Lyse was not able to fully understand what was going on. He never thought that a ghost would be the first shocking information of the day, but it did prove to be the case. And he was talking to one, somehow. And this was not just any specter, but one of a godslayer, a member of Theurgy who knew his mother. His name was Maurice and supposedly was born and raised here in Pumavut. He also didn't think that the pendant of death would be in a place like this, and he could find it in such a way. It was bizarre for him to think about. But Fate does work in unconventional ways, most often. It is difficult to criticize something that had been so consistent so far.

But still, the thought of ghosts was chilling for him. You never hear good stories about them. Well, real stories. There are some tales that show some ghosts to be quite benevolent, helping a noble find the killer of his family or providing something to the hero that would otherwise be impossible. But from accounts of knights, they can be quite a difficult entity to deal with once they get violent. It was a coin toss what kind of ghost Lyse has stumbled upon.

"You can calm yourself, I'm not going to tear you apart," Maurice told him merrily. "Let's just have a nice little chat, and you'll be on your way. I can tell you've been quite busy. So, how has your mother been? And how did you find this place?"

"My mother told me this was the last place you were seen," He told him. Lyse was a bit hesitant to tell this man about his mother, but angering a ghost was lower on his priorities than disclosing information. "My mother, she's been . . . fine. Theurgy is being reassembled, starting with me I think. We're looking for the pendants and other members at the moment. But first, we have other business to handle."

"Other business?" the ghosts seemed unable to care less about all that he said. "Interesting. So what, they kidnapped someone? Wait, don't tell me, your girlfriend right? You seem like the lad who'd do something like that."

"No," Lyse said lowly. "My sister actually."

The smile on Maurice's face soured a bit. "Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Then I guess you were looking for this then. Well, now is as good as a time as any. Take it, please. Almost surprised that Talin hasn't found it before, but I made sure they're still a mess since the war, right. Either way, you're crazy enough to get this far. Here's your complimentary kiss on the cheek."

Maurice tossed the necklace towards him. Lyse fumbled to catch it trying and failing to make it as delicate as possible. Lyse didn't know exactly what to expect when he touched it, but nothing did happen. The pendant around his neck did nothing as well. The pendant just glowed that faint purple glow. It was cold to the touch, much like the feel of Thanatos's hand around his arm. But there was also something slightly comforting to the pendant as well. Nowhere near the safety, he felt from the pendant of life, but something that made the darkness seem not as dark. When Lyse looked up, Maurice had a grave expression that studied him as if trying to predict a storm. After nothing happening, he gave a deep sigh and turned back to his throne.

"Well, the deed is done," he told Lyse. "The pendants are to be treasured, not to be handled lightly. They hold quite the power. Kept me tied to this world long enough to pass the message."

Lyse frowned. "Couldn't the message be a little less grim?"

Maurice gave him a sad chuckle. "I didn't choose the method. If we still had that damn book . . . I was afraid that some mage might crawl down here to take the damned thing, but luckily they're all confined to that island I suppose. That bastard Remmus really keeps them all on leashes doesn't he?"

"Who?" Lyse asked him, but he waved away the question.

"Doesn't matter, I suppose," he told him. "Just be glad that you're the one to find it. The pendants have the tendency to be lost or stolen a lot in the past. See this as my way of hiding in plain sight. Even if Talin knows of this location, they most likely would never try to get the thing. It might as well be a useless watch that kills anything around it it doesn't like. Bad history kid. Anyhow, before you go, can you do something for me? My dying wish, I suppose."

"Of course?" Lyse said, dropping the pendant into his pouch of soaked coins. "What is it?"

Somehow, the grave tone in his voice became darker as he took his seat on the decrepit throne. Until this point, Maurice seemed like a solid man, but now he began to pale, and become transparent. More and more by the second, as if he had lost power due to no contact with the pendant. But the look in his eyes was intense still. And that smile grew dangerous. He pointed to the pendant, resting himself back on the throne. For a moment, Lyse felt something rather sinister from him. Or, so kind of malevolence from the pendant in reaction to his action.

"Warn him of the danger of wielding such power," he said. "No man should govern over life and death, and the power of the gods is not meant for mortal girth. The thing will drive him mad. Just like those who came before me. They litter those caves among the pour souls that fall victim to the pendant's call for a user. It drove them mad, and it drove me mad. So whoever he or she is, warn them for me, alright. Or they may end up on this throne one day."

Lyse watched as the man began to deteriorate. Tendrils of blackish purply veins began to snake their way up to his arms, consuming him and taking his vitality till he looked no more than a mere curse. Those tendrils consumed him, till he was a mere shadow sitting on the throne slowly vanishing away. It didn't look painful, more like a statue that had quickly been overtaken by vine, and left to crumble. The bones were left there, the rusted crown still atop his head, but the dependant no longer swaying within the heart of his chest. It was in Lyse's hands now. Two pendants already. It would be an understatement to say that he expected thisto happen today of all days.

As he turned towards the exit, he found himself face to face with the merchant, standing near the mouth of the cave and waiting patiently.

