Medieval: Book of Blood

By Dallas S. Paskell

Deep in the heart of the beast, Taj finds himself a slave in more ways than one and yet, he is still unyielding in his attempt to end the madness of Corvana. Corvana initially pledged war for fear that the southern pantheon of Runethedian didnt know how to control itself and/or the magic it managed to uncover and/or otherwise harness. The war Corvana waged against the entire pantheon came to be known as The White War by Corvanians. Nearly all those that have walked alongside Taj Odin Xavier have fallen. Only Malakai and Giovanni remain and Giovanni is not always the most accountable person. Allies from the Northern land, from Corvana are made and a united people under new leadership fight together, refusing to be divided by a common enemy far greater than even Raino Shadowblood, the last Forsaken. In the end, Thedia is forever changed and the lands of the world become even more calloused. Are the sins of the father truly past to the son? When the door on Tajs quest is finally shut, another opens when his sons Legion and Dauge and his daughter Dusk set out on an adventure of their own. Perhaps they seek fame and fortune or perhaps the answer to the lone question. Do we belong in the Republic of New Magic or Eternis? After all, they were all raised in the Republic but their origins are divided. Will Taj see them grow and live to guide them through the mistakes he made or will he die somewhere amidst the smoke of a scarred land, never to see home again? Perhaps he will live to an old ripe age and laugh at the thought of his fathers words to him when he was a child? Or, will it be the legacy of a fallen hero left behind guiding them? Or, maybe just maybe Falling Star proves too great of a threat for the scarred world of Thedia and the entire plane is hurled into a state of Darkness, where the shadow reigns supreme forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496960115

Dallas S. Paskell

Dallas returns with the third installment of the Medieval series with Book of blood. After his first book was released,(Medieval: The Book of Loss) he took time off to hone his skills and focus on continuing his story and setting. He released Medieval: Book of War a few years later. And now, the third installment, Medieval: Book of Blood is here. “I took time off to focus on finalizing my world and its origins. Runethedian, the pantheon from which the Medieval series initially takes place was finished before I ever began my series but I have three additional pantheons I had to finish for future stories. I never stopped writing. I would work on my setting and then my stories. I knew I wanted books two and three to come out relatively close together. I’m actually finished with the series’ fourth novel as it stands. His passion for the ancient times and Fantasy, albeit it Dark or High Fantasy stems back from his childhood roots. He couldn’t wait to get home from football and/or wrestling practice to work on games he had such as dungeons and dragons, Dragonstrike or Heroquest. His creativity started early. His mother remembers him getting into these games around the age of nine. Since the release of his first novel, he’s continued his career in mixed martial arts/combat sports as both competitor and coach. He’s actively part of Team Hoger, Paradigm Training Center, Fight Lab, and Rilion Gracie’s Jiu Jit Su and MMA school. “I was in it long before it was cool.” He says. He also admits to being an avid Tabletop Gamer with the majority of his games taking place in the same world he writes in, Thedia. “I’ve had help with its development. It was a real honor when other people asked me for information on my world because they wanted to use it as a setting for their own games.” Dallas hopes to create a collection of different series that take place all over his world. He hopes to explore Nevermore relatively soon. He says he is also working on a collection of short stories that will take place in all four pantheons: Runethedian, Nevermore, Alecrast and Corvana. Dungeons and Dragons was an out for him, he was the only athlete he remembers playing such games. “I had two groups of friends growing up” he said, “and I loved them both.”

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© 2014 Dallas S. Paskell. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/19/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6012-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6011-5 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

PART 2

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Epilogue

Personal thanks to:

My mother first and foremost always: Tillie Paskell, for always believing in me and my crazy dreams from professional wrestling, to fighting to writing!

My amazing family

My father: Fred Middlebrook Paskell Jr. without which, I’d probably have been homeless

My brother: for always being there.

There are too many people to name here, so all of my friends that helped me see this book through. Kevin Duke for always lending his services and ability and ear to the projects. (the illustratior of my novels) Marian Ashline for taking on the role of my new editor.

Personal Thanks:

Paradigm Training Center, Fight Lab, Rilion Gracie, Old School Combat Gym,

#1 Jeremy Loflin, the best kept secret in MMA

Sam Hoger

Coach David Kelly

Professor Romulo Reis Pereira

Coach Grant Johnson

And all of my teammates from then to now.

To:

James "Bubbie Nugent, Winston Webster, William House, Cory Molloy, Tieng Ho, Kacey Weinkman, John Dingman, Robert Garlic, Nick Cryer, Joshua Flynn, James Nichols, Drew Hays, Erica Flint, Kerry Ashline, Craig Lewis, Alex Lewis, Michael Hiner, Pablo Tamargo,

Also:

to Natalie Cawthorne… The journey has only just begun…

And lastly:

I want to give a personal and sincere thanks to John Mccreary and Ayman Jarrah, my two bosses and friends in the real world. They have given me the ability to work, write and fight. You guys are the greatest! Thank you both for everything!

Safeguard Home Security

Rebels Honky Tonk (Houston, Texas)

Gaslamp (Houston, Texas)

Prologue

F ailure or postponement, that question was worth pondering, wasn’t it? Falling Star’s first attempted march ended with a halt, at least in one place, Burning Brook. One of his strongest soldiers, Lithil, had been beaten. No matter, Falling Star’s forces continued to scourge the land. He needed that artifact, that relic of power, the Pact Stone.

The Pact Stone was the one thing that, if in the right hands, could potentially halt or even end his push into the plane of Thedia. Falling Star’s senses gave him a strong feeling about the might of Lithil’s victor and his allies. Luckily, the shadow forces did enough to split them. The city of Burning Brook was finally taken, but at what cost?

Lithil was still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, Falling Star dwelled in his own satisfactions knowing Malagant, his strongest soul, had taken his area with ease. Malagant, a soul who’d been around perhaps as long as any, smashed into this land’s mightiest forces head on and prevailed.

The world knew his name. Soon all of Thedia would belong to him. Then the mighty Soul Dragon of Shadows would be able to Return to Gemini’s plane of conquered verses and take it for himself. Yes, that was the plan. Gemini failed. Failure meant weakness. He’d never failed before, so weakness must surely be the reason why, he thought. The land, the pantheon of Corvana was in shambles already and yet, he hadn’t really done anything. His promise, his promise would forever be remembered.

