Chapter 2

The scratching of a quill and a flickering light from a candle were the only signs of life in a small room. A moderate desk made of quality wood was covered in papers, scrolls, and books filled with memory gems. Bookcases lined all the walls filled with records and correspondences to the person who was reading yet another report.

His robes were made from high quality, beast silk and looked worn despite the durability of such materials. The colors were fading on the elbows and ink stains on the cuffs. There was no hair on his head or face. The face showed signs of age and agelessness at the same time. His presence was held close but had so much density his chair was forced to be made from enriched metals and padded with heavenly treasures that absorbed his errant energies. His face was completely average but held flawlessness that defies any ability to place his region of birth.

A moment passes as he reads a report from a green-glowing scroll. "It seems the Masters are sending some disciples to fight and gain life and death experience here again. Let's see what I can use to prepare for their arrival." He gestures and a book flies from the far shelf and instantly is in his hand. "Hmm, three medium kingdoms should have enough bodies to make the Crystal pits rich enough. Better use four just to make sure there are enough survivors for the fields. Yes, these four should be ready for the harvesting."

No emotional response could be seen on his face at the death of millions by his orders. One of those kingdoms soon to be erased calls itself the Fang Kingdom. A death toll from the bell of fate was rung that day. What other hidden meanings of the bells sounding would be lost due to the quantity of life soon to be harvested.

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Over the weeks leading up to arriving at the main compound of our Clan. We encountered a few beasts and some of the blood poisoned who caused a few injuries among the convoy. While the injuries were mild some of the wagons and sleds were damaged and needed replacements. During this time we were finally informed of our appointments and our excitement was hard to contain.

Stolen story; please report.

The main compound of our clan was built on a hill with a cavern system used for extra space. The caverns were enlarged and subdivided for beasts and storage. I was sure other secret rooms were there too but I haven't yet located those. We were very lucky a spirit well existing underneath us kept most of the crystal poison dispersed from this area.

This meant our goods and herds were safer and had a higher quality of growth.

The lower levels were off limits to all but a select few. The areas around the hill are enclosed by thick stone and mortar walls. A few fields for farms and medical herbs are tiered up the sides and rear of the hill. leaving the front for homes and the main hall on the top. Some of the homes have walled courtyards for privacy and status. Public areas for training and assembly are scattered throughout the area. Carvings of wood and stone depicting various sights and scenery, some show battles and beasts of extraordinary origins.

The compound is the oldest building site in the clan dating back several hundred cycles and has been the main source of protection the clan possesses. It can utilize a formation array to shield those inside from any known threats in the Kingdom. Only the Royal family has a stronger formation in use. It is believed that the hill had been a legacy from a past era. Many ruins are left to be repurposed by us survivors but only a few have working components. While some understanding of past methods and techniques still work today our ability to utilize them has diminished.

Being in our families courtyard I was enjoying James teasing Cile about his capture of the blood poisoned woman last week. The tree I am under was providing a lot of shade from the sun and a nice breeze was pushing through the branches and reducing the sounds from outside. The three of us are sitting on the benches facing the road and waiting for sunrise. Every morning we join the martial arts class at sunrise then split up to our various duties, including lessons on math and other trades skills.

"While we were dealing with that crazed woman, why did you punch her so hard Cile?" James asked, shaking his head. "Couldn't you just have immobilized her with the net"

"She was too strong and would have torn it and I didn't want to go back and make a new one to replace it. Besides she insulted Ms. Sheri." The last bit was said in an undertone I couldn't quite hear.

I saw William was running from the main hall dodging people and road hazards(dung from the beasts) while trying not to shout his news to all under the heavens. By the time he made it to us he was so out of breath he looked like he might pass out.

"Whhhehh a reed and neefn hurid" I couldn't stop myself from grabbing his shoulders and trying to get him to calm down. "Stop talking a moment, and get yourself under control so we can understand you!"

"No time, come now" with those four words he grabbed me and started pulling and pushing us towards the main hall. "Elder, summons"

Hearing the last bit we all shared a look and took off running as if our lives were on the line. I couldn't help myself and started to hope this was the evaluation summons. If not, still better to hurry and prevent elders from waiting for us.