[Posting as Judas]

After finding nearly a hundred people still in the city, I teleported them as far away from this city as I could. After the impact of that sudden storm nearly a third of them refused to leave the relative 'Safety' of their homes. "Choose me, or choose your pyre" Is what I said to them. A nice metaphor of either come with me, or be ready to burn. Brutal... But to save many more lives, it was a necessity.

Transporting what I'm sure what was the last of the citizens, I set out to find the others who were fighting that corrupted Recoiless. But it was a big city, and I was tired. I lack information. The radios and comm sites have gone completely silent. As far as I know, I could be the last person in the city.

Then something broke in me... A deep feeling of dread filled my soul. I looked up in the direction of the Castle. Seeing nothing, but feeling everything. I knew it the second the Horde broke the wall. The city was lost to us. To us all. May Evan have mercy on us all.

I couldn't stop now. I need to find everyone. I need save them before catastrophe strikes us all down.

Or I'll die trying.

[Scenario Change]

King Horatio sat in his IronClad Wagon. Looking through the pressurized glass screen behind his seat, he saw his city. He saw the black cloud that covered the entirety of Feign. He saw the suffocating swift wind of the Eye and he felt a twinge of fear within him. Horatio had just left a complete stranger one of the most powerful weapons in all of existence. "Horatio you fool." He said to himself, disregarding the listening ears of the his escort. Alanis Ventra, his personal bodyguard had seen the entire scene unfold, in the darkest corner with the best view. She thought the kings decision was fool hardy, but she would never say this out loud. She was a renown assassin turned soldier. She was the best with pistols and short bladed weapons.

Along with Alanis, three of the larger Dread Angel Templar and General Craven also sat in the large heavily armored vehicle.

The General had shed himself of his armor not including his leggings. The Mannifesta sat at his side. The screaming had abated for now. Looking at him, you could see his eyes were deep pools of doubt. He looked beaten, but he still had his king to serve, and this convoy gave made him tense. He trusted Alanis, but he didn't believe that he would survive without his most trusted General at his side. He sat with right arm up on the long seat, sipping at a wine glass.

The captain of the guard, Leland Arrolds, was just as old as General Craven. Just as powerful. He had led the Dread Angels for decades without fail. He was willing to go to the ends of the earth for his King. His holy vengeance rivals every dark being who threatens Horatio and the kingdom of Castor as a whole.

"Craven..." The King began, still looking back at Feign, "Where are we headed?"

Craven set his glass down and regarded his king, "To our sister city. Argos."

"Ah... Yes." A fire was burning in the King's eyes, but he didn't know it, "Send an envoy ahead of us. Convene the City Counsel. We're to find out why we reinforcements were not sent to aid us."

Craven looked at the ground now, "Yes your majesty." Craven stood and spoke to one of the lesser guardsmen a the front of the wagon.

[King Horatio, Grand General Craven, Alanis Ventra and Captain Leland Arrolds are out of the story for now.]

Back in the city, the remaining soldiers who refused to leave were stuck. They were all doomed.

Mengsk and Mia were heading toward the recently emptied castle.

Marlan and Markus were down while a seemingly immortal Recoiless hunted them down with the relent of a hungry dog.

But hope was not lost all together.
______

Judas Renais raced through the city searching for survivors. Using the last reserves of his energy, he targeted every soldier he saw and teleported them away.

Then he encountered Mengsk and Mia. He landed in front of them and made a portal in the ground, "Get in if you want to live." With that he summoned a flying cloud and sped off again. He did the same with Markus and Marlan. He made a large enough portal for Iskiera and her dragon. He found the writhing body of Tam, cauterized his wound and forced him into a portal.

He hoped his words got to everyone, Get in if you want to life, it pushed his point far enough. He didn't have time for pleasantries. He was a man of the cloth, and his sole purpose was protect the lives of those he served. For it was said by Evan, the God of Harmony.

