All of the accumulated fragments, having been in the possession of Lluc and Marcelo Redwater at the time of their deaths, were lost to the conquering Mohssians.
A loss that doubtless changed the course of history. With that in mind, Zeff could certainly understand the lingering resentment that some of the reapers had for the Redwater Twins. Their egos truly had cost the Rainlords almost everything, hadn’t they?
After that, the fragments had been almost entirely absent from history. Cassius was known to have been in possession of one, early in his life, which helped him punch above his weight and make a name for himself as a younger servant, but it was again lost in a battle at sea with the infamous Red Tiger of Abolish. Decades later, Cassius would go on to finally kill the Red Tiger after many encounters, but his fragment remained unrecovered.
So as Zeff stared at the fragment in his hand--a sizable slab that might just barely fit into his coat--he was made to wonder if this woman before him, this Phantom, was fully aware of what she had just done.
Clearly, she knew it was a precious relic to the Rainlords. That was why she was using her second one as a bargaining chip.
But did she know precisely how precious?
The history of the Fountain and its fragments was a long-held secret, even among his own kin. And if other, non-Rainlord servants acquired them, there was very little to be gleaned from the fragments themselves. They were useless to anyone but the divine inheritor.
So there was a very real possibility that she had no idea how powerful these artifacts actually were--or perhaps that she harbored some misconceptions about them.
This other person, though. The Pale Hawk. By now, it was clear that Graves had historical ties to the Rainlords, even if the man had yet to elaborate on them. Zeff had still not gotten that story out of him about his adventures with Agam Elroy and Bernardino Blackburn.
And there was also the fact that Melchor had been familiar with Graves’ old moniker. Archangel, he’d called him. Zeff had mulled over that piece of information quite a bit in recent days.
As far as he’d been able to tell, Melchor was being affected by Graves’ trickery just like everyone else, so why had the man been able to remember the name Archangel before? Had Graves not tried to erase all traces of his previous identity? It seemed as if that should have been a trivial task for the Pale Hawk.
A dark serial novel. Set in a modern fantasy world called Eleg. Mature language. Updates every day at noon PST by ~400 words.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Page 3906
After Rhein’s death, the Fountain was placed in Rhein’s Keep, where it remained under the protection of his House for several generations. However, when his House, too, came to an end, possession of the Fountain became an open question. The other Houses feared that a power struggle between themselves would break out over its ownership--and furthermore, that such a struggle would be the doom of them all.
So they began a strict tradition of binding the Fountain to the House of the most recent Water Dragon. Whenever a new Dragon was found, that House would become the new keeper of the Fountain, even after that Dragon passed away.
Certainly, this was not a perfect system, either. Some Houses only got to keep the Fountain for a few years, while others held onto it for centuries. But the disputes that the tradition instigated were minor by comparison to what might have been. Arguments, rather than fights. Resentment, rather than bloodshed. And it helped that all of the Houses made sure to enforce the tradition aggressively, knowing that eventually, their own descendants might get a turn.
Then, one day, a great battle took place in the lowlands of Luugh, involving then-Water-Dragon, Cristina Zabat, and then-emperors, Isaac and Unso. As a result, the continent of Luugh gained four new lakes and seven new rivers.
And the Fountain was destroyed. Reduced to fragments.
Afterward, repair efforts were attempted, of course, but progress was never made. Over time, however, the fragments were themselves discovered to still harbor a modicum of the Fountain’s power. Individually, they could each enhance a servant’s power. And the more one collected, the greater the enhancement would become.
But only for the Water Dragon.
It was a consequence of its destruction. Where before, the intact Fountain could empower any Rainlord, now the fragments would only work for the divine inheritor. It had never been clear why that was--and in fact, it had almost escaped their notice entirely, as the fragments were thought to be totally inert until Mercutio Garza came along. And by then, many of them had already been lost.
Once that information had been learned, the Rainlords began sending out expeditions periodically in search of the fragments. And it took many years, but their efforts bore fruit. They nearly completed it, managing to collect ten of the fourteen total pieces.
But then the Redwater Uprising happened.
And the Day of Clear Sky. The day when the Mohssian Empire laid siege to Red Lake Castle and nearly extinguished the entirety of House Redwater.
So they began a strict tradition of binding the Fountain to the House of the most recent Water Dragon. Whenever a new Dragon was found, that House would become the new keeper of the Fountain, even after that Dragon passed away.
Certainly, this was not a perfect system, either. Some Houses only got to keep the Fountain for a few years, while others held onto it for centuries. But the disputes that the tradition instigated were minor by comparison to what might have been. Arguments, rather than fights. Resentment, rather than bloodshed. And it helped that all of the Houses made sure to enforce the tradition aggressively, knowing that eventually, their own descendants might get a turn.
Then, one day, a great battle took place in the lowlands of Luugh, involving then-Water-Dragon, Cristina Zabat, and then-emperors, Isaac and Unso. As a result, the continent of Luugh gained four new lakes and seven new rivers.
And the Fountain was destroyed. Reduced to fragments.
Afterward, repair efforts were attempted, of course, but progress was never made. Over time, however, the fragments were themselves discovered to still harbor a modicum of the Fountain’s power. Individually, they could each enhance a servant’s power. And the more one collected, the greater the enhancement would become.
But only for the Water Dragon.
It was a consequence of its destruction. Where before, the intact Fountain could empower any Rainlord, now the fragments would only work for the divine inheritor. It had never been clear why that was--and in fact, it had almost escaped their notice entirely, as the fragments were thought to be totally inert until Mercutio Garza came along. And by then, many of them had already been lost.
Once that information had been learned, the Rainlords began sending out expeditions periodically in search of the fragments. And it took many years, but their efforts bore fruit. They nearly completed it, managing to collect ten of the fourteen total pieces.
But then the Redwater Uprising happened.
And the Day of Clear Sky. The day when the Mohssian Empire laid siege to Red Lake Castle and nearly extinguished the entirety of House Redwater.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Page 3905
The precise history of the Fountain was something of a contentious subject. It was known to have existed during the time of the Armans, over three thousand years ago, but its power was described differently during that era. It also didn’t help that the Fountain was often at the heart of mythic tales from that time period.
The Fountain, in its earliest form, purportedly had the ability to influence all the water in the world. To drown nations and reshape oceans.
Not unlike what the world had just recently experienced, strangely enough.
But in the most absurd tales, it could also use water as a basis for the creation of... just about anything, seemingly. There was one story where Lhutwë used the Fountain to create lhughleoths, the ice-breathing sea serpents of legend--the same serpents that Zeff now viewed all reapers as. There was another story where Lhutwë used the Fountain to create the madega trees, planting them in what was now modern day Sair but intending for their roots to spread throughout the world.
Which actually held some truth to it. Throughout history, madega trees had occasionally been discovered in far-off lands, always in strange isolation amid a modest body of water. Supposedly, there was even one in the Jaskadan Forest, though neither Zeff nor Axiolis had ever personally seen it.
And of course, there was also the tale of how Lhutwë had used it to create even the Armans themselves. That one, Zeff found especially unbelievable, though he couldn’t necessarily articulate why.
Beyond the myths, however, the Fountain still had a very real history among his later kin. Rhein Ricardo famously used it in the war against the Lyzakks, though only toward the end. It was the final key element that drew the war to a close.
For years, the Lyzakks had been fielding a ferocious group of elite warriors called the Had’ir. And though they were few in number, no one among the Armans could stand against them. Wherever they were deployed, the Armans would begin losing their grip on the region.
Until, that was, Rhein began to harness the awesome power of the Fountain. With it, he met the Had’ir head on, alone, and forced stalemate after stalemate, rendering the final Lyzakki trump card ineffectual to the greater war effort. Which culminated in the eventual negotiations and peace.
In that tale, the Fountain was nothing more than a simple enhancer of Rhein’s already impressive power. Though, some have maintained that Rhein simply did not tap into its full potential.
Or that he refused to, for some reason.
The Fountain, in its earliest form, purportedly had the ability to influence all the water in the world. To drown nations and reshape oceans.
Not unlike what the world had just recently experienced, strangely enough.
But in the most absurd tales, it could also use water as a basis for the creation of... just about anything, seemingly. There was one story where Lhutwë used the Fountain to create lhughleoths, the ice-breathing sea serpents of legend--the same serpents that Zeff now viewed all reapers as. There was another story where Lhutwë used the Fountain to create the madega trees, planting them in what was now modern day Sair but intending for their roots to spread throughout the world.
Which actually held some truth to it. Throughout history, madega trees had occasionally been discovered in far-off lands, always in strange isolation amid a modest body of water. Supposedly, there was even one in the Jaskadan Forest, though neither Zeff nor Axiolis had ever personally seen it.
And of course, there was also the tale of how Lhutwë had used it to create even the Armans themselves. That one, Zeff found especially unbelievable, though he couldn’t necessarily articulate why.
Beyond the myths, however, the Fountain still had a very real history among his later kin. Rhein Ricardo famously used it in the war against the Lyzakks, though only toward the end. It was the final key element that drew the war to a close.
For years, the Lyzakks had been fielding a ferocious group of elite warriors called the Had’ir. And though they were few in number, no one among the Armans could stand against them. Wherever they were deployed, the Armans would begin losing their grip on the region.
Until, that was, Rhein began to harness the awesome power of the Fountain. With it, he met the Had’ir head on, alone, and forced stalemate after stalemate, rendering the final Lyzakki trump card ineffectual to the greater war effort. Which culminated in the eventual negotiations and peace.
In that tale, the Fountain was nothing more than a simple enhancer of Rhein’s already impressive power. Though, some have maintained that Rhein simply did not tap into its full potential.
Or that he refused to, for some reason.
Monday, July 28, 2025
Page 3904
“You’re right, of course,” said Jun. She stiffened her posture a bit, and a hint of a smile appeared on her face. “Words alone are not enough. So perhaps I can offer you something a bit more tangible. Something that, by rights, should be returned to you.”
Zeff felt sudden pangs of both anticipation and worry. What in the world could she be talking about?
She let the moment linger a little more before elaborating. “The Fountain of Lhutwë,” she said, causing Zeff’s eyes to widen again. “It was destroyed, once upon a time, yes? Reduced to a dozen or so fragments.” And to Zeff’s further amazement, she reached into her onesie and produced a sizable chunk of blue-gray stone. “Fragments such as this one here.”
Zeff couldn’t help marveling at the mere sight of it. Could that be real? It was certainly too early to be certain, considering he’d never actually seen the Fountain with his own eyes, but he did have the benefit of Axiolis’ memories to pull from. And that chunk there did indeed look... rather promising.
There was more to it, too. Something he couldn’t put into words. Something that he just felt. An odd sense of familiarity. A resonance.
“Here, catch,” said Jun. She tossed it to him like a softball.
And despite still being utterly dumbfounded, Zeff caught it.
“That one is on the house,” she went on. “Belongs with you, anyway. Consider it a gesture of my goodwill. But if you decide to join up with me, I can offer you a second one to go along with it.”
She had two?! Zeff was speechless.
Thankfully, Axiolis decided to speak up for his servant. ‘Where did you find these?’
“Oh, I’m not sure, actually,” said Jun. Her smile broadened, and she shrugged. “They belong to Sai-hee. No idea where she picked them up. But I figure, she’s not usin’ ‘em, so...”
Graves gave an audible huff. “You must truly believe she is dead, then. Because if she is not, then you are playing a very dangerous game here, Phantom. She will certainly see this as a betrayal. And not a small one, either.”
“Yes,” said Jun. “Now you understand how serious I am.”
Zeff was still stunned and staring at the fragment in his hand. A real fragment. From the mythical Fountain.
These had been lost to his kin for centuries--and the Fountain itself, for even longer.
Zeff felt sudden pangs of both anticipation and worry. What in the world could she be talking about?
She let the moment linger a little more before elaborating. “The Fountain of Lhutwë,” she said, causing Zeff’s eyes to widen again. “It was destroyed, once upon a time, yes? Reduced to a dozen or so fragments.” And to Zeff’s further amazement, she reached into her onesie and produced a sizable chunk of blue-gray stone. “Fragments such as this one here.”
