Encamped along the riverbank were rows of orderly military tents. Along the tents stood banners of dark blue and silver bearing the symbol of an open book hovering over a pedestal. Smoke from cookfires drifted across the water. The camp was placed in a strategic position meant to control the nearby stretch of the river surrounding the River Kiss tribe. Beyond the Church’s perimeter, nestled in a tight circle surrounded by soldiers, the tribe sat quietly, their people still bruised and battered from the recent bout.

  A patrol of four soldiers marched along the perimeter, their boots crunching softly on the riverbank stones as they maintained their vigilant watch over the tribal settlement. Near the cook fires, other soldiers tended to their gear—some sharpening weapons while others cleaned and oiled equipment.

  At the center of the encampment, a large tent dominated the space, its fabric richly adorned with silver threading. A knight stood vigilant in a full-plated armor of dark blue, his hands resting on a planted sword that reached his chest. Draped from his belt, a split battle skirt of dark silver leather swayed in the breeze, the open sides revealing reinforced leggings beneath. Silver-trimmed tassets framed his legs, and emblazoned on each one was the same symbol that fluttered on the banners surrounding the camp.

  From the forest’s edge across the river, eight figures emerged into the clearing, their cloud-white and sky-blue garments supplemented with light padding to protect vulnerabilities, wooden staffs in hand, and the symbol of a swirling vortex of wind etched on the back of their robes. The figures approached the camp’s outer perimeter. Elder Feather led them, her weathered face set in grim determination as she surveyed the violation of their allies’ home.

  The sound of rushing wind announced the arrival of twelve more figures as they descended from the sky, landing gracefully on the ground behind Elder Feather’s group.

  Among the Sky Warriors stood Skyheart, who gripped his staff tightly.

  Elder Feather stepped forward. “Church of Knowledge! You hold the River Kiss tribe against their will, violating ancient treaties and the sovereignty of the Quill Tribes. Release them immediately, and we may yet resolve this peacefully.”

  From within the camp, two figures emerged from separate pavilions. The first was a woman in midnight blue robes trimmed with silver, her rune-etched vambraces glinting in the light. Beside her, a man in similar blue and silver garments followed, the ground beneath him freezing slightly. “Who dares come here with demands?” The two said in unison.

  The knight in dark blue armor stepped forward, lifting his sword in a ready stance. “Stand down, Sages, this woman is from the Sky Children tribe and those around her are Tempest Warriors, fierce combatants of Aeroquill.”

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  The knight turned his attention to Elder Feather. “The Church acts under divine mandate to ensure proper guidance for all Quill users. The River Kiss tribe has been honored to be among the first.”

  “I see only conquest and imprisonment. Stand aside, or face my Tempest and Sky Warriors.” Winds gathered around Elder Feather’s feet as she gave her declaration.

  A strong and calm voice echoed from the command tent behind the knight. “Will you truly face us, Elder? Perhaps I should step forward as well?”

  Skyheart glanced at the tent as its flaps parted, and from the opening, he could see the richly adorned interior as a figure emerged clad in midnight blue robes, much like the Church sages who had spoken before. Yet his blue was richer, the silver of his robe seemed more polished. Each of his steps was measured and disciplined.

  Upon his brow sat a circlet of silver, and under them, eyes with pupils that burned orange like twin suns, their glow visible even in the daylight as they glared at the opposition that challenged his authority, the assembled Sky Children. Delicate chains draped from his high collar, each ending in a plum-sized crystal that pulsed with a subtle inner radiance.

  His hair was black with some graying, and he appeared no younger than forty.

  “Validus!” Elder Feather spat.

  “I should have known it was you, High Sage.”

  “Elder Feather, I truly am glad you have come. It saves me the trouble of going to your tribe. You should also lead your members to register under the church. It truly is for the good of the common people.” High Sage Validus spoke, his words calm.

  “For the good of the common? Please, Validus, you could care less about the common people. Your goal is all about control and power, or perhaps a promotion in your order is what you seek, be it what it might, for the common people it is not.”

  “Elder Feather of the Sky Children,” Validius began. “I had hoped we might discuss this matter as civilized people, yet you seem to distrust me. A shame. Yet no matter, this is how it shall be, if you do not wish to submit then leave and wait your turn or...” He gestured at the assembled warriors, “Let me see if your reputation as one of the stronger tribes in the Stormy Isles holds true.”

  Elder Feather’s eyes never left Validus as she replied. “The River Kiss tribe has committed no crime save refusing to bow to your hunger for control.”

  Validus held his hand high. “I have said what needed to be said. We offer guidance, Elder. Guidance which you do not seem to desire. The power of Quill is too dangerous to be left unregulated. Yet I am not here to argue with you submit, leave, or fight choose.”

  “You are truly more dangerous than I first thought High Sage.” Her grip tightened on the staff as a vortex of air spiraled around it. “I can feel your ambitions.”

  “Oh? I’m curious how do my ambitions feel like?” High Sage Validus said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

  Elder Feather raised her staff high, and Validus lifted his hand.

  The battle began.