A thousand mortals shall burn for every scale scratched. For every day imprisoned, a hundred cities will perish.

Lithil bled. His blood mixed the colors of red and a dark milky black. Who was this Taj? He heard something call out his name. His name was Taj. Taj was fantastic! He would make a great host for perhaps Malagant. The city fell and its inhabitants fled. They would be found and usurped accordingly. Lithil was too weak. He hadn’t been in Thedia long enough to recover if he was to die. Death was acceptable and never permanent, unless killed too soon upon crossing over. And that’s where he was. He was second only to Malagant, the true champion of Gemini. Lithil knew his homeworld was dying. He knew his mission was critical. In order to keep those alive that he loved, he had to lead the armies along with Malagant into the taking of other worlds.

Geminus, Gemini’s homeworld, had been dying for an untold amount of time. In order for it to maintain stability and life, it had to feed on the essence of other verses. And Lithil and Malagant were the driving forces behind keeping Geminus alive.

He hurried. He pushed his body as fast as his wounded feet would carry him. Looking back every so often, the dying elf saw nothing but his trail of blood. He could smell the burning soot and ash in the air. Not all of his enemy’s allies survived. It had been so long since anything had put up a fight such as Taj did. His swords, Lithil felt an impressive amount of power coming off his swords. Was his power in the swords? Maybe, but there was also something else about him; great entities attached themselves to him. At least one was inside him and two or three others were around. His soul was impenetrable. Something(s) already had it.

The shadows never liked the night. However, it was where they were forced to exist. It didn’t mean they had to like it. Older than the blood feud of elves and orcs, the shades never cared for the undead, and likewise. And this Taj, though not undead himself, certainly had a strong connection to them. Lithil’s ability to sense the undead was second to none and Taj’s body was very much alive and well, but something inside him was not. Who was this Taj or better, what was he?

The human died. How was another Eternian here? Who was he and why was he here? What was this new thing they were facing? His life was getting worse and worse. It was becoming increasingly complicated. Sevok and Warryn were both dead. Their bodies lay scattered amongst the blanket of death. The wizards who started the defense of the city were also dead. The paladin was dead. Helios broke rank and luckily ended up with Danth. So far, his body hadn’t been found. Hopefully, he made it. Talon was missing. Did he make it back with Danth to? Only a wounded Taj, Malakai, Giovanni, Rhoeve, and Halo remained. The team had been split. Blood had been spilled. Somehow, during the disarray, Malakai ended up with the Pact Stone. Malakai was virtually untouched. His powers were spent. Legions of the infected had been obliterated, laid to waste by the now seemingly invincible elf, Malakai Downing.

Chapter 1

T aj returned from the valley where he faced Lithil to the ruined village of Burning Brook. Taj was pleased. He singlehandedly defeated the mighty elf. Unfortunately, he was unable to finish him before his shadowy powers saved him from his blades. Lithil’s shadow stepped back out of the valley and into a small legion of the infected. As humor was on Taj’s side, it was the same Legion Malakai had just turned his focus to.

Taj sheathed his blades, knowing they were both happy. He could hear Froth speaking to him from the inside now. That voice was too clear not to recognize it. It was Froth. Froth was growing inside him. His body was strong yet weak. It was living but something inside him was very much dead, or undead.

Coming from the smoking remains of what was one of the city’s walls, Malakai came first. Taj looked to his right. Halo was sitting down, quietly meditating in what used to be the town square. Rhoeve was finishing a few barely living infected off at the far side of the city while Giovanni pulled the dead to a pile.

There’s no need for that Gio, Malakai said.

We have to give them a proper burial, he answered defensively.

We’re going to burn the whole thing. Everything here will become ash and return to the earth from whence it came, said the multi-innate sorcerer.

Taj knew. His swords first recognized it. There were four main types of sorcerers. Each type drew its power from a different source. Certain powers were unique to that specific type. Taj had marked it down every time he’d seen something different. So far, Malakai had covered Draconic, Chaotic, Storm, and even Cosmic, the most rare of sorcerer types. Lastly and in secret, he’d even utilized powers only known to the shadow elves and the outcast sorcerers that came from them.

Burn the whole thing, to nothing? Giovanni asked.

This is your legendary friend you told me so much about? I spent time with you two in the war, Giovanni, and the whole time Taj reminded me of how great you were. You know why, because of your inability to feel mortal compassion. Has that changed? Malakai laughed as he spoke words of aggravation to the Sylvan.

No Malakai, but these were the only real people that ever accepted me.

They would understand, they do understand, old friend. You’re lucky we have someone as powerful and in tuned as Malakai. Otherwise, we’d just have to leave them.

What’s Halo doing? Oh by the dead Gods, you’ve got to be kidding me.

Easy Mal, I’m sure there’s an explanation. Rhoeve had finished off the last of the infected and had made his way back to the regrouping three.

Find what you can that’s flammable and not already burning and spread it. I’m not sure if these things will come back, said Malakai.

I doubt it. Usually the shadow and the undead don’t work together. The shade is a different form of existence. It’s different from the undead, Taj added.

These things fought like rabid zombies infused with a high dose of magic if you ask me, Rhoeve replied.

Sevok and Warryn are both dead. I’ll be the first to say it, Rhoeve continued.

They weren’t part of our real crew anyway. We found them along the way. I’m not sure if I really trusted them anyhow, Taj said with no concern for his dead allies.

Nonetheless, they were still allies. I thought I saw Talon heading off somewhere toward the retreating group over there, Giovanni chipped in; pointing toward the direction Danth and the others had fled. Has anyone seen him?

I’m not sure where he is. The good news is, his race his powerful and plentiful in those mountains. If he did get that far out, he’ll be fine. He should be fine. I hope he is, Rhoeve answered.

It doesn’t matter. Halo, Gio, Malakai, and you Rhoeve are all I’ve got left. Danth and the others should be safe and secure.

Taj, what about the others? You can’t simply be that heartless, Giovanni questioned.

I gave my word I’d stop this thing and make that territory inhabitable by Corvana in order to save my land. My world, at least what I know of Thedia, is in my hands, Taj said.

I don’t think Corvana’s concerned about the war right now. I don’t think you should be either. Rhoeve challenged.

