Book I: Birth

Ali Rahman
NaNoWrMo 2012
November 1 - 29

G lue was banished onto the vast field of green in a foreign dimension, disheveled and
angry. His wings were wounded and limp.
No, no, no he couldnt have! I was so close! The injustice of it all! I should have
executed the fool immediately! I will have my revenge!
Suddenly, he awoke from his stupor, and noticed something not quite right.
What is this peculiar sensation? My mind, its fading! My memories are being disposed
of!
Glue smirked but quickly became serious, he didnt have much time.
He is not the only one with tricks up his sleeve!
He knew how to save his memories. By storing them in parts of his mind that could never
be erased, his instinct, he could retain them even after his mind was taken. He knew that after he
was aware of his lost memories, he would be able to rediscover them by searching for them in
his sub-conscience.
I must hurry. I can already feel myself deteriorating. I am losing my hold on reality.
After finishing the task, he sighed in relief.
Not long after, he noticed a burning sensation spreading from the tips of his fingers and toes.
He looked down. My body, its disintegrating before my very eyes! Curse him!
Glue watched as his body withered to oblivion. He was helpless. There was nothing he could do
in this non-scape. He looked on in shock, until he was naught. All that remained was his naked
soul and on it was sent, to reside within a boy just born to humans (at Glues misfortune) the
moment Glue faded away, as he was to be Glues reincarnation. Glue was sentenced to live the
life of a mortal, the most draconic punishment deliverable to any being besides being
extinguished.

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Z en woke up to the sound of thunder, rumbling overtop his roof. He leaped out of his bed
to observe the night sky. Roiling black clouds tumbled across the sky. Lightning
sporadically burst through the inkblots, glowing hot white and blue, scorching everything
in its contact, as if leaving its mark.
Beautiful, he murmured, looking out through his window. If a man were to have the power
behind one of those lightning strikes he would surely use it for no good of his own
Zen contemplated whether or not to go back to sleep. He decided against it. The thunder
is too uproarious; I will not rest well, though I think I might read about the Ancients.
Walking to the table next to his bed, Zen picked up his well-loved copy of Dirige No
Solutus, by Alvataymum the Wise. Each of the tomes endless pages was gilded with the most
exquisite handwriting Zen had ever seen. He cherished the book with his life, for the grace of its
design, and even more so for the valuable information it contained. Zen respected Alvataymum
the Wise more so than anyone in history.
The Sage was a nomad who refused to remain in the confines of his stronghold so that he
could explore the wilderness. Back then, that was unheard of in a stronghold. Only in times of
great calamity did anyone ever venture from their strongholds walls. Only the most powerful
and bravest warrior was established to request assistance from a neighboring stronghold. And
when that was the case, the warrior would never stray from the path lest he be lost or killed by
the creatures of the wilderness. Many warriors never returned from their quests. Alvataymum
cared for none of these.
Before Alvataymums work, no one knew much about the Ancients. All they knew was
that the Ancients were immortal beings that existed before mankind began. They were evil spirits
that roamed the world in anger and confusion for being trapped on this world for eternity.
Alvataymum was curious of their presence. He purposefully forayed into the wilderness,
dangerous as it was, not because he was stupid but because he wanted to know more of the
Ancients mysterious ways. After weeks surviving on his own, fighting off *blueberrys* eating
berries and nuts, He discovered an archaic temple that depicted their origins. He wrote of them in
his encyclopedia, Dirige No Solutus, after he returned to his stronghold to tell his people of his
journey.
Zen opened the book to his favorite page, the one with an elaborate drawing of an
Ancient that was carved into the temple walls. This Ancient was a menacing dragon looming his
head out of the ocean, his scaled serpentine body seemed to extend miles long. His wings looked
powerful and sturdy, able to withstand the sharpest arrow. They rested over his muscular
forelimbs. His eyes glared fierce and feral, glowing charcoals that emphasized the rage in his
expression. His nostrils were flared, his teeth fanged teeth bared.
This Ancient seems so angryI cannot help but feel sorry for him. To exist without
happiness for eternity must be worse than dying.
Looking on past the drawing, Zen read the crisp handwritten text. The Ancients are
classified by the magnitude of their power. There are 4 classes of which they may be determined,
Ancients in each class are approximately equally powerful; however some are more cunning than
others. The classes work as a 4 tiered system, as it happens to be that their powers are distributed
over scales of 10 as well as the ranks of each class. Meaning, it takes the power of 10 Ancients
from any class to equivilate the power of an Ancient in the class directly above the one
pertaining to the 10 others.
Why is base 10 so crucial to the Ancients? How is it that their strengths are all about the
same, per class? Perhaps these questions will be answered later in the text, I will move on

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 The bottom tier, populated by the weakest ranks of the Ancients, has exactly 1000
Ancients. Ancients in this tier are known as damnums. They are sometimes enslaved by Ancients
of higher class. Although, they are the weakest of all Ancients, they are still stronger than any
human, and could easily kill one if desired or provoked. They are the most common type of
Ancient and are spotted the most by humans out of all the other Ancients. Damnums tend to live
alone, dispersed throughout the world. They tend to wander in forests leaving a path of
destruction and corpses of dead animals, as they occasionally lash out in outbreaks of rage. Most
damnums exist in the form of a lion, tiger, wolf, or jaguar, usually in similar mass and size to the
real animals. To tell the difference between a damnum Ancient and a real animal is to look at the
specific features of the creature. Features in damnums are blurred as their presences in the mortal
world are not strong enough to define details that make their appearances complete.
Interesting, damnums are basically on par with the top predators of the mortal food
chain. Also, since the powers of the classes are distanced by an order of magnitude that means
that the Ancients in the next class are 10 times stronger than that!
The second tier is the most prevalent tier in the world. Its populating Ancients are
known as dolors. Although there are exactly 100 of them, they, as a whole, reap the most
destruction out of all the Ancients. They tend to exist with damnums as Alphas or enslavers.
Cunning dolors can control more than 10 damnums at once. Dolors tend to be about the size of a
tree. Their shapes vary sharply. Most end up being griffons, trolls or ogres. Features in dolors are
very sharp. Their spiritual presence is strong enough for them to retain all definition as that of a
mortal. Powerful dolors can glow faintly. They can also speak if they have stifled their anguish
enough. Although they do not have to eat to sustain their living, some dolors choose to do so.
The third tier is populated by the Ancients known as the ira. Exactly ten of them exist in
the world. Most are about the size of a mountain. Their spiritual presence is so strong that they
glow brighter than fire. They tend to take on the shapes of dragons, phoenixes, or giants. Very
rarely has anyone ever sighted an ira. Of those people, only a few live to tell the tell as the ira are
notorious for eating humans.
The fourth and final tier is the solus, A single Ancient. The strength of all of 10 ira
combined can only compare to him. Legend has it that he sleeps within the deeps of the earth. No
one has ever sighted him before. It is estimated that he be around the size of a hurricane. Not
much is known of him besides his existence.
It is not known why there exists exactly 1,111 Ancients, nor is it known of the reasons
behind the tiers. However, the Ancients are believed to be the embodiments of souls too heavy to
ascend to heaven. Either by the burdens they have carried or by the guilt they internalized for the
pain they have caused in the mortal lives.
Zen thought about what he had just read. So there are 4 tiers; each tier stronger than the
one previous. Starting from the bottom to the top, they are the damnum, dolor, ira, and solus,
with 1000, 100, 10, and 1 Ancient in each tier. Interesting I always wanted to see an ancient in
person. Though hopefully just a damnum, I would be in some real danger in the presence of a
dolor, let alone an ira.
Zen looked out the window. The thunder storm had stopped. The room was quite
peaceful now. Dawn was just breaking.
I might as well get a few more hours of sleep; I am still tired and sore from all the
combat practice, yesterday.
***

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N ovus rose to get ready for his day. He picked up the axe next to his clothes drawer. It
was heavy and sturdy, just the way he liked it. It was plainly decorated with a simple
handle and axe head. After pulling on his boots and dawning his medium-risk armor,
Novus opened the door and left for the woods. The day was bright and sunny, the temperature
was moderate and the clouds were white, puffy and lazy.
Today is going to be a great day!
As he approached his Strongholds gate, Novus greeted the sentries like he did every
morning, and they politely nodded acknowledgement of his salutations. He continued to leave
the stronghold, as they opened the gate for him. The noise and chatter of the outside flooded into
the stronghold.
Wow, the forest looks so green today; I shall be able to cut many trees with my good
mood.
Novus proceeded to walk the path to the forest.
I will cut three trees this morning. I will have firewood for weeks!
He had walked several miles when he sighted the first signs of the forest. Trees extended
beyond the eye could see, a complete contrast, from the ordered personalities of the neat and trim
path. The shrieks and squeals of animal creatures and feral mortals emanated from the tree line.
For a moment, Novus feared to enter. Even though he visited the forest every day, he still
remembered the times of his childhood being lost and injured in the forest. Those were dark days
for him, and he loathed remembering them.
In order to calm down, he began to reprimand himself. Novus! Calm yourself! What
warrior do you think yourself who is afraid of going into the forest? Move on coward.
Novus took a deep breath and trundled on. He breathed a sigh of relief as he crossed the
tree line, as nothing of worry occurred.
Of course, why fear? I have done this for years, and nothing has happened in the last few
of harm. I can control what evils come out of the forest, anyway. My axe is sharp, and my arms
are strong. However, I think these thoughts every day, yet I still live that brief moment of fear.
Why? Why have I not conquered this as of yet? Who is to say...Frustration will do me no good as
I cut my trees. I must be focused and mindful of my whereabouts before I begin. Lets start with
finding a proper tree.
Novus examined several trees in the forest until he found three he liked. He began to cut
them down. Pulling back his axe and then striking the tree with all his might, his motions began
to take part in a rhythm. Ready. Strike. THUNK! Ready. Strike. THUNK! He did so, over and
over again, until the first tree fell. Panting heavily, he readied for the next one. Cutting down the
trees was therapeutic for Novus. He had to focus on only one thing, and did not have to worry
about anything else. He felt good when the trees fell; it meant that he had conquered something
greater than himself. It also boosted his confidence, since his arms became muscular and able
and his body toned and fit, he felt that he was in control of the situation because he was capable
of handling it.
Ready to move on, Novus gathered the tree into a ditch where he would collect the rest of
his trees. He planned to split them into logs and take them to his quarters later on. Walking to the
second tree he looked up. It was tall, thick and monolithic.
I have my work cut out before me
Tired as he was, Novus began to cut the tree. He entered his rhythm. Ready. Strike.
THUNK! Ready. Strike. THUNK! Around halfway through the tree, Breathing heavily, sweat
trickling down his face and saturating his shirt, Novus was near exhaustion.

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 This is starting to get difficultI am not sure if I can go on. Perhaps I overestimated
myself. No. I decided that I was going to do three, so I will do three. I will push my limit so that I
can become stronger. Plus, this will discourage me from overestimating myself again. I must
finish this tree. Then, I can take a small brake and finish the third.
With renewed strength and vigor, using his last reserves of energy, Novus cut the second
tree. Down it fell, with a resounding crash. Wanting to rest, he placed the tree in the ditch and
rested his head against it. Novus, little to his own knowledge, fell a great legend of the forest.
Such a thing does not fare well with its inhabitants
Ahhhh Time to rest. I will do the third tree once I have regained my strength. In the
meantime, I might as well acquaint myself with nature. Look at the sky overhead, the sun looks
down directly above me. It is an hour past noon. The trees! How fine and proud they stand. Their
lush green leaves billow in the wind. Hear that chatter as the birds sing to each other and their
mother nature. What a peaceful place, here under the heavens. Perhaps I will take a 5 minute
nap. It will be little consequence and I shall regain some of my strength
Exhausted, Novus quietly fell asleep. His breathing slowed and steadied; his heart rate
fell. He began to dream. Unaware, was he of the proceedings about his person.
***

Zen woke up at noon, well rested. He took a look at his surroundings, as he did every
morning. Searching for new things to observe, he knew that there was always something to
notice in the tiniest of details, and that he would never cease to find any new ones. In front of the
end of his bed was his table. The house of many of his books, they covered much of the tables
surface area, as Zen did not have a bookshelf of his own, to his dismay. However, he did his best
to keep it tidy, keeping his books in neat, orderly piles based on genre. Of course he kept his
copy of, Dirige No Solutus as a pile of its own. His quill and inkwell were stored on the right
side of the table, while blank paper covered the rest.
To the right of his table, Zens clothes drawer rested upon the floor, which was a
beautifully varnished hardwood. Next to his drawer, leaned his two swords. His Academy
bestowed wooden practice blade, and a to-be-sharpened katana, an antique he bought because he
thought it looked intriguing. The merchant said it was valueless but Zen treasured it. To the right
of his bed, was Zens window, revealing the people on the streets below. Adjacent to the
window, was Zens favorite arm chair, large, cozy and comfortable. Its cover was faded but
elegant. Zen liked to sit in the chair and look out the window or up at the ceiling to just think. He
liked to ponder life, what was to become of the world, the future, the past, and the present. His
room was decorated rather Spartan but it was still pleasing to the eye.
I shall begin my day, the proper mans way! Zen bellowed. He did this every morning
to get his energy flowing.
I shall go to Doctus Binbins quarters! I have a question to ask him. I hope has the
answer for me. I hope he doesnt what he always does when he knows the answer but he makes
discover it for myself. I know its best for me to it that way and gain the experience but it just
takes too long. I want to know, not wonder.
Zen looked out the window to check the weather. The sun was out, and the temperature
was slightly chill. Cirrus clouds milled about in the sky. They clustered in the shape of a human
face. Everything seems fine to me!
Zen then replaced his sleeping apparel with a tunic and a trouser, stepped into his boots
and was off. He only remembered at the last minute to lock his door and close the window before
leaving his personal quarters.
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 Zen walked onto the stone street. It was washed from the rain during the thunderstorm;
occasional broken pieces of wood littered the road as collateral. Across the road were other
quarter buildings that housed the people of Zens stronghold.
He observed the birds that sat atop his quarter building. They chirped and sang,
gossiping amongst each other. He walked along the sidewalk as people rode on by with their
carriages and horses. He passed the market, the library, the academy, and the town hall until
finally he reached the senior quarter house. A building were senior citizens of the stronghold
lived after they reached the age of 70.
The building was wide, tall and brown, a sore thumb against the skyline. It was in need of
renovation, but it appeared to be in habitable conditions. Its front yard was up kept and tidy, with
a sidewalk leading to the door of the building, running through it. The garden was full of bright
flowers, yellow, purple, and red. A birdbath, rested in the center of the right half of the yard. The
grass was a faded green.
Zen walked up to the building and entered. Inside was a warm and welcome atmosphere.
Seniors were milling about, doing their afternoon business. The grandmothers gossiped and
walked about in the house. And the grandfathers played cards or read books at the tables or on
the couches. Others ate or were assisted by their caretakers.
Zen scanned the building for Binbin. Where is Doctus Binbin? I dont see him reading his
usual book. Ah, there is Miss Tel, Binbins caretaker. I might as well ask her where he is.
He approached her, a kind woman with a knack for knowing just what you were feeling.
Hello Miss Tel; if you dont mind, do you know where Doctus Binbin is?
Hello, Zen! Good to see you today. Lets seeHe was meditating in the backyard
garden, last time I checked up on him. He will probably be there or up in his room taking
a nap.
OK then, thank you, bye!
Zen set off for the backdoor, greeting the seniors he came across as he went. Finally, he
reached the door and stepped outside.
The backyard was bright and vibrant. Colorful flowers as was in the front yard radiated
along the lining of the building. Stone chairs sat on the grass, a nice place to sun when the
weather was fine. It was a relaxing atmosphere, one conducive to napping. Zen looked Searched
the garden for Binbin. He was not there.
Hmmm I wonder where he could be. I am sure he is somewhere here, because he would
never waste his time inside on a sunny day like this.
Doctus Binbin! Where are you? Zen shouted. Then he remembered. Oh uh, if he is
meditating he cant answer me, all I am doing is disrupting his concentration. So Zen set off in
search of Binbin quietly. He looked behind bushes and shrubs, behind trees and flowers; he was
nowhere to be found. Finally, as Zen approached the far edge of the backyard behind the tall
grass, he found Binbin, meditating on a rock, heated by the sun. Binbin liked to put himself in
extreme conditions to test and better his endurance and gain new experiences.
He was the shadow of a former legend, a great man in his time. He was tall, with broad
shoulders as customary of warriors. However, his body was not what it once was, and so he was
as thin as a twig, his face sunken and wind burned. His dark skin, made darker from the sun.
However, his presence radiated a certain kindness and patience, not to mention wisdom. His
brow was furrowed in concentration, worry lines folded on his forehead. His eyes were lined
with crows feet from smiling and laughing all too often. Unlike most of his peers, his hair was

6
silver rather than white, the same for his beard, which was long and wild, reaching to his chest.
They carried a certain majesty that fit well with his epicity.
Looks like he still is meditating, I guess I will wait until he is done.
And with that, Zen sat patiently cross legged on the patch of grass next to the rock. His
patience was something he learned long ago from Binbin. He taught Zen that if something was
worth finding, it was worth waiting for. Thus, Zen waited for what seemed like hours, until
Binbin opened his right eye. It was a startling gray, with speckles of blue and green.
He smiled and said in a sagely voice, deep and commanding, but with a kind inflection,
Come my boy, experience this rock with me, but be warned I will only be half myself, as the
other half of my mind is still meditating.
Binbin knew how to control his mind in many ways from meditating.
Zen got up and scrambled onto the rock. It was scorching hot to the touch; he gritted his
teeth but otherwise endured. After a few moments, it started to feel less painful.
Zen sat up right, and closed his eyes, putting his arms, fists relaxed, on his legs.
Hello Doctus Binbin, I was searching for you in the backyard, but you were here
obviously. I knew you wouldnt waste a day like this inside.
Ha-ha-ha ah yes, you know me too well, child. His laugh was deep and rumbling.
Anyways I came to ask a question from you. Binbin opened his other eye. He was done
meditating, he treated questions with special care because they were the gateways to wisdom,
and he very much wanted to give Zen all that he could before he departed from the world.
Yes, son, proceed.
Graduation is happening in a matter of a week. I have not chosen an occupation yet. I
understand it was irresponsible of me to procrastinate this long, however, I do not know how to
begin to think of the occupation I should choose, the way that will lead me to happiness. This is
one of the most important decisions of my life, once I decide I can never go back again.
So you choose to enlist in the army then?
All residents of the stronghold attend the Academy from the age of 6 to 16 years. Zen had
already turned 16 years old, 3 weeks ago as he was the youngest of his class. According to
stronghold rules, if by Graduation, a student was not been employed, he or she would be enlisted
into the army for the stronghold or else he or she would be banished, but more on that later.
No, it is not that I am afraid of dying serving in the army, I just do not believe in war.
Without out war there can be no peace, it is a regrettable fact of the dichotomy of
humanity. There can be no love without hate, happiness without sadness, life without death.
I see, pracepto, but none the less, I do not believe that I could kill someone in cold
blood. I am just not capable or suited for it. It goes against my nature. I believe that a man can
never judge the life of anothers for he has no knowledge over the other, no proof that he is
superior to give him the power to decide. If I were to decide another mans life for something he
believed that he did no wrong, what is to stop anyone else from deciding mine for doing
something that I believed was right.
You present a valid point, Zen; you have always been gifted at arguing. However, when
someone does something condemnable, there must be justice. Perhaps his execution might not be
the answer, but some punishment must befall him, it would be evil itself to let it go otherwise.
Still, I agree with you, I do not find it that you could serve in the army. But be warned;
remember that if you choose no other occupation at most 25 days after Graduation you will be
banished from the stronghold, only to return once you seek employment. This is something that I

7
would not like to see happen to you. I know some friends who could take you on as an esquire.
You are a talented swordsman, Zen; you would thrive as a gladimus or an equitem.
That sounds like an excellent opportunity for me, and in another life, I would do just
that, however, I believe my life lives free of the confines of this Strongholds walls. I want to do
more than just serve to better my Stronghold, I want to better humanity. I want to be like
Alvataymum the Wise, he who broke free to discover more of the Ancients. Like he I wish to be.
I want to be a wanderer, who explores the wilderness, there is so much of it, and there must be
things there to find. Yet it is not an occupation. I cannot have this life because it is not a life that
can be lived, down here in the land of dreary reality.
And why not, child? It seems to be what you want, why can you not have it? So what if
it is unrealistic. How can one know what is real or what is not? What is possible is always being
redefined. If no one ever tried anything that they knew they couldnt do, we wouldnt be doing
anything.
So you are suggesting that I go ahead and try it? I will not be employed, from where will
I earn money?
Binbin smiled, That is for you to find out. After all, you are creating a new occupation;
aspiring younglings might wish to have your job one day.
Well, when you put it that way, how can I not do it? Thank you, Doctus Binbin! Your
wise words have saved the day! Also could you come to Graduation, it would mean very much to
me.
It was my pleasure, Zen. Good luck to you. And of course, Ill be sure to attend
Graduation.
Excellent. I would be disappointed if you could not. Well, see you then.
Goodbye, Zen!
And with that, Zen was off, rushing home but making sure to wave goodbye to the elders
as he went.
Until then, Miss Tel!
Goodbye Zen!
He was on the street once more. The sun was setting. It would be dark soon.
Boy, do I have some thinking to do...

8
V
iva took a stealthy step prowling about the unsuspecting deer. Its innocent eyes gazed at
the berries it was eating. Totally, unalarmed and at ease was the doe, that it made her fate
so sad. But Viva was a huntress and game was her name. Soundlessly she drew an arrow
from her quiver, and loaded it onto her bow, pulling the string tight. She made a small prayer and
fired.
Hiss! Thump! With ruthless precision she hit the deer right between its eyes. Its once
beautiful brown eyes glazed over with lifelessness.
What a shame. Such beauty wasted on the sustenance for the greedy. I have the right of
mind to bury it right here, the poor thing. If only I could. A woman has to make her way into the
world some way doesnt she? But I was lucky with this one. I will be paid handsomely for its fur
and meat.
Viva covered the deers body with leaves to protect it from parasites and other hunters,
and left for her wagon. She returned a few moments later with it and went to collect the deer.
Oooofff! This one is heavy. Ahhh. She is loaded up and ready to go. Now then
Viva left for her stronghold with her game in tow. She was happy, because her master
would be proud of her. Viva was in her first year of occupation as an apprentice huntress. As
customary of hunters, they were subject to two years of training before they were considered
full-fledged hunters.
Viva was in the top of her field, considered one of the best sharpshooters in her
stronghold. Her master, known across the land for her shooting prowess, had high hopes for
Viva, and even expected Viva to exceed her own skill in a matter of years.
After several minutes of walking, Viva neared her stronghold. Whew! There are the
gates; I was starting to get tired carrying this deer all the way here.
She approached the sentries guarding the gates.
Hello. I am here to return to the stronghold after hunting some game.
The sentries nodded, and unbarred the entrance, allowing her to pass through the gate. As
Viva walked through the gate and onto the street, she caught the eye of many a passersby. It was
not every day when one saw a young lady towing a deer twice her size around town. Not to
mention that she wasnt so straining to the eye.
Unsure of what to do in the attention, she walked on avoiding the peoples gazes.
What are these people looking at? Are they mad at me? Have I done something wrong?
Her master watched Viva from the window of her office. It was small but homey. It wsas
kept neat and personal. There were several couches lined along the wall. She enjoyed sleeping in
her office on busy days of work. She smiled.
Such innocence, if only it could last forever. Oh my, oh my, look what princess has
brought today, a beautiful deer. She has done well, I will be sure to commend her. She never
disappoints. She will make the best huntress this nation has ever seen. I will make sure of it!
Viva looked up to see her master staring at her in the window.
She is in a good mood today, I wonder if she saw my hunt.
Viva waved to her, mouthing the words Look what I brought today! Her master winked
in response, she then turned to leave her office to greet Viva.
Good afternoon, Viva. Have you returned from your hunting so soon? Her master said
playfully.
Hello, Preceptor Asperia! Yes, I am back so soon, because I brought the deer of all deer.
Have a look, she is beautiful, and we will be paid well for her, will we not?

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 Indeed we will, Viva. I am very proud of your work today, does extra rations for dinner
sound like a fair reward?
Does it? Of course, thank you, Preceptor Asperia!
Yes of course my dear, now let us go inside and begin preparing it, shall we?
It is my least favorite part of the job, but it must be done now as time is running out.
Yes, let us go ahead and get it done.
Viva turned towards the door of Asperias office building. Once she entered, she began
heaving the wagon up the stairs to Asperias office quarters. Asperia watched in amusement.
I would offer her help, if only she wanted it. It is only that Viva is too prideful, she can
never ask for help even when she needs it. One day she will learn. Until then, I will enjoy her
youth.
Finally, she reached the top of the stairs. Panting heavily, she wiped the sweat from her
brow.
Ho! What a challenge! I would be wise to not attempt it again. My arms burn like
anything! Oh, but how accomplished I feel!
After climbing the stairs, Asperia chuckled quietly too herself. She was humored by
Vivas disheveled appearance. Vivas normally beautiful golden hair was now wild and frizzed,
pointing every which as if struck by lightning. To Asperia, Viva looked rather comical; however
she kept her mouth shut to spare Vivas dignity.
She opened the door and let Viva in, pulling the wagon with deer in with her.
Alright, let us begin. Go get the water, and the knives I well ready the other materials,
said Asperia.
Yes, Preceptor Asperia! Viva exclaimed obediently.
She went outside and filled two large buckets of water from the well near Asperias
office building. She brought them inside and dropped them of near Asperia where she was
setting a table to place the deer on. Next Viva brought the pouch that carried all the carving
knives from the toolbox inside Asperias chest.
I have brought the materials, Viva announced.
Good, now clean the deers fur as I sharpen the knives.
Viva made sure to clean the deer well, a bad job now would ruin the fur later. She felt
sorry for the deer, all warmth from its life was completely drained; it was now just a heavy
weight. But she knew that there was little that she could do, and consoled herself with the same
logic she always used, a woman has to make her way into the world somehow.
With the deer successfully cleaned, Asperia began to make an incision in the lining of the
deers stomach with adroit hands, her cut perfected by years of practice.
Now I have done the most difficult part, all you must do is complete the incision.
Understood?
Yes, Preceptor, I understand. She took the knife from Asperia. She attempted to
continue the smooth line Asperia made, but the deers skin was tougher than she expected. She
cut harder than she needed to and it made a deep gash in the deers underbelly, blood seeped out
quickly.
Act fast Viva, the deer will ruin if you do not quell this bleeding!
Vivas mind raced for a plan of action. She was beginning to panic.
I-I- I dont know what to do! Why cant this deer stop bleeding!? It was perfect just a
moment ago! I am going to ruin it!
Asperias level head contemplated her plan of action as Vivas mentor.

