You and Ephraim's group have continud southward and a Pegasus Knight appeared. 

Messenger:  Please wait, Prince Ephraim. I have a message from Frelia. There's been an uprising in Carcino. Pablo is leading a force of renegade Grado supporters in rebellion.

Ephraim: In Carcino... Any word of Eirika? Is my sister safe?"

Messenger: The last word we received had Princess Eirika heading to assist Prince Innes. We've not heard from her since.

(Y/N): We have nothing to worry about Ephraim, we can trust in Eirika, besides, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, and half of our party are with her. 

Ephraim: I know (Y/N).  If Carcino has allied itself with Grado, then defeating Grado is out best bet. We proceed as planned. Tell them that.

(Y/N): Exactly! 

And then all of a sudden, an earthquake struck! 

(Y/N): WHOA! 

Ephraim: What?! What was that? 

It soon stopped. 

(Y/N): Hmm ... that tremor was weird. 

Ephraim: I remember a while back, when I was first in Grado. Eirika and I were startled by a tremor just like that one. Lyon said he had grown used to them, and he just laughed.

(Y/N): Weird, well, let's get going! 

At the same time... 

We see Duessel by an island dock. 

Duessel: I do not understand... Why this course of action? What is the emperor thinking...

Selena: General Duessel.

Duessel: ...Is that you, Selena? Are you to be assisting me in this...duty?

Selena: Yes... Frelia's army will be coming soon from the north. We're just waiting for the order to engage them.

Duessel: Hm... Prince Ephraim leads the enemy forces, doesn't he?

Selena: That is correct. Prince Ephraim of Renais.Duessel: Bah...

Selena: Renais is our enemy. General, please give the order to attack.

Duessel: No. Order all units to hold. Do not initiate the attack. I want to speak with Ephraim first.

Selena: ...... So it's true. You plan to betray the empire and ally yourself with the enemy.

Duessel: What?!

Selena: General Duessel, you stand accused of treason of the highest order. Lay down your weapons, and follow my commands. If you fail to do so, if you resist in any way, I will execute you on the spot.

Duessel: This is nonsense! Who is behind this madness?

Selena: These are His Majesty's orders. The emperor has anticipated your treachery. Prepare yourself.

Duessel: Impossible... His Majesty?

Duessel begins to flee as he slashes through his former allies! 

Selena:  Cormag, you and I will bring that traitor down. Go around that fort to the southeast and drive into them from the sea.

Cormag (A passionate man and soldier dedicated to the cause of Grado!) 

Cormag: We're fighting General Duessel? But he's one of the cornerstones of the empire. How could– He's been like a father to you and to my brother. Do you truly mean to kill him?

Selena: ...... If that is what my emperor commands, then yes. Without hesitation. Cormag, if you are a true knight of Grado, you will do the same.

Cormag: ......

(Y/N): Uh ... Ephraim, I see them! And I think I see- Uh ... who's that? It looks like he's in trouble. 

Ephraim: What do you mean by- DUESSEL?! 

(Y/N): That's Duessel?! Your teacher? 

Suddenly you began to picture either Roshi or Avan in a situation like that. 

(Y/N): I would never let both of my masters down like that! LET'S HELP HIM! 

Ephraim: Yes! 

You, Ephraim, and your comrades charge in wielding your weapons to rescue Duessel! 

Valter then rode in to Selena on his Wyvern! 

Valter: What's this? They've only just begun? What a disappointment. I so wanted to witness the comedy of two generals hacking away at each other.

Selena: Valter... What do you want?

Valter: Ah, Selena. You're to return to the capital immediately. Duessel is no longer your concern. His Majesty has declared you untrustworthy. I've been sent here to relieve you of command.

Selena: What?

Valter: You've proven yourself incapable of dealing with a single old man... I tell you, having to clean up your mess makes things difficult for me, Selena. Now then, Beran.

Beran: Yes, sir.

Beran, a soldier of Grado appeared. 

