Sound. A quiet sound was playing. Cara watched. This had all the hallmarks of a real story from Earth. A gentle song, without vocals, somehow managing to be uplifting and sad.<\/p>\n
The half-Elf was the narrator. Sometimes he walked through the scenes playing on the orbs, other times playing the omniscient narrator. His spells conjured each scene real to life, though, with a degree of accuracy that made it\u2026too real. Put movies to shame because it had tiny details from memory that were different from dramatic recreations, or too-polished sets and actors.<\/p>\n
This is how he began.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boy known as Perril Chandler was known not as some great talent, or the myth he would eventually become. He was born to, as his name indicates, a family of [Chandlers]. A humble family, who made their living in the Kingdom of Silvaria. A Kingdom of Terandria which lives on only in memory. Even the land that used to hold the kingdom is broken and desolate. It lies here\u2014between Pheislant and Gaiil-Drome, a coastal kingdom, southern, small, but dignified.\u201d<\/p>\n
A map of Terandria appeared on screen, and the view zoomed down, revealing that the map was actually the continent from afar. A narrow, vertical nation became expansive, and kept zooming, revealing a landscape bordered by the coast, reaching up to the mountains and bordering the larger forest nation of Gaiil-Drome and Pheislant, dizzyingly zooming in until it reached a northern city, further down, towards a boy helping to carefully put candles in a wooden box.<\/p>\n
Wax candles. A [Chandler]\u2019s job. The young boy rose, manfully lifting the box and placing it with a stack.<\/p>\n
Eldavin watched, face serene and sorrowful. He reached out, and the image stopped.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerril Chandler\u2019s father and mother had the same class. He was one of three children, an older sister and a younger brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
Images appeared, showing a father and mother working to render candles out of tallow, keeping back from the bubbling pot, the boy playing with girl and boy.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerril Chandler\u2019s younger life was relatively uneventful as far as I know. What I do know is that as a boy, he was so outstanding with magical potential that it manifested even before training. The first incident was where he accidentally set his parent\u2019s shop on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flame, shooting up from the boy\u2019s hands. A scene of his family fleeing the burning shop, a bucket brigade tossing water on the shop. A hung head, tears from the family.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, his misfortune was a blessing in disguise, for the nation of Silvaria watched for talent such as his, and the [High Mage] of his city herself discovered Perril\u2019s potential. She personally took him as an apprentice, to the astonishment and delight of his parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perril, waving to his family. Departing, following the woman in shimmering robes. Eldavin continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou see, Silvaria was a growing nation at this time. It, like many nations, had existed since the days of the Hundred Families as one of the smaller kingdoms, sometimes vassalized, or conquered, but then rising and growing from the original kingdom. Like Ailendamus, in fact, whose rise over the last seventy years and two monarchs has been nothing but meteoric.\u201d<\/p>\n
The map changed, showing how Ailendamus had not been more than a tiny kingdom by a different name seventy years back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThus, Perril Chandler did not travel to Wistram Academy to learn, but learned from the [High Mage] Insica herself. He proved to be an apt and resourceful pupil, whose talents allowed him to master a number of spells as high as Tier 3 before he was sixteen. However, he would show his true potential in an invasion of Goblins when a Goblin Chieftain threatened to overrun the city.\u201d<\/p>\n
The image cut to Goblins storming the walls, throwing up crude ladders as magic and arrows harried the defenders. Insica exchanged magical fire from her tower with a grinning [Shaman]. Perril Chandler fought in the streets, casting spells, throwing back Goblins. Then\u2014he and the Humans fighting in a desperate line fell back. A running man fell, gutted from behind by a spear. He dropped something.<\/p>\n
A rapier. The exhausted young man of sixteen snatched it up. He saw a Hobgoblin charging at him and put up the sword. By luck, he ran the Goblin through.<\/p>\n
Eldavin stepped out of the frozen scene as the Hobgoblin fell. He reached out, and slowly closed the Hobgoblin\u2019s eyes. A peaceful look on the Goblin\u2019s face. Eldavin regarded the warrior for a second and shook his head, turning back to the young man.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was then that the young Perril Chandler discovered his talent with the blade, which would become a passion for the rest of his life. He survived the battle, although his master, Insica, was wounded beyond the ability of [Healers] to aid. She was rendered immobile, relying on her young apprentice as her strength failed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Magical burns, a bed-ridden woman, then turning to one hovering in a chair, grasping at objects Perril anxiously handed her.<\/p>\n
The audience watched the story play out. Many spellbound, but not all. Not all in silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is going on in Wistram? Stop the broadcast!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Chaldion of Pallass snapped, his good eye flashing furiously. He turned to the [Mage] who was frantically sending [Message] spells off. The [Strategist] did not like this one bit.<\/p>\n Nor did a number of Drakes, hammering on the door along with the regular scrying crew. Yet not even Feor could figure out how Eldavin had locked the door. They were beginning to debate blasting it open.<\/p>\n Flos Reimarch just watched quietly, sitting cross-legged in his tent with Teres.<\/p>\n In Wistram, Trey Atwood watched with his first-year friends.<\/p>\n Terandrian Kingdoms were in uproar. Many sending just as many [Messages] about this unexpected broadcast. However, they still watched. Earl Altestiel sat in the pouring rain that had engulfed his estates since his return, watching with the blankets over his head.<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash himself found his hand shaking. He reached out, whispering.<\/p>\n \u201cInsica.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He whispered her name, and his fingers brushed the glass orb, as if trying to reach back, touch her, take the quavering woman\u2019s hands as the much younger boy held it. She gasped, her head fell back\u2014<\/p>\n The image vanished, replaced by a young man with his head bowed.<\/p>\n \u201cPerril Chandler succeeded his master, inheriting some of her possessions and will. Yet he was untutored. With the threat of the Goblin Chieftain and a war with Pheislant distracting the army and as yet, young [King] of Silvaria from raising aid for his city, Perril Chandler searched through spellbooks for knowledge that could help defeat the Goblins. It was then, as the dead of both sides rose, that he discovered his greatest talent. Necromancy.\u201d<\/p>\n A body, a shambling corpse, a zombie walked towards some Humans holding spears. It opened its mouth, waving rotten hands\u2014then stopped. Its eyes flickered; then the glowing eyes closed. The zombie turned, obediently stood as the Humans put up their spears.<\/p>\n Perril, panting, held out a hand. The single zombie was joined by more shambling corpses, a skeleton. They moved towards Goblins who backed up, disappeared back towards the mountains, wary.<\/p>\n Eldavin again. He sat there, on a rock, watching the Goblins pass. He looked at the viewers, as if hearing the angry Drakes and Terandrian Humans. He was watching the [Messages] come in; they appeared like a shower of words, sleeting past him and vanishing.<\/p>\n \u201cI see some viewers object to the sight of necromancy. However, the school of magic was accepted in those days. It still is in many places in the world. From Baleros to Chandrar, only Izril and Terandria have truly outlawed it, for reasons which may be understandable as we continue. However, Rhir keeps [Necromancer] corps. If you would cast your objections, perhaps place them with the Blighted King first. Necromancy is just a kind of magic. Blood magic, fire magic, healing; if there is evil, it is always in how it is wielded.\u201d<\/p>\n He dismissed the [Messages] with a wave of the hand. Pisces sat there, listening intently, opening and closing his hand, his eyes distant and hungry. Ceria looked at him, and at the [Grand Magus] sitting, standing in Wistram Academy where they too had once been.<\/p>\n Where were you when we were there?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPerril Chandler began to teach himself magic, as many [Necromancers] do, experimenting, and at the same time, learning the art of the sword, practicing fencing. Before he had turned eighteen, he had been awarded a silver bell by the resident [Fencers] in the city, an accomplishment as rare and indicative of as much talent as the King of Duels so often spoken of, or his daughter, the Arbiter Queen, Jecaina of Jecrass. However, he was young, as yet inexperienced, and certainly unknown outside of his city. By contrast, the Drake who would one day become his best friend had a far more typical childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n Perril became Zelkyr, his tail slightly longer than average, even clumsy on his feet. His scales were a bright orange. Before the audience could react to Eldavin\u2019s last statement, the young Drake produced a wand. He stood in class, listening to a teacher.<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr was born in Fissival, the City of Magic. Like all Drakes, he was tested and admitted into their Scholarium at a young age. He was a good pupil\u2014if unruly.\u201d<\/p>\n Zelkyr, shoving other Drakes as he ran down the hallways, playing pranks on a female Gnoll in robes, who yelped and ran to tell a teacher.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in the name of flaming fur\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia traded a glance with her sister and the other Gnolls watching. They hadn\u2019t missed that. Eldavin didn\u2019t even seem to notice the image.<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr\u2019s talents were manifestly apparent from the start. He was a below-average elementalist, and was noticeably deficient in casting most spells. He had a lisp, which, despite being corrected later on, impeded his direct combat abilities. To make up for that, he was exceptionally talented at craftsmanship, having studied metallurgy, pottery, weaving, and any number of crafts later on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr had a lisp?\u201d<\/p>\n [Mages] stopped and blinked at the orb. Cognita passed by, ignoring them, not understanding why a few were staring at her. She only stopped when a young Drake began speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cThe wily Wyvern waves a wing whenever it wanths.\u201d<\/p>\n He messed up on the last word, clearly reciting with effort. The young Drake flushed. Cognita\u2026slowly\u2026turned. Her eyes went round.<\/p>\n \u201cHis inability to become a [Battlemage] was always a sore point with Zelkyr and may have led to what came next. Despite being tested and taught as an [Artificer], he was eventually expelled at the age of fourteen for pranks, which later became unruly conduct. And theft. Zelkyr left the City of Magic, but used his limited fortune to apply for Wistram Academy\u2019s apprenticeship. He passed, despite his record, due to the rivalry that exists between both schools even now.\u201d<\/p>\n The images of Zelkyr playing the inciting \u2018prank\u2019 that got him expelled, which was dumping buckets of ice cubes on a group of Gnoll teachers he clearly disliked, then standing before a tribunal whilst a clearly-stolen wand was presented and leaving the city in disgrace, flickered across the screen.