Surrounded by the beauty of his beloved homeland, Aleri, newly proclaimed Ruler
of the Serenwilde, finally felt at peace. With the help of his old friend
Kenan and his more recent acquaintence Sanael, Aleri had begun to repair the
damage dealt to the once-great forest by the treachery of Emperor Akotha.

The work had not been easy. While the progression of the taint had been
stopped by the coven which gathered near Ertec, much damage had already been
done, and such damage was not easily repaired. The Druids of the Hartstone
toiled tirelessly to push back the taint which had invaded their homeland, but
their efforts were greatly hindered by the regular contingents of Magnagorans
who hoped to defend their handiwork. The Knights of the Serenguard strove to
defend those in their charge and remove such threats as they could, but their
numbers had been greatly diminished, and their task too widespread. The
members of the Moondance Coven contributed as they could in the skirmishes, and
also worked to restore life to those who were slain in their service. The
project was great, and the number of workers few, but progress was slowly
becoming apparent.

Dispite their hardships, morale was high among the brethren of the Serenwilde.
They had all lost loved ones, but the Wilde had survived the fight. Those who
remained labored with a sense of contentment and pride refined by conflict.
Nature had faced a threat such as it had not known in some time, and the
Serenwilde had triumphed.

The atmosphere in Magnagora, however, was an entirely different matter.

After witnessing the failure of his great plan, Emperor Akotha had snapped.
High officials in every department were executed in front of him for their
supposed failures, and citizens of every stature were drafted for daily raids
of the still-wounded Serenwilde. Akotha was supreme dictator and few would
dare oppose him, but with morale in a steady tailspin, he knew that even such a
distant possibility might loom near on the horizon.

As he was considering these things, he paid no heed to the herald who had
slipped quietly into his chamber. The servant stood silently, waiting to be
noticed before speaking. After several moments of silence, the Emperor finally
spared him an indignant glance. "What is it?"

"Someone is here to speak with you, My Lord. He claims to have news that will
lift your spirits." The servant relayed exactly what the man had ordered.

"I don't enjoy having my time wasted. However, my spirits could use lifting.
Show him in, and pray for both of your sakes that he does not fail."

Within the span of three breaths, a man appeared in the doorway whom the
Emperor had never met. The man stood some five spans in height. He appeared
lean, though his thick black cloak concealed most of his finer features. He
was covered in a simple, unadorned black cloth and thick leather sandals, worn
from overuse. His face was fully concealed beneath the drawn hood of his
cloak, leaving no clear features visible to the Emperor.

"You dare enter the presence of the Emperor with your hood drawn? I've had
meen slain for much less." So far, Emperor Akotha was not impressed.

"You have no need to waste such valuable resources on a simple merchant such as
myself," the man answered. If Akotha's threat had phased him at all, he showed
no sign of it. "Besides, I think you'll like what I have to say."

* * * * *
Aleri woke slowly, the breeze ruffling the leaves outside of the small tree-hut
in which he now lived. For many months after Magnagora's failed attempt to
taint the whole of the basin of life, Aleri's sleep had been troubled. Nearly
every night, he was interrupted by reports of invasions, injuries, and newly
tainted areas. The past month, though, had been different. Each night had
passed by quietly and restfully, as if Magnagora had completely forgotten about
them. The raids had all but stopped, reduced now to a few individuals who fell
easily to the might of a single guard.

While many of his commune saw this as an encouraging sign, Aleri was not so
trusting. All he knew of Emperor Akotha told him that the emperor was not a
man to simply give up and walk away. While others rejoiced at this turn of
events, Aleri grew more uneasy with each passing day.

Regardless of his personal apprehension, Aleri could not deny that great
progress had been made over the last peaceful month. The druids had pushed
back the taint at triple the pace of the previous months. Their borders pushed
out daily, with totems carved along the way for added defense. It seemed that
within months, the Serenwilde would again reach for it's former glory.

Unable to guess at the intentions or motivations of Emperor Akotha, Aleri
forced the dread from his mind. He would deal with the threats as they
appeared. Until that time, he could only wait and rejoice in the gift of
peace, so long as it lasted.

* * * * *

Even while Aleri thought about these things, Agaro Amandil also began to stir.
Agaro, too, had noticed the strange lack of activity from the Engine of
Transformation. Though hardly concerned with the Serenwilde Forest, Agaro did
have a vested interest in safety of the Holy Empire of New Celest. As the
Minister of Security, it was his job to know what the enemy was up to.

