THE RETROSPECTRUM

=========
- Part 1
=========

**Note that this is a work of fiction based in Lusternia's world.**

Chapter 1

He was running down a long corridor, hearing his every footstep make a
splashing noise, as if he was in shallow water.
She was constantly calling his name. It was infuriating.
Why can't I reach her?, he thought. Why does she evade me so?
After running for what seemed like an eternity, something flashed in the
distance.
An exit!
He kept running, and the exit glowed brighter with each step. And yet, he had a
strange feeling that the exit was still running away from him. But when the exit
came within three feet and he passed through its proud archway, he felt a
sickening pull under his bellybutton and got ripped out of the tall, wide room
he entered.
No! Not now! So... close... must get to her... NO!

Adrian Ashtear awoke from another nightmare, the like he had been having for a
whole month now. Each dream â€" him, running down the corridor â€" she, calling
his name â€" and at last, the tall, wide room of shining white marble. Then the
dream would end abruptly, always caused by an accidental, worldly event. This
time it was the window clanking, under the influence of the stormy wind that
had arisen earlier that day.

Adrian got up from his soft, humble futon, closed the window and approached the
nearby stone basin always filled with clear water. Gazing into the reflective
surface, he saw the faint image of his face.

Adrian Ahstear, a twenty six year old trill student of the Celestian Operations
and Reconnaissance Professional Squadron (or CORPS), wasn't extremely handsome
in the traditional sense. He was blessed with good physique, but his facial
structure was mediocre, though it fit him well. Although his female colleagues
at CORPS insisted that his deep, aquamarine eyecolor only further enhanced the
complexity of his persona and his fiery-red hair brought to attention the
passion with which he does his job, he didn't buy it. His female colleagues
were immature, and probably enjoyed a personal joke while giving him the
compliments.

As a relatively young member of the Squadron, he still had much to learn about
combat and espionage. However, he wasn't a bother to any of the instructors. On
the contrary, each of them appreciated Adrian's obvious love for his country and
his will to learn more. He was literally like a spunge, absorbing even the
tiniest tidbits of information his tutors threw at him. Everyone had high hopes
for the young grasshopper.

After washing his face, Adrian turned around to see if anything was blown away
due to the wind wooshing into the room. Fortunately, everything was in place
â€" his medicine cabinet closed, the 14 books arranged by topic neatly lay on
their shelves and his wardrobe sealed shut. He slowly approached it, still a
bit woozy from the tiring nightmare. Opening the wardrobe, he glanced at the
clean clothes inside, his regular outfit. A green shirt with interwoven strands
of mytrite, making it very resistand to blunt hits. Then a pair of black
trousers made of the finest satyric leather, magically enchanted to defend
against slashes and swipes. And finally, a headband with the CORPS logo on it
â€" an ornate C with a bright crimson circle inside. He took his clothing, as
well as his safety, quite seriously.

He suddenly felt his brain vibrating softly â€" the most common sign of a
telepathic notification.

«Adrian? Dude, are you up?»

Adrian recognized the calm but friendly voice of a dear colleague of his,
Darwin Deladrier.

«Darwin, what's up? Why aren't you asleep?», he asked, a bit surprised Darwin
is awake. He was quite the sleepyhead.

«I'm not asleep because I'm at HQ! It's 14:00, man! The Commander is mad.»,
Darwin answered.

Adrian instantly jumped to his medicine cabinet and checked the oval shaped
clock. It was broken â€" obviously the wind did make a few rearrangements. The
clock didn't go off.

He answered quickly. «No time to talk, I'm on my way to HQ, I'll tell you
everything there.»

* * * * * * * *

Dressed in his daily outfit, Adrian arrived at CORPS's HQ, slowly landing on
the pavement. He wasn't allowed to fly directly in, or they'd pretty much shoot
him down. Instead, he had to land outside the outer walls and pass the security
check.

Cipher Palace â€" a pet name given to HQ by its residents â€" was actually an
ancient fortress. Built during the last international war, it served as a base
for many soldiers who risked their lives valiantly, fighting for the Light.
Tall, strong walls surrounded the main structure, a magnificent piece of
architecture in itself. You'd think it was made to show off, not to protect its
residents. Rich with various towers and extensions, the palace was built
entirely of blue marble. Enchanted with various spells and empowered by various
rituals, the walls were virtually impenetrable by outer forces. CORPS employed
some of the most brilliant minds and enchanters of New Celest, and a number of
those from the forest commune of Serenwilde who decided to empower the Light as
well as the Great Spirits of Nature.

Approaching the outer entrance, Adrian glanced at the two orclach guards. He
knew they were there for protection, but they always made him uneasy. One of
them noticed him and smiled. Adrian knew this was the orclach's way of saying
'proceed'.

* * * * * * * *

«Commander Miles, Sir.» Adrian said readily, approaching the tall, dark
tae'dae from behind, having entered the Palace's training court.

When the Commander turned towards him, Adrian noticed disapproval on his face.

He spoke in a clear, honest voice. «Young Squire, where have you been all this
time? Does discipline mean nothing to you?»

Adrian blushed. «No, Sir. My clock didn't go off. My deepest apologies, Sir.»

The Commander smiled. «No biggie. Go and run seven circles around the inner
perimeter.»

