World Energy Transitions Outlook Preview warns of dramatic lack of progress, calls for strategic shift in the energy transition to sustain 1.5°C climate target. The global energy transition is off-track, aggravated by the effects of global crises. Introduced by IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) today, the World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023 Preview calls for a fundamental course correction in the energy transition. A successful energy transition demands bold, transformative measures reflecting the urgency of the present situation. Investment and comprehensive policies across the globe and all sectors must grow renewables and instigate the structural changes required for the predominantly renewables-based energy transition. The Preview shows that the scale and extent of change falls far short of the 1.5°C pathway. Progress has been made, notably in the power sector where renewables account for 40 percent of installed power generation globally, contributing to an unprecedented 83 per cent of global power additions in 2022. But to keep 1.5°C alive, deployment levels must grow from some 3,000 gigawatt (GW) today to over 10,000 GW in 2030, an average of 1,000 GW annually. Deployment is also limited to certain parts of the world. China, the European Union and the United States accounted for two-thirds of all additions last year, leaving developing nations further behind. IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera said, “The stakes could not be higher. A profound and systemic transformation of the global energy system must occur in under 30 years, underscoring the need for a new approach to accelerate the energy transition. Pursuing fossil fuel and sectoral mitigation measures is necessary but insufficient to shift to an energy system fit for the dominance of renewables.” “The emphasis must shift from supply to demand, towards overcoming the structural obstacles impeding progress. IRENA’s Preview outlines three priority pillars of the energy transition; the physical infrastructure, policy and regulatory enablers and well-skilled workforce, requiring significant investment and new ways of co-operation in which all actors can engage in the transition and play an optimal role.” The Preview warns that a lack of progress further increases investment needs and calls for a systematic change in the volume and type of investments to prioritise the energy transition. Although global investment in energy transition technologies reached a new record of USD 1.3 trillion in 2022, yearly investments must more than quadruple to over USD 5 trillion to stay on the 1.5°C pathway. By 2030, cumulative investments must amount to USD 44 trillion, with transition technologies representing 80 per cent of the total, or USD 35 trillion, prioritising efficiency, electrification, grid expansion and flexibility. Any new investment decisions should be carefully assessed to simultaneously drive the transition and reduce the risk of stranded assets. Some 41 per cent of planned investment by 2050 remains targeted at fossil fuels. Around USD 1 trillion of planned annual fossil fuel investment by 2030 must be redirected towards transition technologies and infrastructure to keep the 1.5°C target within reach. Furthermore, public sector intervention is required to channel investments towards countries in a more equitable way. In 2022, 85 per cent of global renewable energy investment benefited less than 50 per cent of the world’s population. Africa accounted for only one percent of additional capacity in 2022. IRENA’s Global Landscape of Renewable Energy Finance 2023 confirms that regions home to about 120 developing and emerging markets continue to receive comparatively little investment.

La Camera said, “We must rewrite the way international co-operation works. Achieving the energy transition requires stronger international collaboration, including collective efforts to channel more funds to developing countries. A fundamental shift in the support to developing nations must put more focus on energy access and climate adaptation. Moving forward, multilateral financial institutions need to direct more funds, at better terms, towards energy transition projects and build the physical infrastructure that is needed to sustain the development of a new energy system.”

IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook (WETO) provides an energy transition pathway in line with Paris Agreement goals, limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The forthcoming 2023 edition will contribute to the first Global Stocktake concluding at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates and will propose effective ways to accelerate progress over the next five years towards 2030. About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) IRENA is the lead intergovernmental agency for the global energy transformation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future and serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. With 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) and 16 additional countries in the accession process and actively engaged, IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Table of contents

1. Introduction: The Importance of Choosing the Right Screw
2. Screw Heads: Understanding the Different Types and Their Uses
3. Screw Threads: The Different Thread Types and Their Advantages
4. Screw Materials: The Pros and Cons of Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, and Titanium
5. Common Screw Applications: Choosing the Right Screw for Woodworking, Construction, and Automotive Projects
6. Tips for Choosing the Right Screw: Factors to Consider When Selecting the Perfect Fastener
7. How to Install Screws: Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Installation Techniques
8. Screw Maintenance: How to Ensure Longevity and Reliability of Your Screws
9. Troubleshooting Common Screw Problems: How to Fix Stripped Screws and Other Issues
10. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Screw for Your Project for Optimal Performance
    
11. Introduction: The Importance of Choosing the Right Screw
    

When it comes to DIY projects, construction, woodworking, or even basic repairs around the house, selecting the right screw is crucial for achieving optimal results. With the vast array of screws available in the market, choosing the right one can seem daunting. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can confidently choose the perfect screw for your project and ensure a reliable and long-lasting result.
At Vadania, we understand the importance of choosing the right screw, which is why we offer a wide selection of screws, bolts, and nuts to meet all your needs. Our products are made from high-quality materials, and we offer a variety of sizes and types to cater to your specific project requirements.
Choosing the wrong screw can result in weak joints, stripped threads, and ultimately, a failed project. For example, using the wrong screw for woodworking can split the wood or cause it to crack, while using a weak screw in construction can lead to structural failure or compromise the safety of the building.
On the other hand, using the right screw can provide a strong and secure joint, which is vital for the overall performance and longevity of your project. A well-chosen screw can also provide resistance to wear and tear, corrosion, and weathering.
Furthermore, choosing the right screw can save you time and money. By selecting the appropriate screw for your project, you can avoid having to redo work or replace parts, which can be costly and time-consuming.
In this guide, we will explore the different types of screws available, the materials they are made from, and their specific applications. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right screw for your project, as well as step-by-step installation techniques, screw maintenance, and troubleshooting common problems.
In conclusion, choosing the right screw is essential for achieving optimal performance, longevity, and reliability of your project. At Vadania, we are committed to providing high-quality screws, bolts, and nuts to help you achieve the best results for your projects.

1. Screw Heads: Understanding the Different Types and Their Uses

Screw heads are a critical component of any fastening system. They come in various shapes and sizes, and each type is designed to fulfill a specific function. When selecting a screw head for your project, it’s important to consider both the aesthetics and the practicality of the head.
At Vadania, we offer a wide variety of screw heads to meet the needs of different applications. Here are some of the most common types of screw heads and their uses:
Flat Head Screws
Flat head screws, also known as countersunk screws, have a flat top surface that sits flush with the material they’re fastened to. These screws are commonly used in woodworking and furniture assembly, where a sleek, flush appearance is desired. They’re also useful in applications where the screw head needs to be recessed, such as in electrical outlets.
Pan Head Screws
Pan head screws have a rounded, slightly domed head that protrudes above the surface of the material they’re fastened to. These screws are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, including electronics, machinery, and automotive.
Round Head Screws
Round head screws have a semi-circular, dome-shaped head that sits above the surface of the material they’re fastened to. These screws are commonly used in construction and woodworking projects, where a strong, durable hold is needed.
Truss Head Screws
Truss head screws have a low-profile, wide head with a flat underside that distributes weight and pressure evenly. These screws are often used in construction projects, such as in roofing and decking.
Button Head Screws
Button head screws have a low-profile, rounded head with a smaller diameter than a pan head screw. They’re commonly used in furniture assembly, as well as in electronics and automotive applications.
Hex Head Screws
Hex head screws have a six-sided head that requires a wrench or pliers for tightening and loosening. They’re commonly used in construction and machinery applications, where a high degree of torque is needed.
In conclusion, choosing the right screw head is an essential part of any fastening system. By considering the aesthetic and practical requirements of your project, you can select the appropriate screw head for optimal performance. At Vadania, we offer a broad range of screw heads, so you can find the perfect solution for your needs.

1. Screw Threads: The Different Thread Types and Their Advantages

Screw threads are a crucial component of any fastener, determining how tightly the screw will hold onto the material it is being fastened to. Understanding the different types of screw threads and their advantages is important for selecting the right fastener for your project.
At Vadania, we offer a variety of screw threads to meet the needs of our customers. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common screw thread types:
Coarse Thread
Coarse threads are the most commonly used screw thread type. They have a larger pitch than other thread types, which allows them to be installed and removed quickly. Coarse threads are best suited for materials with lower density, such as wood and plastics. They are also great for applications where speed and efficiency are a priority.
Fine Thread
Fine threads have a smaller pitch than coarse threads, making them ideal for materials with higher density, such as metal. The smaller pitch allows the screw to be tightened more precisely, ensuring a secure hold. Fine threads are commonly used in machinery, electronics, and automotive applications where precision is crucial.
Machine Thread
Machine threads are designed to be used in tapped holes or with a nut. They are commonly used in machinery and equipment where parts need to be disassembled and reassembled frequently. Machine threads are available in both coarse and fine thread types.
Self-Tapping Thread
Self-tapping threads have a sharp point that allows them to be drilled directly into a material without the need for a pre-drilled hole. They are commonly used in wood and plastics, as well as thin metal sheets. Self-tapping screws are available in both coarse and fine thread types.
Advantages of Different Screw Thread Types
The different screw thread types offer unique advantages depending on the application they are used for. Coarse threads are best for quick installation and removal, while fine threads offer more precise tightening. Machine threads are ideal for disassembling and reassembling equipment, while self-tapping threads eliminate the need for pre-drilled holes.
When selecting a screw thread type, it is important to consider the material you are fastening to and the application it will be used for. At Vadania, we offer a wide range of screw threads to ensure that our customers can find the perfect fastener for their project.

1. Screw Materials: The Pros and Cons of Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, and Titanium

Screws come in a variety of materials, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. As a seller of screws, bolts, and nuts, Vadania offers a range of materials to choose from, including steel, stainless steel, brass, and titanium. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each material.
Steel
Steel screws are the most commonly used type of screw due to their strength and affordability. They are made from carbon steel and come in a range of grades, with higher grades offering increased strength and corrosion resistance. Steel screws are a popular choice for construction and woodworking projects, as well as automotive repairs. However, they are not suitable for use in outdoor or marine environments, as they are prone to rust and corrosion.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel screws are made from an alloy of steel, chromium, and nickel, which makes them highly resistant to corrosion and rust. They are a popular choice for outdoor and marine applications, as well as in the food and medical industries where corrosion resistance is essential. However, stainless steel screws are more expensive than steel screws and may not be suitable for high-stress applications.
Brass
Brass screws are made from an alloy of copper and zinc and are known for their attractive gold-like appearance. They are a popular choice for decorative applications, as well as for use in electrical and plumbing projects. Brass screws are also highly resistant to corrosion and are a good choice for use in outdoor and marine environments. However, they are less strong than steel screws and may not be suitable for high-stress applications.
Titanium
Titanium screws are the strongest and most durable type of screw available, with a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. They are a popular choice for high-stress applications in aerospace, medical, and industrial settings. However, titanium screws are more expensive than other types of screws and may not be necessary for less demanding applications.
In summary, the choice of screw material depends on the specific application and the desired properties of the screw. At Vadania, we offer a range of screw materials to suit any project, and our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right material for your needs.

1. Common Screw Applications: Choosing the Right Screw for Woodworking, Construction, and Automotive Projects

Screws are essential fasteners in many woodworking, construction, and automotive projects. Choosing the right screw for your project can be challenging, as there are many different types, sizes, and materials available. In this section, we will discuss some common screw applications and how to choose the right screw for each project.
Woodworking
Woodworking projects require different types of screws, depending on the type of wood and the purpose of the project. At Vadania, we offer a variety of wood screws in different sizes and materials, including brass, stainless steel, and steel.
When choosing screws for woodworking, consider the following factors:
· Wood Type: Hardwoods, such as oak or maple, require thicker screws than softwoods, such as pine or cedar.
· Screw Type: Choose screws with a sharp point for softwoods and a blunt point for hardwoods. The thread type will also depend on the wood density.
· Screw Size: The size of the screw will depend on the thickness of the wood and the load capacity required.
At Vadania, we offer a range of wood screws, including countersunk, pan head, and round head screws, in various sizes and materials to fit your specific needs.
Construction
Construction projects require strong and durable screws to withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. At Vadania, we offer a variety of construction screws in different sizes and materials, including galvanized steel and stainless steel.
When choosing screws for construction, consider the following factors:
· Load Capacity: Choose screws with a higher load capacity for heavier loads.
· Screw Type: Self-tapping screws are ideal for metal-to-metal applications, while lag screws are suitable for wood-to-wood connections.
· Screw Size: The size of the screw will depend on the thickness of the material being joined and the load capacity required.
At Vadania, we offer a range of construction screws, including lag screws, hex head screws, and self-tapping screws, in various sizes and materials to fit your specific needs.
Automotive
Automotive projects require screws that can withstand high temperatures and vibrations. At Vadania, we offer a variety of automotive screws in different sizes and materials, including stainless steel and titanium.
When choosing screws for automotive projects, consider the following factors:
· Material Type: Choose screws made of materials that can withstand high temperatures and corrosion, such as stainless steel or titanium.
· Screw Type: Self-tapping screws are ideal for metal-to-metal applications, while machine screws are suitable for attaching components to the chassis or engine.
· Screw Size: The size of the screw will depend on the thickness of the material being joined and the load capacity required.
At Vadania, we offer a range of automotive screws, including self-tapping screws, machine screws, and hex head screws, in various sizes and materials to fit your specific needs.
In conclusion, choosing the right screw for your project is crucial for its strength and durability. At Vadania, we offer a wide range of screws in different sizes and materials to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re working on a woodworking, construction, or automotive project, we have the screws you need to get the job done right.

1. Tips for Choosing the Right Screw: Factors to Consider When Selecting the Perfect Fastener

Choosing the right screw is crucial for any project, whether it’s a simple DIY repair or a major construction job. With so many different types of screws available, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for your specific application. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect fastener from Vadania’s screws, bolts, and nuts collection.
Consider the Material of the Materials Being Fastened
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a screw is the material of the materials being fastened. For example, if you are fastening wood to wood, you’ll want to choose a wood screw that is designed specifically for this purpose. Similarly, if you’re fastening metal to metal, a metal screw would be a better choice. For fastening different materials together, such as wood to metal, you’ll need to choose a screw that is suitable for both materials.
Determine the Required Length and Diameter
The length and diameter of the screw are also important factors to consider. The length of the screw should be long enough to go through both materials being fastened and provide a secure hold, but not so long that it protrudes through the other side. The diameter of the screw should be appropriate for the size of the hole being drilled.
Consider the Type of Head
Screw heads come in different types, such as flat, pan, and round. The type of head you choose will depend on your specific application. For example, if you need a screw that sits flush with the surface of the material, a flat head screw would be the best choice.
Check the Thread Pitch
The thread pitch refers to the distance between the threads on the screw. Different screws have different thread pitches, and choosing the right one is important for ensuring a secure hold. A fine thread pitch is suitable for hard materials such as metal, while a coarse thread pitch is better for softer materials such as wood.
Look for Corrosion-Resistant Screws
If your project will be exposed to the elements or in a high-moisture environment, it’s important to choose screws that are corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel screws, for example, are a popular choice for outdoor projects and those that will be exposed to moisture.
Don’t Forget About Aesthetics
While the functionality of the screw is important, you may also want to consider its appearance. Screws come in a variety of finishes, such as brass, black oxide, and chrome, that can add a decorative touch to your project.
By considering these factors and browsing the selection of screws, bolts, and nuts available at Vadania’s online store, you’ll be able to choose the perfect fastener for your specific project. Remember to always choose high-quality screws that are suitable for your application to ensure a strong, secure hold that will last for years to come.

