"The meld is not a telepathic communication. It is not some insectoidal hive mind. There is no shame, apology, nor explanation needed between those who share a meld. The meld is a oneness, an utter and innate comprehension." So spoke Tenith'oru to his protege, Kosuira many years ago.

A new year brought a new incursion. Shortly after the realm celebrated the turn of the seven hundredth and twenty seventh year after the fall of the Seleucarian Empire, the Tsol'teth litany settled over the southern city of Cyrene. Aan'lier, one of a trio charged with the capture and processing of the Eidolon Guardians, made an attempt on the lesser dragon, Blu.

It seemed as if all the world awaited the figure, and Aan'lier's attack was thwarted by a jack in the box wound by Patroklos of Eleusis. Across the city from where the mustered guard stood in defence of their Guardian, the litany reached other ears. Kosuira screamed in terror as the familiar sound brought back vivid images of torture. The girl's fragile mind unhinged once more and she ran screaming from the laboratory and her tutor's care.

On through the streets the sorceress ran, fleeing the demons in her mind. But she ran into one that was not a figment of her tortured imagination. Nightmare brought to reality, Agith'tai levied his mastery of control over his prey.

At the Blue Fang's shouted bidding, an old Tsol'teth loyalist unleashed her forces in defence. A great crash echoed from beneath the Dakhota hills, a strange frisson of emerald energy dissipated across the land, and the crypts beneath flooded with spiders of all shapes and sizes.

Kosuira's scream was heard again, this time filled with pain rather than fear. Agony shared with the world as her humanoid form was forced through a barrier readied only for Tsol'teth. The violence of the mental strain shattered what little hold the child sorceress had over her psyche. The power unleashed as Kosuira's mind fractured forced all to partake in her torture, ensuring all bore witness through her tormented eyes.

Tenith'oru bid the gathering crowd kill Lachesis, "Queen of the Undercaves" as Agith'tai called her, that he would not, for reasons yet unknown, approach the tainted barrier deep in Azdun whilst the Spider Queen still lived.

It was not long before the head of Lachesis was rendered from her body, and Tenith'oru sprung into action.

The world watched on as he strode unhindered through the ugly, ruby barrier to face Agith'tai.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Summary:
Aan'lier was killed in Cyrene as she attempted to capture Blu. Whilst the Litany of Obedience held much of Cyrene in thrall, Agith'tai kidnapped Kosuira and, with the help of Lachesis, the Spider Queen, altered and took refuge behind the strange barrier in Azdun.

Penned by My hand on the 21st of Sarapin, in the year 727 AF.