Not long after Ezekiel had left the city of Gates, within the city of Harkem, a gathering of Guild Leaders and other Legendaries was taking place. Each and every one of them looked tired, with more than a few having been brought back from the retreating front lines at an earlier time due to the injuries they’d sustained. The number of injured had grown to the point where the Life Mages couldn’t keep up. Hence the bandages, splints, and casts being used to aid in recovery as best they could.
Luckily for them, things didn’t seem to be getting any worse than they already were. They had just received news that the forces they had sent west were now making their way back to the city. If things worked out well, then they would arrive at the city just as the Cruor made their push to take Harkem.
This would make the timing of the reinforcements arrival all the more important. If they failed to make it in time, then there was a chance that the Cruor would break out to the south. But it looked like there weren’t any movements from the Deep, so it was looking like the chances of success were high.
The city itself was basically empty, with only the Guilds still occupying it. Fortunately, they didn’t need much more than that in order to operate the city’s defenses.
“How are our supplies faring?” Duke Harkem asked. “I know we’re only waiting for a few more days, but still, best to keep everyone’s bellies full for the battle.”
“We’ve got enough to last us a week, longer if we ration. So, we should be fine for the battle. We also have reinforcements coming with resupplies. So, there shouldn’t be any worry about that.” One of the Duke’s advisors said.
“Good. Are there any reports regarding the Cruor’s forces?” The Duke asked. “Specifically, regarding the new Broodlord.”
All the assembled Legendaries, even the Grand Scholars, shifted nervously in their seats. None of them wanted the Broodlord to participate in the battle. One of the Empire’s Mythics was ready in a nearby city, outside Harkem’s territory, just in case the Broodlord entered the battle, but everyone knew that it would be better if the Mythics didn’t fight.
“Outside of the initial push, and the territory that they are maintaining to the north, there has been no word regarding the Broodlord’s movements.” One of the Guild leaders said. “At the moment, they’ve simply got too many forces in the north for us to get close enough to scout properly. We’ll simply have to assume that no news is good news. At least for now.”
The Duke couldn’t help but grimace as he heard the Guild Leader’s report. A look that appeared on several other faces. The borders to the north had shifted, and it was expected that they had lost a large portion of the Empire’s northeastern territories. That was land that they weren’t likely to get back. Not so long as the new Broodlord was roosting there.
Most people outside of the Harkem territories assumed that all the lands taken by the Cruor would be taken back. Either after Harkem won, or by the Empire’s Mythics, should Harkem lose. These people either weren’t aware that there was a new Broodlord, or they misunderstood what the Empire was willing to do for their lost territory.
As it was, the territory directly north of Harkem, leading all the way up to the Frozen Fjords, was unlikely to be reclaimed by the Empire anytime soon. Not unless they managed to kill the Broodlord. But there was a chance that the Empire would lose one of their Mythics, which made it purely a last resort.
Fortunately, that area of the Empire was mostly uninhabited. So, the loss of life was not as bad as it would’ve been if they had taken Harkem right from the start. But it was also considered to be a part of the territory under Duke Harkem’s supervision. This was partially due to politics, and partially due to the power that Duke Harkem had displayed.
It was expected that he would’ve risen to Mythic Tier within the decade, and this was nearly eight years ago, but it seemed like the work he needed to do thanks to his brother’s actions had delayed his advancement. The amount of time it would take for him to break through at this point was time he just couldn’t take at the moment. Else he might’ve reached Tier five by now. Then, they wouldn’t need to worry as much about the Broodlord that had invaded.
“We can’t rely on the hope that the Cruor won’t have their Broodlord enter the battle at a moment’s notice. Much like how we have our own Mythical being just outside our borders, they too, may be waiting until the opportune moment to enter the fray.” Duke Harkem said. “I agree that there is no point in worrying for now, but we need to be aware of the possibilities nonetheless.”
From there the gathered Guild Leaders finalized their plans to draw in the Cruor and ensure that they would be able to fight to their greatest ability. At this time, it was basically do or die. If they didn’t manage to get a win with this battle, then not only would Duke Harkem most certainly lose his position, and be forced to give up his lands, but the various Guilds would also need to relocate.
The countdown had begun for them. Soon, the final battle of this conflict would begin. It would be the turning point to decide if this would grow into a full-on war, or if it would end with a shift in borders.
