De Eredan.

Version du 3 avril 2012 à 07:19

Chronology of the Eredan Universe

• Approximately -6500 : Solar and Guem engage in a devastating battle against each other within the void of this dimension.

• Approximately -6000 : Solar implodes and becomes the sun, while Guem becomes a planet. The Universe is created and life starts on the planet Guem.

• - 6000 to -300 : Civilizations rise and fall. The creatures inhabiting Guem evolve..

• - 300 : The first of the Giant Crystals uncovered by the natural erosion of the planet are discovered.

• 0 : The Xzia Empire and Imperial Calendar are created.

• 20 : War breaks out between The Xzia Empire and Draconia. Draconia emerges the victor..

• 29 : Magical effects begin to appear creating great catastrophies throughout the land.

• 31 : The war against The Void begins.

• 33 : The Kingdom of Bramamir is consumed by The Void, leaving behind only floating islands hovering above the black vortex.

• 34 : A Coalition of Nations is formed to fight the common enemy, but is not enough and is defeated. Prophet comes forward to spread the Dragon's words. These words are heard around the world, calling forth Heroes.

• 35 : The Kotoba, the Noz' Dingard envoys and many other Hero guilds are created.

• 36 : Eredan, the Guem Guardian is discovered by several heroes of differing nationalities. With the help of the Guardian, the heroes are able to trap The Void in the South of Draconia, creating a forbidden zone and ending The Void war. The Guild Treaty is signed, recognizing the independant status of Guilds and thier members.

• 85 : Death of Gaumatta, King of Yses, start of the Grand Tournament (Start of the Eredan GT storyline)

• 105 :The stone fallen from the sky , Several guilds meet at the impact zone (start of the Eredan iTCG storyline).

History of the World

In the depths of time, the two gods: Guem and Solar confronted each other in the void of this dimension. Solar imploded to become a sun, Guem transformed itself into a planet. Life started on Guem, this is how the world started. Then came the erosion that shaped the mountains, valleys and plains and made huge crystals emerge from the ground that are said to be magic. One of these crystals, a huge blue gem, would eventually become the city of Noz'Dingard, the holy place where the dragon appeared to the Guemelites.

Later, while many civilizations appeared and disappeared , the Xzia Empire made its stand. The Empire was led by a cruel and greedy conqueror. With the ambition to expand his Empire, he engaged into a twenty-year war against the Draconians of Noz'Dingard. Draconia was aided by the power of the Dragon and eventually won the epic battle. It was some time after these events, in the year 29 of the Imperial calendar that many disasters occurred around the world, all nations were attacked by creatures from the depths of darkness and powerful waves of magic tore the land into pieces. This being called “The Void“ attacked all the living creatures in Guem. Even allied with thier former enemies, the armies could do nothing against this terrible enemy, the great armies of the world could not overcome The Void.

This is when a man called Prophet spoke the Dragon’s words: « There is no Evil without Good. Evil has risen, it is time to search and find Good. » While these words spread accross the world, many heroes emerged, searching for someone who could fight The Void. Guilds from different Nations sprang up when all these heroes regrouped, amongst them the Kotoba and the Noz'Dingard envoys.

In year 36, the most destructive war finally ended. The heroes eventually found the one true savior: Eredan, the Guardian of Guem. All together, they managed to shut The Void in an area south-east of Draconia. The Guardian vanished after this final act. The guilds, which had acquired the right to independence, gained influence and became the main political actors in all the world of Guem.

Many years later, during the Grand Tournament to choose a successor to the King of Yses, a large stone fell from the sky in an area disputed by the Xzia Empire and Draconia. To retrieve the magic stone, they will compete on the very spot where the blood of many heroes had already been spilled. The Xzia Empire sent their most ruthless Kotoba warriors and the Draconians Sent their famous Noz'dingard envoys. This is when a strange unknown guild by the name of Zil made their appearance. What nobody knew, is that the mysterious person hiding behind this guild was none other than ...

'The Eredan Saga

NOTE: REFORMATTING IN PROGRESS

ACT 1: Fallen from the Sky

ACT 2:THE CRYSTAL'S SONG

The Crystal’s Song

Walking in the desert was for them like a walk in the park. They had a mission of utmost importance and every sunrise, prayers were uttered with incredible fervor. Galvanized by their faith, they did not see the time passing. Finally, in the midst of a particularly glorious day, everyone heard it. It was like a kind of singing, majestic. He called them, guided them to the point of impact. They progressed more and more the song became clear.Alhem suddenly stopped walking.

- Why are you stopping? Aziz said, laying his hand on the shoulder of the priest of Sol'ra.

The other nomads looking, waiting for the words of their spiritual leader.

- This song is a cry for help. The stone and reasons it resonates. The infidels are numerous and powerful. She is in danger. We must act quickly before it reaches a catastrophe. Aziz turned to Kararine and flew on more authoritarian possible.

- You'll go on and give us a scouting report on these dogs who dare to take anything that is not theirs.

In response, the young woman nodded before starting to run in the direction of impact. A few hours later, she finally came to and his heart sank when she laid eyes on the stone. She was beautiful and bathed in a light reminding the young woman's temple Sol'ra when the sun at zenith, its rays licked the walls of the prayer hall. At the foot of either side, there were two camps. A blue tent adorned with banners of the symbols of dragon, the other in red tents aligned. Everywhere, there were various settlements more or less close to the sometimes very different styles.Kararine estimated that there were many people, but anyway Sol'ra will protect his followers and they would easily overcome these parasites. Inwardly, she was jubilant already imagining the fighting would take place. Soon she said, these tents will burn in the flames of the wrath of the sun god. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching her. She felt that the air cooled. The noise stopped and a voice to the strange accent rose.

- You hear this song too?

Kararine risked a glance out of hiding. There was a woman with pale blue skin and intense eyes. There was in that person a hidden power that made her trustworthy to the young nomads. She decided to go look at this stranger. Without a word, she turned around and saw that the cold came from her.

- Who are you? What song are you talking about?

- I am Yilith, I made a long journey and I heard a song in my head. Do you hear it? All of this is incredible.

Kararine to this infidel was trying to destabilize. It would prevent Alhem Aziz and as soon as possible.

- I do not know what you mean? She exclaimed, drawing back. She unsheathed a dagger and went on a defensive stance. Leave me alone and nothing will happen.

- Okay, you're not very friendly. I’ll see if others can help me. Then she went on her way as if nothing had happened.

Kararine continued her investigations in the forest that was nearby to prevent trouble. She moved quietly as possible,this time hoping not to make an unfortunate encounter again. But maybe bad luck or perhaps because of her ignorance of forest areas,she was nearly hit by a thrown dagger. A person dressed in gray with a hood rather confusing her jumped out without warning. This was enough to make the young woman angry. She dodged nimbly while taking a dagger in each hand. She planned on taking on her opponent with speed, trying to take him down with her speed and managing to avoid her opponent who managed to cut short a piece of her cape. The fight lasted several hours, both were of equal strength but Kararine had a plan, she gradually came closer to hers opponent.After a while the assassin (for such was the name of her role) knew that her enemy was going to lose because now they were 5 against one.Aziz,launched into the fray, confusing the Slayer who narrowly dodged a spear that would have hit him across from his side. The situation got out of hand for the slayer, as his plans wee foiled. He had to disappear again to rethink his strategy. He wrapped himself in his cloak and fell to the ground. The fabric then flattened against the ground before being cut into small pieces by Kararine and Aziz.Alas, the Slayer was gone.

The scout then explained what she saw and who she had met. She insisted on the strangeness of the infidels and offered not to attack head on or else suffer defeat, despite the support of Sol'ra would be overwhelming.Aziz, who had long served in the army of Kahani III proposed, pending the arrival of reinforcements to try to approach the stone by conducting targeted attacks against small groups of warriors.Alhem accepted with some reluctance, but it was imperative to follow the orders of Iolmarek and it was certain that the infidels will be crossing their path. Also the stone called for them, to hurry.

These infidels were to taste the power of the faithful to Sol'ra.Thus, Desert Nomads entered the conflict for the stone fallen from the sky.

The Curse

The door was open, and the light that escaped slowly weakening.Bloodsword and Faceless looked a long time before one of them utters a word.

-What's going on? The Hom’chaï said to his companion?

- Well, let’s go!

But hardly had she finished speaking a form took shape. A man passed the threshold of the door, took a few steps and collapsed. Then, without any noise, the Gate of Infinity closed, and then disappeared. Both Zil did not expect this.They were promised a return to their own people, and they found themselves finally landed with someone out of nowhere.

Bloodsword looked at the stranger. He wore a beautiful armor plate covered with hard leather, which when new was probably red. A hood covering his head, revealing a few strands of hair that time had dimmed. The Elfine bent over the lifeless body and raised the hood.

- He is alive.Let us bring him to Kriss, he may know what to do with him

Faceless grabbed the stranger and threw him over his shoulder like an ordinary bag. Along the way back to the camp of their guild, Bloodsword seemed lost in thought. Something bothered her not knowing what. She had the vague impression that the stranger was not so strange. When they arrived at the tent, they were greeted by Abyssien.

- You're finally here, we have things to say.

- We too have things to say.We must also see Telendar and Kriss to be told.

- It's a long story, but Telendar no longer with us.I take the role of head of Zil.

It was definitely a day full of surprises!

- Uh ...Well, anyway I have never liked him anyway when he took your place at the time I would have inflicted a few blows on him.

- Faceless always so elegant and poetic..

The latter put his pack gently at the foot of their new or ex-ex-leader who again looked at the stranger with a look of astonishment.

- Hmmm! This armor seems familiar.

- You too? Bloodsword said cutting in. Since we found him, He seems familiar.

-It's because they probably have told that story. In short, a story that you heard when you were at home in Yses .

Just then Kriss appears, he had been curious to see what his guild mates gathered.

- What is happening here? Asked the musician.

-You appeared just in time, you can watch him said the zil leader

- Yes of course, but not here. Faceless, bring him in my trailer.

Abyssien and Bloodsword settled comfortably in the tent, which in addition to performances, served as a huge living room where guild members could relax at will.

- So what’s the story?

- Yes, that was about to tell it,Abyssien said while putting on his hat.

All around them, the marquee vanished, giving way to a gloomy forest. Here, an animal crept between the trees, then came another, then another and finally form a pack. Then they went out of wood.Bloodsword recognized them: the Volks! They were terrible creatures almost extinct today. One of them was particularly impressive. He was obviously their leader. The rest was only ferocious ones. The Volks attacked several villages and devoured all living things as they could, as much by pleasure as by hunger. The scene changed, now they were in a castle. Here, three people were chatting nobly dressed warmly.

- Sire, we have tried everything against the Volks, without success. They are endowed with reason and we feel their leader to arrive.

The man stared at the ground thinking crowned the best solution.

- - I see that only he can help. I know you don’t like him, but we must recognize his merits..

- You do not think! Gaumatta, despite our friendship, can you not act rather than to call him?

- Mergis, you are certainly my friend, but my decision is made.Bardiya, go to Kolodan as for his help on this current situation.

The image is blurred and the capital returned.Kolodan! She knew the story. This was the last protective barrier against these monsters. He decimated their leader and fought all during the day. Then after that, he disappeared mysteriously.

- You mean this man is Kolodan?

- It is not certain and the best way to check this is to ask.

Night fell on the Tomb of the ancestors.Kriss had healed a few of the injuries and the wounds were nothing but a memory.Abyssien, Bloodsword and Faceless were waiting around the fire waiting for Kriss.The door of the trailer opened.

- Faceless, could you lend me a hand. The musician's arm was holding the stranger who had regained consciousness. They settled him with them around the fire. All were waiting for the rest of the story of Kolodan?

- Who are you? Abyssien asked.

- I ...I Koler...

- Kolodan you mean?

- Kolo ...No! That man has long since disappeared. Nothing remains of him.

- And what you have become if I ask you that?

- I am not a man but not quite volk.I am only Koler.

- Where were you during all this time?

- All this time? Where are we?

- If I remember correctly, the seven kingdoms using the Imperial Calendar. We are therefore in the year 105.

It was like a stab to Koler.More than twenty years had passed without his even realizes it.

- Where were you, added a Bloodsword clearly passionate about the subject. - I was ...I was...

He did not finish his sentence.He stared at the sky with fear. The moon rose, huge and red. The curse began to take effect.

- Nooo! No no no no no no! He cried.

Then a transformation took place.Koler writhed in pain, long black hair appeared on his arms, armor gave way in places. Then his face changed, stretched into a long muzzle, teeth pushed. He had become half man, half volk.Although he was visibly angry, he stopped suddenly in front Bloodsword. Was literally mesmerized by the young Elfin. His anger started to dwindle a little bit..

The Ordeal

Iolmarek waited patiently for the rest of the troops who were to join him for then take the direction of impact. He strolled into the main courtyard of Sol'ra, lost in thought. It is now a lot of years since he served the Temple and that his faith has never wavered from the edge of the crystal, the old priest was questioned. Why, then, that over the last many years the divine presence was weak, suddenly an important event occurred in Solar? He remembers that when he was a young priest, there was another manifestation of this kind, and it was completed in carnage. What good would it do now? What is the purpose of all this? These are questions that germinated in the mind of the old man.

- The question does not allow thee high priest.

Iolmarek out of his reverie and looked around. The presence he felt it was strangely familiar, like the past resurface.

- I know that voice, show yourself.

- Look at me ...father.

He turned to the statue he had sculpted ago almost thirty years. The young woman depicted was suffused with soft light. She also had more the appearance of a frozen statue, but rather of a living person.Iolmarek fell to his knees with a heavy heart the tears came.

- Dja ..N'Djamena is that you?

- I come to you as a messenger. Listen to my words because they are a command!

A messenger! This augured something very important because their appearance was always synonymous with change and divine intervention. The ancient writings inscribed on the temple walls were reported several interventions of this nature.

- I’m listening Messenger.

- You turn away little by little the way the high priest and the one who sent me that your faith needs to be infallible. I came to submit to the ordeal!

-What?!Iolmarek could not believe his ears. It is subjected to a test to prove his faith. I have proven my loyalty in the past and my life is to serve Sol'ra!

- Faith is not about the past, but present.Sol'ra needs his high priest and you have to be ready. Several events will take place and the infidels will do anything to frustrate you. You will try and if your faith is not strong enough, mèneras will be lost.

- I submit to the ordeal, it is the task I have to accomplish?

- A father and daughter will arrive at the temple. The man is blind and her daughter survives. You will have to convince the father that solar claims his daugther, condemning him to certain death.

Indeed a cart pulled by an ox passed the ark of the temple entrance. A young woman held the animal by a rope. He was stunned when he realized the striking resemblance between Djamena and the young woman. He knew what kind of test he is confronting. The young woman helped her father to come down and both advanced to the old priest and made the occasional hello again to his level. - We have come a long way to pray Sol'ra to ask for help in healing my father.

Sol'ra god of the sun and the light was often invoked when it came to pray to recover the sight in a few cases the prayers are heard.Iolmarek still had the words spoken by the Messenger and the ordeal he had the answer.

- What is your name? He asked.

-Djamena. The coincidence was too much. He took her hand and the concentration, focusing on the soul who lived in this body. He smiled when he saw that his soul was that of her daughter.Sol'R had returned to him. Never doubt it.

- Well, N'Djamena, so bring your father at the foot of the statue, we will pray with him. They prayed for Sol'ra, have mercy on this man who lived in the dark and that he can again see the light.Iolmarek used his power and placed his hands over the eyes of the unfortunate.

- Your prayers have been heard.

When he removed his hands man blinked when his sight gradually returned.

- I see! He exclaimed. I see again! He fell on his knees before Iolmarek, Djamena did the same. How can I thank you?

- Well, keep the faith and follow the precepts of Sol'ra, never doubt it. I need you to do me a favor. - Tell me, I would do anything you ask me.

- Your daughter belongs to Sol'ra.

This phrase meant that she would be sacrificed in his honor? The man said nothing, stunned by this news. Should he return to the price of the loss of her child?

- Do not worry, I keep it in the temple and become a priestess. Djamena was surprised. She will become a servant of Sol'ra? The man got up and took her daughter's face in his hands.

- If I remember correctly, a young priestess should not be seen of men as the precepts of Sol'ra i did not fully known. You have so far had a life of misery accompanied by a blind man. It is time for you to live your own life, although why I should not see you again before long. Djamena threw himself into his father's arms as if to say goodbye. The high priest looked on with nostalgia. He also had held his daughter as well, he remembers the love he felt for her. It was for him a second chance, a revival, a renaissance, he realized that what Sol’ra took, he could also take back.

After the man left and Djamena Iolmarek were left alone. Then the eyes of the young woman changed and shone a thousand lights.

- You have passed this first test, but there will be others. You guessed it, I will come back but for that I must stay here.When the time comes I'll join you, father.

The Runic, Chapter 2

Kalhid waiting for an answer, even if it were certain that it was "yes.” But after all, it was better that than return to slavery.

- There is something you can do for us. You are free to decline if you wish; if so take the door to the back it will take you to the exit. For what we expect from you will be difficult to accomplish.

- I am grateful. That you saved me from death and I am indebted. So I'm listening, what do you want me to do?

The form approached the young man, but the latter did not dare look up because he was too intimidated.

- Well, your choice is made, your word is given. Several days ago a meteorite crashed in the middle of the continent. If the event itself is fairly trivial, it is the nature of the meteorite that interests us. The unknown went on the side of arms and armor, and turning his back on Kalhid, he continued his speech.

- You see, we travel the world in search of some stones that have magical powers or to assimilate it. However, this particular stone has great power that we have experienced so far.

He stooped and with his little human hands grabbed an object, He then returned to face his questioner.

- We want you to go where it crashed, and you take us back a piece of this stone. This task is perilous, as we entrust you this. He put the thing on the ground producing a metallic sound.Kalhid hesitated, and then took it. As soon as the thing grew around his hand and his wrist. It was like a kind of gauntlet. The young man felt almost as a kind of consciousness within.

- This is a Rune. Take care of it because you'll have to bring it back. Plus both of you will be in harmony, plus the gauntlet will need it. After a few movements, he soon realized that the weight of the object did not match his appearance, yet it seemed very durable.

- Thank you. If I have well understood, I must go to the place where a meteorite crashed in to take a piece and come back here. Right?

- Yes.

- Well, it does not seem very difficult.

- It will be. But before you go, know that your name is no longer Kalhid, you will become the bearer of runes Hares.

A fresh start with a new name? In the end, it was better that. Anyway, he liked to have his name changed.

- Outside a horse and supplies waiting for you. Go now, we will wait for you here.

Hares therefore left to the new destiny that had been predicted.

A week later, Hares found the place of impact. Along the way, he met others who, like him, went to this famous stone. He learned that large guilds were there and they were engaged in fighting for its possession. When he got there, there was a field of tents. If everyone wanted a piece of the stone, he doubted that they can’t be caught doing it. So he waited for the night to do his plan. A faint light escaped from the meteorite that turned out to be much greater than he imagined. He did not expect either to fall on a stone. After all, who would oversee a stone as big as two houses for fear of it being stolen? The Zil Warriors think so: For example Marlok.He spent much of the night studying the stone. Obviously, doing this as far as possible from the camp of the Draconian. Hares turned to stone, and hit a wall of it with his gloved hand.Marlok was surprised that someone could pass the barrier protecting the stone. When he saw Hares hitting the stone, he did not hesitate in a second. Caution was necessary with magic and this act was not wise, however, it was potentially dangerous. The magician made a sort of fusion with his golem would result in a surprising mixture between the magician and his old Zil glass golem.

- Get away from there! You may cause a catastrophe.

Hares looked at the strange thing with suspicion. His gauntlet reacts to the threat and covered his entire right arm.

- This is just rock, no less. Ill just take a piece. Don’t worry, nothing will happen.

Golemarlok shook his head negatively and jumped on Hares, flames appeared in his hands. The man narrowly dodged and struck a masterful stroke to his opponent who managed to land. But Golemarlok was tough and struck his clasped hands on the shoulder of the colossus of the desert wavered. But for Hares, fighting was a way of life. He did not count the number of times he had fought in the mines for their survival and to protect the people who were dear to him. And as always his anger was rising fast. The exchange of blows became more violent, the magic of the golem-mage slipped on the gauntlet of the Colossus Rune like water on a snake skin. Then, the same gauntlet eventually covered the two arms of Hares and the symbols engraved on it flashed.Golemarlok did not know this strange magic he learned at his expense. He suffered more discomfort and settled down; he lost control of his magic. But the Zil mage had not said his last words, and if the magic was ineffective he had many other resources. He. Countered with sheets of glass that inflicted severe cuts to his opponent. .But the rage of Hares surpassed the pain. He put all his strength in a final blow.Golemarlok had the reflex to leave his golem to avoid the blow that was sure to kill him. So it was his creation that hosted the gloved fist in a crash which meant its destruction. Hares smash the golem so hard against the stone that fell from the sky that it cracked, releasing a few pieces of yellow crystals, which mingled with the dark blue crystal golem.

The zil mage was defeated. Hares then threw the remains of the crystal golem, people came. There were three, their clothes wore the emblem of Noz'Dingard.One of them bowed to Hares.

- I am Aerouant the son of the Prophet. I currently lead Noz'Dingard.

Hares did not really know who they were, but it really did not care. The mage seeing no reaction went on.

- Thank you for what you did. The Zil sowed disorder in the region and has committed heinous crimes, he said bitterly.

Aerouant bent over to Marlok.The latter could not move an inch, traumatized by the loss of his golem and his crushing defeat.

- Marlok on behalf of Dragon I arrest you. You will be judged on Noz’Dingard.Anryéna not wait to see you. The young mage did not hide a certain joy.

- I do not know who you are but if you ever need help, let us know, we have a debt to you. We spent all the machine a sous, Aerouant added.

Alishk shook hands with Hares in the manner of men of the desert.

- You came from the emerald desert have you? Yet the armor you wear does not seem to be manufactured there.

The giant said nothing and began to pick up the pieces of stone fell from the sky.

The envoys departed with their prisoner and Hares be restarted without delay. He followed the way to go without deviating once and a week later he returned to the mysterious temple. Here a man was waiting, a fifty year long brown hair under trust. He wore an armor plate of golden and silver.

- Welcome Hares; I am the Lord Eilos Rune. If you're here, I guess you have accomplished your mission.

Hares threw the bag in her arms.

- Come in, we have a present for you, Hares the runic.

Plots

Since the stone fell from the sky, a growing number of guilds and curious people converged on the Tomb of the Ancestors. Tensions were at their peak and many already told that a war was taking place. Those present, whether the Kotoba, the Noz'Dingard or other guilds were well aware, the conflict gradually plunged the continent into a total conflagration. All this for the control of an extraordinary power which no one apart from the Desert Nomads did not know the origin.

Around the world, brave adventurers sometimes clashed with the companions of the past... Two months after the start of hostilities in Kastel Drakren, the nearest city drastically before the Tomb of the ancestors.

When the outcome of a war is uncertain, are often used in politics and the label to try to find a satisfactory solution for everyone. All of this was obviously behind the scenes for some time, but no one knew, at least so far.Drakren was often used for meetings between the ambassadors of the empire of Xzia and politicians of the Draconis.And at this late hour, in one of the reception, the negotiations led to a sensitive and well-turned phrases.

Kimiko and Oogoe kage were commissioned by the Emperor to negotiate the departure of Noz'Dingard, but the negotiator sent by Dragon had years of experience and would be a formidable opponent.

- Lord Galmara, I'm sure we can agree. If you know that only an agreement between the two powers will end this stupid war.

- My dear, what you propose seems to me difficult to achieve. Be aware, the Tomb of the ancestors is a neutral zone since the end of the war between the Empire and Draconis.That this part of the world once again become Xzia and so is your stone is not possible.

- The Emperor is aware that this may cause a conflict even greater. But in his great magnificence, we bring you a proposal that I am sure will satisfy you.

Oogoe was part of a faction crow within the present Kotoba and playing his role as an individual.

- In exchange for the return of the Tomb of the ancestors in the Empire, we grant you rights to cross are lands. Mérag will be able to study the Stone, once it is taken there, and second our magicians, Oogoe added.

- In addition, Kimiko cutting in said, here is a sum offered by the Emperor as a token of this. We know that the Draconis wants to open schools of magic, this may help him.

