Greyson groaned as he rolled out of his bed. It wasn’t a groan of discomfort, more like one of irritation, born from the fact that he actually needed to get up. After countless months on the road, fighting and scrounging for every bit of comfort he could find. To wake up in a bed this warm and soft after so long, seemed unreal. He made his way to the bathroom, pausing for a moment as he passed the mirror, and scoffed at his appearance. He still looked like Lord Lytro, and probably would for a while. The feeling was surreal, not recognizing the face that stared back at you. And to become a Dae for that matter. Disgusting, he thought. Moving to clean himself up and prepare for the day.

  Greyson made sure to dress appropriately and planned on keeping his interactions with people to an absolute minimum, for now. The mansion he now called home was massive. Sporting a whopping twelve rooms, not including common areas, and covering several acres worth of land. To Greyson, it was a palace; compared to anything he had ever lived in back home. Or here, for that matter. Making his way down the stairs, he found a small group of Dae noblemen assembled in the main living area. Two of them he recognized as Dorian and Ashley, in their Dae disguises, and one who was his butler… whose name he still didn’t know. The remaining five were all dressed in fine clothing, and looking at him with unreadable expressions.

  “Good morning, Master Lytro!” His butler announced, rushing over to help him down the stairs.

  “Morning…” Greyson eyed the group suspiciously, but tried to look as though he recognized them. “Apologies for my tardiness,” he bowed as he approached them. “It would seem the battle took far more out of me than I realized.”

  “Think nothing of it.” The Dae standing in the middle of the group said, his posture and tone painting him to be the clear leader of them. “We understand, of course.”

  Greyson appraised him briefly, noting his yellow skin, and extravagant clothing, but looking no more dangerous than any civilian Dae he had ever come across.

  “We heard about what happened, a tragedy to be sure. Our people will mourn the heroic dead, and press on to finish our preparations for the coming conflict.”

  Greyson held back a grimace, but bowed his head in response.

  “However, we still need an official account on what happened.” The Dae continued. “There are a great many questions we have, concerning the remains of the demons, as well as how so many fine warriors of Visoth were defeated.”

  “My Lord, Ryoko.” Greyson’s butler interjected, bowing his head respectfully. “Master Lytro is still in need of rest.” He quickly turned his attention to Greyson. “Has your memory returned, master?”

  Greyson brought his hand to his head, remembering the lie from the previous night. “I uh… I don’t really know.”

  “What’s this about your memory?” The yellow skinned noble asked, leaning in closer to inspect Greyson.

  “I’m not sure, really.” Greyson shrugged. “The demons used some strange powers during our fight. When they knew they were being overwhelmed, they tried to attack us in our Dunem Dae Espa… We…” He gestured to Ashley and Dorian, “We were the only ones that managed to break free of it. They were weakened at this point, and we cut them down.”

  “And where are their bodies?” One of the other nobles asked, a female Dae with violet skin and pink eyes.

  “They…” Greyson’s mind raced as he struggled to remember the exact lie they had agreed upon the night prior.

  “They burned up.” Ashley stepped in, bowing her head as the group of nobles turned to face her. “Once they died, they burst into flames… the fire was… hotter than any Dae-Rah could manage. It was… horrifying. After it all, we could barely remember anything… We can’t explain how it happened.”

  “It’s true.” Dorian chimed in. “We had trouble remembering our own names, and even finding our way back here was difficult.”

  The noble in the middle, Lord Ryoko, he heard his butler say, looked at them each skeptically, before tilting his head to the side and sharing a brief glance with the violet skinned woman. “We will have to discuss this further, and perhaps run some tests on you three. To ensure that the demons didn’t do anything… unnatural to you.”

  “We will help in any way we can.” Greyson nodded.

  “Very well.” Ryoko clapped his hands together, nodding to each of his companions before turning to leave. “I will send someone for you, Lord Lytro. Please get some rest until then.”

