The forest was unpleasant. Flies were everywhere, and the air had a bloated heat to it. One could hardly tell the difference between one's sweat and the humid air. You were always tripping over roots and stones as you walked. Sometimes it took a light spell to keep going in the darker places of the wood.

And to make matters worse, Jehair slowed their progress. She kept gathering herbs now and then. William supposed they had moved very quickly before now.

It was like Seathorius, but there was no real magic to the place save for the subtle, everyday kind. The gnoll's efforts created a better encampment, and the fire scared some away. But most of his time was spent in a barren stone hut, reading through the documentation.

He'd spent time visiting every gnoll village he could, but he found no other documents. Most of the villages were badly in need of reorganization. Many walls had to erected and cesspits dug and streets cleaned. It was miserable and stank to high heaven, and his efforts were not appreciated.

Even so, what he found in the documents was well worth the effort.

The most important thing he learned was that Cirithil had been active in the slave trade, especially through Lamech. From the sounds of things, Cirithil ran many of the markets. Most of the warehouses were owned by Lilas, who asked no questions. However, he had chiefly sold to Sorn. Those here would have been transported by sea from the High Priest's private pier.

From there, they would be shipped to the Sornian sugar plantations. There, they would be worked to death. It seemed that many slaves had been taken from Blackfear. There, the villages were isolated. Lamech had been the chief operative here; Tavish had simply recorded it. His letters seemed to indicate distaste.

What did it matter at this point?

These were the men who ran Antion. A collection of thieving monsters who had bought out everyone and everything. All so they could drink themselves into a stupor. To think that William had thought better of Lilas after leaving Rius. His true face had been on display from the beginning.

Felix entered the hut, bending over at the entry.

"Felix, you've returned," said William. "What news?"

"Asus has led his men out as you requested," said Felix. "They and Massacre have linked up with Vorn Atravain and are scouting the wildlands.

"Asus is putting together maps and has promised to share them. There have been a few skirmishes with bandits. However, most have simply cleared out, and Vorn is sending them back.

"The repair work on ancient structures is going well. Several old watchtowers are being cleared and repaired. And by now, the place is all but in possession of House Gabriel. Unofficially, of course."

"And Cirithil?" asked William, feeling hatred for the man.

Apparently, some of the slaves had been sold off-world, many in large numbers. Mostly women to some unknown buyer. Lilan was described in favorable terms by Cirithil as a cunning mentor figure. Though none of this is directly connected.

Ah, yes, William remembered him now, a conceited man who abused his workers. That did seem like the sort of thing Cirithil would regard as powerful. It brought to mind a kind of shadowy and cunning individual. But William doubted such a figure would waste their time.

So chances are Cirithil had just been told whatever he wanted to hear. Even so, it turned out that someone called Nagos introduced Cirithil to Maius and later Chun Xi. Cirithil seems to have absolute contempt for Nagos and regards him as stupid and naive. Judging from the writings, Nagos kept only a very occasional meeting.

Was it the same Nagos as Chaminus?

Here was something, a letter addressed to Lamech;

Lamech,

That fool, Nagos, actually suggested I get out of the slave trade. And his only argument for it was that it was against my god's will. He honestly thought I'd give up an immense source of profit for the sake of religion. As if the worship of some sky daddy was of any relevance.

Next, he'll be arguing that it isn't the right thing to do.

I've humored him to use later. He has enough wit to play his part. His connection to Chaminus might be useful before our friends in Sorn put the dog down.

-Cirithil.

Seeing as Imogen believed Nagos was very dangerous, William doubted it.

Still, Nagos did not seem to be profiting from any business ventures. Looking around, William found one letter from Nagos. What was it doing here?

My friend, Cirithil,

I understand that you don't really believe in the high ideals of your position. And I get why you came to believe it. The world isn't a perfect place.

But this is going to backfire. You can't do this forever, and sooner or later, something will go wrong. And if the corruption gets too bad, this Lamech guy will slaughter you. I know his kind; he is a killer through and through.

He is not your friend, and you've got to put some distance between him before it it is too late.

-Nagos.

Was this an attempt to redeem an evildoer?

Nagos had known him longer.

But it was obvious they'd talked extensively. So why would Nagos continue to work with him? Were they old friends? And why had Tavish put this here? Was it planted as insurance against Cirithil? Obviously, he hadn't wanted to implicate Lamech.

Or Lamech might have done it as a means of breaking his tool.

What did he even want?

