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Three more hours had passed in thier turn, and as the brothers fought wavering attentions, the assault finally commenced. Thier minds were slammed so hard, that their heads moved as though slapped. They fought desperately to regather their focus and drive the attacker away, yet the assault continued for hours as their opponent worked from every angle to break them. The torture continued as well and their energy was consumed with the sensations of ripping flesh and crushing bone.

The creature was indescribable, partly because it seemed to be a constantly shifting shadow, and partly because it faded in and out of the landscape like a mirage. Red eyes met dark pools as a raspy voice whispered, Let me in and show me your world. Ka'rinth immediately reinforced his mental barriers as odd harmonics set off warning bells in his mind. He barely felt the feather light touch that would have easily slipped in had he not been suspicious. A soft smile worked it's way past the pain as he said, Let's play. In a few hours dawn would arrive and he could try his final gambit, he only hoped this thing wouldn't see his plan, or his brother's passivity.

At last a deal was struck and Shadow and the other moved to touch Ka'rinth so as to merge the two bodies back into one and begin mending the damage done by the purefication to mind, physical body, and astral forms. The three beings were in sad shape as they lay prone and healing, powerless against any being. There was only enough energy left to alter their face and skin tone so that none in these lands could recognize them. The new appearence was purely superficial though as only the skin and hair were healthy. Beneath the skin were extensive burns, and in some places muscle, bone, and organs were burned or breaking down at the cellular level.

Red eyes opened as the anchoring process was completed and the essences shifted their formless selves into points that were 'comfortable'. As they did the brothers allowed their aura to spread outward and begin drawing in the energy of the earth to replenish their strength. They then began rising upwards at a slow pace until they had breached the surface of the farm and made their way from the outskirts of the crops to the house where an unusual device sat on the floor awaiting it's activation. As they entered their shadow shifted as it was possessed by Keeran and a voice emerged saying, By the way, since the actual portal to my realm and my minions was destroyed by your little temper tantrum.

Ka'rinth responded simply by saying, Please, you can't provoke me now, I'm not trapped or out of options. Now if you would be so kind as to shut up we'll show you how far ahead we plan. The incident with you had some unexpected variables but having never made that type of deal before or one with such a powerful demon, we have learned. Regardless we designed the device to be activated from either side, I'm sure you picked up the purpose from Shadow's mind. As he spoke Ka'rinth touched the device and began sinking below the ground to where he had been preparing to design a new lair. It would take days or even weeks for them to regain their dark magic, their earth magic was quickly replenished, so for now they would simply work on design and technology. In moments their aura expanded outwards to flood the farm and the ground a half mile below it. The aura formed a sphere beneath the surface and at it's center were Ka'rinth and the others, the device was held in one hand at the center of earthen hallways and rooms that had been formed by the magic in a matter of minutes.

As they completed the underground area they reached a small tendril of dark energy into the device to activate it. Truthfully it was more than they wanted to part with but as the energy activated a circuit within the relay unit and their was an odd distortion and feeling of vertigo before the machine hummed quietly. They pushed the machine into a wall where it was absorbed easily before making their way through the tunnels to the surface of a dark world. Impressive, we could have access to my minions if needed. Aside from that though I say we return to your other area and begin playing with those devices I saw a bit of in your mind. Ka'rinth turned without a word and reentered the earthen area sealing the path in before returning and stepping through a very specific point.

They were back in the farm house and beneath it was blackened earth with only a foot of soil beneath the crops. Red eyes glowed as they began the tedious task of retrieving their equipment from the outskirts of the farm. It is time and pass to begin using necromancy again brother. I say we find a new focus and begin collecting souls for power, we can also use the bodies of those we kill to make skeletons or walking dead as servants. A few golems could also be useful, regardless we need to hunt for victims so that we may begin our plans sooner rather than later. That said the three moved busily around the farm, and though it would seem to a casual observer that it was merely a farmer fixing up his crops and farm, in truth they were preparing to begin designing an underground assembly to begin making materials and equipment for when they returned from hunting. That done though, they moved to the edge of the woods and melted into the ground, not yet knowing enough about the black world that was transposed with part of their own to risk melding with it.