<\/p>\n Olesm nearly passed out. Mainly because he\u2019d stopped breathing during watching this. This? This was beyond<\/em> sacrilege. Not that he\u2019d known much about Zelkyr\u2019s past, but this? Sserys was the recent hero, but Zelkyr?<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr studied at Wistram for the rest of his magical career, having learned his lesson from his expulsion from Fissival. He quickly took to creating Golems, which at the time, was popular in Wistram. His first Golems were creative and original, unlike the standard, humanoid constructs. Even now, they indicate his burgeoning genius, held only back by his knowledge and technique.\u201d<\/p>\n Little, playful Golems paraded past an older Zelkyr, about sixteen, presenting a Golem whose entire body was made up of what looked to Trey like pistons. The iron-golem extended, rather than moved limbs, walking like some primitive steampunk creation.<\/p>\n Another Golem rolled around like an egg, then \u2018opened\u2019 to reveal a shining core and muddy interior. Yet another was a finely-carved bird, made of wood, which fluttered its wings and hopped, but could not fly as only the wings and legs were jointed, the rest of the body solid wood.<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr developed a reputation as a fine Golem-maker of curios, which he eventually became, graduating from Wistram but often returning to the academy where his connections and materials let him sell toy Golems, and occasionally, battle-types. His life was rather unremarkable until he turned twenty-four, which brings us back to Perril Chandler, who by that point had joined Silvaria\u2019s army in war.\u201d<\/p>\n Perril Chandler nervously bowed to a [Knight-Commander], a rapier at his side and silver bell. He wore robes, and demonstrated raising a few zombies to the [Knight]\u2019s distaste.<\/p>\n \u201cPheislant was winning the war with Silvaria. The mighty naval nation\u2019s fleets had blockaded both major port cities, and their armies were winning ground victories as well. It was as Silvaria grew desperate, their young [King], King Redoris, enters our story. He was only twenty six at the time, barely older than Perril himself, and several strategic blunders by his [Strategists] had left his nation in danger of being conquered and vassalized.\u201d<\/p>\n A young [King], restless, holding the sword at his waist, appeared, sitting on the throne, looking down at his [Generals] who were speaking to him, pointing to maps. Then Perril.<\/p>\n \u201cPerril Chandler enlisted in the army, perhaps due to need, perhaps a lack of funds or purely national pride. It was to prove to be a fine decision, as despite his inexperience, his ability to conjure undead led the division he was assigned to win battles, with lower casualties. Not only that; the young Perril bested three [Fencers] in battle, all of whom bore silver bells. He was soon promoted, although he never took formal soldier classes to my knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n Perril bowed again before the [Knight-Commander], who now clasped his shoulder warmly. Eldavin smiled, as Perril sketched a bow, cheeks flushed, with all of a young man\u2019s pride held in check by modesty.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was then he drew the attention of King Redoris. At twenty four, he was invited to the royal court to receive a prize for his valor in battle. Pheislant had signed a punitive peace treaty, but King Redoris had little choice but to acquiesce; northern aggression was threatening the Dawn Concordat and by effect, Silvaria, although it was not a formal member but an occasional ally.\u201d<\/p>\n More clashes from the north, a tired [King]. But then\u2014a smile on his face of genuine good humor, exclaiming as he shook Perril\u2019s hands. [Knights], [Courtiers], a royal court in which the young [Necromancer] stood, somewhat bewildered, until the [King] personally introduced him, winning him the favor of all present.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was at this time when Perril Chandler met two of the four most important people in his life. Zelkyr was one, but that would only occur later. King Redoris was, of course, one of the four. The second was Lady Bea Zanrel, a beautiful [Lady] of Silvaria\u2019s court, who had proven willing to fight in defense of her Kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n She did not look suited to the armor she wore as the young King Redoris gently tapped her shoulder with a blade, making a jest that made the court laugh. The young Bea flushed with embarrassment.<\/p>\n Yet Perril did not laugh, kneeling to receive the honorary knighthood as well. Bea saw that, her eyes flicking down. Redoris stared at her, a bit chagrined by the embarrassment he\u2019d caused. His eyes lingered on Bea in an unmistakable way for anyone who knew stories.<\/p>\n \u201cBea. Bea is that\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Venitra looked from Bea to\u2014her master\u2019s face was frozen. His hands clenched as he looked at Redoris. At\u2026<\/p>\n Bea touched her face, and then looked at the woman, who had all the mortal beauty, younger. Bea\u2019s rotted features\u2026Toren looked at the scrying orb.<\/p>\n This was good storytelling, he decided.<\/em><\/p>\n Perril and Bea danced. She was teasing the younger [Necromancer], unwarrantedly clumsy, yet the two then talked, seriously, about the war, faces turning grave, Bea shaking her head, gesturing at Perril\u2019s wand and rapier.<\/p>\n \u201cThe two would become great friends. In fact, it was the young Lady Bea who later sponsored Perril Chandler to study at Wistram as a higher-year student for three years, despite being considered too old and self-taught. Whether the two had a relationship is unknown, but King Redoris, Lady Bea, and the knighted Sir Perril Chandler, similar in age, would eventually grow to have enduring friendships. Of course, it was at Wistram that Perril Chandler first met Zelkyr Amerwing.\u201d<\/p>\n There they were. Cognita bent, and Elena and the other Earthers moved out of the way. She saw two young men, in their mid-twenties, meeting at one of the innumerable [Mage] parties. They stared at each other as Zelkyr, laughing, exuberant, a party-animal, made a comment.<\/p>\n Perril Chandler, who had been studying all-night in some of the scenes, somewhat aloof, but respectfully taking lessons, turned his head. In the silent drama, broken only by Eldavin\u2019s voice and the background music, Perril Chandler shook his head. He put his hand on his rapier.<\/p>\n Zelkyr snorted. Repeated himself.<\/p>\n Perril Chandler calmly drew his rapier and aimed it at Zelkyr.<\/p>\n Eldavin appeared between the recoiling Zelkyr and Perril. His face and tone were dry.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first meeting between the two was not harmonious. Zelkyr, a staunch supporter of Drakes despite his fraught relationship with his city, made a derisive comment about Terandrian Kingdoms, to go by stories at the time. Perril Chandler took offense and challenged him to a duel. The results were about as you expect.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin didn\u2019t even bother showing the duel, just the outcome. Zelkyr staring up at Perril Chandler pointing his rapier at his face, wand lying on the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cThe two did not see much of each other aside from this one disharmonious meeting. Zelkyr was a fully-fledged [Mage], now earning a reputation for making battle-suitable Golems. Perril Chandler expedited his studies and returned to Silvaria. They did not meet for two more years.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin stood over a map of the world, flicking his fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, during this time, aside from conflicts in Terandria, Izril itself was in a state of joint wars between north and south\u2014and<\/em> Baleros. The Naga companies had invaded and actually taken ground on Izril, and the Drakes found themselves fighting both Human and Lizardfolk armies. Typically, they did not ask for aid from the Gnoll tribes, and Zelkyr himself began selling his now somewhat famous Battle Golems to the cities.\u201d<\/p>\n Marching, carved warriors, some Human, others Gnolls, or, most often Drakes, in ceramic, wood, then, later, steel, bronze, iron, and so on, swung huge fists, punching enemy [Soldiers]. A nimble ceramic-Golem aimed a bow and actually loosed an arrow. Yet a third Golem just spewed fire as it advanced, like an Oldblood Drake.<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr was by now an acclaimed [Golem Artificer], and his aspirations were clearly taking him even higher. He desired to create more powerful Golems, even the fabled Sentient-class<\/em> Golems. It is obvious in journals and notes that his greatest desire was<\/em> that of a perfect servant. Hence, he would never go anywhere without a personal Golem bodyguard or two.\u201d<\/p>\n Marching Golems, first crude, then imperious, decorated and carefully attired, sometimes in actual armor, accompanied Zelkyr as he strode around, talking to [Merchants], other leaders, fellow [Mages].<\/p>\n Sometimes just his height, other times huge, imposing. In Eldavin\u2019s historical retelling, another fact was made obvious to viewers too.<\/p>\n Femithain of Illivere saw the Golems, at first, androgynous because they lacked features, slowly take on a noticeably feminine<\/em> cast. Not only that, a few bad attempts at faces quickly resolved into beautiful features. The Magus-Crafter also noticed\u2026all the female Golems soon became females of different species.<\/p>\n Minotaur, Human, Gnoll, Centaur\u2014never Drake. Eldavin eyed one that almost looked like a primitive Cognita. Speaking of which\u2026the Truestone Golem never took her eyes off that one.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was as the Drakes grew increasingly desperate to repel the Nagas that Zelkyr created his first Sentient-class Golem. In doing so, he joined around a dozen of his kind who had mastered the technique and was soon in a race to reach higher peaks still. Nevertheless, a dive into the mechanics of Golem-creation is too distracting here. All you need know is that his first Golem was capable of casting Tier 1-3 spells, magically reinforced, made of steel, and capable of taking her own action on the battlefield. She was the culmination of Zelkyr\u2019s talent. He called her\u2026Cognita.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEldavin! Get out of there! What are you doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Viltach hammered on the door. He was thrust aside by an angry hand.<\/p>\n \u201cGet back!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the Fissival Drakes had had enough. Angry [Message] spells were ringing around Wistram, and as many people wanting to keep the broadcast going. No one could override the scrying spells! Eldavin had control.<\/p>\n The door remained locked. Now, the Drake [Battlemage] pointed at it.<\/p>\n \u201c[Lightning Bolt]!\u201d<\/p>\n Viltach was lucky. He\u2019d put up a barrier spell just in time to watch the bolt bounce<\/em>. The Drake [Mage] went flying and everyone dove for cover. They got up, shakily.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in the name of the Ancestors did he put<\/em> on that door?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] looked at each other. The rest of the viewers were spellbound, watching.<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash, the King of Destruction, countless Drakes and Humans, for all they shouted and raged.<\/p>\n Pisces, lips moving as he practically recited the tale himself, seeing where his learning and legend had created false stories. Eldavin walked past Zelkyr, crowing and showing Cognita off as the impassive Golem bowed to other Drakes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was as Zelkyr achieved Sentient-class that he decided to participate in the Naga Incursions, as the war would become known, perhaps overconfident in his abilities. He joined a Fissival army and entered the campaign. However, the army quickly became separated from the main forces, fighting amid Naga lightning-strikes and unfavorable terrain created by their spellcasters.\u201d<\/p>\n Zelkyr, shooting spells from a wand behind ranks of Golems and grim Drakes, flinching as Nagas of various kinds and Lizardfolk assailed the Drakes, skirmishing in and out, striking in the muddy terrain, fleeing by darkness.