Qio Lod studied the ramshackle village with a hint of disdain. Irada had been right when he mentioned that Dwelar was a small village of eighty people. In fact, Qio felt he could argue it was even less. The shacks were barely holding together from the mud that coated the crevices in place of clay, and a single wide path divided the village into equal halves. The Asceniates didn't have much back in the Zhondran mountains, but they were able to do a lot more - and a lot better - than the poor excuses for homes and clothing that the villagers of the Varlan Plains did. It was all such a pitiful sight.42Please respect copyright.PENANANe5HBccyJR
'Judge, and you too will be judged,' the mellowed voice of Zhonitas imparted in his mind.42Please respect copyright.PENANA9ptm4D1mkN
'Look who finally decided to show back up,' Qio complained. 'It would have been nice to have some guidance after you blasted me halfway across Lidaesea.'42Please respect copyright.PENANAnvekRsYXg0
'To adventure is to begin anew. Only through the bonds of our companions and the growth of our self through trial can we truly understand our path in life,' Zhonitas told him.42Please respect copyright.PENANAgHwHobcqDm
'That's a whole lot of empty words from someone who lived out his days on top of a cliff,' Qio criticized. 'How about you do me a favor and just go back to being silent?'42Please respect copyright.PENANA31xzVkOvl6
Qio felt a piece of his soul grow cold, then disappear entirely.42Please respect copyright.PENANAOuMgxCz4n5
"Huh. Well, I guess that worked," He mumbled under his breath.42Please respect copyright.PENANAY1xt3LFgG2
"Did you say something?" Irada said from beside him. He pulled back the horse's reins and slowed the wagon to a stop outside of a shack even smaller than the rest. Irada took off his straw sunhat.42Please respect copyright.PENANArYlskmsuMv
"Wait here for just a second," He told Qio, then jumped off the side and moved to the back. Irada rustled through some of the bags and pulled out two dulled twine sacks. They were stuffed to the brim with fresh produce straight from Irada's farm.42Please respect copyright.PENANAhoA6mbdHDp
"Why does this house get two when the others only received one?" Qio asked.42Please respect copyright.PENANAcALkLkobXn
Irada didn't answer. Instead, he walked up the stairs and knocked at the crooked door of the shack. After a moment, an exhausted young woman and four small children opened. The children threw up their hands in joy.42Please respect copyright.PENANAGIzt6IIwLj
"Mr. Holst is here!" One of the children exclaimed.42Please respect copyright.PENANAZHLhUOGofI
"I hope you brought carrots!" yelled another.42Please respect copyright.PENANAo16EFfLyDt
Irada handed the woman both sacks and waved to the kids. "As promised," He said. "I'll be back again soon, okay?"42Please respect copyright.PENANA3mkz3w7YVc
The woman nodded and shooed the kids back inside. She turned and quietly thanked Irada, then closed the door. Irada made his way back and hopped up onto the wagon.42Please respect copyright.PENANAPmkxWH3zyv
"You didn't answer my question," Qio nagged. "Why two sacks?"42Please respect copyright.PENANA3ZYjGyucCw
"She's got four little ones and a fifth on the way," Irada answered as he snapped the reins. The wagon jostled forward. "She has to have extra to help the baby develop."42Please respect copyright.PENANAwp87EaXUUW
"Isn't it her husband's job to provide for her since he's the one that decided to give her that many kids?" Qio snarked.42Please respect copyright.PENANA7Am8naGtcw
Irada put his hat back on and tilted it down over his eyes. "Her husband just passed, Qio. She's a widow."42Please respect copyright.PENANAhK4pHxdQBY
Qio fell silent and bit his cheek. He didn't mean to sound so crass, but honestly, there was no way he could have known. At least the excuse of it gave him comfort. He tightened the strings of his shirt.42Please respect copyright.PENANAq3irKvChGV
"Since you're so keen on asking questions, mind if I ask a few of my own?" Irada said to break the silence. "That was the last delivery, and there's a whole lot of nothing to keep us entertained between here and Prodigium."42Please respect copyright.PENANAJ93NM5vswC
"By all means," Qio responded with a wave of his hand. He leaned his head back against the seat of the wagon and closed his eyes. "How long until we get there anyway? You said we're close, right?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAmUNKe2Bbtl
"Yeah," He heard Irada answer. There was a brief pause. "I mean, close is a relative term, but it seemed close on the map. I'd say at our current speed and the distance... nightfall?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAhv2noU8QVz