Adrian grinned. The Commander was always like this â€" intentionally giving an
impression of an official and by-the-book person, when in fact he was quite
laid back. All the students knew him, loved him, and always followed his act.
It was fun.

Adrian quickly ran outside into the grounds and started doing his seven laps.
The grounds consisted of sharply and evenly cut grass, not a tree anywhere.
Very sterile. Along the way, he saw his colleagues running in a group. He
glanced around and lengthened his pace when he noticed Darwin.

«Dude, what happened?», asked Darwin with a smile when Adrian approached him.

«Bleh, the wind broke my clock. I've got to buy a new window â€" that old one
is too weak and unstable for the weather we're getting here.»

«Oh, did you hear?», said Darwin, starting to gasp for air. «The Weather
Institute made an announcement on the newsboard yesterday. They said the
weather is getting worse as a result of pulse waves coming from the
northwest.»

«Really?» Adrian was surprised. «What kind of pulse waves?»

«That's the problem», continued Darwin. «No one knows! They sent a team of
trackers up north, but they found nothing. The pulses seem to have no source
within the Basin, which only leaves the conclusion that they come from the area
beyond the mountain range.»

«Hrm...» Adrian was thinking hard. What could be causing the pulse waves? As
far as everyone was concerned, there was nothing noteworthy past the mountain
ranges. But then again, the area was never explored...

«Line up!», Commander Miles' voice boomed at the students. Adrian noticed the
Commander walking out of the Palace, flaming the students with his mighty look.
When the students gathered round him, he spoke.

«Now then, today we have a special guest with us.», continued the Commander.
«Many of you will recognize him by name.»

The students started mumbling amongst themselves. A guest during training? Very
unusual.

«Please give warm welcomes to the High Enigma of the HQ, Bilal Warmwood.»

Gasps erupted out of the surprised students as a cloaked man entered the
grounds from within the Palace. The High Enigma of Cipher Palace was truly an
enigma. Everyone knew what had to be known about him, but no one knew him
personally. Gifted with a brilliant mind, Bilal Warmwood started his work in
CORPS as a twelve year old boy. Dubbed the Palace genius, Warmwood helped the
Palace amass much power via intricate teleweb systems and ingenious
protections. Not surprisingly, he arose to the position of headmaster, or High
Enigma, at the age of 32, and has remained so for the past 43 years.

As the cloaked Bilal approached the group of amazed students, they noticed that
his body and face were completely covered, be it with the cloak or a hood. Both
had intricate patterns drawn on them, glowing with a white-red light. Warmwood
stopped suddenly, halfway to the students, and Commander Miles told them to
approach him and form a circle. They did so, and the High Enigma suddenly
started speaking.

«Squires and Pages, I come before you today to give you a message.» His voice
was clear and wise.

«Our spies within Magnagora itself have reported back with alarming news. This
issue has been brought before the Board of Governors, and they have all agreed
on two things. One, the situation will remain top secret until further notice.
Two, we need a virtually unknown young Squire or Page to carry out an important
mission for us. This is all of a sudden, I know. But we must act as fast as
possible â€" the fate of the nation will reside on one of you. The details will
be revealed to the chos...»

But he was interrupted by one of the Pages, a young man named Andreas.

«My deepest apologies, Sire, but may I be allowed a question?»

Warmwood raised his face and probably looked at him. They stood like that for a
few seconds, and then he spoke.

«Of course, Page...?»

«Andreas, Sire.»

«Present your question, Page Andreas.»

«Well,» continued Andreas, obviously relieved. «I thought the Paladins were
trained for such urgent matters? And don't you have a whole squadron of trained
Illusionists at your disposal? Why send a mere Squire or... Page?»

His voice was a bit too accusing, in Adrian's opinion. He didn't know what had
got into the normally logical and obedient Andreas.

«Young Page, do you put in question the decision of a Board chock full of
people thrice your age, including me?», asked Warmwood, sounding slightly
amused.

Silence fell across the grounds, everyone awaiting Andreas' answer.

«Not exactly, but I do wonder why you're going to risk the life of an
inexperienced youth if you have a choice not to...», answered Andreas strongly
after thinking it over a bit.

Again, gasps left the students' mouths. The insolence was unthinkable!

But, to everyone's surprise, High Enigma Warmwood just chuckled. Such display
of emotion from someone so wise and intelligent was like a slap in the face.

«Indeed, you are smart. I must assure you, we have thought this over well, and
we have no choice but this. The youth you speak of will be carefully chosen
amongst you, and will be given all the information and instructions on what to
do. And if that youth is you,» the High Enigma pointed his face at Andreas,
«I'll make sure to tell the Board it was a wise choice.»

This seemed to convince Andreas... or at least, it flattered him so much he
couldn't find the strength to ask any further questions.

«Now, if there won't be any more interruptions,» continued Warmwood lightly,
while Andreas blushed. «I'd like to bring this to your attention. One of you
will be chosen â€" but not according to your age, not according to your
strength... but according to your mindwork.»

The students looked at each other, wondering what the others thought of this
statement.

«Now, I will give each of you a different riddle. Whoever answers most
sincerely and truthfully will be given the privilege of carrying out this most
holy mission.»

