Chapter 1

“The threads of the universe encompass and engross themselves in all that we see and do not. They are the very fabric of existence and time. While they are not the beginning of all things, nor are they yet the end of all things, they do make up all things, and their influence can be felt in all things. To influence these threads is to influence the very universe itself. To be influenced by the threads is to be influenced by both creation and death themselves, or to exist. Unfortunately, Some individuals find themselves in the precarious position to be both the influenced and the influence. As you follow the threads to these people, often you find they are who you thought the least likely to be such a person.”

​

First Grand Master of the Protectorate Order, Kithvadün;

The Final Age of the Rising Shadow: An Introduction to Thread Theory.

 

 

Samuel had waited for this day since the moment their eyes first met. Standing in the Roztheron Grove, surrounded by bright blooming purple and red flowers, Ashley was going to his wife. He grinned, gazing into Ashley’s eyes. They shone brighter than usual, golden and glistening as she gave him her usual confident smirk. Her hair curled to frame her beautiful face. He couldn’t help but laugh, he was just too happy. He had loved her with all his heart, and after all this time, they were going to become one.

“We stand together, gathered to celebrate the joyful union of these two souls.” His uncle Silas said in his usual slow and booming drawl. Tall, broad-chested, and every bit the man Samuel hoped to one day be, he was so glad Silas had agreed to officiate.

“What are you laughing at?” Ashley whispered.

“Nothing, I’m just happy.”

Ashley shook her head and returning her attention to Silas. But Samuel noticed her usual smirk turning into a very happy grin.

“That’s when I knew Samuel and Ashley had something special, something you only ever find once in a lifetime.”Silas said, to a crowd of mixed laughs, groans, and claps.

He missed the joke, but that was okay. Samuel wouldn’t trade a second of this moment for anything else. Feeling his eyes starting to burn, joyful tears threatening to mark him as the emotional sap his friends and family teased him for being. He did his best to blink them away. But, one managed to escape, and quickly rolled down his cheek. Ah, well, we’ll just have the photographer edit the red eyes from the photos. He thought, as soon two, three, four, a stream of tears had found their way to escape. Ashley’s eyes sparkled as that grin grew into a full fledged smile.

“Alright, lets get to the crux of why we’re even here why don’t we?” Silas cleared his throat. “Do you, Samuel Neordell, take Ashley Roszchire to be your Wife? And If I may, I suggest you do. She is quite the sweetheart.” His Uncle Silas said, with a wink. There was an audible groan from his Aunt Shalen, and laughter interspersed among the crowd.

“I do.” Samuel said, with his voice cracking just slightly as he reached forward and took Ashley’s hands in his own.

“Do you, Ashley Roszchire, take Samuel Neordell to be your Husband? And you do have other options —” Shalen cleared her throat and gave Silas a rather unpleasant look.

“He’s not wrong, there’s always Kaz.” Rex, a tall and lithe, dark-skinned elf and one of Samuel’s groomsmen and best friends, said as he playfully elbowed the large, brown-haired Skathüni standing beside him. The crowd erupted in laughter, and Kaz pushed Rex over. That made Shalen smile.

Samuel could think of no other people he would rather share this moment with, His Family, His Best Friends, and his Squad. His eyes drifted from Ashley and ran over the crowd. His eyes drifted over Ashley’s shoulder. Seeing the particularly sour look Charlie wore, and the unpleasant glare from Michelle. They’d get over it eventually…He thought.

“I do, every day for the rest of our lives. I do.” She said. Her face, full of love and confidence. Her words, her face, her everything, it filled Samuel with hope for the future. Their future. A few dower expressions weren’t going to ruin this moment.

“Then if there are no objections, I now pronounce you husband and wife…” Silas’ voice trailed off on the last, something had caught his attention. Samuel and Ashley followed his gaze. Samuel could feel a tension in the air, almost as if all the hope he had ever felt was being pulled tight. He looked back to Silas, the tension was increasing, at a rapid pace.

“No…no…not you, not yet. It can’t happen now!” Silas muttered.

“Uncle Silas, Who are you talking to?” Samuel asked, but his uncle gave no reply. He just kept muttering but the words were in some language Samuel could not quite make out. Ashley squeezed his hand.

