I stood upon a small stone platform, looking down at the gathered humans. Loresse informed me that they didn't know my intentions. Jallen and the rest would play it by ear, as I made my pitch. It seemed the five of them kept it a secret, lest their suspicions cause discourse among the people. As the last of them wandered into the courtyard of the watch tower, confusion at both my presence and Loresse’s presence next to me was obvious. She promised to explain in greater detail the complexities of the dwarven sovereignty, but that conversation would have to wait for later. 18 men and 58 women; I’m sure I can get most of them to kneel, but not all unfortunately. It was a start, at least.

  I found Talis and Lira amongst the crowd giving me relieved yet concerned glances. Now, how do I start this?

  Lira made her way to the front of the crowd to join Cassia, Devon, Silica and Jallen, Ben following close behind. “What’s Going on.” Lira asked.

  It was a common question amongst the people.

  “Moon has a proposal he would like us to hear,” Jallen responded. “What kind of proposal?” Ben asked with suspicion.

  “It's best that it comes from his mouth. The only thing I ask is that you keep an open mind,” Cassia answered.

  I let the confusion build before I raised a hand for silence. Eventually the crowd quieted down, and I had everyone’s attention. Ben was interrogating Cassia and the rest, but they weren’t giving him any solid answers.

  “Greetings all.”

  “What's going on Moon?” Ben demanded.

  I ignored him and continued to speak. “You are confused as to why you were sent away and why I am now standing before you. That is because I am filled with a purpose that I must pursue.”

  “What are ye looking to pursue?” someone in front of the audience yelled.

  “Something new, something daring. When I first landed upon these shores I had seen much suffering. People starving, living in squalor, and persecuted by an unjust system. It isn't the first time I have seen such suffering. Yet one day a man and his family offered me assistance at risk of their own safety not knowing the depth of my power. They were kind, opening their home and hearth to me, asking for nothing.”

  My audience grew quite as they latched onto the tale I was spinning.

  “Moriah, known to the world as a backwater in the middle of the Yruga had more to it than I ever realized. Beautiful beaches, fertile ground and even with the depravity of its king, still, there were good and honest people.”

  I took a deep breath, examining my audience as they were absorbed into the spell I was weaving and continued, “Then I found you, the remnants of the failed rebellion. I have heard your tales of suffering. The lost loved ones, the violations you have endured. Yet you shared what little you had with me. It was a warmth I have not felt since the death of my dear apprentice. The cruelty of life did not harden your heart to simple kindness.”

  I paused as if I felt some deep sadness but in truth the pain of Benny's death was long gone.

  “I have great power, some of the strongest in the world. The miracles I have performed here is but a prelude to what can be done on a larger scale. Many have tried to buy my abilities with gold, magic, knowledge, position, or women. None of these moved me.”

  “Now I am at a crossroads with my life. Do I move on to serve another king, another duchess, another baron, another despot who sees nothing more than their own glory reflected in my eyes? Or do I do something else. Instead of destroying on the behalf of others. Perhaps it is time I create,”

  “What are you going to make?” Ben asked. I saw heads nodding at his question.

  “A kingdom of his own,” Lira said, in a whisper but it carried through the entire crowd.

  “Yes, Lira. This land is rich in resources and with the right leadership, could become the envy of the world. I choose this path not for my own glory, but for the people. The pea plant you all cherish can be spread across the land. Can you imagine a world where no child of Moriah will ever be hungry? Can you imagine a Moriah where no one has to fear pirates, thieves, corrupt lords, and depraved kings? Where the streets and seas are safe. Where anyone, so long as they are willing to work, will be paid a fair wage to feed and house their family.”

  I stood quiet for a few more seconds as they whispered amongst themselves. Some looked at me with fear, others hope, but most were skeptical.

  “In truth I can't imagine this, Moriah. Moriah is a kingdom of stagnation, ruled by incompetence and corruption. Moriah as it is can never be a place of peace, prosperity, and safety. Moriah will never become that which can give these children hope for the future” the faces of hope dimmed as I intended. Now to raise them again.

  “Moriah may be forever lost, but there is hope. No matter how deep the night the sun will rise to drive away the darkness. Moriah may be lost but, in its place, Solaria can rise,” Gasps echoed through the crowd at the implication of my words.

