Galen Daxton felt agitated as he, accompanied by his guards, marched down the streets of the First Circle. This area was just as it had been the last time. Just as pristine and pompous. With just as many statues of Athanasius Durai.

  Many Firsters gawked and cheered as he passed, and he did his best to give them all a polite wave.

  Being looked at as a hero, a beacon of hope, as… well… a Champion, still made him extremely uncomfortable.

  His heart pounded as he neared the gate leading to the Second Circle. The bad feeling he had about today was still present. When he thought no one was looking, he patted at his waist. Underneath the overly extravagant clothing was where he’d hidden his pistol. His grandfather would have been proud at how he’d managed to keep the deadly firearm hidden from even the maids who’d helped him get dressed.

  Galen sighed as he looked to the sky while awaiting for the gates to open. The normally ever present orange and yellow lights was obscured by an unusually cloudy sky. He saw flashes in the dark clouds, and wondered if it was going to rain later today.

  “Considering the recent storm we had, I find this weather rather unusual,” a voice said next to him.

  He turned to see Milton walking up to his side. The scribe was looking up at the clouds with a frown.

  “Ugh,” Galen groaned, rubbing the sweat from his forehead, “don’t remind me about that storm. The lingering humidity makes this heat so much worse to deal with.”

  “Quite,” Milton agreed with a grimace, “let us hope that, by lord Athanasius’s grace, there is no rainfall. At least for today.”

  Galen gave an amused smile, “Yeah, wouldn’t want it to ‘rain on our parade’ now. Am I right?”

  The scribe looked completely serious as he responded, “That would be a shame. We’d have to cancel the remainder of this trip.”

  He was disappointed the scribe didn’t seem to get his joke, as bad as it was. He sighed audibly as he thought, Man… I miss home…

  After another minute or so, the gates finally opened, and he and his accompanying guards were allowed through.

  This marked the first time that Galen stepped foot in the Second Circle.

  The first difference he noticed was that the Second had more buildings of lesser size. It was obviously built to house a larger population, which didn’t surprise him. The Second was Ignis’s equivalent of the middle class.

  He’d been suspicious when hearing about the divides, both literally with the walls separating the Circles and metaphorically, between the classes. In response, he’d been assured countless times that the people in all the Circles were well cared for.

  I suppose I’ll find out if that’s the case. Assuming what they allow me to see is the truth, that is, Galen thought with skepticism.

  Recalling the social classes of all three Circles in Ignis reminded him of the eugenics the Dominion pushed among this world’s humans. Something that soured his mood.

  That system, and the way it was so ingrained into the culture of Ignis... he still didn’t like it. He flushed deeply as he remembered how Callista had tried and nearly succeeded in seducing him. Making the Champion your husband would definitely be beneficial in such a culture... he mused distastefully.

  “What do you think thus far, Champion?” Milton asked.

  Galen jumped a bit, having been shaken from his thoughts, “Uh… I’m not sure yet.”

  Truth be told, I haven’t even been looking around much… he thought with a nervous gulp.

  The scribe grinned, “Well, I have the utmost confidence that you will come away from this trip enlightened to the magnificence of the Dominion.”

  Assuming you’re not hiding anything this time around… he thought in response, biting his tongue to keep from saying it aloud.

  Just as was done in his first trip into Ignis’s First Circle, Galen was led around the market places. He noted that there were televisions hanging from various walls like in the First, giving news reports and updates, as well as large speakers around the area giving announcements, many of which were announcing his arrival and where he and his entourage would be stopping by.

  He also noted there were many statues of the Dominion’s god around in the Second too, even more so than in the First. He shuddered whenever they passed one. He still felt like he was being watched whenever he looked at their blue gem eyes.

  Galen could hear various murmurs and whispers, though there were too many to make out what was being said. The faces of the people were of awe and surprise. He noted how their clothes were notably less extravagant than the nobles of the First, which was hardly surprising. To his relief, the people here were still well dressed and looked to be well fed. He saw no signs of abuse, neglect, or corruption.

