Edge of Extinction war story/Chapter 19

Case monitored the timing of the Hall of Memories very closely, trying to track and follow the swirling mass of pathways that centered from that point and track any evidence of variation or violation in the integrity of the effect. Finally satisfied, he stopped and called Falerin.

"Why are you making me run errands for which you clearly already know the answer?" Case asked abruptly.

"I beg your pardon?" the Loremaster asked, seemingly somewhat surprised by Case's vehemence.

"There exists no evidence of any breaches in any seals. The effect being observed is entirely local. But I believe you already knew that."

"And why is that?"

"Because in order for this effect to not have originated outside of Lore, it clearly must arise with the sufferance of the Pantheon. You know exactly what is happening here."

"Yes."

"So then why waste my time with this search? Are you simply trying to keep me occupied to prevent me from doing something else?"

"That is a tad cynical of you, Case. When have I ever done something of that nature?"

"It is not as if we would know even if you had, Ardendor."

"Look, I had you check because I wanted to be certain that Erebus remained contained. There is some evidence that he was involved with the Frigidere incident... and in particular with Drakath even though it happened well after his banishment. The simplest explanation is that he took steps to manipulate the situation even before his exile, but if and when that being returns here, I want to know of it. I knew of the local situation, but the parallels to the Shadow Universe are numerous enough to be difficult to deny."

"Well, you can rest easy. The parallels remain, but Erebus does not. I take it you know why the parallels exist, then."

"Yes, I know. But I cannot speak of them now. Not even to you."

"Not even to your own avatar? That is very peculiar."

"Your track record for discretion is less then up to the task, Case. You opened the Hall of Memories to a Brilhado Necromancer even though the position of the pantheon was non-interference, and you did so without even discussing the matter with me. You aren't further in trouble for that action, but you can hardly expect I will trust you as freely as before."

"So something is coming, then. Something very big."

"The two orders caught in this war haven't the slightest idea of the stakes they are playing for. Worse, it would not matter at this point even if they did. Events have been set in motion. The genie has been let out of the bottle. It cannot be halted or even delayed much further now."

"Will no one be held accountable for their actions, then? Will these repercussions just affect us all while the guilty skate on by?"

"No, one way or another, each will be held accountable and judged in accordance with their own actions. Yet the boundary between guilt and innocence in these events is a razor's edge... Case. Few are innocent."

"And who speaks for those few...?"

"The Celegras and Coeuraservi among others. And we have taken action to further their situation, including increasing the defensive barrier around their encampment against intrusion."

"So fate and destiny shall be shaped by these events. Yadda yadda yadda..."

"Nothing so minor. Fate and destiny shall indeed be shaped. Entire lifetimes shall alter in their course. All of that is true, but it scratches just the surface. These events will do more than shape lives, Case."

"Then what?"

"They will shape the world of Lore itself."