When the palace in the capital of Dolus was built, it would surprise most people to know it wasn't the military fortress it is now. The original builder was King Varsien, the first King of Dolus. He had it constructed to be a place of luxury and peace. It was in the generations after him that the walls and defenses were added.

In certain parts of the palace, where the old construction ran afoul of the new, holes in the walls appeared. Most of the time it was one passage cutting off another. This left a dead space behind a wall, or a hall closed off on both ends. If a person could see through walls, they would even find a closed off store room on the fourth floor. No doors or windows lead into it, so it is lost to time and memory.

Not all the passages are forgotten, some were rediscovered. Others were even put back into uses. Not by the regular staff, but by people wanting to move quietly and unseen through the palace. People who… don't have a valid reason as to why they would be there.

One such passage connects the southern wall of the palace, to the sewers down below. It's not much of a passageway, just a few feet wide. There is barely enough room for a man to walk sideways down it if he is wearing armor. The passage was originally a service corridor, until the outer wall was expanded. Over time, it was forgotten about. The sewers had better access elsewhere. So who would ever miss or think about a cramped, cutoff passage?

From inside the palace, the corridor is only accessible from behind a particular statue. One, King Marcel feels a particular disdain for. It's of his elder brother, modeled his appearance on his nineteenth birthday. Their father took them on a hunt, some giant boars were spotted nearby. Of course Marcel's brother, Ottonus, proved he was full of courage. He waded into the battle with the boars with no fear. His sword and spear were shining gray with the monster's blood. The boars he killed provided enough meat for the whole palace to share in the feast.

Marcel didn't do as well on that hunt, or any of the hunts that their father took them on. Marcel had a habit of falling off his horse and needing the healer when it came time to hunt. On Ottonus's nineteenth birthday, Marcel didn't fall off his horse. He turned and ran when he first saw the boar in the Woods.

Ottonus never said anything to his brother about him running. He tried his best to support Marcel, to help him find what he would be best at. Marcel never saw it that way. He only saw his perfect brother talking down to him. Every attempt to help was seen as an insult. Marcel grew to hate Ottonus. Of course, the older brother couldn't see the hatred. He loved his brother and thought his brother loved him too.

It didn't help that Ottonus was loved by his people. He would often be found walking among the common people without his guards. Everyone from the peasants, to the royalty loved him. They saw him as a bright and courageous future leader. While Marcel was always perceived as… well he was royal blood. You can't talk bad about them. Even if small animals disappear around him, and later in his teens servants too.

On Ottonus's twenty-fifth birthday, he was set to take over ruling the kingdom. His father was stepping aside and taking an advisory role. It was said that the celebration was to last for weeks. If he had made it to the throne, this story would have been different. Jim would never have been summoned. Thea and Shiva would have never been enslaved. Vaunea would have taken the mantle of Warchief away from her father.

Reality is not known for being full of happy endings and this story is no different. On the day before his coronation, Ottonus and Marcel went for a ride. Just two brothers, sharing one of the few moments alone they would have over the next week. The two rode along the southern woods around the palace. Taking the narrow road down to the river where they played as kids. On such a beautiful day, no one could have foreseen any danger.

It wasn't until hours later that anyone knew anything was wrong. The King realized no one saw his sons for far too long. He mounted his own horse and with his guards, went to search for them. They say his screams could be heard for miles away when he found his sons. Marcel, barely alive, beaten so badly he was barely recognizable. His son Ottonus, dead with a slim dagger of elvish design in his chest.

Around his sons, there lay the bodies of six demi-humans. They were cut down by the sword still clutched in Ottonus's cold hand. When Marcel was healed, he told his tale. They were riding on that peaceful day, unaware of anything out of the ordinary. When they came across an elf woman begging for their help, she said her child was injured and needed help. So Ottonus, caring and compassionate Ottonus, swung her onto his horse as they rode to help.

When they reached the place she said he was, they were ambushed. Ottonus fought bravely, protecting his younger brother who had not worn a weapon. Marcel told his father of how the ambush had been full of demi-humans, there were too many for him to count. After they killed Ottonus, they beat him until he passed out. The King sent hunters and guards to search for his son's killers.