10
 Oh dear! Wrong choice of words But that gash is quite deep! Hmmm Should I fix this
problem now and explain to Viva where she went wrong, or should I let her fail so she can gain
the experience and learn the hard way how to deal with pressure?
Asperia chose the latter, and stepped back. Sometimes the hard way hits home the
hardest.
You will have to fix this yourself, Viva. You must be able to do this on your own
sometime soon, it is best to learn now, said Asperia.
Frustrated, Viva exclaimed, But I cannot. I am unable to do it, I cannot handle this
pressure, this blood, this mistake! She ran away with tears in her eyes.
I have failed! On the day of my best catch too! My, oh my, I have failed my preceptor!
***
Novus opened his eyes to a searing white light. He was temporally disoriented but
quickly regained his composure. He took a look at his surroundings. Terrifyingly, he was in the
middle of nowhere, literally. There was nothing near or far away from him, an utterly desolate
world, totally free of detail extending out to infinity. The world was entirely black, and Novus
was in the very middle of it. Or it least he thought so, if the world were truly infinitely extensive,
obviously he would not be in the middle of it.
What is this hell? Where have I been sent?! What have I done? What am I doing here?
Never before had Novus felt so alone. Not a hint of human life, of any life for that matter.
Zen attempted to turn around. It was futile at least he thought it was. There was no way to tell if
he moved or not because he had no reference frame to base his observations. All he could see
was black. Inexplicably, he could see himself.
There must be a light source somewhere, be-because I can see myself Oh no, I am
beginning to doubt myself. What am I thinking? There are no rules in this place, no explanation
for the things that are going on here. I cannot take it in here much longer.
Hello! Hello! Hello! Is anyone there! Can anyone hear me? Please, anyone! I am lost! Is
this real? screamed Novus, desperately.
He was totally in the dark metaphorically and literally, not to mention scared. He was
frustrated which cluttered his mind and made it difficult for him to think. This only frustrated
him even more because he was frustrated that he was frustrated, throwing him into a vicious
cycle with no hope of rescue or escape.
What am I to do? Will I live eternity here? he said defeated. I I cannot stay here. I
have so much to live up to. There were so many people to meet and so many things to do, that I
had planned for my life. I did not even get the chance to leave my mark in history, to show
people what I was capable of. Such a waste! There is nothing I hate more than a waste! The
corruption of something pure, the rot of something to be used, the opportunities not taken, they
are all things that I hate. Do you hear me world? I will tear these invisible walls down! I will
burn the rubble and I will kick at its ashes until, nothing but scorch marks remain.
Novus anger washed over him, and for a while he let his rage take over him, and in his
mind, all he saw was red. But it quickly died down, because nothing he said, did, or thought
changed anything. He was still in the same place that he was. At least he thought so. He was near
his breaking point.
He stopped. Closed his eyes, and thought. He began to remember a time when he was
little, still a child living with his parents. He remembered looking into his mothers eyes. They
were a startling blue. Her smile was so joyful, he felt happy. His father picked him up from his
mothers arms and held him up.

11
 I could see the entire world from up there, held by my father. Everything looked so
different from that perspective. I could actually see the top of things, a new side of something
that I had had for a long time, at least a while in child terms. It amazed me that there was
something new for me to find in something I had had for such a long time.
The memory faded and he was taken back to the nothingness.
No Novus whispered. I cannot take it in here, anymore. He croaked. He had
reached his breaking point.
He began to weep uncontrollably.
Please! Let it stop, I cant take it anymore. Someone! Anyone! I have never witnessed
such nothingness. I am so insignificant in this vast oblivion, this nightmarish void.
Novus quieted. He closed his eyes, and waited for whatever did or didnt come next.
Crack!
The sharp sound of a tree snapping like a twig pervaded the forest. The moon was out,
other than its light the world was completely dark. Novus woke up, with tears in his eyes. His
body acted before his mind new what he was doing. He was in survival mode, relying on instinct
and reflex to act quickly. It was a good thing too, as the tree fell, with a resounding crash in the
place he was just moments earlier. Novus looked up to a giant shadow larger than a great oak! It
was an Ancient, a dolor by the looks of it. Its red, beady eyes looked at him with malice and
amusement, a deadly combination. It cackled wickedly, its deep voice rumbling the trees of the
forest. It was playing with him!
It was a malformed centipede with the face of an albino rat. Its 100 legs were long and
spindly, but sharp and dripping with a purple poison. It swayed its head in a rhythmic and
hypnotic motion, imitating Novus tree cutting rhythm. It grinned at him madly. It then gurgled
and hissed, screaming and shouting nonsense.
Novus looked in at first horror, then disgust though he was immensely relieved that he
was just under an illusion, a simple mind control. So this is the beast that caused me such pain,
such sadness. It is much too strong, it will cause havoc among the stronghold. But how could I
have been so stupid as to fall asleep in the forest? I am lucky to be alive at this point. He looked
at the fallen tree where he used to be. He looked at the beast again and he resolved to warn the
people of the stronghold. He scanned the floor for his axe, his best chance at defense as he ran
for the gates. He saw it was at the trunk of the tree.
Is it worth the risk? He looked at the swaying dolor again. I must to do it, if I am to
survive. He ran towards the axe and picked it up. The dolor watched in amusement.
Surprising. The abomination did nothing. Perhaps it is stupid; if that is the case I must
leave now, before it does something irrational.
He turned around to leave, when the beast spoke.
Ah, what a delectable coincidence! Though, an unfortunate one for you I would wager.
Perhaps it is sweet fate that rewards me with your blood. What do you say, insect?
Novus stopped dead. He turned around, with an inexplicable combination of emotions
boiling in his head.
What devilry do you speak of, demon? said Novus, his face dark.
You mean to say that you do not know of me? It asked, sarcastically. Its face feigned a
dawn of understanding. Forgive me, I should have known, it has been several years. But where
are my manners? I am he known as Pravus No Sinka, The Cunning and Corrupted, and I am the
beginning of your terrible and painful end. Bask in my glory for a moment, if you would like. I

12
would not waste it, as it will be your last. It will also be the last you will see of me, as your eyes
will be pulled from their sockets.
Novus left hand gripped his axe tightly, out of fear, anger, or grim determination, he did
not know which. I do not believe your lies. What is this coincidence you speak of? What
brought you here to this peaceful forest?
Brought me here? You fool! I have been here long before you were born! It is you who
has come here. Pravus said angrily.
It seems I have struck a chord. I will do well to remember that. Perhaps I can talk my out
of this, or distract him long enough for the stronghold to send out a search party, it is rather late,
so the guards must have reported my absence by now. Hopefully
Novus thoughts were interrupted when Pravus continued.
Your insolence will be punished, but I will continue. The coincidence I speak of
means quite a lot to you I would imagine. It is the fact that I was the one who killed your
parents. He said without a hint of mercy.
What did he just say? Did I hear that just right? Is thisreal? This is not another illusion
is it? Please tell me this is another illusion
I was confronted by them when they were in the forest, foraging for resources for their
stronghold. It was a time of great famine for their people, which meant that they were forced to
find food. I was massacring a hoard of pigs. I remember the moment well, as they squealed in
horror as I killed them all one at time. They could not escape as I held their puny minds in my
hand. Then, while I was enjoying my slaughtering, your father attempted to steal the corpse of
one of my pigs! Imagine that, he sacrificed his life and dignity for the sake of a pig for his
people! Amused, I let him run off for a bit, to meet up with your mother. I let them sigh in relief,
and head back for the gates. Half way home, they were already very tired from carrying the pig
since they were starved and deprived for days with no food. I let them get just close enough to
rejuvenate their hope of getting home, and just out of earshot for others to hear their screams. It
was then that I chose to reveal myself. I let them stare at me in horror, when they were about to
leave the pig and run for help, but I froze them. I caught there wild minds; they struggled very
hard at first to break free, but they just did not have the energy to defy me. So they remained
where they were. I tortured them with relish.
Enough! yelled Novus.
Pravus, not a break in his stride continued, Allowing only their mouths to scream and
their eyes to move but not close. I wanted them to see themselves unravel, as I pulled out their
insides to show them. I allowed them to live even as they poured out more blood then they could
survive without. I kept their hearts beating, when they should have gave out. I let them go, only
when I bored of their agony. I-
ENOUGH! screamed Novus. I have heard more than I can imagine. You did not kill
my parents. I do not believe you. Leave this place at once and do not return, or else I will end
you right here. Seething rage blazed in Novus eyes. He was not afraid. He was angry; he did
not even know what he was going to do.
Ha, ha, ha, boy, you do not know what you have done, have you? I need not be sealed
any longer, as you have released me from my binding. You, by your own doing have fallen the
Anchor Tree, which protected this stronghold from us Ancients. You see, after I massacred your
parents, the strongest warriors of your stronghold came down here and distracted me, long
enough for the venerai of your stronghold to bind me with the an anchor tree, the very one you
chopped down. Now, not just me, but any Ancient can stroll into town, and knock things down

13
like a petulant baby. It feels awful being the bane to the people your parents sacrificed their lives
to protect, doesnt it?
Why should I believe you, scum?! Why should I not beat you down right now!?
Your stupidity amuses me, boy. But at this rate it will soon become annoying. If you
could beat me down right now, you would. You would not be trembling in your pants right now,
and you cannot kill me as I am immortal, or have you forgotten? You should believe me because
I read your parents minds. They thought of you while they died, Novus Voltova. Your mother,
knew you be would be hungry at the time, so you would look through the cookie jar to find
nothing. Your father hoped that the neighbors would notice their absence and take care of you
for the night. They never wanted you to hear of their demise. They wanted you to grow up to be
a big strong man. Too bad, that will not happen, eh?
He is the one He is the killer of my family! He is the one who ruined my childhood! He
was the one who went without punishment, who relished my parents agony! He is the one who
will pay for his deeds! Vengeance will be mine!
With all but red in his eyes, blurring his vision of hindsight, Novus raised his axe.

14
Z en paced back and forth in his room with nervous anticipation. Today was Graduation and
it began in a matter of hours. As customary of the number one student, Zen was elected to
present a speech to the class and the community.
What will my fellow students think of me when they hear of my occupation? What will the elders
say? The parents? What will I say in my speech? Will I be a disappointment to my teachers? I
am not ready for this, curse my procrastination!
Zen was the top student in his class. Of course, he was not the best at all of the subjects
compared to all the students, but he was always in the top field. Since, he was excellent at all of
his subjects, his combined strengths added up to be greater than everyone elses. Though, he
lacked in many other fields. He always lived by the philosophy of either do not do something at
all, or do it very well. Zen liked to live all or nothing. And he tried to make things as black-
and-white as possible to make things as simple as they could be. The logic went as the simpler
things were, the less he would have to worry about them. That is why he chose to boil things
down to the most basic they could be, so he could live his life the least complicated. He tends to
avoid conflict for this reason.
What do I do? What do I do? This is too stressful! I cannot handle this social pressure!
What would Doctus Binbin do?
At that, Zen calmed down.
Right. Mediate. Meditation is what I need. It will calm me down; these nerves will only
deter me from reaching my goal, to deliver this speech appropriately.
Zen put on his boots, left his quarters, and locked the door. He burst down the stairs and
stepped on the streets. He looked left then right.
Hmmm Which way? Where should I go to meditate? Ah, I know just the place!
Zen ran down the left side of the road, uphill. He ran for several minutes until he reached
the foot hill. He ran up it, then up the hill after it, until he reached Sir Vigiros cliff. He sat on its
very edge and looked out on the stronghold. That crazy nigga!
Behold! Zen, your home! Watch as the people go about their day! Look at them, they as
ants to you, while, you, an ant to them! said Zen, happily to himself. He loved looking at things
from above. It appealed to his sense of perspective. Zen preferred to view things holistically, he
liked to see the bigger picture as he did things. Looking at things from above allowed him to see
how everything fit together, and how everything worked with other things to develop something
they both couldnt do on their own. He appreciated this synergy very much, because it meant
working together rather than apart. It also gave him a new perspective. Being on ground level
for so long kept him stuck thinking in a provincial or repetitive way. When he saw things
differently, he thought of new ideas, which pleased him. He especially loved the above
perspective because it was the one people choose least often. Everyone looks left, right, and to
the ground, but the last one they choose to view is up.
Zen thought of this as he looked at his stronghold. Wow, everything is so different when
you are up on top. I feel so much better now that I am free from the distractions and frustrations
of that speech. Uh oh. I guess I have been escaping from a problem that cannot go away. I might
as well get back to work then
Zen, back in the working spirit remembered the purpose of his coming here.
Time to meditate then. Let us begin. I shall start by thinking of a place where I can relax.
I will envision this place; perceive every detail as if I were right there, seeing, feeling, touching,
hearing, and tasting. In fact, I am there! I can see everything so clearly. There is no one here,
just vast open and empty fields of blue ocean and sky. It extends beyond my imagination. The

15
ocean meets the horizon of the sky imperceptibly, I cannot tell where the ocean ends and the sky
begins, nor vice versa.
Zen meditated for quite a while. His mind thought clearly and at ease. He was able free
from distraction and entirely focused. His intense concentration could not be broken with not
even the loudest of sounds. Throughout his meditation Zen sat completely still. So inanimate in
fact that several birds sat perched on his shoulders. They ruffled through his thick black hair, in
search for new food for the winter. They chirped in his ear, still he gave no answer. He was
completely unaware of their presence. In hindsight, he wished that he had heard their heed, they
were informing him of what was to come, prophesying his future. Birds had a special affinity
with time. They could detect things before they came, they could even see things that would not
happen in their lifetimes. Some would even try to warn others of their fate, as they did with Zen
now. Birds could look into the past, too. They could see what their ancestors had seen centuries
before. They could see into the future by looking through the eyes of their descendants.
Zen woke from his meditation. His amber eyes opened, they were clear and calm.
I know what to do now. I am ready. He looked to the bird on his left. It was small but
peppy. It is time for me depart, sorry to disturb your perch, but I must leave now, unless you
would enjoy following me. He turned to the other, a large proud black bird. The same goes to
you! Zen stood up. Startled, the birds flew away. Zen sighed. Yes, yes, be free of my
problems, birdies. There is need for your support, as I am in full confidence that I am in control
of the situation. He said to himself, reassuringly.
He looked up. How I wish to look at this world from up there! Ohhh, the wonders I would
see! I would know how this world looked like; no longer would I have to be satisfied with my
imaginations. I would know.
At that instant, a white flame erupted in the sky for such a brief moment, that Zen did not
believe that it had happened. A fraction of a second later, Zen saw the flame, which looked like
brilliant white lighting lit on fire, stream inches from his face. It reached toward the ground and
suddenly gentled its descending strike as if to only touch the ground for a brief moment. Zen saw
this all in slow motion, as he instinctively knew that his life was in danger. Adrenaline rushed
through his veins, speeding up his sense of time, allowing him to register more of whatever
happened at every moment.
The white bolt just touched the ground so as to brush it. At that moment, the cliff ledge
disintegrated and Zen, completely bewildered, then frightened out of his mind, free fell through
the air.
All he had time to say was, What? before he was falling through the air.
Thoughts raced through Zens head, faster than he could comprehend. Is this really the
end? How can this happen on the very day of Graduation, the day I truly being my life as an
adult? How can this happen when I worked so hard to get here where I am today, when I had
just strengthened my resolve, and formulated my speech? The very injustice of it all! At least I do
not fear. I can rest peacefully knowing that I died in dignity. I have come to terms with death so
long ago. It is as if we are old time friends. Come friends, take me away
Zen had given up his life seconds after the world literally came crumbling down below
his feet. Too bad, for him, that world was not done with him yet. He had a destiny to fulfill.
Apperating from the heavens came another flash, except, this time a golden yellow, and this
time, a physical entity.

16
 Zen closed his eyes, ready to pass out before he hit the ground. He said his goodbyes to
the world, and asked forgiveness from everyone he ever met in his mind, if he had ever done
them any wrong, whether he knew it or not. But before he could let his life go, SLAM!
Oooooffffff!!! His breath was knocked right out of him. He was shocked. This is not
how I imagined landing this fall would feel like, nor was I expecting that I would survive it.
Zen was knocked on to a ledge jutting from the edge of the cliff. His head was hit hard,
and his shoulders ached. He was battered and bruised but he would live. He took a few moments
to reorient himself before opening his eyes.
Looks like this is not the end after all Well, then I guess it is time to start a new chapter
in my life. Ow! My shoulders hurt like hell! It would probably best not to move at all. Forget
Graduation, I want to go home! No wait, Doctus Binbin, will be waiting there. The entire
community will be waiting there, my peers, and my teachers! I cannot let them all down! Not
after we have tried so hard, learned so much, and grown up with each other! I will make it to
Graduation, and I will give that speech, and it will be excellent, and everyone will be happy!
Now, to get started, I must open my eyes, and get up.
Zen opened his to eyes to see something so unexpected that he actually laughed.
Ha, ha, ha! What the devil? I do not understand, you are the reason I did not fall to my
death? What a rarity, next to impossible. I would not be considered unwise to believe this was
due to fate.
And you would not be wrong, young one, said the legendary great golden eagle, as he
groomed himself, licking down his flight feathers. The hansom plume of feathers atop his head
glowed an iridescent white. They complemented his heavenly crown made of what looked to be
pure light and energy. It seemed to be the closest thing to what a halo would be in reality. His
presence was what Zen was so discombobulated with.
Why great eagle, why did you descend to this world to save me? Why are you here?
What has fate requested of me, today? Zen asked, confused.
Let me begin with an introduction. He said annoyed by Zens questions. My name is
Aureus Atsu the Majestic, and I am here because the world is not yet done with you. He said
sagaciously. You have a job to do before you may give up and end, do you understand?
I have not agreed to any of this, I did not choose this.
It is your duty. You have no choice in the matter. Of course you may simply do not what
you must; in that case not just you but everyone else who inhabits this world will also perish. I
have seen this world as it will be if things do not change soon. Thus, in this way, you must do
what I say.
What must I do? Why me, can no one else do it, instead?
At that, Aureus dark brown eyes softened.
This boy really is pure he is unaware of his capabilities yet he is willing to save the
world, but is he corruptible? By heavens, for the sake of this world, let him not be.
I will tell you only what I may. Once I am done speaking I must leave immediately. I
have no time to explain what you do not know. But only speak of what I am about to tell you to
people whom you may trust with your life. With this information in the wrong hands, not even
your successful competition of this task will save this world from its foretold doom and
destruction.
I understand
Very well then, I shall begin. Your task is to collect the Tetradium of the four cardinal
directions. Around the world there lurks evil, and people who embody it. They plot and connive,

17
and they have set this world to the path towards destruction! They plan to collect all four to
enhance their power and influence, and to carry out their evil will. Zen, you must do this because
you are the right one. You are innocent, capable, and most of all you are just. We needed a child,
pure and uncorrupted by the tempts of evil, and we needed a wise man, one who could control
himself and judge fairly and logically. We found you, a young man who was both. You were
taught by the legendary Binbin, and born at the feet of malice, knowing its destruction you
choose to avoid it. Zen, you are capable of innumerous things. You are the best candidate for this
task, now do you realize why you were chosen?
I believe so, Celcus Aureus. I will do what I must for the safety of the people who
inhabit this land. I do so, because there are so many joys to experience in life, and for anyone to
die not to experience them when I can stop it, I cannot allow.
Very well, Zen. I will be off; I have no more time to spend. I wish you the best of luck
in your quest.
But Celcus Aureus, I am not aware of this Tetradium, what are they?
I am sorry, Zen, I must be gone at once, ask Binbin, he will surely know. Goodbye
And with that, Aureus flew into the air; his giant wings spanned 30 ft. He soared over the
winds majestically, he watched over the stronghold as Zen did not so long ago. In moments he
was little but a dot in the sky.
Goodbye! Zen shouted to Aureus in flight.
It seems that I have a quest. Suddenly, the gravity of the situation weighted on his
shoulders. His smile, turned into a grim line. His jaw firmed. The world is in danger, and I wait
here to go to graduation. I thought I had problems giving my speech, now I am responsible for
the world.
Zen looked to the sky. I am not ready for this. But I will be. I must. I must leave this
stronghold soon, I am glad to have become a wanderer; I will not have to explain myself. But I
must ask Doctus Binbin of the powerful Tetradium. I can only hope that I have the strength to do
this.
Zen looked down on the Stronghold. He saw people gathering at the Academy. This is the
beginning of the end, it seems.

18
V
iva looked at the ceiling of her room. She had run to her quarters after the incident with
the deer.
Preceptor is probably so disappointed. Firstly by the fact that I ruined the deer, and
secondly because I ran away crying like a little girl. Uhhhh, I am so frustrated. Tomorrow will
be a new day. I will go to her and apologize. I will try again. Next time, I will bring her the
biggest dear in the nation. We will see how she disappointed she is then!
While Viva was fantasizing about her giant deer the winds outside where howling
throughout the stronghold. Weak constructs on the streets fell down, windows were closed, and
people went inside for the night. The moon was full, and there were few clouds.
Vivas keen ears heard a faint tapping. Suddenly she stopped thinking about giant deer
and listened for the disturbance.
What is that noise? Viva said faintly to herself, suspicious of what it could be. She
looked to her right, just her bow and quiver of arrows. Nothing there. She looked to her left. Just
her dresser drawer and lantern. She looked to her door. Just her bookshelf. She looked behind
her.
Aha, it is coming from the window! The sound was so faint, that there was no way of
hearing it besides being right next to it. She looked at the windows frame. There was a metal flint
tapping it. The metal was being lifted up and down by the wind causing the tapping sound.
Viva opened the window. Biting winds struck her full in the face. She stumbled back and
near fell.
Whoa! I was not expecting that. I will make sure to be prepared next time. Like
Preceptor Asperia always says, Never let your guard down. Viva said, embarrassed.
She took a confident step towards the window. She looked up out of it, ignoring the
freezing cold of the winds.
Ah, there it is. I will just pull this out of what it is caught on.
She pulled on it but it would not move. It must be attached to something heavy I guess.
She looked up. The metal flint was attached to a steel cable. Curious I wonder what
this is attached to.
Vivas detective instincts kicked in to overdrive. She put on her coat and stepped outside
of her quarters. She ran up the stairs; however she made sure to do so quietly, because other
people were sleeping near this time. She finally got to the top flight, she went up to the door, and
pushed. The ice cold winds hit her hard, but she was ready for them. She gathered her composure
and went on. The roof was frictious and the tread on her hunter boots made her steps grip the
ground very tightly. She did not mind. She liked the feeling of lifting her foot off the ground
when it was sticking to her feet.
Now, time to find that mysterious heavy item with the dangling metal cable. Maybe the
metal flint is supposed to be used as an anchor for the object to stick to the ground.
Viva looked around. The roof was rather creepy with ominous structures protruding from
the ground. At day, it looked like a regular roof, but at night it was quite a fright.
Calm yourself Viva. Use your senses to guide you. Look for the clues to solve this
mystery. Observe every little detail and make conclusions and inferences.
She walked around the roof when she heard something odd. She hid behind a large pipe,
sticking up and out from the ground. Is that a voice I hear? Whispering in the dark? Who could
be up here on a night like this? Another voice! Two people, could they be up to any good at a
time like this?

19
 We have all the provisions we need to begin the journey, Nathaniel. We will leave in
one weeks time.
Nathaniel! Is this the Nathaniel that I know? Viva looked behind the pipe to see any
faces.
Blast! I am unable to see anything. She whispered to herself. Whoops! I should
probably be quiet then, if I do not want to reveal my position. No matter, they did not hear me.
But I need to see their faces!
She darted from structure to structure, shadow to shadow, in order to get a better look at
the strangers. She climbed atop of a small building and lay on its top. From here she could see
two shady figures shrouded with large black cloaks. One was large and had broad shoulders. The
other was smaller but still large by all means. He was shorter and thinner.
Right master, shall I prepare my things then? said a quiet voice. This is indeed the
Nathaniel that I know! Hopefully, his intensions are not malevolent, meeting here at this hour.
Viva was very excited. She loved a good mystery, and she would have been a detective if only
she were not so talented at hunting.
Indeed, Nathaniel, we will take the strongholds ship to meet up with him. Plan your
things, accordingly. You may want to say goodbye to everyone you know. You will not see them
again, perhaps for the rest of your life. Go now, leave me be. The larger man said to Nathaniel,
authoritatively.
Yes, master, Nathaniel said obediently.
Whoa, his relationship with his master is nothing like the one I have with Preceptor
Asperia! Who is his master again? Nathaniel wanted to blast, I cannot remember what he
apprenticed in. But what is this talk about taking the strongholds ship!? There was no town hall
meeting about this! They plan to steal it! The metal flint must have been a flight strap to the air
ship. This does not sound good. I am glad to have come here at night. I now know their evil
scheme. I will tell Preceptor Asperia, tomorrow.
Viva knew Nathaniel from her childhood. He was an average student at the Academy. He
was slightly shorter than average, and got into trouble a few times for being tardy. He had short
blonde hair and blue eyes. He usually had a scowl on his face, and blended into the crowd easily.
Nathaniel stood up to leave. He looked at the night sky for a moment, tears in his eyes.
I will miss this place, master, He said sadly.
Never mind that, boy. It will be dust in a while; it will crumble in the sands of time like
a cockroach under your foot. Forget it, your future lies elsewhere.
As you wish, master. I will be out of your sight now. Nathaniel turned to leave. He
walked along the roof and jumped off. He landed with no problem, agile as a cat. His master
looked as if this were nothing.
Great Heavens! What has this boy done since Graduation! Super human capabilities?
Who is this man, I see before me? What forbidden magic has he shown Nathaniel? What powers
does he hold?
Viva felt a chill run down her spine, not from the howling winds, but from fear.
This man can end me at this instant. If he were to find me, I would surely be dead. It is
best to stay up here until he leaves.
The man stood there for a long time. He stared at the sky; Viva could only imagine what
he was thinking.
He is probably plotting against the stronghold at this very moment. What does he plan to
do with the ship? He said We will take the strongholds ship to meet up with him. What does he

20
mean by that? Who is him? Mayor of a rival neighbor stronghold I would imagine. No. This
scheme seems more evil than that. Maybe he is planning to assassinate someone. I dearly hope
not. Preceptor Asperia will know what to do. I must do all that I can to survive this night to tell
her. Why will he not leave?
Viva laid there thinking these thoughts for quite a while. The man stood pondering for
hours. Only when dawn began, and the sun rose did the man step from his perch and jump off the
roof to another Quarter buildings roof. He roof hopped off into the distance.
What is wrong with this man? There is something certainly off with the things stirring
currently. Ohhh, my back is aching.
Viva was sore all over for staying in one position completely silent all night long. She
had to stay awake to make sure that she did not make any noise and to be able to escape if the
man realized that she was there.
Ahhhhh!! Viva exclaimed to counter the silence that she had to endure for so long.
I feel much better now. But I feel so tiered. I need to rest. But there is no time I have to
tell Preceptor Asperia, it is my duty as a citizen of this stronghold!
Viva climbed off of the small building on the roof. She walked to the door. She opened it
and entered the stair well. She made sure to remain as quiet as possible, since people were still
sleeping or just waking up.
She walked into her quarters. Maybe I will rest for just a moment; I will be able to work
more efficiently with more energy. I can fulfill my duties better. Viva lay down on her bed. She
fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
The sky clouded above her rooftop. It began to rain lightly. The lull of the raindrops on
her window only deepened her slumber. She began to dream of catching a giant deer.
She woke up around 4 hours later. The sun was already high up above, glaring through
her window. She looked through it; her hands shaded her eyes because her eyes had not yet
scaled to adjust to the bright light. She was still sore from laying down in one position for so
long.
It seems I have overstayed my sleep She said to herself. I hope Preceptor Asperia is
not disappointed in me, because I am already extraordinarily tardy. She will forgive me when
she knows about what happened. Preceptor Asperia is always reasonable, in that regard at
least
Viva stood up, to get ready.
Ooofff, this kills. She remarked, referencing her soreness. She got ready nonetheless,
preparing hurriedly to keep Asperia from waiting too long. She strapped on her bow and quiver
full of arrows recently sharpened and headed towards the door of her quarters. She put on her
hunter shoes and left her quarter building.
It was remarkably quiet in the building today. Everyone must be at their apprenticeships.
Blast! I must have woken very late, the sun has not reached noon yet, but it could be that the
days are just lengthening.
Once Viva was on the street she began to lightly jog for Asperias office building.
I will be able to reduce my soreness with this jog, it will also wake me up.
Viva had to maintain her athleticism for the sake of her hunting. She needed to keep a
toned body to keep it as compact as it could. She needed the added stealth to become a powerful
predator of the wild.

