It is an hour since the appalling scene of Willowstar’s rape. Jarik and Hoqar are aware that the Gate grinds open a second time…and for the second time this day a robed stranger enters Limbo. But this figure is no god. It is a man known to both of you, a dapper lord gowned in the finest cloth.

Muziel…

The Lord of Echeron, the murderer of his race, the harbinger of souls. He breathes heavily, a sigh the sign of a heavy heart.

"So you know the truth of it," he says. "The treachery is revealed at last. Malkar is the true enemy of this universe – a monster positioned now to take Grayhawk as his own. My reasons for coming here are twofold. Firstly, I ask for your forgiveness, stafflords. Many are the deaths attributed to me, but I am not without cunning myself…until I knew the truth I could trust no one…not even yourselves.

"Trust will be difficult for you to face. I am not the killer you suspect, though I am as fearsome as any god. The destruction of the Glaennyn was a ruse manufactured by the Dark God himself in an attempt to implicate me. I have spoken at length with Viator Varkos, and have aided him in is ascension to the throne of Myrid. A spectacular thief, perhaps the best I have ever seen, a man that should carve a great future for himself and that seemingly small realm. He came to me for help and I gave it unreservedly.

"It cannot be easy for you to face me, Jarik, but I grieve for the lord Glaennyn as much as you…my aim for Grayhawk was never conquest. I merely wanted a home that cold live up to my power, my expectations and my drive for good. Yes, my friend, good. Muziel the murderer does not exist. True I killed on Echeron, I killed many, but the ruler of my lands needed the cancerous enemies removed and I was his instrument. I am not proud of slaying my kinsmen but it taught me that loyalty to a cause is more empowering than the greatest sword.

"Secondly I ask a favour of you. Not easy to grant this one but I will ask nonetheless. My reasons for the capture of Illythar and Sarrik are complex, but in essence I saved them from Malkar…these two are the most powerful rulers on the planet – between them they rule three quarters of Grayhawk’s population…if they fell then Grayhawk would fall with them. What good a rebellion without figureheads?

"So I will hand them back to you, Jarik, for of all the great and good on Grayhawk it is you – Master of the Maelstrom – that they wish to be with. Face it Jarik, you are a popular leader – but then you are a leader without a kingdom. Yet as your friends you count many kings and even a goddess.

"But I sense a question. Why did I ask you to destroy the Gate? Simple…in asking I knew that you would investigate fully what I asked…and in doing so you would reach the towers and therefore reach your destiny. Magnificent aren’t they? But I have an advantage…for I have been here before. Oh yes, Jarik and Hoqar, my footprints have trodden the grey sand of the valley. Despite what you think it was not I that slew the other wielders but Malkar that tracked them down and wrenched the life from them. Just as he plans to wrench the life from you both."

Two more figures enter Limbo. A delicate flower of an elven woman, her perfect features lined with tears, her slender hand entwine in the strong fingers of a Bretonian youth. Sarrik Ramadius II is but a boy but there is a steely determination about him.

"I will leave you to your charges," Muziel says with a slight nod, he is already moving through the enchanted gate. At the last moment he turns. "My palace in Jez Hara is always open to you, Jarik, for despite my history I have learnt much regarding Grayhawk and its power…perhaps I will be able to aid you in your quest against Malkar.

"Incidentally, your companion, Valadain Raikos, has renounced the Faith and currently heads for the palace of Gran Breton with his half brother, Illeum Runesabre. I believe they intend to slay Malkar…misguided fools!"

Muziel is gone.

Illythar, queen of the Elenorians weeps heartily on the shoulder of the boy emperor. Sarrik Ramadius II raises his head as only an emperor can.

"The time has come, Jarik, the time to gather our forces…it is my last hope. My empire is in ruins, my friends are scattered far and wide and – worse still – the Lord of Deceit sits upon the throne of New Bretonia. Help me, Jarik, for now is my time of greatest need…now is the time to call upon the Lord of the Glaennyn.

"Will you come to my aid? Will you avenge the outrage of Willowstar?"

Hoqar stares at Jarik in the silence…the Staff of Light shimmers in the still air as he awaits the response of Jarik, Lord of the Glaennyn.

Back