Alnur stared at his ruinous visage in the mirror. There was a time he could pass for handsome in the proper light, but now his once average face was blighted by the crimson crystals that grew from it. He picked at a spot on his cheek, the skin peeling back to reveal a fresh speck of bloodstone. The damnable stuff was growing, slowly but surely.

  He tried to reach for the link, but found his mind recoil away. Tayla was already running their nation, she had enough on her plate as it was. To tell her about his condition would only cause her more stress, there was no point in mentioning it until he was through with the rest of the Court’s tests. He had a follow up appointment in a couple weeks and was hopeful that the Genesmiths of the Celestials would have a solution to his condition.

  For now, he had other issues to deal with.

  As if on cue there came a knocking at his door. Alnur grunted for them to enter, knowing already that it was Bynard. Sure enough the slight fellow entered with a nod. “Sir, the carriage has arrived. It’s time.” The fact that Bynard wasn’t cracking a joke meant that he knew just how serious their situation was. There could be no mistakes today.

  Alnur nodded as he looked over himself in the mirror once more. He wore his best outfit, a traditional Twin naval dress uniform from the days where they still had a navy to speak of. It was a series of rich blacks and deep purples with the two headed snake on his back. A purple half cape hung over his shoulder as he adjusted a gold pin on his lapel.

  The Court valued appearances above all else and that meant Alnur had to play along. He looked to Bynard. “How do I look?”

  Bynard bit his tongue. “You look good, sir.” It felt wrong for the man to say sir unironically.

  “Well. Better not keep them waiting.”

  The two made their way to the entrance where Zo was inspecting the carriage for anything out of the norm. She was good, it seemed like she was merely admiring the craftsmanship but in actuality she was ensuring the damnable thing wasn’t about to explode. The tension in the manor had risen to a fever pitch since Alnur and Gideon’s duel. Top it off with the chatter about the martial law in the Coast and it was no wonder that Zo and Bynard felt like someone might try something stupid.

  Alnur approached the carriage but was stopped by Gideon waving from the doorway. Now is not the time for this you pompous peacock. Alnur hid his bile with a smile as he had done for so many years. “Master Hawk, we were just about to depart. Is everything alright?”

  Gideon walked up and clapped Alnur on the shoulder with just a bit too much force for a friendly greeting. “My friend! I wanted to wish you luck with your meeting today. To think that someone of your humble bloodline would stand before the Court in the holy forum itself.”

  After waiting to see if the fool had more to say besides the not-so subtle insults, Alnur opened his mouth to try and pretend to be thankful but was interrupted by Gideon leaning in closer. Alnur waved a dismissive hand behind his back as Zo and Bynard each took a step forward.

  “I hope you will be back in time for my party this evening, you are to be the guest of honor and I would hate to disappoint the other lords and ladies that are eager to meet you. Don’t worry, it’s just a small get together with some friends.” His tone made it clear that he wanted to parade his prized toy in front of his friends to seem more important than he really was.

  As much as Alnur wished to decline, he couldn’t turn his back on the opportunity to make new connections within the capital. His plans required him to have a certain level of influence and this would help catapult his status within the Court.

  With concentrated effort Alnur smiled. “Of course Master Hawk, we wouldn’t dream of missing it.”

  Gideon’s smile twitched in the corner of his mouth, but if it meant something he wasn’t being forthright. “Excellent. I have spared no expense, I am sure you’ll find it to your liking.” With that the pompous fool turned around with a flourish of his ridiculous cloak as he hurried back to whatever hole he crawled out of.

  Alnur waited until he was in the carriage to let the mask of joy slough off his face. “He’s up to something.” He muttered.

  Bynard bounced his leg up and down as he looked out the window. “The wing of the mansion that’s reserved for parties has been under lockdown for a couple weeks. I’ve tried to get a peek but that bastard has dozens of artifacts in place. Wards, alarms, hells, I even spotted an old world hunter-drone on patrol the other night.”

  “You sound impressed.” Zo said.

  “Gods no! I’m pissed! I consider myself pretty good at skulking and even I can’t get close.” The bouncing of his leg increased to the point the carriage shook gently. He only stopped when Zo kicked him lightly.

