The Tide Was Always Changing And That Night Was No Different. Madrin, Blend, And Himself Awaited The Approaching Horde And Soon They Were Drawing So Close That Numerous Shadows Could Be Seen Coming From Behind A Distant Corner. There Were Too Many To See Individual Bodies And The Sounds Were All Interwoven Making It Impossible To Know What There Were More Of. But He Didn't Rely On Three-Dimensional Sight Or Even The Sound, His Focus Transcended The Physical And Took In The Metaphysical As The Animated Mass Came To Protect The Parasite That Would Be Their Queen. A Failed Goddess Who Thought -Him- An Imposter. He Held The Shape Of A Human, The Figure Granted Him By The Minimal Genetic Material Passed On To Him By His Mother, But He Never Would Claim Human Origin – Or Even Natural Origin. Tonight Seemed The Night For Unnatural Things.

It Happened In An Instant, A Rampaging Group Of Opposite Came Thundering Around The Corner At The Far End Of The Hall. Charging Aliscowri, The Few Remaining Dead Seeds Who Sprinted Amongst The Horde, Therianthropes Using The Walls To Gallop Along As Claws Clung To Stone. The Young Princes Pistol Raised As Aim Was Taken – And Then It All Stopped. The Dark Army Froze In Place 15ft From Them. He Couldn't Hear What They Heard But He Didn't Have To, As The Gathered Mass Began To Backstep As Their Eyes Looked Momentarily Confused But Attentive. They Were Listening To Something. Something Told Them To Retreat, And Again It Wasn't Difficult To Know Who It Was.

He Could Hear Cheering Begin From Outside, The Survivors Of Aleris Celebrating What They Assumed Was The Surrender Of The Enemy, But In That Instant He Felt A Powerful 'Push' Against Him. Not On A Physical Level, More So A Shove That Reached Beyond The Flesh To Something More Sensitive To The Non-Corporeal. Quickly His Eyes Turned In The Direction Where Deanna, Maxim And Ameerah Were.

”It isn't finished.”

Perhaps Blend Could See What He Saw, Maybe Feel It At The Very Least. But Where As Every Animated Thing Gave Off Its Own Luminescence – The Area Near Center Of The Castle Was Bathed Black Light And Only Growing Brighter. Seconds Later There Was Dust Kicking From All The Weaker Areas Of The Wall As The Lesser Crafted Stones Began To Give Way. He Had Said That This Castle Was The Beacon Of Strength For The World But That Strength Was Still Built By Solid Stone, And Stone Had No Resistance To What Was Happening. He Quickly Holstered His Pistol As He Began Moving In The Direction That Would Lead Him To Sharay And Those Who Gathered, And No Sooner Had He Set Off Than Another 'Light' Entered The Fray. This One Lesser Than The Driving Force But No Less Chaotic.

The Arraki.

It Struck First At Maxim And Then Moved For Ameerah, An Action Which Stole His Attention To The Immediate Area For Several Seconds, Long Enough For A Collapsing Portion Of The Ceiling To Fall Directly Above Him. Had He Been Aware Of It It Would Have Dealt With But Instead It Fell With Its Full 2 Tons Of Force Directly Upon His Being. It Was Enough To Bring Him To A Single Knee As The Stone Broke Over His Back. The Instant It Made Impact His Left Arm Flared Brightly, Sending A Hefty And Immediate Bit Of Direct Energy Into His Flesh, Making It Momentarily Denser And Far More Durable. To Endure Something Like That With No Damage Took A Fair Amount Of The Living Energy He Had Claimed During The Fight. After All, His Flesh Itself Was No Stronger Or Weaker Than A Humans. What's More It Held No Healing Or Aging Characteristics Of Its Own. It Was A Base Carbon Formed Into A Representation Of Flesh, Or Rather As Close To "Flesh" As Could Be Achieved Due To The Lack Of Enough Genetic Material. It Didn't Reproduce Itself, It Didn't Even Have Cells. It Was How Pure Energy Saw Actual Skin And Used What Cellular Resources It Had To Try And 'Copy' It. It Acted As A Channel For The Non-Physical Energy Within Him. Every “Superhuman” Act Required He Channel More Of That Energy Into His Flesh, And While It Imbued The Body – It Also Weakened The Flesh. Perhaps Not Enough To Cause Concern, But When Engaging A God, Any Lessening Of Energy Could Be The Difference In Success Or Failure.

He Stood Slowly, Gritting His Teeth Only To Feel The Chaotic Dispersion That Came From The Core Of The Castle. It Crashed Into Him Like A Wave And Halted His Gait Momentarily And His Teeth Clenched Tighter. Ameerah Was The Chaotic Aspect To Their Binary Relationship, And While He Had Chaos Within Him It Was Always The Lesser In Control. So When Something Called To It Earlier It Had Only Been A Mild “Suggestion”, But This Time It Was A Full On Command. To Move Closer To The Source Of The Chaotic Energy Was Dangerous But Ameerah Was Being Attacked. He Continued Forward Despite Logic And Rationality Demanding He Not Do So, And With Every Few Steps Another Staggering Wave Struck Him, Eroding More Of The Barrier That Order Always Held And Drawing The “Absence” Forward.

The Closer Her Came The Slower He Moved, His Physical Body Showing The Internal Resistance It Took To Stay Steady And On Course. And In That Moment When His Thoughts Were Beginning To Turn Most Negative And Absent Of Care Or Concern About What Was Happening All Around Him – There Was A Voice In His Mind. Not An Inner Monologue But An Actual Voice. Its Sudden And Forceful Nature Actually Forced His Right Hand To Raise And Brace Against One Of Trembling Yet Still Standing Walls.

”You would have ended a world to protect her. You would have undone yourself and all those who brought you into being to save her. And now you waver? NOW YOU WAVER?! Do you see how your order fails you now?! Order has no place in an unstable world. The scales have tipped..there is no righting them through order. Now..STEADY YOURSELF!”

His Right Hand Pushed At The Wall As He Stood Fully, His Body Straightening Despite How Every Inch Of It Trembled, Still Resisting – Still Denying What He Felt Within That Struggled To Take The Helm Of His Consciousness.

”Tonight you are NOT a slave to ORDER! Tonight you are what you need to be, what SHE Needs you to be. You WILL protect my daughter Valorius...until the very end of that pitiful world, until the very END OF YOU! No matter what it claims from you, no matter what it costs that insignificant speck of rock. Do not FIGHT the absence...USE IT!”

He Continued On Still However Slow, His Body Lessening In Its Trembling As He Began To Ease On The Level Of Resistance Being Used. Gazing Straight Ahead He Thought Only One Thing To The Voice In His Mind.

”No matter what it costs. In a few seconds I won't care....so I need to ask. Have I ever meant anything to you? Or am I just an expendable guard?”

For Several Moments There Was No Response As He Drew Upon The Room That Housed The Origin Of All That Chaos And Conflict. And An Instant Before He Was Able To Turn Into It Through A Hole In The Wall, A Lone Sentence Passed Through His Mind As If A Whispered Afterthought; ”...you are a guard...to the only joy I have ever granted.”

It Was Not A Storybook Answer, But The Answer In And Of Itself Was Conveyed. And Before The Link Between Him And Nax Was Severed He Felt The Level Of Anguish It Caused For His “Other Father” To Make Such An Admission. That Pain Told Him Everything. And All At Once He Stopped Resisting, And The Waves Of Chaos That Had Been Crashing So Aggressively Against Him Were Now Being Allowed Inside. They Made Contact With The Absence Inside And Drew It Out. His Yellow Pupils That Turned As If Forever In Orbital Axis Stopped Moving And Expanded To Cover The Emerald Of His Iris'. A Vapor Like Essence Began Radiating From His Eyes As He Turned Into The Room Housing The Final Conflict.

Seeing Things Now Was Different. Normally He Saw The “Spark” That Gave Animation To All Things, And Now He Saw Only The Negative. Every Dark Inclination, Every Bit Of Energy And Influence Born Of Negative Origin. Maxim, Deanna, And The Arraki Were So Full To The Brim They Were Impossible To Miss, Ameerah Harbored It In Her Core But It Did Not Rule Her As It Did The Others. His Head Rotated And His Neck Popped Several Times In Succession As The Castle Was Collapsing All Around Them. In Several Minutes There Would Not Be A Single Stone Standing, Even The Room Itself Had Lost An Entire Wall And Collapsed While Another Was Seconds From Giving Way. The Goddess Was Going To Destroy Her Conduit Due To The Level Of Power She Was Exhausting. Maxim Was Of Single Mind And Committed To His Murderous Path. The Demon Was A Chaotic Being Who's Actions Were Now Commanded By The Force Of A Greater Chaos.

This Wasn't About Flash Or Preservation Of A Castle, It Was About Something More Immediate. Guarding That Which Existence Could Not Suffer To Lose. Be It Peace, Be It Balance, Be It Ameerah Herself. Whatever The Motivation He Lashed His Right Hand Outward And The Whip Like Chain Swiped Harshly At The Ceiling That Threatened To Give Way Over The Arraki. The Weight It Had Been Bearing Did The Rest, Collapsing Down With Much Of The Roof Upon It. Several Tons Of Stone And Debris Caved In. Whether It Would Strike Or Cause A Diversion It Still Granted Him Time. Moving From Where He Stood The Chain Quickly Coiled Around His Right Arm Like A Sleeve As He Moved For Ameerah. The Absence Filled Him Now, There Was No Thought Of Self Preservation Or Impending Doom – Only Focus On Objective. Ameerah.

He Moved For Her And Saw The Shadow Beast That Engaged Maxim. In Mid Stride He Drew His Pistol Once More, And With Both Hammers Still Cocked He Squeezed Both Triggers. The 2 Ready Shots Had Been Imbued Earlier But Not Used, So As The Guard Fired A Flash Of Light Came That Was Every Bit As Bright As It Was Brief. A Trail Of Emerald Followed The Path Of The Shots As They Left The Over/Under Barrels. One Had Been Meant For The Creature And It Moved With A Furious Speed For Its Head. The Other Had Been Intended For The Wall Behind It. The Shot Struck Stone And Instead Of An Explosion, The Round Hit The Wall And The Infused Energy Spread Along The Surface, Seeming To Dissolve The Stone Roughly The Size Of A Large Door Which Allowed In A Much More Substantial Amount Of Dawning Light. It Stretched Across The Room, Dividing It. Maxim, Ameerah, Himself On One Side, The Arraki And Its Creation On The Other.