Everything was beginning to come together now that they had gotten past the initial phases and were reaching opperating capacity. Manipulating the black ground beneath the farm was tedious and left them with a feeling much akin to bathing in tar, yet was neccasary for misdirection. Ka'rinth had finally transformed it all into a series of black cells, barely a tenth connected by hallways and the rest spread out with four to ten feet of walls between the rooms. It had purposefully not been made in a linear design, instead it was a spiral design with each room being a simple black cell so that sense of direction was useless and befuddled to any that entered. Slightly more than half of the two hundred cells he had created, of varying dimensions and designs, had a hidden modulator unit so that it was possible to access other areas both here and there.

He smiled as he begin moving their belongings, research, and books into their new library. He saw no reason to ward the place since that could draw far more attention than he liked, but to be safe he did set both wards and enchantments on the other place. He smiled at the idea that had provided such a suitable home, and as he smiled he considered the negative occurances related to the actions but decided a bit of bad luck had yet to kill him. As he worked and thought, he glanced at his shadow which was currently stretched across a table reading a book, he was not yet sure what Keeran was capable of, but it had become apparent that he had the capabilities of a low level spirit. As the shadow wavered across the book a gentle breeze, chilled like ice, swirled for an instant causing the page to turn. Ka'rinth was not yet ready to confront the interloper, that would have to wait until they knew more about her. Ka'rinth shook his head at his own thoughts, as of yet their new companion seemed genderless, though on occasion something would be done or said to suggest that it may be male or female. Dropping a pointless train of thought Ka'rinth simply returned to arranging the possessions before deciding on their next move.

Ka'rinth appeared within the halls of the farm once more with his red eyes glowing faintly as he conserved his energy in an effort to heal, he sent a silent summons out from this neutral ground even as he moved upwards towards the show room. Ka'rinth's mind was racing as he considered a problem that he had never suspected to encounter in his life time. Despite his inborn gift of perfect recall, there was so much new information to absorb that he was finding himself overwhelmed in terms of processing and it was impossible to force the thoughts into the minds of captive souls simply because that would take constant monitoring to ensure none ran out of space or over wrote something important. His mind focused on this problem as he arrived in the show room and began waiting patiently for Shadow and Keeran.

A twist in the link between the two would herald the arrival of Shadow and Keeran, Shadow was obviously tired, as was displayed by his eyes barely showing red, they were on the verge of reverting to their natural colors. He sighed at the long trip to the show room and decided that with them all in the same general space a mental conference should suffice. His left eye became pure black as he sent a thought to his brother and was pulled into a conference.

How goes your research brother? Was the initial thought from Shadow that combined minimal effort with actual interest for a conversation starter.

Barely beginning, I finished setting the base up, however I'm finding that gathering all the knowledge needed is difficult at best. That is part of my reason for calling this meeting early. Before we begin though, your mental voice feels different, are you well?

In truth it is difficult to regain strength when exerting it on magical studies, my problem is in powering my studies and a lack of assisstants to do minor tasks.

I see, maybe we can find a solution to that, for now we should remerge, and focus our efforts here. It will accelerate our mutual recoveries and help us find assisstants if we begin our other work.

True enough, could you please come down though? I lack the reserves to travel through the black earth just now.

Of course.

I actually have some news to share as well, and a way to possibly offer some help if you can help me first. Or rather to offer resources if we can secure them.

We shall see, I will be there shortly. With that portion of the conversation done, Ka'rinth simply allowed himself to slowly melt into the earth and began making his way sluggishly towards his allies. It may not be the first time he was delayed by the black earth, but soon he would ensure it was the last.

