There was no hope of striking up another conversation with either Moog or Lina, let alone with both together. After over an hour of silence, I decided to join the front group in the hope of finding a way to pass the time.

However, they also appeared to have exhausted their desire to speak. Even Nova was quiet, which, in our brief time together, felt as impossible as—well, I’d seen too many impossible things on this journey to make a proper comparison anymore. It was best not to try for fear of manifesting something ludicrous by thinking it. Even still, Nova having nothing to say was on top of those no longer impossible things. 

The hours crawled by as we wordlessly trudged through this infernal canyon. The only thing to entertain myself was to watch the red stone walls contract and expand as we passed them. It was suffocating. At some point, they began to blur together, like an endless red curtain threatening to smother me. 

And then, after what felt like eons, Nova called for us to stop with a raise of her hand. The two groups joined together—though Ulrich stood on the opposite side of Lina and the griffin—and stared into a gap in the canyon wall. Within was an unnaturally straight corridor that gleamed white in the late afternoon sun. It was wide enough for two of us to stand side by side.

“And here we have the beginning of White Wing Canyon,” said Nova. She produced the map and pointed at the lowest, shortest line of the Wing. “It’s a straight shot from here to the Lake. Won’t take us an hour.”

That was a relief. I was ready for this little treasure hunt to be finished. This was not nearly as thrilling Nova had promised. 

Dietrich, however, felt the opposite. He perked up and almost ran into the corridor, crying, “Oh, boy! Treasure time!” He continued to chant “treasure” as we followed him into White Wing Canyon.

At least someone is enjoying themselves. I mistook Dietrich’s excitement for exhaustion all this time. Perhaps that enthusiasm was too much for even Nova to tolerate, which was why she shook her head, annoyed, as she led the rest of us in Dietrich’s wake.

Now that we were in the White Wing Canyon, I could see that the walls were the same red as the rest of this awful place, except this stone was so smooth and polished that only a touch of sunlight made them appear white. I could even see the ghost of my reflection in the walls if I stared hard enough. Our footsteps clacked against the hardened ground, also polished to perfection. I ran my fingers against the pristine stone, which was smoother than the walls of my father’s throne room.

To think this was carved by a mere mortal, even one as powerful as a Sainted Seven. 

You should see the one that I made, said Rudi smugly.

So, you finally want to talk now that you have something to boast about? I thought, thinking about the unending silence I had just been subjected to.

Rudi made an offended noise in her—would throat be accurate? I was going to give you a blow-by-blow account of the whole thing. Maybe I would have even told you how to get into the Starcastle if you were nice enough, but forget it!

I refused to take the bait, which made Rudi harrumph and say nothing further. How did Gerhard Schultz tolerate such an abrasive personality? Rudi harrumphed again, much louder, but continued to say nothing.

Although it was the shortest of the seven, this passage felt endless, but at last, it did come to an end. The moment I exited and saw the scenery before me, I could not help but stop and stare. 

We had stepped into a valley so vast that the walls on the horizon were a dark blue mirage set against the cloudless sky. While I could see the lip of the valley encircling us on either side, it might as well not have been there. After being enclosed inside this canyon for over a day and a half, it felt as if I were finally free from a long imprisonment. 

It was also a relief to see proper green again. There was grass under my feet and trees that dotted the shoreline. But what commanded my attention was the crimson lake before us. We were only a few yards away from its waters, which stretched for miles in all directions. 

I could smell its earthy odor from here. It was not unpleasant, but it was powerful, overwhelming my senses. Yet it was tranquil; the weather remained mild. A soft breeze caused the trees to whisper and the water to ripple.

Such an oasis reminded me how exhausted we all were. The first to arrive, Diretich had unfastened himself from the wagon and flopped to the ground, basking on the grass. I was tempted to join him—I even had to fight the urge to jump into the water, fully clothed, to cool myself off. But I refrained, wanting to maintain my princely dignity. 

However, a barefooted Nova walked past me and sat on the red-stained sand, letting the water flow over her feet. “Whew, that was more tiring than usual,” she said. “Alright, here she is. Welcome to Red Lake.”

I crossed my arms and continued to stare at the water. “Forgive me for my bluntness, but I didn't expect the name to be so literal.”

She laughed, “I don’t like it much either. I prefer the name Citadel Lake, myself.”