"Oh," Qio remarked. "That's not too bad."42Please respect copyright.PENANA1AoDEuIHNt
"Of tomorrow, that is. Nightfall tomorrow."42Please respect copyright.PENANAph1ArXwQXv
Qio bit his cheek once again. It kept him from saying the things he really wanted to. He couldn't afford to lose his ride to the capital, after all. A small sigh escaped his lips and he scratched his head. The country dirt caked in his hair started to irritate his scalp. "What do you want to know?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAyToi0rdlxI
"Well, for starters," Irada answered, "how did you end up all the way over here?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAnq6757lPHU
Qio chuckled. He figured that would be the question of the day. His hands slipped behind his head and he basked in the warm sunlight of the plains.42Please respect copyright.PENANAt3Hwfs59ST
"Alright, farmboy," Qio began, eyes still closed. "I'm what you call a Tomekeeper. I don't know if you've heard about us out here in Dwelar, but we're a pretty big deal. Every century, twelve of us are hand selected by the gods themselves to serve as their ambassadors. We gather in Prodigium, get some incredible abilities and a standing ovation, then we get to rule our individual nations. Or advise them. Or something. I can't quite remember what it is, but it's important. In fact, traveling with me is probably the most exciting and life-changing thing that will ever happen to you!"42Please respect copyright.PENANApPg79Tf5sD
Irada gave a hefty laugh. "That does sound pretty impressive."42Please respect copyright.PENANAFmW0xiFY3H
"You know what's crazy about it all?" Qio ignored Irada and continued. "I was on top of the world already with the Asceniates. I'm talking about a great home, people constantly wanting my attention, and incredible sights. Then I get this voice in my head, right? He's talking to me and telling me he's Zhonitas, then I feel this incredible gust of wind. It was bigger than anything I've experienced. It made every storm I've ever witnessed pale in comparison. It swept me up and I just took off. Have you ever imagined what Lidaesea looks like from above, Irada? Like the view that the gods get to see every day?"42Please respect copyright.PENANA8XVOJrtH2y
"I can't say I have," Irada managed to squeeze in.42Please respect copyright.PENANAPlAOBhHmK6
"That's because you don't dream big. You're content where you are, on your farm shucking corn. Me? I'm always thinking on a grand scale. When I was looking down on this world, it felt like I was in control. I really did feel like one of them."42Please respect copyright.PENANA3hsNfl9tIj
"So what caused you to crash here in the plains?"42Please respect copyright.PENANA7QPFuokU0R
Qio opened his eyes and stared up at the clouds. He could have told Irada what really happened, but there was no need to. Once he reached Prodigium, he would never have to see or deal with the farmboy again. Instead, he had an image to uphold.42Please respect copyright.PENANAa5aWsCzYW7
"Zhonitas sent me back to earth," Qio answered coolly. "He wanted to remind me that, at the end of the day, I was just a mere mortal."
42Please respect copyright.PENANABF74xtmRIx
Silban Awn ran down the hallowed halls of Prodigium, wings tucked tightly against the back of his golden armor. The staccato of his boots across the marbled floors echoed down the chambers as he passed. He had to hurry. It wasn't every day that the Monarch himself sent a request for a personal meeting. As he approached the doors to the great hall, Silban skidded to a stop. He dusted off his armor and ruffled his slate-colored feathers.42Please respect copyright.PENANASJNg21RVjN
Silban pushed the door to the hall open and stepped inside, posture straightened and movements swift. He traveled along a sprawling red carpet past the Monarch's personal dining table to the end of the hall. Despite being a member of the Monarch's carefully-selected personal guard, Silban had never seen the ornate decorations and intricate paintings of the great hall himself. It was beyond awe-inspiring.42Please respect copyright.PENANAvkwriINxqH
Monarch Cason Mivano sat on Ghantei's rebuilt throne, wings as white as the pearls that were embedded in his armor sprawled out across the armrests. He was an imposing, yet almost perfect, individual. Despite being in his later years, the Monarch looked no older than thirty. His white hair and beard were cut short and with impeccable precision. The gaze of his vermilion eyes was unbreakable. There was no better person to serve as the face and leader of Prodigium, and Lidaesea, as a whole.42Please respect copyright.PENANA30rRVPGHDE
