Alis and the others returned to Marf to find it was quite busy.

One could see guards standing on the perimeter of Kalosýni’s barrier which could be seen by the complete lack of snow on one side and an abundance of snow on the other side.

Alis rode over to where Trevenor and Kosak sat.

Kosak wasn’t looking too good and his condition was only getting worse.

Alis bit his teeth as he approached the two.

“Ah, you’re back. How did it go?” Trevenor asked.

“Things went quite well. Anyway, Come with me. We’re going to get you fixed.” Alis said as he offered his hand to Kosak, whose pale skin and shivered implied the worst.

“Nah, let the others go first. Other than killin and stealin, I ain’t got many other talents. The knights should take care of the farmers and workers first.” Kosak said with a cough, causing a deep frown to form on Alis’s forehead.

“And when exactly did you grow a heart of gold?” Alis asked, his frustration audible.

“Come on, uncle. You’re not looking so good.” Trevenor said as he offered his hand, but Kosak weakly pushed it away.

Alis loudly clicked his tongue before walking to Neelae’s tent. He could see a determined expression on her face, but that didn’t hide the fact that her life force was slowly fading.

Alis sighed as he approached her.

“We’ve brought back enough wood to start repairs on some of the houses in central Marf, but I’m afraid we’ll need to head back to the forest first thing in the morning,” Alis reported. It had been a while since he followed someone’s order and to be honest, he didn't mind.

As long as the person ordering him around had a level head.

“I see. Well then, rest up. A communal dinner is being prepared so don’t go to sleep just yet.” Neelae said as she walked away.

Alis walked towards the southern part of Marf. There, he saw numerous knights doing their best to heal the wounded.

Unfortunately, not every life could be saved as many were buried next to the living.

Alis took a step out of Kalosýni’s barrier.

He hated how all-powerful Kalos was.

How he could free manipulate magic and how he could save everyone, but chose not to.

Alis looked to the south and felt Kalosýni’s overpowering presence.

He cursed Kalosýni’s name as hatred spewed from his eyes.

All Kalos had to do was fly to Marf and use a fraction of his magic, but Kalos chose not to.

Alis kicked the dirt before reentering the barrier. He made his way back to Kosak and Trevenor to find that Kosak was having a conversation with Reeca.

Alis remained silent as he sat next to Trevenor.

“That explains a lot,” Reeca said with a giggle.

“Yep. That’s our Alis for you. Stubborn as a mule, yet just as hard-working.” Kosak wheezed.

Alis’s ears perked up as various people walked about.

“But if someone asked if I regret picking these two scamps, I’d say no,” Kosak said.

“I was filth, no- I was worse than filth, but when I found Alis and Trevenor I knew I had to do right.” He added.

“There’s nothing as beautiful as being there to watch someone grow,” Kosak said.

“I wouldn’t know what that’s like. My family left me. justifiably, of course. But it still kinda hurts.” Reeca said.

“Oh? Is that why you chose to party up with the boys?” Kosak asked.

“Maybe… maybe not... I will admit that it was interesting and I look forward to spending more time with them, but… ugh, never mind.” Reeca said, but Kosak’s interest had already been piqued.

“Please, continue. Lest I die from curiosity.” Kosak said.

“It’s the eminence, Raymond. I was taken away by his strength and that of his son. I don’t think I’ll ever witness such greatness ever again.” Reeca said.

Alis then got up and walked away.

“Oh?” Kosak wondered.

“What’s up with him?” Trevenor asked.

“Who knows,” Kosak said dismissively.

“Anyway, back to you Ms. Reeca. I think in starting to understand you.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. You were once a great warrior who knew no rivals, but upon meeting the betrayer, your world was shattered.” Kosak said, prompting Reeca to lower her head in thought.

“Mmm… that’s pretty close guess. I was the eminences retainer and I did know very few rivals. Mmm… and you’re right. After I met Raymond and his son, I was blown away. Raymond and his group looked like they’d seen and felt things I couldn’t even imagine.” Reeca said as the night hung.

