With this chapter OC Sheet 20 and 21 will be going up on deviantArt including a whole slew of OCs introduced in this chapter.

Lune and Fistivus' new look, Opstun, Dawson, Krey, Gill, King Althropos, Helena, Midnight 4, Mehr, Quaid and Vargas.

Look forward to it!


Chapter Forty One

Ebony Median, Golsaehr: Part One

"Please, sit."

Zihark, Shinon, Uhnie, Orkra and Leah glanced at each other before taking their seats.

"My name is Istequil, I am commander of Golsaehr's standing forces. Trust me when I say the job is very uneventful…at least until last night."

Zihark opened his mouth to speak but Istequil stopped him by simply raising his hand.

"My familial line has been tied to the Oshwas for generations. Anyone who would help and protect Teel and Rey in place of me or their father has the utmost trust and respect from me."

"We've told him that that all of you can best describe the situation." Teel stated to which Istequil nodded.

"You all found Rey who I also believed was dead…however this has some very dark implications. None of which I am completely blind to."

Shinon tilted his head "What do you mean? What do you know?"

Istequil shrugged "Not as much…you see I am currently under the tutelage of Numengate's Elder Sage Opstun."

Zihark: Opstun?

Uhnie: Is this true?

Zihark: Freen told me of his comrades…people who stay out of the public eye for the most part, Opstun is indeed the name of the Elder Sage of this nation.

Istequil: I have nothing to gain by deceiving you. Opstun has been very strict on everything since a dark sense hit Myillheim long ago. I went there only to see nothing was wrong aside from Rey Oshwa having been reported dead.

Orkra: That must've been after Soren and Mia had that battle with Kanahana and the Midnight.

Leah: What does this Opstun sense?

Istequil: He is connected to the black chests that house the Fell Lord's arms. Since Gungnir was released and more recently Goetia he has been on an intense mission to identify the Second Line.

Shinon: Second Line?

Istequil: The Second Line of Fell Lord Disciples.

As the room fell silent, Istequil sighed "We each have a lot to tell each other, so let's begin."


"Tyse Erent…Zijo Oit…" the pair bowed as Norad Jyuugo approached them "You are being transferred over to Dalton Pesh and Asai Versha."

Tyse Erent stood "What? But we were commanded to serve you Norad Jyuugo!"

"I'm well aware…the action the Midnight is preparing to take requires three groups…one to deal with the meddlesome Soren and Mia…the other to deal with Golsaehr's defenses and the last to bring the Citadel to its knees."

Zijo Oit stood and grabbed the hilt of his blade with a smile "I'm all set to kill where are the two of us going to be sent in?"

As Norad Jyuugo explained the plan, Kanahana stood aside with a smile; despite the way he received it he began to thoroughly enjoy the ripped half of his face. All the Midnight soldiers who saw him have shown more concern and fear, he really was a monster…and he liked it.

"It is extremely rare to see you so content half face…" He turned to see Asai Versha, fully equipped with a tome at her side and ready to go.

"Half the face…but twice the warrior you'll ever be…" the vampire muttered before noticing Norad Jyuugo, Tyse Erent and Zijo Oit headed towards him. Dalton Pesh walked next to Asai Versha as Tyse Erent and Zijo Oit broke away to join them.

"It's just the two of us on the Citadel?" Kanahana asked as the other four left him and Jyuugo in place.

"No…there will be a third…and don't worry, it won't be Ushnae, we have no desire to bring him along."

Kanahana nodded "That leaves very few prospects…how about him?"

Jyuugo shook his head "We reached out to him but he wants to remain embedded for a while longer."

Kanahana sighed "Then that leaves…wait…you can't mean..." Seeing the grin on Norad Jyuugo's face, Kanahana realized who the third member of their group was.


"Einseek was sleeping within Kolkem…and Balmung…that gives more points to Opstun's theory."

Zihark and Shinon glanced at each other before turning to Istequil as he sighed "Balmung's chest is in Opstun's protection and it is still sealed."

Shinon: Then how do you explain the blade that Einseek used to try and kill us?

Istequil: Opstun has developed a working theory on that, among other things.

Uhnie: You mean the second line? He is translating those names right?

Istequil: Yes. He knows that 'the one who seeks eternally' is Einseek. He also knows that 'blood sun' is a man who goes by the name Jyim'Son but Opstun and from what we know, Teyron of Sarhara have been unsuccessful in finding him.

Leah: Jyim'Son is a Sarharan?

Istequil: Yes, the wielder of Yewfelle…at least he should be. One more matter concerns me greatly. I understand why you allowed Re'Zin to leave…but that Froghul, do you have any idea who he was?

The group shook their heads and Istequil nodded "As we are now we have no idea if he is involved with the Midnight or not…either way we should bring the rest of this conversation to Opstun."

As they stood Shinon spoke "What do you and this Opstun know of Helswath?"

As Istequil told Rey and Teel to stay in his office he picked up his sword and turned "Helswath is in place…why?"

