Everybody felt the earthquake and heard the roar. But they couldn’t actually see the monster that had emerged from the Valley save for the dark shadow illuminated by the lightning within the maelstrom. And what they did see brought the hairs on the back of their necks on end.

Unmai Kettai was a very old and dangerous tradition. The guidelines were simple: two duellists enter the fight, only one emerges. The duel, once accepted, cannot be interrupted by outside forces. Nor can it be ended until either one or both opponents are killed.

Across the Valley, the mages found a suitable spot to observe the challenge. Far enough away so as not to interfere, but close enough to monitor the situation. “Are you sure we’ll be safe here” Kaleb asked aloud.

Shade lowered the radio with a haunted look, everything dissolving into white noise around him as Fagan’s voice disappeared into the static. “Damn you Fagan” he whispered, dropping the handset to the floor.

After several days being confined to the Citadel, Emma was frustrated to say she was beginning to adapt to her new normal. Following her father around and staying by his side like the loyal daughter he forced her to be was proving to be at least illuminating. It was true, she never took into account the decisions he was forced to make on a day to day basis. She never made time to pay attention to the politics of ruling the Realm, something she really should take into account

They waited for their ride at the opening to the cliffs, outside of Babylon’s outer defences. It was a long wait but when they heard the helicopter approaching over the horizon they stood at the edge of the desert with trepidation. The General did not sound happy when Shaw finally reached him to explain their absence, but what he reported brought more terrifying questions.

Balthazar toiled in his workshop deep in the dungeons where he was guaranteed absolute privacy. Not even the High-King was privy to all the rooms down here. The elder might’ve won over the man’s trust, but he couldn’t afford to let his idealistic nature deter him from what needed to be done.

Asim lead Shade down an alley between two huts into a cave system built into the cliff. Shade had left Scarlett to play with the other children, telling her via sign to stay in earshot of the others while he followed the olive skinned guardian. He kept his wits about him as they walked deeper into the cave, though he didn’t believe the man harboured any hostility towards him.

Asim was kind enough to let the group stay for a couple of days, in exchange for aid around the settlement.

The funeral was a sombre affair, as they often were. Almost all of the great Houses attended, as did the council and the royal family. Say what you will about the man, Clive Ferndale was a beloved fixture in the politics of the Realm. His absence will be felt for many years to come.

None of them ever thought riding a Dust Worm was possible out here in the wasteland. In fact the idea was so insane that most of the scavengers believed they were in fact dead or dreaming. But as terrifying as it was, it was also the most thrilling experience in Shade’s life. Watching the sands whip by as the desert stretched out around them took his breath away.

A storm rolled in from the East, blanketing the sky with dark clouds which rumbled ominously. The Oracle stirred from her bed alone, draping the covers over her shoulders as she crossed to the window. She gazed up at the sky thoughtfully.

Well, wouldn’t be the first time we were up the creek without a paddle , Shade thought.

It became evident that they couldn’t reach the next checkpoint in time, so they were forced to camp out for the night. They found an isolated spot on the edge of the desert where the sands stretched out for miles. Perfect place to see in all directions, even if it was in the open. They set up makeshift tents around and under the jeep and truck, sheltering from the winds which kicked up sand and dust. Hanks volunteered to keep watch first.

Valerius sat in his office, sipping from the decanter next to him. Today had been a long day and exhausting on all fronts. He mulled over the report General Hanson had given him, rubbing his eyes considering all the implications that came with it. Foolish girl , he thought to himself. He still couldn’t believe Emelia would grow up to be so brash.

A few hours before Balthazar would find the tomb, Shade and Scarlett left the graveyard to return to the bike Shade borrowed. “Do you think the others will be mad?” Scarlett asked anxiously.

Emma prepared herself for the argument waiting for her when they returned to the Realm. What she got was her dad in her face immediately. “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING, YOU STUPID GIRL!” he bellowed.

It was difficult to describe the anguish someone feels when they are forced to watch someone, they care about, die in front of them. But there’s a special kind of pain that comes from not being allowed to express it.