Christel was momentarily startled to find a strange woman in her room, but as her mind followed her body to wakefulness, she realized that this creature could only be Drakkara or one of Drakkara's servants. Rubbing her eyes and holding her breath, she waited for the wondrous being to speak.

"Do not be alarmed, child." She said softly, her voice filling Christel's ears like a sweet melody.

Christel's hand found the white dragon doll that had gotten buried in her covers and clutched it in her hands. "Why are you here? Is my father well??" She whispered, worried.

"Your father is not why I am here, child. Your help is needed. Many people live full lifetimes wondering how to best serve their Goddess, now I am granting you the chance."

An old conversation floated into Christel's head at the woman's words, and she worried over Magess Granuk, whose words had been "Seek Death." Christel didn't want anything to do with death. Taking a deep breath, she said "Where are we going? I should probably tell my mom so she doesn't worry. I'm not going to get in trouble, am I? Mom doesn't like it when I get in trouble."

"Your mother will never know you have gone, for where we travel, time has stopped. Prepare yourself child. You are about to witness something a mortal has NEVER seen before." As she spoke, the room around Christel spun into darkness, and suddenly she found herself standing alone on a dirt road, surrounded by a forest. In the distance, an eerie light shone in the woods.

Chewing on the inside of her cheek, Christel considered her situation, staring at the light. Shrugging lightly, Christel skipped off down the road, towards the light. Since her escort had disappeared and there was nothing better to do, she thought inspecting the light might be a good idea. Distracted easily, the walk took a while, as she stopped frequently to inspect the foliage along the edge of the road.

Walking into the light, Christel saw a woman, more beautiful than the one who had brought her here. Beyond her power to describe, Christel could only look at the woman in awe. Absently, she noticed that the woman was lying in a pool of blood, her stomach was swollen with child, but there was no indication that the woman was in pain.

"Come closer, child. You have been blessed." The woman beckoned gracefully.

"Why am I here?" Christel asked curiously, her eyes never leaving the woman's face.

"How do I know this isn't a trick?" She asked skeptically, chewing on her lip.

"You serve Drakkara as a follower of faith, do you not? Prove your faith now and know that it is not a trick. Drakkara needs your help and She needs it now."

Something in the woman's eyes convinced Christel and she squirmed momentarily, uncomfortable with the idea that a Goddess would need her help. "Ok. What do I have to do?" Christel asked, twirling a strand of hair around her finger and chewing on the end.

"Give yourself to me, freely. Allow me to use your strength, child. It will be returned in a greater way than you can imagine. Do this now, time is running short."

Coming closer to the woman, Christel reaches her hand out to touch her. "My strength is your strength. My faith will sustain you." She closed her eyes and screwed up her face, expecting a great deal of pain. Agony filled her immediately, draining all of her strength. Holy powers and thoughts dwindled into blackness as Christel passed out for a few seconds. Weak, lying on the ground, Christel woke to see something she would never forget.

From the woman bled darkness. It twisted shape and form many times as Christel watched. It seemed at first a fanged dragon, a black copy of the white she'd known. Then it became a demon, hideous to behold. It shifted again, into a vampire and finally dwindled into the form of a child.

Christel's ears began to bleed as a loud cackle surrounded her, coming from the woman who had brought here to this place. The woman's form twisted itself into that of a demon as Christel watched, and then it grabbed up the child in its talons and flew away. The woman who had just given birth was now alone in the clearing with Christel. Her form becomes perfect, no sign of birthing upon her. With awe, Christel realizes that this woman must be Drakkara and she just witnessed the birth of a new God. Wiping tears of pain from her eyes, she could only lay there and stare.

Drakkara looked down upon her young servant and smiled warmly. The agonizing pain left her as the smile caressed her soul. "On this plane, I am weak. The child was born here so that the other gods might not know. You must have a million questions for me, but I will tell you only this. The child is Mine and Necrucifer's. He will help Us tip the scales of Darkness into this world. You have helped me and served Me well."

Still confused, Christel whispered, "But... why me? My dad isn't Highlord any more, what am I supposed to do? I'm just a little girl, no one listens to me.."

Smiling again, Drakkara dispelled Christel's fears. "Why you? Are you not a follower of faith to me?"

"Of course!" Christel exclaimed, embarrassed that she should be doubted.

"Then I called upon you because perhaps there is something I needed from you those others followers may not have given. I had as much faith in you as you did in me."

Blushing, Christel looked down at the ground. She whispered, "I'll try my bestest to be as faithful and as good a follower to You as dad is."

"You will soon have power far beyond your father's. You are blessed by Me and soon you will realize this. May your dreams become a reality, child. I will be leaving you now, but be assured, I will be watching and protecting you as you just protected Me and My child."

"Now that the baby is born.. Do I have to keep it a secret or can I tell dad what happened? And mom?

"Tell only those who share your heart. Do not tell those who might be your enemies."

Her mind bubbling with questions, Christel suddenly found herself once more sitting up in her bed, staring at the foot of it, which now stood empty. "Does the baby have a name? Is it a boy? How come it didn't look as pretty as you? Am I, like... its godmother now? I think I'm too little to be a godmother, do you think?" She blurted out. Blushing in sudden embarrassment, Christel clasped her hands over her mouth and looked around the room, wondering if it had all be a dream.

A dark spot on her wall caught Christel's attention. Looking closely, she saw that it was a name, written in blood.

MALACHIVE

"Do not look so worried Austinian. My balanx will complete his mission. Remember if it were not for Austanis, we would have never known of the birth of Malachive."

Austinian smiled as he turned around to see a man with a white beard dressed in long red robes.

"Brother Kwainin, your balanx may be undetectable to mortals, but do you honestly think that he can walk right into Drakkara's front yard and swipe her child away from her?" Austinian said with rising worry.

"What makes you think she's on the dark moon now, brother?" replied Kwainin.

Austinian raised an eye and looked at Kwainin. With a surprised and almost humorous tone he asked, "What did you do?"

Kwainin smiled.

"Tell me Kwainin, I must know! Did you seduce her?" asked Austinian.

Kwainin laughed. "No brother, I would never dream of such a thing. I had Raije and Cliath stage a massive battle with one another in which they got moon dust all over her. Being so concerned with her appearance, she quickly left to Celestia to make herself perfect again."

Austinian chuckled. "What a perfect plan. But how long do you expect her to stay in Celestia before coming back to where her power is most strong?"

"It matters not, for here comes Austanis now" Kwainin points into space where the blue skinned balanx is flying down.

Austanis glides down into the moons surface holding a child that changed forms almost every second: first a human, then an ogre, next a dragon, a snarling vampire, a demon, and then a human one again. Austanis drops to one knee to Kwainin awaiting permission to stand.