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Elsewhere, in the middle of the Willowbrush Empire, within a large throne room, there were three figures currently residing within, and a fourth kneeling before the primary throne. Three additional thrones, smaller than the main one, but elevated to higher areas in the room, nestled behind the main throne were also there. Two of them were currently occupied by Hunters and their Spirits.
While their powers were restrained, it was obvious that they were incredibly powerful. Far more so than the two Hunters on the lower level. These were the Emperor, his Mythic Guardians, and one other. A messenger that had risen in the ranks over the past eight years.
“I see. Your diligence regarding this matter is admirable. Tell me, Erkan Grand, what are your thoughts on the conflict occurring in the Harkem territory?” The Emperor asked from his regal seat. “Your words have brought prosperity to many of the Territories under Our command. So, it would please me to hear what you think of Harkem.”
Erkan, still kneeling with his head facing the ground, couldn’t help but smirk slightly in pride. He had been serving the Emperor as a scribe and noble for many years. He had finally risen to an advisory position several years ago. Granting him more influence in the Imperial Court than he would have previously imagined. Something that would’ve been impossible to achieve on his own.
“I believe that having Exalt Harras stationed outside the Harkem territories is a good plan. Though I am doubtful that it will be needed. The Cruor, while abominable and wasteful in nature, consuming all in their path, are not entirely stupid.” Erkan said. “They are not incapable of making plans of attack. Else we would not be in this situation, and I believe that the new Broodlord will be content to remain in its new nest. As such, I believe that it would be more suitable for you to establish a reason to revoke the Duke’s title as city ruler. Allowing him to keep his title is reasonable, if he can defeat the Cruor and keep hold of his city and directly controlled lands. But he should still be punished for being pushed back this far. If not for his failure, then at least for his shortsightedness in not requesting aid.”
The Emperor hummed in thought. A shift from behind him signified that one of the Exalted Mythic Hunters wished to speak. Raising a hand to signify that they could do so, the Emperor waited before making a final judgment. Unseen by all, Erkan couldn’t help but frown.
“Your majesty, I believe that Advisor Erkan is being too harsh. This Cruor incursion occurred purely due to the elevation of a new Broodlord. If not for that, it would not have gotten to this point.” The Mythic Hunter declared. “I believe that allowing him to retain his territories, if he succeeds without Harras’ intervention, would be fair. The loss of reputation and the shrinking of his territory, even if only on paper, will be a humiliation that will be inescapable once he reaches the Mythic Tier. Especially once he comes to the capital.”
Unseen by all, the other Mythic Hunter nodded in agreement. Something that only the Emperor was aware of, thanks to his Spirit observing and passing on information. This frustrated the Emperor quite a bit. He agreed more so with Erkan, who had been giving him advice that had elevated the Emperor’s coffers and control by leaps and bounds. But he knew that he couldn’t just ignore the Empire’s Exalts.
Regardless of the contracts that bound them to the Empire, they were still powerful enough to have influence that could cause untold damage to the royal family. As such, he had no choice but to either come up with an idea of his own or take the more lenient approach to keep the Exalts happy.
Waving his hand to silence the room, the Emperor closed his eyes in thought. He stayed this way for several minutes, weighing the pros and cons of each decision. Finally, he opened his eyes and glared down at Erkan’s kneeling form.
My decree is thus. Should Harper Harkem succeed in pushing back the Cruor from his directly controlled territory, we will forgive the loss of the northern territories, as they were only tangentially under his control.” The Emperor said. “However, we cannot forgive his poor decision in not accepting aid from Our armies. Thus, a permanent presence will be established in his territories, to ensure that We will not be caught off guard by this again. We will also send a missive, indicating that it would be greatly appreciated if he could focus his efforts moving forward on breaking through to the next Tier.”
The Exalts behind him nodded their heads, while Erkan grit his teeth in frustration. It seemed that the Emperor had decided on taking the lenient path. At least if Duke Harkem won the conflict. However, what he said next made it apparent how little he actually cared for Duke Harkem.
“However, should Duke Harkem fail to defend his territory, and Exalt Harras is forced to step in, not only will he have his title renounced but he will also be summoned to the capital to serve Out house directly.” The Emperor declared. “In such a case, he will be required to break through to the next Tier within a decade, at which point his lands and title will be returned to him. Failure to do this will result in the permanent loss of his title, and continued service, for the rest of his life. Regardless of whether or not he breaks through.”
Erkan couldn’t stop the grin from forming on his face. This was what he had been hoping for. This would allow him to subtly install people back into Harkem that were more in line with his and his companion’s goals.
