I hoped that the nightmare would end tonight. But no, you had to choose the path of the infidels. And on top of that, you had to choose <i>him</i>, of all creatures — a lowly mundane elf of the forest with no remarkable qualities whatsoever.

How dare <i>you</i>, of all people, appeal to jealousy now after all we’ve been through?! And in any case, he is nothing but my friend!


How dare <i>you</i>, of all people, appeal to jealousy now after all we’ve been through?! And in any case, he is nothing but my friend!

Your ploy to draw power from me and into the lich to gain control of the Union was quite ingenious. I would have never expected any less from you, my love. Still, I fear that I must revoke your magic privileges before anyone else gets hurt.


Your ploy to draw power from me and into the lich to gain control of the Union was quite ingenious. I would have never expected any less from you, my love. Still, I fear that I must revoke your magic privileges before anyone else gets hurt.


ARGH! He’s reaching into my mind!


Malin!


I cannot... control my body...

You people surely would not murder your own allies, right?


You people surely would not murder your own allies, right?


Argh!!! Get out of... my head!!!

Elynia! He... he’s doing it again... NO!!!


Elynia! He... he’s doing it again... NO!!!

Galas! It cannot end like this — you must fight back!


Galas! It cannot end like this — you must fight back!

I really do not want to do this to you, Elynia, and I am sure you would be unable to live with yourself if your friends were to perish because of one single misguided choice. I offer you one more chance to accept Uria as our true protector—


I really do not want to do this to you, Elynia, and I am sure you would be unable to live with yourself if your friends were to perish because of one single misguided choice. I offer you one more chance to accept Uria as our true protector—

Never! Do you really believe I would choose two people over the fate of Irdya? Who do you take me for?!


Never! Do you really believe I would choose two people over the fate of Irdya? Who do you take me for?!


I... ugh—


— I don’t have time for THIS!

Oh... Oh. You learned to block their spell. That is such a pity — I had hoped Uria would at least allow me to keep you as a garden ornament.


Oh... Oh. You learned to block their spell. That is such a pity — I had hoped Uria would at least allow me to keep you as a garden ornament.

Perhaps you will learn to not regard the undead as companions now that you realize how easy it is to turn them against their masters.


Perhaps you will learn to not regard the undead as companions now that you realize how easy it is to turn them against their masters.


Why... did it have to end like this...


No, Galas!

So this is the end of the road for me...


So this is the end of the road for me...

Oh, the sweet, cold embrace of death... it has been far too long...


Oh, the sweet, cold embrace of death... it has been far too long...

Our foolishness allowed the Warlord to take one of our friends away from us. But I will not let you take advantage of us again, Argan. Not today!


Our foolishness allowed the Warlord to take one of our friends away from us. But I will not let you take advantage of us again, Argan. Not today!


No! This light... I cannot—


I... I recognize that voice...


Elynia... You saved me again...

I’m sorry it took me so long, Galas, but with Mal Keshar under his control...


I’m sorry it took me so long, Galas, but with Mal Keshar under his control...


Mal Keshar! Is he... gone?

If he truly is as powerful as he likes to make himself out to be, there might be a chance his soul is still intact, but whether it will return to this body...


If he truly is as powerful as he likes to make himself out to be, there might be a chance his soul is still intact, but whether it will return to this body...

You made a fatal mistake in coming to Inferno, Elynia. As long as you are in the same realm as I, I too can use the Union against you.


You made a fatal mistake in coming to Inferno, Elynia. As long as you are in the same realm as I, I too can use the Union against you.

(<i>defiant</i>) Then one of us must die first.


(<i>defiant</i>) Then one of us must die first.


You are... hurting me...


Elynia... Why do you do this?


We were meant to be together... for the rest of eternity... Do you not love me anymore, Elynia?


We were meant to be together... for the rest of eternity... Do you not love me anymore, Elynia?

You... You’ve become a monster! An abomination! Do you really not realize what you’ve done, what... what Uria has done to you?


You... You’ve become a monster! An abomination! Do you really not realize what you’ve done, what... what Uria has done to you?

Excuse me, did I miss anything? ... Oh! I guess you haven’t managed to strike down that pompous fool yet. Good, good.


Excuse me, did I miss anything? ... Oh! I guess you haven’t managed to strike down that pompous fool yet. Good, good.

Mal Keshar! Thank the Lords of Light — I thought I would never hear you speak again. Do you think you can still help us somehow?


Mal Keshar! Thank the Lords of Light — I thought I would never hear you speak again. Do you think you can still help us somehow?

Help you? HA! Of course I can help you! It will take much more than some unfathomable ancient power to put me out of commission, boy.


Help you? HA! Of course I can help you! It will take much more than some unfathomable ancient power to put me out of commission, boy.

Look out! Those creatures emerge from his body with each hit!


Look out! Those creatures emerge from his body with each hit!


Energy... Yes... Feed me more energy...


No... Noooooo!!! My power... falters...


It’s— it’s tearing me apart—


What just happened?


We must not waste any more time, unless we want to be buried alive!


... I know.


Huh?

Lava! These tunnels are flooding with lava!


Lava! These tunnels are flooding with lava!

It’s troubling that I am actually considering the possibility of returning to Inferno to escape this insanity.


It’s troubling that I am actually considering the possibility of returning to Inferno to escape this insanity.

Nonsense! We just must make haste and get to the surface! There ought to be an exit through the hive itself.


Nonsense! We just must make haste and get to the surface! There ought to be an exit through the hive itself.

May I ask if anyone else heard that creature?


May I ask if anyone else heard that creature?


What creature? Where?

On the way to this section, in the snow-covered area... It may have been just my imagination, but I believe I heard somebody scream furiously from above.


On the way to this section, in the snow-covered area... It may have been just my imagination, but I believe I heard somebody scream furiously from above.

Ugh... This is no place for an elder like me. I feel ill. Perhaps it would be best for you if—


Ugh... This is no place for an elder like me. I feel ill. Perhaps it would be best for you if—

<b>NO!</b> ... I mean... I apologize for that, my lord, but I must beg of you to keep going. I don’t want to lose anyone else after all we have been through.


<b>NO!</b> ... I mean... I apologize for that, my lord, but I must beg of you to keep going. I don’t want to lose anyone else after all we have been through.


... Fair enough. (<i>coughs</i>)


(<i>coughs</i>)


Is something the matter, old elf?

It’s only getting worse... it feels as if something wanted to burst out of my head. I pray to the Lords of Light that I may survive this ordeal...


It’s only getting worse... it feels as if something wanted to burst out of my head. I pray to the Lords of Light that I may survive this ordeal...

I can’t... continue... Galas, please go on without me...


I can’t... continue... Galas, please go on without me...


I refuse, my lord. I—

<b>ARGH!</b> Galas, please— I— I remember that voice now—


<b>ARGH!</b> Galas, please— I— I remember that voice now—


Her voice... She is—

Ehhhhh... yuck. I thought it was only a figure of speech.


Ehhhhh... yuck. I thought it was only a figure of speech.

Your vassal? Are you... No... It can’t be...


Your vassal? Are you... No... It can’t be...

Galas... I fear that no matter what we try, we may never get Lédinor back. Uria must have infected his body in some way before we found him. This is—


Galas... I fear that no matter what we try, we may never get Lédinor back. Uria must have infected his body in some way before we found him. This is—

This is only the beginning, Lady of Light. The beginning of your downfall. Everything and everyone you hold dear shall perish in time. I—


This is only the beginning, Lady of Light. The beginning of your downfall. Everything and everyone you hold dear shall perish in time. I—

Take your words to the grave, spawn of Uria!


Take your words to the grave, spawn of Uria!

That was terrifying... I fear now to think of who’ll be next...


That was terrifying... I fear now to think of who’ll be next...

He said he remembered her, Uria... She must have done this to him. It’s the only explanation... the only logical explanation...


He said he remembered her, Uria... She must have done this to him. It’s the only explanation... the only logical explanation...

We... really ought to make haste and get out of this dreadful place... lest we find out the exact method Uria uses to possess people like this.


We... really ought to make haste and get out of this dreadful place... lest we find out the exact method Uria uses to possess people like this.

No! The tunnel is collapsing on us! We weren’t fast enough—


No! The tunnel is collapsing on us! We weren’t fast enough—

There they are, the heathens! The Iron Council wants their heads. Get to it!


There they are, the heathens! The Iron Council wants their heads. Get to it!


(<i>shakes head</i>) Not again...

Your emperor has fallen and this fortress is crumbling with him. Flee and get out of our way or we will have to destroy you!


Your emperor has fallen and this fortress is crumbling with him. Flee and get out of our way or we will have to destroy you!


Keep moving!

We can’t leave Lord Lédinor behind! We must—


We can’t leave Lord Lédinor behind! We must—

It’s hopeless, Galas... Please, you must understand...


It’s hopeless, Galas... Please, you must understand...

Come on, boy, you ought to know better than this by now, after seeing what became of the Master of Darkness.


Come on, boy, you ought to know better than this by now, after seeing what became of the Master of Darkness.


I understand that you wish to travel with me, Mal Keshar. But, what about you Galas? What will become of the elves who followed you to the Northlands?

I have served my people long enough, I would say. To be honest, once Lord Inodien and Lady Unarye became more involved, my presence in our councils became somewhat redundant. And without Anlindë to guide my decisions anymore... Regardless, I was appointed by Lord Lédinor; now that my own appointed successors lead our people and the Chaos Emperor is no more, I feel I have fulfilled my duty.


I have served my people long enough, I would say. To be honest, once Lord Inodien and Lady Unarye became more involved, my presence in our councils became somewhat redundant. And without Anlindë to guide my decisions anymore... Regardless, I was appointed by Lord Lédinor; now that my own appointed successors lead our people and the Chaos Emperor is no more, I feel I have fulfilled my duty.


So...

For the first time in ages, I feel free and able to make my own choices again without the weight of an entire civilization resting on my shoulders. So, I must ask you... Would it be all right if I accompanied you on your next journey, Elynia? Because I suspect you are not planning on sitting here idly.


For the first time in ages, I feel free and able to make my own choices again without the weight of an entire civilization resting on my shoulders. So, I must ask you... Would it be all right if I accompanied you on your next journey, Elynia? Because I suspect you are not planning on sitting here idly.


