Chapter 39 - Center of Stillness

788 I.C, March 16, Dracwyn: Castle, Evening

Talwin brushed up to me as we walked through the castle corridors, "A word..."

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Can't we... you know, lift the Master into the air and render him powerless?" Talwin asked.

I raised my brow and tried not to chuckle, "The idea is sound, but..."

Talwin rolled his thumbs as he spoke, "I mean... I realize that the higher you lift someone, the harder it'll be, and your own magic might act as a conduit. But what if we put a hook on a blimp and lifted him through that?"

"That would work, but you assume that the Master is physical in nature, and that you'd be able to pull off such a feat somehow," I said.

Talwin looked up, "I know it's remote... I just, I'm trying to think of something."

Clyde joined our side and motioned with his hands, "The Master is more like... a fog, or a dark void."

Talwin made a grinning smirk, "How about a giant scoop then?"

It made Clyde shake his head with a chuckle, "No, I don't think so."

Robert held a knit fist in front of his muzzle and coughed, "We're here."

I looked in front as a pair of giant doors by the end of the hall opened. Within moments a guard looked out, eyed all of us in succession, and nodded before stepping aside.

Within was what looked like a giant throne room with pillars of white marble in two rows. On each side were balconies that overlooked the city, and in the far end was a short but wide staircase that led to a podium with a throne.

I glanced at Robert, "I thought Dracwyn had a council of aristocrats, not a king?"

Robert took on a slow walk and whispered, "They do. This is a room where you can petition the Executor in case you are influential yet not part of the council. The Executor can then rule on it directly, or relegate matters to-"

Robert grew silent without warning, looked in front, and made a courteous nod in the direction of an approaching tiger. The tiger wore a tight uniform of golden weave that managed to avoid wrinkles yet revealed a muscular build. A puff of chest fur could be seen near the uniform's collar and there was a pair of golden epaulets on the shoulders. Massive feline hands held a surprisingly small glass with a dark crimson liquid.

As I looked, the tiger's focus fell on me like a predator on the hunt. Golden eyes, black skin, orange fur with stripes of black and white, long curved teeth barely hidden in a powerful set of jaws. It gave the tiger an imposing stature, yet there was something off about it. Slouching shoulders, a smudge of something spilled on the uniform, he was tired, exhausted perhaps.

"Robert," The tiger murmured with a dark voice and glanced at Robert.

"Executor," Robert answered while the executor turned to focus on me once more.

I started focusing on the aether when the tiger suddenly raised his hand, "Don't poke at me with your magic, I'm warning you."

I stopped in an instant, while Talwin grew wide eyed and inched back a little.

"So-"

My words were interrupted as the executor inched closer and fixated on me with an expression that seemed to simmer with anger, "I wish to speak with you, no one else, follow me to the balcony."

The executor turned around, started walking, and Robert looked at me, "Do as he says, I'll keep the others' company."

I glanced back at Talwin and Clyde, nodded to them, and then followed the Executor as he walked between a pair of pillars and entered the balcony. Vines grew wildly across the white marble of the balcony and several pots of bright flowers lined the sides. The view, while grand, was overshadowed by a distinct darkness that filled the fields outside the city. They were undead, many thousands of them, filling the landscape. The executor stared at the fields of black as he took another sip and frowned in what looked to be disgust.

"Executor," I said as I stepped up next to him.

"Avery," The Executor without breaking focus.

"So... Robert told you that much," I whispered.

The Executor looked over at me, "Or do you prefer to be called Red Eye?"

I smiled, "No. But how did you know, I went trough great effort to masquerade myself."

The Executor seemed to roll his eyes and placed his glass on the balcony railing, "I merely needed to observe the others to know you were the one. Besides, my agents have kept an eye on you ever since Robert brought this to my attention."

"I thought this was supposed to be low profile," I said.

The Executor raised one massive brow for a moment, "I have not survived as the Executor of Dracwyn for this long without loyal staff. Now, to business."

"All right, but you've got me at a disadvantage, so how about you start?" I asked.

The Executor's stare seemed to dig into me, "Death and destruction follows in your wake, and if it wasn't for the knowledge and power you're supposed to hold, I'd order you executed."

"What can I say? People love me for my charm," I said and mused.

The Executor gritted his teeth and turned to look at the fields once more, "You damaged one of my blimps, and caused injuries to several of the crew."

"Your guards were trying to kill Robert, and your blimp was interfering with my work. Besides, no one died."