Zeff couldn’t help marveling at the mere sight of it. Could that be real? It was certainly too early to be certain, considering he’d never actually seen the Fountain with his own eyes, but he did have the benefit of Axiolis’ memories to pull from. And that chunk there did indeed look... rather promising.
There was more to it, too. Something he couldn’t put into words. Something that he just felt. An odd sense of familiarity. A resonance.
“Here, catch,” said Jun. She tossed it to him like a softball.
And despite still being utterly dumbfounded, Zeff caught it.
“That one is on the house,” she went on. “Belongs with you, anyway. Consider it a gesture of my goodwill. But if you decide to join up with me, I can offer you a second one to go along with it.”
She had two?! Zeff was speechless.
Thankfully, Axiolis decided to speak up for his servant. ‘Where did you find these?’
“Oh, I’m not sure, actually,” said Jun. Her smile broadened, and she shrugged. “They belong to Sai-hee. No idea where she picked them up. But I figure, she’s not usin’ ‘em, so...”
Graves gave an audible huff. “You must truly believe she is dead, then. Because if she is not, then you are playing a very dangerous game here, Phantom. She will certainly see this as a betrayal. And not a small one, either.”
“Yes,” said Jun. “Now you understand how serious I am.”
Zeff was still stunned and staring at the fragment in his hand. A real fragment. From the mythical Fountain.
These had been lost to his kin for centuries--and the Fountain itself, for even longer.
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Page 3903
Graves spared a glance toward Zeff before regarding Jun again. “Interesting that you would present me with this offer while I have company instead of when I am alone. What am I to make of that, I wonder?”
She smiled, then gave Zeff a wink. “You’re to make of it that your friends here are invited, too. The more, the merrier.”
Up until now, Zeff had thought that perhaps she wouldn’t be as weird as Leo. “We know nothing about you,” he said plainly. “How could we ally with such a person?”
“It’s just an offer, handsome. Something to start us off on the right foot. Get the mind thinking in the proper direction. I’m not saying we have to jump into bed together right away.” She eyed him up and down. “Although...”
Zeff was lost for words again.
Graves, however, was not. “Take it easy, Jun, before we have a repeat of the Richland affair on our hands.”
Zeff didn’t need reminding of that particular incident. It may have been from before his time, but he’d heard the tales of it often enough for it to have made a lasting impression about the bad blood between Sai-hee and the Rainlords.
Granted, though, that bad blood had primarily been between Sai-hee and the Rainlords of Intar. The Rainlords of Sair felt increasingly estranged from their Intarian brethren, especially in recent months.
Supposedly, the Intarian Rainlords had at least sent support to the Sairi wetlands against Abolish, but the exact truth of things remained rather murky within the fog of war. And even if that was entirely true, Zeff and the other heads had thus far been unable to shake the feeling of it all being too little, too late.
One more thing to reassess, once they finally returned home.
“You really are trying to poison the Rainlords against me, aren’t you?” said Jun. She frowned at Zeff. “I’ll have you know that I had nothing to do with that mess in Richland. It may have been almost a century ago now, but I’ve always thought it was a travesty how your people were treated.”
“Pretty words,” said Zeff dryly. “And too easily said.” Then, at the deepening frown on her face, he felt compelled to add, “But... I do appreciate them, if only a little.”
Graves gave him another look.
What, Hawk? Something to say? Spit it out, then.
Zeff resisted the urge to say any of that aloud.
She smiled, then gave Zeff a wink. “You’re to make of it that your friends here are invited, too. The more, the merrier.”
Up until now, Zeff had thought that perhaps she wouldn’t be as weird as Leo. “We know nothing about you,” he said plainly. “How could we ally with such a person?”
“It’s just an offer, handsome. Something to start us off on the right foot. Get the mind thinking in the proper direction. I’m not saying we have to jump into bed together right away.” She eyed him up and down. “Although...”
Zeff was lost for words again.
Graves, however, was not. “Take it easy, Jun, before we have a repeat of the Richland affair on our hands.”
Zeff didn’t need reminding of that particular incident. It may have been from before his time, but he’d heard the tales of it often enough for it to have made a lasting impression about the bad blood between Sai-hee and the Rainlords.
Granted, though, that bad blood had primarily been between Sai-hee and the Rainlords of Intar. The Rainlords of Sair felt increasingly estranged from their Intarian brethren, especially in recent months.
Supposedly, the Intarian Rainlords had at least sent support to the Sairi wetlands against Abolish, but the exact truth of things remained rather murky within the fog of war. And even if that was entirely true, Zeff and the other heads had thus far been unable to shake the feeling of it all being too little, too late.
One more thing to reassess, once they finally returned home.
“You really are trying to poison the Rainlords against me, aren’t you?” said Jun. She frowned at Zeff. “I’ll have you know that I had nothing to do with that mess in Richland. It may have been almost a century ago now, but I’ve always thought it was a travesty how your people were treated.”
“Pretty words,” said Zeff dryly. “And too easily said.” Then, at the deepening frown on her face, he felt compelled to add, “But... I do appreciate them, if only a little.”
Graves gave him another look.
What, Hawk? Something to say? Spit it out, then.
Zeff resisted the urge to say any of that aloud.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Page 3902
“It is a bit late for that,” said Graves. “Our foes are largely dispatched, already. Your bargaining power, therefore, has also departed.”
“You misunderstand,” said Jun. “I’m not talking about a temporary alignment of our interests. I’m talking about a true, long-term partnership.” And her gaze fell upon Zeff again, lingering there for longer than he might’ve expected.
Hmm.
“That is quite the claim,” said Graves. “The Vanguard has sought such arrangements many times before, and yet we have always been rebuffed.”
“Things have changed.”
“How?”
She paused to look between them. “Sai-hee is gone.”
What? Zeff looked to Graves, but the marshal again said nothing.
“While it is still too early to be certain,” Jun went on, “we strongly suspect that she is dead.”
What? Zeff couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“...The storm,” said Graves with a tone of realization.
Jun nodded. “She was at the heart of it. Yet the storm has passed, and we’ve received no word from her at all. We’ve been searching high and low for her, but still. No trail to pick up. No trace discovered.”
“You’ve tried a soul compass?” said Graves.
“We have. More than one, in fact. Still nothing.”
“That is troubling, then. But it’s hardly proof. Perhaps she simply does not wish for you to find her.”
“Pah. She is not like your Titan. When she disappears, she leaves word.”
“So does he.”
“Oh, really? Where is he right now, then?”
“That is classified, I’m afraid.”
“Hah, yeah. Classified even from you, I suspect.”
“It is highly unlikely that any of the emperors have died. They each have a way of surviving against all odds and logic to the contrary.”
“Maybe so. But let me put it this way: it’s looking grim. Grimmer than I’ve ever seen it before in all my time working with her. Enough so that I think I should start making other arrangements, just in case she doesn’t pull off some kind of miraculous return.”
Holy hell.
“I see,” said Graves. “And what sort of alliance are you hoping to find, exactly? You are not requesting to join the Vanguard outright, I presume?”
“Of course not. I’d never be able to put up with all your obnoxious oversight. Rather, I was thinking that... well... perhaps you, Mr. Graves, might like to leave the Vanguard. And begin forming a new faction. With me.”
Zeff’s eyes widened a little. While he did have a gut feeling that there was no way Graves would ever go for such a thing, he also couldn’t help quietly acknowledging to himself that he’d been wrong before. About a great many things.
“You misunderstand,” said Jun. “I’m not talking about a temporary alignment of our interests. I’m talking about a true, long-term partnership.” And her gaze fell upon Zeff again, lingering there for longer than he might’ve expected.
Hmm.
“That is quite the claim,” said Graves. “The Vanguard has sought such arrangements many times before, and yet we have always been rebuffed.”
“Things have changed.”
“How?”
She paused to look between them. “Sai-hee is gone.”
What? Zeff looked to Graves, but the marshal again said nothing.
“While it is still too early to be certain,” Jun went on, “we strongly suspect that she is dead.”
What? Zeff couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“...The storm,” said Graves with a tone of realization.
Jun nodded. “She was at the heart of it. Yet the storm has passed, and we’ve received no word from her at all. We’ve been searching high and low for her, but still. No trail to pick up. No trace discovered.”
“You’ve tried a soul compass?” said Graves.
“We have. More than one, in fact. Still nothing.”
“That is troubling, then. But it’s hardly proof. Perhaps she simply does not wish for you to find her.”
“Pah. She is not like your Titan. When she disappears, she leaves word.”
“So does he.”
“Oh, really? Where is he right now, then?”
“That is classified, I’m afraid.”
“Hah, yeah. Classified even from you, I suspect.”
“It is highly unlikely that any of the emperors have died. They each have a way of surviving against all odds and logic to the contrary.”
“Maybe so. But let me put it this way: it’s looking grim. Grimmer than I’ve ever seen it before in all my time working with her. Enough so that I think I should start making other arrangements, just in case she doesn’t pull off some kind of miraculous return.”
Holy hell.
“I see,” said Graves. “And what sort of alliance are you hoping to find, exactly? You are not requesting to join the Vanguard outright, I presume?”
“Of course not. I’d never be able to put up with all your obnoxious oversight. Rather, I was thinking that... well... perhaps you, Mr. Graves, might like to leave the Vanguard. And begin forming a new faction. With me.”
Zeff’s eyes widened a little. While he did have a gut feeling that there was no way Graves would ever go for such a thing, he also couldn’t help quietly acknowledging to himself that he’d been wrong before. About a great many things.
Friday, July 25, 2025
Page 3901
“So stiff,” said Jun, rubbing one of her hazel eyes and yawning. “Relax, already. I’m not going to harm your Rainlords.”
“You say that, but as I recall, your empress has little love for them.”
“Yeah, well, that’s nothing to do with me. Plus, I’m on vacation. I don’t fight when I’m on vacation.”
“You’re always on vacation.”
“That’s quite reductive, mister. Not to mention untrue. You’ll give the young Water Dragon here a bad first impression of me if you keep up that kind of talk.”
“If you were really concerned about such things, then perhaps you should have aided us in the fight with Abolish. Or with any of the rescue operations that occurred thereafter.”
“Hey, I’ve helped plenty of folks during my time here. Just because you couldn’t see it, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. You’re not all-knowing, Graves.”
“I know,” said Graves.
“I know,” said Jun at the same time. Then she broke for a laugh.
Graves did not look nearly so amused, but he also said nothing more. Perhaps he didn’t feel like repeating himself and was instead thinking that it would be better to simply let her revive the conversation on her own. She’d have to tell them why she was here, one way or another.
Or at least, that was Zeff’s thinking. It was hard to know what to make of this strange woman, but he was beginning to see a striking resemblance with Leo the Bull Leech. He wondered if she was going to bring him up--or if she even knew the man was here with them.
He could only imagine what kind of odd relationship those two might have. As far as Zeff had been able to tell, Leo had been just as affected by Graves’ psychic meddling as everyone else, but he was already getting the impression that Jun here might be more resilient and difficult for the Pale Hawk to deal with.
“...I’m only teasing you, dear,” she said. “Boy, you Vanguardians really do all have sticks up your butts, huh? Is that the glue that holds you together? The true source of your camaraderie?”
Still, Graves chose not to grace that with a response.
Which was probably the right choice, Zeff felt. He couldn’t think of anything to say here, either.
She gave a curt sigh. “Alright, fine. If you’re going to be like that, then I’ll just come out with it. I’m seeking a new alliance.”
“You say that, but as I recall, your empress has little love for them.”
“Yeah, well, that’s nothing to do with me. Plus, I’m on vacation. I don’t fight when I’m on vacation.”
“You’re always on vacation.”
“That’s quite reductive, mister. Not to mention untrue. You’ll give the young Water Dragon here a bad first impression of me if you keep up that kind of talk.”
“If you were really concerned about such things, then perhaps you should have aided us in the fight with Abolish. Or with any of the rescue operations that occurred thereafter.”
“Hey, I’ve helped plenty of folks during my time here. Just because you couldn’t see it, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. You’re not all-knowing, Graves.”
“I know,” said Graves.
