[b]Walter
Chapter 10: Experiment, Concluded[/b]

Walter fell through the blue flame again, he had gained the understanding of the past, although it had only been books he knew that the source was reliable. The scholars of the ancient empire had all agreed; The invaders would come to feed upon their world and the price to pay for stopping them may be too large. What fate had fallen upon the Empire Walter did not learn, perhaps the invaders had sundered it into the ruins he had seen, or maybe the mages of times past had done so, to save themselves. The thoughts flurried through Walter's mind as he fell through the fire that swirled around him. He did not know how long he had spent in the library or how many books he had read exactly - Now he returned, his eyes opened and he rose his head. His body was numb and the room around him was dark, there was no sign of the Witch or the Spirit Walker but rain still smattered against the window to his right. Walter got out of the chair with a grumble, his back ached but he was clear of mind and he soon heard a voice outside of the door.
	"That must be him." It was Simoron, the witch had to be speaking with Larnicus. Walter looked to the door and he opened his mouth to speak.
	"Simoron, Larnicus." He said. "You won't believe the things that I have witne-.." The door opened and Walter stopped. Two warriors entered first, they wore large brown cloaks and each carried a Catalyst staff, spiked and deadly. Their helmets were adorned with one feather each that signified their post as royal escort. They stepped to the side and firmly tapped their staves to the ground. The King came after. He wore a dull gaze as he looked around the room, his brown eyes ended their journey on Walter himself, as if he was the least interesting thing in the building. The man was not larger than his guards but he carried an aura of eminence and worship. His hair was shaved down to his scalp and over it he wore a metal circlet which intricately surrounded a vast red gem that sat by his forehead. Walter gazed upon the powerful middle-aged man, his impression always left Walter awed as well as inspired. His tunic was the colour of red and brown, rather than the usual Valentian Owl with spread wings he wore the Heart of the god itself upon his fanciful tabard. Brown feathers surrounded the man's shoulders and around his back, closing together with his vast cape. He held his hands behind his back and his chin was pointed up proudly as he gazed upon Walter. Walter had never seen it before but he had Olive's eyes, or rather, she had his. He gulped and then immediately went to one knee, looking into the ground rather than staring at his king.
	"I have been told of your project, Andalus." The King said, his voice was collected but held its usual tinge of annoyance. The man was a descendant of Godly lineage and his time was precious to waste. Walter had no intention to do so and he let the King speak until directly asked a question. The King paced, slowly and with certainty he walked around the dark room, he stopped where the candle stood, it had nearly burnt down completely now, its fire had returned to its usual orange. The Sorcerer-King spoke again.
	"You have gone beyond - As the myth says; A man of Blue, one of Red, and one of Black - To Usurp the Spirits." The King looked back to Walter, who still held his head and his eyes down. Fearful of what may follow.
	"Little more than a Legend, wouldn't you say. Andalus?" The Sorcerer-King had returned and stood above him now, clearly expecting a response.
	"I..." Walter started nervously. "I know not of Legends, my liege. The empire I have seen, its secrets I have witnessed. I know them to be true, I have learned and done so much." 
	"What you have done, Andalus. Is alongside two other members of my council, performed a spell believed impossible." The King loomed threateningly. He soon corrected himself. "Perhaps I am giving you too much credit, you were only a mannequin of their spell, after all." The King rose a hand calmly and Walter could feel the urge to rise within his very blood, so he did. He went up to his feet and he looked upon his Lord with a respectful glance.
	"This will cease. I will not accept my adjutants to follow such prophecy and lead us to doom. My grand-father suffered this mistake - Catalog what you have learned, Andalus. For the respect I have of your fathers, and by the mercy of my family I will allow you to remain among my council. Be glad you do are allowed such." The King was concise and firm, Walter could do nothing but nod and say his thanks. The Sorcerer-King turned, his droll gaze leaving the wizard. He stepped out of the door and was quickly trailed by the two royal guards. They walked into the rain, Walter looked after them, five more of the guards awaited them outside, and as the king joined them Walter could see the very rain part in the King's path. Walter then spotted Simoron looking at him by the edge of the doorframe. She smiled thinly, probably just as appreciative of being alive as Walter was, Walter did not see Larnicus the Spirit-Walker anywhere. Simoron took a step into the building, the witch breathed out a sigh of relief and then looked at Walter.
	"Come on. We've got a war to win."