"You were the one who murdered Leyland, aren't you? Should I blame you for the Mage Academy's destruction as well?" The Executor asked.

"Leyland was a necromancer, and it was the Master who destroyed the Academy, not me."

The Executor drew a deep breath and bared his teeth, "We've known about Leyland's true nature for years, but we needed him."

"Oh?" I whispered and angled my head to look at him.

The Executor looked to me with his teeth still bared, "Why should I give you any more of my time?"

"Because I'm the only good chance you have of stopping the Master," I said.

The Executor leaned closer, and grinned wide with a full row of glinting teeth, "Big words, can you back them up?"

I raised my brow, glanced around, and then put my hand on one of the vases filled with flowers. All it took was to flex an invisible muscle and call upon the Star's power. It made a red shimmer dance across the surface. Moments later the flowers began to wither, petals fell, and the thriving green hue was replaced by brown. As the seconds passed the tangled wire of flowers blackened, crumbled, and began to fall like ash.

The Executor stared as I let go and looked back, "This is the power I stole from the Master, and the one he wants back. Leyland sought it as well but died in his attempts to recover it. What do you think happens if the Master gets hold of it once more?"

The Executor was silent for a few moments, "Nothing good will come of it, of that I'm sure. But what makes you different from the Master?"

"Thinking long term, are you?" I asked.

The Executor stood tall, "Naturally. We'd be fools to help you get rid of the Master, only to face yet another monster."

I looked out across the city, "What do you know of the vortex?"

"It appeared at the end of the necromancer war, around the same time that the Master showed up. The Mage academy have done their best to study it but so far it's beyond our grasp."

"If I told you that the Master and vortex are interconnected, would you be surprised?"

"No," The Executor answered.

"The Master lives because of the vortex, and my power is dependent on the vortex. Collapse the vortex, and it all fades, including my own life."

The Executor blinked, "Your own life?"

"Everwinter is a giant generator that's forcing the vortex to stay open, destroy Everwinter, collapse the vortex, and it all ends. The Master, my power, the undead... Everything."

"And why would you do that?" The Executor asked.

Once it was truth... Now it's a lie...

"Revenge," I said and looked at the Executor.

"Revenge?"

I nodded, "The Master has tormented me all my life, and now I have a chance to end him. That's all, simple as that."

The Executor looked at the glass of wine, took it in his hand once more, and stared into the depths, "There's an army besieging Everwinter as we speak. If what you're saying is true, then you'll collapse any moment now."

I observed the tiger in silence, "... I see."

The Executor tipped his head, "Even the Master's magic couldn't withstand the power of what the Antalorians discovered. They have bullets which can kill the strongest of mages with a single bullet."

I failed? Is he lying?

"Then let's wait... If what you're saying is true, then I will indeed die soon," I answered.

Seconds passed, a minute passed. The Executor stared into the distance, and so did I.

Without warning he raised the glass, and emptied it with a gulp, "The army was crushed, hardly a survivor escaped... We have reports of a giant obelisk heading this way."

I blinked, "Huh?"

"I lied... A test if you will. Their armies didn't stand a chance against Everwinter," The Executor idly threw the glass over the edge as he finished talking.

"For a moment I believed you, Executor," I said.

"Call me Alraya," the Executor said.

"All right, Alraya."

Alraya leaned onto the railing and sighed, "Ask your questions, I'll answer them any way I can."

Desperate... But well played...

"The blimps, their purpose is to help establish a giant shield over the city, correct?" I asked.

Alraya closed his eyes, "I'm not even going to ask how you figured that out. Not even Robert has any idea..."

"Do you think it's powerful enough to withstand the Master's attack?" I asked.

Alraya opened his eyes and sighed, "We ordered long distance scouts to measure the attacks of the obelisk. My mages tell me that the shield will hold... for a while. But..."

"Yes?" I asked.

"This city is known to be impregnable, and we sought to make it so. The shield is one part of that equation, but the best defense is often a strong offense."

"You've been building a weapon as well?" I asked.

"One designed by Leyland, it was almost finished, but now that he's dead..."

"If you'll let me, I'd like to help," I said.

Alraya was silent for a moment, glanced into the room once more, and seemed to ponder something, "The last of the aristocrats are leaving."

I glanced back at the mostly empty room, and watched as Robert kept the others busy, "Where are they going?"

