“How did the first kingdom come to be? Why that’s a strange question to say the least. What I can tell you is that contrary to popular belief and history, I suspect that it was first formed from a union between men and elf or rather the Myndiri at the time. It’s fall came as a shock to most but I theorize that it was from something internal, headed by Saint Theobald perhaps but not just by him. A conspiracy if you will.”

Historian Orgrid Cairnmaker to Inquisitor Lionel Blackburn

“Whoa all this stuff looks so medieval! It’s just like in anime!” A boy, Aito spoke with a goofy looking grin on his face.

“Of course it does idiot. Did you just blank out for the past two months?” Another boy, Hideo, replied, looking exasperated as ever.

“Err…no comment?”

“Is class that boring to you?”

“I mean it is just more school.”

“...”

“Hey look at that outfit! We could totally dress up like peasants, or the main characters of some rpg! And look at the blacksmith over there!”

“Oh my God. Sensei-”

“Stop making a fuss you two.” Suzuki tutted at the two, making them roll their eyes.

“Yes, class president.” Aito sarcastically replied.

“And stop gawking at the locals, it’s rude.”

“Yes miss president…”

“God you’re impossible.” Suzuki shook her head and turned to Eva for reassurance.

Eva flashed her a small smile and Suzuki seemed satisfied by the approval, returning to her duties of berating the class for their almost childlike surprise at the state of the city. Heading up the group was Jonathan, elected to be the face of the class considering he looked most similar to the locals whilst Inquisitor Janos, the liaison Eva usually worked with, assisted the kid in leading their tour around Arteria. Nominally, this was a good trip, a chance for everyone to stretch their legs, embrace the culture and get to know the land they would soon be fighting for. Even Aoi seemed relaxed as she trailed behind Suzuki, the shy girl like some lost puppy following the most commanding member of a pack.

In fact, this was also the first time that Eva truly got to experience the city as well. The academy being located on an island off the coast didn’t really inspire many solo trips lest troubles arose with the authority. But when they finally began exploring the city proper, Eva knew it had been worth the wait.

Towering buildings with often three to four stories tall alongside numerous manor houses, apartments, churches and other administrative buildings made this place look almost like a souped up version of what she imagined Venice would be like. A whole mix of different architectural influences spanning from the goth-germanic styles that she found so familiar from Carrador and the northern countries, to the slight angular but geometric tiled roofing that were native to Arterian construction, to great domed administrative structures styled from the Lucurian Sultanate in the East, and even ornate marble buildings the stretched into the sky; adorned by numerous rounded columns and decorations on the outside like the buildings of Potomia. Kinda like the Ancient Greeks, huh. I wonder if someone from there got summoned too at some point.

That wasn’t even including the dwarfish buildings, much squatter but sturdier and square in nature. Metal boxes that looked simplistically fancy in a way that inspired confidence in their works. Or the elven towers and constructions that protruded up towards the skies through the streets, gilded and rounded towers that were sleek and almost smooth in appearance with no grooves or lines to give the towers texture. A symbol of their purity and likely a way for the haughty elves to look down upon the unwashed masses of strange races.

It would’ve been the wonder of wonders, an impressive feast for her eyes. If not for the fact that the academy had also surprisingly, in a sheer act of definitely complete coincidence, also approved one of their advanced adventuring classes on a trip quite similar to Eva’s. A class that would’ve been mostly inconsequential if a bit suspicious given they just learned of the inquisition’s plans, had it not been led by someone that she had tried successfully to avoid until this point. Her brother, Mortiz.

Naturally it had come as a shock when two dozen students, some knights, some academy mercenaries and Vendrick strode through the academy gates behind the church party. It had been unwelcome, if acceptable, seeing that recent events have put quite a strain on many student’s psyche considering their noble backgrounds to the country in question. It was far less acceptable for her when she learned that Vendrick, had snitched on their plans which was why the academic team was even here. Even the inquisitors and templars gave a few questioning glares their way before doing what Eva considered the most logical plan and ignoring the problem in question.