“I know,” said Jun at the same time. Then she broke for a laugh.
Graves did not look nearly so amused, but he also said nothing more. Perhaps he didn’t feel like repeating himself and was instead thinking that it would be better to simply let her revive the conversation on her own. She’d have to tell them why she was here, one way or another.
Or at least, that was Zeff’s thinking. It was hard to know what to make of this strange woman, but he was beginning to see a striking resemblance with Leo the Bull Leech. He wondered if she was going to bring him up--or if she even knew the man was here with them.
He could only imagine what kind of odd relationship those two might have. As far as Zeff had been able to tell, Leo had been just as affected by Graves’ psychic meddling as everyone else, but he was already getting the impression that Jun here might be more resilient and difficult for the Pale Hawk to deal with.
“...I’m only teasing you, dear,” she said. “Boy, you Vanguardians really do all have sticks up your butts, huh? Is that the glue that holds you together? The true source of your camaraderie?”
Still, Graves chose not to grace that with a response.
Which was probably the right choice, Zeff felt. He couldn’t think of anything to say here, either.
She gave a curt sigh. “Alright, fine. If you’re going to be like that, then I’ll just come out with it. I’m seeking a new alliance.”
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Page 3900
Zeff had to blink a few times as his eyes struggled to register what they were witnessing. A humanoid smear in his vision. Difficult to even look at directly, like his gaze was slipping off of it whenever he tried.
Then Graves was there, having placed himself between Zeff and the figure. “What are you doing here?” he said, calm but firm.
“Don’t look so worried,” came a feminine voice. “I come in peace.”
“Hmph. But why here?” said Graves.
“Why not here?” said the stranger. “You’d rather I visited one of your other locations?”
“Are you here on behalf of your empress?” said the marshal.
“Aha... oof. Funny you should mention that.”
Empress? Zeff tried to eye the smear anew, but it was difficult. He had to furrow his brow and squint.
“Ah. Excuse me. One moment, please.” The figure made a motion with her hands, and then, the blur began to clear. From it, a middle-aged woman appeared. Darkly plum lipstick matched her mauve eye shadow, and her brown, shoulder-length hair had a glamorous waviness to it that looked freshly styled.
Her clothes, however, were another story. Of all things, she was wearing a gray onsie with puffy, white clouds on it.
Zeff could do nothing but raise an eyebrow and gawk.
“Howdy,” she said with a faint smile. “Water Dragon of Sair. I believe this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure. I am Jun, of the Kubi. Do you know of me?”
Only just. He knew that the Kubi were Sai-hee’s equivalent to Sermung’s marshals, but as a group, they were much less famous--which was certainly by design. Having worked in the Vanguard for so many years, Zeff was quite keenly aware of how much work it must have been to maintain that level of secrecy regarding their top members.
The only comparable person in the Vanguard might’ve been Graves here, but most people still knew his name, at least.
There was yet another strange development that stole Zeff’s attention, however. While Jun had become crystal clear in comparison to her previously blurry form, the room around them had now changed. The same fogginess seemed to have spread to the floor, furniture, and walls. It felt almost as if they’d been sucked into another dimension.
Graves was still there, though. Still perfectly clear. Still standing between them. “Answer me, Phantom. Why are you here?”
Then Graves was there, having placed himself between Zeff and the figure. “What are you doing here?” he said, calm but firm.
“Don’t look so worried,” came a feminine voice. “I come in peace.”
“Hmph. But why here?” said Graves.
“Why not here?” said the stranger. “You’d rather I visited one of your other locations?”
“Are you here on behalf of your empress?” said the marshal.
“Aha... oof. Funny you should mention that.”
Empress? Zeff tried to eye the smear anew, but it was difficult. He had to furrow his brow and squint.
“Ah. Excuse me. One moment, please.” The figure made a motion with her hands, and then, the blur began to clear. From it, a middle-aged woman appeared. Darkly plum lipstick matched her mauve eye shadow, and her brown, shoulder-length hair had a glamorous waviness to it that looked freshly styled.
Her clothes, however, were another story. Of all things, she was wearing a gray onsie with puffy, white clouds on it.
Zeff could do nothing but raise an eyebrow and gawk.
“Howdy,” she said with a faint smile. “Water Dragon of Sair. I believe this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure. I am Jun, of the Kubi. Do you know of me?”
Only just. He knew that the Kubi were Sai-hee’s equivalent to Sermung’s marshals, but as a group, they were much less famous--which was certainly by design. Having worked in the Vanguard for so many years, Zeff was quite keenly aware of how much work it must have been to maintain that level of secrecy regarding their top members.
The only comparable person in the Vanguard might’ve been Graves here, but most people still knew his name, at least.
There was yet another strange development that stole Zeff’s attention, however. While Jun had become crystal clear in comparison to her previously blurry form, the room around them had now changed. The same fogginess seemed to have spread to the floor, furniture, and walls. It felt almost as if they’d been sucked into another dimension.
Graves was still there, though. Still perfectly clear. Still standing between them. “Answer me, Phantom. Why are you here?”
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Page 3899
“I’m trying to be mindful of the future,” said Zeff. “If Dozer and Morgunov have just won another great victory for themselves in the Luthic, then where do you think they will strike next? Because the closest war front is Vantalay.”
Graves rubbed his forehead and returned to his desk. “I know.”
Zeff’s jaw clenched as he prepared his next question. “Is that the real reason you’re keeping us here? As meat shields, in case two angry emperors show up on your doorstep? Distractions to help you escape?”
Graves exhaled through his nose. “You really do think low of me, don’t you?”
“Give me a reason not to.”
“What do you want from me, Water Dragon? Have you heard nothing I’ve said? I’ve gotten no word of the Abolish emperors’ whereabouts. There is no evidence that they are coming here. And if I let you go back to Sair without me, Jercash will kill you all. He is undoubtedly more powerful now than he has ever been.”
“We have overcome greater odds.”
“No. Your ancestors have. You are not them.”
Zeff didn’t even hesitate. “Yes, we are.”
Graves leveled a long stare at him, then sighed another time. “You do have their stubbornness. I’ll grant you that.”
“The rain fears not the torch. Let us be the masters of our own fate.”
The Pale Hawk folded his arms. And for the first time that Zeff had heard, the man spoke with a hard, biting edge. “If you are powerful enough to defeat Jercash, then you should also be powerful enough to escape my grasp.”
Zeff wanted to strangle him. And from the sound of it, the man was all but daring him to.
“Please,” said Graves, sounding softer again, “have patience. The rain will get its chance soon enough. I promise you.”
It was hopeless, Zeff felt. There was no convincing this man of anything. Strength really was the only language that would get through to him.
And Zeff was simply not fluent enough.
What humiliation. So piercing that he could feel it in his soul.
Abruptly, Graves stood up from his desk again and stared at the closed door behind Zeff. “Careful, Water Dragon. Someone dangerous approaches.”
He reached out with his own senses for some kind of answer, but there was nothing. He looked to Ax, but the reaper merely shook his monstrous head, apparently not sensing anything, either.
Then the door opened, and a figure stepped through.
A blurry figure.
Graves rubbed his forehead and returned to his desk. “I know.”
Zeff’s jaw clenched as he prepared his next question. “Is that the real reason you’re keeping us here? As meat shields, in case two angry emperors show up on your doorstep? Distractions to help you escape?”
Graves exhaled through his nose. “You really do think low of me, don’t you?”
“Give me a reason not to.”
“What do you want from me, Water Dragon? Have you heard nothing I’ve said? I’ve gotten no word of the Abolish emperors’ whereabouts. There is no evidence that they are coming here. And if I let you go back to Sair without me, Jercash will kill you all. He is undoubtedly more powerful now than he has ever been.”
“We have overcome greater odds.”
“No. Your ancestors have. You are not them.”
Zeff didn’t even hesitate. “Yes, we are.”
Graves leveled a long stare at him, then sighed another time. “You do have their stubbornness. I’ll grant you that.”
“The rain fears not the torch. Let us be the masters of our own fate.”
The Pale Hawk folded his arms. And for the first time that Zeff had heard, the man spoke with a hard, biting edge. “If you are powerful enough to defeat Jercash, then you should also be powerful enough to escape my grasp.”
Zeff wanted to strangle him. And from the sound of it, the man was all but daring him to.
“Please,” said Graves, sounding softer again, “have patience. The rain will get its chance soon enough. I promise you.”
It was hopeless, Zeff felt. There was no convincing this man of anything. Strength really was the only language that would get through to him.
And Zeff was simply not fluent enough.
What humiliation. So piercing that he could feel it in his soul.
Abruptly, Graves stood up from his desk again and stared at the closed door behind Zeff. “Careful, Water Dragon. Someone dangerous approaches.”
He reached out with his own senses for some kind of answer, but there was nothing. He looked to Ax, but the reaper merely shook his monstrous head, apparently not sensing anything, either.
Then the door opened, and a figure stepped through.
A blurry figure.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Page 3898
“Are they truly the first survivors of the battle that you have discovered?” said Zeff.
“So far.”
“But if the battle ended when the storm did, then that was days ago. How could no others have made contact by now?”
Again, Graves merely returned a somber, uncertain look.
Really? Those generals couldn’t be the only ones to make it out alive, surely.
Unless, perhaps, it had been another decisive victory for Abolish. Another devastating loss for the Vanguard, just like Uego...
Despite how little love he held for them right now, Zeff was not at all eager to believe that. “And where was your Titan during all of this? You didn’t mention him.”
At that, Graves made no response. His expression returned to a more neutral one, however.
Of course he wouldn’t share such information. That was no surprise.
But a part of Zeff had to wonder if Graves even could share it. If he even knew. It certainly hadn’t escaped Zeff’s notice that the Crystal Titan had been mysteriously absent for the duration of this entire war. And now, apparently, it was winding down, yet there was still no obvious sign of Sermung on the world stage? Even after such a furious battle with nigh-apocalyptic fallout? The exact kind that the strongest man in the world would typically try to protect everyone from?
Something was very wrong in the Vanguard. Not that that was news, of course, but still. Perhaps the situation was somehow even worse than Zeff had thought.
Sermung, Sanko, and Lamont all MIA? Carson recently killed? And Jackson taking a backseat when he would normally be the one stepping up?
That meant everything was falling onto the shoulders of Kane, Grant, and Graves. The entirety of the war effort.
If Jercash was truly all that remained, then perhaps that was fine, but if that wasn’t the case...
Zeff let the silence linger a bit longer while he mulled all this information over. Then he felt compelled to ask something. “...What if you’re wrong about the battle?”
“In what way?”
“What if... there’s no other unseen factor? What if it really was just the clashing of known powers that caused the storm?”
“Why are you asking me that?”
“I’m just thinking... might that be even worse?”
Graves made no response.
“If, as you said, no other battle in living memory has matched the destruction of those from the ancient world, then... would this not mean that Dozer and Morgunov, who were apparently both present, have now reached a level of strength that is comparable to that of the old emperors in antiquity?”
Graves sighed. “Are you trying to make me depressed?”
“So far.”
“But if the battle ended when the storm did, then that was days ago. How could no others have made contact by now?”
Again, Graves merely returned a somber, uncertain look.
Really? Those generals couldn’t be the only ones to make it out alive, surely.
Unless, perhaps, it had been another decisive victory for Abolish. Another devastating loss for the Vanguard, just like Uego...
Despite how little love he held for them right now, Zeff was not at all eager to believe that. “And where was your Titan during all of this? You didn’t mention him.”
At that, Graves made no response. His expression returned to a more neutral one, however.
Of course he wouldn’t share such information. That was no surprise.
But a part of Zeff had to wonder if Graves even could share it. If he even knew. It certainly hadn’t escaped Zeff’s notice that the Crystal Titan had been mysteriously absent for the duration of this entire war. And now, apparently, it was winding down, yet there was still no obvious sign of Sermung on the world stage? Even after such a furious battle with nigh-apocalyptic fallout? The exact kind that the strongest man in the world would typically try to protect everyone from?
Something was very wrong in the Vanguard. Not that that was news, of course, but still. Perhaps the situation was somehow even worse than Zeff had thought.