After all that was said and done, he fell onto his knees and cursed. He looked up at the sky and saw Valkarie hovering, his monstrous hand extended into the air, the brilliance of the Eye glistening in his hand. He faltered and lost consciousness.
______

"For too long..." Valkarie began, "... For far too long have I waited for this moment."

With one tiny, microscopic twinge in the grip of Valkarie's talons, the Eye was activated.

______

The wrath of the gods had been unleashed. A horrible storm was conjured up using the power of the Eye. Fueled by his lust for vengeance and for power, the strength of the winds was being orchestrated by the demigod's will.

Beneath Castle Feign, something stirred. The earth cracked open and sent a massive earthquake throughout the entire city. The Castle being the epicenter of it all, the crack widened. Small obelisks began surging out of ground. Followed by larger ones. And the larger obelisks didn't care for property. Didn't care for the loss of infrastructure, all they did care about was that they come up from the earth and breath the air that has been denied them since the beginning.

Castle Feign's integrity failed instantaneously. Being made of stone, the structure began to break as the crack widened beneath it. But Valkarie would not have such a small tragedy befall the castle, He would make Feign a ruin for ALL to remember.

The winds picked up at terrifying speeds. Some would say maybe... A few hundred miles per hour. The ground betrayed the holy city as it failed to defend against the will of nature itself. Smaller building were picked up from their foundation and hurled into the sky. An enormous cyclone began toe dance around the city, it's building being it's accessories. Valkarie swayed along. He threw the Eye in one direction, and all seven miles of the Outer Wall was blown out instantly. He threw it another and it failed to reach the Kind's convoy, but it's impact was surely felt. While this all happened, Valkarie laughed like the evil man he was. Like the monster he had become.

Xanth could not stop this. With the Eye, Valkarie would obliterate her. She phased back into the AmostGrad, and opened another wormhole out, toward the Elv capital of Acreholm
______

"By Evan..." The King gasped, grasping onto the plushness of his seat. He looked back at Feign. Alanis noticed and turned around. General Craven had ran to the back of the wagon and Captain Leland followed his example. They all looked through the window, the capital city was nothing more than a speck on the horizon. But what happened next would send the King into tears.
_____

Back in the city, Valkarie hovered above the ruined castle now. He was determined to make this a day that no one would forget. He gripped onto the Eye and swung his hands up to the blackened sky.

The cyclone rumbled on but all went silent for a moment. The earthquake had abated, but something worse was about to befall the city. The ground shook. It was angry. And it was obeying...

As if a god himself was pulling something out of the ground, an obelisk unlike the world had seen before, burst from the ground beneath the castle. It's girth increased as it was ascended into the sky. The castle was destroyed and sepulchered away. The peak of the obelisk met Valkarie's feet and he stood atop the machination. He continued to laugh. He continued his endless laugh while he sent a thought to the last of the Horde Army.

"Package secured. Return to Trenya and begin operations to head back to Locust."

With that final word, he lowered his head and the cyclone ceased. Anything that was within it was sent hurling across the country side. Houses, market stands, trees... corpses were now raining down upon the landscape. When everything had calmed, he phased into the darkness and left the city - the ruin - behind.

Judas was no where to be found.

[Lets all assume that all Castor Characters made it into the portal and are now on their way to their destination. Refer to the OOC]

This Concludes Chapter One

I strode into the throne room. Augustus Warwick sat in his throne, brooding, staring at me with intense contempt.

Our "King" did not give me permission to launch the attack on Feign. I never asked his permission for anything, for he was not the rightful King. For all intents and purposes, I ruled this city: it was my throne he sat upon. But, I knew it would be better to provide a more friendly figure for our society. I, despite all my hate and anger, have some compassion for those who suffer as I. And so I created this town with their aid, to provide refuge and a comfortable life for those shunned by the Castor nations.

