"Explain yourself." While Arlyss was no longer powering up his attack further, it sat comfortably at nauseating levels. Alexander barely breathed for fear of escalation.

"Alirast is a prison. It was created for the sole purpose of housing the soul of a very powerful immortal. Its physical manifestation was split into two, each half having about half its power bound to it and imprisoned in the first and third axles of the universe. It is a powerful enough entity that, despite its current predicament, it's still treated as a Primordial-ranked Deity. Like your father and uncle."

Arlyss seemed annoyed at his explanation. "I'm aware that Alirast is a prison. I didn't realize the creature imprisoned was that powerful, but it makes sense. Alirast doesn't ascend the universe as most of the other realms do. It is in a fixed position."

Alexander closed his eyes, his lips moved as if he were mumbling. "Alirast is the First Son. To be clearer. He is your father's first son."

In the next instant, the two of them vanished. Trillia blinked and reached her mind out to Arlyss. "It's fine, Trillia. I took him somewhere that we could have a private conversation, and I can ensure he is not lying and manipulating people. I will get back to you and your friends soon. Congratulations on clearing the third floor. I'm proud of all of you."

The group stood outside the armoursmith's home. Amelia spoke softly, almost as if fearing her words would bring them back. "Why would Lord Darktone imprison his own child? And in such a cruel way."

The others slowly recovered from being doubled over. Trillia plopped down on the ground, a million thoughts swirling through her head. Normally, she'd act on these intrusive thoughts alone. But she was growing, learning, and wanted to be better. "I don't think I should travel with you guys anymore."

Heads snapped to look down at her. Trillia continued. "That was another immortal. This one was specifically targeting me. I don't want to put all of you in danger constantly because I'm being hunted or whatever. It's not fair to all of you."

For once, she wasn't met with immediate denial and notes of friendship and loyalty. The others also sat down and seriously contemplated her words. They hadn't met or seen the first immortal. But this one had snuck in and didn't seem all that out of the ordinary. This one could have wiped them all out with relative ease.

Trillia had gambled twice with immortals and won both times. Luck wasn't endless.

Alfred also sat down near the kids, rubbing his eyes. "First time I've been that spooked in a long time. I've met immortals before, but it was always when they were dealing with other immortals. I think there's some layers of protection that happen without our knowing."

Layla nodded. "There are rules that immortals and above must follow when operating in a mortal realm. It's why Alexander warned Arlyss about not killing him. That would have meant a deity had escalated an otherwise passive encounter with an immortal. This means that other deities or more powerful immortals could get involved to resolve the issue. It's why Lady Ora'sys warns me to be careful when invoking divine power."

The group remained silent. After a few minutes of it, Trillia stood. "I'll go and have a chat with Tormash and Ba'Shoon. We'll meet up here tomorrow if that's ok with all of you."

They all nodded and continued to sit and ponder. Trillia made her way toward the Chieftain's Hall.

She was glad they were at least thinking about her words instead of just jumping to her defense. She appreciated their loyalty and friendship.

Red River was one thing, but the wide world was another.

The guard let her in with a smile and a wave. She sat in the back of the meeting hall. It was late in the day, so there were only a few people bringing their problems to the building today.

Once they had left, Tormash waved her forward. "Official business? Or personal?"

"A bit of both. Mostly personal. Are you done for the day? If not, I can wait. I'm in no rush."

Tormash shook his head. "I'm fine with being done for the day." The next few minutes were him informing the guards that the building was no longer taking complaints.

He led Trillia to their private quarters. Ba'Shoon lay in bed with a book resting on her ever-growing stomach.

The elder shaman smiled and gave her a little wave before she returned to the book in hand. Tormash walked over and gave her a kiss before refilling her water and getting three plates of food. He sat down at the table with his and Trillia's and motioned for her to sit across from him.

"So. What brings you here?"

Trillia filled him in on the victories of the day, as well as the most recent events. Tormash crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Immortals are a serious worry. Mother had Stas around to deal with them. She had some way of communicating with the other generals, I think. Seemed limited. Otherwise, she would have gotten word of what was happening in God's Watch and mobilized the orcs to help."

Trillia nodded as she listened.

She chased her food around the plate with a fork, not feeling all that hungry for once. "I'd be terribly lonely if everyone stayed behind. But I don't wanna risk their lives. They aren't beholden to the same pact as me. I'd feel terrible if I cost them their life."

