Night had fallen over the fake Sanctum of Askarune and Isiah had gone to pray with the monks. Rina was outside with Emrick, sitting around a campfire with the other followers of the Old Gods, roasting food over the flames made by Isiah. With him gone, the chill wind bit at her skin and she struggled to keep warm by the fire.

It had been far too long since she'd felt the cold. She'd gotten too used to Isiah's powers and any moment without them made her feel like she was freezing to death. He would come back as soon as he was done praying though, spreading warmth throughout the Sanctum. The Mother and the Father had told her and Emrick that they could pray too, but after everything, it didn't feel right to pray to the New Gods or the Old Gods. She didn't know who to believe in anymore.

The Father sat across the flames from her, watching the monks pray on the hills above them. It was easy to pick out Isiah, he was the only one not wearing robes. His had been left behind in Ishmar weeks ago, replaced by something a lot easier to hide in. She barely remembered what he looked like in them.

"Does your family know you're here, Your Highness?" the Father asked, still watching the praying monks.

"My brother does," she answered. "He has sent word to our father." If he had actually gotten Benj's note, she had no idea, but she could hope that he had. Her parents needed to know that she was still alive and trying to find a way to save them all.

The Father nodded but it didn't look like he was paying much attention to what she was saying. "What is it like, travelling with the Beast that was Promised?" he asked.

Next to her, Emrick made a noise in the back of his throat. "Dangerous," he said. None of them had said a word about Emrick being able to use a stone, it was too confusing for them, let alone the followers of the Old Gods. It was better to keep it secret, find the next stone, and leave as soon as possible.

All three of them had expected the fake Sanctum of Askarune to be like the one in Brenmar, a place given to them so that they were close to Ziya, but there was a possibility that it was a real Sanctum. The followers of the Old Gods thought it to be Askarune's, but it had to be either Belganine's or Teremtys'. She wouldn't say a word about it, not when it could affect them so badly. It was best to leave it, to let them believe what they wanted. They'd already disturbed them enough by bringing them the Beast.

Even while he was praying, the followers of the Old Gods watched him with wide, incredulous eyes. He was their saviour, one most of them probably didn't think actually existed, or if they did, believed he wouldn't show up during their lifetime. If the closed doors of the homes said anything, some of them were scared of what it meant. The Beast awakening wasn't a good sign, it meant danger, meant death, but it also meant that someone was there to protect them. And while they may not know it, they had three protectors, even if she didn't have powers gifted to her by a stone. Her powers were normal but still stronger than most.

The Father and Emrick were still talking, but she wasn't paying much attention to them. The monks had finished praying and the Mother was escorting Isiah back down the hill. Rina couldn't read his face in the darkness and had no idea what he was thinking, but she hoped he was happy to be somewhere familiar after so long.

He immediately moved to sit between her and Emrick, while the Mother sat next to her brother. The last time Rina had been to the Sanctum, she hadn't met the Father and any mention of him went forgotten in her young mind. If only she had met him when she was younger, he was sceptical, but kind, as expected from someone who led a religion.

The old man handed Isiah a plate of food as he settled on the carved wood longs around the fire pit, reaching around the flames to do so. "Tell me, Isiah," he said, but he struggled on the name as if he wished to give him a more regal one. Emrick rushed to translate and Rina remembered just how good his knowledge of her country was. "It has been a long time since I've been to the Sanctum of Ishin. How is it?"

Those around the fire fell silent and Rina's heart dropped. They had no idea what had happened. Of course, they didn't, the only news they would have gotten regarding Harudan's actions would be the war. The only people who knew it was gone were them and those who had committed the atrocities.

Isiah fidgeted with his plate of food for a moment and the Mother and Father shared wary looks. "It's... The Sanctum of Ishin is gone," he muttered and Emrick translated for him.

The wind seemed to carry Emrick's voice far past the small group at the campfire. The monks walking past overheard and stopped to stare, while those sitting in the background to watch Isiah let out quiet gasps. The news would spread quickly as people whispered to each other, but for the moment, the Sanctum sat in near silence.

"What?" the Mother said. "What happened?"

The explanation was quick because none of them knew for certain what exactly had happened. All they had was the note Turian had sent Emrick weeks ago, which said that Harudan had destroyed the Sanctum of Ishin, killed the Mother there and taken the crystal they worshipped. That was all they could tell the crowd that had formed around them, a cacophony of gasps and whispers filling the air.

Anger pulled at the Father's features, made him look far older than he was. "But we are a peaceful people!" he yelled and stood from his seat. "What reason could he have to wipe us out like that? The Ishini may be the enemy of Minisia, but any follower of the Old Gods is exempt from that."