“How does something become such a color?” I asked. My boots sank into the sand as I walked close enough to peer into its murky depths. I could not lie that something was unsettling about a lake with such vividly red water. Although it smelled like earth, I couldn't help but be reminded of blood. It was as if the lake were a festering wound. A bad omen, to say the least.

Nova rested her hands on the ground behind her and leaned back. “With a healthy mix of clay, iron, and a few other minerals from the earth. I wouldn’t recommend drinking it,” she added with a wink as Dietrich crawled up and scooped the water in his hand, “‘nless ye’r hankering fer a violent cure to yer constipation over the next week. Moog learned that the hard way.” Dietrich let the water fall from his palm and backed away. She gave him a sly grin.

My nose curled at that. “Charming.”

Dismounting the griffin, Lina asked, “Does anything…live in there?”

I could not tell if she was afraid or excited about the answer. Nova nodded, “Sure do! But if yer expecting a giant sea monster, yer gonna be disappointed. Only things that can stand being in Red Lake are little fellers called Iron Fish. Here, come with me.” She stood, brushed herself off, and turned left, splashing water as she walked along the shoreline.

Lina groaned. “We’re not going to be walking around the whole lake, are we?”

As if you had to do any of the walking. I thought, glancing back at the griffin, who was panting as it began to tail Lina. I could see Ulrich bringing up the rear, looking the most tired out of all of us. Both animals watched the water, though I could not tell if they were wary of it or were tempted to drink from it.

Nova flapped her hand. “Naw, ‘less you want to. This shore’s as good as any. We’re jest gonna head to our base camp right over there.” She pointed to a large overhang further shaded by a canvas canopy. “How ‘bout dinner? If you don’t mind contributing some ingredients, Moog can whip up something special.”

Food sounded wonderful. Following Nova, everyone settled on the grass in front of the overhang except for Dietrich and Ulrich. Without a word, the horse took refuge in the shade of the overhang while Dietrich surveyed the area around him, dragging the wagon with one hand.  “Where’s the Starcastle supposed to be?” he asked.  

“Where else?” answered Nova. “In there.” She pointed at the lake. Dietrich alighted, whirling around as if to see the thing sticking out of the water. Nova smirked. “You ain’t gonna find it anywhere near the top. Even if you dive fer it, you ain’t gonna see anything. Believe me, Moog’s tried. The water’s too cloudy, so visibility’s non-existent. And Red Lake’s source is groundwater; it goes down miles and miles. No one’s ever touched the bottom s’far as I know. ‘Course, yer welcome to give it a try.” 

“I’m thinking about it,” said Dietrich, “But I don’t remember if I ever learned how to swim. Better not risk it.” 

“Fair ‘nough,” said Nova.

Dietrich continued to watch the lake while Moog and Nova pulled out supplies from their camp. I managed to gather several vegetables from the wagon with slight pain. I was finally able to do things on my own again. Not that anyone offered to help. Lina was too busy stroking the griffin while Ulrich watched reproachfully from the overhang.

“Alright, little miss, we’re at the lake. Now, let the griffin get on home.”

 Lina turned defiant eyes on the horse.

I groaned. I would have preferred to address this after dinner.

Ignoring my irritation, Lina sniffed. “Emberly’s free to do whatever she wants. I have no control over her. She’s only here because she likes me.”

“Why am I not surprised,” Ulrich grumbled. “You and yer galdern loopholes.”

She looked offended. “How dare you, sir! I did not break my promise. Watch.” Lina stopped petting and folded her arms. “Alright, Emberly, you’re free to go. Go on, leave.” She closed her eyes and turned her head away. The griffin only clicked its beak and nuzzled at Lina’s face, clearly wanting her to resume, but Lina remained still. “No. I said leave. Go home, goodbye.” 

Yet the griffin did not move. Instead, it laid its head on its talons and waited for Lina to resume her affection. She opened her eyes to smirk at Ulrich. “See?”

None of this made Ulrich look happy.

Lina gave the horse a genuine smile and held out a hand. Her tone softened. “Sheriff, don’t you trust me? Come here and meet Emberly. I promise, she has no desire to hurt you.”

Ulrich’s lips peeled back to expose his teeth. “The only way I’m comin’ any closer is to kick that beast to death, y’hear?”

Now, Lina was annoyed. I opened my mouth to keep the peace; however, before I could say anything, Dietrich—who had not taken his eyes off the lake—cut in. 