Silban stood at the foot of the stairs and placed his arms behind his back, then bowed. "My apologies for the tardiness, Your Excellency. I moved as quickly as I could."42Please respect copyright.PENANAiGLmPp6UuJ
"There is no need for apologies, Awn. You and your brothers have always been the best among my guards," Monarch Mivano told him in a strong, booming voice. "In fact, that is why I have summoned you today."42Please respect copyright.PENANAPFnAvMBEAD
"I live to serve you, as have all the members of my family before me," Silban said. His eyes held onto the legs of Ghantei's throne. He didn't want to show the Monarch any disrespect by looking down or away, yet he felt he wasn't worthy enough to converse with the ruler eye-to-eye.42Please respect copyright.PENANAHBCmZqFfgd
"Silban, I have a great task for you. One that I know only you can accomplish correctly," The Monarch stated. "I've gained word from the kingdom of Anqua that their Tomekeeper has been chosen."42Please respect copyright.PENANA8p3pj8jwrS
The news came as a shock to Silban's ears. The new century had just started. There should have been at least a decade or so before the talk of new Tomekeepers appeared. He listened intently as the Monarch continued.42Please respect copyright.PENANAYUakpfnaHI
"The daughter of Queen Monalei Sxem, Princess Yonni, has been confirmed as the first of many. I received word from General Gandreke of the Anquan armies that Monalei and her daughter should be arriving at the Font of Drinex soon. From there, they will make the trip to our magnificent kingdom."42Please respect copyright.PENANA6H5HHlOux0
A buzz coursed through Silban's veins. The talk of Tomekeepers was an exciting prospect. They were known to change nations and sometimes the entirety of Lidaesea itself. To be gifted by the gods, and especially by the grace of Ghantei herself, was life's ultimate honor.42Please respect copyright.PENANAp5woVqwMsN
"I've heard rumblings from the other nations that their Tomekeepers have been selected as well. Only a few are unsure of where, or who, they may be. As such, I've sent out squadrons of Celenians to go and investigate. They have been writing back and keeping me informed. We believe that we know of five of the twelve Tomekeepers: The chosen of Drinex, Noli, Netot, Shoroux and Hilaster. I am currently investigating rumors regarding the Tomekeeper of Zhonitas and Eslen, the Betrayer."42Please respect copyright.PENANAk8CMVaCkJb
Silban held back a sneer. Just hearing the name of the Betrayer was enough to make him sick. To believe that a god could turn against his peers and still be offered a chance to carry out his whims was a horrible injustice. The irony of the Betrayer being Eslen, god of judgment itself, was even more bitter. He turned his attention back to the Monarch.42Please respect copyright.PENANAmURL2ujwbM
"That means, Silban, that there are five more still unaccounted for: Istio, Heivara, Verna, Wogiwoj and, of course, our most beloved lightbearer Ghantei. The other four will show their faces soon. That is to be expected, after all. Part of being a Tomekeeper is collecting a tome to keep. My first task for you is to prepare a welcoming celebration for them in our name. This is only once a century so, please, spare no expense."42Please respect copyright.PENANAgENRiuXOdL
Warmth wrapped around Silban and he had to catch himself from grinning too widely. The Monarch had just entrusted him with the Banquet of Tomes, one of the most important and often talked about traditions of The Great Selection. The idea that he could leave his own mark on history gave Silban an overwhelming sense of elation. Concepts fluttered throughout his mind.42Please respect copyright.PENANA6QMZghSBHG
"Not only that, but in regards to our own potential Tomekeeper, I've gone back to look at those who have guided us in the past. Naveah, Temlenson, Ostoiray, and more. All were widely regarded to be the best in their time. That means, if the pattern holds, the most likely candidate to serve as Ghantei's chosen is your eldest brother, Reveticus."42Please respect copyright.PENANAy7Xize3lr9
Silban nodded in affirmation. Reveticus was known amongst all in the kingdom of Prodigium as the "Hero of Kephram's Keep" after saving the titular village that stood outside of the city's walls from being overrun by a horde of shadowreeves. It was a sight to behold for sure, and one that was going to be talked about for centuries to come. In Silban's thoughts, there was no better choice for Ghantei's Tomekeeper.
