The darkness grips Jacob by his scrawny throat and tosses him out into the light. He hisses with a spiteful vengeance, and turns a hate filled glance towards Merric, who stands proudly on the hillside overlooking a small rustic town, a smile adorning his chiseled face.

“I was wondering how long it would take, before even the devil himself cast you back into the light of his lords touch.”

“YOU BETRAYED ME!” he roars as he leaps like a wild animal at him, only to find an invisible barrier surrounding Merric from his touch.

“Did you expect anything less?”

“I EXPECTED YOU TO BE HELD BY YOUR WORD!”

Merric laughs softly, as he casts his attention back to the small town below. “But I was, and still am.” he says with a playful wink. “That is why we are here, you and I.”

Jacob’s eyes widen and his mouth trembles. “W-W-W-W-Where a-a-are w-we?” he stammers.

“Why, we’re home.” he says matter-of-factly.

“B-B-B-But t-t-the t-town, i-i-it was b-burnt to t-the ground. H-H-How?” he says as he casts a fevered glance over to Merric once more.

Merric’s smile widens. “Because dear brother, it’s not just a matter of where we are, it’s also a matter of when.”