Galmara knew that the proposal was not without interest, but the return was too low.

- You are well informed; it does not surprise me my dear. I accept this proposal and agree on behalf of this Dragon and of the Emperor. I will not do this part of your query to the appropriate person. I invite you to meet again tomorrow to give you an answer.

Galmara bowed to his guests and left to join another room several others wearing all colors draconian.There was Anryéna and another person whose face was hidden by a large blue hood. - Please, Lord Galmara.

-Lady Anryéna and Lord Prophet of the Empire Xzia wants the Tomb of ancestors goes back under their territory. In exchange for the Draconis has access, most likely under control at the Stone fell from the sky to study it. Anryéna looked towards the Prophet, and then he spoke.

- Dragon was clear no one should have that stone. It is the poison that will eat away Guem and lead us all to our loss. Galmara was disturbed by hearing the Prophet. He knew well, having had extensive discussions in the past, but it did not recognize the sound of his way or his way of keeping. But knowing remain in his place he said nothing about it.

- Very good, but the situation is delicate. If Kotoba have sent and have carefully avoided until now, we're talking here about a probable open war, we will all lose. If I could we have better things to do.

- That's right, said Anryéna.

At that time someone knocked on the door and entered. It was Marlok, but he was dressed in the color of the Draconis.He walked up to the little band and kneeled using one knee.

- Identify the "concern".We can beat Kotoba if the plan is developed properly.

Galmara opened his eyes wide.

- What plan are you talking about and since when did you become a member of the Messengers?

- This is long to explain, and time is sorely missed, said the mage. Prophet, you were right the Zil are under control by the Néhantiste, some of them, they can no longer act on their own. We can release them and make them powerful allies. Prophet rose to the height of the magician.

- Get up Marlok, you have worked well. You have regained your place in the Compendium. Other Zil also at risk of falling under the influence of Nehant.Go on a journey with Aerouant and keep track of Telendar.He should not be far from his "master”. Go, I have yet to talk to Lord Galmara.Anryéna left the room together with Marlok leaving Galmara and Prophet in their discussions.

- What do you think of the Nomads?

- Beware of them.

- I'm afraid they are preparing something serious.Galmara said, we have to use cunning. I have a guest list that I want to invite to a big party, right here. During the reception, we will discover the secrets and foil the conspiracies that hide in the shadows.

In the adjacent corridor, Oogoe was smiling.,

-Yes, many plots have been hatched...

Omen

Toran was defeated and imprisoned Akujin.Not wishing to abandon his former pupil Aku, the old master had decided it was time for him to return to the temple Yafujima with Aku and finally become a real member of the Order. He had left long ago, ashamed of having failed in his task of being master Tsoutaï.Now he was at peace. He managed to overcome the test that life has given him, if it is required, he will resume his post.

Their arrival did not go unnoticed. His arrival did not go unnoticed. Oran had chosen well the time to return, precisely because it was time for training in the yard. Those present stood, turning away to give way to them. The whispers began to be heard until Toran and Aku were on the other side of the courtyard. Then all waited for the words of the Master of the Temple, the venerable Zaoryu.The latter could not believe his eyes. He was once a close friend of Toran and had the same master Toran bowed to Zaoryu before submitting a scroll closed by a seal.

- Here is the Flawseeker called Akujin, formerly named Senjin.I hope it is again guarded by the Tsoutaï of Yafujima.

Zaoryu accepted the scroll and gave it to a Tsoutaï it to guard it. Then he turned and bowed to Toran.

- I am glad to see you again my friend, your presence and your teachings have really been missed. I think we should talk. The young man at your side is it your old student, Aku?

Aku had not uttered a single word for days. Now released from his Flawseeker. He realized the harm he had caused and the shame had seized him. He answered the question with a statement which Zaoryu heard discreetly.

- Venerable, I wish to convey my complete lessons to Aku.

- And then you want to stay here and come back among those you have left? Toran felt ill.Yes, to those who I had abandoned.

- But our teachings are such that we are not allowed to deny you your reinstatement. The wounds are dressed and we must now look to the future. Toran your error you're forgiven.Aku becomes your student...

He was interrupted by the cries of Aku.

- Masters look, he says, pointing to a huge bird that passed over them. It is a Flawseeker!

The Tsoutaïs were amazed, none of them except Aku had felt its presence, and not even Toran.This demonstrated that the young man had a high affinity to the spirit world. The bird, which happened to be a heron passes over the temple and began to walk away.

- Toran, will you follow this Flawseeker and find out why it wanders freely in our world? Especially a heron. - Yes.Aku, stays here. I will return whenever I can.

The old Tsoutaï went quickly before he loses the track of the Heron.En route; he remembered a legend about a Flawseeker Heron.

Okia, Xziarite village on the edge of the tomb of the ancestors.Hime was sent as reinforcement to the Kotoba and the recommendations of the master tracker, Tsuro.But it should remain as discrete information indicating that spies could monitor the area. It was night and she patrolled from rooftop to rooftop when she felt she was being observed. But there was no shadow of a nobody in the streets this late at night. She went down to hide to see if someone is following her. Then, from nowhere, an old man appeared in the street. Visibly searching for something or rather someone. She waited patiently went through where she was to jump over. Unfortunately for her, the old man was Toran, who was hardly surprised, informed by his Flawseekers.These came out on time to protect him.Hime was very surprised and stepped back. At that time in front of the girl a huge purple heron appeared, which spread its wings. The Tsoutaï could not believe what he’s seeing also the young woman, for that matter. The spirits were calmed when each acknowledge the order which included the other. Heron then disappeared, seeing that Hime was safe.Toran watched the girl with great interest and noticed the tattoos violet features a link to a Flawseeker.

- What do you want old pervert? Hime said as she saw his eyes wander over her body. What was all this?

- How did you get those tattoos?

- I have them for a while now.

- Well, here is something interesting. I want to talk to Tsuro, I know you can get in touch with him and your presence here indicates anyway that you were probably on your way to join him.

- I do not see what you mean.

- Maybe not.But I know you feel their presence in a while, sometimes you have dreams or visions you can not explain.I can help you understand what is coming, but first I must talk to Tsuro. He was right. She knew the reputation of the Tsoutaï and it's true that she had never thought really of them to solve her problem.

- Okay, I will.

The next day at the very end of the afternoon, Ramen, the famous noodle vendor had installed his shop on the village square. Unfortunately for him, he has only two clients, due to a special order, were Toran and Tsuro.Ramen should feel honored by their presence, in hisr humble position. But only two customers, was bad for business. But that was another question. - What do you know of Hime?

- All, or almost everything.Did she do something stupid?

- No no, quite the contrary, I think her destiny is not that she thinks he has. - Could you be clearer, the musings of Tsoutaï are always difficult to understand.

- Hime is a Tsoutaï.

Tsuro hardly seemed surprised.

- Yes I knew, but her talents in the service of the Emperor and the Emperor wishes it is part of my Trackers. You would not want to upset the Emperor right? In addition, I have high hopes for her future in my order. The old man lowered his voice so Amaya, would not hear him because she was guarding the entrance.

-She has a good chance to take my place someday.

- But if she does not learn to control her Flawseeker she may cause accidents and damage the image of the Emperor. You do not want to make the emperor angry right?

A heavy silence settled between the two men. Everyone did not want to agree with the other. But it was Toran who found the solution.

-Hoshikage..You know that name?

- Pfff, yes, of course, he was one of my predecessors, many centuries ago of that.

- And he was also the part of the two orders.

- The situation was different.

- No, not different.I think that Hime is his descendant, I do not know about that just at the moment, except that the Hoshikages Flawseeker is this Garza, which owns Hime.We intend to continue as our two teachings. He had not felt a force so strong since I met Aku, and this time I will not any mistakes. Think about the potential it can bring to the Empire..

Tsuro scratched his beard. - I need her for a mission. But in a month I will send her.

With much irony, Toran said.

- I'm sure the Emperor will not be angry.

The Ball of Courtiers

Kastel Drakren, several weeks after the meeting between the Lord Galmara and Noz'Dingard... As agreed, invitations had been extended to a particular list of distinguished guests .They All played great battles, but no army for them, only words are used as a tool to achieve victory. The intrigue, politics and conspiracies were the lives of these men and women.Galmara knew all these people together in an event, would make it truly memorable for all. After the refusal to let the Empire Xzia back to owning the Tomb of the ancients, had received new orders.Should focus on the future, the people coming from the desert, to prevent Kotoba have new allies and see if the fighters could Zil serve the interests of the Dragon, nothing unusual in amount.

Everyone who attended had been invited and the evening promised to be exciting.Oogoe Kage, Kimiko, Hasna, Marlok, Iron Mask Angelica had made the journey to the castle and each of them was a formidable adversary.Galmara waited in the great hall. There were a noble surroundings and friendly people of the courtiers. Was to begin his welcome address, as required by the protocol, when the doorman announced a new person.

-Lady Ishaia, was sent by the Council.

Upon hearing that name all turned.Galmara frowned, this person was not invited; never invited.Ishaia was part of the Council, a union co-created by world powers to regulate other guilds. Her powers were above that of a nation and Council decisions should be respected or suffer terrible retaliation. After all, the Council only authorized the creation of a guild and the only one who could dissolve it.Ishaia was probably one of the most feared by these people. Her fatal beauty hid a living spirit and formidable intelligence. And this afternoon, there is no other woman could claim her as equal. She walked among the guests greeted those she knew.Galmara hurried to meet her to avoid mistakes. Not adequately accommodating a member of the Council this evening could cause repercussions. Kissing her hands is essential

- It's always a pleasure to receive a board member.

- No nonsense, Lord Galmara.I heard of this small party, you do not mind, I hope, me about me not being invited.

- Certainly not, you do not need an invitation.

- Yes. But, dear, I saw that you were going to open the evening. I beg you, do so.

The courtier returned to the stage quickly.

- Dear friends, today the world is on the brink of ruin. We all know it is up to us to find a diplomatic solution. We all have acquaintances, friends, relatives who right now are worried about their future. It is for this future that you're here tonight. It is time to regain confidence in each other.

They all applauded many more out of politeness than conviction. Soft music began and the servants came in the room, bringing alcohol and refined fare. And the usual discussions began.

In their corner, Iron Mask and Oogoe gave themselves the latest news.

- Marlok succeeded.

The voice of the Iron Mask was hoarse and seems to come from far away. Raven played the crow courtier played with a black feather jay.

- This is both good and bad. If he returned the stone hearts to the Zil, it has already started to put them on his side.

- Yes, for once, the envoys were conspicuous. It is a real feat to take a Nehantistist’s Dark stone heart. It took much effort to play its role as Marlok.But it is, as expected.

- Now we must ensure that the Zil maintain their independence. And for that, I have a solution too. - What is it?

Oogoe took out a scroll a scroll in one of his many hidden pockets.

- This is a deed. The Crow offers Zil a piece of land ready to the border with the Tomb of the ancestors. I know you like to travel around the world, but this place could give them a solid foot on the ground and allow them a home. Iron Mask was drinking a delicious Yses wine in his glass crystal. Finally he grabbed the paper.

- The Zil will not forget this gesture.

For its part, Marlok wanted to know more about this Ishaia.His new role within the envoys puts him too unfamiliar situations. If he had ever heard of the Council, he had never met one of its members. Seeing that few people had invited her to dance, he began.

- May I have this dance, my lady?

- Certainly, they all think I bite because I'm the part of the council she said, grasping his hand. Marlok did not see the black eyes of Angelica, which at this moment would die of jealousy. The dancers whirled in a relatively slow pace, which left them time to talk.

- You are Marlok is not it? I heard about your story so unique.

- A sad story, fortunately for the moment it ends well.

- I read the report that the Prophet sent to the Council, about your stunt. Impressive.

- Thank you for the compliment. - I know you and your guild, faced with a Nehantiste.

Marlok stopped dancing. - Let's talk about this a little further, as you will, he says holding her hand and took her by the waist with a mischievous look.

On one of the many balconies of the castle, the two courtiers continued their discussion. In the distance, the stone that fell from the sky gleamed faintly like a shining star on Earth.

- May I?

Marlok made five small blue crystals appear.

- Calm down, it is only that our words remain with us

Ishaia and the mage nodded and placed equidistant five crystals on the ground around them. Then, a gesture, the latter a kind of levitating and blue magic shield was formed, as it is a bubble. - Here we can talk freely.What do you know?

-Not so much what I want to know; what matters is what I want you to substantiate. Several months ago we saw disturbing behavior within the guilds. What happened to the fighters Zil is not isolated.Nehants name recurs incessantly, and his latest report confirms this. We believe that one or more Nehantistes profit from conflict in the stone fallen from Heaven.

- We bttled a Nehantiste actually, but we have not defeated him, we only managed to drive him away. If there are more, I fear that we will have a lot of trouble if we face them.

The young woman took a serious look.

- The Council would like to entrust a mission, she said, grabbing one of the rollers attached to her belt.

Marlok was surprised.

- Why me? - Because you have the experience, maturity and the necessary gifts. We need as much information as possible about what is happening behind the scenes. We want names and especially we want to know what happened to Eredan.

- No less! He exclaimed in a tone of irony. You think seriously that alone I'll be able to do better?

- No, not alone. There will be others who will have the same mission as you. For now and for security reasons, we prefer that everyone remain anonymous. - Anyway, I have little choice. I must obey the orders of the Council. But I am bound to Dragon and Dragon will know what is going on. I doubt that you can forbid him to mix Noz'Dingard to this story.

- Dragon already knows and we agreed that for now he would not intervene. Marlok sighed and opened the parchment and unrolled the mission order. After going through its contents, put it away.

- I put myself on the road tomorrow.

- So if the case is heard, I still want to dance.

The mage set aside his fate and both joined the meeting.

- One last thing, beware of these two, she said, pointing to the Iron Mask and Oogoe.

Death and Rebirth

Prophet was lying stretched out on a crystal table arranged in the middle of the square of Noz'Dingard.The people mourned because now he had no leader.Anryéna, eyes red with tears incessant shaking hands of his son.Around them, the silence was disturbed by the crying of women.Kounok now adult size far exceeded all present.He realized, seeing that practically the whole town had come, how his brother was loved.Naya and order of the Witchblade almost in full salute his memory. All said goodbye. As is tradition, the night falling on Noz'Dingard, the crowd scattered and soon, there remained qu'Anryéna and Kounok.While the vast blue gem, central to life in Draconis lit.Form took shape, first simple bluish glow it materialized into a majestic and huge dragon.He then landed near the deceased.A halo appeared around the Prophet and a double spectral came out of him.Anryéna seemed both pleased to see his son, but she knew that this was his last appearance.

-Your existence came to an end; I came looking for you to accompany you to your final resting place.

Prophet approached and his mother, his ghostly hand, stroked her cheek. Anryéna cried harder.

-Mother hold your tears. I will always be with you and Dragon will watch over me.

-I know my son, I know. But a mother has the right to mourn the death of her child.

Kounok had not moved to an inch and watched his brother insisted. If he could speak, he told him how much he would miss him. As if Dragon had learned to read in him, the latter put his huge head.

- Are you willing to take over Kounok?

Anryéna strongly protested then.

- What? Taking one of my children is not enough for you father? Now you want him to take reckless risks your last little boy.

But to answer Kounok Dragon looked and nodded his head.

- He has chosen, my child.Draconia needs a guide and, in this era of conflict, a new prophet should appear.

- But Kounok is not a magician. As were all previous prophets.

- It's true. But your attempts to dissuade me ... will be in vain. Anryéna lowered her head.

- Brother, I know that Prophet will be a strong and wise. You will succeed where I fail. The ancient Prophet put his right hand on the muzzle Kounok.

- I will convey the will of those who preceded us. What wisdom and knowledge are yours.

At that time, a white aura that enveloped Kounok he felt immediately as assaulted by emotions and images that were unknown. Dragon whispered words in an unknown language.Kounok then became man. The white aura gradually ceased. His incredible likeness to his brother was amazing. He looked at his hands, and then touched his face smiling. He scratched his chest and, for the first time in his life, he could express, at last, something else other than grunts or use of magic.

- Goodbye, brother, you will be forever in my heart and those who knew you.

The ghost of the old Prophet then disappeared.

- A Prophet is gone, and another arrives. Like your predecessors, a new dragon knight will appear to help you in your task.

- I have a much better idea, said Kounok.

- I hear you, Prophet.

- I do not want a new dragon knight. Although he had failed in his task, I have Zahal near me.

- If that is your choice, accept it.

- It's not all. I wish also to the title; because I'm not like my brother wizard, go into battle with sword in hand.

- But this is against the rules, said Anryéna.

- Mother! The rules led us to the is now gone, where we are. It’s time to move on and show that our people also know fighting.

- Regardless, I grant you that right.

- One more thing I need Chimera

A name, a kind of unease settled. Chimera was once the sword of Ardakar as the most powerful Dragon Knight. This is partly thanks to her that Draconis defeated the Empire Xzia.Alas; his sword was the instrument of her downfall when the war broke out against Nehant. The sword was doing bad things to the wearer. To get rid of the influence Chimera had on her, she had no choice but to break it. Nobody ever saw her again after that. The Prophet then recovered the pieces of Chimera in order to keep them locked up forever. Then the sword appeared in the hand of Kounok. Its blade was broken glass and its guard was worn.

-Dragon! Why entrust such an instrument of death?

-My daughter, I did nothing.

- Incredible! It came by itself!

- It is only a reflection of what it once was. But I feel it will come in handy

Kounok looked at Chimera, he had never seen except in a book. He hoped that it becomes the symbol of military power of the Draconis.

Several weeks passed and Kounok fully insured on his new role. A few days ago that he wanted to leave at the Tomb of the Ancestors and join the envoys, made aware of the appointment by Dragon Kounok was given the rank of prophet. But fate decreed that it be envoys returning, at least in part, Noz’Dingard. Prophet was having a great discussion with some advisers when a guard brought him a message. Aerouant, Alishk Zahal and had just arrived in town and brought with them Marlok the traitor. He was then summoned to receive him in the great hall. Zahal went first, head down; he knew he would be punished for his fault, followed by Alishk of Marlok, held prisoner by magical bonds, and finally seeing that Aerouant Prophet was destabilized. Kounok looked so much like his father.

Zahal threw Marlok to the ground.

-Marlok the Lord here t...

He did not have time to finish his sentence as Chimera appeared in the hand of Kounok. Guided by their instincts, they immediately saw a presence behind Marlok, with a strong link between them. Prophet struck the presence quickly and accurately, cutting the invisible link. Marlok lost consciousness at that moment. A black man and vaguely formed.

- Aaahhhh, a new Prophet ... Your days are numbered...

Then the form evaporated. Zahal, Alishk Aerouant and were stunned by the scene that had just occurred.

- What was that? Aeronaunt asked.

-I’m not sure, but I suspect I just Marlok free from the grip of a Nehantiste.

Zahal watched the sword of his new boss, she said something. Then memories came back. Yes, he had already seen the broken blade ... That’s Chimera! When he felt that the Prophet was also a Dragon Knight, which afflicted him at the highest point. That was his punishment, he would lose his status? The next day Marlok had regained consciousness. Of course, he was locked in a cell in the prison of the city, guarded by two Witchblade. But this he did not care for after he managed to think for himself.

-So traitor, are you awake? Route of Anryéna well symbolized her feeling of the moment: anger. You know what to expect?

Marlok got up and dusted himself clean.

-You know, I just live for several months in the grip of a Néhantiste. You can just let me rot here until the end of my days.

- What’s... that?

- Marlok immediately understood. Kounok he had not said anything.

-I see that prophet is used to hide the important things. On the other hand it is true that he is very different from his brother.

-I see him.

- See what, mother? Prophet said as he entered the hall of cells.

- Why you dont tell him everything, Marlok said. Kounok looked at the Witchblade.

- Please leave us.

Quietly, the two women left the hall.

- I know what you have done in the past Marlok. Stealing information and doing banned cristalomancie are serious crimes. But I know you’ve always kept it for you. My mother lives in the past and is unable to forgive. You have already been punished and I would add one thing. Your sins are washed, now more than ever the Draconis and Zil need you.

- If I was in the grip of a néhantiste, they are probably too right?

-That’s what I want to know the Prophet said, opening the door of the cell.

Anryéna was hurt and angry, but understood that the interest of the Draconis required her to do nothing.

-I refer you to one of the combatants. I would like you to use this. Kounok handed a worn Monocle.

- This was made by Asal of Arguemand, the famous inventor of the cristalomancie. It was manufactured during the war against Néhant to identify people who were under control. It is your responsibility now. You are free to do what you like. You can completely ignore it, although I doubt the possession of your friends Zil or flee. Or you can return to your roots and earn your place among the apostles. You choose your path.

Marlok had lost several months of his life and his beloved golem, but on other hand he had earned his return to the Draconian... Nothing attached him now to this life of wandering. But, he could not resign himself to abandon the Zil to their fate. They took him in when he had nowhere to go...

Abandoned

Ergue was tired. His fight against Tsuro and the Witchblades required him constant attention at all times. He had failed to maintain its state of Abomination long enough to defeat and the escape was the only solution the zil hunter found. Soriek and Bigrage his companions had split up to cover their tracks. For several weeks they were sleeping around and played with the guerrillas, sometimes with Noz’Dingard, sometimes with Kotoba.

Ergue drank from the river to the other side of the forest. Then he saw wedged between two boulders a piece of gray fabric, then another piece of it passed before him. Puzzled, he glanced at the upstream and saw an elongated shape on shore, half in the freezing water.

-Go and see. Whispered a voice in his head.

He got up and went to see what this thing could be. He guessed that it was advancing a person. His clothes were half torn Ergue lifted a piece of his cloak which hid part of the face of his find. He recognized immediately that he had to do. This gray material, this mask so special, though has never crossed, Ergue was sure it was the Mystic Slayer! But why was he like this? And above all ... The Mystic Slayer! This is a sensational discovery, the answer to many questions about the origins of one of the most famous murderers of the world. Ergue returned the Slayer who was face against the ground, the shapes in the dress did not deceive, and this was a woman. Locks of hair exceeded her mask almost completely torn, and the rest of the costume was not much better. The Zil hunter took the opportunity to tie her hands. He decided to bring her back to camp; his guild mates probably know what to do with her.

-Whatsss issss Thisss?

- I found her at the edge of a river. It’s the Mystic Slayer

- The who? She said, looking innocent.

- You know, you care less of me, I understand im not particularly in the mood, he added, holding his ribs.

A little later in the Zil camp. There were not many people. Only Abyssien was on his post, guarding the premises.

- Ah, Ergue, I began to worry about you not being here. Soriek is not with you, but Bigrage is finally is here.

- No, I do not know what happened to the him, but he had better return quickly.

- You look very angry, is it related to what you have on your shoulder and thats wriggling?

- Yes. And he threw his grip on one of the many cushions.

- Abyssien leaned over the young woman she grumbled. He noticed the costume and the rest of the mask.

- Where did you get her?

- I found her in the river a few hours away. She was unconscious.

The head of Zil then addressed the Mystic Slayer.

- Ill free you, we do not want trouble; we just want know what happened to you. We want to help. You can not get out of this tent, I magically sealed for this purpose. Do you understand? The Slayer nodded her head. Abyssien after closing the entrances to the tent set her free. This time she did not move, but tears ran down her eyes.

- Are you really the Mystic Slayer?

-I...

- Do not worry everything you say will remain between us.

-Im not the Mystic Slayer, but I should have became one.

- Ah? You were going to replace him?

- No, I was going to become one, she says with a hint of anger and bitterness.

-What do you mean by that? There are several Mystic Slayers?

- Yes, there many of us are wearing the costume.

- Abyssien turned to his comrades.

- So bring something to sustain our guest.

While Bigrage and Ergue went to get it the head of Zil took the opportunity to cast a spell of the past that allowed him to see what events had led this young woman where she was. What he discovered was a sacred revelation. Indeed, separate images showed several people dressed as Slayer. They were all more or less the same size. They surrounded the young woman as a kind of ritual. One of them came forward then.

- I take this student under my wing, I teach him our secrets, I will teach him to hunt down and kill our targets without getting caught. Then came another.

- Dark, I took your name because it no longer. Today you’re a Mystic Slayer; you will serve the organization until death.

