Chronicles of Xevn Book 1.

[Ganu_Candali]

(This Quest is continued from ~here~ thank you very much. I shall post a Recruit Link as soon as I have it ready)

A time had passed after the recent events in Xevn's history. Dictum Veritas had now begun to gain power in Rosinder, and along with it, a certain Elven blacksmith was gaining more influence than he could ever gain in Terrenus or Genesaris. Rosinder was the land of his people's origins, his clan had their history in Rosinder. Though Velindrel would say that he had left his past behind, too much had happened to him in the recent months and years that would allow for further neglect of the past. History was crucial to his people since many honoured the old alliances between Men and Elves.

Velindrel's new masters; the leadership body of Dictum Veritas, had ordered that he be charged with the care and safety of Xevn. Now in full swing, the negativity within Xevn had been exorcised after a previous event took place. Though a once brilliant tower stood erect at Xevn Mine's foothills, that tower was no more. A terrible evil had lingered that the locales could not exterminate, but simply, isolate. Velindrel, Cade, and Amada had conquered the evil within the tower's remains. Then, the next mission began.

Xevn had suffered a terrible destruction at the hands of an ancient enemy. Her people, all though stalwart and strong, were weary of strangers. Dictum Veritas had come offering help and had provided the help they had promised. Velindrel came with that help, and in so doing, discovered that long ago, he had helped the town of Xevn from a different threat. Velindrel was an Elf, and Elves were an immortal lot.

Time had passed since that fated event where Dictum Veritas first arrived.

With his bare hands, Velindrel had helped to rebuilt a shattered community. Though still haunted by the ghosts of Palgard and a mission left undone, Velindrel operated best when he was constantly busy. Constantly working. A billion repairs and engineering feats needed completion in the town of Xevn. These matters all needed doing before The Mines could return to full operation under the watchful eyes of Dictum Veritas.

Velindrel currently sat in a chair that was fashioned by his own hands. It was fashioned in much the same way as everything else in the small office. A single window provided a link to the outside world he dreaded. The outside world represented ghosts and dead memories that refused to stop haunting him. Palgard's ghosts. The sins of The Harem. In his life Velindrel had seen and done a great deal. He knew that the adventure was only beginning. And so, he would work. Xevn needed to be rebuilt, as did most of Rosinder. With that, Velindrel would carve for himself a new life.

As he sat as his desk, he recalled the day's works. A rooftop here, sewage system engineering there, boilers, lanterns, broken walls. Etc. There were billions of tiny jobs that needed doing. Velindrel could teach his trade to an entire broken people. In essence, he had become a leader of Xevn. Though Xevn had a chieftain, that same chieftain had chosen to ally himself with Dictum Veritas. Velindrel acted as the diplomatic wing to Dictum Veritas, a representative that brought tidings from Xevn to D.V. and vice versa.

And so, Velindrel would wait for his next mission. Immediately, Cade and Apidej had forced a thousand mouths on Velindrel. The sick, the old, the starving. Victims of the war between Rennovatio and Rosinder. Velindrel felt a pain in his heart for the diseased children the most. A supply line was established. Valor City would provide the goods necessary to ensure that Xevn could prosper. Velindrel would see to everyday matters that needed doing, in so doing, he would keep himself busy. He would keep himself sane. The town needed repair. The people needed to unbreak broken hearts and beat down souls. Velindrel had completed another week's work in due time, and had time to spare in his work day to work on figures and notes. Profits and expenses for the workshop that needed to be sent back to Cade and Apidej.

There was a knock on his door.

Velindrel sensed the familiar presence of Xevn's true leader. Something that he himself could never take away from the people of Xevn, if he was to have any hope of winning over their hearts and minds.

"Come." Velindrel said.

The Elder of Xevn entered the room and Velindrel did not stand or look up at his long-time friend and supporter. He simply continued to calculate and write. There was too much too do, too little time...

"Velindrel. Have you ate today?" The Elder asked. It was a simple question.

One that caused Velindrel's hand to stop writing on the parchment. He placed the quill-pen on the table's surface and sighed.

"There is too much work to be done to take a break. Besides, I am not hungry. I never really eat that much anyway. I just need to keep busy...if I start thinking too much that's when the darkness comes." Velindrel said, a shadow falling on his face.

