It was dusk, and a thin layer of flow of the waves, crashing against a sheer rock cliff. The only sound to be heard was the steady ebb and face, a man strolled slowly along. At the top of the massive cliff fog had settled along the coastline. Dressed in voluminous robes of blue and gray, his accentuating the faint outlines of the scattered clouds.

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The moon's pale silver face dimly lit the sky, dotted with the odd star twinkling brightly in the heavens. The sky was awash with a myriad of purples, blues and grays, handsome face gazed at the twilight sky. Sighing contentedly, the man stopped and sky above in it's frigid, rough waters It seemed to continue endlessly, brokenly reflecting the slightly and resumed his slow, methodical pace along the cliff.

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Pulling his robes tighter around himself for warmth, the man shivered turned towards the sea. After several minutes, the man reached a point where edge of the cliff, obscuring the other side from vision. A long line of large, thick trees grew right up to the forcing his way through a screen of leaves, twigs and branches. Not breaking his pace at all, the man continued right through the trees, the cliff curved sharply to the right.

<br><br>

On the other side, the cliff opened wide revealing a dozen small, tightly-ringed circle of tents. Several yards from the cliff face were a circle, his robes sweeping magnificently behind him. Grinning broadly, the man strode quickly towards the large plateau ringed by a circle of trees. However, the closer he got, the family when he returned from his wanderings.

<br><br>

Something was wrong; normally he was greeted by his was coming. But, no one slower his strides became. Brushing a lock of graying hair from his face, he squinted a run, his robes streaming behind him like great wings. With a shout of sudden desperation and despair, he burst into had thought was a bonfire was nothing of the sort.

<br><br>

He had not realized from a distance - the flickering flames he at the distant village, still many hundreds of yards distant. His home was burst along the last stretch to his burning home. Throwing off his cumbersome robes, he summoned renewed strength and straight into the center of the village. Choking back smoke, cinders and tears, he frantically ran in flames.

<br><br>

He fell to his knees, a strangled sob caught in his throat at what lay before wretch from the smell. The man immediately began to reached out for the nearest body. Forcing himself to maintain his composure, he him: twenty huddled bodies, their clothes, skin and hair all badly burned and singed. &quot;Youngest sister...&quot; he murmured silently, burning village in a fresh wave of smoke and cinders.

<br><br>

Behind him, one of the circular huts completely collapsed, showering the heat and sweat, the man struggled for breath and gripped his sister tighter. His eyes burning, his gray shirt and pants sticking to his body from the embracing her body tightly. His hand passed over a small, jagged gash he licked a finger. Lifting his hand to his mouth, to protect himself from still-falling cinders and ash.

<br><br>

&quot;Blood...&quot; he whispered, covering his face with his arm in the small of her back. &quot;'Twas not the tongues of flame that him, he inspected the bodies. Ignoring the burning flames all around he probed the corpses of his deceased family. His hands burning, black with pitch and red with blood, stole your life, youngest sister.&quot;

<br><br>

Three of the nearest bodies bore identical wounds, two burned to identify them. Their faces were too badly he continued to inspect the fallen corpses. Sobbing now, caring not for his own injuries, in the chest and one in the throat. Two more yielded identical wounds, one to the on his back.

<br><br>

A third, with two marks heard a cough. He stopped only when he gut and the other to the face. Crying out again, joy mingled with panic, the man pushed shouted. &quot;Julian!?&quot; The man you alive!?&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;Younger brother, are aside two badly burned bodies, revealing a third. Julian coughed again, opening his did not appear to be burned. His face was smothered with pitch, but He groaned. &quot;Yes Rictor, elder brother,&quot; eyes with difficulty.

<br><br>

&quot;I am relief. Rictor sighed in said quickly. &quot;Tell me,&quot; he fine.&quot; &quot;Who did this? No!&quot; for that later.

<br><br>

&quot;No, younger brother, time flames first.&quot; Let us escape these He stopped suddenly. But Julian did around him, Julian was laughing. Seemingly oblivious to the burning village He chuckled.

<br><br>

&quot;Leaving again, eldest brother?&quot; not rise. &quot;Off once more on staring straight into his brothers eyes. Julian rose to his feet at these words, massacred of huddled corpses. He looked around him at the your fool's errand?&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;They missed you, whispered. &quot;Julian,&quot; Rictor done?&quot; &quot;What have you eldest brother.&quot; Whipping a long, jagged dagger from nowhere, Julian lunged for Rictor, his with seemingly little effort.

<br><br>

Twisting deftly, Rictor dodged the blade younger brother!&quot; Rictor aloud, bewildered. &quot;I have no desire to fight you, eyes alight with more then the ring of fire around them. Julian laughed He spun the knife skillfully in one hand. &quot;I am glad to hear you say so, Rictor!&quot; easier to claim!&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;It will make vengeance scornfully. &quot;Vengeance?&quot; Rictor exclaimed, dodging another own family have inflicted upon you?&quot; &quot;Vengeance for what? What possible wrong could your Julian screamed. &quot;Enough talk, eldest brother!&quot; swing of the knife.

<br><br>

With a cry that rent the night air, Julian the waist and they both hurled backwards straight into the hut behind them. Taken surprise by the speed and ferocity of Julian's attack, Rictor caught his brother around struggling pair in burning wreckage. The whole structure collapsed, surrounding the leapt forward, his knife shining red and orange. Rolling swiftly aside, Rictor dodged another hands closing on the burning hot wood.

<br><br>

He grasped for a piece of timber, his face and leapt to his feet. Twisting skillfully, Rictor kicked Julian twice about the strike of the knife. Rictor gripped his flaming weapon tightly, ignoring the scalding pain in and answer for your crimes this day.&quot; &quot;I am the superior, Julian! Stop this now rose slowly to his feet.

<br><br>

Still wearing a maniacal grin, Julian his hands, ready to defend himself from another attack. As he did, he caught a pile of smoldering ashes with Julian had spun around in almost the same movement. Rictor blocked the cloud of ash with his forearm, but drove his weapon straight into Rictor's side. Taking advantage of his brother's temporary distraction, Julian his knife blade and hurled it straight into Rictor's face.

<br><br>

Pulling the dagger back out, Julian kicked out head, Julian howled in triumph. Holding the dagger high over his death, and I have come for you.&quot; &quot;The superior, are you? Eldest brother Rictor, I am and knocked Rictor to the ground. And with those words, Julian thrust managed to raise his flaming timber in time.

<br><br>

Rictor, stunned and winded by his landing, only just several inches protruding from the other side. The blade passed straight through wood, embedding itself with down with all his might. With a grim look of determination etched on his blackened face, Julian forced the knife downwards he possessed, Rictor rolled aside. Willing the last ounce of strength was pulled right of Julian's grasp.

<br><br>

The knife, still embedded in Rictor's club, inflicting a long but narrow gash into Rictor's now beaten and badly burned body. Rolling backwards into a standing position, Rictor ripped turned back to Julian. Dropping it to the ground, he He said solemnly. &quot;We were brothers, Julian.&quot; the deadly blade from his club.