What’s with Halo? asked Giovanni. He kept looking back to her as the conversation continued. I’m going to see to her. He rushed off to see how Halo was and why she was sitting Indian style, meditating calmly.

I’m not sure if I like the new Giovanni, Taj said, for the first time showing legitimate concern in his voice.

Malakai laughed. They had a lot to do. They hadn’t a plan. Their team had been split. Even unified, they really didn’t stand a chance against the godlike creature from the foreign world. What was the plan? Thedia itself had let the Tarrasque loose. There were so many stories as to what that could even be. In all the ancient tales, it was something so vicious it annihilated civilizations and everything else in its wake to once again purify Thedia.

The group agreed no one really knew enough about the Tarrasque to worry about it. The focus was Falling Star.

We have the Pact Stone. Falling Star is free and Corvana is dying. What now? Rhoeve asked.

The Pact Stone sealed Falling Star. Something in it must be a weakness for him. Or, it at least reveals or opens up a weakness that he has. We have to get to Falling Star. Even while speaking, Taj knew how preposterous his words sounded.

We’re supposed to fight a God, a Dragon God? Giovanni asked. His words were abstract even as he said them. Exactly how are we supposed to go about doing that?

I don’t know, Taj answered.

At least I know I have one true ally here, Taj, Rhoeve said, finally sheathing his bastard sword.

And what’s that supposed to mean, sir? Malakai’s tone told Rhoeve of his anger. He was quick to anger and everyone knew it. He had absolutely no problem killing anyone for the slightest reason.

It just means I feel like Taj and I are on the same page about getting rid of this problem.

Rhoeve, I’ve been here the whole way. I’m still here and I killed more of those damned things than any of you. I kind of feel like your words should’ve been directed at me as well.

Mal, he’s just saying I want to see this through because of the word I gave and he wants to see this through because this is his homeland, Taj said, trying to cool down his friend.

What about my home, Taj? My homeland is your homeland. Whenever this place is nothing, Falling Star isn’t just going to quit.

Rhoeve smiled. Now he knew he had another true ally. Yes, you’re right, sorcerer, and I stand corrected. You are also a trusted ally and well met. I’m lucky to travel with such a sorcerer.

Malakai sat back. He didn’t want to admit it. He liked the praise and appreciation of Rhoeve’s words.

Taj laughed.

What’s up, Halo? Giovanni crouched next to the small creature before sitting down beside her. Though he’d changed, his affinity for women hadn’t. Of course, he wasn’t the man who slept with every girl he wanted anymore, was he? Seeing Giovanni with Halo comforted Taj. It made him remember back to when Giovanni was really himself.

Just like old times, he said thinking back to times he watched Giovanni conquer so many beautiful women.

Oh sorry, she said. It was obvious he interrupted her. I was just trying to… She stopped.

What? he asked pleasantly. This time, there were no ulterior motives. He was truly concerned and curious.

My sister and I, it’s just that… she started again before pausing.

What about your sister and you? he persisted.

Well, we have this link.

Link? he questioned.

We’re able to stay in touch. We’re able to communicate, telepathically. She’s okay. They made it to the hold in the mountains. Teraxius and Danth are fine as well. Danth is trying to connect to one of his old guilds. I’m not sure the name though. He’s trying to unify all of his old guilds into one. What’s left of them anyway, from what Eve told me. She seemed more like her sister than herself. She was different. Maybe it was the fight or the fact her sister was gone for the time being. Either way, she wasn’t as bubbly as she normally was.

That’s magnificent! Why didn’t you tell us that? We’ll be able to keep in touch with them. We’ll be able to work together while not together, Giovanni said excitedly. He reached over, leaning into and on top of Halo, hugging her tightly.

What’s going on over there? Rhoeve asked.

There’s no time for that! Taj barked.

Malakai just mumbled, How does he do that? to himself.

Giovanni informed them it wasn’t anything like that at all. Halo and the Sylvan quickly reunited with the rest of their party. He was quick to inform Taj of Halo’s ability with her sister. Of course, Taj and Rhoeve were both equally pleased.

Do you know of Talon? Is he all right? Rhoeve asked.

I don’t know. His name didn’t really come up.

Well, ask her, Malakai said sarcastically.

No, it doesn’t work like that. I can only do it every so often. Once, maybe twice in a week’s time. I mean it’s something we’ve rarely done together but we always knew we could. Somehow, the powers that be just never wanted us apart, she said happily.

Hmmm. Malakai gestured.

Very well, we’ll have to seek shelter and figure out our next plan of attack from there. Taj was clear in his words and his motives.

How are those things taking over our people? Rhoeve asked. I just can’t figure it out.

I don’t know. Lithil used the powers of both a Paladin and a wizard. He was crafty. I’m thinking he was both and I don’t mean the type to just know a few things here or there. I mean, he was doing all sorts of things not typical for a paladin.

Rhoeve heard his words, as did the rest. Halo was the first to pitch back a reply. Maybe whatever these things are, they take over your mind as well as your body. I mean there are many different explanations for these infected. It was said to us by your people, Giovanni, that these things do operate in such a manner, correct?

Aye, he answered.

What are they attaching themselves to? Taj asked.

The answer came from inside him. Deep within his very own chest and heart rested the answer he asked for. It was clear. Froth had answered him. They were right. These shadowy specters from the other world had the ability to implant and infuse themselves with living beings’ souls. From there, everything would be taken over by the being. Taj relayed his message to the team and went over what the others had said before.

The remaining five spoke of the infected and how they worked. They spoke of the Tarrasque and how to possibly go about locating it and/or possibly stopping it. They’d been over it several times. It had been discussed, exactly what the infected were. Now they were dealing with it, fighting it, living against it. To speak of something of such power is one thing, but to experience and defend against it something else.

First thing’s first. As soon as you are able, find out if Talon is okay, Taj ordered.

Halo nodded. I’m sure he’s fine.

All the same, just confirm it, he ordered again.

I will.

We should make camp, Malakai said, laughing. I’ll start the fire. Not too many of his group delved into his dry humor. It wasn’t too funny to the rest of them.

He made true on his promise. The team spent a few days hiding in and out of the city ruins, mostly in the underground sewage tunnels. Within a few days, everything was set up and Malakai burned it all. The blaze was massive as the village was the size of a few city blocks. Halo had the Pact Stone. Somehow, she managed to carry it gracefully.

