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Where am I? I'm completely engulfed in darkness. My body feels weighted down. I cannot move my arms or legs. I... I hurt. I'm covered with bruises. Something's happened to me. What was it? I don't remember much. Must think, must bring back my memories, as best I can recall them.

I was with Vanguard. No. No, I'd already left Vanguard. But I was with someone from Vanguard. Who?

Edulcore. The Eurostar. Was he in trouble? Was I helping him? An old man was there. The ancient wizard Myrddin. I hate wizards. He always shows up whenever I think I've finally rid myself of his hold on me. We were on a mission, Ed and I. What was it? His... his son? Yes. His son was captured by the foul wizard Aurochs.

Aurochs. Myrddin. I hate wizards. They manipulate me like a pawn on a grand chess board. They have only ever played me for a fool. I dislike Myrddin, but I hate Aurochs. Myrddin has always used me in his schemes, but he allowed me choice each time. Aurochs used me, set me up to betray Vanguard. I would have, had I not died in my previous incarnation, when I was Mason Templar. That death and resurrection, the latest of many over the centuries I've lived, undid Aurochs' spell on me. He never made me a traitor.

So close, though. But for my death, I would have become a traitor to my allies in Vanguard and to the world. I would have become Aurochs' pawn and slave, doing his bidding unawares.

That is the reason I sought to find Aurochs and end his life. If Ed's son can be captured as well, all the better. But Aurochs must die.

My head is throbbing. I can taste my own blood dripping down the side of my face. Where am I?

I hear a sound. It's distant, sounding to my ears a million miles away, but I know it must be close—the next room.

There's light dimly shining from beneath a doorway. A crack of light ever expanding seems to flood the room as the door opens, though I know it cannot truly be that bright. My eyes have not seen light for hours, possibly longer.

Two men whisper. No, there is another. I can smell perfume—a woman.

The scent brings the merest flash of memory back to me. I was in a casino. I was in a casino in Las Vegas, before I ended up here. But I don't remember how I got here.

Until I know more, I will feign unconsciousness while my body heals itself. I will listen, learn, and wait until the moment to strike.

They will all die for this outrage.