Shadow Slave

Six Reflections... six Transcendent Beasts. All assuming the shape of the Saints of the great clans.

Sunny felt cold as he looked at the smiling faces of the simulacrums. ...And Mordret's face. The rest of the emissaries seemed just as shaken as he was, even if some managed to hide their emotions better than others.

The representatives of Valor were, understandably, grim. Even Morgan's composure cracked for a split second, revealing a hint of weakness. Saint Cor's pale face grew even more ashen. But even the Saints of Song appeared startled by Mordret's unexpected show of power. It seemed that they did not know the extent of his abilities as well as they had thought they did.

For a few long moments, there was nothing but chilling silence. Then, Morgan spat, her voice full of contempt: "Am I... am I supposed to be impressed? What a... neat trick. Bravo."

Mordret's smile only widened.

It was at that moment that Wake of Ruin finally took a step forward and spoke: "Enough! What madness is this?"

The emissaries of the two clans looked at him with unfriendly expressions. Mordret did, too, and the six Reflections turned their heads in perfect synchronicity. The sight of them acting that way was deeply disturbing, especially since the mirror creatures wore familiar, smiling faces.

and the subtle scent of slaughter that always followed him intensified. "I won't pretend to have authority over your actions, Awakened of Song and Valor, but I am your elder. No matter what benefits you hope to receive from this battle, I know that your losses will be much

Madoc, the oldest and

won't be decided with words, Wake of Ruin. Too much is

are the Legacy Clans, so act like it. Don't you have traditions and protocols for just these kinds of situations? The honorable duel, to death if need be. Why waste the lives of your kin and soldiers when the

at Madoc and Beastmaster, and then said: "Or are

think whether a peaceful - comparatively - resolution was really possible. One person dying was infinitely better than numerous Awakened warriors slaughtering each other. So many problems would go away if the damned great clans agreed with

to a compromise... However, Sunny just could not see Morgan backing off after being provoked by her brother.

the same logic... wouldn't it mean that Beastmaster had

relief and turned to the emissaries of Song. "Morgan of Valor has agreed to be the champion in the honorable duel. Who will your champion be,