Twenty-two years ago, Arkapallus Arabasti ascended to become king of Korvosa and took his place on the Crimson Throne. He changed his name to Eodred II, naming himself after Korvosa's first king out of hopes of matching his popularity in the city. Yet there was no denying that Eodred II had his flaws. He especially enjoyed the company of women and was often found in public with his harem despite being married to Ileosa, a Chelixian noblewoman. The king decreed that his birthday would be a holiday in Korvosa with scantily-clad women serving wine to the people. He spends the city gold treating himself and his lovers with lavish gifts. Eodred II was a man of vices and one Alexander hoped he never had to meet.

Yet, despite his ways, Eodred II wasn't a tyrant by any means. The gold he didn't spend on himself went toward the city's infrastructure. He paved the way so that Korvosa would have four more orphanages within its walls, and of last year, finished construction on the Pantheon of Many, giving worshippers of most deities a place to have service. While the people didn't absolutely love Eodred II, they did have a fair share of approval for their king given his harmless ways. Alexander had to admit that despite the king's ways, he was content letting him rule from his palace as long as he never had to interact with him.

It was no secret that Eodred II was in poor health. Rumor has it that he had some sort of disease that the followers of Abadar, Sarenrae, and even Asmodeus couldn't treat. He had no child to serve as his heir and it was often thought that the Crimson Throne was cursed so that Korvosa's ruler wouldn't die of age and that they wouldn't have a direct heir. Even though the king's health was in decline, Alexander thought that he had a few years left in him. With Falenas' announcement, he wasn't sure what was next for the city of Korvosa.

"The king's dead?" Silana gasped.

Alexander peeked his head back through Gaedren's bedchamber to speak with Indigo and Viera. "We're leaving! The city's rioting!"

"What?" Viera asked in surprise.

"The king's dead," Alexander said and stepped inside the room. "Falenas told me so."

"This night doesn't seem to end," Viera sighed.

Indigo shut the strongbox and stood up. "Take the strongbox. It's unlocked. This is where I leave you for now."

"You can't be serious!" Alexander looked at Indigo in disbelief. "If what Falenas say is true, the city is too dangerous to be out by yourself."

"Be that as it may, I must return home," Indigo said. "We will meet again soon. You'll need to help Viera to carry the strongbox."

"Where are we even going to go?" Alexander thought out loud, stepping out of the way for Indigo to leave.

"We can go to the Pantheon of Many," Viera offered. "I serve at Iomedae's shrine during the day and I know that the followers of the gods should be able to provide protection. I'll vouch for us and we'll be safe for that."

"We'll need to get there first," Alexander nodded. "Let's go!"

Alexander and Viera picked up the strongbox from one end each and carried it with them out of the room. A quick explanation of their plan to Falenas, who was confused by Indigo pushing past him out of the fishery, and Silana was all that they needed to follow along. They cautiously moved across the boardwalk and through the ship. Although they didn't carry a torch, distant fires gave them enough light to make it through, just as Falenas said. The group made it to where they first entered the fishery, where the other orphans had gathered with fearful looks. Takota stood by the door, bow in hand. He gave a quick nod to the rest of his companions, affirming his decision to follow the group for now.

While Falenas tried to rally the group of children to follow him, Alexander took a glance outside the door Takota stood by. Buildings were on fire in the distance and he could hear people screaming and the sound of metal hitting against metal. Smoke rose in the skies above where Alexander saw blurred movement. The hippogriff riders of the Sable Marine Company were no doubt trying to keep the city safe but they had their work cut out for them. Alexander wasn't sure what all could be done for the city that was currently caught in different riots.

What he did know was that with the city in turmoil, it wouldn't be safe to go back to his home with Silana. Viera had the right idea of waiting out the night in the Pantheon of Many. Yet, in the back of his mind, he knew that there was business that he had to take care of before he could head to the Pantheon of Many. With a nod of his head, he motioned for Viera to set the strongbox down. He then walked up to join Falenas, who was failing to rouse the children's spirits.

