text: h your fellows and carry on as normal. As I stated I will be contacting you in the future and your official mission now is to gather as much information of the Shadow Guard as possible. I know you've given me a lot already, but there's always more that can be acquired."
  
  This new sense of encouragement, purpose and direction coupled with telling Mr. Mol everything makes you feel a lot better about your choice. So much so, that you even volunteer to go beyond what he asks.
  
  "Did you want me to assassinate anyone?"
  "Heh, I like your enthusiasm, but it might be best for you to concentrate info gathering first. Though I suppose if you can somehow arrange a group of shadows to face with an accident without getting caught, I'm not opposed to it. Simple sabotage is good too, as long as they don't get the impression that anyone is on to them."
  
  You understand, and you are lead out of the room and back into the main room where you see Cyrus and Talia waiting with the soldiers.
  
  "Okay I believe we are done here. I am pleased to find that all of you are obviously living up to your potential. I was a little concerned only because a couple of your non-shadow Eternals already have proven to lack the discipline we thought they had. One was executed for killing his superior officer and another one died by breaking a solid fighting formation during a battle. I'm glad to see all of you are much better in that regard and I can only chalk that up to the Shadow Guard's superior training techniques. Perhaps more Eternals in the future will join as it is obvious you all have tremendous willpower and great loyalty to the Empire." Mr. Mol says glancing over at you with that last line.
  
  And with that, the three of you are lead back to the carriage, which takes you back to Lenet, and from there you walk back to Gloom. You're all more talkative at this point, Talia and Cyrus go on about the questions with each other and you. Of course you lie and state you were asked similar ones.
  
  "So do you think he suspected anything?" Talia asks.
  "Doubt it. The Empire fool didn't even ask anything remotely important. It is obvious Dendrin's shadow covers his eyes from the truth. So much so that it required minimum effort on our part to even lie to him. I mostly just omitted truth." Cyrus mocks.
  "Omissions of the truth are usually better than outright lies anyway. Less of a chance to get caught up in a web." Talia comments.
  "Yeah, I didn't even need to lie at all." You say which causes you to laugh inside your head given the double meaning of that remark.
  
  After the three of you report to Master Ebon, he seems pleased with how things turned out, but states that he's pushing to enact the plan sooner for concern that the Empire may still suspect something. He then says to expect things to get hectic soon, but with Dendrin's guidance you all will surely prevail and the Empire will collapse.
  
  You retire to your bed to get some rest as it's been a long stressful day. You're finally glad to have settled your crisis of loyalty though. With these comforting thoughts you drift off to sleep... 
  
  As you sleep you begin to dream. You dream that you're in the same void like space when you walked into that portal two years ago. You feel nothing and you sense nothing for a long time then you hear the voice, that oppressive voice that invades your mind completely.
  
  "So Eternal, you have chosen to betray me."
  "You said yourself that I was only saying I'd serve to save myself in your presence. Why are you so surprised?"
  "I am not, I'm merely observing your motivations which were equally unsurprising. I'm fascinated that one such as you would have the willpower and strength to defy a god, yet still be narrow minded enough to trust in a mortal government. You may as well be a golem."
  "The Empire hasn't threatened me with death, unlike you have."
  
  The whispery voice suddenly lets out a hearty laugh to loud in your mind that it's painful.
  
  "And you believe that? The Empire has done nothing BUT try to kill you from birth! Wasn't until you arrived to train under the shadows that your risk for death was lowered! Even when you met me, I never directly threatened you with death, I gave you a choice for which you should be grateful!"
  "Deity, if I offend your omnipotence so much, then why not kill me now? You obviously have the power to invade my dreams and if I'm a threat, you should do what needs to be done."
  "Eternal, Eternal, you are no more of a threat to me than your beloved Empire is. And your insolence does not offend me, it is your ignorance that offends me. If you believe this path is one of survival you are sadly mistaken."
  "And joining a hopeless cause like your cult of fanatics is?"
  "Eternal, you will see. Eventually you will see. You ask me to kill you now and though I could, I wouldn't because it will be interesting to see you running about trying your best to undermine my loyal followers. However, the major question is, will you survive in the process? The odds are against you Eternal. Severely against you."
  "I will prevail."
  "Perhaps, but at what cost?"
  
