Once Forgotten 3.1

Emperor Alandris had ruled his kingdom for more than five decades, yet in all that time, he had never faced anything like this. A disease that targeted victims rather than spreading. And now there was talk of an angel. He had heard a few even say Goddess.

He sighed and turned to his advisers. “What’s to be done? Are we truly under divine wrath?”

“No, Oh Greatness. The Angel has come to free us of our afflictions.” One said.

“But we will have some real answers when she comes before you, perhaps.” Another said with a lavish bow.

“Perhaps indeed. When is she to come?” Alandris demanded.

“She is to come before you with Brint and…a Katar. A slave perhaps?” An adviser suggested.

“I know that! I asked when!”

Another adviser bowed. “Within the hour, Greatness.”

He nodded, satisfied. “Very good.” A servant entered the room and bowed.

“Lady Rya is here to meet with you, along with the Warrior, Brint, and a Priestess, Alda of the Katars.” The servant bowed.

His brow creased in a frown. A Priestess? He cast a glance to his advisers, but they were all in discussion over this news. He turned to meet his guests. He eyed the Katar with unhidden disdain but gave Brint a curt nod. But his attention was quickly captured by girl that slowly, consciously aware of his stare, entered the room. Her eyes, so violet with sapphire lines, enraptured him. The way her wings, bluer than the bluest sky, moved as she took each stepp. Her hair, the light blue like those of Salcarian nobility, fell past her shoulders. He now understood the rumors that floated around. Power seemed to emanate from her; he felt himself awed by her very presence. “Lady Rya, it is…an honor to stand before you.” He managed to say, somewhat regaining control of himself.

Rya gave a slight curtsey, her wings spreading gracefully about her. “As it is an honor to meet you, Lord of the Rising Sun.”

Alandris felt his lips twitch in a smirk. “Why have you come to my domain? If you are here for the demons, then you have come for nothing. My soldiers have already decimated their hordes.”

“With all due respect, Lord, we believe a M’rachtkenta to be here as well.” She noticed the shiver that ran through the room.

Alandris frowned. “You…you do not flinch at their true name?”

Rya frowned and surveyed him with new regard. “And you are even aware of it?”

“Shouldn’t I be?” Alandris frowned.

“It depends.” The mortal angel answered. “I was under the impression that name was all but erased from memory.”

The Emperor laughed. “Surely you jest? I am Alandris, Emperor of the Rising Sun.”

Rya raised an eyebrow. “And I am Rya, Overseer of Wind. The very wind and sky are at my disposal.”

The Emperor frowned. Whatever she was, she disconcerted him. Before he could speak, Brint entered the conversation. “Rya!”

She frowned at him, then her eyes widened with realization. “I apologize, your Greatness. I meant no offense to your reign.”

Brint turned and bowed to Alandris. “She has gone under much stress recently, as I am assured that you have heard about.” He continued after a nod from Alandris. “We heard about the illness that has been plaguing your villages. We are simply here to help.”

“The Demon Lords are gathering their forces, yes. They are only now beginning to enter our world, yes.” Alda added. She returned Alandris’s look, glare for glare.

Alandris turned back to Rya, his attitude purely business. “So, you have come hunting demons is it? I suppose you wish to have free passage throughout my land? I will take your silence as a yes.” He turned his back to them, deep in thought. His jaw was set as he turned back around. “I will give you one month. If you can find the cause of the illness, then I will believe that you are who you say you are and all will be well. However,” his eyes gleamed maliciously, “if you fail, then you will forever be banished from this kingdom. Do we have an agreement?” He held out his hand.

Without hesitation, Rya placed her hand in his. “We are in accord.” As she and the others turned to leave, she paused. “For one who claims to be a son of Alacandis, you truly are ignorant, aren’t you?” Without another word, they left.
********************************************************************************

“I know the plan was to draw them out, but this is getting ridiculous!” Lirand yelled, bringing his blade down upon a demon’s skull. Black ooze spurted from the wound, and the creature fell. The demons appeared as solidified shadows, red eyes glinting. Shades.

Gartrand snarled as he fought. “And to think that these are nothing but the Shades! Besides, look on the bright side!”

“What bright side?!” Lirand called back.

“At least there are no Reapers!” Gartrand shouted, stabbing a demon’s heart.

“Point taken!” He bashed a demon with the hilt of his sword. For every Shade slain, it seemed hundreds took its place. All around them, the people valiantly fought against them. Several men fell, adding their bodies to the carnage. Several of the Shades pounced, tearing at their flesh with delighted sqeals.

“Everybody, down!!” Lirand yelled. The fighters dropped, just as he threw a palm upward. There was an explosion of a pure white. Howls of pain and agony unlike any heard in the Realm resounded, echoing in their ears. The light faded away, revealing only pools of black blood where the Shades had been. Gartrand let out a whistle.

“For not living as an Overseer for a few centuries, you sure kept in touch with your element.” He said. He raised a palm and the ground absorbed the black ooze, erasing all trace of it.

Lirand sighed. “I knew that I would be called upon to uphold my role once more. I only did what needed to be done.”

Gartrand was silent before his eyes widened. “You...dispersed them? You did, didn’t you?!”

Lirand sighed and raised an eyebrow at him. “Of course. They are creatures of both Shadow and Darknesse. Both of which are dispersed by Light. Really, Gartrand, think of the sun. When it is in the sky, the world is filled with Light. Darkness, of any kind, flees before Light. But only Divine Light can cause what happened.”

“Nadarin certainly knew what he was doing. He knew the world would need us.” Gartrand said with a nervous laugh.

“Nadarin…” A whispery voice, filled with a delirious malice, interrupted Lirand.

“You dare speak mention of mine brother?” They whirled to stare at the creature before them. He stood eight feet tall, two feet taller than the tallest of them. His eyes shone with an unholy crimson. His body was skinny, resembling a human with his skin stretched out. A skeleton with pale yellow skin pulled over it. The ground about him was barren, devoid of nutrients and all else necessary for life.

“Your…brother…is far more godly than you, you withered decaying thing!” Lirand grimaced. Quick as lightning, he was sent flying by a single swipe of the M’rachtkenta’s hand.

“Do not speak of him to me! You would not be talking as such if you knew his treachery!” Beraneathan hissed. He whriled on Gartrand, but the ground beneath him shot up, sending him flying. The Demon picked himself up, laughing. “You have some skill, mortal, but it shall not save you!” With hate filled cries, a multitude of demons appeared. Unlike the ones before, these were not Shades. Grim intelligence shone within their animal skull heads, multiple horns sprouting out. Each one stood a foot shorter than their Lord, carrying a variety of weaponry.

Gartrand glanced at Lirand. “Alright. Now it’s just ridiculous. Reapers.”
****************************************************************************

A young girl kicked her feet playfully against the side of a fountain, her sun bleached hair fluttering with the wind. She appeared to be around the age of eleven, yet her sapphire eyes spoke of untold wisdom, gentleness, and love. She turned to the woman next to her, who wore a cloak and a drawn hood. Silver hair framed her face. Yet it was her eyes that would have draw attention, but her hood hid them.

“Oh, you really must relax. The loophole is completely sound.” The girl laughed. People passing couldn’t help but smile at the pleasant sound of it, and she smiled at them.

The cloaked woman gave a huff and glared. “Still, if our brother is right…”

The girl sobered and nodded. “Then we mustn’t let them know then, must we?” Her sister stared at the world about her with a deep bitterness and grief. “You can still help them you know.”

The silver haired woman sighed and leaned upon the fountain. “I had such plans. I wanted to make Mother so proud, so joyous.” She angrily swatted at the water. “A lot of wishful thinking that was.”

“You really shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Should they be punished just because they exist?” The girl asked.

Her sister gave a weary sigh. “No, and that grieves me even more. They don’t deserve this. They don’t deserve any of this.”

The girl smiled sweetly. “I am glad that you have come to your senses.”

Her sister sighed. “But is it already too late?”

“No.” A male voice said beside them.

The woman’s head came up, her eyes now visible. Sapphires, streaked with silver and flecked with gold, stared with shock. “Nadarin…”

“Ariadni. Amari.” He replied. “I…I didn’t expect to find you here.”

Amari smiled sweetly at him. “And we have been waiting for you. See, I told you he would be by here.”

“A part of me hoped you would be wrong.” She muttered.

Nadarin nodded at his child-like sister, pulling his hood further over his head. “I figured you would find the loophole. Even Gairi has found it by now.” He looked away from them. “Ariadni…”

“Don’t!” She cut him off. “I am the one that’s sorry. You and I were set apart from the beginning. I should have…” She broke off.

Nadarin leaned against the fountain, watching the people. “Ever since Mother created Thyninairnn, I have watched over them.” He looked at her with a curious expression.