Sermung, Sanko, and Lamont all MIA? Carson recently killed? And Jackson taking a backseat when he would normally be the one stepping up?
That meant everything was falling onto the shoulders of Kane, Grant, and Graves. The entirety of the war effort.
If Jercash was truly all that remained, then perhaps that was fine, but if that wasn’t the case...
Zeff let the silence linger a bit longer while he mulled all this information over. Then he felt compelled to ask something. “...What if you’re wrong about the battle?”
“In what way?”
“What if... there’s no other unseen factor? What if it really was just the clashing of known powers that caused the storm?”
“Why are you asking me that?”
“I’m just thinking... might that be even worse?”
Graves made no response.
“If, as you said, no other battle in living memory has matched the destruction of those from the ancient world, then... would this not mean that Dozer and Morgunov, who were apparently both present, have now reached a level of strength that is comparable to that of the old emperors in antiquity?”
Graves sighed. “Are you trying to make me depressed?”
Monday, July 21, 2025
Page 3897
“The only participant?” said Zeff. “What about Morgunov?”
Graves paused, eyeing Zeff for a moment. “Word of his movements has been rather... erratic, to say the least.”
“Meaning, what?”
“He was last seen in the middle of the Luthic Ocean.”
That was also news to Zeff. “The middle of...?”
Graves’ expression turned grim, and he elected to simply wait for Zeff to finish his thought.
“He was at the heart of the storm, wasn’t he?”
“It seems so, yes.”
“Did he instigate it?”
“Not by himself, no.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because Sanko and Lamont were both there, too. Along with Dozer, Gohvis, and an enraged feldeath, apparently.”
Lakefire. “You’re saying they were the cause of all this? Countless lives lost as collateral damage because they couldn’t take their fight somewhere else?”
Graves inhaled deeply. “I’m still wondering about that, myself. In my entire lifetime, I cannot recall a single battle ever causing this level of devastation to the environment. Even the entirety of the First Continental War pales in comparison.”
Zeff didn’t know what to say.
Graves looked away. “To my mind,” he said slowly, “only the nigh-mythical cataclysms of the ancient world come close. Exoltha, for example.”
Damn. Still, Zeff remained at a loss for words.
“It therefore seems unlikely to me that such a clash could have been the only cause. Strong as all of those people may be, this just seems like too much, even for them. I suspect there was something else at play there.”
Zeff finally came up with a question. “Where are Sanko and Lamont now?”
Graves had no answer for him, however. He merely returned a solemn expression, chased by a hint of uncertainty.
Zeff gaze hardened, and he blinked. “Tell me you’re just refusing to say for OPSEC. They’re not actually...?”
Graves shook his head. “Genuinely, I do not know. I’ve received no word from them or any of their men.”
Zeff recalled Raul’s newest rescues, and he almost brought them up as if to deliver the news before catching himself. “...You must be pleased, then.”
Graves just cocked an eyebrow at him.
“With Raul,” Zeff clarified. “Or do you not even know his name?”
“Ah.” Graves relinquished a nod. “He is a good lad, yes. Full of potential.”
It took all of Zeff’s effort not to scowl.
“With some of the generals recovered, we should be able to learn something soon,” said Graves.
Graves paused, eyeing Zeff for a moment. “Word of his movements has been rather... erratic, to say the least.”
“Meaning, what?”
“He was last seen in the middle of the Luthic Ocean.”
That was also news to Zeff. “The middle of...?”
Graves’ expression turned grim, and he elected to simply wait for Zeff to finish his thought.
“He was at the heart of the storm, wasn’t he?”
“It seems so, yes.”
“Did he instigate it?”
“Not by himself, no.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because Sanko and Lamont were both there, too. Along with Dozer, Gohvis, and an enraged feldeath, apparently.”
Lakefire. “You’re saying they were the cause of all this? Countless lives lost as collateral damage because they couldn’t take their fight somewhere else?”
Graves inhaled deeply. “I’m still wondering about that, myself. In my entire lifetime, I cannot recall a single battle ever causing this level of devastation to the environment. Even the entirety of the First Continental War pales in comparison.”
Zeff didn’t know what to say.
Graves looked away. “To my mind,” he said slowly, “only the nigh-mythical cataclysms of the ancient world come close. Exoltha, for example.”
Damn. Still, Zeff remained at a loss for words.
“It therefore seems unlikely to me that such a clash could have been the only cause. Strong as all of those people may be, this just seems like too much, even for them. I suspect there was something else at play there.”
Zeff finally came up with a question. “Where are Sanko and Lamont now?”
Graves had no answer for him, however. He merely returned a solemn expression, chased by a hint of uncertainty.
Zeff gaze hardened, and he blinked. “Tell me you’re just refusing to say for OPSEC. They’re not actually...?”
Graves shook his head. “Genuinely, I do not know. I’ve received no word from them or any of their men.”
Zeff recalled Raul’s newest rescues, and he almost brought them up as if to deliver the news before catching himself. “...You must be pleased, then.”
Graves just cocked an eyebrow at him.
“With Raul,” Zeff clarified. “Or do you not even know his name?”
“Ah.” Graves relinquished a nod. “He is a good lad, yes. Full of potential.”
It took all of Zeff’s effort not to scowl.
“With some of the generals recovered, we should be able to learn something soon,” said Graves.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Page 3896
“It is true that he has been... struggling,” said Graves, “and I cannot speak to the veracity of the rumors, but Jackson is indeed still in charge over there.”
Hmm. More forthcoming than Zeff expected, though not by much. “Then why have his men not pushed Abolish back? He should have several subordinates who are capable of dealing with Bloodeye, too.”
“There have been developments in Intar.”
Ah. He’d been wondering if Graves would bring that up. Zeff already knew something about that himself, of course. Vito Sebolt had reported back to Warrenhold about a surprise attack on Livingston Grand Castle in the heart of Andeyal, and then Warrenhold had relayed the information to the Rainlords here.
According to Vito, Abolish had killed several important diplomatic figures and would’ve gotten many more if not for Jackson’s intervention. Apparently, it was the work of Jercash’s men, though the Devil’s Knife himself had not actually been seen there.
“The overall war effort is moving apace,” said Graves. “Winding down, an optimist might say. Abolish has already been driven out of Kavia, Melmoore, and now Vantalay, which only leaves Sair. But Abolish are only the instigators of each conflict. Each front is still in need of Vanguardian protection and oversight for a bit longer, while negotiations are organized and local agitators are dealt with.
“And of course, these waves coming along hasn’t helped anything at all. Now everyone is also busy with rescue operations on top everything else. Meanwhile, the scattered remnants of Abolish have no doubt been consolidating their forces for another major offensive. Taking advantage of the chaos. Numerous false flag attacks have popped up in Intar, attempting to pull the country into the war against Sair.”
That last part was news to Zeff. He hadn’t heard about any other attacks besides the one at Livingston. “False flags? Abolish is attempting to portray us as aggressors now?”
“Indeed. It is almost certainly Jercash’s work, but Jackson has been keeping the narrative under control. Still, the situation there is tenuous. I suspect that Jercash and Bloodeye have already linked up--and moreover, that most of Abolish’s manpower has been funneling straight into Jercash’s hands while the rest of us have been occupied. He seems to be the only active participant remaining from among Abolish’s leadership, so it makes sense that the lower ranks who are still thirsty for war would seek him out instead of the others.”
Hmm. More forthcoming than Zeff expected, though not by much. “Then why have his men not pushed Abolish back? He should have several subordinates who are capable of dealing with Bloodeye, too.”
“There have been developments in Intar.”
Ah. He’d been wondering if Graves would bring that up. Zeff already knew something about that himself, of course. Vito Sebolt had reported back to Warrenhold about a surprise attack on Livingston Grand Castle in the heart of Andeyal, and then Warrenhold had relayed the information to the Rainlords here.
According to Vito, Abolish had killed several important diplomatic figures and would’ve gotten many more if not for Jackson’s intervention. Apparently, it was the work of Jercash’s men, though the Devil’s Knife himself had not actually been seen there.
“The overall war effort is moving apace,” said Graves. “Winding down, an optimist might say. Abolish has already been driven out of Kavia, Melmoore, and now Vantalay, which only leaves Sair. But Abolish are only the instigators of each conflict. Each front is still in need of Vanguardian protection and oversight for a bit longer, while negotiations are organized and local agitators are dealt with.
“And of course, these waves coming along hasn’t helped anything at all. Now everyone is also busy with rescue operations on top everything else. Meanwhile, the scattered remnants of Abolish have no doubt been consolidating their forces for another major offensive. Taking advantage of the chaos. Numerous false flag attacks have popped up in Intar, attempting to pull the country into the war against Sair.”
That last part was news to Zeff. He hadn’t heard about any other attacks besides the one at Livingston. “False flags? Abolish is attempting to portray us as aggressors now?”
“Indeed. It is almost certainly Jercash’s work, but Jackson has been keeping the narrative under control. Still, the situation there is tenuous. I suspect that Jercash and Bloodeye have already linked up--and moreover, that most of Abolish’s manpower has been funneling straight into Jercash’s hands while the rest of us have been occupied. He seems to be the only active participant remaining from among Abolish’s leadership, so it makes sense that the lower ranks who are still thirsty for war would seek him out instead of the others.”
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Page 3895
“You said before that arranging a meeting with her would take quite a while,” said Zeff. “What has changed?”
Graves didn’t miss a beat. “Everything. The entire world has shifted thanks to the waves.”
A fair point, Zeff supposed, even if it was a little light on details for his liking. “But what, specifically, has changed with her? You said she was on a mission of some sort, did you not?”
“Yes. I cannot go into operational details, of course, but that mission has been thoroughly disrupted. I could easily arrange a transfer for her, temporarily or permanently. It would depend on her decision. You mentioned that you had a falling out with her, yes?”
“Y-yes...”
“Then I wish you the best of luck there. Children can be quite difficult. Especially if she inherited any amount of your stubbornness, eh?”
The man wasn’t wrong, but Zeff didn’t entirely appreciate him saying so.
“By the way,” Graves went on, “if it puts your mind at ease at all, I should mention that I have been sending support to Sair.”
Zeff’s brow lowered, more out of disbelief than anger. “If that is true, then why didn’t you mention it before?”
“I tried. You kept getting enraged so quickly that I never got around to it.”
Zeff’s mouth twisted--this time indeed with anger--but he didn’t say anything.
“And admittedly,” said Graves, raising both hands in front of him, “it is not much. I cannot spare any of my own men here in Vantalay, obviously, and the rest of the Vangaurd is still thoroughly tied up elsewhere. But here and there, I have found available agents to send. It has not been enough to free your lands from Abolish, of course--nor will it be, I expect. But it is something, at least. I thought you should know.”
Brownie points, at best. The man was just saying anything he could now to not sound like the bad guy here, wasn’t he? Perhaps he was trying to convince himself as much as Zeff.
There was still valuable information to be gained, though. Zeff tried to stay on task. “What else do you know of the current situation there?”
“Quite a bit, actually. Is there something in particular you wish to know?”
“Who is leading the defense?”
“That would be Jackson.”
Zeff returned a flat look. “If that were true, Bloodeye would have fled or been killed by now.”
Graves didn’t miss a beat. “Everything. The entire world has shifted thanks to the waves.”
A fair point, Zeff supposed, even if it was a little light on details for his liking. “But what, specifically, has changed with her? You said she was on a mission of some sort, did you not?”
“Yes. I cannot go into operational details, of course, but that mission has been thoroughly disrupted. I could easily arrange a transfer for her, temporarily or permanently. It would depend on her decision. You mentioned that you had a falling out with her, yes?”
“Y-yes...”
“Then I wish you the best of luck there. Children can be quite difficult. Especially if she inherited any amount of your stubbornness, eh?”
The man wasn’t wrong, but Zeff didn’t entirely appreciate him saying so.
“By the way,” Graves went on, “if it puts your mind at ease at all, I should mention that I have been sending support to Sair.”
Zeff’s brow lowered, more out of disbelief than anger. “If that is true, then why didn’t you mention it before?”
“I tried. You kept getting enraged so quickly that I never got around to it.”