What was less logical was leaving it to their liaison’s liaison to take care of the problem. That was to say, her.

Dutifully, albeit stressfully she had smiled through gritted teeth as her brother acted surprised at seeing her. It was all ‘ohhh Evaline’ and ‘didn’t know you were in an adventuring team’. He’s lucky we’re in public. Nodding as expected of her, she welcomed the others, then mostly left them to their own devices, taking special care to try and create distance between the two groups. Something Suzuki noticed and seemed to agree too whilst most of the others ummed and ahhhed over the city. Thank goodness for class presidents.

Admittedly a small sense of pride did well up when she watched the other outlanders travel throughout the city, a sense that they had reached some sort of imaginary milestone that the church set for them to allow this trip. Though she had more often than once see the moments of doubt that passed through their faces, but without even asking she could tell the questions that lingered on their minds, I wonder if I can go home. She sympathized with them and understood where they were coming from, a class of students that got unceremoniously dragged from their reality into this one.

Most likely all of them had other friends, family and other things to look forward to back home and just poof, now they’re here. Whilst none of them had brought it up publicly, the feeling always seemed to linger over the group, at least to her eyes. Something she was almost certain the church had not accounted for. Imagine if they all organised and tried to break free, having this many saints trying to escape would be a catastrophe.

“So Eva, how are you?” Mortiz buzzed up behind her.

“Fine.” She replied curtly.

“Aww come on, don’t be so rude, what’d I ever do to you?” He cooed.

Eva rolled her eyes and just shrugged, earning her a few giggles from the academy students.

“We rarely ever get to spend time together even here at the academy.”

“We barely did it when we were living together.”

“Shouldn’t we appreciate these rare moments together-”

“That’s because you were always with Theo.”

“And? You could’ve spent more time with us! Though I’ve heard you and Prince Frederick are getting a little close.” He unsubtly whispered.

A few ‘ooos’ echoed from the students behind him and Eva felt a sense of exhaustion roll over her, not Freddie again.

“Yes we are friends. It is in fact true that I am friends with the Prince and he is friends with me. Ta-dah!”

“Evaline.”

“Mortiz.”

“Don’t take that tone with me.”

“Don’t ask stupid questions to impress your friends?” Eva sighed.

“Now now, don’t need to get all uppity.” He feigned indignation, “As your older brother I have a duty to ask and understand your affairs.” And to her lack of surprise, his crew nodded at his proclamations.

“Indeed, the older siblings should care for the family.” Someone echoed.

“Ugh, whatever.” Eva groaned and tried to break away.

“Come on now,” He followed along and gripped her arm, “You haven’t even explained why you’re here leading a group of students. And for a dainty girl like you to go on an adventure…”

Eva bristled at the comment and pulled her arm away only for the tall and lanky traitor to step in.

“I know siblings have it rough but come now, let’s all be civil shall we. We shall have plenty of time to hash over any issues that arise.” Instructor Vendrick chimed in, his somewhat suave but somewhat nasally voice grating on her ears.

Disgusted, she just stomped off without looking back. Of all the things, a traitor even here. First one in the household, now one at the academy for probably petty reasons. It took a brief uncomfortable minute before she caught up with her charges.

She found Aoi and Hiro looking concerned at her arrival, the boy having dropped to the back of the pack to chat with the girl, both of them being awkward together. How cute, Eva grumbled and marched past the two after giving them a polite if curt nod. She reached Suzuki, gave the girl a firm pat on the shoulder that she seemed to appreciate before heading towards the front. Acknowledging more of the outlanders she finally caught up to Jonathan and Janos, gesturing for the lot of them to rally up by a statue of the three patron saints. A human, elf and minotaur beastfolk that saved the world from the first dark tide.

The interesting thing that intrigued her was the idea that saints could also be demi or semi humans, something that wasn’t really acknowledged much by the church. Though given Sophie’s strangeness I wonder if she’s a saint too? Regardless.