<\/p>\n Golems fell, broken, as Zelkyr\u2019s finest creation, Cognita, impassively protected him. The Drake detachment grew desperate, fighting, cut off behind the enemy front lines. Lizardfolk closed in, wearing them down.<\/p>\n Medusae, who froze Drake [Soldiers] in time for Gorgons to lunge in and cut them down. Four-armed Naga variants, leaping Quexals, overwhelming the static Drakes and forcing more retreats. Eldavin nodded to Zelkyr, frozen in the act of casting a spell, face desperate.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly Zelkyr\u2019s Golems let this weary force survive, immune to Medusae\u2019s eyes and many attacks. However, his Golems could not fight forever and his entire detachment was in danger of being wiped out. That is, of course, where Perril Chandler re-enters the narrative, unexpectedly.\u201d<\/p>\n Zelkyr and some Drakes were huddled around a fire as the Cognita-golem clumsily tried to stir a pot of what might have been grass and boiling boot leather. Something made Zelkyr stir, lifting a wand over muddy blankets. He stopped. Blinked, and rose uncertainly as a young man wearing armor rather than robes stepped forwards, looking just as surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cPerril Chandler had become a mercenary, perhaps out of desire to improve; most likely due to a desire to provide for his family after incurring debts from studying at Wistram. Necromancy was not, at this point, as widely-sought after as Golem creation, but he had toured battlefields with great acclaim. It is a mark of the Drakes\u2019 desperation that non-Drakes were hired for the Naga Incursions. He was leading a strike against Nagas and similarly cut off by their enveloping hit-and-run strategies when his company found Zelkyr\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n The two [Mages] stood, wary at first, until the Cognita Golem stuck a huge hand out. Perril took it, bowed, uncertainly, and looked at Zelkyr. The Drake and young man burst out laughing, and began talking in earnest. Eldavin as always, appeared.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was at this point when the first tales of the two\u2019s prowess in battle were established. And, as luck would have it, we may desist with recreation and actually show scenes from the war itself.\u201d<\/p>\n Sound joined imagery. The viewpoint changed, becoming a [Scrying] spell from above, as of some lazy Dragon or whatnot watching a battle with urbane amusement. Yet the battle was clear; ranks of numerous Lizardfolk led by imperious Nagas of different types, clashing with a Drake army with some Human irregulars.<\/p>\n \u2026And losing. At first, the eager Lizardfolk charged, overconfidently skirmishing with the tired Drake lines. Then they drew back. A Medusa opened her eyes, freezing the Drakes and leaving them as open t\u2014<\/p>\n A Golem<\/em> smashed through the lines of foes, charging through the tiny figures. Just as fast, a second group led by a [Mage] with a sword charged in, ignoring the paralysis glare.<\/p>\n Undead.<\/em> They threw themselves mercilessly against the Lizardfolk army, and the Golem and [Necromancer] took down the Medusa, cutting through the enemy lines as the Drakes, led by a certain [Mage] in robes, albeit from the back, pressed the Lizardfolk back.<\/p>\n \u201cThe two [Mages] found their talents allied nicely. The mass undead of Perril Chandler, combined with the expensive, powerful, and limited Golems of Zelkyr provided forces that no flesh-and-blood army could match. They fought their way back out of enemy lines and while this did not of course, end the Naga Incursions, their actions along with the conflict forced one of the peace treaties before the Nagas were eventually driven from Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n The scene ended with Zelkyr and Perril shaking hands, the battered Cognita-golem still hovering in the background. Eldavin glanced to one side; the spells hitting the door were starting to get annoying so he [Silenced] them.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was the turning point in both young men\u2019s careers. Zelkyr retreated from active fighting, but the levels the conflict had afforded him let him continue to increase the numbers of Golems in Drake cities\u2019 services. Indeed, he quickly became quite respected in every Walled City\u2026save for Fissival. In time, the City of Magic welcomed their wayward Drake student back, desiring his increasingly-powerful Golems which would become the nightmare of all enemies of Drakes during his era. Perril Chandler, by contrast, experienced his first real renaissance upon his return to Silvaria.\u201d<\/p>\n Back to the country by the sea. Only\u2014marred by empty streets, people covered in sores.<\/p>\n \u201cPlague had come to Silvaria, once again echoing the present. Without a cure in this case. Silvaria\u2019s people lay sick, unable to provide or act. Starvation faced King Redoris\u2019 nation, and he was gratified by the mysterious revival of a city in the north, which, against all reasoning, had the power to still plough and harvest fields! When he inquired however, he found not living bodies tilling the fields\u2026but undead.\u201d<\/p>\n Skeletons were harvesting fields, tilling ground, pulling ploughs, gathering berries\u2026reminiscent of another certain Kingdom. Fetohep watched critically.<\/p>\n \u201cAcceptable, one supposes. Advance the left flank\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He broke off from his scrying orb to watch more undead charge Medain\u2019s lines, and then went back to the scrying orb.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere many [Kings] might refuse to embrace death magic, with Noelictus and a few other kingdoms being exceptions even to this day, the grateful Redoris reached out to his old friend and beseeched Perril Chandler to aid Silvaria. Which he did! Perril Chandler, now an experienced High Mage, in rank if not actual class, took on apprentices as his master had done and the undead servants let Silvaria weather this crisis better than other nations.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin gestured to the industrious undead. No matter how his companions shuddered\u2014Trey just folded his arms. It looked efficient to him.<\/em> It was hard not to see how the skeletons saved the sick people abed, harvesting food, fearless of germs. Eldavin seemed to indicate this by the approving nod he gave a skeleton\u2014it nodded back.<\/p>\n \u201cBy the time he had turned thirty, Perril Chandler, son of humble candle makers, was named a [Lord] of Silvaria for his deeds to the crown, and was known to be in the favor of the [King] himself, often called to court. It was also said that he had a relationship with Lady Bea\u2014although their relationship was not official and this is speculative.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerril by age thirty was now a dashing swordsman and<\/em> a [Mage], clearly a court darling. Redoris, also in his prime, was the image of a [King], albeit tempered by not being the [Warrior King] he clearly wanted to be. However, the three stood around, Perril, Redoris, and Bea, talking eagerly, laughing.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin appeared, and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cThese were the best times in the young men\u2019s lives, save for perhaps one more section. In the interest of time, we skip forwards now. Nearly a decade, to their forties. Zelkyr had not broken through to the final step of Golem-making, but he was now competing with the best [Golem Artificers] for that title, and his Golems in battle had put the Nagas on the back foot, almost by themselves. He was not without scandal, however.\u201d<\/p>\n Cognita broke off from the trance she was in. She saw\u2014remembered\u2014and raised her head. Yet she could not stop what came next. Zelkyr calmly facing down an angry Watch Commander. Cognita saw herself, standing behind him, half-tensed. Yet that was not how she remembered it, staring at her master\u2019s back as\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cUnacceptable, Zelkyr! You cannot go behind the laws of the city!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThen change the laws or let me acquire what I need without these\u2014these ridiculous taxes, Watch Commander!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not my business. If you cannot stay within the law\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The other Drake warned Zelkyr. Cognita was hesitating. This wasn\u2019t an attack, but she felt like it was. She watched her master point at the Watch Commander.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou will do what? I can stop selling Golems to Pallass any time I want.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t dare. The war\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThen think about what you\u2019re saying, you fool!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Cognita hesitated, until Zelkyr waved at her to desist. The other two Golems of her class also untensed, and she saw the other Drake spluttering as Zelkyr turned to march out of the office\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Blink. She was back in the present. Eldavin\u2019s voice trailed back into her hearing.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014unfounded, yet allegations of his connection with unsavory criminal elements persisted. The truth, inevitably, was that Zelkyr was too important to fall under normal jurisdiction. In any case, while he was enjoying the favor of the Walled Cities, Perril Chandler had achieved a Grand Magus\u2019 rank at his young age.\u201d<\/p>\n Both meteoric rises to fame saw Perril Chandler overseeing another \u2018undead farm\u2019, as well as sending undead in droves to take down a ferocious Griffin. By now, of course, he wore a golden bell on his rapier.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be wrong to assume both Perril and Zelkyr were unaware of each other either. In fact, aside from their friendships, Perril with his two friends at Silvaria\u2019s court, Zelkyr with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026acquaintances, no doubt, the two [Mages]\u2019s greatest friendships were with each other. After their friendship began in war, they kept in regular correspondence, often visiting and aiding each other. It was, in fact, known, that to make an enemy of one was to make an enemy of the other. Eleven times, Perril Chandler challenged other [Mages] to duels and won for his friend. Similarly, Zelkyr was known to have gifted Perril with Golems to serve his now quite wealthy family. The two exchanged spell notes, despite their somewhat different schools. However, the great achievement of Zelkyr was to nominate both himself and Perril Chandler for the Archmage position in Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n The two men met under two shining, full moons. Eldavin pointed up, as [Mages] applauded both\u2019s coronations, being handed robes, and magical staves.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was a formality, as the [Archmage] class does not always correspond to the title. As ah, viewers are no doubt aware. However, the political power and influence coming with the role spoke to their rising stars. As well as that of their enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n An angry Naga and narrow-eyed Garuda, as well as a Human man, all eyed Zelkyr and Perril, among the three other Archmages applauding, faces neutral. Zelkyr and Perril took their positions, opposite the three.<\/p>\n \u201cPerril and Zelkyr both represented Terandria and Izril, who were underrepresented compared to the Archmages of Rhir, Baleros, and Chandrar, who had increasing power during this time\u2014as well as an Archmage of the Drowned, a somewhat rare occurrence. To note\u2014only two<\/em> were [Archmages] as of this time. The Archmage of Nagas\u2014here\u2014and the Archmage of the Skies, a traditional term for both species.\u201d<\/p>\n The Naga and Garuda froze as Eldavin gestured to them.<\/p>\n \u201cThis matters only for later. For now\u2014know this. As Zelkyr returned to Izril, and Perril to Terandria, the greatest incident that would finally mark them as legends of their time began. The war against the Dawn Concordat, where Perril would meet the fourth pivotal friend in his life. And in so doing, be known as the Archmage of Death.