The residents of Esmel were acting normal. The same hidden stares and hushed whispers greeted them as they walked through the streets. Max was used to it by now and he couldn’t fault the Elves. After all, he had stared at every new race he’d seen in Lesterwood. The trip on foot through the city was uneventful. The group rushed down narrow and overgrown streets following Wepish on the most efficient path.

While they were walk-jogging, Max noticed the way the guards were acting. While not overtly obvious, the call had been sent that something bad was happening. Of course, the guards already knew, but now it was an official order to apprehend anyone that looked suspicious. Esmel was essentially fighting two men, but since Mallor was a [Reanimator], anyone could be a spy or traitor.

One of the reasons why [Reanimator] was a banned class was simply due to its almost infinite potential. [Reanimators] specialized in the one-man army style of combat. They focused on raising the dead and creating vast armies of skeletons and ghouls. In a duel, [Reanimators] would be almost useless. Sure, they could learn the offensive spell like Dark Beam or Bone Bolt, but past that, they were useless. Their power came from extended periods of time alone. Armies aren't built in a day.

Honeygreen’s trunk looked much the same. The only difference was the plethora of armed guards and soldiers standing post. As the group approached, they were halted. A man, whose uniform was overly decorated, approached.

“Veline and company?” The man waited for a nod, “I am Guard Captain Ism. Please follow me.”

He turned and walked in stride. Everyone here was under no impression that a peaceful resolution had been found, and that this invisible terror was gone. No. Everyone was tense and looking for easy answers. As the group walked past the posted guards, Max could read their eyes. Each one pleading that the rumors were untrue, that an [Animator] was NOT their enemy.

Everyone knew the horror stories of cities being demolished by undead hordes in a single night. The guards and soldiers looked to Vel and the others with the smallest degree of hope and faith. They didn’t know the whole story, but since they were guarding a convention of the most powerful beings Esmel had to offer, the guards hoped Vel, and the others had good news.

Captain Ism stalked past the guards inside. He directed them straight to the meeting room. He led them down. The decorum and material of the rooms changed. From its normal wood and root, to hardened clay and what looked to be concrete. Max had seen movies with hallways and rooms like this. This was the war floor. Decisions would be made here that would change the city. Max felt winded.

“Careful now boy.” Vel said, noticing Max was a shade greener. She cast a calming spell on him. This spell was evolved, however. It also gave him a boost of confidence. “What? Never been to a meeting that could decide the fate of a large city?”

Max smiled at Vel’s teasing. “In my previous job, I would throw up right before I had to present something. And I had known the people I was presenting to for years. No, I have not decided the fate of a city before.”

Vel laughed out loud. “Better get used to it boy. Public speaking is going to be a talent you want. Trust me.”

Captain Ism, who was listening to the conversation while leading them, was confused. Who in their right mind would want to get used to something like this? Why should he have to get used to it? Does she think this is going to happen to the boy a lot?

The others didn’t share Max nerves. Emi was calmly sitting on Max’s shoulder, dreaming of chasing fish. Bishop was used to stress like this. Reep held her emotions close and refused to let anyone catch a glimpse. Clammy revealed in nerves. She was, after all, trained in the ways of the princess. Between everyone, Clammy was the only one with formal training in talking to people of high positions and managing stress.

Captain Ism opened the door to the meeting room and Max instantly felt the room. He looked all over for a Stalker. The room was cramped, meaning that if there was a Stalker, it would be on the ceiling. Max subtly started to gather water in the corners of the room. He slowly manipulated it to travel in a thin wave. If it hits anything Max would know and converge the rest of the water to capture it.

None of the others noticed his water. Most were preoccupied with personal conversation, directing soldiers through use of a middleman. Honeygreen was the exception. He sat alone at the head of the massive table. He eyed Max, a slightly amused look on his wooden face. Wait! He has a face?

Honeygreen was in a different body than he had been in his meetings with Max and the others. This body was much more detailed. A male Elf made entirely of wood wore robes and jewelry. He somehow looked out of place, but also blended into the room.

