The vampire hated Makilor. He hated everything that the city stood for, but he had no choice, he was forced to be here, Ba-ul Naran fit his mood better, but his failed attempt on Osen the Red’s life had made his stays there less than hospitable. No Makilor fit his mood like a glove, he had been forced from visiting Rac Semdar for quite some time now, Phaet’s henchmen had been patrolling the area surrounding Rac Semdar. Miserable as he was the vampire thoroughly enjoyed tormenting the populace of Makilor, it was amazing what a little snarl and a smear of blood on your face would do.

Lifting the lid from his coffin slightly the vampire cursed silently as light streamed into his eyes, yet the light did not burn him as sunlight would. He let the lid slip back into place, hoping that whatever the source of the light was did not notice the movements from the coffin. Quickly assessing the situation the vampire reached for his twin blades and firmly grasped each in his hands as he prepared to deal with the intruder. The vampire was not a stupid man, he knew what it meant for light to be allowed in his chamber, either it was a clumsy assassin or the most stupid thief that the realm had ever known, either way he decided that another kill would be added to the long list of charges that the idiot guardsmen would bring upon him. With an angry growl the vampire forced the lid of his coffin wide open and sprung forth, ready to deal with the interloper. To his shock it was neither thief nor assassin, rather it was one of the serving maids from the bar below. Most men would think of her as a pretty thing, but the vampire was more than any man, and to him she was nothing more than plain. Growling to himself he sheathed one of his blades as he stared intently at the woman, bending her to his will.

"Explain yourself."

The maid shuddered, the vampire’s voice was colder than ice, she doubted not in the least the rumors that the vampire could as easily slit her from cervix to sternum as he would lace his boots. She had taken note that he had not sheathed his second blade, the vampire trusted no one.

"I… I…."

"You what?"

"Warr….Warrio…. Warrior…. down…."

"Damn it woman, speak and begone before I change my mind about sparing your life."

The thought of her death overwhelmed the maid as she blurted out, "Warrior downstairs looking for you."

Sighing to himself the vampire knew that a warrior meant that some other fool was trying to take advantage of the fifty-thousand gold piece ransom on his head, turning away from the woman the vampire began to gather his things. Barely five minutes of consciousness and already he would be in for some fun, the vampire grinned wickedly as he strapped his massive battle axe to his back and laced up his boots.

The vampire continued to dress himself when a sound caught his notice, the woman had not left his room and the tell-tale jingle of coins alerted him to her presence. Allowing the maid to think that he had not noticed he continued to go about his preparations. She thinks she’s going to get away with stealing from me. By Nixil, I love the living, they bring me endless enjoyment. Repressing a chuckle the vampire heard as the woman shut close his purse and edge toward the door, trying to make as little noise as possible. Unfortunately for her she would never reach the doorknob, in a blur as fast as night the vampire reached into his boot and in one fluid motion drew a dagger and hurled it at the woman, he did not have to look to know that the dagger had embedded itself deeply in the would-be thief’s chest. As the young lady’s dying gurgles filled the silence the vampire stepped over the woman and drew forth the dagger and tasted the blood. It was sweet, a woman of innocence, it made the vampire wonder what drove the woman to theft. As the vampire reached for the doorknob he remembered the woman’s warning of a warrior, if this bounty hunter was smart he would be waiting to strike as the vampire opened the door.

Grabbing the young lady’s body he opened his door and pushed the dead woman’s body out into the hallway. When nothing happened the vampire stepped into the hallway and as he turned to head to the stairs a dagger flew at his head. With unnatural speed the vampire stopped the dagger in mid-flight and turned to face his assailant. He was not surprised to see who it was. Standing before the vampire was the most beautiful woman in the realms, and also the deadliest. Her jet-black bodysuit clung to her as if it were a second skin, rolling over her beautiful firm breasts, down her slim waist and over her rounded hips. Her lips were rouged and her skin unblemished, regardless of the time or the task, Amadan always made sure that she looked good. If the vampire still had his human longings there would be no doubt that he would feel an irresistible attraction to the assassin, but he had left that behind in turn for the power that gave him the unnatural speed and phenomenal strength of a vampire.

"What do you want woman?"

"Just making sure you’re ready for anything."

With a seductive look in her eyes the assassin pressed herself close against the vampire. Running her hands over his arms she looked up at him and leaned in to kiss the vampire. Grumbling to himself the vampire firmly gripped Amadan’s arm and thrust her aside.