\u201d<\/p>\n This was the story Eldavin had told once before. Trey remembered it. Now, the half-Elf told it fully.<\/p>\n \u201cFour armies broke the Dawn Concordat\u2019s forces. Lady Bea, who had a connection with Calanfer in particular, had, with King Redoris\u2019 blessing, led a force to aid the outnumbered Dawn Concordat. Yet they fell back time and again, to the pass on Kaliv\u2019s borders where so many armies would meet their end. Krawlnmak\u2019s Pass. There, the beleaguered defenders held for two days, three, and then four. However, it became clear they would not manage to hold the enemy.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin\u2019s eyes flashed. His voice was rising, and sound was joining the movie again, sound from memory.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was when the newly-named Archmage of Death arrived, of course! Fresh from Wistram, having travelled across Terandria to join the defenders, he pledged himself to the battle, despite the urgings of King Redoris to hold back. He actually teleported Lady Bea and a number of commanders out of the battle, promising only to buy the Dawn Concordat more hours to muster a final defense.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] vanished, reaching for Perril Chandler as her companions held her back. A man saluted Perril Chandler, and he turned. What remained in front of the vast army coming down the pass was a line of gold.<\/p>\n Lyonette\u2019s eyes were wide. This was not the history they taught her.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe last force in the beleaguered army to refuse to retreat were the Thronebearers of Calanfer, who pledged to hold as long as the Archmage. Their Lightherald stood with Perril Chandler as four nation\u2019s armies advanced.\u201d<\/p>\n A [Knight] in golden armor, taking Perril\u2019s hands, raising his glowing sword to the sky. Perril Chandler\u2019s hands rose. His pupils seemed to grow, dilating wider and wider\u2026<\/p>\n Undead began to rise. <\/em>They advanced, past the golden Thronebearers, vanishing as arrows struck them down, magical spells blew them apart. They kept coming, though, advancing into the mortal army.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first hour of fighting refused to break the army now backed up by Perril Chandler. The overconfident [General] advanced his forces, believing that one man\u2019s death would break this last resistance. He attempted to take it, but the Thronebearers closed ranks around the Archmage. The dead continued to rise, even as the living fell.\u201d<\/p>\n Perril Chandler ducked behind a Thronebearer whose raised shield stopped a [Fireball] and hail of arrows. Undead surged past him as he pointed.<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash stared. His Chosen were looking at him. His lips moved. He felt his arm burning, the magic burning in him, going out\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cAdvance!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Draug smashed into the lines of infantry, breaking pikes. Screaming men and women fled backwards. Perril cried out as the backlash from animating them ran through him.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThronebearers, hold your ground!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The Lightherald boomed. The Thronebearers, who had lost their steeds long ago, closed ranks. Perril looked up and saw the [Lancers] run into them.<\/em><\/p>\n Men and women died. Yet they did not give ground. Perril pointed.<\/em><\/p>\n [Deathbolt]. One went down as the dark spell flashed through armor; he tried it again, but his hands were shaking. The death magic was filling him, but he was maintaining an <\/em>army of the dead.<\/em><\/p>\n So he drew his rapier and charged. Even the Lightherald was surprised as he turned from combat with three [Lancers] to see Perril.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cArchmage, hold b\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The tip of his sword transmitted the shock of impact as Perril shoved it through the slit of a visor. A pinpoint strike; he withdrew it as the figure toppled. The [Lancers] reeled as he performed it again, two perfect strikes without a Skill!<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThronebearers! Soldiers of the Dawn Concordat\u2014to the Archmage! Charge!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The Lightherald and the Archmage surged forwards. The nerve of the [Lancers] and the first wave of the enemy broke.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c\u2014it is clear now that the Archmage of Death lured the enemy army into a natural trap. So many dead bodies along with the greater magic he was conducting create a death field<\/em>, enhancing his powers.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash blinked. He saw the battle from above, Eldavin pointing out details.<\/p>\n \u201cNevertheless, Perril Chandler ran out of mana and resorted to his rapier. He personally slew over a hundred<\/em> enemy combatants during the battle, along with casting spells. Despite never having a [Duelist]\u2019s class, he was unanimously named one of the hundred greatest blademasters in Terandria for his feats in battle. That day\u2014he and the Thronebearers broke an army of four hundred thousand at the pass.\u201d<\/p>\n Perril Chandler stood, bloody blade raised among the handful of golden-armored warriors. A bare handful, yet the living army fled screaming, throwing down their weapons, the enemy [General] dragged down by undead.<\/p>\n \u201cFew among even the [Archmages] can claim such a feat. It may have been this very day that Perril Chandler no longer became known as Lord Chandler of Silvaria, but [Archmage] Chandler.<\/em> Archmage of Death! For his great deed, he was dubbed the Undying Shield of Calanfer by the [King], until the title was revoked.\u201d<\/p>\n Archmage Chandler knelt before the Eternal Throne of Calanfer, applauded by thousands as the Lightherald bowed beside the throne. He smiled, and took the [Knight]\u2019s hand as he rose.<\/p>\n By now, the room had gone deathly silent in Pallass. Chaldion stared grimly at the scrying orb. He had been insistent the broadcast be stopped<\/em>, and had tried to even cut off the transmission in Pallass.<\/p>\n Too late. The [Mages] and others hadn\u2019t understood what he had intuited. However, now\u2026Chaldion looked at Eldavin\u2019s retelling.<\/p>\n The Archmage of Death. Az\u2019kerash. The mortal Perril Chandler stood, in what could only be described as a glorious, heroic<\/em> retelling of his life. At odds with every other narrative about him. Of course, Drakes and Humans knew the stories they had grown up with.<\/p>\n It did not please the [Grand Strategist], even so, to have even one narrative to the contrary. Let alone one so well done.<\/p>\n \u201cArchmage of Death.<\/em> This battle was the first in a turning point in the war, and Silvaria\u2019s reputation. They led a counterattack against the northern kingdoms, and despite the odds, forced the coalition of then eight<\/em> kingdoms to sign peace treaties. Not least because Silvaria\u2019s army was joined by an unprecedented relief army: a force of Drakes and Golems from Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n Archmage Zelkyr led ranks of glimmering Golems onto the field, smashing through the ranks of infantry as undead fought from the other flank. [Knights] charged past the Golems\u2014and, Trey realized, Golem-[Knights] riding Golem horses!<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNow, Izril and Terandria were unified, albeit through the Archmages, if not individual nations. Silvaria\u2019s power rose, as to challenge the nation was to challenge Archmage Chandler. Similarly\u2014Archmage Zelkyr established his own authority at the culmination of the Naga Incursions, nearly six years after the end of that war. It was then when he made the breakthrough of his lifetime. The first Truestone Golem was unveiled. Cognita of Truestone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A beautiful giant, Human woman made of what seemed like marble stood on the battlefield. Her hands folded. A Drake stood beside her, looking proud, nearly fifty years of age. Across from him, the Archmage of Death stood, watching an army in the distance.<\/p>\n Eldavin looked at Cognita. He shook his head and turned away.<\/p>\n \u201cTruestone, the most powerful stone in existence. Not only that; Cognita is one of the Cognizant-class Golems, which are considered to be people. Stitchfolk are an example of this type of Golem. Short of leveling, Cognizant-class Golems mimic the living in every way. In creating her, and rediscovering Truestone, Zelkyr cemented his position as the great creator of Golems during his age. He would later remove all his rivals. By force if necessary. Within ten years, no [Golem Artificer] capable of creating Sentient-class Golems was known to exist\u2014save for those apprenticed to Zelkyr himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t\u2014did he, Grand Strategist?\u201d<\/p>\n Uneasily, one of the younger [Strategists] glanced at Chaldion. The old Drake was silent. Eldavin went on, eyes locked on the viewers.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring her first appearance, Cognita of Truestone proved her worth. The [Archmage] of Baleros had taken to the field to support the Naga forces on Izril, possibly attempting to emulate Perril Chandler\u2019s success. That he did was undeniable. However, Archmage Zelkyr engaged the Naga armies with Archmage Chandler. There\u2014Cognita slew the [Archmage] of Baleros, one of two [Archmages] she would kill in battle.\u201d<\/p>\n The Naga [Archmage] fell, recoiling as the form of Cognita moved through the Lizardfolk army like a statue through water, effortlessly parting them.<\/p>\n Feor\u2019s mouth went dry as he stared at the image. It did not show the end. He slowly turned his head.<\/p>\n Cognita stood alone in the banquet hall. Her own, delicate, large hands clenched. She looked at Eldavin.<\/p>\n Why was he telling this story?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThereafter, Archmages Zelkyr and Chandler enjoyed few rivals. They were acclaimed world-wide. Famous. Their friendship was the stuff of legends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBreak down that damn door!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Fissival [Mages] were shouting in fury. Yet the door refused to budge.<\/em> Calanfer was sending a complaint and a demand to halt this broadcast every minute. Eldavin paused to sip from a glass of water he conjured. After a second, he went on.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was the golden era of both Archmages. Despite, as I have mentioned, indications that Zelkyr became ruthless in how he approached competition and acquiring increasingly esoteric materials, Archmage Chandler\u2019s conduct was beyond reproach. For ten years almost, they enjoyed unparalleled fame and fortune.\u201d<\/p>\n This was where the image of Perril and Zelkyr had come from, shaking hands, enjoying themselves at banquets. Talking, as Perril spoke to Cognita.<\/p>\n First Cognita. Then, as time went on, another Truestone Golem. Then a third. Three women. First, Cognita, Human. Then, a Gnoll, also made of the same material. Finally? A Centaur. All three were the same height, towering behind Zelkyr wherever he went.<\/p>\n Eldavin let the music play as he stood there, watching the scenes flash by with everyone else. When he turned\u2026Cara felt it. The change in the narrative was evident on the half-Elf\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cIt may have been that this would be the legacy of both Archmages, until they passed of natural causes. But alas, as all will know who study history, this did not occur. The fall of Archmage Chandler\u2026and Archmage Zelkyr is the story I must tell you now.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash and Cognita started. The [Necromancer] had frozen in time, watching. Now\u2014a single figure appeared. The dead man felt a flash of anger. Even now.<\/p>\n King Redoris, sitting on his throne, looked troubled. Especially as he watched the two dancing figures. Lady Bea, and Archmage Chandler. Eldavin stood by Redoris, glancing down at him in disapproval.