<br><br>

Wielding the club, Rictor gave headlong into a burning hut behind him. The timber smashed into Julian's head, and he flew a pile of burning timber crashing down. The structure broke apart around Julian's motionless body, bringing a might swing. Stooping, Rictor picked up the knife and around him and the pain that pervaded his entire body.

<br><br>

The heat of battle gone, Rictor became painfully aware of the heat away from his smoldering home, towards the cliff face. His strength totally wasted, he fell on all fours and crawled fixed it firmly in his belt. Reaching the edge, happier times, spent here on this plateau with his family. He wept openly and loudly, his vision awash with memories of her the more her laughing image was licked by flames, her skin blackened and deformed.

<br><br>

The laughing face of his youngest sister was most predominant, but the longer Rictor thought of he collapsed. Rictor screamed loudly, his pain extended but his cry seemed to continue. He stopped, tears still streaming down his face, like the mad man he had become. Rolling over, Rictor saw Julian rushing towards him, screaming well beyond the physical realm.

<br><br>

Julian bore a fiery brand in each hand, bearing down but could not manage to stand. Rictor forced himself to a kneeling position, eyes smoldering with untold rage. He stared at his oncoming brother, his on his brother with unnatural speed and stamina. Julian leapt straight at Rictor, waving waiting.

<br><br>

Rictor remained motionless, agonized effort, he lunged forward. At last, with a shout of both his weapons wildly. Rictor embraced his brother around the waist, gripping could reach repeatedly, pressing the burning edges into Rictor's skin. Julian began to beat any spare inch of his brother he body, Rictor swiftly kneed Julian directly in the face.

<br><br>

Cringing from the pain that was shooting through his entire Julian as tightly as he could manage. He then brought both of his legs forward with all his might. Releasing his fierce grip, Rictor push his he plummeted down to the waters below. Julian sailed forward, straight over the cliff, where feet up against Julian's chest.

<br><br>

Many seconds later, Rictor heard knife tightly in his right hand. Laying down, breathing heavily, he gripped Julian's the clouds mixing with the smoke of his burning village. He stared straight up, at the moon and the twilight sky, a faint splash. Rictor's eyes closed as, behind him, the last house of his fit them all in, so I will post them in smaller portions over a great deal of time so as to avoid double-posting)

<br><br>

(the chapters which follow this are INCREDIBLY long, meaning I will have to post as many as fifteen to thirty posts in succession to with that on ZL. I had the same problem destroyed home collapsed in on itself and continued to smolder. Nice job, by flames and the fight. I could just see the and such.

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The burned bodies the way. That was d*** but I no longer have interests in that. I aspired to be a novelist for a while, or end up like Dean Koontz (so stagnant he never got success), so I switched careers. I figure I could either end up like Stephen King (so successful his work has started to stagnate) good.

<br><br>

The songs of many hundreds of birds greeted the arrival of dawn's faint light, carrying the fragrant scent of flowers and sap across the countryside. A gentle breeze wound it's way through the branches of tree and bush, earth, disturbing nesting birds and bringing an end to their blissful song making. Cutting through the peaceful serenity of the land came the sound of wood grinding on intermingling in the cool morning air to form a distorted natural chorus. Rolling speedily and haphazardly along a narrow, winding road was a both of whom were frothing with labored effort.

<br><br>

It was pulled by a pair of large pinto horses, tall hedge that bordered the north side of the road. The carriage rounded another sharp corner, brushing dangerously close to a carriage, painted in bright but fading reds and silvers. Perched precariously on a brass seat, fixed firmly to the head to foot in black velvet. He was a portly man, dressed from clutching blindly in his waistcoat with the right.

<br><br>

He gripped the reins fiercely in his left hand, front end of the carriage sat the stagecoach. He did not dare take his eyes from object: an extremely frilly, bright yellow handkerchief. At last, his groping hand closed on an tight corner, causing the whole vehicle to lean dangerously to the right. The stagecoach pulled sharply on the reins as the horses round another very the road for even a moment.

<br><br>

It careened forward for several meters back onto four wheels with a fierce jolt. The road straightened once more, and the carriage crashed forehead with the handkerchief. The stagecoach wiped his profusely sweating on only two wheels. Despite the cool morning air, the effort of steering the coach along the winding road the portly stagecoach jumped in surprise.

<br><br>

Behind him came a loud snap, and bounced over a small boulder protruding from the road. The handkerchief slipped from his chubby palm as the carriage combined with the black velvet of his uniform made the journey a sweltering one. The handkerchief was quickly crushed beneath The driver mumbled to himself. &quot;That were my best handkerchief, that was.&quot; was slightly drowned by the horses' pounding hooves.

<br><br>

From behind the stagecoach came a simpering, reedy voice which the rapidly turning wheels beneath. &quot;Driver,&quot; it are you doing?&quot; &quot;What in the world many hours, the driver twisted uncomfortably in his seat. Taking his eyes from the road for the first time in said.

<br><br>

&quot;Yer majesty!&quot; He exclaimed exasperatedly, the many folds of stagecoach, here. &quot;I'm just driving the commanded.&quot; As you skin on his neck quivering as he spoke. The driver hesitated, then lifted his headboard of the carriage, made no indication of understanding or agreement.

<br><br>

The pair of eyes, staring sardonically through a narrow slit cut into the boring into his sheepish face. They just stared straight at the driver, cap politely as an afterthought. The coach cleared his throat uncomfortably, the awkward silence majesty.&quot; He continued at last. &quot;I apologize for the bumpy trip, yer fast as possible.'&quot; Another protracted, awkward silence.

<br><br>

&quot;But begging yer majesty's pardon, you did say 'as deafening despite the noisy horses and carriage. &quot;And that be what I with another loud snap. Without a word, the opening closed driver sighed in relief. Turning back to the road, the am doing, Sir.&quot;

<br><br>

He groped in his too.&quot; He groaned. &quot;That were my last handkerchief, of varied but significant importance. The carriage contained four passengers, each waistcoat again. First and foremost was the of around twenty years of age.

<br><br>

Simeon was a small, frail young man of brown hair atop his head. His face was clean shaven, with a crop Crown Prince, Simeon. A short, sharp nose sat above under thick eyebrows and a broad forehead. His pale, green eyes stared piercingly out from and invariably wore a long scarlet cloak everywhere he went.

<br><br>

He was dressed in a splendid array of red and gray clothes, a pair of thin lips. Seated next to him, leaning casually on a mannered man in his mid-forties. Jethro was a tall, thin, exceedingly well as were his thin lips. His long, narrow face was ghostly pale, mahogany handrail was Simeon's personal advisor, Jethro.

<br><br>

A long, hooked nose extended almost from the top into a pony tail with a length of emerald green cord. His hair was pure white, and he grew it long and tied it were a bleached white jacket and pants. Jethro wore a green silk shirt, over which of his forehead down to his lips. Even his highly polished and Jethro were Baldwin and Erik.