"Like we told you, the Korgans were revived and their leader Murawk was wielding Helswath right up until Soren and Mia killed him in Regalshin." Leah stated.

Istequil came to a stop as he opened the door "Murawk…the Marauder."

Turning the Braver motioned for them to follow and he took off.


The Master of the Midnight stood silent as Dalton Pesh appeared behind him with Midnight 3. "What can I do for you…Archduke."

"Former…and…I'd like to borrow something…for the upcoming battle…"

"You seek to borrow one of the Fell Lord's Weapons…I don't believe anyone in our employ can wield the Piercing Star or the Blood Cyclone…"

"I've found someone who can…Master." Dalton Pesh said as he kneeled down. The Master of Midnight called the weapon in question over and gave it to Dalton "This is our most important task…we will succeed…and Ymarkteg will be…free…"


The troop reached the end of Amaryllis city limits, they'd said their goodbyes to Eminse, Dent and even Wilt who will remain in Amaryllis for a little longer helping the royal army organize themselves as Queen Talia and Senator Vassaan worked through all the red tape.

The day was hard for the knight from Euto as Orgoth once again bid farewell to the woman he loved and the child that would soon be born, his son or daughter.

"The road to Numengate…I'm excited! Who knows what waits for us?" Mikel asked Leena who smiled "Last time we were there it was a brief and dark time…I'm expecting this to be longer in both aspects…but we're all ready."

"Do you know anything of the Elder Sage of Numengate?" Tyazaer asked Janie who shook her head "I don't know much about Opstun as a man but as a sage and one of our order he is the most devout. Freen looked up to the man greatly; he is the complete opposite of Shaelin, no offense to Anondye's Elder Sage of course the only other more spiritually minded is Teyron of Sarhara. So I've been told."

Tyazaer smiled "I'm glad your group is respectable, I was worried we'd be dealing with some crazed hermits like the strange old man Soren spoke of from Anondye's waterfall."

"I'm truly glad they aren't like that as well, I didn't know much about them…Freen was the only one I truly knew but he was my master." The paladin noticed the other woman look down and put a hand on her shoulder.

Orgoth remained silent, he cast his eyes over to Soren and Mia. He told Soren his discoveries, ending with his desire to do a second round with a more complete blood sample from Mia, just to clarify and support his claims. However that required Soren telling Mia what was going on, until then he'd have to stand by.

As the knight returned his attention to the road before him he noticed something.

"Sarharan." Just as the knight spoke, To'Eltz leapt off the top of Fistivus cart as the strange man continued to approach them.

"Who is that?" Wayu asked.

The man was clearly Sarharan with dirty orange hair and green clothes as well as a bow slung across his back and a quiver at his side.

Kay'Shera landed near the group "Re'Zin?"

The nomad recognized her "Kay'Shera? You-" He then looked to the rest of the group, he stopped on Soren and Mia who he barely recognized from the brief moment he saw them enter the Border Keep before they left with Iltar'Elm into Sarhara.

"What are the odds…" the Nomad said with a smile.

"Pardon me but…who exactly are you?" Mia asked.

Clearing his throat he began "My name is Re'Zin of the Treige Border Keep, Sarhara Side. I served as second in command to Iltar'Elm…"

"Iltar'Elm…we just saw him." Wyre stated which shocked Re'Zin.

"What? Where?"

Soren turned to the rest of the Troop "Keep moving, we'll fill him in on everything." Nodding the rest of troop continued ahead except for Kay'Shera and by extent Zey'Yu. Soren and Mia took Re'Zin aside and began talking about everything regarding the aftermath of the Euto Research Center's destruction, Ottenz pursuit and eventual death as well as Iltar'Elm's escape from Treige that cost him an arm and nearly his life as he stood in the Anondye Hearing Chamber.

"He is…still alive?" Re'Zin asked to which Mia nodded "Last we heard of him, yes…you were on a mission from him?"

"Yes…my mission was to seek out Rey Oshwa to bring Ottenz around and stop his deluded madness…clearly it's too late. The Archduchess is not dead…she is with her sister and a group of men and women in Golsaehr."

Kay'Shera let out a sigh of relief "That is really good to hear, all things considered…who protects her right now?"

"Men and women by the name of Shinon, Uhnie, Zihark, Leah and Orkra…I trust you know them?"

Soren nodded as Mia took her turn at breathing a heavy sigh "I knew they survived…they had to…you say they are in Golsaehr?"

"Yes, I left them after several insane things came to light…I have to complete my mission. At least I know I don't have to return to Treige…much more convenient, I may even be able to find a new horse."

Mia looked ahead; the Troop was getting farther "What insane things?"

Re'Zin sighed "A lot…namely, the Core Archive was the sight of a battle between us and several Midnight soldiers and phantasms…namely the ghosts of two men. One was named Unotch and the other, Barbyos, mainly fought by Shinon and Uhnie respectively."

"Unotch. Barbyos. Weren't those men you killed before?" Kay'Shera asked to which the Tellian pair nodded.