"I know of that darkness that plagues you my son." The Elder said, and closed the door. He grabbed a nearby chair and placed it in front of Velindrel's desk. He sat himself down. "There is a cure for that Velindrel. My people have accepted you as one of their own. They have accepted Dictum Veritas." The Elder said. "But many worry that you are simply trying to work yourself to death."

Velindrel looked away from The Elder for a moment. He closed his eyes, and haunting memories hid behind those eyelids.

[The Dark Knight]

It has been months since the resurrection of Xevn. The people, long accustomed to the abuse and mistreatment by the tyrants of Renovatio, looked on uneasily. To them, there would always be a shadow hanging ominously over them, to reach down and snatch them of their freedom when they least expected it. Until the day Renovatio's shadow is cast off entirely, they will always be in danger. But the townspeople’s' faces, though morose and solemn, seemed brighter, and the web of shadows that darkened their features were sliced to shreds by the shaft of sunlight given them by the Dictum Veritas. Since the day of its rebirth, Xevn had become a moon, for it reflected the brilliance of Dictum Veritas, and every victory won by the liberators was a triumph of their own.

But the battle is far from over.

Although an atmosphere of peace had blanketed the town, its people knew that it was only a matter of time before the guns would start blazing again. Those who grew strong from the food shipped in from Valor City donned the uniform of a Dictum Veritas soldier, tossing aside their plow for a spear and their carts for a shield. These men had something to fight for, and were given a constant reminder of it whenever they saw their children, who had lost the hollowness of hunger from their cheeks and the dull look of hopelessness from their eyes. Their spirits soared as their wives bustled about with a bounce to their steps, and laughed with a richness of volume reminiscent of the young woman they had fallen in love with. Legions of men joined the liberators' group, and the troops swelled to unprecedented proportions.

It is only a matter of time.

---


The sound of twigs crunching and wheel against cobblestone ground heralded their arrival. A half dozen carts, loaded with goods and overflowing with rations, were being wheeled in. In a matter of months, Velindrel of the Dictum Veritas had rebuilt the town, paving the ground with cobblestone tiles and solidifying the foundation which the buildings stood upon. Now the people were being fed and taught how to defend themselves, for a people without a means of defense are as good as slaves.

But today was different.

One of the men, whose arms were filled with wrapped packages, drew the eyes of all those around him. He had never been here before, and they knew it the instant they laid eyes on him. Unlike the others, this man, though broad and of a burly build, emanated an aura of calm that put those around him at ease. He was strong of build, but gentle of spirit. Children trailed behind him, until he eventually stopped and bent to stack the parcels on the ground. He pulled off the crumpled, yellowing hat from his head, and a halo of dark curls burst free and matted his sweaty forehead. The first thing people noticed was the liquid gold of his eyes, and the exotic flare of his features. Something about him, from the deep-set eyes to the full, smiling mouth, suggested that he was a foreigner to these lands. He didn't belong here, yet he didn't seem to belong anywhere. This man existed in his own world, a world of dreams, lights, and soaring aspirations. This man was a symbol of hope.

"Each of these is a book. Go home, read, and educate yourselves. Learn what it means to be free. Learn honor, morality, and how to run a nation. The future of Rosinder rests on you. An uneducated people are a people easily deceived and enslaved."

With that, the man, the leader of the Dictum Veritas, left them to their own devices and went to seek out his comrade. Behind him, the townspeople whispered. They whispered of the man who was king, but donned the dirt-streaked uniform of his comrades. They whispered of the man who worked alongside his subordinates and treated them like equals. They whispered of the man who took up the mantle of leadership and treated it as responsibility, not a position to abuse and harm.

The man, who came to be known as Apidej, was headed towards Velindrel's room. He carried a tray of food with him, buttered biscuits and warm goat's milk. Threads of steam rose from the milk, and the smell of butter wafted through the air. When he came to the door, he knocked, then after a slight pause stepped inside.

"Pleasure, gentlemen. I suspect we will be doing some catching up and getting to know one another. Come, let us break bread like the heroes of old."

[Ganu_Candali]

As soon as the orders were given to him, Velindrel went to work.

