The sun rose slowly into the sky, the capital city of Merister basking in its rays. The golden bricked buildings stood tall, towering over the packed streets below. To the north was the Alberdan Imperial Academy, to the south the business districts of the city. The east was where the majority of the upper nobility called home, and the west held the buildings that made up various departments of the Alberdan government, such as the War Council.

What of the center? Many routes led here, becoming paved pathways that all led to the Alberdan palace. Flower beds alternated with Featherfly trees, giving the area a sweet scent to the few servants and guests walking back and forth.

The current emperor of Alberdos, Evani Merister, ensured that his home was not only beautiful but also grand. The sounds of fish could be heard splashing back and forth inside ponds, and the soft sounds of musicians practicing could be heard in the throne room. Here in this room sat Evani on his seat, watching the musicians play another song.

Evani looked at the harpist, steadily watching her play each string. His eyes carried a hint of his age, 69 this year. His face carried few wrinkles, and thanks to being an Aura Lord Level 2, his life was rather comfortable. As the ruler of Alberdos, the only thing he longed for was his wife. When she died, everything lost its color. Only by being the patron of musicians could Evani feel her presence; she was, after all, a harpist herself.

Evani listened on to the song, the same song again. It was the only piece his wife practiced daily, and before he gave it little meaning. He didn't know how to play an instrument; Evani's father was making a ruler, not a student of the arts. However, when one's love passes, everything they once did eventually holds greater meaning. Like this song; Evani imagined his wife playing the harp in front whenever he heard the song, a smile creeping on his face.

The musicians learned of Evani's preference for this song, and played it everyday. The harpist especially saw this as a way to retain His Majesty's patronage, and played only this song every time she was asked to perform. To this day, her harp solo echoed throughout the throne room, settling Evani's heart of the pain of losing the Empress.

To this day, he wasn't sure if the grand elder of the War Council Molov Albaster truly killed his wife. In grief he hanged this old fellow for possessing the murder weapon, and only after his mourning was over did he question himself. Was it worth it? He couldn't say. After all, killing a man did not bring back his love.

Evani gestured for his main assistant Abrear to come to him. The portly middle aged man made his way across the throne room, walked up the steps to the throne, before repeating Evani's desires.

"His Majesty has been pleased with your performance. You may all leave." The servant turned to the small group of musicians, speaking just loud enough for all seven of them to hear.

The musicians set aside their instruments and bowed, before carrying them off. Their muffled steps could be heard as they walked out of the room, their feet in contact with a long rug bearing the colors of Alberdos, royal blue and tawny gold.

"Your Highness, I have news of the War, and news of Darkthorn Prison." The portly Abrear shifted his gaze back to Evani, clearing his throat before speak.

"Oh? You may speak Abrear. But be quick about it." Evani moved in his chair, straightening his posture. Squinting his eyes, he looked straight towards Abrear. His right hand held his scepter, no longer loose as he tightened his grip.

"The nation of Leafwind is no more, Your Majesty. Today, the Alberdos Kingdom has received the new Great Basin Province along with the Leafwind Highlands. Surveyors have been sent to map the misty domain in hopes of finding rare treasure." The servant spoke respectfully to Evani, showing a newly made map outlining Leafwind.

"Did you ensure that the surveyors are of our own?" Evani gave a steady look at Abrear. Treasure able to give birth to a bloodline like the Leafwind royal family were rare and desirable. It wouldn't be amusing if one of the surveyors took the chance to take such an artifact for themselves. All it would cause is greater difficulty for Evani, and moreso for Abrear in explain what went wrong.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I took the proper preparations."

"Good. Now what of Darkthorn Prison. What did that child Eric Faulkner do?"

"Your Highness, he has done a great deal there. Not only did he accuse the Warden of Lifeblood Refining, he also took several of the prisoners as his own men. I must also add something, Your Majesty. There is someone of great importance among them."

"Who?"

"Mona Aurum, Your Highness. The grandson of Primor Aurum, the delegate of Leafwind to the Mountainous Treaty. Son of Signor Aurum, city lord of Eshwin. Descendant of the mythic Aurum Founder. He is among Eric's men as we speak. They returned to Alberdos just the day before."

