Rena rolled her eyes.

A pair approached them, the tension growing. Ovelia stood some distance away, but a young girl now stood in their midst. Her bright sapphire gaze tore through the master smith and he stared back, undaunted. To them she seemed alien, the strangeness of her presence caused them to shrink naturally, save for Eisener. Instead of a dress or gown befitting a noble girl, she was garbed in a similar to a page: a tunic, pants and boots.

“You...knew Ernald?” She waited patiently for an answer. Eisener almost appeared taken aback, but he nodded. “...Then, do you know me...too?”

“Of course I do, lass. You are the daught--”

“I am adopted.”

“I didn't mean any offense, I was--”

“Tell me more about Ernald.” She demanded. The girl was no younger than twelve years, her body developing almost ahead of most children her age.

“Arden, that is enough. If you want to speak to him later, I will allow it. I must have a word with Stolzer.” Ovelia stepped in and more followed her. Several other Justicar, doctors, and other healers now surrounded Stolzer. The bandages were removed after an incantation was cast, the infestation and rotting flesh appearing to be frozen.

Eisener gripped the handle to his hammer uneasily. He shook his head and turned away.

“Have you had any dreams, Stolzer?” A Justicar asked.

“You asking for newer dreams?”

“Yes, I am sorry.”

“Its quite alright. Nothing new to report, I'm afraid. I've been writing them down, at least...from what I can remember.” Stolzer motioned to the desk nearby and they opened it. The Justicar peered at the contents of the book and turned to him. He nodded and they placed it into their satchel.

“You...also wrote me a letter asking for Arden, is that right?” Ovelia took her place closest to Stolzer, Arden standing next to her.

“Yes, I wanted to know if she could feel another presence.” He then turned to his friends, who already were beginning to leave. “If you could...I would like it if you waited outside while this investigation is going on. I'd like you to stay the night, if its...”

“Its alright. Just wait outside.” Ovelia nodded to them and they were gone moments later. The few who remained in the room were the Justicars, the doctors and the healers.

“Arden, can you sense any other presence with me?” The former Justicar's question seemed to be beneath the young girl, who crossed her arms.

“There is. He is fading, but he is there.”

“Call to him. His name is--”

“Alphonse. Alphonse, are you there?” Arden's call was answered shortly afterward, the pages to a nearby book opening. An inkwell and pen were placed nearby. Furiously the pen scribbled through the book, the writing neat and concise.

After what seemed like hours, the pen stopped. On the final page, words were scrawled almost in desperation: Death Wish. Wrath of the Ancients.

“He is gone now. He...told me that you were being used to anchor him here and he is terribly sorry for taking so much of your body.” Arden beamed, sitting on the bed nearest to him.

“See, I wasn't lying.” Stolzer crossed his arms in victory, smirking. His body appeared weaker, though he put on a good front.

“I... Thank you, sweetheart.” Ovelia hugged Arden tightly, who struggled to escape.

“I believe...this is...for you.” He closed the book and held it aloft for her to take from him. His hands were bony and frail. The fingers, though once strong and able, now were skinny and otherwise shaking. His breathing seemed to fail him, the doctors and the healers rushing to him. As Ovelia received the book from him, he collapsed. In seconds he was reduced to dust, the windows bursting open. The wind howled and carried him away.

Gelehrter and the others scampered into the Medical Wing once again. They witnessed Stolzer being swept to the great beyond, standing frozen in place in awe and sorrow. No words were spoken then, as the man and Justicar ascended to the heavens above. Instead, they lowered their heads in solemn prayer.