Isaac and Sorincrad arrived Academy to study the works of Plato, restored centuries ago by Lord John. He disappeared after the dedication of King Aace, and many people assume he provided magical aid in the rebuilding of Rodnest, but no one is certain. Sorincrad and Isaac went into the tavern.
"I'll have two of your strongest ales," Sorincrad asked the bartender.
"For an old man and a child? What kind of person are you? Eh, I don't judge, here you go."
"Isaac, this is the city of Academy. A wonderous place of learning and drinking."
"I don't agree Mr. Sorincrad. It may very well be that, but I'd rather be in Sillsing. It's warmer there."
Mortimer and Fredrick walked into the tavern. Mortimer wore dark robes, and many of the bar folk became nervous. On his robes were the symbol of Cromwell. Sorincrad paid no attention to the man and this boy, believing that it was just the Cult of Cromwell raising another priest.
"Mr. Sorincrad, could I go play with that other boy?" asked Isaac, gesturing to Fredrick.
"Do what you will, but don't die."
The two boys raced around playing tag. Then, Fredrick tripped Isaac and grabbed a knife from a table, thrusting it into Isaac's arm. Isacc cried with pain, Sorincrad swiftly turning while the other old man stood and smiled.
"What is wrong with you?"
"I like stabbing people, its fun."
"Bet you wouldn't like it if I taught you a lesson then."
"Come and teach me, 'Mr. Justice.'"
Isaac tackled Fredrick to the ground and quickly pinned him, telling him to yield. Fredrick shouted "never!" before punching Isaac in the throat. Isaac rolled over, coughing up a bit of blood. He looked over to see Fredrick smiling and basking in his glorious victory. Isaac tapped Fredrick on the shoulder, and when he turned around, he sucker punched him. Fredrick fell to the ground and began to sob.
"He was going to rape that girl over there!" Fredrick cried as he pointed out the young redheaded girl in the bar.
"No I didn't, he's lying!" Isaac cried as the bar folk began to look down on him.
The bartender then stepped in and kicked them out, forcing both old men to pay for the property damage.
Isaac teared up, swearing up and down that he was innocent, but the bartender didn't care. While Sorincrad motioned Isaac away, Isaac looked at Fredrick and saw him receive praise and affirmations from his elder.
"Don't worry about them," Sorincrad said as he and Isaac went to the University.
When Isaac fell asleep, he sent word to the Council of Knights in Lion's Point. The letter read,
"The evil has returned. Beware of the Cult of Cromwell."
Sorincrad woke Isaac and took him to the citadel in Academy.
"For the next three years, you will study the history of Graiigreald."
"WHAT!? IM NOT DOING THAT!"
"It doesn't matter what you want, you must. The boy you encountered yesterday, Fredrick, is the manifestation of evil. He is being raised as the successor to Cromwell by the Cult of Cromwell. You do not understand the severity of this situation."
"Well then tell me!"
"Ah, well I guess it's time you were properly told. Two thousand seven hundred years ago, a man by the name of Cromwell began an assault on the freedom of Graiigreald. Four kings by the names of King Washington of Eagle's Nest, King Bonaparte of Lion's Point, King Mao of Dragonrock, and King Plato of Academy decided to take action against him. Their armies stood no chance against Cromwell and thus they needed help. King Plato had discovered a prophesy about a hero called The Man of Hope. He believed it was a diplomat from Sillsing known as Titus. Long story short, Titus killed Cromwell with a weapon called the Feathered Dagger. Seven hundred years ago, King Aace the Unifier would discover the Dagger and forge the old kings' swords into one, thereby uniting all of Graiigreald. His tombstone told of a prophesy in which evil would return when the sword was moved. You moved that sword. You represent the purest form of goodness. Fredrick represents the purest form of evil."
"Mr. Sorincrad that makes my head hurt."
"It's supposed to."
Sorincrad and Isaac went on to study magic and history for the next three years.
-+-
Fredrick was awoken by the priest.
"It is time, master."
"I'm ready," said Cromwell.