“Oh? Now I’m even more curious. How powerful is Raymond compared to the current eminence?” Kosak asked, but Reeca shook her head.

“It wasn’t just power that they had. It was… love. And lots of it. I could feel it. I mean, at one point I could even see it.” Reeca said with a chuckle.

“Oh… I see. Then am I correct to assume that you wanted to experience that which they shared?” Kosak asked.

“Well… yes and no. Although the love they have for each other is extremely beautiful, it’s also extremely dangerous. At one point, Kalos practically killed his own father.” Reeca said.

“Kalos?”

“Raymond’s son. He is the very definition of the word all-powerful, but he is not all-loving. That’s what scared me.” Reeca said.

“I see. So when the boys said they were leaving, you decided it would be best if you left as well.” Kosak said before the sounds of clashing metal could be heard.

Trevenor got up only to realize that the communal dinner was being served.

He was about to walk toward where he heard the metallic noises from when he saw his brother carrying four containers.

Alis handed everyone their container and they ate away at what could be described as a protein and carbohydrate sludge.

“Old man,” Alis called out after finishing his meal.

“I checked and the knights are almost done patching everyone up. So as soon as the sun rises, you’re going to get healed even if I have to drag you there.” Alis said before laying on his side.

Trevenor followed in his brother's steps and went to sleep as well.

Reeca noticed that Kosak was already half asleep so she gently placed herself onto the ground and slept.

.

..

Alis’s eyes popped open and he jumped to his feet.

The mourning sky was a cloudy grey, but fortunately for everyone, Kalosýni’s barrier protected them from the harsh winter winds.

Alis slowly walked over to where Kosak slept before falling to his knees.

“Dammit.” He cursed as Trevenor slowly awoke.

He too walked over to Kosak’s body and froze upon realizing what Alis had long since realized.

“Oh no…” Trevenor said before crouching over Kosak’s body.

“Let’s take him to the knights! Maybe there’s still time.” Trevenor cried, but as soon as he touched Kosak’s body, Alis got up, grabbed him and pushed him away.

The two stared at each other as Reeca slowly awoke.

“We can still save him,” Trevenor said, but Alis’s remained silent.

Trevenor tried dashing towards Kosak, only to have Alis push him to the ground. They both avoided using magic, but their bodies were still those of half-blooded velzen.

“Move aside,” Trevenor whispered as he slowly made his way around his brother.

Alis remained quiet before charging toward Trevenor and tackling him.

The two wrestled each other for some time before Reeca heard the sounds of someone sobbing.

Trevenor fought his way out of his brothers grasp to find him weeping uncontrollably.

Alis rolled over, giving Trevenor the perfect chance to grab Kosak and run, but at this point, even Trevenor understood that it was too late.

Trevenor crawled to his brother's side and grabbed his before hugging him as tightly as possible.

The two wept as Reeca covered Kosak’s body with the blanket she slept under.

She then prompted that the Aventor brothers move to a clean spot, where they continued to weep.

.

..

The Aventor brothers eventually calmed down and Reeca helped them transport Kosak’s body to the southern part of Marf.

There, with the help of the newly appointed gravediggers, they buried Kosak.

Reeca snuck a glance at Alis and saw that instead of sorrow, his eyes burnt with rage. Trevenor on the other hand continued to weep even as they made their way back to their spot.

Reeca left the Aventor brothers as the sun rose. She made her way toward Neelae’s tent before noticing that there was a crowd gathered nearby.

She made her way to the front of the ground before seeing a face she hadn’t seen in a long time.

“Vinaar?” Reeca gasped loudly.

Vinaar turned to find a flustered Reeca. The two ran into each other's arms.

Quintin stayed close to Vinaar as the crowd around them got bigger.

“Wow! Where have you been all this time and why is your light so… beautiful?” Vinaar asked, unable to suppress her joy and relief.