<\/p>\n \u201cAs so happens, the impetus towards the disaster that felled Archmage Chandler was not of his own doing. He could have halted it. However, I, Eldavin, will always say this: for all the horror he has wrought and the legacy which he deserves\u2014it was not he who betrayed first. That was one man. King Redoris of Silvaria. Last of his line.\u201d<\/p>\n He bent, slowly, looking down at the [King], his displeasure evident.<\/p>\n \u201cKing Redoris was not a poor [King]. Nor was he a great one. If anything, his fault was purely that whatever his achievements diplomatically, with his nation, they were overshadowed by Archmage Chandler. This fact did not wear at him at first, yet it grew over time. Aided, I think, by the relationship between Lady Bea, still considered to be the most lovely woman in Silvaria, and Perril Chandler. The [King] is known to have courted her with little success.\u201d<\/p>\n He shook his head as Redoris clapped his hands, calling an end to the dance to make a pronouncement or some such. Eldavin sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cA greater man could have happily walked in the shadow of the Archmage of Death, and counted him as both friend and subject. Not King Redoris. As his envy grew, so too did the events that compounded his jealousy and added to Perril Chandler\u2019s fame. Consider the Uprisings of Left\u2014a rebellion that occurred when the now-wealthier farmers employing undead labor objected to the crown increasing taxes to punitive levels to make the most of the richness of Silvaria\u2019s fields.\u201d<\/p>\n Angry [Farmers] swelled, leaving their fields, joined by groups of people, protesting against [Mayors] and local nobles and governors.<\/p>\n \u201cThey rose in uprising, and the local army\u2019s attempts to quell the rebellion, as such things often did, swelled their numbers as angry [Soldiers] whose pay had been reduced\u2014ironically due to the Archmage of Death\u2019s reputation preventing conflicts\u2014joined the citizenry instead of attacking them. This was a mismanagement of King Redoris\u2019, of course, and to deal with the issue, he mobilized a grand force with Silvaria\u2019s best forces loyal to him. To crush the rebellion in what would surely be a bloody move.\u201d<\/p>\n A force of grim warriors began to march on the larger, if woefully outmatched army of nearly a hundred thousand rebels. Eldavin froze the apprehensive citizenry.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce again, as he had proven over his life, it was Archmage Chandler who intervened. This time to save the very common folk of whom he was descended. He had not forgotten from whence he came.\u201d<\/p>\n The Archmage of Death appeared in front of Silvaria\u2019s army. Both sides stopped, apprehensive. The man held up a hand, and Silvaria\u2019s army fell back. Alone, the Archmage of Death turned to face the rebels and drew his rapier, holding up a bone-white staff in the other. The rebels stared at him, mouths agog.<\/p>\n \u201cTo save his [King] from creating a massacre, the Archmage of Death stood in front of the rebel army, nearly a hundred thousand strong and challenged them to single combat. He declared that for the honor of Silvaria, he would face them one at a time, without magic if need be.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin\u2019s lips quirked.<\/p>\n \u201cNeedless to say, the rebels dispersed rather than take Archmage Chandler\u2019s challenge, and he personally prevailed on the crown to grant clemency and reduce the burden of taxes. This made him a hero, and King Redoris\u2019 jealousy over Perril Chandler greater. It was said of that time that the Archmage of Death was a greater source of pride to Silvaria\u2019s people than that of their [King]. Small wonder of what came next.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin\u2019s head bowed. Then rose. Light flashed\u2014and King Redoris sat, speaking eagerly to someone from afar, via a scrying orb of his own.<\/p>\n \u201cJealous, seeking some way to diminish his former friend, Redoris searched for some means to entrap Perril Chandler. He found it, ironically, in an act of \u2018justice\u2019. Rhir.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Cognita\u2014Az\u2019kerash\u2014the Blighted King, all moved. Othius looked at the retelling. He had been young then. He had been\u2014his hands began to shake.<\/p>\n \u201cIn those days, the Blighted Kingdom was yet at war, but the Demon\u2019s incursions grew stronger. The Deaths of the Demon King pushed back the armies of Rhir. So King Redoris saw his chance. He declared war, and ordered the Archmage of Death and a coalition of Terandrian nations to take arms against the eternal foe.\u201d<\/p>\n The Archmage of Death bowed uncertainly in front of Redoris. Lady Bea watched, nervously, as Redoris gave a speech.<\/p>\n \u201cNot only Terandria. Where Chandler went, Zelkyr went too, sensing another way to cement his legacy and prove his creations\u2019 power. Perhaps even increase his own, as his level had meant a plateauing of his own abilities. Seeing this moment, as the two great Archmages of their time went to battle, the other nations allied with Rhir sent their forces. A great host descended on Rhir.\u201d<\/p>\n Warships by the hundreds sailed towards a sky filled with explosions. Soldiers raced across the ground, armies of the undead, Golems. Eldavin\u2019s voice darkened.<\/p>\n \u201cA mighty host, not least because the twin armies of undead and Golems were considered unmatched when they acted in concert. Faced against all the world\u2019s powers were the Demons! It was seemingly a war that would end with ease. I caution you, viewers and listeners, to remember this: even as you rage against the Demons of Rhir and hell\u2014remember there are always other sides to the story.\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated. Closed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAlas, this is not the time to tell them. Suffice it to say that arrogance may have seized Zelkyr, perhaps even Archmage Chandler at their abilities. The vast armies, the mighty allies they had made gave rise to incaution, especially among the Blighted King of that time. They advanced, pressing the Demons without rest. Until the great champions of the Demon King appeared. The Deathless.\u201d<\/p>\n A dot appeared in the skies. At this\u2014Othius made a sound. Richard, Emily, the other Earthers, flinched.<\/em> Tom giggled.<\/p>\n It was her. The Death of Magic.<\/em> Yet the single dot became two. Then\u2014three.<\/p>\n Two more giant figures appeared on the ground, and even the undead and Golems halted in uncertainty.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Death of Magic, the Death of Wings, and the Death of Chains took to the air. On the ground, the Death of Voices and the Death of Dust appeared. Five of the Deathless clashed with the two [Archmages] and the heroes of that age. And\u2014they pushed the undefeatable pair back.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash saw it again.<\/p>\n The laughing half-Elf, diving out of the skies along with the great leader of wings, which Garuda and Oldblood Drakes alike fled before, children before an adult. <\/em><\/p>\n The laughing Death of Chains, coming towards him. Met by a furious call. He lifted a hand, bleeding, staggering.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cKharneva! Stop\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Too late, the giant Gnoll leapt forwards, fiercest, second of Zelkyr\u2019s greatest creations. Cognita was battling the Death of Voices in a world of silence. Perril saw\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe second of Zelkyr\u2019s Truestone Golems faced the Deathless of the Demons and perished on Rhir.\u201d<\/p>\n Cognita\u2019s mouth opened. She made no sound\u2014yet she still heard it. The howl, as the Death of Voices died. She heard it from her master, from her sister.<\/p>\n Eldavin stood, eyes blazing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Deathless broke the armies sent against them. And one of the Truestone Golems. Archmages Zelkyr and Chandler retreated rather than face greater losses, both wounded. The Deathless triumphed. At cost! Two of their kind ended there, for all their namesake, the other three so badly wounded they were presumed deceased, though their bodies never discovered. We now know at least one survived. However, the war was so bitter that not even the Blighted Kingdom had the stomach to continue to fight. It was here where the end of this tale was planted.\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake knelt on the ground, staring at a broken bit of Truestone. Zelkyr. He did not move as his two damaged creations touched his shoulder gently.<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr\u2026later.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin sounded pained. He turned.<\/p>\n \u201cBy the time Archmage Chandler returned to Silvaria, his reputation had changed. That he had fought with valor did not change the fact that Silvaria\u2019s armies had been decimated. However, the loss of reputation was added to by Redoris\u2019 actions during his absence. The King of Silvaria began outlawing undead. He claimed they caused disease, pointing to cases where undead killed innocents. Perhaps\u2014and this is speculation\u2014he even allowed the bindings on some undead to lapse.\u201d<\/p>\n Chandler stood in a hostile court, most turned against him, bowing nearly prostate before Redoris. The older [King]\u2019s face was set, and the only two who stood behind Perril were Lady Bea, and the Lightherald, who had come to support his friend.<\/p>\n \u201cThese were the first of the allegations put against Archmage Chandler. Talk of sedition against the throne, plots with enemy nations followed. Added to that, unlucky circumstance led a cabal of [Necromancers], perhaps hired, although perhaps simply foolish, to create a greater undead.\u201d<\/p>\n Shadows grew over the projection. Something<\/em> moved, spilling forth lesser undead as Thronebearers and other [Knights] struck at something and were seized.<\/p>\n \u201cA Wailing Pit\u2014an amalgamation of the undead\u2014was allowed to grow to horrendous size. There it transformed into, well, catastrophe. I will not show the image to viewers, but the horror was only brought low when the Lightherald and Archmage of Death personally slew it after five days of battle.\u201d<\/p>\n The Thronebearer, the golden [Knight], removing his visor to be sick and stare at something clouded from view. He turned\u2014and his shining gaze was no longer as confident as it had been. He stared long at Archmage Chandler, whose head was bowed with exhaustion and sorrow.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not prolong this.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin stood at Archmage Chandler\u2019s side as King Redoris pointed a finger, hurling accusations with his court. The half-Elf spoke as the Archmage of Death was escorted away\u2014under guard.<\/p>\n \u201cKing Redoris\u2019 desires came true. However, Lady Bea and those who recalled Archmage Chandler\u2019s deeds did not abandon him even as his reputation among Silvaria\u2019s people vanished within a year\u2019s time. How quickly they forgot all he had done. Perhaps Redoris would have left it there\u2014if not for Bea. Three years passed as Archmage Chandler retreated from Silvaria, attending Wistram, where Archmage Zelkyr\u2019s actions had grown increasingly\u2026erratic. However, we must finish with Chandler. Three years\u2014until it was discovered that a plot had been engaged against Redoris.\u201d<\/p>\n The [King] fell from his table at a banquet, choking. A needle was plucked from his throat. Bone<\/em>. Pale as death, [Healers] rushed to cure him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was said that Perril Chandler had conspired to remove him, believing he was unfit to rule. Perhaps there was too much weight to this, as King Redoris had proven himself increasingly poor as a [King].\u201d<\/p>\n The wealth of Silvaria had turned sour, impoverished people creeping back into the view of the kingdom. Corruption as well. Yet, within the moment, as Redoris lay in bed, Archmage Chandler was seized by [Knights] bearing Silvaria\u2019s crest.<\/p>\n \u201cThe accusation was leveled against the Archmage of Death. He denied it, yet truth spells were procured, seemingly in front of the entire court.\u201d<\/p>\n The Necromancer raised his finger. Now. Then.