https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/contact daily 0.75 2025-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6e20b3f1-6553-4ed1-9102-1cc68133547b/3aIt41ImUMzhcQWs2hWy--0--rdkyb.jpg https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/reviews-1 daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-2 daily 0.75 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/483461f9-208b-43af-bbe6-8f275490db12/Xmkz1KREzzzIR7UTyM9M--0--y1rly.jpg New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/12f40e3f-0151-4339-bbbd-2ca9b939b824/X4oZCum8e06nsqGkjSfG--0--ayq13.jpg New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f4ecd7e2-4e73-4ce0-92da-9b5220302554/AL3aHBKT3ogMN7kzWD5m--0--xev1z_1.5x-clty-upscale-vaiwv.jpg New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1760970519110-5QX2DJT253KNW13HAKQ0/unsplash-image-Lfb7TmUJ11Y.jpg New Page https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-2-1 daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/04af31a9-c2df-4e17-a089-8da5b8b1bb18/30s0MXRyaKDI2VipJLiO--0--0g239.jpg GENERATIONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/19a44e3d-6978-41a1-a4be-36925684e1e7/City-Lights-2-imgg-gi3-lg9xxvti.png GENERATIONS https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-4 daily 0.75 2025-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07d07296-861f-4f19-ab6c-088fa65892e4/Candle-Glow-3-imgg-gi3-ilincgyv.png FAE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6895c30e-10d3-4a21-a6d5-3c7c99f587e2/dGhBkLi4ZWQpUzFJT7PA--0--whzzt.jpg FAE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/753d3359-8a87-48a5-bc5e-395f5c8dfb10/x8ZaemaxQESyDugLpLP2--0--cbc4t.jpg FAE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/522c6340-0a59-4295-b439-708c162813d3/MsCmt2JDjSIh7jkMl9gF--0--hbcns.jpg FAE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4bf79796-89cf-4051-b282-c8adfd615af9/4gfeLowfrbH10QlvxyVz--0--2xtb4.jpg FAE https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-4-1 daily 0.75 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07d07296-861f-4f19-ab6c-088fa65892e4/Candle-Glow-3-imgg-gi3-ilincgyv.png ANGELS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d55ccd97-f9f3-4af7-a1e7-e9e866cc8158/l39QC2YaNSzkN5OvJXrG--0--67vri.jpg ANGELS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/217a2f61-8460-4055-92a2-15df0aba52cd/LwQKu0cGaKIbow4FWYPY--0--yfzvf.jpg ANGELS https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-4-1-1 daily 0.75 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07d07296-861f-4f19-ab6c-088fa65892e4/Candle-Glow-3-imgg-gi3-ilincgyv.png GORGONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0f379ea4-aa69-4b91-893d-81af28c61171/YRnIUbCXz0KDDx660ked--0--rbja6.jpg GORGONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3a4411a4-dd76-48cd-b474-a59ed5981b73/EbbGJtjCC1XZl5AwAY5L--1--4bba1.jpg GORGONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc532216-c15d-412c-85c0-e269c7d7bef2/4CdRkULXQevM40inb8wz--0--p9of4.jpg GORGONS https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-4-1-1-1 daily 0.75 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07d07296-861f-4f19-ab6c-088fa65892e4/Candle-Glow-3-imgg-gi3-ilincgyv.png HUMANOIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f0df70ea-fca4-4625-9344-94782a7d9532/7Nn5Jbxmi5TulaXAkdiA--0--il0d6.jpg HUMANOIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9545d24a-22dd-44d1-a044-399fdb5b0078/8enlIdjquZ5MnVoGQmuB--0--924jr.jpg HUMANOIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0080a5b7-cfd9-4120-a4a7-146d79e14734/h9O4PHNIkvWNAyTXhCTj--0--lvm04.jpg HUMANOIDS https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-4-2 daily 0.75 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07d07296-861f-4f19-ab6c-088fa65892e4/Candle-Glow-3-imgg-gi3-ilincgyv.png ELVES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eac5a7be-04d0-4607-b132-5b07710444f1/ADDFGZCED6DGeJuuFQyq--0--wpz0g.jpg ELVES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0394ea4e-504e-43ec-acb3-f1ed94a8a948/UQRuURpAx3aGj3RH8Vta--0--ej0rg.jpg ELVES https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-4-1-1-2 daily 0.75 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07d07296-861f-4f19-ab6c-088fa65892e4/Candle-Glow-3-imgg-gi3-ilincgyv.png DRAGONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d96e18c5-7068-420a-b56a-904c9a886228/dkkoX5Vn9MH5XSTOWJYk--0--v685p.jpg DRAGONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22d0e24d-8f8d-43f9-8053-3dbb8a9efa56/a1ed2SIUqSgzdsTLwEBI--0--9dla5.jpg DRAGONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/acb69eaa-4fcf-43a1-b084-f73c7b036338/oTpHjpUlvlXBXfKVyDOW--0--5vk9v.jpg DRAGONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4aa1f84d-2344-463f-9dfc-0c5e1e143d37/xrPdYAxwlbk3y6i9peMj--0--5u1ug.jpg DRAGONS https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-original-trilogy daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b4233dc8-ec00-4884-8407-3e48e521de8d/95TFqkn47YWNDGJf3Eig--0--zuok0.jpg THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1760620203747-I6GDYT6F49DWHFN7OKCE/unsplash-image-j16-h5qUmQc.jpg THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/61b65ed1-5037-4726-81e6-c97b93bb0396/vSCT95EByKYBjgrAeOXg--0--bhq1w.jpg THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b08302e-f52f-405d-a2aa-b0a37e5bba15/firI4H82qpCSPtf2AKDu--0--vqkfd.jpg THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-17 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/new-page-3 daily 0.75 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9e087032-1852-4237-a00f-1ee0c5edb97f/h0GcCCshrQMgiQxKPjGR--0--ewza8_resized_2.907x-real-esrgan-x4-plus.jpg New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cd8a649c-fe8d-44cf-b58c-1a591f2ca7a3/x99bbL6J91GvN7VmvJd7--0--w2oit.jpg New Page 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4282c658-9af7-4f81-b445-c6847c8c3dcd/ChatGPT+Image+20+feb+2026%2C+15_28_23.png New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d996da06-965d-424a-a51f-5931cdc6490f/ChatGPT+Image+20+feb+2026%2C+18_43_40.png New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bcec0780-760a-4bf9-a07b-4e81189cef98/Chapter+I+-+Page+1.png New Page https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/volume-i-page-1-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1c780ee2-e4c2-4b11-b254-72f5e07f3019/1.png Volume I - Main Page https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/volume-i-page-1-panels daily 0.75 2026-02-27 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/volume-i-page-3 daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eee1dd18-71c3-4725-880e-dc08b582a2d7/Green+and+Blue+Neutral+Natural+Landscape+Photo+Collage-6.png Volume I - Page 3 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/volume-i-page-4 daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8a3de4cb-2a28-45a1-b501-79b9b2986a9e/Green+and+Blue+Neutral+Natural+Landscape+Photo+Collage-7.png Volume I - Page 4 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/volume-i-page-5 daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/421c6bab-fa81-4dc7-b9d5-28d2a93637a1/ChatGPT+Image+24+feb+2026%2C+17_09_19.png Volume I - Page 5 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/volume-i-page-6 daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/23b6fbac-5dbc-42de-b62a-128c0faa1ae1/Green+and+Blue+Neutral+Natural+Landscape+Photo+Collage-8.png Volume I - Page 6 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/volume-i-page-7 daily 0.75 2026-02-26 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4bb70383-d9e4-4af2-b763-674a23943c7d/ChatGPT+Image+4+apr+2026%2C+02_29_54.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f59c0d1b-0ae2-4f9f-a462-a6310afdd8dd/ChatGPT+Image+4+apr+2026%2C+02_32_53.png https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-desert-3 daily 0.75 2026-04-05 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-factory daily 0.75 2026-04-05 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species daily 0.75 2025-09-02 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/three-species monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/15e26240-c4de-4992-bb15-b344f25b3ef5/95TFqkn47YWNDGJf3Eig--1--khvib.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page I -Three Species On a planet that was recently terraformed an old race continues to explore their new environment, looking for other creatures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e61a846c-29b9-473d-b75a-ac3fe1d14ce8/XVnoxhBux6ZlsspRILhP--0--6m605.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page I -Three Species On a spot not that far away, one of the original creators has landed to do some tests and report back on the status of the newly formed planet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1adf1fcc-1b2f-42ff-bf76-3ffcc8f6a80a/9o2AIbcn01LsvIC9rodD--0--naren.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page I -Three Species At the other side of the planet a youthful alien species is looking for a final destination after their planet has been destroyed by chemical industry and warfare. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/troubles-in-paradise monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cdca5cbf-209b-48eb-9331-6981453650a1/MhPwvoE0auwcf2pLne1a--0--za819.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VI - Troubles in Paradise When Ariel arrives back at the citadel her four sisters urgently want to see her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a8951128-96e0-4122-889a-75bc94dc9d4a/Bb5P6ipNnjY4mbspPUzH--0--5r1y2.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VI - Troubles in Paradise During Ariel's absence, three men on horses appeared. They were dressed in Roman togas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/467db137-1a4e-4621-b0b3-3372e813f1d3/DhKuKgZOL4YS3Eunf9wM--0--out21.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VI - Troubles in Paradise It soon became apparent that it were Gorgons. One of them came to discuss an alliance. Given their history together however the sisters told him there is no interest from their side in such a thing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eefd9be6-3ca2-4ae9-9c59-93ca6638ee5e/9h7N95ncK4PT4BKYac4H--0--25nqq.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VI - Troubles in Paradise Once he felt that the sisters did not want to comply, he went raving mad and left, swearing that they would regret their foolish attitude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/635c988f-076c-451e-a55c-c42711af5787/1gkP3O73r6PNoHnocjgQ--0--ffg0l.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VI - Troubles in Paradise It was told by passers-by that nobody of the company spoke a word during their way back. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/death-of-a-unicorn monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e11d354e-f8a7-4668-850e-1f3f1e9ddd76/R7TWiBJOslqohr09UnqC--0--698jv.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn Ariel knows enough. There has been a millennia long feud between Gorgons and Angels, and their presence does not bode well. So she leaves again to see if she can get more info on their whereabouts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/247e5e23-0a80-4a59-a3dd-42cb0fbe148f/G8oe03Gq8C5kk6P0mOXh--0--24x1n.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn When the Gorgons return to the dungeon of their castle under construction they immediately start plotting how to deal with the Angels and how they will approach the humanoids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2817920-c611-4c02-ba92-4a0eaa5b9aeb/S31CRY9a5G7aKZNNqTd6--1--rr0mv.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn After the council Agrippa decides to provoke the Angels so that he can see how far the Angels are prepared to go and how strong they are. In the woods he lures a unicorn and stabs it to death. He knows the screams of the unicorn and the smell of its blood will definitely attract the attention of a dragon and its Angel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfe3bfbf-76f3-4702-a745-0cd94de40ee5/lQGxalrC2BpEzZtlLkEz--0--8lohk.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn The effect Agrippa was looking for works. Not long after he committed his dreadful act, Ariel's dragon smells something odd in the woods and Ariel decides to land. They find the stabbed unicorn in a pool of its own blood and are shocked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7c20ce83-d282-4529-850d-b8c17564d439/oqeVQwwXM6fJDguv7csc--0--xasth.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn Upon arrival in the citadel Ariel walks through its corridors with the bloody head of the unicorn in her hand. She is in rage and her sisters can barely keep up with her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/14fa81d2-21ca-44cf-98c6-48e23687eeca/C9lm90i8ZhQccc1tJPjM--0--tx5nf.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn Ariel throws the severed head of the unicorn on the table of the throne room. A scream like from an animal is leaving her throat and can be heard throughout the citadel. In a fashion that is completely unlike Ariel she cries out: "Horror has caught up with us again!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f3202517-f444-4422-bf6c-841ceb6c62e4/mIH1mkb6cERGXFTh8tI6---c2s-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn Ariel and her sisters discuss what they can do in reply to the killing of the unicorn. Some want to act immediately and launch a full attack with the dragons. In the end they agree that Ariel will take the dragons to Heaven's Gate and have the dragons circle around the castle of the Gorgons to see how they will respond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/917ae86e-edd0-422c-b23e-9825e98b3a99/Qk02ndnw0rxjiPmlKNOn--1--n7tqn.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn It is the first time for Ariel to be confronted with the entrance of the Gorgon's Heaven. When she sees the bones and skulls the gate is constructed of, she feels the shivers running down her spine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0cb508f6-5752-44d8-9262-280a18d0eb87/ggsmY844gvSvrpaBCi4o--0--4h4uz.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VII - Death of a Unicorn The dragons start circling around the castle, each time a little bit closer, but there is no reaction whatsoever. In the end there is nothing left to do but return to the Angel's citadel https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/rise-of-the-gods monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/69afec58-6930-4a6f-8a55-e68cdd2e8293/8dfTazfU7nPhAIIsvJpq--1--cn38k.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods There is a reason why the Gorgons did not react to the provocation of the Angels. They are too focussed on the execution of their own plans. And that includes first and foremost to create division amongst the humanoids. So that they will not rise against the Gorgons too, or join the Angels in their resistance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e3deb738-b9e5-490a-ae3d-e3407415c781/QdLyGu1b1r35wkVgMRhk--0--rglrk.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods The Gorgons use their Prism-technology to appear at the humanoids and profile themselves as Gods. In order to create confusion amongst believers and non-believers. On the first day they single out a few separated believers in the supernatural, appear for a few seconds and then disappear, without saying a word. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f69521ba-9415-4192-8d1c-dad5583c8997/dXeRNUOEvWpjPOrK3KHu--0--ln9sk.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods On the second day they appear for the non-believers. People with a firm believe in science and technology and no or little room for the supernatural. Again a Gorgon appears for a few seconds, then disappears without saying a word. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9de694e2-0aff-47b2-9096-8e802fb4f3bf/ku9gRHlvgSiPFJH6fZIK--0--85mpe.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods And on the third day a Gorgon appears in the improvised temple the humanoids are using for their rituals since they arrived. "Your technology has destroyed your home planet. Chemical warfare and industry have chased you away, looking for a new Eden. Now you have come to this pristine planet we created. And we are making you the keepers of it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6fb319fa-e2bf-4a64-92a4-60e0f76124fd/3EZ7TDn8fOoIm2GP77l9--0--5tug2.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods Then on the fourth day during a celebration a statue descends from the heavens in the improvised temple. On its pedestal are written the following three commandments: "This planet is your mother. Therefore: Thou shalt not harm the planet or any of its creatures. Thou shalt worship us Gods, and us Gods only. Thou shalt not use technology or science." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7309e41e-c245-40bc-8c65-9735727b06cd/8LCKX0lW1SeN8Bj85c3g--0--o8wzv.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods Three days later, in the base camp of the engineers, a statue has been raised in the middle of the camp. On its pedestal is carved "Thou shalt not use technology or science." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b04d11ec-b8e5-4dde-b990-c7929085e66f/MEgM7qqRX7pvruBmmX8L--0--8y02r.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods This last incident with the statue in the base camp of the engineers is the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back for Mac, head of the engineers, and he confronts Zoroaster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88e64e46-1556-4208-8c3f-868fd8339623/NC6fyGFhtSx69DK2m49N--1--ta7um.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods Zoroaster is the leader of the believers. The moment Mac starts talking to him, more people join to backup Zoroaster. Mac tells him that the intimidation of the tech people has to stop. Zoroaster replies that they are only doing God's work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5233b5fb-4504-4baa-9b6d-7a49067c45bf/Y5RDKQFYD4n0j7AhXWgn--0--1lyzl.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods After Zoroaster and his followers disappeared, an Angel appears to Mac. She tells him her name is Ariel and that she means him no harm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b798aa71-2999-4464-b381-2bf01d69869c/uwJp3hCZwdbjF1QPz160--0--ttbgw.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page VIII - Rise of the Gods Ariel tells Mac that she has been observing his species for some time now. She warns him for the false gods, and explains that it is an old species, the Gorgons, who are technologically advanced and use this to submit younger species. She also informs him that there is a long feud between her species and the Gorgons. Mac listens carefully and is immediately charmed by the personality of Ariel. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/ragnarok monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0754292b-46d4-40bc-80a1-49c9b707ba9f/TVh6HiAEi6UPz7KeL4zQ--1--cnbyk.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok When the dragon enters the realm of the Angels he spits a large flame of fire to announce its arrival and challenge both Angels and dragons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/62156632-bd50-4fd2-9209-614c7672270a/x89eoIb8oKfZisHpfaJR--0--9vk4q.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok He is immediately attacked by the present dragons in a fire against fire, teeth against teeth, and claws against claws battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d35b2cfd-9a90-478d-ab79-ec7d365140b4/fbf46W8PZRmIXU2lgtHH--1--wpbtz.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok Soon the Angels join their dragons in their battle against this Behemoth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a8aa6f93-ec34-40a1-8421-917d261b7b36/JghdlzdrvmWMoiJ6EBNz--1--gxm4b.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok But the beast is so strong that after a short period the battle is over and heavily wounded dragons are lying all over the place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c68c8072-59eb-4b6b-8b64-8ca2ba586582/h4VcmwhxLs51FQn3Slgf--1--gqxq7.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok None of them had the power to withstand the madness in its head, and now they are all waiting to draw their last breath in pools of their own blood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/51b35f9e-6b51-42c4-ad96-bfad426124d5/0jCN56WJuOI7jdI6X9EL--1--2iwyp.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok But that is not the end of misery...before retreating the huge dragon turns to the courtyard of the castle and kills the smaller dragons of the novices that were left behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5a8a5d39-f3ab-4f62-a775-940e14374df5/jm18SH2ziDfiUUETw0UT--0--6m3zy.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok Not even the little ones were spared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1b8a7165-acca-46aa-b5a5-03384ca11d75/p0IKmrj6uTzyVvrRyPUx--1--h32vk.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok They did not have the slightest chance to defend themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0624a3c7-4bb3-491a-b793-748005230725/1Ts4RfhW9jTLgiElyacD--0--h0xha.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok Sorrow is all over the place, with salty tears over the end of relations that have lasted for millennia and lives that were taken too early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b949143c-8317-46c3-8305-0dfc6a1a93e3/9lWxQOqnSrxguJRA9kf4--0--xujj8.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page X - Ragnarok Even the fire that is left as a reminder of the passage of the wild beast can not evaporate the tears that wash away the blood from the citadel. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/the-angels monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3d44033-8d1c-4ebc-9271-747ea68498b6/sy4IisgcUQrwi0hl6Eic--0--q2kuw.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IV - The Angels Ariel has seen what she needed to see. These creatures are first generation space travellers and no threat to her and her people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/21445c6c-e00a-4cee-a2ff-ad813611fb0c/mYRWCcjJolLJbzxoPuF9--0--835kv.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IV - The Angels High up in the clouds Ariel sees the citadel which is her home. The dragons have transformed the top of the volcano into a majestical residence for herself and her sisters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6bca787c-2b4f-43db-aabf-eb3bb8e036fc/t3veqskcago0d8rDDVh6--1--rhun4.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IV - The Angels Dragons however are not allowed in the citadel and there are guards watching over them when their Angels are inside. In the courtyard both the dragons of novices and experienced Angels spend their time mostly resting. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/dragons monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/04318e88-c5a3-40d7-b8d8-9044cb2c9682/BhXCn4j1F7cYsUOKIJOS--1--ckmw1.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page V - Dragons Angels do not have any feeling for modern technology. Their millennia long studies of nature however has given them profound knowledge that some would say borders to witchcraft. The skill of Angels to absorb the strength and ability to fly of their dragon is one of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8cf5f347-8509-4c0c-95c5-f52d4c8ee2bf/BhXCn4j1F7cYsUOKIJOS--1--lbvdi.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page V - Dragons It takes a lot of strength and experience to do this process. And the dangers are noteworthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8144cd1e-0108-430b-a21d-ae6e1cc10cf9/njPsl75gUXI28QzqcZOj--1--pl7nl.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page V - Dragons That 's why only the older Angels can and will execute it. Even more, it is forbidden for novices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/479f6c1f-d96b-440e-a245-1a62bc917ef5/njPsl75gUXI28QzqcZOj--1--g8b0l.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page V - Dragons Experienced Angels are capable of reversing the process at will. During the time the Angels have absorbed the powers of their dragon, a dragon is weaker and more susceptible to influencing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7e723738-1da3-45be-ab83-6b93a0c7624e/FLEC3S9Zpn8Nx3qoOgKY--0--1lupn.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page V - Dragons Angels having gone through this process show large feathered wings. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/the-gorgons monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f6aca3ef-bc3f-4bf2-88b7-635966d1ac75/fPMfmUgRK237gyEkohva--0--oo9fs.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page II - The Gorgons "There are currently two species down there. There is one we have met before...the Angelis. The other one I did not now, but they are registered in our database as humanoids." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a0ea22c2-51b1-4c7c-8ac4-87ea457f2519/LYbKDxjmVWy4SjHNLxeZ--0--0qt7o.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page II - The Gorgons "So you need three Type EC3256 clones for activation. They will be ready for deployment at local sunset. Your access to the lab is now no longer authorized. Kindly return to your station." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ccaf5de-88e0-4d8c-8b47-129801b464e4/FdZSCwRWoTphql3kkqIt--0--5bdk2.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page II - The Gorgons The clones, as of now named Agrippa, Gaius and Julius, were indoctrinated to form alliances where possible, defend themselves where needed and political domination at all times. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/the-humanoids monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9bf12348-f1a0-4d1e-9184-134c1f843b7a/iw7SGWPpOg3sPXF2QxfP--0--3bqod.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page III - The humanoids On the far side of the planet the operational team of the humans have started unloading crates from the heavier carrier ships... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/23115092-fe03-4d4a-8daa-6736fa9f8aea/gioCjQIKWUIaKScqbUU9--0--13bdg.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page III - The humanoids ...while others are setting up a base camp so the other ships that are circling around the planet can land and unload their passengers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/62a1f83c-2cc7-4ecc-a584-b78bd71a7434/UaxK7Siji9FKvTLCe2uT--0--rj1tv.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page III - The humanoids And all this is done under the watchful eye of a black Angel, high up on a rock. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/eve-of-destruction monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9846e6c1-a89a-43b7-b0c9-794d7cb2f78d/cB3Cauh515l2Ssfqi0x9--1--x3q3i.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IX - Eve of Destruction Back at the Gorgons, Agrippa shows Gaius and Julius the next step for dealing with the Angels. In the jar is a worm they brought along from their home planet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ec0e73f9-554e-4c92-8fdf-6bf767ed89a6/6G75AONb8ZQbMoFzlXsj--0--u2hvh.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IX - Eve of Destruction Then he takes a goat to the forest and ties it to a pole. All that remains now is waiting for a dragon that will be seduced by an easy meal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c6a558e7-ea0c-47c9-854f-fb91bc3b8d82/Oc7A7BZE7nZMHFuYluyE--1--wu51o.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IX - Eve of Destruction After Agrippa has tied the goat to a pole, Julius hides in the bushes with a stun gun, especially designed for dragons. After a small amount of time a dragon appears, attracted by the goat's smell. Julius steps forward and stuns the dragon, which stands numb and confused. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f5ba29c2-018a-4436-bb43-124f0849733f/6J8bsmIveB5hXl3nZbje--0--j8ogz.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IX - Eve of Destruction While the dragon seems like bound by a spell, and can hardly move or react, Gaius infects him with one of the worms they brought along from their home planet. To the dragon's surprise Gaius sets the goat free again....after all the goat is his pet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/10bf45ba-12af-4ed8-83ca-c91c2d9b48c4/94HpUSZy2XyR0ikaYN4W--1--r1822.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IX - Eve of Destruction It takes a while for the worm to do its work, but then the dragon goes berserk and destroys everything on its path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c5c1f617-7a7d-40fe-af31-1fda1cb5557f/WYz3TNxoyKeANwxNdQKQ--0--qxq8k.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page IX - Eve of Destruction After it destroyed part of the woods the dragon takes flight and heads to the citadel of the Angels. It's rage is so wild that fire is spitting from its mouth. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/the-day-after monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2be5ca56-cc55-4ef5-95cb-7a45590a0d2d/ClzzS9DRRCWy93hF1zH7--1--cxk1b.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XI - The Day After It doesn't take long for the news of the dragons to reach the clones. Agrippa is thrilled but the other two are afraid of the consequences. Agrippa appeases them and shows his new toy. "This will silence them for once and for all." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/523f5712-d680-470a-b54e-eefdc887fba2/DySDvlkdY8aramgs6L2d--1--ddh2j.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XI - The Day After Agrippa's words are not yet cold when his monolith lands in the Angels' citadel courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3bb16d40-f891-44de-9026-80da3c433965/DySDvlkdY8aramgs6L2d--1--9mb5h.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XI - The Day After Hardly recuperated from the extermination of their dragons the Angels are set aback when confronted with this new threat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/608b0aa5-6471-4ea6-8533-e85cb08232dc/5CpLSXLqjEugBu2xKkW4--0--vdags.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XI - The Day After Despite their inconsolable grief they have no other choice but pull themselves together and discuss their next steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2d7c6460-7127-4ac9-9a36-f2531c379a99/l39QC2YaNSzkN5OvJXrG--0--67vri.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XI - The Day After But Ariel has had enough. She made it very clear to the council. For her there is only one way left: War. And war it shall be. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/ad-bellum monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bda22b6c-fc2f-456c-99a1-9a99f946ebec/YYDLrMEsjWhVoVuIrOJ2--0--iyul2.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum So Ariel summons her army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2bb02f72-29ba-4a38-bd6b-7e59fa5484ae/ILdyXAf6aJrRlNw1PWQj--0--l5yoe.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum With the blink of an eye Angels gather around Ariel, their hearts filled with pain and anger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a326781a-2a61-4afb-80e7-bdb701a706b2/b30IU2K0zHP5U9Sppzdk--0--ewhor.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum They all know that revenge will not quench all the sorrow and cries for retribution in their hearts, but doing nothing is no alternative with the Gorgons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/23c193e2-fa56-4bb4-9588-4b80b17d2fab/kKKigBVAcsLJ6iBNBKfK--0--xb4c2.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum A whirling sound deafens everybody in the palace as the Angels overwhelm the plains like locusts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/50f000e7-e6fc-44d3-8514-f4e6f69f7b38/d11AJjCRG7UDCPGQdo9t--0--93oax.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum An airship enters the battlefield and omits eye blinding lightnings with rolling thunders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1fc8fa85-33a7-4ef2-8098-915dfb575051/DySDvlkdY8aramgs6L2d--1--lhqlg.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum Then the eyes of the Angels start bleeding and a high pitch sound makes their eardrums squeak. It's the monolith at the Angels' citadel. Its light has changed from white to red and then... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cbfc4525-e1a7-4623-a500-cc503c9ded41/Bo88DFR9xpQJHRWTG3Hi--0--5xl6y.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum ...an orange cloud appears above the citadel. All Angels cover their eyes as the light is too intense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3c3cb521-3eaa-4947-950a-8a3d53ccf91a/4wiaU7yg8UqKkOeAMX5A--0--vpk3e.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum A nuclear mushroom cloud appears on the horizon. Underneath the citadel of the Angels crumbles like a sandcastle on the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cec5aff2-e988-4293-977e-82faaa61287d/lchyFFASjzZxIUOBAYxI--0--s1f5i.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XII - Ad Bellum When the skies clear the citadel has turned into a ruin underneath an ominous red sun. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/defeat monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2f4d1b23-7a5b-444a-a78f-42e32dccbb01/33VJ2z4E1MC09kHUBnNV--1--4enas.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIII - Defeat When the Angels witness the destruction of the citadel and the magnitude of the destruction their fighting spirit fails them. The two major blows they have suffered leaves them bewildered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/71390d70-8a1a-40f3-b58c-1c647dbe2db4/UwYylG58CT4RQoO3pj5G--0--f8rd4.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIII - Defeat Seizing the moment the Gorgons sent out an airship hanging ominous in the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9966f274-93ce-476a-bdc3-17415b260e14/Seg1UkRbRLqM9nNDnycK--0--vjd86.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIII - Defeat One of the Gorgons descends and orders the Angels to gather around in one group and follow the lead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/892bc45f-8394-4e19-8428-a91031254f1b/neGwycHSAItai4jzzhf8--0--zg60r.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIII - Defeat The Angels feel too grief stricken and gather around, if only to find comfort in the companionship of their fellow sisters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/08ddb166-85eb-461b-9c66-bbd93dd097b8/ExbamWkpKHU9gxXUGHrr--0--28ov3.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIII - Defeat An airship throws down a lighting making a path for the Angels to follow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e04041bc-b963-4812-958d-196418d3578d/1OB7OXPZqlHDOlov2INq--0--6m2cn.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIII - Defeat When the Angels arrive in the cellars of the Gorgons' palace their mind is broken for a third time: Ariel stands on top of a heap of skulls. She looks like she was tortured and her wings attract the attention with their grimy look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/372c4b63-d616-420c-9287-96d3cf1ec469/oSzQMWwerPHl3nvsua9S--0--lg0lx.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIII - Defeat One of the Gorgons stands in front of them: "The skulls you are looking at are the skulls of your fallen sisters. As are the skulls your former leader is standing on. Just like the skull I hold in my hand and the thousands of skulls of other species, they will serve as decorations in our palace". "Let this be a warning: from now on you will live in this palace and function as our servants. Disobedience will be punished without mercy." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/having-a-ball monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b658031e-9df6-4f48-8c88-d33b9810ce38/YRnIUbCXz0KDDx660ked--0--rbja6.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIV - Having a Ball (CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR THE ANIMATED VERSION) The so-called Gods are having a ball. The Angels defeated, humanoids subjected....what a feast. Too bad that there is nobody to dance. But there is still time to conspire. About the engineers amongst the humanoids, and how they keep resisting to worship the Gorgons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/038e01fe-04bf-4d59-b78c-dc5ea5bc6bad/bfjgzziRufzhSxWePyYW--0--lbfvs.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIV - Having a Ball Agrippa, him again, however has a plan. On one of his reconnaissance trips he found a small island. For obvious reasons he called it Skull Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d8afe44a-0114-4237-9185-7d12a69844d3/eToTLJSKLYMwYJx6uwXf--0--kd94s.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIV - Having a Ball On this island are several caves and one of them contains some lost dragon eggs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/84f38022-7887-4215-a658-5778b145899c/YknCFYjwHYcSc7vO4pSa--1--koq59.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIV - Having a Ball And do you remember the dragon he stunned? Agrippa took some DNA samples. You never know when they might be of use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/86453995-0643-422c-964f-e44a98111e1c/BbDXwCaMr6EgQVPzeLUH--1--il0kw.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIV - Having a Ball Like now for instance. "Let's tamper with the DNA, and inject the eggs with it...maybe we can create some dragons of our own, and give the engineers a true reason for worship." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d04c6e87-a22a-4cd7-99d2-40435e9b8163/OvOCeaqiSLNHQI5VJyKq--0--r22ps.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIV - Having a Ball And with Agrippa, it always just takes a word. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/the-plan-is-nothing-the-planning-is-everything monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/86e0ff51-bac6-4e8e-ac72-d4c065663133/YcRSvSGkVrsgCNLLKLF7--0--armpp.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XV - The Plan is Nothing, The Planning is Everything Then, while injecting the eggs, the earth trembles and Agrippa looks up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2534a109-e124-4a45-a792-1acd4cf0e989/NojOOcI9DG3BhvXLSt6W--0--d59a4.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XV - The Plan is Nothing, The Planning is Everything Suddenly the ceiling of the caves starts to creak and rumble and small rocks fall down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/14073290-58ec-44bf-83a1-28f7c846a770/o2lmxeN2qOIrTDx8yuWO--1--tpx5p.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XV - The Plan is Nothing, The Planning is Everything Agrippa understands that his life is in danger and runs out of the cave as fast as he can. Behind him he can hear the cave crumbling down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0070f30c-5dcb-45dd-a793-f34476a89c13/iHoYt9qtnzJNKSpI1Aih--1--otoys.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XV - The Plan is Nothing, The Planning is Everything Out of breath, Agrippa steps through the gate that will send him aboard his vessel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cb8409f6-3ceb-4909-8072-3f3b07c99303/5UtQpkJPaJQzPLjOLO6q--1--dantm.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XV - The Plan is Nothing, The Planning is Everything (CLIKC ON THE PICTURE FOR THE ANIMATED VERSION) While the isle continues to shake and the sea is forming a tsunami Agrippa takes off back home in his small vessel. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/in-a-bad-mood monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/44bcd91f-0adf-4f23-bd54-ea50e7dfdea1/uFRGfBaLVvka3JO5eopP--0--hznur.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVI - In a Bad Mood "Damn earthquake." There was no sense waiting for it to get over, leaving was the only sensible thing." "Now that I had a good plan, for once..." "Naaah, I always have good plans." "I will have to come back later." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/accountability monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/15cecd73-7859-4cbc-bcaf-39d14f3b5f93/pWHWhsmwSuGLt0Nhxvmh--0--6gzt5.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVII - Accountability When Agrippa arrives in the Gorgon castle he wants to see his brothers to report on the mission. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/64c2da48-f981-41a4-9e29-d5d2e939a82e/Fe6fjmniHcsUZu67OpDx--0--stlwl.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVII - Accountability But first he goes to powder his face and body to accentuate his noble divine-like status. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ed1bc947-d24c-42c7-b006-e69a7312e58c/gU2OU9AKb0M07JJfbB66--0--cuvo1.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVII - Accountability When he reports back to Julius and Gaius he does not get the welcome he expected. Both question his judgement and demand to be more involved in the design and planning of what needs to happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a4bd43f9-f088-4436-81a7-a6f766ac2e1e/Ud44zemoOrBlXpwJkZvD--0--ddevk.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVII - Accountability Agrippa leaves the meeting. Who do these nitwits think they are. Without him they would still be begging the Angels for cooperation and treat the humanoids as equals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/944ac62b-c792-4706-8d8a-18a42117d279/Vv9ASCz1Fe4d7e4PkWxD--0--eudmm.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVII - Accountability Gaius and Julius are left behind, startled about Agrippa's behavior. "He is out of control. We have to act, or this will only get worse." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/wedding monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a71b4b3-38a2-4eea-acbf-741918e19ccd/SGiE6GQNejDQhbdokRRu--0--o7pe1.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding It is one year after the humanoids reached their final destination. In this year two fractions had a lethal dispute between believers and non-believers stirred up by the Gorgons. This dispute led to three deaths. In the end Mac and Zoroaster solved the dispute by organizing a wedding between Mac, leader of the engineers, and Zena, the daughter of Zoroaster, the leader of the Gorgon followers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07180599-4b88-4404-9b96-b104228e60bc/ppKPA4Huhe3Ila3i8wvq--0--up1j5.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding Today is the joyful day. Mac embraces the man he will from now on call father. And Zoroaster embraces the man that will be his only son in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2f3d4bf-4217-444c-b1a3-fcf0f799a3fc/rblioZQ6NxvqHnoAn3Bm--0--nb310.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding When Zena enters the place before the traditional temple as her forefathers used to build, she cannot hide her joy. Even though Mac is ten years older, she has always held him in deep respect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/961df5da-b379-4d51-846d-d1763a8a5ff0/zy7uCHTjzHyGAv4MHjVf--0--g769h.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding Then the moment is there for the couple to exchange their vows so that from that moment on they will be called husbands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/125d3809-4f52-4c2b-aca4-e6d0507470b5/97nekx5wJIgI7HRAjvSU--0--s4nzi.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding Both Mac and Zena kiss each other after Zena has crowned Mac with a garland. They are now husband and wife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b45ba708-de91-41f5-ba8e-9b9208b178e1/UnTx9YAT7fxgxOGPExYm--0--z58s6.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding For the community this means the end of all quarrels and fights and the evening is filled with joy, music and dance until late wee hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c480146b-3073-4e73-868e-28ed9b6970d1/Q0m6FVi2UgBqP0rO2k0g--0--pv48j.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding A few days later, after Mac's hair and beard have been cut to show that he is a married man now, Mac is going on a trek for a couple of days in the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6eeadbbe-b84a-42c6-9412-81d34cb0c096/PeQgySWTkuVsSUoJhzfC--0--ajhaw.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding It strikes him that at irregular intervals his path is covered with black feathers. The further he walks the feathers become bigger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5fe48c7c-a772-4ac0-8db3-42f1812f793d/AY3Vvpuxjdm9yh5ApWPf--0--lr9zm.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XVIII - Wedding When Mac reaches another spot with feathers he picks one up and soon concludes that these are not bird feathers. "Ariel", he whispers. It's been a long time since he mentioned that name. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/broken-angel monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/630281a4-0b33-4736-9888-a04ced55e483/7QUTFMojDlhCRHRQnkey--0--94rbd.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIX - Broken Angel Mac takes the feather with him and follows traces that are leading into the woods. No effort was made whatsoever to hide the tracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cef9a206-ec95-4403-a6ab-6e6f50d42285/vvFL48wqkZhKRauNNbTB--0--q0lc6.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIX - Broken Angel Further on another feather hangs clearly in sight in some cobwebs. Blood is dripping down on the ground. He must be getting closer now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7e09c95c-ba07-4ee2-a025-b0c052d89138/dEjzkjonDwNkBpcwzdb5--0--j0r4t.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIX - Broken Angel A bit further it is only blood that is hanging on a twig. What the hell has happened here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c248f4b-c15b-4a1b-a2bf-7fff07338cfa/U8ElISwu25OQHFSc0SdL--0--3y6o3.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIX - Broken Angel At the following turn Mac is so shocked he at first does not want to believe what he is seeing. An Angel, heavily bleeding, in broken shackles and tied to a tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e967d5dc-69bd-4d81-997d-2f091986775c/tlFlgHfJGIoemlRIdGAd--1--rgc1j.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIX - Broken Angel When Mac releases the Angel all she says is "Gorgons". "Cut off my wings." When he asks her for her name she whispers: "Leialel". But before she can say more about what happened, the poor thing blows out her last breath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a928bacf-43c9-4786-be7c-78fb47f9b945/uf3tep1UrfofmVnUzmgN--0--x185v.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XIX - Broken Angel Mac lays her gently on the ground and with his bare hands starts to dig a grave. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/more-atrocities monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bcd305ff-d340-45b8-93d3-6ba03b3d0791/RcNxnUlcQONsJw5cRpBn--0--0nrkc.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities While Mac is saying a prayer at the grave of Leialel he hears some soft whisper carried by the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aae14bc3-172d-4405-a147-718e04721b58/z4vgxnEoIxMV7iKKdA0T--0--2t3y5.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities So he gets up and walks around listening to some more sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5ef8907c-b43d-4d28-8af2-59b0060fa8cb/ZmInmTQK71GQyEiISP0Q--1--zl6yq.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities There it is again. At first Mac cannot recognize the sound, but after a while he can hear that it is someone sobbing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cb3517e2-4f49-4282-8ca9-c93aaf2b8618/tOTQuI97fEoDW7T4pMrt--0--ducg9.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities Even though he just witnessed the death of Leialel that has stretched his knowledge of what people can do to each other, Mac is not prepared for what he sees right in front of him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/18fbec38-1272-414c-b2c9-190c1b6ca4c8/2jGPwpPRRrIqoEzPjQrd--0--fyn7o.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities Three Angels are nailed to fresh cut trees while their wounds are still bleeding. On top of the crosses are attached their names: Lelial, Lehalel and Lezalel. The whispering on the wind must have been their last sound, because all three of them have passed away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/15d95d5b-0f94-40c3-860e-1a576be6927b/5E5KYZlk8cVcq06baMqL--1--9sa57.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities Shocked to the bone Mac turns around and runs away as fast as he can. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/35ffe962-20e3-49e4-af5a-36831fd3cf5f/vqInVoQJ54zCL5PuirKP--0--6q9q5.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities He has forgotten how long he has been running when he stumbles for the first time and his whole body is shaking while he cries out aloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a7f12e1b-8e1a-43a4-8fb6-2d932b0d8b41/4L4lAJNMM3slfiWGAUGE--0--deks7.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities When Mac stumbles for the second time he feels his guts violently contracting and he spits out blood while the fogs are creeping up on him. He can hardly see a hand before his eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b8f27898-0cca-4239-a0ef-4ccbf56e1060/Yp0I4Kl7QxnTCJDwGJm2--1--d3n8f.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities Finally Mac reaches his base camp and the fog clears up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a71b4b3-38a2-4eea-acbf-741918e19ccd/SGiE6GQNejDQhbdokRRu--0--o7pe1.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities There it is...home. How is he going to explain this? And what will it do to the hard-fought peace in his community? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cf8b56c1-cb7c-4c6e-9b0e-5e764ccb81ff/5YDjw0cTueHFqWfFjxvw--0--v3k4a.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XX - More Atrocities At the other side of the mountain the Gorgons are taking their time to carry home their trophies in a jute bag: the cut-off wings of the fugitive Angels. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/catharsis monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/de6cddca-b2e1-4e2d-8bd7-ff3dad782c6f/ch43Rd359h0ZylUcgitq--0--u2tcn.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis Deep down in the caverns under the Gorgon castle... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd6fbcc2-bc24-4b47-b5f0-302e92ff508f/00EpX62uvz5vCmXutMnT--0--k9ljm.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis ...there is a cellar where the Angels have been locked up since their defeat one year ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4347b1ce-98ae-4f1f-ad46-eb55fc450d2f/4ILCNB3OVNNoxnFODFeF--0--w2w3k.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis At the end of the prison cell the bloody wings of two Angels are exposed in the light for everyone to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/93632e70-c0bd-4e4e-9a7a-26e15c3ccda0/QMM6oy7OcFzPqpOybeit--0--aqybe.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis Gaius has been appointed to confront the Angels with the consequences of disobedience. "So you all know the consequences of escape. This is not the first time one of us is standing here. And yet you lot keep stubbornly persisting. Well, I will leave you once more with the bloody wings of two of your sisters. The wings of the three others - yes, we caught them too - will be used for decoration in our throne room." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f89db470-980f-4156-a341-ac87967dc4b8/xNNtU0cnz3smbwa52WLl--0--8wo5h.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis "Stop! Stop this." "Let us find another way" "We are of no value to you this way. And you know you need allies now that the humanoids have solved their quarrels with the marriage of Mac and Zena." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4b9596a3-f5f2-4c09-8927-3e93bca4c6ea/OZa4AWZFKQmdvIY0wuO9--0--jma2i.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis "Who said this!?!" "And where do you get this info?!?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e7a29aa0-da71-4ccf-875f-b79269a32ecd/P7YfEDgPLwj4THn6hj0U--0--tm58m.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis An Angel in the back of the cell stands up: "I did...I, Ariel." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/74afa698-7407-49a2-806a-4ed7bb5bc3c3/njkdkA886MN5DiYgqCbu--0--c8kae.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis "And she speaks for all of you?" "Everybody who is with her, stand against that wall in the back." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7eb358d3-8503-4742-813c-e494fb9c3e1c/alEfl1QMk9ac3bIDQnpI--0--p83tb.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis "So she still has this authority. What does she have that you are all even prepared to follow her to your deaths?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a0f512f9-5026-4c17-aede-8f731e4b5f46/6matKZ69RAnWRPMUU3IS--1--p97w0.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXI - Catharsis Gaius turns his back and points to Ariel. "Follow me!" When Ariel steps towards Gaius she is so weak that she stumbles and falls. In a quick reflex Gaius catches her and prevents her from falling down to the floor. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/moments-of-doubt monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1f8b2761-4458-4722-a6fe-fe9cd371eb54/uWURxCSkMPLllVbS8aAY--0--mwo5j.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt Seeing his village from the viewpoint at the bench, Mac hesitates to go back. Will people believe him? Will Zena believe him? What about Zoroaster and his followers? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fbc134f4-abdd-432e-bc63-98629f814030/8YPnATqZEA1PYMz9JPCg--0--c91qe.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt While he is thinking he walks in front of the bench and sits down. Is there anything at all he can do? He cannot fight the Gorgons. Their followers would immediately call it a breach of peace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/10589c62-9da1-47ac-b1d4-e04152d11726/WXPm3ojWHmaFvJs6hNvJ--0--zhrtc.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt He has been fighting for peace so long, and it is still brittle. Is what he saw worth of breaking that peace. But is holding the peace worth the atrocities that are going on? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/83fb8c27-9999-4f9c-aba0-486cd529a419/f3wqnJmhjyKH4bUMN2un--0--0r708.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt And even if they would support Mac in his fight, Mac's community is no match for the Gorgons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fac2cabe-2e87-4d1e-a430-7fd1490718d6/Vp4izyuQBVKYAza3aoMC--0--dg113.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt But he cannot leave the Angels to the mercy of the Gorgons and their cruelty. There must be something he can do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/095c8b3f-54c8-4a9b-8f86-37cfe2a7bb3f/gkFz9rfHobkgDj1BEITG--0--w9crp.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt Think, Mac, think. There must be something. How can he ever sleep again with what he saw. No species should endure what the Angels are at this moment. How can he find allies? How is he going to explain this to his future children? How will Zena look at him, when he does not act? What about his high held values? "Aaaaaaarrrgh!!!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1f8b2761-4458-4722-a6fe-fe9cd371eb54/uWURxCSkMPLllVbS8aAY--0--mwo5j.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt There must be something he can do. There must be something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3ba626a-7407-4d5d-aa24-d3a7e272e461/FcEhZBHApE53RgCMZPBL--1--mzwbg.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXII - Moments of Doubt Before Mac realizes what happens, his legs start moving again. He must do something, but staying at that bench in the woods is not the solution. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/a-ray-of-hope monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/278773df-e0a5-4d9c-b3fa-deb82c982a2c/z7FeOMytaRLtNgzx4PJ0--1--r7pku.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope When Mac arrives home he first goes to have a shower and a change of clothes, to get rid of the dirt and blood. He then contacts his peers in the engineers community, where he also meets Zena, and explains what he witnessed. Everybody is shocked and disgusted, but no-one has an idea what to do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cfa38664-8b2c-4e56-85c5-9d440bf8eddd/eJIZeo2yDcTuMzgJJqbd--0--twjex.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope Next he has a change of clothes to talk to the more traditionalist members of the community. Immediately when he talks of the Gorgons (they are Gods to his audience here) people start talking amongst each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9545d24a-22dd-44d1-a044-399fdb5b0078/8enlIdjquZ5MnVoGQmuB--0--924jr.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope The disbelief is great and the people that have listened to his testimony call Mac a liar and ask him to leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/945168ee-e8f7-48ed-ac1e-a51224b20a12/M9QkvmQUtYsx6AWSinoV--0--wuuba.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope When he leaves the shelter of the small house Mac is booed and people are pushing him and following him angrily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/92693c35-1785-423b-848b-d9efc9f675ba/PhKyT2aZuWprdBW2rSfv--0--koq77.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope Suddenly everything turns quiet when Zoroaster enters the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3bdd1100-49fc-48e1-82f1-82e43bd984c0/LHO07gug8Gtl0SoZ9bhR--0--4l05j.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope Without paying attention to the crowd he walks briskly to Mac and embraces him. "You have really stirred it up now, my son." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9a306d66-0076-4d13-82e4-cb241028d3f6/DNtbQoux4DZYmsRXryIz--0--u8rxd.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope Then he addresses the crowd: "It hurts me when I hear people here calling Mac a liar. You all know him and what he has done to make peace with us. You all know that Mac would not be lying about this. Maybe we do not like what we hear, but I will go and find out what happened. So Mac and I will go to the Gods, and confront them with what Mac has witnessed." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/85ea9175-eb4f-4027-b936-7c94702931e7/5KHgX98bRRd7allXwTVW--0--7x5qc.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIII - A Ray of Hope People grunt in affirmation and Zoroaster makes his way through the crowd to prepare his long journey to the Gods. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/carpe-diem monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a29dcb26-f70e-4a45-a4a8-3556245a79b0/rPN5lpinZE9aU3OrEnfD--1--ctw9i.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem When Gaius and Ariel leave the dungeon he takes her outside in the open air across the courtyard. When they reach a massive door he tells her to wait and disappears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/84f1c315-65bb-433d-8cc6-0eb2e5e6465f/5jxQhq5iL2fXYWslKWDt--1--apwob.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem In the courtroom Agrippa is sitting on a throne in a red roman toga. Gaius kneels before him and tells him that Ariel has requested an audition to discuss the surrender of the Angels. Agrippa smiles and tells Gaius to send her in . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/70fbf6e3-cbca-4a90-bda5-919861762f7e/0ZnqXOrJ3lKUH0p6DGM3--0--uugg0.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem "He wants to see you." "But you'll have to wait a bit until he has re-dressed the throne and himself...to look more royal" Ariel chuckles: "And I have to face him in these rags?." "There will be a dress waiting for you...he will let you change before he arrives." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/06483bb4-7d0a-4138-9452-e5f72b4bacf6/tFaE8hkh8rxObsS0Ubgf--1--hmwru.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem In the throne room Ariel kneels before Agrippa and explains the plan. "Your plan to create discord among the humanoids has failed now that they discovered what you did to some of my sisters." "We can help you to keep the humanoids under control however." "Free us, and make us your personal guard." "We will punish them when they do not obey, we will spy on them, so that you will have good and up-to-date intel, and we can be your personal body guard to protect you from the humanoids, or other threats." "WHAT OTHER THREATS?" "Your brothers, your nephews,...I don't know." "HMMM" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b6fee737-7bf1-4594-9ba2-85d177d6ed0a/njkdkA886MN5DiYgqCbu--1--a446q.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem Shortly after Ariel's audition Gaius enters the dungeon again and shouts out "You are free. All of you!" When he notices that the news does not sink in, he leaves the Angels in disbelief. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/744402b9-7206-4938-ae6d-18094201e268/g6ByonbZv32zO9pzwVBH--1--ldd28.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem "Could it be true?" "Where is Ariel?" "If it were true, she would be here, no?" "I don't believe it, it is just another trick from the Gorgons." "They want to demoralize us further." "Wait, what is it that I hear over there?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/389d6c51-74da-4be3-8e7e-5cdb1a4731ad/j9AePH3BmbQnMd5BIpnO--0--5ceni.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem "Is it Ariel?" "Ariel is that you?" "Is it true?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4e01169a-6628-402c-baac-365ccd0ead8f/MmVstjeftalYDOYKH7WT-CK-jk-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem "It is Ariel!!!" "Ariel....." "Yes, it is true, my sisters." "We are free to go!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d50dfb78-450a-4475-b649-5215a764fb41/H7eXcDIR2dM5WwM4Vlkm--0--4aeae.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem Soon small groups are leaving the wretched dungeon. Laughter is heard again amongst the Angels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2f91ebee-b3ff-4f2f-895a-ca18d6dc39f1/tYNbVkgTtxTMG4D4ydTJ--0--edkmw.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem They embrace each other, and tears are flowing. Even these ethereal creatures do long for freedom above everything else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5375ba5c-e902-4b08-a1d6-63b03cf96708/oV6qEWNuBQvW3shPnygQ--0--u0gwm.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem And then Ariel walks out while her sisters congratulate her. Ariel enjoys the moment with them. Weak and afraid of the moment she has to tell them what the price of their freedom is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ef4bfba3-4b88-4e09-8bb9-4ededbeef2a7/2VT3UDfch7BbbIYjAPFD--1--c9ae5.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXIV - Carpe Diem Until that moment however: Carpe Diem. It does not take long when the Angels are out in the open again, for the first one to take off in the air and fly amongst the eagles. "Free at last, free at last." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/heaven-and-hell monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6192d609-478e-4925-9d24-8348fafe0d4f/IHrjFDAFH0QGEA1QI7XR--0--em45k.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell Several weeks later Mac and Zoroaster are approaching Heaven's Gate. While on their way to the Gorgons Zoroaster asks Mac to tell him all the details of what he has seen in the forest: "It is essential that I know all the details, son." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc8b8454-d3ae-43ab-8161-0b4f8dc42e47/BEtEqZpOjaCVlZGsQiu1--0--shf0c.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell "I also think it is best that I do the talking. After all, in the eyes of the Gorgons you are nothing more but a heretic." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b331cb71-41b9-4cd0-9b95-bf3e2139819f/hZCcE16oKjDje4rNRoYB--0--423tu.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell When they arrive at Heaven's Gate, Mac leaves behind his horse, and decides to play the role of Zoroaster's servant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f8072534-252f-447a-b91a-f9fc32afba9b/PMjoTd3tIV7qAP2e1P9u--0--92li9.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell Nothing could have prepared them for what is displayed in front of their eyes...a majestic eastern looking palace build of skulls and bones of different creatures, of which several are walking around dazed and confused in the desert surrounding the palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9d244104-e9a4-49bd-83b5-35fe385ab8df/EOmn0nzEtN5ZZefaslv9--0--fwb1b.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell Nobody seems to pay any attention however when Zoroaster and Mac make their way to the palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6621ba04-443f-4619-ad04-0d870cd913b8/i2AzvhFayTm6bXstv1R8--0--osbf6.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell At the palace's entrance both are surrounded by a bunch of devilish creatures pushing Mac and Zoroaster around until they have isolated the old man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c53adccb-289e-47a5-9b24-a9c60f2030f1/f8O7AN31B8t8eEEwgGbz--0--8jt08.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell An oddly looking creature approaches him and put his chains in Zoroaster's hands. "Take them...", he says, "Free me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d72d11fc-a596-4efb-a40b-b8af80f2e70b/srqoEYNQ0ERMUPcPZXcZ-R4gJu-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell When Zoroaster takes the chains and touches the creature's face with pity and compassion the creatures changes into an old man suffering from maltreatment and disease. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e5d9f40f-9f6f-43d6-96e6-3eddb5eca07d/WprYPT6f2sORxQV9lj62--0--5ydsy.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXV - Heaven and Hell Ashamed of what he looks like the pity old man runs away and the devils around Zoroaster start dancing and laughing. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/propaganda monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8e074960-e938-43b9-a2f1-eab09f59d519/YnmU3gaT5y8M6t06LxnP--0--bp5x3.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda Suddenly the beasts freeze in their movements when a man in a white toga enters the courtyard: "Get thee gone, thou stinking lowlives!". Following his command the creatures run away screaming in all directions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0b7a29cf-f323-4174-aa21-74e9f8fc9a62/ycbJolvMjjzc6JNQTeSJ-RKZ-Y-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda But when the man in the white toga approaches Mac and Zoroaster a creature with large horns jumps from behind a wall trying to attack the two visitors. "I said, be gone, or endure my wrath!!!" Hissing and growling the creature leaves the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/853ad36b-5a9b-441b-b552-58ed215c8b18/vOSHwYVLfYY4iXGY9uMk--0--armlp.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda "I am sorry for all this nuisance. My name is Julius. Welcome to Heaven's Gate." Then he addresses Mac: "Do you mind staying here? You're safe. The creatures won't come back. But Agrippa will only receive one of you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/15d5be49-7acc-4370-afb2-356bc1a4476f/FhR8Ii3vz3QttvP5j8GV--0--owsgw.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda After a short discussion between Mac and Zoroaster Julius leads the latter through some sinister corridors and courtyards before they arrive at the throne room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/289e5307-4422-44e4-8a5a-e042a240394d/7uRLr5s12ZRFsZl2vtUJ--1--wi2tt.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda A stool stands before the throne Agrippa is sitting on and he gestures Zoroaster to sit down. Then he invites Zoroaster to tell him what bothers him, and Agrippa listens carefully, asking questions in a friendly matter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f3ccb6c1-2b9d-4303-b13a-380ff6e4c42f/RhAP9ThzcdV5lc3DlwUd--1--3wfkq.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda Once Zoroaster is finished, Agrippa stands up, and invites him to get dressed for a walk . "Let me show you some facts..." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1c3de0fb-15f3-4bdb-8db9-025c26eee2f6/00EpX62uvz5vCmXutMnT--1--epyrd.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda "So there are rumors that I have imprisoned the Angels? Let me show you our cells." "As you can see they are all empty." "Now let's walk to the practice fields of my body guards." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc66e271-cf70-42f8-8ee4-139a09e528a7/7CRmbK9FM6GM5x90Hsku--0--l9i0v.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda "What you see here, are my junior body guards in training...as you can see they all have wings." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7fb20462-a24b-4b85-b00b-aa91279707ba/Ot39bZaQhhwGQAtbKxY8--0--8rwur.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda "And here you can see my senior body guards...all of them have wings, yes?" "All the angels have volunteered to be my body guards. The ones your companion has seen in the woods were deserters, and it were the Angels who have punished them." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3030abaa-a954-4197-9489-56bde8bcf7a3/3iVQaefOs1UxfEUVs6GJ--1--k7f7v.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVI - Propaganda Zoroaster is confused and thoroughly impressed with what he saw. Agrippa looks at Zoroaster and in a condescending manner tells him that he should not always believe what common people tell him. Zoroaster nods. And then Agrippa invites Zoroaster to pray with him. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/origins-of-species/a-secret-meeting monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/69770260-8406-4776-9ad0-429b1a32c933/BEtEqZpOjaCVlZGsQiu1-p2nNN-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVII - A Secret Meeting On the road back to their village Zoroaster briefs Mac about the story Agrippa told him. Mac does not say very much, but after a while he keeps hearing someone whispering his name softly on the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fdaf1848-0754-4cc0-9ff2-de3285a7f5c7/qmm3pJv6Q4c8id8uVVIp--0--5meq7.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVII - A Secret Meeting So Mac tells Zoroaster that there is still something he has to do and he will travel back to the village later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c567de08-5a95-4961-9454-4c4e9b50e732/MfHiAu7BY0qY1zIcAMFi--0--xjqxp.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVII - A Secret Meeting Zoroaster nods and spurs his horse. "See you later, my son." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/26afbeff-7d93-4cd2-8d23-98468b9eb58e/kHZ3x5j1IbD8uyqYOINt--0--2xj74.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVII - A Secret Meeting Mac knows what is coming next and stares in the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4036599f-f77a-4adb-b7fa-75b7159ea962/LVD3K7x6TrX0fByLmevG--0--fgr22.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVII - A Secret Meeting Then out of the misty blur Ariel lands before Mac. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5f8f01f7-d3ea-4b5b-bc0d-70cc1a118661/Pk20J9SbiOCU6Xloyd8A--0--1jqj1.jpg Angelic Wars - Origins - Page XXVII - A Secret Meeting They greet each other politely and then Ariel tells Mac that Agrippa is lying. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens daily 0.75 2025-09-02 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/dark-angels monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3881c20f-b96a-4aca-af0c-edcda155dd5c/6S5rhReqSMuBW0BBwGmR--0--h6119.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page II - Dark Angels Nobody however notices the dark Angels that are appearing everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2b686a6d-e5d6-4d0a-98fd-c4d48b152673/Yjz9lY0sSjq7LeawkLVK--0--h86sc.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page II - Dark Angels Occasionally a single person is taken away, but nobody gets really disturbed. After all, most of the time the people disappearing are considered loners, and nobody really worries about what happens to them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0c6008ae-68f7-4935-8a0d-c7afb999775d/Mv4ZVcPE7tq04ZMaLPI7--0--oq608.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page II - Dark Angels More disturbing are the rumors about sects being formed of people opposing the devilish practice of flying. Some say that these sects are formed by dark looking Angels. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/the-guild monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0da9e287-9ea6-4fe7-9ba6-db508826ee0d/yyoMCWobfnP9tFsNai8P--0--0jh3h.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild Following all the rumors the Guild of Mechanical Aeronaut Engineers has sent out several persons to find out what is going on. Zadie (nickname Bambina) is on her way back to report. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a1537b1e-4b1c-4155-8d47-0040b19e96d7/OIfZOEZKDEHXvkVEZMiu--0--lgd3s.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild When Zadie arrives at HQ she forms the secret access code. She is aware that Zorn has gathered all the members to hear what she has discovered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/40855a4a-cbe0-4939-9ba0-811a7d6bbbe2/GperaHZLqZnsmvk13IFD-zHgcr-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild "Uncle!!! I'm so glad to see you." Zorn is the president of the Guild and has raised Zadie after her parents died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30880f5f-34b6-49f9-a874-80d649019c8c/lrMiaMsJnGBhgjTfJo8g--0--1e8mj.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild After her meeting with Zorn, Zadie is walking through the crowd to the pulpit. She is putting everything in her head in order about the Angels, the sects, and the threats that are hanging upon them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc09cc7f-ae55-43a1-a05f-b8953f7c788c/eQs5o6KBnfBbHIh43KFf-FYfSK-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild While Zadie is explaining that the incidents with Angels all over the county are too intense to be innocent, the mood in the aula is palpably ominous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4eb47e1c-36d5-4d6a-9ad2-6e1676fa5da1/UJWIvTluyDN2mwsRDuBz--0--bpl2z.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild Suddenly, a bing bang is heard and glass is flying all over the place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dbe6d953-210b-4b5a-805f-c7099ce43498/hdz055W2x6L6ZdoDJlqL-1TnJ_-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild In a blink of an eye Seraphina, the fiery Angel, appears, casting a bright light at Zadie. "Thou of little faith...man was never meant to fly. Stop thy pathetic attempts or bear the consequences!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/31a2d346-65a5-4e3a-b511-9f0a1db91af4/uZ1df54XNpFenR94CUqs--0--49csf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild After a first panic reaction all members of the Guild now come running with arms and start shooting at the Angel, which undergoes an aggressive transformation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5189a908-c8e1-46f1-ac95-12a20c483ea1/IdtqeS46v9cGj8waOvRx--0--66dkc.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild And then, with one big flash, the Angel is gone. Leaving nothing but a bowl of light and a group of startled people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ada3f151-7494-4641-b4a5-0c5e71517713/sexnnxhgxicCNyCuj8cm--0--0xnv4.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page III - The Guild More and more members of the Guild turn to Zadie, asking her what should be done now. Give up flying, fight the Angels, fight the Gods? And how? https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/revenge-of-the-gods monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b62bec16-c367-44fa-b54b-ebd380eb42a8/GpxKg71yWnHn2kf394er--0--bm6y7.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods Somewhere else, in a place unknown to man, stands a palace made out of bones from thousands of creatures. Behind its walls plans are being forged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0e991c17-477b-4d7a-b0f5-f0b18a90b8fc/LE0xMjhvu3yfMzWbQEIp--0--ivu7v.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods An Angel is summoned: Ariel. Once the leader of the Angels. Now the pet of Agrippa, whom she once - several centuries ago - offended and opposed, and as a punishment still suffers his eternal humiliation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/81f3b86a-eeb9-492c-85eb-4be3360f0833/U36mxuA65ci0WSJO3nno--1--p8sen.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods A trinity of self-declared Gods, once clones, wants to avenge the attack of the humans on Seraphina. Agrippa, who still bears a grudge against Ariel, and is often seen in Angel outfit just to humiliate Ariel, speaks."You will summon your army, and attack the humans. You will lead them and destroy the major cities of these lowlife creatures." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ae37f673-8a8a-4028-b276-8cf8da2f7df9/qri8L8Jt5Lz7y0bGI6S4--0--dl5v2.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods Ariel retreats to the top of the castle and summons the Angels to gather at the place where they once resided and ruled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a1554e71-60b7-4556-8be1-3164edc51e8e/4EAKBiqUH78JHSmUBfTK--0--yth5w.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods Angels from all over come flying in after the summoning from Ariel. This place - which once held a mighty citadel - is still holy ground for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c32869f6-bc0f-4e2c-8deb-466b659e293e/PBQNG1ExZz6LSfn9VtBS--0--g4qzm.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods When all Angels are present at the ruins of the old citadel, Ariel arrives. The place is dead silent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/61b65ed1-5037-4726-81e6-c97b93bb0396/vSCT95EByKYBjgrAeOXg--0--bhq1w.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods Ariel reveals what the trinity has ordered, but also what her plan is. She cannot accept that all major cities of the humans would be destroyed. So she suggests to symbolically destroy some minor villages and try to avoid casualties. All Angels are appalled by the plans of the trinity and agree with Ariel's plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6d7b5d97-97c6-460f-a870-020a9979c2e5/3LqdD0gtG2oxId9NLxRC--0--8zj2g.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods After all is discussed and agreed upon, the Angels leave with heavy hearts to do their unwilling job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5371b8a1-a2b7-444d-95dc-e637b802c846/yolOhQIYzp068vITgCIR--0--2ydud.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IV - Revenge of the Gods When the clouds over a pastoral landscape open a swarm of Angels fly over making a noise that scared the horse of some people traveling through the fields. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/ariels-punishment monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/95c55346-7b1a-4140-b8de-40d77c90daf4/2BgJJBFGzlfvWlyhLdDK--0--xwbn3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment The attack of the Angels is merciless. Dozens of buildings are destroyed by fire, leaving hundreds of people homeless. But so far the plan of Ariel works...no people are injured or killed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0f5dba7b-08cb-4bce-a4aa-3840224226be/qhyHwUXNzXP7dFlc6eo2--0--kndvm.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment But the people do not know of the plan of the Angels. All they can see is their homes destroyed. All they can think about is where they are gonna sleep that night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9632df24-6e55-408e-aa53-bbdde63adb6f/738zGxReQ7HWQQwn3d2C--0--q7tev.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment After a thorough search in the rubble by a large group of volunteers for survivors, it is confirmed: no injured or dead were found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/81b79a2a-43d8-4b27-b7e3-c6ea94e22d65/rji1Jwymedkdk6798IbW--0--wpi3l.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment Armed men from neighboring villages come to the rescue, but they arrive too late. After their destructive attack the Angels gather and take off to the skies to disappear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/98d43363-8bf1-42f8-9300-ae73b89b2505/oHREZ0I5XeSwCilcp1YP--0--ydaii.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment When Agrippa hears of the stunt Ariel and her Angels pulled, he is furious. "Make that stupid Angel come and see me....at once'. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/21ae8a11-d026-4435-b078-f8285479af78/LE0xMjhvu3yfMzWbQEIp--0--ivu7v.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment Even though Ariel has learned how to deal with Agrippa, she fears his wrath this time for what she has done. Agrippa knows that Ariel disobeyed his orders, and she will suffer for it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1a741b1e-0f03-4332-882e-46cbef8cb2d4/slKOpzdFVZkcwapDYzrx--0--lywpf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment And she was right. Ariel is being sent to the Chamber of Nightmares. For a day and a night she will be overwhelmed with the most anxious cries of creatures being tormented with their most fearful nightmares. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ec79b5e4-6f48-4ad1-838f-743b3da238f9/EVUSSIde3Y2EVyrdw8rH--0--bx3yh.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment After a day and a night Ariel is released from the Chamber of Nightmares. But Agrippa has always been vindictive so that does not suffice for him, and he orders Ariel to go and explain why she failed in her mission to the Nephews. Something that is considered by Agrippa as the ultimate humiliation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f39c367a-bb99-40a1-86d8-738403087731/V4U7HoAxmse3lCTrzFj9--0--w5nix.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment The Nephews are clones made by Agrippa based on his DNA and that of his two brothers. The three of them being clones themselves the outcome was not what Agrippa had hoped for. The Nephews are slow in their thinking and have difficulties in understanding complex matters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/166a5dc8-e393-4d9c-8115-d8e1a672ad76/Mlk9RrZq6r7kYF3pC2Aa--0--rhijb.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page V - Ariel's Punishment Ariel however never had any problems with the Nephews. Her sympathy for all creatures always has the overhand. So she explains what needed explanation and leaves, much to the satisfaction of the Nephews. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/uprise monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3aa5ccb3-294e-482b-b264-40db48b99e3d/OO5XQklDPbFpfycSRkf1--0--cen6f.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise On the more profane level in the mean time people are gathering in crisis meetings after the attack by the Angels. The sects are shocked but blame the attack and the rage of the Gods on the pilots with their devilish infringement of the no-flying commandment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1a1271fb-e42a-48aa-a1cd-6ed5d265b9f4/NuUkU32RE4XyOgZAeJ2w--0--82js7.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise High upon the roof of the building where the sects are having their meeting, someone 's eavesdropping. Nobody notices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7460aecf-164a-4b2b-b03b-40b058255092/mK2IInnmRPA1IKs8fdbq--0--7649f.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise At the different Guilds of Mechanical Aeronaut Engineers the main focus lies on how to defend oneself against further attacks by the Angels. Suggestions go from creating defensive airplanes to rockets that could shoot down the Angels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1d48144d-0b20-4f98-8d6a-22ea8b8f8dba/wQMLEY3uNpDA3g5rG3f5--0--ht0k7.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise And also here, high upon the roof of the building where the guilds are having their meeting, someone 's eavesdropping. Nobody notices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1219d723-97dc-4af2-90bd-754b75a90be2/SsYfjZvvb12xPKs5A5jC--0--m6clf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise At the Association of Pilots a man called Maximilian van Lichtenstein takes the initiative and suggests to search contact with the Guilds of Mechanical Aeronaut Engineers to find out what ideas they might have. He also suggests to try and contact the Angels to solve the matter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9f5e7412-a8f5-4a6a-b9df-077f98645a70/Z8gkUASyszRfKm37oWZs--0--f267f.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise For the third time, very closeby, upon the roof of the building where the pilots are having their meeting, someone 's eavesdropping. Nobody notices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a8da0ca5-b9b4-4531-8e8d-532d11674523/D0bxVog3Lnx9bfGVCtK4--0--lrhkm.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise Shortly after the meeting with the pilots Maximilian van Lichtenstein is on his way to the HQ of the Guild of Mechanical Aeronaut Engineers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e7e6822f-11ea-42d2-bd8a-756937760021/asJNG7o0dmDsrUJFGWVO--0--gccqo.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VI - Uprise Suddenly an Angel descends before him. Maximilian is not startled however. It is Ariel and she addresses Maximilian: "We need to talk...now....uproar is at hand amongst your kind." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/the-age-of-flying monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/becea3d6-eddc-45bb-ab49-472d0c4d9b85/LXUTP2UC2LooOi9CbKZv--0--0j12e-2.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page I - The Age of Flying In a place and time unknown to us, man has come to an era where they discovered the mechanics of flying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f11c0910-7c41-4666-ab73-1b9ded598c15/P1pZHZfO2fpgfRcgw9H7--0--r4j4t.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page I - The Age of Flying Some aeronauts are successful in their attempts to fly, using the newly found knowledge combined with their technical skills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8a537300-ea34-485a-9a50-4bf02e39d1dc/Rdf1e365No3sAoqvhSfA--0--ninq3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page I - The Age of Flying Others are dreaming about pushing boundaries and "go where no-one has gone before". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6a41b7f7-a202-4de7-ab1a-6c1e61467ef9/yw0zhPBa9e2S4Wb1Y3XJ--0--pjb1l.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page I - The Age of Flying And then there are those who will have to take their plans back to the drawing table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2826272c-2891-449e-8541-5b6d9f85ec16/JkzpX3JgYqJBLWHp3IR9--0--e98g3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page I - The Age of Flying Soon, this new technological evolution draws the attention of the Gods, and they send their first Angels to go and investigate what is going on. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/a-secret-alliance monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c794ec8b-2814-4d2a-ac4e-83692fc13ac6/x3OxlSpCizoZ66wLtnpt--0--i0cjo.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VII - A Secret Alliance The moment Ariel has landed, Maximilian starts asking her questions about the attacks on the villages. Ariel apologizes at length and explains that Agrippas plan was way more far-reaching and that this was as far as she could go in reducing the impact of his plan. She does not say a word about the consequences it had for her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/37c1ba57-af7b-4100-b47c-a745564ba5b8/bXxcC3cEK5JOycHlgzJT--0--f3uy3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VII - A Secret Alliance Then Ariel explains to Maximilian that she has overheard the sects in planning an uprise against the Guilds and pilots. They want to stop all flying and kill or imprison anyone that does not comply. She also heard that they are planning to start their riot at the HQ of the Guilds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/62da7289-632a-4f37-a864-5fc0ccacd169/kFzKGj5X9SrCyV3qyWO7-bd7Q2-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VII - A Secret Alliance Before Maximilian sets of to inform his friends and plan the necessary actions he thanks Ariel and the two embrace each other lovingly. Ariel tells Maximilian to beware. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/attack-of-the-sects monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/58ff8d57-477d-41e8-9d93-88cfe590ce2e/ky4j6oMh6xLQWUQvk0Gi--0--kh0ps.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VIII - Attack of the Sects Only a short time after Maximilian van Lichtenstein arrives at the HQ of the Guild a large delegation of the sects is standing at the front door demanding access and a meeting with a delegation from the Aeronaut Engineers and pilots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a051df69-7c84-48a2-b8d0-c2dbd1a9dcbe/MGvOOpdIVN7CgKkrnYSC--0--88w8r.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VIII - Attack of the Sects After some discussion it is agreed that 3 of them can come in and have a talk. While they are proceeding through the hallway noise is heard at the back entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/95ecc48b-cad2-4615-8000-473e2506e2c5/nxScHerBsMguk4Ya7jkR--0--ktjfc.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VIII - Attack of the Sects "It is a trap!" "At arms!" "At arms!" A large delegation of sect members are at the back entrance trying to force a way in. They are armed with swords and long knives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b671d2a3-0e67-497e-9257-dcb6632a0838/v3J2WGGK25dGHu2uiK35--0--t8kzf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VIII - Attack of the Sects Luckily Maximilian arrived in time and the members of the Guild were informed with Maximilians intel about a possible attack. So the members of the Guild manage to block the sect members from coming in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/76a127b0-5bfb-439e-bc25-83ac917e7e5e/aM2EK3ZblrN1LftGyEGs--0--ntz9m.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VIII - Attack of the Sects Soon the sect members cease their attack and run away in the streets followed by the Guild members and pilots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5c590e83-634b-48f4-a6a6-e66421f19ea1/dI6gGmDuog1jkbt4Qz38--0--3s842.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page VIII - Attack of the Sects Being convinced of their own rightness and the feeling of an impending victory, it does not take long before the chase of the sect members draws out the bloodlust of several Guild members. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/the-reckoning monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c915106c-accf-4d73-8401-3e2b5cde8646/kMFSfiroeJVS5VgkcU7I--0--a5imq.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IX - The Reckoning Soon several people are lying dead on the cobble stones. Killed in a rage or for settling accounts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3905b9d6-3d57-4b88-92cb-8373832e554d/PVqiClcn81HJMLRrP2BS--0--koqta.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IX - The Reckoning Not even the wounded are spared and in the rage of all the pent up anger from the last months a lot of throats are cut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9408ce2a-2e91-45c3-9be4-06304017c9d2/V1zIVCDwDfpHXcBiCRnH--0--qyp7r.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IX - The Reckoning Only a few people like Maximilian van Lichtenstein manage to keep the crowds under control and save lives by sending the wounded to prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a2e00553-b4cf-42f1-a291-c59adffbfc7f/n0tKxU4jobxrGBfzIWGd--0--4741i.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IX - The Reckoning After tempers have calmed down again the prisoners are sent to the courthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9f515acc-acb5-4eb0-96f8-159ec3e06244/pVAKLAo1k1cRzDeMIo6y--0--oxdwz.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IX - The Reckoning It does not take the judges long to condemn the leaders of the uprise to a lifelong sentence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cc9a175d-2c41-44b9-95e3-96736bf3caa8/u83r9gR0NUcVsXf9tVny--0--xk85f.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IX - The Reckoning Once in prison they are treated like serious criminals and put together with murderers and rapists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/86048d69-fc43-4d54-8c45-6ad7342bcf91/8JgHTFKc32RXXk7Gcokz--0--9m5vw.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page IX - The Reckoning The public outside however is not satisfied with the condemnation of the sect members. They have heard about the cool-blooded murders of the wounded and captured and want the ones responsible for it also to go to prison. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/a-shift-of-power monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fcff4063-d40d-417a-b8c8-525e30a27619/44Nt411Fthbt42jpDCmT--0--5n3ii.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power After the booing and throwing with rotten fruit from the balconies Maximilian van Lichtenstein confronts the seniors of the Guild with their passive reaction. He condemns them vehemently, but they take his words with bowed heads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e5e538ee-aaf0-4948-8f8b-37109c55bfb8/9QMGGr9jCW1SCuh3RUPV--0--tbvuf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power "If tomorrow members of this Guild will be acquitted, the people will turn against us. And if we are divided, them so-called gods who think they can tell us what to do will turn against us. You all saw what the sects tried to do to us, encouraged by their gods. Now is the time to act." Loud cheering follows Maximilian's words. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6dc72dba-4b36-4831-bb34-61ddd389503b/OvVUrtUXAmlnD4NeeZ1a--0--v9c4g.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power The next day Maximilian stands ready with his newly formed militia. Ready to do justice the way he thinks it should be done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/47dd172c-fcfa-4cbe-835d-f38fb4cbed02/J86CzMwsT5gp2NiuUfF6--0--16uva.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power In court - to no-one's surprise - the members of the Guild, as respectable members of the community, are acquitted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1c1de14e-9bce-43ee-8bad-45a386ec1b64/mfJE9RfZQxj94WuAOnUS--0--9t6sd.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power When the acquitted members try to leave court they are awaited by dozens of people scolding them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dbf38570-a6f5-4c98-8241-f9bdb47165b5/Pyu85d1wrLChxdQV44MK--0--nyvcq.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power Maximilian signals his militia to take action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/31126ee3-d2db-4c51-9740-288f722c5e09/9IydcOmScMSDj79wPqsD--0--h7ve7.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power And in no time they make a citizen's arrest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/98ee79e3-ce83-43b9-8832-71ad0462061e/BAiQGnk6F714m2neIXOT--0--ylzar.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power Maximilian and his militia are the new heroes and a cheering crowd forms a guard of honor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/61ab3052-dac5-4b81-a067-cd0745a20967/xHcxiQwiDuNly5Pl6cCD--0--pb5os.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power The arrested members of the Guild end up in jail and get their first briefing as prisoners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b9f44039-ce39-4903-ae86-3b5ba0823206/UjTf7bb4Tlya7hjrbkBx--0--hwr2y.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page X - A Shift of Power High above, on the remainders of a fallen empire, a sorrowful Angel looks down on how the history of men is going its own repetitive way again. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/raising-an-army monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5cf00871-7c19-43b7-89fe-ba39731775b2/1fpSJS7KUabdZ6CtryN3--0--g6ukn.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XI - Raising an Army Now that the leadership of the Guild has been discredited Maximilian van Lichtenstein uses the momentum to push though his vision on how the war for the heavens should be held. The first thing he does is raise an army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d66bb1b-bfff-4042-8c86-53af2445d176/XhoFp1koLiZ0bPXx7Ele--0--ve1rm.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XI - Raising an Army Facilities in and outside the city are confiscated and turned into training centers for the military. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3f699668-21e9-4fd8-b649-f56a6813e69b/M3OiFOLhNZGCqteSpz7r--0--nm7be.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XI - Raising an Army Technical and academical personnel is enlisted to create the necessary military equipment and weapons: ammunition... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/315fea6e-c861-4680-b677-268dcac44f85/42onuptrzyPv4mkH9FKm--0--g001c.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XI - Raising an Army ...rifles and machine guns... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e5fe264e-0de7-46af-ba32-3cc4311a8056/9uSeYqQGrxaWHcFw6cOg--0--xy4tc.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XI - Raising an Army ...airships and planes... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/57b4a310-a380-4e47-8701-a0241270b26e/qGcjcaV0SWSuwPvzuZRf--0--5rsjz.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XI - Raising an Army ...and for the first time in the history of mankind: nuclear weapons. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/opposition monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0080a5b7-cfd9-4120-a4a7-146d79e14734/h9O4PHNIkvWNAyTXhCTj--0--lvm04.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XII - Opposition Back in his office Maximilian has received a letter from Ariel. She wants to see him about the events from the last couple of days and does not sound pleased. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/an-angelic-quarrel monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/991c501b-f582-4334-8014-8771d5b05b5a/dxdGOvfLRGBqzqdrRD7f--0--exvk2.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIII - An Angelic Quarrel At the ruins of the old citadel Ariel comes flying to Maximilian. He notices from her face that this is not gonna be a happy meeting between lovers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1956a79c-21ea-495d-b5e4-0efa7564562d/fOz8pvfvav53dpk4IwLz--0--7v3gl.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIII - An Angelic Quarrel Ariel reprimands Maximilian for his move towards power and the elimination of the opposition. She warns him for creating weapons of mass destruction and asks him to consider what will happen if both parties start bombing each other with nukes.. A nuclear war will destroy the planet and every living being on it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ddafe837-e43b-444b-b0f5-5d864ef86c59/bP3h6nk9vSpASw8nt2Ge--0--rxtp2.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIII - An Angelic Quarrel Since Maximilian at first sight seems hesitant to reconsider his position, Ariel takes a jump up in the air and flies away. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/thinking-out-of-the-box monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fb6a0ead-b67a-44e0-ae79-b546660690b0/7BHARuRDIK7MAXVDAjVd--0--my8xi.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIV - Thinking Out of the Box On his way back to the HQ the words of Ariel keep lingering in Maximilian's mind. The risk of nuclear warfare is high. And on top of it, it might take too long to become deployable too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9e2bd92f-5d58-4dcc-9e26-4a613851c4df/NIWQ7aqnWEXULZmUo4Ed--0--atyuk.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIV - Thinking Out of the Box And while going over the alternatives he remembers this old - somewhat eccentric - scientist that was talking about nuclear powered robot suits. At that moment Maximilian and everybody else laughed the idea away. Maybe he should look him up again, and listen to what he has to say. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e146dffa-f410-4b1c-8f0e-e103f3ea0062/rROs0yTTiPV23hXuBh33--0--zx3h1.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIV - Thinking Out of the Box As could be expected the man in question - Ghuepecco - is ecstatic about Maximilian's visit. He explains the concept, and most of all stresses that it could be put into production at a relative short period. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7023261c-9423-465b-9f9d-574691096353/RTAeHPbLZ9dQY0m6fNYu--0--e208g.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIV - Thinking Out of the Box Maximilian likes the idea and gives his go ahead. As soon as he is out of the door, Ghuepecco goes to his drawing board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/92ed80cd-88a9-4e79-8f84-b505901414e8/HguMd3eVgBnUlDSJPhhj--0--v9bk8.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIV - Thinking Out of the Box He is so excited that one after the other drawing flows from his fingers. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/deep-sea-diving monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4163d26b-4e37-447c-bf04-224070c3650d/uqajsVJKNOyGMae9YZzd--1--llroh.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving During his conversation with Ghuepecco the issue of powering the robot suits comes up. Both know that when the sourcing of uranium will start, the Gorgons will notice. Ghuepecco suggests to go source in the sea...under water. The chances of detection will be minimal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/35a49c41-968a-4bf5-bf79-80a678733b16/KtrbX612IWSq60WYNA0I--0--z0olm.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving So Maximilian gives the order to start the construction for sourcing under water. A couple of weeks later he is visiting the site. When he passes the submarine that brings in personnel he can see that the work is progressing fast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c975d29-8b02-4a8c-ad45-1db681fa8c35/jABNLaECZsdhy4l3T7ld--0--m15w8.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving Suddenly there is a stir in the water. Animals in the neighborhood seem to feel something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7d2fb495-c026-4314-a9a3-3e6c50bcdf87/K9UnURtStDsnchSG0Cy7--0--jmbjx.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving And all at once they flee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bee13a06-d67f-4635-8743-d0fcb8e7c8c5/b04kiWIBuiHD4yw4xaaY--0--7ge6o.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving An alarm sounds and the engineers are yelling over the intercom. "Get out, now. Drop everything." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/12803978-ad2d-4437-9334-3e90179f50af/k6mzLDsbceqU5rPpRYLI--0--kltoc.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving In order to lead the danger away from the extraction unit, Maximilian steers his submarine into a cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/209422b3-f984-4bca-ba2a-a89b38752c97/cWQwwjsrXM2BF7l5nhs6--0--xaqkb.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving From within the submarine Maximilian can see a massive red octopus approaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/32a51141-b8b0-45d7-a353-ff67647ed9af/8auQP4nRHTYMmfczx3ez--0--e7ctj.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving Once it reaches the submarine it stops and it seems like it is watching Maximilian. Maximilian hears a voice he knows too well:"Don't provoke him, Don't attack him. And definitely don't kill him. It's an old creature. Centuries old." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f9bfdd4e-12d9-496a-a801-60773a681fe3/YLWWJSWDMGnRRmIQwnKU--0--q3eep.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving Irritated by the vibrations of the uranium contraption a giant sea eel comes out of its cave and swims towards the unit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f330a277-ff42-4cc2-80d1-c258a046868d/8ZJq1KsQxFGgEbQfXAcx--0--overf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving When it notices the octopus, it turns off to the red giant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e219e24c-463f-4ba4-bb61-d21ba76703d7/BNqUFhcvx9iFTu5TEPFq--0--qr48c.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving Both creatures start a fierce fight, but the eel is no party for the octopus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/86afcdd4-9348-46c8-b973-85801fd4ba0d/l54kbMIJUhjieYB1r1Ir--0--zyg8x.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving As soon as the eel realizes this, it flees away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/66b779a0-438a-4e0a-af1e-c4616192417b/YgeFkfdCv32QhWoICnz8--0--7jy7u.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving Wounded, but not lethally, it's taking cover in its den. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/58d7bbd0-e408-4b65-bdbf-b52f5eb255cd/VROER6E02xGhIHXu7eDr--1--nkdvo.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving The octopus returns to the window where Maximilian is standing and keeps staring at him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/79819a74-57c1-4143-a159-2ddf4dd77809/EmUhtxHG7s8NsSgmc9pR--0--1ebiq.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving And then the creature turns away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/36bfd844-ea16-4ab3-9134-6ff01cdc7351/z5J0CZMGRx7dwh3Qai8j--1--zfpbn.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving And moves out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/efe1ccf6-a498-4f4e-aecb-c3e2458d3ebd/IU91FcCb47TQgbU3nYUt--0--q17qu.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XV - Deep Sea Diving Three weeks later the unit is fully operational and accepted or ignored by the creatures of the sea. The octopus or the eel were never seen again. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/testing monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7a0a9839-9e60-4b24-a54e-80597dce86a0/aPfJ7Z28Vsa4jTMZibas--0--8ren2.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing Amidst the ruins of a forgotten city, a colossal steampunk automaton lies half-submerged in a murky swamp, its gears rusted and its brass plating tarnished with age, surrounded by twisted trees and eerie bioluminescent fungi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f43affc0-3961-409f-b2e1-9d6ad54392da/TtSfeIK9Ws8y33KVtBWJ--0--1brwi.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing Inside - hidden from prying eyes - Ghuepecco is fully occupied by the production of his robot suits. The undersea uranium will be delivered any day now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6ccb338a-db1f-4521-a11f-ae328fa3d1f0/Nho50GDjc2XkTbW7l8mh--0--dqdc3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing In the mean time Ariel is testing a prototype of the robot suit in the ruins of the citadel. Fit and movement are the main points of attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88349f0f-a1c6-47fd-8fa5-9a1aac070287/Z243fi0PXpp3u3InsyMN--0--yrfen.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing Another test that is going on behind the screens is the one of the first armed airship, constructed with rusted plates and cannons in the belly to avoid getting too much attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eed39024-0e8a-46a5-a21c-046e25c86c23/55c9twNLKlBvI5LOiVXy--0--vngxn.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing Weapons are being tested going from repetitive machine guns... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/361f8d31-ba95-405e-8829-94195076fa23/kXR89Yp0HdNNycovmXwS--1--eyibk.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing ...over laser guns... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/736ccd32-2af0-42a7-a160-1282df452de6/XHvKrBK1CB7UXsjNhhEN--0--0j84w.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing ...to taser pistols. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dff21bce-c38b-4d5e-8f29-fffb4dcbfec3/kkRqJl5w6mGEmhz7GFNr--0--sbsig.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing In a distant defoliated tropical wood pilots are being trained to become aces in aerial combat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/28d277c9-fa03-4b5d-a075-53a4b34bb7f6/FP1tIbryJFWnwOEzWS9g--0--lixr9.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing But most importantly of all, Maximilian, in an unknown underground location, is informing a select group of Ariel's lieutenants of the plan to bring war to the Gorgons. And that he will need their support and that of their legions when the time has come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/de2bec4c-40f7-47fc-8e20-5261a0555d12/A1VbxFfzyonpf7QRSwsm--0--c9ttu.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing During the meeting Maximilian is summoned by some of his engineers. They created an additional weapon, that can turn the chances of war: a donjon buster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a8f5c2d0-2f18-4a86-b66b-2e81d10cde8a/psLox0KSPQt87myL3wpp--0--wc1uf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing The donjon buster can help to smash the Gate of Heavens and the palace of the Gorgons., also offering protection to soldiers it precedes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/903cd132-401b-4cd0-af66-1b2b64e94f0a/92xQfNxerPeuPLe9jwRD--0--afru5.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVI - Testing Inside soldiers can be transported too. And when a wall of the palace is breached they can immediately storm the inside of it. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/catching-a-spy monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2e80e886-fee0-419e-85ef-b1588b3b5e13/zVaFOL3MdmgLDoI3JLJK--0--vt788.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy Remember Zadie? She's been undercover for a while, after Maximilian's coup and the arrest of the senior leaders of the Guilds. Luckily her uncle Zorn got away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5d7df08b-ecc5-4e52-8b9f-bec4375674f9/B3IxpnlA8boAJX60N2mj--0--ja1my.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy While she is undercover, Zadie is spying on the military developments of Maximilian's army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3d48a9d-f87a-4c9d-afb0-143b38ce5ffc/vzdyjfvC8ipQwHPpL5zC--1--srz9v.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy She needs to get as much info as possible before she can even approach Maximilian with her observations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e7e65b7c-13aa-4626-aa5f-4e14dbcf05ed/bC47Gd20gEhE46DrOd0I--0--wbk7k.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy Which also means that she has to go into the hangars and factories, meaning real close into enemy territory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/601202a4-59bb-465a-9288-fe4b34530cbe/Pl8PEw7VYs9EBJ3527FY--0--bck7b.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy She often got out more than just in time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d9103421-c25e-4887-901c-469e2b7a678d/ypQzVRmS1OQqFfo5gKcp--1--gp54h.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy But then, what Zadie knew could happen, happens. She gets caught by the military police. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01f06505-1221-47cd-be3a-f43460154aca/iTYuI5yozW8bMjRZZJm6--1--zs3mn.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy They put her in chains. She is considered a real trophy. So the guards are quite numerous for "just a girl". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a5fbb46-991e-493f-afbc-a7f960d92ec9/dg9cr3p7clXL7QIniJHY--1--1ivb3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy She is brought into an office and minutes later Maximilian walks in. "Well, well...I have been searching all over for you, and then you walk right into my office." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1001c9a6-4e3d-4be0-85bb-ff849a5774fb/opQiw1hpdAgytGSfdo0X--1--z1lhj.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy "Stop the show, Max...I have intel for you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/73239c5e-21d5-4e81-9b20-e8f732582f31/E7z2yrkrPDzYwV6eUjs0--1--dmmuq.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy "The Gorgons are aware of your plans to attack them. And what's more they have infiltrated several of your military sites and are sabotaging your production facilities." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b3b67ad8-2629-4cf0-9bae-ce0f3ef508f6/fdvS7HrEh29dv71wCXXY--1--xuc30.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy "C'mon, Zadie...you really want me to believe that all the sites on these pages are corrupted?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/87fd1596-5c04-48ad-95e3-628018c67815/eHXyv3T6M0L7kE6oAyNj--1--dzxwu.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy "Believe what you want....but one thing is for sure....If you are going to attack them in their castle with your army full front, you will lose, because they are expectin'..." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/26064e5f-020a-46c8-9d9b-4bdbdd91ae18/siOuICEicH54ZV544KBy--1--gk81j.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVII - Catching A Spy Zadie hears the sound of a door being smashed, and when she turns around Maximilian has gone. Through the window she can see him running away in a hurry. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/a-new-strategy monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ea74369-e89e-4260-a5f5-252e293e09d3/D4M4LXxZHDQMOvEK2PmZ--0--zwypi.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy After Maximilian left Zadie in a hurry he takes his personal airship to marshal de Gouvion Saint-Cyr to discuss the latest intel. He deliberately passes through Heaven's Gate but nobody reacts although he feels that he is being watched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/906078d3-f2f2-453a-a7e5-15fa32b8eae0/qn9iPLi3RyWymlHZMmqb--0--7s8p0.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy The marshal does not seem surprised about the info Maximilian is presenting him and soon comes up with a new plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/28a411bc-8fb6-4af4-9d06-23871d5141de/D2GSzwCbdmT7eE67SFdZ--0--21i6c.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy "We must apply a strategy of dazzling the enemy" "Dazzling?" "We execute what we planned before but in the mean time we also attack them from 4 sides with our newly formed special forces unit. The goal is to overload them with initiatives and info so that they don't know where to start first." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bac2be65-b8ef-45c8-97a3-6a1f51676a88/U7xL7E8Z6YtJn8q9n4Nc--1--udk95.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy Maximilian is surprised by this change in tactics, but he likes the idea. But first he wants to know more about the special forces that would be used for this operation and the marshal fixes a meet-and-great with their commander. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2969d241-30e8-4863-819d-44a49fb6da46/IjoFtAJnMWUpm8dqenCN--0--gdg1x.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy During his guided tour Maximilian gets briefed about the new concept of parachutes and how troops use them to jump out of airships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/21d8114d-4dc9-44be-88af-cac94e17db96/lxKOoDPSVB8RqAQsDNQL--0--cvtlf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy Max is so impressed with the concept that he wants to try it out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9f422097-0760-4448-8a5b-8eb6eaaee089/zW3kB2MUYEcfqS1aHTqx--1--foldr.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy So a flight is fixed, and Maximilian jumps. But without any training Maximilian panics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e3e45c6e-956c-41e6-ac99-ab5788b9aa1a/6b7XafMP6KiqEeVRm4Wc--0--qlgq3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy The commandos who accompany him notice he is in danger and jump after him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3bf9334d-d803-441e-a74b-ef8dc2c9acf2/IQctIgfT5UqS4aggFit2--1--xmmsm.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy What happened next is classified. Let's leave it at the fact that Maximilian almost crashed into a building and... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a4b08c65-067f-46c4-9ddc-c33654d6458a/IQctIgfT5UqS4aggFit2--1--vb4j3.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy ...that after an intervention he made an acceptable landing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a14f823-5273-432c-a44c-03afe9adc48b/uKY0GjViufVbcrumsjhM--0--p1lyg.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XVIII - A New Strategy That same day, a senior commando got a medal from the commander-in-chief. For those who care: the tactics were approved, and only a select group made aware of it. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/iron-dragons monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a3a2ccb7-694e-4005-83b7-09d77001ee8e/vaqCsMsHxN1jUQH4pL0r--0--vz4en.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons After testing the nuclear driven robotic power suit extensively Ariel has about had it. The thing is heavy as hell, not flexible and it slows down battle. So she goes and pay Ghuepecco a visit, but there is nobody home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e1f46e57-29d2-4876-8ad9-891fe978a019/s17eBqds92LknY484Dv4--0--yt2ia.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons A day later the workshop seems empty again but Ghuepecco's assistant Nocchio says he will only be back the next day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22fb9ce0-3955-4c01-80e8-c9df0e686095/xsfDcQitjUqUQ21rY1qj--1--885p6.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons Finally Ariel finds Ghuepecco in his workshop. She explains the problem and Ghuepecco's first reaction is quite negative. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2ad4d027-e42e-43bc-bd19-32d64273281a/Ey6oXHxWltd0rg2pf5Eo--0--wrg0e.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons But then Ariel says she has been thinking about a solution and an alternative. Immediately Ghuepecco's eyes start glowing...a new design, a new creation....interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3ea55ef-7f8f-4881-beb6-5a20f6e3a8cf/7OrVyKsK59aQ0Hzw7eTG--1--tbky1.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons And when Ariel says she brought drawings, wild horses couldn't drag Ghuepecco away anymore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d32f368b-1d92-4593-abf3-49b0a0e6bc07/8Nz0RiXmtBKhCgwAux3x--0--pvwkb.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons Ariel explains to him that an Angel's strength does not lie in her personal power but in the synergy with her dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f418e5da-3765-4981-ba2d-854b7f6af52e/t46r1dROMc5whbhOkAmP--0--8aj6y.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons And now that the dragons are dead, she was thinking about mechanical dragons, that could be nuclear powered, give place to one person and can easily maneuver and spit fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01ce5e91-f7d3-4716-8450-cf341c35f1ee/RXVizekAAZbXJy3hM6Gc--1--ivykm.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons Ghuepecco listens carefully but remarks that the size on the drawing and agility are hard to combine. Why not go for a small unit that has all the characteristics of a dragon, without looking like one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5da67c32-6c51-4550-bbc3-fe9e270c8b32/s5ahDfz8u0t49CvfefHJ--0--gyql0.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons So Ariel leaves Ghuepecco to the design, and she will come back some days later. At first Ghuepecco is thinking about small planes but the wings and propellers might be problematic when flying in formation and fast individual maneuvers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2cfb51f7-3ab1-462e-b3c4-6e3723399980/hIwv0wE0cPEnXmNuW85W--0--tvvgz.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons And even when he builds a protection around the propellers, the wings stay a problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dc8fb7f7-cbbe-4fc8-98c3-6b52632060cc/YhISBVlUCBc8afUB3FQj--0--j7ahz.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons So why not build a plane without wings? But he finds himself always going back to classical elements like the propeller. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7aae36d0-0966-42ea-b791-a7cce900c148/0CpDqC89NGyH4AE3zEb5--0--y7p34.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons Or still tiny wings and tails, even when he drops the propeller. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07c7d2d1-6d94-4cbe-8c76-b179b8f40889/l0RgC0ScicK3tGXmCvIQ-vbfdA-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons After a good night's sleep he wakes up with a brilliant idea and starts building a first prototype. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/809c3cd1-ab6a-42e3-a53b-7948be8989b6/nTv6ZCTY8qnLVGzc8TjF--0--o622h.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons The prototype then leads to a final design on paper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3c637b4d-fc01-4abc-880e-030a1b5b1ce4/vQrBSJ2LOuFm0W5ewhHH--0--qam2f.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons And when based on that design a final model is finished he invites Ariel for a presentation and she is immediately crazy about the idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfc88be7-18af-490a-8613-ab17001d8632/1M0SFDPeoAF9U8mvitwb--1--d9a54.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XIX - Iron Dragons A deal is made. A plan put on paper and a new partnership created. Ariel just can't wait to ride her Iron Dragon. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/war-for-the-heavens/double-agent monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc5e92d7-6c06-48a1-adcf-11db3cf612eb/J2gGbJejIWFOzZVH1MJx--0--5aavf.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent Not too long ago, Zadie told Maximilian that there are spies and saboteurs from the Gorgons sneaking around in his army. This means Agrippa is at least aware that things are going on and he'd better prepare for something...If you want peace, prepare for war, no? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/64889a63-af7b-4ac0-a829-cc8d9c244d02/rSQzlFrmVTeRXWr5TC6A--0--1buoi.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent So he sits in his lonely chair of a ruler in his elevated palace with a view on the clouds, contemplating about all his enemies, inside and outside his walls.. So he calls for his personal secretary. A man who came to join him willingly and who has a great intellect and knowledge. And foremost a man who knows what Agrippa likes to hear. A man called Zorn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c1a0022e-ae97-484c-9499-21006ef6f617/tXJeRGLh9VfCEFI8jmWC--0--bylkp.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent Agrippa tells Zorn of his concerns. He is afraid of a central attack on the gate and very concerned about the lack of walls around his kingdom. Zorn notes everything down and nods approvingly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ba75ac7c-bb48-4c55-9059-4173b494ed94/rSQzlFrmVTeRXWr5TC6A--1--dmm0a.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent "But", Agrippa interrupts himself, "What I want above all is a better armor. Or better ARMORS. Because this one does not fit me well." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07a3e3b8-bb41-4e86-ae5d-40e870527b19/70vNRqWmKqSBKZ1CTeY4-Fk72E-adjusted.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent Zorn bows his head: "I understand, your majesty. A man of your stature needs to be safe and thus needs several armors to prevent your enemies from finding a weak spot. I'll see to it....as I will to the other matters." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9b3a8aa0-0cf8-4417-a930-34f42dd4adbb/4CvN2nDo6gg6NVRalyeG--0--f9ipt.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent Agrippa knows that he can rely on Zorn. So he starts assembling a workforce from captured humanoids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc8d6d93-d2d5-4f90-9b9b-fd406787d437/uYA06HAtlGkFFLlWnKaP--0--1lp1o.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent "No better motivator than forced labour", Agrippa thinks with his Gorgon mindset. And it takes only some weeks before the first walls start appearing around Agrippa's domain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c23e38f4-4e12-4824-84c4-9c8831ecc7d3/90Y1ppqf5F5eCxVMS2Kg--1--473lr.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent Scaffolds are raised, more people "recruited" and in no time work can be started to replace the old gate of skulls and bones with a modern gate that will hopefully withstand a foreign attack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3c9095c4-8ace-4b67-abcf-aa2029c49c81/sgUMlVAr6nlt4SNVFaEZ--0--oxq05.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent The gate is finished, humanoids are sent back to their cells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a3453275-5207-4949-8fec-93598176c877/NmgCdxIX3wiKxQnjL48C--0--wy42x.jpg Angelic Wars - War for the Heavens - Page XX - Double Agent Finally Agrippa can inspect the gate in one of his new armors and sees that it is well. Zorn has once more proven to be a great asset. "Let the games begin!" he smiles. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man daily 0.75 2025-09-02 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/bambi monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8d5c7f26-ef3b-4834-99c8-05fb79b51521/CE4k3BTiuqXtQTpMK1HE--0--nr2m0.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page II - Bambi The Boss is a girl in her twenties with a quite innocent look. But looks can be deceiving. The girl is lethal and runs an organization of hundreds of couriers, hitmen, muscle men and other rough types. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b299e02f-47a0-4cbd-a13a-3415c37dd64f/8V8ElmD78gnob9qYmUQr--0--ha7r6.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page II - Bambi Not many men know her by her real name. All know her as The Boss. She fixes things. At no low cost. But the men she works with are flawless. Her clients anonymous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d5b3463f-6101-4ceb-a895-0ac9208e8d7a/oDUzdV3jrngUksyKzoCj--0--0lep0.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page II - Bambi And while we're at it, meet Medusa. The Boss' Boss and contact with clients. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/medusa monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6616abe7-cb08-4bf9-a316-25172757b70f/NPUISel7MkidOFx6AWod--0--nzy9a.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa Medusa and her Snakes (as she calls her team) are running a temporary management agency called THE WORKS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b0011f8b-8fd9-490a-b6d4-4dfc0c67d767/Xipe785Mtx170xF6LBkg--0--j4hwq.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa When companies need a highly experienced temporary manager, or consulting on a new project or restructuring they can get in touch with Medusa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9462e38a-3ddc-4095-91bc-154f3b09e688/1SiRa91olbtEKFbrW4IS--0--uy9qj.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa What these companies don't know is that Medusa also uses her managers to find high confidential info of her clients, covered-up scandals and insider trading that she can use for her own benefit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e96d1aff-0360-4e9a-a5a8-862a4ff261fe/ngToWNAuZzq24Ca43iBS--0--h4ji0.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa Most of the time Medusa and her Snakes can work in hyperspace, leaving little evidence. Sometimes however old-fashioned handwork is required. In comes Bambi, The Boss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c3cb11a-b25b-453b-bb6f-e53ac7a3b018/I5i5snzG7kKC7gFV4yTm--0--ojj4u.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa "@Greek. Meet me at 10am at the latest. Am bringing gifts." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7d752ee9-c4d6-49f9-9544-30e635082624/zy7H0MgYBi0mdvvIOBtm--0--5ow3a.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa The message is directed at Max. But Max is too late for the pickup. The Boss will not be pleased. And he is in need of money. To get his life back on track. Tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b4e3ad63-1966-44d3-941e-d3e899db3e41/JPGxsfI3g9lv5vCjpaHW--0--4hd0f.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa Max has no alternative but to go see the Boss at her place. Standing outside, he pleads for another chance, another job, maybe tomorrow?. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5318d464-fb10-4302-9e8a-32b64728f220/7JmpkLpyIOZvjkJ6lVmy--0--r0fax.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa But the Boss won't let him in or even speak to him. All seems lost. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9c90fdd3-5e0e-445c-9813-d13ee6cb705e/7mgkq6U9anl4yVBGM6yc--0--35rbx.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page III - Medusa And what can an alcoholic do when he is faced with such problems, any problem? He goes to the pub. To be alone with a drink. Hoping that tomorrow will be that other day. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/the-girl-in-pink monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b429ee50-54f6-46e6-abd7-e07b98a3403a/PRfZcdOak7HvRzEiJr3Y--0--e6r4x.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink Max notices that someone in the pub has been staring at him for some time. He decides to make eye contact and the stranger stands up....and asks if he can buy Max a drink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/54309f65-ba8e-4663-a6b0-f2379d5cf08e/nkicF1BtOD42aKqGUKba--0--f0myb.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink The man does not introduce himself. He says that he has been on Max's tail for some time and that he is aware of Max' problems. He also claims that Max doesn't realize how deep he is in trouble. He says that he can help Max, but... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c1b1d1a1-0ef0-46bf-8234-ac2e66ee28cf/M0BrGQLO2lUcnaMmoVIj--0--dvt5v.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink ...Max interrupts the man and tells him to get lost and leave him alone. Putting his money where his mouth is, Max stands up and leaves the pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e1ab9759-c52a-478c-8ec6-59a1be801b43/N1NIGS2KPLKCMyewajz8-pL_Gw-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink When Max leaves the pub, a girl with pink hair steps out of the shadows and follows him. Max, still mad about the meeting in the pub, is mumbling to himself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b08302e-f52f-405d-a2aa-b0a37e5bba15/firI4H82qpCSPtf2AKDu--0--vqkfd.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink Max is wondering what his next step could be. Go back to the pub and talk with that old man? Go back to the Boss and try to fix what is broken? Just go back to his apartment and have a drink? Tomorrow everything will be better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/494af1f3-f4e2-4194-a040-29bb64686884/0orGAVeONGCU3TyGfUmW--0--6j37q.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink Max forgets about one additional variable though....the girl in pink, who is still observing him from across the street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3fd34669-1424-4367-b3e2-63b0af49f5db/jQgw02e1dOOV4l00wfQt--0--yloam.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink Meanwhile 911 receives a call for Code 10/54: "Possible dead body" in the harbor. The harbor police are first on the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/77ff8a93-859e-43f6-8b59-3342bd3b39f8/Gyn5qNvcQC43j2vqRlq3--0--h99pw.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink Code 10/67: "Notify medical examiner". A man wearing an Armani suit is floating in the water and is showing no signs of life anymore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6abcb21c-5557-43b1-ae7d-f9afe3918465/daH639AcvU3LN7pHMFf2--0--p25uf.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IV - The Girl in Pink Code 10/31C: "Possible Homicide" The man is taken out of the water and showing signs of a potential murder situation. The corpse is transported to the coroner. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/mcnulty monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d1b082d0-0aeb-435a-991f-c08326bfb3be/CqLFs8ZtMJt8Je1ScWba--0--fianu.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty Back at THE WORKS: "We have got a problem. Diamondback has not appeared this morning at the client he is working for. They have called him several times but he does not answer his phone. I sent someone to check if he is at home, but there is nobody there." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f666aea0-e509-44dc-9d76-e768acb3e267/QAKS6zTjcMktJFfgHvBc--0--5ei7f.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty At the same time another conversation is taking place: "Was it done? OK. Now, before we start phase two, make sure that our friends at the station remove all remaining evidence, no matter how small. Once that is out of the way, let the kid start phase 2." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b2f7039b-a44d-4eb5-9b6a-0d18c731997d/BlpcZ5U052YTqAp8YKho--0--8s5uu.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty No sooner said than done, the friends from the station arrive at the crime scene and make a final sweep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fe935a39-c674-4834-8ad0-30d87c117ff7/lu1rwvTNfcDejyupOqR2--0--uke9g.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty "Job done. Let's go and have a break." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/203acb42-48d3-4ef1-b54f-17878141c45c/I0fKRUdKz9YrU5RxGnEL--0--sieso.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty As soon as the kid gets a GO from the bearded man, he sets up a program to infiltrate the servers of THE WORKS. It will take hours before the program will succeed in what it was intended to do. But nobody can change it anymore or intervene in whatever way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9fffa710-3df3-4141-a3e8-a3c11b654777/9Y8zRqyfT1oHTz1IWbwj--0--cox43.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty Meet McNulty. Former CIA boss. Owner of "General Management & Consulting". Main activities: security agents, body guards, personal and corporate protection. In for a fight with THE WORKS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/97f17c78-6afb-4e9d-bdcf-eade234aabc5/JoPZjIUVCi6maTdbG7CC--0--486jh.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty Medusa is staring at her screen while she is watching how her programs and information are disintegrating....she realizes she is under attack and that is a first for her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ce2ddf53-caad-4a16-8ca4-6af648a2489a/PbU7gfc6y080mxSuTmRs--0--vj7ih.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page V - McNulty Somewhat later at the steering committee of THE WORKS: "So no-one of you has even the faintest idea how to solve this problem. Why doesn't that surprise me. Time for some girl power." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/family-reunion monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0954b8ce-ede7-4e5a-b2c2-12d1a9adae6b/7YxRpe6CISEw2FZbAPeX--0--c8gpf.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion "Hello, who am I speaking with? And how can I help you?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a49c3609-f363-44bd-a1d6-cffd3a083662/WfAzxwF7DhHa4W5AilUV--0--egdyf.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion "Hi, it's Medusa. We need to talk. Urgently. Not over the phone. Let's meet at the old cabin." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a6f6b35b-e872-4a0e-95da-21b68598332d/cIbxpaIVGR2LeBcpyACl--0--5nilw.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion "I have arrived at the old cabin. Will be waiting outside on the wooden bench." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c3064c02-af4b-46de-8b2e-7d4190e150bb/SwnYzAyyYjS4yffEgAp7--0--kt6id.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion "I just have to park my car. You should be able to see me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/248062e6-5d7c-4990-a9e9-5ce746673450/lccykMbKgI2S3nCDNOZj--0--t0980.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion "Hi, niecy" Medusa gets out of her car and greets her niece sitting on the bench. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/20cb819d-deb1-4c61-a789-51b7658951b8/E39QXHHbhKCWVeHhu7G5--0--7unz3.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion It has been a long time since both women had met face-to-face, so it is a warm reunion. Then, Medusa explains the troubles she is facing. How one of her Snakes has been killed and she is confronted with a cyber attack. Things are clouded for her, and she needs someone with a fresh vision and resources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d9d1e352-14a6-44d4-bf62-94a70495d96d/ZVjK97t7Is0YqcvycoPK--0--sescc.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion After listening carefully, Bambi tells Medusa that she might have a solution for her problems. Someone who used to work for her, with a very low key profile, but clever and skilled. Both agree that Bambi will check the option and get back to Medusa ASAP. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ccdf7629-073c-441c-a3d3-13847c8b319d/DAqE6GFQSiBjpoNLTQjk--0--rutmr.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion The person Bambi is talking about, is Max. Even though he has fallen out of grace, she knows his character and skills. But Max is once more suffering his booze inspired dreams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8bdb8b76-acc4-49bb-aee7-1df1805d6bd1/654TU1LtkiQ7aRIRS8pB--0--cdr35.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VI - Family Reunion Dreaming about his lost family. His wife and daughter. The one thing he cared about. And he lost them because of his own fault. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/max monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/255b0ad0-a2b5-4cc2-8924-451dea87f2af/47iBCANLIerhKs7odXqg--0--ffgal.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max When Max finally gets up, and while brushing his teeth, he decides that today is gonna be that day. This will be the final tomorrow, when he is going to take hold of his life again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f4c6f2f8-859d-4b67-b7ce-909a95075ba7/HAdPj43dWmyhtJ82tdkH--0--ke3eb.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max People always say that in order to have a productive day, you need a good breakfast. So Max goes out to have a good breakfast even if it is from a food truck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2298c4a3-4e5f-40d2-9ec3-ccc5a310e3fe/JERYomz1N1UA9yAMCQ54--0--4avb7.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max After breakfast, Max decides to try his luck and searches the different bulletin boards in the neighborhood for a message. To his surprise there is one specifically directed at him to come and talk. He decides someone up there must love him, and leaves immediately to the Boss' office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/97697ecb-709c-46da-9f29-f0d347f6e621/eemE7m6KjOOzdqGwaf41--0--nwer0.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max "You are one lucky man. Lucky that I have a client who needs a man with exactly your skills and experience. And lucky that I thought of you. So I am gonna give you one last chance. If you blow this one, you're over." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1beda209-3833-4f50-bee9-a11ad49fa349/W3KwwaMIEoVVzq9eBmsM--0--bitm3.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max So the Boss explains the broad lines of the plan to Max. His contacts can brief him further. They are waiting for Max to get in touch. She also gives him a backpack and wishes him good luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd13ee16-0663-4d40-8aa8-f7fe4dbc382c/fkZqfFVB51AITgExeJhv--1--lurq2.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max The change in attitude of Max and the specific characteristics of his mission, trigger something in the Heavens. Suddenly, high up on a building where no-one is paying attention, an Angel appears. Covered in black clothes, face unrecognizable. Anonymous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c6bf01f0-d18c-4858-a765-bb001bd98fc9/1qT1DRV5VWM3Xlz4cjs7--0--1omk6.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max While Max is out on the street in search for his old contacts, the thing he is most worrying about with regard to the plan is his backpack. He feels very uneasy and is searching his brain for possible alternatives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/00c524e9-77b5-46c2-a04a-223d0c099d16/S4ubQlTbeq6wnkRRkUUJ--0--wtoxh.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max So Max goes to his old friend Dragan, a garage owner and occasional weapon maker, to have the backpack inspected. Dragan soon confirms Max' bad feelings...it contains a bomb....and the bomb is set for detention within 90 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2edefe83-f429-4343-958a-820f7f01c5bf/abyqc9NUeytC9jl9CFbq--0--mjgvh.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VII - Max When Max leaves the garage he does not notice that he is being follow by someone who looks suspiciously like the old man he ditched in the pub recently. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/old-acquiantances monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2bbb8826-bbc2-4c23-850c-aea6a502a7fb/GpnK60ebCiRCPUdpVXLW--0--jznfo.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VIII - Old Acquiantances Soon Max finds out more details about his mission...he is to go to the train station, get on platform 2 and wait for the train of 11.24 hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd2b15b6-69b4-4d76-8b00-18300c313c0e/JhJ4h8UGrpbeF1PyuSz0--0--49umc.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VIII - Old Acquiantances On the platform he is to wait for a muscular man with a beard and glasses to get on board of the train. He must put his backpack in the train and leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/658e0648-7799-4ff5-bdd3-0a140d5352e9/8wnsIQVUZRfnSrrQidWf--0--4ewfy.