Keeping the Oath

Well come, paladin. I had hoped to see you before I left. You remained a true friend, even after the wrongs I did to you, and I owe you my trust. So I will tell you everything I have learned.

After our encounter in the hills, I spent some time in the care of Solkzagyl, recovering from my wounds. As I convalesced, he gave me the true account of what happened these last few years in his solitary war against the Monetarists.

After he went into hiding, he tried to get word to me about what was happening, but I was surrounded by agents in the pay of the Monetarists who kept me isolated and ignorant.

They planted the lie that Solkzagyl was a traitor, and tricked me into tracking him down. I was their puppet, twitching obediently at the end of the strings they pulled.

But when I discovered that Death's Embrace had been behind the demise of my brothers and sisters, they panicked―especially when they found out I had shared the information with you. They set a trap for us, and baited it with the promise of a “parley” with Solkzagyl.

Solkzagyl was no traitor, as I should well have known. But I allowed myself to be deceived by the whispers of mummers and flatterers, and... No. That was not the way of it. It was not their lies that made me blind, but my desire─nay, obsession─to restore our honor.

For the Sultansworn, and all paladins who have bent the knee to a higher cause, honor is a means to an end, not the end itself. I lost sight of that, and in so doing, lost sight of my true duty.

Solkzagyl understood what was happening, and that is why he gave you the Soul of the Paladin.

It was a remonstration, a message. Look how adventurers live, he was telling me. Where does their honor, their authority come from?

I owe my position to the machinations of the Monetarists. They calculated that a young captain, eager to prove his loyalty, bound by unquestioning fealty, would be all the easier to control. They were right.

I am a sham and a fake. But the world does not know that, and even the illusion of power is a power of sorts. I can use it to fight back.

I will tell my subordinates that I'm fleeing to Snowcloak in Coerthas. When the Monetarists hear of this, as they surely will, they will send assassins after me again.

But when they show their hand, I will stand my ground and fight back.

I realize you may wish to offer your assistance. However, I cannot in good conscience put you in harm's way anymore. You, too, have become a target of the cabal's assassins.

The odds will be against me, that much is certain. But Solkzagyl has taught me much, and if I am brave and vigilant, I know I can triumph.

I am sorry you have been caught up in our own political struggles. But now, as a paladin, it is time you traveled your own path.

Ah, yes─Solkzagyl wished to have a word with you as well. You will find him in central Thanalan─allow me to mark the location on your map.

End of cutscene.

Meet with Solkzagyl

Thank you for coming, Forename. We haven't much time, so I will be blunt. Jenlyns will die if he faces Death's Embrace alone.

I know what I must do─and I suspect you do as well. If you are the man/woman I believe you to be, then we shall meet again soon.

Follow Jenlyns to Snowcloak

Start of cutscene.

You as well? I told you to go to ground―this isn't your fight!

First Solkzagyl, now you. Are you both so eager to die?

You forget that we are paladins! Wheresoever our duty leads us, we go─and do so of our own free will.

To abide by one's own sense of justice is to embrace the paladin's creed.

Sworn or unsworn, we are paladins true, and the only true oath we swear is the one we swear to ourselves.

Now, come! Let us stand shoulder to shoulder and show the blackhearts the mettle of our souls, and the steel of our swords!

End of cutscene.

Defeat the Death's Embrace assassins

I suspected they would send minions, but voidsent!?

Hah! Hardly a challenge for a trio of paladins!

Surely the Monetarists would go to greater lengths than this...

Those voidsent were called forth by a mage─a mage who I suspect is observing as we speak.

Spread out and search for anything unusual. But tread lightly─this could very well be a trap.

What sorcery is this!?

Likely the work of our mage.

It pulses with a queer light...

Up above, it's the mage! The grimoire─it's a trap!

Ugh, damn you! Solkzagyl, Forename─are you injured!?

Death's Embrace Master

How disappointing. I had hoped to finish this quickly.

Not that I expect you will live much longer!

Cut down the assassins quickly, but ware that mage!

His magicks are not to be trifled with!

Where did that monstrosity come from!?

Over there, look! That grimoire is the source!

I will hold the beasts at bay! Jenlyns, Forename─destroy the grimoire!

Start of cutscene.

You've done well. You never flinched from your duty, you followed the path you knew you had to take, and you showed us what it means to be a paladin.

And you even managed to prise the scales from Jenlyns's eyes while you were at it. It's been an honor to know you, and to watch you grow.

In any case, today's battle should blunt the Monetarists' dagger, at least for a while. They'll think twice before sending assassins after the Sultansworn again.

I trust you will see to this mess, Jenlyns?

Yes, sir! I mean, Captain! Please, sir, return to the capital...take up your command again. The burden─it is too much for the likes of me...

The Monetarists may have stolen Oathkeeper, but oaths are not forged in steel―they are sworn in the heart.

You never betrayed your oaths, Jenlyns. And as for your leadership, well, ask this paladin if he/she learned anything from you.

No matter what the circumstances, once a man has left the Sultansworn, he cannot return. No, I followed my own path, and on it I will stay.

...I have followed you since the day I vowed to join the ranks of the Sultansworn. Has the time come for me to stop following, and begin to lead...?

Thank you for coming. Once again, you have placed me in your debt. See me in the city when you return―I will have something for you.

End of cutscene.

Speak with Jenlyns in Ul'dah

Start of cutscene.