... If that is what you want.

There is a place I would like to visit... That island Althurin mentioned, Zocthanol.


There is a place I would like to visit... That island Althurin mentioned, Zocthanol.

I fear that the collapse of the Heart fortress may have erased much information about the origins of Uria and Yechnagoth that could have helped us otherwise. However, the Quenoth elves did establish their new home on that island after destroying Yechnagoth; it is possible that they may have found out more about the nature of our enemies since then. I want to meet Quetor’el’s lore-keepers and see what else they might know that could help us.


I fear that the collapse of the Heart fortress may have erased much information about the origins of Uria and Yechnagoth that could have helped us otherwise. However, the Quenoth elves did establish their new home on that island after destroying Yechnagoth; it is possible that they may have found out more about the nature of our enemies since then. I want to meet Quetor’el’s lore-keepers and see what else they might know that could help us.

That seems fair enough. But, how are we going to get there?


That seems fair enough. But, how are we going to get there?

Uh, we’ll sail across the ocean, of course. Surely our northern friends won’t mind if we borrow a ship or two.


Uh, we’ll sail across the ocean, of course. Surely our northern friends won’t mind if we borrow a ship or two.

There is something unsettling about all this, though. Even though we set Argan free from his suffering, and the destruction of his capital severed the connection Irdya had with Inferno, the demons of Uria continue to roam our world in large numbers, just as before. Is she still able to influence our world? Are there other gateways to Inferno still intact elsewhere? And we never really saw the Chaos Warlord again. If she somehow survived—


There is something unsettling about all this, though. Even though we set Argan free from his suffering, and the destruction of his capital severed the connection Irdya had with Inferno, the demons of Uria continue to roam our world in large numbers, just as before. Is she still able to influence our world? Are there other gateways to Inferno still intact elsewhere? And we never really saw the Chaos Warlord again. If she somehow survived—

Then we’ll have to deal with her again, eventually. I know...


Then we’ll have to deal with her again, eventually. I know...

And then there is that Mal Hekuba and the Iron Council. I don’t suspect they will give up easily, and we <i>are</i> still in enemy territory.


And then there is that Mal Hekuba and the Iron Council. I don’t suspect they will give up easily, and we <i>are</i> still in enemy territory.

Between the ongoing war and the loss of their capital, my hope is that they will be too preoccupied struggling against the Alliance in the north to hunt us down. (<i>sighs</i>)


Between the ongoing war and the loss of their capital, my hope is that they will be too preoccupied struggling against the Alliance in the north to hunt us down. (<i>sighs</i>)

I understand your concern, but there is hardly anything we can do with the scarce information we possess regarding Uria and her followers right now.


I understand your concern, but there is hardly anything we can do with the scarce information we possess regarding Uria and her followers right now.

What about you, Igor? What will you do next?


What about you, Igor? What will you do next?

Well... I actually wonder how I survived all that... I feel like a legend now, heh. But... perhaps it’s time I find a nice place to settle in and live the rest of my days in peace, you know? Obviously not here, not in these lands with those wicked men everywhere. Could I follow you on a journey a last time? If that’s all right with you, that is.


Well... I actually wonder how I survived all that... I feel like a legend now, heh. But... perhaps it’s time I find a nice place to settle in and live the rest of my days in peace, you know? Obviously not here, not in these lands with those wicked men everywhere. Could I follow you on a journey a last time? If that’s all right with you, that is.

Oh, of course it is. I would not even think of abandoning you and your trusty steed now that we have been reduced to such a small band of fugitives. (<i>turns menacingly</i>) I do need to raise a new army to protect us, after all.


Oh, of course it is. I would not even think of abandoning you and your trusty steed now that we have been reduced to such a small band of fugitives. (<i>turns menacingly</i>) I do need to raise a new army to protect us, after all.


(<i>glaring</i>) Don’t you dare.

You always ruin everything for me. Why do I even tolerate this, I wonder...


You always ruin everything for me. Why do I even tolerate this, I wonder...

It is fine, Igor. We will miss you when we finally part ways.


It is fine, Igor. We will miss you when we finally part ways.

Oh, I’ll miss you too, friends. (<i>sniffles</i>)


Oh, I’ll miss you too, friends. (<i>sniffles</i>)

Let us return to the Far North, then. I would like to pay a visit to our people as well.


Let us return to the Far North, then. I would like to pay a visit to our people as well.

Hah! So you do miss being in a position of power after all!


Hah! So you do miss being in a position of power after all!

No, no, it’s nothing like that. I just want to speak to my comrades again — it has been far too long since I last saw their faces.


We are travelers. We don’t plan to stay in your town for more than one night. You don’t need to know who we are.

As I said, we don’t plan to stay for more than one night. Just let us in.


As I said, we don’t plan to stay for more than one night. Just let us in.


Eh?

You are not alerting the entire town of his presence, are you? Such a handsome man could spend the night doing... more worthwhile things than fighting us...


You are not alerting the entire town of his presence, are you? Such a handsome man could spend the night doing... more worthwhile things than fighting us...

Henchmen? Do you see anyone else accompanying us?


Henchmen? Do you see anyone else accompanying us?


Well, then.


Cursed, you say?

Clad in black armor, bearing flags with impaled skulls at the top, and said to smell especially funny?


Clad in black armor, bearing flags with impaled skulls at the top, and said to smell especially funny?

They are our enemies as well. We have had some encounters with them before. Perhaps we could be of help, <i>if</i> you would let us inside your walls.


They are our enemies as well. We have had some encounters with them before. Perhaps we could be of help, <i>if</i> you would let us inside your walls.

Let them come in at once! We are in need of all the help we can get if we want to live another day.


Let them come in at once! We are in need of all the help we can get if we want to live another day.

Strangers, please help us. I am sure the gate guards already told you of the situation...


Strangers, please help us. I am sure the gate guards already told you of the situation...


Yes, they did.

Well, well. I have heard of necromancers helping the northern country’s cause, so I... suppose you can be trusted. Although, if you turn out to be working for our enemies we would be doomed either way. I beg of you to aid us in this battle; all we have left nowadays is the town militia, for which we can barely afford proper weapons.


Well, well. I have heard of necromancers helping the northern country’s cause, so I... suppose you can be trusted. Although, if you turn out to be working for our enemies we would be doomed either way. I beg of you to aid us in this battle; all we have left nowadays is the town militia, for which we can barely afford proper weapons.


We’ll help you. Just don’t ask names.


That’s... a very dubious request...

Blast it, they arrived sooner than I expected. To arms!


Blast it, they arrived sooner than I expected. To arms!


We failed to protect the town...

Curse you, heretics! The Iron Council shall punish you for your deeds!


Curse you, heretics! The Iron Council shall punish you for your deeds!


I do not think so.

We will be eternally thankful for your help, travelers! If there is anything we can do in return...


We will be eternally thankful for your help, travelers! If there is anything we can do in return...

No problem; we just need provisions and directions for our journey to the northern country.


No problem; we just need provisions and directions for our journey to the northern country.

Traveling north, eh? There is a mountain pass to the northeast — it used to be a very accessible trading route before the war began. Nowadays it is plagued by dark cultists and their undead minions, and the Grand Council has done nothing to clean it up.


Traveling north, eh? There is a mountain pass to the northeast — it used to be a very accessible trading route before the war began. Nowadays it is plagued by dark cultists and their undead minions, and the Grand Council has done nothing to clean it up.

Thanks for the information, we may as well take that path then.


Thanks for the information, we may as well take that path then.


Are you sure?

We <i>control</i> the dead. We need not worry about them.


We <i>control</i> the dead. We need not worry about them.

Oh, no! We have run out of time, and their reinforcements have arrived!


This place gives me chills. Perhaps this path was not a good choice after all.


... and who called upon you?

So it is as the townsfolk warned us — this pass is infested with undead. We’ll have to give them a final rest before we can proceed any further.


So it is as the townsfolk warned us — this pass is infested with undead. We’ll have to give them a final rest before we can proceed any further.


Aww, this will be boring.

Ahhh, the traitors! Never again will you see the sunlight, for I shall feed your impious souls to Yechnagoth!


Ahhh, the traitors! Never again will you see the sunlight, for I shall feed your impious souls to Yechnagoth!

The same old tune. These goons should seek a new job or something.


The same old tune. These goons should seek a new job or something.

You, Galas! You abandoned us in the valley! You left us all to die!


You, Galas! You abandoned us in the valley! You left us all to die!


Nyadien? But...


Do you know him?

Yes, he was the leader of the patrol group that replaced mine just before the loyalists invaded our valley.


Yes, he was the leader of the patrol group that replaced mine just before the loyalists invaded our valley.

Elf, know that Galas did not have the power to stop that invasion, but the Chaos Empire no longer has a leader. There is nothing that should force you to roam this world anymore!


Elf, know that Galas did not have the power to stop that invasion, but the Chaos Empire no longer has a leader. There is nothing that should force you to roam this world anymore!

I will personally make sure you don’t go unpunished, traitor!


I will personally make sure you don’t go unpunished, traitor!

It is a waste of time to try to deal with this pile of bones. The necromancer who raised him probably used some malign spell to infect his soul with hatred towards every elf who outlived him.


It is a waste of time to try to deal with this pile of bones. The necromancer who raised him probably used some malign spell to infect his soul with hatred towards every elf who outlived him.

I am vanquished, but I curse your race to never see a day of peace or joy again for the rest of eternity!


I am vanquished, but I curse your race to never see a day of peace or joy again for the rest of eternity!

So many times... I forget how many times they have said that.


So many times... I forget how many times they have said that.


There is a storm approaching.

This doesn’t seem good at all — the storm has finally reached this pass and we’ll be buried under the snow. We should not have tarried here for so long!


I don’t like this... There are signs of a recent battle in this area.

Quickly, let us investigate what happened here. I hope it’s not too late.


Quickly, let us investigate what happened here. I hope it’s not too late.

We are sworn allies of the peoples of the Far North, and the undead support us against our enemies.


We are sworn allies of the peoples of the Far North, and the undead support us against our enemies.

This fortress barely stands. What vile creatures have come to plague the northern country?


