text: "I think we should take this opportunity to make them see the way of the shadows." You say.
  "What?!" Yvette exclaims.
  "Are you serious?" Talia asks.
  "Well okay maybe not all of them, but I'd think that with the right teaching they could become valuable assets."
  "NO! These are the enemy and must be destroyed! You said so yourself when we first began this mission!" Yvette says.
  "And perhaps I was a bit hasty. I can't be entitled to speak out of turn and make a mistake once in awhile?"
  "No brother, but I think leaving these... abominations alive for whatever reason is a bigger mistake."
  "Abominations... and I suppose you believe me and Talia are abominations too eh sister?"
  "Wha... no! I mean... (sputter) you're different! You... "
  "How? Me, Talia, and Cyrus for that matter were all brought up from birth and indoctrinated to serve the Empire, but what happened? We saw the truth of Dendrin's wisdom instead! Is it not possible that these... children who aren't even as old as we were be re-educated to do the same?"
  "Well... I suppose, but... "
  "Think about it sister, some of the greatest enemies of the Empire were brought up within the very heart of it! Let's continue to turn the Empire's obsessive need for control against itself! And better yet, bring more servants into the fold of Dendrin."
  
  Sister Yvette looks a bit hesitant, it's obvious she has some real problems with this plan, but she isn't really sure how to argue against you. Part of it stems from you making a bit of a point, and the other stems from the fact that despite her own confidence being better than it was, she still feels inferior to you... perhaps that's just the aura you have as an Eternal though.
  
  "Yes... I suppose I see the wisdom in attempting to educate these children in the ways of Dendrin." Sister Yvette says. She might not believe it now, but in time she'll either convince herself or get used to it. Either way you just need her obedience.
  
  As for the remainder of the shadows if they have anything meaningful to say on the subject they keep it to themselves. That just leaves Talia, who is going to require a little bit more convincing since you sense her look of disagreement.
  
  "Um... sister Yvette, could you and the rest leave me and sister Talia alone for a moment."
  
  As the rest of them leave, you move over to Talia who looks out over the hundreds of eternal containers.
  
  "I sense some disapproval from this plan?"
  "Not so much disapproval, but rather apprehension."
  "What about the training? I know it won't be easy, but I figure we can open up that ritual portal to Dendrin and let him decide if they're worthy or not, you know, like he did with us."
  "And you know how to do that? Because I sure don't! It's not like Master Ebon or Brother Gray imparted that knowledge on to me before they died!"
  "Well your magic is strong, and hey I know Cyrus has some old shadow tomes back at Fort Defiance, we can probably find something in there about it."
  "Well I'm glad you seem to have this all figured out then, just wish you would've let me on this sooner."
  "I would have, but this honestly just came to mind. I mean how was I to know that these kids were going to be safely locked up in oversized glass tubes? I thought we were going to be waist deep in their blood by now."
  "So who is going to train them? I know it's not going to be you. Me I suppose right?"
  "Well... you would be the best qualified... but hey Sister Yvette could help you and other shadows too! In fact I could have some transferred here just in case of an Empire attack when... "
  "Damn it I'm not worried about all that, I'm wondering WHY you came up with this plan at all! I know there's another reason than just turning them against the Empire or even bringing new shadows into Dendrin's fold and don't say that there isn't! We're the same and we've bonded as lovers. I know there's more going on in your head because I know YOU. Now tell me.
  
  Talia never was one to mince words and perhaps it is time you didn't either.
  
  "Very well my love. You should know everything."
  
  And from there you tell Talia everything... except you don't.
  
  You tell her that Dendrin did not only speak to you on the day Gloom was attacked, you tell her he's spoken to you in the past on several occasions. You just never said anything about it before Gloom because you didn't want to be thought a liar and be labeled a heretic.
  
  You also tell her that Dendrin has urged you to follow your own path and to seize leadership of the shadows. You didn't want to initially because you wanted to try to hold things together because things seemed so fractured, but given that Dendrin has recently warned you about Cyrus' potential treachery you thought it might be best to have another group of allies in case the worst occurs.
  