1. How to Install Screws: Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Installation Techniques

Installing screws may seem like a straightforward task, but using the right installation technique can make all the difference. Proper installation ensures the screws are secure and able to hold up over time. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you install screws correctly.
Step 1: Choose the Right Screw
The first step is to choose the right screw for your project. Consider the material you are working with, the screw’s size, and its intended use. If you’re unsure which screw to use, refer to the product descriptions or consult with a professional.
Step 2: Mark the Spot
Once you have the right screw, mark the spot where you want to install it. Use a pencil or marker to make a small dot or a cross, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Pre-Drill the Hole
Before you install the screw, it’s important to pre-drill the hole to prevent the wood from splitting. Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw’s diameter and drill a hole to the screw’s length.
Step 4: Insert the Screw
Next, insert the screw into the pre-drilled hole. Make sure the screw is straight and level before you start turning it. You can use a screwdriver, power drill, or impact driver to turn the screw, depending on the screw’s size and your preference.
Step 5: Tighten the Screw
Continue to turn the screw until it is tight. Do not over-tighten the screw, as this can cause the wood to split or damage the screw’s threads. Use a torque wrench or a screwdriver with a torque-limiting feature to ensure you do not over-tighten the screw.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
If you need to install multiple screws, repeat the process for each screw. Make sure you choose the right screw and pre-drill the holes to prevent splitting.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve installed the screws, you can add finishing touches if necessary. For example, if the screws are visible, you can use wood filler to cover the holes or use a screw cap to hide the screw head.
By following these steps, you can ensure proper installation of your screws, whether you’re working on a woodworking project, construction project, or automotive project. At Vadania, we offer a wide selection of screws, bolts, and nuts, so you can find the right fasteners for your project.

1. Screw Maintenance: How to Ensure Longevity and Reliability of Your Screws

After you have chosen the right screws for your project from our vast selection at Vadania’s screws, bolts, and nuts category, it is important to maintain their longevity and reliability for optimal performance. Here are some maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your screws.

1. Avoid Over-tightening

One of the most common causes of screw damage is over-tightening. When you tighten a screw too much, it can strip the threads or even break the screw. To avoid this, use a torque wrench or screwdriver with a torque limiter to ensure that you are not applying too much force.

1. Use the Right Screwdriver

Using the correct screwdriver for the screw is essential for preventing damage. A mismatched screwdriver can strip the screw’s head, making it difficult to remove or reuse. To avoid this, make sure to use the correct size and type of screwdriver that matches the screw.

1. Lubricate the Threads

Screws can become difficult to turn if they are exposed to moisture or rust. To keep them turning smoothly, apply a lubricant to the threads. You can use a silicone-based lubricant or even a small amount of petroleum jelly to keep the threads moving freely.

1. Inspect for Damage

Regularly inspect your screws for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any damage, it is important to replace the screw immediately to prevent further damage to your project. Inspecting your screws before and after each use can help you catch any problems early on.

1. Store Properly

Proper storage of your screws can prevent them from becoming damaged or rusted. Store them in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight or moisture. You can also use a storage container with dividers to keep them organized and prevent them from getting mixed up.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure the longevity and reliability of your screws for your projects. At Vadania, we offer a variety of high-quality screws, bolts, and nuts to fit all of your project needs.

1. Troubleshooting Common Screw Problems: How to Fix Stripped Screws and Other Issues

Screws are an essential component of any project that requires fastening. However, they are not immune to problems such as stripped heads, broken shafts, and other issues. In this section, we will discuss common screw problems and how to troubleshoot them effectively.
Stripped Screws
Stripped screws are one of the most common problems encountered when working with screws. This issue occurs when the screwdriver cannot grip the screw’s head, causing it to spin in place without loosening or tightening. This issue can happen due to a variety of reasons, including using the wrong screwdriver size or over-tightening the screw.
To fix stripped screws, you can try the following methods:
· Use a rubber band or an elastic band to provide extra grip between the screw and the screwdriver.
· Try using a different screwdriver that is the correct size and fits snugly in the screw head.
· Apply some penetrating oil to the screw to help loosen it and reduce friction.
· Use a screw extractor tool to remove the stripped screw from the surface.
Broken Screws
Another common problem is broken screws. This can happen when screws are over-tightened, or when they are exposed to excessive force or pressure. Broken screws can be challenging to remove, but there are several methods you can try:
· Use a pair of pliers or a pair of locking pliers to grip the screw shaft and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
· Apply some heat to the screw with a soldering iron or a heat gun to help loosen it.
· Use a drill bit to drill a hole into the center of the screw, then use a screw extractor tool to remove it.
Loose Screws
Loose screws can be a significant issue, as they can cause instability and compromise the integrity of the project. This issue can happen when screws are not tightened enough or when they become loose due to vibrations or other external factors.
To fix loose screws, you can try the following methods:
· Tighten the screw using a screwdriver or a wrench, making sure not to over-tighten it.
· Apply some thread-locking adhesive to the screw to prevent it from becoming loose again.
· Use a larger screw or a different type of fastener that provides better stability and support.
In conclusion, troubleshooting common screw problems can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, you can fix most issues quickly and effectively. At Vadania, we offer a wide selection of screws, bolts, and nuts to meet your project needs. Our products are made of high-quality materials and are designed to provide reliable and long-lasting performance.

1. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Screw for Your Project for Optimal Performance

Selecting the right screw is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your project. With so many different types of screws available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your specific needs. However, by considering factors such as screw head type, thread type, material, and application, you can make an informed decision and choose the right screw for your project.
At Vadania, we offer a wide range of screws, bolts, and nuts for various applications. Our products are made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, brass, and titanium to ensure durability and longevity. We understand that choosing the right fastener can make a significant difference in the success of your project, which is why we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible products and service.
When selecting a screw, it’s important to consider the head type, as it determines the type of driver needed for installation. For example, Phillips and flathead screws are common head types used in woodworking, while hex head screws are often used in construction and automotive projects. It’s also important to consider the thread type, as this affects the holding power and resistance to loosening. Coarse threads are ideal for soft materials like wood, while fine threads are better suited for hard materials like metal.
Another factor to consider when choosing a screw is the material. Stainless steel screws are corrosion-resistant and ideal for outdoor projects, while brass screws are a good choice for decorative applications. Titanium screws are lightweight, strong, and highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for aerospace and marine applications.
Finally, it’s important to select a screw that is appropriate for the specific application. For example, wood screws are designed to fasten wood to wood, while machine screws are ideal for fastening metal to metal. Choosing the right screw for the job will not only ensure optimal performance but also prevent damage to your materials.
In conclusion, choosing the right screw for your project is essential for optimal performance and longevity. By considering factors such as screw head type, thread type, material, and application, you can make an informed decision and select the best screw for your needs. At Vadania, we offer a wide range of high-quality screws, bolts, and nuts for various applications, and our knowledgeable staff is always available to help you make the right choice for your project.