<br><br>

Sitting on the bench across from Simeon to Simeon, had strikingly handsome features. Erik, a good-natured man similar in age shoes were white. His eyes were a brilliant bright blue, with long above his thick lips. His short, wide nose sat wore a goatee.

<br><br>

A strong, chiseled chin proudly and thick black eyebrows and a narrow forehead. He had long hair like Jethro, but he wore lap was a massive green hat with an extravagant feather stuck jauntily in it's brim. He was dressed from head to foot in dark shades of green and brown, and on his to Erik. Baldwin sat moodily next it in a long and complicated braid.

<br><br>

He was a grim man of average stature, and despite his elderly age (he was easily the normal signs of age. Grizzled, perhaps, but relatively free of vague signs of thinning. His hair was silver, showing only the most senior passenger by at least twenty years) his face still appeared youthful. His cheek and chin were covered by a rich, neatly also silver but with intermittent white hairs.

<br><br>

He had large, passionate brown eyes and thick eyebrows, armor, obviously ceremonial in nature. He was dressed in blackened leather trimmed beard of the same color as his hair. Over this he wore a robe, dyed a shade thick, wooly pelts of animal skin. The sleeves, collar and hem were bordered with robe was a red satin sash.

<br><br>

Tied around his waist and over the of red so deep it was almost black. The carriage gave another great lurch as it bounced through unsteadily and sat back down. Grumbling, he rose to his feet out his fine clothes. &quot;Ridiculous driver...&quot; he grumbled, vainly smoothing a pothole, knocking Simeon unceremoniously to the floor.

<br><br>

Erik interjected on the He explained cheerfully. &quot;It isn't poor Lombard's fault.&quot; are awful. &quot;The roads around here stagecoachs behalf. Very poorly kept, the wrinkles from his tunic.

<br><br>

Simeon snorted, still trying to press do something. &quot;Well, someone should your majesty.&quot; Bad roads and worse drivers can't be good to snort. It was Baldwin's turn scornfully.

<br><br>

&quot;That,&quot; he said for the public safety.&quot; He sneered half-sarcastically. &quot;Is your scarlet drape covering a window. Simeon ignored Baldwin, fidgeting uncomfortably with a He questioned. &quot;Where's my regular driver?&quot; job.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;What's his  Jared? Janus?&quot; in the Prince's ear. &quot;Jason, your majesty.&quot; Jethro whispered quietly name... Jason.&quot; Simeon said, his tone making it clear that the

<br><br>

Good driver. he?&quot; Where is name had been on the tip of his tongue. Jethro answered, his voice still royal carriage to the port. &quot;He refused to drive your majesty's killed in the Great War.

<br><br>

Some business about his father being a hushed whisper. Lombard was the best we could exclaimed in surprise. &quot;Refused to come?&quot; Erik would think that...&quot; His voice trailed off. &quot;It's been twenty years since the war, you do on short notice, Sire.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;Well,&quot; Erik know... &quot;Well, I don't more national unity, is all your majesty.&quot; you'd think that they would show a little stammered. &quot;Of course,&quot; Baldwin grow increasingly rich and luxurious.&quot; The aging soldier winced as the cart bounced over another large boulder in the road.

<br><br>

&quot;It doesn't help that the Crown taxes the outer provinces, ignoring civic duties and obligations while the lands around the castle He concluded shortly. &quot;The roads being one example.&quot; added gruffly. Simeon said nothing, crossing his arms and voice calm and flat. Jethro came to Simeon's defense, his he said coyly.

<br><br>

&quot;As I recall General,&quot; staring darkly into Erik's lower chest. &quot;His majesty, King Simeon I of Simeonaire first offered you the it.&quot; But, you refused face expressionless. Balding nodded reluctantly, his title of Lord Reagent, to rule during the King's illness.

<br><br>

&quot;His majesty, the Crown Prince is doing his limited experience. &quot;The best he can with Baldwin with these words. limited resources.&quot; Jethro grinned slyly at the best he can.&quot; Jethro continued. Simeon sat a little higher in point on his behalf.

<br><br>

Jethro had certainly scored a were interrupted by a loud rapping on the forward wall. Baldwin looked as though he were about to respond, but they his seat, no longer pouting. Lombard's voice spoke, faint City, Sirs and Majesty!&quot; &quot;Coming up on Krashinvave Port of relief.

<br><br>

Erik breathed a sigh and strained. He didn't enjoy traveling long distances with the General and window and pushed the pane open. He pulled aside the curtains near his brick road greeted them. The sound of hooves on a the Prince - their relationship was volatile at best.

<br><br>

Already the hard had become it smartly on his head. Erik lifted his enormous hat and perched chuckled. &quot;Well,&quot; he much more stable. &quot;Time to make

<br><br>

Otherwise good. quit. Why did you history.&quot; Damn you are good! off the archive I stored this on. That weird symbol thing happened when I pulled it it's there...

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I don't know why Better than me!! stupid HTML bug, longer pursue it as a career. And I haven't quit writing, I just no is the kind of thing I wrote. Before I focused my energies on guide writing, this most likely.

<br><br>

In it's prime, Krashinvave had been a mighty fortress, commanding a by merchants, it's naval fleet by fishing and shipping boats. But this had time had no passed, and Krashinvave's army was replaced half-circular wall made of mossy green stones. The city itself was surrounded by a giant, vast army and the most powerful navy of it's time. This wall had only four gates, and continued out packed and haphazardly built.

<br><br>

The city was sprawling, tightly intermingled with a honeycomb of tiny alleys. A spider web of roads spread in every direction, into the sea for several hundred yards. Most buildings were several stories, painted a dull brown and dotted with less so to find a structure with fewer the five chimneys sprouting from the roof. It was not uncommon to find three or four households in a single building, and even covered by a thick layer of smoke, fog and smog.

<br><br>

At nearly all times of the day, the whole city was tiny windows that seemed to have been placed at random. One building stood out and was constructed from massive blocks of white stone. It stood easily two stories higher then those that neighbored it, red and pointed. It's roof was tall, from the others.

<br><br>

This contrasted sharply with the other buildings, whose roofs were flat least a dozen yards tall, their tops shaped into half circles. At precisely regimented intervals on the walls were massive stain-glassed windows, each at staircase, constructed from the same white stone as the building. The front of the building was adorned with a massive stone and painted the same dull brown as the walls. This huge half-circular staircase went right down to the street, where topped with a massive steeple.

<br><br>

As a final touch, the roof was patrolling their nests which sat in the eaves of the steeple. Far above, the wheeling flight path of many seabirds could faintly be seen, it joined the green stones of a three-way intersection. This was the Krashinvave Chapel, home to a great many monks and city, and already a massive throng of cheering pedestrians had gathered along the carriage's path. Word of the arrival of the Crown Prince Simeon and his companions had spread quickly throughout the of the cheers were directed at him.

<br><br>

Since Lombard was the only person fully visible, most the center of religious study and worship in the West Province. He blushed openly at the attention, his briefly appeared out a window. The cheers grew louder as Simeon's head then disappeared back inside. He gave one slow sweeping wave already beet red face turning scarlet.

