Robert's eyes fluttered open, the lids feeling as if they were made of sandpaper. His vision was a murky blur, the harsh light from above stabbing into his retinas like needles. A groan escaped his lips, the sound muffled by the dryness in his throat. As he attempted to move, he felt the unforgiving tightness of bonds around his body, chaining him to what felt like a cold, stone pole. Panic surged through him like an electric current; he jerked upwards, but his head was immobilized as well.

Where the hell am I? The thought echoed in his mind, each throb of his headache pulsing in time with his heartbeat. He tried to piece together the fragments of memory: the chaos of battle, the searing pain of his encounter with Boros Ignos, and the feeling of his mutilation at his hands. The vivid recollection sent a wave of despair crashing over him.

But then, there was something else. Images, vague at first, began to coalesce in his mind's eye. Humans; What started as a ghost of a memory sharpened into view. "Humans," he croaked, his voice barely a whisper. The word seemed to carry some significance, because he heard commotion behind him.

“Hey!” He heard a feminine voice call out. “Guys! He’s awake!”

There was movement behind him, and hushed tones. Then a familiar face came into view. A man, with dark complexion, a solid build, and flaming tattoos that went from his wrists to his elbows.

“Finally awake now, huh?” The man said.

“Where… am I?” Robert asked, the fog in his mind slowly clearing.

“Do you remember anything?” He asked, leaning in to inspect Robert more closely.

“I…” Suddenly Robert’s eyes focused, and recognition came with a rush of memories. “You’re Greyson.” He said, anger building within him. “What did you do to me?”

“Relax, friend.” Greyson held his hands up defensively. “We didn’t do anything to you. You passed out.”

Robert’s eyes flared, his Dunamis roiling within him. “Then why the hell am I tied up like some fucking prisoner!?”

Greyson crossed his arms. “Because that demon who brought you here told us to keep you here at all costs. It said you were important for some reason or another.”

“Dio…” Robert recalled being told about her. Was she really a demon? The thought wasn’t too surprising if it was in fact, true. After what he had seen her do, both in the Rexunii village, as well as what she did to Lord Pilyur in the dungeon of Pontos. He also said she wasn’t a spirit… before she bit his head off. He sighed deeply. He couldn’t accept that he had so willingly been colluding with something as vile as a demon. But from where he was now, it looked more than likely to be the case. I’ve got to get out of here, he thought. Alektor needs to know what’s really going on.

“We’ve made some breakfast for you, if you want it.” The same feminine voice from before said, before a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes popped into his peripheral. “It’s not steak and eggs.” she said, cheerily. “But it’s not bad either.”

She lifted a plate of food near his face. Robert’s senses immediately reacted to the aroma of the savory meal before him. He salivated as he inspected the meal. The girl seemed to notice his reaction because she chuckled. “Come on, lets get you out of those bonds.”

“Wait.” Greyson said, eyeing Robert suspiciously. “We tied you up for our own protection. We don’t really know who you are or what you plan on doing. I need some sort of guarantee that you won’t try to kill us or escape if we untie you.”

Robert’s face went sour as he glared at the man. It’s not like I could escape from here anyway. Dio’Mar was the one that probably put me out of commission in the first place, he thought. “I won’t run or try to kill you. The only guarantee I can give you is my word.”

Greyson looked over Robert’s shoulder, probably looking for the approval of his unseen companions.

“Oh, come on, guys!” The blonde girl said. “How are we going to build some sort of trust with someone If we don’t make at least some effort!”

“Because!” Another female voice answered from behind him, sounding more aggressive. “He’s clearly been influenced by the Dae, Lauren! Don’t be an idiot.”

“Don’t call me that.” Lauren hissed. “He’s a human being, isn’t he? Doesn’t he deserve to be treated right?”

Robert couldn’t help but chuckle at the bickering. “You guys are supposed to be the bringers of destruction?” His chuckle turned into a full-blown laugh. “This is rich.”

“And what’s so funny about that?” Greyson’s gaze intensified. “You have no idea what we’ve done.”

“I could say the same to you.” Robert’s laugh continued.