  With those last words, you wake up. You try to go back to sleep, but it isn't easy. Just like actively spying on the shadows isn't going to be easy, especially since Dendrin himself knows what you're doing. You just can't figure out why he is insisting on tormenting you like this, what can he possibly get out of this other than sadistic pleasure? You can even comprehend that aspect, but what you don't get is why he wouldn't immediately get rid of you in order to help his own followers.
  
  Is this an elaborate trick or does he just not give a shit about his worshippers? You don't know. The best you can do is what you can achieve in the mortal realm and leave the motivations of any gods out of the picture.
  > Continue
  Chapter 2B1: The Emperor's Shadow
  
  Year 20
  
  "So you say, Brother Cyrus and Brother Draven are going to be assigned to Rask soon?" you ask.
  "That's what I've heard from Brother Gray. Them and a few others. Next year at the latest." Murk says
  "What's the reason, from what I've heard it doesn't seem like the Empire has a good grip on Rask anyway."
  "Well that's sort of the point! By weakening the areas where the power isn't as strong it causes the Empire to divert resources from other places and making those much easier to bring down as well. We're going to need it too, Master Ebon was sure the Empire would've started another war with the Felkan Kingdom by now, but as it stands they're practically friends with them, well as much as the Empire can be. Oh well there's still time I suppose."
  "We don't have that much time, we should push things along in our favor with some international incidents." Brother Shade says. "In fact, I'm going to mention that to Master Ebon next time I see him."
  "You don't think that he hasn't already thought of such a plan?" Talia asks.
  "Perhaps, but let's just say I've been here a little longer than the rest of you, and while I know Master Ebon is just waiting for the right time to strike, he's been playing the waiting game a little longer than I think is necessary. In fact I think he's been playing it so long that maybe his vision has become clouded from certain opportunities."
  
  This statement from Brother Shade gets a lot of looks, but nobody says anything. The shock is too great. Even you are surprised as this is the first time you believe you've heard something close to an open criticism about Master Ebon or the leadership structure in general
  
  And that's something you can definitely use.
  
  Soon after his statement Brother Shade leaves to attend his duties.
  
  "Brother Shade should watch how he talks about Master Ebon. Ebon speaks directly to Dendrin on a daily basis and knows best on how to proceed." Murk remarks.
  "Then why did you not speak up, instead of just sitting there?" Sister Bianca asks.
  "Uh... well... "
  "Always trying to impress the ladies, eh Murk?" you chuckle and take your leave as well to go seek out Brother Shade, he hasn't gone far and you catch up with him in the hallway. Fortunately nobody else is around. When you get his attention he's not exactly cordial.
  
  "Oh it's you, what do you want, I have duties to attend to brother."
  "Nothing excessively important brother, I just wanted to say you aren't alone."
  "Aren't alone in what?" Shade asks.
  "You aren't alone in how you feel. I think we should strike against the Empire now as well. All this waiting around isn't helping our cause."
  "Well I suggest if you want to help our cause, you keep your feelings to yourself brother and focus on your responsibilities... and your magic skills."
  "But brother, you said... "
  "Nevermind what I said! I spoke in haste to a bunch of snot nosed shadows that barely know what it truly means to serve Dendrin. Now leave me be!"
  
  Shade at this point pushes you aside and walks off. Well that didn't go like you hoped; still, you can report this to Mr. Mol who you have to meet in a few days anyway.
  
  When you meet Mr. Mol at the usual spot, you tell him everything you know as usual.
  
  "So, planning to destabilize Rask, eh? Well I'll see what we can do about that... tell me have you heard any plots involving orcs?" Mr. Mol asks.
  "Mmm, I don't believe I have. I would've told you."
  "Okay then, maybe it's not related, but some of our orcish troops have been getting restless lately, mostly those stationed in Rask too. If we had proceeded with our invasion of the Felkan Kingdom like we wanted, we could've thinned out their ranks a little. As much as we need them in the far northern reaches of Rask right now, I fear that having them all in a large group is asking for trouble. I guess we'll transfer some to Nalin, I hear they're having problems with the usksha nomads and kobolds down there. Speaking of the Felkan Kingdom tell me about this plot to start a war with them."
  "There isn't one, so much as there have been suggestions to do so by a Brother Shade."
  "Ohhh, dissention in the order. I like it. So is this guy losing his faith or something?"
  "I do not believe its that more so that he feels Master Ebon is being too cautious. He wants to strike now and he knows that Ebon's plan hinged on the Empire being distracted with the Felkan Kingdom, so he suggested starting one ourselves in passing, though when I approached him about how I agreed that we were being too cautious, he told me to not speak of it again and to leave him alone."
  "We can still possibly use this. The fact that he mentioned it says that he's thinking about it, even if he himself isn't totally committed to the idea. Try to speak to him some more on the subject of starting a war with the Felkan Kingdom."
  "But if he does want to go through with the plan, won't starting a war with the Felkan Kingdom be exactly what they want?"
  "Well, it's a gamble to be sure, but quite frankly we were going to invade the Felkan Kingdom again anyway, but... ha ha I got it." Mr. Mol says with a big grin on his face.
  
