“Are we dealing with a simple invasion, or is there something bigger at stake?” Diana asked.

“You’re not dealing with anything. You’ll be safe, behind me.” Eos answered through the holes in her mask, chuckling. A black vulture flapped its way into the speeding carriage, before mutely cawing something to her. “Did Sister Artemis send you? …Yes, I see. Sister Artemis is already there. The walls of the incoming city haven’t been bypassed, yet. And so far, there’s been zero sign of aerial Grimm.”

“Unfortunate. I was hoping we’d take the fight to the skies, away from the people.” Eleanor said.

“Besides the three of us and Sister Artemis, everyone is either late or occupied across Remnant with their own Grimm raid.”

“W-Will they arrive soon?” Diana shivered at the lack of reinforcements.

“You’ll be fine!” Somebody from the front of the freight whooped while whipping the horses to speed up. “Clotho’s Coven has never once lost a fight! Least, that’s what I’ve been told. I just can’t believe I got a chance to meet some of them! It’s not every day a humble merchant gets the opportunity to ferry the warriors whose glory is rumored high and low!”

“Lady Clotho thanks you. What’s your name, anyway?” Eleanor turned.

“That would be Troy! Did I mention what an honor it is to meet you three?” The chariot surged forward, the dirt path uncharitably forming into a rocky road. Behind them, the sun followed from the horizon. But ahead, past the smoke of a village beset by darkness, the sky was still downcast. “Whup! Sorry for that bump!”

“Do you have the weapon?” Eos questioned Diana. In response, she struggled to lift a golden great sword strapped to her back. “I know, it’s cumbersome. But she really is something special. You’ll grow into it within a year. I’m sure of it.”

“Th-That’s the same thing you said last year. Whether or not I get the hang of it soon, you don’t expect me to actually use it now, right? I-I don’t think I’m ready.”

“Not at all. But as Bearer of Tormentyst, it is forever yours to command. You’ll have to grow accustomed to its presence. In time, you’ll be attuned with its nature.”

“We’re here.” Eleanor declared, gesturing to Diana. “Stay behind Sister Eos. She’ll tell you what to do, and when!”

“Hey! Save some for me, ladies!” Troy hopped down to see them charge past the gates of this besieged capital with brutish abandon. The horrible creatures responsible for their arrival weren’t satisfied with just crumbling the ageless architecture, wildly obsessed with finishing off what remained of the scorned population. Too many had died already.

“Do not spare a single Grimm.” Eos commanded. Not needed. Eleanor sliced through the hordes without mercy, using a more traditional blade that was easily stained. From westward, an arrow sailed past her to stop the incursion of a Beowolf and the pack it led, each of them fizzling into dust by the time the attack had concluded. That one arrow stopped ten Grimm.

“Sister Artemis!” Eleanor called to the distant bell tower.

“Aye!” A figure waved, cupping her hands.

“What do you see?”

After a swarm of vultures perched on the bow of Artemis, prepped to report the spoils of a birds’ eye view, they found their answer. “There are more approaching over the mountain! Open the gates, and prepare a pyre!”

Eleanor understood. She’d permit entry, then fortify that lapse with smoldering flames. The Grimm could never neglect a break in the town’s defenses, even if it meant stampeding each other through a moat of raking hot coals nurtured to kill. And kill, they did. But while that worked splendidly, opposite the farce, Eos was forced to take more drastic measures outside the village walls.

“I know you have a tad more experience than me, but I think it’s safe to say we may need those other Coven members you mentioned earlier.” Troy was forced to join Diana behind Eos, whose incredible height and constitution saved all for the time being.

“We can take the Grimm no problem. It’s not us I’m worried about. This place can’t be saved, there’s just too much strife. Follow me.” Eos ran to the idol that acted as a crow’s nest for Artemis. In the main hall, the townspeople cowered even if relieved to see another fabled devotee. She held Diana by the shoulder. “Go upstairs to Sister Artemis. Tell her I’m taking the citizens far away. She will protect you.”

“And what of me? I’ll accompany you.” Eleanor insisted. “Sister Artemis won’t fail if she only needs to protect one of us, and not an army of humans.”

