The days following the confrontation in the hidden chamber were tense. The entire city felt like a coiled spring, ready to snap. Aeron's forces had regrouped, but morale was shaken. Malthus was betrayed in a nasty way and the unexplained effectiveness of Serathis has given a lingering sense of unease to the ranks .
Kara, Lira, and Ardyn, a young strategist who had quickly risen to prominence within the faction. Maps and intelligence reports lined the table, and the softly illuminated Aether lamps cast the profile of their heads in shadow on the floor.
Serathis is no ordinary mage," Ardyn replied, his voice calm, but assured. "Their power isn't natural. I've been reviewing the Aether Crystals we salvaged from the Red Dawn's stronghold. They've been altered—tainted by something I've never seen before."
Lira frowned, crossing her arms. "So what does that mean? That Serathis is stronger than us?"
Ardyn hesitated before answering. "Not just stronger—different. The energy they wield doesn't follow the same rules. If we're going to stand a chance against them, we'll need to adapt.
Aeron leaned back in his chair, his expression grim. "And what of Malthus? Has he completely joined their side, or is there still a chance to turn him back?
Kara, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "He made his choice, Aeron. You saw it yourself. He thinks he is doing the good thing, but his deeds have endangered us all. We don't have the luxury to stall if we see him again.
Aeron's jaw tightened. The weight of her words was heavy, but he couldn't deny the truth in them. "We'll deal with Malthus when the time comes. For now, we need to focus on Serathis. If they're tainting the Crystals, they could destabilize the entire city—and beyond.
The Rise of Serathis
Serathis, meanwhile, did not lose the opportunity to make them pay for their setback and further consolidate their control along the way. Concealed in a maze of underground passageways, Serathis faced a congregation of individuals shrouded from view.
These were no ordinary allies—they were the leaders of factions that had long operated in the shadows, manipulating the city's politics and economy for their own gain. Mercenaries, smugglers, and rogue Aetherborn had all pledged themselves to Serathis, drawn by promises of power and freedom from the oppressive rule of Aeron's faction.
Malthus stood beside Serathis, his expression unreadable. He was, even if he had turned against Aeron, unable to help but feel that he was on a fools' errand.
It's all falling into line," Serathis replied, and their words rang out through the room. "The Aether Crystals will soon be ours, and with them, we'll reshape this world in our image. No more factions. No more petty rivalries. Only power."
Leading the group, an imposing figure, who sported a scar etched across his face, took a step forward. "And what of Aeron? He won't sit idly by while you take over."
Serathis smirked. Aeron is an out of time personification of the past, holding to outmoded notions. He'll fall, just like the others. And when he does, you'll all have your place in the new order.
Malthus shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. Deep down, he wondered if he had made a grave mistake.
A New Alliance
In Aeron's fortress, Kara came back from a reconnaissance mission with surprising news. She entered the war room, her expression urgent. "Aeron, we might have an opportunity."
He looked up from the map he was studying. "What is it?"
"There's a faction in the southern district—the Iron Vow. They've remained neutral throughout the war so far, but I've gotten rumors that they're tired by the swelling power of Serathis. But if we can only get people to come with us, they may provide us with enough numbers to retaliate.
Lira raised an eyebrow. "The Iron Vow? They're mercenaries. They'll fight for whoever pays the most."
"Not entirely," Kara countered. "Their leader, Thane, has a strict code of honor. He despises betrayal and tyranny. If we can get him to think Serathis is a danger to the town, he might lean with us," Wisinger said.
Aeron considered this for a moment. "It's worth a shot. Kara, you'll lead the negotiations. Take Lira and Ardyn with you. If Thane agrees to meet, make it clear that we're offering more than gold—we're offering a future.
Kara nodded. "Understood."
The Iron Vow
When Thane sat down for the meeting, it occured in a dark pub, in the southern ward. Thane was a imposing man with a full, grizzled beard and a piercing gaze. He heard attentively as Kara presented their argument, his face a mask.
"You make a compelling argument," Thane said finally. However, to follow you is to follow into the mist with Serathis—and that is a very high risk move.
Serathis is already at war with the city," Kara said. They will catch you, it is a matter of time. Standing alone won't protect you, Thane. But together, we can stop them."
Thane stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But boldness alone won't win this fight. I'll need more than words to commit my forces."
"What do you want?" Kara asked, her tone firm.
Thane leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. A shipment of Aether Crystals is arriving at the eastern dockyards tomorrow night. It's heavily guarded by Serathis's men. If you can intercept it and deliver the Crystals to me, I'll consider your proposal.
Kara exchanged a glance with Lira and Ardyn. The mission was likely dangerous, but it was their only shot at getting Thane's backing.
"Deal," she said.
Preparations for the Raid
At the fortress, Aeron was informed of the scenario. He also approved it, but demanded to send support so it will succeed.
This raid has to work," he said, his voice stern. Unless we can lock on the Iron Vow's backing, we're finished as far as preventing Serathis is concerned.
Kara nodded. "We won't fail."
As night fell, the team prepared for the mission. Kara, Lira, and Ardyn would run the attack, led by a limited number of highly trained attackers. Whether alliance and the whole city would survive, depended on their back.