"It varies, Karashak, Krobia, Antaloria, the leagues of Styzia... Many of them are taking the opportunity to leave the continent and seek their fates elsewhere."

"And if we survive?" I asked.

Alraya glanced back as if it was a stupid question, "Most of them will be back, ready to exploit the situation once more."

"Not a response I'd expect from the Executor of Dracwyn," I said.

Alraya shrugged, "The role of Executor is temporary. If we survive I'll be replaced or executed as a way to placate the people. It is the way of things."

I leaned closer, "Why not simply kill the ones who return? Seize power for yourself."

Silence followed as Alraya looked out across the city once more, "They're powerful... Even if they've fled the field they retain much of their power."

"The collapse of the Vortex will heal this continent, and leave a power gap that will keep the other nations busy. Maintain neutrality, play your cards right, and make things as they should be."

Alraya looked back, and stared at Robert, "Without the aristocracy we'll be fully absorbed into the kingdom."

I leaned even closer, "A kingdom that no longer exists. The king, and his bloodline, are gone."

Alraya gulped and faced the balcony once more, "We're speaking of things that have no relevance at the moment."

"At the moment," I said.

Alraya raised his hand and pointed at a tower with a big metal dome on the top, "In there, that's where the weapon is being built. I can give you the codes for the workshop, that way you'll be able to move back and forth as you please."

I nodded, "Thank you, I also have another request."

"Yes?" Alraya asked in wonder.

"Keep my looming fate to yourself, because my friends will try to stop me if they find out."

Alraya blinked in surprise, "Robert doesn't know?"

I shook my head, "No, as you can understand, it's not something I bring up unless necessary."

Hesitation followed, but eventually Alraya made a single nod, "Very well, I shall keep your secret. Let me know if you need anything else."

"Will do..."

788 I.C, March 12, Dracwyn: Leyland's Weapon, Evening

A giant dome of metal, and engines meant to turn the structure made it obvious that this had once been an observatory. Now it served as a platform for a device meant to kill rather than study the universe. The device itself looked like a huge hexagonal crystal with a load of constructs and support machinery. It was supported by a massive platform that could swivel and turn.

Next to the platform were thick bundles of wire that erupted from the floor and connected to a large but empty box. Scattered around the floor were a few discarded cables and crystal fragments that were blackened from some kind of damage. Standing next to the weapon, staring at the crystal, was an old human mage that was nursed a beard of considerable length. A chair in the back of the room was occupied by a feline that slouched similar to a sack of rice.

As I approached, the feline glanced in my direction, and shot up. In moments flat the feline had rushed to the old man, tapped his shoulder, and motioned toward me.

"Oh... Oh, hello there?" The old man cooed and adjusted his glasses.

I nodded toward the old man and focused my gaze on the weapon that filled most of the room, "Hello... I take it you're the ones tasked with getting this thing working?"

The feline eased past the old man, and eyed me with caution, "Maybe, and you are?"

"Someone who's here to help, check with the executor if you want," I said and began to circle the device.

The old man cleared his throat with a hasty cough, moved past the feline, and stepped up to the bundle of cables jutting out of the floor, "Any thoughts?"

I glanced down, and then focused on the old mage, "That's obviously a link to the aetheric grid of the city, but there's no apparent way of connecting it with the weapon."

"How perceptive," The feline whispered with dripping sarcasm.

The old mage glanced at his feline friend, shook his head, and then focused on me, "We've tried spells and cables alike, but neither is capable of surviving such a surge of aetheric energy."

"If Leyland had intended for either then he'd have built it so," I said.

The old mage tipped his head a little, twirled the edge of his beard, and hummed, "Meaning?"

"The conduit meant to link the city power-grid and the weapon is organic in nature, not a construct or cable."

The feline stepped into my path and frowned, "If you hadn't noticed, the Academy is in ruins and the only Archmage capable of such a feat is long since dead."

I eased back a little and lowered my voice, "Not exactly what I had in mind..."

The feline stared in confusion while the old man stepped up with an amused chuckle, "An infested mage, aetherically modified to act as a conduit. Necromantic magic."

The eyes of the feline flared in an instant and his lips pulled back in disgust, "And who were you planning to act as this sacrifice, necromancer?"

I shrugged, but couldn't help but smile as I looked at the feline, "We'll see if you maintain that moral superiority when this city burns and the population writhes in agony."

The feline looked ready to explode when the old man eased him aside and stepped up to face me, "You know how to create such a conduit, don't you?"