  “I have seen the potential of these lands, and its people. They cry out for salvation, for justice, for a new beginning. Too long has it gone unanswered. No one with either the power or will has taken up the call. It falls to me to carry this burden,”

  “You want to be a king. An elf king in a kingdom of humans?” Stefen, one of Devon’s men asked in disbelief.

  “Yes, I must, and I will,”

  “I ain’t bowing to no elf,” he said, followed by the affirmations of a few other people.

  “No one else has the power or will to see this through. No one else was willing to offer assistance when you needed it most. Not any human, noble or merchant and not even most of the army. None rose to your cause. It is an elf in this vast world who saw this island, its people and realized that it is worth saving. You say you will not bow to an elf. Who then will take up the cause? Who else will stumble into this camp with the power and will to see this land change for the better,”

  That cowed him a bit, as he had no answer. Jallen and the rest remained quite unwilling to influence the proceedings. Lira spoke up next.

  “What are we to you then? And what do you want from us,”

  I gave her a warm smile, “You would be the first Solarians. I want you to become whatever you wish to be, as my loyal subjects. I intend to take up arms against the King and his ilk. To bring them to justice. For that I need loyal soldiers. Should you choose to join my army, I have both the skill, knowledge, and coin to turn any of you, man, or woman, young or old, sick, or feeble, into the greatest fighting force this world has ever known.”

  “Why not just fly there on your beast and take the capitol. Why should we risk our lives again.” Dariah, one of the seamstresses of the camp shouted.

  “I can do that. Fly Baelathor to the city, burn it to the ground, killing tens of thousands in wyvern fire. Force them to kneel under the threat of fire and blood. Is that what you want? Is that what these lands need.” She went quiet, shaking her head.

  “It is a hard thing to ask of you to take up arms again. But remember my power, you will not be fighting alone in the dark. Everything the sun touches is within my power. You will not ride into battle with broken weapons and armor. You will be armored with enchanted steel and protected with the magic of the Lightbearer himself, the greatest light mage this world has ever known.”

  I flicked an eye to Lira, catching her attention, “Even more so, should some among you prove to be truly loyal to me, truly dedicated in making Solaria into something worth protecting. Then you prove yourself to be worthy of being granted the title of Solar Knight and you would receive a wyvern to call your own. Answerable only to me and my laws. The Solar Knights will be the most prestigious, well-armed, armored, and trained order of knights in the world.”

  A ripple went through the audience while I held Lira’s eyes. Soon enough, her expression turned to shock as she realized I was referring to her. She slowly nodded and my smile widened.

  “Those who are willing to take part in the future that I will build. To become a part of a new Kingdom, one of peace, justice, and plenty. One that allows you and your children to prosper. Step forward and take a knee.”

  There was no movement for a second before Lira walked forward, child in hand. Her husband tried to stop her, but she was determined. Then Cassia, Devon, Jallen, and Silica stepped forward, joining Lira. Ben gave me a sneer before he walked forward to join his wife. There was a heated conversation happening between them. Loresse left the platform and joined the rest, taking a knee. One by one people joined, including Talis the tall woman, all of the elderly women, all the unattached women and their children.

  I smiled inwardly as two thirds of the people took a knee before me. Six men stood apart refusing to kneel. Unfortunate, since they looked rather strong bodied but no great loss really. Among those standing apart with them were 15 women who looked on at the kneeling people with an odd combination of contempt and worry. A few of the women looked between the kneeling people and the men then sprinted forward to join the kneeling crowd. Once I was sure all those who were willing but hesitant made their choice, I spoke.

  “I thank you for your show of loyalty. You took a risk to trust someone who you barely know. To acknowledge your wise choice, I give you all the title of First Citizens. With this title you will gain a commission of gelding. Lands to call your own, for you, and your children to hold in perpetuity. You all are the first and only people who will ever hold the title of first citizens, no other noble title will carry more respect. With this title comes privilege. If you wish to pursue the sword then the crown will provide the means to armor and train you. If you wish to become an artist, then the crown will provide the coins for instructors. Should you choose business, then the crown will provide the most lucrative contracts to ensure your success. Your destiny is now in your hands, you now have the opportunity to make your mark in the world. Taking the throne will be bloody, many corrupt merchants and lords will have to be brought down, and their lands seized. Who else but my first citizens would I trust to assume those noble titles,”

  “Now you have heard my words, heard my goals. Now I ask you. Am I your king?”

  “Yes.” Lira shouted followed by a chorus of other more boisterous shouts.

