The Legends of Valoria Book Two Rise of the Divine Knight
Chapter 18

“And that Alec, is the end of book two. You better wake up soon or else I will have to read you the third.” Eliza smiled as she closed the book and packed it into her bag. The past several days had become extremely mundane for everyone in the capitol who knew about Alec. There was, however, no foreseeable end to the ceaseless chatter.

The council had announced Alec’s miraculous return from the dead, explaining that he had narrowly survived and made his way back to Valascaana and was now recovering. They told everyone that it had been Miss Relina Kaldur who, having sensed that he needed her, found him outside of the capitol gates. It was a ridiculous and farfetched story but already the legend of “The Last Paladin,” had spread throughout the entire capital. Now Eliza found herself spending much time in the labyrinth just to escape the frenzy. She looked up at the sky and saw that it was near midday.

“Eliza, you may want to go over the wall today. The mob is getting worse,” Rowan complained as he entered the scene with bundles of flowers, wreaths and favors. Eliza stood and looked at Rowan as he began dropping his burden on the ground.

“Sir Rowan, please do not be so aggressive with those. These are all gifts from the people to their champion. This is their way of thanking him for giving them hope.” One of the priestesses began harassing Rowan. Her name was Veronica. She was a petite blonde girl, their age, with a fiery temper for a priestess. Rowan held out his hands in a nonchalant shrug.

“Hey, as far as I am concerned, he got them. It’s bad enough that we have to eat all of the food they send so that the beasts aren’t attracted here, but now Giles and Colette are constantly in a sweet induced state of savage mania. Baldur and Aurick are growing lazy and fat. I have to train twice as hard to stay in shape and Eliza’s mother is having the maids smuggle out food in picnic baskets to feed the homeless. It is utter chaos in here!” Veronica shook her head as she readied to scold Rowan.

“And that makes it alright to disrespect these people?”

Rowan was caught off guard for a moment.

“Fine, maybe you are right but I am not helping with the food. No more!” He decreed.

“You two seem rather well acquainted. How do you two know one another?” Eliza asked. Rowan smiled awkwardly as Veronica responded.

“I was the one who treated Sir Rowan’s wounds after Tatianna nearly caved his skull in. I fear that he may have damaged some of the contents.” Eliza smiled as Giles entered the scene carrying several baskets of food. Giles’ hair was a mess, sticking up in odd places and his eyes, obviously deprived of sleep, were wide and rapidly darting back and forth as if trying to escape from his skull.

“Hey guys!” Giles speak screamed so quickly that the words slurred together as one. Rowan pointed at Giles and looked to the priestess with fire in his eyes.

“You see! This is exactly what I am talking about. Giles, how long has it been since you have slept?” Giles looked up at the sky for a minute and counted.

“Ever since you let me take Mariah’s basket of tea leaves and sweet rolls.”

“Giles that was almost three days ago!” Rowan began growing rant ready again, while Eliza looked at the baskets Giles was holding.

“Hey Giles, was Mariah out there today?” Giles began nodding his head with a fierce, jittery intensity that gave Rowan a headache just from observing.

“That’s it. I cannot do this anymore! Giles set the baskets down and go sit with your back to the wall.” Rowan yelled as he pointed towards a wall. Giles did so hesitantly as he sat down and stared at the unattended baskets. Rowan being sure to remain between the baskets and all those who wished to ravage them, turned back towards Eliza and Veronica.

“Alright, I hope that we can all work together to replace a better situation to deal with this.” Rowan looked back to see that Giles had already fallen asleep. “I hope that you can all agree that this is not healthy. Eliza, we are standing on the verge of a war that only a small handful of us know exists. If the enemy strikes tomorrow, we are all the people have to rely on.” Both Eliza and Veronica agreed.

“Alright, you are right. What would you suggest?”

“Eliza, I will let you decide how to deal with the food. Tear will be by later, ask her. As for me, I need permission to borrow Colette and Giles for two days so they can dry out.”

Eliza did not dare imagine what Rowan had in store for the two but the point he made was more than valid. They needed knights who would be ready to defend Valascaana at a moment’s notice. Yet it seemed as though the Imperial council had become so intent that nothing was wrong, that they had committed themselves to making all of the senior knights too fat, drunk and lazy to notice. It seemed that Eliza’s father and Keagen were among the few who still maintained their wits and they were being kept hopelessly busy with menial tasks.

