Standing above the cliffs of Serpent’s Bay, I heard death calling for me. Maybe I should have answered.

- Uuriintuya, Second Prophet of the Adjha’nai. Dated 58 b.f.

The tavern was less crowded than the day before. A tall man stood behind the counter, wiping the already shining surface with a rag.

“Let’s sit behind the counter, it’s always good to know the innkeeper,” Nurana whispered at Zaya before striding towards the man.

The innkeeper raised his head, his eyes lingering on Silas and Zaya. “I believe you are the new guests my son has told me about?”

It took a moment for Nurana to respond. “Oh, I wasn’t aware Adrian was your son. You have a nice establishment here.”

“Thank you, young lady. I know, I’m missing a few hairs on my head for Adrian to be recognized as mine,” he chuckled, rubbing one hand over his bald head.

Silas’ eyes flickered to the counter, the dark wood reflecting the glow from the Magelights hanging from the ceiling.

“I hope Adrian has given you a warm welcome the day before. He can be a bit overbearing sometimes, so please don’t mind his manners.”

“It was nothing,” Nurana waved him off. Silas disagreed but kept his mouth shut. “We were hoping to perhaps get some food if you still have something for today?”

The man nodded, turning around. “Anra! Bring three plates for our new guests, if you don’t mind!”

A shout came from the kitchen. “Why don’t you get them yourself you old oaf, instead of cleaning the same glass over and over?”

The man put the rag down and gave them a rueful smile. “Never get married, young folks.”

“What was that?” the shout came again, this time a bit louder.

“Coming, my love!” The innkeeper disappeared behind a thick curtain.

Silas leaned over to his friends, whispering to not be heard by the other patrons. “If we can, we should probably find out what we can about the prophet,” Silas said.

The man reappeared, carrying one plate in his right hand, and two on his left arm. “Let me know what you think, I’ll pass it on to the cook.”

“What’s this called?” Silas asked, glancing at the large loaf of bread.

“Hanzi. It’s meat and vegetables, first fried and then rolled into these huge loaves. My lovely wife has a special way of making them, one she wouldn’t give up if you held a knife to her throat.” The man scratched his bald head with one finger. “Which I think actually happened once, if I recall correctly. Poor fellow. He was lucky to come out alive.”

Nurana took a bite, her eyes widening. “This tastes absolutely lovely, please give your wife my compliments.”

He dipped his head. “I will.”

“We couldn’t help but come across one of the prophets preaching in the streets. He seemed to be well-liked by the people,” Nurana said while she ate.

The man’s smile faltered for a heartbeat. “Down here, most of them are. Especially these days, with war at our doorstep.”

“Think she be real?” Zaya spoke up, pointing with her fork at the innkeeper. “This Matriarch?”

The man gave her a wary glance, his bushy eyebrows partially concealing his dark eyes. “Could be. Some people say her kind was seen flying through the Crimson Dunes, but folk speak a lot if they had a drink or two.”

Putting the glass down, the innkeeper lowered his voice as he leaned on the counter. Silas tensed up, suddenly missing the comforting weight of the spear on his back. “But if I were you, I’d stay away from the Matriarch’s followers. While preaching about her might not be strictly illegal, people who associate with the Ascended tend to either get thrown into prison or disappear into one of their tunnels. And from the looks of it, you folks don’t seem to be that badly off, so I’d steer clear of it.”

Silas shoved the last piece of the bread in his mouth. “Thank you. We will try.”

“See that you do.” The man resumed cleaning the counter. “I don’t want to have to carve another set of tables because of the guards ruining my furniture while detaining an alleged member of the Ascended. Didn’t even compensate me for it,” he grumbled.

Thanking the innkeeper, they made their way upstairs. Nurana made sure she locked their door. Gnarly immediately jumped out of Silas’ coat, sitting on a bed with his legs dangling over the edge.

“I don’t like this,” Nurana began. “Tension seems to be high between this cult calling itself the Ascended and the city’s guards. If there is a way we can get the information without getting caught up in the crossfire, I’m all ears.”

