Well hello again! Isn’t it sick that I’ve already started the sequel? I think it is…but I tried to see Memoirs of a Geisha today, and I couldn’t concentrate on it! I kept on thinking about this second story. I really think it’s sick . . . anyway, here’s the prologue, and chapter one should be up too!

Far beyond the border of the New Kingdom of Cirulae, a thin, cold mist had spread over the expanse of flat land. Despite the rain that had been pouring all day, the mist remained, moist and persistent. Weaving through the lifeless trees, it lay atop the forest, cloaking the dark paths that branched off from the faraway village.

Along an old road, a man walked at a fast pace, his head bowed against the cold, damp air. His cloak was pulled about him tightly, hardly doing much against the chill. The darkness and the mist had slowed him greatly since noon, and it was far too risky to create some sort of light. Many unwanted people could be lurking too near the road, and the man really did not want to have to dispose of any of them. Using any of his power would make his tainted presence known to any Death within a hundred miles.

The man tripped suddenly, nearly falling. The toe of his boot had caught on a loose stone. He looked back at it, mumbling curses as he went on. Looking up at the sky, he tried to guess the time by the moon’s position. Unfortunately, the mist covered the canopy of trees, making it impossible to see anything. The man sighed greatly, quickening his pace as he rounded a corner. Though he had been told to take his time, his Master was not a patient man.

The traveler’s destination was still at least a mile more up the road. He had not been walking hard, but already his lungs ached with the cold air, and his muscles were sore. From what others had told him, this was the price he had to pay for becoming what he was. Eventually, he would benefit from it, but when that day would come, he could only guess. Now, he needed to stop the frightening process of change that was taking place within him.

A sudden noise from off the road startled the man, and he stopped at once. He hated the darkness as it was, but not being able to see what was coming was worse. Calling out could be wise, or foolish. It could be an animal, or a traveler, or worse, a Death he had not felt. He considered defending himself, but if it were unnecessary, it would put him and his comrades in danger. And as the noise was getting closer, he was beginning to panic.

“Who’s there?” he demanded in a loud voice. There was no reply for a few moments, and then he heard a quiet noise, almost like a growling. He gradually realized it was a low laughter, and he relaxed, suddenly annoyed.

“Who knew you were so skittish, Baltus,” said a voice. The man, Baltus, set his jaw, considering taking up a rock.

“Is there a particular reason why you must lurk in the shadows?” he asked instead, watching a dark figure step out of the trees. “I might have killed you.”

“I don’t believe you would have dared to,” the other replied, standing beside Baltus. “You would not want to be the reason for Death to arrive, would you?”

“At least I have not come close to being at fault,” Baltus said meaningfully, walking on. The other man remained silent, obviously infuriated, and then followed.

“You know those circumstances were out of my hands,” he growled.

“Selebus, you were easily forgiven, if only for your age,” Baltus laughed. Selebus said nothing, angrily walking beside Baltus.

“I have been with the Etemmu far longer than you,” Selebus said after a lengthy silence.

“Do you think that really matters to me? I have only just begun,” Baltus retorted, seeing his destination up ahead.

“Have you brought what is needed?” Selebus asked, looking at Baltus’ cloak.

“Of course. I would not have traveled all this way if I didn’t,” Baltus replied.

“Where is it, then?”

“Out of your hands,” Baltus said.

“I still don’t understand why he put you in charge of this,” Selebus said, looking at the ground.

“I’m reliable, that’s why,” Baltus replied, stepping off the road and into the trees. Selebus followed, somewhat grudgingly, carefully stepping over the ground. Baltus was more cautious, but tripped anyway. Selebus laughed at him, touching the edge of the small cave before them.

“I’m sure you cannot wait until your change is complete,” he said as Baltus righted himself. Baltus did not reply, only reaching into his cloak to touch the glass bottle in his pocket. It was still intact, and not damaged.

“Unless you want to your soul to be torn and exiled, I suggest you make sure I don’t fall again,” Baltus said, bending over slightly as he stepped into the cave. Selebus said nothing, but Baltus felt his eyes at his back. Stepping carefully, he walked to the back of the cave, finding the floor disappearing. Selebus went before him, and Baltus made sure his foot was secure on the first step. He descended the rugged stairs with caution, one hand touching the wall beside him for balance.