“Permission granted Rowan. I expect the three of you back by the end of the week.” Rowan nodded his head as he slung the unconscious Giles over his shoulder.

“Yes ma’am,” he spoke as he walked away.

Next Eliza turned to Veronica.

“So how do you propose we handle the food situation?”

Veronica thought in quiet for a moment.

“I suppose that you could always give more of it to the shelters by way of the temple. We have our own ways into this place.”

“A most agreeable idea, I think that could solve everything. When can we begin implementing this new plan?”

“After I give Sir Alec his bath.”

Eliza was taken aback.

“Right here, right now?”

“Yes...with the young divine gone it has fallen to us to tend to the last paladin. I must admit I am quite eager to meet him once he is awake. I wish to know more about his adventures.” Eliza rolled her eyes as she realized that the priestess was another member of the fan club. As Eliza walked away, Nilus entered.

“I will leave you to it then. Good luck, Nilus.” Eliza waved goodbye without turning back in an attempt to avoid learning any more about, “The Legend,” than she already did. As Eliza exited the maze, she noticed Mariah sitting on a bench with three Highmoorian children, one girl and two boys, that usually wandered the streets. As Eliza neared, Mariah and the children look upwards.

“How is Sir Alec today?” Mariah asked and Eliza tried to think of an answer.

“Oh, Alec, yeah he’s great. He loves those sweet rolls that you make.” While Mariah looked at Eliza curiously, the little girl tugged on Mariah’s dress.

“But Miss Mariah, I thought you said that Sir Alec was sleeping?” Mariah smiled and winked at Eliza.

“Well of course he wakes up every once in a while. How else would he eat all of the food we bring him?” The child seemed to accept this answer and she walked away to continue to play.

“You do not need to be dishonest with me Eliza. I saw what happened in the labyrinth. The food I bring, I bring to show my appreciation to you and the others for caring for Alec. It is for the children’s sake that we say that is for Sir Alec. I fear that otherwise they might not understand and feel sad or scared.” Eliza was so puzzled by this revelation about Mariah that she became curious herself.

“Mariah, we appreciate everything, we truly do, but I have to ask. Why is it that you care so much?” Mariah almost looked insulted but then instead smiled.

“I know that most of the stories about Alec never happened but that hardly makes him any less of a hero to aspire to. Though his tale has already become greatly exaggerated, it does not mean that the true story of the last paladin and the band of heroes who aided him is anything but legendary.”

“Mariah, I am so sorry, but what do you mean?”

Again, Mariah smiled.

“You do not give yourselves enough credit, you know? What Alec did brought about a great change in the people of this land. Look at these children for instance. Only a year or two ago they were starving. They had to beg and steal in order to survive. Some of their families were imprisoned or worse doing things to ensure that they lived, but now, thanks to what you, Alec and your friends have done, these children have a place to sleep and eat. It is not half the life they deserve, but it is more than they have ever known.” Eliza continued to eye Mariah curiously.

“I would never have pictured you to be the type to care so deeply.” Mariah nodded her head.

“It would seem that I do not fit within the stereotypical role of the noble. The Aetrian noble house is not so different from the Kaldurs. We do care deeply for our people, and my people are both Valascaan and Highmoorian.” Eliza looked at Mariah with surprise.

“You are Highmoorian?” Mariah’s smile faded away, transforming into a deep sorrowful frown.

“Yes, my father, a member of the Valascaan Aetrian family wed a woman from a Highmoorian noble family. When my mother and father died during the fall, my aunt and uncle took me in. Most of my life I have lived as a Valascaan noble yet I have not forgotten my Highmoorian heritage. These children and their families, along with what records remain, represent all that is left of my people. I had always dreamed of returning home but never once did I believe it were possible until I had heard that a paladin had been born. I may have grown up in Valascaana but my heart and the heart of my people belongs in Highmooria. That is why Alec inspires all of us so much. He represents a hope that we may once again walk the fields and prairies of our home.” Eliza could see that Mariah had begun to grow emotional.

