-last edited on Oct 5, 2017 21:01:31 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 5, 2017 21:01:16 GMT
Chapter 268
Despite having only gotten a few hours of fitful sleep the night before, Skrag was full of energy as he paced around his little house. Terra and Raini were to return later that day, and he was full of a mixture of nervousness and excitement that just wouldn’t let him rest. Turning the corner, he glanced at the letter that was lying on his bed. He hadn’t been able to think on it much the night before, but that was certainly not going to happen now. After a while, the pacing began to become quite boring, so Skrag decided to see what the other Riders were up to.
He found most of them in the courtyard, training. While Zariana and Alis sparred, Hithrol ran drills with Emma and Akars and Olifin taught aerial maneuvers to Therin. Palangein appeared to be babysitting the less intelligent steeds, but there was no sign of Royale. As Skrag approached, Hithrol motioned for his students to take a break. Waving to his friend, he sheathed his sword: the blue-bladed Lankey, forged by Korin to replace Scalblas, which had been lost with the other Honorblades when they closed the well. “Excited to see Terra and Raini again?”
Skrag nodded. “And nervous. Have they, I don’t know, changed at all?”
“Not as far as I can tell,” Hithrol replied with a smile, “They’re the same old Terra and Raini you last saw five years ago.”
“That’s good, I think. It’s too bad you can’t say the same for me.”
Hithrol put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Hey, you haven’t changed as much as you think, not really. It’s going to be fine.” Skrag wasn’t sure he believed him, but he didn’t say so, just nodded.
There was a pause in the conversation until Hithrol spoke again. “Did you read that letter yet.” Skrag nodded. “Anything important?”
“Yeah, I guess so. I’ll tell you later, okay?” Suddenly, Skrag wasn’t in the mood for conversation. He made his excuses and walked away.
-last edited on Oct 8, 2017 20:17:32 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 8, 2017 20:17:15 GMT
Chapter 269
As the morning turned into afternoon, Skrag found himself back by the pond, thinking about the letter. It was strange how suddenly his thoughts could flip from one thing to another. It hadn’t been so long ago that the letter was the last thing on his mind, and now here he was. His stomach growled angrily, and he realized just how hungry he was. He had hardly managed to eat anything at breakfast, so occupied was his mind with the thought of seeing Terra again. With a sigh, he stood up and began walking back towards the central area of the complex.
Skrag didn’t talk to anyone while he ate, but he did do a lot of thinking, both about Terra and about the letter, his mind flipping from one to the other rapidly, leaving him little time to really consider either. The half-breed was still restless after lunch, so he went for a walk to pass some time before the late afternoon, when Terra and Raini were set to arrive. He hadn’t gotten far when he was intercepted by Royale. Skrag greeted him half-heartedly. “What have you been up to? I saw the others training earlier, but you didn’t seem to be around.”
He wasn’t surprised when the strange man avoided the question. “I’ve been busy. Actually, I have some questions for you. I remember yesterday you mentioned fighting as a gladiator in an Arena several years ago. Could you tell me a little more about that? Maybe about the other gladiators.”
A bolt of alarm shot through Skrag’s spine and his hand shot to his knife. “Why are you asking about that? Did you read the letter?”
“What letter? I’m just interested in the kind of person that would do such a thing. It sounds like an interesting job.” Skrag hesitated, but eventually released his knife. Royale had looked genuinely confused at the mention of the letter. Reluctantly, he began to talk.
-last edited on Oct 10, 2017 20:35:27 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 10, 2017 20:34:19 GMT
Chapter 270
Royale was asking again about the moments after they had escaped the City when Olifin and Hithrol landed before them. Hithrol waved, a grin on his face. “They’re here.”
Skrag’s heart was beating so hard that he was sure everyone could hear it. Taking a deep breath, he made yet another unsuccessful attempt to settle his nerves. As soon as Olifin landed, the half-breed slid to the ground and practically ran over to where the others were waiting. The next few minutes seemed to stretch into eternity, but at last a familiar shimmering blue form appeared on the horizon. As Raini drew closer, a green haired figure became visible on her back. The pounding in Skrag’s chest grew even greater, if such a thing were possible. For a second, he felt as if he were about to be sick, and then Raini reached them and Terra hopped down. Skrag felt himself tearing up as he rushed to embrace her. She smiled. “Welcome back, Skrag.” He began to cry, and laugh at the same time.
