\u201cTell me again why you swapped places with Tenmak?!\u201d an Elf hissed to Arsha as the strike team continued through the Vaults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet\u2019s just say, I want to finish this personally,\u201d replied Arsha. She held up her hand, signaling the team to stop. Her ears twitched as she heard a noise. \u201c…Ones damn it!\u201d she swore. \u201cThe enemy\u2019s getting wise! We\u2019re on a tighter clock! Set the charges!\u201d The team set up detonation packs and keyed in the time it would take to detonate the charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYOU WILL CEASE THIS BLATANT SABOTAGE NOW!\u201d roared Intrag\u2019s voice. He ran in, swinging his spectral sword and decapitating a few teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t take orders from mere dictators or their tyrant masters!\u201d shouted Arsha as she drew her sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTyrant?!\u201d bellowed Intrag. \u201cOyed is a Titan!\u201d He was surprised as Arsha\u2019s blade stopped his. \u201cWhat in the…?!\u201d he spluttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOrbak himself,\u201d explained Arsha, \u201cgave us the secret in how he blocked your blows and hurt you! He\u2019s taught me how to enchant my sword so I can keep you at bay!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe reveals Under-realm secrets to an Out-realmer?!\u201d roared Intrag. \u201cEven more proof he\u2019s unfit to rule!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYet the people call him the greatest Under-king!\u201d snarled Arsha as she swung her sword at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCaptain, all det-packs are set and primed!\u201d reported a Troll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEndeavor<\/em>, do you have a lock on us?!\u201d Arsha called the Endeavor<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLocked and waiting,\u201d replied the transporter chief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGet us out of here!\u201d ordered Arsha. The team was whisked away by multiple transport spells, leaving Intrag to examine one. He had enough knowledge to know what a clock was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…Ten minutes?\u201d remarked Intrag. \u201cYou do not give us enough credit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStart the countdown!\u201d ordered Arsha to Malak once she returned to the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCountdown has begun,\u201d reported Malak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 10 on the timer went to 9, then to 8, then 7, and so on, leading Intrag to realize that the one who programmed the timers set it so that the minutes would go down in seconds! \u201cOUT-REALMER TRICKS!\u201d he roared. The charges then exploded in short order, destroying the foundations of the cathedral, and reducing the altar, Oyed\u2019s main exit from his prison, to rubble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oyed felt the effects immediately, vanishing in a great deal of pain. Dr. Borg hadn\u2019t been able to escape in time, so her new body was killed instantly. Scorpo received a message ordering all survivors to meet Dr. Borg in her newer body in the new base and begin construction on a new altar for Oyed. Once all survivors were brought aboard the Scorpion<\/em>, the ship moved off. Unfortunately, the sea-water from earlier had affected the cloaking abilities, so they couldn\u2019t cloak and escape. \u201cStupid Realmfleet!\u201d grumbled Scorpo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Realmfleet ships were ordered to let them go so their respective medical crews could take care of any wounded. Sadly, Samuje didn\u2019t survive the destruction of her ship unscathed. Marshii and her crew had to perform surgery as Samuje\u2019s lung was damaged from a broken rib and her eye was gone. Arsha conveyed the news to Marianes and her family and they were devastated. They were glad she survived the battle, but knew Samuje would never be the same again. It took several days before Samuje received her prosthetic eye. During that time, Arsha ran a funeral service for those that lost their lives. The 11 Divine Ones that distracted Oyed were in attendance. Arsha stood at the altar and addressed the crew. \u201cI see no reason in lying,\u201d she began, \u201cthis day is a dark day. We lost too many good people. I know statistics will say that it was a small price. Well, I say this: even if only ONE person died, it would still be one death too many in my eyes. I\u2019ve looked at the service records of each and every crew member of the Skyshell<\/em> and can only wish I could have met them all in person, because they were good people. To the Skyshell<\/em>\u2019s survivors, I can only offer my deepest condolences. I only wish I can offer more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTake comfort,\u201d advised Mordek. \u201cThey died a warrior\u2019s death. May we all be so fortunate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou did NOT just say that!\u201d hissed Falheem. She then addressed the mourners. \u201cI can safely say that they have reached the Heights of the After-realm, safely in our embrace. They have asked me and my colleagues to tell you to continue living and fighting in their name. We must never let someone like Oyed win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith all that said,\u201d called Arsha, \u201cwe will take half a week to reflect. I would strongly advise visiting Thengo. As we finish our gathering today, let us end it in the traditional manner.\u201d All in attendance stood, crossed their arms, and splayed their fingers, then turned their gaze to the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMay you rest in peace, Oh Dearly Departed,\u201d they chanted. \u201cWe shall continue to live in your name. Amen.\u201d The mourners then departed and Arsha headed to her quarters. They were empty, so she took the time to think alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, Arsha Royana,\u201d she muttered to herself, \u201cit took two major events to realize how much death affects you. So, what are you going to do? Well, visit Thengo, for one thing. Stop talking to myself for another.