Marne and Lee venture beyond the walls of the city and begin blindly traveling away, awaiting a column of smoke to guide them. As they go, they hear the not-so-distant sounds of others searching for clues about the tome's whereabouts. With this, they attempt to shroud themselves as much as possible. Using trees, bushes, wagons, and anything else they can find to keep out of sight as they go, attempting to disappear into the woodlands as they continue to watch the skies around them."Surely they would have found a spot by now, no?" Questions Marne impatiently. "They must know the urgency of the situation.""Calm yourself, young man." Lee demands, shuffling his feet around small weeds and jerking his head about in a searching manner. "When Hael senses they've found a good place for it, she will not hesitate to burn the damned thing. May even do so before we make ourselves known.""I couldn't blame her if she would." Marne says, shaking his head. "What is Farrow thinking?""He's thinking

Flames burst from the nozzle of a thrower, scorching the land underfoot. With each pass it makes, sprouts of Dabria wither away with cries that almost go unheard beneath the sound of the fuel that burns them. As the stream of fire passes, another is ignited. Then another, and another. Footmen walk along Maciofim's outskirts as they incinerate all that they can, but the efforts remain futile. No matter the work they get done on this night, the next will be more of the same. Within the city, tired eyes and hushed whispers fill the streets as homes remain in disrepair and food becomes more scarce with every passing moment. However, faith serves as a guide and The Bethel's lower floors remain full of life. With the rebels and Craws all but forgotten, peace- though felt only in spurts- befalls the hallowed walls.Beyond the brick and mortar, cast aside by the city, a small fire burns bright. Its flames lick at poisonous air and whisk away what infection approaches, but it does nothing of t

Specks of white light sparkle across Samuel's eyes as Lee's fist meets his nose. Before a second blow can land, Hael puls Lee back and Samara does the same with Samuel. Lee struggles against Hael's grasp for a moment before shaking her off and spitting at Samuel's feet."How dense can you be, boy? Your father would have never allowed such things to transpire!""I could never speak on his behalf, as I never met my father." Samuel retorts, wiping away a bit of blood that had poured onto his upper lip. "Regardless of that fact, I thank you all for coming to our rescue. It has been a grim waiting period here in our... refuge." Samuel motions at the dirt walls that surround them, neglecting the many utensils and contraptions that also fill the space."Will you all hurry up!" Shouts Marne from outside the hideaway. "Not to rush, but I'd rather not be left to fend for myself should something else come for us.""Of course." Hael offers, turning to face the twins. "We have many questions for y

A thin string of smoke lingers as the party awakens the next morning, offering little to no warmth for their frigid fingers as they pack up what small amount of belongings they still possess; Ready for yet another journey into unknown territory. As they ready themselves for the trip and grab one last bite to eat, they each silently acknowledge that it is the last meal they will have for some time, as all supplies have been diminished to nothingness. Regardless, they pull at their bootstraps, tighten their belts, and ensure their masks are firmly pressed to their faces. All except for Samuel and Samara, that is."Here." Hael's voice resonates in a peaceful tone as she offers one of the twins a spare of hers. "Lee will give another to whoever remains without."Lee grunts distastefully, but begins extracting a cloth from beneath his coat."How were you two so close to Dabria without masks all this time?" Yuler questions, realizing the risk that they must have been facing."Simple," begin

The man-sized hare drops several books onto the floor as he notices the reach Lee has made for his blade, then cowers."P-please don't kill me!" He begs, trying to look as defenseless as possible. In doing so, the guards begin to approach."No, no! Wait, everyone stop!" Samuel demands, managing to cease even the guards in place."Lee, come down from there. Everyone, please, return to the front here.""Are... are you the Tsar?" Asks Marne, who has begun retreating to the red carpet and off the platform."I am. M-my name is Herald. Herald the Relic.""Herald the Relic?" Hael asks rhetorically."Indeed." The curious creature seems to smile at them as it speaks, wanting to maintain a peaceful conversation as it wiggles its nose. "I was once nothing more than an ordinary hare, until my creator gave me new life.""Your creator?" Yuler questions, intrigued by the strange beast."Yes, yes. My creator! What a fine man he was, or... or so I think.""You think?" She asks again."Yes, well, I nev