"You have done well Austanis" stated Kwainin.

"Indeed!" proclaims Austinian.

"'Twas not an easy task my lord" replies Austanis. "The child's own power grows with each moment. Twice I was forced to battle its powers and twice I barely lived. If this child is to be destroyed, we must do so now. Shall I take him to Algoron to be terminated?"

"Terminated?" asked Austinian. "Kwainin you never said anything about killing the child."

Kwainin shrugged and spoke. "Why else did you think we stole this child brother? With him alive the balance will be swayed into the side of evil. We have no choice."

Austinian sighed heavily.

Kwainin turned to Austanis. "Quickly take Malachive to Algoron and terminate him. All Gods are mortal on that plane and you should have little problem disposing of him."

Austanis bowed and grabbed Malachive and flew towards Algoron.

Kwainin looked at Austinian's distressed look. "I know you disapprove brother, but you know we haven't a choice."

Austinian glared at Kwainin. "And what if that were my child? Would you dispose of him too to maintain balance?"

"Indeed, brother." Kwainin replied. "I will be off now for I have many matters to return to. Peace be with you brother."

With a flash of gray light, Kwainin disappeared from the planets moon.

"Kantilles, are you here?" Spoke Austinian.

"I am, as usual father" answered a voice.

Standing before Austinian was a good-looking young man. He stood tall and proud and seemed to have a pleasant smile on his face. He wore robes of white that flowed in the light breeze that was the white moons gravitational pull.

"Father, are you thinking what I am? ...that this child can be raised as good on the planets surface where his powers are suppressed?" asked Kantilles.

"I am, my son. Do what you must to save that child. Your sister Kadiya will assist you." ordered Austinian.

Kantilles bowed and disappeared. Austinian stared at Algoron, a ripe blue planet in which he had hand in creating.

Austinian muttered "If only the high God himself could see what a mess we have made ourselves down there. I suspect he would have a good laugh. I cannot let a child die before giving it the chance to grow up good. This shall be my greatest challenge. It may seem easy compared to dealing to Kwainin when he finds out of my interference." Austinian sighed and then smiled. Within an instant, the white moon was empty.

"Pathetic" exclaimed Necrucifer.

"The Goddess of Dark Magic and mother of many Gods weeping like a elven female. Perhaps you are getting soft. Whatever the reason, I do not like this. It is a sign of weakness."

Drakkara's tears turned into a snarl almost instantly.

"Do you not care that our son is alone on a world where he can be... killed by mere mortals?" snarled Drakkara.

"Do you not care that the very unappreciative mortals that we helped create would have your son killed in an act of defiance and vengeance? Or have you forgotten that the High God has cursed us while on Algoron? We can DIE there and no son of mine will be taken by mortals!!!"

"You're attempting to anger me, Lover, just as you do when you attempt to seduce the mortals into worshiping you instead of me. While you may be good at manipulating the mortals, remember that I am the master of all things dark, and that includes you, my dear. I see right through you."

Drakkara was suddenly angered and while it was apparent on her expression, she said nothing. Probably a wise move.

Necrucifer stood boisterous with a sly smirk. He knew that Drakkara would like nothing more than to slap it off of his face. He enjoyed the moment very much. And then... he spoke.

"I will create a hoard of demons. The mortals of all of our children can quest for the right to serve as one. When that has been decided, they will find Malachive and protect him. Perhaps his power will flourish enough to once and for all rule that world. Where you see disaster, I see opportunity. Malachive will live, and he will be our savior of destroying the good."

Darkness overcame Necrucifer and in an instant, he was gone. Drakkara stood alone contemplating Necrucifer's words. She smiled, and returned to her moon.

Malachive....... AWAKE!

A young man awoke from his sleep. His features were both pale and handsome. Long black hair fell behind his head and his eyes were as black as the darkness itself.

A woman stood next to his bed. To say she was attractive would be to say that Giant Ogres were only mildly tall compared to humans. She was both beautiful and seductive with every gesture and every breath. Malachive knew her the moment he noticed her standing before him.

"Mother?" He asked.

Drakkara nodded a simple nod and begin to speak in mocking tones.

"You sleep? You have been in this realm far too long, my son. What else have they trained you to do? Eat? Work? Pay debts?"

Drakkara sat at the end of his bed and briefly touched his right cheek.

"I have found you, and within a blink of time you are already a man in this world. I could take you home now, but your father has plans for you. Already events are in motion and we have begun a holy revolution. Churches of Necrucifer have arose and become powerful. The Gods of 'light' as they call themselves have followed in his example and have begun organized churches of their own. Already priests are being trained to bring others to their side. A true holy war has begun."

"What does father require of me, mother?"

"You will know in due time. In the meantime, know that you are mortal here. Keep yourself alive. Seek those who are strong to protect you. You can die here and if you do, it will be for good."

"And if I do well? Will father allow me to return home and to have the full power of my birthright? Do I finally get to be able to be a God? Do I..."

"Sleep, my child. The answers and more will come in due time. Do what you can to stay alive while oppressing these new churches and their priests. Rewards have an interesting way of working out."

With a wave of her hand, Malachive slumbered once again. Dreaming of the darkness which he so enjoyed, a smirk crossed his lips.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(ooc: See help priest.)

"His destiny is to rule that world and prepare it for my commands yet he works with his hands as a carpenter," moaned Necrucifer. His voice echoed through the darkness followed by a rumbling shake.

Pale, sleek hands massaged his form. "Is the world not going as you have planned, my love?" Drakkara smiled with sarcasm.

Necrucifer growled. "Summon Goratrix. This is his failure. He has done nothing to prepare for Malachive's rule nor has he been an effective leader of the other Demons."

Drakkara suddenly took great offense. "This is Goratrix's failure? What direction have you given him? The only time you have ever spoken to him was when you cast him out transforming him into a Demon!"

"SILENCE YOURSELF. You may be my mate but you will not forget yourself and your place in my service! If you ever defend him again as you have before you will be sorry." screamed Necrucifer.

Drakkara started to argue back, but stopped herself, and smiled mischievously. "As you wish.... 'my lord'". This comment filled with sarcasm. Drakkara quickly disappeared into the darkness.

Necrucifer turned around and willed Goratrix beside him. "You know not who you serve. You are a failure now as you were before you were transformed. Perhaps time in the Abyss will teach you a lesson. You no longer are my Demon Lord." Goratrix slowly rose to speak, stretching his wings with a leathery crackle. As he approached his father, Necrucifer with only a thought put more pain into Goratrix's body than that of a hundred dying warriors.

