A/N: Beginning in the section titled Collapse, I will refer to Lews Therin Telamon as "The Dragon" and Harry as "Telamon". I know may be somewhat confusing at first, but some of the dialogue didn't sound right using "Harry."
A/N 2: I have gone back and changed the starting year for the WoT portion of the story. It does not change any of the events, but it brings it closer to the Breaking of the World and fits better with the way I have accelerated events. No other changes were made.
As always, thanks for the reviews.
Chapter 4: Descent into Darkness
Aftermath
Researchers poured out of the Collam Daan when the heard the gathered onlookers scream as the Sharom was destroyed and black fire spread across the sky. Just as the first researchers made it outside, they say a deep blue shield form over them protecting the facility from the falling debris and fire.
Then after protecting everyone from the worst of the debris, the shield shattered like a piece of glass. For a moment the pieces of the shield began to fall and it looked like everyone would be crushed or sliced to ribbons by the razor sharp shards. Then Harry passed out and as he lost his hold on Saidin, the shards that were falling dissolved back into nothingness.
A hush fell over the crowd as they realized they were safe. People started dispersing, not knowing what to do when senior researcher Linar took charge. "Devon, Travel to the Hall of Servants, we may need healers. I don't know who created that shield but it used a hell of a lot of power." Seeing that Devon was still somewhat dazed from the display he ordered "GO!"
Snapping out it, Devon replied "Uh, yeah ok." Collecting himself, he went on "Yes I am going now." Noting that he had enough room to open a portal safely, he Traveled directly to the Hall of Servants, not bothering to use the Traveling point.
Linar, having sensed the power that Harry had used in the shield, grabbed two other researchers and said "You're coming with me. We need to check out that spire. Whoever was creating the shield is in there."
Linar could still feel some of the flows of Air and Fire that Harry had used in making the shield. He knew that they came from the top floor. The three continued to climb the stairs until they reached the top floor. Not wasting any time, Linar barged into the room to find the circle collapsed on the floor, passed out from exhaustion and the shock of being released so suddenly by Mierin.
"This doesn't make sense. They couldn't have formed the shield, they are all women and if it had been them, I would not have sensed anything. Quickly, search the rest of the room. If you find anyone, call out." Having issued his orders, Linar knelt down and began to examine the unconscious women using his meager healing skills to identify any problems.
While Linar was doing this, Kera and Meda, the other two researchers, separated and began to search the side rooms. After checking all the doors and anterooms on her side, Kera decided to check out the balcony. It took her a moment to process what she was seeing. It was Harry, passed out on the floor of the balcony blood slowly pooling around his head. Shaking herself she called "Linar! I found him, out here on the balcony."
Linar and Meda, hearing the urgency in Kera's voice rushed out to the balcony to see her pushing Harry onto his side so he wouldn't aspirate on his own blood. Once again taking charge of the situation, Linar ordered "Meda, get to the Hall of Servants and find Devon. Tell him where we are and that we need healers immediately."
Meda recognizing the urgency of the situation, ran back into the main room and Traveled to the Hall of Servants.
After Meda left, Kera asked "Is there anything we can do?"
"Unless you have more skill at healing than I realized, the only thing we can do is wait and hope that Devon and Meda make it back here in time."
"What do you think happened? What could destroy the Sharom like that?"
"I really don't know. All I do know right now that this young man saved everyone at this facility."
"Did you see the size of the shield he made? I couldn't have protected a single spire let alone the entire facility and surrounding grounds."
"Hopefully he didn't burn himself out in the process."
Gasping, her face pensive, Kera started brushing Harry's hair away from his face and said "Do you really think that happened?"
"It wouldn't be the first time it has happened, that someone drew more of the One Power than they could safely handled and burned the ability to channel out. Hopefully that is not the case here."
Meanwhile in the main room, a portal opened and Meda, Devon and three healers stepped through. Meda quickly lead two of the healers, Devra and Nemene, to the balcony.
Devra paled when she realized that it was Harry lying on the floor of the balcony. "Harry?" Turning towards Linar and Kera she asked "What happened here?"
Taking over, Nemene silenced the conversation and said "We don't have time for that now. I will handle this. You go in and help with the others."
"But…" Devra trailed off as she saw the expression on Nemene's face and knew she would not be winning any arguments. She walked back into the main room with a last worried glance at Harry as Nemene started to work.
Not wasting any more time, Nemene began to work. A pale blue glow surrounded her hands that pulsed in time to Harry's heartbeat as she channeled flows of spirit, water, and air into Harry so that she could sense all of his injuries. She was relieved to note that much of the blood on the floor appeared to have come from the cut on his forehead he had most likely received when he passed out. However, she also detected that there was some brain hemorrhaging that was causing his labored breathing and shock.
Changing the flows that she was channeling, she now included earth into the mix and formed a complex pattern with the flows of power. The glow around her hands had increased in intensity and deepened in color as she included the flows of earth. She directed the new pattern into Harry to repair the damaged blood vessels in his brain and the more minor cut on his forehead.
"I have done everything I can. He should be fine now, but he will probably be unconscious for the next couple of hours and tired for the next few days." Standing Nemene went back into the main room to check on Devra.
Seeing Nemene walk in, Devra gave her an update "There are no injuries here. It appears that they are all suffering from an extreme case of exhaustion but there are no other physical injuries."
"Good. I assume you know that young man on the balcony? Is there somewhere he can rest, he probably won't wake up for a couple of hours?"
"Yes, he is Lews Therin Telamon's oldest son Harry. How is he?"
Nemene's eyes widened a little at hearing this. "He will be fine. There was some brain hemorrhaging but I have repaired the damage. Now he just needs rest."
"If you don't need me for anything else, I would like to take him to his parents." Seeing Nemene nod in acquiescence, she channeled flows of air to create a stretcher for Harry. Tying off the flows so she wouldn't have to concentrate on them, she opened a portal to bring Harry home.
Arriving at Harry's home, Devra called for help. While she was a very good healer, she was not used to maintaining multiple flows as she had with the stretcher and creating a portal at the same time.
Opening the front door, Lews saw Devra and started to walk over to her when he saw Harry lying on the stretcher looking very pale and weak. "Ilyena, Harry's been hurt! Devra what happened, he was supposed to be helping Mierin with some research project today?"
At that moment, a very worried looking Ilyena rushed out to meet them and taking one look at Harry "Why are you standing out here? Get him inside and take him to his bedroom!"