The group was ushered to Honeygreen. Two smaller chairs sat on either side of him. Vel told Max to sit. She sat in the other. The rest of their group stood comfortable behind Honeygreen. Whether it was respect or fear, the other Elf subordinates gave Honeygreen a wide berth. The crowded room had only one spot not taken up by a chair, desk, or person, and that was in Honeygreen’s section.

Max was slightly surprised when Vel told him to sit. He fully expected to remain standing and for Bishop to sit. But after a moment's thought, he realized what Vel was planning. He would have to speak about his findings to this massive and highly important group.

“What was that spell you just cast?” Honeygreen asked, leaning to whisper as well as scratch Emi’s neck.

“I was just checking for Stalkers.”

“Heh. I would paint my trunk pink if a Stalker somehow gained access to this room. This is the most protected floor in my trunk and until a few hours ago, it was completely sealed.”

Max nodded, his worries fading. “What about those two invisible Elves standing by Bishop and Clammy.”

“WHAT!” Roots shot from Honeygreen’s legs. With blistering speed and fearsome accuracy, the roots wove around Max’s team and found the invisible unknowns. Each Elf had a root wrapped around their torsos. They both fought to claw the roots off, but the death grip had already been locked.

Bishop reacted first. His palms glowed with electricity as he open hand striked both men. They foamed at the mouth and promptly passed out. Honeygreen released his grip and the men fell to the ground. He turned to regard the speechless crowd. Some had spells forming, or weapons drawn, but quickly relaxed.

“Anyone want to claim these two invisible spies?” Honeygreen’s eyes glowed with a ferocity Max had only seen a few times. He was the King of the jungle, hunting for prey. The room felt thick.

There was an old Elven saying. Don’t fight an [Arbor] in its trunk.

Tense silence filled the room until Honeygreen leaned over to whisper to Max.

“How did you see them? I couldn’t, and we are in my own trunk.”

“I didn’t see them; I felt the space they were taking up. I am a [Space Mage], after all.”

“How interesting…. Would you mind sweeping for Stalkers again? If those two could get in…” He left the rest unsaid.

“Sure, could you announce it? I don’t want to cause a panic.” Max gestured to the still silent crowd.

“Max is going to cast a detection spell. Remain calm or I will end you.” Honeygreen made sure to add mana to his voice to carry the point across.

Max shuttered slightly at the harsh stares. He shook his head and removed his gourd from his inventory. He didn’t need it, but Max felt it better to not show all of his cards to a potential spy. Honeygreen watched, with interest, Max’s workings.

Water pooled around Max and Emi. It raised to the ceiling and slowly spread out into an even layer.

“Sorry, but you all are going to get wet.”

Max didn’t want to waste time and slowly maneuver water through the room. They had a meeting to start, and Max wanted to get on with it. Max drew water from the air, bolstering the water that was already in place. He hid his technique by constantly shifting and rocking the water. Unless someone was very perceptive, they wouldn’t notice a slight increase.

Max abruptly dropped the water. Max had his eyes closed and felt for wrong changes. Max purposely made a dramatic scene of this. He could have easily dripped the water down like rain, but this way he could hopefully bait movement. It worked. The water scared the Stalker. It jumped, trying to evade the potentially deadly spell. Max saw and instantly reacted. A cage was formed, and the beast was captured.

Max knew why he hadn’t seen the Stalker after his first pass over. He had assumed it was on the ceiling. The only other empty spot was behind Honeygreen, but the two invisible Elves were there. No, the Stalker was using its abilities to the max. It was sitting in the direct center of the massive table. People were looking directly through it. Max shuddered at the implementations.

A harsh gasp sounded out as the first people to recover from the water saw the cage. Max had filled in the cage with water, outlining the Stalker. For the first time, Max could actually see its shape. It was a centipede. Hard outer shell with hundreds of legs, thousands of eyes and sickly hairs. Max couldn’t tell the color.

As more and more people saw the cage, more and more became outraged. It was quickly turning into madness. Stalkers were bad news, and unlike the few, most had no knowledge of Stalkers being involved. Honeygreen gained order by slamming his wooden hand against his wooden chair.