  "Okay forget what I told you about speaking with Shade, I've just gotten a better idea. I'm going to have to discuss this with a few others and the order is going to have to come from the Emperor himself, but I'm pretty sure he'll agree to this."
  "What the plan?"
  "I think we should send several Shadow Guard into Felkan territory to assassinate their king and other high ranking officials. We should even demand the best. This will occupy some of the shadows and hopefully this puts the Felkans in a state of chaos as well. While this operation is taking place, I doubt the remaining shadows will act just yet with several of their best fellows gone. In the meantime, we can start wiping out those safe houses and dissident hideouts you've been giving us the locations to over the years. This will no doubt alert what remains of the shadows that we're on to them at this point, but it won't matter. Thanks to you, we also know the exact location of Gloom and let's just say we've got some allies that can help us with that underground fortress."
  "That sounds like a good plan."
  "Thanks, just thought of it, but like I said, I need to speak with a few others first. As usual I'll be in touch, but all you need to do for now is go about your usual duties within the Shadow Guard. You've done excellent work as usual."
  
  Mr. Mol shakes your hand as you part ways and you feel a great sense of pride in your accomplishments. You also feel better that this charade may all come to an end soon and you'll be free of masquerading as a shadow.
  
  When you get back to Gloom, Brother Shade suddenly surprises you on your way back to your bunk.
  
  "Hey you, where have you been?" he demands to know. You're so taken by surprise; all you do is stumble over your words.
  "Uh... well... "
  "Uh huh. Probably slacking with some cheap tart as usual. I know you sneak off sometimes to the nearby villages. I know you're young and full of hormones, but you know very well that making yourself unclean with non-shadows is frowned upon."
  "I... I'm sorry, Brother Shade." You say.
  "Well you can ask for Dendrin's forgiveness in your prayers later, right now I want to discuss something with you. Come with me."
  
  You follow Brother Shade through the winding halls of Gloom until you eventually reach a small empty storage room. After doing a quick perusal, closing the door and casting a cloak of shadows spell, he speaks to you again.
  
  "Okay, it's safe to speak. You and me are going to start a war with the Felkan Kingdom."
  "What... you spoke to Master Ebon, about this?"
  "Yes, and the old fool is too set in his ways just as I thought he would be. Says it's too risky. Bullshit. What better time than now?"
  "Well I suppose, but... uh... just us?" you say in an attempt to stall.
  "As far as I know you're the only one who feels we need to do something now and I can't wait around and investigate if others feel like you do. Besides we can easily do this. I know your shadow magic is weak, but your fighting skills are excellent."
  
  You didn't expect this.
  
  "Okay, so just us... sure. Dendrin shrouds us in protective darkness right? We can easily assassinate the Felkan king... "
  "Hold on there brother. Now we're just starting a war, not destabilizing the government. Well, not their government anyway. Heading deep into Felkan territory to kill their leader isn't necessary and will just serve to waste time. No, we just need to go in, make a statement and get out. Maybe take out a large portion of one of their outposts and leave a maimed survivor to tell the tale."
  
  Sounds like Brother Shade has already planned this out. The problem is his plan doesn't exactly fit your own. Mr. Mol wants to assassinate the Felkan King and possibly some other high ranking types. It'll also bide a little time for him to get things in place. Brother Shade's plan probably won't throw the Felkan Kingdom into chaos, but will serve to anger them and that might distract the Empire too much if the Felkans are focused. Who could've thought starting a war would be so precise?
  