"It's not as complicated as it may sound... Invade the inner essence of the subject, create an aetheric bond and a buffer to hold the energy."

The old man blinked and kept stroking his beard, "To invade someone's essence is not a simple thing... To know such a thing... You are canid, thus you are not from Karashak. Could you be from Styzia? Or could it that you are the wulfkin they've been whispering of?"

I made a subtle nod, and the old man smiled in return, "I see... Welcome to our lands, wulfkin. You are far from home."

"I've been here for months... But, thank you."

The old man motioned to himself and grew a smile that revealed several missing teeth, "I am August, in your language you'd know it as 'withering autumn'."

My language? The necromantic language you mean? A runic symbol representing decay, autumn, to wither...

"Everwinter speaks common, we only use the necromantic language in our spells," I said.

August nodded repeatedly, "Interesting," August then motioned toward the felines, "this is-"

The short feline glared with hatred as he spoke, "Leyland may have been a necromancer, but he didn't design this weapon with a victim in mind. You're wrong."

True... He likely assumed that the Star would grant him the power to act as a conduit without danger... Which might even be true, but I can't be in two places at once...

I smiled at the feline, "Perhaps, but Leyland is dead, and we have to use what we have. If you have a better solution, present it, otherwise, shut up."

The whiskers of the feline perked as he bared his teeth.

August raised his hand, "Milo, hush."

The feline stopped in an instant, looked at August, but found himself dismissed as the old man took to focus on me, "This is Cicero, my pupil. He's eager, but feisty."

"I can see that," I said.

Cicero barely held his calm while letting his gaze dart between the two of us, "August, you..."

August's smile, while crooked, seemed gentle and warm, "If saving this city requires a sacrifice, then it should be a willing one, yes?"

The anger drained from Cicero's expression as his shoulders slouched in silence.

August looked to me once more, and motioned to the crystalline weapon, "We have much to discuss... and if you don't mind, then I'd love to hear more of your home."

788 I.C, March 16, The Pierced Veil: Tower, Night

I had barely stepped off the transporter as I caught sight of Leonard rushing toward me, "Avery!"

Blinking and disoriented I squinted to look at him, "What?"

Leonard snapped with both his voice and hands, "Raymond woke up!"

Just what I need...

"Did something happen?" I asked.

Leonard motioned to the stairs, "I was going to check on him like I always do... I opened the door, and he was just standing there, staring at me. I slammed the door shut, gathered the others, and now we can't open the door."

"You can't open the door?" I asked and walked toward the stairs.

Leonard followed, "It's blocked from inside, and not even Archer could push it open. Casey is standing guard outside in case he tries to flee through the window."

That means he's still in the room...

I marched down the stairs, turned right along the corridor, and marched down the hallway. Archer and Talwin stood outside Raymond's door and faced me as I approached.

Talwin sighed in relief and motioned to the door, "We figured it was better until you returned. I've kept an eye on him through the aether, and..."

I nodded to Talwin and eased him aside while turning to face the others, "I'll handle this."

Leonard and Archer eyed me in surprise while Talwin spoke, "You sure?"

"He's my brother, and my problem. I'll deal with him," I answered.

"Avery..." Talwin whispered.

I can hear it in your voice, Talwin... The fear, and doubt...

I drew a deep breath and inched closer to whisper, "Talwin, I won't do anything hasty, I promise. Now give me some space?"

Seconds passed as Talwin merely stared, seeking my eyes for something to latch onto. It left me uncomfortable, wondering how much he knew or suspected, and the guilt brewing somewhere inside me. It felt like everything was starting to spiral out of control, and it was starting to sour something between us.

"Okay..." Talwin answered as he stepped back.

Leonard stepped in, nudged Talwin along and the three of them started walking.

I waited until they disappeared from sight, and sighed upon facing the door. It was easy to sense the aether permeating the building, and Raymond's signature in the back of the room, huddled together in a corner. Like Clyde his life force had recovered quickly, even if he would be crippled for weeks to come.

My hand grabbed the doorknob, while I focused on the door with my senses. The lock had been turned, and a chair had been propped up against the door. It took little more than a thought to flick the lock open, and a moment's focus to ease the chair from the door.

I turned the knob, eased the door open, and stepped into the dark room. It was silent, smelled of wulfkin, and the light from the hallway drew my attention to the corner. Huddled against the wall, covered in what looked to be the bed's blanket, was a large figure that sat frozen like a statue.

