The Sage's Daughter: Prologue

He stood at the window, his hard eyes scanning the city. A light went out, then another and another. He turned his gaze to the tall buildings, watching as people went to and fro. He fingered a knife in his gloved hands, running it against his palm.

The door behind Him slid opened silently. His black cape swished slightly as He turned his head. A man, dressed all in black stood in the doorway.

“Come, Adar. Make your report.”

Adar walked slowly up to the caped one.

“My Master, Aymeric, America is ours in full.”

Aymeric aloud his servant a smile.

“You did well, Adar.”

He turned back to the window.

“Your plan succeeded.”

“No,” his Master corrected him. “My plan has just begun. Cand will take Abiodun by force, and the world will love us for it. Jacob will work his way into Dashia, but you, Adar, you will start to reform this land we have worked so hard for.”

Another light went out.

“Look, what do you see?” he asked.

His servant looked out, seeing the city lights and people.

“I see a destitute country, Master.” he said in a low murmur.

Aymeric nodded.

“This is what war does. But now, we must show the people how good it can be to live under us. Schools, factories, hospitals. The hand of the Mark's must been shown.”

“Of course. And they will.” Adar answered, his dark eyes watching the knife that his Master was holding.

Aymeric put the dagger in its sheath and clasped his hands behind his back.

“Activate CM7.”

Adar hesitated for a second, then bowed his head.

“It will be done as you say, Master.”

He turned and began to walk towards the door when Aymeric's voice stopped him.

“Adar, do all that I have said and you will get your prize... And much more.”

He heard the door close as he kept his eyes on the city outside, watching.