Someone had emerged from the Great World Divider.

The news reached the House of Lungile two hours after the sighting, carried by a soldier who now knelt before his clan lord.

It was the year 1100 AGD - After the Great World Divider. In that uneasy age, martial strength and powerful weapons determined which kingdoms endured. The Kingdom of Nri had not merely endured; it had expanded through conquest, claiming new lands and resources with every victory.

Yet within one of its most powerful clan estates, a single report had disturbed the calm.

The Lungile council chamber was built to impress. Richly woven fabrics softened the stone walls, polished ornaments caught the warm light, and ten carved chairs surrounded a long wooden table. At the head of the chamber, two broad steps rose to an elevated seat.

Rayowa Lungile sat upon it.

He appeared to be in his late forties. Silver streaked the sides of his tapered black hair, and his mustache was trimmed with exacting care. His dark face held an almost gentle calm, but his yellow pupils gave him the watchful gaze of a predator.

Below the platform, Kato Jasper knelt on one knee. Light silver armor covered his body, and he held his helmet beneath his left arm. Excitement strained against his military discipline.

"My lord, something extraordinary has happened."

Rayowa studied him without moving.

"Continue."

Kato lifted his head. "About two hours ago, a figure emerged from the Great World Divider."

Rayowa shot to his feet.

The sudden movement sent the legs of his chair scraping across the platform. For the first time, his composure cracked. His yellow eyes widened as he stared down at Kato.

Then the surprise vanished.

Rayowa remained standing for another breath, considering the soldier's words, before drawing the chair forward and sitting once more.

Footsteps approached from beyond the chamber doors.

A young man and a girl entered, both dressed in robes woven with the intricate colors and patterns of the Lungile clan. The young man, Ogon, was twenty-four and broad-shouldered. His shirt was only half fastened beneath his robe, exposing part of his hairy chest. Beside him walked sixteen-year-old Selene, composed and attentive despite her youth.

They greeted their father with restrained nods, then crossed to the far end of the table and took their seats.

"Father, three other tribes are already mobilizing," Selene said. Her voice was gentle, but it carried through the chamber.

"All three belong to High Tribe clans," Ogon added.

Rayowa turned his attention back to Kato.

"Is His Majesty aware of the sighting?"

"Yes, my lord. The king was informed immediately. He has sent four Commanders to apprehend the individual." Kato hesitated. "His Majesty has also ordered every available tribe and military force to remain on standby and monitor the situation."

Ogon gave a quiet laugh and produced a folded order from inside his robe.

"I was bringing you the same command, Father. It seems Kato beat me to it."

Kato's jaw tightened, but he kept his knee against the floor and his gaze lowered.

Ogon leaned back in his chair. "If four Commanders are already dealing with the intruder, perhaps we need not involve ourselves. Interfering may only bring needless trouble upon our clan. Wouldn't you agree?"

Selene turned toward him.

"Someone crossed the Great World Divider, and your concern is avoiding inconvenience?"

The amusement left Ogon's face.

A heavy silence settled over the chamber.

Rayowa had not raised his voice or shifted in his seat, yet the air around the table seemed to tighten. The faint narrowing of his eyes was enough to make both of his children sit straighter.

He looked down at the kneeling soldier.

"Kato Jasper, I command you in my name. Gather two hundred of our finest warriors. March beneath the banner of the High Tribe Clan of Lungile and join the forces on standby, as His Majesty ordered."

Kato lowered his head until his right fist touched the floor.

"I will obey, Lord Rayowa."

Keeping his helmet secured beneath his left arm, Kato rose to his feet, bowed once, and left the chamber.

The doors closed behind him.

Whatever ease Ogon and Selene had carried into the room disappeared with the sound.

"Father," Ogon said, his voice now serious, "what are we to do?"

Rayowa placed both hands on the arms of his chair and rose.

"You will accompany me to His Majesty's side." He turned his gaze to Selene. "You will remain here and protect our clan until I return."

Selene opened her mouth to protest.

Her father's unyielding stare stopped her before she could speak.

Far beyond the Lungile estate, a lone figure stood on Nri soil after crossing a boundary no one was meant to survive.

In only two hours, that figure had set the king, the Commanders, and the High Tribes in motion.