Beneath the city of Rime, within the underground facility of the Cult of Light, the charred corpses of several messengers and attendants crumbled into ash and dust after Marco expressed his anger. He had just received news from them that their spies connected to the Sunny Merchant House had reported on the arrival of several foreign Scholars within one of the towns south of Zime.
The Scholars themselves were not the thing that made him so angry. But the presence of a Flame Mage and her lizard Spirit brought him up in a roaring fury. Then the mention of a young man suffering soul injuries within this same group was enough to bring him into a scornful inferno of rage. Especially when the boy was described as having glittering white hair that seemed to have an opalescent shine to it.
The eruption of his mana had incinerated everyone that was in the room with him when he had received this news. Even the Adept Hunters that were there as his personal forces didn’t survive. Fortunately for him, there were only two of them.
Even now, after his initial explosion of anger had abated, the cinders spread throughout the room glowed intensely, pulsing with every breath that he took. A knock on the door grabbed his attention.
“WHAT?!” He yelled in a hoarse holler.
“Apologies, my lord, but it is just past noon. You wished to be informed when it was this time.” A pained and nervous voice called through the charred and damaged door. It was a wonder that it was still standing without having collapsed at this point.
“Shit...” Marco muttered before heading towards the exit. He needed to get to his office so that he could speak with his fellow Lights. The fact that this news came just before the meeting was both a good and bad thing. Good, since they were now aware of the Anathema’s position and abilities. Bad, because he knew that he was going to be chewed out soon.
As he exited the meeting hall where he had been given the bad news, he noticed that the man who alerted him was not one of the original guards that had been posted outside the room. The smell of burnt flesh flooded his nostrils, and he noticed two charred patches of meat on the ground.
Realizing that his Flames must’ve affected the guards that were originally stationed there. He couldn’t help but grumble in anger, as the guards had both likely lost a limb. The two must’ve been rushed to the infirmary by a passing follower. This person was likely just a messenger that was given instructions by the guards before they were taken away.
“Piss off.” Marco said, causing the young man to run away as fast as he could, lest he also become a victim of Marco’s anger.
Now alone, Marco left flaming footsteps as he calmly strode towards his office. His anger now simmering to a point that was contained, but still just as hot as before. Now was not the time to release his rage. He would do so soon, but for now he had to face his peers, and the Speaker.
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The Lights of the Radiant Lord were silent as Marco finished conveying his information to them. None of them were pleased by the information that he had received from his spies, and it was obvious that there were all wary and doubtful of his words.
If they were true, then that meant that their ultimate enemy was now strong enough to pose a threat to the Hunters of the faith. An Apprentice wasn’t much on their own, but an Adept could do a lot more damage. Especially one as well trained as the Anathema.
“Lord Speaker,” Erkan spoke up after digesting the information provided, “Has the Radiant Lord provided any warning regarding any events that occurred over the past week?”
“There has not. However, while communing with the Radiant Lord, there was a moment where there was... a pause in communications.” The Speaker said to his peers. “That is usually not enough of a reason to be wary of anything happening in the world. The Radiant Lord is still holding vigil against the Broods, after all. But, given the situation, I fear that the Anathema has discovered a new heretical power.”
The Lights all flashed as they flared their mana in anger and wariness. It was rare, but many Mages would gain new powers and spells that were unique, beyond the simple manipulations of their respective elements.
However, this only occurred in Hunters, and while there were rumors within the Cult of the church of Ten mentioning the existence of a Void Spirit, these had previously been dismissed as speculations and theories. But if the Anathema had new spells after Tiering up, then there was little to say in dispute of those old rumors.
This meant that the Followers of Radiance were now at an impasse. There was a quiet agreement that Legendary figures wouldn’t be fighting actively for the duration of the war. This was to ensure that the cities and towns of Tarquessa maintained a level of sustainable living.