\u201d Her self-dialogue was interrupted by her door chime. \u201cCome in,\u201d she called. Foresna and Gorfanth entered the large room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cArsha, I know this sounds like a stupid question,\u201d began Gorfanth, \u201cbut are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve been better,\u201d sighed Arsha. \u201cI knew I didn\u2019t like the concept of death, but I never realized how much it affected me until today. It was bad enough that five Realmfleet Officers died last year, but having only a few survivors of a Reef<\/em>-class skyship\u2019s destruction? I was talking to myself out loud before you two came in, planning on what to do next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat IS next for you?\u201d asked Foresna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVisiting Thengo and putting on a brave face for the crew,\u201d replied Arsha. \u201cLately, I\u2019ve felt like I had no reason to find happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour bun HAS been looking a little naked lately,\u201d remarked Gorfanth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCome on, Gorfanth,\u201d chided Foresna. \u201cIt\u2019s hardly your place to comment on her appearance right now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf I said it in a derogatory manner, I apologize,\u201d offered Gorfanth. \u201cThat was nowhere near my intention. I just meant that Arsha\u2019s been given one crisis after another lately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI can\u2019t argue with that,\u201d muttered Arsha. \u201cI\u2019ll see if I can get some leave time from…\u201d her plans were interrupted by an alarm. \u201cWHAT NOW?!\u201d shouted Arsha. The three then heard a gulp and saw Sorsha by Arsha\u2019s vanity, taking a small box!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou again?!\u201d snapped Foresna as he punched his hand, Gorfanth summoned his axe, and Arsha held one open hand behind her while the other was across her front. Sorsha then took out a communicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEr, Jokorah, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s working!\u201d she hissed into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got five seconds to explain why you\u2019re skulking around this ship!\u201d growled Gorfanth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI…er…\u201d Sorsha was failing at coming up with a plausible lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI reiterate my future hubby\u2019s question, what are you doing on my ship?!\u201d snarled Arsha as she summoned teal energy balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not doing anything to your crew,\u201d replied Sorsha. \u201cI\u2019m just here for the biggest concentration of mana to cure a blight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cForgive me if I don\u2019t believe you!\u201d hissed Foresna. \u201cEspecially since she hasn\u2019t been wearing her lucky rose and she\u2019s been inundated with crises all week!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, I see what\u2019s going on,\u201d chuckled Sorsha. \u201cToo much mana nearby.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…Huh?\u201d asked Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been around too much mana for too long,\u201d explained Sorsha. \u201cI\u2019d say you\u2019ve been dosed with it for 100 years. So, the best thing to do is to drain off the excess mana. Pretty soon, you\u2019ll be hallucinating Oyed\u2019s resurgence or a Wraith. Over time, some people will start seeing him too, like the Giant Spiders of my home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHardly a hallucination if the Divine Ones distracted him while we destroyed his cathedral,\u201d growled Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d asked Sorsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe just lost a ship to Oyed and his followers!\u201d answered Arsha. \u201cLast time I checked, the Divine Ones can\u2019t be affected by any illusion that mortals either accidentally or purposefully conjure up! Oyed\u2019s preparing to start the Final War!\u201d Sorsha blinked in stark surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intrag opened his eyes to see himself in a void. He felt as if he was standing on solid ground. \u201cWhere am I?\u201d he asked himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Depths, of course,\u201d replied Oyed\u2019s voice. Intrag turned to see Oyed in chains. He looked unhappy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy Lord, the battle is not yet over!\u201d growled Intrag. \u201cI shall return and…!\u201d He didn\u2019t get far as whatever passed for a floor vanished and he was left dangling from one of Oyed\u2019s chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReturn?\u201d hissed Oyed. \u201cAfter you failed to contact the Giant Spiders? After you forgot the Wraith abilities I gave you? No, you will fade.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMY LORD! PLEASE! HAVE MERCY!\u201d begged Intrag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOnly Dr. Borg and her followers deserve mercy,\u201d dismissed Oyed. He increased the chain\u2019s surface temperature, burning Intrag\u2019s hands, and forcing him to let go. Intrag fell through the void, his screams mingling with the rest of the damned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Giant Spider Trio scuttled through the jungle, a look of panic plain on their faces. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it!\u201d whimpered the third. \u201cI just can\u2019t believe it! What\u2019s gonna happen to us?!\u201d The first Spider stopped and signaled for his friends to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat cave over there,\u201d he announced as his pedipalp pointed to a large entrance, \u201cthat will serve to hide us for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe may need to hide for the rest of our lives!