Pain enveloped the demon. It was a good sensation at first, one he had missed for some time. As he began to revel in the rising agony, he realized there would be no end in sight to this pain. From glory to defeat, Goratrix doubled over as his vision went crimson with both rage and pain. His gaping jaws opened, releasing a chilling howl... But no one could hear him. As the pain bubbled away, his eyes refocused to his own horror. A group of people, yet not people, gathered about him. He looked about, feeling the pull of their energy. His father had said the Abyss?

As his mind focused slowly, the cold chills of ice-torn winds dug into his hardened skin, and the frigid stone clutched at him. He looked out at the wavering forms before him... All souls he had taken in before his leave of this place. He had returned. After the eternity spent escaping, he had been replaced in the same god's forsaken hole, left to rot and gather more souls. His mind raced to rage, as he jerked his body into standing, ready to release his full fury open those closest to him. A freezing blast of wind sent him to his knees before he could take his first movement. In his weakened state, he forgot the agony he had just endured.

Goratrix looked to the heavens, extending his fisted talons. "I served you, you wretch! I served you!!", He cried, as his throat bubbled over with warm liquid. Alarmed, his gaze fell. The cold stone was covered, as was his body, in warmth. He finally had noticed he was bleeding.

A new star was in the sky, and it shined brighter than any other. Even in the daytime it could be seen quite brightly and only hid when one of the 3 moons passed in front of it. Something was there, but it was anyone's guess as to what.

As I flew over Arkane I focused on a large Minotaur gathering civilians to reclaim their city from the hands of the Marauders. As interesting as that was, it was not today's assignment. Today, the ocean was calling.

Just as I passed Arkane's western wall, one event of notice occurred. One if you do not count the Ogre shouting "A balanx, a balanx, look!" before shooting a quiver full of arrows at me. It seems a rather large force of Marauders were heading away from the city northwest. They were looking for the crippled Arkanian troops no doubt.

As I reached my destination over Roully Bab Binb, there sat the victorious Marauder light cruiser, commanded by Admiral Douji. They were sent back to this very spot of the Arkanian Great Galley's sinking to search for something to salvage. They will have no luck.

The crew has suddenly took their battle stations. Ah, there they are. Three Heavy Cruisers from Balifore have approached firing their cannons. Another war. Yes Raije, I can feel your pleasure. These 3 Balifore heavy Cruisers are commanded by Dupla, a Tinker Gnome, Quillath and Faldyr Fortunefinder, two Kender. Douji has instructed his ship to seek an escape course while slowing the heavy cruisers with return fire. Alas, his tactic was failed as he has taken 3 damaging direct hits. Quillath has pulled her ship up next to the Marauder vessel and seems to dumping crates of fire dust upon it. The Marauder upper deck is slimy manned due to the already harsh blows. I see now, they are moving away and intend to ignite... Oh! Dupla fired too soon, the Marauder ship is in pieces but Quillath's ship has taken grave damage too. Douji didn't look very content as he used that teleport spell to avoid being kept prisoner. It looks like this battle has belonged to Balifore. I will move on to my next assignment now.

(Two Hours Later)

There they are; the Marauder patrol. I sense they will find their target. What is minutes to me must seem like an eternity to them, especially at times such as these.

Hmm, I must have wondered off in thought. The battle is already over. Raije will not be pleased. I focus back in time and record the events.

Grokh's Marauder Calvary spotted the Arkanian army. There was one unit or Archers led by Morin, and an infantry united by Remus. The Arkanian archers open fired upon the Marauders, but the attack was unsuccessful due to the density of the forest. Remus and his infantry were quickly defeated by Captain Chroak army. The Marauders were by far superior in this battle bringing about various types of troops and outnumbering the Arkanians greatly.

Deaths of note: Morin was killed when his head was crushed under the blow of the Marauder macemen leader, Executioner Zaratal. Remus was stuck by a crossbowmen's arrow in the shoulder and narrowly escaped with 2 of his infantry soldiers.

This battle could not have been more one sided. The Marauders suffered no major injuries or deaths to any of its officers and only a few of their soldiers perished. They must be pleased.

Today's events were pleasing to watch. Perhaps not for those who do not understand the ways of Raije, but I found today most pleasurable. If only these armies only knew what awaits them soon. By then, I shall be most busy.

-Balanx of Raije.

(OOC: Sorry for the quick matter of fact type history, I didn't have much time and didn't want to keep everyone waiting. Regardless, this concludes ALL events of day two. I will be looking for events from day 3 Friday evening)

Many passengers attempted small talk with this tall and handsome young man, but Malachive said little and always ended up walking to a more remote part of the ship. Staring down into the ocean depths Malachive spotted something odd.

"A white Dragon is swimming underneath us. Should I....? No, it will make no commotion. Somehow I feel as if I am being escorted to this icy place."

"Sir? Would you like anything to drink? Perhaps some wine? "

A steward on the ship had found Malachive, but he still was not in the mood for company or pleasantries.

"No thank you!" replied Malachive.

"I understand, sir. Nice day isn't it? Nice and clear from out here from the sea. Sometimes, during the right time of day, the new light from the sky everyone is talking about makes marvelous design on the waters. Sir...?"

Without saying a word, Malachive walks away.

"He has a lot on his mind for such a young man. Must be from Arkane and is fleeing the bloodshed they had. "

The ship had docked on Icewall and just as Malachive’s dream had told him to do, he spent 3 days finding the highest peak in Northern Nordmaar. The climb would have surely killed or injured normal men. But alas, he had made it.

"Now what?" Malachive asked out loud.

"I DID AS THE DREAM SAID! I AM HERE!! WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH ME??"

Malachive looked around him. Nothing moved and all was quiet. All he could see was a dark ebony castle in the far distance that seemed to almost hide itself in the mountainous regions and the huge ball of light that had sparks everyone’s interest since it mysteriously appeared in the sky months ago.

"Do not yell, my son. For I can always hear you," said a voice from behind him.

Malachive turned around and saw a man. This man had gotten to the top of the mountain with no noise and no footprints in the snow. He looked like an Ogre with the exception that this Ogre spoke without his mouth moving and unlike most ogres; he lacked the dull dim witted look. His arms and chest were very well-muscled and his hair was full and black. The Ogre looked noble. "Perhaps a king" Malachive thought to himself.

"Nay, not a King. A god, and your very father. Since you were placed upon this world you have always been blessed. Your mental and physical abilities have always been above anyone you've known. At times, you've made the objects of your imagination appear before you. You've noticed the demons and the dragons watching you with interest. You ARE the son of Necrucifer and you are here to rule this world. "

Again, the voice came with no movement from the Ogre's mouth. Malachive stood in bewilderment. Everything the ogre said was true but Malachive had always assumed he was perhaps a gifted mage, born with stronger abilities than most men.

The voice began again.