He'd inherited Xevn in his own way. Though he did not replace Xevn's chieftain as the ruler, Velindrel worked hard. The people were a sturdy, hard-working folk and the blacksmith had found a place to call home. Velindrel had accomplished, in a few short months, what some would call miraculous. With a carefully prepared plan, Velindrel had helped to repair decades of slavery and dictatorship caused by the claws of Rennovatio. There was always a project to do. Velindrel was a man of action, he did not like to sit still for very long when people needed his helps. Though in the dark, when he was alone, always, his min returned to Palgard. Always his mind returned to the life that Roku had stolen from him for he blamed Roku, Palgard's former "leader" for the loss. Most importantly, he blamed Roku for the loss of Madeline. If he was right or not did matter for Velindrel was not present in Palgard to help it's defense when the attacks on Palgard occurred. So Velindrel bore not only the ghosts of Palgard on his shoulder, but a hatred for Roku. However, Velindrel was not a spiteful man. He always put the needs of the populace above his own, sometimes selfish needs. So he worked, struggled, and lived alongside the people of Xevn. He became their adopted son. More than a savior, Velindrel was as a miracle-worker, building, building, building. With each completed project a new hope was bourne within the people of Xevn.

And that's where Velindrel found himself. In a room with the chieftain of Xevn and then, his leader, Apidej arrived. The aroma of food suddenly made the blacksmith realize how hungry he was in fact. He couldn't remember the last solid meal he had.

"Lord Apidej. Welcome." It was the chieftain who broke the silence. "I was just trying to convince our friend here that we need to eat, looks like you beat me to the draw." The elder of Xevn was a friendly individual, though he was hard. He had a tough exterior due to the wars and loss he had known at the hands of Rennovatio's war machine. Velindrel came out of his personal thoughts to nod respectfully towards Apidej and the elder.

"A meal between friends is always welcome." Velindrel said, he was not one to turn down a helping hand, especially a hand from Apidej. "Please set it on the table, Lord Apidej." Velindrel was always one who respected titles and such. Rank. Velindrel was still an officer in an army after all. "I have not eaten in sometime as a matter of fact, there is always something to do." Velindrel said carefully. "I like to use my hands." Velindrel raised his hands in a thoughtful gesture.

"It's all I am good at. I don't like to sit still." Velindrel said. He looked at the two men before him for a long moment. "So, Lord Apidej, what brings you to Xevn today? Did you get the orders I asked for before?" Velindrel was referring to a restock of equipment from Valor City. There was a workshop there, and that's how they were funding the rebuilding of Xevn. There was much to be done.

The elder looked at both men.

"Actually, I called Lord Apidej here today." The chieftain said. "I need for you two to take care of a very special request." The elder tapped his chin. "This request is a delicate one, and I will need men of skill on this task, I cannot trust just anybody to this."

Velindrel spoke. "Elder Kraus. There is much work here in Xevn, you cannot possibly expect me to leave Xevn whilst I am needed..."

The Elder waved his hand to stop Velindrel from talking in a sudden, stern gesture. Velindrel obeyed. "You are the only men I can trust with this matter. I would have you two go deep into Rennovatio's territories, to a prison, and rescue a certain man that was stolen from us if he is still with us in the land of the living. This is a rescue mission." Elder Kraus said. "I have been planning the logistics of this for some time now." Kraus pulled some documents out of his personal packs. "The prison is deep in New Martyr. This will not be an easy task. I know I am asking much of you and Dictum Veritas." Kraus continued. "The person you are to rescue is my SON." Kraus revealed. "His addition will be critical to our plans of rebuilding Xevn if we are to break free from Rennovatio's rule. What say you sirs?"

"New Martyr?" Velindrel said in a whisper. "That's deep in Rennovatio territory. How are we going to get there?" Velindrel was skeptical, he was certain that the prison was maximum security. That would cause further problems. "We are needed here right now, to go deep into enemy territory would be a suicide job." Velindrel said, he was speaking somewhat louder now.

"Nevertheless. I have already spoken to your Lord Apidej." Kraus said as he looked at Apidej. "We have clearance to do this. Is that not right, Lord Apidej?" Kraus turned to look at Apidej.

[The Dark Knight]

Stepping through the doorway, Apidej turned his gaze to each man in turn. To Velindrel, he had a look of deep-seated respect and compassion. For the Xevn elder, Apidej was more subdued, but nevertheless respectful. Unlike men who performed good deeds and expected to be repaid in full, he treated the elder like an equal. A man that could level his gaze and converse with him for hours about the state of the world. A man that he could learn from. A man that had become his friend.

