Esther looked around before heading down to the cell with bread in hand. She stopped at the base of the stairs, frowning at Malroth who was laying on the bed of straw picking at his gloves. "Malroth?"

"What do you want, Sister?"

"We need your help." Esther quietly opened the door to the cell and slid in, holding the bread out to him. "Lily is in danger, I can't just… the Goddess has been prodding me to help her. I just don't know how."

Malroth flinched some at those words, he was mad at Lily, but she hadn't come down to visit him since before that first fight. He rolled over so his back was to Esther. "Yeah, well… she hasn't come down to see how I'm doing. Why should I care?"

Esther let out a gasp and shot up, throwing the bread at the back of Malroth's head. "Men!" She whirled around and walked out of the cell, frowning at Malroth. "You would sit down here and pout… while she's up there… being used by someone she thinks is a friend."

"She never thought Warwick was a friend, Esther. If she didn't want to listen to him, she wouldn't." Malroth reached behind his head, picking the bread up where it had bounced off his head. He tried to ignore the way the lock clicked into place as Esther huffed at him.

"She's been… talking about wanting to stay here. How it doesn't matter what she does, the Isle will be naught but rubble if she were to return to it."


Esther looked up from the book she was reading as she lay in bed, having heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?" She got up, wrapping a robe around herself.

"It's just me. Lily is back with the others…" Zara had barely cracked the door open as she ran by.

The priestess tied her robe tight around her middle before following Zara out. She froze when she saw the new cuts anywhere that Lily was showing skin, while Anessa was sporting a black eye. "Girls! What in the Goddess's name happened?!"

"We got the Orb of Power!" Lily laughed, giggling as she held up a large silver encased orb. "See?!" Lily's laughter was cut short though when Esther stormed over and lashed out, back handing Warwick so hard he went to the ground. "Sister!"

"You rat! You haven't a scratch while these two girls are covered!" Esther stood over Warwick, anger making her voice sharp. "Lily, my chambers. Now. Anessa, one of the clerics will get you a bag of snow for your eye." She waited until Lily quietly shuffled to her room, making sure to keep herself between the builder and Warwick. "A soldier would not see it fit that the women in his party take damage before him." And with that, she turned, nose in the air as she stalked away from the soldier.

Warwick gawked at Esther's back as she left him. "She wasn't even there, what does she know?"

Esther slammed the door behind her as she followed Lily in, watching the girl flinch some. "Did you take any hits for him?"

"No. Only Anessa."

Esther gently touched Lily's shoulder, guiding her to the bed. "You need to stop taking hits, my lamb." She leaned forward, kissing Lily's forehead. "Why don't you stay in here tonight, hm?" She helped Lily out of her gross, tattered clothes before tucking her into the bed. "I don't mean to be selfish and worry you, my lamb, but I must confess I have been praying heavily the last few days as I have sensed a malevolent presence moving about the castle of late." She grabbed a chair, pulling it close to the bed so she could sit next to the bed. "I cannot help but feel that Malroth's imprisonment may not be for the good of the Kingdom, but as part of some evildoer's scheme. And… I fear who that evildoer might be."


A shake on her shoulder had Lily stirring. She slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes so she could see Anessa better. "Ness?"

Anessa straightened up, a small smile coming to her lips. "It's been a while since you called me Ness." The general sat on the foot of the bed, patting Lily's foot. "Esther demanded we let you rest for as long as possible. But it's been two days and we need the next tower built. Luckily, it has been extremely quiet outside, though we aren't sure how long that will last."

"Atlas hasn't shown up?"

"No, not yet. We aren't sure why that is, I'm afraid."

"If he's anything like Badboon back on Furrowfield he wants us to get within reach of our goal so he can take the maximum amount of hope away from us." Lily muttered as she slowly got up, her legs felt like jelly and Anessa had to hold onto her for a moment. "Thanks."

"Are you going to be alright?" Anessa did her best to help Lily into some decent armor. "Do you think you can make a blueprint? I'll run it out to everyone and then we can go hunt down the next artifact."


Lily stared out at the ocean once more, eyes dull with exhaustion. "Great." She stepped out onto the large wooden structure that barely rose above the water, rot eating away at the wood that she balanced on. With a glance over her shoulder, she looked to Warwick and Anessa who were slowly climbing up behind her. The three jumped down into the ice-cold water beneath them, staring at what used to be a stairway down deeper. It reminded Lily of temple back in Khrumbul-Dun a little, but water instead of sand.

She led the way through the snaking water tunnels, dodging around the jellyfish that threatened to shock them. She swam from clam to clam, taking air from them when they would let it go. The trio finally made it to the back, each of them surprised they made it so far with just the clams to give them air. Lily pointed to the chest at the back of the area they entered as she started to swim towards it.