You're hiding? Under a blanket?

I reached back, pushed the door, and listened as it shut tight with a click. It made the room pitch dark once more, and I blinked until my vision began to adapt.

"Raymond," I said.

No answer... No movement... Only silence...

My heart was thumping, but it didn't feel like fear, or anger. Instead it was a heavy sensation of being tired, and bothered. As if my mind was asking: Why did you have to show up?

"Raymond?" I tried once more, stepped closer, and kept my eyes locked on the corner.

I stopped in front of him, crouched a little, and reached out. My hand aimed for his head, and my claws gripped the top of the blanket. It resisted a gentle pull, and I found myself gritting my teeth in irritation. Pulled. I paused for a moment, and then gave it a harsh tug.

The blanket relented, gave way, and a pitiful sight met my eyes. Raymond hugged his legs tight, the still functional ear clamped to his head, and his eyes bulged like an owl as he stared at me in horror.

I stared back, waiting for a reaction, and as I did, his scent wafted upward to hit my nose. His scent woke memories of suffering, anger, jealousy. For a moment I felt brewing inside me, but it quickly faded into something else. His scent was purer than I remembered, lacking the nauseating qualities of alcohol and stomach acids. Instead an almost overwhelming aura of fear and submission clung to him.

Say something then? Anything...

"Raymond," I said once more.

Raymond's still functioning ear perked a little, and then promptly clamped to his head once more.

"Are you going to say something?" I asked.

There was no answer, only the same bug eyed stare from before.

"They didn't take your tongue, I checked, and Robert ensured me that you can still talk," I said.

Raymond didn't move, but his throat flexed a little, as if he gulped.

"Do you know who I am?" I asked.

He blinked once, but didn't move.

"Turns out that little Avery had wulfkin blood after all, funny, huh?" I asked and bared my teeth.

At first, he didn't seem to react, but within moments I noticed his hands. Knit fists, clenched so tight that his shoulders shivered ever so slightly.

He's terrified of me...

I leaned back, let my grin fade, and eased myself onto the bed that stood in the middle of the room.

"Robert said you helped him, not only that, you also stayed behind to fetch the books he needed... Which I needed, but I can't understand why you would do such a thing."

I glanced at him, but Raymond had done little more than to follow me with his intense stare, "I have no idea what's going on in your head. Do you blame me for what they did to you? Am I still the bad guy for escaping a life of torment?"

Nothing...

I leaned forward, rested my head against my hands, and sighed, "There's a plan to stop the Master, it's complicated, but the idea backing it up is simple. The thing is that I'm going to die as a result of it... Before then I'd like to know what to do with you, Raymond. Should I send you away? Put you out of your misery? Let you stay here?"

It was subtle, but as I finished talking, Raymond decided to move. He shuffled to the side, clinging to the wall, followed the outline of the bed, and inched closer. As I watched he reached out, hesitated for a moment, and kept going. His hand touched my leg, and I felt my hackles rise. Yet, as I stared, he simply leaned on, holding me. His head rested against my knee, his arms holding my leg.

788 I.C, March 16, The Pierced Veil: Raymond's Room, Night

I'm not sure how much time that passed, but somewhere along the way my hand ended up on Raymond's head. Weird did not begin to describe it, touching him, feeling the soft fuzz of brown fur. The shampoo we'd washed him with had made wonders for the once ragged fur, even if it couldn't heal the scars and missing fur.

The silence in the room was brought to a sudden end as I heard a noise. It was low, rumbling, and whined with the murmur of a hungry stomach. It made my hand freeze in place while Raymond squirmed a little.

I guess you're hungry...

I pulled my hand back a little, flexed one finger, and flicked it at his head. A bony thud was heard but no protest came as he simply held onto my leg.

"What are you playing at, Raymond? Are you scared that if you speak, then all your sins will be confirmed, and I will have to punish you for them?" I asked.

For the first time since he woke up, I saw a hint of intelligence as Raymond made a subtle nod.

"I see," I whispered.

My hand came to rest on his head once more, and I brushed the fur, twirling it along my claws.

"I won't forgive you, I can't. The things you did, the scars you caused, they'll always be there. But you have suffered enough by the look of things, and whatever reason I had for revenge was settled a long time ago."

I waited for a few moments, and continued, "Follow my rules, and I will give you a chance to prove yourself to the ones who live in this guild. Do not waste it, they are the only ones who will spare you any pity."

