A/N: The wonderful world of Exile (Avernum) remains the property of Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software, not me. I promise to return to the game unharmed the following persons: General Baziron, Berra, Anaximander, Ostoth, Velasquez, Seymour, Vladimir, and Empress Prazac; and places: the stone circles, the Golem Factory, Tevrono, Fort Emergence, New Cotra, Concealed Tunnel, and Blackcrag Fortress.
At long last, they burst through a line of fourteen golems with four blade-tipped arms, and found a large glade, stripped of vegetation. In the center, they could see a huge stone circle, glowing with an eerie light.
"That must be one of them," said Anicka. "Whatever's making that light is probably dangerous."
They made it through, fighting still more golems with the four blade-tipped arms, and a crystal which kept firing magical bursts at them. At last, they shattered the massive crystal, and it sent one last pulse of energy into the air before the shards of crystal crumbled into dust.
At long last, they came to the huge clearing, having destroyed three of the stone circles and spotted the last one. A great deal of golem activity had taken place here, and as Zalifar had said, by concentrating, they were able to make out an enormous tower.
"You know what bothers me?" said Daniel as they snuck past a huge number of golems on patrol.
"What?" said Anicka. "You've actually managed to make it just one thing?"
"Well ... it's just ... those power crystals ... that looks like something the vahnatai would do," said Daniel.
"You're right," said Anicka. "But then, it looked like it might have been their work creating the barrier between the troglos and the giants. They're quick to point a finger at Erika, but the way I see it, she doesn't have a reason to think it's a good thing to destroy the surface, but they just might be mad enough to do so."
They entered the tower then, and found themselves in a hellish network of machinery, lances of magical energy, and blackened, rough-hewn stone. The noise of the works which produced the golems was deafening, and the smell of ozone and foul chemicals was enough to make them feel faint.
Walking further inside, they were able to get a look at the golem factory. The workings of the place were utterly alien, and despite all their experience in strange and deadly places since they had first come to the surface, this was terrifying. Most of the factory floor was taken up with strange magical machinery, grinding automatons which drew from unseen stores of rock and crystal and forged the golems. The devices were powered by beams of magical energy which criss-crossed the factory floor.
Above the machinery, they could hear occasional rings, pops, and explosions. The factory was quite active, and new golems were constantly being produced. Around them, they could see bits of the remains of a group of humans who had stumbled upon this tower.
As they explored, with a flash of light and the grinding of stone, they saw the production of a new golem. A low stone platform opened, an inanimate golem rose out of it, then the stone closed. The energy crystal discharged and the golem was immediately suffused with life, ready to carry out its malevolent programming.
"This is amazing," said Angarahad. "Chilling, but amazing. This place must have been born of nothing but amazing ability and pure, all-encompassing hatred."
"You make it sound more and more like you think the vahnatai are responsible," said Anicka.
"I think so," said Angarahad. "But ... I would like to be able to show proof of it."
They struggled, sure that the way to the last circle would be found in the basement that they found the stairs to. The tunnels under the golem factory were incredibly hot. The stone was soft under their feet, and sparks flashed in and out of existence in the air.
"So that's how they powered it!" exclaimed Phaedra. "It's on top of a volcanic vent."
"Think it was already here, so that's why this tower's here?" said Anicka. "Or did they create the vent?"
"I have no way of knowing," said Phaedra. "In any case, it's here now."
Moving east, they came into a chamber which appeared to contain the results of some sort of golem experiment in mass production. It looked like several explosions had ended the experiment prematurely, and now all the devices were dust-covered.
"Fascinating," said Phaedra, as they found some stones on a pedestal which proved to be schematics for the golems. "Wish I understood the writing here."
"What's really interesting," said Angarahad, "is how much that looks like vahnatai script."
"OK, so we're almost sure enough to tell them at the bunker that we think the vahnatai are responsible," said Anicka. "But we're not leaving until we finish the job with the golems."