Blushing slightly at this reprimand from his wife, Lews knelt down and gently picked Harry up and carried him inside and up to his bedroom. Even though Harry was now 27 years old, he still remembered the malnourished, underweight 15 year old boy that had appeared out of nowhere and brought so much happiness into his home. Placing Harry gently on the bed, he bent down and kissed him on his forehead before walking downstairs to talk to Devra.
Hearing his wife and Devra speaking, he heard Devra say "He is ok, whatever he did though caused some minor brain hemorrhaging but Nemene was able to repair the damage. Now it is a simple case of exhaustion."
Entering the room, he asked "So there is no permanent damage?"
"There shouldn't be, once he is awake we will check his ability to channel but the chance of him burning himself out appears to be pretty low given how well he responded to the healing. He will be weak for a few days, but that should be the worst of it."
Letting out the breath Ilyena hadn't realize she was holding, she asked "What happened? I assume you found him at the Collam Daan?"
"I don't know. One of the researchers, Devon, Traveled to the Hall to get healers. There had been some accident and they didn't know if there were any injuries. As Nemene and I along with another healer were about to leave a second researcher arrived telling us where we were needed. We traveled to the main spire and arrived on the top floor. Nemene was directed to Harry while I and the other healer examined the other injured women. Beyond that, I don't have any information. We will have to wait for Harry to wake up."
"Devra, you look like you could use some rest yourself. Take your normal guest room and get some sleep. You won't do anyone any good in your current condition."
She was about to protest when a yawn escaped her control. Nodding in acquiescence, she went upstairs to her room after checking on Harry.
Lews and Ilyena followed her into Harry's bedroom. They both pulled chairs close to his bed, waiting for Harry to wake up. Luckily Aeron was visiting with a friend for the week so there was nothing to distract them.
A few hours later, Harry began to regain consciousness. Moaning softly, his eyes still closed, he felt his mum brush his hair back. "Harry, open your eyes." She said with tears in her voice.
"Mum, is that you?" He slowly opened his eyes to see his mum sitting next his bed in the dimly lit room. "How did I get here, what happened?" He croaked out.
"Devra brought you home. You were injured today at the Collam Daan and we were hoping you could tell us what happened." His father explained.
"Dad?" He asked looking over at his father. Clearly, he wasn't fully awake you but he was pulling it together.
"Yeah, it's me." Reaching out, he gave Harry's should a squeeze.
"I don't know everything that happened. We were in the circle, just like we had been practicing, when without any warning Mierin released everyone. All of us collapsed in exhaustion but I wasn't as bad off as the rest were. I heard screaming outside so I went to the balcony and I saw crowds of people screaming and pointing up at the sky. Looking up I saw the Sharom explode and black fire started spreading across the sky and shooting towards the ground right behind the falling debris. Since no one else was doing anything, I created a shield to cover the Collam Daan and the grounds to protect everyone from the debris and fire. It held until the end when a piece of debris finally shattered the shield and I pretty much passed out at that point. Do you know what happened to the rest of the circle or Mierin and Beidomon?"
Ilyena answered "The circle is fine. You were the most injured. We haven't heard anything about Mierin" she paused here making a sour face "or Beidomon. You stay here; I am going to go get us some food." Getting up she left the room.
His dad looked very pensive about something "Dad, what's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing I was just thinking about something. I will let you know if it pans out. Harry, I could not be more proud of you and I was so scared when I saw Devra bring you to the house on a stretcher. The thought of losing you…and I love Harry. I couldn't love you anymore if you were my son by blood."
Harry felt a warm glow hearing his dad say that. He knew they loved him, but every time he heard it, it filled him with a feeling of warmth and security. "Dad, there is something I wanted to tell you with mum not in the room. When I saw the Sharom explode and the black fire spreading everywhere, I got this sense of terrible hate and anger. Do you remember when I told you about Voldemort?"
"Yes, he was the dark wizard that killed your parents and tried to kill you."
"It felt similar to him. I mean it wasn't him, because my scar didn't hurt or anything, but it was that kind of unrelenting hatred and anger for everything. It was just pouring out everywhere. I don't know what happened in the Sharom, but I think whatever power they were looking for was not what they found or what they expected."
"Hopefully Mierin and Beidomon survived, they may be able to provide some answers."
"I hope so."
2 days later
Knocking on his father's office door, Harry entered "Dad, mom said you wanted to talk about something?"
Looking up, he noticed that Harry was swaying a little in the doorway. "Harry, sit down before you fall down." He said with some concern.
"I guess that I need a little more rest." Harry said as he sank into a chair with a sigh. "So, what did you need to talk to me about?" He asked again.
"What do you know about your final testing to be named Aes Sedai?"
"Not much, all I know is that it is a test of strength in the one power and response to grave situations. That is what we are told in classes, anything else is just rumors."
"Essentially, you are correct. As you know, you would not be put through the test until after your internship is complete in 3 years. Given the events of the last week, we have decided that you will go through as soon as possible."
Harry was stunned. This was the last thing he had expected. "What? Why?"
"You have to ask that after what you did last week? Most Aes Sedai would barely be able to channel after 3 hours of being in a circle. You not only channeled, but you were able create and hold a shield that saved the lives of over 2,000 researchers and onlookers." His face beaming with pride as he continued "This is exactly the type of behavior we look for during the test."
"I am not sure what you mean? You have to save people in order to pass the test?"
"It isn't that you saved people Harry. You had to be exhausted, in pain, and yet you put up a shield to protect not just yourself, but the entire Collam Daan and all the onlookers. The test looks at how you react to dire situations, do you freeze or do you keep a cool head and respond to the situation."
"I am not sure what to say. I didn't do anything that any other Aes Sedai wouldn't do." Harry protested.
"That's the point. You did exactly what we want Aes Sedai to do. You kept you head and did what needed to be done with no hesitation."
"So, when would I do take the test? What about my internship?"
"You will go through it sometime in the next two weeks. It is mostly dependent on your recovery. The internship will begin a week after your test, to give you a break."
Standing, Harry said "Well, in that case I am going back to bed."
Later, while Harry was resting there came a knock on his bedroom door. "Come in." He said sitting up.
Martin walked in with a guarded expression on his face. He had just heard from Durram that Harry was to be given the test to become Aes Sedai a full 2 ½ years early. Once again, Harry has to set himself above everyone, using his family's name to get whatever he wanted. "I've heard that congratulations are in order. You get to take the test early." Martin failed at keeping some of the resentment out his voice.