"It is time for you to realize your true power. You can change anything about yourself you wish. Your skills and spells will form as often as you wish them. You are a GOD, my son. But upon this world you are also mortal. If you die to the hands of a mortal you are dead for good. Be prepared. Danger will come at you from al directions, even from those you trust. Rule not with empathy or compassion but with MIGHT and WILL. Your time to rule begins today. You will know what to do, the barrier of your human mind will be lifted after today’s events. Do well, my son. Everything in my power will be at your command less they wish my wrath upon them. "

The Ogre turns his head towards the great light in the sky and grinned. Malachive looked to the sky only to see the light grow brighter. He turned back to the Ogre only to find him gone, quietly and without any trace.

"This can't be!" Malachive said out loud.

A echoing BOOM from the heavens disturbed his train of thought as the great light erupted into the sky of Algoron. A huge ball of flame flew through the sky leaving dark smoke and particles of debris behind its path. The great meteor roared with a loudness that would drown out even the largest of dragons. As it passed over Malachive the light from its flame lit up the entire land around him.

"Dae'tok! It is heading for Dae'tok!" Malachive said with a self-surprising excitement.

The meteor hit the earth right in the general location of the Dae'tok kingdom. A great wave of light in all directions removed several mountain ranges and shook the earth. A huge mushroom cloud of devastation rose high into the sky.

Days passed but they seemed only like moments for Malachive. As Necrucifer told him, his mind was now free from the limitations of his human form. He understood much about the world and who he was and what was expected at him. The mysteries to the universe were no longer unknown to him. Today was the beginning of his new life and he knew what he must do.

Malachive was now unburdened by the limitations of the mortal mind. He knows the secrets to many things beyond mortal comprehension but still, as anyone around his age of 20 years; he couldn't piece a lot of things together.

"Of my father wants me to conquer this world, why not just throw a meteor at all kingdoms that resist?" He thought.

"Indeed," said a voice from behind him.

Malachive had sensed no one near him, so he knew whoever this voice came from was a God of some type.

A woman with pale skin and long black hair stood with more beauty in her smile than all wonders of the world combined. Instantly, Malachive recognized her.

"Mother!" Malachive said with a boyish excitement.

Drakkara embraced her son and for a moment one would never know the evil within these two hearts.

"You do not know the trouble your father went through getting the rock to land. The same people who would see you dead everything they could to stop it. So now the responsibility is yours to conquer the world. And while I would have you off this world safe, these events must come to pass" Drakkara said.

"I guess I can understand that. Already there are many who attack me." Malachive replied. "Elves, Knights and even kingdoms have come for my head. If not protected by your Black Tower and some of the Demons, my life would already be at an end.

"And what of the immortals? The ones who suck life to sustain their own?"

"The vampires? Mother, they have long forgotten their dark gift as a prize to be cherished. They have long stopped being thankful for eternal life and immortal powers. They are a lost cause. I have hope for many, but only a few of those are worthy of their gift. And I do mean a seldom few."

"Perhaps you should teach them a lesson?"

"Can I?" Malachive paused for a moment. "I'm still getting used to this.

My powers grow daily and I am coming to understand its limits are far beyond what I imagined."

Drakkara grinned an evil smile. "The first steps have been taken. The rest is your responsibility. I will help guide you all that I can, but you should know that the more your father and I involve ourselves, the more the others will become involved as well. Even the neutral Gods fear you and will do what they must to kill you. We created you without their permission or their council. However you were created with purpose and as my son you have all of the tools to ensure our victory. You know what to do."

In an instant, she was gone.

"Indeed mother, indeed. The beginning of the end is now and I know just how to start." Malachive, his eyes a flaming black.

Snarkerl raised his head from the ground and yawned. The Dragon's large pointy teeth were the same size as the Balanx who was trying to wake him.

"You've missed the entire war, or at least the first wave!" Austanis said. "I can't tell you what's to come, but I can tell you what you've missed if you like." He said without any emotion in your voice.

"So some mortals went to war and killed one another. What do I care?" The Green Dragon hissed.

"Not quite" Austanis said, "a bit more than that occurred."

The green dragon yawned. "Didn't you alter something historic by waking me up? Go away!"

Austanis "No, you'll be dead in an hour anyway."

Now the Balanx had the Green Dragon's attention.

Snarkerl changed his expression from careless and tired to serious. "Speak. Or you'll be joining me."

"One day, but not today, my green friend." Austanis replied. "The Gods have started a War with each other."

Snarkerl asked "A full war?"

Austanis nodded his head, "All out war. The Good Gods against the Evil with the Neutral Gods caught in between trying to find peace before the world is destroyed. Many in Algoron are dead, much is destroyed."

"How long did I sleep?" asked Snarkerl.

"Not long, especially for a Dragon. You slept about 3 days." Austanis replied. "But as you know, when the Gods choose the affect the world, it happens quickly. Many Dragons slept, as did many mortals. That was not by choice, but by the protection of some Gods."

"So I slept to be protected only to be killed in 1 hour?" The dragon snarled.

"Yes. Your protection has run out." Austanis said without emotion.

"Wonderful!!" The Dragon said sarcastically. "What else happened? Who's dead?"

"The Dragons who did not sleep launched a full assault on the Slayers keep. Much to the mortal's credit, they fended off the Dragon coalition. Their downfall occurred when a Blue Dragon landed awkwardly on top of the keep. It was crushed under the Great Wyrm's weight."

"The Slayers Doom was the result of a fat Blue Dragon landing on them?" The dragon laughed.

"I wouldn't call him fat, big boned for sure, but he was a Great Wyrm, just as you are. Anyway, other clans fell to the Gods themselves. Armada was destroyed by the Pirates. The Gypsies wagons were burned by the Kingdom of Verminasia as order by Malachive. Malachive, son of Necrucifer single handedly destroyed the Pirates killing many and reducing their hideout to rubble. Malice fell before Nadrik and his Knights while Valor was destroyed by Necrucifer and his knights. Eclipse was terminated from within by Renegade Yinn opposition."

"Knighthood and Shadow took out Malice and Valor?" the dragon asked. "And Malachive? I already refused to join him! I knew he'd destroy the world instead of conquering it!"

"Yes." The Balanx replied. "It seems the honorable factions had the discipline to accomplish their lord's goals quickly. There are a lot of survivors and it's my understanding that those left alive are seeking a place in the newer starting clans. The people are calling these new orders Bloodlust, Wrath of Justice and the Order of the Talon."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" The dragon asked.

"I am here to document your death. I am just passing the time with this story. It feels refreshing to share my knowledge, especially knowing you can do no harm with it."

"I suppose I should feel privileged. Continue." The Dragon said again sarcastically. "What of the rest of the World?"