21
 Viva looked to the sky as she jogged. It helped her lungs take in more air. The sky was
cloudy and dreary, the remnants of last nights rain shower lingered like a starved dog waiting
for food. The weather depressed her mood.
Preceptor Asperia is not going to be very sympathetic today with this weather I am
starting to doubt myself. It will be fine, she will not mind.
Viva could see Asperias office in the distance. As she neared it she saw Asperia in her
window overlooking the streets of the stronghold. She noticed Viva and turned to walk
downstairs to meet her outside.
I did not see her face, I could not tell if she was angry or not.
Asperia stepped outside. She stood waiting hands on hips.
Uh oh, that cant be a good sign. She probably thinks that I was being lazy, I will tell her
what my real intentions were!
Viva! She called, Why were you so late? You think that just because you were upset
of what happened last night that gives you the right to come here late? That is a disrespect of my
time, young lady! She said sternly.
As Viva jogged closer to the office, she yelled across the street, No, no, no Preceptor
Asperia! That is not the reason why I am so late, today!
Asperias eyes softened. Really, then your reason had better be a good one. Well then,
go on. Asperia ordered.
Of course, but I do not believe that this is the best of conversation to speak of in public,
Viva said looking around, at the people on the streets passing by. Can we go inside and speak of
this?
Yes, lets. I was getting tired of standing out here anyways. complained, Asperia.
They left for the door to Asperias office. As they walked there Viva looked suspiciously
to everyone watching their departure.
If Nathaniel is in cahoots with evil, then anybody could be. I dont know who to trust
right now.
As Viva walked into the office, Asperia closed the door behind her. She guided Viva to
her kitchen table.
Take a seat, Asperia said. Now, Viva, tell me what happened?
Well, you see Preceptor Asperia, it seems I have found some suspicious things brewing
on in the stronghold.
Asperias eyes narrowed. What are you suggesting?
I am saying, that I think some people are planning to something bad.
What gives you that idea?
Yesterday, I was lying in my bed when I heard a tapping on my window. I went to
investigate, it lead me to walk up to the roof. There I heard voices; I hid on top of a small
building. I saw a large man shrouded in a cloak revealing his plan to his apprentice, Nathaniel
my classmate from the Academy.
This sounds veryfantastical, Viva. Are you sure that this was not a dream? I know that
you were quite upset, yesterday. We are not ourselves when we are emotionally compromised.
I am sure Preceptor Asperia, if it did not happen why would I have been so late? Well I
will explain that after I reveal their diabolic plan. Anyways, the large man in the cloak, who I
assume to be Nathaniels master, said to him that they were going to take the Strongholds ship
to meet with another man in another place. That is not all, he said that they were leaving in a

22
week, and told Nathaniel to say goodbye to everyone he knew because he probably would not
see them again ever. That cannot be a good sign can it?
Odd, very odd. They plan to steal the ship then since there was no town hall meeting to
discuss it.
That is exactly what I thought, when I heard that!
I forgot to mention, I think they are delving in black magic. Nathaniel jumped off the
roof and landed perfectly fine. His master travels by jumping from roof to roof.
This is a very odd development, indeed. I am glad you came to me to discuss it, before
you did anything rash. But why then were you late?
Well, I realized that the cloaked man was very dangerous. I did not want to risk him
noticing me before he left, so I waited for him to leave. But he stayed in the same place for
hours, so I had to wait on top of that building for the rest of the night. I had to stay awake so that
I did not make any noise. When he finally left when the sun rose, I went to my room, and
decided to sleep for a few minutes, to work more efficiently by recovering my energy. I overslept
and woke up, realizing that I was late, so I hurried over here, and here we are. So what should we
do?
As citizens of this stronghold, it is our duty to alert the Vigilous of any signs of
suspicious behavior.
The Vigilous are the commanding authority of the stronghold. They executed the
punishments, and caught criminals.
We cant do that though, because we do not know who is on in this plan. Obviously,
they cannot steal the air ship themselves; someone has to be working in cooperation with them,
someone powerful -- someone in the Magistratia.
The Magistratia is the governing body of the Stronghold. It was a council of elders, who
were renowned in their field. Once Asperia grew old enough, she was a sure candidate for the
Magistratia, should she choose to take the position.
Good point, I agree, Viva. We should investigate this further on our own for a while
before we tell the Vigilous to determine who we can trust. Anyways, this will be a good
opportunity to practice your stealth. I have a mission for you. Investigate Nathaniel, to get further
information on his and his masters plan. Most importantly, find out who is working with them.
Understand?
I understand.
Remember, we only have a week, time is of the essence. There is no time to mess
around, which I trust you would not do anyways. But now is the most important time to not slip
up.
Of course, Preceptor Asperia. If you do not mind me asking, what will you be doing?
No I do not mind, I am glad you are asking, actually. Because it means that you are
already starting to investigate everyone, trusting no one, which is what you must do in this
situation. Remember what I always tell you.
Yes, I know. Never let your guard down.
Very good, anyways, I will look for this cloaked man, but mostly I will be investigating
the Vigilous and the Magistratia to identify who is trustworthy and who is not.
When should I begin, Preceptor Asperia?
Right about now.

23
 Oh, okay. And Preceptor Asperia, I am sorry of what happened last night, it was an
accident, but still, what I did was childish and irresponsible of me, running away like that. It is
inexcusable.
Do not be so hard on yourself, Viva. I knew that you would were not going to handle it
well. I decided to let you experience the accident because you needed to learn how to deal with
pressure. When your apprenticeship is over, I will not be here to fix your mistakes, it is best for
you to learn how to prevent them now.
Really? That makes me feel much better, actually. Thank you Preceptor Asperia. Viva
remarked in relief.
It was my pleasure, Viva. Now be off, you have work to do! Asperia said gently.
Right. Goodbye, Preceptor Asperia!
Goodbye, Viva.
Viva got up from her seat and left for the door. She stepped outside. The sun was outside
now. The clouds had cleared. Yet, the air was cooler.
The humidity of the air must have left. The weather is starting to look up! Okay, it is time
to begin my new mission. I must be serious to complete this task. Where to start I guess I will
begin by finding out where Nathaniel is. Maybe I will find out who his associates are and
interrogate them to get background information on him before I start to follow him around. I
need to find out who his mysterious master is, and what exactly he is teaching Nathaniel.

24
N ovus struck out at Pravus with his axe. Novus seethed with anger.
Rahhhhhhhh!!!!! He screamed at Pravus. I will end you! He declared.
His strike missed Pravus by inches. Pravus was not in the least bit deterred.
You amuse me human. Well then, I guess I can have some fun with my toy, before I
throw it away. Let us play, then. But next time, come at me with something more than rage. You
will need it.
Dont you dare speak to me! Silence your fowl mouth, beast. Your fate is near.
Ohhh, powerful words for a miniscule speck of dust. I see no reason why I talk to things
that cannot think. I might as well, though, to humor myself.
Novus, held up his axe, to load his strength for the next blow. Take this, devil! He
swung with all his might, so much so that his center of balance was displaced and he stumbled to
a stop when Pravus easily evaded the attack. He weaved behind Novus, and evilly playful, he
nudged Novus back with his head. His damp, rank fur touching Novus back completely
disturbed and repulsed him. He leaped back, even more enraged.
At this point, Novus could not think of anything sensible, all he knew was that this
demon had to pay. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! He battle cried.
Ha, ha, ha, I cant tell whether you are ridiculously brave, or utterly stupid. Either way, I
am starting to tire of your absurdity. Either do something challenging for me to counter, or
something new, otherwise, I am afraid, I will have to kill you.
Novus heard none of this behind his rage. Nonetheless he got the message; he began
throwing rocks he found on the forest floor. He was acting completely on instinct, returning to
his feral state for his survival.
Pravus began to get bored.
This boy is done. He has lost his sanity. I think I might have overdone the hallucination
too long. Too bad, I would have enjoyed breaking it while he was awake. No matter, there are
plenty of humans for me to play with, after I finish with this one. Still, I wished I had savored this
one, with the exceptional circumstances. Anyways, these circumstances will theoretically happen
an infinite more times again, because of my immortality so there is nothing to be concerned
about. Ohh, pravus, you worry yourself too much.
Boy, this is where it ends unfortunately. Under normal circumstances I would have
played with you longer, but seeing as you have gone insane, your appeal has expired.
Novus rage started to run out, Stupid creature, I am still sane, it is you who is the insane
one. I am merely relying on my instinct.
Very well, you may be sane. However, that does not change my decision, I really must
be off. It has been years since I last killed a human.
Pravus began his usual killing method. I will begin with mind control. It will be a little
more difficult with him being and all, but his enraged mind should help things considerably.
With that, Pravus face contorted in concentration. Bend to my will, simpleton!
Novus began to feel a tingling sensation in his head. It grew to a nibbling, then a pain. As
time went by, it got worse and worse. It felt like a nail being hammered into his skull, then a
pickaxe, then a saw. It was excruciating.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Novus screamed. Wh-what is this? Stop. Stop it I say! This
instant! He pleaded.
Mwah, hah, hah! I forgot how fun this was! Cackled Pravus.
Thisahis, is, isagony! I cant take this much longer Is he trying tokuh trying
to, to control my mindahhhhh!!!

25
 At that moment Novus body went limp. He fell down unconscious; he had lost Pravus
battle.
Tsk, tsk, tsk; petty humans, when will they ever learn. said Pravus. He licked his lips.
This is going to be so delectable. He said with relish. I can just imagine him writhing
underneath my poisonous blades.
Novus opened his eyes. Nono, no Impossible I I cant, I cant do this. NO!
NOOOO!!! Not here, not again! Please, not this place. He had returned to the abyss, the
nothingness, the oblivion.
Now, what to do with the boy Pravus murmured to himself. It is always difficult
finding new ways to torture someone. I guess I am not the creative type, oh well, the classics
never get old.
Novus rage began to boil again. He was building up, becoming consumed like before.
He was being pushed to the very edge. Normally, he was a good-natured person with an even
temper, but he had built up emotions bottled up, that he had no channel to outlet with, besides
chopping wood, but chopping wood was not an option for him at this point.
I must leave this nothingness before I am lost for eternity! I cant stay here! I do not
belong here, no, I dont belong here
Pravus slithered towards Novus limp body. He stepped in close, his rancid breath poured
onto Novus face. Well, then, let us begin. I will start by bringing him back while paralyzing him.
This way he can watch as I torment him, I will also allow him to scream. We are far enough
away from the stronghold to risk being heard
Meanwhile, Novus was losing it.
noI dont belong hereI dontbelong here... I dont belong here.
Pravus looked at Novus body. An odd development was occurring. Oh? What is this
now? What surprises does this boy have in store?
Red lines began to glow along Novuss body and face. The lines curved in on his eyes,
looking like spirals.
NO. I dont ..belong hereI DONT BELONG HERE!!!!!!!!!!
The ground beneath his body started to vibrate. Heat waves emanated from his being, a
fiery aurora radiated from his soul.
Pravus flinched, he backed away. This cant be good. I underestimated the human but he
shouldnt be a problem, I can still handle this. He is still under my control. AlthoughHe is
fighting mighty fierce This is getting difficult
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With that Novus noticed a crack in the dark. A slip of reality, a glimpse, a light. He had
chipped Pravus hold on him!
Novus eyes opened. They were a fierce and iridescent red. They glowed like hot coals in
the iron furnace of a blacksmith ready to perform his craft.
Pravus eyes narrowed, he started to feel an odd sensation. What!? Impossible. No, there
is no way. What is this odd sensation? It feels familiar, but I cant put my finger on it
Novus stood up. His face grim, he seemed confused, relieved, happy, satisfied and angry
all at the same time.

26
 PRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVVVVVUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! IT IS
YOUR TURN TO BURN!!!!!! HA, HA, AH HA!!!!!!!! Novus roared. I AM GOING TO
ENJOY THIS! he said, his face wild.
Pravus was starting to reconsider what he was thinking before, he made a realization.
This, this isfearIt has been the first time since I dont know even when that I have ever
experienced fear. To be afraid at the hands of a human? The humiliation! I will not stand here
and be defeated by an ant!
Prepare to die, Novus! I have had my fun, this is where it ends say goodbye!
Novus looked at Pravus and without having made any conscious decision, Pravus
suddenly burst into flames.
Burn, Pravus No Sinka. Burn in the hell you have created for yourself. Novus said
suddenly feeling tired.
All this rage, all these emotions, all these experiences, they have taken quite a toll on me.
I must go home.
CURSE YOU, NOVUS! YOU WILL PAY AS YOUR PARENTSahhh!!!!
proclaimed Pravus as he burned to the ground. His body began scorching and sizzling.
Alright, Ive had enough of you. Just leave now and never return.
Suddenly there was a flash of light and a loud boom. Whew, Pravus has left, at least my
life or the people of the Stronghold are not in any danger Realization dawned on him. Blast! I
cut the Anchor Tree! No one is safe! I must warn the Vigilous! Oh I will be in so much trouble, I
will be executed! I have failed the entire Stronghold, I put everyone in danger. I deserve to die!
But I am wasting time! I must warn them, no matter the consequences or punishments that may
befall me.
Before he could go anywhere, he felt dizzy.
What is going on? I I ahhhhhh.
Novus lay sprawled on the floor knocked out.
***
Zen ran to his quarters the fastest he could, Graduation started in 25 minutes, he was not
even at the opening ceremony yet. He ran down the hills and streets, passed by citizens of the
stronghold, some even on their way to watch Graduation. Zen had to get his wooden blade to
leave it in the Hall of Past Primes, the hall where the number one student leaves his or her
practice item. In Zens case, since he specialized in swordsmanship, he was leaving behind his
wooden blade to the Hall of Past Primes. He was especially excited about this since it meant that
he was following in the footsteps of Binbin, who also left his wooden sword in the Hall of Past
Primes before he became an esquire to be a Gladimus.
Too bad I cant follow in Doctus Binbins footsteps any more, as I am treading my own
path from now on. My life will be difficult with this quest but I can only hope that I am strong
enough to handle it.
Zen saw his quarter building in the distance. Whew, I am near, I can make it just in time if
I run. What would a man be if he were not punctual? An unreliable one, certainly.
Motivated by the sight of it, he ran towards the quarter building. He reached it and
opened the door. He ran up the stairs, making a loud ruckus as he went. He paid no head, the
boys did not really mind.
Hurriedly, he opened the door to his quarters. Cool air greeted him pleasantly, his living
room was kept sparse and minimalistic. He ran through the hallway to his room. He picked up
the wooden sword leaning against the wall near his katana.

27
 Oh! I nearly forgot to bring my robe and graduation hat, not to mention the ceremonial
awards!
He left his room and grabbed them placed on his table facing the window. He did a quick
scan for anything else he may have forgotten to remember.
Should I put them on now or wait until I get there? I should do it now, so I do not look
ridiculous when I enter. Okay, everything seems good to go! I am set for the event. Look out
Stronghold! Zen Tenzenga is being let loose on the world!
He stepped towards his door. He left his quarters, but remembered to lock the doors after
leaving it. He clamored down the stairs. He stepped onto the streets. The sun was setting; the sky
was a deep red, tinged with specks of orange and yellow.
Zen ran for the Academy like mad, his Graduation robe and hat fluttered in the wind, but
he paid them no mind. He just thought of the future of the world, and if he could save it.
What will happen if I fail my mission? I do not even yet know the complexity of it, how
will I be ready to start it tomorrow? This is going to be very difficult Doctus Binbin will surely
shed some light on the matter but Celsus Aureues was pretty enigmatic and ancient. I wonder if
he is an ancient himself No, that is impossible, he came from the sky for one thing, second of
all he was not angry or destructive which is characteristic of Ancients. No he is a majestic bird
from the heavens wherever that may be. I wonder how he knew I that I was in trouble. Now that I
think about it, the only reason I was in trouble was because of that strike from the sky. Does that
mean Celsus Aureus saving me was staged? Can I trust him? He certainly seems trustworthy
Doctus Binbin will know. I wont know anything for sure until I ask him.
Finally, he saw the Academy in the distance. Ah, there it is. I should probably get into the
mode of thinking about the speech. It will help to be concentrated on it so that I will be more
engaging while I give the speech.
Zen saw most of the Strongholds citizens gathered around the auditorium. Wow! So
many people! I never realized that this was such a grand event. Well maybe I should say
comprehend rather realized, because that would be more appropriate in this situation. Zen
looked at the sky; he didnt have much time left. Blast, Im going to be late! I had better hurry,
so I dont keep the people waiting.
Zen doubled his pace; his spritely jog became a fast-paced sprint. He neared the
Academy. It was a modest building, its wood used to be a bright red, but it had since faded over
the years due to weather and the sun. What was most notable of the Academy was not its
building, but its massive field of open land behind it. It was a full blown campus. It was where
all the colleges attended dispersed in dispatches loosely set amongst the field. The majority of
the student body attended the field. Only the younger classmates had to spend their class time
inside, learning the bare essentials they needed to live. When they were 10 years old they were
promoted to the field where they spend the rest of their school life until they were 16. About half
of their time on the field focused on a specific area of their choice, their specialty. The other half
was spent on 3 other fields.
In the top, middle corner of the field, the back of the school building of the Academy
was the auditorium. The graduates were soon to file inside the auditorium.
Zen rushed to the School building door. He entered, the interior was cozy and kid-
friendly. Feathers and quills sat on tables. Parchment rested on a reception counter. Wow this is
nostalgic. For a brief moment Zen felt a surge of sadness. This will be the last I see of this place.
The where I have spent my years of childhood, pouring over the ancient texts. That sense of

28
learning, the environment, that place where I grew up, where I based my morals, I am leaving it
all behind. Life was so simple then Oh! I hear talking, Graduation! I nearly forgot.
Zen ran down the hall where he heard the chattering of his excited classmates. He looked
at the door between him and his future.
Well this is it, I guess. My life here, everything. It all starts again here, like resetting a
clock. Well, let us hope it starts off strong.
Zen took a deep breath. He calmed down, and restored his composure. He checked his hat
and robe. My ornaments are in order he thought to himself. A moment later, he pushed the
door open.
A surge of noise waved over him. My goodnessHe looked up to see the smiling faces of
his classmates, the people he grew up with for the last 10 years of his life, his family.
Zen! everyone said all at different times, making it sound like they had said
zeznezezn. You made it! someone said in the crowd.
Indeed, I did make, but just barely! Anyways, hello everyone, it appears that you all are
looking your finest today. You were right to do so, today is a special event that will happen only
once in our lifetimes. It is best to cherish it now.
Everyone came to greet him, to shake his hand, or give him a hug. They congratulated
him on being the top student.
They would say, Good job, Zen! The stronghold is proud of you. or, Best of luck, Zen,
I know you will go far in the future!.
Zen would always respond with, Thank you, that really means a lot me, or I appreciate
and accept your wishes for me with honor.
He talked to everyone personally, but he did not spend his time on anyone in particular.
Zen was an introvert, so he tended to stay to himself. He was friends with everyone but
with no one in particular. He was the person that everyone knew, but did not especially spend
time with. Zen preferred it this way, he got to enjoy his own space but he would still be welcome
by others to their company. It was the best of both worlds for him.
So much social interaction I am starting to get overwhelmed. I think I might step
outside for a bit, whilst everyone chatters amongst themselves. I think I will do that, no one
seems to mind
Zen stepped out the door. He gathered his thoughts and breathed out. He leaned against
the wall ahead of the door, and closed his eyes. Ah, this is calming. This is excellent for my mind,
I can give my speech without being very afraid now.
His ears perked. What is that? Footsteps? He relaxed. It is probably just a late arriver
He was right. It was Eurodice Len. She was the student just underneath Zen, she was the second
highest ranking student. She looked up at him with pale green eyes, the color of mint, her red
hair was brushed and let down at her shoulder rather than it usually was tied up.
Wow, she looks breath taking, today. If I were not leaving so soon, maybe maybe I
could have talked to her more, or at least learned to talk to a girl well, there is no point
wasting my thoughts on what could have been, and get back to the present.
Zen! Look at you, already to go! I really am happy for you, for getting first place. You
were a worthy opponent, if it were any other person I would have felt cheated.
Thank you, EurodiceI appreciate ituh, so you look different was all Zen could
convey.
She raised an eyebrow. So different, okay then, I am not really sure how to take that
but anyways, good luck with your speech I will see you on the other side! she said.

29
 With that she hugged him and left.
Blast! Why did I risk it? I bet she lost all respect she had for me. Well, anyways, I will
never see her again so I might as well risk everything! I wonder no, there is not enough time. I
think I will go back inside, everyone might be wondering where I went.
Zen stepped back into the room. The volume was reaching to a crescendo as Graduation
was just about to begin. Everyone looked out through the window waiting for the sun to finally
set. Everyone cheered as its final rays hid out of sight. The room looked at the door expectantly,
the teachers were about to file in, to escort them to the auditorium. As if on cue the door opened
to for the students to be greeted by none other than Mister Twigg, contrary to his name, he was a
jolly and rotund man who was the head deductor of the cooking field. Everyone loved Mister
Twigg, he always let other people try his and his students work. He was the best chief in the
stronghold, legend had it, in the east side of the country.
Ho, ho kids! Are you excited for Graduation , tonight! He said with mirth.
Everyone cheered, Yes, of course! We have been waiting for our entire lives!
Mister Twigg stepped aside. Miss Mahogany appeared with her hands up in the air with
a celebratory look on her face. She was very proud of all her students, and cared deeply for them
all. She was tall with light brown eyes. She had crows feet and laugh lines, from all the good
times she had with all her students.
Hello, my children! You all have grown into fine young men and women. I hope the
best for all of you in your life to come, and I support you with all my heart! She said sincerely.
Next came Mister Green, he was athletic and handsome. Interestingly, He was the head
deductor of the history field. He always wore a top hat, which allowed everyone to recognize
him when his nose was deep dug amongst his history texts. Mister Green loved a challenge; he
would always push his students to challenge themselves too. Despite his name, always wore
bright blue boots that were visible even at night from a distance. They could travel across rocky
terrain or the smoothest ice possible, rain or shine.
Greetings, students. I hope you all have a good time during Graduation. You have all
worked very hard to be here, this marks the next milestone of your lives. Be proud. You have
quite the right to do so. He mentioned waving his hands about like he always did.
Finally, at least for the moment, came Sir Vigiro Jr. the Mighty, Zens swordsman
deductor. He was bestowed the title several years before Zen was born. He told Zen that he
would tell him one day, just how he got it, but it had never happened.
He was a tower off a man; his shadow looked more bear-like than human. His jaw-line
was strong and sturdy; his arms were muscular and lean, they were tattooed with depictions of
his past. His ruffled brown hair curled at the ends. His face was battle-scarred and weather
beaten from training out in the sun for so many years. He had a broadsword ever attached to his
back for those days when it came in handy. He could lift it with ease, tossing it around as if it
were a baby. He had piercing blue eyes and thin lips. He had a beard that extended to his chest, it
made him look like a fierce Viking. Sir Vigiro could still fit into the armor of his past, and
proved it every day, as he wore it with pride, polishing it every night.
He looked to Zen and winked. Are you ready, Zen? he asked, knowing the answer.
No.

