Hey everyone, ultimateTORINOR here. Saying that this chapter would have been out a bit earlier, but my computer really sucks at the moment. Anyway, this chapter focuses on the bad guys of the story, what our 22 heroes will be facing on their different quests. I'm sorry if this chapter isn't great, but I really really hope you don't hate it. Now that I've got that out of the way, I still don't own Total Drama Island. And now, with no further interruptions by me...please enjoy the latest chapter of Shards of a Crystal!

Nabudis City Tavern

Heric Graun watched the man across from him carefully, waiting for an answer. The man in question was a miner, a common man, driven to him with thoughts of a rich reward for his story. He didn't know this particular man's name. He didn't care either. All that mattered was that he gave the correct response. He smiled to himself. No matter the outcome, this man was a threat to his liege. He would need to be…taken care of. He leaned back in his chair. The man was hesitating. It would have to be time for some tact. It was a…delicate situation.
He smiled warmly at the miner and said comfortingly to him, "Come now, friend. We are on the same side here. Tell me your story, and if it pleases my liege enough, you could say good-bye to hard work forever. We would take care of all your needs."
He smiled as the man's eyes lit up. They are all the same, he thought triumphantly.
The man, fueled by greed, recounted his tale to Gran. "Well, sir, I was working in the mines, you see, as I be only a miner, not a fine lord as yourself." The man searched his eyes, hoping that his flattery had gained him some favor, but could find nothing there. He continued, "I had just finished bringing a load of iron ore up the mine shaft when I felt …something… behind me. I turned around and there's this great flash of light from inside the mine. It…blinded me, my lord. When I eventually got my vision back, I noticed the sky was…different."
Heric Graun cut in. "Different in what way?" he inquired, feigning interest.
The man, puzzled, added, "Well, when I looked up at that night sky, I just felt a wave of calm pass over me. Like, everything was going to be all right. Does that make sense, my lord? Is that what you are looking for?"
Heric Graun smiled at the miner, his mind, however, was in turmoil. This was a very troubling matter. There could only be one object that possessed that blessed power. He had heard reports from his men of similar instances, but had dismissed them almost immediately. The Crystal was gone forever, it had seemed, and Heric Graun had everything he had ever wanted.
But that accursed Crystal! It seemed it would not abandon the world just yet. He needed to report this directly to his master, who would…not be pleased. But it was time for a little pleasure first.
Just a little longer…he thought.
Heric Graun stood up from his chair, motioning for the unfortunate man to follow suit.
"Well, I believe we can work something out. This news will be extremely helpful to my lord."
The man's head nodded repeatedly. "Oh yes, thank you sir, you don't know how much this means to me…"
Heric drew his hand to one of his back pockets, fingering an object he had not used in a very long time.
He motioned his informant to come up to him. "My fine friend, it is time to discuss your reward…"
The man walked over to him, a smile spreading over his rugged features. He got to him and paused waiting.
"Yes, my lord? What did you have in mind?"
Heric Graun got a steady grip on his tool. Here, he paused, savoring the moment, knowing that the man was his. Suddenly whipping his hand out of his coat, he plunged the dagger-like instrument into the miner's chest. He smiled as the man's eyes opened wide in pain and shock; smiled as he felt the man's life slowly leave his ragged and worn body.
He smiled cruelly at his victim. "I see you are enjoying my weapon. Let me explain it to you. I hope you… will not object."
The miner said nothing, struggling feebly, gasping in pain.
Graun smiled again. "Good. You see, my weapon-" He pressed on the weapon slightly, causing the man to shut his eyes tightly. "This weapon is a marvelous invention, courtesy of our King himself. With this…I can make Death itself my tool."
He spoke rapturously to the dying man. "Quick or slow…painless or complete torture. This is one of a kind…this is...." He twisted his weapon swiftly, causing the man to drop instantly to the ground. He retrieved his weapon, and checked the body. Dead. As always, his weapon succeeded again. It truly was a gift. It truly was…Magic. He turned around and strode to the door. Opening it swiftly, he motioned to the guard standing by his door. Heric Graun glanced at the body, and the guard went swiftly, taking the man's body in his arms, cleaning up his mess.