“I thank you for that. My children deserved so much better. I had such great plans for them…” the Goddess sighed.

Amari chuckled. “Soon, they will be free from the M’rachtkenta. Then they may have more peace.”

Nadarin glanced at her then at Ariadni. “We will still need to guide them. Our Father’s stench lingers still, and just as my will is self-sustaining, so, too, is his.”

“So what’s to be done? Sanshi is still fuming at me. Not that I blame her.” Ariadni sighed.

“You nearly destroyed the balance with that bout of jealousy. It took every ounce of my remaining power to stabilize it. Yet now, the Time foretold is coming.” Nadarin said.

It was Amari that sighed now. “Another war? I suppose it’s unavoidable. Our dear ‘Brother’ has gone on long enough.”

Nadarin reached into his robe and pulled out six Jewels. A sapphire that glowed with a changing luminescence. A ruby that shimmered like fire. A topaz that shone with a gentle warmth. An emerald that swirled with power. A crystal that emanated a pure white. And the black Jewel that tried to consume all about it. “Yes. He has.” He stared at the Jewels with a grim determination. Ariadni placed a hand on his arm.

“They really had no idea what they were building. I should have been there for them. I should have guided them.” She looked into his eyes. “I should have listened to you.”

Nadarin sighed. “It no longer matters. What’s done, is done. Let us move on and speak no more of what should have been. You will be there for them from now on.”

Amari cocked her head at the Jewels. “Only six? My, they hid the Jewel of Life well.”

Nadarin turned to her gravely. “No, Amari. There is no Jewel.”

Their eyes widened. “No! No, I won’t allow it!” Ariadni stated.

Nadarin turned to her. “It must be done. And Rya and Nadar are the ones who will do it. They were the ones that Mother chose.”

“Then let it be so. If Mother has Touched them, then I will not stand in the way.” Again she looked into his eyes. “Not again.”

Nadarin nodded and placed the Jewels back into his cloak. “I must be going. There is still much to be done, and my own Chosen may need my help.” He turned about and found himself alone. With a weary sigh, he continued on.

Once Forgotten 3.0

"Look, Gartrand, we've been here for two days now, and there have been no signs of demonic activity!" Lirand said irritably, pacing about the room. It was a small tavern room, with two cots on both sides.

Gartrand sat on his cot, a mug in one hand and a book in the other. He took a sip and looked up. "So? Your point is?"

"You'ld think they'd show themselves by now." Lirand sighed.

Gartrand nodded. "Perhaps. But it's Beraneathan that we are dealing with. He controls famine and droughts and such. Of course he won't show his face. Unless we interfere with his work."

"And how, pray tell, do you suggest we do that?" Lirand asked.

Gartrand rolled his eyes. "You know, you really did hide as Kadic for too long. You're thinking like a wizard. All power, no brain." He set down his book and took a long gulp of his drink. "I use my affinity."

"How will that work?" Lirand frowned.

"Simple. He makes the crops not grow, but I can use the earth element to counteract that." Gartrand answered. "I've been trying to sense his presence, but he hasn't done anything. I fear he is planning something. This does not bode well."

Lirand rubbed his temples. "That is what I was saying earlier! He is not going to do anything. Not for a while. He will try to dispose of us more than anything."

Gartrand sighed. "The best we can do is try to undo some of the damage already done."

"Yes, that will draw his attention. Get on it. I'll be sensing for any Darke presences." Lirand said. Gartrand nodded and returned to his book.
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Rya opened her eyes to the sun shining through a window. The sky seemed to glow with the purest blue she had ever seen it. She frowned as she realized she was lying on her stomach. Movement out of the corner of her eye drew her attention, and her eyes widened. Gently, she reached and touched the wing. Her wing. With conscious thought, she moved it, flapping it gently. She sat up, wrapping the sheet about her. The door opened and Alda stepped in. The Katar gave her a smile.

"It is good to see you up. We feared you wouldn't wake." She said.

Rya frowned. "How long was I unconscious?"

Alda set the tray of food down on the small table. "Two days you have slept." She turned and gave a small frown that turned to a smile. "Your eyes, they are quite different."

"My eyes?" She glanced in the mirror Alda gave her. With a gasp, she almost dropped it. Her once violet eyes were now flecked with faint blue lines. Her hand trembled as she set it down. "I-I grow wings. My b-blood glows. Now my eyes have changed." Alda put her arms about her and held the trembling girl. "What's happening to me?"

Alda gently stroked a wing. "You have been touched, dear child. I always knew you were special, but I did not realize that it was to such a level as this."

"What do you mean? You've said that before. I was touched?" The girl frowned.

"Sometimes, some are born that have great power. They were touched by the Great Goddess. The Mother. And she has touched you, Rya. There is no doubt about it." She gave the girl a hug and released her. "Now, eat. You need food. Brint and I have had the tailors refit your clothes to accommodate your wings." She held up a shirt. Two holes had been cut on either side, held together by straps. "They can stretch out without tearing. Made with elastic strips."

Rya nodded. "Thank you. It must have been expensive…"

Alda chuckled. "Not at all. The tailors donated everything. Come, you need to eat."

Rya pulled the shirt over her head, the strips stretching to allow her wings to push through. She spread them about herself, admiring them. "They're so beautiful."

Alda chuckled. "Yes, they are lovely, no? They should help you greatly." The Katar gave a sigh. "Oh to have seen Nadarin's wings. They were said to have shone with the purest white."

Rya frowned. "But the temple didn't depict him as having wings."

Her remark earned her a glare. "Neither is he worshipped as the God he truly is. They call him the Balancer, yet none now know what that truly means, save a certain few. They depict him as cold. Heartless. A cruel God that allows things to happen just to keep things running. But that is not who he is." The Katar said, indignation evident in her voice. Her green eyes brightened. "But you, you are beginning to understand, no? He is not a cold God. He cares for us, for the Realm. While The Mother has been sustaining, he took it upon himself to watch over his brethren."

"Yet he struck Ariadni." Rya pointed out, taking a bite of food.

"But think of the strain he was under. We had just placed the Seal on his Gyckma, destroying the already tipping balance. Oh yes, the imbalance had already begun long before the Sealing. It began with the Warlords, and their devastating war. Now think how Ariadni's actions affected the balance." Alda said patiently.

Rya froze, and her face paled. "It would have nearly destroyed it."

Alda nodded. "Yes, you understand now, no? The Great Demon was nearly released. How Nadarin managed to restore things is a great mystery, but it explains his actions." She eyed Rya's empty plate. Gathering up the tray, she head for the door. "You will be wanting out of this room, yes?"

Rya smiled. "Yes. That would be great."

Alda nodded and chuckled. "I imagine the people will throw themselves before your feet, begging for mercy." The Katar laughed again as she left. Rya took a deep breath and looked in the floor length mirror within the wardrobe in her room, which was quite spacious. She suspected that Brint and Alda had done their best to prevent anything extravagant, for which she was thankful.

Her appearance shocked her, and for a brief second, she truly thought an angel was in her mirror. Such things had happened. Her light blue hair had a silvery sheen to it, which brought out the blue streaks in her eyes and went well with her feathers. She sighed and finished dressing, both eager and dreading to go outside her room. She grabbed her scythe, and out of curiosity, she flicked the blade out and inspected her appearance again. She couldn't help but think of angels and shuddered, snapping the blade closed.

A knock on her door drew her attention. She opened it to see Brint. He looked up and smiled. "Alda said you wanted to get out?" She nodded and took his offered arm. Brint chuckled. "Alda was right. They are beautiful."

She blushed. "Thank you." She glanced at him then looked forward. "You and Alda have been working nonstop to protect me, haven't you?"

Brint sighed. "You wouldn't believe it! We've been hard pressed to keep them outside. Lucky for us, the owner is one of the few rational people left."

They walked down the steps and into the main area. Several soldiers stood and bowed in respect. One of them approached. "Overseer," he began, "I'm sorry for my comments on the LG. I was wrong to think you just a simple girl."

Rya smiled. "I accept your apology."

"The people have brought you tribute. The main idea is that you are an emissary sent by the Gods. Alacandis is the God mentioned the most." The soldier said.

"What's your name?" Rya asked.

"Argin, Miss." The soldier answered. He turned to Brint. "Sir, the Emperor has sent word that he wishes to meet with the Overseer."

"Did he give a specific time?" Brint asked.

"He wishes to meet with her this afternoon." Argin answerd.

Rya sighed. "That's all I need. An audience with a powerful man who thinks that I'm an emissary from Alphairria."

Argin shrugged. "He may even wish to know where the Door is."

"The Door to Alphairria?" Brint asked. "That's just a myth."

"Not necessarily." Rya said. "In the Book of the Damned, Chiel theorized that if there is a way into Xophaltez, then there could very well be a way into Alphairria. Either way, I'm going to have to play the part."