Tormash offered her a thin smile. "I think it goes without saying you care deeply about your friends and want what's best for them. Allow me to be a little cold and pragmatic. Their lives are already in great danger due to the early awakening of the [Primordials]. Furthermore, if you are not with them, what's to stop an immortal hunting you from starting here and finding them anyway? In that instance, they'd be here without you around to help them fight."

Ba'Shoon spoke up from the bed. "Think of Mon'tag. Putting them in a little danger is far better than being alone. For any of you."

Trillia sat back herself and closed her eyes. It felt like any choice she made would be the wrong one. A twisted little smile crossed her face. "I hate having other people's lives in my hands."

Tormash gave her an all-to-knowing nod. "I understand now why Mother ruled the way she did. It was difficult to bump into another tribe on the Shattered Plains. Now, there is a place they can always find me and complain about something. I am forced to make decisions that alter the course for everyone in the Shattered Plains."

Tormash took a sip of ale and rubbed his eyes. "Has Arlyss given you any new orders?"

Trillia shook her head. "He's dealing with the immortal first."

Tormash frowned and leaned forward, grabbing his fork again. "I wish I had better advice, little sister. Truth be told, a lot of what you are going to be dealing with going forward is well beyond me. I'm a simple Orc Chieftain and happy to stay that way as long as I can."

Trillia chuckled. "Sure, sure. Simple Orc Chieftain, son of the greatest Orc of the past few centuries."

Tormash leveled a look at her and spoke in a serious tone. "We are not our parents, Trillia. We do not have to strive to reach for the stars. Mother fought a great war to ensure we didn't."

"And I must fight a war to ensure it stays that way for the orcs. I won't hide from my duty as a pact-bound. Nor will I ask others to share that burden. Thank you for the food and the conversation. I think I'll go for a walk and clear my head."

Trillia stood without ever having taken a bite. She gave Tormash a hug before walking over to the bed to give Ba'Shoon a hug goodbye as well. A simple blow on the whistle had Ialu at her side. She hopped on, and the two were off.

Trillia rode around in the city, doing her own small patrol for the rest of the night. She and Ialu made camp near the rift itself. Ialu was immune by way of being pact-bound to Trillia. Trillia was immune, thanks to her traits.

The next day, she waited at Alfred and Marg's store. She had gotten there early, unable to sleep.

It took a few hours for everyone else to arrive or wake up. An awkward silence hung in the air between them. A few hours went by, small talk was had with customers, and the day's business went on. Finally, Arlyss showed up with the immortal next to him.

Trillia looked at Alexander with a weary gaze.

"Everything he has told me has checked out. It was...enlightening. At some point, I think you should have a conversation with him as well, Trillia. Sorry to make all of you wait. Trillia, would you like to discuss my plans for you here? Or in private?"

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Before he even finished his statement, Marg and Al had begun shooing customers off, claiming they were closed due to an important family function. Trillia smiled at that. "I think here is fine. They deserve to know what they are walking into if they should join me."

Arlyss glanced at everyone gathered. "The central continent, where Kadessa and the awakened [Primordial] are, cannot be reached. Rather, I cannot bring myself there. I cannot scry on it. I cannot contact the four great generals who are there. I can bring myself within a few hundred miles of its shores but no closer."

Everyone sat down and let even more weight fall onto their shoulders. Arlyss continued. "Kismet is in no condition to fight or travel, despite her many protests otherwise. Ralrouk has begun engaging the Sage fully. The Sage himself has finally begun sending waves of undead at the protections we set up to break himself out. Most of the pact-bounds that Riten and I have are tied up in defending them. I want you to travel to the central continent."

Trillia nodded. "Meet up with my uncles or my mother? Or head to Kadessa?"

"Neither." Arlyss shook his head. "There is a dwarven settlement on the northern side of the central continent. We are going to make a portal there. I have the plans. The deity of the forge walks amongst that clan. His people will be able to build the portal, and you can power it. I want to see if we can circumvent whatever is preventing me from stepping foot onto the central continent. Short of that, I can at least reinforce them should it come to that."

Trillia nodded again.

"You won't be able to reach me, Trillia. You'll be on your own. It's a lot to ask, and normally I wouldn't. But given your damage capabilities, you stand the best chance. I have a pact-bound in Kincairne who is a Captain that can take you across the seas. It will be a few months on the ship. But it's the best we can do. The portal will at least let you establish communication with me, and we can determine the next best course of action."