Not really paying attention, Harry sat up a little straighter on the bed before replying "They are not in order yet. I won't take the test for another week or so."
"As if you could possibly fail." He said bitterly.
"Why are you so upset? I didn't ask to be tested early."
"You didn't refuse it either. It's just another way to show how much better you are than everyone else. Last time it was your internship, now it is this early testing."
"What are you talking about, we don't choose our internships. They are chosen for us based on our abilities by the Hall." Harry said, voice growing in strength as he began to get angry.
"Oh Please. There is no way you or daddy would let Devra or I have something better than you. We were each given internships with the leading healer and blade master respectively, so you had to overshadow us again and be interned with the Tamrylin."
Finally losing his temper, Harry said in a nasty voice "Well maybe it is true what they say then."
"What is that?" asked Martin in spite of himself.
"Cream rises to the top and shit sinks to the bottom."
Martin froze at hearing that. Even though Harry hadn't really meant it, it seemed to confirm all of Martin's deep-seated fears that Harry was better than him and always would be. Eyes narrowed, Martin opened himself to Saidin and prepared to attack Harry.
Durram walked in at that point, having sensed someone channeling. Reading the tense and angry expressions on the two, he asked "What's going on here?"
Releasing Saidin, Martin said "Nothing. I was just telling Harry that I have decided to take you up on your offer to live in your home during the rest of my internship."
"In that case, why don't you pack your things?" After Martin left the room Durram continued "OK, what really happened. I can tell by your expression that you had no idea that Martin was moving into my home."
"Martin was jealous that I am being given the test early."
"Harry, you are going to have to expect that. There are going to be a lot of people that are jealous not only of your internship with the Tamrylin which is rare enough but now you are being given the test 2 ½ years early. Hopefully in the future you handle it better than you apparently did today." With that, Durram left the room and Harry to his thoughts.
Martin seeing Durram standing in his bedroom doorway said "I suppose you are here to ask me to apologize."
"No, I am here to offer advice. It is not wise to be so openly jealous or resentful of Harry or his father. They are too popular and highly thought of."
"What do you know about jealousy or resentment?"
"I too have seen positions that were rightfully mine go to Lews. I did not choose to take you on for your internship by accident. I recognize much of myself in you, especially the desire to prove yourself as every bit the equal of Harry. All I am saying is to be patient, our time will come."
June, 38 PB 2 weeks later
Lews knocked on Harry's bedroom door and walked in to see Harry fully dressed walking out of the attached bathroom. "Are you ready to go?"
Harry was nervous and a little pale, today he was going to be taking his test to become a full Aes Sedai. Nodding his head he said "Yeah I am."
"You'll be fine. Say goodbye to your mother and brother then we'll go."
Together they walked downstairs. They found Ilyena and Aeron in the dining room finishing up breakfast. His mum and brother could clearly see that Harry was nervous. Knowing that nothing she could say would help, she settled on a hug and "Good luck. Whatever happens, we are all very proud of you."
Aeron gave Harry a quick hug before running out of the room.
Laughing at Aeron's antics, Lews led Harry outside and opened a portal so they could Travel to the Hall. The two were met by the Keeper of the Chronicles, the Tamrylin's Chief of Staff who took them to the testing hall.
After Harry entered the hall, he stopped in awe in front of a massive ter'angreal, an artifact created for a specific purpose that uses the One Power, called Fate's Mirror. It was a massive cube with a single open face. The open face was 10x10 and would close once the test began. It was powered by a man and a woman working together.
The Tamrylin himself was present in addition to everyone else. It was one of his duties to oversee the testing. Noting the arrival of Harry and his father, he walked over to them to begin the test. "Normally, the test consists of two parts as you are no doubt aware. Through a unanimous decision by the counselors, we are waiving the first part. Clearly from your display at the Collam Daan, you possess more than sufficient control and strength in the One Power to be Aes Sedai."
He continued "The second part begins now. Harry James Potter-Telamon, you stand in the Hall of Testing and stand before the Tamrylin, what do you seek?"
"I see to prove myself worthy to be Aes Sedai." Harry said with a slight quiver in his voice.
"To do so, you must face your greatest fear. When you enter Fate's Mirror your knowledge of the test will be blocked, everything you experience will be real to you. Know this, not all who enter leave and of those that do, some are diminished or stilled. Is it still your desire to prove yourself worthy?"
"It is." Harry said simply.
"Then enter Fate's Mirror and be judged." As the Tamrylin finished the Aes Sedai standing on either side of the ter'angreal began to channel and power it up. Taking a deep breath, Harry entered and was swallowed in darkness as test began.
When his eyesight returned, Harry realized he was on the grounds of Hogwarts. Strangely, despite that fact that it was a beautiful summer day, none of the students were outside at the lake or the quidditch pitch. Curious, Harry entered Hogwarts.
Harry did not encounter any teachers or students as he entered the castle. With a mounting sense of dread, he made his way to the Great Hall. Perhaps the end of year feast had started early. As he neared the door, he heard a voice he recognized yell out Avada Kedavra.
Throwing the doors open, Harry entered to hall to find Voldemort near the head table standing over the dead body of Albus Dumbledore. Quickly scanning the room, he counted 12 other death eaters keeping the students in line.
Looking up, Voldemort said is hissing voice "Ahhh, Harry Potter, so good of you to join us. I am afraid you are too late to save your headmaster."
"It's me you want Tom, let the students go." Harry said.
"I don't think so. They should have the honor of seeing the last hope of the wizarding world die, don't you think?" Before Harry could respond, Voldemort, red eyes blazing whipped his arm around yelling Avada Kedavra.
Harry rolled out of the way and channeled Saidin into to a powerful shield protecting the students and separating them from the death eaters. Seeing that they the students were safe for the moment, he tied off the shield and channeled again, his hands began to glow with a crackling blue light. He was forced to dodge as one of the other death eaters cried out Diffindo, aiming the cutting curse at his back. As he dodged, he channeled more power into his right hand and threw it forward at one of the death eaters. The energy left his hand as an incandescent lightning bolt that blew threw the death eater's hastily erected shield and slammed into him, burning a hole threw his chest. Throwing his left fist in the direction of Voldemort he through another lightning bolt. This one flew to the left of Voldemort missing him to blast a hole in the back wall.
"Disable him, but I will finish him off." Yelled Voldemort as the remaining Death Eaters began throwing a combination of spells, Diffindos, Crucios, Stupefys, and Sectumsempras.