"What do you mean?" Argin asked.

She stepped away from Brint and spread her wings. "For whatever reason, I have been blessed, or touched, by The Mother. To that end, I suppose I am a type of emissary. An emissary that doesn't even know her mission."

"I suppose we will find out someday. Most likely soon. But The Mother knows what she is doing." Brint said.

Rya raised an eyebrow. "You're a believer now? What brought this on?"

Brint gently touched her feather. "Two days ago, I witness wings bursting out of my best friend's back, and now she looks like an angel sent to walk among us. If this isn't some type of divine intervention, then I'm a complete moron."

Rya laughed. "That's still debatable. But now, we need to prepare for our meeting." The three of them fell to talking, Alda joining them.
***********************************************************

Salazar glared at the God before him. "You! You're breaking your own rules now? Direct intereference?"

Nadarin stood to his feet. His hood fell to reveal short gold hair. A jagged scar ran down the right side of his face. "As I said, you know nothing of Gods. Think, fool! Thyninairnn has been saturated by the Gyckma! I am essentially within my own will."

Salazar continued to glare. "Perhaps, but you're still the weakling Lord Gairi made you out to be!" With a roar, he summoned his sword to his hand and charged at the Fallen God.

Nadarin threw his hand out, took the black blade in his hand, and snapped it clean off at the hilt. Continuing with his movement, his other hand come up and grabbed the man by the throat, holding him off the ground. With disdain, he threw him into the wall. "Salazar, you think you understand power, but you don't. And to think you understand my brethrens' true nature is to be foolish."

Salazar picked himself up, wiping the blood from his face. "This isn't over, Nadarin. My Lord will have his vengeance upon you!" He vanished into the shadows.

Nadarin sighed. He glanced down at the two halves of his mask. He smirked. Two halves. He turned his attention to why he had come here. Glowing within its icy prison, a solid black gem gleamed. "The Jewel of Darkeness. It holds such a horrid beauty…" He reached out and lightly touched the ice, causing it to crumble to powder. He reached out and took the gem. A Darkeness began to spread out from it, trying to consume his arm. Without a conscious thought, he blocked its ill effects, unharmed by it. "Though born imperfect, they were certainly born with power, no doubt there. Combining their own power with my will, they created magycks that were not intended for them. How ingenious."

"Nadarin!" a faint voice called out. He turned and beheld a ghostly image. An angel stood before him, her gold wings drooping, torn and bloody, her black hair framing a battered and bruised face. Dull sapphire eyes gazed at him.

"Helix…" He started to reach out to her, but let his hand fall. "Have you reaped the consequences of your actions?"

"I was foolish… Oh Nadarin! What have I done?!" The angel cried.

Nadarin's face gentled. "Soon, my dearest niece, you will be free from that prison. I understand why you did what you did, but now you see the foolishness of your choices. I am pleased to see you survived."

"Did I?" The angel asked.

Nadarin nodded. "You haven't fallen. Not completely. I sense much of The Mother left within you, and as you have learned from your mistake, I doubt that it will diminish. However, there will be due retribution. Your mother is still slightly fuming."

"I would expect nothing more of her. Nadarin, I haven't much time. Gairi is away from the temple, but he will soon return." She glanced over her shoulder at some unseen thing. "Their…creature is nearly complete! Nadarin, Gairi plans to use it as a means of breaking into Thyninairinn! He means to invade with the whole of Xophaltez! He hasn't quite gotten everything finished, but they are quickly nearing…!!!" She screamed and vanished. Nadarin rushed forward, his hand held out. Trembling with barely contained wrath, he shoved the black Jewel into his robes.

His eyes burning with anger, he began his ascent, leaping from wall to wall. "Soon, my fallen brother, you and I will meet in battle. Where I failed to vanquish our Father, I will not fail to disperse whatever soul you may have!"

Once Forgotten 2.7

Rya awoke with a yawn and stretched. They had arrived in Rising Sun late last night. With a smile, she climbed out of bed and went about preparing for the day. She had been very ill last night, her back had felt like molten rock. But today, it had never felt better. She dressed and washed her face, reveling in the coolness of the water.

Downstairs, a few of the soldiers were eating and talking. She saw Brint talking with Alda and approached their table. Brint smiled and looked up.

“Feeling better?” Alda asked.

Rya nodded. “Very much so. My back doesn’t hurt at all today.”

“Curious, no? You’re back hurts for days, then suddenly ceases to. Wonder why?” Alda asked, thoughtful. “Regardless, I already went asking. The stories are all odd, yes.”

“I would have to agree.” Brint said. “From what Alda found out, there seems to be no real carrier of whatever is plaguing the people here. A village will be fine, with no signs of illness, then people will begin to complain of headaches. The headaches get worse, and it spreads to their stomachs. They can’t keep food down; they can’t drink anything. Then they die. This takes place anywhere to a week to mere hours. And that’s not all. Not every villager is affected. It’s actually only a small percentage of the village that fall ill.”

Rya sighed. “Definitely the work of a M’rachtkenta.”

Alda’s eyes widened. “So which one is it?”

“Only one is the bringer of plagues. Who is said to cause illness to spread. We are dealing with Graindianeth.” Rya answered. She noticed their expression. “He won’t come here. He knows I killed Maldis, so he will be wary. For a while at any rate.”

“That’s a relief.” Brint scoffed into his drink. He set it down. “Still, I shouldn’t be complaining.”

“Don’t forget. We have an audience with the Emperor, no?” Alda asked.

Rya frowned. “An audience? With the Emperor? But we’ve only just arrived in Rising Sun!”

Brint shrugged. “Word travels fast here. And I’ve been listening here in the tavern. Rya, you are the talk of this place!”

Her eyes widened. “What? But…but how? How can that be?”

Alda nodded. “Someone saw you, yes. Someone witnessed your slaying of Maldis.”

Brint shrugged. “We don’t know. Whoever it was, they didn’t leave a name.”

“What are they saying?” Rya asked.

“They say that a Child of the Gods walks among us, that you have come to purge the Realm. There is talk of a prophecy, yes.” Alda answered.

“A prophecy?” Rya frowned.

“We don’t know anything about it. The people won’t say, but I expect that we will find out when we meet with the Emperor.” Brint said. He lowered his voice. “You best be careful, Rya. These people, they claim Alacandis as their patron. He is their primary God.”

Rya frowned. “I thought you didn’t believe?”

Brint sighed. “I…uh…I borrowed your Book.” He looked away then met her eyes. “Look, I’m not saying that I believe…I just think that there may be some truth to it. That’s all.”

Rya smiled at him. “That’s a start.” She turned to Alda. “What time is our audience?”

“An hour after the lunch meal.” The Katar replied. Rya nodded, then left the table. Alda chuckled and gave a slight smile. “What is she to you?”

Brint frowned at the priestess. “What do you mean?”

The Katar chuckled again. “She is a beautiful human female, no? She would make a good mate for any man. But she would choose you, I think.”

Brint looked away. “It’s not that simple.” He sighed.

Alda cocked her head, her fur covered ears facing forward. “Oh? How is it complicated? You are a man, and she is a woman. That is how it is with humans, is it not?”

Brint gave an embarrassed laugh. “I meant our situations. She is an Overseer. I am but a soldier.”

Alda frowned, her feline eyes glinting slightly. “And that is where you err. I’m not sure how, but you are more than a soldier.” She took a sip from her drink. “You were Touched as well.”

Brint frowned. “Touched? What do you mean?”

Alda looked away. “You will learn in time.” A tremor rocked the room slightly. From somewhere outside, Rya gave a piercing scream. They rushed from their table and into the crowd outside. They burst through the circle to find Rya on her hands and knees. She trembled with pain, her eyes wide open and staring at the ground. Her fingers dug into the dirt as her back arched into the air. Two bulges were growing before their eyes, just below her shoulder bones. With a loud ear splitting cry and a shower of blood and feathers, two enormous wings burst from her back.

Rya remained crouched, trembling with shock and pain. Around her, her wings lay spread out along the ground. Sky blue feathers covered them, running with fresh blood, blood that glowed with a strange iridescence. Blood flecked feathers floated gently to the ground.

The people at the front of the crowd began to murmur chants to ward off evil, several fell to their knees, while others wailed aloud. A couple began to panic as they wiped the blood from them, thinking of Chiel and the fear of being drawn into the demon world. Above them, the once clear sky was now overcast with light grey clouds. A gentle rain began to fall.

As her blood mingled with the rain, Brint slowly approached her. She raised her head and met his gaze. When he knelt beside her, she fell into his embrace and wept.
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The ice crumbled to powder as Kadrin stood to his feet. With a wave of his hand, his sword was back in his hand. He chuckled. “Since you are so determined to destroy this place…” He threw his empty hand down, shattering the ice beneath them. The blast traveled down two levels, sending the cracks far deeper than ever. They both landed lightly, the ice a series of shattered panels.