“Alright class, listen up. We have until the sun starts going down, so about three hours for you to explore the town.” Eva paused and found herself met with cheerful nods from the outlanders, “That doesn’t mean go crazy, stick with your minders, keep your heads down. Stick to your squads-”

“Stick to groups of eight! So, if one person from each team would come this way so we can form another team, that would be stellar.” Instructor Vendrick interrupted.

What the fuck. Eva stared at him, too shocked at the intrusion to respond.

“Come on now, let’s speed it up, we’re on a limited time frame after all.”

Eva looked around to find her students just as confused, Suzuki even looking concerned at the sudden hijacking judging by the frown on her face. Inquisitor Janos seemed almost ashamed and Eva knew at once what had gone wrong. That Vitellus, as if I didn’t want to kill him before to also take this away from me… Clearly the deal with the academy had been cut differently than Eva had expected. We weren’t just let out as long as an instructor was with us, we were let out so that these little nobles and knights would get a chance to schmooze with saints in training. She finally realized why she felt so uncomfortable, their gazes were never on the city, the nobles had always been looking towards the outlanders, to curry favor and influence them, the knaves.

Eva glared at Janos as the inquisitor reluctantly had Jonathan split the kids up, Suzuki mouthing out ‘are you okay?’ to her amongst the chaos, bless her soul. Eva hand waved what little control she had away and allowed for this abomination of a trip to continue. Scowling, she hopped away from the statue, ignoring the glances shot her way as she began making her way towards the Arterian Grand Library, might as well try to research more about what the hells happening with Sophie.

“Where do you think you’re going, young lady?” Vendrick barked from back at the statue, his voice silencing the students.

“To study at the library if anyone needs me.” Eva replied without hesitation.

“Lady Rosengart, I do not know what makes you think you can supercede academy authority whilst you are a student here. But I-hey, stop right there!”

“Evaline! Don’t you dare!” Another voice chimed in. This one stopped her in her tracks.

“You take this opportunity granted to you by the court itself and try to squander it by acting like a selfish brat? The Duke and Duchess might’ve tolerated it at home but I swear no sister of mine will embarrass the family name on my watch.” Mortiz proudly declared, murmurs of agreement coming from the gathered nobles.

Eva drew in a big breath before she turned around, hands behind her back to hide the fury that shook in her fists. With the most strained smile she managed to put on she took a few steps closer. The smirking faces of Mortiz and Vendrick burned into her mind. She nodded, composed herself, then joined her students as they divided themselves up, Suzuki and the two from earlier joining her as Moritz and two other nobles walked up with a pep in their step.

“See sis? Nothing to worry about!” Mortiz beamed.

Eva merely nodded and kept quiet, knowing that if she opened her mouth she would let loose a torrent of abuse. But even Suzuki, Hideo and Aito seemed to sense that Eva was on the verge of exploding, unlike Mortiz and the two nobles who strutted around like they owned the place. This is humiliating, this was supposed to be a trip for them to relax and learn, not to brush up with nobility. I swear, when this is over, Vitellus, Vendrick, whomever the fuck arranged this has some questions to answer.

Annalise matched the pace set by Mila as they plowed through the countryside. In what she assumed was less than two hours they had not just escaped from their pursuers but also reached the closest fording point for the Great Melosi River. It served to effectively act as a natural barrier between the capital duchy alongside a few smaller baronies, from the south and east, allowing for a relative sense of security in knowing that raiding parties were unlikely to breach into the Meltonian crownlands.

It wasn’t all smooth riding however. With more hedgerows and other foliage blocking line of sight they had often slowed to a cautious trot forward, just in case any other orcish assailants might happen to be lying in wait. Thankfully, their caution had proved to be unjustified as aside from a bevy of random woodland creatures, Annalise did not detect any large green humanoids in the vicinity.

“Almost there ranger.” Mila stated the obvious, “A few more minutes and we reach the crossing.”