No Time Was Taken To Observe What He'd Done, Instead He Holstered The Weapon And Moved To Close The Distance Between Ameerah And Himself. Maxim Would Need To Act Quickly With The Sun Approaching, But Such Things Were Inconsequential. The Goddess Inside Deanna Was Powerful, But The Flesh Was Not As Such. Soon It Would All Be Gone, As Devastated As The Castle Around Them. Adding Another Set Of Hands Would Not Help The Fight, The War Was Already Over. This Was Merely The Last Act Of A Vengeful God, The World Need Only Endure Those Last “Death Throes”. It Had Survived This Long – It Would Continue To Do So. When He Reached Ameerah He Said Nothing, Instead He Glanced To Maxim And Then Looked Directly To Deanna.

”This must end here and now. This evil cannot spread further than it already has. She may take the castle..she will NOT have the world.”

Though He Spoke To Ameerah With Words That Sounded Most Hollow And Distant, His Eyes Looked Towards The Goddess And It Would Be Known What He Said Was Meant As Much For One As The Other. The Room Was Barely Surviving And From The Sounds Outside There Was An Echo Of Stone Crashing Like An Avalanche. All The While There Were Cracks And Sparks Of Emerald Light Along His Body As The Energy Had To Work Continuously To Replace The Flesh That Deanna's Energy Was Tearing Away. Standing At Ground Zero Without A Source To Replenish He Could Only Keep The Body In Tact For So Long Before The Essence Within Him Could No Longer Be Housed.

Ameerah's Flesh Acted In Much The Same Way, Arcs Of Light Passing Over Her Form As Was Needed To Replace The Tissue That Was Being Torn Away. They Both Looked To The Rampaging Goddess, Standing Their Ground Despite The Onslaught She Was Unleashing. Perhaps It Would Make More Sense To Leave The Finale To Maxim But To Turn And Walk Away From The Potential Apex Of Destruction Was Not Their Way.

Their Way Was Straight Ahead, Into The Heart Of Armageddon. So That When It Gave That Final Beat – It Would Feel Their Hands Clench Around It.

A week or so after the Undead War...

"Where were you?"

"I was... forgive me for being late. I was seeing to the fate of another young lady. Actually, she reminds me of you in some way."

"What is her name?"

"Deanna DiCorvino."

"Isn't she the -"

"Yes, you killed her in Grand City. She tried to stop you, but we know how that turned out. I had been away from her too long as it was and there is a goddess from another world that threatens to consume her."

"Doesn't that goddess know that's a fool's attempt?"

"That is what I explained her. In any case, I am here now. I would not miss your passing for anything this time. It is something I neglected the last time, assuming you were a lost soul the same as the others. But you are different, aren't you, Terra Vale?"

The Goddess of Winter looked down into crimson colored eyes. Instead of the dual-wielding swordswoman that summoned an army of undead to Grand City however, Terra appeared to be about 12 years old. Long, raven hair trailed across the girl's shoulders and to the small of her back. In those dark tresses on each side above her ears were hair pins, both adorning a set of four long, white feathers. To some, they may have seemed like decoration, but to Terra Vale, they were a sign of her true nature. Eventually, Terra nodded to Elysia's question and the Goddess of Winter smiled in response, something very rare for one to see.

"Perhaps next time when or if you choose to return to Aleris, you will not become so corrupted. Let's make sure of that, okay? Tell me everything about you and your sister."

Terra nodded and then slipped her palm against Elysia's, lacing their fingers together. Before them there was no cozy cabin with blue and white stained glass windows. There was no snowy field dotted with cerulean colored flowers which most saw upon their death. Instead, the two were surrounded by a thick forest so green in color that it appeared no humans had ever touched it or passed by its trees. There was a single, thin path, but even that was covered with vines, leaves and flowers that curled towards the middle of it.

"So this is Elved hundreds of years ago before all the marshes?"

"Yes, and ahead, my home."


Present...

Elias, the true king of Aleris, had taken longer than Elysia anticipated. The minutes passed by as she waited for him to reach the castle to hear some word that he was safe an unharmed by the army that was apparently swarming the city. After all, a fifteen year old boy was probably a tasty meal for lycanthrope. In most situations Elysia was calm and cool, but this time she felt like a worried mother, resisting the desire to bite her nails out of nervousness.

When she could not stand it much long and was going to waste some of her energy teleporting from Arthuran to Eiler - energy that she needed to effectively stop Sharay in all her madness - a summon came to her. Elias called out her name, his voice parting through the darkness that Elysia was currently waiting in. The Goddess of Winter took a step forth and in a moment she had parted a veil, landing on the other side of it which was Grand City. The blue snowflake tattoo on Elias's forearm was glowing faintly, the device which he had used to summon her.

Before her, the city was on fire and the castle nearly demolished to ruins. Bodies littered the streets, Aliscowri, therianthrope and Alerian alike. The beauty that was once Grand City was unrecognizable any longer. There was no going back on the damage that had been done, but it could be stopped. Mostly, she blamed herself for not catching Sharay sooner, but had she not soothed Terra Vale's broken soul, the girl could have eventually (again) been a higher threat than Sharay, which was difficult to imagine considering the current state of the city.

In the maelstrom of all this chaos and insanity was Sharay - or Sharay as she inhabited Deanna's body. She stood in the middle of the castle, a vortex of wind swirling about her, intent to bring the whole place down and kill anyone within reach. This display of power was killing Deanna though and it seemed Sharay did not care about her vessel. Blood trickled from Deanna's eyes, nose and ears, a sign that one of Elysia's "children" was at risk of dying. This would not happen. As it was, Deanna was not even supposed to be alive, something Sharay had seen to, and it was a volatile act.

On either side of the crumbling castle was a group of people dangerously close to being severely hurt. Ameerah Sultan, Valorius Malku and Maxim Redmont were opposite of a Arraki demon that was working with Sharay, the three of them temporarily protected by a wall of crumbled stone and light that threatened to break any minute. Then there was a skeleton, armored and doused in flickering flames that Elysia recognized immediately as Tempesturo's Champion. Next to the skeleton was Madrin Kir, the Lord Commander of Eiler, who seemed to get himself into dangerous situations as he did before trying to fight the Val`nothe, not once, but twice. It almost made Elysia grin, but alas, there were more important matters at hand.

"Stay behind me and close. Do not stray," Elysia said turning to look over her shoulder to Elias Lowell who was behind her and holding his bo staff in a protective manner. The blonde haired boy nodded firmly and together, the two of them stepped forward, navigating through the Chaos.

Debris, as it flew through Sharay's whirlwind, missed Elysia and Elias completely. As the Goddess of Winter descended upon Sharay's current location, her arms and hands held outward before her, the ground around her grew cold. Ice, like silvery dragon scales, formed in streaks running across the ground and climbing up the ruined walls of the castle. This ice encased Deanna's feet, preventing Sharay from trying to make a hasty retreat in her body. The air that Sharay was controlling slowed to a halt, the broken stone of the castle hanging suspended in the air. It was an impressive thing to see, to witness the elements paused in motion, even more so when snow began to fall from a now partially gray sky. The black, chaotic tendrils that swarmed about Deanna started to dissipate at the feeling of this snow. If Sharay hadn't noticed that her power was being drained from her, the sight of Elysia inches away was certain to send the Dark Mistress into a panic.

Prior to reaching Sharay, Elysia turned her head towards the Arraki. In its frenzied mind, Elysia could feel its need to lunge and shed the blood of Valorius for separating him from his Mistress. Elysia would not have this and so she swept her right arm to the side, sending a pillar containing large shards of ice and wind in his direction. The blast hit the demon square in his chest knocking him about fifteen feet backwards over the destroyed walls of the castle. To some, it might not have seemed like much, but she was being nice to the demon and just dazing him until she could stop Sharay.

Elysia's power was radiating through her, her skin glowing a light blue color in response. Her eyes, despite the fury that the Goddess of Winter was using to stop Sharay, were calm. Sharay hung suspended in air, unable to move or retaliate, the same situation she had put so many others in. Elysia titled her head at Sharay in mock curiosity and then after some silent minutes where Sharay stood uneasily, the Goddess of Winter clucked her tongue at Sharay as if a disapproving mother.

"You may have forgotten our conversation," Elysia started. "So let me remind you, Sharay. When you reached out to Deanna DiCorvino before, I warned you once. I banished you from the spiritual and physical realm of Aleris and told you never to attempt to control my daughter again. And what did you go and do? Like an amateur, power-hungry deity, you felt the need to do just the opposite when you had knowledge that I was detained by other souls. Tell me, how did you think this was going to end? Did you think I would never notice?"

Sharay opened cracked and bloodied lips to speak, but Elysia promptly silenced her.

"It was a rhetorical question. To think I actually want to hear you speak and through the voice of Deanna... that sickens me. Your time in Aleris, your reign of terror and death, is over Sharay. And if you are not aware, this trespassing of yours, this unholy act, not only will exile you from Aleris, but it will snuff you out permanently. That's right, my dear. You are finished, done and will no longer be able to return to any realm. I hope it was worth it, attempting to destroy a realm that has risen up against you and will rebuild."

With that, Elysia reached out, her arm almost ghost-like, thrusting forward through Deanna's stomach. It would not hurt Deanna in the slightest, but the spiritual essence of Sharay would feel Elysia pulling her away from her vessel. Sharay's spirit, black and twisted, writhed and fought as it was wrenched free from Deanna DiCorvino's body. As Elysia held Sharay tightly within her palms, Deanna fell to the ground unconscious for the time being, the ice around her feet and ankles that previously imprisoned her breaking in response. Deanna was pale, her body unmoving, but it was clear she was breathing.

