Lord Gremmelt was the last of the Lords to follow after Commander Derricks. Having been told by the Commander to bring Eija, he crossed to the boy and noticed how shaken he was. As he approached, Eija broke from his wide eyed blank expression and shook himself back to his senses.

“Master Gremmelt,” said the boy.

“Initiate Eija,” replied Gremmelt. He placed his hand firmly on the boy's shoulder, looking deeply into his eyes. The boy still feels guilty… or maybe this is the look of Isolation knowing all will be looking to kill his sister. “Be strong,” he said in a low tone. “The Commander wishes to speak with you.”

Terror crossed the boy's face. “Okay,” he replied.

Gremmelt led Eija into the keep and down the hall to the council room where all of the Lords met to discuss without the prying ears of Witch Hunters. As they entered, Gremmelt closed the heavy door behind them.

Inside, tables were lined along the walls, leaving the center open. The tables were long and made of sturdy oak, and between the three tables, there were thirteen seats. Twelve for the Lords, and one for the Commander.

All of the Lords who were at the ceremony were now seated around these tables, with the enigmatic Wizard, Lycon, seated beside the Commander. Side by side, their resemblance was uncanny. With the only major difference in their features being their height. Lycon being the taller of the two.

The chatter of the room fell silent as Gremmelt led Eija into the center. He gave the boy a final pat on the shoulder before finding his own seat beside Lord Ros.

The Commander stood up and examined the boy. “So this is Eija.” He moved around the table until they were only a pace away. Being that the Commander was shorter than most men, he and Eija were eye to eye.

“The boy whose sister killed a Witch Hunter.” He slowly paced around Eija as he spoke. “The boy whose sister joined the Daughters of Chaos.” He looked over at Gremmelt with a raised eyebrow. “The boy who came to our home in hopes to save his sister. Does that sound familiar to anyone else?” The Commander looked around the room at the Lords.

Gremmelt nodded, as did Isle, Derbish, Bastion, Galiard, Isle, and Engle.

“Glad I am not the only one,” continued the Commander with a smile. “Now tell me, Initiate Eija, what exactly happened that night?”

Eija swallowed. “I had been looking for my sister with a few friends when a Witch Hunter—Benard—showed up. He was injured, but I still tried to get him to search for my sister. But he told me he wasn’t going to help and that someone would eventually come. That's when Gil— the sea dwarf who owns the bar in Eddlesreef—told me to leave. So I did. I went back home.”

Eija shook his head slightly and clenched his fists tightly. “When I got home… my parents were gone. I wasn’t sure why, but our hearth was out, and dinner was half-made. Soon after, Benard arrived, noticed the oddities, and explained my sister was with my parents at the crossing of two rivers. He said that the rituals of the Coven my sister joined demanded it. That the intersection of two rivers represented the intersection of Fate and Chaos.

“He warned me coming would be dangerous, but I pressed him. Besides, it wasn’t like he was in the condition to stop me anyways. We pushed on through the woods towards the rivers, and when we arrived…” Eija softly shook his head. “My sister was standing over the bodies of my parents. She had…” Eija sighed, rubbed his brow and took a deep breath.

“She had cut off their heads and placed them in a way that they were facing us when we arrived. Their eyes were still open—as if twisted with the very corruption that embedded itself in her spirit.”

“Hmmm,” replied the Commander, rubbing his chin as he paced. “The heads were facing you?”

“Yes, I can still remember the look in their eyes,” answered Eija.

The Commander swept his glance towards Isle, and both men nodded. “Then what happened? Spare no detail.”

“I tried to talk to her, but she was too far gone. She said she had done so much since I had last seen her. Before we could talk any further, Benard charged and the two fought. She flung some kind of Arcane blast at him, but he was able to knock it back at her. With that, he gained the upper hand. But she was able to get away and cross the river before he could finish the job.”

“I find it strange to believe that Witch Hunter Benard let his advantage slip.” The Commander looked over to Gremmelt who slowly nodded.

“Explain the broken nose,” Gremmelt said to Eija.

“Benard gave this to me.” Eija brought his hand to his nose. “I got in his way.”

“And how exactly did you get in his way?” asked the Commander.