"I tire of your games whore. Leave me be."

"Fine, be like that, I was just having a little fun with you."

Turning from Amadan the vampire descended the stairs.

**

The Screaming Ogre Bar and Inn was the most successful business venture in the city of Makilor, the barkeep enjoyed a lucrative business and was overjoyed to serve his customers. The barkeep had been an adventurer in his youth, but no longer, like all adventurers time had run it’s course and he settled down to run the bar that he had built with his money from adventuring. He thoroughly enjoyed being a barkeep and exchanging stories with his customers. At the Screaming Ogre, everyone was welcome, human and non-human alike. Tonight was a very busy night for the bar and nearly every table was occupied, lovers, adventurers, and local townsfolk mingled freely as the liquor ran abundantly.

The silence came as a wave, beginning at the base of the staircase the silence covered the room. Descending from the stairs was the one thing that the barkeep hadn’t taken into account when he had set his policy of tolerance, a vampire. It was strange to have one walking amongst the city, most of it’s kind had taken refuge in the Lugosz’s mansion to the west. The crowd knew that the vampire had a chamber in the Inn, but it did not dull the effect that the undead monster had on the people. All knew of his reputation, yet none dared speak his name. The vampire was known to kill anyone who dared utter his name without permission.

Grinning on the inside the vampire surveyed to room and was overjoyed as to the fact that he still had the effect that he had on the herd. Night after night he descended the stairwell, and night after night they would all stand there in stunned silence until he left the room. It was power, and the vampire drank in his power. A sudden noise woke him from his reverie as the entire room let out a collective gasp, none had ever dared make a noise when one of the lords of darkness appeared, it was no ordinary noise either, it was clapping.

The offender sat at the table closest to the door and continued his clapping as he rose to his feet and spoke, "A magnificent entrance vampire, I must say. Do you practice often?"

The vampire nearly trembled with rage at the affront and drew forth his blades. Deliberately stalking towards the offender the vampire wanted to taste his fear and allow the offender’s fear to fuel him. As he approached the offender the vampire’s ire grew as the offender didn’t even stand to meet him. The offender continued to sit as if the vampire’s drawn blades caused him no trouble.

"STAND WORM!"

The offender continued to sit as he sipped from his ale. The vampire could not believe this sheep’s audacity, to mock him!

"I TOLD YOU STAND WORM!"

The entire crowd had gathered near the table to see what would occur between the vampire and the offender. The offender wasn’t even looking at him! The vampire could not believe it, this man had the nerve to disturb his entrance and had the gall to ignore him when he addressed him.

"This is your last chance, I will kill you if you do not"

Before the vampire could finish his sentence the offender turned his attention to the vampire and spoke, "I heard you the first time."

"YOU DARE! You dare mock ME? Do you not know who I am?"

"Of course I know who you are, You’re Keystone. Keystone the vampire, horse rapist and woman stealer."

The crowd had never seen this before, never had anyone dared utter the vampire’s name in his presence, much less insult him.

"You will pay for that."

"I somehow doubt that."

It was at that moment that the offender chose to stand. The crowd was shocked. Standing nearly eight feet tall the man was a mountain of muscle. Cracking his neck to each side the offender cracked his knuckles and towered over the vampire. His arms were lined in ceremonial tattoos of a the barbarians, though he had never heard of this particular barbarian. Keystone knew what the half-giant had planned, but he knew better than to be goaded by the sheer size of the man. Keystone had stood in the presence of Lord Sanaluth of Rac Semdar and Lord Scythen without so much as flinching. He would no doubt dispose of this braggart with ease. The bigger they are, the more they bleed was always his motto.

"So you know who I am, but who are you? A little boy who has lost his mother?" A look of sadness crossed the eyes of the barbarian and Keystone knew he had struck a nerve. This would be all to easy to dispose of this behemoth. Keystone had already struck him where it counted and he knew it. "Or are you another would-be hero with his father’s sword?" That remark struck the warrior better than Keystone had ever dreamed. "If you want to see what a true fighter is, meet me in Market Square."