Agaro rose and began to dress himself. He dreaded days like today. While his
cities enemies were moving, at least he knew where they were. The way things
had been lately, he was thoroughly stumped. The Magnagorans had held regular
raids against the Serenwilde Forest and against the borders of his own home,
then one day they had suddenly stopped. Silence had reigned for a month; a
silence which, to Agaro's mind, screamed of a dangerous plot.

Gathering the papers and tools of his trade, Agaro made his way to the lower
level of his comfortable home near the Pool of Stars in New Celest. He waved
nonchalantly over his shoulder at his servant, indicating that he was awake and
ready for news of the night's events, however limited. As he waited, he allowed
himself to collapse into the thick wooden chair which stood in his entryway.
"Please tell me you have something for me," he groaned wearily. "I can handle
no more inactivity. Those Mags are planning something, and I want to know what
it is."

"I'm happy to announce that you won't be disappointed." Agaro froze, suddenly
on guard. Agaro's servant spoke only rarely, and when he did it was in a
quiet, pinched voice. The voice which had just addressed him had been strong
and confident, without even an element of hesitation.

Agaro's body tensed, remembring long-unused muscles and reflexes. He leapt
from his chair, hoping to catch the imposter by surprise. The man did nto seem
even remotely surprised, and reacted quickly. Before Agaro even landed, strands
of webbing had shot out from the imposter and held him in place. A small rune
followed, and suddenly Agaro felt the irresistible urge to sleep.

* * * * *

Aleri tensely approached the tree where the council chambers were housed. For
many days, he had hoped Magnagora would do something, and now apparently it had
happened. His Minister of Security had called for a meeting of the Council,
which could only mean that Magnagora was again active. To his surprise, Aleri
did not feel the relief he had expected at the news. He was more worried now
than ever before.

He quietly entered the council chamber, and joined his his other council
members seated around the room. To his left sat his friend Kenan, who had
served with him in many different capacities during their years together, and
now served as Guild Master of the Harstone Druids, and head of their rebuilding
efforts. To his right Aleri saw his recently-acquired, but deeply trusted,
friend Sanael. Sanael had once been a member of the Ur'guard in Magnagora, but
now served as the Serenguard Champion and Guild Master, and headed the commune's
defense efforts.

Besides the three of them, only one other man was in the room. A tall,
disheveled man stood at the front of the chamber, prepared to address the three
assembled. Aleri knew the man as Lynield Barar, Chief of Security and
Information for the Serenwilde.

"I know some of you have been hoping Magnagora would make their actions more
visible, and it seems that early this morning you got your wish. Soon after
waking up this morning, Agaro Amandil, Minister of Security for New Celest,
disappeared. Neighbors didn't hear any major sounds of a struggle, and most of
his house was left neatly in order."

"Why would they take him," Sanael asked. "Of what use is he?"

"So far as we can tell, he didn't have any special information or abilities
that would be of special use to them. He is a powerful aquamancer, but prefers
to work behind the scenes rather than directly. He's a clever man, but we don't
know what use he'll serve for the Magnagorans." This was exactly the kind of
news that Aleri was dreading.

"So basically," he intoned, "we know they have some plot, and they have put it
into motion, but we have no way of knowing just what it is."

Lynield was silent for a moment. "Our only thought is that they might be
hoping to repeat the process which they attempted several months ago. To do
so, they would need the help of a competent Aquamancer..."

"If that were true, they would also need the help of a druid, but no attempt
has been made." Kenan was always the optimistic one. "Why wouldn't they have
captured one of the druids at the same time? Or even before they kidnapped
Agaro? It seems mostly like conjecture. Maybe Agaro just knew something?"

"That's a possibility," Lynield granted. "At this point, there's no way of
knowing."

Aleri, like the others around the the chamber, felt absolutely useless.
Lynield was right. There was still no way to know what the Magnagorans were
planning, nor who would be next. "The best thing we can do is tighten our own
security. Kenan, from this point on, no druids are to make any moves without
first consulting you. Even then, they should not travel alone. You are to
monitor their movements, and be sure none are ever in harm's way. That's all
we can do for now. We watch more closely, and we wait."

With that final statement, the meeting was adjourned. Kenan left first,
quickly going to implement his new responsibilities. Before leaving himself,
Aleri pulled Sanael to the side. "Have some of your men keep an eye on Kenan.
He's a proud man, and would never accept a guard. However, he's also my friend,
and I'd like to be ensured that he's safe. Have them stay out-of-sight, but
make sure he's not harmed."

