The First Generation

Storm of Amber stepped onto the dais. “Remember what I said earlier. I will...”

“I heard you.” Rivers Between Us knelt beside the model that he had constructed on the floor. Tiny arches and towers bristled over a circle two paces across. He carefully adjusted one of the structures, shaving a clay outcropping off with his sheath knife.

“I’m serious. If these people turn out...”

“I said I heard you, Storm.” He muttered to himself, under his breath, “I understand that you’re not ready yet to make the kind of sacrifices necessary...”

“What?” Storm turned and looked at the wizard. The banner of the glaive twisted restlessly at his side. A storm was growing on the horizon; whorls of wind swept about the mountain top where the two stood on jutting outcropping of rock. The peak had many names; Grandfather Raven, the Four Winds’ Gate House, Yozi Throne, Gaia’s Kneecap. “Listen, little savant, if we stoop to the methods the deathlord’s tactics, then we should be removed just as swiftly!”

Rivers looked over the little model and nodded his head. “I’ve sacrificed a lot for this power. I’ll not let that go to waste because you’re afraid of that which you don’t understand. There is a difference! These people are volunteering because they believe in our cause, they believe in us, and they won’t see their land dragged into the underworld! They follow in our footsteps, stepping beyond their humanity to preserve it.” He stood before the Zenith caste, and for a moment their two animas flared and warred for dominance of the peak. Rivers had the stronger essence by far, his deep reds and indigo hues flared with the fury of the dying sun, overwhelming the pure golden hues of Storm’s banner.

The priest of the sun was not cowed; he stood firmly, unmoved by the emotional outburst. Where the youth’s power was nothing before his determination. Rivers turned away.

“No one knows what you’ve given up for what you’ve gained, and no one doubts your commitment, Rivers...” He placed one hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I trust you.”

Rivers nodded his head and hid his face.

“But tell me, why did you pick this god-forsaken place?”

Rivers wiped a sleeve before his eyes and cleared his throat. “Ah... the... the essence flows here... they’re strong, but disordered. When I pour the essence from the amalgamations, over fifty celestial circle spells in single month... if things go well, I mean... it should bind this place forever and order the essence to our purposes. We need more hearthstones to power our equipment.”

“Hmm... excellent plan. Is that what this model is for?”

“Yes. A single spell in this scale model should mimic the essence flow on a small scale, and give me a chance to test my theories in this matter.”

“Hmm... toy castles first, eh?” He smiled over the work.

“Yes... heh.” Rivers looked down the mountainside and shaded his eyes with one hand. “I think I see them coming.”

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Heaven's Mandate