  “Will you follow me towards greatness?” The cries of affirmation continued, and they sprung to their feet with cheers. I managed to catch the rest who didn’t kneel slip away from the camp. They will have to be taken care of.

  “Then I declare the establishment of the Kingdom of Solaria. This old ruin, I claim as the first of my lands. You, as of this moment, are now my loyal and beloved subjects. My first Citizens, the first Solarians.”

  I began casting Radiant orb. There was no fear since I had done it many times. After I released the spell, my subjects basked in the healing light. Cheering and hugging one another. Half the fighting men were gone, and I was left with mostly young and old women and quite a few children. But it was a start. After the cheers died down and the spell faded, I continued.

  “Now it is time for appointments. Jallen forward.” With smiles, some of the women push Jallen forward. Taking a knee, he looked me in the eye.

  “You have led these people well given all the extenuating circumstances. I can see no other worthy of the title of Vice Regent. In this roll you will be privy to my plans and offer advice for both the welfare and success of Solaria and its people. If I am ever absent or incapacitated, it will be your duty to lead them in my stead. Do you accept,”

  “Yes, it would be my honor,” There was some rapturous applause. I let it die before I spoke again.

  “Vice Regent Jallen, rise and join me. By my power I grant you the rank of lord, choose a family name since both you and your descendants will forever be a member of my nobility.” His eyes widened and he bowed even deeper.

  “I will do my utmost to fulfill the duties you have set forth your majesty.” He said, then rose and climbed the stone platform to stand at my right hand.

  “Devon, forward.” The middle-aged man walked forward and kneeled.

  “I can see in you the ability to lead men and women. But I also see honor and goodness within you even though your heart is filled with grief. You are a man who can lead our soldiers, to forge our fighters into a true army, not a band of marauders. You will be responsible for the entirety of my army, its upkeep, discipline, training, and battle plans. I King Solaris the First grant you the title of First General. Do you accept?”

  The man met my eyes for long moments, still filled with doubts, “I accept your majesty. And will perform my duties with the upmost dedication.” more applause from the audience resounded.

  “Rise and Join me.”

  Excited whispered echoed through the ground,

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  “Were going to be nobles?”

  “But we’re peasants?”

  “Devons a good choice,”

  “Who are we to argue with the Lightbearer?”

  “I want to be a solar knight, can you imagine having your own wyvern?” a young boy whispered.

  “As First Citizens, I wonder how much coin we will get. Did Jallen know about this?”

  Men and women went back and forth. Excitement, fear, and every combination of emotion was present in the crowd.

  “Cassia forward,” Her collective of old women smiled at her and eagerly pushed her forward.

  She took a pained knee.

  “It is not only the sword that will secure my kingdom, but magic as well. But this is not limited to killing. Magic can be used to build, to protect, and to enhance the lives of every citizen. In my kingdom I will need someone who understands magic, its dangers, and its potential. To train and nurture new magicians and enchanters that are found. I King Solaris the First grant you the title of Arch Magus. Do you accept.”

  “I accept, this great honor, your majesty,” This time I left the platform and stood directly in front of her. She looked up at me and I offered her my hand. There was growing anticipation of what I was going to do. Once she grabbed my hand I began to work. “Close your eyes,” I commanded.

  She probably had a few months to live. Cancer in her liver, failing kidneys, a massive amount of bone loss. I slowly healed her body, regrowing atrophied muscles, clearing away the cancer cells, even thickening her thinning hair. After another minute her yellowed skin began to take on a healthy pink. I prompted her body to produce more collagen and tightened her skin. I cleared away liver spots, discoloration, unsightly veins and much of the damage from prolonged exposure to the sun. After nearly five minutes she looked like she had reversed in age by about 20 years. At best most would say she was around 50. Then I filled her with living ether almost to the point where she would break through but stopped just short.

  Suffice to say the audience witnessing her transformation was shocked beyond belief. No words were uttered.

  “Now open your eyes.”

  She gasped and looked around, “I can see clearly!” she exclaimed.

  “I don’t feel any pain, Is this living ether? It’s like there is a warm fire within me.” she whispered mostly to herself. I smiled mostly at the reactions from the crowd. A messiah has to perform miracles after all.

  “This is but the beginning, as I have said, all who serve me will have access to my abilities. Especially my first citizens.”

  Fortunately, I still had my carrying case, so I took out the water amplifier, “This is now yours. I will teach you every water spell I know and eventually air and shadow. Now rise Arch Magus Cassia and join me.”