Balancing precariously on the thin lines of solid ice, they began to fight anew. Using the power he had gained, Salazar began to press against Kadrin’s mind, seeking to distract him enough for him to slip. Kadrin’s mind was unlike anything he had felt, save for…

A gust of wind knocked about him. Salazar used all his focus to remain where he was. He dispelled the wind and ran along the line, straight at his foe. Kadrin’s knee came up, smashing into his gut. Again, Salazar went crashing through the floor. Shards and powder of ice fell about him. Kadrin landed, somewhat heavily now, not far from him. The strange sword he wielded brightened.

“It seems we grow closer to the object of dispute.” Kadrin said. Salazar lashed out, slicing into Kadrin’s cloak. Kadrin spun away, bringing his sword around. His enemy blocked, sending another shockwave. The ice groaned as the cracks finally deepened and widened beyond stability. With the sound of a thousand shattering mirrors, the ice disintegrated. They fell into the nothingness beneath. Far below them, level after level of the Keep shattered at an alarming rate. They fell in a free fall; down below, the final level was visible, cold white stone gleaming with a strange light.

Kadrin flipped over in the air, falling feet first. He watched as Salazar smashed into the ground. Summoning much of his strength, he landed with a roaring crash. The structure about them shook from the two impacts. The stone was caved in and cracked beneath him as he stood to his feet.

Salazar leapt to his feet, shaking the daze from him. He glanced around and then up. High above, both swords were lodged firmly in the ice. He smirked. “It appears we shall have to continue with might alone, Kadrin.”

“Are you sure you want to? You have yet to draw a single drop of blood from me, yet your tainted blood fills the air with the stench of your crimes.” Kadrin replied.

Salazar wiped his hand across his face. Dark red smears covered it when he drew it away. “It matters not. You will die this day!”

Kadrin threw his cloak back, fully revealing his form. His arms spoke of strength, yet he was not burdened with much muscle. His figure was slim, in perfect shape. He crouched, ready for the next phase. He leapt forward, throwing a simple punch. Salazar dodged right and barely avoided the true attack, as Kadrin’s other arm came at him. He grabbed Kadrin’s arm and twisted, sending the man onto his back.

Kadrin leapt up from the ground, Salazar leaping back to avoid the rising attack. Their fists collided in a flurry of punches. Salazar landed a hit, kicking Kadrin in the gut. The Overseer flew back a few feet. He stood to his feet. “Let’s make this more interesting, shall we?” He threw out a palm, the air heating from the flames. Salazar threw a palm, absorbing the fire into darkness. He drew back his arm, then threw it forward, sending the blackened flames back. Kadrin leapt to the side, then sliced threw it with his palm. The fire dissipated, leaving behind a black smear on the white stone. Each element proved the same; Salazar sent them all back, tainted by the darkness that clung to him.

He laughed maniacally. “I told you: you cannot beat me! I have the powers of a God!” He grunted as a fist made contact with his stomach. Kadrin stood over him.

“You never listened. Even when I tried- oh the wasted effort!- you ignored me, choosing to go your own way. You, bearing the power of a God?! HA! You know nothing of Gods.” Salazar rose with rage. He lunged, throwing out a fist blindly. The earth shook beneath them, and with a clatter, Kadrin’s mask fell to the ground in two halves. Salazar’s eyes widened. Shock, awe, wonder showed on his face. But another expression soon took their place. Horror. A horror that turned to purest hatred and malice.

“You! You…were Kadrin?!” He exclaimed. The man known as Kadrin raised his head. Eyes bluer than the purest sapphire and far colder than the ice above them stared into his eyes. Eyes flecked with silver and streaked with gold. The eyes of a Fallen God.

Once Forgotten 2.6

Ugh...I'm not that pleased with this one...I feel like I got a little off track. Should I edit? I don't know yet.

I am pleased with the end, however. The great enemy is finally named!
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Brint walked at the head of the men assigned to him, Rya beside him. Every now and then, he would catch snatches of whispered conversations. From what he gathered, the soldiers held Rya in a state of awe, fear, and not a little resentment. To them, she was an upstart, to be feared and watched for any unusual signs. He sighed. The Freedomists may have had the same goal as the Overseers, but they failed to fully understand. He had just about given up trying to convince the Council to work fully with Kadrin and his companions. They readily accepted Flamian and Dylan, as they were already well known as warriors. Everyone knew that just because Dylan was an advocator of peace she wouldn't fight. And then there was Flamian. Even before his involvement with Queen Dylan, he was a renowned warrior. A Hunter for the Drax, the ruling class of the mighty draigons. He had suffered much, having his soul torn from him, stripped of all his might to live life as a human. Yet now, he was once again the feared Hunter. Dylan had started out reluctant, more inclined to run than fight. Flamian had taught her, guided her, and had shown her how to make a stand. The result was a warrior queen willing to do whatever it took to regain her throne.

To Brint, it made perfect sense that they were Overseers, even though they had only recently discovered their identities as such. The Council had begrudgingly accepted that view as well. Yet it was so much more difficult for them to accept two elderly men, each having a few centuries under their belts, and even harder to accept a figure who was borderline myth. To them, Kadrin was a ghost, a wraith, a spirit that refused to move on. Just how old he was, none knew but he himself, and so far, he had never divulged such information. Hardly anything was truly known about him at all.

Then there was Nadar. The man had simply appeared one day, seemingly out of nowhere, yet with a head full of knowledge. Or nonsense as a large mass thought. Yet he was even more mysterious than Kadrin. He seemed to know just as much, or even more. He would advise people, guide them along a certain path, then simply vanish within a minute. Could he be Nadarin?

Brint shook his head. Too obvious, wasn't he? Rya's cry of pain broke through his thoughts. The whole company halted as she sank to her knees, her back arching into the air. Brint threw himself down beside her.

"Rya! Are you alright?!" He asked, concern seeping into his voice. "Where's the healer?!" He demanded of his men.

Rya shook her head as she fully collapsed. "I-I…I'm fine." She gasped. "I-It was just a brief spasm." She lay curled in a ball, gasping with pain. She smiled up at him weakly. "It's passed now, whatever it was." She grabbed her scythe and hauled herself to her feet. Brint couldn't help but notice her slight grimace, how her jaw clenched as she straightened herself into a fully erect position. "We best move out. If it is a M'rachtkenta that is attacking the Rising Sun, then we need to hurry."

Brint kept a close eye on his friend. She walked with a determination, her pain apparently forgotten. She had no other outbreaks the rest of that day, and she slept peacefully. Dawn came the next morning, and they continued on to their destination. A day later, they arrived at the town where it had been arranged for them to get transport. Rya gazed in wonder at the rare contraption before them. It was an LG, which stood for Land Glider. It appeared as a stone structure with a rectangular shape, yet it was rounded. She needed no explanation as to why. Very few knew what aerodynamics were, but she had been tutored by some of the most intelligent minds of the Realm. Besides, a few scientists were even trying to develop a machine that could fly. She couldn't help but scoff at their attempts. But still…she couldn't help but wonder what type of wonders was built before the Sealing. The LG had been found, not built. Could it be a relic from that now forgotten age? Kadrin had admitted that the machines had not been destroyed, but rather hidden. As though they knew magyck would be released…

A brief burning along her back shattered her thoughts. She clenched her teeth and waited for it to pass, hoping Brint wouldn't notice. To her great fortune, it passed by the time he came and sat next to her. He raised an eyebrow, but she simply smiled and turned to stare out a viewport. LGs were incredibly convenient for traveling long distance, yet they needed twenty four hours to gain enough energy to move twelve leagues, a week or more of walking. And the Kingdom of the Rising Sun was a lot more than twelve leagues away. They would be passing through Quinland, where the majority of the food for the whole of the Six Nations was grown.

Quinland was farmed by the gentle Caladorian people. They were a race of humanoids, yet they had the features of what some called horses. She had never seen an actual horse, as they had gone extinct eons ago, yet she had met several Caladorians. They stood much taller than humans, which had unnerved her at first, but they were one of the gentlest of races. As a farming nation, they primarily worshipped Darlan as their patron.

With a twinge of guilt, she sent a silent prayer to Sanshi. As the Goddess of Protection as her patron, Salcar welcomed refugees of all sorts, offering safety to the oppressed and innocent. Although this caused some dissention with other nations, they were never openly attacked due to the alliance with the Six Nations. Yet they too had suffered during the Calrian War. Calrius' rebellion had caused much chaos and destruction for not only the Six Nations, the draigons, who had waged a savage civil war, but Salcar had also greatly suffered. They had had to fight on three fronts. Calrius from the west, Calima to the east, with the small kingdom of Dalgra to the south. Somehow, Salcar had survived, but not without its casualties…

She watched as the ground flashed by beneath them. It was rather funny; it seemed like the ground was moving, not them. Beside her, Brint was in deep discussion with one of his comrades. They were in argument over some tactic or something. She didn't bother to pay attention to it.