Warmwood approached a student.

«Which came first, the chicken or the egg?»

The student looked at Warmwood's hooded figure, surprised.

«Everyone knows that. Chickens evolved from an earlier egg-laying creature,
thus, the egg came first.»

Warmwood nodded shortly, immediately approaching the next student on the right.

«What occurs twice in a lifetime, but once in a year, twice in a week, but
never in a day?»

You could almost hear the cogs turning in the student's head. After minutes of
thinking, he gave up. Warmwood quickly nodded and approached the next student,
who rashly answered:

«The letter 'e'! It occurs twice in the word lifetime, once in the word year,
twice in a week and never in the word day!»

Warmwood nodded, and said: «Excellent, but that was not my question for you.»

Leaving the student disappointed and a bit agitated, Warmwood moved on, giving
equally complicated questions to the other students. Almost every time, he
would simply nod and move on. When he got to Adrian, he gazed at him for two
moments, finally asking:

«Suppose there exists a certain village. A very special village. In this
village works a barber. A very special barber. That barber cuts the hair of
everybody in the village that doesn't cut his own hair. Who cuts the barber's
hair?»

Adrian was astonished... this was, by far, the most complicated riddle High
Enigma Warmwood gave. He wondered why...

Thinking hard, Adrian suddenly came to a conclusion and, magically, the
solution threw itself at his feet.

«Nobody!», Adrian blurted out. «The barber doesn't cut his own hair because
he only cuts the hair of those that don't cut their own hair. And if he didn't
cut his hair, that would be wrong, since he does cut the hair of everybody in
the village who don't cut their own hair! So, nobody cuts his hair and such a
barber can't exist!»

Warmwood was standing still. Adrian started to feel uneasy.

«It's a paradox.», he added. «I read about it in Riddles and Paradoxes.»

And now, for the first time, the High Enigma smiled.

«This is the boy.», he said confidently.

Chapter 2

Logically, the other students immediately started looking at each other with
patronizing expressions. Indeed, many of them were much more experienced than
Adrian. And now he will be confided with this important mission? Unthinkable.

«Your name, young Squire?», asked Warmwood gently.

Adrian was still too dazzled with the High Enigma's statement. His head bowed a
little, he thought hard. Why was he picked? His riddle was just more complicated
than the rest, but nothing really special, that would mark him capable. He found
all the other ones really easy, too.

«Your name, please.», the calm voice of Warmwood demanded.

Adrian snapped his head up, as if he suddenly woke up. «Adrian Ashtear,
Sire.»

«Young Adrian, you will now be accompanied to the Elemental Plane of Water by
a pair of Aquamancers.», Warmwood recited fluently. «Please follow their
instructions. There you will meet up with people who will further inform you on
the situation.»

Still shocked to find out he was picked out of so many smarter and more
experienced students, Adrian found the strength only to nod.

«I will meet up with you later. Be well, child of Light.» And with that, the
High Enigma suddenly started searching the air around him. After a bit, he shut
his fist firmly and disappeared in a flash of light.

Now Adrian noticed two Aquamancers â€" one aslaran and one merian â€"
approaching him. They wordlessly started waving their hands around the air,
forming strange patterns of light. After a few moments, Adrian realized what
they were doing. They were breaking the fabric of the world to create a
temporary Planar Gate.

After a bit more work, the Gate was formed, a circular portal to what seemed to
be a....
No way!

Adrian was looking at the real-life version of the room from his recent dreams,
the one he'd reach but immediately get pulled out of. A tall, wide room of
white, shining marble. Complete with a long table, a large, ornate window
overseeing the entire room with light shining in and people in long robes
walking around, the room left an impression of grandeur.

Still silent, each of the Aquamancers took Adrian by one of his arms. While
they were pulling him forward through the Gate, Adrian realized something...

Alarmed, he glanced back at the faces of other students and found Darwin's. He
seemed genuinely surprised, a bit worried and... was it jealosy? But before he
got a good look at him, Adrian's eyes slid to Commander Miles, who was smiling
proudly. And before he knew it, Adrian and the Aquamancers passed through the
Gate.

* * * * * * * *

Adrian was immediately briefed by the two Aquamancers using telepathic
communication â€" it appeared as though they wanted to keep the information
secret, far from the ears of the other people inhabiting this grand hall.

The Aquamancers closed the Planar Gate and they started walking towards the
opposite end of the grand hall.

«This», started the aslaran. «is Altiner Fane. It's the center of all
Celestian operations on and off the Plane of Water.»

«Wait a second!», interrupted Adrian, confused. «I thought CORPS's HQ is the
center of all Celestian operations? I've never heard of this place.»

«That is because you weren't supposed to hear about it.», answered the merian
quickly. «Do you really think we would be so foolish to place our center of
operations in the open like that? They're secret operations. So, naturally,
their center is also a secret.»

Approaching a large, arched exit out of the hall, they suddenly turned left and
passed through a smaller door.

«Plus,» added the aslaran. «if CORPS is infiltrated with spies, we can
monitor it all from here. We have transcendent Illusionists and Dreamweavers
keeping everything in HQ under control.»

