Shandalar Valmaris

Ironhand 8860, The Far Frozen North

Eigengrau wasn't happy about this, but rules were rules. She was watching the fall of House Valmaris in almost real time, and witnessing the end of a much better future for Karand. It shouldn't have been like this, King Tarron should have ruled the North for hundreds of years, becoming remembered as a wise King for millennia to come. Looking through the Book of Fates as the chaos surrounded her, she checked each member of the Valmaris Royal Family.

"At least Syndra will live, but for such a long time makes me wary." Eigengrau said out loud.

She paused when she saw Shandalar Valmaris's name, though. No, she couldn't allow it. Taenya Valmaris at least had to be born. There was no time left to do this the right way, though.

Shandalar was hiding under a broken table, partially hidden by the body of her father. What was going on? Why was this happening? She heard shouting getting closer, and was petrified in fear.

"Make sure they're all dead!"

"Stab them again to be sure!"

As Shandalar steeled herself for what might come next, her body shaking with terror, she heard sudden screaming. It continued for long minutes, until eventually, the entire manor was silent. She heard footsteps approach the table, and casually move both it and her father's body off her.

"No, this will not do at all. You must live, Shandalar." The voice said.

Shandalar slowly opened her eyes, and looked up at her saviour. In the dark haze of the burning manor, she couldn't make out much beyond the fact they were a human.

"Who are you?" Shandalar asked, coughing.

"A friend. Come on, you need to get out of here." The woman said, pulling Shandalar to her feet. "The North will not be safe for your family for a very long time."

"Why are you helping me?" Shandalar asked, as they quietly left the manor, and ran for the woods.

"To give Karand a hope for a better future." She answered, which was entirely true. "I broke a lot of rules to do this. Keep travelling south."

"Will you at least tell me your name?" Shandalar asked, as they stood in the dark woods.

"I will tell you who I came on behalf of. A wandering mage named Sirene Ignitis."

Eigengrau watched as Shandalar ran off into the woods, then reopened the Book of Fates. She saw Shadalar's death date shimmer as her intervention set the divergence point, closing off the worst possible future.

"Four hundred years. Well worth it." Eigengrau said out loud, a small smile. Looking at Syndra's she noticed hers moved further into the future as well.

Eigengrau laughed lightly as she realized she would have to explain this to Vordea later on. Ah well, rules were made to be broken.