Keystone would enjoy toying with this member of the flock, he had already demoralized the large barbarian, now not only would he embarrass him in front of the city, he would take his life and he would drink well tonight. The serving maid was merely an appetizer, his night’s meal would ensure he slept well come morning. With a flourish of his cloak Keystone exited the Screaming Ogre and headed to Market Square. Taking a position behind a statue of Ran De Lucian Keystone readied himself for the barbarian’s arrival. It would almost be too easy, Keystone considered leaving his hidden position but the thought quickly passed. He eagerly awaited the barbarian’s arrival. Sheathing his twin blades Keystone drew forth his massive battle axe and waited.

He didn’t have to wait long, the barbarian entered the square, his shoulder’s slumped somewhat and his eyes down-trodden. Keystone almost felt sorry for the barbarian, almost. When the barbarian drew forth his first weapon Keystone nearly fell down laughing, the barbarian wielded a blue-steeled falchion, one of the most unreliable weapons on Entia. When the second weapon was drawn Keystone considered lending the barbarian a weapon, but as before the thought quickly passed. The barbarian thought he would defeat the mighty Keystone with a blue-steeled falchion and a large steel mace. The barbarian scanned the area but saw no sign of Keystone. The barbarian began to leave when Keystone hurled a stone at the barbarian. Turning about the barbarian looked to see where the source of the attack had come from, only to leave himself open to Keystone sudden attack from behind.

Keystone leapt down from the statue of Ran De Lucian and slammed his axe down towards the barbarian, scoring a direct hit onto the barbarian’s armor, sending the massive man reeling. The barbarian’s weapons had been knocked loose from his hands and Keystone pressed his advantage. Swinging his axe with a practiced ease Keystone began to slowly embarrass the barbarian. Poking and prodding him with his axe Keystone was enjoying making a mockery of this giant of a man. Keystone had demoralized the barbarian twice before, sending the barbarian into a state of depression that made him unable to fight. Keystone decided that before he would kill the barbarian physically, he would kill him emotionally.

"You know barbarian, it’s a shame you know? Your poor parents have to watch this from the heavens, but don’t worry, I’ll find your whore of a sister and show her a thing or two about men."

It had worked, the barbarian was now on all fours, trembling with emotion, Keystone had done what he had set out to do, he had killed this man on the inside. Grinning to himself Keystone raised his axe for the final blow to end this being’s miserable existence.

**

Edje knelt there, his hands on the ground and his head swimming from the pain and suffering he had suffered from the vampire. Edje was sure that he would have been able to beat the vampire, and enlist his help. He had come to Makilor to make a name for himself and here he was, on his knees before the lord of darkness. The vampire’s words had struck him deeply in the inn when he mentioned his mother and father, who now lay buried at Frostholt. Edje was lost, his father’s blade had been knocked away from him, and his grandfather’s mace lost also. He had made a mistake, he was no match for this opponent. Edje prepared himself for the death that he knew would come when the vampire paused and spoke.

"You know barbarian, it’s a shame you know? Your poor parents have to watch this from the heavens, but don’t worry, I’ll find your whore of a sister and show her a thing or two about men."

Edje was suddenly 12 years old and back in Frostholt, reliving the darkest memory that he had.

As quickly as that memory faded another entered Edje’s mind, as Rourk’s voice spoke in his mind.

Edje, the art of being a Barbarian is knowing how to control your rage and to unleash it when it is necessary, you must find your focus and use that focus to unleash the spirit of the barbarian within you.

Edje’s body trembled as the image of the rose falling from his sister’s head into a pool of blood brought out the rage that had helped him survive the Frost Giant’s assault on Frostholt. Edje could feel the strength returning to his arms as his body continued to tremble. A tear fell from his eye as he remembered his sister. Above him he heard Keystone raise his axe for the finishing blow.

Drawing the rage into him Edje clenched his fists together and slammed them upward into Keystone’s chin, sending the vampire reeling. Keystone lost his grip on his axe and let it fall to the ground. Keystone could not believe it, he thought he had the barbarian beaten and out of nowhere the barbarian sends him reeling. Cursing himself for not finishing it earlier Keystone drew forth his twin blades and approached the hulking barbarian. A scream unlike anything Keystone had heard echoed through the square as the barbarian unleashed his rage and sounded his battle cry.