Yet another, who had a mask on his hands, placed it on her head.

- Go now, your primary targets are identified.

The scene ended there. Abyssien understood now how the reputation of the famous assassin. was built.

- So Dark how did you got in this state?

- I was abandoned by my master. The mission on which we had sent a wrong I turned and faced too much for me. I failed. My teacher thought I was dead and he left me. Anyway, a true Slayer would come out of this situation. But our rules are strict when Slayer fails; the accompanying must address remediation. Kill and remove the body of the failed part Mystic Slayer rules. - Well, we can not escape the rules of the organization. Still I have some questions, I promise, I will leave you alone. Why did I reveal to you all this?

- Because I hate them!

- This is a good reason enough. And so, now that you’re not a Slayer anymore, what will you do?

- I don’t know.

- People who have no place to go are welcome to stay here. Stay with us for as long as you like, Dark, Im sure your talents will be greatly appreciated. We can learn from you, and we will protect you from the Mysticslayers if necessary. Moreover, you are free to leave when you want to.

Indeed, after; Abyssien has reopened the door, Bloodsword, Faceless and Fenrath entered

The Ambassador

The camp Xziarite had regained its composure. The glow of torches lit his tent with a soft red glow. Incense bathing place of a sweet odor. Gakyusha took advantage of the momentary calm to take a deserved rest. Once again; the Emperor would be satisfied with his services.

Suddenly a voice boomed out:

-My Lord! We have a problem

Alas, Gakyusha sighed. He stood from his bed and left his tent.

Notifying the sentinel on his knees before the entry:

- What’s going on?

- A weird being came to the camp entrance. He calls for a hearing.

- A being? Is it a dragon,or a Zil?

- Neither one nor the other, sir ... He says he speaks for the forest..

- From whom? Let us go then ... I’m curious to know what he wants this madman. Guard my son Asajiro. Be prepared in case this is a new trick by planned the Zil.

- The guard that escorted Gakyusha prepared three seats a little away from his camp. On the middle sat Ergue b, a little further away stood Soriek, the blue giant Which Tsuro had reported. Bigrage probably stood near hidden among the shadows of the trees.

But the most surprising in this meeting was the strange being that was facing the three seats. On his right stood an impressive HomChai to the middle, his face marked with red paint. A big spear made of amber was driven into the ground just behind him.But being that seemed to have organized this meeting was entirely unknown to the Xziarite.. He had a rather sickly appearance, not very big and not very muscular, his great pale eyes were devoid of pupils and, above all, he had no mouth. Just wearing a loincloth of leaves and vines running over his body as if nature itself wanted to protect it from attacks. In his hand lay a stick over a kind of moon shaped carved in ivory in the center of which was a little creature suffused with blue flames. Ergue turned to Gakyusha. He read in his eyes which seemed as surprised as him to the amazing sequence of events.

The voice echoed in his head as clear as if he had heard:

- Hello to you Imperial lord Gakyusha Xzia. Im Spirit Speaker, I speak for the people of Eltarite. We wanted to meet you today to let you know that the land you tread is not yours. They were a territory of the people of the forests long before the existence of your respective nations.

At first taken aback, Gakyusha started laughing...

- Are you kidding? The Tomb of the Ancestors has been disputed by the draconian and the Empire long ago. In addition, the nation of which you claim to be the spokesperson for us is totally unknown. I even doubt that the Council is aware of your existence. Let me tell you that your business is doomed to failure.

- We would be very distressed if we have to use our powers to protect our lands, The Dais voice rang out. We did it in the past and we are willing to do it again if the danger is too great.

- Ergue cuts in; the conflicts that arise here involve only a few men and not look too far into the forest. Why say they hurt your kind so much?

- The greatest danger comes not from the conflict itself but just this thorn in the surface of our world. The canopy pointed his bat toward the stone fell from the sky. Immediately, like a mirage in the desert, the air grew dim. Stone fell from the sky shone as a substitute for sunlight. The ground it seemed on fire and deeply hurt. Like the earth is infected by a disease caused by a foreign body.

- Damn Ergue murmured, passing his hand over his forehead. I’m beginning to understand, he whispered.

- And then Gakyusha answered, this stone is an issue. We can not carry it far away without tools and men. Despite our leadership in the current conflict that stone arouses more interest. I can not make such a decision without the approval of the Emperor and the protection for the workers.

- The Imperial lord rose.

- Your message has been said, but I doubt that his small nation could afford to be heard.

- Well, imperial lord. I will convey your words to mine. So be it.

Spirit Speaker retreated with his bodyguard, outside the firelight. Myriads of fireflies rose from the ground up to hide the Dais and HomChai at the sight of their interlocutors. When the cloud of fireflies scattered, there remained no trace of them.

Back in his tent Gakyusha lay down again. Lying on his bed, he took a moment to reflect. What does this stone represent and why so many people are interested in it. The unknown people could be dangerous? He doubted but his experience led him to distrust people who were openly stating their willingness to face their enemies. Either they were crazy or they were sure of themselves.

- Tsuro! He said in the silence of his tent. Can your trackerstrack the emissaries from the forests?

- No, my lord, we have lost track as soon as they reached the forest, said the tracker from the shadows of the tent.

- What do you know about these people of Eltarite?

- Few things my lord. We know that small tribes HomChai and Elfine are scattered around the forest. They trade plants, amber jewelry and their hunting but have little contact with our nation. I did not know they were part of a group of tribes, or they could obey other people

- So ... They are probably all crazy.

Ergue walked in darkness at a rapid pace. His gifts of affinity to animals allowing it to see as well in the dark than in sunlight. If only Marlok was still one of them he could enlighten him on the visit tonight. But one thing was certain, contrary to what Gakyusha believes, he would not make the mistake of underestimating the people of the forests. He had set a time to find what he knew about the canopy. In his travels to the heart of the most primitive tribes in this country, he had heard about but never see any, as gods revered by all peoples close to nature. Legends told that they had great magical powers, they were the will of nature, that all life forms obeyed them. If this were the case, a powerful new adversary was about to enter the game.

The block of amber bathed the room in a soft golden glow. The Keizan, lost himself in contemplation of the monolith. Sighing, he approached the stone and put his hand rough on its surface.

The voice echoed in his head instantly:

- Then my brother, have men reached your expectations?

- Alas no, he said to Keizan. Our attempt to reason wiyh this species has failed. I sent Spirit Speaker and Red Mark accompanied by some of our scouts to begin the dialogue with the human fighters but we have met only contempt and indifference.

- I warned you, these children will never understand anything, release me and believe me they will remember why their ancestors were afraid of the forest.

- No, sadly rang the voice of Keizan. Your past actions have condemned you to this prison and you will remain until the end of time. The wrath of the forest awakens, they will understand very soon that they are not at welcome here.

The Mummy

150 years before the stone falls from the sky, the emerald desert is facing a civil war.

The Tuareg in the south, supported by the Sheikh Azin, and Priestess Ptola challenged the supremacy of the cult of Solra. The conflict had led to fratricidal battles where supporters of each camp could be part of the same family.

The moment came when the two powers were of equal. The final confrontation took place between the polytheists who, for once, agreed to conduct a common front against the monotheistic Solra, whose armies were commanded by Temple Guardian Ahmid. At the heart of the battle, the priestess of Ptola, the goddess of the dead, found herself fighting Ahmid. It was gigantic! The powers of the elected of the gods were huge, sweeping everything in their path, not caring of their environment and those who were fighting on their behalf.

Soon everyone was around them. The sword of the guardians of Ahmid rent the air with a hoarse whistle. For its part, the Priestess praying to Ptola to grant her powers terrifying and deadly. Unfortunately, Ahmid Solaris support, managed to cut off the head of his unfortunate opponent. Miros head rolling on the burning sand, and stood facing the warrior. The eyes still narrowed and his mouth said:

- Ha! The one who sleeps does not die! You may have won, but by killing me you've signed your death warrant...

Gripped by a cold chill Ahmid realized that this voice was not that of the priestess, but of Ptola. That day saw the advent of Solra and supremacy of the forces of Minepthra. The same evening in the heart of the desert was a big party in honor of Ahmid and his victorious army. Alcohol flows freely, so that the guardian of the temple was soon intoxicated. His senses began to play tricks on him. In the middle of the crowd, he thought he saw someone who seemed familiar. Upsetting the guests, he went to the edge of the unknown river passing nearby. Ahmid believed the appearance of a ghost, because he was well recognized, it was the high priestess of Ptola.

- Is it really you? He said with a mixture of astonishment and fear. The young woman smiled as if to say yes, it was her.

- But it’s impossible, I killed you with own my hands.

Tears ran down his cheeks.

- I have ... killed.

He fell on his knees and remembered the sweet years before the Civil War. At that time, he led a sweet romance with her which was unfortunately broken by the madness of the gods. And still seeing her, he knew that his love for her was still alive.

The high priestess also began to knee and took the Ahmid face in his hands before giving him a kiss. This is where the guardian of the temple felt a deep malaise and pain in the heart.

- You die by the hand of the one you loved as she died of your hand.

The warrior could not breathe, her blood boiled in his veins.

- When you die, you will be mummified and they will make you lavish funeral. Alas for you when you’ll wake up locked in your grave for eternity.

Ahmid felt the beating of his heart slow down then stop when the priestess gave him these words.

- You understand that I am Ptola in person. It costs me a lot to come here. A day will come when I will resume my former glory. Farewell, guardian of the temple of Solra

Ahmid was found dead and the people wept for him as fortold. The honors were given to him, and as Ptola predicted. He was granted a tomb fit for a king. Many years passed before Ahmid woke up from this kind of apparent death. He was gone and, above all changed. He knocked the lid of the sarcophagus with force to remove it. Fortunately his grave was provided with a myriad of small gems solar illuminated the room which is small enoughl. Unfortunately, several days went by as he tried to find a way out, but all was in vain.

Outside, the young Djamena followed a few weeks the teachings of the priests. They were fascinated by the speed with which the young woman learned and absorbed the precepts of Solra. One night the girl woke up with the strange feeling she had something to do. Regardless of anything, she left the church as guided by a higher power. A voice told him that someone needed her. She arrived in the Great Pyramid before going in through a back door that she was unaware until then. The winding corridors led to the heart of the building, where Ahmid waiting for ages. Instinctively, she activated the door of the tomb and entered it without any fear. Instantly her appearance changed, the wings appeared on her back and her hair became like the sun heated the sand.

- WHO ARE YOU? Ahmid yelled.

Djamena then advanced bright light. The warrior then fell to her knees before acknowledging the divine power of Solra.

- An envoy of Solra, he said, its time for my redemption, Ill finally be able to join my ancestors.

- Will you get rid of this non-life? He said in a voice incredibly hollow. I have served faithfully all my life as a human. I implore you to let me go Messenger.

-I have other plans for you, guardian of the temple, serve me faithfully and I will deliver you from the curse.

- But ... I fought in the name of Solra, I killed in his name and overcome sacrificed my soul for him. Is this his way of thanking me?

- It will prove more grateful if you act in his name, there is no discussion to have. It could very well leave you well. This is not what you want, is not it?

The Mummy remembered the supreme command of the guardians of the temple: Obey.

- Or, what I should do for my lord and master, he replied bitterly.

- Do what you do best, kill people. A major threat made its appearance. Iolmarek and other nomads of the desert will have a lot of work against them. Go to lend a hand.

- I obey!

- Then the young woman turns back to; Djamena, her became hair black and her wings disappeared.

The Awakening

An arrow whistled through the air with speed and plunged into the chest of the Imperial Lord Gakyusha...

He had turned a deaf ear on Spirit Speakers warning. For him the stone belonged to the Emperor and now nothing will change that fact. The Envoys were not interested in the stone anymore, the Zil were almost routed. Only the desert nomads were problematic, but so far they had not been aggressive. But it was only a facade, soon Iolmarek will know how to use the powers of the stone fell from the sky and put an end to the conflict.

Unfortunately they did not count the arrival of new enemies that they did not want one thing that this stone and all the invaders of their lands disappear for millennia. Also had roots spring from the soil devastated the camps and trying to grab all those who had not fled. Everywhere one another trying to get out of this sudden vegetation and free those who were not reached. Ydiane had long observed these people and thanks to her expertise she had spotted some member Kotoba she deemed “neutralize’’. She and The Claw had ventured near their camp and were preparing to eliminate them.

She drew her bow and shot one who seemed the leader. The Claw raced to the biggest of them. Xin did not have time to react and found himself on the back, the vines that appeared immediately. As for Gakyusha he inwardly thanked Masamune who had forged his armor, because the arrow stuck in the metal and the tip of Amber was partly broken. But above all it meant that a shooter wants his life. In the heat of the battle he saw a furious attack from the insectoid.

He did not hesitate and began to retreat in the opposite direction. Identifying Ydiane, he seized custody of his faithful Word of the Emperor and quickly made a vacuum in his mind. It focuses on the second arrow that had been cleared. It was not the first time he used this technique, but never in a situation as unique. While the arrow would kill him by hitting his head the Lord used a technique Imperial ancestral Iaijutsu iwith incredible speed he unsheathed his sword, cutting the arrow coming to the side. Not stopping there, from experience I knew the shots in a fight were very difficult, he decided to take the word of the Emperor to that insectoid, which serve to shield him in case of a new shot against him. Tsuro and Amaya were not there and Iro and Asajiro had gone back to the capital, because the attack was carried out at the time that was not really Kotoba their full potential. The fight would be difficult.

On the other side of the stone, the nomads had taken refuge at the foot of the stone. Divine power prevented the vines to grow up them. Ahlem and Iolmarek prayed to their god while the Sphinx was planted in custody, brandishing his two scimitars with rage. Opposite, two large Homchaï like colossi were moving, groaning of the little band. The Kei-Zan then approached, surrounded by an armor of thorns that seemed alive.

- Its time for you to leave! We will not take no for an answer.

- Creatures of evil! You are nothing compared to Solra. You are only insects and I will crush you as such! Shouted the Sphinx before charging towards the Kei-Zan.

The latter struck the ground with his staff and roots started to grow rapidly, capturing the mastodon with ease. For their part, the other nomadic HomChaï faced with an incredible rage. Blood flowed quickly, but the nomads were closing wounds with the fervor of their priests. It was the first time they faced this Magic. The spirit Iolmarek did not wavered and was not too destructive to let the stone fell into the hands of these savages. The Sap hearts were about to prevail when their battle strategy was fully deployed. While HomChai came to the end of the combatants of the desert, riding his Mélissandre wolf, with his flank Bearcupine took the rest of the troupe. Fortunately for priests, a newcomer came to restore a little balance in the opposition forces. . Ahmid with its characteristic of undead disempowering nature was imposed on the HomChai, and his opponents backed down.

- Im Ahmid, Solras plague, you will meet soon meet your ancestors who sleep in the depths of these lands!

Iolmarek looked with big eyes on the haggard mummy. Ahmid seeing as the hero of the past. They saw the obvious intervention of their god and gained confidence. The fight turned into a disorganized melee.

While this was happening Kei-Zan, watched patiently. I listened to that nature destroyed, gathered their forces, and concentrated his energy on his stone-heart, and then transformed into tree-god. His appearance was that of a man tree. His feet became roots that dug into the ground; his back long branches grew to hang small flowers.

The canopy of the waves radiated power of the world tree. This was the incredible power of the Sap Heart, because at that time the Elfine, HomChaï and Guemelite all became, in harmony with the land. The earth began to tremble, roots and vines as thick as trees tore the ground and curled gently around the stone that fell from the sky. After a while they formed a cocoon and could no longer distinguish any yellow glow.

Iolmarek and other nomads felt the bond that united them from the stone has just been broken, this was a heavy defeat, a battle had just been lost. But who would win this war in the end?

The Crow

A few days before the attack of the Sap Heart, Xin guarded the entrance of the Kotoba camp . He was tired because since the arrival of the desert people, new fighting broke out.

- Then, we focus on daydreaming?

The phrase brought to Kotoba out of his state. I had not seen arriving at this person who spoke. He pursed his eyes to see better and noticed the Kotoba brand on her kimono.

- Let me in or let me think here?

- Who are you announce yourself?

- Do you know who I am?

Xin shook his head negatively.

- Well, I see ... Lord Gakyusha announces that Oogoe Kage is coming here and now let me enter, fatty!

The youngest member of the Kotoba internally angry against this insult, but the name of Kage Oogoe Kage he was well known. Iro and SenRyaku who are training had witnessed the exchange from a distance, dropped his partner to see what was happening. The young champion of the Emperor recognized the holding of the arrival, a member of the clan of the raven. “What does he want?” Wondered Iro.

- So this is our new champion of the Emperor! Iro, I must see your father as soon as possible. You can also prepare the business for you will have to start journey to Merag.

- Why?

- The Emperor demands your presence.

In the command tent, the Lord Imperial Gakyusha received Oogoe Kage

- Imperial Lord is unfortunately sad news that makes me come to you. Our lord and master, the Emperor of Xzia is seriously ill.

Gakyusha rose from his seat, his face contorted.

- Seriously ill? You mean ... dying?

Oogoe lowered his head to confirm the words of Chief Kotoba.

- Thank you for defendant. I will prepare my things and go to Merag.

- Lord, I fear, unfortunately, your presence here is imperative, he says holding out a scroll.

After reading the imperial lord sat down again. He took a scroll, brush and ink. No sooner had written some words, folded and sealed his letter, gave it to Oogoe.

- Asajiro and Iro will accompany you, Crow. I want my child read this letter to the Emperor. and he alone will read it, you understand?

The severe tone did not affect Oogoe. - It will be done according to your wishes, my Lord. Can I have?

- You can. Call Iro, I need to speak to him.

Iro was ready. The Emperor had always had witnessed respect and honored with the title Champion of the Emperor, at an age where no one had done this miracle. Tears came, but he hid them from Oogoe.Gakyusha had told him what to expect. Going to the store from his father, he came across SenRyaku. The young woman took his arm as they passed. He whispered some words to her ear.

- Take care and don’t trust the people around you. Put your trust on Asajiro. He’ll always be faithful.

Then she let go and went about their business. Iro entered the tent which now floated a sweet smell of incense. He remembered the smell and it revived memories the home he tried to forget. A few years ago when her mother fell ill, his father had requested Kami to grant healing, unfortunately without success. But the Lord had accepted the death of his wife.

- Father, are you there?

- Yes, Iro. Come sit next to me.

The Lord of Kotoba was in a wing of the tent. Here, there was an altar on which rested the statuette of a naked young woman with long hair hid the chest. Around her incense sticks burned slowly. In front, entirely in red kimono, the father of Iro recited prayer and mantras. The young champion of the Emperor knelt and recited prayers in turn. It lasted a long time and night fell softly.

- Iro, I just received a message from Tsuro just after the arrival of Oogoe. The situation within the Empire is degraded and politics intensified. I put aside all this and is a clever maneuver. It is for this, what I tell you, to inform me about what happens. This all seems rather strange and disturbing.

Iro contemplated the statue, lost in thought. He heard the warnings of his father, but he could not help thinking of his mother, whose face was beginning to fade from his memory. He then pulled himself together.

A few miles away, Malysse sitting cross-legged in the middle of the Tomb of the ancestors finished reading an incantation that he had begun the previous day. He was on the verge of fainting and magical forces faltered beyond reason. It was not chance that brought him here, but a specific plan. And it was exactly over the last part he performed at present.

A few weeks earlier he had helped Toran through intermediaries and had ensured that the confrontation between him and Akutsaï take place here. Their presence here was rushed to the spirit world and had opened a gap on the world. Malyss looking for a particular spirit of a warrior fallen in battle long ago. Finally, he finished his incantation and everything around him became whiter, as if reality had disappeared. Forms then appeared, at first simple and then the mist as consistency took a form shaped like a man. At that time, Malyss eyes were closed because he was not allowed to see this place. He then caught a small box he had in his bag, opened it and took out its contents: a crow-quill, far too long to be that of an animal of this species of normal size. The young mage dropped the pen began to flutter. One of the spirit was then caught like a fly with honey and he touched the pen. Soon reappeared all around them. Malyss opened his eyes. Before him stood that he was looking for.

- Ganso, the Raven is happy to see you back with us. You are eagerly awaited.

- Thank you to you for coming to get me, I do not know how long I wandered aimlessly.

- We need leave for Merag, The Crow is ahead. Iro and Oogoe finally arrived at their destination. The capital before them, was buzzing with activity. They did not have time to rest and demanded an immediate hearing so that the champion of Xzia can see the Emperor. They went to the room where Ayuka, the old Imperial servant, took care of the patient. She rose and bowed to the two men then left the room without saying a word. The room was bathed in red light, color representative of the Empire Xzia. He floated the smell of incense and herbs. Iro fell to his knees by the bed where the Emperor, thin and very pale skin, was sleeping hectic. Iro was found it difficult to see him in this state. After a few minutes, coughing awoke the patient and noticing that he was not alone. When he saw his champion and Oogoe, the Emperor sat.

- Kage, he spoke with difficulty. Leave us.

Oogoe immediately bowed and left the two men alone.

- Iro, darkness veils my eyes little by little ... Soon I will join my ancestors.

- No, don’t say that we will soon find a cure.

The Emperor marked a small grin.

- The greatest healers have studied my case, without any success. Death will surely take me and I already know that this will not be long. Iro ... Come to me, I have something to tell you...

The youngest member of the Kotoba stood very close to the Emperor; it was a great honor for him because in society Xziarite be close to the Emperor, in the physical sense of the term, is having his favor.

- Iro, you are perhaps not aware, but when an emperor is no longer able to reign, a regency was established. Hear me, I feel the shadows move and watching me, all this is not natural. You are my champion so worthy of this title and protect your Emperor.

- Protect you from what? And Who?

At that moment entered the room an old man with long white beard, dressed entirely in black.

- Lord Iro, to see you again in Merag. I think its time for our Emperor to rest.

Iro knew this person: it was Daijin, the venerable and powerful leader of the Crow clan, but also senior advisor of the Emperor. To Iro, the old man had always been a loyal imperialist.

The young man was about to leave when the Emperor caught him by the wrist.

- Remember my words Iro ... Protect the Empire...

Tempus Fugit

Psalm, the famous bard was sitting on a rock partly covered by moss. Most of the inhabitants of the small nearby village had gathered for this rare opportunity. Old and young were waiting for the bard as he begins his stories.

Psalm cleared his throat and took a few notes on his harp before starting a sweet melody.

“Hear ye hear, hear ye this is the story of the exiles of Time, who came to our land to escape their troubles.

This will happen in the future no one knows exactly when or where. Samia the young apprentice, curious about life, never listened to anything.

Now she was warned, The Book of Destiny is not open to anyone who wants to read it, it is forbidden.

Obviously she didn’t listen and read the book...

A few months before the Psalm was in this village, like many people, he was moving towards the stone that fell from the sky. His horse and he were exhausted by the long journey. Sought a peaceful place to spend the night. There he saw a small camp in the middle of which a fire was burning; it was for him a beacon in the falling darkness. He approached and saw a young woman in strange attire; she was alone in a place little known for being calm.

- Excuse me, I traveled the land and I am looking for a place for the night. Could I have the honor to share the camp with you?

The young woman looked up Psalm and he saw in spite of the darkness that she was blind; Her eyes were white as snow.

- We all want something. Sit back and don’t worry, we are safe from any danger.

The young man arose and set his horse, and after putting a blanket on the ground began to play the lyre.

- Are you a musician? Asked the young woman with a certain touch of innocence.

- I am milady a bard, my name is Psalm.

- Enchanted Psalm.

Having played a few songs, the bard put down his instrument.

- Do you know how we, bards, get our songs?

- No, tell me.

- In addition to the legends of various countries, we talk a lot with the travelers we meet as they often have things to tell.

- So you want to know if I would have a story to you? On reflection, yes, I have a story.

Psalm’s face brightened he became interested. - Tell me I’m listening.

He unpacked in a hurry to take notes.

- I am listening.

- My name is Samia, in that times many of you name me the Apostle of Destiny. I’m from the future.

- The future? This means that you know what will happen then?

- Be gentle Psalm you can ask me questions later, my story is long enough.

- Oh, please forgive me.

- So in the future I will be an apprentice of the watchmaker, a respectable person of ... how to say, a secret society called Tempus. Ill be young when an event happens that changed many things.