Skrag could remember only a few times when he had been this happy. Some of the early days with Zargan, when they hadn’t a care in the world and they roamed wherever they wished, free to do whatever they wanted. Some of his time with the Dragon Riders, the first few weeks, before the war when everything had been new and exciting and no one had betrayed them or been smashed. The day of peace they had spent at the Dragon Kingdom’s castle before the final battle against Kelrin Dragonsblood. The final few moments before Zargan had been smashed and his world had been shattered, when everything was right and the pain and hardship seemed to be finally over. Certainly not once since then.
The rest of the day passed in a blur until nightfall, when Skrag once again found his way down to the familiar pond, Terra at his side.
-last edited on Oct 11, 2017 20:16:19 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 11, 2017 20:15:52 GMT
Chapter 271
There had been little time to truly catch up during the day, between the excitement of reunion and the presence of the others, but the time had come for the two of them to exchange stories. Not wanting to go first, Skrag said, “So, how was your journey?”
From the way Terra looked at him, it was clear she knew what he was doing. Nonetheless, she replied, “Good, I guess. We found the Falkrions, as I’m sure they’ve told you. But it’s a long story. I’ll start with the day I left the Dragon Riders….”
Terra’s story took the better part of an hour, and Skrag found himself hanging onto every minute of it. When she finished, describing the return to home and the reactions of the Falkrions the group had brought with them, they were both quiet for several minutes. Finally, Terra spoke again, “Are you ready to talk?”
Skrag nodded, “It’s just… I’m not sure how. I’ve never really told the full story before. There was never anyone to tell until a few days ago. And even now, Hithrol had already put a lot of it together and he was to kind to ask about the rest.”
“It’s okay. Just talk.” So Skrag talked. He told her all about the quest for the Well and the battle against Marrzak, and then about the hunt for the Honorblades- mostly his trip into the desert and the exploration of the strange temple, but also the important parts he could remember from the others’ journeys. He recalled the final fight against Morath, and then that terrible night that had changed everything. From here, he described the first few months alone, hiding from the world, and how he decided to take up Levridum’s offer to live among the Arachnidians for a time. He told about his year there, and how about how he planned afterward to rejoin the world but found himself still incapable of doing so. After that came his darkest days, when he had wandered aimlessly, scared and angry at the world but mostly at himself. At last he had settled down in a decaying town full of bandits and thieves, where he had built up his reputation as a dangerous man and one unforgiving to any who infringed upon his business. And that was where Hithrol had finally found him and brought him back to the world.
-last edited on Oct 12, 2017 20:05:51 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 12, 2017 20:05:39 GMT
Chapter 272
“There is one important thing that happened after I got back here,” Skrag said, reaching into his pocket. “I got this letter, from an old friend, from the Arena. Do you remember when I told you about that?” Terra nodded. “Good. Anyway, I got this letter, and it’s… troubling. I haven’t talked to anybody about it yet, but I thought I should show you.” He passed it over and she began to read.
Dear Skrag,
I know it’s been quite some time since we were in touch, and apparently you’ve been missing for a while, but some events have come to pass recently that I thought you should be aware of. So I talked to your brother- he’s doing well, by the way, if you were wondering- and he suggested that I send this letter to the Dragon Riders. I truly hope it reaches you, for your sake and those of many others. The first sign of trouble came some months ago. I’ve been in semi-regular communication with Person and Mozz- you may not remember them; they were slaves in the Arena- since the war with Kelrin Dragonsblood, but at some point my messages stopped receiving replies. Around the same time, I received word of some sort of trouble in the desert, particularly in the orc tribe where Person and Mozz have lived much of their time since the Arena. Leidiriv went north then to investigate this situation, as well as to look for Person and Mozz and to take care of some personal business, but I haven’t received any communications from him since he arrived there. Subsequent investigations by a few groups have turned up nothing. That would have been worry enough, but a month past I received a letter from another old friend of the Arena. It was from Go, and contained some sad news. It appears that Arik has been smashed. Go said that it was officially classified as an accident, but that some of the circumstances are rather suspicious, and from the description of the incident I agree with him. I won’t go into detail here, but perhaps we can discuss it further if you receive this letter.
Terra stopped there and looked up. “I’m sorry about Arik. He was your friend, wasn’t he?”