"Hmm." A few thin lines crossed Evani's forehead as he heard of where Mona was taken. He had set out clear orders that if Mona Aurum was brought into Alberdos, he was to receive custody immediately.

However, the person who had received Mona Aurum was none other than Eric Faulkner, the young master of the Faulkner family. This is getting difficult.

"If I recall, Abrear, there was no sign of Valence Aurum's body among those found in Eshwin. Tell me, is there any news of the Aurum genius?" Evani gazed at Abrear, awaiting a reply.

Abrear looked through the documents he held in his hands, before looking back towards Evani with a worried face.

"Your Majesty, I have yet to receive any information of the genius Valence Aurum. His whereabouts are still unknown." Abrear spoke meekly, trying to avoid angering Evani. The emperor had asked him the same question for the last month, and he had nothing to show. As Evani's eyes and ears, he felt he had failed in his duties.

"Thank you, Abrear. You may now leave." Evani spoke to Abrear but looked to one of the ten supporting columns in the throne room. He focused his gaze on the last column, finding nothing moving. Am I in need of the royal physician?

"I wish you great fortune, Your Majesty." Abrear bowed, struggling to maintain his stance before making his way out. His heavy steps echoed throughout the largely empty throne room, Evani watching him leave.

Evani looked around his throne room, at the embroidered flags carrying the colors of Alberdos and portraits of previous rulers. The marble columns had a tinge of gold that spiraled upward towards the ceiling, glowing with the light of nearby Moon Stones. There were few shadows, and fewer blind spots from Evani's position. At this moment though Evani was unsure if he was truly alone.

Perhaps it was nothing. Evani gave up his thoughts, thinking it silly for anyone to be here. His Aura was dispersed throughout the throne room, and unless someone had a grand Creation, an amazing Art of something of that level, no one should be able to elude his sense. He thought back to Eric Faulkner, unsure of which course to take.

Of all the nobles it could be, Eric Faulkner was the one. Evani had a perplexed expression on his face. The politics of nobility were complex, and a wrong move could rid Evani of his empire. Ties between different families were both obvious and hidden, and Evani did not wish to offend the wrong crowd.

When Evani's own grandfather was to be assassinated, those involved in the attempt on his life were quickly hanged. How? Evani's grandfather had loyal spies throughout all of noble society, and one of those subordinates were able to tell him everything that was occurring.

Unlike this ancestor, Evani was more lackluster. His friendships and alliances were fewer, and his spies were not many. At best he could ensure the throne was passed to his son, but if there was a coup d'etat underway, Evani would be hard pressed to even know. He tried his best to be a ruler, and sadly it wasn't good enough.

For example, the royal family. In truth, the majority of Alberdan nobility came from the same main branch. Centuries of intertwining branches and new noble families forming from the military added great complexity to the problem. Above all, however, it was agreed that the closer one's noble bloodline was to the original Alberdan royalty, the closer one was to the throne. Into this problem entered three families, the Merister, the Wessor, and the Faulkner.

Evani was descended of the Merister family, and thanks to his grandfather was able to earn his current position as Emperor. Before the Merister rule, the Wessor bloodline controlled all of Alberdos. The Faulkner family controlled Alberdos before both of them as well for a much longer period of time.

Evani was the head of the Merister royal family, and also the Emperor of Alberdos. He was also a distant cousin of the heads of the other two families, Rigor Faulkner and Aviance Wessor. Three families formed three different factions, each with the support of a different group.

Evani had the support of the military, as his bloodline included many historic legends born from the tides of war. Rigor had the support of the merchants, and in turn the majority of the people. Aviance has backed by the majority of the ancient noble families, and also what remained of the citizens. These three factions fought in secret over the throne.

Eric Faulkner was the son of Rigor, and was as skilled as Evani's own son in handling matters and leadership. Sirelec was the son of Aviance, and was not far from Eric's skill in being a ruler. Evani had planned for his own son Ethone to take the throne, but was cautious of offending the future heads of the other two houses.

He knew that if he tried to force his way through matters, the other two factions would bring ruin to the Merister branch without mercy. He had to show some tact and ability in handling the throne, as well as handling the growing powers of Wessor and Faulkner. If he didn't keep them in check, his son could very well face the consequences.