"I'll ensure that he's kept safe. I'll watch him myself."

Once assured of his friends safety, Aleri returned to his wide-open home. So
deep was he in thought that he didn't even notice the small elf who reclined in
his doorway until he spoke. "They're right, you know. Magnagora does need an
aquamancer."

Aleri jumped, surprised by the sound. His fears quickly subsided as he
followed the sound of the voice to the source. In his chair was a man he had
not seen in several months, and one who inspired no fear in him. "Drakima.
Couldn't you have just announced yourself? No need to give me a scare like
that, especially given recent circumstances. Circumstances which, apparently,
you already know about."

"I have good ears," the old elf replied. "But I'm not hear to talk about my
heightened senses. I'm hear to warn you of the great danger you now face. I
believe your friend in there had it right. The citizens of Magnagora are going
to reproduce the process they attempted several months ago, but this time with a
few changes."

"Changes? What sort of changes?"

"Well, for one, this time the process will be carried through uninterrupted.
They will truly want an Aquamancer and a Druid to help them finish it. Second,
this time it will be performed in Magnagora itself, not outside the Razines."

"Why would they bother performing such a rite inside Magnagora? It seems
useless, especially if they plan to complete the process. What do they hope to
gain?" None of this was making sense to Aleri.

"The process you learned was, in reality, a sub-process of a greater rite.
Many years ago, when the Soulless Gods roamed creation, men created a rite to
raise one of their own to godhood. Only one record of this process exists, as
most were destroyed in the battle that followed. That one record traveled with
our ancestors, and provided the inspiration for the rite they developed to
cleanse the land. If such a process could raise a mortal to godhood, surely a
similar process could grant life to the land. This was the way they thought,
and their efforts were blessed. Drakima took a deep breath before continuing.
"The original process, needless to say, did not include the taint - that came as
a later adaption by our fathers. In the beginning, this rite was used to grant
the blessing of each aspect of life and power - including nature, fire, air,
and water - to the chosen one. The blessing of all of these aspects could not
be contained within a single person, and many died in the early days. Our
ancestors quickly learned, though, that by harvesting great deals of power they
could keep these great beings alive long enough to complete the process. Once
the process was finished, the mortal gained limited control over all aspects of
life, which had been infused into them, including even life itself. They always
held their own specialties, just as they did before their change, but they held
limited sway over all of the vested powers."

"Wait a minute," Aleri interrupted. "Are you telling me that Emperor Akotha
wants to make himself a god?" The old man's silence was enough to answer his
question. "Still, though...nobody lives today who holds control over the wind
or fire. All that's left is the water, nature, the tainted forest, and the
taint itself."

"Ah, always the quick thinker," Drakima said. "I can only assume that Akotha
doesn't see the importance of the elements originally used. He hopes the
vested powers of water, nature, tainted nature, and pure taint will be enough
for him. Unfortunately, I fear he's right."

"Security should be increased even more. We cannot allow him to capture a
druid for his plot."

"That," Drakima sighed, "would be a waste of your guards, I fear. Akotha will
not be kidnapping any of your druids. I fear he already has exactly what he
needs in that department."

* * * * *

Emperor Akotha, for the first time in months, was in a good mood. Ever since
the man in robes had approached him, everything about his life seemed to be
looking up. He still was unsure whether the man could be trusted, nor did he
know where his information came from. Regardless, he couldn't let such an
opportunity pass by unaddressed.

Immediately after his conversation with the merchant, he had set his plan into
action. He had already made contect with his allies in the tainted forest of
Glomdoring, and he had just been informed that the recent excursion into New
Celest was a success. He could even now hear the footsteps of his trusted
Geomancer champion.

"Tell me you bring me news of success. I already have my heart set on it, and
anything short of absolute success would depress me."

"Well, I have done all I could to preserve the good mood of my master," his
advisor answered, smiling coyly. "Agaro rests now imprisoned within our walls,
as you ordered."

"And how is his temperament?"

"He refuses any involvement. I am beginning to wander what use he will serve
us." The last part was mentioned merely as a thought, as the advisor knew
better than to challenge the wisdom of his emperor.

"Nobody can hold off the taint for long. He will succomb soon, as we all did.
In the meantime, we need to make other preparations. It's time we contact our
friend."