But, no doubt, Augustus was outraged at the seemingly apparent failure of my attack. After all, aside from the Necromancers, a few Dracolichs and some hidden Langoliers... All of the soldiers I brought with me have been obliterated...

But not for long, I thought to myself, fidgeting with the Eye held behind my back.

"Augustus," I said firmly, clearly with distaste. "You requested my presence?"

I stood proudly, awaiting the angry King's response.

Tam bellowed in pain and rage and despair as with one mighty blow Valkarie severed his arm from his body, and gained the Eye of the Storm. Tam hit the ground, falling off the great tower, and landing on the outer castle wall. All breath knocked out of him, his arm severed and lost, completely unable to continue the fight, Tam could do naught, but watch, in horror, as Valkarie ascended into the sky, the Eye of the Storm in his hand, all the power of the elements themselves in his control. "I have failed, yet again." Tam whispered, tears forming in his eyes. "And my latest failure has doomed the world. All is lost."

The mage Judas found Tam laying on the floor, broken, battered, without the will to go on. He cauterized Tam's wound, and sent him through a portal, to the great city of Acreholm. Tam came out of the portal, and rose to his feet, staring in awe at his childhood home. "After so many years of wandering, I have at last come home." He murmured softly. "I suppose it is only fitting. I've run for millenia, now I must face my people, and I must pay for my crimes. Both of old, and the new. Whatever the consequences, I can no longer avoid this place." As the sun set, falling below the massive boughs of the ancient and all mighty trees, Tam took a moment to just stare at his old home. He was old, so very old, but at last he had returned home. He only wondered if those he once knew had survived the long years themselves.

In the city of Ragnos, everything is dark, not a shed of light can peer through this city's wretched darkness. Gallus, already powerful in the art of magic, wizardry, sorcery, and necromancy, walks near the outskirts of the city walls looking for something to do. It's hard to be so powerful and yet be held back by the people. He finds a place to sit down after hours of walking and doing nothing and sees Valkarie coming back from the war at Feign. Excited to see the great general come home, he rushes back to the city to hear Valkarie's stories of his accomplishment. Once in the manor, Valkarie was nowhere to be found. Gallus asked many where Valkarie is, some say he was with King Warwick up in his throne room. After retrieving the answer he heads straight to the throne room. Once in the throne room, he finds Valkarie talking to the King. He awaits to hear what Valkarie has to say while hiding behind one of the pillars in the throne room...

Shyra was already in the throne room, she had taken to trailing Valkarie in the hope that his presence would make something happen. She hung at the back of the decorated hall. She noticed one of the necromancers from the siege appear and, apparently trying to hide, make himself comfortable behind a pillar within earshot. While he was looking the other direction Shyra fluttered over. Her footsteps almost silent against the ambience of the room. The Elf-like woman approached without mirroring the necromancer's attempt to stay hidden. Once she had made her way next to Gallus, recognising him, she spoke. "Well. Hello there." Her voice naturally as smooth and silky as a whisper, and it did not penetrate the conversation of the King and the Demigod.

Mengsk emerged from the portal into a courtyard in the midst of gleaming white. Slightly disorientated he took a few steps and steadied himself. When his vision cleared he could see the interior of a great tree, the bark was white and wizened from age. Up the sides of the behemoth's inside constructions jutted, beautifully weaved from branches arcing out from the internal surface. The experienced warrior absorbed all this in a moment, taking no time to wonder at the beauty and the scale. A soldier, one of those recently rescued from the doomed city of Feign, walked over to check up on the Blademaster. Mengsk assured the man that he was all right and sent the footman off to assist those who recently arrived out of the portal. The courtyard was overrun with people, some were refugees but most of the number were elven soldiers and citizens of Acreholm, kindly assisting those in need. Mengsk turned, conscious that he entered, and therefore emerged, previous to the woman.

