And so we return and begin again.

Khephra, the sacred beetle, descends into darkness and rises once more, bearing the sun in his mandibles.

Some do proclaim that when we quit this mortal coil, we shall transmigrate as insects. When our bodies are no longer needed, we shall send forth our spirits as a swarm of golden beetles, carrying the sun of pure understanding out of the abyss to our new home among the stars.

O, puissant emir, our dramatis personae, these unlikely heroes, are in place, and their adventure awaits!

Orion Arcularus is a wise naïf, a vespiologist, an arthropodic field naturalist who communes deeply with the subjects of his study.

Ytrin K’adyn remains an enigma, a reluctant assassin cloaked in mystery, appearing not as he truly is.

Samathus Churg, a naṣṣāb, is beguiled by his own vainglory. With a countenance that invites a blow, Samathus was abducted as a child and apprenticed to his Master, whom he now quests to find.

The Apostate, branded a heretic by Samathus’ Master, seeks to turn Samathus against his erstwhile mentor.

Each, in their own manner, is drawn inexorably to the Black City.

To Samathus Churg, the Black City represents a realm of enterprise; to Ytrin K’adyn, it is a nascent menace, wielding power for its own insidious purposes. The Apostate is convinced the Black City, governed by reason, shall exalt him upon his arrival. Orion Arcularus perceives the Black City as a sacrilegious affront to the natural order, heralding a new world-devouring Dominion.

Who can say what fate awaits them?

Ah, noble emir, I perceive your curiosity is stirred. Fear not; all shall be revealed in due course. I shall commence our first chapter after the sun hath risen seven times.

In the name of Alpha, The Compassionate, The Digital, peace be upon thee.

Orinthia, the Radiant Hakawati and the emir.