Trillia stood. "Once the rewards from Red River have come in, I will head to Kincairne. What's the name of the Captain?"

"Robert Highwind. He's a good man. He has a trade agreement with the leviathans in the sea, separating the northern and central continents. You may need to fight some pirates on behalf of that agreement, but otherwise, you should have smooth sailing."

Trillia motioned to Alexander. "Is it okay for him to be hearing all of this?"

The two shared a look, and Arlyss nodded. Alexander stepped forward. "I came to warn you and offer Andromeda's services if required. There is a pact-bound that is specifically hunting other pact-bounds in the service of Darktones. That now includes you. I don't think he's significantly stronger than you. After all, he's still weak enough that I can't engage due to the laws I am bound by. Killing him would be good practice and good experience for Andromeda."

Trillia nodded again. "If Lord Arlyss trusts you, so do I. I am happy to have any help going forward. There is a lake southwest of the city. I will meet the two of you there once I am done with my preparations."

Alexander nodded. After receiving a nod from Arlyss, he departed. Arlyss glanced at Trillia before looking at the others gathered. "Let me know if you need anything from me before you leave Trillia."

Once Arlyss left, she looked at her friends. "I won't ask any of you to come with me. Not only would we be leaving this continent, but we'd be getting hunted. I look forward to delving into Red River with all of you when I return. I expect you to keep up." She offered them a pained smile.

Layla scoffed. "Why are you suddenly acting so cold? What happened overnight?"

Trillia looked at the little acolyte with pain in her eyes. "I remembered Mon'tag. I remembered God's Watch. What's happening on Alirast is bullshit. None of us should be forced to deal with it. Enjoy your lives, and live in peace. I'll be fine."

Layla laughed as she walked over to hug Trillia. "Of course you will be. I'll keep you patched up. I have no family, dummy. I have nothing to lose except you and the others. If they stay here, they'll be safe with Red River."

Trillia returned the hug happily. She looked up at the others. Amelia had tears in her eyes and shook her head. "I can't join you. Not right now. I'm sorry, Trillia. But I know that I'd slow you down too much. We all discussed it a lot last night. Layla is joining you because she has nothing to lose, and, most importantly, she's an orc. Tenacity will let her survive anything." Her voice cracked at the end, and the tears started. "I'm sorry for betraying you like this."

Trillia pulled away from Layla and hugged Amelia around the waist. "You aren't betraying me. I want all of you to keep getting stronger. Keep the city safe. Layla, Andromeda, and I will be fine." Amelia broke down further and nearly crushed Trillia in a hug.

Frederick and Malor remained silent, doing their best not to break down. Trillia gave each of them a hug as well and assured them that she thought this was best. Marg crushed her in a hug. Alfred had already taken their armor and had started to fix the damages from the Leviathan fight and augment them. The old man said nothing, but Trillia could see the tears in his eyes.

The atmosphere was heavy when Gobbinz approached the store. Gobbinz was well-liked everywhere he went. Not only was he extremely helpful to delvers, but he had grown into a very diplomatic little goblin. "Father thought about what to give you all for a long time. Lord Arlyss helped him decide."

With that, he placed five rings on the table. Each was made of dark red material with a bright iridescent pearl fitted into the top. Trillia was the first to pick one up.

Would you like to bind this artifact to you?

Artifact Details:

Red River Reservoir (Minor)

This artifact is considered a storage item. (0/15)

This artifact can hold and purify up to one gallon of water, this water does not take up storage space.

This artifact cannot be lost or stolen from the creature it has been bound to.

This artifact is indestructible.

Trillia blinked in surprise. "Really? One for each of us?!"

The others each grabbed one. Their frowns were quickly replaced with grins.

Gobbinz nodded. "Lord Arlyss can make storage items, but they are expensive to use mana-wise. So, instead, he gave Father a hundred or so of them. Father was able to create these and learn how to better make storage items. We knew some or all of you would be going on a journey soon. We thought this was the best reward we could give you."

Trillia wrapped the little goblin in a hug. The others quickly followed. Trillia looked up at her friends with a smile on her face.

Marg walked over and patted her on the back. "The Red River Ruffians. Since Red River likes alliteration so much. That's what you five should be known as."

