The doors closed with a deep, reverent sound.
It was the first time Sam Pukla — the Witch Clan — had crossed the inner halls of the Command Base.
Otrho walked ahead, guiding the group with calm steps. The nine women followed in silence, their cloaks absorbing the torchlight without reflecting a trace.
Kael watched from a distance.
— Take them to the theater, — he said, voice firm and without hesitation. — Make sure they are comfortable. Food. Drink. Cigarettes. Everything available.
Otrho nodded and led the group down the carved stone staircase to the great theater of the base, an ancient space with columns etched into living rock and dark linen curtains that hung from the vaulted ceiling.
A few minutes later, Kael entered.
He wore black, as always.
No weapon. No symbol. Just himself.
The witches sat in a semicircle on cushions. Before them, low tables held jugs of wine, plates of dried fruits, fresh bread, meat roasted with herbs...
And hand-rolled cigarettes placed in carved wooden holders.
Kael stepped to the center of the stone stage.
He stood in silence for a moment.
Then he spoke:
— I am Kael.
I was once an ordinary man. A profane.
Born in a distant land, in a forgotten era. I lived as a mortal. I died as one.
And then… I awakened.
He looked at them.
— I was found by Otrho in the Valley of the Forgotten.
He brought me to the League.
There, I learned I had not been erased — only dormant.
He took two steps forward.
— Since then, I've lived in this base. I carry out missions in lands that do not exist — but reflect what should have been.
I realign timelines. Rewrite errors. Correct what time has deformed.
I bear the title of the Stone.
I am the only one who can jump through time.
He drew a deep breath.
— I've done this for nearly a thousand years.
Not for glory. Not for reward.
But because this is my task.
And now, you are here.
He extended one hand, like an invitation, but without demand.
— You are welcome, if you choose to walk beside me.
The lights of the theater danced across the stone walls. The wine breathed.
The nine witches remained in silence.
The night had only just begun.