“W-What about me?” Diana opened her arms for her own hug. She was not disappointed even as, several stories above, Artemis sent scores of Beowolves to the depths, forming a deadly aura whereupon any who entered received a speeding, pointy welcome. She wasn’t alone anymore. “Hey! I was told to stay with you. The others are evacuating the city.”

“Smart.” Artemis said. “It’s been awhile, but let us continue your training. A real attack is the best time to practice. You’ll remember your lesson better.”

The population was smothered into a caravan, everyone hoping to take advantage of the lapse in Grimm. “Thank you, oh brave saints!” One of the rescued chanted, drawing a positive murmur from the rest. Troy paid them no notice, and cut between the celebrated warriors of Eos and Eleanor.

“So, err, I guess this is where we part ways?”

“Actually, we could still use your help.” Eleanor stopped him. “If you would lead the march, then we could keep watch from behind. We’re going to one of the Nomadic Outposts nearby, right here.”

Troy studied the map, readying the horses. “Sure thing. But what’s a Nomadic Outpost?”

“Settlements the Coven constructed long ago. They serve as resting grounds for anyone that’s been exiled from their home. Nobody who goes in there stays long, so they’re pretty small- and that allows for extra fortifications fit to keep Grimm out.”

“Gotcha. We’ll be there by midday.” He rolled his foreign dice, and raised a brow at the result. “I expect good things from this journey!”

From the splintered city, they paced themselves well, the rumbling of another horrific swarm providing fine motivation. The concept that Artemis and Diana may fall was unfathomable, neither knight daring to even consider such an atrocity. Instead, they spoke of the good. The righteous.

“So. How many did you kill back there?” Eleanor giggled.

“I lost count, honestly. You should’ve seen that outer wall. Half the time I was just ripping them down by the feet.”

“What, they were scaling the walls?”

“I’m serious.” Eos wiped her polearm of blood and dirt. “Now, where were we before duty called? Oh, that’s right. Armor.”

“I already told you, your armor’s fine. You’re nigh untouchable anyway, there’s no need for any more. It’ll just make you slower. If you want to know the truth, I probably like your armor best of them all. I’d take it for a spin myself, if I wasn’t so small.”

“You’re not small.” Eos said. “I’m just huge. I guess I just can’t help myself. Ha.” Eos said.

“Don’t beat yourself up. Good armor is hard to come by! If only our enemies were as rare.” Eleanor stopped and whistled, garnering everyone’s attention. “Wait here, please! The two of us will scout ahead for a moment, to check for Grimm. We’ll be right back in mere minutes, if that.”

What they found was a canyon home to a bridge. Perilous for sure, but if that was all, then the mission might yet be trivial. Upon returning to the convoy, Eos was first to turn the corner. She stopped dead in her tracks, covered Eleanor’s mouth, and pulled them both behind cover. In that small window, she spotted two wretched hellions, each saddled upon a shriveled steed- their literal bony appearance contained within flowing, tattered robes. This sight was sufficient to bring panic. “Don’t make a sound. There are two Eidolons out there.”

Eleanor’s body language stiffened. Her voice implied alarm. “The Black Horsemen!? What were they doing?”

“Holding a picture of someone to Troy.” She was right. The scrawled portrait was accurate too, showcasing Artemis. The Eidolons must’ve sought the members of the Coven, and though they couldn’t speak, Troy understood their desires. Their black physique almost forced an answer, everyone terrified at the presence of towering skeletons, their skin stripped bare for all to see.

“We need to help them.” Eleanor already knew she was wrong, and Eos was ready to reel her in.

“Don’t be so eager. Remember, their lust for humans are absent. So long as we remain hidden, nobody needs to die.”

“Aha, err…” Troy nervously chuckled, his aggressors leaning in. If they were Grimm, it was the first time he’d ever seen one negotiate. “I’ve never seen anyone who looks like that.” In a haze, one of the specters pointed to the humans, causing them to cower. “Them? N-No, you’ve got it all wrong! They weren’t saved by that woman! I found them scrambling from a tribe of faunus!”

