Category: Promise to the Magic Heart

Service in the Badlands circuit represents a unique challenge within the ranks of the Mareian Rangers. It is not a posting pursued for prestige or advancement, nor is it one held in high regard by those who value decorum and proper rank. To many, it is a station fraught with difficulty, requiring a degree of sacrifice not often understood by those serving in more conventional circuits. However, among the rank and file, those who have ridden the Badlands circuit command an enduring respect—not for their adherence to protocol or appearance, but for their ability to endure and excel in an unforgiving land. It is not their proficiency with firearms or horsemanship that sets them apart, though these are often formidable. Rather, it is an intangible quality. That quality that allows them to face nightmares and sleep soundly. – Colonel Marcus Antonelli, answering to the Senate

RIN

“This is everything we have,” Morelli said, handing Rin a pair of bandoleers and a cartridge bag. “I managed to get more from the other rangers. It’s not like they’re going to need them.” The first bandoleer held two dozen grapegun obsidian shard shells. The second bandoleer held fifty silver pistol cartridges. Rin frowned. Silver bullets were good only for short distances because the metal didn’t grip the barrel’s rifling like lead. It was why Rin preferred silver grapegun shells. Rin opened the bag and saw about thirty star-iron rifle cartridges. He draped the bandoleers over his shoulders and tied the bag to his gun belt.

“Thank you, Giancolo,” Rin said.

“Shouldn’t I have some of those if I’m going to take on demons?” Morelli asked. Rin shook his head.

“You’re not going with me. You need to be on the Aponte Wall with the others.”

“Why there?”

“Because I’m the sergeant, and I told you so,” Rin said.

“Makes sense.”

“Don’t let Pallus take all the glory.” Morelli saluted and dashed off to join the other Heroes in defending the city.

“What are those?” Illana asked, pointing at the bandoliers.

“Special demon-killing ammunition,” Rin answered, opening Morelli’s grapegun. His junior had already loaded two obsidian shells into the gun. Rin snapped the grapegun closed.

“If you’re ready, let us go find this Amplification Chamber,” Illana said. Robar led the way. The ruins of the Liopasto loomed over the open walkways as the trio made their way to the hospital. Rin felt something – or somethings – watching them. For the first time, Rin wished some of the Crystal Guard were around Illana. At least they would make useful fodder.

“Your highness, we have to go through the hospital to get to the casting hall,” Robar said, “I should warn you, some of the injuries are…rather grotesque.”

“Thank you, Robar, but you don’t need to protect my sensibilities,” Illana said.

“Have you ever seen a man whose chest has been hacked open?” Robar asked quietly.

“Yes,” Illana answered. “Some of the things Cull did while I was in his custody were beyond grotesque.” Robar’s cheeks burned with embarrassment.

“My apologies, your highness.”

Illana accepted Robar’s apology with a regal nod, but Rin felt the remembered horror flow from Illana through their link. During their time after her rescue, Illana refused to speak about some of the things she saw during her years with Cull. The closest she came was telling Rin the reason she slept next to him was because it chased away the nightmares.

Screams of pain and horror filled the air as Robar opened the hospital doors. All the cots were filled with wounded. Many more lay on makeshift pallets. Most of the clerics in the hospital were incapacitated by the Purists’ spell, but a few provided what care they could for the patients providing what care they could. Even those clerics looked terrified by the loss of their connection to their Goddess. Illana kept her face impassive, but she grabbed Rin’s hand with an iron grip as they made their way through the hospital. Robar opened the heavy door at the other end and motioned for Illana and Rin into the hallway. Pinpricks of purple lit the hallway from the Liopasto’s natural magic poking through the demon taint. Illana gripped Rin’s arm as she looked down the corridor.

“Can’t you feel that?” she whispered, “It feels so wrong.”

“I think that’s daemon magic,” Robar answered. “It’s befouling the natural magic.”

“It feels like the Badlands,” Rin said. “Whatever you do, don’t talk to the demons, no matter what they say.”

“Why?” Robar asked.

“Demons bargain. They’ll offer anything and everything to get you to give them a shard of your soul. They’re scary good at figuring out ways to manipulate people.”

“Why do they want shards of our souls?”

“So, they can come fully into our world.”

“They become daemons?” Illana asked, a hint of fear in her voice.

“Not exactly daemons, but something more than demons,” Rin answered. “Souled demons are scary things. They terrify normal demons. Worse, you can only kill them with star-iron.”

“What about magic?” Robar asked. “Will magic kill them?”

“Maybe. We don’t have any records of it though.”

“I thought you were our expert on demons,” Robar retorted.

“And I thought you were our expert on magic,” Rin replied, heatedly.

“When Selene and I encountered that demon here, I hit it with magic. I didn’t know what I was doing. I just wanted it to get away from Selene.”

“So, you hurt it,” Illana said.

“But I couldn’t kill it. I couldn’t draw enough power. Selene finished it with the Goddess’s Grace,” Robar explained. He turned to Rin. “Do your priests kill demons?”

“The Protector isn’t like the Goddess,” Rin said, “He may give us a push now and then, but He doesn’t act directly in our lives.” The two elves look astounded at his revelation.

“Then, how do you know your god does anything?” Robar asked.

“Both of you stop bickering,” Illana said.

“Yes, your highness,” both men chorused. The trio walked down the hallway, the faint glow from the walls dimmed. Illana’s fear increased with the darkness.

“Let me get some light,” Rin said, fiddling for a matchstick and his spot lantern. A small globe of light appeared floating a few centimeters above Illana’s hand. Rin blinked.

“That’s amazing,” Rin said. “How did you do that?”

“I don’t know,” Illana said, “I just thought about what I needed, and the magic did it.” Robar studied the ball for a few moments. An identical ball appeared above his own hand.

“In my grandfather’s notes, he described people who have an innate ability for spellforms. They don’t need to memorize them because they instinctively understand how magic needs to be formed. Maybe that’s the connection the book talked about between magic and the Crystal Blood. Now that I see how you did it, I can mimic it.”

A faint odor in the air floated down the hallway. So, they smelled the same on this continent. Two monstrosities walked into the edge of the light. Both were two and a half meters tall. The one on the right looked like a transparent kidney bean – if a kidney bean sprouted heavily muscled arms and legs as well as dozens of mouths and eyes. The one to the left was humanoid, except headless. Too-large eyes looked out from its palms, just above small mouths. Illana’s fear spiked.

“New sorcerers,” said the bean. Its chorus of voices reverberated painfully in Rin’s head. “It’s been so long. They will bargain with us.” Rin was tempted to kill that one first just to stop it from speaking ever again.

“Foolish. Thought. That. Is. Why. Amag. Banished,” the headless one said, the mouths on its hands speaking every other word. Rin wasn’t sure which of the two demons was more annoying.

“This one has the faintest whiff of Amag on him,” the bean’s chorus said, pointing at Robar. “Did you banish Amag?” Rin stepped in front of the others before Robar could speak.

“We will not bargain with you. Let us pass, or you will get banished like your friend.”

“We felt the magic. We know the spellform,” chorused the bean, “You are cut off from your precious goddess. You won’t be able to do make that pale imitation of real magic. You can’t kill us. No one alive knows how to kill us with real magic.”

“Bargain. With. Us. Or. You. Die.” No, the chorus from the bean was much more annoying than the one talking out of its hands.

“Illana, Robar, cover your ears,” Rin said. Rin brought up the grapegun.

“Is that supposed to be a wand?” the bean’s mouths chorused.

“It. Is. Metal. And. Wood. I. Feel. No. Magic. Inside,” the headless one scoffed,

“Silly mortal, you can’t make a wand like that.” The bean’s mouths laughed. Rin turned the grapegun on the bean. That thing needed to stop talking. He stroked the first trigger. The corridor rocked with the boom of the grapegun and filled with the sulfurous smell of burnt gunpowder. The bean screamed from its hundred mouths as dozens of obsidian shards laced its body. Its gelatinous form darkened as the demon was anchored in the world. Rin swiveled the grapegun and touched off the second barrel. Obsidian laced the headless demon. Rin’s revolver materialized in his hand. The cracks of the revolver were puny compared to the throaty booms of the grapegun. The silver bullets ripped into the demons’ corporeal flesh. Air rushed through the hallway as the demons were banished back to wherever they came from. The wind dispersed most of the gun smoke.

Rin scanned the hallway as he cracked open the grapegun and pulled out the spent shells. His ears rang from the gun blasts. He should have put in his earplugs. He pulled two more obsidian shells from the bandolier and slipped them into the grapegun.

“What under the Light did you just do?” yelled Robar. Rin looked back at the cleric. From the inquisitive look on elf’s face, Robar’s yelling was more from deafness than his normal displeasure with Rin’s presence. Out of instinct, Rin put two fingers over his lips. Illana and Robar looked confused at the gesture. Damn it, that was a Mareian gesture. What was the elven gesture to be quiet? Rin put his pinkie finger horizontally over his lips. Rin motioned for them to continue down the corridor. He would answer Robar when their ears stopped ringing.

To his surprise, Illana reached up and grabbed Rin’s ears. There was an instant of scalding heat and the ringing stopped. She turned and grabbed Robar’s ears. The elf’s face contorted in pain for a brief moment, and then he looked down at the princess in amazement. Illana grabbed her own ears and the glow around her hands pulsed. Illana collapsed against the wall. Rin started to go to her, but Illana held up her hand.

“That took more out of me than I expected,” Illana said.

“You’re making spellforms on instinct, your highness,” Robar said. “Instinct doesn’t always translate to efficiency. Sorcerers spent years studying how to refine spellforms to use the minimum amount of magic.”

“When this is all over, you and I are going to search the Liopasto for any books on spellforms,” Illana said. She took a deep breath and her globe of light reappeared hovering above her hand.

“You shouldn’t be pushing yourself so hard, your highness,” Robar said.

“I’m fine. I just needed a quick rest,” Illana replied. “Rin, would you take the lead? You seem to know how to handle these demons.” Rin gripped his grapegun and walked down the hallway. Shadows of movement danced at the edge of the light. Whispered taunts in unfamiliar languages echoed down the hallway. Rin quietly chuckled. Demons were all the same. Through their connection, Rin felt Illana’s fear rising.

“Don’t worry. They’re not going to attack. They’re just playing games with us,” Rin reassured his companions.

“How do you know that?” Robar demanded.

“Those demons have no idea how I banished their companions. Demons are terrified of being banished from this world and sent back to wherever they’re from,” Rin answered. They walked another ten or so meters before coming to an intersection.

“Which way?” Rin asked.

“Go left,” Illana said. He felt confidence from Illana, but there was also some uncertainty. It was like she instinctively knew where to go, but not why she knew. Robar didn’t correct her, so Rin turned left. The hallway ended in a solid bronze door three meters high and two meters across. It looked like a solid slab of metal. There weren’t any hinges, knobs, or keyholes. So, how were they supposed to open it? Low taunts became a chorus of malicious laughter. Illana and Robar kept brave faces, but their eyes darted across the edge of the bubble of light from their globes.

“Why are they laughing at us?” Illana asked.

“Because they know how to open this door. They think we’ll be forced to bargain.”

“Yes, bargain,” several voices hissed in a distorted chorus. Robar and Illana paled, but Rin ignored them and focused on the door. It didn’t look like normal elven metal work. At least, not elven work he knew. Something tickled his mind. Something Kurt told him when they lived on the farm. Heavy metal doors like this – such as the steel doors to the Imperial Quarters – were forged by the dwarven Lord of the Mountain’s personal metalsmiths. How did those old stories go?