“Oh, I was around, doing things here and there,” Reeca replied shyly as Vinaar’s subordinates entered Marf. Reeca counted about fifty or so elite knights.

“What about you? What have you been up to?” Reeca asked.

Vinaar sighed as she looked around.

“Well, I’ve been pretty busy. Hunting a mass murderer, trying to save what’s left of Eslaf, you know. The usual.” Vinaar said.

“Oh, and what brought you to Marf?” Reeca asked.

“Good question.” Everyone heard a familiar voice say.

Reeca turned to find Neelae and a few of her men.

“Neelae Yolson?” Vinaar asked as her men drew their weapons.

The small crowd that had surrounded the current eminence slowly backed away as Neelae and her men stood completely still.

“How are you still alive, traitor?” Vinaar asked as she forged a fosblade which she pointed at Neelae.

The crowd around then gasped as their leader faced the pointed edge of the order.

“I was saved by Raymond and his son,” Neelae said frankly, prompting more gasps.

“Oh? Then I suggest you make this easy for yourself and everyone here.” Vinaar said as she pointed to the ground.

“Kneel,” Vinaar said.

“Wait!” Reeca yelled.

“Why do you want to kill Neelae?” Reeca asked.

“Yeah, she saved our lives back!” One of the survivors from Tolman said.

“Yeah, I don’t care if you’re the eminence or not. You can’t ruin what we’re trying to make.” Another person said.

Eventually, the crowd was in an uproar over the sudden appearance of the order, but this isn’t exactly what Neelae wanted.

“Calm down, everyone,” Neelae said, bringing the crowd back to its silence.

“I’m more than willing to give my life if it means peace is maintained. However, I will not die if you enforce the laws of the order on these people. The age of the knight has come to an end.” Neelae said before a knight ran out of the crowd.

He then hurriedly knelt in front of Vinaar.

“Your eminence, please kill this woman! She is spreading lies and bewitching the emperor's people.” The man said before Vinaar’s guards grabbed him and stood him up.

Vinaar looked at his badges before sighing.

“Captain. You must be tired. Please, rest for now. I’ll take care of this.” Vinaar said before gasps filled the air.

Vinaar looked up before her knees buckled, almost making her fall onto her butt.

The people of Marf backed away as a certain blue being touched the ground.

Well, his hair and eyes were blue, at least.

“Kalos, what are you doing here?” Neelae asked as Kalos looked around.

He remained silent as he closed his eyes.

“Mmm…” Kalos let out a sound before opening his eyes.

“Hello," Kalos said, prompting yet another gasped from the crowd.

“There’s a bunch of dark beings heading here from Carimae. They’ll be here within the next three or so days. I suggest you prepare your strongest for the coming battle. I’m short on time as there are others like you, so-" Kalos sat on the dry grass beneath him.

“What do you need? I’ll only grant what is possible and reasonable.” Kalos said as his four arms hung playfully.

No one moved as Kalosýni’s presence filled the air with an almost terrifying divinity.

Neelae slowly inched towards Kalos, but Vinaar and her men quickly snapped out of their fear-induced trances.

“Halt! Kalosýni the blue. You’re coming with us. Either that or your head will roll on this very ground.” Vinaar yelled as her body was covered in glorious white armour.

Then in the next moment, it wasn’t.

Her armour, fosblade and any trace of magic had completely disappeared along with that of her men who all collapsed.

Kalos watched as they crawled around the floor. It reminded him of the way children crawled.

Kalos smiled when the thought of Keema crawling popped up in his mind, but he washed it away as he had stuff to do.

“What have you done?” Vinaar yelled at the top of her lungs.

She had been deprived of the one thing she’d used and relied upon since birth.

Kalos enclosed her and her men within barriers before turning to Neelae.

“I thought about what you said the other day and I realized that you were right. I may have been a bit… strict. Also… Crimwal told me to help out as much as I can.” Kalosýni’s voice trailed away for a bit, but he quickly let out a fake cough before straightening his back.