Meanwhile, far outside the walls of Magnagora, Sanael was beginning to lose his
way through the forest. He took his word seriously, and immediately began his
secret guard mission, following Kenan to wherever he might go. In the
beginning, he found it easy to track their progress while remaining out of
sight, but that proved more difficult as he followed his charge further away
from the populated section of the Serenwilde. He was no longer sure he could
find his way back to the commune proper if he had to.

Still, his task was a serious one, and he refused to abandon his duty. He
continued following Kenan until finally, in a glade that was completely foreign
to Sanael, his charge finally decided to rest. As Kenan layed down on the
grass, Sanael took the opportunity to circle around and get a closer look at
his surroundings. His search was short-lived, however, as his ears quickly
detected noises from the other side of the glade. Someone else was here.

Without moving, Sanael gazed intently into the trees across the clearing. If
he concentrated his effort, he could just barely make out the form of a man.
Sanael found it difficult to make out his features beneath his black armor,
which blended easily into the shadows. The black armor was all Sanael needed
to see to know the origins of the man.

Seeing no other choice, Sanael lurched forward into the clearing. "Kenan,
move! You're not alone here." The druid jumped up, peering about him in total
confusion. As if on cue, the armored man strode confidently from the forest.

"I'm afraid Kenan is going to come with me," the man said, circling to face
Sanael. "I doubt he'll be in need of your services as a guard any longer, I'll
take care of him from here."

Sanael said nothing, but quietly stepped in front of Kenan and drew his sword.
"Only if you're willing to fight for him."

The man responded only by chuckling, a sound which disarmed Sanael. "I don't
think that will be necessary." The voice this time came not from the knight,
but from behind Sanael. He turned to find Kenan, the look of confusion now
washed from his face. Only a brief moment of silence passed, before Sanael
began to notice strange spores floating up from the ground around him, and
suddenly found himself unable to move. "We have business to attend to," Kenan
continued. "Unfortunately, I can't have you following me."

* * * * *

Aleri's pulse began to race. Surely the old elf had been wrong. Who would
dare to betray the Serenwilde by participating in such a plot? He needed to
gather his advisors, this was something which had to be discussed.

Unfortunately, neither Sanael nor Kenan had responded to his summons. He knew
they would have to be together. He could only hope the trouble had not already
begun.

Feeling, as he had many times over the past few months, like he had no other
choice, Aleri called for one of the great eagles that was kept stabled in the
Serenwilde. He would have to look for them.

He began his search near the commune proper, extending in widening circles
further and further toward the borders of the Serenwilde. Finally, near the
outer edge of the forest, he spotted something in a clearing. Even from the
great height, he recognized the huge bulk as his friend Sanael. He also
recognized that the form was not moving.

He landed and rushed to his friend's side as quickly as he could. Dispite the
fact that his form was limp and still, Aleri saw in his eyes a burning
intensity. It took only a moment to diagnose his problem as paralysis and
utilize his healing arts to cure him. He wasted not a moment before unleashing
a barrage of questions. "What happened? Where is Kenan? Who took him?"

"Nobody took him," Sanael growled. "He went voluntarily."

The news coursed through Aleri like lightning. Kenan? Voluntarily helping the
enemy? He stood breathless for a few moments as Sanael explained the events
leading up to his affliction. By the end of the story, Aleri had regained his
composure, and settled upon a course of action. "Let's go," he sighed heavily.
"We have work to do."

* * * * *

Finally, everything was ready. The power of the Megalith was at an all-time
high, the Glomdoring had sent over a representative druid, and the "merchant,"
whom Emperor Akotha now knew as Kenan, had returned. Also, his men informed
him that the aquamancer they had captured was beginning to turn. The timing
was perfect - they would make use of him after he became more sympathetic to
their goals, but before his previous abilities were twisted by the taint. Not
another second could be wasted.

At Akotha's command, several men had gathered around the Megalith of Doom.
Forming the closest circle around the Megalith stood Irac, the softspoken
representative of the Glomdoring, Agaro Amandil of New Celest, Kenan of the
Serenwilde, and the Emperor himself. Magnagora's minister of power, along with
several of his most trusted aides, formed a larger circle around them. The
stage was set, and Akotha began.

Uttering the same dark, raspy words he had used several months before, Akotha
called the power of the taint forth, focusing it this time not on the earth,
but on the Megalith of Doom itself. Irac took his turn next, reciting the
words exactly as he had been taught. As he chanted, the Megalith's red glow
was replaced by a dark, jungle-green. Following came the voice of Agaro. Even
now the Emperor could detect a raspyy quality to his voice as it was twisted by
the poison of the taint. He heard a dark intensity beneath the voice, and had
begun to fear it was too late when the Megalith began to glow a crystal blue.
His fears assuaded, Akotha listened as Kenan began his own chant. Vines
sprouted from the ground around his feet, and a silvery hue eminated from the
Megalith. The process was nearly finished.