  She stood expecting pain but felt nothing. Nodding numbly, she followed me back to the stage, holding the amplifier like a child.

  “As I have stated I will form an Order of knights above all others. There are three amongst you who I believe can carry both the burden and has shown themselves to be truly loyal.” Excited whispers echoed through the audience mostly discussing who the Solar Knights would be.

  “Silica forward,” She smirked and walked forward, already knowing that I would do this and took a knee.

  “You have demonstrated both intelligence, caution, and the boldness needed to become a part of the most noble order of knights in the world. Your past means nothing, only the future matters. I see within you, the potential for greatness. The circumstances of your life molded you into the person you are today. But now you have the opportunity to forge a future for yourself. To be the person you wish to be. As my solar knight you will have my full trust and access to my abilities. The best education, training, and equipment I can either purchase or enchant. But this comes at a price. Will you swear to me and only me? To uphold my laws and obey my commands above all others.”

  “I swear it, your Majesty,”

  “Rise Silica and take your place at my side as a Solar Knight. A title you will hold forever, a title that will soon resonate throughout the world.”

  She grinned and joined me on the stage.

  “Loresse forward,” She walked forward and took a knee.

  “Loresse, you have already sworn your oaths and forsaken the ones to your dwarven king. And act that would see you killed if ever you were to return to dwarven lands, who can argue that she is not loyal. Who can argue that she is not dedicated to the future of Solaria. So, I need not ask, simply rise, and join your fellow Solar knight.”

  Loresse chuckled and went up on stage.

  “Lira Forward,” That sent a ripple of confusion through the crowd. Not surprising, since Lira wasn’t skilled in combat in any respect, nor did she have any skills to speak of. But that is precisely why, she was excellent propaganda. Not to mention her odd fanaticism towards me.

  “No, I don't agree with this,” Ben said to her.

  “But I want to do this Ben, I can help make a better world for our daughter. Actually, do something,”

  “You’re not a warrior; this isn’t your place.”

  I let the back and forth go on for a moment before I interjected, “Why do you disagree Ben,”

  “As I said, Moon, your majesty. She is not a warrior. She has a child. This isn't her place. Loresse and Silica are understandable, but not my wife.”

  I stared down at him, my face cold, “Is that all you see in Lira, nothing else?” He said nothing.

  I shook my head, “What do you think Lira?”

  Her eyes flicked between her husband and me, “He’s right I’m not a warrior I’ve never even swung a sword.” Ben looked at me as if he had won something.

  “You're wrong Lira, you do not see it, but I do. You have the ability to change the world. To secure a future for yourself and little Benny. You think you are just a peasant. There is limitless potential. Do not let fear hold you back. There is a bright future in front of you. All you have to do is reach out and grab it. Greatness is available to everyone here. Some people work hard to achieve greatness, some people are born great, and others have greatness handed to them. The only thing I can do is increase your speed along this path. It is up to you to take the first step.”

  She looked at her husband, then me, then to the other young women watching her make her decision. Seconds passed as she struggled. “I do this for Benny,” she whispered, then in a split second she held her child close and sprinted to the stage unable to meet her husband's gaze, which was enough for me, no need for more pageantry.

  The fool should have encouraged her instead of sticking to his guns. I'll have to keep a close eye on him. Perhaps an accident needs to be arranged. The women clapped as Lira made her way to the stage. While Ben seethed, he couldn't really do anything. Most of the people here were women and they needed a role model. Lira was perfect, in that she was unimpressive in every way. If she could become great, then they could as well.

  “In the coming days I will speak with each of you individually, to learn your talents, skills, your dreams, and aspirations. For now, let us celebrate the establishment of A new Kingdom and a new Future.” I said, raising my staff.

  Loresse with a booming voice shouted, “All Hail King Solaris.” Soon enough the crowd picked up the shout. Everyone kept shouting ‘All Hail King Solaris’ over and over. It was better than music, laughter, or even a woman’s moans. It was truly the greatest thing I had ever heard. The only thing left in my mind was how it would sound with fifty thousand voices instead of fifty.

  The Next Morning.

  I spent most of the rest of the day speaking to every one of my subjects, eating and drinking the delicacies that I had brought and giving them positions and tasks to complete. Also imparting to them a gift of living ether once the conversation ended. Now there were people assigned to manage the garden, children cleaning and cooking. I’ve even selected a few young women to begin training as medicants. It’s simplistic and archaic but it was a start. Five older women assigned to cleaning and preparing food. I would train four young women to become mendicants. Two were assigned as my personal assistants and the rest who weren't in the fighting force was assigned general tasks. The children were mostly put to the task of picking and shelling peas.