“Do you feel that?” she asked, her voice nearly a hiss.

The skies began to darken, as deep and dark billowing clouds closed in over their ceremony. Lightning struck a tree nearby, splitting it in two with a deafening crack. The crowd screamed as they began to run for cover, large droplets of rain slamming into the ground all around them. Each thump like a thunderclap.

Then the sound of laughter. Horrible, nauseating laughter.

Silas Screamed, the words indistinct. Something about a deal, Samuel’s eyes narrowed. Was Silas in trouble? He didn’t have time to ask now. He’d have to find out later, after they dealt with this unwelcome guest.

“Deal? You thought we had a deal?” The voice cackled, sharp as a blade. “We never had a Deal, you fool!” The voice screamed, it sounded…happy, manic even.

What did this thing have to do with Silas?

Samuel’s eyes darted around the grove, the flowers had all turned black, wilting and rotting. He felt Ashley’s hand tremble, the color draining from her face. Is she afraid? He thought.

“Ash?” He asked.

Ashley was never afraid. She once fought and killed a wild rot-wyrm by herself, just because she wanted to know if she could. The Academy had created a special Academic award just for her after that, The Rozchire Medal of Exemplary Skill and Achievement.

“Run.” She said.

“What? No.” he said, and quickly passed a glance to Silas. Who had turned white as winter’s first snow, his hands trembling. “We’re going to be fine, sweetheart. We’ll handle this.” Samuel said. Trying his best to reassure Ashley.

“He truly believes that doesn’t he, old friend?” A dark figure appeared next to Silas. It’s movements snakelike as it ran a finger down the side of Silas’ face and twisted to face the others. As it’s attention focused on him, Samuel felt small prickly bumps form all over his body. He started as the figured screamed.

“You poor deluded soul!” It said, that twisted delight still evident in it’s voice. “Oh, My friend, I can’t believe you would fail them so… Spectacularly…” It slowly hissed, almost as if it was savoring every moment and word.

Friend? Samuel thought, trying to make out the features of the figure. But it was bathed in a revolving and writhing shadow. Silas’ face was growing gaunt and pale, his eyes sinking in as if the life was draining from him. That’s when Samuel noticed the change. The fear in Silas’s eyes was fading, being replaced with a look of solid determination and defiance.

“U-Uncle? Are you alright?” Samuel hesitantly asked.

“Of course he isn’t boy!” The figure laughed, “His worst nightmare is coming to life right before his eyes! And there’s nothing he can do to stop it. Not anymore at least…Isn’t that right, Silas.” Samuel couldn’t see the grin, but he could hear it.

The figure twisted and turned around Silas, it’s movements even more serpentine.

“Oh how I wish we would have had a chance to meet once more outside this lovely realm.” The figure said, and then whispered something inaudible to Silas.

“No! Samuel, go. Now!” Silas roared in defiance of the figure. His arms blazing in sparkling blue and black flames.

Reeling back in pain the shadow formed figure leapt from Silas. In one swift motion the flames solidified into blades and Silas was swinging them at the figure. The ferocity of his movements, he moved with a speed and force that cut the air itself. Rents in reality forming around them. The shadow wreathed figure ducked and dodged each strike and formed black longswords in each of it’s own hands. Where the blades met the air rippled. As if the fabric of space couldn’t handle the two meeting.

Samuel gripped his forehead, pain had suddenly wracked him. A pounding thump behind his eyes.

“Run Samuel!” His aunt’s voice cried.

Why am I here? He thought, squinting through the pain to spare a look to Ashley. She was frozen still. Her body partially covered in the dark crawling shadow, the other parts glowing with that mysterious blue light Silas was using.

The color was beginning to seep from the world around them, and Samuel stumbled pain thumping behind his eyes as he forced them shut.

Ashley. The name echoed through his mind.

Ashley. He saw a face

Ashley. Those eyes. Yes, those eyes.

Ashley. She was beautiful. That dress, her hair, and her eyes… Samuel could feel a pulling, almost a tug at his soul. It was tearing his mind in half. Images of Ashley shifting through his mind. He had forgotten something, what was it?