30
V
iva hid behind an oak tree, as Nathaniel walked down the street. She had looked for him
all over the Stronghold, trying to spot him from the roofs of buildings. She finally
spotted him from above when a bird tried to steal one of her breads she was carrying as a
snack. A girl has to eat! she would say. Oh, how peacefully ignorant he is of his pursuer! He
will pay if he gets any close to the air ship that is for sure. I will have an arrow through his foot
in no time.
She looked at her quiver of arrows and bow strung behind her back. The arrows were
decorated with green and gold, Asperias signature color scheme. They were recently sharpened;
a simple touch would warrant a cut.
I had better be carefulMaybe I overdid it too much, but what can I say? This is my first
mission ever, after all
Her quiver also accorded with her arrows, being green and golden. Her bow was a strong
spruce longbow. She could shoot further than any man in the stronghold, but she was still a little
behind Asperia.
That will change soon enough with Preceptor Asperias guidance, I will be able to
surpass her in a matter of years. That is one of the reasons she is such a good master. She
actually is in it for my own success. She is genuinely concerned for my future, and is interested in
my own wellbeing.
Nathaniel started to distance from her. She darted to another tree. Hopefully he did not
notice that.
Viva got a better look at his features in the light, and without his hiding cloak. He was
wearing a light tunic, with three-quarter length trousers. He wore wooden sandals with leather
straps. He kept his hair longer than he did when he was younger a few years ago. His shoulders
were hunched as if he were sulking or disappointed. His ever present scowl was instead placed
with a grim line. He looked like a dead man. His skin was pale. Nathaniel looked starved and
sad. He looked slightly grotesque with his disproportionately large arms and legs, compared to
his skinny body and small head.
What happened to him?! What did his master do? He did not look this odd when we were
youngerthis is worse than I thought.
Viva began to sympathize with Nathaniel. He probably was forced into this by his
master. He was corrupted by evil, and now he wants to get out. I cannot help him, unless I find
out more of him first, though. It would be foolish to walk in now. I just wish someone would talk
to him already, so that I can assess how he acts toward people.
Nathaniel kept on walking in his sulking or disappointed hunched shoulders, Viva could
not tell which. Vivas eyes narrowed, a dog came trotting down the hill in front of Nathaniel. It
was a stray which was rare in the Stronghold, most were captured and eaten.
Having a tamed dog was a luxury, a proclamation of wealth. Wealth was hard to come by
in a Stronghold, because the Magistratia taxed everyone so heavily, 70% of everyones yearly
wages. In return the Magistratia would provide everyone with food, shelter and education. They
would also provide a law force, a court system, an army and roads and bridges, not to mention
the mailing and deliver system. Most of the time the Magistratia acted for the welfare of the
people, so no one felt oppressed and revolted.
Notice the use of most. There were times of corruption amongst the council of elders.
Someone would become power hungry or greedy. In those times, a duel to the death was
commenced, and they would never stop until someone had killed the corrupted elder. That did
not happen often, but it did happen enough. There was also a representative house which was

31
chosen by citizens of the Stronghold. They advised the council of elders, and could overrule
them in times of war.
However, now was a time of peace and so the council of elders had the most power. If
Nanthaniels master is able to steal the air ship, then it is almost certain that he is part of the
council of elders or at knows of a counselor. In that case he can be in the representative house,
the Vigilous or the Venerai. That does not narrow him down to many things, but at least it is a
start. I wonder if Preceptor Asperia has any leads by now.
The dog was brown and mangy, it was hungry and defeated. Oddly, it looked a quite a bit
like Nathaniel.
Perfect! I can see how he treats his dog, and I can judge how I should think of Nathaniel
now. All I have to do now is wait and watch. Hopefully, he is a good guy. If that is the case, we
can work together and stop his masters diabolical plan.
The dog came to Nathaniel; its black eyes were sad and glazed. It sat down at his feet
with its tongue out, pleading for food, Viva guessed. I feel sorry for this dog. It is at its last
strand of life. There is little hope for it now.
Nathaniel looked down at it, his eyes were sad to see it at this state. The dog began to
bark, it demanded food.
Lormac, go home. I have no food to spare for you today. Be a good boy, and leave me
be. I have no time for you at this moment. He scolded his dog. The dog did not seem to
understand, he cocked his head questioningly, still barking. Nathaniel shrugged.
I have nothing for you, Lormac. Now go! Do not look at me like that, impudent!
Lormac kept on barking.
I HAVE NOTHING FOR YOU, FOOLISH DOG!!! Nathaniel screamed, he had
snapped, losing his patience so quickly probably because of his foul mood. Lormac seemed to
understand now, understanding dawned in his eyes. At first it was sad, but then it became angry.
It barked even louder, feeling betrayed. His master, the one who gave him his food and
sustenance his shelter and safety had failed him.
YOU UNGRATEFULL BEAST! SILENCE! Nathaniel yelled as he kicked the dog
hard in the ribs. Lormac let out a howl in pain and grief. He growled weakly, then he whimpered.
He weakly got up, and walked to Nathaniels feet. He collapsed on his masters toes, like a
settling dust cloud. It was Lormac the starved dog. It was he who had died. However, even in
death he was faithful.
As soon as Nathaniel had started yelling, Viva instinctively notched her bow and arrow.
She was ready to aim and fire, but she caught herself. Blast it all to heaven and hell! This man is
corrupted! He will hurt this poor dog, but I cannot reveal myself now, I will compromise the
mission. I cannot stop him, without revealing myself. There is no one here to stop him. I can only
watch and wait.
Viva felt rage boil inside her; she felt the sadness of wasting the life of that deers body.
I have to control myself. I cannot allow myself to fail like I did last time. I must maintain
my composure, even in times of stress. If I fail once, shame on me, but if I fail a second time, my
word is eliminated, erased, destroyed. I cannot be trusted at that point, and it is not an option to
lose the trust of Preceptor Asperia, I will die before I do that. She is the only one who would trust
me, if I lose that, then there is nothing in this place left for me.
Oh! What have I done!? I did not mean to do this! Nathaniel looked down at Lormac
with horror. Sadness, grief and sorrow radiated from his soul. He looked around to see if anyone
had seen.

32
 I did not know he was so fragile! That he could be broken with such a slight touch. No!
Curse me! I had not adjusted to my new strength. Curses! Ahhh! Faithful, Lormac! I did not
mean those words! I was angry, frustrated and scared. You were provoking my emotions; I do
not mean to put the blame on you. You did not know what I was capable of, nor did you know of
what I was going through. It is not even your responsibility as dog to even worry about knowing
this. All you needed to do was be loyal, and you have done that so wonderfully, even here at
your death, at my betrayal. He said in deep remorse, stroking Lormacs fur, softly, his eyes
teared. And I am here to pay for this ignorance he murmured.
I am so sorry, Lormac! I would have given you food if only I had food to give. I am now
only left with what I can use to survive. My rations are taxed by Masters so called tuition
fees. Nathaniel held Lormacs limp body to his chest. He did not mind the smell Lormacs fur
left on his clothes.
Nathaniel looks so similar to the dog, it is uncanny. I cannot help but think that they are
related, as absurd as it sounds
Lormac, if your spirit rises to heaven, please wait for a moment. I ask your sincere
forgiveness. I betrayed you, I know. But I was selfish and stupid. I was angry and emotionally
compromised. You were my best friend, my only friend, yet you died at my very own hands. He
said apologetically, looking at his hands. They were shaking.
If you cannot forgive me, I understand. What I have done to you is unacceptable and
cruel. If you come to haunt me, I understand. But I can only ask for you to remember the good
times we have shared. You may leave now; I have nothing left to say. Of course you were never
bound to stay, as I am your master no longer.
Nathaniel spent a few moments weeping profoundly, muttering inaudible obscenities now
and again.
Viva felt very uncertain of what to do and what to think.
I am not sure of what to do in this situation I- I- oh, I dont know. She choose to stay
hidden in the trees and wait for what he did next.
He started again, Curse him with this blessing! I was not ready for it! I needed more
training! He was impatient, I was eager, we are both to blame. I have become a monster. I am so
glad that I leave this place soon; it will be my own, self-exile. I will never return, and no one will
be hurt by me again.
I do not know what to think about this should I sympathize with him because he did not
know his own strength, because something has happened to him with terrible consequences that
caused him to feel frustrated and angry. He even said, I have become a monster. So he knows
that what he did was bad. Can villains be considered evil, even if they feel guilty for what they
have done? I do not know. I do not know, if I should condemn him for being so cruel. You can
always judge a man by the way he treats those that care for him, does this dog count? What he
did was certainly evil, or not good, but does that make him evil? He should have been in control
of his actions; no good person could have gone that far, could they?
Preceptor Asperia will shed some light on the matter. My job, at least for today, is to
collect information on him, not necessarily to interpret the information that I have collected.
Although, it is possible that if I do interpret his actions as in sympathize or condemn him, I will
reveal my position, and depending on one thing or the other, that could be a fatal error. I am not
ready to risk preemptive action without first having time to consider, at least without the advice
of Preceptor Asperia. Yes, I could save time and difficulty but it is not worth the chances of
blowing this full operation. Besides, I cannot afford to fail again, at least for a while now.

33
N ovus woke up on the battle settlements between he and Pravus. He was in a state of
complete confusion. The sky was brightening and the sun was about to rise.
What the hell?! What has gone on here? My clothes! They are gone! Have I been subject
to a robbery!? He will surely pay, when I get my hands on him! And what about this forest?
It looks as if a forest fire appeared from nowhere and destroyed this part of the forest.
How is it that I have survived it? There are so many trees cut down, I could not have nearly cut
them all by myself. Some of them are even smashed, how can that be? Did a monster come and
attack here? Did a thunderstorm strike these trees, or start a forest fire? The ground is scorched
that is for sure. What is odd is that the scorch marks all lead to me either the case, how did I
survive all these obstacles this time? This does not seem good.
Where is my axe? It was right beside me when I took that nap. I was going to cut down
the third tree, but looks as if I do not need too, as it seems that trees were caused to fell by other
means. Those means I must not worry about, because there are too many unexplained things in
this universe and if I delved on them all or even one individually, I would die before I came close
to an answer to any of them.
Novus got up from the ground, he felt cold and bare, but he was too shocked to feel
desperate just yet.
The Magistratia will not be pleased. Novus murmured to himself, as he looked around.
The Magistratia were concerned for the health of the world and its environment.
Politicians of the Magistratia were always speaking about the environment. If we as a people do
not take of the world, then it will not take care of us. They would say. The Venerai always
agreed with them in this respect. It is one of the only things they agree with the Magistratia on.
Usually they have conflict, even though the Magistratia is technically supposed to have more
power than the Venerai, the truth of the matter is that they do not. Thus, getting anywhere with
the decisions within the Stronghold are difficult.
Whoever has done this will be severely punished, let the heavens have mercy on that poor
fellow. He deserves it though, for harming Mother Nature this ruthlessly.
Hmmmm. Novus said absentmindedly, as he searched the forest floor for his axe.
Ah, there it is. I will just go and pick it up and be on my way. Wait a minute I need
clothes first. No, I will deal with it after getting back my axe; I need to protect myself before I
reveal myself.
The axe rested right next to the fallen anchor tree, its stump looked sad and old. Novus
approached with relief. I have control now
As he reached to pick it up, he naturally stretched his hand out to use the anchor tree to
support his weight as he picked up the heavy axe. As his and touched the bark of the tree, Novus
felt an extremely painful sensation shoot up his arm, it felt like a fire was spreading throughout
his body.
Ahhhhhhhh!!!!! Novus screamed in shock and pain. He fell to the ground convulsing,
blacking in and out every few seconds, each time he returned back to reality he heard a sharp,
ear-splitting, piercing ringing. This only added to his shock and pain and he cried out louder. He
blacked out again, and came back adding to his confusion, because it was as if he woke up
suddenly all over again.
Red swirls and lines pulsed along his body, glowing brilliantly then fading then starting
all over again. The black outs began to fade and the ringing began to die down. Novus was
calming down; he felt an extreme searing at his figure tips. He looked down at his hands. His
eyes widened as he saw what was happening to his fingers.

34
 Ancient figures and characters began to brand themselves on his 10 fingers, however they
pulsed red like the lines and swirls along his body.
Ahhh!!! What is happening now!!! It hurts so badly! What have I done? Why do I deserve
this! This is not fair, this is not just, this is the absolute worst! Please, mighty heavens, I plead
with you! Give me peace! End this now! Ahhhh!!! I will just have to wait out the storm and
endure
Suddenly, Novus memory rushed back into his head. Realization dawned on his
agonized face. His memory was recalled.
The characters finished searing into his skin. His face and body stopped glowing. The
light faded away. The forest became green again. The world was not hell any more. Novus
calmed down.
Pravus and I battled! I caused all this! I am that poor soul I just condemned just ago! Of
all the people, me. There is no justice in this world I have done nothing to deserve this fate!
Why did I, of everyone in the stronghold have to chop down the tree? Why did fate choose me?
No one told me of its importance, nor its abilities. I would never have even come to the forest if I
knew that this would happen. Forget it. There is nothing that can be accomplished regretting it
now. There is nothing that I can do to change it either. I must look onto the future with sense and
judgment.
Novus looked down at his hands; the characters were scarred onto fingers. They were still
an iridescent crimson. Yet they did not pulse as they did before. Peculiar... What does this
mean? Is this a working of Pravus evil? Is this a curse to reap me, the rest of my life? No I do
not think so. Even he does not have such power; otherwise he would have been able to kill me if
he could.
The shock was starting to recede and Novus began to feel the true power of his pain.
Soon enough, even the pain began to recede and Novus began to restore his composure.
My priority is the safety of the Stronghold. I must warn the people of the fallen anchor
tree, and perhaps evacuate everybody if that is the necessary course of action. My hope is that
the Venerai may be able to conjure or enchant an anchor tree before the Ancients catch word of
what has happened here, and to prevent Pravus from returning. But before I can do anything I
must find some attire. Actually, should I go there bare? No. it would only cause panic and
indignity. I should find something to at least cover myself. Several tree branches will have to
do. Novus thought aloud, absentmindedly.
He picked up his axe, making sure to stay away from the fallen anchor tree as much as
possible. What is wrong with this tree? Why did it hurt me so? Perhaps it has harsh effects
against humans as it does with Ancients.
He cut off the leafiest branches that he could find. These will have to do... they cover me
sparingly but they work. I should be off soon.
Off in the distance Novus observed an omen. Crows flew into the air all at once, crowing
and squawking at each other they flew into the morning sky away from the stronghold. An eerie
howl and a boom ensued. And the ground shook.
My goodness! I noticed that happening from this far! That is a 2 day journey, yet it could
be heard and seen from here. I cannot imagine what it would be like if that thing or things came
here. Perhaps I should be even more urgent than I thought I should have been.
Novus ran toward the stronghold gates.
I dont know how long I have. There could be Ancients on their way here right now! I
have to get there fast. Every second I waste, I kill someone with my laziness! If I cause anyone to

35
die, I I- I dont know what I would. I cant think about that right now. I must concentrate on
surviving at the moment, and getting to the stronghold, to save everybody, only because I put
them in danger. I have to fix my mistake, before it becomes something more than that! I refuse to
become a murderer! Who knows where Pravus went. Great Heavens, I cannot imagine if he went
to the Stronghold. Impossible! He was severely injured when he left, there is no way he can go
after anybody until he rests and recovers, at least for a few days. I left him writhing in pain
Justice as it should be. He deserves hell for eternity. I will be sure to punish him more
severely if I ever meet him again. Hopefully, he is scarred of ever coming here again, but I cant
take any risks. Not with my people at risk, the people I have known all my life, the ones who took
care of me while my parents were not here anymore
Novus saw the gates in the distance. Whew! Almost there The Sentries looked at him
with wide eyes and disbelieving faces, as they watched a heavy built, semi-naked, 6 2, man
with an axe run towards them with wild eyes.
Wait just a moment, sir. Halt right there! Where do you think you are going? Both
Sentries said in unison.
No, no! You do not understand! It is I, Novus, the one who greets you two every
morning. Someone probably has sent out a search party looking for me. Anyways, an untold
amount of Ancients swarm here this very moment! I must speak to the Venerai this instant! Let
me in! pleaded Novus.
The Sentries looked at each other with strait faces. They looked back at Novus, and
laughed.
Ah, ha, ha, ho, ho, ho They heartily chuckled.
Fools! I kid you not! Please, you put the safety of the people of the Stronghold at risk
with your disbelief and fun.
The Sentry on the left said, Boy, quit your tomfoolery and don your clothes. You are
only shaming yourself.
Novus remarked, There is no tomfoolery to quit as I have told you, I am completely
serious, and I am fully capable of all my faculties of mind. I was attacked by an Ancient just
now. That is why my clothes are gone.
The Sentry on the right said, Do not try to fool us, boy. There has been no sign of an
Ancient in years, nor have we noticed any signs of trouble. Not to mention, we have an echanted
tree that protects us from it. No, you were subject to a robbery by a woman, and you want to
keep your dignity, because you dont want to admit that you were defeated by a woman, isnt
that right?
Do you think really think me this conceited? No. It was entirely my fault. I chopped
down the tree, unaware of its special capabilities and purpose. I just wanted some wood! I did
not mean to cause all of this! Apparently, I unleashed an Ancient that was buried underneath the
tree who was sealed there until I chopped it down. It attacked me, and I battled with it. I was able
to fend it off, but my clothes were not able to withstand the battle. The Ancient burst into flames,
and disappeared, I do not know when it will come back, if it will, but I cant take any chances.
He told me that any Ancient can come now, and that I was the cause of it. The Stronghold is in
grave danger! The Venerai must enchant another anchor tree! Quickly too, before it is too late.
Now do you understand the gravity of this situation?
The faces of the Sentries quickly became serious, all other expressions of humor faded
away. They looked to each other deciding what to do. The Sentry on the right nodded.

36
 The sentry to the left said, We dont believe you as no human can chop down the tree,
but we will have to act on your words because we cannot risk such dangers for the Stronghold,
we cannot choose to ignore such threats. Plus, you do not seem like a mischievous boy, we will
let you in, but you must put on some form of clothing before you go see the Venerai, as absurd
and dangerous the situation, the Venerai will be angry at the disrespect of showing at their
doorstep, bare. Understood?
Novus nodded. Thank you, I am glad that understand just who perilous this could be.
The sentries acknowledged his thanks and nodded. We will let you enter now, said the
sentry on the right. They pulled the wheel that spun the chain that opened the gates. Novus
walked in.
Luckily, no one was approaching the gates just then to be exposed to Novus bare self.
Right, time to get some clothes. He bid his dew to the Sentries, Goodbye, but make sure
to sound the alarm if you hear an Ancient approach.
Novus darted around buildings trying not to be seen, always taking the back route so as to
reduce his chances of encountering someone.
Novus noticed a couple walking along the sidewalk next to the streets. They were soon
about to turn the corner, after which they would see Novus exposed. The woman would scream
and everyone would be alerted of Novus walking around au naturel.
Blast! What do I do now? Novus looked around to see what his options were. The alley! I
can hide behind the trash can.
With lightning speed, Novus rushed to the alley I can only hope that no one enters this
alley from the other side or that the couple does not enter the alley from this side for that
matter He hid behind the trashcan, and just as he did so, the couple walked by the alley, but
they did not notice him. Whew, that was a close one. If I were spotted, I would be in big trouble,
and my mission would have failed. Good thing that they did not though.
Novus got up from crouching behind the trash can. I will have to be more careful from
now on
He exited the alley, and continued to his quarter building. He did see some people
walking along the back trails, but they were all busy thinking or talking to someone else, so
Novus was able to hide behind trees, bushes, benches and trash cans to avoid being seen.
There! I can see my quarter building from here thought Novus as he hid behind a bush.
There were several people walking across the street in front of it, so he was for the street to clear
so that he could run across the street. I sure hope that no one is loitering around the staircase, is
keeping their door open
The street was about to clear. Now is my chance! I am going to go for it. The street had
finally cleared, and Novus began to sprint across the street. He looked to his side, one person was
about to turn a corner and see him! Uh oh He increased his pace double-time. Like thunder he
reached his door and opened it just as the person turned the corner. Novus looked into their eyes
as he held the door, it was too late to get in trouble now, because he was home free. It was a
young woman with blue eyes who stared at him in shock; he winked and entered the door, which
he promptly closed. He looked up the staircase. Success! No one is out and about, but boy that
was embarrassing. Anyways, let us continue
Novus walked up the stair case. As he reached the third floor, he approached his quarter
door. Ah, this is the one; I obviously do not have my key so I will have to use my spare. He
leaned his axe gingerly against the wall and reached toward the top of the doorframe and felt
along it for the key. He found it then pulled it down. It was gold plated and uniquely edged. I

37
always loved this one he unlocked his door and returned the key to the top of the door frame.
He picked up his axe and entered his quarters and closed the door.
Relief flooded into him. He let out a satisfied sigh. Ah, mission successful, at least the
first part to it. The hardest part is yet to come. Anyways, I am still happy. I have returned home
alive after that ordeal with Pravus. For a moment, I never thought I would make it, that I would
perish there and do nothing to save the Stronhold, but now I am in control again, and I can
actually do something about what I have done.
He put his axe down. This thing has been through with me through thick and thin. He left
for his room, as he reached to the door he smelt something odd. That smells ratherfunky. I
wonder where it is emanating from Novus smelled himself. Of course... Never mind my room,
time to take a bath. Novus turned around and left for his bathroom. He entered. It was clean but
disorganized, just as he left it. There was no need to undress, so he simply placed the tree
branches on the floor and stepped into the shower.
The hot water soothed him more than usual. Probably because it is relieving my stress, it
is making me more relaxed.
The Venerai were responsible for technology in the Stronghold. They were the ones who
were able to enchant water to flow through irrigation systems and aqueducts they had made. The
water was warmed by the sun for bathes, but if a citizen wanted to control the temperature, they
could use enchanted water spouts as Novus had in his bath.
Ah, this is the calm before the storm I imagine. I might as well enjoy it while it lasts

38
Z en looked at Sir Vigiro Jr. the Mighty for support. Vigiro nodded with amusement.
Oh, look at the lad now! How much he has grown since the day he held that wee sword
with a death-grip. Now he stands proud and tall, holding his trusty practice blade, to be
put into the Hall of Primes. I am so proud. He now has his own sword style to develop. Hopefully
he will become a legend as well, and earn an honorific. What am I saying, hopefully? It is not a
question of hope or not, it is a question of time. When will he become a legend? Perhaps 10
years from now, but knowing him that time can never be estimated. Somewhere between
tomorrow and the end of his life more like it.
Zen looked to his classmates, they nodded in support. Mister Twigg was giving his final
speech and was about to introduce Zen to speak his speech. OK This is the moment. I have to
do this carefully, I do not want to make a mistake. However, being human this is impractical. Of
course I am going to make a mistake be it in my posture, grammar, or gesture, but it is of no
matter. If I make a mistake so what of it? My purpose here is to leave my fellow students with the
pride in themselves and with honor. And also to make the people of the Stronghold to see what
we have done, all that we have accomplished, for them to be confident in the future generation.
Alright, now that I have that objective, it should be easy from here.
And I am proud to introduce you to Zen Tenzenga, our most exemplary student yet.
Please honor him with a round of applause, said Mr. Twigg.
The crowd applauded politely, while the students cheered. That actually makes me feel
better. It makes feel like I am doing something right. Anyways, onto that podium.
Zen approached the podium, his palms were sweating.
He stood behind it and took a deep breath, he closed his eyes.
Focus, fear not, and forget the distractions.
He opened his eyes. He was ready.
Hello, people of the Stronghold. It is I, Zen Tenzenga, and I stand here today between
the present and the future, said Zen, his voice projecting clear and strong. Whew, I never
suspected I would sound fine when I got up here, but I guess I do.
I stand here as a representative of the students to you. Yet, I stand here as an observer
like you, to my fellow students. I am here to give them advice for success for the future, and I am
here to receive it from you who are watching. We as students have worked hard at our craft.
Each of us has spent countless hours practicing outside of the Academy to be the best we could
possibly be. We have all met the rigorous standard set forth by our teachers. And they watch us
today, proud of the work and time that they have committed to us. We are the culmination of
their work, and we owe our futures to them, because we will end as we were taught to by them.
For that, I can never thank my teachers enough. Ever since the tender age of six, to the prime age
of 16 we have been training, practicing and learning. Still we continue to learn, even as we grow
older. We have grown with each other all our childhood lives. And so this place, this academy it
is home to us. This home, it houses our family where we all grew up together. That is why today,
is the happiest yet saddest moment in our young lives. It is the paradox known as moving on.
Our lives where once one; strong and unified. But now, as we grow older, as we reach this
milestone in life, we diverge into our own selves. We learn our true identities, we specialize in
things that intrigue and interest us. Because of this, we will never know of each other as we did
this day. And this is only to be expected. People grow older, they change. And they change at
different rates than everyone else. Some people will be left behind, others will be met ahead;
however, it always changes. No one will always change faster or slower than everyone else. That
is part of being human. But that is not the focus of what tonight is about. Tonight is a celebration.

39
A celebration of our youth, of the next generation, of the future, of success and hard work.
Tonight is a celebration of our reaching a milestone in life, a turning point. We will be different
people from this day onward, as boys turn to men, and girls to women. We are now responsible
for our lives, and the safety of this stronghold. We are responsible for our actions, and how they
influence the world. We will take on the consequences. It is not a one way road however. As we
take your places, and you take ours. It is our turn to take care of you, and such we are the
enforcers of consequences as well as the receivers. On this day, we look forward to our future,
yet we look back and reflect on our past. We look at the mistakes we have made, and smile,
because in making them, we have learned something valuable. This duality seems oxymoronic
but in reality it makes sense. Things change as time passes, just as the future becomes the past as
the present progresses. Now, the present is a time of change. We were students of the Academy,
now we are no longer. We are the future teachers of it instead. Our ambitions will lead us
elsewhere, yet they will add to the community, they will provide a synergy to the productivity of
this stronghold. In that sense, our ambitions also unify us. Some of us will move onto
apprenticeships. Others will begin their new jobs tomorrow. And the rest will serve valiantly in
the military. Regardless of their choice, they will be doing something for the benefit of our
world, and in the end, that is really all that is necessary. In this community we work together, in
the hope that the sum of our strengths outweighs the collection of our weaknesses. It has worked
so far, and it will continue to work as long as we are trusted. That is what I request from you,
people of the stronghold. Trust in us, that we will take care of you and this stronghold, as we
grow older so that we may celebrate this night with the knowledge of what we must do and the
responsibilities we will shoulder together as one. Zen said shakily at first but then grew stronger
as the crowd nodded in acknowledgement.
Thank you. Thank you fellow students of which I have known my childhood. And thank
you, people of the Stronghold for being my respectful audience. I am Zen Tenzenga, and I am
proud to have been a student of this academy.
As he said his final words, the crowd cheered with rapture. They clapped and shouted.
Ho! That went better than expected. All I must do now is revel in the attention I guess.
That should be easy.
Thank you! Zen shouted out to the crowd before he went to sit down.
Sir Vigiro the Mighty came to the podium next. Ho, ho! That is going to be quiet a hard
speech to follow. Ha, ha! No, no, all jest. But in all seriousness, I am pleased to say that Zen was
my best student in all my history of teaching, which is quite a while for an old dog such as me!
Ha, ha! Such an excellent swordsman is he. He has honor and respect, he is cordial and gracious.
That is why I proudly announce today that he will be inducted to the Hall of Primes.
Congratulations Zen!
Zen looked down embarrassed.
Stand up! Stand up! said the students around him.
He looked at them and said, Alright. And then he stood up. Everyone cheered. He sat
back down and Vigiro continued with Zens induction.
I will induct him as my master did before him. Come Zen! Bring your sword.
Zen walked up to him with his practice blade.
Now you will have a piece of you to leave behind even after you move on to another
life, said Vigiro proudly. We would be honored to keep your blade in the Hall of Primes,
where it will rest next to mine. What do you say, Zen?
I accept, said Zen a little shakily.