Malakai did desire the orb of power. It was possibly the most powerful weapon in the world. It carried powers from the mortal realm, the lost Gods, the dragons, demons, devils, angels, the elements, and even some of the shadow that was left behind during the Final War of the Shadow.

We need knowledge. None of us carries the religious knowledge needed to continue forward. In fighting something such as this, as foolish as it is already, it would possibly be even more foolish, to say we would do it without the aid of a priest, preferably one of the Draconic faith. Giovanni wasn’t always right but this time he was dead on.

Danth is in the mountains at the hold. I know of no other priests of his stature or greater. We need the oldest and most knowledgeable priest in Corvana, Giovanni seconded.

I know a little about the faiths, Halo chimed in, trying to make light of the situation.

There is one, Rhoeve said hesitantly.

A priest? Halo asked.

Why exactly do we need a priest? Why can we not take care of this? Taj asked.

Because with what we’re dealing with, Taj, we’re going to need all the help we can get. And secondly, a great cleric or priest might know little details that could make the difference in life and death, victory and defeat, Rhoeve replied.

Taj didn’t like it but he understood it. Another new face. All his life he’d continually added new faces to his memory. There were very few worth trusting. As always, he knew it was coming. He figured he’d go ahead and break the ice.

Who is this priest?

Golric Firesoul, announced Rhoeve.

Golric, what kind of name is Golric? Halo asked.

He’s what they call a goliath. They descend from giants, mostly hill giants and such, and ogres and humans and things like that.

Rhoeve had just told them he wanted to enlist the help of a half-giant, or goliath. Back in Myasuna, Taj remembered seeing a few. There were even a few in Eternis here and there. They were rare, extremely rare.

Do you know how to get to this Golric Firesoul and do you know if he’ll help us? Malakai asked.

To be honest, we don’t know who is alive and who isn’t. What I can tell you is his burning Redlands are far Northwest of here. Mountains and caves and badlands and everything in between block his people from the rest of Thedia.

Giovanni turned to Rhoeve, who seemed to know so much about Golric and his land. So you were just going to let them keep it, right? He said, allowing the emotional past of Burning Brook to get the better of him.

Absolutely, Golric’s people are remote and quiet. They don’t bother anything and they live in the nearly uninhabitable burning territories, or at least one of them. Corvana has no business in that territory, he replied.

They do now, Giovanni said, whipping right back at Rhoeve, saying that Rhoeve, who was of Corvana now had business in the Redlands because it was in fact for the safety and future of Corvana.

The Redlands are a series of four territories in the Northwest past the Dripping Mountains. The volcanic activity is beyond measure. Geysers and volcano eruption is as common as dirt. It’s said there are waterfalls of fire in those lands. Rhoeve did know his land. After all, he was an ambassador for Corvana.

Then why or how would anybody live there? asked Halo.

Golric isn’t a Draconic priest. There are some beings of the others faiths he’s come to respect and appreciate as higher powers. Every one of those beings is of the fire domain. Golric Firesoul is the High Priest of the Elemental Church of Fire. It was a title handed down to him by his father. And the title belonged to his father before him.

How do you know so much about him? Giovanni asked.

Let’s just say his presence in Corvana has been known for quite some time. His family’s presence has been known for millennia. The outside border cities and kingdoms all know to remain far from the Redlands borders. The Burning Kingdom, as he calls it, does not take well to intruders.

Well then, let’s not intrude, Taj said kindly.

Chapter 2

T he trek to the Redlands was the most grueling of Taj’s life. Even with his hosts, he was hurting. His insides, his abdominals, felt as if they were going to fall out of him. He couldn’t explain it. It wasn’t a pain he could keep ignoring. It was getting worse.

More and more of the infected came. From atop hillsides and mountain slopes, the team watched as cities fell and turned. This army was different. The more adversaries you brought against them, the more hosts they seemed to claim. Fighting them at the front was a losing battle. How could they fight this army, much less, the head of it?

We have quite a bit to go through here before we can even think we’re going to make it. We have to hope to make it without being seen in the first place. I’m not sure how you’d fend off one of those things against your soul, Rhoeve said to the group while taking a big step over a large boulder.

The first portion of their hike would take them through the burnt and destroyed remains of several borderland villages and cities. It was all too new and fresh to worry about unexpected surprises. However, stray infected could be anywhere and they were. Every so often, the crew of five would have to end another unfortunate soul’s life.

These poor innocent people, said Giovanni, saddened.

It has to be done, Rhoeve announced peeling his sword out of yet another hiding infected.

Yes it does, agreed Taj.

I don’t like it any better than you do, Gio. For the greater tomorrow, it has to be done. Rhoeve felt strong in his words though he wasn’t even sure if he believed them.

So what do we do in the event one of these things comes after one of our souls? I mean, will we even see it coming? How do you fight something that targets your soul? Taj asked.

You don’t, old friend. You run. You run as fast as you can. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get rid of some. You’ll see them. I’m sure of it. Something about Malakai’s words told Taj he knew more than he was letting on.

Do you know something that I don’t? Taj asked.

You mean that we don’t, reminded Rhoeve.

No, I’m just saying you’ll probably see them coming. They’ll probably look like shadow people, or something, the sorcerer answered, halfway confused, or perhaps he was just pretending to be.

I don’t know. If we see something that doesn’t sit well with us, we run.

No Rhoeve, you all run and point it out to me and I’ll fight it off while you all get to safety, suggested Malakai.

LLLEEEETTT’S just cross that road when we get there. Giovanni started off saying the word let’s really loud and long, intensifying it in order to get the team back on track.

City after city, village after village, the team of five carried itself onward. Finally, Halo was able to tell her friends that Talon was in fact unaccounted for. Danth assumed he’d returned to Taj. Halo informed Eve that Talon was in fact not with them and presumed gone.

On a good note, Danth’s old guild Reforged had been found. Actually, Reforged found them. The old mountain stronghold was done for. It was gone, all but obliterated. Several Reforged scouts stations inside the old hold found them and brought them back to their sanctuary.

Immediately after the Soul Dragon of Shadows was released, Reforged began renovating an ancient underground citadel that had been lost to the archives through the marches of time. One of their members had stumbled across it years prior.