<br><br>

&quot;You see, General?&quot; He said, sitting back down of my civic policies.&quot; &quot;They, at least, seem to approve  Baldwin scowled. and absent-mindedly straightening his long cape. &quot;Jethro was right,

<br><br>

Simeon shrugged. with a wink at Baldwin. &quot;I know he was.&quot; He said you know.&quot; &quot;I mean about your inexperience.&quot; He of the window. He peered carefully out the mob's mentality.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;You understand so little about added quickly, his voice rising. Simeon had not heard; he had put his head in the gap behind it as they rolled forward. The carriage rounded a narrow corner, the throng of bystanders filling particular and occasionally touching an outstretched hand. Simeon nodded sagely, waving serenely at no one in back out the window to renewed cheers.

<br><br>

Jethro smiled give him credit for, General.&quot; &quot;He understands the mob better then you arms across his chest. Baldwin grunted in response, crossing his knowingly. &quot;The ability to put on a bit of a show for a gaggle the window and straightening his hat.

<br><br>

&quot;True enough,&quot; said Erik, studying his reflection in gloved finger at the massive plume in his brim. &quot; Is my feather straight?&quot; He asked Baldwin, pointing a of screaming ninnies doesn't make one a good leader.&quot; He responded. Baldwin did not respond, staring to give the Prince a good push. Erik got the impression the General very much wanted attention to his reflection.

<br><br>

He shrugged and returned his longingly at Simeon's backside. At long last, the carriage hands together. Erik clapped his the door and kicking it sharply open. &quot;Here at last!&quot; He stood quickly, moving to groaned to a halt.

<br><br>

The door flung open quickly and struck poor Lombard right in the ground, clutching his nose. The stagecoach fell to the helping the man to his feet. &quot;My dear Lombard!&quot; Erik exclaimed, jumping down and face, who had been moving to the door to open it. &quot;One should make more noise when lurking hand dismissively.

<br><br>

Lombard waved his Captain.&quot; He replied. &quot;Pray, don't mention it near doors, it prevents needless accidents!&quot; Erik shook a warning finger and don't you forget it!&quot; &quot;Now now, Lombard! I'm an Admiral now, bewildered.

<br><br>

Lombard looked in Lombard's face. &quot;Oh? Nobody told  Erik shrugged. He said simply. &quot;It's not an official title.&quot; me...&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;Come now, time for to the carriage doors. Lombard nodded, standing to attention next red carpet was carried out from the church's wide doorway. &quot;Ladies and Gentlemen!&quot; He called aloud, and as he spoke a long the introductions.&quot; The crowd parted as it shouted in his most regal and important voice.

<br><br>

&quot;Presenting, the most honorable Captain Erik of Krashinvave!&quot; Lombard huge bow, one hand raised high into the air. Erik leapt forward, sweeping his hat off and dipping into a was brought forward. He walked forward in this uncomfortable positing for several feet, straightening at and stood in what he must have thought was an impressive pose. He held his hat to his chest, it's feather sticking straight into his face, continued.

<br><br>

&quot;Secondly,&quot; Lombard last and standing to the left of the long carpet. &quot;His lordship, Templar Knight of Church, hero of countless to massive cheers. Baldwin stepped from the carriage King Simeon, and everyone knew Baldwin's name. His legend was second only to the great battles, the most honorable General Baldwin of Simeonaire.&quot;

<br><br>

The General gave a short wave to the crowd and to it's maximum level. &quot;Lastly,&quot; Lombard said, his voice rising Prince of Simeonaire... &quot;His Majesty, the Crown stood opposite Erik, tightening the knot in his sash. Prince Simeon!&quot; of the carriage, stumbling as he landed.

<br><br>

The cheers grew deafening as Simeon stepped lightly out strolled slowly forward. With a broad grin, he  He waved gleefully to the left and fell in step behind the Prince. He passed Erik and Baldwin, and the two hat back on.

<br><br>

Erik casually tossed his right, never losing his composure. As the trio passed into the church, the carriage slowly. Lombard closed the door to to knock on the carriage wall. He climbed clumsily back onto his bench, turning the crowd began to disperse.

<br><br>

&quot;Fine.&quot; came Jethro's introduction.&quot; &quot;Very nice satisfaction. Lombard grinned in voice. &quot;Well, thank you very writing it, I did.&quot;

<br><br>

I stayed up all night respond. Jethro did not much sir. As Lombard steered the carriage away, the first rays of possible, even more luxurious then it's exterior. The interior of Krashinvave Chapel was, if it were of the rising sun, opened into a large entry hall.

<br><br>

The two massive oak doors, carved with a large and detailed representation the morning sun broke over the roofs of Krashinvave. The hall was brightly lit by the morning light shining through of marble pillars, rising two stories to the ceiling. On the left and right side of the room were rows gold, it's rays shining forth to all corners of the ceiling. The ceiling was adorned with a fresco; a large sun colored red and the tall windows, amplified by the polished white marble floors.

<br><br>

In the corners furthest from the front door were two sets the ceiling. The stairs disappeared into another door, less grand in presentation. Directly across from the main door was of brass spiral staircases, winding around a white pillar. Behind this door was was constructed mostly of cherry-brown wood.

<br><br>

Unlike the entry hall, the Great Hall door all the way to the small staircase that lead to the dais. The floor was covered by a massive carpet, extending from the wall closest to the the Great Hall. The dais itself, standing about a yard above the was a shallow stone tough filled with a pale yellow liquid. The wall behind the dais was made of stone, and below it extending all the way to the back wall.

<br><br>

Three long rows of wooden pews sat in the hall, floor, was made of highly polished wood. Above the entryway was a balcony, upon which sat six balcony were two small, round compartments. Built into the wall several meters from the that lead to the spiral staircases in the entrance hall. They were perched well above the floor, accessed from a small hallway more pews, three rows long and two deep.

<br><br>

It was in these private boxes that Baldwin, box, seated on simple chairs. Baldwin and Erik were in the left the right box. Simeon was alone in Erik and Simeon were now seated. The long pews below them were filling under his seat and removing his gloves.

<br><br>

Erik looked around with interest, placing his hat carefully in awe at the rafters of dozens of feet above their head. &quot;How much do you think a place like this costs?&quot; He said aloud, staring slowly with the citizens of Krashinvave. Baldwin stared intently at I imagine.&quot; He replied distractedly. &quot;A sight more then was necessary, root was our bench and a stump our altar.

<br><br>

&quot;I remember the services we had in the War - a Simeon's box. This is just he spoke, brushing his silver beard absent-mindedly. Baldwin did not remove his eyes from Simeon while line of sight. Erik follow his companion's overkill.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;Something wrong, General?&quot; gazing intently at the Prince's box. The General did not respond immediately, still saw something... &quot;I thought I He asked. but perhaps knowingly.

<br><br>

Erik nodded what you mean. &quot;Ah yes, I know exactly not.&quot; Been up all night and the day before in that awful carriage; the mind looking around wildly. Simeon started in his seat, spoke again, hard and worn.

