[Book II Chapter 96] Astra: The Incorruptible Flame

------------------------------------------------

“What was so important?” Astra demanded as she strode in. She’d cut short her meeting with Silver and Kate to come here and was in sour mood.

Three people sat around the table. On the right was Julius Edgar, the owner of this office. It took her a second to place the woman on his left.

“Yuria Raven… I’m amazed you’re here.” Astra stated dryly as she joined them. Nordric’s guildmaster was famous for rarely frequenting the guild, leaving everything to her second in command. It’s my first time meeting her in person.

“Now that it’s a Dark Age, I keep in contact regularly.” Yuria answered. “This was something I wouldn’t miss.” She glanced towards their fourth member.

“I’d like to introduce Ross Exor, The Incorruptible Flame.” Julius announced. “He has news of what transpired in the Northern Empire.”

Astra appraised the man. He wore a gray set of armor with a dark crimson cloak. A grim expression marred his handsome face. “What happened?” She asked.

“As you are aware, Samuel Lithorn summoned all the immortal members of the bloodstone order to the capital. Rumor was he would announce a succession plan, and over a hundred answered the call. I was among them.” Ross took a deep breath. “The first words out of his mouth were ‘they never saw it coming’.”

He shook his head. “Since we were all distrustful of him, we believed ourselves safe from his sublime vagary. We underestimated him. Apparently, simply accepting his invitation was an act of trust he could leverage. Employing the ancient magic within the blood throne, Coralin Dorate cast a curse compelling loyalty on pain of death. Reinforced by Lithorn’s ability, it was enough to ensnare those present.”

The fool. While such a measure might prolong his rule for a while, immortals have too much pride to accept being controlled this way. His end won’t be pleasant.

“And you were able to resist because of your own ability?” Yuria guessed.

Ross nodded. “Incorruptible’s passive protects against such things, so I was unaffected.“

“How did you get away?” Astra asked.

“I can’t provide details,” Ross smirked, “but suffice to say I’m also ‘unkillable’.”

Astra remembered the story. After consolidating his rule, Samuel lithorn had commissioned several inquisitors to root out the corruption within his empire. Ross Exor had been the most zealous among them, dealing out swift justice with red-hot steel. This dedication had earned him countless assassination attempts. Knowing what I do now, I suspect the emperor was behind many of them. Such a righteous man would keep him up at night.

“Who else escaped his influence?” Astra had

“Those too distrustful to attend, a little over a third of the Bloodstone Order. Immortals from the White Mountain were also absent.”The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Astra grimaced, that’s nearly half. “How is the White Mountain reacting?”

“They’ve condemned Lithorn’s betrayal, using it as justification to declare autonomy.” Ross explained. “They weren’t alone either, several provinces have joined in rejecting the empire’s rule.”

“Will the Northern Empire collapse into civil war?” Astra asked quietly.

“Maybe, but not immediately.” Ross responded. “Lithorn won’t be moving to suppress dissent, as his attention is squarely fixed on the Octahedron. He’s terrified of your brother, Ethan Skyfell, and doesn’t want to risk weakening his forces. As for the rebels…”

Ross hesitated. “I have to ask… What will Ethan do once free?”

“Even if his mind is tainted, he will head straight to Lithorn, carving a path through whatever stands in his way.” Astra stated.

“The rebels believe this as well.” Ross said. “They’re waiting for his return to make their move.”

Astra leaned back in her seat. I’m certain Lithorn is fortifying the Octahedron in every manner possible, but this is a Dark Age. Ethan will emerges, and, when he does, the Northern Empire will be torn apart. Once his revenge is done, he’ll no doubt ally with Torak, and I’ll be forced to face him.

“At least it won’t happen any time soon.” Julius offered optimistically. “I hear the seal has been strengthened and Zavier Lithorn is leading the army guarding the Octahedron.”

“I pray for all our sakes that you are right.” Astra offered half-heartedly.

“What are your future plans?” Yuria asked Ross.

“I plan to offer my assistance to the Adventurer’s Guild.” Ross replied. “Apart from the political strife, the Northern Empire has been strangely peaceful so far. At least my exile frees me to do some good where it really matters.”

Julius hesitated. “If I remember correctly, didn’t you have extensive dealings with Simon Black?”

“I was in charge of tracking the Laughing Man’s activity, so our paths crossed frequently.” Ross confirmed. “I did not foresee him becoming the Necromancer of the End.”

“No one did.” Astra said. “We’d be pleased to accept your aid.” Ross hunted down Torak’s disciples during the last Dark Age. It’s good to have another experienced investigator I can trust.

Once the meeting ended, Astra made her way to her temporary workspace. When old worries fade, new ones arrive to replace them. Clay donnaster had informed her that Hope had safely left Sovenguard, much to her relief. The Adventurer’s Guild was planning an assault on Mount Gull to destroy Salazar’s summoning pit, which would require a large number of immortals. Aery’s participation was essential. Now that the Astrolis matter was resolved, she could focus on acquiring queen Kalista for her cooperation.

Earlier today, she’d debriefed Silver and Kate on their trip to Ransas. Although Hope’s escape had made their original mission pointless, they’d still secured valuable information during a rescue operation. The results could be said to be quite good. She was altogether less pleased with the problem they’d brought back and dumped in her lap.

She opened the door to the cluttered office of Nordric’s absentee guildmaster. Judging by the cobwebs high on the wall, she doubted Yuria even realized she’d commandeered it. In the corner sat a black-haired wolf girl, exactly where she’d left her. After a furtive glance, Sana keep her eyes down dejectedly. Smart enough not to try running.

Astra walked by and leaned on the desk, observing the large pile of stolen goods Kate had dumped there. Their owners are all the way back in Bastion… She clicked her tongue in frustration, causing Sana flinch. The Adventurer’s Guild had better things to do than allocate resources to this mess.

Should I contact Wise? Her son occasionally stopped by guild branches to relay warnings of disasters beyond his ability mitigate. It’d be simple to leave him a message. He’d easily write down instructions to return all of these. Unfortunately, calling him back might lead many to die…

She paused. Wait, there’s a better option. His girlfriend Lucy was stationed in Messanic with Rose’s mentor, Roxanne. She’d be perfect, but not just for the items.

Astra turned to Sana and smiled wickedly. I’d like to see you steal anything while watched over by someone with foresight as good as hers.