Psalm already burned a thousand questions; he listened to this amazing story while drinking where apparently all the verbs were combined in a special way, blending past, present and future.

-The Tempus is the keeper of the secrets of Fate, and carefully preserved the balance of the time. I showed too much curiosity because of that I will break the absolute prohibition of Tempus, reading the Big Book of Destinies. This grimoire created by Eredan, can reveal to him who reads the fate of a person. Then you just have to focus on the person you want to see his fate that the book changes it.

The Bard was still a doubt, was this invented or was this true, did she have experienced all of this?

- Now I had an idea that I will regret, in part, that of wanting to reveal the fate of a particular person I known. Unfortunately for me I violated a rule that I did not know in relation to reading this book. I have been so very serious consequences. Fate has veiled my eyes and I was punished. I will now live with the ability to read the destiny of the people I passed but I could never learn anything of my own destiny. I am in chains.

- Exciting! Exclaimed the bard. And then that happened?

- It happens that, I having broken several “sacred” rules I incurred the wrath of the other Tempuses. I owe my life the watchmaker, that I am very close. I do not know what pushed him to help me. He appeared immediately after my vision disappears and then we escape by Tempus Fugit, a specific timeline, normally also forbidden to use. We chose to come here in those days.

- If I understand you are back in the past. But is it the other Tempus could not come too this time?

- You are insightful, Psalm. They will arrive soon; it’s actually a matter of time. But we believe people with an exceptional destiny can help us.

- But by doing so won’t you change the future?

- And very unfortunately did not know our past, but a priori we can aspire to two theories. In the future, and we came to the past and this future because there is “normal”. Or then we modify and create a different future. I recognize that the stories of the time are the passion of the Watchmaker. My view of time is limited to the fate of the people because I can see someone’s future. - So you know what adventures I will live.

- Yes, I know the story I told you will travel the world and when the time comes you will remember who it was.

Far into the future, when the Apostle and the clock disappears in the maze of time a man appeared. His costume was the most unusual was a Tempus.

- I have observed, this impacts the past, my brothers, the mandate has been broken, finally, we must act.

Other people with similar outfits appeared in turn.

- They will be locked.

- The facts will be recorded.

- They will be punished.

Then all disappeared, and borrowed the Tempus Fugit ...

Manual, Chapter1

Baranthe is the most eastern of the seven kingdoms. But it is also closest to the wilderness, the land that once saw fighting during the war against cataclysmic Nehant. His king, named Baranthe too, was a man full of ambition. His predecessor had left a small kingdom and shame for the seven kingdoms, and it really bothered him. He undertook extensive work throughout his kingdom to give a boost to the economy and improve the lives of his people.

One morning, a young peasant came to the Castle Baranthe with an important letter that caught the attention of his majesty. He announced the discovery of a strange large object buried in the ground deep in the province of Thane, known as the poorest region of the kingdom. Immediately, the king was taken aback. One thing buried in a remote part of his kingdom, what could it be? He asked the advice of artisans known in the capital. Unfortunately no one knew not explain what exactly this “thing”. All that the king had such information was that it was a large object with incredibly complex mechanisms. The reaction was swift.

- So be it. Since you’re incompetent, Ill have to call the only person able to deal with it: the great royal jeweler!

He arrived some time later, he bowed and said haughtily:

- I will fix it for your majesty. This conundrum is resolved.

This jeweler was known to have created mechanisms advanced enough for jewelry and has written several great inventions. He set out towards Thane where the “thing” is waiting. There, he spent an entire week, almost day and night, trying to solve the riddle. Alas, after three days, he panicked because he was not progressing at all. The servants present even saw him at the sixth night almost naked in front of the “thing”, and almost mad babbling of “Ill never make it! I never make it”. And indeed he did not succeed the unfortunate man almost went insane and was taken, back to the capital for him to recover...

King was angry. . He lost his prestige in this which began to annoy him seriously. But he had a great idea.

- Heralds! Spread the rumor around the world that I, the king Baranthe, invites the greatest craftsmen of the world to solve the riddle that no one has yet unraveled. Whoever arrives at the solution will be rewarded at fair value.

Very soon the rumor circulated and soon a crowd of curious onlookers and of course craftsmen reached Baranthe, doubling the population of the city. The King found himself a victim of its announcement and had to face. He ordered his advisers to begin a royal “casting”, a new method of recruitment by jury. Selections lasted several days and, of course, the vast majority of applicants were repressed. Nevertheless, some big names made the trip. Some were even remotely. They were so kindly invited, at the expense of the kingdom, to go to Thane, and during this trip, some of them had time to discuss their respective passions. They were welcomed by the Lord of Thane, which had supported the safety of the site and supervised on behalf of his beloved king, the management of this discovery.

- Welcome to Thane. More precisely called Imsiss we belong to a region whose history is nothing special. I hope your incredible talent will help us solve the riddle that I propose to contemplate.

Then he told his servants then opened the heavy wooden door of the enclosure built to protect the perimeter. The “thing” was truly impressive, partly covered with soil. It was a huge cube with a height close to the three men. Was a real challenge because its visible surface presented a multitude of mechanisms and bright gems of different colors. - Well, here is a beautiful work, said Delko, the famous manufacturer of Golems Noz’Dingard.

- You’re right, my dear colleague! Jorus said.

- Finally let’s get to work. Ill begin right away. Said Klementine the mechanist with her mechanic golem assistant, one of her most incredible achievements.

Without any delicacy, the young woman threw herself on the mechanisms at hand and tried to smash them with a hammer. Unfortunately without any success. Nothing happened, except the destruction of her hammer. Delko and Jorus, them wacky theories were based on what could be the object.

- And whether to align the same color gem in threes, maybe they cancel each other out?

- Pouapoua! No matter what you say. Im sure you must press it at the same time, said Jorus, the glassblower.

Nearby, two well-hidden Mystic Slayers watched the scene with great interest.

- That’s something we have not heard for a long time.

- Yes, we must say that some of his works still exist.

- Except that this one is his masterpiece, at said the last second

- Yes, even today no one can match it as he was ahead of its time, a true genius.

- What is worrying is that this ... cube was buried. It looks like a safe.

- But what does it contain?

- We will know, if they’re successful at opening it .

- I will report to the brotherhood, we must record these facts. If we could get back the technology, it would help us in our task.

- Well, I will leave immediately.

The World Tree

The wind was blowing gently in the branches of World Tree. In those days, life was peaceful on Guem, erosion had not yet worked. No human being trod these lands.

World Tree was the focus of all life. It had the distinction, in addition to being truly great, to have pushed a stone-heart, which according to legends the Dais was the first existing Guem. Thus, the seed carried by the wind landed on this rock, and had developed an extraordinary speed. Thus the tree was born.

The following spring it was covered with beautiful flowers, which later became fruit, also proportionately larger than the shaft. Once the ripe fruit, they fell to the ground. But rather than germinate into a tree, creatures that came out, similar to chicks emerging from eggs. This was the birth of the first inhabitants of Guem the Dais. Children of the World Tree were in harmony, each being both a very small part of the tree, as a collective consciousness, and be full.

Years passed, and for centuries, and all was well in the brave new world. But one of them seemed preoccupied by something. He was chosen by his family to become the leader of the people Dais, he was called Keizan. He was born from a special product of the World Tree because it gave two daises. Moreover, while Keizan gazing dubiously the trunk of the tree, his brother came. The members of this people had the particularity of experience with high accuracy the feelings of others. And then he had felt the deep anguish of the head dais.

- I feel great concern to you, my brother. Maybe you can discuss it with me what’s wrong?

Keizan had always been more sympathetic to the world that had spawned.

- Each dais that comes weakens the World Tree.

- How so?

- Her stone heart weakens and I hear the voice of our mother. She is in agony.

- Really? Yet it seems that all is well. Look, the branches are numerous and do not fall. The foliage is dense and there are many flowers, announcing the future arrival of Dais children.

- His pain is deeper.

- Come on, don’t worry. I am confident that things will be fine.

- I don’t think so

Indeed, the situation did not get any better. The Dais felt that their tree-Heart perished. Most of them went to the tree as if driven by instinct. The Keizan and his brother maintained their own as best they could, but the sadness and the pain was too great. If the tree dies, it condemned their people to disappear. The gem heart, partly visible in some bark crevices, emits more than a small light. Then the unthinkable happened.

Keizans brother approached one of these gaps, saw that the bark was being split and the Stone heart of the tree is inflating. He understood immediately what was coming. He ran towards his brother while in his back the Stone Heart exploded in a shower of green. He had just time to jump in front of the Keizan before receiving bursts of the stone heart of the tree. The explosion had virtually disintegrated and many of the Dais that prayed about the tree was killed that day. The Keizan pushed his brother who had fallen unconscious on him with the breath of the blast. The depths of his being, he was torn. Around them was chaos, branches fell with a crash when the petals gently down there with a sad spectacle. He leaned toward his brother even though he was unconscious, writhing in pain. His whole right side was wounded by shrapnel that had been deeply planted in him.

Keizan shook his head as if to compose herself. He soon realized that consciousness that connected them all Dais had disappeared. He could not feel the pain of the survivors, nor that of his brother. To avoid being crushed by debris falling again, he took his brother on his shoulder and put him away to safety. Having picked up a little more perspective, it could then be aware of the extent of damage.The World Tree was dead. Much of his people swept away and, most importantly, there would be no birth of new dais. Once the situation calmed down, he felt like a magical force that was emitting low. Intrigued, he went to see what he could salvage. After slalom between the dead bodies of Dais and dead branches, where he reached the tree was there and found a stump surrounded by shards of crystal. Among them that it was a piece of rock especially.Keizan leaned over and picked it up. As big as his fist, this gem housed within it a piece of root. Then he heard these words:

“Death is not the end. You will carry me and we will live together until the day of rebirth”.

At that time, he realized that this was a seed of the World Tree and the cycle of life will continue. One day in the future other World Tree would emerge.

But when?

Manual, Chapter 2

Throne room of the castle Baranthe, some time after the departure of artisans to Thane.

The king was alone, sitting in his throne easily. The thought of a fabulous treasure would soon own. He had to admit, was really exited and glad. Unfortunately for him, his good humor would be broken by the unexpected arrival of an unwelcome visitor. First the King was tired, he felt his body became more and more heavy, and then everything went black around him, as if the light would pass through the blackened windows. From inside the pocket of his coat came out a stone heart, levitating a short distance from his head. This stone-heart was probably green, but in its current state, it was almost entirely black. Then the ambient light is concentrated into it and clouds of smoke that gathered in a central point. Finally, the smoke cleared and a man appeared dressed in black his face partly hidden by a hood. He advanced towards the king, stamping his stick.

- Do you work well, King Baranthe. You will soon be rich and all the seven kingdoms will bend their knees in front of your splendor.

The words of Nehantist hit the mark. Vanity, greed and the desire to become one and served as an entry point to the conscience of the king.

- If the plan goes as planned, we will arrive at the solution.

The Nehantist then gave the king a virgin parchment and writing materials.

- You will write a letter to the lord of Thane.

Immediately, the king’s hand began to write without even looking at the parchment.

- You will indicate that a certain Quilingo will come on your behalf and will serve first in what will be in the trunk. It is important that he comes first. Of course, you will sign, as normal, and put your royal seal.

A few minutes later, the letter was prepared and sealed.

- The so-called Quilingo should arrive tomorrow. You will discreetly and give him your orders.

Then, he retreated to the center of the room:

- Remember, your name will go down in history!

The Nehantist turns into smoke, and then the smoke went to black light. The kings stone- heart went back in his pocket, all was clear. The king was free to think by himself again. For him, it was all his idea.

For several days, the most important craftsmen worked tirelessly to solve the riddle. And the least we can say is that it kept them sane. The little band lived in an isolated village hastily built and located nearby. That night, Lord Thane had ordered a meeting to take stock of the progress of their guests. And they were all there, around a table in an impressive uproar, each passionately defending their ideas. The poor man had a lot of work to do with all these complex personalities.

- Please! Please! Ladies and Gentlemen! Can I have your attention!

Unfortunately, apart Arckam, the magician of Zil, no one really listened. Total disarray was before the Lord, the Zil decided to do something. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a balloon and then he himself leapt on the table, without the chaos declining. Then he inflated balloon until became big as Ramen the seller of noodles. Some stopped their chatter, others have not. The craftsman then Zil out as if by magic a long needle and popped the balloon it exploded immediately began to repeat the words of the Lord of Thane, but with much more body.

- PLEASE! PLEASE! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!

Strangely, everyone stopped talking. Arckam went down the table, as mysteriously as he had appeared.

- Thank you, sir Arckam. Now that I have your attention, I would like each report on your assumptions. Klementine do you want to start?

The young woman was very surprised to see that he was interested to her. She wiped her hands on her apron and stood up, clearing her throat.

- If you want my opinion, this was made by someone. If we knew who could solve this fortuitous history. Because there is no way to unscrew anything to that machine!

- Fine, but if a hypothesis to open?

- Meh no, I have no idea.

- Well, uh, thank you. Well, Jorus?

The old man was preoccupied he was whispering something to one of his “Jorusiens” and was surprised to be asked.

- Eh?

- Well, would you have an idea how to open this thing? What are your theories?

- Hmm, it has locks so it must have keys?

At that time, Delko began to applaud.

- Bravo! We suspected it! Said the golem maker.

- Well if you’re strong go at it!

- Since you let me speak, I think I have some ideas. said Klementine, it is important to know who "made it" before moving it. Once we know, we need to understand the mechanisms.

- So it’s been several days that you have been staying here and you said that no progress has been made yet?

- You are mistaken, countered Delko. We exchanged our point of view; this is what makes us tick. If you thought we were going to arrive and discover the solution on the first look is wrong about our business. Well he said, we have anticipated all of this, I would like to have the answer about who is the manufacturer of this thing soon.

Indeed, the next morning a messenger from Noz’Dingard brought Delko a parchment. All other craftsmen gathered around him, as Jorus would say, “ogle”

“Master Delko”,

The name of the person you are looking for is Master of Elmijah Krefga, also known as the Ebohki. Based on the information we have on him in the library of the Compendium, he have mysteriously disappeared some time after the war against Nehant.

Hoping that this information will be for all purposes.

Yours sincerely,

Aerouant.”

Ebohki. The name immediately aroused the interest of the assistance and discussions s fresh start. For those present that day, the mention of the name meant a lot because in the middle that was theirs, was the one who Ebhoki sublimated his art at its height, a genius ahead of his time. Even today most of them were not able to do as well as him. This presaged good prospects for success of their business.

A few days later, Quilingo had arrived in camps. He was bored and spent time playing Counter Ylong with Ramen. The latter is there to work (but a little to spy on colleagues). In the midst of some exciting a clamor was heard and there was so much agitation, followed by multiple sounds of machinery and steam jets. Finally, a small earthquake took place; the “thing” was finally opened. The Craftsmen were pleased with each other and screams of “Hooray!” Resonated on the walls of the “thing”. Quilingo jumped from his stool and made his way through the dense crowd which, beyond the mutual compliments, began slowly to enter the giant box. But Quilingo reminded everyone that no one should go before him. Its large size and strength allowed him to gain respect. The interior was amazing! Totally metal, there were mechanisms around against the walls and also green lights emanating strange half glass spheres. Across the floor was a real treasure. Money, but also many miscellaneous objects, from the armor, the cabinet, through simple objects like tissues. Their eyes widened when he the craftsmen saw that. Quilingo then quietly unfolded a piece of parchment on which was an illustration, namely a drawing of a sword, with, below some entries. The man-panda searched the room and finally found the object of his desire, a sword oh so special. He wrapped it in a large piece of cloth and went away without anyone noticing.

During that time, Lord Thane savored the victory. The guests had left quietly as they had learned the name of the “artist” who built the “thing”. Finally, it was done. He asked to Masamune, who remained far behind, how they managed this feat.

- The reed bends but does not break. Our intelligence was bent without breaking.

- Ah, um, fine, fine, but what else did you do?

Masamune, who as usual never smiled, made a pretend sneer.

- We have adapted. The design of this work could not be apprehended by minds who reason with knowledge. Adaptation was the key to our victory, and team work was our instrument.

The famous blacksmith Kotoba showed that exceeded the door locks.

- There were several locks; all with different bars of different nature, Delko explained to the Lord. Thanks to our combined knowledge together we were able to decipher the riddles. Anyway Ill spare you the details because for you it was important that this takes place, and for us to fulfill it. And we hope a little wealth.

Restored Honor

They were all there. The whole sorority stood before her, as if to make weight in the balance of shame, the shame she felt for weeks. They wore a simple gray dress and a black leather belt fell on their hips. Gray, the color of evil. Today, she was no longer a Witchblade, laying her sword at the feet of Naya, she could not restrain her tears. Tears as many of them shared. Witchblade when not fulfilling the function attributed to her was the entire organization and all their principles were undermined. The error of the young woman was the error of all, but despite that it was she who paid the price.

- Anazra. Today, your honor is broken, and honor is the foundation of our beliefs and our principles.

The Commander picked up the sword of Anazra.

- I remember the day I gave you this weapon, you were very young at that time. Taking it off from you now hurts my feelings.

Anazra Tears fell sharply on the cavernous floor of the temple of the sisterhood.

- It is time for you to go. I will keep this sword, hoping to give it back to you on the day that your honor is restored.

Thus ended the ceremony which saw a witchblade lose her title, this happens very rarely but it was always an ordeal for the organization to experience this.

A few days later, the young woman had given up hope to regain what she was. She spent most of his time in the gardens of Noz’Dingard where the statues of heroes of the past looked to the horizon. How to find my honor? She had asked this question hundreds of times without any response to make.

- So did you find inspiration Anazra?

Two young women came dressed in Witchblade.

- You just taunt me my “sisters”?

Eglantyne Moira and had entered the order at the same time as her and from that time had very strong ties woven between them.

- Of course not.

- We did not hear from you, but it seems that your presence here has been noted by Dragon.

- Dragon? He must laugh at my situation, said the former Witchblade.

- Not so sure if I were you, Eglantyne added.

- But you’re not in my place. I would love to see you there.

The two sisters moved to either side of the stone bench.

- Do you remember our training? Asked Moira.

- Yes, perfectly.

She then remembered a few years earlier, the training of their eldest, Naya, especially the first sentence she addressed them. And in its way was as much a test as a “Welcome” The Witchblade is both swordsman and sorceress. It must be agile and understand the mysteries of the Dragon.”

Then more recent memories, where Eglantyne, Moira and she had ventured into the Breath of the Dragon, a region deep within the Draconis. There they had understood the meaning of honor. Anazra looked forward to her friends. Both smiled. They knew that he opened the track to return in Witchblade. Her heart was filled with renewed hope.

- Thank you, I understand what I should do.

Then she went away without saying a word, waving away from her friends.

- You think she will succeed?

- Dragon always watches over her as he watches over us. She is currently perhaps not yet a Witchblade, but she is a draconian and her powers are still formidable.

- We will see.

Anazra made a quick detour to the inn where she slept since her fall, taking her pack, the rapier that she had been offered to replace the one taken up by Naya and left the city in the wake. She knew that her journey would last a few days and it would pass through the villages along the road. Away she went for a journey of initiation, or at least re-initiation. She had already walked the pavement of the road leading south to Noz’Zar, the second largest city of the Draconis. There she would leave the relative safety to follow the paths that would lead to the plain cross Mornepierres which tranversed with caution and recklessness. Only this time, reached the end of this plain, she met a traveler who was resting near a stream. Anazra did not expect to find someone here in the middle of nowhere. The man stood up at the approach of the former Witchblade. He was a young man who was about her age, wearing traveling clothes, but a bill that left no doubt about its condition, a member of the nobility. The facial features reminded him of someone, but it did not really know that, but the sense of déjà vu was more than strong.

- Its you, he says with an air of satisfaction.

- The young woman frowned. “What’s this about again?”

- That depends, who do you expect for my Lord

- The one who had to protect my father, but could not.

The heart of the young woman sank and the look of shame appeared on her face.

- Oh, I apologize for this unfortunate phrase; I did not want to hurt you. Come, sit with me Ill explain exactly what brought me here.

The former Witchblade put threw her pack on the green grass, the young man followed suit.

- We crossed paths once two years ago, especially since I grew up and Dragon told me that I would succeed my father by becoming Dragon lord of Drak’Azol.

- Congratulations, it is a heavy responsibility, for you.

- Thank you, but I’m not here to tell you that. I knew your heading for the Breath of the Dragon. Now I have to visit the Lord Karn, and I will go through the same route.

- How did you know? Who told you that I would pass by? - Your friends Eglytane and Moira.

- Aaah the bitches! I knew that their discussion about our training was not trivial.

Anazra fulminated and thought “they had me well”

- And then you said that to remember my mistakes along the journey would certainly be an interesting punishment?

The young man opened his mouth, as bewildered by this sentence.

- No no, quite the contrary. You know this tragic event is due to two things: Fate and the Slayer. It would have been your friends for you the result would have been the same.

- You rely on assumptions.

- No, I understand that you feel for not having done his duty, but you should not feel bad, because if that happened, is because it had to happen.

- I am not convinced by what you say, Dragon Lord. Let’s get started shall we? This place is not very safe.

- You are right.

They began the road through the red mountains. At the beginning Anazra hearkened not the Lord-Dragon, but along the way she gradually yielded to the arguments of the young man. She began again to trust her. Then a few days after they arrived in a place known as the Dragon’s Breath. A bowl filled with a permanent opaque haze.

- Here we are in the Breath of the Dragon; I will continue my path to Kastel Drak. I hope these past few days with me have opened your eyes.

Anazra knew how dangerous the road to Kastel Drak, and to reach the city had to cross over a pass, which was famous for being frequented by bandits.

- If you want, I can accompany you there.

- No no, you have better things to do than to escort me, nobody will attack a Dragon Lord anyway.

- Hopefully.

Their paths hace split and he walked away and the former Witchblade advanced in the Breath of the Dragon. A legend of the famous draconian said that this would be the Breath of Dragon and that it would prevent the secrets of what happened in this place to be revealed. Young Witchblade came here to be tested. Anazra progressed a good hour before she feels the presence of Dragon.

- What are the rules of the Order of the Witchblade? Asked a deep voice.

- To serve you, the people and the Dragon Lords.

- Well, and how best to serve a Lord-Dragon? The voice was more serious.

Anazra was silent a few seconds. Then your heart is narrowed. He had left the Lord DrakAzol against a potential risk. If looking for her honor, she should not stay her anymore. she ran as fast as he could. She stopped briefly and turned to her magical powers to support her more. She manages to reach the Lord who at that time was being assaulted by a bunch of rogues trying to steal his wealth. Without hesitation, she drew her sword and her skill came into play long before well-trained. The bandits did not resist very long and fled in a hurry. The Dragon Lord fortunately, was not harmed.

- Well, I really thought you were going to abandon me to my fate.

- A Witchblades duty is to protect the Dragon Lords.

- Because you are a Witchblade?

- If the leader of our order does not mind.

- In this case, I will allow myself to act in your favor.

A few days later, the temple of the order of the Witchblade in NozDingard. Again, they were all together, but this time their robes were blue and meaning rejoiced. Anazra was back on her knees before Naya. There was silence then.

- Honor never leaves us. When we are in doubt, we can count on each other.

She took the sword of Anazra.

- This is the symbol of our commitment and I am pleased today to make you. To proudly carry the weapon and join your sisters, Anazra, witchblade of NozDingard.

Unlocking the Shadow

The dance of the courtiers was now finished, but the mission did not stop there for Ishaia. She had given a quest to Marlok and he had now bad news. She returned to Kastel Draken with her servants following in order to reach the Tomb of the ancestors, and after several days of travel, the objective was achieved: the camp of the Zil.

Seeing the arrival of the delegation with the colors of the Council Ergue guarding around quickly warned Abyssien. The latter met all Zil fighters available to receive the best way to majestic visitors. He was surprised to recognize the flag of the Lady Ishaia. In the past, their paths had already crossed. The Councilor looked at the audience with a neutral air.

- Councilor, welcome to our humble abode.

- Abyssien, she replied, nodding respectfully. Thank you for your welcome. Do not worry, I will not stay long.