Eija looked around the room, and just as he was about to speak, the Wizard Lycon stood up . “Mind your lies, boy. The truth is already known to me.” The Wizard's eyes flashed pink and white and he slowly returned to his seat.

Eija trembled in his place. Several uneasy silent moments passed as all waited to hear what Eija had to say.

“Benard was right on top of her. Sword bearing down on her neck, she screamed out in agony. Just as he was about to make the cut…” The boy’s legs began to shake uncontrollably. “I-I tackled him off. I couldn’t let him kill my sister right in front of me. Benard’s head is what caused this to break.”

“Then what happened?” asked the Commander.

“Then Benard chased after her and I stayed behind with the bodies of my parents. I didn’t know what to do anymore. I just sat there, staring into their eyes beneath the moon for what felt like an eternity. Everything I had was taken from me that night.”

“Get to the part about what Benard told you,” snapped Lord Isle. “Spare us your introspections.”

Anger crossed the boy’s brow, but he quickly suppressed it. “Yes, Lord Isle. Eventually, I crossed the bridge and followed the trail of blood Benard left behind. By the time I found him… he was fading fast. He told me about the Daughters of Chaos, the importance of the number thirteen, and lastly about Blackgrave. He didn’t say much, and most of it was incoherent. But one thing he said seemed more important than anything else. He simply said ‘Blackgrave, it cannot be searched for.’”

The Commander looked to Lycon who gave him a nod of approval. “Very well,” said the Commander. “Initiate Eija, you are dismissed.”

The boy’s mouth fell agape, and he scanned all of the Lords for even a hint of anger, but there was none to be found. “But I caused Benard’s death, aren't I to be punished?”

The Commander cracked a smile and let out a chuckle. “Talk to the boy, Gremmelt,” said the Commander.

“As you wish, Commander,” Lord Gremmelt replied. He quickly made his way over to the two of them and wrapped his arm around Eija. “Come on.”

Clearly shaken, Eija didn’t reply, he simply let Gremmelt guide him out. As the door closed behind them and they were now alone in the hall, Eija began to cry.

“I’m sorry, Master Gremmelt…” he said piteously. His face florid with the overwhelming emotions he had pushed into his gut. “It’s my fault Ben—”

Gremmelt placed his hand on Eija’s shoulder before he could finish his sentence. The boy’s tear filled eyes welled up red, and he lowered his gaze to Gremmelt’s boots. Letting his tears freely fall to the floor.

“You are not responsible for the death of Witch Hunter Benard,” said Lord Gremmelt sternly. He lifted Eija’s chin so the boy could stare into his eyes. “Benard made a choice to pursue a hunt he had no business in partaking in. He chose to let you follow him, and he chose to beckon Torment.” A furious anger raged in Germmelt’s eyes.

“I’m only mad at you for telling lies, not for what happened to Benard.” Gremmelt took a deep breath, calming the fury in his chest. “He should have never taken you with him. You are not responsible for his death, I cannot make it any more clear than that.” He placed his hand firmly on his breast. “I was the one who trained him. I was the one who guided him. Benard’s death weighs heavy on my conscience. I will not watch you burden yourself with it as well.”

Gremmelt let go of the boy and gave him a slight nod. “Are we clear?”

Eija nodded, wiping his tear-filled eyes dry. “Yes, Master Gremmelt. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth.”

“It’s okay, Eija. We had suspected you were lying, that's why the Wizard, Lycon, was here. Now, go find Naja, get some food, and head off to sleep. Come tomorrow, your training will begin.”

“Okay, Master Gremmelt,” replied the boy before disappearing down the hall. Once Eija was gone, Gremmelt returned to the others.

“Is the boy in higher spirits?” asked the Commander as Gremmelt reentered.

“He will be fine, just needs to put more time between him and the past.” Gremmelt moved towards his seat. “I take it you called us here for more than just to question my Initiate.”

“Sharp as ever ,” said the Commander. He slowly looked around the room at all of the Lords. “I have been all over the southern lands the last twenty or so days, and in every town, in every nook and cranny, I have sensed a looming evil. In Yashana Hill, people have gone missing without a trace. In Sossaboro, they fear attacks from Crow Clan bandits. In Yuru Kyld, fishing boats keep sinking under strange circumstances. And that's just to name a few.”

