Our armour clanked as we strode forward, blinded by the darkness of the underground. The uneven flooring uprooted by the nature that sought to claim back the space stolen from it. With a hand placed on Guardian's hilt, I lifted the other to emit some form of light. It pierced through the darkness as I shot it forward to help guide us through to the exit. Knowing what was ahead offered great relief to us, we were tired. Years spent chasing what many told us would lead to nothing but disappointment, yet there we were. All we had to do was find the way through, and the secrets of the Eamersdr would be revealed to us. 

The walls were covered in ancient paintings, though they were much too worn and weathered by time to understand what they fully were, and the confines of the winding stone halls made us much too anxious to want to wait around and study them further. Even Josef had been deterred from his natural curiosity to seek out their meaning. The floors would sometimes dip and gather water that leaked from the walls. We did our best to remain dry- to no avail. As we headed deeper and lower into the catacombs of the old ruin, the floor was soon completely flooded. It was not long before we were wading waste deep, trying desperately to keep up with the orb I had summoned. I held Guardian high above my head to help it avoid the water, there was no way it would become rusted on my watch. If anything, I was sure that the sword in my charge was stronger than ever. There were slight modifications added here and there, a bit of magic had also been infused. Well placed runes had sought to that. Guardian had never been stronger.

'There, can you see it?' asked Jedrick, pointing to a great opening that shone much brighter than the orb. A gentle breeze could be felt caressing my face. It felt good to be rid of the old suffocating ruins, and wonderful to be close to finally reaching the end of our endeavours- my endeavours. 

'We are close to the temple..' sighed Alvan, with a slight smile. With a wave of my hand the orb of light disappeared. Before celebrating anything, we had to be sure it was there, and that we were safe. Josef agreed, he was much like me in that regard; driven by our goals.

We walked forward, pushing against the dark waters- when the sound of stone slowly scraping against stone could be heard. We all froze in place, arming ourselves with our weapons. 'What was that?' asked Alvan, taking a step forward. Again, the scraping could be heard. That was when Alvan closed his eyes slowly, looking defeated. 'We need to run. Now.' he said sternly, opening his eyes once more. 'Now!' he yelled.

We all began to move as quickly as we could against the water, knowing full well that he had stepped on a trap. We had been so careful to avoid them until then. Josef would point them out to us as we passed them, explaining how they worked. He was such a know it all.

Our carefree attitude was understandable for that moment. We were unguarded by the small victory that came in finding the exit. Which was promptly taken away. 

Sharp spikes began to shoot up from one end of the floor, slowly moving line by line towards us. It would had been easily avoided if the water hadn't helped resist our escape.

Jedrick lagged behind, his bulky armour had finally gotten the best of him.

'Keep going!' I ordered Alvan and Josef. They moved as quickly as possible passed me as I headed back to aid Jedrick. With a twirl of my sword I let loose a plethora of magic, and the water parted effortlessly. I let out a breath, freezing the water and trap in place. The danger had been stayed. Jedrick heaved, trying desperately to catch his breath. He looked around, smirking at my handy work.

'Good job, Commander!' he chuckled through his breath.

'Kindly make yourself decent, Jedrick. You forget your place in front of the Commander.' chided Josef as he straightened his spectacles. 'And do not forget to thank her for your life.' Jedrick's smile faded. He quickly cleared his throat and nodded.

'O-of course, forgive me. And thank-you, Commander Medea.' 

'Josef.' I warned. He simply responded with a bored look. He had always been one to follow rules strictly, though some credit had to be given. He had ran off with me after all, even when the Grand Enchanter had summoned us back. We went rogue for a bit. Gathering our allies and initiating our own recruits. That was how we ended up with Alvan and Jedrick. We had more, but once Grand Enchanter Arlen had finally given us his blessing to continue our research they had gone and properly joined the Ardiangu Ightskn. They joined another division. Originally there were only four, but my knowledge in my research had granted us the privilege to create a fifth. It was much smaller, and we usually handled tasks of a more secretive nature. The ones that the Grand Enchanter wanted to keep hidden. Like the Eamersdr.  

We walked towards the exit, finally reaching our goal. I had hoped to save my energy just in case what we met at the temple had been something dangerous, but I supposed it was worth using if it saved my men's life.

'Stay vigilant.' I ordered, 'No more mistakes.'