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VIII - Old Acquiantances Max's nerves are strained to the edge, and when a police car approaches him slowly, he is about to lose it. But the car passes him by, the police men give him a quick look an then move on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/53dc46b6-510d-47fe-b1ed-67e92aaa8051/qwF5PRLhwG1PYGLoWuiQ--0--ci5ey.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page VIII - Old Acquiantances In the mean time, though well unnoticed, a girl in black leather outfit and with pink dyed hair is following Max on the rooftops. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/bacon-and-eggs monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f3698eb4-c228-435d-b846-07d271f84a4a/DecSkPtZp5wviDD9tLgz--0--m09su.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page I - Bacon & Eggs On an ordinary morning, in a town like many others, people are preparing to go to work, and send their children to school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/16516643-12b0-4902-a158-f756d27ec814/5UGbIV6UVn8GWcxh3yN6--0--97c73.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page I - Bacon & Eggs Someone in a gritty looking room however does not care about being late for work. He does not care about what his boss thinks of him. He does not care about anything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a806eec6-f9a5-4beb-99f4-85555e73e6d5/dn5bOZIuHJFAzWzcoQId--1--bfrm1.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page I - Bacon & Eggs Welcome to the story of Max. Max is an ordinary person living in ordinary town. He was once married and has a daughter, but has no contact with her any more because of his drinking habits. Max also used to be a successful IT manager, but has been fired long ago...because of his drinking habits. He is desperately looking to put his life back on the rails....and he will definitely do this, tomorrow,....because for Max there will always be another day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f0df70ea-fca4-4625-9344-94782a7d9532/7Nn5Jbxmi5TulaXAkdiA--0--il0d6.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page I - Bacon & Eggs Today is not that other day. Max' head is aching, and his stomach is plotting against him. After a sleepless drunk night all plans for today are postponed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4765e770-dfef-4af4-a289-d533153bb0ba/ldLRkDmxDgeg4TrVw7AD--0--mbucc.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page I - Bacon & Eggs Bacon and eggs...the true evidence that God exists. Everyone knows that feeling the day after. Sick, headache, throwing up. That's when the smell of bacon and eggs comes to the rescue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/50f22ad1-d6e1-4ba6-a2ae-f82c7e2d371b/lL183Hs8aYSpcYKdAnfE--0--gk05u.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page I - Bacon & Eggs Today may not be that day, but it is time to earn some money. The bulletin board is downstairs. See if the Boss left a message. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/vague-recollections monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d502312a-80c1-481c-8405-111d0f4b7a07/bLbpvAXvg4B88bs5zgrB--0--fgysq.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections Max arrives at the railway station. He still feels very awkward about the whole mission. Nevertheless he looks where Platform 2 is and makes his way there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7bd7653c-a0fa-4788-b3c5-c199ae5c06c0/tbNUkU2Q0SIpWVipfDrE--0--iti7k.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections Then Max hears a voice in his head that feels familiar: "Max don't do it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7435f583-d994-4c42-a7ee-e61fb032d923/I7HGRlTjYrRR1nhQlauI--0--b0y6a.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections When Max arrives at Platform 2 it is 11.19 hours. He looks around but his target does not seem to have arrived yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c9603112-6452-4a91-ac72-8e7cb517acb8/dItUS8skTe4bTDQKNtQt--1--4hynj.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections But the voice in is head does not disappear. He vaguely recognizes it, but cannot put a face to it when once more he hears loud and clear: "Max, please, don't do it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/34a460ad-75cc-4492-adb4-3df43b178094/sWNE7CRt405h90LL8TjC--0--3abgj.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections Max notices a guy who corresponds to the description he was given. His body automatically starts moving in the direction of the train. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f9402779-e444-469b-9f4c-fdeb50b013d1/8cASVsQ7n3oP9f594MFl--0--7cxru.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections When Max' target boards the train it is 11.23 hours. His muscle memory moves his body forward to the train. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d538d72-7db5-4865-bb92-e09b691163cf/8Fzz9RtPJWkTEL6V03cU--0--t3o5p.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections A soft voice pops up in his head again. And a gentle face he vaguely seems to recognize. Although he does not know anyone with such a face. Soft but almost compelling he hears "Max, I beg you, don't do it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/04c68188-6653-4b58-974f-41097e819253/EoZOUm7V3SZTzk8KJ5GS-wEw8f-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections The train is leaving the station. It is 11.25 hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/35372b7f-c1da-46cc-9b16-0a79f72bc52f/3mGsit8p3them9iUPRgi--0--jdbke.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections But the backpack is standing at the platform...defused. So nothing happens. Max knows he is in serious trouble now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7e336f6b-e97d-4b37-8bda-a2307b9eb0a1/FdyvW595vySUpa3HBJd6--0--fkk2o.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections Another voice, another face: "Max, Remember. Try to remember us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eb5591f8-dc90-4a98-b549-b1298432c801/OmLRZOFlqLkZlJktKqHx--0--iyw8o.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections After Max has ditched the backpack he is strolling through the backstreets of the railway station. His mind is struggling with the voices and faces that keep echoing in his head and he does not notice the old man with a hat that is following him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/15e1cd05-02d7-4503-affa-8b9184631098/kXtMWgyasnFaGS0Q1sKi--0--alf8j.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections Then, out of the blue, a girl with pink dyed hair, stops the man and tells him that she has an urgent message from McNulty. She takes him by his shoulder and leads him into a small dead end street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6421e402-ea59-4192-acb2-b7317b4e66a4/LNw2U7AUNALHoATA4nbW--0--p6t08.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page IX - Vague Recollections After that, no more was heard from the man with the trench coat and hat. A girl with pink dyed hair? Nobody noticed. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/malika monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e947a39f-a0b7-47e8-82dc-9bfd292aeea7/nZukaL9E3apRofHhrMF2--0--h9jof.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika The day after the train incident a mysterious girl in a black leather outfit and with pink dyed hair is walking through a corridor, surrounded by peeling walls, flickering fluorescent lights, and grimy windows, as morning light casts dramatic, high-contrast shadows, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b49c754f-b19f-4e69-b82e-01e3628e6356/DnZyqS94nLK9tEsCcZR2--1--y9kyo.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika In the same building Max is contemplating on the things that happened the day before, and trying to find out whose voices it were in his head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/de55cce7-6a68-4bc5-a23f-8ef0b909ab33/DnZyqS94nLK9tEsCcZR2--1--s9uvw.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika His attention is drawn by footsteps outside in the corridor and someone pushing open the creaking door of his apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a00c1418-e743-4210-9a02-723329828fa8/TvgeDO4XNjKGRMg8mXob--0--qqksu.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika A girl appears in the doorway and a shock is going through Max' body. He did not have a drink so he cannot be hallucinating. He looks at her and she looks real enough:: "Who are you? Are you real? And what have you been doing in my head? And who is the other woman?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b19bb0cc-fc4f-466c-b8e8-4bb97a7881a1/aRHoN3GxBqFcpUEUPJ21--1--cd7qb.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika The girl apologizes and tells him her name is Malika. "I have been following you for some time now." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7b456050-14b9-4410-8e21-9ad10d1fac7f/W6WfgvizLGfEAveP3jtl--0--q53iq.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika "Others have been following me. But who are you? And how can you get into my head? And again, who is this...angel thing?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ac853232-f027-432e-ae3a-d517556a444a/RAUyxgzImJd5fhwilona--0--g437a.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika "Remember, Max....just try to remember us" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bf163b47-9898-4b6a-bef5-41fb540afba5/EsNaepiC6uHDI8nes1i9-TRTvJ-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page X - Malika "There she is again...who are you people?" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/malikas-story monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1ba8c2b6-249a-436c-af36-f869c80f4707/W6WfgvizLGfEAveP3jtl--1--0krgg.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "Do you believe in angels?" "Not really." "Do you believe in reincarnation?" "Phew...you are making this really difficult, you know." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/570f35ed-d725-4102-b333-80bd5e9e444a/6uLHbor0jL03055oA6Ps-zgGFA-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "You do remember hearing my voice in your head, and seeing my face, yes?" "As well as the angel's face and voice." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c680f2fa-fd22-4799-a644-08fd8daca438/dH3hPf2y1Yzj8QqIFHfI-1JQrA-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "The angel is my mother. Her name is Ariel...and you have known her for a very long time." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/223dc395-f9ae-4560-8f7d-a4d6733c1370/1m0rbvyCjFxOulaydpco-ObjaH-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "What do you mean? I have never seen her in my life. Don't you think I would remember knowing an angel?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f0d480d3-e359-4094-83ae-3b826464a71e/5WKeJEkgDpPD4rBZrc1R--0--krlk6.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "You did. But not now...wait, let me finish. Whether you believe it or not, you knew my mother a long time ago. You called yourself Maximilian van Lichtenstein, you were a pilot and the leader of a revolt...and you were very close with my mother...in the biblical way." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d21921bb-c356-4edc-a969-b83e7a02fe98/9OWMSp6b4fdZqry3HtI6-B2Nvh-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "What do you mean....me and your mother....Wait...you!...really? And you want me to believe all this?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/579f32c3-a8e0-48bf-8c8a-801948b314d8/lJ3Ghzoj2QZUcrq2R1nK--4hk2-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "I do." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7db0bdb8-6ea4-46e7-b2b4-d61c92cc96f6/F6eD4PM03wDTlVKRIUEK-kGteW-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "I don't know, girl...this all sounds so unreal. I mean, I have a daughter, she is hardly half your age. You could be my sister, for all I know. And then this story...look at me....a pilot, leading a revolt...only two days ago I was nothing more but an alcoholic. A nobody. And I just blew up my really, really last chance." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3356b1b7-b61b-4666-8ea2-77b715c16377/mZAITPLcmr4YQnPpznNn-FfjCr-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "I don't know what else to say...you are like my Obi-Wan...you're my only hope. What if I took you to my mother....would you believe me then?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a9a0d141-1173-4d26-98b5-00480264315f/uGSnXOLgb3ymDgUOX6YZ-Oxynf-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XI - Malika's Story "I can't promise anything...but it would sure add to your story" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/meeting-ariel monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2d90b563-d42d-4e9a-8aad-9ee25b914dca/PPiQhKfrPwLm418jvwGa-1xgaQ-adjusted.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XII - Meeting Ariel A couple of days later, Max and Malika are meeting at an industrial estate. Max: "I like your new look". Malika shakes her head and raises her eyebrows.: "OK, so we have to drive for about an hour. If you have any more questions you can ask them while we 're driving." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30ab1feb-3272-440e-8773-45723b9e1131/mNt8ObYkZv8Vrm0xvLfL--0--0sdr6.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XII - Meeting Ariel To Malika's surprise (and perhaps even Max's) the ride happens in complete silence. When Max and Malika arrive at the meeting spot, Malika tells him to beware....Ariel is ill and in a bad shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/81a9417e-0d79-4fb2-9eb7-aafdd715bf6d/INYQ6EjyqxF8gIZPIpEs--0--sfdgw.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XII - Meeting Ariel While both approach Ariel is sitting on the rain-soaked roof of a hangar. She is feeling ill, and takes her time to find the courage to meet Max. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8b0de44c-fc5c-480c-b5f5-dd9358915ca0/uJsf5QXGMaB5xZec6Ojq--1--0ber5.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XII - Meeting Ariel Max is loosing his patience while they are waiting for Ariel. Then Malika sees someone approaching: "There she is. I leave you both to it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/229e088b-00a6-49da-a279-152f49816c73/KeXVqO94UHr7USoAjbQl--0--focoe.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XII - Meeting Ariel Max sees a woman who must have been a formidable appearance once, but judging on the state of her clothes, the hoodie hiding her face and her attitude, she looks like she is really suffering. Ariel gestures for Max to enter the hangar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ec645dd7-e76a-4dc2-a35b-7ca9dff01ac9/t4dQOlQ0zMXezHPim1f9--1--ya4mj.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XII - Meeting Ariel With a broken voice Ariel greets Max: "Hello, Max. Thank you for coming to see me. It must be strange for someone like you to see a real Angel, especially one that has been haunting your thoughts." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/ariels-story monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b78be760-9ff9-41c9-a29e-8343ea950a9b/GePiKoS9Z8iK5zMexNWE--0--vgag7.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIII - Ariel's Story To cut a long story short: Ariel confirms to Max that they were lovers, and are Malika's parents. That she has been living for centuries, but that he is reborn each time in a new century. That the Angels and humanoids are fighting a war for ages with evil in all its forms. And that a pivotal conflict is approaching in which he is to play a key role. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/51eed9a0-3294-400c-95ae-420c9ab6db6c/fO52DbNRoCNhhK0gM3mJ--0--gdps9.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIII - Ariel's Story Max stands with hands in hair: "Phew. It's hard to believe you know. But half an hour ago I would have laughed at you if you told me that Angels do exist." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a1e381df-b67d-40a3-a33d-e00166701327/jFYsHgIN7Ci8YszVpvvc--0--7s9s9.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIII - Ariel's Story "You know what...my life is sh*t anyway...let's do it. How can I be of help?" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/mission-day-1 monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f401b86b-56b8-4e35-b882-9711eee7cb8c/9F5qS5mxL7Lyfn7M2yLn--0--5ys64.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 Two weeks later, in a new studio, Max wakes up, ready for his mission. First thing to do is leave a message on a bulletin board for The Boss, explaining that the bomb did not detonate, but that he has an alternative plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/71c90656-02c5-4592-80e4-d18c1665daaf/8gLzXC98y1mD57njUlNV--0--4z0nf.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 As soon as Bambi receives the message she immediately sends a WhatsApp to Medusa, explaining what happened and that Max suggests an alternative approach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8072d457-8715-4c06-99af-1429cc5714c5/mtkdaM1kwt62Mk9ZVZdw--0--vcq46.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 Medusa at her turn calls Bambi. "Is that the man?" "And you can vouch for him?" "OK, let's do it. At least someone who comes up with an idea." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7522e883-b71b-4126-b894-6126baf3ecb4/yUHOpq7tOywFU0WWCYfR--0--c9rm0.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 Bambi tells Max where to meet Medusa. He is not happy about the whole deal and in particular because he now has three women to report to. But at least they give him a chance to pull his life together again. Or so they tell him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0b55c8f1-3f8d-4458-bf46-e811e6febec1/bLas1vUHd769oldW9ejl--0--hh5hr.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 When Medusa notices Max she waves at him. "Max?" "Nice to meet you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/86f23728-636e-4552-996f-1e0621b3dc8c/pUYDSJ87Cnz88EVCEzak--0--y3ryf.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 Both go inside the cabin and Max explains his plan in full length. Medusa listens carefully and asks some critical questions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/519f325d-483a-418c-af19-bc98f18609fb/RXOftttk6JA53okCdx4Y--0--0b234.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 "As agreed here is the laptop you asked for. I am counting on you, Max. Without you my business will go down and a lot of people will come after me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d382f82-217a-476d-b8ee-1955272ad5c2/zJaF69S9bX6zWGkjQf5X--0--4j43f.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XIV - Mission: Day 1 After the usual formalities Max leaves the cabin and returns to his new flat. Day 1 of the mission has begun. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/a-new-flat monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cfdbc8b9-b1c0-4aed-ae5b-1cc3bbb4f42f/dnf6AETmteMgPiWuVx1X--0--v22p3.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat After Max parked his car, he takes a walk around the neighborhood. It is quite a contrast with his normal environment.. "Damn, this lady is rich." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/59db6dfa-e734-4e28-a476-e49aaa83091a/vPNEzMkQnoUGqNYYUWQT--0--vab4r.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat Everything oozes quality and is so clean that you cannot even find finger prints on the mirrors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b782025e-7bb3-463c-a672-913147d87e74/6ezYUo7KmNgGgStaRN8X--0--73gse.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat Even the door feels like it was cut out of the heaviest wood in a tropical forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5e99435b-a24b-430b-99a5-924707f20294/Q3RjZPQ4NEy6n0EARJYs--0--7ikqw.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat "I can get used to this." A big smile is showing on Max' face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/06d865a5-fdde-46d7-84af-07516b0ed53c/B6oagQpyUT1jMWHERpYm--0--bahrk.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat "Look at that bed...please, let somebody tell me that I am not dreaming." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8735b62e-d4d6-44e9-b5da-09ee3ef37308/HOaSg7nX6i5TqQzDcCII--0--swqz9.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat "And the place even has an espresso machine...I must be dead and in heaven." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/95308785-a399-4d02-8f2b-b30865eb206f/g58dAybPGuZZsfHB19Ke--0--jghp0.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat So Max takes his time to take in the new environment. But then it is time to start working. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/088d15ff-8256-4dcf-ab85-86c064cbc7f1/oEi2XoUVFRLvg2tX7Xju--0--o33bo.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat He takes the lift to the underground parking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0702bb51-8c4a-4a82-8bc2-75ebe89e580b/oJJvQASIphQBfO4i32YD--0--vn1pl.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat And yes, he got a brand new car to travel. Max takes out the laptop he got from Medusa and goes back to the apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/96631c34-3c89-48e8-ac75-588350d64d2e/kmOWt1hu4dwlk1Atbtob--0--10dww.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat "Time to do some work. But first I need a beer." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c3c44f63-0bc3-4e71-b0a0-f77f95ec8ef5/fDaDsCtw7yjLXch0t1zj--0--u8o1b.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat "Alcohol free Corona...this lady has thought of everything." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dbe5c4d9-197e-4c65-9fa5-40e20204e65a/7HjLbS5TsnJDhTqLemdx--0--63mfc.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XV - A New Flat "Let's get acquainted with this Mr. McNulty." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/an-ordinary-man/wtf monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e82cc31d-b8ee-48c1-a649-4212fc17688a/7HjLbS5TsnJDhTqLemdx--1--l9qz4.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XVI - WTF "So Mr. McNulty now that I am in your network, let us see what you are all about. How does a former CIA agent end up as the CEO of an obscure corporate and personal security company?" "Pictures of CEO's at work? I bet you they don't know they are part of your peeping show." "Let's dig a little deeper." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c00dde14-66b6-40da-ae84-1af68c8ef596/7HjLbS5TsnJDhTqLemdx--1--mobvj.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XVI - WTF "WTF!!!!!" "You gotta be kidding me." "Oh no, this is not what I signed up for." Max gets out of McNulty's network and grabs his phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/52e0eed0-e4bd-4f20-9b8d-daa0821cc0d4/7HjLbS5TsnJDhTqLemdx--1--lv5ag.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XVI - WTF "Hey Medusa." "You will never believe what I just found at McNulty's." "And I can tell you one thing, this is far above my pay grade." "If these guys find out what McNulty is doing and I am peeping along, I will be a dead man." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22f1fa00-029e-401b-a4a2-aee9b47ba05b/e5GlRyd3IS13w46w3YC7--1--1m7fq.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XVI - WTF "Why did I even agree to this?" "OK, my life was shit...but this?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/41aeaa18-afdb-4bd8-a89a-ef4901d7e6b3/b00mviap1TPhzdkDg8dZ--1--j97zx.jpg An Ordinary Man - Page XVI - WTF Despite Max' doubts and objections, he decides to follow Medusa's instructions and moves to another flat....one that no-one knows is related to her, and with network and phone lines that are so often passing different servers it will take ages to find him. And after all who wouldn't want to operate his PC's via a musical keyboard. Talking about high learning curves. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection daily 0.75 2025-09-09 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/a-lone-ranger monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6f7fffaa-727c-46a5-ac3e-da6c7595898c/GEy3TPNmm7OpO48EjMgV--0--zaszn.jpg Resurrection - Page I - A Lone Ranger In a distant future - centuries after the story of An Ordinary Man - a girl who looks a lot like Malika is standing over a heavily armed security guard she just killed with an antique samurai sword. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6ecd8e25-7139-493e-85cd-a8a58a3b3a31/v7aubxuB3hHRRQRDaO9V--0--ej4uq.jpg Resurrection - Page I - A Lone Ranger She walks away in a street filled with people. But nobody seems to care. Her sword is dripping with blood when suddenly an unmanned police drone shows up in her back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6b738d17-5070-4905-924a-6c30509e550c/xWbeO8wMJ3olHZEfro8B--0--vhzp3.jpg Resurrection - Page I - A Lone Ranger Malika turns around, hits the drone twice, but the drone does not realize it is destroyed. A fraction of a second later it tumbles down on the street. Bystanders act as if they did not see it happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8d141218-afe8-48a0-9683-b4d0b0fb9a18/Snts6VPsa6IcUw5Bm9Ge--0--72fe7.jpg Resurrection - Page I - A Lone Ranger When she walks on, she drags her sword, making it create sparks, as if to challenge anyone not minding his/her own business. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/a-night-out monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a0797629-ec3c-4a55-9584-b1bc0fe9bc60/2KLwipKv0tOZz0YEhA3q--1--rcvbu.jpg Resurrection - Page II - A Night Out Later that evening when Malika has stowed away her weapons and changed clothes, she leaves her apartment. Nobody knows where she lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7f88e8ef-031d-43b5-b65e-59149e458bf4/hlzusUruVlP1zdbgqx3z--1--s5t9t.jpg Resurrection - Page II - A Night Out It is just around the block where she is going. These are streets where at night most people are at home and she knows she will not be bothered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4337d8eb-49ce-4443-9e1e-d02f8c9a689e/iUmbv8BT7EutEQviE1pI--0--x58zu.jpg Resurrection - Page II - A Night Out She is all alone when she enters the subway. This is why she likes to go out at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4bd1c7de-7560-45b3-b915-317742334e01/uR97FApcBq79B9dttA7l--0--6tyu4.jpg Resurrection - Page II - A Night Out The metro train and platforms are empty. As if they were all built just for her. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/a-tribute monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0f9f09ef-406a-47cb-8bfa-f38c8f175652/l0uaOGIKxAubKvjzAv3Q--0--k68jt.jpg Resurrection - Page III - A Tribute When the train arrives at its terminus, Malika gets out in a desolate landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cddcbda2-e433-4e54-8e99-65aa417513b0/HI0FBuwMpy3ld3pIl7M2--0--uavi9.jpg Resurrection - Page III - A Tribute With the neon ads and city lights in the background this is where the deceased and forgotten rest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/14c6ceb9-6479-4b11-bcab-dc62ec924fb7/Np91hDv3FllTYdecQa8d--0--477ka.jpg Resurrection - Page III - A Tribute But not in Malika's case. Here is where her parents lie...her mother,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/68369bdd-3775-492c-b913-5b04a9882102/bCUF9WqSezjyLKe78aFL--1--ri637.jpg Resurrection - Page III - A Tribute and her father. Both died centuries ago in the same battle and she is left with the promise of keeping their legacy alive. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/a-night-cap monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/adb2dbcf-7ec5-4a4b-b1f3-eadd000fe90d/b2JJ7dMMYXCis8QXTZS5--1--9g00m.jpg Resurrection - Page IV - A Night Cap Before going to bed Malika calls a taxi when she arrives back uptown to go and have a drink at a bar called "The Two Dragons". She's never been there but someone dropped its name lately, and it got her attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7a34bfbd-cda9-47f3-9daa-2759bdcfd2c4/q5NsI7fZqPZN8qgB3rPY--0--anrb9.jpg Resurrection - Page IV - A Night Cap She orders a ginger beer and is staring at a large size screen with a fight between two dragons, referring to the name of the bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/091f06ab-ec39-497b-9e2b-08408be77453/VmPpZcnzxTbMQlCjXaiD--0--wnj06.jpg Resurrection - Page IV - A Night Cap The fight takes place above a cathedral on a hill, and apart from the red dragon she is mesmerized by the white dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/50150720-869a-44dc-bdcb-383b69eef38c/TPSm6C3sH2x5TweutcY4--0--u58cy.jpg Resurrection - Page IV - A Night Cap A man in his fifties, athletically build and looking like a player comes and sits next to her. "Interested?" "Huh?" "In the painting?...It is by an old master about an ancient prophecy. But enough about that...Can I buy you a drink." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2dd6cdf4-3cb9-40ca-ab79-0e9cebc56c0e/OV5kXAjQfAXVj1SxcYyI--0--bv9st.jpg Resurrection - Page IV - A Night Cap Not interested in ending her evening with a one-night-stand, Malika stands up and leaves the pub. She might be back at another time. A white dragon....strange. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/troubled-dreams monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5405d56b-b7cd-462d-8dcc-b62d6352b66e/qZ19wOm69UnO0MUNwYzu--0--pf0h4.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams When Malika arrives at her place she looks up more data on dragons. No-one mentions white dragons however. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f09560f5-61bc-4802-9a0a-6558aa81415d/lewAagDL4uY7qxk6ZO0b--0--hcn9e.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams But she cannot let go of the idea. Even when she tries to meditate it keeps poisoning her mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bbbf73df-bb9e-49ed-8e01-fa430ac6eaaa/kUqI10WXb9Tq8ZnWRTpC--0--ihe6g.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams She seeks distraction looking and listening at all media channels on the web. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6061fa3c-df76-45c9-bacb-6107e56e7095/ZNfAVNkdN7sajIWdH5HL--0--amp05.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams Classical music, repetitive jazz, buddhist mantras, sounds of the sea....nothing can wash away the obsessive thought of that white dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9696eb42-daa7-4cf3-9e05-82468214d382/QHDTVFjPqc7DyZWLwTnx--0--l3uxd.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams She tries to visualize other dragons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/19db5b33-3d0c-4478-8bbb-9d6f8d08315a/G4yKoQFXSSeDJo0ovkP3--0--zxe4w.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams And past stories of the close band between the Angels and their dragons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cc03de86-2a5d-4145-9224-3d46b01d9a0e/23W1BwxjYAaSMVsmbKwg--0--0iagn.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams But then even those imaginary dragons turn against her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/11727ded-c14b-48fd-a1f7-fdc571d25d4c/IA7KUc12KjBZhj9pBJ5F--0--m4o43.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams The long restless periods start gnawing at her resistance and fatigue is creeping in her body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d415cc3b-415f-4f2b-a237-e4e3bfd16ced/I10gzoRH7pRzFVTejGYK--0--tuae3.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams So finally - after several days of self-isolation in her bedroom - Malika falls asleep. She doesn't notice the small blue white dragon on her bed. But is this real, or just another daydream? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e4a1627d-7ad3-4ad6-a662-720e9e62717f/8nrMElHD73CNKQDnVPCP--0--hg5jp.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams The sleep in which she was looking for solace brings more unrest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e53499d9-07e5-4126-8f3f-f9dec78db40b/aHGbMMcAI5PYsSseA7nh--0--zxle1.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams Red eyed dragons keep following her and reprimanding her for things she did not do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b55fff38-100c-4944-93a7-3eac1c1ea33a/3fmN1H25YyEEBzKb9ZZZ--0--h52xr.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams Day after day, night after night, the ritual repeats itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a6a454cc-5c56-45a8-a888-c11c3506f0f4/jwdiC9wcMMgpgi0SzwJZ--0--2btgj.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams Despair creeps in her mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d65faf57-1104-4c3e-8a87-6d1d40bf0bc5/IdYRcGWDQ2MMfhQxgBx6--0--f21es.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams Until she gives in. And opens her mind for this white dragon, even though it is haunting her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5fafdddd-5420-4671-adee-b5629f219802/RtPMQutA8JpnJYCxC6ud--0--jngvq.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams And then in her deepest sleep for the first time in days she hears two white dragons whisper her name....Malika, Malika, Malika. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3a2b594c-b03e-4955-9965-ce3030a50557/3AHv7CkMSpqlZM4xrWgg--0--v5oam.jpg Resurrection - Page V - Troubled dreams When Malika wakes up screaming, she is completely disoriented. When she looks around she notices two abstract figures on her computer screens. They look a lot like abstract copies of the dragons in her dreams. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/research monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/25cbfa08-d292-4f51-b081-cfe7ebac7fce/Sa9zkjcLB5syCfilpesN--0--1vqfz.jpg Resurrection - Page VI - Research After she so brutally woke up - at early morning - Malika stands in a back street in front of the old library. She looks over her shoulders to see if nobody's around and forces her way in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5580474a-0c40-4c6f-a2e6-ca1a83ff2195/26vpSWj1O7JMq4SvGtuZ--0--2r1w3.jpg Resurrection - Page VI - Research It has been ages since the old library has been closed. People are said to have all the information at hand now. Yet, people do not look like they are better informed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8c090c0f-733b-4a28-a9f8-faf58caebe97/axDyP1ccpZT8Tngptmwu--1--g5d5a.jpg Resurrection - Page VI - Research During hours Malika searches dusty books with the slightest hints of dragons in or on them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/da5356fa-5e3c-45b8-94c6-2b234b155d95/dIes3zQH5kpHkUorB2OL--1--11gyx.jpg Resurrection - Page VI - Research And then, finally, she finds this one old book dating from centuries ago....and it talks about white dragons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/44dc67af-3a83-43aa-8c6c-b22aaf47dd2b/PBMUpThUePfeJq9f1lIl--0--umks9.jpg Resurrection - Page VI - Research After some extra searching in vain, she hurries out and takes the old book with her. Like they say: "Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/the-book monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/618b9431-52ef-4b07-9011-14213f107d0e/QS0baeBHxh5XQnpvq1P9--1--k7xbx.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book Back at her place, Malika opens the book and the first image she sees is what looks like an epic fight between a red angel and the white dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eefc50b5-492e-4f58-8e2b-4c4a40972d2e/WQO5mmx57g7dPmufUa0V--0--d80r0.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book The next page talks about white eggs being hidden in a cave. The eggs have been genetically manipulated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9ba65687-7041-4fc0-bae0-38d3367f7f1d/3cIhcde7AmrgB0jiyosZ--0--8y1mz.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book But the people doing this did not finish the job...there are also some original eggs laying in the cave. And one of them seems to have hatched a red dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/89d59794-b009-490a-bee3-68a626d43284/4p02bDOfHxZyDK3e9oyT--0--iargw.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book Malika turns a page and it is as if an electric shock is flashing through her body... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7cafb495-5975-4828-b64f-84f72652f809/88MLhthXotidaB6dSCM2--0--q046t.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book In shock she turns the image away..."Oh my god"... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/053700a9-074c-485a-8f1e-9f0a72fd62ce/7pdavZ6PuGDHnUkBCkHx--0--mghsy.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book She turns the page and she sees her own image standing next to a red dragon...and flashes of lightning linking them both....the book talks about internalization between angels and dragons.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6631493a-a0f8-423b-ba53-c9e42e74de26/CugvDFKKH7kGBvHbn1ws--0--ghkyy.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book ...and how angels could internalize the power of dragons and transform into powerful beings with wings and the ability to fly.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/179088ec-d267-43f1-a2cf-35456b2d5e1c/ktA4TTbKp8rr4MKhu15A--1--5qi50.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book Malika turns the page away again...."Oh my god...." "What is happening?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/25ee423b-5fec-47b3-9fde-a788a9e16072/pG0sZdKL6qK8XJqNJCtN--0--6xcrk.jpg Resurrection - Page VII - The Book She starts desperately browsing through the book for more info....but in vain. "Oh my god....why didn't they tell me? They should have told me. And where do I begin?" "Damn you, Ariël...and Max...." "I am not ready for this." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/more-research monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3af9bf92-0487-4d68-a05f-d92826cddf8d/GtvPuDbk9Dv9gFz86HR8--0--0bizc.jpg Resurrection - Page VIII - More Research Panel I - Later that evening, Malika decides to go and have a drink in the "Two Dragons" to wash away the emotions of the day. But it seems like she is not granted any rest: on the screen where she saw the two dragons fighting last time, she now sees an island in the shape of a skull with a lighthouse on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0b264ba6-1b90-4a0b-b71e-68b714ba7f74/30s0MXRyaKDI2VipJLiO--0--0g239.jpg Resurrection - Page VIII - More Research Panel II - At first she does not pay any attention to it. But then she starts wondering: "What if the cave with the eggs is one of those caves?" While her mind is meandering, she gets company. She recognizes the voice, but the man looks 20 year younger. "WTF?" "I'm not interested. Leave me alone!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/97893de9-ea55-45e7-b208-09f1f25fdf9e/WpyC05qTc5ldnVzqYHVH--0--logbt.jpg Resurrection - Page VIII - More Research Panel III - Malika walks away in the direction of the exit when she sees the reflection of the man from the bar in the windows in front of her. She decides not to pay him any attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4e0fb5ef-f645-4a81-9fc8-7867b26d16c2/AkAs8SZaeJTkQ82HS7Ol--1--u0vz0.jpg Resurrection - Page VIII - More Research Panel IV - But when she walks into a back alley street and notices that he is still around, she gets a pocket knife and holds it in front of him. "Stop following me, creep. And why do you look so much younger all at once?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30a8a854-b9bf-448b-b80b-9513e7c5dea3/1Wk3KTn00P5USPjZZz2H--0--b6vyc.jpg Resurrection - Page VIII - More Research Panel V - The man pushes her off and Malika continues her way. "See you around, Malika...or should I say half-breed?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bf494a42-4e07-47ca-9398-746246208223/AoAi36OaXzGBE4QL1s7f--0--n5s45.jpg Resurrection - Page VIII - More Research Panel VI - Malika stops and looks over her shoulder, but the man is nowhere to be seen. This story is getting stranger by the minute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5bd887b7-d368-4792-a9ec-a993f027fc21/uXjpdnsduV6UAhTWffBj--0--6vwbo.jpg Resurrection - Page VIII - More Research Panel VII - The one thing Malika needs now is someone to talk to, a crying shoulder, but that is not gonna happen. So she folds her pocket knife and decides to go home and get some sleep. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/masquerade monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d24bccd6-8b4d-40f1-bb6a-af35cf60a318/ytrU3YeUM5ocRcIXjr1j--1--ns4kn.jpg Resurrection - Page IX - Masquerade Later that evening, or should I say later that night, the man with the white hair is standing in his boudoir, dressed up for a high class event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ad1c2515-af87-490e-93c7-68f547f356f4/ytrU3YeUM5ocRcIXjr1j--1--q773a.jpg Resurrection - Page IX - Masquerade When he looks into the mirror to check how he looks, he sees nothing that does not please his eye. With a smile on his face he mumbles "Mirror, mirror, on the wall..." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2b080e2a-3d07-4d0f-a2ae-572d54472a0d/ytrU3YeUM5ocRcIXjr1j--1--n7jkp.jpg Resurrection - Page IX - Masquerade But then the mirror trembles and moves. Two hands appear and put the mirror out of the way. In front of him stands his spitting image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/377d6c26-653d-4e47-9f0c-30ea2d08cb79/WrA8Ux18enRdmjYJ76RF--0--5r0r9.jpg Resurrection - Page IX - Masquerade Both men laugh, grab something under their chin and their faces start changing, first in in a static sort of mask with white faces and white hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/64033741-819e-4fd3-bdf0-1b91f217c7dd/dPFRYmxXFqhGpYgm42sE--1--c5imd.jpg Resurrection - Page IX - Masquerade ...and then in a Commedia dell'arte kind of style.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b20a897d-5c1f-4760-8f7c-c518a97ba576/WrA8Ux18enRdmjYJ76RF--1--vf83q.jpg Resurrection - Page IX - Masquerade "Good evening, Julius." "Good evening Gaius." "Let's go crazy, I'd say." "Indeed, let's get nuts." Both pat each other on the back and leave laughing. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/bullying monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/54e05069-0663-444f-bf08-be4ec4aa50c9/488mGxRRYOnbgVrNW7GF--0--yet7q.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying The night has been long. Early in the morning Gaius and Julius walk through the city streets wondering if a last drink for the road would be a good idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/11e9ecac-f866-4083-9767-1c84d8bd17e3/FTA7uj6W2aU6t1X0lJs1--0--wfgb4.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying But then Julius has an even better idea: "Why don't we pay our little pink friend a visit?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2b064a0a-d18a-4bd1-a8d4-f7d482f5f46f/wgVg9pBAYNCO1TSaxChw--0--8is2a.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying Full of anticipation they walk to the place where Malika according to their info lives and type in her name at the reception desk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc532216-c15d-412c-85c0-e269c7d7bef2/4CdRkULXQevM40inb8wz--0--p9of4.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying To their surprise Malika is not living in the tower they are standing in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/39092a45-677f-4b37-b646-4ba50d29957d/9jvUlIZyQJoDnhmhs4uN--0--sjzf7.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying "No problem," says Gaius, "I'll give my boy a call. He will find out. Just give me a minute." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ff517994-e123-43c8-99df-eea8a29b641c/agOnuYrOvZcyngRMSs7n--0--wmjqc.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying 10 minutes later both Gorgons arrive at the right address and enter the entrance code. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e56fa926-0437-49fe-83e0-5a73bc4f1eb0/HG8g2cFnS2tsXyZMrtFu--1--mmrun.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying This time they immediately see Malika's name and push on the intercom's doorbell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ec8f1515-da1e-4971-abcf-6218821bccc7/IlcX6jlp3LBWOo4gLgwq--1--m5ciy.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying It takes some time for Malika to react and with a sleepy voice she says "Who is this?" Gaius and Julius together react with: "Where is the daddy? Where is the mummy?" and start chuckling. The last thing they hear is how Malika ends the intercom communication. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2b2eaf8-f6f2-4013-89c3-1721d2b12628/lZDE6MoqclDcLS6Yiy9X--0--7cg3p.jpg Resurrection - Page X - Bullying Not interested in a fight at this time of the day, after a long night drinking, both men run away as fast as they can, and can't stop chuckling: "What a joke!" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/skull-island monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3dba6e99-0f12-447d-b9f5-4a95eca57552/EUWvbSw8fLjIhEcgSPgq--0--247e2.jpg Resurrection - Page XI - Skull Island Waking up early morning Malika is still pretty mad about those two idiots past night, but she decides not to spend more time on it. She goes back to the library book and the map she found last night of Skull Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/273489ac-8ba5-4b4f-ba92-33f98b9dd9b6/KGfBysxg5kWKE9CZr9NA--0--32cd4.jpg Resurrection - Page XI - Skull Island She then takes a cab to take her to the wastelands, but pretty soon the cab will not take her any further and drops her off. Malika continues on foot until she sees a gorgeous sun rise glowing over a majestic landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/41bc21e0-8188-4f17-8a79-880b85253037/EwsoZVdRVQ3V0ULmB1mo--1--o47xh.jpg Resurrection - Page XI - Skull Island In a cave beneath one of the flat mountains is a living unit with a flying saucer rental. It costs her the price of two heads (after all she is a headhunter....sort of) but the thing looks gorgeous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/140f5ce5-df02-4921-9665-eab014958e9e/k5BOEECLzDkJ4Mhdlhww--0--r0nci.jpg Resurrection - Page XI - Skull Island After two hours flying over the ocean she notices the lighthouse that was pictured in the Two Dragons. Malika is surprised about the state it is still in....after all, it must have been here for ages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f19a322b-13a3-4c95-b70f-d1ef4ce5161d/Q0i6d1qjov49e6ZAxfaI--0--gmz9b.jpg Resurrection - Page XI - Skull Island It is standing close to the island which has partly sunk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5fd72328-5ed4-4f61-9647-3733c714f7a2/hvthh5z1O2oLiA9CHfPP-uKkOc-adjusted.jpg Resurrection - Page XI - Skull Island But the big eye which should give entrance to the dragons' eggs is still accessible. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/dragon-eggs monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1bb29381-a273-4b0a-bea4-7dd1b70ad261/8nDha9EemRKRUFu9jVwq--1--2k7v0.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs When Malika enters the cave she almost immediately finds some dragon eggs. Imagine her disappointment when she finds that there are only two and both of them are petrified. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/47fd6d0b-53cc-4d7b-972d-d035920d18f0/vHljrvBzTGMBnCbv5lQG--0--wy9d5.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Looking for more eggs Malika goes deeper into the cave when she hears strange noises echoing into her direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7b44815e-9f85-4187-927e-cde07f195ba2/4xkMgbFtaFLxCeUOCREl--0--ji8f4.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Soon after she enters a new cave Malika finds the skeleton of a small dragon. This must have been still a baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8878ae48-dbe9-434b-a4a0-e00ad12f3343/WJ86RUrpEk5agHNTSOro--1--4998u.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Somewhat later on her way deeper into the caves she stumbles upon the skull of a mid-sized dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/737c89a8-22cb-445f-b234-8c4de10c9921/gA5OJbKlQVF6p8IkfuN3--0--qt4qr.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Imagine her amazement however when around the corner is the fully petrified skeleton of an adult dragon. This thing must have been a beast. And it probably got stuck in these small tunnels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eb203e56-b177-4cb3-9bfb-dfa9af5b6ce7/brHoOXpNNzkwlfXHHuAC--1--y3pdt.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Making her way through the stone bones and sides of the cave she notices that more light is coming in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7a967747-87db-400d-b444-ccc89e4c18e8/GGQ3Q9YhLVOpdcfIqAx0--0--ztnl7.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Malika feels that she is getting closer to the exit because of the vegetation she is encountering. And she keeps on finding skeletons of dragons. She wonders what has happened here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/50da5bac-0000-4944-8a8c-56fba4e8318f/FA1VrncrpbUy5nZljMGm--1--mhx3c.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs And then, suddenly, there it is. As a complete surprise stands a large steampunk castle, church or whatever it may be right in front of her outside the cave. She looks back to make sure she is not being followed and then walks in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/81c050b9-4d16-4d46-be9d-5f376a181d9b/w8VyTm9X2VvZ1I1zUlSy--0--i6xug.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Since she is looking for more eggs, Malika decides to continue her way and enters the building. Behinds its walls lies a whole new world. Then there is a cry coming from the sky...she looks back..."Is this from a dragon?" And even while she is wondering this, in the corner of her eye she sees someone walking away in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1bf6b81a-10b8-4f95-a25d-a26ade3f2cc1/Xb7YU3VQWup9vsD7XJny--0--gghi7.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs "I got to talk to this person. First loose this burden of a backpack." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bc6dd4e1-edfb-411f-8473-32bc0e1e22e6/E6YtZrD0AyC91wfe5ziz--0--4qrvx.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs Malika decides to first imprint the environment before she wants to continue...a matter of not getting lost. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/73279f47-64d8-413c-9826-a7b942562283/MxkXgX7A5FHz5uIfWLm6--1--8f7gk.jpg Resurrection - Page XII - Dragon Eggs And then, right in front of her up into the sky....a large dragon with the sun in its back, flapping its wings as if they weigh a ton (which they probably do) and defying all physical laws that exist or are still to be invented. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/an-ancient-temple monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b34e6538-0bad-4d72-8bb9-b626f7f19b01/hsgEJZvH1Zwz92cKYeBA--0--3dlj3.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple Rid of her backpack and jacket Malika starts running, hoping to catch up with the person she saw in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/94f16b15-0fb6-40d4-9bbc-99384bdb6472/kA0ovVYBAwvymbOzmkZI--0--p32kl.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple She keeps running.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b5480eeb-9eac-40a1-a179-79c807b9d9a9/MYqpRzvMgMpxKcbEkgEt--0--mce3a.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple ...and running. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2ef3fc2e-4763-4edb-8c29-5b15137d67d5/bV06qE9HwXbm9BYxymta--0--6fe5u.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple Until she notices another cave that gives entrance to another part of the city. She decides go in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5fdf8533-eafa-4c0f-bdbe-c6ca2b366f56/el4u2WQkTKXmUitvCwev--0--gia4a.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple After a while the only way out of the valley is another cave with another dead dragon, this one covered by moss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/036bb6a7-0c67-4c18-b555-0b888d5467c1/lDQkdcKEbkYSMuMsh5Sx--0--p5ub7.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple Following a narrow path Malika stumbles upon a large rock with a bioluminescent symbol of a dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/83c648a2-cfc8-45bd-9ecc-b2a62eb2c045/uCyX4FCnC6pqOsx1E9hT--0--82ekj.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple A bit further is what looks like an old primitive temple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/56ca6317-2863-4349-b3e5-d4b5cdff3c66/kv0VSNx5ukLdwhKd8620--0--d19wy.jpg Resurrection - Page XIII - An Ancient Temple When she enters it, a small candle is burning, but there is nothing else to see. "So you finally made it," she hears someone chuckle. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/nobody-will-believe-this monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2e500a1e-4234-465c-99e7-8ed3cc0367ee/XYSpPxVXj451SAyjXGHv--1--vchvc.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This Malika stops: "Who are you? And how do you know my name? Why don't you show your face." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aa6752a3-f829-4e5a-adb9-25d736e9e39e/5HtuHTPxU07kUwhgtPRh--0--deuxy.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This Malika hears what sounds like an old man chuckling behind her back. "Easy, easy. Turn around, I'm not so swift any more as I used to be, hihihi..." "And you will probably know me by my former name....it was Agrippa." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d6a3e3d3-2327-426f-a50c-d67b25609060/76X0zT4VrXGoepMtccDm--0--e3hfd.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This Only the sound of that name makes Malika freeze. "You were the great enslaver. Of the Angels. And you destroyed their home and all their dragons." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9861d4b4-54f0-4381-a821-54a72b590bf4/9r7fTPic01cLh6FC2zvX--1--2uu6r.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This The old man has taken a seat: "I did. But those were other times. And I was another man back then. So many things have happened it the mean time." The man invites Malika to take a seat herself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/af663f75-0a5c-4d69-90a8-c1e4ab24f537/BIe3yh9UwyMYGbWgpisK--0--n9mu7.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This Malika sits down: "What do you mean?" "Do you claim that all those atrocities are to be forgotten, just because you have grown old?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7e728974-688d-4690-a00e-422ae0986cdc/DJaHxc76uptJ7l0H0NZu--0--zuirv.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This "You have killed dozens of Angels, mutilated them, tortured them, and then killed them. You even killed my parents." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/302b3d82-86a0-4bd7-98f2-65ffcfdcd338/LUl4BUrxMEALN7H98Dct--1--zwk5m.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This "No, I did not....I wasn't even in charge anymore." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/756f8220-2837-44c5-b36b-ce7bf18adf6e/qyMhsjM3Oi1mEN6qp5JV--0--7wopu.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This "What do you mean?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/65c08215-2e14-4303-9491-f60a22a526b8/LUl4BUrxMEALN7H98Dct--1--j8krk.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This "That is a story to be told when you come with me." Before Malika can react the old man blows a horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6005f0c0-48b1-4458-acd9-f318a4e4e66a/9e1M2tcQyn9HVpgaJdq0--0--utzgt.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This A giant red dragon that must have been around because Malika did not hear it flying over sticks his head through the entrance of the small temple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b58d8339-68eb-48ea-b619-4ebdba0242ba/q6IHgT4fLtZVyvwyEvfz--0--frxlu.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This Since Malika has never seen a dragon up close (as a matter of fact she has never seen a living dragon until today) she runs out of the temple through another door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d1247163-a2fb-44a9-9d1a-9d0c50780a8b/vCgOqowFCKZNnaXh63Nj--1--1o95e.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This The old man in the mean time is laughing out loud: "You can come back, he won't hurt you." "This my friend Lucifer, and the only reason why this moment exists is because him and you have to get acquainted." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b0de02d2-dc62-4b50-bb8b-67d2875e8504/0loQ8cvoJfx4WUTxLFhc--0--l2amc.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This Malika is still not convinced of the both of them. Is she to follow an infamous war criminal and a fiery red dragon called Lucifer? Is this her destiny? And then she remembers the book from the library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/11baf0eb-8189-4a24-aabe-ecb6f45fddb0/z5gFuA7qsgSaxCcHJlnv--0--flgtd.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This So she goes back to the place where the old man sits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4864a682-887c-4a66-8bd5-68373d926c36/TsXRtBL1UkW4aieI72JD--1--o4jtl.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This "Now stop fooling around, and follow me." The old man grabs his crutches , pulls himself up and chuckles when he sees Malika's face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6568d650-4e91-4a72-a823-c61a2ae33b78/NPzHqXHwwH3ziSRp4HxL--0--hjapy.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This Malika is still hesitating.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5eacc40d-6cf5-4fc9-8299-10e98cf4359c/YKyxooxj3BUhfZICizkw--0--mka19.jpg Resurrection - Page XIV - Nobody will Believe This ...but the face of a growling dragon makes her run to the old man, whose name she does not want to pronounce. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/there-is-no-escape-from-destiny monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1d59e2c8-4c16-4566-9784-6c7072b55ab3/sbbXsSxashpIZ25BMvRZ--1--7kutw.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny "So you want to know more about me..." "It is true I was once the great Agrippa." "Or so I thought I was. I was brighter than my two brothers and I was successful in everything I did. But slowly hubris crept into my mind and heart." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/24d23904-fc4e-4a06-b36d-9d38611b0f53/aOA57z0Eh4YszqUPMLrO--1--fq6yi.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny "And I became so full of myself I even started to believe that I was truly a God. But hubris started to make me blind for what happened around me. And one day my brothers had had enough of me, and stabbed while I was sleeping." "Even today I suffer the consequences of that." "Luckily they left me behind for death, but I managed to get out and fled to this place." "And all of this happened before your parents were killed." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b8c92ce7-ece2-4918-ada6-c0615c42eb07/7nImKggwKVJbLVklPQZF-TQ5uD-adjusted.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny "I did not kill them." "What I did do was far worse. You see that big white one over there?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/274f59f3-8baf-464e-9c5d-c57c9d10c2ee/EwohlDOs90mEmSCjfQ5o-0KkPm-adjusted.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny Malika gets up and looks up in the sky. "That one I created and he is part of your destiny. You will have to destroy him, because he is pure evil." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22d0e24d-8f8d-43f9-8053-3dbb8a9efa56/a1ed2SIUqSgzdsTLwEBI--0--9dla5.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny It looks as if the white dragon can hear what is being said. He wears his pride brilliantly and fills the skies with his deafening roar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7fd1ac50-8781-47c2-882a-96ede523d70c/b2J7qWHfrp8Zv0mB3isP--1--9eidm.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny "Luckily there is only one left of them...his name is Beelzebub, and he is the fiercest of them all. All those skeletons you met coming here were his brothers and sisters, even offspring...and he killed them all." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b9908710-1301-410a-9325-3658dcac564e/xlAvVBgH8nCvWsUUmY8J--1--kfhoz.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny "But...but" "There is Lucifer. He was actually an accident. I overlooked one egg when I was injecting them, and I had to flee due to an earthquake." "Lucifer was born to help you fulfill your destiny." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5526a527-fd06-488c-822b-640edb99793d/VImT02XxKttothC37d2o--0--nyrgl.jpg Resurrection - Page XV - There is No Escape from Destiny "But...but again." "Don't be mistaken by his gentle behavior to me. He obeys me. He will not obey you. You will have to win him for you. And I cannot help you. I have to leave this place and settle some old accounts." "An old hatred I have to deal with, and set things right." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/how-to-train-a-dragon monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d5fbe057-148e-4ba1-a19d-0cf9ab4c2adf/VfuOsZEMuZtM7aIQoZFP--0--pfhfm.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon "So now I have to train a dragon. Really. This is the 27th century. Dragons are supposed to be death...or in fantasy books." "Now where is the damned thing....LUCIFER!!!!!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/475416e9-02f5-4cd3-87ac-97be4821c984/84TxmXLBYi6QtoWuVRug--0--2p2gq.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon A shrill cry shows that the dragon has heard Malika calling him. "So there you are." "It seems we have to work together." "So, let's get this over with...after all, you got along pretty good with Agrippa. And I am a far nicer character." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/efb3caf8-7008-4aba-992a-802193198251/GQgw9PciosmJMZg1THNT--0--sh425.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon Curious about what she is saying, the dragon lands on a rock and sniffs up Malika's smell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f12ad055-e1d4-486e-b2e8-6382e88238e7/msLfQpQmzBq6Cvy78sle--1--mel78.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon Then Malika comes to close and Lucifer hisses and growls....as if he wants to say: "This is far enough". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e5b1616c-92e4-4f7d-9053-988c7f9b7f06/6AoCUgO5r5qgXYUx0iN3--0--kebwu.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon Malika gets down on one knee. "Good boy...easy now, that's better, much better." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0da99ec6-fb9c-4c74-9ecb-be70587b803a/jDq8P4WJwwUQLGIl0YSf--0--3ymun.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon Seizing the momentum Malika crawls a little bit closer but Lucifer takes a step back. Malika tries again, but then.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88c4e5aa-b7b2-4706-ad74-35f4cb8cc6b7/s6vWtvSb7CXSjwfzFpFm--1--pvii7.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon Lucifer opens his wings and takes a big jump in the air. Malika gets up: "Oh, come on...stop fooling around." "I haven't got all week, you know." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a31fb540-efd4-4c7e-b8f5-d32eb38f74d9/bBnOM4z3g4qhC3LgN5ot--1--8s8s8.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon At first glance the dragon turns around and flies back to Malika, her heart makes a little jump, but then he flies over growling. "You stupid dragon". Malika throws a fist at him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ceec0d1e-1947-4ee3-bc08-47cf8e53c0cd/w9S3CeBcpsJWCDweT2av-39_k--adjusted.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon When Lucifer makes another turn to repeat his flyover and growling, Malika throws a rock at him. And the dragon flies away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dd8383b5-767c-4281-a73a-b823269d5bd1/ZIJUop3AF6ZHTVSJrCDl--0--dwmk3.jpg Resurrection - Page XVI - How to Train a Dragon "That's right, leave me all here by myself. Big help you are. You retarded dinosaur." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/old-relics monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d528ddc0-8add-4c9c-b99c-ca5f4bc896cc/DB4YrUTKD9HRg2Z4Zxki--0--o1r9q.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics Agrippa on the other hand has clearly kept some old relics from the steampunk age. The nuclear powered armor suits from Ghuepecco have somehow found their way to him, and helps him to compensate for his old body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ac1e1ded-d884-4b28-9e08-cfc14e5aadd8/PKG5iyZKzqWn8D9hgf94--0--nzxu8.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics When suited up Agrippa decides it's time to leave, time for some payback. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a79592d9-aacb-4cbb-8240-b42f52211b63/U1wF3nYoDOEyrDqbBSNr--0--uiztu.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics After a short walk in the dense jungle he arrives at a forgotten airfield. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dd76d1b5-ca78-4ae6-bcfa-0dd20ada2c17/BcA8326ghn45wijz6Vmn--0--ep6qp.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics And on the airfield stands an old rusty airplane. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1fd90482-f723-4d14-aae1-dc03e4723098/4kQOscm3FUJml6waaO9c--0--60py1.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics Agrippa gets on board, and after some hickups the engine of the airplane fires up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a581036d-c0fe-4a48-bbd0-1d6400d40fc8/OXS08w0E641ufp1ezg7T--0--1xnhi.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics Agrippa seems to know his way with all the handles and meters and starts taxiing to the primitive runway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01a02cce-c81a-49f8-9b7e-dec3d63b076b/5VdqFce0bVbFGSvsS0vx--0--p9t9u.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics The plane shudders and Agrippa pulls the handles towards him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a66b34a1-d6ab-442f-a959-b4f1525673c6/1a6saO9sq69qYY7C2V98--0--gqdbz.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics After a couple of decameters the light airplane lifts its nose in the air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/80a6b018-e1ab-4771-8588-3f60e1c802e0/kLOi1GnuhueeGwvFZDfS--0--qzhe6.jpg Resurrection - Page XVII - Old Relics And away they are, in for a new adventure. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/old-tricks monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/594e6896-f690-4550-9d26-5395f148b12e/9jWSTSZ3mRKZbayaMl8K--0--ae217.jpg Resurrection - Page XVIII - Old Tricks After her failed attempt to bond with Lucifer Malika wakes up the next morning and wanders around in a crumbled down part of the forgotten city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d425b5e4-c88b-44fe-8420-e78d4f92b137/nAdAXQfiqylkYEjffKgA--1--zeqkp.jpg Resurrection - Page XVIII - Old Tricks When she passes one of the old houses a goat comes out and approaches her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bd58b1c3-a9b0-4e37-982a-9c273c75c750/3tjiOZtJoGhJF0geNlJl--1--2hxae.jpg Resurrection - Page XVIII - Old Tricks Malika gets an aha experience when she recognizes a moment her mother has once told her about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/622a6f0c-fdc3-4249-b346-dec58ac7ce35/BLIS9X21UgoM4vHJafFN--0--rkt9g.jpg Resurrection - Page XVIII - Old Tricks So she takes the goat with her, finds an nice spot in the open, and ties her up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/32109665-15a9-4cd5-bf99-a34937d63553/H5GZAhGjHOg4A2JYH8LH--1--lifgt.jpg Resurrection - Page XVIII - Old Tricks "If you think I am going to fall for that, you are even more stupid than I thought, hahaha" Malika looks up and sees Lucifer flying over. "You can talk?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bb1395d3-5b8a-435e-8192-bf12cf96d5a9/6QcdWbl8oFwpdgkrB9W6--0--7193i.jpg Resurrection - Page XVIII - Old Tricks "Nope. But I can share my thoughts with people who are sensitive to it." "You really think I am a dumb animal, don't you." And Lucifer flies away. Malika can hear his snickering laughter fading out in her head. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/resurrection/danger-lurks-everywhere monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c781889d-a054-4ad8-9113-f79506def55b/xhMppWMx9w8VE9iCfANA--0--di9a6.jpg Resurrection - Page XIX - Danger lurks Everywhere Now that Malika realizes that Lucifer will not be easily tricked she releases the young goat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7fbd098c-21de-43b0-90c4-91c81cbe9409/5GqOu6ib1COywChT52wF--0--xvs5a.jpg Resurrection - Page XIX - Danger lurks Everywhere Then suddenly Beëlzebub appears out of nowhere skimming the ground and grabbing the goat with its claws. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b40b8f3a-1296-49c1-9b73-0b19d1bc04f5/oXrAHThSKKiW2q0rq9NG--0--qwuuu.jpg Resurrection - Page XIX - Danger lurks Everywhere Before he is in full air the white dragon has snatched the goat's throat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a3dc5a94-0ddd-41db-95e2-2003ace929e7/rgEV7JsaGAZm73pmI0a6--0--3ke6z.jpg Resurrection - Page XIX - Danger lurks Everywhere Malika stares to the sky, stunned by what she has just witnessed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/09b0493f-88c2-4c4f-bf7d-fd84014b3433/UPc8omdqcbOM1CGdtbYB--0--ipzz1.jpg Resurrection - Page XIX - Danger lurks Everywhere Tears jump into her eyes and she cannot stop sobbing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/92a83d28-e976-4c28-89b9-56eeb97aba7f/Nweb46CSadIqfLAfBlL4--0--znrr1.jpg Resurrection - Page XIX - Danger lurks Everywhere Finally, after a minute, she stops crying and gets on one knee. "This has to stop. I have to tackle this more fundamentally." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves daily 0.75 2025-12-01 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-people-from-the-woods monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2506e6cd-9e9c-4a71-aae4-901b65fa06ca/2EfX7F32P320y9hGI4gn--0--b7pd4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods Thousands of years ago, in a galaxy with hundreds of planets,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d9e7dc5a-d60a-40f0-a6a1-5494c0476752/o9yN4ItKLtMR8Qx299Ji--0--kce7u.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods ....hidden behind a vortex,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1e271a5b-6d04-4cf0-b940-57546562990a/rpXFAh0qGaF11P3fjL2d--0--ywg8k.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods ...and cloaked by a nebula,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/198a0bb5-9257-4c5e-b2e9-a61de09484a0/vwkUIa9njW8CE6FFnpPq--0--hhx72.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods ...was once a planet that was so full of life, it was named Qenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ae6fe274-2508-4be1-a668-2599f3c29628/WDMY4cq92XSM6XcuVuYS--1--rhoui.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods It was inhabited by two sentient species: the dragons and the People from the Woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e95302ea-a305-459e-b6dc-c1d97079b5cf/NEBJkB2BcGs974iXyzAo--0--h0wn1.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods The People from the Woods lived in harmony with nature and had villages high up in the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/50163647-4de3-4fe0-9098-2bf6672fd5d7/PNl9TvoJK7GbETXXIkou--0--neqjt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods They were known to be nomadic and had houses that could be easily broken down and transported. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/920b709a-1fd7-41cf-9b47-d77742e42542/VMPTI8sVP146puKq9AuZ--0--16d6l.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods One ordinary night, the guards at their outposts were fully occupied by the event that was about to happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b1d6b336-818e-4bec-ba93-aebc5e7f900a/3ElOgpHoFkIfIhsDXnb6--0--qzt31.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods Warriors were gathering, in full regalia, because it was an official event. A rare moment, that was so rare that the last time it happened was 500 years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/76eb8899-e57a-4809-8757-e93aa81dde58/et4Ixo1MUe4CdjDpCMGo--0--sj6ys.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page I - The People from the Woods And the conductor of this event would be tári, which would translate into "her highness". https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-great-forbidden monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/18e5a5e9-8f56-4adf-94a9-a0b264ba3890/m7cxrRnoiDbmj5soJUkz--0--i6xh9.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden Tári welcomed her sisters to the first trial in 500 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c7ba558d-c75f-41ef-a637-45a606965a11/AWPF7TrRIttzEGyT48s9--1--tqsa5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden She explained that the indictment was the most severe crime someone from the woods could commit, given the laws of the ancestors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aa58d04c-71e4-4381-8c28-21aa9b99c73b/19H3QcK8GN5joowA0wct--0--7b9ge.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden In walked the accused, Eryndor, Protector of the Woods. All present stood up as he was a highly regarded member of the community. At the end of the row stood Faelwyn, his enchanting companion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1685f34d-f9d9-47d8-9829-6f407b4f13bd/c4urX6gTsr6NIXMugCxX--1--3tqhw.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden Eryndor had chosen Thalior as his defender. Known for his valor Thalior defended his friend with passion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/65b7dfd7-f311-4237-b331-4e1cc18df599/AWPF7TrRIttzEGyT48s9--0--j9ooh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden But the prosecutor came with evidence that was hard to deny: Eryndor was accused of bonding with a male dragon. Apart from killing a fellow elf for a male elf to ride a male dragon, let alone bond one, was the biggest crime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3486ff76-bd9b-48ac-b11c-568709f16238/t0sIP6RxbqSHiotruvIP--1--pbsc3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden When Aelarion entered the tent, everybody was silenced: "tári, the dragon Melchior stands outside." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4aa1f84d-2344-463f-9dfc-0c5e1e143d37/xrPdYAxwlbk3y6i9peMj--0--5u1ug.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden Outside stood a fierce and pride dragon, reluctantly submitting himself to elvish powers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/48285b07-f177-46e4-a513-12993a1ca091/45Grbs2OyAqrxgIZNNPH--0--ffz2z.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden The moment tári stepped outside the tent, the environment changed. Black clouds gathered and a black darkness surrounded everyone. Tári faced the dragon and asked him straight away if he and Eryndor had bonded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a8485c92-31f5-4755-8c3d-ac8a7c27d798/9j9gNWHt3YpGhI1lu4H7--0--k6bgt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden The dragon tried to trick her, and started flattering her and her mighty reign. "Stop it", Tári reacted. "I summon you to tell me truth!". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ae7a077-b13c-4209-8e4a-77926a416b56/PUYjHz5HRyLsOb7LWeIu--0--k0tac.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden Then Melchior showed his true nature and shouted: "No-one can tell me who I bond with, you small, meaningless creature." to which Tári reacted: "I know enough. Get thee gone." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/090d00f7-38c5-413a-999d-96b7e0b9a5ba/w5Z7LWTP3HYhq6BsR5GH--0--1ueat.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden After which Tári stepped out of the illusion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/769c8063-0aa3-486b-9994-8a208371ada8/GBksaFDgeVLS7JUU6Brm--0--w13cw.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page II - The Great Forbidden The dragon remained behind feeling completely powerless and defeated. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/king-oberon monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22d0798f-49e1-4889-bc4d-6d9af932ce4e/4gfeLowfrbH10QlvxyVz--0--2xtb4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon All three queens were married to King Oberon, responsible for protecting the fairy realm and deal with possible threats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3108ac27-f901-4d72-bc2c-f81da5671ed8/Itu9MCXZtWvz7fpE9cfi--0--qrxmu.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon Oberon had four basterd daughters with his long-time lover and paramour, Ellaria: Elia,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2205b9fa-0246-43a6-a70c-2c98330620b1/oorG2iym1AHM67Squ8fX--0--lz1yf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon ...Obella,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ac99ce81-2f90-4df2-9a84-641fa583fa8f/sekGwPxcfw9tFLG9HKJw--0--306js.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon ...Dorea,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f35092b3-6801-4e95-8c28-86a34d2cd790/ORIMj0sRYQvLf0hMzU9R--0--42i2z.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon ...and Loreza. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e804b723-34b7-4281-99fe-4ece4006d200/yK8TMMMwmi58XIh6uGA6--0--br53i.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon Just like his wives he had a personal body guard, chosen from the best of the Fae warriors,.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfe95670-9ca0-454d-be9f-cee3750aad7c/Xmkz1KREzzzIR7UTyM9M--0--y1rly.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon ...as well as a light armored scout unit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/373c8f70-e9ed-4d04-97a7-edbfe58c9229/QZE0LC7pgFD53a7lpIDC--0--yj315.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon Apart from those smaller units there was also a brigade of flying Fae to deal with small threats from inside like small and medium predators.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/acfe4aa7-1272-4e00-9f62-2f1190ebf53f/go8N2AloURkcTccvlu6j--0--sf0nq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IV - King Oberon ...and a legendary force of cullahan, Fae without wings, that can be taller than humans. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/three-queens monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d4a9e7ee-27aa-48a9-a942-9648f4bd35d7/2xRMsLyR4XxK1TOVC2qN--0--8t9w5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Thousands and thousands of years before the existence of the Elves, Qenya was ruled by three Queens,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/522c6340-0a59-4295-b439-708c162813d3/MsCmt2JDjSIh7jkMl9gF--0--hbcns.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Queen Maeve ruled the atomies: only about a foot tall, or even smaller, fitting inside bubbles or being as small as an acorn. She was the fiercest of the three queens and was sometimes referred to as the warrior queen or a sovereignty queen connected to the land and fertility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bbeea8d8-8153-420c-8547-aa1f4c1ec73a/G81S490NXafahCECjrrN--0--fy59x.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Queen Mora ruled the pixies: miniature humans, often dressed in rags. Some had wings, and some could change their shape at will. Unlike most Fae, pixies were not usually said to have magical abilities. Mora was described as a cunning queen and she gave away her immortality as a Fae to be with the mortal she loved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d7b87357-6638-4ac1-8863-ced50cbe06a1/tWvvyYDoHEPNxmcU6iKc--0--9al5n.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Even though pixies had no magical abilities they often caused headaches to Mora with their mischievous behavior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6352bfb7-9bc5-4a50-8982-4a6f2e2ab8f2/HKdu37LpIMDiYq06153F--0--tzdur.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Queen Mab, just like her sister Mora gave away her immortality out of love. She ruled the sprites: beings a bit larger than a child https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d6b2de6e-c98c-4a86-8a3e-46035acfb1fa/ULnKOw6Ph7WBH2yy8OGg--0--0at5n.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Sprites were the more fairytale kind of Fae. Their main duty lied in helping other beings and keeping balance in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b80f3609-8949-440e-b3e9-f8e7071daca4/I9l6a8i01Al5IyoOCY8D--0--n7a9r.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Queen Maeve had a daughter named Findabair (also known as Finnabair), who was known for her beauty and cunningness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/46e5200e-b463-414b-9fd1-f1a5fb4c2f23/3cnXK0ZRldIJIHnMfRN4--0--frmsz.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens Just like all royalty do, all three queens had body guards... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a958a552-1291-4976-aa8f-58e9a752f5bf/ubFiqWXazvU7OBya8KmJ--0--5ta8a.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page III - Three Queens ...as well as a unit of light armored scouts so that they were kept informed of what happened in the world around them. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/dragons monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d5809d08-486f-4a2c-899f-f73da7adb6d3/SVRy78BNYF9TeVd3o89V--0--pou36.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons Dragons have always been a part of the fauna of Qenya. Originally as beautiful and colorful small creatures living among and from the flowers in the woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5dd0b8b9-9895-4c15-a787-1b5eb8860762/ZZAdVdP4JI8E8Ml12KMo--0--27yj7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons They soon discovered the potential of eating small flying insects and developed wings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4c0f3b46-6bce-4488-9a4d-ddd3ab6875f4/OZpFtzHxlJrj7w27QO2k--0--yau0n.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons When their new source of proteins made them bigger they discovered the company of the Fae which both parties enjoyed, particularly the sprites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b96e71a0-4855-49fb-b674-0f51c5a36e11/zH0uh4CN732LxJPXNFgU--0--9z3kh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons While accidentally observing the sprites having fun in the woods, the dragons were discovered by faery royalty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e8c3e5a1-a95c-45d2-a164-3efab5d2208f/BJX1VzVmUjxDktYk0dT5--0--6x76b.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons The power of the dragons and their flying skills made them an obsessive gadget for the young princesses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/41268a30-a19d-4202-a2bd-5734c2ed584f/8I3otnyDeF4CI3fy82NR--0--c6zx9.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons They soon learned that the dragons would accept them on their backs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5edd7483-f758-4149-8af2-4ba6e0550d62/QYfp2yVd8fYuB763sefS--0--skrzl.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons And the Fae learned how to ride and control the dragons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a124b57-d9a9-4c73-b7de-7a21707f489f/iBOLy8GbzHGiKybEpuSg--0--z35k5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons The dragons now became symbols of the different royal houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/561313e8-04d9-49c1-aaa0-9d13ebd413bb/UHT8qc1STlhzn862iodq--0--jki7x.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons But where in the beginning dragons were still elegant and magical beings.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/205c4d43-3589-464e-a5cb-24aad5c6d883/VzoZLxYdqx2tobBcs6hv--0--4q7tt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons ...they soon became symbols of status, and their appearance, but most of all.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ca6fc51-6d6e-47f6-8239-81c61728cef1/Y0bavAi64X4SgIR8vpcV--0--vl723.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page V - Dragons ...their power became the most wanted quality amongst the Fae. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/an-unexpected-contact monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c7ddae80-6abb-40f6-9440-3ead4703c8f0/vuydOte4lTdFOW1xN9n8--0--u7xd3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact The first male Fae who heard about the dragons and the princesses were the cullahan and their reaction was condescending: mere toys, useless in battle, unreliable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d9406201-c219-4156-831a-075b14caff3e/IYcrzBlUtU86t5SpkMw5--0--2f2dm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact When they saw the princesses and their dragons in real life, the cullahan decided to go looking for male dragons since they were thought to be more aggressive and large enough to carry the large creatures the cullahan were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fec5f659-0fac-4f58-8323-38a91250724d/jF7PBcXJc5i7DgVWokHQ--0--hr03c.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact Soon however the search for male dragons turned into a disillusion: they lived solitary lives, often hidden in caves or dark woods,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8e00dde1-dfa9-465f-89c5-02842720b8de/xjkyXbqY1BbS3IGGyBSb--0--osabp.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact ...but most of all they were huge, looking invulnerable,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ecba1df3-a8d3-4d6f-a5c8-e7f52aaa7087/bAsqxCM7mLBkTnhyhbm9--0--4717m.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact ...and first attempts to contact were met with aggressive responses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/64b76360-51f3-46e4-9183-e362bc7a9a07/LY2IGmfdrIYg3UNvhYJk--0--icgyo.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact One day, by accident, Yavanna, partner of Valdarin, stumbled upon a wounded dragon. She knew Valdarin was not far, so she awaited him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b104e829-9055-4fbf-9d23-4a0f4c08f07d/lcQVCmaal1HLUU0fMvSH--0--brq1b.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact When Valdarin met Yavanna she told him about the wounded dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7550fefc-a06a-4b50-8a66-3f2b92fd3026/sLQysic8yx6iGvJxqBkV--0--tw4h3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact Valdarin wanted to go meet him, but asked Yavanna to go and search for healing herbs in the wood, as he knew her knowledge of the plant world to be extensive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e82ef9e3-040a-4633-be2c-a00c620f5fba/V96VZSWJrFf5uVbN85he--0--u0zjz.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact Yavanna soon had found a basket full of herbs and decided to return to Valdarin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d80fa7a-5842-4d01-9e1e-ffd28c50390f/7yiQDJfYrr08LeH9CSSI--0--hop8d.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VI - An Unexpected Contact When Valdarin received the herbs he silently and carefully mounted the dragon, who seemed to be in a kind of feverish dream. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/a-dark-heart monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4077dda7-541b-45d2-9f51-7bd7d0205fe2/EsCg98DR4tZbHRtotIqB--0--8y5sp.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VII - A Dark Heart Soon the dragon healed and found a companion in Valdarin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b4dd7dfe-bb9f-4602-bde5-3fb15c4178c1/lJA2pAtHN3atNpwGYlmO--0--772dn.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VII - A Dark Heart But male dragons are ambitious. And during his sleep the dragon who was called Beowulf began planting tiny little thoughts in Valdarin's head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f96afddd-378b-4a1e-923b-859b1cd5a425/32eusLvuy3BA9S84ubdp--0--vytkj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VII - A Dark Heart Thoughts about power, about being king, ruling the other Fae, and how fate was on his side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6895c30e-10d3-4a21-a6d5-3c7c99f587e2/dGhBkLi4ZWQpUzFJT7PA--0--whzzt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VII - A Dark Heart Valdarin became the first male dragon knight. Dressed in armor he patrolled the woods, showing off his new found power, and the other Fae avoided him when possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/acb69eaa-4fcf-43a1-b084-f73c7b036338/oTpHjpUlvlXBXfKVyDOW--0--5vk9v.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VII - A Dark Heart The exclusion from the other Fae filled Valdarin's heart with bitternes. Beowulf jumped on the opportunity and invited Valdarin to the Fiery Lands as his new base. He also showed him the gift of fire there. Beowulf smiled internally when he felt the darkness in Valdarin's heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/243b21dd-ff4e-400a-a38f-229e6122b34e/hxr4WFrIYjAoL8Cn0kjR--0--br6as.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VII - A Dark Heart Now that he had Valdarin at his side, Beowulf no longer had to hide his jealousy of the female dragons and their bond with the other Fae. At the first opportunity he killed one of them. And he would not stop until they were all dead. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-massacre monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ae2cd917-3a6c-4c0e-bab5-2dbb3459779b/b0MP3zWjzr0chD0N871M--0--ktalc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page VIII - The Massacre "We all know what happened next. Valdarin and Beowulf killed the majority of the female dragons, as well as all pixies, atomies and sprites. Several members of the royal houses were brutally massacred, and their dragons were literally ripped to pieces." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-outcasts monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/138adad7-4d59-4713-a4ac-4257571c3553/zkVfw5V40MT74XLkyC6Y--0--q030j.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts But in the end Beowulf and Valdarin were defeated. Once Valdarin's left arm was cut off in battle he could no longer guide Beowulf and fight at the same time, and they were both stabbed to death by Valdarin's former brothers, the cullahan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dba6bafa-623a-4579-9413-188a93f6eb76/qVhnCMl071lzexVkVmAE--0--y7anr.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts They left dozens of violated Fae,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bc09573f-7fdc-42ae-ab65-5058399dcc07/6TJTkmSb4SyvMeTqKWLh--0--pnyi8.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts ...rivers of blood,.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b5d3332-55fa-4d7b-9179-db5b54414c38/er8kclGjQHKPZU32H64T--0--upplu.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts ...and Fae whose minds got so shocked by the horrors they were confronted with, that many of them chose to take their own lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ca238431-c02e-4bba-ae08-b062e85fb694/4uGavlxOmyEIDotJYunb--0--w084r.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts The funeral processions were long and silent, and every pixie,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b9dcbe72-686d-4117-bf38-76a88aaec095/ZNhK5qhbnd42NBYcSoEq--0--qrrqm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts ...sprite... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/18d6db7d-1af8-42ec-8dd6-105383cfa6bf/GoaOEynkcAzVtL4eJouR--0--22knu.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts ...and atomy was remembered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/77969441-6cdf-4aae-8444-0d370beed74b/RSZrYtbzhAsPDMnNQV7A--0--iqmoa.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts As well as the royal deads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/51f3327b-3b9f-4aa5-b83b-0067d3b3aa90/xDxMfwGXv4ioUg0RimD4--0--lbzcz.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts After peace and tranquility had returned Maeve, the warrior queen, summoned Vaelorin, the noble and inspiring leader of the cullahan. She told him that the cullahan were banished and that their immortality would be taken away from them. Vaelorin understood and accepted the sad future him and his brothers and sisters awaited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cc5bb776-88d5-4288-8780-0eda2a0533bf/0Va2pSaBO00TA47HrG93--0--34s0v.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts So the cullahan were summoned to gather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/af24e1ad-269d-4334-a077-f9064ccf248c/nQfVwoabdTwmFOChs6Hx--0--wc33k.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts For some it was harder than the rest. But Mab decided to join her love and gave up her immortality too, so that she could be with him and die with him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c65a45b4-163f-43b4-ba41-d96189bea2c5/XjyJmUPkeBW4jI2MGTa7--0--15a7y.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts The decision for Mora was hard. But her beloved and troublesome pixies were no more. So there was nothing left for her and she also decided to give up her immortality and join the woman she loved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3faf25d6-345b-42cf-8c54-a51f98af24ca/13sZKgj9d45G2ihscVnt--0--0qw05.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page IX - The Outcasts It was a long and silent procession when the Cullahan left the woods and their friends behind. But we all know that this was not the last we would ever hear from them. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/emigrants monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f1f5e2bd-fb5c-4507-b77e-9d251265b2bd/e0fzfnNOLUIs6zOiVo1A--1--1azm7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants The cullahan walked for days and nights through the large forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7378877b-fb4f-4a15-bb3d-0011ab3f25cd/FqoieA2OA8ot8RMDPqhM--0--8xagd.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants They never slept, knowing that they were no longer welcome in the woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2549a81f-6802-4fab-b35c-116cb23ce60e/TjitiEURrq7lC7kpWhLp--1--el4i6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants Sometimes they had to run hard from dark creatures that seemed to be following them...or was it just their imagination? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/165fbb11-d799-482b-b843-2542bf9c05bf/5FCbeEhGSaSF6brCf1Q0--1--cmtcc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants Conditions were harsh because the further they got, the harder to follow the trails. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/98bfafd8-f827-482c-8ea2-e1397ee17575/7nPnszlp9Lhp70tV3XZx--1--goqrh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants And with fatigue also came the cold and bad temper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a85ca8a6-99c9-49c9-8890-5ef2f5256513/RcwJSveIJVPLEK5wXVgi--1--zr0k0.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants Some of the group fell behind, slowing down the tempo of the rest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d001b089-c609-4eef-a8df-c7a9f49ad3a3/BWNz3128weJ1cyWCBVBL--0--0ix0h.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants And then there were the marshlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f27c474c-58fc-43d5-8fb7-04a14856336e/GAsGyQVbdGC8pVsGskOv--1--rawdk.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants With the marshlands also came the oppressive heat and more fatigue and fevers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aea0eb1f-2eed-4f97-9672-22b6ccaa21f5/iwKLyEC7nh7tXxpGYymO--1--pe4z7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants With the fevers came the feverish illusions, of witches conjuring them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4561be68-dcbd-4b7d-8200-e6c652b27f0a/xPhVIiYqE4nBcG7p5Qi9--1--t8ip2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants Dreams of the old queen Maeve, showing them the beauty of the homeland they left,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/52c9d6e0-0539-4eff-b545-09c3af952b89/DMn3bTUqonizOzlzn9Bu--1--k2po2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants ...and the challenges they still had to endure... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0ed9abdf-fd9a-4ab8-9748-9329e62fe31a/CUcNBzWJOjAb3ZMsWRpN--0--yobu7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page X - Emigrants ...and in the end the hardship of their new homeland. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/a-new-home monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b6c6ff34-0c13-4370-94a3-c21d71afb932/kGpSvZf3yuFc4xvXWR3R--1--rww0k.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home But before they would find rest they had to endure the open plains with its hard winds,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/53a60bb1-d465-4b09-864d-be28fb0ecf73/tHW3DsDoESiHzHyubC3X--1--9wn4y.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home ...the heat of its fiery sun,.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc32e177-4ea2-4086-84bf-d44ae9077ad3/ttA9vXOB779qnMujxB1G--1--kiaky.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home ...and the bitter cold of its lonely nights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e351635e-c6a0-45bb-8c1a-ad1aa98d8407/QV3SvOSKGKf1bGsrjN2C--1--twmzc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home Soon hills came and turned into mountains and they surrounded them at both sides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0fd822ff-472c-4c46-a416-758ca5b17738/E39uGlnYnMwuirqlYaTE--1--x9yw3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home The roads mounted and the snow became thicker, the temperatures lower. Limbs froze and soon everybody was longing for the plains again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/03adcf91-e0d3-45d9-9dfe-485dd437f611/2yhpvM0Y4rYI4bocF2K0--1--4z9fj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home But there was no way back, and they all knew it. They were the banished ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3d617e2f-0ccf-4657-a024-1d63734eb577/mowfvGwnbEbv7lzoQK3Y--1--p164a.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home After days and days in the icy colds of the mountains, the roads started to decline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/515f68d7-28cf-4cc1-a22e-945c66ac4d2b/G1DVRLkWqpRCXJAv8J52--1--ulxdg.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home But that brought them no comfort...the landscape turned into icy fields and lakes they had to cross....watching out for cracks and wet places under the snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/80686e00-0277-4918-af7f-a9ca48b389f7/zDiauClYQuVDi51BCYxt--1--vszgf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home In the end the ice made way for fiery lands, and all knew that their hardships would soon come to an end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ed71629f-5b83-4379-a5f3-0296eb0198ec/QEAIyEUTeH8YBj7NXsHB--1--idln4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home Or at least their wanderings would. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fe4c9403-7557-44ce-981c-e89c57761057/5rKQpcbCoXGqPnpJdgB0--0--5byr5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home One morning the last climb had been conquered. Male and female cullahan sat down after weeks of hardships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/753d3359-8a87-48a5-bc5e-395f5c8dfb10/x8ZaemaxQESyDugLpLP2--0--cbc4t.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XI - A New Home But it was Vaelorin who said the final liberating words: "Here is where it stops. Here we will build our new home." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/a-verdict-turned-sour monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b2626e83-cb61-44c1-94a4-4d7adfa4da86/ec6T0ABa0l25t0LopPrl--0--x3bh2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour It was late at night when tári ended her story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5352a453-5308-4a52-b5cf-0e3dbeed61ff/I06nTtpop4R9awryNDdU--0--7zgxy.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour When the early day showed its first rays of lights, tári summoned Eryndor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f98e0dae-3bc5-45e0-a6f5-39f2d5f6e475/3lbW0432V9bekcrnqHxR--0--pvuc5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour She had been weighing the pros and cons before she took her final judgement with regard to Eryndor. It was a hard judgement, but dura lex, sed lex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0394ea4e-504e-43ec-acb3-f1ed94a8a948/UQRuURpAx3aGj3RH8Vta--0--ej0rg.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour She awaited him outside her palace, because she would not honor him by receiving him inside a place that is dear to her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/94f8805f-c66e-4660-a626-6e06ad960401/UtMg7ZTS94WuhEb8mwIk--0--wyyly.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour When Eryndor arrived he kneeled before tári and bowed his head. Tári noticed that he was wearing the jewels of his house and function, and ordered him to remove them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eac5a7be-04d0-4607-b132-5b07710444f1/ADDFGZCED6DGeJuuFQyq--0--wpz0g.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour With some reluctance Eryndor took of his crown, the earrings and the jewel on his forehead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1b72630f-1602-4736-a21b-c545de8f04c5/m5Bf0nS7UKjC2j60qJeH--0--wxesz.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour Next, Eryndor was well raised and knew he could not bear his sword before the Elvish Queen.. He took it off and laid it before tári. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c438b44f-c93c-4561-99f8-3c45460061f2/I3qWw2sSLDj0pYwzKqnj--0--pol79.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour While doing so he addressed her: "I lay my faith in your hands, your highness." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/95b84f13-dc31-432f-8188-432854a5a6a0/BJBuQa0U2tjsrfcbX2ab--0--gpug8.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour Patiently he awaited tári's reaction. "You are henceforth banished and will no longer enjoy the gift of immortality." Eryndor was mumbling: "No, no....no, no, no." " Furthermore, what the beast you bonded with is concerned..." Tári noticed that Eryndor reached for his sword again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4b4c1d89-6965-4827-9092-8304c88cef7f/v4B6xVRSjoBPauLCxkBX--0--b3r23.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour "What do you think you are doing?" "I am taking back my birth right, which is my sword and the right to ride and bond with a dragon. Who are you to judge me? I am as much royalty as you are. I should be king. You cannot tell me what to do." Eryndor stood up, sheathed his sword and grabbed the spear on his back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a0c6f57-f52a-488a-b811-3ced33050e03/tDyOu5hRb7jTSau2oyRb--0--hyv58_2x-clty-upscale-cbcc4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XII - A Verdict Turned Sour Later that day other elves would find tári dead and a bloody spear with the emblem of Eryndor's house next to her, as if someone wanted the message to be clear. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/civil-war monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/edd9b0e8-98a4-48d3-8c41-dadc08d77b67/rfygANaJMFf5TBBSGVS8--0--f3ck6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War News spread fast. Elves were shocked. Sides were chosen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/10d36d75-4907-4688-846c-412678befff2/84piIEMX88kCD5lNpro2--0--1sfwi.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Flaring arguments were used among the otherwise so rational elves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/17403545-e3c0-49f6-b42c-4cb79e0c9f52/zJW5DKkfRXHN3NcCbMYy--0--ffu89.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Daily life was paralyzed when groups were discussing in the middle of the woods until late at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d406f003-5b08-40bf-b9aa-faa2571b0b4f/VYjiPY4Gylpa54qCn8bH--0--snmoy.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War The tensions were so high that other wood creatures came out of their hiding places to witness what was going on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8268d372-3996-4ea5-ac3c-cf3aecde8d81/ilwS2Cxo6Qp5TwgpADM1--0--7u3va.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Even families were torn apart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/37eff6dd-7783-4a6f-b410-1be5834b4f4d/T6cqkcxZK3CLSFigJmKR--0--myfns.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Twin sisters taking different sides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ff74518d-1fe3-4931-a9dc-fe0a79eab8cf/nNCIRdAw0o1pCnjiFev0--0--bjnwm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Mothers and daughters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1dc11d16-0345-4204-ba9e-a0a72347f931/ZWlLI347h5FBq6SJngbZ--0--h1ags.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Friends and lovers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1b414ac1-993c-4910-b7bd-6eb7872f460f/k91HDQjhzVRvRdqqkCWI--0--hbd6p.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War When elves disagreed they were cast out from groups they had always belonged to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4f914d64-575d-41bb-bc1b-655e8e76d5ef/qdElgGJHJ1TWzejMyEXZ--0--6du9e.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Arms were grabbed to settle discussions. First between individuals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9f66dec4-d172-46a6-8cf8-97cdc5680e0c/tHozL0wEe42Hh2fi4Z6D--0--m13xa.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War Long time friendships ended in sword fights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/31bbdb3a-bc4e-42b0-9325-fe012eb8aace/nKnkTBQHaazt0mJQC4Bj--0--z9ifx.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War All trust was gone. Grabbing an arrow would cause grabbing a sword. Without questions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/117de339-1e3a-45e8-9818-d620464eb2f9/HgwFCOf5i8ExE7U38AD5--0--42w6p.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War And finally troops assembled: in favor of Eryndor...calling themselves the Valdarins... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5e6a0fba-64ed-4cc2-bebb-187cb7d9f397/u8VG6QwhB8YXOAZLRzno--0--1k2ay.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War ...and those against Eryndor, calling themselves the Vaelorins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1d928697-d2ff-47cd-8c58-7be424b11684/wYHWwqiKG9hN3rMcGEAg--0--j3pfq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIII - Civil War But there was also a group who did not want this to lead to a civil war....and they called themselves the Tárii. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/refugees monthly 0.5 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1d928697-d2ff-47cd-8c58-7be424b11684/wYHWwqiKG9hN3rMcGEAg--0--j3pfq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees The Tarii were just a small group composed of Obella, Dorea, Elia and Loreza, the four bastard daughters of Oberon who long ago took them with him when he fled during the Valdarian war. While they were discussing what their next steps would be they heard someone approaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07cb84b1-38e0-4a20-95be-2d19e013018b/GcF6uadbBvCeUkAq2vXl--0--mkip3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees When the woman approached they recognized her as Faelwyn, daughter of Finnabair. "Don't panic, I am here to join you. The Vaelorins are chasing everyone who is linked to Eryndor. I have renounced him...but I am bearing his child." "We have to move, because they will kill us if they find us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/09e146be-1e75-4477-8abf-7505ff0ee522/xaJjhh7dk2sQSKiBXKtl--0--4i4i0.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees Being a direct descendant of Queen Maeve, and since the others were in doubt of what to do, Faelwyn suggested they would take their dragons and seek refuge in the Fiery Lands with the banished cullahan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2483b9c4-cc4d-491a-98dc-ec28137a55f6/BvwnLzSHuwh6L55ZNyoI--0--itpzm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees It was a long flight and they were sure for some time they were being followed, but in the end they reached the borders of the Fiery Lands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7b2caed8-f4eb-463b-a3c1-f6200c8cc35d/dY611EOowtWO9BXswhIk--0--dpxc7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees Since they could not find any sign of civilization they decided to land for a nearer reconnaissance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b435dcb1-29e3-4dc6-b24b-9d7e17d163e1/0D7j4VBSWNEFtclE7Wmv--0--im0hm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees They split up and drove their dragons through the hot lava underground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f7792740-244b-45f2-a52c-9649588021ad/UPrTyG5leAENV0vSOLth--0--ty2xo.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees In the end they came back together...no signs of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b0af11bc-8308-45be-82a9-786c6e4b3154/QdITvXhXdxkCwbAWl6Vc--0--xs4wj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees But then Faelwyn thought she noticed something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cba680c5-de37-4db2-9158-28ae0d206db9/g37Y8iPmoyE69L9Zp5OF--0--v4svg.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIV - Refugees "Stay here," she said "I will go alone, I think I saw someone watching us." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-future-alliance monthly 0.5 2025-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5f3523a2-4fb5-4bb2-836d-7985a0ae3801/C2jRBn3UOYn80M4mzZNk--0--biu0s.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance Shortly after the other members of the group were out of sight, a figure emerged from the dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7c76b81a-f5a6-4087-817c-b2ec119a2611/jdDihpAbEeCb2fn22h39--0--f5ayq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance Faelwyn was addressed by a friendly but firm voice: "Who are you?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4e8214a2-6b7a-4311-9330-c1fa9d8297f3/TI4eJ9rmAugtEq9EneRi--0--kj4kw.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance "My name is Faelwyn", she replied and dismounted her dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8c4a34f1-9ec5-4530-9cee-8f315c854ca1/KD6PXTbtMyeq2gfMPPG2--0--6m3gx.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance "From which house are you?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5404d361-66c7-491f-83b2-6b5a8620fa3e/6ueE3Yox5sib5HAS6bQe-QUwKd-adjusted.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance "I am a direct descendant of Queen Maeve". She made a sign to her dragon that it was OK to leave her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b5b6adb-a2fb-4802-80aa-bf8f1c3aa7fb/FmrdM9CPTR4aVvEAeGt8--0--1qo8l.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance "Why are you here?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/300de9e9-23fc-4c3e-884c-9723ad48178a/s31Smd1i4B1g9M3QchgQ--0--12rm3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance "Me and my sisters are on the run and we thought we could find refuge here amongst the cullahan." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4487c0be-abc8-46b8-922f-1558408b40e2/vLrBPTcXiefd4Zkk7wcH--0--avx43.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance At that moment the figure in front of Faelwyn removed her hood, and to Faelwyn's suprise, it was a woman with long black sleek hair, looking much like Faelwyn herself. "I would do away with that weapon if I were you...look behind you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b51bfb0a-008a-496b-ba4e-fc6fff39fec9/0WGqtuFZxwHEor8PgxoI--0--6cg7c.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance When Faelwyn turned around she saw a large group of female warriors, cloaked and armed with swords, bows and spears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c527fcf2-5c51-430c-9b4b-9e987e841fea/s31Smd1i4B1g9M3QchgQ--0--6sjdj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance "Who are you?" "And can you help us find the cullahan?" "According to the stories they live in the Fiery Lands." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9980e2fb-8325-404b-a8be-6bebc0de45cf/EvPK3D9klSpANfObLyph--0--ld2de.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XV - The Future Alliance "My name is Ariel and the cullahan are dead." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/a-curious-story monthly 0.5 2025-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1bec6b6a-7d6d-4f30-9715-751079da8a4a/6ueE3Yox5sib5HAS6bQe--0--8ffod.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "What do you mean 'the cullahan are dead?'" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d9da643-40d2-4772-8224-8f70531a6fa7/JA6z404WrloMTPjiXKxe--0--msq4h.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "Follow me, we are already too long in the open...someone might notice us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ac742743-d0fe-4fe1-9f25-01d3045fdcda/xm72cNQSvE5KB6P7moKX--0--caeen.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story Faelwyn stood there speechless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5eb1c916-0188-4115-9a0f-f0c74e1baea9/8uyZ2S3oCs427i911wMO--0--ou9k9.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "C'mon, follow me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dd66cb00-1e76-4c90-8aa7-45b04d45bdf6/Z03tqm46WvkufpDuazkQ--0--kx9l1.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story Once in the caves Ariel explained: "We are all here daughters of the cullahan. Our fathers and brothers have died centuries ago. For some reason or another they fell sick if they were not killed by Valdarians...." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0f57202d-56f4-43e4-ab3a-080ce639e0b9/GLaCzmawzUfmO5nVjV4M--0--8u5r2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "Valdarians? But the Valdarians were only recently formed." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a527b326-78e1-421c-a41d-3a2e00a7c13e/GBkqW2K4REm0vIzmLkEj--0--0v3t5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "No, they weren't...that 's why they call it a secret society....they were formed centures ago." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dd16e0c0-7da2-473c-9fa3-d701aca5c56b/vblm1wJd94E53Ce37Vuq--0--cekc7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "But, Ariel, there is one thing I don't understand....you say your fathers and brothers died centuries ago..." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b95430ea-94bb-4034-8201-6fe0d37ce65d/1KdtvrXhUodr1qC9O3XD--0--jozat.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "Mhm..." "But that means..." "Mhm" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5cb540c2-9acb-4b2f-adee-ba0768c69513/yvk5kX9R6Xmyw9lQNdDL--0--b0utk.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVI - A Curious Story "But that is impossible...nobody has ever regained immortality after is has been taken away." "I know....and I cannot explain it either." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-succession-issue monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/80489f9e-a00f-480f-801c-b801fab6a8c5/dzDaW7hgrhw4APgSX8f0--0--u9sbt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVII - The Succession Issue In the woods, in the army of the Vaelorins, the succession issue was raised. It could take ages before a new tári was born and in these harsh times the army needed a leader. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ddd55b4e-c0c0-45fc-a39a-885029152623/gKvHsrKWhTBsCxChrQyG--0--5u9sr.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVII - The Succession Issue Isolde, the icy one, known for her resilience in hard times, asserted herself as the new leader, openly supported by a large group of clan members. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/907ebfb5-5d6d-44d6-a00c-25068e1ee272/eFIPskwrpAsmNi1WbMkZ--0--ilceb.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVII - The Succession Issue In her speech Isolde called for the troops to chase the Valdarins out of the woods for once and for all, to cleanse it from the stain of Valdarin for once and for all. With exuberant cheering the troops showed that she could count on their allegiance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eb19773c-13cf-4e8b-8da7-ff5f7f2ecfc4/Oj9dGLBdgFWTqiQL6zFo--0--xt1h6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVII - The Succession Issue After a short coronation ceremony queen Isolde took the lead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1609a4c2-2aa0-49ed-9652-7d121ea47ba3/WKfPwJITwPs5lEVAuT1q--0--5rzeb.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVII - The Succession Issue She marched in front of a huge army, on their way to an epic battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f76c57a8-345f-4904-b876-826bbd706ee5/zn6OZrqNoAKDdqncXFmV--0--b72zx.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVII - The Succession Issue Looking for the Valdarins, the enemy of the Elvish state. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-crown-pretender monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c6f6adec-5a43-4abb-9edf-7cd9e112f63d/ffoqgLOnD2nFJQCn0t59--0--mz4z7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVIII - The Crown Pretender At the other side of the forest Eryndor and his troops gathered to wipe the false crown pretender from the earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e198933d-6d70-418a-8735-966ea3416743/2djeBEERqtEOKO7FaQ3W--0--nter1.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVIII - The Crown Pretender Whole legions of noble blood presented themselves with their banners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c4436ea-7381-481e-8246-78cbab9436f5/s2P3Sl7SFY9nwbyjhXhk--0--6nu9y.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVIII - The Crown Pretender Most of them male knights who swore their allegiance to Eryndor unanimously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/63deea62-0d02-4e4b-9903-fed0172bf894/j1WND349avB61zJEWLu2--0--2le8o.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVIII - The Crown Pretender Most of the foot soldiers were lower-born Elves. Elves who had inherited their armor from their ancestors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7bef5f84-0e29-4f81-8e4d-4e4b341c6da1/nfu9WnvbUpdvw3AYbaYW--0--s8sj6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVIII - The Crown Pretender The heavily armored infantry were warriors who had proven themselves in the past, and received their armament as a reward from the highborn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1323d0e2-b55b-4884-9491-6a0c2aa385a2/wuFAJGnftNYpnFzqv5L0--0--zy7kk.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVIII - The Crown Pretender Additionally, the dark Elves were also present. Elves who usually operated in the shadows and had a bad reputation because they engaged in magic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d623bdb5-8c8e-4792-b284-22e094918566/oHJlaKmC9SXj2xa6HjS9--0--pkvxr.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XVIII - The Crown Pretender Finally, there was a division of scouts that was sent to the Fiery Lands by Eryndor to capture the royal daughters, including his former pregnant fiancée, Faelwyn. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/war monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/adf9a77b-aabb-40b8-aaac-667e4f938c08/fcpHMIYdUAiAG6htrJjb--0--jmgk4_2x-clty-upscale-r8bc0.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIX - War War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a45b3c70-8396-4276-9daa-0dcde4d3b883/AUBfU3WvzdwDkss43beQ--0--hr9k8_1.5x-clty-upscale-q7prh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIX - War Say it again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f4712d6a-ca41-4529-9d52-ee7b1f81b2dd/u6APyUxTs2L1MFLIh5u8--0--uqhf5_2x-clty-upscale-ffcq6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIX - War War. What is it good for? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c5f96660-d04c-432a-b8d6-29f930f13f53/WjV4OKMj81AN08CoEnpa--0--zqp1d_2x-clty-upscale-3att5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIX - War Absolutely nothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/84e535a0-4dc4-4651-a139-14d4016c3e74/82yeKXZNA5eK4twxrE0H--0--0laix_1.5x-clty-upscale-549tt+%281%29.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIX - War Say it again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1fc049ae-960e-43e4-ba73-e6c7f83db896/88ez7Ve3oIlupR9mVixa--0--bj71r.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XIX - War War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/invasion monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8ee6d526-445d-4e92-82c1-5ce46aa54db3/8epo4pHJDCDJc07k5BgK--0--dk9dm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XX - Invasion Apart from all the violence, high in the snow-covered mountains, extraterrestrial incidents were taking place in secret at various locations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e6356efc-e876-4ff7-bc38-7c9816117d23/fKYsvH3CI07Pus8P4BUm--0--4qhg0.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XX - Invasion Strange materializations emerged from which white and blue giants stepped out in attire that was not suited for the circumstances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/545885a0-3a40-4f72-9ba8-21825edcafc6/HOx2IT1Yd9fEhGzFxIq6--0--ca0ek.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XX - Invasion These beings, the Gorgons, seemed to have a sixth sense for planets where societies were out of balance, or they kept a watchful eye on all these planets and opportunistically invaded when it suited them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ef5da327-9520-4baf-9d3a-b14fa3362d27/mZ0Q8uDMfcQ6Z3EEJjru--0--wpg5o.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XX - Invasion With an unprecedented efficiency, they began to comb through the surroundings and communicated with each other in something that resembled more of a growl than a language. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0ddd0246-de5a-4ccc-887f-5a29ad245555/Or3tZrpRBfP3CywkEG7G--0--3qkbf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XX - Invasion Meanwhile, the materializations continued, and more and more giants came in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9039f205-7d19-4db9-8cee-4d1a847b1be1/t5Tq7J8K2zegITyGzpNc--0--nxd2m.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XX - Invasion But at that moment, no one witnessed this brazen disruption of the balance of the planet. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/run-like-the-devil monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6148b69b-d2a5-4a33-9054-16ea053415c3/LTSJ35ysJ3IW7z3jITGi--0--ocj5s.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil It was never the intention that the small patrol on its way to the Fiery Lands to capture the royal daughters would encounter hostilities during their passage through the mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/40a6b74c-2170-4bfa-b01f-d6860c70a340/Aby2pRvDkcjImEImoep3--0--1pdbr.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil The Elves and their horses were startled and scattered when a naked white giant appeared before them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1f6b8ce7-2f2e-47aa-bf1e-4c4b67b29b8e/eq0rtBNc5HFlTwp78zEC--0--75sw2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil The giant was gigantic and stronger than anything the Elves had ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b768312a-d2eb-47e0-bd4f-49f521ebd911/AWhD4nBDvbZGXXB4Kcro--0--y3wgu.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil From the very beginning, they were no match for what turned out to be excellent warriors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3cd18c01-2edf-4bf6-81e1-94e54395f8fc/n5xl8h8DkAzaU69wOffO--0--u14gn.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil In no time, the small battlefield was strewn with dead horses and wandering, insane knights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/08c12bda-f4f4-4a40-b8e9-e584d2170e73/FGtJDcY5dJxgHBMBod7G--0--g5gmu.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil Only one was still enough in his senses to turn around and flee back to the woods to report what had just happened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4485cc09-9443-4530-b303-1c814702e255/Hx3mBn04CIYBNIPjDM1W--0--3i7tb.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil Behind him the white giants were gathering with the objective of leaving the mountains to go and explore civilizations to conquer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0eb894f4-cb4c-4601-922c-30b12f89b5e8/xKGkydUAslFt62GsPQjh--0--hcxw3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXI - Run Like the Devil What the knight that was returning to the woods, did not notice was that one of the giants got hurt, and that below his skin there was a biomechanical skeleton. The ones who did notice were dead. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/reporting monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/19b05b47-fcf8-4d18-bfc3-6da3c0dae619/Mxp4l0pEVbCZAuBdWgRt--0--z0i4f_2x-clty-upscale-984mt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXII - Reporting After two nights and two days of fighting, both armies had temporarily retreated to recuperate. Eryndor was enjoying a cup of wine in front of his command tent before he would go to sleep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/348a07e0-3ece-4ff8-b28e-ebb3a28435d9/UMDbj0A28yF1XkRWvXZx--0--aq06x_2x-clty-upscale-mpeip.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXII - Reporting The rider who had survived a confrontation with the Gorgons arrived at the edge of the camp, where he was being observed by hundreds of soldiers. There was a silence and tension in the air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bf2f8772-9c4a-4db0-8487-e48dd42f0a83/YZvwLefbg8Om55mfjhgL-iXmtb-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-wcqdq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXII - Reporting When the nameless soldier arrived at Eryndor, he fell to his knees and reported what had happened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/94f6ff04-da84-4277-b2cf-ebd21d578fdc/Y5YVKrWTdAa1WNkCD8Nk--0--t0jb8_2x-clty-upscale-a0knc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXII - Reporting Eryndor was furious and stabbed a knife into the soldier's armpit. "Is this really what happened? Or did you make up this story to hide your cowardice? I wouldn't be surprised... with those cowards that were born in your house in the past." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8e1b8263-e7a8-40b0-a603-cbe4ee5f6ea0/KFrlVeMnnwcv9F1ykWUo--0--j3i9a_2x-clty-upscale-aqk09.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXII - Reporting Even before the soldier could say anything, he collapsed dead at the feet of Eryndor, who addressed the bystanders: "It is said that strange creatures are roaming the mountains that have killed our patrol. Who will come with me to check out this story, and if necessary hunt down the scum in question?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2ef09ea5-a9ca-4dc9-b634-748e20b2a1fb/6j5HcnIQnI1gp6pMLR2g--0--ugd45_2x-clty-upscale-pubtf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXII - Reporting A loud cheer rose up and soon the war cries spread throughout the entire camp. Even before the morning cast its first light over the camp, Eryndor set out with a contingent of foot soldiers. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/reconnaissance monthly 0.5 2025-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a969dd40-94c2-4315-8e21-46e099685a54/3a4Inu5ZUHsNAxIVp8VR--0--ck3gf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIII - Reconnaissance During a standard reconnaissance ride of a small patrol by the people of the Fiery Lands, they discovered the battlefield where the encounter between the Gorgons and the Elf patrol took place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/79fb7236-b041-43bf-b8f9-2fcd0950f515/0w8ocLurHcXfIqzzsk2n--0--wp5c6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIII - Reconnaissance Initially, they only noticed the dead horses and decided to send two of them back and inform Ariel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a5c106db-7d63-4668-8ff9-a184aa3302a4/OUfBrgFbX3n1Kky3KGqS--0--yj288.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIII - Reconnaissance The attention of the other two was drawn during their round by a moan coming from behind a medium-sized rock. There lay a heavily wounded Elf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2db78495-a60f-4ac9-b0c5-e4c61804acf0/GzGia1YGURpAb0ShFpZt--1--2ptln.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIII - Reconnaissance He could not see them and muttered incoherent words: "Watch out for the white giants... ambush... everyone dead." And then he slumped down and breathed his last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/03d8d80b-0005-4237-b709-a4ee2de4ce26/4DdBRGroanB1MQQHCHFe--0--8zh2m.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIII - Reconnaissance When Ariel arrived with her whole army, disbelief for what they saw was great. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/680f98dd-34e5-4580-9013-bd53d50f537e/xMD79wOZrwI0ZeMCKvLN--0--9q6l7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIII - Reconnaissance Ariël questioned the two members of the patrol who had stayed behind, and there was great astonishment written in her eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/748edfb3-2a67-4380-a16e-546b66fe1cd8/1PBUA7Ud43Wn0BGv4Aoq--0--reenb.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIII - Reconnaissance At her command, everyone mounted back up: "We are leaving here. We need to discuss how we are going to prepare for this evil." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/scientia-potentia-est monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/db8de183-31a7-41e0-95ad-3875bbf3bb4e/kD7se8SQMZb0lJC5M2sk--0--lmrew_1.5x-clty-upscale-aantj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est As the Gorgons continued to descend towards the dry steppes... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6c78b10e-77e8-49f9-94a6-e7e2b70cc95e/MyRhJhadkGNV3er7ojlb--0--xvy1c_2x-clty-upscale-dfznz.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est ...and Eryndor and his foot army struggled through the wetlands... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9e6f7dc2-2082-459e-8f24-8f3279c0dd3c/lJVxBkL2Io5P9T3QsHfb--0--djhqh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est ...Ariël decided that she had far too little information about the possible danger threatening her people. She therefore sent several scouts back into the mountains to gather as much information as possible. During their search, this small group of scouts found a particular artifact: 'It seems to resemble the shape of a head. But it is not organic.' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bda4b067-e7ee-4161-8537-33796d70d908/y26DInOW6HvvQLEfbPwl--0--uosne.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est Nefta, who was in charge, sent Seket back to Ariel with the discovery to prevent them from possibly losing it to other hunters for information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f060ec70-2594-44c7-adee-8884db5ac3ec/2WCuLZYv4qhhjgaWFZcX--0--r1q3q_1.5x-clty-upscale-jqlg2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est The rest of them continued along the icy path. The horses were restless and constant caution had to be taken for slickness on the roads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ae9e2176-1205-4a4a-859c-14a410ecfc78/NTKMWe8ovpua3QV4GlPO--0--mltc8_2x-clty-upscale-1xzu1.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est But their perseverance led to results. Before them was an entrance that seemed to be burned into the rocks, radiating a blue glow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2bb9b4a-fc58-4820-ad08-100ffa4ae116/DfUdxOVBGg2abPeHS0rC--0--hcrww.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est When two of the scouts approached the entrance, it began to hiss and the blue field became unstable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01205688-58e3-4310-8ee5-9800882709d2/4bu7AlSi8bR7xopP97cp--0--71o80.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIV- Scientia potentia est This is very special. Ariël must see this up close. Epinoia, return, and tell her what you have seen. She must urgently return and see this. We will keep watch here as long as it takes. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-treaty-of-monacum monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e51998a6-522d-4867-8390-7e4604fc38ac/Is2fFnOmmrnk1XDfj1n2--0--fiij0_2x-clty-upscale-cnr3o.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXV- The Treaty of Monacum That morning, when Eryndor saw his opponents, he did not have the courage to give the command to attack. He felt that his foot army stood no chance against these white brutes, and decided to change this strategy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ea3252d2-e37f-418f-978c-070df7ce28a3/7Yt144ukCoZkjJOn84Rz--1--rv14j_2x-clty-upscale-muzrb.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXV- The Treaty of Monacum He had also seen how the white giants directed their full focus towards him and shouted: "Who is your leader? Let us negotiate!" To which one man stepped forward and stammered in a very broken language: "I-I'm L-Leader! T-t-talk OK." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/feb27481-c00b-4015-8fb1-a975732588ec/WeHaiKLVT77ZmuQYQKEM--0--qgnsn_2x-clty-upscale-57g3l.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXV- The Treaty of Monacum Eryndor invited the man to sit under a dead tree. When the man asked what race Eryndor belonged to, he answered, 'Elf'... The man nodded and repeated, 'N'Ellvie'. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bc05c6c8-fbd4-49c7-8a65-61c354df8e3a/GwnVSZlgnpK6DygVwjUt--0--7zfia_2x-clty-upscale-g83vg.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXV- The Treaty of Monacum After long and difficult discussions, Eryndor and the white giant decided to allow the giants into all parts of the land except for the Wood where Eryndor and his kin lived. The giants would also refrain from engaging in any possible disputes between Elves and other humanoids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a171987-4bec-40ba-a96c-e98542da8e39/TAegi9zIgQasCrtB6Ugy--1--9hoxk_2x-clty-upscale-zaws1.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXV- The Treaty of Monacum Eryndor mounted his horse and explained the treaty to his soldiers, watched by the white giants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b24d018c-262d-4f6d-aa5d-3d72d6fb25bc/tQEVKlTFlJtXyZmC7CQl-vHtIi-adjusted.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXV- The Treaty of Monacum "We regard this agreement as symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another.I believe it is peace for our time." "From now on, this treaty will be remembered for the small town here a little further on, as the Treaty of Monacum." To which a deafening cheer erupted in the Elvish army. (CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE BACKGROUND INFO IN THE BLOG) https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/betrayal monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/feee7bb0-6e93-4808-99f6-b246fc3213f3/srLGwtPbrF7YLm2Cx2wk--1--9wli9_2x-clty-upscale-qei8l.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVI- Betrayal A few days later, a foot soldier asked for an audience with Isolde. He said he had important information for her. For a price. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/550e3686-c339-47a4-aee7-57b763618e02/auhl9ImKMCmC2PUyIAiC--0--qvrga_1.5x-clty-upscale-f4qm3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVI- Betrayal Isolde took the man to a secluded place in the woods where the man revealed himself to be a soldier from the army of Eryndor. And he told Isolde about the agreement with the Gorgons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/95985d92-198a-4504-86db-2bac3bbe229e/0M4BMi2yzPoQZ3X2Skkx--1--9072t_2x-clty-upscale-8icog.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVI- Betrayal Isolde was aware of the value of this information. In her eyes, Eryndor would not hesitate to use this treaty against her for his own royal ambitions. She thanked the anonymous soldier and handed him a pouch with gold coins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8a786189-a9f0-4697-a7f1-5a121384e5e7/y5cO2d2DjPxdJRlKIaCS--0--btxua_2x-clty-upscale-g41ea.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVI- Betrayal The man thanked her but before he could leave, Isolde held a knife to his throat: "You know that if you let this leak to anyone, it will mean the end of your pathetic life." To which the man nodded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b69b8038-db4d-40ec-bdec-08819c0c1acf/TjhzgTeAAHzENW9Iq0Ip--0--d0s4r_2x-clty-upscale-0axav.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVI- Betrayal However, he was still only a few meters away from Isolde, and Isolde was about to rejoin her army when she called him back: "On further thought...I hate traitors." And she thrust her long dagger through his throat. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/evacuation monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ab9581f-0ebd-4393-a6aa-90de886dea15/j148RTj49i4mPv3IiWdq--0--f14l6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation The information Isolde had received was crucial, but also disturbing. If the traitor was right, the giants were so powerful and numerous that her army risked being wiped out. So she changed her mind and took a path that led to the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0e212a77-b501-474a-a98c-c550e3c9d620/zZAHhsVwNyBWTHi1XdLY--0--1l3mm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation There was an old myth that a pristine island lay far out in the ocean. Most elves had forgotten that myth, so it would be an ideal refuge and a perfect place to found their own dynasty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f9d79f09-f282-494f-95b0-3a1b4f9f8fbe/V3H2Wblp9wvgKdBCBXrv-isAmD-adjusted.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation In a hidden cave in the cliffs lay an ancient collection of longships, dating back to the time when the elves were true nomads. They were perfectly maintained and plentiful. Isolde needed nothing more, and her decision was now made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d269acf5-6327-43b9-80af-2531f7ea70b6/geX8MaZVWZ2xxdlcfpET--0--am1y9_2x-clty-upscale-ake18.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation She returned to the forest and summoned the dragons. Since Eryndor and his army were almost entirely male, she had the dragons completely on her side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/221ca1ee-bcaf-46ec-bab5-912822bb9b3b/yPhaeiR9HIlvUnVGvMyI--0--mpis7_2x-clty-upscale-8p3q4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation She told them about the alien giants and the danger she believed they posed. She then explained her plan and asked for the dragons' help to guide her fleet to the island of the myth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e90f9f67-9b83-4b41-978f-098fe29fa082/iWG6YgJHneJpooNjtQwc--0--51cb9_2x-clty-upscale-fymcl.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation The dragons unanimously agreed to her plan and Isolde called her admiral to gather the army and explain her plan to them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8f26bee3-9b6e-484b-8d7d-666c28e9c646/DCqbydsivnE3n439lPjc--1--szv3m_2x-clty-upscale-hbagc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation That same night, Isolde and her army were on their way to the cave in the cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/911e5265-605f-45ca-afb0-4bb409e07812/23gQFeHli7Y1TwWnzgFx--0--21cb3_2x-clty-upscale-9s2k5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation The little luggage they had with them was thrown into the longships and soon everyone was on board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b096c594-d94c-4d10-be12-b081c14d7c26/gJnGs2fSqEgxvT9Ya9Cc--0--fojij_2x-clty-upscale-ob4uq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVII - Evacuation As agreed, the dragons would navigate and guide the ships. Now it was just a matter of hoping the myth wasn't a fable. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/ethe-promised-land monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/de3cfe65-c1ef-4b89-907f-d4df19e73c36/ix9PyJSUdLwVXeYq9uD3--0--9tvxp_2x-clty-upscale-x6hzr.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVIII - The Promised Land As Eryndor was confronted with the results of his wrong choices a few weeks later... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/763d63a5-eb84-4d64-bbd2-c3bf54184f20/cNGUeXw7HW7FetfFLZwC--0--wdnyw_2x-clty-upscale-gcyqh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVIII - The Promised Land ...the people of Isolde fought constantly against a fate that seemed determined to stop them with every means at its disposal. They struggled through yet another perfect storm... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/925ce54b-fb78-4e55-90b9-a4b31ff7262d/0vweoE6zdHMix0INMuHD--0--qvg8t_2x-clty-upscale-db4u9.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVIII - The Promised Land ...were attacked weeks later by an immense sea serpent.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9fc1484d-de06-4dc0-8efb-5054579bb45c/YaxOpbYrb8uV0uAKlOt8--0--j206u_2x-clty-upscale-kx55e.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVIII - The Promised Land ...which could only be driven away by the intervention of the dragons... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9592348c-fb36-4d2c-a2cf-c77af0ab05c0/rimmxcHF7ax0RpJPtkmz--0--boqoi_2x-clty-upscale-na2u6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVIII - The Promised Land ...only to be raided by a population of mermaids just as peace seemed to have returned... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22ceca15-3689-4a09-bb89-9a099fc32879/2k2kBOPvtdYMx8pK5j7U-Ta01d-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-jkhpa.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVIII - The Promised Land No one had expected such adversity. And when their hopes were crushed yet again because the rocks they had seen represented no new land, and because their rations were exhausted, despair struck even this proud people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3712d5b8-5807-43ba-9e59-b321c8aded54/PJLftbTEBqbu0TB7FQMQ--0--uemg1_2x-clty-upscale-pevjc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXVIII - The Promised Land But finally, after ten hours and sixty-six days of sailing, there it was...a white coast with an endless row of cliffs. This had to be the island they had longed for. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/forests-and-pastures monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6a93e1dc-d229-4579-b0b4-c07ee05fd43c/XBmIxPV6wPYiXWE3YsH9--0--3oukb_2x-clty-upscale-0k7ic.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIX - Forests & Pastures After the initial joy, everyone had to get back to work. The boats had to be pulled ashore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/94944488-ea72-46d8-b59b-ce2878e24724/o7KkEhgHxkU6uV0B5bNR--0--1zpq1_2x-clty-upscale-dizal.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIX - Forests & Pastures And some volunteers had to look for a passable path to the top of the cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ecbfe749-a9f3-4206-8f29-8e7a54fe3df0/Qxge6SRu3WIcJzCZxyDL--1--nzgfh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIX - Forests & Pastures Once that was found, everyone could leave the coast behind in single file. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ee910066-d81e-428e-91da-114e8267590f/pFcLGfP94RXTozdlfmyl--1--96m4u.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIX - Forests & Pastures At the top, the troops were assembled and the army set off, in search of an uncertain future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f1e99fec-1582-4dbf-8602-b63fa9e8a9d6/puEiuh62ZE1YlVmlpdqz--1--78tcn.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIX - Forests & Pastures A wonderfully beautiful landscape awaited them: green-covered valleys and high mountains on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a12b61a-12de-4d43-be98-aacb0b428463/Tpnue0me4bAhTCJNziks--1--053yc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIX - Forests & Pastures At first, the soldiers still walked through the valley in military order, but no enemies or predators appeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9a4330a3-41d3-48eb-a4b6-8ddd22e8ef7c/UNa0M8kXxvwVjBJkgldR--1--2w2h5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXIX - Forests & Pastures And soon the atmosphere became more relaxed and the question began to arise as to where this group would build a new home. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/albion monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a63c8de-f069-44d0-99a7-4f4b5d8b645c/3G3mLCqIiK3UuUnAndZk--1--ud53f_2x-clty-upscale-gs1v6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home The dragons were back from their scouting expedition. Mignon, the pack's favorite, brought exciting news for further exploration of the island: he had discovered a herd of wild horses a day's march away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0ba8a403-edb0-4629-ad49-f90ff48e9b7a/ngqpbrHt17dbhplzShiX--0--gyr6x.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home After that day's march, the Elves found the horses grazing in an open plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/422f6b15-d81b-4b9d-a87e-4a38bfdb392f/QGXuMyuMK7ahIP9Xs8od--1--h3th5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home Isolde knew how to approach the horses and picked out her favorite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3c2e889b-693b-4488-8245-5dbb7fead2fe/4nX2MceGzFwlWSFjjHtb--1--8b9il.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home A white horse caught her eye, and when she approached it, it stood still. Isolde whispered softly to it, "I don't want to possess you. I won't give you a name. But I would like to use you and your group for a while." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1b6e016c-0a2d-4f67-bb5b-7e5a7c997db4/vBAGlSWPGjowrJLSzS9I--1--vqhbv.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home After meeting the horse, an older dragon called her. "Albion, I'm so glad to see you." And Albion had good news too: half a day's horseback ride away lay a potential new home. There was a lake with an island in the middle, densely vegetated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1af3afe8-203c-4298-a14f-31de8df3d0dc/eaow5ayIrT38zLaEdEea--1--dp9hm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home That was the news Isolde needed. She ordered everyone to mount their new horses, and they galloped off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/590a10f1-8c89-4980-ad0c-94198a2f937a/Hy4k8IqByXbvtATGe0mA--1--s0bc5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home The island looked beautiful. Isolde called her bodyguard: "I want everyone to stay here. I'm going to the left in the distance, hoping there's a shallower passage." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/260dbfc0-f770-4600-b316-7d7cc522d75e/KeeEN8tpITCiXphWYghx--1--d71u2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home Which turned out to be the case. Her horse could wade through knee-deep water until she reached the island in the woods, in what turned out to be a wide stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/140575b5-6f7e-44b3-a3fb-809e68ed7e44/8ATcGXYhVj2d0VyGO5UY--1--xzm8e.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home Densely vegetated, fresh water, hidden from view, and in most places a stretch of water deep enough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30c8dccc-6e6b-41f0-aa22-5d4e860a91ba/fiYHZAgMJSRXhmTn91G3--1--txexo.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXX - A New Home This was the place. Here Isolde would found her own dynasty. And hopefully remain hidden forever. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-old-castle monthly 0.5 2025-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a7fd390f-c30e-440c-8f41-23cdffc4aa78/adesWFI0YHecKfNHddvb--0--xvb4a.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle A few months later, in Silvercrook, a small rowboat returned from a days-long reconnaissance mission. The occupants first sailed through the district of the working elves... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0b007e87-965f-4623-b7f0-3f9c7b121daf/4ElW10nZ1dv2rpOoZX3G--0--saxog.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle ...to then sail through the neighborhoods of the nobility.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9b037158-235b-40d6-a8df-1a1dc8cbfdf6/1FiU0AUp8uqGquBHmr5x--0--s1dph.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle ....until they arrived deep in the forest at the royal quarters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/50dcb909-901c-4f68-a4a2-5f790aaee9d7/P786foKikT4ZjADxanMf--1--4gtt3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle Aermir, which meant something like Light of the Wanderer, instructed his partner to inform the queen of what they had discovered, while he went to assemble a team. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a348159-e812-4e8f-9f52-2e3bf72ef77a/FUdozTYl895HoW4Lb7fT--0--33lsh_2x-clty-upscale-amlab.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle When Aerdil, or Song of the Wind, arrived at Queen Isolde's, the two of them sat on a bench on the terrace in the ethereal sunlight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0e5034c1-d218-4ee3-b3bc-015e4515f12b/Y7tG1grVhuusNxEwcu0Z--0--0qwci.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle And then Aerdil began to tell about the ruins of an ancient civilization that she and Aermir had discovered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a5ec2e63-e9a7-488e-9284-77902d19059b/efQvRKTleQqgtMXO9Xeb--0--7g3du.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle How the grand walls and gates of a great city testified to the fact that thousands of people must have lived there, and how these now served as a refuge for the small and medium-sized creatures of the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e39312e8-04ca-471e-9fe3-52626ec70e2d/NTLc05AZUBjbL4zQMrL7--0--njg7r.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle The avenues seemed endless and all led to a single central point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/967e0ff5-111c-47c7-b711-9d515f0de79d/Hj7ZHlpPWtRO7dS8IWb5--0--2ql8o.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle A series of possible watchtowers that guarded the access to a small building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/277f57b8-cc42-4043-9629-d666304b32ed/ueCwvHLQTg8SBSssk8vj--0--db31d_2x-clty-upscale-ztr58.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXI - The Old Castle Something that looked like a small temple, but to which she and Aermir had no access. The small door remained tightly shut, guarded by a glowing light that only grew more intense with their desperate attempts. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-expedition monthly 0.5 2025-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d915f42d-210d-47e9-93bf-bf49cbf8d8df/v9vIEM96EAUxhw6PDs5m--0--kjxs2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition After Queen Isolde's approval, the expedition set off. The weather was beautiful, and the summer sun shone fully through the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/35760a6e-8cf5-4222-a461-24c688bbf153/LdCQXlm11Gxin2NlY0zv--0--b45zm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition It felt like a little trip, without a cloud in the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d7426b7b-3008-494b-9c85-ace346e0a885/Twb6JXOdAeZ261MV2dDb--0--78pur.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition After a few hours upstream, what had originally been just a small river began to resemble more of a brook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfb15f6f-7e02-4a78-bd3a-cdbcb8e323b6/mm4my7oczQJVhpuEdEgo--0--06ia9.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition And the brook also slowly became narrower and shallower, causing the small rowboats to occasionally get stuck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0fa8f0b1-74cc-483a-b1f5-c1c4428e58d5/4ohupDt751mtQ7gOHNUL--0--ltn98.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition As a result, the progress of other boats was hindered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d024e379-5bd1-4791-ae8d-bc3a54ed9833/cyF6Lzu5L1IAnLyAdmLV--0--ugick.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition And it wasn't long before sailing was no longer possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bf9b55a8-78d1-42dd-9cda-00e2feaf7551/ES2BdcJyARXXCp2L2jHe--0--pzw8u.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition Instructions were given to get out of the boats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ba55993c-824a-49eb-b0f6-c0fd1cb78016/MjUDKAh1Qyf1JsgVfBFW--0--gysst.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition To look for a safe and good shelter for the boats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fa28b759-8460-4fbe-a205-2bec7203b649/UcdHW8kaZBM5Slz49nbV--0--utxx8.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXII - The Expedition And then to drag them onto the shore and somewhat camouflage them. Not that there were enemies or large predators in the forest, but rather out of habit. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/desperate-attempts monthly 0.5 2025-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4b4bbca2-29c2-4356-8e46-2cc3380b7a3f/sYkuq4uhO0P5umnfHKjS--0--cj8wf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts The rest of the way now had to be covered on foot. The guides had chosen a shorter route than on their first expedition, but this meant there was barely any path at first, and they had to pick their way through randomly scattered boulders and slippery moss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07f0f9da-445b-43d7-a9fd-1b8fc5e81002/KiRMJUm2FXBSKAsW67Kb--0--5go11.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts But after a while, a sandy path emerged. The atmosphere was still good, with sunny temperatures and rays of sunlight filtering through the foliage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8043eb1b-22c3-4ae5-a057-bba237b4fa41/8jcgmOUetgwyWJ6MvSaI--0--7py8v.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts Further on, the first paving stones were laid out in the path, a sign that they were possibly approaching an older civilization. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/17d6e277-b77b-4188-b331-e589750e0ef1/28A8M9SP2tjD9uZf5Bow--0--akh5b.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts And as the road became more and more paved, hope rose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/af0b8bbf-09aa-4fec-bc08-0ac51a02941e/mmpg3THz1t5FfAFFgi69--0--gsl8i.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts Meanwhile, the two guides recognised the path and confirmed that the group was on the right track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b1db5ffd-ff6b-4613-a35c-24b380588667/GIB550oxhS65ZBtklCDF--0--ar9k9.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts And then, they arrived at the small temple. It looked slightly different than the original description, but it was unmistakably the treasure they were looking for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/59558a6d-762b-4461-9d72-092c1b308dc1/Q4ujcatVjJOQEmr3DVi2--0--d5o4b.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts One of the Elves couldn't contain her enthusiasm and immediately attacked the gate with her magic. To no avail. The gate hummed and the light flickered, but the door didn't open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e158e1df-9114-48ef-b8cf-55918b7ba1ce/SSn01SU9POn2hULgm90G--0--it4hl.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts So, with the sword. But here too, no result. The sword was pushed away with such brutal force, that the Elf in question suffered a torn muscle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/89dce5cc-e727-4665-816d-0423b8d657b6/2z1LwMgVsoJ8mSZnUHxs--0--zc68z.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts Finally, it was Brutus' turn. A two-meter-tall Elf wielding a massive sledgehammer. The bounce was so strong that Brutus could barely hold the hammer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/839ab12d-8a98-45bb-9b5d-436459966541/eAeaEMSxotYjw2GWJPdC--0--80vdf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIII - Desperate Attempts Some of the more timid Elves offered another suggestion: "Look at the symbol above the door...it's a head with a crown. Perhaps we need someone of royal blood to open the door." (CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE BACKGROUND INFO IN THE BLOG) https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/varno-elendili monthly 0.5 2025-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f4b924ff-ff68-4e91-833f-fc01e4db89db/9CspsXkygDW6ZvWjmsLb--0--uktcw.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili The proposal met with everyone's approval, and a message was sent to Isolde. Two days later, Thylaris, the Shadow Walker, was on his way to the temple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/03d64986-ccb9-4864-9171-5a22a23b4cc3/nwYQkczxiPBQPXCfkpHi--0--09e52.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili On his back was Varno Elendili, the sword of Isolde, whose name meant Protector of the Elves. As Thylaris approached the temple, he drew the sword as a precaution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f00637d8-d3d0-4083-bf12-4c5568a07b77/24UspuzB2VEaizEkuWat--0--6dkkf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili Once he had revealed himself, several Elves came to meet him. Thylaris explained that Isolde herself could not come, but that she had instructed him to gain entrance to the temple with her sword. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b7902082-6f56-43d1-9151-0c309e13ebe2/PJaPbLJg1tDeBvynCNpV--0--62g4t.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili The timid Elves were right. As soon as Thylaris held the royal sword to the door, it opened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/23084e98-4f18-4de2-b649-13eee0362965/PJaPbLJg1tDeBvynCNpV--0--m51qn.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili Thylaris left the sword behind, and saw what looked like a cellar staircase inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3602aaba-a2ab-4bc4-b601-7c4974ccf980/184Ucf1oY9e1FTM2LnX9--0--eqx77.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili He decided to descend the stairs and was followed by other Elves, but he sent them back and asked them to wait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/49e124a7-8fc5-41f6-aac9-8ca886fb404b/MdQ1zQv6BVLKmhTs3vu2--0--7qxc3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili Apparently it was a good idea to come alone, without weapons, because here and there in the temple lay silent witnesses of former visitors who had tried to gain access to the temple's secrets by force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cea101ee-1341-4693-8605-25cdd0fe2f3a/gprAk8RVeL7jiy3dVva5--0--avauh.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili Thylaris followed the light to a higher floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2605aec-8334-477b-bf3a-de62fef58d83/1jYssxahZbXSDfExg49P--0--yhuen.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili Until he came to a room that defied his imagination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/93d3c28d-016e-410b-a6e2-bf4ce4a4d781/U9ytctAkRZcWwBToUPcY--0--spef6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili An ancient tree stood bathed in light, and on its trunk all sorts of luminous signs were visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01b3ba1a-9321-444b-b172-24fd6083af23/44BWXUlalkvyd3m3ukye--0--zd8b9.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIV - Varno Elendili This was something beyond his comprehension. But that this discovery could be important to the Elves was absolutely certain. The Council of Elves would certainly have to hear about this. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-beast-men monthly 0.5 2025-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/194fd677-86cf-4504-a307-2fdbebf63708/cEVXILCmZCO6KqnqJnW1--0--5rjyk.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men Near the exit, Thylaris heard something strange and disturbing. He heard something resembling a language, one he'd never heard before, interspersed with the cries of Elves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/235062ca-7114-4c8d-a5e1-e928305dc7a1/PJaPbLJg1tDeBvynCNpV--0--zz8u8.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men Thylaris stepped out and seized Varno Elendili, the sword of Isolde, and Protector of the Elves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/93894446-3c5f-4d11-aa15-6269099400a1/lnmWCEWH3cZCZgQPIEPq--0--nrsax.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men Before him he saw several wild men carrying pieces of the Elven armor, and with their hands eagerly touching the scantily clad Elven women. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4b52bf26-0b7f-44ff-84ac-7f84c23671d9/tuMEptZDG3ZuQOCEvHMj--0--8dzqe.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men “I wouldn't use that sword if I were you,” said a strong female voice, with a thick accent. (CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE BACKGROUND INFO IN THE BLOG) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/de7171c8-2ce6-4316-85e1-e7a1b7c3fa5c/PJaPbLJg1tDeBvynCNpV--0--03dez.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men Thylaris glanced abruptly to the side, utterly shocked. Before him sat a slender yet warlike young woman on a Triceratops as if it were her mount... which it certainly was. "Who are you, and what have you done to the members of my team?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/71dfc25c-bca9-4d65-8f14-2d8f90d0c75e/5afsSppzceo9E9g99X99--0--v0qt1.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men “Kanab'eb' chi xik eb' li ixq” the woman shouted to the men, who seemed to obey the woman against their will, sending the women forward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2238547e-de44-45c9-a95a-025a39d78dfd/tuMEptZDG3ZuQOCEvHMj--0--47wcz_1.5x-clty-upscale-c02y5.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men Meanwhile, the sun began to slowly set among the foliage, and the woman, who still hadn't introduced herself, dismounted from her dino. "I could ask the same of you." "We've been watching your people for a while. But now I notice you're already starting to force your way into ancient shrines of my people." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/696104ac-c84d-4d3e-9678-26abb20a95b3/tLhWTnWqXpHBKBRHV3RH--0--eeztj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men "Ma us raj naq taakanabʼ aʼin anaqwan?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/999decbd-5d48-4e7f-aad5-94d6bf630f67/wPJddyNetNnXluDOn1zd--0--del8u_1.5x-clty-upscale-w22go.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men “My apologies, but my warriors are already discussing among whom they will divide the women.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d36eeecc-0e0e-40bb-9bec-664c25754d36/PJaPbLJg1tDeBvynCNpV--0--w81sb.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men "What?" Thylaris gripped the sword in his hand a little more tightly. "And what language do you speak?" "This is the first time I've heard it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30f77373-5d7a-466a-88b0-350470290f95/Z7wMeiKlNnfybKSaxt3I--0--wrj4o_1.5x-clty-upscale-93slf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men "Just kidding. They're just men. They've never seen silver armor, and blonde women aren't that common here either." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/83c7b7de-dd41-4930-b6ec-2972dccdfaee/XiJBxClz3NQA2HECzzta--0--qvfkt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXV - The Beast Men "Wi jun chik li winq tixk’e li ruq’ sa’ xb’een jun reheb’ li ixq a’an, laa’in tz’aqal tinch’ot lix tel." "Our language? Qʼeqchiʼ. It was the language of the people who left most of the buildings here. You saw those ruins on the way here." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/hidden-agenda monthly 0.5 2025-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30d1c117-b8c9-458d-b3b9-a017a96e94ef/T8luGXd4jiavl24jjHZS--TEDe-adjusted.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda "I'm glad we had this conversation. It just goes to show, violence isn't always necessary." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/55d12672-cd46-48c0-8fd3-13b2d6c0d485/AXiqXeWvYfTYpTQ7PPq2--0--whaal.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda "OK, but what do you actually want from us?" "I want to talk to your queen." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dbdedccb-ad88-4989-a21a-fa8e5ed94a9a/YJlE8cJNjScOA9xBVMoW--0--hs5ku.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda "And what happens to them?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/84c4c5a5-9a13-46b8-a1a6-d944ac8be8a9/wPJddyNetNnXluDOn1zd--0--kiarw.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda "They have to make sure that conversation happens. So they're going with us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4f9da15e-3994-4d12-aee2-f045d8885da8/tuMEptZDG3ZuQOCEvHMj--0--u5x44_1.5x-clty-upscale-w577v.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda "Xq’ehil li elk. Eb’ li q'an rismal yookeb’ chi chalk qik’in." "And you, Shadow Walker—aha, the man is surprised I know his name," the woman couldn't hide a laugh, "go to take my message to your queen. If you want to be quick, you can use the magic tree in the temple...you'll find out how." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/03f40760-6ce2-434c-bb84-586e36704b24/9geWb9zd6yrlpdNFPwGd--1--1uzrp.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda Amid loud cheers the half-naked Elves were taken away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/55766aaa-51e3-4eec-ad19-8e7d622caf03/jLTBlBVG9vZTlXQrlGnf--0--sb6fv.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda They went along meekly, knowing that resistance would be futile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bb1f5f3f-7f5b-47e3-9b31-fe2a34d95a71/wGAQeAhGbGxyJ9VwMSrT--1--o1124.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVI - Hidden Agenda They could only hope that Isolde would arrive quickly, wherever that might be. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/the-citadel monthly 0.5 2025-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/61fef28d-6ace-4c33-9017-102e6c93063f/44BWXUlalkvyd3m3ukye--0--kvs1x_1.5x-clty-upscale-rezfi.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVII - The Citadel It took a while for Thylaris to understand how the portal worked...all it took was a bit of concentration and imagination as to where you wanted to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfd40287-f895-4847-91db-b3527ef1dcc4/iJJTa2zFjLLKcAhkROft--0--pu95s_1.5x-clty-upscale-m85y2.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVII - The Citadel But to his surprise, he didn't arrive at Isolde's palace, but stepped out of another portal somewhere very close to the palace. How in the name of all the gods were they unaware of this? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e5e7ffa9-1d40-431d-940c-ee1be287acc9/0ey8GW4OpAfb9IvN84vR--0--xxho7_1.5x-clty-upscale-fjecd.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVII - The Citadel Thylaris had direct access to Isolde and told her his story. He also explained why he had to leave her sword behind, and why the portals weren't an option for faster travel, especially if they wanted to go armed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0cc48354-c967-4e06-9815-5e337910a39a/L54y7gY956Sqa3lqVuFs--0--mh47z_2x-clty-upscale-mw11h.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVII - The Citadel And so it happened that Isolde once again summoned her army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1b18f07b-3481-428f-9869-508f0e7aca46/EJ7gikTnavbByeFEhoMk--0--4wwwc_1.5x-clty-upscale-8ew7d.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVII - The Citadel But this time a display of strength was at least as important as experience, courage or martial skill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01645f0a-6c24-4d1f-994c-7fe79e07f0ef/Q4Co5oBB1iGJ3cFfAuIz--0--dta8s.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVII - The Citadel Until they arrived at the citadel of these so-called beast people. Talking about impressive. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/queen-jade monthly 0.5 2025-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/35584c50-7e62-48ee-ad44-e92ec47c20ba/0rCAPjHAvklGYM9JPEu2--0--o8tqf_2x-clty-upscale-zr7cq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade A messenger rode down from the citadel saying that only Queen Isolde and her personal body guard were allowed into the stronghold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9f7c5556-b078-46ab-b3e1-c49f3da4a5ec/VfYBjGiyYymQlmW8jQLS--0--slf95_2x-clty-upscale-68krz.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade Despite objections from the senior knights, Queen Isolde agreed upon it and went into the citadel, which was richly decorated on the inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a80dc7bf-484f-4eb8-830a-2ead3095d800/ivPEHAA7W43NPbFiKs4S--0--8a9c9_1.5x-clty-upscale-n8f60.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade When she arrived at the throne hall, there was a huge double wooden door. She told her guard to stay behind. "I'll show this woman that I am not afraid of her." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6d3af6b0-6c39-4f50-817c-a774fdf3d1a4/8rz1lg6fvQDRM7fnIJ7P--0--c0khw_1.5x-clty-upscale-c3o9e.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade When Queen Isolde pushed open the doors, she was surprised by the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/57485759-3a08-4e6c-beef-540ef1b6a19d/45hCM11TJxyDMzo3A9oE--0--iity0.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade "Welcome my dear Queen. I am honored that you have accepted my invitation to talk." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9ca0a050-a34c-4bd6-a639-f3c32edee9fa/cIfSoEu0p32T52KLTJlz--0--ztt2o_2x-clty-upscale-584wm.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade "I am Queen Jade, from the kingdom of Opal." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e123264c-b96c-4842-aed2-561ff264b94f/Z8UGIRRaQQEPfsdGq2Ti-fY_wZ-adjusted.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade "Please join me for a more private conversation. It is said the walls have ears." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b0ad744a-72be-4748-8fb2-370d02fc3338/c8jIVrlmaWcbaAq8hPzI-VYqwC-adjusted.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade So both queens moved to a side-room where Isolde opened the debates: "What have you done with my people. Elves do not bend their knees for anyone and I want you to deliver them to me before we will even start to talk." "Don't worry about them. I'll set them free. But let me first show you something." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1d097a4b-4579-457e-a006-05c545171df1/djHC5UbAXDC867pOIxUy--0--zhh30_1.5x-clty-upscale-yw7x6.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXVIII - Queen Jade "Do you know what this is? It's a Griffin, legendary creatures from the East. Griffins are also powerful symbols of royalty and strength, but what might really interest you is that Griffins are masters of the earthly and the kings of the skies. And I want you to have it." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/quid-pro-quo monthly 0.5 2025-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ed423d0d-9753-4a50-8300-ec063e8a7a1f/c8jIVrlmaWcbaAq8hPzI--0--4x1mw.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "But why would you give me this gift? And what on earth can I do with it, other than use it as a status symbol?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b6051bd-faa2-457f-b284-cb35407037f8/djHC5UbAXDC867pOIxUy--0--migdj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "This griffin is capable of transferring its power to the person it bonds with. Imagine what you could do with that." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1b2b73b8-2514-437b-83ce-ae861e05eb25/djHC5UbAXDC867pOIxUy--0--njkmt.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "And on top of that, he can also grant you the gift of flight, without any aids. That must be worth something to you, right?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/92c2aebd-38f4-4cb2-a4cc-1335eeec0aef/c8jIVrlmaWcbaAq8hPzI--0--pna78.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "Exactly. That's my main question: what do you want from me?" Queen Jade couldn't hide a smile. "Come with me for a moment, I want to give you a little tour." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/660dd575-f6f8-41e6-b7f7-8dc47d4d86b9/DWkXyjkNFBofLKbBIZX9--0--dl9ga.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo Both queens descended into the cellars where the beastmen were wrestling. "These are our men. They all look the same." "Centuries ago, they looked like your men, but at some point, degeneration set in." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/db7b72c6-a0f4-43ba-82f5-7335ed3c43dd/wGcWFch88ykK5VcGVi1R--0--k00xi.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "The only thing they are good at is fighting." Queen Jade called one of the men to her: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc5fce15-7b12-4dd8-b55b-173f40c17a69/QLcbj9HIf9DxeIT7uwZ4--0--y196w.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "b’aanuhomaq jo’ naq ink’a’ neketaw ru ut nekex’ok chi q’unb’esiik inch’ool." The man looked at Jade incredulously and growled at her, causing her to send him back to the others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0ed019dc-06cb-4135-987b-c3b51802a1c6/sN0rgSpt7WTFVB6OvCkq--0--vmalc_2x-clty-upscale-m22kq.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "We are afraid of what will happen to us as a people. We are now going to the women's quarters." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b00a47f2-6f53-404a-bae2-8139be7b38a1/JIpLkNrc366d9v8oFgg0--0--kjvk9_2x-clty-upscale-s6mb7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "You see my problem? The women here don't want to sleep with the men downstairs, the 'beast people,' as you call them. And if the men do manage to abduct a woman, the result is another beast person, if it's a boy." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/038ee836-cc77-46b0-aba0-5434d4d8e4fd/c8jIVrlmaWcbaAq8hPzI--0--40en4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "I don't understand yet." "Or maybe you don't want to understand." "My question to you is, would fifty to a hundred of you Elvenmen want to start a family here?" "Completely voluntarily, no pressure." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ba6fde48-4113-4cb9-9ea5-a08a833337af/EQitb6knYRMIgLzz3m5g--0--2wzly_4x-real-esrgan-x4-plus.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo “Imagine, you've seen our men, your men will be worshipped here.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c8c2bb0-918d-4fef-b609-09a3109b7927/OowdWg09vpCz5FAPaUdk--0--wb482.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXIX - Quid pro Quo "And they will live like princes. Something you cannot offer them in your current situation, with your settlement in the forest." "I'm not asking you to force them either. Simply ask the question and let them choose freely." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/end-of-part-one monthly 0.5 2025-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/febab3c6-ae5e-49bc-ad68-95cb6d822351/RnSzfpqmcgGkYjzAHZ5D--0--3avhe.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXX - End of Part One Isolde decided to retreat to the citadel's pleasure garden to think more deeply about Jade's proposal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9ec55176-c912-4f44-a8f1-0252681c5c46/39ITVAjFzkVFCvwjlYiN--0--7ijv6_2x-clty-upscale-2n37m.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXX - End of Part One A few hours later, she retreated to her room. She had made her decision and would discuss it with Jade the next day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e57360c5-1bb7-4d83-b680-5b9f7f58439b/KNhx4okJO3Qfg4ar16Wz--0--9w6vp.jpg Origins of the Angels - Page XXXX - End of Part One This concludes part 1. This storyline will be picked up in Legend of Opal. The Gorgon storyline will be picked up in the album Legends of the Mermen. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/alliances monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/34a02edd-5ad7-4d2a-9022-5b7ffb682af0/QmVd4ekrTVPgyVbvv7AK--0--61hnr_1.5x-clty-upscale-aaox3.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances The next day, Queen Isolde went to Queen Jade to make an agreement. On two conditions. 150 volunteers were found to start a family in Opal, including Isolde's lover, Thylaris, who would also lead this group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/70d3953c-e7c9-4411-a4f5-15e29febe785/fDGIuPGoqbJbt69Z7jhT--0--196wf_1.5x-clty-upscale-tbifx.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances Isolde's first condition was that for every volunteer, she would be assigned one of the beastmen. That's 150 in all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/df5936c2-2f80-47e0-9936-91a5bf2a7165/PZdAwXVAi2510YV6yFKH--0--qlhc4_1.5x-clty-upscale-xkc0d.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances The second condition was that Isolde would become queen of the entire realm, including Opal. Queen Jade retained her royal title and privileges. Jade reluctantly agreed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a04dd7fe-cf66-4237-af6c-7c7fa7990953/jibasibctgDRBO2xRyqC--0--ec157_1.5x-clty-upscale-66e3m.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances Then Isolde went to the Fiery Lands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d022b37e-4b0c-4c66-8e1e-b23f8c3fcfcc/M0FWSot8VSyKm2F7GB5H-_lrBf-adjusted.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances She took with her the griffin that had become her property by then, as a gift for Ariel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cd569421-4c24-4b4f-96a5-bcbadac48654/lBL5R8u6B6uxivPzKp1l--0--ww5a7.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances Isolde wanted to form an alliance with Ariel to drive out the white giants. However, Ariel had bad news for her: the white giants weren't alien invaders. They also lived on Qenya, but underwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3dac4e52-c358-475c-a574-696b2aa84a3b/2JAgNMDkTPRdsFk9plXP--0--e81ag_1.5x-clty-upscale-3vnsc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances Separately, Isolde suggested to Ariel that she and her people could return to the Elves, offering her the same terms as Jade. Ariel immediately agreed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/27a76fac-6825-4470-a17c-160bb8e4ba0d/VN6YoZrFr6ubFndtlQ1B--0--xsxty_1.5x-clty-upscale-tjyyf.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.1- Alliances Only Eryndor remained, his army put to the sword, the Elven forest laid waste. He himself, bewildered and mad, remained in the ruined forest like a knight-errant. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legends-of-the-elves/coronation-ceremony monthly 0.5 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/479c7657-ca5a-401d-970b-0d18771791c1/VDDThHrVCcn7kLVE4CFO--0--4hu74_1.5x-clty-upscale-644u8.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony Once back, the coronation ceremony was set up. Isolde was sworn in by the druids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c1b0c54c-da42-4dd2-aba2-705fbbfdcf5f/cQSsNpFEUdu6JoP2BIJs--0--r4yi4_2x-clty-upscale-e89g4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony Later, a separate room was temporarily set up as a small throne room, so that the other two queens could take their vows in private. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/53c0e4ab-2d9b-49fc-b5d1-ec2bb266af4a/cIfSoEu0p32T52KLTJlz--0--ticlg_1.5x-clty-upscale-rvik4.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony Queen Jade, being the proud woman she was, took her vows forcefully, emphasizing her prerogatives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d7305cfc-9462-418c-9a64-e55346f12889/EvPK3D9klSpANfObLyph--0--7yfpm_1.5x-clty-upscale-6o0tj.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony Ariel was less assertive but also took her vows confidently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d23a866a-e2c8-49b0-8404-664ed874528b/sPIRNliD32s61G2CQeyC-ZPUEV-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-bzyen.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony A special moment had been scheduled for Thylaris, to spare both ex-lovers any awkward moments. He had insisted that his lieutenants also took their vows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b50a6fcf-1ba8-405a-a1b0-1477e50d427e/s0ncvO1Qw12u7EblW90M--0--65t1c_2x-clty-upscale-n6lwc.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony Then came the official ceremony. A herald announced Isolde's arrival in the great throne room: "Everyone, welcome Queen Isode, first of her name, and first ruler of the united kingdom that shall henceforth be known as Albion." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9d4c2f83-4cc7-4c38-94d2-57df37bdbbfd/cQSsNpFEUdu6JoP2BIJs--0--wu463_1.5x-clty-upscale-jl6cg.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony Isolde made her entrance to loud applause and cheers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9dbd32a9-ae30-4459-9291-e8a92f8d2b50/VLKREewKDNFSCAfrBZ8E--0--yqd8e_1.5x-clty-upscale-od8un.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony She took her place on the throne made for her among her four bodyguards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a4562fa-6173-401a-99eb-622ecbf87688/ZQzbLlUEEuIsFiNf4p7o--0--g6fm7_1.5x-clty-upscale-z8x1e.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony “Everyone, kneel before your new queen, in sign of your eternal and unconditional loyalty.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/16c904c8-9278-4584-bcff-314ffad6b8e3/Xt0SZ8lfRIOP1JMb11HY--0--i1smo_2x-clty-upscale-scpot.jpg Origins of the Angels - Appendix 1.2 - Coronation Ceremony Whereupon the whole army sank upon their right knees. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis daily 0.75 2025-10-23 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis/the-trident monthly 0.5 2025-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b7c0b26a-b4f7-467b-b3d9-95536c73f7f0/xPRgzpBUGl7Nt4p4PfLI--0--db144.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident After the coronation ceremony, Isolde still had an open point with Ariel. She wanted to know the details about the white giants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/73dcb8c8-a358-4b41-aec0-d2a0725ccdfa/DfUdxOVBGg2abPeHS0rC--0--npnim.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident Ariel told Isolde that all the gates were guarded after the appearance of the white giants. A few days later, however, they all began to spontaneously fall apart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6de16375-9f39-4bea-bfc1-4f17ac2bb538/6XLzDI3XP293Bky9d28Y--0--1b5dz.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident Luckily, they still had the head of one of the giants' mechanical men, which had been left behind after the encounter with the Eryndor scouts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6a42bc63-d8f3-4817-b08c-00441d76385f/4FZyjU44eeFvWg1Sq81S--0--5hpk2.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident The head seemed still to be able to speak, even though it was separated from its body. And it apparently enjoyed telling the story of the Mermen, as they apparently called themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/67be024e-6074-4f17-ba61-7679660fd3ee/3YrHIwORev2L0A0T2J6P--0--489z5.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident Originally, the giants were sea creatures. An absurd cross between Elves and some kind of sea monster. The variety among the species was great, just like with other animals that live underwater. What they had in common was that their ears functioned as gills, and they all had sharp teeth and were very muscular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6f4eaa8c-1c2b-40ad-90cf-6731d767465c/BhomuaKjChMW3ez5OMoZ--0--2yz8w.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident But there were also many differences. In some cases, their faces still seemed to have the features of the Elves, but in others they truly looked like monsters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2ec54d27-30a3-4da0-a2c2-b0697cc2b552/LqjgK7WMb4hDUAx7AaPl--0--60bjn.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident Others had tails or fins instead of feet. The warriors among the men, for this species consisted exclusively of men, all wielded a trident as a weapon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3fb3f432-cf78-47cc-b279-3e23904c19b6/X4oZCum8e06nsqGkjSfG--0--ayq13_1.5x-clty-upscale-ht4c3.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page I - The Trident However great their differences, they considered themselves one species, and were led by three brothers, better known as the Trident. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis/survival monthly 0.5 2025-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/da30eb50-71d7-4243-bbd3-0e768796f77e/YM7Wr9LXagJXBoNnmSZw--0--9k65g.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page II - Survival The seas in which the mermen lived were, in the early years, the favoured habitat of gigantic reptiles and amphibians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dd161c5e-a8bb-48fc-b6ef-bedbdd481294/jkulUpinm0vtxXbYLYbg--0--c8n1v.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page II - Survival And the mermen were favorite prey because they were neither fast enough, powerful enough, nor venomous enough, but they had enough meat on their bodies to be ignored. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dec32fd4-7769-4ea8-a89e-e972b466511e/Kc4TTtO38PfCcSrxz3V0--0--1gbrv.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page II - Survival They were constantly attacked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a6823b8-54a6-43ac-9a9b-4a9464bfb731/TxYVrh8yUhMSxsgucVse--0--jj0o3.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page II - Survival This led to the mermen always traveling in pairs. More eyes and more strength. But what was most striking was that the mermen had more brains than their predators and devised all sorts of evasive tactics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c633a653-c534-4fc9-a983-2637e3633b4b/a8sDI4Ou7enwXQfLn5uA--0--leyar.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page II - Survival Which led to fewer and fewer incidents where the mermen lost their lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/37ab0eb8-b582-47a0-86cc-bb9fa4c0d610/paRVty3ZzQSldayygudk--0--hdoat.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page II - Survival And they now had enough time to assess their situation. So they began to chase animals out of their shelters and arrange them for their own survival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9519886f-4dbd-47fa-94d0-02a5522ce637/GxRbNnXHBH8if7dohbrH--0--t28qn.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page II - Survival But caves that you take over by chasing out the original inhabitants can also be taken over again by other inhabitants. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis/society monthly 0.5 2025-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c842cfbb-f626-4282-8a49-b538101fd29b/iDEVNdJWZFTMyN0YJQWL--0--azj1x.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society And so the search continued for even safer shelters such as deep gorges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ad8a3419-2c16-47f1-8695-fb47c611ef1f/FrqpVfuMXk7J74wF0lO4--0--2kua6.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society Finally, the ideal location was found, with high walls and only one entrance from above. Then the idea arose to close off this entrance with a dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/851d0479-611b-4db9-90a1-462a5c0c1207/5yRMoGIbeRNWdl61xWmE--0--cmq2c_2x-clty-upscale-htdtt.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society This would not only provide safety from predators, but also from the mermen's arch-enemies...the mermaids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/339b6bf3-a06f-4e42-9a98-9c63d891487a/HmS6sHq26Rre26F4Y4jd--0--dfuxm_2x-clty-upscale-92mbb.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society For as long as either group could remember, there had always been war between them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dde6c504-9dce-4830-bbbc-38f9f41828f1/CAQ98ohJbTNye46VPXSs--0--d5rm7_1.5x-clty-upscale-s1ovq.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society At regular intervals, minor conflicts arose for the slightest reasons,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f7de62f6-7950-4dcf-a083-8cc66dbe8709/Fdga02G5fnZ46lR45XCj--0--72pv7_1.5x-clty-upscale-rgtfp.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society ...which always degenerated into major battles. However, these rarely resulted in fatalities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2b643f71-bf40-4570-840b-12fcc8922379/xVXk85kjUBmI5Ue8ppP1--0--9lvyz_2x-clty-upscale-vpdsu.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society Once a year, however, all hostilities ceased. When the seawater was at its warmest, the mermen chose their most beautiful specimen to court the queen of the mermaids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/65f58215-731e-4d68-a132-05c7885c4cfd/qbO9tlMKlD9sgtwQucPr--0--jp4oq_2x-clty-upscale-idg1x.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society Together they had to provide for offspring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5f362f43-fce0-4de9-8505-98efc9236851/jtHDTfF76dELZqDawsei--0--6xz1w_1.5x-clty-upscale-eiavm.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society Courtship lasted a day and a night, according to strictly prescribed rituals. In the past, it sometimes happened that one of the partners died after the act. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3d64bae2-f4bf-4aba-964e-dcbe10a6c49d/vCnPCOaZ5wwMMYpGb4D2--0--v6rua_2x-clty-upscale-hc3ba.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society Once the act was completed, the queen retreated to a secret location where she laid tiny eggs, which continued to develop outside her body as their embryos grew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6fcd1d67-0e18-40c5-883e-a558e7e51119/0l0fvotcbnakRPJ6J0kj--0--ba2qj_1.5x-clty-upscale-fb2nq.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page III - Society When the eggshells were broken, the queen, who had watched over them all this time, left the secret cave. The female babies followed her to be accepted into the community of mermaids. The male babies would survive on the coral reef until they were six years old before receiving their training in the merman group. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis/the-city monthly 0.5 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/522ac0d4-4feb-47f9-983f-e168c300026e/c9nJc5uixm3rIvtawG9w--0--hzkhi_1.5x-clty-upscale-1lc90.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page IV - The City* Over a couple of years, the dome did not only become a hiding place, but slowly the mermen left their caves and started building houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8c1441dc-1ec3-4100-8e31-b484d9c41d11/5ixk0eAPE9VBq7b52xCf--0--8tue5_1.5x-clty-upscale-phv3u.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page IV - The City* At first only a couple of houses, since many still feared the volcano and its powers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5a2309ad-d2e3-48b5-bb3d-1818aaa7d95f/s8avezG7RoY5KzTkeGNe--0--ez1y0_2x-clty-upscale-kwvz9.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page IV - The City* But gradually the few houses grew to become a town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fa07d8d0-67fb-4c77-8880-8240e0b8ecfb/gpWIASfcbvkR8ZKXUymD--0--f9hth_2x-clty-upscale-5iilg.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page IV - The City* The mermen experienced their Industrial Revolution. No more threatened by predators, they started using their brains to improve their living conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5c07e0fd-b639-4080-b313-1c83b8b58fca/oOqlLlHlQscnCe7uhbMw--0--edzrx_2x-clty-upscale-mgt0w.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page IV - The City* And one of them was to be able to move the city to more prosperous places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4b0a2793-eb9e-4553-9ad5-2814f7a5eb9b/RiSxu1KH2b9o30vnaqIF--0--ajda4.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page IV - The City* Even though the design was originally organic, in the end the new city became a magnificent piece of technology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfd269cc-b90e-489a-8508-879bd85db194/IHS49eGqi4UyteXaaxob--0--4gvb9_1.5x-clty-upscale-o3a36.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page IV - The City* And when the mermen had finally grasped the mechanics of flying and how to create a closed habitat, nothing was to stop them anymore. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis/population-explosion monthly 0.5 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/92506052-b8ef-4dd6-b83d-28a94850ed2c/dnC3PuCL8KHFoBGpoNNp--0--e5usu_2x-clty-upscale-f4f4r.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* It took years for the mermen to find the ideal place to settle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/810bdd47-3044-44a1-9ac7-c968edc1b956/B1McFWCu1HUzmXpQuGz6--0--70dz5_1.5x-clty-upscale-et0ne.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* And several hundred years later, an underwater city was built around a central tower. The sea was teeming with life and provided for the needs of the relatively small community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e6776818-673c-4ecc-ae06-2172c12c3db6/iQ3o9qcDgWc7QLwGU3Ik--0--lq2sm.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* Due to the growing population, with fewer victims falling prey to various predators, the need for additional housing arose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3448d0e1-4447-4f39-af96-6caa05c57d49/hKtNs3U3cdrPwCiTf1S9--0--qky0w_1.5x-clty-upscale-9dpab.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* And so the city-state of Atlantis grew over the years, at the expense of its surroundings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/054ddc06-255c-4abd-ba62-95f58c98c038/FK0YvWoo8UnPfFdwzffT--0--ireof.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* After another hundreds of years, the population had increased so much that the entire seabed was covered with houses, and nothing remained of the coral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f7e99b34-8b7b-4b2e-9297-a1a3025cd28d/89Ko1TGwPp6OoL94BdZV--0--2by0d_2x-clty-upscale-ksh2l.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* Food shortages arose, and patrols were formed to venture outside the city limits in search of food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8f8cb2f3-07be-49a1-9a3f-a5608485576e/dCvmaoApe1bG30HRSQNV--0--yk48n_1.5x-clty-upscale-dti8l.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* When daytime patrols proved insufficient, night patrols were established. But even these returned more often without food than with it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/99b92908-60d9-4a66-8fed-5135da904f9e/aC9kGGtwlZ9mLpu83jdN--0--t9pgw_1.5x-clty-upscale-rmtvt.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* Grumbling arose, and the Trident was expected to come up with solutions. The three brothers gathered in the throne room and broadcast their proposal via brainwaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6daf865a-4fda-40a1-950e-a2c1ed30deb6/on863KjJp69pRpdiApci--0--n3xru_2x-clty-upscale-gvvb4.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page V - Population Explosion* These were received by the rest of the population who had gathered in a cave provided for that purpose. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis/research monthly 0.5 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/13f2bf9f-95cd-4945-82d2-5bd0e0dea5bb/4x36akXuINwpgzSlxWNp--0--9rcp8.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* The message was as aggressive as it was short, with the Trident even losing its temper for a moment, showing its true colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ea079976-0220-439e-a8f9-43ceac767a29/r35KHHF0vt8TV7qWPCZL-_NKBP-adjusted.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* Appalled by their lack of self-control, they repeated their message in a milder tone: "We must take over the dry lands. Find ways to breathe there, and tell us who or what lives there." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a1629d86-3076-47ab-bca2-c02d7efd7345/R5t5Ogv9puyz8uFYnzhW-R38Du-adjusted.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* And just as quickly as they had arrived, the three brothers disappeared again. As if nothing had happened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5f698707-c8a1-4e2d-a7fe-d7b2bbc7481e/WZTkjnlwv4lUYVngZDX2--0--sewk6.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* All that was left behind was an empty space, and an audience that went to work in a disciplined manner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/db52dce1-6aec-42b7-aa59-37d9e92fa7c2/gg8t6DkOQc6SiY35SVUn--0--43nm6.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* Scientists from various disciplines went in search of the necessary information: the biologists about breathing air,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/399aeb77-bfde-4c5f-af5e-16eddde2f1ab/RZMCoszSkE95ZLlsYgvS--0--fiabq.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* ...the military strategists on waging war on land,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cfda53db-2c3d-4ea3-aa0a-22dc2da7e469/uVuWleRNR5JgD6nlKDO0--0--dpk7s.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* ...historians about the different species that lived on land,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/36b65768-70f0-4e4a-88d5-43c6013698b7/rwhatAXqGLIRZ3O7T2GL--0--ky97d_1.5x-clty-upscale-oljfz.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VI - Research* ...and the philosophers about possible alternatives. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-atlantis/robotica monthly 0.5 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d6d2152-957a-48e9-b32f-cd6d1f83b1c2/Qu9EUpolWMNDkCif8sO2--0--wk272.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* After a few months, the scientists came up with the first model to allow the gills to breathe air: a thin membrane that could be worn over the gills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/95a58f5d-4b3b-4c6e-8102-bc1c85213fbf/tjjbQKpVIs2uNxqrBuaB--0--v7ejh.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* But the strategists also demanded armor. So, carbon armor was developed for the gills and weaker parts of the body. Close-fitting and super-light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7af0ff18-87c6-42d7-9364-f3ba30b0fe88/gKYSBSexd19uezgS7mrn--0--ixy39.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* After problems with the functioning of the gills, larger gills were developed on the back, and water-filled helmets to counteract the body's suffocation reflexes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a17b50f1-e525-4452-821e-e0ac0f7bce1a/jOLp5clb9Fl4nojysd0V--0--gsojo.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* However, the gills on the back met with resistance from the strategists, as they were too vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat. So, the gills were moved to the helmets. But that too met with resistance...the helmets were also far too vulnerable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/51a91b0c-1d78-46d9-9a54-4f28add9f52e/EAhdvFfxgYrHwKzA2pzi--0--c8u5b.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* Six months later, the gill concept was abandoned. "Why was it necessary for mermen to be physically present on land?" was the question. "Why don't we use mechanical men?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c519158-2170-457a-bbcc-8edfd6314f9f/FxEiwu9ledZois9rSrj0--0--87fzy.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* The proposal was received positively—after lengthy discussions—and the first models looked intimidating, were brutal in their movements, and stupid in their actions. And above all: they needed to be controlled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/638a8a7c-c20b-47ef-a999-35ec3533c239/dLjrKE1kCCxiDkyas0cT--0--vczio.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* So, after several more months of discussion and experimentation, the idea of artificial intelligence was proposed. The first model was very fragile, with its artificial brain clearly visible and, once again, protected only by glass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6eca5786-8b53-4d82-a3d1-bca1fedfa1be/CGoDzLopM1w6d18pdwui--0--0e9g9.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* The next model was a significant improvement, but still looked too intimidating. A certain group of scientists felt that the robots, as they were called, should also be able to negotiate when circumstances permitted, rather than just be efficient killers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a173454f-aeec-482f-8f2e-3068c73eb977/XLptALsqeuzgOSiKpdqB--0--zxp14.jpg Legend of Atlantis - Page VII - Robotica* And so Atlanticus, mk. I, was born. An armored giant who could walk smoothly on land, possessed all the fighting techniques, and could also negotiate independently. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal daily 0.75 2025-12-12 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/astaroth monthly 0.5 2025-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aac1d53c-ecf0-44e5-8372-09644d82ee29/3ltBtUD7Wdj9ov35r7XR--0--l45n2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth After Queen Isolde's coronation ceremony, Thylaris returned to his chambers in the citadel of Opal, hoping to find his wife, Queen Jade, there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4f8471f0-fca5-48f0-a066-1f1242761456/uru0760sAGZxyof7RhxM--0--5uq6i.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth But Thylaris wasn't in the mood for what she had in mind. He finally wanted to hear Opal's story, the one she'd promised him so many times by now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5f00d945-ce37-442e-9dc0-4eacb4aaaffa/PTQTRUgKKLs6kZpwxfQ0--0--sffhu.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth So Jade began her story. A story that began with the villain, because what's a good story without a villain? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/446b82ca-29b7-45e1-9ae7-98b8ddfd7d12/fJyZU55vjGWEW2QLPXLX--0--hjiih.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth Thousands of years ago, there was a man named Astaroth. No one knew where he came from or if there were others like him. One thing was certain: Astaroth was far older than anyone else in Opal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3997b2c5-6d25-411f-b8b9-035c8e4d6a45/3Iomiq732DCdhrr9UR0R--0--j0hdy.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth And this also applied to his twin sons: Skar and Skra. Alone, they were worthless, but together they were pure evil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/61e7811d-acf8-4fcd-b4a3-e1b593b5af5e/eUUpP46XjBtkkiXQKMKw--0--aegws.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth Astaroth was the magician, high priest, and counselor to the king. He was also his personal physician. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5579079f-0c2f-4010-a337-1b453788b9a5/7ZDxgX9uDWGDx9adg7H2--0--d6kl5_1.5x-clty-upscale-gudv8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth Jade, continued her story as mothers had told their children for centuries. One day, Prince Drákon returned from a mission with his four brothers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f8093196-dfb7-4186-a621-17083c6a43f9/sPOUFX3grpwTUJyPhsTJ--0--07mm8_1.5x-clty-upscale-i29yf.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth You could tell from their posture and faces that the mission hadn't gone as they and their father had hoped. They strode decisively into the palace, heading for the throne room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f4ecd7e2-4e73-4ce0-92da-9b5220302554/AL3aHBKT3ogMN7kzWD5m--0--xev1z_1.5x-clty-upscale-vaiwv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth But it wasn't the king who sat there on the throne, but Astaroth. He greeted the brothers with a cracking, squeaky voice. "Gentlemen, welcome home. Everything going well?" he asked with a barely concealed, wicked laugh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e3817770-a65a-494c-85cc-f019b9d8405a/mL4fnEB82XckYPC2Q1ir--0--n8gsy_1.5x-clty-upscale-e2cv5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth "The king is out hunting, and I don't think he'll be back before nightfall. Hopefully nothing bad has happened. You can, of course, discuss with me what you have to say." With that, the brothers turned and left the throne room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/196180c0-0b91-4c75-8408-d6898959341e/HyAD5GfWeHWnC4uEPHH2--0--1250i.jpg Legend of Opal - Page I - Astaroth Astaroth sat there for a moment longer, but then left the throne empty... "Just for a little while longer." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/asterion monthly 0.5 2025-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/11ce1cd8-dc16-47de-a525-11d5374b3f87/G80INQL1jMAAO9mF9lOV--0--2ki7i_1.5x-clty-upscale-53m81.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion At nightfall, while everyone in the castle slept, Asteroth mounted his horse. He set off for the plateau, unknown to almost everyone because of its steep slopes. He set off for a man who was expecting him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e1372e93-8b24-427f-b9e4-b11611c2d873/sOzDlDiDFbwZNcNAgowP--0--ucg9a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion A warlord who owned several mines with inexhaustible reserves of gemstones. A man who liked to call himself a king. And had no scruples. He owned thousands of slaves and commanded a vast army of minotaurs and other beastmen. His name was Asterion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9445192e-3dff-4671-bd35-4f18f584d935/a5FbP5hwOvfxFYJWuJHC--0--i6rd0_1.5x-clty-upscale-a4pi7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion That same evening there had been a landslide in one of the mines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2265f211-98a2-41b5-ad56-d2041d19fe2c/0c9cbqLkmBJaDnBHbe5G--0--3r977.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion Dozens of men were trapped like rats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c1da546d-a2ca-4685-b6e7-0f41461523e2/plLzIp8MQ0u0dwVOF2oE--0--r6uqn.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion And they tried everything to get away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4cf8c53f-6bfc-4305-bd76-903ae2e8dfcd/cfH27yZaRKZkITFsyax5--0--zpfmd_2x-clty-upscale-shi4o.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion Even using the precious dynamite. It took hours before they could get outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/28c4c763-6303-4a16-844d-60d6ccd01307/BAxnYmt0Oo5jvboKlQuC--0--hvpyy_1.5x-clty-upscale-ivhdv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion And there the slave masters were waiting for them. Those who had used dynamite were handcuffed and taken away separately. Their fate was very uncertain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/31cff313-6ece-4984-849c-c4741ef40266/EaByxvYAk9mZKw3pmPt0--0--9awpe_1.5x-clty-upscale-kzjdc.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion The others were taken away, split into two groups, to the quarries, with even harsher working conditions. Asterion didn't like troublemakers, even if it wasn't their fault. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1f73e146-559c-40e1-a867-8198de9c7c4e/vxJzYvTr0cOngwhX9CrV--0--trdqn_1.5x-clty-upscale-ya8hm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion The men were silenced in this way, no longer resisting to their hard lives and an untimely death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d43ed75-4592-4b5d-a6ed-ae04172641a9/1dnC9l1VfysgWJGH89o1--0--cm68q_1.5x-clty-upscale-o00kf.jpg Legend of Opal - Page II - Asterion The most important thing of the day, the gems, were rolled out by other minotaurs. The cost was considered negligible. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-assault monthly 0.5 2025-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dc3d4820-f989-4d6b-87b9-d03627655567/q5FEruDrJgiPVJU1tRSo--0--3vgp5_2x-clty-upscale-tdaqd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault It was a full moon when three of Asterion's bodyguards set out on a secret mission. They would hide in the undergrowth until their prey passed by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/02849b8f-9409-4a7b-85e2-559a982d3672/mL4fnEB82XckYPC2Q1ir--0--ymx4x_2x-clty-upscale-p5hmj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault In the forest there still rode a king, searching for a boar to kill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6c166411-b406-432f-9c1e-246db3710079/RYocCkb5YSnSy0sa5NdC--0--iuy8c_1.5x-clty-upscale-45e51.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault And then came the moment when three minotaurs leaped from the undergrowth and immediately killed one of the riders. Another rider, at the king's command, rode to the royal castle with a message for the princes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5d949971-b3c9-4fbd-b653-0d0555864a25/mSNEek9a6e8pcbrmYodJ--0--rying_1.5x-clty-upscale-dmece.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault It was an unequal battle, with the horsemen relying on their fighting skills and the minotaurs on their brute strength. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1bb69d89-2a17-4c2d-8fc9-2a5d5bd1b583/Vr31B2TJnV8foe1px0dQ--0--neu9b_2x-clty-upscale-1689e.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault The rider who had escaped still heard the sounds of battle in the distance. Sound travels far in the dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ca8d689f-37c9-4c05-80aa-3af49ab71104/kGtZqEfPw1iM6rSCrI0A--0--xno5e_1.5x-clty-upscale-r4zvw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault When the battle was over, the two remaining minotaurs reported to their king, bringing the three heads of the riders they had killed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01b50e49-723d-48a6-8cb8-7943983e51ce/XYN5URSHJvVRiW9aaMUM--0--e5l4f_1.5x-clty-upscale-v3xgw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault Asterion reacted angrily when he learned that a rider had escaped, and had the two minotaurs thrown into the dog pit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f3aeb1f2-0ae5-404b-9038-24d75ab45959/nsBprTdrZcbVnRRArc9V--0--02qby.jpg Legend of Opal - Page III - The Assault Asterion uneasily delivered the bad news to Astaroth, who downplayed the problem. He would fix it. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/chain-reaction monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/31249c44-dc64-4501-9752-c3a5cec5a30a/vC2hqUW3XuJGuiIbxEzm--0--s3pmm_2x-clty-upscale-81ske.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction And so began a chain reaction of events. The king's bodyguard rushed to the castle to deliver his message and get help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7707a841-d2c1-43cf-90ad-b347d0b464eb/dEfcHsTIQuEnO74PvHLV--0--2avpt.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction Astaroth wanted to return to the castle as quickly as possible, to deny any involvement in the events. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/252b28a8-b639-42a3-8fd5-6dfa0912f8f2/xR0PaCZVpWmNfHqrsLf3--0--q4034_1.5x-clty-upscale-rslmz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction Then came the guardsman, who reported the minotaur attack and relayed his message: "Beware of Astaroth, he is playing a dangerous game." Whereupon Primosz, the eldest prince, sent Tertius to fetch Astaroth and bring him to the velours chamber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1a838cfd-8717-429e-96ed-9f08248e3b05/sz2aeft3EJ3EJRm4kn1c--0--hqv3o_1.5x-clty-upscale-gcloz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction Astaroth immediately fell to his knees and said he knew nothing. But then Quintus reentered and told Primosz he had a visitor in the old tapestry room... a minotaur. And he had an urgent message. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b6660f41-72d9-4b93-ab18-de3d318c254c/tiUF95wIf2p31v22esfO--0--w4ryo_2x-clty-upscale-dmt9v.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction The minotaur introduced himself as Menetavro, and he explained that the princes' father had been murdered by three rampaging minotaurs, on Astaroth's orders. He added that the minotaurs responsible had already been executed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/03ee035e-e674-4cce-b842-7d11a89548bf/LIVyXntTFBaQRJyrYW0V-lEs7a-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-hmmjh.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction What neither the princes nor Astaroth knew was that Asterion and his military commander had devised a plan to confuse the princes, discredit Astaroth, and meanwhile prepare the minotaur army for a surprise attack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/26d1878a-5c2d-4089-8163-c4130360d606/Oo8ccZhoTunVeXWfnaAc--0--3vg0i.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction Something that Menetavro’s generals were already busy with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a1d26a5d-5280-4062-b2a1-7a59bb9f6639/eUUpP46XjBtkkiXQKMKw--0--aegws.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IV - Chain Reaction What Asterion and Menetavro did not know was that Astaroth was a notorious poisoner, who had set a number of things in motion during his visit to the plateau. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/betrayal monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6f9bdc7d-7868-41e7-aa43-aa2e7af40aa3/EflR7VCC0VEuDlL4HtQy--0--wm3jm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal But Astaroth would never see the fruit of his plan. He was captured and led to the dungeon where an executioner awaited him. And thus, the man who had lived for hundreds of years intriguing and spying met his tragic end, caused by someone who had outwitted him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/02b8f481-c0df-414a-880a-bae60348e156/jRu6tykCKMPnMPdKohH3-kc0rC-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal But the princes hadn't yet reached the end of their suffering. A soldier rushed in hastily, fell to his knees, and stammered, "Treason!" "An army of minotaurs is on its way." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1f831ee0-5489-4569-b060-40721f5ccbdb/k2KZ66e6APNX3MWD2pUi--0--x1iov.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal The five princes summoned their knights with military discipline and in no time an army rushed towards that of the minotaurs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2417b85-4bcb-4c8d-b433-7b375ca44651/zYt6g8fl3h1dwtrB4CM6--0--zcm3x.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal The minotaurs were on a dusty plain, with a thunderstorm brewing in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5993bbfc-eb87-4373-b1b1-f16cd55f534e/ENOY2kAL7oWOxKlreQCv--0--2yhwt.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal Asterion stood at a distance, watching the army rush past him towards his troops who were finishing off the vanguard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1cc22cba-4f5b-4fc6-80ad-d98197292f7e/5nMwl6pyl4BxqUevEgjL--0--hpsxi.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal A perfect lure for the noble knights who also wanted their share of the pie and the honor. Without a second thought, they charged the beasts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f41ad51d-7a56-430a-ac63-c87d80acd3a2/LaJO696bMAxorUcsL7BI--0--g8vvw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal They soon saw what was going on, and the command that had been agreed upon in advance was going around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/77bf62e2-b663-4ebf-9c9b-239f29e11164/3t2nQituZ0TAtKunLgzJ--0--10fa8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page V - Betrayal "Spread out! Get out of here!" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/a-trap monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd718ca7-f0a3-4672-ae63-9f04206abe54/dLN6gb5g2M8NelwJ9Nfc--0--btkok_1.5x-clty-upscale-3ydwm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap The moment had come for Asterion to spring the trap. In the background, the knights rode aimlessly, shouting at each other what to do. Asterion gave the signal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9ca6d3a3-c752-4636-9541-ede7f6eca0db/aqahk6Zk4b0BmmidrsNe--0--sryxx.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap From all sides, minotaurs suddenly rushed out of the forests at a pace faster than horses could move. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ef33e894-e5a2-488a-ad57-8e589672e646/u1qINyOhgfcAJDcgYyA3--0--l781l.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap The earth trembled under the heavy feet that landed on the ground by the hundreds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c6f58d30-1e0f-4d9b-826c-fb4bf8f4eeb1/ZvcSoVPgd7EhXMLTooMF--0--vy5g8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap And their deafening roar was the icing on the cake...this was a stampede coming towards the knights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6de4e47d-967d-4e3a-885f-882025935e77/eXfY1TWeGWaWHFmWUiJT--0--ldmad.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap They fell like flies, totally confused by the violence that blew them over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/101940a6-1373-4169-a1fb-06b90e786de5/ZxQq2dgOw8tTLoIkeXXW--0--tkzem.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap Axes and swords mowed down the knights. And their horses wandered around aimlessly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e41d297b-2b0c-4756-94f8-204ac742473f/IUbmtZoGYZl7HjQw6Hfc--0--lkpgv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap With only a few left, the retreat was sounded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ac455783-38e0-4908-a00a-db4d10d4bd54/noPyjeDaHJPUh4SZ0r8A--0--lkfpx_1.5x-clty-upscale-xn5mu.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap But this wasn't the end for the minotaurs. Knights who couldn't keep up with the group were overtaken and killed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2784f3cb-f687-441e-987f-1143838a9b8d/4wTRrzTUn6yYagMMcwlh--0--h7lxj_1.5x-clty-upscale-g7rfe.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap And stray horses were used by the minotaurs for their older, already somewhat tired, comrades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7c60967c-3072-4ec8-8fb3-69470c50cf27/BmHuPP8H6hBMQXV7lR3H--0--9hyxl.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VI - A Trap And so the herd of minotaurs reached the royal castle. Those who hadn't yet fled or sought refuge behind the thick walls were thrown from the walls, and the castle was set ablaze. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/astaroths-revenge monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/87c7df99-824f-44af-814f-5c5ceffd83c7/aoBiTPh0ori3BdYggt2F--0--tcate_1.5x-clty-upscale-4ekp6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge After the total victory the minotaurs returned to Asterion's castle where they drank and celebrated wildly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/615a450b-ff29-4425-b0e6-4eee7dd36952/JY33PReYoFTjj2EWWmfV--0--u545u.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge There was also an extensive buffet provided by Astaroth, and everyone went to sleep late into the night with a full stomach and a light head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/666411a3-b0da-46e4-9945-0ddbedb720a9/ckItNeC6WPmJrW1Vuon7--0--1qsn7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge In the days that followed, however, there was little appetite. This was initially attributed to the excessive alcohol consumption the night before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/000dcad9-d7c3-43aa-a4e2-cfa77ba77bbf/7ziS85mLI1Tr3ir0BN9q--0--i4fxg.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge However, when the lack of appetite continued, some began to worry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/99a38075-aaa1-47d9-bcb1-34a01b081ff3/c9QGBfVT1yZxsvzUWiPP--0--msic0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge Something that didn't improve when more and more minotaurs started to catch a fever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/608d8837-2676-4683-8178-0229edb2f08a/Wrv24VyuieUOlROnLoBp--0--j5ajh.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge And everywhere listlessness appeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d07af88a-8278-4381-a16c-1d016e412ace/vwYjrCp45ehpvNkgVFz5--0--xy3xo.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge Pain in the chest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e0687ec0-5125-4b3f-b8d7-395d470cec92/zEwbnLCgYk20xqOzV3g6--0--u1jh2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge And finally, the incessant coughing and vomiting blood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/610da34e-5409-447b-a9f1-0f27014bbbfe/zYXrkwnb84Su6nRE27Jf--0--mgyv4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge It was then that people began to realize that Astaroth might have poisoned them, and it was then that they recognized the symptoms of consumption. But by then it was too late. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/acd0a6cc-c64f-4733-8143-39449bbb0ca5/EfJAuAsHLX1JfxpJ4rkr--0--ctcty.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VII - Astaroth's Revenge In the days that followed, one minotaur after another died until none were left. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/liberty monthly 0.5 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f82f956c-0430-4ec8-ad37-4145cd095fc9/dtA7Im8PoXRadcZngWdR--0--xkfu3_1.5x-clty-upscale-93zfp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty The next morning, there was astonishment in the mines when the night shift wasn't rotated. The slaves working there hesitantly and cautiously made their way to the exit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/da0f1a3b-6d4e-4755-ae48-fa78bb244831/Ml63v9ConLIiX2BfmNTb--1--33thy_2x-clty-upscale-wk3ao.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty Small groups also flowed towards the exit from other corridors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8373860b-bef2-4f2e-bf14-c1191a8e16be/Kjyc3knzztsodrd4m3q3--1--p694k_2x-clty-upscale-vmfp9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty Astonished and wary, they went outside until someone told them that the kings and the minotaurs were dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e450dff1-24a7-4b2d-95b3-3f9ad6344b5a/kSlwAgPKnWtvSkX4qvYw--1--cmcwx.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty Further along at the kings' castle, a group of servants gathered in front of the burnt-out building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5fb4b913-e926-471a-a0ff-c719d2970994/nYV9jR6CtCXNAft3JaNb--1--wnsex.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty And soon they went inside looking for valuables or things that could be used. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/59cbbae1-de2c-4137-8344-7065e25cc512/H2D7JjA3FAJRxAdM7hcF--0--ea3fq_1.5x-clty-upscale-sz9fb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty At the minotaurs' fortress, people were also searching for valuables. And it didn't take long before they robbed the minotaurs of their expensive armor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a38f056-1709-41b5-af90-e70946529f7b/XfWlL9wa7CZHrVJypgBu--0--l1rp5_1.5x-clty-upscale-y0a13.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty This continued until late in the evening when everyone began to descend onto the main street of the small settlement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/37483714-a8eb-4a87-b845-ad4313d0988c/VAbEufg0h49fY974DDni--0--dxy0k_1.5x-clty-upscale-nx92k.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty Among the houses destroyed by the minotaurs, a woman stood, stirring up the crowd. "The oppressors are dead. We are finally free." When someone asked her name, she hesitated: "My slave name no longer matters. From now on, I'm Liberty." Two men shouted at her: "Lead us then, Liberty!" She then asked the men their names. "I'm Eugène, and my friend is Delacroix." (CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE BACKGROUND INFO IN THE BLOG) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f669ee02-d549-4af5-a332-252cda258bfc/ffS3FkQ9sLfvzHYZ4iMF--0--bh4f1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page VIII - Liberty "Well then, noble-born, from now on you will be called Nobel, and your friend Cross." "You will see to it that I remain noble, and your friend will help me in the choices I must make, as his name clearly indicates." This was met with general cheers, and Liberty was carried through the streets on the shoulders of her two companions. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-first-coalition monthly 0.5 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5200c504-fd95-4bef-8c6c-2245f4a183bf/rUqrxbMqYleP8xGUcxY0--0--15zw6_1.5x-clty-upscale-q05p2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition In the days and weeks that followed, normal life returned. In parts of the city that hadn't been destroyed, stalls overflowed with a wealth of goods from the rulers' cellars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cc9ffe2f-c2cf-4ab4-8c09-09965ef3bac9/efrYJEqU16HEY3oasPIg--0--lzszv_2x-clty-upscale-g2583.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition Meanwhile, the new rulers had adapted well to their new status and eagerly made use of their newly acquired wealth to celebrate their freedom exuberantly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/845cad87-3269-48ab-bd40-5c2fcbdf5b46/B5gxhE9wK7iJgyNNXEbR--0--w0pyj_2x-clty-upscale-h8346.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition Deep in the forest, however, escaped minotaurs gathered, wanted by the new regime and considering their next steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/79bdf8b9-9a53-42a3-89e0-5b0872d75f42/KLd30tAeDsTzAXgkxJUA--0--o0i7a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition Finally, someone took the initiative as they marched up the river to Port de la Montagne, an old fortress used by the minotaurs to gather their slaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/43434c44-9fc5-4e3b-9f31-f435db555f93/NxJXXziVqqrhxXMS4R7i--0--s5ugv_2x-clty-upscale-8nyjj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition The fortress looked strong, high on Mount Faron, and surrounded in three places by a raging sea. (CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE BACKGROUND INFO IN THE BLOG) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2ab105e-80d7-4521-93f9-93a47255eb34/PGz2Lm0Powc9ycqFT3uL--0--cct2i_1.5x-clty-upscale-ztkno.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition On the side where there was no sea, only a narrow road gave access to the fort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/58db8b81-97ef-45f8-b77d-f09527976295/3ZI5BSgQENnTJebxm9nQ--0--up9cj_1.5x-clty-upscale-k9i7t.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition Menetavro, Asterion's military commander, was one of the few minotaurs who hadn't attended the banquet that evening and had survived the minotaur extermination. Here he now stood, awaiting the mermen's envoy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/54b1a26b-d7d8-454d-a24b-c35d0d1381f9/y16NVhJOUfsrXvCy5mxD--0--am0bu_1.5x-clty-upscale-sv3k9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition The wait wasn't long. Menetavro kept being impressed by Atlantic I, no matter however often he saw him.. Menetavro explained the situation, and that the revolution posed a threat to the slave trade between minotaurs and mermen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8b2fe866-7c0f-449b-a029-397c92984b09/nunhUbw1KYe4IupaZaPP--0--977b7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition The message apparently got across quickly because that same evening, strange-looking creatures with carbon membranes over their ears to allow them to breathe began climbing the rocks on which the fort stood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2d2d03dd-9432-4258-8ef2-e7ad5b745078/hw1EImppRJ3wbGW5ZUeY--0--ykie8_1.5x-clty-upscale-9ia1d.jpg Legend of Opal - Page IX - The First Coalition They spoke to no one and gathered in the fortress courtyard, breathing heavily through the membranes of their artificial lungs. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/a-rising-star monthly 0.5 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2bd00941-8d24-4ab6-b78d-38c48e744a3f/ykGJDyjObwdrPHTuOb0h--0--yh83y_1.5x-clty-upscale-zfh9b.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star Besides the celebrations, Liberty and her two allies also had to deal with the serious side of government. A courier arrived with the news that escaped minotaurs had retreated to Port de la Montagne and, together with the mermen, were setting up a base for a counter-revolution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e56220e5-0949-43bd-ba0a-e77293b0aa8e/ykGJDyjObwdrPHTuOb0h--0--4w1wz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star Cross, aka Delecroix, leaned over to Liberty and whispered to her, "I know the perfect man to solve this problem. He's been waiting for months for an opportunity like this, and I know him to be an excellent leader and strategist." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d02bc27c-6d06-46a9-8daa-9410de50fb04/ykGJDyjObwdrPHTuOb0h--0--rgwlx.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star "He's from a planet in the outer rim...nothing much: sheep, honey, resin and wax, and the export of slaves. And cheap wine, too. His name is Neo Palon. We were on the same slave ship back in the day, and that's how I met him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/99bd8092-31a4-4ddb-868e-2d32a22dd5fc/ykGJDyjObwdrPHTuOb0h--0--z1dcf.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star "And why am I just hearing this now? Go ahead, find the man and send him to me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cab03112-3085-4c4a-afd3-3b026d3a9540/1s20Q441fLRYMpxJ27Mp--0--uczdc_1.5x-clty-upscale-u6zp6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star A few days later, Neo Palon arrived at Liberty. "So you're the guy who can't wait to get into action? What's wrong with your arm, anyway?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd4881c7-d46a-4402-a452-6ea52eec4dce/1s20Q441fLRYMpxJ27Mp--0--p1m52.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star "A little scuffle...the result of a duel." "Delacroix tells me you're our man. How are you going to handle our problem?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/99fe0954-06c1-4514-a104-3eec5de092ed/Sm6GkyTRHTklDgAPnVXA--0--1to8t_1.5x-clty-upscale-svrjk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star "Off Port de la Montagne, merman slaves are holding a group of triceratops captive in a sailing ship. I want to sail there with my best men, throw any crew overboard, and free the triceratops." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88fdbec1-b59f-40d2-b68c-5421a6bf8d41/HHntSiZDh1NY9KaJRuN0--0--vacbt_2x-clty-upscale-angjy.jpg Legend of Opal - Page X - A Rising Star "So what? Triceratops aren't exactly sweethearts and are difficult to train, let alone control." "No problem, where I come from, we know how to deal with these kinds of creatures. Before you know it, I'll have taken over the fort and put the minotaurs and mermen to the sword." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/asterion-the-second monthly 0.5 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1e98cb7a-1866-4f82-bee0-37637edc8300/FQQWpZqwCgdrPO0zNszP--0--24j3x_2x-clty-upscale-7s2f7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II Neo Palon's plan worked perfectly. Within 24 hours of his triceratops attack, he had set the fortress ablaze and sent his opponents fleeing. The mermen jumped back into the sea in panic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/24eda65d-f848-4472-bb17-af102617639b/6kMOTKe1U2Wk35C4vFdE--0--fvhtc_2x-clty-upscale-v68j7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II The minotaurs, in turn, fled as quickly as they could towards the Lost Lands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5c998cb1-3113-492e-a15d-ffc7c485d2cc/6kMOTKe1U2Wk35C4vFdE-fa2FJ-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II They ran, and kept running, until they entered the jungle and had to hack their way through the undergrowth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/00c917a3-ae36-46ca-bc42-08d28d57045c/6kMOTKe1U2Wk35C4vFdE--0--dr9wv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II Eventually they came to a dusty path that led to a surprise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/80d41c4b-4b93-4ad6-94a7-4f3c675543d2/v5eUI6B4QI3OIuAvTrjC--0--cu8rz_1.5x-clty-upscale-2hc9w.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II Before them stood two heavily armored gorillas who addressed them: "Stop! Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?" "Speak up!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c8da85e9-3a79-4583-8f65-8f36a5acfa28/SwgfhAjCdT5rFNUJARV7--0--citc5_2x-clty-upscale-irc42.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II After the necessary explanations and the confiscation of all weapons, the two gorillas escorted the exhausted minotaurs to their city. It was immense and high, with bridges at dizzying heights... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ea3f9853-8b5d-41bc-94d1-8622b2415501/E0pK7LwfT9j2xilG0ug0--0--c04c3_1.5x-clty-upscale-1vze8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II ...and towers that reached into the sky. At one point, the two gorillas were relieved by the personal bodyguard of their king: Korak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b93480de-f181-4430-9700-f89373367127/5hYG3E0FOi5KZ9IMvdUg--0--xm5zn_2x-clty-upscale-f08y7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II Korak had ruled the kingdom of Mangani, a military city-state, for 40 years. It was the first time in centuries that a king of Mangani received visitors from outside the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b65aeb53-5231-474c-b42e-3f41042b275a/Cd4cVSq0MQvvsHoJw6mQ-16AH--adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-tpwxy.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II Menetavro paid his respects to Korak and told him the story of his people and their recent defeat. He asked if Korak would form an alliance and provide him with an army in exchange for possession of half of the minotaurs' gemstone mines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bda9976e-7db4-4369-9d9c-0eb9f546f51f/xiB0wHernjanSEa06za0-9EZbX-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-kujt4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XI - Asterion II Korak was always seeking new funds to pay his army, so he agreed to Menetavro's request and offered him a floor of his palace after crowning him king. A king without a country. At least for now. From then on, Menetavro would be known as Asterion II. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/days-of-terror monthly 0.5 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/23476c9e-d305-4acf-91cc-ef5e9a903452/KmIYLsRMsr78ns8dyfPo--0--dnnl9_2x-clty-upscale-e06c8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror Meanwhile, back in the city, a veritable reign of terror had been established. Fearing the return of the minotaurs, and rumours that former slaves were also involved, what were soon dubbed counter-revolutionaries, were hunted down throughout the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d1ef06a5-3655-454a-8e80-9988cdbce543/aGEWa6J8WY0kuxlZteVz--0--ea273_2x-clty-upscale-ow109.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror At all hours of the day, militias were roaming around, arresting people on simple grounds or unfounded accusations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/822b9042-3465-4c15-84e5-45cf28793b0d/wcz3xzDYnJd9BINxI3XL--0--9s2y2_2x-clty-upscale-lvzz7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror No one was safe anymore, not on the streets, and not even in the privacy of their own homes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0e62ec62-01d3-4e11-8f69-40ee8ae6b404/1EU0nGPyxle7xQocGM3L--0--5xhv0_2x-clty-upscale-riwvw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror Rich or poor, early supporters and ardent defenders of the principles of the revolution, they could all be arrested by the militias. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bda5abbe-0fe9-4c1f-ba7e-f5de9a4648a3/xy8tULNBZw9hpzlaLxL1-SVsgx-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-twena.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror Since it didn't take much to get someone arrested, the days of terror also became the days of political reckoning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/02e3eaa4-26f5-4ab7-93fc-a34b82ea3f08/x1OPp6XZHVOJi4zizha9--0--b0bkc.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror The prisons soon became overcrowded and ways were sought to solve this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/186e8c48-9cf7-4a85-9caa-850713f36684/1F1hzcKnwYUXEEgkHsRz--0--afay8_1.5x-clty-upscale-9i6fj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror It was not long before prisoners were led to the scaffolds, amid widespread public scrutiny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/29b838c2-ce90-4ac9-9511-af1c3c6935a5/MHLPWi2P3czhOGOXecJh--0--p1z2c_2x-clty-upscale-94xe5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror Mobsters were hired to turn the executions into real spectacles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8a98d9bb-d894-4fd0-b88a-75fc4162a722/NYgA38Y9HdAifeXVYuJT--0--zhc21_2x-clty-upscale-m8lzk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror The executions became so popular that they were carried out in various locations around the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5695a9d1-665b-42cd-9f27-f221adf9c46b/2rbVg2jQYkQvsMyPpSQb--0--mf1zs_2x-clty-upscale-6lueb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror From early morning until late evening. And at all places, at all hours, there was always a great crowd of spectators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1430e0f7-cc30-4e9c-af92-aec2fd993aa4/TMniYhQsmy057ejjYsLl--0--rw0y1_2x-clty-upscale-ckn2v.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XII - Days of Terror And to keep up the pace, the executioners had to be replaced every two hours by people still strong enough to wield the axe. And the expertise of the people involved wasn't always taken into account. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/ballroom-blitz monthly 0.5 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c773658e-f3ef-459e-ba6b-8b8387b56947/0LaUURJxKXgQ3mEvwNqA--1--sw4oq.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz After his victory in Port de la Montagne, attention for Neo Lapon had waned again. He wandered listlessly through the town, and disgusted by the executions, he visited the local market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/645e884b-d5c4-4b47-bfe8-4b62cab508b9/HuE6kqYDSjFgCQZbo0Jx--1--dkjt6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz As he strolled between the stalls, he was closely watched by a young woman with a gipsy appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6c55c7ad-7290-41ff-81a3-4286abd72a96/kLB7rYMCjgvTp4bQBj5p--0--sxmsa.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz After about ten minutes, she decided to make her move and went to the stall where Neo was standing. Their eyes met, and he shyly looked away from her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/157be399-5ce8-4b26-bb95-b3b2ede2094a/gwhcWVFLYMn8bAttU2tw--0--iowon.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz "Can I help you with anything?" the woman asked. "Not really, I'm just trying to fill my time." "Filling my time?" "I have an appointment at the palace later." "So you don't have much time?" "If you want, you can come with me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/af81de12-8be5-4949-b3ec-7f49d054a63c/asho1jgIZldO7vaLzBDW-GtBsq-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz Meanwhile, the meeting between Neo and the young woman was closely watched by someone who wished to remain anonymous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/43d820d9-05a8-495d-bf87-edee1273e3d1/WfsxoXUVjiNUHajF9z5Q--0--wgv44.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz And so Neo and the woman walked together toward the palace. She introduced herself as Josy von Leuchtenberg and explained that she was going to a palace ball that evening but didn't yet have a partner. Neo didn't have to think long about that invitation, and they arranged to meet later that evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7930ff00-22ea-4176-ad91-49f1d6ea2751/m3gqO0dETishXAKfiSc8-__wmK-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-6lg4x.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz Neo had been invited back by her highness Liberty. She had invited him to take Nobel's place and form a triumvirate with her and Cross. Nobel had completely fallen from grace with his policies of terror. Neo saw the possibilities and agreed. "Okay, then I'll see you tonight at the ball where we'll announce this. And, uh, maybe you should do some research on a certain lady you met today." Liberty winked at him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/016f5068-ccbd-49c9-b7d4-377ab547b4d3/Y4SzFeaYeyc4iTC99ega--0--4gv08_1.5x-clty-upscale-3c52s.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIII - Ballroom Blitz That evening, Neo hadn't done much research, but at the ball, he had eyes only for Josy. He'd even forgotten that there was an announcement coming up. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/in-love monthly 0.5 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/48310321-dd86-4a6f-99a6-d74e8d77d5d6/1ZGjAS5mcSGEZ2DPlX52--0--8riu8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love And then came the moment when Liberty called Neo to the center of the dance floor for a toast. She told the audience that, for a more democratic government, it had been decided that there would henceforth be a triumvirate consisting of herself, Delacroix, and a new man: Neo. "Everyone knows Neo's merits; he's a real asset." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/82475510-2fda-47a1-ac69-6eda9267c793/uc3iYS0lHTfi8E83CO7j--0--kjkw8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love She also told them that they had found a new trail leading to the minotaurs that escaped, and that Neo had taken the liberty of volunteering to pursue them. "Welcome, Neo, may our reign last long. Cheers!" "And now let's dance." She then grabbed Neo and began a waltz. "Have you checked out your new girlfriend yet?" "Not yet." Liberty then whispered a few words in his ear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7113fc66-8a31-477a-801f-fa726f0a36c2/bwS0i6LYUk1HPzx1JuXT--0--vpwkc.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love Josy had been watching the whole thing from a distance and wasn't in the best of moods when Neo joined her at the table. "You didn't tell me you were leaving for campaign tomorrow!?" "I only just heard." "Liberty has her ways. And I can't possibly refuse now." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/43e2d3dc-420d-4e36-b8a3-93a12a2f202e/bwS0i6LYUk1HPzx1JuXT--0--7h3y0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love "And then those whisperings while you were dancing. What was that all about? She's lucky she's your boss, or I would have scratched her eyes out right then and there." "She told me about your father. How he was involved in the minotaurs' escape." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/be16d809-efce-40e7-ae59-855d90bbaa15/bwS0i6LYUk1HPzx1JuXT--0--h9tgi.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love "The bitch. I had a feeling she was having me followed. And that she didn't like me being with you." "My father was indeed convicted and fled. But until further notice, I'm not responsible for my father's sins. Besides, we're no longer in contact. Does that reassure you?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5dddf457-6628-4704-b8a4-f3f2063ccbe6/diEidHhtxdfpi51cBqCQ-fKF-z-adjusted_1x-clty-upscale-3h61p.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love Neo was already smitten after Josy's first words. Not long after, they went to his rental apartment. Neo might have been a military genius, but he didn't know much about love. Fortunately, Josy was a bit more knowledgeable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/320ad06c-5eb2-4c5b-b45f-58ffd1703f28/XnxoXcuipwx2QZKeNNsA-7Gm-n-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love Neo could have cursed Liberty for sending him on a mission at this very moment. Just when he seemed to have found ultimate happiness. And deep inside him, he felt a fear he hadn't known...the fear of losing her while he was away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c39440a2-51f0-4017-b592-cf1998ca3527/OCeMGzczxH2gCcsYWipg--0--iw79y.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIV - In Love The next morning, the farewell was hard for both of them. They promised to write to each other daily, and Josy begged Neo to be careful and not take any unnecessary risks. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/honor-and-glory monthly 0.5 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a86ef114-e93c-46fc-a9a5-21d0ef760546/TiaaEpR8sgW7ZbGf0mFY--0--rduwv_1.5x-clty-upscale-rucat.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XV - Honor and Glory At first light that morning, with the dew still tangibly in the air, Neo's army was ready for inspection. Neo had made sure they all had new uniforms and weapons, and pride was palpable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a62ff2bb-b0c7-4ab4-bb4c-98f4c2233f1b/LvjyzPY1k1zhJKjVULi2--0--15ez9_1.5x-clty-upscale-kn45w.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XV - Honor and Glory As Neo rode out of the fortress, there was appreciative applause for the man riding past on his white horse. The army consisted of 50,000 infantry and 5,000 mounted men. The 50 triceratops were to be picked up along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd8d4830-8f71-4fa5-94f8-408d26ff2f49/C0T7Ct0zbdkrhH7V3DJp--0--3t17n_1.5x-clty-upscale-7x2xw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XV - Honor and Glory A little further away, separated from the rest of the army, stood Neo's marshals. "What the hell are you doing here? It's not because you're higher-ranking that I want to keep you separate. There, among the soldiers, that's where you belong. On horseback, gentlemen." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/18b4fde2-7891-4145-9935-0287b5533cf6/gVh7KILJIkzCiJ5qECRK--0--6skji_4x-clty-upscale-na4z3.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XV - Honor and Glory And Neo bolted back to the soldiers. The marshals remained behind, somewhat dejected, and finally ordered their valets to fetch their horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ca794262-7865-4398-9923-51063581d758/SK9XPz9UieK1dUggQT67--0--ysvjb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XV - Honor and Glory Meanwhile, Neo gave his soldiers one last motivational speech before they left. "You are the pride of this new country. And now we also have a golden opportunity to drive out our former masters once and for all!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a831a36-4dfe-4b10-b1be-09973bec255b/MTtJ3tlMvyhsREddqiqn--0--tfzxp_1.5x-clty-upscale-xnr63.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XV - Honor and Glory Whereupon Neo rode back to the marshals, drew his sword, and shouted aloud, "Forward, gentlemen, there is honor and glory to be earned where we are going!" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/lovesick monthly 0.5 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/91045250-8f60-4ce8-8d35-b1a80ed0ce83/9fvQNGaIrWpskqnjyujC-8JtXl-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick Three weeks later there was not much honor and glory to be celebrated though. Neo, being lovesick and missing Josy, did nothing but write letters to her, and lie on his bed in his tent, waiting for a reply. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/49b59232-cdef-4740-8f2d-aaff176f29b0/N4Zu8Upoz8239HFWqOfY--0--o4xj4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick His most recent letter would change everything though, as he passed it to his orderly officer to hand it over personally to Josy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ecb6a9c0-0457-42af-ad63-c68aa9a3c21a/laHmgFrOReCx9jJFasbI--0--hn5d4_1.5x-clty-upscale-axiy7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick When the orderly arrived in Opal, he couldn't ignore all the rumors about Josy and her new lover, Hippolyte. Both were seen at every party and were the talk of the town, which Josy eagerly used to network with men in strategic positions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0756d939-ac20-418b-9299-ec0122c99135/XZdSSJeIN0Pj0qTnyVem--0--f0rqb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick They did not hide that they lived together and when Neo's orderly visited them to hand over the letter, he could not but notice all the letters Neo had sent, lying unopened at a table for everyone to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dd674efb-2a03-4b0c-af1e-8f4c34bc4975/0bUMF6wsRz7rAHGoQNF7--0--mcc3e.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick In joyful anticipation of finally receiving news, Neo attended cavalry maneuvers. His joy, however, was short-lived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/15fef425-0b74-4e73-a922-e417cb9c9d99/0bUMF6wsRz7rAHGoQNF7--0--yq39z_1.5x-clty-upscale-4uyvj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick His orderly had returned from Opal and told him the heartbreaking news. At first, Neo didn't want to believe him, but the officer had never lied to him before and was known for not shying away from delivering bad news. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/11da52a5-7d50-4e29-a258-532c549a7aee/0bUMF6wsRz7rAHGoQNF7--0--pvt75.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick With a heart and mind full of anger, Neo spurred his horse and left the orderly behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/26eadc89-0aa8-4fdc-a907-d49d90e71db4/3SNEd96X1Zc4PRTmbxA1--0--f77i4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick Back at the camp, Neo had quickly discovered that Josy's lover was the aide-de-camp of General Leclerc, one of Traum's men, and that for some obscure reason he wasn't on the campaign trail. But that would change now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0e017351-8692-482d-8e63-9541b06f0336/omMahOMatWDJ2QSigoId--0--6m0tq.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVI - Lovesick So he went to see Traum: "I want you to send General Leclerc back to Opal and order him to stay there. I have my reasons for this. And his aide-de-camp will now work for me in that capacity. See to it. That's all. We leave tomorrow. Pass the word. Make sure the troops are ready." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/raging-madness monthly 0.5 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c61c8bf3-e28b-4e6f-bb1f-c64907db1a70/hwgURd8vaIMMIdHe6g2v--0--7qrf6_1.5x-clty-upscale-qtjpw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVII - Raging Madness Two days later, the Mangani army awaited Opal's army. They numbered several thousand and formed an impressive force due to their size and brutal force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/68584052-ffd9-4340-b3b4-0959f1a3ce37/fM8UevXXojIp6MPDz7bg--0--7wkhv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVII - Raging Madness But the few thousand were no match for the 50,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/43734112-2e8f-41cd-998e-71b1aa36c8cd/ohVnd4aFVjKF1wBs97gJ--0--7oxcw_1.5x-clty-upscale-xaezx.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVII - Raging Madness The cavalry was under the direct command of Neo, who led and exhorted his men with an unprecedented fury. For the Mangani, it was like a wall of flesh and fire that wiped them from the earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/38b02806-aa83-4781-9746-a8f0d8ae0d2b/jT1a3kglsgoAygVRimvN--0--avmbk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVII - Raging Madness The infantry suffered more casualties due to the direct duels that were fought, but ultimately the power of numbers also managed to achieve total victory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7837b750-dca8-4774-bd94-c0e79008a4cf/yj784z5pbahVNscyLjRq--0--jpu7s_1.5x-clty-upscale-x50k5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVII - Raging Madness Neo had urged his men not to take any prisoners. The Mangani army must never pose a threat again. And all minotaurs were to be summarily executed. But the minotaurs had fled and were nowhere to be found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ddb0a7d3-3c6f-4372-ae25-b481c1701d6d/w5AWuixHrrRNkaYPRJx6--0--fbidm_1.5x-clty-upscale-k1sx9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVII - Raging Madness After two days of intense fighting, Neo led his army to the Mangani city. For the last time. He was determined to rule this city alongside Opal, but under a new name: Neopolis. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/remorse monthly 0.5 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2d782687-334f-421a-b3e3-eaf3de5df823/oR5aIrKcbB8XBYQDviPz--0--e70jn.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVIII - Remorse Unexpectedly, Hippolyte received a letter addressed to him. Its contents caused a shock and would change Hippolyte's life and his role in history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/601474fb-2a8a-49db-bef8-1bc3413c649a/ozoQGeAV2WiaDWTYPP1c--0--fg41v.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVIII - Remorse When he told Josy that he had been called up for the army, her legs gave out and Hippolyte was barely able to catch her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/34ae4a6c-be27-4b99-9ae2-34e698fa5cdd/ONalOXuMdB9WWWF7eKHt--0--cb7gb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVIII - Remorse Josy begged Hippolyte to stay, to talk to his friends, his acquaintances, and even General Leclerc...but he had his own problems. With a heavy heart, the two parted ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/20db557c-8786-41c3-b019-2d22c27b876a/JEtBAFLPpLiYfyfAcB9D--0--ko0ix.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVIII - Remorse But Josy decided not to leave it there. She contacted the military attaché she'd met at one of the parties. But he couldn't do anything; he lacked sufficient influence to submit a request to the First Consul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b0395701-8c03-4fea-9a17-9673dbdb2d6c/Oli2qOANj60UX4oPwWb3--0--4orq3.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVIII - Remorse Whereupon she wrote a letter to Neo. She swore her loyalty and love to him, but also pleaded for Hippolyte's life because he wasn't made to be a soldier and could entertain her while Neo was away on campaign. She called Neo a dozen pet names and shed a tear on the ink so he could read her grief. But no reply ever came. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d1ad6f86-b54f-42fd-9fc6-34df30895d74/8FLkuRBXqNJ4SF5QHJnI--0--lk9mq.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XVIII - Remorse Finally, she turned to the only hope left to the desperate: the gods. She swore precious oaths and wept bitter tears, but also from the gods, no reply ever came. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-third-colation monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/27fe08f1-797b-4b5f-94b5-a5f30b592495/SwgfhAjCdT5rFNUJARV7--0--2x76a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition Now that the Second Coalition had been defeated, and Neo's anger had subsided, he wanted to move on in search of the Forgotten Lands. He appointed his marshal Bernadotte as satrap of Mangani: "You've always wanted to be a king...you can't get much closer than this, I'm afraid." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a002f8df-b5b5-4580-98b0-84fa2bd5bf6e/HYkvlk3RxMp0oKobtMAU--0--pel5n.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition But meanwhile, news also reached him that at the border of the Lost Lands, a Third Coalition was waiting for him, led by Királya Orkok... the king of the Orcs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a8660217-a163-4651-9c45-16e9317455a5/5m53qVGNBXwDzTCn6uFV--0--acyt1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition And he had been joined by Skar and Skra, the sons of Astaroth. Királya's advisor on human affairs had couched their tale of revenge as a one-time opportunity to acquire Opal and Mangani, and Királya was eager to do so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/79ee0cbe-6303-40d7-9d16-7356e8aced68/jC4Tfo0sLn6YOe3WkqDT--0--c8xru.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition Neo had to get past the Orcs if he wanted to reach the Forgotten Lands. He could do this in two ways: through the valley, where the Orcs would be waiting for him,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d46c8f2-e910-4e1c-93d5-c48869fea67b/3v1HkSKjvUZDvcFBGtyy--0--79p8u.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition ...or through the mountain passes and attack the Orcs from behind...with triceratops. Brute force against brute force. And play on surprise. It would be his only chance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/654b6320-225a-4c16-834c-d0fb699a3ca2/wFlkoFat8VX7QwGI7mpZ--0--nr5pz_1.5x-clty-upscale-k1uxw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition At a given moment, as they trekked through the mountains, Neo's horse panicked. With its eyes set back in their sockets, the animal reared so wildly that Neo fell backward into a crevice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5a6c5d2f-dac2-49e5-bd05-4bac3635ef05/4XqjexFpHKgKU7hZunmb--0--adb3o.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition The animal itself continued to buck and jump in panic until it slid into a ravine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ab87af12-01e3-4716-9e6b-9fc60bf2ed6e/o3xtXRpoyEJqR2N6y35I-rNf3Q-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition Once at the bottom of the ravine, the horse lay dead next to the saddle with a broken saddle strap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/72bced3b-a6d7-47b8-bf6f-149345df5cbd/1x3CuAgpDiRwqK9hKoMC--0--r8kid.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition Neo suffered no real injuries and was helped out of the crevice by some soldiers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfb09480-70bd-40ae-88ac-107f8b205853/xLgEfZOgOIB0qZf8URJf--0--8hve2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XIX - The Third Coalition After learning the fate of his horse, Neo was inconsolable. It soon became also clear that no extra horses were available, so Neo was forced to continue his journey on one of the guides' donkeys. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-forgotten-nation monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/02231c1a-7d6a-4365-ac25-ae5f3cdb03d5/1EVf3fxvExJpxbOvNTjz--0--3q0vv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation The story goes that the Orcs never knew what had happened to them. They were initially strolling leisurely along the river, longing for cold ale and a good piece of meat, when all hell broke loose behind them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1e9af397-288c-4b05-97db-c24498612605/W2WHKHpYwGrA9NTUTPpx--0--dkis8_1.5x-clty-upscale-406ya.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation Dozens of beasts they had never seen before simply trampled them underfoot, without any resistance possible. And when they found their king's fortress on fire, the Orc nation was no more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6562c9e9-8f21-4fa4-938a-9a6d78927e8e/tPVVje9Djo0o0VND9GpC--0--b3iij_2x-clty-upscale-0e5h4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation For Neo, this was his third victory in a row. Skra and Skar had been killed...they had at least had the courage to fight, and Neo's commandos had slit Királya Orkok's throat. Neo hoped that peace would finally come. But he feared for the future...after all, seven was his magic number. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/019ec167-808f-4bf5-ae2e-a6e4ca90d68e/yf7vbRaq3EnpItVTEzqB--0--thjw3_1.5x-clty-upscale-5f2ku.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation Meanwhile, Neo had borrowed the horse from one of his officers. He still had to find a new one, though. Troop morale was high. Three major victories and finally out of the mountains. And everyone wondered what Short Head (named after his short haircut) still had in store for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3dfcf49-7272-4c30-945e-d8a8f2610be1/nTjaJ3AHYmb08gpgHIW1--0--lo12t_2x-clty-upscale-lniy9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation They didn't have to wait long. At one point, they rounded a bend around a mountain and saw two majestic structures in the middle of the landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9e0314fd-5453-4975-afbc-55fd82c7d201/mXKkw8SiaQHYynQUrMfF--0--ymfq3_2x-clty-upscale-q49jz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation As they drew closer, a mighty army awaited them. Tens of thousands of soldiers, armored, tall and strong, and with magnificent plumes on their headdresses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f5e7bc15-dc03-4bae-8193-6a43c1027a8e/1pvh4G7h5bDvu7AZMqqM--0--d01si_2x-clty-upscale-z8oqh.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation Their commander, or king, towered over everyone, easily measuring two meters. His plumage left no doubt: he was the boss here, and he was playing a home game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22e6f272-5e70-44a9-9148-7d425cc50023/uq6N5zhGd6xupshfZ30T--0--219pp_1.5x-clty-upscale-klxch.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XX - The Forgotten Nation Full of confidence, he approached Neo and spoke to him in a foreign language: "K’ulumaq chi us sa’ li ch’och’ sachenaq. K’a’jo’ xnimal xloq’al eek’ulb’al arin." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/bucephalus monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b4407ffe-8c7e-4b0b-8c90-639c776bc7ef/uq6N5zhGd6xupshfZ30T--0--kdu8b.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXI - Bucephalus Neo answered: "li loq’alil wan chi tz’aqal sa’ lin tz’e." The man with the plumage looked slightly startled. "You speak Q'eqchi'? I'm impressed." "Let's just say that when I was younger, I read a great deal and acquired a great deal of knowledge that way. "My name is Neo, by the way, and you are?" "My name is Pakal, and I am often called Pakal the Great. It is up to you to decide whether this is because of my stature or because of my actions." The man smiled faintly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1c4a5be9-7f5d-4712-820b-924251d0e326/Fer4s2WuoeZ1UBdyNCZp--0--jd6g6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXI - Bucephalus "I would like to speak with you, Neo. But first, allow me to assign you a place to stay. Your men can pitch their tents here in Palenque and beyond." On the way, Pakal told Neo that his people descended from a mythical people who once lived in the Fiery Lands, but were forced to leave due to illness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b83ab5b0-866f-4f58-8aa8-84d44bc87bad/hUmAuucKu4kNQsVPZvUM--0--mhzca.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXI - Bucephalus During their meeting, Pakal praised Neo, whose name preceded him, as a great warlord and conqueror. However, he also warned Neo that he faced great danger and, consequently, an important decision. The disease that nearly killed Pakal's native population affected only men. It began with an increase in muscle mass, hair growth, and a fighting spirit, but resulted in mental decline and ultimately an untimely death. All men were susceptible to the disease. To travel beyond the desert entailed a great risk to be infected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c91996a-feb3-4f29-aa29-b4ff8b6ea658/hUmAuucKu4kNQsVPZvUM-vMnpH-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXI - Bucephalus Pakal emphasized that it was not in his power or will to stop Neo, but he did ask Neo to consider it carefully. In the meantime, he and his men were free to remain in Palenque as long as they wished. Neo was free to explore the surrounding area and connect with locals, both in the city and in the mountains and desert. He also pointed out to Neo that if he wanted to travel further, his outfit was anything but suitable for desert travel. But, he said with a smile, that problem would resolve itself as they made more contact with the locals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8c90e787-5fcf-4308-a743-e4910b07f691/3ExIlZuuVy2jEZclhFPs--0--ff4ol_1.5x-clty-upscale-5zihe.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXI - Bucephalus Finally, Pakal mentioned that he'd heard Neo's horse had died on the way. He whistled briefly, and a young man approached with a jet-black stallion. "This is Bucephalus. We've only just tamed him. He was originally meant for my son, but after discussion, he's yours." Neo was impressed with the horse and thanked Pakal and his son in Q'eqchi'. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07a3fa58-0583-4291-bed0-63f29f864442/pdehpowupq8edxB2MOCz--0--2ek6r_2x-clty-upscale-2x79t.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXI - Bucephalus Shortly afterward, Neo's men began setting up tents at every possible campsite. Orders were given that they would remain there for a while and that this was to be done with the utmost respect for the local population, environment, and customs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/79edc7f8-4a67-4198-8e08-f35f632c6a26/NZpUhD4QOsrEe1EKJXXD--0--1f3um_2x-clty-upscale-xwezn.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXI - Bucephalus Neo's men were deeply impressed by the buildings and greatly appreciated the hospitality of the native inhabitants. Thus, the first seeds were sown for a mixed culture that would influence the soldiers' appearance, customs, and language. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/an-arabian-wedding monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/62d3238d-8461-46e9-afa0-17cf31e1b583/U0YHIdA93KIF89YpkmWG--0--kc9vs.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding In the weeks that followed, during their stay in Palenque, Neo often took Bucephalus on reconnaissance expeditions to get used to each other. Despite Pakal's advice, Neo clung to his Opalese uniform. But he couldn't deny that the uniform was suffering from the heavy perspiration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0f365bc0-8ba3-4311-8475-66643ac56c6f/yumNYFBkhF0n6k4P6g6n--0--nzx95.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding After a few weeks, Neo finally decided to switch to a slightly less formal style with lighter fabrics and sufficient protection from the sun and wind. For precisely that reason, he had also grown a beard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6e9bb483-833a-41af-853d-d32555325f8e/8JNV8MuJoJlCf2dFISUG--0--n2jtl_1.5x-clty-upscale-nfpcc.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding On one of his journeys, Neo got lost in the desert. Fortunately, he encountered a desert dweller in the dark, named Zguzja. Zguzja was a sheik with a small entourage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ffbc1b6d-2b11-4446-b365-6ad2dba4fc49/9st9Eog2jRqhOIngigt3--0--mf1pz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding The man invited him to his tent, where Neo met Zguzja's daughter and son. During that meeting, a spark was lit between Neo and the daughter, Rokhshan, that would never fade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9aa8936f-efb6-46de-a1ef-497874d8db1f/kU3fdPzcKX48eg3bAPLM--0--0fwww.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding The two began meeting regularly for long horseback rides, with the father's permission. He had also realized that Neo was a man of ambition and power, and he sensed an opportunity to gain influence through his daughter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2e1685be-6249-450a-8b81-4c566db455dc/DsjY3VObhDOcnKUNF3Mk--0--hbp3s.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding It wasn't long before a marriage was arranged. But knowing Neo, it would be a special one. He wanted to strengthen the ties between his people and the people of the desert and Palenque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7070a972-08d4-4d19-b80d-19a26f4daae0/7W8oRP5IcC5SLSiFoZwe--0--dks42_2x-clty-upscale-ncmuo.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding And so, his marshals were gently persuaded to choose a bride and marry on the same day as Neo. This would not only strengthen the bond with the local peoples but also between Neo and his marshals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e7b9caf9-7725-44fb-8581-3b3931a2b39d/dgUWbs5NSaDaeX3qtFp2--0--4rz7m_2x-clty-upscale-empgt.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding There was plenty of choice for brides, and their fathers, like Zguzja sheiks with a small entourage, readily agreed to Neo's proposal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8535e7f8-f1d7-4578-9737-86beebfd89d3/C1gBdlXWYTblQK4gzv08--0--mj7wh_2x-clty-upscale-c4j8x.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding A wedding of epic proportions was bound to draw a crowd, and it certainly did. People came from far and wide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/89923d46-e73b-4f1e-976a-1d6dca3c4e60/NdkIskfuZE5KwVD2fIqw--0--vi0kg_2x-clty-upscale-yvsmt.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding Among them were many young women who hoped to somehow manage to land a general or a higher-ranking officer. Which they were guaranteed to do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5a3f6c3b-5dd4-406c-98e9-14e3d3a3b376/ALUEV3FUFA6BhOtjzw6v--0--v3yuy_2x-clty-upscale-0pysn.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding The wedding vows and ceremony took place in five different tents. Even then, a large crowd had to watch the wedding from a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8220570a-1352-44c5-a8dc-e52022fd531a/LCP4ISOFqUfo3WHwpzcO--0--0b5gy_2x-clty-upscale-i961f.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXII - An Arabian Wedding But once the festivities began, everyone was welcome. There was dancing, eating, and drinking well into the night. And the wedding itself would provide food for stories for years to come. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/a-mishmash monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4f0c2a54-6268-4654-a8a9-d3dec76285bf/7CdmRmpKf76kKWlBhern--0--yogz1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/640b384b-9e2e-4544-8bbb-c07db18b04ff/bKgqgUL7g9PBnYliXhiZ--0--w555i.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/496649ab-97a8-463e-92e4-4ebfa9a45292/cHyhjyMFCalFxCUjpM0y--0--qmd28.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash After the wedding, the camp was increasingly visited by local people. More and more contacts were made, relationships were started, marriages were performed, customs and clothing were exchanged, and such a melting pot of cultures and outfits emerged that it was beautiful to behold, but difficult to call it an army anymore. But for Neo's soldiers, it was a happy time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cb9718b1-463e-4268-86f4-f2bd97a1689c/iqTJ1BJ0Wh8ewSnHyrLr--0--a5z0t.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/03aca102-ee75-473f-adaa-965904c90596/niGKSlXvXatp7OnFs29Z--0--xikrw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/739b4e08-f007-41af-9eb6-23b432ba736d/orhzZHqTTfmyMfsA7NeB--0--rev0h.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/001ac145-cdb9-4561-8b17-d5d6496ab688/pndNe6mqmuX9cDjgYdxh--0--kn1zu.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/38bf3592-8e1a-4074-9680-e9965e1e62cb/TSNidj2kXOyGcJazycD0--0--h0ivn.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cb61cfdf-0888-4fc4-ad46-22223b39f366/TwnXhtY6ceS5fMdVBrHa--0--xffub.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/981cdfda-f172-49c8-9cc8-a06c64812bc9/YQJBxoJ1M6BNlaoP55Sk--0--1u4qm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIII - A Mishmash https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/neo-the-great monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/27a9bf2a-6632-42c6-9dc4-8564378f1207/MoiBFAOA1K7slGlIJOPa--0--pe3nz_1.5x-clty-upscale-cq6oe.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great Neo and Rokhshan spent their honeymoon mainly on horseback. They usually left early in the morning to cover as much distance as possible and meet as many tribes as possible, following their pseudo-royal status. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ad86d0a-b34c-49ef-be6b-5e6fd5800cfc/htqzgGKATlTKrdL6CarI--0--psz1m.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great They usually returned late at night for a simple meal and those things a gentleman never talks about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/340da1b3-8cae-46cc-8ca8-7f1deafdfecb/cwK3VD97AjXdsH820B39-fAZC_-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-8zg8e.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great Everywhere there was a rush to meet and touch Neo the Great, as people now called him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5a024300-eea3-4e30-a844-2c673cfb3f57/6AbxBR77sE6OdUek6HyA-cf4AN-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-4ec47.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great Eventually, the spontaneous nature of the visits faded, and the whole thing became obligatory. The crowds also grew larger and larger, and at some point, Rokhshan had had enough. It was the last time she accompanied Neo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a48ac46c-53e0-4448-ba56-8061fa798355/3AuBXWX5fI8KyYqCRcHw--0--h5tx0_1.5x-clty-upscale-szrk9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great Neo, however, felt obliged to continue responding to requests to visit local tribes. Now, however, he was traveling alone and had plenty of time to think. And how long can a man be told he's the greatest before he starts to believe it himself? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b104dfeb-840e-46e1-a671-042445cca334/rxr0fAn4YerX7iEe6hE6--0--kjbb0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great Neo's outfits also began to change. While they initially consisted of simple robes, they increasingly began to exude a regal air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a6c24290-4b2c-4fac-a2a6-bd66a4a608c1/k1TTlRA6v8NDjOcqfEYZ--0--596wq_1.5x-clty-upscale-2b4u0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great And then one day Neo took a decision. He had enough of staying put and decided it was time to leave. He was hungry again for conquest and victories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a8f46b0c-c3b7-4c9e-a7eb-b774ab5d679b/54vFi2Mu27RBy0xgle3l--0--y91rr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIV - Neo the Great Meanwhile, far away, news of Neo's wedding had broken. And that news had been too much for a broken heart. Josy's remains were found a few days after the news broke in her dilapidated apartment. There was no suicide note, but inconsolable grief was written all over her face. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-long-march monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3704deb7-24c7-415c-a4e3-00b6d861a538/vr4e6HHuV6jspGiuhXiz--0--2opfq_2x-clty-upscale-ncpfh.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March That very night the news spread: The Big Man had issued another marching order. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/96b06b23-966f-4ae9-812d-f5fc76aac19f/07kNGJUPmS6mPHyukwfM--0--1kfyp_2x-clty-upscale-wmc88.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March But not everyone was satisfied with that. They no longer wanted to search for unknown and forgotten lands, with all the dangers that entailed. They wanted to stay or return home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7b985262-2eea-45df-b92f-b1c4aca34cda/AFrAd6JhBtdjNYmhfEgQ--0--h1jp1_2x-clty-upscale-ac660.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March Neo then decided that those who wanted to return to Opal could do so. He was very reluctant, but he feared that otherwise mutiny would break out. Staying put wasn't an option because the local population would be overburdened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b33d18f5-8a3d-4dbf-88f6-7f4371bcf64d/U50OlSZLp4L9LT7rXmWD--0--8101k_2x-clty-upscale-057au.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March The news then spread and preparations were made to retreat to Opal via Neopolis now ruled by Bernadotte. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8c262187-d22d-4c27-a983-81ed7472b92f/vIsb4P2BSh1gl2dhbJPB--0--esxne.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March The marshals had decided to go with Neo, once again seeking fame, fortune, and perhaps even a kingdom of their own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ae480182-369c-4c07-a303-d81397be015d/bRN9gt12BexUvrEBDWvP--0--s1m11.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March Local warlords also signed up to join Neo's army from that perspective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a144c0f4-475b-4a47-8050-2f05d057008a/72dS59I17gbhACNEsScR--0--9pcny_2x-clty-upscale-bath2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March And so the largest army ever seen on this continent set out on a long journey through the desert into the unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/66655ea1-c697-49ba-81c7-f50509ca03d3/kkG8yT65Ewsj9TNVRWYi--0--ogsfv_2x-clty-upscale-duymp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXV - The Long March Even though Neo had lost several thousand soldiers in their retreat home, the army remained an impressive snake that moved slowly and windingly across the landscape. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/40-days monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a15f0531-4faa-4e15-81a7-e667f5322be2/4ZTaVo0nxh8eGCv505dw--0--dqz4j.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days In the end it would prove to take 40 days to cross the desert. And in the beginning all was well. The army paraded for Neo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5e7553da-361d-4218-bb19-9e5215b289c4/4ZTaVo0nxh8eGCv505dw--0--q7vr4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days He rode with them and talked with them, and saw that everything was good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/57b0665e-257a-4dbb-adb1-c14bcbbf0154/4ZTaVo0nxh8eGCv505dw--0--83how.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days Neo was glad he had taken the decision to go on the road again. And from what he heard morale among the troops was high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b677686f-35fe-42a8-ad6c-f4bee6a9d33e/A8AQqLZdCc1qRJuDQrpJ--0--2b6oy.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days It only took one weak to change that. The heat and the bloody sand exhausted the men and the horses, and discipline was the first thing that disappeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a2e5b8dc-947b-4919-998a-0640b4c41ca8/kMfMII5QyUCjDOpG2ttb--0--o6jh5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days The men no longer walked in straight lines and clothing deviated more and more from the classical uniform, just to be able to adapt to the heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e9225b35-f68c-4e7e-875f-48e9442dfbe6/gsy5TVteKgl756irsRaa--0--60hl1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days Soldiers no longer marched but stumbled through the sand, looking at infinity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a60ae3f6-970f-432e-a940-4e1e2131d359/yuwy7vFXmrgXICXcZa5y--0--bxn5z.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days In the second week horses gave up and had to be killed and left behind. But Neo was everywhere to encourage his men, to consolidate them, and give the example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0ee82ff2-0f7c-4e89-b5c2-0e1f436e6acf/NSgtL42NGGf4ODPmTMpl--0--ep82d.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days When soldiers could no longer put up with the tempo, he drove back on his horse and praised them for their perseverance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/796f220d-787c-44c1-bb1a-3acd95ebbbae/7eAyn6CUvx6ROhYuyEKB--0--15266.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days But even that could not prevent the first men from giving up in the third week. And their comrades had no longer the courage to pick them up or wait for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/05a16335-9f41-47e5-8a56-62a18ad5b64f/VW657ggly19XooGXXzba--0--y92ah.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days Other soldiers that still had it in them, passed soldiers who didn't. Without a word. There was nothing left to say. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/abde15c0-7ae2-45cf-8734-6e2096371ba6/GcbeGnosQzNnUs30orA2--0--gpl3n.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days And the numbers increased from individuals to small groups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/43f21825-f8be-4aaa-8769-df08cba76fa3/d5nfkTMJrNlgvvHMMDOY--0--0gr79.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVI - 40 Days Until in the end there was a trail of man who had given up or who had just plainly died. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/death-toll monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dfe8b83b-9ce2-4caf-9332-5c58eea11c93/OEadItdTtcK1pQwJol09--0--gtzpl.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVII - Death Toll 15 thousand men died in the desert of thirst, sunstrokes and exhaustion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a1cdbc09-8180-47fc-bde1-ad104e4bfee7/l4PBFwdcC4WN9lPKjLKy--0--knmc5_1.5x-clty-upscale-ans0z.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVII - Death Toll With the 5 thousand men that had already left back home to Opal, only 30 thousand men remained of the original fifty thousand.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a356cba-5488-4f70-b7fd-c50aaf1a4f97/4pKAHeAW3NWBgvjP1qQX--0--p1awq_1.5x-clty-upscale-xdicd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVII - Death Toll Of the 5 thousand horses, 1.500 died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f87126ec-00b3-4ef0-9fe3-c2e8a363e03a/XFw0nZJL4VaheYt9civU--0--448p9_1.5x-clty-upscale-7u2uw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVII - Death Toll Which crippled the cavalry and was the final blow to moral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b50b3d0e-a381-4499-bd65-20824c6a8cb2/6p1RJK4XWJ5OJAgZQIOr--0--ey4gw_2x-clty-upscale-1ztax.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVII - Death Toll The worst affected were the triceratops. Animals that were huge and heavy and needed lots of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fb749ec3-8002-43e1-bf30-991039a5a712/XkjuwEceRfREqDtzryV5--0--11gtb_2x-clty-upscale-gsn2g.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVII - Death Toll The few drops of water they found here and there were not sufficient. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b9f88c5e-2bc0-465b-85a4-00e26909a553/mCtOAf2FScbOhzpEoCEO--0--59dl7_2x-clty-upscale-pnedp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVII - Death Toll And soon they all died, spread out over the cracked desert soil. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-fourth-coalition monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c838795b-c2b5-4840-8888-751a8504019e/sNG3uXbP7cTENwuH1Tg9--0--jwvo2_1.5x-clty-upscale-i8m3z.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition And the bad news would not stop there. MacDonald had been on a reconnaissance ride and had seen a large army approaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0481e742-3351-4051-afd4-6ffc581e1dc1/B7J0oUlqmoVl4c8VgffE--0--i8hyn_2x-clty-upscale-4cg6w.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition He was talking of 250.000 soldiers marching in line as far as one could see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9875327d-6bc0-402b-9067-ea40406dc60c/AmoYOAIPUboxe3G49oHr--0--up0ae.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition In front of them were two distinguished persons: one was the Achaemenid king Xšaya-ṛšā of the River Lands, with his personal body guard of 2.500 men. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0323bafb-0e2f-4477-adb4-d325e3ff4bf6/6hLb6NXrwsFBlRb472Xj--0--ws9qz_1.5x-clty-upscale-p5mn9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition And the second one was Asterion II, marching in front of a large group of armed infantry. MacDonald's estimate was that they were at a two day's march. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5eff99d9-a661-459e-945c-5256c22bc35a/N9SwIAe1T2fDkwz2zCKf--0--b722u.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition Neo immediately started looking for a place with a tactical advantage, since he only had thirty thousand men against the 250 thousand of the coalition. At a few kilometers ahead he found a mountain ridge with a canyon. "This is were we will meet them." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fae78502-0c53-456d-a9ab-c142097607a0/LNRfDKztWUNDLnoWHINa--0--9fp0a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition Neo summoned his marshals in smaller groups. The first four were assigned to control the canyon. "You need to close off both entrances. Then I want you to work out a system like from a butter churn where you let controllable groups enter, then close the entrance, kill the enemy from both sides and open the canyon again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3a7944f-bc9a-4cab-9b29-8cee81f1a5f8/YlIq3FuCF8hzPdypw7To--0--c2zzu.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition Next he had to wait some time for Traum to fill him in on the plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/13a33003-53c5-4ba3-a8a1-31562d99c529/3pXYR77cOGaZwyHXNVDY--0--dv3y6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition Finally he arrived, which prompted Neo the remark: "Ha, there you are....finally." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/25db50f0-d6b2-4c29-8ce4-f4c40d31d891/kCXXokbDmR7kbGewifn8--0--vr3vb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition He then took him apart: "I want your horses to wait up here. Do not intervene in the battles. You will trample our men, and you will be vulnerable. At a given moment the enemy will panic over their losses and run. That is when you come in. You chase the fleeing Achaemenides and kill as much of them as possible." "OK, I will hold my men, but don't stop us when the moment is there that I will let them loose." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/db979459-cb67-46a6-9390-cae35ce72c67/ePzv3duKkIjijtaMw60A--0--39rq7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition Mecenas and Eau d'Auger were assigned to the center of the canyon and send their troops to whatever side needed them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aa47f244-5017-4c20-a2dc-fe63b59f18be/k5pYrbkJo5VZnsPacU4d--0--upjzp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXVIII - The Fourth Coalition de Dieu and Lesire would take their troops to both tops of the canyon preventing enemy troops from attacking Neo's army from above. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/a-plan-comes-together monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fb033f85-15a4-438d-b104-a8acd3ea4711/JTolT4PNzbbt5YfUoAT8--0--g2jer.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together After two days the Achaemenid army of the River Lands arrived. Their large numbers hindered them in entering the canyon, and so a "traffic jam" occurred when the Achaemenid army had to wring themselves to the canyon where they were awaited by Neo's army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b1800b97-0006-4f51-b3ab-d65e4af4cc25/hmC3sBwGcdxtJeVMQ3yQ--0--n5ziw_1.5x-clty-upscale-b04y8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together At first the Achaemenid men were allowed to enter the canyon, as planned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a5673b7-3132-472e-8dc7-8c2764fb6412/BDTdOigEUMC4679W2CZR--0--kv18j_1.5x-clty-upscale-2r7v5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together But then the churn started turning and Neo's men closed of the canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3342a14e-ba16-40f5-be59-4a7ed686b180/qsBrcmBZAyumXgk6VnNk--0--vrijv_1.5x-clty-upscale-f4q6g.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together Most of the time the Achaemenid soldiers were killed on the spot. Sometimes they had to be pushed to the exit of the canyon where other men of Neo's army awaited them to finish them off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fef5f920-88ed-4158-aff1-bf2a83436fb0/jOSK1oVWCHCzZ2QbKdU7--0--koefo_1.5x-clty-upscale-bg240.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together The battle lasted for two days. At the end of the second day the bodies at the exit of the canyon where so numerous that those at the side were pushed so hard against the wall that they were looking as if they were standing guard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/be3b772c-e887-47e5-bcb9-99472e032b8e/QogOGww17pbTYOxgheVB--0--sz54a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together At the entrance the view was not that different. Thousands of dead Achaemenid soldiers were lying on the ground. At the end of the conflict soldiers had to crawl over the bodies to be able to fight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/19aebb88-d8ce-4d55-9973-8b99efe6d93c/YI55aQw37oSmisnfaZdP-OYCZN-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-77kos.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together In the end the Achaemenid men of the River Lands had enough. Shocked by the perseverance of Neo's men and the high number of casualties they ignored the orders from their officers and fled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/02959609-c4f9-4894-9be7-ec5b86f81776/KFNXgeiUxG1a9prTqsl2-HNZ1n-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-m119b.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together Seeing this, their king Xšaya-ṛšā also turned around and rushed his horse to get out of the inferno. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c9529f20-cadd-4146-90da-8092263e81cc/vtWrzlztHegD5p8tITEr--0--laims_1.5x-clty-upscale-vwqmp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together Just as Neo predicted the time for Murat had come and he had but one order when the horses stormed out: "Kill! Kill! Kill!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8b905892-0e47-49d4-970e-90d4549dc1c0/FzlNDMopKEls5J6aRCm2--0--bef5h_1.5x-clty-upscale-6sm4f.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXX - When A Plan Comes Together When later somebody asked what happened to Asterion II people had seen him while he was sitting upright with a breast wound, snot running out his nose and spitting out pieces of his broken luck. A few hours later however his body had disappeared. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/neon-marshals monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a6c24290-4b2c-4fac-a2a6-bd66a4a608c1/k1TTlRA6v8NDjOcqfEYZ--0--596wq_1.5x-clty-upscale-2b4u0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Apart from Bernadotte, who was made satrap of Neopolis, Neo took 10 marshals with him on his campaign. This is an overview. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f4645231-7fdf-453c-911c-41875a80e6f6/50jp470l2NJX0ARkYiui--0--1edid.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Louis Berthus was a military commander who served as chief of staff to Neo. The operational efficiency of Neo's army owed much to his considerable administrative and organizational skills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c6f59115-7433-4dab-916a-8e534585b5c1/iuwWMyNNFMvqZ3TGvGxL--0--kw56c.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Alexander MacDonald, was a Marshal of the Empire and military leader under Neo. While not as famous as the other marshals, he was nonetheless a first-rate and successful general https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/11859a4a-6e5a-4872-b2ee-dd64c406078b/k5KOT4U5OhXRKDuJxUqE--0--fujzs.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Bon-Adrien de Monnaie, was a military officer and a prominent commander in Neo's army and later a Marshal of the Empire. He led the army when crossing the mountains against the Third Coalition, surmounting all the difficulties of bringing horses and triceratops over the formidable passes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b32f6eb7-57e4-45e4-a586-be8e13c85359/lFAhKZTNYOrKT3463doQ--0--mskmq.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Michel Noh was named one of the original 18 Marshals of the Empire. He played an instrumental role during Neo's subsequent campaigns and was lauded as "the bravest of the brave" by Neo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/37293a9f-0345-4cb1-afab-758ca8e9bfaf/mb8Yh6nhWvUCDAcYij0K--0--7v07p.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Nicolas de Reggio was a general of Neo who was known to have been wounded 34 times in battle, being hit by artillery shells, sabres, and at least twelve bullets over the course of his military career. As Marshal of the Empire, he was best known for his contributions to the famous rifle division. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c63d77f6-6b5a-49be-b4fe-e6fa46be725e/RFId6ebMcqFxJfLa2LbQ--0--9gwcz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Jean de Dieu was a general and statesman. He was a Marshal of the Empire, and served three times as President of the Council of Ministers later in his life. de Dieu is referred to as one of the outstanding military commanders of the modern era. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/94813923-06fe-4445-ba21-300c049fd786/rNQpFxduBAzVoIJ8EO4L--0--e79ow.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals François d'Eau d'Auger was entrusted by Neo with important commands. Neo wrote of him that he "has plenty of character, courage, firmness, activity; is inured to war; is well liked by the soldiery; is fortunate in his operations". Eau d'Auger is generally counted as one of the most capable generals of Neo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7423e477-7e15-4948-9d34-33a246e996f4/Veo2HU1arjNX2CTnS4ec--0--u3qxe.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Joachim Traum, was the leader of the cavalry in Neo's army. He was a flamboyant soldier whose temperament often got the better of him. Neo granted him the title of "First Horseman of the Empire" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dac8f577-db9b-46f2-bc06-952aa040260e/VpDaqJeQXlCVTUXvKZpt--0--6ps1u.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals Lesire was a military leader who was regarded by Neo as his finest general in defensive warfare https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a68c92bb-3312-4194-9680-e6c768013683/zbolxZrWJQlmLnWhqCMk--0--tfmc8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXIX - Neo's Marshals André Mecenas was a military commander and one of the original eighteen Marshals of the Empire created by Neo, who nicknamed him "the dear child of victory". He was considered to be one of the greatest generals of his time. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-fifth-coaltion monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c8d98a3-afb6-4768-b087-d98325052880/h3DrqT4fMb750LfbD1tM--0--jqiez_1.5x-clty-upscale-etfox.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXI - The Fifth Coalition Only one week later news spread that king Xšaya-ṛšā had died out of shame for his flight and was succeeded by a far nephew of his: Artašiyāta. Soon it was also confirmed that Asterion II did not die but formed an alliance with this new king. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7987a75e-7be1-44d8-8abd-4763e33eab83/RCyNESkaw4qQqq8bcpii-iu1ve-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXI - The Fifth Coalition Neo knew that this time there was no hiding or trickery. It would be a full frontal battle. So he turned to de Reggio to use his rifle division at full power right from the start. He also advised to wear the official uniforms to prevent soldiers being killed by friendly fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3ba63e09-fad7-449d-a535-ec4a6660b90d/EI9iZGmFfMugIBQhEJsf-TdZxx-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXI - The Fifth Coalition Rifles at that time were brand new and still not considered the honorable way to wage war. But as Neo said: "All is fair in love a war." And since the Achaemenides were not acquainted with guns, this could be an advantage that might win the battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/49d694ea-d0c3-4f70-a2cd-50d27c077157/LUvuQliPZ7L64AtEKZh0-BJZjk-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-bpp7h.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXI - The Fifth Coalition Soon it became clear which destruction the use of rifles meant. At the first contact the Achaemenides were baffled, and Neo's men felt as if they were standing in a shooting gallery. The Achaemenides just stood there and fell down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e7cb25bb-b9c3-4268-aba2-7715028ff3b2/MUXIOtZt3NYZD8w1tkZ5--0--ivk71_1.5x-clty-upscale-hldkl.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXI - The Fifth Coalition But even after their first perplexity they could not make a fist because the guns just kept shooting and keeping them at a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/508949c7-5de7-44ab-9bbf-d05b554107a5/ild0bgqJ10pkfjg9ME2x--0--fcx0c.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXI - The Fifth Coalition Even the cavalry could not get through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/624f5ff7-d2f6-4224-a274-e8b27e29504e/s0OPhhrQcvV944hA3FZE--0--r4hf8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXI - The Fifth Coalition And the cost of animal and soldier lives was extremely high at the Achaemenid side. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-end-of-a-realm monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/15cb2551-3f57-4a14-ba20-ba9563f7024e/cX6x4M16tEMJ1YC1tB5e-Zr2ue-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-lr3nh.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm For a second time in a row the massive army of the Achaemenides was on the run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8ec9410d-9b42-4f97-a1ce-fe5f8b1039c6/vVoIrBtWbPp6nZKhKfDB--0--0as8o_1.5x-clty-upscale-w65l8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm Some of them managed to resist by grabbing the guns of fallen soldiers but it was too little too late. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/66b136ad-f882-4e6d-a841-26c4c3df86a2/xcxr5vgGBoQL23dyc2ZY--0--y8qvm_1.5x-clty-upscale-i7bgx.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm And those who did not flee were killed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d04103a2-3339-406b-9d9e-97423d3bdc11/TeVjA9IACWX3R6V4pAe0--0--5g0j6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm Artašiyāta did not have any solutions and even lost a horse pulling his chariot. In the end he had to run from his own soldiers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6f1b6f22-7982-4446-88cc-013d2b06606b/lNG9lTkPM4nJaHTspOrX--0--949hk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm Asterion II was less lucky and got captured and killed by the Achaemenides, leaving his body hanging from a tree, for all to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/164b76f7-4e93-4937-acec-4c7f50d6714f/hnTPrpCKtHN2ENJb161x--0--uyv9d.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm Neo knew that he had to chase his opponent to the end of the world if he had to, and end this war for once and for all. So he ordered his army into the Fiery Lands where Artašiyāta was last sighted, despite the warnings from Pakal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8555bc20-af42-47c9-b6ea-87a56e3c86cc/80VMP2VTPPumOaCWFJnq--0--pebim.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm When they found Artašiyāta he had been killed by his own soldiers and hung out for all to see as the ultimate humiliation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/82034f73-39ea-4aa6-a810-11d9d5d4b215/nhDNzpPgm2bw28roRaD3--0--yxy9n.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXII - The End of a Realm Neo had his body cut down and wept bitter tears for a king and general to suffer such a cruel fate. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-sixth-coalition monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c43afb9a-e13a-40b6-9047-a99b5eb12908/9ibB96KzU6353z0pGFnU--0--4e0u8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition With the end of the Achaemenid empire Neo decided to get out of the Fiery Lands as quickly as possible. But when they passed the Mahājanapadas it appeared that the 16 Maharajas had planned a surprise attack on Neo during his retreat and take the leadership of the River Lands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/741d3a3a-a157-4aac-81cd-7adb7f23315a/fbozaLC4qTI4rXc7VOgV--0--5vvff.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition The foot soldiers were afraid of the elephants the Maharajas used and the horses did not dare to approach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/83e78f7a-2623-447a-b7f2-abb4de7ae483/PeVsvkYo9UZWO8qcbdcf--0--p63c3.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition And if fighting is not an option, you just run. And that is what Neo decided. Beat the sixth coalition by running away from it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d363e2b9-1d23-4402-a6fc-8105e65b5f2f/BfUQB3YFkMsn9qYVrIpn--0--s8x5w.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition Sometimes it feels good to be on the good site. And when Neo and his army entered Urum they were celebrated as liberators after the death of Artašiyāta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e4e704cf-8813-40c5-bb28-10d3f21327c7/Fhab4fS339jGjw8uy4xN--0--i7fno.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition And when they arrived in Babylon they were almost treated like demigods. People were everywhere cheering the soldiers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/db3ae9f3-a4dc-467b-8ade-98a1affafd3c/AF7FeyFMX3fxDoInV9Tx--0--qbdnd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition When Neo settled himself in the royal palace a long-awaited meeting took place. His aide-de-camp had finally arrived. Without any further explanation he handed an envelope to Neo, with the announcement that he had bad news: Josy had committed suicide after the news of Neo's wedding. And the letter was the last one she wrote to him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aa907eac-0fae-44d7-9022-000ce11b0d36/yvYWPQ89Bcc8mxhlwsWy--0--juski.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition When Neo read the letter and the deep sorrow it oozed, next to the sad news that Hippolyte was just a friend who entertained her and they never had been lovers.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ea14323e-abc1-4de5-8c3c-a38245ee02db/jfSWozoiDQPDkr2qFFcb--0--dlxs9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIII - The Sixth Coalition ...Neo sank to his knees and started crying violently, cursing his fate and the gods. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-seventh-coalition-3j2ja monthly 0.5 2025-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01e1c1f6-3e09-48d7-8aea-b97174ce1978/oVYZo8mX2jpfwyYAxOo7--0--py7p2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition The following days Neo stayed in bed, feverish, weak and delirious. Hippolyte brought him wine to help him sleep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ac384f5-c598-4dea-8358-32aca07556cd/tqx5si1WbVHDwxw15tA8--0--6sd1r.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition But the wine did not help to forget, so Neo asked for more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cd98b134-9de3-4448-a7fb-dcfddfe7304a/oVYZo8mX2jpfwyYAxOo7--0--ug4bb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition And Hippolyte provided. Eagerly. Hours before his death Neo had a moment of clarity and when Hippolyte came to see how he was Neo grabbed him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a41fc7a4-7107-4049-8592-5e7e924f4edb/oVYZo8mX2jpfwyYAxOo7--0--gkogz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition "Who told you to poison me? Or was it your idea , for Josy?" "No, you couldn't be more wrong." "Who was it then? General Leclerq?" "No." "Tell me...I need to know" "It was Liberty. She married with Bernadotte to build a new empire and they wanted you out of the way." "Aaah, the empire. The army, who will lead them now...", and Neo drew his last breath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f415b5ed-0ff0-465a-adbd-7394156333b5/EzpRWlgFSHdsLDYRPTDV--0--97ds4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition The marshals were informed that Neo had died. Eight of them gathered around his body to pay their last respects. It would be up to them to arrange the funeral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/195c31af-cdee-4899-a10b-091b8cbeb468/wyT5NxenUr5I0ZYiDDH7--0--fkdig.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition Hippolyte on the other hand, decided to play it safe. He grabbed a soldier's uniform somewhere and a horse, and got the hell out of Babylon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aa6b4daa-2a18-457c-af39-cc071ccb2ec4/sHM6VipVmh1h4Ifx2k1r--0--qp3ea_1.5x-clty-upscale-fm3jo.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition There were three funeral processions: one for the soldiers and the camp followers: wives, children, and other relatives of soldiers; cooks, washerwomen, seamstresses, and nurses to keep the soldiers fed, clothed, and healthy; sutlers who followed the army to sell goods like food, liquor, and other supplies to soldiers for a profit; and nurses and sometimes physicians who helped care for the sick and wounded, providing a crucial service that was often lacking within the army itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/de9366ce-e3e8-4c09-a7ab-96e984128477/nl77ijoXb51492wKbccV--0--olecw_1.5x-clty-upscale-mrv3a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition The second procession was for the admirals. They were close to him and had risked their lives for him. He was one of the brothers in arms. And he was their lighting example. Traum and MacDonald were missing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aad2eb70-4d90-40f0-8802-0c388baf67a0/REiOTwsmDzkZIhnr69d7--0--3dn1l_1.5x-clty-upscale-s87co.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIV - The Seventh Coalition And the final procession was to bring the body and the golden coffin to the temple where it would be lying until it was decided where Neo would be buried. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/hell-hath-no-greater-fury monthly 0.5 2025-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/901763b3-b328-4b90-8f0f-72b385e6ac06/tn6kR25EASdchm7SLngA--0--uim9g_2x-clty-upscale-muy8d.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury Since Rokhshan travelled with the camp followers she arrived at Babylon a few days after the funeral. She knew that Neo had passed away and that his funeral was over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e0aa46fe-b6d7-4fe1-8d30-6824e113457a/EedVZaqEMxAZ48UuhqTf--0--p8yjr_2x-clty-upscale-fl5c5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury When she arrived at the temple with Neo's crypt, she was shocked by the state of the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e089214e-80ec-41a0-a248-c66a4fbc26a1/jqISx5L8iW78QkdaE46l--0--x5x3h_2x-clty-upscale-ld4ws.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury "So this is where they want to hide you from history " https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ab4d2691-4c5d-4896-9a60-bac942809cf0/q1creTCZxcYNxOXistEc--0--p2rym_2x-clty-upscale-fs9ep.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury "Do not worry, my love, I won't let the world forget about you. Not now, not ever." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/84979e15-cd49-4411-99c1-ab94d374c7a8/fFx1CvvdYFa9dsfGjOK7--0--9aux8_2x-clty-upscale-lhjn0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury Rokhshan arrived at a hall with a black door, that was hardly visible, as if someone wanted to hide it. She knew that Neo would be there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d83b09e1-9e66-4252-80a5-81693cf45497/K3029EJ3c7b4KZfhYmPQ--0--wou0z_2x-clty-upscale-2kxno.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury "Why did you leave me? Why now? Today should have been such a joyful day. Who will be joyful with me now, now that I am with child. Our child will be in danger even before it is born." "But I will be driven by your strength. I must be strong as of now. And step in your footsteps." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9e4b927f-90f8-4ef4-8a87-83176449b4d9/pRst05KreCnxDx1wuNxv--0--l75vw_1.5x-clty-upscale-hzozr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury When Rokhshan had wept her last tears she searched for a small corner to change her outfit. No more black. Nobody would shift her aside as the mourning widow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d33ad2e6-a28c-470d-8716-f5b16b003297/fwIJ7QR5bejBayZRyKRp--0--735ot_1.5x-clty-upscale-hwwhd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury Outside the crypt, Rokhshan's ladies-in-waiting had gathered to comfort their mistress. "I want only one thing from you.....I want to know who poisoned my husband. Because that is what happened." But nobody responded. "Nobody? Then I will have to look elsewhere." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a52b7aac-3ba9-4832-94aa-63c9869794cd/iUceVGsg1kfz3bNodnjL--0--fe24s_2x-clty-upscale-gdrv9_1.5x-clty-upscale-yw8m3.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury Her own nephews who formed her personal bodyguard could not help her either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/57ab9318-dcc4-4804-95e5-3be5e66736f6/u9Fx5eJT09xXLgRATwcD--0--9326k_2x-clty-upscale-ozmhd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury So Rokhshan went to the bodyguards of Neo, with the same question, but without any answer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/95ca480b-f549-4695-a7b2-fc03136ef75d/X4KYNwYl8Cbs34F4MhgO--0--bv3jd_2x-clty-upscale-va1k5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury Finally, Rokhshan turned to the wives of Neo's marshals. "I want to know who poisoned my husband. At least one of you has to know. So nobody leaves until I have my answer. And if there has to be blood, there will be blood." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/010f9322-3298-4dc2-94a0-ed3ecbd47021/6EE7Wg1gG8iDs7OilpaK--0--wcxfr_2x-clty-upscale-d8vpf.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXV - Hell Hath no Greater Fury Silence. "OK, let's have it the children's way. I will turn my back to you, and if anyone knows, they can tell me. I will never know who told me." And so Rokhshan turned her back. There was a moment of silence, and then somebody spoke: "It was Hippolyte. He has poisoned Neo on the instructions of Liberty. She has been married to Bernadotte and now they rule as kings." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-matriarch monthly 0.5 2025-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0b27ff8c-fa90-4b78-b5ed-4a301156028b/CGLSwBoTEq8ZeKdUmv1a--0--zlv1c.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch The following day Noh, de Reggio, de Dieu and Mecenas were sitting around the table, led by de Monnaie. They had been appointed by the others to divide the map of all the occupied land and the army amongst the 10 marshals, in a way that would support a long-time peace amongst Neo's finest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/917fd093-7055-4d23-ab58-5b93e9f61b86/CGLSwBoTEq8ZeKdUmv1a--0--pep56_1.5x-clty-upscale-2syzj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch What they hadn't taken into account was Rokhshan walking into their meeting. "Gentlemen, you can put your plans aside. I am here to tell you that I am pregnant, and that changes everything." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d762a55f-424c-48e2-bc2b-635418e03af9/CGLSwBoTEq8ZeKdUmv1a--0--awl0e.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch "I will take the lead of Neo's army as the mother of his descendant, and return to Opal to dethrone Liberty and Bernadotte." "But, but...you're a woman." "What an attentiveness, Noh. Who do you think the army will follow?" "You marshals and being split all over the place?" "Or me, and remain one army, Neo's army to see his descendant take over the power in Opal." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9d076134-72cb-427f-8c9a-573522c412a8/CGLSwBoTEq8ZeKdUmv1a--0--awfj5_1.5x-clty-upscale-xte7y.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch "You can each take 1500 man with you, that is if you can find that many soldiers who will join you, and a satrapie at choice, but I wlll take the rest of the army." "And no, you cannot join me. None of you could prevent my husband from being murdered....so what use are you to me? You have until tomorrow morning to do the maths....my guards will see to it that you do." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ae143083-b640-43c1-a596-06393730be0d/QpRWxxLLDQYRxUa5CxrR--0--dnp40_1.5x-clty-upscale-dt6vn_1.5x-clty-upscale-4c9ia.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch After that meeting Rokshan went to a balcony that bordered at a large square where the troops had been gathered by some loyal officers. "Soldiers of Neo, I have come here to mourn with you over our great leader, who has been viscously and cowardly murdered. And I have come to tell you that as of now I will not rest until we have captured and executed the people responsible for this vile murder.' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/423c970b-7b41-454f-876c-e52345ab3bf2/1oZZkCTTS3SJSR0fjvb8--0--qo9py_1.5x-clty-upscale-7rds2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch But I have also come here to share some joyous news with you...I have most recently discovered that I am with child, a child from Neo. And I have come to ask you to help me build a great future for this unborn child, a child that is just like its father destined for greatness. Do you want to be part of that? Will you join me back to Opal and take what is ours. Take what belongs rightfully to Neo's child?"" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dea685d0-979d-431c-b5ff-e9adbcc723cd/S1lPfGalwdnJI6Luv1Xe--0--ulz7k_1.5x-clty-upscale-7cook.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch "Will you be my army. Will you follow me?" The crowd just went mad. They kept cheering Neo's name, and stamped with their feet on the ground. Rokhshan's gamble had paid off, now she had to stay in control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4f1e1da6-3f7d-4620-8555-2890cae4f63f/Xxupwe7hcLicovBNhTot--0--fiakm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch The next morning the five marshals had reached an agreement over who would get which satrapie and decided to call in the other marshals. When the first arrived and heard about the stunt Rokhshan had pulled, they were furious and accused the other five of treachery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8cfc8603-0c14-48a2-b8cd-614dd21a6fa7/n8DU1DBtKs8HwL9UO8uA--0--jdscs.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch "Treachery? Treachery you say? And where were you yesterday when Rokhshan stole our army? Where were you to stop her? We have been seriously outplayed, and we must suffer the consequences and get as best a deal as we can get." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f1233aa3-3f38-4c33-9aee-c5dcb6577a2e/n8DU1DBtKs8HwL9UO8uA--0--y17d6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVI - The Matriarch "And where the hell is Joachim? He should have been here yesterday. He might have countered her. He is the most popular of us...not that it would have done much good. But I have so had it with him." At that moment Lesire walked in: "Joachim and MacDonald have gone." "What do you mean....gone." "They have taken a few hundred of their soldiers and disappeared into the desert." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/renegades monthly 0.5 2025-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b72c88a0-e09d-4097-92dc-3584123fe193/Ds1ASIeJ9KmTk4yFadkL--0--h1ltf_1.5x-clty-upscale-k3jfi.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades The day after Rokhshan discovered that Neo was poisoned, she had an early meeting outside the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8ab4e316-a187-4fa9-986b-e49612d3f115/l6J7AFkhIPOd0IEdkQRV--0--n38pg.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades She was meeting Joachim Traum. He hadn't shaved anymore since they came out of the desert and had kept his informal outfit despite Neo's new orders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/34a597b1-6f4b-4ba7-beff-ce6c10bb7005/TwjYKB6qajO9uzez9Fo6--0--te631_1.5x-clty-upscale-qx94k.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades "Come with me, Rokshshan. The marshals will not honor him. They just want to divide the cake between them." "I can't. I must defend his child's heritage." "I understand....it 's your destiny. Maybe we will meet again, my love." "Be careful. Come and see me within a year. Much will have changed then." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6bd42042-80dc-4c09-8cdd-a10f79fa64d0/DeBHGvRxtXk9vRnmkNRZ--0--kq6jg_1.5x-clty-upscale-fxa41.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades Watching the scene was MacDonald. He too kept his beard and long hair, but added a touch of his cultural heritage with the face marks and the kilt. "We must go now. Before they notice that we are leaving." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5d4189f0-5480-440c-9a26-6d8027c93f67/1wsCCNZ1XGMR4V3SvuxL--0--lvkka.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades Joachim stroke Rokhshan's cheek and spurred his horse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7f424df8-f048-444c-89f4-3f9ec6c090b5/oxKC1Y7EZSBVeVDVbjzL--0--9np79.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades A group of a few hundred men followed him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9ce5b591-e3d1-49a6-9dd5-6cb5ac410e4f/Xmw0nTyESSkLSO6kbmQ4--0--uu91j.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades Soon they were joined by MacDonald's man. And a small army of about five hundred horsemen rode into the desert, following their own path, whatever it might be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1ff1b861-d1ce-4d8f-b685-064adfc746c9/l6J7AFkhIPOd0IEdkQRV--0--52mva_1.5x-clty-upscale-d7esl.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades As of that moment Joachim Traum had died and was reborn as Murat. (MURAT WILL GET HIS OWN STORYLINE IN A FUTURE ALBUM) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e980e427-aa4b-4f31-abe5-cad16c0bd870/SpvWIbmvFTL6wbb3XhC0--0--o3f4n.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVII - Renegades MacDonald kept his name but would as of then be referred to as The Kelt. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/poison monthly 0.5 2025-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e1f804b8-0f82-44c1-94d5-c960982e4d7e/fZheJitCnIkwwxrefEaI--0--i07z5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison The next morning Rokhshan was having breakfast served in the royal room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0698f9bb-619d-45c5-a3c3-9dcc3b818d93/hGGs413ZOLtdJ99Hjas5--0--x5tpl_1.5x-clty-upscale-fbnir.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison She took her breakfast to a comfortable place and shared some fruit with her cat Nebuchadnezzar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1c77a8f9-cb94-4200-91cc-440ac7a2d671/T0RCap1liWWtVfJwsCHt--0--232g1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison The next moment the cat started shaking all over her body while trying to vomit. And a few seconds later she died. Rokshan cried out in anger and fear and called the guards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9a9120a4-d00f-46d8-9837-955733a74c73/T0RCap1liWWtVfJwsCHt--0--1q1z3_1.5x-clty-upscale-ne18w.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison "Somebody just tried to poison me. I want you to find the girl who served me and the one who gave her the poison. Now!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/34376260-619a-49cd-a7f3-cbd6c4e41cc9/33jBck2YUaPpQdJKWdxq--0--96yrs.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison It did not take the guards long to find the girl. She was about to flee when she was captured. The girl was hysterical and cried that she was innocent. The guards told her that all they needed was a name, and then she would be free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2521fa03-9cb0-461e-b5ae-04701ca14364/lGPg5y02oOMvNDeKtN3h--0--cv2qd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison So the girl gave the guards a name. But the freedom they had in mind was not the freedom the poor girl had hoped for. The guards strangled her and dumped her in the prison's cesspool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd6ac17d-07eb-438c-88d2-f1979ad27e93/hYhwkly6aT2Xilwe0LXx--0--auxrq.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison Ibrahim ibn Arabi, head of the مسافران سایه or Mosafran Sayeh, reported back to Rokhshan. In a soft voice he whispered to her: "It was Marshal Lesire, my lady. He gave the order." "And the girl?" "She has been taken care of." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fe8e1b6e-909c-48fd-a8f8-65c22fdfe11a/D9sA7dcDY73wdYIjeV2g--0--c7loj_1.5x-clty-upscale-2zwjv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison Eventually Lesire was brought before Rokhshan: "Why Lesire? You wanted me dead? Is that what he would have wanted? I'm trying not to hate anybody with all that happened, but you and your colleagues despise me. Now bear the consequences of your act. This afternoon you will be executed." "Take him away!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5dff4335-8364-4ee6-969b-af0c9b10aa6a/S2laIyAuSaIxUH2bIQ9Z--0--ofhgv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXVIII - Poison And effectively, that afternoon Lesire was executed, not even by his equals but by lower ranking officers. He refused to be blindfolded and his last words were "Long Live Neo, Long Live the army!" His body was taken to the desert and left there for the predators. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-end-of-an-era monthly 0.5 2025-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6c0eda48-aa06-4b1e-9e1c-c48fb6b6a7ba/U2j6qPjuLVomqaP8Yw64--0--whd4p_1.5x-clty-upscale-tcgiv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era Another morning, another breakfast. But this time Rokhshan had taken her precautions. A young unexperienced servant girl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/25aeaccb-f744-44e7-bf7b-07521fb98311/F9xmbrNKzrhSfc7vNtQd--0--978s7_1.5x-clty-upscale-599on.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era And the procedure of pre-tasting some random food before Rokhshan would eat from it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fe4a8b1a-fc01-40e6-b482-66dd28ac4675/kMQ0bcxqq1B7CGuxpHa5--0--dphvx.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era When Rokhshan had almost finished her breakfast six of the seven of Neo's marshals marched into the room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/670cb8c1-1a5d-4b3e-956b-c9303408dd52/kMQ0bcxqq1B7CGuxpHa5--0--3fd7s.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era They walked directly to Rokhshan but before they could say anything it was Rokhshan who spoke: "Well, well, well.....gentlemen, I didn't think you had it in you. Only six today....you lost another one?" "Berthus is arranging your prison cell...so, if you would be kind enough to follow us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a8b819a-fb26-4296-bb3b-5acfbf19f953/rS5Drf6oluxFma3RMs77--0--o0v3s_1.5x-clty-upscale-o3j2h.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era Surrounded by six men, Rokhshan walked to the prison, where indeed Berthus was waiting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e8f49459-c6fc-42fc-8083-db5756149be7/32vtdm0D5yk1oXGEM9mG--0--zeud6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era The marshals followed Rokhshan into the cell and de Monnaie spoke up: "You can walk out of here if you renounce your leadership of the army and the regency of your child to be born. You can stay here in Babylon together with me, after our wedding." Rokhshan just smiled, and the seven left, to be back later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/91802dae-7521-42e9-958d-c12a9754464f/4iNQoadV0dPF77GZhULW--0--p9fax.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era But when the seven left the prison building they were overpowered by a group of Arabian body guards and arrested. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a978eb7-618c-44c4-b0bd-b1e18d5aa8ce/qp9Lae3RFR2AP5eD3S89-7RLGK-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-sm0d5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era Rokhshan was freed from her cell, and the body guards wanted to hang the marshals for their treachery. But Rokhshan did not agree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2497d653-5deb-47f8-9d20-a8c6868f55b1/qp9Lae3RFR2AP5eD3S89--0--lvv4w.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era "These are higher officers. They served Neo well and helped build his empire. We cannot hang them as ordinary criminals. Their punishment is execution and that is what will take place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/572696d0-a0ca-4a2d-b35b-975ee13f1b8c/cp5S2U50Hbiha7k75Gc5--0--juahi_1.5x-clty-upscale-hgdv9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XXXIX - The End of an Era And just as with Lesire the execution took place that same afternoon. Without audience and without a funeral. The body guards left their corpses in the desert. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-kelt monthly 0.5 2025-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5d06aa85-e65e-4541-ab51-2f4644a6b7e9/GbZPMhDT4AKjF9AQlG4y--0--k19s4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XL - The Kelt Later that same day Rokhshan was having a ride in the desert towards a deserted village, where she was meeting The Kelt, formerly known as MacDonald. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9b4aa635-18df-459b-8f63-856f78617820/jpUQzesVnczBv5bvYHgV--0--d8r6i.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XL - The Kelt "Hey, you. How is Joa...sorry Murat?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3478913b-b1ab-40ef-b8ba-694e631a4851/jpUQzesVnczBv5bvYHgV--0--gr669.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XL - The Kelt "He's doing OK. Sends his regards. Did the plan work?" "Yes, the poison worked as you described it would." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f5d9e2b6-88f6-4f15-8ea7-3ff79e8d9c4a/jpUQzesVnczBv5bvYHgV--0--dbb8c.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XL - The Kelt "Too bad for the cat. What happened to the girl?" "At first she thought it was all part of a game. So she really panicked when the guards started beating her. It did add to the reality feel though when she told the name I gave her snottering and weeping just to get free. Those guards will never believe that she did not do it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f8d72e83-6ea1-4eee-98d1-8780dab47082/2dS1ZxhXak2FVxYsobbb--0--qmud8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XL - The Kelt "You didn't set her free, did you?" "No, of course not. The only ones who know now are Murat, you, myself and Arabi." "And you trust him?" "With my life." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e448adfa-35b0-42e4-960c-c14b86f5d9a3/ZLAoABamrGdmRdZHUwYO--0--4nbpm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XL - The Kelt "And the remaining marshals?" "They reacted as predicted. Couldn't wait to arrest me the morning after Lesire was executed." "de Monnaie made me a proposal, almost made me laugh. You should have seen their faces when we arrested them." "So...." "Yes, they have been dealt with." "Good." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aabc994d-e634-48a9-aab7-bfa3c260add2/vScjMs2T6UtgGCXIWEPS--0--lcp28.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XL - The Kelt After he was convinced that all was done according to plan, The Kelt mounted his horse and rode to his men waiting to leave. While he was still in hearing distance Rokhshan shouted: "ibn Arabi is going to send you ten of his best men! Use them wisely." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/ibn-arabi monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d494e612-7cc0-45d6-b964-2a8503ba1f9b/h9tiJgXLhpWzdCrsMURf--0--ul84s.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLI - ibn Arabi A few days later in one of the many hanging gardens of Babylon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/adc7c6a3-336d-4c2d-93b9-7a757a32894b/8B23nZjmcy8lWiYy6faG--0--ow8ky_1.5x-clty-upscale-qzfx2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLI - ibn Arabi Rokhshan was taking a walk, enjoying the gardens, overthinking her options and making plans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fa19a0dc-1f11-4847-a965-fe75b7ba1361/Nc3DxTV7H3aMoI8O0VEm--0--3avc4_1.5x-clty-upscale-e3sj4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLI - ibn Arabi She almost did not notice that someone was sitting in one of her favorite spots to take a pause. It was ibn Arabi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/293bde06-6948-4f39-bb5f-c85207553951/Nc3DxTV7H3aMoI8O0VEm--0--6lyf9_1.5x-clty-upscale-hcc4f.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLI - ibn Arabi "Good morning princess. My apologies for bothering you here, but I bring good news. My men have managed to capture Hippolyte while he was on the run. They have been told to bring him over here. He should be here tomorrow." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b71df817-fdf7-4d2a-81f3-bc1ddcb0cdb7/Nc3DxTV7H3aMoI8O0VEm--0--3sz9r.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLI - ibn Arabi Rokhshan felt relieved when ib Arabi left her behind in the park. Relieved for the capture of the killer of her husband. But also worried for herself about what the confrontation with this man would do with her feelings and her need for revenge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f51b2737-12d2-4a90-8f7c-0fb6bb30293f/Bnu6LYBXRgAcpnYZgEUP--0--0z018.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLI - ibn Arabi The next day ibn Arabi confirmed to Rokhshan that Hippolyte was in one of the cells of the palace's dungeon. She was free to visit him at will, but he advised her to do it low-profile. Nobody needed to know what she was going to do with this insect of a man. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/hippolyte monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2ee7869b-ebe9-4543-9f1a-6b9db73730be/OADsL2Qc88ngyoULywNW--0--ye7m6_1.5x-clty-upscale-u4085.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte Hippolyte had been captured when he met some Arabian desert dwellers. They had recognized him on the spot, captured him, beat him up and informed ibn Arabi's men. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0649c235-5ea0-4ff2-8a8e-4b7b502ad9da/ONRbEwzGEgCjXnmqo7pr--0--95yal.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte When Rokhshan visited him he got filled with fear, and hope. Maybe he could play her, maybe she would show mercy. Maybe this would not be the end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d6641408-712a-4328-9b7b-00f3fd78879c/ONRbEwzGEgCjXnmqo7pr--0--vedr4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte But his plans and hope got a serious blow. Rokhshan spit in his face: "I will see to it that your uniform is replaced by a neater version, because this is a disgrace. But if you were hoping for a public execution by gun, think again. I will let you rot here...and just before you die, I will have you strangled. I hope this prospect will keep you away at nights. And after you have died, I hope their is a hell.. Guards!!!" Rokhshan turned around and left, hiding her tears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30078353-f114-4d2d-9df4-c01e0fcece1a/cgD2m8n6BPdrgUEgTaTf--0--zwokd_1.5x-clty-upscale-s55ka.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte As a result of Rokhshan's visit Hippolyte lost all hope and he fell into a deep depression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/27ec0e9a-8365-40ec-8bc5-d60321d959b2/dCXMYJdnelxdNiNADoej--0--2dd8r.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte Meanwhile Rokhshan had left the palace and visited a local market to clear her mind from her meeting with the murderer of her husband. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fcd88c64-e2d6-4c57-961f-7c41a370b2f5/WrB1nnQHAq18wkExWJj9-pBfg0-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte Day after day after day Hippolyte passed the time without anything to do or anyone to speak to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0d7f1a27-11c6-482a-8be1-bc72fbbf2aa9/pcZXOsRbH49LmERFF935-Omu2Y-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte He got his meals, but they were brought by a veiled woman, who did not speak a word. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c842ad26-208c-43da-9600-d1d7c7380b51/UG0xEn70SbBXp0GSLtl3-QC1PM-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte And the other cells were empty so he could not even find comfort from other criminals that were sentenced to death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3d512ca0-08fe-406f-a723-ff8d6789333f/nw2mEJcYQc7d7Jr87go6--0--9d4h4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte Several weeks later, at the dawn of a dark day, in an anonymous place just outside Babylon, on a hastily erected scaffold, Hippolyte was hanged by a man with no name or face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3da5ae9-d917-43c4-945a-36ad681c5fc1/uIXWMPn2gBcBmTY6NN8I--0--anbmu.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLII - Hippolyte There were no people to watch the event, no one to even give his death any notion, apart from this one woman in the shadow of a tree. Neo's death had been avenged, but the sorrow was still there. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/scandza monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/447f9087-3523-41cb-b66c-986937af597e/cZdQ2a7FabE1jDfQhXZV--0--gxx2v.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIII - Scandza At about the same time as the events in Babylon were taking place, Bernadotte and Liberty were residing in Neopolis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/de7d335b-7e70-4c3e-b24e-ca2c32e06bfd/8Ug3hMVVdbZX22oWP4pe--0--3ofkf_1.5x-clty-upscale-fe0zq.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIII - Scandza Both were worried about what was happening in Babylon, and the latest events had made them worried about their future. But Bernadotte was offered an escape route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4ab3744c-d8c6-466e-9a89-c5391abb64b3/0zqkyk3Rk16YnuhXknQW--0--iucu9_2x-clty-upscale-sykcz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIII - Scandza He had sent out explorers to the four cardinal directions and one of them had come back with a request for Bernadotte to become the king of a harsh but rich nation called Scandza. But he first had to win Liberty over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a64e9515-dc65-4751-8b59-dc252e1a8b48/0zqkyk3Rk16YnuhXknQW--0--2n5e6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIII - Scandza She was not that keen to move from Neopolis and Opal to a barren land she had never heard of before. But Bernadotte told her that even at that moment Neo's army was on its way to Neopolis and it was not to have a cup of tea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b057d2a2-b1be-4851-ade1-84854959394a/0zqkyk3Rk16YnuhXknQW--0--wdy8e_1.5x-clty-upscale-ey7q1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIII - Scandza "Our lives are in danger. Our lives, and that of the child you are bearing. We cannot win. We have not enough soldiers. And from what I hear MacDonald and Murat, as he calls himself now, are on their way with some assassins... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c835a8a5-22a1-4c50-b93f-97c13de8af46/t7Y3tMQDStiLPvh8WHtF--0--jtqei.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIII - Scandza ...Imagine, we could be king and queen in a land far away from here. No more wars, no more killings. OK, there is the climate, but we can build this country the way we see it. The way we had hoped Opal would have been." Deep in her heart Liberty knew Bernadotte was right, and in the end she gave in. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/change-of-plan monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8eb068f8-2a90-42be-91fe-d651620dbfa8/s8zah6qZLo3uKZ7sfXFU--0--ijk29_1.5x-clty-upscale-08hxw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan It did not take long before ibn Arabi got the message of Bernadotte's flight. So he sent a messenger to Rokhshan to meet in an oasis just outside Babylon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9508f1f6-2443-4770-a7e9-c0ba0272441d/R8qcqWJDzCdvGpGuMEJo--0--ofc6a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan Rokhshan arrived early, worrying about the message ibn Arabi was going to deliver her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4f4cbf8a-d6da-4197-aed4-c5783e69d8a7/4XyfFUbz6r13rHkdDn0O--0--2pmms.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan All in all, when ibn Arabi arrived, the message was not something she had not taken into account. So she asked ibn Arabi to send a message from her hand to Murat who was on his way to Neopolis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1ad462fb-2c7b-4bd3-bebe-c1b41a1db0e1/5ow0vGfh9yP5OFA9OSiA--0--2qda0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan WIthin the hour a messenger left Babylon, racing against the clock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/97bf6f2a-ae4f-4576-a4d3-8f44c28a899c/Eu5tJLzD6zEmtOnhlIee--0--tvx1v.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan He was relieved by his counterpart somewhere in the desert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88c0379d-dfe8-4f66-b3c9-6bc4cbe116e8/oRalGMi7obN3lqQrn005--0--dcb34.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan When he reached the mountains he passed his message to a local who knew all the shortcuts there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f801a63b-9e0b-4902-b10e-fa82e20ad763/3pbHnldA2eONMigxYbiL--0--5grco.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan Soon a messenger was sent on his way in the valleys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8fb16a5a-a4c7-433d-85e0-73475ca2d6f8/wFvZr9Lt964HhihImA5a--0--xliil.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan Until in the end one of them reached a small camp where Murat and his body guards were staying. Murat however was higher up in the mountains. MacDonald and the rest of the following were already further away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fb23df77-64f8-4de4-adc6-cb74b83752e2/ieS0w8PyuntzZQucR5hh-sgh60-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-s3ayr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIV - Change of Plan When the messenger found Murat, he torn the letter open, which said: "Bernadotte and Liberty have fled. They are of no importance anymore. Advance to step two of the plan. Everything you need is at Port de la Montagne." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/admiral monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1fc21fce-9b1d-46e3-8920-86988b877c9e/NGfLKuwi8POW0QVgBLWw--0--dm90c.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral Murat send one of his messengers to MacDonald who was undercover in Neopolis. The man had to ask around a couple of times, and had noticed that someone in a long coat and with his face covered was following him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f55b310b-d339-4b10-bf0a-635eda4b7224/4UwDe4Sczh8p1NNLNaZH--0--lso8i.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral Eventually he found MacDonald. Before he explained the note, he pointed out the man in the shadow. "One of the Mosafran Sayeh...Shadow Walkers...watching over me," replied MacDonald. "OK. short version of the note....you need to leave here, and head for Port de la Montagne. There lies a brig called the Inconstant, which you have to board. Murat will meet you there." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0c83855c-ee6d-4ea2-9f04-4060e226ec1d/f3LoTHCCqXPSHXd1OJO4--0--hgtgv.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral After which MacDonald returned to his men outside Neopolis: "We are heading for Port de la Montagne...follow me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/26689974-185c-4b01-93d3-9c445dcb8ecd/YnxxJYHVGEtTdnCXkyzI--0--f90u3.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral The Inconstant was easy to find once they arrived in Port de la Montagne. So MacDonald and a selection of his men hired some rowing boats and got on board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1e6c6dcf-43eb-453e-8d21-4a10c0186c46/5D3Abviw1PaAHgOxRdwC--0--06mf4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral It took whole night for Murat to arrive in Port de la Montagne. He just took the first rowing boat available and rowed to the Inconstant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f08dd373-2d08-466d-9472-5e305e66bd74/Y6CXmiuz1Fjmbe4rix4F--0--smlz2_2x-clty-upscale-77bzm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral At the brig everyone seemed asleep. Only one man was keeping guard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8aa9407e-a79f-4c6f-b702-c44bf755133f/8CjUOrQ6z8066JSfEfnk--0--74wju.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral Later that day, when the sun had set again, both Murat and MacDonald stood on deck. "Cut your hair, huh" "Look who's talking. Remember, when there will be fighting, you are no longer on your horse. So people will grab you by that beautiful long hair of yours and cut your head off." "Then it's just right that I will have you there to watch my back." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d76a62a7-c14e-4ad3-b6ea-51011a847c4f/8CjUOrQ6z8066JSfEfnk--0--91ip8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLV - Admiral "Can you remember the day Neo gave me the title of Admiral?" Murat asked. "I sure can." "I bet he never thought that I would ever sail a ship." "Especially a ship with a mission. By the way, what is our mission?" "We have to sail the seas, and find a cure for the aging disease. Rokhshan is afraid when she arrives in Opal all her soldiers will become savages after we've been in the Fiery Lands. Remember what Pakal told us." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/the-hearse monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b7293709-cbfe-4f15-93e8-320c7aac3448/eLvrDa2T2yV5V0BrbxIE--0--pjl4k_1.5x-clty-upscale-9m8m9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse It took thirty thousand soldiers and twenty thousand stone masons six weeks to build a temple where the body of Neo got his final balseming and two thousand woodworkers and artists to build three hearses for the transport to Neopolis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/25572480-896f-4c3f-a291-dd68225d2cf3/B07hdTrr5ixBwvzQzwBN--0--bgz51.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse There was a hearse with two wheels, a hearse with four wheels and a hearse with additional paintings for the mountain people. Six horses were needed: three to pull the hearse and 3 horses serving as backup or additional pulling power in difficult circumstances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/84a7e31f-7b2f-4b92-aa4d-c611aeea9aa3/CdBauXrDu2nC41ZDnP8N--0--dsawh_1.5x-clty-upscale-2mlvb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse The procession was lead by Rokhshan on Bucephalus, Neo's horse. When the procession entered the desert the hearse was changed for the first time as four wheels were easier to get through the sand than two, and one horse was added. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b1cef1d8-4d1e-441c-a9ec-0f016c80ab4b/70P2W78cuzf2wgzn3wSm--0--q43qw_1.5x-clty-upscale-s7vzu.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse For climbing the mountains it was thought easier on the rocky roads to go for the hearse with two wheels again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f191c3a8-58c2-4692-b9b2-c096c689a003/UNC4AJlmA6UI1xLaxr6C--0--rbvnj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse While climbing the mountains Rokhshan was not accustomed to the lower temperatures and had asked for a coat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1ed0e70a-3e39-4c6b-b966-d4c8915cea99/UNC4AJlmA6UI1xLaxr6C--0--nh0j7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse The roads were flatter now and the hearse was switched again. More soldiers also moved to the front to walk next to the hearse. And in the bright sunlight temperatures rose again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/06693e2c-6634-44a9-8184-b6544d232f3a/D5tORgJ0gk63W5BXxrNH--0--fb8js.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse In the valley there were no changes, but a lot of the soldiers were exited because they would be reunited with their loved ones, the local mountain woman, and their children which they had not seen yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/81853093-8d39-41e6-9b1e-9d27aca0c187/JO7f50cRIe5S69U0lBB0--0--puvt5_1.5x-clty-upscale-ews6o.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse Hundreds of women came down from the mountains when they heard the news, excited to meet their husbands, and happy to being able to show them their children for the first time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1cffa064-4a95-40a6-ad74-83f8fd6243a5/6zj0VWwAEqd1mEhbpBRb--0--1cyky_1.5x-clty-upscale-u6oxo.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse When they saw the hearse however (the one with the extra paintings) they could not hide their tears for the father, as they called him, of this new nation. Most of the women from the mountains joined the procession and it was a happy army that finally reached its destination and marched into Neopolis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0f4a3315-9e51-458c-80d6-171a6f0a6aad/SlJgN92M0lgA1Ye3JUNM--0--tz208_1x-clty-upscale-0h66a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVI - The Hearse For the occasion the hearse without the additional paintings was used again, and Bucephalus got the honor to pull it. The soldiers of Bernadotte who had remained in Neopolis all came out to watch the procession march through the center of the city, and answered its arrival with silence and a respectful applause. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/loose-ends monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/601a0f9f-1418-4807-beff-28cf99f176e0/RgV3Rpd1u2bDvFAP1Ry8--0--to7r6_1.5x-clty-upscale-a7khe.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends Somewhat less than 9 months later Rokhshan was about to give birth. She was bored to death and playing Queen: "So this is how it feels to be royal and wear a crown....doesn't make a whole lot of difference, if you ask me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/20e908fb-22c4-4b17-9ff5-626b7849c41a/NxAT69azKaMJV5dIMIvb--0--ny3bk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends She got interrupted by the guard who announced the arrival of a visitor: "Karim Van Zandt is asking to see you my lady." Rokhshan took the crown of her head and gave it to a servant: "Get rid of it before someone sees it, it is fake anyhow." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1284c1da-beba-4d12-bf0f-d4a0ad675090/RgV3Rpd1u2bDvFAP1Ry8--0--f2buk_1.5x-clty-upscale-fyy46.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends When the servant left, Rokhshan signaled the guard to let the visitor in. He was the architect of Neo's memorial, and it had been months since he started building it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/64330ef5-0b55-4714-9344-5018f152c5ce/rLYm728kjnkDDstWYMH6--0--bbx05.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends When he entered the architect got on his knees: "At last, your highness, I have great news." "Oh, get on it with it man, this day has already been so tiresome, just light it up for me, will you." "The memorial is finished. If you wish we can go see it tomorrow." 'Tomorrow? No, no, no, we will go right away." "But, but, the sun is already setting..." "We will go now." "As you wish, your highness." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b194586d-73ca-4046-8ab3-c50265b2cb82/r8h1OaPloyVPjd3XVJcK--0--102vf.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends The memorial was everything Rokhshan had hoped for. Just how it stood there, watching over the city, and in a place where everybody could see it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f545abb9-a6f9-4761-89f9-a1dd6f56f36c/QoKjhyqrrVTiOIYOiLQ7--0--6xu9a_1.5x-clty-upscale-fkqvt.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends When she entered the monument and went down to the crypt, she saw how the story of Neo's life was written all over the walls and it filled her with joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3a90c7fa-bb8a-4357-bfa1-613a4fb79453/LECT9FYVuY6k4VbPlaat--0--2e0y1_1.5x-clty-upscale-51iik.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends The moonlight was perfect in the way it lit Neo's coffin. "I told you, didn't I, that I would not let them forget you. Here you are for eternity, and tomorrow I will make sure your offspring will be there for eternity too." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/23ad93b5-2131-4286-8526-6d621debd8be/8ArkO7UzUbA2lwZqbXAP--0--npavd_1.5x-clty-upscale-mthy7.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends The next day Rokhshan summoned all the representatives of the nobility and the military. To their surprise she crowned herself to Empress of Opal, Neopolis and Babylon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b01e41b0-1653-42b7-8f71-00164ad1e880/YNVmRo5UbdilT6rCV9hg--0--xcnn2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVII - Loose Ends "From now on I will be know as Empress Jade, the first of that name." The leaders of nobility and the military bent their knees and bowed their heads, and the rest cried out: "Long live the Empress, long live Empress Jade the first!" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/twins monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3fb7e2fa-376a-4db6-a891-dea739887a28/3m3tr0SmpUyAPDGQg0ec--0--riokr_2x-clty-upscale-prn8d_1.5x-clty-upscale-k0wkk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins When the time had arrived to give birth, it was a big surprise that Rokhshan not only brought one girl to the world... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5ebc0601-2eb1-4794-a929-de210eca6d73/3m3tr0SmpUyAPDGQg0ec--0--g91fn_1.5x-clty-upscale-keqi5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins ...but two. Rokhshan, Empress Jade I, gave birth to twin girls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d27e6e4a-1278-4b4c-a850-7d0ac59427e3/yFWK3Fk6YxmJFSEk1v6W--0--qr84x_1.5x-clty-upscale-augwx.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins So she gathered the nobility and military again, this time to pledge loyalty to her two daughters: Elisheba, the crown princess and princess Maryam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/45c76655-6237-4a7b-95a2-cd1825da6687/km0aBJW90SLrPCCcdsFn--0--wvwxl_2x-clty-upscale-vy2mr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins Two twin girls were appointed as the governesses of the girls, and the four of them were meant to be inseparable for the rest of their lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/73a8e100-7a0e-45b8-b14a-159eee2415c8/OLqJQlzHrXyZPCzf1IEb--0--59qz4_1.5x-clty-upscale-cznkw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins And so the two little girls grew up to toddlers, trying their first steps, which turned into runs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/85770711-b538-4b0f-9412-bcd804580f44/HVcTxp53tV5OxoUSmqjz--0--8nwjl_1.5x-clty-upscale-8bnao.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins They learned not to fear water but also be aware of its dangers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eef84f64-424b-48dc-bc1f-ae70c7404d9c/ItQdGzqXbNWgFWkMUUFi--0--gxugg_1.5x-clty-upscale-o99is.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins And to be kind to all creatures like they did with the newborn kittens of the cats living in the gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4fb3517e-88c2-4892-8e69-d690da0a180b/pcqGvdbFtFJCh3D5fonj--0--d15d5_1.5x-clty-upscale-upkko.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins At the age of ten the girls got their first ponies. And they had their first discussion....over who should get which pony. Elisheba got the white one....as she knew it was the preferred color of horse of her father. For the sake of peace Maryam gave in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d5d23a22-1938-425a-95fc-a2f7f0a5cf90/CmYQKdz8aM7U6s5FPXC5--0--wpri3_1.5x-clty-upscale-18cqu.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLVIII - Twins As of then both girls had regular discussions, even in classroom where they were reprimanded by their governesses for it. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/separated-y6nyp monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9d7d97f1-25b5-453c-940b-b6b1102e7143/EuCVDM3DwHjG3cFM3ucy--0--mhahf.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIX - Separated When the two girls turned twelve they were introduced to fencing. First they were trained to handle the foil and epee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ba0fb745-20d7-44b8-9258-a012bbdb9742/pLr0q889aY3bqqKPixbB--0--s014f.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIX - Separated Later came the arming sword. But during one of those trainings Maryam got slightly injured. She dropped her sword and started to cry. Both governesses of the princesses panicked and the fencing teacher had to calm them down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b5e535f-f28f-44c8-8bd9-e3c7283894d0/sRVwAonkZw0PDBlM4A4k--0--t50xk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIX - Separated Elisheba was so shocked when she wounded her sister that she ran of to her bedroom and started to cry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/97fa0fd7-ae0b-4eb9-a19a-92667243f31a/SWtUuEKuFjIxjnjf5SfP--0--0kuok_1.5x-clty-upscale-aojpd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIX - Separated Hours later they were summoned by their mother: "What is this, with you two? If the two of you are not getting up to mischief, blood is flowing." "I think it is high time we send you to the next step in your training...Elisheba, you will go to Neopolis. Time you get a real military training. And Maryam, I know the sword is not your thing....so I will send you to Babylon. Both of you will be crowned to queen of your location at the age of sixteen." "No buts, no tears,....you are both dismissed." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b7756780-f719-44e7-bb9b-aebaa0d5a457/RHQqsbo1jjQ7uYQwl3Ek--0--i0l3e.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIX - Separated Outside the throne room when the girls realized their mother's verdict, they embraced each other with many tears flowing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4231a67e-f9d3-49c9-9734-19b406496129/SpO6j6emj5ovlXBvh5Zt--0--rk1hh_2x-clty-upscale-bd3m1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page XLIX - Separated A week later Maryam waved Elisheba goodbye, knowing that it might be years before they would see each other again. For Elisabeth the farewell was even harder now that she had to leave the only place she had ever known and go to Neopolis which was also known as a garrison town. Maryam was to leave within a week to Babylon. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/future-queens monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/48c1e39f-0a5e-4e0f-8e0e-5fc791488e97/xMLB2LJS28sruBXKU3RK--0--0wdpo_1.5x-clty-upscale-e422p.