The Commander looked to Lycon. “I have asked the Wizard, Lycon, here for his insights on the world around us. It is my hope he can help us, at least for the time. I have been drafting up a proposal to the King, one that will see our numbers bolstered.”

“What exactly do you have in mind?” asked Gremmelt.

“A similar project to the one you organized a few years back,” replied the Commander.

“More prisoners?” asked Gremmelt.

The Commander only nodded.

Sir Galiard stood up and shook his head. “Commander, I’m not so sure I agree with more prisoners. It's already bad enough we have Kangee the Afflicted and Ithena the Wildfire in our ranks. How low are we willing to go?”

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“As low as it takes,” snapped the Commander as he slammed his fist down on the table. “The evils of these lands have grown. When this began, there were twelve of us. As things progressed, our numbers reached nearly seventy. But now, we are down to less than fifty. And that all happened in the last half-year. If we do nothing, I suspect by next year's end, The Order could be no more.”

The Commander’s words silenced the room.

“And what makes you so sure?” asked Lord Sangun.

The Wizard, Lycon, cleared his throat and stood up. “I have seen it.” Lycon cast his gaze around the tables. “For those of you who don’t know, I have a connection to Perspicacity, one that allows me to peer into the future through my dreams.” His gaze stopped on Lord Ros, locking onto him for a moment.

“I have dreamt of this very day. That's how I knew the boy would lie. Had I not challenged Initiate Eija before speaking, he wouldn’t have told the truth and you all would be none the wiser.”

“That's how you knew about my dream,” said Lord Ros in astonishment.

“Precisely,” replied the Wizard.

“What dream is that?” asked Lord Isle.

“The one I had before the Festival. It was—” Lord Ros eyed Lord Isle intently—”foreboding.”

“That’s why you were so mixed up when you awoke,” said Sir Galiard with a chuckle. “I don’t think we need to worry about any dream you have.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” said Lycon with an air of authority. He moved slowly towards Lord Ros. “Perspicacity grants her insights in peculiar ways. Often it is too hard to understand until it is almost too late.”

“Then Lord Ros should tell us all exactly what happened,” said Lord Isle.

“Perhaps,” said Lycon, moving his hand in a circular motion. “But, Perspicacity showed him this vision for a reason. It is likely something that only he can interact with in any meaningful way.” He turned towards Ros. “Whatever happened in your dream, Lord Ros, it is tied to your Fate. Tread cautiously.”

Lord Ros grew wide eyed and hid his gaze from the others. “Very well,” he replied, swallowing hard.

“Well, Lord Ros, what will it be? Are you going to share your dream or keep it secret?” asked Lord Isle. He stared intently at Ros, arms folded and unmoving.

“I’ll just say—” he looked over to Galiard—” you need to be careful around fire, Sir Galiard. In the dream I saw you burning.”

“Hah!” Sir Galiard lit up with excitement. Turning towards Lord Bastion, he tapped the other man’s arm with his fist. “Looks like I get to burn to death!”

“Are you sure, Lord Ros?” asked Lord Bastion with a smile across his face. “I always imagined you’d be crushed by that Ghallor pride of yours.”

“Ohh, come off it!” snapped Galiard with a smile of his own.

“Are you okay, Lord Ros?” asked Lord Gremmelt.

“I am fine. I was just shaken by how real the dream felt.” Lord Ros’ gaze moved slowly from Gremmelt to Isle before falling back to the floor.

“Are we done here?” Lord Sangun said as he stood up.

“Almost, Sangun,” replied the Commander. He took off his hat and placed it on the head table. Running his fingers through his tangled white locks and throwing them back, he stepped out towards the center of the room. “I wasn’t able to find anything else in Sossaboro or Eddlsreef. But we know Initiate Eija wasn't lying, so we finally know for sure that the Daughters of Chaos are actually real. As to what we are going to do about it, I am unsure.”

“Perhaps we should assign a few Witch Hunters to look into,” said Lord Engel.

“No,” replied the Commander. “Witch Hunter Benard spent thirteen years searching for them and only found them out of luck. That is what I believe, at least. We have no idea if they will be active or if they will disappear for another thirteen years. It's best we have everyone keep an ear out for it, no sense assigning anyone to look into it specifically.”