40
 Wow, although I knew that this would happen, I never truly believed that it would it until
it slapped me straight in the face.
He handed over his practice blade to Vigiro who accepted it cordially. Very well then.
Shall we continue? said Vigiro. He took the sword and placed it on a stand that was placed on
the podium before Zens speech. Congratulations Zen! This sword will now be placed in the
Hall of Primes! Well folks, that is all for this nights Graduation. Be sure to congratulate the
students if you will. They will surely appreciate it. And although they probably will not want
your advice right now, they will when they are older so you might want to drop your on two
cents while you are at it. Thank you and good night! said Vigiro as he left the podium. The
graduated students were escorted off the stage where they were met by the crowd to congratulate
and celebrate the students.
Once Zen left the stage of the auditorium, Vigiro came down to greet him.
Look at you, Zen! You are all grown up and about to start your life as a young man. I
am very proud that you were the top student in the Academy. You let me induct you into the Hall
of Primes, which is a great honor, the highest for any teacher. I am proud to be your teacher.
Thank you, Sir Vigiro, I am honored to be your student. I have learned so much from
you. You offered me the best training any swordsman could ask for. And for that, I have so much
opportunity; I can be apprenticed to whoever I like, for that matter I can be employed so easily
with the prestige of being your student. I also thank you for the lessons you taught me of chivalry
and honor, I carry them with me always.
It was my pleasure, my boy! My pleasure. That is all I can ask for as a teacher.
Appreciation of my labor in your future.
I will be off now. I trust that your life will be one of success and grandeur from here on
out. But dont forget your roots! They made you what you are today. Whatever path you choose
to take in life, there will always be a mountain to climb in the middle of it. Do not be deterred.
Walk around it. If that cannot be done, climb it. If all else fails and that cannot be done, tunnel
through it. Do what you must to get to the other side of that mountain and continue along that
path, you understand?
Yes Sir! said Zen, appreciatively.
Thats my boy! Well goodbye then, Zen! Take care! and with that, Vigiro was off to
congratulate his other students.
Goodbye, Sir Vigiro! I will never forget all that you have done for me! said Zen.
Wow! I feel so sad, yet excited for the future. It is weird having mixed feelings about
something. But I feel like it makes life more interesting. At least more complex, that is for sure.
Perhaps that is what makes our lives important, the fact that we lived something more than just a
story, a perfect hapstance. Nevertheless, I enjoy my life, and I would never trade it for anyone
elses. Of course, some lives are harder than others while some are easier. Personally, I believe
those with the harder lives, come out stronger in the end.
Zen looked up to see Binbin approaching him. Zen let a smile stretch across his face.
Binbin wore his old warrior uniform to Graduation, cape and all. He looked frail but graceful and
proud in the uniform.
Doctus Binbin! You came! said Zen, happily.
Of course, boy! I would not miss it for the world. It looks like my old student is the one
inducting you then! Fate bodes you well. You will continue my legacy as I hoped it would be.
remarked Binbin, referencing Vigiro.
Thank you, Doctus Binbin that means a lot coming from you.

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 So have you decided what you are going to do, Zen?
Well, I think so. But something strange happened to me today, of which I would like to
discuss with you but here is not the place to do so. said Zen, looking around.
Well then we can talk about it at the senior quarter house, in the garden.
Yes, that sounds good. Shall we do that now?
Now? Are you sure you want to leave Graduation this quick, before even saying
goodbye to your fellow classmates?
Well, I can say goodbye to them before I leave. So yes, now would be preferable, this is
a rather important topic, and I have not got much time to discuss it, before I leave.
When do you plan on leaving, Zen?
In a few days. I will explain when we get there. Does that sound fine, Doctus Binbin?
Of course, say goodbye to your classmates then, we are about to leave.
Sure.

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V
iva turned away from Nathaniel. He was weeping uncontrollably in the middle of the
street.
I wish I could do something, but then again, I dont know of anything I can do without
affecting the mission. So, Nathaniel will just have to suffer for now.
Viva began to walk away, she did not want hear no see any more of what had happened
to Nathaniel. Suddenly he stopped weeping and his ears perked, his sadness became alertness.
He looked around. Viva froze; she looked behind herself with her eyes, rather than turning her
head.
Is anyone out there? He called out. Reveal yourself!
Viva tensed her legs in case she had to run. She also made a mental map of where
Nathaniels head was in case she had to strike it with an arrow if she chose to fight. She breathed
in to calm herself down. She needed to be in full control of her senses if she wanted to face this
whatever he was or to evade him. She chose to remain quiet for now.
I will out wait him if he does not move. I will run if he is not hostile. And I will fight if he
is. That sounds like a reasonable plan of action. Now it is all left up to him.
Nathaniel looked at the place where Viva was observing him just a moment ago. He
began to move toward it, his face revealed mixed emotions, Viva could not distinguish what he
was feeling at the moment. She narrowed her eyes.
It looks like option one, the preferable one, is out of the question. I hope this does not
lead to a fight. That would compromise the mission.
Nathaniel reached the tree line where Viva was hiding behind. He was about to poke his
face into the thicket, when Viva decided to run. Before I find out if he is hostile or not, I should
lead him away from the public before we fight, or if he does not pursue then I will escape, that
sounds like a better plan.
Hey! Wait up! Hold on! commanded Nathaniel.
Of course, Viva did not listen. She ran like the wind, not looking back lest she risk
revealing her face. She pulled her hood over her head, to keep from revealing her sex.
I am glad that I collected my nerves before I ran; otherwise I would not have thought to
go about this soprofessionally.
Nathaniel began to give chase, he entered the thicket. He was extremely fast, faster than
most humans. Viva increased her pace as much as she could. I never remembered Nathaniel
being so fast! He was one of the slowest runners in class! This must be part of his
transformation, or whatever caused him to be so different.
Viva saw the exit to the thicket. Should I stay inside to confuse him, or should I leave to
battle him where we will be seen by the public. They could get hurt, but it would be easier for me
to battle him. The safety of the people comes first, but I have not distinguished whether he is
hostile or not. Well then, it looks like leaving the thicket is a chance I will have to take.
Viva ran for the patch of light she saw as the exit. Nathaniel was closing in on her. She
finally reached past it, seconds later Nathaniel reached it as well. Viva continued to run, as if the
world were crumbling behind her. Strangely, Nathaniel did not leave the thicket. He merely
stood there with his face poking out of the exit. Viva did not risk looking back and seeing how
his face was reacting to the chase, because she did not want to risk him identifying here.
Nevertheless, Viva ran and ran. She ran about a mile before she began to slowdown and remove
her hood.
Why did he stop at the thicket? Was he lazy? Was he afraid of who might have seen what
he had done? Who would he be afraid of? His master? Was he afraid of the light? No, he was

43
out when he killed his dog. More likely, he was afraid of being revealed. Unfortunately, he now
knows that he is being watched. Hopefully, he does not know that he is being investigated. I have
to be much more careful from now on. No doubt I will have to report the chase to Preceptor
Asperia. I wonder how she will react to what has happened. I wonder if she will sympathize with
him or not. I think I think I would. Yes, I sympathize with Nathaniel. That is what I will tell
Preceptor Asperia. Anyways, I have to get to her office to report what I have learned so far. I am
hungry too; hopefully she has something good to eat.
Viva jogged lightly back to Preceptor Asperias office building. Inside she smelled an
appetizing aroma.
Hello! Preceptor Asperia, I am here! I come with newly found information, shouted out
Viva in no direction in particular.
Welcome, Viva! Come here, to the kitchen.
Ok, said Viva as she approached the kitchen with her mouthwatering. It smells really
good, what are you cooking, Preceptor Asperia?
Oh, just a turkey.
A turkey! Really! Those are really rare, what a delicacy!
Indeed. I caught him this morning, before I went investigating. I have some information
as well.
You would be paid very well for the turkey, why did you not sell it, Preceptor Asperia?
I know. But I thought we deserved it. Plus, I knew it would cheer you up from the last
hunt.
Thank you, Preceptor Asperia!
Of course, my child, it is my pleasure. Now take a seat, so we can dig in to this turkey.
said Asperia, as she placed the piping hot turkey on the table.
Gobble, gobble! said Viva childishly. She could always be a little freer with Asperia.
Asperia understood her and took care of her like a mother. Viva always chocked up when she
thought about leaving her when she completed her apprenticeship.
Let us wait for it cool down for a moment. In the meantime, what news do you bring for
me?
I investigated Nathaniel today. I found him, by looking high above on the rooftops of
several buildings. It took a while but I found him. So I walked down to the ground, and followed
him hidden behind a tree line and thicket. He was walking around sulking and in despair. It was
probably because of his terrible master or because he was leaving here in a week, or both.
Anyways, he kept walking along, when suddenly a mangy, starving, and weak dog came up to
him. It turned out to be Nathaniels dog. Pretty crazy, right? He actually had a dog. Well, moving
on, he told the dog to go home, because he had no food to give him, the dog. The dog did not
know what he was talking about, because he is a dog. So the dog kept pleading for food to
Nathaniel. Nathaniel started screaming, so the dog started barking. Eventually it elevated so
much that he kicked the dog really hard between the ribs. Doing so caused the dog to die. His
name was Lormac. But Nathaniel did not intend to ill Lormac. He was frustrated, he even said
so. He asked for forgiveness from Lormacs spirit, and he said that he became a monster, that he
did not know his strength. That he was too eager and that his master rushed it. I imagine the it
he spoke of is some sort of transformation that went about to make Nathaniel have increased
abilities. I will get back to that later. But then, he started weeping uncontrollably and that is when
I decided to leave. The problem was, that he noticed me and suddenly became alert. He called
out to find out who was there. I did not respond of course, I did not want to risk revealing myself

44
and compromising the mission. So he came after me. I decided to run away. He gave chase.
Dont worry, I made sure to hood myself and not look back to keep from revealing my identity.
The odd thing was, that once I ran out of the thicket, he stopped. He did not go any further. As if
there were something stopping him from moving. Now that I think about it. I think it could
possibly be his master who stopped him. He might have been controlling him by unseen means, a
spell perhaps. I am not a Venerum so I dont know of course, it is just a possibility. But then
again why would he want to stop Nathaniel? Anyways, after that, I came here, where I am sitting
right now. So what do you think?
I think you did well in not revealing yourself, Viva. I am sorry that you were put in
danger. I did not know the extent to which Nathaniel had changed. I think he has become
corrupted by his master, who by the way I have information about. Nathaniel is not he was and
so we can only assume he agrees with his masters plan. Whether he agrees or not is irrelevant
though. All that matters is is he willing to follow his masters orders. If that is the case then he
will be punished just as much as his master. Then again, if he is being forced to do his masters
bidding, then perhaps there is something that we could do. But if that is the case we will have to
communicate to him, that. If we do that, we risk compromising the mission as you have no doubt
thought of already. Well what do you think Viva? Should we risk it and trust him, or assume that
he is just as evil as his master?
Oh. I was hoping for you tell me to trust him or not. No matter though, I do have an
opinion on the matter. I think we should trust him. He looked so sad and dejected. He was very
remorseful for killing his dog, and he did say that it was an accident. All that he intended was to
release his anger. Obviously his actions did not result in that, but he did not intend that.
I see. But realize, he could have staged the entire thing. You said that his master could
have stopped him, then that would mean that he was aware of your watching. Perhaps he was
aware of you that night you were on the roof even. Either the case, always remember to never let
your guard down, it could be a trap. Perhaps Nathaniel was being over sentimental to ensnare
you with your sympathy. You did well to come back here before you did anything of
importance.
Thank you, Preceptor Asperia. I did not intend to fail once again, so I took great lengths
not to do so.
Aspeias eyes softened. Viva, you will fail. It is inevitable. Humans are prone to error.
Thus you are going to fail sometimes, no matter what, and that is perfectly alright. There is no
need to fear something that will happen, just as there is no need to fear death. You know that it
will happen, the question is when. And you know what? You are going to fail at the times that it
matters most for you to succeed, and at the times that it does not even matter. As you get older,
the prior one shows up a lot more. So it is best to make your mistakes now, so you dont have to
suffer the consequences as severely as a full grown adult. You are not alone in this, Viva. I too
have made an innumerable amount of mistakes in my life, and I will continue to do so. Not that I
want to, it is just a simple truth that I will. Everyone has made mistakes just the same, some less
than others, but some more than others. And I have come to terms with that, it is your turn to do
so when you are mind. Do you understand?
Viva looked down at her feet. I think I understand. But it is so hard. I cannot stand the
disappoint, the guilt. I cannot stand being the one responsible for the bad things that happen. I
hate doing things that I have no guarantee that I can succeed.
Asperia held Vivas hands and looked into her eyes, Realize this, Viva. Leaders must
take risks. They are responsible for the outcome of the people they lead. In this way, they are

45
blamed for all the bad things that happen to them. By the same token, they are commended for
all the success that the people the leader lead achieves. The question is, Viva, do you want to be
a leader or a follower.
A leader, said Viva looking up a little stronger.
Asperias eyes twinkled, and she let out a little smile of amusement, Yes, as I thought
you would. But then again, many people want to be leaders, yet they end up followers, why is
that? It is because they are afraid to take the risk, the greater responsibility. They cannot handle
the pressure that is required from them. Anyone can take orders, but this not so about giving
them. Can you really handle everyone else? That is what is required from a leader do you have
those capacities? The answer really does not matter actually. Even if you did not have those
capacities, they can be achieved. So Viva, if you want to be a leader, this is what is required from
you, if you do not have them all, then work to attain them. Understand?
Yes I believe so, that will be a lot of work, though.
This is true, but it is worth it in the end, when it is you who is responsible for the good
things that happen.
I see. I have much to think about then.
Very good. Now let me relay to you what I have discovered today. I will start off with
the information I have on Nathaniels master. His name is Dycent Aggregia. No honorific. His
master was an ex-Venerum who was banished for sorcery in blood magic.
Just a refresher, what is blood magic again?
Of course, it is good you do not know much of it. It only adds to your innocence. But
blood magic, is sorcery that is part of the Forbidden Arts. It is a type of black magic that requires
sacrifices of living things. The most powerful blood magic requires humans, sometimes even
thousands of human bodies; the fresher the deaths the more potent the corpses powers. It was
banned several hundred years ago, when a Venerum attempted to sacrifice his entire stronghold
to summon an ancient. You can obviously see why his maser was banished now. Blood magic is
very dangerous to put lightly. Anyways, when Dycents master was banished for his practices, he
had to apprentice to new job. He decided to be a Vigilum and now he is vice-chief. He now holds
some power in their ranks. That is not good news for us, but it is at the same time because we
now know where he got his connections from and we can now narrow down his known
associates. That also means two things. One that we did well not to tell the Vigilous about this,
because word would have gotten to Dycent about our investigation and our cover would have
been blown. Two it also means that we cannot go to the Vigilous about this ever, until we reveal
his plans. However, we have to stop his plans before we can reveal them. Meaning we are back
to where we were. That does not seem to bode well for us but at least we have found some new
information. Sounds good so far?
Yes, continue, Preceptor Asperia.
Very well. Under his co-leadership, crime has gone down, though I doubt that it was he
who was the one responsible for the decrease in the crime. More like our heroic Vigilous chief,
Mr. Ticker. He has done many great things for this stronghold, and I highly doubt he has
anything to do with this scheme. Though I do not know how he can trust Dycent as vice-chief,
though that is not his choice really, more like the Magistratias. So it seems that Dycent has
connections with the Magistratia because they were the ones who elected him into office. My
hunch is on Dycents masters known associates, though that does not necessarily have to be the
case. Apparently Dycent is veryinfluential and powerful. He can make people do what he
wants. I asked around, apprentices of Magistratums, advisors, and even former Magistratums,

46
they all avoided him or did not know much about him. He is an alluding shadow that only makes
me more curious as to his identity. I will investigate him further soon. I will have to determine
his whereabouts and the places he frequents first. Obviously one of the places he will be is the
Vigil building. But I cannot work concealed there, or anonymously for that matter. People will
also wonder what I was doing there. They suspect that I was trying to cover up a crime, or
uncover one. That would only bring attention to myself, and even perhaps you. That is not
something I want. There is one person who I was able to identify as one of his known associates
though. His name is Nero Dossus. He is an ambitious Venerum who began practicing magic
since he was 4. He knew how to conjure certain elements when he was 6. He is a kind of wonder
kid among the Venerai community. But he is known for getting in trouble. He keeps on
tampering with things that he is not supposed to. He cannot be punished because he can
overpower anyone who tries. So everyone fears him. They can only hope that he follows the
rules, and when he does not everyone puts on a brave face and admonishes him, but he does not
care. All he wants is power. But usually he is satisfied left alone in his room in the Venerai office
building. They have done well to clean up his messes when he causes them. I only heard of him
when I began investigating about Dycents ex-Venerum mentor. I asked a few wives of several
Venerai in the stronghold. They told me of him, and how their husbands complain of his
tantrums, even though the boy is 16. He never underwent an apprenticeship because he already
knew how to use advance magic since he was 14. Now he basically stays in cage, which they call
his room. Dycent visits Nero often. Perhaps, Nero is Dycents son, though I doubt it. Dycent has
no wife, at least none that I know of, but I know most every wife in this Stronghold, so I would
have heard about it if that were the case. Anyways, I think Dycent is trying to recruit Nero to go
with him and Nathaniel on that expedition that they are planning. Nero would certainly prove to
be a strong member of their team. He would greatly increase their chances of stealing the airship,
what with his powers it would take several medium level Venerai to handle him. Not to mention
that Nero is becoming stronger. It is rumored that he is going to be the youngest grandmaster in
the history of this nation, at age 24. Nero is a bomb just waiting to go off. He is trapped in this
stronghold. Once he is stronger than the master here, he can choose to do whatever he wants in
this Stronghold, destroy it if he wants. Most likely he will leave it and cause havoc all along the
country. But this is his chance to escape now when he is 16. If only he used his powers for good,
he would be a hero of the nation. But he would just become a weapon of the country. So Nero is
stuck between a rock and a hard place. Stay here and be trapped by his constraints or leave and
become a tool. So he is going to choose to be his own man and do whatever he wants. That sad
thing is, that he is being used by Dycent. He is becoming that tool. Dycent is probably pretending
to be a father to Nero, an adult who understands what he is going through. Nero being so young
will follow him like a little dog at the first sight of affection. Nero has probably become so
unruly because everyone is afraid of him even though he did nothing wrong. So he now he
breaks the rules to get attention. Wow I am figuring this all out just by talking to you Viva.
Anyways, we have to do something about this. Perhaps it is Nero who is enchanting Nathaniel
and Dycent with these abilities to jump off roofs. Or maybe Dycent has some tricks up his own
sleeve. Not matter what though, if Dycent gets Nero to come with him, then it will very difficult
to stop them. We would have to involve the Venerai, and you know how difficult that will be.
The way they worship mathematics and the universe, they will never pay attention to the things
revolving around the wellbeing of the Stronghold. Apparently they care more for the world
around them then the people that are with them. They do not see how their actions affect
humans, because they do not care about life, only answers. Of course, you should realize though

47
that I am being slightly biased about thiswell maybe quite biased but it is not my fault. I I
knew a man who was a Venerum. Asperias began to flush in embarrassment. Well never mind
that, just know that it will be difficult to involve them with this affair.
I understand. It seems you have collected quite a lot of information, Preceptor Asperia.
How did you manage to do so, so quickly?
Experience, Viva. Experience. As a hunter I have learned to move swiftly but silently. I
can follow an untrained ear without even thinking of it. I have done it before, unfortunately. And
in my age, I have had the opportunity to network which you in your youth have not had as much
the opportunity as I have. Networks are very important, my dear. They get things done, that you
could not do by yourself.
I see. So what is our plan of action now? What is my objective now that we know these
things?
Well, let us seewe have 6 days until they leave, assuming of course they do not
change their plans. That is risky; there is no telling if they wont change their plans, especially
considering the fact that they are suspicious of being watched. Let us assume they are going to
leave in 5 days so as to make us work faster. If that is the case, we have deduce how they plan to
steal the air ship, where they plan to go, who is the master mind behind all these developments,
where Nero falls into all of this, and whether or not Nathaniel is evil or not. We have our work
cut out for us indeed. I want you to investigate Nero tomorrow, and determine how he feels
about Dycent. Be very careful he is very dangerous and unpredictable. No, never mind. It will be
very hard to investigate him inside the Venerai building. He would have to leave the building
and that is very rare. Instead, find out what happened to Nathaniel, what exactly is this
transformation that he went through, and was it Nero who administered it. Understood?
Yes, find out more information about Nathaniel.
Perfect. And Viva, dont trust anyone. You should be wary of even me, you understand?
Do not assume the good of anyone, at least until this mission is over, OK. said Asperia concern
apparent in her eyes. I would be devastated if anything happened to that, you know that dont
you?
Of course, Preceptor Asperia, and I you.
Now, let us dig into this turkey, before I become a blubbering mess shall we?
Yes, lets!
Ha, ha! OK then.

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N
ero stared at the roof of his room, laying on his bed. It was sketched over with spells and
incantations, in fact the walls of his entire room were detailed with spells that Nero had
discovered without having ever been taught them. They were spells that grand masters
learned in ancient scrolls to teach their students who were candidates to be masters at age 30. It
was he who was discovering them at age 16. Currently he was working on making a new spell.
This was quite a task. Usually it took a council of grand-masters to develop a new spell but he
was attempting to do so, on his own.
Hmmm... I wonder how I should approach this now. My, I have done them all! I have
tried 14 different perspectives now, how many blasted ways can I possibly do this! Argh! There
must be an easier way! How hard is it to destroy someone? Why cant the numbers work!
Everything seems right, the logic, everything. What am I missing here?
Frustrated, Nero punched his pillow. He growled. He brushed his long brown hair from
his eyes. It had been years since he demanded a haircut. This hair is becoming unmanageable but
I refuse to request any assistance from those self-centered old hags. I will simply discover a spell
that will allow me to cut things. Why have I not thought of it before? Oh, that is right, because
cutting my hair has never been so necessary. I need a break from my work. What will I do now? I
suppose I can talk to the guards. But I do not know how to talk to them, what will I talk about?
No, human interaction is too exhausting. Instead I will sleep. It has been several days since I had
last slept. Resting will allow me to think of new way to look at the spell, and a fresh pair of eyes.
Thus, Nero decided to go to sleep. He removed the notebooks, scrolls, and parchment on
his bed, and laid them gently on the ground. He made sure to take care of them because each
word on each page had the potential to be the power of a thousand armies if used effectively.
There is so much knowledge hidden in the most obvious of facts. In the intricacies of simplicity.
If only those idiots in purple realized what they had under their noses I would not have to
eliminate them. They think that they are so high and mighty; so important in their noble quest to
humanity. Please, they are no better than insects. No matter. They will be gone under my
revolution. I will start again. No matter. It is time not to think but to rest. Restore my energy and
mind. I will dream my grand dream and I will think of something new. Now I shall go to sleep if
it will be the end of me!
And with that, Nero lay down on his bed, and rested his head against the pillow. It was
limp and thin. This blasted pillow is of no use to me. It might as well be a welcome mat for all I
care. Why do they treat me with such disregard? What have I ever done to them? Why do they
hate me? Why are they afraid of me? I am not a monsteram I? I I no Nero stop thinking
about that. Stop getting soft. No! Dont use that name they gave you. Dont forget who you are,
dont forget your purpose! You have a higher agenda. Now it really is time to rest. Why is it that
at the time when you should think the least, you decide to think the most. No. I have no time to
ask nor think about this question! I must get to sleep. I must clear my mindI-INo! Clear!...the
approximation! No! CLEAR!...n-CLEAR!...ClearCle-roh
Nero fell asleep like he normally did, through exhaustion. He slept for 12 hours deeply.
Not even the chirping of the birds next to his window which was barred woke him like they
usually did on the occasions when he slept. Only when they began their afternoon tune singing
did he wake up.
Ughhh grunted Nero groggily as he just woke up. What is with these infernal birds?
It is as if they are trying to wake me up purposefully? Why? Are they trying to make me do
something? To communicate with me? They are the guardians of fate after all.

49
 He got up excitedly and hurried to his window. Come birds! Show me what I must do! To
his disappointment they flew away once he was awake. Fine! Go away, just like everybody else!
I dont need you stupid birds! You think I need fate to guide me? I stare at fate as it stares at me.
I look into its eyes square in the face and I dont look away. I am not ashamed to be powerful. I
am not ashamed of being a higher being. Nor am I proud. I am capable by my own doing, not by
the hands of any fate or any other. I am in control of my own destiny. And if I am not. I will turn
back the hands of time, and make it so that I am. I am no tool, no weapon. I bow my head for no
one. Instead I look up in spite of those who think themselves above me and I smile. Because when
I look up I see no one but my own reflection smiling back down at me. That is all I need to know
who is the one with the final laugh. So take that birds, fly away because I have the grace to allow
you to. Because I do not need you. I do not need anyone.
He looked away. He began to pace along the wall thinking about his next move. I am
very hungry. I hate to ask for food from the hounds but what choice do I have. I want to go
outside and see the outside world. I need inspiration. Of course they will never let me do so.
They do not trust me. Why should I trust them. Well, I do not have many options, so I am just
going to have to do what I have to.
Nero walked to his door. It was made out of reinforced steel, and was enchanted to be
impervious to spells. It had a barred screen so that he could communicate with the guards. One
day I will find a counter for the enchantment to this spell, and I will walk out of it so easily that
the guards look at me not move because they were stupefied, they trust their masters so easily,
they can be only but stupid. One day, I will be out of this room, and I will stuff every Venerai into
it live here for eternity. They will pay for punishing me for being myself, for contaminating me,
for containing me. Never mind that, I must concentrate on my mission. Remember you serve a
greater purpose, never forget that. For now I will be reliant on the Venerai but come, Sunday,
they will witness a storm like no other I cannot wait to try it out, and be free. At last, it seems so
distant so impossible, yet it is just within my reach, ready for me to take in my capable hands. I
will not be bound any longer. I will be myself again.
Neros stomached growled. He shook his head. Food. Right. Let us begin.
Guards! I demand food! I have not eaten in 48 hours, I need sustenance to survive. Give
me some bread and water and be done with it, at this instant! Do I make myself clear?
The guards looked at each other. They communicated for a few minutes and then the
guard on the left answered, We will bring you your foodon one condition. The guard on the
right snickered.
What is your condition? Nero, said a little weaker.
The guard on the right tried to remain his composure and conceal his grin, You must
first admit that your mother is a raging diseased harlot, and then we will bring you your food.
He said at first with feigned seriousness but he then disregarded all signs of professionalism and
laughed like a hyena. Now both the guards were laughing uncontrollably.
Hot rage seethed off Neros skin. His room began to shake. He gritted his teeth. THEY
DARE REFERENECE MY MOTHER IN SUCH LIGHT! A THOUSAND SPIKES FROM HELL
DECEND UPON THEM, AND IMPALE THEIR PUNY MANHOOD AND LET THEM LIVE
THROGHOUT THE TORTURE BUT DIE AFTER MY SATISFACTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the outside Nero did looked no different, apathetic in fact. He was tired of these
guards. They needed to be replaced.
Dont you ever speak of my mother like that again. Nero said quietly.