"FOR THE HONOR OF FROSTHOLT!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Keystone stalked towards Edje and quickly slashed at the barbarian’s legs and scored a direct hit on the barbarian’s leg, effectively crippling him. Or so it should have. Keystone could not believe it as he watched the same leg that he had dealt the crippling blow rise up and slam itself into his face. Keystone fell back a few paces but stayed on his feet. He had never been knocked down in battle and he would not let this be the first time, especially to an unarmed barbarian. Shaking the cobwebs from his skull Keystone approached again, wary of the barbarian, waiting for his opening. A dagger sailed through the air and slammed itself into the barbarian’s arm. With a grin Keystone attacked, he knew Amadan was watching his back. The barbarian was preoccupied with the dagger in his arm and did not notice Keystone creeping up and scoring hit after hit with his blades. Keystone could not believe it, strike after strike with his blades and the barbarian still stood. The barbarian is tough, but he is no match for Osen the Red. Keystone continued his assault, remembering every trick he had learned his many years on Entia, doing his best to take down the raging barbarian.

Edje’s head was swimming with pain, the fact that he was still standing was amazing, the poison from Amadan’s blade burned his body and the cuts from Keystone’s blades caused him excruciating pain but he refused to fall. Edje drew deep within his well of rage and reached for the nearest thing he could use as a weapon. Reaching up to the statue of Makilor’s heroes Edje tore free a stone quarterstaff from the arms of the stone cleric and wielded it. With a skill borne of imminent death the quarterstaff became a blur in Edje’s hands. With speed the stone quarterstaff struck Keystone’s wrist, knocking loose one blade, flicked past the other blade as it caught Keystone in the shoulder, sending the vampire reeling. A thrust of the staff into the vampire’s stomach knocked the wind from his lungs and as Keystone worked to recover his breathe the staff dipped low and swept Keystone’s feet from under him and the vampire lay flat on his back with the barbarian’s makeshift weapon poised over his throat for a final blow.

Keystone could not believe it, but it had finally happened, he had been beaten. Raising his hands in supplication he silently acknowledged the barbarian’s victory. The barbarian moved the quarterstaff and quickly slumped to his knees. Amadan was quickly to Keystone’s side checking on his wounds.

"Are you ok vampire?"

"I’ll be fine whore. That barbarian is tough. It is a marvel that he is still breathing."

"He won’t be breathing for long."

Amadan drew forth a long sharp iron spike and coated it with poison.

"No Amadan."

"Excuse me?"

"No. He defeated me fairly, I would know what he wanted of me."

"A fight of course."

"Shut up woman. He did not come all this way only for a fight. He’s here for something else. I would know what that is."

"If you say so, I still say he’s better off dead."

Grimacing, Keystone walked away from Market Square back to the Temple of Makilor for some healing. He did not bother with the barbarian. This would be the barbarian’s proving ground, if the barbarian could survive the wounds and make it to the temple and be healed then Keystone would be willing to listen, if not then no big loss to the vampire.

**

Keystone sat in the Temple of Makilor, fully healed by Neraz Goldentree. While Neraz was married to that worthless elf Ray Keystone found his wife’s talents quite refreshing. Keystone sat quietly, none of the others in the temple would speak to him, word had come of his loss to the barbarian and none would risk his ire at the mention of the battle. Keystone lay his head against the temple wall and began to meditate to recover the powers he had expended in the battle and to mull over the battle. Keystone had utilized every trick he had, every spell he had available to him and every dirty play he had ever learned and he had still lost. He could scarcely believe it, he would know what the barbarian wanted, only if the barbarian survived.

Lost in his meditation the vampire did not notice the barbarian crawl into the temple, his legs useless and one arm purple and bloated from the poison. The clerics quickly scrambled to the barbarian’s side. Clerics of all faiths came to his side, Cletus the Legionnaire, Neraz Goldentree, even the Paladins came to work their healing magicks on the wounded barbarian. Soon the barbarian was in full health and was able to stand, almost as though the battle had never occurred. The barbarian thanked the clerics and paladins alike as he walked to the back of the temple and roused the vampire.

"So barbarian you finally made it, I was wondering if you ever would. Now what do you want?"

"What?"

"What do you want barbarian? You did not come all this way just to fight me, that much is obvious."

"Very well, you are correct, but let’s not speak here, let us go somewhere private where we can speak."

"Fine, have it your way, meet me in my chambers."

**

"Ok Barbarian, here we are in private, what do you want?"

"I have a name. It’s Edje. Edje Swift."

"Fine. Edje, what do you want?"