They arrived on the island ahead of schedule and took their time in reaching the city, it had been a faster trip than expected due to a high ridge of rock that stretched along a long section of ocean bed. Admittedly it had only shaved a day off their time but that was a days worth of energy conserved for later. Red eyes flared briefly before white slowly flooded in from the outside of the eye and black welled up from the center. Finally the iris slowly took on a tint that was sea green with flecks of black. Next the hair that appeared bone white lengthened until it fell down to just below shoulder blades on a suddenly gaunt body. High cheek bones became slightly broader as cheeks became more sunken and a wide brow became slightly narrower as did his nose. Broad shoulders became slightly lower as long limbs seemed to compact and become more muscular while actually losing mass. The final touches were all superficial and as they sat on a rock with their legs crossed to the side so that their feet rested just above the surface of the water, they braided there hair into a series of smaller braids that moved with and against each other in a deceptive manner that was very eye catching. Once they were done with the intricate braids, they focused their energy briefly and their black clothes slowly changed and took on a softer weave that was slightly glossy and seemed like something that would be worn by high class merchants.

That should do nicely, now let’s go and gather information. How many of your spies are available Keeran? Said Ka’rinth as they stood and began making their way along the beach to the main road that led from a small harbor to a large walled city.

Right now three, though once we find a secure place for me to stay without light and some energy source, I can give you up to six but that’s pushing myself since it will be some time before I’m used to working in this dimension. Replied the shadow that was just slightly darker than those around it and occasionally moved in unusual manners.

Ka’rinth nodded slowly as they reached the road and began walking slowly towards the walled city. As he walked he looked around himself slowly at the landscape, there was a distinct lack of trees and plants other than grasses and the occasional bushes. A quick release of his earth sense sent his mind delving into the ground where his suspicions were confirmed. There wasn’t enough ground water to support trees in this area and so buildings would probably be made of stone and brick which Ka’rinth could still manipulate but not in the lethal manner he had used to wipe out Enid with the aid of Nazgoth. As he walked the road and drew within eye shot of the city he found that regardless of the weak variety of plant life the city like many port and trade cities was full of a wide variety of people.

His head turned suddenly as he realized a single mistake he had made in his arrival and his sharp eyes dilated like a falcons to the point he could spot the names of individual ships sailing out of the port. One he recognized as having a mast head of the deity Tensiu which was worshiped by people living on an island just off the northern continent. His mind raced before he nodded and remembered the name, Tenset, named after the gods’ son who was revered as a martyr. That would do well for a cover since he was sure few others would know enough about the actual lifestyles of the nomadic peoples from that island.

His first surprise was nearly his last as he entered the gates and found himself confronted by not just guards with spears, but four people that he could feel were mages with spells ready to loose. His first reaction was to gather energy for attack and defense but the suppression of this response would prove more prudent than the action. He held his hands up slowly and bowed his head in submission to those that stood before him, the result was probably more gentle than if he had seized his power and he found himself blasted with a spirit attack that left him barely attached to his body which collapsed slowly to the ground as he watched. A mental chuckle emerged among the trios minds originating from Ka’rinth as he said, This may actually prove good. We should be taken to someone powerful, important, or both and since most beings loose awareness when hit by this type of attack they may speak freely which would prepare us better. Also we may find a place for you to work from very soon Keeran, at least if they think as I would in this situation.

Ka’rinth watched from above their body as they were taken away on a stretcher surrounded by the mages and moved along winding streets set for defense to a large palatial building near the center of town that had it’s own set of parapets and walls. They were then moved through a side door and along dark, torch lit, stone hallways that felt heavy beneath the weight of the building above. Past cells and finally into a surprisingly well lit room with couches and chairs on one side and a variety of torture devices set just out of sight behind the couch his body was set on. The mages then moved to stand to either side of the couch as they silently waited on something or someone to arrive.

After nearly an hour, they had found a suitable location for Keeran to stay should they be able to return to this location later, and their captor had just arrived. The man radiated power and it was very clear why the other mages bowed to him. He moved with confidence to Ka’rinth’s body and placing a hand that looked callused as though from holding a sword, on the unresponsive forehead began a probe that was aimed at discovering any natural defenses. Ka’rinth immediately changed his mental barriers from solid walls to smooth flexible barriers that would send the probe just slightly off course or move with it so that the full strength of his mind was hidden. The man smiled however in a manner that told Ka’rinth he was truly a skilled mage and with a forceful twist, slammed the shared essence into the body once more. Ka’rinth found himself scrambling to react properly and sat straight up with a gasp as his eyes widened so that they seemed twice their normal size, before he collapsed backwards once more.