Aleris' Goddess of Winter turned to Elias and knelt down next to him holding out in front of her the writhing and twisting soul of Sharay that appeared almost snake-like. Elias knew what Elysia wanted and reached into the messenger bag that was slung around his shoulder. He pulled out a small doll made of sticks and opened his palms. Elysia turned her hand over and began to push Sharay's soul into the doll, Elias in response chanting soft, yet ancient words. Essentially this action sealed Sharay's soul inside the doll and contained it. Sharay was unable to animate the stick doll and make it come to life. Instead, the figure remained silent and unmoving.

As she stood, the air that Elysia once managed returned to normal. The debris and rubble that had been hanging in the air drifted lazily to the ground like snow; it was a rare thing to see stone fall so slowly. As it landed, those around who were previously threatened by Sharay's whirlwind went mostly unharmed. Majority of the castle had been destroyed, but the northwestern section had managed to survive, this including the castle dungeons and a few halls where some soldier quarters were located. Her snow and ice remained in the air, a warning to all that should anyone dare to make any suspicious moves, she would not hesitate to dispatch anyone else. In time, this would too disappear (as it was not the season of winter yet), but Elysia kept her elements present and moved through the ruins and towards the still dazed Arraki demon. She looked down at him, her brows narrowing for a brief second.

"This will be your only warning, demon," Elysia said. "Your 'Mistress' is gone. Flee from these fallen lands or die. Your choice."

In the meantime, Elias had turned to Madrin Kir and nodded to the Lord Commander of Eiler. "Madrin Kir, my name is Elias Lowell, true King of Aleris. I will explain my situation later, but for now, I would like you to take Miss DiCorvino down to the dungeons," Elias said pointing over his shoulder to the dungeon, which although led into the depths of the castle by a set of stairs, the doorway to it was off its hinges. "No one may inflict harm upon her. Deanna's punishment is decided by me." The young king glanced at Maxim Redmont, the vampire was silently protesting a right he believed to be his. Elias nodded to him in understanding. "You are the Lord Commander of Bariston, Lord Redmont and I am aware your lady requested you personally take this woman into custody. So be it, but I must insist Commander Kir accompany you, Commander Redmont." The Redmont Lord considered rejecting the young king's offer before nodding his agreement.

Elysia had stepped next to Elias' side and leaned down, taking the stick doll as the King of Aleris passed it to her. As she rose, Elysia noticed a certain gaze in Madrin's eyes. There was a look on his face, possibly lingering on confusion.

"His words are correct, Madrin. This is the King of Aleris. You need not worry."

With that, Elysia moved around Madrin Kir, Maxim Redmont and Elias and then travelled towards the flaming skeleton that was Blend, Tempesturo's Chosen. Elysia kept her distance some for she knew the heat of her brother's fire, but that did not prevent her from holding out her hands towards the sailor that held the stick doll.

"Jelaephon Delai, Tempesturo's Champion, I'm sure you are familiar with what this is - a soul snare," Elysia said showing the doll to Blend. "To permanently seal away Sharay, we must burn the doll and this can only be accomplished with my sibling's fire, an element of Chaos in itself. Would you help me do this, in the name and honor of Tempesturo?"

Fire spiraled around the skeletal figure as he stared at Elysia, Goddess of Winter, the polar opposite of his own insane god. The metallic face of Blend's helmet was stoic and calm as it reached out and accepted the soul snare which contained Sharay, Goddess of Chaos and Death. Chaotic heat danced around the sticks but refused to consume it, controlled by Tempesturo's new champion.

So many eyes were upon him at this moment. Every face he saw, from Valorius to Madrin Kir to the bloodied and unconscious face of Deanna, seemed to demand an end to this massacre. A final solution. Kill her, they implied through their various eyes, through the blood pooling in the floor as the castle threatened to collapse around them. Finish this. Kill the false Goddess.

Blend shook his head, his helmet transforming into a visage of grief. "Rumor has it, I was once an Avatar to Death, destroyer of Almedda.." At this, he noticed Maxim tighten, but Blend continued unperturbed. "Yet my soul was ... corrupted. I have been saved. You cannot answer death with more death, destruction with more destroying. A precedent must be set. Chaos is not destruction, it's not death.. Not always, at least. They can always be saved."

Tempesturo, he begged as he unleashed the essence of his god, the violent heat of the sun, please trust me.

Fire burst from the skeleton, driving away Elysia and the others while it consumed the two figures at its source. Within moments both Blend and the evil Goddess he clutched in his boney fingers had vanished.

24 hours prior to the end of the war

“Is there anything else, Miles?”

“The Mayor of Vandual expressed to us that he would be most accommodating of the Bariston refugees. They are welcome to stay in his city for as long as need be.”

Lady Layla Victoire nodded wearily from her chair. “Very good. Inform the Mayor that I graciously and humbly accept his generous offer. Presently we are not in a fit state to allow our people back into Bariston until we have some semblance of a working city.” The blonde ruler was fortunate that most of her mansion remained intact, and the vile army had not entered the catacombs beneath the structure. The larder was still full of food and supplies, but they were needed to sustain what remained of Bariston’s military, advisors and the small amount of citizens that took shelter in the mansion. Bariston itself was a ruin, and it would take many months before clean up was possible, and from there, years to rebuild. Sadly, Layla did not have the funds to assist in rebuilding. The treasury of the Grand City, however, was another matter, and the ruling Lady had every intent of claiming what she felt was substantial retribution for her beloved city.

“Miles?”

Captain Miles Andrew Long scanned over the parchment. “The Northwatch has arrived in the Grand City from what I have been told, my Lady. Reports tell of the army approaching the City. Their numbers are in the hundreds, Lady. Perhaps more.” Miles frowned then, wondering if the City guard was capable of withstanding such a force. Sadly, Bariston had not.

Layla smiled faintly at some good news. “Excellent. The Lord Commander will handle matters regarding that she creature and her brood. As for the City, well Miles, I would think that the Protector Regent would not allow a similar fate to befall such a sprawling metropolis.“ A fool’s hope, Layla thought, but these thoughts were best pondered in private. It had been quite the long day, and Layla was still working well into evening hours. She noted that Miles was swaying on his feet, and had to admit she could use some downtime herself. “If there is nothing else, Miles, you may go.” The young Captain nodded, grateful for dismissal. He bid his Lady good evening before departing.

Layla stood and stretched. Her private quarters were reduced to nothing more than rubble and burnt remains, but her council room had surprisingly survived with little damage done. As it was, Layla had been resting her head these days upon the plush couch that took up the length of one wall. It wasn’t her bed, but considering most of her people were resting in a strange city, in wood pallets littered among the mansion, or six feet under, she dared not utter a single complaint. It had taken several days and every single able bodied man and woman to tend to the bodies that littered the Port and the City. Huge bonfires had been built and the dead had been burned, their ashes cast out into the sea. This was something Layla insisted upon immediately, for she would not have widespread pestilence on top of everything else to deal with. Streets were cleaned as best as possible, and the demolition of ruined buildings had commenced. Very few structures had remained intact, and even fewer were safe to enter. Layla had ordered all to be leveled. They would start building anew.

Land structures were not the only that had suffered. Ships, both fishing vessels and airships had been left as rubble. Another project added to Layla’s ‘to-do’ list. Only one airship was fully functioning and that was the one that Layla and her soldiers had returned to Bariston on. Fuel was non-existent and whatever they could find was siphoned immediately. Layla would require the airship for her return to the Grand City, the trip she hoped to make very soon indeed.

Rubbing the kinks from her neck, the blonde ruler sighed heavily and prepared to change into her dressing gown to retire for the evening when a knock was heard at her door. A quick glance at the clock informed her it was nearly one in the morning. Her brows arched, but she called quietly, “Come.”

Captain Ambrose Pennington of the Royal Bariston Guard entered, a bow of his head offered in greeting to Layla. The older seasoned warrior carried a tray and on it were some dried fish and fruit from the store room. A flagon of ale was brought as well. “You did not sup tonight. I thought you might be hungry,” was all the explanation the man offered.

Layla was about to dismiss the food, but her stomach chose that moment to growl and both had to laugh. “Very well, Ambrose. Set the tray down and join me, would you?” Layla and Ambrose took their seats as they began eating the few provisions Ambrose had chosen to provide for Layla. He knew she would take the barest minimum only so that her people, or what remained, could go to bed with full stomachs. Layla sniffed at the ale and wrinkled her nose, never having a particular liking for it. Ambrose chuckled upon seeing his lady’s reaction and reached into the leather satchel he brought with him before pulling out a metal flask and setting it down before her. “Whiskey. I took some from the bar in the library of the castle.” Ambrose winked as Layla’s eyes widened. “Smooth stuff too. Might help you sleep, my Lady.”

Indeed it was smooth, and Layla hicupped once or twice before handing the flask back to Ambrose. “Since when did you take up drinking on the job, my friend?” Layla offered a small smile, not particularly criticizing her Captain, just curious.

Ambrose took a hefty swallow of the dark amber colored liquid before answering. “Well Layla, since I had to cart the bodies of children to their funeral pyre, if you must know.“ His answer lacked emotion, but Layla could see the tightness around his eyes, the coldness in his eyes. Despite his gruff mannerism, the Captain of the Guard was a softie when it came to children, especially considering he and his wife were unable to have any of their own. Ambrose did not speak of his wife, whom she knew perished during the sacking of Bariston. It was Miles who found her body, but it was Ambrose who wept openly as he cradled the dead woman in his arms for a good hour before setting her with the others in the flames. Ambrose would mourn his love later, but for now, duty called. Grief would have to wait.
Layla nodded in sympathy and patted his battle scarred hand. “My heart goes out to you, Am brose. You know that.”

He nodded, blinking back the tears that had clouded his vision. “She was a good woman who did not deserve to die, especially not in that manner.” Layla had not seen the body, but Miles informed her that she had been torn at in several places and missing an arm. Half her face was nearly unrecognizable, and had it not been for a locked around her neck, one that she proudly displayed…a gift from Ambrose so many years ago…Miles would not have known it to be her. Layla shuddered at the memory.

“She will be avenged, my friend, as will all who perished. I promise you.” Layla vowed.

Ambrose was silent for a moment or two. “Do you believe,” he began tentatively, “that the Lord Protector will do right by the Grand City? By the people?” There was no need to elaborate on what.