Of course, there were more than a few instances where the Cult had destroyed the life blood of a couple of villages, but the larger towns and civilized areas didn’t have these issues.
Given that the Anathema was now stronger than before and was currently in an area that they were slowly taking over, they needed to make a decision. Should they ignore the agreement and mobilize their Legendary forces, or should they maintain the current state of the war and allow the chance of the Anathema escaping to occur.
“We need to kill him!” Marco exclaimed. “We cannot allow him to continue living any longer! We’ve already taken over more than half the territories inside Tarquessa. Even if the Church and various political factions fully mobilize their Legendaries, we’ll still be able to maintain a presence in the region. We may even be able to weaken the official forces even faster.”
Marco nearly disconnected from the meeting as he stood up in a fury, slamming his hands down on the desk in front of him. The rest of the Lights looked on, feeling the same anger towards their ultimate enemy, but not allowing themselves to have an outburst.
A part of each of them was fully supportive of Marco’s declaration. But there was a greater part of them that knew that a full-on war with their Legendaries would greatly diminish their forces. Worse yet, while they might win the war in Tarquessa, it would open them up to retaliation from the other factions outside the desert.
Something that would ultimately do nothing but push their later plans back even further. Given the rising conflicts in the Willowbrush Empire, that wasn’t something they could afford. Especially since their plans in the Empire had already been pushed back nearly a decade thanks to the Anathema.
But, as Marco was the Light of Tarquessa, that meant that he could still act, regardless of their support. Unless the Speaker explicitly ordered him otherwise. Which, given the situation, was unlikely to occur. At least, not without certain stipulations.
“... Do you have a nominee?” The Speaker asked.
“What?” Marco replied, utterly confused by the question.
“So long as you have a nominee, I will permit you, and you alone, to make an attempt against the Anathema.” The Speaker said. “But, regardless of whether or not you succeed, you will be excommunicated, so that the Church cannot argue that we Followers have broken the agreement. Only you will be responsible for your actions regarding the Anathema.”
Marco fell silent as he pondered over the Speaker’s words. For a few seconds, the other Lights thought that Marco would be forced to back down, as he didn’t have a nominee for his position as a Light. Or maybe he wasn’t willing to forsake their faith for such a mission.
“Amelia Inra.” Marco said with a confident voice. “She’s not who I want to have in my position. Too soft for my liking. But she can fulfill the duties of a Light if needed. Even though she only broke the boundary of Legendary last year, she has been a loyal Follower for nearly three decades. More than enough time to be rewarded for her loyalty.”
Not a single one of the Lights had thought that Marco would offer up a nomination for his replacement. But it was clear that he was willing to die for an attempt to kill the Anathema. Though none of them could dispute that his nomination was a good one. Most other Legendary Flame Hunters within their faith were either too old, or otherwise incapable of controlling the forces under Marco’s command.
Amelia was a woman who had created her own forces within their faith and was more than capable of fulfilling Marco’s responsibilities. But she had done so when she was unable to agree with the way that Marco ran things. In particular, his disdain for any and all civilians that did not fall in line with the Follower’s beliefs.
“Very well then. You may head out to Zime as soon as this meeting is over. You will alert your people of your choice and inform then that they will be executed if they follow you.” The Speaker said. “Amelia will be sworn in within the week. You are not to return to any facilities of the Followers after you leave. Except to do one thing.”
Marco leaned in in anticipation regarding his upcoming order.
“Confirm the existence of the Void Spirit and ensure that our people know. Even if you must die, regardless of whether or not you manage to kill the Anathema.” The Speaker said.
Marco nodded in silence, a face splitting grin on his face, as he pictured the Anathema turning into a melted, charred, burnt up husk beneath his fist. While he was losing everything that he had built up so far, he was finally getting the thing he wanted most for nearly ten years.
As far as he was concerned, the Anathema was dead, and his desires were already fulfilled.