"If not for yourself, Velindrel, take care of your health for the others. You are a leader here, and nothing would do but a robust body to fuel an impeccably sharp mind." Apidej knew his companion well. He was aware of Velindrel's selflessness, and worried for his friend's well being. "Come. Let us, fellow bread-breakers and comrades, dine together. In my homeland, it is a ritual of union, of companionship." Setting the tray down, Apidej poured a glass of milk for each of them. There was something charming about his manner of conducting himself. Perhaps it was the casual way he talked, or the quaint phrasing of his speech. Here, he was not a king, but a fellow brethren fighting against a common enemy.

While the elder spoke to Velindrel, Apidej sliced the bread into thick slabs for them. He seemed entirely engrossed in the task, his long, smooth hands moving adeptly and skillfully. When the elder addressed him, he looked up, golden eyes bright and acute. He smiled slowly, the expression spreading across his features like sunshine sweeping through a dark alleyway. Wiping his hands clean on a napkin, he nodded in agreement.

"You are right, Kraus. You know as well as I do, Velindrel, that my talent has never been in the organizing of armies and military strategy. I leave that to Cale. If there's anything I can do, I'll gladly do it. I've checked into various departments of the Dictum Veritas, and all will be well. You know I will not hesitate to free a man of his shackles. I would set the world free, if there was a lever big enough. But one day," His smile brightened, "It will no longer be just a dream."

[princeben07]

Time: time is something that could not be counted for Benaires. He was looking for Velindrel about a job offer to create some weapons of legendary strength for him to continue his training; but, where could the nearly nine-foot mongrel find him? He stepped clearly from the Rift that took him to this strange land, but used his ears to check for energy signatures. He did not know of anyone and was a bit afraid. (1)

The Crimson Red Cloak glimmered some as a few passerbys stared oddly at him; this was the time to get into his training so that this substance would NOT devour him. Picking up his satchel-like bag and placing it over his broad shoulders, he stared around for a few minutes to decide on which direction to go. He hadn't known the scent of Elves, or Velindrel would be otherwise very easy to locate.

Prep 1: Ben steps out of the Rift to try to locate Velindrel to discuss business matters.

[Ganu_Candali]

(Welcome aboard Ben. Hey Solemn-bro, Ben has permission from ME to join us in this thread he's the guy I told you about before)

Velindrel paused his line of thought to consider the words of Apidej and Kraus. He sighed, there was no way for him to win the argument, his leaders had already decided the task that must be done. Velindrel, after all, fancied himself a loyal soldier of the Dictum Veritas, and his duty was to follow orders for their cause. Swallowing his own pride, Velindrel decided it best to share the meal alongside his companions. They were good men, and a rescue mission was an honest endeavor. He took some of the bread that Apidej prepared for their feast and took a bite of it. In all reality, Velindrel rarely ate, but he chose to share food with his companions. Elder Kraus, and Lord Apidej were both good men. Velindrel would comply with their orders, he didn't always have to agree, but he never questioned. Velindrel knew he was in a place he could finally call home. As he ate, many thoughts passed through his mind. New Martyr. The enemies at the gate. There were many strategies that they could come up with, but New Martyr was a rescue operation, not an invasion. Velindrel had to get himself in the right mentality. As he ate, he looked at lord Apidej and Kraus.

"What will you need from me, gentlemen?" Velindrel asked.

"Your cooperation in rescuing my son." Kraus said carefully. "He has been missing for a time now, and it would be a benefit to our endeavors to have him as an asset." Kraus added. Then his eyes became serious. "He is also the heir to Xevn. I understand Dictum Veritas's position in this, but I cannot ignore the policies and rules of my people." Kraus said. "When I am gone, my son will be next in line to become chieftain." Kraus said. "Velindrel, you should remember my son very well. For you two were very close the last time you was here." Kraus revealed.

Velindrel, however, was skeptical and still unsure about his mysterious past. "I can't recall." Velindrel said and tried to remember through the mental collections of recipes, instructions, teachings, and other matters dealing with the art of creation. "But I will do what is required of me." Velindrel said casually. He took a sip of the goat's milk. It was rich and had a particularly tasty and filling flavor. It was only then that Velindrel realized how hungry he actually was, he had not eaten in days. "Lord Apidej, if we are to go deep into New Martyr, we will need proper equipment for the endeavor. What would you request of your Mastersmith?" Velindrel asked.

[The Dark Knight]

[Welcome, Benny!]

