The Returned

Eventually, the five Awakened — Broken Sword, Smile of Heaven, Ki Song, Asterion, and Anvil of Valor — had left to challenge the Second Nightmare. 

Jest would be lying if he said that he wasn't worried. But, at the same time, he was strangely not too worried. 

That was because he knew each of them well… except for the kid, Asterion, of course. If those five could not conquer the Nightmare, then no one could. 

Jest was quite busy in the meantime, himself. Now that the young lord of Bastion was gone, Madoc had temporarily assumed control over Clan Valor, and although his loyalty to Anvil was not in question, he still needed help to keep the other Legacy Clans in check.

Anvil's young wife, Gwyn, also needed support and protection. So, Jest — a powerful Ascended whose mere presence could solve many problems — had left Rivergate in the hands of his son and temporarily relocated to Bastion. 

Things went smoothly at first…