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Elsewhere, much further north of Zime, in the Willowbrush Empire, several people were gathered in a meeting room within the Harkem Cathedral. Before them was a map detailing several battle lines and outposts. Many of which were crossed out, and the lines that had been drawn had many additional ones added to them. Almost all of them were closer to Harkem than the last. The most recent one being right along the river that stood between the city and the Desolate Lands.
Those at the table included Naeri, Harolt, and the two other Grand Scholars of the Harkem Cathedral. As well as Duke Harper Harkem himself, and several Legendaries that were sworn to either himself or the Tier four Guilds within the city. Garrad Mountloch was among them, having broken through to Tier four several years ago.
The conflict with the Desolate Lands was not going well for these high Tiered Mages and Hunters. Many of them looked like they had had little, if any sleep, and it was obvious that they had all participated in at least one or more battles. Bandages covered many cuts and bruises on all of them, and the scent of healing salves filled the room. The cost of healing potions had long since outweighed their worth after months of battle.
These figures had been gathered to discuss their next moves. According to the map, the conflicts along the border had been occurring most regularly to the north. Nearer to the Frozen Fjords, where the Empire’s presence wasn’t as strong, but was still believed to have been strong enough to defend against an invasion.
It was the destruction of nearly all the outposts along the northeastern border of the Empire that had started this conflict. One that was swiftly devolving into a full-scale war, as talk of including the full might of the Empire was circulating. It was only the insistence of Duke Harper that stopped the Emperor from interfering directly and sending forces from the Imperial army to provide aid to the border city.
This, of course, would result in an even greater loss of authority by Duke Harper. To the point that he may very well be ousted from his position as the city’s ruler. Something that had already been brought up nearly a decade ago, when he was nearly removed by force.
As it was, the city’s more immediate problem came from the fact that the defensive towns and villages that lined the empire’s border had been falling one by one. To the point where the Harkem lands had lost not only the river between them and the Desolate Lands, but also a great deal of land to the direct north, on the same side of the river that the city was on.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
If things did not change soon, the city might end up being boxed in on all sides, with only the Fjorya being free of Cruor forces. But they couldn’t exactly retreat in that direction either, as Tarquessa was in the midst of a civil war, and simply remaining in the Fjorya was impossible. The Ancient Glacier had specifically made it to be barely hospitable. There was just enough Life there for certain flora to survive and thrive, and very specific fauna that survived off said flora. Humans were not amongst them.
Hence, their current predicament. Send for aid from the Empire directly, or retreat to a position further from the Empire, but one that was more defensible than their current one. Where they could regroup their forces and begin chipping away at the Cruor. Who, by now, had almost certainly started to overextend their forces due to the amount of land they were slowly trying to spread out to.
“Retreat might be the better option.” Harolt said as he examined the map. “Given the current circumstances, I don’t even know if the forces that the Emperor can send would make it before the city fell. Best to get the remaining citizens out of here as soon as possible.”
“If we do that, then the city might end up being the next Ruin that the Guilds discover on an expedition. The closest forces are only two weeks away. It shouldn’t be too hard to hold out for that long.” One of the Guild Leaders said from across the table. “If we consolidate our Hunters here, here, and here, we should be able to hold out by employing defensive formations, as temporary as they may be.”
Looking at the three points on the map, the Guild Leader had marked out a wedge formation that centered around the city. It would allow for a defensive position to last for some time, but whether or not that time was the necessary two weeks for reinforcements was uncertain.
“We don’t even know if the Emperor will want to save us. For all we know, he and his advisors might just decide to have us weaken the Cruor so they can mop up whatever is left after we all die.” Another Guild member said. “I mean no offense when I say this, but if the Emperor truly cared, then he would’ve volunteered forces to help us. Rather than make that stipulation of dismissal towards the Duke when he was first informed of the situation.”