Hi everyone, I'm writing a book, and just curious as to any feedback that people may have for my first chapter, I uploaded a previous draft before, a very early draft I might add, and now I'm looking for some good old fashioned feedback.
For more information about my book, check out my youtube channel at Crimson Clover - YouTube
Thanks, also the channel is very rough, it was my first time making videos and thus fairly poorly made, however I am attempting to improve it by making less book relevant content, which will allow me to improve my basic skills.
Chapter One :
Divinity. That is what connected the walls surrounding Dundis castle, not stone or metal, this was not a mere wall but a divine gift from ones above. Divinity sealed the wall, made it whole, the walls sealed together without mark or blemish, something no man could ever replicate. The wall had stood for a century, and would likely last ten more, there was no weakness, no flaw in design. 50 metres tall the wall was unscalable, unbreakable. No man could break the wall, it was the Vaunghe empire’s crowning gift, their wonder of the world. Those that were hired to clean the wall’s dirt and grime were heralded as the truly faithful, and all longed to help the gift of the gods. And yet despite this the Alizian’s watched, standing with armies around the great wall, waiting to breach its crust and destroy the core.
The Vaunghe had watched their foes throw everything they had, hundreds of men attacking the steel doors of the wall to no avail, an attempted archer attack quickly squashed by the wall's height. The Alizian military was strong, a blend of the Alizian warriors and Strolim blacksmiths made for a truly terrifying army. The army was so terrifying that the Vaunghe inside the castle doubted there were any more Vaunghe troops left, this was the end to a long battle between man and man. Even the soldiers left weren’t particularly important, just those lucky enough to guard the king and a few trainees. But the Vaunghe felt their luck running out.
The food supplies had run low, even if the nobles weren’t in the castle there was no chance of resupply. The few men who had eaten in the past few days stood alert, gazing down from the ramparts at the enemy. The soldiers knew they had to either surrender or fight, but the Vaunghe were passionate people, they could never leave behind their identity in favour of life. So the men waited, bows and arrows at the ready, for the next attack. Heavy items such as ingots and chairs lined the rampart, ready to be thrown off at a moments notice.
They had waited in this position for many cycles, and as day turned to night, and night turned to day the Vaunghe were exhausted, finished with whatever feeble attacks these barbarians had planned. They could throw whatever armies and arrows they wanted at the wall but it would remain unphased, forevermore. When the Alizian’s next attacked they would be met with the last strength of the Vaunghe, and it would be a story remembered for milenia by man and the gods.
As the morning sun rose over the wall, the enemy was revealed in all their glory. Even from so high above the Vaunghe could see the glint of silver from the Alizian military. The bright greens of the Alizian armour created a dazzling sensation that they were one with the grass, which blended in so perfectly with their clothes. They stood in their thousands, armed with whatever they could find, and even on the wall the men could see him.
The slaughterer, the murderer, the man, the myth and the legend Osmund stood alone on an overlooking hill. The fiend was well known by the Vaunghe, he was likely the greatest foe that had come from the opposing sides. Vaunghe generals often fled at his coming, or surrendered first, but rumour had it that Osmund gave no mercy. Overseeing his army to destroy everything that was left, the Vaunghe soldiers knew today really was the end. The figure on the hill moved closer to his army and screamed. The battle-cry of the Alizian’s shook fear into each of the Vaunghe atop the rampart, being so loud that it even reached so high.
The hundreds of troops began to move in sync, forming three individual groups of soldiers, with 10 metre spaces between each. Each contingent comprised six hundred men, easily dwarfing the 82 Vaunghe soldiers that were left. But the Vaunghe were not afraid, at least not afraid of a breach anytime soon. These walls were built to withstand any damage, no man could breakthrough one.
Between the troops was movement, indeed there seemed to be movement down all three rows of men in blue. The Strolime empire had finally revealed themselves, with their short stature and mental prowess the Strolime were gifted inventors not expected to appear on the battlefield. And yet here they were, almost one hundred of them hauling forth three large metallic objects. The sun bounced off of these objects into the Vaunghe’s eyes.
None of the men had ever seen objects like these, seemingly composed of pure metals and on wheels. Some thought they were a testament to the gods, some holy objects, others believed it to be some new invention from the Strolime, however none of them could say anything for certain as they were pushed closer and closer to the wall. The Strolomites stopped in their advance, approximately 20 metres away from the wall. The purpose of these objects had yet to dawn on the men, although one of the younger men on the rampart claimed he could see small objects poking through the metal, which was now aimed at a forty-five degree angle towards the wall.
As the Strolimites halted their advance many began to move away into the safety of the Alizian wall, likely afraid of any precautionary Vaunghe archers. One of them, a rather short and plump soldier, stayed with the object, placing a hand on it and turning to the wall. It was a fleeting moment, but for a second it seemed the man was gazing at the Vaunghe soldiers in shame. One last condemnation to the ones that began this war, before it would all come crashing down. But then the moment passed, and the short man moved as the rest did, doing a slight zig zag to avoid arrows.
And now, just as quickly they had come, the Strolomite’s were gone in the ranks of the Alizians, still waiting in their groups for something, and then they came. Three figures, two women and a man, moved between the lines just as the Strolimites before them. These three wore no armour, only the greens of Alizia upon their tunics. They stood beside the objects and began to reach their arms into the underside of it. Before the Vaunghe’s eyes the objects began to turn slightly, aiming even more directly at the wall.
One of the Vaunghe had enough of this display, and raised his bow. There were low winds on this day, and he was a good enough shot to reach at least one of the Alizian soldiers. He aimed his bow, finger on the drawstring, and released. It is likely that this arrow would’ve drawn first blood in this battle, however the arrow never reached its target.
In the split second before the release of the bow, the Vaunghe noticed the smoke billowing out of the bottom of the devices, the flames that shot out, and finally they noticed for not even a fraction of a second the object that shot out of the metallic thing, something white and red that hit the wall in an instant.
The wall shook, and the following barrage of these objects shattered any notion of divinity. Crashing and crumbling the rampart was launched, sending soldiers flying everywhere. The Vaunghe beside the wall were subject to the falling rubble, both the crumbling stone of the walls and the miscellaneous objects they had left upon the wall. All of the objects crushed the few Vaunghe left, save for the few sickly starving soldiers left inside the castle’s inner walls.
Down went the walls, such a harsh strike against the wall that nothing stood in the path of this monster. The roaring splattered through the castle, the screams of the falling wall waking the King himself from his slumber. Such a vast creation had fallen in seconds before the might of the Alizian’s, and now there was nothing left but to watch the battle unfold.
Smoke flooded the inner walls of the castle, casting the few remaining into fits of coughing and blindness. The walls finished their crumbling, and yet the roars didn’t stop. These were not the roars of the wall but the war cries of the soldiers outside, and they began to get louder, echoing through the walls of Dundis and into the ears of the weak nobles and soldiers.
Through the smoke they came, weapons raised and charging the weak. The few that tried to fight were slaughtered, cut down by a sea of green soldiers. Those that were choking, sputtering or raising their hands in defeat were spared, hauled through the hordes and into one of the stables facing the inner wall. They were to be tried and jailed, for no human regardless of their crime should be killed. It is simply not the Alizian way.
Out of the one hundred and fifty two people who were in Dundis, forty two had died in the wall’s destruction, and a further eleven were detained by the Alizian military. There was nothing that the Vaunghe could do, save for locking their doors, shield themselves and hold out for as long as possible. The Vaunghe forces built barricades in their castle, locking away the Alizian combatants for as long as possible. And during all of this Osmund waited. Waiting for his time to end this war, this travesty of battle that had gone on for too long, and that time finally came.
* * * *
Osmund stood alone atop the hill, and watched the madness unfold. The walls crumbled at the face of these weapons with no more effort than a straw house, and the plumes of smoke assaulted his men, although not to the extent of the inner wall. After a few moments of sputtering and choking the men cheered, for this was the moment that they had been waiting for, the end of such a long war now in the Alizian’s favour.
The Vaunghe capital was in shambles, their military long crushed underneath Osmund’s almighty power, and all that was left was the King. Hiding behind his walls as if he didn’t deserve this loss, this final failure in his life. Osmund was willing to spare as many people as he could, it was the Alizian code, but there would be no mercy for the King. This wasn’t one final battle between two great armies, that conflict happened weeks ago, this was the last breaths of a psychotic monarch being silenced amongst the last of his troops.
Osmund gazed longingly at Dundis, the ruined walls and advancing soldiers and doubted. He felt something was off, something was very wrong with all of this. His heart began to thump, as Osmund’s eyes turned every way to understand what was wrong, what abnormality was here. It grew and grew, Osmund began to shake at what was about to happen, nothing was right here Osmund should be somewhere else helping someone, there’s something wrong here something very-
Peace. Osmund’s heart stopped thumping, body stopping its perpetual shaking. He looked again to the marching troops, now almost entirely inside the walls, and looked back to his back, and the reserve Strolomites that now stood. They were cheering, marvelling at the success of the assault, and how the god’s gift had saved so much effort on their part.
Such strange creations composed of metal and flame, Osmund marvelled at the power the gods possessed. These devices were so unique in design Osmund doubted if any army could defeat them. The large red tubes they released could easily destroy an entire village by itself, but with one hundred of them an entire valley could be bathed in flames. Something truly abnormal in this world, something so parallel to the code of battle that no army would ever think of it.
The Vaunghe were once considered to be the greatest fighters, with the tournaments they created bringing forth the greatest warriors from throughout the land. Their dedication and power were unmatched in ferocity and violence, some called the Vaunghe the standing due to their unmatched will to always get back up. Osmund recalled his days in the tournaments, those peaceful days when he was not yet a hero to people, but a simple military man. He was still only Osmu back then, and yet even those of the time knew he would be something special. As Christoff used to say, ‘Ozzie you’re going places, big ones’. Osmund missed Christoff, It had been so long since their last meeting, and all Osmund wanted was to meet again one last time.
Osmund’s assistant came to him, a younger Strolomite by the name of Gizmu. Gizmu was rather muscular for a Strolomite, a strong figure contrasting his associates' plumper bodies, and stature was fairly tall for one of his people at 6’5 ft tall. Hazel hair protruded through a blue helmet, and for the first time Osmund considered what his assistant could look like. Gizmu was one of the many Strolomite’s who refused to show their face until military success, a tradition that Osmund respected. He had no doubt that Gizmu's true face would one day be revealed to him, as the man possessed genuine prowess in the fields of agriculture, something sorely missed in the modern military.
“Osmund, your team is preparing now, they’ll come soon. I advise you to prepare your armour sir, as it won’t be long before you’re sent in.” Osmund sensed mild concern in Gizmu’s voice, but didn’t pursue it.
“Thank you Gizmu, my friend. I’ll begin my preparations, tell the guests to meet me here when they are fully prepared. And do ensure they understand that there is still risk of injury on this mission, ensure each of them wears their armour.” Osmund’s voice was deep and echoed his long life, commanding a sense of authority amongst all Alizian forces.
Osmund left the hill, passing the cheering Strolomite’s and the peasant farmers who supported the army, and entered the rows of tents. They stretched out on either side, one for every four soldiers, until he reached his own tent. Entering Osmund was surprised to discover a fellow commander still asleep in his bed, snoring away peacefully.
Osmund removes his upper clothing, the clean tunic falling to the ground. While removing these clothes Osmund kicks the sleeping man in the leg, which doesn’t actually amount to anything rather than halting his snoring. Osmund kicks the sleeping soldier again, this time in the buttocks, which does a far better job of riling him. The man looks around wide-eyed, before settling onto the sight of the giant Osmund.
“Hey, why'd you kick me? I almost had a bleedin’ heart attack don’t you know not to meddle with a sleepin man?”
“Don’t you know that you were meant to be on the battlefield at the crack of dawn? I don’t know what kind of promotion you’re expecting when you aren’t even going on the battlefield. Do you really want to be Balmun forever?” Osmund spoke coldly, now reaching for his chestplate.
“Well no sir. But the thing is I actually have a very cunning plan, I thought of it all myself.” A smile falls upon the man’s face, whose head bears an uncanny resemblance to a potato.
“And what is that?” Osmund halted his preparations briefly.
“Well if I say I was there but didn't actually go, who’d think I wasn’t? I can just sleep through it all until the battle is won and no one would be the wiser.” Osmund puts a hand onto Balmun’s fleshy shoulder.
“A fine plan, if I wasn’t your commanding officer you buffoon. By the gods I believe some divine creator mistakenly put a turnip in your head instead of a brain because no noble’s son has ever been as frankly idiotic as you have. You’re coming with me to the battlefield, and I suggest you get dressed or you’ll be facing the last of the Vaunghe army with your flopping cock dancing for all to see.” Balmun stood and began to slip some clothes on, as Osmund completed his own set of armour.
Osmund’s armour bore the mark of a noble family, some rich fools who wanted their family crest to be associated with a bloody conflict and a dangerous murderer. Osmund wore it because of the armour’s quality, customfit to encompass Osmund’s 9’5 ft tall body, something no other armour was able to achieve. Osmund’s height was always an oddity, reaching far above the average 8ft heights of most Alizian’s, and making him one of the tallest figures in the lands. It was this height and his skin’s colour that earned him the name of the black death, which he wasn’t particularly fond of due to the mention of his skin. And even then Osmund certainly didn’t feel like a black death, whatever that was meant to be, rather he felt like death itself. Osmund was to be fifty years old by the end of the week, and it showed on his body. The hair that was left on his head was grey, and while still possessing an impressive form Osmund’s body was not in its prime, he was old.
Osmund looked at himself in the full body mirror, grabbing his longsword and leaving the tent, dragging a half dressed Balmun with him. Back through the tents they travelled, back past the now eager Strolomite’s and atop the hill where Osmund’s infiltration team stood. In any other battle Osmund would’ve despised the one that left this group with him, a collection of subpar and mediocre soldiers with all the military future of an Otter in a stew. But then again Osmund’s battle history did feature a lot of important people dying under his watch, so perhaps this was for the better.
The force began with Edmun, a cross between a prostitute and a noble who unfortunately takes more from the noble. An egotistical brat, as well as a greedy goblin of anything that isn’t bolted down, Osmund had borne the unfortunate duty of his company for months, since the initial assault on the capitol. The man could barely hold a weapon, save for slight skill with a flail of all things which he wore by his side. It was a gold plated flail as well, specifically made for beating in the heads of the poor Vaunghe soldiers stupid enough to get close. Blonde hair obscured blue eyes that spoke to his red-light mother, in fact for a noble’s son Edmun had all the appearance of an incestuous dullard. The man had survived by pure luck, and was the only casualty that Osmund wanted his side to suffer.
The Enick twins Humun and Eumun were up next, named after their family crest of the god of alcohol Enick. In contrast to Edmun these were a pair of real soldiers, Osmund had seen the fruits of their labour many times. They were great at the art of flanking, Humon’s greataxe paired alongside Eumun’s spears proved to be an unbeatable combination. The only issue that Osmund had with the pair was their… peculiar relationship. While the two were great fighters, whenever they were together anything else became impossible to comprehend. Osmund had once caught the pair attempting to seduce a goat wearing a knight’s helm, and while they were drunk there is still clear evidence of idiocy amongst them. The pair were identical in appearance, burly figures of 8’5ft, short cut black hair and overgrown beards stretching down their faces, however the distinguishing feature between the two was Eumon’s cleft lip, which gave his speech a lisp.
Josmu was far more a scholar than a soldier, although Osmund enjoyed his presence greatly. Since they first met the pair had hit it off, often discussing each other’s lives in Alizian taverns across the kingdom. A gifted archer, Josmu was the son of two aspiring poets and enlisted into the military voluntarily to assist in the war efforts. Osmund had a great deal of respect for the man, and hoped that the two would one day have a drink together, and ruminate on the past once more.
And then there was Jumun, a gifted soldier and one of the few Osmund thought could take him in his prime. Long strands of red hair ran down her rough face, a pointed nose and peculiar eyebrow shape giving her a perpetual look of disappointment. At a height of 9’2 ft she stood almost toe to toe with Osmund, in fact there were many aspects about her that reminded Osmund of himself. The first was her attitude, she treated every war as a tragedy of its own, and yet she would never fail to perform against her enemies. Skilled in most weapons Jumun’s life had been long and arduous, her worn out armour covered in patches and dents. Osmund had offered her a new set of armour once, to which she vehemently refused, telling Osmund that she wished to end the war in the armour she started it in. Currently she held a single large sword nearly identical to his own, and Osmund predicted that she couldn’t wait for the battle to be over.
The group stood facing the smoking walls, watching the now descending Strolomite’s retrieve the three gifts from the gods. Pushing them back up the hill would take tremendous strength and a long time, which is why nearly double the number of Strolomite’s assisted in the endeavour. Osmund cleared his throat, prompting the looks of the team. All of their eyes were of Balmun, who was somehow already panting after a 2 minute drag through the ground. Osmund released the man and pushed him towards his new comrades, to which he sulked.
Osmund could see through the smoke of the ruins now, noting the strangely high number of bodies present from Osmund’s view. It appeared that there were more forces than originally estimated, as it was initially guessed there were around one hundred and fifty soldiers inside. Judging by the number of corpses inside those numbers clearly forgot to account for the possibility of trainees inside of the castle. This may be a slightly larger fight than initially predicted, although even supposing there were another hundred or so trainees locked inside rooms there were things Osmund could do against that.
“Alright then, good to see that some of you actually bothered to wake up today, Balmun, and I think we all know that this mission is going to end the war.” Balmun raised his hand.
“Yes Balmun?”
“Sir I have a very cunning pl-”
“Shove your plans up your slacker buttocks, you idiot. Now then, I’m gonna say this once, because quite frankly the more chances I give Balmun to interrupt the more likely I’ll butcher myself with this sword. Now then we are the backbone to the forces, our mission is to help take individual points of conflict from alternative points. We will accomplish this with the leaked maps of the castle gained from Vaunghe intelligence. Now then, originally it was believed that we were dealing with only around one hundred and fifty troops, but it looks like someone didn’t remember the number of rookie troops that are trained here, so we could be looking at a few more troops than expected.” Osmund saw the hand raised but tried to ignore it. The man with the potato for a head seemed adamant however, and raised his hand higher. When that didn’t work he raised both arms.
“By the gods what is it?”
“Well sir, what kind of weapons do you think they have?” Osmund stopped in his tracks, not expecting anything even related to an actual important question. A smile formed on his face, it seems that even fools can think every now and again.
“Decent question my friend, we can probably expect the basic mix of swords and axes, likely shields also, but we may have one or two archers running around however it’s unlikely any survived the wall’s collapse.”
“That is good Osmund, once we take a few down I need a weapon, I like the swords myself.”
“What’s wrong with your sword?”
“I left it in the tent sir.” Osmund cupped his hands into his face, cringing against the stupidity of this man.
“Listen…. just everyone follow me please, I mean by the gods man. Come on. Listen I don’t think we will need any armour with us today, we have the single thickest piece of meat just over there as we speak.” Osmund points towards Balmun, who turns to see what everyone is looking at. Without another word Osmund begins to walk down the hill towards the castle, muttering things that even the gods consider a little racy.
* * * *
The ruins of Dundis stood firm in their strength, with the ruined walls blemishing what was once a grand fortress that none had penetrated. Tall spires protrude from the shapeless stone complex. Along the gateway was a path leading directly into the Dundis entrance, which stood slightly ajar. Fragments of the wall had crushed many parts of the outside, with simple wooden stables and trees crushed by the weight of the plummet of the debris. The architecture that remained spoke to the complexities of the Vaunghe, as spiralling patterns adorned the walls of the castle, interlaced with rare jewels that coated the walls. The Vaunghe were so fortunate with minerals that one could find them coating their walls, despite the fact that no one other than a fellow Vaunghe was ever meant to see such a thing.
A veil of embarrassment and determination clashed as the group descended the hill, weapons at the ready. The group had reached the ruins of the wall now, debris coating the grass and the bodies that were surely there. Even destroyed Osmund still felt some of that divine power the Vaunghe always babbled about, he felt the strength in the walls and not for the first time wondered why the gods would bestow such a gift upon such a vile group.
The group began clambering through the ruins, over the cracked pieces of stone and through the divine walls final remains. There was a smell here, the remnants of smoke colliding with the smell of blood, but there was a third smell, one that Osmund knew well. It was the smell of inevitability, heavy in the hair. That which is unlikely to happen always will happen, and when it does the smell adds to it all, the smell of fate and destiny runs through this place.
Inevitability hides everywhere, in the trees and the skies, carried by the wind through it all. From nature it was born, but in man it thrives, the building’s will one day fall, the kingdoms will fade away, and everything will one day lead to something else. From every beginning comes an end, and each end becomes a beginning, this is how it has always been. This place thought itself against such things, and inevitability infected its walls, creeping along slowly rotting the once great walls into a hellish nightmare. Now the bubble has burst, and the smell of inevitability crowds the world, taking over everything.
Moaning. A low whimper. A cry for something. Calls for assistance. A terrified yell. Osmund approaches the source of these noises, his team close behind. At the source of these screams is a Vaunghe soldier, somehow alive after the rampart’s collapse, covered in piles of stone and smoke. His outstretched hand reaches towards Osmund, who in turn takes it.
The man mutters something, sputters blood, and begins to fade. As he does, Osmund moves towards the rocks, feeling against it. Somehow the rocks aren’t as heavy as they should be, and Osmund slowly moves the rocks. The first and second rocks move, and after some struggling Osmund moves the third rock, revealing a bloody leg, spurting forward. Osmund realises how the man survived, the remains of a metal box squashed around him. As the rampart fell the man landed inside, narrowly missing an immediate demise. Now he sat, bleeding in and out of consciousness, and moaning for help. Osmund put his hands around the man, slowly lifting him, and moving forwards into the inner walls.
There are running medics here, and as they see Osmund’s approach they run to him, taking the injured man and placing him onto a table. The man may survive, they told Osmund, however his bleeding may take too much from him. As Osmund turns to leave he hears the voice, the message of the man.
“T-t-th-than-” It was shaky, interrupted by coughs and convulsions, but bore strength, and Osmund felt the ghost of a smile play upon him.
“It wasn’t an issue.” And with that Osmund left the tent, admiring the surroundings in focus for the first time. Eyes bore into him from his party, and yet no one said anything, they couldn’t. Many had called Osmund a monster in his time, they had seen him do bad things to bad people, and yet none would call him a monster, for there is no such thing. Osmund is not some black death, he’s another beast entirely.
For the first time Osmund admired his surroundings, the inner walls were now filled with wreckage, and looked back to the tent. It was amazing how quickly the medics could establish tents, the battle had occurred for less than an hour and already there were three tents established side by side. Besides the wounded Vaunghe soldier were three other injured soldiers, each seeming to be hit by a minor injury likely from the smoke inhalation.
The captured and surrendered were lined up against the castle's wall, being carefully monitored by over sixty members of the contingent. There were only around twelve or thirteen of the captured, smoke-covered and sputtering. On the ground were bodies, those rookies that tried so valiantly to protect what they cared for. They now lay, looking up to the sky blindly.
Osmund saw the bodies and felt his stomach turn. The desire came back. The shaking returned, alongside it the painful sharp stabbing thoughts. Everything changed, he forgot who he was. What kind of person would approve of this, what even was Osmund was he real or fake, how is he even conceiving things like this. What is reality and why is it real, why can’t he understand-
Silence. Peace. Osmund returned to himself, the shaking never happening at all. He looked down at the bodies and continued to walk. There was nothing he could do for them, not anymore. The eyes of his group bore into him, shattering something that had broken a long time ago. He raised his hand and motioned for his team to follow, leaving this travesty of death and life behind.
Footsteps. Osmund turned to their echoing sound, the way they bounced through the place was unbelievable, the way it echoed between the walls and the castle structure itself. Through open castle gates he ran, a messenger in green, sword in its scabbard and now approaching Osmund. The man tripped on something, a large rock of some sort, before standing, dusting himself off and reaching the group.
“Osmund, we have hit the enemy’s points of defence.” The man was young, maybe twenty, and no more than twenty five.
“And? Where are they?”
“There are three fronts, the first is in the scout’s tower where a group of Vaunghe are amassing weapons and barricades fast. We can no longer enter the tower, as the amount thrown down makes common entrance impossible. The second location is the garden, where we believe the last of the nobles and the King himself are. We’ve faced harsh opposition from the enemies, who have formed a wall of shields to protect the door. Finally we have the guard’s quarters, where a few amount of Vaunghe are in active combat as we speak, although that will likely be taken without need for intervention.”
“Good job soldier.”
“Thank you sir.”
Osmund removes a slip of paper from his garb, and admires it in the sunlight. It was a complex map of Dundis, including the secret passages and escape routes of the entire place. It cost the annulment of many Vaunghe men and women, but was worth all the effort. Consulting the map Osmund noted the existence of an escape passageway inside of the tower. It was obscured behind a wall, thus explaining the lack of windows on that side.
“Report back to your commander that we’ll begin with the tower, there are several clear passages into an alternative staircase. Launching a pincer attack we’ll defeat the enemy and allow for the redistribution of forces. By that time I expect the guard’s quarters to be taken, allowing us to completely overflow any opposition protecting the garden.”
“Yes Osmund, I will inform her now.” And with that the young warrior ran back through the castle’s long iron gates.
The group followed suit, pushing the gates open fully and revealing the site of further bodies. They were inside the building’s inner wall now, the sun still bearing down upon them. This was the location home to many of the more important stables and areas for battle preparation. The ruins of a barricade lay around the door, alongside the copious number of trainee bodies who failed to protect themselves. While there was no evidence of the wall’s debris assaulting this place, there was still a large amount of destruction here.
The remains of statues greeted the group, once magnum opus now a disfigured remnant of what was. They were made of marble, and once depicted the Vaunghe gods, although who each one was could not be discerned, due to the broken faces and pieces they had been split into. The statues lined the walls of this castle, with a new statue lining the wall every five metres. If they weren’t destroyed they would likely be the most impressive feat Osmund had ever seen, standing at almost double his nine and a half foot frame.
Moving forward, Osmund looked to the north, where the entrance of the tunnel system began. According to the map the entrance was hidden below the royal stable, and gave passageway into the complex’s vast tunnel system that could lead to several strategic positions. Motioning for his group to follow, they moved slowly around the curved walls of the inner wall. The bodies gradually stopped appearing, prompting the drawing of Osmund and the other’s weapons, save for Balmun who still lacked anything to protect himself with.
The royal stable was just as grand as Osmund expected, long silver poles supporting a twenty metre stable. Beside each pillar was another statue of a god, albeit these gods were untouched and in their full glory. First was the god of thought, Merculd, a figure of 19 ft who sat upon a throne of gold. Adorned with jewels and royal fabrics, the bearded man watched down upon those that approached, beckoning them inside. The man himself was crafted out of intricate copper and glass, an architectural marvel that Osmund couldn’t comprehend its creation.
Beside the father of thought was the mother of art Freya, whose statue was in opposition to the metals of Merculd. Freya was a wood carving, an intricate and detailed depiction of the woman who was 15 ft tall, standing up with beckoning hands towards any visitors. Her face was carved to the smallest detail, with each individual tooth lovingly crafted on her mouth. In contrast to the first statue Freya’s was carved alongside her body, a tight fitting tunic layered over hard to know pants, due to the lack of colour or texture upon them.
The last of the three statues was Zid, the proposed god of the wall, a 19 ft tall mass of flesh and muscle. There was nothing to this god but his muscles, they were the only trait he has, a blank, general male face looming over the entryway. It was made out of stone, likely being the oldest statue here and thus the simplest. That is not to say the statue wasn’t a work of its own, every detail to Zid’s veins had been lovingly placed, it’s just compared to the other two Zid felt… irrelevant to Osmund, past its time.
The stable was enclosed in intricately carved stone, helixes intersecting each other granting slimmers of light into the stable. There was no damage here, no bodies, no other people, this was Vaunghe architecture at its finest, and all of this hard work was spent on a singular, slightly inconveniently placed barn. The oddities of the Vaunghe never failed to surprise Osmund, and he braced to enter the barn.
Straw floors and hay bales greeted him, alongside a single lone steed. A fine horse, certainly of nobility, awaited patiently for its master to return. It had been alone for time unknown, and yet Osmund noticed it was still being fed quite well, a decent number of carrots awaiting on a plate. Osmund opened the gate to the horse and approached the fine steed. He slapped it on the behind, sending it out of the stable and into the inner wall.
“Sir, I’ve stepped into horse dung. May I have another pair of shoes?” Balmun’s voice rang through the room, echoing slightly. Osmund responded by throwing a carrot at his head. Balmun dodged with less than a second to spare, and the armed man behind him was hit dead on.
Reeling back from shock and surprise, the armed soldier moved his sword to his front, trying to shield any further blows. The man was tall, 8’5 ft to be exact, and dirty. His armour was coated in dirt and remnants of the smoke from the wall. Osmund could see the desperation in his eyes, and now charged the man.
Osmund met the man’s blade with his own, parrying immediately. A foot swept the enemy to the ground and Osmund stood above him sword raised. The man went for the blade only to find his hand was removed, spouting blood everywhere. Osmund grabbed the man and pushed him to his feet.
“There is a base for any injured troops at the entrance to Dundis, go now before you bleed to death.” The man’s face flashed in surprise, and he quickly scrambled out of the room, hand stump spouting blood.
“Hey sir?”
“What is it Balmun?”