“As you can see. The stakes have been raised.” He slowly looked around the room. Each person in this room was someone he thought he could trust. But after today, he knew someone was going to be dead to him. He just wondered which it was going to be.

“Before we start this meeting, I want you all to know. There is a spy in this room, and I will find them.”

A murmur broke out from the advisors and servants. The other [Arbors] remained silent. They each knew better than most what Honeygreen was capable of. Esmel technically had 6 [Arbors] including Honeygreen. They were all supposed to have equal say in the city, but they all knew who the true King was. The quiet and detached [Arbor] Honeygreen.

“For those of you who do not understand what just transpired, I will make it simple for you.” He took a big breath. “An outsider novice human mage may have just saved our city from total and absolute destruction. The horror that is in that cage is known as an Elemental Stalker. Thousands have to die before they are summoned to our world. The one in the cage is contracted.” He let that sit for a moment.

“Who, might you ask, is able to make a contract with such terror? Mallor Henbar.” Gasps rang out from the older audience. Honeygreen knew what he was saying was slightly off, but it hardly mattered. “For those of you who do not know who Mallor is, he is a high-ranking member of Vast Empire and an [Reanimator].”

Honeygreen waited for the chatter to resign again. “These people behind and to my sides, are the leading experts on Vast Empire’s resurrection. They have already attacked Lesterwood. These are the city's saviors. Now, they are hoping to do the same for us.”

“We also already know that Buzluc the Blight Wight is among the fight. He was the one responsible for the carnage of last night.” Honeygreen paused, thinking how to proceed. “This meeting has been called by Veline, The Shadow’s Deluge. She has new information that may be vital for our survival.”

With that he gave her the floor. Vel stood and scanned her audience. Most were high ranking members of each [Arbor] faction. Others were personal assistance or couriers that were supposed to be removed before the start of the meeting. The abrupt chaos had caused them to be trapped like mice within a room of giants.

“My team has found evidence at the successful sacrifice sites, the ones with a missing center body. Footprints of vile and evil attributes were found to be walking from the center in the direction of the city.” She saw their confused faces and added. “Whatever the sacrifice was for, the outcome was a living body walking to the city. Vast Empire has used Corpse Explosion before. And in my ample experience fighting Vast Empire, that is a rather tame use of living sacrifices.”

The term living sacrifices struck a chord with the room. Shouting and threats were shot at Vel and the others. Slurs and hateful language hung in the air. Living Sacrifice was a term coined by one of Vast Empires original founders. Before his death, the nameless founder was able to spread his organization’s message through use of these sacrifices.

It was the first-time simultaneous terrorist attacks had happened on the world stage. These living sacrifices all attacked the same way. Walking into a crowded area of a city and unleashing unrestrained magical death. Plague, fire, explosions, poisonous gas. Millions died across the world.

The nameless founder personally attacked the Salae Royal palace. Right before his death, he was able to monologue his manifesto. He talked of a desolate world where nothing lived. He mentioned his vile god and his wish to make the other gods kneel. He talked about his living sacrifices and their Divine protection on this forsaken world. And lastly, he spoke of his organization and their goal to make death a reality.

He died in a suicide attack. Very few were actually injured in Salae, he gave much more warning than the other cities had. But his goal was achieved. Vast Empire quickly spread to be a name associated with fear and death.

The doors to the war room suddenly exploded open. A wave of mana silenced the small riot and caused everyone to pay attention. Honeygreen was pissed, and rightfully so.

“Everyone who is not an [Arbor], out.” His cadence left no room for argument. “If any of you leave my trunk, I will seek your death.”

Elves started to file out. Many looked back glaring at Vel and the others. How could humans be the ones to solve our problems? This is an Elven city, and it will be Elves who protect it.

Honeygreen released a pent-up sigh. “I am sorry for my people's actions and words. Please forgive them, these are stressful times.”

“No, I’m used to it. I know how these meetings go.” Vel yawned.

