Arden stared at the spot where Rena, Accalia and Ana once stood. The cell was marked with various notches carved deep into the floor in the exact pattern of a teleportation circle. She surmised the formula only allowed for one point of entry and if she used this circle it could lead to her doom. A smell wafted to her and she recognized it to be blood. Arden slowly kneeled to check a section of the wrist bindings chained to the wall. Attached haphazardly was a single hand with the signet of the Council, a ring with a tower rising across the band surrounded by a small circle. She brushed her hair behind her ear and reached for it. Warmth greeted her as the soft skin met hers, blood seeping from a section of the wrist. Without a second thought she rested the member onto the ground and pulled a section of chalk from a small pouch that revealed itself as her hand traveled to it. After a few moments of quick and precise drawing, she focused onto the hand.

  Magic flowed all around her as the incantation finished and flowed from her hands and into the limb. A few moments later and her vision was thrust into the heavens above, the clouds soaring by. The Citadel suddenly flashed by her in a blur as she descended deep into the earth, the stonework shifting and crashing against each other as she ventured into the bowels of the Lower Sector. Even through the thick haze of her spell, she glimpsed the dark atmosphere and she held her breath instinctively. Another instant passed before she found the target. The figure held a hand over the dismembered hand and magic danced along the stub. Excruciating care was taken to reconstruct the hand and she heard a pair of footsteps approach.

  "Let me help." Arden felt her heart sink as the voice of Rena sounded close. A glance was shared but the woman continued their task. Her eyes danced all over Rena's face and felt tears cascade from her cheeks as she remembered the expression of concern from her. The Lower Sector demanded great care while traversing the dark domain and Rena was correct in wearing the Blessed Star's mask.

  "No. Already we are being watched. They will use whatever means necessary to ensure we are found quickly, for we bear two gifts. Justicar and secrets are not to be lightly stolen." A flash of light blinded her for a moment as the spell completed and an exact replica of her hand clenched into a fist. Accalia shook for a moment as the next few words escaped her in evident frustration. "Were I to inherit the Eternal Throne, this conflict would be over. I would command all to bow to me and ensure everyone's equality!"

  Accalia then had focused on Rena, who seemed aloof. She continued, "You will be branded a traitor. Eisener's secrets and Ernald will be brought to the enemy, the ones you fought so valiantly against."

  "I know the consequences well." Arden sensed the despair in Rena's voice and felt her teeth bare.

  "Then we should make haste. Ana will waste away and so will he." As Accalia uttered the phrase the vision vanished. Arden remained in the cell for a few moments before she adjusted the straps to both her shortsword and Solstice.

  She strode from the room and into the hallway. A voice from behind caused her to leap out of her skin. "You have seen something you shouldn't have, yes?"

  Gavilis greeted her with a wave as she turned about. His dark hair and piercing emerald eyes focused intensely on her for an instant. The Grandmaster, though young in his appearance, seemed relaxed despite what had occurred. He crossed his arms impatiently and addressed her formally. "Lady Mortem, did you witness their escape?"

  "Yes. Accalia used a translocation spell in the cell and was able to take both of our charges." Arden felt a wave of unease take her once the news struck Gavilis. His right eye twitched and he stepped into the cell. He took a few moments to gather the severed hand and what remained of the chains.

  "Then we've no choice but to wage war." He stated. She turned away from him and shook her head. "I take it you used one of the more illegal methods to see them."

  "Mother will be furious." Arden sighed.

  "We must alert the Sanguine Overlord at once." Gavilis said and his right arm danced eloquently through the air, intricate runes shone with a flair of white light. The spell finalized as he pressed his index finger forward, his mouth inaudibly gestured the phrase, "Sanguine Overlord, I bear grave news. Accalia has escaped with Rena and Ana. I will elaborate momentarily."

  Arden watched him nod slowly as they departed from the cell door. It automatically shut and a click resounded through the barren corridor as they continued. Their momentary silence was broken only from lift which roared to life and slowly descended to them. She nervously began to fidget and look about.

  "What will we tell her?" Arden asked.

  "You will tell her all you've seen or she will view the memory directly." Gavilis replied and entered in the command for the Sanguine Overlord's floor. They began the ascent.

  "War..." The word left her lips and she shifted away from Gavilis.

  "War is a terrible thing but we have little choice." He remarked. "Rena and Ana together bear some of our close guarded secrets. A Justicar has never changed sides..."

  His voice carried disappointment and bewilderment, his shoulders lowered as he seemed to lower his guard for only an instant.

  "She was trained by Stolzer. It is a shame his legacy will be tarnished." Arden quickly added. "She is and was an excellent agent."

  "Traitors will need to be destroyed. Justicar who defect are to be hunted by their immediate master...or their partner." Gavilis finally turned his head to meet Arden's gaze as he finished. The doors to the lift opened and he stepped through without another word. She kept pace with him and shared in his woe before the massive doors of the Sanguine Overlord's chambers. The living room beckoned to them beyond the threshold but they solemnly took solace in each other's presence. She knew Gavilis would never wish this task on anyone, let alone the heir to the Eternal Throne.