  “It doesn’t matter.” Alnur said with a sigh. “Let our host plot and plan, he’s nothing compared to what we face today. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

  Zo and Bynard nodded as they sat up straight.

  Alnur glanced out the window at the golden spire of Meliorem Vitam, every hoofbeat brought them closer and closer to the forum that was located right near the grounded ship. Today had to be perfect, he had to be perfect.

  The dark thoughts gnawed at him until they finally stood before the monolithic forum. The round building, like so many others in the first ring, was constructed from white marble and gold. Alnur wondered if the Celestials ever tried to spice their color choices up a bit, surely white and gold grew old after a while. Though, the irony of his own people's attachment to black was not lost on him.

  The outer walls were marked with hundreds of niches that held the sculptures of each and every Minstella that had been born so far; the thousand empty spaces were a stark symbol of how large the Court expected their Empire to grow one day. Before the archway inside the building stood the statues of the Saints, immortalized for having given the Gods their own flesh thousands of years ago. Each one was meticulously maintained, aside from the headless statue that stood off to one side. The once beautiful stonework was cracked and broken from centuries of abuse. Stones littered the ground around the fallen Saint, no doubt a passtime for the devout was to see if they could break off another chunk of the deprived God.

  Even the plaque was chipped and shattered. Though enough stood to reveal a small section. -VIN SOL, THE EVER WATCHFUL EYE OF THE HEAVENS.

  Alnur cared little for the fallen saint, his story had been lost to time. During the unspoken century he had been wiped from the history books, the scrapes of him left only as a reminder to those that dared turn their backs on the Celestials.

  Instead Alnur wandered up to the statue of the All Mother’s host. HELEN, MULIER MATER, THE ALL MOTHER, MAKER OF ALL LIFE. The statue depicted a simple woman, not the most beautiful, nor the most fierce, just a person. The Twins had many depictions of the All Mother, her grace and power, but there was something humbling about seeing the person she had been before. A coaxing came from deep in his mind, a calmness that tried to soothe him, to lull him back into the flock of sheep that he had been born to. Tapping into the Fury he burned away the false whispers as he pushed back the genetic conditioning that was so deeply ingrained in his being.

  The other two were not so lucky. Zo fell to her knees in prayer as Bynard wept in reverence. The tampering of the All Mother was hard to overcome, it was only through his unique gifts that Alnur had broken free from the yolk of its total control and been given the clarity to see the Court for what it was.

  Still, he lowered his head as he pretended to chant a prayer. They were no doubt already being watched by the faithful for any signs of the foul taint of the Old Gods. He couldn’t risk drawing more attention to himself, not yet.

  The three made their way into the forum, a guide hurried to lead them to their seats as the crowd within the forum began to grow. It wasn’t long before Alnur sat in an open booth overlooking the enormity of the forum. The central chamber was massive, a huge oval with hundreds of booths like the one Alnur was in. All of which faced inwards to a central podium.

  Zo and Bynard stood to either side of their king as they kept an ever watchful eye for any possible threats.

  The chamber was filling with more and more nobles, the many influential members of the myriad of useless wings of the Courts governing bodies. On the highest levels of the booths were those that were reserved for the Minstella. Through some occult magic the forms and shapes of the godlings were obscured in white light that only revealed their silhouettes. Few were probably here in person, electing to cast themselves from their respective fiefdoms through their divine wills.

  Alnur couldn’t prove it, but he felt like the vast majority of them were watching him.

  Thankfully the speaker made their way to the podium, flanked by two Ono that judging by their trophies and gray features were ancient. The speaker looked to be a Tideborn in her mid fifties, though she had a motherly smile, her eyes held no warmth to speak of. She turned with her graying hair to face the Gods above. As she spoke, the stones in the lectern cast her voice across the mighty chamber with ease. “Honored members of the Court, we have called you here today to discuss the dire situation that is plaguing our vassal state to the south. The Black Coast is under assault by the foul agents of Chaos. Our noble brothers and sisters are working tirelessly to rout out the filth that has taken root in these lands.” She turned to face Alnur. “What say you, the so-called ‘king’ of the Coast?”

