When Kain left the Tower of Zot, it was not on a speedy little ship, but a large warship, designed for destruction with its large canons mounted on both sides of the ship. A troop of soldiers sat below deck, idly passing the time in their cramped quarters; Kain was unsure if they were monsters or humans and found he did not want to find out.
Elena was nowhere to be seen on deck as they departed, but Kain was not surprised. He expected her to avoid him as much as possible, only interacting when their mission required it. What devastating secret did she keep to herself, Kain wondered, and why couldn't he know? Surely, over twenty years later, such a secret wouldn't matter anymore.
After an eternity drifting through thick clouds, the ship, the Crimson Strike, finally broke through the clouds, emerging to find forest stretching out in endless green before it. Kain had heard of the immense Troia Forest before and knew of its general size but seeing it made it seem more impossible. The ship continued onward, heading north toward the capital.
Kain stood on the ship's deck, leaning against the railing, deeply breathing the clean air. It seemed to fill his lungs more, bringing more energy into his body, making him feel more alive.
"It's something else, isn't it?" Elena remarked, startling Kain with her sudden closeness. He looked aside, to see her standing beside him. She did not wear her dark knight armor, only a plain tunic and leggings, and Kain could see the decay in her graying green flesh, exposed in patches on her arms and neck, but it seemed less prominent now than the first time he saw her, like she was slowly becoming less Revenant and more human again.
"It is," Kain agreed, looking back to the forest below them. "I have never breathed air so fresh before."
"Ah." Elena smiled. "Through the trees, the earth gives to the wind, making it sweeter. The wind stirs the clouds into a frenzy, releasing their rain to the earth, soaking it anew, allowing new life to spring up. More trees grow, creating more wind, then more rain, and so on, the cycle continues." She leaned on the railing, looking out at the forest. "I wish I could taste Troian air, one more time."
"Why did you leave Troia?" Kain asked quietly.
"Opportunity," Elena replied, her gaze still distant, looking out over the forest. "King Odin had the Leonhart artifacts and offered me access only if I enlisted." She paused, then shook her head. "I'm lying. I originally told him no, I wanted to stay in Troia." She smiled, faintly bittersweet. "Then I had my heart broken and needed a change of scenery, so I accepted Odin's offer."
"Oh," Kain said, surprised by her admission. "Do you regret leaving?"
"No," Elena answered quickly. "The short time I got to be your mother made all the hurt and heartache worth it."
Kain swallowed hard. "You're still my mother."
Elena shook her head. "Now, I am Scarmiglione's Champion before all else. I cherish my memories of you and remember the love I felt, but now my heart is shrunken with rot. I left behind who I was in my grave."
"I see," Kain murmured, unable to hide his childish disappointment at her rejection.
"When we return with the Earth Crystal, Scarmiglione's power will grow," Elena said, ignoring Kain's hurt. "With it, he'll make me stronger and more whole. Maybe then, I will have space inside me to feel again."
"What does it mean, to be an Archfiend's Champion?" Kain asked; he heard the reference several times before but had never questioned what that meant, until now.
Elena shrugged. "It depends on the Archfiend. For Barbariccia, it means someone to worship her and offer tribute. For Cagnazzo, it means swearing fealty and obediently following orders. And for Rubicant, it means having a general, to carry out his commands and think as Rubicant himself does."
"And for Scarmiglione?" Kain prompted when she did not continue. "What does being his Champion mean?"
"It means…" Elena hesitated, searching for the right words. "A confidante. Someone to review plans with and give meaningful input. A person unafraid to offer their opinion and feedback."
"A friend?" Kain asked, skeptical.
Elena laughed. "A fellow soldier," she corrected. "I don't think any of the Archfiends know how to be a friend, but Scarmiglione is probably the closest. He's the oldest, you know, and the only one without a Crystal, and thus the weakest of the four."
"And Golbez?" Kain prompted. "What does being his Champion mean for me?"
Elena sobered; humor forgotten. "I do not know – and that frightens me for you. Golbez pursues the Crystals with a dogged single-mindedness, willing to sacrifice all for their power. I do not believe he would hesitate to spend your life or dignity for his goals."
Elena's words sent a cold chill down Kain's spine, and he knew she spoke the truth. "If the Crystal is so important, then why not send an army for it?" Kain asked, instead of dwelling on the thought of Golbez, afraid to summon the sorcerer's attention.