A giant claw lashed out and grabbed her, slamming her to the sandy ground. Lily did her best to keep her breath as she slammed her blade down awkwardly onto the monster crab that held onto her. She let air out when the claw began to squeeze her middle, desperation had her dropping her sword to claw at the beast. Her body was already so cold thanks to the water, but this… if she didn't get air soon, she was doomed.

Anessa and Warwick fought the beast as Lily struggled in the claw. Lily pushed down on the claw, feeling it catch on her hips, but then she tucked her legs, drawing them up into the claw and pushing more. She could feel the sharp edges of the claw dig at her back as she finally got enough leverage to push herself out. She didn't wait to see if Anessa and Warwick needed help. She needed air.

Sunlight beamed in from a hole where a wall used to be, and she followed that light up and out. She thrust a hand forward, a strangled sob leaving her as she started to breach the surface. Her nose had barely broken through when something gave her shoulders a hard shove.

Lily let out a gasp, instantly regretting that as she swallowed and choked on mouthfuls of water. She lashed out, trying to hit whatever was pushing her back into the depths of the water. Her fingers found a face in front of hers, but her eyes wouldn't focus, she couldn't see anything. "This is our home now! Fight!"

Lily closed her eyes tight as she struggled to get back to the surface somehow, the pressure on her shoulders just wouldn't go away and soon she was pinned to the sandy ocean floor. She turned her head, unheard whimpers leaving her as she did her best to kick and scratch. Her eyes fluttered open, for some reason, she hoped Malroth would come to her rescue, she knew he wouldn't, but he was the first one she wanted to cry out to.

And then she saw it, a sight that made her go limp against the force holding her to the floor. Something big was headed her way, it was slender with two large horns on its crown. She couldn't be for sure, but it looked almost like a dragon, its massive white claws stretched out towards her, maw opening as if it wanted to swallow her whole.

"Fight! You have to!"

Arms were suddenly wrapped around Lily, yanking her to the surface. She barely remembered seeing Anessa struggling to get her off the ocean floor as she helped the builder to the surface, and then to the shore. "Breathe, Lily, c'mon. Cough it all up."

Lily felt like she had coughed up half the ocean by the time she was done throwing up water. She kept her head on the ground, sobbing as the salt water burned on its way back up. "Did… either of you…"

"Hush. You shouldn't be trying to talk, Lily. Let us get the map and we can teleport back to Moonbrooke, alright?" Anessa reached around Lily, frowning at the crumbled builder. "I thought you made it to the surface, I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner."


Lily sat at the base of the stairs of the second tower, eyes dark as her body fought to stay awake. "King. Where did those places come from? None of this makes sense."

"Don't you remember our conversation? I said that your time on this island may reveal to you the dark secret at the heart of this world…" The King stared down at the builder, a deep frown on his face. "Back when you first got here?"

"That wasn't you… Dracken… he hinted at it… made me realize that you are not as you should be. That… no one here is as they should." Lily whispered, wrapping the warm blanket tighter around her shoulders as if she were trying to protect herself from more than just the cold. That voice had been so haunting, but it sounded so familiar.

"Moonbrooke castle is not as it should be. Yes, it was once razed to the ground by Hargon's hordes, but the people returned. They rebuilt it. I know not how I know this, child, or what it might mean. All I know is that I know…" The King touched the top of Lily's head, seeing how much pain she was in.

"My…" Lily looked away from the King, rubbing her temple as she let out a whimper. "Someone… taught me how to build… but I… I don't remember."

"Ever since that first peal of the Builder's Bell, a thousand clouded memories of this world arose within my mind, and just as many questions…" He chuckled as he gave her a small pat. "I intent to get to the bottom of this riddle. Rest assured that I shall keep you apprised of developments in my investigation."

Lily looked behind her where the citizens were busy finishing the tower, she dipped her head, tucking it between her knees when she felt magic being pulled from her being as they worked on it. "Ah, Lily! Just the woman I wanted to speak with." She risked glancing up, seeing Warwick with a hot cup of tea in hand. She gingerly took it, sipping at it. Once the warmth hit her throat, she downed the rest as quick as she could, eyeing the second cup he had.

"It seems the blueprint is finished now." As Warwick spoke, Lily could feel the pull on her magic stop. "With these two structures, and an emplacement to hold the weapon itself, the Kazapple cannon will finally be ready to fire! We just need that Orb of Magic." He watched as she mindlessly set the cup of tea down and dug into her pouch, handing him the Orb that he had put in her pouch when they were still at the beach coughing up half the ocean.