'No more mistakes.' they repeated. I took it as them agreeing with me. We were met by great obelisks standing towering over us, creatures old and forgotten were immortalized by being made into statues- guarding the entrance of the temple with their fearsome and noble faces. The temple grounds themselves were crumbling, but it still held a beauty that managed to take ones breath away- especially with the plants growing over the architecture. 

'Fascinating.' said Josef, taking out his journal and chronicling everything he could. Such was his task as Grand Historian. He was meant to be back in Peho, where the Ardiangu Ightskn had taken to making their home, though many stronghold's were erected in various other cities, the one in Peho was our main. But Josef simply could not turn down the opportunity to relive the past. And so he had his apprentice fill his role while he journeyed with me. I would not have had it any other way, as he was one of the last to know about the truth of the battle that took place seven years ago. Josef had become a good friend to me, and I hoped I had been the same to him. 

We walked up many stairs until we came to a path. Stones were raised above a dark water that had a mysterious mist elegantly floating above, seductively calling us forward. Though old and abandoned, the temple still held onto a life burning brilliantly. More so than any town or city I had ever come across before then. Memories of lives that once took refuge there were seeped into the very stone on which we treaded. I could feel the nostalgia flowing with every step. And those very steps sung one thing:

Once we lived.

We were careful when crossing, making sure not to disturb the water. Somehow we knew it was sacred and not meant for us. We had made it onto land once more, a great meadow rimmed with flowers of various kinds were the only thing left between us and the temple halls. 

'Commander.' I heard Alvan call behind. I turned to see two men standing between me and my charges. Josef and I were quick to summon magic as a means to threaten those who blocked the way.

They were strange to look at. One had stark white eyes- almost as if he were blind, the other had pitch black. Their hair were the opposite shades of their eyes.. and their cheekbones were sharp- their smiles sharper still. They wore robes- ancient in style, far more ancient than we could date. And how painfully handsome they were! A beauty not known to Rongholdst, as if they did not come from it- or any other world for that matter.

'Who are you?' I asked, making sure to point Guardian their way, my magic swirled around it. One clicked his tongue, and the one contrasting him shook his head as if disappointed in me. 

'I believe when asking for one's name, you should first introduce yourself.' replied the one with bright eyes, his voice was like silk. Calm and collected. 

'How dare you speak to the Commander so!' Jedrick growled. The men and I stared at each other longer than necessary, ignoring the other two in our company. Even Josef knew that that was not the time to pull rankings. Whoever they were- whatever they were, they were obviously vastly superior to me. 

'Jedrick. Stand down.' I ordered, sheathing Guardian. He did as commanded, though he looked none to pleased about it. 

'I am Medea, fifth Knight Commander of the Ardiangu Ightskn.' he clicked his tongue again. 

'First you come to our temple- without invitation I might add.. you then act rudely, and now you wish to lie?' I felt myself stiffen, sending a glance to Alvan and Jedrick. They much suspected every now and then, if I was who I claimed to be.. but never had it been spoken aloud between us. 

'I suppose this warrants a bit of privacy.' the man with darkened eyes looked back to them both, 'Sleep.' he said. And they did. They fell over and slept quite soundly. 'Who are you, my dear?' I could feel Josef's gaze boring into me. He was wary- unsure. And that was something he detested the most. He knew everything- or so he liked to boast, but those men presented the unknown, and their questioning my secret was something he would scorn at.

'Sylvia.' 

'Sylvia.' they repeated with a smile, 'A pleasure. I am known as The Giver. 

'And I am known as The Taker. Pray, won't you show us your true face, Sylvia?'

'Commander..' Josef spoke, his tone urged me to be careful.  

'If it please you.' I replied, ignoring my remaining companion. With an eased out breath, I released the illusion spell put upon myself. It always felt so calming to dispel it, for it relieved much tension. The gold hair I had sported slowly shortened and darkened, curling into it's natural form. The definition in my cheekbones rounded a bit, and my skin returned to its natural hue. 

'Very good. What a darling you are!' They both clapped. I clenched my jaw, feeling a bit naked and bare. Vulnerable by how disarming their gazes were, especially when set upon my true face. They laughed at me, it was cruel and beautiful all in one. 

'Now why have you come?' asked The Giver.

'To know more of the Eamersdr.' 

'Sylvia, should we truly-' Josef began, but I would not hear it. We were too close, and nothing would stop me from completing this quest. Medea's perseverance had been adopted by me, her will and her might were my own. The lines between Sylvia and Medea had become blurred long ago, and by then one could not be without the other. I was her and she was me. Josef had warned me long ago to not lose sight of my true self. That if I continued on as I had Medea's blinding convictions would take root in me, and if that were to happen my road would come to be as hers. 