None were ever found. It is believed they slipped away and over the border. Not that it can be proven, even now no one knows where they went.

It's said that after the death of his eldest son, the King died of a broken heart. That he couldn't stand to live in the world that killed his heir. The reality is much darker and only one man knows the truth.

On one dark night, a lone night elf slipped into the palace. Paid in gold and platinum by a man he never met. The palace guards were lax that evening, never noticing the killer slipping past them. One fast acting poison in the King's wine later and he was dead. When the night elf went to collect his payment, he was met by a similar fate.

The coins were coated in a rare poison, distilled from a deep sea fish. When he counted the coins to ensure he was paid correctly, the poison was absorbed through his fingers. By the time he realized anything was wrong, it was too late. His body, and the coins are buried under the stones of the courtyard.

Marcel took the throne and Dolus had a new King. Ottonus's statue was moved to this forgotten corridor. Marcel claimed it was too painful to see him everyday. Once a year, he would visit his brother's statue. It was said when he did, that laughter could be heard from the hall. Not that anyone would check, you don't disturb the king if you want to live.

As the years passed, his visits became more and more rare. Until they finally stopped all together, leaving Ottonus alone in the hall. The servants still cleaned that empty corridor, can't have the palace become dusty. Even in halls that aren't in use. However, they cleaned it only when they had too and always on the same days.

If one was to show up to clean it now, they would wonder why two of the Knights Brethren were standing outside the hall. If they went into the hall, they would probably wonder where the voices were coming from as well. Not that it would be an issue, none of them are anywhere close. So they can't hear the Knight's Commander voice faintly through the wall.

"I received word from my men in Braxton. They made contact with the hero shortly before he crossed the border. Aside from the three of them and the civilians, the rest of the men were all killed. He is in Rathenk now, so it's up to your people now." There is a long silence following Commander Tiver's words. Finally, it is broken by a quiet feminine voice.

"Are you certain that he is out of Dolus?" A loud sigh can be heard, one filled with annoyance.

"Yes, I'm sure. Now don't forget your promises. When the King falls, Dolus remains independent. Restitutions will be paid, but we belong to no country but ourselves." There is a tapping sound, like nails on stone.

"You will find that King Ekon keeps his word, unlike Marcel. When this is over, Dolus will be free of any other country's control. If you falter, or fail to hold up your end, we will be back." There is a small silence between the two, and the tension is obvious in the air.

"What made Ekon decide to help now anyway? We asked for his help for years with no response." The other voice chuckled quietly to itself for a moment.

"I don't know his reasons. All I know is after his daughter was healed, he started preparing. When your next plea for help came, he ordered his spies into Dolus. We were ordered to help in any way we could, and a lot of us died for it. Don't let our sacrifice be in vain or we will come for you, with or without the King's permission." Moments later, someone who was listening closely would hear a small splash, followed by a loud creak.

Not long after that, a section of wall behind Ottonus's statue shifts. From behind the wall steps Commander Tiver, who straightens his uniform. When the wall closes, there is no sign it was ever open, or that it could open. Commander Tiver nods his head to Ottonus, then walks calmly from the hall.

As he passes the entryway, his two men fall in behind him. Not a word is spoken between the three, there isn't a need. They all know why they were here, and what it means if they are caught. At the next junction one man peels off, headed to his own quarters. The second Knight is about to do the same when a servant comes running up.

Commander Tiver's pov.

What the hell is going on now? The servant told me I was needed in the war room. Apparently, the King summoned all his commanders. The news that the hero escaped is still not widely known. If it wasn't for my men carrying a portable communication artifact, I wouldn't have known until this morning.

Before I get to the war room, I can already hear the king screaming. The guard at the door winces every time the king screams. He doesn't say anything as I approach, just opens the door and nods to me.

"I DON'T FUCKING CARE WHAT IT'D COST! YOU WILL HAVE IT DONE BY THIS TIME TOMORROW OR I WILL SEE YOU HUNG! THE FUCKING HERO ESCAPED! DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS!?" I have to take a deep breath before I walk in to steady myself. I should consider myself lucky that the King is taking his anger out on someone else. He very well could have decided since my men failed to take it out on me.