Have you thought ‘tomorrow is the day, the day I finally get up early and attack the day, new day, new me’ and then the alarm goes off, you hit snooze and wake up the same time you always have? Of course you have, we all have.
Good intentions really don’t account for much, it’s our actions that determine our success or failure in becoming an early riser.
It wasn’t until I embarked on my own journey I realised that without changing my evening habits I could never change my morning habits.
By tweaking just a few habits before jumping into bed we can drastically increase our chances of waking up early and get our first big accomplishment of the day out of the way - not hitting snooze!
Here are the 7 super simple tweaks I have made to my evening routine that have enabled me to stick to my wake up time.
Read to the end to find the one thing that makes all 7 of these habits IRRELEVANT!

Reverse engineer your wake up time

‘Right that’s it, tomorrow I’m waking up at 6.30am and I’m attacking the day with vigour’. You’ve had this thought before right? And when you wake up 3 hours later, you instantly blame the alarm clock. ‘It didn’t go off! I slept right through it!’.
What actually happened is you were so tired you turned the alarm off and before your conscious brain could even kick in you were asleep again within 9 seconds and you totally forgot that this happened just a few hours ago.
We have all been there.
You didn’t reverse engineer your wake up time. See me, I need 8 hours. I can function on less but my body really does need a solid 8 hours. However, I typically fall asleep around midnight, sometimes around 1am if I’m particularly restless.
Now if I want to get up around 7am then I’m waking up after just 6ish hours of sleep. The amount of times I’ve smashed the snooze button and turned the alarm off in just 6 hours of sleep is staggering. I have ZERO discipline when I have a poor night's sleep.
My failure was that I didn’t reverse engineer my wake up time. I want to wake up at 7am and I need 8 hours, then I MUST be asleep by 11pm. I can safely say that whenever I’m asleep at 11pm then waking up at 7am is easy.
I backed up my clock and set a time I must be asleep by. Now for me, I take around 20 mins to fall asleep. So I have to be in bed at 10.40pm. If I fall asleep quicker than 20 mins then that’s a bonus. If it takes me 30 mins it’s not the end of the world. I can survive on 7 hours 50.
Our body clocks are different. Some people only need 6 hours, others need 9. Start at the time you want to wake up and back up your clock the amount of hours of sleep you need.
Want to wake up at 6am but you need 9 hours sleep, then you must be asleep by 9pm. Woke backwards from here. You might need to make dinner earlier or record your favourite show between 9 and 10 and watch it the next day.
In some cases, this is going to be difficult because of life and work commitments. So choose a wake up time that fits your lifestyle.
The important point here is to set your wake up time, recognise the time you must be asleep by and aim for that. But experiment with different wake up times and sleep times to find what works for you. We are all different.

Blocking blue light after 7pm

I just wrote an article called ‘The science of blocking blue light before bedtime’.
You can read this for why this is important. But a quick hack to block blue light on your iPhone is:

1. Go to settings
2. Display & Brightness
3. Night Shift
4. Slide the colour temperature to ‘More Warm’

I have set mine to block blue light between 7pm and 9am. This is a super simple hack to limit the amount of blue light you get before you go to sleep, which numerous scientific studies have found greatly improves sleep length and sleep quality.

Prepare for the first task of the day only

I recently wrote about how my jump rope workout plan faded when I forgot to prepare my workout clothes before I went to sleep.
The simple act of getting my workout shorts, top and socks out and having them ready for me to jump into made the jump rope workout a much easier habit to adopt.
Think about what the first thing you want to do is. Workout? Get your workout clothes ready. Walk the dog? Get your outfit including coat and scarf ready and put the dog lead on top of it.
There is a famous speech by Admiral William H. McRaven who emphasised making the bed. It was a win. The first win of the day. A small insignificant win that made it easier to complete more tasks and set the day up for a series of wins.
So focus only on the first task of the day and prepare your outfit the night before and when you wake up all you need to do is complete that task. By outfit, I’m obviously talking about clothes. But if you want your first task to be journaling, then get the pen and pad, write tomorrow’s date at the top and leave the pad open on the table ready for you.
You will be greatly surprised, as I was, at how easy it is to start the morning on the right foot just by preparing for the first task of the day.

No late meals or snacks

You know that feeling of climbing into bed with a stomach full of food, I find this uncomfortable and it makes me restless. All I can think about is how full I am.
I try to eat 2-2.5 hours before going to bed. This is enough time for my body to digest the food and I can sleep well fed.
Think about what you are asking your body to do when you eat late night snacks or go to bed right after a big meal. You’re asking your body to kick into gear and start breaking down the food for nutrients. We want the body and brain to be at rest so that we can fall asleep more easily.
Intermittent fasting is a great way to stop eating late night snacks. Choose one of the many apps, my personal favourite is ‘Zero’ and start eating during your eating window only. This will help to know when to eat and when not to eat.
Maybe one day I’ll do a breakdown on how IF affects sleep quality and patterns.

Pick up a book

This is a personal favourite. I love to read. One because I just enjoy learning new things (I’m a big non-fiction fan) but also because IT MAKES ME SLEEPY.
I read a kindle which means I’m not absorbing any blue light late at night, my wife reads a proper paperback. But both of our eyelids slowly begin to close after about 15 minutes and all of a sudden we are asleep.
I genuinely think reading is life’s cheat code and a form of time travel. If you read a book written in Ancient Greece you are literally travelling back in time to the mind of the person that wrote it.
But one of the hidden benefits of adopting a reading habit is that it helps me to unwind at the end of the day, away from my phone and social media and before I know it I’m asleep.
Pick up a book, any book that you fancy and for the final 15 mins of the day, just read it. You’ll soon see what I mean.

Set a Do Not Disturb schedule

Notifications are how apps like Facebook and Twitter make you become addicted to them.
WIthout notifications you probably wouldn’t think to open 75% of the apps you have installed on your phone.
The notification creates a trigger that turns into action.
Set a Do Not Disturb schedule on your phone, perhaps the same time you have your blue light block set for. During this time you won’t receive any notification pop ups. This helps in two ways:

• It limits the use of the phone in the evening
• When you wake up there are no notifications pulling you in

For reasons we will explore another time, limiting the hours spent on our digital devices either side of going to sleep is hugely beneficial.
A great morning routine is one that doesn’t involve diving right into social media as soon as you wake up.
This is infinitely more difficult when there are tons of notifications from 10+ apps compelling us into action.
Setting the phone to Do Not Disturb is also great if you need to focus and be productive and much like the blue light blocking hack is super simple to start.
Bonus: The one thing that makes all 7 of these totally useless and irrelevant.
Going out after work for a few drinks? Going for a meal with a loved one and getting deep into a bottle of Merlot? Fancy a few cold cans on the sofa after a long stressful day?
I have found alcohol to be the biggest nullifier of the morning routine.
Yes you could still do these 7 things but the effects alcohol has on the length of sleep and how many good quality hours of sleep you get make it very hard to have discipline in the morning.
But that’s ok. You don’t need to stop drinking (unless you want to), but recognise that tomorrow you need a different approach. A later wake up time, a different morning task, whatever.
When I am out with work friends for a few drinks, I set my alarm to a more suitable wake up time simply because I know that the effect those few drinks have on me is going to make it difficult for me to rise as early as I would like.