[Posting as Lord Augustus Warwick]

The Fellguard tensed around me as Valkarie entered my throne room. The Manor and my humble servants weren't as use to the demigod as I was, but I guess it was a necessity. Valkarie; however powerful he is, does not scare me in the slightest. What does it matter when the people call? What does brute strength matter when the years harvest is late. Where is his keen intellect when a problem arises? I'll tell you where: In the sky. The clouds keep the beast from what he should be doing. War plagues his every thought. Revenge. The people of Ragnos and I however?

We've moved on.

We've forged a nation that spans the entire continent of Locust. We are one country, united under a single banner. We have the power to both protect ourselves, AND decimate the Castrians who curse us. But I am no idealist. I am not one who looks to creating a world wide government. Horatio and I? Just two sides of the same coin. Light without dark? An impossibility. One cannot rule the mass, without one little rebel who refuses to be snuffed out.

And here stands, obviously awaiting me to verbally chastise him for his apparently unauthorization and utter failure. He expects me to dole out some petty punishment and be on with his day. As I learned with the Crusades eons ago, you cannot teach those who will not learn. All you can do is feed them enough string and hope they hang themselves with it.

I cleared my throat and my Fellguard straitened up, more afraid of me than they ever will their General and that Horde rabble of his, "Gerard," I started, speaking his original name before the Reckoning twisted him, "Your insolence brings a tear to my eyes," I look up at the man that stood before me, "But it is not out of anger or fear." I spit at the ground, the saliva burning and evaporating before it even touched the ground, "It is out of pity."

I stood up then and walked toward the man who champions himself as Valkarie, "Your little act of treachery will no doubt bring the full wrath of Castor down upon us all," I glared at him, "Did you even think of the people we both protect from them your liege?" I stretched this last word in sarcasm. I walked around him and toward the large circular window that overlooked the whole of Ragnos North, at the other end of my throne room. I continued to walk toward the window as I spoke, "Finish what you've started Gerard. You know where Arnold is. And, as my reports say, with the destruction of Trenya, the channel between Argos and the Isaiah Plains is the only way they can counterattack. I give you access to the Inquisition and the entire Machine Core. You know where Arnold is, and you especially know where Avermond is."

I look out through the stained glass down to the people who freely roamed my city, "If you fail... You fail every single one of them. This mega city is your creation Valkarie. Your child."

I turn once more and ask one simple question, "Was it worth it?" I was referring to the attack. Surely Gerard wasn't stupid. There had to be a reason. If there wasn't... Oh the horrors I would wreak upon his soul.

Feign had fallen, yet, there was no celebrating, or cheer.

After the city had crumbled and the Recoiless obliterated, Deren had come back to Ragnos, hoping for something to do. He decided the best place to be right now was around "Lord" Augustus Warwick. He was not particularly interested in politics, but thought that something interesting was bound to happen around him and he was right.

He had hidden himself up near the ceiling in his shadow form, and watched as Valkarie came in. He noticed that he wasn't the only one who was watching what was happening. A mage he had never seen before and the shadowmaiden were conversing behind of the pillars.

Returning his attention to Augustus, he listened to his speach, and wondered what Valkarie's reply would be.

I sneered deeply. The King's concern was needless. The Castor armies would not survive a counter attack. We had already decimated Feign in a single fell swoop. If it weren't for the Eye being used against us, I wouldn't have needed to use it to bring the city down. However, I was indeed irked that he called me by my name sans the Reckoning. Only four other people ever referred to me as Gerard. I had become Valkarie... Valkarie Voloshanz.

"You tell me, Augustus," I said with a smirk, lifting the Eye into plain sight, the magical prowess oozing from it. "The Castors fell quickly to our assault on Feign. With this... they will not survive a counter attack. Our armies will be resurrected in a matter of minutes once Arnold utilizes the Eye. And with me leading the battle... all will be decimated."

Several people were listening in on our conversation. A necromancer, sorceror and that mysterious woman whom I ran into at Feign.

They would all prove useful soon.

