Days wandered by.

The company pitched camp in a minimalist fashion: one tent, sleeping in shifts, meals were also dried fruits and nuts. A barrier had been erected to protect them from the ever encompassing cold. Remnants of the magical energy from Rena's spell melted the icy precipitation from destroying her trail.

A castle of ice greeted them in the horizon. Diamond dust gently licked their cheeks as they raised their heads to answer the structure's call. Towers dotted along the castle walls seemed to rival the Citadel, the shingles kissing the heavens. Light emanated from within, the massive stained glass windows painted onto structures.

As the city grew before them, they were greeted by a pair of silhouettes which rose from the snow. A gargantuan icy wall swallowed the city and the castle behind them. Their icy blue eyes traced the outlines of the trio before them, and bowed. In unison, the trio answered and returned their gaze.

“Make yourselves known.” The man on their left addressed them.

“I am Rena. My companions are Gelehrter and Arden, my students.” She pointed to each of her companions respectively. “I am here on behalf of--”

“We are aware of your purpose.” The one on the right responded quietly. “...Come, we must quit this wasteland and proceed to the castle. My companion and I will stable your horses.”

There was a moment of silence as they dismounted, retrieving their weapons.

“You will have no need of such things. We are--”

“We are on official business for our Overlord. Her word is law—we are her enforcers.” Rena growled as she tied her weapon to her belt.

“As you wish. Our haven of Burm is open to you.” The hooded figure revealed his elfin features and the other did the same. Their high cheekbones and pale skin “I am Irekir, this is Nirihis. We will be your guides.”

The walls of Burm creaked and groaned as the gears within turned. The immaculate icy city was revealed in a myriad of bright lights. Each building seemed to be carved from ice, the snow embracing the city. Wind howled outside of the walls as it shut behind them, while the maze of streets only carried gentle gusts.

Irekir and Nirihis motioned for them to follow, the other snow elves bowing as they passed. Formalities were brushed aside in the absence of time.

They headed straight of the ominous castle. The structure seemed to glower at them in defiance of their mission, their entire being.

The path to Burm's castile rose gently on ramps which also housed many of its inhabitants, some of the levels which stretched on for what seemed to be miles. Though the journey to the castle gates was only an hour, the trek felt like an eternity.

Arden and Gelehrter panted heavily—Rena stood confidently before the two guides; Irekir raised his hands to the two guards on watch far above them. The castle gates were opened, the metallic hinges groaning in protest. Silhouettes took shape in the distance and as the gates revealed the marble interior—giant columns rising to the ceiling and the carpets a stark scarlet—they met the company within its magnificent threshold. The company curtsied and the final spoke, the snow elves bowing in unison.

“Welcome to Burm. I understand you are weary from your travels...please rest within our halls. Accalia will meet with you tomorrow to discuss the estate of affairs with our arrangement.” An attendant extended a hand to them and beamed. “Please...your weapons, I understand your need for safety. We are a peace loving race and would ask--”

“No. We are Justicar, new or otherwise. Our weapons are our own and will not be taken from us by force or request. By order of the Overlord, in regard of your hospitality, I humbly decline your request for our weapons, for our need to be armed is for your safety as well.” Rena bowed and reassured them with: “It is within your best interest my companions and I keep our weapons close at hand. With your defense matrix failing, we will assume our duties as guards after tonight. Our blades are yours until the matrix is--”

“Our defense matrix is of no concern to you, Justicar--”

“--repaired. It is from our Sanguine Overlord's mouth that my party and I are to investigate the matter. I will deliver my missive tomorrow to your master.” Rena raised her hand to ward off glares from the servants as each word left her lips. “I have been briefed and given instruction—you will not interfere.”

Arden and Gelehrter surveyed the chamber. More indiviuals entered the threshold and fixated onto the party. The two Justicar apprentices rested their hands onto the handles of their weapons, their gaze shifting rapidly as more approached.

