The woods are silent. They should be, the knights the King had seconded to you were thorough and brutal. They found the boy as easily as you found the last few. Gods and Depths, what a thankless duty. One rides to bring the corpse to your feet your feet. Your horse snorts his displeasure at the sight. His blank face is youthful, hardly a boy of 16, but what you sook nonetheless. A waste, to be sure, but not the first.

These creatures must be brought to death, the honor of Althimura demands. Every one has singularly raised a rebellion or revolt and commanded unnatural skill. For this purpose you were raised up. Leader of the Beholders, the King's own internal spy network. These newcomers have brought untold chaos to the realm and must be stopped.

You ride back into your own home, Castle Barython, as you ponder for not the first time your place in this world. As the Captain General of the Beholders, you both wonder where these boys come from, and what power draws them against your Liege, Emperor Alkaign.