I was told once by my father

“The only difference between Respect and Fear, is how one presents their blade to others”

Just visiting Sistegard now would tell any young magician why the common people hate and fear magic.

I can still hear the crackling of the earth beneath my feet and feel the unnatural heat through my shoes and clothes.

I can still see the remains of the people of Sistegrad. The souls are gone, but the bodies are still mangled and manipulated by rampant energies. Every movement cracking their skin and bones just a little more.

The anacrusis here will likely persist for centuries.

There is no village called Sistegrad here.

Not anymore.

I know we are at war, but…

These were people…

They had families…

Was it truly necessary to destroy Sistegrad so thoroughly?

If this is a war for the soul of Njordr…

What soul will be left when the wages of war have been paid?