No letters directly from him, so William wondered if Nagos even existed. He would have to ask Maius later, without confrontation, of course. One of the letters said something interesting, however;

Cirithil,

Remember that Nagos is the last descendant of the old god of ancient Namina, Arcturus. This means he has certain powers of persuasion. You would do well to consider if he is really as stupid as you make him out to be.

He is a King and a very effective one. His nation has gone unraided despite being surrounded by hostile pirates. He has constructed an extensive fleet. In addition, he has good relations with the surrounding lands.

He is also a subordinate to the Dinisiam Emperor, Octavus.

Underestimate Nagos at your peril. You are seeing in him what you want to see, and he allows you to do so.

Sincerely,

Lamech.

Last descendant of Arcturus?

That didn't fit, as ancient Namina sank into the sea long ago during the God War. Accounts as to how it happened vary a great deal. However, the general consensus was that they lost their colonies in Kalthak to King Abdul Sahshir. Then Baltoth and Zeya fought it out with the God of Friendship, whose name had been forgotten. And everything fell to bits.

Though some accounts said, Zeya never set foot there. A few even suggested that Karus did it and Valranor planned it all. In this version of the account, Baltoth was manipulated into destroying it. Or alternatively, playing an important role.

However, Baltoth was supreme, and Valranor was quite dead. So William didn't believe it. It might be attributed to mere propaganda from Calisha, but Baltoth would be happy to take credit for it. And who would be stupid enough to lie about Baltoth being weak while his empire was over the next river?

Someone very safe in a different land.

Perhaps these foreigners had been hoping to engineer strife, or some of them at any rate. Not all foreigners were alike. It was, at this stage, irrelevant. Cirithil had discounted Nagos as a fool, King to a doomed realm. One is to be used before he is disposed of as soon as possible.

Largely, he accepted payment for his stock in Maius and Chun Xi's brothels. Cirithil labeled 'tribute' using signs for sarcasm.

How did Nagos connect to Maius, Isriath, and Chun Xi?

Then there was a letter from Lilas;

Cirithil,

My congratulations on your attendance to business, High Priest. However, you must realize that your actions are alarming Lord Rius. It may be best to take a more subtle approach for whatever further moves you make.

Lady Atravain is writing letters to Haldren, and King Gavin is not powerless. Prince Aras has already moved to Ascorn and is communicating with his elf mistress. Our operations in Dinis are bearing fruit.

-Your friend,

Lilas.

Lilas,

Put the child at ease.

We won't need him for much longer anyway. Once the power vacuum becomes clear, it will be a simple matter to shift you into it.

As for Haldren, I've rerouted our usual slave shipments off-world. So many new markets, you know. Atravain needs to buy slaves, and I've made a few suggestions as to where. Rounding up a few villages of savage Furbearers will satiate the need. From there, it will throw Haldren into chaos.

We can use that for our master's goals.

-Cirithil.

Unbelievable.

Cirithil truly did think he was above the law to write so blatantly. No one else in correspondence was nearly this blatant.

One or two offhand mentions of 'straightening out differences' with uncooperative merchants. From the sounds of things, Lamech played the role of middleman for everyone, like Lilas. Only Lamech loved dealing in blood, and his hand relished it. But nobody noticed because he was seven feet tall and wearing black skull armor. That, along with the glowing yellow eyes, wore a sword the size he was. They saw him, said, 'He's evil,' and paid no more mind.

Conversely, Lilan went out of his way to look humble, unnoticed, and helpful, so everyone knew exactly who he was and the threat he posed. They just didn't care because his power was nothing but an illusion—one that was enchanting to uneducated, hedonistic dullards like Cirithil but contemptible and obvious to anyone else.

And speaking as a serpent, William could not help but feel offended at the comparison.

The last letter said;

I hope you enjoyed reading.

Chosen One of Elranor. I wrote this out for when you came.

-Lamech.

Why?

Lamech must have known that Elranor would take some action. So he prepared a letter for when it was found. But why? Did he just want an audience? Or was he seeking to gloat?

No one with a political interest in Antion would ever use this information. And no one from the church would have been free of political machinations. This meant anyone reading all this would almost certainly be someone like William.

Lamech had been waiting for him. Or someone like him, at least.

He was putting on a show, playing the role of villain in a grand play he had been set up. A mental image came to William of finding these letters after Antion was in utter ruins. That with the Furbearers destroyed. Yet Lamech probably did not care either way.

It seemed a very childish way to run your empire.

"William?" asked Felix.

William looked back. "There's a lot of information here I don't want to be discussed. Read it at your leisure later. We'll send appropriate letters when we get back."

"Is it important?" asked Felix.