  Alnur had expected some harsh words, perhaps a veiled threat, but he had never expected such a concentrated and open accusation from the get go. Something was deeply wrong, the Court was a body that moved slowly, it prided itself on taking its time before bringing charges to those in power. This stank of an influence from above its ranks.

  Raising to his feet, Alnur tried to look mournful and earnest. “Speaker, it saddens me to hear of what has become of my homeland in my absence. Our connection to the Nightfather has never been a secret, but we are no willing pawns of chaos. Our loyalties have always been to the All Mother and the Nightfather; we would never act against her will-”

  The speaker grinned. “You would speak our shared maker's name in the same breath as the archenemy? Have you no shame?”

  The crowd murmured in shock. The forum was a place of honor and debate, even if it was skewed in the favor of the Celestials it was rare for open insults to be thrown around.

  “Madam speaker.” Alnur said, gripping the booths railing. “My people have worked for generations to feed the Empire, to serve our Gods with honor and integrity, we have given our everything to this pursuit. If there is a taint of chaos in our midst, I can assure you that we stand with the Court in expunging its vile traces from our homeland.”

  From above a being of radiant light raised their hand, the forum grew still as the godling spoke. “Does that mean you give your blessing to the martial law that has been enforced in the Coast?” The gentle words hung in the air like the blade of the executioner.

  Alnur sighed theatrically. “It breaks my heart to see my people suffer in my absence, though I have every bit of faith that my sister is doing everything she can to support the inquisition in their searches.” He hoped that he had dodged the question well enough.

  Another being of light chimed in. “And what of your other sibling? The one who ran away after speaking to the Nightfather himself? Will you aid the inquisition in the search for them as well?”

  He had walked right into that. “I cannot speak for where Fel is, or what they are doing. I only wish for them to come home safely.”

  The speaker cleared his throat as she motioned to a nearby floating piece of clear plastic. The large thing was a screen from the old world, one of the few of its kind that still worked. With a press of a button the screen came to life as it showed an image that caused the forum to erupt in gasps and cries of disbelief. It depicted the ruins of a great bridge, dozens of destroyed ships and a score of collapsed buildings. The last image was of the ocean filled with corpses.

  “Here is what remains of Fulcrest harbor. Our scouts mention that your sibling Fel attacked the city and summoned a monster that nearly destroyed the entire fleet.” The speaker didn’t wait for a response before changing the images again.

  Alnur looked on in horror at the sight of his people strung up on poles. Their bodies left to rot. The speaker was saying something, but Alnur couldn’t hear her over the sound of his own heartbeat. Tears fell down his face as he whispered. “Venessa, Gordon, Winston. Hells, even little Becky.”

  The speaker blinked. “Are you crying for these heretics? Perhaps the Coast is too far gone if their king is willing to shed tears for these agents of chaos.”

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  “They… They were my people.”

  Alnur lowered his head. The voices raged at him, demanding that he control himself, this was his moment and he was throwing it away. Yet all he could do was grit his teeth at the indignity as a thousand eyes stared right through him.

  “May we meet again in the endless sea.” He whispered.

  The speaker scoffed as they tried to raise their voice once more, Alnur stared with blazing green eyes as he roared. “My people are loyal. We have served the whims of this Court for a thousand years without faltering. Now you sit here and throw accusations at us, drag us into the streets to hang our brothers and sisters as symbols of fear!” He cast his eyes upwards at the Minstella. “There is only one being that we answer to, the All Mother. I invoke the rite of communion, let my maker be the judge of my people!” His voice bellowed across the chamber as he watched the pale faces of the nobles.

  The speaker pounded their fist on the lectern. “Order! There will be order in these hallowed halls. What nonsense are you spouting? There is no-”

  One of the ancient Ono slammed their sheathed blade down. “The rite of communion has been lost to time. Yet once invoked it cannot be ignored. We will send word to the All Mother and reconvene when she has given her verdict.”

  The crowd erupted as hundreds screamed out in shock and surprise. A few pulled their arms back as they readied themselves to throw various objects at Alnur. Bynard and Zo wasted no time in making it clear that any such attempts would be ‘unwise’ as the three turned to leave the forum without another word.