“Is that why you became a knight? To hopefully one day reclaim Highmoore?”

Mariah shook her head.

“No, I am afraid that for someone such as myself, that would be impossible. It was you who inspired me to become a knight.” Eliza did not know what to say. She sat quiet for a moment until one of the young boys approached.

“Do you think that Alec will come to play with us tomorrow?” The second boy approached.

“Yeah. It’s been a long time since he’s come out to play.”

“I am afraid not Logan.” Mariah spoke to the first boy. “Sir Alec will be busy for quite some time but I am certain that as soon as he can, he will come by and visit.” The youngest boy’s bright green eyes lit up. As the three children ran off to play, Mariah again addressed Eliza.

“Is there anything I can do to help? I know that I am not permitted to see Alec, but is there any way that I can help from out here?” It only took Eliza a brief moment before she remembered a particular problem that she could desperately use some help with.

“Now that you mention it. We are having some trouble regarding all of the tribute that people are bringing for Alec.”

“In what way?”

Eliza spent the next several minutes explaining her concerns and how they had managed thus far. That spawned a conversation that lasted for the next couple of hours.

“Alright, it is settled then. I will replace a constructive way to help disperse the tribute.”

“Thank you,” Eliza graciously replied.

“It is the least that I can do. The city was founded by Highmoorians and for centuries, Highmoorians have defended it. It is time that Valascaana helped to repay the favor.” Mariah spoke passionately as the three children ran up to her.

“Miss Mariah, we’re hungry. Is it alright if we go home now?” Mariah smiled and nodded her head.

“Yes, I suppose that it is time to be headed back. Do not worry Eliza, I will replace a way to resolve your problem.” Mariah turned and walked away with the children. Eliza felt relieved that at least there was one less problem to deal with. She then heard a commotion amongst the townspeople in the lower quarter by the main gate. Eliza curiously approached and began to make out the chatter.

“Sir Zelus has returned safely with Miss Relina.”

“Yes, but why are they being escorted by Imperial guards?” Eliza’s heart sank and she began to push her way towards the front of the pack.

“Zelus, what’s going on?” She yelled as she came to a barrier of armored men, separating her from Zelus and a handcuffed and ankle shackled Talia.

“Just stay out of this Eliza.”

“Zelus, tell me what happened.”

“Eliza I said stay out of this. Tell your parents but do not otherwise get involved.”

The guards began pushing the crowd and Eliza back and she rejoined the rest of the onlookers, following behind the wall of guards as they escorted Zelus and Talia into the castle and posted troops outside to keep anyone from entering. Eliza turned away and ran for home, not knowing any other way to help.

Eliza burst in the front door of Kaldur manor. “Mother! Father!” She cried as loudly as she could, forgetting to close the door behind her. Within a few seconds, Kristiana and both of the Kaldur family maids came rushing around the corner.

“Eliza what is the matter?” Kristiana asked. Eliza took a brief second to catch her breath.

“Zelus and Talia are back!”

“Why that is wonderful news.” The maids responded to which Eliza shook her head.

“Talia has been arrested and taken to the council along with Zelus!” Without a word, Kristiana sat down the cloth she had been holding and ran out the door. Eliza followed her mother and closed the door behind her. As they approached the castle gates, the guards extended their weapons, only for Keagan to exit the castle and shove them aside.

“She’s needed inside, Get out of the way.” The guards, confused, allowed Kristiana to pass.

“Wait for me at home Eliza.” Eliza protested to which Kristiana turned and yelled again.

“Do it now!” Eliza stopped as her mother moved passed the guards with Keagan Then the guards blocked Eliza’s path. Before her mother entered, she heard her ask Keagan.

“What is the situation? Has my husband been informed?”

“I had a missive sent to Sir Talic but it appears as though the head councilman is addressing this matter alone. It seems as though he intends to make this one quick.”

“That means he may be seeking a greater penalty. Hopefully not death.”

Talia knelt down on the floor, wearing a brave face yet undeniably quivering inside at the all too familiar feeling of being shackled and held prisoner to a corrupt power. Talia remained stationary in the middle of the room as Zelus attempted to reason with the head councilman.