  "It is a task you must focus on with every fiber of your being, Arden. Even if she were to be returned to us alive. Justicar who sway must be culled." Gavilis remained firm. "Any who betray the Eternal Throne are executed. It is the Justicar Way and an oath you swear upon donning the Blessed Star of Sanctuary."

  Arden entered the Sanguine Overlord's chambers and a familiar scent of her mother's tea filled her nostrils. She released a sigh as she took her usual place across from her mother. Ovelia arrived in her usual manner: the Blessed Star activated over her clothes, her shining lapis lazuli eyes drank in her surroundings hastily. Her blonde hair had been tied back in its tight bun and she poured a few teacups to the brim. Ovelia slowly wandered over to them with the tray full of cups and biscuits.

  "It has been some time since I had the pleasure of both the Justicar Overlord and Grandmaster in the same place." Ovelia spoke in a stiff and formal manner. Arden took note of her leveled shoulders and the slight quiver of her eye. Her mother began most meetings annoyed recently.

  "Yes, it has, my Overlord." Gavilis added a slight bow as he sipped his tea. Despite apparent thirst he rested the cup onto the tray before enjoying a bite of a biscuit.

  "Tell me what you provide." Ovelia demanded. She focused her gaze to meet hers with inquisitive intent, the deep roaring ocean contained within her corneas boiled with faint fury. "I have provided."

  "Accalia has escaped with Rena and Ana. She called to them with magic and in her disturbed state of mind, Rena dragged them both." Gavilis stepped in to shield Arden from her wrath. He exchanged glances with her subtly.

  "Then it is as I feared. I cannot order you anywhere while a rogue Justicar is loose. They must be culled." As the last words left her lips, Ovelia nearly shook as anger gripped her. "Rena...what could have driven you to such a thing?”

  “She was trapped for quite some time in the Soul Cube.” Gavilis reminded her and continued while Ovelia worked through a ritual to compose herself. “Inside is a place for the mind to create whatever it wishes. There is forbidden knowledge within all of us and the Cube allows for anyone to access it freely. It is up to them whether or not the knowledge would become twisted.”

  “It was a fate no one should have been granted.” Arden stated and waved her hand through the air absentmindedly.

  “Gelehrter...we traded him for Rena.” Gavilis commented. “A sour trade which we bore consequences we could not foresee. It is a shame.”

  “Damn shame.” Ovelia cursed further under her breath. “Until you return with her head or the Blessed Star, we cannot help you directly.”

  “And if she is located in the Lower Sector there is a chance our original plan will bear fruit.” Gavilis said.

  “How will I better survive there? The air, the water--if there is any--and everything else is toxic. We all know survival in the Lower Sector is extremely slim. I am lucky to not have been reduced to dust...or what have you.”

  “I have been thinking of one.” The Grandmaster leaned back into the sofa and stood upright. Gavilis performed a complex series of movements with his fingers and Arden's Blessed Star ignited with a sudden burst of light. Her eyes widened as he quickly flipped through a series of complicated translucent rectangular boxes. Her arms extended out absent-mindedly and she halted with her arms raised just above her hips. He worked silently for what appeared to be an eternity and as he joined his hands together in a prayer motion, the images vanished before her eyes. A few moments passed as she felt an abrupt intense drain on her system. Her body was wracked with an immense excruciating pain which reverberated through to her core and as quickly as it appeared it subsided. Arden wiped a few beads of cold sweat from her brow and turned her attention to Gavilis. His expression was warm despite the grim conversation just a few minutes ago.

  "This configuration should allow your Blessed Star to remove impurities from your system no matter where you are and what you're doing. It's taxing on the body but I am sure you will prove vigilant." He explained and took his seat by Ovelia.

  "I don't understand. Why am I allowed this now?" Arden asked.

  "You are going where we must not. Only the Grandmaster and I may change the Blessed Star's processes. It is a device which binds itself to you and protects you while your body provides it with sustenance. In exchange for a small bit of your blood, it enables the Justicar to be as formidable as they always have been. Magical attacks and weapons may pierce the armor it provides but if you focus it on a singular point you can block any spell or blade." Ovelia continued after brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It is a training which many Justicar struggle with but Mortem are naturally more attuned with it. You may have noticed magic or the like turned away when directed to you, correct?"

  "Yes, but where will the impurities go?" She inquired and took a moment to compose herself as another intense draw on her vitality gripped her.

  "It will be absorbed into the Blessed Star itself and enhance the armor further. What you experience now is the device shifting its processes around and beginning its new functions. That piece of technology is a close guarded secret and its magical enchantment is a series of them weaved into one. Ernald was a brilliant inventor and this is his design." Gavilis replied with a matter-of-fact tone. "Ovelia and I both have this feature enabled as well. I have to focus on blocking magic and the like while she can focus instead on her offense."