Layla sighed once more and shook her head. “I have to have faith in him, Ambrose. I have to believe that his judgment will not impair his decision. He must understand that the life of one person, regardless of whom she might have been to him, is not worth more than the life of hundreds of thousands. More than the realm itself.“Layla brushed a stray lock of blonde hair from her face. “For his sake, and for those who depend on him, I hope he understands this and chooses wisely.”

The Captain scratched at several days’ worth of graying beard, a frown forming. “I can’t understand for the life of me why he would even consider such stupidity? Was she his wife? His sister?”

Layla sipped at the ale and made a face before answering. “No. Unbeknownst to our Protector Regent, I asked around, discreetly of course, about this Deanna DiCorvino. Very little was known, but from what I was able to gather, she fought along the side of Verial Akilara and the Redmonts during the battle of Tezzra’s Gorge. That is all. She has ties with the Redmonts, though only Maxim and his brother, Quinn’s name was mentioned. She is nothing to any of them, really. She was not even legally wed to Quinn for all that fool acted upon her death.” Layla shook her head in disgust. “From what I understood she has no family, no husband or children. Nothing. She does own some land, but I believe she is buried there, or was rather.” Layla scowled and slapped her hand down upon the table. “She was a nobody and therefore expendable. I hope I was clear enough with Verial when I last spoke with him and the foreign dignitaries.” She thought of the exotic Ameerah and Valorious. “Now those two were on the same page as I was. Sadly, I had to side with Verial at the time, for it would have looked terrible if I hadn’t.” Layla quieted then as she bit down on her lower lip. In retrospect, she wished now she had not done so. At the time it was a good political move, but perhaps a little muscle would have been just enough coercion to push Verial in the right direction concerning the destruction of this self-proclaimed goddess friend of his.

Ambrose was about to speak when Layla cut him off. “In any case, I left Sahar behind to talk some sense into him.” The Captain’s eyes widened. “My Lady, Sahar would sooner consider suicide before trying to sway the King toward the murder of anyone.”

Layla rolled her eyes and reached for the ale. “I am aware of that Ambrose. Sahar had a kind heart, like our Lord Verial, but she also is no fool. She understands the consequences of failure to stop or destroy this goddess or whatever she is. I doubt our gentle lamb would have that on her conscience. Though our Sahar is against the idea of murder or violence really, I believe even she would understand exactly what would result should Deanna’s army breach the Grand City. That would cause even her to have a change of heart, I believe.” Layla mentally crossed her fingers, hoping her gamble was a winning one.

Ambrose however, was not so convinced. “And if Sahar does not?”

Layla’s grey orbs were cold slivers of ice as she regarded Ambrose. “That is where our Lord Commander comes into play.”

“You believe he would do what was necessary, my Lady?”

Layla’s smile was as frigid as her eyes. “Absolutely. The Redmont Lord has honor, and most of all, a sense of duty as I do. Even if he is not able to kill her, he will see to her imprisonment until I arrive to see to her execution.” Layla paused then as she sipped the last of her ale, setting down the flagon with a heavy clank against the wood table.

“And woe to those who oppose our Lord Commander…and his honor.”


36 hours after the war


Lady Layla Victoire stared down at the nervous young man who continuously licked at his lips. He sat in the chair before her flanked on both sides by Captains Pennington and Long, his green military gear signaling him to be of the Jade City army. Beads of sweat gathered at his brow as Layla’s icy grey eyes bore into him. He had been taken into custody a couple of hours earlier and interrogated for approximately thirty minutes before this moment. The boom of thunder that shook the mansion that followed the bright flashes of lightning in the sky did nothing to lighten the mood. It had been raining for nearly an entire day and was unlikely to let up any time soon. It was as if Aleris was endlessly weeping for the widespread destruction that had befallen the realm.

“Be at ease sir, you are after all, my guest,” Layla’s smile indicated the soldier to be anything but. “Now, tell me again how you managed to commandeer a Bariston airship to arrive here?”

The young soldier, his name was never given nor asked for, cleared his throat and told his tale. “There were ten of us, ma’am, in a scouting mission. We were travelling north near the mountain range when we saw the airship, abandoned. There was…blood…inside of it,” he gulped, washed out blue eyes glancing around nervously. “We looked inside but no one was there, though we did find remains of a human nearby. I uh…think he was the pilot, but I can’t be sure.”

The young man paused, and Layla arched a blonde brow as she waited patiently for him to continue. Upon seeing him lick at his lips again, she turned away and went to the sideboard where a pitcher of water and several metal cups awaited. Gratefully the soldier drank until there was not a drop left in the cup, his fingers clutching against the metal. “Thank you, Lady Victoire. Um, where was I?”

“You were about to tell me what happened after you found the airship.” Layla reminded him.

“Oh, yes. Uh, anyways, half of us were going to bring the ship back to Jade….err…..Bariston, I mean,” his eyes nearly bulged from their sockets at the scathing glare Layla presented him with, and he corrected himself quickly. “Bariston, I meant. Forgive me. And uh…the other half were going toward the City to see uh…well you know….the army was there…and...,”

“…and you wanted to see exactly how much damage the City was taking before reporting back to that meat sack you call a Mayor.” Layla finished for him, venom dripping from each word. “Not to assist those poor people, is that right, little man? No, for if that was the case, your Mayor would have sent more of his military to aid the Alerian Guard. No, you gutless worms hid in the shadows and spied on the brood to see how powerful they were, and if the Mayor needed to worry about his own precious Jade City safety.” Layla shook her head in disgust. “You lied about the airship, didn’t you, worm? Let me guess, you figured you could use it to hightail your spineless hides and those of your brethren off the continent before the proverbial shit hit the fan? Or was it to safe the worthless hide of your eunuch Mayor?”

The Jade soldier sputtered and began to protest when Layla cut him off. “Shut your mouth.” She ordered to which he complied immediately. “Where is the rest of your ‘surveillance crew’, sir?”

The soldier began to tremble, the metal cup slipping from his grasp. “They ran when they saw the savages coming. I don’t know if they survived.” The soldier’s eyes were downcast and tears began sliding down his cheeks. “Before you ask, I hid in the airship, in one of the cargo spaces, but I saw them run…and I did hear some screams. I stayed hidden for a few hours until I thought it was safe to come out.” His head hung in shame, the young man began to weep openly.

Layla was without compassion for this man. “So after you allowed your men to either flee like cowards, or fall to the Aliscowri, for that is the name to these savages you speak of, then what? You flew here, looking for what…amnesty?”

He shook his head and wiped at his face. “No, lady. I mean, yes, but that was after the human group found me. There was like twenty of them. Mostly women and children, but a few men. They managed to escape the City. They were the ones who told me news of the war.” He did not add that these survivors were headed to the city of Jade to seek refuge and he steered them in the wrong direction toward Joi. The Major of Jade was quite firm on staying neutral in wartime matters, and would accept no one who was not a registered citizen in Jade. His reasoning being he would not dip into Jade’s finances to support, clothe, shelter and feed non residents. It would drain their funds and supplies too much. “I came here alone with the airship, Lady to uh…return it to you, and to inform you of the end of the war.” He nodded vigorously, believing his own lie. Layla was not so oblivious to it.

Layla was silent for a long time, pacing back and forth. “Well now we know how you came to be here. I assume you foolishly believed to what? Receive a reward for the return of the ship?” Layla laughed bitterly. “Of course, brave soldier. As soon as Bariston is rebuilt and thriving once more, I shall personally see that you have your reward. Say…thirty, forty years?” She stared at him as if he were mold growing under her shoe. “Or perhaps too ashamed to return to Jade and face your Mayor and commanding officers? I presume you would have to explain your treasonous behavior to them. How you left your brothers-in-arms to die, while you hid? Exactly what would that get you in Jade? A sentence in Ironhold, perhaps?” Layla smiled brightly at his discomfort.

“You told Captain Pennington,” she indicated to Ambrose, “that the Northwatch had been destroyed, but you did not speak of the crew or of the Lord Commander.”

“I…um…don’t know about the crew, Lady Victoire, but I did hear that the vampire lord was alive and had taken the goddess woman into custody with the Commander of the Alerian guard. Kir, I believe his name is.”

Layla nodded slowly. “So she still lives.” It was more of an observation than a question.

He bobbed his head. “Yes ma’am, but one of the women I spoke to heard that the Goddess Elysia came into the City with a boy, a special boy. Supposedly he’s the new King, fully supported by Elysia. It was the boy king who requested the woman, I uh…don’t know her name, but anyway, it was he who requested both Commanders take her to the dungeon to be held there.” He was being rather forthcoming at this point, the young soldier fearing for his own life at the hands of this ice queen and her rather imposing Captains.

Layla regarded him, tapping at her lips. “A boy king, you say?” Her lips twisted into a cruel smile. “So, the Goddess Elysia, who is rather late coming to the rescue I might add, knew that Verial was not fit to rule, and brought it this unknown child to take his place? Speaking of the disgraced former king, tell me, what has become of Verial Akilara?” Though thoroughly disgusted with Verial and his failed attempt to protect the people and the realm, she did not wish him dead. At least, not until she personally arrived in the Grand City to face him.

“He was alive last I heard, Lady, though…I…,” the soldier’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I heard he consorted with the demon woman…and bad things happened to him. Really bad, but I couldn’t say what.”

Layla glanced at Ambrose and Miles who said nothing, but shrugged, unable to confirm such a rumor. “I see. Has he been taken into custody as well?”

“I don’t know the answer to that question, Lady Victoire. All I know is the Grand City is a total ruin. I mean that army really did a number to it. All the people who died…some in really gruesome ways. There’s like…nothing left and I…,” the young idiot soldier stopped talking when Layla leaned down to stare coldly at his casual indifference to the sickening situation such as the death of thousands, the ruin of a major city.

“Err…I meant no disrespect! But you know…war…and there’s blood and stuff….uh…things…casualties…I… I…I’m just the messenger! Please don’t hurt me!” His last desperate plea was nothing more than a rambling of words, none of which Layla cared to hear.

“Of course you are,” she said softly. “Just a messenger boy. Not a true soldier, now are you? No. Just a little boy coward who thought war was all fun and games until it threatened to find its way into his backyard,“she sneered at him. “You sicken me, but I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I will,” Miles offered helpfully. Ambrose snickered.