Re'Zin: They were led by a vampire named Kanahana and brought ruin to the Core Archive as well as killing many civilians who were attempting to flee from the conflict…

Soren: Then we are definitely heading in the right direction.

Re'Zin: There was something else…when they came to rescue Rey Oshwa they of course rescued me as well as another imprisoned man named Kolkem.

Mia: Kolkem?

Re'Zin: Yes, the last head of the Euto Research Center before Eminse. He left his post to investigate several frightening matters around Ymarkteg. He discovered this group of conspirators operating out of Sarhara, Regalshin and Pozem known only as Duke, Hierarch and Mistress. As old and frail as he was we discovered he was kept alive by a demon that took up residence in his body…the demon wielded a blade called Balmung and he called himself Einseek.

Soren and Mia looked at each other in shock then back at Re'Zin "Einseek?" The two were at a loss for words while on Michalis Zey'Yu sighed and rubbed her temples "I wish I understood what the hell they are talking about…"


"So Murawk and this Einseek were the pupils of the warlords Gashuuka and Seino and they reside in our time period? How is that possible?" Okra asked.

Istequil sighed "Long after history recorded the five warlords deaths, we believe that they somehow appeared to five men or our era, some say the five men they 'recruited' are nearly equal to their skill…The One Who Seeks Eternally who we know is Einseek, The Marauder who may very well be Murawk, The Impenetrable Wall, the Blood Sun who is this Jyim'Son and the Night Shade."

"Who is this…Impenetrable Wall?" Shinon asked.

Istequil turned to Orkra "Are you ready to hear this?"

Unsure she pointed at herself "Me?"


"Been a long time since we've hit the road eh?" Shaelin asked, Ilan rolled his eyes "This isn't supposed to be fun…this is a very serious situation! The whole-"

"The whole of Ymarkteg could be in peril, yeah, I get it, alright." Shaelin sighed as he and Ilan entered the Grand Grove and headed for the Ruins of Opal where the chest containing Helswath was supposed to be.


"An Apothecary you met in Anondye who gave you the information about True Elder Magic and sent you to the Western Archive…his name or…the name he used, was Einseek? You sure it isn't just a coincidence?"

Soren shook his head "I don't know…but I have to find out…Kay'Shera!"

The knight stood straight "Yes Soren?"

"How fast can we get to Apothecary's Keep on Michalis?"

The knight quickly ran through the distance and weather "At our fastest and in best condition, we can be there sometime during the night."

"What? You are going all the way over there?" Zey'Yu asked as she jumped off of Michalis "In case you haven't noticed-"

"We're in the middle of the move to Numengate, I know…but this is important…we could've been played from the very beginning and I won't stand for it." Soren stated as he walked with Kay'Shera and got on Michalis.

"Wait, what about Mistress and-"

Zey'Yu raised her hand "I told them all about the Royal Ring, they're the leaders of the Altar responsible for this false peace that is getting up the Midnight's ass so badly."

As Re'Zin thought about this Soren looked over to…

"Mia…"

She smiled "I'll command the Troop, no worries, it's not a drastic change…just make sure you get to the bottom of this."

"There is one more thing!" Re'Zin called out.

The group turned to him as he spoke "While they were in the prison where they rescued Kolkem, Rey Oshwa and I they also found an unconscious Froghul. According to Teel and Rey, during the battle against Kanahana the Froghul got up and left, headed in the direction of Anondye.."

Soren and Mia glanced at each other before Mia spoke "Did he have one arm?"

Re'Zin tilted his head "Yes…how did you know?"

Soren clenched his teeth "Ushnae. He was the one who killed Jikahn and started the fight in the Hearing Chamber."

Re'Zin's eyes widened as Mia turned to Soren again "We'll see what we can figure out…you have to get to the Keep as soon as you can."

Soren nodded before leaning down and kissing her, Kay'Shera called for Michalis into the air and they shot off.

As Re'Zin thought this over and Mia watched Michalis vanish into the sky, Zey'Yu sighed "Your man just ran away with my girl…"


Orkra shook her head "You expect me to believe this? I worked alongside that man…for years…there is no way that I could've missed it!"

Istequil sighed "It's a fact…"

"You expect me to believe that The Impenetrable Wall is Gorm!? The Wyvern Lord of Regalshin's Royal Army, it just, how can it be?"

Istequil: Opstun is right about this…Gorm is seen wielding his mighty axes on a regular bases but Opstun knows the man is peerless with a lance…a natural talent and one he never has the opportunity to unleash…he may not be able to control it.

Zihark: The same man who most likely killed Joltam…he was a student to Meltraitis of Regalshin? His successor…

Istequil: Yes…

Uhnie: That's unbelieavable…I mean, in retrospect yes he is a terror on the battlefield but…

Leah: As shocking as that is I'm still on this Jyim'Son guy. I feel like it should ring a bell…the only Sarharans I've met and known as allies were To'Eltz and Kay'Shera who fight alongside Soren and Mia, all the others were either crazed Altar Assassins or just ordinary citizens…

Istequil: Regardless…these men aren't just students, they are every bit as skilled as the Warlords…you are lucky you defeated Einseek…though he may have very well been a phantasm like Unotch and Barbyos…

Istequil came to a stop "Here we are. Ready to meet Opstun?" The group nodded before proceeding.