  "...I see." Their explanation furthered Arden's worries. A memory deep within her psyche begged for her attention but she shoved it further into the bowels of her mind. The image of Rena during their sparring session and her unnatural burst of speed as her Blessed Star activated. Instinct brought the holy sword, Solstice, to be drawn first. If she had chosen any other weapon at that moment she would have tasted steel. "Do others have this feature enabled?"

  "The Blessed Star will devour lesser beings. Justicar can bear any name but it is the Delacroix, Dwyn and Mortem who are naturally attuned to it. Anyone else would have faded into the Blessed Star forever." Ovelia shook her head as she spoke. "I have seen others attempt this and they simply vanished without a trace.”

  Arden shifted her weight and fidgeted with the strap to Solstice’s scabbard. She found herself lost in thought for a moment before she finally stood upright. “I am a half-breed, mother. I hope you will not forget this, for I know I never have.”

  “It is a strange thing, to be sure. I have never forgotten, but I have also never allowed it to cloud my judgment.” Ovelia joined her and strode over to embrace Arden as she continued. “This will be the last time I can see you as long as Rena lives. You make me so proud.”

  Arden stared into the Sanguine Overlord’s eyes. The rising oceans locked within her corneas crashed against the beach. Clouds wept from miles upon miles above, rain cascading as far as she could see. Her visage held fast to her calm demeanor, but her eyes shone bright with tears.

  “You have my blessing, my daughter. I know you will return here to us.” Ovelia blinked away her tears and strode away to her chambers. After a few tense moments she returned with a small pouch. “I know Justicar do not have much need for money, but I’ve included enough to take care of all your expenses. It pulls from my own coffers...I have been saving for as long as I can remember.”

  Gavilis remained silent. He eyed Arden from the top of her head to the bottom of her soles. He turned to leave silently and his tears rolled into the night.

  The heavens wept profusely into the night. As the soldiers belonging to both the Templarate and those hidden among the Justicar waited impatiently, they listened carefully after the rolling thunder. Some jostled with their chainmail hauberks, others adjusted the grip on their swords nervously. Rain clashed against their metallic helms in a dull rhythmic metronome which would lull lesser warriors to sleep.

  All across Sanctuary they waited, night after night. The days which followed Rena and Ana’s disappearance were wrought with worry. Ill thoughts and blame shifted from the top of the Templarate to the bottom of the Justicar. Magic enabled the illusion to take hold throughout the Citadel, a carefully crafted spell from Accalia which guised both Rena and Ana as they had traveled into the dungeons to find her. Vampires were rumored to wait in the walls of the Citadel or even underneath the floors for their chance to strike. Many sleepless nights gripped everyone throughout the Main Square and beyond.

  Arden fell into the abyss of her work. She commanded no unit, for Justicar assumed command over Templarate should they be in the vicinity, but she instead chose to roam the city alone. Night was the vampire’s den and she aimed to conquer it. She kept a tight grip on Solstice’s handle, the scales etched into it nibbled at her fingers. The streets loomed over her as she glanced about in the dark.

  Her skin crawled as she watched shapes in the dark move about. The moon supervised her passing but gave no sense of comfort. Her Blessed Star was activated in full force, the drain momentarily halted by its expenditure. Cobblestone floors gnawed at her soles as she professed her presence to the night with the drawing of Solstice. A brilliant blue blaze engulfed the opalescent edge of the weapon and she continued on her path. The flames flickered infinitely as she wandered into the blackness. Scents of must and damp trash filled her nostrils, instinctively she recalled the looming threat of the poorer sector of the Main Square.

  She brandished her stone mask once she drank in the cold liquor of poverty. Sweat, blood and malice hummed throughout this section, the malice regarding the Eternal Throne and all who served it.

  She allowed her subconscious to fan out in all directions as she wandered through the streets. Through Rena’s tutelage she found her knack for obtaining information. The brush was subtle enough that most beings were not aware it happened and her mastery of the arcane was second to none, save for Gavilis. Arden thought absentmindedly of her Grandmaster. He had not left the Citadel for quite some time and refused to train her any longer. Being the youngest of the Justicar, she had much to learn and her surname was the only aspect which stopped her from learning from others.

  “The world is naturally attuned to you. You are a Mortem.” This phrase and many others like it plagued her for most of her young life. A shape in the dark rose forth and struck toward her. Even in her absentminded state, she stepped to the side and allowed him to crash against a series of nearby crates. The alleyway allowed for few entries into the fray and he took the bait. She was alone, an easy target to anyone who did not recognize her--his eyes shone bright crimson as he struck again and again--the armor took the brunt of the impact, for Arden now allowed for his blows to strike true. Vitality from within the bowels of her black Blessed Star flashed with each impact and it dulled the sword with each swipe. She watched the weapon glance off of her and then to him. Fear was evident all over his body, from his crazed gaze to his shaking grip. A pup scrambled to snuff her out and adrenaline demanded he continue for eternity.