One of the two Eidolons nodded to the other, and plucked a toddler from the crowd, to everyone’s horror. If there were any Silver-Eyed heroes nearby, this bait would prove fruitful, as Eleanor feared this wasn’t even a bluff- after all, what was the harm in one innocents’ blood to a Grimm? They had to be stopped.

Eos rushed one of them down, using what vacant sunlight available to her as cover, hoping to pike them both through the chest at the same time. The closest rider caught the shaft of her weapon in an instant, and launched her into the ground. The stone cracked, but Eos appeared unaffected.

“Troy! Take them to the Nomadic Outpost!” Eleanor shouted.

“Are you sure? Y-You won’t die here, right?”

“Just do as I say.” He understood in full, and led a charge away from the ensuing battle. “Sister Eos? Should we use our power?”

“Don’t you recall last time? Or the time before that? These unholy creatures hold dominion over an equally potent set of mystic arts. Unfortunately, we’ll have to get through this with our acquired skills, not our natural ones.”

“Just making sure.” She narrowed both her eyes on the exposed bone holding their bodies together, then whispered in absolute. “Well… To use that magic, they will need arms…”

Within these infinite lowlands, the battled raged, fought in full by representatives hailing from a council of vassals commanded in silence by the gods. But none of that meant anything in the face of Grimm old enough to learn, to strategize, to plan. The Horsemen had scoured the lands, they could’ve rode anywhere anytime, yet they chose to fight here.

Eos and Eleanor were faring terribly. The height advantage, and mobility from tamed beasts couldn’t be overemphasized, as one of them used a razor sickle bolted atop a pole, and the other a chain whip. It served its purpose beautifully. The clash of these repurposed tools sent violent echoes past the waves of seas.

It wasn’t until one of the Eidolon’s disarmed Eos with the metal chain links that the other speared her in the shoulder. Eleanor didn’t notice, for this was the opening she longed for. Finally, she managed to lodge her sword through the armpit of the closest equerry and pull, dislocating the arm and sending a spray of black liquid over her suit- a gift from the horse. At last, she beamed forward with her silver eyes, two streams of white energy plummeting into the Grimm, who couldn’t absorb the attack with only one hand. Even the extra Eidolon behind it was enveloped in an unbreakable mold of rock. It was a bittersweet victory.

“Sister Eos? Sister!” Eleanor scrambled to her side and held a hand to the wound, halting the flow of blood. “No! Please gods, no!”

“I-I’ll live. Don’t fret, please.” She coughed. “It’s been years since I took a hit like that. I-I guess I was right about needing that armor upgrade, huh?”

“Thank his Majesty you’re alright. We can go find something sturdier together. But we cannot stay here. They’ll smash their way out, soon. This is our chance. We can make it to the Heart of the Coven before they even know we’re gone.” She was right, for when frozen by the primeval silver eyes, one was incapable of perceiving whatever time was spent captive until freed.

Eos stood up on her own, only allowing Eleanor to drape a hand around her for show. “You know, for all the times we’ve ran away from one of these things, one day I’d like to finally kill one. Now, it’s personal. Ugh, what would I do without you? Your eyes always were more powerful than mine. Ha.”

“Don’t mention it. If that’s all that mattered, Diana would outclass us all.” Eleanor said.

“Well, in a matter of speaking, she already has.”

Back in the city, the invading numbers dwindled but never stopped completely, giving Artemis the perfect controlled environment to train Diana, even if the youngest of them dreaded the thought of working on the field. Artemis just wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Struggling to hold Tormentyst steady, she managed to defeat a fair few considering the sword did most of the work. Though, she was nowhere near adept yet. From the distance, her temporary mentor would step in with arrows if the situation ever turned messy, or more than one Grimm advanced at a time.

“That’s far enough.” She declared, shooting the last assailant before landing in front of Diana. “You did well. Your form has improved over the last many moons, but you’re still relying too much on Tormentyst. I know it severs anything it touches without effort, but it’s a long road to a skilled swordswoman if you abuse that.”

“…” Diana dropped her possession, her arms aching. “It’s too much. Why do I have to use this stupid sword? A-Aren’t I the youngest? It’s far better utilized by anyone else.”