- Zil Fighters looked at each other. Whats happening? Most of them were not even aware of the existence of a council of guilds exist, and they would learn at their expense. Ishaia and Abyssien and settled into a private part of the capital. The head of the Zil offered refreshments to the counselor.

- Pleased to see that you know how to still receive visitors.

- Please reserve her thoughts to herself, remember who made you enter the Council! He said with some anger in his voice.

- Well, well precisely because we knew is that the council sent me instead! Do you have preferred to be that it be the Regent?

- No, of course, I’m glad to see you. But I think sometimes you have an arrogant attitude. What brings you here?

- Well, I come to announce bad news. Then she cleared her throat as she unrolled a parchment. Many facts we are raised to us, including: the assassination of the Prophet by Telendar, once leader of the Guild Zil, the infiltration of a Nehantiste among members of his clan, the betrayals of its members Selene Silene and Telendar, lack of reporting of new guild members, and finally the lack of reporting on their activities for several months.

Abyssien swallowed. Indeed it was something serious.

- Based on these facts, the council adopted the following decision. The Guild Zil has two months to update their statements and prove they can still be worthy of the title it carries. Otherwise, they will be dissolved.

It was a fatal blow which had hit the Chief Zil.

- Abyssien well understood, does not make me happy. Officially, the Council needs to answer for the actions of your guild. We must renew your shield and show that its members are trustworthy.

She left her drink and stood up.

Unofficially, I know that this is all about Telendar. But the rules are strict; the clan leader is responsible for the acts of his guild. The conflict in being embedded intensifies. I have no doubt that zils talents are appreciated, if you can channel them. Abyssien remained silent all this was serious and he had to act wisely.

-Well, I can wait no longer Councilor; there are things I have to do.

The tone made it clear was Abyssien going to take things in hand. The face of the head Zil has changed and it began to swell

- Oh well, I think I’m leaving now. In two months, we judge the evolution of things.

Councilor left as quickly as she came, leaving the zil chief at his business.

Abyssien was surrounded by the other fighters. He had explained the situation and they were serious. Kriss moved toward the head.

- Abyssien, you must meet the triumvirate.

The oldest zils knew that there was a triumvirate that when the situation required it would meet to make decisions. The newer members learn how they operate.

-We have to. Then look at the crowd. Well listen to me everyone should clear the runway, away everything that gets in the way, once they’re done a circle is made around him. Kriss will bring a person unknown to the vast majority of you. If it will ever speak to you, do not respond.

Fighters left the track, then a large trunk is brought out Abyssien, opened it and took its contents. Then gently, he placed what looked like a puppet made of straw and fabric with the colors of the guild. Then straighten the body. Kriss began playing music with his body until then air a tune unknown to most of the troops. Abyssien, meanwhile, launched a charm of night in the room, then another spell that created a light well on the track. The black cat that never leaves Kriss began to revolve around the kind of puppet. Zil chief loved to keep pace with the music. After a moment the straw dummy was lifted in the air while the cat. Tentacles of shadow came out of the cat and curled around what in fact was a scarecrow. Then passed through the eyes and mouth, leaving the feline unconscious and thr Scarecrow fell on the floor.

The music stopped as the incantation. The creature was standing and rocking gently back and forth with arms in the air ranging. All held their breath watching the event. Then the scarecrow came to life and started walking, looking around. After a walk, stopped at Abyssien and Kryss. The two men bowed, and the creature did the same.

- WHY DO YOU bother me?

- We had to meet the triumvirate, the guild is in danger.

- AAAH? WHAT the guiLD I created IS in DANger?

Abyssien explained so the liabilities of the guild and the notice of the Council. The scarecrows turned and refit a lap. He recognized no one besides Bloodsword and Faceless, who remained in place.

- OUUUH my little GRANdits you! You are SUPERb!

Continuing his tour, he stopped before Dark.

- WHats your NAme?

But she said nothing, remembering the warning of Abyssien. The Scarecrow nodded his head.

- She is called Dark, she is good at juggling, said the chief. We need to talk in private. Kryss, and newcomer Abyssien left the rest leaving them full of speculation.

The triumvirate meets so away from the tent to be free of any spy.

- Don'T WORRY RIngMAster, they CAN not dissOLVE my belovED GUIild! The SHadow is heRE NOw!

- What will give us credit? Kryss wondered

- We will get down to business, said Abyssien whose face swelled again.

- YES! We will PUnish the traitors and do WHAT I was created for, to ENsure THAT EVIL does nOT come out of the SHadows.

- Will you stay this time? Asked Kriss who changed.

- YES But NO one should know who I am! Archmage Artrezil has BEEN clear about tHIS. You NAme me SALEM NOW!

Adventure

As everywhere in the world, the White Islands offer to soothe parched throats, disreputable taverns where alcohol flows freely and thieves rob drunks. Its one of those places where the incredible adventure of the crew of Al Killicrew starts. “The two wooden legs” was a tavern in the neighborhood most notorious of the famous city of Volovan a cesspool of scoundrels and swindlers of all kinds. Burrich beater, one of the regular customers had good hope of getting a hit of trying to sell a centuries old treasure map. Until his story reached the ears of Bragan, a member of the crew of the Al Killicrew. After doing some checking, he reported the authenticity of the thing to his captain. Al killicrew was very interested in this discovery.

Bragan, the old pirate, Poulkos, the man fish and captain Al Killicrew entered the tavern where he had conducted the sale of the map. Many left across the pirates, whose bad reputation preceded them. For those who never had met Killicrew, the first impression that caused them to leave stunned them. With her hat, the young woman, often found it difficult to get through the doors, both in height because of her height and width due to the impressive mechanical prosthesis that replaced her right arm.

His appointment was waiting in a corner. Burrich was going from there after imagining his riches after he sold the piece of paper found in a trading opportunity. Both of the captain’s crew sat at the table of the unfortunate salesman. The captain was sat immediately his left.

- Display us your merchandise, merchant! Bragan shouted with all the kindness he could show.

The man took out the coveted object; a scroll was probably sealed by a leather thong and a red wax seal. Al Killicrew examined the strap and then unfolded the map. This was it! Several years looking in vain to be found almost by accident. But she showed no satisfaction. Poulkos threw on the table a purse containing money. The man grabbed it and opened it eagerly. Unfortunately he was disappointed; the sum does not really fit their expectations.

- Hey! But there’s nothing in here! He said angrily.

When the Killicrew rose from her stool, knocking her stool and grabbed the jerks neck and lifted him to her face. The other two did not move a finger. It was necessary to maintain the myth of the famous Al Kilicrew!

- Listen herring head of a scum. I have filled my cove. I got rid of them in the salt mines of Brenda. So if you do not want to lose an arm and ill do the same to you, accept this transaction it is entirely honorable.

The man was speechless. He thought everything was over for him. Bragan and Poulkos looked as if his last hour had arrived. Weighing the pros and cons rather quickly handed the map.

- Here you go; I think it’s a good deal!

The captain dropped him suddenly and he collapsed to the ground. He barely had time to get up that pirates were already leaving, which was a relief for him. He had a little more money and a lot less trouble.

A little later on Arc-Kadia, the ship of captain kilicrew she was steering the wheel, all of it was excitement. The young woman had brought back all her crew so far was “licensed”. In her cabin, the young woman tried to penetrate the secrets of the treasure map when someone knocked at the door.

- Captain, It’s me! Says a high-pitched voice. When killicrew stood up, she opened door and looked at his second with joy.

- Come in, she said, looking if there was not one or two curious spies. I found it, I finally found the Titan Captain Hic’s map!

Gemineye, the second in command, frowned and took off a few strands that fall over her face. She had grown up with the captain and the two women had become true brothers in arms. When the Kilicrew proudly showed him the map, displayed on the panel. Scattered around, even above, were a lot of open books and measuring instruments. The map was quite large and above all beautifully illustrated.

-You truly believe that is the captain Hic who drew it?

- Absolutely! Kilicrew said while showing a lot of scrolls. That’s all I met on it. Here are a number of drawings signed by his hand. The style corresponds, and the date too. If you look closely, the left is the kingdom of Bramamir before the vortex is formed. We knew Hic that lived there before the war with the void.

Gemineye watched the map. She felt the magic emanating from the map its discreet but there. The Guemelite ran her hand on the map on purpose but it did not activate. Inscriptions appeared on the parchment, and then the map gave a fine smoke that settled to form a much more complete. A small yellow ball the size of a finger appeared on the map.Killicrew moved, her eyes shining with excitement. She took a look at the inscriptions, was a language that few knew, but it has long dominated. His father was a pirate captain, and had taught her daughter everything she knew.

Here’s what it says:

“The hunt begins, against all odds you will encounter, but the cardinals will help you. At each stage will fight, get everything from Titan or sink to eternal oblivion”.

She read the phrase repeatedly in order to better perceive the essence.

- Well, this is mysterious, it is very interesting.

Her second looked at the yellow dot. She took a map of the region and compared both planes.

- We recognize certain parts of the White isles; the yellow dot indicates a piece that was once the coast. We can be there in two days.

- Well, prepare the crew. Fill the ship energy. Were leaving tomorrow!

- Well, Captain.

On the following morning the ship was ready. It was a gigantic 3 masts powered by large engines “Vafeur”, which united a technology based on a steam engine and lightning, a machine created by mixing crystals and magical forces of nature recovered from the same clouds. Electrical arcing produced crystals that licked very particular chatter. But the crew had grown accustomed to them long ago and nobody had him carefully. On the bridge, everyone expected the speech of her captain. Gemineye had done their job and they all were right. Finally, the captain appeared, carrying her wide sword as proof of her leadership.

- Pirates! Today we follow the Titan, the famous ship of Captain Hic and treasure that it holds! She said, raising her sword toward the sky.

Then they all look and start yelling, giving encouragement, head full of dreams of wealth and glory. The crew was put to the task; the ship broke loose from the dock and sails for the winds. The Arc-Kadia shuddered, creaked, and then slowly rose into the air. City Volovan and its island, floating in the sky became smaller and smaller while the cluds grew. When kiliirew proudly wore the helm, I knew exactly where to go, had memorized the treasure map and the plans for her second.

Night had fallen over the ancient kingdom of Bramamir and two days had passed since his departure. No one slept and all in feverish activity; the ship began its approach to a remote island and small. This was undulating dunes and completely covered with gloomy sand.

- What do we know about the area, Gemineye?

- Not much, it is a desert region, there is nobody living in the region. She has assured death who dares to come here.

- An ideal place to hide something. BRAGAAAAAAAN!! Shouted the captain.

A good-natured old man appeared, half asleep, and a bottle of rum in hand.

- Yes? My captain?

- You go in the morning on the island with lil Laddie and...

- Me! Me! Me! Me!

Then landed a kid with a short hair and very lightly dressed. He climbed the stairs to the bridge in a jiffy and stopped by putting himself at attention. Al Kilicrew looked desperately and shook her head, hiding her face with her left hand.

- Do you ever sleep pest? Taunted Bragan.

- Captain, let me go with them! The redhead insisted.

- Well, you can go there, but I warn you I don’t want to here our mission failed because of you .Do you understand, Armada?

- Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

She leaped into the air waving her arms frantically.

A few hours passed and the day finally arrived, the small group was ready. The vessel was placed far enough away to Bragan, clerks and Armada could descend with a rope. The sand was warm and unsullied and dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. The small group moved slowly but surely toward the center of the island. Aboard the Arc-Kadi, Al Kilicrew watched using her binoculars, but the heat from the sand, quickly hidden from the group of pirates. After a few hours of walking, Bragan realized that something was wrong

- By walking this far, we should have reached the other side of the island.

- Clerk surveyed the surroundings.

- Here! Traces in the sand! Look, three people have been here.

- They are our trails, boy! Armada spat. Were running around like rats in a boat.

- Damn, what will we do? Launched the sailor with a hint of panic.

- Let us ponder this course! I know you do not often but will be needed. Let’s start by changing direction. The group returned to the road, and some moments later, while the heat was becoming untenable;

- We are going to die...

Lil Laddie had took off his jacket and looked at the others.

- Not yet. I told you I had to think.

- It seems you, old man, on a reflection? Armada says laughing.

- Well.... To ponder. And it is an old story that makes me think of the solution. Do you know the mirrors of Flint?

- Both young women responded buy not in unison.

- Because I know, I’m not surprised. Some pirates to hide a treasure, created a series of subtle magic mirrors, which makes people, go around in circles and the unfortunate who wanted to steal it. And this is the case, as no one could steal, although Hic and died long ago, the spell is still active.

- And how do we leave?

- By magic! These mirrors are a mirage; we can stop it by breaking them. Armada your explosives you always have them with you. Put three loads to make a triangle, you know what a triangle is?

- Pfff, I know what that is, senile old man!

Bragan focused for long minutes, while Armada placed the three bombs. Then a flame appeared before the mage pirate. It turns into a bird, it became two and then a third appeared.

- Get down!

Armada and Clerk had barely had time to stick to the ground when Bragan unleashed his birds to the bombs. A huge explosion rang out and then a cloud of dust was formed.

- Kof! Kof! Beh I say, that’s some strong bombs that you have made for us Armada.

- Yep, small but effective!

- Look! There! Something is shining in the sand.

Indeed, a little further in the sun a gold shone like a thousand fires lit. Approaching the pirates recognized a shattered skull, his teeth clenching a roll of gold. At the time when Bragan took the object, the skull became a pile of sand. The island itself began to shake in tremors.

Aboard the Arc-Kadi, the crew scanned the surroundings. It was long hours and now the troops are gone. Concern had been growing slowly. Then came the explosion, and some moments later, a strange fact. The island shook and lost pieces that capsized in the storm. When Kilikrew quickly glanced through her telescope and noticed his men. The boat pitched and moved to the unfortunate fate privateers who fought to avoid being sucked into one of the many holes that formed in the sand. Bragan, clerks and Armada were aboard again, just in time when the whole island fell apart ...

ACT 3: DAZZLING ILLUMINATION

Dazzling Illumination

Nature had covered the tomb of the ancestors of thick vegetation. It had obeyed those born of earth and trees. The fury with which the Sap heart had entered the conflict put an end to the peace that the place used to have. The vines that completely covered the rock that fell from the sky looked as if the blood pulsating flow through the beating of an invisible heart. The Sphinx with divine rage, tried cut the roots that captured him, but these were very strong to make matters worse two dangerously huge HomChai are coming towards him. Fortunately for the Temple Guardian, Kararine gave him a hand. Stealthy and agile as a panther, he freed his fellow Nomad. The latter decided to withdraw the time it takes to find Iolmarek a solution to this strong resistance. The chief of the nomads of the desert had much work, rejecting Keizan’s and Spirit Speakers magical attacks. The magic of the two Dais was powerful, but the faith of Iolmarek and his acolytes was a wall against which his opponents came crashing.

A little further out, the remains of the camp of Noz’Dingard served as a framework for a strange encounter. Melissandre was discussing with Valentin, the dragon knight.

- You live in a force that Keizan identified as equivalent to the World Tree. You must understand that this stone is not good for our land and it will damage it.

Valentin awoke with a start in the morning when the Sap Heart launched its offensive. Very quickly on a war footing, he had observed the skirmishes, making his account by Dragonic eyes of a situation quite complex and explosive. Then later, the young Elfine had presented to him, for reasons that he didn’t understand.

- We speak to Dragon and appeal to your wisdom. I speak for Keizan asking for the help of your people. He must feel the effects of perversion that the stone generates.

Valentin scratched his beard, quite confused. He was no magician so he did not know much about what they were trying to explain. He had been sent there to wait for the other members to return from their mission.

- I am one of the Knights of Dragon, all that I know, he also knows because we are connected.

At that time, Dragon decided to speak. The physical aspect of Valentin’s features changed, his appearance became those of a hybrid human / dragon.

- I heard the call of the World Tree, Elfine. The evil is hidden from the eyes of all and to my Sent.

Melissandre felt a little disappointed by this response.

- But Valentin will support you and use his knowledge to help you. I will send you to other allies when the time comes.

Then Valetin returned to his normal appearance.

- Well, it looks like I should put myself under your command.

A little later, with the fortuitous aid of the old dragon knight, the Nomads were in position very deplorable. There were several wounded in the ranks of the faithful of Solra. But fortunately for them, they were not alone. They fought for an ideal and a higher power that exceeded their condition. The rock that fell from the sky, still surrounded by vines, released a new song. The old priest listened and understood it as if it were heavenly voices.

“Call her servant. She alone can pull this away”.

- Her?

Malika, who was next to the priest, took the cassock Iolmarek.

- Who is she? Be clearer!

But the priest did not hear anything else. Then he took an oil lamp and rubbed. Then a blue creature came out.

- Yes, my master, can I grant one of your wishes?

- I use my second wish, genie. I want Djamena here immediately.

- Let it be done according to your will, master.

The Genie closed his eyes and a golden aura appeared around him. Then came a flash, blinding everyone in the area. When they’re sight came back, there by his side a young woman with characteristic white robes of the god of the initiates Solra. The young woman had visible signs of being embarrassed by what had just occurred and cast glances around with some panic. Then, staring inquisitors who had saved her father from an uncertain fate, she understood the song. The sweet voice was addressed only to her.

“Djamena, wake up! It is time for you to become the one you were before. Hear me Djamena”

The young woman did not move, but there was something in her, then she transformed. A spear appeared in her hand, and then she flew, upward toward the stone. After a few seconds, the vines around her broke, then fell, broke down and eventually become sand. The gem glowed more brightly once more. At its foot, Djamena had changed. She had grown wings and her hair floating in the wind had turned almost white. The Nomads all knew that a new Solarian had just made her appearance and this meant that the battle was not lost yet. Now, the soil around the stone is cracked, and a violent divine power had to work.

Now, the soil around the stone cracks, a violent divine energy began to work. Alhem felt Solra he looked and judged their actions. The Healing theurgies were invoked, calling all the Nomads plumbed for a new round. The counter-attack was launched by the Sphinx, in a roar, leaped on Red Mark nearly decapitating the Homchai, luckily Valentin rescued him, pushing the giant to the body of a lion. Djamena then intervened.

- You will be judged, I am the arm of God, and you’re an insect I will crush! She says angrily. Scarcely had she uttered these words, the sky began to darken.

- Lord, our following acts are not worthy of your eyes. What the Eclipse covers your eyes and give us divine favor with the black light.

- The Claw had slipped through the remains of lianas and trees and was about to deal attack the young nomad when she was immobilized. It felt as if drawn on the floor. Iolmarek advanced to her laughing derisively. His appearance had changed his clothes and his attitude had turned black.

- Eclipse, my beautiful Eclipse, we have a Guemelite!

Then with both hands, he grabbed the claw by the neck and lifted her over

- Your sins are many, infidel! Your soul is mine forever.

He clapped his right hand on the head of the Guemelite then, as if he had caught something invisible, he pulled with all his might. A ghostly form came out of her. Her Soul left the body. Her heart stopped beating and her arms stopped waving.Keizan watched the scene without being able to do anything...

To the Edge

The Tomb of the Ancestors was ablaze. The stone that had fallen from the sky burned everything, destroying the camp of NozDingard and Kotoba. The Sap Heart and Valentine the dragon knight had retreated in the territory of Eltarite. They were soon joined by others who had witnessed the battle and wanted to learn more. The Desert Nomads now held the Tomb of the Ancestors, galvanized by the stone and the Eclipse that occurred shortly after the appearance of their new fighter. These fanatics had set defeat the creatures of nature.

The Keizan held in his arms the lifeless body of the Claw, sadness and fatigue was visible on the faces of the Eltarians. For the shock and the importance of the event, was one of the rare occasions when many foreigners were accepted into the ancestral lands, which is usually hidden. As there were members of the envoys NozDingard, Kotoba, Zil Fighters and even the Pirates, the newcomers to the conflict.

The wind passing between the trees,Keizan put on the ground the lifeless body of his adopted daughter. If I had a heart, this would be broken into a thousand pieces because his grief was great. Around the other members of the Sap Heart met and began the ritual chant of the dead, a sad melody and melancholy.The Dais loved then an ancient spell to return to earth, roots emerged from the earth and surrounded the Claw. Then slowly, all sank into the ground.

During this time Valentine was speaking inside with Dragon.

- My lord, you saw through my eyes everything that happened. What action will you now take? These nomads seem to be as dangerous as the faithful Nehant.

- Knight, you will have to act without direct confrontation, at least for now. There is one person who could provide a solution. He is in this forest but he is trapped.

- I turn to that person?

- Yes, he is needed. Some of the envoys should not delay to get there now.

- I obey.

Once the song ended, Valentine went to meet the Keizan.

- Sorry to bother you at a painful time like this. I ask a favor. The Keizan nodded and then Valentin heard his voice in his head.

- Yes envoy of Dragon?

- Obviously someone at home would have a solution to destroy the powers of these nomads.

- Who?

- A person that you imprisoned.

The Dais whose face was frozen with no mouth shook his head.

- The person you mentioned that was punished for his actions.

- I do not call into question your opinion, but would it be possible to talk to him?

- I suspect that a higher presence of you gave to the existence of that person.

- Dragon thinks the prisoner is a link in the chain and that their help is essential.

After a long hesitation, Keizan accepted guiding the dragon knight to the site where he was imprisoned for many years, to the heart of the jungle. For two days they traveled trails, Valentin was surprised to see so many unusual and wonderful places, although for years he had traveled the world from here to there. They finally reached where previously the tree-height Heart dominated the world. There was nothing but a lifeless trunk, but it was the territory of Keizan. At the turn of a few large trees surrounded by shrubs was long and dangerous prisoner.

- I authorize you to speak, but be careful with your words, my brother is vindictive.

- Your brother? Good. Did he have a name?

- Today we call it the Hailwalker you will understand why the sight.

Before them stood aside vegetation leaving free passage to a large block of amber. Inside was confined for a high-rise Dais whose left side was filled with pieces of bright green stones. Keizan ran his hand over the Hailwalker, giving it the power to perceive the world around him. Immediately he felt a wave of sadness. He understood the events that had happened, and everything that led to the death of the Claw. The anger was too fast, too fast!

- That’s where all this leads to my brother! The time for talk is over, set me free!

- No, you know that’s impossible. Valentine was surprised by the voice of Hailwalker, powerful and clear.

- And you Guemelite, do not you feel the slow destruction of our world? He said, addressing the Dragon Knight.

- I know we have a tough opponent and you have a solution to our purpose.

- Before that you must let me out, but I can not stay motionless, paralyzed in this place while Eltarites die!

- The Claw knew the risk! Keizan replied vigorously.

- Yes, of course, but you, you left her to die. So which of us should be in this block of amber, my brother?

- But you know it or not a means to address these nomads from the desert? The dragon Guemelite perceived animosity coming from the between two brothers.

- Yes, I know said Hailwalker who was calming down.

- Now tell us what you know brother.

-I told you, Ill have to leave this prison because Ill have to take people there. Keizan Heard the lamentation of Eltarianos, they feel the wind change and danger lurks close to home.

The Dais knew this moment would come someday, but if Hailwalker really has the solution he should leave his feelings aside and give way to reason. And if he ever becomes unstable Hailwalker would be taken back to his prison where he would spend the rest for eternity.

- Well, I release you. But one false step, you will return here. Keizan then hit the ground with his cane covered with moss and leaves. A wave of magical energy was extended to the block of amber, which was reduced until the prisoner can finally move. He stretched and then advanced at once to his brother.

- I keep my word; I will help as best I can.

Several days later, on the edge of the forest a village of tents had been installed, a combination of all the guilds. Arc-Kadia, the pirate ship had anchored a little later in a clearing. They exchange of views about what was happening and stopped talking when Keizan, Valentine and Hailwalker appeared. They formed a large circle around them.Hailwalker turned around looking at each of them.

- War is upon us. Those from the desert serve a god that can’t be stopped.

Among the crowd there were many whispers.

- Those that are able to avoid the animosity they feel for the others will be an unparalleled support for the battle ahead. Come with me, so some of you may solve our main problem, the stone fallen from sky.

- And where do you plan to go? Asked Malyss the Kotoba mage.

- To the Edge… replied the Hailwalker.

Again the whispers were made the meeting, the name “Edge” seemed to cause a lot of questions, some fear, others by curiosity.

- I know a way to take us there. I will not deny that it is very risky, but what is the risk compared to the danger we face? Any volunteers? One member from each profession seems to be a good choice. Ergue immediately stepped forward.