This fortress barely stands. What vile creatures have come to plague the northern country?

We must help these poor people and try to negotiate a deal with our kinsmen. We must not allow another civil war to tear our civilization apart! Otherwise...


We must help these poor people and try to negotiate a deal with our kinsmen. We must not allow another civil war to tear our civilization apart! Otherwise...


Our sacrifices would have been in vain.

We’ll help you defend your fortress until those reinforcements arrive.


We’ll help you defend your fortress until those reinforcements arrive.

Who is it that helps the human sub-people defend their town against the true rulers of the forest?


Who is it that helps the human sub-people defend their town against the true rulers of the forest?

I am Galas, an elf of the Valley of Elynia like you. What is the reason for this unnecessary bloodshed?


I am Galas, an elf of the Valley of Elynia like you. What is the reason for this unnecessary bloodshed?

We are at war with those who have taken the life of Lord Inodien and his successor! Are you supporters of their foul cause too?


We are at war with those who have taken the life of Lord Inodien and his successor! Are you supporters of their foul cause too?

You know me well, Unidë — I would not support anyone, elf or otherwise, who would threaten the life of our leaders and our civilization. However, you are not doing any good by murdering innocent humans and elves.


You know me well, Unidë — I would not support anyone, elf or otherwise, who would threaten the life of our leaders and our civilization. However, you are not doing any good by murdering innocent humans and elves.

There must be a way to solve this problem without resorting to fighting. In these grim times, with war already raging in the outer lands, the last thing we need is conflict between ourselves as well. It will be our definitive doom. The traitors must be judged by elvish law, not by chaos and death.


There must be a way to solve this problem without resorting to fighting. In these grim times, with war already raging in the outer lands, the last thing we need is conflict between ourselves as well. It will be our definitive doom. The traitors must be judged by elvish law, not by chaos and death.

Who do you think you are to give me orders? I am in charge of our people now, and I do not listen to those who ally themselves with this worthless human scum and their foul dark sorcerers.


Who do you think you are to give me orders? I am in charge of our people now, and I do not listen to those who ally themselves with this worthless human scum and their foul dark sorcerers.

Diplomacy isn’t going to work, of course — this petty elf has a death wish.


Diplomacy isn’t going to work, of course — this petty elf has a death wish.

Avoid killing their leaders at all costs. If we want to solve this conflict, we’ll need the Grand Council to negotiate with the faction leaders, and without them, I fear that their successors may incite an even worse bloodshed. I only wish we could stop our kinsmen without resorting to violence.


Avoid killing their leaders at all costs. If we want to solve this conflict, we’ll need the Grand Council to negotiate with the faction leaders, and without them, I fear that their successors may incite an even worse bloodshed. I only wish we could stop our kinsmen without resorting to violence.

As it seems now, there is no other option for us than to hold out against their troops until help arrives. To arms!


As it seems now, there is no other option for us than to hold out against their troops until help arrives. To arms!

Though our enemies will not die by my hand, my brethren will avenge me! May this be the last day the traitors live to see the light of Naia and Sela!


Though our enemies will not die by my hand, my brethren will avenge me! May this be the last day the traitors live to see the light of Naia and Sela!

We shouldn’t have allowed her to die. Now it will be nigh impossible to put an end to this!


We shouldn’t have allowed her to die. Now it will be nigh impossible to put an end to this!

Alas, I have fallen before putting an end to this conflict.


Alas, I have fallen before putting an end to this conflict.

We shouldn’t have allowed him to die. Now it will be nigh impossible to put an end to this!


We shouldn’t have allowed him to die. Now it will be nigh impossible to put an end to this!


I die... for our people!

Ahh, great. Now we are killing other elves.


Ahh, great. Now we are killing other elves.

The situation is not improving. If those reinforcements don’t arrive soon we won’t be able to hold this place for much longer!


The situation is not improving. If those reinforcements don’t arrive soon we won’t be able to hold this place for much longer!

Elves, stop this brutal bloodshed! You have slaughtered many innocent northerners; humans, orcs, and elves alike. This dreadful display breaches the treaty we signed with Lord Galas!


Elves, stop this brutal bloodshed! You have slaughtered many innocent northerners; humans, orcs, and elves alike. This dreadful display breaches the treaty we signed with Lord Galas!


We do not listen to human sub-people!

Then you shall listen to your own authorities. I came as soon as I could to bring order to this chaos. You have not only disobeyed the will of your former leader, Lord Galas; you also ignored the advice and command of Elynia, the Lady of Light herself.


Then you shall listen to your own authorities. I came as soon as I could to bring order to this chaos. You have not only disobeyed the will of your former leader, Lord Galas; you also ignored the advice and command of Elynia, the Lady of Light herself.

In light of these events and the terms of the treaty, the Grand Council has decided to banish the elvish kind from the northern country. You shall put an end to your civil war and prepare to leave our territory before five days have passed, or we shall order our own troops to deal with you. We do not want to do this, and you are well aware that you are at a numerical disadvantage.


In light of these events and the terms of the treaty, the Grand Council has decided to banish the elvish kind from the northern country. You shall put an end to your civil war and prepare to leave our territory before five days have passed, or we shall order our own troops to deal with you. We do not want to do this, and you are well aware that you are at a numerical disadvantage.

Did one of your kind kill the puny ‘lord’ of these rebels as part of a ruse to banish us from the forests, then?


Did one of your kind kill the puny ‘lord’ of these rebels as part of a ruse to banish us from the forests, then?

Listen, wose-born scum: Inodien was slain by no elf, human or orc!


Listen, wose-born scum: Inodien was slain by no elf, human or orc!

We have good reasons to think that the Chaos Empire sent forth their mercenaries for the purpose of causing this revolt and sending us all to our doom. But we are not letting that happen, at least not today.


We have good reasons to think that the Chaos Empire sent forth their mercenaries for the purpose of causing this revolt and sending us all to our doom. But we are not letting that happen, at least not today.

This is not fair! Why should we pay for crimes committed by outsiders?


This is not fair! Why should we pay for crimes committed by outsiders?

Your hands are not clean, elf! How do you even dare to ignore that fact in front of the bearers of the law?


Your hands are not clean, elf! How do you even dare to ignore that fact in front of the bearers of the law?

It is true. We have spilled much elvish blood with this fight. Galas and I shall leave these lands as soon as we can.


It is true. We have spilled much elvish blood with this fight. Galas and I shall leave these lands as soon as we can.

What? And how are we going to travel to Zocthanol Isle then?


What? And how are we going to travel to Zocthanol Isle then?

I swear that my people will never forget this, the most vile of treacheries. I shall withdraw my troops and my people from this accursed country today, but I do intend to return some day to demand proper justice!


I swear that my people will never forget this, the most vile of treacheries. I shall withdraw my troops and my people from this accursed country today, but I do intend to return some day to demand proper justice!

If the Lady of Light is willing to depart from these lands to never return because of our own misdeeds, then we shall abandon the country as well. Come with me, men!


If the Lady of Light is willing to depart from these lands to never return because of our own misdeeds, then we shall abandon the country as well. Come with me, men!


Elynia? Can you tell us your plan?

There is a port to the west in the Bay of Tirigaz. It’s controlled by orcs, but perhaps we can find a way to bribe them so they lend us ships and provisions. It is the only port that doesn’t belong to the Aragwaithi nowadays.


There is a port to the west in the Bay of Tirigaz. It’s controlled by orcs, but perhaps we can find a way to bribe them so they lend us ships and provisions. It is the only port that doesn’t belong to the Aragwaithi nowadays.


That is the sound of those blasted creatures!

Um... that’s unusual. Could they be behind the death of Inodien? But then...


Um... that’s unusual. Could they be behind the death of Inodien? But then...

... The Chaos Empire must not be in disarray as we thought.


... The Chaos Empire must not be in disarray as we thought.

They shall pay for the senseless destruction and bloodshed they caused. Let us get rid of them before they bring more strife to this country!


They shall pay for the senseless destruction and bloodshed they caused. Let us get rid of them before they bring more strife to this country!

Don’t die yet, vermin! We want some answers before crushing your useless skull against the rocks!


Don’t die yet, vermin! We want some answers before crushing your useless skull against the rocks!

... And do you really believe I would speak? Heh... you can torture me as much as you want, but you won’t get anything from me!


... And do you really believe I would speak? Heh... you can torture me as much as you want, but you won’t get anything from me!


Stupid...


Let him.

That bastard... Hekuba... He and the Iron Triad must be behind this. But what are they trying to accomplish?


That bastard... Hekuba... He and the Iron Triad must be behind this. But what are they trying to accomplish?

They want to take revenge on us and our kind after Argan’s death, of course. It seems that as long as their cult exists, so will the Chaos Empire.


They want to take revenge on us and our kind after Argan’s death, of course. It seems that as long as their cult exists, so will the Chaos Empire.

This was the last one, and it doesn’t seem like there are any more groups coming here.


This was the last one, and it doesn’t seem like there are any more groups coming here.

Let’s not worry a lot about them. These pathetic weaklings are nothing compared to the hordes we fought before.


Let’s not worry a lot about them. These pathetic weaklings are nothing compared to the hordes we fought before.


Let’s proceed to Tirigaz now, quickly.

Why don’t we go after their leaders and put an end to this stupid war <i>now</i>?


Why don’t we go after their leaders and put an end to this stupid war <i>now</i>?

No... That would be a highly reckless choice. We don’t know what kind of enemies we might be facing other than Mal Hekuba — you have not forgotten our last encounter with him, have you? We are at a disadvantage without more information about them — their leaders, their weapons, their plans. This is why we must find Zocthanol first.


No... That would be a highly reckless choice. We don’t know what kind of enemies we might be facing other than Mal Hekuba — you have not forgotten our last encounter with him, have you? We are at a disadvantage without more information about them — their leaders, their weapons, their plans. This is why we must find Zocthanol first.


Sigh. Very well, then.

We have wasted far too much time dealing with these pests. Look! A large swarm is approaching from the south!


We have wasted far too much time dealing with these pests. Look! A large swarm is approaching from the south!

Indeed. This... this was not a very prudent idea.


