All but Sakura and the other refugees showed their nerves as they trailed after the broodmother up the hill. The broodmother led them down the dip toward the hilltop where the entrance to my lair hid

Despite my past annoyance with the feeling of betrayal from Farengar, I figured it was great to have him among us. We left the city with over one hundred civilians, a dozen adventurers—including me—a handful of guards, and three guardians. Any additional fighters were welcome to help.

At first, I was worried about leaving Clifford and Mac on their own, but they reminded me they had lived in those old ruins with Layondo for over four years.

By the time Mac and I returned to the Chamber, the broodmother had left. I could feel her presence in the eastern woods—who told her she could go hunt, I smirked to myself.

The skies were clear of clouds on the 3rd of 1st Winter as I meditated, floating above the old College of Emberfell. My mind looped the Lesser Solusion Ritual while Abi was below within the manor, scouring the library for information.

I lay motionlessly at the pleasure.

When morning came, I barely noticed a difference other than the slight warmth from the blotted sun. My convoy and I arrived at the foot of my lair. I floated up to the hilltop and took a seat as my familiars took care of the rest.

A harsh whisper echoed at the back of my head, poltergeist. The wraith that absorbed Mantis' soul had evolved into a poltergeist. I watched it transform, its hair becoming longer and more frantic.

The tide of our battle turned. Cain was now defensive as I chased after him through the sky. His fellow Blasters were so busy dealing with the white arachnids and soratakas that Cain was left to face me.

I could hear an echo of my name within the void calling for me. But Panuka's scream overtook it, loud and piercing. A bright light came over me, and Panuka stood ahead of me upon a clifftop.

My body felt heavy and numb. I panted heavily as I attempted to move—pain shot up my shoulder blade, and I felt something small lodged into my upper back. I opened my eyes and came face to face with a sharp wooden piece of a broken chair.

There is this great feeling when a set of plans plays out correctly. During my fight with Eldritch, I had ordered my white arachnids to travel to the city ahead of time. With their natural stealth and proficiency in symbology and auras, they were able to prepare teleportation symbols immediately south of the walls without being noticed.

A powerful winter storm forced me to wake early in the morning. I looked above the litebugs and at the Moonsun Dial bolted to the wall... it was barely a minute past midnight.

We watched as Eldritch and her party approached upon their steeds. One of the knightly Warriors carefully held Ire's decapacitated head by its hair.

A fire crackled within a grand fireplace, warming Gate and me. We sat in red velvet chairs within the living quarters of the Front Manor, Gate's home that also served as the entrance to my estate.

I sat and relaxed in my study as today was a slow day like the day prior. Judge Gallito was now able to deal with the city's demands and complaints.

Days flew by as our quests with Rosa went well each day. We traveled north, over the bridge dam, and deep into the eastern woods. The fear of vampires struck me again, but I refused to let it restrain me.

My right arm was severed, my left leg scorched, a dozen spears and swords impaled throughout my torso and thighs, my (Mana Aptitude) Dark Robe, Petty Mana Regeneration were burnt and lost all of their enchantment, and a few of my left fingers were broken.

I sat on my sword, lollygagging my way to my lair with one of those books open. Titled on the first page was Symbolics.