- I’ve always wanted to go

Then Malyss followed, Moira and finally, after much discussion and given the interest of finding something valuable,Gemineye was the representative of the Pirates. Meanwhile Dragon offered his help. Thanks to Valentin and NozDingard Sent there, a portal opened between where they were and the great reception hall of the palace NozDingard, thus avoiding a long way since the Edge was on the other side of the Draconia compared to its current position. They were received by the Prophet.

- Welcome. The Draconia available to the expedition food and some supplies so they can better fulfill this task. I’ll be sure to find a place to stay overnight at the border of Baranthe.

- Thank you Prophet.

A week later, the group of adventurers arrived at the border. Nearby were the mists of the Edge. This particular location was a barrier, hidden behind the tomb where The Void was imprisoned a hundred years ago. This magical fog was a crossing point between two continents, inmates and what is commonly called Land Guem. It happened sometimes that some people on one side or the other comes across to another continent, sometimes unwittingly, sometimes after a long search.

- Here on the edge of the fog in the Edge, we dare to try entry we may never be able to go out.

They asked Hailwalker

- I’ve heard of this place. Are you sure you want to go there? Powerful magic invades the area, I can feel the sensation. Malyss looked worried.

- This is the magic that allows us to cross over.

Hailwalker said that all were tied to each other. At the same time driven by curiosity and anxiety about the unknown, the expedition rushed into the thick fog. They could not see beyond their noses and trust was placed in advance with caution. Soon the floor cracked under their feet covered with scorched earth particles were added to the clouding of vision, making breathing difficult and it was painful . An hour passed, and around them, but did not see it, the landscape started to become chaotic. Crystals of many colors emerging from everywhere, making their slow progress dangerous. Their guide will go through diversion was incredible, but gradually the fog faded and disappeared in the ashes. When everything around them clarifies obviously they were no longer in Guem, but on the other end of the world with an amazing setting.

- Looks like the White Islands! But it’s huge! Gemineye exclaimed.

Everyone was fascinated with the discovery of this part of the world. Not lost sight that left hundreds of islands floating from earth to heaven. After a quick glance down they could see the planets surface.

- We got it. Our journey has just begun and journey to spread the risk. We set off in search of a legendary creature that ever existed in the Land of Guem the “Stone Eater”.

Mutiny

Excerpts from the diary of Al Kilicrew.

[…]We found a strange object on island of captain Hic, we presume, that it belonged to him,it was magically protected, fortunately, Bragan knew this spell without him, we would have ended up our ass in the water.[…]

[…]The object was actually a lost beacon. When we approached the area I noticed that the map symbols and furrows appeared on the metal.Gemineye spent several hours with this enigma, not realizing what it was. It was Klementine who solved the riddle when I went for solutions to the rest of the crew. It was another trick of pirates, a ball of gunpowder, Gunpowder must be put on the object, and then on again, once done, slide it on parchment. It should start a supported a cross-shaped symbol that is on the field, on parchment, then slips the area alone, drawing a shape. It is very difficult to explain as well. Having done this we had there on the parchment a totally weird. […]

[...]I have an incredible headache; I must say that was held in good shape our finding. Overlaying the map of Captain Hic and parchment with the line taken by the island starting point where we had found the area was an excellent idea. Following the thick line that runs through the points and making them correspond to certain indications, this showed us the place where to go next. […]

[…]While doing an inspection where we expected to find the next puzzle, we met with an obstacle of a larger size, an absence of wind. We are in the middle of nowhere, both the rudders, and machines, no longer respond. Our only hope is for Klementine to find out how to solve this. […]

[…]It’s been several days since Arc-Kadia is immobile in the air like a beached hulk. I do not understand what is happening here, we are exactly where the map indicates, was I wrong? In any case, is what some sailors seem to think so that they started to talk to each other. I overheard the conversation between Poulkos and Gemineye, it seems that I am not a very good captain as I thought. I will monitor this closely; this attitude by my second astonished me. […]

[…]Mutiny! It was so sudden; I doubt that this is normal. One of the crew wants me surrender under the pretext of not having protected and not anticipating this. These cowards captured Klementine and Bragan whom who faithful to me. Such as to let them know he’s going to fly through the air. For my wooden leg! What led you to do this? Did they think the ship is suddenly going to regain movement as soon as they get rid of me? Truly I have the impression that they are going crazy. […]The more time passes the situation worsens. I have to recover the ship, I have no other choice, I required klementine to be release first and she will reactivate nut. With this advantage it will be easy to take the rest. For a long time since I had the opportunity to re-use my pistolblades would have preferred it to be in better condition, so be it. […]

[…]I succeeded, Klementine is free. Armada will have a headache for sometime, but I wanted to pass. I knew this girl was not very clever; she threatened to blow us up. What made me take her on board? […] Klementine tells me that the rebels were behaving strangely.[…] We went to reactivate nut, they will now see that wood when I’m done with them.

[…]A long battle took place. It has damaged my beautiful ship; I’ll make them pay me all this shit to these savages! Good results, all the mutineers are neutralized without any death. It has rumbled, I did not know Klementine was also smart. She made a kind of gloves at once magical and mechanical. Nut struck, and many Klementine was exactly doing the same gesture! The others were very surprised by this find. […]I questioned these scum bags were doing, but they’re answers were evasive and they didn’t knew what happened. Upon reflection, the relationship between the point of the next puzzle and all this was almost clear. Bragan then confirmed that it was still something magical to work. […]

[…]It happened again a weird thing; the ghost of Captain Hic appeared on deck, a rather handsome man for that matter. It made me realize that I was worthy to continue the race to the treasure. In any case even without his consent I would have continued. […]When the boat is has recovered again to advance, and where captain hic once stood there was, a red book the title size copper closed by a lock-shaped mouth of a demon appeared. On the cover that read the title: journal of Captain Hic. […] The lock did not last long, a pistol stroke and has shattered it. […]

[…]I read the diary of Captain Hic; we can say that he has experienced incredible adventures. I note this particularly, the writing was difficult to decipher: “My bones are broken. My ship landed in the middle of an incredible place, there are bubbles everywhere. As death tends to me his cloak of doom, its time for me to start the spell of inheritance. If you read these lines is that you are my heir, but beware because ....” Unfortunately it stops there. A new bright spot on the map, we set off, I can not wait to see what it holds.

The Nehantist

Marlok looked at one of the many mirrors in the bathroom. It had been a long time, since he had seen himself that way.

- “You already have gray hair old man”, he said out loud. “Its time to go back home”.

Aerouant that was standing in the doorway shaking his head convinced that this man had gone mad. After all, had he not been part of Zil.

- Marlok, the others we have been waiting for a long time, you ready?

The tone of the color displayed Aerouant, as his grandmother, he did not like him and did not hesitate to let him know that.

- Son, rushing is never a good adviser, as well as resentment.

- Don’t you talk to me! You know that despite your relative freedom, you’re nothing but a convict.

- You’re right to be angry with me, but if your uncle has freed me because I am one of the few that can trigger this bag of knots and solve the “problem” of Zil.

Both men were then at the north gate of NozDingard where were some of the envoys and the new Prophet are located, the only absentee was Anryéna. Possibly she would have things to tell your father? Kounok spoke.

- Alishk, Pilkim Aerouant and you will go to the Tomb of the Ancients, and to meet with the zils. Others will not be sent away and assist you if necessary.

- Then he addressed Zahal.

- Here is a letter to send to Angelica is in Kastel Drakren. Deliver it without delay Dragon Knight.

Zahal took the letter without looking at the Prophet, still shameful for his failure. He greeted the soldiers and set off directly.

- Its time for you to return to your mission Marlok. Prophet added.

Some were quite amazed and Aerouant scowled. But no one said a word because the Prophet”s order should not be discussed.

- The shadow extends his hands over the world to us to bite us until we bleed! Take care and remember the teachings they received. Nehant The magic is very powerful; it is sneaky and can reap life in “the blink of an eye”.

- Prophet, my witchblades will accompany your men.

The way in which Naya just went to the Prophet was bordering on disrespect her authoritative tone denoted her mood and thought; she would avenge him, with whom she shared her life in another time. Kounok looked at what was the partner of his brother during long years and also is the mother of Aerouant. The Prophet heard Dragon “Let her go, claiming revenge and wanting to protect her son will be an advantage”.

- You are welcome in this expedition, you should already know the danger, but his eyes sparkle with rage, their hearts beat hard and you want to avenge my brother. Be Dragon’s teeth and bite, bite deep!

Thus Naya, the commander of the Witchblades with Anazra, Eglantyne and Moira joined the expedition.

The trip lasted a few days, during this time Marlok explained his plan to everyone. To undo the bond that existed between the Zil fighters and the Nehantist a magic ritual was needed to be performed. This ritual will attract evil, as surely as flies to dung. They will attack during this. The Witchblade will therefore be the protectors of the ritual, time will be required to complete this and release the zils. Meanwhile it was necessary that all of us should be quiet. They set up camp at a reasonable distance from those who are they trying liberate.

Marlok put on his old clothes with the colors of the zils.

- Tomorrow at noon, begin the ritual. This will give me the time to gather those who are under the influence of Nehantist.

Then he pulled out a bag that was the arm of his golem, which, after a spell, it became an integral part of his own arm. Then he looked at Aerouant and Pilkim.

- You must know the fate of link is not found?

- Theoretically, Aerouant said. But I never threw it.

- I know what to do, Pilkim said with a timid voice. The young mage still remembered his first meeting with Marlok.

- In that case, put it on me, then during my absence I will require that each of you can see the ties.

- With what purpose? Moira asked out of curiosity.

- it will reveal the ties lets you see the magic thread that links a person with a stone heart, you have one. It is a spell Eredan invented by himself. When we deal with the Nehantist, this will allow us to see who is the handler and, if necessary, to know if one of us falls under the influence of the enemy. This should not happen because our stones are linked to heart-Dragon, but you never know what could happen.

Moira shook her head, motioning that she had received the message.

- Well, it’s time to work.

Marlok took two stones from a bag the same size and look the same, totally opaque red and black marbled. They gave one Aerouant and the other Pilkim who was excited.

- The Jasper! It is very rare, where did you get that?

Jasper was actually a stone with magical properties undeniable and served in numerous spells and rituals.

- This is my little secret. Marlok replied with a wink. Stand!

Pilkim was shown with an air of disappointment, but proudly held the stone, feeling its power.

The two young wizards went on the opposite sides of Marlok and the ritual began. They used their knowledge of cristalomancia and concentrated on the stones of Jasper levitating above the target of the spell.

- The invisible becomes visible, they cried together ritualistically.

Then Marlok felt the magical effect, his vision becomes slightly reddish. He blinked repeatedly to adjust his vision. He looked to his companions and found that a more or less thick yarn came out of them, which is going towards NozDingard.

- Well, it works, you are very talented. Naya, I expect you tomorrow at the noon.

The lady nodded satisfied.

-Go now, time is running out.

The mage did not linger and set off to join the Zil.

The black purple tent was peaceful; the only thing heard a sweet music played by Kriss. On the front porch half asleep Faceless served as a guard. Marlok approached him and a reasonable distance to avoid the slightest confusion cleared his throat. The HomChai was startled.

- Who’s there? Thundered with his deep voice, he tightened his giant blade with both hands.

- It’s me, Marlok!

- Marlok? But you had been caught!

- Yes, but I managed to escape.

Visibly pleased to see him again, Faceless dropped his sword and hugged the magician who couldn’t breathe because of the massive muscles of the HomChai.

- I am also happy to see you, and ... and ... You can let go.

- Realizing what he did and how it might end, the Homchai loosened his embrace. Then he called the others.

- Look whose back! Said a voice that came from the tent.

Then a head popped out of the tents entrance, it was Bloodsword, she shook the magicians arms, and in turn the guild members came out. Marlok realized that they were all linked to Nehantist. The thin filaments came out of them into the distance. Abyssien finally put his hand on the shoulder of Marlok.

- Welcome, you have plenty of things to tell, right?

- Tomorrow morning if you like, I will rest today, I’m exhausted.

- Yes, I understand. You have your place among us, go now.

The rest of the afternoon was quite happy in the bosom of Fighters Zil. They improvised a show to one who returned to them where everyone did an act.

“These people deserve to be saved” he said to himself internally. “They can be a definite asset in the approaching conflict”.

Then as the night wore on sleep was preying on them.

The next day, the sun was hidden behind dark clouds as an omen before a battle whose outcome is uncertain. Marlok then told how he was captured, thrown into prison, and then the long treatment he used to get out. While all this was a lie, no one expected it to be different. At noon all the zils were present in the tent. The timing was right; Marlok slipped near the door and turned to the tent leaving crystals on the earth. Blood sword found one of the crystals. Marlok went immediately to her. He saw that the link with the Nehantist became stronger. “Take Charge! Quickly”. Marlok then jump on her and took the stone out of her hand. Blood sword began to curse. Now all zils watched, Abyssien wondered what was happening. But it was too late, the ritual had begun. The wizard cast a protective bubble; no one else could enter or leave from the tent. Outside Alishk, Pilkim and Aerouant had followed the recommendations of the Witchblade which concerned a discrete approximation. Deployed all its art and applied to as Marlok planned. Were placed to form a triangle around the tent, they invoked the will of the Dragon. Large crystals emerged from the ground. Inside the tent,Blood sword who had become enraged resisted Marlok . The link between Nehantist and her was strong, his will was void. The others realized the situation when the dome had already appeared. Some tried to leave, others understood. Faceless decided to help his loyal friend and attacked the magician. Abyssien in turn began to understand, heard the pleas of the envoys that were outside. The Zil boss had always been very receptive to magic spells and understood instinctively what he saw.

- It is a ritual Isolation Guem! Bloodsword, Faceless, stop immediately!

But neither heard the order. In counterpart, the bond was strengthened Faceless, becoming uncontrollable. Marlok barely had time to launch the second protective shield around him. Bloodsword and Faceless attacked with superhuman strength in the wall of magic.

Abyssien! Marlok shouted. A Nehantist the controls her! He has her stone-heart!

A memory, vague and distant returned to the surface of his thoughts on the day of the visit of the Unknown. Was not present that day, but had told him that story and even then the relationship was not evident. Everything became clear, the assassination of the Prophet, the treachery of certain members of Combatants of Zil, the departure of its chief …

Abyssien decided to act, magic crackled from the shadow of his fingers and two black balls appeared on their feet. When the balls touch the ground disks became shade after cylinders, imprisoning the unfortunate possessed.

Outside the situation is rapidly degraded. The Wizards were going to finish the ritual as the sky darkened completely, as if night had been invited to the party. Naya drew her sword, imitated by other Witchblades. Silhouettes humanoids advancing on them, then became more defined more precise. It was a dozen people to more data, dressed as travelers or simple peasants armed with pitchforks, sticks or daggers.

- This is everything you send us? Eglantyne exclaimed. Don t underestimate us!

- Don t underestimate them my sister, the perfidy of Néhantist has no limits. she said to her sister which was not far away.

The possessed advanced without hearing the warning issued by the envoys Noz'Dingard, leaving them no choice but to attack them. Bolstered by dark powers, the attackers were a major force, but not enough to kill the bodyguards of wizards. While Anazra was going to kill one of the last raised still possessed a form fell on it. Fortunately, the young woman was taken by Naya, just in time to avoid the blades that have broken and probably killed her. Moira immediately recognized the figure. Telendar! The young man had changed, no longer saw his face was submerged in darkness, magic, large blades sticking out of his wide sleeves.

- YOU! Glared, Naya, the murderer of Prophet was in front her. she left all her anger explode ahead of the wings of glass were appeared on her back. A fight would be incredible.

Inside Abyssien helped keep at bay the zil fighters still under the influence of Nehantist. At that time, Marlok felt a familiar presence it was sultry and powerful. The Néhantist was here. - Marlok my little Marlok I have high hopes for you once... I was expecting you to join me...don’t you wish to learn the truth?

The Unknown was there, not far from them, the magician did not believe his eyes, there were dozens and dozens of threads that came to him, among whom was one of an incredible thickness, a privileged link. “Come back to this!” He said

- And you Abyssien, disappointed in your retirement?

Abyssien perceived power of the person in front of him, but he must find a plan. In fact the Nehantist studying both his opponents , felt the presence of a stone-heart untainted, of Abyssien the Nehantiste was the first act. The stone-heart from the head of Zil came from one of the pockets of his jacket and blew briskly into the Unknown. He captured the stone it started to turn black at high speed. Marlok pounced on his opponent while his hand turned into a sheet of glass blue glass. Abyssien began to scream, his spirit attacked by a powerful will, as a common fly crushed beneath a boot. Marlok hit the hand of Nehantist, releasing the stone heart of Abyssien fell, breaking the spell of Nehantist. The Stranger then disappeared. Outside the situation had evolved, shades had joined the battle, making it more difficult to defend the ritual. The Witch-blades put into practice they re art, supported by Naya extremely angry. Now a glass armor protecting her, wearing a helmet shaped head of a dragon. There, amid the fighting, not far from Nehantiste Telendar appeared. Looking at the Witchblades the newcomer approached his commander to front. Although, the outnumbered, they decided not to give up, encouraged by the presence of the Dragon.

- Naya, right? You will make a lovely converted. Quipped the Unknown.

- Swallow your words Nehantist!

At that time the weapons of the Witchblades began to glow with a bright white light.

- We are the guardians of justice, and justice will be done today! she shouted.

While this was passing the ritual was completed. The windows were broken and became dust. Pilkim, Alishk and Aerouant fell to the ground, their mission was accomplished, the Zil Warriors were free. The Nehantist swallowed a curse.

Inside the dome, Marlok stopped the tie of the Nehantist to the Zils There remained only the last part of the plan to implement. He left the tent quickly, he saw the confrontation between the Witchblade and Nehantiste. “He’s up to something”.just as he thought a form appeared beside Eglantyne. The Witchblade had no time to react and fell down her back scratched by the claws of a black-skinned creature. The feud continued growing, this time everyone was fighting for survival. Marlok launched his crystals on Eglantyne to protect her. Naya used her powers and drove back Telendar and shady. His skin looked bluish, with skirmishes, he fought as a tiger who dealt blow after blow. Moira and the accompanying Anazra suit held a deadly choreography under the eyes of Marlok. For his part the Nehantist, his fingers clenched, palms upward spilled black magic scrolls. A Dark Stone Heart appeared before him, forming an impenetrable protection.

- Let's what can you do without the support of your beloved Dragon!

The Unknown freed all the power accumulated, creating a circle of black magic that touched everyone present. But the desired effect did not occur. The links between the envoys and Dragon were still active. Marlok was equally surprised as the Nehantist was the latter frowned.

- Surprised with what happened?

The voice was Aerouant, wavering and weak, approached Marlok.

- Look, he says, pointing to a blue stone carved in the shape of a dragon's head. This was the stone of the Prophet, my father!

- A stone guardian? Marlok asked.

- Exactly. Added the young man by concentrating his magical power to the stone.

The blue stone in the hand of a young Mage crumbled and fell to dust. The Unknown growled.

- No problem, now that your stone is no more, I’ll start again!

Aerouant did not let him finish his sentence, he concentrated all his remaining magical forces

- The cristalomancia is our specialty, look and learn!

He took his arms to make T, and broke the magic stone in front nehantist. His the black stone hearts darkness disappeared in one fell swoop. Marlok took advantage of this opportunity to in turn cast a spell. His hands and lightning sizzled sprouted. The Stranger protected, then said on his return. A magical duel ensued. Its magic power clashed with and around them the ground is cracked or not stand the weight of the Magi. Marlok alternated between offensive and defensive, decking and shock. Neither could take the advantage over the other. At least until the intervention of Naya. Not seeing the blow coming, the light sword of Witchblade struck the Nehantist that he staggered, wounded. The latter bowed the knee.

- Surrender! Cried the commander in a threatening tone. Your servants are beaten, you are alone.

The Stranger looked up at his enemies and laughed mockingly.

- It was all planned, you have progressed. But I know today that you will not make the weight. My minions as you say are my way out. Goodbye!

Then he disappeared, leaving just traces of blood where he was.

Festivities

The Emperor was still ill, confined to his room in the palace of Mérag. The people prayed for their sovereign to quickly recover his health, to bring them back to the heavenly light. On the streets,residents were busy in preparing a big party, not in honor of the Emperor, but to celebrate the new year, the 106th since creation of the Empire of Xzia.

I am Kaori, in charge of teaching our customs to foreigners like you. Some of them you really need to know. And behind us is the streets of the imperial capital observe what is happening.

In the main square of the capital, a theater company performs in front of a dense crowd and disciplined, a piece that recalls the glory of Xzia and founded the Empire, which marked the beginning of the imperial calendar. All the work is told as an epic and heroic tale. The audience applauds and is amazed by a show that during normal days is out of reach, only to the troops, who are often paid for by the rich lords who have the means to afford such luxuries. It is an occasion for the imperial family to make a move to his people, and the current Emperor was always good and right.

At dusk, all Meragi to the streets. The city lights and lanterns is flooded with the music of the party. Everywhere, small groups gather around musicians and dancers around. Everyone can participate, because nothing keeps them that afternoon and all penalties are neglected. In front of the imperial palace tournament takes place the traditional New Year, where villagers brave can test their value. Iro, champion of the Emperor himself refereeing the fighting the and allowing the villagers to face off in a friendly game of wooden swords. It was Goshiun an unknown to the public water carrier who, thanks to his skills, took the title and was crowned champion of the year of the Rabbit.

In the night north of the city prepared the grand event of this New Year. The xziarites the vast majority are very superstitious, rarely missing this. For this occasion the “Kamizono” the garden dedicated to the “kami”, had been adorned with many decorations to the image of the rabbit was dark. The garden was located at the foot of the hill, on top of which was built the oldest and most important temple of Meragi.Tradition required to take the road leading to the temple, starting from the “Kamizono” with the image of Kami guard last year. Once up, while the Empire”s eyes lifted and fixed on the portrait, this is burned the “Kami” is released from it”s physical shell and return”s to the heavenly world. Once this ritual complete, go in the same path but this in a opposite direction carrying the effigy of the kami of the new year of the Empire. The road up to the temple goes through several “torii”, a kind of gates through which pass the spirits to reach the terrestrial world.

There are many other customs observed by the Xziarites, but the pots of soil are a singularity of this civilization. During the two days preceding the New Year's Day, Xziarites families made in earthenware pots. Then everyone writes up wishes to be granted by the Kami protector. Then, these vessels are placed in the garden, in front of the door or it could be placed in front of a temple, not forgetting to put food inside. The Xziarites must choose a dish that suits the Kami.. For example, putting meat on the vessels would be a grave offense for “Usagi no Kami”, the protective spirit of the new year. But if is appropriate and that the kami accepts the offering then wish will be granted this year. So, some lucky people enjoy favors from beyond.

Well ... I hope the trip interested you. There are many other wonders to see in Meragi, but remember one thing, there are some places you should not venture alone.

Beyond this apparent peace of mind this time of celebration in the Empire, the machinations and intrigues always continued.

Ooge Kage had worked well for months preparing a coup that would give the clan of the Crow an important position within government certainly His victim was none other than one of the next Emperor”s advisers and the minister of finance, Gozou Zhan. The night had fallen on Meragi. On the following night would be the party in the streets of the city. In a rich purple, Mr. Gozou, whose wife was traveling in the north of the Empire, gave himself up to spend time in the company of a young woman . Did not suspect even for a moment that this woman had been paid by another person to access the night with him. One thing was certain, would remember the rest of his days this time of loss. It was already late.Gozou had taken advantage of the more complete this time of carnal pleasure, drinking to excess. This way of acting was not the usual, but due to the bitch who know how to wrap, combined with the alcohol that helped the counselor had been carried away. Lying under a blanket, snoring like a blessed. Started up, foul, dark, went to a flask containing water and splashed his face. This is where he felt a particular and characteristic odor. He rubbed his eyes and went to a lantern.

Blood! It was covered. His heart beat. Then he jumped when someone knocked at the door with force.

- On behalf of the Emperor, Lord Zhan open the door!

The poor man did not know where he stood. Limping, he went to the door and opened it. There were five soldiers from the Imperial Armed Forces.