Zeff’s mouth twisted--this time indeed with anger--but he didn’t say anything.
“And admittedly,” said Graves, raising both hands in front of him, “it is not much. I cannot spare any of my own men here in Vantalay, obviously, and the rest of the Vangaurd is still thoroughly tied up elsewhere. But here and there, I have found available agents to send. It has not been enough to free your lands from Abolish, of course--nor will it be, I expect. But it is something, at least. I thought you should know.”
Brownie points, at best. The man was just saying anything he could now to not sound like the bad guy here, wasn’t he? Perhaps he was trying to convince himself as much as Zeff.
There was still valuable information to be gained, though. Zeff tried to stay on task. “What else do you know of the current situation there?”
“Quite a bit, actually. Is there something in particular you wish to know?”
“Who is leading the defense?”
“That would be Jackson.”
Zeff returned a flat look. “If that were true, Bloodeye would have fled or been killed by now.”
Friday, July 18, 2025
Page 3894
Zeff took his time processing that information. ‘Real, lasting damage,’ was it? The kind of damage that Zeff had already been fearful was being done to his kin?
Hmm.
Madly, a part of him wanted to put that to the test. To see if the man was bluffing, perhaps.
But no. He was not getting the impression that Graves had told him that as a form of threat--or at least, not just that. It truly may have been wiser to keep that information to himself rather than share it, even as a threat, so Zeff was actually tempted to believe him when he said that he did not have malicious intentions for them.
At Zeff’s silence, Graves continued on. “I do not say that as a threat, by the way. Merely a warning for your future encounters. Overconfidence has laid low many who might’ve otherwise achieved greatness. Please do be careful, my friend.”
Hmph. Had he read Zeff’s mind? No telling, unfortunately. Zeff decided to pose another question that would probably prove useless. “Might you have any advice on how to defend against such enemies?”
Another smile flashed across the man’s face. “Advice, eh? Indeed. How would I go about making my own life more difficult? An interesting question.”
Zeff remained expressionless. From that response, it at least sounded like there were things that could be done--that defense against psychic threats was not impossible.
The field marshal regarded him for a long moment, and after a time, Zeff grew uncertain as to whether or not the man was even going to say anything. It did seem to be asking a lot.
“...Perhaps I can do better than mere advice,” said Graves. And he stood up from his desk. “I have a couple of units that specialize in this sort of thing. And I do believe I promised you a meeting with your daughter, Gema, did I not?”
At that, Zeff’s eyes widened.
Graves paced to the right and scratched at his mustache a bit. “She has undergone anti-psychic training, though it may be a stretch to say that she is at the level of an instructor now. So how about this? Upon our return to Sair, I shall arrange for her unit to meet us there. And they will conduct a few training seminars for you all.”
Zeff was off-kilter. Again, the man had merely invoked Gema’s name, and now it felt like everything had shifted.
He had to remain steady. To not get distracted.
Hmm.
Madly, a part of him wanted to put that to the test. To see if the man was bluffing, perhaps.
But no. He was not getting the impression that Graves had told him that as a form of threat--or at least, not just that. It truly may have been wiser to keep that information to himself rather than share it, even as a threat, so Zeff was actually tempted to believe him when he said that he did not have malicious intentions for them.
At Zeff’s silence, Graves continued on. “I do not say that as a threat, by the way. Merely a warning for your future encounters. Overconfidence has laid low many who might’ve otherwise achieved greatness. Please do be careful, my friend.”
Hmph. Had he read Zeff’s mind? No telling, unfortunately. Zeff decided to pose another question that would probably prove useless. “Might you have any advice on how to defend against such enemies?”
Another smile flashed across the man’s face. “Advice, eh? Indeed. How would I go about making my own life more difficult? An interesting question.”
Zeff remained expressionless. From that response, it at least sounded like there were things that could be done--that defense against psychic threats was not impossible.
The field marshal regarded him for a long moment, and after a time, Zeff grew uncertain as to whether or not the man was even going to say anything. It did seem to be asking a lot.
“...Perhaps I can do better than mere advice,” said Graves. And he stood up from his desk. “I have a couple of units that specialize in this sort of thing. And I do believe I promised you a meeting with your daughter, Gema, did I not?”
At that, Zeff’s eyes widened.
Graves paced to the right and scratched at his mustache a bit. “She has undergone anti-psychic training, though it may be a stretch to say that she is at the level of an instructor now. So how about this? Upon our return to Sair, I shall arrange for her unit to meet us there. And they will conduct a few training seminars for you all.”
Zeff was off-kilter. Again, the man had merely invoked Gema’s name, and now it felt like everything had shifted.
He had to remain steady. To not get distracted.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Page 3893
Graves bobbed his head a little. “It also eases feelings of suspicion and paranoia.”
Lakefire. The man was influencing their emotions, too?
Zeff utterly hated that information.
So much so, in fact, that he was unable to stop himself from asking what was probably a very dangerous pair of questions. “Do you really intend to release us after this is done? Just send us on our merry way back to Sair after all we’ve learned?”
If the field marshal was irritated, however, he did not let it show in the slightest. “No, actually. I intend to help you retake your homeland, just as I said I would.”
Somehow, those words infuriated Zeff even more. The absurdity of them. The impossibility of trusting them. But he did manage to control himself, this time.
Somewhat.
“I find that difficult to believe,” said Zeff.
“Of course you do. But you will see. Time will bear out the truth in my words.”
“After this, I am not certain we will even want your help, Hawk.”
The man seemed amused. “Heh. If it comes to that, then I will still help you, without revealing myself again. A promise is a promise, even to those who won’t remember.”
Smooth-talking bastard. “I will remember,” said Zeff. “I will never forget.”
“...Indeed.” Graves’ expression was a soft one. Sympathetic.
Pitying.
Zeff didn’t know what to make of that, but it certainly wasn’t making his hatred burn any less hot.
He remained silent, though, not wanting to say anything else that he might regret. What was even the point of coming in here, he wondered? What had he expected to accomplish?
Foolishness.
“...Allow me to elucidate one other matter,” said Graves after a short spell of silence. “You seem to be under the impression that you are entirely immune to my abilities. That your Supreme Will grants you total protection. And perhaps the wiser course of action on my part would be to let you continue thinking this. I’m sure it would simplify matters.
“But when I imagine you encountering another psychic at some point in the future--one with truly malicious intentions toward you--I feel compelled to inform you that you are, in fact, not immune. You are merely resistant. Which, for better or worse, means that all of the harmless techniques that I can use on your brethren... would not be so harmless on you. Because in order to influence your mind, I would have to push much harder--and that could indeed do real, lasting damage to you.”
Lakefire. The man was influencing their emotions, too?
Zeff utterly hated that information.
So much so, in fact, that he was unable to stop himself from asking what was probably a very dangerous pair of questions. “Do you really intend to release us after this is done? Just send us on our merry way back to Sair after all we’ve learned?”
If the field marshal was irritated, however, he did not let it show in the slightest. “No, actually. I intend to help you retake your homeland, just as I said I would.”
Somehow, those words infuriated Zeff even more. The absurdity of them. The impossibility of trusting them. But he did manage to control himself, this time.
Somewhat.
“I find that difficult to believe,” said Zeff.
“Of course you do. But you will see. Time will bear out the truth in my words.”
“After this, I am not certain we will even want your help, Hawk.”
The man seemed amused. “Heh. If it comes to that, then I will still help you, without revealing myself again. A promise is a promise, even to those who won’t remember.”
Smooth-talking bastard. “I will remember,” said Zeff. “I will never forget.”
“...Indeed.” Graves’ expression was a soft one. Sympathetic.
Pitying.
Zeff didn’t know what to make of that, but it certainly wasn’t making his hatred burn any less hot.
He remained silent, though, not wanting to say anything else that he might regret. What was even the point of coming in here, he wondered? What had he expected to accomplish?
Foolishness.
“...Allow me to elucidate one other matter,” said Graves after a short spell of silence. “You seem to be under the impression that you are entirely immune to my abilities. That your Supreme Will grants you total protection. And perhaps the wiser course of action on my part would be to let you continue thinking this. I’m sure it would simplify matters.
“But when I imagine you encountering another psychic at some point in the future--one with truly malicious intentions toward you--I feel compelled to inform you that you are, in fact, not immune. You are merely resistant. Which, for better or worse, means that all of the harmless techniques that I can use on your brethren... would not be so harmless on you. Because in order to influence your mind, I would have to push much harder--and that could indeed do real, lasting damage to you.”
Monday, July 14, 2025
Apologies. Next page on 17th.
Sorry, guys. Personal matter has come up, and I might not have easy access to the internet for a day or two. Should still have time to write, but I just won't be able to post it. We'll see, though.
Thanks for reading, always.
Thanks for reading, always.
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Friday, July 11, 2025
Page 3892
A backhanded compliment if ever he’d heard one, Zeff thought. He was resolved to not let it get to him, though. That might’ve even been Graves’ goal--to see if he could get Zeff to lose his cool again.
Which may’ve been in contrast to what Graves kept saying about wanting Zeff to listen to him calmly, but still. Zeff wouldn’t put it past him.
“Answer my question, please,” said Zeff. “Can you acknowledge that manipulating everyone’s minds like this is unjust?”
“Of course I can,” said Graves, which admittedly caught Zeff by surprise. “I told you before that I tried to avoid this outcome. I tried to reason with them. Negotiate. Make concessions. But in the end, this is the result.”
Hmm. Zeff needed a moment. He wasn’t sure what to say now. He hadn’t expected the man just come right out and say that he knew this was wrong.
“However,” Graves went on, “let me be quite clear with you here, since my abilities often cause unintended confusion. Your people will be just fine. The technique I am employing on them is not invasive at all, causes no damage, and is more akin to a hypnosis than any ‘brainwashing’ you might be imagining.”
That didn’t make Zeff feel better. But if the man was willing to be more forthcoming about the nature of his power, then perhaps now was the time to ask questions about it. “What exactly are you doing to them, anyway? It’s obvious that they are forgetting certain things, but how are you choosing what to erase and what to keep? And why?”
Graves paused again, perhaps debating whether he wanted to share that information or not. “It is a passive technique. Something I developed long ago. I do not need to actively pick and choose what to wipe away and what to keep. That would require too much time and attention on my part to maintain for hundreds of people at once.”
That actually made Zeff feel even worse. “Wait a minute. So the things being erased are haphazard? Random?”
“No, of course not. That would cause untold mayhem--and be very noticeable, besides. Simply put, the technique merely makes it much easier for the hypnotees to ‘forget’ recently learned information about myself.”
Interesting. Somehow, Zeff had a feeling that there was a lot more to it than just that. He doubted Graves would tell him, but he still decided to try. “That’s it? Nothing else?”
Which may’ve been in contrast to what Graves kept saying about wanting Zeff to listen to him calmly, but still. Zeff wouldn’t put it past him.
“Answer my question, please,” said Zeff. “Can you acknowledge that manipulating everyone’s minds like this is unjust?”
“Of course I can,” said Graves, which admittedly caught Zeff by surprise. “I told you before that I tried to avoid this outcome. I tried to reason with them. Negotiate. Make concessions. But in the end, this is the result.”
Hmm. Zeff needed a moment. He wasn’t sure what to say now. He hadn’t expected the man just come right out and say that he knew this was wrong.
“However,” Graves went on, “let me be quite clear with you here, since my abilities often cause unintended confusion. Your people will be just fine. The technique I am employing on them is not invasive at all, causes no damage, and is more akin to a hypnosis than any ‘brainwashing’ you might be imagining.”
That didn’t make Zeff feel better. But if the man was willing to be more forthcoming about the nature of his power, then perhaps now was the time to ask questions about it. “What exactly are you doing to them, anyway? It’s obvious that they are forgetting certain things, but how are you choosing what to erase and what to keep? And why?”
Graves paused again, perhaps debating whether he wanted to share that information or not. “It is a passive technique. Something I developed long ago. I do not need to actively pick and choose what to wipe away and what to keep. That would require too much time and attention on my part to maintain for hundreds of people at once.”
That actually made Zeff feel even worse. “Wait a minute. So the things being erased are haphazard? Random?”
