Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Palace of Night

"So, you all know what has happened questions or concerns?" Jacob prompted after he got done listing everything that Tiffany Winters had done to compromise the Empire.

"Why is she still alive and not already rotting in a grave." one of his councilors asked.

"If I was considering executing you for treason, wouldn't you want me to take my time and consider all options that would result because of your actions?" Jacob told the man coldly.

"Yes, we all would my Emperor. I think I speak for everyone when I say the former Governor Winters should be executed for her crimes against the Empire." Another councilor quickly responded causing the other four to nod their heads in agreement.

Jacob considered his options before responding, "Very well I will deal with this. Thank you for your consultation. Now moving on, with the Twisting Hills Region and Crescents Plains Region firmly under Imperial control, I am going to press the pirates and look to take control of the Lost Islands Region. Between our new Client States and Yadpool, we will create three full-strength Legions and replace all the losses we incurred recently at the Wall. Questions?"

"When will we begin the campaign in the Dark Lands?" one of the Councilmen asked.

"Once our hold on the Lost Islands Region is complete and things are more settled to the north, we will look to the east. For now, let's keep our focus on our current campaigns against the Pirate Lord and the Slavers Union. Anything else?" Jacob prodded them,

"The Eight Houses fully support this and your continued efforts to secure the Empire. We have no further questions about military campaigns. The only concern the Houses have are about a suitable Heir being born." was the quick reply.

Jacob smiled, "I have enough problems keeping one wife happy and you want me to take a second...Once things settle down, you have my word I will consider my options." Jacob replied and all of the councilors gave polite chuckles.

"So, the whole Eastern Desert of Arakon, all the independent cities and nations out there will be within the Mage-Kings purview. I can respect that. However, if your king starts ordering mass executions...that will be different. The Dark Lands...I am sorry, but the Rolling Sands cannot claim them." Jacob told Lady Nisa Stovrelzide.

The Ambassador from the Nation of the Rolling Sands frowned, "May I ask why you are claiming such a large swath of land. You have claimed so much already." Nisa replied before Jacob cut in.

"Between the desert and all the independent cities and small nations back east the Mage-King is claiming, he controls more with those borders then I currently do. The Dark Lands are sparsely populated, most of its inhabitants are monsters, not sentients willing to join a kingdom. We are becoming friends Lady Stovrelzide, do not start this friendship on a bad note by trying to claim more than you rightfully should." Jacob told her as Cathrine lay her hand on his shoulder in a calming manner.

"May I ask why you are claiming the Dark Lands?" Lady Stovrelzide asked.

"I have my reasons why I want to bring those lands under the control of the Empire of Night. Leave it at that." Jacob told her causing the woman to frown.

"I will have to relay your parameters to the Mage-King. I should have a response within two days if that is acceptable?" Nisa inquired.

Jacob nodded and stood to offer his hand, "That is more than acceptable. Thank you for your time." Jacob told the Ambassador who stood and shook the offered hand before bowing slightly and leaving Jacob's office.

"Well, that could have gone better..." Jacob mused causing Cathrine to giggle slightly.

Darren and Ezekial entered the room soon after the Ambassador leaving, "Well?" Darren asked.

"We need to move some assets out east and keep an eye on the Nation of Rolling Sands. They have aspirations on the Dark Lands. I want to keep an eye on their assets and armies. If they make a push towards the south, I want to know beforehand." Jacob told them as he considered his own military situation. Jacob deactivated the cell's enchantments allowing him entry inside. Tiffany stood slowly, "Is it time? Can I see my daughter please?" Jacob frowned then his hand flashed forward and buried the dagger into her chest. Tiffanie's eyes bulged as she collapsed to the ground, the last thing she saw was Jacob signaling to someone she could not see.

She didn't know how long she was gone, but she surprisingly opened her eyes. She could see the stars above and could smell the ocean. "Awake finally. Took you long enough, you should have been awake an hour ago, we have been waiting for you." Tiffany looked and saw Jacob sitting on a crate, two of the Heart Guard were standing near him. Her daughter was with them.

"Why am I alive?" Tiffany asked as she studied him.