Elena gestured vaguely, indicating the forest below. "It is too hard to take by siege. Getting soldiers to the ground is a logistical nightmare. Firing from above might work, but the current bombs are crude and outdated, not guaranteed to explode correctly. No, we will go straight to the Epopts."
"So, our task is to ask nicely for the Earth Crystal?" Kain asked, incredulously. "What makes you think that will work?"
Elena shrugged again. "It won't. Based on Barbariccia's reports, I doubt the Earth Crystal is still in the capital. Our task today is to find out what happened and where the Earth Crystal is now."
"And why would they tell us?" Kain asked.
Unexpectedly, Elena grinned. "I have my ways."
Troia was ruled by a matriarchal theocracy, although a gentle one. The eight Epopts, sometimes called Sisters or Clerics, were thought to communicate with the gods of the forest via the Earth Crystal. The worship of these gods assured the ongoing bounty from the forest.
Hunters prayed before pursuing quarry, then gave their thanks for the animal and the sustenance it would give. Foragers whispered their appreciation to the trees, as they collected the hidden treasures on the forest floor. Nomadic merchants, who traveled between the capital and the countless tiny settlements hidden in the giant forest, listened to the wind whistling in the branches to find their direction when no sun could be spied through the thick tree canopy. Fishers with nets full of river fish left offerings to the forest, mostly small trinkets and coins, in humble altars made from found stones and fallen branches. All in Troia benefited from the Earth Crystal's glory and gifts.
Troia was largely run by women. Its army was almost entirely female, along with any occupation with a weapon in hand. The right of inheritance followed the matrilineal line, with husbands taking their wives' names, if they married at all. It was believed, in Troia, that a child's mother could never be doubted, so it was their mother's name and legacy that mattered. A child's father was important, but not always necessary.
Love was less formal in Troia, with men and women openly taking lovers as they pleased, without the puritanical shame often associated with such behavior. Troians were famed for their beauty; their art and culture reflected this, with a deep appreciation for the human body and spirit.
The worst-kept secret in Troia's underground was the presence of a speakeasy, hidden in the basement of the Pub, cheekily named the King's Bounty Pub. Membership was exclusive, but could be bought for the right price, if one knew who to ask. Dancing girls performed provocative shows on stage while patrons, mostly wealthy male tourists, cheered on their favorites.
There was one notable exception to this concept of unrestricted love and attraction: the Epopts. To keep their judgments and wisdom without undue influence, Epopts were not permitted to marry or have ongoing relationships, and having a paramour of any kind was seen as uncouth and culturally frowned upon. It was not unprecedented for an Epopt to step down in favor of a relationship, although it had not happened in the last two generations of Epopts.
Given Troia's relative isolation, its difficult to navigate terrain, and fiercely protective military, Troia had not engaged in any international conflicts in recent history, enjoying centuries of peace and prosperity.
As Elena and Kain entered Troia Village, Kain struggled to remember all he could about the country, recalling little from his history and politics lessons as a cadet. Elena seemed confident, however, striding through Troia's town and straight to Troia Castle, navigating the streets with comfortable ease.
Some citizens paused at the sight of a dark knight and dragoon, as both wore their armor and helmets, but none intervened until they reached the castle, where a guard stopped to ask their business.
"We are emissaries from Baron," Elena said, her voice tightly controlled. "Send word to the Epopts that we need to be seen right away." When the guard arched an eyebrow at that, Elena added, "Or our Red Wings ship and its contingent of soldiers might miss us and begin to worry."
"Is that a threat?" the guard asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Does it need to be?" Elena replied, sounding casual.
"Let the Epopts decide," said another guard, who had approached upon seeing them at the gates. She nodded to the gatekeeper who began to pull the mechanism to open the gates. Rattling nosily, the gates lifted, and the guard gestured them in. As Elena passed her, the guard muttered, "Turncoat."
Elena did not acknowledge the comment, only silently followed their escort into the castle.
Inside the Epopts Chamber, the eight Epopts stood in a wide semi-circle, awaiting Elena and Kain's entrance. At first glance, they all looked identical, in their matching purple robes and dark yellow headdresses, their forearms stacked with gold bracelets that resembled bracers. But on second glance, Kain saw the differences – a mix of hair colors, face shapes, and heights. One stepped forward as they entered, and Kain guessed her as the eldest, by the white streaks in her brown hair.
"What business does Baron have in Troia?" the Epopt demanded, no warmth in her voice.
Kain looked aside to Elena, who nodded silently. Kain took half-a-step forward. "We have come to liberate your Earth Crystal," Kain said, his deep voice booming within his helmet. "We offer a peaceful option: hand it over now and avoid unnecessary bloodshed and destruction."