Harry created another shield, knowing it couldn't last long against the onslaught of 11 death eaters. He channeled again, using flows from all 5 elements. A dark grey storm cloud began roiling over his head. It would spin and churn, collapsing in on itself only to expand outward and go through the cycle again. When he his shield was about to collapse, Harry severed the flows feeding the cloud. It collapsed in on itself one final time with a deafening clap of thunder that echoed off the walls. Before the death eaters could take any action, lighting exploded out and struck each death eater burning through clothes, searing flesh, and shattering bone.
"Well done Potter, I didn't know you had it in you. What would your dear deceased headmaster say if he knew you were a killer? No better than me." He taunted as he threw a Crucio at Harry's shield only to have it shatter and followed it up quickly with an Avada Kedavra.
Harry rolled away from the Avada Kedavra, which left a smoking hole in the floor where he had been standing. Once again channeling flows of air, he solidified the air around Voldemort trapping his arms at his side, preventing him from casting more spells.
Voldemort was enraged that Potter had immobilized but he looked to a corner of the great hall waiting for his surprise to make an appearance. Suddenly, the flows that Harry was channeling were severed as if by a scalpel and they snapped back into him causing him to grunt and sink to one knee in pain.
Harry couldn't believe it. Walking over to the head table to stand next to Voldemort was "Martin?"
"You know Martin died the day the Hall sentenced him for V'Saine and Acheron was born. It is time for you to reap that which you have sown. I only wish your father was here to see you on your knees before me when I finally kill you."
This was Martin, his friend. But his friend was fighting for Voldemort. Seeing Harry's indecision, Acheron channeled and bar of brilliant white fire swept from his hands towards Harry. Recognizing the weave for Balefire, Harry dodged out of the way and channeled fire and earth into the floor beneath Acheron and Voldemort. At first nothing happened and then the floor began to quake throwing the two off the feet. Pouring more power into his attack, the floor cracked and magma began to pour out, burning wood chairs and tables, and scorching rock as it flowed toward the two men.
Acheron was the first to react; he channeled flows of water and air into ice to cool the magma. Meanwhile, Voldemort had finished freeing himself from the severed flows of air and started carpeting the area with spells, throwing a blasting hex followed by a reducto, another diffindo and ending with an Avada Kedavra.
Jumping and dodging, Harry managed to avoid the first two spells before getting hit on the left thigh by the diffindo and rolling out of the way of the AK. He could tell his injury was bad, he was losing blood quickly and he was losing feeling in his leg. Knowing he wouldn't be able to stay conscious much longer, never mind keeping the two occupied without jeopardizing the students or the building, he decided to try a different tactic.
Recognizing Acheron as the more dangerous opponent, he opened a portal next to Acheron by the head table. As the portal formed and expanded, it sliced through everything in its path like a razor blade. Before he recognized what Harry had done, the portal expanded into its full size slicing clean through Acheron's body, severing his right arm and leg along with a portion of his torso. Acheron's head turned towards Harry as he felt the portal slice right into him and then he collapsed on the floor and died, his eyes filled with hate never leaving Harry's face.
Voldemort, seeing his ally cut down fled the scene via portkey.
Seeing there were no more threats, Harry released the shield protecting the students and proceeded to collapse as Hogwarts faded and he was returned to the plain interior of Fate's Mirror.
With the test complete, the face of the Mirror once again opened and a healer rushed into examine Harry. Seeing him collapsed on the floor with a deep cut on his left thigh, he channeled and healed his injuries. With a little help, Harry was able to stand. He saw the Tamrylin walk over to him along with his father.
The Tamrylin intoned "You have been found worthy by Fate's Mirror. You have faced your fears and kept true to yourself. Today you join us an equal. Today you have become Aes Sedai."
Turning to his father, the Tamrylin said, "Lews would you like the honor of placing the ring?"
With a smile breaking across his face, his father said "Today, you are given the symbol of the Aes Sedai; this ring shows the world that you have been found worthy to be Aes Sedai. Wear it well and make us proud to be your sisters and brothers." He then slipped the ring, shaped like a serpent biting its tail, onto the ring finger of Harry's right hand.
The ceremony complete, Lews grabbed Harry in a hug and whispered "Congratulations" into his ear. "Let's get you home." Supporting Harry, the two walked out to the Travel point and went home.
After getting Harry home and to bed, Lews went back down to talk to Ilyena. He found her walking into the kitchen from the garden. Seeing Lews standing in the kitchen, she felt a wave of apprehension, if he was here, that meant the test was over. "Did he pass?"
"Yes he did." He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around his waist before giving her a soft kiss. Resting his chin on her head, he added "Everything is ok. He is Aes Sedai now."
They both jumped as they heard a scream from upstairs. Before Ilyena could move or say anything, Lews said "Don't. Let me talk to him." Heading back upstairs, he found Harry sitting up in his bed, hugging his knees to his chest with a far away expression on his face. "Harry?"
"Was it real?" He asked without looking at his father.
Sitting on the bed next to Harry, he put an arm around his shoulder and answered "No one knows. Some people see events from their past and others see things that have yet to occur. What was it that you saw?"
"I saw Martin joining with Voldemort and the hatred that he had for me was overwhelming."
"Harry, what you saw is not a certainty. I believe that what you saw is one possible path for the future. Just remember that nothing is set in stone, the future is shaped by our decisions and now knowing one possible future, you can shape yours to prevent it."
1 week later
Harry was greeted by the Keeper as he arrived at the Hall of Servants for the first day of his internship with the Tamrylin. The Keeper was an aging Aes Sedai with long grey hair and coffee colored eyes. She was wearing a simple floor length forest green dress with gold stitching running up the arms. "Excellent you are here right on time. The Tamrylin wishes to speak with you right away."
Entering the Tamrylin's office, Harry was directed to a chair in front of his desk. Nodding to the Keeper who left the office, "Harry, I wanted to discuss your internship. Because you are now an Aes Sedai, your internship will be somewhat unorthodox. I am giving you the position of junior counselor. You will participate in meetings, serve as an aide and will provide your opinion on issues as they arise."
"I understand. What will happen after your term ends next year? You have been clear on the fact that you are not seeking another term."
"Your internship will continue regardless of who takes over. Do you have any other questions?"
"Yes, I do sir. Were you able to find either Mierin or Beidomon? I asked my father but he didn't have any information."