Finishing his mental preparation, Akotha began to take a step forward when he
was interrupted. Each step he took closer to the Megalith was mirrored by
Kenan on the opposite side.

"I'm afraid this is where things get more difficult," the druid was saying.
"The rite pauses at this point until one of us reaches the Megalith, and gives
up our mortal form. I'm afraid I cannot allow that to be you. I've plotted
for this moment for far too long."

"What makes you think the rite will continue on your behalf?" the emperor
responded.

Kenan laughed shrilly. "It doesn't need to. The power is already in the
Megalith. I simply need to take it. The rest of the rite, where the powers
are specifically granted, is worthless when they're already there for the
taking."

High in the sky, above those who were distracted by the conflict, a lone eagle
soared over the scene. "So," Aleri asked. "The hard part is finished. Now we
know what we have to do." Moments before, Aleri had officially resigned as
Regent of the Serenwilde, citing the need to wander the world. It was
nonsense, of course, and many of his allies, including Sanael, had seen through
it. The knight had insisted on accompanying him, but Aleri had refused,
eventually resorting to putting his friend to sleep. Only one man could join
him for what would come next.

"Let's do it, then!" Drakima, straddled behind Aleri on the eagle, answered
heartily.

At Aleri's nudging, the eagle circled and plummeted toward the ground. At its
loud screech, the heads of the men on the ground finally took notice of him.
"Don't fire," Akotha shouted at his archers, who had raised bows. "They must
stay alive."

The eagle landed in the center of the circle, and the two men dismounted,
standing inches from the Megalith. "Now begins the fun part," Drakima said.
Locking eyes with Aleri who stood next to him, he slowly nodded. Aleri raised
his fist and pointed it at Drakima, unleashing a stream of energy toward his
chest. Drakima screamed in agony and fell to the ground. Climbing again to
his knees, he simply nodded again. "No!" Akotha screamed. Aleri balled up
his fist one last time and jabbed it toward Drakima, who fell face first onto
the ground. Light burst forth from his pores, surrounding the area and
destroying what was left of his body.

"He can't have it!" Akotha declared, drawing a silver dagger from beneath his
robes. Aleri turned toward the emperor, and danced around him with a jerking
motion, slowing down his actions. He then turned his attention toward Kenan.

"Why?" He asked the question which encompassed all of what flooded his mind.

"You were always in it for the noble reasons," Kenan spat. "Why settle for
working in an outpost in the Razine mountains, when you can be a god? When I
heard about the books they held in Ertec, I couldn't resist the chance.
Imagine how much greater my joy when I discovered the prophecy of Ilaif
snuggled among them as well. I have worked a long time for this, and I will
not be stopped now." With those words, Kenan rushed forward, prepared to
pounce on his long-time ally. Aleri, however, was prepared.

Pointing a ring in the direction of his friend, Aleri sent webs to cover him.
He followed this with the same jerking dance he had aimed at Emperor Akotha,
then stepped away. He had bought enough time.

The Megalith flashed a myriad of colors, some which Aleri couldn't even name.
The smoke rising from the top increased until vision was nearly impossible, and
then all was dark. Out of the darkness, a voice spoke. "It has been done."
The voice shook the ground, demonstrating a greater power than any present had
witnessed. "This is the end."

The great swirling colors returned, until Aleri was dazed and could no longer
stand. Finally giving in to the powers, he fell to the ground and closed his
eyes.

* * * * *

Aleri awoke slowly, in his small hut which had been fashioned for him, back in
the center of the Serenwilde. He felt the breeze from outside caress his
cheek, and turned to see his friend and Regent Sanael in a chair beside him.
"How are you feeling?" the knight asked, smiling.

"A little sore," Aleri answered. "My head hurts...what happened to me?"

"We don't know," Sanael stated. "Witnesses saw a great cloud of colors, then
we found you at the entrance to the Wilde. According to our sources, nobody
present remembers what happened."

Silently listening from far above, Drakima smiled to himself. He remained
undetected, and the rite had been securely eliminated from the minds of all
those involved. Smiling at a job well done, Drakima left the allies. He drew
away from the Basin of Life completely, preparing himself to explore planes and
worlds the likes of which mortals may never know, understanding fully that he
may never return again.