“Sir, if you would allow us to demonstrate, I could prove to you that this is indeed THE Sidonis sword. Spoken of in legend.” Imperius raised his hand to silence Zelus.

“I do not care for your proof. The charge stands that this cadet knight, Relina Kaldur is guilty of violating a direct order from the Imperial council. The minimum sentence required for such disobedience is fifty lashes and imprisonment. To add to this, she is guilty of aiding in the escape of a prisoner convicted of high treason. The recommended penalty for that is death.” Talia tried her hardest to hold back her tears and remained firm without letting her proud front fade. At that moment, Kristiana and Keagan appeared in the chamber and Kristiana let loose her fury.

“That would be a most unwise decision.” Kristiana commented as she placed herself in front of Talia. The head councilman smiled.

“Lady Kristiana, it always seems as though you appear suddenly out of air to oppose me at every turn.”

“It is my duty, as an agent of the council, to inform them of decisions which would prove detrimental to their position of power within the capital.” Imperius raised his eyebrows slightly.

“How does disciplining a criminal undermine my power?” This time Kristiana raised her eyebrows.

“Your power?” Kristiana asked as several other council members entered the room. The head councilman eyed the others.

“A simple slip of the tongue, my apologies. I only meant that she directly opposes my seat on this council.”

“We will discuss it later.” One councilman spoke up. “Sir Zelus, we received a missive today about a rescue mission at the border of Valascaana and Highmooria. We wish to hear a full summary of your report at this time.” Zelus cleared his throat and stood tall as he gave his report.

“After apprehending Miss Relina Kaldur and the fugitive Anton Vosch, I proceeded to aid Sir Dominic Calnus on his mission to rescue a number of hostages held by the Forsaken.”

“On what authority did you make this decision to assign yourself a secondary mission opposed to carrying out the one already assigned to you?”

“I did so on my own without orders, sir. I felt that as a knight of Valascaana that it was my sworn duty to defend Aneira’s children at all costs.”

“An adequate answer, please continue.”

“We engaged the enemy who were much more heavily fortified than we had imagined. We also found that amongst the enemy was a new type of beast. One with the head of a lion, wings of a bat and the tail of a scorpion.” Everyone save Talia and Zelus were shocked to hear the news.

The head councilman looked at Zelus.

“Is the young lieutenant certain that he did not hit his head and simply imagine this creature?”

This time it was Keagan that spoke up.

“Sir, if I may, just recently the commander received a report from a concerned citizen about a flying creature with the head of a lion. The report stated that the creature was spotted outside of the city of Roak. The citizen was afraid that the Forsaken had returned to sabotage the rebuilding effort. Naturally, we assumed that it was the lion hawk Oz and told the citizen not to worry. We did however receive an additional report of a similarly described creature attacking a few merchant caravans. The commander deployed a small group of men to investigate.

Our scouts returned with tell of signs of fiendishly massive cat paws and the dead caravan guards ruined armor, which had been punctured by a long and narrow tip similar to a dagger. Upon further examination of the bodies, the men found signs of a paralytic substance, which had been administered to the guards, causing their veins to swell and press against their skin. The effects of such a toxin are common with venomous bites on animals and in heavy doses could also affect us. Despite all of this, the men reported that they did not see the creature.”

The council members debated amongst themselves for a moment.

“Sir Zelus, please continue your story.” Zelus did as asked and again began to explain the events of the mission.

“Miss Relina was sent after the Sidonis sword, while Anton and myself posed as a distraction.”

“You had prisoners assist you with your mission?”

“Yes, I believed that I could count on them. I have the utmost faith in Miss Relina and should Anton had proven otherwise; I would have struck him down myself.”

“And yet he managed to escape in the end?”

“I apologize for not returning with him, sir. However, after we helped to liberate the hostages, he and I engaged in combat with what we believed to have been a manticore and a Daemon knight. After the manticore had been slain by Miss Relina who wielded the Sidonis sword, Anton escaped whilst I tended to her wounds.”

“You say that Miss Relina wielded the Sidonis sword in battle?”

“Sir, yes, this is true. Relina Kaldur is capable of wielding the sword. We also discovered among the prisoners Miss Rayne Marina of Highmooria, The surviving sister of Sir Alec Dante of Highmooria.”

