Untimely Events

[Moturdrn]

It is our finding that ye should be removed from service pending the result of this investigation. We find that t'would nay be in our best interests te put one as yeself infront of them, one who be tainted.

She could hardly believe the words as they said them. Her, a follower of Raza, tainted. She clenched her fists. They were lucky she wasn't allowed her reagents in here, although if they pushed her enough then one or two of them would be missing a few teeth at least.

She'd been called before an investigation into the Xathosian forces, though it'd been more like a circus. For the past hour she'd been stood infront of a panel of 8, who were sat high above her.

How long was he one? How long did you know?
Why did he join them?
Why did he not die in Akalabeth?
Why did you not know before?

For the past hour had the questions continued. They seemed intent on getting some form of confession, some one to make an example of over their own failings. All they'd succeeded in obtaining was scowls and answers they couldn't hope to use.

Tainted... and for what? Her brother who turned out to be a Xathosian? Darned Raugin, darned cultists, darned investigators.

Ye what? Ye know 'ow many of those eejits I've put down meself 'n yet yer nay putting me in the battles?

We feel the taint woul...

Taint? TAINT? Ye knew o' Raugin much more than meself, 'n yet even ye failed to notice. 'e was responsible fer the death o' my father, along with others whom I considered friends. I hunted down every last cultist responsible fer it, 'n ye dare te call me tainted?

Sorceress Bludhaven, that is quite enough! I'm nay quite sure what exactly ye all got away with in Akalabeth, but we will most definately not stand for that here! We will hear no more of this!

Ye bring me te this circus, ye insult me 'n my family, 'n ye expect me te just stand 'n say naythin' about yer own failures?

That's enough! Visko Bludhaven, ye are dismissed from this investigation till such a time that ye are composed enough to continue.

She stood silent, glaring at the one who dared to speak to her after all that had happened. She needed no reagents, her blood was already boiling like it was on fire. She muttered a few words in the glory of Raza. She turned and stormed out of the room. The guard outside the building nearly tumbled down the stairs as she snatched her bag of reagents off of him. They'd left only enough for her to recall home.

She retired to her home, just outside a small village on the way between Kaldor City and Valki. Did they really just expect her to sit and watch as the events unfolded? To hell with that.

She hurriedly moved to the other side of the room in which she stood. Opening one of the packing crates she reached inside and removed two items. The first was a small crystal. Dull and rough looking, the investigators hadn't considered to remove it from her home with her reagents and badge.

The second item was a red and green tome. If anything had tainted her at all in her life, it was most definately not her brother. But she now knew what it was, what it could do, and what it would try to do. She'd not be plagued by the same troubles it had caused her before. She'd learned to keep it in check. The investigators had checked the tome, but they found the pages to be blank. She opened it to the middle and uttered a few words. The writing reformed back on the pages as she did so.

She made for the front door, this was to be over soon so she had no time to waste. She opened the door to see 8 backs turned to her. They backed into the house, seemingly in fear of something. Visko stepped around them trying to see what it was. Something was happening in the distance. The sky was growing darker, and flickers of energy could just about be seen. She was too late to help, a blinding flash and defeaning sound emanated from Valki. They shielded their eyes. It was over almost as quick as it had begun. She stood there in silence as the 8 slowly moved past her and left. As the last one passed, he stopped and placed her badge upon a small table next to the door.

Perhaps... Perhaps we were wrong...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over a year had passed since then. Visko stood, looking over the railing of the ship as it sailed. Her orders were to return to Akalabeth and report to Commander Duo. She looked up as the landmass came into view.

Kaldor returns....