Vel looked more amused than insulted. It just goes to show how experience matters in situations like this. Vel kept a level head while someone like Clammy would have fallen into the trap of arguing back. Vel had no ties to the city. She, of course, wanted to help, but if they banished her for speaking the truth? The city would fall. The [Arbors], at least, knew this.

“Is what you say really true? You think living sacrifices are in play?” A male [Arbor] asked. He was covered in lush grass and small bushes.

“It is the most likely explanation of our findings, yes. I guess there is always the possibility that the ritual failed, and the center body simply walked away. But that would make Mallor a fool, and I know that man. He is no fool.”

A female [Arbor] sighed. “I guess we should start there. Mallor, who is he? I recognize the name, but that's all…”

“Mallor Henbar, [Reanimator]. A Human ex noble that is responsible for the destruction of many villages and small cities in the Shallowkin Marshes. He travels with his contracted familiar, a Blight Wight. Together, they can bring an army of undead and widespread plague. Last I saw of him was during the Contagion War. He was thought to be dead.”

The table of [Arbors] shuddered at the mention of the Contagion War. The same female [Arbor] nodded.

“What is his goal here?”

“That is a very good question. Before Vast Empire fell, their typical terrorist identity was to destroy places and landmarks important for a city's longevity. It could be as simple as destroying healing clinics or farms. But it could also be slowly poisoning water supplies causing the city to slowly kill itself. No, Mallor is here for another reason.”

“He wants something.” Honeygreen guessed.

Vel nodded. “He has no reason to do these sacrifices so close to the city. He could have created an entire army of living sacrifices and had them all run at the city if he wanted to. Esmel wouldn’t have known what hit it…. No, he's searching for something.”

“What? Are you saying the stuff out in the forest is just a distraction?” An [Arbor] asked.

“That is exactly what I’m saying.” Vel messaged her eyebrows. “Is he trying to assassinate someone? Find a relic? A book? …The truth is, I don’t know what he wants. But whatever it is, exposing himself like this is worth it to him.”

A few of the [Arbors] eyes widened at the realization. Vel noticed and echoed their thoughts.

“That's right, he’s a [Reanimator] and we haven't seen one undead. He’s been missing for decades, so he should have an overflowing army. But he’s showing himself alone? There's something here we are missing.”

Silent contemplation emanated from the room. Ideas were thought of and disregarded. Max went through all the information he knew of Esmel. He thought of their main economy, spices, natural resources. He thought of the pristine land that was seemingly in the middle of no-

“[Arbor] Honeygreen. Why did you choose Esmel as your home? I've heard the legend that you uprooted yourself from your original spot and moved to Esmel. Why?” Max asked, breaking the silence.

Honeygreen closed his eyes and thought through his choices.

“Those legends are true.” A gasp broke out from the other [Arbors].

“You uprooted yourself? You changed your land?” An [Arbor] covered in flowers challenged. “How- the pain would have been unimaginable.”

“It was… But I had to.” He sighed. “I was asked by Lentu herself to protect this land.”

The [Arbors] went silent. Max recognized the name. God of Nature and Wellbeing, Lentu. He was the god that most [Druids] and Elves prayed to. He was also one of the most “seen” gods. He would randomly show up to a failing farm and bless their land or create a vegetable for a city to survive on.

“Protect this land, why?” Vel challenged.

Honeygreen turned to Max. “Max, do you trust your companions?”

Max saw the pleading look in the ancient tree’s eyes. The man was drowning, his city was going to fall, and he knew it. His hopes to maintain his promise rested on the shoulders of a 20 something year old boy, and his team of unusuals.

“Yes.” Max said. “With my life.”

Emi echoed Max’s statement by repeatable nodding. Honeygreen smiled at the innocent creature.

“Esmel was originally built as a religious city for the God Tiodepth, millennia ago.”

Max and Vel’s eyes widened at the familiar name. God? Both thoughts.

No no no. Tiodepth is a Leviathan. I have the blessing that proves it. Max’s mind was spinning.

“My understanding is small, but Tiodepth died, and his body was buried here.” Honeygreen continued. “Esmel is the Tomb of a God.”