We care nothing for your stupid conflicts on the eastern borders. You trespassed our frontiers and broke our treaty, and now you ask from us the very lands you took by force; after raiding our southern garrison, no less! If you believe we will accede now—

To the Dark Gods with you and your treaty! The words of an orc are no more meaningful than his fetid breath! Maybe you’ll admit your defeat once we have razed every single one of your precious buildings to the ground. Go ahead, Rishix! Teach them a lesson!


To the Dark Gods with you and your treaty! The words of an orc are no more meaningful than his fetid breath! Maybe you’ll admit your defeat once we have razed every single one of your precious buildings to the ground. Go ahead, Rishix! Teach them a lesson!

We’ll make these puny dirt-dwellers rue the day they were born!


We’ll make these puny dirt-dwellers rue the day they were born!

That city to the northwest... is it the port of Tirigaz?


That city to the northwest... is it the port of Tirigaz?

Yes... it wasn’t so well fortified during my time. So many things have changed since then.


Yes... it wasn’t so well fortified during my time. So many things have changed since then.

Hello, strangers! Are you loyal to the Grand Council?


Hello, strangers! Are you loyal to the Grand Council?


Yes, we are.

Those vile saurians hold the port of Tirigaz under siege, leaving me unable to reach the city to deliver some important news to our lord. I think I speak for all of us when I say that your help would be very appreciated. I need to get to the city keep, but the journey across isn’t safe while those vermin roam about our lands!


Those vile saurians hold the port of Tirigaz under siege, leaving me unable to reach the city to deliver some important news to our lord. I think I speak for all of us when I say that your help would be very appreciated. I need to get to the city keep, but the journey across isn’t safe while those vermin roam about our lands!

The enemies of our friends are our enemies. We can help you.


The enemies of our friends are our enemies. We can help you.

(<i>whispering</i>) I am curious about their motives... Don’t you think your trust in the orcs could be misplaced?


(<i>whispering</i>) I am curious about their motives... Don’t you think your trust in the orcs could be misplaced?

We must stop and repel those saurians before they take over Tirigaz or the northern town that provides resources to the port.


We must stop and repel those saurians before they take over Tirigaz or the northern town that provides resources to the port.

Vuruk, what is it that you need to report to the lord of Tirigaz?


Vuruk, what is it that you need to report to the lord of Tirigaz?

Hmm... I fear it is nothing I’m allowed to share with anyone but Lord Tan-Vatar and his trusted commanders, at least not at this time.


Hmm... I fear it is nothing I’m allowed to share with anyone but Lord Tan-Vatar and his trusted commanders, at least not at this time.


Fair enough.

Come in aid of your kin, friends from the deep sea!


Come in aid of your kin, friends from the deep sea!

Ah, ha, ha, hah! They have the support of some wild creatures from the ocean! Nothing we cannot handle.


Ah, ha, ha, hah! They have the support of some wild creatures from the ocean! Nothing we cannot handle.

This is turning out to be much harder than we expected...


This is turning out to be much harder than we expected...

Arthol is being ransacked by the saurians! Now there’s no hope for Tirigaz!


Arthol is being ransacked by the saurians! Now there’s no hope for Tirigaz!

Tirigaz has been captured! Our mission has failed, and we won’t be able to reach Zocthanol now!


Tirigaz has been captured! Our mission has failed, and we won’t be able to reach Zocthanol now!

We let the orcish messenger perish on the battlefield! The lord of Tirigaz is not going to like this...


We let the orcish messenger perish on the battlefield! The lord of Tirigaz is not going to like this...


Damn you, dirt-dwellers!

I have been struck down by the damned minions of a lich! This is not fair!


I have been struck down by the damned minions of a lich! This is not fair!

Noooooo! You’ll suffer for this atrocity!


Noooooo! You’ll suffer for this atrocity!


Ha, ha, ha! Die, fool!

No! The city will fall... without my leadership... *ack*


No! The city will fall... without my leadership... *ack*

Take that, orcish scum! Your leader is dead now, and your city is ours!


Take that, orcish scum! Your leader is dead now, and your city is ours!

The commander of the defense of Tirigaz has been slain! The city won’t resist for much longer now...


The commander of the defense of Tirigaz has been slain! The city won’t resist for much longer now...


Crush their villages into the ground!

These villages belong to the lord of Tirigaz! We must protect them, not capture them!


These villages belong to the lord of Tirigaz! We must protect them, not capture them!


(<i>jumps in</i>) Wheeeeeeee!!!


Yes! We did it!

This is an important battle you’ve helped us win, travelers. The city of Tirigaz shall be eternally thankful for your assistance.


This is an important battle you’ve helped us win, travelers. The city of Tirigaz shall be eternally thankful for your assistance.

It is our duty to assist our allies in these times. However, I believe this soldier has something to tell you...


It is our duty to assist our allies in these times. However, I believe this soldier has something to tell you...

Vuruk, brother, you made it! Did you discover anything new?


Vuruk, brother, you made it! Did you discover anything new?

Ha, indeed! I need to talk with you about it later, but now I must report to the chieftains.


Ha, indeed! I need to talk with you about it later, but now I must report to the chieftains.

I see you helped Vuruk return home safe and sound. Well done! So, what can we do for you to repay our debt?


I see you helped Vuruk return home safe and sound. Well done! So, what can we do for you to repay our debt?

Um, we are currently looking for transportation services. We must sail the open ocean to find a certain island...


Um, we are currently looking for transportation services. We must sail the open ocean to find a certain island...

I mean no offense, but only fools would dare sail the <i>open ocean</i>! Nobody has ventured into farther waters and returned in one piece, ever! Nobody knows exactly what kind of creatures inhabit the Vast Sea! Nobody knows for certain what lies beyond the horizon, but it surely can’t be good, you see! Why would anyone want to travel so far into unknown waters, when there are plenty of safer unexplored lands awaiting back whence you came?


I mean no offense, but only fools would dare sail the <i>open ocean</i>! Nobody has ventured into farther waters and returned in one piece, ever! Nobody knows exactly what kind of creatures inhabit the Vast Sea! Nobody knows for certain what lies beyond the horizon, but it surely can’t be good, you see! Why would anyone want to travel so far into unknown waters, when there are plenty of safer unexplored lands awaiting back whence you came?

We have a mission to complete, but much like Vuruk’s, it is not something we should discuss with...


We have a mission to complete, but much like Vuruk’s, it is not something we should discuss with...

We know the location of a certain isle where some people who once lived on the Great Continent went to. We need to gather some information from them — as part of a mission for the Grand Council.


We know the location of a certain isle where some people who once lived on the Great Continent went to. We need to gather some information from them — as part of a mission for the Grand Council.


Uh, huh.

The Grand Council? Why didn’t you say so in the first place! We’ll do anything we can to help you in your mission. It’ll be difficult to gather an appropriate crew for you, but at least I can give you one of our fastest transport vessels.


This place appears to be abandoned... Are you sure this is the correct island?

Not completely... but it’s possible that the Quenoth elves just avoid these shores for some reason.


Not completely... but it’s possible that the Quenoth elves just avoid these shores for some reason.

Let’s explore and try to find them, then.


Let’s explore and try to find them, then.

Maybe we should return to the ship. I’m not really sure about going into the forest at night, it could be dangerous.


Maybe we should return to the ship. I’m not really sure about going into the forest at night, it could be dangerous.


Why are you hesitating now?

Do you remember when we almost lost you in the caves beneath Wesmere? I don’t want to risk that occurring again. We don’t know why we haven’t found any elves here and...


Do you remember when we almost lost you in the caves beneath Wesmere? I don’t want to risk that occurring again. We don’t know why we haven’t found any elves here and...


Is there something you haven’t told me?


Galas, I—

I hear something moving among the trees.


I hear something moving among the trees.

Who are you and where do you come from? You don’t seem to be of our kin.


Who are you and where do you come from? You don’t seem to be of our kin.

We are elves! There’s no need to point at us with those arrows and swords, either; we’re clearly at a disadvantage here.


We are elves! There’s no need to point at us with those arrows and swords, either; we’re clearly at a disadvantage here.

You do not look or dress like our people. Is this some kind of joke? We are pretty sure we’ve never seen your faces on this island.


You do not look or dress like our people. Is this some kind of joke? We are pretty sure we’ve never seen your faces on this island.

They are probably impostors sent by Uria to destroy our home!


They are probably impostors sent by Uria to destroy our home!


Let us explain...


Arrest them!


Stop!

(spreading her wings) How can you not recognize your sylvan ancestors, young girl? Have the Quenoth elves completely forgotten their history after all this time?!


(spreading her wings) How can you not recognize your sylvan ancestors, young girl? Have the Quenoth elves completely forgotten their history after all this time?!

(<i>in a calm, sad tone</i>) When did you last see the essence of the forest blazing in the dark?


(<i>in a calm, sad tone</i>) When did you last see the essence of the forest blazing in the dark?


Lord Gaellis, son of Kalehssar, we found these two strangers on the southeastern shores. They came from the northern seas, and seem to bring the light of Eloh with them.

No land dwellers have set foot on this island for a long time. The last recorded landing was centuries ago, when our own kin came here seeking a new home; they made sure no-one was left behind on the continent. Tell us, who are you?


No land dwellers have set foot on this island for a long time. The last recorded landing was centuries ago, when our own kin came here seeking a new home; they made sure no-one was left behind on the continent. Tell us, who are you?

Sir, I am Galas, son of Valthir, and this is...


Sir, I am Galas, son of Valthir, and this is...


Elynia, daughter of Deniéth-Isal.

You bear a strong resemblance to us. Spread your wings, Elynia. Albeit unusually pale, your face is that of an elf; but your clothes, and your wings... they are very unlike our own. Where do you come from?


You bear a strong resemblance to us. Spread your wings, Elynia. Albeit unusually pale, your face is that of an elf; but your clothes, and your wings... they are very unlike our own. Where do you come from?

From the Great Continent — from the region we call the Far North, beyond the tall Heart Mountains that grasp the sky and guard the green lands. There, the suns’ light has not been enough to burn those beautiful forests forever. We are different to you, indeed; we are forest elves, and we have come to seek your help against the great evil that has befallen Irdya.