Jacob ignored her and stood walking towards her and to drag her to her feet. "Do to your crimes, you and your daughter are exiled from the Empire of Night. Tiffany Winters, you have been marked, if you ever cross into the Empire again we will know and if my soldiers do not kill you, your Mark will eventually.' Jacob stated as he pointed to a tattoo that was between her breasts. 'You will never see your home again. You have nothing except the clothes on your back, twenty pieces of gold, and a one-way ticket to the nation of Arang'mor." Jacob pronounced as he put a purse in her hand before signaling to someone behind her.

"Captain, thank you for not sailing. These are your last two guests. Your fee for them has already been paid. Goodbye Tiffany, I hope I never see you again." Jacob told her before signaling her daughter to come forward and join her.

"Come, miss, we must hurry and we have a long way to go." the Captain ushered her towards his ship.

Jacob watched as the Captain usher Tiffany and her daughter down the dock and onto his ship. The captain had been made abundantly clear that he was to make sure she made it to her destination in the north and no accidents or disappearances would be tolerated.

"Some would question if you were too soft in your judgment my Emperor." Governor Conrad stated.

Jacob didn't turn to even look at her, "She lives because of my debt to her and her daughter. That is the only reason. Do not mistake my kindness to them as weakness, they will live a long life and Tiffanie's Mark will ensure she will be reminded of her past mistakes for the rest of her life. You have not incurred such a debt Governor if you ever bring up what happened again, I will remove the offending tongue. Do you understand?" Jacob asked her as loomed over the shorter woman.

Governor Conrad started to bow, but Jacob grabbed her chin and forced her to look him in the eye. "Look me in the eye and tell me you understand." Jacob grated out.

"I understand." She nervously stated.

"If anyone ever asks what happened to her daughter, feel free to send them my way. I will explain the circumstances to them. Is that understood?" Jacob continued to force her to look at him in the eye. Only when she nodded her head did he release her. Mona Conrad shivered as she watched the Emperor walk away, he was soft on the outside but his core was iron and he would do anything to protect what was his.

Surface- Jagged Coast Region

Nation of Rolling Sands- City of Sholand

Ailis watched the portal close behind her as she entered the city of Sholand. She had only been to the large city a few times in her last incarnation, having fallen under the Mage-King finally, not much had changed. Plenty of soldiers were abundant throughout the city as she made her way through the crowds to the Broken Mule. It was owned by the Assassins Guild and she needed to check-in. It would give her cover as she watched the Mage-Kings troops and any activities. Her orders for now to report anything of notice. Any buildup. Any major supplies purchased by the Mage-King or his proxies.

She was here along though without any support and if things went sideways, she could be screwed. Darren had been abundantly clear, he did not know how long the assignment would take or when she would be relieved, but they would send help as soon as they could. Ailis didn't care, this is what she signed up for, danger and living on the edge was exciting and who knows what could happen tomorrow she thought as she disappeared into the crowd.

Surface- Bronze Rock Region

Nation of Duran'thia- Outside the City of Dera'Kan

Fallen Estates of Loranan

Ava deflected the spell with a flick of her hand before launching an Arcane Bolt in return. The spirit laughed as he deflected her spell before shifting his position and launching another at her. Ava growled out in frustration as she activated Arcane Shield once again, angeling the shield to deflect and not block the offending spell before launching another counter-attack. "Don't just stand there girl, move!! Run, shift your position otherwise its always easy for your opponent to attack your position!!" Jedidiah bellowed out.

"Please cousin, this so-called Loranan can only stand there, defend and attack. She has no idea how to move." the Spirit Ava was fighting yelled before flinging a whirlwind at her. Ava cursed before activating Blink. The short-ranged teleport spell put her nearer to her target but also behind him for once. Before she could compound on her advantage the Spirit laughed and activated his own Blink and disappearing from view.

Ava screamed as the Spirits spell slammed into her back causing Jedidiah to laugh and shake his head in frustration. "Stupid girl, if your enemy disappears, move!! Do not stay in one place." Ava whimpered but she stood back up as her opponent moved in front of her studying her and waiting for her to signal she was ready to continue. After a few minutes, Ava acknowledged the Spirit and they began again.