"You are, or rather were, the princess of Salcar, no?" An accented voice asked beside her. She turned to see a female Katar. --AU: For those that are not familiar with them, they resemble humanoid cats:-- Rya nodded. "I thought as much. I met you once. Yes, about a year ago, yes? A strong people are you from. Mighty warriors. The Katar have always admired you."

Rya nodded, rather surprised. "Uh, thank you, I suppose. I always thought the Katars admired only themselves? No offense." She added.

The Katar chuckled. "None taken, young great one. My people is indeed a proud people, but we also know whom to respect. Long ago, the Jilds, our long term enemies, tried to take our land from us. Those jackals nearly succeeded. Then the wolves came. Led by the Ulfrics, they brought us peace. The draigons, who had watched from the shadows for centuries, finally showed themselves. They fought against the wolves, claiming this land as their ancient and sacred land. They claimed that Alacandis himself had granted them this land. The wolves were adamant, saying that the Great Mandar had declared them free to take whichever land they chose. The two sides fought, with the draigons gaining a quick advantage. After many years, the King of the Wolves, the High Ulfric himself, called forth the leaders of both sides. Together, they sat and made a pact, a treaty. The result was magnificent. Both my people and the Jilds had both paid tribute to the mighty draigons for the use of their land, and we had both pleaded with the wolves to do the same.

"They finally did. The draigons were appeased and allowed the wolves to build their empire, which expanded to engulf five other kingdoms, forming what is now the Six Nations. Even today, we still pay tribute to the draigons. In exchange, they provide us with military support, and they police our land, maintaining the peace." The Katar cocked her head. "I am wondering if you already heard our history? You have study our culture, yes?"

Rya smiled and shook her head. "Not nearly as much as I would have liked. Although, as an Overseer, I certainly shall be learning everything I did not get the chance to as a princess."

The female Katar nodded. "That is a blessing, yes, but a burden as well, no? I saw you at the camp. You took down a strong gorbac tree with one slice. Certainly, you have been touched with power. Perhaps even more than you think, yes?" Hear she lowered her voice, so only Rya could hear. "You had another spasm, when you first boarded. It started recently, no?"

Rya nodded. "A few days ago. Actually…I've felt strange every since…" The Katar waited patiently as she formed her thoughts. "It all started after I was attacked by a demon. Brint and Kadrin said it was called the Mauler. He's out there now, stalking me. Our use of the LG won't hinder him. He's…different from the other demons."

"The M'rachtkenta are growing stronger, Rya Windseer." The Katar said grimly. "Yes, I know of them, know the truth as you do. Relax, you have nothing to fear. I belong to a sect of priests. Warrior priests. We are called the Order of Nadarin. He is our patron. Just as he works from the shadows, maintaining the balance of things, so too do we. That is, we do what we can. Yes, young Rya, we wish to see him restored. If the Great Demon is released, we shall all perish. He wishes to remake the world in his own image, twisted, malignant." She paused. "Ah! Forgive my utter rudeness! I am called Alda."

Rya frowned. As she reached out with her mind, she began to hear something. It was inaudible to her ears, yet she knew she could hear it. Trust her. She speaks truth. Her eyes widened and she gave a laugh. "The wind! I can hear the wind!" She exclaimed. Everyone around her stopped talking, staring at her with various expressions of incredulity, shock, and laughter.

"This unit is sealed tight. There's no way you can hear the wind in here!" One soldier mocked.

Rya shook her head. "Not like that! I meant I can hear its voice!" She gave a sigh of satisfaction.

A soldier nudged his friend. "She's gone off the deep end into madness. I knew the 'Overseers' were all just a bunch of adics!" He whispered.

Rya turned to him. "Would you care to say that for all to hear?" She smiled at his expression. "I told you, the wind has a voice of its own. Eventually, it hears all secrets. As the Windseer, I've grown strong enough to hear it." She settled back down, saying no more. Slowly, they all went back about their business, their talk mostly about her. Rya shrugged and smiled at Alda. "Terribly sorry about that."

The Katar shook her head and chuckled. "There is no need for apology when one has a revelation." She grew serious. "Regardless, you must be careful, Rya. Your friend, Careen, is dealing with our enemy. I'm afraid she's fallen in with the Seekers of Truth."

Rya frowned. "I thought they were priests of the Gods?"

Alda shook her head. "No. They are not. The Seekers of Truth portray themselves as being pure and in the light, but they are advocators of the Great Darkness that even now seeps more and more into our land. Thyninairnn cannot take much more. You know what will happen once the balance has been tipped too far."

"The Seekers of Truth…I bet they're the ones who rewrote the Book." The Katar nodded in agreement. Rya stiffened. "She's here. Among us." Alda began to scan the crowd, but Rya stopped her. "No. She's alone. We will watch her, but not take action. Perhaps she will be persuaded otherwise?"

Alda's eyes widened. "You intend to show her what the M'rachtkenta actually are?!" She exclaimed quietly.

Rya nodded. "My master, Kadrin, did the same. I killed Maldis. I can kill another one if I had to. I just…I am learning what my master was trying to teach me."

The Katar nodded slowly. She frowned as Rya stretched her shoulders. "You are in pain, yes?"

Rya nodded. "It's manageable." They lapsed into silence as the land glider continued on.

***************************************************************************

Upon the high seas, Gartrand sat within his cabin, poring over an old volume, determined on learning all he could about the land he and Lirand were heading to. Lirand, on the other hand, continually walked about the ship. If it could be called such.

Lirand approached the captain, completely at ease being on the sea, yet completely unsettled by the ship he was on. "How much farther is it?"

The captain turned to him. "It be but four days' sailin' now, sire. From the werd I 'ear, there be much trouble brewin'. Ye'll have yer work cut for ye, sire."

Lirand sighed. "Is there any way we can get there sooner?"

The captain scratched his beard. "Only if ye be the Windseer."

"Afraid not there. I control Light, not Wind." Lirand sighed.

The captain nodded. "A pity. Not that ye don' have an important role, sire."

Lirand nodded and walked off. He made his way down below. "Four days!" He said, barging into Gartrand's cabin.

"Yes, that sounds about right." Gartrand said without looking up. "And you really haven't changed a bit! As High Wizard and rubbish, not once did you ever leave Jastire?!"

Lirand sighed again. "Is that really important or relevant right now?"

Gartrand scoffed. "I at least went to Calrin. The Old 'Maid is the best place for good info."

Lirand rolled his eyes. "And is also filled with all the scum of this world."

Gartrand snapped his book shut. "Even within them is there some residual good! Not all of them are the hopeless wretches you always make them out to be!"

"They reek of Dark." Lirand shrugged. "Have you any idea what that is?" He waved the copy of The Book of the Damned.

Gartrand snatched it away. "Of course I do! I'm no fool. Yet I choose to recognize the good that remains!"

"Good? What good is there? With that traitor out there, there is no good! Nothing to keep back the overwhelming darken…" A fist silenced him.

Gartrand kept his hand in a fist. "Stop sniveling and actually be the man you are supposed to be. We are all stressed to the breaking point because of the imbalance, but that gives no excuse to be imbeciles. Now, you are going to get up and act your age."

Lirand climbed to his feet. "Th-Thank you. We need to kick the tar out of that M'rachtkenta."

Gartrand clasped his shoulders. "That's more like it!" With that, he went back to his book.

*******************************************************************************

The cold north wind blew about; its harshness all but lost upon the figure walking through it. Kadrin paused, his cloak billowing about him. He spread his arms, basking in the wild glory of the harsh blizzard. A weary reminiscence fell upon him, memories beginning to stir. He let his arms fall to his side and continued on.

Before him loomed the Keep. A crystal labyrinth of passageways that descended for miles beneath the ground. And the resting place of something he had spent centuries looking for. Without hesitation, he entered into the only entrance.

"So, you've decided to come? It has been…quite some time. Hasn't it, Kadrin?" A voice called out. The young man that stepped from the shadows was anything but young. Power seemed to curl about him. His silver hair was shoulder length. Cold eyes surveyed his old enemy.

"How unpleasant as ever. Salazar." Kadrin responded.

Salazar paced the chamber. "Did you think that I would simply let you have it?"

"No." Kadrin said. He clapped his hands, summoning his sword. Power quivered in the air as Salazar fashioned a sword of his own.

He held up the black sword. "Like it? My Master granted it to me."

Kadrin chuckled. "You think I fear a weapon forged from Demon metal?" Soulcleaver gleamed with a strange light. A white light shone between the two blades, connecting them. The blade whistled a deadly tune as he twirled in preparation.