50
 The guard on the left instigated, Oh, but you know that its truewhy else do you think
you are here, bastard? Ah, ha, ha, ha!! The guard on the right broke out in his grimacing cackle.
I warned you, Nero said under his breath. He turned away.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! screamed the
guards. Their bones were being crushed by an invisible force. Please! Please stop thi-
AHHHHHHH!! the guard on the right pleaded. We are sorry! said the guard on the left.
Im not.
They collapsed to the floor, dead. Their bones had collapsed under the pressure and some
of them broke, jutting out of their skin. Blood seemed from underneath them, where shards of
their own bones had broken through their flesh. Some of if it pooled through Neros door. Serves
them right. I will have the replacements clean that up. It will teach them not to mess with me, or
my mother. Nero smiled in delight. So that is how you destroy someone, and I did two just on my
first try. Suddenly Nero felt extremely tired. Oh that curse took quite a tool on me. Perhaps I
should rest my head for just a little while. It looks like I will not get any food for some time now.
It was worth it, though.
Nero walked to his bed. I just slept for 12 hours and I am tired already! Some curse! I
must be wary of its use from now on, I could have killed myself! I still could probably have
managed one more person if need be, in this state. Just think of when I am actually properly
nourished! How many could I do with a full stomach? The possibilities are endless. Thank you,
Dycent! Thank you for freeing me, for seeing me for who I really was, for realizing my potential
and putting me in the proper path, for knowing what was best for me, for caring. I will have to
take another nap. Curse those heathens; they make me waste my time! Well, there is nothing I
can do now; I might as well get it over.
Nero fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. He was entirely exhausted. Like his
other one, he fell into a deep and restful sleep, happy with his accomplishments. He dreamt of
birds perched atop his shoulder. They communicated to him. They actually spoke!
You are a fine, young gentleman, Nero! You will become savior of the world! Everyone
will look to you for forgiveness of what they did to you. They will regret ever turning you away!
You will find people just like you, who were feared because of their abilities, and you will take
them under your wing! You will guide them like you have done for yourself and together you
will unite them together and start over again! A new frontier, a grand empire a peaceful one.
Those that are scum will be wiped away, and those that are pure will stay! It rhymes that means
that it is true! The birds cooed, dancing on Neros shoulder. He smiled in his sleep.
Oh, birds, is this really true!? Please tell me that it is so! I very much wish this to
happen. I will be the one to make it so!
Indeed, Nero! You are our hero! You shall save the day, and make all evil go away.
Watch us, as we play!
Yes! Yes! I believe! Show me how I will go about this!
Oh, Nero! You are the grand master behind this empire! You are the one and only
decider of all the things that you will do. It is entirely up to you how you want to do it. You have
complete freedom. There are no restrictions! You are not limited by anyone. Not even the
Venerai! Venerai!
Oh! I am so happy! Nero said, elated.
This continued on the rest of his dream. The birds sang and danced to his success and his
empire. Nero reveled in the attention and interaction.

51
 He slept for 10 hours. Nero woke up early in the morning the day after the guards were
eliminated. Nero was ravenous. He looked to the door. The ground beneath it was not stained
with dried blood as Nero had expected it to be. Instead it was cleaned and there was a platter of
stiff and stale bread on the ground next to his door with a glass of water. Someone had replaced
the guards already. Good. They will not mess with me anymore. Though now I am sure to have
big talking to by the big chiefs now. It will be hilarious when they try to intimidate me into
listening to them. They just do not know how to raise a child since their all abandoned socially-
awkward misfits. What will be even more hilarious is how they will grudgingly ask how ever I
went about killing the guards in the first place!
Neros face suddenly fell. How did I do it? I have no idea what I did! All I remember was
red. Just Seething rage, nothing more. I was clouded, I cannot recall what it was! Nooooo! I had
succeeded in my mission and now I have failed it again. Curse you fate! You place the answer in
my palms and as I grasp it you take it away. No wonder I have renounced you. I do not need you.
I will find it out again. Once more, I am my own master, and I bow my head to no one. I do not
bend to the hands of fate. I shall tame it, I shall control destiny. That is my destiny, to obey itself.
Think Nero. You do not have time to rant on about how unfair it is. Try to remember! Recall
what you did. Retrace your steps. Use your mind! ThinkTHINK!
Frustration was starting to cling to his mind like a leech, clouding his thoughts. Argh!
This is doing me no good. I need to clear my mind. Nero looked out through the window. The
sun was starting to reach the horizon of the sky. It was going to be very sunny soon. The birds
were going to come out again. I highly doubt they will come see me, though. Nero saw a bright
flash. Through the corner of his eye he saw a mess of golden hair swaying about. He waited for
the wielder of the head to turn around. She was the most beautiful girl Nero had ever seen. Of
course he had not seen many girls in his life, at least ones that were not older than 80. But she
caught his breath. She had twinkling light brown eyes that looked dangerously powerful. She
could control any man with her gaze. She is a dangerous one. Her controlled and graceful moves
are obviously trained. She is a professional predator, a hunter. Well a huntress, rather. I do not
want to be in the cross hairs of her bow and arrow that is for sure. What am I doing! Ogling over
a girl! When have I become this weak, this selfish, or this soft? I am getting distracted over a
girl, I really must get a reality check. I need to put myself back into perspective, restore my
focus.
What was I trying to accomplish again? Oh, that is right, the spell. How am I supposed to
do this? How is it that I forgot? Perhaps I never remembered, making it plausible that I would
have forgotten because I never had it stored in my mind in the first place. But that does not
matter! It matters that I did do it, and that I should be able to do it again. Of course it was a
fairly inefficient system of a curse because it was very draining.
Nero turned away. I cant concentrate properly while I look at this girl. I must clear my
mind. Nero began pacing around his room. When he was younger it was much easier to pace
because there was so much room, but now at 16 it was difficult for him because he had grown a
lot since then. He did a full pace around in his room in 10 strides, which made him dizzy.
He stood still, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I might not be able to do like I did
last time now, but I will be able to make a better curse, one that takes less energy, one I will
remember and refuse to show the buzzards. He opened his eyes and looked at his wall. He had
the equation for the curse spelled out along the wall. He never wrote down what the coefficients
were so that only he could use the curse. Since he knew that it could be deduced what they were,

52
he made sure to crypt the equation so that he made it even more difficult for anyone to decipher
the curse.
He looked at the equation, his left hand on his chin, his right arm supporting it. His eyes
looked at the curse with such intense concentration that he could not tell what ever went around
him, if anyone were to attempt to assassinate him, now what be their best opportunity to do so.
What did I do wrong here? Where is the logic not sound? Perhaps the failure is not in the
logic but in the outcome of it. Possibly there could be an infinite bound, in which case, it would
take an infinite amount of energy to commence the curse. Wait that is exactly it! It is an infinite
bound.
Nero jumped up with joy. He was right all along, it was just he would never be able to do
anything with it.
Why am I so excited? I found the problem in my equation, and now it will be impossible
to ever perform because there is no way I cant find a source of infinite energy! Arghh! Why
cant I get this right, when I already did! I have proved to the Venerai that I could, yet they will
want to see it as proof. And when I cannot show them, they will think I had the guards
assassinated as a means to escape!
There has to be multiple ways as I had already proved that. I was able to do 2 lives at
once, with a finite amount of energy. And I have proved this other way which takes an infinite
amount of energy. There must be at least 8 more ways to do it, because in magic there are either
0, 1 or a specific order of magnitude of ways to cast a magic. And since I found 2 of them, then
the first order of magnitude is 10 to the first, meaning 10. There are at least 10 different ways to
perform this curse, as I have deduced. I need to find another one of them, or rediscover the one I
already performed.
Alright how else can I look at this? What if there was something that I needed to know
before I could discover this method? How am I supposed to know what I dont know when I cant
even ask for what it is that I dont know? Especially if I ask the Venerai, they will think I dont
know how to do it, that it was a hoax. Perhaps eating will help. It will certainly restore my
energy.
Nero looked to his plate of bread and glass of water. It has been so long since I ate. It is
such a nice reunion, me and the bread; I would not miss it for the world. Nero smiled, I think of
the food as if it were my friend. I never realized how lonely I was until I pitied myself. That is a
depressing thought to consider. Oh well, I will be out of here in a matter of days, I might as well
revel in this place as much as I can. It was my only home after all. My shelter, my place of
identity where I felt that I belonged. All of my equations are on this wall. Luckily I have
transportation device for them, my mind. Yes, I will remember most if not all of these
incantations. I will of course remember the more important ones no doubt. Perhaps I shall right
them down in a book of blank parchment as a reference. I should probably get started eating this
bread.
He began chewing on the bread slowly; he had to make it last for a while. He did not
know when he was going to get food again. Wow, this tastes so good! Then again, that is only
because I was so hungry, not necessarily because it was prepared well. But that should not
matter, at least I will be satisfied. Right the reference. So I guess I could write them all down,
that would take a long time though. Well actually depends on how detailed I want to make it. But
I have to assume it will take a while. Perhaps I will not finish it in time for the departure so I
should probably write down my equations in order of importance rather than in the order I
discovered them. Blast it! I am trying to keep my mind off the curse purposefully by using the

53
reference as a distraction. My own mind cant fool me! I must think of a way to cast this curse in
a way that takes a finite amount of energy, one that I can use against anyone, and one that I must
find before the Venerai summon me for a conference because I was able to kill the guards.
Think! Think! Hmmmmaybe I can use my equation. Perhaps I do not need to use
energy at all but a reaction! Maybe death has a special property or requirement that must be
fulfilled. I am fairly certain that there were ways to do the job with blood magic, but the Venerai
have put a ward on the incantations so I would have to counter those before I could ever use it.
Nero looked to the glass of water. He saw his reflection. Wow, I never looked so pitiful.
He scrutinized his facial features, sharp and rough. He was beginning to grow a beard. His eyes
looked sad and angry at the same time, this was the 10th time he had ever seen his face in his life.
He looked very different then when he had last seen it. When did I become like this? When did I
grow up so suddenly? Did I completely just miss my entire childhood? No matter. Those demons
have already robbed me of it anyway. What has kept me from going insane? I would expect that
this amount of time confined alone makes someone insane. Perhaps it is the fact that this not a
real prison but a room for which I have been confined all of my life where I have been
harassed and nearly starved. Perhaps because there have always been guards that stay in front
of my door always, ones that leave every few years.
He moved his hand in a circle to watch the water swirl around absentmindedly. Water,
you are so lucky. You can take on any form; it does not matter to you, as long as you retain the
same volume. You can just ebb and flow, with no worries, I wish my life did not have to be so
rigid, so confined. I want to be able to just let go, but I know that could never be. It just is not
practical in the real world. But it will be in the one that I will make like new.
He watched as the slight movements of his hand affected the entire cup of water. He
sloshed the water from side to side. It seems that every action has a reaction. My method of
solving this has always been to make the death the action and have the reaction be whatever
ended up being. Perhaps I should instead try to make an action that has a reaction that results in
the purpose of the spell! In that instance the product of the curse is the curse itself! This
approach is indeed fascinating but it is the approach that will work for one of the possible ways
to do it? Is it the most efficient? Well, I guess that does not matter quite as yet because I just
need a curse that works, it does not necessarily have to be the best. Okay, okay, how should I go
about this? What possible actions result in death?
Nero looked up at his ceiling; he laid down in his bed. His bed was where he could think
the clearest and easiest. He closed his eyes. The possible actions that result in death arehmmm.
Umillness is one. Old age, so time I guess. Fate, though that is an unpredictable and debatable
one. What elseYou can be scared to death, as in your heart can stop. Murder and suicide,
those require purpose though, they are not natural deaths. No one is going to commit suicide or
murder on accident. Unless by doing something you did not intend and kill yourself you argue
that that is suicide. No, I would put that under fate. You could kill someone by accident, though
that would be manslaughter, I would put that under fate, too. You can die of natural disaster too.
Tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, I guess you could put that under fate too. I think I am putting
too many things under fate though. Or maybe that is just the way it is, in which case I have no
choice where I put them under.
Nero turned his head to the side. He then moved his entire body so that he lay down on
his entire side. He looked at his half-finished bread and water on the ground. I am thirsty I will
drink some water.
He got up and walked to his cup of water. He picked it up and began to drink some water.

54
 Of course! I do not necessarily have to take a life as in destroy a persons existence; I
merely have to replace it. For every action there is a reaction. In order to curse a man, I can
bless a child. If a man and a child are have a dixity at zero, dixity as in the measure of how
cursed or blessed someone is, with a negative dixity being cursed or unlucky, blessing the child
would give him a positive net dixity, while the man would not be cursed or blessed. But to make
up for the fact that the boy is blessed, the world as is natural would attempt to maintain the
balance of things. Doing so, it would curse the man enough to so that his misfortune could offset
the boys luck, keeping the worlds dixity at zero.
The mathematics for this should be fairly simple, elegant even. Perhaps I have solved one
of the worlds greatest mysteries. I will go down in history for this and no doubt for other things
to come, as I have plans for the future, wonderful plans that will change the face of this world
altogether.
Nero smiled, gleefully. He almost did a dance of joy but kept his composure. He did not
want to seem like a child to the new guards.
At that moment, someone barged into his room. The door hit his wall with a crash, the
guards flinched. Nero slowly turned his head around, unimpressed. So they come to take me
away. I love how predictable they are. Well I have my answer, but can I solve it before they ask
me how to do it? Probably not, but I can always try.
The person in the doorway was a master candidate 33 years old. He was going to be a
master in a few years. He was tall, well built, and had a fledgling beard. Nero could tell that he
was not a master yet, by how small his beard was. He had atop his head a trainee hat, small and
white. He also adorned the trainee uniform with a white robe, with a purple stripe, signifying that
they were training to reach a full purple robe, grandmaster status.
What do you want? Nero asked, feigning annoyance. He wanted to show the man who
was boss. He grinned to himself. As if I do not know. I wonder what he will say, how I will react.
His eyes widened. Wha-what do you mean? You killed two people! You think you are
going to go on without any consequences. No! Of course not! You are coming with me, I am
going to take you to the grandmasters and they are going to set you strait, do you understand?
Nero laughed. Are you afraid of me boy? You should be, after all I killed two people
outside from inside this room. What makes you think I wont kill you when you are standing
right in front of me? What makes you think I wont kill all the grandmasters?
The man gulped. Now listen hear, I am Hum Greensoul, and I am a Master Candidate.
You are a mere boy. You did not even go to Academy. You should be fearing me, nowokay?
You could never kill the grandmasters; they are grandmasters for a reason after all, said Hum,
trying to maintain some semblance of authority.
Nero smiled, I will make this easy for you, little Hum. I will go with you, not because
the grandmasters have demanded that I do, but because I will be amused by their gawking at me.
Is that clear? The reason why I grace them with my presence?
Hum was quiet for a moment. I am not quite sure how I am supposed to respond to this
boy. He keeps talking to me condescendingly. I cant stop him because I dont know what he will
do to me. It is alright. Just put on a brave face, as Deductor Gola would say. I just have to show
that I am not afraid, and suddenly I wont be. OK. I have this under control.
He looked at Nero and said with a stern face, You are coming with me, regardless of
what you think. He turned around and walked out of the room.
Nero looked at his back slightly surprised. HmmI respect his bravery. This might be
interesting. He looked around, and walked outside of his home.

55
N ovus turned off the water and got out of the shower. He was feeling calm and
rejuvenated. He was ready to report to the Vigilous of what had happened. Novus dried
off with his clean white towel. He then put on a crisp tunic, and a fresh pair of trousers.
His armor was destroyed in the battle, so had to put on his spare, slightly rusted armor. His axe
was quite beaten up and rusty at this point but he did not mind. He would have time to sharpen
and restore it later. Right now time was of the essence. I have to get going. Is there anything that
I am missing? Hopefully not, because I am about to go.
Novus pulled on his boots, tied and secured them and got up to get his axe. He picked it
up, heavy is usually, not at all a burden to the likes of Novus. He opened the door to leave his
quarters and closed it when he left. He walked down the stairs and exited his quarter building. He
stepped onto the street, and walked across it. He had to get through to get to the other side so that
he could run along the sidewalk to the Vigil building. If only he could afford a carriage, he could
get there faster, though only the upper middle class and above could afford those. The higher
class could afford propeller vehicles. They were very rare though, only the most opulent of the
higher class could afford them.
Novus ran as fast as he could. He valued each second with the life of someone he knew. I
have risked them all. He thought as he ran. Sooner than he thought he would ever have
accomplished he ran past the Academy, the Venerai tower and the zoo in record time. He saw the
Vigil building in the distance its red color marked a stark contrast to the predominant grey of the
buildings near it. It was one of the most ancient buildings in the stronghold, retaining the
gargoyles and statue figures along its roof margins to prove it. Novus looked at the gargoyles
hovering over the door, they wore robes and glasses to represent justice and pursuit. I hope you
guys have my back on this one. I am going to need it.
He slowed down as he reached the door. He stopped right in front of it to catch his breath.
The door was huge, reaching 12 feet into the building above the stair steps, almost twice Novus
height. OK, keep your story straight, be honest and truthful. Do not embellish the facts. Blame
the right people, tell only what happened and nothing more. Do not analyze the event. I will
probably forget all this as soon as I open that door but it is best to prime my mind this way so
that I give this story the most efficient as I can.
Novus opened the door. The granite floor greeted with cold hard solidity. It was there,
and by no means was it going to go anywhere else. It intimidated him in a sense, though he knew
it was just a stone, but the floor looked so solid, the foundation of the building so strong, that
nothing could ever penetrate this fortress of justice. Inside the hall the building was exactly split
in half. The left side was the court, where people of the stronghold would meet to determine the
fate of a criminal or someone wrongly accused. The right side was the Vigilous executive wing
where the actual officials worked. Novus took to the right side.
He continued along the path until he reached the reception desk. No one was at it at the
moment, so he went on, not knowing what to do.
I guess I will just have to find the high office myself. Novus continued along the path until
he reached a stair well. He began climbing it to the top level. I am guessing that the most
important people are going to be at the top of this building. I might as well go up it then. I am
kind of worried of what I am going to say, what everyone will think of me. I might be hated and
no doubt I will be punished, I just hope I can fix this mess before it becomes out of control. I
have to get going.
He quickened his pace. He was out of breath as he reached the top level; he had climbed
45 flights of steps. If only I knew that the building reached so high, I would not have taken the

56
stairs! I would have taken the elevator; then again, I would have had to find the elevator first.
Who knows how long that would have taken in this elaborate maze of a building?
The door at the end of the stair case had a sign next to it that said, 45th floor: The High
Office. It was kind of intimidating with the scripture, Novus kept on anyways. He opened the
door. He was greeted with a golden hallway the lead to a wall. ON the two sides of the hallway
were matching golden arches. The left read Sepio Office and the right said Iudex Office.
Novus was confused. Which side do I take? Which door leads to the place that I have to go
through?
Novus walked to the end of the hallway. Hmmm he hummed in thought. I think I
will go with the Iudex office. Should I knock before I enter? Yeah, I think I will do that.
Novus lifted his hand, his fingers curled to gently knock on the door, when suddenly it
burst open.
I will do so, right away, sir, said a young man his face turned to respectfully speak to
the man he was addressing. He had brown lochs of hair that framed his face. He was tall and
handsome. He was obviously polite and formal by the way he spoke to the man he was talking
to. He turned around.
Novus smiled. The young man in the door way was Suivant Guard, an old friend of
Novus from the academy.
Novus! What a grand surprise! I did not expect to see you here? Is there any one you are
looking for? Suddenly his face softened in concern. Has something happened? Are you here to
report a crime?
Oh, Suivant, you are still the gentleman I knew from the Academy, said Novus. They
comradely griped each others foreman, as was customary of old friends. Unfortunately, I do
have something to report, Suivant. I must speak to the Chief immediately. Time is of the essence.
I must get to it. So I am sorry to say, that I cannot catch up with you right now. I need your help
instead. I need to get to the Chief. Can you take me to him?
Well, Novus if you must report something the office is downstairs. You can tell me and
I would be happy to report to them for you. They will respond to you in a week.
I do not have that kind of time, Suivant. You see this is no domestic affair. This has to
do with the safety of every life in the Stronghold. There are ancients on the way here now as we
speak.
Suivants face looked confused. Novus, I cannot tell if you are joking or not. If this is a
joke, I ask you to stop now, because this is quite a serious matter. Do you mean to tell me that
Ancients are truly on the way here?
Yes, exactly Suivant. This is no joke at all. I mean exactly as I say. I must now speak to
the chief now. Do you see why it is so important that I speak to him, now?
Yes Novus, and she by the way.
I am sorry, she? said Novus confused.
By that, I mean that the chief is a woman, sorry for my ambiguity.
No, no, of course, my mistake for assuming. So can you take me to her?
Of course, come with me, I will take you to her. She is in a conference with the higher
staff right now, but just as well. That way everyone will hear of what you have to say, if it is as
important as it sounds, orders will have to go down the chain of command and this way will
speed that process a little because we start off lower on the chain then we normally would have
had too. She will not be pleased to be interrupted though, but she will get over it once she
realizes the gravity of the situation.

57
 Thank you, Suivant. I was very lucky to meet you at the time you did. I knew you were
at the Vigil building, but I did not know that you had worked your way up here to the top floor so
quickly.
Oh, thank you, Novus, but we really must be off now.
Yes of course, my mistake I should be the one trying to quicken the pace. Good on you
to realize the necessity.
Suivant nodded, and turned around. I am going to have to get back to you on that order,
Mister Blaire, said Suivant.
The man nodded. I trust you, Suivant. But make sure you get it done.
Suivant continued on, he looked back to check if Novus was following behind. He was.
They walked past many corridors, and hallways; Novus wondered how Suivant knew
where to go in this entire place. He also wondered how he would have reached the High office
conference without him. Looks like I came here at the exact moment that I needed to because
Suivant had just opened the door as soon as I was about to knock on it.
They continued on, after a few moments they approached a door that read, Conference
room 03. The door was sturdy and made out of oak.
This is the door to the conference room, as you probably have gathered. They are in the
middle of the conference, so they might object to your interruption, but carry on anyway. They
will understand when you are done. The chiefs name is Matilda Quebach. Refer to her as
Exequor Quebach. Good luck, I will be behind you.
Right, Let us do this.
Novus turned the knob to open the door. He went inside with Suivant to follow. The hall
went quiet as Novus entered.
Please leave as we are in a meeting, said a woman authoritatively but politely. She sat
high up behind a desk that was elevated on a platform, with people below her. She was middle
aged and had black eyes along with black hair. She had several gray hairs that were starting to
spring up.
I understand that you are in a meeting, Exequor Quebach, but it is of great importance
that I speak in this conference now.
What gives you the authority to do so? she boomed.
I am Novus Voltova, and I have no authority here what so ever. I am a mere lumberjack,
but I duly request that I be given the chance to speak. Time is of the essence. The safety of the
whole Stronghold and everyone in it is at risk.
Well if it is as important as it is, Mr. Voltova, you may speak. But if it is not, let the
heavens have mercy on you boy.
Thank you, Exequor Quebach. I am here to tell you that Ancients are on the way here,
now as we speak.
The old men and women seated next the Chief, and the other officials in the room yelled
out in uproar and protest.
Yes, I know there has not been an attack from Ancients in years, but before you silence
me and dismiss what I have to say, let me explain.
Order! Order! demanded the Chief. As you wish, Mr. Voltova you will be given a
chance to explain, do so quickly, as you take up our time.
Yes, thank you. As I was saying, there are Ancients on the way here now, because of
me. Suivant glanced at Novus, his eye brows furred in a question. As you probably know, to
protect the stronghold from attacks by the Ancients we employed a device called the Anchor

58
tree. I being a lumberjack went to the forest to cut down some wood. Mistakenly, I cut down the
anchor tree. Now for those of you familiar with Anchor tree, you know that no mortal could chop
down the tree. I do not understand it, but I cut it down somehow. I do not know how, but all that
is important is that it was cut down. And because of it an Ancient named Pravus No Sinka, who
was sealed underneath the tree attacked me. I was able to fend him off, and I sent him off. I do
not know where he went or when or if he will come back. I do know though, that I did see birds
flying away from the forest 2 days journey away from here. I also felt a faint shake in the earth
and a booming noise. I have reason to believe that that was an approaching Ancient. It comes
here because it knows that we are now unprotected by the anchor tree, and it comes here to cause
havoc. That is why I stand here in front of you today at this hour. Because the stronghold is in
danger, and we need to deal with this now, before the Ancient is here. Novus said. He looked at
the chief. Her eyes were narrowed, her eye brows furrowed. She was thinking deeply. At least
she has her composure; she will be able to fix this I think.
A man with graying hair sitting next Matilda looked at Novus in astonishment. You
mean to tell everyone here that you cut down an anchor tree, defeated an ancient and sensed one
coming here all by yourself? Do you think us fools, boy! My word, I have never seen such
insolence in my entire life. I say we should through this boy out, what say you everyone. Said
the man. Everyone cheered. Out with the boy they said.
Quiet! Everyone! Matilda snapped. She turned her head, Ronald, do not speak out so
extravagantly again. I will not tolerate such misconduct in this office. She turned to Novus,
Why should we believe you? This sounds far too improbable to be true.
I am unsure of how to prove this Exequor Quebach. What can I say? I would never
throw away my good name for a mere prank. I would not interrupt your conference for a lie. I
would not risk so much just to lie. I have no ulterior motive here, I am merely concerned for the
safety of the people. Why would I blame myself of cutting down the tree if I did not truly do it?
Novus looked to his hand. The only proof I can give you at this point is this. He put his hands
in the air and splayed his fingers. Do you see these characters? I do not know what they mean,
but they were scarred into me after I touched the fallen anchor tree. That is the best I can give,
Exequor Quebach. All I can say, is if you do not act soon, the stronghold will suffer for it. You
nor I want to risk that.
Very well, Mr. Voltova, we will act on your words, only because you are a good citizen,
you seem passionate about the safety of the stronghold, you have no record of previously being a
criminal, and also because we as the Vigilous cannot risk the safety of our people, because it is
our duty to protect this stronghold above all. If it is how you say that it is, we must act
immediately, said Matilda, her voice was strong and calm.
Novus, shoulders lowered in relief. He did not know they were raised in worry until then.
Thank you, Exequor Quebach. I am very relieved to know that something is being done to
protect the stronghold.
Indeed, Mr. Voltova. Now what do you suggest that we do? You seem to know the
answer, speak up then.
Well I have an idea. I say that we order a new anchor tree from the Venerai. Hopefully
they can have one prepared in time, before the Ancient comes or Pravus returns.
Very good, as I would have done, expect one thing that you do not have the power to do
but I do. She looked around. Well gentleman, you heard the boy! Send all of your officers not
on patrol of the streets to go to the gates. They must guard it from the Ancient. Heaven knows
when they will appear again. She commanded. She looked at Novus, Go to the Venerai, Gerald

59
will give you a court ordered receipt for an anchor tree. Take it to the Venerai and see what they
can do.
Yes, Exequor Quebach, but ah, one more thing. I obviously must be punished for
endangering the people of the stronghold.
Ah, very good Mr. Voltova. Your punishment if you are to have one will be determined
later by the judges of this establishment on the Sepio side. That is not the priority right now. The
priority is the safety of the people. Now go. Gerald has your receipt ready for you. He is standing
by the door.
Novus turned around. A kind looking old man, with reading glasses held up a yellow
piece of parchment. That must be the receipt. Yes, thank you, Exequor Quebach, I will then be
on my way.
Very well, Mr. Voltova, you are dismissed.
Novus turned around, and looked to Suivant who nodded. They walked to the door,
Novus took the receipt from Gerald. Thank you, he said.
Suivant opened the door, Shall we get to it?
Yes, like lightening. said Novus as they left the room.

