The defenses in Northwatch were pitiful. Aase surveyed the land with a heavy heart. They will not survive this battle. He lept off the guard's wall and began shaping the earth. If Skather wants a battle, I will give him the greatest battlefield. Should he live, he will remember this place.

Meanwhile, Dawn and Melerra spoke with Alphonse on the plans for defense. Alphonse, though burdened with leading the last remaining Rankans to their death, was cautiously optimistic upon meeting the heroes, "Tell me, did you succeed at gaining aid from the Yssge? How many should we expect?" Dawn still looked stunned, "We will have warriors... But they will not be Yssge. They have been corrupted by Dispater. Janus brings them south for the battle."

"Janus? What happened..", Alphonse did not finish his sentence. The look on Tristan's face said everything; Janus knelt before Dispater. "...Then we are doomed."

"I do not believe so. We have lost Janus, yes. However, we can still perform the ritual and free Pelor." Dawn stood confident, "I will have everything required when I leave here. There are those who would fight against the Beysibian army if they could see again. We do require aid from the Blue Star, however."

Damir entered after hearing that, "And what more could we do for you? We made an agreement that defied our laws, only to see Janus betray us. How can you ask more of us?" Melerra spoke up, "If I could see my son, he could provide us with everything we need." Damir shook his head, "You should stop referring to Duomar as your son. He is no longer Anthony. The magic that keeps him going will consume the very essence of Anthony Garibaldi. He is dangerous. That is why we locked him away. I cannot permit you to see him."

Melerra's anger was growing, "Let me see my son."

"That I cannot do, I am sorry. I will, however, provide you with the travel you require to Ranke. We can use the quorum to do so."

After Damir left, Melerra quietly stood and retired to her room. The next hour would be spent breaking everything in her path.

The final key was in the courtyard. As Dawn approached Ohderik, he questioned how to make such a request, "Ohderik, if I could have a word. We are departing on a dangerous mission and--"

"--And you want to know if I will sacrifice myself to reform the Lightbringers?" Ohderik was nothing if not Laconic.

Dawn was a bit taken back by his grim interruption, "...Yes. It is a burden I would not ask anyone to accept. Unfortunately, the circumstances are dire." Ohderik faced the monk to look directly into his eyes, "I have prepared myself for this task the better part of thirty years. It was my only goal. Now that the time comes, I will say yes. Not because I wish to save the world or defeat Skather. No, I only do this because it means that I cease to exist. I do not wish an afterlife where I cannot see Sarah, Janus, or my son...Hobart. I care nothing for this world, but I will see to my duty." Dawn nodded, "That is all I can ask. We leave shortly."

-=-=-=-=-

Once prepared, the heroes stepped through the gate created by Damir, "Do as I say. Do not open any doors unless I instruct you to do so."

The metaphysical world of the quorum was akin to never-ending vertigo. The heroes walked down a spinning corridor filled with doors. As they passed one, Melerra felt the presence of the quorum members. She opened the door and lept through.

Quorum

Why have you entered our domain? You are not permitted here.

"I must speak with my son. Please...

Quorum

what is the purpose? You cannot undo what he has done. Duomar will not let him go. Rather, he will make the same offer to you, which you would accept, falsely believing you could save him.

"Please.. I must see him. If only for a moment. I have to know there is nothing more I can do."

Quorum

Very well. But do not stay long, for he will not want you to leave. Duomar needs a new body, and will ask for yours.

Melerra found herself standing in a dusty library, across from an old man. He was preoccupied with a book and failed to see her arrival.
"Anthony? Is that you?" Melerra stepped forward slowly, mindful of the quorum's warning. The old man turned toward her, showing a pallid face living well beyond its time. There was no eye in the left socket, instead a pale yellow glow emanated from within, "Mother...Are you the-our-my mother? I-we-are-should-be-me-I am surprised to see you? Why are you here?" Duomar struggled for control of his host, "Do you have secrets to share? Knowledge, maybe? We-I love knowledge. Or do you come seeking my-our knowledge? Would you trade us-we-me-I for it?"

"I am so sorry, Anthony." Melerra reached out and touched the face, as Duomar called his guardians to restrain her. "I love you." Duomar blinked at that statement, "Mother? You succeded? I-we are-am happy to hear....please, go save dad.."

"Titus is alive?!!?" Before she could say anything further, the quorum pulled her from the library. She was back in the hallway with the others as they walked through the gate into a bar in Ranke.

Two Beysibian guards moved toward the party, but fell silently before they could raise an alarm. The bartender motioned them over and poured some drinks, "Fancy entrance. I'm a bit surprised to see you all alive. Melerra."

Melerra gave a curt nod, "Matilda." "Jubal?" said Tristan. "If we can dispense with the formalities, I suspect you are here to do something drastic and stupid. Lucky for you, I specialize in both drastic and stupid."

Dawn spoke up, "We intend on freeing Pelor. Also, there are some captives we need to free. Would you know where they are located?" Tilly smiled, "Matter of fact, I do. They will be located in the Barrack's jail, south of here. You will need our help to get there." Melerra, once again, spoke up, "There is one more thing. I believe Titus may still be alive, held captive somewhere in the city." Tilly's eyes narrowed, "If you were anyone else, you'd be dead for saying that."

A quick and quiet trip through a maze of tunnels brought the heroes to the barracks. "We will provide a distraction for you. Once we begin, there is no turning back. Head directly for the temple after you finish here. We will provide the path."

The guards never saw it coming. One hundred explosions rocked the city as the heroes ascended the steps to the jail. With fierce efficiency, the Beysibians were brought to the floor. The guards inside were more resilient, but still no match for the party's rage.

Once all were dead, Tristan freed Na'Kar, "I've come for my sword." "Only way to have it is to take it." replied a smirking Na'Kar. Tristan's voice lowered to a deep growl, "I do not wish to dance with you again, but I will."

"That will not be necessary, Tristan", said Dusk, appearing from the shadows. In her hands, wrapped in a blanket, was his sword. It called to him, "My sword." Dusk stepped back, "Do you trust him, Tristan? He wanted me to ask you if you trusted him." The champion of Bane stared at Dusk quizzically, "Hobart? ...Yes. I trust him."

"Good. Do it, my love", Dusk replied. Na'kar moved quickly, thrusting a blade into Dusk's chest, "It's the only...way to reach him."

"I said I trusted him. I didn't say I thought he'd succeed", Tristan Jested, "To the temple?"

The city was bathed in chaos. For the first time in thirty years, the Rankan's had something to fight for; hope. Na'Kar led them through the streets to the massive temple, "Prepare for a trap.. the guard elite do not leave their posts, ever." With weapons drawn, they entered the ominous ziggurat.


Part II to follow...