“What of Benard’s warning? What do you make of that?” asked Gremmelt.

“I’m not sure. Witch Hunter Benard had a fanaticism to him that I don’t think anyone could deny. It could be that he thought no one but him could handle it. We just don’t know.” The Commander folded his arms. “In the meantime, there are a few things I am worried about.”

“First, we need to get a team to Yashana Hill. I passed through on my way back and heard a few people had gone missing and some bodies had been found with strange puncture wounds on their necks or wrists. The whole time I was there, I had the unsettling feeling of being watched from the shadows. Something is going on there, and a team of four needs to be sent to investigate,” said the Commander.

“Yashana Hill is a home to more Zeniditions than anywhere else, we should make sure the party has one of their own,” replied Lord Isle.

“A good point. Have we received any word from Zenzarra?” asked the Commander.

Lord Isle shook his head. “In the beginning of Chaos, she sent us a letter saying she had made some progress with one of the wyvern whelps she was able to capture. Her hope is that she will be able to tame it before it gets too hard to control.”

“Very well.” The Commander turned towards Gremmelt. “Do you think Naja has it in her?”

“Yashana Hill was Naja’s home before she joined The Order. Too many shadows of her past reside there. I think it is unwise to send her to where her journey began. Besides, I was hoping to have her help train Initiate Eija,” replied Lord Gremmelt.

“Fair enough, then who do we have left?” asked the Commander.

“There are a few who come to mind, but the two that stand out the most are either Ra’Selas or Ithena,” answered Isle. He held up his hands. “Both are skilled warriors and can carry parties on their own. But—” his right hand lowered—”Ra’Selas has been distracted by his run in with the Witch of Doubt. That, and he is still limping, so a journey by foot would be difficult.”

“Then we are left to leave this to the Wildfire?” asked the Commander, and Lord Isle nodded.

“I think it is the only option we have.”

“Very well. See to it she leads a team to investigate. I want them to leave as soon as possible,” said the Commander. He shifted his weight and looked to Lord Engle.

“I bring news of your brother as well. He thinks he’s on The Wisp Mother’s trail near Eddlesreef. I only found out because the barman, Gil, gave me a letter from him. In simple words, he is following the trail but Blackfeather shamans and warriors keep getting in his way. He isn’t sure it’s connected, but he did leave a name of who he thinks their leader is.” The Commander turned towards Gremmelt. “He goes by Conero.”

Gremmelt brought his hand to his forehead and rubbed his brow. “Vasha’s father…”

“The very same,” replied the Commander. “I spoke to Vassal Altera in Sossaboro as well as the Bryarsmen. It seems our Conero has been busy since you left him. A few of the Blackfeather living there have joined his ranks, but they haven’t tried anything on the town yet. Altera is worried about the trade routes being ambushed, but I’m more worried about their connection to The Wisp Mother.”

“As we all should be,” said Lord Bastion. He brought his hand to chest. “Crow Clan are very spiritual people. If any group could work with The Wisp Mother, it is them.”

“My thoughts exactly,” replied the Commander. He pursed his lips and looked to Lord Engel. “I need you to take four blades with you and head out to Eddlesreef to aid your brother. Be sure to bring with you a few Crow Clan of our own, they may be the key to putting an end to all of it for good.”

Lord Engel nodded. “I’ll assemble a team and leave before sunrise.”

“Good, good.” The Commander nodded. “Lastly—” he turned towards Lord Isle—”have any of your associates found anything of interest?”

Lord Isle nodded. “I have received word that the one who did this to me has been sighted along the road.” Lord Isle rubbed his bandaged arm with his hand. “She was also believed to be spotted as close as Waldenhauf, though it is only a rumor.”

“Sangun. Derbish. I want each of you to take three or so blades and search the woods from here to Waldenhauf. The Witch of Torment has eluded us for nearly twelve years. If she is close to our keep, now is our chance to strike,” said the Commander.

“I’ll bring you her head,” replied Lord Sangun.

“Not if I find it first,” said Derbish with a grin.