Max felt sick. Tiodepth, his benefactor dead? Maybe before he was a Leviathan, he was a god? Does that make sense? Nothing makes sense. Max dropped into a meditative state. He expected Tiodepth to be there, he expected him to explain. The beach and water were calm. Max made a huff and returned to the real world.

“-Mallor could want from it?” Max missed the first part of Vel’s question.

“I do not know. I have found no evidence that this tomb actually exists. The only information I know of is what Lentu told me.”

“Well? Don’t leave us in suspense! What did he tell you?” Vel sassed.

“Lentu asked me to move to Esmel. At the time Esmel was just created, it was a branch colony of a human settlement that failed a few decades later. Lentu said that the city was created on ruins, ruins of an ancient city. The ruins housed the Tomb of a God that had long since passed. In the centuries of my tenure, I found evidence of the ruins, but not the tomb.”

“But how do you know the name Tiodepth?” Max asked.

Honeygreen looked around the room and searched his thoughts. He wanted to hide as much as possible, especially with spies in play. He also knew that any small piece of information could prove potentially crucial.

Max was getting impatient. He hadn’t found any information about Tiodepth in his time searching, but the man in front of him did. The emotions plaguing Max made him act in haste. He opened a mana connection with the tree.

Honeygreen. Max said. Please. This is important. If you don’t want to tell the others, tell me. I… I think this is why Seetrin sent me.

The others could tell there was unspoken communication going on between Max and Honeygreen. The look the man was giving the boy displayed such emotion that everyone tensed. Honeygreen eventually closed his eyes and leaned back.

“Originally it wasn’t just me who oversaw the ruins. My wife, Geond, was an [Arbor] like me. We had met before turning and remained together after. We lived in Esmel happily for years before her curiosity got the best of her. She went searching, deeper and deeper down. She died on one of her “Expeditions”, as she liked to call them.”

Honeygreen took a minute to remember her. Her beautiful olive skin. Her smile that could cause the seasons to change. Her bossy but loving attitude. Even after they chose to become [Arbors] together, they remained. Most couples that do something similar grow apart during the pseudo immortality. They remained. What they had was special, and when she died it broke him.

“While I was dealing with politics and potential enemies, she was off searching for clues. Her trunk withered and died one autumn evening.” His breath became ragged, not the exhausted kind, but the kind associated with crying. Only his wooden body stopped his tears.

“A few days before she died, she found a plaque of some sort. “Here lies Tiodepth. God.” She was so excited, finally after all those years, she found something. I told her to wait, to let the events happening to Esmel pass. That I… Would accompany her…” The broken man’s voice teetered off.

After a few minutes, Vel stood and spoke. “Everyone let's take a ten-minute break. I think we could all use a minute. Do NOT leave the room.” Vel motioned for Max to follow her,

They stood and joined with the others a few feet away. Everyone looked uneasy. Clammy’s eyes were red, and she was sniffling. Reep looked pissed off, and Bishop focused.

“Vel… Did what do-”

“Now is not the time.” Vel interrupted Max, anticipating his question. “Max, what does your quest actually say? Word for word. Better yet just send me the box.”

You have accepted a quest from Seetrin, one of the legendary 6 beasts.

In the Elven City of Esmel a darkness has begun to surface. Seetrin asks you to investigate and report any finding to the local authorities.

Rewards vary.

Vel sighed in relief. “Good. Quest complete. We will finish this meeting, and turn the quest in. Then we leave.”

“WHAT?” The Humble Titans yelled simultaneously. The others all turned to look at them, but quickly found better things to do.

“What do you mean? The quest is over, we can go home.”

“We can’t just leave!” Clammy whisper yelled.

“Sure, we can. The quest was only for you to investigate. Not to fight. I say we have done better than expected and can rest easy. Right Bishop?”

He sighed. “She is correct. We don’t have to stay. But can we leave this city in its time of need?”

Vel glared at the old drake, he smiled back.

“Ugh. Fine. Choose. Stay or go.”

“Stay.” All three said.

Vel closed her eyes, calculating.