I have to suppress a smile as I slide behind the line of Generals. If I stay hidden long enough, it's possible he won't notice that I'm here. Somehow I doubt that will work, he did summon me by name.

While I am trying to remain hidden, I try and figure out what the King is planning. If I was to judge by the looks of the people in the room, it is obvious it's not a popular decision. For some reason, the heads of the local adventurer's and merchant's guild. This has me curious as to what is going on. King Marcel has never included civilians in any of the meetings he has here.

"Your highness, if you continue with this plan, the economy will not recover." Well, I didn't expect the head of the merchant's guild to speak up. I guess I'm going to find out what happens. The King turns his head to the merchant slowly.

"The economy will be fine. It will just be paused for the duration." The merchant is shrinking back, but he doesn't look convinced.

"Your highness, what you are planning is ludicrous. You can't just confiscate the merchants' goods without recompense!" My head snaps around to stare at the merchant. What is he talking about confiscating goods?

"I CAN AND I WILL!" The king pushes himself off from his chair and waddles over to the merchant. "YOU SEEM TO FORGET THAT MY WORD IS LAW!" The King's face is turning a deep red as he screams at the merchant.

"Your highness, do we even have the collars needed for this plan? What about food for that many people? Weapons? How are you planning to supply them?" I actually feel sorry for the man who spoke up. I'm not sure about his name, one of the new officers that cropped up. He should have thought about why he was promoted the way he was. People who ask questions tend not to last long around the King.

Yep, I know that look. The king turns to the officer that spoke. I can see the wheels turning in his head. Before the King speaks, another voice answers the young officer.

"My people have been preparing for this for a long time. We have accurate numbers on people, storehouses, food, weapons, and trade routes. Our food stores will last a full year without the farmers. Weapons will be distributed from shops and confiscated from citizens unfit for duty. By the time our stores are running low, we will have secured new workers and food." It's Simon who spoke up, the King's head of his Unseen.

What the fuck is he still doing here? I thought he was leaving the capitol to head north? Simon is walking in the room calmly, his eyes pausing on the king as he does.

"Your highness, perhaps you should sit. You know what the doctor said about straining yourself." I half expect the King to lose his temper at Simon after that. No other man would get away with speaking to him like he is a child. Instead, the King just nods and returns to his seat. He cradles a golden goblet of wine as he eyes Simon carefully.

"Surely though, this idea is madness?" The young officer doesn't seem to be learning, now he is stepping forward to speak to Simon.

"Madness? No it's the farthest from madness. We are merely telling the fine citizens of Dolus that the time has come to repay us for our continued protection." The officer is sneering down at Simon now.

Not a good idea, kid. I can see the way Simon is watching him. It's like a cat eyeing an injured mouse.

"Repaying our protection with slavery?" I have to fight to keep quiet at that one.

What the hell is he talking about? What did I fucking miss? Simon shrugs his shoulders.

"Think of it as indentured military service. When the war is over, they will be freed and well compensated for their time. Military prisoners will work their lands while they serve, or mind their shops. All-in-all, it's a good deal for them, don't you think? The collars are just to make sure they don't falter in the field." My mind is racing to put together the information I just received.

"Enslaving an entire country doesn't lead to good relations with its citizens. They will fight back against this, you know they will. What is your plan then?" Simon seems to lean back on his heels as the officer speaks. After a long pause, he smiles at the taller man.

"It's simple." He seems to blur as he crosses the distance between the two of them. The officer doubles over as Simon's hand slams into his gut. He lets out a low gagging sound and collapses. A bloodied knife is held loosely in Simon's grip. Simon kneels beside the fallen man and wipes the blade clean on his uniform. When he stands, he turns to look at the rest of the people in the room and starts to pace back and forth.

"See, now that is what is called a proportionate response. When someone causes problems and asks questions, you make an example of them. After you do it once or twice, the rest of the people will fall in line." While everyone is staring at Simon, I'm watching the king. He seems afraid as he stares at Simon's back. I'm not the only one in the room who notices either. I can feel the energy shift as we all seem to realize the shift in power.

