Chapter 1 Cantrus: We have found the fifth fragment!

It was obvious at first glance that Cantrus was a world where ancient magic blended seamlessly with modern technology. The rich landscape featured towering mountains, lush forests, and shimmering lakes. On this night, bioluminescent flora helped to illuminate the night, casting an ethereal glow that highlighted the harmony between nature and advanced civilization. However, this harmony was not evident in the Kelhuani desert.

The Kelhuani desert has lost its usual calm these past weeks. Various teams of novices, acolytes, and cultists have been digging designated spots. On this night, there was further action as Chief Cultist Rhys hurried in almost comical fashion to the commanding tent. He took short, hurried steps as his bulk could allow and was waved in by the two men standing guard at the mouth of the tent.

He immediately prostrated himself and held out the disc fragment to High Regent Badmus.

"My Lord, we have found the fragment!"

Badmus immediately raised his head from the maps he was studying and taking long strides, took the disc fragment and held it up to the light. 

"You have done well," he said in a satisfied tone. "Start packing up. We're leaving immediately". "Yes, my Lord". Rhys quickly kept his head down and crawled backwards from the tent.

High Regent Badmus turned his head to the right and looked at an area of the tent cloaked in darkness. "This is the second fragment we have located here, Grand Sorcerer." 

Like a ship appearing out of mist, Grand Sorcerer Xandor, like the Master of Dark Arts he was, appeared out of the darkness. "... and this makes it the fifth fragment out of the eight we need." "The Supreme Overseer of Platymus has sent over two, we have sent one over, and the Grand Warden of Glarion has sent one over." He continued. "Let us tell the Supreme Archmage the good news!"

He waved his hand and muttered a spell and the face of Mordak, the Archmage hovered in the air. "I hope you have a good report by now!" the archmage scowled. "Indeed High Lord of Shadows…" Xandor raised the fragment up and continued. "We have gotten the second fragment here and the search is already on for the third one here."

"Good. The Dark Emperor will be pleased!" Mordak gave a harsh laugh. "I have already received four fragments. Send this one over immediately and look for the last one in Cantrus!"

Xandor and Badmus subserviently bowed their heads. "Yes, High Lord of Shadows!" They intoned, as the image faded off.

Platymus: I'll see you in Cantrus 

It was already close to 10am but Kael was still asleep. It was obvious that he didn't bother to take off his boots or his clothes before jumping into bed the night before. "Knock, knock knock!'' The sound on the hotel door woke Kael up from his sleep. The pounding headache as a result of hangover and the sour taste in his mouth made him frown.

Kael sat up and held his head. He opened the drawer close to the bed, took out two tablets of pain relief medicine from a sachet and threw it into his mouth. He stood up to his full 6' 2" height and took a swirl from the bottle on the dresser.

He stumbled off to the door as the knock sounded once more. "Who is it?" he asked as he opened the door a notch.

"My name is Elanon, and the sheriff directed me to you. Can I have a moment of your time?" Kael took a look at the elderly man who looked like anyone's favourite uncle. 

Kael opened the door and ushered Elanon in. "Please come in," he said. "..and forgive the mess." Elanon strode in and took a seat on the dressing table. They both took a moment to assess each other. 

Elanon could tell Kael was a tough looking character who looked like he had gone through a lot. He had a stern visage, serious eyes, and a tall and muscular stature. Indeed, Kael needed to have such a steely nature in order to be successful as a bounty hunter.

On the other hand, Kael was able to see beyond the homey outlook of Elanon. He had a tall, commanding presence and stood at 6'2". His chestnut brown hair was streaked with silver as an indication of his age and wisdom. His neatly trimmed hair complemented his well-groomed beard. A look into his deep blue eyes suggested that there was much more to this man than a first look would suggest. 

His clothing was both practical and formal. The long, tailored coat had intricate embroidery and matched sturdy boots. They were of high-quality fabrics and befitted a man of quiet authority and assurance. 

"What do you want from me?" Kael cut to the chase.

"I have a mission for you and it is not an exaggeration to say that your fate and indeed, the fate of the realms depend on it." Replied Elanon. "Simply put, there is an artefact I need you to retrieve but first, you will help me locate some of your team members". Elanon continued.

"Sorry, I am a bounty hunter. And I work alone". Kael crisply replied.

"Remember I said this is personal?" queried Elanon. "You have been having terrible dreams about the end of the planet and it has gotten more frequent recently."

"This is why you numb it down with drinks. I am sure you want some answers and you want it to stop." Elanon finished.

"How…. How do you know this?" mumbled Elanon. "Who are you?"

"All will be made clear when I brief you and your team members." Answered Elanon. "Here is some information on two of your team mates here in Platymus and on Cantrus."

He handed over a folder containing pictures and other documents. "Elara, I believe you already know. Locate her first and then head on to Cantrus to find Zephyr. When you're done, head over to the Planon Alliance Protectorate. I will find your other team mates: Lyra and Thorne and meet you there." 

Kael looked overwhelmed and felt he had a lot of questions to ask. Elanon could see this so he put his hand on Kael's shoulder and reassured him. "Don't worry, all your questions will be answered shortly. Just do your part and head over to the protectorate. We are already running out of time."

Kael thought about it all. Indeed, he had been having escalating nightmares and splitting headaches recently and he would give anything to make them stop. "Okay" he responded.

"Great!" Elanon said, already standing up and heading out the door. "I'll see you in Cantrus."

Kael closed the door and took a second look at the folder and its contents. Looking at Elara's picture, he mused. "Elara, I never thought fate would bring us together again!"

Back to four years ago

It was getting on for high noon and the hot sun beamed down on the busy streets of the city of Potheim in Platymus. Having checked out of the hotel, Kael left off for the pod station. It should take roughly one hour to get to Jotham. According to the folder, Kael should be able to locate Elara in this city. 

To make this easier, Kael used his comm tablet to snap Elara's picture and sent a message to his contacts in Jotham requesting that they track her whereabouts. Then he bought a ticket at the dock and got into the encapsulated pod. With a soft whine from the metal wheels on the tracks, the pod zoomed off.

During the hour ride, Kael cast his mind back to four years ago. He could still remember the events as if they occurred yesterday. He and his team of patrol officers were on a mission to apprehend some burglars. The situation ultimately led to a grandstand and Kael and his partner Devon infiltrated the building and held the thieves at gunpoint. Kael had the shot but he hesitated because the leader of the thieves seemed familiar.

As she turned and looked towards him, they both recognised each other and Kael gasped. To his shock, she was none other than Elara - the passionate love of his life for over six months. As he hesitated, another thief spotted them and took a shot at them. Devon was hit in the chest and Kael returned fire. In the mayhem, Elara escaped and Kael rushed Devon out of the building. That was how he lost a partner and since then, he had never set his sight on Elara again.

Thereafter, Kael put in his resignation and his life spiralled loose. He left town and took up bounty hunting to make ends meet. The beep of the comm tablet brought Kael back to the present and indicated that he had received a message. Kael opened it and confirmed Elara's current address. He stepped down from the pod. He had arrived at Jotham - one of the major cities on Platymus.