  Alnur stomped down the halls as he threw open the link. Tayla. The Court has lost its mind, I think they intend to use the unrest to occupy the Coast. We have to prepare for anything, Heralds protect us. The fourth bell could be upon us.

  Tayla seemed to hesitate before responding. I think it’s time we talked Alnur. So much has happened.

  I think you’re right. Further ahead, a group of priests were running towards Alnur at a worrying pace. I can’t talk right now, but tonight we need to clear the air. He had to cut the link as the priests thundered up to him. Zo and Bynard were ready as they held back the frantic men and women.

  Each of them were rambling about the same thing more or less. “How did you know about the rite of communion?” “What other hidden rites do you know?” It would seem the Court had hidden any reference to the rite and were keen on keeping it underwraps.

  The three hurried to their carriage as they fought through the hordes of people. It wasn’t until they were underway that Alnur finally realized what he had done. The plan was about secrecy and subtlety. He had just thrown that out the window as he cast the spotlight on himself and demanded arbitration by the All Mother herself. The whole schedule of his grand plot would have to be altered.

  He had never considered that the Court would be so quick to try and throw charges at him or his people. Originally he had hoped this would be drawn out over the following weeks or perhaps months as he laid the groundwork slowly.

  As the carriage turned onto Gideons property Alnur felt his stomach drop. There were at least forty carriages from every house under the sun lining the long path to the mansion, including some from the upper echelons of the Court.

  The party was not in fact, ‘just a small get together’.

  ◆◆◆

  Despite his best efforts the master of the house demanded Alnur attend the night's party. Even going so far as to say he may have to rethink lodging Alnur and his retinue if they didn’t show up. Though he spun it more about his fears that he was not being a good enough host.

  So it was that Alnur sat in a gaudy pirate themed chair as he desperately willed the night to be over so that he could confer with his sister about the coming storm. Every time he thought he had a moment to open the link and talk, another baron of so and so would approach and ask the same stupid questions. ‘Was he really a traitor? Would he step down from ruling? Did it hurt being disfigured?’ That last one was especially idiodic.

  Eventually the main course arrived. It was a soup of some sort, though Alnur couldn’t place the taste despite his best efforts. When asked Gideon dodged the question.

  Whatever it was, it was unlike anything Alnur had ever eaten before. He would have to remember to ask the chef for the recipe.

  After the meal Gideon led the guests to the ballroom as he promised a show that they wouldn’t forget. Alnur noticed that Gideon was watching him closely, even more so than usual. The man probably had some plan in mind to get even after their duel. Alnur would have to play along so that he could finally get the idiot off of his back.

  The ballroom was large and ornate, and like everything else in the mansion; gaudy. The Court may have loved its marble and gold, but there had been real craftsmanship there. The ballroom was simply ostentatious for the sake of it. Every inch was either gold or silver, hundreds of gems and crystals were embedded in everything, even the chandeliers.

  Once again Alnur was blown away by the waste of it all. There was no purpose to the room, no point. It was bright, shiny, and most of all, hollow. Despite all the wealth on display, the one thing that stood out tonight was the large cloth that hung over a bulbous shape in the center of the room. The other guests formed a large ring around the mystery object, though once again Alnur couldn’t shake the feeling that they were more interested in him than whatever was under the cloth.

  Zo and Bynard took their places against the ballrooms far wall as they kept an eye out for anything out of place. They were flanked by the other guards and staff from the other nobles.

  Gideon waltzed to the center of the crowd as he raised his voice. “I thank you all for joining us tonight-” As the fool began another long winded speech Alnur found himself suddenly feeling unwell. It felt like a hot knife was being twisted inside his gut, he tried to hide his discomfort and pain, but he found his hands shaking as his body began to heave.

  “-My honored guest, Alnur Ebontide. The King of the Black Coast. At least, for now.” Gideon did little to hide the venom in his voice as he strode alongside Alnur. “What’s wrong? Was the food not to your liking?” He said while laughing.