That was another worry and point of contention between Duke Harper and the Emperor. The Duke had sent information regarding the situation when the conflict had first broken out months ago. But was informed that this was his problem to deal with, and that failure would not result in an acceptable outcome. Thus, Duke Harper had refrained from asking for reinforcements, knowing that the Emperor would count it as a failure to deal with his own problems on his own.
Looks of disgruntled discomfort spread throughout the room. It seemed like the Emperor had been growing less and less pleased with anyone that wasn’t a part of his inner circle as of late. Several officials and Hunters in the Imperial Palace, and even throughout other areas of the Empire, had lost their positions for strange and bizarre reasons.
The fact that Duke Harper was a Peak Tempest Mage didn’t seem to mean anything either. Even though it was almost guaranteed that his Spirit would break through to Tier five within the next year or so. At least, that was the case before the conflict began.
Now, it was unlikely that he would be able to store up enough mana to encourage either his, or his Spirit’s, breakthrough to Tier five. Something that had lowered his value in the eyes of the Empire.
“Even so, retreat would also count as a failure, would it not? The Emperor would see that we had failed to defend the borders and would send his forces anyways. At least, if we stay here, that means that we might still have a city to return to.” The first Guild Leader said. “Besides, the Emperor gave us leave to pardon any criminals for prior crimes in exchange for their service in pushing back the Cruor. That, alone, has already bolstered our forces by nearly thirty percent.”
An argument broke out as the Guild Leaders started shouting at each other regarding what path they should take. This went on for several minutes as Duke Harper, his direct aides, and the Grand Scholars, all looked over several reports and documents regarding the situation that they were in.
The Scholar’s stance was already firmly established, as evident by their diminished presence in the city. It wasn’t that they had abandoned Harkem, but their main priority was the safety, study, and overall well-being of the Relics and records that were under their protection. As such, they had long since relocated their most important valuables to another Cathedral further from the border.
They had also recently begun using their contracted Hunters as guards for the sake of accompanying said valuables to their destination. As well as protecting the various civilian caravans as they left Harkem. Such measures had only been implemented over the past week or so, but nearly a quarter of the city had been successfully evacuated.
“Enough!” Duke Harper suddenly called out. “What is the situation regarding our aquatic forces and vessels?”
The Guild Leaders looked confused as they checked their reports before answering.
“There is little to no naval movement at the moment. While it was only slight, the attacks on our naval vessels did increase at the start of the conflict.” A Guild Leader with blue hair and eyes spoke up. “Similarly, the war in Tarquessa means that docking at the moment is nearly impossible, due to the Cult of Light’s forces having succeeded in blockading most, if not all, the ports that are fitted to support vessels from foreign nations.”
“But we still have ships, correct?” Duke Harper asked. “If so, then I think I have a plan.”
The Guild Leaders and Grand Scholars all looked to the ruler of their city as he described his intentions. Duke Harper intended to use what ships they had left to enact a pincer attack on the forces that were encroaching on the city.
They would be sending a few forces back to make it look like they were retreating. All the while, the rest of their forces would go south, along the coast, to an Empire port city at the border to the Fjorya.
This would be done with the intention of causing the Cruor to push to the city at a faster pace. As they wouldn’t want their prey to leave before they could feast. This would hopefully cause them to be careless. Then, as their main forces invaded the minimally defended, and mostly emptied city, the forces that retreated inland would attack, causing the Cruor to either respond to the attack, or retreat in the opposite direction. Towards the water, where the rest of their Hunter forces would hopefully be waiting.
It was Duke Harper’s hope that this would force a decisive blow against their Cruor. Causing them to have to retreat from the city in order to maintain their presence within the Empire’s lands. At least until the Empire could send additional forces to the north. To the lands that weren’t under Duke Harper’s direct control. Thereby lightening the load on him and his city.
“This plan is incredibly risky. If the timing is off by even a little bit, or worse, the Deep are still lingering around our waters, then we’ll basically be wiped out.” Harolt stated. “How do you intend to direct multiple forces when they’re so split up?”