“So ask away,” Kalos said with a bright smile.

“Can-" Neelae’s voice got caught in her throat as emotion overcame her.

Everyone stared at her as she stood closest to Kalos.

“Can you bring back the dead?” Neelae asked in a moment of pure internal turmoil. She had lost so many of her soldiers in Tolman and she had witnessed Kalosýni do many impossible things, so she hoped…

Kalos shook his head slowly.

“That I cannot do,” Kalos said.

“Putting the pieces of a body back together is easy, but there is something that is lost forever upon death,” Kalos said.

Neelae trembled, but she knew that lingering on this particular subject would only cause her more pain and so she took a deep breath before straightening herself.

“Shelter. We need shelter.” Neelae said as tears fell down her face, but she clenched her fists as Kalos stood up.

He then got up from the ground, raised his hands and erected a gigantic grey wall that went along his barrier.

Several giant grey cubes then rose from the ground. They were hollow and had several openings.

“These shall be your new homes. They are strong, but I do not want to see you hiding in them when the dark horde comes. Stand. Fight. Protect what is yours.” Kalos said before landing near Neelae.

“What else?” Kalos asked.

Neelae panicked. She had seen Kalos use his magic many times before, but still…

“Food and water. Winters here, so it’d be nice-"

“No,” Kalos said bluntly.

“My father taught me that hunting and gathering are a part of being human. That and farming. If I give you easy access to those things you will surely grow lazy. So, no.” Kalos said, much to everyone’s dismay.

Neelae painfully swallowed what little saliva lined her mouth before looking around her.

The carts Alis and his people had used were only big enough to bring back a small number of supplies.

Neelae felt her vision fade for a moment, but she snapped herself back into consciousness.

“Can you create a bunch of wagons and carts for us?” Neelae asked and just like that, almost fifty grey carts lined the area.

Neelae’s mind raced as she thought about what to ask Kalos for.

“Weapons! Armour! Tools!” Neelae spouted whatever came to mind and as she rambled, those very things materialized.

Kalos counted how many life forces were present in Marf and created according to the number he got.

Neelae looked around her and saw neat rows of farming equipment, weapons and various other things. Well, they were all grey and looked metallic, but Neelae didn’t care.

Kalos then gently floated upward as Neelae thought.

“Wait! There’s more!” She desperately yelled making Kalos stop.

“Oh? What exactly?” Kalos asked as he returned Vinaar’s magic to her along with her subordinates.

“I- um…” Neelae couldn’t think of anything that Kalos wouldn’t immediately shoot down. She wanted him to heal the sick and wipe out the dark horde but she knew that Kalos wasn’t going to do so, so she muttered aimlessly as Kalos flew out of Marf.

The people of Marf then turned to Neelae before bowing simultaneously.

“Thank you!” One of them yelled at the top of his lungs. They had been sleeping in small tents and even out in the open for some time and thanks to Kalos, they could sleep with some sort of protection over their heads.

No one knew when the next elafriá attack from the sky would come and so they were grateful.

“Don’t thank me. Thank Kalos.” Neelae said as Vinaar and her people slowly got up.

“But it was you who spoke for us. I’d have asked that Kalos take me to wherever he’s from, hehe.” One of the random people in the crowd said.

“Yeah, you did good.”

Such things were said.

Vinaar then forged a fosblade as she felt her magic coursing through her veins. She may not have been as strong as Kalos, but she was still an eminence and Neelae was pretty much a normal knight with exceptional leadership skills.

“I’ll kill you for humiliating me!” Vinaar yelled as she charged towards Neelae, but she quickly stopped as she felt an incredibly dark presence.

A loud explosion came from between where Neelae and Vinaar were standing.

The dust quickly cleared, revealing a dark Alis.

His skin was dark grey and pitch black markings covered almost every inch of his skin.

Alis turned a pitch black eye toward Vinaar.

“Anyone who threatens what is ours will pay.”