"Headmaster Kino…Peltzm'Jakq…the tension continues to grow at an astonishing pace…I trust you can feel it?"

The two nodded towards Mistress as they stood in her chamber "The boiling point has long passed…soon, everything this conflict touches will burn and be reduced to ash…we must make sure it isn't us or the shield of peace that has been so good to us."

Kino and Peltzm'Jakq bowed and turned away "Kino, rally The Altar, you know where…I've got one more stop to make…"

Kino nodded as the Trueblade walked past him.


"Mind if I ask you something…extremely personal." Mia turned to Zey'Yu as the pair continued to play keep up with the rest of the troop. They bid Re'Zin farewell after learning that he briefly served with the Sarharan Royal Army in exchange for a royal soldier being stationed at the Treige Border Keep that was when he met Kay'Shera.

"I guess…" Zey'Yu smiled as Mia raised an eyebrow "Well?"

"You have any plans or thoughts for children?"

Mia turned away and chuckled "Wow…you weren't kidding…"

"I told you…personally, I'd love to have at least one…just to see what it's like…before you say anything, I know that won't work."

Mia smiled "I wasn't going to say anything…honestly…I'm not sure…there are a few…problems…"

Zey'Yu laughed "I could make a joke about problems with me and Kay'Shera…but I won't…I'm guessing yours have to do with age and time?"

Mia was about to ask how she knew that but pushed it aside "Kay'Shera told you?"

"She tells me everything…and I tell her everything…just hearing about it, how he'll live for so much longer is really…really heartbreaking, even to someone like me."

Mia smiled "It means a lot that you care…hard to believe you were on the other side for such a long time."

Zey'Yu nodded "I can't even remember…being with The Altar was nothing like this…not even close…"


"Here we are…somewhere…around here…damn." Shaelin sighed as he began digging alongside Ilan "You didn't mark the damn spot?"

"I can't remember…if I did, it's been so long the mark was probably erased by something…my apologies…"

"I should apologize, Shaelin…I've been far too angry with you…it's just that…a lot has happened…"

"Freen is gone…that would most likely do it…I don't blame you."

Ilan turned as Shaelin continued digging and nodded towards the other Elder Sage.

"Truly something no man can really aspire to…"

"I wholeheartedly agree."


"Opstun…" The Elder Sage turned to face Istequil, Zihark, Shinon, Uhnie, Leah and Orkra.

"You all…you are the ones involved in what is about to transpire…"

"How can you be so sure something is going to happen?" Zihark asked as the group entered the room and Opstun walked towards them.

"I feel…uneasy…my powers waver and the chest radiates its strong desire to escape…"

"So Balmung is still in its case?" Leah asked to which Opstun nodded "Of course…why would you think otherwise? The weapon can't just break out of its chest…it requires two beings using True Elder Magic to break the seal…though it escapes me as to how 'they' released Gungnir from its keep…"

"By 'they', I assume you mean The Midnight." Uhnie stated.

"Of course…and I'm guessing you ask about Balmung because you faced someone in battle who claimed to have it?"

At Opstun's comment, Shinon nodded "He announced the blade in his hand was Balmung, capable of slicing through anything, and before you ask if we have proof, no one was willing to let it cut us just to check…"

"The true Balmung in the Einseek or Seino's hands can slice through any weapon…tell me…did your blades clash?"

The group looked at each other, Opstun could tell he was right, the Balmung they faced wasn't the real thing, the weapon still lay exactly where it belonged.

Istequil cleared his throat "Regardless of Balmung's authenticity they fought Einseek…it seems the man sealed himself in the body of the researcher Kolkem. They struck down the body of Kolkem but Einseek is most likely still out there in his spirit form."

Orkra snapped her fingers "When Kolkem fell his body and weapon disintegrated…but maybe it was just Einseek reverting to his form…and speaking of which, how is he a spirit exactly?"

Opstun looked to the books on his shelf "True Elder Magic…not Einseek's own doing…but it had to be done to him as a backup plan. They were probably incapable or reviving his body so they gave him a spirit form that allows him to control weaker men's bodies…"

The group stood around thinking this over, who could have changed Einseek into a spirit and why? The only person capable would have to know True Elder Magic and if Janie and Opstun's claims were any indication, the other Elder Sages would never do anything like that. The only logical answer had to be someone within the Midnight recruiting powerful dead men as it has already been done with Murawk, Meloi and Kanahana, Einseek would be no different.


"Found it." Ilan called out as he tossed the case outside, Shaelin stood next to Ilan and they nodded to each other before holding their hands out. Black magic shot out of their palms and covered the box before it opened, revealing the mighty Helswath.