They passed through three more rooms â€" one looking like a storage room, one
like a kitchen (but a much smaller version of what it should be) and the third
looked like it had been pummeled with all kinds of hits recently â€" walls
cracked, floor broken in places. They passed through it only to find themselves
in a room chock full of maps and plans of some sort.

«But... but where is this place?», asked Adrian, confused. «Dozens of people
enter and explore the Water Plane on a daily basis. Some go on tours. Some go to
train. But still, I've never heard of this place... how come?»

The merian chuckled.

«Altiner Fane is concealed deep below the Lake of Dreams.», he answered.

«What do you mean, 'deep below'?!», asked Adrian, eyes wide open, suddenly
alarmed! «The Lake isn't very deep, and there certainly isn't enough space for
a building of this size.»

«We employed the most brilliant Planar theorists and experts to create Altiner
Fane.», asnwered the aslaran. «Each of these rooms exists parallel to each
other. So, Altiner Fane is basically one room at the bottom of the Lake,
protected in many ways â€" it's invisible, waterproof, soundproof, and if
anyone ever actually reaches Altiner Fane from the outside, it emits a strong
Psionic wave that makes the person immediately forget about ever laying eyes on
the structure.»

«One room? Parallel rooms?», Adrian was confused.

«Don't even bother, young one. Even we don't fully understand it â€" we only
know what we've been told or found out through further research.», answered
the aslaran calmly.

«But what about the light coming through the large window in that big hall
room?», Adrian remembered.

The merian shrugged.

«That is one of the many things that make this thing look as real as
possible.», he said. «For Illusionists, it's a piece of cake.»

Adrian nodded. He noticed they were now moving through a wide corridor,
complete with a red carpet and green drapes hanging off the side walls. Passing
through a tall door, they entered a room even bigger and taller than the grand
hall.

«This,» announced the merian Aquamancer. «is the conference room.»

Adrian's eyes then slid to three men sitting around the far end of a long pine
table, one of which was High Enigma of Cipher Palace, Bilal Warmwood. The other
two were hooded, like the High Enigma was before. They were engaged in a heated
discussion. As Adrian and the Aquamancers approached them, they stopped talking
and instead focused on the newcomer.

This was the first time Adrian saw the High Enigma with his hood lowered.

His facial structure was impeccable â€" every line symmetrical to the other, a
straight nose, eyes with irises of pure aquamarine, a strong jaw and long
silver hair cascading down his head. A human... but an unsual one. Perhaps
traces of elfen and lucidians in his blood? Adrian couldn't tell.

Warmwood gave Adrian a quick smile, then turned to the other two people.

«This is Adrian Ashtear, the Squire I have deemed more than worthy to carry
out the mission.», he spoke in a clear, crystal voice.

The two hooded figures turned to face him. Adrian felt uneasy, as if he was
being x-rayed by the mysterious people.

Warmwood continued. «This», he waved his hand at one of the people. «is Fane
Chieftain Bayani Estraq.»

Estraq removed his hood, revealing the face of a warrior. It was unmistakable
â€" this man had been through many battles and has seen many things, things
Adrian couldn't even dream of. Typical for a dracnari, he looked ready for
combat, his bright-red eyes inserted into the overall picture like a pair of
gems and his tight lips sealed shut. The Chieftain nodded.

Warmwood elaborated. «He handles all the military business around here. I may
be the High Enigma of CORPS Headquarters, but Chieftain Estraq is the man
behind the action.» He grinned. «Around here, he is the main authority.» He
nodded towards Estraq, who allowed his lips to form a smile.

Warmwood turned to the other figure. «And this is Brylea Lightweaver, Chief
Illusionist and Psionicist of Altiner Fane. She takes care of the entire
structure, and personally trains all Illusionists and Psionicists around here.
She herself is a Telepath. She is also very skilled in combat.»

«Oh Bilal, stop blowing my whistle!», a cheery female voice came from under
the hood. «I'm perfectly capable of introducing myself.»

Warmwood smiled. «Indeed.»

Brylea removed her hood. Under it, she hid a beautiful elfen face, complete
with long brown hair and honest, green eyes. She was beaming â€" Adrian was
taken by surprise, so he just smiled, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

«Nice to meet you!», she exclaimed and held her hand out, shaking it out of
the robe's long sleeves. Adrian accepted it, and they shook hands. It felt
strange.

Warmwood nodded. «Now that we're all acquainted, I'd like to bring the issue
to your attention.»

Brylea immediately frowned, and Adrian felt as if she didn't approve of him
being sent on the mission. Her face quickly straightened, however.

Warmwood inclined his head towards Chieftain Estraq. He nodded.

«This is the situation.», he spoke in a deep and serious voice, turning to
face Adrian. «As I'm sure colleague Bilal informed you, our spies in Magnagora
have reported some unnerving news.»

Adrian nodded to confirm, and Estraq continued.

«During the last month, there has apparently been a lot of activity among the
scientists of Magnagora, especially the Nihilists. They have held many
conferences and secret â€" well, relatively secret â€" meetings. During these
meetings, they have discussed something odd.»

Adrian gave him a quizzical look.

«They discussed the pulse waves coming from the northwest.»

Adrian's eyes were wide open now.