“Who’s that?” His words made the three of us look at him. He was pointing across the water to a far shore. We followed his finger.

I had to squint my eyes to see who he was talking about. Someone was standing on the opposite side of the lake. From here, in the evening light, they were only a silhouette.

Dietrich squinted his eyes. “He’s just standing there. I think he’s watching us—no, he’s staring into the water… weird.” 

“Oh, don’t pay them no mind,” Nova said. She was on her hands and knees, blowing life into a fire while Moog filled a large pot with water from a barrel. “Probably jest a missioner on a pilgrimage. They do consider this a holy sight, so it’s not uncommon to see them here. Not that they ever help us when we ask.” She inhaled deeply and blew into the fire once more before finishing her thought. "It's best to leave ‘em to their worship. That’s what I say.”

Though her words made sense, the knowledge that we were not alone in this secluded valley was eerie.

Lina and Ulrich were as disturbed as I was. They had forgotten their argument and were watching the opposite shore along with me. Soon, however, a wonderful aroma I had never smelled before brought our attention to the pot, which was now bubbling with a brown liquid. 

“Stew’s almost ready,” said Moog as he tossed in a heap of chopped potatoes. 

Nova pulled out a familiar jar from a box and opened it. “Jest needs the final ingredient.” She moved to the pot and began to tip the jar so that the peppers inside started to slide out.

“No, don’t!” Lina and I said together. But she and Moog were chuckling. Before the fruit could fall, Nova righted the jar and corked it. “Jest messing with you,” she said and placed the jar on the ground. “It’s fer those who want it.” We sighed in relief.

It took only a few minutes for Moog to declare the stew ready. He ladled a good helping into a set of polished stone bowls and distributed them to each of us. Dietrich did not so much as glance at the stew when Moog offered it. He was still standing, watching the lake. 

“Hey, there’s more of them,” he said. “They’re still staring at the water. It’s like they’re waiting for something.”

Despite the warmth of the fire and stew, a shiver passed down my spine. From where I was, I could see that there were indeed more figures in the distance; it was impossible to say how many, but it was at least three. 

Then Dietrich stiffened, which quickened my pulse. “They’re moving—they’re heading this way.”

However, Nova remained dismissive as she placed bowls of stew and water in front of Ulrich. “Don’t worry about it. They probably saw the fire and are coming fer a good meal. There’s plenty of food to go around. Moog always makes extras. C’mon, Big Grey, sit with us.” She sat and patted the ground before accepting a bowl from her brother. “We’ll discuss the Starcastle after dinner.”

Her last words managed to reach Dietrich, who tore himself away from the lakeshore to sit down between Nova and me. He looked troubled. I did not blame him. To warm myself from the sudden chill, I scooped a spoonful of Moog’s stew into my mouth.

This was the first delicious thing I’d eaten in Alten! Its unique aroma permeated my taste buds. It was pleasantly earthy with a hint of sharpness that made each bite better than the last. “What is this called?” I asked. “It’s wonderful.”

Moog’s cheeks reddened. “Thanks. I came up with it myself. All the spices are from this valley. I call it Lucky Stew.”

I took another bite as Lina asked, “Why’s it called Lucky—?”

“Ow! What in the name of—?” I had bitten down on something so hard it nearly broke a tooth. I spat the offending object onto my hand to see a tiny eye staring back at me.

Nova beamed, making two Vs with her fingers. “Looks like you found it! Luc-ky~!” The siblings began to laugh again.

“It” was a tiny grey fish about the size of my thumb. In disgust, I let the thing fall from my hand. “Ugh, what is that thing?!”

“That’s an Iron Fish,” said Nova, between chuckles. “They’re as hard as iron ‘cause that’s all they eat. Makes ‘em completely inedible, but they add a ton of flavor and nutrients if you let one soak in yer food fer a while.”

Despite my initial shock, I could not argue with the results. 

Nova took a few peppers from the jar and dropped them into her and Moog’s bowl. “Tastes even better with a kick. You sure you don’t want some?”

Lina and I shook our heads vigorously. Nova shrugged. “Yer loss. How ‘bout you, Big Grey? I know yer made of tougher stuff than these two.” But Dietrich did not answer. He was staring into his stew with a contemplative expression. 

“Big Grey? Hullo?” said Nova with a wave.

He gave a start. “Huh? Sure, sure.”

