Fire and Fury

Cantor's contested land burns, and all its contestors can do is watch and wait at the edge of its fires. Smoke darkens the sky and slowly, the pillar of light that is Aurea grows in the sky.

Delverne is frustrated but resolute. Mages hurry to devise protections while Templar vanguards probe the razen grounds where they can. They find the totems still active and the great golems still standing - charred black but indestructible to firestorm and attack. Luckily the golems only defend where they stand, but they are still deeply worrying. In this faltering morale, Triss steps forward with a new holy gift. It is time, she declares, for Delverne's three heroic weapons - Sword of Varandis, the Shield of Orana and the Staff of Cyndril - to find heirs among the oathbound. Excitement returns as Delvans clamour to test themselves and, just perhaps, take the hero's mantle.

Miras reels but acts without delay. Those civilians who managed to escape are sent to Belport as refugees; the city is freshly rebuilt and eager to help its former hosts. Not only that, but Silvan has a command for all who can help in the nothern city. There is something in the Frigata Mountains that he needs - an ancient power he believes is there that could combat what happened in Cantor. All free hands are to scour the mines, dig through the mountains themselves, whatever it takes, to find it for a handsome reward. People flow down from Valsk and in from Miras - some permanently in fear that they may be next - to try their hand.