From the Great Continent — from the region we call the Far North, beyond the tall Heart Mountains that grasp the sky and guard the green lands. There, the suns’ light has not been enough to burn those beautiful forests forever. We are different to you, indeed; we are forest elves, and we have come to seek your help against the great evil that has befallen Irdya.

Forest elves? How is that possible? The last our people saw of the Great Continent were vast deserts plagued with foul orcs, necromancers, and human barbarians. There’s no green life left on it anymore!


Forest elves? How is that possible? The last our people saw of the Great Continent were vast deserts plagued with foul orcs, necromancers, and human barbarians. There’s no green life left on it anymore!

Maybe your people didn’t travel far enough! Most of the central region fits your description, but there are a few secluded valleys where life has continued to thrive, and the Far North is vast enough to allow both humans and orcs to live relatively at peace with each other.


Maybe your people didn’t travel far enough! Most of the central region fits your description, but there are a few secluded valleys where life has continued to thrive, and the Far North is vast enough to allow both humans and orcs to live relatively at peace with each other.


That is—

Kalehssar, the Blade of Eloh, destroyed the dark force that once reigned over Irdya and attempted to erase the last remnants of our kind. What new foe threatens to put an end to our peace now, daughter of the forests?


Kalehssar, the Blade of Eloh, destroyed the dark force that once reigned over Irdya and attempted to erase the last remnants of our kind. What new foe threatens to put an end to our peace now, daughter of the forests?

The creature slain by his hand was but a servant of a far greater power. The fight is not over yet, and although we have recently vanquished another... minion of hers, the influence she exerts on this world remains as strong as ever.


The creature slain by his hand was but a servant of a far greater power. The fight is not over yet, and although we have recently vanquished another... minion of hers, the influence she exerts on this world remains as strong as ever.

I realize that this may sound overly dramatic, but I speak the truth, for I am the slayer of Zhangor, and Eloh guided me back to you in this era because you have the missing page of our civilization’s history: Kalehssar fought Yechnagoth, the Eater of Souls, and defeated her on this island nearly four centuries ago. The enemy we face now is none other than Uria, who has amassed an empire of human followers on the Great Continent. Even now as we speak, they work with the forces of Inferno and their unspeakable creations to destroy all that is left in the world!


I realize that this may sound overly dramatic, but I speak the truth, for I am the slayer of Zhangor, and Eloh guided me back to you in this era because you have the missing page of our civilization’s history: Kalehssar fought Yechnagoth, the Eater of Souls, and defeated her on this island nearly four centuries ago. The enemy we face now is none other than Uria, who has amassed an empire of human followers on the Great Continent. Even now as we speak, they work with the forces of Inferno and their unspeakable creations to destroy all that is left in the world!

I cannot do miracles. If you need more proof of our claims—


I cannot do miracles. If you need more proof of our claims—

At the end of the previous era, you were sent by Eloh to protect elvenkind from the Demon Lord. Now, you have returned to us to protect all Irdya from the Fallen Goddess... Elynia, the power you wield has not been seen by our kin for eons, as much of our forefathers’ knowledge perished with them when the spawn of Uria destroyed their forests. You are a rare gem among the entire elvish civilization, and we have no reason to distrust you. We listen to the call of our forest ancestors, and we agree to help you.


At the end of the previous era, you were sent by Eloh to protect elvenkind from the Demon Lord. Now, you have returned to us to protect all Irdya from the Fallen Goddess... Elynia, the power you wield has not been seen by our kin for eons, as much of our forefathers’ knowledge perished with them when the spawn of Uria destroyed their forests. You are a rare gem among the entire elvish civilization, and we have no reason to distrust you. We listen to the call of our forest ancestors, and we agree to help you.


Don’t we all?


What kind of help do you need?

Necromancy is the least of evils now that Uria’s minions plague the Great Continent. In our long journey to this island, we have not only been assisted by the orcs of the Far North, but also by a lich who helped us defeat the Chaos Emperor. We will need his help here, so I request that we are allowed to bring our orcish and undead allies to this island.


Necromancy is the least of evils now that Uria’s minions plague the Great Continent. In our long journey to this island, we have not only been assisted by the orcs of the Far North, but also by a lich who helped us defeat the Chaos Emperor. We will need his help here, so I request that we are allowed to bring our orcish and undead allies to this island.

It is true that many necromancers have worked together with Uria’s minions to bring doom to the natural inhabitants of the continent, including your own ancestors. But it’s also true that knowing whether a creature walks the path of Light or the path of Darkness does not suffice to distinguish evil from good. As for the orcs, they have been our allies even in the past, back when there was only one sun and all elves lived in the forests of Irdya.


It is true that many necromancers have worked together with Uria’s minions to bring doom to the natural inhabitants of the continent, including your own ancestors. But it’s also true that knowing whether a creature walks the path of Light or the path of Darkness does not suffice to distinguish evil from good. As for the orcs, they have been our allies even in the past, back when there was only one sun and all elves lived in the forests of Irdya.

We shall allow the orcs and the undead to come to assist you once you tell us exactly what you are going to do, but beware that our warriors and priests are ready to take care of them should they do anything suspicious.


We shall allow the orcs and the undead to come to assist you once you tell us exactly what you are going to do, but beware that our warriors and priests are ready to take care of them should they do anything suspicious.

We require access to the place where Yechnagoth was destroyed.


It is certainly unfortunate that you couldn’t find a solution to this problem. Everything seems peaceful and good from our current location, but if Uria’s minions win the war and take over the continent, it will only be a matter of time until they come to claim this island. And what if Yechnagoth is able to control the surface creatures of the continent again?

At least we know that her soul is no longer in this world. There’s a faint possibility that they might be unable to use her heart for anything yet. We must make haste and instruct our allies to purge the remains of Wesmere.


At least we know that her soul is no longer in this world. There’s a faint possibility that they might be unable to use her heart for anything yet. We must make haste and instruct our allies to purge the remains of Wesmere.

A few of our people expressed interest on joining your group to help you in this quest, and learn more about the state of the lands whence we came a couple of centuries ago.


A few of our people expressed interest on joining your group to help you in this quest, and learn more about the state of the lands whence we came a couple of centuries ago.

Eloh would want us to help our kin in these dark times.


Eloh would want us to help our kin in these dark times.

Our numbers are very small, and we don’t have the resources to support an army, but we have the knowledge, and the faith to try to make a difference on the battlefield.


Our numbers are very small, and we don’t have the resources to support an army, but we have the knowledge, and the faith to try to make a difference on the battlefield.

It would be an honor to fight alongside you, sir.


It would be an honor to fight alongside you, sir.

Fight, indeed. We have spent too much time far from ‘home’ — who knows what’s become of it since we left.


Fight, indeed. We have spent too much time far from ‘home’ — who knows what’s become of it since we left.

The honor is ours. We appreciate and accept your help on this day, but we are even more grateful for the day on which you released Irdya from the eternal nightmare of Yechnagoth’s control.


The honor is ours. We appreciate and accept your help on this day, but we are even more grateful for the day on which you released Irdya from the eternal nightmare of Yechnagoth’s control.

Young Galas, what you three have done for us is no small deed either. Although your journey is not quite complete yet, by defeating Uria’s designated sovereign of Chaos, you proved that her forces are not invincible, and rekindled that flame of hope everyone needed. You truly are the heroes of the forest elves of this era.


Young Galas, what you three have done for us is no small deed either. Although your journey is not quite complete yet, by defeating Uria’s designated sovereign of Chaos, you proved that her forces are not invincible, and rekindled that flame of hope everyone needed. You truly are the heroes of the forest elves of this era.


Thank you.

Kyara is one of our most skilled archers, and she has expressed her desire to join you in your quest. Seeing as how you will need all the help you can get, we thought you might welcome her support.


Kyara is one of our most skilled archers, and she has expressed her desire to join you in your quest. Seeing as how you will need all the help you can get, we thought you might welcome her support.

You can come with us if you wish, but you need to be aware of the dangers that lie in our way.


You can come with us if you wish, but you need to be aware of the dangers that lie in our way.

I <i>am</i> aware. I’ve already talked with Lord Galas about it — I just want to be of help to our forest cousins in this struggle for our future.


I <i>am</i> aware. I’ve already talked with Lord Galas about it — I just want to be of help to our forest cousins in this struggle for our future.

Well, we must now prepare for departing tomorrow in the morning. A long voyage back home awaits us...


I don’t like this place. It feels as if something is waiting to ambush us in the darkness.

Heh, darkness. These elves aren’t very smart after all. Why would they think that sending one of their sun-loving youths would be of any help to us?


Heh, darkness. These elves aren’t very smart after all. Why would they think that sending one of their sun-loving youths would be of any help to us?

Keep your mouth shut, decrepit lich! We are being <i>far</i> more lenient than anyone would be with those who deal with your unnatural minions and these filthy apes.


Keep your mouth shut, decrepit lich! We are being <i>far</i> more lenient than anyone would be with those who deal with your unnatural minions and these filthy apes.

Who are you calling “filthy apes”, you...


Who are you calling “filthy apes”, you...

Calm down, everyone! If we are to explore these caverns, we’ll need to stay together.


Calm down, everyone! If we are to explore these caverns, we’ll need to stay together.

What are you looking for? Some kind of artifact? Rocks? Spiders?


What are you looking for? Some kind of artifact? Rocks? Spiders?

We believe these caves beneath the dark citadel may have once been used by our enemies. If that is the case, they may have left behind scrolls, artifacts, or anything else that could provide us with hints.


We believe these caves beneath the dark citadel may have once been used by our enemies. If that is the case, they may have left behind scrolls, artifacts, or anything else that could provide us with hints.

This is no time to fight amongst ourselves. Just stay alert and let us see what we can find.


This is no time to fight amongst ourselves. Just stay alert and let us see what we can find.


We will help you as best we can, elf.

A giant spider. Just a bothersome giant spider.


A giant spider. Just a bothersome giant spider.

Look out, there are undead sentinels standing in our way!


Look out, there are undead sentinels standing in our way!

This is impossible! Our druids purged any evil creatures left on this island after Kalehssar’s victory!


This is impossible! Our druids purged any evil creatures left on this island after Kalehssar’s victory!