Silas shook his head. “I say we just stick to the plan. Tomorrow, we visit this shelter and see if we can gain the trust of the people there. There has to be a way for new members to join the Ascended, and the place seems to be the most likely option.”

“Maybe we can just ask prophet?” Zaya proposed.

“Won’t work.” Nurana bit her lip. “The prophet might be able to preach, but the cult itself is still forbidden by decree of the Empress. Asking to join will only make us look suspicious. We have to be subtle about this.”

“We also have to report to Omei tomorrow, so we better make some progress,” Silas reminded them. “And even though I don’t like it, it might be better for only one of us to go. The three of us attract too much attention, and if the cult finds out we’re working for the Empress, we’re dead.”

Nurana nodded. “I’ll go. That way, I can also try to get some info about the Drakhonian Empire joining the war. There’s just too much happening, and I feel like we’re still missing half of it. Why join the war now? And why has the cult suddenly gained that much traction within the populace?”

“Maybe they really are in contact with the Matriarch,” Silas said.

Nurana stared at him. “Let’s hope not. Back when the Originals still existed, their power was known throughout the entire continent. If the Matriarch has given one of the cult’s members even a sliver of what she has granted the Originals back then, the cult would be a serious threat to the city.”

“Let’s look at cube thing. Maybe we find out what it do,” Zaya gestured towards Silas’ pocket.

“I don’t know, Zaya, even if we can assume it’s not a bomb, it may not be worth the risk.”

Silas took it out, holding it in front of them. “I don’t think we have the luxury to not take the risk. We need every edge we can get. Besides, Gnarly just told me he discovered something new. Apparently, there’s something inside hidden behind a small entry hole. For some reason, Gnarly feels familiar with it, but it also makes him sad.”

“Can’t be bad if Gnarly is familiar with thing,” Zaya shrugged.

“It’s not ‘a thing’, Zaya. It’s called the Merger, and it’s likely to be the most important invention Ceraviehl has ever seen.”

Zaya waved her off. “Sure, sure.”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“But why did it make Gnarly sad?” Nurana went on after giving Zaya a reproachful glare. “Did he recognize it?”

“Creak, creak,” Gnarly shook his head.

Silas scratched his chin. “No, he doesn’t recognize the Merger itself, but it’s more like he feels that he knows whatever is inside, for some reason. It’s hard to explain.”

“Good job, Gnarly,” Zaya praised Gnarly, who jumped from the bed to climb onto Zaya’s shoulder.

“Would you mind letting me take a look at it? Although it doesn’t seem dangerous at the moment, a more delicate touch might be better to proceed,” Nurana proposed.

“Sure sure.” Zaya picked up one of the books they had borrowed from the library. “Have interesting book to read.”

Nurana glanced at it, recognizing it as the book describing Al-Talash’s magical cannons. “This is going to backfire,” she said with a sigh.

Zaya frowned in confusion. “No, Nura Kana, you be silly. These things fire to front,” she said, thrusting one fist forward.

“That’s not,” Nurana began, mouth hanging open. “Why do I even bother,” she muttered.

Silas chuckled and turned inwards to take a look at the Taint. He might not be able to cleanse it all by himself, but any effort to keep it at bay would help. Nurana’s frustrated sigh shook him out of it a moment later. She sat at the table, chin resting on her fist as she seemed intent on staring holes into the Merger.

“Did you find anything out yet?”

“Well yes, but actually no.” Nurana shook her head slowly. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”

“Care to elaborate?” he asked.

Zaya stopped reading her book and took a seat next to Nurana.

“Well, it seems the outer layer of the Merger was just to protect it from outside influences. From what I’ve seen, it doesn’t do anything, it’s more likely to have been a seal of some kind.”

“One Gnarly broke by giving Merger energy,” Zaya concluded.