Artemis considered discipline of such hubris, but instead crossed her arms. “…You’re lucky! Not many can get away with such rejection of Lady Clotho’s gifts. The sword is special, and is only reserved for the most gifted. That means you. It took us all many years to gain a mastery over it. I know you feel you’ve been at this for too long, but with time, you’ll gain control. That’s a Sister’s promise. I’ll guide you. We all will.”

Another messenger landed on Artemis’ shoulder, informing her of the recent events plaguing the northern trail. “…I see. We’re finished here.”

“What?”

“Eleanor and Eos went head-to-head with two Eidolons. There could be more nearby. Or their captain. You’ve never fought one, and I’m quite content to keep it that way.”

“W-Who is the Captain, anyway?” Diana asked, impulsively checking her surroundings in a fit of fear and paranoia.

“Have you been keeping up with your studies? Follow my example. I’ve only just started the tablets left by Lady Clotho. Those come after the ancient tomes from the Arbiter. What about you?”

“Seventh Generation.”

“Ah, that explains it!” Artemis laughed, pointing upward. “A pop quiz, then! How do we navigate our way back to the keep?”

“It’s… the constellations, right? Don’t some of them point the way at certain times of the month?” Diana dragged Tormentyst over and used it to lean on, looking to the skies. “Maybe we follow the pattern of Sir Kyradin Bael?”

“I only wish so charitable an ally was the answer. Look further east, where the sun rises. The Caliph of Dusk and Dawn, Odynavus, is the key.”

“My apologies, Sister Artemis.”

“Not an issue. Just keep hitting those books.” As they followed the directions of the cadaverous Odynavus mural far above, Artemis thought it best to back up and answer the original question. “Now, the Captain of the Eidolons is called that for a reason. They are the nightmarish crew of the ship ‘Falsus Heredis’, commanded by an unseen warrior in secret. Not yet has anyone identified whatever abomination would take such pleasure in ordering the Black Horsemen. Back in the day, rumor was, they were called ‘Aku.’ Anyone who’s encountered the ship has never survived to confirm, though.”

“S-So you’ve never fought the Captain?”

“No one in the Coven has. Long ago, when it plagued the waters for years, we must’ve been lucky in missing it. And after that, the vessel disappeared. It’s been lifetimes since the Falsus Heredis has been spotted on the high seas. Most think it’s been retired, Aku still waiting somewhere, sending their dogs to hunt as a twisted pastime.”

Diana again shivered at the thought. “Y-You’re just messing with me, right? Why is Kingdom Lore so scary?”

“Haha. You’ll be fine. Nothing’s going to happen to you. Enough talk of the past. Are there any signal fires to indicate another invasion in the present?”

They saw nothing but the pattern of stars that substituted a guide. That trend continued for nearly an hour, until they’d stopped at an inexplicable shrine cut into the side of a mountain, held to a jungle by one lone rickety bridge. “I’m thankful we didn’t have to stray too far from here.” Diana sighed.

“One last test. Reveal the gates.”

“But can’t you? I’ve already-“ Diana stopped herself, already sensing a strict refusal. “Okay, fine. Here, take this.” She handed away her antique sword, took a deep breath, and lifted the metal veil bolted over her face with several clasps and locks.

“Wait. Let me help you.” Artemis laid a hand on each shoulder. “Close your eyes. Focus on dulling your senses. Remember your training. Relax your body, and hold onto this feeling.” Her voice became soft. “Isolate yourself from the world. Yes, perfect. Now, slowly, open your eyes.”

None of this was done to produce a surge from Diana. That could’ve been done easily enough. Anytime her silver eyes were exposed, no longer confined by the specially made helmet, she could hardly stop herself from bringing forth a dire stream of omnipotent vigor. Grimm and man alike were obliterated in an instant. She had to control it. Restrain it.

With some help, she managed to produce only a laser-like beam. Immediately, Artemis strapped the mask back in place and Dianna allowed the incredible stream of annihilation to pour into her enchanted visor again. “Thank you, Sister Artemis.” Using this power, the solid wall ahead shimmered and riveted, the very platform upon which they stood spinning to take them into the sheer hillside.