Layla had to smile at the younger Captain. “No Miles, this man as I stated before is our guest and under our protection.” The young Jade soldier breathed a sigh of relief until Layla spoke up again.

“No, little boy. You won’t die by my hand or any other here in Bariston. You will however, accompany me back to Eiler.” The young officer blinked rapidly, unsure of what punishment he was receiving here since there did not seem to be any. “I will head to the Grand City with Captain Ambrose and a few of my guard, but you, my friend, you will be accompanied by Captain Miles here back to Jade.“ Layla’s smile was anything but sweet. “At that point you will explain to your idiot Mayor that since he chose not to aid the Grand City or Bariston in that matter, in any matter whatsoever, he will now do so. Jade will give three quarters of their military forces over, with half of that going to the City, while the remainder returns to Bariston. Since Jade has this phobia of sullying their hands, I shall help them overcome their fears. They will not leave their precious Jade as soldiers, but rather the clean-up crew. They will help remove bodies, rubble and assist with the rebuilding of both cities.” Layla was on a roll it seemed and did not plan on stopping now.

“Also, Jade will fork over half of their treasury as well. Those who managed to survive this atrocity will require food, clothing, and temporary shelters. Jade will see to it. Your Mayor will see to it. Oh…by the way, any refugees seeking shelter in the city of Jade will be welcomed warmly and seen to their basic needs. Hmm, let me think,” Layla tapped at her lips. “Is that it? Yes, I do believe that will suffice for now.”

The young Jade soldier bristled, finally showing some spunk. “The Mayor does not take orders from you, Lady Victoire. He answers only to the king.”

Layla was waiting for the young fool to say something so stupid. She smiled once more, the barracuda who was about to take a large chomp out the little guppy. “Oh I do believe he will, sir. For you see, Verial Akilara was acting King but is no longer. This boy king you speak of, I do not know him and until I see him for my own eyes and acknowledge him as such, he is nothing to me. However, despite all of that, in case your Mayor refuses on all accounts, please let him know that I will be more than happy to send my Lord Commander his way to, coerce him, shall we say? You remember him, do you not little boy? Maxim Redmont? Surely you did not forget the vampire lord, child?”

The young man’s mouth opened and shut several times, his features ashen before he finally hung his head and nodded. “As you command, Lady Victoire. I will inform the Mayor of your…requests.”

Layla’s smile was genuine this time and she patted him on the head. “Good boy.”

“Miles, ready the airships, both of them. We leave for Eiler in thirty.”

***

It was late afternoon by the time Layla’s airship arrived in Hinewai Harbor and the rain had not ceased, not one little bit. If anything it was coming down harder, drenching everything in sight. The airship that carried Miles, the young Jade soldier and five of Bariston’s guard had parted ways not too long ago, their destination Jade City. Layla was confident her demands would be met by that pompous ass Mayor Whateverhisnamewas.

Despite the deep gray clouds that covered the sky, and the torrential downpour that limited vision, it was not hard to discern the tremendous amounts of damage caused by Deanna or whoever she was, and her brood army of creatures. Hinewai Harbor has sustained minimal damage from this war, but considering it had barely recovered from the battle with the Val’nothe and the demon girl Terra Vale, the most minuscule of destruction seemed massive. Still, they were able to land despite all.

Layla did not favor her usual garb of simple but tasteful gown and slippers. As far as the Lady of Bariston was concerned, wartime was still ongoing. She dressed in warm sturdy leathers and boots; her wool shirt and mantle she wore dyed a deep crimson and trimmed with grey, Bariston’s colors proudly displayed for all to see. Defeated, but not broken. Still, even with her different garb, she, Ambrose and ten of Bariston’s chosen soldiers, were soaked through and through by the time they made it to the City’s gate. Or rather, what was left of the City’s gate.

Hardly shocked by what she saw, it was still a disturbing sight to witness such horrendous destruction among what used to be such splendor. Small tents and makeshift huts were set up sporadically where residents sought shelter amongst the rubble of what used to be their homes. Their faces peered out of the tent flaps, devoid of any hope, as the Bariston ruler and her guard slowly made the procession through the Grand City, which was no longer grand. Little shops, markets, taverns, all were laid to waste. Nothing had been spared.

By the time the Bariston crew had come to the castle gates, they were drenched to the bone and mud-splattered. Hardly fitting to see the self-proclaimed boy king, but Layla wasn’t here to impress. She was here to see that the woman Deanna was punished for her crimes against humanity and treason against the realm was executed immediately. She was here to question Sahar upon failure to comply with her ruler’s orders. She was here to condemn and ultimately convict Verial Akilara, former acting King on his failure to protect his people and his lands. And she was here to see that this new boy king satisfied her demands. Layla was a woman on a mission, and those who stood in her way would face her wrath and thirst for justice for Bariston, and for the entire realm.

Her mansion had fared far better than the castle, but as long as the dungeons were still intact, Layla could care less where the new boy king laid his head at night, not while the people were homeless and in despair. Each step she took, each time her boot sunk into the mud and rocks carried her one step closer to avenge the fallen. The Lady of Bariston, flanked by Captain Ambrose Pennington and soldiers entered the courtyard, their strides never breaking as they finally reached the archway that once contained a door that had led into the main entryway in the castle. There was no sentry to proclaim their arrival, for Deanna’s army had seen to the annihilation of many of the Alerian guard. Whatever remained, and this included the Lord Commander Kir, were most likely within the castle walls, safe and dry and protecting the boy king, Elias.

Layla stopped in the center of the main hall room, silently wishing over and over that she had listened to the royal emissaries Ameerah and Valorious. Now it was too late. Perhaps though, she could make things right again.

Lowering the sodden hood of her mantle, the Lady Layla Victoire stood straight and proud, all 5’4” of her seemingly towering over her much taller guardsmen and Captain. It was Ambrose who noted the sound of footsteps coming from the upper stairway. Layla glanced upward, wondering if it would be her own Lord Commander Redmont to greet her or perhaps Commander Kir. Either way, Layla was not leaving until her sense of justice was satisfied.

At first a shield went up around the two he was attacking, almost at the same instant as the shadow golem collapsed on itself from a shot of energy. The demonic arraki snarls in rage before being struck suddenly from the flank and found himself falling. The ground cracked where his body hit and he struggled to push himself to a kneeling position. Rage built inside his mind and hands wrapped tightly around the spine of Black the dead arrakis bone shaking with energy. He could feel the imprisonment of Sharay and his mind began to clear.

He heard the words of this other goddess standing above him and a grin covered his face. The disappearance of Gethe and imprisonment of Sharay left a power vacuum in the dark energy in the city. The demonic arraki begins to suck it up like a sponge, Blacks spine cracking as the power surged into it. The demonic arraki was not one to merely turn tail and run, even from a Goddess. “It is funny you gods, Sharay was right, you let thousands die and now only show up at the apex of the battle to save one..”

Outside the walls Soul lifted himself from the ground, Obstinata sliding back into his body slowly, the pain from being nearly pulled out had almost shattered Souls resolve but the sudden ground shaking had brought him back from the brink and the pure energy had spread forth from him like a bubble and Gethe had vanished into a cloud of darkness. He listened to the demon speak, “Take a new form; I will destroy that one too.”

He suddenly felt Chaos again as his demonic copy began to gather the dark energy for a final stand. The castle was crumbling, and to think the arraki had just gotten a bottle of rum barely a month ago, if that. A strong presence of one of the gods of this realm was close to Chaos, it took long enough for one to appear. Soul glances back to the Scarlet Pearl resting on the ground, he’d owe Nari a new gas sack now too. He jerks his head forward again and is gone from the castle walls.

He appears suddenly behind Chaos staring at the back of the demonic arraki, the Goddess having left him to flee or stay and die. The demonic arraki stood slowly and turned to face Soul dark crimson iris’s surrounded by pools of black. Black’s spine points at Soul and Chaos grins, “They all come at the end Soul help me show them the error of their ways. How many have died due to their hesitation?”

Soul moves jus at Chaos lifts the spine into the air, the two seeming to combine as one in the rubble of the castle. But Soul doesn’t mean to absorb the creature again, the demonic arraki begins to tear apart as Soul opens Obstinatas door. Chaos’s essence flows around Soul sucking into his spine where the blade resides once more. Within a matter of moments the demonic arrki is no more and his life force is contained within the blade which destroys it with a burst and sends a flow of energy through Soul.

The arraki clenches his hand at the sudden burst of energy savoring it, he picks up Blacks spine, still storing the energy and channels it as well into the blade. The bone crumbles and his fingers and suddenly the arraki is alone. He inhales deeply and turns to survey the destroyed city falling apart still in the aftermath. Glancing down he spies a dead man in a torn leather coat, he picks up the coat and pulls it over his shoulders, it was a little tight but not too bad.

His mind almost wanted him to leave the city now that the good were triumph and continue his wandering but another part of him wanted to help rebuild from the rubble. He sighs rubbing his neck, still feeling the energy of his two dead copies coursing through his veins he could be of use. He was a seven foot tall muscle bound freak for a lack of better terms.

Thump.

Soul tilts his head and walks toward a collapsed building, the pieces of rubble giving no clue to what it had been. The arraki listens as another thump sounds from under the pieces. He bends over and pulls up on a fallen support beam lifting it and a chunk of the collapsed timber of the roof to reveal a trap door. The door pops open and a young boy peers out at him with soft green eyes that widen at the sight of the arraki with his dark crimson eyes.

The door begins to slam shut as the boy falls but Soul catches it with his other hand and props it open to reveal a large group of children huddled in the small cellar; they all look up at him fearfully. He scans them all with his eyes, “Come on out, it’s over.”

It took a bit more coaxing to get them to slowly start climbing out but eventually they were all huddled in the street a group of eighteen, the little boy who had opened the door seemed to be the leader. He steps forward after Soul lets the roof drop again with a crack that startled some of the children.

“Are you a good guy?”

Soul turns to the group and the one who addresses him eyeing him up, “Yeah. I’m Soul, who are you?”

“Zafiro.” The boy responds, “Firo for short.” He was about ten years old and barely three feet high and his hands were clenched tightly. Those bright green eyes watch Soul cautiously from under a mop of brown hair.

“How did you all get down there?”