  He also noted with interest that there appeared to be no slaves present.

  Is it because they know how much I disdain their practice of slavery? Galen wondered, or is it because slaves are something only the wealthy and noble class of the First can afford? A bit of both maybe..?

  They made their stop, the first of many to come today, in the middle of the market place.

  The denizens of the Second Circle all crowded around Galen and his group, eager to see the summoned Champion and to hear the latest news in person. Milton stepped forward to start his speech. It had been decided beforehand that he, having known and interacted with the Champion the longest, would be the one to give the speeches. It helped that he was also now one of his tutors.

  Milton was likely far better at public speaking than Arawn was. Hell, the cruel man would likely just bellow at everyone to bow before him and beat anyone who refused to death.

  “People of the Dominion!” Milton announced in a surprisingly strong voice, “behold! Our new Champion!”

  The scribe gestured towards Galen. He stood awkwardly and did his best not to look like a buffoon as the people applauded and cheered with startling enthusiasm.

  “This is the man,” Milton continued once the noise died down, “who has been chosen by our lord, Athanasius Durai himself, to become our new Champion!”

  Pretty sure I remember Athanasius telling me the summoning chose at random, Galen mentally frowned, careful to keep an external stoic expression as he listened to what was essentially propaganda.

  Milton paused for dramatic effect, “We all remember our proud history. We know all the great accomplishments that the First Champion achieved. He turned the tide in our war against the dreaded elves of Vindanna. He bolstered our armies and led the charge as we struck back against our foes and prevented the elves from taking Branlyn! Even after the Emperor of the time fell in battle, and after the catastrophe that was the Great Fragmentation, the First Champion took up the mantle of ruler, and led our people through the initial chaos that followed. He continued on the scientific advancements he helped start during the war, and led the Dominion to a technological revolution that his descendant, holy Athanasius, continues to build upon! The Dominion has known peace and prosperity the likes of which have never been seen on Avani.”

  Prosperity for the humans, but not the other races, Galen mentally clarified.

  “With all that was achieved by the First Champion,” Milton bellowed with zealous fervor, “Athanasius only knows what his successor will achieve. Our new Champion will be the sword that strikes down those that would threaten the Dominion, our people, our peace and prosperity that we worked so hard to achieve! He will be the unstoppable spear that will help us spread our blessings to the other Realms, while Lord Athanasius will be the immovable and indestructible shield that will protect us!!! May our new Champion lead us to an ever more prosperous future for humanity! Praise be to holy Athanasius!!!”

  The roar that followed was deafening, and Galen flinched as the sound assaulted his ears. He gulped as he once more felt the weight of his role pressing down on him.

  Milton smiled at him, and said, “Well? Not bad, right?”

  “I guess…” Galen gulped as he watched the crowed cheer and applause with expressions of hope and excitement.

  Many of them walked up to him, each shaking hands with him, giving him various expressions and sayings of gratitude, and telling him of their hopes now that he’d been summoned.

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  It was beginning to become a bit much for Galen to take in.

  Milton, probably sensing his growing discomfort, had the guards gently usher the people away as they began to head to their next stop.

  The next few hours became a repeating pattern.

  They would arrive at their intended location, Milton would give a rousing and zealous speech, the people would cheer and have some interaction with Galen, before they moved on to their next stop.

  He’d begun to tune out Milton’s speeches after the third one, his mind wandering.

  “You probably shouldn’t let your brain wander, boss,” Redian spoke in his mind, “this stuff seems important. If not to you, then to the people.”

  Galen mentally frowned, If it’s so important, why don’t you stick around. Why only speak up just now?

  “Are you kidding?” he could almost feel Redian raising a non-existent brow, “speeches are boring. Why would I want to listen in on that?”

  Hypocrite.

  “Hey, now. I’m not the one being paraded around for morale here! Besides, seems like I need to remind you that I may not always speak, but I’m always watching. Or listening. Or both!”

  Always? Like, always always? Galen raised a mental brow, you never sleep or rest or take a break or something?

