Author's Note: I've had some incredible comments on the story so far and I appreciate every word. Given that this is a free posting that's the best reward to inspire me to continue working on it. I'll apologize beforehand about this chapter as there have been surmounting issues distracting me during the entire process. There are choppy moments but it delivers well enough so bear with me yet again. Same as always, leave a comment with any questions or concerns. Enjoy!

XII. Jarvan IV

Flames soared skyward, lashing at the night sky. The fire seemed to breathe, a sentient creature lying in wait for more food. Heat radiated from its center, caressing the face of each onlooker surrounding it. Prince Jarvan stood a safe distance to the side where he cast an eerie shadow over the tents behind him. His escort set up camp not far from the Institute, each man nestled inside their tent to sleep sound after all their efforts in this trial. He decided it was best for them to travel a short distance before establishing a secure perimeter and raising their tents.

In a wide arc, there sat his Lightbringers staring into the fire in silent contemplation. Garen sat next to Caitlyn, exchanging thoughts on the matters at hand and undoubtedly his friend would be explaining the significance of the runic markings to the Sheriff. They had taken to one another since their encounter in the forest near the Institute, talking about the events of the day and trading theories. Xin and Shyvana sat separately with pensive looks of their own. He could tell that they were engrossed with their own opinions on everything. Shyvana caught his eye and rose from her spot, approaching with a look he could only describe as heartfelt.

"Do you believe it to be true?"

"I'm not sure what to believe, Shy...," he began, "but it's all starting to make sense." He looked back and forth from her to the fire. It was a fickle matter to try and address her when in front of the others. He always feared what they may think of fairness if they knew, despite being such close friends. "It has to be true, right? If Kayle even took me to speak with him?"

"Logic would say that it must be."

"What does your logic say opposed to your gut?"

"My logic says it's true and my intuition says be cautious."

There was that word again. Cautious. That's all he ever was, to ensure the safety of his people and colleagues; especially her.

"I won't remain some passive victim. I'm a Demacian, a Lightshield, and an idle stance will only cost lives. If the Council of Equity is tainted then they must be stopped." He could tell Shyvana was disappointed by his hardened tone. Instead of being affectionate, he gave her battle ready prose. He wasn't sure if affectionate was still in his skill set after everything he had endured. "I'm sorry, Shy..."

"No need to apologize," she said. "I understand your position and I am behind you every step. Just remember I am also here for you." She placed a hand over his which was resting on the grip of his lance.

"I know." He glanced at the others and back at her. "It's time we all discuss a strategy..."

She nodded and let his gaze linger for a moment longer. They were always able to speak without actually using words, but his time for soft tones was over. He needed to be the Prince again. Before he could take a step forward to address the others, the sound of wings broke the silence. A raven landed on his lance.

'Message...message message...,' it squawked.

Jarvan reached up to take the note off of the bird and unrolled the small piece of parchment. The words scrawled on the message may as well have been fist in his stomach. Noxus going to Icathia with weapon. Unsure of purpose outside of preparing for attack. Be cautious. That word was like an itch he couldn't scratch at this point. The signature at the bottom of the paper was Shauna's mark. The Night Hunter was hard at work, even after the encounter with Twitch. She was definitely an invaluable addition to Demacia's ranks which he thanked the Maker for every day.

Garen had addressed the convoy leaving Zaun as Caitlyn and Shauna both observed. The news that they were on the move was no surprise but confirmation that it was in preparation for an attack unsettled him. When pairing the news of the marked wagon that they were towing with their destination and plans for an offensive, Jarvan saw the recipe for slaughter. It had been many years since he had spoken to Lucian and he hoped news hadn't reached him about what Noxus was up to. Then again, the help of the Purifier may be invaluable, which he would no doubt assist under the circumstances.

"Everyone listen up." Every pair of eyes moved from the fire to the Prince. "We all know we have to address the issue of two accusations that confirm the Institute has been corrupted. Heywan has laid some pretty groundwork for us to have some solidarity on the issue."

"How can we trust what he says?" Xin interjected.

"Yes, my Lord, how do we know he isn't simply misleading us?" Garen suggested.

"Gentleman, Noxus is also moving to Icathia with a weapon of some sort, in order to launch an offensive." This changed the pace of their arguments.

"Did the Council provoke this? Like they did us with the sabotage?" Xin asked.

"I don't know," Jarvan began, "but I wouldn't put it past them, assuming this is all a conspiracy for power." Garen gave a thoughtful glance when Caitlyn joined the conversation.

"I still don't understand why the Council would be plotting for power...aren't they already the strongest entities in Vlaoran..or even Runeterra?"

"Assumably, but they thrive on the foothold they have in Valoran. Without conflict, they are obsolete," Jarvan stated. This drove the point home. No one could argue the logic. Heywan had given it to him pretty plain and he to them.

An uncomfortable shift in mood seemed to envelope them all. It was clear that an open conflict was upon them. The last time there was such an issue, the Institute intervened and placed Kalamanda in stasis, only to seize control of the nexuses there. Perhaps this was their intention all along.

"Xin, please instruct the scribe in our escort to send a message to Demacia. Inform my father of the possible threat but nothing of the Institute. I want all of my champions and a full regiment to follow our lead to the mountain passage into Icathia. If the Noxian element has taken the coastal route we won't encounter them until we reach the ruins." Jarvan's order was clear. Garen approached so he could speak quietly.

"My lord, are we equipped enough to enter a place like Icathia?"

"We're going to have to be, old friend. We either stop them from using this weapon and attacking us or face a war in our own home." No one suggested that the Institute would intervene, not knowing what they do now. Xin quietly walked toward the tents in search of their aviary master. The rest stood looking at Jarvan.

Here he was at a crossroad. The Institute of War suffered from corruption. Noxus was mounting an attack. Lucian's involvement was inevitable. His mind returned to those runes, giving one last thought before retiring.

"Maker help us all."