A pair hastily raised their arms and the signal was understood. Soldiers from nearly every angle were ready to attack. The two in question, one of the left bore a crown while the other garbed in white flowing robes, seemed to float through the air. The right one however, turned to Arden, the familiar ocean blue eyes piercing through her. Her posture straightened like one about to deliver a speech.

“I see we have another Mortem in our midst.” The being on the left spoke, his voice radiating through the air like the sun. “Though she is but a pup, her potential for destruction is great. Welcome to my abode. I am sorry you had to endure such behavior. My servants are instructed just so and I would beg forgiveness.”

“I-I...I allow this.” Arden stammered.

“Half-breed!” The figure on the right exclaimed and pointed accusingly to Arden. Her bright sapphire hues seemed to seethe with scorn and malice at the sight of Arden. Her visage—high cheekbones, the exquisite mesmerizing face equipped with the exotic eyes of a Mortem—contorted in anger and disbelief.“Half-breed Mortem! You are an abomination!”

Both soldier and servant drew some form of weaponry.

“Enough!” The man ordered. “As ruler of Burm—I, Thalanil Mirana—will have order in my own castle! Accalia, your accusations are atrocious and without merit. You will behave yourself while you are within my halls, you have not become Royal Vizier yet!”

Rena surveyed them with a blank stare. Though the cause for alarm was extremely high, she remained calm. Her hands rested at her side. Arden and Gelehrter emulated their teacher.

“I am sorry, my liege. I...I did not know what became of me. I will retire to my chambers.” Accalia spun on her heels, her platinum hair following her gait as she seemed to vanish from view.

The tension in the chamber ceased. Soldier and servant alike vanished from view, save the few who were present at the beginning and Thalanil. He bowed to the trio and they returned the gesture.

Briefly Irekir and Nirihis bowed before they too departed.

“Come, come...you are guests in my home. Would you require sustenance? I would happily oblige your requests.” Thalanil appeared to glow as his smile spread from ear to ear.

“Please, my liege, my party and I are tired. Our journey took us several days and we would only require some food brought to our room while we rest for the night.” Rena's gaze met his and he seemed taken aback. Thalanil glanced to Arden, who nodded, and he shrugged. “If Arden wills it—so shall I serve. Bring food to their rooms at once. I will lead you to your chambers.”

The castle itself was enormous. Every hall was decorated with busts of Thalanil and other rulers all aligned each wall. Flowers were watered by servants and others busied themselves with other work. Though the bells tolled overhead for night, every individual seemed unaware of time.

“Please send our supplies to our room as well. There are some things I would like to have with me while I am staying here, if you do not mind.” Arden requested, dodging looks from various servants as they passed. Their footsteps echoed as they ascended a staircase.

Gelehrter fidgeted nervously as they approached the end of a hallway. The hall was dark save for a few torch sconces leading to their heavy door. A servant opened it with a tug.

Inside was a quaint room with a red rug, several beds readied straight ahead of them. A fireplace cackled to their right, warmth engulfing them. Rena, Arden and Gelehrter suddenly were struck with fatigue as they entered with Thalanil. Various desks were lined against the walls—everything in the room seemed to be gathered or set in threes.

“I will have servants frequent your quarters. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. I will retire for the night, if you do not mind.” Thalanil grinned toothily before he exited, his footsteps dissipating into the night.

The trio released a simultaneous sigh.

“It is obvious they intended us to become prisoners.” Gelehrter commented, unbuttoning his cloak.

“Aye, they were keen on us not keeping our steel. If the need for protection is little, why would they inquire over their defense matrix?” Arden asked and mumbled further to herself. She unbuckled her boots and pulled them off, sitting near the fireplace.

“I mislike it as well. However, we must go over the basics. A mission such as this is filled with solutions if you resort to your Justicar's Intuition book. I tasked you with reading this as able during our travel, did I not? Anyhow, we will follow the first principle and that is to gather intelligence. Other servants are to surely know more than we. It would be our first task to question one.” Rena pulled her dark hair free of its bun and shook her head with a grimace. “'Tis a shame, that. I will prepare a small memory altering ritual.”

