The Mighty Nein

Previously on The Mighty Nein...

King Dwendal,

your Empire agents crossed the border of the Kryn Dynasty

and stole a beloved relic.

What makes you think anyone even survived that explosion?

'Cause of this.

Beauregard Lionett.

Most don't survive an encounter with a fully trained Volstrucker.

I am Caleb Widowgast.

Nott the Brave.

Was that magic?

Maybe we could travel a little more together.

This is where I would like to go next.

Master Ikithon,

the king is asking for you.

Thank you, Owelia.

Return the relic immediately.

But the Bright Queen has been playing a waiting game.

The people will follow you, Sire.

Because we will make them terrified if they do not.

Prepare for war.

Whoa!

You're scared.

That's why you're on the ground.

I attacked you, didn't I?

Any frightened boy can attack.

A brave man knows how to wait.

Narrow your stance.

Don't give me so many targets.

Remember, control.

Wait for a moment of weakness.

When I'm recovering from a thrust,

when my legs are off-kilter.

Never underestimate your enemy.

I'll never be good at this.

I'm twice your age,

and half as fast on a good day.

Then why aren't I able to land a--

'Cause whether you think you can or you think you can't,

you're always right.

You're a good man, Fjord,

and you have the makings of a great captain. A leader.

You just gotta get out of your own way.

A leader?

The bullies at the orphanage, this crew,

that Sabian fellow you're always barking with.

You've let lesser men define you.

But what do you think, Fjord? Are you a coward?

Weak, like they all say you are?

The past is a noose around your neck.

Cut the rope or it'll choke you out.

Trust me.

He found me.

We weren't expecting a storm.

Don't matter. It's here.

Remi, secure the cargo!

- On it! - Pyotor, take the wheel!

Right away, Captain!

Fjord, Sabian, get that sail under control!

Batten it down!

We're taking on water!

Ah!

Sabian, give me a hand!

Huh?

Sabian?

What are you--

Captain didn't train you for this, greenie.

What are you gonna do, piss yourself?

I can't let you do it, Sabian.

You'll kill us all.

And you're gonna stop me?

No, you'll die the way you lived: pathetic and alone.

No.

Not even Vandran can save you now,

you useless coward.

Captain.

What the...

Sabian!

Captain.

Abandon ship--

Breathe.

Wha...

How am I...

What happened?

Captain.

Captain?

Captain Vandran!

You saw something in me,

gave me a home, hope, a purpose.

I promise...

I promise I'll be the man

you thought I could be.

Grow.

Again.

Again.

Yeah, you're really nailing that tough love.

Stunning Fist is only meant to buy you enough time to run, Beau.

And you'd better run fast,

before the Volstrucker recovers.

They don't make the same mistake twice.

Come on, it's not like they're invincible.

Better, but you need to keep practicing on your own.

On my own? Why?

You have a mission. In Trostenwald.

And what am I supposed to tell Zeenoth?

He has me on desk duty for, like, ever.

I took care of it.

Put in your transfer papers this morning,

to one of our remote archives.

Hmm. So, what's the job?

Zeenoth is small fish.

An explosion like that, that wipes out an entire garrison?

Whatever this is, it goes way higher up the chain.

My contact has a name.

The head of the Volstrucker.

That's a dangerous name.

Why are they willing to sell it?

You're paranoid. Good. You'll survive longer.

My informant has their reasons.

They sent a courier, name of Dead Eye.

He'll meet you at a carnival in Trostenwald.

You'll need this to get in.

Take the chestnut in the back.

You leave now.

Wait, like-like right--

Now.

Beau.

Trust no one.

Have you seen her yet?

Oh, she's starting.

That was a great idea, Traveler.

You are so devious tonight.

What? No,

there will be plenty of time for more pranks later.

Come on, we're missing the best part.

Jester, you lifesaver.

Ooh. Thanks, Jessie.

Whoop! Appreciate ya.

Oh, no, did she forget again? I'll take it.

Thank you, Jester.

Oy, Mama.

Thank you. Thank you.

Mama, that was the best show ever.

Oh, you say that every night,

my little sapphire.

And as soon as we change the backdrops, it will be a million times better.

You will have a fantasy backdrop,

one with little boat and fireflies,

and, oh, and an ocean one, so you can do my mermaid idea and--

Oh, no.

Didn't Bluud tell you?

Tell me what?

I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to paint with you tomorrow, Jester.

Lord Sharpe has booked the whole Chateau for after his speech.

Ugh, that fopdoodle?

The one with that stupid, pointy beard on his stupid, pointy face?

Anyone else, you know I would cancel,

- but him, I-- - Yeah, yeah, yeah,

he throws everyone in jail who says no to him.

- I get it, Mama. - Well, that's overstating a bit.

He keeps our city safe and prosperous.

For most people, that's worth putting up with a fopdoodle.

Please, do not be angry with me.

We will repaint the backdrops as soon as he leaves.

I can't wait to see your design for the mermaid lagoon.

Oh, Mama, it's so pretty.

- It's just-- - Ma'am.

Is Lady Truff ready for her appointment?

In the Enchantment Bedroom.

Oh? She brought her own this time.

Go, go. Have fun.

The backdrops...

...they can wait. I guess.

Hmm. Hmm.

Traveler, how about we make Lord Sharpe

miss his appointment?

Just for the night.

We have nicer rooms.

More appropriate for ladies.

It's perfect.

Ow.

We will have to get those toenails clipped.

Eh, no point.

They grow like fucking weeds.

Ow. Hurry up.

Oh, you wanna get up here,

with your sausage fingers?

Whew. Huh.

The light scent of horse urine really makes it cozy.

Five stars.

You know we do not have money for a room.

Oh. Oh, I see.

Is that some sort of passive-aggressive dig on--

Nein, nein. I am only saying, two whiskey bottles

is the same price as a room, and you made a choice.