A time far in the past...

A scholar wearing a cloak with a series of blue crest peered out the window of a large tower at the scene beneath him. The barbarians had crushed their armies and managed to breach the gates and magical defenses of their noble city of Nol’gona. Like grains of sand slipping through an hourglass, they dispersed among the city, leaving corpses and ruin in their wake.

“Thinking about your apprentices? Aren’t you glad that you sent them away?” A female voice behind him mocked him, but the blue crested scholar did not dare to turn around. “How is it watching the sight of your beloved city burn?”

“I agreed to your conditions. Watching how all this ends… is my responsibility.” The scholar replied without looking back. His unrelenting gaze continued to stare at the streets beneath him, as people he knew and passed on the streets were mercilessly killed.

He could almost hear their screams next to him through the window as he placed a palm against the cold glass.

“Why of course. You were the one that failed them, weren’t you?” The mocking voice seemed to be closer now, but the scholar continued to ignore it. “O’ Scholar of the Blue Flame.”

“It’s a pity. I even gave you the forbidden magic and rituals that you asked for, all to no avail.” The voice laughed. “There are many like you out there, who think themselves to be special and blessed, yet fail when it matters most. A truly lamentable spectacle, yet I never find bored with watching.”

“That place⎯ I used to have breakfast there every morning until they changed the chef. Their buttermilk biscuits made with sheep’s milk were quite spectacular.” The scholar continued to ignore the voice, and merely reminiscent as he gazed upon his city which was slowly being overtaken by flame.

“Ha ha ha! So you’ve already disconnected yourself from what is happening in front of you! Is this what you want!?” A plate full of the biscuits that the man mentioned seemed to materialize out of thin air and floated near his face. Their portions, scent, and allure were almost an exact replica of how the man had remembered them.

Of course, they were exactly that. Replicas created from the man’s memories. However, as appetizing as they were, the man pushed them away. He had no right to eat them.

“Are you sure? I was graceful enough to give you this moment in your final moments. Once the battle approaches this tower of yours ⎯ I will act per our agreement.” The voice replied in response to the scholar’s actions. “How does the burden of guilt feel upon your shoulders?”

“This is a world where the weak are preyed upon and forgotten.” The scholar’s eyes were glued to the carnage beneath him as if the scene below him justified his words and actions. “This crushing pressure on my heart and soul is but a small price to pay.”

“Truly a devilish man. To think you would willingly do such atrocities so that you and your people may be recorded, even if there will be no stories about your deeds, no tales of your nefarious means in order to save this land that you loved.”

The scholar did not reply, instead watched as the pillaging and devastation slowly arrived at the base of his tower. Resigning himself, he slowly collapsed onto his knees.

So it is time. The man looked down at his hands, but they were no longer there. His body was slowly growing more and more transparent, and with the last bit of effort, he turned around.

He had no mouth left⎯ but his steeled eyes clearly communicated to the source of the voice in the room⎯

Keep your promise.

In the darkness of the room, a figure held a palm atop the air, upon which thin ribbons were slowly revolving around, forming the shape of a book.

“As promised, all that still live in this city will die, and none shall be spared.”

“And your city of Nol’gona shall disappear from this land so that none may pillage it.”

“And your story, the story of your people, shall be recorded from your memories so it may never be forgotten”

“And your tower, I shall reforge in the purest of white marble, to stand as testament against all time.”

“And in return, ⎯ your name will be forever lost, and the remains of your country shall serve me in the story I have written.”

“Young master, you must go!” Bennis, the Lasat family’s butler, pushed Rowan into the dark and damp cellar. Even now, the sounds of bones upon the stone walls could be heard as the Lasat Estate’s family mansion retaliated against the sudden attack.

“Where is mother and father?” Rowan quickly surveyed the damp room, and it was lucky he did, for the next moment he quickly ducked to the side a wraith charged at him from the shadows. Chains of light emerged from his hands as he casted a quick spell, dispersing the creature into mist upon contact.