«That is odd because the waves aren't affecting them in any way. Why would
they discuss them in conference rooms? That is something for individual
scholars to ponder. Which leaves the conclusion that they're either causing the
waves â€" which is highly unlikely â€" or they do know more about the waves than
us.»

Adrian nodded. «I've heard that the waves are the cause for the recent
tempests in Celest and surrounding areas.», he said, remembering what Darwin
had told him.

Bayani nodded affirmatively. «Indeed, they seem to be affecting the Pool of
Stars in some strange way. We can't figure it out, but as the Pool's power
resonates with the waves, it disrupts the weather. The Moonhart Mother Tree of
Serenwilde seems to be unaffected, and we don't know what would happen if the
waves came into contact with the Megalith of Doom, as they don't reach that
far. We can't drain the Pool of Stars, though, as doing that would cause
hysteria and panicking, and that is the last thing we want now.»

Adrian nodded. Then he said: «But you still haven't told me of this mission...
I understand that the waves and the meetings in Magnagora are strange, but how
does it relate to this?»

Bayani smiled. «Well, the spies noticed another thing. Magnagora is sending
architects and master Geomancers up north at regular intervals. It seems
they're trying to build something. And it seems whatever they're trying to
build is of the utmost importance, as Magnagora isn't going cheap on the
project. All kinds of resources are going into it. Frankly, I'm a bit
disappointed â€" you'd think they'd do it more subtly if it's so important, but
they're going all out. Not really trying to hide it. Which, naturally, makes it
even more intriguing.»

«So, why don't you send some people over there to investigate what it is
they're building?», asked Adrian, surprised at the Chieftain's inefficiency.

«Aha, that's the thing!», exclaimed Bayani. «You see, they're not exactly
hiding the fact that they're building something important, but they are hiding
what they're building. Some of those Geomancers up north help with the building
process, but most of them are standing guard. They've constructed a huge wooden
structure to cover the main thing...»

«And they've fully protected it.», interrupted Brylea. «It can't be
penetrated, accessed by dreamwalkers, or infiltrated in any peaceful way.»

«And that», finished Warmwood. «is where you come in, Squire Adrian.»

Adrian looked at him quizzically. «Me?»

«Yes. Have an open mind about what I'm going to say. Have in mind that the
possible safety of Celest depends on this mission, if the mysterious waves and
building prove to be dangerous.», elaborated Warmwood.

Adrian nodded, feeling the intensity rise.

«We need you», blurted Warmwood, «to venture into the heart of Magnagora,
infiltrate the Geomancers and find out what you can about said matters.»

Chapter 3

Meanwhile, in a conference room in Magnagora...

* * * * * * * *

Archmage of the Geomancers, Lassius Magorion, quickly rose from his comfortable
chair, one of the many standing around a wide table, supporting the four people
of high importance within Magnagora.

«This is absurd!», shouted Magorion, staring at the other people attending
the conference. «I have agreed to put my Geomancers at your disposal, Warlord,
but continuing with this project without fully informing the Iron Council about
it is madness! We have faith in your judgment, but you can't expect us to sit
around, giving you full power to do as you wish with our forces â€" after all,
that is what the Coucil is here for.»

Warlord of Magnagora, Xorath Warlita, stared at Archmage Magorion for a few
moments. He then spoke in a slow and calculative voice:

«Archmage Magorion, while I appreciate your concern on the matter...» But he
was quickly interrupted.

«Xorath, with all due respect, I don't think you do.» It was a feminine
voice. Heresiarch of the Midnight Legions, Serenade Matsur, continued. «I
fully agree with Lassius. I don't mind putting the Nihilists to work on
something that may improve Magnagora's status greatly, but I still don't feel
comfortable doing it blindfolded. It would be greatly appreciated if you
illuminated us on the matter. Surely, you trust your Iron Council?», she
asked, with a speck of sarcasm in her voice.

«You are correct, you are all correct.», agreed Warlord Xorath calmly, as
though waging his every word carefully. «However, you should keep in mind that
Magnagora's well-being is of greatest interest to me. You should also keep in
mind that I have full faith in this Council, and that I wouldn't be keeping
this a secret save for a very good reason.»

Heresiarch Matsur and Archmage Lassius kept staring at him. Another voice then
made its presence known.

«I for one stand beside our Warlord concerning this matter.», spoke the deep,
rumbling voice of Javid Viveca, Supreme Commander of the Armies of Darkness.
«My ur'Guard always stand ready to serve the city. Though being fully informed
is desireable, if the Warlord wishes to keep it a secret, I have faith that he
has a big reason for doing so.»

«I appreciate your support, Commander Viveca.», Warlord Xorath nodded at
Javid, then turned to the other two members present. «And I'd like the rest of
you to reward me with your trust. I may not deserve it, being relatively new to
the position, but I ask you to have faith in my judgment.»

The Archmage and Heresiarch Serenade still looked suspicious.

«In exactly one week from now,», continued the Warlord, «I shall meet you in
this very room to discuss the plan.»

The two doubtful Council members looked surprised.

«But until then, place your trust in my hands. I shall not disappoint you.»,
stated the Warlord confidently. «And now, if you'll excuse me, I have other
matters to attend to.» The Warlord left the comforts of his chair and strode
off towards the exit, leaving the room filled with tension and surprise.