“Correct. Now,” Nurana took the Merger in her open palm and held it up for all to see, “being a dodecahedron, it has twelve faces of equal size. Each face has a small pipe leading to a chamber of sorts. In total, there are four chambers inside, each one potentially accessible through three different faces of the Merger.” Nurana tapped three of the outer layers. “The chambers are there to store energy of some kind, but that can’t be all it does. There are similar pipes going from the chamber towards the center of the Merger, but they remain blocked, no matter what I do. It’s frustrating.”

“Maybe need to put energy into all holes?” Zaya suggested.

“I tried that. Didn’t do a thing. In my estimation, it either needs a lot of energy, or a specific Art to reveal what’s inside. Problem is, I have no way to find out which Art it needs. I tried my Arts of Flesh and Death both, but neither did anything. The chambers that are open now are likely only a fifth of the whole thing. For something so small, these chambers hold a surprisingly large amount of energy,” Nurana finished, crossing her arms and staring at the Merger as if it had personally offended her.

“Are you alright?” Silas asked Gnarly, who sat on the table, looking up at the Merger.

Gnarly nodded, not taking his eyes off the Merger. “Creak.”

Silas scratched Gnarly’s bark for a bit. “I think Gnarly has some kind of connection to it, but even he doesn’t know what it is.”

Nurana frowned. “Then there is the thing with Gnarly somehow having a connection with the Merger. But Gnarly is a Spriggan, a creature often seen as the incorporation of nature. The Merger is a construct out of metal, created by a human. Where is the connection?”

“I’m as clueless as you are.”

“How much energy can chambers hold?” Zaya asked Nurana.

“Not sure, but more than I have. I drained the better half of my Landscape, and it didn’t even feel remotely full. Don’t know how that’s possible, though. I also don’t think that it’s a question of quantity. If that were the case, why are there three entrances for each chamber?

“Be weird,” Zaya agreed.

“That’s not the weird thing.”

Silas looked at her expectantly.

Nurana stared at the Merger for a moment before continuing. “Somehow, this thing stores not only the energy, but the Arts we infuse it with. Permanently,” she added. “They don’t dissipate.”

“But that’s impossible. Only living beings can store Arts.”

“I know. But look.”

Silas took the Merger from her and concentrated on his Magesight. When infusing any object with magic, the Arts would dissipate almost immediately, leaving behind neutral energy. Yet, when Silas looked into one of the chambers, he saw the Arts of Flesh, Death, Rock, and Wood firmly settled within. Somehow, the Arts were kept alive. This wasn’t just to store energy, this was something more.

Having the Art of Wood so clearly visible was fascinating. It allowed him a perspective he hadn’t thought possible. What’s more, deepening one’s connection to an Art would be almost trivial with this. Just from the brief glimpse, Silas felt like he had gained a deeper insight into the Art of Wood. Reluctantly, he withdrew his perception.

“This is incredible.”

“I know. And considering that we only accessed the outer layer of the Merger, I can’t imagine what the inner layers will do.”

“My people try this for centuries,” Zaya commented. “Never be possible.”

“Every Artist in the world is bound to have tried it at least once. I can’t believe how Aqueel made it work. It shouldn’t be possible. If it’s not alive, then why are the Arts still inside?”

“We can never let this fall into the wrong hands,” Silas realized. “This is too powerful.”

“Yes. Which is why must hide it at all costs. From everybody.”

Silas and Zaya silently agreed. Silas let out a long breath. “Let’s put this away and visit the shelter to see if they take us in. We need the medicine as soon as possible.”

“I agree.” Nurana stood up, taking a glance out the window. “Their leaders are most assuredly associated with the Ascended. If we can attract their or Galmor’s attention, we might be able to join their inner circle.”

“Not mention Merger, also not when alone. Ascended have many ears,” Zaya cautioned.

They left the tavern soon after. Adrian especially seemed sad to see them go, throwing one last look at Nurana before returning to help his father clean the tables.

The harbor was a multitude of small hovels and market stands that sprawled before them. In comparison to the Upper District, the harbor was an unorganized mess of buildings, the streets crooked and twisting into alleyways so narrow barely anyone would walk in them.

