Death to the Empress

This is how the worst day of my life began. A masked man closing in on Dunwall Tower. Now it’s happening again; another Empress falls, another story ends. Last time it almost ruined the Empire. Will I do any better? Delilah outfoxed me, and I never saw it coming. But I was Corvo before I was the Royal Protector. Before I owned a sword, I fought with sticks and broken glass, whatever came to hand. I don’t know what grand scheme you’ve got underway, Delilah, but I’ll give all I’ve got to stop you.

This is how the worst day of my life began. A masked man closing in on Dunwall Tower, planning a murder. Daud and the Lord Regent killed Jessamine, but it broke them. Now it’s happening again; another Empress dies, another story ends. What will it do to me? Delilah won’t go without a fight. She outfoxed me, and I never saw it coming. But I was Corvo before I was the Royal Protector. Before I owned a sword, I fought with sticks and broken glass, whatever came to hand. I don’t know what grand scheme you’ve got underway, Delilah. But I’m coming to put you in your grave.

I grew up with this broken skyline, the muted colors and the way the light falls. It’s Dunwall, but it’s not. Have I changed, or does everything just look different when you’re not wearing a crown? Whatever grand scheme you’ve got underway now, Delilah, you were smart when you stole this place from me. You knew who among my people to corrupt, and you took away my strongest ally, my father. But you didn’t know me. You only saw a sheltered princess. You never thought I’d fight back. You don’t know me, Delilah, but you will.

My life story changed when an assassin named Daud drove a sword through my mother’s chest. Now I’m coming home with the same purpose in mind. Is this what Daud felt, planning the approach, wondering how it would feel to kill an empress? Whatever grand scheme you’ve got underway now, Delilah, you were smart when you stole this place from me. You knew who among my people to corrupt, and you took away my strongest ally, my father. But you didn’t know me. You only saw a sheltered princess. You never thought I’d fight back. You don’t know me, Delilah, but you will.

A farewell.

Goodbye, Jessamine. We knew this time would come. But I lost more than just your spirit. I am less than I was. I can feel it. Did you take part of me with you when you fled the cage of your Heart? My friend. My lover and confidant. My Empress.

A different spirit is now trapped within the Heart. Delilah Copperspoon’s spirit. Jealous, angry, selfish. I have no use for this type of counsel.

The Duke of Karnaca.

The Duke is dead. That look in his eyes, as he was dying. The very moment he knew that he had lost. That’s what I’ve been working toward this whole time. That expression. So close now to saving Emily. To finishing what Delilah Copperspoon and Duke Abele started when they stole the throne. It will all be over soon. One way or another.

The Duke of Karnaca.

For weeks now all I’ve wanted is to the kill Duke Abele. But that’s not what I did. I think Jessamine would approve. The Duke’s political double is in charge now, and the real Luca Abele is under care for his illness at Addermire, raving about being the real Duke.

Now someone who was not born to the aristocracy will rule over Serkonos. An interesting idea. In time, the people will forget the selfish, cruel man who lorded over them for so long, and they’ll learn to trust the man they see as Duke Luca Abele. The mirror image on the outside, but wholly different within. One last task now. Hold on Emily, I’m so close.

Leaving Serkonos.

No one in Karnaca deserved to rule. So I left no one in charge. They’ll have to fight it out. It may take a few years, but someone will eventually emerge and rise to the top. They always do. And the people won’t care who it is. They’ll be tired of bloodshed by then. Or maybe they’ll manage without anyone ruling them from the Grand Palace. Who knows.

Leaving Serkonos.

I’m leaving Serkonos, but I’ve met many good, capable people. People who have been working on behalf of the nation, the best they could. With the original Luca Abele out of the way, I’m certain they’ll manage to restore order, and bring back the spirit of the place. I’d like to come back some day. Maybe stay for a while. This is where I was born. Is it where I belong, in the end? It’s warm here, and the food is good. I like the smell of salty air mixed with spices.

Leaving Serkonos.

I’ve thought a lot about this. As odd as it is to imagine, there is only one person fit to take on the responsibilities of the Grand Palace and rule Serkonos. And that person is me. “Duke Corvo Attano”. When Emily is restored in Dunwall, I’ll support her from the South, and the Empire will be stronger and more stable than ever before. In Karnaca, we’ll manage silver mining while keeping the miners safe. And I’ll finally be home again, after all these years.

Leaving Serkonos.

Leaving Serkonos again. Just like all those years ago. When I grow tired, I think I’d like to return. I wonder if the Howlers are going to take over. Helping Paolo was not a typical choice. But he took a street gang and turned them into something more. They understand the hardships here. And the people. I’m curious to see what they do with the place.

Leaving Serkonos.

I don’t really like the Overseers. All that talk about the Seven Strictures and burning heretics. But Liam Byrne seems different. I sense in him the desire to be a good leader. To serve the people and do what’s best for the nation. He’s probably taking the upper hand in Karnaca right now. I hope helping him was the right choice.