The grip on my leg tightened as I kept talking, "You do as I and the others order, no protests, no challenges. You are at the bottom of the hierarchy. They're different from wulfkins though, these people will treat you fairly."

Silence...

"Do you understand?" I asked.

Another nod, stronger this time.

"Let go of my leg, and follow, we're going to get you some food," I ordered.

Seconds passed, and without warning he let go, eased back, and grabbed the blanket from the floor. In moments he stood up, wrapped himself in the blanket, and stared at me like a hapless puppet.

I stood up, walked to the door, and Raymond shuffled behind me with nary a whisper. We left the room, and walked down the corridor. To my surprise the others were waiting by the hallway that led to the stairs, kitchen, and main entrance. Their focus was locked on me, but quickly shifted to Raymond who loomed behind me.

I chewed my own frustration for a moment, and then motioned to Raymond, "This is Raymond. Raymond, this is Archer, Casey, Leonard, and Talwin, as well as Clyde who you already know."

Raymond's eyes grew as he stared at Clyde in wonder and confusion.

I moved back, caught him by a shoulder, and led him into the kitchen, "Clyde is part of the pack, is that going to be a problem?"

Raymond shook his head while I walked over to the pantry, and dug through the contents. A smoked piece of sausage fit the bill and I held it out to Raymond.

In the seconds that passed his eyes widened even further, and two trails of drool began to drip from his muzzle. He stumbled forward, one hand reached out, caught the sausage, and he promptly sank to the ground.

What followed was a loud and munching frenzy as the sausage disappeared. His tongue licked at the palm which had touched the sausage while he raised his gaze to look at me. To see him like this, a crippled mutt with only one ear, staring upward like a begging pup while wrapped in a blanket... It made it difficult not to feel sorry for him. I turned my attention to the pantry once more, fished out some bread, biscuits, and a few bits of jerky.

Better get him some water...

Raymond grabbed whatever I handed him and started munching while I walked to the sink.

With a glass of water in hand, I walked back, eased myself down, and held out the glass. A sudden cough was followed by a frenzy as he grabbed the glass, and emptied it in two gulps.

Frantic... As usual...

By the end of the meal he was panting and his muzzle was covered in breadcrumbs. The scent of smoked meat lingered, and he eased the glass on the floor in silence. Minutes passed as I sat there, watching him with thoughts spinning in my head.

"Say something," I ordered.

The blanket on Raymond's body tightened and his gaze slowly drifted to me.

I sighed, "You're in a city named Dracwyn, it's part of a nation called Agron. This city is filled with humans and furs alike, do not refer to them as beast-kin, it is considered rude."

Raymond observed, but like before he said nothing.

"There's a hierarchy in this place of the world, but it isn't based on species or bloodline, rather it is based on power, money, and magic for the most part. That doesn't mean you can engage in violence or use those below you however you want. Offensive magic is forbidden, and violence is punishable. You will obey these laws, or you will be put down. Understand?"

Raymond nodded.

I inched closer, and looked him in the eyes, "Have you ever encountered the Master?"

Raymond blinked once, and then nodded.

I reached out, cupped his muzzle and watched his shoulders rise as he shrank back in fear, "This is important, for me, the others, and the world. Speak."

A loud gulp followed, and a wheezing whisper could be heard, "Y- Yes."

"When you got your blessing, yes. Any other times?" I asked.

Raymond nodded once more, "Yes."

"Tell me," I ordered, and let go of his muzzle.

Raymond lowered his gaze, "In the caverns, underneath Everwinter. Where the lava flows... The others were going to get rid of me, they blamed you and our for what happened to Everwinter."

"And?" I asked.

"The Master... He froze the others in place, they couldn't move. He whispered in our minds, and then... There were these things... Like the creatures that live in the sea, those that Rastlin told us of..."

"Jellyfish?" I asked.

Raymond nodded, "Jellyfish, floating in the air... Glowing blue... With tails tipped with crystal. They infested the others, turned them into..."

"The undead carcasses that wander the tower? Infested with blue crystal?" I asked.

"Yes... Once they were dead, the Master punished me... he took my tail."

"Why spare you at all?" I asked.

Raymond's ear perked up, "We were a symbol of what happens to those that do not obey, and he wanted to use us as a bargaining chip... for you."

"How did you end up in the cave with the giant obelisk?" I asked.

Another gulp, "Transporter... Doros wanted me nearby, he's been hunting you all this time."