  “So, this is our army,” I said to Devon. In front of us stood 30 people. 6 men and 24 women including Lira and surprisingly her husband. They had an argument that lasted throughout the night. He was mostly concerned about her safety, and she was filled with dreams of becoming something her daughter would be proud of and securing a future for their family through me. Some of the women were older, around 40, but had volunteered regardless.

  “I still don't see how this would work. We don't have the equipment to train them even then it's mostly women. They would never match a proper army.” Devon stated.

  “Perhaps, but look at it a different way, how much can you train a soldier before they suffer from the effects of over training?”

  “A few hours a day in the beginning with proper rest to recover, more as the body adjusts. Too much training and you risk injury.” I nodded,

  “Indeed, however factor in my healing ability, you have already seen the extent of its potential.”

  He shook his head, “Let’s say you can drill them for an entire day. And they can recover to do it again. They still won’t match men.”

  “Incorrect, they won’t match men of equal training and equipment. But how many men in the kings army have a thousand hours of training under their belt. How many men wear enchanted armor.” I asked.

  “Damn few,”

  “10 hours of training a day with my healing abilities to accelerate recovery. Let’s say seven days a week and one for rest over three months. How many hours of training would that be?”

  It took him a few minutes to do the math in his head, “Around 800 hours of training. But at that pace you would face injur…..” he paused then continued.

  “I see, with your healing, injuries wouldn’t matter, I drill them till they drop, and you can just heal them up to full health.”

  I grinned, “Now, you have felt the restorative effects of the radiant orb. What if they were drilling under the light for an entire day.”

  “You say it helps recover stamina….. My word if this works how you say then these women could become something dangerous.”

  “Now add in enchanted weapons, armor, and my magical support. What then.”

  He paused and he finally realized the potential power of such an army.

  I chuckled, “Age, sex, it doesn’t matter, I can make them great. But I need you to drill them properly. I can draw up an exercise and eating plan for you since I’ve already implemented and documented its efficacy on both men and women,”

  He looked inspired, “We need food, lots of meat and beans, for them to grow strong. But you already know this.”

  I nodded, “I can arrange the shipment; it will take a few weeks to arrive, and it will be expensive. But I can make it happen. I also plan to expand the garden, and with supplies from Vandalia; it be enough to sustain us for some time.”

  “All I need to do then is teach them to march, fight with a sword and proper military discipline. I can do it.” Devon licked his lips thinking about the possibilities; turning it over in his head until calm determination spread over his face. “Very well then, your majesty I’ll begin with this plan. And I assure you when you are ready to march you will have some of the finest soldiers under your command.”

  20 minutes later 20 radiant orbs were cast along the beach. In a straight line the men and women were running under the restorative light. Even with the light and the increase to stamina regeneration it offered many of the older women struggled. But they all were determined to complete the drill. I gave Lira an affirming nod, she was dripping with sweat and looked like she was about to pass out but kept going. Forcing herself to keep up with the stronger men.

  ~

  “You’re leaving?” Lira asked,

  I was standing on the beach with my inner circle as I had come to call them. Cassia who looked drained from spending most of the day practicing magic. Devon who looked like he had one foot in the grave since he joined the men and women in their drills. And finally, Jallen, who looked worried since he would be tasked to keep everything on track until I returned.

  “It shouldn't be more than two days, I have a good connection with Duchess Shorecast and can arrange a shipment of much needed supplies,”

  “We don't know how long those who left would take to reach civilization and if they are captured, we could be in danger,” Cassia said.

  “Indeed, that is why I’m rushing to make sure everyone can defend themselves, if need be, remember I can’t be everywhere at once,” Everyone nodded but Silica and Loresse were eyeing me.

  The ones who refused to kneel left, saying that they wouldn't kneel to an elf. Bigotry made little sense, but I couldn't just outwardly kill them. At least not in the open.

  “How’s your magic coming along Cassia?” I asked.

  “It's getting better, I could do without the constant hunger though,” she said.

  “Your body is using the living ether to heal itself; this requires food. This should be resolved once I get proper supplies from Vendalia and even better, the wyverns. Can you defend them if the need arises.”