“Otto and Freeja are still fighting on the second floor. Quickly, you must go!” Bennis’s face was pale, whether it was due to exertion or blood-loss, none could tell.

“You can’t be telling me to leave without⎯”

“These are your parent’s wishes!” Bennis moved among the barrels of fermenting wine, stopping at the end of one of the halls, pulling against a torch holder. There was a clicking sound, and a hidden passage was revealed, leading into the darkness of the earth.

“This is...” Rowan looked at the hidden escape route with shock. He had never heard of such a thing from his parents.

“Your father had this made a year ago, after the slave riots,” Bennis hurriedly explained. “Go quickly, before the rest of the undead come this way!”

“We can fight our way to mother and father⎯” Rowan started to interject, but Bennis gripped him by his shoulders and stared into his eyes.

“Forgive me for lying to you young master Rowan, but your father and mother are gone. I saw it with my own eyes. Do not let this old man lose another family member.” Bennis pleaded.

“I know you have been planning on leaving us for a long time. You have been smuggling out large amounts of money and resources. No doubt for that little girl that you fancied.” Bennis gently pushed the young child into the passageway.

“I may not be good at combat, young master, but your father has always trusted me to handle the finances of his estate for decades now..”

“Bennis⎯ come with me.” Rowan implored.

“I can’t, Rowan. Someone has to stay on this side to break the mechanism.” Bennis’s face suddenly twisted and he shoved Rowan hard, hard enough to have him topple onto his back. In the next moment, he turned the metallic torch holder and the wall slowly slid back into place.

“Wait! We can run for it!” Shocked out of his stupor, Rowan started to bash at the stone wall in front of him in the darkness.

There was no sound on the other side, save for the sound of metal being slammed against metal. However, it was soon quickly replaced by the sound of low groans and shambling bones upon stone.

Rowan sat in the darkness until the screams ended before turning around and walking down the dark tunnel, using his hands to feel the walls.

There will be time for mourning.

“Councilman.” the individuals seated around the rectangular table greeted the latest arrival as they took a seat at one of the corners.

“Gentlemen,” Levint replied in turn, before looking down at his plate. It was mid-noon, and as with all meetings of the council, food was often provided. Although the bounty in front of him was extremely enticing, Levint felt little appetite due to the matters that were to come..

As spymaster of the Council, he was the one that was most privy to the affairs of the Red Slate Republic, both internally and externally. With the current state of affairs and the sudden return of Lord Dumeis, he felt his stomach churn with unease. He had little doubt that today, he was going to be interrogated.

“I do not see Siana here with us. That’s strange, seeing that she is usually the one that enjoys these sort of events the most⎯.” One of the councilmembers, a female by the name of Orjth, chuckled. When the word bounced across the table, she was met with several grim smiles.

“I received word that she was attacked by someone recently, and is recovering within her abode.” Levint, the ever spymaster, revealed and glanced at someone else down the table.. “It’s quite a shameful day when our own Minister of Finance and Commerce gets attacked on the streets, is it not?”

“It is not our fault when our Minister of Information does not tell us anything.” A man slammed his fist on the table, causing the silvery plates to clatter. “In fact, why in blazes are we getting attacked by the Necromancer?”

“I do not have any information about this. Perhaps Lord Dumeis would know more when he arrives.” Levint parried the obvious provocation. “Until then, perhaps the three leaders of our armies can divulge the current situation.”

“It’s under control, but not for long. This is the Lord Telsin. The longer we drag this out and more corpses are created, the more of a disadvantage we are at.” One of the female councilmembers and General of the Red Slate Republic’s forces, Zagyg, shot back a curt reply. “Perhaps if we had an idea of what we were going to deal with, then we would not be in such a dire situation.”

“Public order is also going to be a problem if we don’t solve this soon.” A bespectacled man in a clean suit added before Levint can deflect the accusation. “Any simpleton can tell that these recent attacks were by the acts of the Necromancer. There’s widespread disruptions across our production districts, and it’s only going to be a matter of time until riots start happening.”

