“I’m not asking you to fight, I’m asking you to stand strong and be the hero we need. There is more to this life than battling and waging war for one own ideals. I’m asking you to be the one who endures for the sake of peace. What happened in Tylermande will forever stain your reputation but will also show that when forced to make a decision you, Hayate, are going to stand up for those who can stand for themselves. Don’t think that your history in Akashima has alluded me, I know that you fought to protect your clan.”

“How do you know all this?” Hayate said refusing to look Ioder in the eye. How had this elf become privy to such delicate information?

“The Shields of Alor have eyes in many places…”

“I have my own goals; I’m not willing to get caught up in this fight any more than I have already. Even if you’re suggesting I’ll stay out of conflict I don’t want to be associated with the outcome of this war. The Brotherhood is strong, stronger than you or the Assembly could know and within the month Radasanth will fall.”

“You’re so sure that the might of two estranged wizards is stronger than that of an entire nation, yet have you even considered who was able to stop you from completely destroying Tylermande.” Ioder said as he raised his fist to his chest before conjuring a dark nebula within his hand. “I may have praised your strength and uniqueness but don’t mistake that for fear.” The magic he harnessed swirled briefly before disappearing.

“All I want is to avenge my clan,” he said turning to meet Ioder’s gaze. “To see the light fade from Hiruzen’s eyes as he watches my daggers pierce his chest. Anything that stands in my way will be turned to rot, including you and the entire country if you so choose.”

“Hayate, think for a moment about what you are saying. If you turn the entire world against you then who will be left?” Ioder said as he turned to walk back to the others. “I have no intention of stopping you and you’re free to leave whenever you wish; So long as you refrain from fighting on the side of Shinsou then the Shields will not take arms against you. But consider this, have you ever searched for your family. Our eyes have…”