LITMIR.BIZ

      My arm aches, though the wound has long since healed. It seems only yesterday that the animals that were to be our power rose to challenge us on the beach. That was not a time our people should remember with pride. The events of that day almost saw the end of The Society. Many members died and we must blame ourselves for their loss. It was wrong of us to even be there.

      When Kees chose to lead us to into war, he did so not for the good of mankind, nor for the glory of The Society, but for his own ambition and power. We should have found the strength to deny him for it was our own weakness that gave him the strength he needed. But he died that day for his ambitions and I hope the gods saw fit to give him peace. Our people found his body on the beach after the animals had fled. He fell with those he led but his amulet was never recovered, and this is a good thing. He made it a symbol of power over his people and that is something that cannot be permitted to happen again.

      Now we must learn from our errors. We must accept our mistakes and we must become stronger. Though the future may grow out of the past, we cannot look to the past in the hope of seeing our future. Our past died on that beach, and it must remain so. But what will be our future has sprouted from the ashes of that defeat like the phoenix; it rises to show us the way.

      My dearest Belle encourages me to keep this journal, and I suffer the pain of its writing because I love her more than I love my own life. She implores me to lead our people into the future. Though, for the present, I do not see where that future lies. I only know that The Society lives for now. But if it is to continue to grow it must blossom like the wildflowers on the hills. Its beauty must never be hidden again from the world. The brightness and glory of our future must lie here, within the kingdoms of mankind.

      For the honour and purity of man, The Society must continue and become the future we all see, but the failings of our forefathers must never be forgotten. We must always be alert to the danger of permitting one man the power to rule us all. We must be guided by a balanced council and they must be strong. Only the best of our members, those who have proven their value and commitment to our cause, are to be accepted for this important role.

      Whatever the future of our people, there are things I know to be true.

      First, our duty to this world is now to teach all mankind. We must show them the importance of vigilance and courage in the fight against all manner of evil. If we are to be the protectors of mankind, we must do this by teaching them and being part of their lives. We must remain part of their world.

      More, the world should forever be ruled by men, but The Society must guide those who rule. If it is our chosen task to protect all men, but we must be aware of all the dangers that face us, not only those that stem from the threat of the lesser races, but also the diseases of power and greed. These things are a danger to all.

      But our main task to the world must be to never allow the people to forget the superiority of our race. Men now rule the world and always will, as long as they have The Society to guide them.

      I must go now to meet with the new council, but I pray to all that follow that the threads of The Society will reach out over all the lands. Here, in this ancient city of Whitebridge, we will grow the heart of The New Society.

      From the pages of The Journal of Tam

      First leader of The Risen Society

      Chapter 1

      The day dawned clear and fresh and the soft breeze drifting through the window brought with it the sounds and smells of the city.

      The sweet scent of streets spotted with rubbish dressed in the delicate aroma of emptied chamber pots assaulted his senses, while inside, the early sun speared through the window to dance on the fragrant air in the room. The clumping of horses walking along the compacted earth streets, the rattle of wooden wheels on others of cobblestones and the smoke of cooking fires being stoked for morning meals all helped rouse Xavier from his deep slumber.

      He lay in his bed, taking in the feeling of the new day and enjoying the peace that had recently found him. In all his life he had never been so happy. Thoughts of his childhood, being beaten by his drunken father, bullied by his brothers and running away to a life on the streets, came briefly back to him but he had found he could dismiss these memories easily these days.

      Becoming king had helped.

      He rolled over and his eyes took in the smooth lines of Beth lying still beside him, her breathing slow and steady as she slept. He drank in the sight of her shape for a few minutes before slipping quietly from the bed and rinsing his face in the white jug and bowl that waited on the dark wood table. Having refreshed himself, he walked to the window to enjoy the view out over Whitebridge.

      But his peace had not always been so perfect. After leaving Redhill at the age of twelve he had been forced to live by his wits, surviving on the streets and stealing in order to eat. That was until he met Jaimz and, through him, The Society. He had seen a new life and had done as he should in proving his commitment to the cause. Soon he found himself leading a squad of militia in the hunt to eliminate the witches. But when the girl had escaped to the mountains, he thought his rise would be curtailed. The fears and doubts of his childhood returned then, to be pushed aside when his luck had followed him - He had rescued the situation when he discovered the auchs and the passage to their domain. Then, thanks once again to his efforts, The Society had taken Arenia from King Leopold.

      He allowed a hint of a smile to kiss his face as he comforted himself with the knowledge that, with his skills, luck would continue to support

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