"I want to help you make your dreams come true."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"And what do you propose?"

‘We kill Ran."

Keystone could not believe the words that came out of Edje’s mouth. Ran De Lucian was the most powerful man in all the world. To kill him was no small task, he was one man who was to be feared more than himself. Keystone looked in Edje’s eyes for madness, but found none. How the barbarian planned to do this was beyond Keystone’s grasp. Even if it could be done, there was still the queen to deal with.

"You’re insane. Ran’s the best fighter in the realms and Ariella is a legendary mage."

"So?"

"So?!?! So?!?! How do you propose we kill two of the greatest adventurers of all time, we just walk in there and start whacking at them?"

"Generally."

Keystone could not believe the idiocy, that would be certain death for them both if they tried.

"There is no way we could do it Edje. There is no way in hell we could kill both of them by ourselves."

"Oh. I know. Which is why we use these."

Edje tossed Keystone a cylindrical container that pulsed with an intense heat.

"What is this?"

"Solar flares. Protection from weaponry and makes you stronger."

"I see. Why are there three here?"

Edje grinned as a feminine voice sounded behind the vampire. "One’s for me silly."

Keystone turned and could not believe what he saw. Amadan sitting on the lap of the barbarian.

"Amadan? What is your stake in this?"

"Simple my dear vampire. Once you are King of Makilor, I will be Queen."

"So you will be my Queen when I am King. What is your stake in this Edje?"

"No Stake Keystone. I’m doing this for the fun of it."

Keystone shook his head, he could not believe the barbarian. Still, if Amadan was willing, perhaps he should be also. "Very well Edje, I’m in. Tomorrow night, meet me in the dump." Edje nodded as he left the room and shut the door behind him. "Amadan, while I sleep tomorrow I need you to find someone for me…."

As the door closed Edje grinned widely as he could picture Ran’s death. Finally the debt would be repaid for Ran’s lax defense of his border towns and the death of the Swift family.

**

Keystone woke the next evening ready for the night’s task. His dreams the night before had been filled with his rise to power. Keystone didn’t even bother with his normal entrance through the bar tonight, he was too excited with the prospect of becoming King. Leaping down his window Keystone softly padded to the dump to meet Edje and Amadan. As Keystone approached he heard a familiar voice that brought a smile to his lips.

"So where is he Amadan? And what is this idiot barbarian doing here?"

"Calm down Lobo, your mentor will be here soon, as for the barbarian, he defeated Keystone in one on one combat, can you say you’ve down the same?"

"The barbarian beat Keystone?"

Striding into the dump Keystone answered the question. "Yes he did. Your mentor has fallen in battle."

Lobo quickly kneeled before Keystone in respect.

"Get up Lobo, we have work to do. I hope Amadan relayed our mission tonight. I drew up the plans while I slept. It’s a simple plan. Amadan will kill Ariella while the three of us take out De Lucian. Simple, but effective. Once Ariella is dead assist us with Ran Amadan."

The three acolytes of Paghk nodded to each other in silent understanding. The three acolytes looked to the one wild card in the equation and acknowledged him as a necessary risk. Edje would have to be trusted to get this job done.

Standing there in the dump the quartert readied themselves. Keystone tightened his gauntlets and drew forth his twin long swords and blended into the shadows. Lobo summoned forth the power granted to him by his lord Paghk and shapeshifted into a large wolf. Amadan quickly dressed into the garb of a serving woman from the palace and leashed Lobo as to appear more innocent.

Edje shook his head. People are too complicated sometimes. Edje had not been idle this day, he had gone to Frostholt to retrieve his new weapons, the blackened spine of a frost giant, and the holy avenger he had stolen from the leader of the frost giants. With both weapons in hand Edje led the way into Makilor Castle.

Quaffing the flares as they entered the castle Edje quickly disposed of any guardsmen that got in their way as Keystone walked the shadows and the pair of Amadan and Lobo entered through the service entrance. Edje made his way to the Grand Hall and had seen no sign of Amadan or Lobo, or Keystone for that matter. Edje prayed that Keystone was still nearby in the shadows as he neared the throne.

Kneeling before the throne Edje bowed his head to the rulers of Makilor

"Rise my subject."

"Thank you milord."

"This is most unprecedented to have a visitor at this hour. What is it that you require?"