60
Z en and Binbin walked along the street, slowly. They were not in a rush yet they were at
the same time. But they walked along silently, each thinking thoughts to themselves,
clearing their minds so that they could discuss what they had to efficiently. Zen had
already excused himself from the graduation ceremonies and said goodbye to everyone
individually. He expressed that he was going to be a wanderer; many were happy for him and
wanted to see how he did when he came back to the Stronghold to report his findings. Others
were concerned that he was not taking the right path and that he was wasting his talent. He told
them that if it was about to take the wrong path, then eventually he would find himself the right
one. He also thanked all of his teachers, briefly.
Zen and Binbin, continued along the path to the elder building in comfortable silence.
Zen had learned long ago the value of tranquility and quiet. So it was not awkward for either of
them. They both did not feel the need to talk to each other, even though they were walking side
by side.
What questions should I ask when we get tot eh Elder quarter building. What is the
Tetradium? Who is Aureus Atsu? How do I go about collecting the swords? How will he react?
Will he know all that I need to know? When should I go? I know I had decided that I would leave
soon, but I think I should consult Doctus Binbin about it first. HmmmIt is going to be difficult
to do things now without his guidance, but I guess it is for the best. One must become
independent one time or another. I will have to start deciding things for myself in a matter of
days. I only hope that they will we be the right ones to being with.
As they walked up the gentle hill on the sidewalk, they saw the elder quarter building as
they reached the crescent of the mound. There it is my boy, we are almost there. Have you
gathered your thoughts of things you want to discuss with me, yet? said Bibin.
Of course, Doctus Binbin, you know me. Though, I am not quite finished yet. I will be
ready by the time we reach the building though.
Very well, Zen. Let us continue our journey to the building.
Journey. I guess you could call this a journey couldnt you. Really everything is journey
if you look at it that way. Existence is a journey in its own respect. Anyways, I think I will ask
Doctus Binbin, of the things that I will need before I begin my own journey. I will also ask him
what advice he has, I want to start this mission off the right way. I wonder what new things I will
see. Leaving this stronghold will be sad. It is the place where I have lived my entire life after all.
But it will be good for me, I will learn things for my own this way. I will become wise like Binbin,
and stronger too. I will be very lonely on this journey though. I hope I might some people on the
way.
They had reached the Elder quarter building now. Binbin unlocked the door, it was very
quiet because all of the elders were either asleep now or at Graduation, assessing the next
generation.
Come; let us go to the garden. I like to think there. I could not imagine doing things in
this house stifled by a bunch of other old people even when they are not here.
Zen grinned. He still has youth in his spirit.
They went out into the garden.
I feel like thinking in a tree at the moment. I will climb this one. Feel free to climb one
too.
Okay, said Zen. He climbed the tree adjacent to the one Binbin was climbing so that he
could speak to Binbin face to face. Binbin was still climbing his tree, he was old but he was still
fit for his age, he was behind by only a few branches below Zens position on his tree when Zen

61
sat down. Zen looked at the sky. It was clear with a full moon. There were no clouds for miles to
block the moons light. Everything was bathed in a glow of silver. It soothed Zens thoughts. He
was not worried for the difficulties of his journeys as he would have been now right after
Graduation. Binbin was finally perched on his tree, he was panting slightly, so Zen waited
patiently for him to get his breath back.
Go on, child. I will catch my breath as you tell me what you must.
Very well, Doctus Binbin, I shall begin. Something odd happened that I would like to
share with you. So today, as you know was Graduation. I predictably did not have my speech
ready to present, so I was quite nervous I must say. I was afraid that everyone would think bad of
my performance, that I was unworthy of being put in the Hall of Primes because of it. So I
decided to go meditate as you have taught me when I needed to clear my thoughts and make
decisions. So on a whim, I decided to go to the highest place possible Sir Vigiro Cliff. There I
mediated so long that birds perched onto my shoulder and chirped about. I was deeply
concentrated so I did not notice until I was done.
Binbins eyes narrowed. That could be a sign, Zen. Birds have an unexplainable affinity
with fate, they may have been trying to communicate, trying to warn you of something.
It seems they were, because of what happened later. Once I was done meditating, I had
my speech prepared and I knew what I had to do. So I stood up, and I looked over the Stronghold
for a moment enjoying the view, when suddenly a white flame shot down at the ground beneath
my feet, and suddenly the ledge that I was standing on broke off the cliff, I was suddenly free
falling to the floor.
Binbins eyes widened. My boy! Are you alright? I mean you seem fine now, but
psychologically? Are you ok? How did you survive?
Yes, yes, Doctus Binbin. I appreciate the concern, but I am completely fine. Anyways,
while I was free falling, A great golden eagle descended from the heavens and saved me from
certain doom. His name is Aureus Atsu. He was giant, a wing span of 20 ft long, he looked very
majestic and noble, I was very grateful for his assistance. He then went on to tell me something
that I would like to discuss with you. I will paraphrase a bit. But he said that fate had chosen me
as its medium to prevent evil from corrupting and destroying the world. He said that there were
the Tetradium in the four cardinal directions of the world and that it was my duty to collect
them and guard them from misuse of those that are evil. He said that evil lurks, and that there are
people who wish to collect the Tetradium for themselves so that they may have power and
dominion over this world. Once he had told me my mission, he said to tell only the people that I
trust of it, you are obviously one of them, and then he left. The problem was that I did not get to
ask all the questions that wanted to because he was running out of time. I was hoping that you
could answer those questions instead, and give me some advice to go along with it, on the side.
Of course, I will help you Zen. I will do what I can. Ask away, Zen.
Thank you, Doctus Binbin, I knew that you would. My first question is this: can you tell
me what you know about the Tetradium?
Hmmm he murmured. Where to begin Oh! I know. Let us see. Long ago, several
hundred years ago there was a great war between the spirits that were good and bad. The good
spirits wanted their to be peace in the world while the bad wanted to destroy everything because
the enjoyed it. They just loved to see their power; their abilities destroy things in seconds that
took centuries to build. They stole from the world what the good spirits gave it. The spirits were
very opposed to each other so they fought and fought in this war. People were being killed
because of it, so Venerai across the world agreed to convene together and stop the war. They

62
trapped the good spirits and bad spirits in a giant barrier. The strongest of these Venerai,
Pandora, was very angry at the spirits for fighting. Because of the war, he his entire family was
killed on the side lines. He sealed them all, the good and the bad, into a box. In history it is
referred to as Pandoras box, because he was the one who cast the spell to seal them, even though
he received assistance from all the other Venerai. And this was well and good for a while,
several years of peace passed before anything happened. The strongholds were just finishing
their recovery from the war when suddenly the box broke open. You see it was very fragile. The
problem about it was that the war was still going on in the box, the spirits were still fighting each
other, so much so that the box was barely holding the two, it was about to rip apart. All it needed
was a push. So when a curious cat came upon the box sealed within an ancient temple, the box
split open like a sea shell. Suddenly the spirits where fighting it out in the world again. The
Venerai were angry, Pandora had died of old age a year ago, and it was not looking well for the
world. But the Venerai banded together again, and trapped them once more. But this time they
went about things differently. Without Pandora they were not as strong as they were. Instead
they broke each side into two parts totaling to 4. They hired a black smith to meld 4 swords, the
Tetradium. They then placed the four swords on the four cardinal directions of the world, North,
South, East, and West. They placed the swords ever so carefully so that they exactly canceled
each other out. The two good swords were placed on the North and East, extremes, the bad on
the South and West, extremes. The North canceled out the South, and the East the West. The
spirits continue to battle each other from opposite ends of the world as they will for eternity.
There can never be a time when they can stop fighting or else the other side wins, and there will
be an imbalance. Take out one of the swords and the other side dominates. If you are to collect
the swords as Aureus says you must, you must take out two at the same time, lest the world be
unbalanced. The dixitiy, or the measure of how cursed or blessed something is, would reach past
equilibrium. Bad things happen when that occurs. They must also be the pair that are exactly
opposite of each other. You cannot take out the North and the West at the same time, because
doing so would not cancel out the imbalance created by the other two swords, the South and East
orthogonal to each other. Over the years, the swords have developed special properties as the
spirits that are contained by them have abilities which leak into the swords. The spirits will
eventually become the swords themselves though they never truly will, because they get
infinitely close to, but never touch the mark when they lose their identity as spirits and become
materials such as the sword. By now they are probably more than half way to becoming the
swords themselves. The North Sword affects time, and the South sword affects space. The East
Sword affects life, and the West Sword affects death. Beware; the use of one of the swords
warrants the use of the other. They must be used in the pairs that they were taken from. For
instance, if you use the abilities of the North Sword, you must also use the abilities of the South
Sword. If you use one more than the other the dixity of the world will also imbalance. Does this
all make sense so far?
Yes I think so, but I still have some questions.
Of course, I thought you might, go ahead.
My first question is why did not the Venerai split the warring spirits into only 2 swords
instead of 4?
That is a good question, Zen. They did try that for a time, but the extent to which the
swords were balanced did not reach far enough to cover the entire surface of the world. There
were areas where there was imbalance, places where the good spirits prevailed and the bad spirits

63
prevailed. So they split each side into two, so that they could cover the entire world and not just
part of it. Does that satisfy your question?
Yes, but why cant we keep the world unbalanced? Why dont we have the world more
good than evil?
Another great question, Zen. Well, let us see What would happen if the world was all
good? The first question you should ask, is that possible? The answer is no. There is good and
evil in us all. If we were to do away with all of our evil, how would we know what was good in
us and what was not? If we were to do away with all of our hate, how would we know what was
love? If only the North and East swords were the only swords in the world, then there would
never be misfortune in this world, everyone would die of natural causes, there would be no
natural disasters, no wars. However, progress of all life would stop. Because no one would have
to work towards anything. Everything that lived would only do what they must to survive. There
would be no need to so anything, nothing to fix, nothing to advance. Everyone would be happy
by themselves. They would not need anything from anyone. To truth of the matter is that
misfortune drives us to fortune. Our worst moments define us; they set us up for our best
moments. If everyone was happy, there would be no purpose in living. People do things to be
happy, if they already were then they would not have to do anything. If you make someone too
good, then you hurt him because he would not become the person he normally would have. If the
world was entirely good, if all the people in it did only good deeds then the purpose of entire
lives would crumble before us. There would be no need to do everything, and so we would not
do them. If the world was entirely evil, if everyone did things only evil, then there would be too
many things to do, and no one to do them. Then too would our lives crumble. You see, these
swords will fight for eternity. They can never stop or the world will always be unbalanced. The
South and West swords are constantly affecting the lives of people for the bad, inspiring hate and
corruption amongst the souls of the people everywhere. While the swords of the North and East
attempt to rebuild the mess that is created by the other swords, they are the guardians of the
world. Does that satisfy your question?
Yes, but what happens if I or someone else pulls out a sword without taking out the
appropriate polar opposite?
Then the side of the polar opposite has an advantage, and it begins to win the war
between good and evil. If you wait long enough, then the other side will not be able to recover,
and eventually the world is entirely one sided, and we all perish. The sides are very inelastic if
you wait longer than a day, the other side will begin to win. The side that you have taken out the
blade will work hard to catch up, but there is no guarantee.
So how am I supposed to pull them out at the same time?
That I do not know that is for you to decide.
Oh. So why has no one tried to do this before? Why was I chosen now of all these
times?
Well, imagine that people have tried, of course there is the matter of pulling it out of the
earth. The Venerai did what they could so that the Tetradium could never be disturbed, and so
could never be pulled out, but it seems that the birds have found someone who has figured out
how to pull the swords out. Someone who will misuse it no doubt. Somehow, they expect you to
be able to collect the swords before they do.
Why do they not just eliminate the person who will misuse the power of the tetradium?
Once the way has been found out by one, it is only a matter of time before there are
others. That is the way of mathematics is it not?

64
 I see. Then why have the birds not seen this coming sooner? Why did they not prevent
this from happening?
Destiny changes as much as the present changes. With each choice you make the
outcome of your life changes by the importance of the choice. It happens constantly just as each
second that passes becomes a part of the past. They only see destiny as it is. Obviously someone
very important in the world decided to control the Tetradium. That is clearly a very important
choice, so important in fact, that the birds see it happening in the future even with the slight
changes that always occur.
That is not good news to hear, Doctus Binbin.
When would it ever be, dear boy.
I have so many questions to ask you about how I should go about this journey that I am
overwhelmed. I feel unprepared and unsuited for the task. I feel like the weight of the world rests
upon my shoulders. That I am responsible for the lives of everyone now, and that is too much
pressure.
Relax, son. Fate has chosen you for a reason. Obviously there are others, as well as I
who believe in you. You should begin as soon as possible. In two days perhaps. Take as much
food as possible but not so much to be burdensome. We are closest to the North Pole so you may
want to start by collecting the South and North swords. You will meet peril and danger. You will
be pushed to the edge, and maybe even further. You will meet your limit no doubt, hope to
exceed it. Eventually, you should find out the person or persons that you are competing with. Try
to find out more about the Tetradium in the libraries along the way. Visit the strongholds as you
go, and perhaps you will learn something, perhaps you will make comrades. You will need a
map. Take a few. This is not something you can do alone. You will certainly need help; if you try
to do this on your own you might go insane with the loneliness, and the pressure. I wish I could
accompany you, Zen. Though I am fit for my age, I will only slow you down. You might not
know of any one here to take with you, but you might at other strongholds. But you must find
people that you can trust with your life to help you with this task.
I see, that helps so much Doctus Binbin. Thank you so much for all that you have done.
I can talk to you about this mission forever, Zen but there are some things that you will
have to learn and find out for yourself. I have much more to say, but unfortunately we do not
have time to discuss it. I do have one piece of advice to give you however. Do not remain so
focused on this mission that you are oblivious to things that happen around you. It is of the
utmost importance that you complete this quest, but there are other ways to do things that may
not seem obvious to you, because you are so focused on one thing. There are always multiple
paths that lead to the same tree, all of them curve and bend. You cannot accomplish this quest
without diverging, but do not veer of the path as well. Remember there is always something to
learn wherever you are; do not miss the opportunity to learn this as you go along the way. It will
save you much more time in the long run.
Thank you Doctus Binbin. I have much to think of tonight. I will go now. Good night.
Zen jumped off of his tree. He landed softly like a cat. He got up and brushed the dirt off
of his clothes. He looked back up at Binbin.
Good night, Zen, and good bye. Do make sure to see me before you really leave. I
would hate to not say you off.
Of course, Doctus Binbin. I was not intending on leaving without a formal farewell.
Anyways, good bye. Zens parting words were spoken looking over his shoulder as he walked
away.

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 Meanwhile, Binbin sat still on his perch. I will miss that boy when he leaves. Who will I
teach my lessons too? Well, he has learned all that is necessary for him to know at his age, to
grow successfully. I hope nothing bad happens to him. Oh, I just knew he was destined for
greatness, I just did not know so soon.
Binbin sighed and stared glumly at the moon. His eyes began to water. I really have let
go of myself havent I?

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V
iva stared at her dinner plate satisfied, overstuffed and full.
That turkey was the best I ever had. I should way thank Preceptor Asperia for it another
time.
Thank you, Preceptor Asperia for this excellent turkey! I loved it! Now I am too full
though. It is as if I have become a fat turkey ready to but hunted.
Ha, ha, ha. Good one, Viva. But thank you. I did my best to cook the turkey. It came out
a little burnt, but it seems that you did not mind.
Not at all. Anyways, it is getting late. I should be going.
That is fine. I was about to be going home anyways, you can stay up in my office if you
want. The sofa is always open.
No thanks. Although I would on other days, tomorrow I have to be ready to investigate
Nathaniel.
Right, ok then. Good bye, Viva.
Good bye, Preceptor Asperia. I will see you tomorrow. And with that, Viva got up, put
on her boots and went out the door.
She stepped out onto the streets; it was dark by the time she got out. The night was
cloudy, Viva could not see the moon at all.
Viva thought to herself as she walked home. This weather is going to bring me down. Her
head was kept down as she thought. She did it naturally to help her concentrate even though she
was not trying to. How am I going to get all that information about Nathaniel tomorrow? I think
I might have to confront him this time. How should I go about that, though? I guess I could hire
someone to ask him some questions but then again, how would they do that without seeming
suspicious. No, I will probably have to go undercover. I hate to do it, but I will have to wear
makeup to disguise my features.
Vivas face fell in disappointment of what she had to do. Wearing makeup was a sign of
submission to her. It meant that she was going to wear a mask to disguise who she really was. Of
course, she meant that in the context of impressing a man, now she did it for the sake of the
mission. Still she felt that it was wrong somehow that, it went against her morals. A girl must do,
what she has to do, it seems.
She walked along until she reached her quarter building. The girls in the building would
not doubt be sleeping by now, so she had to be quiet. She opened the door, and walked up the
stairs without making a sound. Of course it was quite easy for her, being a hunter. She did not
even have to try. She was not even thinking about it when she was doing it until she flinched
when she heard the creak of her door opening, because it broke the silence so suddenly. She
recovered from the noise and stepped into her quarters. She prepared to go to sleep. After all was
said and done, she crawled into bed and fell asleep until dawn.
Viva woke up refreshed and ready for the day. I know what I have to do today. Find
Nathaniel, and figure out the truth about him. It is not going to be easy but I think I can do it by
going undercover. First things first, though, is to find Nathaniel. I can worry about how I am
going to get him to tell me everything later. I will cross that bridge when I get there.
She got up from her bed, and stretched. She did not feel sore as she did the other day
because of her discovery of Dycents plot, so she felt happy that her body had recovered from
that ordeal. I can finally move with my natural degree of freedom! Life is good!
She looked through her window. The sun was rising, and it was just climbing above the
hill. Viva smiled, she loved how the sun always climbed the sky everyday regardless of whatever

67
happened, even when her world seemed to drown the sun always rose without fail. It gave her
hope.
She put on her clothes and got ready for the day. Once she was done, she put on her
hunters boots and her strung bow and quiver of arrows. She walked to the door and looked back
one last time to see if she had not forgotten anything. Everything seems clear here, I think I am
good to go. She opened the door, locked and climbed down the stairs. The other girls were awake
by now, so she did not need to be quiet. She was anyways only because it was second nature to
her at this point.
She left the quarter building and stepped outside. The air was chilly, and the wind blew
bitterly, but Viva knew that the weather would cheer up when the sun was fully up, and it was
noon.
Viva walked across the street, so she could reach the side walk. She stopped when she
reached it.
Should I find Nathaniel first, then confront after going undercover, or should I go
undercover first and then find and confront him? Hmmm If I go undercover first, then I cannot
move around as freely or suspiciously as I can now because that would compromise the ruse, if I
find him then go undercover, I risk losing his position if he moves around. Yeah, I guess then my
only choice is to go undercover first.
Well then I guess I will have to go to the market to purchase a disguise. I wonder who I
should disguise myself asSomeone that he knows? Someone that he does not? No, that would
make it to be too difficult to get any answers from him, plus he would become suspicious easier.
Well then come to a decision soon! Yes, that is right, I do not have an unlimited time as I would
like. I must go about this with haste! The day runs fast. Oh! I know who I could be, Ms. Place. I
am about her height and I have similar facial features. In fact, I have been mistaken for her when
I went to Academy numerous times. She is the perfect person to be! I can act like an old teacher
catching up with her student. Perfect, I just need to disguise my eyes. Hmmm I can use rose-
stone spectacles; they will cover the color of my eyes. And the matter of my hair, Ms. Place has a
darker hair than mine, it is more brown than blonde, so I will have to get a wig but that is not a
problem.
Now that Viva had come to a decision, she walked down the side walk to the left where
the side walk would eventually lead to the Market. Viva was excited and pleased with her
cleverness and also serious about her mission, so she jogged to the Market to make it there in
haste.
Business at the market was busy as usual. People bought and sold to or from the
merchants, they haggled on prices and traded. It was a hustle and bustle even at this early hour.
The merchants raised their tents as early as possible because they wanted as much business as
possible. The most lucrative merchants were the ones from other strongholds because they were
the ones that had the things that people in this stronghold did not have. By this, residents of
Vivas stronghold viewed the foreign merchants as having exotic goods. This made them
immensely popular because it was a sign of wealth to have them.
Hmmm I need to find a wig. A fashion tent is probably my best bet. I wish there was a
detective tent, which would be so helpful and less degrading to me right now. Well whatever, I
will have to sacrifice my morals right now for the sake of the mission, but I will not let them go,
never!
Viva looked around. She was eyed by many of the merchants. Come, pretty girl. I have
goods for you to buy! This will help you find a nice and rich husband. They would call out.

68
Viva hated it, she wanted to smack them upside the head for it, even women merchants did it.
She could not blame them, sexism was a problem for the upper class. It was deemed
unsophisticated and unwomanly by the upper class for a girl to seem strong and independent
because they were attributes commonly associated with men. Viva did not really care for them
though, most women not in the lower class were adopting the mentality of hard work, and Viva
knew it would only be a matter of time until the upper class followed suit. The problem was, that
many of the lower class citizens wanted to be like the upper class citizens, so merchants would
prey on that and try to flatter someone into buying their goods. It was ironic because the ones
they were trying to convince to but the expensive goods were the lower class.
Viva kept walking along, avoiding and ignoring the merchants that called out to her. She
did not blame them, they were only trying to make living with their business, and they were only
doing their jobs.
Finally, Viva reached a fashion tent that she thought looked promising. There was a
woman that stood underneath tent. She had many wares, and she was not from the stronghold.
She had straw-blonde hair, and high cheek-bones and full lips. She was young, 28 perhaps, tall
and slender. She looked to be a model, Viva knew that this was meant to intimidate young
women to look as beautiful as her. It was an effective tactic as her business was booming. Viva
hated to go there, to give in to the ruse, but she knew herself and knew that that was not really
the case.
Just go and get it over with, do not be intimidated with her beauty. Beauty is superficial
and something that takes no skill or talent to accomplish. Beauty should never be used to judge
the personality of someone. OK, now go.
Viva put on a straight face and walked to the tent. The woman smirked.
Welcome, my name is Madam More. What can I get you, miss? I have perfume,
jewelry, anything needs to attract a man. You need these things to be successful in life these
days. Heavens knows that those who are rich do, she said with a fake smile and an accent that
made her speak with an upward inflection at the end of each sentence. It made it sound as if she
were asking a question each time she spoke.
Viva felt like shaking her and making her apologize to everyone woman she was using.
Instead she said, I have no need for that today, thank you. I am looking for specific items if you
do not mind. Do you happen to have rose-stone spectacles, my first item on the list, by any
chance?
Hmmmlet me look and see. I think I have what you might be looking for. I will show
them too you, she said as she bent down and rummaged through her bag of goods not on
display. Lets seeif it is not on display, it should be somewhere here. she murmured. She
pulled out three cases. Ah, yes here it is. I have these three glasses. I have one here that is rose-
stoned, one here that is amber-stoned and one here that is violet-stone. I know that you asked for
rose-stoned, but I think you might like these options too. I bet this violet-stone would like
excellent on you, and it is only slightly more expensive. It would fit the budget of anyone here!
What do you say?
No thanks. I appreciate the other offers though. My next and final item on the list -,
Viva said her face expressing that she really meant what she was saying. She continued, -is a
wig with light brown colored hair a little bit longer than mine.
Well, it seems that you are in luck, miss. I have one more left to sell today, it seems that
this type of hair is popular these days. I think average hair is becoming popular these days! Ha,
ha! she laughed. She then rummaged through her bag again and came up with a wig of straight

69
light brown hair. It looked too young to be Miss Places but Viva was not complaining. The
likelihood of the hair far exceeded her very own. She was in luck; they were readily available on
the day she needed them.
These items will do. How much will they cost altogether?
20 circulautos and it is a done deal, Miss.
Vivas eyes narrowed. 20 circulatos? That is outrageous! Why would I ever pay so
much for 2 items that are not even worth half that!?
Sorry Miss, I have a business to run. I have kids to feed too. Plus my wares are exotic
goods. They are very rare, and are very hard to find in your own stronghold. By my standards 20
circulautos is a great deal. A steal in fact.
Viva was losing her patience. Oh, please. You and I both know that that just is not true. I
will tell you what, I will buy it for 10 circulautos and I will not bad mouth your business to my
friends. I am very influential to your misfortune.
Madam Mores eyes narrowed. She was calculating if Viva was bluffing or not. It seems
she did not want to take the risk. Her attitude changed suddenly. Very well, Misses. I will
bargain with you but 10 circulautos is too steep of a discount. I would not make any money from
it. In fact I would lose some. How about 15 circulautos?
Hmmm Viva feigned thinking about it. I can do 11 circulautos. What do you say
about that?
Her eyes flashed, and fake smile twitched for a moment. She sighed, seeing that she was
fighting a losing battle. I will go down to 12 circulautos. No further, take it or leave it, Madam
More said through gritted teeth.
Fine. I will pay your exorbitant prices. I thank you for the discount, Viva said, as she
searched through her money pouch kept in her boot. She pulled out 12 circulautos and handed
them to Madam More. Here you are.
Why thank you. Here are your purchases. Can I help you with any other? A fine
perfume perhaps? She said this more out of habit than anything else. She immediately regretted
it as it was evident on her face. Viva ignored it and thanked her, and then walked away.
Glad that is over. I still feel cheated for having to pay 12 circulautos.
Viva as an apprentice huntress was not paid much, though she was paid more than most
apprentices. Not to mention those of her profession. Hunting was a lucrative job. Everyone had
to eat somehow. The Magistratia would order game from the hunters of the stronghold, they paid
fairly and ordered often as they were responsible for feeding the members of the stronghold. The
more wealthy of the Stronghold, which was not much but it was there, often ordered the more
expensive and rare game on their own. The Magistratia ordered only the standard game, mostly
deer and rabbits which they hired chiefs to prepare for the people of the stronghold. However
their mass orders are always good for business for a hunter.
No matter. The price of the mission is irrelevant to the things that need to be done at this
moment. I need to get home so I can put on thearghthe makeup to hide my age, and make
myself look more like Miss Place. I still have to deal with finding Nathaniel and getting him to
answer my questions but I will get there soon. So far I can already check one thing off of my list.
Acquire disguise for undercover mission.
Viva began for her home. All she had to do was go back the way she came, except this
time it would take longer because she had to walk uphill now.
If only I was a full-fledged huntress I could afford a carriage and just ride my way to the
quarter house. In fact, I could own my own place like Preceptor Asperia and her own office

