Nephalim

Act 2: Prologue

It's strange how both death and a common enemy have the power to unite, where as peace and prosperity have the power to divide...

The Citadel loomed above the city. A gray obelisk that rose from the heart of what used to be the center of the world. Once, it housed ancient and power artifacts used during the Infernal-Celestial war. Now it stands, a library, where both the occupants, the Magi Council, and the knowledge within gather dust.

I have only been here twice before in my life. The first was when I was separated from my woodland kin and intiated into the ranks of the Magi. The second was when I turned the young age of three hundred and twenty five cycles, and was allowed to choose my name... Lo'rran. It was then that I was given my calling, a Lycanthrope Hunter.

After what had occured at the mansion of Vlad Tepis nee Dracul, I felt it only right to seek the wisdom of the Elder Magi. The others needed their sleep, but the Fae do not require such things.

Though no visible door exists to enter the Citadel, I approached the threshold. As I did, the building sense the magika within my blood and mind and stone gave way to an entrance. As I walked through, the stone closed behind me, barring passage for the mundane.

The first floor of the Citadel was bare, save a few portals and stairs to the upper levels. Every now and then, other practicioners of magic, be they shaman, arcane, or celestial, wandered between the many portals. Human, Orcs, Gnomes, Elves, and even the occasional Drow wandered these sacred halls. No children of stone, however, as Dwarves hold no magic.

I approached a shimmering portal at the base of the stairs to the western wing. It, like all the others, was as blue as the sky. Also, like the others, it was rather miniscule, until one approaches. It grew to match my size, and I stepped through effortlessly.

The room I had entered was smaller than the room of portals, with ethereal lights floating about. A semi-circular bench, with 3 high backed chairs, was on the far side of the portal. In the middle of the room was the ancient rune of magic. Three people sat upon the chairs, a burly Orc, an elegant Elf, and an old Human female. These were the Elder Magi.

"Lo'rran," said the Human, who sat upon the chair of the Elder Celestial. "Lycan Hunter, practitioner of the arcane. We did not summon you."

I bowed low. "Apologies, revered ones. However I have come seeking wisdom in regards to my latest investigation."

The elf, who sat upon the chair of the Elder Arcane, raised their eyebrow then spoke: "I would have thought someone of your prowess and standing could handle such an easy investigation. Would it be safe to assume I was wrong?"

"No, revered one," I said.

"Then speak plainly," grunted the orc, who sat upon the chair of the Elder Shaman. "The Earth might move slowly, but that does not mean a Ki'tak like you can as well."

"Again, I must express my deepest apologies to the council. Please allow me to recite the trials and tribulations of the what has occured."

* * * * * *

For the next hour, I told the tale of Cain and his investigation, as well as mine. The travel to the blood bar that was used as a front for Dracula and his kin was of particular interest to the council. Even more so when I told them of the Ulfhednar known as Henrik, and of the prophecy.

All was silent when I finished the tale.

"This..." said the Elder Shaman. "This is very concerning, and you are wise to seek our guidance." The others nodded in agreement.

"So what wisdom does the council wish to impart?" I asked, tentatively.

"Allow us the rest of the night, and part of the morrow to discuss this," said the Elder Celestial. "We will summon you when we are ready."

I bowed low again, before leaving through the portal.