  Alnur looked at Zo and Bynard, the assortment of guards had drawn their weapons and were currently pointing them at the pair as they held their hands up. He turned to face Gideon. “So you resorted to poisoning me? Because you lost a duel?”

  Gideon sneered. “That wasn’t a proper duel. I am still undefeated.” He leaned closer so that only Alnur could hear him. “I’ve always wondered, your kind is forbidden from partaking in the All Mother’s bounty, cursed to return to sea foam if touched by the ocean. So, what happens to a Twin if they do end up eating fish?”

  Even as Alnur readied himself to strike the pompous man he found himself shoved from behind as he crashed to the floor in the center of the room. Something beneath the floor began to whirl as the air was filled with static. A shimmering bubble formed around Alnur, trapping him within alongside the draped object.

  Gideon pulled out a remote as he moved his lips. Apparently the man hadn’t been informed that sound couldn’t penetrate the bubble. He pushed a button and the cloth fell away to reveal the Phorebearer machine that had been in the sparring ring.

  Alnur had little time to analyze the situation before the thing lurched to life. Gone were the slow movements that were easily read, now the thing moved with brutal efficiency as it leapt forward. Alnur dodged to the left as the colossal machine brought down its fists into the ground. The force was enough to shake the whole building as the bubble flickered for a moment. Alnur cursed as he drew Riptide from its sheath, sweat poured down his face as he assumed a shaking stance.

  The crowd outside were cheering and hollering as they called for bloodshed. Even without being able to hear them Alnur could guess that they were betting on him dying a painful and quick death.

  Something in the singular eye of the machine changed. A voice rang from some hidden place. “Once again I find myself being used as a puppet by another. What is your name warrior?”

  The thing spoke with a calm and simple demeanor, a stark contrast to the violent swings that it unleashed again and again. Alnur could hardly respond as he tried his best to parry and dodge, knowing full well that a single mistake would cost him his life. The fish in his stomach was ripping him apart, the All Mother’s curse was a death sentence that would slowly eat him from the inside out.

  “I am Alnur Ebontide.” He managed as he jumped backwards to give himself some space to breathe.

  “You fight well Alnur. Though I see you are in distress. I wish I could stop myself, but that vile mewling creature holds a control rod that compels me to act.”

  Alnur looked at Gideon and the strange metal device he was waving around. He was mere inches away from the bubble's edge. “So if I break that, you’ll be free?”

  The machine's arms opened to reveal massive cannons that cycled through empty chambers with a series of clicks. “Yes. Though you would do well to hurry. Eventually he will activate my arsenal of weapons that actually have ammunition.”

  “Do you feel pain?”

  “Not physically”

  “Good enough.”

  Alnur couldn’t hold back anymore. There were too many lives at stake. He had to risk using his trump card.

  It took only a thought for him to move the fish that was eating away at him into his secondary stomach. From there his body quickly broke down the forbidden food as it absorbed the essence of the fish. Alnur’s skin grew scaly as he took on an element of what he ate.

  Freed from the effects of the curse he thundered forward. The family blade in his hands glowed as he struck at the Phorebearer with a series of blows that pushed the machine back. Channeling the dead hand into the blade, Alnur cleaved through metal as the Nightfathers gift eroded everything in its path, rapidly oxidizing the metal as it rusted away to nothing.

  “THREAT LEVEL-”

  Whatever the machine had hoped to say was cut off by Alnur’s brutal assault. He severed each of the things limbs and left it in a smoking heap as it began to reknit itself. Wasting no time he jumped past the Phorebearer as he thrust his glowing blade through the bubbles edge and right towards the control rod. The barrier screamed in anguish but could do nothing in the face of the ancient weapon.

  Gideon looked down in shock at the blade that now impaled his chest. He seemed to open his mouth in protest, but the raging green flames were already disintegrating his vital organs. The top half of his torso caved inwards as it slid over the blade's edge and fell to the ground in two pieces.

  The bubble held itself together for a brief moment before it collapsed with a soft popping sound. The assembled guests were frozen as they watched in horror at the turn of events. A couple tried to run but found that the entrance was now being blocked by a squad of city guards that were pouring into the ballroom. Flanked by High Lord Duval of all people.