"It's time you died, Kadrin. You have grown to much a nuisance to let live." Salazar said. With a cry, he sprang at his old adversary. Kadrin leapt back, swinging up to meet his enemy's downward slash. The two blades met with a shockwave, the ice cracking about them. Salazar held on with both hands; Kadrin stood with one arm raised. The two swords clanged and crashed as their wielders sought the end of the other.

One clash sent them both stumbling back a step. Salazar clenched his teeth in a sneer. "You can't beat me, Kadrin. Not now. Not when I have the power of true Gods!" He leapt at him again. Kadrin threw out an empty palm, catching his opponent in the gut. He drew back and spun, throwing his leg in a powerful kick. Salazar crashed into the already cracked ice, sending him smashing down to the next level. With ease, Kadrin leapt down, landing lightly on his feet.

"The power of Gods? Please. Their power has no meaning to me." Kadrin said. Salazar picked himself up, raising the black sword before him. With a snarl, he threw himself forward.

Kadrin met him halfway, slamming a fist into his shoulder. Their swords clanged again, the cracks in the ice spreading. "At this rate, we will end up at the place you're trying to keep me from."

Salazar smiled wickedly. "Perhaps, but you'll be dead once we hit the bottom."

Kadrin parried and attacked. "We'll see." He grabbed Salazar's arm throwing him around. However, Salazar used his weight, throwing Kadrin into the wall. The ice shattered in a shower of shards.

Once Forgotten 2.5

Rya followed Brint in silence, the events of the previous day fresh in her mind. "How do you learn control?"

Brint, caught off guard by her sudden question, frowned. "I don't really know. You always did have a temper." He chuckled. "I remember you throwing tantrums many times because you got caught. We used to roam the palace, torturing the servants. We made one girl cry several times. But whenever you threw one of your fits, don't you remember what your mother used to say?"

Rya nodded. "Vaguely. She would tell me to take a deep breath, let the anger flow through me, then let it go." She hung her head, her hair covering her eyes. "And when she and father were killed, Kurel was so calm. I asked her how she did it. She said that she was following our mother's footsteps. But…"

Brint nodded. "You couldn't let go." Rya nodded. "You need to let go of the past. Kadrin even told you that. We must be focused upon what's happening now. Especially now. If a M'rachtkenta were to enter the Realm, we cannot afford to be distracted."

"I'm not afraid to fight. I just…I never thought that I would be off doing what we are. We grew up hearing the tales of old, and here we are living in one. To think that we are trying to awaken the G'yckma." Rya said.

"G'yckma? I thought it was magyck." Brint said.

Rya nodded. "They are one and the same. What we call magyck, is actually the Will of Nadarin."

Brint frowned. "Nadarin's Will? What are you talking about?"

"I've been reading a direct translation of the original Book of the Damned. Brint, Nadarin is more important than you realize. The role he plays, the balancing, is all more important than we've been taught. He may even be more important than the other Gods!" She paused. "Awakening magyck, the G'yckma, is far more important than just saving the Realm."

"Howso? I mean, can't the other Gods and Goddesses do something?" Brint asked.

Rya shook her head. "No. If they were to interfere, they would tip the balance further. And a demon far worse than anything we know will be set free."

"Wait, are you talking about The Father? You aren't suggesting that that old fable is true, are you? I mean, two High Gods, The Mother and The Father, created all of this?" Brint scoffed.

"No, The Mother created this plane. She created it as a means for us to be safe, but The Father's influence was too powerful. It seeped into our realm. So Nadarin created his own will to counteract it. The result was magyck. The G'yckma seeped into us, into everything. And it gave us power like Nadarin's. He gave the elements their power. His brother's and sister's helped to guide it, but he was in full control. The reason he didn't guide and watch over it himself is because he had to watch over all three planes. Alphairria, Xophaltez, Thyinairinn, he balances them all. Without that balance, The Father will grow too strong for The Mother to contain. That's all she can do, sustain the Seals, the Realm, and her children." Rya said.

Brint shrugged. "I suppose there could be some truth in all of that, but I'm not going to just start believing in all of that. I believe in the Gods and magyck and that's it."

Rya sighed. "There is more to this than that, Brint. We need to restore Nadarin to his rightful place."

Brint stopped short and laughed. "What?! Now you're saying we have to restore a God? He's a God, Rya! By the powers of Alphairria, how are we even going to dream of that? How can mere mortals such as us even hope to help a God, as you say we are, let alone restore one?!"

Rya shook her head. "I don't know! I don't even really understand what I'm talking about!" She took several steadying breaths. "I just…I just know that we have to do this." She closed her eyes. "It all has to do with the Tower."

Brint nodded. "Perhaps you're right. If that Tower can see away magyck, who knows what else it can do?"

"Nadarin." Rya whispered.

Brint sighed. "Come on. We need to get moving if we hope to reach my camp before noon."

They walked the rest of their journey in silence, Rya still trying to sort out her thoughts. A rough voice called out. "Halt! Who goes there?"

"Geric, you old cheseek! How goes our efforts?" Brint called out.

"Eleven Above! If it isn't young Brint. And who might that lovely companion of yours be?"

"I am Rya, Overseer of Wind. I have come upon request by Kadrin." She answered.

"Powers of Alphairria! An Overseer!!" There was a brief commotion and the brush on the left parted as an elderly man stepped out. He bowed respectfully. "It is an honor, mi'lady."

Rya smiled pleasantly. "There is no need for formalities."

Brint coughed. "Geric, I need an audience with the Council. Kadrin has received reports that could indicate the arrival of another M'rachtkenta."

Geric's pale face went paler. "A-a…Another one?! Maldis was bad enough! Just…Just how many are there?!"

"About nine altogether." She frowned. "Well, eight now that Maldis is out of the picture."

Geric finally got a good look at her and her scythe. "Wait…it was you! Yes, you're the one…" He turned to Brint. "She's the one…" He turned back to her. "You're the one that killed Maldis!"

She sighed. "His physical form, yes. Kadrin is the one that dispersed his spirit."

"Ah, dispersion." Geric said, almost reverently. "That's powerful magyck. Only a few can harness such power. It is said that long ago, only the Great Lords of Magyck could perform such a spell. I suppose you could too, as you are an Overseer."

Rya fell silent. Brint coughed again, and the elder turned back to him. "Geric, we really need to see the Council."

Geric nodded. "Having her with you will help tremendously. It's funny, isn't it? You helped to band us together, yet you aren't the biggest authority."

Brint shrugged. "It's what happens when you pull something like this off. Other's will always come in an wrestle away what power you had. But I'm not worried about it. I'm a follower of Kadrin more than anything."

Geric nodded. "I suppose we all are supposed to be here, but sometimes, I feel the Council has their own agenda."

"That's what worries me." Brint said. As they entered the camp, Rya gazed about with interest. She had heard so many stories about the Freedomists, and she was more than a little excited to be walking through their camp. Men and women moved about, sharpening weapons, packing and unpacking crates. Many of the crates were full of weaponry, both mundane and magical. She saw more than one bolt shooter, and she shuddered at the thought of what those could do. They harnessed lightning, able to fire single bolts of varying length. They were near limitless when it came to how long they lasted. Just a few of those could decimate an army that used swords alone. There were other types of shooters, but she didn't see any of them. Others were unpacking supplies of food, and then repacking them to be shipped off to other camps.

She had expected the camp to be large, but she wasn't quite prepared for it to be as large as it was. They stopped before a tent. The guards bared the entrance with spears. "Halt! State your business."

Geric fidgeted. "It's Brint, and an Overseer."

The guards scoffed. "An Overseer? She's but a child!" One guard said.

"I say, what? No older than twenty?" The other one laughed.

Rya sighed. "I'm holding Windcleaver, the Scythe of the Wind Overseer, isn't that proof enough?"

"Proof?" The guards laughed. "Oh, hardly! Anyone can hold a scythe and claim to be an Overseer!"

Rya glanced around. Obviously, a small demonstration was in hand. She spied a tall tree off to her right. Several men leaned on axes, about ready to cut it down. She stepped away from Brint, flicking the blade of her scythe out. People all around stopped and nudged their neighbor, curious as to what she was doing. She focused on the tree, everything else going dim. The air began to swirl about her, picking up speed. The smiles on the guards' faces began to falter as the wind began to roar. With a fearsome cry that made their blood turn cold, Rya leaped into the air. She lunged at the tree, her scythe seeming to grow in size to gigantic proportion. With another cry she swung down, the wind howling a roar. She landed nimbly on her feet, barely stirring the dirt beneath her. With a groan, the giant tree tipped onto its side and crashed to the ground. The trunk was perfectly cut, completely sliced through. With a smile and a twirl of her scythe, she turned to the guards. Several men rushed out of the building.