“I lead us down there. Mother was killed..” The boys eyes well with tears.

“Your mother?”

“She is all our mother, we were all orphans and she took us in.” Firo explained looking down at the ground, “Now we have no one again. Because of that army.” Anger rose in the boy’s voice and a blue glow permeated through his clenched hands.

Soul rose a brow and steps forward putting a hand on the boys shoulder, the other children took a step back, “Hey, I’m here to help.” Soul smiled, “Are you all thirsty, hungry?” A bunch nod their heads yes and Firo seems to calm down. Soul looks around, “Find something that can hold water each of you.”

It took some time but eventually the children were gathered around him with buckets, mugs, bottles and other various things. While they were doing such Soul had found a dozen apples and ten oranges, a couple on the smashed side. He holds his hand over each receptacle in turn water pouring from his finger tips to fill each container. The kids all look on in amazement at the magic and seem almost more trusting as he hands each one a fruit to snack on. Eighteen fills of water later and the kids all sat drinking and eating. Soul watched them all then turned his attention to Firo.

He grabbed the boys hand, still clenched tight around the mug he’d found. The boy yelled in protest, but the arraki was much stronger than him. In the palm of each hand was a sapphire, inlaid in the flesh showing just a triangle of the gem. Soul looks at them curiously and then lets him go. The arraki doesn’t say anything but walks to the collapsed orphanage.

He lifts his hands and the torn leather coat pulls taut around his shoulders as the buildings support lifts slowly. The broken beam mends and within a matter of minutes the building stands again. The children watched in amazement again and Soul beckons them inside just as the rain begins to fall. They all file in with Firo going in last turning to look at the arraki, “Can I do that?”

“Maybe kid.” The arraki shrugs and steps inside starting a fire in the fireplace with a wave of his hand. The common room glows with fire as the rain outside begins to fall harder. Soul scratches his head staring at all the kids, now what? The arraki had never had kids, or younger siblings, and all of their eyes were on him. “Get some blankets and pillows together and I’ll tell you a story of a wooden knight who slew a dragon.” He figured once order was restored someone would be coming from the children and until then he’d keep an eye on them especially on Firo, he’d never seen anything like the boys hands before and it had the arraki more than a little curious.

36 hours after the war...

Things had been handled and though the city was decimated beyond belief, it was not past the point of saving. Of course, things would have to be rebuilt again. In Elias' absence, everything Verial Akilara had managed to do was wiped clean and the current state of the city was a dismal one. However, Elias was not about to give up on his city or the rest of Aleris for that point. Elysia had stopped Sharay and though Blend, Tempesturo's Champion, had taken the soul snare away, it was the least of Elias' concerns. Since he had made the doll and forged Sharay's soul into with the aid of Elysia, there wasn't anything the skeleton could do with it really. Burning the stick figure was simply a way of sealing Sharay forever. Elias' main worry was caring for his citizens and since he had reclaimed his throne, there were a lot of citizens throughout Aleris to care for.

The castle had been mostly leveled save for the northwestern section where Elias had taken up temporary residence. Throughout the hours after the war, the first thing Elias did was to make sure tents and makeshift huts were erected throughout the city. These dwellings were sturdy enough to protect Grand City's citizens from the sudden wash of rain that poured over the city. People were also invited on a turn by turn basis into the castle for things like food and baths, necessities that had been taken from them in the war. While it didn't make things better, it did give the people a temporary reprieve from the sadness that threatened to consume them.

While the city was nowhere near finished, the task of cleaning up bodies was also being seen to. Though Soul's Ferry Cemetery was not far off, the amount of dead was too much for the place to handle. Instead, much like Bariston, bodies were carted off towards Hinewai Harbor and burned in controlled bonfires, millions upon millions of ashes drifting lazily out to sea. People gathered in the rain and watched as their loved ones disappeared beneath the dark depths of the ocean. For some people, it wasn't an optimal way to set the dead to rest, but considering the situation and the threats that accompanied the end of a war - disease, famine, further war - it was the best and perhaps only option.

What little remained of Grand City's military was scattered throughout. Soldiers and royal guards who were able bodied and not wounded took turns on their posts, ever vigilant and making sure that the current threat was indeed over. Never had a catastrophe like this struck Aleris before so suffice to say, everyone was still on edge. Elias had only kept the company of two guards and had Madrin Kir, the Lord Commander of Eiler, keeping a watch on everyone while reporting to him when necessary.

In the midst of all of this, there were Eiler's other cities Elias had to reach out to - Joi and Jade City. Once again, Jade City had escaped any sort of misfortune (though Elias did not wish it upon anyone) and Joi, the once beautiful city of the arts was trying to recover from the tidal wave that had submerged it. Since Joi was rebuilding, unfortunately it could only house very few refugees while Grand City started construction again. Elias reminded himself to fire that no good Mayor of Jade City and to put himself under watch of the town until a more suitable replacement could be found.

Then there were the politics to handle. At that very thought, there was a knock upon the door to his room and Elias looked away from the rain soaked window he was currently peering out of. The royal guard outside the door let Elias know his guest was present. After Elias told the guard to let his company inside, the door slowly opened and Verial Akilara stepped through, the first of Elias' many visitors while he had some time to see anyone. Verial offered a bow and Elias did the same, though Elias could tell the loss of Verial's wings still pained the hybrid Angelic in his movements.

Verial stood a good foot and a half above Elias, but Aleris' boy king looked him in the eyes with the same seriousness as any adult king would have. "Verial Akilara, I wanted to thank you for taking the time out to see me. I know things have been rather... hectic. I wanted to apologize for any inconveniences I may have caused while I was absent, or rather as some have been saying, hiding. I appreciate you stepping into position of Protector Regent while I was away, but now that I have returned, I'll be assuming Aleris' throne once more. I do hope you understand."

Verial's face for the most part appeared blank, but there seemed to be a weight that was lifted from his shoulders at the mention of Elias being king again. "I would expect nothing less, King Elias, and considering the situation and the state that the kingdom is in, you would be better suited for the job. I don't believe I can bring them hope," Verial said. Elias opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Verial continued on with a question. "I am curious though, if you don't mind me asking, who was King Alerion? There was obviously someone in charge of Aleris before."

"I am King Alerion," Elias said with a nod. "I can create dolls, puppets, soul snares - whatever you want to call them - and transfer my own being into them. Though 'King Alerion' appeared to look real, even had skin and blood, he was nothing but a puppet that I was transferring my will into. I used them to be safe from a very far distance where no one was the wiser. I have the skill to make them very like-like." Elias paused and smiled just a bit, as if he were proud of his work. His face then turned serious once more as he regarded Verial. "But the time for hiding is over... I'm here now as I really am. I know most will not readily accept me in my natural form, that having the appearance of a 15 year old, but it is a necessary side effect to what I gave up in the past to protect Aleris."

"I see," was all Verial said in response.

"In any case, I called you here today to discuss other matters. Mostly your future Verial. During the war, I had witnesses - several of our soldiers - say that they saw you mistakenly kill one of our own men in an attempt to save Deanna DiCorvino as she was possessed by Sharay. There are other rumors, ones I do not mean to investigate, but these do have others now questioning your character. To put it simply, the city is divided. Half of them want you imprisoned for assisting in the aid of an enemy, the others do not think this is right since you did protect our city in my absence and did your best. Prior to that, you even helped save the city from the Val`nothe. I could be wrong here, Verial, but you don't appear to be the sort of person who would set up such a scheme only to be working with Sharay."

"What would you have me do then?" Verial asked.

"Head to Arthuran," Elias said. "I looked over the new plan for Aleris' government you constructed. I do approve and like it very much. Being as the position of Lord of Arthuran is open, I would have you fill that gap. Chaliceton could use a guiding hand and I think you would be better suited for this task. What do you say? I think this should appease both sides of the people - the ones who are seemingly against you will know that you're far away and the others that support you will know that you weren't imprisoned."

"As you know, I no longer have anything to keep me here. When do I leave?"

"There's a ship sailing out tonight. We have some refugees, people who have family in Chaliceton, who are going there to live for some time until Grand City is rebuilt. Does this work?"

"Of course. I'll gather my things then and get ready to depart. By your leave, King Elias," Verial said dipping into a bow.

"Thank you, Verial. I wish you a safe trip and hope Chaliceton treats you well. I will inform them that you'll be there in about a week."

As Verial turned to leave, Elias' lips twisted into a half a frown. When Verial reached for the doorknob, Elias spoke, stopping Verial in the process. "For someone who made such an attempt to save Deanna DiCorvino, you did not ask about her welfare Verial. Why?"

"What is there to ask about? She's in the dungeons, correct?"

"Yes, but Verial, she is going to be executed," Elias said. To this, Verial's hand paused on the door knob and he was very still as if he couldn't believe the words he was hearing. "I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do about this. There's an overwhelming amount of people that seek retribution regardless of Elysia's knowledge that Sharay was controlling her. In their eyes, too many people died and Deanna's life is a small price to pay on the path to justice. Since I answered a question of yours earlier, I'd like you to grant me the same. Why is Deanna DiCorvino so important to you? Do you love her? You do not seem to have any romantic or family ties to her, unless my sources are mistaken."

"With all that has happened, I cannot give you any reasons that would make Sharay's crimes committed against Aleris while in Deanna's body any lighter," Verial said, turning to look back at Elias for a moment. "I cannot even begin to explain my reasons to you - or even myself - for feeling a certain sort of protection towards Deanna. If you want an answer that should be as good as any others though, she is my friend. In the eyes of the others who have already decided her punishment, my words - especially now - are not good enough. Whatever makes them sleep at night." Aleris' boy king expected a different reaction - perhaps anger - but Verial stood as stoic as ever. "Farewell, King Elias."

Before Elias could get out another word, Verial had opened the door and left to exit through one of the few remaining halls of Aleris' broken castle. Now alone, Elias let out a soft sigh and shook his head wishing there was something he could do for Deanna DiCorvino, but there was nothing. Elias understood the process of transferring a soul to another body perhaps more so than anyone else, but all the knowledge in the world and endless hours of explanation would never win over thoughts of retribution and justice.

After a few silent minutes to himself, Elias moved to the door of his room and opened it. Outside, the royal guard noticed his King's sudden presence and bowed swiftly in response.