\u201d wailed the second. \u201cWe didn\u2019t mean to go lax on our assignment! What will happen if Quaynus finds out?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was YOU!\u201d hissed the third as he jabbed a pedipalp at the first. \u201cYOU made us do it! It was YOUR idea!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNobody\u2019s gonna find out anything!\u201d snapped the first. \u201cNow stop your babbling and help me find some camouflage for the entrance!\u201d The Spiders found leaves, twigs, and rocks and used their webbing to make a make-shift door for the cave. Once they were inside, they sat to catch their breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe should never have been distracted!\u201d moaned the third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll I wanted to do was catch the Elf!\u201d protested the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe were supposed to be on patrol for Intrag\u2019s arrival!\u201d snapped the second. \u201cYOU wanted to get revenge on the Elf for embarrassing us at her home! \u2018Our honor is paramount,\u2019 you said! \u2018Spiders need to establish dominance!\u2019 Unless, of course, we forget our assignment and let our god fall! We were under strict orders to greet him and YOU had to go and get distracted by your stomach! Ooooh, we\u2019re dead! Why, oh why, oh why, oh why, oh wh…?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSHUT UP!\u201d shouted the first. The cave then went silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…I\u2019m hungry,\u201d muttered the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMe too,\u201d mused the third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMe three,\u201d affirmed the first. \u201cStay here, you two. I\u2019ll find us something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat do you have planned?\u201d asked the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m just scavenging, right now,\u201d replied the first. \u201cMaybe I can find some birds or squirrels. One word about either cinnamon rolls or subs and I\u2019ll kill you both!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHey, while you\u2019re out there,\u201d called the third, \u201ctry to find some nice, soft grass for us to sit on and be comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYeah, yeah,\u201d grumbled the first. He stepped outside and hunted for a good few minutes before coming back, hauling a massive tiger. \u201cCheck it out, boys! We\u2019ll feast tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDid you get the grass?\u201d asked the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEr, no, I couldn\u2019t find any that was soft enough when I found the tiger,\u201d replied the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaybe you should expand your search a little more,\u201d suggested the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo, I\u2019m too hungry,\u201d answered the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you going to get the grass?\u201d asked the third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCan we eat first?!\u201d snapped the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t know why you say you\u2019ll do something if you don\u2019t mean it,\u201d muttered the third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI meant it!\u201d argued the first. \u201cI just had enough on my palps carrying our dinner back!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can get the grass after we\u2019ve eaten,\u201d directed the third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you,\u201d hissed the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd try to find some water,\u201d suggested the second. \u201cWe\u2019ll need some water if we\u2019re gonna hide here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, dear!\u201d snapped the first. \u201cAnything else?!\u201d The cave was uncomfortably silent for a few minutes. After glaring at his friends, the first Spider took a sharpened rock, ready to skin and carve the tiger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou know, maybe the fur will be softer than grass,\u201d mused the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow that I think about it, you\u2019re right,\u201d agreed the first. \u201cI\u2019m saving the pelt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd, looking closer,\u201d continued the second, \u201cwe\u2019ve got enough meat to make subs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI just wish we had the materials to make bread dough,\u201d sighed the third. \u201cWe\u2019d have had cinnamon rolls with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust for that,\u201d shouted the first as he tossed the tiger\u2019s body at the second, \u201cYOU can carve,\u201d he then threw a pair of rocks at the third, \u201cand YOU can start the cooking fire!\u201d Both of his friends shook their pedipalps at him before scuttling off to their jobs. \u201cHonestly, I have to do everything for you guys!\u201d the first grumbled to himself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cTell me again why you swapped places with Tenmak?!\u201d an Elf hissed to Arsha as the strike team continued through the Vaults. \u201cLet\u2019s just say, I want to finish this personally,\u201d replied Arsha. She held up her hand, signaling the team to stop. Her ears twitched as she heard a noise. \u201c…Ones damn it!\u201d she […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1843,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97,95],"tags":[482],"class_list":["post-2757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-three-realms","category-the-three-realms-book-2-the-rise-of-living-metal","tag-fantasy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2757"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2760,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2757\/revisions\/2760"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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