Taking the key formed of blue crystal, they hurried back to the locked door, and made their way upwards, finding a control panel that they could make sense of—turning off beams and shieldings, and as they went back to the basement, smashing crystals by the platforms where the golems were "born". They found their way to the last of the stone circles, in this one, the power crystal was defended by jeweled golems, but the battle went as the others, and they returned, dodging searing beams until they at last reached the highest level of the golem spire. This large hall was dominated by massive pieces of machinery rising to the ceiling and then through it.
"OK, I understand now," said Angarahad. "The volcanic vent isn't the sole power source, those stone circles were, too. I think we managed to cut off at least that much of it."
"I think we're safe to go," said Anicka. "Not that I have a clue as to what we'll need to do."
"It should become clear whenever we get there," said Daniel.
"Just don't think that it's going to be totally safe," said Anicka. "I'm sure there are plenty more defenses."
They continued, until there was a place where there was no choice but to step on a rune, and doing so, there was a sound of an alarm—hooting and screeching, and then a cacophony of magical explosions.
"Shit," said Anicka. "There come more golems."
They finally entered the highest chamber in the golem's infernal factory. To the west, there was an enormous crystal, like the power crystals they had destroyed earlier. The crystal seemed to be talking—at least there was some sort of chittering noise.
"It's giving commands!" exclaimed Phaedra.
"To the golems or the machinery?" said Anicka.
"Maybe both," said Phaedra.
The crystal detected their presence almost instantaneously, and they could tell that it had cloaked itself in a field of defensive energy. Second, it had used the machinery to create defenders in an instant. Using mirrors to redirect a powerful beam, they ran from the room. The final blow shattered the mind crystal into a thousand pieces. There was no explosion, no lightning or other such pyrotechnics. Instead, there was a soft, distant keening, a being rose from the crystal—an ethereal, writhing cloud. It began to fade away, howling as it went. Finally, it was gone.
The effect was immediate—nearby golems collapsed, the machines below humming and rumbling, as though out of control now that their master was gone. The tower shook with a series of explosions.
"We better get out of here quick," said Anicka.
"But not before we get some pieces of the crystal," said Angarahad. "We have to show them to Berra."
Wrapping up the hot crystal shards, they hurried out of the factory, and showing the signs of battle with blood and scorch marks, they made their way back to Tevrono.
"Hello, General," said Anicka, collapsing onto a chair in the office, not caring that he hadn't given permission for that. "We have destroyed the source of the golems."
"How?" said General Baziron.
"There were some stone circles, each held a power crystal which gave energy to a central spire," said Anicka. "We destroyed each of those, and then made our way to the top of the spire, where we destroyed the controls for the entire factory."
"Well done! Well done indeed!" said General Baziron. "You have saved us from a great menace. Now my men can clean up the remnants. I wish I could offer you a reward, but I have little here of great value. You may take any supplies you need that we've got on hand, and rest as long as you need to. Rest assured, I will tell everyone of your accomplishments."
"Thank you, General," said Anicka.
"Of course, now there is the problem of surviving the peace," said General Baziron.
"What problems have developed since the defeat of the golems?" said Anicka.
"The leaders of Gale are jealous of our past success against the golems. My troops and I are in great danger. We must be very careful in what we say and to whom. I cannot speak to you," said General Baziron. "Though it shames me to be so rude to those who have helped us, I must think of my men. Good fortune to you, and I hope your path takes you soon to Blackcrag Fortress. In the meantime, I would be much obliged if you do not approach Gale from this direction. And good day."
They moved on through the lands of Valorim, finally returning to Fort Emergence nearly a month after they had defeated the golem spire. Certain of the results, they first went to Berra.
"Berra, we defeated this massive crystal that was running things in the golem factory," said Anicka. "We're not sure, but we're reasonably certain ... could you check it out for us, please?"
Berra looked at these shards, and then got a peculiar look on his face. "Wait, let me test these," he said, and left.
They had waited for Berra's return for nearly an hour and a half, and decided to go eat, when they returned, Berra was waiting for them, clearly terribly upset.
