Kaladin flew through space, the stars and planets rushed by with a blur. Before he knew it, Kal could see a tiny spec come into view directly ahead. In seconds, the planet became massive as he flew at such speeds he couldn’t keep up with the constellations.

An instant before crashing into the dark planet, Kal slowed inches from the ground and landed gently onto the rocky earth. Immediately, he noticed the dim glow of blue and red lights pulsing from cracks in the planet.

It looked lifeless and dead and the stars shone brightly above giving enough light to see his surroundings. He caught movement far below as he stood on the edge of a cliff. The running figures disappeared behind rocks and out of sight but Kaladin could have sworn they were Vog.

Behind him, Kal heard low growls and thought he sensed Felkuru nearby. Turning towards the sound, he saw a flash of light and a gush of wind blew upward, loosening stone and bits of rock shifted around him.

Stepping on loose rubble, Kal stumbled slightly then rounded the corner. He saw the silhouette of a Vog and immediately recognized Fel, staring back at him with glowing blue eyes. He stood on the cliffedge, gazing at him intently.

“Fel?” Kal asked aloud, his voice shaky. “Wh-where am i?”

A strange voice responded in his thoughts, “You must be who he spoke of.” the Vog said. “Fel just left. My name is Khan. One of the leaders of the Vog.”

Kaladin looked at him with surprise, staring at him closely. He could hear his thoughts but could not see them or feel his emotions. His bond with Felkuru must be enough to speak to this male.

“Where am I? Where is Fel?” Kal asked again, unsure who he spoke to.

“I do not know where he went, stranger, but you are on Tepra, home of the Vog.” Khan said. “Though our planet is not what it once was, as the Thrak have consumed the energy from the core. What you see is Tepra’s final breaths.” he turned to look out over the cliff.

“I-I was sent here.” Kal stuttered, woozy from the portal.

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“By the Dyaddan?” Khan asked.

“Y-yes.” Kal looked up at him in surprise as he stepped closer. “How do you know that?”

“He gave my species a chance to survive.” Khan replied. “Felkuru took our future through a portal. It disappeared as you arrived.”

“A portal?” Kal raised an eyebrow. “Black and white lights and spinning like a whirlpool?”

The enormous creatures cocked his head also in surprise, otherwise he sat motionless. “Yes.”

“I just went through one.” Kal said. “Any idea what I need to do here?”

“You mean the Dyaddan didn’t tell you what to do?” Khan inquired.

“He told me to use this to kill a demon named Mulguran.” Kal raised the dagger and shrugged. “He controls the Thrak.”

“Truly?” Khan’s eyes flared in recognition.

“You know him?” Kal asked.

“I don’t… but I know where he is.” Khan said bluntly. “Right there.” he turned his gaze to the left.

Kaladin followed his stare and saw flickers of movement, black leathery wings poked out several times.

“Well…” Kaladin smacked his lips. “I’m not sure what to say to you but I want you to know that Fel saved my life. And he restarted your race on Isulia.”

If the Vog could cry, Khan was doing so inside. He slumped his head and gave an equivalent a smile as a Vog could give.

“Then you are the person he was sent to save.” Khan said obviously.

“Yeah.” Kal shrugged again. “He’s a good friend of mine. I’m sorry to say that… a lot has happened and I’m here to make it right. Hopefully, I can save them all.”

“Wait.” Khan said. “If you truly intend to kill Mulguran, you will need help.”

A deep rumble vibrated the ground as Khan howled into the sky, calling for help. It only took moments for Vog to start showing up, some small and some large. To his surprise, Kaladin saw three more males show up, all looking far older and larger than Felkuru or Khan.

“Our planet is doomed.” Khan began. “Mulguran has drained its life to fuel his power. If we can help you, then perhaps our lives will mean something before our planet crumbles apart. Will you accept our aid?”

Kaladin spun around, getting a good long look at the Vog around him, he knew they were confused but they had little hope which pushed them to do drastic things.

“I will accept your help.” Kal said. “If we are going to stand a chance against him, we’ll need a strategy.”

“We are listening, Emarine.” Khan spoke. “What is your plan?”