"The Elves enclosed themselves in the forest avoiding the war, as did the Dwarves who shut the mountain's gates. Both thought it was the rest of the world's problems since they were not attacked. A natural reaction I suppose. The Conclave finally did the inevitable and merged the towers under one ruler. They are the same as they were, except unified as 1 conclave with the 3 factions. They are also building a non-warring faction to teach magic. Sebatis even moved the Red Robe tower out of the main focus of these battles, to Ice Wall.

"The Austinians were destroyed by Goblins who simply sought out loot in the time of turmoil. The survivors are now calling themselves the Gray Church and are opening their doors to anyone without constraints.

"A lot of artifacts and magical items were destroyed in the world. Mages seem to have an awful advantage, for now, as the fighting types tend to figure out how to counter that. They've already starting manufacturing better armor types. The Banks have crumbled as they were looted. Looters ran rampant on those kept sleeping as well. Hundreds have been executed for their part in that. Yes, it appears the first wave of this war is over and order is coming back - for now."

"And what of me? How am to die? And why?" The dragon asked nervously.

"You're going to die by Malachive's hand for not joining him." Austanis said.

"And where is he?" The dragon asked.

"You are speaking to him, idiot." Austanis said.

"What?" The dragon asked as he watched Austanis' form change to Malachive's.

"I hope you've enjoyed today's report. Enjoy yourself in Hell dragon." Malachive said with a smile.

Malachive struck his hand into the dragon's chest and pulled out its enormous still beating heart before the Dragon could react.

The dragon's mouth flew wide open as to yell in pain, but before it made a sound, Malachive threw the heart into the dragon's mouth, forcing it to swallow it whole.

Malachive grinned as he simply said "Heh"

A human dressed in a dull black armor shook his head. "I don't get it, Jardon. This is supposed to be the Prince of Darkness and he sits looking at the sun set as if he's some lost romantic soul. And why in Necrucifers name are we worried about mere Kender anyway?"

Another man looked at him puzzled. Jardon was a much older soldier with aged lines around his eyes and a bushy blond mustache above his lip. "Are you stupid or something, Michaeled? He's watching the sun go down because we attack as soon as it's good and dark. The Abhorrants can't summon their miserable Horrormongers during the sun light. And I'd be very careful not to let Malachive hear you say he is "supposed" to be the prince of darkness. Have you not heard what he's done to the doubters? Do not even think thoughts like that around him. He can see your thoughts you know!"

Michaeled froze and almost panicked. "You do not think he heard me now, do you?"

Jaron sighed. "You best hope not. As for why the kender, I can tell you why I think its so. The Abhorrants armies, the Horrormongers are shadow wraith like beings and they get their power in two ways. The darkness and peoples fear. Kender do not fear. And so Deathmeere has ordered them to be exterminated and so they shall."

Michaeled grinned slightly. "They don't even have a town guard posted. This will be easy pickings."

"We are just here to engage reinforcements in case one of their nosey neighbors decides to come to the rescue. The Abhorrants will do their own dirty work this night. After all, it is not like they can die. Let's get into position, its dark now."

Malachive and Deathmeere watched the last hint of sunlight leave the Roully Bab Binb Ocean. Turning, Deathmeere joined the two other Abhorrants who were sharpening a scythe that had an eerie dark green glowing effect about it. They handed the scythe to Deathmeere and the three glided off towards the Balifore city limits.

Michaeled was gathering his arrows and felt an odd feeling in his stomach. He turned to notice Malachive staring at him. Malachive's hollow yellow eyes looked into Michaeled as if he were reading his very soul. Michaeled could not help but stand there frozen.

"Michaeled, where is those arrows? Hurry up...." Jeron yelled before turning to Michaeled only to see a pile of burning ash.

His mind wandered in many different directions. Even possessing the intellect of a God, his plans were so complicated and precise that his attention was drawn in an infinite number of directions. It was due to these various thoughts that he barely sensed the presence of the Abhorrant before he began scaling the hillside towards Malachive. This momentarily lapse in awareness caused him great irritation, for he knew even as in control as he was, the Abhorrant were nicknamed the Godslayers for a reason.

"What is it, Deathmeer?"

"I merely await you orders, Malachive. The kender city has been lain to waste for months now and we have progressed no further. We hunger for more blood and will satiate our thirst one way or another."

"You will act when I command it, Deathmeer, and not a moment before. There are pieces to this plan, beyond your comprehension, that must be put into motion before we can proceed further. You will continue to hold."

The Abhorrant sneered and turned to leave, glancing back at Malachive as he disappeared into the night.

The Dark Son watched him go, further annoyed at this most recent challenge. Deathmeer was becoming more and more aggressive.

Suddenly a pillar of flame erupted from the ground mere yards away from Malachive, subsiding as quickly as it came to reveal the form of a massive, hulking minotaur.

Malachive seemed undisturbed as he looked on. "To what do I owe this honor, Mencius?"

"Blessings, Dark Son. Your Father sends his greetings," he growled out roughly.

"Indeed. Tell him to send something I can make use of."

Mencius snorted and shifted about impatiently. "It is I who brings you something you can make great use of, Malachive. I have watched your interaction with the Godslayer ever since you brought them back into this world. You are not as safe around them as you think and with your attention as scattered as the populace of Balifore, you are vulnerable on top of being mortal. You cannot lead your armies and protect yourself at the same time. You know this."

Malachive was careful to response, keeping his eyes locked on the God of Rage.

"I am the Son of Necrucifer, Mencius. I can do anything. I have the infinite power of the universe at my disposal and nothing in this world or the next can cause me any harm."

Mencius reached behind his back and unstrapped his gigantic war axe, slamming it deep into the ground inches away from Malachive.

"Dammit, Malachive, you are still a boy in my eyes. You may be the Son of Necrucifer but you have not been around as long as I. I survived the first war between the Abhorrants and the Gods and you need not open a history book to know there were more Gods before the war began than after! They all possessed the same powers as you and they still fell before the onslaught of these creatures. What kept the remaining eighteen of us alive was strength and the knowledge that we could be beaten unless we prepared ourselves."

Malachive's eyes narrowed. "Then why are you here, Lord of Rage."

"Because I come to prepare YOU, Malachive. You were borne without the consent of the other Gods and if you die, the dark pantheon's advantage dies with you. Necrucifer and Drakkara cannot create anything like you again. You are the future of darkness and I have come to insure my place in that future."

"You are in need of a guardian and a General. Someone who can keep the Abhorrants in check, someone who can lead your armies with cold and calculating precision, and someone who possesses the rage and power to wreak havoc upon those who would stand against you."

"Who could I possibly trust that would provide all that you say? Who possesses such abilities?"

Mencius simply smiled and glanced towards the heavens. Thunder clouds were rolling in and lightning could be seen in the distance.