“Illana, concentrate on the door,” Rin said, standing up. “Make sure you look down.” Her eyebrows crooked up. Rin felt her confusion and curiosity through their connection.

“How did I not see that?” Illana asked. Her globe of light vanished as she knelt down and touched the bottom left corner. The door groaned and slid to the side. It was pitch black inside the room. Cold, dry air flooded out into the hallway. The demons’ laughter turned to shrieks.

“Get in the chamber, now!” Rin commanded. Illana picked up her skirts and sprinted into the blackness. Robar hesitated for an instant before following the princess. Rin backed into the room, keeping his grapegun leveled at the voices in corridor behind them.

“The first one of you that steps across that threshold will be banished,” Rin yelled at the demons. The mass stopped just outside the light, but they radiated anger.

“You will not come out of this place alive, human.”

“I’m not the only one who knows how to deal with you. If you kill us, others will come and banish all of you,” Rin said. “By the end of the day, there won’t be a single demon left on these grounds.” He felt the demons move back down the hallway. Rin took another step into the chamber. Illana slid the door shut.

The pitch black suddenly exploded in light. Robar was holding a small sun over his head. The amethyst crystals of the Amplification Chamber reflected the light and made the entire room glow. It took a few moments for Rin’s eyes to adjust. The Amplification Chamber was bigger than he expected. It was easily fifty meters across with crystal walls going up ten or fifteen meters. The dome ceiling was another good ten meters higher. Five bronze tablets, each easily five meters high, were mounted to the walls. The tablets were etched with old elven script. Yet, all of that paled to the center of the room.

Three clear crystal columns, about a half-meter in width, stood in a triangle around a five-meter-tall tower of purple crystal. Illana walked to the purple crystal and placed her hand on the formation. Rin couldn’t see what happened, but Illana suddenly filled with exhilaration. Rin took a step towards her but stopped at her raised hand.

“Sweet Goddess,” Illana said, “It feels like a part of me is finally awake. Robar, you must put your hand on the Focus.”

“How did you know that was what it was called, your highness?” Robar asked as he approached the crystal.

“I-, I don’t know,” Illana answered, “I think it told me.”

“You truly are the Crystal Blood,” Robar said, as he placed his own hand on the Focus. His stern face broke into a smile of pure joy. “I see what you mean. It’s like my eyes have been opened. Like I can see everything clearly for the first time.”

“Robar, you’re glowing,” Illana said, and looked at the cleric amazed.

“So are you, your highness,” Robar said. Rin frowned. The two of them looked just the same as they did before. He couldn’t see any glow around either of them.

Out of curiosity, Rin walked up and put his hand on the crystal. Rin collapsed to his knees as he felt his strength ripped from him. It was like when he gave that demon a shard of his soul. The connection between Illana and him went from an odd trickle to a torrent of emotions and thoughts. He felt more than saw Illana’s head whipp around. Rin felt her sudden terror as if it were his own. Or maybe it was his own. He couldn’t tell which emotions and thoughts were his or Illana’s. He barely noticed as she wrenched his hand from the Focus. The connection snapped back to its trickle. The sudden loss drove Rin to the ground. The floor was hard and cold. He felt Illana in his mind. She was terrified and angry and worried and a bunch of other things Rin couldn’t decipher. He felt her warm hands on his cheeks.

“That didn’t go as I expected,” Rin grunted as he sat up.

“What were you expecting?” Illana demanded. Her tone was angry, but her eyes sparkled with relief.

“To see you glowing,” Rin answered. He looked past Illana to Robar. The cleric was looking at the two of them with wide-eyed shock.

“What just happened?” Rin asked.

“I don’t understand,” Robar said, “Nothing should have happened from just touching the Focus. Unless…but that’s impossible.”

“Unless what?” Illana asked. Robar looked at Illana and Rin with a confused expression.

“Unless, you have a soulbond. How could an elf and a human have a soulbond?” Robar answered.

Rin felt Illana’s shock through their connection. Or soulbond if Robar was right. He was just as surprised, but he pushed that to the side. This wasn’t the time to explore that revelation.

“Does that change how you two are going to do the spell?” Rin asked.

“Well, no,” Robar said.

“Then you both best get on with it. The others are counting on us.”

“But Rin. A soulbond?” Illana asked. Confusion and excitement swirled in their connection.

“Illana, your people need you to do the spell. We can figure out the rest later.” She wanted to argue but instead pulled Robar to the center of the room. Rin walked back to the doorway. He felt the demons in the hallway. At least a half-dozen. How did they stand being so close together? Demons in the Badlands stayed far away from each other.

Thunder rolled through the hallway. No, that wasn’t thunder. That was musket fire. What under the Protector’s gaze was happening? The demons outside the door stopped whispering. That couldn’t be good. Rin tightened his grip on the grapegun and fell into the familiar fighting stance. Seconds passed. Then a minute. Then another. Rin waited another minute before approaching the doorway. The demons were gone. Rin chanced a glance back at Illana and Robar. They were standing on either side of the Focus discussing how they were going to do break the Purists’ spell. They weren’t throwing around magic, so where did those damned demons go?

Following the Daemon War, human sorcerers and wizards experienced a dramatic fall from grace. Their once-respected status in society eroded rapidly due to the challenges posed by a world increasingly devoid of natural magic. The scarcity of this vital resource forced practitioners to resort to despicable methods—most notably, rituals involving bloodletting or the forging of agreements with demons. These practices, viewed with a mix of fear and revulsion, deeply tainted the perception of human magic users. In contrast, elven magic wielders faced a less severe reckoning. Those inclined toward arcane pursuits found refuge within the Sacellum. – Scholar Olani Mak, “Reflections on Magic in the Post-Daemon World”

PALLUS

“Get Selene to the hospital!” Pallus barked. “Everyone else, get to the roof!”

“Bring Selene with us,” Princess Illana ordered. Her face was hard, and the fire of command was in her eyes. There was something comforting in that commanding tone.

“You heard the princess. Everyone get to the roof!” Morelli was the first up the stairs. Rin and the princess followed. Sonya and Robar helped Selene and Marteen to their feet. The Capitol Army officers, including the general, brought up the rear.

Pallus squinted against the bright sunlight as Morelli threw open the door. Pallus walked to the edge of the roof and froze. A crater dozens of yards deep and easily half a mile wide now dominated the landscape. That entire part of the city was obliterated. No buildings. No streets. No people. Only bare, brown earth. It took a moment for Pallus to realize the crater was right where the Capitol Army and the Purists were in fierce fighting. Right before that deafening noise and everything going dark.

“What under the Goddess did that?” Princess Illana asked breaking the silence, her eyes never leaving the crater.

“An explosive like what you use in your cannon?” Sonya asked Rin. He shook his head.

“If it was an explosive, the surrounding buildings wouldn’t be standing. Except for the crater, there isn’t any other damage.” Pallus focused on where Rin was pointing.

“Those towers were glowing before the flash. Magic, maybe?”

“The Goddess would never allow her Grace to be used for something like that!” Pallus snapped, carefully not looking at Rin or the other humans.

“Neither would the Protector,” Umbretti said.

“Could the God of Iron do this?” Pallus asked Rin.

“Could He? Probably, but that would mean talking to Him. Purists aren’t going to talk to the dwarven god. My money on this being the same kind of magic Shafford used in the Badlands,” Rin answered with a strange, detached tone.

“Demon magic?” Sonya asked.

“To cause that much damage, there’d be a named demon causing carnage down there, and at least two demons here asking for help. No, the demon I talked to said Shafford was using a different kind of magic.”

“This had to be what Shafford was talking about,” Morelli said.

“Wait, what do you mean ‘what Shafford was talking about?’ When did you talk to Shafford?” Pallus asked.

“Last night,” Rin answered.

“You actually saw Shafford? Last night?” Sonya asked, flabbergasted. “Why didn’t you kill him?” Rin looked down at the princess.

“Because we could either kill Shafford or we could save the princess,” Morelli answered for Rin. “Ranger Acciaio decided it was more important to ensure the princess’s safety.” Rin avoided everyone’s gaze and hugged the princess closer to him.

“So, how did Shafford manage something like this?” Pallus asked.

“Natural magic,” Robar answered. Everyone looked at the cleric. “From what Hero Acciaio described previously, Shafford used a ritual in the Badlands. Rituals are needed to cast spells in a specific order. The towers must be foci to gather up the small amounts of natural magic in the city. That’s why all the spun buildings are dark. That was the first step. As for all those dead? Their deaths would have released enough natural magic to fuel whatever other steps in the ritual they needed.”

“How do you know all of this?” Sonya asked.

“My grandfather was a sorcerer. He died during the Daemon War,” Robar answered, “There was a copy of the Saantoja Luonnon Taikaa in his library. I read some when I was a child.”

“What under the Protector’s eyes is the Santy Luwan Tikki?” Rin asked, mangling the Elder Elven. Pallus recognized the language, but he didn’t know it well enough to translate the words.

“Saantoja Luonnon Taikaa,” Robar said, “Or, in your world, Regulas Naturalis Magiae.” Rin cocked his head as he recognized the Old Republic

“Rules of Natural Magic?” Princess Illana asked. Robar looked surprised the princess knew the translation.

“Yes, your highness. The sorcerers of the past learned specific rules needed to use natural magic efficiently,” Robar answered, “The Saantoja Luonnon Taikaa was the main tome on how natural magic worked.” Robar looked out at the crater.

“If the Acolytes used a ritual, what was it for?” Sonya asked.

“Can’t you feel it?” Marteen asked. “Look at Selene. For Light’s sake, look at the Sacellum.” The temple’s sapphire glow was gone, leaving the building a dull blue.

“What does the Sacellum have to do with Selene?” Pallus asked.

“Seriously, can’t you feel it?”

“Feel what?”

“The nothingness. Just like the Badlands,” Marteen answered. “I can’t feel the Goddess. Not the tiniest bit.” Pallus froze. He felt an uneasiness since the Observatory went dark. Now, he felt the full brunt of the emptiness in the back of his mind. He staggered but quickly caught himself. The other elves around him were terrified as they realized they were feeling that same emptiness.

“I’ve seen what happens,” Marteen said. “The moment we walked into that land. Those who were strongest with the Goddess couldn’t handle the emptiness. It ripped them apart.” He looked down mournfully at Selene.

“People like her just…die. The rest of us? The emptiness will consume us. Sooner or later, we’ll all go insane.” For the first time since he met the swordmaster, Pallus understood the nightmares that haunted the swordmaster.

“That explains why the Pursits brought those humans,” Umbretti said. The Republican colonel pointed towards the main Purist camp. A few hundred humans were forming ranks armed with muskets, swords, and halberds.

“Where did the Purists hide them?”

“In plain sight, Colonel,” Umbretti answered. “I’ll bet ther were the officers leading the Purists. It would explain how they learned how to properly use muskets.”

“What group of Protector scorned bastards would ally with the Purists?” Rin asked.

“They look like Southlanders,” Morelli commented, looking through a spyglass, “Plenty there who’d be willing to come here for coin and a chance at looting Lisandra. With most of your army gone, and who knows how many of your people like Hero Onale, they don’t need much to get into the Inner City.”

“All of this was just to draw our army into a trap?” Pallus asked, incredulously.

“They may have taken out my troops here, but we can still defeat them!” General Lopanes exclaimed, “I still have fifteen thousand troops–”

“On the other side of dead gates, General,” Princess Illana interrupted. “Look around you. Everything powered by magic isn’t working. Well, almost everything.”