Again, the exciting news caused chatter amongst the councilman while Kristiana and Keagan eyed Talia inquisitively. Talia smiled and nodded, confirming that both were true. After the council finished their chatter, they turned back to face their audience.

“Considering the circumstances of these events, we will not charge Miss Relina Kaldur for her actions. We shall warn however, should such disobedience happen again, that the consequences will be most severe.”

“Thank you.” Talia spoke as she bowed her head.

“Guards, you may release her now.” Talia held out her wrists as the guards unlocked them and the shackles around her ankles. Talia stood up and began massaging her sore wrists. One of the council members spoke up again.

“Miss Relina. Would you be willing to care for the Sidonis sword for now?” Talia nodded her head. “Good, we will have it brought to you and, as for the captives, we have already asked for commander Talic to tend to the matter personally.” Zelus, Kristiana and Keagan all approached Talia and Kristiana hugged her. Talia winced as the wounds on her body began to throb. Kristiana immediately pulled away and looked her in the eyes.

“Relina dear, are you alright?” Talia discreetly turned her head to eye the council in her peripheral vision. Zelus spoke up in Talia’s silence.

“Relina was badly hurt during the fight with the manticore and her wounds have not been able to heal yet.” Kristiana caught the message and instead of sheer shock, engineered her expression to match that of motherly comfort and warmth.

“Well then, how about we get you home and let you eat, take a bath and rest?”

“That sounds wonderful. I would much enjoy some rest but first might I visit Alec?” The others looked at one another, then looked to Talia who was visibly trembling from either pain or anxiety.

“Perhaps we should have a priestess look at your wounds first. Eliza has been taking excellent care of Alec. I assure you he will be just fine should you wait to visit him later tonight.” Talia nodded her head as they walked into the sunshine.

“What happened? I was so worried about you.” Eliza ran up toward Talia as Zelus stepped in the way to warn her of Talia’s wounds. “AND YOU! What did you do?” Eliza raged as she slugged Zelus in his ribs, injuring both of them.

“Ahh!” Eliza yelled as she grasped her throbbing hand and Zelus slowly lowered himself to the ground, wheezing.

“Eliza, what has gotten into you?” Kristiana helped Zelus to his feet.

“He disappears without so much as a word and returns with Relina in chains. What do you think has gotten into me?” Zelus held up his hand and everyone waited for him to speak.

“First, let’s get Relina home, then I can explain there. In fact, grab everyone who knows the truth about the cathedral incident. I think it is time for us to prepare our war strategy.”

Everyone departed, Kristiana and Talia returned to Kaldur manor while Eliza and Zelus left to grab the others.

Talia felt so grateful once she had eaten and a hot bath had been drawn for her. Talia looked in the warm murky water and smiled as one of the maids came up to her.

“I ground some herbs Mayella gave me and placed them into the water. It produced an odd odor, so I added the flower petals. Mayella said the herbs would keep the wound from festering and help prepare your skin for the mending spell.”

“Thank you so much; it smells wonderful.” Talia gently dipped one foot into the basin and immediately she could feel the muscles begin rejoicing. Talia placed the other leg inside and began to gently lower her body into the water as the maid helped stabilize her.

“You poor dear, you have been through far too much for someone so young.” Talia looked forward as she ran water over her arms.

“But, I am still alive. That is more than some far younger can say. I must push forward until children can live without fear.” The maid smiled as she gently dabbed a cloth to the wounds on Talia’s back. Talia winced slightly at the sensation but Mayella’s herbs were helping to dull the pain. Talia did her best to relax when there was a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” The maid asked.

“Astraea, it is me,” Kristiana replied.

“It is alright. I do not mind,” Talia spoke. Kristiana carefully opened the door and slid inside noticing Talia’s wounds as she entered. Kristiana placed her hand over her mouth and gasped upon seeing the long jagged wound on Talia’s back accompanied by the various scrapes and bruises.

“Are the ones that did this dead?” Talia nodded her head.