The other seven Epopts all exchanged glances, while the eldest stood unmoving. "You would declare war?" she asked.
"Baron will use the Crystal to help reshape the world into a better place," Kain said, almost believing it; Golbez's influence, though far away, still leaned on his mind. "You can hand the Earth Crystal over willingly, or it will be taken, but the result will be same: Baron will possess all the Crystals." He paused, letting tension grow in the thick silence. Then, more quietly, continued, "The question is, how do you want Troia to fare in the aftermath? Look only to Damcyan to see your potential future."
"How dare you—" the eldest Epopt started.
"The Red Wings will drop hellfire from above, turning your forest to ash around you," Elena interrupted, her voice low and raspy again; Kain could barely detect her accent. "The wind will carry the flames to every corner of Troia Forest. Around you, the dead will rise from their graves, attacking their former loved ones without concern or care. You will be left with the husk of your country, hollowed and emptied."
The Epopts said nothing, only staring in stunned silence.
"Think about the message you want me to carry back to my master," Elena continued, then turned aside to Kain. "Let's go."
"But—" Kain started to protest.
"Let's go," Elena repeated, this time harsher, then started for the exit.
"Wait!" called one of the Epopts; she was a middle-aged woman, her thick red hair in a neat braid down one shoulder. "Who are you?" she asked. "I know a Troian raised woman when I hear one."
"No one," Elena answered without turning back, continuing through the exit.
The Epopt looked to Kain, confusion knitting her brow. But she did not say anything further, only frowning as Kain left. He hurried to catch up to Elena.
Elena was silent, shushing Kain once when he tried to question her. Together, they left the castle, following the road into the town.
"Will we go back to the ship, then?" Kain asked, as she hesitated by a crossroads. South led further into town, west into the dense woods, north back to the castle where they had come from, and east to the airship landing field – the only place to land anywhere in Troia Forest.
"No," Elena said, with a nod to herself, as if she'd just made the decision. "There's more to learn here." She started down the western path.
Kain followed. The road narrowed to no more than a well-worn footpath, weaving around the trees. "Where are we going?" Kain finally asked, ducking under a dangling tree limb that hung over the path.
"Troia's graveyard," Elena answered, as the path emerged into a large clearing. A large garden sprawled out in messy, inexact rows, a disorienting mix of colors and fragrances. Plants grew haphazardly around large garden trellises, vines extending and reaching all around them.
"What do you mean?" Kain asked, but as they drew closer, he saw the headstones hiding within the growing garden, peeking out between blooming rose bushes and dangling ivy. At the center of the garden was a massive tree, and Kain saw similar headstones between the great roots of the tree. "What is this place?" Kain could not keep the awe out of his voice.
"Troians give their dead back to the earth, to nourish new life," Elena said. She yanked off her helmet, turned her face up to the sky, and stood still a moment. Kain wondered if she prayed. "Come," Elena said, looking back at Kain She tucked her helmet up under her arm. "I want to show you something."
With Elena leading, they made their way through the garden, following a path Elena seemed to know well. They stopped before one large garden trellis; in it, grew a large green leafy bush, with thin vines reaching outward, toward the sun. Heart-shaped petals hung delicately from each vine, looking like a precious trim of lace. The petals were vibrantly red, looking startlingly dark against the light green backdrop.
A headstone was positioned in front of the trellis, and when Kain leaned, saw it read simply Leonhart. He glanced up at Elena. "Is this our family's?"
Elena smiled. "Yes," she looked at the plant, touching careful fingers to a petal. "It's called a Bleeding Heart. Appropriate, don't you think?"
Before Kain could answer, he heard footsteps behind him. He whirled around, lance drawn, to find one of the Epopts on the path, looking wide-eyed at them both.
"Elena Leonhart," the red-haired Epopt said the name like an accusation. "You're supposed to be dead."
"You sound disappointed, Sylvia," Elena replied, as she turned to meet the Epopt. In the exposing light of the day, Elena's skin was oddly sallow, although there were no patches of decay on her face or her visible neck – the rest of her was protected by the dark knight armor. Her eyes were black; an endless, lightless void that made most people look away. Elena looked something like a vengeful wraith, Kain thought.
"No, but I can be confused," Sylvia retorted. "You died twenty years ago."
"Only a rumor. I was merely gone, and now I've returned," Elena lied too easily for Kain's comfort. "I should have come to see you sooner," Elena added, this time softer. "I've missed you."