“No, of course not. That would cause untold mayhem--and be very noticeable, besides. Simply put, the technique merely makes it much easier for the hypnotees to ‘forget’ recently learned information about myself.”
Interesting. Somehow, Zeff had a feeling that there was a lot more to it than just that. He doubted Graves would tell him, but he still decided to try. “That’s it? Nothing else?”
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Page 3891
“Premonitions?” said Zeff. That was a new one. Graves hadn’t mentioned that before.
Or perhaps he had, but Zeff had been too enraged to listen. Difficult to be sure, especially when he could not trust Ax to remember, either.
“Yes,” said Graves. “The storm. I could sense it coming, though I did not know its exact nature or just how bad it would be. But I knew that I would need help. That Vantalay would.”
“And you did not think to tell us of these premonitions?”
“I’ve tried that tactic in the past, too. Sharing such information about myself, about my abilities, has almost always come back to bite me in the long-term.”
Zeff paused. “And yet you’re sharing it with me now.”
“I am trying to, yes. Are you going to make me regret it?”
“I told you before that I would keep your secrets, did I not?”
“You did. And yet, what was one of the very first things you did after making that promise? Do you recall? Because I do.”
Zeff’s jaw clenched. He could see where this was going.
“You told your brethren not to trust me,” said Graves. “You poisoned the well against me.”
Calm. Collected. Begrudgingly, with a clear head, Zeff had to acknowledge that... perhaps the bastard was making a fair point there.
But he also couldn’t just leave it at that, either. “My first duty is to my kin,” said Zeff. “I did that only for their protection, not out of some spite for you.”
“Yes, I know. Which is why I was not as angry as I might’ve otherwise been. But it also doesn’t change the fact that you made things about a hundred times more difficult for me in an already difficult situation. Where countless lives were depending on me. Where they still are, even now.”
Zeff breathed. He was trying to be reasonable. Level-headed. Without pride or ego. Like Cassius. “...It was not my intention to breach your trust, but I can understand your perspective. And I... I apologize.”
Graves’ head reared back, blond hair ruffling, and he blinked. “...You do?”
Pah. He didn’t have to look so surprised. “Yes. I can see how that may have been unfair to you.”
Graves just kept looking at him.
“Now if I can take accountability for my actions and behavior,” said Zeff, “can you take accountability for yours?”
Graves smacked his lips. “Ah. I see. Taking a different approach, this time, hmm? I can respect that. Admire it, even. You may yet become worthy of that noble legacy, after all.”
Or perhaps he had, but Zeff had been too enraged to listen. Difficult to be sure, especially when he could not trust Ax to remember, either.
“Yes,” said Graves. “The storm. I could sense it coming, though I did not know its exact nature or just how bad it would be. But I knew that I would need help. That Vantalay would.”
“And you did not think to tell us of these premonitions?”
“I’ve tried that tactic in the past, too. Sharing such information about myself, about my abilities, has almost always come back to bite me in the long-term.”
Zeff paused. “And yet you’re sharing it with me now.”
“I am trying to, yes. Are you going to make me regret it?”
“I told you before that I would keep your secrets, did I not?”
“You did. And yet, what was one of the very first things you did after making that promise? Do you recall? Because I do.”
Zeff’s jaw clenched. He could see where this was going.
“You told your brethren not to trust me,” said Graves. “You poisoned the well against me.”
Calm. Collected. Begrudgingly, with a clear head, Zeff had to acknowledge that... perhaps the bastard was making a fair point there.
But he also couldn’t just leave it at that, either. “My first duty is to my kin,” said Zeff. “I did that only for their protection, not out of some spite for you.”
“Yes, I know. Which is why I was not as angry as I might’ve otherwise been. But it also doesn’t change the fact that you made things about a hundred times more difficult for me in an already difficult situation. Where countless lives were depending on me. Where they still are, even now.”
Zeff breathed. He was trying to be reasonable. Level-headed. Without pride or ego. Like Cassius. “...It was not my intention to breach your trust, but I can understand your perspective. And I... I apologize.”
Graves’ head reared back, blond hair ruffling, and he blinked. “...You do?”
Pah. He didn’t have to look so surprised. “Yes. I can see how that may have been unfair to you.”
Graves just kept looking at him.
“Now if I can take accountability for my actions and behavior,” said Zeff, “can you take accountability for yours?”
Graves smacked his lips. “Ah. I see. Taking a different approach, this time, hmm? I can respect that. Admire it, even. You may yet become worthy of that noble legacy, after all.”
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Page 3890
Zeff didn’t know if he could fully believe the reaper’s words, but he sure wanted to. It was tough to imagine anyone placing so much trust in him. But then, Axiolis hadn’t given him cause to think otherwise, either. This whole time, the reaper hadn’t been saying very much. He’d just been following Zeff around, observing in silence. Zeff had to be the one to actively check-in and see if Ax had forgotten anything again.
For now, though, he decided that he would simply take Axiolis at his word. The reaper had earned that much, at least. And it wasn’t like there was anything else to be done about it, besides.
He told Ax to grab onto his shoulder, and then, finally, Zeff knocked on the door to Graves’ room.
But he also entered without waiting for an answer.
Graves was there, of course, sitting at a wide, metallic desk with papers in his hands.
Zeff had to wonder if those were even real. He knew for a virtual certainty that Graves was not physically here. This was surely just another of his psychic projections--one of his many fingers in pies all around Vantalay. Zeff suspected he also had psychic avatars among the RPMP and his own Vanguardian forces, at the very least. Maybe he even had one among the enemy combatants, too, spying on them.
“Ah,” said Graves. “Here we go again. Are you ready to listen, finally?”
“This has to end,” said Zeff calmly. “What will it to take for you to let my brethren go?”
Graves set his papers down and eyed the Water Dragon of Sair for a moment. “As I have tried to explain, this is only a temporary situation. I will leave you all be soon enough. I swear. You do not need to negotiate terms for their release or anything of the sort. Furthermore, I am not harming them, nor will there be any lingering effects or damage after I am gone.”
Mgh. Attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. Minimizing the sense of betrayal. Again.
Zeff didn’t let it get to him, this time. “Why is it so important that you manipulate everyone in this way? If your position is so reasonable and benign, then why not simply explain yourself and let them reach their own conclusions?”
“I tried that,” said Graves. “As I always do. But they reached the wrong conclusion.”
“According to you.”
“According to objective reality. And according to my premonitions, as well.”
For now, though, he decided that he would simply take Axiolis at his word. The reaper had earned that much, at least. And it wasn’t like there was anything else to be done about it, besides.
He told Ax to grab onto his shoulder, and then, finally, Zeff knocked on the door to Graves’ room.
But he also entered without waiting for an answer.
Graves was there, of course, sitting at a wide, metallic desk with papers in his hands.
Zeff had to wonder if those were even real. He knew for a virtual certainty that Graves was not physically here. This was surely just another of his psychic projections--one of his many fingers in pies all around Vantalay. Zeff suspected he also had psychic avatars among the RPMP and his own Vanguardian forces, at the very least. Maybe he even had one among the enemy combatants, too, spying on them.
“Ah,” said Graves. “Here we go again. Are you ready to listen, finally?”
“This has to end,” said Zeff calmly. “What will it to take for you to let my brethren go?”
Graves set his papers down and eyed the Water Dragon of Sair for a moment. “As I have tried to explain, this is only a temporary situation. I will leave you all be soon enough. I swear. You do not need to negotiate terms for their release or anything of the sort. Furthermore, I am not harming them, nor will there be any lingering effects or damage after I am gone.”
Mgh. Attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. Minimizing the sense of betrayal. Again.
Zeff didn’t let it get to him, this time. “Why is it so important that you manipulate everyone in this way? If your position is so reasonable and benign, then why not simply explain yourself and let them reach their own conclusions?”
“I tried that,” said Graves. “As I always do. But they reached the wrong conclusion.”
“According to you.”
“According to objective reality. And according to my premonitions, as well.”
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Page 3889
It certainly wasn’t the first time that such a window occurred within the long history of his kin--nor was it the longest--but it did set a comparatively odd cultural tone for Zeff to be born into.
With the benefit of Ax’s memories, it was possible to contrast his own childhood with a few of the others. Whenever there was already an active Water Dragon, the emergence of a new one was a decidedly less significant event. Still important, of course. Celebrated among all their kin.
But there was never such a prevailing sense of desperation mixed with relief--and even fear--like there was whenever a divine inheritor was found after a long absence. Looking back on it all now, Zeff could see how much that had affected his childhood.
The weight of those expectations. The emotional turmoil and uncertainty of his elders. The hope for a new day. The fear of a new night.
The more he thought about it like that, the more unlikely it seemed that Asad Najir could have been so coincidentally born into such strikingly similar circumstances among the Sandlords.
Was that not also a quirk of fate?
Asad. Where were you in all of this new madness? Not at the heart of it, surely? Still under Morgunov’s thumb?
That was just another reason why Zeff wanted to set out. Perhaps in the search for Cisco and Emiliana, he might also discover something more concrete about Asad’s whereabouts, too.
Zeff exhaled a slow, steady breath, feeling just about ready now. He opened his eyes and looked around the empty hall one more time.
Ax was right there behind him, as always.
The reaper’s position in all of this was a particularly strange one. Just like everyone else, Ax was forgetting plenty of things, too. And yet, the reaper didn’t seem especially fazed or upset about it, somehow--or if he was, then he was good at hiding it.
‘I will be following your lead on this one,’ the reaper had told him privately the other day.
And when Zeff expressed his surprise and disbelief, Ax said something that had been sticking with him ever since.
‘I know something is amiss. I may not know what it is, but I can feel it in my soul. And above all, my friend, I have faith in you. Ever since Dunehall--no, before that, even. Ever since Rheinhal, actually. Yes. Ever since our clash with Lawrence, discovering the depth of betrayal upon us, I’ve felt it. A change in myself. And in you, too. I’m sure you know of what I speak. And I know of the deep worry you carry about it, too. The concern over losing yourself to some madness. Having your spirit broken, perhaps.
‘But I also know that you carry the Supreme Will. And that your spirit does not break so easily. In fact, a part of me is beginning to think it cannot be broken at all, no matter what foul horrors might arise against us and our people. And you may not understand it--lakefire, I’m not even sure I do--but my faith in you, Zeff, is stronger than it has ever been. I will always be on your side, no matter what happens.’
With the benefit of Ax’s memories, it was possible to contrast his own childhood with a few of the others. Whenever there was already an active Water Dragon, the emergence of a new one was a decidedly less significant event. Still important, of course. Celebrated among all their kin.
But there was never such a prevailing sense of desperation mixed with relief--and even fear--like there was whenever a divine inheritor was found after a long absence. Looking back on it all now, Zeff could see how much that had affected his childhood.
The weight of those expectations. The emotional turmoil and uncertainty of his elders. The hope for a new day. The fear of a new night.
The more he thought about it like that, the more unlikely it seemed that Asad Najir could have been so coincidentally born into such strikingly similar circumstances among the Sandlords.
Was that not also a quirk of fate?
Asad. Where were you in all of this new madness? Not at the heart of it, surely? Still under Morgunov’s thumb?
That was just another reason why Zeff wanted to set out. Perhaps in the search for Cisco and Emiliana, he might also discover something more concrete about Asad’s whereabouts, too.
Zeff exhaled a slow, steady breath, feeling just about ready now. He opened his eyes and looked around the empty hall one more time.
Ax was right there behind him, as always.
The reaper’s position in all of this was a particularly strange one. Just like everyone else, Ax was forgetting plenty of things, too. And yet, the reaper didn’t seem especially fazed or upset about it, somehow--or if he was, then he was good at hiding it.
‘I will be following your lead on this one,’ the reaper had told him privately the other day.
And when Zeff expressed his surprise and disbelief, Ax said something that had been sticking with him ever since.
‘I know something is amiss. I may not know what it is, but I can feel it in my soul. And above all, my friend, I have faith in you. Ever since Dunehall--no, before that, even. Ever since Rheinhal, actually. Yes. Ever since our clash with Lawrence, discovering the depth of betrayal upon us, I’ve felt it. A change in myself. And in you, too. I’m sure you know of what I speak. And I know of the deep worry you carry about it, too. The concern over losing yourself to some madness. Having your spirit broken, perhaps.