Yes, Marcel is still the King, but it's obvious who in the room has the power. The King is afraid of this man, and he defers to him in front of others. Simon kills a subordinate of his own volition, not on his orders. He stands there giving orders as the King grips his wine and sips in silence.

"My men have already started the process in the north. Every man and woman above the age of fifteen who can hold a sword or shield is collared. Even now, they are marching south to reinforce the southern battalions. The merchants and tradesmen are also collared. They work for us securing our supply lines." Simon stops his pacing back and forth to stare at the gathered men.

"The King and I expect each of you to ensure your men understand what is going on. They will go forth in this city, in every city, every town and every trading post. Everyone who fits our designation will be collared. Every weapon shop will be emptied of its contents. Every business that isn't producing goods to further the war effort will be shut down." He pauses next to the body on the ground, kicking it roughly.

"If anyone resists, they end up like this useless piece of shit. Make no mistake men, we are at war. We have been for a long time, but now it is serious. We are going to swarm over the opposition like a swarm of locus. When we are done, Dolus will still be standing." Simon smiles as he turns his head, seeming to stare directly at me.

"First, we will handle those troublemakers to the south, Windsor will fall this year. At the same time, we will be marching west to handle Rathenk. If they are sheltering the hero, then they are against us. After we have brought both of them to heel, then we will set our sights on the rest of this continent."

My God, he can't be serious? Simon's eyes never leave mine as he speaks. It's like he knows I've been passing messages along. He can't know, can he? I've been so careful.

"Tiver, you will be responsible for the southern campaign!" King Marcel sets his glass of wine down as he turns to face me. "You have failed at every turn to capture the hero, so hopefully Winsdor gives you less problems. If you fail me again though…." The King trails off, leaving the rest of the threat unsaid.

Fuck!

Jim's pov.

Ok, so I'm sitting with the King of Rathenk. Keep it together, Jim and don't make an ass out of yourself. He might not want to capture you right now. If you piss him off, that could change.

After our introductions, Shiva and Thea had cleared the table of my gear. The King and I sat down across from each other. Thea and Shiva chose to stand behind me, one over either shoulder. When I started to ask what that was about, Thea shook her head. Sarge passed along a message from her shortly after that. The basics of it was, this is the way it should be done in politics. Not sure why I have to act in a political fashion right now, but I trust Thea.

After we sat down, the King had remained silent. I was about to open my mouth to speak when the tent flap opens again. A pair of servants enter, followed oddly enough by Mynas. Each of them is carrying a large serving platter of food. They set them on the table. Mynas sets her tray in front of me. The tray is loaded down with some kind of roasted meat and veggies, as well as cheese and sliced bread. After setting down a pitcher of wine and a pair of plain metal goblets, the servants leave the tent. Mynas looked at Thea, then followed the two out of the tent.

Sarge, ask Thea what the hell that was about. I feel Sarge give me a mental nod as the King clears his throat.

"I'll admit, I am surprised at your court manners." The King starts to slice a hunk of the bread off the platter in front of him as he speaks.

"Yeah, I can't take credit for that. I'm basically just guessing and trying to follow the example in the room." Since the King is digging in, I guess it's ok for me as well. My stomach grumbles as the smell of meat, vegetables, and cheese hits my nose. I drag the platter closer to the King and he starts to chuckle.

"Then you must be able to read the room very well. Or your companions are able to pass along messages silently." The King offers me a goblet of the wine, which I wave off. At his raised eyebrow, I swallow the mouthful of food I have and explain.

"You seem like a nice enough man, but I'm still in the middle of your camp. I didn't exactly get the warmest of welcome last time. I plan on keeping my wits about me, just in case I have to run." He stares at me for a long moment before setting the goblet to the side.

"I understand your reluctance to trust me. Goddess knows that if I was in your position, I wouldn't trust me either. I promise you, we have no interest in trying to capture you. The whole reason we are talking like this is so I can try to convince you to help us." I raise my eyebrow at him as he speaks, chewing rapidly as I do.