"Well, I believe that that is sufficient proof of who I am." Rya nodded. Brint couldn't hold back a laugh. One of the men turned to her.

"And who the Eleven Above are you?!" He said.

She curtsied politely. "I am Rya, Overseer of Wind, apprentice of Kadrin. Pleasure to meet you. I take it that you are the Council?"

The man nodded, exchanging a glance with the others behind him. "That would be us."

Brint nodded. "We've come on a direct assignment from Kadrin. We need a small squad to go with us to investigate a report of possible M'rachtkenta activity."

The Councilors again exchanged a glance. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. If we looked into every possible sighting, we wouldn't get anything accomplished."

"But that's just the thing. You wouldn't be the ones doing that. We would be." Rya stated.

"With all due respect to you and your master, but we need all the available troops in case of a real threat." The Councilor said.

"Ah, so reports of a large pestilence, a known sign of one of the Demon Lords, isn't a big enough threat?" The man was silent. "I thought so. Besides, look around you: your camp is large enough. Plus, you probably have other camps about this size as well. Correct?" Brint nodded. "So, all things considered and with all due respect, we will be needing soldiers."

The Councilors could only nod. Giving orders to the guards they retreated back. Geric shook his head. "I certainly have never seen such a thing. The girl slices down a large tree with one swing of that scythe, bosses around the Council, what's next?"

Rya scratched her back. "I think that will be all for today."

Geric nodded. "Is that so? Well, follow me. I imagine you two are somewhat hungry." They followed him, talking about the camp.
**********************************************************
Lirand was not having a good day. First, he and Gartrand searched everywhere for any information concerning the island. Second, when they finally did find the name and location of the island, they went all throughout the port trying to find passage. Thirdly, when they did find passage, Nadar took the opportunity to show up.

As he and Gartrand were talking, Nadar had plopped himself down at their table, taking a gulp from a flask he produced.

"So, how is everything going?" Nadar asked.

Gartrand shrugged. "Well enough, I suppose. We've found the name and location at least."

Lirand sighed. "And we found a captain willing to take us there."

Nadar inspected their captain. He was tall and good looking, well dressed. "Poor choice if you ask me."

"Why do you say that?" Gartrand asked.

Nadar gestured to the captain. "Judging from his appearance, I doubt he even has a ship." Nadar raised his flask. "He's dressed too properly. Plus, from the way he walks, I would have to say that he's never been on a ship before in his life!"

Gartrand nodded. "You may be on to something there." He inspected the man more closely. "Yes, I believe you are quite right." He nudged a rather irked Lirand. "Interesting how neither of us noticed."

"What do you expect? We've both been hiding within Jastire for the better part of at least two centuries. You busy with whatever it was you were doing, and I was training wizards to actually use real power." Lirand shrugged. "Of course we are a little rusty at all of this."

After this exchange, Nadar had suggested a captain to them, who once he found who they were, offered them passage without pay. However, the ship was small, and looked derelict. However, it was still better than no ship at all. They set off without trouble.
**********************************************************

Kadrin walked with a new step. He was close now. So much closer to his goal. If everything went along the lines he had worked so hard to set up….he could hardly dare to think it. All of his efforts had been working to this moment, and now it was but within reach. He turned northward.

The Northern Keep had been thought to have been abandoned long ago, but no one dared to descend to the lower levels. That was where he now turned. His footsteps tread with the weight of untold years. He was not about to fail.

Once Forgotten 2.4

Rya sat in a windowsill, absorbed in the volumes she and Jerand had found. She was surprised by how much she had learned. She had even found a reference to what could have been Nadarin’s entry into the Realm. From what she could tell, around five thousand years ago, possibly longer, a star fell from the heavens. However, she already knew that Alphairra, where the Gods and Goddesses dwelt, her Realm, which she had just learned was truly named Thyinairinn, and the demon plane, Xophaltez were not necessarily in a stacked order, which was contrary to popular belief. If that were so, then why would Nadarin “fall” from the sky?

She shook her head. Such things were beyond her at the moment. She scratched her back. She closed the volume and went to the table nearest her, where her all of her research was organized. Jerard came walking up. “How does it go?”

Rya looked up briefly. “Not too bad. Surprisingly, I’ve found more than I thought I would.”

Jerard nodded. “Then I am sorry to interrupt, but there is a warrior in the main area asking for you. I believe his name is Brint.”

Rya smiled and looked up. She nodded and gathered together her papers, carefully putting them in her bag. She stacked the volumes together, grabbed her book and her scythe and followed Jerard out of the restricted section. Brint stood by the information desk, chatting with the young woman on duty. An emotion briefly ran through her mind, but it was gone before she could recognize it. All the same, she glared slightly at the young librarian, which vanished as Brint turned his gaze on her. A smile crossed his face, and he stood straight as she approached.

“What took you so long?” He smirked.

Rya sighed and stretched. “I was to my neck in books thank you, and might I add, I found much concerning my research.”

“Just what were you trying to find anyway?” Brint asked.

His friend shrugged. “Oh, just a few things of interest.” He nodded, understanding her meaning.

“Kadrin said he wanted to meet with us in an hour.” Brint said. “It sounded important.”

Rya frowned. “An hour? Did he say what it was about?”

Brint shook his head. “Of course not! Since when has he ever given a clear answer like that?”

The young librarian opened her mouth, but Jerard cut her off. “You two had better hurry. An hour will go by and you two will still be here discussing everything!” He chuckled.

Rya nodded, grabbed Brint’s arm and hurried out of the old structure. Brint took the lead as they entered the crowded main street. “Come on. He wanted to meet us at some tavern. Rather shady by the sound of it.”

Rya frowned. “What’s it called?”

Brint hesitated before answering. “The Sleazy Mermaid.”

“Why do I have the feeling that you know all about it?” Rya sighed.

“Everyone who’s anyone knows that the ‘Maid is the perfect place to go for information.” Brint answered, glancing back over his shoulder at her. He pulled her down a side alley. Her grip tightened on her scythe. “Just be on your guard.” She nodded and followed him silently.

The Sleazy Mermaid was in much better shape than Rya had thought it would be. It was obviously cleaned regularly, but the crowd inside and the few that stood around it gave proof that this tavern was the regular haunt of many. Rya drew her hood, something that she wasn’t the only one to have done. The majority of faces were all half hidden by hoods, something that struck her as odd. When she voiced this to Brint, he explained. “It’s an unspoken rule. Hoods are a requirement inside, save for when you are in one of the private rooms. What’s done in them depends on the client, but whatever happens inside the ‘Maid stays in the ’Maid. The Queen allows this place to exist so she can use it to keep a closer eye on whatever shady business goes on. If it gets serious enough, she takes action, but even the local crime syndicates keep a low profile. The last time there was anything major, it was quickly put down.”

Rya frowned. “But how does she do it? How can she keep tabs on everything and act so quickly? Regular guards couldn’t possibly do it.”

Brint chuckled. “Oh, she doesn’t use her regular guards. Look.” Her eyes followed where he pointed, and they widened at the sight of tails poking from beneath a group of cloaks. “The draigons have returned to their former position of politics. Ever since Dylan regained power, they have been by her side, thanks to Flamian. They accepted the role of peacekeepers as well as the main military force. General Darian may lead what can be considered the main army, but when draigons enter a battle? The enemy turns and flees. They are greatly feared throughout the Realm, able to change to whatever species or form of dragon at any time they wish. There are rumors that they even have a few true dragons amongst them.”

A draigon made eye contact with Rya. Her eyes widened with surprise, and she bowed her head. Rya returned the gesture, and the draigonesse returned to her companions, talking animatedly with them. Brint walked on without giving them notice. As they continued on, Rya couldn’t help but notice the different types of people. There were members of almost every race she knew, and many that she didn’t. The cat-like Katars, the dog-like Jilds, even a few wolves. Wolves (more accurately “werewolves”) were very common within the Six Nations, as the royal family and nobles were Ulfrics, the strongest of wolves. She failed to suppress a shudder as they passed a very shady group. They growled softly, barely containing snarls of disgust. She glared at them, causing a breeze to wash over them. They backed off, sensing her as someone strong. A hand reached out and grabbed her scythe. Quicker than lightning, the would be thief was flat on his back, pinned by the flat of the scythe’s blade. Eyes wide, he looked hopelessly into the eyes of his prey. Cold eyes looked down at him. “No one touches the scythe. Understand?” Her eyes glared at him, but her words spoke to the crowds.

“Release him!” Kadrin’s voice rang out.

Rya glared at him. “But he…”

“No buts. Let him up.” She did as she was told, but her scythe was held at the ready. Kadrin turned to the thief. “As for you, I would say you’ve learned something this day, haven’t you? Yes, I see it in your eyes. Watch out for that one.” He nodded at Rya. “She could have killed you just then. Lucky for you, she gives warnings. Unfortunately, that will be the only warning you will get. Next time, whatever happens, happens. Now, what say you?”