'Lovely, and what will you give in return for this knowledge, dearest Sylvia?' asked The Taker.

'I do not understand..' I looked between the two. 'What is it you ask of me?' 

'It is simple enough, lovely.' The one with white eyes stepped forward, 'I am The Giver, ask and you will receive.' he swooped low into a bow. Like a servant would to a master, though he was far too graceful and eloquent to be a servant of any kind. The other stepped forward holding out his arms as if expecting something.

'Yes, and I am The Taker. Whatever you offer will become mine. And balance shall be held. Understood?' 

'I think so..' I nodded. Josef was practically writhing from where he stood. He did not like what was happening one bit.

'Then, what is it you offer?' they both spoke again. What was there to offer? I held no gold, no jewels.  What was there to offer beings of their standing? For they were no mortals. Their presence had been as over bearing as the Eamersdr, more so perhaps. Somehow it was known that their blood were ancient and forever, and that it would outlive time itself.

Josef walked to my side and grabbed my arm firmly.

'Tread carefully, Commander. I fear their true intentions.' he whispered. For once Josef would gain no arguments from me. He was concerned, and I felt much the same.

'I fear there is little I can offer you. If you wish something from me- name it. If it gets me what I want, then so be it.' Their smiles broadened and their eyes widened as they looked to one another and began frantic whispers amongst each other. I stood firm, feeling a bit more confident with Josef by my side. Beyond the beings the rest of our companions laid still, a blissful look placed upon their faces. 'Whatever happens, see to their safety.' Josef looked to me before nodding and taking off. 'Josef!' He stopped, looking back wistfully. Somehow it felt like farewell was warranted in that moment.

'Commander?'

'See to yours as well.' He walked passed the beings, eyeing them carefully. They merely grinned in amusement in return.

'We have come to an agreement, my brother and I!' skipped The Taker to my side. The Giver skipped to my other.

'We ask you for your name: Medea the Brave!'

'It is a trade, a good trade!'

'A fine one indeed!' They chuckled before The Taker wrapped his arms around me. It caught me off guard as I yelped in surprise. Slowly all the tension I felt had begun to fade away as I melted into his embrace. 'Yes, sweetness.' he whispered, 'Let it go. Let Medea go.' 

'Sylvia!' I could here Josef yell, though he sounded a million miles away by then. My senses dulled as The Keepers power sunk into me- hooking in and refusing to let go until it took what they wanted.All the emotions I had- that Medea had, began to slowly drift away. My vision turned white, and amidst the blinding power stood a familiar figure. Dressed in her armour, yet smiling softly like she always had before. The wicked righteous snarl she had when I last saw her had been nothing but a memory as she stepped back slowly. Away from me. Her voice was sweet and gentle like the cool breeze in the midst of Summer. She had been slipping away from me, but this time she was saying goodbye. And I would finally get the chance to do the same. The price The Taker had asked for had seemed a blessing then. If I could speak, I would tell my Medea that I loved her. Somehow I sensed she knew, and her smile reciprocated my eternal feelings. 

One day, Sylvia. We will meet again.

The Taker stepped back, still smiling. 

'Now I shall give you whatever you ask!' laughed The Giver. I looked at my shaking hands. I was free from my burdens. All but one. By my life, as Sylvia, I would find the truth of the forgotten history of our lands- of the Eamersdr. That was a sacrifice made for all of Rongholdst.

'I want to know of the Eamersdr.' came my voice- my true voice. The Giver held out his hand for me to take, and then led me towards the vast opened halls of the temple, leaving my companions behind. The halls were well lit with the sunlight shining through the stained glass in the upper reaches of the walls. I marvelled at how they survived the centuries. 

'Ask and you shall receive.' 

2: Am I To Be Cursed?

The fortress of Peho was bursting with a frantic urgency I hadn't seen before. Foot soldiers ran to and fro in search of superiors, servants crowded the halls seemingly at a loss for what to do. 