The man’s words struck a chord with the gathered council members. The Red Slate Republic had the largest military amongst all of its neighbors, which seldomly meant a battle so close to home.

“The real question here is- “ Levint took the opportunity in the silence that followed to interject. “-which one of you buffoons even dared to tick off the Necromancer? The only ones that my information network can’t touch are those seated around this table, and I doubt a man such as Lord Telsin will attack unprovoked.”

At his words, the entire table was filled with silence. Everyone was aware of the stories that surrounded Lord Telsin, but everyone was also quite aware of how the other Councilmembers may act for their own interests. Levint had no doubt there were more than a few people in this group that would gladly plunge the Red Slate Republic into war if it meant getting what they wanted.

As tension filled the air with each of the seated individuals eyeing each other, the door to the gathering room suddenly blasted open with a bang.

“Glad to see that things haven’t changed around here.” Dumeis sighed as he made his entrance. “Each and every one of you going at each other’s throats and competing to be the pettiest. Hah!”

“Councilman.” Levint greeted their latest arrival, and the others echoed their settlement.

“Bah, I never asked for the title in the first place. You guys seem to be eating well!” Waving a hand in dismissal, Dumeis moved towards the buffet table and started helping himself to whichever he fancied, clearly feigning ignorance to the lingering question in the room and refusing to say anything.

“Don’t mind me and do carry on. I’m almost very interested in which one of you blubbering idiots decided to piss off our old friend Tel’sin.” Without turning to face the table, Dumeis’s words caused a series of movements to occur around the Council table.

Lord Dumeis, the Sword Emperor, did not know the cause for the Necromancer’s actions?

“Dumeis…” Levint started to speak but trailed off. However, he plucked up his courage and continued to speak after a few seconds.

“Did you manage to speak with Lord Telsin?”

“Sure did.” Dumeis turned around while tearing a chunk of glazed flesh off what looked like a lamb chop.” Told me he’s ah… looking for something and someone but won’t tell me what. Since he couldn’t find what he is looking for he’s suspecting someone is hiding it from him.”

“So something valuable that the Necromancer is willing to go to war for..?” Levint rubbed his chin and his face slowly twisted into a grin. With this information, he could see a way out of his predicament.

“Sounds about right.” Dumeis spat out the bone in his mouth and reached for another. “Usually ol’ Telsin is quite generous when it comes to making trades, so clearly there’s someone in this room that let pride get the better of them. Could be one of you, could be one of your underlings, I don’t really care, and regardless, it’s too late now.”

Dumeis’s statement caused a wave of conversation to break out in the room.

“It will make us look weak if we simply let him do as he pleases. The other countries have already expressed discontent and are hesitant on signing trade treaties with us.”

“Perhaps we should speak with Siana, as the Minister of Finance and Commerce and knowing her personality, she likely has several treasures that⎯”

“You idiots, we are at the point of war! What is the point trying to appease him now!”

As the conversation broke down into an argument, Lord Dumeis merely continued to look onwards with disinterest. He had been too far gone and had turned many a blind eye towards the inner workings of the Red Slate Republic.

Perhaps this war will turn up to be a good thing.

However, in the deep recesses of his mind, Dumeis was slightly troubled. Regardless of what Telsin was after, the fact that he tried and could not find it after exhausting all of his means, signified only one thing.

Only a truly powerful Divine Being was capable of such a task. It was not Dumeis himself⎯, so there was another force in play here.

As the argument escalated, Dumeis slowly and carefully surveyed the individuals in the room with faked interest.

Who was it? Was it someone on these council seats or someone they employed?

“I’m not sure why you’d pick this job, Nuatha. It gives me a bad feeling” Eithne looked at the assignment placed in front of her.

Explore the sudden changes in the city ruins found beneath the Ona Chaparral. Document and update the maps of the underground caverns, and investigate what happened to the research camp from which we had lost contact three weeks ago.