It still struck Silas as odd to see nearly every building constructed out of stone. The beige colors of their weathered stone surfaces softly reflected the light of the sun as it descended over the seemingly endless expanse of the Southern Seas.

If it weren’t for the pungent smell of rotten fish that permeated the air, Silas might have enjoyed the scenery. Glancing at Zaya, he was suprised to see a smile on her lips as they headed towards the sea, the wind buffeting her face and playing with her braid.

“You like this smell?”

“Not smell good, but love the sea. Reminds me of Angu’Jhin, city where I lived. Much similar.”

“That’s in the desert to the south, isn’t it?” Nurana asked.

Zaya raised an eyebrow. “You know Angu’jhin?”

“I haven’t been there, but I was taught basic geography in the temple.”

“Ah,” Zaya looked at Nurana with a blank expression.

“Geography means where countries, cities, rivers, and such are placed,” Silas told her from the side, wrinkling his nose.

“Ahh,” Zaya nodded. “Now understand. You spend much time reading books, I believe. Maybe that be why so eager to talk with pretty boys?”

Nurana rolled her eyes. “Maybe some reading would do you good.”

“Already read enough. Not need to learn where every city be. Too many to remember.”

The port of Nu-Taquim was shaped like a crescent around the bay, little fishing boats swaying lightly in the waves that lapped against the eroded sandstone. People walked to and fro, rolling barrels and pushing carts. Sellers aimed to outshout each other as they hollered the seafood displayed on their stands.

The Shelter was bigger than most other buildings in the harbor, a simple, long rectangular construction with a wide door at least nine feet tall. Small cracks and holes covered its walls, marking the building with age. Yet, despite the rough state it appeared to be in, its bright colors set it apart from the rest of the houses in the harbor. One drawing had been painted directly along one of the many cracks, depicting a yellow bolt of lightning shooting out toward the sea until the crack ended somewhere near the corner. A fierce dragon spread its wings on the right wall, two holes in the wall representing red eyes that gleamed in the sun.

There were no guards at the door, but a tall woman wearing a colorful dress sat behind a smooth stone desk writing on a board of sand, similar to the one Silas had seen in the infirmary. She looked up as they entered, her smile revealing slightly crooked teeth.

“Hello, children. I don’t think I’ve seen you before. I’m Aiza. Can I help you?”

“Hello, Aiza. I’m Nurana. We were told by Galmor that we might be able to find lodging here in exchange for work.”

Aiza gave them a measuring glance. “You folk don’t seem to be in desperate need, but we do have a few vacant beds. Do you have any skills?”

“We’re Artists. Silas and Zaya here,” Nurana gestured towards them, “are combat-focused, and I’m a healer. They’re Wielders, and I’m a User.”

Aiza’s eyebrows rose. “Are you sure you’re in the right place? I’m certain you could find some work in the Upper District if you tried.”

Nurana lowered her head as if ashamed. “We had a,” she paused, fidgeting with her fingers, “unpleasant encounter with some people there. They accused us of stealing and assaulted us. After defending ourselves, the guards came and threatened to lock us up if we didn’t leave immediately. We aren’t welcome there anymore. We didn’t do anything, mind you,” Nurana added hastily. “But it seems people like us aren’t welcome up there. Galmor was the first who showed some kindness to us.”

Silas sent a glance at Nurana, once more impressed by her acting. How was she so good at this?

Aiza’s face softened. “I’m sorry for what you went through. I don’t know for how long I can give you three a bed, but a few days is the least I can do. There are many who have even less, you see.”

“We’re grateful for everything we can get.”

“In that case, let me welcome you to the Shelter.” She gave them a radiant smile. “I’ll assign you to help Amush with the training. He’s in the patio near the back, you won’t miss him.” Aiza gestured behind her down the long hallway where a door led into an open space.

Thanking Aiza, they went towards the training area. Silas wasn’t surprised the Ascended also trained their new recruits in the Arts. But seeing how young the children were that sparred outside, he wondered who it would be to pay the price of a potential uprising.