- Sorry for bothering you Lord, Zhan, we heard screams coming from this house.

- What? All this must be a mistake, he stammered.

Because of the lights of the night, the young captain saw the bloodstained clothes of Lord Zhan. He unsheathed his blade and held in compliance with the counselor.

- You, go and see what happened inside.

The soldiers went to see and found the mangled body of the girl. On the floor there was blood, as well as empty bottles of alcohol, not far from the bed of Lord Zhan was his katana. The poor man did not understand anything, but that led him to spend the rest of the night in jail, accused of a murder for which he could not remember having done so.

Outside, a shadow slipped into an alley bleak. Oogoe, wrapped in a coat of black feathers,was waiting.

- Karasu? Are you done? Did serve the Crow decently?

- Yes, prominent cousin. The plan worked like a charm, no one will see the trick, it seems very real.

- Well, the captain will have his reward. When it's time for me to ensure that no one is available to check anything.

- In one week, you will be the new financial adviser to the Emperor.

- A year that will be placed under the sign of the Crow and not the rabbit, let the festivities begin! Oogoe quipped.

Peace Treaty

The calm had returned to the camp of fighters Zil. The Néhantist had left or fled as Marlok statemented. Overshadowed, members of the guild Abyssien regained consciousness, freed from the yoke of the black magician. Similarly, the envoys are recovering from the clash, Eglantyne had been damaged by a treacherous attack Aerouant had used much of his magical resources. The battle was over, but it was only the first assault, the future holds many more of this any and Abyssien Knew this.

Shortly before nightfall the big black and purple tent housed everyone to talk about what happened and what would happen.

- This Néhantist will not stop there Abyssien, you know better than anyone. Marlok put his crystal hand on the shoulder of the head Zil.

Around the two mages, fighters Zil and Envoys had been mingling each other while this short lasting truce between their guilds.

- Yes, what really worries me is that he still has the stones hearts of my zils and therefore they may fall under his influence, if he can counteract the ritual with in which they have been released.

The Zils all seemed very concerned. As soon as their will is free but they were in danger of losing it again. The memories of acts performed under the control of Néhantist drummed into their consciousness. Bloodsword was in the arms of Faceless, destroyed, she watched the two mages with infinite sadness.

Aerouant, once restored, rose.

- There is a ritual to retrieve the stone-heart.

Everyone looked surprised by the intervention of the young man. Why would he want to help those who have contributed, even under duress, to his fathers death?

- My father had developed this but he had never practiced it in real life.

Marlok scratched his chin looking with amazement at the young man.

- You think you can do it Aerouant? The he asked.

- With the help of the magicians present, we can try. I need a little preparation and authorization of the Compendium of using this spell.

- I'll get you this, while you will prepare.

Some hours later, at dead of night Envoys of Noz 'Dingard had organized the ritual and were about to begin. For the occasion, and seen the importance of the magic of the work streams, the ceremony was held outside. Aerouant had left pieces of his armor that was made the crystals used to make clothing more comfortable. Invited Zil Warriors, of which the holder was of their stone hearts is the Nehantist to settle in the middle of a large circle formed by his guild. Marlok had supported the son of the Prophet getting permission to use this spell and had calmed things down. He practiced again placing his protective spell thicker blue gems, this time, and accelerating the magic shield that nobody could pass. Abyssien encouraged his friends to display courage and trust in the magic of Dragon. He also will participate in this experiment.

The ritual began.

Aerouant materialized a crystal in the center of the circle, then channeled the magic that every magician participant offered, so that a pulsating magic stone. Then, pulling a thread Aerouant was magic attached to each fighter Zil present, one by one. Once done, was placed under the stone and concentrated. Abyssi naturally understood magic, analyzed the ritual as it developed. According to him, this great gem served Aerouant as a antenna, allowing him to locate the stones heart of the people who were attached to it. Then, gradually absorbed Aerouant the magical energy contained in the stone. The magic flowed through his veins and a strong aura flowed from it.Aerouant fought, to keep this energy without being consumed at the same time. Marlok said that any other would probably have been broken by too much magic, but this descendant of the Dragon had the skills to perform this miracle. Now Aerouant used his knowledge of cristalomancia to call one by one the stone-heart. Appeared, as they met each one to its owner. Aerouant all the magic ran out, pulling the stones heart of the will of the Néhantist which in turn struggled to keep them under control.But the Magic Dragon was the most powerful and the ritual of Prophet worked like a charm. Aerouant invited Marlok the circle and created another smaller rock crystal, he locked his last pieces of magic. Shortly before passing out, he asked Marlok call into activity the links they had broken with the previous ritual. Which he did immediately. The tired envoys asked sanctuary and protection to the soldiers of Zil for the rest of the night. The next day, Abyssien thanked the envoys of NozDingard for their valuable assistance and offered Aerouant peace and the promise of mutual assistance between the two guilds.

The time has come for Draconians to go back home, after completing their mission. Marlok, meanwhile, was sent to Kastel Drakken to participate in the Dance of the courtiers.

A few days later, the ball was over, Ishaia gave the ultimatum to the fighters of Zil and Salem was free. Abyssien was out alone with the newcomer.

- I reflected on recent events, I think we have been deceived by one of us and sold us the Néhantist.

- IT'S poSSible yEs, said Salem nodding like a doll being shaken.

Abyssien immersed himself in his memories. Thirty years earlier, when he was young, he was apprenticed to a magician in the small kingdom of northwest Oryfort land Guem. Its ability to understand the magic had attracted the interest of a person who turned out to be a follower of the path of Néhant. All this was tempting for the young man who at the time was not yet his stage name. Slowly, he was taught the basic precepts of Néhant and he was becoming a real apprentice of the Néhantist.But he quickly realized that this was not what I expected magic. Indeed, the magic of the Shadow was I wanted to practice, but not that way. Zil then had intervened to get him out of this situation and the boy had been formed by its precepts and what he thought should be the true magic of the Shadow. To Zil, the magic of the Shadow allowed many things, but should not lead to the subjugation of others. It served to see what happens in the shade. He became a member of Zil Warriors, and then at the age of twenty-five became the boss.

- Zil, I'll have to let him out.

- IF iT is nEceSSary then, It iS A paRT of yoU liKE me TO ArtEzil.

Abyssien then crouched down and looked at his shadow on the floor by the light of day.

- My old friend, I have devoured you long ago and today I will let you out. You must hunt down the member that we sold us.

With that, the mage of the shadows began to vomit a black substance that made a vaguely humanoid form. When Abyssien had finished his physical appearance was different, he had lost a lot of corpulence. Salem began to applaud signifying his satisfaction.

- You are our link to all, I who have eaten some of the shadows of the fighters. Takes us where the traitor is.

The shadow man bowed his head and then quietly turned in on itself. He analyzed each member of the guild, of course there were the fighters are present, but many more than that. Finally he stopped, put his hands on Abyssien and Salem then dug into their own shadows.

He reappeared in the shadow of a person . He obviously arguing with someone, but stopped when he felt attendance. Abyssien recognized without much difficulty Iron Mask, and the relationship seemed logical. He was the only one consistently absent from meetings, traveling the world for the purpose of diplomatic and social relations with other guilds.

- You! Abyssien said in a tone of anger.

- Master Abyssien what a surprise! Can I do something for you?

Salem came in limping. He quickly cut the cloth were the bell hung at his back, the object fell to the ground without a sound.

- YoU're, nO lOnGer onE OF mY fighTHers YoU hAve beTraYed tHE tRusT of YoU're boSS!

When a new fighter Zil was recruited, the guild leader then gives a bell. This represented a commitment to always serve the guild.

Surprised the diplomat sighed, his expression was hidden behind his mask of metal.

- In this case, I'm not forced to hide anymore!

In the blink of an eye iron mask disappeared the same way as did the Néhantist at the time of his confrontation with Marlok.

- We will find him, I devoured his shadow. Abyssien said firmly.

- NehanT Casts iTS ShaDow mY fRiEnd.

Regency

The old servant ran down the narrow corridors of the Imperial Palace in one hand holding the bottom of her kimono. So she would not fall. Breathless, she came to a door and fell her knees. She bowed as was the tradition.

- Eiji-sama! You are urgently requested!

On the other side of the door, the maids frantic tone alerted Kakiji Eiji, who quickly grew restless. Sitting behind a low table, the doctor dropped his brush and rose sharply. He was not as flexible as in his youth, but the years had been kind to him. He trotted to the door and opened a dry gesture.

- What's going on?

The woman looked up, tears rolling down her face torn by fatigue.

- It's the Emperor! He's .. He's ..

She collapsed. Eiji looked at both sides of the corridor and then forcefully grabbed the old lady's arm.

- Stop crying! Let's go quickly.

Eiji Kakaji was long the official doctor of the Emperor. From the day he was born from the womb of the Empress Saisho and had took care of him so far. When the disease appeared, he was quickly displaced due to his inability to apply the treatment. But he remained the only official authorized to make diagnoses.

A short time passed until they came before the Imperial Chamber. It was guarded by two officers as was the tradition when in bed the Emperor. Serendipity, or scheming, Asajiro was just posted at that time. He bowed to the respectable character and opened the door:

- You are expected, he added. Keeping an eye on the inside.

Iro champion Emperor knelt in front of the poster bed. Seeing the person who had just entered, stood up, hoping to finally receive a response. Some of the Emperor's several doctors were whispering among themselves, denigrating his colleague. Eiji advanced to the Emperor, the latter seemed peaceful, eyes closed. He determined to examine him. He quickly felt relieved to see that had not yet been reunited with his ancestors, but unfortunately he fell into a deep sleep. His pulse was regular but weak. After several attempts to awaken the Emperor, the old man shook his head negatively looking at Iro.

- Everybody out! growled Iro usually so calm. Let us be!

Faced with the wrath of the son of the Imperial Lord ,the attendees left the room, alone remained Eiji. Iro went to close the door and whispered a few words to Asajiro.

- Do not let anyone enter.

- I answer with my life.

Asajiro stood before the entrance of the chamber, his spear across to mean the prohibition of access.

- Kakiji-sama, will the Emperor die?

- I think not, but his condition is critical. His body is still animated by the flame of life, but his spirit seems to be beyond.

- So that's it, is this the end of his reign?

- No, he is still breathing. But when a situation like this appears, the laws are very clear.

I know, a regency should be implemented. And given the current situation, I'm not sure it benefits the empire. I have to put some order into all this. I will ensure that you stay at the bedside of the Emperor and put members of Kotoba as guards.

- Wise decision, Champion.

Iro left the room, after giving orders to Asajiro he left andreturned home. The family home was not far from the imperial palace. It was a large house in the middle of a perfectly maintained garden, currently only Ayako, the youngest of the family lived there with his grandfather, Henshin, who trained during the almost-permanent Gakyusha. She was just the beginning of a lesson in magic of the pond water, Henshin lavished advice to her in order to master her powers. The old man saw Iro come home looking worried.

- Ayako, continue without me and think that water is a living material.

He found Iro in the office of his father, looking for writing materials.

- You look unhappy Iro, may I help you?

- Thank you Jii-san, but I must tell my father and bring the Kotoba. serious events are occuring on the empire.

- Serious? What are they?

The young duelist regarded the Emperor as a benevolent uncle, to see him in this state and think what hurt this regency will do.

- Things will change, the Emperor is not able to govern and he will be replaced by a regency, giving rise to people who should not have access to power.

- I see.

The old man left the champion in their affairs. The latter began to write a letter when he heard his grandfather called from the living room. Puzzled by this call was to see to that required it. There Henshin was kneeling in the center of the room, and a detail caught the attention of Iro, his grandfather wore a jade Magatama, a teardrop-shaped pendant. Before him, on the ground,he had a roll of parchment sealed with the imperial seal.

- I am Shi-ze of the Emperor in person. I entrusted this role to be returned to you when the time came with a message from you, as well as the imperial edict.

The young man sat in front of his grandfather, he was both surprised and curious about the message.

- Iro, you're a person that the Emperor placed his trust to. This scroll symbolizes the hope for you not to see the Empire fall into the wrong hands. Beware of those who have risen too high. Kotoba Today more than ever represents an ideal means to act on behalf of the Emperor. Do not forget one thing, Kotoba is to the Emperor and him alone, a ruling will have no power over her. Be strong, never wavering, you are the future of the Empire.

Henshin took the scroll and gave it to Iro who accepted it with honor.

- This scroll should be read before the imperial council. Hurry now you should not take long to meet. Iro, reinvigorated by the message of the Emperor returned immediately to the palace. He greeted his sister had really grown lately, not to mention her magical skills have developed at a high speed. Surely she deserves a place within the Kotoba.

The great council chamber had rarely seen so many people for years. All imperial ministers and counselors were there, sitting in a circle, each on its silky and comfortable cushion. They had been several hours of lively discussions on the status of the Emperor and the policies to be followed. Oogoe and Daijin were watching their opponents, when the struggle for power had arrived.

The Crow knew it was going to win in this race and its silence made some of the Emperor members nervous. Oogoe stood up and placed in the center of campus with all his usual nonchalance.

The laws are needed in these cases, honorable servants of the Emperor. When the Heavenly Augur can not assume their role as they do not have any offspring, a regent must be appointed by all persons authorized to make. Although I have much respect to you but I think Lord Daijin not Akizuki-sama is the person best placed today to govern the empire.

The reaction was immediate. Supporters of Prime Minister Akizuki, rose to protest. Oogoe back in place, visibly pleased with the turn things were taking, he liked to install the doubt and confusion among their opponents. It was then Daijin's, turn to speak the Crow knew his opponent, he knew that the balance was henceforth in his favor. He rose, helped by Karasu.

- Well, well, a bit of peace do you, remember that the Emperor in his sleep sees us and judges us. Akizuki-dono, you are responsible to take the necessary decision.

The prime minister bowed his head, embarrassed not to have seen the blow coming.

- A regent must be appointed.

At that time Iro came into the room with noise, a decisive step. Crow Supporters protested this intrusion of champion of the Emperor. But Iro was unmoved and delivered a threatening look the protests ceased.

- Champion. What do you bring to the court of policies? Oogoe launched.

- This! He says handing the roll to Akizuki. I read it incumbent upon the imperial council.

The Minister accepted the scroll and opened it. It authenticate the object as officially written by the hand of the Emperor. So he stood up to read aloud.

- These are the wishes of the Emperor he said in a trembling voice.

“While we are no longer held by a earthly god, it is our duty to consider the maintenance of the unity of what our ancestors have bequeathed to us. While we do not want it down and as the laws established to be appointed a regent, the time a new Emperor is presented. We decided that if a regent was to be appointed it will be chosen from the order Tsoutaï. They alone have the necessary perspective to restore order in the chaos left by my absence and thus restore balance

Thus is the will of the Emperor.”

The chatter started again, many found this unfair, since there were no candidates on the side of Daijin or of Akizuki. The Crow whispered something to the ear Oogoe.

- Please some composure! Cried the Prime Minister. The Emperor's will should be respected. In my capacity as Prime Minister solemnly ask the Emperor's Champion as a guarantor of it.

- I agree, whoever goes against them must stop by my sword. Iro replied.

Oogoe rose again.

- The Clan of the Crow intends to seek the best possible candidate for the regency.

Akizuki was not deceived, there was probably a dirty trick under the cover of this sentence, but the Crow was now strong and refusal would have been perceived as an insult and a serious affront. And after all, were they the Tsoutaï not wise?

- So be it! I will give time for Crow to find the regent.

Akizuki did not suspect that Daijin knew exactly who he would appoint. The board meeting was adjourned.

In the home of the Crow clan, Daijin discussed with Karasu and Oogoe.

- It is a story you may have heard. It was long ago, a crow had a particular destiny, he was selected by Flawseekers and recognized as a Tsoutaï. At the time, and before this fact, he asked me the right not to be part of the clan to follow the chosen path. And I agreed with a small condition, if one day we needed him, he should answer our call.

- Well, sir, but this person is able to assume the regency of the empire? Oogoe questioned.

- It is. I will prepare the official edict of the imperial council for appointment. I send them both to announce this news to whom it may concern.

- Lord Daijin, where do we send it?

- At Temple Yafujima.

None of them knew of this place, but would soon remedy this ignorance, because the next day were on the road, carrying the precious message. They already had a name, which was not unknown. This man had made about him, some time ago. Karasu was furious, took advantage of the way for ranting against the Emperor, who had the courage to make Daijin ruler, bellowed against this damn Tsoutaï, who knew nothing of politics, or what life was like in Meragi. They reached the temple at dusk and were received shortly after its leader, who also revealed to be the future ruler. The meeting was held in one of the smaller shows planned to greet people passing through. Toran asked what they wanted two members of the Crow who came especially to see him.

- Thank you for receiving us Toran-sama. Oogoe began.

- Do not thank me, the door of this temple is open to those who need peace and serenity.

- This is great that you speak of peace because that is what our business processes.

The young magistrate placed before him on the small wooden table the letter from the Imperial Council.

- This is for you. Before you do read and have your say, because it is true that you can refuse, Daijin allows himself to remember who you really are.

Toran squinted and his tattoos started to move.

- Oogoe thank you to send me back to my condition, I know very well who I am and where I belong, I suggest you reflect on your own.

The young Crow showed a face frozen in a sarcastic smile, he had hit his target. Outside, Aku who was now apprenticed to Toran spying on the scene and despite his discretion it did not escape the vigilance of Karasu. The latter rose and bowed to the old Tsoutaï before going out to give an example of courtesy to the young brash.

After two or three readings Toran had resigned. He was appointed to become Regent of the Empire of Xzia him a man who had spent several years traveling the world, seeking to perfect his art.

- I understand your feeling Toran-sama, only you can decide.

- There are other Tsoutaï, people far wiser than me.

- Yes, but they are not the clan of the Crow. It would be unfortunate if you refuse this favor to Daijin-sama especially at a time when the empire is weakened, it should not be much to it all collapses.

- I recognize here the words of those who have been born. I accept the role assigned to me by the Imperial Council. When should I go to Merag?

- As soon as possible.

Karasu hustled Aku outside.

- We play the spies without the means? Karasu spat.

- I just wanted to make sure nothing happens to my master, replied the young Tsoutaï nervously.

- I'm going to get the urge to spy!

Karasu shoved Aku, who fell violently on the floor. Around him and despite the late hour few other Tsoutaï are at the scene. Their philosophy is not to answer violence with violence, they asked politely to the Crow clan member to stop the infringement. Karasu turned a deaf ear, he had spent his nerves on someone, yet it was not his habit to do so. Aku could not replicate, Toran had strictly forbidden to use violence in his state of fragility. He would later learn with Akujin his Flawseeker, to master the intricacies of war Tsoutaï. The young Hime fact present at that time did not see the attack in the same way as the others. She intervened.

- Crow! If you are looking for someone to beat you confront me.

Her flawseeker, a majestic blue heron, then appeared at her side, slamming its beak to the face of Karasu. It stopped there, it was not worth the trouble to keep his act and had already annoyed the Tsoutaï.

- Another time perhaps I would be delighted to compete with a fighter like you. But I have better things to do.

At that time,Toran and Oogoe arrived in the yard, putting an end to the opposition.

- Hime call our community so do you, I have something to announce. Asked Toran.

A few minutes later, all Tsoutaï of the temple were in the yard, wondering about the future return of their master. Toran, of more height compared to the others called for silence.

- The Empire is at a crossroad. The Emperor is in endless sleep and a regent was appointed. It turns out that I was chosen, the emperor thought that Tsoutaï would be able to put an end to internal division. So I humbly accepted this position.

Everyone went to his commentary on the issue, many thought that the Emperor had made a wise choice and which surprised some.

- Just I am back among you, I have to leave again now i must go back to Meragi. I trust the leadership of the venerable temple Zaoryu. When I leave, I'll leave at dawn tomorrow morning.

In the audience, and Hime Aku worried about their future. But Toran went to them and explained that they were coming to Merag with him, he would continue they’re training at the temple of Komaki, smaller and but more modest than Yafujima

Toran was not accustomed to luxury. He, had seen the light into a wealthy family but had been away all that quickly. This room was only comparable with those of some landowners. Around him several servants were busy. He Would be before the council officially named as regent of the empire and he was needed to be presentable. However he didn’t want deprive his position as regent by wearing his tsotai clothes. The Empire needed him and the situation was delicate. On the one hand was needed to maintain cohesion, managing political conflicts and make juggling the desire to Crow. He had always struggled to keep in his heart the origins in this clan.

Once ready, he was taken to the room where all advisors and ministers bowed, which embarrassed him the old Tsoutaï.

- On this day when you make me the ruler, keep this in mind, the Emperor is not dead, he will return.

Yes, the Emperor would, in inside, Toran knew, because he would put everything in order to shed light on this inexplicable evil that struck the emperor.

What does the future hold for Toran and Empire Xzia?

The quest for the Thunder King

The king is dead! Long live the king! The king is dead! Long live the king!

The crowd at the foot of Castle Carleon chanted farewell message as was custom. But this time the tradition would not be respected. Gaumatta king of Yses died without an heir to succeed him. This meant, according to the traditions of the seven kingdoms, a big tournament is organized, the conquest of the land of Yses. And this, one of the Protectors of the kingdom did not like. Sevylath sitting on the edge of a fountain, watching the curious comings and goings of the main square. Evaluate the importance of this death and the tragic consequences this would have on the future. The vultures would come to devour the remains and to kill in this territory, probably to the detriment of the population had to act quickly. Without further delay, he his dream and went to the library, or at least what looked like one. Gaumatta was a wise king and through him the biggest cities were equipped with libraries, which were actually scrolls storage sites, skins and other books are written. In this den, the hero of Yses expected to find a law or custom which could counter this major tournament rule. After two days of extensive search found nothing with which to face the law. Yet something sparked his curiosity. At the bottom of the large room, behind a pile of different objects was a tapestry-sized man. On it, was painted a scene representing the first king of Yses, who was nicknamed rightly the Thunder King. According to the stories, the king disappeared one day, leaving the throne to his friend Argal, which was Gaumatta's father. He remembered a huge steel carved in low relief, which was in the city. His instinct pushed him to go see it.

Again, lost in thought, did not see pass the time while walking the way to the stone. There was a kind of cult of this iconic character. That cult, believed fervently in the existence of divine forces, and that they governed the life of the inhabitants of the land Guem. Sevilath never been interested in this cult, was for him the chance to find out. He did not remember that this stone was so big, its size could be compared with one of the towers of the castle Yses. At the bottom of it, dancing flames in the wind, in a stone hearth.No one, which in view of the events was not surprised at all. Set in stone, majestic and immense, The Thunder King watched the city with his cold stare. Sevylath had seen a thousand times, but never was aware of the details, nor in writing down everything. The characters present were the language spoken in Yses today. But for these symbols were unknown. He took the book hanging from his belt and examined the surface of the leather cover. There were two Glyphs not identical but similar to those of the sentence. This book was an inheritance from his family and important powers attributed to him, although none of his relatives had managed to penetrate its secrets. Someone came at that time, removing it from his thoughts

- Oh! I feel really bad for bothering you.

She was a young woman wearing a simple white dress and jewelry that resembled those of the Thunder King. Sevylath recognized her as a priestess.

- Do not be upset, I was the one who disturb these sites. I think you can help me. Sevylath handed him his book. You see these symbols are of the same language that says showing the inscriptions on the stela.

The young woman with dyed black hair looked at the book and ran her fingers over the relief. Her face shone with a radiant smile.

- It”s the same language was spoken by the Thunder King and his family when he reigned. Where did you get this?

Sevylath hesitated, but this woman can help him he began.

- This book has been in my family for a long time.

The priestess took a moment to think. “Could it be ...?”

- Can I open this book Lord Sevylath ?

- You know who I am? He asked with interest.

- It is difficult not to recognize a protector of Yses when you see one. Can I?

- On one condition, do you know what is meant by these symbols, he said, pointing to the stele.

- It is written: “Brand my spear and smite. Adorn yourself of my crown and I will be at your side. Wear my armor and I'll protect you”. We do not really know who wrote it or whether it is the words of the Thunder King, but many of us think that there is a legacy.

- Thanks for the translation. This question interests me very much. Sevylath gave the book to the priestess. Would it be wise to go further consideration at a place where we are best not interrupted?

- You're right, I lost my homework, I beg you, come with me to the study room of the temple of the gods.