“They are fortunate. My poor girl, you must be miserable.” Kristiana walked around the bath basin and knelt down so that she was at Talia’s eye level. Though she could not see everything, she saw that Talia’s legs, arms and torso were also badly scratched and bruised. “I only wanted to let you know that the others are here, but do not feel rushed. Zelus is briefing them now as they settle in so you still have plenty of time.” Talia again nodded as she gently applied the cloth to her frontal wounds. Kristiana rose and kissed Talia on the forehead before departing. Talia rested her head on the rim of the basin and looked up at the ceiling.

“I will come back in when you are finished. Please just call for me when you are ready. I shall be right outside.” Astraea spoke as she made to leave.

“Thank you,” Talia responded as the maid departed and shut the door. Talia waited for a few minutes and, once she was sure that everyone was gone, she allowed for her tears to come out. Talia curled up in the bathtub as her mind flicked through the enormous number of things she had been repressing. Her pain racked body, Alec, her mission to save Highmooria and the rest of Valoria and now the loss of her divinity. Her mission to gather and guide the divine would become fairly hopeless without her divinity. Her entire hopes had been pinned on the strength of her faith and the strength that faith had endowed her with. Now, that her light had faded, Talia felt broken and weak as if she were a discarded doll. A knock came at the door and Talia found herself scrambling to hide the evidence of her crying.

“Who is it?”

“It is lady Mayella, Miss Relina. Should I let her in?”

“Please do.” Talia answered. Astraea and Mayella entered. Mayella began to examine Talia’s wounds, poking at the flesh around it causing her to flinch every so often.

“I apologize my lady Divine. I must ensure that the wound is malleable enough and thoroughly soaked so that we can avoid any chance of infection or scarring.”

“Please lady Mayella, you need not refer to me with such formality. It seems as though I am no longer a divine.” Talia felt a gentle yet firm tap on the top of her head.

“Nonsense my lady, your divinity has not left you. You have merely lost touch with what it is that makes you a divine. You are indeed suffering from the effects of a terrible poison, which has significantly weakened you.” Talia turned around to face Mayella.

“Do you know what is happening to me?” Mayella frowned and nodded her head.

“Yes. Sir Zelus informed me earlier about what had happened. He informed me about the female Daemon knight and the method of attack that she employed. I believe that you have been afflicted with an extremely potent dose of Mage’s Bane poison. I am ashamed to admit it but fortunately for you, I am quite familiar with it, as I am the one who created it.” Talia was shocked for a moment and did not speak.

After a long moment of silence, Mayella continued her diagnosis.

“I can cure the poison, which will allow you to tap back into your spiritual energy. You are receiving the antidote now.” Talia looked down at the bath water and Mayella nodded.

“This will allow me to use my light again?”

Mayella shook her head.

“I cannot say, I have never seen such an extreme dose administered before. I would also guess that your wavering light is also an affliction of the mind as much as the body.”

Talia thought for a moment and then asked.

“What must I do?”

Mayella shrugged.

“Again, I cannot say. Yours is a unique case, but through practice while strengthening the resolve of mind and body, I believe that you shall regain your full power.”

“How can you be certain?”

Mayella smiled.

The Sidonis sword chose you. Before you, only three who have walked this earth have been chosen. Sir Sidonis, Aneira’s own lover and guardian, the Lady Seraphina, daughter of Aneira and Sidonis.”

And, Sir Alec,” Talia interjected.

Mayella smiled.

“And, Sir Alec. A young man who lost his home as a boy, but despite meager beginnings, became the youngest paladin to defeat a Daemon knight. I think that you will replace that, much the same as the goddess it defends, the sword is fickle and only chooses those who are truly worthy.”

Talia smiled, a renewed sense of confidence having arisen within her.

“Can you tell me more about this poison and the one who uses it?”

Mayella stalled for a moment and Talia could tell from her body language that the conversation would prove quite painful to her.

“No, that would be better left for Lady Kristiana to explain, only perhaps at a more opportune time. She and this knight share a tragically woven path, which only she could guide you down.” Talia accepted Mayella’s answer and asked a different question.

“Are my wounds ready for the healing rune?”

Mayella began prodding once more to Talia’s great discomfort.