The thief trembled, fear the only thing keeping him upright. “I-I….I-I….I-I….” He fell back, out cold.

Kadrin turned to the small crowd. “As you were.” He spun on his heel, grabbed Rya by her shoulder, and entered the tavern, Brint following just behind him. They entered a good sized room. The occupants looked up as Kadrin pulled Rya in and shoved her into a chair. Kadrin quivered with controlled anger. “Just what in the name of Alphairria were you thinking?!” His voice hissed.

Rya stared straight ahead, her jaw clenched. “I was perfectly fine. He grabbed my scythe.”

“So you slam him to the ground and hold the blade to his throat?” Kadrin demanded. Rya said nothing. Kadrin gave a sigh. “I understand why. I would too if I had managed to retrieve an ancestral weapon only to have someone try to steal it. But you need to learn to control not just your power, but your emotions. Think, girl! You are an Overseer! Eleven Above! If you allow your emotions to run rampant like that, you could end up destroying the city! What do you think would happen if a cyclone tore through here?!”

“What happened?” Gartrand asked. Lirand stood by a bookshelf, Dylan sat by the fire, and Flamian stood by the window.

Flamian couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “It appears that our newest addition almost took the criminal population down by several. Some lowlife tried taking the scythe.” He chuckled again. “They’ll be avoiding her. Funny, she vaguely reminds me of someone…”

Dylan shot him a glare. “Hush you!” She knelt by Rya. “Don’t be afraid, Rya. Don’t fear your power. And Kadrin, yelling isn’t going to help. That will only boost her defiance.”

Kadrin turned away. “Defiance brings nothing but trouble.” He muttered. Something in his tone made Rya frown, but before she could speak, the door burst open.

“Sorry, I’m late.” Nadar gasped. “There’s a rather aggressive crowd out there. Whew…who pissed in their soup?”

Flamian laughed, while the others simply stared. Kadrin put his hand to his head, clearly frustrated. Dylan shot Flamian a glare, then turned to Nadar. “What are you doing here?”

Nadar shrugged. “Well, you guys were having a little get together. So I invited myself. Hope that’s alright.” With that said, he promptly went to the small table and began heaping food onto a plate. Fixing himself into a corner, he tucked into his meal with gusto, while returning everyone’s stares. “But seriously, what’s got all of them in such a tizzy? You haven’t tried to ban *naldris again have you? I mean, I did tell you that was a mistake to begin with.”

“I did not…!” The Queen clamped her mouth shut and took a deep breath. “I did no such thing! And you don’t have to rub that in…”

Nadar shrugged. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I mean, the only people to tell you not to do such a stupid thing was your entire counsil, me, Flamian, and the Senate.”

Flamian snapped his fingers. “And there was that old guy from the Library!”

“Ah, good ol’ Jerard. How is that old bugger doing anyway?” Nadar asked.

Rya smiled. “He’s doing very well. I was just with him earlier. He’s really been helping me with some information I was trying to find.”

Nadar took a gulp out of a tankard he conjured. “Oh? What have you been researching?”

Rya blushed slightly. “I wanted to see if there were any records of Kadrin and the Overseers in history, and I…I wanted to see if there was any evidence of Nadarin’s fall.”

Kadrin stiffened slightly. “That’s what you’ve been looking for?”

Rya nodded. “Yes, and what really surprised me is just how much evidence there was of Nadarin’s fall.” She pulled out a notepad she had with her and opened it to the beginning. Setting it on the table, the others gathered around, Kadrin relaxing as he joined them. “This is what I found. In the first volume I looked at, there is a record of an incident a few millennia ago. I thought it was rather significant, as it seemed almost cataclysmic in proportion. So, I checked the volumes of several different kingdoms from the period of time, and they all had that same incident. Here, this is a translated quote:

“In the year of Harvest and Hunting, four-thousand-nine-hundred & ninety Post Cataclysm, an incident occurred upon the eve of the new year. The sky tore open, the wind leveled thousands of trees, all manner of beasts and birds fled through the very center of our beloved city. People screamed, both young and old, of all ages. A great fire flew across the sky, and smashed into our beloved land ten leagues to the east of Twin River.

“A few weeks later, we received word that a small band of travelers went to the sight of where the fire touched the land. A hole was found, as though Darlan himself had reached down and scooped out a handful of dirt. But what is stranger still…plants were found! Living plants were found growing, freshly sprouted. As the band watched on in astonishment, a whole forest grew before their eyes, the trees becoming far more massive than normal. Their canopy conjoined into a roof of leaves and branches, the sunlight barely getting through…”

Rya straightened as she finished, satisfied. “I believe that forest to be the Netherforest.”

Nadar nodded. “It would make sense.” He frowned. “However, Nadarin isn’t the God of Life. That would fall under Amari’s jurisdiction.”

Rya nodded again. “True, however, Kadrin said that there were seven places where the Seal of Magyck is weakest, right?” They all nodded. “So, what if, when Nadarin fell, his fall further weakened the place for life?”

Kadrin nodded. “It’s entirely possible. To be honest, I never really gave it much thought. However, I’ve explored every part of the Netherforest, and I have never found such a hole as described there.”

“There is another record later that says another group went in to find the same hole, but they never could. It is as if the forest filled it in. Or perhaps Darlan?” She was thoughtful for a moment, then she frowned. She turned to Nadar. “Just who are you anyway?”

Nadar let out a belch, which earned him a glare from Lirand. “Me? Name’s Nadar. At least, that’s what I was told it was. I don’t know. Some people found me wandering around and randomly called me that. So, I took it.”

Dylan thought for a moment. “You know, Nadar is derived from Nadarin.”

Nadar nodded. “Indeed it is, but I fail to see how that’s relevant to anything…oh heavens!” He exclaimed. “I’m not the Fallen God, am I? I always knew I was going to be hounded by everyone! Wait…I can’t be! I was born in the Realm…at least…I think I was.”

Kadrin sighed again. “Whether anyone here is Nadarin or not is not the issue for which we have gathered.”

Gartrand lifted his head. “Oh, we’re finally getting started?”

Kadrin purposefully ignored him. “I have heard some reports from travelers, and none of them sound good. I fear that another M’rachtkenta will soon be able to enter the Realm.”

Everyone began speaking at once, each making exclamations. “QUIET!!” Brint shouted above everyone else. The room fell silent, and Brint turned to Kadrin. “What kind of reports?”

“There are reports that there could be two.” He held up a hand to silence any questions. “There is a report to the far west, in the Kingdom of the Rising Sun, that an unknown plague has begun to run through several villages. So far, the death count is in the hundreds. To the south, across the Great Sea, a small island has experienced a famine for the past month. These signs are attributed to two of the M’rachtkenta. At this point, we cannot know for certain whether or not the M’rachtkenta are really the ones responsible or not, but we need to find out. Rya, Brint, I want you two to go to the Rising Sun. Be on the lookout for any demon activity. If there is, put a stop to it the best you can. Brint, I suggest you get a small accompaniment of your troops ready to go with you. Rya, you will be in charge. Ask Brint for help if you need it.

“Dylan, Flamian, you two stay here in this area. Don’t worry, Flame, there have been a few sightings to keep you busy. Good hunting, Hunter.

“Lirand, Gartrand, you are to go to the south. Find that island. As for myself, I am going to far north. I have been sensing something there that I need to see. Now, good luck to each of you.” Kadrin said. Everyone began to move out. Rya glanced over at Lirand and gasped.

“Master Kadic?! You’re…you’re an Overseer?!” She exclaimed.

The master wizard nodded. “Indeed I am. I was foolish to think that by sending you off I could remain in hiding. You were close, Rya, to discovering my identity. It’s in your nature to find information, to discover secrets. The wind hears everything, and in turn it speaks to you. Learn to listen to it.” He and Gartrand left, already discussing their plans.

Brint stretched. “I suppose it was time to see what my motley band was up to anyway. Would you like to come see our headquarter?” She nodded and together, they left.

Dylan and Flamian were already arguing over something, leaving Kadrin and Nadar free to talk. Nadar frowned. “Are you sure it’s wise to send him with her?”

“Do you think it was wise not to?” Kadrin responded.

Nadar nodded. “We think alike, Kadrin. Sometimes it really makes me wonder…”

“You it’s best not to deal in what ifs.” The masked man said.

“True, but then, you do all the time.” Nadar responded. “So, what’s my assignment?”

“To do whatever you feel like doing. You think that I have any control over you?” Kadrin answered.

Nadar shrugged. “You have about the same amount as I have over you.”

“None.” They both stated. With that, they walked in opposite directions.