<\/p>\n \u201cLies! Your Majesty, I have never been anything but faithful!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Redoris stared at him, as pale as death, eyes full of hate.<\/p>\n \u201cMaster?\u201d<\/p>\n Venitra saw Az\u2019kerash on his feet, shouting. He had left his rooms. Entered the grand, ruined marble hall, where he had once danced. The same one as in the scrying mirror.<\/em><\/p>\n Whoa. Toren stared at the hall, and at the scrying mirror. Had Az\u2019kerash redecorated it like his home? Or was this a coincidence? He scratched at his skull, then heard the Necromancer screaming.<\/p>\n \u201cI committed no treachery. These are lies put against me. I have always been loyal to Silvaria. Believe me\u2014Bea? Bea?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He turned. He did not see the Plague Zombie, frozen in place. He looked around, almost perfectly copying the Archmage Chandler in the scrying orb.<\/p>\n Lady Bea stood with the Lightherald, refusing to meet his eyes. The [Knight]\u2019s face was grim. Perril Chandler\u2019s hand lowered. He looked around.<\/p>\n The half-Elf stood at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that hour, no one stood by the Archmage\u2019s side. Archmage Zelkyr had vanished in the upper floors of Wistram and could not be found. His friends? Their minds were poisoned, their doubts overtook them. Perril Chandler was sentenced to death for the crimes against the throne. He was executed the next day.\u201d<\/p>\n A limp man lay in a square, filled by jeering people. He looked up, as a distant man made a slashing gesture with one hand. He called out, but the magic sapped his strength through the manacles. He was chained a hundred ways.<\/p>\n He might have broken out, even then. Yet there was nothing in him to fight back. He only roused himself once, as the axe swung up.<\/p>\n \u201cI will never forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n The image cut before the axe struck home. There was only silence. Blackness.<\/p>\n Eldavin\u2019s voice spoke, but no image appeared.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Archmage of Death died alone. What came next is known. No man rose, but the Necromancer of Terandria. His magics kept him alive, twisting his honor and valor in life to all but the hatred of betrayal in death. When he returned, ten years later, he destroyed Silvaria. King Redoris and Queen Bea died. Undead tore the palace apart. The citizens fled, those that were not massacred by the hundreds of thousands.\u201d<\/p>\n No image. Eldavin spoke into the darkness. To Az\u2019kerash, if the Necromancer listened. I know why. I oppose you now, but I have seen your fall. I pity you.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI condone none of what came next. I only explain why it occurred. Armies assailed the Necromancer, the appalled nations of Terandria. They fought\u2014retreated\u2014unable to quell his wrath. Only when the Lightherald of Calanfer sacrificed his life was the Necromancer killed. Yet again and again he would rise, to haunt Terandria for a century afterwards. On Izril he met his fate. Yet his name lives in infamy, such that [Necromancers] are feared even to this day.\u201d<\/p>\n Two men stood in the darkness. One, pale as death. White-haired. Eyes black, save for the white pupils. The second, an Archmage with a rapier, smiling, standing proudly. Eldavin looked at the living man.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was Archmage Chandler, a tragedy not unique to this world. Nevertheless, I remember<\/em> the man who was called the Undying Shield of Calanfer, who inspired Rhir to create [Necromancer] groups based after him. He was honorable, and perhaps, his greatest failing was that he placed his loyalty in a poorer man than he himself was.\u201d<\/p>\n He lifted a finger and both vanished.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, for Archmage Zelkyr. If you have listened, viewers, my audience, you will have seen a disparity. The same Drake who was exiled for theft from Fissival did reach great heights. Yet accusations that only touched Archmage Chandler at the end followed him all his life. Intimidation, blackmail, smuggling, and arrogance not least.\u201d<\/p>\n Cognita jerked. She turned from the scrying orb. At last, she fixed on Eldavin.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf went on. The Truestone Golem began to move, carrying the scrying orb.<\/p>\n \u201cMany great [Mages] have their faults. However, Zelkyr\u2019s have seldom been remarked upon. Know this: he did slay his rivals. When he was at the height of his power, the other \u2018Archmages\u2019 save for Perril Chandler did not have access to the same places he did. His Golems held order in Wistram by force of power. The rooms of old Archmages, their treasures, were Zelkyr\u2019s alone. This greed, this desire to\u2026hoard\u2026<\/em>only grew worse after Rhir.\u201d<\/p>\n Cognita was moving faster. She wanted to silence the voice! She should have, but she had been spellbound by Zelkyr as even she had not known! Now\u2014she was running, but the scrying studio was so far\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cAfter Rhir, Zelkyr beheld a flaw in his creations. One of his Truestone Golems had been destroyed. The pinnacle of his art had not been perfect enough. He turned increasingly reclusive, searching for greater power still. Entire months would pass where he roamed the heights of Wistram Academy, where the great magics of old are still left. No one could follow, as his Golems protected the gateway, as they do even now. The only person who could talk to him as an equal, his friend, was suffering his own troubles in Silvaria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaster, it has been weeks since you spoke to any but us! What of Archmage Chandler? What if you saw him?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Leave me be, Cognita.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was older. She loved him still. Yet he\u2014did not love her. She reached out.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat if we kept you company?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI said, leave me. I don\u2019t need\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He shoved at her, too weak to move her an inch of course, but the slight push hurt more than\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n Eldavin\u2019s voice echoed through the orb as Cognita began to run. [Mages] scattered out of her way like flies.<\/p>\n \u201cLegend he was. Hero? I\u2026debate that. Zelkyr\u2019s great talent was not matched by love of his cities, for all he enjoyed his fame there. He was loyal to Wistram in the same way. Soon, no one, not even Archmages, could venture the higher floors. Any who tried, died. This is known as Zelkyr\u2019s test. Of course, whenever he returned, he would allow some above, under guidance, those he trusted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Magus Eldavin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Viltach looked up and heard the booming voice. His blood ran cold. Viltach had never<\/em> heard Cognita shout. He moved back from the door he and the other [Mages] were trying to crack. The scorched stones seemed to vibrate as a huge figure ran down the hallway.<\/p>\n \u201cOne day, Archmage Zelkyr never returned from his trips. Years passed. He was declared dead, yet his Golems hold their tasks faithfully. It may be Zelkyr is alive. The Necromancer would certainly be despite the passage of time\u2014if he had not been slain for good<\/em>, of course. If so, we do not know. All we do know is that Zelkyr\u2019s orders have led to Wistram Academy losing its great magic of old.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Magus Eldavin! Desist!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A trace of her voice boomed through the door. Eldavin glanced to his left. Cognita struck the door once, more like a knock. The half-Elf\u2014did not.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014greed of one Drake\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Magus!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was an echo now. The door\u2014shook. Eldavin spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI conclude with this: the legends of old have their failings. One, a nightmare, was honorable in life. The second\u2019s legacy, however great, has damaged magic by selfishness. Greed. In the end\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Cognita\u2019s fist struck the door. The explosion of magic, sound, and light, blew apart the recording. The [Mages] flattened themselves.<\/p>\n The projection went dead. Drassi and Sir Relz, sitting with buckets of popcorn, suddenly appeared. They looked at the screen, at each other\u2014then swiveled around.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that?<\/em> Was that\u2014Cognita? I swear I saw a fist before\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think we just lost Grand Magus Eldavin. This was\u2014I apologize to all my Drake viewers. This\u2014this\u2014this can\u2019t be\u2014I\u2019ve read my history books. It\u2019s biased. Seditious!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cScandalous?\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cLibelous!\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Relz pounded the desk. He looked around. Then began to hurriedly speak, as chaos was thrown into the broadcasting studio.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Wistram, Eldavin stared up, coughing in the dust, blinking after so long in the projected illusion. He looked up at a woman seemingly made of pale marble. Who had featured in his story so many times.<\/p>\n \u201cCognita Amerwing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEldavin. What have you done?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured at the scrying orb, which was reflecting the Drakes. The Truestone Golem\u2019s eyes were flashing. Literally\u2014changing. Yet the half-Elf faced her down. [Mages] stared in at the door, trying to hear, afraid to get closer.<\/p>\n \u201cI have told a story. A historical account as I saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLies. You insult my master.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I did. There was quite a bit to insult, you know. Out of deference to you, I did not repeat the more unsavory elements.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin looked up at the huge Golem. She was\u2026shaking. Her hands clenched.<\/p>\n \u201cYou dare. You\u2014Archmage Zelkyr was the greatest [Mage] to live!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was a great [Mage]. A poorer parent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo not speak of him so!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She swung a fist. Viltach heard a boom<\/em> of sound ripple through the hallways. Half the [Mages] ran for it\u2014he retreated down the hallway.<\/p>\n Eldavin never moved. He stared at the fist striking the wall, up at Cognita, and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was not perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilence!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She screamed. And it was a scream, now. Eldavin shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not be. It hurts, doesn\u2019t it? But you are too old to be a child. Listen to me, Cognita. Your master was not perfect. If you cannot acknowledge that\u2014you cannot acknowledge reality. Love him, of course. Hate me for insulting him; that is what offspring do. But do not deny the truth.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She looked down at him, quivering with rage.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did you do this? Why?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin looked up at her. When he spoke, his voice was tired. Direct, firm, yet kind.<\/p>\n \u201cAll children must confront the failings of their parents. Or how else would we see how they rise?\u201d<\/p>\n She turned away from him, too furious to speak. Eldavin spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cCognita\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will regret this.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all she could think to say. At this, the half-Elf did<\/em> laugh.