«Do you really think he'll tell us?», whispered the slightly dazzled Serenade
to the room in general.

«He doesn't have much choice, now, does he?», concluded Archmage Magorion.
«He sees how rebellious we're getting. I think we've put enough pressure on
him, he has to tell us sooner or later.»

«Indeed.», whispered Serenade. «Well, I must be off now. Stay strong,
Lassius.» She smiled at Magorion. «Javid.» She nodded towards the Supreme
Commander, who responded in the same way. Then she strode off out of the exit,
just like Warlord Xorath.

Archmage Magorion wordlessly started waving his hands about, then shut his left
fist firmly and disappeared in a flash of light.

Supreme Commander Viveca, now alone in the room, telepathically contacted his
spy within Serenwilde.

«We have a problem.»

«Javid? What is it?!»

«Xorath intends to uncover the plan a week from now. We can't afford that â€"
it could lead to massive reactions from New Celest and Serenwilde.»

«Indeed, we can't.»

«What do you propose we do?»

«I'll try to speed things up here as much as possible, but... a week? Javid, I
don't think it'll be enough.»

«Indeed.»

«You are prepared to do it, if... if it comes down to that?»

«Of course.»

«Then be well, Javid. Till later.»

«Stay strong.»

Chapter 4

Naina Sonakshi moved silently through the peaceful forestal ambient of the
Serenwilde commune. Her recent communication with Javid Viveca, Supreme
Commander of the ur'Guard of Magnagora had disturbed her. Warlord Xorath's rash
decision to uncover his plans could ruin everything.

Contemplating the issue, she accidentally bumped into a Hartstone.

«Who's there?!», the Hartstone yelled.

Naina cursed under her breath â€" her carelessness almost broke her disguise.
But the illusion of Invisibility weaved upon her still clinged. Though the
Hartstone's alarmed voice attracted many eyes, everyone soon got back to their
business, along with the Hartstone, though he still looked puzzled.

Naina continued treading the path to her current goal.

It will all be worth it, she thought. Magnagora will gain power unimaginable
since the age of the Vernal Gods. And I... She sighed deeply.

Chapter 5

«Say what?!», Adrian exclaimed. «You expect me to do what?»

His heart was beating fast. He did not just hear what he thought he heard.
There must be something wrong with his ears. Anything...

«You heard him.», spoke Brylea. She looked at Adrian with sadness in her
eyes. «I know you're still young... I was all against this plan, and I still
believe that one such as yourself cannot --»

Chieftain Bayani interrupted, though.

«He is a Paladin, Brylea!», his voice rumbled. «He has gone through rigorous
training to get where he is, even though he's still young! Do not underestimate
how we train our young ones â€" do not underestimate the Paladins.»

Brylea looked at Estraq, looking slightly surprised.

«Bayani... I didn't mean --»

«Yes, you did.», he interrupted again. «But never mind. Just have faith in
Bilal's choice.» He nodded at Adrian.

In spite of his disbelief on how big his mission is, Adrian felt flattered,
still not realizing why he was chosen.

«But...», he started. «But how exactly am I supposed to 'infiltrate' the
Geomancers? It's not like they love inviting Paladins to parties...»

Brylea chuckled, now obviously much more confident â€" Bayani's words left an
impression on her.

«No, silly! We have it all planned and arranged â€" we are Celest's master
operatives, you know.», she said. «We'll make a news post. Squire Adrian
Ashtear, a model citizen and Paladin... is leaving Celest for the Taint!»

Adrian looked at Brylea with shock in his eyes. «No!!»

Warmwood nodded. «Young Adrian, it is necessary.»

Adrian felt devastated. He was expected to betray his country, to betray his
guild, and most of all... to betray his friends. What would Darwin think of
him? But then it hit him...

«But what of the other Squires and Pages that were not chosen?», he asked.
«Won't they know something fishy is up? I mean... a mysterious visit from you,
High Enigma», he nodded towards Warmwood, «me leaving for the Water Plane, and
boom, suddenly I'm a traitor. It doesn't take big brains to figure out something
is not right.»

Warmwood smiled. «Again, you are correct. But again, do not underestimate our
â€" in lack of a more humble term â€" big brains. Being true Paladins, your
friends and colleagues will keep the events a secret as instructed.»

Adrian doubted it. Certainly, there are those like him that believe in the
Light and desire to protect it. But as a counterweight, there are those with
impure hearts, who joined the Paladins with desires of power and conquest.
There are those who would sell out all the secrets of Celest and the Paladins
for such material things as money.

High Enigma Warmwood smiled. «I sense doubt. Again, you question our
intelligence. All the Squires and Pages that attended my visit will be
carefully tracked by some of our finest spies. We cannot afford some of the
more... ambitious... to spoil this for us.»

Adrian nodded, now feeling more convinced. «So, when do I leave?»

Brylea and Chieftain Estraq exchanged puzzed looks. Finally, Brylea spoke.
«Well... it's a matter of great importance, so you leave right now.»

Adrian was a bit surprised, but he had expected such an answer. He nodded
solemnly. «How will I get there, then?»

Warmwood's eyes went a bit out of focus before he spoke: «One of our agents is
making the preparations right now. He will come here, inguild you as a Novice in
the Geomancers and cover all the possible questions and such. He is an extremely
skilled and intelligent man â€" you can place your trust in his hands.»