"After the Empire War, we found some Empire records on tests they did on Crystal Souls. Crystal Souls are the souls of the vahnatai ancestors in crystal form, and exist to defend and advise the vahnatai people. The Empire managed to find out a lot about the qualities and physical constitution of these beings," said Berra. He took a deep breath before continuing. "What you have here are fragments of a Crystal Soul, no doubt about it. The golems were being created by a vahnatai spirit. I tell you now, as sure as I am standing here, that the monsters on the surface are being created by the vahnatai. I think you had best hurry and tell Anaximander of this. We are all in terrible, terrible trouble."
Despite the incredible victory, and the buzz of excitement at seeing them, Anicka and her group were quite subdued as they crossed Fort Emergence and made their way to Anaximander's office.
Anaximander listened to Anicka's report of the golems, and seemed to age before their eyes. "This is far worse than anything that came before! It seems that the closer the enemies are to the Empire's center, the more deadly they are. Our leaders suspect, and I agree, that this force is not acting in our favor, though it might appear otherwise."
Anicka explained that they had been to the factory and stopped it, as Anaximander nodded in admiration.
"Still," he said, "our task is far from completed. After all, their creators are still at large, and if they created such an army once, they can do so again. You must convince them, by words or sword, not to destroy the surface! Only then can we have hope of returning to our home."
"It is worse than that," said Anicka. "It is the vahnatai who created them."
"When we enlisted their help in the Empire War, we had no idea of the cost. Their vendetta against the Empire will never end until our home is destroyed," said Anaximander. "They are a powerful and intelligent foe, skilled in magic and weaponry. Exercise the greatest care, and stop them. They are our friends no longer. Defeat them, and save our homeland."
He suddenly stopped, as though remembering something, and checked his records, and said, "Oh dear. We've been seeing movement around the town of Ghikra for days, but it was the vahnatai, so we didn't worry. You'd better go check up there. Something may have happened."
"No doubt," said Anicka, "they know what happened up there already."
They left Anaximander's office, a feeling of dread weighing them down as they left Fort Emergence for Upper Avernum.
"Where are we going?" said Angarahad. "First, that is?"
"New Cotra," said Anicka. "We need to go to the bunker and tell them what we know. Then we can go down to the tower of magi, see if Phaedra can pick up some new spells, and then check out Ghikra."
They hurried to New Cotra, the feeling of dread so intense that they did not talk much at all on their way. Making their way into the bunker, they came to see Ostoth.
"Please make for us the weapon we need," said Anicka, her face betraying the dread of communicating what she had to say.
"Gladly. That is our purpose now. But we are not ready to craft a weapon yet. We wait until someone finds who made the plagues of monsters on the surface, so that we can craft a weapon to use against them," said Ostoth. "Should you ever know who created the monsters, come back and tell me, so we can make a weapon. Make sure you are absolutely certain. We will probably only have the strength to craft one such weapon."
"The vahnatai are the ones responsible for the problems on the surface," said Anicka.
"The vahnatai have caused the horrors on the surface? Disturbing news. Their magic is easily equal to our own. However, we may find a way to disrupt the crystals they use for their magic. Return later. We will create a weapon to use against them," said Ostoth.
They left New Cotra, and finished their rounds, finally reaching Ghikra. Here, a group of vahnatai warriors watched them carefully, their hands on weapons as they whispered amongst themselves at the approach of Avernites.
As they grew closer, the vahnatais' conversation grew louder and more agitated until it reached its climax when the vahnatai drew weapons to attack the Avernites.
They entered Ghikra, then, finding it eerily deserted.
"You know, we never could go this way before," said Anicka. "Let's try it now."
They went down, and suddenly flames erupted from the fire pit. They shielded their eyes, and when they looked again, saw two beings which looked like the unhappy guardians of the passage.
Finally, they came to a portal which only allowed one to pass.
Here, from a ways away appeared a shade of a formidable vahnatai warrior.
"What are you?" asked Anicka.
"I have been left here with a message," said the shade in an emotionless voice.