“What do you mean?” Pallus asked. Instead of answering, Princess Illana walked over to Selene. Kneeling next to the cleric, the princess placed her hands on Selene’s head. The princess’s face screwed up in concentration. The barest hint of a glow surrounded the princess and Selene before the princess collapsed. Rin caught her head before it hit the hard crystal of the spire. Selene stopped whimpering and opened her eyes.

“I can feel Her again,” Selene said weakly. “I can feel Her touch again.” No one said a word as Robar helped his wife to her feet.

“You saw it, didn’t you?” Princess Illana said, looking up at Robar. The cleric swallowed and nodded. “I thought so. I felt something from you. When I…” Her voice trailed off and her eyes closed.

“What did she feel, Robar?” Rin demanded.

“My magic sensitivity flared when she pulled together that bit of magic,” Robar said.

“She used magic? On Selene?”

“The princess broke the spellform cutting Selene off from the Goddess. Now that I see how the princess did it, I can do it as well. The Crystal Blood was always reputed to be strong with natural magic. I never understood what that meant. She just created a spellform just by thinking what she needed.”

“How did I do that?” Princess Illana asked, letting Rin help her to her feet. “Why haven’t I been able to do that before?”

“Your highness, that’s something we can discuss at a later time. We need to focus on stopping the Purists from taking Lisandra,” General Lopanes said. He looked out at the Outer City. “I don’t know how many troops I have still alive out there, much less if any of them are able to fight.”

“The Crystal Guard is compromised,” Pallus said, “The paladins are probably in the same condition as Selene.”

“Can’t the Crystal Blood do what she did for all of the paladins?” asked one of the staff officers.

“I don’t think I have enough strength to do that for enough paladins to fight that many mercenaries,” Princess Illana said.

“There may be another way,” Robar said. “In the Liopasto there is supposed to be a room known as the Amplification Chamber. The sorcerers used it for complicated spell work. Those towers mimicked what the Chamber is supposedly capable of doing. If the princess and I cast the spell there, it may be enough to break the Purists’ spellform for the entire city.”

“Where is this chamber?” the princess asked.

“Deep in the Liopasto. We’ll need Selene. There are monsters in the Liopasto beyond what we reclaimed for the hospital. Natural magic can hurt them, but we need her to call on the Goddess’s Grace to kill them.”

“Monsters? What kind of monsters?” Princess Illana asked.

“One approached Selene when we were doing our initial exploration of the Liopasto for the hospital. She thought it was a ghost at first. It led her all the way to the Liopasto Library by the time I caught up with them. Then, it changed into this horrible form.”

“Did it ask her for a shard of her soul?” Rin asked. The elves looked puzzled by the question. The humans gasped.

“I don’t know,” Robar said, “Sorry, things happened very quickly.”

“Yes, the monster asked me if I could give it a shard of my soul,” Selene said weakly. “I thought it was odd, but then, we were too busy fighting for our lives. Why?”

“You survived your first fight with a demon,” Rin answered.

“Why are demons haunting the Liopasto?” Princess Illana asked.

“Don’t know, but that isn’t something we need to figure out now. Selene isn’t in any condition to take on more demons. I’ll make sure you and Robar get to this chamber.” Rin turned to Morelli. “Get to the embassy. I need all the obsidian, silver, and star-iron in the armory. Meet us at the Liopasto.” Morelli paled but saluted and dashed down the stairs.

“We still need to fight these new Purist soldiers,” Pallus said.

“As soon as her highness breaks the spell, I will have the remains of the army fall back to the Aponte Wall,” General Lopanes said. “We have enough soldiers still able to fight to fend off those human Purists if we are reinforced with whatever paladins, volunteers, and Crystal Guard that are still able to fight.”

“Rin, can you protect them from these demons?” Pallus asked.

“I’ve been fighting demons for the last seven years,” Rin said. “I wouldn’t let Illana anywhere near them if I couldn’t protect her.”

“Good,” Pallus said, “Selene, you need to rally and lead the paladins.”

“They won’t listen to me, Pallus,” Selene said. She was still weak but looked much better.

“They will if you’re the only one giving commands,” Pallus said. “Especially when you tell them they will be the ones to break the Purists.”

“What do you mean?”

“There should be enough of us still able to fight to hold these human Purists at the wall long enough for Princess Illana to break the spell. Once she does, the paladins will need to cross the Wall at the Silver Gate and swing around to flank them.”

“Yes, a couple hundred paladins suddenly flanking them would smash them,” General Lopanes said, with a wolfish grin on his face.

“What about muskets?” Marteen asked, “The humans have them.” He pointed out where the Purists were still marshaling troops.

“Lieutenant, send up the flags for scavenging retreat with the rally at the Gold Gate,” General Lopanes ordered. “Any of my troops still out there will bring what muskets and cartridges they can find.”

“We have some more at the Palace Armory,” Pallus said. “Ammunition, at least.” Pallus hated those cursed things and hated even more that this battle prove they would stay in the Empire.

Well, every time the Empire tried to resist change, it led to tragedy, Pallus admitted. It was time for him to face that fact as well.

“General Lopanes, you will be needed here to direct the overall battle,” Pallus said. “You will know when to send in the paladins. The Heroes are needed on the Wall.” Pallus grimaced inside as he saw Sonya’s concerned look at Marteen – and the buried love in those brown eyes

When discussing the infamous Red and Black forces, popular history often obscures their true essence with exaggerations and misconceptions. Public imagination, fed by the widely disseminated accounts of the Heroes’ Journey, paints the Red as blind zealots and the Black as mere mercenaries swayed by Cull’s gold. Yet, these oversimplified portraits fail to capture the depth of their roles in Cull’s dark designs. Cull, repellent as his motives may have been, was a strategist of remarkable brilliance. His inner circle was far from the caricatures we often conjure. The Red, while not a conventional military force, consisted of individuals whose skills as insurgents proved unparalleled. Though most were not professional soldiers, their experience and fervor made them devastatingly effective. Meanwhile, the Black stood as an elite cadre of disciplined warriors, skilled not just in brute force but in the art of warfare. The most infamous chapters of this grim tale bear the unmistakable mark of Cull’s orchestration. He entrusted the Black with the harrowing task of dismantling the Crystal Guard, assassinating the emperor, and kidnapping the Crystal Blood. The Red, in turn, carried out the chaotic devastation of the Night of Fire and Blood—a campaign of terror that etched their name into infamy. – Lord Tal Hol, “Re-examination of Popular Misconceptions of the Heroes’ Journey”

ELA

Ela tapped her foot. It betrayed her impatience, and she hated that she couldn’t stop doing it. Getting almost seventy of the Faithful over the Aponte Wall was time consuming. Tyrell’s obscuring spell helped conceal them from the defenders, but it couldn’t make the Faithful any fastet climbing up and down. From the pandemonium around the Aponte Wall, Ela doubted anyone would have noticed if she brought three times the number.

“Edess Kul, the last of the Faithful are over the wall,” the leader of the Black reported. She acknowledged him with a nod, and he sprinted back to organize the colors. The Black would go with Ela and Tanus to secure the Crystal Blood. Tyrell, Palin, Amar, and Remi would lead the Red to kill the lords in the Diet before securing the Sacellum. They would purify the Crystal Blood in the Goddess’s own house.

“How are you feeling?” Tyrell whispered, stepping close to her.

“Stop worrying. You did your normal superb job putting me back together.”

“I will not stop worrying about you. Part of the job of being your lover,” Tyrell said. “Even after we purify the Crystal Blood, I will still worry about you.” Ela stepped closer and let her hand brush his. It was the most intimate act they could do in front of the Faithful.

“I hate to interrupt, but we need to go now. Time is of the essence,” Tanus said.

“Of course. You’re correct,” Tyrell said, and trotted over to one of the ladders. Coldness replaced Tyrell’s warmth. She hated that feeling every time he left her side. She channeled that feeling into her desire to purify the Crystal Blood. It made the climb over the Aponte Wall easier. The Red and the Black waited patiently in ranks with the Acolytes in front.

“Faithful, we are very close to our true goal,” Tanus said, “Remember what you swore when taking on the Black and the Red. By the next morning’s light, we will be in a new world.” Tanus walked back to join the Black. Ela started down, but Tyrell gripped Ela’s hand. She looked back at him.

“What?”

“Nothing,” Tyrell answered, waving his hand dismissively. “Just the way Tanus spoke that last sentence. It sounded wrong.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. Just, be careful, my love.”

“You as well. I don’t want to face our new world without you.” Ela walked over to where Tanus and the Black were waiting for her.

“We need to hurry if we are going to capture the Crystal Blood,” Tanus said.

“Are you sure that she will not be at the Crystal Palace?”

“She would if Vol had not failed,” Tanus said, “It was a worthy attempt, but I never believed our sympathizers would succeed. The plan was always that the Crystal Blood would be forced from the Crystal Palace. We always knew where she would be forced to go.” Ela nodded. If Vol succeeded, their plan would be simplified. If not, it would remove almost all of the bitch’s guards from around her as she ran to her sanctuary.

Everything Tanus said would happen had come to pass. It was one of the reasons Ela agreed to join the Acolytes when they came for her. He never betrayed her like her so-called brothers had. Ela trotted down the street with Tanus and the Black behind her.

Chapter Forty-One

This young officer exhibits exceptional potential, the likes of which are rarely encountered in the service. It is through her superior command and tactical acumen alone that this battalion has emerged intact from the recent engagements with the Kingdom Hussars. Lieutenant Ela Madrigal demonstrates an almost uncanny knack for maneuvering the enemy into positions of great disadvantage. This strategic brilliance has afforded her troops the opportunity to vanquish the foe piecemeal or, when circumstances have demanded, to execute a masterful withdrawal in good order. I am unequivocally persuaded of her merits and do most earnestly recommend her advancement to the rank of senior lieutenant. Furthermore, it is my firm conviction that her appointment to my staff would be a boon to our shared cause and an asset of the first order. – Colonel Rael Parn, commander of the Black Rocks Battalion, three days before his death

PALLUS

Princess Illana stormed into the Golden Observatory with Sonya, Pallus, Morelli, and Rin in tow. General Lopanes and his staff snapped to attention, but they shared confused and uneasy looks. Colonel Umbretti, the senior Republican liaison officer, was the only one in the room who looked unperturbed by the sudden appearance of the princess.

“Your highness, I thought you’d taken ill. I’m very pleased to see you’re feeling well enough to join us,” General Lopanes said, walking up to Princess Illana. Rin moved next to the princess, staring at the general with murder in his eyes.

“I believe the rangers were tasked with scouting for the army. Perhaps you should see to that,” General Lopanes said in a dismissive tone.

“The Purists infiltrated my personal guard. The Heroes here as well as Ranger Morelli stopped them before they harmed me,” the princess said.

“Your highness, you can’t believe that the Purists infiltrated the Capitol Army,” General Lopanes protested. “We’ve been out of the city for training for the past several weeks.”

“General, as of right now, everyone who has not proved themselves to me is under suspicion,” Princess Illana said. “I will directly observe your actions to ensure that my city is being properly defended.”

“I understand your highness, but if you insist on being here, perhaps we should also invite the Chancellor and the Suprema,” General Lopanes said.

“If you want to fetch your patron and his partner, then feel free to do so,” the princess said. “You will tell me what is happening in my city now.” The general looked confused as to whether he should be indignant, angry, or frightened by the princess. Pallus walked between the two of them.