Do the same 3 things before you go to sleep

Do the exact same things just before going to sleep.
For me, I clean my teeth, prepare my outfit for the next day, read a book, sleep.
I want to train my brain and body to recognise that I am about to fall asleep.
I choose those three actions as my cue to the brain to start getting prepared to fall asleep.
This mini-routine within my evening routine is as important as my entire routine. This consistency takes away any decision making I need to make and I can go through this mini-routine with ease.
Try it. And then experiment with doing something random one night and you will notice the difference in your ability to fall asleep. Then again, this might just be the effect it has on me! This is a journey of self-discovery and you should do the same!
So there you have it, 7 super simple evening habits you can adopt to set yourself up for early riser success.
How many of these do you do? Is there anything you recommend?
​

I’ve spent the past 3 months obsessing over my sleep, my wake up time and my morning routine.
And I’ve been able to influence my mood, productivity and find my purpose… and I feel like I’m only at the beginning.
I send two emails per week of things I learn about waking up early, morning routines and creating an intentional life.
It’s totally free to read and subscribe 🙏 - https://www.nomoresnooze.co/

As caster druid the AOE seemed just lack luster. I liked the spells but damn the landslide, boulder and tornado just feels small compared to the names. Landslide chunked and felt nice, but it only hit like 4-5 enemies in bestcase scenario.
Also Tornado just feels like a straw in a wind (unless we get later like extra tornados per cast).
Unless the balancing was intended in the beta it feels wierd how much difference there was between low tier and top tier at this point. Of course it was just beta and we saw only early game with some extra legendaries, but seems odd that necro needs 1 legendary to blast like crazy when druid needs to cast 12 basic skills to gain maximum spirit to cast 2-3 spender skills :D They should double spirit gain and half the cost of spenders it to feel somewhat ok, at level we saw the game in beta. One can wish it gets better later :)
Anyway can't wait to play this fully.

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It's EV Tuesday!

28th March 2023
Good morning EV Tuesday followers!
It is your favourite time of the week! EV Tuesday is here for your enjoyment. We have been working away in the office to see what delights we can bring to you this week, and boy do we have a good selection this week.
Take a look at our bonus link this week. The very first link, our EV Tax Reminder Campaign, has been all over the press this week! We talk about how much money is being wasted by the Government on sending out Electric Vehicles Road Tax letters.
As the clocks have gone forward, the nights are lighter, soon it will be time to relax in the garden as you settle down to read your EV Tuesday Newsletter.
Have a little read, click on the links below and see what we have researched for you this week. As always there is an app, a great tip and a car review. So, sit back, relax and get reading through EV Tuesdays newsletter. We will be posting this to our social media channels including Facebook, Twitter & Reddit (check out evcables subreddit). If you have access to our blog, you will get an extra item :)
Right, ready.....steady.........GO!!
Feedback, Requests, Questions? As always, please give us feedback on Twitter. Which item is your favourite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Just send a tweet to @ev_cables and put #EVTuesdays at the end so we can find it. Have a great week everyone and happy reading!

BONUS NEWS ARTICLE: EVCABLES.COM

Take a look at our EV Tax Reminder Campaign. Here we discuss how much money the Government is wasting on sending Road Tax reminder letters to EV car owners!

1. EV APP OF THE WEEK: INSTAVOLT

The Instavolt App runs alongside our contactless payment option and provides another simple way to access our award winning DC Rapid Electric Vehicle charging network. In addition to the functional benefits the App provides (i.e. location mapping, navigation and VAT receipts), customers using our EV charging App are given exclusive access to the following rewards programs, which are not available to those using our contactless payment option. Download Here

2. EV NEWS: SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

Surrey County Council and Connected Kerb have agreed a contract to support the rollout of thousands of electric vehicle chargepoints across the county in the coming years.The contract, the largest in the UK to date, will release up to £60million of investment for Connected Kerb to install public EV chargepoints across the county. The aim will be to install thousands over the next five years and Connected Kerb have been licensed to operate the chargepoints for 15 years from installation.

3. EV TIP: LEARN THE EV LINGO

In order to make a difference, you need to embrace difference. That includes getting used to a new vocabulary and blowing the dust off your physics knowledge:
kW (kilowatt): 1,000 watts – with EVs, it’s used mostly to reflect the electric motor’s maximum power output.
kWh (kilowatt-hour): The amount of electricity a 1,000W appliance uses per hour.
MPkWh (miles per kilowatt-hour): The estimated miles an EV can go on one kilowatt-hour of battery.
MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent): The same as MPkWh, but in a more relatable form if you’re used to comparing petrol or diesel cars.
Regenerative braking: A method of braking used by EVs as well as hybrids to store and use energy recovered from braking.
Off-peak charging: Charging your EV during the less busy times of day for a lower cost.
Range: The distance you can travel before the battery requires a recharge or you need to visit the pumps – simply expressed in miles or kilometres.
Range anxiety: The worry that your car’s battery will run out before you arrive at your destination or get a chance to recharge.

4. EV CHARGING NETWORKS: SHELL CHARGING SOLUTIONS

One ecosystem for your charging needs. From hardware to software, Shell Recharge Solutions offers integrated solutions for charging at home, at work and on-the-go.

5. EV REVIEW: CAR WOW

Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that is a cutting-edge alternative to models such as the BMW iX3, Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes EQB.
Based on the hugely popular Model 3, it’s a bit like if someone uploaded a picture of a Model 3 into Photoshop and started stretching its proportions.
It’s longer and ever so slightly wider, but noticeably (more than 15cm) taller, meaning it looks more like a shrunken Model X.
Until next time. Have a fantastic week!
EV Cables Team
ENJOYING EV TUESDAYS? PLEASE SHARE...EV Cables is a small UK-based startup on a mission to help drive the adoption of electric vehicles and create a more sustainable future. EV Tuesdays is our way of connecting and giving back to the community, whilst helping to grow our business. We'd be extremely grateful if you could share the newsletter sign-up page with your friends (which also gives them 5% off their first order with us). It really makes a huge difference to us and we promise to pack as much value as possible into each weekly edition.
To make life easier, you can just cut, paste, and edit the following:
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Hi, I hadn't considered getting solar panels, as I felt the they would be too expensive for the time it took to make back the cost... can you share the actual avg watts being generated per meter of panels you have? And the type of panel (I'm not sure if there is a difference) and the orientation....and anything else that would contribute to what I might expect to generate? And what it cost to install? Is there anything you would change if you were to do it again? I'm south facing in south donegal. Thanks.

Right, these ideas have been kicking around my head for a while and I figure I'll just throw them out here.
Feel free to criticize, discuss, iterate on, add to, etc...
These are in no particular order of relevance or importance.
Enjoy my mindless rambling.
Structures:
Let's start with structure limits. 1 KeepstaSotiyo per region, 1 Fort/Azbel per constellation, 1 Astra & 1 Rait & 1 Tatara per system. You wanna put a structure down and the area is clogged with em? Go blow one up. This deals with structure spam and makes placing/having them a meaningful thing.
Let's move on to the structures themselves.
Take tackle mods away from structures. You wanna kill someone with your fortress? Use a pilot in a ship to hold them down.
Remove combat mods and clonebays from all of them except the Astrahus/Fort/Keepstar.
Turn Athanors into a moon drill with tether, nothing more. No docking, no mods. All it does is pull moon chunks for you to mine and allow you to tether up if things look spooky.
Turn the Tatara into a pure refinery, no mod/rig except refining related ones. No moon mining.
Turn the Rait/Azbel/Sotiyo into industry only structures, no other mods/rigs but that.
Azbel/Sotiyo still get to have a market mod, along with the Fort and Keep.
​
FacWar:
Have plexes in frontlines be the only ones to give LP. This ruins it for bots hiding in quiet systems while also allowing you to plex a strategically important system that isn't a frontline, no LP for it though.
Battlefields should only spawn in frontline systems with high PVP activity. Also, no LP unless you're in the capture rings when it finishes. Maybe throw in that you should have at least killed an enemy NPC to try mitigate seagulls.
Remove FW missions. They have been min/maxed and are run by instawarp ships/bots. They contribute almost nothing to PVP, which is what facwar should be about.
(Side note for mission running in general: All missions, everywhere, should spawn a beacon in space like the facwar ones do. They shouldn't be safe little hideaways that require combat probes to find. If you're in low/null you've already accepted the risk. If you're in highsec you have Concord to avenge your death, unless you got baited, you dummy.)
Lastly for facwar stuff, make a pure t1 frig plex, no navy ships allowed. Perhaps increase the spawn rate of a variety of plexes.
​
Ship Balance:
These are all specific to certain ships.
BattleShips: My thinking is that they should have defined roles, or if they are a carbon copy of another ship (see Phoon/Phoon FI, Tempest/Tempest FI) they should be a straight upgrade on that ship, worth the inflated price tag.
Typhoon Fleet Issue:
Get rid of that god-awful gun bonus, it doesn't have the grid for it. Make it a Torp/Cruise focused boat. Increase its damage bonus to 10% to make it an attractive upgrade on the T1 Phoon.
Tempest Fleet Issue:
Give it a tracking/RoF bonus to make it an attractive arty boat. This keeps it in line with its smaller counterparts - Firetail/Stabber FI, this will also give it a defining role different from the Tempest.
Dominix Navy Issue:
It's a weird Hype that does a bit more damage. Scrap that and embrace the original Domi memes, ditch the local rep bonus and give it an RR bonus. I am open to ideas on what to do with the Domi Navy, but in its current form it is just a Hype with an extra mid. Hardly an attractive upgrade from the Hype. If you wanna give something a rep bonus give it to the Mega Navy.
Apoc/Apoc Navy:
These are relics from a bygone era, they need some updating. Both of em do sweet fuckall damage. Hardly attractive in this era of easy 1k dps on most BS. What I would do is give the tracking bonus to the Apoc, the optimal to the Navy, then give em both a nice damage bonus. They each get a role, one more small gang oriented, the other more fleet oriented.
Marauders:
Don't get me wrong, I love the current versions of all marauders. They are, however, super OP for their price. Why fly any Pirate BS when for the same price you get a super ship? Hell, you can even cheap fit a marauder and it is AMAZING. I believe their hull cost should at least be doubled.
Also, take away the bonus to buffer modules from Marauders that CCP slapped on all BS. This will make them less attractive in fleet settings, perhaps bringing their T1/faction/pirate competitors back into the light.
Vagabond:
Ditch the spare high slot and give it a 5th mid already.
Muninn:
I know it was too strong as an arty boat, but damn, it feels like a weird Sac now. There's gotta be a way to fix this thing, it's current form is not it.
​
Props to CCP:
The new Navy hulls are great, all well implemented. More like this please.

A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is either interrupted or reduced. The brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients as a result, and brain cells begin to die. Every year, over 800,000 people worldwide suffer from a stroke. This works out to almost one person every 40 seconds. To avoid brain damage, strokes must be recognized and treated as soon as feasible.
This page will describe why strokes happen and how they're treated, as well as the many types and preventative measures that can be taken.
Categories of Stroke:
There are three main types of stroke:
Ischemic stroke:
The most common sort of stroke is this one. A blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke:
Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations are common causes of this condition, which happens when a weak blood artery ruptures (AVMs).
Ischemic transient attacks:
These are also known as mini-strokes and occur when blood flow to a portion of the brain is cut off. After a short period of time, normal blood flow returns, and symptoms disappear.
Some stroke risk factors, such as your age and family history, are unavoidable. However, there are still many things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke, such as getting adequate exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and managing other risk factors.
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1. Get Regular Exercise

A lack of exercise has been linked to a variety of health issues, including stroke. Exercise may aid in the prevention of stroke by lowering other risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity. Healthy individuals should engage in at least 40 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise three to four times per week, according to the American Stroke Association. This level of intensity suggests that you should be working hard to breathe and your pulse rate should be high.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

A nutritious diet can help to decrease blood pressure, which is one of the leading causes of stroke. Blood pressure can be raised by being overweight or obese, eating too much salt, or eating too little potassium. Table salt isn't the main source of salt in the diet. According to new research, eating a diet high in potassium-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lowering saturated fat levels can help avoid stroke.

1. Manage High Blood Pressure

Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are both linked to high blood pressure. With ageing, blood pressure, specifically systolic blood pressure, normally rises. According to some research, even persons with normal blood pressure at the age of 55 had a 90% probability of having high blood pressure later in life. Exercise, a low-sodium diet, and keeping a healthy weight can all assist to keep blood pressure in the normal range. Your blood pressure should be monitored at least once a year to help you manage your stroke risk.

1. Reduce High Cholesterol

High total cholesterol has been linked to a higher risk of stroke in numerous scientific investigations. Statins, cholesterol-lowering medicines, may be administered to help reduce your risk of clogged arteries in addition to adopting good eating habits that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Consult your doctor about whether medicines are good for you if you have high cholesterol.

1. Quit Smoking for All Times

Smoking cigarettes increases your chances of having a stroke by double. If you are a frequent or chain smoker, quitting smoking, even if you have been smoking for a long time, can significantly lower your stroke risk.

