"A Brother's Betrayal: Part II", by Vamuria

As soon as my trembling hands regained some of their former strength, the heavens ripped open once more. The defenders of Sapience gathered immediately, having learned full and well the value of teamwork from their previous opposition of the dala'myrr. Hordes of Nevaharr erupted to be immediately engaged by small groups of prepared soldiers, their efforts to continue the Wild God's delirious ambition quickly cut short. Simultaneously, visions of slaughter filled my mind, displaying Anachai faring much more poorly beneath the weight of a larger group of Nevaharr. The Wild God was there, too, rampaging across the Great Wrath's home with unleashed fury.

The combined forces remained alert in anticipation of another threat as the last of the Nevaharr upon Sapience were dealt with. The battle had been too easy, though I could barely imagine anyone capable of wielding a sword or staff following the harrowing events of the previous month. I found myself envious of their courage and willpower, and I am unsure how they managed to stay on their feet for so long.

Sure enough, an eerie howl soon rang out in challenge as the fabric of reality tore once again. The memory-spectre of Grimaldrin, the werewolf, stalked out into the world, silvery wisps trailing from his ethereal coat as his presence burned away at the substance of Creation. The Hunt was on.

Still assembled, the defenders of the continent converged quickly, surrounding the werewolf in the Eastern Ithmia. Grimaldrin was soon forced to retreat to the Lupine Hunting Grounds. With a chilling howl, he rallied forth packs of wolves to hunt in his place, gathering in the Northreach, Dun Valley, and the Western and Eastern Ithmias. It was soon discovered that slaying one pack was not enough, the power of their greater pack bond enough to revive them. Astarod Blackstone was the first to realise the key to victory, speculating that the packs of wolves might need to be killed at the same time.

The group split into four teams, led by Sothantos, Colgano, Keorin, and Kog. Each group was responsible for a single pack of wolves, and each pack needed to be killed near one another in time. The plan succeeded, and Grimaldrin emerged again to join the fray. The battle continued, with Grimaldrin retreating several times as he took more damage. After what seemed like an eternity, the shaded memory of our friend finally fell.

Lady Artemis appeared again to us all, then. My heart swelled in both passion and mourning as She spoke to Him, pain radiating from every one of Her proclamations as She challenged Him for the safety of Her home. The Earthmother again stepped in, pleading with Her Sister not to be baited. The Great Wrath and the Earthmother came to an understanding then, as the Wildwood Queen vowed Her Sister would not face this threat alone. Rallying the Village of Eleusis to Her side, they prepared a ritual to empower the Cataclysm. Nervous with anticipation, we await Her call to begin.

Siblings prepare for battle as all wait expectantly for the violent conclusion to this story. I have not been able to keep food down for an entire year, and I find my emotions straying as I consider the ramifications of any possible outcome. Can there be a victory in this contest for my beloved Village, as Brother wages war against Sister? I sit and wait for news from the Plane of Anachai, the final battleground for a war I had never expected to see, a war that will shake the very foundations of my home.

~

Summary: Continuing His onslaught, Lord Lupus drew hordes of shadowy Nevaharr and a shade of Grimaldrin upon the masses of Sapience and Anachai in an attempt to draw Lady Artemis out. Emerging from the Dun Valley volcano, She informed Him that He would have the battle He so desired, and the Earthmother pledged She would not let Artemis do so alone, as the Cataclysm said He would be dragged back to sanity, willing or not.

Penned by My hand on the 16th of Phaestian, in the year 844 AF.