The Cracks Form

He stopped until he could wait no longer, and carefully started to unroll more of the scroll. For the first time since he started reading it, he felt a small sense of relief. The second part was done, for he saw the title of the next part. It felt almost hopeful, the way it was named.

The Cracks Form

"Cracks?" Thazmug asked with a whisper. He didn't see it, but the Scribe nodded his head ever so slightly.

A now familiar name greeted him as he started to read this section.

Extract from the Testimony of General Sandstone, Imperial Guard, taken in Ironhand 4834

Questioner: "Thank you for joining me again today, General. You mentioned so-called cracks in her mask previously. I'd like to hear more about that."

Sandstone: "That's what we called it. I don't need to regale you with tales of Neptis walking through the desert, that metal helmet obscuring her face. Ask Jozbrik if you want bard tales. There were two rival clans, hoping to take advantage of all the chaos. They were in the middle of a battle when she came over the horizon, the black shadow behind her."

Questioner: "What were the names of those clans?"

Sandstone: "If it helps you sleep at night. Bladebeard and Sandhammer. When they saw her, most of them fled or were drawn into her madness. But a few mad bastards from each side, they stood firm. Old enemies hand in hand. Do you know what Neptis did in response? She paused. For just a moment, the Commander stood still, before changing course and resuming her cursed walk through the dunes."