  In any event, you agree to Shade's plan and he says the pair of you will head to the village of Venji in the Arat province near the Felkan border. From there, you'll cross the Felkan border and infiltrate the nearest Felkan outpost to carry out the plan. When you ask about the others, Shade dismisses the consequences of his fellow shadows. He says when things have been set in motion they will have no choice but to accept the reality. He then mumbles about there possibly being some more changes before leaving.
  
  Of course you don't want to carry out that plan, so you're going to have to kill Brother Shade on the way. Not exactly an easy task, so you might try reporting him to Master Ebon or Brother Gray instead and try to have him taken care of using the shadow's own code of conduct.
  > kill Brother Shade
  His plan is going to mess everything up and reporting him probably will just result in him getting scolded and he'll sneak off later anyway. You need to kill him. It's part of your overall goal anyway.
  
  The next few days you spend mostly in the training room, trying to get yourself ready for what will probably be a grueling battle. Quite frankly if you do it right, you won't have to fight him at all as you're going to try to catch him completely with his guard down, but if that doesn't work, you're going to have a struggle on your hands and you need to be prepared.
  
  Brother Shade helped directly train your magic skills, so as usual you're hoping your combat skills will be the deciding factor, but your major advantage will be the element of surprise. You make sure your blade is extra sharp and your arm crossbow is in good working condition. You fully expect Dendrin to harass you in your dreams, but that doesn't happen.
  
  When the day finally arrives you and Brother Shade take your leave of Gloom and head to Venji. Brother Shade and yourself travel under the cloak most of the time, though up keeping such magic is tiring business, so you rest a few times on your way. During your time together, you find out more about Brother Shade's thoughts. He goes on about how Master Ebon is not fit to speak for Dendrin anymore. Shade believes the old man isn't even in contact with Dendrin anymore as Shade knows that Dendrin would not want to wait any longer for the shadows to live under Empire rule. Shade knows that Dendrin would want action to be taken right now and that only those that prove themselves to be proactive in these times will be rewarded when the dust finally settles.
  
  You can't speak for Ebon, but from what you can tell, Shade doesn't really know shit what Dendrin really wants. You don't either, but then you aren't one of his blind sheep that follows his orders. Still, it's somewhat fascinating to see one of the shadows not fall completely in step with the rest. If Mr. Mol hadn't suggested his idea, you probably would've gone through with Shade's mission and try to sew a little more dissension on both sides to flame the fans of a shadow civil war. As it stands though, he needs to die, but you're still trying to build yourself up to do it. You have no idea why either, you've had the opportunity a few times and you're far enough away from civilization since you've been sticking to the back roads.
  
  Eventually the humble village of Venji is in sight, and you're going to have to kill Shade soon. You think you're going to pass the village, but Shade starts heading towards it.
  
  "We're not actually entering it are we? So far we've managed to stay out of sight."
  "And we'll continue to do so, I can maintain the cloak, but if you're feeling weak you stay here. I'll be back soon anyway."
  "But why are you going into the village?"
  "Because there's bound to be a couple of Empire soldiers stationed there. We're going to need a couple of disguises."
  "You're going to kill Empire soldiers?"
  "Yes, and why is that a problem?"
  
  It's not. Actually it's a perfect excuse for you.
  
  "No, I just didn't know the entire plan. I guess I'll wait here I am feeling a little drained from the magic and I wouldn't want to jeopardize the mission." You answer.
  
  Brother Shade grunts and turns his back to you, and just before he cloaks again, you raise your arm and fire your crossbow at him. Your aim is true and the bolt lands directly into the back of his skull. He's dead even before he falls face first into the ground .
  
  It's done and it was so quick. He didn't suspect anything or even see it coming. Now you've got to get rid of the body and think up a story. Nobody saw you leaving together, you made sure of that, but you've both been gone awhile. You figure you'll think of something on your way back to Gloom.
  
  You strip Shade of his robe, weapons, then you cut off his head and dig a small hole to toss it into along with his robe and weapons. You figure nobody is going to recognize him now and that's not even counting the wolves or other wandering animals that will probably find the body to feast on first.
  
  When you finally get back, you get several people asking you where you've been.
  
