1 Aeolus

The storm raged across the sea. Everything was gone. The Winds of Nature reclaimed the sea back from those who mastered it. Still, people dared to challenge it. There is no limit to human stupidity. Or was it bravery? Hard to tell.

Deep within the center of the chaotic waves and sheets of rain was a black robed figure desperately trying to keep their raft afloat. A small piece of wood, perhaps a remnant of something once far greater, was all that stood between him and certain death. Drenched and cold, the figure continued riding the waves through the storm.

Sometimes within the storm he could see figures moving about. Appearing to be shadows, they circled around the raft. With each lap, winds rose and the rain barreled down ever harder. "I have not infringed upon Aeolus, of what crime am I guilty?" The man on the raft yelled through the rain towards the figures above.

"You know your crime, and it is not our business to dispute it," A disembodied voice thundered through the storm. "We are the executioners. You have been judged." Lightning cracked and the storms blew ever wilder.

"I have committed nothing! You are mistaken! How will your master look upon your frivolous actions disregarding the law of Aeolus?" The man continued, beseeching the winds for mercy.

"The law of Aeolus does not apply to us. We are our master's will, and they will your death," with that, a giant wave hit the raft the man was trying to balance on and pushed it under, pulling it beneath the depths.

"I invoke the rite of challenge!" the man yelled just as he was about to go under the water. With that, the raging waves began to calm, if only a small amount.

"You are to be executed by us, what right have you to invoke the right?" The winds bellowed below.

"The rite of challenge may be invoked by anybody! Your master is now contested! With my claim to your control, I command you to let me return to Aeolus for the rite!" A rite of challenged dictated a challenge to the throne of Aeolus. To protect the challengers from the Lord of Aeolus to use his authority to dispose of them, the law dictated a partial claim to the throne, and therefore, partial control of it.

"You dare to invoke the rite? A human like yourself challenges a god? Your fate is now far worse than death, foolish one." The storm calmed and the sea returned to its previous state. The robed man climbed aboard the now even more fragmented piece of wood he used as a raft.

"I'm screwed," the man uttered under his breath. "I'm really screwed." He once more floated to Aeolus, powered by the winds at his back. After less than an hour, the magnificent island floated before him. It flew in the sky, obscured from the realm of mortals. Aeolus was the throne of the Sky, and dictated the world above. "If only this was 7 years ago, Then I would put those 'gods' in their place."

The robed man was carried by the winds into the palace of Aeolus. Upon his entry into the palace, the Master of Aeolus bellowed at the winds. "Why do you bring him back here? He is to be executed!"

"My lord," said a wind, taking knee before its master, "He has invoked the rite of challenge. We are to adhere to the Great Law," the winds then proceeded to stand back, allowing for the Master to decide what to do with me.

"You, a human, dare to challenge me?" The Master then proceeded to burst out laughing on his throne. "This is a great disgrace to my name," he then once again immediately calmed himself and stared at his challenger. "I made an example out of those who came before you, and I will make an example out of you just the same."

"Great Master of Aeolus, you have pushed me into a corner. You have defied the laws of Aeolus and found me guilty based on a personal vendetta. I will not be unlawfully executed before I have a chance to dispute my judgement." The court was surprised by the implications of the robed man's words.

"Unlawful judgement? Personal Vendetta? Explain, human," Gerrack, the arbiter of the court demanded.

"I come from the east, far across the sea. Before the Collapse, I was a man of science. I created many inventions and relics, and used them for the furthering of civilizations. During the collapse, my workshops and warehouses were plundered. My relics were taken and my work destroyed. How surprising it was to me that when I arrived on this island, I found that the master of it had in his possession one of my greatest creations," the robed man reached from inside his robes and pulled out a medallion, shining a great blue light. "I petitioned for the return of my relic, but to no avail. As such, I procured it back into my possession, in accordance with the Great Law. And yet, the Master of Aeolus saw this as a slight unto himself, and sent his winds for my execution and the retrieval of my creation."

"Is this true, Great Master?" Gerrack turned to the Master.

"Lies! He simply wishes to plunder me of my riches. How can I allow a human to take something from me?"

"Because the Great Law demands it," Gerrack said to the master without hesitation. "As far as I am aware, no trial was conducted to determine the ownership of the relic. Were you aware of his claim?"

"I was aware of his claim, but I paid it no heed. There is no way he created such a powerful artifact, and now he tried to contest my claim? Is it not obvious that he is a deceitful rogue set for plundering our land? How can you give him credit, Gerrack?"

"If I may interrupt, Great Master," the robed man spoke up, "I will relinquish my challenge to the throne of Aeolus and claim for the retribution of the Great Law, if you allow me to go my seperate way. You will never see me again."

"See? He tries to take and steal. He has no intention to follow the Great Law, simply to claim the relic!"

"Great Master, he is letting you off easily. The Great Law is no simple guideline. It must be followed." The high priest of the court spoke up to the court.

The Master of Aeolus was shocked by the developments of the court. "You side with him? How could..." The Master of Aeolus took a deep breath and turned to the robed man. "Very well. Leave at once before I change my mind."

"Of course." The robed man departed through the palace gates at once, allowing the court space to confer among themselves. The winds no longer followed the robed man as he departed for his original destination.