1. Take Preventive Medication

If you have a high risk of stroke, you should take anticoagulant drugs like warfarin or aspirin only after consulting a doctor to help prevent the formation of stroke-causing blood clots.
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Journal of Camille Lambert - April 14th (Part 4)
​
The screams of monsters who unfortunately were no longer beyond my comprehension echoed through the eternal night. I looked up to see one of the nearby warped buildings buckling, as the familiar shape of the Crab Nightwalker hefted its weight on top of it.
​
It looked considerably different from when I’d last seen it in Puriysk. It's now ill-fitting shell was adorned by glowing flowers, with red vines clinging to it like a sickness and hanging off of it like tendrils. In those tendrils, I could see screaming men, being pulled toward its maw. Pulsating flesh oozed out of the Crab's armor, as if it had overstuffed itself to the point where that armor could no longer contain it.
​
I watched as the Crab began to pry into the building it stood on, and as its tendrils probed through the windows, dragging out screaming men who shot hopelessly at it as if they stood any chance of killing it.
​
In the distance, I could see the beginnings of an orange glow as somewhere in Parsons a fire spread… not started by Nina this time. Progress? Looking down toward the street, past the out of place hardware store that Calhoun had escaped into, I could see various Nightwalkers fleeing for their lives, as their former brethren, newly marked by the Rosen Prince pursued them.
​
It was like something out of a nightmare… impossible horror after impossible horror, melded together and left to tear at each other's throats. The hellish monsters I’d known all my life versus the oppressive militia who I’d long since learned to fear, while a floral parasite ran rampant through the streets, consuming them all. The fact that the backdrop to this madness was now the twisted result of intersecting one town on top of another seemed trivial compared to the insanity that dominated the streets.
​
I turned, about to descend the stairs of the clock tower to throw myself back into the chaos when from the corner of my eye, I noticed Dom scrambling up the makeshift stairwell that Calhoun had formed out of the collapsed roof of the church. He had Gretchen slung over his shoulder, and Nina was coming up behind him. She hastily swapped out the magazine in her shotgun for a new one, before looking down frantically.
​
I ran to the far side of the tower to help Dom and Gretchen up through the broken clock face. She went first, followed by him.
“What’s going on down there?” I asked.
“Good news, the Bat thing is dead. Bad news, the Rosen Prince got it.” Dom said, reaching back to pull Nina up behind him.
​
Almost on cue, I heard yet another demonic screech from the hole in the church roof behind us and I saw another familiar face clawing its way up Calhoun’s makeshift stairwell.
​
For the most part, it looked like the same Horned Nightwalker we saw in Calhoun’s courtyard although now I could see the glowing flowers of the Rosen Prince adorning its arms and shoulders. Its hands had changed too, with jutting blades now protruding from its wrist. Gretchen looked back at the Horned Nightwalker with a grimace, before giving a sweeping motion with her hand. As the Nightwalker reached the top of the makeshift stairwell, I saw it buckle, then collapse, sending the creature crashing back down to the ground floor along with a significant portion of the roof. I hoped that might keep it down for a while longer.
“Holy fucking shit, what the hell happened here?” Nina cried, looking out over Parsons.
​
“The mist was already moving the town, I had to make do,” I said. “Don’t ask me how I did it, I don’t know! I don’t think any of the locals came through, though.”
Nina looked back at me, before shaking her head in exasperation.
“Well I hope to fuck they didn’t,” She said. “Cuz I do not have any kind of rescue plan.”
“What about Calhoun?” Dom asked.
“Wounded and on the run,” I said.
​
“Well let’s track his ass down and get the fuck out of here,” Nina said. “How badly did you hurt him?”
“I shot him twice in the stomach and he fell out the window,” I said and pointed to the broken clock face. Nina looked at it again, before looking straight down.
“Christ… and he survived that?” She asked.
“Evidently… since this pocket reality is still holding together,” Gretchen said. She rubbed at the back of her neck, wincing in pain as she did.
​
“How bad is it?” I asked.
“I’ll survive,” She said, “But let us deal with Calhoun first. If he is wise, he will recognize the futility of this engagement and seek to return to the Eldest. We cannot permit that to happen. Then he may be lost to us.”
​
I stared out of the clock tower again, looking toward Calhoun’s House a short distance away.
“Can you get there alright?” I asked.
“I’ll manage,” She assured me, although before we could decide how to proceed, another inhuman scream echoed from the Church below.
​
Nina screamed back at it in a condescending tone, then added: “Shut it, you vegetable fuck! We’re having a conversation!” As if in response to that, several crimson vines latched onto the sides of the hole in the roof, slithering outward to grab purchase onto the sides, before beginning to pull something up.
Gretchen sighed, rubbing at her temples and shaking her head.
“Why are you the way that you are?” Was all she asked.
​
A massive claw appeared on the edge of the roof, as the Horned Nightwalker… or at least what it had become, attempted to climb its way out. Its hands had already changed into sickle like claws that reminded me of the Horselike Nightwalker I’d seen in Puriysk. Several spider like legs rose out of the hole in the roof, lifting the new creature out of the ruined church and onto the roof as it dragged itself toward us.
​
“Such a bounty laid out before me!” The voice of the Rosen Prince snarled, “And I have you to thank, Gretchen Di Cesare! Yet, my hunger is not yet sated… for you have not yet joined with me, child!”
​
Nina readied her shotgun, firing into the new creature's face. Batlike wings unfurled from its back, closing around its body and taking the brunt of the fire.
“I grow ever stronger, from the wonderful creatures I have dined on. They offer me little in knowledge, but much in strength!”
​
As The Rosen Prince advanced on us, I noticed something else from the corner of my eye. The Crab Nightwalker was drawing closer to us as well. I know that Gretchen saw it too. Nina stopped shooting while shimmering blossoms with pale yellow eyes inside opened on the Prince’s wings as the fires quickly died down.
​
“Ah… ironic, is it not? To find you now in the same position you were in when you invoked me here. Cornered… Helpless... Desperate…”
​
Gritting her teeth, Gretchen gently pushed Nina aside, staring down the coming Prince.
“You presume far too much, my old friend…” She panted, before looking at us. “Grab something, hold it tight, and pray to whatever God may be listening.”
​
With a wave of her hand, Gretchen brought down more of the roof beneath the Rosen Prince. It did little to slow it down, but it did enough. Gretchen turned, grabbing the metal frame of the turret clock and letting out a cry of exertion.
​
I felt the ground move beneath us again, although this time it wasn’t something in the tower she was moving.
​
It was the tower itself.
​
In one swift motion, the clock tower had detached from the rest of the church and launched itself toward an adjacent building. The lower part of it lodged itself into the roof of that other building completely, causing part of it to crumble. Somehow though, the clocktower remained intact… for the most part. I imagined that had to be thanks to Gretchen.
​
“What the fuck are you trying to do?!” Nina cried, looking over at Gretchen with a new fear of God in her eyes.
“You told me to learn…” Gretchen hissed, “I’m learning…”
​
She strained again, looking back as the Rosen Prince spread his wings to take flight. Nina, Dom, and I grabbed hold of the frame of the turret clock since it seemed like the sturdiest thing to grab as Gretchen moved the tower again, launching it into another building, this one closer to Calhoun’s house.
​
The impact was too much for me this time. I lost my grip and was thrown to the ground, rolling toward one of the broken clock faces.
“Cam?” Nina called, before letting go of the clock to dive after me. She wasn’t fast enough.
​
The wind rushed past me as I fell out of the window, landing hard on the roof of the building below. I saw Nina looking down at me from above, before leaping down after me. She landed with a little more grace, and unevenly stumbled to my side, hastily putting a hand on my shoulder.
“You alright?” She asked.
​
I gave a half nod since despite being in considerable pain I was pretty sure I hadn’t broken anything.
“CAM!” I heard Dom cry, and saw him going to the window next. For a moment, I was sure he was about to jump down too, although Nina waved an arm to stop him.
“Don’t!” She said, “Stay with Gretchen! Get to the house, and kill that one eyed motherfucker if you see him! We’ll catch up!”
​
Dom hesitated, before looking to see that the Rosen Prince had launched himself onto the last building we’d been on. The Crab Nightwalker was almost on top of him now, and I watched as the two pressed together, their features sliding together as they formed into something new. Pieces of the crab's armor slid onto that twisted amalgamation of bodies, partially reinforcing its spiderlike legs. The batlike wings on its back grew larger to accommodate the new size of this creature, then split to form new wings. It morphed and changed, adapting to the prey it now hunted, becoming something draconic, arachnid, equine, humanoid, and floral all in one unholy mixture. Such a thing should not have ever been… and yet it was and when the change was complete, what was left was an armored creature three times taller than a man with several chitinous horse legs, segmented like a crab or a spiders protruding from its bulbous lower body. It had a hunched-over torso like a human’s, with thick arms ending in chitinous claws and a head that split open like a flower, with gnashing teeth in its center and antlers adorning its shoulders like pauldrons.
​
Of all the horrors I had seen in this world… this was by far the worst.
​
The flesh and armor it did not take from the Crab Nightwalker slunk away, pulsating and trying to reform into something new, while the body the Rosen Prince had made for himself spread its six draconic wings to give chase to Gretchen.
​
The tower moved again, launching itself toward another building and Nina grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the hole in the roof of the building we were on that the tower had left. I had just enough time to see the Rosen Prince take flight in pursuit of the tower before we made it inside the building.
​
After all the noise out there, the silence inside was almost jarring… and if I wasn’t absolutely terrified by the fucking flower dragon made out of every horrible thing that had tried to kill me in the past few days chasing after my friend, I might have even found it calming.
​
The building we were in looked as if it’d once been somebody's apartment. Nina looked around for a bit, before finding a door leading out into a hall.
“Come on, we should hurry,” She said, gesturing for me to follow her. I was certain that she had no idea where she was going, but to be fair I didn’t either so I followed her.
“Do all of your jobs go this badly?” I asked, as we headed for a door at the end of the hall.
“Not this badly, no,” She said. “This right here is a brand new record.”
​
We went through the door, heading down a flight of stairs, and out into the lobby of the building. Nina paused by the front door, looking out onto the street to ensure the coast was at least somewhat clear before moving ‘Somewhat clear’ being the operative term here.
​
The streets of Parsons were reduced to little more than complete pandemonium. I could see the burning corpses of the Rosen around us, along with one lone member of the Sheriff’s Boys who seemed too dazed to even realize we were there.
​
As the flames of the dead burned around him, devouring ruined cars and blackening the bricks of the buildings around him, he wandered aimlessly.
​
We all paused as behind us, one of the buildings that Gretchen had hit when she’d decided to turn a building into an airplane began to collapse. I could hear people screaming and felt a knot in my stomach tighten. The lucky sounded as if they’d been crushed outright… the unlucky just kept screaming.
​
Both the man on the street and I stared at the ruins of the collapsed building, and looking back at him I was hit with the knowledge that everyone in this miserable city probably knew that this was the end. They were all going to die here… whether it was at the hands of the Rosen, the Nightwalkers, or the destruction, they were all going to die. Maybe they all hadn’t accepted it as my friend on the street had… but it was a chilling truth.
​
This that had once been their paradise was now their tomb… and once Calhoun was dead, even that would no longer remain. I wondered if we were just as doomed as they were… and I wondered if we were just in denial about it.
​
Well… no time to think too hard about it now.
I felt Nina pulling at my arm.
“Let’s go,” She said. “I think the road up ahead is clear!”
The other man was looking at me now.
​
From behind us, I could hear the cries of the Rosen and looked back to see them sifting through the ruins of the collapsed building, looking for survivors. The man on the road just laughed, before calmly taking out his gun and putting it under his chin.
​
I heard the gunshot but didn’t see him die. By then we’d already moved on. But it still made me flinch.
​
The gate to Calhoun’s House was just up ahead, although it was not unguarded. I could see several more trucks, like the one Kevin had driven parked out front, with a few of the Sheriff’s Boys stationed around them.
​
As far as I could tell, the courtyard was pretty secure… perhaps they were waiting for Calhoun’s return. The clock tower was lodged in a building half a block away, and I saw it make its final push toward the twisted house, crashing into it head-on and shattering its malformed architecture.
​
In defiance of all laws of physics though, the clocktower still held together, despite jutting out of the front of that twisted building. The Sheriff’s Boys at the gate watched it with slack-jawed awe, before a familiar voice on a megaphone brought them back to attention.
“GUNS UP BOYS! COMPANY’S COMING!”
​
Between the cars, I could see Kevin holding his megaphone and pointing toward the building the clock tower had just jumped from. Of course Kevin was still alive. This day just hadn’t gone badly enough…
​
The Sheriff’s Boys manning the guns on their trucks got to work immediately, spinning to take aim at the Rosen Prince as he loomed over the nearby building, regarding the assembled prey with every eye on his sickly, pulsating body. I saw his wings spread wide as he began his final descent toward the courtyard. The bullets tore away chunks of his writhing flesh, but they did not slow him down. Instead, he simply folded his wings over his torso, shielding his body from the hail of gunfire as he made his advance.
​
The Rosen Prince lunged forward with one jagged claw, crushing one of the nearby trucks like it was made of paper. I saw Kevin take a step back, grimacing in rage before tossing his megaphone aside. Some of his men fled, but he stood his ground… probably because he physically could not run.
“You sonofabitch…” he growled, before pulling a gun from his holster. My eyes widened as I recognized it.
​
Gretchen’s revolver.
​
Kevin must have found it after we’d left!
​
I wondered if he knew what it did, and I got my answer only moments later. He pulled the trigger, striking one of the wings of the Rosen Prince.
​
The creature shrank back, letting out a hiss of pain, although seeming more confused than hurt. Pink mist rose up from its wing, and I saw the flesh begin to bubble and sear. The Rosen Prince recoiled, its flesh twisting as every eye on its body widened. Kevin kept the gun trained on the Prince, but didn’t fire again. The Rosen Prince retreated back up on top of the building. Its burning wing detached itself, although that didn’t quite seem to be enough. Entire chunks of what I suspect used to be the Bat Nightwalker sloughed out of its body as it tried to shed whatever flesh that Gretchen’s blessed bullet had destroyed.
​
“Keep shooting!” Kevin called, starting to limp back behind the remaining trucks. “Governor Calhoun is on his way! And get me somebody to help deal with that fucking flying tower!”
I looked over at Nina and saw her eyes narrowed as she watched Kevin leave. I watched her grip her gun tightly and put a hand on her arm.
“Don’t!” I warned, “Those trucks will tear us to pieces!”
​
I could see in her eyes that she wanted to argue, but clearly she knew better. Her eyes then darted toward the wall and I could see her doing the math in her head.
“Left side of the street, move fast, keep low,” She said. “We’ll jump the fence.”
That sounded like a slightly smarter idea, and I let Nina take the lead.
​
The trucks didn’t even seem to see us, and kept shooting at the Rosen Prince. I could even see a few crimson flares shooting up from some of the Sheriff’s Boys, catching the Prince’s body and setting his flesh alight as he retreated back atop the building again. Nina reached the fence first and I boosted her up to the top. She straddled it for a moment, reaching down to help pull me up before we dropped down into the courtyard together. She grabbed her shotgun again, keeping at the ready for when the inevitable shooting began.
​
The courtyard was in an even worse state than we’d left it in. The fountain was almost completely destroyed and had soaked the ground beneath us, turning anything that wasn’t protected by the cobblestone into mud.
​
Countless bodies, belonging to men, Rosen and Nightwalkers along with a few blackened things that I think were Nightwalkers, littered the ground. The truck that Kevin had used to attack us was crashed into a nearby wall and looked more or less completely totaled. We could see Kevin limping over toward where the clock tower was, looking up at it as he barked orders.
​
“Where’s my fucking explosives? We need to get back inside the house without letting any more of those things out through the fucking door!”
Nina stifled a laugh.
“Oh man… I forgot about the portal to hell…” She said under her breath, as if it was the funniest joke she’d ever heard.
​
The clock tower shifted, as the section of the house it had embedded itself in began to crumble. The tower sank down to the ground, still remaining intact. I took that as a sign that Gretchen and Dom were still inside.
​
“MOVE!” Kevin cried, ushering his men back as a cloud of dust flooded the courtyard. Nina and I shielded our eyes for a moment, although I realized as soon as she did the kind of opportunity that had just appeared for us. She gestured for me to follow, leading me toward the house under the cover of the dust.
​
“Whoever’s in that thing, I want them fucking dead!” Kevin said, coughing through the dust. He turned away from the clock tower, waving a hand in front of his face to try and escape the dust. Nina and I were almost at the front door now, and I already knew what she planned to do.
​
Honestly, I thought it was a terrible idea. But at this point, I was still on board with it.
​
Kevin looked up, noticing us just as we reached the door. Through the dust, I could see his eyes widen as Nina reached the front door and pulled it open.
“NO!” He cried, reaching out as if he could somehow stop us.
He couldn’t.
​
On the other side of the door, I could see reddish sands. I could feel the acrid heat and burning wind on my face. And I could see dark figures amongst the sands, looking up as soon as the door opened.
​
Not Nightwalkers… not Rosen.
​
Something else.
​
Nina fired a few rounds from her shotgun, forcing Kevin to try and run. He dove to the ground, crawling behind the shattered remains of the water fountain, as the Sheriff’s Boys turned to see that on top of all their existing problems, they now also had to deal with a portal to actual literal Hell. Because why not? I’m sure it really sucked to be them at that moment.
​
I saw the first of the blackened Demons charge through the door, snarling like a wild dog. It was torn to pieces by some gunfire from one of the Sheriff’s Boys almost immediately, but more followed.
​
There weren’t a lot of demons that poured out of that door… but there were enough.
​
I saw one of them leaping onto one of the Sheriff’s Boys. Its entire torso split open vertically, revealing a velvety mouth, full of teeth that clamped down on the poor man before he could do more than scream. As the Sheriff’s Boys tried to deal with the demons, Nina unleashed burning death upon them all, mindlessly shooting anything that moved. She paused only to pull the door closed, since I guess it made sense not to just leave that hanging open and unattended. I suppose it’s not like she needed even more Demons.
​
Behind the fountain, I saw Kevin struggling to stand as he tried to escape the carnage… and I started toward him.
​
Kevin saw me coming and hastily reached for Gretchen’s revolver, but I was faster. I raised my gun and fired twice, hitting him once in the arm and once in the chest. Kevin let out a cry of pain. The revolver slipped out of his hand and clattered uselessly to the ground. He left it where it lay, trying desperately to pull himself back as I pulled the trigger again, shooting him in the stomach two more times.
​
Finally, I was on top of him and pressed my foot down on his injured leg, earning a final cry of pain from him.
“What was that you said to me the other day?” I hissed, “When I kill you, I’ll have my boys do it… I’ll let them have their way with you first…”
My eyes burned into Kevin’s, and though he tried to keep a defiant face, I could see the fear in them.
​
“Where are your boys now, Kev?” I asked.
“It’s… Kevin…” He rasped, although I could still hear the fear in his voice.
I’ve gotta be honest… it was kinda funny.
“I know,” I replied as I squeezed the trigger one last time.
​
I might have only been using a .22, but it did the job perfectly. Kevin’s head jerked backward and he sank down into the mud, his eyes still open and staring quietly into infinity. I’d remember those eyes… but they would not haunt me.
​
I looked over at Nina, who gave a wide berth to the Sheriff’s Boys and the Demons trying to maul them as she ran to my side. She looked down at Kevin’s body, and I saw a wry smirk cross her lips, though as she reached down to pick up Gretchen’s revolver.
“Guess he shouldn’t have run for office,” She said, before looking toward the clock tower.
​
Through some of the crumbling bricks, I could see two figures limping out of the ruins.
“Dom…” I said, running toward him.
Gretchen was slung over his shoulder, but it was hard to say who was supporting who at that point. He collapsed down into a sitting position, and let her flop down onto the ground. The only indicator I could hear that she was still alive was her slight groan of pain.
​
“Oh my God, you’re okay?” I asked.
Dom just gave me a meek thumbs up.
“Next time… let’s… let’s not do… whatever that was…” He said, pointing vaguely at the clock tower. I pulled him into a hug, that he weakly returned.
​
“Hey… you good?” Nina asked, looking down at Gretchen and giving her a slight kick.
“Test results… sub-optimal. Do not recommend second attempt,” She groaned.
“Yeah, you’re fine. Get up, you big fucking nerdy baby.”
​
She reached down to help pull Gretchen to her feet again.
“Hot tea…” She murmured, as she leaned against the crumbling clock tower for support. “Hot tea… and a bath…”
She looked over at Nina.
“What are you doing when this is all over?”
“Oh, I’m gonna get fucking drunk and buy a lottery ticket,” She said. “I do not know how we’re all still alive right now, but I’m feeling pretty damn lucky.”
“Alcohol… yes… in tea…” Gretchen agreed, “You’re buying.”
​
With a trembling hand, she took her journal out of her jacket, turned to a fresh page, and in letters large enough for me to read wrote: ‘TOWER. NO.’
​
A distant roar pulled out attention back toward the gate. Above it, I could see the Rosen Prince descending from the building again for round 2. He was smaller this time, and had shed his wings… yet his form was otherwise unchanged.
Gretchen just closed her eyes in exasperation before sighing.
“Right… him…”
​
Through the gate, I could see the Sheriff’s Boys in the trucks trying to fight the Demons and the Prince to no avail. One of the trucks hastily sped off into the night. The other one stood its ground, shooting vainly at the Rosen Prince as he came for them. He brought one claw down like a hammer, crushing the men in the truck like it was nothing, then drawing it back to hit them again out of rage.
​
Hissing in satisfaction, we watched as the Rosen Prince continued toward the gate, his many legs going over it as he advanced into the courtyard.
“This night draws to its close, my old friend.” He snarled. “It seems you can run no more… while my strength, is everlasting. It is time… come into my ocean, as you were always meant to.”
​
“Oh fuck off already,” Gretchen huffed, before noticing Nina out of the corner of her eye, offering her the revolver. They traded a look before Gretchen took it and aimed it at the beast that advanced on us. The moment it realized what was being aimed at it, I heard it snarl with rage. Its body tensed as it lunged for us, trying to close the distance before she could shoot.
​
But it was already too late.
​
The gunshot echoed through the courtyard as the bullet hit the Rosen Prince square in the chest, and I saw his body begin to seize up. He clawed at his chest, many eyes going wide. A pained scream escaped him. Pink mist rose from the wound, causing its flesh to bubble and squirm. The Rosen Prince’s eyes fixated on Gretchen again as his body began to die.
“WRETCHED WOMAN!” It hissed, throwing its weight toward us as its body convulsed and boiled. “THIS WORLD REMAINS MINE… YOU SHALL NOT RUN FROM ME AGAIN!”
“Yes, this world is yours,” Gretchen agreed. “Enjoy it while it lasts. I imagine it won’t be for much longer. Your services are no longer required here. But thank you for your assistance.”
​
“TREACHEROUS WITCH!” The Rosen Prince snarled, desperately trying to crawl toward us. I saw the lower half of its body break away. Its legs curled in on themselves, twitching weakly in death. Only the Prince’s rotting torso remained now and Gretchen stared into its countless eyes, cold and unblinking.
​
As it tried to pull itself closer to us, one of its claws broke off. It’s movements slowed, as the amalgamation of corpses the Rosen Prince had assembled melted away. I could see the luminous flowers on its body starting to die, as the eyes turned white and fell away. In a few moments, the body of the Rosen Prince lay still as the flesh melted off of its bones… and silence filled the air.
​
“Is it dead…” I asked quietly, “Really dead?”
“No,” Gretchen replied. “The other drones will still be active, and I suspect he’ll be coming back for us shortly, once he can build something even worse to throw at us. We should leave now, while we still have the chance.”
“What about Calhoun?” I asked.
​
“If he’s not dead already, I vote we leave him to the Rosen Prince,” Gretchen said. She checked the cylinder of her revolver, “Seems whoever had this wasted the last of my ammunition… luckily I had foresight. Camille, you still have the bullet?”
“Right here,” I said, reaching into my pocket to take it out.
​
“Good,” She handed the revolver off to me, before turning away and heading toward the door. Her gait was slow and she gave the Rosen Prince a wide berth.
“I’ll remove the rune on Calhoun’s door. If we can find the room with the Eldest again, we should have a way out. We can use the last bullet on him, and see if it works… no promises, but right now I we’re low on options so it will have to suffice fo-”
​
A sudden onslaught of gunshots interrupted her. I saw Gretchen hit the ground with a pained cry, clutching at her side. Nina ran to her immediately, dragging her behind the ruins of the fountain, while Dom and I ran back toward the clock tower.
​
A single figure stood under the gate, shuffling past the ruined trucks with a heavy pistol in his hand.
​
Governor Calhoun looked significantly worse than when I’d last seen him. His skin looked a shade paler and his good eye seemed sunken. He’d stripped off both his shirt and suit jacket and I could see the bullet wounds in his stomach from where I’d shot him… although that was not what stood out the most. His skin was adorned with fresh cuts, with streaks of blood flowing from them like rivers. In his other hand, he held his ritual dagger.
​
“Leaving me for dead?” He asked, his voice hoarse and cold, “After all you’ve done… to ruin my world… to burn my temple and salt the earth upon which it was built, and you can’t even finish the job? Disappointing.” Nina tried to pop out of cover, but Calhoun shot first, grazing the stone by her head and sending her back down.
​
“It’s a shame it had to come to this,” Calhoun said. “I would have saved your world. I would have saved each and every one of you. But now after you’ve gone and wasted everything I’ve done… decades of good… I see now that there is no salvation for you people. There never was. I built paradise! And you’ve burned it! Corrupted it! Unleashed plague upon it! Why? I did no harm to you! I left you people be! And yet in stubborn defiance of my efforts to resolve this peacefully, you’ve-”
“Kill yourself,” Nina called, and Calhoun trained off.
​
“Excuse me…” He hissed.
“We’ve got you four to one, and you’re already looking like death warmed over… so cut the speech, Calhoun. Cut the theatrics… and let’s just get this the fuck over with you self-righteous fuck!”
I saw Calhoun actually crack a smile there.
“Ill-mannered until the end,” He said, before finally lowering his gun and tossing it aside, “Well… at least you were consistent, in life.”
​
He took another trembling step forward before sinking down to his knees. I saw Nina rising out from behind cover, while Dom and I did the same, our guns remaining trained on him. Calhoun looked at us, before slowly taking his knife and turning it toward his stomach.
​
Was… was he actually going to do it? Just like that?
​
Nina seemed surprised, pausing as she locked eyes with him.
“If there’s no salvation,” Calhoun said, “Then all that remains is death…”
With that, he drove the dagger into his stomach, sucking in a breath as he did. Nina actually flinched at the sight of it, but I stayed still, watching as Calhoun buried the dagger deep into his body, and as the blood dribbled down his hands.
“Holy Lugal,” he rasped, “I have no home to defend… no souls to offer. And so, I offer my own. Grant me retribution and I shall become yours.”
​
My eyes widened, and I could see Nina's doing the same. We understood all too late why he’d mutilated himself…
​
We fired on Calhoun, but it was too late.
​
A blinding crimson glow had already spread through his body, traveling along the carvings he’d made in his flesh and I could feel the air around us rippling. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear Calhoun screaming, followed by a faint voice over all of the noise. A voice I only barely recognized as Gretchen’s screaming:
​
“RUN!”