Adrian nodded. «When will he be arriving?»

Warmwood smiled. «In about half an hour. You can rest in the Knights' Quarters
until then.»

Chapter 6

Archmage Lassius Magorion was a man of strong will. Born into a poor family
within the dark forest of Glomdoring, he had spent the first ten years of his
life with carelessness unmatched by any. His parents didn't have much money. So
what? He lived off water and simple meals the local cooks prepared for those
such as himself. And? And yet his mind remained carefree. He knew naught of the
bigger world, of the other people living in 'better' conditions. His life was
all he knew, and he was happy â€" for what else could he be?

Then, one day, two months after his tenth birthday, his father came back home
from work. He was a corpulent and strict man. Every time he looked at his young
son, he felt disgusted. For someone to hold so much happiness in this cruel and
miserable world was beyond comprehension.

His father announced that they were moving. He got a new job, a better-paid one
in Magnagora. Lassius had only heard of that great city of prosper and wealth.
Not once did he wish to go there, though. His place was here, with Nature and
the Great Spirits of Mother Night and Brother Crow. Dark and disrupted as they
are, they gave him great joy â€" they were, after all, of Nature. His parents
had made a decision, though, and there was nothing he could do about it. He
loved both of them deeply, never caring about his father's rigidness or his
mother's constant sadness.

And so came that day. They had walked innumerable hours, for they had no money
to hire transportation. Tired as they were, pacing slowly along the path of the
Great Southern Highway, they caught a glimpse of the dark Magnagoran buildings
in the distance. Lassius felt neither joy nor sorrow. His feelings were mixed
â€" on one hand, Magnagora looked as dark as Glomdoring, and on the other, it
was an area completely devoid of Spirit, of the essence of Nature that had made
Lassius so happy during his early days.

They settled in Magnagora, his father's new job bringing them much more money
than they had ever had. His mother was happy â€" all she ever wanted was a
better life for her son. Little did she know that her idea of a better life was
completely off. However, as time passed, young Lassius became more and more
devoted to Magnagora and the Taint. He forgot all about his past in Glomdoring,
the Taint erasing all traces of loyalty to Mother Night and Brother Crow. At the
age of 17, he joined the Geomancers, a guild known for not only their bond to
the Taint, but also their unmatched Geomantic powers. By the age of 22, he had
Transcended the skill of Geomancy, able to hinder his enemies with whatever
means necessary â€" his dedication and newfound will to conquer drove him
forward.

Gaining the position of Secretary within his guild at the age of 24, his lust
for power and faith in Geomancy rose even higher. But one day he was called
home from one of his many expeditions. The Nihilist doctor that contacted him
sounded very concerned. Drained of his power supplies, Lassius Teleported to
the Megalith of Doom and made his way home. When he got there, it was to find
his mother at the brink of death. She could not speak nor look at him - she had
been infected by crotamine, a deadly venom. The doctor applied a newly developed
medicine, but it did nothing but weaken the venom a bit. Her pain just lasted
longer. And thus did she die upon Lassius' arms, and thus did he swear to seek
ultimate knowledge, for the power of Geomancy held little sway over the course
of life and death.

His rise to the position of Archmage came soon after. Everyone in Magnagora was
surprised at the political fire that flared up inside his heart. There were
rumours that his mother's death had driven him insane, and there were those
more benign, those that preached of how Lassius sought to undo the weavings of
life because of his immense love for his mother. No one really cared. As long
as Lassius led the Geomancers well and as long as he helped Magnagora prosper,
no one complained. He was a person of little acquaintances, but he didn't care.
His goal wasn't to make friends.

The only person he did come to like was Heresiarch of the Nihilists, Serenade
Matsur. There was something in that woman that made him smile on the inside. He
knew she felt it, too, for she was the only one friendly enough to speak to him
without fear of being snubbed or glared at. It was that kind of confidence,
that kind of warmth, that Lassius missed.

Chapter 7

When a tall person in a purple cape entered the room, Adrian was lying
motionless on a bed. He immediately rose to examine the newcomer.

«Squire Adrian Ashtear?», the figure asked in soft but percieving tones.

Adrian nodded. «You are the spy from Magnagora.»

The figure quickly nodded and went on to say. «True, but please do not call me
that. Being trusted with such an important job is an honor, but doing it is...
well... non-satisfactory. My name is Eben Japheth. Since we'll be spending lots
of time together, you may call me Eben.» He smiled.

Adrian rose up and walked over to Eben to shake his hand. Only then did he
fully absorb Eben's features. Shoulder-long hair, black as night, fell across
the features of this taurian, including a very proud face of a warrior and
strong, curved horns. The traces of his well-muscled body could be seen even
under his yellow cloak, a strange choice of color in itself. They shook hands.
Eben's hand was wet. Nervous, possibly?

«Now then, if you haven't noticed, you have been outguilded from the
Paladins.», he started slowly.

Adrian nodded. He felt the Paladins' blessings leave his body a few moments
earlier.

«This was necessary. Now, the reason why Bilal had to choose from a range of
relatively unknown Squires and Pages is the fact that the Geomancers would
track anyone they found suspicious. But if they don't know you've been with the
Paladins, they will accept you as one of them.»