She turned to watch him place the Orb, a grin on his face. "Soon we shall have a legendary weapon under our command! I knew that His Majesty's bloodline would provide some benefits." Warwick turned to Lily, raising his brows at her. "If what the legends say about the cannon is true, it would allow anybody, be they human or monster, to wield on of the most powerful spells in history!" He walked back to her, sitting next to her as he reached up and brushed her black and blonde hair away from her face. "By the way, Lily, I saw you and His Majesty speaking in hushed tones a moment ago. What topic were you discussing that necessitated such secrecy?"

"It was… I told him how I missed home. He understands… I was just confiding in him." Lily leaned into Warwick's touch, frowning when it felt cold and empty. She got up when the King and his people surrounded the tower, hands raised to the air. She had missed this the first time, but the amount of magic that zapped and licked at her skin, woke her right up. The people of Moonbrooke eagerly gave their power to this tower, leaving the air feeling energized.


"We'll get to work on the tower, you take some of our soldiers to go find the Orb of Heroes!" The King slapped Lily on the back as soon as she laid the newest blueprint out. She wasn't sure how much longer she could go on like this. She felt like she was just barely hanging on by a thread. "I'm afraid it rests in the heart of hell itself. Retrieving it will be no easy feat." The King informed Lily, Anessa and Warwick as soldiers gathered around behind them.

"Hell itself, you say. I dare say Anessa and I alone shall not suffice this time. We shall need to muster a small army." Warwick put a finger to his lips as he began to think. "You Honor, I believe the time has come to entrust Lily with our newly made War Banner. The soldiers of Moonbrooke shall march under one flag!"

The King pulled out a folded-up piece of cloth, holding it out to Lily. "Take this, may it serve you well in your quest."

"Come!" Warwick grabbed Lily's hand, grinning at her. "I'll be by your side the entire way as you lead this army into battle!"

Lily looked down at their hands, a small smile spreading on her lips. That didn't sound half bad. She looked around, it felt like something was missing… but she couldn't put her finger on it.


The small army looked up at the entrance of the cave that loomed overhead, eyes nearly bugging from their skulls as they waited for Lily to give the go ahead. The builder had paused only for a moment, but she was soon pushing ahead, ignoring Gerome as he spoke of this place, Rendarak. As they walked through the tunnel, something walked just inside of Lily's peripheral, but each time she turned to look at it, it was gone. That haunting voice rang in her head, but her mind felt so clouded, she wasn't sure what it was saying.

She didn't have much of an option to try to listen to it though, before the small army could blink, they were jumped by three small robots. The newer soldiers jumped in front, easily taking them out before Lily could even wave the flag.

They continued on, rounding the corner and seeing two dragons and a large robot standing over them. "Guys!" Lily shouted, waving the flag quickly so the others rallied around her. "I hope you all are ready for a fight!"

"We are! You just stay back!" Anessa grinned as she jumped into the fray.

Lily watched with wide eyes, she couldn't hang back on this one, not when already they were getting beaten down. "You can help them." She whirled around; eyes wide as she looked for whoever just spoke to her. "Fight." Lily slowly set the flag down before pulling her blade out and taking a step towards the fight. "You can use us." Lily felt her attention drawn to Warwick, the urge to break what had hurt her… "No." Lily shook her head and tightened her grip on the sword in her hand. "Dragons, then we'll see what happens."

Anessa jumped out of the way when Lily dove into the battle, sweeping her blade out at the dragon's side. She hit her target and the beast reeled back, a roar leaving it as it lashed out, knocking Lily back away from it. She slammed into the wall, feeling something snap. The builder looked down, seeing red spill from her belly. The dragon had cut her belly.

She had felt this numbness before. Where had it been?

Khrumbul-Dun. A hoodlum hit you with his axe.

Right… that was right. She let out a soft sigh, feeling the cold already seeping into her whole being.

Oh, no. Not yet, you can't escape this hell. Not until the real monster is dealt with. Will you let me give you strength?

Lily's eyes fluttered open, feeling a new warmth spread through her. She saw a girl leaning over her, she was nothing special in appearance. She was holding a leaf to Lily's belly though. "Only if… you use my eyes." The girl tipped her head, so she was looking up into Lily's eyes, a wicked grin on her lips.

Deal.

"Lily! Lily! Hang on for me!" Lily could hear Anessa's voice, could feel the other girl searching her body for wounds. "You must have hit your head hard. But where did this blood come from?" Lily kept her eyes closed, feeling a wave of peace wash over her as she focused on the nagging in the back of her mind. She gave into it, a noise leaving her as anger and anguish washed over her.


Oh, Mighty Malroth,

Lord of Destruction…

"Oh, it's you again. What do you want this time?" Malroth slowly sat up, glaring at the wall where the manacles had once been.

You thought the Builder was Your friend…

But she has betrayed You…

She has left You to rot in this dungeon…

"No, you're wrong." Malroth shot up, hands balling into fists as he let out a snarl. "She… she just…"

O Mighty Malroth…

Do You still not see the truth?

