I am back once again! If you missed the last chapter, you can find it [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/227292083?sort=0&page=0]here.[/url] If you're looking for all the chapters, go to the [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/222701511?sort=0&page=0]Table of Contents[/url]. Enjoy the chapter! The forest was quiet, thick, and the sun barely peered through. A cool breeze relieved my weary soldiers who had been marching for days. We moved unseen and avoided contact with the Devils that claimed dominion over the dead cities of Germany. They barely go through the forest and would never know about our passing. Not to mention the forces of the city who try to hunt us throughout the solar system. Renegades, traitors, and murderers: all names that they have branded us. They cannot find us. Every time a trace appears, we are quick to leave. A simple law to live by in this system: never stay in one place for too long. That's what is wrong with the City. It works for them now, but will have setbacks later down the road, and the Speaker knows it. Good thing I am prepared for that. The jagged weapon I carry has given me carelessness for others and that makes my chances of survivability better in a way. A while back though, I built a survival group because I realized that some might be interested in a new way of living. My followers wore dark armor to symbolize their allegiance to me and to represent what they have become. Some call us mimicries of Yor, mere shadows, but we are not him. He never had what we have. My soldiers trudged and held a steady pace across the German woods. A small garrison of Wolves came along with us to make sure we met up with the rest of their pack at the Elbe River. Skolas and Vrayth shouldn't worry about it, since we know this place better than most and can handle ourselves. I could tell my soldiers did not like traveling with the Wolf Pack. Neither sides trust each other in the slightest. They've never been hired to work with Fallen before, and clearly have their opinions on the Kell of Kells. Personally, I think his attempt is foolish and will only get so far until those bounty hunters get him. One of my soldiers looked over at one of them with disgust. "How long do we have to smell the pelts on these dishonored brutes' backs?" The Wolf snarled at him, despite only knowing something was said to him but not what was said. I glare at him with judgment. "As if you have honor to speak of, Lech. Remember your place, or I'll make your place in the ground." I draped my hand on where I kept my jagged Thorn, and he looked down in fear. "Let's keep moving." My apprentices were extremely loyal after watching me execute many, many examples. They knew how this life was when they joined me, so they expect it when we have dissenters. I have put a bullet between several desperate heads that dissented from the City's restrictions, and soon after dissented from mine. Only one has ever escaped my grasp at a camp in North America. I still remember his name, and he was quite the amusing one, and a good soldier. The fact that he runs with the one I am hunting, Vesrik, makes this a lot more fun. I know he remembers me, especially after the way I killed his woman. Oh, his reaction was priceless! It almost makes me happy that he's alive; I want to look him in the eyes with nothing but a friendly smile. The men and Fallen alike marched ever closer to the Elbe River. We would see it soon, but they were tiring. Many of us have been on foot from Minsk. We've had to dodge Devil crews left and right, but thankfully, we were almost there. The Wolf garrison that traveled with us now was met in Warsaw, one of few Wolf territories in Europe. Everyone jumped at the sound of a skiff booming out of the sky. Of course the Devils are scoping around at this time. I yell out to the Wolves and Dredgens, "Everyone, find a place to hide!" I said it in Eliksni as well so everyone knew. The flock of Fallen and man scurried in many directions, but didn’t stray too far. They got under logs, leaned firmly against trees, and some lay on the ground motionless. The skiff was just above the trees, searching for something. We kept our weapons close, and I held my Thorn purposefully. The Devils were slow and they patrolled with the purpose to hunt. They knew Wolves were in the European Dead Zone, and they wanted to find them. Unfortunate that the Devils have numbers but little organization. I’m surprised they were able to get some search crews to tackle us, or at least try. The skiff hovered over for a few short moments, checking the area. The trees gave us enough cover to cloud their sight, and we were all hiding in nicks and crannies. The skiff gave up and flew to the east. Good for us since they aren’t heading for the Rhine. I shouted, “Alright, let’s keep moving! We can’t waste any more time, and if I catch any stragglers I’m gonna have to put ya down!” Everyone got to their feet quickly and kept pace while I took point. We walked for an hour more, and the Elbe River finally came into sight. I could see the relief in my soldiers’ faces and it looked like just another day for the Fallen. Everyone looked up in awe once had seen what was all across the coastline of both sides of the river. A massive amount of tents, weaponry, and Wolves were entrenched into this area. They wanted this to be a decisive victory. Skolas knows that Vesrik will be bringing in a lot of Fallen into Scar in a short amount of time now that they have settled into Paris. The City will also notice a flocking, which is good for no one in this attack which is why it must be a ground assault. Skolas is already having problems since every time he drops forces from the air, the Queen or City knows. This is something they will not be able to react fast enough to. The Wolf garrison that came with us already went to greet their brothers. I looked to my soldiers and said, “Make yourselves cozy. I’m gonna speak with Skolas.” I wandered around the camp for a bit, getting dirty looks from the Wolf Pack. I sneered at each and every one of them, and even smirked at a few of them for fun. Then I came across a larger, teal tent with massive Wolf banners draped across it. He makes himself so obvious. Two armed vandals stood at the entrance and allowed me passage. They said in their language, “Welcome, Dredgen Rel. The Kell of Kells is expecting you.” I replied with a smile, “Pleasures all mine.” The first thing I notice is all the massive, ether-infused barons and zealots in the room. The largest of them sat in the back of the room sitting in a chair for a king. I received glares and snarls from many of the Fallen as I passed by, but kindly returned them to their proper owners. As I walked up to Skolas, one of his guards approached me. He said in Eliksni, “Kneel before the Kell of Kells!” I smirked and said, “Quick question: is that required of me since I don’t believe in your crazy prophecy?” The guard became furious. Skolas called the guard back calmy, and he snarled at me before leaving. The Wolf Kell stood up before me and smiled behind his mask. “Dredgen Rel. It is a pleasure to hunt with you.” I remove my dark hood and grin wickedly. “I assure you, Skolas, the pleasure of this hunt is all mine. Has Vrayth told you when he wants us to mobilize?” “He wants us to mobilize in a week. The latest update he gave me was that he was getting Vesrik comfortable and building a trust. House Scar is gathering forces, but I assure you, we will overwhelm them.” Skolas seemed very confident about this. I shrugged and told him, “Unfortunate that we have to do that. I know we’re trying to avoid the planned movements of the Devils in Europe, but a week? I’m going to get bored by then, and the trip there will be long enough for me.” Skolas stood and stroked the Wolf banner on the wall purposefully. “I know you have a bloodlust, Rel, but your agenda is not as important as mine. This is symbolic for the unification of the houses.” What he said made me laugh. “We’ll see during the battle. I just hope I get to see an old… friend.” I smiled with depravity and played with my corrupted Rose. I knew Rager would be [i]happy[/i] to see me after all this time.