the fall of edras

Gozran 16, 4707

"I don't care what the local laws say, we need to operate in that town." The man's voice was authoritative with a sinister edge. The darkness of the room only added to the unease that the messenger felt.

"They aren't local laws, my lord," the young man stammered out. "This is Andoran. They have firmly stood against slavery since its founding."

A heavy sigh from the darkness. "My father is old enough to remember the founding of Andoran, so whatever laws it holds so dear are naught but the words of men. They are easily ignored, twisted, or broken. Might I remind you that what we're doing is for the good of the world?"

The messenger nodded quickly, not knowing what would happen if he answered otherwise. He stole a few glances around the room. The ancient architecture filled the boy with an intense dread and felt sure that he could see spectral images darting into focus from the corners of his eyes. "Of course, my lord. I would never seek to jeopardize the-"

"Then you understand that we must do whatever it takes." The man who he called master leaned forward in his divan, his face scarcely older than the messenger's. "Get me The Chemist. Edras will fall into line as have the rest."

The boy went pale. "The... The Chemist, sir?" He had met the man once in passing and thought that there were no more awful sight than him. The way he stared through someone or how he seemed to weigh the worth of each passing soul left the messenger feeling inferior in so many ways. "I didn't think that I would have permission to-"

"I'm giving you permission." The master of the room stood up and paced over to an antique cupboard and drew forth a crystal cask. As he poured himself a thick red beverage, he added coolly, "Tell him to release the Scarlet Mist."