Jorish watched as order turned into chaos. A few minutes after their confrontation with Martin, sirens were booming all across the city. Jorish could see men and women running around the tight hallways of the town, each wearing a different expression on their faces.

Jorish kept walking until he reached the building he was looking for. As he entered the building, he saw everyone already there waiting for him. He was surprised to see Dyce waiting inside as well.

“Jorish! Took your time didn’t you.” Winked Traves.

“Ah, Traves. Apologies, I think I was almost run over by the crowds, five times. This is ridiculous! I get that there is this war about to happen but this is just insane.”

Fredek sighed, as he spoke. “Well, such is war.”

Traves turned toward Fredek. “Well, Fredek. Now that everything is happening at this pace, I don’t think you mind explaining to our friends here what is going on?”

Fredek turned serious as he nodded. “Well, indeed it's better to know what we are up against. Martin was part of a major faction in the free cities. We normally competed for control of seats as well as the positions of leadership in the free cities. We normally lacked much of the resources they had, causing us to always be one step behind. However, in the last few years, people have been fed up with how the extreme way they ran things, which caused our moderate faction to gain much more support than before. Slowly, the scales were flipped as we came to power.”

Fredek cleared his throat. “As they got more desperate, they started acting in ways that conflicted with the spirit of our free cities at first, abusing their influences just enough to cause issues for many. Yet, not much could be truly done. It was wrong, but most times it was hard to prove. An example is what had happened to you when you arrived in the city. Truth be told, even the recording I had wouldn’t have ended up with more than a slap on the wrist for Martin.”

Jorish looked confused as he spoke. “Then, why…?”

Fredek nodded as he spoke. “Indeed, why did he attack me so frantically, and why did this entire thing happen? The reasoning is simple, yet tragic.”

“They had made a deal with the Witch, Qotru.”

Jorish felt his throat freeze as he heard the news. He couldn’t resist but take out his book, Legends of Regalia, looking for the page he had in mind.

He started reading for a few seconds before his face went pale.

Qotru, the Grand Witch of the Akase

None knows where she was from. Yet when she appeared, none didn’t know of her arrival.

She appeared hundreds of years back, as villages and towns disappeared. They didn’t just simply disappear, the earth they were set upon was almost removed from existence. Flames, ice and darkness filled where humanity once lived. That land would no longer be suited for humanity, as any who treads upon those lands would slowly lose their life as they flickered and withered away.

From her blood, abominations which were not human nor beast rose. Causing destruction, feeling no pain or emotions. Her body, cursed by the blood of countless innocents was indestructible. No mortal weapon could harm her. The bravest Candidates and Monarchs of the south gave their lives to seal her hundreds of years ago, granting the world peace.

Legends speak of her still waiting for the day her seal would break, That day, she would bring death and destruction back to Regalia.

“The witch… is free?” shuddered Jorish as he spoke before he wore a look of hope as he turned to Traves. “Traves… Do you think you could defeat her? You are strong after all…”

Traves sighed, shaking his head as he said. “It's not just that she is free, she has been feeding for a while. I’ve seen the evidence and those fools allowing her free reign while hiding the evidences left her become much stronger than that time. Even when she was weaker, me and Cail would only hope to force her into a stalemate at most. Now… that would be a pipe dream.”

Jorish froze for a few seconds before speaking. “But… What about the rest of the Monarchs? If she's let free she wouldn’t just be a problem for the south, but for every spot.”

Traves replied. “It is as you say, yet due to those idiots. News isn’t out, and none is aware of what is happening. Even if we sent news out right now, it would be too late. If the Radiant Temple knew about it before the Witch started regaining her powers they would’ve resealed her easily. But now… by the time they arrive they too would be powerless on their own. The only person who would be able to deal with her on his own would be Vathlauss. He can’t be understood in human measures.”

“So… We can do nothing but wait?”

Traves shook his head. “No. It will be costly, but we have to first take control of the free cities. And if we can’t find enough Monarchs and Candidates to take her out again… We will have to just throw men at her until we succeed. Regardless of what it would cost.”

Jorish could see a cold look of determination on Traves’ eyes. He understood that they must take action immediately, lest the situation spiral out of control.

- - - - -

Jorish walked alongside Traves as they moved through the now calming streets of Wolnosci. After the initial chaos, the city guards moved and got things back in order. The streets were still bursting with movement as preparations were undergoing. Jorish looked around as he saw the various recruitment stations for the army.

He turned to Traves as he asked. “Traves, why do we bother recruiting random men and women into the force? With you, Cail and Reinold, there shouldn’t be many who can cause you an issue as you took control of the things here.”

Traves sighed as he replied. “Well, I get what you mean. However reality is often cruel. The power of a Monarch is often not just too high, but too destructive. Since a few hundred years ago, it was agreed that Monarchs would not involve themselves directly in mortal wars, because the moment a Monarch fights in such a war, blood will flow throughout Regalia. And there would be no end to such bloodshed. Thus if a Monarch decides to intervene in such a war, all other Monarchs around will go and kill them. “

“But… you are not a Monarch.”

“Indeed, I am not. And while it's very frowned upon for candidates to participate in such wars, it is not forbidden. Yet for all purposes both me and Reinold are considered as Monarchs. Being too well known has its problems.”

Jorish walked silently as he felt how annoyed Traves must've been feeling. He felt something was off however, as he asked. “Wait a moment though, wouldn’t a danger as big as the witch be a good enough justification for you to take action?”

“Normally, you would be correct Jorish. However, none knows about it. If we were to take action publicly, news would reach other Monarchs. Then, sooner or later, we would be facing some really great times. Good luck convincing a group of pissed off Monarchs.” Winked Traves as Jorish sighed.

“So, what is the plan?” asked Jorish

Traves stayed silent for a moment. As he was about to reply, Cail appeared in front of him. Traves’ face turned serious as he looked at Cail. Seeing him nodding, Traves sighed a sigh of relief as his smile returned.

“Well Jorish, I can’t participate in the battle. But you, Anise and that kid, what was his name again? Ah, yes. Dyce can. Unless the enemy has candidates you guys should be fine. Probably.”

“What do you mean, probably?”

“Don’t stress it Jorish! Just enjoy it. During that time, me, Cail, and Reinold will have to go and find as many capable Monarchs or Candidates around here as we can. So do not expect me to be able to help anyway.”

Finally, they reached their destination. Jorish saw Anise and Dyce waiting near one of the recruitment offices. Jorish bid Traves and Cail farewell as he went to join Anise and Dyce.