  Arden parried the weapon as she braced her burning blade horizontally, the edge of the sword catching against the flat. She shoved it away and grasped the edge, the flames passing harmlessly around her while she pierced him through the gut. Searing pain rocked the man’s body as he was engulfed in the blaze which tore away at his being. In mere seconds he was reduced to ash and was scattered in the errant winds.

  Her attention was caught by an immense frush of movement ahead.

  It appears there are more of them. She thought and silently sheathed Solstice. Instead of her usual intimidation tactic, she surmised a need for brute force. Her trusted shortsword was drawn from her belt as clumsily as she could muster. The steel was in excellent condition save for the nicks and other scars along the edge. A few more of the man’s friends appeared from out of the shadows and pointed their weapons to her. They appeared on high alert, their eyes wide and filled with dread.

  “Y-You… What have you done with ‘em?!” He stammered.

  “What’s your name, friend?” Arden replied, her weapon still pointed casually to the floor. His allies moved closer to flank and she allowed their traipsing about. Her consciousness flashed forward and brushed against theirs, her sapphire gaze shining in the dark.

  “Dorril--who in the hells are you?” He answered.

  “You know who I am.” She shot back.

  “What’re you doin’ here? We don’t want any trouble, we’re just trying to hide out through the night!” Arden watched his mouth in the dim light. His incisors were unusually sharp--his eyes held a slight crimson hue. She narrowed her eyes and turned to the others.

  “Then you won’t mind if I asked you a few questions.” Arden sheathed her weapon and strode confidently forward. Several of them attempted to swipe and pierce her armor with their weapons and they shattered against the might of the Blessed Star. The dark cloth seemed to shine for a brief instant as it absorbed and dispersed the force elsewhere. Her eyes flashed with sudden fury as more appeared from their hiding places.

  “You will regret this!” Dorril screeched and took to a sprint before he was caught by a wave of energy emitted from Arden’s hand. The stonework underneath his feet rose to a white glow before they devoured his legs and he writhed in agony, instinctively he attempted to catch himself. His arms were engulfed by the maw of the molten stone before it cooled just as quickly as it appeared. The Justicar then side stepped a few strikes with ease while others clashed with her figure. Steel crashed against the floor as she continued her jaunt toward Dorril, who desperately attempted to pull himself free from the prison.

  “Your flight is damning.” Arden growled. “Call off your dogs and talk to me.”

  “I know nothing of Rena’s whereabouts, I swear it!” Dorril could not cover his mouth as he nervously blurted out an answer.

  More of them appeared from the shadows and one by one their weapons shattered against Arden’s Blessed Star. The force now was being focused back at the attackers and they were sent flying. She took a few more steps toward him and then halted. She drew her holy blade and stood before him in defiance of his comrades who still tried tirelessly to thwart her.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “How did you know of Rena?” Rena’s name left Arden through a grimace.

  “Justicar are common knowledge. Their agents wear a specific uniform, you can’t tell me that no one knows who she is.” Dorril barked while he struggled to free himself to no avail.

  “Halt.” Her voice boomed out the command and the combatants finally stopped. “You are wasting my time. I am looking for her, tell me how to get to her or I will pry the information from you.”

  The threat was met with silence. His eyes darted about in vain to each of his comrades who could only follow the order given by Arden. A dull light surrounded each of them as the spell kept. Her eyes flashed as he felt her presence rap against the doors of his psyche. Arden stood at the wooden gates of his mind and pressed a hand against it. Her eyes widened as her hand was forced back an inch but she held fast, pressing her entire weight onto the door. The entrance began to quake from within.

  She watched as Dorril shook violently from her assault. “Tell me what you know.”

  “I-I...I can’t!” His eyes widened as immense pain rocked the core of his mind. Whether it was real he could not truly discern, for he felt his mental barrier collapse with a shove. Arden shuffled through the gates and quickly sifted through the contents of his memories.

  Dorril shifted uneasily. Before him was the unusual sight of a woman in her late twenties, brown hair, brown eyes, olive skin and otherwise plain features standing side by side with another woman who looked like she could strangle a man with her pinky. At a glance the other woman had frazzled dark hair with bright emerald eyes which contrasted her lack of lucidity.

  He then took a few moments to orient himself with the fabled Accalia. Her features were slightly hollow, for her cheeks seemed to be sunken from months of malnourishment, but her plain white gown gathered little bits of dirt closer to the floor. His mind wandered for a while, for he seemed uninterested in what Accalia was saying to the brown haired woman--which Arden immediately recognized as Rena.

  “What are your plans, my lady?” Dorril asked after a spell.

  “Rena wishes to take on all of Sanctuary herself.”

  “I only wish to destroy Ovelia and all her Justicar.” Rena solemnly corrected her.

  “A feat which may take some doing. Vampiric strength will greatly empower a former Justicar such as yourself.” Dorril offered as he rubbed his palms together.