  "So... we're keeping this a secret from Cyrus?"
  "Yes, I think that would be for the best. If he knew about this, you know he'd be against it. Cyrus is clinging to the old shadow ways and still has clout, but that will be coming to an end soon."
  "I dunno... I mean I agree that Cyrus shouldn't be leader and that you would make an excellent shadow master especially since Dendrin talks to you, but hiding things from Cyrus and possibly planning for his death? I mean is there no other way? He's not just a shadow, he's one of us."
  "So are a few other eternals from our class if you remember. These little bastards here were going to be against us until we intervened... which bring me to my other reason and this one is harder for me to tell because it involves you and me."
  "All of this involves the both of us, what else could it possibly be that would trouble me more than conspiracy against one of our brothers?"
  
  You bring up the very real and unaltered truth that Dendrin told you about eternals. The fact that none of you are able to have children due how you were created. Talia gets quiet and sits down for a moment. She tries very hard not to cry, but her voice is obviously quivering when she speaks again.
  
  "... I... guess (sniff) that explains a lot... but um... I mean Dendrin could do something... I mean he... "
  "Dendrin...  (Sigh) ... how do I put this? Dendrin is... complex. It's true that he helps us directly by granting our magical abilities and perhaps in ways of major importance when he warned me about Gloom, but he's not here to collectively hold the hands of the shadows. (You can't believe you just repeated Dendrin's own words) He would prefer that the shadows made their own destiny as it were. I mean, I'm sure if he wanted to, he could've just laid waste to the Empire a long time ago, but he didn't. He wanted the shadows to endure and in enduring grow stronger from the situation they were placed in. Just like you... we will have to endure in not being able to have children. But getting back to the heart of the matter, that's part of why I decided that we should try to save these young eternals. I mean you'll get to train them first hand in the ways of Dendrin. It would almost be like you were the mother of several hundred eternal shadows."
  "But then they can never produce offspring either."
  "Well we don't know that. I mean it looks like they've been altered in a significantly different way. But even if they can't so what? If we had had children there would be no guarantee that they'd all survive to reproduce either. You mustn't worry about this, because after all is said and done, you will still be doing Dendrin's work and serving him faithfully and really isn't that what it's all about?"
  
  You look into her eyes and touch her on the shoulder. She grabs your hand on her shoulder and looks down for a moment and breathes deeply. After a couple of seconds she looks back up at you.
  
  "Very well, this does seem to be a suitable course of action. But quite frankly I don't think we can save all of these children. Some of them are going to be lost causes and if the Empire ever attacks this place in force, we're going to have to collapse this place anyway, we can't properly defend it, at least not at this time."
  "Of course, I agree. I trust you will do what you can."
  "I always do my love."
  
  With this new plan settled, you and Talia kiss each other before parting company. You tell Sister Yvette that she is to report to Talia directly now and that you'll be contacting Brother Theo about the new changes. Fortunately he's still alive, when you check to see how those other shadow cell attack turned out. No reports have even come in about the attack on the camp, which isn't too surprising given all the chaos going on elsewhere that brother Theo caused and the fact you didn't leave any survivors or let anyone escape.
  
  Eventually you make your way back to Rask which you're happy to find out Cyrus was smart enough to not risk attacking Fort Destiny. Unfortunately he caused a different set back entirely. Talia was about the only one keeping the Flog and the rest of his orcs on good terms. You rarely interacted with him and he never got along with Cyrus who was usually condescending to him. While you were gone apparently a small skirmish ensued between the orcs and shadows. Amazingly nobody was actually killed, but several were wounded and ultimately Flog left with the remainder of the orcs.
  
  "What?! They're gone? Where?!" you ask.
  "How should I know, further north I think where the rest of those overgrown idiots dwell. I don't care, we don't need them anyway!" Cyrus says. "And where is Sister Talia? Did you get her killed in your foolish mission?"
  "No our mission was a success, and she'll be taking care of some of the business we have in the south from now on because it's apparent my attention should start being more focused here."
  "Oh so now you've decided that, after all those times I've suggested that since you first arrived here? You know what, I've been putting in work here for nearly a decade now, what makes you even think you know what the best plan of action is here?"
  "Well I wouldn't have pissed off our orc allies if I had the desire to attack Fort Destiny for one. (Sigh) Cyrus I'm on your side for Dendrin's sake! I mean we're supposed to be fighting the Empire, not each other. Can't you see that brother?"
  