"You see, I was alive back when Eodred II took the throne," Falenas explained, his tone nervous as if he wasn't used to talking in front of crowds. "And, well, before then, the queen that ruled before Eodred died. And the city survived. Granted, it wasn't like this…"

"That's enough, Falenas," Alexander sighed. "Carry the strongbox with Takota. Viera can help with the children."

"These arms aren't really meant for manual labor," Falenas protested weakly while Takota walked over to the strongbox.

"Alexander, what are you thinking about?" Viera asked.

"I'm thinking tonight may be the last chance we find out about what really happened to Zellara," Alexander answered. "I'm going back to her house alone."

"I can go if you want," Falenas offered, glancing towards the door.

"I don't think it's safe enough for you to go by yourself," Alexander told him. "We need Viera to get us entrance to the Pantheon of Many. It has to be me."

"If you're confident that this is the path you must take, then take it," Viera said, then reached into her pockets. "I have something that may help."

"What's that?" Alexander questioned.

Viera held out a deck of familiar cards. "It was her harrow deck that was with her head. Maybe it'll help. I don't know."

"Thank you," Alexander said and took the cards. "Maybe it will."

"He gets to carry a deck of cards while I get to carry a large and heavy chest," Falenas rolled his eyes. "How great…"

"Stay safe, Alexander," Viera told her companion.

Alexander nodded. "Silana, I need you to stay with Viera and do as she says. She'll keep you safe."

"Dad, I'm scared," Silana said, looking up at him.

Alexander dropped down to a knee to look his daughter at her level. "I know. I'm scared too. We made it this far though and we'll make it to go home tomorrow. I just need you to be strong for me until I get back. Can you do that for me?"

Slowly, Silana nodded. "I think so."

Alexander gave his daughter a quick hug to reassure her. Leaving Silana was the hardest part of his plan but he trusted Viera enough to look out for her and stop anything dangerous. When he stood up, Viera was talking to the children in a confident yet caring tone, getting them more likely to follow them than the elf. Falenas continued to mutter complaints under his breath while lifting the strongbox with Takota, who took the change of plan with no issue. With a deep breath, Alexander stepped out of the fishery and went as fast as his legs could take him back to Zellara's house.

While it had been peaceful in the city when the group first left for their revenge, the streets were now consumed in chaos. While the people were previously inside their homes, they were outside and at work. They took part in destroying property, starting fires, and getting into fights. While Alexander was focused on getting through the night without incident, he heard glimpses of what the problem was. Some were praising Ileosa's eventual ascension to the throne while others thought that she would make for a terrible queen. Alexander didn't know much of the queen but figured that he had time to think it over later. For now, his concern was to get to Zellara and figure out what happened to her.

Alexander's determination saw him through to make it back to Zellara's home. He pushed his way through the door and stepped inside. Even in the darkness of the building, he saw that the food, the rugs, and the tapestries were all gone. The chairs and table they sat at were scattered across the ground in different pieces. This was no sign of a riot passing through the house. The layer of dust on the ground and wood showed that no one had been in this building for quite some time, even though there were six people in this building not so long ago in the night.

"The king is dead, the city is on fire, and I am losing my mind," Alexander voiced his thoughts out loud. "How could this have happened?"

"You're not losing your mind, Alexander."

With a silent gasp, Alexander looked around the room for the source of the voice. Then, he noticed that the harrow deck he carried in his hands started to glow with spectral energy. He dropped it to the ground and the cards spread out. Yet, rising from the cards was a familiar face and the one that the voice belonged to. Zellara smiled in a kind manner at Alexander, who could only look on in shock. Many questions came to his mind as he struggled to speak. For her part, Zellara waited patiently, and with a motion of her hand, the harrow deck stacked itself and floated upward.

Finally, Alexander asked his first question in a silent breath. "What are you?"

"That's more complicated than you think," Zellara admitted with a sigh. "It's a long story, but the short answer is I'm a spirit infused within my old harrow deck."

"I think I may need to hear the longer story," Alexander said and started to pace to process what he heard.

"Of course," Zellara said with a nod. "First, I would like to apologize for the deception. I wasn't sure if you would be willing to listen to me if I didn't go through great effort to summon you all the way I did."