«I understand.», Adrian replied. «But I have gained quite a bit of power
while here. I mean, I'm no novice. They should find that suspicious, right?»

Eben shook his head in negation. «We've already let information leek out to
their spies. Adrian Ashtear, a promising young rogue, refused to join the
Paladins in spite of their wholehearted invitation. He stated clearly that he
wants nothing to do with Celest.» He smiled. «That ought to convince the
Magnagorans.»

Adrian nodded, still thinking about it.

Eben continued. «Preparations have been made. It would be preferable if we
left right now, but we still have some time, so if you would like to...», he
stopped.

Adrian knew what Eben wanted to say. Would he want to say goodbye to anyone?
Would he have anyone to say goodbye to, anyway? Not really, he thought.

He shook his head. Eben nodded with approval. «Good. Come here, then, and take
my hand.»

Adrian further approached the tall taurian and accepted his grasp. Only then
did he feel a strong sense of Taint coming from somewhere... He pulled his hand
back, as if burned, staring at the taurian. He didn't seem surprised by the
Squire's reaction.

«Yes, I am Tainted.», he said calmly, but his voice started shuddering soon
after. «But please, do not judge me strongly... we each have to make our
sacrifices for the Light.»

His eyes got a bit watery now, and Adrian dropped his gaze to the floor,
suddenly embarassed. He wordlessly accepted the taurian's hand again, and felt
his look upon himself. He grasped the hand tighter. Eben obviously understood
the signal, as he started waving his other hand around, finally shutting it
tight, taking himself and Adrian into the speedy light of Teleportation.

Chapter 8

Adrian had never before been in Magnagora. He had heard tales of it, certainly.
But tales of an evil and wicked city corrupted by the Taint. He had always
imagined it as the Elemental Plane of the Continuum he had read about in the
Lodestar Athenaeum. However, when he and Eben arrived, it was to find a great
and magnificent city, looking as prosperous and mighty as the nation was. It
was devoid of Light, sure, but that didn't stop Adrian from opening his mouth
in awe as he gazed at the magnificent structures surrounding him.

Eben nodded, noticing Adrian's astonishment. «Never been to Magnagora
before?», he asked.

Adrian shook his head in negation.

«Thought so...», Eben finished. «Now, to make you a citizen.»

Eben spoke some mystic-sounding words, his eyes went out of focus for a moment,
and then announced that Adrian is now a citizen of Magnagora.

That moment, Adrian started hearing voices in his head... He knew what it was.
Magnagora's city channel, to which his brain was now attuned. It was bustling
with voices. Small voices, deep voices, screachy voices, agitated voices...
Something was obviously going on. Adrian tried to concentrate on a single
voice, but it was too much.

«It takes a while to get used to it.», Eben explained. «At this time,
everyone in Magnagora is discussing the mysterious building to the north.»

Adrian gasped. «What do you mean?! They're discussing it openly? Then why
don't you just--», but he was interrupted as Eben chuckled.

«Young man, do you really think they would be so stupid as to publicly speak
of their top-secret plans? These are conspiracy theorists... They enjoy making
everything a spectacle, they think every strange occurence is a major plan of
some sort.»

«But this IS a major plan!», Adrian practically shouted.

Eben smirked. «But they don't know that, do they? That's because they're
'theorists'. They don't know for sure. According to our latest information,
only the Iron Council of Magnagora knows the full contents of the plan.
Although, that too is questionable, since Warlord Xorath Warlita is acting
strange around the other members. We suspect that maybe he hasn't fully
informed them yet.»

«Oh.», Adrian said quizzically. «But then, how am I supposed to find out
what the plans are? I mean, it's not like the Geomancers' Archmage is going to
tell a Novice, assuming he even knows...»

The tall taurian now smiled, but his voice was serious. «Your job here is to
get the information, one way or the other. The High Enigma chose you for a
reason. He obviously has faith in your creativity and wits. However, make every
effort to learn of the plans. You realize of what importance that is, don't
you?»

Adrian nodded. He still wasn't sure why the High Enigma, Brylea and Chieftain
Estraq were so convinced that Magnagora is plotting something, but it did seem
important, so he would give it his all to get that information.

Adrian felt like he now heard a few welcomes in Magnagora's channel, though
none too warm because everyone was obviously too focused on the current events
to even notice a new, young citizen.

«Now I will inguild you into the Geomancers. If someone asks you something
strange or potentially incriminating, speak to me first. We don't want to throw
any suspicion.», said Eben.

Again, he spoke some strange words and now Adrian did feel a few warm welcomes
on the Geomancers' Novice channel. These people obviously cared more for their
young ones than some strange occurence otuside the city. Some intructed him to
do some reading, pointing him to a few scrolls.

«You don't need to do that.» said Eben. «I'll teach you all you need to
know.»

Adrian nodded.

---

And so, he and Eben spent the next few days training. Eben taught him about the
customs in Magnagora and within the Geomancers, about Geomancy in general and
about Magnagora's history. He learned a lot during the next few weeks. He had a
feeling this was just the beginning, that many challenges lay ahead and that
getting the information about the strange pulses and the mysterious building
could prove difficult and dangerous, just like the information itself.