  Cyrus looks you up and down with distain in his face.
  
  "All I see is someone that talks a good game about serving Dendrin, but ultimately his words ring hollow to my ears. Always have. Time will tell though, brother and there will be a reckoning. Dendrin will not suffer false prophets and pretenders. I hope for your sake you aren't one because his wrath will be terrible. Do what you want." Cyrus says and leaves the room.
  
  Funny how Cyrus is probably the only one who can see through your bullshit, yet still be painfully wrong. More amusement for Dendrin you suppose.
  > treachery (Year 32)
  "We're going to have to clear out of here soon, the Empire is finally getting their ass in gear to retake this camp. Captain Roldan himself is supposed to be on his way and he's been pretty efficient in squashing shadow cells as of late." Talia remarks.
  "Yeah I know. He's proven as hard to kill as ol' butcher Kane. Both have survived several assassination attempts. Heh, this war would've been a lot easier had they been put into the Shadow Guard too."
  "Well, what are we going to do about him? Because while we can clear out the camp and collapse the rest, it doesn't stop the fact that Roldan is our biggest potential threat. He's proving to be the most competent Empire commander they have."
  "Yeah I know... I'll have to think on it. So how many of the new eternals can we save?"
  "Well there are still hundreds in those tanks and quite frankly I dunno if half of those are even functioning properly anymore. Some were empty to begin with too. I know we've open up at least a hundred or so of those tanks and some of the children had to be... dealt with immediately. I'd say we got around sixty or seventy that are still undergoing re-education. And of those? I'd say only about nine that have taken to it completely."
  
  You exhale deeply; you knew it was going to be tough, but only nine? That really puts a crimp in your plans for a potential army of loyal eternal shadows on your side.
  
  "Those tomes I gave you didn't help open a portal to Dendrin so you could do the indoctrination ceremony?"
  "I couldn't find anything in them about it. The best thing I found was in one of the Empire mage's spellbooks. A mind control spell which has helped in the conditioning process. Not shadow magic, but whatever works right?"
  "You'll get no argument from me. Might as well take those with you, what about derro equipment?"
  "Mostly hand weapons that we don't need or machinery that we can't use. However there were schematics for stuff laying about. Mostly on those explosive weapons they were using during the troll fight. Sister Yvette has mostly been studying those since I believe it troubles her less than indoctrinating these new eternals. There's a lot of that explosive stuff unused too. We'll use that to destroy this complex."
  "Maybe we could use it to set up a trap as well." You say forming a plan.
  "How so exactly? I mean I sort of get where you're going with your thought process; when Roldan arrives we could blow up his army, but there's no guarantee we'd get all of them or even him and we'd have to stick around which would most likely be suicide as his army is reportedly the best around and we severely lack in numbers. Hell, I'm not even sure some of those kids we're educating wouldn't help the Empire."
  "Except those nine right?"
  "Well yes, except them. What are you suggesting?"
  
  You explain to Talia that you all will evacuate this camp as planned, taking with you spellbooks, derro tech schematics and those children that are in the process of being re-educated. What's staying are the explosives and those nine children... 
  
  "Wait, wait, you seriously want these children to sacrifice their lives?"
  "It's not like they're doing it for no reason. They'll be striking a blow against the Empire, and dying in the service of Dendrin. You told me they were loyal didn't you?"
  "Well yes, but... "
  "Well when the army comes through Roldan will have it searched from top to bottom. He'll probably even do a little wandering himself when everything appears to be in order. Then when he's got his guard down, these nine you've told me about will come from their hiding spots light the fuses in the strategically located areas. Just to make sure they accomplish their missions, they will also be carrying explosives on their person. They probably aren't expecting the new eternals are indoctrinated and some aren't going to expect finding so called helpless children at all. In fact maybe we should tell one to play up the victim role about the terrible shadows and when Roldan wants to hear their story... BOOM! He's no more."
  
  While this seems like a solid plan to you, Talia once again is showing reservations about your ideas.
  