He took a minute to get his bearings before sitting up slowly with a hand to his temple, It wouldn’t kill you guys to be a bit more gentle, you nearly killed me and I swear it won’t be too long before this spirit is severed from this body without your help so please don’t offer it. His tone was pained and indignant with a light touch of the Tenset accent to help his story later. But I’m at your mercy so just tell me what I need to do to leave this place and get on with my shopping.

The man’s voice was cold as he said, We just want to know a few minor things. Who are you? Why are you here? Who sent you? What magic do you use? How powerful are you? And of course would you like to join us? The last was said with a slight inflection that suggested ‘No’ was an answer with undesired consequences. The man then sat calmly in his chair but continued radiating a powerful aura. Before Ka’rinth could even begin to reply though he added almost as an afterthought, Also stop trying to hide your power, my specialty is probing and few below adept level have ever managed to hide any of their barriers from me but I know you did just now. That also suggests you retain awareness of your spirit separately than of your body which is a very complex trick. So be honest or be dead.

Ka’rinth finally sighed before saying, I see, well where to begin? I am called Kari, I would like to say I came to shop, but in truth I’m an assassin for hire. I came to see if I could start a war between the islands in this area for some personal profit. No one sent me otherwise I would have been briefed on your reception to mages. I’m an earth mage with some affinity for dark magic. I’d say my power is equal to or above your own, and if my suspicions about your reason for grabbing mages like this is correct I’ll join for the right price. Ka’rinth had decided that the truth, or at least a version that only lied by omission was the best route to take now and calmly waited for a response as he looked at the five faces with cold eyes.

Finally the man laughed and with a smile said, I appreciate your honesty and it seems you are quite perceptive. He motioned and the mages took a step back but remained prepared for anything. The man’s eyes glittered greedily as he said, When you say an affinity for dark magic, what do you mean? As the man spoke he fingered a scar that ran along his left hand from beneath the thumb towards his forearm.

Ka’rinth smiled darkly before saying, Necromancy, the reason I remain aware when separated from my body is that I died centuries ago. I have the ability to make someone stronger, immortal, or undead given a little time and energy. Of course my services always cost, but it should be worth paying if you have a strong enough desire. I can offer much to mages, from eternity to study and refine magic, to a place to do it, to bodies that can hold many times the magic of a human form, and I even possess the ability to make someone a lich. As he spoke he decided that here it was best to play from a position of strength since it seemed that determined rank, so he allowed his aura to flow out around him even as his eyes began to glow their usual crimson.

It seemed his speech had gained him the attention of all the mages, not just the putative leader who spoke up quickly in a voice dripping greed. Then we have much to discuss. These islands have changed in the last decade, with the rise of my rival on the eastern island and the consolidation of the western and southern islands, our group of mages is all the edge we have against our opponents. In these turbulent times it’s survival of the fittest and a keep what you kill mentality that is governing this area. In another week, the currents will shift and no one will be able to approach or leave the islands for three months. During that time we will war again and the victor will claim the territory of the losers. The people on the islands no longer care who has the right to rule, only that the strongest does so and is able to protect them. To that end I want you to strengthen all of my mages and make me a lich. If you do that the treasuries of all the islands will be opened to you as I conquer them.

Ka’rinth’s smile was sinister as he said, I have no interest in money, I claim the souls of those I work on as payment , and a pact bound in blood that states upon death they will serve me until their spirits are destroyed. Those are my only conditions, but until you die your will is your own.

The man and his mages were slightly taken aback by the cold statement Ka’rinth had just made, but he saw the spark of lust for power kindle in each of their eyes before the big man nodded and said, Deal. I am Tomias ruler of the Gestelt. Let us begin as soon as possible, just tell us what you need.