-last edited on Oct 14, 2017 19:51:52 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 14, 2017 19:51:28 GMT
Chapter 273
Furthermore, along with his letter Go enclosed a strip of cloth he had found at the scene of the crime. I consulted an expert and learnt that it was typical of the kind used in the clothing of some peoples of the northern desert. And so with all of this evidence combined, I have come to a conclusion that, as crazy as it may seem, I find myself believing entirely. And that is that some person- or, more likely, group of persons- based in the northern desert is currently attempting to smash each and every one of the former gladiators of the Arena. And, more troubling, whoever they are, they appear to be succeeding. I will be contacting Isabel and the others at the City, and I suggest that if you know the whereabouts of any others you do the same. As I conclude this letter, another troubling thought arrives to me. If you have disappeared as they say, then there is every chance you already number among the victims. If so, then I am writing to a smashed man. I hope that is not the case, but if it is, I would like to say that I am terribly sorry that I was too late, even if you’ll never know it.
Your friend, Syldar
When Terra finished reading, she looked up at Skrag and their eyes met. “There’s a lot of serious stuff in this letter. Do you think… do you think he’s right? Do you think someone’s trying to smash you?”
Skrag shrugged sadly, “I don’t know. I can’t imagine why or how, and I know, like Syldar said, that it seems crazy, but I just can’t shake the feeling that he’s right. It’s like the feeling I had right before the war with Kelrin, the feeling that something terrible is happening, or is about to happen, and I can do nothing to stop it.”
They were both silent for a long time, pondering the letter and its contents and what they might mean if they were true. But there was only so much thinking to do alone, and at last Terra asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”
-last edited on Oct 15, 2017 18:47:48 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 15, 2017 18:47:10 GMT
Chapter 274
“About the letter? I don’t know what there is to talk about. People I knew a long time ago, including some who I numbered among my friends, are going missing or being smashed, and it might be a part of some massive crazy conspiracy or it might not and it doesn’t seem like there’s anything I can do either way.” His tone was bitter and resigned, cold in a way that might have frightened him once.
Terra placed a hand on his shoulder and he looked away, unable to meet her gaze. “Of course you can do something. You can stand and be ready for when and if they come after you, and you can fight them until the end, with your friends by your side. With me by your side. And you can help others do the same. Is there anyone you might be able to get in contact with, to warn them?”
Skrag thought for a moment, still unable to look Terra in the eye, and then nodded. “Baj and Elisa, I think. I might be able to send a letter to them.”
“Then do that first thing in the morning. We don’t know how much time they have, or if….” She trailed off, unable to finish the terrible thought.
Skrag smiled. “When did you become so much stronger than me?” He shook his head. “No don’t answer. I’m the one who’s gotten weaker.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Why not?” asked Skrag, the bitterness returning to his voice. “It’s true. Losing Zargan changed me. For years, we were by each other’s side through everything. No matter what we went through, we could handle it together. We were separated, sometimes, but never for long. When I was with him, I felt like I belonged. I’ve never had that anywhere else. Not in the tribe, not in the Arena, and not with the Arachnidians. With the Dragon Riders, sure, but mostly because he was by my side.”
“What about here?”
“I don’t know. It’s different without Zargan, but I think I’m finally learning to live without him, to live with the pain.” He looked up and met her eyes. “I… I could belong here. I just need a little more time. Just give me… a little more time.”
Terra smiled. “I’ve waited five years. I think I can wait a little longer.” Skrag smiled back. They sat under the tree as the stars twinkled in the night sky, and they were happy.
-last edited on Oct 16, 2017 20:41:43 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 16, 2017 20:41:30 GMT
Chapter 275
It was still early morning when they sighted land at last, the welcoming harbor of the City by the Sea finally visible on the horizon. Go watched from the side of the ship as the docks- which stretched almost as far as the eye could see in either direction- gradually drew closer. It was strange to be returning after so long, but the letter from Syldar had set a fear in his heart that could only be allayed by this journey, a fear that overpowered the fears that had caused him to leave in the first place. Surely, after so many years the danger had finally passed. He stepped aside as a crew member passed, hurrying to make the preparations for docking, and tried to find a spot out of the way from everybody.