"Is that why you didn't take my weapons after I woke up?" While the table was being cleared, I strapped the weapons on my belt. Even now, I'm doing my best to keep my right hand clear as I eat. If I need to reach for my pistol, I don't want to have to drop something first.

"That is one of the reasons." When I raise my eyebrow, he chuckles lightly and continues. "The other is, I'm pretty sure we can't disarm you. The scouts who brought you into my camp didn't recognize it, but I spotted the dungeon core around your neck." I have to steel myself to keep from reaching for Alexis's core where it hangs.

"So what are you going to do about it?" He looks confused so I clarify. "The King of Dolus tried to take it for himself, so I killed his men. I made a deal to keep it safe until it can reestablish itself." The King pauses, chewing his own bite of food before responding.

"I'll try to convince you to establish it in Rathenk. I'll make sure everyone knows that if they go after the core, they will be executed. A living dungeon is worth more in tax revenue than an enslaved core." I'm staring at his face as he speaks. For some reason, I believe him. He doesn't strike me as the kind of man who lies to put people at ease. If anything, he seems like he would alienate people because of how honest he is.

"I'm assuming you have something in particular you want to talk to me about? I don't imagine you share a meal with everyone in your camp?" I hear Thea gasp quietly behind me, and I know that I just fucked up somehow. The King stares at me for a long moment as we both continue to eat. Finally, he takes a long drink of his wine before starting to speak again.

"You are right about that. Normally, I wouldn't bother to speak to you at all, even with you being a hero. However, I made a promise and I'm keeping it." I'm about to ask him what that means when Sarge starts to talk to me.

"Thea says to shut the hell up. Also, she will explain about Mynas later. Don't piss off the king, boss. He can make our life miserable if you do." King Ekon stares at me tilting his head.

"What just happened there?" He motions to my face as he tilts his head. "It was almost like someone else was talking to you?"

Well shit. Guess the idea of keeping Sarge's ability to communicate with me a secret. I swallow my mouthful of food, clearing my throat as I do.

"Someone was talking to me. Ain't that right, Sarge?" From outside the tent, Sarge barks once loudly. The King looks over his shoulder and back to me.

"So the rumor was true then." I shrug as I swallow another bite.

"I don't know what the rumor is, and I really don't care about it either." I take a look at the goblet of wine I had passed on, wishing I had a drink. While I'm thinking about it a bottle of water appears on the table. Thank you, Alexis. The King doesn't look surprised as I take a long drink of the bottle. As I'm setting it down, I decide to cut to the chase. The longer I sit here, the more nervous I'm getting. I can feel Shiva and Thea getting more worked up too.

"How about we cut to the chase? I was warned not to piss you off, but it's not the way I handle things. I'm more of a 'grab the bull by the horns and deal with it straight on' kind of guy." The King stares at me for a second before he nods his head.

"Your approach is not the usual way of handling things. It is rather refreshing. Most of the time people are too scared to say what they mean. So yes, let's cut to the chase. Ask whatever is on your mind." I nod my head as I take a second to figure out how to best ask what I'm wondering.

"You said you were keeping a promise, what promise?" The King takes a long drink of his wine before leaning back in his chair.

"What do you know about the royalty in Rathenk?" I lean back in my own chair as I try to think.

"Honestly, nothing, except you are the King." He nods his head as he sets the goblet down on the table.

"I'm not surprised, honestly. I don't imagine you have much time to relax or worry about the world's political view." He shifts in his chair, turning his head to look at the tent flap. "I have three children, two sons and a daughter. I love my sons. My oldest is my heir, and the youngest is engaged to the princess of Zandock." I can feel Thea and Shiva's shock in our bond, so that seems like it is a big deal. "Of course, that isn't widely known yet, so please keep that to yourself."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to say anything." He chuckles quietly as he lifts his goblet to take another drink.

"My daughter, she's always held a special place in my heart. Two years ago, she contracted Barish fever." At my confused look the King explains.

"Barish fever is a disease that has no cure. Not even high level healing magic has an affect on it. The person who contracts it either gets over the disease, or they die." I nod my head as I'm letting that information roll around in my head.