In their seats behind the emperor, the Exalts frowned as they heard this declaration. They agreed that Duke Harkem needed to be punished if he lost, but the sheer amount of freedom and reputation that would be lost by this was basically unrecoverable. Even if Harper Harkem did reach Tier five, it was unlikely that his name would recover from the disgrace of essentially becoming a slave to the Emperor.
But before they could raise any points, the Emperor finalized his decree, and called an end to the meeting. Erkan left the throne room with a happy smile on his face. While the Emperor glared at the two Mythic Hunters before he too left the room. As the two Exalts sat atop their thrones, comforted by their Spirits, they couldn’t help but sigh in unison.
“That boy... He is nothing like his father.” the Exalt who spoke up before said. A brown and rust colored wolf sat by his side. “It’s such a shame. The Emperor should care about their people, and the well-being of their Empire. Not increasing their coffers and making the nobles happy.”
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“I can only somewhat agree to that, as I myself am one of those nobles. But you’re right, Narok, the Emperor has not been making good decisions as of late.” The other Exalt said. She had a green snake Spirit wrapped around her shoulders. “What I don’t like is who he’s been listening to so often recently. It’s clear that that advisor, Erkan, does not have good intentions towards us, or the citizens of the Empire.”
“Perhaps you are right, Talia. It’s just a shame that nothing we say can get him to send that damned advisor away. I don’t suppose you’ve managed to find any dirt on him that we could use to get rid of him?” Narok asked.
Talia simply shook her head. The two of them sighed once more. As much as they wanted to bring the Emperor back to the more noble path of taking care of the Empire, their contracts bound them too harshly to allow such a thing to happen.
For now, they could only wait and see how events would play out in the Harkem territory. All of the Exalts had hoped to have a new peer within the next few years. They just hoped that, if he did manage to make it to the Mythic Tier, he wouldn’t hold too many grudges against the Emperor. The Empire was already too divided to have an opposing force join their ranks.
The Cruor and Cult of Light were already too many issues for them to deal with.
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Elsewhere, still within the confines of the city of Trillious, capital of the Willowbrush Empire, Erkan was settling himself into the comfort of his home. At least, the image of him created by a Relic gifted to him by the Cult of Light was settling in comfortably. Erkan’s true body was currently descending into a magically secured room beneath his personal manor. Entering the room, he and his lizard Spirit took a seat at a table with a mirror in front of it. This was a different Relic than the one Marco had used but served the same purpose.
As the lights within the room dimmed, Erkan was bathed in an orange Light as six other Lights appeared around him. The Lights of Radiance had been called forth for a meeting once again.
“Erkan, you are late. Did something happen during your meeting with the Emperor?” Typhos asked with a mild hint of curiosity in his voice.
“Indeed. I have good news and bad news, regarding the Emperor’s stance on the Harkem situation.” Erkan said. He then proceeded to explain the situation, and the decisions that the Emperor had decided to take.
“So, he is going to go with an extreme for either result. It seems like your influence is growing.” The Speaker said. “Typhos, do we know how the other nobles in the surrounding areas are likely to react to this?”
Typhos took a moment to think before replying. But when he did, Erkan didn’t like the response that was provided.
“They are likely to feel that the decision is fair. Mostly because the older nobility doesn’t like the fact that there’s the possibility of two up and coming ‘new nobles’ joining the ranks of the Exalted Mythic Hunters.” Typhos said. “They will not be able to do anything if Harkem manages to push the Cruor back on his own, so they will quietly fade into the background. At least for a while. But if he fails, they will be more than happy to jump onto the situation and tear him apart like the wretched scavengers they truly are.”
This was something that Typhos and Erkan often disagreed on when it came to managing their forces in the Empire. Erkan sought to use the nobility to acquire power and influence in court. Manipulating the Emperor by using the reputation that the nobles provided him through the aid he provided in solving problems the Emperor faced. Potentially turning the nobles to their side later on.
Typhos was of the opinion that the nobles were only good so long as they were useful, and that they were worthless in the long run. So, it would be better to use them and get rid of them as quickly as possible. Placing their own members into the ranks of the nobility to directly control things. That way loyalty could be assured. He believed that the nobles would turn on them, the moment they realized that the Cult was behind them, as it would be a threat to their supposed authority and power.
