Zeal

Kael slowly sinks to the couch, reading the letter. The script is neat and orderly, written in a steady hand. The contents, however, are…unpleasant.

To the so-called “Lord” Kael,

By now, you have realized that I did not perish at my own hand. I did not escape unscathed, nor without aid. But in passing through the flames, I have been rendered pure. Born anew unto this world. My benefactors have opened my eyes, just as they opened their arms. The truth of the world is now revealed to me, as searing as the fires that cleansed me.

I observed your ascension from afar. Magical scrying is a powerful tool, even if that palace is largely warded. While I intended to remove you as an obstacle, I am unsurprised to see you escaped. In a way, this is better. Now you have a chance to correct the mistakes you’ve made.

Fear not, I will not attempt to destroy you. Yet. The Order of the Burnt Hand has changed me, as it will change the world. You will learn, one way or another, of the error of your ways. Humanity must be made pure. By ****, if necessary. We grow strong in the darkness, as we light the flames of purity to cleanse this world.

Heed my words, and take this warning to heart. Purge the nonhumans from your lands, or the Burnt Hand will purify you by ****.

From the fire,

Rastus Malen, the Purified One

Kael sighs, closing his eyes. Cults of this nature pop up from time to time, and they’re always dangerous. Zeal makes for fearless fighters. And for this cult to have suborned Rastus Malen, they are either extremely persuasive, or have powerful magic available. Given the circumstances, possibly both. Rastus is a strong willed man, and resourceful to boot. A dangerous opponent, even before adding in a cause.

Shaking his head, Kael looks again at the seal on the letter, recognizing it now for what it is.