  Greyson tensed at the words, but smiled happily until the last of them left, and the stone door slid closed. “Listen.” Greyson said, grabbing his butler by the shoulder. “I need you to tell me everything you can about me and my life. Who they were, for starters.”

  The butler’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air, and his eyes bulged in surprise. “Master… please tell me you at least remember who I am?”

  Greyson shook his head. “Afraid not.”

  “Spirits!” The butler gasped, looking mortified. “How cruel those demons must be to do such a thing! Master, I am your faithful servant, Dorik. I tend to your home, and your services. I have raised you since you were a babe.” Dorik looked strained as he leaned forward. “You really don’t remember, anything about me?”

  “Nothing.” Greyson tried to look as stressed and exasperated as possible, but didn’t feel convincing. “I barely even figured out my own name when I returned to the city.”

  Dorik sighed heavily, looking as though he was on the verge of tears. “I… I will help you through this, master. I will see your memories restored if it kills me! Until then, the best I can do… I suppose, is help to guide you along.” Looking deflated and morose, Dorik sat in one of the chairs that littered the main hall, before continuing. “As you already know, you are Lord Lytro, head of house Malfus after the passing of your late father. You are a member of the Ne’arath low council, serving under Baron Ryoko…” Dorik held his hands over his head. “Spirits… you’ve even forgotten your parents, your positions… the council members, the law, your mission, your betrothed.”

  “Betrothed?” Ashley asked, a mocking smirk crossing her face as she held back a laugh.

  “That is correct.” Dorik continued, “Lady Akia of house Yoto. The two of you have only just recently been promised to one another, but I have no doubt she will be beside herself with grief, once she hears of this.”

  “Amazing…” Greyson sighed, the weight of doubt falling over him like a pile of boulders. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, he thought.

  ~

  True to Ryoko’s words, a group of Dae arrived nearly an hour later to do a full evaluation of Greyson, Ashley, and Dorian. They inspected them thoroughly, both physically and spiritually, and as Greyson suspected they would, they found nothing. The greatest understanding of humans and their power was all the way back in Eleutheros. These Dae had no idea who or what they were truly dealing with. This further cemented their adamant, albeit weak, story about the loss of their memory. Greyson knew the story would only take them so far, but the alternative was the truth, and that was a death sentence.

  Early the next day, Greyson was called to the capitol building of Ne’arath, to meet with both the low and high council members of Visoth. He knew he needed to be on his best behavior for this, despite his disgust of the people and their barbaric ways. What troubled him more than any of these trivial matters, however, was the lack of communication from Dio’Mar. She had led him and his companions to Visoth to begin with. Assuring him that they would be safe from any persecution or violence. Instead, they were betrayed by their hosts, and seemingly abandoned by their patrons.

  Greyson adjusted his noble attire as he entered the capitol building. A massively large structure in the Northern most part of the city, built on a high hill. He wore the customary clothing of a council member, according to Dorik at least. A luxurious blouse, that looked almost like it belonged in a military uniform, matching trousers and boots, and a deep green cloak, with a golden trim. He felt less ridiculous when he entered the massive main hall, and saw hundreds of similarly dressed Dae. All meandering about, conversing together, in pairs or larger groups.

  “Lord Lytro!” An unfamiliar voice called from his right. Greyson’s eyes scanned the countless faces until he saw one beaming at him. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” It was a handsome Dae man, who squeezed through the crowd and slapped his hands on Greyson’s shoulders when he approached. “Spirits it’s good to see you again. Half of us thought you were dead.” He barked out a laugh, “the other half thought you’d finally found a way to escape your betrothed.”

  Greyson did his best to hold back his discomfort, and nodded with as big a smile as he could muster. “Well, I’m back in one piece, mostly.” He said awkwardly.

  The man reeled back, looking at him in surprise. “I didn’t expect the rumors to be true. Your voice has changed… I wonder if the other rumors are accurate; about your memory.”

  “Word sure does travel fast.” Greyson shook his head, though he expected as much.