"So you are dead," Alexander said. "Was everything you said a lie?"

Zellara shook her head. "Gaedren did kill my son. What I didn't say was that I tried to go after him myself. I… I failed, and he killed me. I suppose that my fury at Gaedren's crimes allowed my spirit to live on. I'm essentially haunting my old harrow deck."

"I've heard stories of undead spirits," Alexander turned to face Zellara. "Are you manipulating us? Is this part of a vile scheme?!"

"It isn't," Zellara told Alexander and took a few steps forward to him. "I'm not evil. I was a mother who missed her son and would do anything to see that no others would share his fate. Of all your friends, I hope you can understand my pain the most."

Slowly, Alexander let his anger fade away and nod. "I do."

"Thank you," Zellara placed her hand on his shoulder although he couldn't really feel the weight of her hand.

"Gaedren's dead," Alexander told Zellara. "You must know that yet you still remain in this world. Shouldn't you move on to what comes next?"

"I would think so but it seems that isn't the case," Zellara said. "I don't know what my purpose is now, but the harrowing I performed for you was real. You and your friends are on your way to become great heroes. I'd like to help as much as I can."

"Heroes," Alexander muttered in disbelief. "It's hard to believe that we'll stand out with the king dead."

"Who knows what the future really holds for you," Zellara said in a reassuring tone. "I believe in you. Please, keep hold of my harrow deck. I'll do what I can to help you when the opportunity arises."

After a moment of hesitation, Alexander slowly took the harrow deck back. "How am I going to tell the others?"

"You will in time, but for now, best to keep it simple," Zellara suggested. "Tell them I'm dead. It's the truth, at least. When your friends are less distracted by present events, they can focus on the rest of the truth. I'll be there when you're ready."

The two locked eyes, and with a final nod from Alexander, Zellara faded away from view. Although he wasn't sure what to make of this development, there were far more pressing matters to attend to. He had to get back to Silana and the others at the Pantheon of Many. Alexander wasn't a religious man but knew that the temple was in Southern Korvosa, which was another district of the city than where he was now. He clasped Zellara's harrow deck to his belt and made his way out of her house, pushing on with each step to make it to a safe refuge.

An hour after making it to Zellara's home, Alexander found the Pantheon of Many in sight. It was only with careful navigation of the streets that he was able to avoid the fires and the crowds of violent citizens. The temple, built from white marble, wasn't the grandest of Korvosa's temples, nor was it the most popular. Even when attracting followers of all faiths, the Bank of Abadar, the Grand Cathedral of Pharmasa, and Temple of Sarenrae proved to bring in more followers. Still, several guards of different faiths stood guard outside of the Pantheon of Many, ensuring that no harm would come upon it. Alexander believed that his companions made it safely and quickened his pace.

A screech from the sky caught Alexander's attention. He looked up in time to see a hippogriff and her rider descend from the clouds of smoke with blood pouring down from them. They crashed into a statue in the distance and there was little reason to believe they were still alive. Other riders in the sky left the dead alone and continued on about their business. Alexander gulped at the thought of the Sable Marines being in trouble and continued on. One of the guards of the Pantheon of Many stepped forward, bearing the symbol of Torag.

"Halt, stranger!" the guard called out. "What business do you have? We will not let harm come upon the shrines in the temple."

"My name is Alexander," he explained quickly. "I'm friends with Viera. She was on her way here."

"Viera told us that you would be coming," the guard stepped aside. "You can stay for the night given the circumstances but that may change in the days to come."

Alexander walked up the stairs of the Pantheon of Many. He smiled in relief to see Takota standing by the entrance arch to the temple. The archer kept his eyes focused on the sky, picking up the hippogriff riders that flew across the city. Alexander thought best to check in with his silent companion and stepped forward to speak with him. Although Takota kept looking at the sky, he gave a nod to acknowledge the warrior's presence.

"Are you okay?" Alexander asked. "Did any harm come across the group on your way here?"

"We're safe," Takota said quietly.