"The survival rate is less than twenty percent." Thea's voice nearly makes me jump, but the King just nods his head in agreement.

"It doesn't care about age, class, or gender. The only thing we really know about the disease is if the afflicted isn't getting better in two weeks, then they never will. I was frantic when I was informed of her diagnosis. I sent away for every healer that could possibly reach us, hundreds of healers, medicine workers, and even backwoods witches. They all told me the same thing. All you can do is wait and see.

"After two weeks, my daughter was not getting better. She was getting worse, no strength in her body, unable to keep food down. I refused to believe she would die. I promised anything for anyone who could help her. Still, she was wasting away before my eyes." He pauses, taking another long drink.

"In the third week of her suffering, I was pacing in the castle's library again. For all the wealth at my disposal, my noble status, and the men under my command, it was all useless.

"One of the palace guards entered the library as I prayed for anyone who was listening to help. He told me there was a woman there to see me, she claimed she could help. In my desperation, I raced to the main hall to meet her.

"When I got there, I was greeted by an old woman holding a canvas wrapped package. She told me that she wasn't the one who could help. That if I wanted to save my daughter, I needed to take the altar in her hands to my daughter's room. That I should pray. If I was sincere in my conviction, my daughter would be saved."

"My son thought it was a waste of time. He urged me to cast her from the castle as a fraud. In my desperation, I ignored him. I clutched the altar to my chest and I raced to my daughters room. When I opened the canvas, there was a smooth black stone inside, a length of broken chain bolted to it." I hear Shiva gasp, and there is a thump behind me. When I tilt my head, I see Shiva rubbing her arm as Thea stares straight ahead.

"Yes, it was an altar to Evain, the fallen Goddess. I knelt before it and prayed." His eyes seem to stare into the distance as he speaks. It's like he is reliving the moment.

"The door was open when I started to pray. It slammed shut on its own, leaving just my daughter Astrid and I inside. The room grew cold, until I could see my breath in the air in front of me. The sounds of a chain dragging over stone reached my ears."

"A voice seemed to come from everywhere at once. It asked me what I was willing to give up to save my daughter. I responded with anything. If it meant saving her, I would gladly trade my own life."

"She asked me if I would give up my throne, turn it over to my son, and leave it all behind?" He shakes his head as he turns his head to look at me.

"What father wouldn't sacrifice everything for his child? I told her that I would give anything if it would save my daughter. When I did, the chain on the altar moved on its own. It wrapped around my wrist and began to grow hot." He starts to roll his sleeve up to show me the marks on his skin. It's as if a hot chain branded itself into his skin.

"The voice spoke as my skin burned. She told me that the day would come where she would contact me about my promise. If I faltered, my daughter would die." He pulls his sleeve back down, snapping his fingers loudly as he does. "My daughter made a full recovery, you would never have known she was sick if you weren't told."

When I start to speak, he raises a hand to cut me off. After a few seconds, a servant steps in the tent carrying a box. They set it on the table and clear the plates away. Then with a bow to the King, they back out of the tent.

"Two months ago, my scar began to burn. I kneeled down by the altar again and prayed. When I did, I was transported to a place I have never seen before. I was surrounded by a gray swirling mist."

"The ethereal plane?" He nods his head as he lifts a hunk of deep black stone from the box. As I stare at it, I realize that it's the same alter from his story. A shiny broken chain is bolted to the top, clinking softly against the stone.

"There, I was met by Evain. I fell to my knees in front of her. I was begging her to tell me what she needed. I was willing to do anything to make sure my daughter stayed alive." He sets the stone down on the table in front of me.

"She told me her hero was going to be summoned soon. When he was, I was to make sure that he got to speak to her." He turns the altar to face me. "There was more she made me promise, and I followed through on each and every one of them." He sits back down in his seat, looking up to Thea and Shiva.

"Not everything I've done since then was because of her. I freed the slaves within my border without her prompting. I ordered my army to march on my own, but I can't say it's not partly because of her." I tilt my head to look around the altar.