"Your charms won't work on me anymore, Elena," Sylvia said, pointedly, her chin lifted in defiance. "Why are you here under Baron's banner, making impossible demands?" She looked at Kain, eyes narrowed. "And who is this?"
"My son," Elena said, surprising Kain with her honesty; he'd expected her to lie about his identity as well. "Kain."
"Your son…" Sylvia repeated, as if she did not quite believe it. She looked at Kain more closely, and despite the protection of his armor, Kain felt oddly exposed under her scrutiny. Sylvia then shook her head abruptly, dispelling whatever thought had been there. "It doesn't matter," she said shortly. "Your search here is in vain, I'm afraid."
"I know the Crystal isn't here," Elena said abruptly, drawing Sylvia's startled look back. "I know a powerful creature managed to get into the castle, stole the Earth Crystal, and disappeared with it into the forest. I know it slaughtered the few soldiers who happened upon it and can use Black magic. And what I want to know now, is where did the Crystal go? Where have your scouts tracked it to? Who has spied it?"
"I don't know," Sylvia said, too honestly. "There are rumors and theories, but so far the Crystal has been unrecoverable." She paused, considering both Kain and Elena openly. "The Captain of the Guard would know more," she finally said, sounding almost hesitant.
"Who is that?" Elena asked carefully, sensing the trap.
"Cassia," Sylvia said with a wince.
"Ah, shit," Elena huffed, kicking the ground in frustration. Kain thought it oddly sacrilegious, considering they stood upon soil fertilized by their ancestors' decaying bodies. "This will be harder than I thought."
"I can't let you back into the castle," Sylvia said with regret. "You'll have to catch her off duty."
Elena sighed. "The usual haunt?" she asked.
"Some things never change," Sylvia replied with a shrug. "Even after twenty years."
"Guess we'll be staying in Troia longer than we thought," Elena said, this time aside to Kain.
"Don't seek me out after this," Sylvia said, tone gone more serious with the warning. "Get the information you need from Cassia and leave Troia. I cannot be seen with you."
"I know," Elena said, sounding oddly dejected. "You're right – some things never do change, no matter how many years have passed."
Sylvia looked wounded by the remark but did not reply to it. Instead, she turned away, to head back through the garden path. "Goodbye, Elena," she said, without a backward glance.
Elena watched her, gaze lingering on Sylvia until she disappeared into the distant tree line.
"Are you going to explain?" Kain asked when Elena finally looked back at him. The entire conversation had been frustrating, with Kain not knowing who they spoke of.
"Yes," Elena said, closing her eyes briefly. "But first, let's get a room at the inn. We won't be able to get in to see Cassia with our armor, or looking how we do." She looked Kain up and down in quick assessment. "With the right costume, you might pass as Troian."
"Costume?" Kain asked, feeling suddenly sheepish.
"It's about time you get in touch with your Troian roots," Elena said with a smirk.
It was less of a costume, Kain mused cynically, and more like an art project gone wayward. He stood in front of the mirror and barely recognized himself. Elena had painted climbing vines up Kain's back, torso, and arms, ending in splashes of different colors, vaguely resembling flowers. His face was a vibrant yellow, and with his long blond hair brushed out, he looked like the sun shining down on blooming flowers. He wore no shirt, only dark brown trousers; the earth beneath the plants, he realized.
Elena had worked quickly, grumbling about not being able to take her time with it. Finally, she had stood back and declared, "It will have to do."
For herself, she'd painted her face silver. On her arms and legs, she did similar vines as Kains, only hers had bursts of dark purple; their placement seemed random at first, but then Kain realized she'd been covering her patches of decayed skin, well hidden in each flowers' center. She was his opposite, the moon lending its glow to night-blooming flora. She wore similar trousers, but wore a short white blouse, its open collar trimmed with delicate lace. With her black hair down around her shoulders, the effect looked like a cloud in the dark sky, passing under one of the moons.
"Why?" Kain had asked when she explained the plan. "Why not just go in, dressed as normal?"
"We'll only pass as the Pub's employees one of two ways: either made over as pretty art to look at and admire, or nearly naked, meant to be openly… appreciated. Which would you prefer?" Elena had told him, blunt and frank.
Kain retracted his protest then.
As Elena had worked, she quietly told Kain of the history between herself, Sylvia, and the mysterious Cassia. "Cassia and I were rivals for Sylvia's affection. It got heated more than once, and we fought in the streets like drunk tourists. In the end, Sylvia didn't pick either of us, deciding instead to follow the holy path of the Epopt, and forsaking all other loves except the adoration of our Earth mother."