The rest of the sheet listed a generous reward, as well as being allowed to recruit a suitable task force to venture into the Underdark, with all expenses covered.

“This is the ideal task for us three. We can call on some of our friends that we’ve met to join us and treat it as a free meal with payment.” Nuatha shook his head. “This might be at a much larger scale than what we are accustomed to, but this is a good chance for us to show off our skills and connections.”

“Nuatha has a point, I trust his judgment on this.” Lugh, who had finished reviewing the assignment, pushed the sheet in front of him and crossed his arms. “An expedition with all expenses paid and a heft reward such as this doesn’t come often.”

“I don’t know. This just feels dangerous. A League of Adventurer camp going missing sounds like a rescue mission.” Eithne scowled. “There’s no such thing as a simple rescue mission.”

“Eth, I understand that you like being above ground, but this is a prime opportunity for us.” Nuatha stressed his words. “There is a Shadowless War in the Holy Land of Ecclisa that we should not involve ourselves in. If we distinguish ourselves here, I can negotiate a much larger sum if we decide to involve ourselves in another conflict.”

“Plus, this is a good chance for you to work on your leadership skills.” Lugh agreed. “Both Nuatha and I have no problems leading a small group in combat, but Eithne, you can certainly brush up on your skills.”

“Fine, fine!” Eithne scowled and stuck out her tongue. “Let’s replenish our funds with this mission and then we can head elsewhere. All these wars brewing makes me uneasy.”

“Then let’s start contacting some of the mercenaries and other adventurers we have cooperated with in the past. Tell them about the posting and that a Divine Being will be with the party.” Nuatha replied. “I’m sure some of you have quite a number of friends from the Holy Land of Ecclisa, no?”

Nuatha smiled as he managed to convince his compatriots to go where he wished.

With this, a decade-long plan has taken the first step to fruition.

“Oh, why, if it is not Lin.” Lumnieve raised a hand, causing the ship of ice to halt it’s advance across the land. Lumnieve’s form suddenly transformed into ice, and she reappeared at the brow of her ship.

“Lumnieve.” Lin greeted, drifting down until he landed atop the ship as well.

“Come now, why don’t you have a seat? I’m bored of this nonsensical slaughter.” Lumnieve clapped her hands and furniture carved from ice raised themselves from the ship’s surface.

“Let me offer you a drink.” She took a seat and waved a hand at Lin, offering him the other. The clear translucent ice cups filled themselves with a dark red liquid, not unlike that of wine.

“Thank you.” Without much energy, Lin sighed as he sat down and picked up his cup. “I forget how tiring it can be to deal with others, especially when they are so set in their ways.”

“You do realize you are telling this to a Great Spirit right? If there is anyone that knows how well we stick to tradition, it would be you.” Lumnieve laughed as she poured him another drink.

“It’s not the same. I have seen for myself how far you and others like you go for your scions.” Lin shook his head. “Even defying the rules of nature for them⎯ that’s not something that is easily done.”

“Hmph. If not for your words, I would have kept Yuli with me until I felt she was safe enough to venture out on her own. Who knows what sort of dangers that girl has encountered.” Lumnieve sniffed.

“You cannot expect to guard her forever, even if you have learned from example what happens. That is no way for someone to live. Even now you are still protecting her.” Lin clinked glasses with the lonely-looking Great Spirit of Frost. “If there was a Great Spirit that has strayed from the path most, it would be you.”

“Hmph. Of course, I will do this for my dearest scion.” Lumnieve’s face was solemn. “I do not wish to end up like the others after their scion has departed this world, merely wasting away. But I suppose in that regard, you have my respect and pity. You’ve waited… a very long time.”

“It was a long road.” For a brief moment, Lin’s figure seemed to reveal his true age, hunched over the table and peering into his ever-filling cup. He seemed fragile, as if the briefest of winds could topple him.