The Builder is an agent of Creation…

And you are the Master of Destruction…

There can be no harmony between you…

"How many times do I have to tell you?! You've got the wrong guy! I'm not some 'Master of Destruction', okay?!" Malroth gripped his head, only to turn and slam it into the bars, eyes wide and feral as he pulled back, blood dripping from the bars he hit.

Then why is it You cannot build?

Why did the mirror that reveals all things'

True form reflect naught but a void?

Do not deny the truth…

Free Yourself from this torture…

Destroy O Mighty Malroth!

Destroy all around You!

And embrace Your true existence!

You are a God

And You may be a God again!

"Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut. Up! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"


"Lily! Lily! Are you alright?!" Anessa shook Lily, finally leaning back when the girl's eyes fluttered open. "Pull yourself together, woman. We're almost there. Can you press on?"

Lily sat up, looking at her hands and arms like they were foreign to her. She reached up, touching Anessa's face gently. "I can." She sat up with ease that someone that was just thrown into the wall shouldn't have. "Come, we have truths to find."


Fight after fight, Lily walked by the monsters, feeling each fighter behind her give their all to bring the monsters down. She turned, a smirk on her lips when she saw Warwick giving his all to fight, even taking a hit that was meant for Gerome. He reeled back, looking confused for a moment before that confusion was washed away by determination.

Soon, they were standing at a dead end, Gerome cursed as he looked around. "There has to be a way out! Is this just a dead end? Was His Majesty wrong?"

"No, we are in the correct place." Lily reached up; the flag suddenly caught in a breeze that no one else could feel. Her fingers were stretched towards the giant ice wall, her blue eyes seemed to glow with a magic that felt right at home in her person. "We… are here."

Warwick shielded his eyes as magic burst from Lily's fingers and suddenly the wall was gone. No explosion, no pretty fireworks. One moment, there was a large wall of ice, and then a warm breeze brushed over the army and the clouds on the other side lifted, leaving them gawking out a the most gorgeous sight. A haven for dreamers. Lily turned, slowly back towards the ledge with her arms out. "Trust fall." She winked at them before falling back.

Warwick lunged, eyes wide as he went to grab her, but he heard a splash and when he looked down, he saw she was floating happily in a pool of water. "Lily!"

"Come on, the water is nice." Lily rolled over in the water and swam to the shore opposite the others. "What, are you guys chickens?"

The others eagerly joined the builder, though they all pulled their blades out when they saw her talking to a hammerhead. "You seem a bit-bit-bit different to all the others around here."

"Well, I would hope so." Lily laughed as she patted the monster on the head. "I am not what they are."

"I would sup-sup-suppose not." The hammerhead pushed onto his toes so he could push his head into her hand. "Isn't this place love-love-lovely? It's just like being in a dream… but I suppose that's the best-best-best thing about living in an illusion."

"Shh, these guys don't know that yet. Don't put them into shock, I still need their help."

"Oh, sorry."

"What do you mean by that? An illusion?" Anessa pulled herself out of the water, glaring at Lily.

"What, you didn't think-think-think this world was real, did you? It's all a dream, from the magical talk-talk-talking trees to the pub-pub-pubs made from solid gold!" The little monster tipped his head at Anessa.

"Hey now, you leave Goldi out of this." Lily teased as she stood up straight, rolling her shoulders with a soft sigh. "It took me until I got here on Moonbrooke, seeing your King. Where I come from, he's dead. Has been-"

"It'll all be gone-gone-gone soon! Illusions can't last forever, so this whole world will fade away to noth-noth-nothing before long."

Lily glared at the monster when he started to hop away from the group. "I thought we were friends, little monster."

"Not with an en-en-energy like that!"

"Lily! What does he mean?" Anessa grabbed the builder, her eyes wide as she searched Lily's for the answers.

Lily let out another sigh as she grabbed Anessa's hand, a somber smile on her lips. "What he means… is that this place isn't real. It was created by Hargon to trick the three scions of Erdrick. He collected the souls of those that had died at the hands of his minions and used them to fool the scions into thinking the world was lost, to regain his strength." She pulled Anessa forward, guiding the girl away from where they had met the monster. "Come, there is much to learn."

"How do you know all of this, Lily?" Warwick glared at her, tears in his eyes.

Lily reached out, touching Warwick's face, seeing him calm down some. "Everything is coming back to me. Dracken brought me here, to help." She turned and breathed in the fresh air. "You'll see monsters along the way, don't try to fight them, they have no desire to fight you, they just wish to enjoy their final days. As we should."

The soldiers all followed Lily, wearily stepping away from the monsters she stopped to talk to on the way. They each stared up in awe when a large castle finally came into view. Lily twirled on her toes, her long hair flowing loosely around her as she spun. "Welcome, my friends… to where it all began,

To Midenahll Castle."