"We have kept information regarding the event within the Hall. Since you are now a junior counselor and were involved in the event, you have a right to now. Beidomon was killed during the destruction of the Sharom. Mierin, sensing something was wrong cut loose your circle and Traveled to a safe location abandoning you and Beidomon."
"What will happen to her?" Outwardly calm, Harry was furious was Mierin's actions.
"Unfortunately, she did not commit any crime as such; however she had a trial earlier this week. The jury found her guilty of conduct unbecoming an Aes Sedai. Accordingly, she has been stripped of her rank within the Aes Sedai and assigned to the cleanup crew at V'Saine."
2 months later
Harry was sitting in a meeting with the Tamrylin and his other counselors. They were currently discussing V'Saine and the rising level of violence. "Do we know what is causing the rise in violence?" Asked counselor Fator.
The Tamrylin answered, "No we haven't. So far it is not occurring in any other city. In the last two months, V'Saine has had over a 100 people murdered and the number of assaults is over 1,000. As with all our other cities, this is the first time in over a century that there have been more than a handful of murders in a year, let alone two months."
Harry offered "Maybe it is time to replace the military governor. If the violence is rising that dramatically, we need someone stronger in the governor's seat."
"Is that really the answer? Increase the military presence, declare marshal law?" Counselor Jirkon asked.
"We need someone who can maintain order while we find out the reason for the increasing violence."
"Who would you suggest we assign?" The Tamrylin asked. He was inclined to agree with Harry.
"Durram Laddel Cham and his Second-In-Command Martin Tel Barad. Durram has served as military governor of Comelle and Devaille, two of the largest cities behind Paaran Disen. I also think we need to continue research into the aftereffects of the 'Bore'" as the drilling through the pattern was now being called. "It can't be a coincidence that the only city to see such a drastic rise in violence is the same as the 'Bore.'"
"Unless anyone disagrees, I will speak with Durram this afternoon. He should be at V'Saine before the week is out."
That evening while Harry was eating dinner with his family, Martin arrived. Seeing the angry look on his face, Harry stepped outside to talk with him.
"Martin, what are you doing here? I figured you would be packing for V'Saine."
Martin's eyes narrowed "How would you know that? Oh that's right; you have the ear of the Tamrylin. What's wrong, worried that Durram would beat your father in the election for the next Tamrylin so you had to get him and me out of the way?"
"No!" Harry responded, truly shocked. "The situation in V'Saine is getting worse and Durram has the most experience as military governor, that's why I recommended him."
"How nice of you to allow us the honor of cleaning up your mess!"
"My mess, what are you talking about?"
"The 'Bore' of course, it was your circle that was responsible for its creation, but now Durram and I get to clean up after you." He said bitterly.
"What happened to us Martin, we used to be friends?"
"I finally woke up and realized you were just using me a stepping stone to make yourself look good." Turning away, Martin stormed off and opened a portal.
Before he could leave, Harry shouted "Martin, my father doesn't need any help to win an election against Durram. Everyone can see who the better man is."
Martin stiffened briefly before stepping through the portal and releasing it to close behind him.
November, 33 PB – The Collapse
Durram had been the military governor of V'Saine for more than 5 years. He had done an admirable job is stemming the increase in violence. Now, despite his best efforts, the city was sinking into anarchy. Gangs of men had begun roving the streets assaulting those unfortunate enough to cross their paths. Murders and rapes were being committed on a daily basis. Neighbors were swapping family members when possible because it was not uncommon for the gangs to force family members to rape each other in order to survive.
During those same 5 years, research into the 'Bore' had been ongoing. It did not seem to be the source of hatred and anger as once thought. A nearby mountain, that had been renamed Shayol Ghul, seemed to be the true source. It was widely rumored that a being none only as the Dark One ruled in that mountain.
None of the expeditions that had gone to search out the mountain had ever returned. The influence seemed to be spreading, day after day more citizens in the city gave into their anger and hate and joined one of the gangs.
"Martin, we are going to have to take stronger measures if we are to keep this city from destroying itself."
"What did you have in mind? We instituted marshal law 3 years ago and it no longer seems as effective as it once was."
"I think it is time to start fighting fire with fire. It is time we stopped coddling these criminals. Notify me when we have captured the next group. If they only respect power and violence then we will show them that the Aes Sedai are capable of more than they ever imagined."
"As you command and for what it's worth, I agree with you. It has been almost six years now and we have received virtually no support from the Hall. If they are going to ignore the problem and bury their heads' in the sand, then we need take whatever actions are necessary to prevent the collapse of the city."
Noting the younger man's tension, Durram decided to change the topic "Have you heard from Devra recently?"
At the mere sound of her name, Martin relaxed "Yes, she is going to be later this week."
Smiling at the effect the young woman had on Martin, he asked "Have you set a date for the wedding yet?"
Flashback
March, 36 PB
Martin was sitting at his desk when he heard a knock on the door. He and Durram had been in place for over a year now and while they had not been able to halt the violence and crime that had swept across the city in the wake of the 'Bore', they had prevented it from escalating. "Come in."
"Martin, I am not disturbing you am I? Durram said I would find you in here, buried in the paperwork." Devra said with a wide grin.
He took a moment to drink in her features, she would never be considered beautiful but to Martin she was everything he had always wanted. Her cheerful, open disposition always managed to lighten his mood and she never made him feel that he was second best. "Of course not, what are you doing here?"
"Nemene and I have been assigned here to help you and Durram and assist with the research into the effects of the 'Bore.'"
"That is excellent news. I can always use the company of a lovely woman. It gets a little lonely with only Durram."
"Well, in that case how about we go to dinner tonight and you can show me around the city."
Eyes sparkling, Martin replied "I would be delighted to escort you to dinner my lady."
Nemene and Devra would end up staying in V'Saine for more than 3 years before being assigned elsewhere. During those 3 years, Devra had tried many times to reconcile Martin and Harry, who Martin now referred to only as Telamon. "Martin, what happened with you and Harry? You used to be such good friends."
"I finally realized some basic truths about our relationship. He wasn't happy about that and confirmed my feelings." Martin said without elaborating further.
"You make it sound as if he was using you. I just don't see Harry doing that."
"There are many things about Telamon that you don't see. He uses whoever is around him for his own gain." He said hotly. "I am not going to make you choose between him and me, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Telamon force you into that position. At that point, I only hope you remember how much I love you."
"But…" She was cut off as Martin broke in "No, until you see who he really is, I don't want to talk about him. I don't want him to ruin my time with you."