Ilan tilted his head "Wait…"

"Shit!" The Elder Sage was thrown aside as Shaelin called out and shoved him. A knife cut across Shaelin's arm and the Elder Sage nearly stumbled back as black lightning struck around them and several soldiers of The Midnight appeared.

A man stood aside spinning his blade before motioning for the soldiers to charge. As Ilan and Shaelin gathered themselves they began firing back chunks of the earth around as well as black bolts of energy.

"Pesh…there it is." The archduke followed Versha's finger to the chest with Helswath lying on the ground. Pesh produced the worn Helswath that was wielded by Murawk and smiled "Excellent."

As the Elder Sages struck down several Midnight soldiers, Pesh and Versha began walking towards the discarded Helswath.


"Re'Zin…" The nomad stood near Iltar'Elm who was heavily bandaged and looked like an utter mess, but seemed to be breathing fine. "Iltar'Elm…that was my report…I'm sorry to have kept you up for it."

"Not at all…I'm just…sad and angry that…Ottenz…"

Re'Zin nodded "I know sir…hopefully he found some kind of peace in his last moment…"

Iltar'Elm sighed "Hopefully…Re'Zin…surely you know…Eminse is here…"

"Yes sir, Soren and Mia told me quite a lot while we were exchanging information…including the Orichalcum and Vassaan's involvement."

"Indeed…I would like…you to protect them…alongside Dent and Wilt of Euto…"

Re'Zin nodded "Yes sir…"


Zihark's group sat in silence, Opstun was telling them something when he suddenly stopped and stood up. Istequil raised two fingers to his lips and everyone remained silent.

"Helswath…the chest has been opened."

"What? If that is true then what was Murawk swinging at our friends all that time?" Leah called.

Opstun shook his head "I trust Istequil told you at least a bit about my theory."

The group shook their heads and Opstun began speaking "I believe there are two copies of the Fell Lord's Arms. One is the true vile weapon that we, the Elder Sages hold and the other is some sort of…reconstructed weapon…worn and incomplete. It has to be the only way to explain the presence of two Balmungs and two Helswaths."

Zihark tilted his head "Someone who can control True Elder Magic went to the hiding spots of Balmung and Helswath and rebuilt almost perfect versions of those fell weapons? How?"

Opstun sighed "Even I don't know…apparently there is much more to the magic I use that not even I know…what makes even less sense is how they knew where to find Balmung, I'm always here, I rarely leave. I would've seen someone…"

As the group thought, Istequil turned "I have to return to my post soon…the investigation into the Core Archive murders won't go any smoother without me there."

Uhnie nodded "Makes sense…we also have to start heading for the Citadel."

"Are you going to let us in?" Leah asked to which the Braver nodded "Yes, I'll speak with the men at the gate and see if you can't get an audience with the Numengate King…it won't be easy but I'll try."


"What the hell is all this about?" Mikel called out as he hacked into a Reaver with Lyle following him up by impaling the man. The troop was attacked by a small detachment of Midnight soldiers. Mia and Zey'Yu arrive shortly into the confrontation and were aiding with striking the men down.

As Wyre turned to see a man lift his blade, an arrow shot into the man's throat followed by Tyazaer riding by and striking the man across the back with her blade. "This has to be some kind of distraction…but why?"

Janie raised a wall in front of her, stopping several arrows. She then fired out small sections of the wall, striking the marksmen in the face and tossing them back giving Orgoth and To'Eltz a chance to finish the stunned men.

"They could be after Goetia…" Janie called out as she leapt aside, dodging a flying axe.

Mia shook her head as her blade clashed with another "There aren't nearly enough and there are also no commanders, this is definitely a distraction and we need to end it!"

Wayu's lance stuck into a man's chest as Leena rolled aside from a wide swing "Then let's get this over with!" Shooting back up she cut the man vertically across the face and he fell on the ground dead.


"Not so fast!" Ilan called out as he summoned a mass of shadows that shot forth and grabbed Pesh and Versha, lifting them into the air. Shaelin stood behind his fellow Elder Sage and brought up large rock walls, stopping several weapons.

As Ilan began crushing the pair he called out for them to drop Helswath. As the apparent 2nd Helswath hit the ground he continued crushing them "How did you get that? Who did it come from?"

Pesh glanced at Versha "Hey…this is…irritating…do something!"

Versha closed her eyes and the shadowy arm gripping her loosened before releasing her.

"What?" Before Ilan could respond a knife struck his arm and he released Pesh, the pair landed on the ground with Versha bringing her tome out and encasing Ilan in a black bubble, lifting him into the air then throwing him against the remains of a building, destroying it.

"Ilan!" Shaelin called as his wall was destroyed, a blade caught him in the side followed by a few arrows in his shoulder. He fell to one knee and turned to see Pesh take the real Helswath from the chest they opened. Versha held up the 2nd Helswath which turned into black smoke and seemed to merge with the real weapon. The scratches and worn parts of the Helswath vanished and the weapon seemed to be brand new again.