"I suppose he took a liking to you?" the merchant asked. "Maurice, I mean. My master has been keeping an eye on this place."

"Your master?" Lyse gave him another once over. There was no way someone with his athletic appearance could scale that well. He carried no visible weapon, only a book nestled inside his coat he could barely see. Lyse narrowed his eyes, his hand inching to unclip the blade at his side. "You're a mage, aren't you."

John nodded. He waved his hand before him, revealing a symbol tattooed on the palm. The tattoo began to glow a faint blue light, then suddenly the world blurred all around them. Lyse felt his insides suddenly dropped, and a nauseating wash ran through his nerves. The blur began to focus on hours and towers, the sun still low on the horizon, and the trees still vibrant. They were in an empty ally way, not too far from the central district. He knew mages liked their tricks and spells, and he was told a lot about them in his training. But meeting one up close was something to behold. Much like looking at a natural wonder that could turn and turn your blood to fire at a moment's instant. He at first felt uneasy but managed to calm down as john put down his arm, and didn't make a move to that book at his side.

"So, what is a mage doing in Koraki?"Lyse asked him.

"As demanding as the others," he sighed. "My master sent me here to lead you to the pendant. He knew you'd eventually come by Pumavut, so I lie and waited. Even managed to create a small side venture doing so."

"Your master?" Lysed gave him a perplexed look. "If he knew that, then surely he would have known of Talin chasing us. My mother nearly died fighting one of them."

John nodded to that, and for a moment, he looked someone between angry and sincere. "I am sorry, but I am not of a combative type I'm afraid. That lies on other's shoulders. If I could have, I would have jumped in immediately. My master simply told me to guide you, nothing more or less."

"And who is this master?" Lysed asked him.

John seemed a bit hesitant to answer, but he did so. "He was the former wielder of the pendant of magic, Remmus of Torlak."

That name struck a chord in the back of Lyse's mind. Immediately, anyone in the world would recognize that name. The indisputable leader in the world of magic and mysticism. Master of all elements and subjects of magic. And the ruler of the greatest nation of magic users there is. The Grandmaster of arts of Torlak, Remmus the magician. He was famous for what he had done during the civil war, siding withLiontari, but eventually closing Torlak to teaching their arts to others. To think that such a man to have even the slightest connection to him was a shivering thought to endure. But at last, it would make sense why he may have involved himself with Liontari in the first place.

"Remmus?" Lyse asked. "He sent you? Why? And you call him master?"

"Indeed," he said. "My name is John of Nule. A pleasure, young godslayer. I am an apprentice of sorts. I am also somewhat a protector. People like me swore fealty to Theurgy. We are members of sorts. But we charge ourselves for the protection of one of the bearers of the pendants."

Lyes thought back to Makyra, how she acted when he first met her that he found strange. "And Makyra is another one of them I'm guessing?"

That anger that had shown itself before surfaced again, this time not as well hidden, as Lyse noticed. "Yes, indeed. We've never met personally, but I do hope that to come."

Acknowledging the dangerous tone in his voice, Lyse thought it wise to steer the conversation away from her. He has an idea why he has such feelings for her, but they need not be said at the moment. "I guess I should thank you. If you can sense my location, could you perhaps do so with my sister?"

It was a hopeful thought, but it was still worth trying. However, the sad look on John's face squandered any hope in that regard. "I'm sorry, it's not that simple. The magic I use to locate and travel to people is a dangerous bit. Besides, there may not be much I can do." He paused for a moment and closed his eyes. Lyse felt shifting the air as if he was emitting something. That something, Lyse knew, was an aura. It was only a flash, but it was noticeable. He opened his eyes with a sigh. "She seems fine. She was someplace dark, so I could not see her surroundings. But she was fine."

"I can not thank you enough," Lyse told him. "We plan on meeting up with Makyra and going to Remmus for any clues for where they may have taken my sister. Is there any possibility that he may be able to do so?"

John scratched the stubble on his chin. "Perhaps. He has been away recently, so I have no clue as to if he'll be available. I'll at least make sure that he'll meet the lot of you when you get to Torlak. He doesn't like to be surprised."

It was a long shot, but at least it was an option. It was a bit comforting to know that there were others invested in saving his sister. He hasn't seen Makyra for weeks, but he knows just how determined she can be. She showed that devoutness before. If this john was even half that, it was already a better step forward than he can muster. John did tell him, before departing, that Makyra is nearing the port city Tiran to catch a ship to Torlak, and that if they were to hurry, they should catch up in time. That settled it for Lyse, they will leave as soon as possible, as soon as his mothers able at least. Then again, the others do need just a bit of time to wind down from what had occurred over the past couple of days.

(X)

"Are you sure that he'll be back soon?" Gray had settled at one of the tables, Elena sitting across with a cup of water in between her still palms. He had one before him as well, untouched, but fiddled with plenty. The guards were chatting amongst themselves now and taking less and less interest in them. The only one standing was Edlund nearest the door, watching the rising crowd surge through the day in and out of shops and such. A few even seemed headed towards the doctor's but one look at a disheveled man leaning against a table with a large sword made them hesitant.

