Author’s Notes: Whew! I’m not done rehauling, but I figured I might as well put up the prologue of the rehauled version. It’s basically the same thing, but with stuff added. Also, it is recommended that you read "Kiy," though not necessary, considering how badly it STINKS… but I am writing in a LOT of references to things that happened in "Kiy." You’ll probably understand it, but if you don’t understand something, review the chapter and ask – I’ll put it in the next section I post.

I’m also going to take up the habit of answering reviews in the succeeding chapter that I post, since I find it very frustrating when someone asks a question I can’t answer.

Notes to all my thrice-blessed, plushie-showered reviewers from the unrehauled version: Toireasa, Raiegeki Leviathan, Shadow, and sheena rotten. Plushies of Jaeth and Alean to you four! hugs

Warnings: Because we all have them. Relationships of a homosexual and heterosexual variety (m/m, f/f, and m/f), swearing, undescriptive rape (later on), um, I think that’s it. Oh, sadism. That should be it. And androgynes, better known as BISHIES. Or bishounen, whichever you prefer.

I think that’s it for now… smile If lots of people review, I might even post more, ahead of schedule! So if you want more, ask fervently…

(Nope, it ain’t a smilie)

"Can we operate with him alive?"

"No. Wizard forces have failed to subdue him. Guildmaster Thralli, how have your efforts to…dispose…of him been?"

"My first choice was not an acceptable one. I shall send another."

"Who was your first? Zhara reyVedren?"

"Yes."

"So whom will you be sending now?"

"Alean ha’Nayern."

"Then the task is in good hands. Are you sure she has no wizard loyalties?"

"Absolutely. I would have wished that Zhara could do it, for she is a Kietagian native, and therefore believes that all wizards not allied with the church are committing a sacrilege, but Alean is more skilled, for all that she does not share that opinion."

"I see your point. However, as Miss reyVedren was unable to complete the task set to her, it will be set to Miss ha’Nayern."

"Let it be done."