Her smile shone brighter than the sun.

Shift.

With her compassion, she held him in her arms, comforting him in his pain.

Shift.

With her determination, she stood atop a wild Wolhedrin, a blade sunk deep in its neck and her eyes set on something in the distance.

Shift.

With her Anger, she stood before him her fist inches from his face.

Shift.

With her Jealousy, She drove a dagger into his side. The pain cold and burning all at the same time.

Shift.

With his fury, He stood over her corpse. A deep gash across her chest.

Samuel screamed, a primal sound that tore at his throat, and he fell to his knees, darkness flooding his vision.

“HE WILL BE MINE MYTHREN!” The figures words roared over Samuel’s scream of pain.

 

Samuel blinked, he had waited for this day since the moment their eyes first met. Standing in the Roztheron Grove, surrounded by bright blooming purple and red flowers, Ashley was going to his wife. Something wasn’t right…His smile fell to a frown. Hadn’t he just been here? He spared a look around the crowd of people. In the distance, a figure stood. It’s hands seemingly clasped behind it’s back. With a nod the figure turned, walking deep into the forest.

“Count your days’ boy. You. Will. Be. Mine…” The figure’s voice echoed, Samuel’s vision blurring and distorting.

 

Darkness surrounded Samuel as he opened his eyes. He bolted right up and checked his surroundings. Stars flickering in the sanguine sea above, casting faint light on the field he slept in.

Samuel sighed in relief, he was still in the Field of Ra. It was just a nightmare. But it felt so real. He looked around, what time was it? He checked his watch,which was dead, of course. Looking at the location of the moons above he realized just how long he had been out.

“Broken Binds…Shalen is going to kill me.” He mumbled. Wait, Where’s Ash? He thought, as the memory of why he was in the field returned. She was supposed to meet him for dinner here…and she was supposed to bring said Dinner. He pushed himself to his feet, his stomach growling at the movement, and dusted off his clothes. Well, she never misses our dates, she must’ve had a good reason. He told himself. But something was nagging at the back of his mind. Something unsettling. He did his best to push the feeling away and agreed that he would check in with her as soon as he got home.

 

Samuel sprinted through the forest, it had only taken one step toward home for the panic of Shalen’s anger to set in. If the Threads could help people, he hoped they’d helped him make it home before Shalen noticed how late it was. He knew better though, the Threads of Taroveth’s weave were long dampened and slack. That didn’t stop the thought from causing small bumps to prickle all up and down his body.

Focus on the path. He thought. The rustling sounds of underbrush, the pop of twigs snapping and cracking beneath his steps, and a backdrop of singing and chirping insects filled the air. The two moons of Rozama, Roz’thal and Ama’thal, hanging stoic as ever in the night sky. Alongside a curtain of stars, their faint light illuminating all that’s left of the makeshift path Samuel followed. A feat that was much easier during the day, and much less painful.

At first Samuel was confident he’d get home soon enough that he might minimize Shalen’s anger…That was until he ran into that Eafor and her young. A medium sized mammal with four large tusks used for foraging, and fighting. The wild thing tore through the underbrush behind him for several miles before it finally gave up. But the damage was done. Samuel was far from lost, but after stopping to catch his breath, it took an extra half hour for him to make his way back to the path.

He could already see the anger in his aunt’s eyes. After the incident with the Hunter’s Syndicate a few weeks back, he was surprised she even let him leave the house for the academy anymore. Cursing, he tripped as a thorn the size of his thumb sliced across his arm. Leaving a stinging cut and tearing through his sleeve.

“Great, that’s just great.” Samuel growled and glared at the thorn. “ I actually liked this uniform.” He said. Turning back to the path, taking a bit more care with his movements.

Nothing on Rozama scared him more than his Aunt when she was angry. To the average eye, Shalen was not an overtly intimidating woman. She was rather short, and a bit stocky in the shoulders, with long ringlets of deep purple hair, speckled with flecks of grey that had settled in over the years. In fact, she was quite motherly and sweet. She loved to care for people, and everyone always told Samuel how much they looked forward to the yearly harvest festival. A large gathering his Aunt and Uncle hosted on their land to show off the best local food this side of the Academy walls.