Just then a serving maid entered with her pet wolf. The serving maid brought the rulers their evening meal, but stopped as she noticed the kneeling barbarian.

"Milord I bring a warning."

"A warning of what?"

"Assassins in the castle."

"What? In my castle? Who would be that stupid." Edje chuckled. Then he laughed. Then he cackled. "Boy, what is wrong with you?"

"Nothing milord, I’m just another STUPID subject."

Ran looked confused but then he understood, but it was too late. Keystone leapt out from the shadows and struck Ran in the back with his blades as Edje plunged the blackened spine of the frost giant into Ran’s gut. Lobo quickly shapechanged back to his human form and joined in the attack against Ran. Ariella quickly moved to defend her dear husband when she suddenly gasped in pain as Amadan’s rusty spike slammed home into her back. Ariella was not killed however, merely wounded severely. Amadan gasped in pain as the queen pummeled her with physical attacks. Edje saw this and quickly shoved Amadan aside and brought the battle to Ariella. Keystone screamed at Edje for his lack of discipline, but was cut short as he was forced to focus on Ran. Back and forth they parried attacks, Keystone and Lobo were not faring very well against Ran. Keystone had suffered many wounds and was weakening greatly and didn’t know how much longer he could stand the assault when Lobo rescued him from Ran’s blade and took Ran’s fury upon himself. Keystone quickly recovered some of his strength as he continued to pummel Ran with his attacks. Amadan lay wounded in the corner as Edje continued the assault on Ariella. Edje was glad that Amadan had done a great amount of damage to Ariella before Edje rescued her. It was only a matter of moments before Edje disposed of Ariella and moved on to Ran. Lobo fought hard against Ran but Ran’s onslaught would not cease. Lobo’s wounds were severe and he had no choice but to flee from the battle when Amadan recovered her strength enough to slam her spike into Ran’s back, but Ran was would not be felled so easily. Ran’s fury fell onto the lovely assassin and while Amadan was the most dexterous of all of them she could not avoid Ran’s blade, even with the protection of the flares she was still bleeding and hurt. She looked to Keystone but saw that he was in no condition to assist her. Lobo had returned to the fray but he was beaten badly. Her eyes met Edje’s for a moment as he quickly understood, drawing on his focus Edje shoved Amadan away and challenged Ran directly unlocking the rage that had helped him defeat Keystone the day before. Edje and Ran danced the together, their blades waltzing about as Keystone and Lobo joined in. Amadan rose to her feet and joined the fray, her iron spike landing in spots the others’ blades could not. Ran it seemed could not be felled, whatever they brought to bear upon the massive ruler could not bring him to his knees. Edje’s wounds coated his skin in sticky blood and the floor around him was covered in his blood, but the barbarian would not relent. The acolytes looked at each other and knew that the barbarian would die. They could not finish Ran off before the barbarian’s death. The acolytes screamed at Edje to disengage and flee, but Edje could not hear it through the bloodlust. Just a Ran readied himself for the final blow against Edje he stiffened and fell to his knees. The acolytes rushed to Edje’s side to see if the barbarian was still alive. When it was obvious the barbarian would live Keystone, Lobo, and Amadan looked at each other to deduce what had happened.

Edje grinned to himself as he croaked in a weak voice, "About time you showed up."

The acolytes looked up and saw a familiar face standing over the corpse of the former King of Malkilor, Saint Blackstorm.

**

The coronation occurred later than evening, the forces of good in Makilor were forced to watch as Keystone sucked the blood from the bodies of Ran De Lucian and Ariella. The bodies of the former rulers were hung on display from the walls of the castle to show what would happen to those that would oppose King Keystone’s will. At the coronation King Keystone named Saint Blackstorm his Prime Minister and his faithful student Lobo as King’s Champion. Amadan was enjoying her reign as queen greatly, her beauty enhanced greatly by the newfound power that she had acquired. The forces of evil rejoiced as Boris Lugosz appeared and gave the new King his ring as a sign of accomplishment. From all around the realms, the vile and evil cheered as evil had struck a victory.

Edje took advantage of the celebration to slip away from the throng and ride away on Boris’ nightmare. From a nearby mountain Edje sat and watched the celebration with a mug of cold ale. He raised his mug and cheered, "Congratulations King Keystone. May your reign be long and bloody. Worry not, this is not the end, I have a feeling this is just the beginning for Keystone and Edje."