  “Did you forget where you live?” The man chuckled, “You’re in the political nerve cluster of Visoth, my friend. We lords and ladies have nothing better to do than bicker over useless politics and gossip about one another.” He gave his shoulder another slap. “And you, sir, are on the lips of everyone of note here.” His eyes shifted from side to side, causing Greyson’s perception to sharpen. When he did so, he realized that the once boisterous and energetic conversations around him were silent. All eyes and ears were fixed on him.

  Great, he thought, letting out a heavy breath. “Well, it was good meeting you… uh…”

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  The man’s eyes went deadpan as he shook his head. “You don’t remember me, do you?”

  Greyson shrugged, giving him an apologetic look. “Sorry, it’s like there are massive chunks of my life that are just… gone. People and their names, places, all kinds of things.”

  “Understood.” The man looked deflated for a moment, then brightened just as quickly. “Well! My name is Todo, of house Qui. I’m what many would consider to be, your best friend around here.”

  Greyson raised an eyebrow at the declaration.

  “Well.” Todo chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. “Believe it or not, that’s the truth, and you won’t hear anyone speak to the contrary.”

  Greyson was about to speak, but was suddenly interrupted by another voice. “Keep your filthy claws away from him, Todo. You’ll spread your disease of falseness to him.”

  Greyson was somewhat startled by the aggressiveness of the outburst, as he turned to face the source of the new voice. It was another Dae man, this one with violet skin and pink eyes. Similar to the woman who was with Lord Ryoko earlier that morning.

  Todo’s face twisted with irritation, but quickly morphed into a seemingly forced smile, “Lord Yami… So good of you to join us.”

  “Silence, Garrank.” Yami barked, before turning his attention to Greyson. “I see the report from Lord Ryoko is accurate. So, there is little for us to discuss. Still, you must find it within yourself to make a statement to the high and low councils.”

  Greyson’s blood started to boil at the clear disdain Lord Yami had for him, and the condescending tone of his voice. “I’ll manage.” He replied, trying to sound as sincere as possible.

  Yami gave him a final appraisal, looking him up and down before turning to leave. “You better make your way into the lower council chamber as soon as you can. We are set to begin shortly. Todo, show him the way if he is unable to remember.”

  “Of course, my Lord.” Todo bowed his head, but looked as though he were holding back an insult or two.

  “Not a friend of ours, I take it?” Greyson asked, folding his arms across his chest.

  “Lord Yami is only a friend to those of similar status.” Todo spat, “and there are very few who meet that criteria. He’s a high lord of the high council, and one of the most influential men in all of Visoth. I would warn you to stay on his good side, but no one is, so it’s pointless to try.”

  “So, what’s a big shot like him doing meeting with us low council members?”

  Todo gave Greyson a puzzled look. “A what?”

  “Somone so important… that… Sorry, still trying to… never mind that, why is he meeting with us if he’s so high up?”

  “Because your name is on the lips of every noble and commoner in this entire city.” Todo grinned, “Probably in all of Visoth. You killed a demon, several of them. Something no one thought possible.”

  Still isn’t, Greyson thought, smugly, before responding. “Got it.”

  “You will likely see many more noble lords and ladies approach you before the day is through.” Todo turned slightly toward the crowd of council members trying desperately to eavesdrop on their conversation. “Either way, be careful with who you speak to today.”

  “Thanks for the advice.” Greyson nodded, turning to try and make his exit. He looked in several directions, scanning for some indication as to where he was supposed to go next.

  “Don’t worry…” Todo chuckled. “I’ll show you where we need to be.”

  ~

  Greyson sat in tempered silence as his low council peers streamed into the chamber. Todo had led him directly to his section, and left him with several words of assurance and encouragement. Upon finding his seat, Greyson did his best to ignore the plethora of council members attempting to speak with him about one thing or another, and instead, focused on his quiet observation. The chamber was set up much like what he imagined the ancient roman senate looked like. At least, based off what he had seen in movies. It was far larger though, with a lower section, where he was placed, and a higher section, where more distinguished and powerful politicians were seated.