Gobbinz chuckled and nodded. "I think Father would approve. Well, Ruffians. Good luck on whatever journey you all take. We'll await your return and further delves." The little goblin bowed before scurrying off to deliver other rewards or head back to the dungeon itself.

"Let's bind them at the same time!" The others nodded. Marg lifted a small coin and told them to accept the instant the coin hit the table.

As the coin hit and they all accepted, the rings glowed faintly as thin threads of mana weaved between them.

Artifact has been upgraded!

Artifact Details:

Reservoir Ring of the Red River Ruffians (Minor)

This artifact is considered a storage item. (0/15)

This artifact can hold and purify up to one gallon of water, this water does not take up storage space.

This artifact has been paired with four other identical artifacts. Once a week this ring can send a message no more than twenty words long to the creatures bound to the other four rings. Each ring can send one such message a week.

This artifact cannot be lost or stolen from the creature it has been bound to.

This artifact is indestructible.

Trillia wanted to roll her eyes at the change. Instead, she was just grateful. She gave a little mental thank you to Dawn and whatever other deities were watching and nudging fate for all of them. "To the reunion of the Red River Ruffians. May we all have stories to tell." Trillia held the ring out over the table. The others held back their tears and put their hands in as well.

"I am going to go say my goodbyes to Ba'Shoon and Tormash and get ready. I look forward to the next time we see each other."

She departed without any more fanfare. She didn't want to lose focus. Layla said she'd meet her at the lake and bring their armor with her.

The goodbyes from Tormash and Ba'Shoon were short and sweet. Both orcs had total faith that their little sister would return alive.

Both were grateful that Layla had joined her on her adventures and promised to keep the city running smoothly.

-=- A Few Hours Later -=-

Trillia sat on a rock at the edge of the lake. Alexander and Andromeda were some distance away, having a private conversation and saying their goodbyes. It took Layla a few hours more to get to them. Her eyes were puffy with tears.

She climbed onto the rock with Trillia and extended her hand. Rations for a few weeks of travel appeared from her storage item. Trillia stored them in her ring, having already filled the reservoir with lake water. Next was her armor. Which had a new addition.

The chestplate had a green leather cape attached to it that shimmered at their touch. Layla sniffled and did her best to remain strong. "Sir Alfred upgraded our armor with those bear pelts. So, while we're in the armor, we regenerate faster. Dame Marg also made us these." Two silver chains with burnt orange scales hanging from them appeared on the rock.

Trilla activated [Mana-Sight]

[Amulet of Greater Fire Resistance]

This amulet will negate fifty percent of the fire damage the user takes after calculating their own resistances.

Trillia smiled and clasped the amulet. She glanced over at Layla. "You don't have to come with me, Layla. I won't be angry. I'll understand."

The acolyte took a deep breath and closed her eyes, shaking her head. "I won't let you go alone. You don't deserve to be alone and without any friends to watch your back. We'll return. I know we will."

Trillia gave the girl a big hug.

Trillia stored her armor. Between the rations and her armor, her storage item sat at seven of fifteen. It'd make walking around a lot easier, not being in the armor. The two slid down from the rock, and Ialu bounded up to them, having been playing in the lake.

Alexander and Andromeda approached.

Alexander spoke. "You'll have to communicate with her telepathically until she can better control her psionic abilities. Her purpose is to engage the pact-bound hunter. For other fights, you're on your own. I won't risk my prodigy for folks who can't deal with regular problems. Are we clear?"

The two nodded. Alexander grumbled something under his breath. "Good luck." With that, he vanished.

Trillia reached out to Arlyss. A few short portal jumps later, and they stood on the docks of Kincairne. It was Trillia's first time seeing the city. While the walls weren't anything like Rift City's walls, they were still tall and covered in metal. Great ballistas pointed out into the fields surrounding the city.

Huge towers with ballistas of their own pointed out toward the ocean. A few dozen ships were anchored out in the water, with small ships resting next to the docks.

Trillia was ready to head off to find Captain Highwind when Arlyss put a hand on her shoulder. "There's no need for you to run about and search. He's on his way. During the first few months, you can contact me, and I can respond. You'll feel our connection weaken when you are out of range."

Trillia nodded. The group stood there and waited for the Captain to come to them. Trillia turned to look out over the ocean, taking another deep breath to steady herself.