[ Eptian LX ]

On the night of his marriage to Reyam, Torquis appeared before Eptih when he was alone and she seemed determined to seduce Eptih asking him to go away with her but Eptih was confounded. He wanted to know where she had gone, he wanted to know if she was a part of his imprisonment on the island of the Three Beauties but Torquis deflected his questions with gestures of profound seduction and although he was tempted he knew she was wicked. He asked her to leave but she refused and then she mentioned his marriage to Reyam and he knew she had come to ruin his new marriage that had yet to be consummated, and again he asked her to leave which provoked her to laugh. This incensed Eptih and he struck her across the face causing her to whirl about from the force. As her back was to him he pushed her down to the ground and considered ending her life but relented when he heard the sound of Reyams wife. (Flee! Wicked creature).

Just as Reyam entered Eptih turned to look at her and when he turned back Torquis was gone. Reyam noticed was sweaty, uneasy and red in the face but when she asked why Eptih was silent. 

Later that night Eptih consummated his marriage to Reyam.

While Eptih was in bed with Reyam, Torquis reappeared awaking Eptih but not Reyam. Eptih was furious that Torquis would violate the sanctity of his marriage bedroom but could do little as he did not want to wake Reyam. Torquis noticed Eptih’s discomfort and made it clear that she did not wish to disturb him on such a night, she did however make it clear that Eptih, by striking her, was now her enemy. For his part, if he was not confined he would have murdered her right then and there. Torquis put her hand on Eptih’s forehead and with her other hand slowly scratched her nails deep into his chest from his clavicle to his belly button. Eptih took the pain in order to not awaken Reyam. After that Torquis left, leaving Eptih in pain and with the task of hiding his wounds from Reyam.

The next morning when they awoke Reyam was amorous but Eptih, needing to hide his wounds, told her he must return to the Hetharcyp at once and began preparing to leave. This saddened Reyam as she had expected him to stay with her for a few days at least. 

As Eptih was preparing to leave a messenger boy came with a message that Nolopan a local leader wanted to meet with him. Eptih told the boy he accepted the invitation and was then led to Nolopan’s house. Upon arrival Eptih was met with the great enthusiasm due a hero. Nolopan showed Eptih great respect for his Hetharcyp and their activities. Eventually Nolopan spoke of building an army to which Eptih laughed, knowing that there was no army other then his Hetharcyp. Nolopan further explained himself relating to Eptih that many local leaders where in agreement that the time was right to create an army and that it could be based off of the work the Hetharcyp had done. This pleased Eptih and he was enamored with the concept. Nolopan Asked Eptih if he would attend another meeting at a secret location where many of the other leaders would attend and Eptih agreed. Eptih also added that with so much that was important to him in Nolopan town he would hold him personally responsible for their safety. Nolopan assured Eptih he would do everything possible to guarantee their safety.  The two parted a short time later planning on meeting again soon.

Eptih was ecstatic at his current great fortune. A beautiful new wife, his Hetharcyp active in the field having just repulsed a Soniman advance and the proposition of creating a great army to challenge the Velidians, possibly freeing the Mortal populace from the Velidan yoke once and for all. Not only all that but those who were most important to him were safe. 

Eptih returned home to Reyam and said his good-byes then collected his men and began his journey to return to the Hetharcyp. As he rode away Reyam watched until she could see him no more.