"Please, deliver your message," said Anicka.
"My creators wish me to tell you not to interfere with us," said the shade. "Our great vengeance will not be interrupted."
"Who are your creators?" asked Anicka.
"Rentar-Ihrno and others," said the shade.
"But we may have to interfere," said Anicka.
"The Empire stole three of our Crystal Souls. They stole the soul of our people," said the shade. "You cannot comprehend the magnitude of this offense."
"Well, try to explain," said Anicka.
"Picture if someone violated and destroyed those you loved most. Such it was with us. T he Empire must be destroyed. Those who live in the Empire are a part of it, and must be destroyed. The Empire's lands must be destroyed," said the shade. "Those who try to prevent our vengeance must be destroyed."
"But you're killing innocent people and destroying the land we wish to live in," said Anicka.
"Your destruction of the crystal souls creating the golems can be forgiven under these circumstances. Do not oppose us further, however," said the shade. "Aid the great enemy, you become the great enemy. Forever. The Empire and its lands must be ashes. Remember this, and choose wisely." The shade then disappeared.
"Shit," said Anicka, stepping forward. As Anicka stepped into the circle of runes in full view of the rows of chairs, something happened.
When she saw what appeared, she was amazed and horrified. Images above the six runes appeared, floating and circling slowly—a slime, a cockroach, a troglodyte, a giant, a golem, and a strange six-legged beast floated one above each of the runes. The vahnatai must have met here to discuss what they could use to slaughter those on the surface, and then the images dissipated. Two guards appeared to block the way to the escape.
Anicka easily defeated these undead, and made her way back to her companions.
"What's wrong?" said Daniel.
"We're in so much trouble," said Anicka. "If we help the Empire, we declare Avernum to be enemies of the vahnatai. If we let the vahnatai do what they want ... They won't stop until everything up there is ashes."
"Oh fuck," said Daniel.
"That is what is called between a rock and a hard place," said Angarahad.
They talked about their troubles all the way back to Fort Emergence.
Anicka returned to Anaximander's office, and told him what the shade in Ghikra had said, and about the images of the various monsters.
"This is just more confirmation of these sad events," said Anaximander. "The vahnatai are our foes now. This is terrible. Yet we must save the surface from them. It is our home, too."
"How will Avernum react to the news about the vahnatai?" said Angarahad.
"Badly, I'm sure. We had supposed the vahnatai our allies. Now we aren't sure. Was this the work of a faction among them, or of all of them in concert. We are trying to find out," said Anaximander. "No news will come soon however. The vahnatai in Avernum have all disappeared. Attempts to communicate with them have come to naught. And the humans in vahnatai lands? We have heard nothing from them, we are very concerned."
"I guess it is time to see how our passage works out," said Anicka.
Months more of travel, and they came to a crossroads where an old beggar woman sat.
"Ah, brave noble adventurers," she called. "Be so kind as to give a poor woman without a home a few coins? I beg you for your generosity." She jingled her begging bowl which held a few coins and a silver ring.
Anicka dropped some coins in, and the beggar said, "Many thanks to you. All who pass shall hear of your generosity."
They continued north, and having heard so much about Footracer province being closed off, they went for a closer look. From the perspective of the hill approaching the province, they saw the massive wall which partitioned this area of Valorim. It was an amazing work of physical and magical engineering—shiny and new and imposing, as if made yesterday.
It wasn't a mundane stone wall. Every block glowed slightly, and faint tendrils of blue energy reached into the sky to ensnare anyone or anything which flew over. Similar tendrils reached into the earth for burrowers. For the first time, they sensed the magical might the Empire could summon on short notice—yet the monsters had completely devastated this area. Not far ahead, the massive wall was interrupted by a large gateway, looking as impressive and impregnable as the wall itself, but the only way into the dead province.
Curious, they approached, and the bars of the gate shrouded themselves in flames, and a deep voice boomed out: "Footracer Province is closed off by orders of the Empress Prazac! Only those with orders from the Empress herself may pass! All others trying to pass will be greeted with the most deadly force. Depart, immediately!" The flames died down, and there was silence.