‘But I also know that you carry the Supreme Will. And that your spirit does not break so easily. In fact, a part of me is beginning to think it cannot be broken at all, no matter what foul horrors might arise against us and our people. And you may not understand it--lakefire, I’m not even sure I do--but my faith in you, Zeff, is stronger than it has ever been. I will always be on your side, no matter what happens.’
Monday, July 7, 2025
Page 3888
Perhaps she was not the most useful source of inspiration, at the moment, even though Zeff did indeed sympathize with the incredibly difficult circumstances that she found herself in.
When Cassius Merlo came along, however, that tradition of leadership was nearly revived, as the man achieved a level of admiration from his kin and fame from abroad that even began to approach that of the Twins. Moreover, he was quite even-tempered and humble. Even though he was the chief architect of Sair’s push for recognition as a formalized nation, he did not openly take credit for it.
Which was perhaps the main reason why the tradition remained a thing of the past. Cassius refused the power being offered to him, believing that a council of elders would indeed be the superior structure of governance.
Zeff wondered how different history might have been, if that one man’s ego had been larger.
Axiolis’ memories of Cassius were really something. The reaper had known him well, had seen the man’s noble heart firsthand many times. To Zeff’s mind, that was a man who embodied the spirit of the Water Dragon as it should be--as everyone hoped for it to be, perhaps.
A ferocious warrior on the battlefield, able to carry himself well against the most powerful fighters of his day, yet still tempered by humility, compassion, and reason.
Compared to that, Zeff knew he was falling well short. Even without the near-absolute authority over his kin that most of the previous Water Dragons enjoyed, Cassius Merlo had led the Rainlords, nonetheless.
With spirit and strength of character, not the binding power of law.
Or at least, that was how it had been during the pinnacle of Cassius’ career. The outward projection that most others saw.
They didn’t get to see him struggling with his demons.
Even Axiolis rarely witnessed it, though it did become more apparent toward the end of his life.
The life which he himself took.
Apparently, he had secretly been begging his reaper, Jostomere, to release his soul for decades. Jostomere kept refusing and trying to help him, but to no avail. In the end, he only managed to strike a bargain with Cassius to continue living at least until another divine inheritor was found.
Which was Rafael Delaguna, Zeff’s immediate predecessor.
Unfortunately for everyone, Rafael did not live very long after Cassius’ death, and there ended up being an empty window of over a hundred years before Zeff stepped into the role.
When Cassius Merlo came along, however, that tradition of leadership was nearly revived, as the man achieved a level of admiration from his kin and fame from abroad that even began to approach that of the Twins. Moreover, he was quite even-tempered and humble. Even though he was the chief architect of Sair’s push for recognition as a formalized nation, he did not openly take credit for it.
Which was perhaps the main reason why the tradition remained a thing of the past. Cassius refused the power being offered to him, believing that a council of elders would indeed be the superior structure of governance.
Zeff wondered how different history might have been, if that one man’s ego had been larger.
Axiolis’ memories of Cassius were really something. The reaper had known him well, had seen the man’s noble heart firsthand many times. To Zeff’s mind, that was a man who embodied the spirit of the Water Dragon as it should be--as everyone hoped for it to be, perhaps.
A ferocious warrior on the battlefield, able to carry himself well against the most powerful fighters of his day, yet still tempered by humility, compassion, and reason.
Compared to that, Zeff knew he was falling well short. Even without the near-absolute authority over his kin that most of the previous Water Dragons enjoyed, Cassius Merlo had led the Rainlords, nonetheless.
With spirit and strength of character, not the binding power of law.
Or at least, that was how it had been during the pinnacle of Cassius’ career. The outward projection that most others saw.
They didn’t get to see him struggling with his demons.
Even Axiolis rarely witnessed it, though it did become more apparent toward the end of his life.
The life which he himself took.
Apparently, he had secretly been begging his reaper, Jostomere, to release his soul for decades. Jostomere kept refusing and trying to help him, but to no avail. In the end, he only managed to strike a bargain with Cassius to continue living at least until another divine inheritor was found.
Which was Rafael Delaguna, Zeff’s immediate predecessor.
Unfortunately for everyone, Rafael did not live very long after Cassius’ death, and there ended up being an empty window of over a hundred years before Zeff stepped into the role.
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Page 3887
Clearing his mind was difficult. Perhaps even impossible, at the moment. So he’d stopped trying, as of late. With his meditations, he’d been attempting new strategies. New sources of peace and comfort.
Instead of a blank canvas in his mind, he allowed his thoughts to turn to his ancestors. It was a simple enough matter, thanks to all the times he’d been able to sift through Axiolis’ memories. By now, it almost felt like those memories were his own.
Visions of the past.
Particularly, it gave him insight into what the previous Water Dragons of Sair were like. He’d been curious about this since the very first time he’d been able to harness pan-forma with Ax, but it felt especially relevant now.
Nerida Sebolt. Mercutio Garza. Cristina Zabat. Viviana Stroud. Cassius Merlo. Lluc and Marcelo Redwater. Rafael Delaguna.
Rhein Ricardo.
First of the Water Dragons. Admittedly, Rhein was the one that Zeff was most interested in, but Axiolis’ memories of the man were not as detailed as he might’ve liked. Ax had not been particularly influential during that time. In fact, he’d apparently been a bit of a bum. Held in low esteem by most of his kin for not keeping his word very often.
Strange to compare with the Axiolis that Zeff had known for thirty years now. If nothing else, it was clear evidence that even reapers were capable of growing and changing over time, despite how impossible that often seemed.
And even though they all shared the same divine ability, the Water Dragons themselves were surprisingly varied in terms of personality. Zeff recalled hearing theories in the past about how a servant’s ability was linked, in some way, to their personality, but these memories seemed to counter that idea--at least partially, if not entirely.
Lluc and Marcelo, for example, were infamously bold and brash men, always making a scene wherever they went.
Viviana, meanwhile, was a meek and dainty young woman who rarely spoke a word--to the point that it turned into something of a crisis, even. She grew up during a period of peace and was able to enjoy her youth in comfort, becoming quite well-known as a magnificent painter.
But when war arrived and her kin looked to her for guidance, she did not handle the change well. She proved consistently indecisive and allowed strife between the Houses to reach a fever pitch, until the entire tradition of the Water Dragon being treated as the defacto leader of the Rainlords was undone.
Instead of a blank canvas in his mind, he allowed his thoughts to turn to his ancestors. It was a simple enough matter, thanks to all the times he’d been able to sift through Axiolis’ memories. By now, it almost felt like those memories were his own.
Visions of the past.
Particularly, it gave him insight into what the previous Water Dragons of Sair were like. He’d been curious about this since the very first time he’d been able to harness pan-forma with Ax, but it felt especially relevant now.
Nerida Sebolt. Mercutio Garza. Cristina Zabat. Viviana Stroud. Cassius Merlo. Lluc and Marcelo Redwater. Rafael Delaguna.
Rhein Ricardo.
First of the Water Dragons. Admittedly, Rhein was the one that Zeff was most interested in, but Axiolis’ memories of the man were not as detailed as he might’ve liked. Ax had not been particularly influential during that time. In fact, he’d apparently been a bit of a bum. Held in low esteem by most of his kin for not keeping his word very often.
Strange to compare with the Axiolis that Zeff had known for thirty years now. If nothing else, it was clear evidence that even reapers were capable of growing and changing over time, despite how impossible that often seemed.
And even though they all shared the same divine ability, the Water Dragons themselves were surprisingly varied in terms of personality. Zeff recalled hearing theories in the past about how a servant’s ability was linked, in some way, to their personality, but these memories seemed to counter that idea--at least partially, if not entirely.
Lluc and Marcelo, for example, were infamously bold and brash men, always making a scene wherever they went.
Viviana, meanwhile, was a meek and dainty young woman who rarely spoke a word--to the point that it turned into something of a crisis, even. She grew up during a period of peace and was able to enjoy her youth in comfort, becoming quite well-known as a magnificent painter.
But when war arrived and her kin looked to her for guidance, she did not handle the change well. She proved consistently indecisive and allowed strife between the Houses to reach a fever pitch, until the entire tradition of the Water Dragon being treated as the defacto leader of the Rainlords was undone.
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Page 3886 -- CCCXIV.
Chapter Three Hundred Fourteen: ‘The raging calm...’
Click to display entire chapter at once -- (mobile link)
Zeff hadn’t felt this persistently angry in a long time. Which was really saying something, he knew.
As he stomped rapidly toward Graves’ designated guest chamber in their floating encampment, he tried to focus on not losing his cool again. Their last couple of conversations had not been terribly productive or insightful. And if Graves didn’t wish to talk, then they would simply not talk.
The man was holding all the cards, right now, after all. Berating him wasn’t going to accomplish anything.
Nor would attacking him, of course, even if Zeff was reconsidering that option more and more with each passing day.
He just knew that this couldn’t continue. Something had to be done. And apparently, he would have to be the one to do it, because everyone else was obviously not thinking clearly.
Argh. Just when he’d received the so-called “soul compass” from the Black Artisan, too. He’d been hoping to set out immediately in search of Cisco, but then everything went utterly mad, and now he simply couldn’t leave his kin here, completely at Graves’ mercy.
Though, he was beginning to wonder what staying was even accomplishing, either. If he couldn’t persuade Graves to let them all go, then what else was he supposed to do? He’d witnessed more than enough of the Pale Hawk’s power by now to know how little agency he had in this situation, regardless of whatever this “Supreme Will” was that he supposedly possessed.
He couldn’t help thinking that Gohvis had tried to warn him about this. And he’d been too stubborn to listen, as usual.
But what else could he have done? Taken the Monster of the East at his word? Entrusted his kin to that bastard instead of this one?
That didn’t seem like it would’ve worked out any better, but who knows?
Impossible choices. Maddening. Doubly so, when he thought about the fact that, somehow, both of them had been able to tempt him with the promise of meeting one of his missing daughters.
Quirks of fate, he thought. Coincidental or cruel? Lhutwë toying with him? Or trying to tell him something? Someone else, maybe?
It was weighing on him. Making him reevaluate things. Maybe even everything. His entire worldview.
As he neared Graves’ room, he slowed his pace to try and steady himself again. A minute or so of meditation wouldn’t hurt, he felt.
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Zeff hadn’t felt this persistently angry in a long time. Which was really saying something, he knew.
As he stomped rapidly toward Graves’ designated guest chamber in their floating encampment, he tried to focus on not losing his cool again. Their last couple of conversations had not been terribly productive or insightful. And if Graves didn’t wish to talk, then they would simply not talk.
The man was holding all the cards, right now, after all. Berating him wasn’t going to accomplish anything.
Nor would attacking him, of course, even if Zeff was reconsidering that option more and more with each passing day.
He just knew that this couldn’t continue. Something had to be done. And apparently, he would have to be the one to do it, because everyone else was obviously not thinking clearly.
Argh. Just when he’d received the so-called “soul compass” from the Black Artisan, too. He’d been hoping to set out immediately in search of Cisco, but then everything went utterly mad, and now he simply couldn’t leave his kin here, completely at Graves’ mercy.
Though, he was beginning to wonder what staying was even accomplishing, either. If he couldn’t persuade Graves to let them all go, then what else was he supposed to do? He’d witnessed more than enough of the Pale Hawk’s power by now to know how little agency he had in this situation, regardless of whatever this “Supreme Will” was that he supposedly possessed.
He couldn’t help thinking that Gohvis had tried to warn him about this. And he’d been too stubborn to listen, as usual.
But what else could he have done? Taken the Monster of the East at his word? Entrusted his kin to that bastard instead of this one?
That didn’t seem like it would’ve worked out any better, but who knows?
Impossible choices. Maddening. Doubly so, when he thought about the fact that, somehow, both of them had been able to tempt him with the promise of meeting one of his missing daughters.
Quirks of fate, he thought. Coincidental or cruel? Lhutwë toying with him? Or trying to tell him something? Someone else, maybe?