“I know enough.” Greyson nodded to Lauren, who thanked him and started to untie Robert, despite objections from the other companion. “I know that you were captured and tortured by the Rexunii. Ended up joining them for some reason, and apparently are single handedly responsible for taking down Vul De Rah.”

Oddly accurate, Robert thought. “You’re decently informed, but lack details.”

Lauren finished untying him, and Robert groaned as he attempted to stand, again becoming painfully aware that his left arm was no longer there. The girl helped him stand, speaking soft words of encouragement.

“Thanks.” Robert said, turning to see the other two companions who had been out of his line of sight. Recognition came at seeing their features. An Asian man who looked to be in his late thirties or early forties, and a dark skinned woman who looked to be in her late twenties, who also happened to be scowling at him.

“Let’s eat.” Lauren smiled, leading him toward the center of their camp.

Robert took a moment to sit, eyeing everyone suspiciously. He knew he could escape them if he wanted to. But he doubted he could escape if Dio’Mar wanted him to stay put. She had clearly proven that when she knocked him out for… “How long was I out?” He asked Lauren.

“About three days.” She said, putting a full plate of food in front of him. “I was starting to think you were in a coma or something.”

“Three?” Robert whispered. I was out for three whole days? What happened with the battle? The thought brought him unease.

“I know you have reservations about our purpose here, Rob. Can I call you Rob?” Greyson sat beside him on a stone stool. One of them is clearly a Dae-Voh, Robert observed. Scanning for evidence of other elements. Dae-Rah, he noted, looking at the fire. Dae-Leu, he saw a makeshift basin of water. Who’s the last one?

“But this is the only way we get home.” Greyson continued.

“At the expense of millions of lives.” Robert shot back. “Dooming an entire people. It’s pure evil.”

“It’s more complicated than that, Robert.” Greyson took an irritated breath. “We were summoned here, for this purpose. And the Dae—”

“The Dae are people, Greyson.” He interrupted him. “You’re talking about colluding with demons. ACTUAL demons, to slaughter countless people.”

“Do you have any idea what they’re capable of?” The dark-skinned girl barked. “What they did to us?”

“I’m sorry, what was your name again?” Robert’s irritation was boiling at this point.

“It’s Ashley.”

“Ok, Ashley. I don’t fucking care what they did to you.” Robert pointed to the stump of his left arm. “They’ve done far worse to me.” He eyed everyone, “But there are good people here. Loving and caring people who I have come to love in return.” He remembered the unbridled hatred and rage of Boros as he plunged his incisor into his guts, spilling them into the battlefield. “I’ve committed horrible acts against them, myself… I won’t do it again… Ever.”

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Greyson shook his head. “We don’t have a choice, Robert. Our very presence here will eventually doom this world.”

“I don’t believe that.” Robert insisted. “I don’t believe in fate.” He looked over at Lauren, who was staring at the ground. “You can’t expect me to believe that you’re on board with this too.”

She glanced at him, her face one of shame and regret.

“Don’t try and confuse her.” Ashley said, “She’s already a problem.”

Robert ignored Ashely’s words, but instead, leaned toward Lauren, doubling down. “Even the small bit of kindness you showed me, speaks volumes. You don’t want to kill these people. You know better than that.”

“That’s enough.” Greyson stood, posturing over Robert. “I think you’ve given me enough information to conclude you aren’t going to be an ally to us. That I can accept, but don’t you dare try and confuse one of my people.”

Robert stood, meeting his gaze head on. “I agree. So, I’ll go ahead and take my leave.”

“That’s not gonna happen.” Greyson tensed.

“Are you quite finished…” A familiar voice echoed through the clearing. Then the small form of Dio’Mar appeared between them. She faced Robert, her small black gown billowing around her pale body. “This… is the only way…”

“Was this your plan all along?” Robert asked her, feeling genuine regret at her betrayal of him.

“There are powers at work here… Robert… things that you can’t even fathom…”

“I don’t care, Dio. I’m not going to be a part of this.” Robert had come to terms with his actions before. The crimes against the Lokkadonians were justified by the freeing of the Doulos and oppressed people all over Eleutheros. What was the point of all that, if he sat here and allowed something like this to happen. Let alone contribute to it.