When at last the ship was moored and the ramp was lowered for disembarkment, the better part of the day had passed. Go said goodbye to a few of the sailors, those who had become his friends on the long voyage, and thanked the captain before making his way off the ship and into the crowded docks of the City. As he wove his way towards the only slightly less-bustling thoroughfare, something inside his graying, weathered pack bit into his side and he was forced to stop to adjust it. The only things inside it were his armor, wrapped in cloth to protect it and reduce noise, and some old reminders of previous lives. His sword hung at his side, also wrapped in cloth.
A rumbling in his stomach, reminded Go that he would have to purchase provisions before he left town. The journey to the City on the River would be a long one, and he didn’t plan on making many stops. It would have been easier to travel by boat, but after so long at sea Go needed to stretch his legs. Besides, the winds and the current were too fickle for such a journey. His legs on the other hand, those he could trust. And trust was a hard thing to come by these days.
-last edited on Oct 17, 2017 20:34:38 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 17, 2017 20:33:44 GMT
Chapter 276
The day she arrived was a clear one, a calm one, a day on which one could practically feel the energy of the sun beating down and revitalizing all it touched. It was a day on which it seemed as if nothing bad could happen. And yet she arrived, a small, gray-winged bird of a type typically found near the sea plummeting to earth nowhere near the sea.
On that day, the complex was unusually empty. Zariana, Akars, and Emma had gone to deal with some bandits who had been troubling folk towards the south and wouldn’t be back for some days. Hithrol, Olifin, Alis, and Terra had gone to see the official coronation of Queen Virida at the Dragon Kingdom’s castle. Skrag had been invited as well, but had declined the offer. Terra and Raini, for their part, were once again with the Falkrions, wrapping up what they hoped would be the final matters of the transition. That left only Skrag, Korin, Cloventail, Royale, and Palangein, and the half-breed didn’t find any of the others to be particularly good company. Korin and Cloventail were hard at work in the forge working on something for the tower, and were far too busy for socializing. Royale had been asking a suspicious number of questions again, and Palangein had even joined in a few times. Thus, Skrag wandered the grounds in silence, keeping an eye out for any signs of blue approaching. He was scanning the sky for Palangein, sure that the next onslaught of questions would arrive at any moment, when a streak of gray caught his eye- what appeared to be a bird falling from the sky in the distance. He watched its fall for a second or two, and then, motivated by some unconscious urge, ran towards where it appeared to be headed. When he got there, however, it was not a bird he found but something much larger. The Mermian- who had seemingly replaced the bird- shakily stood up at his approach, clearly injured. She teetered for a second and said, “I am… Errica. I bring a… message for Skrag… from Syldar.” And then she fainted.
-last edited on Oct 18, 2017 21:50:10 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 18, 2017 21:49:52 GMT
Chapter 277
The Mermian awoke around mid-afternoon. As her eyes wandered the room, they latched onto Skrag, who was sitting in an old chair across the room from where she lay. She tried to push herself up, but her newly-awakened muscles, exhausted from her frantic flight, were too weak and she collapsed back onto the mattress. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, though, as Skrag soon came over to help her up. Groggily, she asked him, “Where am I? Who are you?”
“You’re at the citadel of the Dragon Riders. I am Skrag. When you landed, you said… you said you had a message for me.”
She sighed with relief. “I made it then. I wasn’t sure I was at the right place. I remembered seeing some buildings that looked like what I was meant to find, and then I started falling. I saw you, and that’s the last thing I remember.”
“I won’t hurry you on the message, given your condition, but if you don’t mind my asking, who are you?”
“My name is Errica. I’m from the Towers, and I specialize in humanoid transformation. You probably saw that I was a bird before. Crash-landing broke the spell.”
“Errica. Didn’t you help find one of the Honorblades?”
She nodded. “I think I’m ready to deliver Syldar’s message now.”
“Go ahead.”
“It started when he came to see me and said that he had an urgent message to deliver, if I didn’t mind. I agreed, and so he told me that someone had finally brought back news from the north and that his theory had been confirmed. He was going to explain more, but then there was a commotion from outside. We looked out the window and saw an army pouring through a huge portal- the biggest one I’d ever seen. Syldar said it was too late, that I needed to leave immediately. I flew out the window, but I stayed circling around the Towers for a minute. It was awful. A man who appeared to be leading the army stepped forward and called out for Syldar to show himself. Syldar called out from the window and the man smiled. And then he reached out his hand, and something terrible happened. The grass around the Tower Syldar was in suddenly withered, and then Syldar toppled out of the window. I heard people screaming below. I think… I think everyone in that tower was smashed, instantly, just because that man was after Syldar. All of them…” Without warning, she began to weep. Skrag merely watched, stony-faced.