Valter: I'm leaving. I can't leave poor Eirika sad and lonely in Carcino. You're in command here for the duration of this conflict.

Beran: I'll take care of things.

Selena: What do you think you're doing?! I am here at His Majesty's bidding, and...

Valter: Did you not hear me? His Majesty's bidding has CHANGED. You, Selena, are not to be trusted. These are His Majesty's words. You share the same sentiments as Duessel. You could turn traitor, just as he has. You should feel honored. He could have ordered me to kill you where you stand.

Selena: Th-that's absurd! His Majesty, he... He knows I am trustworthy.

Valter: Then return to the capital and sort it out. Go and ask your beloved master whether I speak the truth.

Selena: I...

Valter: What are you going to do, Selena?

Selena: I will return to the capital. I know better than to trust your word. I will speak with the emperor myself.

Selena then takes off back for the capital! 

Valter: Heh heh... Stupid woman. If Grado wins too easily, there'll be no more bloodshed. We must do what we can to extend the fun... I believe it's time for me to return to my darling Eirika. It wouldn't do for Glen to arrive before me, would it? Take care of things here before I return to you. Understood?

Beran: Of course.

Valter then rides off! 

Soon... 

You and Ephraim finally reach Duessel. 

Ephraim: Duessel! 

Duessel: Is that you Prince Ephraim? 

Ephraim: Why were those Grado men after you? What's going on? Wait, we can talk later. Let's get you to safety first. Come with us, Duessel.

Duessel: ......

Ephraim: Duessel!

Duessel: I am General Duessel, the Obsidian, of the Imperial Three... This name and my service to His Majesty have been my life's blood. As of this moment it is all gone. I've no reason to continue...

Ephraim: Duessel... Enough of this rubbish! You are my mentor! I will not let you die!

Duessel: ...Prince Ephraim.

Ephraim: I know about the emperor's madness. How will your death serve Grado? Who will it help? What of your country? Its people? It's future!?

Duessel: .... 

Ephraim: You will live, Duessel. As a traitor... In disgrace... I know that for a man such as you this is more agonizing than death. But you will live nonetheless. You will live for something more important.

Duessel: I understand. This old fool's life is yours. 

(Y/N): Great! Now let's get going! 

Duessel: And who is this young man? 

(Y/N): I'm (Y/N) (L/N), and I'm a friend of Ephraim who's been helping him! 

Ephraim: You can trust him, Duessel, it's because of(Y/N) that we have got this far. 

(Y/N): (blushing) Aww shucks! 

Soon... 

You, Ephraim, and Duessel were leading the charge on the Grado forces, and were easily overpowering them! 

Then Duessel noticed Cormag! 

Duessel: Is that you, Cormag?

Cormag: Sir Duessel... You have abandoned your country and your lord. I must take your life.

Duessel: I know. I'm ready now. I have no duty anymore. But you, Cormag. You're a soldier of the empire. Follow your orders and fulfill your mission. I'm ready.

Cormag: ......

Duessel: Cormag!

Cormag: To be honest, I'm confused. Must you truly die? Is your crime really deserving of death? I know my brother could have settled this, but... I've come here to stop you, and yet I find that I cannot.

Duessel: ......

Cormag: You see, I couldn't believe you would ever truly turn traitor. And now I stand here, looking at you, Duessel of the Imperial Three. And you do not have the eyes of a traitor.

Duessel: ......

Cormag: No. I cannot turn my lance on you, the empire's faithful son. General Duessel... Until this matter is sorted, you travel under my protection.

Duessel: Cormag... Forgive me...

Some Grado soldiers tried to attack Duessel, and Cormag took them out! 

(Y/N): Well, that takes care of that! Now then- AVAN STRASH! 

You took out several more soldiers, and Ephraim took this chance to confront Beran! 

Beran: Prince Ephraim of Renais, the Obsidian Duessel, two incredible trophies. Who could ask for more? 

Ephraim: Well, try your luck. 

Ephraim dodged Beran's attacks with ease, and then stabbed him in the heart! 