"Why is it because of her?" I can feel Thea staring at the back of my head. Yep, she is getting really pissed at me.

"Evain is the breaker of chains. She is the Goddess of the oppressed, and the only deity I worship now. When I needed help, she saved my daughter. So I changed my life to better fit her teachings." He motions towards the door with his hand as he starts to speak again.

"My army is marching to Dolus, each and every man and woman is a volunteer. We are not marching for money, land, or power. We are marching because of what Dolus has done. This plain is where we were going to stop, but that has changed now." I tilt my head, feeling like there is something he is not saying.

"What has Dolus done?" The altar in front of me feels like it is humming. A buzzing is starting in my head and it seems to be shaking in my vision.

"Dolus passed a law forcing all of its citizens into military service. If they can hold a shield or a sword, they are being forced to serve. To ensure that they comply, they are being collared. I personally made sure that every man and woman in my camp knows this. Then I asked for volunteers to march into Dolus. The whole camp stepped forward." I lean back in my seat, trying to ignore the buzzing in my head.

"When was this?" The King shakes his head, tilting his head back.

"I received the news this morning. The announcement and plea was issued almost immediately. At the time, you were unconscious in the interrogation cage." I nod my head as the buzzing gets louder.

"That would explain why I didn't hear it. Why is it buzzing?" I point to the altar as the buzzing gets louder again, nearly drowning out every other noise.

"Jim, it's not making a sound." Thea's words don't make sense, of course it is.

"To him it is because Evain is his patron. She is calling to him." I feel like my chest is tightening up, the altar seems to grow in my vision.

"Jim?" Shiva's voice seems to be coming from farther away. Her hand on my shoulder doesn't feel like it's there.

"He will be alright, he is just going to talk." My hand is reaching for the altar. Beside me, I feel something rub my leg. My eyes glance down as my hand still reaches forward. Sarge is beside me, his head pressed against me.

Boss, I can hear it too. I think I'm supposed to be here. He presses tightly against me, forcing his nose into my hand. My other hand reaches the altar as I turn back to look at it.

"Jim?" I'm not sure who spoke. Before I can answer, I'm no longer there. Once again, I'm standing in the swirling gray mist of the ethereal plane. Sarge is standing beside me looking around.

What now, boss? I shake my head as I look around.

"I'm not sure, boy. Last time I was met after a few minutes." Sarge is sniffing around, slowly circling me in a wider and wider arch.

Boss, there is no scent here. It's nothing. I can see the hackles rising on Sarge's back. This place is putting him on edge. His head snaps up and he stares to our left.

Something is coming, boss! I strain my ears as hard as I can to try and hear what Sarge is hearing. There is something. I just can't quite make it out, but it is getting closer.

"What is that, Sarge?" He shakes his head, stepping in front of me.

"I'm not sure, boss. It sounds like metal on metal." After a few seconds, the sound gets closer and louder. I can hear what Sarge is talking about. It's a low clinking sound.

"It's chains." Sarge shifts in front of me, raising his nose into the air.

"It smells like the sea, boss!" I find myself wondering how Sarge knows what the sea smells like. Then I remember our first trip together. How we went to the beach when he was still a pup.

"Ok, how the hell did you remember that? I barely remember that!" Sarge starts to laugh inside my head.

"It was the first long ride in the truck. It's a day I can't forget." When I stare down at Sarge, a light chuckle fills the air. The voice sounds familiar, and I turn to face where it's coming from.

"Hello?" The clinking of the chains is almost stopped, like they are just beyond where I can see in the mist.

"I have been waiting on you, James." The voice is so familiar. I know that I have heard it before. It takes me a second before I finally place it.

"It was you when I was unconscious!" The voice laughs as I hear the chains starting to move again. A woman steps through the mist, her hips swaying as she walks. Metal cuffs are clamped onto her wrist, with broken lengths of chain attached to them. She is wearing a tattered black skirt with a high slit on one side, and a simple halter top. Her long black hair blows gently behind her with each step. A pair of deep brown eyes watch me closely as she walks closer.

"Yes, it was me. You seemed like you needed reassurance, so I offered it to you." She stops just out of arm's reach, a smile creeping across her face.