“You, inform the Chancellor that his presence is needed,” Pallus ordered one of the junior staff officers. He pointed to another. “You, go ask the Suprema. General, how is the army progressing against the Purists? Do you need the assistance of the volunteers? I’m afraid we’re standing down the Crystal Guard until we can ascertain if there are other traitors among them.” The intervention gave General Lopanes a chance to get his feet back under him. As the son of his patron, Pallus was a desperately needed bridge between the Chancellor and the infuriated princess.

“If you will join me at the viewing crystals?” General Lopanes said, motioning to the large amethysts. “Upon the Capitol Army’s attack, we routed them back through a good segment of the outer city, but they found their backbones and set up a fierce defense at Blom Square.” Pallus swept the crystal across the current battle lines. Most of the Capitol Army was in the square pouring fire into the Purists’ defenses. The Purists clustered their musketeers behind breastworks stretched across the Boulevard of Light. Spear and sword armed Purists kept the Capitol Army from flanking through the side streets. How had they thrown that up so damned fast? It wasn’t there when Rin dragged him off to go rescue Sonya and the princess.

“What are those?” Princess Illana asked, pointing at the center Purist tower. The lattice-work wooden structures reached fifty feet. At least the one in the main Purist camp and the western tower managed to reach that height. The eastern one was burning.

“We don’t know, your highness,” General Lopanes answered.

“I asked Kurt to investigate them,” Pallus asked. “It looks like he took down–” Pallus’s voice died as he saw the smoldering wreck floating in Lisandra Bay. Pallus looked back at Colonel Umbretti. The human gave Pallus a grim nod of his head.

“What’s the matter, Pallus?” Rin asked.

“I asked him to investigate those towers,” Pallus answered. “The fastest way to get to the Purist lines was across the bay on a Republican ship.”

“Sweet Goddess,” Princess Illana breathed, as she saw the wreckage of the Silk Trader. “What happened? How did they do that?”

“We don’t know, your highness,” Colonel Umbretti said, “One moment, the Trader was unleashing its broadside against that tower, and the next it exploded in fire.” The colonel turned to Rin. “I’m sorry, sergeant, but I doubt there were any survivors.” Princess Illana grabbed Rin in a fierce hug and murmured softly to him. He stroked her hair but didn’t show any emotion.

“Kurt’s dead?” asked a weak voice from the stairwell. Marteen staggered into the Observatory with help from Selene and Robar. His shirt was gone, and his chest was covered in bandages. Red splotches where the blood seeped through gave Marteen the look of someone stricken with pox.

“What are you doing here?” Sonya snarled at Marteen before looking up at Selene. “Why did you bring him here?”

“We didn’t bring him here. He came here all on his own. It was either come with the stubborn bastard or let him kill himself by going alone,” Selene answered.

“Sonya, is Kurt dead?” Marteen asked.

“We don’t know,” Rin answered. “I can still feel him in the medallion, but I can’t see how he survived that.” Pallus recoiled from Rin’s matter of fact tone. Rin was always the most passionate of them, even when he was being an idiot. This calm Rin worried Pallus.

“First Ela, now Kurt,” Marteen said, collapsing to the floor. His face was a mixture of fury and sadness. Sonya and Selene were by his side. Robar looked at wife with an impassive face, but there was anger behind the man’s eyes. Pallus was sure his own mirrored Robar’s. Of all the pain Marteen put both women through, why did they always rush back to him the moment he showed any vulnerability?

“Ela’s not dead, Marteen” Rin said.

“What are you talking about?”

“Ela was not killed by the Purists,” Rin said. “She joined them. She’s the Edess Kul.”

“You’re lying!” Marteen bellowed. He tried to stand up, but Sonya and Selene managed to force the swordmaster back to the ground. “It’s impossible! Ela wouldn’t do something like this! She wouldn’t kill so many innocent people!”

“She tried to kill me. Or don’t you remember that night?” Princess Illana asked, coolly. Marteen stared at the princess as if she just slapped him. Sonya and Selene glared at the princess. Pallus cleared his throat and waited as everyone looked over at him.

“Marteen, this battle feels like one of Ela’s traps on a much larger scale,” Pallus said, “Jevin always said Ela was the best tactician he’d ever seen.” Pallus turned to General Lopanes.

“Sir, I recommend we bring the rest of the Capitol Army through the gates as fast as possible. We’ll need them to deal with whatever Ela springs on us.”

“Yes, of course,” General Lopanes said, “Major Hikoy, get through the gate and tell Colonel Malliey to execute Case Dark.” The major saluted and sprinted out of the room.

“Case Dark?” Princess Illana asked.

“It’s a plan to quickly mass the Capitol Army back into Lisandra as well as any Frontier Army or noble levies we can get our hands on,” the general explained. The old elf looked over at Colonel Umbretti and smiled. “We planned it in case of an invasion from one of the human nations.”

“I will politely not comment,” Colonel Umbretti said.

“General! The towers!” shouted a lieutenant. Everyone looked out at the towers. Pallus didn’t see anything.

“Why are they glowing?” Princess Illana breathed. Pallus looked harder at the center tower. Yes, there was a very faint glow surrounding the tower. The lieutenant must have very good eyes to pick it out.

“What are you talking about?” Rin asked.

“Rin, can’t you see the glow?” Princess Illana asked, “It’s almost as bright as the sun.” Rin shook his head.

“Your highness, I only see a very faint glow around the towers,” Pallus said. Several of the others agreed. The humans and one of the staff officers couldn’t see the glow.

“Interesting,” Robar said.

THROOM!

Pallus heard just an instant of the incredible sound before his hearing was reduced to ringing. It was worse than when Rin fired off his damned guns. For a moment, Pallus thought he was blind as well, until Rin struck one of those new matchsticks. The small flame lit up the Observatory. Pallus felt relieved that he wasn’t blind when he realized the Observatory was completely dark – in the middle of the day.

Then came the screaming. As lamps were lit, Pallus saw Selene on the floor screaming and thrashing, her dark eyes filled with terror. Sonya and Marteen were by her side trying to soothe her. Pallus saw their lips moving, but their voices were too low to hear. Robar, to Pallus’s surprise, was not next to his wife. Instead, he was walking around the Observatory studying the walls. Everyone, from the veteran army officers to the lowly stewards, looked somewhere between scared and uneasy. Even the humans looked worried.

“And the trap is sprung,” Pallus said.

Chapter 40

Be it hereby declared and ordained, that no practitioner of the magical arts shall dare or presume to employ the lifeblood of any living creature in the casting or working of enchantments, spells, or other conjurations. For such an act grievously transgresses the natural order, mingling the sacred essence of life with arcane forces, thereby diminishing the immortal soul of the victim, rendering it incomplete and maimed in the life to come. Whosoever shall be discovered in willful breach of this solemn prohibition shall forthwith suffer the gravest penalties. The offender shall incur immediate and irreversible excommunication from the Grace of the Goddess of Light. Thereafter, the said transgressor shall be subject to summary execution, and their mortal remains shall be desecrated as a sign and warning unto all who might entertain similar abominations. – Inscription found inside the ruins of the Liopasto

ELA

Tyrell followed Ela to where their fellow Acolytes were waiting for them. Surrounding the Acolytes were the sixty members of the Faithful. Half wore red armbands while the rest wore black. Ela protested the colors. The Red and the Black were Cull’s minions – and they failed to stop the others from rescuing the bitch. Palin argued the link to Cull was important. The former cleric failed, but his failure brought the rise of the Purist movement. The others agreed with Palin, and Ela trusted her friends’ judgement. These friends wouldn’t betray her.

“Everything is assembled, Tyrell,” Tanus said. “Are you ready?”

“Yes. It is time to finish this.” The group split as Tyrell and Tanus walked across the Purist camp to the base of the ruined tower. Tyrell assured her the towers were helpful, but not critical to their plans. She knew he was lying. Well, not lying exactly. More the reassurance one gives a lover that everything will be fine when a new obstacle arises. She trusted him that he could still do what needed to be done.

Just in front of the ruined tower was a square about ten feet on a side drawn into the ground. Standing inside the square were four naked men. From their tattoos, they were early members of the Purist movement. These men were who could be trusted to be loyal, but not with any real responsibility. They were perfect for this part of the plan.

Amar stepped into the square and drew the Gray Dagger. Ela recoiled involuntarily as the blade came out. The ancient weapon was one of the artifacts Tanus brought back from his time wandering the Badlands. He said that one morning he woke up with the Gray Dagger lying beside him, wrapped in parchment explaining its purpose. If the parchment was to be believed, the Gray Dagger was created by human sorcerers during the Daemon War to amplify the humans’ magic and turn the daemons’ magic against them. Amar already proved the dagger’s capabilities by using it to destroy that human ship. Amar walked up to the first man.

“Thank you for your sacrifice,” Amar said. He whipped the Gray Dagger across the man’s throat. Amar grabbed the man, holding him up as the blood poured down his chest. Tyrell and Tanus held their hands up to the gash and cupped some in their hands. They walked to one side of the square, chanted in barely audible tones. They dribbled the blood in the dirt. As they did, the blood thickened into what looked like a red cable. Satisfied, Tyrell and Tanus turned back to Amar. He walked to the next man and repeated the sacrifice. To their credit, none of the sacrifices flinched or cried out as the Acolytes harvested their blood and lives.

Once the square was outlined with red, Tyrell, Tanus, and Amar joined Ela and the others outside the square. Wiping his bloody hands on the Gray Dagger, Tyrell pointed at one corner of the square. The red line smoldered. It reminded Ela of one of those fuses on the human cannon. Such a small bit of fire for such a large event.

“The ritual is now in motion,” Tanus said, “It is time for us to go into the city for the purification of the Crystal Blood.” The Faithful kneeled as Tanus and Tyrell chanted again. The world around them shimmered as the spell took effect. The Acolytes gathered in front of the kneeling Faithful. Ela stepped in front of her friends. She motioned for the Faithful to stand.

“You have your orders,” Ela told the gathered Faithful. “Move silently and swiftly into the city. Once on Aponte Hill, we will find our brothers who have secured the Crystal Blood. Then we will purify her. By this time tomorrow, we will be setting the empire on a new path to regain its soul.” The Faithful kept their stoic masks, but Ela saw the gleam in their eyes.

“Faithful, follow me.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Of the three gods said to preside over the intelligent races, it is the Goddess of Light who stands out as the most visible, the most tangible force in the daily lives of Her followers. Her presence is unmistakable; She empowers Her clerics with Grace to heal, comfort, and perform works in Her name. It’s small wonder, then, that the elves—so enamored as they are with Her divine constancy—find themselves baffled by humanity’s peculiar allegiance to the Protector. For unlike the radiant and ever-present Goddess, the Protector embodies the very essence of absent governance. No flashes of Grace here, no divine interventions – just a handful of scripture and a heavy reliance on human interpretation to muddle through. And yet, what truly complicates matters is the dwarves. Ah, the dwarves and their God of Iron—a deity swathed in secrecy. While the elves debate and the humans theologise, the dwarves do what they do best: close ranks and say nary a word. Try poking at the mystery of the God of Iron, and you’ll find your questions answered swiftly—not with words, but with a fist (or, worse still, a blade). In the end, while the Goddess of Light’s Grace dazzles and the Protector’s stoic silence perplexes, it is the God of Iron who remains the great unknowable force. And perhaps, for the dwarves, that is precisely the point. – Scholar Temin Temi, excerpted from the foreward of “Revolutionary Thinking on the Nature of Divinity.”