Wyoman was a clerical servant of the Rivermortal and the current leader of Reforged. He was nothing but a name to Taj after Halo relayed the information. Taj cared not for this Wyoman or his guild. He didn’t care for any guild for that matter. What he did care for was victor. Victory at all costs was his goal.

He often scolded Halo for using her time with her sister to navigate through useless things rather than critical matters that could, in fact, be the difference between life and death.

It had been a few weeks since their journey began. Halo was doing her best to keep in contact with Eve. Reforged’s underground citadel was prospering. It was growing. More and more survivors were being rescued by Reforged’s scouts.

Taj couldn’t wrap his head around the time distortion. How long had the Soul Dragon of Shadows truly been awake before they returned? From the time they took the Pact Stone until the time they made it back to Corvana, how much time had passed? Why did this guild just magically happen to have an underground citadel ready and in place?

Halo, has Eve told you why this guild somehow managed to have an underground citadel in place and ready? How did they know this was going to happen? Taj asked, getting angry. The more he thought about it, the more hate filled he became.

No, I will ask for you next time, she replied submissively. She wasn’t the same as before. Ever since Eve left, her whole demeanor changed. She was different. Actually, she was more like Eve now.

Taj pondered on Eve’s demeanor. Was she the same or was she more of a wild and free spirit? Froth comforted Taj reinforcing his confidence by saying his soul was impenetrable. Had Froth been inside him this whole time? That explained many things to Taj. Way back when, so long ago, when Froth first bit Taj, was it to truly save him or create an insurance policy for himself? Or, was it both?

Isn’t it odd how Reforged had a hidden citadel ready and in place? Taj questioned aloud to the group.

Guilds can be funny. Some stay ready for anything, Rhoeve said.

It’s all a blur. I remember getting the Pact Stone and then returning, meeting back up with you, Gio. Taj pointed to his Sylvan friend. When we appeared back in front of Burning Brook… Well… To us, it was as if we just reappeared. Time had passed. The Dragon had been released for a while. He had to have been.

So, you want to know how long Falling Star’s presence was felt before you came to Burning Brook? asked Giovanni.

It would answer a lot of questions, added Malakai.

Aye, it would, seconded the Eternian.

That territory began acting strange— started Giovanni.

The territory acted strange? Taj interrupted.

Aye, let me finish, said Giovanni.

That storm happening, or whatever it was, I remember that thing, Rhoeve said under the tone of Giovanni, not wanting to interrupt him.

Storm? asked Halo.

Let me finish! Giovanni said again, laughing but seriously wanting to get it out.

Yes, let him finish. Taj unsheathed his blades and rested the crossing point on the back of his neck.

Giovanni just looked at Taj and smiled. The rest of the crew waited patiently for Giovanni to continue.

It had been one third a year of the coming of Falling Star, to the day, that you arrived—that you came back, returned. Giovanni knew it down to the day. The suffering pressed upon his people and others by Falling Star was immeasurable.

We were gone for that long? Taj asked, almost lost. He couldn’t believe it. Nearly one hundred and sixty seven days of his life were missing, gone from his memory.

I guess. I don’t know how long you were gone or where you were., We counted the days. The day of his arrival was the worst in Corvanian history. Nothing documented ever did so much as Falling Star did the day of his awakening. You appeared at Burning Brook one hundred and sixty six days later.

The others listened to Giovanni. He knew what he was talking about. Halo, Rhoeve, Malakai, and Taj just walked, oblivious to their surroundings. Giovanni kept a vigilant eye. He knew he had to. Halo spent most of her time thinking about Teraxius and her sister. She’d never been apart from her sister before.

Giovanni spoke again of the promise of Falling Star, reiterating to his teammates just what was out there and what was to come.

The five traveled through the broken towns, the abandoned borderland cities, and through the rough terrain for days, weeks and even months with minimal encounters with the infected. Giovanni’s keen eye located a survivor.

The team had come up through the back end of an old city. Giovanni and Halo both knew the city, the grand city of Wyndemere. Wyndemere was known for its glamorous buildings and structures. Even the Corvanian inner council would venture out to Wyndemere to purchase special relics and one of-a-kind treasures for their spouses, family, and other loved ones.

It was Halo’s idea to search the city. Compared to the others, it looked to be in remarkable shape. It was desolate however with no signs of life, no dead bodies, no skeletons, rotting corpses, no nothing.

There were four entrances into Wyndemere, a gate entrance on each side. A fifth entrance existed with only a select few ever gaining knowledge of it. As luck would have it, Halo was one of those people.

So you know the hidden entrance? Rhoeve asked.

I do, she replied.

The gates are open. Why not just walk in through the front gate? questioned Malakai boldly.

Taj thought back to that conversation before they entered the city. Halo informed them that they were nearly out of rations and their armor needed mending. Some weapons needing fixing. Wyndemere looked good from afar. It was a no brainer to search the city for supplies, rations, and such.

Malakai’s concern was that the infected would scour the cities for life. Wyndemere was one of the premier cities. Upon entering through the back alleyway, they noticed nothing seemed out of place.

A decent walk took the team from a hidden alleyway surrounded by old warehouses and stores to the center of town, the town square. An old fountain still springing water stood in the center. It was made of stone and in a circular fashion. In the center of the circle was a structural masterpiece sculpture fashioned as a five-layer abstract piece of artwork filled with fountains and ducts for all to see. The water was stained with gold. It was beautiful.

Typically, Halo was more fascinated than the others. She already liked nice things, and more than that, she was a woman. Taj laughed seeing the little Halo fascinated. Giovanni looked around, keeping his eagle eye out ready for any and everything. Rhoeve was tired. The elven ambassador turned to line his back up against the fountain. The elf hit his butt, exhausted. Malakai looked about and was the first to approach the golden-laced water and fountain.

The sorcerer looked down at the perfect water. It reminded him of better times. For a fleeting moment, he wasn’t where he was. He was back in his homeland appreciating what he had.

Malakai, Malakai… Taj said his name louder and with more meaning the second time. It was to get his attention.

Yeah, Malakai said still half out of it. Sorry. He snapped back into reality and turned around to see his team. Their eyes were scanning the city’s walls and for good reason. If the infected were present and got the drop on them, they would certainly be done for.

We can fight the physical infected. The ghost ones are a problem, Rhoeve said.