<\/p>\n \u201cThreats? Cognita, my dear. Listen to me. I am not what you should fear. If words strike you this painfully\u2014ask yourself why.\u201d<\/p>\n She began to stumble from the room, heedless of the staring [Mages]. She had to get away\u2014Eldavin\u2019s voice rose.<\/p>\n \u201cYou cannot hide from the truth. Cognita!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She was gone. Eldavin stepped out of the broken scrying room, looking after her. He ignored Viltach.<\/p>\n \u201cCognita. We will settle this soon.\u201d<\/p>\n With that, the Dragon carelessly walked down the hallways, ignoring the uproar he had set upon the world and annals of history. He had no time for the fallout. That was but a means to many ends.<\/p>\n There was a song from Earth that had been in the collection of one of the Earthers and on the laptop. He found himself humming it, absently. It was a song about not<\/em> wanting to set the world on fire.<\/p>\n He found that so\u2026incredibly amusing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Condemnation from the Walled Cities and Terandrian nations. Outrage, and of course, stories.<\/p>\n How many people had known the deprivations of the undead hordes led by the Necromancer? So many families could remember those times of terror, generation to generation, cementing his terrible legend.<\/p>\n Izril as well; the Necromancer\u2019s hordes had not had the same time to destroy, but the antipathy towards the undead ran deep.<\/p>\n Pallass News Network, now free of Eldavin\u2019s control and apologizing in between coverage and call-ins, covered all this.<\/p>\n And yet. Listen\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, after hearing this story again, I recall that man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2014you do, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf sat on an overgrown tree stump, looking somewhat perplexed at the attention and scrying orb, which he didn\u2019t really understand yet.<\/p>\n \u201cHe visited our village once. Archmage Chandler, yes. Though he never used such titles. A very humble man, who came to learn from our village\u2019s [Sword Master]. I heard of him, of course. The Undying Shield of Calanfer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2014er\u2014but of course you know his legacy afterwards?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf\u2019s face clouded. He nodded, his grey locks of hair moving in the breeze. A few of the older half-Elves listening nodded too.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were forced to repel undead several times. Yet I remember the man, Archmage Chandler, was thought of very highly. I never credited how he became a monster.\u201d<\/p>\n Naturally, Sir Relz took care to fill the next half hour with people who had no trouble recollecting family killed by the Necromancer or undead in general. There it was, though.<\/p>\n A single note among what had been a universal melody.<\/p>\n Wall Lord Ilvriss heard it. Not least in a Drake youth, his or her scales dyed pitch black and white, covering their face as they were interviewed by a [Mage].<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve always<\/em> known the tale of Az\u2019kerash! That\u2019s why we learn his magic! It\u2019s the lies of the Walled Cities\u2014and kingdoms! He\u2019s an inspiration to [Necromancers]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n That segment cut off quickly as Sir Relz made a slashing gesture. Some actual [Necromancers] had come out to speak about the topical issue, a dangerous move since Pallass was actively trying to figure out where that Drake was.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n Osthia Blackwing looked at his face as the Wall Lord sat in the room of the inn they\u2019d rented on their trip. Everyone else had vacated the room, seeing his expression and knowing the history.<\/p>\n \u201cHm, Captain Blackwing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think this Eldavin knows?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss\u2019 eyes narrowed. He could not understand why else\u2014unless it was Zelkyr? It certainly seemed like someone had objected to the commentary. Osthia looked at the purple-scaled Drake, warily, yet the Wall Lord showed no signs of fury as some Drakes were doing.<\/p>\n \u201cThis documentary\u2014historical account? Does it bother you, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe, Captain Blackwing? No\u2026no. It\u2019s illuminating. Know your enemy. A classic tragedy\u2014I know Drake parallels. Should it anger me?\u201d<\/p>\n She hesitated, gesturing at the scrying orb, where a Lizardgirl was cheerfully speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cI quite liked it! Wistram should do more of those\u2014and we definitely lost the Foothold Wars! That\u2019s what we call them. Archmage Chandler was so cool! Maybe I\u2019ll take up necromancy! I don\u2019t see what all the fuss is about\u2014hey! Wait, I wasn\u2019t f<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss looked at the scrying orb. He remembered the man, Archmage Chandler, and shook his head slowly. Yes, he had seen the honor of the Human man, plain to see, if Eldavin\u2019s account was truthful, and he felt it was.<\/p>\n \u201cSo what? If words were enough to change my hatred for him, I would not be here. What he did and has done, Captain Blackwing, cannot be changed by a sympathetic story of the past. It explains. It does not condone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir. Of course, you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His crimes and sins were unchanged. If there was a change\u2014it might be in those who listened.<\/p>\n Pisces Jealnet sat there, wishing he had a copy of the entire broadcast so he could listen again. He looked at the rapier at his side, an imitation of the legend. He was not the only one.<\/p>\n \u201cA regrettable tale. One I, personally, find indicative of bias against death magic. A Terandrian failing. Nevertheless, it illustrates the real danger of the undead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2014you<\/em> would like to reassure the audience of that point, your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Relz and Noass traded glances. Fetohep of Khelt nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWho else would know better? Necromancy is not to be taken lightly. Az\u2019kerash\u2019s name has tarnished the reputation of nations such as mine, which is unfortunate. I expected the stigma would last another two hundred years at least. Perhaps only a century, now. I hasten to assure viewers that my<\/em> nation tolerates no wayward undead, if one is but fortunate enough to visit illustrious Khelt. Which few are.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused a moment to sip from the magical liquid in the goblet he was holding. Sir Relz and Noass traded looks. They had intended a hostile take-down segment, but Fetohep was surprising them.<\/p>\n \u201cI lived through the life of Archmage Chandler, when he was but a boy, of course. He was never able to visit Khelt, although perhaps I should have extended the invitation. Hindsight mocks even one such as I. This tale? Hubris and mortal failings of rulers. If you came to ask if I would condemn him, I say yes. Yes, for I care little for destruction and death such as the Necromancer wrought. I encourage all to remember pity, however. Sympathy, for he served a poorer man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Pity. Also, admiration.<\/p>\n For the first time in nearly a century, a [Duelist] demonstrated to a live audience Chandler\u2019s Rebuke, a magic-sword form, and the fencing techniques of a [Mage].<\/p>\n He listened, to young [Necromancers] who had begun magic because of him. The arguments, the few voices quickly stamped out by the two Drakes in the studio.<\/p>\n If the documentary mattered to anyone, perhaps it was him. The Necromancer\u2019s head was bowed. He did not know this Eldavin. He suspected\u2026his thoughts tried to focus on consequence and reaction, plots and schemes.<\/p>\n All he could remember was the feeling in his fingers. His heart. He took a breath, unconsciously. Perril Chandler looked at the castle, rennovated in imitation of Silvaria\u2019s, around him.<\/p>\n Bea.<\/em> His Chosen. His\u2026<\/p>\n He sank to his knees, wishing perhaps he had the craft to turn back time. If he did\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cZelkyr.\u201d<\/p>\n The Necromancer recalled his honor, his pride. An enchanted sword stabbed through his spine would have hurt less.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like a sniper of hearts, Eldavin hit his marks. Most were accidental casualties. He had two main targets, and the second of them stormed through Wistram.<\/p>\n She would not forgive this. Eldavin must suffer. He must pay.<\/em><\/p>\n Already, the expressions of the [Mages] had changed. She heard their whispers, through the other Golems. Now\u2014they mocked her master. Dared to question, even looked at her like\u2014<\/p>\n She had not considered any [Mage] in Wistram her enemy for a long time. Not a threat, unless she knew what they planned. Now, her thoughts focused on one [Mage]. One individual, whom she<\/em> could neither understand nor fully identify. Who\u2026knew\u2026too much.<\/p>\n What would she do? Attack him? Cognita had never taken part in the politics of Wistram. If he challenged the test, that was one thing. She struggled, at odds with her orders, yet knowing something must be done.<\/p>\n She tried to block his words from her head. As night fell, Cognita swept the halls, looking for anything to crush. Wayward experiments, undead from the catacombs\u2014every [Mage] who saw her moved out of the way.<\/p>\n Trey Atwood and the other students, the Earthers, and even the Archmages gossiped and talked about what had passed. Yet again, Eldavin had astonished them all. Wistram vibrated, and more than one eye in other continents turned to Wistram.<\/p>\n Such as Magnolia Reinhart, who now wanted to know why<\/em> Eldavin was there. How could she ask? Some rulers wondered who this Grand Magus was, and inquiries were made to utterly no avail.<\/p>\n Even the frustrated ___ had no clue. Emerrhain\u2019s time ended as the potency of the two moons reached its zenith, having expended his time beforehand. He left Aaron, uncertain of what was to come.<\/p>\n Two moons blazed with light in the sky, giving power to those who wielded it. The Raskghar, the rituals of the Circle of Thorns, those who touched such magic.<\/p>\n Eldavin breathed in and out as he climbed the stairs. He\u2019d tripped again. Just when he thought he had a hold of these stupid feet. He pinched at a bloody nose and sighed as the bleeding stopped.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is why one applies barrier spells all the time, <\/em>eh?\u201d<\/p>\n He remarked to the air as he pushed open the double doors. His voice echoed loudly in the room beyond. The Grand Magus reached into his bag of holding.<\/p>\n \u201cNosebleeds. Why design such a fragile instrument if it is going to constantly fill with snot and such? Well, all species have their foibles, but I\u2019ve always thought noses<\/em> were so unappealing.\u201d<\/p>\n He began tossing something out of his bag of holding. Mithril dust. Eldavin drew a glowing orb and looked around for a good place to expand the contents within.<\/p>\n \u201cTo add to my comments\u2014everyone thinks bags of holding are all that. Such that they completely forget<\/em> that there are other, better, forms of compression or containment! Noses are not the be-all, end-all to olfactory superiority. Ah, but why am I talking about this now?\u201d<\/p>\n He placed the orb down, watched it expand. Then he coughed, waved at his face.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes noses can be too effective.<\/em> Pshaw! I am not<\/em> engaging in a challenge of any sort. Be. Gone.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached out and poked something. There was a hesitation in the air. Eldavin walked away, conjuring a breeze of fresh air. He continued muttering about noses as he paced the floor, putting more dust just so, another contained framework of spells\u2014<\/p>\n The four Golems watched him pace back and forth in front of them.<\/em> The flaming Golem of magma. The thirty-foot tall, spindly Golem of metal with legs like razors.<\/p>\n The Armored Golem, gigantic and imposing, but plainly armored, with a shield and sword.