"So you are Evain?" She nods her head as she smiles at me. Then kneels down to ruffle Sarge's head. Her chains gently clinking as she does.

"Yes." She looks up at me as Sarge leans in to her hand.

"You are my patron?" Again, she smiles at me tilting her head to the side.

"Is that so hard to believe?" I can't stop myself as I nod my head.

"No offense, but you don't look like a Goddess to me." She stands up and stares into my eyes. Deep in my core, I feel something rising up. It takes me a second to realize it's fear. My whole body feels like it's connected to a live wire. I want to run, but my feet refuse to move. Evain's eyes never leave mine, but I feel her presence in my mind.

I'm appearing to you like this so as not to scare you. If I showed you my true form, your mind would melt. Do not push me James. I love you, but I will not hesitate to show you that I am a God and you are a mortal. The feeling of dread and fear fades, and my body starts to relax.

"Boss, don't make her mad!" Evain laughs at Sarge, stroking his head as she looks back at me.

"I've waited so long to meet you, James. You can't know how long." She moves so fast I can't follow her as she wraps her arms around me.

"Please call me, Jim. I can't imagine you were waiting too long. I just got here a week or two ago." Evain pulls back from me, looking up at me. I find my mind wondering as to why she chose such a petite form.

"I knew a hero was going to be summoned years ago. I pleaded with the other Gods to let me claim the hero this time. It took a lot of bargaining for them to agree, but they finally did." She lets go of me as she steps back, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I scoured your world for the perfect hero. I passed over person after person looking for the man or woman who could help not only me, but this world. Then I found you. When I did, I knew you were the only choice. I've been watching you for years Jim, waiting so I could bring you here." My mind goes blank, my ears ringing loudly.

"You chose to bring me here?" My voice sounds hollow to my ears as Evain nods her head.

"Boss, don't." I know I should keep my mouth shut, but I can't.

"Why!? Why did you choose me? Why drag me away from my family!?" I can feel my eyes starting to tear up, my hands are clenched so tightly my arms are shaking.

"Because, you were the hero I needed. You were the one who had the best chance to survive. You were the one I found who could best adapt to this world. You refuse to back down on what you know is wrong. You don't assume when an authority figure tells you something that it's true. You have a drive, a fighting spirit that is deeper than even you know." Her face seems to fall for a second as she looks up at me.

"Also, you were not going to be missed, except for by a few people. When I chose you, I knew that your world would be fine. That you could find happiness here, happiness you were unlikely to find in your world." She drops her eyes from mine for a second and looks down at Sarge.

"I knew if I just brought you, Sarge would never recover. So I made sure he came along as well. It was just luck that your truck did too. I honestly didn't expect that to happen." She kneels back down again and starts to scratch Sarge behind his ears.

"I wasn't expecting him to become a hero too. That was unexpected." I feel Sarge's surprise as he stares up at her.

"Wait, what? I'm a hero?" I feel like he wants to yell, but he is somehow remaining calm. A lot calmer than I am at least.

"Yes, but sadly not my hero." She stands and turns to the mist.

"What do you mean he isn't your hero?" Evain turns back to me and smiles.

"He belongs to my sister. She claimed him to strengthen our relationship. Two heroes, bound as close as they can be. You two can change this world, or tear it all down." She looks back at the mist.

"Why are we here? Why pull us here?" She turns her head back to me, motioning to the mist.

"I'll explain everything when my sister gets here." I can feel my temper starting to rise again.

"Who is your sister?" She smiles at me, turning back to the mist.

"You should know, you have swore to her before. You made the Knight swear to her. You are sleeping with one of her priestesses." From in the mist I hear a low laugh, and a breeze starts to blow the mist away.

"Ava?" Sarge starts to bark, running up to the walking goddess. Evain steps backwards until she is pressed against my chest.

"She is the Goddess of the forest. Why wouldn't an animal be her summoned hero." I can't seem to think as Sarge circles around Ava.

Now, there's two Goddesses? I can barely control my mouth around a king. How am I supposed to not piss these two off?