“Lord Speaker, I would advise sending forces, or at least alerting our forces that are hidden there, to sabotage Duke Harkem’s efforts.” Erkan proposed. “It would be in our best interests to ensure that the man is bound as tightly as possible by whatever contracts we can get him tied to. Letting a potential Mythic figure roam freely, especially one that is antagonistic towards us, would not be a good idea.”
Unfortunately, the support he expected from his companions was not present. It was apparent that none of the other Lights were particularly interested in sabotaging Duke Harkem at this time. While the Cult was certainly supportive of pushing forward their agenda, they were utterly opposed to anything that supported the Cruor. Harkem failing to win this conflict could be considered as aiding the Cruor.
Surprisingly enough, it was actually Typhos that looked like he was contemplating Erkan’s proposal. But before anyone else could speak up, The Speaker intervened.
“Whilst unfortunate, it would be best if we were to let things play out. You have done well to integrate yourself into the Emperor’s good graces. But it would be unacceptable to interfere with the Harkem conflict. We cannot take actions that would aid the Cruor, nor can we risk being discovered by the Empire if we do interfere.” The Speaker declared. Then he turned to Typhos. “I am surprised, Typhos, I would’ve thought you’d be the most opposed to this.”
Typhos didn’t say anything for a moment but seemed to slump in his seat before replying. His words immediately drew the attention and focus of his peers.
“The Anathema is alive.” He said. “Worse yet, it seems like the rumors of there being a free Void Spirit are true. Not a Remnant, but an actual Spirit.”
Shock and outrage were felt by all the Lights within the room. The fact that Marco had died for nothing was bad enough, but to know that the Anathema was alive and well was even worse. But for him to have a Void Spirit, and be an actual Hunter was utterly unacceptable.
“How do you know this!?” The Speaker nearly shouted. “What is the source of this information?”
Typhos turned to face the Speaker directly before replying.
“As you know, my agents have been subtly looking for information and influential figures in the outer regions of the Empire, whilst Erkan works on the inner regions and capital.” Typhos explained. “One of my agents was operating in the city of Gates, the entry city to the Fjorya Mountains. He is a member of one of the Guild in the city. Just an Apprentice, working with logistics, but he was there when the reinforcements shipped out earlier this evening. There was some debate regarding the validity of their being a Void Hunter, but the Anathema proved it in front of a whole crowd of people.”
“Wait. You said they were shipping out this evening? But I thought that the attack wasn’t expected until two days from now?” Amelia asked. “Doesn’t this mean that the reinforcements are going to arrive too soon for Harkem’s plan to come to fruition?”
“They’ll probably stop in one of the towns closer to Harkem’s border and wait.” Typhos said. “If they left directly from Gates, then they’d be too far away to be of any use in the fight. I don’t think all the Hunters are aware of this, however, since it wasn’t mentioned in the brief overview that was provided.”
The Lights all paused to think. They couldn’t interfere with the battle with the Cruor, as that would be supporting their ultimate enemy. One that was only matched by the Anathema. But they couldn’t just let the Anathema walk away either. Not without at least attempting to stop him and take his life. They had left him alone for five years prior to his journey through Tarquessa, and he had grown by leaps and bounds. They couldn’t allow him the chance to grow even more.
“What are the chances that we can get him before he enters Harkem territory?” The Violet Light asked. “If we can get him before he gets to Harkem, then it shouldn’t have an effect on the battle itself. He’s just one boy after all.”
“Unlikely. Other than a few advisory Hunters that are in Harkem itself, I pulled out all my agents from the surrounding areas. It felt better to get them out than lose them in a conflict we will likely win regardless.” Typhos said. “Given the situation, it would take nearly a week for me to move anyone close enough to do something. Even my agents in Harkem have had to cut contact over the last couple of days, simply due to the increased security measures being taken to prepare for Harkem’s grand plan.”
This didn’t make any of the Lights happy with the situation. It seemed like the only thing they could do right now was sit and wait. Something that they felt they had done enough of already. They were stuck, though. Interfering with the battle would support the Cruor. Something that also had the possibility to come back and bite them, if their interference was discovered. But leaving the Anathema alone was as good as supporting him at this point.
The Lights all fell into a contemplative silence as they pondered over what to do about the situation. However, it seemed like the stars had aligned in the Anathema’s favor. It was going to be impossible for them to stop him. Unless they were willing to take a risk, and once again have to push back their plans for the Empire.
“I think that you are all forgetting something that would influence your decisions.” Erkan suddenly said with a grimacing smile on his face. “Void Mages can be turned into Cruor. Specifically, they are the ones that can become Broodlords. At Tier zero. Imagine what would happen if they turned an Adept?”