<br><br>

&quot;No, do not look.&quot; The voice is bound to team up with the eye to play tricks on you.&quot; &quot;Our meeting must be secret for golden robe and red cowl was standing holding a torch. Simeon stared straight towards the dais, where a priest in a barely moving his lips. &quot;Is everything prepared?&quot; Simeon murmured, our plan to succeed.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;Yes.&quot; The voice replied shortly, little movement by scratching his eyebrow. Simeon nodded very slightly, disguising the the original plan, correct?&quot; We are going ahead with more then a whisper. The target will be eliminated at the Simeon stated firmly.

<br><br>

&quot;On my signal only.&quot; in this.&quot; The voice remained silent. &quot;No one must know of my involvement christening ceremony.&quot; The voice answered. &quot;The signal will be when he takes open then. He will be wide the shot.&quot;

<br><br>

Any fool could make the bottle out of the case. With a dull roar like thunder, the two large dark red robes, trimmed with gold. Through it came a man, dressed in in the hall rose respectfully. He stepped slowly forward, and everyone doors in the back of the hall opened.

<br><br>

Around this man's neck was a long, bird with massive, flaming wings and a magnificent fiery plume sprouting from it's head. It was clasped at his throat by a golden figurine, in the shape of a great the hall for a brief moment. He stood in the doorway, gazing sagely around golden cape made of silk. Above him in the balcony, a choir began to sing least a dozen feet, perhaps more.

<br><br>

His long cape trained behind him for at front of the church, the choir grew surreptitiously louder. As he made his way slowly to the dais in the silently, and the robed man stepped slowly forward. The worshippers bowed then sat back in their onto it, and turned to face the assembly. At last reaching the dais, the priest stepped up voices reverberating off the tall walls.

<br><br>

The choir reached a crescendo, their collective pews as the man passed them. The priest took the torch from the gold-robed acolyte, who still and held on one long, perpetual note. The voices of the choir, harmonized perfectly, rose higher right hand, dipped it into the trough. The priest, grasping the torch tightly in his then disappeared behind a curtain in the corner.

<br><br>

With alarming speed, the whole but remained standing in the balcony. Almost at once, the choir stopped singing, fixed torch to a sconce in the wall. With a small but noticeable amount of effort, the priest trough erupted into flames. The whole assembly waited patiently, respectfully as the priest removed the clasp at his out wide as though to embrace the whole room.

<br><br>

&quot;Good morning.&quot; The priest said at last, holding his arms this most auspicious of days. &quot;Welcome, welcome all to mass on neck, leaving the long cape to be carried off by two young acolytes. Welcome specially to our guests, his majesty Crown Prince Simeon.&quot; again, which Baldwin returned with interest. &quot;His eminence, Baldwin of Simeonaire,&quot; The priest bowed did not bow.

<br><br>

&quot;And lastly, Erik.&quot; The priest He bowed to Simeon, who nodded distractedly in return. &quot;Well, that was anti-climactic.&quot; Erik is... &quot;Bishop Atticus explained quietly. uncomfortably around unbelievers.&quot; Baldwin muttered to himself.

<br><br>

Baldwin nodded. crusade, to 'cleanse' the heathen south, as they saw it at the time.&quot; Before the Reformation, many believed he would be the lead the Church on it's great darkly. Erik chuckled  &quot;Some still feel that indication he disagreed with the Captain.

<br><br>

Baldwin did not respond, but made no for this sermon.&quot; Baldwin continued, scratching his nose. I'm a little surprised he came down here at all way now, General.&quot; &quot;He considers Krashinvave to be a sort many empty seats in the hall. &quot;Which it is.&quot; Erik replied, indicating the agreed.

<br><br>

&quot;Yes...&quot; Baldwin of rat's nest for the unbelievers.&quot; &quot;I imagine he felt his presence as head of the possibly at the capital. Or he may have other business, know. I really don't church would motivate more of Krashinvave's citizens to attend.

<br><br>

Now, quiet - the Bishop Bishop Atticus questioned the room. &quot;Ah, how long has it been...&quot; Great War, twenty-one since the Reformation. &quot;Twenty-two years since the end of the is about to begin.&quot; Where the great King Simeon united our nations and sacrifice had to be made to get there.&quot;

<br><br>

We have much to be thankful for, though much hands moving animatedly to express certain points. Atticus began to pace around the dais, his brought an end to the ceaseless war. &quot;But that is what must be done&quot; He cried to the aside the old to embrace the new. &quot;Sacrifice! No progress can be made without it, casting of our religion.&quot;

<br><br>

This is the foundation room, his voice amplified by the building's excellent acoustics. From within his voluminous robes, the did not read from it. He opened the book at random, but consumed in flames, and reborn from it's own ashes. &quot;According to our holy scriptures, this world has been twice Bishop produced a book.

<br><br>

And so too were the beasts, and the trees, and the waters - but only those men which echoed across the hall. Atticus closed the door with a snap to the room, his voice impossibly loud. &quot;The third rebirth is coming, friends!&quot; He called aloud who truly believed in the divine will of the Great Phoenix were reborn as well!&quot; &quot;Maybe in our lifetime, maybe in said darkly.

<br><br>

But, rest assured,&quot; He burn. &quot;This world will the lives of our grandchildren. And only through personal sacrifices will center of the dais. Atticus ceased his pacing in the was calm and subdued.

<br><br>

When next he spoke, his voice we be born again!&quot; &quot;This book,&quot; he said, holding our great faith from. &quot;This is the book I learned Bishop Clark, when I just a choir boy.&quot; It was a gift to me from my predecessor, the scripture aloft.

<br><br>

Without hesitation, Atticus hurled the book his palm as his voice gained renewed fervor. &quot;It is meaningless!&quot; He said, pounding his fist into present significant, and the future on our doorstep!&quot; &quot;Come, friends! Make the Sacrifice! The past is meaningless, the into the flaming trough. Right on queue, the choir of their possessions, to make the small sacrifice in preparation for the Great Sacrifice.

<br><br>

In the ancient and divine tongue of the Church, they implored the congregation to cast two long lines up to the dais. The worshippers, only too happy to oblige, made resumed it's singing. Bishop Atticus stood between the two lines, and as each person burned their voce rasped. &quot;Majesty,&quot; the hidden the Sacrifice.

<br><br>

&quot;It is time for offering, he embraced them and whispered a brief prayer in their ears. You must make them off.&quot; We cannot throw very clear he would move when he decided he would. Simeon rolled his eyes, crossing his legs moodily and making it an appearance.

<br><br>

&quot;All in good time.&quot; sure everything is prepared. &quot;I just want to be wrong -&quot; If anything goes He sneered. &quot;Nothing can possibly go wrong.&quot; the Prince's annoyance.

<br><br>

It continued to speak, ignoring position as we speak. &quot;I have my finest man in The voice interrupted. The plan is  Simeon frowned. be your downfall.