  “Are you sure this is the path you wish?” Accalia asked.

  Through Dorril’s eyes she witnessed a horrifying fire roar from deep within Rena which shook Arden through her core. A dark figure entered from behind Dorril and she could sense the immense dread which filled the man as the silhouette took shape. The bright hues of Targon’s eyes glistened through the dark interior of the chamber. He frightened even Rena with his presence, the lanky tower of his body loomed over her. His grin spread unnaturally from ear to ear which seemed to further his otherworldly demeanor.

  “Rena… Do you forsake your country so? What purpose have you to become one of the damned?” Targon inquired.

  “I’ve a mind to swim in the blood of Sanctuarians.” Rena proclaimed and her resolve flashed through her eyes. “Change will not happen without the correct instrument and I’ve a mind to force their hand. The Council will not budge, so neither will I.”

  “Prepare yourself…” Targon’s form seemed to encapsulate her and the Blessed Star fell away. Arden was reminded in that moment of the horrific fangs which protruded from Targon’s maw. Her mind raced as blood poured from Rena’s neck and the Blessed Star faltered. Veins locked deep within Rena's skin flashed and pulsed with red as she was filled with the intensity of vampirism. Her body shook violently and the green tunic was stained with a dark crimson. Tarpon pulled away and paled even further. He took a few steps back as Rena released a sudden roar from deep in her gullet. The primal cry shook everyone in the room to their core.

  Her dark eyes were filled with a lust, an insatiable hunger which caused her to scan the room like a predator. She fixated on a servant who entered with a tray of refreshments and tackled them. In an instant her teeth sank deep into their neck and she consumed every drop of essence within their frame. Rena raised her head to enjoy the warmth of blood all over her face. The Blessed Star activated once again with a flash of light and she stood upright from the husk.

  "I am still so hungry..." Rena whined. A strange noise which Arden had never witnessed, but as she began to ruminate the scene before her, it shifted as Dorril did.

  "It is a thing which remains while we grow fat while waiting. Any blood will do but it is a bipedal beast such as yourself that satisfies. Your hunger is an ancient one. It will take an age or longer to quell." Targon smiled and placed his hand onto Rena's shoulder. "Your weapon is attuned to feed you the blood of your foes. It will devour lesser beings and they will empower you farther than any Mortem's innate aptitude."

  Through Dorril's eyes she caught a glimpse of the sinister grin playing about Targon's lips. Rena appeared to be too distracted with her newfound hunger to take note of this.

  Arden reached forward absentmindedly and her hold on Dorril's mind shattered. She roared in anguish, the others around her sprung to apprehend her in her moment of weakness. The Blessed Star held fast against their assault and eventually they were loath to continue. Thunder matched her ferocity as she gripped Solstice with assurance and lashed out. The flames hissed as the rain clashed against the magical blade and a wave of fire soared to her assailants. One by one they were eviscerated by the blue inferno.

  Arden steamed silently for a few moments before she collected herself. With a quick gesture, a wave of energy cascaded from her fingertips. Her body was enriched with the memories of those who attempted her life and she felt an assurance. Knowledge flooded through her as she sheathed her weapon, the flames released a sigh as they were quenched by Solstice's scarlet scabbard.

  "I'm of the mind such magic is illegal." A voice behind her called out. She turned about to glimpse a bewildered pair of Justicar who appeared to be surveying her from a distance. "What is the Justicar Overlord doing in such a place?"

  "Collecting data on business for the Sanguine Overlord." Arden replied and they nodded in return. She bit her lip nervously. "What are Justicar doing around here? You are needed more to the South."

  "We are collecting data on business for the Grandmaster." One of them answered over their shoulder.

  She furrowed her brow. They ventured closer to her and prominently displayed their Blessed Star before her like show animals. One of them bore a scar across their eye, the other a few claw marks from their jaw up toward the center of their face. She took note of their dark hair, sullen gaze and otherwise unpleasant demeanor. One was male, the other female and both looked miffed.

  "I've misplaced this. I am Jerich." The man said and he presented a tattered envelope to her. Arden shot them an inquisitive glance but pieced it together.

  "Aye, I'm Hilda. We've been sent by the green eyed one." She stated. "You're on the road again? I thought you found something to the east."

  "Strange door by the looks of it. Near a shop called Fervor's Detriment. A lot of talk about how it stands on its own." Jerich said.

  "Excuse us, we're forgetful." Hilda stared at Arden as she said this. She was met with a quick flash of light and they blinked constantly before they departed. They raised a hand to her as they vanished into the night.

  Arden frowned and busied herself with the envelope. The contents nearly spilled out as she attempted to turn the papers right side up. Her brow furrowed and she recognized her mother's print.

  Arden,

  You are being sent after a dangerous foe. They are not the vampires but rather the ones you know and hold dear. I have been keeping to my chambers for fear of my own life. We are immortal in spirit but not in body. Should a keen blade or potent poison find me then I am finished. The same goes for you.