For all to see, she was the sweetest woman you would ever meet. However, under that affectionate and kind demeanor was the heart of a Vantha Beast. She was fearless and built tough enough to take a hit from a particle blaster without flinching. A Feat that his late uncle had said he witnessed, more than once. How or why Shalen had been shot by a particle blaster, Silas never told him. But that didn’t matter to Samuel. If Silas told him it was true, it was true.

Samuel’s thoughts wandered, as they often did at the thought of his uncle. He had been like a father to him after all. Shalen hadn’t been the same since his uncle passed away. Often there was an emptiness in her eyes, she tried to hide it, but Samuel could see it. He felt it, he missed his stories, the confidence he had in every decision he made, and the compassion. Silas was everything he aspired to be.

Samuel yelped in shock as he tripped over a root. Stumbling he caught himself on a small tree just off the path. Panting he rested his forehead on the trunk. Concentrate, you fool. Silas wouldn’t want you breaking your neck trying to get home. He thought to himself. Then again he didn’t have to face Shalen’s anger anymore…The thought made him laugh in a dower way. He straightened himself and stepped back onto the path. Samuel pushed away the thoughts of his uncle, and picked up his pace. Keeping extra attention for stray roots and thorns.

After some time, he saw the field that meant he was almost home, the Field of Kerset. He stopped and looked to the sky checking the position of the moons and stars. It had been a bit over an hour an a half since he set out. He groaned.

There’s no way Shalen hasn’t noticed how late it is… He thought and ran a hand through his hair.

Overhead the familiar thunder of an Inquisitor Class Cruiser materializing just outside the atmosphere caught his attention. The familiar design of the Federation was unmistakable as it’s gigantic form drifted out from a large glittering rent in the sky. Time and space distorting around the ship, blocking the constellations of Kerset and Ra.

Samuel’s panic, his frustration, and his pain disappeared in one excited gasp, and goofy grin. An actual Inquisitor. He thought. He had only ever seen one in the docking bay back at the academy. He’d never seen one actually flying. At least not in person, everyone had seen the old recordings. Hundreds of these ships facing off against the Protectorates and their old Templar Class Frigates. What it would be like to be on one of those. He thought. The hum from its rear thrusters was much louder than he expected. His chest rattling with the resonance of their power.

He wondered forward, his feet carrying him to the middle of the Field. His eyes glued to the cruiser, which now hung in the sky. The rent in time and space closed, revealing the constellations once more.

Samuel’s eyes were fixated on the ship. He had always wanted to explore the stars. In fact, Samuel was training to be a member of the Enclave of Flight, and someday he’d be the one to fly one of those cruisers. No, better, one day I’ll be the Commodore in charge of the Outer Rim.

He could see himself standing at the bridge and directing his crew. The Commodore of the Federation’s entire outer rim fleet. Kaz his quartermaster, Rex the head of his Shadows…Ash, well she wouldn’t allow herself anything less than him. She barely tolerated being the second in command on his Academy squad. Michelle and Charlie by her side, as they ever were. They’d cover the entirety of the Outer and Middle Rims.

He cringed, the images of patroling the galaxy disintegrating back into reality. A familiar, and a very unhappy, voice echoed across the field.

“Samuel! I have been looking everywhere for you!” Shalen’s voice was shrill and he could feel the anger. A white hot beam of pure fury directed right at him. Samuel’s brows rose, Wait…Had the air become warmer? He thought. But he didn’t have time for that. Now, he just needed to focus on survival.

“I swear, you are more trouble than you are worth, boy!” Shalen was standing at the opposite edge of the clearing, and she was closing the distance between them at an incredible rate. He swallowed hard, and took an unintentional step back.

“If you weren’t my sister’s child, I would have thrown you out rotations ago.” She said, the words nearly on top of eachother. “If you ever worry me like that again not even The Hand himself will be able to save you! I thought the Syndicate had you by the scruff of the neck like the last time!”

Samuel grimaced.

“It was one time.” he muttered to himself. He was just about to respond when a sensation struck him. Like a string had wrapped itself around his mind, his eyes were pulled toward the back of the Inquisitor. Something was moving near it’s rear thrusters.