Sylvia Louise Griffin stood amongst the mass of Castrians. Slightly confused and disoriented, she stumbled a bit, then strode with as much grace as she could muster she strode with the kind of walk only developed through many years wealth and privilege. She had been sitting quietly and safely in her lavish home in the Inner City. She had chosen to stay in her home rather than risk trying to evacuate, sure she would be safer. Now she'd been evacuated against her will, which irked her, even having seen the destruction of the city. It was her choice to make, and if she chose to die with the city then too bad for her. She wished Judas hadn't wasted energy saving a stubborn old woman and a bunch of other hard-headed citizens who refused to evacuate.

She pulled her glasses up to her face to better examine her surroundings. It appeared she was in a hallowed tree, and a quite beautiful one at that. She looked around at the other refugees, most in terrible condition. "Excuse me," she called out to no one in particular. "Someone fetch me a staff, hm?" She would gladly help heal anyone she could, but was more concerned with her own well-being. She was rusty no doubt, but her magic was a force to be reckoned with, and she would prefer to have it at her disposal if need be. From what she could gather, Horatio had fled, apparently without the Eye of the Storm considering the utter destruction of the city.

She thought then of her city: where she was born and raised, where she'd lived over six decades. It wasn't until it was obliterated that she realized her attachment to it. Gone... all gone. She felt tears welling up in her eyes, but blinked them away. She would be strong. She continued asking around for a staff.

I was caught in a state of shock when I heard the voice come from behind me. I said: "Umm hello there. Who are you? Have you come to hear the declamation between Valkarie and our Lord?" For that spilt second Gallus didn't pay attention to Valkarie's conversation with King Warwick. He couldn't stop noticing the presence of woman, something about her caught his interest. After a few minutes of regaining his thoughts back on Valkarie, he noticed that he was not alone in the throne room. There were others he has not seen within the city walls before. Whoever they are, they really make this declamation seem very important, it's as if something was about to change the face of this war with the Castorians.

"What King says is of nonsense, he only sees this war in the big picture that it presents itself in, he must see all the small pictures to realize Valkarie's goal and dream. And when he said that Ragnos was his creation, then why doesn't Valkarie rule this majestic city? Why does Warwick rule something he has not created?! It sickens me to see and hear how Valkarie is treated... The only thing he should be getting is praise, not words of pity and sorrow from this fool we call a king." I'm still bothered by the presence of these other companions; Who are they? Why are they hear? What is their purpose? Enough questions for now, I should listen some more so then I can ask the questions later. I'm still mystified by this woman...

For only a moment was I dumbstruck by what was presented to me, but reality hit me harder than anything our general could muster, "You took..." I stutter. The fool. The confounding idiot, "You haven't even taken in the full gravity of the situation have you?" I barked, "That is more than any reason for their coming! That infernal contraption of yours will undo us all!"

The Castrians were not as stupid as Valkarie assumed them to be. The centuries of dwelling, and thoughts of vengeance have clouded his mind. A battered enemy is the most dangerous. He risked our very existence by this act of treachery.

"They WILL come. You have no idea what Castor is capable of. Feign was nothing compared to the Churches of Evan or Renae. Their light will snuff you out with or without that thing." I raved. True, perhaps I was a bit hysterical, but it was called for. I have never doubted Valkarie's tactical prowess, but what truly horrified me was...

I returned to my throne and covered my face with my left palm, "Have you even considered the prophecy?" I asked, referring to Avermond Straum's prediction of.... He who turned his back on us all. Gerard's former master. The man he was doggedly obedient to until that fateful day.

A prophecy? What is this prophecy King Warwick speaks of? Do you know anything of it stranger? This is the FIRST time that I've ever heard of a prophecy...

I never knew that Lord Valkarie had a master... Who is this person? Who is Avermond Straum? Why was I never informed of such things. Sure, I'm not really into the whole political ideals of this city, but what are they talking about...