What to do? To offend the young noble, or not? Mona Aurum held great importance to Evani. If he had Mona in his hands, he could use Mona as a pawn to silence the remaining rebels in Leafwind. Although Leafwind was conquered, there were still a few groups willing to fight to their deaths over their homeland. These ragtag soldiers were a headache for Evani, and using Mona he could rid himself of that pain. After all, the Aurum family held great sway in Leafwind and Mona was still of the Aurum bloodline.

But the problem laid not in taking Mona Aurum but in avoiding a confrontation between Merister and Faulkner. From his intelligence sources, Evani learned that the young master of the Faulkner family made Mona Aurum his left-hand man. If Evani was to target Mona now, he wasn't sure whether Rigor Faulkner and his son would stay silent. And the Wessor family, seeing an opportunity, would be sure to jump in as well.

Evani rubbed his head, feeling his headache grow worse. He stored the royal Alberdan scepter into his spatial ring, massaging his forehead with his hands. If I advance, I have to face Faulkner and likely Wessor. If I retreat, I leave a sword ready to behead me.

Evani wasn't willing to believe Mona Aurum was incapable. Even if Mona was a mortal, his mere status as the remaining known member of the Aurum family could shift the power struggle in Faulkner's favor. Merister would become the home of the Faulkner royal family, and Evani's descendants would face the aftermath until who knows when. Evani wasn't will to throw away the works of his forefathers for a single noble child.

But that single noble child had to be rid of. Evani wasn't willing to leave a wounded lion heal. If there was the faintest chance of his demise, he would erase it completely if possible. But how was he to handle the Faulkner family secretly? Although the Merister royal family had many secret allegiances, Evani was sure none of them were willing to be the scapegoat for his plans.

Evani heard a shuffling of robes come from the same column. His face became grave as he stood up. His Aura Technique was channeled to the maximum as he gave a cold stare at the column.

"Who goes there?" He commanded, his voice carrying a trace of viciousness. His thoughts returned to his wife and the Alberdan Empress, Merila Merister. If this is an assassination, I will make sure these scoundrels pay.

Just as Evani was ready to activate his Art, a figure emerged from the shadows. He wore the robes of an upper noble, a smug smile across his face. He looked younger than Evani, and stood with one of his arms behind his back. Evani watched as his whole body came into view.

Evani furrowed his brow as he saw this young noble. Shadow Arts, it must be him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." The young noble spoke, his voice containing a hint of arrogance and respect for Evani.

Evani looked at the noble, anger in his brow. "Why are you wandering in my castle Sirelec?"

"Your Majesty, my Father had sent me to visit you. After all, the Wessor and Merister families are linked throughout history and --"

"Don't try to lie, Sirelec. You are no different than your father, meddling and hiding in the shadows."

"I apologize, Your Majesty, but I was just near the palace when I --"

"I didn't call for you, Sirelec. Now tell me, why are you here?" Evani was getting tired of this verbal trade with Sirelec. Sirelec was the son of Aviance, and was far craftier than his father. Truly sons not only follow their parents but also improve on them.

"You were discussing Eric Faulkner, Your Majesty. He is of the same generation as my own, and I was curious of what you were saying." Sirelec stopped hiding the truth, appearing directly in front of Evani.

"So you not only infiltrated the palace and entered without rhyme nor reason, you also hid behind the column and eavesdropped on my conversations." Evani felt his rage continue to grow. He disliked many things, but he hated the most when suspicious individuals lurked in his presence. It gave him a terrible feeling of what was to come.

"I didn't infiltrate, Your Majesty. I merely 'entered without notice.' It was simply a mistake." Sirelec seemed to be truly sorry, but Evani wasn't giving in.

"A mistake? You do know the palace exterior is protected by my royal guard and my security mechanisms. There are also gates that lead to the palace, each overseen but a pair of guards that would immediately give me knowledge of your arrival. And it was a 'mistake' of you being here? I should have you imprisoned where you stand, Sirelec."

"Your Majesty, you seemed to be troubled over a matter involving Eric Faulkner. Excuse my advances, but can you tell me what is wrong?"

"Sirelec, it doesn't involve you. I have my own issues as the emperor of this empire. A mere noble from the younger generation wouldn't understand."