Grakaris scampered through the bowls of Hell with speed and agility. Past the burning flames, the screaming souls and the frozen wasteland that made up much of Hell's infrastructure. Further down he traveled, past the bloody carnage, the ferocious deziens, and the tempted succubae. Grakaris feared his ultimate destination, a rarely frequented pit of Hell buried particularly deep and isolated.

He finally reached the rickety rope bridge that led across a pool of lava and fire to a single obsidian-constructed cube. Inside was Hell's most recent addition and feared monster. Grakaris quickly closed the distance between the bridge and the cube's entrance. Pushing open the large door, he crept inside cautiously and gulped before he spoke. The room was totally dark. "The... The Lord calls for you immediately. You are needed to serve once more."

Mantaroth's red eyes burned through the darkness like a scythe.

His staff and his backpack were gone and his golden robes of the conclave had been replaced by a simple grey cotton shirt and grey cotton pants. His pointy hat and shoes were also gone, but his recently frayed beard was back to normal.

"Am I dead?" Seanan said out loud not expecting any answer. After all, there was nothing but ground as far as his eyes could see.

"Szarveenik!" Seanan said while holding out a hand. Nothing happened. "SZARVEENIK!" Seanan said louder with his hand out stretched. Puzzled, Seanan sat on the ground.

"My magic. Its gone" the old man said sadly.

"You'll find that magic does not work here, especially for the dead" a voice behind him said in a sad tone.

Seanan turned around to see a young noble looking man with long black hair wearing black robes. His skin was pale and his expressions seemed very genuine.

"You will find that nothing of what you were remains. This is what is left of you and this is your destiny for the rest of eternity. To walk this realm alone" the man said, again with sadness in his voice that made Seanan feel as if this news troubles this man as much as it did to Seanan himself.

"Who are you?" Seanan asked. "How did I die? Was I eaten by Galeru? Did that red beast feast upon what was left of me?"

"You died from the wounds you obtained from the incident with Maylstrom. You laid in Galeru's lair for a week and then your body gave out and you died. The Dragon did not eat you." The man said while studying Seanan's face. "Galeru was merely acting to his nature, seeking a few easy jeweled eggs in return for finding you helpless and then returning you your towers, but your mages did not want you back."

"That can not be." Seanan said in disbelief. "They wouldn't."

"They did betray you, Seanan. They did indeed. A few offered the dragon the eggs but only in return for your books and not for you. Others said they would only help if the Gods themselves told them too and even then, they undermined you by stating they wish for the red to eat you and that you were not around the towers enough to baby sit them. They wanted you to die, and so you did. In fact, their leaders stated publicly that they would celebrate your death as if you were a tyrant whom had spent your days razing their villages and killing their families."

Seanan's old eyes grew wide. "But I was there to help them! I taught them the ways of Battle Magic!! I had EIGHT other schools of magic to teach them, not to mention many more spells to within their own schools to show them! Why would they do this to me? After all I have seen and sacrificed to make them better and to prepare them for what is to come? How could they betray me? How?"

The pale man smirked. "Old one, the Conclave is not what it was in your day. They are their own worse enemy. Politics takes the place of common goals and egos take the place of a passion for magic and arrogance takes the place of worship. My mother could go and on about this very topic."

"Your mother?" Seanan asked cautiously.

"Drakkara" stated the man. "My mother is Drakkara. We aren't exactly on the best of terms right now, before you start asking."

"So you are Malachive then?" Seanan asked.

Malachive grinned. "I am. And I came here to see you off. You are one of the most powerful wizards in the history of the world, Seanan, and to be honest I was flattered to learn that you came to this time to defeat me. Unlike those in the Conclave, I recognize and appreciate one who made themselves as powerful as you."

Seanan sat and said nothing. He looked off into the nothingness with a blank stare before uttering "You've no reason to flatter me, Malachive." A single tear fell down the old mans face. "Do not be sad, old one." Malachive said with a look of concern. "I too used to live among the Conclave and I too was unwelcome there, despite my mother's wishes. So now, I live in hiding, slowly planning, slowly building, slowly preparing for what is to come. It is a shame you won't be there to see it."

The words rang through Seanan's head. His pain turned to anger and his face flushed with a bright redness.

"It's a fact, Seanan. I am not saying such things to sting you."

Malachive leaned down and studied Seanan's face. His face was red; his eyes were wide and teary. If Seanan were alive, one would worry that he was having a stroke.

"What are you thinking, old one?" Malachive asked politely.

Seanan turned and looked Malachive eye to eye. "I can't believe this is how it is to end for me, after all I have done! How dare those ungrateful little bastards betray their robes and betray me, the only man who could place them back at their previous glory!! If there is a way out of this realm, I will find it and when I do, I will tear down those towers brick by brick by brick by brick!!!!"

Malachive smiled. "I made the same vow myself, you know. When they unwelcomed me, so I understand your thoughts Seanan. It's a shame too, because like it or not, you are dead. Not even I can restore you to your mortal form."

"My mortal form was weak anyway!" Seanan said, again staring out into the nothing. "Even if I could go back as a powerless small child, I would find a way to get my revenge! Those ungrateful bastards deserve what they have coming to them and I want to not only be there to see it, I want to help!"

"Are you asking me for help?" Malachive said, almost grinning.

"I'm no spring grasshopper." Seanan replied. "I know what I'm getting myself into and I know that I've lost favor with Sebatis over the last year or I wouldn't be stuck in this Abyss. But what I know more than anything else is that those bastards in the towers are going to pay for what they did to me. They deserve everything they are going to get and I am going to make them and the moons pay! If you want my soul for servitude, then you have it! If it's either waste away here shunned by every one that I had dedicated my life for and go seek revenge, then I demand revenge!"

Malachive's grin left his face. Muttering "Mother, forgive me" to himself, he placed his hand on Seanan's shoulder and spoke softly.

"Old one, I did not want to see you robbed of your dignity any way. You and I will walk the world together and I will see that you have your chance to get your revenge. But understand that by placing yourself under my will, you will cease to feel things as you have. You will cease to taste things they way you have and you will have to live with the orders in which I give without regret. A better tomorrow awaits all of us if we are only willing to make the tough choices of today. The world below is vile and ugly and only with strength and control can we make it a better place."

"What's to become of me?" Asked Seanan. "Am I to be transformed into a demon?"

"A demon?" Malachive chuckled. "You confuse me for my father for I control no demons. Just consider yourself an agent of Malachive. "Let us begin our journey."

In a blink, Seanan was in a new place. His clothes had been replaced with long grey robes. At his feet laid his own corpse, along side of it was his backpack and his staff. Reaching down, he picked up his back pack and his staff. He noticed the aches and pains of his normal movements were still completely gone. Physically, he felt young again. Looking around, Seanan realized that he had died in what was an abandoned ruby mine. He made his way to the entrance only to be met at the door by a rather large red dragon.