Gradually, the darkness subsided, giving way to a weak orange light. The torch at the bottom was mostly burnt out, providing little light in the long hall. Selebus took up the torch and rekindled it, using his own power. He grinned wickedly at Baltus, holding out the torch.

“Would you like to carry it?”

“I will soon be able to use my power safely, boy,” Baltus rumbled, walking ahead. Selebus followed slowly as Baltus went to the end of the hall where there was a wide door. He knocked twice, looking behind him as Selebus glided nearer. He would have commented on Selebus’ graceful movements, but had to turn back when the door opened. It was not a servant as he had expected, but Audalin himself.

“Master,” Baltus said, immediately bowing low. Behind him, Selebus mumbled a greeting, bowing as well.

“Baltus,” Audalin said smoothly. “I did not expect you back so soon.”

“I felt I needed to hurry, Master,” Baltus said, standing upright. Audalin looked at him coolly, taking his wrist. He roughly pushed back the sleeve of Baltus’ robe, exposing his underarm and what was located there. Baltus cringed at the sight, involuntarily wrenching his wrist away, and pulling down his sleeve.

Audalin smiled. “I see there has been some changes. Obviously, you had to rush.”

“Yes, Master,” Baltus mumbled, keeping his sleeve down.

“Come inside, then.”

Baltus muttered a thanks, walking in as Selebus followed.

“I hear there are possible new recruits,” Audalin said as the door closed behind Selebus.

“There are a few closer to the New Kingdom,” Selebus replied as Audalin took a seat behind a lavish desk.

“I suppose that’s all good,” he replied, leaning back. “What about the Palace city? Are there any there?”

“None that I have heard of.”

“What a shame,” Audalin muttered. “Has no one tried?”

“I was there earlier, Master,” Baltus piped up. Selebus openly glared at him. “I believe a few Death’s reside there.”

“A few?” Audalin repeated, sitting up straight.

“Yes, Master. I know of one who is a professor at the Palace, and the current Death’s now reside there.”

“You must be joking. I thought they would have left,” Audalin said, looking at the wall in thought. “You are not mistaken, are you?”

“No, I am sure it is them,” Baltus replied, excited. Perhaps Audalin would ask him to recruit some people of that city.

“We should stay clear of the area. If there are that many Death’s in one area, I believe we will have unnecessary trouble,” Audalin said. Baltus’ face fell, and Selebus snickered in the corner.

“But I have not asked you here to talk about recruits, Baltus,” Audalin said, standing. “We are here to discuss the potion I asked you to bring.”

“Oh, yes.” Baltus reached into his cloak, withdrawing the small glass bottle. Audalin’s pale eyes lit up when he saw it, and he reached forward, eagerly taking it. The bottle was made of black glass, and topped with a silver cap. Audalin carefully removed the cap, passing the bottle under his nose.

“I am glad to know that at least one of my minions has some skill,” Audalin said, closing his eyes as he inhaled. Baltus glanced at Selebus, smiling and shrugging at him. Selebus just glared, grinding his teeth.

“I will have this produced further tonight,” Audalin said, going to a cabinet near the desk. Opening it, he pulled an onyx bowl from the first shelf, placing it on the desk. Baltus stepped forward slightly as Audalin began to tip the bottle. Selebus inclined his head to see better, but stayed in place. A dark, thick crimson liquid came from the bottle and filled the onyx bowl, making no sound. Audalin smiled all the while, letting the very last drops pour from the bottle.

“This is perfect,” he said quietly, lifting the bowl. “I’m sure this will solve all your new problems, Baltus. And it will benefit the rest of the Etemmu.”

Baltus smiled, and Selebus remained silent and still. Audalin looked at the dark liquid for a long time, finally dipping a long, pale finger into it. He tasted of the liquid, shuddering with satisfaction.

“Yes . . . this will benefit us all.”

So there it is. Let me know what you think!