Annalise spared naught more than a grunt and stirred her horse forward. The wind whipped past her, sending her cloak fluttering gracefully behind her. Yet doubt clouded her mind, hindered her vision as she tried to piece the different pieces of the puzzle together. So many pieces, but they all revolve around whatever ritual the cults are trying to do.

There was the undead and sacrifices, clearly cult affiliated. If the inquisitors and Sophie were to be believed, then they were summoning monsters from beyond. Sophie was also connected to a being from beyond, the same that still gave Anna tingles in her phantom leg. Melton seems also compromised at a high level meaning there is a chance more nations have already been infiltrated. But all the cultists had reportedly talked about the darkness from the north. Likely a new Dark Tide.

Annalise shuddered at the thought, for the last Dark Tide ages past had essentially scoured most of the northern regions of life. But back then they had some preparations, and the land was united between a few major powers including the remnant elven empire, the Attraxian regime, and the Sultanate to the east. Before them, the Myndiri and ancient human kingdoms stood as powerful bulwarks against the onslaught. Yet even then they struggled fiercely against the demons, gaining as many victories as losses until the saints of the Goddess finally arrived to turn the tide. But now? There were no longer unified fronts, just disparate nations that are too busy warring amongst themselves to consider external threats far larger than their neighbours. Though she was still doubtful of the true nature of the threat, a part of her wondered if the cultists had the right idea, for if no nation listened then the demons would reign free.

In her deep concentration she failed to notice the sudden stoppage when they finally crossed the next set of hedgerows. Her mount reeled back from something as an acrid sulphuric smell seared its way into her nostrils. How foul! What the saint damned hells is this? Wincing from the almost toxic odour, she managed to squint ahead to find Mila stood still, freezing like some statue atop her mount.

“Inquisitor?” Annalise coughed out.

Hearing no response Annalise unslung her bow as she approached, only to notice the familiar glow of embers scattered across the ground ahead. Blinking away any ash particles that irritated her eye, she gazed ahead and performed a double take before she let loose a horrified gasp at the sight.

A small sign at a fork in the road some way ahead said Carosford, in front of a ‘town’ that Annalise would estimate was about half the size of Hareweald. Whatever its size classification, mattered no longer. The entire town had been purged from existence as the occasional empty wall frame and mound of bones remained its sole inhabitants.

The destruction was absolute. Deliberate too judging by the scorch marks left in the area surrounding the town. Fields and farms houses were burned down just the same but Annalise noticed the careful and almost intricate counter burn in a perimeter around the town. An indication that someone tried to ensure the fire would only spread within the town’s borders and nowhere else. In other words, this was a massacre.

That line of logic explained a lot for Annalise, how it looked like most of the survivors huddled together as they all burned to death, like rats herded into a small space by something else. Clinging to life at the last place before the fire caught up. How many lived here I wonder, 200? 300? Doesn’t matter now huh. Hopefully the ferry is still intact.

Annalise pulled out a small handkerchief and tied it around her nose, the least she could do to hold back the ash. But upon turning towards her companion, she found Mila sitting stoically on her horse, a listless expression plastered on her face even as the smoky aftermath forced out a few tears.

“Inquisitor! Mila!” Analise called out.

Mila finally snapped out of her trance and turned to face ranger, though her movements seemed jilted, like an automaton or ancient golem reactivating after eons. Recognition at least seemed to fill her eyes, though a haunted look lingered that sent a shiver down Anna's back.

“We’ve got to get to the ferry.” She told her passive companion, disappointed slightly by the lack of acknowledgement or response.

With a huff she trotted forward and snatched the reins out of Mila’s hands, the girl barely responding to the stimuli as Annalise led both mounts uneasily down towards the river bank.

Eerie silence descended over the two as not even the usual clip clop of hooves could be heard, the thick layer of ash covering the entirety of the town muffling most sounds even on horseback. Unnerved, Annalise constantly glanced behind her to make sure the town itself was truly dead, but couldn’t quite shake the feeling that she saw twitching beneath the ashes. Something here feels terribly wrong and I don't want to find out what it is.