  "Where in Dendrin's name have you been? You just left without reporting to Brother Gray for assignment!" Brother Murk exclaims.
  "I was doing my usual patrols in the Quala province. I didn't think I was being switched from them any time soon, so I just left. Was it a problem?"
  "Well sort of, Brother Shade is missing as well, you weren't with him were you?"
  "No, I wasn't, I haven't seen him since I left Gloom a couple days ago either."
  "Okay, well you're going to need to explain that to Master Ebon, he believes Brother Shade went and did something rash."
  "Oh? Like what?"
  "Like defying Master Ebon and the will of Dendrin. Anyway, you better hurry to Master Ebon's office."
  
  You do as Murk suggests. You just hope you can convince him as easily.
  
  You enter Master Ebon's office and see him, Brother Gray AND Cyrus. You can guess what the first two are doing here, but you don't know why Cyrus would. He's giving you a dirty look from underneath his hood as usual.
  
  "At last, we can get to the bottom of this." Brother Gray remarks.
  "I certainly hope so, because there are some serious allegations going on and conspiracy in the air." Master Ebon says while looking at you.
  "I'm telling you I saw the pair of them together several times and the day they both left, he made sure to leave several minutes after Brother Shade." Cyrus remarks.
  
  And there it is. Cyrus is on to you, well maybe not entirely, but apparently he was skulking around spying on you when you thought nobody was looking. And here you were thinking he was on assignment or with his boyfriend most of the time.
  
  "So what if I left several minutes after Brother Shade? What does that prove? Am I supposed to wait hours? A day? What would be enough time for you? And what's this all about anyway? What did Brother Shade do?"
  "Oh like you don't know."
  "Brother Cyrus, quiet!" Master Ebon says before continuing. "And to answer your question, I'm sure you're aware of Brother Shade's recent behavior and his desire to move things along as far as our plan goes. He approached me not too long ago, about starting a war with the Felkan Kingdom, I told him no and he got very angry. Then he disappears for a few days when I specifically told him to stay here and concentrate on his prayers to Dendrin. We believe he's gone and tried to do this himself. You being gone without reporting to Brother Gray wouldn't normally be held to such scrutiny, but Cyrus here has said he's seen you speaking with Brother Shade several times before his disappearance."
  "So I shouldn't have spoken to him? I can't be the only one that spoke to him before he disappeared."
  "Yes, but you are the only one that left without reporting to Brother Gray first, not to mention up until then I've been told that you and he never interacted much. All of this seems very suspicious and it grieves me something like this is being brought to me, especially when so much is at stake right now."
  
  You're trying to remain as calm as possible, but the pressure is on. Cyrus looks on with a faint smug expression like he's anxious to see you get into trouble. You need to come up with an explanation and you aren't sure if outright lying is going to help you. Maybe you should tell them the truth... up to a point of course.
  > stick with your lies
  If you tell them you killed Brother Shade because of what he was planning to do, the first thing Master Ebon is going to ask is why you didn't report it to him sooner and you're libel to get yourself into more trouble. The best thing to do is just lie; after all it's what you've been doing the whole time you've been here.
  
  "I tell you honestly and under the ever watchful gaze of Dendrin, that I was on my usual patrol in the Quala province... but... "
  "But what?" Master Ebon asks.
  "Well, I'm embarrassed as I have strayed from Dendrin's lessons in restraint."
  "What're you talking about? Speak!"
  "I... uh was with a woman. A couple of them in fact... "
  
  This explanation isn't one any of them expected.
  
  "In fact that's why Brother Shade was speaking to me so much, he said he knew about my dealings with women of uh... low moral fiber and told me to stop it at once. I did and I tired, but when he left I assumed he was going on his own usual assignment in the Delerg province and wouldn't know if I left to go meet with my... uh favorites... "
  
  At this point Master Ebon puts his hands over his face. Brother Gray gives you a stern look, and Cyrus starts shaking his head.
  
  "No, I don't believe that. He's lying!" he says.
  "Brother Cyrus I told you to be silent! I won't tell you again!" Master Ebon snaps.
  "I'm not lying! In fact I assumed that's partly why I was being called in here, I figured Brother Shade somehow found out I'd been whoremongering again and told all of you."
  "Well you didn't need Brother Shade to tell on you, because you've done a fine job of it yourself!" Brother Gray remarks. "I'm very disappointed in you."
  
  Master Ebon stands up at this point.
  