'Quite an uproar. I suppose the Capital is more entertaining than we originally assumed, isn't that right, Commander?' my right hand, Jethro seemed amused by the whole thing. Back in the fortress of Litudeso (the one that ran under my command) everything was much more peaceful. Though there was need for reform, it was peaceful enough. Many orphans had been placed in decent homes, but there were some that refused to assimilate into the new life style the Ardiangu Ightskn provided. There wasn't much reason to wonder why, they were used to living like savages after all, and just because Litudeso had been claimed under our banner did not mean they would see us as their rulers. Not even the good King of Rongholdst could persuade them. Me being in charge did little to serve the purpose of uniting us. An elf ruling a human city, the thought was simply unthinkable. It even seemed absurd to me. Once upon a time- long ago perhaps, all races saw each other as equals. Somewhere along the way the people were divided, and animosity became the norm between each.

'Indeed. Perhaps they will be more accommodating here than in Litudeso.' It was an entertaining sight. We had been summoned by the Grand Enchanter himself, though he did not disclose the reason in the letter sent. It only left me more curious, and because of that my right hand and I left for the Capital at once. We had left the Seneschal of my division in charge. He would do a better job than me, assuming the people actually did prefer the rule of a human.

In all honesty, even having an elf in the ranks of the Ardiangu Ightskn was something frowned upon. Though there were many of us scattered in different divisions- I was amongst the few who held a greater title. Ever since Grand Enchanter Arlen had taken over, the joining of the ranks had been opened to all. This was a topic of controversy for some time. Back when the Order had been known as the Ackbl Ightkn, their ranks were exclusively for their own kind. Perhaps it had been different when their Order was younger, but it had changed, like many other things. Many of us were glad to be rid of the bigoted views they held. 

'Look, there.' Jethro laughed as he pointed to a servant who juggled many plates. They wobbled and clanked as they took careful steps towards the kitchen. 

'How much would you pay to see them fall?' 

'Commander! You are a wicked woman.' Jethro feigned shock before grinning largely. Another reason he had been appointed my right hand; Jethro held as much humour as I, not to mention he was an elf. Albeit from a different house. 'I'll give you any sweets we receive during dinner.' 

'Deal.' And with a secretive wave of my hand a brick that made the floor ascended, tripping the poor servant who dropped all the plates. They crashed and shattered loudly- scattering across the entire hall. The yelp that escaped the poor mans lips had only added to the scene. 

The brick lowered back into place, and Jethro and I turned in on each other trying our best to hide our sniggers. 

The servant in question looked around helplessly. They had no idea how their accident had happened, nor how to go about cleaning. 

'Come, Jethro. We should not keep the Grand Enchanter waiting for too long. We will have more time for fun later, of that I am sure.' pulling my right hand down the hall, I looked down my nose to the servant we had pranked. Let me take the time to freely admit something: At times I am no better than the humans who sneer my way simply for being born the way I was. Was I a hypocrite for condemning them for being bigots, when I, myself, was the same? Yes, perhaps. But hate breeded hate, and the fault could fall upon the shoulders of either race. I only went along with the status quo.

We arrived at the Grand Enchanters office not long after. He was sitting in his office, great silk robes in the colours of our order were draped over him. He looked over files piled high upon his desk, scratching at his chin every so often. So deep in thought was he that our entry had gone all but unnoticed. 

We stood respectfully with our arms folded behind our backs, waiting for him to address us. The Grand Enchanter was amongst one of the only humans I would respect. A voice from behind us jolted us into alert and we drew our weapons. 

It was a calm voice; sweet and slow, almost like molasses. But there was a venom in it, one that was threatening to seep into your skin should you allow it. 

'Have you a reason to interrupt Grand Enchanter Arlen?' the voice asked. From behind the open door, a small girl stepped through. She wore a mask made of clay, it was fashioned into a weeping face. Her dark hair was held tightly back with a boiled leather strap dyed green, and a brooch was fastened steadily on bearing the insignia of our order. A shield with a single rapier running down its centre. Her own robes flowed elegantly behind her as she strode confidently towards us. Her arrogance annoyed me, she was much smaller than any of us. Surely she knew that we would be able to crush her quite easily if she tried anything. 

'Calm yerself, Anais. Am I to be cursed with only hot-blooded girls as apprentices?' the Grand Enchanter muttered the final part to himself. My head whipped between the Enchanter and his apprentice, my eyes were held so wide open it felt as though they might tear.

'Anais?' I repeated the name in a whisper. The name was bitter on my tongue, yet so familiar. The girl removed her mask, showing the face she hid. A lovely girl with drooping serious eyes, with full lips and a small button nose. Her ears slightly raised- but not pointed as the elves.

