The East PacificBoard

~~~{Daniel Dale, King of Aivintis}~~~

King Daniel Dale closed the great oak doors quietly behind him as he slipped into the Cathedral. He knew his royal guard detachment was taking up formation outside the Cathedral,  bolstering the forces sent by the King to protect his father during prayer.

Daniel, a powerful figure, strode quickly past the front row of pews, standing quietly while his father prayed at the foot of the golden altar. He held his amulet in hand, displaying the infinity symbol, masterfully painted to resemble the night sky, and he was speaking in the old language.

"Father, I do not mean to disturb you, but I have received word from the Imperial Governor in Mangar."

The praying stopped, and the old man rose. "Hello, my son. What did he say?"

Daniel nodded in acknowledgement to his father. Geoffrey Dale was old, and the top of his head had gone bald, while his white hair remained on the sides, leaving a crown of skin atop his head where the silver crown of Aivintis used to rest. His blue eyes were tired, but hid a cleverness behind them. Even though Geoffrey had abdicated nine years ago, he still ran the country.

"The natives successfully captured Fort Uriel. Governor Melbury predicts that the casualties were catastrophic. If they make another strike such as this one, it is very much possible we will lose the province."

"My son, you must deal with this yourself."

"What?! But Father—"

"My time has come, Daniel."

"No. How?"

"Arkyr has shown me many things these past nine years. I finally understand what must be done. He will appear to you, too, eventually, and we will unite Aivintis once more. You and I both know our time is coming to a close. It will be another hundred years until the silver crown has as much power as it used to. Now go, and let me pass peacefully."

Before Daniel could protest, Geoffrey turned and knelt down in prayer once more. The moment his knees hit the pillow that the priests had set out for him, the sun seemed to blare with intensity. Rays of light shone through the stained glass windows more strongly than Daniel had ever seen before.

The rays of light seemed to envelop the former king, and, when they faded, Geoffrey Dale had disappeared. Daniel left the cathedral with more questions than ever before.

~~~{Geoffrey Dale}~~~

"Geoffrey." The word was spoken softly but clearly, by a deep and commanding voice. The light faded and Geoffrey Dale was now kneeling in a stone throne room.

"Yes, my Lord?" He didn't dare look up out of deference to his god.

"Welcome to my realm, Geoffrey Dale. You have served me well in life, so you shall ve rewarded in death." The god strode forward, his golden armor gleaming.

Arkyr drew his black blade, Dolorem, and rested it on Geoffrey's shoulder. "Geoffrey Dale, King of Aivintis, I herebye name you Archus of Arkyr, and Hand of Theondume." He switched the blade to the other shoulder. "When the silver crown rests upon the head of Daniel Dale after his death, and is usurped by a mortal Lord, then shall you be free of service to me and be allowed entry to paradise." He lifted the blade.

"Rise, Archus Geoffrey."

The former king did as his lord commanded, and beheld that his skin had gone gold. He felt strangely powerful. That's when he noticed the black blade at his side and the white wings at his back.

Before Geoffrey could comment on his new powers, a man with similar appearance entered the room. His eyes were golden, just like Arkyr's, and his hand rested on the pommel of his blade.

"Lord Theondume, Pantala has sent a Krongrah to At'asi Mamakats'i."

The god turned to face the other Archus.

"Good. Geoffrey, I need you to follow Gabriel into Valsora. He will take care of the Krongrah, but you have a task to complete: you must kill William Dale."

"William...Dale?"

"Him and Geoffrey share your name, but they are not your kin. He is being particularly meddlesome with our plans. Make it look like a mugging, use a switchblade, but make sure he dies. Do it at night, he will be wandering downtown Dolorem to reach a meeting. Gabriel will point you in the right direction, it's the big coastal city south of At'asi Mamakats'i. Go now, and return victorious, or not at all."

"It will be done, my Lord."