We are together for 15 years and Married since 6y, have a child (3y) together). We have separate bank accounts and a joint one for shared expenses.
I once saw a letter she received warning of a debit from a lottery company that bounced due to low funds, I decided not to approach here since I thought it would be a minor thing.
When we had our daughter she stayed at home and I wired her $1k per month fo her own spending in addition to all cost (housing, food etc.) that were covered by myself. I always wondered what she is spending the money on as she seemed to always spend it fully.
Recently I helped her set up Apple Pay and had to log in to her bank account. I noticed that in 2020 and 2021 she spent $11k on lottery tickets, basically all her money. She is only doing comparably minor amounts like $50-100 per month now.
I'm shocked that I did not notice and she never told me anything. It makes me question our relationship.
Should I talk with her about it? I'm not even supposed to know and she also seemed to have stopped with the very unhealthy behavior of spending everything she has.
TL;DR; My wife gambled away all her personal money, I found out but should not know without invading her privacy. Should I still confront her?

(I made a throwaway for privacy reasons.)
Trigger warnings: I am not sure exactly, other than mentions of emotional abuse, financial anxieties, and mental health issues.
For some info before I get into it. I am still living with my father, I am an adult, I have wished many times I could change my situation but can’t. (I have looked into financial aid and low income housing and so on and so forth.) I am disabled, have stuff going on mentally (ADHD, OCD, GAD, depression), I am also chronically ill. (I did not win the gene lottery.) I do work but part time and am not able to work more.
I am on my father’s car insurance. I have never asked to be, I have offered to pay as well. I bought my car with a loan entirely in my name, and I am the only one paying that loan off. That’s all to say my car is unquestionably mine.
A few of days ago I bumped another car in a parking lot, I was barely moving and was paying full attention, it was just at a bad angle. I saw the damage was very minor but left a note with my name and phone number, I did not want to involve insurance if possible. My father very often worries and rants about money (he's done this my entire life to the point I'm in a near constant state of worrying about finances, my anxiety is through the roof), he won’t even buy hearing aids for himself because he can’t afford them (he could by definition afford them, they’d just be a bit of a hit, but he has a martyr and victim complex. He very often does things to make himself feel physically worse then goes after me if I'm not being sufficiently nurturing or acknowledging his "sacrifices." (He suffered hearing loss due to being in the military.)
Due to not involving insurance and how freaked out I was I chose not to tell him. If the owner of the car pushed to file it I would have immediately. My intention was to pay it with cash after the owner got back to me and go from there, my cash that I get from my job.
He noticed the damage on my car and it came out, within less than 24 hours of it happening and before the owner even had a price for the damages.
He proceeded to say I had lied to him, anything other than the entire truth was lying and I knew better. I was hurt and frustrated and said that it was my car, my accident, and I was paying it, that he was not entitled to info about my life unless it directly effected him.
He proceeded to say a lot, some of it hurtful. He said I’m dramatic (he’s always dismissed me as that, if I ever stand up to him or call him out), disrespectful, a liar. So on.
He then went radio silent and then did as he always does, acted like nothing happened.
I accepted that at first. I know he won’t apologize or admit to wrong doing. But I couldn’t push past it this time. I ended up texting him how much that had hurt and destroyed my trust in him (I didn’t add how little of it there was to begin with).
He sent a long ramble about how I hurt him, how he loved me enough not to dwell but if he did dwell he’d never trust me or let me close again, how it was sad I felt that way (I called out how bs that apology was, the non apology) and I said how all of the was happening over not being instantly told about a very minor scrape.
The owner got back to me and said it’s almost 2,000$ for the damages. I'm just utterly worn down and still hurting over this.
And if someone read that and thinks it's not "bad enough," which I hope no one is, let me assure you you have no idea the stuff he did when I was a kid. You're seeing one argument, not the entire lifetime of emotional abuse.
(Side note: I don't believe that price is truly what it should cost. The dent is less than a foot, and on the door, I had a friend with a similar dent and it was hundreds of dollars less to fix. I think the owner is lying about it or going to the most expensive place possible. And I brought that up to someone and got told I'm "not a victim" and that I did something "wrong" (for accidentally bumping a car?) and how it's on me to fix it. Which I never said I was a victim for bumping a car or it wasn't on me to fix it. Just I would've appreciated the owner not jacking up the repair price cause it's not on her dollar. I think that's shitty. Hearing that just made me feel even worse. Also please do me the courtesy of not saying I'm an idiot or a bad driver or a bad person for any of this. I already feel that plenty.)

I had a passion for writing since early teenage. Later, I discovered copywriting and did a few free courses on YouTube on various micro-niches of copywriting. Here I am. Top rated on Upwork and Level 2 seller on Fiverr. Following are my 2 cents if you ask me how it happens:

1. Narrow down your specialty. You can't master everything. The more narrowed down your skill is, the better you'll be at it.
2. Do a few free courses, and practice. While practicing, make your portfolio.
3. Build a personal brand. Create accounts on Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, Guru, Freelancer, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. All social media accounts should be professional, and show what you're best at. Upload your top notch samples on the freelancing websites.
4. Learn Fiverr gig ranking from YouTube.
5. Learn Upwork and LinkedIn profile optimization from YouTube.
6. In parallel, keep mastering your skill.
7. After almost 6,7 months of starting you're now ready to grab clients and start working.
8. Look for clients, offer them service free or at a very low cost initially.
9. Your ultimate target: get a few high paying permanent client with good workload, a 2-3 member team, and that's it. You're done.
10. P.s. You can scale it as much as you want. The goals remains the same. High paying permanent clients and a remote team you supervise. Earn while you watch Netflix.