  In the center of the encircling sections, was a large seating apparatus where the Emperor’s representatives were seated. The governor of the city and region, who was placed in the middle, and two adjudicators who were on either side.

  The sight was somewhat nauseating for him, even back home he wasn’t good in a crowd. But, from what he had been told, he was apparently expected to speak or something. Maybe we should just leave the city… he thought, his muscles tensing. We survived just fine before all this… He inwardly rebuked the notion. That was when he had the support of his… benefactor, Mu’Dok. The creature had not made any attempt to contact him, and the command he once had over the portals and familiars had also come to a halt. They were on their own now. Well, unless Dio’Mar decided to finally contact him like she said she would.

  “Order!” A booming voice called from the Governor in the center of the hall. His command accompanied by a sharp slam of a smooth sphere on the table. The murmurs of the council members all ceased in an instant as they found their seating, and turned their collective attention to the center. The governor was a mature looking Dae. Greyson still had a lot of trouble determining the age of these creatures, they seemed to look fairly young by human standards until the day they died. Something which he found both fascinating and infuriating. He had the signature pearl-white hair of his kind, along with yellow eyes, and light-red skin.

  “Let it be known.” The governor continued, “that the seventeenth day of Orbis, one thousand forty-three, post accord, we have called an emergency council. The Emperor has decreed, that all members, will do everything in their power, to attend, this, and any following councils while in this dire state of emergency.”

  War? Greyson thought, his eyes glancing to read some of the reactions of the surrounding Dae. Most likely... Dio’Mar had been trying to sow discord between Eleutheros and Visoth in the months after their failed attempt at opening the gate in the Spirit-Forest. A feat that had apparently been working quite well, based on the state of things.

  “We will begin with the petitions of the border lords and ladies.” The Governor turned his gaze upward, toward the high councilors seating. “Lady Doja, I understand your emissary and their entourage were savagely attacked by Eleuthren warriors some time ago. Please elaborate the details and share them with the council.”

  Greyson craned his neck to catch a glimpse of the speaker, Lady Doja. A pale skinned Dae woman stood, brushing the wrinkles from her council garb.

  “Thank you, Governor.” Doja bowed deeply, before continuing. “As you so accurately described, we sent Lord Jumis, and nearly sixty warriors to the Easter border of Eleutheros. At the request of his majesty, the Emperor, we attempted to engage in discourse with the High King of Eleutheros. To assist in their time of need, and provide much needed aid.” Her yellow eyes narrowed as she scanned the chambers dramatically. “Imagine, dear councilors, the horror I felt upon reading the reports of violence against our people! Lord Jumis was savagely murdered… in an act of barbarism, so vile and vicious… it causes me pain to even remember it. This villainy must not be allowed to continue! For too long the kings and queens of Eleutheros have sat upon their thrones with full bellies, secure in their palaces and fortresses. I am one of many regional lords and ladies who have suffered at the hands of these monsters. But I trust in the Emperor… and in his most trusted servants. I know your votes today will reflect what needs to be done.”

  Layin’ it on a little thick there, Greyson thought, chuckling to himself. This was all a ruse anyway, and they all knew it. Dio’Mar had infiltrated their inner circle months ago and began pushing them to war with Eleutheros. It was the only way to stop them from sending troops into Visoth, and preemptively securing the portal here. A pang of worry shot through his body as he contemplated it. Does it even matter anymore? Mu’Dok most likely won’t help us get home now… so what the hell was the point of even being here?

  Several more nobles stood and made fiery speeches about how glorious a cause it was to fight Eleutheros and their evil High-King. The point had been made, and was now being beaten to death by every new long-winded noble who opened their mouth. Greyson just tuned them out, remaining lost in his thoughts. That is, until he heard a familiar name. Lord Lytro? His eyes widened and his ears perked as the attention of the entire council hall fell on him like a grand piano.

