Azphelumbra, Player.

Brigade General Valetta says you've been playing a key role in the hunt for Siel's Relics. How are things faring?

Player: "Not as well as they could be...."

So you chased Traitor Kumbanda to the Udas Temple? You've done quite well, then. I'm sure that we'll retrieve Siel's Relics soon. Fate is on our side.

But I digress.... Brigade General Valetta asked to see you. You'd better hurry over there--the future of Atreia rests on your shoulders.

Player: "I will do this."

I'm glad you came so quickly, Player. It seems that our efforts have paid off.

We have found Kumbanda.

Player: "Where is he?"

Kumbanda has left for the Altar of Transcendence, above Dragonrest. No doubt he plans to attempt his ceremony again--to revive a dead Dragon with the power of Siel's Relics. If only we knew why....

You should hurry--the Fatebound Legion has prepared an ambush. All we need is for you and Anilmo to provoke Kumbanda. He'll fall right into our trap.

Now go! Anilmo is waiting for you at Altar of Transcendence.

Player: "At long last...."

Keep your voice low, Player. Kumbanda is here.

We can't see him right now because the power of the Relic is hiding him, but I have something that will reveal his location. Are you ready?

Player: "I am."

Blast! I had no idea the Fatebound Legion had an ambush planned. We were nothing but bait!

How Kumbanda continues to escape, through Balaur and Asmodian alike...baffling! But at least we know where he's headed. There is only one place left to attempt his ceremony--the Beshmundir Temple.

I will head there to surveil the area. You should report to Brigade General Valetta.

Player: "I will meet you there."

How did things go at the Altar of Transcendence, Player? To hear the Fatebound Legion tell it, nothing went right.

Player: "It wasn't pretty...."

How could he evade both our Legion and Tiamat's troops? The Relic is much more powerful than I imagined!

Anilmo was correct--Kumbanda's next and final destination must be the Beshmundir Temple. But as you've seen, even if we trap him there, we will be no match for him. We need to block the power of Siel's Relics.

I know of no one in Gelkmaros who can help us. Perhaps you should go to the Convent of Marchutan and ask High Priest Agehia for help.

Player: "There must be a way."

Say nothing--your coming was foretold, and from an unexpected source.

Do you remember Munin? Yes, I can see that you do. He was the one who aided in your ascension. He has been watching you, and he told me you would come here, today, for my help.

Player: "And can you help me?"

Know this: the power of Siel's Relics comes neither from light nor from darkness, but from the Protector. Even Lord Azphel could not control their power easily. But there is a way to overcome this power, and it has already been prepared, thanks to Munin's prophecy. I speak of the Concentrated Vitality of Balaur Brigade General Anuhart, from Dark Poeta.

You must go to Heimdall, who has the Concentrated Vitality. Take it to Vellun, who will tell you what to do, though he does not realize it yet.

This is the will of destiny.

Player: "May Fate guide us all."

Azphelumbra, Player. I heard you were recently in Gelkmaros? How was it? Do you think we have a chance?

Player: "We do, if you have..."

...the Concentrated Vitality? Yes. I was told you'd come for it, by my old teacher. Munin. Funny--he even got the exact hour of the day right.

Anyway, here it is. Munin told me it would help fight the Balaur, but I don't see how. It's just a crystal full of dark energy. Powerful, sure. But powerful enough?

I suppose it doesn't matter. It's all in your hands now.

Player: "Blood for blood."

Azphelumbra. What brings you here?

Player: "Munin didn't tell you?"

Munin predicted all this? Hmmm.... He is certainly no ordinary Daeva, though a rebel, like Kumbanda I suppose. If you are to defeat him--Kumbanda, I mean--you must know that physical attacks will not harm him.

However, a mental attack might slip past his defenses. It might even make him give up the relic voluntarily. Anuhart's Vitality might be strong enough to do this...but let's add some insurance.

There are many powerful Balaur deep inside the Earthfang Gorge. Defeat them and gather their blood, then take it with the Concentrated Vitality and see Hresvelgr. He will do what I cannot.

Player: "It is as good as done."

Wha....oh, it's just you, Player.

You startled me. There is an eerie Balic energy about you. Why is this?

Player: "I need your help...."

I see.... Well, if we're trying to create the most potent combination, we should also add some of Tahabata's blood, which I have here. Mixed with Anuhart's Vitality and Balaur blood....

Yes, this should work...and...I'm...finished!

Here, take this vial. If this is not enough to control that Drakan's mind, nothing is.

Player: "I hope this works."

Azphelumbra, Player. Vellun said you had carried something that might stop Kumbanda.

Are you ready to go to the Beshmundir Temple? You know how to get there, right?

Player: "I think so."

The Archons in the Vorgaltem Battlefield have offered their help. Specifically, Ranack in the Vorgaltem Citadel and Hrimfaxi in the Crimson Temple.

They can tell you more about the Silentera Canyon and Beshmundir Temple, but you must first help them in their efforts to occupy fortresses before they can truly help you.

Don't be distracted by your mission, though. As soon as you're able, head to the Beshmundir Temple. Find Kumbanda and retrieve Siel's Relics.

Player: "Blood for blood."

Greetings Daeva. Are you here to help hold the fortress? We need it to hold a dominant position in the war over Gelkmaros.

Did you know this is a Balaur fortress? It's true. It holds many secrets, and it was only recently that we learned it has a secret function.

If the same army can occupy both the Vorgaltem Citadel and the Crimson Temple, one can open the Silentera Eastgate.

Player: "Tell me more of this Gate."

It opens onto a wide passage under Gelkmaros. We have no idea who built it, or where it goes. Silentera Canyon may be just a small part of a much larger passage.

Some claim the Canyon links up with another part of Tiamat's territory--Inggison, a place occupied by Kaisinel and the sun-addled Elyos. The corridor may even be connected with Tiamaranta. Who knows?

One thing is sure--the Balaur used the Silentera Canyon for ages, and hid something so important that they built two fortresses to protect it. I mean the Beshmundir Temple. Hrimfaxi in the Crimson Temple knows more about that.

Player: "Then that is my destination."

Ah, Player! Brigade General Valetta said you were coming. You are no doubt here to learn more about the Beshmundir Temple.

Long ago, a great battle was fought between the Balaur Emperor and rebels--many Balaur lost their lives. It is said that those rebellious Balaur now rest inside the temple.

Of course, I'm not exactly sure--I haven't been in there myself. For all I know there could be a sleeping dragon inside.

Player: "Kumbanda wishes to wake a dragon."

So I've heard. For what it's worth, I hope there aren't any dragons in there. Especially if that's where you're headed.

If we Asmodians occupy both the Vorgaltem Citadel and the Crimson Temple, we can open the Eastern Entrance of Silentera Canyon. We should not miss that chance.

If we can do that, you can pass through the Silentera Canyon and find the Beshmundir Temple. Then it's all up to you.

Player: "Kumbanda will fall."

Blast! Despite all our efforts, Siel's Relics fell into Tiamat's hands. How did we not foresee this? I bet the Elyos are sailing towards Tiamaranta even now....

Don't blame yourself. It was my responsibility. It was I who failed to plan ahead.

But we cannot bemoan fate. We must take action before the Elyos defeat Tiamat. We shall fill Lumiel's Crystal with the power of Aether and set sail on the battleship.

Stand ready for war!