Ka’rinth nodded and said, Agreed, for now I would like to start by meeting all of your mages and warriors. I can alter fighters as well for more power. Only tell those that seek power of me though, I can’t stand the righteous and will likely kill them if we meet. As he spoke he stood and everyone’s shadows met at the center of the floor and after a few seconds the mages shadows darkened a few tints while Ka’rinth’s lightened as Keeran hid beneath the torture table as his minions merged into the five mages shadows.

((This is to start making up for all the short cuts I've been taking while posting.))

Ka’rinth awoke slowly, stretching in a cat like manner, and causing further disarray among the black and midnight blue sheets. As his tanned skin flowed smoothly over defined muscles, the large bed shifted slightly as it’s frame settled slightly. Green eyes slowly revealed themselves amid dappled shadows from long, curved, lashes tinted with the slightest hints of red. A yawn overtook his body causing his eyes to slide closed once more as his jaw stretched and his tongue curled within his mouth. As his lips peeled back with the yawn they revealed sharp white teeth that possessed far too many canines and incisors. His jaw snapped shut with an audible crack as his eyes opened once more, and a series of white braids shifted with his head across his pillow. Truly it has been a very comfortable stay here, I think I may move a cell here for when we are done. he thought to himself as he moved his left arm slowly to his side where it would support his weight as he sat up.

He had been in the city for days now, and in that time he had found an abundance of corrupt mages, soldiers, politicians, merchants, and criminals to begin manipulating. It would take time but within the month he was confident his groundwork would be solid enough to support his claim, and that would still leave him a couple weeks to determine how to destroy Tomias. A soft smile spread across his face, but before it could indicate true pleasure, it would twist into a smirk that held hints of others pain.

I have heard some things of interest, I believe that Gretchen, Asinth, and Cretia are all ready to approach you. Asinth and Cretia are discussing it and seem sold on power at any cost while Gretchen wants to beat Tomias to the punch. She’s hoping to overthrow him with the increase in power. The voice emerged from beneath the bed of all places, but as the sun rose it was normal for Keeran to retreat to the shadowy underside of the mattress where his link to his shadow spies would not become tenuous or be severed. The spies had been vital thus far, they had served as both warnings of attacks from the head mages, as well as channels of information on the entire group of islands that Ka’rinth and his two allies were currently working to subvert.

Ka’rinth smiled a genuine smile at the news and allowed his mind to wander slightly and brush his brother Shadow’s. The contact was almost instantaneous and the grim voice of shadow the true master of necromancy among them spoke up. I am returning, go for a walk on the beach so that no one senses it, I have a good grasp on the situation at the other three islands and what can be done about them. The contact was terse and to the point as it usually was between them, they were truly two halves of a whole and so new each others thoughts as their own, this made long explanations pointless and annoying. Ka’rinth stood slowly dressed only in long, black, baggy pants that gathered at the ankle, and made his way across the cool stone floor of his room to the ornate wooden doorway. Wood was rare on this island which possessed too little ground water for trees to grow, yet his ever benevolent host Tomias was a glutton for rare luxuries.

Ka’rinth yawned once more as he opened the door and began walking nonchalantly through the halls ignoring servants and soldiers alike on his way outside of the sprawling, palatial, complex. Since Shadow’s departure, he had made sure to begin each morning and evening in this manner so that upon his brother’s return no suspicion would be raised by his actions. He moved calmly through already bustling streets, garnering some stares at his aged, yet well muscled appearance. Yet as his bone white, braided hair shifted in the sea breeze, he gave no thought to the stares of the few that had not seen him before. There were a few scattered ‘My lord’s, but no one that was interesting enough to pause for. It would only take minutes to reach the city walls and moments before the guard, several of which were potentially his men, opened the gate for him to exit and begin his fifteen minute walk to the beach. Once a man had followed him and been privy to three hours of Ka’rinth braiding and unbraiding his hair as he looked at the ocean and the rock he sat upon. In truth his mind was as always on the next group of experiments he wished to begin upon their completion of their current tasks. That had been the last follower that he had sensed and had not tripped any of the alarms he left in his wake with trace amounts of his earth and dark magic. For the moment though, his mind turned away from the thought of the past and to the scenery, seeking any inspiration as he moved towards the rendezvous.