I could feel him wanting to look back toward the missioners, which prompted me to glance on his behalf. Dietrich was right; they were closer than before and getting closer. Shadows were slowly creeping in, but the mysterious figures were close enough to see that they had light, almost white, hair. There were four of them walking along the shore in a line. All their heads were down, faces hidden as they stared into the depths of the crimson water. 

We continued to eat—though I found it more challenging to swallow—all the while watching as the group approached. But judging by their slow pace, they would reach us long after we had finished. Even so, Moog kept the stew well-stirred. 

The sun slowly crept below the lip of the valley. Moog laid out several glowing stones, illuminating our campsite with a soft, orange light. Before it became too dark to see them, we saw another pair of people join the others’ line.

Nova did not see any of this, for she was the last to finish, her appetite winning out even over Dietrich. She placed her empty bowl on the ground, crossed her legs, and slapped her knees. “Now then, let’s talk about the Starcastle.”

“Finally!” Dietrich leaned forward, his enthusiasm returning, which made Nova grin.

 “Here’s what we know: The Starcastle was once Iliana’s home. Long ago, it sat in the middle of that lake, but at some point, it sank deep beneath the waves. We can’t see it; we can’t swim to it. 

“Moog and I camped out here for several months, trying everything we could think of to reach it.  Nothing’s worked. We eventually figured out, by talking with missioner pilgrims, that the only way to get to it is to open the path in the way Iliana intended. How we do that has only ever been passed down through missioner hymns. So far, we’ve collected four verses on our own. But with y’all’s help, we can finally open the way. Now, it’s high time fer that last verse, Red.”

Lina resumed stroking the griffin, who was sound asleep. But her contentment morphed into disdain for Nova. “What, you think because you dragged me all the way here, I’m going to cooperate suddenly? My answer’s the same.”

The other girl sighed. “Thought so. Well, we’re here. And we ain’t going anywhere ‘til we get somewhere. So, might as well jest tell us.”

“I don’t think so,” said Lina, staring hard into Nova’s brown eyes. “You played your hand. You’ve got nothing left except sheer stubbornness.”

“I could say the same to you.”

Lina raised an eyebrow. “I have a griffin willing to do anything to protect me.” The griffin lifted its head at the acknowledgement.

Nova mirrored her eyebrow raise. “I have a Moog who can make that griffin into our breakfast.”

 The griffin opened its eyes as Lina gasped. “You wouldn’t!” Moog shook his head as if to say, "Leave me out of this." But his sister ignored him.

“He would!” she said, leaning forward, “I’d make you eat it, too. You don’t understand how desperate I am to get into that Starcastle.”

“Yes, I do,” retorted Lina, her eyes narrowing. “That brother of yours told us everything. He told us how you’re a selfish little girl who's about to lose her adventure buddy. So sad.”

All of Nova’s playfulness vanished as she shot a dirty look at Moog, who suddenly found that stirring the stew required all of his attention. “So, you can talk lots when you feel like it, eh, Moog?” He said nothing. Nova rolled her eyes. “A’right, so you know. Big whup. That don’t change nothin’.”

Nova’s Altenian accent was thickening as she began to speak faster. “You’ve got yerself two choices, Red: You can tell us that last verse, and we’ll send you safely back to High Prince Bastian. Or you can keep up this little game of yers, and we sit here ‘til you decide you want to grow up.”

Lina matched Nova’s speed and intensity, “Ha! That's rich! Who’s the one playing games? You’ve been toying with us this whole time, trying to get us to do what you want. But I won’t give in. We’re just gonna have to sit here until Bastian finds us. And knowing him, that will literally take forever.” Her ruby eyes reflected the dancing flames. “I can wait that long. Can you?”

I finally knew what it felt like to be a Moog. Both girls had completely forgotten that the rest of us existed, which I did not mind. That was until Nova glared at me. “Yer the leader of yer little group, Headband. Talk some sense into her.”

I wanted no part of this. “What kind of sense do you expect me to talk? I’ve been trying in vain to pry secrets from her since we’ve met. It’s your turn, now, Princess. I wish you luck.”

If Nova thought she could use me as an effective bargaining chip, she could not have been more wrong. Nova looked at everyone else. Dietrich made an attempt to appeal to Lina’s sense of adventure, but it was clearly half-hearted and was immediately quelled by a look.