Halo pulled her hair back with one hand and scratched the top of Rhoeve’s head with the other. Let’s not worry about the infected right now. Let’s get our supplies and rations and anything else this town can offer and get out of here. Rhoeve’s head was buried in his hands but he did appreciate the head scratch.

That’s foolish Halo. We should always be ready in case the infected are near. They’re a type of enemy you can never take lightly. We’re not even sure what they are or how to fight them, Giovanni said.

I guess you’re right, she replied

Of course he’s right, Taj said haughtily while pulling blades.

Taj’s hand and eye signals told the team he was looking at something. Rhoeve was the last to stand and ready himself. They were ready and Taj’s eyes had found something.

From afar, on the other side of town square heading toward the front of the city, a single being exited an old abandoned warehouse. It was human, or at least half human. She wore tattered clothes and her short brown hair down. She was dirty, as were her weapons. She looked like a traveling scout or adventurer. Dried blood splotches also covered her outfit. It was mostly the color of brown leather but with black boots.

She walked closely toward the team. The team mirrored her movements, advancing closer to her. Giovanni yelled out to the girl, Hey, are you okay? but the woman said nothing in return. Stop moving and answer me, Giovanni said, giving her a second chance.

He said stop moving! Malakai ordered ferociously. His hands garnered a glowing green energy instantly. His eyes mimicked his fists.

Malakai, Taj yelled, hold.

Not a chance, he replied, psychotically laughing at what would soon become his next victim.

Mal, Halo yelled, concerned.

What’s with you all? Kill her! The sorcerer made his stand clear. He wasn’t taking any chances.

We don’t know who she is— Rhoeve started to say but was interrupted.

Malakai let loose a series of intertwining green and white missiles at the woman. The woman just walked unconcerned with the sorcerer and his attempts to end her. Seeing the whistling bolts of energy zoom toward her, the woman peeled her weapon, a black maul with ancient inscriptions gleaming with magic, necrotic magic.

The missiles refocused their attention and headed toward the maul and soon after were absorbed. Malakai laughed. Oh she blushes, he said; ready to have at her again.

Rhoeve rushed to the right side as Giovanni made his move to the left.

Taj laughed to himself. Perfect, I’ll get her head on, he said, seeing Halo pull her short bow.

Malakai was readying another spell. This time, he was entrenching himself in a white smoky power. It was a different type of energy, one his team hadn’t seen before. Malakai was known for his rays, bolts, and missiles more than his area-of-effect spells, zones, and blasts. His trickery magic was non-existent, as far as his allies knew.

Suddenly, screaming bombs of cloudy smoke rocketed themselves toward the woman. This time, they hit. The woman’s aura quickly filled with the smoky power of Malakai’s choosing. It wasn’t a radiant energy but still energy unknown to the others. Halo should have known the energy type. She knew magic and power.

Halo’s bow was readied. It carried miniscule magical prowess. The woman fell helpless and the clouds of smoke covered her. The remnant remains of the bombs dug themselves deep into the ground around her. They were still empowered and electrical lines danced across them.

Ha! Malakai laughed.

The woman’s maul fell away from her. Giovanni kept a vigilant eye out. He knew if it were the infected, she wouldn’t be alone.

Everyone okay? yelled Rhoeve.

No, I’m dying over here. She got me, Malakai said, laughing.

Knock it off, Taj ordered still in militant mode.

What was she? Halo asked.

Your guess is as good as mine, Rhoeve answered nearing the wreckage of the woman’s body. Looking up, he saw Giovanni following.

Taj, Malakai, and Halo also closed their distances to the woman as well. The five surrounded the dead creature. She was a woman with both human and elven origin. Malakai’s magic destroyed her. What if she wasn’t one of them? What if she was a survivor? Why did she pull the maul?

Giovanni couldn’t help but notice. The city was different. There was something different about it. It was in perfect shape, immaculate, and yet not a single solitary sign of life. Until the woman of course, and then, who was she and why was she there alone?

That maul looks like it has some power in it. Rhoeve picked up the dead woman’s weapon. It was heavy, but not as heavy as it should have been. It was the magic of the maul that lightened its load.

I think you got a new toy, Taj said, laughing.

Aye, I do, Rhoeve answered.

Giovanni was zoned out. He was scanning the area, the upper windows of the buildings, the entryways, and the like for anything else that could have been a threat.

What are you looking for? Halo asked Giovanni while still looking down at the remains of the woman. Remarkably, Malakai’s powers didn’t mutilate the woman, burn, or char her. She didn’t seem to have too much damage at all, minus her eyeballs, which were no longer present.

It’s a power source you wouldn’t understand. It’s a power not too many practice anymore, Malakai said, seeing Halo confused at the woman’s remains and how she died. It was a trickery magic mostly. It tricks the insides into turning on themselves. I infused it with minute electricity to speed up the process.

I wasn’t aware your arsenal consisted of trickery magic as well, Halo said.

There’s a lot about me you don’t know. It was the only type of magic I trusted to penetrate her defenses, Malakai stated. Something protected her initially from my first blast,

Maybe it was the particular spell or the type of energy, Taj said.

I know necrotic energy works, radiant energy works, and usually anything I do works, Malakai boasted.

How do you know what works? asked Rhoeve.

Because it worked at Burning Brook, answered Malakai, aggravated. The sorcerer with innate powers felt frustration and rage. Why would anyone ask him how he knew his powers worked? The answer was simple, because they worked before.

Search the city. Don’t leave a single rock unturned. Collect all supplies. Make sure nothing else is here. Giovanni, you go with Malakai, and Halo, you stay close to Rhoeve, Taj ordered.

Hmmm, I guess you don’t want her with me for obvious reasons. Who could blame her? I wouldn’t be able to hold myself back if I saw me either. Malakai’s arrogance poured out with his words.

Halo just rolled her eyes. You know, of all the men I’ve met in my life, I don’t know if I’ve met one I’d choose you over.

The team oohed and ahhed, laughing and joking at the little oddity’s comment to the sorcerer. Malakai didn’t think it was funny. He didn’t like being challenged, especially by a woman. Move. Malakai, Halo, Rhoeve, and Giovanni all heard the word echo again from Taj’s mouth. Immediately, they obliged.