"My Lord?"

"I would like to see Ameerah Sultan and Valorius Malku, leaders of Heruin. If they are still present in the city, please let them know I am requesting an audience."

"Right away, King Elias."

Elysia's arrival was timely, the damage caused to the castle was lessened thanks to her impressive display of power. Not to mention, it spared Madrin from having to charge an enraged demon proclaiming herself queen of Aleris. He wasn't about to let another oppressive tyrant claim his realm again. He now knew his evil father no longer lived but, something far worse wore his skin. These thoughts ran thru his mind as he witnessed the demonic fiend get torn out of Deanna by death herself. The strange wooden doll called a soul snare was something he had never heard of before. He had to admit, a prison for such a dangerous creature would have been hard to find, it was good to know for future reference.

Next, Elias ordered the still breathing body of Deanna to be taken to the remains of the castle dungeon. Before Madrin reamed the teenager for giving orders to him, the goddess intervened on the boys behalf. "As you wish King Elias, by your leave. Well met Elysia." He bowed to both equally, and lifted the therianthrope women gently trying not to aggravate any damage she had. Some people might see such care as pointless but, Madrin could not blame Deanna for the actions of Sharay. He was from a family directly blamed for the fall of an entire civilization. They were not at fault, because they had been robbed of their will just like this poor women.

Maxim followed as Madrin carried Deanna to the cells. he noticed several bloodthirsty glares, as he passed civilians and soldiers alike. The shifter was placed in the most secure cell possible, and a healer was called for. He refused to leave until Deanna was tended, so he waited. During that time The two Lord commanders' were alone for awhile as the guard on the prison sought a healer. Madrin's uniform was practically the same color as the vampires because of the blood that soaked the once white fabric. It barely remained intact with all the claw marks and weapon tears. He was going to have several new scars from the battle he did not have the vampires quick healing that prevented such things. Madrin knew if proper action was taken he would be without so many scars. However, he saw them as proof of the price he paid for tapping into the rage within. He would never part with what gave him perspective.

Madrin tone was completely neutral as he spoke to the Redmont. "Maxim I want to remind you of something. Most vampires I have met have no thought of anything but, their next meal. You however, are proof that redemption is always possible. I don't know your reasons but, it's never as simple as one step, redemption is a long road. Take that as you will I've said my peace." A few minutes later the healer arrived and did what she could for Deanna. She insisted or tending his wounds immediately after that, calling him a fool for letting a prisoner be seen to before him. With that he returned above to report to King Elias.


The demon Gethe had shown his power and as far as Madrin knew he was dead. Thankfully, the fallen dimension of Nirdor was without it's god of darkness. This is why he knew better than anyone what a powerful being could do if it wasn't stopped. Several eyewitnesses confirmed the morning light had destroyed the dark lord. Madrin hoped they were correct because, he would never allow that to happen to his people again. He had to wonder if Nirdor would save itself or fall farther into the abyss.

Madrin was quite busy as time passed overseeing the guard shift rotations including military aid to reconstruction. All normal physical training was reduced since a lot of effort went into rebuilding on everyone's part. Mira Blackwolf found him while he sought survivors from the aftermath of what some have called the war of darkness. "Madrin is it true that Gerthluo has come to Aleris." His best friend from childhood looked quite shaken at the possibility of nightmares becoming truth. He couldn't blame her the stories of the tribes terrible past were often told so that the clan never forgot.

Madrin gave her a reassuring pat on her shoulder and spoke. "No Mira, it wasn't him at least not anymore."

"By the gods speak plainly, I have no patience for sparring with words!" The anger on her face was plain but, the dim light of fear gleamed in those sapphire blue eyes as well.

"No worries Mira he's gone now. However, if the demon shows himself again I will personally tear off that bastards head with my bare hands if need be! Aleris will never become a twisted realm ruled by a self proclaimed god as long as I still live, you have my word on that!" His voice was full of barely contained anger, Mira was glad it wasn't directed at her.

"Thank you Madrin, for soothing my troubled heart." The woman gave him a strong hug, and kissed him deeply. He was a little dazed as she walked off to tend to her own duties. By the gods did she have to hug him where anyone could see. Suddenly he heard someone scream as a building was about to collapse on some rescue workers. He unleashed his wrath and moved to hold the wall long enough for them to escape. However, the wall separated into two pieces as he stood there unable to move, or the tragedy would double. The last thing he would have suspected, was a eight foot tall, emerald eyed, and dark brown furred ape's intervention in stopping the other side.

Sahar slumped against the wooden bench, her lovely face showing great signs of exhaustion. She was too tired to even swat at the fly that circled near her head, but managed to muster a halfhearted wave of her hand. The magae closed her eyes as her head lay against stone that had managed to withstand the destructive chaotic force that Deanna had unleashed within the castle.

Just a few minutes I shall rest, but then back to work I must go. The people need me.

Sahar recalled the events of the past day. She, Alastair/Animal, and Verial Akilara, former Protector Regent of the realm of Aleris had managed to reach the center of the Grand City when they noticed the bluish black energy that radiated from the dark woman had been extinguished. All three had stared in wonder as they tried to comprehend what had taken place to dampen the Dark Goddess’ powers. By the time they had reached the castle, the rains had begun, and it was to Sahar’s astonishment that the Goddess Elysia herself had made her appearance and banished the evil entity that inhabited the body of the woman Deanna.

The war had ended before it had truly begun. The Goddess of Chaos and Death, whom Sahar later found out was called Sharay, was contained in a soul snare, something the magae had heard of before, but never actually seen. What was equally impressive, but hardly a surprise, was the removal of Verial from his position. In his place was a young man, if Sahar had to guess his age she would peg him for mid-teens, named Elias Lowell, the rightful King of Aleris. Championed by Elysia, Elias immediately took upon himself the role of ruler without the slightest hesitation. Deanna had been captured and was presently residing in a cell in the dungeon. Sahar wasn’t aware of Deanna’s status, if she had regained consciousness, or if she was even alive, but the healer couldn’t dwell on the fallen puppet of Sharay right now. She was a healer first and foremost, and the people of the Grand City were in dire need of one.

Since all had ended, Sahar had worked at near non-stop pace tending to wounds of citizens, soldiers, and anyone who crossed her path. Somewhere in the frenzy, she had lost track of Alastair, but knew that the Animal was capable of caring for himself. The desert beauty smiled despite her fatigue as she bandaged the arm of a woman who was holding her toddler against her chest as she thought of how the Animal, or rather Alastair’s better half, had gone out of his way to protect her from the Aliscowri and lycans who were positive they would get a free meal out of the healer. She had named him friend at that moment, and would always be grateful for his kind actions. Perhaps there was more to Alastair than met the eye. Sadly, Sahar would have to wait some time to find out. Duty called. Duty always called.

She hadn’t time to worry about Lord Verial (it would be difficult not to think of him as such despite his lost position) either. There was a never ending stream of those with minor, major and critical injuries, and though Sahar was hardly the only healer available, she was the best. No one could doubt her incredible skill. Children and the most severe patients were treated first, followed by the remainder of the wounded. Shockingly, no one complained they had to wait their turn, for all understood the dire situation at hand.

It was only when the desert magae was close to collapsing herself, did one of the Alerian guard she had previously treated command her to rest. The older man had physically pulled Sahar to her feet and lifted her as if she weighed not more than a drowned water rat, taking her within the castle walls. Indeed Sahar was soaked to the bone. The torrential downpour had not helped Sahar’s abilities, and the healer wondered idly as she was set before the warm hearth in the main hallway of the castle, if she would end up one of the invalid herself.

So there she sat, dripping onto the worn stone floor, yet perfectly content before the crackling flames, feeling extremely drowsy as she fought sleep. Though Sahar hadn’t stepped foot on her native land in Heruin for over a decade, she couldn’t help day dreaming of the hot desert continent. The heat from the fire reminded her of her days basking in the sun, or playing by the sea as a child. This brought another tired smile to her lips. With a heavy sigh and not bothering to care if anyone was around to take note, the healer removed her head covering, the pale rose colored silk was as dark as fresh blood from the water it had absorbed. She wrung it out onto the floor, wincing slightly at her own aching hands. Carefully she draped the scarf flat next to her on the bench to dry some before tending to the dark chestnut hair on her head in the same manner.

It was a rare sight for any who passed by to see Sahar’s thick mane uncovered, but from time to time, the desert woman made exceptions to her own personal social practices.Sahar heard footsteps and turned her head, her honey colored eyes widening in surprise as she watched Lady Layla Victoire enter the main hall on the opposite end. She caught sight of Ambrose Pennington, Captain of the Bariston guard and several of his men following Layla bearing the colors of Bariston in their armor and outer mantles that they wore. From the grim expression Layla wore, Sahar deciphered that the ruling lady was here to not only meet and greet the newest King, but to demand blood payment in the form of Deanna DiCorvino. Sahar bit down on her lower lip, only imagining the reaction her Lady and friend would have in store for her for failure to sway the Lord Verial when it came to the handling of his friend. She almost considered avoiding the Bariston clan when her gaze met the faded blue eyes of Captain Pennington who happen to glance in her direction at that very moment. Though the aging war veteran gave nothing away, he offered a slight shake of his head toward Sahar, indicating her previous thoughts were correct. Her Lady was highly displeased with the healer.

Better face the music now, Sahar thought as she stiffly rose from her bench, reaching for her head wrap. Despite aching fingers, the desert woman had deft fingers and quickly covered her hair and lower face as she made her way in slow measured steps toward the Lady Victoire and her personal guard. Her Lady finally acknowledged Sahar’s presence with narrowed eyes, her jaw set even as the magae respectfully dipped her head in greeting, uttering a soft, “My Lady. It is good to see you again.”

Layla Victoire’s gaze travelled the length of Sahar, her brow raised. “Sahar. You look terrible. I imagine you’ve been rather busy lately with your skills, Healer?” Sahar stiffened, unused to such a cold greeting from her friend, but still replied in that soft accented voice, “I have indeed, my Lady.” The magae did not elaborate, for Layla could surely see with her own eyes the damage done to the people. She waited calmly with baited breath for the lambasting from Layla that would surely come. Seconds ticked by and for a moment, Sahar thought that perhaps her instincts were wrong, until finally Layla spoke.