"No," said William. "Just verification of what we know already and the names of some compatriots. Look for yourself."

Felix looked and sighed. "Lilas is no threat."

"What makes you say that," said William.

"Because he doesn't stand and fight," said Felix. "Everything is done indirectly. He has never been in combat, and his subordinates hate him. Cirithil is the primary threat here; he can actually motivate people. Lamech will either fall with him or come in later.

"It doesn't matter who is handing out the money in the end. If they can't motivate people, they will never be a threat. Lilas uses other people's motivation to rise to power. But he can't be a reliable servant to everyone. And anyone who pays attention to him will see how he behaves and judge him.

"Even wicked masters want good subordinates.

"Eventually, he will have to rely on the goodwill of those he has met before. Once that happens, there will be none. All plans break down eventually. Whether you are able to get up again is a result of the legacy you leave behind.

"Being a benevolent ruler is the first step to being a powerful one.

"I cannot respect someone who doesn't understand that the two are one and the same. Even Cirithil knows how to get the support of his drinking buddies."

"What would you consider a benevolent rule?" asked William.

"That is the core question which defines reality," said Felix. "And the principal source of Elranor and Baltoth's rivalry. Baltoth believes that a ruler must be responsible for everything. Elranor believes that everyone should be responsible for their own lot.

"If this situation had happened in Calisha, we would not be having this conversation. Everyone involved would have been crucified weeks ago."

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Many of them might reform," said William.

"What of it?" asked Felix. "Crime cannot be tolerated.

"Every crime must be punished as is possible without compromising the state. No one should be safe. Higher officials should suffer worse torments."

"Doesn't that apply to Baltoth, too?" asked William.

Felix remained silent for a moment. "Punishing Baltoth would destroy the state. Do what you will; there will always be some evildoers who escape judgment. For Baltoth to be destroyed, he would have to will his own downfall."

"Do you think he'll do that?" asked William.

"Whether he will or not will define him," said Felix. "But he would need an opportunity first.

"Order, like chivalry, is an act of art, not nature. One must master one's pride before one can create order. Just as one must master their wrath to create a chivalric knight."

"You're a wise man," said William.

"Not nearly wise enough," said Felix wryly. "Or else why would the world be the way it is?"

"Do you think we should talk to Chun Xi or Maius?" asked William.

"No," said Felix. "I doubt they were anything but vehicles for foreign investment, much like Tef alongside them. They would not have cooperated if they knew what Cirithil was doing.

"Don't have anything to do with them. That is my advice."

"Is there any good news?" asked William.

"Apparently, Cirithil's behavior has lost him friends in the nobility," said Felix. "There is a lot of concern in Antion. Janice has called for investigations on her mother's behalf, and the investigation is getting real support.

"Korlac has already dispatched men to aid in them. However, it will take more to make any progress. And he will not be taking control of the city, as was rumored."

"The documents?" asked William.

"Useless at the moment," said Felix. "I have been thinking about this.

"The problem is that you and Cirithil hate one another, and this will be viewed as a personal vendetta. Even if he has nothing on you, and you've proved him guilty of worshipping Diabolus, they won't let it pass. Antion does not like blood feuds, and King Andoa shuts them down whenever possible.

"If the fighting gets into the streets, the fighters go out.

"Your conflict has already lost Cirithil a lot of money, so they probably view you as avenged. Especially since he's lost control of his own temples, he was pressing further through your family in Antion would be viewed as a blanket power play."

"I haven't met them," said William. "But none of their letters are here.

"What do you suggest?"

"You have three choices," said Felix. "First, send it to Vorn and wait. You can use it to destroy Cirithil and his allies later. However, this will lack speed, and many will remember what you did before.

"It will be viewed as an extension of your attack. In addition, Vorn may have a different idea of how it should be used. He might take it to your Uncle, or he might view it as an opportunity to force concessions. He is not a Paladin, and there are legitimate arguments for it.

"Thus, the second option, you can use it to blackmail-"

"Absolutely not," said William. "I am no criminal nor assassin."

"Thank you," said Felix. "If you'd let me finish that sentence, my respect for you would end. Paladins must be held to a higher standard."

William shuddered. "I might use it if all of Antion would collapse if I did not. But Cirithil isn't necessary for anything.

"So, what is the third option?"

"Give it to King Faras," said Felix.

"Why him?" asked William. "What can he do?"

"Nothing," said Felix. "But he has a considerable power base here. And with the chaos in this place, he might gain influence in Antion. Certainly, he will want a representative eventually.