Sighing, Devra nodded and dropped the subject. Over time she resigned herself to the fact that her best friend and her lover were now virtual enemies.
For Martin and Devra, it was three of the happiest years of their lives as they spent most nights in each other's company, growing closer and eventually falling in love. Shortly before she was reassigned, Martin proposed to Devra and she accepted.
End Flashback
"No, with all the tension and rise in violence we keep putting it off. There is just too much going on and with Nemene's betrayal, Devra is traveling more than ever."
"I still can't believe that Nemene joined the Dark One. She was one of our greatest healers. But her methods may be useful in obtaining information from the captured gang members"
Flashback
Devra and Nemene had been in V'Saine for two years now. Devra had begun to notices differences in Nemene a few months back. She was no longer as concerned about the well-being of their patients. It almost seemed that she was looking for something when she was healing them.
As time passed, Devra noticed that Nemene's patients seemed nervous in her presence almost fearful. They never said anything negative about her or her treatments though. Devra was becoming more concerned about Nemene's actions daily.
Since they had arrived in V'Saine, she had noticed many people began to change. Their personalities became darker, more self-involved. It may have been the influence of the 'Bore' she wasn't sure but it seemed that people were more willing to give into their hate and jealousy. She had even noticed a change in Martin and though she tried to deny, he scared her at times with his hate for Harry and his father.
Devra began investigating Nemene's activities. She interviewed her patients after she had finished with them and could never find anything physically wrong. However, the patients seemed to get worse emotionally, at first, there would just be some mild apprehension when her name was mentioned, but as the months rolled by, her patients began to show true fear at the sound of her name. Realizing she would never get any details out of the patients, she decided to witness one of her treatments for herself.
The fateful day arrived and Devra entered the room used by Nemene without knocking. If there was nothing going on, she could come up with an excuse for barging in. Unfortunately, when she opened the door, she was greeted by a blood-chilling scream. The patient was laying on the examination table naked.
Nemene had not noticed her entrance at this point, Devra quickly opened herself to Saidar and sent weaves of healing energy into the patient. She discovered that Nemene's weave was steadily stimulating the pain receptors in the patient, causing them to experience a constantly rising level of pain.
Nemene spun around and said in anger "What are you doing in here? I am never to be disturbed when I am with a patient."
Reacting before Nemene could do anything else, Devra spun a shield of spirit and slid it into place, cutting Nemene off from Saidar. As this happened, the patient let out a shuddering breath as the pain finally ceased. "Why?"
"It is just a small price they pay for my services. I give them the gift of life, who are you to say that I am not due this small form of payment?"
Nemene would go on trial before the Hall of Servants and because they could not get any of her patients to testify, she was given the opportunity to take exile or the Oath Rod. She responded "I will never again be bound by the useless rules of the Hall. I choose exile."
That night, she made her way to Shayol Ghul and pledged herself to the Great Lord of the Dark, giving up her existence as Nemene Damendar Boann and embracing her new identify as Semirhage, chosen of the Great Lord.
End Flashback
Martin issued the orders that day to the soldiers. "You are to bring your captives to either myself or Durram for interrogation. Hopefully we will be able to use that information in order to break the power of the gangs and secure the city once more."
"Yes sir." The officers turned and left the room.
As with all things, the actions of Durram and Martin began to escalate. When the information gained through the 'interrogation' proved to be of little use, the two men began to employ harsher methods.
"Durram, we need change our tactics. The criminals we are capturing no longer respond as they once did to the threat of pain.
"I agree. Before you begin the next interrogation, arrest the prisoner's family. Perhaps they will be more forthcoming if it is their family members in pain." Durram mused.
Devra was often on hand for these interrogation sessions when she was in town. She was needed to restore the prisoner to health afterwards. While it made her sick that the prisoners would be treated in such a way, she rationalized it away saying that they were criminals and the information was used to protect innocent lives. That night, Devra watched with growing dismay as Martin put the new orders into effect. A man looked on as his family was tortured into incoherence.
Making up her mind that night, Devra knew she had to tell someone what was going on. The next morning, she woke up with Martin's arms wrapped around her. Wanting nothing more than to forget the events of the past night, she sighed and slid away from Martin without waking him up. Once she had cleaned up and eaten a quick breakfast, she Traveled to the Hall to speak with Harry.
Harry's star had risen. He was the youngest counselor to the Tamrylin. Many would have questioned his position had he not been a counselor before the most recent election. Martin had indeed been correct when suggested that Lews Therin Telamon would be up for the office, but Harry had done nothing to help him. Currently, Harry was going over the latest reports on V'Saine and the 'Bore,' when his aide knocked on the door.
"Counselor Telamon, a Devra Sedai is here to see you."
He hadn't seen Devra for a few months now wondering what prompted the unexpected visit he said "Of course, send her in."
Once Devra walked in, Harry stood and walked over to her, giving her a tight hug. "It's great to see you, but what are you doing here? I thought you were still in V'Saine?"
"I am, I have been helping Durram and Martin with the health of the prisoners. That is why I came." She looked down at the floor, unable to meet his eyes.
"Devra, what's wrong? Surely it can't be that bad." Harry had a sinking feeling when she looked up be still refused to meet his eyes.
Not knowing how to begin, Devra just began blurting things out "Durram and Martin are using the same weave developed by Nemene to torture and interrogate prisoners. Now they are torturing the families of prisoners as well to get information."
"How do you know these things? Are you sure they aren't just rumors?" Harry asked, already knowing the answer but not wanting to admit it.
"Yes, I am ashamed to say, that I participated in many of the sessions. When they started torturing the families, I couldn't rationalize it any longer." Tears began to roll down her cheeks.
"Devra we need to take this to my father. I don't have the authority to call for their arrest."
Devra nodded and stood up a little shakily. Together they made their way to the Tamrylin's office to see his father. Once inside, Harry began in a formal voice "Sir, Devra has come to me with some chilling accounts of the actions taken by the military governor of V'Saine."
Taken aback by Harry's demeanor, Lews responded in a similar tone "Devra what actions is counselor Telamon referring to."
Devra repeated the story she had just told to Harry. Once again, she began to cry softly as she described her own participation in the events.
Pondering the situation for a moment, Lews asked "Devra, would any of the officers be willing to back up your story? We will need more that your testimony."
"Yes, there are a number of officers that are very uncomfortable with their current orders. Many had approached me because of my relationship with Martin and my participation in Nemene's arrest."