'Hello, mother.' she replied slyly. 

'Mother? Commander, are you alright? What is the meaning of this?' Jethro seemed so confused then, and to save the last bit of dignity that remained, I turned my back on Anais and offered my full attention to the Grand Enchanter. He watched us patiently as he thumbed a file.

'Forgive me, I have not seen my daughter for a while-'

'Try thirty years.' Anais huffed, placing her sad mask back on.

'But there will be time yet for reunions, I am certain. Why have you summoned us?' 

'Thirty years? Ye' elves don't age a bit. Ye' don't look a day over twenty!' the Grand Enchanter shook his head. An envious look passed his features. It was true- the life span between humans and elves were much more different. I was now seventy-three, though still considered close to middle-aged in my society, to humans I was fresh from my adolescence. 

Jethro cleared his throat, keeping a wary eye on Anais and she on him. Though her eyes were well covered by the mask, one could always feel her gaze on you. It had been that way ever since she was a baby, a trait taken from her blasted father. 

'At any rate, I think I've wasted enough time.' the files he had were tossed my way. I looked through the parchments until one caught my eye. 

Fifth Commander of the Ardiangu Ightskn: Sylvia.

'Sylvia?' I looked up confused. That name was not one recognized by our order. 'Is this some sort of misprint, Grand Enchanter? Surely the Fifth Commander is Medea the Brave.' It was then I noticed how truly gaunt our leader looked: shrivelled, and frail, and.. sad. His eyes were downcast, threatening to spill secret tears. In an instant Anais was at his side with a goblet of water. He murmured a thank-you and drank in an effort to compose himself. 

'There are still many secrets our order has. Medea- Sylvia is one of them. In fact the entirety of the fifth division could be classified as such.' Jethro and I shared a look.

'And why tell me?' I asked unsure of where he was going with the subject.

'Do ye' believe in fairy tales?' he asked standing as tall as his frail spine would allow. 

'I believe there are some truths to them..' I cleared my throat, beginning to feel a bit impatient. 

'Than that is more than most. Seven years ago the whole of Rongholdst was threatened by a great evil.' I thought back remembering all the freak storms that had happened. My people were affected by it too. Entire villages were swallowed whole by the earth, and some creatures that were thought to be completely harmless went mad with the whisperings of the winds. They rampaged and ravaged anything they could get their hands on. The elder of my own village had went into solitude, praying to the Architects (the Elven gods) for peace to return to our world. We put out offerings, and sacrificed many of our game. Though it did seldom to appease them. 

'I remember.' 

'Not as well as I,' replied the Grand Enchanter. 'Nor as much detail. Though, talking about it breaks my heart. That's why I fished the files out fer ye'.' he waved us away with a shaky hand, and with final parting words: 'Anais will fill ye' in. She'll join ye' on your task.' We walked out his door solemnly, Anais stood in front with her back facing us. 

'Seems to me we shall be seeing quite a bit of each other, Mother.' she said, 'We have a division to find, after all. And they have been missing for six months.' she began walking down the hall, and we had no choice but to follow. My mouth was dry and I could feel my lips twitch in irritation as my eyes were trained on the back of Anais' head. If I went the rest of my life without seeing her again, I would die a happy woman.'There is someone you should see before we depart, however. He will be joining us on our travels as well.' 

'Who is that?' asked Jethro in my stead. He always did well to catch on with my emotions, and I was always thankful for it. Anais glanced back slightly, stopping at great double-doors of stone. They were engraved with runes of protection, and different insignias were carved in as well. She waved her hand over two crystals and the doors slowly scraped open. She cocked her head, inviting us to step into the darkened room. Glancing in, the room was in total darkness- save for one window held high above near the ceiling. It allowed a few streams of light to fall perfectly upon a young boy sitting at a circular wooden table. His head drooped down and his light hair swept over his eyes. He looked no older than ten. 

Feeling no immediate danger, we stepped through the doors towards the boy.

'Mother, allow me to introduce you to Grand Historian Josef.' 

'Grand Historian Josef?' I gawked, 'But how? He should be a man!' The boy stood and cleared his throat. It was only when he pushed them back up the bridge of his nose did I notice his spectacles. His face was bored but his eyes seemed so melancholic. 'What happened?' I asked.

'Would that I could tell you,' he replied with a shrill voice, 'Alas, I cannot seem to recall much.' 