Gallus was hit hard with their words, he felt dumbfounded by the news... He was definitely in a state of shock. He started thinking about all these questions, baffled by their conversation. Is Valkarie the real person Gallus thought he was? Was he really a hero of the Locust Kingdom? So many questions and there is no one to answer them... I must find my answers quickly...

[Posting as Xanth]

(Far above Crown's Grotto, a very similar wormhole opened up in the sky and the dreadnought AmostGrad poured out.)

What a complete failure, I thought to myself. I sighed, sitting in my captain's seat in the bridge of my ship. My men were silent. Void of all emotion. Numb even. Most of them grew up in Feign. And now our fabled city was gone. There's nothing you could have done. I should have been there. I should have been able to save the city! I slammed both of my fists onto the control console in front of me, alarming my crew. Reluctantly regaining my composure, I ordered, "Status report?"

"The AmostGrad has sustatined minimal damage Admiral." One corporal said.

"Broadside guns two, three, sixty four, and seventy seven are out and inoperable."

"Upper deck laser cannons are at sixty percent charge. Laser cannons one through fifteen are dead."

Great. Great news guys, "Land us in the Lavishilei Docking Bay. Have all available engineer crews report in and begin repairs."

I stood up and began to exit, one of my men asked, "What are you to do, Lord Xanth?"

"Count the bodies." I said as I left sliding doors closing behind me.

Instead of using the drop, I went to my chambers and simply phased out to the Great Tree in the center of Acreholm. I came in just meters above the refugee staging area. Humbly falling, my aura slowly healed the wounds all the people around me. The horror that was before me baffled my eyes. Not in a thousand years have I seen a scene so gruesome. All I could do was spread my aura as strongly as I could. I noticed a few familiar faces from the battle at Feign. Two swordsmen, a man and a woman, and two men in hulking suits of armor. There was also a small girl who apparently owned the dragon who aggressively refused help. I noticed a woman, obviously of the higher class, asking around for something. As I approached, I figured it out. She was a healer without a way to heal. I stopped in front of her and conjured up a make-shift staff of my own will. I held it out to her and said graciously, "It's not much. But it'll do the job." I smiled.

I chortled now. But he did have a point.

By hands both scarred and hated
Shall bloodlust be sated

The first part of the prophecy had become reality. I razed the city to recover the Eye.

With power eternal at hand
Shall he continue to raze the land

Perhaps a reference to a Castrian counter-attack...

Collossal forces will collide
And Aleksander shall rise to divide.

Straum has never been wrong, not a single time in his life.

But what Augustus doesn't realize is that my true aim is to aid in Aleksander's return.

"Hmph. I don't believe in that convoluted Prophecy you've built your life around, Augustus. That is your truth, not mine. I don't fear Aleksander, nor do I fear any Prophecy speaking of his return. If he is to rise again... I will find a way to kill him myself."

And I was earnest. Aleksander was the root of all my hatred, all my bloodlust and desire for vengeance. I wish to bring Aleksander back... to kill him. And nothing will stop me. Not the Castors, not Horatio, not Augustus, not Xanth: NO ONE.

"For all my faults, Augustus, you know I will defend this city with my life. I may be driven by revenge... but what little compassion I have left is for this city. You may sit on that throne, Augustus, but I rule this city just as much as you: and you know it."

Tentative ears listened left and right. Such young, naive souls: unaware of the gravity of coming events. Some of them don't even know Aleksander's name. Some would oppose his return. Some hate him just as much as I.

Aleksander... Where are you, you bastard?

Deren listened and wondered.

He had heard of the prophecy only once, from his old master, who had worked for Avermond Straum. Certainly the first part had come true, but would the rest come true? If it did come true, that meant that Aleksander would come back.

Deren pondered these things and listened.