"We've got what we came for…time for all of us to go home…"

Ilan shot out towards them, a large black orb struck Versha and sent her into a tree before the ground beneath Pesh exploded. He caught himself in midair and upon landing realized that Helswath was now in Ilan's hand.

The Elder Sage returned to his ally and gave him an elixir "We've got to get out of here."

Shaelin nodded "Rock catapult?" With Ilan's nod the other Elder Sage quickly swung at the other Midnight soldiers, striking them with a large black orb of his own, knocking them to the ground.


"One last thing master…you said you had no connection to Shaelin or Freen…right?"

Opstun nodded and turned to Zihark's group who were just about to leave "Do you know of their whereabouts?"

"Zihark did tell me that he kind of lived with Freen and his student Janie. Freen was the reason Soren and Mia went to the Negative Wastes, right?" Orkra stated as she turned to face the trueblade who nodded.

"Yes, all I know for certain is that Soren and Mia were then headed to Pozem because something caused Freen to leave on an important mission…what does it mean that you have no connection with them?"

Opstun remained silent "My best guess…they're dead…but there is one other reason…"

Shinon noticed Istequil grew nervous and the marksman opened his mouth to speak the word.


"Rock Catapult!" Ilan raised his arm but stopped before it hit the ground. Versha and Pesh glanced at each other with a smile as Helswath hit the ground.

Ilan fell to his knees, looking at the blade of shadows sticking out of his chest.

Shaelin picked up Helswath and walked over to Pesh and Versha "Told you I could get it to you eventually."

"That was a long eventually…" Versha muttered as Pesh took the axe. The man motioned for the rest of the Midnight soldiers to leave.

"Shaelin…" The Elder Sage turned to see Ilan and smiled "All of you must have had the question on your lips…how did they release Gungnir from its keep? Five of us sealed them; at least two are needed to open the chests no matter how skilled…in addition to the Master of Midnight…I was helping them."

"…why?"

Shaelin walked over to Ilan and kneeled in front of him "The Midnight told me who I really am. They know undoubtedly that I am Drake's Student…'Night Shade' and Goetia is rightfully mine. Giving it to Janie at the last second…you doomed that poor girl, die knowing that you wrote her death as well…old friend."

Shaelin pushed Ilan over onto the floor and walked towards Versha and Pesh. The three vanished in a black light leaving Ilan in the Opal Ruins.

"Freen…Janie…I'm…sorry…"


"Traitor."

Opstun nodded "I never wanted to give it a second thought…I've worked alongside Freen, Ilan, Shaelin and Teyron so much that I've grown to love them…too much…I can't imagine any of them betraying the order…"

Shinon smirked "Not all of us are the pure-hearted heroes from another continent you think we are…I betrayed the mercenaries a long time ago…regardless, unless we know who it is, the point is moot. There is still much more to be done."

The group nodded and followed Istequil out of Opstun's home, the Elder Sage sighed.


Standing in a tall keep, a guard slammed a few cards down on the table "Royal flush!"

"Bullshit!" Another called out "This can't be real…Dawson you've won all the matches tonight! You've got to be cheating! Krey, tell him to stop cheating!"

Krey, who folded a few turns ago, shrugged "I can't prove it."

"Then you're in on it!"

Dawson took his earnings and grinned "Calm down Gill, I'll give you another chance if you're willing."

"Damn right!"

As Krey moved forward, Dawson gave him the cards and he started shuffling. Gill sighed and turned, looking outside he saw something strange. The sun was setting and the land was getting darker but he swore he saw what looked like lightning.

"Huh…a storm is coming…"

Dawson turned and looked outside, sure enough more lightning though it seemed very close to the ground. "Where is that coming from?"

Gill handed out the cards and glanced outside as well "I'll take a look, don't start without me."

The man climbed up the ladder and onto the roof where he looked through a long spyglass. He saw the lightning and furrowed his brows as an explosion of black smoke was at the base of the lightning strike. "What the hell…"

From the smoke a line of five armed men began marching forward, looking ahead of them he saw several more squads, most likely from the previous lightning strikes.

"Is…is this…is this an attack?" he muttered, he began calling out for everyone to arm themselves before moving over to the bell and ringing it. Along the outer wall, more guards came onto the roof and began ringing the bells.

Dawson and Krey joined him; the latter turned and tapped Dawson, pointing across Golsaehr to the other side. The same strikes of lightning were coming down all around the Ebony Median.


"Istequil!" a woman called out kicking in his door which proceeded to fly off its hinges and slam into the ground. She had bright red hair, long orange robes and was in the process of putting on her red trimmed armor. She saw the archive master getting a drink and tilted her head "Teel Oshwa? What are you doing here?"

"Long story short…taking care of my sister…what can I do for you Captain Helena?"

"Just Helena is fine…look, the city is under attack! I need Istequil!"

"Attack?" the captain turned to see Istequil approaching with several more strangers behind him.

"Yes sir, we've been notified from the wall keeps that men are approaching from all sides…the city will be surrounded soon."