Heric Graun did not look back at his handiwork, did not know any of their names. Names were an irksome thing, opened doorways for people, making you get to know them, and then…you would not be able to get the job done.
The murderer shook his head, glanced at his clothing for any traces of blood, and finding them to his satisfaction, quickly walked through the tavern's interior and out the door, into the night.
Heric Graun paused, looking around at his surroundings. So much had changed in the one year they had occupied the "fair" city of Nabudis! Gone were the bright colors, the smiling people, and the laughing children. They were now distant memories, ancient history…their time was over. Dark clouds hung eternally over the city, obscuring the sunlight, casting a sickly aura around the town. Heric smiled to himself. The sight of it, the struggling and ailing town, had always made him smile. Looking once to the sky, and nodding in satisfaction, he turned on his heel and disappeared, leaving the town to suffer in its desolation alone.
Appearing suddenly on the roof of the castle, he felt...strange, like he was being watched by an unknown force. Looking around hurriedly, he saw the sight that had made him feel so uneasy. The temple stood there, a seemingly bright beacon in the middle of the darkness that they had brought to Nabudis. Heric Graun hesitated no longer and pushed open the doors that lead into the castle throne room. That temple was eerie, to say the least. He had been there when the explosion happened, fighting at the temple stairs, one year before, and he had been fortunate enough to see the old King get struck down, and remembered smiling…that the day was theirs! Right after the last enemy soldier had been dispatched, a light had then rippled through everyone present. The middle of the room then exploded in light, nearly blinding them all. The sheer force of it caused it to draw people in, the soldiers who had dispatched the king went first, not even having enough time to scream. The rest were pulled in, trying in vain to escape their fate. Heric himself had survived by hanging on to a torch bracket for dear life, watching as man after man was pulled into the light vortex. He remembered slipping form his hold, heading closer and closer to the light. He had cried out, feeling a part of him slip into the light…when suddenly the light faded, and the room was at least silent. He had then collapsed, and was treated by the healers when they had found them in the temple. After he had been treated, he realized that something wasn't quite normal about him anymore. He could simply wish he were someplace, and he would be there…instantly. It had been such a valuable skill, one that his master and he had used to its full potential over the last year…
Heric Graun shook his head again, shaking off his memories, and entered the throne room. If he had looked around, he would have seen craftsmanship at its finest, but only one thing held his attention at this point.
He knelt reverently, waiting for his King to acknowledge him.
"Rise, Heric Graun, my second in command. What have you found out from that man you went to visit, hmm?"
Heric rose, shaking off his surprise quickly, and answered, "I found out one thing in particular, Sire, and…I…"
The King glared at him. "Spit it out, man! What could he possibly have said to threaten me? This city is mine!" He strode angrily over to Heric and looked him in the eye.
Heric picked his words carefully and said, "The Crystal has appeared, in many places around the globe. I've heard reports of strange flashes of light in Elven forests, Dwarven underground, Human cities, and more are yet to be discovered. We even have pieces close to home, in the Mulka Mine."
His King turned away. "I thought this day would come. We…must do all we can to retrieve the pieces of it. Send attack parties out to the locations, and alert our armies to start preparing."
Heric Graun grinned. "Can I head the attack party to the mine, Sire?"
The King turned and smiled, but with no warmth in his eyes. "Do what you have to, Graun, but do NOT fail me."
Heric bowed low. "Thank you, my liege. Thank you, King Lucien!"
He strode out, toying with his special weapon, with Lucien's last words echoing in his ears.
"No witnesses. No survivors."
That was always the best way to do a mission.

How did you guys like it? I hoped at least a few of you didn't like my character's actions. They're meant to act that way, after all. If any of you are wondering, Heric Graun is NOT a mage. Just thought I'd clear that up for a few people who might be a little confused. Again, I'm sorry if this wasn't very interesting or good, but I would really REALLY appreciate it if people still reviewed anyway. They make me feel happy and nice. Anyway, I don't know yet what Chapter 7 will be about yet, but I'll try to get as much done as I can in the next few days. Thanks so much for taking a few moments out of your lives to read my story! READ AND REVIEW!