"He'll be back," Edlund sighed. "He said so, he will. Although it wouldn't be a surprise if he found himself neck-deep in some other trouble He isn't a trouble maker by trade, mind you. But trouble finds him quite easily. Or at least I find trouble to bring to him. You get the idea."

"It's good for him to take a walk now and again," she took another shallow sip. "He thinks a lot. Perhaps seeing more of this city will calm his nerves. Seems like the type fond of walks, no?"

"Regardless of what he's fond of, what is our plan in explaining this to the other knights?" Gray asked them all. "We came in on pretty mysterious circumstances you know. And one look at the lot of us would give away we're fresh out of the womb. And the only one competent enough not to sound like a fool is comatose for the time being."

"It'll be fine," Edlund told them. "We aren't children. The fact we are knights should be enough for them to take our words with a grain of gold coin mixed in. And besides walking, Lyse is also a talker you know."

As his words concluded, the rustle of the guards signaled the entrance of Lyse, looking somehow more haggard than last they saw him. He was holding his splint under his arm, no discomfort apparent anymore, however, the thoughtful expression on his face failed to disappear once he entered, and the tired look on his face revealed that a lot of his thoughts must not have been pleasant. But beyond that, his clothes appeared damp beside his cloak, and he smelled of a river in autumn. He ignored their stares as he took a near table and sighed silently. They looked on in a bit of puzzlement as he did not address them, reclining back in his seat to rest a bit.

"So how was your walk?" Edlund asked him. "Got enough sunshine? Seen a lot of pretty buildings and such? Perhaps got a compliment ort two for your wardrobe?"

"I'm okay for now," Lyse said flatly. "Yes, okay is the way to put it. Took a dive in a well, that was fun for the moment."

"A well?" Elena raised a brow.

"That explains the mysterious odor," Gray agreed. "And I'm not curious enough to ask why I guess. Otherwise, I might start thinking you mad."

"Mad?" Lyse looked over to them all for once. "Well I might be dazing but I haven't lost any eggs as of late now. You know what, we should go get drinks."

"Got my drinks right here, thank you," Gray patted the top of his full cup. "Not feeling thirsty anyway. Besides, I heard what had happened last time someone had consumed alcohol. We don't want to have to carry someone out on a stretcher now would we?"

"At the very least we should get to an inn of sorts," Lyse told them. "At least the lot of you. It'll be nice to have a warm meal. But I'll be sleeping here. I'm not leaving my mother alone for an instant."

"If you're not leaving, I'm not either," Edlund scoffed at him. "Especially if you're planning on jumping down any more wells into the future."

"Besides, we still have to talk to the other knights, remember?" Elena told him.

Edlund turned just in time, immediately stiffening his stance and standing up straight at the sight of two knights walking down the street towards them. It may have been a habit of sorts, but he felt the need to look more imposing than before. The guards stood to either side to allow them in, a man and a woman bearing the crest of Koraki on their breastplate. As soon as they stepped foot in the room, all of them were on their feet. They both looked equally threatening at a glance. They were siblings, the women younger than the man, but a piercing glance not at all lessened by that youth. They scanned the room once with dark eyes till they landed on Lyse, who raised his chin a bit in response. Their dark hair was both swooped in a ponytail. The man held a claymore in his off-hand, the blade still sheathed. He seemed as if he was ready for a fight right then and now as if he saw them all as threats. His larger frame nearly blocked the door's frame entirely.

"Hello," the woman said, little care place into her voice, but an icy point between each word. "I suppose you are all the ones who arrived with this ruckus this morning?"

"Yes, we are," Lyse decided then that he should be the one talking. Everyone shared a bit of gratitude towards that. However, Lyse felt as if he was put immediately under inspection by the two. They stepped in the center of therm all, their back to Edlund. Their pitch-black coat swept away shadow, as light filtered back into the room.

"We arrived this morning, nearly at dawn," Lyse went on. "Chased by several men. One of us was critically injured, so we came here immediately."

They had no trouble believing those words. "Yes, we saw the bodies. More like rotting corpses than actual humans. We sent scouts out to the outposts to see what they know."

"They are dead." Lyse to them.

That made both of their brows furrow. This time, the brother spoke. "Dead? Are you telling me that those three killed several knights?"

"We came upon the outpost in the dead of night," Lyse began. "We saw the outpost empty, and their horses dead. We sent someone to check and confirm the other nearby outpost was also empty. From what we gathered, they hit fast and hard using stealth techniques to achieve their ends. They hid in the trees and prepared to ambush. We were lucky to make it here before any more lives were lost."

"All of them dead?" the female knight nearly whispered. "Are we supposed to believe this tail? There is no way that three of these people were able to kill nearly a dozen knights like that?"

"What reason would there be to lie?"Lyse almost growled at her. "We nearly lost one of our own. And I'm sure the guards at the front gates can corroborate what was witnessed outside your own gates. We are also knights, and have no reason to withdraw any information."