"His own people," the Mother muttered. "For what? Their crystal? I have seen it once. It does nothing but give them warmth. A massacre for petty means, how fitting for the King of Brenmar."

Rina said nothing. There wasn't anything she could say to make them feel better. They were all that was left of the followers of the Old Gods and they were lucky. The army wasn't near them, they would survive for some time and if Harudan won, which she prayed wouldn't happen, then hopefully he would leave them alone. Going off what he had done to the other Sanctum, she doubted it.

"I don't know why," Isiah said, looking down at the ground. "There are still a few of us left, those who were on their pilgrimage at the time, but none of them know what happened."

At least he wasn't the last one left, they wouldn't be fair at all, for him to do so much for the realm, only to lose everything in the process. She wasn't the only one who thought so. The Mother stood and rushed towards him as fast as her frail body could take her, pulling Isiah up and wrapping her arms around him.

He sunk into the embrace as if he were greeting someone he hadn't seen in a long time. Behind him, Emrick had a hand on his back, watching him in worry. Isiah seemed almost like a child, desperate for attention. It would be as close to his home as he could get and the thought alone made Rina's heart ache for him.

Eventually, the Mother pulled away and Isiah sat back as if drained, collapsing against Emrick's side. Rina reached over and grabbed his hand before she could stop herself, wanting to give him any support she could. She smiled when he squeezed her hand, watching the Mother sit back down and wipe her tears from her eyes.

"I don't think it's safe here," Rina said and sighed. "The army isn't far and if... If Harudan wins, I don't know if he'll let you live. You don't have a crystal, but there might be something he could come up with that would give him a reason to destroy this place."

"What are you suggesting?" the Father asked, frowning through the flames at her.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "That you leave. Find somewhere safer where you can hide until all of this is over," she said.

The Father almost laughed at her, she could see it in the way his eyes narrowed. "Your Highness, we appreciate the concern, but this place is sacred to us, we will not abandon it because of a power-hungry young man," he replied, crossing his arms over his chest. "We have every faith that the Beast that was Promised will do what is needed. He will keep us safe. We needn't run away."

Isiah squeezed her hand tighter as the Father spoke and she knew he was getting nervous. There was so much weight on his shoulders and the followers of the Old Gods were only putting more pressure on him to succeed. She wanted to tell them that it wasn't just Harudan that they had to look out for, but whatever came after him, but she couldn't. Even if they believed her, they still wouldn't listen, that much was obvious from the look in both the Mother and the Father's eyes.

Part of her wanted to yell at them, tell them that they were being stupid, maybe even order them to do as she wished. "I understand," she said instead, even though it hurt to say. Wouldn't it be worse for Isiah if the rest of his people died? But he didn't say a word, just held her hand so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

"If anything were to happen, it would only serve to show the realm exactly the kind of man King Harudan is," the Mother added, pride in her voice.

Before anything else could be said, Isiah stood and all eyes fell to him. For a moment, Rina expected them to start praying to him again, but instead, they waited. "Thank you for your hospitality," he said, dropping Rina's hand. "But I think it is time we rest. We have a long day ahead of us."

"Of course," the Mother said and gestured towards her large home. "Rooms have been made up for you and your belongings are in there."

He smiled at her. "Thank you."

The Father bowed. "We are pleased to have served you, Isiah," he said. In an instant, everyone around them followed suit, bowing lowly and repeated the words. It wasn't the most coordinated, but Rina's mouth still opened in surprise.

She wasn't the only one who looked shocked. Isiah was pale even in the orange light of the fire and looked as if he would bend over and vomit at any second. He rushed towards the large house without another word, leaving her and Emrick to follow after him in confusion. The eyes of everyone bore into her as she walked, but she didn't look at any of them.

"Isiah!" Emrick called as the three of them walked into the house. "Are you alright?"

In the dark hallway of the house, Isiah shook his head. "It was more than I expected," he whispered. "I'd gotten so used to thanking the Mother the way I was supposed to but now they say it to me like I'm somehow better than them. I'm not."

Rina hung off to the side as Emrick embraced him. "I have the feeling it's something you'll have to get used to," he replied and rested his chin on Isiah's shoulder.

"Most likely," Isiah replied and ran a hand through his hair. "Today has been a lot."

She was about to agree with him when something behind him caught her eye. "Isiah!" she yelled and ran for him before whatever was behind him could reach him. Emrick gasped and pushed him back, grabbing for the sword at his side. She reached them with a loud pant and pulled them both backwards.

