As the sun shines over the young empire of the West, the Acolytes put their plans in motion.

Through the city their footsteps shake the earth. A massive army marching through the streets, holding their banners high. Blue flags with a black open eye in the center.

All of the soldiers wore scale armor and were equipped with kite shields and bastard swords. They kept going until they reached the front gates of the palace.

One of the Acolytes emerged from the shadows and greeted them.

"Dear citizens, these soldiers came as reinforcements to defend the city. Do not be afraid, they are here to guarantee your safety."

He returned from where he came from, soon one of his attendants joined him.

"Master, what is the next step."

"First of all, bring me my armor. I will lead these fools far into south. We also need a large quantity of provisions. Tell them to sharpen their swords, we are in search of a Nephilim."

"I thought they were myths."

"Because we wanted you to believe that. They are as true as my flesh and bones. They are also strong, tell me Mateus, what do you know about war?"

"I... I don't know anything sir."

"War, for me at least, is a playground. I love being in the field, fighting with all I have, making the enemies kneel before me. War, for you, is nothing that should matter. Remember your place in this 'society' if I can even call it that."

"Yes sir..."

"Good boy, now go and bring me what I asked for and inform the soldiers."

As soon as Mateus left another Acolyte came.

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"I really do enjoy when you give him advices."

"What do you want?"

"What? Oh you know very well what I do want. Don't go... If you go south you might not return. That desert is the smallest problem, you will face raiders which know the terrain much better than you… You might face their leader as well."

"Then I simply have to outmatch them. As for that man, he is very unlucky if I am the one who finds him first."

"You can't go in blindly like that!"

"Watch me, remember what Vesper did for us! He is the reason we still are an order and we have all that we have!"

"I..."

"If we can't even save one of his daughters then WE SHOULD JUST QUIT!"

"Please calm down Lefric."

The room was silent. He took a seat on a chair nearby.

"I can't calm down. Vesper was our founder. That demon corrupted them all... We must find a way to solve this mess."

"We will find a way, but you must calm down."

"Alright, alright... are the new machines ready?"

"Nearly."

"I shall wait one more week. Then I am going after Cory."

"As you wish."

The other figure was preparing to leave then Lefric pulled their sleeve.

“Before you go. What do you think, what kind of person… What is the worst kind of being you ever encountered?”

“Probably hypnotist and those assholes that can manipulate time.”

“Oh yeah, we fought lots of them in Markzha.”

“Your memory still fuzzy?”

“Yes, went berserk there to stop them from messing with my mind. Burned a lot of people that day.”

“You know that some escaped. Those depraved things, wielding such vile trickery. They disgust me…”

Lefric got up on his feet. He went after Mateus then stopped for a moment.

“Kana, I will return. You must stay here and be the voice of reason for the order.”

“I might be the voice of reason for them… Although it seems I am not that voice for you.”

“That’s only because I am a fool. Let’s meet again here… or in the afterlife.”

Strong noises came from outside. Everyone seemed to be panicked hurrying inside their houses. The soldiers were on their guard.

The wind started blowing harder and harder. On the main road leading to the castle a hooded figure stood there, waiting. The clothes were ripped and teared apart. One could see the bony body underneath. In his right hand he held a staff. Crows made circles around him.

“Saja anke, se uri… vokt.”

Kana went outside the palace to heard his words.

“Foul fiend, we know you and there is nothing to talk about. Leave while the order is still in a good mood.”

The undead being made a few steps forward and looked at her.

“Ank, su veram se ot hinek.”

“I know you speak our language. I tell you once again… Leave!”

He was not pleased, yet there was nothing to do. The undead took one of his arm bones and put it on the staff. The bone had holes through it and with the strong wind it began to sing like a flute. He turned and started to walk away.

“Amakhu se uri ot vakar su. Amakhu… Se naly ot su.”