<\/p>\n The invisible Golem of flesh, following Eldavin at a remove, uncertainly.<\/p>\n Cognita of Truestone ran, <\/em>her footsteps thundering in the halls of Wistram. As most mages slept, all ignorant of what was happening, she raced upwards, and burst into the great room and the sealed door just in time to see Eldavin finish sketching whatever magical design he\u2019d laid on the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cEldavin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The four Golems plus Cognita stirred. Heat beyond endurance, the pure font of a volcano\u2019s wrath surged in the Magma Golem. The Shadowflesh Golem roared, and the Wireform Golem readied a piercing blade. The Armored Golem brought up sword and shield as the half-Elf carelessly turned.<\/p>\n \u201cCognita. I do apologize for interrupting you at this late hour. However, I thought it was time. Don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n The Truestone Golem halted, staring at the glowing sigils deployed around the grand room. The wards on the far door were untampered with. Eldavin was alone, yet even the four mightiest Golems in the lower floors beside herself had hesitated to attack.<\/p>\n She had not expected this.<\/em> So soon after the broadcast? She had thought\u2014<\/p>\n The air was humming<\/em> with power. Eldavin\u2019s eyes, the mismatched heliotropes, were reflecting the magical authority in the room. He opened his eyes, a beatific smile on his face. Grandfatherly.<\/p>\n She felt a tremor run through her body. He was alone.<\/em> But he had dared to come here, after her warnings.<\/p>\n Dozens of [Mages] had assailed this room. The Grand Magus stood by himself.<\/em> She feared him more than even the first to try her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you\u2026doing?\u201d<\/p>\n She had no breath to catch. Her body was changing, Truestone\u2019s nature altering without giving any sign externally. The four Golems were moving, spreading out around the room.<\/p>\n \u201cCome now, young woman. Didn\u2019t you warn me last time? Consider this\u2026a challenge. I told you we would settle this. Unfortunately, I have little patience for waiting about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou? You will challenge the might of the Archmage of Golems by yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf\u2019s brows snapped together. He looked around, superciliously.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see anyone else with me. Yes, I challenge the Archmage of Golems\u2019<\/em> might. Or rather, yours. Cognita Amerwing. Have you not seen what your master\u2019s designs have done to the Academy of Mages? The world needs magic. Zelkyr has turned Wistram into a petty, squabbling group of children. I say: enough. Don\u2019t you? Don\u2019t you grow tired of this duty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is not\u2026for you to say.\u201d<\/p>\n A wobble entered Cognita\u2019s voice, and the Golems in the room stuttered a moment. She felt another vibration. She looked down. It was her.<\/p>\n Is this my end? Why is he so confident?<\/em> The charge of mana was building. She spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Magus, desist or die. This is your last warning. You will not so easily destroy us. Or have you not listened to your own lessons on history?\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin stopped. He was standing in the center of the vast magical array, more complex than even she was readily familiar with. His face, for the first time, betrayed astonishment. It was enough to make Cognita hesitate, for all the opening it provoked.<\/p>\n \u201cDestroy\u2026is that what you thought I was here to do? Child. Cognita. Have you\u2014? Dear girl. I am not here to destroy you. I am here to set you free.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He lifted a hand. Cognita moved. Her outer shell of marble-white stone transformed<\/em>, turning into another type of rock. Contained power flashed through the translucent, topaz-bright, battle form. A single strike carried her across nearly a hundred feet in a moment.<\/p>\n She had killed more [Mages] than any other being in Wistram. Killed them as they stood here in bravery, defiance, arrogance, sometimes before they could react. She lunged, as the four Golems moved.<\/p>\n A magical web struck her. She tore through the bright bindings appearing around the magical array\u2019s edge. She could destroy lesser spells! Time ran differently for Cognita. Her true speed in this formation of her body put her in a different world. Eldavin was frozen, his mouth moving at a crawl.<\/p>\n A second layer of magical tripwires, bursting as she rammed through them. This was what he\u2019d been preparing! Overconfident, though. Eldavin was frozen as Cognita\u2019s fist swung up\u2014<\/p>\n Then he moved. Looked at her.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDear child. You\u2019re quite fast.\u201d<\/p>\n He spoke, in the flashes between seconds they occupied. His voice spoke and he stepped out of the way before she completed her lunge. Cognita\u2019s mind flashed with shock, then fear.<\/p>\n He was moving faster than she was.<\/em><\/p>\n [Greater Time Slow]. Eldavin pivoted, and the array came to life. The broken magical webs that Cognita had so easily torn through suddenly shifted<\/em> in midair. Became stronger, powerful bindings that shot towards the center of the array even as the Truestone Golem tried to turn. Too late, Cognita realized\u2014it wasn\u2019t an attack array! It was a trap\u2014<\/p>\n Black cords of magic ensnared her. Bone-pale ropes of magic. Burning loops of light! She recognized some of them!<\/p>\n [The Bindings of Belavierr]! [Chains of Ivory], [Greater Light Bindings]\u2014dozens <\/em>of spells, bursting and wrapping around her.<\/p>\n \u201cFree me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She bellowed to the other Golems as they ensnared her, head to toe. She tried to change her body, shifting her stone. Anti-magic ore variants? No\u2014strength\u2014<\/p>\n Then she realized her movements were slow. Her mind felt\u2026sluggish. More runes activated in the center of the array. Gravity spells. [Slow] effects, and the varied bindings were calculated to fight her nature. One single spell she could break by countering it. So many\u2014<\/p>\n This man knows how to fight Truestone. <\/em>A second feeling of unfamiliar fear entered her. Eldavin stepped back. As if he could read her mind, he nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI have met your kind before. Truestone is variable. Yet you don\u2019t use it as well as one of your kind who once walked these halls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are<\/em> you?\u201d<\/p>\n She struggled, in the center of the array. For a reply, Eldavin pointed over his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cUnable to be distracted.\u201d<\/p>\n The Shadowflesh Golem lunged<\/em>, having found Eldavin\u2019s back. It opened its maws, spewing the mind-altering cloud, cloaked and concealed\u2014<\/p>\n It vanished. Eldavin watched the pocket dimension close with satisfaction. If Cognita had mortal eyes, they would have bulged. The Grand Magus spun.<\/p>\n \u201cI have seen these Golems before! Did you think your master was the only great Archmage of Golems ever to live?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The second Golem to reach Eldavin was the Wireform War Golem. It extended a telescoping arm, a piercing lance of a strike that could break barriers and shatter armor. Eldavin, still in his accelerated world of time, stepped past it as it struck, cracking the enchanted stone floor with the impact. He lifted a hand\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[Bound Spell: Age of Frost]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Golem froze<\/em>. Cognita saw frost coat the entire metal being in a moment. Not just the Golem; it was at the heart of the spell, but the entire room<\/em> snap-froze in a moment.<\/p>\n The outer shell of the Magma Golem turned black, the liquid rock hardening. It began to glow as the true nature of the Golem ignited\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[Void Sphere]. Activate\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin pointed. A second circle spun across the ground. Air vanished around the Golem. It still tried to burn, a fiery core moving in the Golem\u2019s hardened body. Then it too went out.<\/p>\n He turned off fire! <\/em>Cognita saw the magic suppressing the element glowing in a spell circle around the Golem. Eldavin pivoted, breathing a touch faster.<\/p>\n Three countermeasures. Three Golems! Each spell had been prepared, along with the numerous catalysts that had gone into the central trap for Cognita, by far the most intensive preparation he had made. The frozen Wireform Golem, the dead Magma Golem, fire suppressed, the contained Shadowflesh Golem, all taken out in seconds<\/em>.<\/p>\n He has an Archmage\u2019s power! <\/em>Cognita kept shifting her body, trying to break free. She had to; the other Golems were no match for him. He was Level 60\u2014Level 70! She was going to fail. To die\u2014<\/p>\n The last Golem surged across the floor, seeming to roar silently as the massive, armored Golem, as large as a half-Giant would be wearing the huge plate armor enchanted for durability and strength lifted both sword and shield, ready to slay\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[Greater Bindings of Light].\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin pointed distractedly at it. He hadn\u2019t bothered with countermeasures for that one. Waste of time. Powerful strands of light emerged from the ground and restrained the Armored Golem, mid-charge. Eldavin shook his head and turned to Cognita. He gestured at the Armored Golem as she struggled.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you must have lost another one, but you couldn\u2019t replace that one with something better?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2014you\u2014how did you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Cognita pretended to splutter, trying to shift her body to find the appropriate balance of stone to break free<\/em>, or tear loose at least a few of the binding spells immobilizing her. In truth, she was<\/em> in a type of shock, even for her Golem\u2019s mind. Eldavin had done what no [Mage] had ever done! In seconds!<\/p>\n \u201cI am purely superior. Moreover, I know the weakness of each Golem. It is not I who underestimated Zelkyr\u2019s test, as punitive as it would be to even the best [Mages] in Wistram besides me\u2014it is you who does not see me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Eldavin was panting a bit, despite his bravado. He had been forced to bank mana, store it in these spells. Only a Dragon\u2019s knowledge of such high-level effects and the knowledge of how each Golem could be taken out had let him walk over them. Nevertheless\u2014it had all been for this moment.<\/p>\n He walked forwards, to Cognita. She stared at him, trying to escape. She would not; in thirty minutes, maybe. Truestone was impossible to easily contain. Hence the name. She could become any material she wanted. From Truegold to Adamantine, although her true strength was in magical rocks, like her attack form that literally gave her speed equivalent to [Greater Haste]. Only Naq-Alrama steel and the most complex composites escaped her.<\/p>\n She was trying to defend herself, even now. Terrified. Her body flickered and Eldavin raised a finger. He created a bubble of fresh air around him, and then a secondary shield to block the harmful light she was emitting, and the deadly poisonous gas.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you are afraid, my dear. However, I assure you. I did not come to hurt you! You can see that.\u201d<\/p>\n The magical array was changing, maintaining the containment spells, but activating its true intentions. Cognita felt a piercing magical tendril strike her. Her eyes opened as she realized what he was doing.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will not take control of me!\u201d<\/p>\n He was trying to pierce the very magical circuits inside of her! The core of her being! To twist her, to\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cI do not own slaves.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n