"So, if King Faras were to bring the matter up when he arrives, all you would have to do is support him. All of this would be done using his resources, and House Gabriel would not be making a power play at all.

"Just... opening the door that justice might be done. Certainly, this particular stunt has injured King Faras much more than us. Our hatred for him is largely on principle, and if you got the support of Queen Dawn and other nobles..."

"We can give the elves justice for what was done," said William. "And at the same time, we can get rid of Cirithil and the worst of the nation. That will also make it easier to end the constant bloodbaths.

"Our revenge is their revenge."

"But first, we have to find King Faras and get him to listen to us," said Felix. "Which is the hard part. You were right to trust in Jehair; if we'd gone to some other guide as I suggested, we'd stand no chance.

"She's led us to exactly where we need to be."

"Don't tempt fate any further," said William. "Rioletta might look to get involved." The Spider Queen was known for being vindictive.

"As if all this wasn't confusing enough," said Felix. "We'd probably already been noticed. So when we head in there, we'll either be dead, imprisoned, or have our meeting."

"Being thrown in prison might be a relief," muttered William, looking at the cold stone. "When Arraxia threw me in a cell it was just as uncomfortable. The only difference now is I'm stuck here by choice."

Soon enough, Jehair came back, and William turned to see her, scythe in hand. Coming forward, she halted as she saw them, shifting her hips as she did so. Her hair looked blonder than before. "Well, I've returned.

"How goes your examination of records?"

"Unpleasant," said William in disgust. He handed it to her, and she read it. "I assume you knew of all this."

"There is a difference between knowing and knowing," said Jehair. "My word was not trusted for years. By the time it was, I had long since ceased to care about these people. I don't ask questions about my clients; I only help them wherever they are going.

"In this case, Antion has been going to a horrific, nasty end for years. Although I admit, you've probably bought it another decade. But I couldn't have proved any of this, and if I could, I'd have been murdered. I never had the inclination until now."

"Until it is too late?" asked Felix.

"Frankly, yes," said Jehair. "Other people lived here before the Harlenorians or even the elves. Others will after we are long dead. When a civilization grows decadent, it is either destroyed or dies by its own hand.

"The weak are purged; things get bad for some and good for others. Many good people would be much better off with Antion sinking into the sea. Just as many good people would have their lives destroyed.

"My charges are the woods and trees, the birds and the beasts.

"Someone has to take care of the flowers. However, I admit that your actions have made me come as close to believing in humanity as I ever have. When this life is over, and my mind is reformed, I hope to have a gentler disposition."

That was right; elves reincarnated mentally instead of physically. Every forty to a hundred years, they became a different version of themselves. It was how romances between humans and elves worked.

It was a summary that would have to suffice.

"Do you think it'll be of use?" asked Jehair, curious.

"To me?" asked William. "No.

"House Gabriel can't throw this kind of information around. It would set a dangerous precedent. But, on the other hand, if King Faras were to get his hands on it.

"I think he could do some real damage to these people."

"I do not think Faras has that much credibility," said Jehair.

"Happily, we are in a crisis," said William, reciting what Felix had told him. "Father has always told me that a crisis is an ideal time to advance and grow in power. King Faras has a real opportunity here. And I have a real opportunity to strike at Cirithil if he will help me.

"I need the old elven Kingdoms," William said and realized what he was saying. It was revoking much of what he had previously believed.

No, Anoa the Bright lived in a different time. In those days, the elves had become tyrants. But just because they had been tyrants didn't mean they would be now. And it would be better to give them back some of their pride and dignity than let Cirithil use it.

Had they been at war, perhaps it would be better. But now everything was falling apart.

"What?" said Jehair.

William remembered what he'd read, the positive bits. He thought of the old ruins that you could see here or there abandoned. Great, elegant structures, towering proudly that were once higher. The memory came to him now of stories of flights of dragons flying to war. Of ancient realms of fantasy like nothing he had imagined.

It was the world Anoa had ended. Yet, though it had been better for humanity then, surely revisiting it would be better than this filth. "The Elven Kingdoms have a long and glorious history.

"They outfought virtually every other race for many ages; they rode horses and wore rumors. They were centers of knowledge when all other civilizations fell apart. Their power of magic was immense.

"If the memory of that history were reawakened and this place restored to old glory...

"It could be enough to destroy some of the worst aspects of Harlenor. That would give the elves some long-awaited vengeance and help both of us.

"What of your plans?"

"Negotiations have gone very well," said Jehair. "The druids have been willing to recognize the gnoll villages, which is a triumph for the Wood Elves, too. I have also learned the source of the plague of rats. It appears that many of the border villages had begun felling trees in the marsh, all against certain agreements. In response, King Faras of the Wood Elves called the rats from all over to trouble them.

