Red Eclipse

Chapter 7 - The Blacklist

Soren was freerunning across the rooftops as fast as he could. Faster than he ever ran in his life. He arrived at the procession shortly after it started. Soren watched from the rooftops as they moved, cloaked in the shadows. About five minutes into the procession he was met with archers. "Umbradomina." Soren said as the shadows bent around him covering him completely in darkness. Soren moved swiftly around the archers. "Where are you Amara?" he asked himself. After carefully looking through the crowd he saw her in her street clothes. "Got you!" he said as he climbed down the building.

Soren moved through the crowd over to Amara. The procession came to a halt as they arrived at the town square in front of the castle. Amara felt a tug on her arm as she turned around. Soren motioned for her to follow. "There you are where have you been? What's with the outfit? I thought you were off tonight." she asked. Soren pulled her to the back of the crowd. "I don't have time to explain. The king is planning to kill all Sentinels." Soren said sternly. "What? Are you crazy?" she asked. "Amara! You've known me for years. I'm not going to lie to you. We need to find Elowen and get out of Aurorin now!" he raised his voice. "You're scaring me." said Amara with a concerned look. "But I trust you. Lead the way." she replied. Soren held her hand and walked toward one of the streets that lead away from the town square.

As they approached they could see the Omnisar Cultists blocking the path. "Damn." he said as he pulled her back to try another street. "Did you find out who those men are?" she asked. "I'll tell you later." he said as he walked to another street. When they arrived they the Omnisar Cultists blocking that road as well. "What are we going to do?" Amara asked. Before Soren could reply he heard trumpets playing. "Damn it! We are too late!" Soren said angrily as the King stepped out onto the speaking platform above the citizens. Elowen could be seen behind the king serving as Royal Protector. There were countless Eclipsian guards beside the king, along with several Sentinel Masters and Sentinels.

The king stepped forward and the crowd went silent. The king cleared his throat. "My loyal subjects! Welcome to the grand spectacle of the Lunar Solstice Festival! Tonight, we gather to celebrate the moon's eternal glow and to honor the Moonsworn Sentinels, as well as the Eclipsian guards. Both are steadfast guardians of our cherished country! In the past, under Seleneus' watchful eye, we have thrived, basking in the gentle radiance of the moon's guiding light. It is with gratitude that we owe our prosperity to the vigilance of our military. Their devotion is unwavering, and they have stood with the shadows." the king said.

Soren peered around the square. Looking for an exit. Archers appeared on the rooftops, along with sentinels. "Yet, as we revel in the festivities, I must share a somber truth with you. As many of you know. Our country has struggled the last few years. When my father died, he had in his possession a fragment of Seleneus. One of four pieces of the Lunar Heartstone, a divine relic of unmatched power created by Seleneus herself. As many of you have noticed. We have had guests in our capital this last month. These people are of Omnisar. The god of sight. My people. Seleneus has abandoned us. The followers of Omnisar have provided us with a way out of this chaos!" said the king.

The crowd went silent as they listened to the king. "As your king, I have been entrusted with the heavy burden of choice. To safeguard Azuraan's harmony, we must embrace a new era. The Moonsworn Sentinels loyalty to Seleneus, though commendable, has rendered them blind to what needs to be done. With a heavy heart, I must act decisively to preserve our future. As the moonlight bathes us in its divine glow, know that I act not out of ambition or malice, but out of the love for our country and its' people. Their sacrifice shall pave the way for Azuraan's ascent to greatness. I ask you to trust in me, for it is through this sacrifice that we shall embrace our destiny." The king said. There were murmurs in the crowd. Elowen had a confused look on his face.