Above the surface, they might have been unable to detect these slumbering minions. Yes, it appears our presence is what has awakened them after so long.


Above the surface, they might have been unable to detect these slumbering minions. Yes, it appears our presence is what has awakened them after so long.

There was very little strength left in this guardian. I wonder who was the master of these minions before the place was abandoned?


There was very little strength left in this guardian. I wonder who was the master of these minions before the place was abandoned?

Argan, of course. There’s no doubt about it.


Argan, of course. There’s no doubt about it.


Not bad for a sun-loving little girl.


Shut up, necromancer.


Now what?

If our past experiences with this sort of fortress are anything to go by, this is most likely not the dead end it appears to be. Let us check the cave to the east.


If our past experiences with this sort of fortress are anything to go by, this is most likely not the dead end it appears to be. Let us check the cave to the east.

Hm... I don’t know what I was thinking; there is no point in following this stream.


Hm... I don’t know what I was thinking; there is no point in following this stream.


These accursed bats are everywhere!

It’s a cave, what did you expect? Rabbits?


It’s a cave, what did you expect? Rabbits?

Ghouls. I guess this is Argan’s old lair.


Ghouls. I guess this is Argan’s old lair.

Yes, it seems to be... Let’s get rid of its current residents and inspect those chambers.


Yes, it seems to be... Let’s get rid of its current residents and inspect those chambers.

Elynia, you should check this crystal; it may have information we need.


Elynia, you should check this crystal; it may have information we need.

That’s strange. Why would Argan keep something he obviously couldn’t use in his lair?


That’s strange. Why would Argan keep something he obviously couldn’t use in his lair?

It could be... that he foresaw me coming to this place and wanted to help me, even if he couldn’t break free from Uria’s control.


It could be... that he foresaw me coming to this place and wanted to help me, even if he couldn’t break free from Uria’s control.

It’s more likely that he wanted to set a trap for us or anyone else who would manage to find this place.


It’s more likely that he wanted to set a trap for us or anyone else who would manage to find this place.

I don’t believe he truly intended to cause me any harm with his actions... I’ll take the spell, it could be of use later.


I don’t believe he truly intended to cause me any harm with his actions... I’ll take the spell, it could be of use later.


Elynia, don’t—

I don’t feel any different, but... I guess I need to figure out exactly how this power works, now.


I don’t feel any different, but... I guess I need to figure out exactly how this power works, now.

Hmph. In my times, you didn’t acquire magic abilities from a rock. Well, be careful if you ever attempt to use that spell; knowing who might have put it there, I don’t think it’s safe. And more generally, while it is known that powerful mages can learn to travel great distances like that, many of them also disappear on occasion and are never heard of again.


Hmph. In my times, you didn’t acquire magic abilities from a rock. Well, be careful if you ever attempt to use that spell; knowing who might have put it there, I don’t think it’s safe. And more generally, while it is known that powerful mages can learn to travel great distances like that, many of them also disappear on occasion and are never heard of again.

There doesn’t seem to be much more to see here. That’s unfortunate.


There doesn’t seem to be much more to see here. That’s unfortunate.

This reminds me that the ‘First’ is also described in the ruins of a hidden city beneath the Heart Mountains. It is said that he created ten powerful demons, the Original Ten. All this would imply that all elves and other faerie creatures are descended, or at least created in the image of this mysterious wielder of the Arcane Flame, sister of Uria and Yechnagoth, and one of the Original Ten.


This reminds me that the ‘First’ is also described in the ruins of a hidden city beneath the Heart Mountains. It is said that he created ten powerful demons, the Original Ten. All this would imply that all elves and other faerie creatures are descended, or at least created in the image of this mysterious wielder of the Arcane Flame, sister of Uria and Yechnagoth, and one of the Original Ten.

Eloh. That’s her name — a name that was seldom heard in my times, for nearly nothing was known for certain about her and the myths neglected explaining the origin of every other race on Irdya. I suppose that Zhangor’s influence upon Wesmere may have resulted in the reintroduction of that name to our kin’s lore. Regardless, even though linguistics are not my specialty, I suspect that’s still not her true name, much like the case of Yechnagoth.


Eloh. That’s her name — a name that was seldom heard in my times, for nearly nothing was known for certain about her and the myths neglected explaining the origin of every other race on Irdya. I suppose that Zhangor’s influence upon Wesmere may have resulted in the reintroduction of that name to our kin’s lore. Regardless, even though linguistics are not my specialty, I suspect that’s still not her true name, much like the case of Yechnagoth.

What you have learned here about all this... it would probably be best to keep it a secret for now, especially the allusions to other worlds. In these times when demons roam and spoil Irdya at will, realizing that they might be more closely related to us than we suspected, and that there might be more awaiting out there... it could be devastating to our cultures, to say the least. Perhaps after all this is over...


What you have learned here about all this... it would probably be best to keep it a secret for now, especially the allusions to other worlds. In these times when demons roam and spoil Irdya at will, realizing that they might be more closely related to us than we suspected, and that there might be more awaiting out there... it could be devastating to our cultures, to say the least. Perhaps after all this is over...

<i>(snicker)</i> And you say that Argan never intended to cause you any harm? All that we have found proves that he really wanted to destroy your kind after all! Using the powers of an ancient demon, no less!


<i>(snicker)</i> And you say that Argan never intended to cause you any harm? All that we have found proves that he really wanted to destroy your kind after all! Using the powers of an ancient demon, no less!

I don’t believe that any of this was done out of his own volition. He was... under Uria’s control.


I don’t believe that any of this was done out of his own volition. He was... under Uria’s control.

So, have you forgotten what he said? “I guess I had this coming ever since then.” I know, his last words were very vague, but it certainly sounded like he was well aware of what he was doing the whole time. Perhaps it was not his intention to cause harm to <i>you</i> in particular, but the damage he caused throughout the continent, in the name of Uria, to the things you protect... did it not affect you? Furthermore, it seemed like Uria felt his loss. If he was a mere puppet of hers, would she have resented his death so much?


So, have you forgotten what he said? “I guess I had this coming ever since then.” I know, his last words were very vague, but it certainly sounded like he was well aware of what he was doing the whole time. Perhaps it was not his intention to cause harm to <i>you</i> in particular, but the damage he caused throughout the continent, in the name of Uria, to the things you protect... did it not affect you? Furthermore, it seemed like Uria felt his loss. If he was a mere puppet of hers, would she have resented his death so much?


You know nothing.


I saw enough. I heard enough.

<i>(nervously)</i> We should return to the surface before we run out of provisions.


<i>(nervously)</i> We should return to the surface before we run out of provisions.

Elynia... if I’m not mistaken, we found a journal in the Heart, and you have kept it all this time with you, correct?


Elynia... if I’m not mistaken, we found a journal in the Heart, and you have kept it all this time with you, correct?

I... the elf who suggested that we take the journal, he was under Uria’s control, wasn’t he? It might not truly be Argan’s.


I... the elf who suggested that we take the journal, he was under Uria’s control, wasn’t he? It might not truly be Argan’s.

I am sure it is. I knew Lédinor well enough, and I’m sure that was him speaking, not Uria. It was later that his face and demeanor changed completely. No matter what Uria said, I’m certain that Lédinor was struggling to overcome her control all that time, resisting it long enough to help us, even though he knew she would succeed in the end. If he had told us about it, he would have collapsed much earlier.


I am sure it is. I knew Lédinor well enough, and I’m sure that was him speaking, not Uria. It was later that his face and demeanor changed completely. No matter what Uria said, I’m certain that Lédinor was struggling to overcome her control all that time, resisting it long enough to help us, even though he knew she would succeed in the end. If he had told us about it, he would have collapsed much earlier.

We are descendants of Eloh, and as the Quenoth elves know, not even Yechnagoth’s mind control can work on us that easily.


We are descendants of Eloh, and as the Quenoth elves know, not even Yechnagoth’s mind control can work on us that easily.

I know you are probably hesitant about reading Argan’s journal because you fear to learn more about how much of a monster he became...


I know you are probably hesitant about reading Argan’s journal because you fear to learn more about how much of a monster he became...


I...

If you prefer, I could read it for you, and keep any details besides what is relevant to our quest from reaching anyone.


If you prefer, I could read it for you, and keep any details besides what is relevant to our quest from reaching anyone.

<i>(with a calmer expression)</i> Very well.


<i>(with a calmer expression)</i> Very well.

In the meantime, perhaps you could socialize with the locals or something. Perhaps try to have fun and smile? It really helps when you’ve lived for so long — I should be one to know. While you do that, I’ll be <i>killing</i> myself reading a damn book; I haven’t found any good reading material since the Fall, you know? It seems like everyone suddenly forgot how to read and write after the Wesnothians singlehandedly ended the world!


In the meantime, perhaps you could socialize with the locals or something. Perhaps try to have fun and smile? It really helps when you’ve lived for so long — I should be one to know. While you do that, I’ll be <i>killing</i> myself reading a damn book; I haven’t found any good reading material since the Fall, you know? It seems like everyone suddenly forgot how to read and write after the Wesnothians singlehandedly ended the world!


... You are already dead.

We have spent too much time in these caverns, and many of my men are starving.


We have spent too much time in these caverns, and many of my men are starving.

<i>(sighs, staring at the ceiling)</i> Why do we always have a time limit of some sort for everything we do?


The fog is so thick I can barely see anything in the distance. It’s rather unsettling...

Indeed. We should explore this peninsula carefully and stay together. Maybe we can find an abandoned castle or village where we can rest while we plan our next course of action.


Indeed. We should explore this peninsula carefully and stay together. Maybe we can find an abandoned castle or village where we can rest while we plan our next course of action.

The air is unusually dense. There’s something more about this place I don’t like.


The air is unusually dense. There’s something more about this place I don’t like.


We may soon find out...

What kind of infernal spawn is that thing?!


What kind of infernal spawn is that thing?!

Shaxthals. We are definitely not alone here.


Shaxthals. We are definitely not alone here.

We’ll have to fight our way through this place then.


We’ll have to fight our way through this place then.


Yes, we did it!

Let’s leave this land as quickly as possible.


Let’s leave this land as quickly as possible.


Galas?


Galas... you too...


Well done, Kendria. Well done.


What are you talking about...