Istequil pulled out his blade "Then we're going to fight and protect the city and our King. Helena, what of Vargas, is he mobilizing?"

Helena nodded "I went by his place first, he was already up and out."

Istequil turned to Shinon "You are all free to stay here, Helena, let's go!"

The woman nodded and followed Istequil out the door.

Watching the Braver and Sentinel take off Zihark took a few steps towards them. He turned to the rest of the group "Are we going too?"

Orkra, Leah, Uhnie and Shinon nodded "Of course!"


"Am I hearing this right?" a man said, the soldiers in front of him nodded "Yes sir, we rushed the message here as soon as we got it, Golsaehr is being approached by countless armed soldiers who fly no banners…we don't know what nation they're coming from my King."

The Numengate King scratched his chin "Whoever decided to start a war now must not like their head where it is…very well, prepare the Royal Army, bring me the General Quaid and Lieutenant Nexin, we must discuss how quickly reinforcements can be sent out but deliver a message to Istequil of Golsaehr that we'll have additional troops within the hour, maybe quicker if we can."

The two men nodded and took off as the King stood, his advisor stood with him.

"Mehr…what do you make of this?"

The advisor shook his head "I'm not sure my King…there have been rabid reports of terrorists in the other nations but nothing said they were an army…"

"Could it be one of the other nations…or maybe a new born terrorist group?"

"I wish I could say My King..."

"King Althropos!" The King saw one of his Generals enter the room and kneel.

"General Quaid…I appreciate your quick response…we have to be faster to respond to the potential crisis in Golsaehr."

"Golsaehr? Sir…soldiers have begun appearing around the Citadel's walls."

Althropos stopped pacing and turned to his General "What?"


Versha warped in and watched the soldiers approaching Golsaehr's walls with a smile. Holding one hand up a large flaming meteor formed "Cymbellus." Gesturing the flaring orb shot high into the sky. Bringing her hand down the burning stone immediately collided with one of the keeps along Golsaehr's defensive wall, incinerating it.

She then brought her fingers to her lips and whistled, the tune repeated all around Golsaehr and the army's pace quickened as they began the final approach. Archers finally at the ready, Versha watched as the defenders fired on the approaching soldiers. With a smile she created another meteor and smashed another keep.


Istequil heard the second explosion and screamed for the cavalry to get on their horses. He turned to Helena who motioned towards Zihark's approaching group.

"Don't say anything Istequil, we're here to help."

"We've got three gates to protect…the main gate and the side gates…the last one is the massive gate that connects our city to the Citadel, they won't reach that one until they've broken into the city and we aren't going to allow that…Helena will take the east and I'll take the main…if you don't mind splintering your group…"

"Uhnie and I will join you Istequil, I can feather quite a few of the main force all by myself, give me a perfect Overwatch and we've got the main gate."

"I'll go with Helena." Leah stated and Helena nodded "Thank you, though I am a captain."

Leah grinned "Sorry…Captain Helena!"

"That leaves Orkra and I on the west gate…is there no one else of Golsaehr's military that is going to command the troops over there?" Zihark asked.

"Commander Vargas has already mobilized, he should be there…good luck."

Orkra nodded to Istequil "We're on our way, let's move!" the Hero took off with Zihark close behind followed by Leah and Helena taking off in the opposite direction.

Istequil nodded to Shinon and Uhnie "Here we go." The three took off to the main gate.


Outside the West Gate, Dalton Pesh appeared with Kanahana at his side "You guys got here fairly quick after that distraction in Anondye…did Shaelin get you what you wanted?"

"Of course…Midnight 3 is now perfect and with Versha…"

Kanahana nodded "Can you destroy the forces on this side alone?"

"Are you volunteering?" Pesh asked with a smile.

"Midnight 4 will remain here…Norad Jyuugo is bringing his two Midnights to attack the Citadel, I'm certain we don't need a third."

Pesh laughed "With the other man you are bringing, you don't need those two Midnights…or Jyuugo…or you…"

Kanahana spat before taking to the sky, Pesh turned to Midnight 4 "Well then…let's do this."


The main gate opened and Istequil appeared raising his blade as a massive group of cavaliers and a few paladins charged past him "No one gets into the city!"

The Midnight began roaring and engaged the cavaliers, Istequil charged forward. Uhnie turned to see Shinon on top of the main gate "High enough for now…" he muttered before notching an arrow and shooting, striking one of the many soldiers in the head.

"One."

"This isn't a-"

"Of course it is!" Shinon called out as he fired another arrow while staring at Uhnie. "Two."

"Damn it." Spinning her knives, Uhnie shot into the fray alongside the cavaliers.


"Almost there." Fistivus announced as the troop continued down the road, trees obscured their immediate view of Golsaehr but they were about to exit the forest and enter a large rocky hill overlooking the city that led down to it.

Mia narrowed her eyes, glancing at the rest of the troop and occasionally thinking of Soren and Kay'Shera, wondering if they've reached the Keep yet or if they are at least close.