42Please respect copyright.PENANAtsDSQGNuYw
Yonni's vision blurred as she slipped back into consciousness. The smell of fish was the first thing that she noticed. It was different outside of the safety of the water. Something about it smelled old and rotten. She wrinkled her nose and looked at the darkness around her. Yonni tugged at her arms and felt the pull of cold metal around her wrists. She figured the old traitor must have chained her while she was blacked out.42Please respect copyright.PENANA6n1Xrwvxz1
Yonni searched around in the darkness for Utic. Her eyes absorbed more light and made it easier to see thanks to years of life in the ocean's depths. Destroyed crates and shredded scrolls littered the floor of the barge's hull. Utic was laid up against the wall across from her, still unconscious.42Please respect copyright.PENANAIa9GjFba5M
"Drinoev," Yonni whispered and outstretched her hand. Water poured down from the cracks of the hull and amassed into a ball in her hand. She lightly tossed it at Utic and splashed it across his face. He sputtered and shook from the sudden wetness.42Please respect copyright.PENANA4HT8qrX4Jv
"Where are we?" He asked groggily.42Please respect copyright.PENANAfCnEcwm61T
"I think we're in the hull of the barge you brought me on," She answered. "Is there a way out of here?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAbmXzNPJbrU
"The only time I've been down here was for a brief moment to look for a chest," Utic informed her. "I didn't get much of a chance to explore. The only way I know of is up the ladder and through the hatch."42Please respect copyright.PENANAbw2m6qEnPq
Yonni peered over at the rusted rungs of the ladder in the center of the hull. She couldn't climb the last one, so that seemed like a no-go. The mermaid princess sighed. The hatch door above them creaked and opened. A singular ray of light shot across the floor and illuminated the inside.42Please respect copyright.PENANANV7BtTfP18
Orghov hopped down every other rung until his boots thunked against the hull floor. He glanced over the two captives as they squinted their eyes from the burning sunlight.42Please respect copyright.PENANAT5SNqQQROZ
"Well, looks like the pups are up," He crowed. "How was your sleep? Peaceful, I hope?"42Please respect copyright.PENANA81KZswWjS5
Utic lurched forward to attack but the chains yanked him back to the floor. "How could you?" He cried. "I trusted you!"42Please respect copyright.PENANA3bPRr29mxz
"You trusted a man you've never met with your life, and that's a pretty admirable thing," Orghov responded. "But I would argue there's too many sick and hateful people in the world. You honestly can't trust anyone. Look where it gets you! Stabbed in the back and shackled to the floor."42Please respect copyright.PENANA4ALF5rSb8B
Orghov looked over to Yonni. She felt a sick, slimy feeling in her stomach. He inched closer and she recoiled back.42Please respect copyright.PENANAeOXfKc3xav
"It's not every day I get to see an Anqualai in person," He said as he looked her over. He broke out into a yellow-toothed smile. "I'm surprised you managed to make it as far into Konasus as you did. Good thing too, or you never would have joined our little excursion."42Please respect copyright.PENANAu6TMJEJiNQ
"Where are we?" Utic yelled from behind him. "Where did you take us?"42Please respect copyright.PENANA79x6UxnrrS
"Me and my lovely crew of four decided to make our way up toward Senna. There's a lovely buyer looking for fresh fodder for some sort of experiments or the like. It's all beyond me. I just deliver. I don't ask."42Please respect copyright.PENANAzyRhQa4ObB
"A crew?" Utic questioned. "Where were they the whole time?"42Please respect copyright.PENANABsVK7IGjnT
Orghov spread his arms and spun. "Taking a break in Konasus, of course!"42Please respect copyright.PENANApu5RpDc7A2
"And what about your wife? Was that a lie too?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAUI3osJSyzk
Orghov's smile flipped and his eyes lost their fire. "No, Utic. She wasn't. But I want you to remember one thing, above all else: losing the ones you love leads you down some dark, twisted paths."42Please respect copyright.PENANAhper3YIV7Z
Orghov sniffled and then turned around. He grabbed the rung and started to make his way back up to the deck. "I'll return for you soon. In the meantime, enjoy the quiet."42Please respect copyright.PENANAF2kpkZXs2L
The hatch slammed shut and the hull was dark once again. Yonni let out a shudder. She tugged at her chains once more and waved at Utic. "Are you alright?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAlqG1gsUoDp
"Not really, no," He responded quietly.42Please respect copyright.PENANA4dFr5pMNl1
"Can I cheer you up with some good news, then?"42Please respect copyright.PENANAQMgP6jNSDl
Utic let out a sad half-laugh. "What could possibly lift my spirits?"42Please respect copyright.PENANA0e9xGUe368
Yonni crafted another ball of water and splashed it against the links of her chains. "Repadrino."42Please respect copyright.PENANA6JIAUIjnSt
The water froze instantly and Yonni shattered her chains with another light tug.42Please respect copyright.PENANAGHf3MaeyFH
"The good news, Utic, is that we can leave."
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