"OK, let's see about permission," said Anicka.
They turned, and began to cross a massive plain. The roots of the thick, lush grasses were too thick for Empire plows, so these lands had escaped domestication, but now were devoid too of settlers and travelers thanks to the plagues. To the north, there was an enormous mountain range, separating Valorim from the rest of the world. They also had an excellent view of the enormous stone fortress blocking the only visible pass.
"Well, let's look for that tunnel," said Anicka. "We paid enough, now it's time to use it."
They finally found the secluded valley slightly east of the imposing fortress. Entering the cave, an alarm sounded. They stopped, and then the alarm stopped.
A guard called, "Come on in! We expected you. You can stay at the inn, but keep to yourself, or there'll be trouble."
They entered the inn, and the man behind the counter was quite unfriendly, apparently very unhappy that they had acquired passage in Lorelei.
"You can call me Velasquez. State your business and get out," he said.
"What can we get here?" said Anicka.
"You're very lucky. We were expecting you. Just follow the rules, and everything will be happy," said Velasquez. "A room is fifty coins, a drink is twenty-five, and I also sell some guild supplies."
"A round of drinks," said Anicka. "Why did you say we are lucky?"
"Word was sent ahead from Lorelei that you might be coming to get into Blackcrag, and that you should be allowed to pass. If we hadn't heard otherwise," said Velasquez, "you would be dead now."
"So what are your rules?" said Daniel.
"Don't talk to people. Don't pick things up," said Velasquez. "Don't go where you aren't wanted. Go to Blackcrag, or leave."
"So you know anything about Blackcrag?" said Anicka.
"Passage is north of the inn. Before you go, there's a lever hidden in my office," said Velasquez. "Pull it once to clear the way through. Now go."
"Gladly," said Anicka.
They made their way through the twisting tunnels, until they saw a closed portcullis at the west end of the cavern, with a huge suit of armor.
"Oh fuck, it's a doomguard," said Anicka as the thing began to lurch their way.
They fought it off, surprised that when the first armor fell the floor, the portcullis opened. They hurried through, and found themselves in a long gallery. Emerging into what appeared to be a storage room, they were met by a mousy man who seemed terrified.
"I am Seymour," he said, and quietly added, "Don't hit me." He did not sound ready to shout an alarm, almost as though used to people sneaking into this fortress.
"I'm not going to hit you," said Anicka.
He shifted his weight nervously, and said, "I was, well, left to wait here and give you a message."
"What message?" said Anicka.
"I was told to stay here and to tell you that Empress Prazac herself wishes to meet you," said Seymour. "Also, if you need supplies, you're allowed to take the stuff in this storeroom and the one to the south. A reward from the Empress for the help you've been to us already."
"Great," said Anicka, wondering if perhaps her mother hadn't been wrong about who her father was ... 'if so, then my father killed her father ... fancy meeting like this.' she thought, and said, "Great! Where can we meet the Empress?"
"She's in the throne room. You can get to it to the south, though you'll have to do some looking to find the way. Just be careful," said Seymour. "And now that I have said that, I am free to return to safety, I hope."
"Why do we have to be careful if the Empress herself wants to meet us?" said Anicka.
He fidgeted, and said, "I keep out of politics. It's dangerous. They tell me some people don't want you here, so you're supposed to stay out of sight. Just so you know."
"Why are you so nervous?" said Anicka.
"I was told about you. You're from Avernum. You're a brutal ... I've just ..." said Seymour. "I've heard about you."
"Well, just be quiet, and we'll all be fine," said Anicka.
"By the way," said Daniel. "Mayor Scowcroft gave me this ticket. We're supposed to turn it in to someone in authority to get a reward."
"Oh, I don't know about that. The only person in authority you're supposed to see is the Empress. All other authority people aren't supposed to see you," said Seymour. "They'd kill you!"
"I see," said Anicka. "Well, now that you've given your message, you're dismissed."