"Is that why you left Troia?" Kain had asked her. "When you said you had your heartbroken?"
Elena hadn't answered, working on in silence, and Kain let the question die mercifully.
Feeling frightfully exposed but curious about Troia's so-called underground market, now Kain followed Elena through the market square. As they walked, they drew more than a few curious glances, but Kain ignored them, keeping his eyes steadfastly forward. As they approached one of the many pubs in the area, Kain was impressed by the size of it.
Outside, a group of dancers stood by the door. As Elena had foretold, their clothing was barely a suggestion, small garments clinging tight, barely covering hips and torsos. Kain was suddenly grateful for the paint on his face, knowing he blushed deeply, feeling the heat in his cheeks.
The dancers lingered awhile longer, before someone shouted from inside. Elena gestured for Kain to follow, and fell in line behind the last dancer, going back inside the pub. Inside, they didn't go into the pub proper, which was packed with people, but instead headed to the back, where a woman stood beside a closed door. Kain watched as a man approached and offered the woman a slip of paper. She looked it over carefully, handed it back to him, then opened the door, stepping aside to let him pass.
At the sight of the dancers, she opened the door again, holding it ajar as the dancers lined up to enter. As Kain and Elena drew closer, the woman held up her hand. "Hold on. I haven't seen you around here before."
"A new contract," Elena said, not defensively but only matter of fact. "Tonight's our first night in public." And when the woman did not budge, Elena heaved an exaggerated sigh. "Please don't ruin this for us. The Captain requested us personally."
"Cassia?" the woman asked, sounding surprised. She looked Kain up and down, shaking her head. "Him?" she asked, skeptical.
Elena leaned in and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, but still loud enough for Kain to hear. "She likes to make him watch."
It took Kain a moment to realize Elena's implication, and as understanding dawned, he blushed again, feeling his face grow hot under the paint, and shifted uncomfortably where he stood.
"See?" Elena prompted, nudging the woman with her elbow. "He's red to his roots. She loves it."
"I'll bet she does," the woman agreed with a chuckle, stepping aside to allow them entry.
"That wasn't necessary," Kain said with a low grumble, once they were clear of the door.
"But it worked," Elena shrugged, indifferent to Kain's discomfort. "Stay close, and don't wander off."
Together, with Elena leading, they made their way down the narrow hall, which ended abruptly, with stairs leading downward. They took the stairs, and as they emerged on the lower floor, Kain's eyes struggled to adjust to the dim, indoor lighting. Another half-flight of stairs brought them further downward, and then the hall opened.
Inside was a large room crowded with tables and chairs, most of them filled with men, while scantily clad waitresses made their way around the obstacles, delivering fresh drinks and clearing the emptied cups. Private booths lined the back wall, and up front was a large stage, with three oversized thrones spaced evenly apart. No one danced currently, but Kain supposed that was because the dancers were just returning.
"Let's go," Elena whispered to Kain, tugging on his elbow to shake him from his daze. She led him to the back of the room, where the booths were. As Elena passed by one table, a man reached out, grabbing at her backside. Elena whirled around, catching his hand by the wrist, holding it at sharp angle.
"Hey!" the man protested, trying to draw his hand back. "Leggo of me," he slurred, quite obviously too drunk. "I'm jus' looking fer a little fun."
"I'm not here for you," Elena hissed, low under her breath. "Keep unwanted hands to yourself and find your fun elsewhere." She released his wrist, which he cradled to his chest but said nothing else.
Elena continued, leading Kain to the booth in the corner closest to the stage. Seated within was a woman, her brown hair cropped short at the nape of her neck. She sat alone, although there were three full drinks on the tabletop.
The woman looked up at Kain and Elena's arrival, but did not seem surprised, only smiled wide. "Elena," she said, gesturing for her to enter. Elena slid into the booth's opposite side, far enough in to grant Kain room to sit as well. Unable to shake the feeling that this might be a trap, Kain reluctantly sat beside her. "You've gotten all dressed up for me?" the woman asked.
"You were expecting me," Elena said; it was a statement, not a question. "Then Sylvia has already told you what I'm after."
"But I want to hear you ask," the woman insisted. She picked up one of the drinks and took a generous gulp. "It's been literal decades since I've had something you wanted, please indulge me."
"Cassia," Elena said, stressing the name impatiently. "Where is the Earth Crystal? You can prevent Troia's destruction if you simply tell me."