  The Primarus seemed pretty collected considering the scene before him.

  Alnur cast a glance to the side and saw Zo and Bynard finishing off the last of the dozen or so guards that thought to get in their way. The two were bloodied and bruised, but seemed more angry than injured.

  The city guards quickly formed around Alnur, their spears and blades held at the ready. For his part he casually sheathed Riptide as he looked back at the Phorebearer machine. The thing seemed to be dormant again as it sat idle once more.

  Duval approached with a raised eyebrow as he prodded the remains of Gideon with his foot. “Your highness, I know that our cultures defer a tad, but murder is generally frowned upon in these parts.”

  Alnur shrugged. “In my homeland, we tend to look down on poisoning food against the All Mother’s wishes and putting people in arenas for sport.” He said as he gestured to the remains of the machine.

  Duval snapped his fingers as a pair of guards brought in a panicked woman. “Ma’am, you were the chef tonight, yes? Did you knowingly cook fish for a Twin?”

  The chef looked around, her eyes wide with terror. “I didn’t know. I was just told to cook it… Master Hawk said you were the one-

  With a sigh Duval pulled out a pistol with a well practiced motion and shot the chef in the head. “May you find peace in the next life.”

  He turned back to Alnur. “It would seem you will need new lodging for the time being. I’m sure the Ono will be happy to find you a comfortable cell until we can sort this all out.”

  “Am I under arrest?” Alnur asked while weighing his options.

  Duval smiled. “We’ll leave your fate to the All Mother.”

  Alnur looked at the pair of corpses. It didn’t take a genius to realize what had happened. A High Lord in the Court wasn’t waiting with a squad of city guards outside of a noble's house for no reason. The set up was as childish as it was effective. Duval had Alnur right where he wanted him.

  “Oh and one more thing.” Duval pulled out a metal band as he flicked it at Alnur’s neck. The contraption snapped shut as a sudden emptiness spread over Alnur. For the first time in his life he felt alone, disconnected.

  “What is this?”

  Duval looked displeased. “The Court has voted that you are to not have direct contact with the Black Coast until after your meeting with the All Mother. I tried to tell them that we should let you two keep talking so you could incriminate yourselves, but I was outvoted.”

  Alnur reached for the link, and found nothing.

  “Quantum stabilizing device. No clue how it works, but I’m told it will completely cut you off from your other half.”

  “I have to… I have to talk to my sister.” Alnur trailed off.

  Duval put an arm around Alnur as he walked him towards the door. “Don’t worry. We’ll let her know.”

  Zo and Bynard were rushing over but Alnur raised a hand to stop them. Killing the guards and Duval would simply give the Court even more justification to enact its will over the Coast. For now they had to play along.

  “What of them? Will they be allowed to join me?”

  “I’m sure we can find somewhere for them as well.” Duval smiled his mirthless smile as he ushered Alnur away to his waiting cell. The guise had been dropped, Alnur wasn’t just a hostage anymore, now he was a prisoner.

  Somewhere deep in his soul his body felt its missing half and began to rage, flames erupted from his body as he collapsed to the floor with a thud.

  ◆◆◆

  Tayla felt it as the link was severed. She began to hyperventilate as something deep within her exploded outwards. Her mind was so far gone that she couldn’t even hear her own screams as her aides and guards rushed to her side. The Keel shook as it shared it its Queen's sorrow and pain, a high pitched howl radiated outwards throughout the Coast as the streets soon filled with the panicked masses of those that felt something was wrong.

  Aboard his ship Nel’Dorn looked on in horror as the weave of reality was pushed to its limits. The Coast was covered in a thick layer of frost as the first snowfall of winter was torn from the heavens by some unseen force. A chill ran down his spine as for the first time in its long life it felt something massive shift beyond the veil. A presence that should not exist cast its many eyes through the weakened barrier as it looked on with a ravenous hunger that could never be sated.

  The people on the street screamed in harmony as the air filled with a foul energy that threatened to bloat out the stars themselves. Just as soon as the disturbance had begun, so too had it ended. As one by one the people wandered back into their homes in a trance.

  Nel’Dorn looked down at his shaking hands.