from our ranks!"

"I am amazed that you managed to complete Sabin's orders. Look like you might be useful to the Guard after all." Zala cracked a smile.

"But you're still nowhere as good as the average Guard," Zala commented, puffing up his chest.

"Carso keeps gaining strength and will soon have an effect on the Guard. You're not one of Carso's spies, are you?" he asked, suddenly suspicious.

"You're back, I see," said Zala, suppressing a smile.

"The Guard got its nose bloodied last time, and Ardenis wasn't even in Golden Sandbar."

"Monstrous birds have been coming out of nowhere. They've pecked the eyeballs out of several of our men. We must get the city governor's approval to let the Guard move into the city."

"I sent some soldiers to drive off the birds on the outskirts of Celestia. Go lend a hand."

"That was a delicious meal." Zala picked his teeth, pleased.

"Oh, you are back!" How's Celestia doing? Looks like we have to wipe out all those monsters before we can move in!"

"If the Praetorian Guard cannot take up positions in Celestia, our pursuit of Ardenis will be much harder."

"That fake Ardenis in Golden Sandbar really cheesed me off!" Zala let out a long, echoing, angry belch.

"I didn't expect things to go so smoothly. Let the Guard move into Celestia!"

"Sabin will no doubt reward me once he finds it out," Zala said quietly. It took him a moment to realize that you could hear him.

"I mean, um, good job. We could use your help supporting the frontline in the future."

"%c%, the Guard's sentries reported that something moved in the desert to the east last night."

"Why did that strange mist suddenly fill the valleys outside Celestia? It's all so bizarre."

"The mist is not a big problem, but those giant, vicious monsters certainly are."

"Say, why don't you investigate in the east? I'll stay here and, um, strategize," Zala said with a smirk.

"What's going on in the desert to the east? And what's happening with all the mist in those valleys?" Zala asked impatiently.

"That strange mist... I have to think that it's hiding something sinister."

"I wonder if it has anything to do with the strange obstacles the Praetorian Guard keeps running into."

"Whatever happens, we must continue our pursuit of evil Ardenis. Justice must prevail!"

You told him about the old man and the situation you encountered.

"What... Gold!? Well, that sounds interesting." Zala's eyes lit up. You could practically see dollar signs spinning in his brain.

"You did a great job. Let's just keep this between us for now, okay?"

"Apparently, those odd creatures in the desert aren't as simple as they look."

"Ow... my stomach!!" Zala rolled on the ground, clutching his belly.

"The entire Guard is either throwing up or having the runs. Was there something in the water we drank last night?"

"You seem fine, %n%. You've got to find the cause; you're the only one who can be farther than 3 feet from a toilet!"

"This had better not be the work of Ardenis's minion."

"The Guard has been in a state of chaos all morning. Do you know why?" Zala gasped. All color drained from his face.

"I never expected the great and mighty Guard to be felled by tummy aches."

"Just wait until I find out who's responsible for-owwww!" Zala clutched his rumbling belly and ran for the bathroom.

"It was the mist? Are you saying we aren't used to the environment here? That's impossible."

"It's either the work of Ardenis's minions or those terrible monsters; take your pick!"

"What a headache! And stomachache! As a member of the elite Kaslow Guard, I must deal with this problem at once."

"Since we are now in Celestia, the Guard can't just sit around and do nothing," Zala asserted, his eyes narrowing.

"I believe the monsters in the desert have something to do with that terrible mist."

"Go! If you can take down the golden monster, perhaps we can have peace once more in Celestia."

"And report the Guard's current situation to Sabin, as well."

"There's not enough space here to camp."

"If you aren't busy, help us clear some land," Zala boomed.

"While you're at it, get those monstrous birds out of the way. Where are we supposed to sleep when they take up all the good spots? Off you go! Think of it as an opportunity to prove yourself!"

"Why are you still hanging around here?"

"On your feet! We've got an army arriving in a few days' time!" Zala shouted angrily.

"Well, you did a relatively good job, I suppose"

"If you can serve the Kaslow Guard well, you'll certainly reap the benefits." Zala smiled at you.

"Didn't I send someone to tell you to get over here at once? What took you so long?" Zala scoffed.

"Forget it. Next time, watch the clock. Right now, I've got an important mission for you. Take this to the commander right away. Do not let anyone else know about your mission."

"Listen carefully. Don't touch the contents of this bag; they will prove useless to you. I'll know if you open it, and you'll be in deep trouble."

"Finally, someone who can follow orders," Zala groaned impatiently.

"I have another mission for you."

"Take this bag to the deputy, Samuk. Tell him it's a little token of appreciation from the Praetorian Guard." Zala smirked.