"Those Midnight attacks really held us up…hopefully we don't encounter any more…" Wyre commented. Lyle nodded "There are way too many important things going on to waste time killing members of the Midnight…chances are we've killed the same men three times by now."

Mia sighed "Is there any way to completely wipe them out if they keep reviving their fallen allies?"

"Maybe…what the fuck?" Lyle called out, the troop could now see Golsaehr, several keeps along the main entrance were destroyed, and smoke was rising from several fires. A meteor shot down and smashed through another keep. The field in front of Golsaehr was full of soldiers defending the capital from what was most likely an army of The Midnight.

Wyre shook his head "No way…"

"Come on!" Mia yelled and charged down the hill followed by the rest of the Troop.


"What will you all do?" The Master asked, facing Ushnae and Shaelin.

Shaelin shrugged "I have no desire to join the battle…I just want Goetia…as soon as you get it, I'll play nice."

Ushnae rolled his eyes "Finders keepers…"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

The Master chuckled "Once Goetia is retrieved…it will be mine. If you want it…you must take it yourself."

"What? But Pesh and Versha took Helswath from you!"

"It wasn't the real Helswath…it is now in their hands until they fall…no one has touched Gungnir because it is mine…if you want Goetia, kill the Elder Mage yourself."

Shaelin spat and walked away with Ushnae following him "Well Master, are you leaving soon?"

"Soon…there is one last detail to take care of…"


"Die!" easily deflecting the wild swing, Istequil roared as he brought his blade deep into his foe's shoulder before kicking the man off his blade. Turning, Istequil tore through another man with ease "For Numengate!"

Uhnie shot past him, she easily avoided the slow and heavy axes, flipping into the air and kicking the men in the side of their heads. As they stumbled, her knives made quick work of their exposed skin. Though every once in a while as she moved in an arrow would strike one of her foes. "Stealing kills isn't cool…" she muttered to herself. Leaping away as a cavalier took an axe to the chest and fell over, his horse tumbling to the ground as well.

The Midnight didn't care, slicing through the legs of horses, tossing the riders to the ground before stabbing them in the back. Uhnie knew she couldn't defend all of them and kept thinking about the long lasting peace that has been so easily disrupted by the corrupt Midnight.

Versha began walking into the battlefield with Midnight 3 close behind.

"Anyone who tries to gore me…be a dear and mutilate them."

"Mutilate…" Midnight 3 echoed before swinging Helswath, releasing a wave of blood that shot out, coating several soldiers both Midnight and Numengatian. The men screamed as the blood boiled before exploding.

"Do be…a little more careful…" Versha stated as a man charged her. She faced him as the blade came towards her, it melted and the man looked at his bare hilt.

Versha held her hand up and a powerful surge of fire exploded, burning and melting the man alive in an instant.


Zijo Oit and Tyse Erent stood near the East wall as the Midnight Troops charged into the rain of arrows and engaged the foot and mounted troops of Golsaehr. Zijo Oit tilted his head "There is a very strong force in the Numengate army…first to find and kill him wins."

"Wins what?" Tyse Erent asked.

"I don't know…but I like winning." With that Zijo Oit shot into the crowd and began cutting through Numengate troops with Tyse Erent following close behind.


Orkra threw her axe into her enemy, as the man struggled to take it out she ran him through with her blade. Turning around and striking another man with her hilt before kicking him to the floor and killing him.

Zihark raised both of his blades to stop an attack, swinging his blades out the enemy's weapon shot into the air. Taking advantage he easily struck down the surprised foe as another approached.

Before he began charging a surge of wind picked the man and began tearing through his armor before the winds forcibly snapped the man's neck and tossed him aside.

"Soren?" Zihark turned as a Wind Archsage approached "You must be Commander Vargas." Nodding the man turned and swung his arm, a massive current tossed an enemy high into the air. Zihark watched the man fall on his back, shattering his spine before turning back to Vargas "May we work well together." The trueblade stated with a somewhat nervous chuckle. Vargas nodded again before engaging with several other foes.


Upon landing, Michalis began breathing heavy and Kay'Shera dismounted "I'm sorry Michalis…but you did great!"

Soren headed for the keep "Thank you Kay'Shera…and Michalis."

Kicking open the door Soren looked around before calling out for Einseek.

His eyes landed on that same picture that he saw when he was first here. All of a sudden the four men on it became extremely clear.

"You know them…don't you?"

Einseek stated as he descended from the upper floor. He walked over to the picture and pointed at each man as Soren spoke their names. "Ulmeihn…Ushnae…is that…the Hermit?"

Einseek nodded slowly "Before he was known as the hermit he was an ordinary man…they all were…"

"Who is the fourth?" Soren asked before shaking his head "Wait! This isn't what I came to talk to you about!"

Einseek removed his hood "The fourth is Nias an old friend…I am not the one who seeks eternally as I'm sure you were about to ask…I just am…eternal…"

Soren's looked at the man in the photo then at the Apothecary standing before him. "You can't be…Eien? The Vanguard?"

The woman before him smiled "Why not?"