“By asking for your direct help. Specifically, I need you to teach my commanders and the Guild Leaders how to communicate with your Com-Slates.” Duke Harper explained. “Something that I trust you people can do. Or at least codify the language you use so that we can send basic messages.
The Grand Scholars all shared a glance. While it wouldn’t be too difficult to do, it would still mean that some of their Scholars would have to remain behind, if they wanted to teach the Guild Leaders properly. But, given that they didn’t have a better plan besides running away, they knew that they needed to at least ask for volunteers.
“We’ll see who else stays behind. I, at least, will remain here, and I will teach who I can. Hopefully you’ve got enough people that learn quickly. That way we can get this plan in place as soon as possible.” Harolt said. “I’ll start looking for volunteers as soon as possible. Though, I don’t think that they’ll be hard to find.”
“Good. In that case, let’s work out some more specific necessities for our plan. We have a week at best before the Cruor are at our doorstep, with how the battle lines are looking.” Duke Harper said. “The first wave of retreating forces will head out by tonight. Taking as many of the remaining citizens as possible. I want the city cleared by half within three days, at least.”
The Guild Leaders all winced at that statement, knowing that it would be almost impossible to do what was being asked. But if they wanted to make this look real, then they needed to do it. So, they started planning, and within a few hours, the plan was finalized, and the first wave was sent out. Thousands of refugees were seen leaving the city of Harkem. Amongst them, a family of merchants, and two little girls with black and gold eyes.
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Within one of the larger carriages currently headed away from Harkem, Allon, Sherra, and Shari sat with Ellen and Wendy. The latter two were nearly in tears after having to say goodbye to their parents. But Evelyn and Warren were both still under contract. Though their sentences had long since been reduced due to the Cruor’s invasion. So long as they successfully pushed the Cruor back, then they would be free from their debt, regardless of how much was still left.
“Chin up, girls, you’ll see your parents again. It’ll be soon enough that you’ll have forgotten you were separated in the first place.” Allon said in an attempt to cheer up the young thirteen-year-olds. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to work, as they continued to remain silent as they gazed at the floor of the carriage.
Helpless, Allon looked over at his wife and daughter. But the former had only shrugged her shoulders as she remained alert for any possible signals from the protecting Hunters from outside.
Sherra was slightly scarred, having had to participate in more than a few battles during patrols near the city. The odd Umbral beasts had gotten far closer than usual. Mostly due to the fact that the regular patrols had been lessened due to the Guild presence needed on the battlefield. But the woman still held a dangerous beauty to her, as the Flame within her had grown stronger. Not yet peak Adept, but closer to the middle Steps.
Shari, on the other hand, had grown far more beautiful as she had matured. As she had grown into adulthood, her figure and maturity had grown as well. Plus, she had long since reached Tier two and surpassed her father’s Step due to Bonnie’s help. Leading to her taking over many of the day-to-day operations in certain aspects of their family’s business.
Seeing her father’s silent plea for help, and knowing how to distract the twins’ attention, she decided to take over. Much to her father’s relief and chagrin, given the topic that she was bringing up.
“How about this, girls, when we reach the city of Tollren, I’ll take you to the wilds and we can see if we can find you some Spirits to bond with, okay?” Shari said in a calm and attention-grabbing voice.
Ellen and Wendy immediately turned their attention to Shari, wide eyed as they looked at her hopefully. Their parents had originally promised to help them find Spirits to bond with. They had even managed to get some spots to go to the Spirit Lands within the city. Unfortunately, they had had no luck in finding a Spirit to bond with.
“Really, big sis! Do you mean that?” Ellen asked excitedly while Wendy remained quiet. “How can you do that? Does Tollren have a Spirit Land as well?”
Over the years, Wendy and Ellen had grown just as close to the Alkena family as Ezekiel had. If not more so, since their parents often had to leave them in the Alkena’s care when out on missions for the Church. This led to them forming a sisterly bond over the years. Unlike the crush that Shari once had on Ezekiel. Something that her parents like to poke fun at her about whenever they could.