70
building. What am I thinking? I am supposed to be concentrating on the mission. Right Viva!
Prepare to become Miss Place. Remember how she acted, you cannot afford to make a mistake
when you confront Nathaniel or else you risk blowing your cover and thereby risk compromising
the mission. OK. How was Miss Place like? Hmm So she taughtum ah yes I remember.
She taught us mathematics. Not nearly the level of Venerai mathematics, but the basic algebra I
believe.
Speaking of Venerai mathematics ,there is the Venerai tower right over there! Viva
stopped her stroll back to her quarter building to look at the ominous and monumental Venerai
Tower, standing tall and harsh, a deep purple that reflected the color of the Venerai. Nero is
somewhere in this tower. I wonder, is there any way that I can investigate here, and find out
more about Nero. Preceptor Asperia decided against it because she thought it was too
dangerous, but maybe I can impress her, show her what I am capable of Well I would first
have to find out where Neros room is. Hmmm I wonder which one it is. Viva strained her eyes
to see through the individual windows housed in the tower to try to determine which one was
Neros. Viva had impressively sharp eyes, she had to in order to be an effective huntress but
even her eyes could not distinguish which window belonged to Nero. No, I should stick to
Preceptor Apserias orders for now. It would be too hard to investigate Nero at this point.
Yes, that sounds about right. That one boy, Hans I think would always ask her questions
and Nathaniel would look down at his desk behind him all the time. Anyways, I can just tell
Nathaniel that it has been so long since he was my student that I forgot which class I taught him
mathematics in. Lets see Miss Place was definitely kind, she gave out candy to the good
students and she cared for all of us, good or bad. What else? She would always speak with a
loud projecting voice, but kindly at the same time. She would say quite right and brilliant a
lot. I must make sure to do the same.
Viva saw her quarter building grow larger as she approached it. Birds were perched on
top of the edge of the roof. The building was a drab brown, but it was still a slightly different
tone than the ever present gray that permeated the entire stronghold.
Oh look! I am nearly home. I can begin putting on my disguise soon. I will have to find
Nathaniel next.
She opened the door to her quarter building, and climbed the stairs until she reached her
appropriate floor. She turned her key into her door and stepped inside. It was exactly as she had
left it, except something seemed odd. She sensed that something was not quite right, as if a chair
or picture frame was slightly slanted or not in the exact place that it was. It disturbed her. She felt
as if someone had entered her quarters without her knowing. In fact she knew that someone had
come. It was a hunters instinct, a 6th sense she had. She just knew that someone had tampered
with here things. Someone had come searching for something. For the first time in her
investigation, she genuinely felt scared. In the times where she was waiting for Dycent to leave
the roof, she felt excited. When she was running away from Nathaniel she was clouded with
uncertainty, but now she was perfectly awake and sober, and she was frightened.
Has someone entered here while I was gone? Was it Nathaniel or Dycent? One of their
associates? Am I being investigated? Am I suspected of finding them out? This...This is
frightening. I should probably tell Preceptor Asperia. No, it would only worry her of something I
have no concrete evidence of. Plus she would call me off from the investigation, and I cant do
that now that I have a developed cover and all. Perhaps, I was not the only one investigated by
the whoever he was. Maybe they know that someone from the quarter building is on to them,
except they do not know exactly who. That is why they were searching for something. Searching

71
for notes or clues that they were being investigated, or that someone might have evidence against
them. It looks like they did not take anything, so I think I am safe for now. I must be very careful
from here on out. I pushed it too far, watching Nathaniel like I did. They are wary of being
watched so now they are watching the watchers. Interesting
Well then, that only accents the necessity to use a disguise, doesnt it? I might as well get
too it. I will just have to get over the chilling fact that my quarters were searched by potentially
some unknown stranger. I will have to be brave, and I will have to go against the grain for a
moment, but it is alright. I do this for the sake of the stronghold.
Viva calmed down, set aside her disguising utensils for the moment, and went to look for
the makeup she was given as a young girl. It was very normal for girls to have makeup at the
time, her parents had given it to her before she became 13, when she was given her own quarters
to stay until she married. Viva did not know when she was going to marry so she intended on
staying in her current quarters for a while.
She found the makeup in an old treasure chest she kept that was full of things she wanted
to remember from her childhood.
Here it is. Hah! I found it. She was worried that she would not be able to find it, that she
did not place it in the treasure chest, so she was happy when she did find it in the first place that
she thought to look.
The makeup was unopened. She had not used it ever, though she had used makeup before
when she was 12 just because it had become the trend with her friends in the day. The kids
wanted to grow up, so they attempted to look like they had. Viva was glad that she did wear
makeup then, because learning how to apply everything now in a matter of minutes would have
been impossible for her. But she remembered how to do everything as she used, and was able to
recreate a convincing image of Miss Places face on her own.
This is kind of creepy. Ughh Whatever, I will get over it. Once I wear the spectacles
and the wig, I will be almost indistinguishable from Miss Place. She should be about 40 by now.
I think I managed to recreate that look and age about right. Hm. I will see when I put the items
on.

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N ero walked behind Hum Greensoul. In the proper lighting outside of the darkness of his
room, Nero was able to distinguish more of Hums features. His face was square and
firm but honest. He had a neatly trimmed brown hair and blue eyes. Oddly enough his
facial hair was red, even his eye brows, though it still looked natural. He looked to be a good
person in Neros eyes, and a dutiful follower of orders. He was the type of henchman a villain
would be lucky to have. Yet Nero knew, from the look of his face and from the conviction in his
beliefs and the trust he had for the Venerai that he would not commit to do something evil if he
knew that it was not right, even if he was ordered to do it. No, Hum followed orders because he
believed in the benefit of their outcome. He did things because he knew the cause to why he was
doing them, he had a purpose that he strongly believed in, and right now, he believed that Nero
had to be punished for killing the two guards at his door.
I wonder if this man really fears me or not. He seemed to be intimidated like all the other
master candidates who meet me for the first time, but he seems to have gotten over the morning
frights and he now has his courage and authority back. If he his only putting up a front, it is
quite convincing from this standpoint. He is different from the other Venerai. He has potential.
Perhaps that is why they sent him to collect me in the first place, because he has his wits about
him, or a certain confidence in himself.
Nero took the time as he walked to the place where Hum was taking him, to absorb the
architectural design and structure of the tower. He had only seen its interior 3 times in his life
even though he had lived there since he was 8. Exactly 314 floors above the ground was the
ceiling. It was vast and elaborately decorated with a rotunda and a giant painting of the sun, its
rays extended from a window that was perfectly fit by the very same star in the noon during
summer, in the center of the doomed interior of the roof. The moon sat in its place instead as it
was quite late in the night.
So they summon at this time to hide to their shame from the master candidates. A
cowardly move, though necessary. If they ever showed weakness, then the maser candidates
would lose faith in the grand masters.
The tower was furnished Spartan as a standard. Venerum liked clear open spaces to think
in, furniture would only clutter the area. Besides the tower was not meant to cozy or comfortable,
it was meant to be defended, and maintained at all costs. It was the store of wisdom, knowledge
and power for the stronghold. It meant everything.
This place is nice. I would actually enjoying practicing magic and developing new spells
here. If only it were not filled to the brim with witches who cage me in and hide me from the
youngsters to protect them. No matter, I will fix it all, I will start brand new, properly and pure.
The way we should have begun in the first place. Well someone has to do it, and seeing as no one
else sees it, I have to do it. I am the only one qualified to anyways. No one notices that they are
building on a crumbling foundation, that all of their feat and legacy will be wasted when it
crashes down on them, when the foundation fails. But I do, and I will crash it down now so that I
can build a new foundation. One that is strong and sturdy, infallible and unassailable. So that
one day a hundred years for now we must start from square one. No. I will begin anew so that
100 years from now we will be even further than we were today, we will not be worrying about
the end only the future. It will be right, whole, it will be my legacy.
Hum took Nero through an elaborate passage of corridors and hallways. Finally they
reached the conference hall. The hall was large and spatious as was the rest of the tower. Inside
were all 22 grandmasters of the stronghold who were arguing fiercely until Nero stepped inside.
They were all seated in rows that ascended stadium style to the ceiling which was also domed.

73
The high grandmaster Torvus Fortimax, sat directly opposite the entrance door which Nero had
just stepped through, behind a table that reached the middle height of the room, several feet
higher than the chair that sat in the center of the room. The chair was the object of interest at this
point as Nero knew he was about to be asked to sit in it, it was the stage that was to house the
entertainment that was about to pursue to the audience in the seats, observing from above.
And here they are; the buzzards. The corrupted crows of todays fate. They are all
responsible for the deaths of those two insects. They are responsible for my hatred, my sadness,
my spite. My mother DAMN THEM!
Hot rage and anger boiled in Neros heart, as his temper began to rise. He was in
complete control of his composure, and on the outside he looked no different calm, cool and
collected, smug even. However inside he was being ripped to shreds.
Nero Sun Dossus! Last night it was discovered that the guards stationed to protect you
were killed. We suspect that it was of your doing, boomed Torvus Fortimax. You trial will be
addressed at a later date. A more pressing matter awaits and that is how you managed to do so.
This curse and crime that you have committed can have vast repercussions and consequences for
the fate of humanity. It can disturb the natural order of things and that is why it is of the utmost
importance that you tell us of it immediately. That is an order! commanded Torvus in a stern
and authoritative voice.
Saying nothing, Nero slowly walked to the chair in the center of the room. He casually
laid back into the chair and rested his right foot on top of the knee of his slightly outstretched left
leg. He placed his arms on the arm rests of the chair as if it were a thrown. He tilted his head
condescendingly.
Listen Tor-Tor, before I reveal anything, I have somedemands he said, grinning
fiendishly.

74
End
Book
I

75
V
iva walked to the table where the rose-stoned spectacles and the light brown haired wig
rested. She put them both on, and went back to look at herself in the mirror.
Wow! I did a really great job! Fantastic! I could have been an artist really. Well you
learn something new every day it seems. Look at me, learning how to be an artist as I emulate
being a detective while training to be a huntress. This job is quite diverse I guess. Anyways it is
time to go!
Viva stood up. She looked to be 40, but she walked too spritely and athletically to be
considered 40. I should dim down my movements down a notch. I do not want to have to explain
why I can move so easily even though I am supposed to be 40.
Viva practiced in the privacy of her home. She giggled at how ridiculous she felt when
she tried to walk like an old lady. This is hilarious. I really must be serious about this.
She looked at the window to see the time outside. Oh my! It is past noon! I really must
get going. I have not even found Nathaniel yet! I have not even discovered how to get him to tell
me the truth yet! And here I was, playing around like a little girl! For that matter I play around
when my house was just intruded, what is wrong with me today? It was probably the putting on
makeup that made me feel like a child again. That was not helped by the detective items. I
probably became excited with my disguise so much so that I began to play around. It was a good
thing that I caught myself at home and not on the job. That would have been on a disaster.
Anyways, I must go before 20 minutes. I have that measly amount of time to master this disguise,
but it was my own fault. I was the one who did not take it seriously enough.
With grim determination, Viva repeated Miss Places mannerisms and subtle body
language. I shall imitate how she asks. It seems that everyone has a specific way they speak with
their body, an accent perhaps. To be a convincing Miss Place I must imitate her body languages
accent just I would have to speak in her accent if I spoke to anyone as her. I really hope I do not
run into her while in disguise. That would not only be suspicious but awkward. I would have to
explain too much, and not only that for her own protection I would have to lie, and I HATE lying.
It is one of the things I cant stand in anyone. Dishonesty, it makes me sick. Of course the
occasional white lie is harmless and inevitable, but the lies that snowball and eat away at the
people that spread them and the people who receive them, I cannot stand.
After her 20 minutes were up, Viva did have a rather convincing imitation of Miss Place.
She was very impressed and satisfied with her work. She did not realize that she would have
been so capable at disguise and undercover work. Wow. Preceptor Asperia prepared me for
much more than I realized. Or perhaps the skills I learned in hunting are applicable to many
things in real life. Either way, I am glad I chose to be a huntress, and most of all I am sincerely
glad that Preceptor Asperia is my Preceptor. My life would be so much different without her, of
course it would be very different no matter how miniscule a change in my past was.
She pulled on her huntress boots and then hesitated. How am I supposed to carry my bow
and arrow? Hmmm It seems that I cannot go with them. That is just a risk that I am going to
have to take. Preceptor Asperia would never allow it, but this time it is for the stronghold, I must
do what is right. Hopefully I will meet Nathaniel in a public place, so that no tricky business can
go on without him risking his plans. I will just have to do with a spare dagger that I can keep
tucked into my boot.
Viva walked over to the rosewood drawer next to her kitchen. She opened it and looked
inside. It was filled with knickknacks she had collected over the years. A windup mouse, a green
rock, a paperweight and numerous other curios. She searched through the pile of things until she
found a small dagger sheathed in a leather case. She picked it up and placed it into the side of her

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left boot. It had a strap which she used to conveniently strap and secure the dagger to her boot.
She felt reassured to feel its weight against her leg. It made her feel unbalanced for a few
moments as she walked but she soon got used to it.
She pulled on windbreaker to complete the imagine and to conceal her toned and tanned
arms. She did not want Nathaniel suspicious of anything she could control. After a final sweep of
the quarter she decided that she was ready to leave. Viva left for the door and was about to turn
the knob when she stopped. She had just remembered an important fact.
What is stop anyone from entering my quarters again? How did they manage to get in, in
the first place? I had locked my door, and the knob seems to work fine. Perhaps the lock was
worked through with magic, I would not be surprised. Or perhaps a rather more mundane
approach they picked the lock. Hmm I believe I can put in place some mechanism that
prohibits that, or at least detects if the door was opened or not. I should also lock the windows, I
doubt anyone could have come in through them simply because they would have to climb the face
of the building to reach my level of the building, which would only look suspicious and catch
peoples eye. Most likely someone would have noticed and questioned what the intruder was
doing. Then again, with Nathaniels supernatural powers, who knows what he could have done.
Nevertheless I will shut and lock the doors just in case. It never hurts to be careful, except of
course when it inhibits growth or creativity. In that case risks are necessary. Aha! I have learned
that from Preceptor Asperia just the other day. I guess I fully realized it now. How pleasing.
Anyways
Viva locked her windows and set about to make a device that would block future
intruders. She settled on a net with bells and weights on the ends so that it would incapacitate
and mark the intruder whenever they came if they did not know to wait for the net to drop to the
ground before entering the quarters. The bells were meant to alert Vivas neighbors of the
intruder. She was proud of her work when she had completed, and had set it up. She opened the
door and looked at it before leaving. She then closed the door behind her.
That should just about do it. That took quite some time, about an hour. I am off schedule!
I have to work fast to catch up now! March!
Viva clamored down the stairs. She reached the streets but had to stop her running. She
had to maintain her ruse.
Remember, you are a forty year old woman, who is an algebra teacher. Aw, I am starting
to regret not finding Nathaniel first. I must walk at this infernal pace, it is irritating me. Though I
can use the time to look for Nathaniel more thoroughly and also to figure out how to get him to
tell me the truth.
Viva chose a side of the street to search for Nathaniel first. She decided to go right, that
way she did not have to go uphill again if he was not there. She continued to walk along the
sidewalk. She kept her head down so she would not be distracted looking at the faces of people
that she passed and the faces of people that passed her.
So how can I pull the truth out of him? Interrogate him as an algebra teacher?
Ridiculous, especially since he could probably snap me like a twig in two. That would especially
improbable with Miss Places sweet disposition. It would be a backwards town, a paradox. The
world would end at the impossibility of it.
Hmmmcould I threaten him? Should I say that the Vigilous was onto him and that if he
did not confess then he and Dycent would be punished perhaps with their lives? I do not know if
I can use that bluff when Dycent is vice-chief of the Vigilous. Argh, this is frustrating. I feel like
there is no real solution to this dilemma. Of course! No real solution, meaning no solution that

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would work in reality, the mundane reality that is. Luckily the anti-social geniuses known as the
Venerai know just the thing. I can just get a potion or concoction, I am not sure what it is, to
make him tell the truth at least temporarily. The only problem with that magical solution is that
once the magical component wears off, he will be furious at revealing his secrets, then again,
what is stopping him from just leaving? Once he realizes that he is compelled to tell the truth
whenever I ask him something, he can just run away. Though he probably would not, he would
probably stop me from asking him anything and then take off my wig and spectacles to see who I
was.
Well, lets see what can I do about that? That does not really matter for now, I will cross
that bridge when I get there as I have been doing so far. It has worked spectacularly, at least for
today. I await the day that it fails me, because I doubt that will ever happen. For now, I must get
that concoction.
Yes! I walked the right way! Viva had chosen to take a right when she had walked across
the street, going uphill. I am taking the shortcut way to the Vigilous building! I can go to the
Vigilous building as Miss Place undercover unlike I could when I was not disguised because I
could not risk revealing myself snooping around there, but I can with Miss Place. She is not part
of the investigation and she is coming to visit another one of her students. I will go see Mini. It
has been so long since I have seen her. That is kind of sad considering that she was my best
friend when we went to the Academy. Well no matter, I will see her soon. I will get a chance to
use and develop my network as Preceptor Asperia said to do. Hopefully Mini can bend the rules
a little for me. I think she will because she trusts me, it is for the sake of the stronghold, so I
would not consider it illegal. I can defend my intentions in court if I must.
Viva walked as fast as she could without seeming too fit for her age. She could tell when
she was overstepping it when people looked at her from across the street.
After what seemed like hours to Viva finally saw the front face of the Vigilous building
looming next to the elder quarter house. The position of the Vigilous building was by design. It
was perfectly positioned, in fact the design of the stronghold was based off of the location of the
Vigilous building. It was positioned just so, that valiant Vigilum were capable of reaching every
corner of the stronghold in a matter of hours. The elder quarter house was positioned next to the
Vigilous building because most officials in the council of elders were housed there. The quarter
houses proximity to the Vigilous building allowed members of the council of elders to list
orders and demands to the Vigilous promptly. It also guaranteed them further protection. After
all, members of the council of elders were old.
The Vigilous building was white with golden arches overhead, strong, tall, brilliant and
gleaming. It was a beacon of hope, justice and majesty. The pride of the stronghold was in its
Vigilous community.
Viva walked toward the building a little hurried now, she was excited that she saw it in
sight. She moved to fast for a woman of her age, but so far no one was noticing so she did not
mind.
I should control myself a bit though. I do not want to blow my cover this early in the
game. Only, once I know what I need to know, can I think about taking unnecessary risks.
Finally, she walked up the stone steps, and opened the door. The doorknob was polished
brass, but it felt strong and sturdy in her grasp. She was impressed by the building and its
foundation. It was durable and firm, just like the law system in the stronghold.
I wonder where Mini will be by now. I know she is the head supplies secretarys
apprentice. Now to find a map of this grand hallhmmm... ah, the receptionist is sure to know.

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 Bust writing something on a piece of parchment the quill quivering as she wrote quickly
but neatly, was an auburn haired woman with a well-defined face and a concentrated brow. She
looked to be engrossed in her task, Viva did not wish to disturb her but she needed to get things
done. It is all right, I will only ask her to do her job after all.
Ehem um, excuse me Miss, could you tell me where the office of the head supplies
secretary is? said Viva, in her normal voice. Blast! Already I blew my cover! I will have to
speak like I do in front of her all the time now. I will have to remember that, and it is only going
to make the mission even more difficult. I have to remember to never let my disguise free until I
take it off.
The woman looked up. She had strained gray eyes, probably from writing so often.
Hello. Who is asking, may I ask?
Yes, quite right. My name is Nima Place. I am here to see the head Secretary of
supplies.
Do you have an appointment?
No I am just dropping by. My former student, who is as bright as a star by the way, is
the heads apprentice. I just wanted to check and see how she was doing, you understand, to
catch up with her. See what plans and ambitions she had for the future.
The womans face softened, and her eyes warmed. Many former students of the Academy
had a soft spot for teachers because they were grateful for what they did for them in the past. It
was apparent that the woman had kind teachers when she went to the Academy when she was a
child because of the way her face she lit up when she heard that Nima Place was a teacher.
It is not exactly policy to let you do so, but it cant lead to much harm could it? Sure, it
is the 19th floor. I admire that you come to see your students time and again. You must be very
dedicated to your students then, well I wont stop you go ahead. The elevator is down that
pathway and the right. She said pointing to the hallway next to the door.
Oh thank you, dear. You are too kind. Viva said, as she turned away and walked to the
hall way. She walked through it and took a right just as the receptionist said to. Sure enough, the
elevator was situated next to the stair case. How convenient. If were to go to the staircase
because I could not find the elevator, I would then find it as I reach the staircase.
Viva turned the knob to activate the elevator. It came floating down the elevator shaft
lightly within a matter of seconds. The light purple flames characteristic of the magic the Venerai
performed licked the edges of the elevator. She opened the caged door and stepped into it,
closing the cage as she went by. The buttons were metallic and golden, unlike the usual wooden
found in conventional buildings. She clicked the button that lead to the 19th floor. Well this is not
the safest elevator ever with those flaming edges, but it is not dangerous either. They cannot
burn anything. I think Well at least I have never seen it burn anything. Now I am curious I
have to check.
Viva bent down and examined the flames. There were luminescent and appealing. It
certainly looks beautiful.
She ran her hand quickly through it, in case it actually could burn her. It did not. Then
again, even if it was hot, it would not burn the way I passed my hand so quickly through it. I will
just slowly place my hand to it and see if it emanates any warmth.
She slowly inched her hands to the flames. She did not feel any warmth. Strangely, the
closer her hand came to the flame her fingers began to tingle with cool touch. The flames were
actually icy cold!

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 Wow! What a turn of fate! Cold fire! That is a new trick I have not seen! Well actually I
did see it before. It is just I did not know that before. Well that is magic for you. I wonder what
I would be like to have the abilities of the Venerai Suddenly I am feeling envious of Nero for
his natural abilities, he can do this without even being taught it, he just knows somehow.
Ting! The elevator had reached the 19th floor. Hm, that was fast. She opened the cage
door, and stepped onto the 19th floor. The floor was cold and white, made out of some kind of
stone not marble, which was unrecognizable to Viva. It made noises whenever anyone walked on
it.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Sounded the shoes of people passing by in the hallway, and of Viva
walking along. I dont like this. I cant move soundlessly as I am used to. Perhaps that is the
purpose of this floor, to make sure that if someone is coming you know that they are.
Now where is that pesky office? I wonder where the head officer of supplies could be.
Mini is no doubt going to be there if she is not ill, even if she is ill, I am fairly certain that she
would still come to work. Anyways she can get me the things I need, and just as important she
can tell me the things I need. Right now, all I have is intentions, get the truth from Nathaniel.
Mini can connect me with the things I need to force him to give it to me. Networking has never
been so important in my life.
Viva wandered around through the floor. She eventually reached a sign with directions. It
said to take a left to go to the bathroom or kitchen, and to take a right in order to go to the offices
1901-1999.
Obviously the office of supplies will be somewhere between or at 1901 and 1999, if of
course the receptionist was not lying. I do not think she was, she seemed genuinely pleased to
hear that I am a teacher. And she seemed to really be doing me a favor, so I will go ahead and
look. Oh never mind. Here we are, another nifty sign.
Viva was thinking about the sign further along the hallway leads to the offices that she
had just found. Inscribed in its wood were the names of the officials holding offices on the floor
and next to them, their office numbers.
Lets see the name of the high officer of supplies iscurses, I wish they also listed the
name of their apprentices. It starts with an H, I know that, Mini told it to me numerous times
before. Well lets just check the Hs on this sign
Horace, Huy, Hugh, Hena. Ah, yes Hena! She is the one. She is a nice lady, at least she
was last time I saw her, who knows if she changed or not. I have seen others change their
dispositions in even less time anyways, room 1966.
Viva walked through the hallway until she reached 1966, the sign read Hena
Mothwings: High officer of Supplies. The door was slightly ajar.
Viva knocked on the door regardless.
Come in, said a voice sweetly. Nope, she is still nice.
Viva walked into the office. Hena Mothwings looked up to see who had come. She was
going through sheets of parchment, signing orders for certain supplies. She looked to be about
60, with white hair, that was probably blonde when she was younger. She had hazel eyes, and
long nose.
Hello, my name is Nima Place, I am here to visit my former student Mini Leona. I hear
that she is an apprentice of this office, your apprentice I believe, Viva said. Trying to sound as
convincing a Miss Place that she could.

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 Oh, yes. Mini was here just a moment ago. She went to the 4th floor. She is there
collecting a few legal papers from some of my associates. You are welcome to stay here until she
comes back if you like.
Oh, I appreciate the offer, but I will have to pass. I came just to stop buy. I will go down
there and say hello and be off. But thank you, though. It was nice meeting you.
Ah, yes. The same to you. Good bye, Miss Place.
Yes, good bye.
Viva turned around and went out the door. She made sure to leave it as open as it was
when she came in.
This is better. I can speak to Mini privately without being suspicious. I will just go to the
th
4 floor and find her.
Viva walked to the elevator and rode it down the 4th floor. The layout of the floor was
very similar to that of the 19th. The only major differences were the furniture, color scheme and
patterns of the walls and floor.
Viva was just about to wander the floor when she saw Mini walking to the elevator, a
stack of parchment in her arms. She carried them gently, as if they could tear at the slightest
misstep. She was as graceful and cautious in her steps as she always was.
Wow, Mini has not changed one bit. She is still the good old, best friend I always knew.
As Mini got closer to the elevator, she noticed Viva. She had brunette hair, and a pretty
face. She was tall for a woman, towering over most men. Her legs and arms were skinny and
pale, but that did not take away from her beauty.
Miss Place! What are you doing here? It is such a surprise seeing you in this building.
On this floor while I was on it, what a coincidence! I hope you are only here to report a minor
infraction, like a litter dump or something. I would hate to hear that something unfortunate
happened to you, she said. Her voice concerned and sweet at the same time.
Oh please, Mini, you dont recognize me? said Viva grinning jokingly, taking off her
spectacles. She was revealing herself in public. Oh, I should have been more careful about that.
Luckily no one was there to see it.
Viva! Is that you? Why are you dressed up as Miss Place?
Viva put back the spectacles. I will tell you, but we have to go someplace quiet. Can you
do that for me?
Mini looked at her stack of parchment, guiltily. She was very dutiful and responsible. She
did only what her job dictated and never strayed from the lines.
Yes I believe so; I can deliver these documents to Preceptor Mothwings in a little while.
We can talk briefly.
Perfect, lets go!
Sure, follow me.

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