Shyra investigated her nails, making sure that the mage could see their unnatural length and sharpness. She listened to Gallus while appearing not to, dropping her hand back down as she replied "Me? I'm known as Shyra... and there is no more to it." At first her voice was its usual silky style, although it hardened after she paused suggesting she would brook no exceptions. She noticed that the man was slightly distracted by her presence, but she applied nothing to it, she was used to such receptions and even made attempts to encourage them. "No, I'm only here because I'm hoping something interesting will happen. Ragnos is more then slightly boring."

She looked at him slightly with contempt as the man voiced his opinion. "So," she began slowly, her voice hinting slightly at the poison that dwelt in her overly white eyes. "You are another mindless lackey. I had hoped for intelligent conversation, but I guess I should not hope with Voloshanz's presence. He draws only power-carving sheep." She turned to watched the events unfolding between the two great figures at the end of the hall. "Only fools see both truths and discard one as a lie." Was her finishing phrase. a grin spread on her face, enjoying what would undoubtedly offend Gallus.

Her full attention was taken by Valkarie at the far end as his bold statements berated the king. The Shadowmaiden had been taught much history and knew more of the fall and the demigods and events surrounding them then the general population of the world, although it was greatly general and unspecific. She personally doubted Voloshanz, he would either fall at the hands of the greater demigod or join Aleksander as the loyal servant he was before. The prophecy was known to her, and she could apply it She sniffed in humour at the demon's last few words, most likely his hollow soul held no compassion and he defended this people with some other twisted and warped emotion. Not that the women herself was not twisted, in a way she could not care less as long as he brought her some way to whet her blade's appetite.

"You're a fool Valkarie," I said in anger, "Aleksander is with our Liege Of Darkness, Father Armanies now. He has become more than you could ever possibly comprehend. You may be more than what you once were, but you're still mortal. Unlike Aleks. He's become a god. What hopes do you have against a Divine?"

Father Armanies was the original creator of all things shadow blessed. The original cathedral erected in his honor on Plato was once where he gave people like us breath. But that thousands of years ago. He has long since reached divinity. He birthed an Avatar that could control all shadow fiends and beasts before he passed, but as to where that grotesque thing is now, is anyone's guess. Certainly not commanding the undead legions of the Horde, the army that Valkarie took up mantle for. The original shepard who was given this daunted task, the avatar, has failed our Father's plea.

Perhaps it is better this way. Gerard was not a spiritual person I'm sure, perhaps he didn't believe in this avatar of our lord, maybe he didn't even think of Father Armanies as such, since we were all turned into what we are, not born... Aleksander; however, is probably more than Evan, Renae, or Father Armanies ever were. Thinking about it brings a cold shiver to my old bones. He'll scour us all from the face of the planet and begin his cruel plans again.

((Sorry about this late update. A lot of things have been happening. Nearly forgot this tab existed.))

- Conclusion: Chapter One: The Siege of Feign has been completed.

- Beginning: Chapter Two: The Calm Before the Storm has begun.

- Lord Augustus Warwick introduced.

- Alanis Ventra introduced.

- Captain Leland Arrolds introduced.

- The two above characters along with King Horatio and General Craven are headed to The Ageless City of Argos to discuss what went wrong in during chapter one.
> IMPORTANT: I will be making the Argos City place soon enough, in which a critical story arc will take place. While all characters are in either in Ragnos or Acreholm at the moment, it should be assumed that the King is still en route.

I need a consensus: Do you, as in your characters, want a part of the debate in Argos, or shall I keep to NPC's talking? Please Refer to the OOC.

Gallus waits near the the pillar with Shyra... So Shyra's your name huh? A very odd woman such as yourself to be wandering the city of Ragnos. His voice seemed sneerful.
This is a very interesting conversation but what prophecy are they talking about. The more Gallus heard, the more he became interested. So there's more to this war than Valkarie's lust for power...

This shall be a very interesting indeed.... Gallus prepares to leave the throne room to do some research....

"A fool? Don't lecture me, Augustus. I'm not the only one neglecting prophecies.

With power ephemeral of the relics merged
Shall Aleksander's reign be disturbed" I recited aloud. The last part of Straum's prophecy.