  They will be targeting you specifically and for good reason. You are my daughter, adopted or otherwise. If they are able to apprehend you then they can surely get to me.

  Gavilis has been missing lately and has been reporting less.

  Do not trust his missives.

  Overmaster

  P.S. Enclosed is a ring that will change your form into anyone. They will be destroyed in the process. Sacrifices must be made in order to create progress.

  Arden raised an eyebrow as the message incinerated in her grasp. She caught a ring which fell from the dust. A quick examination revealed a faint glow along the edges of the ring. Her eyes furrowed as she read a small inscription etched into the golden band.

  By Sanctuary born, by Sanctuary destroyed.

  Her mind wandered for a few moments as she glanced about. There was not a soul in sight and she thanked the heavens. The ring slipped on her index finger, the band slowly tightened around the digit and held fast. A few moments passed and she felt the attunement click deep in her psyche. She wondered about the implications of the message but decided it was best to meld into the night. Her figure shimmered with a pale light as she vanished from view. A faint outline of her appeared from the light drizzle. She padded along silently for a time and kept her senses alert.

  Hushed voices caught her curiosity and she headed toward the source. The alleyways were absent of all activity this evening and she knew only Templarate, Justicar or vampires were operating during this hour. Unfortunate souls caught by the vampires were drained into husks.

  Her eyes widened as she recognized the voice of Gavilis. "...You have misplaced my missive to Arden?"

  "Aye, must have been nicked during a fight. Those things destroy themselves in the wrong hands after delivery so there is no worry, Grandmaster." Hilda said nonchalantly.

  "You were careless." Jerich scolded her and she retorted.

  "We lived through the encounter. That is all that matters." She managed a small huff afterward.

  Arden peeked from behind the corner. She took stock of the courtyard of the plaza which usually is full of life. The gigantic Citadel rose into the heavens and glowered at them dubiously, its impossible structure seemed to lean forward with her as she hastily drew over the delicate features of Gavilis.

  "You do not seem to be injured." He pointed out.

  "Fatigued maybe."

  "We are tired, sir. Not all of us are Dwyn." Hilda winced as he shot her a stinging glare.

  "You are Justicar. You do not tire. In any case, you have your mission to carry out. Go." Gavilis said and watched them slowly vanish into the night. Arden slowly pulled herself together and pressed herself against the wall. His footsteps splashed against the cobblestone and they seemed to be approaching. Her eyes darted about and she quickly spotted an open window nearby. She approached the entrance, climbed inside and sidled to the side.

  Arden bit her lip and remembered Justicar practices. He would reach out with his mind as he walked anywhere.

  She glanced about. Her eyes flashed with a soft light and the room illuminated for an instant. Blood and gore were spattered about in the darkness. She noted a few bodies with errant signs of struggle, the deep gouges of scars along the walls and the discarded swords. The Templarate demanded plenty of steel and were granted at the cost of a smith's sanity. Cheaply made weapons were prone to chip easily or shatter. Arden made her way through the home quietly as possible and kept concentration on the spell. She felt her gut squirm uneasily as she was reminded of a few important lessons. The Justicar often searched with their mind as well as their eyes. Gavilis would be able to reach farther than any normal Justicar, save for Ovelia, and she knew haste would make waste all the same.

  Her approach from each threshold to the next was quick but precise. The floor was constructed mostly of wooden planks polished to a shine. Around her the entire building creaked and moaned with the other occupants on higher floors. As she approached an exit, she reached forward to the door and pressed her shoulder against it. She carefully turned it and pulled it open, backing herself slowly against the wall. A pair of figures entered shortly and took a few glances about. They wore drenched Templarate uniforms, the dark emblem of Sanctuary surrounded by a white field. They shook themselves dry and one of them moved to shut the door. She danced underneath their arm and back into the night.

  Arden jogged for a while and took great care in hiding when she could despite her invisible form. Her guesses about the radius of Gavilis' reach were all assumed wrong and too much was not known about him. She slowly poured over what she did know about the Grandmaster.

  And fell flat.

  Arden raised her hands and released a quick incantation. She squatted into an immense leap and tumbled onto the roof. Her eyes darted about and she began to head southward along the roof. The sky overhead was painted with the light oranges and purples of the morning. Despite physical fatigue, she felt otherwise awake and alert. Wind danced through the air gracefully and tickled her nose as she pulled up a mask to shield herself from the cold morning air.

  She growled under her breath and recalled a few more lessons she had been imparted by her friend. Aerial travel served a Justicar best for surveillance. After a few moments she felt the air lift her into the sky and she soared into the morning with her arms outstretched. She was overcome by an overwhelming sense of freedom as she witnessed all of the Main Square slowly drift far below her. The sun waved as she performed an aileron roll through the air and giggled uncontrollably. Below her the world of Sanctuary slowly roused to greet the new day. Aromas of food wafted high above to tickle her nostrils and she sneezed into her arm despite the altitude.