The promise of the Falling Star was one Thedia would soon learn. It would first fall upon Corvana. It already had. Corvana was in ruins. Soon, those isles to the Southwest would also belong to the Soul Dragon of Shadows. The wreckage and carnage was already too much for any kingdom to come back from. Corvana was finished.

Another vermin trap proved successful, thought the ancient deity. Everything was in place. Something to the West, yes, it was the West calling. One of his baited had been taken. Yes, that meant life was there. Life non-belonging to the shadow existed in an area where his army had already marched. They had failed. They had overlooked something. Lithil was too far away as was Malagant.

It was time for a new soul to shine. Grismuth. Grismuth’s legions were near. Lithil’s bait host was killed. Falling Star wasn’t foolish. They were rushing for the Northwest. Those Burning Lands, the Redlands, and the Burning Kingdom were still a threat. Fire was a weakness for the Shadow.

The undead were always a force coinciding and colliding with the shadow. Neither necrotic nor radiant energy was strong or weak against the shadow. everything was vulnerable against the shadow, everything.

Fire, those burning lands were going to be a problem and many of the armies would succumb to their burning prowess. Perhaps it was an area better suited for Falling Star himself. Fight their strongest asset head on, that was the way of Falling Star.

Soon, those living bodies walking alongside the borderlands heading Northwest to the Redlands would be taken. Their bodies were strong. Their souls were strong. They would make fine members of the Shadow’s Army.

Falling Star blissfully serenaded himself in his own splendor. The thought of his shadowy essence ousting the fires of the burning kingdom brought him great pleasures. The pantheon of Corvana now belonged to him, as if he were the god of the realm. He could see just about everything. Everything already in his shadowy palm and everything warm enough to stand out, he saw. Perhaps only the undead were safe from his vision.

He laughed, thinking back on his promise. It was one he knew he would forever keep. He reminisced, thinking of Thedia before Gemini the invader invaded. Thedia was a dumping ground. It was a place some lost gods found and came together on. It was a perfect plane for farming a new existence.

Then they cut themselves off from the rest of the multi-verse, keeping its splendor and magic for themselves. At one time, Thedia had enough astral resources to keep Gemini’s world alive indefinitely. The constant wars and battles and the deaths of the gods had taken their tolls on the plane. It would still be plenty to take with him to conquer Gemini’s world for what he did to him. Yes, Gemini, his former liege would soon be his slave and his pet.

He remembered when his people first announced his promise. His words etched indefinitely.

"On the deepest night, and darkest hour,

When blood is sweet, and sugar is sour,

Shadows will rise, and light will fall

For this is the deepest and coldest night of all.

When the might of Thedia breathes her last sigh

Rivers will bleed and mountains will cry,

Tonight’s the night we’re destined to die.

And no matter how hard we strive to survive,

The deepest death is impossible to revive.

And when the Lord of Shadows hits his final wave

To Falling Star, we’ll all be slaves."

Chapter 3

T he city was searched and nothing was found. It was cleared for resting. Toward the end of the search, Halo and Rhoeve came across something truly impressive. Rhoeve was still wielding the woman’s maul. It had officially taken the place of his sword. An old merchant’s shop had a hidden chamber underneath it filled with magical weapons, armor, items, jewelry, rings, wands, staves, etc.

Taj, who initially kept watch while the other four searched, couldn’t believe the find. Nobody just hoards magical items like that. Especially when items such as those were so rare, and even if they did, why weren’t they taken when the town was abandoned?

The team reconnected and made their way into the magical stash. Taj knew certain things could be picked up on certain creatures’ radar. Magic was one of those things. He made it clear. Take what you want and need and get out.

It was late. It took forever to search the entire city. They were going to have to rest and soon. Taj didn’t pick up anything. The three entities in him wouldn’t let him. Then again, he didn’t need anything. Some things didn’t hold up along the way. Some things were destroyed along the way, and still other things even lost. He couldn’t even really remember how they were lost. Then again, with the three beings being inside him, he felt as if a lot of his time had been lost and blurred.

Giovanni grabbed a short blade and a chakram. The Chakram was sonically infused and the short sword was one of the Red Wyrm, giving it the magical fire property. Like everybody, he found two rings of protection and a circlet to wear. Magical protection was absolutely the best in most cases. It wasn’t as encumbering as heavy armor but worked just as well, if not better.

Rhoeve chose to keep the woman’s necrotic maul. He picked up a magical longbow as well. Most of the weapons down there were infused with a particular type of magical energy. The longbow was not. It was simply just magical.

Recently, Halo was becoming increasingly a ranged fighter. An amulet of eternal throwing daggers found its way into her possession, as did a magical short bow. Again, like Rhoeve’s longbow, it was of no particular type. Two rings of protection as well as a circlet also found their way onto her body.

And lastly, Malakai, the elven sorcerer, picked up something he believed never existed, an arch mage’s staff of the high council. He also took up a few wands, a rod, and other countless pieces of magic. He, more than the others truly loaded himself down. He knew a goldmine when he saw one.

Okay, we’ve got to get out of here, Taj said.

Wait, why can’t we just sleep in here? I mean, it’s hidden, Halo asked, still playing with her short bow.

Because if the find us, they’ll be able to swarm us and lock us in from moving or escaping, Taj replied.

I agree. Grab javelins, missiles, bows, arrows, bolts, crossbows, and everything else, Rhoeve said. We need to find the high ground here,

I come equipped with enough to annihilate an army. I proved it at Burning Brook, Malakai bragged.

Halo just snarled. We’re all getting tired of your cockiness. Your arrogance has run its course.

Malakai just laughed at the little thing.

Get in touch with your sister. We’re going to need them just in case, Taj said. If all goes well, we’ll wake to a sunny morning with this town being just as desolate as it is now.

How do you know something’s going to come? asked Halo.

I don’t. I’m just assuming, answered Taj.

Giovanni was silent for the conversation. He was too busy digging in and around the magical treasury for anything that could possibly help them in the event of an ambush. Guys.

The other four turned around to see the crafty Sylvan going to work. He was defusing and reworking all kinds of magical instruments into each other.

Not even Malakai could decipher his agenda. What are you doing, asked the elven sorcerer.

I’m building traps, perimeters, something to scatter around the outside of town. If something enters, we’ll see it coming.

Do you think it’s going to work? Rhoeve asked.