“We don’t have a choice.” Lauren said, tears starting to fill her eyes. “We made a deal…”

“Lauren!” Ashley barked, “Shut the fuck up.”

“Indeed…” Dio’Mar hummed, “Mu’Dok made you an offer… did he not?”

Mu’Dok? Robert thought, who the hell is that? Another demon?

“We did what we had to do to survive.” Greyson grit his teeth. “Now we need to hold up our end of the bargain. That’s it.”

“Unfortunately for you… Robert… you and I also made a pact of sorts…” Her eyeless face turned towards him. “You saved me from my imprisonment… and in return I promised I would help you return home…”

“We promised to protect each other.” Robert glared at her, knowing deep down where this was headed.

“We did… and I have done so… preserving your life on many occasions… Now it is time for you to uphold your end of it…”

“Like I said.” Robert’s resolve solidified. “I won’t have any part of this. I didn’t sign a fucking contract with you. You have no power over me. You should have let me die at Boros’ hands.”

“The Dae… will fall… And your arrival here will play a large part in it… whether you will it… or not… When Mul’Dok attempted to open the gates before… he believed he failed… instead, bringing you to our world…” Her small voice started to grow in intensity as she spoke. “That was not a mistake... There are no mistakes… you are here for one purpose… and one alone… you saved me… freed me from thousands of years of captivity… of all the creatures on this world… it was you…” Her form began to grow, as it often did, to around six or seven feet. Looming over Robert as she continued, her voice harsh and vile. “You will help us… or you will suffer, Robert… Your children will suffer… and any who you hold dear to your heart…”

~

Daniel exhaled in relief as the familiar spires of Vul De Rah came into view over the horizon. After several days of travel, following the unification of Eleutheros under Alektor’s crown. He longed for the soft comfort of his own bed again. He had managed to keep to himself, mostly. Dealing with Alektor on several occasions in preparation and planning for his mission. At first, the High King attempted to dissuade him. Telling Daniel to wait until he had rested in Vul De Rah for a time. But after a while, he realized it was no use. He needed to find the other humans. Henry and Angelo among them.

“What a sight.” Delmos said, riding next to him.

“It’s a beautiful city.” Daniel smiled, admiring the scenery.

“Yes, though I can’t pretend it doesn’t fill me with conflicting emotions.” Delmos’, voice was serious. Something that before would have been unheard of, now commonplace. “The last time I saw this city. She was in flames. Now, I ride back to her, under the banner of the man who committed the act.” He scoffed. “What kind of people are we to allow such a thing?”

“The kind who want to see tomorrow.” Daniel’s voice was direct and full of purpose.

“And what kind of tomorrow would that be, Dan?” Delmos looked toward the sky and let out a breath of annoyance. “All I have to look forward to is a joining with a Sabree princess. Who Katrina seems to think is one of the most pompous and annoying Dae she’s ever met.”

“Come on, Delmos.” Daniel tried to reassure him. “It can’t be all that bad. She’s a princess after all. And not bad on the eyes.”

Delmos laughed. “I’ve known many Dae princes who have fallen into the same trap. Looks aren’t everything, Dan.”

They bantered back and forth for the rest of the journey towards the city gates, which slid open almost soundlessly, ushering them into the heart of the metropolis. Alektor and Telmos led the small formation, their presence commanding as the crowds in the square erupted in cheers, their voices blending into a welcoming chorus.

Delmos let out a dismissive grunt. “See how quickly the people forget?” he remarked, his voice thick with disgust. “A year ago, they were fleeing from this man’s invasion. Now they’re cheering for him like trained animals.”

“Easy, Delmos,” Daniel warned, his tone carrying both caution and understanding of his companion's frustration.

They passed through the throng of thousands of citizens. Through the meticulously formed streets of the districts until they finally reached the palace on top of the large hill in the center. Hundreds of nobles crowded the courtyard, clapping for the triumphant return of their new High King. It wasn’t like they had a choice. Most of these nobles were loyal Lokkadonians, who no doubt harbored a great deal of ire toward their conquerors; but they clapped all the same, knowing that any dissent would be dealt with swiftly.