“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to go into the Spirit Lands. But mine and my father’s connections have access to a portion of the wilderness where we might be able to find some friendly Wild Spirits.” Shari explained. “We have a good relationship with one of the families in Tollren. I wouldn’t be surprised if they allowed us access if we asked nicely. It would be a good bonding exercise between my family and theirs. As well as a good way to get over what’s been happening around Harkem.”
At the mention of Harkem, Ellen and Wendy fell silent once again, and Shari winced as she realized what she’d done. Luckily, it seemed like Ellen and Wendy were getting over their sorrow, and their worries. But that didn’t mean they didn’t have concerns, and questions.
“What do you think big brother is doing right now?” Wendy quietly asked after several minutes of silence. “Do you think he knows about what’s happening in Harkem?”
Ellen looked frustrated at her sister’s question, while the Alkena’s looked awkward. While the first few years of Ezekiel’s exile had been tough, the twins had gotten over their brother’s exile. But the scorn and distaste for Void mages had never truly gone away, and Ezekiel still had a bad name, given his supposed crimes from eight years ago.
Luckily, Warren and Evelyn had managed to diffuse some of the tension that existed thanks to their connection to Ezekiel. That didn’t mean that their peers’ words didn’t get to Ellen at times. Though Wendy managed to ignore most of it.
“He’d probably stay where he was. It’s not like he’s got a lot of reasons to come back after all.” Ellen said in an angry tone. “Not that there’s too many people that deserve his care, after what they all say.”
Everyone in the carriage winced at Ellen’s words. She had long since given up on most of the city’s residents. Having decided that they weren’t worth carrying about if they thought that one’s elemental affinity was all that mattered regarding your worth.
Even the explanation about how the Broodlords were all originally Void Mages didn’t sway her thoughts on the matter. Something her parent’s greatly appreciated, but also something that got her in trouble when she temporarily blinded others with her magic whenever they insulted her family because of her brother. Though, there was still some envy and negativity towards Ezekiel. As she also saw him as being free from the assholes in the city that took their anger at him out on his family.
“I can’t help but wonder if he’s going to come back. They did say that those who served in the conflict would be pardoned of all prior crimes, after all.” Wendy said. “Maybe we’ll finally get to see him again, once all this is over.”
“... Maybe, but I still doubt it. He’s probably living it up in the Archipelago. Making new toys for the Church and finding Ruins to explore on lost and forgotten islands.” Ellen said, this time her voice was filled with a hint of envy. “I doubt he’d want to go through all the troubles that being in the Empire seems to bring.”
There was silence once again within the carriage, as Wendy realized that she may have stepped on one of her sister’s sore spots. After a few seconds, however, Shari decided that she couldn’t keep quiet any longer. It might’ve been years, but she knew that Ezekiel would hate it if his sister’s thought of him like this.
“To be honest, I think that Wendy might be onto something.” Shari said, causing the twins to look towards her. “Your brother loved his friends and family, more than anything else, and was even more mature than I am now, back when we were ten years old.”
The twins looked at her curiously. Shari often told them stories about their brother, but this felt different. This felt more like she was making a prediction, rather than just talking about the past.
“If there’s any trace of who your brother was when he left, then he’ll be back. He may even be one of the game changers in the conflict, doing something to push back the Cruor.” Shari said with a small smile. “At least, that’s what I know he would’ve done, or tried to do, if he had the power to do so eight years ago.”
The twins exchanged contemplative looks as they went over Shari’s words. According to what their parents had said, Ezekiel really was just like how Shari had described him. But he had been out of their lives for longer than he had been in them. They couldn’t be certain if their brother really would come back for them. Regardless of any sort of assurances.
For now, they decided that they needed to wait and see. As there wasn’t much point in having any expectations. There were other things they had to worry about at the moment.