Let him be. After all, it would be bad form to not tell them our plans before disposing of their souls, wouldn’t it?


Let him be. After all, it would be bad form to not tell them our plans before disposing of their souls, wouldn’t it?

We would have killed you on sight, rats, but our master greatly wanted to see your faces one last time.


We would have killed you on sight, rats, but our master greatly wanted to see your faces one last time.

You... don’t have... a master... We killed... him...


You... don’t have... a master... We killed... him...


We have reserves, my dear.


You...?!

As you can see, I am in charge of this place and the Chaos Empire now. It is my intention to show you my gratitude for giving me this perfect opportunity to cleanse the path for Uria to do her will.


As you can see, I am in charge of this place and the Chaos Empire now. It is my intention to show you my gratitude for giving me this perfect opportunity to cleanse the path for Uria to do her will.

Irdya, like many other worlds, has certain anomalies which result in spatial connections forming between it and Inferno, where Uria and her subjects live. These anomalies are very well protected and guarded by ancient demons who do not allow anyone to traverse the breach in either direction.


Irdya, like many other worlds, has certain anomalies which result in spatial connections forming between it and Inferno, where Uria and her subjects live. These anomalies are very well protected and guarded by ancient demons who do not allow anyone to traverse the breach in either direction.

Long ago, a group of sorcerers on this earth created a number of artifacts that could be used to open or close portals from one location of Irdya to another. Theoretically, those artifacts could also be used to create new, unguarded connections between Irdya and Inferno.


Long ago, a group of sorcerers on this earth created a number of artifacts that could be used to open or close portals from one location of Irdya to another. Theoretically, those artifacts could also be used to create new, unguarded connections between Irdya and Inferno.

The artifacts were replicas of an original that was thought lost long ago. We learned that, after changing owners many times throughout its winding history, it came to be used as a symbol of the nation that would become responsible for creating Naia. At some point, somebody ordered its destruction so it would never again be misused by anyone in the land.


The artifacts were replicas of an original that was thought lost long ago. We learned that, after changing owners many times throughout its winding history, it came to be used as a symbol of the nation that would become responsible for creating Naia. At some point, somebody ordered its destruction so it would never again be misused by anyone in the land.

I literally wasted my life trying to find it. In the end, it found me instead, long after I gave up on my search! But of course, its bearer unwittingly brought it before my eyes while wielding a power I could not withstand, the power of the Union. Does this sound familiar to you?


I literally wasted my life trying to find it. In the end, it found me instead, long after I gave up on my search! But of course, its bearer unwittingly brought it before my eyes while wielding a power I could not withstand, the power of the Union. Does this sound familiar to you?

Had Argan known that the artifact existed, and that his companion had always carried it with her, we would have settled this matter long ago. There would have been no need to trace the rifts created by Naia and her fallen sister. Instead of searching for the Ruby of Fire, we should have searched for the staff that once belonged to the Enchantress Niryone of Wesmere!


Had Argan known that the artifact existed, and that his companion had always carried it with her, we would have settled this matter long ago. There would have been no need to trace the rifts created by Naia and her fallen sister. Instead of searching for the Ruby of Fire, we should have searched for the staff that once belonged to the Enchantress Niryone of Wesmere!

Well done... then... It’s... yours... now... What are you waiting for?


Well done... then... It’s... yours... now... What are you waiting for?

Now that we have the artifact, we can use it to merge this pitiful world with Inferno...


Now that we have the artifact, we can use it to merge this pitiful world with Inferno...


... dispel the curse of Iluvia...

... and reunite Uria and the other Guardians...


... and reunite Uria and the other Guardians...


... to restore the Initial Order.


Give me this.


Now this belongs to us.

Yes! It belongs to us! May I borrow it for a second, my lady?


Yes! It belongs to us! May I borrow it for a second, my lady?


This is not over yet!


How did you—


Kill the intruders! Kill them all! NOW!

By the power you have bestowed upon me, Uria, may the spells conferring life to the dead be canceled now!


By the power you have bestowed upon me, Uria, may the spells conferring life to the dead be canceled now!


AGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!


What is this...?!

Unbind the dust from this world and smite the unworthy descendants of Xia’el!


Unbind the dust from this world and smite the unworthy descendants of Xia’el!

This... is this the kind of powers possessed by Uria?!


This... is this the kind of powers possessed by Uria?!

We need to get out of this place, quickly!


We need to get out of this place, quickly!


Kendria, call upon our new weapon.


But we... we haven’t finished—

Reinforcements! Don’t allow them to escape!


Reinforcements! Don’t allow them to escape!

That corridor is clear! It’s our only hope!


That corridor is clear! It’s our only hope!

More reinforcements! Strike down those heathens, now!


More reinforcements! Strike down those heathens, now!

We weren’t fast enough — now they are coming from that corridor as well!


We must make haste before their reinforcements catch up with us. Which direction should we go?

A slight breeze comes from the passage to our left; we should follow it.


A slight breeze comes from the passage to our left; we should follow it.

These passages are eerily vacant. I feel we are being led into a trap of some sort...


These passages are eerily vacant. I feel we are being led into a trap of some sort...

Mal Keshar, we’ll need some reinforcements to get through!


Mal Keshar, we’ll need some reinforcements to get through!

Things are looking rather grim... We have not fully recovered from that demon’s attack, and her guards are in hot pursuit. Our backup has most certainly been scattered or slaughtered by now. What do you plan to do now that this has turned into a suicide mission?


Things are looking rather grim... We have not fully recovered from that demon’s attack, and her guards are in hot pursuit. Our backup has most certainly been scattered or slaughtered by now. What do you plan to do now that this has turned into a suicide mission?


A gate! Let’s strike it down—


It’s an ambush!

Damn them all! I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep on with this for much longer.


Damn them all! I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep on with this for much longer.


It’s running away!

I just hope it’s sufficiently damaged so that it won’t attack us from behind again. We need to advance, quickly.


I just hope it’s sufficiently damaged so that it won’t attack us from behind again. We need to advance, quickly.

You fools thought you could escape <i>so</i> easily from us, didn’t you? I have not forgotten what you did to me. How does it feel to be at a disadvantage now?


You fools thought you could escape <i>so</i> easily from us, didn’t you? I have not forgotten what you did to me. How does it feel to be at a disadvantage now?

It doesn’t have to be like this. Just give me the staff back and <b>I</b> will spare your life like you did with mine.


It doesn’t have to be like this. Just give me the staff back and <b>I</b> will spare your life like you did with mine.


Elynia!


Follow this rail, quickly!

There are more of those biomechanical creatures pursuing us now. Oh, well, this entire plan was doomed to failure from the very beginning — I don’t know what I was thinking!


What now?

Let’s keep moving. Hopefully there is an exit somewhere ahead. Elynia—


Let’s keep moving. Hopefully there is an exit somewhere ahead. Elynia—


MOVE!


Uria be damned! It’s a dead end.


It’s more like a trap—


—I knew it. We are trapped.

Not quite — there seems to be a passage behind that crack on the wall!


Not quite — there seems to be a passage behind that crack on the wall!

Elynia, the teleportation spell you learned back in Zocthanol! Can you use it?


Elynia, the teleportation spell you learned back in Zocthanol! Can you use it?

I— I don’t know, it wasn’t really made to transport more than one person, and I haven’t had a chance to try it myself.


I— I don’t know, it wasn’t really made to transport more than one person, and I haven’t had a chance to try it myself.

This is probably not the best moment to fiddle with unpredictable kinds of magic like this. As I said before, many mages have disappeared attempting to master the power of teleportation.


This is probably not the best moment to fiddle with unpredictable kinds of magic like this. As I said before, many mages have disappeared attempting to master the power of teleportation.

It’s an option to consider, nonetheless...


It’s an option to consider, nonetheless...

This place stinks of <i>blood</i>. What’s with that water?


This place stinks of <i>blood</i>. What’s with that water?

I fear that it <i>is</i> blood, in fact. Something is really wrong. No single creature could contain so much of it. Who knows what kinds of twisted experiments these fiends do in here?


I fear that it <i>is</i> blood, in fact. Something is really wrong. No single creature could contain so much of it. Who knows what kinds of twisted experiments these fiends do in here?

There truly appears to be no way out of this chamber. What do we do?


There truly appears to be no way out of this chamber. What do we do?

I’ll tell you what: we shall create our own exit from this accursed place by tearing it all down from the inside!


I’ll tell you what: we shall create our own exit from this accursed place by tearing it all down from the inside!


G—


NO!

You opted for doing this the hard way after all, didn’t you? The staff — hand it over now.


You opted for doing this the hard way after all, didn’t you? The staff — hand it over now.


—I...


Elynia... we must...

—I... I damn you, Elyssa... I damn you and your kind... for this...


—I... I damn you, Elyssa... I damn you and your kind... for this...

My dear, we were damned long ago by the First Gods. Your petty words are irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Hand it over now.


My dear, we were damned long ago by the First Gods. Your petty words are irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Hand it over now.


Elynia, the spell!

Don’t you see? We aren’t that different after all. You just lost your new beloved just like you lost Argan. I lost <i>much</i> more than that long ago. You think he was important because you never had to endure the cruelty and ruthlessness of the beasts that dare call themselves ‘humans’.


Don’t you see? We aren’t that different after all. You just lost your new beloved just like you lost Argan. I lost <i>much</i> more than that long ago. You think he was important because you never had to endure the cruelty and ruthlessness of the beasts that dare call themselves ‘humans’.


Stop listening to her, Elynia!

What a waste. Don’t think you’ll find anything of value in Wesmere.


What a waste. Don’t think you’ll find anything of value in Wesmere.

That’s it. We are now utterly lost in these infested passages... and the worst part is that I was the one who devised this disastrous rescue plan.


She hasn’t wanted to talk to us for days. Is our destination...?

Yes, I gather that her plan is still to strike at Wesmere before the Northlanders have an opportunity to launch a proper offensive or even hear of our situation. Damn, for all I know our messengers and their ship could have been destroyed by the enemy already.


Yes, I gather that her plan is still to strike at Wesmere before the Northlanders have an opportunity to launch a proper offensive or even hear of our situation. Damn, for all I know our messengers and their ship could have been destroyed by the enemy already.