Daniel wasted no time dismounting. Nodding as he was assaulted by a cacophony of well wishes and congratulations. Sprinkled with declarations of his status as a Spirit-Sent and requests for blessings. He ignored them as best he could. He never would get used to it. He wasn’t the holy man or messiah, they all believed he was. He was just a man, far from home and trying his best to survive.

As they entered the palace, he attempted to make his way to a room or study where he could rest and be alone with his thoughts. He groaned however, as he heard Alektor’s voice call for him.

“Daniel.” The High King said, causing him to turn toward him. “I would ask that you join me for a moment.”

Daniel took in a breath, annoyed by the request, but nodded. Walking to join him and Katrina, who was standing with him. For whatever reason, she had been extremely distant lately. He was partly to blame as well, but Daniel was curious what actually transpired in her Dunem Dae Espa. When he broached the topic the day after the assassination attempts, she refused to speak about it. Since then, she had essentially been avoiding him.

He gave her a nod in greeting, which she returned, not meeting his eye. Alektor turned down a familiar hall, no doubt heading toward one of his favorite studies. Daniel’s suspicions were proven right, as they entered one of the larger ones. Within, were several guards, wearing Visgo colors, along with Queen Athica, who sat in the center on a large couch. She looked up as Alektor entered, and she bowed deeply.

“Your Highness.” She said.

“Please, Queen Athica.” Alektor replied, gesturing to her to raise her head. “None of that is necessary.”

Daniel and Katrina took their seats, and Alektor claimed a large chair in the middle of the room.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Highness?” Athica asked, taking her seat again, and eyeing Daniel and Katrina suspiciously.

“If you would wait a moment.” Alektor said, raising his hand. “We are awaiting some more arrivals.”

They all sat in silence for several long minutes, until the door opened, and Turak, Ambrosia, and Demessa entered. The latter had an expression of elation, which shifted to confusion when she scanned the room’s occupants. They all sat, and Alektor began.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice.” He said, making it a point to look at Athica and Demessa. “Though, I’m afraid I bear grave news.” He took a moment to gather himself before continuing. “King Reku… fell during our attack against the Lokkadonian host. His body was carried off by the spirit, Dio’Mar. And his whereabouts and condition are yet… unknown.”

Demessa gasped, her face turning to one of horror. “You… your highness… you can’t be—”

“We do not have his body.” Alektor pressed. “So, I can not verify his survival. But there is a high chance of it. Dio’Mar is an ancient and powerful spirit. If anything could have saved him from the clutches of death, it would be her.”

Athica’s face was one of shock. “I…” She placed her hand on her belly. “What do we do about this?” she asked, fear and uncertainty clear in her voice. “A dead king of Pontos, and a Spirit-Sent will bring untold chaos to the people.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Alektor agreed. “We must keep the fate of Reku a secret… Whether he lives or has joined the Spirits, we must not allow this news to spread.”

“There are already rumors.” Turak chimed in, his voice low and full of irritation. “It’s hard to hide when you have Boros of house Ignos celebrating spilling his guts on the field. Let alone the hundreds of warriors who witnessed it.”

“No…” Demessa whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “What happened to him? Did Boros—”

“I’m afraid so.” Turak replied. “I… I haven’t seen anyone survive wounds like that. No matter how skilled the healer. Once your guts are in the mud—”

“That’s, quite enough, Turak.” Alektor gave him a warning glare. “We have seen him endure far worse and return to us. We must have faith.”

“I… must return to Pontos then.” Athica said, shaking her head.

“No.” Alektor shot back. “You must remain here. At least until the child is born. There is no wisdom in exposing your condition to your court at this moment. The fact that you bear his child makes you an enemy to many who would love nothing more than to see you killed as a heretic.”

Daniel nodded; the Espi-Dae were still the dominant religion in Eleutheros, and had enough influence to pose a real threat. And had the will to carry out those threats, the attempt on Alektor’s life was evidence enough.

“I know it will be hard.” Alektor’s voice was more soothing now. “But we must maintain appearances. We are throwing a banquet tonight in the palace. I would require you all to be there, and with high spirits.” He looked at Katrina and Daniel. “Especially you. Both of you have been morose since the battle. Please at least make an attempt to show the people of Vul De Rah that you are above such things. Perception is reality, my friends.”