  Her eyes watered as she squinted and dove forward after what seemed an eternity of flying about. The shop was identifiable from even high above and she surmised it was by design. It appeared to sway and move with her as she flew around it. All around the building an amalgamation of figures rotated and swirled in all directions as the crowds began to disperse for the morning rush. A dull murmur echoed from the buildings as business was conducted with great fervor.

  Arden landed on a roof adjacent her target. It still seemed to sway with her movements as she finally kneeled down to survey the building. Its brick and mortar design seemed to wobble despite being finished and its windows were all crooked. Some were broken or otherwise unusable. The taste of sour milk hung in the air around the building and she quickly pulled down her mask to retch.

  She glanced about the flat roof of the structure. It provided an advantageous vantage point and allowed for anyone to survey the block. Arden's heart skipped a beat as she glanced to the body of a Templarate woman who leaned against one of the corners. She immediately rushed to her side and pressed her hand onto the wound which marred the sewn cross of Sanctuary, the fleur-de-lis star. Her chain mail was pierced with a spearhead, the shaft of the weapon had been snapped towards the tip. The woman immediately reached for her sword and dropped it with an echoing clang as she processed who kneeled over her.

  "Oh...the princess of Sanctuary here? Must be a bad day for me." She coughed and attempted to sit upright. Arden shook her head, motioning for her to rest.

  "You've been hurt. I can take care of you." She offered and brushed some of her pink hair behind her ear nervously.

  "Nah...no time. I'm a goner. Had a run in with some vampires. They didn't last too long against the likes of me!" With great fervor she shook her fist at several mangled corpses which were scattered about. Her dark hair was stained crimson and clumped together as the blood dried.

  "What is your name?"

  "Darren. Darren Morley." Darren exclaimed and winced.

  "I'm going to pull this out of you and start healing magic." Arden explained as she reached for the spearhead. Her wrist was seized by Darren and her eyes widened at the strength behind the grip.

  "Sink it deeper. One of them bit me." Morley pulled at her collar and revealed several incisors still embedded in her neck. "Can't turn into them. Me mates are all I got and I let them get away. It took all I had to fight 'em off. You gotta let me die a warrior's death!"

  Arden gritted her teeth and nodded. She gripped the spear, pressed her left palm onto the splinters of the wooden shaft and forced it through her frame. Darren's eyes clouded over with a smile as death embraced her. Arden thanked Sanctuary for the Blessed Star and knew she could not suffer the same fate without even more dead. As these thoughts took her, the ring released a soft pale light. Darren's body vanished into the band and all that remained was smears of dark crimson along the stonework.

  She turned about as she sensed a pair of individuals appear behind her.

  Jerich and Hilda stared at her blankly. They wandered over and gave a familiar Justicar salute: dominant fist pressed across the chest. Arden nodded solemnly.

  "You're here too?" Hilda talked first.

  "We are here on business as well." Jerich said. "Perhaps we could help."

  Unease settled in her stomach like lead. She could not sense any ill will against her person but knew all too well Justicar often guised their true intentions. Her eyes darted from the pair and nodded finally. "Aye. Could use a couple extra eyes."

  "We are here to apprehend Darlene and Darloth. They are proprietors of the Fervent Detriment here and are known vampire sympathizers." Hilda motioned to the structure with her thumb. "Perhaps you could get in while we trail?"

  "With that ring." Jerich motioned to her hand.

  "It shined when you helped that Templar."

  "Right. What information are you looking for?"

  Arden raised her hand and silenced a typical response. "It's imperative to the mission. I have to know."

  "We have intelligence on sabotaged troop movements. There are too few Templar in the areas with lots of vampire activity and it has been linked to several incidents in recent years. Including one that involved Rena." Hilda finally explained after a few moments of painful silence.

  "Darloth is a strange character. He does not know us and is not a friend to Justicar." Jerich pondered. "It would be our bet to listen and see what he knows."

  "They take to the Templar because they are more...human." Hilda added.

  "That girl was a regular there. It's a shame she died." Jerich shook his head in dismay.

  "Should I act like her then?" Arden raised an eyebrow at their suggestion.

  "It will take some doing but...were you able to extract her memories?" Hilda asked.

  "No."

  "Shame. Perhaps we could just use it as a template." Jerich said.

  Arden nodded and activated the ring with a simple rub on the band. The figure of Darren molded over her figure like clay and took hold. She felt a cold chill crawl up her spine as both of their features seemed to blend together to form the body she inhabited now. Arden glanced toward them and they nodded approvingly.

  "Good trinket you have there. It'll come in handy." Hilda commented with a forced smile.

  "I will move ahead of us. Establish a link and stay in range." Arden acknowledged the pair and quickly activated the Blessed Star's invisibility. Her mind rushed toward them and they were bombarded with her immense mental presence. She hopped from the rooftops and as she plummeted to the ground she sensed their mental link click in her mind. Their bodies seemed a world away as she returned to view and blended into the congregation.