A sudden chill ran down the spines of all the Lights. They had been so focused on killing the Anathema for being a Void Mage, and thorn in their side, that they had forgotten the reason that Void Mages were so despised by them.
If the Anathema became a Cruor, he would most certainly become the most powerful Broodlord in existence. If not a vessel for a Brood to descend on this world in full. Something far worse than remaining as a Void Mage and growing in power.
“We still don’t have any forces that can get to him before the final battle breaks out.” Typhos said. “Not unless we’re willing to risk everything that we have in the Empire to do this.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do. We can’t risk the Anathema turning to the Cruor.” The Speaker said. “I thank you, Erkan, for opening our eyes to the truth of the matter. I was so blinded by the Anathema that I had forgotten the unfortunate possibility that you brought up.”
To everyone’s surprise, the Speaker then bowed his head towards Erkan in thanks. No one had ever received such a gesture from the Speaker before. The Speaker commanded, and the Followers of Radiance obeyed. He did not thank others for their efforts. Not beyond just words, at least. To do so would be to imply that their efforts were not expected.
Erkan was momentarily flabbergasted, but quickly regained his composure. He felt an enormous sense of pride well up within his chest. This was what he lived for. The vindication of knowing that he knew better than anyone else.
“For now, we will send our fastest members who are closest to the border that the reinforcements from Gates will be headed for. Do not care for subtlety. Simply kill him before he can get to Harkem.” The Speaker declared. “Typhos, can you get there to join them?”
Typhos grimaced. “No. I am currently dealing with a border dispute between one of the noble families and one of the Morathi Alliance’s clans. There’s no way I can make it there within a month.”
“Unfortunate. We will have to deal with what is available then. For now, I am ending this meeting, unless anyone else has news that they need to share?” The Speaker looked at the Lights around him and saw that no one was speaking up. “Then, Typhos, you know what you need to do. Ensure your agents move to kill him. Within the next three days. I will pray to the Radiant Lord for luck and see if there is anything we can do to ensure that this doesn’t end too badly for us, and the Empire.”
The Lights all nodded in agreement and understanding. One-by-one they blinked out of existence. Except for the Speaker. He remained. Bathed in the Golden glow of the Light that had been granted to him by the Radiant Lord, he prayed for luck, and for success in their attempt to kill the Anathema. He felt his Lord’s attention, for just a moment, but then, just like the others, his light also disappeared.
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To the north of Harkem, it is the territory that now belonged to the freshly crowned Winged Broodlord. Several hundred people were bound and wrapped up in cocoons. They were submerged in oily liquid that slowly seeped into their bodies. The flesh that made up their forms was twisting, and growing new appendages, making them less and less human in appearance.
Within the large chamber that these cocoons were suspended in was a throne. There sat a man with six pairs of silvery wings sprouting from his back. His hair was the same silvery color, with feathers lining it here and there, and his eyes were silver as well. In fact, other than the wings, he looked almost entirely human. This was the new Broodlord of the Winged Cruor.
Kneeling in front of him was a large seven-winged monstrous creature that looked like a cross between a lion and a dog. It too had feathers growing in patches here and there. The Broodlord had a hand on its head, with his eyes closed as he seemed to see something that no one else could.
Removing his hand from the Umbral Beasts head, he leaned back on his throne. He let out a deep and frustrated sigh as he reviewed the memories he had just extracted from the Umbral Beast. Ignoring how the beast leaned over, falling to the side dead as ichor ran from its ears and eyes.
“Such a shame. It seems like I will need to get involved after all.” The Broodlord declared to himself. “It would be a shame for me to miss my meeting with my son. It’s been almost thirteen years, after all.”
With that said, he stood up from his throne, taking to the sky with a flap of his wings. As he rose into the air, the sound of a maelstrom greeted him. The winds around him howled in sadistic glee as he climbed higher and higher. Looking around himself, he saw thousands of Cruor gathering around him, flying like a swarm as they gathered together.
“For the Broods.” The Broodlord quietly whispered. Unheard over the howling winds.
Lower down, Umbral Beasts also gathered. Up until this point, there hadn’t been a gathering of Cruor this large since the beginning of the Age of Despair. But once again, the Cruor were out to conquer the lands of humanity. To feast on their mana and consume their Spirits. Like an unending tide of Ichor, they would drown the Mages and Hunters in battle, and bring Desolation to their world.