There, in Yses three temples of the gods, places of worship are open to those who wished to pray or practice their beliefs. They had the particularity, not being affiliated with a divinity, and free for all. The guard and the young woman named Dandranne were then a few streets away, a large gray stone building partly covered with moss. The study hall was only the name, was primarily a venue for some of the faithful. Those present then discussed the top event of the day, the king's death, and paid no attention to the presence of protector and even less activity. Dandranne was installed on a wooden table and tried to open the book. Unfortunately, he could not move the strap to open it not even a muscle! Sevylath was amazed because he had always managed to open it and when he tried, he could do it effortlessly. By the time you Dandranne to read it, it slammed shut and small lightning swept the deck, before disappearing.

- Well, here's an oddity!The priestess said surprised.

- I must say that so far, of my relatives, no one else had touched this. Maybe I’m gonna take and read it for you.

The technique seemed good because the book was left open and she could read, or rather trying to read.

- I know little about the language, I learned the basics but I never practiced with texts like these. Looks like the prayers to god. If I translate it would be well Kurun.

Sevylath asked Dandranne to turn the pages to go to the end. The writing changed, it passed quickly written symbols. After reading the first page she waddled on the spot

- It's him! The Thunder King! Turn the pages! Stop! There! Wait!

She read a page multiple times, then she looked up and looked at the guardian with some joy.

- Do you know the origin of your family Lord Sevylath?

- This is an issue related to your reading?

- Yes, and I think you do not know that the King Thunder had a child, a boy named Korvent, does it tell you something.

- Korvent? Sevylath plunged into his memories, the name he was not abroad. Indeed, Korvent was a name already mentioned in the past. Yes, I think my grandfather as a kid told me about a Korvent, he was a great war leader I think.

- He is also one of your ancestors! You realize! You’re one of the Thunder King's Descendants!

- I want to believe you but how are you so sure?

- It is written! There! Dandranne was in a state close to euphoria, to find the descendant of the man she revered, was a real miracle.

- Fine, but what does it say?

- Oh, yes, sorry. It is written, in short, that only my heirs can only open this book is as simple as that.

Sevylath showed no particular joy at the announcement, he saw beyond that. Fate put him on the road to the priestess and the revelations were made, how far it would take him?

- There are things I understand less. He speaks of a quest that he must carry out and that would lead to a renaissance of sorts. He indicated that he intends to follow a route to travel to the ends. He says his career, explaining that his trip was not without return and that even death does not prevail.

- Can you believe that you are a person who lived long ago can come back? Asked Sevylath having an ulterior motive.

- Everything is possible in this world. If The Thunder King can return, should you make us look the other way?

- No, you're right, a king is now dead, another king should take over the reins of Yses. The guardian stood up. The quest begins for the Thunder King.

- I will pray for the success of this quest. But before that I will transcribe the writings of your ancestor.

Dandranne rose in turn.

- All this is incredibly exciting. The other faithful will not believe their ears when they hear this story.

Two days later, the translation was finished, Dandranne and Sevylath had not slept much, there was much at stake to waste time. The essence was there and had just begun to venture into the mists of the edge following a precise path. After a short break the guardian set off into the unknown, the wild hope that the legend of King Thunder, is not only that.

The melancholy, thinking he left Yses facing a major crisis in its history, the protector set off. The trip to the mist passed through the confines Baranthe where he learned that the authorities were very concerned about the situation of the neighboring kingdom. But he did no more and went on that took him a week later for the fog, was heavy and black. It was as if the clouds were taking all the space between the ground and the sky. All this does not really inspired, after all, behind, was locked up the worst threat of this land. All those who had sought prison obsidian never returned, thus fueling the legends about the powers of darkness Nehant. He did not like this place, there was too much misery and suffering. There are about 70 years held a terrible battle, many heroes of the war fell against Nehant. Clutching his hammer sanctified, he advanced as shown in Dandranne. He thought he could stifle the supernatural made this incredibly stifling air. Sevylath took it as a test and was not to be beaten by so little. Not seeing much he progressed very slowly. After a few hours it finally came to the latest indication: Three steps to the left of a stone engraved with a spiral symbol. He found many stone and took three steps to the left of it. Unfortunately for the guard, this stone was actually an end of a small stele from the time of King Thunder suffered corrosion. The top, where the symbol was dropped to side. This was a very unfortunate consequence that the guard would learn much later.

Sevylath emerged from the fog and a deep breath. A breath of fresh air and a brisk wind giving him strength. The new environment was incredible and breathtaking. A loss to the islands of land and multicolored crystals floating in the air. Some of them moved as the timber the water, brushing each other.

“How to get from one island to another”questioned the guard. He examined the situation and above all he had arrived. Obviously the island on which he was was great, and if his ancestor had arrived there he has to have left clues somewhere. “Start there.”The landscape differed from Yses. Home where there was greenery and forests out of sight, replaced by huge crystal tree. But what were called out the most obvious burns on some rocks and crystals, and large scratches tilling the soil. There was no noise, not a single animal chirping, even the sound of his footsteps seemed muted. He walked for hours with the vague impression of not being alone here. Sites were much larger than he thought and vegetation became more dense. Then to turn a corner, his eye was caught by a kind of old totem, it was a creature deformed and repulsive. He does not linger on this representation, but the comfort it in its vigilance. Something was wrong, the magic was at work here. Indeed, in one fell swoop, vines from trees and roots from the ground and grabbed him in a few moments he was unable to move.

- What is this evil?! He exclaimed aloud.

A creature approached him, he had never seen such, large horns, white eyes, no mouth. He was limping and his left side was protected by plates of leather related. Behind him there were others, one of which was clearly dressed as an inhabitant of the Draconis, he recognized the coat and the color code of the young woman.

- Sorry to inflict this. But since we reached the confines of the problems come and go. Said the young woman looking at the hammer of the protector.

- Im Sevylath! Protector of Yses, release me draconian!

- Sevylath? Anryéna looked at the others with a touch of surprise. You have disappeared decades ago.

- Nonsense, I just came here and I left the seven kingdoms few days ago. Look, I mean you no harm, release me and we'll talk.

The Dais broke his spell and the guard was released from his bonds. He recovered his hammer, remaining suspicious of them.

- I introduced myself, it would be of good courtesy that you do the same.

- It is true, to believe that these Confins have influence on us. I’m Anryéna, daughter of Dragon. Here's Gemineye of the crew from Al Killicrew and hail of the Eltari people...

- He can certainly help us break the shield, Gemineye said cutting in.

Anryéna bear less of the company pirate, she was uncouth and inconsiderate, far from the behavior of the ladies of the Draconis. Anreya, Sevylath knew the name, adding to his confusion as if twenty years had passed she should not look like a young woman who had at most thirty years. Obviously he did not know that for her the time had very little control. He attended a debate between three people, who ultimately invited Sevylath to accompany them.

- What's going on? I would be happy to help you, but you do not tell me much.

- Not far from here, we found a kind of temple quite old. But it is protected and we can't enter it, explained the Hailwalker.

- And why do you want to enter? If it is protected for a reason.

- Because we are looking for someone and it may be inside the temple or there is a person in there who has a clue on how to find it.

- I am looking for a person too, I'll help if I can.

And then they joined the troupe of Malyss and Ergue who were waiting outside the temple, an old building with architecture combining crystals and stones. All had bleached sun exposure and a small part of the roof had collapsed. From their vantage point, travelers wondered if they did not fall apart once they have returned. In cons-down and all around the hill on which sat the building columns were carved with symbols. And although we did not see, between each tower, an invisible wall preventing anyone from passing.

- Our magic has failed to break the columns and physical strength is not the best. Yet our powers are great, boasted the mage clan of the crow.

Sevylath saw things differently. It was not magic was at work and for this reason that their magic was ineffective. The symbols were nothing but theurgic writings, the “magic” of the gods. For him it was all clear, someone did not want them there , and only one or more priests have managed this feat. Sevylath turned to the group and spoke loud enough to stop the useless discussions.

- Your failure is normal. This is not magic, it is a barrier to faith. I can cancel it, but are we sure that nothing bad is going to happen?

- We can not predict what will happen, but I think if you're there, it's not for nothing. We must go! Gemineye invited everyone to rush headlong, so did the pirate.

Anryéna pouted, everything related to theurgy she did not know. The hailwalker was undecided, but Stone Eater can be there within they’re reach. Ergue did not care, but he never refused a bit of action. Malyss sided with the opinion of the pirate, it was necessary to update this secret in any case. The decision was made Sevylath and had set to work.

Each pillar had a test of faith, a question that the reader had in his heart to respond correctly. He chose the issue that seemed most interesting to him and the answer was his motto as a believer. The issue could come down to this: “How far can you carry your faith?” He did not hesitate, it was clear to him the sacrifice he was willing to sacrifice and by this enthusiasm for the principles of faith he followed. Obviously the answer was just as the pillar crumbled and collapsed. The barrier of faith had fallen.

- You are worthy of your reputation, protector of Yses, congratulated Anryéna.

The group began climbing the hill covered with old rocks. Their progress was marked by the discovery of multiple skeletons humanoids whose presence was hidden by the rocks.

- It is not very encouraging, Ergue whispered to himself.

- Look at that! Gemineye cried. How wonderful!

The young woman pulled from a corpse a spear entirely made of crystal.

- It's light as a feather, she added.

At first glance Sevylath recognized the spear and he rushed.

- Can I? He said with authority.

For a pirate, an object found belongs to the person who made the discovery, but given his entourage she did not seek trouble and gave the spear. No doubt it was an object made Yses, and given the style that dates back, he had seen some like that in some noble families. He was on the right track.

- I am on the right track. Move forward!

They arrived at the entrance of the temple and they could see that new theurgic symbols littered the huge door and were all around the temple.

- A divine seal, Sevylath said. Stay back, it must be broken by faith.

All stood aside at a safe distance. Sevylath stepped back, holding his hammer tightly and muttered a few prayers. Then he whirled and ran his hammer in order to break the line entries. He did not expect this, but the blow destroyed the door. Everyone went to have a look through the coaching and what they saw boded no good. Inside, there were a dozen human-like creatures, but who behaved like a savage. Their skin was blue dirty and all have a very aggressive attitude. The temple itself was a huge room in the midst of this, a person floating in the air, enclosed in a type of column composed of a multitude of arcs leaving the ground. While Gemineye and Ergue retreated before the advancing creatures Sevylath who knew very well who was the strange character in the column, jumped inside without any fear.

“Is this the Stone Eater?”wondered the Grele. He followed suit and entered the protector in turn. Unable to abandon each other, each group member joined the others. Sevylath began to crush skulls with his hammer, but the creatures were numerous and very strong too, Hailed was quickly overwhelmed by some of them and he owed his salvation to the dexterity of which Ergue pulled him back. Malyss made fire while Anryéna deployed Dragon Magic. Everything was going well, their complementary strategies were soon to triumph over group. Unfortunately, an honest mistake was badly made. Anryéna, cornered in a corner of the temple, called on other governments, those of lightning. Flowed from her hands violently lightning struck her assailants. Several unexpected events occurred: the lightning is propagated on the vast majority of creatures and every time one of them was hit lightning does not cause them pain, but the magic seemed to strengthen them. Like a tide they gained the upper hand over the group, injuring some of its members. Sevylath had no choice, he appealed to his faith. His hammer shone intensely and thought each of his companions. Then with fury, he killed the creatures one by one. With each blow, the wounds of his comrades were closing. Impressed by theurgy of the protector, the battle resumed with a vengeance. Anryéna, who understood her mistake, stopped the use of lightning and the defense chose to attack. Sevylath, galvanized, cut himself a path to the person in the column of lightning. But there intervened a creature more bigger than the others and it seemed smarter. She wore a crown of crystal. Apparently the creature was looking for the duel with the protector. But the latter driven by a fit of pride laughed and put his hammer on the ground.

- I know what you are, I recognize that stone in your head.

Behind him the other passengers wondered what Sevylath was saying.

- I repudiate you Guemelite! Join your creator! He cried.

He raised his hands in the air and a bright light and white came out of them. Gemineye was in the temple entrance, threw her strange weapons and jumped out of the temple to escape to what was the man of faith doing. The creatures howled in pain and fell like flies, dead. Calling Sevylath had not been careful with Anryéna, not far from it and who is also suffering the effects of exorcism, she collapsed unconscious.

The battle was over, the creatures were all killed including their leader. Sevylath regained the crown of crystal. The others were out of breath, the fight did not last very long, but it was intense and very tiring. Hail took care of the Anryéna while Malyss questioned the prison of lightning. Ergue tried to walk and it was not very smart on his part because it was very painful.

After care provided by the protector, Anryéna regained consciousness and started railed against the act, certainly effective, but inconsiderate on her part. Dragon's daughter was then interested at the prisoner and his prison.

- Is this the Stone Eater? Asking Hailwalker.

The latter was about to reply but Sevylath intervened.

- I do not know what a Stone Eater is, but that person is the one I'm looking for and is neither more nor less than the Thunder King.

All exchanged quizzical looks, they did not know The Thunder King, but they were ready to believe their illustrious companion.

- The question is, how do we get him out of there, said Malyss.

- It is not theurgic? Ergue asked. The answer was no.

- In this case, it's magic and I can do something. Interceded Anryéna who was determined to correct her mistake.

Lightning spells were many and varied. While studying at the academy st NozDinagrd a long time ago, she had not forgotten the principles learned. She walked around the prison and focused on magic. She perceived primarily lightning, violent, protective and dangerous. Then the person behind it himself, she had a spell active on it, another lightning spell but did not have the same goal.

- Stasis! She cried. I understand how. Sevylath please come to my side

The guardian approached, wondering what to expect from the draconian.

- You catch the person when the spell will be broken and incidentally myself if I fall unconscious, that can happen. You are a believer and know of healing theurgies . I suggest you start one on you just in case. I will fight lightning with lightning.

At these words the other moved away quickly to avoid the risk of injury.

Anryéna focused for a long time before triggering the beam on the prison. He gave all his power. The prison became overloaded with magic burst at once, freeing the Thunder King. At the end Sevylath, protected by his faith and his ancestor. Then he turned sharply to see the status of the magician. she hesitated, having exhausted all her magic. The guardian took Anryéna before she fell. Then the magician's body began to glow a bright blue aura that spread over Sevylath and Thunder King. Then the aura faded while the three people who became transparent. Finally disappeared before the astonished faces of they’re companions.

The three of them reappeared in the throne room Noz'Dingard Kounok before that had risen with Chimera in hand.

- Mother? He cried.

Battle of the Stone,part 1

Throne room of the palace of Noz'Dingard.

Kounok saw people appear suddenly in the middle of the hall. Thinking of an attack the Prophet, seizing Chimera,he pulled it out of it's scabbard and jumped at the foot of the throne with dexterity. Valentin, who was present to report to his superior also drew his sword and warned the small group. The newcomers did not seem aggressive, quite the contrary. Only one of them was conscious, the other two were unconscious.

- Draconian peace! Peace! Sevylath spoke while dropping his burdens to the ground. Im Sevylath protector of Yses he added, while looking at his surroundings. I am not your enemy, he said, putting his hammer down slowly.

Kounok did not understand what's happening, but he recognized his mother lying on the ground.

- What did you do? He raised his voice accusingly.

- I have not done anything, this lady just saved the Thunder King and we suddenly disappeared in a cloud of blue light and appeared here.

- You will have to be more specific than that.

Kounok laid Chimera on the ground and took Anryéna in his arms. She was unconscious, stripped of her magical powers. In such cases, he had no alternative but to bring her to Dragon.

- Valentine still surprised of their guests and how they ended up there. Installs them comfortably.

- Well Prophet?, answered the Draconian Knight.

- Are we prisoners?

- No, if the its the case I would have used that term, but when someone suddenly appears in the middle of a room in Noz'Dingard, with my unconscious mother, I am entitled to know more about what happened!

So tell your story to Valentin.

Kounok went through the doors of the hall leading into a very special courtyard. It was directly at the foot of the imposing rock Blue Dragon. There was a garden of blue roses grew in the rhythm of nature. In the middle of a fountain roses was a majestic Dragon. Kounok quickly crossed the courtyard, worried about his mother who he had never been in this state before. When he arrived at the foot of the stone, a human form materialized in front of him. He was a tall man who looked like somewhat like Kounok and his late brother. Several crystal horns was coming out of his head and his long hair floating in the wind. His appearance was almost like a ghostly transparent blue spectrum. Kounok looked surprised and then caught himself and nodded as a sign of respect.

- Hello Prophet, said the apparition.

- Lord Dragon, I just wanted to see you.

- That's why I'm here. You are still young and you forget that we are related, more than any other people of the Draconis. You're worried about your mother, but have no worries she's fine.

- What is she? Kounok asked with a hint of anxiety in his voice.

- She is exhausted. She used almost all her magic.

- That's why she came back here, right?

- I love my daughter, my only child. I will not allow anything bad happen to her, so I will protect her as best as I can. One of my her scales is enchanted so that if this problem happens, if a situation made her vulnerable, she comes back here.

- I understand. And now?

- She needs rest, Dragon said, approaching him.

He took the girl in his arms and smiled before disappearing to Prophet.

Anryéna awoke. Her heart was pounding in her chest. All her strength had returned and the power of the blood of Dragon healing her. Around her all was blue, recognizing the place she sat up on the bed canopy. She knew this place for having spent her childhood. Being in the field of her father, all she saw was from him. And just when she thought of her father, he appeared.

- Your strength has returned my daughter.

- Father, I'm glad to see you. But why am I here? I had much more to discover in the Edge.

- Your return is a result of your actions. You've put yourself at risk of draining your magic. Remember what I told you long ago. A Guemelite can die without magic.

- It was the only solution, I felt that the person we found in the Edge could help us and become an ally, said Anryéna.

- The Thunder King can be an asset in this war. But until he plays his role,you must play your own.

Dragon put his hand on the cheek of her daughter, very old memories came back. Anryéna laid her hand on his. The moments of complicity between father and daughter were rare enough to capture both this act of love.

- What is it father? What role do you want me to play?

Dragon took his hand assuming a serious and grave look.

- Kounok is not the same place in this world than his brother. Since the death of the latter the Compendium is undergoing an internal struggle that I will not tolerate. I promised long ago not to interfere in the affairs of this order, but alas no one can take over. you deserve to take his place.

Anryéna seemed amazed, she knew magicians and wiser Compendium that had sufficient capacity for the task.

- And Marzhin? He is powerful enough and wise, he would make a great Archmage.

- It is true that he is gifted, but his place is in the Academy of Apprenticeship.

- There is something you're not telling me, Anryéna answered with conviction.

- The war has started and you will have to face opponents with the powers little known until now. You must run the Compendium to restore faith in the magic of the Magi and Draconis to become the symbol of Guem. And my heart is torn to know you will soon face against the enemy and our family has suffered so much …

Anryéna cut in.

- I will assume this role, with Dragon with me what can happen to me?

- In that case, it's your job.

A large scepter appeared in the hands of his daughter at which a crystal dragon wrapped in it. It had been worn by many mages of Draconis, she was also the first to be worthy. Anryéna concentrated and then found herself at the foot of the academy of magic of Noz'Dingard.

Anryéna had helped build the academy of magic of Noz'Dingard, a place of exchange and learning for all people with sensitivity to the arcane magic. The castle was built on a satellite of gems with the stone-heart of Dragon, overlooking the great city. There was, to say at least about five hundred students from the Draconis and distant lands also customs and practices of foreign magic contributed to the improvement of general knowledge. Anryéna was before the big arch, a magical artifact that one must cross to enter the academy. It was late afternoon and many of the trainees were leaving the course to return to their dorm, getting ready to spend a few moments to study. The youngest of them passed without recognizing the lady, but some students were attracted by the Dragon Scepter. She allowed students to their theories about it and she went to the ark and found himself in the lobby of the Academy.

The hall is majestic and immense it was the central hub of the building and it was not uncommon to go through there several times a day in here. Since leaving the academy and the Compendium nothing had changed, it was always the same remarkable tapestries and magnificent stained glass blue. The light was soft and enchanting. The steps of the daughter of the Dragon led to the desired location automatically. She had passed through the corridors, climbed the many stairs and through many magical portals before reaching the boardroom of the Compendium. Dragon there had summoned the highest summits and bodies of the Academy.

They were installed in an amphitheater of wood, the face of some senior mages expressed annoyance, others on the contrary seemed delighted with the appointment of the daughter of Dragon as the new leader of the Compendium, and by extension of the Academy of magic. The Compendium was an organization aiming at the management of all that is magical, whether in research or learning. The Academy had become over time the headquarters of that organization. Anryéna stood facing the audience and struck the ground three times the with tip of her scepter.

- High mages and mage masters frightful rumors have reached my ears. Indiscipline agitation is showing in the ranks of the Compendium. All this can only benefit our enemies and disrupt the teaching of our apprentices who need us and our integrity. Time to end the quarrels now because I am here as the Archmage of the Compendium. The mages stood up and cheered their new leader with varying degrees of conviction. Things were clear, the district would not chaos here. Anryéna put a stop to the noise because she still had things to say.

- Master Mage Marzhin, get up.

A man of thirty years stood up, he wore the livery of teachers of the academy and also a number of insignia indicating magical achievements, and the invention of several new spells.

- I name you deputy director of the Magic Academy of Noz'Dingard.

It was a very important function because in the absence of the leader of the Compendium he took the leadership of the illustrious institution. Again the applause rang out as the master-mage bowed, accepting the difficult task. After a few instructions, each returned to his small business, the only ones that remained was Anryéna and Marzhin who wanted to talk about certain issues.

- Thank you for the confidence you gave me Lady Anryéna.

- You are a person of incredible value to the Draconis, you are an example for our students.

- What you said moves me. I'll do my best.

- I have also a case study for your apprentices of the highest level.

The Mage Master was very interested.

- We must know our enemies and adapt to their means. I know that you are best placed to find a solution. What do you know about the Theurgy?

Marzhin did not expect to be spoken about that, but he had studied Theurgy and indeed he was well placed to talk about it.

- If these enemies are indeed priests and other fans of theurgy we have something to worry about. What I propose is to come tomorrow morning, the courtyard, to attend a talk on Theurgy and there with my students see what you want to implement. But only one question, why do it with students who do not yet have the title of wise men and not with the Senior men?

Some are in very good to discuss these issues.

- But I am now speaking with you and I respect you described. I want to have a fresh look at this practice and imagination of the young people.

- In this case it will be lady Anryéna to honor for my students.

- Well, in this case tomorrow.

But before the mage does leave Marzhin asked one last thing.

- Tell me, have you heard from my son?

- Pilkim is a young man who learns a lot on the ground, the envoys of NozDingard are delighted to have him with them. Rest assured, he will not be face the danger. And if so, he takes after his father and his magical abilities are impressive for his age. I predict a great future for him.

The Master-mage seemed satisfied to know his son was safe.

The next day the students of Marzhin, all set to become twise men had the joy of seeing them without being in a room normally reserved for researchers Magic Compendium. A place protected by powerful spells and, in principle, no risk of collapse due to an magical error. Just installed they were pleasantly surprised to see their new manager and some others come with their teacher. The latter was followed by a small golem carrying a box closed by a lock. The students rose to greet the arrival of the little band. Alishk and Aerouant, newly appointed as members of the Compendium had been asked not to be polite, but to understand and lend a hand. Marzhin walked on stage.

- Sit down please.

Students found their seat and hung on the lips of the teacher.

- As you can see, the Archmage Anryéna has honored us with her presence for this course and is accompanied by two wise men of the Compendium, which not so long ago were at your seats.

The Master mage went to the golem who always wore the trunk and began to unlock it.

- Who can tell me what is Theurgy?

Several hands went up instantly.

- I'm listening Armand.

A young man with tousled black hair sprang to his feet and cleared his throat.

- Theurgy is a special form of magic. It is practiced by the priests and people of faith who claim supernatural powers by the will of the gods.

The boy stood there.

- It is but just a short definition, and you know the difference between the traditional magic, that is to say that we practice all here, and Theurgy?

The response was immediate.

- Magic is power locked within us and which we can call knowing the right formulas, gestures and incantations while Theurgy is a power granted by a superior entity. This requires knowledge of the prayers and ceremonies so that the god consents to answer the call.