“I believe that they might be.” Talia nodded and lifted her arm and began to trace out the rune of mending. Talia smiled as the blue lines began to appear hovering in front of her and when finished she stood and walked into the rune. Talia could feel her body tingle as many of the minor scratches on her body began to shrink, the smallest of which disappeared. As the light of the rune faded, Talia reached back and felt that the wound on her back had been unaffected.

“As I said it would take some time before your powers fully returned.”

“You are right, but now I am ready to start training.”

Mayella smiled and held up her hands.

“Please remain still for a moment. It is much more difficult for someone such as myself to cast rune magic.” Mayella closed her eyes and concentrated as she began to trace out the rune of mending. As she did so, the blue lines outlining the rune shone boldly. Mayella pressed the rune toward Talia who shivered as though she felt thousands of ants crawling under her skin. Once the tingles stopped, Talia relaxed and Mayella quickly sat down.

“It will take some time for the wound to fully heal, but at least for now it is sealed. I apologize that I am not strong enough to fully treat it myself.” Talia stretched her body to test her range of motion. She still found herself limited, but she was in much better condition than she had been in previously.

“Thank you so much lady Mayella. You have done a wonderful service for me. Are you alright?” Talia asked as she noticed a white tone to Mayella’s face as she breathed heavily.

“I will be alright. There are no adept healers in Valascaana. We do what we can, but Valascaans have always been suited for a different sort of magic. I myself learned magic in order to combat it, not to use it.”

“The Mage’s Bane?” Talia asked to which Mayella nodded.

“This old woman has many regrets. You should get dressed. I am sure that your friends wish to see that you are well.” Talia looked down and realizing that she was still standing in bath water, stepped out of the washbasin and began to dry herself off. Once she had finished, she began to dress.

“Miss Mayella?” Talia spoke as she attempted to reach for the ties on the back of her dress. “Would you mind lending me your aid once more?” Mayella looked up at Talia and rose from her chair. Mayella began to fiddle with the ties on Talia’s dress and once fastened, patted her gently on the shoulder.

“Let’s go meet with your friends.” Talia and Mayella left the washroom and descended the staircase leading into the dining room. As Talia reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw Kristiana, Eliza, Zelus, Rayne, Nilus, along with the rest of Teams Zelus and Calnus minus Anton. Everyone greeted her warmly though the mood of the room was still a mixture between curiosity, confusion and horror. There was a quiet knock at the door, which Astraea quickly answered. Zelus readdressed the room as Tear walked in and found a seat.

“Alright, so with the exception of Colette and Giles, whom Rowan will bring up to speed, we are all informed of what has happened thus far, regarding the Forsaken incursion that has already begun. Next, we need to determine what we know of our enemy. Rayne, do you have anything that might be of use?” Rayne shifted uncomfortably as everyone in the room turned their eyes toward her. Talia noticed however that Tear wasn’t staring at Rayne inquisitively, but more with concern.

“Tear what is the matter?”

Talia asked to which Rayne spoke up.

“You are a Divine are you not?” Rayne asked.

“That I am,” Tear replied. Rayne forced a smile as tears formed in her eyes.

“What you sense is my faded light. I was once a Divine, the same as you and Talia, but while I was amongst the Forsaken somehow my light was nearly stricken from me.” Everyone but Talia and Tear gasped as Rayne began to cry.

Zelus broke up the commotion.

“Rayne, is there anything you can tell us about the Forsaken or the Scar?”

Rayne nodded her head as she dried her eyes.

“I know that the Forsaken are disembodied souls, stripped from their vessels by the Daemon knights. The empty vessels are left in the Scar or in other locations with precious resources where they perform labors to bring back materials for weapons production. The enemy you face on the battlefield are the souls the knights have enslaved.” Again, everyone in the room gasped except for Talia and Tear, Talia having suspected something similar all along. As the chatter dulled, Rayne continued.

“I do not know much else about the Forsaken save that the key to the souls’ release is the destruction of the Daemon knights who control them. In my case it was Belias, whom my brother destroyed.” Talia remembered that it had been Alec who had defeated Belias, but that Abaddon had destroyed him. She also remembered that in both encounters with Belias, Alec enabled a number of souls to be freed.