-last edited on Oct 19, 2017 20:11:45 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 19, 2017 20:11:23 GMT
Chapter 278
Skrag turned around at the sound of shuffling footsteps behind him. Errica leaned against the doorway, gritting her teeth against the pain. “Where are you going?”
Skrag took a deep breath. “I think I know who attacked the Towers. I don’t know how he did it, but I think I know where he’s going next. I’m going to go stop him.”
Errica took another step forward. Her right knee buckled, but she managed to pull herself back up. “Then I’m coming with you.”
“You can’t even walk, Errica. You need to rest. Go back to bed. Korin and Cloventail can take care of you. I’ll take care of the man who smashed Syldar.” He waited for her agreement before turning away again, but as he did so, a thought came to him. “Errica, was Skirj in the Tower?”
“Skirj? I… I don’t know. I’m sorry.” Skrag walked away.
After he had informed Korin and Cloventail of the situation, Skrag began to look for Royale and Palangein. It didn’t take him long to find them. As the Drake landed, Skrag folded his arms across his chest. “Here to ask more questions?”
“Perhaps,” said Royale, sliding to the ground. “Tired of evading us?” He laughed, but Skrag didn’t think it sounded like a joke. Not for the first time, he wondered what Palangein and his rider might be hiding.
“Actually, I need your help. There’s a man who’s been attacking my friends, and a lot of innocent people, and I need to stop him.”
Royale’s voice became more serious. “Why do you need us?”
“This man, he’s… powerful, and dangerous, and he’s backed by an entire army. I can’t face him alone. I need backup.”
“You think the three of us can take on an entire army?”
“No, but it’s a start. Besides, who else is going to fly me to the City on the River?” Now it was Skrag’s turn to laugh, as Royale hurriedly motioned for him to climb onto Palangein’s back.
-last edited on Oct 21, 2017 18:39:24 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 21, 2017 18:37:18 GMT
Chapter 279
The silence was the first clue that they had arrived too late. On a normal night, one would still hear the sounds of commerce and conversation, even from high in the air. Today, there was nothing. Not even the sounds of nocturnal birds or the whispers of soldiers on the walls pierced the night. Even the river seemed unnaturally silent. It was almost as terrifying as the thought of what had happened to the people.
As they passed over the walls, Skrag directed Palangein to land in the clearest available spot. He chose the Arena. Skrag looked at the empty stands and had to force himself not to think back on his time there. There was too much to do. As still as the City was, he had to be sure that there wasn’t someone alive in need of help. He walked over to the large gate designed for animals to pass in and out, and motioned for Royale and Palangein to follow. The main streets, at least, were wide enough for the Drake to pass through, and Skrag thought he’d prefer to have such a powerful creature with him, just in case.
He decided to head to the palace, where he knew Isabel and Shadowwrath had been living. As he turned, a corner, the evidence of what had been done finally became visible. People were sprawled in the street, motionless, some fallen in heaps, others leaning against the wall as if in a particularly deep nap. Skrag forced himself to repress his rising bile and kept walking.
The road to the gate was crowded with fallen soldiers, stopped in the middle of running to defend the walls against the army that had suddenly appeared on their doorstep. Out of the corner of his eye, Skrag saw the face of Rennar peering out from the pile. This time, he could not hold it down.
It was a long walk to the palace, but at last they arrived. Skrag pushed open the door with an audible creak and walked inside. The narrow hallways were hard to navigate, and at times he had to step carefully to avoid the fallen. As he passed a wide archway, he heard a sound from within. The half-breed peeked around the corner and saw a dark shape. It was Shadowwrath, holding the limp form of Isabel. Slowly, the armored man turned to look at him. “You’re too late.”
-last edited on Oct 22, 2017 18:57:26 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 22, 2017 18:57:04 GMT
Chapter 280
Skrag rushed forward to meet his old friend- if such a reticent man could be called that. “I’m sorry. I came as soon as I could.”