Apidej hadn't tasted goat's milk in such a long time. It was a delicacy of his people, distributed during festivities and celebrations. But this tradition was foreign to the people of Rosinder, so Apidej never spoke of it. But Velindrel had become like a brother to him, and there were times, many moons ago, when they would converse long into the night, sharing with each other the customs and habits of their people. Now he was sharing it with the elder of Xevn, and upon their return, he would pour a bowl for the future chieftain of this village, for they are now a family fighting against a common enemy. It was this act of bonding, this sharing of traditions, which made them inseparable.

"Although we are fighting to protect and free Rosinder, the future still rests in their hands. The hands of the current rulers and their children, and their grandchildren, and the people who support them. Remember, Velindrel, not only must we free them from bondage, we must also ensure that they will be free forever onwards. And the only way to do that is through education, fortifications, and a helping hand."

Lifting the cup to his lips, Apidej took a sip. The flavor, rich and creamy, exploded in his mouth, and images of his homeland flashed before his eyes, like a rapidly shuffling filmstrip. The wide, rolling plains that stretched forever onwards, the camouflaged huts nestled against a towering oak, and children, with hands joined and voices swelling in unison to create a joyous, ancient music that touched the heart and stirred the soul. Apidej felt the familiar aching of nostalgia in his chest, and drained the cup before setting it back down.

"If we are venturing into Renovatio territory, we must be careful. Camouflage, stealth, and speedy transportation. We cannot afford to arm ourselves overtly, for the goal is to get in, rescue, then get out as soon as possible. If you can, perhaps a teleportation device that takes us directly back here, in case we are found out and chased by a legion of Renovatio troops."

[Ganu_Candali]

"I can fashion such a device using my Enchanters." Velindrel said to Apidej and Kraus.

The bread that Apidej prepared was strangely satisfying. He hadn't expected that. Few things caught the blacksmith off guard, but that was one of those rare occasions. He ate a few chunks of the bread, and felt his hungry body become nourished quickly. The goat's milk had a satisfying energy as well and he felt quite full. As that happened, thoughts and ideas began to pour quickly to his once-troubled mind. Lord Apidej always had a way of calming him down when he was stressed. Velindrel looked at Apidej, and he understood the tradition of the bread and goat-milk. They had shared the tradition before on several other occasions. Apidej was a mysterious man who Velindrel greatly admired.

He never once judged or ridiculed Velindrel for being a High-Bourne Elf.

There were those racist individuals on Valucre who hated the non-human races. Velindrel was an Elf and had the physiology of one. Including, the hyper-formed ears. Velindrel recalled the times he had spent with Apidej, the two had discussed a great many matters. Velindrel had revealed his deepest, darkest secrets. His time spent in The Harem, how he had freed Madeline Rahnar from bondage and the fate of those bastard Princes. One day, Velindrel swore that he would free the remaining slaves traded in the black market because of The Harem. And everything he knew about it. Currently however, The Harem was a Genesaris problem; and Velindrel knew Apidej was currently concerned with freeing Rosinder.

One day, Velindrel would have his vengeance on The Harem.

He knew Lord Cyrus was a formidable opponent, but Velindrel had trained and become quite skilled himself. With the training he'd undergone with Dictum Veritas, Velindrel would develop the power necessary to STORM The Harem. And destroy that evil organization forever. Genesaris was not at fault directly, but The Harem was allowed to exist. The stories of kidnapped children made the blacksmith cringe. He knew he had saved Madeline from a terrible fate, but in his own way, he had enslaved her as well to protect her. It was a vicious cycle. Long ago, Velindrel had come to peace with his evil. He still remembered the brilliant light that had come to pass as he repaired the stop-watch of that certain individual.

Velindrel smiled at that thought, feeling the warmth of the glorious light.

He set the chalice of goat-milk down on his table and then looked at Apidej.

"We shall begin work on a suitable transport device. Do you have a preference as to what final form the device will take shape in? Ring? Bracer, Amulet? Or perhaps something far more exotic?" Velindrel asked.

Already his powerful mind was working out problem-solving and logistical techniques.

"You're doing it again aren't you?" Kraus asked of Velindrel. "I've always found it interesting watching your mind work, Velindrel." Kraus said. "I shall order the team of Enchanters for you."

"Thank you Lord Kraus." Velindrel said, and then turned towards Apidej. "What is your order, my lord?" Velindrel asked.