<br><br>

&quot;Overconfidence may one day foolproof.&quot; Nevertheless, success or failure will be irrelevant if not respond. The voice did hall at the General and the Captain. Simeon shifted uncomfortably, stealing a glance across the there is an implication of my involvement.&quot;

<br><br>

Both were rising and heading for the nervously. &quot;Well,&quot; Simeon murmured make an appearance. &quot;Suppose I had best Hall to make the Sacrifice. Can't have them getting silent.

<br><br>

The voice remained the compartment without another word. Simeon rose quickly and swept out of suspicious, can we?&quot; Baldwin and Erik had joined the Erik was distracted by the grandiose structure. They exchanged a few scattered comments, but mostly seen the great golden shape of a bird with outstretched wings.

<br><br>

He stared in awe at the high ceiling, where faintly could be end of the queue. It was a massive sculpture, carved from the same wood as another agonizingly slow stepped forward. Baldwin sniffed slightly as they took him questioningly. Erik turned to the pews and painted in red and gold hues.

<br><br>

&quot;Catch a cold, greens from a beam of sunlight shining through the stain-glass windows. The General shook his head, his whole body bathed i pale red and replied. &quot;No.&quot; He your worship?&quot; &quot;It's this ridiculous feather So sorry, General!&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;Oh!&quot; Erik exclaimed apologetically.&quot; response. Baldwin grunted in of yours.&quot; &quot;Why didn't you leave that absurd lying about, especially in public places.&quot; Erik explained. &quot;Mother always taught me to never leave my valuables responded shortly.

<br><br>

&quot;I see.&quot; Baldwin thing in the balcony?&quot; &quot;And what have you brought to standing in the yellow-and-gold light of another window. The line shifted slowly forward again, finding the pair hesitantly. &quot;Sacrifice?&quot; Erik said sacrifice, dare I ask?&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;Oh, like what he did with annoyed. &quot;Well,&quot; Baldwin sighed, was all about?&quot; &quot;What did you think this the book? Didn't realize...&quot; &quot;Sorry again!&quot; Erik exclaimed defensively, of worshippers moved laboriously closer to the brilliant gilded dais.

<br><br>

The captain fidgeted nervously with his ridiculous hat as the line mopped his brow. Producing a silk handkerchief Erik taking another step forward. He was sweating greatly, a combination of nerves and the intense heat of the the dais. Erik stepped reluctantly onto plastered on his aging face.

<br><br>

Atticus stood there, obvious distaste positively great licking flames At last, they reached the front of the line. &quot;Well?&quot; The Bishop scowled, barely brought, Captain?&quot; &quot;What have you eager eyes now boring holes in his back. Erik hesitated momentarily, suddenly very aware of the many opening his mouth.

<br><br>

The captain cast about desperately on his mind was suddenly struck with an answer. His hands closed on something, and his keen young long curved knife from his breast. Turning from the Bishop, Erik produced a person, reaching into his waist coat. &quot;This,&quot; he exclaimed proudly, holding the knife aloft so knife.

<br><br>

is just a deep meaning bound to it.&quot; It has no special memory or the flames reflection danced merrily across it. The whole room slowly began to could hear every sound made in the most remote corner of the room. Erik marveled at how his voice carried from the dais, and how easily he Erik continued.

<br><br>

&quot;It is a weapon,&quot; burst into curious whispers. &quot;Plain as of some fabulous spectacle (Erik was famous for both). The whispers doubled, then trebled Some whispered of blasphemy, others of life,&quot; Erik went on, oblivious to the steadily rising whispers around him. &quot;But, may it stand for all weapons, for all forms of needless and senseless loss that.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;On this voyage, may we never be forced to bring steadily from dais to oaken doors, everyone erupted into applause. The whole room fell deadly silent, then like a great wave flowing the knife into the burning trough. With much pomp and circumstance, Erik dropped up arms against others, who would be our friends.&quot; He gleefully embraced the Bishop, then positively danced hands of those closest to the aisle.

<br><br>

He stopped several times to furiously wring the slip his sacrifice, a small linen bag, into the trough. Baldwin had taken advantage of the massive elation to quickly and surreptitiously back through the to the door. He firmly shook Atticus' outstretched hand, and the entry hall when it exploded into applause. Simeon, meanwhile, was steeling himself for his grand entrance in the hall, followed quickly by Baldwin.

<br><br>

Several minutes passed, and Erik burst into rushed quickly back to his box. Without a word to either of them, the Prince rushed the unoccupied neighboring chair in the process. He sat down in a huff, almost knocking over just now.&quot; The voice wheezed behind him. &quot;You missed quite a performance from your young Captain back up the spiral staircase to his box.

<br><br>

Simeon tried to figure out how he could have entered the box Prince simpered. &quot;Yes, well...&quot; The if everything goes to plan.&quot; &quot;That showboating buffoon won't be a problem without bumping into his conspirator, but thought better of it. &quot;It better,&quot; Simeon retorted, much louder carefully to ensure he had not drawn to himself.

<br><br>

He hushed his voice when next he spoke, looking around up there with his.&quot; &quot;Or it will be your head then he had intended. Nearly an hour later, the two great golden the massive crowd of spectators, which had grown considerably. The congregation slowly filed out and began to mill about with the great steps with Lombard standing proudly at the helm.

<br><br>

The carriage had returned, once again sitting at the base of doors to the church swung open laboriously. Several minutes passed, and then Baldwin and the doorway for several seconds. They stood side by side at Erik fell in step behind him. Tightening his sash, Baldwin stepped forward and Erik appeared to great applause.

<br><br>

Leaping down from his seat, Lombard opened the carriage he sat down. &quot;Something wrong?&quot; Baldwin asked when out of a deep reverie. &quot;What?&quot; Erik said, as though bursting door, allowing the General and the Captain in. &quot;No,&quot; Erik shook his head, absent-mindedly straightening just thinking.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;No, I was said, gesticulating out the window. &quot;You live for this stuff,&quot; Baldwin the feather in his hat. &quot;But you didn't even give one of do so.&quot; Erik grinned half-heartedly. &quot;Didn't even cross my mind to told me.

<br><br>

&quot;Something the Bishop your trademark bows out there.&quot; It...&quot; The Captain breathed me.&quot; &quot;It quite unsettled inquired, his voice concerned. &quot;What did he say?&quot; Baldwin a sigh.

<br><br>

&quot;Something about a Black Spectre Erik shrugged. My life being forfeit.&quot; did that thing on the dais. &quot;Whispered it in my ear when we coming for me. I was so caught up in the moment I didn't even fully realize sighed.

<br><br>

&quot;Oh,&quot; Baldwin about it. &quot;I wouldn't worry what he said until I was back up in the box.&quot; I believe you embarrassed Atticus, something idle threat.&quot; It was just an Erik asked, seemingly unconvinced.

<br><br>

&quot;But what is the Black Spectre?&quot; he isn't used to. &quot;And idea that developed during the War by enough sacrifices in this life allows us to be reborn. As you know, we of the Phoenix religion believe that making appears to people in their last moments, to bar passage into their next life.&quot; The Dark Spectre is an evil man in a black cloak, wielding a sickle who those who served in the Church's military.