"Faras is not fond of humans.

"Either way, some of the satyrs are whispering. I fear they may seek blood soon enough, in one way or another. Several villages in Antion have been burned, and their crops have been stolen. There's fighting all along the border, and the satyrs seem to be having the better time of it."

"Is Luke Atravain doing well?" asked William.

"He apparently has had several skirmishes and fought well," said Jehair. "Saul has been making connections. I have sent birds to observe them, and the orders seem to be on level.

"No one is going to get full credit, and that is how it should be. Apparently, Ham Hawkthorne has been planning the route with Reginald and Varsus. However, both are far ahead of us by now. Assuming we can arrange finances with Adrian Wrynncurth, it should go well."

"King Faras could potentially aid or thwart the journey," said Felix. "He is near the King's Road, which will be impossible to move through."

"Actually, that is not a problem," said Jehair. "Most of the nobility want the bandit problem solved. So, each one has agreed to waive the fee for a certain number of men.

"They will make their own judgments on who they allow.

"And they reserve the right to investigate them. But, other than that, they can go on through."

"That system could be abused," said Felix. "It would be well to have some means of compelling an honest process."

"Thus, why the route must be planned," said Jehair. "I never thought that so elaborate a conspiracy would be necessary to walk to Gel Carn."

"We've been in one since Seathorius," said William. "What kind of security is underway?"

"The Paladin Order will be protecting those who make the journey," said Jehair. "Once it begins. Dunmoore and Suran have volunteered with Farwa. They have checked the raids by satyrs as well as arrested a number of known corrupt officials.

"Those men, however, we found hanging in prison cells before they could be interrogated. Investigations are ongoing. It seems that Isriath gave them some good advice, or else they have sources I do not. The armies are mobilizing to meet them. King Andoa had personally defeated several raiding parties.

"The High Priest has also been organizing some relief efforts. I gather he is saving face."

"Are they any good?" asked William.

"The nobility plans to send armed men to oversee them," said Jehair. "Cirithil tried to steal from them. And the ones with principles are already furious. Chun Xi has turned on him.

"There isn't a single brothel or tavern that will take his money now. Or the money of his priests. He's lost a lot of his coin, and I expect his criminal associates are becoming nervous. This is the last opportunity to salvage his credibility, and if he doesn't do it, he's a dead man.

"No matter what his rank, he knows too much.

"Needless to say, he is doing a good job and making passionate speeches. He'll get exactly the same reaction from the populace he always did. It seems to enrage him especially."

"So," said William. "He's now become celibate, virtuous, and compassionate at swordpoint. And he has to see people treat him exactly the same way.

"And if ever stops, he'll die."

"Yes," said Jehair. "As far as ironic hells go, I find this one quite interesting."

"Well, I'm not going to give him any points for doing what he should have been doing from the start," said William. "Besides, he was forced into it. And I think we both know he'll just sell his principles up the river once he's safe."

"I agree with William on this," said Felix. "Our plans should remain unchanged.

"His life ought to be forfeit by now. All of this is just helping to partially mend what he broke."

"What if he does atone?" asked Jehair.

"Then we'll adjust our plans," said William. "I am sure Elranor can provide us with guidance.

"What about Tavish?"

"No word beyond what I have already told you," said Jehair.

"And prayers?" asked Felix.

"There has been an increase in prayers to Elranor and the gods, yes," said Jehair. "Even to some of those we've inconvenienced."

"Well, that is as good news as we can hope for," said William. "Perhaps I should attend the discussions?"

"I am... unsure that would be wise," said Jehair. "The Druids of Laevian, it seems, are not overly fond of you."

"Why not?" asked William.

"You have been healing diseases, many diseases," said Jehair. "They have long regarded pandemics as a means Laevian uses to strengthen species. One which is more or less true. It also checks your people's population.

"Some view your actions as perverting nature.

"There has never been a Paladin as obsessed with healing as you. I do not think your presence would be helpful."

"All the more reason to at least be present," said William. "I must know their views."

Jehair nodded. "I see.

"In that case, you should remain silent and allow me to speak. I do not think the elves of this place would like you. They did not recover the same way Qor'Dana did."

"Then I defer to your judgment in this matter," said William.

And they left in a hurry.

William was looking forward to seeing these Wood Elves. Provided they weren't shot dead before they saw anything. And he was looking even further forward to hanging Cirithil and killing Lamech.

This would be fun.