Back to Dunwall.

Dunwall. My other home. Full of memories, now tainted by someone else’s power fantasies.

I can’t wait to give Delilah her nasty spirit back and be done with it. I still don’t know how much of what she claims is falsehood.

It’s true that she has some of Jessamine’s traits. It hurts to admit that because I don’t want to see Jessamine in anyone, except Emily. And I see so much of Jessamine in our daughter. Not only physical resemblances. The sad frown when someone tells a mean joke. The sweet smirk to Wyman during the council meeting, when she thinks nobody’s watching. The sharpness in her eyes when she argues with natural philosophers twice her age.

I want to bring that light back into her eyes, undo Delilah’s darkness. How many times did Emily tell me she wasn’t a porcelain doll, when we were training? Always asking for more, smiling at the bruises and scratches. I want to watch her press the attack again, screaming at me in exhilaration. I want her to be alive again. My little girl.

A farewell.

I grieve for a second time. What was it like to walk with her Heart somewhere near, but never quite in the real world? It was her wisdom. Her insight. Her voice. Her love. Mother, now I’ve lost you twice.

I knew her spirit was trapped. I knew she needed to be set free. But how could I? Of course she found a way to help me. One last time. No, I will not cry. Not yet. Not until all my work is done.

Now the Heart contains a different spirit. A different voice. Delilah Copperspoon, spinner of lies, thief of thrones. Delilah the selfish, cunning and cruel.

The Duke of Karnaca.

With the death of Duke Abele, I am nearing the completion of my quest. They say revenge is only for the foolish. That those who seek it end up destroying themselves. Yet, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I’m one step closer to reclaiming my throne. To saving my father. There’s really only one person standing in my way now.

The Duke of Karnaca.

Not so long ago I would have gladly thrust a dagger into Duke Abele’s chest. But a more subtle opportunity presented itself, and I took it. The Duke still lives, but they dragged him away, thinking he was his own political double, gone mad. And the Duke’s actual double? I think he’ll be a much better Duke than the real one ever was. People will never know why their ruler suddenly gained wisdom, or took on a kinder tone. And maybe they’ll wonder why Empress Emily changed just as suddenly. I’m not the same person I was two months ago.

Now there’s only one more task, before I can rest. Corvo, my father, I am coming.

Leaving Serkonos.

No one left to rule Serkonos. I made sure of that. Of course the people will sort it out eventually. They always do. In a few years someone will emerge from the chaos and take over the Grand Palace. People tire of bloodshed after a while, and they’ll accept their new Duke or Duchess, whoever they are. Or maybe the people will burn the Grand Palace to the ground, then invent something new. I’m curious to see what they come up with.

Leaving Serkonos.

I don’t worry for Serkonos. I’ve met many good, capable people. People who have been working on behalf of the country as best they could. With the real Luca Abele out of the way, I’m certain they’ll manage to restore the rule of law, and with it some of the happiness they’ve lost. And I’ll help them the best I can as soon as I am back on the throne.

Leaving Serkonos.

I’ve thought a long time about who should rule Serkonos. But in the end, there is no one I trust more than my father, Corvo Attano. Some may raise an eyebrow at my choice, but I believe it’s what is best for the people. Corvo was born in Serkonos, and that’s where he’ll stay. He has sacrificed so much for the Empire, he deserves the position and the respect. My father, the Duke of Serkonos.

Leaving Serkonos.

Paolo will probably lead in Serkonos. I admit helping him was an unorthodox choice. But he has the trust of the people, and the Howlers are more than just a street gang. They have their own trade routes. Their own code of ethics. I’ll be curious to see if they can improve conditions here. I might even lend them my support when I’ve retaken my throne.

Leaving Serkonos.

Byrne is going to be important to the future in Serkonos. The Overseers have been claiming they can bring order to the nation, if given more power. Well, I just opened the gates of the Grand Palace for them. I’m curious to see what they do with it. How will the Vice Overseer change things. I just hope they’ll remember my idea of order might not be the same as theirs. I’m a heretic after all, whether they know it or not.

Back to Dunwall.

Dunwall. My home. Terrible things, no doubt, happened here since I left. Since I was forced to leave. Will the city be in ruins? The people terrified, hiding in their homes?

Am I trying to reassure myself, imagining the worst? What if I found the city in better shape than I left it? Delilah doing a better job than I did?

No, I don’t think it will be the case. I know Delilah. And I know myself better now. I feel guilty for all the things I could’ve done better before this all started. For being an Empress not many people thought was worth fighting for.

I don’t know what I’ll see. But whatever has happened to my city, I mustn’t let grief or anger cloud my thoughts. Because the destruction of Dunwall won’t be weighing heavily on Delilah’s mind.

She must know I’ll be coming for her. She’s watched from afar as one after another of her allies have been removed from my path. Does she feel vulnerable? Or was this her plan all along?