It was weighing on him. Making him reevaluate things. Maybe even everything. His entire worldview.
As he neared Graves’ room, he slowed his pace to try and steady himself again. A minute or so of meditation wouldn’t hurt, he felt.
Friday, July 4, 2025
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Page 3885
“And there were no problems?” said Lord Zeff.
Raul didn’t understand why he was asking that. “No, lord. What problems might there be? These poor guys are all out cold. Literally.”
“You didn’t feel any strangeness?” the man said, still eyeing Raul with that characteristic intensity. “Dizziness? Headaches? Gaps in memory?”
Raul blinked a couple times. He felt the need to be more direct now. “Why are you asking that?”
The Lord Elroy exhaled a heavy sigh. “You’ve forgotten again. I told you before. And you’ll forget this, too, I’m sure.” His expression twisted, and he released Raul from his gaze. “Bastard...”
Raul was entirely lost. He looked to his brothers, but they their faces spoke of equal confusion. “Lord? What are you...? Did I do something wrong?”
“Not you.” Then Lord Zeff patted him on the shoulder. “In fact, you have been doing great work, Raul. Keep it up.”
And then without even waiting for a response, the man left.
Raul could only watch with a strained expression as he watched Lord Zeff go. Such odd behavior. It was growing worrisome. Forgetting things? How could he have forgotten anything? Especially when he had so many people around to remind him?
He didn’t dare broach the subject outright with anyone, but in the back of his mind, Raul was beginning to feel that most pernicious of fears that all servants felt.
The fear of insanity.
Not for himself, of course, but for Lord Zeff. Granted, Raul did not actually know him all that well, so perhaps this type of behavior was not entirely out-of-character for him, but it was concerning, nonetheless.
And it would make a terrifying degree of sense, unfortunately. With how much pressure the man seemed to be under. The weight of everyone’s expectations? Along with all the turmoil that he had endured? Everyone here had been through so much in the recent months, and while it wasn’t a contest, it did seem like the Lord Elroy had gotten it the worst out of all of them.
Or if not the worst, then damn close to it.
And there were countless stories about servants breaking under such circumstances.
Raul dreaded to even think about it further. Everyone was depending on the Lord Elroy, right now. Looking to him for guidance. He wondered if they didn’t see what Raul was seeing.
If that man actually broke...
At this point, Raul couldn’t even imagine what that would do to their brethren.
Raul didn’t understand why he was asking that. “No, lord. What problems might there be? These poor guys are all out cold. Literally.”
“You didn’t feel any strangeness?” the man said, still eyeing Raul with that characteristic intensity. “Dizziness? Headaches? Gaps in memory?”
Raul blinked a couple times. He felt the need to be more direct now. “Why are you asking that?”
The Lord Elroy exhaled a heavy sigh. “You’ve forgotten again. I told you before. And you’ll forget this, too, I’m sure.” His expression twisted, and he released Raul from his gaze. “Bastard...”
Raul was entirely lost. He looked to his brothers, but they their faces spoke of equal confusion. “Lord? What are you...? Did I do something wrong?”
“Not you.” Then Lord Zeff patted him on the shoulder. “In fact, you have been doing great work, Raul. Keep it up.”
And then without even waiting for a response, the man left.
Raul could only watch with a strained expression as he watched Lord Zeff go. Such odd behavior. It was growing worrisome. Forgetting things? How could he have forgotten anything? Especially when he had so many people around to remind him?
He didn’t dare broach the subject outright with anyone, but in the back of his mind, Raul was beginning to feel that most pernicious of fears that all servants felt.
The fear of insanity.
Not for himself, of course, but for Lord Zeff. Granted, Raul did not actually know him all that well, so perhaps this type of behavior was not entirely out-of-character for him, but it was concerning, nonetheless.
And it would make a terrifying degree of sense, unfortunately. With how much pressure the man seemed to be under. The weight of everyone’s expectations? Along with all the turmoil that he had endured? Everyone here had been through so much in the recent months, and while it wasn’t a contest, it did seem like the Lord Elroy had gotten it the worst out of all of them.
Or if not the worst, then damn close to it.
And there were countless stories about servants breaking under such circumstances.
Raul dreaded to even think about it further. Everyone was depending on the Lord Elroy, right now. Looking to him for guidance. He wondered if they didn’t see what Raul was seeing.
If that man actually broke...
At this point, Raul couldn’t even imagine what that would do to their brethren.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Page 3884
Occasionally, the ground here would feel a bit unsteady as the flood waters shifted, but Raul was getting used to it. According to Diego Redwater, these regions would eventually return to their normal sea levels. In theory, anyway.
He and his brothers did not have to wait long before their kin began to take notice of them--of their frozen passengers, specifically. Raul wasn’t terribly concerned about the onlookers. He was glad Aru had decided to join the second group of reinforcements, alongside Lord Zeff and the others, because it meant that he could rely on the reaper to take care of the more difficult conversations for him.
Perhaps that wasn’t good, though. Perhaps he needed more practice with such things. His evening talks with Donald Elias--the covert agent of Atreya whom he’d personally rescued--had been putting new thoughts into his head about this kind of work.
About the kind of role he should be fulfilling for his brethren.
The Rainlords of Sair were not exactly known for their subterfuge. Not in the modern day, anyway. In ancient times, that was how his Arman ancestors were able to match the terrible might of the Lyzakki hordes.
Perhaps someone needed to revitalize that ancient spirit.
Even if it went against their more modern sensibilities?
Agh.
Young and inexperienced. Raul had to keep reminding himself. He shouldn’t get ideas above his station.
And yet, when he saw the Lord Elroy emerge from the small crowd of onlookers, Raul Blackburn couldn’t help but feel like he shouldn’t just sit back and let Arumoro handle everything again.
Lord Zeff certainly had a presence to him that made the others give way--even Raul’s own brothers, somewhat. Lakefire, even Raul himself, for that matter.
But the man had also been behaving a bit strangely, too. Enough to pique Raul’s curiosity, at least, which somehow rendered him less intimidating.
Just a little, anyway.
“What in the world?” said the Lord Elroy as he began walking alongside the Triplets. Axiolis was floating just behind him. “How did you boys find all this?”
To Raul’s silent chagrin, Aru still managed to respond before him. ‘Raul and I stumbled upon them. They were half-sunken.’
Lord Zeff’s steely gaze locked onto Raul. “You and Raul, eh?”
Raul might’ve felt unsettled if this hadn’t become a regular occurrence, as of late. “Yes, ensir,” he said. “Figured we should take them to the main building and let you elders decide what to do next.”
He and his brothers did not have to wait long before their kin began to take notice of them--of their frozen passengers, specifically. Raul wasn’t terribly concerned about the onlookers. He was glad Aru had decided to join the second group of reinforcements, alongside Lord Zeff and the others, because it meant that he could rely on the reaper to take care of the more difficult conversations for him.
Perhaps that wasn’t good, though. Perhaps he needed more practice with such things. His evening talks with Donald Elias--the covert agent of Atreya whom he’d personally rescued--had been putting new thoughts into his head about this kind of work.
About the kind of role he should be fulfilling for his brethren.
The Rainlords of Sair were not exactly known for their subterfuge. Not in the modern day, anyway. In ancient times, that was how his Arman ancestors were able to match the terrible might of the Lyzakki hordes.
Perhaps someone needed to revitalize that ancient spirit.
Even if it went against their more modern sensibilities?
Agh.
Young and inexperienced. Raul had to keep reminding himself. He shouldn’t get ideas above his station.
And yet, when he saw the Lord Elroy emerge from the small crowd of onlookers, Raul Blackburn couldn’t help but feel like he shouldn’t just sit back and let Arumoro handle everything again.
Lord Zeff certainly had a presence to him that made the others give way--even Raul’s own brothers, somewhat. Lakefire, even Raul himself, for that matter.
But the man had also been behaving a bit strangely, too. Enough to pique Raul’s curiosity, at least, which somehow rendered him less intimidating.
Just a little, anyway.
“What in the world?” said the Lord Elroy as he began walking alongside the Triplets. Axiolis was floating just behind him. “How did you boys find all this?”
To Raul’s silent chagrin, Aru still managed to respond before him. ‘Raul and I stumbled upon them. They were half-sunken.’
Lord Zeff’s steely gaze locked onto Raul. “You and Raul, eh?”
Raul might’ve felt unsettled if this hadn’t become a regular occurrence, as of late. “Yes, ensir,” he said. “Figured we should take them to the main building and let you elders decide what to do next.”
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Page 3883
As for the status of Field Marshal Graves, Raul had been intensely wanting to know what that man was up to, but information about him was preciously rare. He suspected that the elders knew much more than they were letting on--which was their prerogative, of course--but he could only guess at why that might be.
Perhaps they’d come to some kind of secret arrangement with him?
All in all, it was a strange state of affairs. Rumors were constantly spinning left and right. They were going to leave the country soon and return to Atreya. They were going to stay and keep helping with rescue operations. No, that was only temporary. No, Lord Darksteel wanted them to stay and recover the Sword of Unso like they’d originally intended.
That last one, Raul was reasonably sure was not true. From what he’d heard, Lord Goffe just wanted them all to return safely, treasure be damned. But a part of Raul was still sore about not having accomplished that particular goal.
Despite having discovered the Sword’s whereabouts--in the possession of one Thaddeus Croll--the Sword ended up becoming lost again after the battle at Logden Prison. Supposedly, Thaddeus had been involved in that fight and perhaps even slain, but the Triplets searched up and down the mountains around the prison, only to find no trace of the Sword.
He wondered if there might be some other way he could make up for that disappointment. Perhaps if he could find some other ancient artifact as a replacement, but this was hardly the time to be obsessing over such things. While civilian lives remained in danger, they took priority.
Thankfully, that danger seemed to be waning, finally. The Rainlord encampment was noticeably less busy than the last time he was here. Fewer rescuees were around, meaning they were now being taken to Ridgemark at a faster rate than they were arriving.
The encampment itself was an impressive structure, considering it had been made and maintained entirely by materializers. There were entire barracks and lookout towers, as well as a main building where the elders conducted their meetings. Even the architectural designs were quite elaborate, complemented further by the ornate furniture and decorations therein. In fact, if not for the metallic sheen on most things, Raul might have felt like he was back in Marshrock.
There was also a lining of ice around the edge of the encampment--put there by Lord Zeff--in order to both help the camp stay afloat and to prevent anyone from walking off into the water without realizing it.
Perhaps they’d come to some kind of secret arrangement with him?
All in all, it was a strange state of affairs. Rumors were constantly spinning left and right. They were going to leave the country soon and return to Atreya. They were going to stay and keep helping with rescue operations. No, that was only temporary. No, Lord Darksteel wanted them to stay and recover the Sword of Unso like they’d originally intended.
That last one, Raul was reasonably sure was not true. From what he’d heard, Lord Goffe just wanted them all to return safely, treasure be damned. But a part of Raul was still sore about not having accomplished that particular goal.
Despite having discovered the Sword’s whereabouts--in the possession of one Thaddeus Croll--the Sword ended up becoming lost again after the battle at Logden Prison. Supposedly, Thaddeus had been involved in that fight and perhaps even slain, but the Triplets searched up and down the mountains around the prison, only to find no trace of the Sword.
He wondered if there might be some other way he could make up for that disappointment. Perhaps if he could find some other ancient artifact as a replacement, but this was hardly the time to be obsessing over such things. While civilian lives remained in danger, they took priority.
Thankfully, that danger seemed to be waning, finally. The Rainlord encampment was noticeably less busy than the last time he was here. Fewer rescuees were around, meaning they were now being taken to Ridgemark at a faster rate than they were arriving.
The encampment itself was an impressive structure, considering it had been made and maintained entirely by materializers. There were entire barracks and lookout towers, as well as a main building where the elders conducted their meetings. Even the architectural designs were quite elaborate, complemented further by the ornate furniture and decorations therein. In fact, if not for the metallic sheen on most things, Raul might have felt like he was back in Marshrock.
There was also a lining of ice around the edge of the encampment--put there by Lord Zeff--in order to both help the camp stay afloat and to prevent anyone from walking off into the water without realizing it.
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