"Counselor Telamon, see to it that those men are placed in protective custody. Once that is done, issue an order for the arrest of Durram Laddel Cham, military governor of V'Saine and Martin Tel Barad his second-in-command.
July, 32 PB
Durram and Martin walked into the Hall that morning to face their accusers. Seeing both Telamon and the Dragon in their positions as a counselor and the Tamrylin, Martin sneered at them before taking his seat next to Durram.
Seeing that everyone had arrived and was in their place, the Dragon rose from his chair and said "The Hall has gathered today to judge the evidence presented against two of our own. Durram Laddel Cham and Martin Tel Barad you both stand accused of multiple counts of torture, abuse of power, assault, and conspiracy. How do you plead?"
Both Durram and Martin stood and in unison said "Not guilty."
"Let the trial begin. Counselor Telamon, please present your case."
Standing Harry said "I call for the testimony of Devra Har Serac"
At the appearance of Devra, Martin took on a look of utter betrayal as she walked up to the witness stand. It was clear to Martin, that she had chosen Telamon over him. Once again, Telamon had taken what was rightfully his.
With a sad look at Martin, Devra approached the front of the chamber and took the witness seat. "Devra, please describe the events of this last May as you witnessed them."
Never meeting Martin's eyes, Devra described the orders that he and Durram had given to have the prisoners tortured for information and then executed for their crimes.
Getting no questions from Martin or Durram, Devra returned to her seat. Harry presented a string of witnesses to the various acts of torture and assault either committed directly by the two men or under their orders.
Neither of the two men presented any witnesses. They had nothing but contempt for the group of assembled Aes Sedai.
Rising the Dragon asked "Do you have anything to say before the Hall passes judgment?"
By prior agreement, Durram was to speak for the two. Standing and taking a moment to look at the assembled Aes Sedai he said "We have done nothing more than that which you have requested. 6 years ago, you assigned me as the military governor of V'Saine. You wanted someone who would maintain order and do whatever was necessary to prevent the violence from escalating out of control and spreading to other cities."
He continued "That is what we did. For six years you turned a blind eye to the violence of the city. For six years you ignored the problem and let us deal with it. For six years, you hid your heads under the sand. Now you want to judge us for dealing with a problem you refused to acknowledge? You are nothing but a contemptible group of cowards who are willing to watch our society fall apart so you don't have to bloody your hands. So today, Martin and I are your scapegoats, but who will it be tomorrow?" Finishing he sat down.
After listening to Durram, the counselors and Tamrylin left the Hall for deliberation, returning a short time later. Once again, the Dragon spoke "You have been found guilty on all counts. You are hereby stripped of your title and rank. In recognition of your past service, you are offered the choice of being stilled or taking the Oath Rod."
Durram said "I will take the Oath Rod. You may call me a criminal today, but all will know who the real criminals are."
Martin also decided to take the Oath Rod.
So, the Oath Rod was brought forth and each man stood to recite the oath, pledging to never use the one power to harm another human being and to follow all commands issued by the Tamrylin. As each recited the oath while holding the rod, they could feel Saidin surge in them, enforcing the oath preventing them from breaking it. At the end, both men were staring at the instruments of their downfall, Harry and his father.
Durram was entirely correct in his description of the failings of the Hall. With the draconian measures he and Martin had put into place rescinded, V'Saine fell into anarchy with days of their arrest. People were fleeing the city with whatever they could carry and those that didn't flee the city either joined one of the many gangs or were killed. With the population dwindling, the gangs turned on each and open warfare was seen on the streets. At night, fires lit the sky as homes and businesses burned. Soon nothing would be left of V'Saine but a smoking ruin a testament to the inaction characterizing the Hall of Servants.
Following the trial, the two men returned to Durram's room. During that time, Durram made his decision.
"Martin, I have decided to pledge myself to the dark. I leaving tonight to Travel to V'Saine and enter Shayol Ghul. There I will make my pledge to the Great Lord of the Dark. I would like you to come with me."
Realizing that he had no real choice in the matter, Martin agreed. He knew that Durram was stronger than he was and that he would not have let him live with the knowledge of his defection if Martin had decided differently.
That night, both Traveled to V'Saine and made their way into Shayol Ghul. Along the way they passed hordes of trollocs and men sworn to serve the Great Lord. Finally they came to the pit where they would make their pledge. Looking up, they could see the night sky but strangely it was devoid of any clouds or stars.
Standing here in this place, both Durram and Martin could feel the presence of the Great Lord wash over them, filling them with his hatred and power. Durram made the pledge first. As he recited the oath, forsaking all other ties to the light and the Aes Sedai, he heard a voice in his head and was overcome with a feeling of ecstasy.
"Arise, Durram Laddel Cham. I have found you worthy of my service. From this day forward, you are Durram Laddel Cham no longer. Henceforth, you are Belal, chosen of the Great Lord and general of the human armies." With that, Belal could feel the restrictions placed upon him by the Oath Rod fall away.
After witnessing his mentor's pledge, Martin knelt down and repeated the oath. As with Belal, he heard a voice in his head. "Arise, Martin Tel Barad. I have found you worthy of my service. From this day forward, you are Martin Tel Barad no longer. Henceforth, you are Acheron, chosen of the Great Lord second to Belal in command of the human armies." As with Belal, he too was released from the Oath Rod and was free once more.
Hearing that his place was by his mentor's side in command of the armies confirmed his decision to abandon the Aes Sedai. After the trial, he never would have risen to a position of power. Bowing his head, Acheron turned toward his mentor, Belal, "Finally, we will take our rightful place as the leaders of our world."
Once again kneeling, Belal asked his lord "Great Lord, what would you have us do?"
"Assemble my forces and burn the city of Devaille to the ground. All who are willing to take the oath to serve me are to be spared. Any others will be used to feed the trollocs. Aginor has prepared the trolloc brigades, they await your orders. My shadow will spread to cover this world and tomorrow it will begin. Lanfear can provide you with intelligence on their defenses."
Flashback
Ishar Morrad Chuain had been a researcher at the Collam Daan focusing his efforts on bioengineering. He was one of the first Aes Sedai to succumb to the influence from Shayol Ghul. Believing that the restrictions placed upon his research by the Hall were unnecessary, he pledged himself to the Great Lord so that he could experiment freely and bring his creations to life. On that day, Ishar died to be replaced by the chosen Aginor.
With his new found freedom, one of the first things that he did was to blend humans with animal stock. After much experimentation and loss of life, he finally succeeded in creating the trollocs, beast men that would serve the Great Lord with unswerving loyalty.