  “SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK!!!” Redian cried out before suddenly yawning in Galen’s mind, “and I’m so weak… so very weak… Zzz...”

  The exaggerated snoring that echoed in his mind let him know that the sword was joking.

  “In all seriousness, boss, no, I don’t need rest. Not really. I was semi-serious about the whole ‘sleep is for the weak’ bit. So long as I have Ether, I can remain functional at all times without any issue. It’s pretty handy for keeping vigilant while you sleep or are otherwise distracted. I can alert you via our connection if I notice something you don’t.”

  That’s good to know. Speaking of which, have you noticed anything strange during our trek into the Second? Galen asked.

  “Not particularly, boss. At least, nothing you probably haven’t figured out for yourself already.”

  Galen mentally sighed, Alright. Be sure to keep on the lookout.

  Prior to leaving his room today, he’d asked the Sentient Weapon to keep a watchful eye out for anything out of the ordinary. If the Dominion was going to try to hide things from him again, then Galen wanted to know.

  As Milton’s umpteenth speech went on, Redian suddenly chimed in his mind, “Hey boss! Someone’s watching you.”

  Uh… no duh, Redian, Galen frowned, EVERYONE’S watching me right now.

  “Obviously,” the Sentient Weapon seemed to roll its non-existent eyes at him, “but there’s someone particularly odd watching you rather closely.”

  Odd how? he asked.

  “Odd as in different. You’ll know it when you see him. Here, let me help you pick him out,” Redian began to nudge his attention in the direction it wanted him to focus on.

  It was a strange feeling, akin to being nudged with an invisible finger. Nevertheless, he followed the sword’s promptings. Once his eyes fell on him, Galen could see why Redian called the man oddly different.

  The man in question was blonde and of average height. He wore a feathered hat that reminded him of a bard. Other than the hat, his clothing was much like everyone else. He made eye contact with Galen, and his dark brown eyes seemed to burrow into him.

  Unlike everyone else, who watched him with eyes full of awe, hope, and wonder, this man’s eyes were nearly unreadable.

  He didn’t sense any hostility, but rather, curiosity.

  Milton’s speech ended just then, and people began to flock to him as they had every other time.

  Another blur of shaking hands and hearing words of praise went by, only this time it was interrupted when the strange, bard-like man came up to shake hands with him.

  Galen blinked when he shook hands with the stranger, coming out of the trance induced by repeating this pattern many times already.

  “So, you are the Champion,” the bard-like man muttered as his eyes seemed to analyze him, “curious. You’re surprisingly young. I didn’t expect that.”

  Up close Galen could see the man’s blonde hair was rather curly and long. Not like a woman’s, but long for a man. His hair reached down to neck, and was thick enough to cover the sight of his ears.

  He narrowed his eyes, “Who are you?”

  “Me? Oh, no one of importance to you. Not yet anyway,” the man smiled in a mischievous manner, as though he knew something Galen didn’t.

  “Are you implying you want to be someone important to me?”

  The man’s smile grew, “That’s the thing. I don’t know yet!”

  Galen frowned, “You don’t know? What do you mean you don’t know?”

  “I mean as I said. I don’t know,” the man repeated.

  “Then why are you here?”

  “To meet you, the newly summoned Champion of the Dominion, of course!” the man answered as though it were obvious before adding, “among other reasons.”

  “And those reasons are?”

  “I don’t know yet,” the man said, still smiling.

  Galen narrowed his eyes.

  “Oh, don’t look at me like that,” the man chuckled, “I know it’s important for me to be here. I simply do not know why.”

  “Uh huh…” Galen was beginning to wonder if the man was sane.

  “Anyway, I should get going. Many here want to meet you, after all. And I’ve already held up the line long enough. I’ve accomplished my goal of meeting you, and it’s given me much to ponder on. Perhaps we’ll meet again. Or not. We’ll see,” the man tipped his hat before walking off.

  He watched him go, intent on seeing where the bard-like man was headed. As he entered the crowd of people, Galen blinked.