Beran: ARGH! Too ... strong. 

And so... 

Duessel: Prince Ephraim... You've grown to be quite the impressive commander. I remember what a stubborn young lad you were when I taught you.

Ephraim: Any skill I have, I owe to you, Duessel. I'm curious, why are you being pursued by your own troops?

Duessel: ......

Ephraim: Speak to me, Duessel. I want to put an end to this war. I'm sure you feel the same way.

Duessel: ...... ...As you know, the emperor was once a man of compassion. He loathed war, and he worked to build peace across all nations. Then...one day that all changed.

Ephraim: ...... But why? Why did he change? What happened?

Duessel: I wish I knew. But if you're looking for a likely cause, I have one. This all seems to have begun when Prince Lyon and the mages created a strange gemstone they referred to as the Dark Stone.

Ephraim: The Dark Stone?

Duessel: That's what the clerics and the prince called it, at any rate Now, I'm just a soldier. I don't know anything about these magic things. But they said the Dark Stone is more powerful even than the Sacred Stones.

Ephraim: And the Sacred Stones had the power to defeat the Demon King. If the Dark Stone is stronger than they are...

Myrrh: ...Ephraim.

Ephraim: What is it, Myrrh?

Myrrh: The wave of evil I felt surging from the capital... It hungers... It consumes. It envelops and transforms. This power can tarnish the purest of souls with its corruption.

Ephraim: Are you saying this Dark Stone is responsible for the change in Vigarde? The timing fits, doesn't it? The stone is created, and then– Duessel, where is the Dark Stone now?

Duessel: It's in the capital, with Prince Lyon. He's been carrying it with him ever since the day it was created.

(Y/N): So we have to head for the capital then! 

Ephraim: Yes. Maybe we can restore the emperor together.

Duessel: ...I'm going with you.

Ephraim: But we'll be fighting Grado's army–your own men.

(Y/N): Yeah, won't that be hard for you? 

Duessel: I appreciate your concern, but I've already been branded a traitor. If you mean to save my lord the emperor... If you hope to restore him to his former self... then I will pledge my loyalty to you until your cause is won.

(Y/N): Thanks Duessel! You're a good man! 

Suddenly Duessel's men appeared. 

Soldier: General Duessel!

Duessel: Men, I owe each of you an apology. You've served me well, and I have betrayed you.

Soldier: You speak nonsense, General! We are your men, no matter what happens! If you must leave Grado to fight with Frelia's men, then our place is at your side. Your road is our road!

Duessel: My brave men... (getting teary eyed) I'm a sentimental old fool.

Soldier: We ask to be allowed to join the Frelian army. Prince Ephraim has many soldiers. He doesn't need us with him. Please, send us older soldiers off to fight with Frelia. And may the gods of war smile upon you, General Duessel.

(Y/N): Alright, let's go then! 

Suddenly, L'Arachel, Dozia, and Rennac appeared. 

L'Arachel: Well, hello there! Tell me, are you all waiting to board a ship?

Ephraim: Er, yes, we are...

L'Arachel: I recommend that you abandon your plans, my friends. The locals are too frightened to set sail upon these seas.

Ephraim: Is there a storm coming in?

L'Arachel: No, no storm–demons. Some sort of phantom ship commands these seas now.

Ephraim: A phantom ship?

L'Arachel: Yes. But you needn't worry for long, my friends. I plan on purging the seas of that pesky ghost ship.

Rennac: Oh, no... Here we go again.

Dozla: Gwah ha ha! Well said, Princess L'Arachel!

L'Arachel: I, L'Arachel, am destined to become the protector of the seas! Fare thee well, strangers. Come, Dozla, we must find a ship.

Dozla: Gwah ha ha! Sounds fun! Come on, Rennac!

Rennac: Honestly, L'Arachel, do you even think before you set these plans? Oh, please... Someone end my misery!

The three then take off. 

Ephraim: ...What was all that about?

(Y/N): I have ... no clue.