“I cannot begin to express my disappointment in you Sahar. You are a healer. You, who swore to preserve life, aided in its destruction when you failed to convince Verial Akilara that his soft hearted mentality concerning that woman would serve no purpose here, and remind him of his duty to these people. To our people. To the entire realm! TO PROTECT THEM AGAINST ALL HARM NO MATTER WHAT THE COST!”

“You have failed me, Sahar, but most important, you have failed the people. Your people.”

Sahar winced as Layla’s voice rose in octave, and at the blatant cruelty in Layla Victoire’s words. Though privately she disagreed with her ruler regarding Lord Verial, she lowered her head, her eyes downcast and tear filled.

“It was not my intent to fail you or anyone else, my Lady,” she began in hushed tones, “but what you asked of me, to conspire to murder an innocent woman who was not directly responsible for the evil entity that reanimated her…Layla….I ....that goes against everything I believe in. I cannot consent to murder of any kind. You know this.” Finally Sahar lifted her head, tears sliding down her cheeks as her heart broke in pieces upon seeing this strange woman before her.

Layla stared at Sahar for several heartbeats, and Sahar hoped against hope that her Lady would understand her position, would forgive her, would be the Layla she knew from childhood.
“Then you are of no use to me.” Layla intoned darkly before turning on her heel and walking away, determined to find this so called boy-king and deal with Deanna DiCorvino and Verial Akilara.

Captain Ambrose Pennington gave Sahar a look of sympathy. “I am sorry, Lady Sahar, but my place is by my Lady’s side.” With that, he too turned from the desert magae, leaving her standing alone in the main hall.

Great sadness filled Sahar and she wiped at her face, taking deep shuddering breaths to compose herself. The line in the sand was drawn, and Sahar had chosen to stand on the side opposite the woman who was like a sister to her, her best friend.

She had chosen the side of Verial Akilara.

With new determination, Sahar turned and walked from the room, her head held as high as she could muster. Sahar was a healer, and though she knew her path in life was to serve, that did not mean she had to commit to someone who went against everything she believed in, even if that meant parting ways from Layla Victoire forever.

She would seek out Lord Verial. She would warn him of what fate could possibly be in store for him should he come face to face with Layla, and she would help him in any way possible.

Layla Victoire be damned.

(Valorius had followed Blend through the rift he took Sharay's soulsnare through, so the meeting with Elias would have occurred after whatever transpired there. The details of that encounter will come shortly in a separate post.)



After What Had Transpired Within The Realm Of Chaos The Young Prince Had Returned In A Different State Than When He Vanished Into The Chaos Portal. No Word Or Explanation Had Been Given As To Why He Followed Tempesturo's Champion Through The Rift But Ameerah Alone Would Know. Not Even Dimensional Barriers Could Sever The Connection Between Them. She Felt What He Felt, Especially When It Was An Overwhelming Sensation – Be It Physical Or Psychological. Though She Said Nothing To Anyone, Her Features Would Give The Impression That Whatever She Had Felt Was Anything But Positive. And When He Emerged Through A Similar Rift And Back Into The Realm Of Aleris, Those With A Sense For Aura's Could Detect Something Else Came With Him. Something Malevolent And Without Reason.

He Made No Attempt To Conceal The Ethereal Passenger, But He Also Offered No Information Either. There Did Appear To Be A Frequent Tensing Of His Jaw Though And He Constantly Clenching His Fists, Averting His Eyes And Closing Them Tightly For Brief Moments As If Reining Something In. Other Than Those Odd Physical Displays He Seemed Himself, Answering The Question Of ~What happened?~ With Only A ~I'll explain later..when I can.~. But When He Returned Ameerah Had Stated They Should Return To Heruin. With The War Ended And The Mad Goddess No Longer Bringing Destruction To The Realm There Was Little Cause For The 2 Of Them To Remain In Grand City. For Some Reason Or Another His Instincts Told Him They Should Remain If Only For A Short Time, Though He Had No Real Reason Why. That Reason Presented Itself Though In A Knock Upon A Door. Since They Had No Need To Hide Themselves It Was Simple Enough For The Guard To Ask Around. A Near Grey Skinned Young Man With A Fiery Eyed, White Haired Young Woman Were Not Easy To Miss And Much Easier To Find.

”It's open.” Valorius Being The One Who Responded To The Knock.

The Door Opened And The Guard Seemed Dumbstruck For A Moment As His Eyes Took In What Was Before Him, Not Sure What To Make Of It. Valorius Stood With His Back To The Door, Sans His Coat And Shirt With Only A Pair Of Black Slacks Upon Him. His Left Arm Pulsed With Rhythmic Flashes Of Self-Contained Light While Arcs Of Emerald Ran The Entire Length Of The Limb, Responding To The Life Energy That Entered The Room. But The Light Stretched Beyond The Arm Itself, Forming His Left Shoulder, Most Of His Left Pectoral And Shoulder Blade. Over A Dozen Orbs Of What Looked To Be Glass Lay On The Ground Around Him, Ameerah Sitting Before Him With A Case Full Of Those Same Orbs, Only The Ones In The Case Had A Churning Neon Green Glow At Their Center. She Was In The Process Of Handing Him Yet Another With A Look Of Concern On Her Face As He Dropped Another Spent Orb To The Floor. He Was Quick To Reach Out And Take The Next With His Luminescent Left Hand And Begin Draining It. Never One To Show Worry To An Outsider Ameerah Cut Her Eyes Sharply To The Guard.

”Well? What the hell do you want?” Ameerah's Voice Ringing Out This Time.

Valorius Grinned Slightly, Brushing His Right Hand Affectionately Down Her Arm Before His Jaw Clenched Again And He Closed His Eyes Tightly. They Opened In Only A Moment But It Was Still Enough To Bring Ameerah's Full Attention Back Upon Him. He Had Told Her And Only Her What Had Happened, And It Still Was Not Sitting Well At All With Her. But As Always, No Matter What – She Was There For Him. The Guard Blinked Several Times. Normally He Would Be Slightly Angered By A Foreigner, Much Less A Woman So Young Speaking To Him In Such A Way. But He Had Seen What They Had Both Done During The War And Knew Better Than To Let His Ire Get The Better Of Him. Instead He Stammered A Moment And Spoke As Respectfully As He Was Able.

”My Lord wishes a meeting with you both as soon as you are able.”

Ameerah's Eyes Rolled Slightly As Frustration Showed On Her Face, Readying Herself To Remove Another Orb From The Case.

”For fucks sa...(sigh)..did he say why?”

”No m'lady. Only that he wished to see you both. I am prepared to escort you whenever you are ready.”

As Ameerah Went For The Next Orb, Valorius Dropped The Last To The Floor And Then Shook His Head. The Room They Were In Was An Abandoned Area Of A Home That Had Mostly Collapsed. Despite Their Titles They Required Very Little In Terms Of Comfort, And A Half Destroyed Domicile Was As Useful As A Lavish Manor As Long As It Suited Its Purpose. They Had No Need To Remain There Now That The Reason For Valorius' Wanting To Stay In Grand City Presented Itself. So As The Guard Finished, The Prince Responded Immediately.

”We are ready. Give us a moment and we will be prepared to travel.”

Ameerah Quickly Looked At Him, Her Eyes Widening Briefly As The Guard Nodded His Head And Stepped Outside.

”Valorius...you're not in any condition to be seeing anyone. For fucks sake it's been two days, and you've been going through these things like they're fucking candy. You're barely staying ahead of it as it is. You've got to get that bitch ou...”

When The Guard Had Left, Valorius Moved To Where His Sleeve Was. Taking It Up With His Right Hand And Sliding It Up Over His Left Arm. The Energy Of His Arm Crackled As It Met The Imbued Material Crafted By His Father, And As He Slipped The Anchor Strap Over His Neck He Turned To Ameerah In Mid Sentence. Her Words Held As He Saw The Pain And Anger Across Her Face.

”I know. But this is something I've got to do. I...can't really explain why. It's just...one of those instincts, you know? You're familiar with instinct..aren't you?” He Grinned And She Grinned In Return, Giving Him The Finger When She Did.

It Only Took A Few Minutes For The Door To Open And Ameerah To Step Out First With Valorius Behind Her. The Sleeve, Shirt, And Long Coat Once More Upon Him As The Guard Nodded His Head To The Pair.

”Follow me please. I will take you to...” Ameerah Raised A Hand And Shook Her Head. ”No need. We know where the palace is. Hold on.” That Was The Only Warning The Man Was Given As Her Eyes Gleamed Brightly And Her Hands Looked As If They Were Conducting An Invisible Orchestra. Dirt And Sand Picked Up On A Wind That Had Not Been There Before, And Soon It Was Swirling Around The 3 Of Them Until It Was A Small Tornado. When It Rose Above Their Heads It Immediately Fell Back To The Earth And The 3 Of Them Were Gone.

They Appeared With A Rising Of The Dirt Within The Castle Courtyard. The Debris Still Littered The Area So There Was Plenty Of Dust And Sand About. And The Moment They Appeared The Guard Was Falling To Hand And Knee, Vomiting What He'd Eaten Earlier Upon The Ground. Ameerah Only Shook Her Head, Not Saying A Word As Valorius Tightened The Straps Of His Sleeve, Pulling The Leather Clad Fingers Down Tight As The Guard Slowly Regained His Composure.

”Ugh...eh..thi...ahem...this way, please.”

The Guard Led Them Through The Courtyard And Into What Remained Of The Castle, Heading For The Northwest Area. Ameerah And Valorius Followed Behind, Ameerah's Eyes Shifting To Valorius Every Few Steps As Her Hand Reached Out And Touched To His Right. His Fingers Interlocked With Hers Briefly And Gave Her A Reassuring Squeeze As They Were Brought To The Door Which Could Only Be Assumed As The New King's Room. And As The Guard Knocked, Valorius Stood Fully Upright And Steeled Himself, Ameerah Squeezing His Hand In Turn Before Letting It Slip From Her Grasp.

They Had Battled Aleris' Demons. They Had Stood With Aleris' Gods. Now It Was Time To Meet Its Ruler.