The trollocs were a combination of animals and man, displaying characteristics of both but dominated by the blood-thirsty nature of a predator.
The Great Lord was pleased. Trollocs would make an excellent addition to his growing army.
End Flashback
Standing, Belal saw a figure emerge from the tunnel, "Mierin, is that you?"
"Like you, I could not stand to be humbled before the Hall. I took my oath a few months after I was stripped of my rank. You can call me Lanfear now. Come follow me, we can have some wine and discuss what needs to be done."
The two men followed Lanfear from the pit into a side room where she poured each of them a glass of wine.
After taking a sip and turning to Acheron, Belal said "Prepare the troops to move out at midnight tonight."
"What is the target? How are we getting there?" He asked with an eager gleam in his eye.
"Tomorrow, barring any unforeseen difficulties, we will be taking Devaille. After midnight, anyone who is able will open a portal to a rallying point outside of the city and maintain that portal allowing our forces and the trolloc brigades through."
"Are there any prominent Aes Sedai in the city that we need to be aware of?"
Lanfear answered "Currently, the only one we are aware of is the healer Devra. I believe she was one of your friends. Maybe you could have a reunion. They have no military presence to speak of; a small police force is used to keep the peace."
His body tensing at the name, Acheronlooked down when we felt something splash across his had. Without realizing it, he had crushed the delicate wine goblet, spilling its contents. "I look forward to dealing with that traitorous bitch. She should never have sided with Telamon!"
"The Dragon and his whelp will regret the day they humbled us before the Hall of Servants. Punishing us for doing what they were incapable of." Eyes blazing with malice, Belal went on "By the time we are through with them, they will be begging to serve the Great Lord!"
Taking a somewhat nervous step back from the look on Belal's face, Acheron added "I don't want to see Telamon humbled before the Great Lord. I want him kneeling at my feet broken and bloody."
"Don't worry, we will have our revenge. By this time tomorrow both of them will know the strength of the coming darkness and they will cower before the might of our armies. Our time has come."
Outside Devaille the next morning
Devaille was not a particularly large city. At its height it had approximately 500,000 people and had a low wall encircling the city providing minimal protection. The wall was enough to keep out ground vehicles such as the Jo-Cars, so forces of the Great Lord would be advancing on foot.
Belal and Acheron were in command of a force of 10,000 men and over 3,000 trollocs. In addition they had 30 Aes Sedai on hand to add to the chaos. As dawn began to creep over the land, the army was in place, ready to storm the city. Belal would oversee the battle from the rallying point while Acheron would lead their troops into the fray.
"On my signal, send the trollocs in through the breach I am about to open." Opening himself to Saidin, Belal channeled flows of earth and fire and focused on the wall, a fireball the size of a city block blossomed in the morning at the base of the city wall. The explosion echoed for miles as the wall blew apart.
Acheron, smiling at the damage done in the opening attack, ordered the trollocs into the breach. Roaring and snarling, the beast men charged through the opening into the city. Waiting a few minutes for the trollocs to disperse into the city, Acheron ordered his men to follow.
Inside Devaille
Devra woke abruptly at the sound of a loud explosion. Rushing outside, she saw the fireball rising into the sky and debris from the wall raining down. Going back inside, she quickly got dressed and went to go see if there were any injuries.
Once she reached the first cross-street, she began to hear screams from the victims of the trollocs. Filling herself with Saidar, the female half of the One Power, she prepared herself and ran on. Ahead of her, two trollocs burst out of a house, carrying the body of young girl already dead and the head of who must have been the girl's mother. As they left, smoke began to pour out of the home.
Reacting on instinct, Devra channeled weaves of air and water into the two trollocs, splitting them apart from the inside. With roars of pain and anguish, the two trollocs died as their limbs were ripped from the bodies. Hoping against hope, she channeled healing weaves into the girl. Her hands began to glow brighter and brighter as she poured more power into the girl, but she was already dead.
Finally giving up, she stood up and moved on to see if there was anyone to save.
Elsewhere, Acheron was searching for Devra. He had sensed a woman channeling nearby and he grinned in anticipation. Coming up to a crossroads, he saw a family running from a group of his soldiers. Channeling, he pulled flows of fire into his hands. As his body began to take on a reddish glow, he pulled more Saidin into himself. Rushing forward towards the family, his hands wreathed in flames, he grabbed the arm of the father. Quickly, the flames spread from his hand up the fathers arm, covering him in flame. Unlike Acheron, the flames burned flesh and bone, reducing the man to ash in a matter of seconds.
Changing the flows of fire, he channeled the fire into a bar of flame that he swept across the legs of the mother and son. The two collapsed to the ground as their legs charred and blackened, unable to support their weight. Laughing, Acheron turned towards the soldiers and said "They're all yours boys." Having sensed a woman channeling again, he moved off towards Devra.
Devra hearing more screams, unwittingly ran in the direction of Acheron. Two blocks later, she saw him, calmly walking towards her. "Martin, what are you doing here? With the oaths in place, there is nothing you can do to help."
"Who said I am here to help? I just came to watch the boys have some fun." Channeling a flow of air, he slammed a solid block of air into Devra, slamming her back into a wall."
Dazed she asked "Martin why are you doing this?"
"Martin died the day the Hall found us guilty. On that day, Acheron, servant of the Great Lord of the Dark was born." Channeling again, he slid a shield into place blocking her connection to Saidar.
Screaming as she felt Martin, no Acheron, sever her connection to Saidar, "Martin it's not too late. You can stop this and help me save these people."
"I don't want to stop. I am only getting started and when I am done with you, Telamon will regret the day he turned against me." Grinning, he channeled flows of fire once again, and started to burn the skin from Devra's body being careful to leave her face intact. Thankfully, she quickly passed out from pain and blood loss, but Acheron continued his work.
When he was done, he had her body tied to the outer wall of the city for display. Not wanting to be bored, he went to go assist his men once more.
Outside Devaille
Belal watched as his forces charged into the city and began the rampage. Flames started to light the sky as the city began to burn. He felt someone channeling as a portal opened nearby. He turned to see Semirhage, Lanfear, and Aginor step through the portal.
Laughing as he watched the flames spread, he said "Isn't it glorious? Today marks the beginning the Great Lord's reign." Smiles spread across the faces of the rest of the group as they stood next to Belal and watched Devaille burn. Ashes rose from the city creating great black clouds in the sky spreading the shadow across the land.