Nova was grinding her teeth. It appeared that Lina had successfully touched a nerve, and Lina knew it. The corners of her mouth were twisted in a satisfied grin.

“Poor little Alaya. Finally, out of things to say?” 

Nova said nothing for several seconds, her eyes darting about. We watched her, Moog worriedly. She was as exhausted as we were. All the fight slowly drained from her expression; her eyes stopped moving. Then she bowed her head, took a deep breath, and began to recite:

 

“Her flesh of gold ‘neath the ground

Flows into sacred waters.

Her Tears flowed ferth, birthed a lake.

There waits her sons and daughters.

 

Within her lone Citadel

Sits Her Castle shaped by Stars.

Buried by her bloody Tears,

Mother’s children cleaved deep scars.”

 

Lina blinked at Nova’s non sequitur. What do you expect me to say in response to that? You think I’m just going to—?”

But Nova continued:

“Then one day, the time did come

For our Mother to ascend.

What was above is now below.

And shall slumber without end.

 

Mother’s gone but left behind

Her Seven grieving Children.

They cry hope with Di’mond Song;

She has not forgotten them.”

 

The words of the verses hung in the air. They echoed in my ears. This hymn… Was it always this sad? Or was it just Nova’s recitation? I could hear Rudi sniffling from inside my head. Mother…

Lina did not appear affected as she sneered. “Oh, so you do know more verses, good for you. I don’t see the point of all that, though.”

Nova lowered her head further. “That’s…all we’ve learned. I’ve got nothin’ else. So, congratulations, you’ve won; you beat me. Is that what you wanted? Or do you want me to beg?”

Her eyes as cold as ever, Lina touched a finger to her mouth. “Hmm, that’s not a bad idea. Or maybe you could let…me…” Lina’s words died in her throat; her eyes widened in shock.

Nova—Princess Alaya Strater—was on her hands and knees. She was trembling. “Please. All we need is one more verse, jest one more. Tell us, please.”

The sight of the outgoing Nova, so small and defeated, sent a shockwave through us all— me especially. 

To see Alten’s princess willing to lower herself to such a pathetic state shook me to my princely core. I was on my feet before I realized it. My eyes went from Nova to Lina, who looked more shaken than I was. 

 She looked between Ulrich, Dietrich, and me. All eyes were on her. “I… didn’t mean that…”

Moog was on his feet too, face livid. With his shoulders squared, he towered over us all. “You didn’t mean what?” His hands curled into fists. 

Lina shook her head, her mouth trying to find words. The griffin was beginning to get agitated. It screeched and spread its wings. Moog quelled it with a look before bending down to grab the back of his sister’s smock.

“Alaya! Get up! You can’t let this girl—” 

Without rising, Nova slapped his hand away. “Don’t tell me what I can’t do, Moog!” She pounded a fist on the ground. “If putting my royal pride on the line is what it takes fer you to finally find yours, then…” Nova pressed her forehead into the grass.

What a horrible sight. I could not stand it. I looked away.

“Anno…” From the periphery, I could see her reach out a hand to me, but I took a step back. I refused to meet Lina’s pleading eyes. 

“You’ve gone too far, Lina,” I said, surprised at the coldness in my voice. “Is this what you wanted? To see a princess humiliate herself for your petty satisfaction?”

“No! I…” Lina swallowed, then shook her head, lips tight with resolve. “No! Can’t you see the real reason she’s doing this? This is just another one of her schemes! She wants to pit you against me! Please, Anno, don’t fall for it!”

I was done with Lina’s attitude. Even if Nova was willing to cast aside her royal pride for the sake of sympathy, Lina had crossed a line. To have things escalate this far, all for the sake of a poem? It was beyond petty. Perhaps Lina’s heart was not as beautiful as I’d thought.

I took a deep breath and opened my mouth. Before I could say anything, however, a gruff voice rang out.

“That’s enough!” The sound of hoofsteps softened as Ulrich walked onto the grass. “Y’all need to cool yourselves before you do somethin’ else y’all’ll regret.” 

I closed my mouth and looked at the ground in shame, as did Lina. Ulrich was right. He had saved me from yet another blunder. 

“I know things are tense right now,” Ulrich continued. “We’re all tired. But y’all got to remember, y’all are friends first and fermost. If you can’t trust each other, then who can you trust?” He sighed. “I guess I’m included in that as well.” 