He looked relieved that he would get through another day without being butchered.
They continued, finding a secret passage, and were traveling along, when suddenly, there were several flashes of light, and they were surrounded by Empire guards, who immediately attacked. Wondering why they had been allowed in, only to have the Empire attempt to kill them in such an odd, stealthy way was something to worry about later—now they had to fight to remain alive. Killing these soldiers, they left the bodies, not knowing what else to do, and emerged in a large hall, beautifully tiled, and lined with statues.
"Wow," said Anicka.
They emerged into another hallway, and an officious bureaucrat stood by another door, clearly waiting. He sniffed slightly as the Avernites approached, obviously having been told that they were here.
"Chief Valorim Liason Vladimir, at your service," he said.
"What are you doing here?" said Anicka.
"Waiting for you," said Vladimir. "I assume you wish to see Empress Prazac."
Anicka gulped, wondering what an empress would make of an Avernite still in traveling gear and smeared with the blood of Empire soldiers, and said, "Yes."
"Well, she wishes to see you," said Vladimir. "However, the situation has several complexities."
"What's the problem?" said Daniel, sounding impatient.
"Everything is currently unstable. Certain factions, should they find that the Empress is dealing with Avernites, would become very aggravated, and there would be difficulties. Serious difficulties."
"What sort of difficulties?" said Anicka, mentally weighing the option of just slicing this Vladimir down, and she glanced at the dervish—'would have to kill that one, too ... be just like "dear old dad and old times ..." Probably better not.'
Vladimir drew a finger horizontally across his neck, and said, "I'm sure you understand. Of course, I may give you permission to enter. You have but to request it."
"I see," said Anicka. "Then I request permission to see her imperial majesty."
He nodded, and said, "We have watched you progress, and you are indeed capable enough for us to risk dealing with you. You may enter." He clapped his hands and there was a click from the door.
"There is something else I would like to know," said Anicka.
"I see. Sadly, I am needed elsewhere. I need to start ensuring that nobody interrupts your time with the Empress. Good luck. You may see the Empress now," said Vladimir, and he walked off through the dervish-guarded door.
Anicka gasped in awe when she saw the amazing chamber before them. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all of semi-precious stones, the intricate craftsmanship, the fountain of sparkling water ringing the room made this the loveliest sight she had ever seen. To the east side of the room, however, was a sight to inspire even more awe and fear. Sitting on her throne was Empress Prazac, and she motioned for them to approach.
They moved in front of the Empress, leader of the Empire, the sworn eternal foe of Avernum. She seemed strong, but not cruel—alert but not nervous, skeptical but not hostile.
A dervish hissed, "On your knees for the Empress."
"Oh, right," said Anicka, hoping she had remembered to close her mouth, the whole place was so amazing, and she knelt.
With a simple regal movement of her hand, the Empress motioned them forward.
"Uh, greetings, mighty empress," said Anicka, wishing most heartily that she had cleaned herself up before coming here, and then thinking that she would most certainly have gotten killed in the secret passage without her armor.
"Greetings. I am Prazac—Empress of the Eternal Empire, Scion of Pralgad, Highest Lady of Vantanas, Mistress of Valorim. Welcome to Blackcrag Fortress. I am here to deal with this horrible mess, what else is there to say?" she said, her voice calm, measured, utterly confident. "I think you can help us, and thus help yourselves."
"Forgive us, but how did you come to rule the Empire?" said Phaedra.
"Hawthorne was my father, and the ruler of the Empire up until some Avernites slew him," said Prazac, watching them carefully as she said that. "Now I have to clean up many of the disasters he left us."
"If ..." 'don't say my father—gods what would she say to that anyway, probably off with my head or something' Anicka gulped, and said, "my people killed your father, why are you willing to deal with us?"
"Hawthorne was a cruel, cold man. Believe me, he is not missed. He was powerful and brilliant, but too cruel to be a truly strong leader," said Prazac. "Just look at the whole Avernum situation!"