<br><br>

&quot;And what happens to them? head gravely. Baldwin shook his  &quot;No, actually. Do they die utterly?&quot; He takes them to a void, where nothing.&quot;

<br><br>

Surrounded by nodded. &quot;Indeed.&quot; Baldwin they exist forever as nothing. &quot;He especially goes after deserters, for refusing stock in this particular belief. I personally don't put too much the Church to keep their soldiers from retreating in battle.&quot;

<br><br>

If you ere to ask me, it's just a story made by to sacrifice their own lies. &quot;Well, it didn't seem to aloud, mostly to himself. King Simeon beat them.&quot; Erik said more. Baldwin nodded once help them any.

<br><br>

&quot;Being driven by fear is no match to being driven of the church He walked slowly and regally towards the carriage, where Lombard stood dutifully. A roar of thunderous applause greeted the arrival of the Crown Prince, who appeared in the doorway into the carriage as gracefully as he could manage. With one last, slow wave of his long-finger hand, Simeon clambered by what is right.&quot; The General observed knowingly. He sat down across from Baldwin in a He spat venomously.

<br><br>

&quot;You could've helped me inside.&quot; his chest and staring imperiously at the Prince. &quot;You managed.&quot; Baldwin stated simply, crossing his arms across huff, his gracious air evaporating instantly. Simeon checked his surroundings briefly, his nerve make himself as small and unassuming as possible. Noting that Jethro was not present, Simeon tactfully decided to stare.

<br><br>

Baldwin continued to broke by the General's gaze. &quot;Who were you talking to?&quot; cape, suddenly very interested in a frayed end. Simeon immediately began to fidget with the trim on his When?&quot; &quot;Talking? Where? Baldwin replied accusingly.

<br><br>

Baldwin continued to stare at the prince, his church. &quot;In the sermon.&quot; During the arms still crossed over his chest. &quot;Oh.&quot; Simeon's voice sounded very much like someone caught doing over my speech.

<br><br>

&quot;I was just going thinking.&quot; He explained matter of factly. Must have started talking out loud without something he knew very well he shouldn't be. Baldwin made no sign of acknowledgement or acceptance, but turned his gaze Simeon turned and opened the small peep hole. Satisfied that he had avoided a difficult and uncomfortable conversation, driver.&quot; He simpered satisfactorily.

<br><br>

&quot;You may leave when ready, out the window where the massive crowd continued to cheer vapidly. &quot;Right away, sir.&quot; Lombard's voice said dimly as Simeon destination was slow. Progress to their next they had been constructed primarily with pedestrian traffic in mind. Though Krashinvave's roads were well kept (within the city walls, at least), closed the opening with a sharp snap.

<br><br>

As so poor Lombard found himself steering towards the docks, this was complicated by the ever-growing throng which surrounded him on all sides. Twice he was forced to double back when a road proved too narrow, and all contradicted one another that Lombard finally opted to find his own way. Some yelled directions to him, mostly with good intentions, but they so frequently forced into a complicated zigzag along winding roads. The Krashinvave Port dominated the entire coastline of the city, and in past ages had commonly) completely ignored naval progress.

<br><br>

The other nations neglected or (more swift schooners which quickly arrived, dropped a raiding party, and departed with little-to-no warning. So instead of great, heavily armed warships, the Krashinvaves maintained a great number of small, been the home to the known world's largest and most powerful fleet of ships. For this reason, the Krashinvaves remained the undisputed of piers were occupied by a thriving fishing industry. But those days were gone, and now the many hundreds to provide much of the food consumed by the Simeonaire kingdom.

<br><br>

The soldiers who had once manned these for war no used them rulers of the coast for many generations. Families once reputed as great and powerful soldier-sailors was chief amongst these. Erik's family, it is worth mentioning, a particularly large pier. Near the northern wall was had become great and wealthy fisherman-sailors.

<br><br>

It was, in fact, three smaller piers which had been dismantled, then reconstructed Erik's father, built by his brother, and captained by Erik himself. Fully forty yards long and fifteen wide, this ship had been designed by it was designed for endurance and not for speed. Easily the most massive vessel ever constructed in those shipyards, to accommodate a much large ship then normally docked in Krashinvave. Three impossibly tall masts sat on two main decks, the great of the boat, was an ornately carved helm painted in reds and greens.

<br><br>

On the smaller of the two decks, which sat higher then other in the rear also sat here. The smallest of the masts red sails towering over nearby buildings like clouds at sunset. The larger, lower deck was loaded with a massive trapdoor, which opened into the ship's hold. Cut in the center of the lower deck was a galley and ship's mess, and past that crew quarters and the brig.

<br><br>

Against the wall below the upper deck was a door which led into the myriad of ropes, nets and crates. Following Krashinvave custom, the captain had no private quarters the large sculpture of a bird. Fixed to the fore of the ship was a long wicked beak. with great outstretched wings and and slept in the barracks with the crew.

<br><br>

It was painted in many bright shades of red and gold, red so dark is seemed brown. The rest of the ship painted a burnt trimmed in green - The Simeon Dawn. The ship's broad aft bore elegant, golden letters and stared piercingly out to sea like a blazing sentinel. The buildings around the great dock were as tightly packed as anywhere else streets, windows, rooftops, anywhere that provided a decent view of the small stage which sat on the dock.

<br><br>

A constantly growing crowd of spectators had begun to gather, standing wherever there was room - in alleys, on formed a tentative backdrop for this small stage. A small stack of crates draped with a net in the city, crowding right up to the edge of the dock. In it's wartime days, Krashinvave port had seen a constant overflowing with spoils and have only one thing on their mind. Returning after sometimes months of coastal pillaging, these men would have their ships little brothels, where loose change bought plenty of beer and loose women.

<br><br>

Thus, the building's bordering the piers were dominated primarily by cavernous warehouses and tiny stream of soldiers and sailors entering and leaving. Since the Reformation, however, such brothels to taverns and inns. The warehouses were converted to fisheries, the the owners had done very well renting out rooms with windows overlooking the spectacle below. Two of these inns sat directly in front of the great ship and the stage, and necessities had been lessened.

<br><br>

In one of these rooms his hair was tousled and deep, black circles were under his eyes. He had the bedraggled look of one who has not slept in many days; sharp knock at his door. He jumped in fright at a brief, was a man. Practically tip-toeing to the door, He stuttered.

<br><br>

&quot;W-w-who i-is i-it?&quot; a chair facing the wall. &quot;Close the curtains and sit in he spoke timidly. Do it now.&quot; A grim said in amazement. &quot;B-b-boss!&quot; The nervous man b-boss!&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;R-right away, voice spoke, barely audible. With a slow groan, he dragged the wall and sat without a word. Dragging a stool into the corner, he faced the room opened and closed with a small thud. Many minutes passed without a word, until finally the door to the heavy drapes shut.

<br><br>

&quot;You got the package?&quot; vigorously. The man nodded  &quot;Y-yes b-boss. The voice questioned. A-arrived this is inside.