Samuel forced his attention back to his aunt, and gasped. She had moved even more quickly than earlier. He could feel the tension in his mind ease, like a taught string cut slack. He shook his head, alright, focus. He thought.

With Shalen gaining ground by the second he needed to think of something fast. Shalen would never “hurt” Samuel.. no more than he probably deserved at least. But, as old as he was now, his pride was what he was more worried about than his hide. All the same, he was not keen to let her catch up to him any time soon. Taking another, careful, step backward he yelled out to her.

“Oh, hello there! I’m so sorry Aunt, I was…” He paused for just a breath. “I was… Just studying the flight patterns of the cruisers! For the Academy— it’s a huge project. You know about it, It’s the one I told you about just the other day.” Samuel wasn’t entirely lying, he did need to study flight patterns for the academy. That’s just not why he was out here tonight.

“I just got carried away. It is very interesting stuff you know? The way these cruisers fly. I was just on my way back, just now, I swear!” Samuel yelled. Hoping the lie would be covered by this small dose of the truth.

Samuel could hear Shalen’s snort, even from the good distance that stood between them.

“Oh don’t you ‘hello there’ me boy! I know exactly what work you have for the Academy, and when it’s due. I know all about your little outings with that girl. And don’t think I wont be calling her mother’s office as soon as we get home.” she reprimanded, continuing her crusade toward Samuel. He winced. Sorry, Ash. He thought. Hoping wherever she was, she could feel his apology.

Damnit, well that didn’t work. He thought to himself, looking to his left and to his right, he found no clear paths. He wasn’t too keen to pave his own path again, the thorns in this part of Rozama were much too large and painful for him to take on twice. Grimacing he saw no way out, Aunt Shalen was nearly upon him, and he would have to face her eventually. It was just then he realized she had been waving something around as she yelled. His eyes widening at the object.

“Shalen? What in the Binders Shackles are you doing with that?” He yelled, Nearly tripping at yet another step backward.

It was a class three particle rifle. A class of rifles that had been outlawed by the Federation of the Faithful some twenty years ago, they were the only type of rifle that could punch through Weaves of Taroveth’s Threads. Making them incredibly useful during the war. But, they were also known for backfiring and had just as high a chance to harm the user as the intended target.

With the dampeners in place around nearly every planet in the known galaxy, the Federation had no more use for them. So the risk was deemed unnecessary and the rifles were confiscated…well, they were supposed to be confiscated. What was she doing with that? And how did she get her hands on it in the first place? He thought.

“Oh, Get your wits about you child. Pull that Academy propaganda out from between your ears and put your brain back in place.” She said stomping right up to him, and with a slap cracked him across the face.

“If I ever! Samuel, I am so—”She raised the same hand to backhand him, but samuel caught it with reflexes he didn’t know he had. They stared at eachother in silence for far too long. Samuel began to stutter, but Shalen spoke over him.

“I-I didn’t - "

“No, No you didn’t. Now let go of my wrist.” She nearly hissed the words.

Samuel dropped the grip on her wrist like it was a hot coal and Shalen lifted a single finger into the air. Beginning to count as she spoke. "

“One, You didn’t call. Two, You didn’t answer a single message I sent to you. Three, You lied to me.” She scowled. “Do I need to continue?”

Samuel shook his head, he was sure he was stark white, the only color a bright red hand print across his cheek.

“Good.” She said, Straightening the poncho she was wearing and shouldering her rifle. She eyed him up and down.

“You’ve looked better. Get into a scrape with Ash? I see she had the sense to get home be-”

“She never showed up.” Samuel spoke over her. “I fell asleep out in the fields, and woke up alone.”

Shalen’s eyes softened with care, and Samuel turned his face from her. He wanted to be anywhere but here right now. Shalen placed a hand on the side of his face, and tisked.

“I’m sorry, son.” She said, the meaning, or meanings, not lost to Samuel.

“It’s alright. Can we just go home now?” he said, giving her his best fake smile.

“Sure thing, Sam.” She said, but something had caught her attention, she was looking toward the sky just past Samuel. He turned his gaze looking in the same direction, just in time to watch the sky erupt in flame.