"That's a relief," Alexander tapped his chin in thought, figuring now is the best time to let Takota know what he discovered. "I'm afraid Zellara's dead."

"That is disappointing to hear," Takota nodded.

After a few moments of thinking to himself, Alexander figured that was the most he was going to get out of Takota. Even when the archer was silent before, he was mostly focused on the sky. Between finding revenge and the city in turmoil, he couldn't understand what was going on in Takota's mind. With a quick wave, Alexander made his way inside the Pantheon of Many.

It took only a few minutes for Alexander to navigate his way through to find the right shrine. There weren't a lot of people present other than injured cityfolk and healers of various faiths tending to them. An altar dedicated to Iomedae was in one quarter of the Pantheon of Many and that was where a large crowd of children were. They were mostly asleep with bedrolls provided by the temple although there were a few who rolled around in unrest. Viera sat by a bedroll alongside Silana with Falenas nearby, looking through the strongbox's contents. Alexander quickened his pace and his footsteps attracted the attention of the others.

"Dad!" Silana called out and rushed over to hug her father.

Alexander crouched down to return the hug. "I'm glad to see you, Silana. Did Viera keep you safe?"

"She did!" Silana told him. "She's so nice. She let me talk to her while you were gone."

"It's good to see you're back," Viera stepped forward with a smile. "I was worried that you would come upon any trouble. You don't need any healing, do you?"

"I only took a hit from that half-orc," Alexander said and stood back up. "It'll leave a bruise but I'll recover."

Viera nodded. "Were you able to find Zellara?"

"She's dead, I'm afraid," Alexander sighed. "Likely for weeks, just like you said."

"How can this be?" Viera questioned out loud. "We saw her today."

"Who cares if she was alive when she showed us the way to Gaedren," Falenas said, not leaving his spot by the strongbox. "That's behind us now. We need to think motherabout tomorrow."

"I don't think the city will be back to normal tomorrow," Alexander admitted. "I'm hoping to go home tomorrow."

"Likewise," Falenas nodded. "Unfortunately, Gaedren's treasure isn't made up of coins. We're going to have to find a merchant to sell them to."

"I imagine all the merchants are packing up their wares and leaving the city right about now," Alexander told him.

"Of course, which is why I intend to leave the strongbox here with Viera until we have a chance to sell Gaedren's loot to split amongst ourselves," Falenas said and stood up. "For now, I should get some sleep. Where did I leave my bedroll?"

"I've prepared an extra bedroll for you by Silana," Viera told Alexander. "All the beds we have are for the workers of the shrine."

"Thank you," Alexander looked down at Silana. "It's time to go to bed, Silana."

"Okay," Silana nodded. "Good night, dad! Good night, Viera!"

Alexander watched Silana run back to her bedroll before turning back to Viera. "Thank you for keeping her safe."

"I'm glad to be of help," Viera bowed. "If you don't mind me asking, but what of her mother? Is she safe right now? I don't mean to overstep any boundaries if you don't want to answer."

"It's alright," Alexander told her. "I don't want you to worry. Myla passed away a few weeks after giving birth due to a sudden disease."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Viera said with a soft tone. "It can't be easy raising Silana by yourself."

"Sometimes, it isn't, but I do what I can," Alexander said with a faint smile. "I should get some sleep now. I have a feeling tomorrow's going to be a long day."

"I should as well," Viera agreed. "Good night, Alexander."

With a quick nod of her head, Viera turned away to retreat to her chambers. Alexander slowly walked over to his bedroll and took off the armored coat he had over his clothes. The night was finally over and he was glad to leave behind that dark moment. In all of the chaos, he had saved his daughter and made new friends. Whatever happened next, Alexander would need to stand in defense of Silana and ensure that they had a home to go back to. The king was dead yet he believed that Korvosa would return to being a peaceful city soon enough.

A/N: As promised, another chapter completed and uploaded today.

The story is now at 17000 words. Still behind my goal but catching up. Due to last minute plans, this is likely the last time I'll post a chapter tonight, but I'll keep on writing for the rest of the day.

Until next time.