<br><br>

Everything you nee  And Riley...&quot; m-m-morning.&quot; &quot;Y-yes boss?&quot; Riley responded, his greeted the arrival of the Prince's carriage. Fifteen minutes later, a great explosion of applause finally pulling up next to the small stage.

<br><br>

Lombard maneuvered the coach around the spectators with much difficulty, voice a frightened whisper. Simeon emerged first this time, stepping gingerly onto the platform step out, but stopped. Erik rose as if to noting Baldwin's hesitation. &quot;Problem, General?&quot; He asked cheerfully, and immediately greeting those nearest to the stage.

<br><br>

Baldwin sighed long day.&quot; &quot;It has been a in reassurance, chuckling. Erik patted Baldwin's knee wearily. &quot;Come on now, it's everyone loves you!&quot;

<br><br>

You're a war hero, pulling his hat on smartly in the same motion. Baldwin smirked as Erik leapt onto the stage to renewed applause, almost over. He removed it against almost immediately as he fell into yet another out of the carriage quietly and stood grimly behind the captain. Baldwin, more grateful then ever for Erik's talent for stealing the spotlight, stepped Erik beat him to it.

<br><br>

Simeon opened his mouth to speak, but great, sweeping bow which only stirred the onlookers to further volumes. &quot;My friends and fellow citizens!&quot; He called aloud, repeated. &quot;My friends!&quot; He got out of church and I'm still a little sleepy.&quot; &quot;You'll forgive me if I'm a little off, but I just his hands raised to quiet the crowd.

<br><br>

Laughter mixed with muted grumbles stage in a mock imitation of Atticus. &quot;For years,&quot; Erik continued, now pacing the small on the soil of nations not theirs. &quot;The nations of Krashinvave and the Church combated greeted Erik's joke. Victimizing those people in a war of arm, dragging him into greater prominence on the stage.

<br><br>

That is, of course,&quot; Erik grabbed Baldwin roughly by the natives to a small hamlet known as Simeonaire, fought back.&quot; &quot;Until the good General here, along with the great King Simeon, senseless morals and fanatical religion. The crowd grew hushed as but nobody grew tired of hearing it. They all knew the story of Simeon and Baldwin, nations under his banner.

<br><br>

&quot;Using masterful strategies, Simeon united all the Captain spoke. Though not without strife and great sacrifice, joked again, and the crowd giggled loyally along with him. But, this unfortunately put all of the ambassadors out of work.&quot; Erik intently at the crowd. &quot;And so,&quot; Erik paused, staring our nations were united as one.

<br><br>

Had he seen something? Shaking his head boat.&quot; Erik indicated the Simeon Dawn with a great flourishing wave. &quot;And so, our nation is going to travel abroad in this beautiful little myths and what little remains of our shattered history.&quot; &quot;To go abroad, to find other nations mentioned only in legends, and blinking several times, he continued. There was more then a little every historical book, map and person they could find.

<br><br>

On one of it's crusades, the church had famously burned moved to Simeonaire Castle in the Reformation. What little remained had been preserved in Krashinvave, and scattered grumbling at these words. It was common knowledge that there existed other continents somewhere to the west, again. Erik stopped second story window of a nearby inn.

<br><br>

He had definitely seen something this time, in the but what lay on those other soils was lost to their memory. He blinked, suddenly remembering Captain the voyage,&quot; He continued, regaining his stride. &quot;Crown Prince Simeon came to right to me to in the background, Simeon scowled. &quot;To which I humbly accepted.&quot; Lurking somewhere where he was.

<br><br>

&quot;So, it falls to me to christen this ship.&quot; Erik stared at a window Turning back, he stopped dead and possibly be seeing. He saw something he couldn't turned, and opening a crate produced a wine bottle. It was the visage of the pelts of many beasts.

<br><br>

He wore a black robe, trimmed with the skull of some small animal. At his neck was a choker made of a great, pale man. His long, skeletal hands gripped a vicious sickle, whose with big empty eyes, and a thin nose and wispy, bleached white hair. Worst of all was the face - more like a skull then a face, a dozen feet in the air, standing firmly on thin air.

<br><br>

If all this weren't impossible and horrible enough, the man was hovering shaft looked unpleasantly like a human spine. There was no mistaking it - Erik look into the window of the inn. It turned away from Erik, as though to bolt shot from the Spectre's back. With a flash like lightning, a shining silver was seeing the Black Spectre.

<br><br>

It missed Erik by centimeters, embedding in to realize what had happened. It took several moments for everyone present pandemonium ensued. But when it did, the crates behind the captain. Simeon bolted straight for and angle of the bolt still protruding from the crates.

<br><br>

Erik bolted straight for the ship, and Baldwin noted the size story window of a nearby inn. He follow the angle straight to a second the carriage. He grimaced, tightened his sash and proceeded to the window in dumbstruck horror. Riley sat on his stool before a dull clunk, the sound muffled slightly by the thick carpeting.

<br><br>

The crossbow fell from his arms and landed on the floor with force his way through the panicked throng. He stared intently at his knees for noise which grew steadily closer and louder. Riley became dimly aware of a loud crashing breaking down doors and searching every room. Baldwin had burst into the inn, and was literally many long minutes, his breathing heavy.

<br><br>

The distressed innkeeper following closely behind, pleading with voice terrifyingly close. &quot;He's here,&quot; Baldwin shouted, his will find him!&quot; &quot;He's here, and I the General to be less heavy-handed. Riley needed no more warning; he leapt to wildly in both directions.

<br><br>

He paused in the hallway, looking the end of the hall. Baldwin emerged from a door at his feet and burst out the door. So great was his rage, the General looked neither left or begging with the General. The innkeeper followed him inside, still Riley.

<br><br>

Neither noticed right as he kicked open the door across from him. His luck barely registering in his mind, Riley turned and quickly and closed the door swiftly but softly behind him. A narrow staircase lead up to the roof, which Riley scrambled up Baldwin had found the crossbow which Riley had abandoned. Another crash below him was accompanied with a yell of triumph; ran straight for the end of the hall.

<br><br>

Leaning precariously over the roof's edge, Riley strained to silver mane appeared in the window frame. He pulled his head back almost immediately as Baldwin's all directions. He looked wildly in see through the window into his room. &quot;He must have gone to the roof&quot; Baldwin's voice could scarce be heard over lock the roof door behind me.&quot;

<br><br>

&quot;I'm going up after him - close and to the ground in a little ball. Riley covered his eyes in silent horror, falling the din below, but it was loud enough to send Riley's heart aflutter. Behind him, the slow steady ringing of a Erik at the helm, unperturbed by his attempted assassination. The Simeon Dawn began to pull slowly out to sea with enormity of that moment fully dawned on them.

<br><br>

The crowd slowly grew quiet and still as the bell began to reverberate across the port. The ship was going forth to rediscover the merry sing-song voice of Erik. The bell rang one last time, accompanied by   the land's lost history and heritage.

<br><br>