KURT

Kurt’s eyes fluttered open. Sharp pains in his back and side mixed with the collection of aches picked up over decades as a soldier, farmer, and adventurer. Pain was good. Pain meant he was alive. Groaning, he looked around. He was on a cot in a large tent. It was dim, but he could pick out the outlines of candelabras and privacy screens. Kurt slowly put together the last few things he could remember. Riding out on the Silk Trader to find out what the Purists were doing with those big towers. One of the Acolytes on the beach. The explosion that threw him into Lisandra Bay. The last thing Kurt could remember was sinking below the water. Whoever plucked him out of the bay bound his ribs and treated his other wounds. His armor, weapons, and clothes were nowhere to be seen. Kurt sat up on the cot. Movement brought more pain and an odd clinking sound. Kurt looked down. His leg was manacled to a heavy iron spike driven into the ground next to his cot.

His legs quivered as he stood up, but he managed to keep his feet under him. Gingerly, Kurt hobbled to the end of his chain – about a yard away from the spike. That was about halfway to the curtain dividing Kurt from the rest of the pavilion. He shuffled back to his cot and sat down. If the Purists rescued him from the sea and treated his wounds, they wanted him alive. Better to rest and get as much of his strength back as possible. It was maybe another ten minutes when two Purist soldiers strode through the curtain. These two had the hard look of veterans. They swept the room with their eyes before taking up posts at the entrance.

“First the son, and now the father,” said a tantalizingly familiar voice. The Edess Kul walked into the room. Her metal mask gleamed in the little light of the tent. Kurt looked at her for a long moment as his mind replayed the words and the voice. It was like a word on the tip of his tongue.

“Rin was here?” Kurt asked, “How did you survive that encounter?”

“The moment I told him about our people inside the Crystal Palace, he couldn’t leave fast enough to go to her side.” Kurt was so shocked to hear the Purists infiltrated the Crystal Palace, he almost missed the venom in the last words. That was the last clue he needed.

“Why do you still hate Rin, Ela?” Kurt asked. He surprised himself with how calm he managed to keep his voice. His mind was still grappling with the sudden realization the woman he thought dead was leading the enemy. Ela chuckled and motioned for the two guards to leave. They hesitated for only the briefest of moments before walking back through the curtain. Ela undid the heavy metal mask. She looked much as she did the last time Kurt saw her, right down to the wild look in her still-living eye.

“Do you know he told me that he thought of me as a sister?” Ela asked, the venom thick in her voice. “What brother does this to his sister?” She motioned at her dead eye. “What brother forces his sister to–” Ela bit off what she was about to say. Kurt didn’t need her to finish the sentence. He knew the moment Ela broke. The moment she was forced to put a shaft into Ral’s back to stop her soulbond from handing the princess back to Cull.

“Ral’s death wasn’t Rin’s fault. Or Illana’s fault. It wasn’t your fault either. The only person to blame for Ral’s death is Ral. He betrayed us. He betrayed you. He made you kill him,” Kurt said. Ela let out a primal scream of frustration.

“It was all of your faults! All of you pushed him to come with us!” Ela screamed, “He told you over and over that he shouldn’t be there, that he should go back to Lisandra, but none of you listened. She was just too precious, and that bastard Jevin manipulated me into joining his precious crusade because he knew Ral would follow me. I don’t even know why I joined.”

“You know why, Ela,” Kurt said, and gave her a sad look. “Because you wanted to save your people. Because you knew only Illana’s return would keep this empire from tearing itself apart.”

“Her!” Ela spat out. “I lost everything because of her!” Ela’s living eye bored into Kurt. For a moment, he was sure Ela was going to lash out. Instead, Ela wrapped her arms around herself and paced. Kurt heard her muttering something under her breath. It sounded like the same phrase over and over again, but he couldn’t make out the words.

Guilt flooded Kurt as he watched Ela. Ral broke her heart with his betrayal, killing him broke her mind, but it was their fault Ela was the Edess Kul. Instead of helping her heal, they locked her away. Oh sure, they were following Selene’s advice, but Selene wasn’t her normal, compassionate self at that time. Their cleric was grappling with her own broken heart from Marteen choosing Sonya over her as well as guilt from not saving Jevin from Ral’s poisoned dagger. None of them knew how to care for Ela, so they talked themselves into believing it would be best if Ela went away.

“Ela, dear, what are you doing in here?” asked a man’s voice. A human walked into the room. Shafford.

“He made me remember!” Ela half-shouted at Shafford, pointing at Kurt. “I don’t want to remember anymore.”

“Do you want me to take it from you again?” Shafford asked.

“It always comes back,” Ela cried into Shafford’s shoulder. “It always comes back.” Shafford stroked Ela’s short hair as he crooned to her. Ela stopped crying as her breathing slowed to a more relaxed pace. Shafford looked at Kurt and the dwarf recoiled from the sheer malice in the man’s eyes.

“Ela, we need you,” Shafford said, handing Ela her mask. “It’s almost time. You need to be ready.” Ela shook herself and then stood up straight. All outward signs of her madness vanished in an instant.

“Of course, my love,” Ela said. She gave Shafford a quick kiss on the cheek before donning her mask and striding out of the room. Shafford stood in the center of the room, regarding Kurt as if he were a particularly disgusting pile of sheep dung.

“When Rin showed up last night, and she didn’t have a breakdown, I thought I finally managed to banish the horror from her mind,” Shafford said. “I’ve worked so hard to mend her mind from what you did to her.” Much to Kurt’s surprise, there was true compassion in Shafford’s voice. Kurt was sure Shafford and the other Acolytes lied and manipulated Ela into becoming the Edess Kul.

“Do you really think you’re helping her by making her forget?” Kurt asked, using the same parental voice he used anytime he caught Rin doing something foolish. Kurt didn’t think Shafford could get any angrier. Kurt braced, but instead the human stood very still. The look of anger left the man’s face.

“Every time the memories break through, it hurts her more. I don’t know how she deals with the agony. Perhaps instead of suppressing it, we should excise the memory, instead.” Shafford’s sudden smile sent chills down Kurt’s spine. Rage turned to delight on the human’s face as Shafford mentally explored the idea.

“That just might work. Once we have the princess in hand, we will let Ela kill the girl. Perhaps, kill all of you as well. Let her cleanse her memory with blood.” As if he forgot about Kurt’s presences, Shafford spun on his heel and strode out of the room.

“Thank the Protector, I thought he would never leave,” came a whisper behind Kurt’s cot. The dwarf leaped out of his cot as a figure rose out of the shadows. The figure stretched before taking a step into the light. Kurt plopped down on the ground in surprise as the dirty face of Major Agnelli emerged. The human looked like he crawled through a muck pile.

“What are you doing here?” Kurt asked, in a low voice.

“Originally, I was just going to see if I could get some information on what trap the Purists were laying for the Capitol Army. Then I heard they captured a Hero of the Empire. I thought it was the sergeant, so I came to take a look,” the major answered, picking up the chain that bound Kurt to the iron spike in the middle of the room.

“How did you find me?”

“I saw them dragging you in,” Agnelli answered, tugging on the chain. “Elves, in my humble opinion, tend to be overly confident. It makes them miss little things. Like noticing someone skulking about their camp. Here’s your belongings, by the way.” Major Agnelli dropped Kurt’s clothing, his ruck, and his sword. He walked over to Kurt and looked at the lock on the manacle.

“We need to get you out of here. Something big is about to start. It sounds like they expect it to win this battle for them.”

“What?”

“I don’t know, but it sounded like it was some kind of magic,” Agnelli answered. The ranger inspected the lock and tugged at it a couple of times. “I might be able to break this lock open with a bit of gunpowder. I hope you’re ready for a very exciting escape.” Kurt grabbed the ranger’s wrist.

“Wait, there’s a quieter way,” Kurt said. He didn’t want to do it. He really didn’t want to do it. The dwarf grabbed the manacle, closed his eyes, and dove deep into his mind. It was a very long time since he walked down this hallway in his mind. Finally, he came to a dingy iron door with streaks of rust. Kurt braced himself and opened it.

The struggle was immediate and violent. It was always a struggle. Kurt hadn’t practiced for this fight since shortly after Rin came into his life. The force refused to be restrained and pushed against him harder. Just as Kurt feared he would lose the struggle, an opening emerged. Kurt grappled and forced the god in his mind into submission. With the struggle won, Kurt demanded his god grant his request. An instant later, the manacle surrounding his ankle melted off and pooled at his feet. Kurt quickly shoved the god back behind the door in his mind. Kurt stepped away from the melted metal as he panted. Struggling with the god always left him exhausted.

“What under the Protector did you just do?” Major Agnelli asked, his eyes wide with shock.

“The God of Iron…agreed…to help…with the…manacle,” Kurt managed between pants.

“Why didn’t you just do that before?” Major Agnelli asked, his tone somewhere between fascination and annoyance.

“The God of Iron…isn’t what one…could call…benevolent,” Kurt said, feeling his strength returning. He took a couple of deep gulps of air. “He’s not like your Protector or the Goddess.”

“Oh. So why did he help you now?” Major Agnelli said, helping Kurt into his clothes.

“Fought him for the favor,” Kurt answered, pulling on his breeches. “Maybe if the dwarves had a nicer god, like you humans, we would’ve had a very different outcome when the elves invaded our lands.” Major Agnelli chuckled at the comment as he held Kurt’s shirt out. Kurt tugged on the cotton shirt and then bent down to pull on his boots.

“Your clerics must be very strong,” Major Agnelli said as he moved up to the door. The human drew a pair of thick-bladed daggers long enough to be short-swords. He held his right dagger normally, but the left was in a reverse grip. It was eerily similar to how Ral used his daggers.

“Dwarves don’t have clerics,” Kurt said, “Wrestle with the God of Iron too much and He’s going to win – and once is all He needs. Then, you’re nothing but a thrall for him.” The human cursed softly.

“Well, Hero Volker, if you’re ready, I think it’s time we left the hospitality of the Purists,” Major Agnelli said.

“How are we going to do that?” Kurt asked. “I’m not like you or Rin. I can’t move quietly.” The ranger poked his head around the curtain, strode past Kurt and looked out from under the edge of the tent.

“I wouldn’t worry too much. The camp’s almost deserted,” Major Agnelli answered.

“We need to hurry,” Kurt said, hefting his sword. “If everyone’s gone to this ritual, then it’s something very bad for our people.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

One aspect of Cull’s early successes that warrants closer examination is his exceptional talent for recruitment, particularly his ability to bring influential figures into the fold of his cause. Much of the existing historiography has focused on the role of Cull’s cadre of fanatics, who were instrumental in his overt confrontations with the Heroes. Similarly, attention has been given to his calculated use of the enigmatic agents known as the Red and the Black, both in orchestrating the infamous Night of Fire and Blood and in their pivotal roles during the climactic confrontation with the Heroes. However, these analyses often neglect the broader infrastructure underpinning Cull’s ascendancy: the extensive network of covert sympathizers he cultivated over the years. This network, composed of individuals from various walks of life, proved indispensable to his ability to influence events from behind the scenes. Cull demonstrated an extraordinary proficiency in forging alliances and subverting loyalties, integrating key figures into his conspiracy with a precision that suggests a deep understanding of human motivations and vulnerabilities. Indeed, a review of accounts from the Heroes’ perspective reveals the extent of Cull’s success in this regard. It appears, almost hyperbolically, that every third prominent figure had some allegiance to Cull, whether overt or covert. This pervasive reach not only facilitated his manipulation of events but also compounded the challenges faced by those who sought to oppose him, underscoring the multifaceted strategies that defined his campaign for power. – Scholar Grel Tamar, excerpt from “Examination of the Traitor Cull”

RIN

Rin stormed into the Imperial Suite with Morelli and Pallus right behind them. The sitting room was completely empty. Even the servants were gone. A sudden wave of fear filled his connection with Illana, but he couldn’t tell where she was. She was alive. That fact allowed him to keep his sanity.