"Doros... So that bastard is still alive," I said.

Raymond clasped his hands, "Avery... There aren't many wulfkins left... most of them are... they..."

"The black armor? I've seen them," I said.

Raymond glanced back towards the exit, "Clyde wore one... I saw it... They're not wulfkins any longer... I saw one of them when I grabbed the books."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Raymond's hands trembled and clutched the blanket, "The black armor... It made something grow within them. A monster... I saw it... Black and blue flesh... It split their skin, cracked their muzzles... They're not wulfkins any longer. Clyde wore the armor, I saw him wear it..."

"Clyde didn't wear it long enough for it to take hold. I've checked him, disconnected him from the Master, there's nothing to worry about," I said.

Raymond raised his hands and clutched his head as he stared at the ground.

He's broken... Tormented to the brink of insanity...

I reached out, and touched his knee. It seemed to have an effect as he stopped shaking, and shifted his focus to my hand.

"One more question... Then you can rest, Raymond," I said.

Raymond made a weak nod, "O- Okay..."

"When you emerged in this city you were disconnected from the Master, how did that happen?"

Raymond was silent for a few moments, and seemed to ponder it, "I... The monster... It was hunting me. I beat it with the sack filled with all the books, it lost balance. I rushed toward the transporter."

"Then what happened?" I asked.

Raymond touched the spot on his chest where the heart was located, and then drifted to the center of his chest, where the crystal parasite sat, "The Master... He... It... was panicking."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I'm not sure if it was me... or the books, maybe both... But the Master did not want any of it to escape. I could hear it in his screams... feel it in my mind... The Master was desperate to stop it."

The only reason I could save Raymond was because he still had a spark of life...

The crystals hadn't grown to invade the brain on either Raymond or Clyde...

I think I can see where this is going...

"What did the Master do?" I asked.

Raymond looked at his chest, "There was pain... A strange sensation... My heart could barely beat... I felt so tired... But then I touched one of the pillars on the transporter."

The Master couldn't directly control him... So he did something out of pure desperation...

The Master cut the aetheric link...

"A lot of energy runs through the transporter, your body, took that energy as fuel," I said.

Raymond blinked, "It rushed into the transporter. But the moment I appeared on the other side..."

"Then you were out of energy once more, and you collapsed," I said.

Raymond nodded, "Yes."

Raymond as a hostage, or the books as knowledge? I wonder which the Master feared most...

I rose onto two legs, crouched a little, and focused on Raymond, "Let's get you to bed... We'll talk more tomorrow."

788 I.C, March 17, The Pierced Veil: Tower, Morning

I eased out of bed, and was about to start walking as something caught my hand. It made me glance back, and I saw Talwin poking out of the covers, holding onto me with an outstretched hand.

"Where are you going?" Talwin asked with a burrowing focus.

I wonder the same at times...

"I'm going to check on Raymond, then I'll tackle whatever comes my way," I said.

Talwin threw a glance back, watched Clyde snoring with his legs spread open, and then looked back at me, "We barely have time to talk any longer, Avery."

I smiled, "The world is ending, we're lucky to get any sleep at all."

Talwin eased up on his knees, still clutching my hand, and whispered, "I'm here, Avery... I am right here, use me."

I can't even bear to tell you the truth...

I closed my eyes for a moment, pondered and looked at him once more, "I'm heading to the castle once I'm done with Raymond. I need to make sure the crystal weapon works as it should."

Talwin's ears lowered a little, "Anything I can help with?"

I nodded, "Get me a blimp."

Talwin blinked and his ears perked in confusion, "Huh?"

"I need a blimp, if you want to help, pull the strings needed to get me one," I said.

"I'll... do my best."

788 I.C, March 17, Dracwyn: Castle, Midday

Talwin found his thoughts drifting to Bellkeep and the Underground. While unpleasant he found himself pulled toward instincts of old. The art of moving along people, to feel and ease his way through crowds like water flowing in a river.

A distraction was as simple as giving someone a shove, followed by darting out-of-the-way, and waiting for the telltale sign of one person blaming someone innocent.

Magic made it all that much easier. Fur that shifted color with little more than a thought, shifting fields to confuse or draw attention, or a subtle thread to cut someone's purse open. The guards and guests were unused to such haggard use of magic, and fell for the tricks one by one.

A dropped cigar was the latest in a set of incidents, and the result was a frantic shriek followed by the panicked stomping of an irate man trying to put out the budding fire. In the chaos that followed, the guards were distracted, and the group heading toward the ball-room became the perfect target.