Galeru stood poised for battle. He swiped a claw at Seanan only to have his entire arm jolt from whatever barrier that was protecting Seanan.

"To kill you now would be to kill a fly, simply for flying." Seanan said. "It is not my job to change the nature of a Red Dragon."

Galeru looked at Seanan perplexed as Seanan walked past him, unconcerned.

Turning as if Seanan had just realized he forgot something, he looked at Galeru.

"However, since we now share some common enemies."

Seanan raised his staff into the air and a blue bolt of energy passed from the staff into Galeru. Galeru's muscles grew and hardened. His claws extended and his fangs grew jagged edges between the teeth.

Galeru looked down at his arms, claws and felt his fangs. He looked back to Seanan, but Seanan was gone. Galeru strolled back into his lair and looked at his reflection in a pool of standing water.

What he saw was something Galeru had never seen before upon his face. A grin.

The fortress' mood in general was very chipper. After all, they had all witnessed an Abhorrant single handedly torturing and killing a full grown Brass dragon that very evening. There's nothing quite as fulfilling for an army than a display of sheer power. But to Malachive, something was not right. Although his plans were coming into fruition, he did not feel anything good or bad. He was completely empty.

He strolled down into his chambers and laid down in his bed, his eyes wide awake as he stared at his ceiling.

"I can no longer read your thoughts" a female voice said softly. "And you look much different than before, more like an attractive human instead of a half Abhorrant beast. The horns were not a good look for you."

Malachive sat up and stared at his mother, who had not aged a day since he last saw her years ago.

"I know" Malachive said calmly.

"Do not alert anyone to my presence here, Malachive, the Abhorrants would be less than kind if they I know I walked in their fortress" Drakkara said. "I wasn't exactly the most hospitable person when they walked Algoron all those years ago."

"It's MY fortress, mother." Malachive said.

"Ah, of course it is" Drakkara responded with a sarcastic tone to match her sarcastic smile.

"What do you want?" Malachive asked.

"I have some concerns and I also bring to you a warning" Drakkara stated. "What you are allowing, even encouraging Seanan to do is both dangerous and very disrespectful towards me. I want you to stop it. Stop it now!" Drakkara glared at Malachive with her eyes warning that at any moment, she could explode in anger.

"What is the matter, mother? Are you afraid that mortals will learn that there is magic available in this world that doesn't require your permission to exist?" Malachive said with a smile. He said this knowing full well that his words would strike a nerve.

"That's NOT magic!" Drakkara said loudly. "It's a perversion. It's an abomination! You have no idea what you are doing and I can't always protect you from."

"Protect me?" Malachive interrupted angrily. "Where were you when I was stolen from the heavens to be raised by mortals? Where were you when my real moth.... The woman who loved and raised me died and left me here alone? Where were you when I fell in love only to have them snatched away by IDIOCY? Where were you when I couldn't control my power and was made an outcast by all who knew me? Where were you when your very own tower of magic barred me from living there? Protect me? Do I look like I need your protection? I do not need anything from you!"

"Is that a fact?" Drakkara asks using her calm voice once again.

"That is a fact!" Malachive stated boldly.

"Well then at least I tried" Drakkara said before staring at Malachive as if she were trying to memorize his face. "We won't see each other again" she added. "What?" Malachive asked quickly.

"The Gods have met, Malachive. All of them. You are exiled and will stay on Algoron for your remaining days" She said with almost sadness in her voice.

"When have I ever left?" Malachive replied sarcastically.

"There's more. And I assume they knew I would tell you this, but consider it a mother's final act to protect her son. They will be sending someone to kill you." Drakkara said with full seriousness.

Malachive stared at Drakkara a moment before speaking. "Who?"

"I don't know. They won't tell me. I can only tell you who it is not, and that is me and Taliena. We both protested. No one else did. Not even Kadiya, and of course not even your father. The things you are doing is of great risk to the world that we built and the Abhorrants presence here is beyond .. Insulting. Do you have any idea how many of us died to those beasts before we won that war? One already came very close to killing Cliath! Not that we would miss him, but who would they go after next? They will turn on you one day Malachive and you will not see it coming if you do not open your eyes. You are the only one who walks this world that can kill them and that doesn't make them your servants, it makes them fear you and it's only a matter of time before they kill you."

Malachive stared at his mother without even a blink. "I can handle the Abhorrants. But if I am to be outcast from the other gods and assassinated, then so be it. But you tell them this, you tell them to come to me. Tell them to come to me and be prepared for a war unlike they ever could have imagined. I will not go quietly. And if they dare attempt this, they better do the job well because I will become their worst fears. I will become even your worst fear. You tell them."

Drakkara looked at Malachive and nodded. "Malachive, I wish things could have been different. I really do."

In a blink, Drakkara was gone and Malachive stood in his room alone. For the first time since he started his campaign, he felt something. Fear ran through him like a cold wind. War was upon him much faster than he had anticipated and this time, it wouldn't start with his armies. Malachive stormed quickly out of his room. The Abhorrants would need to know that they could expect a God coming to visit.

"Are you actually agreeing with him?" Austinian was uncharacteristically livid. "If we let Fatale walk Algoron, you know that the murder will not stop with Malachive. He will set forth upon a killing spree unlike the world has never known! You know that, Kwainin, you KNOW what would happen."

Kwainin looked back at Austinian and made no effort to speak. "Would happen, Kwainin, not could. Would." Austinian added. "We will never get through this day" Kwainin said with a hint of distress in his voice. "We will never all three be in agreement."

"That is why you must decide" Austinian responded. "Decide for us all. Pick one of us from each pantheon and let it begin."

Kwainin chuckled. "You know as well as I do that he will never agree to that. He has control issues to say the least."

"Well he's not in control! The last I checked, we were all three equals although I admit that it is regrettable on most occasions. We must come to some sort of agreement, but I will not allow Fatale to be chosen to freely walk Algoron!" Austinian argued.

"Gods have walked on Algoron without permission for as long as I can remember" Kwainin added.

Austinian interrupted "Yes, and they mess something up each and every time. Fatale in particular is forbidden to go in person. There is no reason any of us can not do our duties the way we always have, through the use of avatars or images or even possession. Why do we have churches and Angels, Demons and the Balanx if we have to go deliver our messages in person?"

"You are rambling, brother." Kwainin interrupted in return. "No Angel, Demon or an entire kingdom can kill Malachive any more. It must be one of us, and who better than Fatale? He may even kill all of the Abhorrants while he is there and you know that is an issue we need to look to as well."

"He will kill an entire continent as well and he'll give it only a mere passing thought and what is to stop him there? Oh yes, now I remember, me or one of my sons and daughters. By sending Fatale, we risk a full scale God war! I will not allow it. I will not agree!" Austinian said loud enough for Necrucifer to hear him from the next room.