3: Where All Journeys Begin

That night had been one filled with too much talk and too little sleep. We reviewed the files the Grand Enchanter had given us; profiles of those situated within the fifth division, and their work. The Eamersdr was a word that constantly found its way into many sentences. It seemed the Fifth Commander had a slightly unhealthy obsession with the legend- though Josef claimed it was no story. They were indeed real, and two yet lived somewhere far from Rongholdst. 

Sir Josef could recall everything but the month he and his comrades had gone missing, and that worried him. Especially since his journals had disappeared as well. 

'I don't forget anything. I am the Historian- I shouldn't forget anything!' he said in a panic. He gripped his head as he worked himself into a frantic frenzy, he never struck me as one to be overcome by anxiety, though I supposed young age did that to a person. The thing that stood out to me the most was not his panic due to his amnesia (though very warranted), but his lack of towards the curse placed upon him. He was a child again, and one had to wonder if he would ever grow again.

We worked straight into the night until dark circles formed around our eyes, and yawns came as a chorus. Josef led Jethro towards the mens quarters before bidding Anais and I a good-night. 

'I look forward to working with you, Commander Behira.' Josef bowed.

Anais and I walked silently down the halls, nodding a greeting to the guards stood on watch. Her presence alone set me on edge, especially when she refused to remove that damned mask of hers.

'I shall do well on finding my own way to my room, thank-you.' I said when I could not stand her any longer. She did little to stop me. 

'Are you certain, mother?' came her taunt as she watched me storm away from her. The fact of the matter was: I did not find my room that night- even if I had, there was little hope for catching any sleep. The quest at hand was far too intriguing for me to put from my mind. 

Fifth Commander Sylvia. Who was she truly? Why was she such a mystery? Grand Historian Josef held her with such high regards- the way he spoke of her told me so. His face lit up at her mention, and then he would slouch down low in his chair, as if remembering that she was not there at his side..

Then there was her other two companions. They too, had gone missing.

Jedrick: A former member of the Royal Guard. His Lord father was Captain, but after scandal had taken hold between the young Knight, Jedrick and a noble lady, he resigned his position. It was said that he travelled for a time, before meeting the Fifth Commander and joining her cause.

Then there was Alvan.. and elf from the Eastern Plains, where our people were usually found. Though my family preferred the west themselves. He had a different way of joining their party, though it was not written why. Josef would not tell us either, he felt it was not his place to do so. All he would say was that Alvan had a deep-seeded hatred for Sylvia when they first met, and then he grew to respect her. 

I sat in the gardens that night, thinking things over. The quest at hand would be a long one- especially if I was to be joined by Anais..

The next day came quickly, the sun shined and the birds sung- and I hated it. It wasn't long before a servant came to fetch me, how they knew where I had been hiding was beyond me. The prospect of breakfast had superseded my curiosity. 

The dining hall was a large and open area with many windows to light it. At the very end was a grand fire place, and at the other end was the table for the leaders of our order. Grand Enchanter Arlen sat at its centre, over looking all the members who sat at different wooden tables. They wolfed down their meals- laughter filled the hall with happy conversations of the days prospects. 

Eating my own breakfast of oats and honey at the most secluded end of a table that I could find, I began thinking over the missing division once more. Not long thereafter my thoughts were intruded by Anais and Jethro who had come to join me. They were speaking quite civilly to each other, they even seemed to have been getting along.

'Good morning, Commander.' Jethro spoke in a sing-song voice. He had obviously slept well, and from the way he kept eyeing Anais it had been clear of who he dreamt.. I looked between the two suspiciously, though it was hard to read how Anais had felt about the situation.

'Have you had time to think through the files, mother?'

'All night. I cannot even think of where to begin to look for them..' I admitted. The report had spoke of many places they travelled- most of which where abandoned and forgotten. Places that were then ruled by the wilds, and all those nasty creatures in it. Anais nodded, taking a bite of the fruit she chose as a meal. She was so skinny, and I began to wonder just briefly if she had been eating properly. Instead of confronting her with the question, I moved to ask another. My eyes wandered across the head table where all the leaders sat- one chair was empty. 'Sir Josef is in no mood to grace the hall with his presence, I see.' 

'Would you, if you looked like that?' Jethro laughed. Sir Josef was a man of high standing, of course being seen cursed would had surely tarnished his honour to some degree. Our order was not above gossip- and rumours would spread about why he was cursed, and if he deserved it. It was a thought floating around in my head as well. Surely a curse that strong would only be placed for a reason, and not out of sheer spite. Whoever did it must have had a hand in the disappearances, of that I had no doubt. 