"If Aleksander rises again, then I will lay aside my hatred and vindiction to strike him down. With the four items joined together, a power may be created to overthrow him."

And it was true. With the Eye, the Lyre, the Phoenix and the Mirror joined together, Aleksander may yet be defeated.

The Eye, fortified by the energies of history's most powerful sorcerors and users of magic, crafted by my own hands.

The Lyre, created by Isaac from the mythical Harp of Elysia: which he now houses in his own body.

The Phoenix, captured, subdued and forged into a trinket of epic proportions by Andame.

And the Mirror, constructed by Xanth by the remnants of the Twilight Mirror.

All were created to serve Aleksander as members of the court: and now must be reunited to form a weapon strong enough to destroy the master they were made to cater to.

"My aim is to retrieve these relics and forge the weapon myself. Should Aleksander arise... the former Court must put their differences aside and join together to wield these weapons respectively and go into battle together. For now... my aim is to release Isaac and retrieve the Lyre. Augustus, I am a man of many faults: a monster. But I will not rest until my vengeance is fulfilled. And my dream of revenge shall serve this world a better purpose. I may indulge in a few shallow retributions along the way," such as the destruction of Feign, "But make no mistake. The world's most dreaded power is one I seek to exterminate. What happens after that... I neither know or care."

We stood silently.

"With or without your permission, I will take the Eye and resurrect our fallen then lead them to the Isaiah Plains to aid Isaac."

"With or without permission Gerard..." I paused, despising the man's very presence right now, "If you carry this plan out, even with the assistance of the others. You will not be able to halt the coming storm." I looked around the room and noticed all the faces of those who had listened to our ramblings. All those who shouldn't be listening to our most intimate conversations, "Out... I want EVERYONE out." I yelled this from my throne, and everyone, including my guard began to shuffle their feet.

Damn Straum for ever... EVER speaking that infernal prophecy. We're all doing fine without the interruptions of Gods. But I cannot complain, nor should I continue to berate Valkarie. We all hate Aleksander to some degree. And I say that without a doubt in my heart. Of course I feel vengeance in my heart for that man, but he's the one who created us. Delivered us from our old traditions into a new age. Aleksander isn't my priority, neither is my wish to channel my hate through my scimitar. Nay... He won't listen to me. The only one Gerard trusts is Straum... And perhaps the other demigods.

But whatever happens, the people are MY responsibility. While their rightful leader is out tying the noose around all their necks ever tighter.

As everyone was just about clear of my throne room, I said, "Go. Valkarie. Deliver us all to our doom. You're dismissed."

Deren had heard enough, even before Warwick commanded him out. Phasing out into a side street, Deren resumed his normal form. The change took longer than expected and it was several minutes before he was normal.

Sighing, he headed back to the barracks, where his stuff was. All around people were cheering and celebrating. Songs could be heard almost anywhere in the city and as Deren got closer to the barracks, he realized that there was a party going on.

Moving about inside was rather difficult, as there were so many people and things in there. Shouldering his way past most of the party goers, Deren collected his books, weapons, and traveling cloak. He once more plunged into the crowd and reappeared back outside. He set out for the gates, and arrived there half an hour later. Ragnos was the largest city on the continent, and there were very few towns that weren't part of it.

Passing under the gates, he headed towards the coast, and, a small village beside it.

Shyra was not at all put off by the dismissal. She had not incentive to remain in the room and she made her way outside. She wandered away from the great palace, noticing that Valkarie was dismissed behind her. She made a note to track him down later and join him. The city was stagnant and unexciting, she longed for some reason to get out of the city, for although there was no reason to stay there was less reason to leave. Shyra paused and a thought crossed her mind. A grin spread across her black face and her white eyes filled with malice. She turned and, weaving her way delicately through the crowd, made her way to the residences where the majority of necromancers who served in the dark city's army made there home.