  “It was the exemplary actions of a brave son of Visoth.” The Governor boasted, lifting his hand in Greyson’s direction. “A member of our very own low council, Lord Lytro of house Malfus.”

  Greyson tried his best not to shrink into his chair as hundreds of pairs of eyes bore into him like so many drills. He took a calming breath, suddenly afraid that someone might see through his disguise somehow.

  The Governor’s kind words did not match the harshness of his gaze. “Lord Lytro, I know you are still recovering from your encounter with the demons, but we are all eager to hear the tale directly from you. Please share with all the members present here today, the accounts of your victory over the demons.”

  Greyson swallowed what felt like an iron dumbbell as he stood, trying to hide his trembling hands. I hate crowds, he thought, remembering his first time being forced on a stage in high school. And when he had to speak to his fellow soldiers in the Army. He closed his eyes and steeled himself for what was to come. Lord Lytro, at least what little he knew of the man, was a boastful and arrogant warrior. Eager for recognition and hungry to raise his station by any means necessary. Even going so far as to hunt down humans. Here goes nothing, he thought.

  “Thank you, Governor.” He began, his Dunamis enhanced voice more powerful than he expected. “Your words are too kind for the likes of me. A humble servant of the emperor.” More confident, “but I am more than happy to recount the battle… at least, what I remember of it. As I’m sure you have already heard, the treachery of the demons has left myself, as well as the other two survivors… somewhat diminished. But, I am told by my physicians that this is most likely a temporary reaction to their alien powers.” Nice, now let’s make this believable. “When we set out against them… I’m told we had little hope of victory… It was a fools errand, against an enemy that was far too wild and unknown to defeat.” Take it back a bit.

  Greyson paused as he scanned the faces of the council members, some of them in utter shock at his words. “All these things were true. The enemy was wild and powerful, and they cleaved through many of us like we were nothing… good sons and daughters of Visoth, who fought with everything they had! And it was their blood that cleared the path to my victory.” He probably wouldn’t share the credit, but… whatever. “Of what I can recall, it was when they began to boast of our weakness that they let down their guard.” He raised out, and let his passion take over. “The survivors and I unleashed a furious attack, and killed the female instantly. This drove the two males into a frenzy, and they killed most of the rest of us in their desperate quest for vengeance.”

  Greyson relaxed his arm and took a shaky breath. “But in their onslaught, one of our warriors managed to land a clean blow against one. He had a blade in his chest, and he gasped for air as a foul red fluid poured from him… That was when I took his head! Seeing our prowess, the remaining demon began to conjure some sinister power against us. I felt my head grow heavy with sleep… and my memories and thoughts began to disappear… one… by one. It was all I could do to stay on my feet, focused on my one singular purpose… victory. I, with a desperate surge of power, lunged at him in the midst of his attack, and drove my blade through his heart.”

  Greyson hung his head dramatically, as though tired from the recollection. “To my surprise… the demon burst into flames, as did his companions. And nothing remained of them, not even ash.” The council chambers were silent as all the occupants hung on his every word. “I remember collapsing into the dirt…and waking several hours later… my mind, a jumble of thoughts and memories. Struggling to find their right place within me. I will heal from this injury, eventually. But you, my fellows, must take heed of my words. The enemy to the West, Eleutheros, has many more of these creatures. More powerful and devastating than even the three I slew. Remember that, as you make your declarations and calls to war.”

  “Thank you, Lord Lytro.” The Governor interrupted, nodding toward Greyson with a hint of irritation in his eyes. “I think I speak for every member here when I say that your words have moved us, and stirred a fire within.”

  Greyson let out an exasperated breath as he sat back in his chair, That might have been a bit much, he thought. But everyone was doing the same thing, laying it on thicker than a torta at planet fitness. It would have been weird if I had just kept it boring. He took another glance around, and noticed that the mild interest of his surrounding peers had changed to awe and reverence. Alright then, he thought. I guess Lord Lytro is going to be the talk of the town for a few more days.