"There is only one solution then" Kwainin said. "You will choose the god of his pantheon to go and he will choose yours."

Austinian looked at Kwainin and paused. "And what of yours? We agreed one from each of us."

"I'm the God of Balance!" Kwainin said with a smile. "I don't need either of you to remain objective."

Austinian sighed. "I hate this. I want nothing to do with it, but yet I do concede that my own actions has caused this to transpire. I should be the one to fix this, yet we've been through the reasons why none of us three should go a million times."

Austinian paused and sighed again. "Fine. I will agree to your solution with one condition. He may not choose my wife and I will not choose his.

Taliena will be spared from doing what it would crush her to do and Drakkara will not be asked to kill her own child."

Kwainin smiled. "Well then, it is agreed. Let us get see if he agrees and get this over with."

The two Gods entered the white marble courtyard where they were meeting. Not another soul was in sight and no sounds interrupted them.

A dark scowled expression adorned Necrucifer’s face, but that was not unusual. His mood was always bad and he was always looking for a reason to fight.

"I agree" he said simply just as Kwainin began to speak.

Kwainin turned and looked at Austinian with a surprised expression.

"I guess there's not hiding any conversation from you, is there?" Kwainin said. "Very well, you will choose each others child to carry forth this mission and then I will choose last. Necrucifer, I think you should choose first."

Necrucifer grinned. "My answer would not change first nor second. I choose Kadiya."

Austinian's eye brows raised and his mouth opened in fury. "What? Why? She is the LEAST capable of this mission!! Choose someone who will not carry any baggage from this mission Necrucifer, do not choose her!"

Necrucifer smiled as if he enjoyed Austinian's reaction. "She is the Goddess of peace is she not? She knows more than anyone the cost of failure. It won't hurt her to get her hands a little dirty."

Austinian walked towards Necrucifer swiftly but Kwainin caught him by his robes. "Brother, calm yourself, we all agreed to these rules. You knew the risk."

"I didn't think he would carry his vendetta against me this far! He should have chosen Nadrik and he knows that!"

Necrucifer suddenly look bored. "You complain a lot. You ever notice that?"

Austinian stared at Necrucifer as if he could burn Necrucifer from the inside out.

"Let's get our choices over with so I can back to being evil" Necrucifer said almost with a chuckle. Austinian pushed Kwainin's hands off of him and straightened out his robe. 'Have it your way. After all, its your son’s murder we are planning."

His words did not affect Necrucifer at all. He merely shrugged.

"I choose Devion." Austinian said plainly.

Kwainin looked at Austinian with surprise. "And you complained about his choice? What a team of Assassins that is, Kadiya and Devion!" He said sarcastically. "One will try to reason with Malachive while the other ties his boot straps together in hoping that he'll trip and fall his way to death!

Austinian crossed his arms. "Its not like I have a lot of options. Disease, Murder, Rage. I'd rather send mischief to Algoron than any of those others. Besides, he is least likely to harm Kadiya himself."

"Kadiya is more capable than you give her credit for, although who can blame a protective father?" Kwainin stated. "The last choice is mine and I guess it should be no surprise that I choose the first competent person for this mission."

Necrucifer and Austinian both looked at Kwainin as they awaited his decision. Kwainin enjoyed having their undivided attention for the first time in years.

"I'm sending Raije."

"Scared, Devion?" A woman's voice said lightly.

Devion looked over to see Kadiya looking as beautiful as ever. She wore white robes with a gold and blue trim shaped around her delicate features. Her hair was long and exceptionally curly and few had a face that rivaled hers. Devion had always enjoyed looking at Kadiya for obvious reasons.

"Of course not" Devion said as that familiar smile broadened his face. Devion had a huge smile that Kadiya secretly admired. "After all, Raije is going with us."

Kadiya looked at him and raised her eyebrows as she shrugged.

Devion looked surprised. "Oh come on! It's Raije! The God of War!? You've seen him in action, right? The guy is an absolute MONSTER! I have no intention of doing anything while we are there except to maybe go to a pub and get involved in some of the mortal excitement there."

"That's not our orders." Kadiya said in protest.

Devion rolled his eyes. "Our orders are to assassinate Malachive. Yes, I know. I heard the speech. It bored me. Here is my plan. We all go down, I get ale. Raije goes to war. Raije kills everyone. I finish my ale, maybe I visit a few of my favorite people and make a few new giants, if you know what I am saying", Devion pauses as he winks at Kadiya who in return rolls her eyes, "and then we come home. You should go with me! I know a great place in New Thalos!"

"And leave Raije to do all the dirty work himself?" Kadiya asks.

Devion raises his voice almost to an argumentative tone "You've met Raije! He won't even notice. The guy is salivating at the thought of getting to wipe out a God as it is. Why take away his fun? Besides, you hate war and violence and all that."

"Yes, and I hate it enough to go do this so that our entire world won't have war in every single corner of it", Kadiya responded. "This is not some cheap excuse to go grab some ale and mingle with the mortals; this is about stopping devastation before it occurs. This is no joke, Devion, this is serious." Kadiya began to walk away from Devion as she was already disgusted with his attitude concerning the mission.

"Alright Kadiya, lookwaitjust wait." Devion's expression changed to a serious one. "Look, I was just asked to murder my brother, ok? Can you even imagine if that were asked of you? That's not easy for me. I know I joke around a lot. Hell, I am labeled the famous 'God of Mischief' aren't I? You try living up to that! I have to make appearances, cause some trouble, swap married people out of their beds in the middle of the night..."

Kadiya giggled and said cautiously. "Oh my. Have you really done that?" She stood half smiling, half disgusted.

Devion smiled and paused. "Never let it be said that the Gods of Algoron don't have a sense of humor. After all, wasn't it Kwainin who stationed his Balanx behind that waterfall in Althainia?"

Kadiya laughed. "I highly doubt it" she replied.

Devion smiled. "Well, that was the word on the streets of Althainia, any way. I have no idea how that rumor started, of course."

Kadiya laughed again. "I just bet you don't."

Devion smiled as he looked at Kadiya and then, once again, he became serious. "Please, don't take me for all of the hype. This will not be easy on me, and I'd just like to have some fun before we get started. Give me one day?" Kadiya studied his face and smiled. "I'll never trust you, Devion, God of Mischief. But one day of fun you shall have, but under two conditions."

"Name them" Devion said.

"One, you can't injure any one" Kadiya said only to be interrupted by Devion.

"Done! And two?"

"Two, I get to go with you. Someone needs to keep an eye on you" Kadiya said with a smile.

Devion smiled. "Shall we then? Raije can catch up, I'll send word to him where we shall meet at."

Kadiya nodded and then two vanished from the room.