  "But these children have worked so hard to devote themselves to Dendrin. The odds were so against them, yet their trust and faith helped them overcome their Empire brainwashing. It doesn't seem right for them to die when they have only just awakened. There are other shadows here. Adult ones who would also gladly sacrifice themselves, could we not use one of them instead?"
  "Normally I'd say yes, but an adult shadow is of much more worth in case of a major battle in the near future. Now I'm aware these children are eternals, but they are still children. They are not even the same age that we were when were first exposed to the shadow way. I can't wait for them to grow and I can't use any of ones you're still in the process of educating because I can't risk any of them not following through with the plan. Talia, I know this is grim business and I know you may have even gotten attached to them... like any mother would. But there comes a time where even a mother has to let go, and really, you knew that something like this might be a possibility. Take comfort in the fact that their actions will save other shadows and their siblings."
  "I know the reasons. I know the stakes, but I won't take comfort in it. And I can't be the one to send them to their deaths. You'll have to do it." Talia says and looks away from you, obviously trying to hide her eyes, which are tearing up.
  "Very well. I suppose I owe them that much." You say and ask where they are.
  
  When you go to the room where they're located, they are all in prayer to Dendrin. They don't even stop to notice you until they're finished. Well they're definitely loyal to Dendrin that's for sure.
  
  They recognize you as a shadow and ask who you are. When you tell them your name, their eyes get wide and they suddenly start to get very excited.
  
  "You're Mother Talia's husband!"
  "You're the one who speaks to Dendrin!"
  "You're the scourge of the Empire!"
  
  Looks like Talia's been speaking about you in high regard to these children as well.
  
  "Are you here to send us on a mission to kill Empire soldiers?" one of them asks.
  "Oh yes. I am here to send you all on a mission. Possibly one of the most important in the war against the Empire. We haven't much time though and I will have to explain quickly, are you all ready to serve in Dendrin's name?"
  "Yes! For Dendrin!" they all shout in unison.
  
  While everyone else starts evacuating the camp, you start taking the children through the plan. Sister Yvette briefly shows you and the children where she's placing the explosives to collapse the underground complex. She also shows the children how to use the explosives. She's noticeably unnerved by the fact that these children are going to sacrifice themselves. She never agreed with saving the eternals to begin with, but apparently she has now grown a little more used to the children and isn't happy about seeing them going to their deaths.
  
  You haven't been around these children long enough to get so attached to them, but you can understand it. Even within the short time you've spent with these nine you can appreciate their enthusiastic potential. It is sort of a shame since who knows what they would accomplish if they were to grow up, but there are still several dozen more that will be saved and hopefully they will eventually become just like these nine.
  
  Towards the end of the evacuation, you wave good-bye to the nine and remind them of their duty and how Dendrin will accept them when their work is done. Talia also sticks around to say her farewells.
  
  "Children, remember all that I have taught you and remember that Dendrin loves you... and that... (sniffle) I love you... (sniffle) and will always do so."
  "We love you too Mother Talia." They all say in unison and go up to hug her.
  
  After a couple seconds of this, Talia tells them good-bye and leaves with you. The pair of you travel behind the rest mostly in silence. No sooner have you traveled out of sight of the camp, Talia breaks down and cries. A few shadows turn around wondering what's going on, but you tell them all to go on ahead and that you'll both be along shortly.
  
  You stand beside her during her sorrow, but you offer no words of comfort since there are none. In fact chances are you'll make her feel worse as it was your decision after all. Eventually after she lets it all out, she pulls herself together. Still sad of course, but ready to put it behind her. You continue your journey to Brother Theo's hideout that he's prepared for the evacuation.
  
  A few days later you get word from contacts of an Empire army being nearly wiped out by a series of large explosions. For a brief moment the Empire first thought it might even be a Felkan attack due to their use of gunpower weaponry, however it was confirmed by the few survivors that it was another shadow ambush. Naturally you are painted to be the lowliest of villains due to children being used, but Empire propaganda has always been so over the top that you doubt if people will even believe it, and those that do... well they were probably never going to be on your side anyway.
  
  The best news is when you hear that a funeral will be held in Captain Roldan's honor as he died during one of the blasts.
  
  You have won a great victory and confirms that your decision to save the eternals was a good one. Even if all the others prove to be untrainable, those nine were more than worth it.