[The Dark Knight]

"The transport device should be something inconspicuous. If we are captured, we don't want them taking notice of it immediately and removing it."

Apidej stood by the window, gazing out at the men and women bustling about outside. He was once again amazed by the rapidity with which the town rebuilt itself. In a matter of days, new buildings were erected and graves were dug for the casualties of the war. Now, as the spirit of the town rose in staggering waves, even the children, who had long grown accustomed to digging in the trash and hiding in the basement at the arrival of Renovatio airships, were lending a hand. But to ensure that Xevn stays under Rosinder rule, the Dictum Veritas had to step in and alter the town's system.

Relief, recovery, and reform. Relieve the town of any immediate shortcomings, help Rosinder recover as a whole, then reform its system to ensure that no foreign nation could dominate it once again.

"As we speak, Cale and the others are going after Astrum Noir. I've heard rumors about a group called the R.E.D., and scouts will be sent out to gather information. Once we return, we will contact them." Apidej took a seat by the window, but he seemed poised, ready for action. "As soon as you are ready, I will be as well. Until then, I think I'll be taking a short survey of the town."

[Ganu_Candali]

"You will find all legal documentation on my table." Velindrel said casually. He felt better after he'd eaten a full meal. "I've carefully been overlooking matters of book-keeping, inventory, supply and demand." Velindrel was an organized man. His leadership role in various workshops all over Valucre made him a valuable member of Dictum Veritas. "I have been gathering all of these legal documentation with the assistance of Lord Kraus." Velindrel tapped his chin. "It seems Rennovatio's storm of Xevn was an illegal operation." Velindrel walked over to his desk again. He opened one of the foreman's journals. "It says here that Rennovatio used a lot of scare tactics and illegal warfare methods." Velindrel pointed to the general direction the tower of Xevn once stood. "It lead to the destruction of the tower." Velindrel sighed heavily, war was always the same.

Kraus looked from Velindrel to Apidej, studying in silence. When Velindrel was done talking, Kraus added to the dialog.

"Many of our legal documents were destroyed during the invasion of Rennovatio's forces." Kraus sighed heavily. "We were able to retrieve many of our legal charters from the machines of war. But Rennovatio's legal machine is too powerful, and we are but a small mining province." Kraus continued. "Our records are vital to our defense as a people of Rosinder. What we were able to salvage has been made public knowledge to Dictum Veritas." Kraus had a small smile on his face.

Velindrel walked over to Kraus and hugged the elder casually.

"Do-not worry old friend." Velindrel said. "We shall see to it that you shall win your freedom. Most importantly; there will come a time when we must all combine forces against the Rennovatio war-machine's efforts." Velindrel felt the weight of a nation on his shoulders. He looked at Apidej at that moment. "Apidej." Velindrel began. "I think I have an idea for a device we can all use as a Guild. It can be mass-produced with relative ease."

"You have your idea already, Sir Velindrel?" Kraus asked.

"Assemble the members of the workshop. Break is over." Velindrel said carefully. "We will all work hard to obtain the freedom we desire!" Velindrel was fighting alongside the people of Rosinder as well. After all, he had his origins in Rosinder.

[The Dark Knight]

Seeing the sudden burst of energy in Velindrel pleased him. If anything, Apidej's talent lies in his eye for opportunity. He had chosen Velindrel as his right hand man because he had something invaluable to offer. Unlike men whose shortsightedness and judgmental nature blinded them from talent, Apidej saw Velindrel as a man of greatness. A man whose skills were invaluable to the Dictum Veritas. A man whose bare hands could alter cities and build empires.

"I imagined so. Renovatio's only real assets are their technology and Rosinder's lack of cohesiveness. But that is slowly starting to change." He made his way towards the table and bent to examine the documents. His fingers traced lines on maps and his mouth formed words as he read to himself. "The people are starting to realize that if they don't stand together, then they may never be able to stand at all. If anything, once Renovatio is overthrown," Apidej spoke in a matter-of-factly tone, as though their triumph was inevitable, "We will need to set up a government system across the continent. From my experience, once a people are able to put their differences aside and stand together to protect their homeland, there is no force on earth that can possibly stop them."

He studied the documents in silence, then looked up when Velindrel spoke again. His golden eyes were soft, with a mixture of pride and respect for his comrade. He gave a nod, then made his way towards the door.

"I trust you, Vel. Go ahead and build the device. When you are finished, send for me and I will return."