“I am happy for you, truly.” Lumnieve nodded her head in response. Which Great Spirit did not know of this man’s betrayal, and sacrifice? Even if history only remembers this man in front of her by a different name, only the Great Spirits truly knew him as he was.

“I… Thank you.” Lin closed his eyes for a moment as emotions overtook him, and he smiled. It was the type of smile that came from the soul, with one’s eyes arcing and causing any creases on one’s face from age to dissipate away.

“You should spend the rest of your years far away with Eir, you know.” Lumnieve rolled her drink around. “None in Ava Na Isla would dare to bar you entrance after all these centuries. You’ve done enough and deserve a rest. There’s no need to concern yourself in worldly affairs anymore.”

“You told me that the first time I took up residence in the Whitefrost Mountains an eternity ago. I have been resting for a long, long time.” Lin shook his head. Compared to when he lived as a hermit, his hair was well kept and nearly styled, no doubt thanks Eir. “Even though I try to shift the world to a better place, it seems that my efforts are for naught.”

“It seems like your negotiations failed then,” Lumnieve said quietly. “Humans are truly pitiful creatures, aren’t they? Sometimes they don’t even know they are being saved, and sometimes they will willingly chase away their savior.”

“Can you blame them⎯ or us?” Lin sighed. “If someone tells you that you must leave behind everything they have known even with valid reasons, there are many that would call you insane, or will refuse and stand their ground.”

“Did you not get a chance to talk to someone that actually knows of the truth of these matters?”

“I was denied an audience.”Lin sighed.”A shame, since I had thought at least the High Priestess would see reason⎯ that this endless war cannot continue. ”

“Then I suppose you have done all that you could.” Lumnieve peered off the side of the ship into the distant morning mist. “I did not figure we would get the cooperation of the denizens of this land. Voorim’s scion…it’s time we lay him to rest.”

“Truly, the will of men that willingly go so far for the one they love is terrifying. But I suppose you can empathize with him.” Lumnieve glanced over at Lin. “I understand as well, now that I have Yuelei, why Voorim himself did not act either.”

“Still, ever since I have taken this form... human desires are such heavy burdens...” Lumnieve started wistfully into the direction she had last seen Yuelei walk off.

”The most horrible of deeds are sometimes done by the purest of desires.” Lin said slowly as he finished his cup. “Even I am not innocent for what I have done to come this far.”

“But if I ever have to make the same decision again, my choice would still be the same.”

“And this is why I must see this through since I too had a role in this.”

“...” Fieluri stood in front of the great telescope in the Archive. In the past, this great contraption was used by Airen in order to view the battles of the past, but it also served several other purposes unknown to that child.

“It’d be quite cliched if I said that it must have been my imagination.” Fieluri sighed and walked up to the telescope, rainbow light trailing from her hand and forming into a trail that circled the great metallic shaft.

For thirty minutes, she gazed into the telescope that was designed to pierce the fabric of the world, hoping that whatever she sensed was a mere fluke ⎯ even though she knew better.

“Merely a ripple. That fiend must be playing yet another one of her games....” Fieluri whispered to herself as she sat down onto her favored armchair, slowly falling deep into thought. “Time truly is the greatest betrayer… before you know it, you are crossing yet another threshold in someone’s life.”

“Regardless, there are no coincidences.” Fieluri stood up and sighed, and quickly floated around the magical bookshelves. After a few seconds, she returned with a series of books and parchments.

“Hmph. Such an obvious and meaningless provocation.” Fieluri pulled open the books, revealing an ancient city with a magical barrier erected around it. The center of the barrier seemed to have a tower at its core, one which had the symbol of a blue crest.

“It is still too soon…and even here, there is a war brewing...” Fieluri flipped through another book that seemed to contain images of various people.

As she slowly turned the pages, she quietly caressed the black book in her hands.

“But there are some risks that must be taken.”

“Forgive me Airen, but there are some consequences when you ally yourself with a Keeper of the Knowledge.”