Cassia scoffed. "Baron's war machine won't fare well here. The environment is in our favor and will shelter us. Those who do make it to our castle will be met with blades and arrows."
"We won't even land," Elena said, her voice gone ice cold. "What I said to the Epopts wasn't an exaggeration. Golbez will raze the whole forest and all within it. Whoever isn't burned alive or dead from breathing smoke will bear witness to the dead rising from the earth, and that will be the army that destroys Troia from the inside."
Cassia said nothing, her mouth in a flat, thin line.
"Tell me where the damn Crystal is!" Elena demanded, slamming her fists down on the table, making it rattle.
"You would destroy our home? Your home?" Cassia asked; it was a genuine question, and she leaned in, elbows on the table, as she waited for Elena's answer.
"The Earth Archfiend will claim all," Elena whispered. On the stage, the curtain opened to a line of dancers, arms linked as they began their routine. The cheers of the audience nearly drowned her out as she continued, "I'll watch personally as his undead minions tear you apart, leaving behind only bloody scraps once they were done with you."
"You're mad, Elena," Cassia murmured, more to herself than to Elena. She looked at Kain, eyes suddenly curious as she considered him. "Your son looks like the light version of you, although that could be the paint. What did you say his name is?"
"Kain," Kain answered, not wanting to be a silent bystander in this exchange. "And Elena is right." It felt odd to say Elena's name; it would be stranger still to call her Mother, though, Kain reasoned. "Golbez will destroy everything and everyone if you do not hand over the Earth Crystal."
"You are an unholy abomination," Cassia said, her tone neutral, regarding Elena again. "And you must be purged from this world." Cassia looked past them, nodding to someone else. As Kain turned to see who it was, he was seized by the shoulders, and dragged roughly from the booth. He stumbled, trying to gain his feet, and just as he became steady, he saw Troian guards closing in on him. Two grabbed him by the arms, forcing him down to the floor. Through their legs, he saw Elena in her own struggle, as she fought against both Cassia and a guard. Then, the world went dark and stuffy, as a guard pulled a bag over Kain's head.
"Behave, Elena," Kain heard Cassia say, though muffled through the bag. "Or your precious boy might find himself lost in the woods."
"Let him go!" Elena shrieked; her voice high in panic.
The two guards kept Kain pinned on the floor, while a third bound his hands behind his back, effectively disarming him.
"That depends entirely on you," Cassia said, infuriatingly calm. "Cooperate and I'll have him delivered back to your ship. If not…" Cassia sounded as if she were truly indifferent. "Well, perhaps somewhere else."
Kain heard Elena go still, stopping her struggle. Kain was lifted into the air, then slung up and over someone's shoulder. He dangled there, helplessly disoriented by being both sightless and upside-down. "Mother!" he called out, as he felt himself moving away.
"Get Joanna's girl out of Zot!" Elena shouted, somewhere distant. "Get her to safety!"
Kain thrashed, despite the dizziness, and the guard carrying him nearly dropped him. Then, Kain felt cool hands touching his forehead, then the soft suggestion, "Sleep…" Magic threads seized him, pulling his consciousness downward, into a forced sleep.
Kain awoke on the airship field, sunlight in his eyes finally stirring him back to wakefulness. He blinked through the brightness as his eyes slowly adjusted. Kain looked down at himself and found that he was dressed in the clothing he'd left behind at the inn. Beside Kain was his armor, in a neat row.
Kain looked up, peering around, but only saw the Crimson Strike, waiting to be boarded. "Elena?" Kain called out, and when he heard nothing, "Mother?" he tried instead, but still no response. Kain looked down the western road that connected the field to Troia Village. Kain stood, determined to go back, to find Elena and rescue her from whatever devious thing Cassia had planned.
Come back to me, my pawn, Golbez commanded from the depths of Kain's mind, suddenly asserting his presence. There is much to be done.
"But…" Kain started to protest, then felt sharp needles sinking into his mind, probing deep. Kain stumbled, his head in his hands, then collapsed to his knees, unable to endure the pain.
After what felt like an eternity, Golbez relented. The needles leaving were more painful than going in, as their razor barbs dragged out, leaving deep, oozing wounds in Kain's consciousness. Return to me, Golbez repeated, although he did not have to.
"Yes Master," Kain answered as he staggered to his feet and turned away from the road leading back to Troia. Instead, he picked up his armor, holding it awkwardly in his arms, then made his way toward the ship.