“Vel, I think I was brought here for a reason. It can’t be a coincidence.”

“I know, kid. I know. Fucking Lost One.”

“What do we do? We can't stay in this meeting forever.” Reep said.

Vel nodded. And with a huff she returned to the table.

“Alright let's finish this shit.” She said, gathering everyone back. Honeygreen looked distant, but otherwise together.

“Let's recap. Mallor Henbar, along with Buzluc, are going to do something bad to the city to cause a diversion to steal something. Mallor hasn’t been seen, but an Elemental Stalker confirms his involvement. My team found evidence of living sacrifices. They are most likely already in position to kick off the attack. No undead have been seen, but that doesn’t mean they aren't here. And lastly, the most likely target is the Tomb of a dead God. Oh, also there is a spy.”

She looked around. “Everyone on the same page?” Nods went around the table.

“Now then. This is not my first rodeo when it comes to city defense with unknown factors. So, listen up, and listen well. Citizens come first. We need every guard either patrolling or sleeping. There is no time to visit the family or relax. Think that Esmel is under siege and the enemy could break the gates at any moment. Which one of you is in control of the guards and soldiers.”

A female and male [Arbor] raised their hands. “Good, okay heres what you need to do. We need teams posted at every entrance to the city. Along with random patrols. Inside the city and out. Do not have them go out far, however. We may need them at a moment's notice. Understand?”

“What about our personal armies?” A woman spoke up.

“Personal ar-” Vel shook her head. “Hold that thought, I’ll come back.”

“Factions with [Healers], you need to have mobile clinics ready to be deployed. Do not deploy them yet. They will become easy targets. Personal armies can defend those in the event of an attack. Factions with [Mages].” She sighed. “I need a list of all mages with artillery capability.”

A few [Arbors] were ready to argue, but she beat them to speaking.

“I know I know. Information like that is personal and well-guarded. Trust me, if I wanted this city to fall, I wouldn’t be here. Artillery mages should be ready to be called to defend the walls from hordes of undead.” Even though Esmel had no actual walls, everyone understood the order.

“That leaves Mallor, Buzluc and the living sacrifices. Have teams waiting at food warehouses and points of interest. Have them stop anyone suspicious and ask questions later. Mallor or Buzluc will most likely come after me or Bishop. Unless there are others on our level of power, we are their priority targets.”

Nods went around the table. Many of the [Arbors] were taking notes. Some were even using their appendages as paper. Carving the words into their wood.

Max and the others were shell shocked. They knew Vel was a badass at this point but seeing her in her element gave them chills. Reep looked at her with a different kind of admiration. As the natural strategist of The Humble Titans, she saw Vel as a goal. I need to get stronger. She resolved.

“Now, the attack could still be a while away. But after what happened with those two,” she pointed to the unconscious Elves Bishop was guarding. “And that thing in the cage, I expect Mallor to move up his timetable.”

The Stalker was still in the cage. It had been moved from the center of the table to Bishop’s side. Vel had also taken control over the water. Max noted that she looked to be having no trouble maintaining a spell and strategizing.

“Lastly, my team. You all will be with Bishop or me at all times. No wondering off, or lone wolfing it. We have to assume Mallor has eyes in the city, and Buzluc knows your mana. With that being said, we require access to the bodies in the Space Safe. I don’t care that they were locked away for a reason, that reason has long passed and now we need to be offensive.”

“Fine.” An [Arbor] made of cracked wood said. “I will unlock the safe.”

“Are you a [Space Mage]?” Max interrupted.

“Yes, in a past life. I’ve been out of practice for a while, but I can still open a measly safe.” He said with an order of arrogance.

Max wanted to ask him questions, but he knew now was not the time.

“Good. My team will be continuing our search. Until Mallor makes his move, or we find evidence he leaves, we will be out in the city. We have special means of tracking. That means we need uninhibited access to areas of the city. I don’t care if we infringe on your citizens' privacy. Living sacrifices are called that because they are living normally until the switch in their minds flip, and they become bombs or worse.”

The room was unhappy with Vel’s orders, but no one chose to challenge her.