"Now tell me, should I have your father appear or rid you myself?" Evani was slowly becoming more furious with the passing minute. Sirelec was becoming another headache on his mind. Just how much did he hear?

"But Your Majesty, I may be able to assist you."

"Assist me? In what? You dare to say you can help me with a task?" Evani steadily extended his trap. Now tell me how long you were listening.

"You seem to be worried about the child Mona Aurum who has recently been taken in under Eric's wing. Am I correct, Your--" Sirelec had a grin on his face, before horror filled his body.

Evani gestured with his hands, his dark blue Aura pinning Sirelec to the column he was near. The force of his pressure was so great the column revealed a few new cracks, and Sirelec lost his breath in the process. So he was here since the beginning. I should kill him where he stands.

Sirelec managed to regain a breath of air. He didn't struggle against Evani's Aura, unless he wanted to feel greater pain. An Aura Lord against an Aura Warrior, the latter had no way to succeed. The difference in experience, skill, Techniques and Arts were like heaven and earth.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for intruding on you. I am truly sorry, and would like to show, to show my sincerity by aiding Your Majesty through Mona Aurum." Sirelec struggled to speak those few words as Evani strengthened his grasp on Sirelec. The column behind them showed several more fractures, a few grains sized rocks falling to the floor.

"I can guarantee on my life that I can help Your Majesty dispose of Mona Aurum. The Wessor and Faulkner family already have grudges, and if I intervene secretly on Your Majesty's behalf, the Faulkner family will not be able to tell." Sirelec explained his idea, trying to remain calm as he sweated from fear. By entering the royal palace without warning, Sirelec had given Evani enough reason to kill him then and there. His father Aviance couldn't do anything about his death, nor could the faction that supported them.

Evani gave it a moment a thought, a sinister smile appearing on his face. He's willing to take the fall. Excellent. Evani was a bit surprised that Sirelec would go so far. Even Aviance knew to never cross the line of life and death when seeking benefits.

Evani knew that the only reason Sirelec would make such a maneuver was because the young noble had something in mind, something only he had at his possession. Evani laughed inwardly at the naive noble. You could kill one hundred men for me, but if what you desire is too precious, I will kill you where you stand. Evani knew that if he used Sirelec, he could keep the traces off himself and also protect his son's ascension to the throne. However, Evani needed more than just a guarantee.

"Where is your father, Sirelec?" Evani needed to make sure Aviance was not near before he set his trap. He lowered Sirelec to the ground, the young man stood on his limbs swallowing large breaths of air.

Sirelec calmed his raging heart, his face flushed with tinges of red. "My father is back in Capa'ri, resting. Your Majesty, he is still very ill, and has made me acting head of the Wessor Dukedom from his bed." Sirelec spoke as carefully as possible, his previous arrogance completely gone.

Now I must be humble, or I will be humbled. I can't act out of line now. Sirelec looked at Evani as he knelt on one leg.

Evani smiled as he saw Sirelec change his demeanor and posture. So he is the acting head. This is perfect. All I need is that.

"Sirelec, you should know I am not willing to believe your guarantee, especially after your actions today."

"But Your Majesty, I--"

"Listen, Sirelec. It is quite simple to win my trust. All you have to do is bestow me a part of something you own. Something you will regain in due time." A fiendish smile arose on Evani's face as he looked at the lost face of Sirelec.

"Your Majesty, what is it?"

"It is a minuscule part of your body. A part of all those who practice Aura. I need to have a portion of your Soul. That is all." Evani smiled at Sirelec, watching the young man understand.

Sirelec gave a difficult expression, seemingly unable to give the request. "Your Majesty, I don't have a means to give you a part of my Soul."

"It's alright, Sirelec Wessor. I have my means of acquiring a portion. All I need is your agreement. Do you agree?" Evani neared closer to Sirelec, his hand raised above the young noble's head. He couldn't believe that a noble was willing to be his pawn. Evani inwardly chuckled about the young noble looking at his palm.

"Your Majesty, I agree." Sirelec showed no terror nor fear, Evani a bit amazed. He doesn't seem to understand what will happen.

Oh well. Evani placed his palm onto Sirelec's head. He chanted an ancient language, remembering an Art he had learned long ago.

