Today was an important day, as were most for Ezra. Another sleepless night preceded. The world of politics in a society full of educated cannibals, moronic alchemists and holy giants was not one of simplicities. There was no one to share the tolls of his misery as he could never bring himself to burden his loved ones.

Ezra sat in his study, drafting maps for new proposals of expansion. Next to his work was a gift he had gotten for his son, a sealed book of clean pages, complete with an ink jar and a freshly crafted pen. The sound of crackling wood resonated with his constant tinnitus, helping soothe his headaches. He stood from his chair and knelt in front of the flames, watching closely in search of prophecies. After a moment of silence, he acted vindictively. “If you’re listening, I want you to know that you’re the only monster here,” he whispered to the fire spitefully.

A loud snap of the wood crackling sent a flame toward Ezra’s face, licking it before shooting an ember on his robe. He flinched and fell backwards onto his bottom, quickly moving to silence the ember before it caught flame. Fear in his eyes preceded chills crawling down his spine. He pulled himself up and quickly made his way to the door without hesitation, the fire forcefully voided from his attention or worries.