“What under the Protector’s gaze is going on, Pallus?” Rin asked, in a barely controlled tone.

“I don’t know. She was supposed to be here with Lady Sonya and her guard,” Pallus answered. Rin stormed towards Pallus, but the elf didn’t even look at him. Rin wasn’t sure if he was impressed or enraged further.

“Sweet Goddess,” Pallus said as the thought struck him. “They went to the Iron Room.”

“Where?”

“Lieutenant Vol must have taken Sonya and her highness to the Iron Room,” Pall answered.

“Why would they take them to this Iron Room?”

“It’s a fallback position if the Crystal Palace was ever under siege. A place the Guard could hold out.”

“Why would he take them there?”

“If there were more Purists than he felt his group could take on and keep the princess safe.”

“So, where is this Iron Room?” Rin asked. Pallus pointed at a part of the wall.

“I was wondering why the carpet was scuffed there,” Morelli said. “Secret door?”

“Yes,” Pallus answered, as he walked over to the wall. He eyed the young ranger cautiously. Facing the wall, Pall pushed in a pair of the crystal bricks. A segment of the wall melted away to reveal a small passageway. As the three stepped into the passage, the crystal bricks above them lit up just enough for them to see. After ten meters, the passage ended in a tight spiral staircase.

“The Iron Room is below. Follow me,” Pallus said as he strode quietly down the stairs.

“Protector’s blood, move!” Rin urged impatiently.

“Rin, if you are correct, it won’t do Sonya or the princess any good to rush into an ambush,” Pallus replied, with a touch of annoyance. Rin grimaced. Pallus was right, as usual. As the trio exited the staircase, Pallus led them down a side hall. At the end was a large steel door. A pair of Crystal guards stood at attention in front of the door.

“Open the door Devin,” Pallus ordered. The two guardsmen traded looks and Rin’s instincts screamed warning.

“Lord Pallus, would you please return to the Observatory?” Devin pleaded.

“I gave you an order guardsman,” Pallus said, gripping his sword hilt. Devin and the other guardsman drew their swords, but Pallus was already moving. He closed with the second guardsman and slammed the pommel of his sword into the man’s throat. Pallus slipped under Devin’s strike and drew his own sword. The ring of steel on steel filled the hallway as Pallus deflected the strike. Pallus rode the blade down and with a flick of the wrist, knocked Devin’s blade away. Without hesitating, Pallus drove his sword deep. Devin screamed in pain and tried to flail at his former commander. Pallus contemptuously batted aside the guardsman’s blade before slashing open the man’s throat with a single sweep of his own sword.

“Are you done playing with them?” Rin asked.

“You could have taken that one,” Pallus observed, pointing his sword at Devin as the man gasped and bled out.

“I’m not going to shoot at a man standing in front of a big metal door.”

“What’s the problem with that?” Pall asked, pulling a heavy key from Devin’s belt pouch.

“I’ll explain the concept of a ricochet after Illana and Sasha are safe,” Rin said.

“Stop calling her Sasha,” Pall said, “Her name is Sonya. You’re not helping her be who she needs to be.”

“What under the Protector’s Gaze does that mean?”

“Just stop calling her Sasha, Rin.” The iron door slid into the wall revealing a long curving hallway. Three elves in Crystal Guard tabards and holding long halberds sprinted into view.

“Well, now. Who under the Goddess are you three?” Pallus asked, in a mocking tone. Rin took that as a cue, shouldered his rifle, and shot the center elf. In the blink of an eye, Pallus was between the other two elves. Two quick slashes and both were lying in pools of their own blood.

“Are you going to take all day reloading that thing?” Pallus asked, as he nonchalantly walked down the hallway. Rin and Morelli trotted up next to him.

“Those three weren’t part of the princess’s guard?” Morelli asked.

“Those three weren’t even in the Crystal Guard,” Pall answered. “I fear Lieutenant Vol is a traitor and staffed the princess’s guards with fellow conspirators.”

“Brilliant deduction, Pallus. Someday you could be a patrol constable,” Rin retorted.

“Which of us killed more traitors in the last few minutes?” Pallus replied, coolly, “And did so without deafening us and alerting our opponents?”

“Are you two always like this?” Morelli asked. Before Rin could reply, a half-dozen elves in heavy armor clanked into view. The armored elves drew their swords and formed a semi-circle.

“Work the left,” Pallus ordered. Rin snapped his rifle to his shoulder and shot the far-left elf as Pallus charged the next in line, ducked under the elf’s slash, and cut open the inside of the man’s thigh. The next tried to flank Pallus, but Morelli touched off of his grapegun. The elf slumped to the ground bleeding from a dozen holes. Pallus stepped into the fourth and severed his arm before kicking the man’s legs out from under him. Pallus was about to take on the fifth man when a red blur savaged the elf with a flurry of stabs. Sasha turned her fury and knives on the last elf, who just gaped as Sasha skewered him with a long, thin dagger.

“It’s good to see you relatively unharmed,” Pallus said. Her dress was torn and blood-spattered. A nasty bruise was forming on her right cheek and her wrists were raw and bloody. She looked ready to kill the next Purist they came across.

“Your guards have no clue how to bind prisoners,” Sasha said.

“I’m no longer sure they are my guards.”

“Whoever they are, they fortunately don’t know how to properly search their prisoners either.”

“Glad to see you’re back in form, Sasha,” Rin said, handing her a sword.

“Did you have to let everyone know you were coming with that thing?” Sasha asked, pointing at the rifle.

“It made sense at the time.”

“How many are with Princess Illana?” Pallus asked.

“About a dozen or so more,” Sasha answered, unlatching the breast plate from a guard. “Pallus, help me with this.” He carefully draped the plate over and tightened it into place.

“I was worried about you,” Pallus said as he ratcheted down the fastenings on the breast plate.

“I’m fine, Pallus. Just a little worse for wear,” Sasha answered. She looked up at him. “You’re not going to do something stupid like telling me to stay here or go back to the Imperial Suite?”

“Why would I do that? You’re too good of a warrior and too stubborn of a woman,” Pallus answered, “Would you try and be a bit careful since you don’t have your normal armor and sword?”

“Since you asked so nicely.”

“We need to move before they kill Illana,” Rin said.

“Vol is not going to kill Illana,” Sasha said. “He needs to take Princess Illana to the Acolytes for purification.”

“That’s not what Ela said,” Rin replied. Sasha froze as she was strapping on a pair of bracers.

“What do you mean ‘that’s not what Ela said?’” Sasha asked.

“Ela’s the Edess Kul. She’s one of the Acolytes.”

“That’s impossible.”

“I saw her last night. She told me I needed to get back to Illana before her people killed her.”

“Let’s not let them,” Sasha said, picking up a sword. The four walked down the corridor. After another twenty meters, they came to a dead elf with several stab wounds.

“Your handiwork?” Rin asked Sasha. She nodded.

“They didn’t find the dagger strapped to the inside of my thigh,” Sasha answered.

“Why there?” Morelli asked.

“I’ve been forced to wear dresses and gowns for the last ten years. It’s the only place I can stash a proper weapon.”

“I’ve never seen you carrying there,” Pallus said.

“It’s not like you were looking that hard at the time,” Sasha answered. Pallus uncharacteristically blushed.

“How do you walk so naturally with a blade strapped there?” Morelli asked.

“Practice.” Sasha turned to Rin, “Just so you know, I taught Illana how to carry one there as well.”

“I’ve never seen her carry one there,” Rin said, “At the moment, I just wish she had something more than just a dagger.”

“I think I have a spare box pistol I could give her when we’re done here,” Morelli said. “I think it’s just the right size for her hand. I won it from a prostitute back in Marei City in a dice game.”

“Why would you even consider giving the princess something you received from a prostitute?”

“Why not? She said she used it on more than one of her customers that got too frisky.” Pallus stared at Morelli for a long moment before continuing down the hallway.

The Iron Room was a large circular room some twenty meters across. The normal crystal walls were sheathed in sheets of burnished steel. Light globes at regular intervals along the wall bathed the room in soft light. At the far end of the room, Illana was sitting on a smaller version of the Imperial throne. She looked unharmed – thank the Protector. He felt her anger burning in their connection. Lieutenant Vol was standing at Illana’s left in full scale mail. Five more crouched in front of the throne behind heavy tower shields with crossbows. To the right and left sides of the room were half-dozen strong teams of guardsmen. Rin stepped in front of his friends and trained his rifle on Vol. Pallus, Sasha, and Morelli fell in on his flanks.

“Drop your weapons and surrender,” Vol said, “Even you are not fast enough to take out five crossbowmen before they cut you down, Hero Acciaio.”

“You might be surprised.”

“Do you want to make Princess Illana watch you die after the two of you have just reunited? If you surrender, I will ensure you stay with the princess until we hand all of you over to the Acolytes.” Rin lowered the rifle and locked eyes with Illana. He felt her confidence and her trust.

“Fine, Vol,” Rin said, letting his rifle clatter on the ground. As Vol and his troops relaxed, Rin’s hands dropped to his side and flicked his duster aside. The revolver was in Rin’s hand before his mind registered the weight. He kept the revolver at his waist and held down the trigger as his other hand repeatedly slammed down on the hammer spur. The Iron Room reverberated with sound as Rin gunned down the five crossbowmen in one stream of gunfire. All five elves were lying on the ground without having fired a single bolt.

Morelli touched off his grapegun as Sasha and Pall attacked. Rin spun towards one of the guardsmen just in time to sidestep the elf’s slash. Rin cursed as the elf quickly recovered and attacked again. He didn’t have time for this. He needed to get to Illana. Rin stepped into the elf’s lunge, letting the blade bounce off his duster’s thick denim. Rin’s shoulder flashed with pain, but Rin ignored it. Rin pistol-whipped him with the barrel of the revolver. The elf’s eyes rolled up into his head before slumping to the ground.

“Stop!” Vol yelled. All battle ceased. Satisfied he had everyone’s attention, Vol stepped down off the dais. The elf pointed at Rin.

“You act like the princess’s champion, so why not prove it? Let’s you and I finish this in the traditional way. Single combat.” Rin glanced up at the princess. Illana gave Rin a predatory smile, which warmed and chilled him at the same time.

“Fine, but let’s hurry this up,” Rin said. As soon as the words were out of Rin’s mouth, Vol charged. The elf moved fast in the heavy armor. Rin snatched his rifle off the ground, but Vol was on him before Rin could bring the weapon to bear. Vol slashed down, forcing Rin to block with the rifle. The wood stock splintered as the sword bit deep. Rin ducked under Vol’s next swing and shoved the rifle butt into the elf’s midsection. The elf gasped and backed up a few steps. Rin dropped his rifle and drew his scimitar.

“You are going to fight me with your sword?” Vol asked, with a malicious amusement in his voice, “I’ve been trained by both Heroes Parn and Madrigal. Do you really think you have a chance against me?”

