Water. I am lying water. These were the first thoughts to seep in to Jared's conscious mind. Other thoughts soon came flooding in and they threatened to drown small flame of wakefulness that was growing n his mind. It's cold. Lying in water. Rhythmic banging sound. Wood being struck by metal. Hammering. Yes, hammering. It's also cold. The water that I am lying in is cold. Suddenly the flame of wakefulness roared in to life and Jared's muscles immediately responded. Within a few moments he was up and moving towards the sound of the banging before his mind could fully make sense of his body's actions. The sudden rush of blood to Jared's head made him feel light headed, like an empty flask resonating in tune with the banging coming from further up the passage. The water sloshed around his numb legs that barely managed to keep him upright and moving. After what seemed like an eternity Jared turned the corner in the partially submerged sewer and came face to face with the charge that he had been hired to guard and then later rescue. The scene in the chamber made him question whether he was not still dreaming. But after several long moments Jared realized that he was indeed standing in a chamber occupied by the small scholar working on several pieces of a strangely shaped boat and not in some twisted dream.

The nightmares had returned and had brought back with them terrible torments. Sounds of battle accompanied by shouts of pain and cries of anger. The man thrashed and twisted amidst the rags that he slept in, his body responding to a world that existed only in the dark regions of his dreams. Two combatants fought each other with spell and sword. Both were creatures surrounded by light, but one contained an inner light that was dark and corrupt. Whilst the other's light was pure both within and without. As ever in the man's dreams the angel of light beseeched her former companion to turn from the dark path. Laughing in scorn and derision the dark angel struck and wounded his foe. Despite the wounded angel's efforts to protect herself from her opponent he proved to be stronger and quicker. The dreamer howled with impotent rage at his inability to prevent the inevitable end of the nightmare from approaching. Just then the former knight and thrashing dreamer woke from his wine induced nightmare to find that it had become reality.

The harmonium officer glanced around him in a stern gaze, hoping that his men would not see the fear reflected in his eyes. The mob that they were facing was fierce indeed as it included several Xaositecs and Anarchists. Several weapons had been thrown at his men causing a few minor injuries. The Harmonium officer signaled for his men to lift their large shields and batons and prepare for a charge to break up the mob. In response to this the mob quieted down and drew closer together. At first it seemed as if they were content to stand motionless, but then they began softly chant repeatedly. The chant was quickly taken up by each of the members of the mob both young and old, man and woman. "Legend?.. Legend?. LEGEND." The Harmonium officer immediately recognized this behavior from similar incidents in the past few days and sharply blew his whistle. Despite the strange occurrences around them, the patrol acted as one body surging forward in to the mob. The chanting was broken off abruptly, being replaced by grunts, shouts and cries. The Harmonium patrol hit the mob like a wave and broke through their ranks without meeting any resistance. Men and women scattered leaving the patrolmen to collect themselves, checking for further injuries. The Harmonium officer glanced around the now deserted street. He was struck by how the peace and quiet reminded him of a certain abandoned park. But he quickly dismissed such idle thoughts and focused on the task of arresting the members of this new and dangerous cult.

The spy dared not open his eyes for fear of what he might see. The door to the tavern had opened and several more figures had filed in and taken seats at one of the few empty tables left. He had caught a glimpse of the figures when the door opened, but had then quickly shut his eyes. A faint whimper escaped his lips and the spy instinctively opened his eyes to see if anyone had noticed. As he quickly scanned the room his eyes came to rest on the newcomers. The spy coughed several times, unable to control the fear that was eliciting this response. After a several minutes the spy was able to recover himself and address the issue of who and what the newcomers were. Forcing himself to look in their direction he studied them for a few moments. They were Hydroloths. A race of frog shaped Yugoloth that were called Hydroloths! His jaw fell open and he let out a silent scream. As he did so the Hydroloths turned and looked directly at him.

I am joined to my neighbor. My neighbor is joined to me. Together we form a greater whole. But we are not complete. We, that is I, am missing something. This incompleteness is not a natural state. Another neighbor is added to my neighbor. Soon we shall be whole and complete. Very soon.

In a dark region of a vast and silent swamp, the surface of the water rippled for the first time in centuries. The ripples spread out swiftly, heralding a growing change and the birth of a new order.