War of Emperium

Wealthow's Revelation

"Where did you find these?" Wealthow asked Sibyl after a long silence.

"I passed by this drug store." Sibyl answered. 

"And when I saw the windows broken, I decided to investigate. I found those on the floor. I looked for Nerva, but he wasn't there."

They looked at each other.

"Bugger" Altair spoke.  "But where could he be?"

"Wealthow?" Theodoric turned to the Priestess.

Wealthow couldn't answer. She twirled Nervas Mighty Staff in her hand, her brows knitted together in a frown. Where could he be? She knew he wouldn't just leave like that; it was well below his pride. Nerva couldn't have run off, could it? She thought very highly of Izludians, and she knew they won't do anything low like this.

"Wealthow we must do something." Altair spoke urgently.  "We have to find Nerva!"

"Wealthow!" said Signy.

She looked up. "I think that Nerva has been kidnapped."

A shocked silence fell among the other members of Firnheild.

"What?!?" Signy raised her eyebrows.  "Kidnapped?"

"Preposterous!" said Theodoric.  "But who could do such a horrendous thing?"

Sibyl showed them a very long and fine needle. Signy, who had the sharpest eyes, still had to come close to see it properly.

"What is that, Sibyl?" Wealthow asked.

"This is the finest Morroc Needle." Sibyl explained.  "Only we Assassins can possess it, since it requires a special license for purchase and ownership from the Assassin Guild of Morroc. It's used by being submerged into poison or sleeping draughts. You just prick an artery in the neck to see the effects. It's the perfect kidnapping tool."

Wealthow could not suppress a gasp. This was her worst fear come to life. She gritted her teeth. Why did Geffen discriminate her child so much? Did it matter if Nerva al'Thor had Izludian blood in his veins? Wasn't it everyones right to fulfill their dreams?

"Bugger, but who could do this?!?" Altair shook his head.  "We need Nerva so much now!"

"We must go to Geffen." Wealthow decided.  "Now."

Signy blinked.  "What? Geffen, the City of Magic?"

Wealthow spun around and started to fumble with her pockets for a Blue Gemstone. But Theodoric stepped up, grabbing her arm.

"Let go of me, Theodoric!" said Wealthow.  "Or else I shall use Lex Divina on you!"

"Never mind." Theodoric replied defiantly.  "Think, Wealthow! You cannot just pull out of this task King Tristriam has set on us, do you understand? We need to have his permission first! Why are you going to Geffen so suddenly? What the hell is going on? Dont you think its time for us to know whats going on? You are keeping us in the dark."

Wealthow snatched her arm away. She sighed deeply.

"The Shadow is a creature of alchemy and sorcery." She began. 

"It was given its life in Geffen. Lothair the High Elder created the Shadow for a single purpose: to kill Nerva al'Thor."

"What?" Altair whispered, his hammer dropping to the ground.  "What?!?"

"I still don't know where it began." Wealthow continued.  "But perhaps it was envy. Or maybe hate. Nerva is too bright and too great to remain unnoticed. He attracted followers from all around Midgard, but never really wanting it."