Shadowwrath shook his head. “No, there’s nothing you could have done.” He looked at Skrag’s eyepatch. “I was sorry to hear of your loss. You did much good for this city.”
Skrag shrugged. “I don’t know if I’d say that. I wasn’t exactly here very long.”
“Do not undersell your contributions. You provided the spark that allowed Isabel and the rest of us to create the flame. You are a hero. But enough, I’m glad you came. There are things I must impart before I leave this place.”
The half-breed looked at him, confused. “What do you mean, leave this place? How did you survive?”
“All in good time. There is much to tell. But first, there is something I must show you.” Shadowwrath carefully lowered Isabel to the ground and reached up to remove his helmet. Underneath, his head was wrapped entirely in faded purple cloth. He began to unwind the bindings, and Skrag leaned forward to see better in the low light. What he saw made him reel back in horror. Shadowwrath had no, no ears, no eyes, no nose, no facial features of any kind except for a round, toothless mouth. His smooth, hairless skin was a shade of pale lavender and lay in fleshy folds. He smiled a thin smile at Skrag’s reaction. “I’m afraid I’m no pretty sight. There’s a reason they used to call me the Faceless Warrior.”
“The… Faceless Warrior?”
“Indeed. Most of the Ancients went by such names. We were born from magic, you see, so we had to name ourselves, and it seemed easiest to go by our particular characteristics.”
“The Ancients? Born from magic?”
Shadowwrath smiled again. “Of course, you know nothing of this. Very well, I will start from the beginning.”
-last edited on Oct 23, 2017 21:33:17 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Oct 23, 2017 21:32:54 GMT
Chapter 281
“Magic exists naturally as a free-flowing force that moves throughout the world, changing things in subtle or drastic ways. Typically, the more powerful the natural magic is, the more and bigger things it does. This strength ebbs and flows in a cycle that takes millions of years to complete. Right now, we are at a low point in the cycle. When my people and I were born, magic was at the very peak of the cycle. The particulars of our births are actually quite mysterious, but suffice to say that I and the other one hundred and ten were formed out of pure magic, making us extraordinarily powerful. At the height of our power, one or another of us controlled every inch of the known world. Our home was in the north, in a temple in what is now the desert.”
Skrag interrupted him there. “I think I’ve been there. I saw a picture of you.”
Shadowwrath nodded. “Yes, the Eternal Watcher made many pictures. Now, what you must understand is that the desert was not always a desert. When I lived there, it was a lush jungle, as beautiful and full of life as any place you’ve ever seen.”
“What happened to it?”
“We did. We were always jealous of each other, and lovers of war, and so when one of us learned how to create peoples, it only came naturally that we would all begin building armies of our own. That is where many of the peoples that inhabit the earth today- Mermians, Lupine, Lizardfolk, Giants- came from, as well as dozens more that no longer exist. You see, once we had our armies, we began to fight. All but the most powerful of us- Mother Nature, Father Time, the Keeper of Souls, the Eternal Watcher, and the Elementals- were drawn into the conflict.”
“To my credit, I did not create an army as many of the others did. But I, too, felt the desire to have a people of my own. There were eleven of them, the most elite of warriors, my constant companions and perhaps even my friends. I called them my Shadows, because they followed me wherever they went. When they were smashed, something inside me broke. I went after their attackers with such fury that forever after I was known as the Wrath of Shadows. By that point in the war, much of our once-beautiful home had already been destroyed, never to support life again. And many of us had fallen, too. Not even the most powerful were safe, except for the Eternal Watcher, who simply observed it all, and the Keeper of Souls, hidden in the Realm of Souls and unknown to almost all. From there things only grew worse, as bit by bit we destroyed every last inch of our jungle and we destroyed each other one by one. A few of the armies survived as I said, fleeing when their masters fell, but most were hunted to the last man, woman, and child. And then the day came that the fighting ended- not because we were tired of fighting or because we saw the error of our ways, but because there was no one left to fight. From the one hundred and eleven, only three remained. There was myself, of course, and the Eternal Watcher and the Keeper of Souls. Shortly after that, the Eternal Watcher made his last painting and then released itself into the void. I wandered the world for uncountable years, aimless but free. And then I came to the Arena, and decided to try my hand. My abilities have waned slightly with underuse, but I am still among the greatest warriors on this earth. While I was there, I met Isabel, as you know, and something incredible happened.”