  Arden glanced about as she entered the threshold of the Fervent Detriment. It was a quaint place with nary an empty seat, each table and the bar itself aligned with colorful individuals. From dwarves, to the darkest of elves, they all made merry in the early morning. Some were ordering food from the proprietor, the one-eyed old dwarf who carried countless scars on his face. His salt and paprika beard dangled in a tight braid from his chin like a proud flag. The other was a dwarven lass and her assistant--a younger dark haired half-elf--danced about the place taking orders and reporting them to the kitchens in the back of the tavern with ease. Arden raised her eyebrows at the bustle of the morning and continued on inside.

  She squeezed herself in between a couple of lanky elves, who scoffed at her approach.

  “What’re you doing so early here, Darren?” The younger one piped in first.

  “You taking the night watch again? Task like that is likely to get you killed.” His partner was an older fellow with gray dancing along with his golden locks and his deep, gravel voice charred the air as he spoke.

  “Aye. Night watch has me busy. I was in the area and was lookin’ for a drink. Got a problem?” Arden attempted her best impression of Darren. To her surprise the men bought it like hot cakes.

  “Oh Darren! How wonderful to see ya. It’s right hell out there, I’ll tell ya.” Arden took a few notes of the dwarven wench. She could only assume this was Darlene and forced her expression to brighten instead of the alternative.

  “Don’t you know it. The stories I could tell.” Her smile hurt her cheeks and she felt another pair of inquisitive eyes bore into the back of her skull.

  “You’re back in one piece.” The gravelly voice of Darloth took her by surprise. His dark expression was filled with a certain disdain and he kept his distance.

  “Aye, must’ve gotten lucky!” Arden met his gaze and matched its intensity. Darloth approached with a sullen expression and removed a patch over his left eye. A shining orb swiveled about in all directions but focused dead on her chest, then met her gaze.

  He rapped his knuckles against the counter which stated: “What do you want, Justicar?”

  She answered with a tired expression on her face: “Standing door, need to find Rena. Don’t care about you.”

  Darloth nodded and rubbed the braids of his beard. “Aye, must’ve gotten lucky indeed. Come with me.”

  Arden severed the mental link with her fellows. She sensed the panic of her two companions as she followed Darloth into a chamber behind the bar. He shut the door behind them and locked it with an old rusty skeleton key.

  Arden remained in the image of Darren. She glanced at a mirror as she passed and took note of a few jarring details. She noted the height difference by nearly five inches and a more muscular frame. Darren's eyes flashed with flecks of blue dotted inside of the dark hues like stars in a clear night sky. Yet Arden had a sinking suspicion that Darloth pierced her disguise and saw through her terrible acting.

  The corridor leading to the massive empty room was as empty as the room itself, save for the door standing on its hinges in the center. Arden took a glimpse of Darloth and Darlene standing nearby with their arms crossed. Arden frowned as she spotted another smaller door still slightly ajar in the corner.

  "Alright. You have seen what we have here at the Fervent Detriment. It's the door." Darloth motioned to it with his meaty paw. "Thing sprouted here one day. We have been here for ages and have no wish for trouble."

  "Then you will allow me to pass through here...no trouble?" Arden asked.

  "Dwarves have been done kindly by the Eternal Throne. It is not our fight." Darlene responded.

  They do not realize who I am. That is well. Arden grimaced at the thought.

  "Aye. It is a matter of principle. Should more Justicar move through here then we might have to send our Sanguine Overlord a bill." Darloth smiled toothily under his frayed beard and chuckled.

  "There are no other Justicar in the vicinity. If there are any...they are here by chance." Arden nodded slowly. Another reminder of Justicar Doctrine. Should one vanish and sever ties, allow them to move unseen. They are their own.

  "We believe that. Place around here is swarming with them. I have never seen so many in one place in so long." Darlene seemed to be reaching for something but it was of no consequence. Not to Arden, who seemed to be standing on the precipice of the end. The door was only a few agonizing steps away but she found herself rooted in place.

  She woke from her stupor as Jerich and Hilda appeared in another doorway. The entrance slammed against the wall and they approached with their swords drawn.

  Arden was too distracted by their utter lack of discipline to delve into disappointment. She glanced between them and then to both dwarves.

  “I’m going to open this door. I step in, you two should pretend you never saw the place.” Arden growled at the two spare Justicar. They all exchanged expressions and before anyone could object, Arden reached for the door. Its handle was cold to the touch and protested with an echoing groan as she turned the knob.

  The dwarven pair rushed to Arden’s aid by blocking the immediate path. Jerich and Hilda looked on as she vanished from view into the depths of the standing door. It howled with malignant laughter and the door slammed shut behind her. Jerich uttered a hasty incantation and the pair of dwarves were sent flying into the nearby wall. Hilda and Jerich steeled themselves as they reached the door and chased after Arden into the maw of the Lower Sector.