“I am afraid I do not know much more about the Scar either.” Rayne went on, “But you could ask Tear. She may know more about the Scar than I do.” The room’s attention shifted toward Tear.

“Tear?” Eliza asked. “How do you know about the Scar?”

Tear paused for a moment as she scanned the room.

“Because,” she paused again for a moment. “Because I was born there; I am from the Scar.” Surprisingly there was no gasp from the audience this time, Tear seemed to be the only one who was disturbed by the revelation.

“That doesn’t bother any of you?” Everyone looked around the room, but no one voiced any opposition.

“Why would we be bothered Tear? You are one of us. You’ve fought with us, cried with us and rejoiced with us. As far as we are concerned, you are family.” Kristiana spoke and everyone who knew Tear agreed.

Mariah stood up with a smile on her face.

“Tear, the rest of us may have just met you, but I am certain that I speak on behalf of more than just myself when I say that if Alec and the others feel that you are one of us then you are emphatically one of us.” Again, everyone agreed and Jeriah leaned in towards Tear.

“So tell us Tear, what do you know? The key to a decisive victory is a well-executed strategy and for that we need information.” Tear smiled brightly as tears continued to trickle from her eyes.

“Of course! What Rayne says is true about the Forsaken. I watched as it happened to my father.” Tear looked off to the side for a moment before resuming. “They do not condone Aneira worship, but there are many who maintain the practice in secret. My mother was one such practitioner and she taught me Aneira’s teachings but once she was discovered and I awoke to my divinity, there was no saving us. I have spent the last several months studying at the Grand Cathedral, looking through Nemesis’ old things in hopes of replaceing a way to reverse such an affliction.” Everyone gave Tear a moment of silence before continuing.

“So, can we safely assume that targeting the Daemon knights is our safest course of action?” Jeriah asked.

“Safest? Most dangerous realistically. Though it would seem to be the most effective.” Kareena broke her long silence.

“How do we identify the Daemon knights?” Mariah asked. “Many of us have never even seen one.”

“They will be heavily equipped in twisted, jet black armor that entirely conceals their body.” Zelus started and then Eliza chimed in.

“And they produce a gravity aura that slows everything down and makes you feel heavier.” Jeriah stood and looked around the room.

“Does everyone here know what gravity is?”

“Sit down!” The gathered mob responded in unison. Jeriah smiled and did as he was told while the others continued on.

“Alright, so how do we prepare to fight these things?” Mariah asked. “Do they have any particular weaknesses?”

“I believe that is a question for someone who has seen one killed.” Talia stood and addressed the group.

“There seem to be a number of ways that will bring harm to the Daemon knights. So far, the most effective things seem to be magic and the Sidonis sword. While most weapons seem ineffective, Sir Marec was able to wound Belias with a claymore that was imbued. This would be another method employed by Sir Marec and Sir Alec, imbuing their weapons and armor with special properties or endowing objects with runes.” Mariah raised her hand.

“Yes, Mariah?” Talia acknowledged.

“Do we have access to an inscription crystal or any gemstones that we could use?” Nathan spoke up.

“I could probably procure some gemstones, but what purpose would they serve and in what condition would it leave them in once used?”

“I would enchant them with healing runes that the bearer could use at any given time without draining their own energy. Gemstones work best for such a thing as they take the least amount of wear and can be reused. Should a single gem be used repeatedly it will lose its gleam, but after a single use one should not notice much if any difference. It will take me some time, but I feel that it is important for each of us to have at least one. Or at least for everyone who cannot use healing arts of some sort to possess at least one.” Nathan began looking around the room counting.

“So, if we take all of the people in this room and add additional gemstones for Sir Talic, Rowan, Colette and Giles - that would mean we require a minimum of twenty gems. It may prove extremely difficult, especially if I need to “misplace them.” I shall, however, still try.”

“The burden shall not be yours alone,” Kristiana spoke. “I feel that the other noble houses can surely help in some way. House Kaldur does not have much in the way of precious gems, but we do have some.”

“Does everyone understand then what must be done? Trust no one with what we have discussed tonight. Always be on guard and, above all else, defend our home from the enemy threat.” They spoke briefly of defenses and fortifications before they called it a night and each went their separate ways.