“Can we get this over with? Illana’s giving me her impatient look again.” Vol’s face went puce with indignation at Rin’s nonchalant tone. Rin barely managed to knock the Vol’s slashing blade away. Rin let himself be pushed back as he watched Vol’s pattern. Elven sword work was a set of patterns – dances – that worked to anticipate and overwhelm an opponent’s defenses. Most elven swordfighters knew three or four different dances. Masters may have a dozen in their repertoires. Marteen was so fearsome because he knew nearly fifty different forms and could switch between any of those patterns fluidly and flawlessly. Marteen taught Rin several during their time on Kurt’s farm. Not that he planned on using any of those.

Rin stepped into Vol’s attack with a pair of lightning parries. The sudden attack forced Vol to shift dances. In that fraction of a second, Rin drove in hard. He pushed Vol’s blade away with his own and stepped up into Vol’s face. The elf was so shocked at the breach of traditional dueling etiquette he never saw Rin draw his knife. Rin drove the knife into Vol’s side. Vol blinked at the unexpected pain. Rin twisted the knife before yanking it out and punching Vol in the throat with the handguard. Vol stumbled back. His sword clattered to the ground as Vol grabbed at his neck desperate to breathe. The room went still as everyone watched Vol flop and thrash as he slowly suffocated. Rin ignored Vol and casually reloaded his revolver.

“At least finish him so he can be at peace,” Pallus said

“I don’t owe that traitor a damned thing. Not even a quick death.”

“You are a barbarian.” With one fast sweep of his sword, Pallus slit Vol’s neck. Vol went still as his blood pooled around him.

“The rest of you, drop your weapons,” Sasha ordered, having to shout for everyone to hear her. The remaining guardsmen let their weapons fall to the floor. Sasha motioned for the prisoners to line up against the wall.

“Morelli, bind them,” Pallus ordered. The younger ranger walked up to the Purists and touched off his grapegun. Three fell to the ground as Morelli drew his revolver. The last five prisoners died in a quick series of gunshots. Pallus and Sasha stared at the dead in shock, but Rin didn’t feel any of that from Illana.

“Are you insane?” Pallus screamed at Morelli. “Even in the Republic, they don’t just execute prisoners without a trial!”

“They were traitors and fanatics in league with the forces laying siege to the city. We have no duty to keep them alive, much less try them,” Rin said.

Illana stood up and walked down to Rin. She gently caressed his cheek. All the panic and rage he was fight since confronting Ela evaporated at her touch. She was safe. He could feel whatever was between him thrum with pleasure. Illana pulled Rin’s head down to hers and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“I knew you would come,” Illana said. Her warm eyes suddenly turned stormy. She pointed at the bodies against the wall.

“Do not do something like that again without asking me. Murdering prisoners goes against Imperial law. I cannot be seen flouting that.”

“I understand, your highness.”

“Good, now escort me back to the Observatory. We are taking back my city.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

A Mareian finds a thousand uses for a boat—and, on occasion, the same ship sees them all. – Old Mareian proverb

KURT

Kurt bit back bile as the ship heaved again. He thought river boats were bad, but this ocean-going was so much worse. How did sailors do this for months at a time? He gripped the railing as the Silk Trader rode another swell. Looking around, Kurt cursed at sailors walking with ease around him.

“Pleasant day for sailing,” Captain Marnel boomed as he walked up to Kurt. The tall, burly man was one of the hairiest humans Kurt ever laid eyes on. Thick black hair seemed to merge seamlessly with a beard that would have done a dwarf proud. Even his arms looked like they were covered with a black pelt.

“How can you say that?” Kurt grunted.

“Lisandra Bay is always so calm this time of year,” the captain said.

“This is calm?” Kurt managed to reply while keeping his guts from rebelling. Captain Marnel let out a hearty laugh. The man laughed like he wanted the God of Iron to hear.

“Don’t worry, Hero Volker, we’ll have you across the bay to whatever that is in no time,” Captain Marnel said, pointing at the rising wooden tower. The tower dominated the hills to the east of the city. Despite the tower’s crude construction, the Purists managed to get it up to fifty feet and were still building. It could be an observation tower, but the location didn’t make sense. It wouldn’t be able to see far enough into Lisandra. And why were they building four?

Sailing across Lisandra Bay was much faster than trying to sneak through the city. Smoke from fires hung over Lisandra like a miasma. The booms of cannons and muskets drifted out over the water. At least Rin was back behind the Aponte Wall. Kurt was so relieved when he felt his son’s pulses moving through the city. When Kurt looked back, the captain was gone and one of the junior officers was standing in his place. The boy looked little more than fifteen years old. From the easy gait, Kurt wondered if the boy was born on a ship.

“Hero Volker, the captain asks you join him on the quarterdeck,” the officer said. The boy looked little more than fifteen years old. From the easy gait, Kurt wondered if the boy was born on a ship.

“Where’s the quarterdeck?” Kurt asked. Sailors used too many strange terms. Kurt wondered if how they talked shouldn’t be considered another language. The look on the boy’s face clearly said he didn’t understand how anyone would not know where the quarterdeck was on a ship. He pointed at the raised section at the back of the ship. Kurt suppressed the temptation to pat the boy on the head before trudging along the deck and up the stairs.

The ship was maybe five hundred yards from the east end of Lisandra Bay. The captain was looking at something on the coast with his spyglass. Whatever it was, it made the captain lose his characteristic smile. That alone sent a chill down Kurt’s spine. Wordlessly, the captain handed his spyglass to Kurt and pointed at a pair of figures standing on the edge of the bay. Kurt brought the spyglass to his eye. Kurt recognized one as an Acolyte, but he couldn’t remember the man’s name. He was the one who was that traitorous Lord Kalen’s associate before disappearing. Amar Haltis. The other elf was dressed in the brown shirt and trousers of a Purist soldier.

“Why are they just standing like that?” the captain asked.

“I doubt it’s anything good,” Kurt answered. His combat instincts screamed something was wrong with the pair, but for the life of him, Kurt couldn’t figure out what.

“The reverend says the bones are worried,” the captain said, as if Kurt would know what that meant. The captain took the spyglass back from Kurt and looked at the Acolyte again. After a moment, he thrust the spyglass at Kurt.

“I don’t like the idea of putting you ashore near those two, Hero Volker,” Captain Marnell said. The captain shouted in rapid-fire Mareian to his crew. Kurt understood most of the words, but he had no idea how they fit together to form coherent orders. What did tacks have to do with sails? What did a heel have to do with ships? The crew clambered up the ship’s tall masts and ran about the deck. In a few minutes, the ship slowly turned away from the edge of the bay. The captain was aiming at a more southerly point to land Kurt.

“Sweet Protector!” the ship’s first mate swore. Kurt snatched another sailor’s spyglass to see what happened. The Purist soldier was laying in red-tinged sand. The Acolyte pointed a bloody dagger at the ship. A dull thump shook the ship. Hundreds of splinters rained down on Kurt and the crew. Heavier wood shards struck him like fists, but none penetrated his armor. From the screams, some of the ship’s crew weren’t as fortunate. Kurt stood up and surveyed the damage. Two of the heavy beams were on the deck. Sailors were being dragged from under the wreckage. Blood splattered the deck. Kurt looked up at the center mast and saw the highest sails missing.

Captain Marnell barked orders over the screams. Something about going to a star on board and running guns. The dark-haired first officer saluted with his uninjured arm and rushed into the bowels of the ship.

“What are you doing?” Kurt asked.

“You didn’t see that?” Captain Marnell asked, his bushy eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

“See what?” Kurt asked.

“Purple lightning from that tower! It hit the main mast” Captain Marnell answered. Kurt was sure he would remember seeing something like that. Then again, something tore the beams off the main mast.

“What are you going to do?”

“I can’t run from lightning,” Captain Marnell answered, and gave Kurt a predatory grin, “In that case, the only thing to do is fight!” Cheers rose up from the crew as the captain yelled the last part.

“Fight? At this range?” Kurt asked.

“I might have a dozen or so ten-kilo guns belowdecks,” the captain said, before quickly adding, “Strictly for defense against pirates. They range out a good thousand meters or so.” Kurt tried to do the math in his head but was quickly frustrated. Why did humans have to use such screwy measurements? Why couldn’t they use perfectly good Imperial measurements? Was a kilo the same as a pound? Kurt couldn’t remember.

The bowsprit exploded. Not as many splinters, but thick ropes lashed out in all directions. The captain gritted his teeth as more of his sailors screamed in pain or wouldn’t scream ever again. Kurt was deafened as the Silk Trader opened fire. Kurt gripped a railing as the ship shook from the thunderous roar. The entire side of the ship was encased in thick black-gray smoke. As the ship sailed away from the smoke cloud, Kurt raised the spyglass. There were several large, ragged holes in the wooden tower. Dozens of Purists lay around the tower unmoving, while more ran around with bloody wounds. If this was what a Republican merchant ship could do, what would one of their naval vessels do?

The last thing Kurt heard was a booming explosion before the deck heaved under him and threw him into the water. Kurt thrashed to get his armor off before it dragged him to the bottom of the bay. Stars exploded in his eyes as something heavy and hard hit him on the head. He looked over to see part of the mast floating next to him. There was blood smeared on the wood. Was it his? What happened to the ship? He rolled over to where he thought the ship should be. The dwarf glimpsed the Silk Trader burning furiously before the blackness consumed him.

Chapter Thirty-Six

How dare you say Trennis did not deserve the title of Hero! Because he wasn’t there when we went into the cave? We would not have made it to that cave if not for Trennis. Not just because he selflessly sacrificed himself to save us from those bandits Cull paid to kill us. Do you think it was only because of Selene we knew where to go? Selene knew the prophecies, but Trennis knew people. He knew who to ask and how to ask to get the information we needed to find Cull. Beyond that, it was Trennis who kept us together during the dark times. He motivated us, comforted us, counseled us. He kept the boys from killing each other on more than one occasion. – Lady Sonya, overheard in heated discussion with Lord Fal

PALLUS

Pallus watched the battle raging through Lisandra’s Outer City. General Lopanes and his staff were pleased with the steady advance. His formal training told Pallus he should be pleased as well, but his instincts were telling him something was wrong. Pallus moved the viewing crystal back and forth to different parts of the battle, hoping to find what was bothering him.

“Not happy with the course of events, Colonel?” Colonel Umbretti asked. Pallus considered the Mareian officer. Umbretti was reputed to be smart and insightful. He might see what Pallus was missing.

“Call it the professional paranoia from commanding the princess’s guards,” Pallus answered, dismissively. “With everything going as we expected, I keep waiting for the nasty surprise.”

“You think those things the Purists are building are part of a trap?” Umbretti asked, motioning to the wooden towers.

Pallus started to answer but was cut off by crashing sounds from the stairwell. Pallus felt Rin coming up the stairs through their medallion. Why was that fool here? And why was he making such a ruckus? Then came the unmistakable sound of someone clubbing one of the sentries just outside the Observatory. The officers in the room tensed and hands went to weapons’ hilts. Rin stormed into the Observatory with Morelli a couple of steps behind. Both men were dirty and bedraggled, but there was fire in their eyes.

“Rin, where have you been?” Pallus demanded. “Princess Illana was terrified something happened to you.” Rin stalked around the Observatory.

“Rin, what are you doing?” Pallus asked.

“Where is Illana, Pallus?” Rin asked. Pallus’s eyes went wide at the cold lethality in the human’s voice. He remembered hearing that same tone the night Rin put an arrow into Ela’s eye.