See ya.

I had a passion for writing since early teenage. Later, I discovered copywriting and did a few free courses on YouTube on various micro-niches of copywriting. Here I am. Top rated on Upwork and Level 2 seller on Fiverr. Following are my 2 cents if you ask me how it happens:

1. Narrow down your specialty. You can't master everything. The more narrowed down your skill is, the better you'll be at it.
2. Do a few free courses, and practice. While practicing, make your portfolio.
3. Build a personal brand. Create accounts on Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, Guru, Freelancer, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. All social media accounts should be professional, and show what you're best at. Upload your top notch samples on the freelancing websites.
4. Learn Fiverr gig ranking from YouTube.
5. Learn Upwork and LinkedIn profile optimization from YouTube.
6. In parallel, keep mastering your skill.
7. After almost 6,7 months of starting you're now ready to grab clients and start working.
8. Look for clients, offer them service free or at a very low cost initially.
9. Your ultimate target: get a few high paying permanent client with good workload, a 2-3 member team, and that's it. You're done.
10. P.s. You can scale it as much as you want. The goals remains the same. High paying permanent clients and a remote team you supervise. Earn while you watch Netflix.

See ya.

📷OCOC
A/N - I fell down a Rabbit Hole last night, learning about Pope Sylvester II who was an amazing polymath of his time, writing books about Mathematics and promoting the study of Arabic Math and reviving the knowledge of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
The thing that intrigued me the most, from a writers perspective, was that he claimed that he was seduced by a Succubus he called Meridiana who helped him in his rise to power, eventually assuming the Papal throne.
This is her story.
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Being trapped in a cell in hell seems to be a boring, well used trope these days.
The thing is though, if the being inside the cell is a demon that should be doing the trapping and torture… yes, that is me. Oh the irony! Oh the shame! Oh how fucking boring!
Oh and where are my manners these days? Pardon me!
Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a Succubus of little wealth and lavish tastes. An ancient demon from the dawn of time.
My name is Meridiana and I have been a prisoner here in the wretched place for, as near as I can guess, ten centuries of normal universal time. All because I let my prey’s soul escape.
Senior Management look down on that sort of thing as the intended victim was a Pope! I had Gerbert of Aurillac or as he later became known, Pope Sylvester II, wrapped around my finger. Yet the wily pest infested priest avoided his fate of eternal damnation by being a shrewd, cunning and extremely powerful adept in the arts of sorcery and magic. And he confessed all at the end of his life which unburdened his soul allowing him peace in his afterlife, escaping his true fate of eternal damnation like most of his kind end up receiving, priests that is, vile hate filled creatures that they are. Only a few could be considered truly good human beings.
So my failure damned me instead. Senior Management had me tortured and imprisoned here in this miserable, vile, despicable cell, constantly tormented by lesser demons. It was laughable.
To be perfectly honest with you, it was a welcome break from having to deal with all of the ridiculous politics and ludicrous, absurd quotas the upper echelon were constantly mandating all the time of the rest of the demonic workforce. Anyway, I digress…
Time in the parallel dimension humanity calls Hell is an abstract. Things happen, that is undeniable, events progress, actions are taken and have consequences and reactions but still… time just is not a constant as it is in the universe. Time’s Arrow is a real phenomena there and all who exist in the universe are subject to it’s uncaring mercy. Yet although I say that from the comfort of my cell, which is quite luxurious I must say, I still remember feeling the passage of Time from my occasions when I was in the universe at large.
Now it was yet another ordinary ‘day’, my scheduled torture (I call them massages) was due and I was reading an obscure text that Gerbert had written on mathematics, ‘Libellus de Rationali et Ratione Uti’, a work I may add that I helped that ungrateful conniving shyster write as the man was as ignorant as a pig in shit yet had the spark of knowledge and the yearning for learning in his beautiful mind. He knew he needed to understand and was aware of how much had been lost since the collapse of the empire in western Europe. Gerbert was also supremely aware that it was his own Church that had halted learning, banned the study of the sciences, of math and philosophy. They called it Heresy, using that as a method of control over the ignorant barbarians and peasantry who were flooding the empire at the time. It was pure genius. Even Senior Management were impressed but Yahweh was always the most deviously tricky bastard. He had hoodwinked humanity three times and now rested on his laurels.
So as I sat on my bench which was also my bed (I didn’t really need sleep here but sometimes a nap is incredibly restorative) and listened to the screams of the damned off in the background, I started to feel a pull upon my body, something I had not felt for a thousand years.
My jailer, a lesser demon often known as a Dretch, a bloated bellied, spindly limbed creature with the most stupid visages one could curse upon a being, shambled over to my cell.
“It is your scheduled torture time Meri’,” it slurred through is misshapen mouth as it leered me at in the mistaken belief that I would be intimidated by this pathetic creature.
“Hmm… I don’t think so you miserable, insignificant, worthless speck of shit.”
The Dretch’ eyes opened in surprise at my defiance. The foul being’s expression grew more shocked and apprehensive as an aura of bright green light began to envelope me.
A resonate voice called from across the void. It was in a language that I had never heard before yet I completely understood it.
“I summon you Meridiana, I summon you Meridiana, I summon you Meridiana, come to me, hear my call!”
The repetition of the call of three was powerful. The pull upon my very being was seductive, cloying and oh so welcome.
“I ACCEPT!” I yelled back in triumph. A summons, even if a demon was imprisoned, could be ignored but why the fuck should I do that? This was my chance and I was taking it! I was so out of here!
The Dretch tried to trigger the alarm but it was far too slow and clumsy. I used a fraction of my power to trip the dullard demon over, wrapping a small amount of force around it’s embarrassingly skinny legs, causing it to plant it’s face painfully onto the stone floor. That gave me a modicum of satisfaction.
“I ACCEPT! I ACCEPT!” I screamed joyously completing the thrice call and refrain of the summoning.
Now I know that you who are reading this are almost certainly human so let me relate what it feels like being pulled from one dimension to another. Think of it like the most irritating, unstoppable, incredibly powerful sneeze that you have ever experienced, them multiply that by a factor of twelve. Do the math if you pathetic mortals are capable… heh. You all know what an unstoppable sneeze feels like, it can not be resisted with any amount of comfort. Traveling inter-dimensionally is like that.
One moment I was in my cell within the dimension that humans call hell, the next I was in a large well-lit stone room, enclosed within a large summoning circle.
I sneezed. Loudly.
“Bless you,” were the next words I heard.
I looked up in shock. No human has ever called a benediction down upon me. Such things were unheard of.
Before me was a man, not a particular impressive specimen to be honest. I gazed upon my summoner with a critical eye. He was of average height ( I later learned that in human measurements he was 171 centimetres tall). The man had some sort of lenses over his eyes, encased in a wire frame that travelled over the bridge of his nose and had a pair of arms that lay across the top of his ears. His light brown hair was receding, his cheeks and chin were covered in grey stubble and he looked like he was a little overweight, slightly pudgy with a soft aspect to his body shape. He appeared that he had been fitter in his past but had let himself go to softness.
The Magus was not dressed as I would have expected. He was wearing what appeared to be a short blue coloured tunic with a strange picture and writing on the front which I could not discern its meaning currently. The truncated tunic went down to just above his waistline and barely past his shoulders, maybe coming just past the halfway mark of his upper arms. He wore trousers of some soft material I was unfamiliar with and a pair of very comfortable looking, exceedingly well made black felt shoes.
What intrigued me the most were his eyes. They were the brightest Sea Green I had ever seen in a human, coloured with tiny flecks of hazel. They held an intensity and gleam of power that I had only ever seen once before in man, that of Gerbert’s. I must be vigilant with this Magus.
“Thank you for the blessing but it is not necessary nor wanted. So you have summoned me. What now mortal? Do you intend to bind me to your will, demand my service and subjugation?” I unfurled my huge leathery wings cautiously, so as not to touch the unseen barrier that held me within the summoning circle, stood to my full height of 224 centimeters and folded my arms. My tail swished behind me. I gave out the must demure, seductive smile I could, tilting my chin low and gazing back at the man with the promise of unearthly carnal pleasures in my expression. My eyes glowed with their inner fire, hoping to dazzle the mortal.
Gazing about my surroundings for a moment, I took in the alien strangeness of it all. I was in a stone room (I later learned it was called concrete – something the Romans had invented but the medieval religious dullards had forgotten). The room was large, being over thirty foot in length and some 18 feet in width. Not far from my summoning circle was the most peculiar form of… chariot or cart I had ever seen. A metal and glass box on wheels that were not made of wood, rather rimmed by a black looking substance I had never seen before. The interior of the wheels were made of the brightest shiny metal, bifurcated with even spaced holes. Inside the bizarre chariot were seats and in the front, on one side set into the front, was a large wheel. All around the rest of the room where shelves full of neatly stacked items I had no idea as to what they might be. On one wall stood a large, tall metallic box with double doors on the front. This was all so intriguing and interesting. The man then spoke, taking me out of my musings of my surroundings,
“Nope. In fact I am going to release you now. Just know that you cannot harm me, possess, charm or dominate me with your power. Look at the circle. It is entirely made with my blood. I have bound you completely to me. If I come to harm and die, you go straight back to hell. So it is in your interests to keep me alive as best you can. I do not command or demand this, just telling you the facts so we fully understand each other.”
I gawped back at the human and stared down at the circle in mounting horror. He was right, it was entirely made of blood. I deeply inhaled and aside from the strange and unknown smells in this room which I soon learned was his basement garage. I could easily smell his essence that had bound me, body and soul, to him. Oh yes, we demons have souls too. Just small ones that eventually wither and atrophy over the eons we exist. Only demons of great power have great souls but that’s another story.
“You what!?!” I was incredulous, almost speechless.
“You heard me perfectly well enough. I have bound you to me yet I will release you from the circle so you are free to move around and explore the world if you choose to. Oh, don’t bother to try anything, it won’t work.”
The Magus had a faint mischievous grin on his lips, it actually suited him I thought briefly. But current matters took precedent.
“Why? Why are you doing this?”
I did not comprehend this at all. This was beyond the norm of the ritual and practice. Humans summoned demons to bind them to their will for various reasons. Letting us go yet still be bound to them… now that was interesting to say the least. Dangerous too, to other humans that is.
“Because… reasons…” was his enigmatic reply as he kicked over one of the five large black candles that ended at the points of the pentagram within the summoning circle with a nonchalant shrug, breaking the containment field.
“That has to be the most vague and non-committal response I have ever heard mortal. Worthy of a Demon prince I may add,” I replied with a wry grin of approval.
Never give any unnecessary information out as to your true motives.
I blinked again, once again in confusion and mistrust as I was about to step out of the circle.
Never before in my immense lifespan had a human who had the power to summon me or any demon for that matter, had given out enough of their own blood to fully paint the summoning circle which binds us to them. He should be dead! Yet he stood in front of me, hale and hearty, not looking like he should be exsanguinated at all.
“Are you hungry or thirsty? The lore is unclear on this but I am going to assume that since you are now manifested in my universe, your corporeal form will require some sort of nourishment?”
The Magus stepped around a small table that was beside him, gesturing to a large glass pitcher full of a yellowy green, cold looking and faintly sweet smelling liquid. Next the that was a one of the most well crafted glasses I had ever seen, perfect in shape, clarity and form. Beside that was a plate which had a small stack of bread that had what appeared to be meat and cheese inside two slices of the bread that formed the stack.
“That’s home made Lemonade and cheese and ham sandwiches. I’ve put English mustard in the sandwiches, sorry, it’s a habit of mine. They might be somewhat spicy to your tastes,” he said with a slight apologetic shrug.
I stood there in abject astonishment. He was showing me kindness. Me, a demon from the hell dimension, known for our nihilistic love of cruelty and sadism. I personally much preferred manipulation and betrayal, psychic and emotional torture over inflicting physical pain but still pain is pain regardless of the source.
A feeling and memory surged up inside me, he is like Gerbert…he is a good man…what does he truly want from me? I must be wary.
“I can consume your foods and drinks… it’s been so long,” I said eagerly then caught myself as I had let out vital information which he could use against me!
“Then help yourself, all you have to do is step over the threshold.”
“Before I do, I must know your name mortal. If I am to… keep you alive… if that is my only requirement, then I must know who is my master.”
“I am not your master. I never intend to and never will be that. I know who and what you are and I do fully understand your nature… no believe me I do,” he said when I gave him a look of derisive dismissal. As if a mortal could know the nature of a demon! HA! Ridiculous! He continued,
“As I was saying, I do know all about your kind as you will discover. You can call me Ty. I will not give you my full name yet. You need to earn that. Again… I know things… knowledge is power after all eh?” he said with a sad smile.
The Magus was right. Knowledge is true power. Why he had a sad look was interesting as it vanished immediately.
“Very well… Ty… I accept your offer of sustenance. You are the most captivating, interesting mortal I have encountered in a long while,” I said as I stepped across the broken summoning circle.
I immediately thought about trying to seize him in my powerful grasp yet as soon as I did, the thought vanished. He was right, I could not even think about harming him. It was a most unusual feeling. No matter, mortals always overlook something in the rituals, I would find the loophole and be free. In any case, this was a most welcome reprieve from the eternal boredom that I had endured.
“Here, take a seat and have a drink. I think you could use one,” the Magus known as Ty said as he gestured to a white chair made from a shiny substance that was not wood. The chair had a large opening at the back in which my tail could comfortably pass through.
“What is this chair made of?” I inquired as I took my seat.
“It’s called Plastic and you will be seeing a lot more of it. It’s a wonderful material yet like all things, it comes with a cost.”
I raised my eyebrows at hearing that. This Magus was indeed wise. He knew of the traps that could come with things that looked like being a panacea. Nothing comes without a cost, well nothing that is worth it in my judgement.
He poured the liquid into the glass and held it out to me.
I took it from his hands, letting our fingers brush against each other so I could enter his mind and dominate him. It was like hitting a wall, I couldn't get in!
He smirked at me as I realised that I couldn’t.
“Enjoy your Lemonade, Meridiana.”
“I shall Magus Ty,” I replied with a sultry smirk of my own. Taking a sip, I was instantly hit with incredible sweetness and sourness as well as the chill of the drink. My eyes widened once more in surprise. It was delicious! I guzzled down the entire glass of Lemonade in seconds.
“More!” I demanded as I thrust the glass back to him.
“As you wish,” he replied with an amused wink as he refilled my glass.
This was going to be an extremely interesting for us both I thought as I sipped upon my refreshed drink, gazing at my new Magus.
Most interesting times indeed lay ahead.
Part 2