It was now early April of the 1904th year of the Flower. Despite nothing destructive happening at the summit of the Blue Pillar where the Sanctum of the Precious Flora and the Burning Residence was, the burning ones shared in the depression. But in the near year since the battle and Conrad’s death, life had returned relatively to normal. It was not easy for the Burning Ones to elect a replacement for Conrad. It was usually easy, since in older age the Burning Ones usually retired to the monastery, giving their role to someone else, with the approval of the other Burning Ones.

Benjamin, the same Benjamin that Bregorn had met several years before, was performing his regular duties on a cool summer morning. The birds that lived on the summit near the Sanctum were louder than normal that particular morning. He was sweeping the stone path that lead to the Sanctum from the Burning Residence. As he looked down at his work while humming his favorite hymn, he thought he saw a white object move in the tall grass in his peripheral vision. Like most people, he ignored it, not giving it a second thought. A few moments later he started to hear rustling in the grass as well, and the birds fell silent.

“Benjamin.” A voice called to him from the tall grass, near where the white object was spotted. The voice was rather unfamiliar, but a little more feminine than masculine. What was stranger was that the sound was as it was carried on the light breeze.

“Naomi!?” He called out.

A laugh responded. “I am afraid not. The Creatrix awaits, I would advise you not to keep our Lady waiting, master Benjamin.”

Benjamin was stunned in awe. He took a moment of thinking before he dropped the broom and sprinted towards the Sanctum, stripping his clothes as he went. There was a bell outside, which he rang loudly before tying the rope to himself and entering. He made sure that he was as clean as he could be in the fountain. He dried himself off thoroughly and quickly. He stopped in front of the veil and took another moment of thought. Was this really happening? Was it a joke of very very poor taste from Baldur or Naomi? It cannot be, they would never make such a blasphemous prank.

He peeked inside, rather afraid of what could be in there. The room was filled with strange particles. They spontaneously came and rose in different directions before fading into nothing. The particles were similar to snow. The smell of a waterfall filled his nose: a sweet smell that reminded him of Lake James.

“Do not be afraid, little one.” A voice said with a ringing of a singing bowl. “Come closer.”

Benjamin could not help but smile when he heard the voice.

“Are you the Creatrix?” he asked nervously as he completely entered the beyond the veil. He saw that the Flower was no longer a single color, but shifting between all colors like a spinning glass prism.

“I am your Creatrix. Do not be afraid. Your service to the house of my Flower has been model.” The Creatrix said.

Benjamin knelt down and said nothing.

“Beloved Benjamin, you must write down what I say and deliver it to Bregorn and Kunigunde Viapacis.” The Creatrix said. The Edict of Craetakur was kept in a side room under a weighty cloth tarp that was weighed down with light chains. There were four books in total, the fourth having not yet been filled. There were a pen and ink as well. Benjamin followed the procedure. He brought out a light scribes desk and then retrieved the fourth book. He sat them in front of the veil and stood ready to listen.

“I am ready to receive your most holy words, Holy Creatrix.” He said with pen in hand. The Burning ones ran dills for dictation and legibility.

“I am the Creatrix, hearken to me. Behold that there are great times ahead. The events of which I speak shall be known in legends, for they are going to shape the future of all of that I have created more than any other time that has come to pass and will ever pass again, from the smallest of plants and animals to the largest of beasts in the water. These times will test all of you. There shall be no person whom the coming times will remain unaffected. Though take courage, for the People of Craetakur have earned my favor, and those who have not still have my love. For nothing can separate my children from me.

Therefore, for the sake of all that I love, which is all that I have created, hear me. Conrad Viapacis is not dead as you have thought. He is very much alive. By the goodwill of the beloved creatures from across the sea that your people have never seen, he has been rescued. The goodwill of these creatures he desires to twist, and he is fully capable of doing so. Even now, he divides them, poisoning their lives and peace with lies and paranoia.

Kunigunde must surrender her crown to Bregorn. Do not think that you have failed me, Kunigunde. Your part shall be no less glorious and important. Bregorn, you must build me an army and fleet worthy of the Creatrix.

You shall launch the fleet that you have constructed with the army that you have gathered on the 18th of July. Stay vigilant, for I am with you.” The Creatrix dictated.

Benjamin wrote in awe. War? How could this be?

He wrote the date in the Edict and signed it. He then copied the message to be sent down.

“Go in peace.” The Creatrix said. The particles dissipated and the Flower turned red.

He returned everything back to where he retrieved it from. Taking the copy of the new Edict, he walked to the great doors of the Sanctum. The other Burning Ones were waiting behind it, silent and in prayer. They waited for Benjamin to dress again before speaking to him, averting their eyes.

“Did the Creatrix truly speak, Benjamin?” Naomi said.

“She did. And we must hurry, this must be delivered to Viapacis immediately. I will make some more copies of this and we must send the birds to deliver it. Come! I will tell you on the way to the aviary.