“For the rest of you, hone up the Witch Hunters' strengths. I want to see our warriors training, not standing idle. And if any of you find either Rosheena or Shappa, tell them to return to the Keep. Their independent research has gone on long enough.” The Commander turned towards Lycon. “I appreciate you coming all the way out here, I know you must be busy in Scrydell.”

Lycon smiled wide. “Not so busy that I can't come see my younger brother from time to time.” He stood up and tapped his staff on the ground. “Besides, I’ve been looking for a tower in these lands to call home. A place to go and research away from the prying eyes of the King.”

“Well, let's just hope things are simpler in the future.” The Commander smiled and turned about to face everyone. “I’d like to speak with Lord Gremmelt and my brother alone, the rest of you have your orders.”

The Lords all nodded and made their exit, leaving behind Gremmelt, Lycon, and the Commander.

“What exactly is this all about?” asked Gremmelt.

“It’s about Eija,” said the Commander in a serious tone. “We think he might have made a deal.”

“We can’t be certain,” said Lycon as he held his hand up reassuringly.

“What do you mean?” Gremmelt’s gaze moved from the Commander to Lycon.

“I had a dream the night of Chaos 12th. It was of Eija, as a Witch Hunter. He was older, but by only a year or so. He was returning from a hunt when he and his companion decided to seek rest at Grimgar’s hold just north of Hellard’s crossing.

“Unbeknownst to them, they were walking right into another hunt, one that he was only able to succeed because of a peculiar artifact, one that I know very well.” The Wizard lifted his right hand and showed Gremmelt a brass ring with the engraving of Perspicacity on its face. “This very ring was on his hand, and he knew how to use it.”

“So, what does that mean? He has a deal with Perspicacity?” asked Gremmelt.

“Not quite. The way he was using it was not in the way of someone who had a connection with Perspicacity. No. He was only able to use half of the ring's power, which leads me to believe I must give him the ring at some point. As to why, well, given how he used it, it must have been to suppress a deal with a powerful force, one that could only be broken by the power of a Remnant.”

Gremmelt stirred uneasily. “What are you suggesting? He forged a deal with some kind of witch?”

“We aren’t sure,” replied the Commander. “But Lycon’s dreams always come true.”

“Close,” corrected the Wizard. “They are similar to the truth. All of the information is available, but it doesn't always play out the same. One thing is certain, though. He had the ring, which means I had a reason to give it to him, and he only used half of its power, which is more than enough evidence to suggest some kind of deal in place.

“Whether or not he made it already or it has yet to pass, we can’t be certain.” Lycon took a deep breath. “Whatever the case, it has or will happen regardless of what we do. It cannot be changed. However, we can prepare. I’d like for you to send me Eija when you are done training him. There are a few things I’d like to try.”

“Very well,” replied Gremmelt. “Once Eija has earned his wings, he is all yours.”

“Good,” said Lycon. He turned towards his brother. “As there is nothing else, I must return to Scrydell for now. But I will return, Lord Ros has colored me interested. He may be the key to finding that tower I’ve been looking for.” He gave them a nod before holding up his staff and reaching into a little leather pouch that hung off his belt. “I’ve placed one of my teleportation sigils in the keep, I will return in due time.”

He threw down something that exploded into smoke as he lifted his staff and spoke an ancient word neither the Commander nor Gremmelt had ever heard before disappearing from sight.

“I suppose I should get my rest in while I can. Tomorrow Initiate Eija learns what it means to be a Witch Hunter.”

The Commander nodded. His eyes were fixed on Gremmelt as if he were looking at something he didn’t quite understand. Just as Gremmelt was about to leave, the Commander grabbed his arm. “There is one more detail to Lycon’s dream I thought you should know of. He told me I shouldn’t tell you, but I think you have a right to know.”

“What is it?”

“In the dream, everyone knows who Eija’s master is. Almost like they were some kind of great hero. Even going as far as to give them a title.”

Gremmelt smiled, baring teeth and laughing. “And what title is that?”

“According to Lycon, they refer to his master as ‘The Immortal Flame’.”

“Glad to know I’ll be revered in the future,” replied Gremmelt. “But, for now, I’m happy just being Master Gremmelt.”

“There is something else…” continued the Commander, his eyes flashing sorrow. “In Lycon’s dream, they say his master was a woman.”