I don’t know but it’s worth a try. It won’t take me long. If you all could just watch my back while I finish this thing, I’ll set it all up and then we can get some sleep.

The other four all quickly complied with Giovanni’s wishes and within the hour, his gadgets were done. Some looked like basic wands, others were trip wires; each one was very unique and crafty. And with the help of his four comrades, the giant perimeter surrounding Wyndemere was as close to being fully protected as possible.

When it was done, Giovanni pointed high to the front gate’s guard tower. There, there we shall rest.

No, challenged Malakai, pointing toward an extremely tall structure toward the center of town. That has to be a wizard’s tower. We searched the lower levels of it earlier. It has all the signs. It gives us the best defense in the event of an attack.

If we need to escape the city, we’ll be high up and can just jump over the opposition to safety from there, Giovanni barked back, still pointing toward his choice.

I’m not one for running, Taj said loudly.

This isn’t exactly running. It’s more like avoiding the minor stuff to take out the major stuff, Halo added.

I just don’t know about this. This whole thing seems foolish. We’re hiding from an invincible army. The more you send against it, the stronger it becomes. We need a healer. We’re hoping that the Burning Kingdom will provide Golric Firesoul to us. Who’s to say he’d even join? Rhoeve was losing faith in it all.

We have to try, Giovanni muttered. At the very least, the Burning Kingdom and the Alabaster Isles are the only two things really still decent since his coming,

And the Alabaster Isles only take care of their own, said Rhoeve, barely above a whisper. He was down, really down and losing faith by the minute.

It will be too difficult to get to the Alabaster Isles. We need the strongest right now. The fire people are known for their powerful clergy. In Corvana, there is no priest worth his weight like Golric Firesoul. Stories of Golric surpass that of any priest I’ve ever known or heard of. He even surpassed the stories of his father. There’s a reason the Burning Kingdom hasn’t been attacked yet and Corvana has already been all but decimated. Giovanni was really trying to piece it all together.

I don’t know the reason, but I’ll soon find out. We’ll all find out soon enough. Our path is to the Burning Kingdom in the Redlands. The Burning Territory is our sanctuary for now. I’m not turning around to head to the Isles now. Taj was determined and he trusted Giovanni’s judgment. Not to mention, it was Rhoeve’s decision to head to Golric in the first place.

Rhoeve, it was your decision to head to Golric in the first place, remember? Giovanni asked, convincingly reminding Rhoeve that heading for Golric and the Burning Kingdom was in fact his decision.

Yes it was. Thanks for reminding me, he replied, laughing. He was lightening up, his spirit rising again. The maul was filled with a type of energy neither Malakai nor Halo could figure out. It wasn’t one native to Thedia. Rhoeve continued with his maul. He’d never used one before.

Everything was set. It took a bit but everything was in place. Halo felt it was a little much to do for a place they weren’t planning to stay in too long. Halo commented she would try to get ahold of her sister and check the status of Danth and Reforged.

After another brief argument, it was decided. Giovanni conceded allowing Malakai’s choice of resting locations to win. To Taj, Halo, and Rhoeve it didn’t matter. They just wanted to get away from the unusual hidden room of magic and to a place that would be safe in the event of an attack. The wizard’s tower provided all such protection.

It was a long walk up the winding stairs to the upper living levels of the tower. Just as Malakai promised, books and wands and materials of all such were in the highest room. No beds though, just chairs and tables made of wood—and vacant areas left open for those young apprentices trying out their new spells. An old book of rituals found its way into Malakai’s hands.

Strange, you don’t see this every day. He opened the book to skim through it.

What’s that? Halo questioned, grabbing a few knick-knacks of her own.

This book has two forbidden rituals.

What are they? Giovanni questioned, looking down out of the highest level’s only window.

A resurrection type of ritual called Raise Dead and another one called Create Undead, wow. Malakai muttered the word wow to himself but barely loud enough for everyone else to hear. These were once simple spells for seasoned priests. Now, they’re rituals and even arcane casters can summon back the dead to life.

Resurrection is looked down upon because the powers that be and the powers that were all have a plan for us. If we return to life after our time is up, then we’re spitting in the eyes of our creators. Halo was sincere in her words. With each day, she was sounding more and more like Eve.

Who’s to say the powers that be and the powers that were didn’t grant us the power of a second opportunity?

Do not mock the Gods! Rhoeve yelled, enraged at Malakai’s comment.

Malakai just laughed at the Ambassador’s ill-opened mind. The Gods are dead, Malakai reminded.

Giovanni wanted to lighten the mood and get the crew back on track on what was important. If something comes, we should know it. We should know before they even get close to an entrance.

Malakai laughed. He knew what Giovanni was trying to do. Taj was staying out of it all. He was thinking. He was thinking about a lot. That woman alone and refusing to speak or drop arms was just too odd for Taj.

The deeper night came and the party all succumbed to sleep. Usually, there would be an order and at least two would be awake at a given time. This night, the entire team was exhausted and Rhoeve, though trying to stay positive, was losing face and turning ill. His body was succumbing to something. Whatever it could be was still queer to the team.

Even Taj fainted from exhaustion. They’d been pushing hard and, like Rhoeve, he was ill and getting worse. Though he tried and tried to ignore and it and keep it from his comrades, they all knew he was hurting. And like Rhoeve, the reason why was still a mystery.

Taj knew why. It was Froth. Froth was inside him and now he was strong enough to get out. In his dreams, he often spoke to Froth. He often questioned his dark father. On that day, so very long ago he spared Taj from a vile death in the Broken Lands. What else did he do? He kept himself from dying.

Froth.

Yes, my son. It’s almost time.

Time for what?

Time for me to return, of course.

Taj looked around. There they were. Starius, Gunnar, and the rest of his old team; they were all there on the Broken Lands where Taj first and lastly saw the true Xavius Froth. He knew he was dreaming, but his dreams were open for Froth’s communication.

You’re the father of the undead, are you not?

Aye.

Then why not die on the Broken Lands. Thousands of memories race through my mind everyday. Memories I never had come to me and haunt me. They’re your sons and your sons’ sons. And so on. And—

"If I let myself expire there on those lands, something else would form to take my place. Something else would grow into something like me. Everything ranks up a little, Taj. All forms of undead would become forever stronger and the strongest would take my throne. I cannot have something like