The Sarkaz with short white hair is again alone in the Shard.
This is not quite the front, but the sounds of war pass through valley and walls, through crystalline storms and blood-drenched fields, and into his ears.
Originium guns bring a rain of death, the military casters recite incantations, the tanks run over tides of crystals, swords clash and break against each other until they sink into mud.
He has heard this din for centuries. It has never changed.
But this time, he has brought it to the one-time oppressors.
Voice on the Terminal
The Emperor of Ursus refused to meet our envoy. They continue to see Kazdel as an independent, hostile regime.
Voice on the Terminal
No response yet from the envoy to Sargon. The Leithanian KurfΓΌrst that we reached out to is receptive to further communication...
Voice on the Terminal
The dukes clearly intend to attack, following the appearance of the golden light. Our lines are falling back...
The voice on the terminal continues to report the latest developments on each front to the orchestrator of the war.
Those who refuse to yield stand upon the scales of war, tipping them from side to side.
Theresis
...
Theresis's back remains straight at all times. It has been a long time since he allowed himself the luxury of fatigue.
But the past does not go away so easy, be it lives taken or lives saved.
He has never forgotten the burden upon his shoulders, especially as it grows increasingly heavy.
Royal Guard
Your Highness, news from the front... the Realmblade of Victoria has been activated. They have suppressed Amnannam. We are under pressure.
Royal Guard
General Manfred was unable to retake Lifebone.
Theresis
...
Theresis
Who controls the skeleton now? Where was it last spotted?
Royal Guard
A mercenary squad. Confessarius reports say that the core members of Rhodes Island are on it.
Theresis
Rhodes Island... then that one must also be there.
Lifebone's next course of action is uncertain. It represents a threat to both the airship and the Shard.
Theresis
It is no concern. Trust in Theresa.
Theresis
If they dare approach the Shard...
Theresis
My sword will render the judgment that I promised.
The sky of Londinium burns red. The ever-present dark clouds are no more. Supported by countless branches, the massive crystal looks like newly-borne fruit.
All is ready.
But now, and only now, he does not want to think about the future.
The airship's long orbiting and searching is coming to an end. The massive structure of witchcraft once again passes over above the Shard.
The massive skeleton smashes into the airship's armor.
Blue and purple nerve bundles stretch out, clinging to anything they touch, winding themselves around the airship. Fragile bone plates shatter and fall from the sky, disappearing amongst the branches and vines.
The revenant roars, raging at the shackles, the audacity, and the impudence.
Every Sarkaz heard the cry of the revenant in their hearts, before they ever set foot on the airship's deck.