  And the man was suddenly gone.

  Galen frowned, Where did he… Redian?

  “Uh… that’s weird. He’s gone,” the sword responded.

  What do you mean he’s gone?

  “I mean ‘poof!’ He disappeared. Vanished. Like, I literally, and I mean literally literally not figuratively, can’t detect his presence. Weird,” Redian noted before seemingly shrugging its shoulders in his mind.

  That doesn’t concern you at all?! Galen thought.

  “Sorta? I didn’t detect any hostility at all though. Didn’t sense any Ether from him either. Again, weird.”

  Before Galen could ponder further on the strange man, the next couple of people came up to speak with him.

  He greeted them with a professional smile and fell back into the rhythm he’d been following for the day, his thoughts of the stranger being pushed into the back of his mind.

  As the day went on, nothing else of note occurred as Galen, Milton, and the rest prepared for the final trek of the day.

  He stood at the gate leading into the Third Circle. This was the area he was most curious to see. The conditions of the lower class of the Dominion would reveal how true Milton’s claims of Athanasius’s benevolence were.

  As the gate to the Third swung open, Galen took a deep breath, Let’s see how Athanasius treats the lower class…

  ***

  “Sir Arawn,” a Dominion soldier called out to the terrifying Shadow, “you might want to take a look at this.”

  The bald and bearded Shadow had been trailing and keeping an eye on Galen Daxton as the Champion made his way through Ignis with Milton and his guards. Arawn eyed the soldier with curiosity. Few knew what he was doing, so the fact that this one knew where to find him meant that this wasn’t something to ignore or delegate to someone else.

  The soldier looked nervous, as anyone rightly would talking with a Shadow. He handed Arawn a report with a shaky hand. He read the words, his brow furrowing more and more as he got to the end.

  “Of all times for this to happen…” Arawn growled, “it just had to be when we had the Champion out and about.”

  The soldier paled and began to sweat profusely.

  At least the Champion is in the Third Circle now. No chance they’ll stumble upon the area of disturbance.

  Arawn glanced at the soldier as he used a quick, wordless Art to burn the report, “Give Milton’s entourage new orders. No matter what they are to avoid the section that Adele lived in. Now that they’re in the Third, the odds they’d go through that area on their way back is low, but one can never be too careful.”

  The soldier saluted and looked all too eager to leave his presence.

  Arawn put a finger to his ear, tapping the earpiece he had on. The device crackled for a moment before becoming clear. He spoke, “It’s Arawn. There’s been an incident in the Second Circle. Apparently one of Adele’s sap drinkers attacked her. Shortly after, several slave collars went offline. Check the cameras in that area. I also need the nearest Shadow to investigate while I head there myself. Over.”

  He waited a moment before a voice responded back on his earpiece, “Roger, Arawn. Contacting one now. They’ll meet you there. Over.”

  “Excellent,” Arawn responded with a grin as he disconnected.

  What magnificent and handy devices these radios and cameras are, Arawn thought with pride.

  Only the Shadows of Athanasius were allowed to use radios like the earpiece he wore. And the cameras were an excellent means of surveillance that made his job so much easier. Being embedded in the many statues of his god in Ignis, they were quite literally the eyes of the Dominion, and by extension Lord Athanasius himself. He smirked, as he doubted the knife ears knew about the cameras. Especially when most of the citizenry of the Dominion didn’t know about them.

  He grunted as he stood and popped his neck, “Time to find out why several slave collars suddenly went offline.”

  He then grinned savagely as he muttered with excitement, “Let’s not forget to find the knife ears who dared harm their owner. I wonder how many of the vile creatures we’ll put down for that offense.”

  Arawn wondered how long it had been since any tree hugger had dared to attack a human. It had been before his time, that was for sure. It had been so long that the slaves had probably forgotten that the collars were designed to give out a signal should one of them have the audacity to attack a human.

  As he strolled through the shadows, Arawn hoped that he could lead the retribution against the knife ears. The thought brought a wicked smile to his face.

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