"He created Avernum?" said Daniel.
"He prized order above all else. So what did he do? Take anyone who damaged his precious order and get rid of them!" said Prazac. "Other rulers have had enemies. He created his!"
"What do you think of Avernum?" said Anicka cautiously.
"I know my father sent warriors, wizards, and other resources down into Avernum. Not killing them outright was to his credit, I suppose. About the only merciful thing he ever did. But now the Empire has an enemy, and a strong one at that," said Prazac. "And worse, by getting rid of everyone different, everyone creative or unusual, he helped make this horrible mess I have to solve. We need the fresh minds he casually disposed of."
"What do you know of the monster plagues?" said Phaedra.
"Too much. There are hundreds of thousands of our citizens dead. Multitudes more wounded or refugees. Confidence in the Empire is shaken. A whole continent under quarantine. It is a mess. Yes, mess seems to wrap it up," said Prazac, and she sighed. "And worse, it could have been avoided."
"Surely your people weren't always confident in the Empire," said Anicka.
"As an Avernite, I am sure you have a hard time believing how the Empire's people could love it, could love its rulers and the prosperity it provided," said Prazac. "Not even the Avernum war shook our people's confidence in us!"
"Has the death toll really been that high?" said Angarahad.
"If only it weren't true," said Prazac. "Yes, the toll has been that serious."
"Why have you imposed a quarantine on Valorim?" said Anicka.
"I cannot imagine what they say about us in Valorim now, but the quarantine is a necessity. Otherwise, the monsters may spread. The official purpose is, of course, to have time to prepare to fight them," said Prazac. "However, I have serious doubts about our abilities against them."
"Surely, the Empire can defend itself against anything," said Nathan.
"Whoever made the monsters designed them very well. They attack in completely non-standard ways," said Prazac. "You see, when Hawthorne sent anyone different to Avernum, we lost exactly the creative minds, especially in our military, who could have figured out ways to defeat them. Thus, an avoidable catastrophe occurred."
"Is that why you wanted to see us?" said Anicka.
"Yes," said Prazac, and she paused to steel herself to say what she was about to say. "We need Avernum's help. Avernum defeated us, and Avernum is the only force that can destroy the monsters, too. I have an important offer to make to Avernum. That is why I have a diplomatic mission for you."
"We are at your service," said Anicka.
She pulled out a scroll, holding it in her hand, and looked at it with a strange expression on her face. "This needless conflict between the Empire and Avernum, the nation we have created, must end, and end justly," she said, as she handed the scroll to Anicka. "This is a vital diplomatic message for your master, Anaximander. Take it to him with all haste, and then return to me."
"Uh, I probably should mention," said Anicka. "Some Empire soldiers attacked us when we were trying to reach you."
"I am not surprised. There are elements in the government disloyal to me. They must be found and removed," said Prazac. "They wish nothing but for the war against Avernum to never, ever end, no matter what threats face us."
"What will you do to those disloyal to you?" said Phaedra.
"I want to be a just monarch," said Prazac. "But I am still the empress, and I will be obeyed."
"What sort of relationship do you want with Avernum?" asked Anicka.
"Avernum should never have existed. Everyone in it should be welcome to return to the surface. Criminals must be punished, but the misfits and fools should be allowed to find their own happiness," said Prazac. "As long as one does not act directly against me, I think that person should be able to live a life in the sun."
"Um, I know it sounds like a small thing," said Daniel, "but Mayor Scowcroft gave me this ticket. I'm supposed to turn it in here to get a reward."
The Empress looked mildly annoyed, and said, "This is a waste of time, I think. Still, an obligation is an obligation." She gave some orders, and someone went off to the weapons stores, returning with a dusty crossbow. He whispered to the Empress.
"This is the only item we have of appropriate value. I hope that it is useful to you," said Prazac, as an aide handed it to Daniel.
"Thank you, your majesty," said Anicka.
"Then, please, be on your way with the scroll," said Prazac. "I shall await your return."
They left then for the very long journey back to Fort Emergence.