For five years now, Lannet has enjoyed independence from the Holy Empire of Abel.  Emesaries of the young Empress have even brought documents recognizing the sovereignty of Emperor Akira Tachibana no Mikoto and opening diplomatic and trade relations.<br/><br/>But not all is well.<br/><br/>Two years ago—plagued by visions of impending doom—Emperor Tachibana lead an army to the Island of Yagarema.  The Emperor feared he would discover signs of the return of the Insidious God and his armies of shadow.<br/><br/>Emperor Tachibana never returned.  Indeed, a single samurai emerged form the wilderness of Yagarema, half dead from fever and infected wounds.  He was rushed back to the mainland and word spread across the land to stand ready for a resurgence of the Endless War of Shadow.<br/><br/>The finest imperial magicians worked mighty spells to heal the lone survivor.  When he returned to consciousness, he requested a moment alone with Akira’s son—Emperor Tomio Tachibana no Mikoto.<br/><br/>An hour later Tomio—grave faced with fury—anoucned that his father’s death did not come at the hand of the Insidious God’s minions.  Rather, his army was ambushed by a large force loyal to Lord of War Thadius Horseman—the Empress of Abel’s strongest general!<br/><br/>Sixteen year old Tomio flew into a horrible rage and ordered the ambassador’s of Able exiled immediately, and that all trade with the West halt!<br/><br/>There was much grumbling—especially from Clan Takashi—but the borders were closed.  Retaliatory strikes were organized against the empire.<br/><br/>Now, two years later, rumors fly that the Empire of Able fights a war on two fronts.  Retaliatory strikes against the Holy Empire have lead to a protracted war—primarily at sea.  Meanwhile, the Azure Alliance besieges Able—some say they besiege Arcangel itself!<br/><br/>In a quite village, out of the way village built around an ancient shrine, the local lord and his son are called away to join the war at sea, leaving administration of the land to the samurai’s wife and their daughter.  Meanwhile, the granddaughter of the head of the shrine—having just come of age—has discovered the truth behind her immaculate conception…<br/><br/>But, just as the goddess Ameratsu has at last found her way to return to the world in spite of the damage done by the forces of Rha during the War of God, so has unparalleled darkness already wormed it’s way through Lannet, and it will fall to the incarnate goddess to discover it’s nature and put things right.<br/>