“She’s not here,” Pallus answered.

“I can see that. Where is she?”

“The Imperial Quarters,” Pallus answered, “She wasn’t feeling well, so she stayed there this morning.” For the longest moment of his life, Rin said nothing. As Pallus looked into those cold eyes, fear went down his spine like a serpent. Without another word, Rin spun on his heel and walked out of the room with Morelli right behind him. Almost against his will, Pallus followed him.

“Rin, what under the Light is going on?” Pallus asked as the trio marched across the courtyard to the palace.

“We ran into the Edess Kul when we went to capture Shafford,” Rin said.

“What? Why didn’t you kill her?”

“Because she told us the Purists have people close to Illana. They have her and they’re going to kill her.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Pallus said, “The Edess Kul lied to you.”

“Ela’s never lied to me before,” Rin said. “I don’t think she’s lying to me now.” Pallus nearly stumbled as he realized what Rin said.

“Ela? What are you talking about?” Pallus asked, “That’s impossible. The Purists killed her. We buried her.”

“I don’t know who you buried, but it wasn’t Ela. The Purists didn’t kill her. They recruited her. Think about it. What does this battle feel like?” Pallus stopped and thought. Suddenly, his misgivings about the battle came into sharp focus.

“Goddess damn it all. It feels like one of Ela’s traps. Make them look at one thing while you go for your real objective,” Pallus answered, flatly. “What are you planning to do?”

“Find Illana. Kill anyone who tries to stop me,” Rin said.

“Some of those might be my Crystal Guard,” Pallus said.

“If you don’t want me to kill them, then order them to stay out of my way,” Rin replied, his voice just as dangerous.

“And if I stop you?” Pallus asked. Rin stopped and spun, which caught Pallus by surprise.

“Do you think I would hesitate to put a bullet in you?” Rin asked. “The only reason I haven’t is because I promised Trennis I wouldn’t kill you unless I was damn sure you needed killing.”

“He made me swear the same thing,” Pallus said. The two men stared at each other for a long moment.

“Sergeant, we don’t have time for this,” Morelli said, breaking the stand-off.

“Fine,” Rin spat out.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Over the past year, our casualties inflicted by the Purists have risen markedly. Initial hopes that the Purist element had been eradicated have proven to be unfounded. The recent decrease in their activity coincided with the emergence of an individual known as the Edess Kul. The true identity of this figure remains unknown; however, our limited intelligence suggests that he is responsible for the significant enhancements in the Purists’ tactical operations. While the capture or elimination of Edess Kul is of paramount importance, it is unlikely to yield an immediate reduction in the effectiveness of the Purists’ assaults. Intelligence indicates the presence of a robust leadership cadre within the Purists’ military structure. It is of utmost urgency that we deploy every available Territorial Army regiment to this region if we are to dismantle and neutralize this insurgency. As much as it is difficult to admit, it may also be prudent to seek the assistance of the Mareian rangers. Their formidable record in dealing with similar operations is well-documented. Even the presence of a few advisors could significantly bolster our efforts against this threat to the Empire. – Communique from Colonel Mi Dalan, 10th Territorial Regiment, to General Youl Jo, Commander Territorial Armies

ELA

A familiar peace settled over Ela as she slid the black leather hood over her head. Following her ritual, Ela took a last look in the mirror before placing the metal plate over her face. As she fastened the mask, the memories of her old life were pushed back in her mind. The pain of losing her one true love. The betrayal of those she once called friends when they sided with the bitch against her. Putting on the mask let Ela channel all those feelings in her goal to destroy the person responsible for her pain. Ela buckled on her sword belt. She wasn’t the sword dancer Marteen or Pallus was, but she was among best among the Purists. She looked back at the mirror. Yes, she was the Edess Kul, and this day she would finally deal with that bitch Illana.

The Faithful guarding her tent saluted as the Edess Kul stormed out. The Faithful were her elite. All were veterans of the Reclamation War. All mercilessly drilled with the new muskets until they were the equal of any Republic or Kingdom soldiers. The Faithful were the core of the trap the Acolytes were going to spring on this day. Her forces would crush the Capitol Army and whatever was left of those ragtag defenders that bitch managed to throw together.

Two of the Faithful flanked Ela as she made her way through the camp. Both didn’t bother hiding their scowls. The Faithful were not happy about being ordered to let Rin and his little friend slip into her tent. Ela was ecstatic when she learned Rin was back in the Empire. After the bitch, Rin was the one person she wanted to suffer. Everything was coming together even better than Tanus laid out when he explained the plan all those years ago…

Tyrell stood with the other Acolytes halfway up the central tower. Workers swarmed over the wooden tower. The Prior overseeing the construction assured the Acolytes all four towers would be completed in time. Ela motioned for the Faithful to wait at the base of the tower. The less people on this monstrosity, the better. As she walked out onto the platform, the Acolytes moved to open a clear walkway. She looked out at Lisandra. She hated this city. She hated it the first time she came here. She hated it even more now. The smoldering fires in the city warmed her.

“As we expected, the Capitol Army returned in force,” Tanus said, handing Ela a spyglass. “The Chancellor is nothing if not predictable.” The mask made it harder to look through the spyglass, but Ela managed to focus on one of the skirmishes. Her musketeers were trading fire with the green-uniformed soldiers of the Capitol Army. This was probably the first time elves used muskets on each other in battle. Finally, the elves would break free of the chains binding them since the Daemon War. The Purists would bring that same freedom to the dwarven lands and the human lands. All peoples, purified of their destructive traditions, forged into a new harmony with each other and the world. This battle was just the next step in that goal.

“Everything is going to plan,” Tyrell said.

“Part of the plan was having our people in the Crystal Palace seize the Crystal Blood and hold her for purification,” Remi said. “Why did you alert the Heroes to our insiders?”

“It’s a gamble,” Tyrell said.

“The Faithful could have just killed them,” Tanus said.

“We would have lost too many of the Faithful accomplish our goals. Rin was terrifying with a bow. He will be even worse with those new guns the humans are using,” Ela said. “Rin may get back in time to stop our people. If that is the case, we have other means to ensure the bitch ends up where we need her.”

She turned back to watch the battle. Tyrell stepped closer to her. Ela frowned beneath her mask. Normally he was very careful not to do anything that would even hint at their relationship. The other Acolytes knew, of course. The Acolytes kept no secrets from each other. Still, none of them wanted to find out how the common Purists would react.

“Why are you standing so close?” Ela asked.

“Rinaldo Acciaio,” Tyrell answered.

“What about him?” Ela asked. Her scar ached with familiar pain.

“It’s the first time you’ve encountered any of them,” Tyrell answered. “You played your part beautifully last night, but we both know that you weren’t ready to confront one of them.” Ela gripped the railing and took slow, deep breaths.

“Why are you bringing this up now?”

“Because you refused to talk to me when we were in private, and I don’t want you to lose control today,” Tyrell said, a hint of concern in his voice. It was the most he could show in public. Ela looked at her lover for a long moment.

“I am in control. The Capitol Army is falling into our trap. We will end this day celebrating over the corpses of Illana and Rin and the rest of the so-called Heroes,” Ela said, through gritted teeth. The pain grew. It felt like Ela’s head was going to split at the line Rin’s arrow drew on that horrible night. The night they all chose the bitch.

“You’re not in control,” Tyrell said, “I can feel my spell fracturing.” Ela’s hand darted to the hilt of her sword. The pain was horrible. She wanted it to stop. Blood would make it stop. Tyrell put his hand on the small of her back. The pain lessened as he reinforced the failing spell in her head.

“You’ve done what’s needed for the moment. The troops saw the Edess Kul. If you’re suffering, please go back to your tent. Tyrell can join you there after a discreet time,” Tanus said.

“Yes, we can direct our people for the next few hours,” Remi assured her. Ela looked at her fellow Acolytes. The camaraderie she felt for these men was very different than what she had with those who betrayed her. Different, but just as strong. She didn’t need to pretend to be invulnerable with them. They knew her problems, but they tried to help her instead of just locking her away in some castle hundreds of miles away.

“Thank you,” Ela said, and strode off the platform as though it were her idea. She turned to one of her Faithful guards.

“Send a runner to Prior Jutus. He needs to withdraw faster if we’re going to have the Capitol Army in place at the proper time.” The Faithful saluted and sprinted away. Ela walked back to her tent at a leisurely pace. It wouldn’t do for the common troopers to think anything was wrong with their revered leader. The thought buoyed Ela as another wave of pain wracked her. The Purists revered her. They didn’t care the rest of the world thought she was too broken to be allowed in proper society.

Her tent was deserted except for Tyrell. She dismissed her Faithful guards and stepped into meeting room of the tent. Tyrell waited patiently as Ela removed the mask and hood. He smiled at her with a hint of lust in his eyes. That warmed her. Ela was surprised the first time she saw that look, and even more surprised when she let Tyrell seduce her. Ela was still unsure about why she let this human into her bed. It was different than with Ral, but there was something comforting about being with this man.

“How bad is the pain, love?” Tyrell asked as he took her head in his hands.

“Manageable, but getting worse,” she answered. “Why is it hurting so soon?”

“Seeing Rin fractured the spell worse than I anticipated,” Tyrell said, “Damn that man for doing this to you.” Ela surprised by him by chuckling.

“What is so amusing?”

“I always think of Rin as a boy,” Ela answered, “It’s strange to hear you refer to him as a man.” She couldn’t stop the groan of pain.

“Sorry, love. Let’s get you fixed up,” Tyrell said. He drew a knife from his belt and opened a cut on the top of her arm. He let the blood well up before dipping his finger in. She felt him trace blood along the scar.

“This will be worse than normal,” Tyrell said, looking deep into her eyes, “I need to clear away the old spellframe before setting the new one.”

“Do it,” Ela said. The blood on her face and arm burned as Tyrell used its power to amplify his own magic. He murmured in Old Republic and the world went black.

The dream began. First the cave. The bitch on the table surrounded by Ela’s traitorous friends. And Ral. Her love. Her soulbond. Something was wrong in their connection. Something Ela never felt in the years she and Ral shared the bond. But she couldn’t focus on that. They were surrounded by Cull’s Red and Black. Almost two hundred against nine. Cull was talking. What was he saying? Ela couldn’t remember. She remembered holding the arrow on the Black leader. Anguish and sorrow from Ral flooded their bond. Ral stabbed Jevin in the back. Their leader went down from the poisoned blade. Ral grabbed the bitch and sprinted towards Cull. No one could do anything. No one, except Ela. She moved her arrow just six inches. Pain flooded their connection as the arrow sank into Ral’s back. He dropped the bitch. Ela couldn’t believe what she did. She shot her soulbond. She expected anger and betrayal through their connection. Instead, all she felt from Ral was love and forgiveness. And pride? She couldn’t handle that. She shut all of it away, knocked another arrow, and started killing Cull’s fanatics as Rin ran towards the bitch on the cavern floor.

Ela’s eyes snapped open as the hated memory faded. The odd sensations of Tyrell’s magic crawled through her mind. It didn’t take away the memories but pushed them into a small part of her mind where she didn’t have to deal with them. Tyrell’s face was suddenly in front of her.

“I’m sorry love,” he said, “From the way you were thrashing, it must have been bad.” Ela thought about it for a long moment.

“Yes and no,” Ela said, “Painful, but it made me remember exactly why we must purify this city.”

Chapter Thirty-Four