'Has Sir Josef any recollection of where he can last remember them being?' 

'To some degree, but it would be where they were a month before they had went.' Anais explained, 'Though, I suppose that's a good a start as any.'

'Yes, I suppose it is..' my thoughts trailed off before I had enough of the hall. Standing, my seat screeched across the floor of the hall before I began to walk off.

'Mother!' Anais called after me, when she saw I did not stop she gave chase. 

'I really wish you would stop calling me that.' 

'But that is what you are.' Anais replied, keeping her strides equal to my own. I scowled, how I wished she were wrong. 'I was hoping that we might have a chance to speak before this turns all business..' she wrung her fingers nervously, sending glances my way every so often. Though I refused to look at her directly- I could still see her.. not that I wished it. 

'So, then speak.' 

'I..' she opened and closed her mouth, looking quite the fool then. 'Dear me. I had a whole speech prepared, but now that the moment has come..' we both stopped walking then, letting two servants pass us.

'Funny that.' I responded dryly, and without a smile. Birds whooshed passed the window, the sounds of their flapping wings resonated. 'Anais.' I looked upon her then, and instantly wished I hadn't. Her face a perfect blend of my own and her fathers.. Her hair was fine as silk, just as mine. Though I had cut it short, and shaved the sides. Being a female warrior had caused me to sacrifice much of my femininity. Her drooping eyes searched mine desperately, just as they always had before. 'I cannot give you whatever it is you wish of me.' she swallowed hard and looked down to the floor.

'Why?' she asked meekly, her voice was barely a whisper. It must had taken a lot from her to simply find the courage to actively seek me out. I shook my head, feeling myself swell with all the emotions I had done so well to push down deep within myself. 

'We should pack, and then head out. I am certain Grand Enchanter Arlen is eager to hear news of this..'

'Sylvia.' Josef appeared from behind the corner. Had he been listening to the conversation we were having? Anais slipped on her mask and greeted the Grand Historian with a deep curtsy. I gave him no such courtesy- nor did he for me. 'It is a wonder of mine..' 

'What is, my lord?' Anais asked. 

'What is it that makes your mother so qualified for this task?'  they both looked to me for an answer, though I had none to spare. To save myself the embarrassment I cleared my throat and put a tight hold around the grip of my sword. It was a poor effort to appear more capable. 

'Perhaps we should not ask about qualifications; this is no interview. We should however, ask you if you know where our journey should begin.'

'Where does any journey begin?' Josef replied with a vague response. 

'Come, if we are to speak in riddles all the time we shan't get very far..'

'No, mother. It is no riddle. We begin at the beginning.' Anais explained, seemingly catching on to what Josef had in mind before me. She was smarter than I had remembered, though what I remembered was a child riddled with mud and scraped knees. 

'I'm sorry to say: I find myself lost.' 

'Sylvia was a woman from humble beginnings, Commander Behira.' Josef explained. 'From what I recall.. we had a lead concerning the Eamersdr. Though, it was a dangerous one. And because of that, we all needed to have some sort of.. conclusion. Just in case things went awry.' 

'So, you said farewell to loved ones?' I asked. 

'Precisely.' I found myself wondering who it was Josef had said good-bye to. Not much was known about the leaders of our order. 'Sylvia had different circumstances, her family believed her to be dead, and she could not bear to see them lose her twice. So she went under her normal guise: Medea the Brave. She spoke to them, and I believe she told them of where we were heading.. perhaps if we were to ask them..'

'They could point us in the right direction? Very well, we should set out immediately. I grow restless if I stay too long in one place.' 

'Oh, don't I know it.' Anais replied before walking off to pack her things. She left Josef and I standing in her wake staring after her. Josef sniffled while rolling up his sleeves. His robes were far too large for his child frame, though he had no time to go and get a tailor made suit. Rolling his clothes and cinching them with belts was the only option left for him. It made him appear all the smaller. 

'So much of this order is a mystery, especially the things we deal in.' I said after some time of simply standing. 'Who was this Sylvia, Sir Josef? Who was she to the Grand Enchanter? To the order?'

'She was precious to Grand Enchanter Arlen. She was knowledgeable.. and I..' he stopped himself looking at his hands and shaking his head. 'Ah, but look at me now. I should go ready my things as well.' He smiled. 'Commander.'