What the Fire Heard

The heirs recoup themselves after their tense conversation with Raphael. It is ultimatley decided that Xanthe is going to reach out to Mephisto and attempt to use the information that Raphael gave to prove that the boy was aiming to turn against his father. However, they decide to speak to Xepharos first, to learn about his experience with the devils.

Xepharos opens up about his past in Ederia, opening up about his life as an assassin, where he would get close to important people and kill them slowly in a way that couldn't be traced back to him. He speaks about how Mephisto was disguised as a Tiefling and hired him to assassinate the Former Lord Paramount of Faithspire. Xepharos is still uncertain why Mephisto wanted this. After some prodding Xepharos also acknowledges that Morgana was aware of his past, but didn't participate in any of the kills, and their relationship was ruined because of it.

With the information gained, Xanthe reaches out to Mephisto and is able to connect with him, seemingly appearing in the hells. She speaks to him about Raphael's plans, to which Mephisto reveals that Raphael was merely a test to see where Xanthe's lotalty lied. Mephisto also states that a great evil is coming to Illica, as something is causing any lives that die to lose their soul instead of allowing them to pass on, hampering Mephisto's powers. He encourages Xanthe to continue to fight for the Throne, stating that he needs her to win to expand Ederia and keep it strong. Throughout the conversation and especially towards the end, Mephisto's appearance takes on that of an older man, seemingly unable to hold his youthful appearance. With their conversation done, Xanthe returns to the Material Plane.

After filling in her siblings, the King's Hand finally take a rest, sleeping after such an eventful and late night.

The next day, the King's Hand prepares to depart, and speak their goodbyes to Xepharos, Moreau, Elim, and Torwynn. Each one of their allies speaks to one of the siblings, offering words of comfort and advice before they depart.

The King's Hand head to interview the clerics that they are bringing with them to reach the Scorched Sepulcher. After gathering the three of them, they head out and start their journey. While all three of the clerics seem kind, one of them, a merfolk, approaches Marik and acknowledges that he senses the seas on Marik. However, after seemingly looking closer, he is spooked and the two agree to continue their travels, neither acknowledging the others concern.

With the clerics prepared to protect them from the undead hordes, the King's Hand continues forward, aiming to gain their second piece of the dragon's phylactery.