Of the four, take the translucent. Of the translucent, take a part. Of the part, chain it with thorns. End the part, bring end to whom it belongs.

The words of the Spirit based Art echoed in Sirelec's mind. He felt a distinct part of him enter Sirelec's body, locating a wispy existence inside if the young man's body. A portion of that wispy existence was ripped off, traveling back with Evani into his own body. Evani peered with his consciousness, looking at his soul and the portion of Sirelec's soul. Both of them resembled their owners, except Sirelec's portion was small and seemed to be in intense pain.

Opening his eyes, Evani looked at Sirelec on the floor, the Wessor acting head clutching his chest. A line of blood came from his lips, forming a puddle on the marble floor. Sirelec felt intense pain from his Soul losing the portion. His body felt much weaker, and he had coughed up a pint of blood in the process.

What, what was that thing? Sirelec remembered the feeling of something inside him being torn to pieces. When he used his consciousness, he saw a dark cloud near his wispy Soul and rip off the portion that was his arm. His current arm felt numb and lost several shades of color, as if this part of Sirelec's body was always dead. A terrifying sensation came from his soul, telling him this gambit of his has a fatal price if he failed.

Evani wasn't feeling well either. To use Arts of the other Forces of Strength, one needed to at least be able to cultivate in that energy. There were four Forces of Strength, and were nothing more than forms of energy a cultivator could use after a certain level. Two of those were Aura and Spirit. Aura was usable as a mortal, and strengthened the abilities of the body and five senses. Spirit required one to be an Aura Lord at the least, and strengthened the soul.

However, Spirit cultivation Techniques were extremely rare, and what little Spirit energy Evani had was only able to allow him to activate the Art once a year. Any more would inflict heavy damage on his soul, and he wasn't willing to risk it unless he was sure.

With this, I can make the Wessor family my pawn. It's so great the youth are inexperienced. Evani looked at the portion of Sirelec's soul. If he damaged it, Sirelec would be assaulted with massive damage. If it was destroyed, Sirelec would die. By giving Evani a portion of his soul, Sirelec had essentially signed away his life.

"You may now leave Sirelec. Farewell." Evani used his Aura to carry Sirelec out of the throne room, closing the doors behind him. With his Aura he cleaned the blood puddle Sirelec left behind and the broken column was reformed anew. It was as if nothing ever happened.

In the hallway in front of the throne room, Sirelec stood up, having trouble to simply stand.

The price was great. But if I can unite the House of Wessor and Merister and take the throne, the Faulkner family will be done for. Sirelec was sure that if he succeeded, he would have a chance of asking for the hand of his distant cousin, Maria Merister. Doing so would make him the second in line for the throne, and if he worked carefully from the shadows, he could become Emperor.

Although the three factions carried death feuds with one another, the number of feuds and hidden wars between the Faulkner and Wessor factions made up the majority of the grudges. Ancestors of both branches truly hated one another since the beginning of their houses, and that hatred had only grown to become irreversible.

Even if the Faulkner and Wessor families were to intermarry by some rare chance, the marriage would never be accepted by either party. The couple would only be seen as traitors, even if they were the heads of either house; the divide between Faulkner and Wessor was great indeed.

Right now, she is unattainable. But soon, she and the throne shall be mine! Sirelec made his way out of the palace, greeted by the shocked guards. They didn't know how Sirelec made his way in, and were more worried about how he entered than the bloodstain near his face.

Revealing a handkerchief, Sirelec wiped away the bloodstain beside his lips. To rise in the ranks of Alberdan nobility, he had to be willing to give his life.

"Father was skilled, but was also a frog in a well. He thought he could see the world without tempting to climb, to try and see how high it is at the peak."

"Now he is ill, his subordinates have deserted him, and the few allies he made now look at the House of Wessor with greed. I will not do the same."

"Mona Aurum. Eric Faulkner. Ethone Merister. Through them will the House of Wessor become glorious." One day, Wessor's soul would be whole again, the Alberdos Empire will be his own, and the warfare between the Merister, Faulkner, and Wessor bloodlines would end. This he would ensure to his death.

The sun stood high in the sky, illuminating the world with marvelous rays of light. It graced the world, shining over the lands of Elavine. Here, Rigor Faulkner stood near his bedside window, wondering how time has gone by.