  Cassia nodded, “Yes, I grow stronger by the hour though I'm still rather weak when compared to an average mage. Your. My, amplifier helps considerably.”

  “Lira, how is your training?” I asked.

  “It’s torture, but I enjoy it. I’m definitely the best woman but I can’t compare to the men.” she complained. “Yet” she added.

  I had filled her with living ether the day before to aid in her training and growth. She needed to be the best and she was determined.

  “Silica, Loresse have you tracked them down, how long until they reach a village?” I asked,

  “A few days,” Loresse answered.

  I nodded. “Ok then, I leave in the morning. Jallen, you will be responsible for maintaining the camp while I’m gone, Devon keep up the physical conditioning. We’ll move on to weapons training once we have the equipment. At that point we can increase the intensity even further,”

  “Oh, and Lira keep an ear to the ground for anyone else you think has potential,” I reminded her. I would need more Solar knights after all.

  “Loresse. I want you to find any birds around the island you think would be suitable for a mount, you already know what Noire was like. The rest of you come up with 5 people to receive them, including yourselves, and one for me preferably a darker color. So, nine in total. Have it done by the time I return.”

  “Yes, your majesty,” they said in unison. They were getting better at that. I'm never going to get tired of hearing it.

  “Any concerns?” I asked,

  “Food, we need more, but that problem will solve itself. Some of the men are acting like fools since the women started training with them. How far should I go with punishments,” Devon asked.

  “They are professional soldiers, not a band of thugs. They will be my right hand, carrying my banners, and fighting in my name. I will not tolerate my flag being sullied by fools. You must bring them under control and mold them into a proper army. Use any means necessary, remember I can heal almost anything. You have to break them and remold them until my word becomes absolute. Anyone who violates the standards I set forth should suffer severe punishment. How they act reflects upon you as their general and more importantly on me.”

  Devon nodded, “I understand your meaning, I promise that they will be the finest men Mori… Solaria has ever seen.”

  “See it done,” Promises mean nothing to me, only results matter.

  “We need proper laws, something basic to give the people some guidance,” Jallen said.

  “I'm already working on it. It should be done within a week,” I said.

  “Most can’t read or write. We need to solve this problem.” Loresse said.

  I nodded, “Cassia can you fit in basic lessons when working with the growers.”

  She shrugged, “Yes, in fact I can start teaching everyone nightly.”

  Devon added, “I’ll add reading and writing as a part of the training. Perhaps we should add those supplies to the list. At the very least I can start with letters and numbers.”

  “Anything else,” None responded, “Very good everyone, you’re dismissed. Loresse, Silica remain,” the rest bowed and the beach.

  They knew the problem before I even brought it up, “Those people are going to be a problem if they talk or get captured. It could pose a problem with our preparation.” Silica said. Loresse nodded.

  I brought out my map, “Where were they headed?”

  “This village, following that valley. It shouldn't take them more than a few days,”

  “As my Solar Knights, what do you suggest,”

  “They need to be eliminated,” Loresse said as if it was no big deal.

  Silica sighed, “Yes, they were always the most hostile to you. They’ll talk, and it could put the rest in danger,”

  “Suggestions?” I already made my decision, but I wanted to see if they too would mirror my thoughts.

  “Well, you're leaving in the morning, one pass over with Baelathor and the threat is gone, but I’m sure you already knew this. Your testing us.” Silica said, sounding morose but resolved.

  “Yes, I am. Sometimes you need to do what is necessary. You’re no longer a part of the rebellion or the sovereignty. You are Solarians, my Solar Knights. When you have your own wyverns, tasks like this will fall to you. If you cannot bear the burden of this then say your peace. I will allow you to walk away only once.” No one said anything.

  “What of Lira?” Loresse asked.

  “It will take time to mold her but soon enough she will be a part of these discussions. Now I need to meditate and consider my plans. continue to look for anyone who is showing signs of dissension or disloyalty. Dismissed.” They both bowed and left. I sat down on the beach, closed my eyes and sunk into meditation. Thinking of plans within plans and even more plans.

  ~

  The next day I was flying high in the sky early in the morning, following the path Loresse had drawn to the village. It took hours but I found them walking along a narrow ridgeline. I gave no warning. The moment I spotted the fifteen people, Baelathor dove; they had little time to react as Baelathor bathed the entire ridgeline in an ocean of fire, burning everyone to ash and bone. They didn’t even have time to scream. Without a second thought I pointed Baelathor east towards Vendalia.