Within the Heart of the Coven, past another bridge, they came upon a mirage. This shimmering wall made the other side appear as though it were underwater, subject to rippling. But once they’d slipped through, the view was clear. Inside Remnant rested a golden temple, the architect of which lavished the halls with sizable diners, forums, and chapels- each corner illuminated by a stained glass window, light streaming in despite the castle’s position within a mountain. No expense was spared. It would’ve been easy for the carefully vetted inhabitants to find themselves lost if they weren’t so experienced.

“Sisters! I received your message. You’re not hurt, are you?” Artemis rushed over at the sight of the two who’d split up to begin with.

“Thankfully not.” Eos stood up, apparently accustomed to walking off injuries any ordinary human would find fatal. But that seemed to be a trend among them all.

“Which Eidolons were they? Did you kill one?”

Eleanor answered. “There were two. The first mate with the Scythe, and its Quartermaster. We couldn’t stop them. It was standard procedure.”

“Where are they, now?”

“Far from here. They could’ve escaped by this point, but I’m doubtful we were followed. Not that it matters, now.” She kneeled down and interlocked her fingers, murmuring in hush tones. “I revere our goddess, Lady Clotho, for the blessings bestowed upon our shelter. Thank you, for masking our presence from enemies within these walls, and ensuring our safety on the journey ahead. Inculto.”

“Inculto.” Artemis repeated, the one-word poem recited by the rest thereafter. “For it is through our allegiance that Remnant may rest, undying. We’ll have to lay low. Work further beyond the outer rings of the valley, and erase whatever pattern the Eidolons think they discovered.”

Eos lumbered to her private garden. “As always. I’ll get to work on masking our scent with fumes. Which do you want? Alyssum, Jasmine, or Lavender?”

“How about Amaryllises?” Diana piped up.

“Are you secretly a descendant of Lady Hestia?” Eos joked, audibly proud of her own joke.

“Ha! I love your flowers this season, by the way. They’re almost as tall as you.”

“Then they’re not tall enough. ‘Tis a shame I must sacrifice them to make something as conceited as perfume. Why so vain, Sister Artemis?”

“You must be jesting! It is purely for our safety. Turn back time and become the first member, then we’ll talk.”

“Heehee!” Diana couldn’t help herself.

“…Thank you for laughing. Be sure to finish your readings tonight. As for you two, after we dine in the banquet, I suspect you’ll join me for prayer?” All she received were nods. “Excellent. I’ll see you all at supper.” Artemis gave her companions a group hug, then retreated deeper into the stronghold.

“Should we help her?” Eleanor questioned Diana.

“Just one thing, first. I did have one question about the next library’s lore, if you don’t mind. I know I can’t read ahead, but it seemed important given today’s events. How come the Eidolons are becoming more frequent? When I was first found by you, I didn’t even know they existed. Then, ever since that changed a few years later, it’s like they’re getting smarter.”

“Well… For the sake of your safety, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to spoil some secrets, given the circumstances.”

“No.” Eos stopped her. “She’s not ready. Just as all of us had, she should learn Kingdom Lore in its intended chronology. Those were the orders from above.”

“…She’s right. You are to follow the path set before you by Lady Clotho.”

Diana nodded. “I… I understand. My apologies.”

“If you’d want, I can tutor you tonight. The Seventh Generation is one of my favorites.”

“I’d like that very much.”

“Allow me some fresh air, then, and I’ll meet you in your quarters.” Eleanor opened the main gates to see a pair of cavaliers approaching, both somewhat out of breath but satisfied with the work they’d presumably accomplished. “Oh! Thank the gods you two are okay! Come, quick. I think Artemis is planning to cook up some pheasant!”

“Wow.” One of them, Mania, looked her up and down, witnessing how Eleanor’s armor was still caked with black blood and grime. “Finally, an outfit worth wearing! About time.”

“Shut up.” Eleanor laughed.

“Woah. What happened to you?” Styx followed suit.

“Ha. I promise I’ll tell you all about it after dinner.”

By sundown that same day, the paralyzed Eidolons had busted free of the spell by a third rider of similar appearance. Stone flung in every direction. The now free Grimm snapped a still convulsing arm into its socket, then pulled the last ally out of their coffin itself. A series of silent sneers later, and each of the three cracked their horses forward, in separate directions.

Entry No. 1 complete.

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