“What manner of magic is that?” Arden demanded.

“It is necessary to seem as if we know all without being told anything. This is a safe practice and it is used by many Justicar. Gelehrter, show her the technique in question.” Rena then raised her hands as she muttered furiously under her breath.

Arden glanced to Gelehrter. He had gingerly placed himself against the wall adjacent the heavy wooden door. With a few minutes passing by, a few servants entered. The attendants gingerly rested their belongings onto each bed where they all had placed their cloaks onto. They seemed to linger for a while, searching for something.

Rena ducked behind a pair of curtains and continued her incantations.

Gelehrter gently waved his hand over his visage and blended into the wall.

“Excuse me, Miss Arden...were there others with you?” The attendant asked. Two of his other comrades turned to leave, diligently setting out a tray of food and other delicacies.

“U-Um...yes, but I think they went for some air!” Arden stammered and busied herself with the upkeep of her gear.

They shrugged and turned to leave. All but the male servant had gone. His elven ears perked up when a flash of steel caught him in the stomach, the flat of Gelehrter's weapon met its mark on him. He crumbled forward and was caught by Gelehrter, who beckoned for Arden's assistance. While Arden slid the bar across the chamber door, her companion set the servant onto the chair and tied him up with rope from his pack.

“Follow my lead.” Gelehrter enjoined as he readied another series of incantations.

Arden nodded.

The servant snapped awake once the spell took effect. Panic took him and he struggled in vain against his binds. He spotted the two Justicar before him and growled.

“You will speak.” Gelehrter commanded.

“What is it you want to know?” The attendant's eyes widened and stared ahead blankly as he obeyed.

“What is the state of the defense matrix?” Arden inquired, glancing from the servant to the door.

“Thalanil had found a way to deactivate it with Accalia's help. The vampires roam the streets and we mingle with them. There is little incident, but there are outbreaks. Many do not venture far from their homes and often wear full body armor.”

“Who is Accalia?” Gelehrter interrogated.

“...She is a wonderful elf. She had been placed onto Sanctuary before Ernald and Eloise's fall. She has helped us prosper in her short time here...she tells us that she once ruled over Sanctuary, but went into hiding when she witnessed Ernald and Eloise's terrifying power. Though Mortem blood flows through her veins, she is a lesser being. Many have tried to mate with her, but were found wanting.” Drool began to escape the servant's mouth, though he answered quickly.

“Does Thalanil believe the defense matrix's malfunction is a good thing?” Arden brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ears nervously, her gaze still shifting from him to the entrance.

“He believes mingling with vampire scum is a means for peace. I have had many friends taken and slaughtered...many of the guards wish to stage a coup if something is not done.”

Gelehrter and Arden exchanged glances.

“What sort of ties does Accalia have?”

“She is Thalanil's lover. Though she acts as Royal Vizier, she is his concubine and has power in court. Normally, she simply advises...but other times we wonder if it is her influence which causes such terrible law...and high taxes!” The attendant's eyes began to sharpen and with one simple nod behind him, Rena strode in front of their captive.

Magic burst from her hands and in a brilliant ray of light, his expression softening as he was pacified. Warmth engulfed him, the sweet caress of a lover's touch soothed him to sleep. His mind was filled with many images of merriment with the few Justicar and he beamed. Arden and Gelehrter untied him hastily, hiding the evidence.

He came to seconds later and blinked rapidly. “M-Miss...Miss Arden, what was I doing?”

“You...You were...serving us drinks. We asked you to join us and since you obliged, we had a few too many. You especially! When was your last leave?”

“Erm...I am certain servants do not get days off. Perhaps I should hide every once in a while.” The servant beamed. “Thank you for sharing this with me, I really appreciate it.”

“It has been a pleasure. You must be tired...you should retire for the night.” Rena urged him to the door and once his footsteps faded from earshot, she slid the bolt across the door.