With the ebon plague lifted and the Portal Fortress destroyed, Isabella and her surviving Falx found themselves stranded on Northeros. No longer able to leave, king Mondaine Magnus granted amnesty to the Falx and offered them a small land they could call their own. This territory was in the South where Dawnport was once located; it was the place ebonite first surged to the surface, thus it served as a grim reminder for sins of the past. Under Isabella's command, the Falx survivors - now known as the Bloodguard - created settlements. With tensions calming down temporarily, the Empire could finally focus on other issues, such as locating Jean-Francois, high ranking member of the Imperial Intelligence who was missing in action early on during the Falx Invasion. Guillaume and a small contingent of troops were dispatched to inquire whether the Falx had any clue about J-F's whereabouts...
Guillaume: 'Wonderful! We're nearing to the pass to the Falxlands - we will soon find out if they know anything about master Jean-Francois.'
Imperial officer: 'My liege, look!'
Guillaume: 'An army - but who could those be?'
Guillaume: 'Drakhirri? Why are mercenaries marching against Falx? And their leader... no, that couldn't be!'
Lyra: 'Here lies your quarry, Aurelius - beyond these gates are the rabble who call themselves Falx.'
Aurelius Drakhelm: 'Excellent Majistik. In order to truly unite the Empire, all sphincters factions must be eliminated.'
Falx Officer: 'Go forth and tell Lady Isabella about this! We shall hold the pass if needed.'
Falx Warrior: 'Understood, sir!'
Falx Officer: 'Hear ye! State your business - what brings you to Falx lands with such an army?'
Aurelius: 'I am Aurelius Drakhelm, grand marshall of the Dragontalons! By the will of the Majistik I have come to hunt down you and your renegade faction which stubbornly continues to refuse joining the Empire! Surrender of face my wrath!'
Falx Officer: 'Dragontalons? What kind of trickery is this? Regardless, we will never surrender!'
Guillaume: 'This is absurd! We must aid the Falx and find out what's going on!'
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