The figure moved into the light and immediately, Rina knew who it was. The smokey figure was only a few inches taller than Isiah, but far more intimidating. Just like the last time she had seen him, Askarune had no facial features and was made entirely of thick grey smoke. He held himself differently than last time, there wasn't as much confidence, and he looked as though he was tired.

"As- Askarune?" Isiah said, stepping away from the two of them. The God stared down at them with the same disinterest as last time. "What are you doing here?"

He took a moment to reply, looking down at each of them. "Where's your Prince friend?" he asked.

"In Ishmar," Rina replied and planted her hands on her hips. "Now, can you tell us why you're here?"

"To warn you," Askarune said and her heart leapt into her throat. "My brother has returned to the realm. Do you remember what I told you, Beast?"

Isiah nodded, his face pale. "That something worse was coming," he whispered.

"That something is here in the form of Ishin. I can feel his rage, his desperation. He has been gone for so long, but now he has returned when I never thought he would. I should have known it was him," Askarune explained, staring off into the distance as Rina blanched. A God, they would have to fight a God if Askarune was telling the truth. If only he had a proper face should read, then she would know for certain.

Isiah's eyes were wide and filled with fear as he stepped towards Askarune. She wanted to pull him back, make everything stop for a second so she could wrap her mind around it all, but there wasn't a chance. "Can't we ask whoever lives here? Wouldn't they be able to help us or tell us the truth?" he asked, his voice shaking.

"No, because Belganine is dead too," Askarune replied and sighed down at them. "I don't know if it's the truth, but I haven't felt such rage since before he disappeared. Be prepared, Beast, for whatever this is will not bode well for the realm. Ishin will stop at nothing to rid the realm of what he thinks is wrong. That includes you."

Emrick stepped forward, pushing Isiah behind him again. "Well, can't you do something about it? You're a God, he's your brother!" he roared, face scrunched with anger.

Askarune scoffed and shook his head. "I am weak, dying. This is my last act as a God, bearer of my stone. He hasn't aged in centuries and is far more powerful than I. He would kill me and continue on as if it were nothing," he replied and let out a loud sigh. "I wanted to warn you so that you may ready yourself, but I must go, it is my time."

It was all moving too fast, Rina could barely keep up. He made for the front door, but Isiah ripped away from them again to chase after him. "Wait!" he cried and the God stopped. "Where are you going?"

Askarune eyed him warily. "I am old, Beast, centuries old. I have tried for a long time to stay alive to make sure you got what you needed, but I can't hold on any longer," he explained and even without features, there was exhaustion in every fibre of his being. "I am going someplace better."

"But... I don't... I can't use the fear stone. Before you leave, can't you help us one last time?" Isiah asked, his hands trembling.

Rina wasn't completely sure that it was possible, but he looked surprised. "You still can't?" he asked and looked back at Emrick. "Eventually, you will meet Teremtys, the oldest of us. They will know the answers to your questions. I do not."

It wasn't the best of answers, but at least it was something. Even though he could pass through walls, Askarune put a hand on the doorknob. How he had found them, Rina didn't know, but there was something she did. "You're about to die, aren't you?" she asked and hissed in a breath when he nodded.

"I am," he said and Isiah made a noise in the back of his throat. "Do not fret, Beast, I am old and it is time for me to go. You don't need your Gods to look after you. I came to do what was needed and now I must go in peace. I have no doubt in your abilities. You were born to save the realm. You won't fail."

He didn't give any of them a chance to speak or to register the information he had given them. Rina stood frozen as flecks of smoke began to fall from his body, drifting into the air. A smile spread across his face, made from features that she could barely see. A frail hand opened the door, letting in the cool night air.

Smoke drifted outside but none of the robe-clad people outside noticed. Askarune stared at them for a minute as parts of him drifted away, before turning back to the three of them. "You will save us all," he whispered and sighed. With it, his body fell backwards, swirling through the air. Before he could land on the hard ground, his body fell to pieces, black and grey smoke drifting upwards to mingle with the thick clouds.

It was over in an instant, as if he had never been there in the first place. The door slammed shut after him, leaving them in silence. Rina's mind was blank as she stared at the closed door, waiting any moment for the God to reveal that it was just an illusion. But as the seconds passed in silence, she knew he was truly dead.

A sob interrupted the silence. Tears ran down Isiah's face, tears of shock and sadness and she didn't try to stop herself from rushing towards him. His tears soaked her shoulder, but she couldn't care less. A second set of arms wrapped around her and Emrick's curly hair brushed against her face. The three of them stood there in the middle of the room, the only sound Isiah's sobs, trying to come to terms with what they had just learned. And how they would save Vishera from the God of Flame.