Apollyon stood there motionless as she saw another woman several feet away from her. The woman was surrounded by a ring of fire. Apollyon approached the woman with her hand reaching out towards her. The woman did the same. As Apollyon neared the ring of fire the woman was consumed by the flames.

Apollyon woke up from the dream, and stared at the ceiling. She rubbed her eyes, and noticed her skin had started to change color. Apollyon looked at herself in the mirror. Her skin had darkened considerably. Her veins were now blackened, and were much more visible. The body she inhabited had already run its course. She would need a new one to resume her activities. She donned her armor, and made her way towards the emperor’s chambers.

As she walked the halls she saw Karnissius walking towards her. “Apollyon!” He called.

“Is your father in his room?” She asked.

“He’s changing. We’re making preparations for the National Assembly.”

“Is it already that time of the year?”

“Yes. As usual they’ve made unusual demands. The Dhalak of the Badeshi Desert especially asked for the Heroes of Tofar to be his escort. Unfortunately for him they’re out on a mission.”

Apollyon remembered that the duo were a part of that team. “Why them specifically?”

“Apparently they fought together in the desert. In any case that’s just the first thing. We’re gonna be postponing the event.”

“How come?”

“Running security in the city. Have to make sure everything is in order when they arrive. Then there’s also Director Kilbourne…”

“With the Dhalak using legionnaires as his security…” Apollyon began.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he won’t try to assume some kind of power. Unfortunately since the Dhalak requested them we can’t say no.”

Apollyon sighed. “And the other two?”

“The Ostellion of Volkarion and the Zeynar of Amaruba all have some other business in their lands that they must tend to before they can meet us.”

“Any estimates on when it’ll be held?”

“Can’t say, but I know it won’t be for a while. In any case I got something you might want to see.”

“It’ll have to wait. I must see your father about an important matter.”

“What is it?”

“I need to appoint a successor.” Said Apollyon as she walked away.

Apollyon was only ten feet away from the emperor’s room when she saw Emperor Kyvar exit his room with his attendants.

“Emperor Kyvar.” Called Apollyon.

“I’m afraid it will have to wait I have a busy morning today. Do I have time in the afternoon?”

“Yes sir between four and six.” Answered one of his attendants.

“It’s about my position sir. I need to appoint a successor.”

Kyvar stopped in his tracks. “I see… Then that’s the first order of business then. I meet with the military branches at…”

“In two hours sir.” Finished an attendant.

“Right. We’ll make the announcement then. Afterwards we’ll send for recommendations.”

“Thank you sir.”

With that business out of the way Apollyon retreated back into her quarters. She removed her gauntlets, and looked at her hands. There was no doubt about it the body, though corpse is probably the best description, had finally expired. How long ago was it now? Ten years? Maybe longer? In the end perhaps it mattered little in the long run.

Apollyon put her gauntlets back on, and opened a portal to Ajulik. She was met with Lamia and Sethos.

Sethos turned towards her then back to Lamia. “In any case I’ll leave you to it. And seriously stop it with the creepy shit. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to listen to soldiers rabble on about ghosts and shit?”

“Their ignorance is not my concern.” Answered Lamia.

“Yeah that’s easy for you to say. In any case what’s the matter with you sis?”

“I’m going to be inhabiting a new body soon. I was wondering if you were able to fix the issue?”

“No. I’m afraid that once we attach ourselves to our new bodies there’s no stopping the decay. Let alone to slow it down. Abathur and I have worked tirelessly to find a solution to no avail. In the end death will get us too.”

“I see. And the legionnaires? They’re in your country now Lamia. Have you heard of them?”

“Nope. Although there was an incident in Albion where a group of animalists tried to free several people from execution, and before that the same thing but in Renoa. Whether or not they had a hand in it is anyone’s guess.”

“I can’t believe it all comes down to two fucking kids. In any case are you gonna tell me what Spyre gave you as a gift for helping escort their herald?”

“I’m sure you’ll find out. It makes no difference one way or the other for you to know.”

“Tch. Figures. What are you afraid I might actually win?”

“Hardly. Since you haven’t found a solution than I guess I’ll take my leave.”

Lamia

Apollyon opened a portal back to Karash, and left Lamia and Sethos to resume their conversation.

“Even when we were kids she never once let me win.” Said Sethos as the portal closed.

“That’s because out of all of us you were always the laziest.”

“Still though. Would’ve spared me from dad’s beatings had she let me win.”

“He still beat her anyways. Dad always found an excuse to discipline us even when we won.”

“Corrax the Sovereign Slayer… More like Corrax the Child Beater. I’m still surprised she lost. Have you asked her how it happened?”

“No, and I’m not stupid enough to ask her. If you want that answer find out yourself.”

“You know Lamia you can be an even bigger bitch than Usha sometimes I fucking swear.”

Apollyon

The time had finally arrived for the joint meeting as the heads of all military organizations from knights, paladins, wardens, legionnaires, navy, prowler commandos, and imperators.

“Now I know that we have a million things to get through today, but first an announcement from Sovereign Knight Apollyon.” Announced Emperor Kyvar.

“I will appoint a successor to become the new Sovereign Knight Apollyon. As such I will now call upon all branches to send forth a candidate, and of course extend the offer to our champion if she would accept the offer. I expect your recommendations within ten days. When you do have your recommendations I expect them to be on their way here as well.”

Kilbourne

Cid looked at him as if expecting an order. “Should I take her up on her offer? As a Sovereign Knight I’d have a bit more influence.”

“No. There’s no chance of getting a legionnaire champion. Even if we do have one possible candidate. Besides there’s no way that the other branches would let you become the next Sovereign Knight.”

“How do you figure?”

Kilbourne did his best to remember the past three Sovereign selections. “They take all of you in a room along with Apollyon, and only one comes out. I’m sure you can see where this is going. Apollyon and the others would kill you once the doors closed. For now it’s best if we sit this one out.”

“I understand sir.”

“Besides there’s always been something that has bothered me about our Sovereigns.”

“What is that?”

“I’ve only gotten acquainted with this one, and the last one yet… It feels like they’re the same person. I can’t quite explain it.”

“Perhaps it’s their hatred of legionnaires sir.”

“Yeah. Maybe we legionnaires aren’t meant to be Sovereign Knights. In any case let’s go. We have much work to do.”