As instructed, King Sirus silently waited in the high tower looking out the window with great anticipation. On this cold autumn night, an eerily orange moon hung high in the sky as if an omen of what was to come. He could never explain, but somehow always knew that he was made for greatness and had subconsciously waited for this day all his life. As he waited, he gazed upon the grand arches of his father’s chambers and felt a sense of security and contentment like no other.

Suddenly, a dead, cold chill filled the room of the royal chamber as shrieks of various creatures and the sounds of agitated bats clouded the air. Thunder rumbled and lightning split the sky as darkness fell upon the room like an iron blanket. King Sirus was sobered and turned his attention to an enormous fiery-orange object that was glowing with delight. Although somewhat apprehensive, King Sirus felt safe as the feeling of belonging rushed through his veins. At long last this is what he had wished for since birth.

The deep voice of Nefar, the most revered Dark Lord of Athana, reverberated from the sinister glow, “We have awaited this day for what seems like eternity. The time of reckoning is near my son.” The Dark spirit could feel Sirus’ inborn hatred and commended him on the patience and restraint that he had kept in check throughout his life. “I am here to answer the questions you have inwardly sought for many years. As you have long suspected, you once shared your mother’s womb with a sister whose presence you have known for some time. She, however, is a follower of the Lyte. Like you, she also has the gift of sight which could compromise the realization of the 13th Prophecy” he continued. In a chilling voice Nefar warned, “She must be destroyed immediately! To consummate her death and seal her powers with yours, you must ingest a vile of her blood in this very room. Be patient, young Sirus,” the Dark Lord entreated. “In time you will have your chance and claim your sole birthright to complete the code of the 13th Prophecy.”

As King Sirus listened, Nefar proceeded to reveal the 13 symbols that represent the building blocks of the 13th Prophecy. The Dark Lord revealed that the true powers he would need could only be fulfilled through a complex permutation of supernatural forces that resided in each of these selected transgressors. These special individuals that King Sirus must locate bore the 13 symbols and, once found, would soon join him on his campaign. Nefar further explained that their destinies, already slated in the chronicles of the dark long before ever having set foot on Earth, had already been forged into this blueprint of evil.

“Your first task is to find these 13 disciples. They are an eclectic blend of sorcerers, wizards, assassins and miscreants, each gifted with unique qualities from which you will forge an empire of destruction.” A feeling of dark excitement crested in King Sirus as Nefar urged, “It is imperative that you locate the first four of these disciples and complete the Inner Circle. They are gifted with extraordinary powers and when bonded with yours, will enable you alone to channel directly to the Dark Lords.” As the orange mass quietly disappeared into the darkness it advised, “Go now! Seek out the ones that bear the mark and fulfill your destiny.”

At the exact moment that King Sirus was ordained by the Dark Lords of Athana, a bitter chill swept through Argus’ inner being. A feeling of dread pierced his soul and he knew that the time he had both anticipated and feared had finally come. He looked across the room into Stacia’s knowing eyes before looking down at the children that lay sleeping in her arms.