I heard that the Grand Council has been hesitant about pressing on this war ever since your victory in the Empire’s so-called capital. They think they’ve won already.


I heard that the Grand Council has been hesitant about pressing on this war ever since your victory in the Empire’s so-called capital. They think they’ve won already.


Is everyone ready for battle?

Our scouts didn’t go unnoticed, and they found a couple of well-armed enemy outposts ahead. This will most certainly not be a safe journey across the dry remains of Wesmere.


Our scouts didn’t go unnoticed, and they found a couple of well-armed enemy outposts ahead. This will most certainly not be a safe journey across the dry remains of Wesmere.

Has it even occurred to you that our little struggle in their headquarters on that accursed peninsula has put their forces in motion again to protect what little remains of Yechnagoth?


Has it even occurred to you that our little struggle in their headquarters on that accursed peninsula has put their forces in motion again to protect what little remains of Yechnagoth?

Of course it has. But there’s no time to discuss this now. Let’s move out.


Of course it has. But there’s no time to discuss this now. Let’s move out.

These disgusting demons are vanquished at last!


These disgusting demons are vanquished at last!

Yes, but we must proceed quickly and cautiously to the northeast nevertheless. More troops will come if we give them the opportunity to regroup.


Yes, but we must proceed quickly and cautiously to the northeast nevertheless. More troops will come if we give them the opportunity to regroup.


Onwards we go, now!

We cannot advance without securing our path first!


We cannot advance without securing our path first!

It’s still my opinion that we are running a large risk with your current plan.


It’s still my opinion that we are running a large risk with your current plan.

Was it any better to not take risks at all in that fortress, though?


Was it any better to not take risks at all in that fortress, though?

I don’t know what you are trying to imply, but I may as well remind you that I wasn’t the only one to hesitate and that he would not have survived the attempt without his lower half like I did. It was your assigned task to practice that spell beforehand and you failed to do so — don’t involve me in your mistakes.


I don’t know what you are trying to imply, but I may as well remind you that I wasn’t the only one to hesitate and that he would not have survived the attempt without his lower half like I did. It was your assigned task to practice that spell beforehand and you failed to do so — don’t involve me in your mistakes.


There’s an alarming amount of movement in the southern hills. It would seem an entire battalion has been following our steps since we left Kalari Peninsula.


To arms! For the Dark Lady!

I sort of expected that. It might prove tricky to advance with those buffoons on our heels. On the other hand, the fortress ahead doesn’t seem to be very well guarded.


I sort of expected that. It might prove tricky to advance with those buffoons on our heels. On the other hand, the fortress ahead doesn’t seem to be very well guarded.


Very well, then. Let’s take them down.

I do feel something is amiss, though. We should be cautious... especially since our leader appears to be giving us commands without thinking things through.


I do feel something is amiss, though. We should be cautious... especially since our leader appears to be giving us commands without thinking things through.

If you think <i>you</i> could do a better job at leading the orcs...


If you think <i>you</i> could do a better job at leading the orcs...

It’s not my intention to have <i>anything</i> to do with them at all. I just want to make sure you keep your feet on the ground — well, whenever that is an appropriate thing to do, anyway.


It’s not my intention to have <i>anything</i> to do with them at all. I just want to make sure you keep your feet on the ground — well, whenever that is an appropriate thing to do, anyway.

What did you say about the fortress not being well guarded, lich?


What did you say about the fortress not being well guarded, lich?

I stand corrected. We <i>may</i> need a better strategy.


I stand corrected. We <i>may</i> need a better strategy.


We have failed... H— how? *Ugh*


Forgive us, Lady...

You are about to find out that Yechnagoth is no more, fool.


You are about to find out that Yechnagoth is no more, fool.

I depart from this world to embrace the power of Uria...


I depart from this world to embrace the power of Uria...

Not likely, but you will certainly embrace the cold touch of death on the other side, heh, heh.


Not likely, but you will certainly embrace the cold touch of death on the other side, heh, heh.

You... You haven’t seen the full extent of her power... You haven’t seen the great things she’s done for us... You understand nothing... Nothing... at all...


You... You haven’t seen the full extent of her power... You haven’t seen the great things she’s done for us... You understand nothing... Nothing... at all...

Now that you’re dead, all that has suddenly become irrelevant, hasn’t it?


Now that you’re dead, all that has suddenly become irrelevant, hasn’t it?

It’s over now, fiends. Flee while you can, and make sure the Triad hears of your shameful defeat at our hands.


It’s over now, fiends. Flee while you can, and make sure the Triad hears of your shameful defeat at our hands.

It’s over now. There’s nobody left to obstruct our path but those artificial abominations.


It’s over now. There’s nobody left to obstruct our path but those artificial abominations.


<i>(snicker)</i>

So, Wesmere is just ahead. What are you going to do now, lass?


So, Wesmere is just ahead. What are you going to do now, lass?

I want to discuss some plans with the three of you right now, in fact. Come with me.


You seem even more upset than usual, Elynia. What would the matter be this time?

I don’t think I could bear more losses after what happened to Galas. My plan was not to fight in enemy lands, but rather to infiltrate. This battle was not part of the plan — we were to part ways right before reaching this fort.


I don’t think I could bear more losses after what happened to Galas. My plan was not to fight in enemy lands, but rather to infiltrate. This battle was not part of the plan — we were to part ways right before reaching this fort.

Wait... You planned to enter the hive on your own, without us? That’s just... stupid! You don’t know for sure what lurks beneath besides the Shaxthal creatures we have encountered so far! What if that woman or Mal Hekuba are awaiting there?!


Wait... You planned to enter the hive on your own, without us? That’s just... stupid! You don’t know for sure what lurks beneath besides the Shaxthal creatures we have encountered so far! What if that woman or Mal Hekuba are awaiting there?!

I was hoping you could provide me with a few of your best undead warriors, in fact.


I was hoping you could provide me with a few of your best undead warriors, in fact.

Lady, that’s suicidal! From what we’ve heard, <i>nobody</i> could survive a confrontation with those horrors without support! Allow us to protect you until you reach the entrance to the caves at the very least!


Lady, that’s suicidal! From what we’ve heard, <i>nobody</i> could survive a confrontation with those horrors without support! Allow us to protect you until you reach the entrance to the caves at the very least!

I refuse to send any undead down there unless you allow me to go with you.


I refuse to send any undead down there unless you allow me to go with you.

What’s your motivation, Malin? What makes you want to accompany me now that neither Galas nor Anlindë exist in this world?


What’s your motivation, Malin? What makes you want to accompany me now that neither Galas nor Anlindë exist in this world?

I have been tempted to ask you the same question for a while, actually. I know you cared about the boy much like you cared about Argan, and I have sensed your grief following his death. And yet, somehow you have been in denial about it — perhaps <i>afraid</i> to admit that losing him had a greater effect on your self than losing Argan. I suppose it could just be a matter of time, seeing as how Argan disappeared from your life much longer ago.


I have been tempted to ask you the same question for a while, actually. I know you cared about the boy much like you cared about Argan, and I have sensed your grief following his death. And yet, somehow you have been in denial about it — perhaps <i>afraid</i> to admit that losing him had a greater effect on your self than losing Argan. I suppose it could just be a matter of time, seeing as how Argan disappeared from your life much longer ago.

But even though you want to pretend none of this is the truth, your demeanor makes it all evident to us. Now you seem to seek vengeance against Uria’s followers, especially Elyssa. What’s the point of wasting the gift of eternal life to pursue such an ephemeral goal, I ask?


But even though you want to pretend none of this is the truth, your demeanor makes it all evident to us. Now you seem to seek vengeance against Uria’s followers, especially Elyssa. What’s the point of wasting the gift of eternal life to pursue such an ephemeral goal, I ask?


You have not answered... my question...

Probably because I don’t need to. I don’t have a motive to do anything anymore. My foolish mission to erase the orcish species from Irdya failed too long ago!


Probably because I don’t need to. I don’t have a motive to do anything anymore. My foolish mission to erase the orcish species from Irdya failed too long ago!


Is it redemption that you seek?

I don’t know! That’s what you asked when I first met you, remember?


I don’t know! That’s what you asked when I first met you, remember?

We aren’t accomplishing anything. My lady, please reconsider—


We aren’t accomplishing anything. My lady, please reconsider—

We’ll secure the hive entrance together, but from that point onwards it will be only Mal Keshar and I, and whoever wants to go with us except for you two.


We’ll secure the hive entrance together, but from that point onwards it will be only Mal Keshar and I, and whoever wants to go with us except for you two.

We are going to need some capable soldiers alive to alert the Grand Council if neither we nor our messengers make it back. I want you to immediately head back to the Far North should we not return to the surface within one day.


We are going to need some capable soldiers alive to alert the Grand Council if neither we nor our messengers make it back. I want you to immediately head back to the Far North should we not return to the surface within one day.

Very well, then. I am... unsure about what strategy — if any at all — you have in mind to defeat or destroy whatever you are going to face in that place, but... Your quest is noble. I wish you the best of luck to complete it.


Very well, then. I am... unsure about what strategy — if any at all — you have in mind to defeat or destroy whatever you are going to face in that place, but... Your quest is noble. I wish you the best of luck to complete it.

If I ever return to our island, I’ll make sure our people hear of your bravery and your many sacrifices. I am sure you’ll succeed in this last mission, my lady.


If I ever return to our island, I’ll make sure our people hear of your bravery and your many sacrifices. I am sure you’ll succeed in this last mission, my lady.

Thank you... It really means a lot to me.


This putrid place seems much larger than it was the last time we set foot on it.

Clearly, our ‘friends’ have been busy at work here — it’s quite a maze. It will be no easy task to find Yechnagoth’s heart, whatever it looks like. Of course, I imagine it must give off an evil presence of some kind.


Clearly, our ‘friends’ have been busy at work here — it’s quite a maze. It will be no easy task to find Yechnagoth’s heart, whatever it looks like. Of course, I imagine it must give off an evil presence of some kind.

I’m certain we’ll be able to tell once we find it.


Which way should we go?

Let’s go to the right. I think I heard something coming from that direction.


Let’s go to the right. I think I heard something coming from that direction.