  "Okay, enough. Obviously the only thing you're guilty of is not keeping your dick in your robes. We've got more important things to worry about though. Brother Shade is still missing and possibly going to ruin our plans because of his own foolish impulsiveness. I want all available shadows to go searching for him and for Dendrin's sake keep this dead silent! We don't need the Empire suspecting anything."
  "Understood, I'll inform them now." Brother Gray says and leaves.
  
  Master Ebon then stares at Cyrus.
  
  "Well? What're you still doing here? Go find Brother Shade!"
  "But what about him? I know he's lying and hiding something! My instincts tell me I'm right!"
  "And I suggest you stop listening to your instincts and start listening to Dendrin's orders. Now I know you thought you were protecting the order, but I would remind you that falsely accusing a brother is considered forbidden. Next time you get the urge to do so, I'd advise you to have better proof or else it'll be YOU who is in here facing the judgement of Dendrin. Dismissed."
  
  Cyrus is obviously angry at this verdict, but merely nods and leaves. You're about to as well, but Master Ebon calls you back.
  
  "Oh no, you stay. I'm not done with you just yet. There are still a few questionable things about your story and the only reason why I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt is because I hardly believe Brother Shade would've asked you of all people to help him. His open criticism of your shadow magic abilities displayed exactly how he felt about you, which wasn't very fondly. I believe he would've asked Sister Dusk if he would've asked anyone to help him considering that was his lover. She's already been cleared though. And speaking of lovers, I'd warn you to cease your whoremongering RIGHT NOW. If I find out you've relapsed, you'll be undergoing the long abandoned ritual of the sexless shadow. I'll let your imagination fill in the details."
  
  You give a minor wince and nod.
  
  "Understood, Master Ebon. I shall pray for Dendrin's forgiveness and strength to guide me."
  "Very well, now go help your siblings search for Brother Shade."
  
  You leave Master Ebon's office and you don't get far when Cyrus suddenly appears next to you.
  
  "You think you're really clever don't you?" he sneers.
  "Shouldn't you be helping in the search for Brother Shade instead of spying on me?" you reply.
  "The search for Brother Shade... hah... that's a laugh. I think we both know what happened to him."
  "Well if you know then maybe you should tell Master Ebon, because I sure don't know."
  "Yes, play your little game. But I know you... we're Eternals and we grew up together long enough for me to know you're hiding something. I've noticed you leaving and disappearing during your off hours, this incident with Brother Shade isn't the only thing you've been hiding. Something is going on."
  "Cyrus, why the hell are you stalking me? Things not going well with Draven or something? Well I'm not interested, in case you haven't been paying attention, my preference is female whores, not boys."
  "Cute, but I'm going to find out what you're up to, and when I do Dendrin himself will see who you truly are." Cyrus says and then walks briskly past you.
  
  "Oh I think Dendrin already knows better than any of you who I truly am, which is why all of you are fucking idiots for following a god that doesn't give a shit." You mutter quietly.
  > time passes...
  Year 21
  
  "So do you think you'll be going on the assassination mission?" Talia asks.
  "I dunno, I think I'm still under watch for my past indiscretions." You reply.
  "Oh come on, even Master Ebon can't believe you're going to find some Felkan trollop to lay with while on your way to kill the king!" Murk laughs.
  
  You give a small chuckle and go back to poisoning your bolts. When Mr. Mol explained to you that the plan was going through, you wondered if you were going to be one the assassins. Mr. Mol said he was leaving it up to the Shadow Guard to pick "their best" as requesting you, might give you away especially given the mess you told him that followed with Shade. Mr. Mol congratulated you on how you handled that and as far as that event is concerned to the Shadow Guard, it's still a mystery. His body was never found and it's known he didn't start a war with the Felkan Kingdom. The general consensus is he just left never to return due to his disagreement with Master Ebon. Brother Murk remarked on the irony that if he'd only waited a little longer, he could've been one of those sent to kill the Felkan King now.
  
  In any event you know the plan on both sides. As soon as the assassination mission is underway the Empire is going to start purging the shadow safehouses and all known dissidents before moving on to Gloom. From what you know, orc troops are going to be used liberally in this. Mr. Mol said it will thin out the ranks and put their restlessness more at ease. He also mentioned that he's going to be sending in some of your former classmates as well. Your mission will differ depending on where the Shadow Guard send