Talwin slipped into their ranks, inched close to a female fur and glanced back toward the latest incident while walking as if struck by amusement. Seconds later he was through the door, eased out of the group, and flowed into the next crowd.

It didn't take long to find his target, Alraya, the executor of Dracwyn. The tiger stood near the center of the room, mingling with others while nursing another glass of wine. Contrary to last time the tiger's appearance was now impeccable. Decorations from top to bottom, styled fur, a suit of the finest white silk, emblazoned with more gold than the guests had jewelry. The smile on his face was bright, but fake.

The dignitaries either had their heads too far shoved up their asses to notice that the world was ending, or simply didn't care.

Talwin circled Alraya from a distance, stealthily grabbed a glass of wine from a passing butler, and drew closer. Alraya broke away from his latest guest, and his smile faded in an instant. As he raised his glass for another sip, Talwin moved in.

"Executor?" Talwin whispered.

Alraya froze for a moment, held the glass at bay, and then changed his mind. While it looked like a subtle swig, two thirds of the glass disappeared in an instant. The massive tiger then turned to face Talwin, and flashed his well trained, but soulless smile, "Yes?"

"Avery has need of your services," Talwin said.

The reaction was immediate, a moment's pause, followed by a glance toward the door and guards, "Why didn't he come in person, and how did you get in here?"

Talwin sipped his glass and whispered, "Avery is busy, and your aides wouldn't listen to me. Honestly, neither of us have the time, so let's cut the bullshit."

The fake smile was long gone as Alraya stared back, "Do not patronize me... Now, what does he need?"

Talwin glanced toward the crowd, "A blimp."

"I can't spare one, they're-"

Talwin interrupted, "They're needed for the shield, yes. But there's one undergoing repairs and it won't be ready for weeks."

Alraya frowned, "The one damaged by Avery, you mean?"

"Yes... I've already spoken with the dock-master, but he can't release it to us without your explicit orders."

Alraya drew a deep breath and whispered, "It can barely fly, what could you possibly use it for?"

Talwin smiled and shrugged, "I'm just doing what I'm told, now... Will you do as asked?"

"Yes. Now get out of my sight," Alraya said and turned his back with a hiss.

788 I.C, March 17, Dracwyn: Hangar, Evening

"This is the best I could manage," Talwin whispered.

I grabbed the handle to the hangar doors, leaned my weight against it, and pushed. A groan followed as the wheels started turning and the door reluctantly opened.

"They couldn't spare anything else, since the shield requires a set amount to work," Talwin added.

I leaned into the hangar, felt the stinging scent of oil, and lifted my gaze to look at the supporting structure. The blimp in question was still inflated, the main compartment looked solid apart from a bruised front and shattered windows.

Talwin extended his arms and pointed at the engines, "Your attack busted the rotors for the engines, so..."

I eased the door open a bit further, grabbed Talwin's arm, and gently tugged him along. He followed with a confused look on his face, as if pondering whether he had done good or not.

"This is perfect, Talwin," I said and glanced back at him.

Talwin didn't seem convinced and merely stared, "Is it? It's practically useless."

"It can still float, can't it, besides..." I raised my hand to point at the large wire spools stacked beside the main compartment.

Talwin looked up, and remained silent. After a while his muzzle dropped open, "Oh... I get it now."

A flashed a wolfish grin and whispered, "Oh?"

"With a connection to the ground it doesn't need the engines. This is like a... floating battle platform?"

"The cables are a weakness, yes, but as long as one can shield them this thing can work like a platform."

Talwin smiled back and squeezed my arm, "What are you going to use it for?"

"Aeternus plan basically requires me to destroy the tower of Everwinter while caught inside of it. Since I can't fly, this will be my means of escape."

"And how are you planning to bring this thing to Everwinter?" Talwin asked.

"We'll see, but I imagine it'll be quite messy," I mused.

"... Do you think any of this will work?" Talwin asked.

I shrugged, "I don't know, to be honest. Then again, that's how we've always worked, right?"

Talwin's smile began to waver, and faded within moments, "Maybe."

It won't work... But I have to do something... Plan for something...

Taking for granted that I'll figure something out at the last second...

I smiled back, "We've been through some pretty tough situations so far, don't lose hope, Talwin."

Talwin forced a smile while his ears hung low, "Yeah, I'm sure we'll be fine."