Ulrich tossed his head, shaking away any reservations before marching toward Lina and the griffin. “Little Lady, iffen you say this creature here don’t harbor any ill-will. Then I’m inclined to believe you.”

He came to a stop right beside the pair and faced us. We all stared at him, including Nova, who raised her head with her mouth agape. The griffin’s crest feathers rose, but it otherwise remained in place. But Ulrich stood his ground, refusing to even glance at the griffin. He was focused on Nova. 

“Get on yer feet, Princess Alaya. The ground is no place fer a royal’s knees, even in Alten.”

But Nova shook her head. “I refuse. And I know it may appear like I’m trying to deceive Red, but I’m not.” Nova turned pleading eyes to Lina. “You have no right to trust me. I know that. But I need yer help. Please. From one sister to another.” She lowered her head again. “Please."

All eyes were on Lina, who was frozen on the spot. I could see the struggle in her eyes. Then, slowly, Lina shook her head. “I don’t… I have no idea what you’re talking about. The answer’s no.” A single tear slid down her cheek. 

Moog rounded on Lina. “After all that, yer still gonna refuse?! My sister’s on her hands and knees!” He raised a fist, which made Lina flinch. 

At the sight, my instincts kicked in, and I rushed to stand between Moog and Lina. Dietrich was at my side. Before I knew it, Moog and I were shouting at each other. I yelled for him to calm down while he yelled that he was not going to do anything. However, our exact words were lost as Dietrich and Ulrich joined to calm us down. But they only added to the cacophony of voices. I felt Lina sink to the ground behind me, wailing, but if she was saying anything comprehensible, she was being drowned out by our argument.

This whole Starcastle hunt was a bad idea from the start! To think that I believed these two could ever care about Lina. She would only ever be a means to an end in their eyes. I would get her away from these two, even if it meant war between Cross and Alten.

“QUIET!” Nova’s voice rang out, so loud and commanding that it caused all of us to stop and look at her. 

“But Nova—” said Moog.

“I said quiet!” Nova was still kneeling, but her ear was to the ground, her eyebrows furrowed in intense concentration. “Listen.”

At first, I heard nothing; the volume of our shouting made my ears ring. But then, there was the sound of footsteps behind us. Many of them, approaching at breakneck speed. The missioners had arrived at last. No doubt, they were running to help stop this argument as good servants of Iliana should. 

But then Ulrich, who was the closest to the sound, turned to look and reared up with a bellow. 

Lina was hugging herself, rubbing away goosebumps that had appeared on her arms. All the color had drained from her face, her eyes almost round with fear. Lina’s breath shuddered before she began to scream. “They’re no missioners!”

I could see six pale figures sprinting at us, hands outstretched, mere inches away from Ulrich. But before I could get a full glimpse of them, the griffin moved. 

With a screech, it leapt toward Ulrich, beak wide, talons extended. 

“Emberly, no!” cried Lina. But it was too late. 

It was on Ulrich in a matter of seconds. However, instead of goring him as expected, the griffin used its claws to push Ulrich to the ground, taking his place. Lying on his side, Ulrich lifted his head and stared into the beast’s eyes. The griffin screeched one last time, but its cry was cut short.

Its entire body went rigid. Its back was arching in agony, beak wide in a silent scream. We were all rooted to the spot, watching in terror as the griffin began to change color.

Like a lake freezing over in an instant, the griffin’s brown and white body turned an ashen grey. Its eyes, round as coins, paled into milky white. 

As if suspended in the air, the creature twitched and spasmed. Cracks began to appear throughout its body, then on its beak, and finally around its one visible eye.

 Then, at last, the griffin collapsed. I managed to pull Lina away just in time, following Dietrich and Moog—who was dragging his sister with him—as we leapt several steps backward.

“Emberly…” Lina whimpered. The griffin was dead. Reduced to a smoldering grey husk.  

Only one thing was capable of such horrors. 

I looked up. The griffin’s massive frame had blocked our view of its killers, but no longer. 

On the other side of the creature’s body stood six figures, four men and two women, all with their hands outstretched. Just like Dietrich, their skin was grey and cracked; their hair was a silvery white. They stared at us with pale, vacant eyes. 

I knew them. They went by many names, often whispered for fear that saying them too loudly would summon these harbingers of doom. It was a miracle we had yet to encounter them, but here they were at last:

Deathwalkers. 

Ash Fiends.

Deborn.