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens It has been two years since the twins were separated. Maryam was in Babylon where she spent her days resolving conflicts and making judgements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4501b0f0-0729-4dd0-975e-96340bd5f5ff/vVbffUJB48lhuyZ9RZPi--0--l9kwy_2x-clty-upscale-pzmu6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens Day after day a long row of citizens of Babylon were lining up to bring their case to be resolved or get justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/585f7bad-e7f8-4214-a3ad-3de2c5aa1590/cd10Jx8PO1bhyAbIZld0--0--o8thi_1.5x-clty-upscale-uryi6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens Her advisor helped her in making decisions and choices, and slowly Maryam's wisdom grew as well as her insight in people's arguments and excuses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bce69ef9-0fe7-4cb9-b42e-2f9a22e46028/w3HDO9T6uVCDO7wtrGNC--0--q8tqv_1.5x-clty-upscale-k7b75.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens It was never early for her to go to sleep and she did not have many time off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ca9e33ac-62cb-4443-ac4b-885d3eecf656/51zqSbwJMl1LOrXizrJ1--0--8ufup_1.5x-clty-upscale-1lcru.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens Elisheba's training on the other hand was much more physical. She was taught all the different sorts of man-to-man combat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8d2f003d-ccd4-48fa-b10c-1b07b7518137/jfLpxJwxaDDIsxCyFye4--0--dg2bn_1.5x-clty-upscale-7lwh6.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens Learned the different techniques of fighting with weapons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/17208722-033c-48a0-bb1d-d4324d2ab1bf/VSCuMdqfGqR9MPMCiiiW--0--5d6tt_1.5x-clty-upscale-9wk1d.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens And went on maneuvers with the army. Long hard physical days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/951279ec-d644-4bba-a5a7-cf1b204e1a06/skvK7ac0n1n4fNQUlDe0--0--8baa9_1.5x-clty-upscale-zowdc.jpg Legend of Opal - Page L - Future Queens But those days did not always lead to early sleep. Sometimes it was time to party, and she made a lot of friends that way. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/first-signs monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0a2af29b-04f5-41eb-8b94-938b6b4c4f21/ezQFDIoz9edMPKAWoQoJ--0--8lis8_1.5x-clty-upscale-kshjj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LI - First Signs When the twins were not performing their daily duties, they mostly spent their time studying. For Maryam it meant studying the laws of Babylon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c22875a3-6961-49bd-8ed3-05c5f06ac0e8/piNUtqc5PA8Droojeu9X--0--xyoiv_1.5x-clty-upscale-7tx2s.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LI - First Signs If and when she had a spare moment she liked to visit the local markets and mingle with the common people. Language was no issue since Arabian had replaced Persian as the working language. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ab6791bf-245d-47d4-958b-0bc6baaeb80e/ElmSL7inkUklLxIcoawz--0--je1xm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LI - First Signs The situation was completely different in Neopolis. With the mountain folks following their lovers back to Neopolis, life became less strict in the garrison city. More markets on the streets, with new exotic fruits and food and more colorful clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/91872b6c-ef56-4365-bd18-b4e7f1844520/lZQyzlJHW1jWBqOyHuLC--0--ow6eo_2x-clty-upscale-tb6bs.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LI - First Signs And a bilingual community as a consequence. Q'eqchi made its way fast in the city and even some official announcements were made in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a7b739b9-7b3e-452c-8ab1-b2ff923e5292/l9PCodM3BPaJehHZxOWy--0--1e3f6_2x-clty-upscale-ejwg3.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LI - First Signs So Elisheba spent a lot of her time learning the new language, to make sure that when she became queen, she could understand all parts of the population. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ff1986da-8541-4c93-a035-392a032e27a8/ubJrya0qgzqguxwR7Hhl--0--uu029_1.5x-clty-upscale-h8smk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LI - First Signs And there was also something else changing, although nobody noticed it in the beginning. Soldiers who had finished their time in the army started letting their hair and beards grow. And they started to pay less attention to their clothes. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/clean-shaven monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0813e9d5-1404-4260-8206-b7a4f1280517/r5KTVjuNmKA6Dr9D77K9--0--xe16w_1.5x-clty-upscale-3afe5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven Three months before her twin girls would turn sixteen Empress Jade I paid an unannounced visit to Neopolis. To her astonishment at several places in town she was welcomed by groups of elderly men with long beards and long hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/27c86967-fcac-4ef4-8489-0cf0550fa2f9/5DcONAc2YNiLgHwlEsSO--0--2x3ut.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven When she walked into the palace apparently somebody had already warned Elisheba of her arrival because she was sitting on an improvised throne: "What have I always told you about men with long hair and beards? Your streets are teeming with them!!!", her mother cried out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c33388f6-2320-4903-a066-44bdebb7630e/FyjRPEtXuUiHWDvgxAIP--0--ku7u4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven Elisheba told her that it were mostly old men, that had left the army. "I don"t care. You will oblige every single one of them to have their hair cut and beard shaven. Those who refuse will be taken to Opal, and I will deal with them there." "But...." "No buts, you know what? I'll tell them myself." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3d1de6f4-08ef-4a58-8ddb-2f917b311187/P7nKCi82ERUPe0kMabsX--0--2egdp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven "And by the way, in three months time you will be sixteen. You will be crowned to queen. So get a grip on your city and see to it that the event is well prepared." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f65a24c9-9877-4515-b21e-9c5241ea846e/rYlwGgVIPP98p45vZltK--0--clq8h_2x-clty-upscale-0lldr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven The next day Empress Jade I gathered the men at several places and told them about the new rule. There was a lot of mumbling, but the majority of the men were ex-soldiers who served under Neo but also under Rokhshan as she was originally called and they knew she was not one to mess with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a068f073-44fb-457f-b304-92f809c67ae9/zXEdlvA9uPmoPRsz8Chk--0--1brvm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven In no time men with long beards and hair were lining up at the barbers in town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c59aedae-5bd2-4d91-9a78-6e44a8517d59/avyYziCDdDn9Ebt8nViQ--0--tw3ij.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven There were so many who had to be shaved, that some local entrepreneurs started a provisional barbershop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/98285cf4-bf25-4753-8778-b84da8d0f17e/ses5JpT00kNHvnliVIt0--0--v9w8l_1.5x-clty-upscale-ufmbt.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven For the men in the army, the mandatory shaving was nothing new....they were mainly surprised that nobody had intervened when they had let all that hair grow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/66143d84-acd9-403e-9d62-a627d39c9829/dddXVB2HaDOkVeW7xG2P--0--upkuo_1.5x-clty-upscale-4srut.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LII - Clean Shaven At least there was one advantage for them...no queues...the few with longer beards and hair were shaved in their barracks. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/expedition-part1 monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc48519a-8186-44bf-8ced-3ce1090359c0/QmKQtWCdOB43SL1IVAd5--0--akvos_1.5x-clty-upscale-xpfa4.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I There were numerous men in Neopolis who wouldn't or couldn't be shaved because their hair growth was too strong. Jade I offered them asylum in Opal as her personal body guards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/59bdc546-6660-4ea4-a57e-b53d92fcb441/VeJa2xfI2KY1h4q4VdAX--0--wemp2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I But they wouldn't stay there. She took the bodyguards to the crowning of her two daughters, but then - since she now had her daughters to take care of the daily ruling of the cities - Empress Jade I went on an expedition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b56b2cbf-6992-4f37-8ad5-acbbc03bf9cf/PT0g4YudZaBqEfvbYylX--0--w0wya.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I She was convinced that when Neo would not have turned back after he went to the Fiery Lands, he would have found a shortcut from Opal to the still unknown lands that lay ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/68b14790-ffbf-4b15-94dc-6469c9d5e297/fXCChIGvks0A3LiuoA6J--0--3fy6w.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I After the Fiery Lands came the Icy Plains. But contrary to her former husband Jade I was not in a hurry and had no enemies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e68e03dc-f00f-4606-9fc9-e87211bca4f8/GqF4nguh2B04MBoiQXgF--0--gskkr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I So she took the time to go and learn the land, draw up maps, find out the richness of the lands and maybe meet unknown peoples or other creatures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9c150019-06df-41a5-b631-67314a5fbfee/AYXoJ31e72UWzz8QRwCJ--0--herfi.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I This was done by daily marches from their tent camp into the four cardinal directions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ed600489-395d-4394-a8d5-f23efb392b18/6hbJowWaDkemnUoIJpPk--0--5nq58.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I Once this was done, and all the maps and lists were made, Jade I and her body guards marched further to the next land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d8542c80-5b13-47c5-8c31-9813accdf4d7/WbLGjVUCbdNeEAmOYfCR--0--4tpdi.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I So they arrived at the Snowy Mountains and made up camp, exactly in the same way as on the Icy Plains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/56c47e54-6afa-4e3c-8c38-b8128e8e0405/sc14zpUFvKTsH9NqkSls--0--3mis3.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIII - Expedition - Part I And so were the reconnaissance marches made in exactly the same way. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/expedition-part2 monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7aa8e966-0263-4190-8883-ade1eda7dedf/BD1s6g6qa882OSJIxLxD--0--a6kj0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II After the Icy Plains and Snowy Mountains came the Open Plains. It was warm and the men were tired. So they took a couple of weeks to recover from their first part of the expedition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/914ba597-3110-45a7-b986-29dc359c16c5/PcvO5Z1NNH4qDsWHna0t--0--zzshd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II When they started their journey again it took weeks to take them through the Open Plains....there was no population, the view remained the same empty horizon and the wind was harsh and dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c6a786da-7d47-48a0-966b-8e84f932cad0/H7IWHHdvrkY58GuKQysr--0--qx4dw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II Bu the conditions would only change for the worse. When the men thought that after the snow their ordeal would be over, they were now confronted with damp marshes, insects and the harshness of marching through water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e0588a39-dbc6-44d9-bc0d-38c9dac5ab6f/6hDqmQDZYIa4P40iiCpc--0--yx29z.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II The scouts that were sent upfront only reported of crocodiles and snakes, and insects as big as a handpalm. So the group decided not to camp under these conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7a41b420-d978-4f23-ab07-d18e4a5b297d/fj3oCaWVPKeGxHCSx3cs-zShed.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II Finally they got out of the swamps and reached a large forest. There they saw their first dragon ever flying over the roof of the forest, crying out his dominion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2ec57b5b-0aa2-46c4-a397-f67756a14525/hFxYERla7uJNS4lQ4geq-BfoIr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II When they entered the forest, after several day they saw a village, high up in the trees with bowmen making clear that they were not into social visits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eb71e53d-fe79-49c7-b06c-26da6adb20b0/IGUWAf5hK50gVDzyRZN2--0--e9343.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II And so they reached the end of their journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c24818fb-86c4-42f3-a27f-84e168f20bbb/ok9cRIXCxZ8LeN6Yt70K--0--3jgon_1.5x-clty-upscale-8c2rw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II Before them was a rough sea, and as Jade I was convinced, a passage to Opal. But since they had no boats or axes they had to make their way back. In the end it took the expedition four years to arrive back in Opal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9ccce962-41a3-41bb-8619-d649f9e9a262/o5SFxr1tzL0VgFdDqZau--0--tb42b_1.5x-clty-upscale-o0mc9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIV - Expedition - Part II In Opal where the news of the expedition was regularly announced, they were informed that the Empress had begun her journey back to her beloved city. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/swamp-fever monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9a8133d7-fb09-4911-b68e-9311ba1f0159/qE3G8zAT8Tr3IeX0YyQ0--0--uvb3t_1.5x-clty-upscale-zoci9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LV - Swamp Fever Only a few days after Jade I and her body guards had left the marshes for the second time, the Empress got a fever. Traveling through the open plains she had trouble staying awake on her horse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a54d23cf-76f3-41a9-abd7-b640a6b60c89/nB0BKIMHiNIsvtap3nmL--0--7qv22_1.5x-clty-upscale-h3mcn.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LV - Swamp Fever When a pause was held she fell immediately asleep and it was hard to get her awake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a36d0a50-f4b7-48a4-a153-f9d2eb9fdffb/oEkvccTiEikzRVJ8et1P--0--fpgil_1.5x-clty-upscale-ml8ol.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LV - Swamp Fever Because of the illness of the Empress the group had decided to travel at night. The sooner they arrived in Opal the better. But Jade fell asleep on her horse, her horse stumbled and the Empress fell to the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f7d35949-e19e-4308-94f4-040b6d7a4bcf/FRKXbqSaC9rfW6eWVgtT--0--wp33s_1.5x-clty-upscale-3jhmk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LV - Swamp Fever A few body guards build an improvised stretcher and carried her through the night until they reached a poor man's cabin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e00f0e2a-4bb2-4cba-bf20-04d2f7d21904/VT2rwbr5KhyRrh9jXz6D--0--i0j4f.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LV - Swamp Fever The body guards carried the Empress inside and fed her some broth. In the mean time they informed with the owner of the cabin if he had a cart. Which he did. And he agreed to lend it to the Empress. He would be well rewarded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/97804965-9489-4cc6-bb6b-5a14f54946a2/tLa53YJ1vgnUV0ZRheeW--0--rqwyw.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LV - Swamp Fever Early morning, when the night was still dark the guards moved the Empress to the cart. Only one man would go with her, for the sake of speed. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/too-late monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/765c9a06-7ee7-4352-9df8-14ca7372f95a/xhsGzhOb4V5Jcns6OWKP--0--7i4n9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVI - Too Late The cart and its precious cargo where assisted by the gods who had the moon shine enough light on the path to avoid accidents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/34cf5778-be4b-4c77-813b-18130aa5ab70/xJg44vuC0R09ts07mIAv--0--8lu1f_1.5x-clty-upscale-d7t2z.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVI - Too Late At sunrise the sun and the icy plains were welcoming them. Not with their warmth but with more speed than the moutains had offered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8023b547-f897-4903-947d-e3bcb63e62a4/qllhncYYDI3Bi5YEZWAX--0--6d66e_1.5x-clty-upscale-aytuo.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVI - Too Late The driver turned the cart around and put the horse at the other side. The Empress had more comfort that way, and the could run along with the cart, offering the horse more speed or at least for a longer period, than with him on its back and having to pull the cart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d3db1c3b-fd2c-4d30-a9d7-0d9848fe52f3/LwvMoQb4upxXyKp2iYo2--0--xqrm1.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVI - Too Late In the end they reached Opal, where the first sun was welcoming them. But it was too late. The Empress had died in her feverish sleep on the cart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c2edf69b-a4af-4760-9ecb-4dad1cfe205f/ZfbkRp4faJidu49Rc9xi--0--y2eov_1.5x-clty-upscale-zaghl.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVI - Too Late Empress Jade I, formerly know as Rokhshan, widow of Neo the Great, and Empress of Opal, Neopolis and Babylon had died. But she had left a dynasty with her twin daughters. She and Neo would not be forgotten. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/330474a6-36f9-41c3-b8cb-349e7ec51e14/UMe6pztinMNi2sFVZxy4--0--n6dxd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVI - Too Late Jade I was added to the crypt of Neo the Great. In a glass coffin so that people would never forget her beauty and elegance. Her daughters were not present at the funeral. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/now-what monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/13ba3c3d-1817-4023-8822-850e98f0ebb7/QSiIvRIZ0BqdFeZn1yCz--0--wisf0_1.5x-clty-upscale-5urva.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? Before the funeral, the royal pigeon fancier had gotten his doves together and prepared in order send to them out with a message. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f66eda01-92f0-47ad-b004-c369e0732bd5/p1T8aQV6IKyDnJyPkT0N--0--z0l64.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? When the work was finished at night, all pigeons were released as they flew to even the furthest corners of the realm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c85cb54a-38c1-46aa-b6aa-05d15ce31677/f6PFNeOuFTtar7HocWEP--0--5p0f9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? Maryam had responded very calmly and cool and had decided not to go to the funeral out of fear that her sister might arrest her. Instead she had written some letters and had them sent by carrier pigeon to Opal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d0ef1d3a-5486-4680-b631-4076d5ab11d9/jzEiV0X9XXuEWJQWv3Oz--0--jpret_1.5x-clty-upscale-rt9g5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? Elisheba waited till the funeral was over out of respect for her mother, gathered her army and went on her way to occupy Opal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c2855362-7920-4605-b573-082807ad5523/L8t8N8rtD7oIvcV09Xq5--0--ah5uv_1.5x-clty-upscale-irfjb.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? Somewhere far beyond the borders of the realm the message was received more emotionally. Both Murat and MacDonald were shocked "Now what?" "How did the men react?" "They are lost...after all this expedition was made in her name." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3efe0918-19e2-4c1e-a9bc-84ccceabc1a1/aQWrrP7FL7QZhwKE2cin--0--7zjp2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? So Murat and MacDonald got below deck to consult the men. "Do we proceed in remembrance of the Empress, or do we return to Opal and retire?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4b4b9ebd-e9f6-4eb0-bd91-daac4376a9e7/mOQrqNKu0UlQZ3PAuKUT--0--x32q5.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? The discussions took long and lots of arguments were weighed against each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7865df25-3959-4b17-abe1-74004d612f86/OKTUCC5ipnAWYCQudGKp--0--dsdeq.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? In the end the crew decided to go on. After all the expedition was started by the Empress, but now it had become their life's work. So both captains were informed and the relief was visible on their faces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d5a58d1f-751b-42c2-8e6f-3d5fed530a78/OKTUCC5ipnAWYCQudGKp--0--syssl.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVII - Now What? "So, we sail on....in remembrance of our Empress Jade I, and her desire to find a cure for the aging disease." "Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!!!" https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/initiatives monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ac51eec5-33a4-4d77-9c58-12e2a46ce699/Kaq3NIEGa6kBoHCXPOT8--0--19gf2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives Once the funeral had passed Elisheba made her move and marched towards the castle. But the gates remained closed. She ordered her army to prepare for a siege and went back to her command tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/463dd0e7-f176-400f-b7c9-388e3d4984ec/cFVxy74kdV4Ny6lMpfOU--0--grigm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives The next morning Elisheba left her tent and went straight to the gates of the castle, on foot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d5de9eef-b8d0-4d82-a6c1-236e8878739a/IRsnZBY7RNehk1PigmIf--0--tbcxh.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives When she arrived a smaller door in the gate was opened. Elisheba looked back at her army and there was a shade of doubt in her eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8fbec443-1822-4ff7-8c71-23dc24d6b6f9/DGfNw1vVb0OpmmvindsF--0--y9ybz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives But then that disappeared: "Master Ilias?" "Yes, milady" "It's been ages since we saw each other. And I see you got promoted." "Yes, no longer training little girls how to fight anymore." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/41b76370-23ed-4ff7-ab72-b68f98dafe77/DGfNw1vVb0OpmmvindsF--0--2hchr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives "Why are the gates closed?" "Your mother's people are afraid there will be razzia's." "My mother's people? They are my people too, you know." "I just want to take my mother's seat. And if that leads to a fight with my sister, it will have no consequences for the people who have lived here for years and always served my mother faithfully and wholeheartedly." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4cd7aff3-673b-4acb-a849-cf5677771004/DGfNw1vVb0OpmmvindsF--0--itab8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives "Do I have you word?" "You have my word. I swear this on my father's and my mother's grave. They taught me well. And I know how important a given word is." "Then the gates will be opened." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4e3e155e-228e-4ce1-b9bc-b66cd3827e4b/f6PFNeOuFTtar7HocWEP--0--jiyl3_1.5x-clty-upscale-h6ybm.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives In the mean time Maryam was sure that her sister was taking the initiative and felt totally powerless. She was sure there was something she could do. And then an idea struck her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/23139bed-8bb5-4972-8c15-3c512c90e6be/h4zslTn4OTuHfONYiKTk--0--h28s0_1.5x-clty-upscale-nxoa0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives She got behind her desk and started writing several letters addressed to the sheikhs in the desert and the emirs in Opal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c4de5f1c-4bef-47c8-838d-c20002960fcb/98bDDozB2tIvWx7XG8VG-p98vQ-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LVIII - Initiatives When finished she called ibn Arabi and told him to make sure that the letters were delivered urgently and "For your eyes only" to the addressed people. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/politics monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4cf6310b-450b-42f8-83d9-f90c2267edab/okplPviBkhKXlpOVxvVz--0--6yphm_1.5x-clty-upscale-l5tb9.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics After camp of Elisheba's army had been broken up the troops started to march into Opal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a3be793-711f-4c93-9367-0b5d11c3e680/wmMgJ87MDUeGIvb6fHeQ--0--vp7r9_1.5x-clty-upscale-6o4lz.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics When Elisheba entered the palace on her way to the throne room she was approached by one of ibn Arabi's Shadow Walkers. Her body guards immediately drew their swords, but the man said he meant no evil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/40e645ba-28ac-4d0a-acae-1387ac3ac759/0KSSrH3pIcxj1Yt861M4--0--nii8j.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics He just wanted her to read a letter that was sent to different people in and out of Opal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/beaa29c6-928d-4a2f-8819-72652522de54/0KSSrH3pIcxj1Yt861M4--0--ywn1e.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics The letter was nothing less but a plea to crown Maryam Empress of their father's empire. Maryam used the argument that Elisheba would do the same but instead of Arabs and Persians take up the Occidentals in all positions of power. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e2df6e94-439a-4aed-ba6f-58a78a8019aa/LTn3oxMdL6IsjO2rEKpj--0--d498e.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics "Tell your boss that I have no intent to become Empress. Tell him to inform Maryam that I want to meet with her and divide the Empire in an Eastern and Western part. I'll meet wherever she wants, as long as it is not in Babylon." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4d11103b-3fcb-4a3a-848e-9ac5e0e04567/8XSXp4JVWRpz6WBOd4Nr-3pqJ3-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics Soon after ibn Arabi informed queen Maryam of the counter proposal of her sister. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b56ea057-14bb-4e32-a859-b13fee76c1ec/JHLQ84xKHtu3p07nQtXS-uJwCh-adjusted.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics Maryam grabbed a map and spread it out on her desk. "Here is where we will meet...on the border of the mountain people's home and the desert." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4fc126ec-d60d-4adc-a1af-170bdfc9a384/JHLQ84xKHtu3p07nQtXS--0--l67up.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics "See to it that she gets the message. And try to find Pakal. I would feel safer if he and his army were there as a peace force." "I will see to it personally, milady." "Oh and Arabi, I want to meet the man who handed the letters to my sister. I want to know where and who he got them from." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7e8e26c2-ef44-4516-92a0-4ed7cfcf01b8/zAKTige6hTljvmz4keOU--0--3urk3_1.5x-clty-upscale-87bev.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LIX - Politics "I am afraid that will no longer be possible, your highness. The man was found in Neopolis, sitting dead in a small alley. We think he died of poison or drugs. Hard to tell." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/legend-of-opal/end-of-the-story monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/895e831a-4dee-46c0-8e17-cf71265a1ad1/vjKmMMilobuE9moZCFcT--0--dywmb_1.5x-clty-upscale-lonry.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? The preparation of possible peace talks started an avalanche of couriers. Everybody wanted to have the latest news directly from their own source.: the queens Maryam and Elisheba, ibn Arabi, the emirs and the generals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/487894b1-2a45-4670-b546-0ea1bad9e8fd/45BJ2wMcqO8gvkehGmly--0--8d4ut_1.5x-clty-upscale-ytukp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? How hard it is to imagine, but sometimes they almost crashed into each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7ad415ee-44a6-4cbd-9274-e8f45e1a0007/SYhxqksqkpD8MafXaz2w--0--cx7it_2x-clty-upscale-8eri0.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? Or sometimes they just exchanged the latest news, and in the end all parties got the same briefing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/736bf2e7-455c-4dcb-8658-e9743daf9063/EhODM6sK3CTophI6AD5e--0--hecg4_1.5x-clty-upscale-665qa.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? But most of the time none of the messengers trusted each other and wanted to keep the latest scoop for themselves. So that their clients ended up with lots of messages saying different things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/062bd3e4-dd2d-41e5-859b-93d0231880cd/yo5bhTXHQq9bjUZHuL4m--0--8m4el.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? When ibn Arabi briefed queen Maryam again she got fed up: "I have had it. I don't want all those messages. I want one source, one person who is managing all this. And since you do not seem to be able to find Pakal, I want you to find me someone else. Until then I don't want any more news. And I don't want to see you anymore." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7ab08351-431e-42f1-a5f2-8fbd73155703/TYJlBF9HTp3OZPaWryNh--0--a1960.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? A few days later ibn Arabi was in Opal, popping up from the shadows behind Elisheba's back. "Why do you always have to pop up like that? Can't you just approach people in a normal way?" "I just don't want your sister to know that I work closely with you too." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88cdb2fa-c621-4998-89b4-22fe1082690f/TYJlBF9HTp3OZPaWryNh--0--nn3pk.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? "And by the way, I do not agree with her meeting point....or Pakal, if you even managed to get hold of him." "The border of the desert is too close to our grandfather's territory....and I don't know whose side he's on." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e7c7bf43-6d5a-432e-8e28-58d6c2d7bf72/hgg8iSSe46Fo0xEwJ42D--0--5dguy_2x-clty-upscale-f58rr.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? "That is exactly why I have an alternative. Do you know Inspector-General de Winter?" "Nope." "He worked for Bernadotte and led an expedition to the region beyond the North. He is now working a bit on his own, with his own troops, sort of reigning the North. His loyalty to your father is bigger than to anyone else. That is also why he didn't 't join Bernadotte when he became king of Scandza. I think he might be a great mediator. And we might even suggest to keep the peace talks in his domain." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a5b0e36-e5a4-4921-b04d-24ddc986e42c/TYJlBF9HTp3OZPaWryNh--0--0chzd.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? "Finally something that sounds as a workable idea. Get in touch with the man, and persuade my sister to accept this option. The sooner we get this behind us, the sooner we can start molding our regions into a true kingdom, and form our different peoples to one nation." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88fbf551-04d3-478e-8696-bfb33489f689/vl0HVPyfd8xwZ5iLNy9T--0--x2yxp.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? And so a peace treaty was signed between the two sisters. Maryam would get Babylon, the desert of their ancestors and anything beyond Babylon (the uncharted lands). Elisheba got Opal, Neopolis, the mountain lands bordering the desert and all the land from Opal to the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/82b51f70-9c77-47c6-9107-f5eb1cc6fd87/pOVwRddeB1lU1N6v56t6--0--ifllh_1.5x-clty-upscale-7ivzf.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? Both sisters were congratulated by Inspector-General de Winter, who decided to join the forces of Elisheba. Maryam returned to Babylon and Elisheba decided to tour her kingdom. Little did they know that it would take twenty years before both sisters would meet again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/da646d1d-325e-4244-94eb-4bd7b855ca93/9kpQ2f7vOhcNQfvTdJDC--0--u8gbj_1.5x-clty-upscale-s44o2.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? Maryam returned to Babylon and stayed there the rest of her life, building momuments and writing a new legislation. She died at the age of 79 years and did not leave any descendants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9949d17b-189e-49a5-838c-caf3ed567351/eZeIRoTXaR7fQsv0XNoM--0--6yug9_1.5x-clty-upscale-mzz8c.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? Elisheba got three children. A twin of girls called Nafisa and Safiya and the oldest girl, named Jade. She would start a long line of queens called Jade in Opal. Elisheba had forgotten the old rule of her mother however, and grew old as a single parent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b3df4ddb-f8a6-4cc9-a6c5-cca84135e8d0/ImQpd4h3oefUX27vuwnt--0--hlu8a.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? One of Elisheba's main concerns during her rule was the aging disease. More men started showing the signs and several incidents were reported. A kidnapping of one of the nobilities daughters was the straw that broke the camel's back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/457f08cb-5b64-4bc4-9e39-5dff6ff8548c/D9IhzwPH1lfmwzqctZX4--0--mwiqy.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? From then on the men suffering the aging disease were banned to the woods the moment they showed the signs, and were banned from any city in Elisheba's kingdom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8286cd2d-484d-4633-b02d-8d72af17d3a2/eVSU5NE23idSXU6LJgRW--0--0z4f3_1.5x-clty-upscale-ei1o8.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? The women took refuge in the castle the day they came of age. Even though they spoke different languages: occidental, Arabian and Q'eqchi there was never any discrimination and it became the founding of Elisheba's kingdom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8497b237-2eb0-4cee-bfbc-c292392c1e99/OT5TgHjpIZRCEQJw4kWd--0--d2qy1_1.5x-clty-upscale-et7jj.jpg Legend of Opal - Page LX - The End of the Story? End this is where the Legend of Opal ends. And where its story could only continue because of the Elves arriving in Opal in the Legends of the Elves. Thank you for reading and for keeping the story of Opal alive. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald daily 0.75 2026-02-06 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-ice-elves monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/df836a6b-3279-4fc3-bc89-1bc19e5c9698/i53EU3HRN8R7H3ExvOhs--0--hdp6u.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves When Murat and MacDonald had left Port de la Montagne on the Inconstant to find a cure for the aging disease (see Legend of Opal) they traveled north. After several weeks at sea the Inconstant docked at a coast with an icy environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/91c52fc2-4db3-4789-8e01-3f4e0e85d988/5rlImxRbH7ogHgQsZD8u--0--kd14d.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves The land was populated by the Snow Elves, an ancient people who had lived here for thousands of years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/04b44000-2a68-4dfb-9656-8cd77cd6457f/sbfYVhzzGOSemAFrHws5--0--0vx0s.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves When MacDonald formed a crew to go deeper inland, the first Elf showed up to observe the remarkable vehicle floating on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a849c884-0a00-4286-83a1-ab83c5e6db29/LyUmR6Q9QIEc89YBt3qG--0--ipves.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves When the first observer left, some time later a second one came, looking more specifically for people or other creatures. But since the crew that stayed on board was hiding from the cold, they were not noticed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cbe88367-52c0-4e81-bfda-1e23c588b4a0/sYh2lFcs1Rqu6moZld1I--0--jh56u_2x-clty-upscale-yzm22.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves More inland the Snow Elves were exchanging their info and decided on actions to take. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1798a156-034e-4b91-823c-747f26afec86/RFTkTzy7J5PFxDEoYupS--0--dsee7.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves In the mean time the expedition team was struggling against the elements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c8e591d6-b6ab-4f55-acf7-ba57d2ac1d6a/OtE64xGMvRuWScnTRslk--0--r2885.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves And then out of nowhere they were stopped by women on the back of polar bears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8238c04a-d995-4bb2-a361-997819333553/AxJ4gYcDDia6s4YeWhpg--0--o3sqx.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page I - The Snow Elves MacDonald approached them and explained their mission. When the women heard about the aging disease, their reaction was blunt and short. When he got back to Murat, he asked what they said. MacDonald answered: "We kill men with beards." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/draugar monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6e9b7b0a-9a13-43a0-a3d4-0cc2a7ff82ad/YaIYS6r5G9LILPfJPdMD-breon-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-1f4kf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar One of the women got off her polar bear and came to the men: "No, no, no....not WE kill men with beards....the HWI do...the skuggar....draugar....how do you call them?....ghosts, yes, ghosts....GHOSTS kill men with beards...in day, ghosts in mountains, at night, ghosts on ice plains." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3209ead1-3d03-4496-9885-7b0df1fb91b2/y0DFSSRwEs23wkGGQe6J--0--fsm8f_2x-clty-upscale-iqtac_1.5x-clty-upscale-1ol6g.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar Since it had become too late to travel to the residence of the Snow Elves however the group decided to take the risk and spend the night in the plains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cf709ac7-84ef-46cd-8d5c-5b1983a1a15d/ZFOwuYtlkMpu0XtXPSBs--0--w1bu4_1.5x-clty-upscale-0rtev.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar MacDonald and Murat decided to sit with the leader of the group and get some more information of her on the ghosts. Freyja told them that the ghosts could feel if men had the aging disease. "If they feel you have the sickness they will kill you, if not they let you live." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/32e1bf8f-428f-4808-8b4b-4ade21e373f5/NKYCXdsiOMs9qDKD6i6a--0--jmy6i_2x-clty-upscale-qwwo6.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar In the mean time ghosts appeared on the plains and paid a visit to the Inconstant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ac6d2a81-7363-44be-aff5-ecadeb131c6b/wjcBi2qpLWJ4yJBaC5fg--0--163kj_2x-clty-upscale-6i8yo.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar They went on board under a full moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2cc929be-2b0b-44e6-8bd0-c7e9923eff77/hn2ecT6eogvSevu5u6Su-A-YHd-adjusted.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar But the drunk crew took their appearance for delusions and laughed at the beautiful sight of the ghosts, trying to lure them to come closer. But touching the ghosts was not without pain, and soon the crew turned their back on them. After the ghosts had done their job, they flew away in the dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/92bb444c-0261-4bfb-a68c-f3adf484dd72/yAtRsOT8z6pcHM7qoDDL--0--vj14c.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar In the plains the crew of the Inconstant had fallen asleep, and only noticed a deep cold going through their veins when the ghosts rushed through them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e413f330-1e50-4975-930d-221aa7c53f7d/1vx1ic0cd4Ac6uCY4CgJ--0--e8uak.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar When the first light of morning chased away the night the men of the Inconstant woke up, only to notice that MacDonald and Freyja, the leader of the Snow Elves, had disappeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e8d3fd7d-fd57-4d6f-9f3b-e1a756ad20f3/SCO3eghjfc98hsgYLlDc--0--t0vgv_1.5x-clty-upscale-bzp9m.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page II - Draugar Freyja had decided to bring MacDonald to the álfur norn, an Elf witch high up at the edge of a volcano, who lived a solitary life. She told MacDonald of the prophecy of a floating house with sails that would bring a man with fiery hair and beard. She said that the ghosts feared him. And maybe the álfur norn could help him with his search. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/katla monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6afb2c1e-8d2b-41b8-b53a-29d8b2cbb6e5/0Q6ftWDFIU5MhxQy78yX--0--mz3bg_1.5x-clty-upscale-b98rx.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla After Freyja had left, MacDonald and a few of his man continued the climb upon the volcano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4c8dd67f-0d9c-43d5-9690-9a41a03f500f/qerwvE7mE1uGrQ2yQCUK--0--0anle.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla When the hardest part was done MacDonald continued on his own, not knowing if the spell would accept his men being with him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f19c3b30-40d4-42bd-ace4-93ffc86d8eb8/mtJK6PMSDyLfHxjiJwcp--0--tyez0.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla At the top of the volcano an old witch was waiting for him: "So, you are the man with the fiery hair. And you arrived here in a floating house with sails?" "You could call it that, yes." "Then the prophecy might be true, after all. Join me to my cave." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/43b0a111-0707-49b2-82cc-b29db62c82d0/2hkVnfbzxip8Gk2LQSbp--0--r236z_1.5x-clty-upscale-kepcf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla On the way to her cave Katla, as the witch was called, told him about the prophecy. MacDonald asked her why the ghosts would be afraid of him. "Because if you find a cure for the aging disease, the gods have no reason anymore to let them be ghosts, and they would just fade into oblivion." "But don't they want to be dead, have eternal peace, as you so often hear?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d2783eca-9cc4-460f-a819-bdff01cd9486/2hkVnfbzxip8Gk2LQSbp--0--hvuru.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla "These ghosts don't, they like it that they are worshipped by the people, and since they were all fierce warriors, they still like the feeling of killing...So, why do you need the cure?" "We have a whole army that has been infected in the Fiery Lands, and our queen wants to heal them. We don't have your ghosts, and she is afraid of what might happen with our women when the men get the disease." "Your queen is wise....let 's go, there is a cave I want you to see." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e609544f-2bff-4fde-8a32-67e09ae7ce89/Ajn141Cs1sb0mELDhuPe--0--a2pqn.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla "This cave is said to lead to hið týnda land, or the lost land as you would call it. It is said that underneath the volcano live beasts and plants long forgotten. Maybe you will find the cure there...beware....the prophecy is no guarantee that you will....so don't stay there too long....or you might forget to look for a way out." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1cc57690-70b1-476d-9533-204fa6f37030/Ajn141Cs1sb0mELDhuPe--0--wy4d9.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla "I also want to warn you for a man, a shepherd called Barði...he once tried to steal what I am about to give you....he went in without it, and never got back. If he is still down there he will do everything to get what I have given you." "Okay,...." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4a5fd09c-53ca-4bf6-9af5-5744f903a943/Ajn141Cs1sb0mELDhuPe--0--15h45.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla "What I am giving you is a spell on your buxur...your trousers. They will allow you to run as fast as the wind without tiring. Now I see you are wearing a kilt. My guess is that it might get hot down there....never take off the buxur, or the spell will be gone...Good luck, and may the gods' speed be with you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a03b5104-ddc9-4f66-b5d4-735090e9e800/Qe1kPrc9YfnKK6lm0s50--0--1tnoa.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page III - Katla That was the last thing Katla said to him, and she vanished. MacDonald shook his head....ghosts, spells, folklore, witches....what else would be coming at him....anyway, he said: "for queen and country" , and up he went. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/skugga-stridsmenn monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/10ecf346-aef5-4c51-9980-228f695ff108/RTDSrXx0LGsPxnD3jAlK--0--0l4a1.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn When MacDonald started to climb the stairs it was clear that he wouldn't just get passed that heat in a normal way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/491f9223-e23b-4483-9b3d-ab2e45542ea9/rFjVNkv32yXigRRr4LOG--0--5u7e0.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn So he used the buxur spell and ran as fast as he could. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8520bc4b-f244-4cd5-80e7-0a1ec4e9a79b/PrnwLTAukkwPlcu4sosT--0--lic4y_1.5x-clty-upscale-kwbm2.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn The spell was magical...it felt as if MacDonald just transported his body from one place to another. In a fraction of a second he stood on top of the stairs and he hadn't even felt the heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/01fc4473-635b-45ae-96f5-c3811c9b2314/5bcDnlyumY3qwMcMNUQc--0--mee7n_1.5x-clty-upscale-ubo0g.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn MacDonald continued his journey down to the center of the earth, or at least that is how it felt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0665639e-8d97-4b3c-9b9d-b252a5e80ee7/BDYcR5IovqEIVq1nuuFm--0--guz0u_1.5x-clty-upscale-f3f8q.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn After several hours he reached a large open space which looked like an old throne room with a throne carved out of the lava stones and a relief behind it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c05255d6-e7e3-4783-87c8-19d1b4c97fa9/BDYcR5IovqEIVq1nuuFm--0--n692m.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn While he was admiring the relief a ghost appeared to him who looked like an old viking leader. With a thunderous voice he welcomed MacDonald. "So this is the stranger my men are afraid of. Not much of a man if you ask me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f930b85b-5de0-416e-86a2-2f3dcbd24607/EmybHAbnU1YO7sSHFiq3--0--nzhh7.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn "These were once true men and warriors", the old man said while the relief came alive. "And if you truly are the man who is supposed to send us in oblivion. I dare you to get passed this hall." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c100d525-83b1-49b1-9419-dd9591ee2271/MioAUmPlKl2XzcUxEvy2--0--ry8yb.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn MacDonald started to laugh: "Am I supposed to be afraid now, or what? I have met far tougher challenges than you. And by the way, you cannot hurt me, I haven't got the disease, and even if you could hurt me, this buxur makes me so fast, you can't even keep track of me....so I spit on your men, and your threat, you whimsical apparition , get back to the dead, and leave me to fulfill my quest." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8a1ed676-a816-491c-a987-857ae4b20461/EmybHAbnU1YO7sSHFiq3--0--rdgfp.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IV - Skugga Stríðsmenn The moment MacDonald spit on the ground the throne and the ghosts disintegrated. "And these are the ghosts who are supposed to oppose me....They run away when I just spit at them? Looks like this mission is gonna be a holiday, if you ask me", MacDonald said while mimicking the voice of the old ghost leader in a sarcastic way. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/path-of-delusions monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f3ee9f8b-7147-405a-bec3-df4b03cf0a8e/BDYcR5IovqEIVq1nuuFm--0--kmr5b.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions Once the throne and the ghosts disintegrated a large hidden door opened at the left of the throne room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/935ddade-7684-4361-b9ed-6bb607ada544/gGakW5fUzUptxPDTQbDc--0--ooe0u.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions When MacDonald stepped through the door he was back in the cold again, and a snowy staircase was laid out before him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/39888a47-b135-458d-ad6d-7251d472d4af/NKnDmu3rAFIbWofIBPxc--0--lw2jv.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions After hours of walking he came upon a gate and in the middle of a circular platform stood and Elf witch: "Katla? Is it you? You look so much younger now." "It is, and I do because this is my world now. Welcome, you have made it so far." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/09460be9-96da-4e01-85f4-530644768e19/Qg6nEDDrSl6NGlWSWauk--0--ogjse_1.5x-clty-upscale-2kftq.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions When MacDonald stepped on the platform it turned into night and Katla had a crescent moon in her staff. "I am here to help you to the next phase. Without help it will be difficult to descend these cliffs. So just close your eyes and wait for a few seconds. Good luck!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ad71e087-75a6-4e2d-9a74-412ab0259526/ljRAqz0dWbUgJttBNG5w--0--8brb9.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions MacDonald in the mean time had learned to trust Katla, and so he closed his eyes and when he opened them he was back in daytime in the middle of a misty bamboo forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8ab7062d-9a6a-4bab-a419-59ee7ac982b4/AKAbtDAaYhKzPhyQYCQu--0--jzmx0.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions After the bamboo came a dark forest with bioluminescent frogs. And they could talk. When they noticed MacDonald they came to him and asked him "Are you a princess? Because if you are, you may kiss me, I will turn into your prince." MacDonald smiled and continued his way: "Wrong story, guys." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d49e14ed-518e-4356-ad4e-3edda62751aa/hP9X7DNiptyiq8l1QvkG--0--f206d.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions The next day MacDonald was back in the snow. A friendly woman who was seriously underdressed for the weather stopped him. "I just wanted to point out that in order to reach your destination you just have to follow the yellow brick road, I mean the snowy brick road" "....almost got it wrong...", she giggled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/031c03b1-75f4-44db-951d-99728e6903df/NC8QWeKl7nknahIhVtft--0--bz686.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions So MacDonald kept walking and after another few hours met a polar bear king sitting on a throne. "Welcome, my name is Pihoqahiak, but you can call me Nanuq if that should be too difficult. I have been waiting for you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/28f8606f-5beb-46b7-a236-41c422004589/sCJHDfkcQGtcckoXZutp--0--94vxr.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page V - The Path of Delusions "Katla asked me to provide you with some transport because the snow and ice will only get worse. So on your road you will meet Tornassuk who is a good friend of mine. He will help you out. And now I must go, if you don't mind, I am getting a bit cold. Time for a nice cup of warm cocoa with the missus. Have a nice journey, man with the fiery hair." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/tornassuk monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ad4a2855-ecfa-4021-b366-baa202d6d7f1/bWE90I6LD1daTkuSqYh3--0--xmz9g.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VI - Tornassuk When MacDonald met Tornassuk, he had not expected to see him in armor. Or to get a lecture: "My name is Tornassuk. I have been waiting for you. Before we depart...I will not take you on my back, I will not fight against other bears, unless they attack first, and you will address me with Sir....cause I am from noble descent." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6f08b145-a867-45a5-acae-66717684bdcf/bWE90I6LD1daTkuSqYh3--0--zoyr8.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VI - Tornassuk After which Tornassuk sat down. MacDonald replied: "OK, I respect that. And I will call you Sir, if you also call me Sir, cause I am also from noble descent." 'To which the bear replied: "Uh-uh...nope, will not do." And so MacDonald also got seated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3443afe5-80b5-46c9-96b7-8318bbdbed26/HvD2Qx76gum4fSDctKXr--0--yc94l.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VI - Tornassuk And so they both kept staring at each other. Until the bear said: "If you don't have to call me Sir, do I still have to call you Sir?" MacDonald replied: "No, you don't...it'll only slow down communication." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c27edde3-3972-420b-b9e2-3ab5de690c12/WLKBkYNMsBVSYSvUmEop-6jeuE.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VI - Tornassuk The bear looked investigative at MacDonald and then rubbed his hair: "I like you. We will travel together, Sir....or we can both drop the sirs, of course. And, you can ride on my back when we are in danger. By the way, you don't happen to have some warm cocoa on you, do you?" MacDonald shook his head. "Too pity." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/28d1fbbb-be6e-43e8-b000-93657f48ceaa/npz5k8ttvDxzzjKzJhCc--0--9skss.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VI - Tornassuk And so the two traveling companions were on their way, without saying a word. But then Tornassuk stopped: "Get behind me, stay there, don't move, and don't say a word." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/496d138d-5524-4ee3-8ddb-860558804104/ydPPdgqdjbEofTVFYbsz--0--rb0b6_2x-clty-upscale-mgse8.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VI - Tornassuk "Well, well, well, Tornassuk, have you found another weakling to play with?", the bear with the human on his back asked. "Oh by the way, weakling, I am called the Dog of the Ghosts, and I have been waiting for you." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/bardi monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1859a780-e331-40e7-a116-60d987cadfec/ydPPdgqdjbEofTVFYbsz--0--gy3e7.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði "I believe you have something that belongs to me, ginger head." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e90fcd75-061f-49db-9fe9-dca7f993332e/npz5k8ttvDxzzjKzJhCc--0--b0dez.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði In spite of Tornassuk's instructions MacDonald stepped forward. Tornassuk growled and showed his teeth: "Get back, you idiot!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d1936fce-4c7d-416f-b913-f73e8b053615/npz5k8ttvDxzzjKzJhCc--0--qgggo.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði "If you step any further the bear will attack since you will be a direct threat to his rider. And I will not be able to defend you since you will have started the quarrel. Now step back and do as I told you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ad9975af-c943-4547-87c2-ce20d6d53bc3/h5O6J455sIrgmmyw3A8I--0--7gblw.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði "Aaahhh, isn't it always the same with those humans....always so impulsive and ready for action." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7027c430-aa51-4011-9907-22f6ddfbd7bf/TklnYbeqzGK8uJC3PJ9A--0--298l3.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði "That is why I prefer the company of bears. Strong, but careful. Oh, and loyal, too." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e012c92f-0966-4d90-a5bc-9ec99a2dfaff/TklnYbeqzGK8uJC3PJ9A--0--hsljq.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði "Now, I guess you know who I am. Katla must have most certainly warned you about me. But she also lied to you. Because that buxur spell is mine, and she stole it from me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/38c1a75c-92ac-4882-afc3-b1d57f67c97a/ydPPdgqdjbEofTVFYbsz--0--rb0b6_2x-clty-upscale-mgse8.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði "But I'm not gonna start a fight over it right here. Your bear is in top shape, while mine, well you can see for yourself. And as for the two of us....I guess it isn't a fair match either, is it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/830bc305-3229-4d6d-922f-461bd8171959/ydPPdgqdjbEofTVFYbsz--0--zj2et.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði "But you know what....the nights can be very long here. And the both of you will have to sleep, one way or another. And I will be there with my friend here....and we will get the spell, and who knows, maybe even your life." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f7b7b18d-2b2b-42d7-a4db-ca40be985e9c/ITxOu4lepkJIwufNuV2q--0--rfc0e.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VII - Barði And so Barði gave his bear the instruction to leave. "Oh, and one last piece of advice....it is not true that a forewarned man is worth two....not from my experience it isn't....hihihi." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/chahar-bagh monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c9c01204-76cf-420c-b043-83912eed3ca0/hqLWMARIBZrX1efW1SaM--0--ovasw.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VIII - Chahar Bagh While continuing their way MacDonald and Tornassuk reached the mountains and Tornassuk got rid of his armor. "Dumping your armor....is that smart?", MacDonald asked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/766958ee-a368-49d2-89de-e34022936e32/hqLWMARIBZrX1efW1SaM--0--ps950.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VIII - Chahar Bagh "I won't need it here anymore and where we are going it is too hot to wear a metal armor. Besides, I will be lighter that way when we have to run for our life, and you are sitting on my back." "And where are we going?" "Over there", the bear answered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3af3a724-31a6-4ae7-903e-4b5527bde693/wHId7vnrFtYDJ6wiLkyT--0--7e38x.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VIII - Chahar Bagh In front of them lay a cave with a rainbow spreading its colors over the circle-like entrance. "This is the entrance to Chahar Bagh, or four-part garden. Mind you, once we go in we cannot get out the way we came. We will have to find another exit." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5bf80e5e-572d-4042-9110-432c395af759/qQyUWKDj5QQk2nB61dIL--0--l8der.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VIII - Chahar Bagh So they went in. In front of them lay a view which left MacDonald speechless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b21cf949-f6f1-4ff1-a5a1-923c28a3b4a1/yQR25hZEHECGLebKyqsQ--0--niwbb_1.5x-clty-upscale-vn54h.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VIII - Chahar Bagh "What on earth....are those dinosaurs?" "Yep. Welcome to God's version of paradise. But not all is peace and love over here. So you have to be on guard all the time." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6eed19b0-b8fe-4115-9372-834508d733d4/gjb2gwaOFoFTOqZjOJ3Y--0--3y7gc_1.5x-clty-upscale-sijhx.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page VIII - Chahar Bagh Once MacDonald had found his breath again, they started to descend an immense stairway that would lead them straight in part one of the "four-part garden." "Oh, and remember, it may get warm in here, but once you take off those buxur, their magic is gone. So I would appreciate it if you kept them as long as possible, so I won't have to take you on my back every time we see a T-Rex." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/house-of-books monthly 0.5 2026-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/416badcf-828b-4ff7-b559-4d6a821dbffd/53AaDzYJozaDvOFkBpO4--0--a84qa.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books It was warm, indeed, in the jungle, so MacDonald dropped his fur coat. He was surprised to find a path amidst all the huge plants, and was glad that they hadn't met any carnivore dino's yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/737de2e6-1450-4ec2-9404-4d6754411368/53AaDzYJozaDvOFkBpO4--0--0l1ru.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books While they were walking Tornassuk told MacDonald about the House of Books, and how it might contain an answer to his search for a cure. When they saw a huge gorilla sitting on the edge of a ravine Tornassuk told MacDonald to be quiet. "He is guarding the House, but he won't attack us. He can feel our intentions, and so far they are good." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2199b094-8390-4d4e-bcf8-3288d57991a0/EQ9pUhZO6Fxo5OSTPgOn--0--wthas.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books Somewhat later they arrived at the House. It was a small building with an average number of books displayed on wooden shelfs. As if the animals of this jungle could read. On the other hand, who would have believed bears could talk? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ad0d88b2-ad0f-46af-825b-a73d6dccfd01/EQ9pUhZO6Fxo5OSTPgOn--0--hg5n4.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books MacDonald wanted to go in but Tornassuk noticed the burning pieces of paper and sniffed for any danger. "We'd better watch out, something is not right here." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/60a1fb77-0a16-44a1-a06f-9aa2189e55ef/EQ9pUhZO6Fxo5OSTPgOn--0--8d71r_1.5x-clty-upscale-flk6e.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books So MacDonald entered the House of Books. It would have been too easy to have an index in the building so he sighed at the prospect of having to go through all the books in the House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9ae83be1-2a23-477c-b16b-b06b6fee922b/EQ9pUhZO6Fxo5OSTPgOn--0--4ykp8_1.5x-clty-upscale-a6464.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books And then suddenly Barði appeared again, ready to cast a spell at MacDonald and Tornassuk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/77c63940-92e9-4807-a37c-240d9eb4487a/UqmRSrpKrSqjUCJE4rVC--0--ca9zg_1.5x-clty-upscale-7g4lf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books MacDonald was surprised to see Tornassuk's fur glow and show some weird signs. "You cannot harm us here, Barði, I have enough power to withhold you from harming us, even with your spells." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/27824726-5237-480d-bfb6-3a7f89d597ee/EQ9pUhZO6Fxo5OSTPgOn--0--m0lrj.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books Barði smiled: "I am not here to harm you, I just want to stop you from finding a cure for the aging disease....unless your friend there will tell me the buxur spell." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/24663d37-289f-4f53-bcad-98cda35d4c05/EQ9pUhZO6Fxo5OSTPgOn--0--6dv6f.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page IX - The House of Books And so Barði cast his spell and the library went in flames. And Barði disappeared in the air. "Damn," MacDonald cursed, "I thought Barði was just a shepherd." "I guess that is just another lie Katla told you," Tornassuk replied. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/hunted-down monthly 0.5 2026-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7f07ead3-dc86-4b96-b007-dda8654e3fdd/m4eQAWq7O2Jvlu78z9qm--0--drqyk.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down "We'd better start moving", Tornassuk said, "animals don't like fire, both those predators here are intelligent enough to know that where there is fire, there are humans, and as such prey." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b71f0f0-5e6f-4a09-9172-79cf84bbf80f/53AaDzYJozaDvOFkBpO4--0--450xv_1.5x-clty-upscale-72jl2.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down While they were running at high speed (MacDonald with his buxur spell) MacDonald asked where they were going. "We are going to the well of the river at our left. That's where the four parts of this place come together. Time to move to the next part, and search for the cure there." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/70a78cf7-c0ee-495d-9401-0f78061f2904/m4eQAWq7O2Jvlu78z9qm--0--cgmw6.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down As Tornassuk had predicted some Eoraptors had already gathered at the House of Books and were communicating with eachother where to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ca0dc325-69ac-4c24-9e8a-be63ec45f277/ahS029SW0MkfrkxIE5uU--0--laehm.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down Soon they had smelled their prey and were following its trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e91b4d10-1d4a-46e0-83ac-20a3cb32a9c5/rPZhVFYEd2Cs3SjleoOx-IJtzj-adjusted.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down MacDonald: "If we are going for the well of this river, shouldn't we be going in the other direction?" Tornassuk: "Be my guest. As far as I am concerned I first want to get rid of these little monsters I can hear chattering behind us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/279ceb02-1e56-4dae-93b7-5a7e93e7ee27/v6lDsvnqtc9uUnLo7SL5--0--rjz8n_1.5x-clty-upscale-z9vve.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down Luckily for MacDonald and Tornassuk they stumbled upon a dead tree that was serving as a bridge between the two banks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c4606a23-893e-4d04-bd2a-900f158a19e9/zNLDBOkcz5kJs5AQDgqr--0--cvj0u_1.5x-clty-upscale-o5kmc.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down When they had crossed the river, Tornassuk turned back and pushed the tree into the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9e910386-92c2-47a1-86ac-eda3804008da/zNLDBOkcz5kJs5AQDgqr--0--d8b3m_1.5x-clty-upscale-2liex.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down "There you go, you little bastards. Try and follow us now." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c2cb1554-24d0-483d-bbf3-2affe9193d75/YF0NIdzrihlBn047sUNc--0--nrwe2.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page X - Hunted Down No more than five minutes after Tornassuk had disappeared the group of Eoraptors arrived at the river, and after some irritated snibbing and snapping, left. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/t-rex monthly 0.5 2026-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/aae2ca5f-ae3b-4c9a-af4c-eb34b2a02d5c/bwuJrJJLh0ZfI0eflmKg--0--lxe6k.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex When Tornassuk returned to MacDonald the latter was still catching his breath. In the distance they could hear the frustrated chirping of the Eoraptors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7abea866-bcbc-4d5a-a22e-6511ff5afefa/bwuJrJJLh0ZfI0eflmKg--0--v1821.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex But then Tornassuk heard something in the thick foliage. It sounded like a big animal making its way through the plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/109e7e5a-4d1b-4b21-b4ac-42abc0394cbc/FVbpZgwLKVIO1nsa4nBb--0--9fyxg.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex "Run", he shouted at MacDonald, "run for your life!", when a giant T-Rex appeared in the open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2c5e9fbd-302d-4c49-a712-ab345b9fbce3/Ga42lQYi36gJ9FegEFE2--0--uny8b.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex The polar bear was running for his life but could hardly follow the Scotchman with his buxur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/458c34d1-df80-4377-a829-ffa065c07260/lQXHnFmzD6p6IiG3Ngin--0--o2qmw.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex Luckily for him when they reached a shallow lake the beast suddenly stopped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5e6a5a65-e1b9-49bb-8af7-3a3ccd171481/DBThj2KdBpGtj0coJsUP--0--kffm9.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex Then it walked slowly towards them, sniffing and tasting the air and keeping its eyes on something it looked to be scared of or least had much respect for. Then someone shouted some words. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c8e3d922-de0d-4d4b-aeb2-66c9a9697094/DBThj2KdBpGtj0coJsUP--0--zo5me.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex And that seemed to be sufficient. The beast turned around and disappeared sulking in the foliage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/31ee4e0f-edc4-4900-b97e-698fa8e65a32/TH1mjkr8MTJZobWDnZWP--0--9rflr.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex MacDonald looked aside and for the umpteenth time was surprised by what he saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2254f142-0681-4c68-ac5b-ec369c838381/Sthdsj27kZ28BP2fT6KL--0--f41pf_1.5x-clty-upscale-glpz0.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - T-Rex Half a dozens of Diplodocuses were standing at the border of the lake, with on their back rugged men with beards. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/hodegos monthly 0.5 2026-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/54ac93ef-7501-4833-8ee6-03fc16a3f4ce/Sthdsj27kZ28BP2fT6KL--0--zo6aa.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós "Hi there...my name is Theseus. And me and my friends here are part of the Anthropoi. Can I ask who you are and what you are doing here. After all we saved your life...so a proper introduction wouldn't be out of place." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/43425e0d-3544-4de8-b248-7357c5fa6ac0/Sthdsj27kZ28BP2fT6KL--0--vshze.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós When MacDonald introduced themselves and explained what they were looking for, one of the men pointed in a direction and told them they should be moving in that direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0edd15a5-15db-4ccd-9399-de0de7ed17f9/Sthdsj27kZ28BP2fT6KL--0--ayxmw.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós The other man interrupted him and said: "Wait, I'll call for some help, they will guide you to our home town." And he made a whistle with a tiny instrument, after which the Anthropoi turned their diplodocuses and disappeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/111c6c0a-17df-40b1-be48-5f228f39da67/ALr80sTf7PhNw80CQ3n5--0--xl9ac.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós Somewhat later MacDonald and Tornassuk heard a voice behind them. "Hi there....I am Hodēgós, and I will take you to your destination. As you will have noticed I am not like my friends you just met, I am a Mandarin Elf. But I am as important as my friends you just met." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/30f1354c-86d0-46c1-aa5f-95f080c51d1a/n5VlZHHfJRcu3aysjTA5--0--2zanq.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós "We still have a brisk walk ahead, so I suggest you just follow me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5941c06f-5583-48c9-a859-fa26ee8961e9/n5VlZHHfJRcu3aysjTA5--0--oh5xy.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós Wait, wait, wait....", MacDonald interrupted the little man...."Where are you taking us?' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3b758efc-b82c-470e-b49c-f64cd14a2843/g6rKAtnkyeAXBjRGvzTv--0--eqnjt.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós "I am taking you to Evrópi, an ancient town that has been inhabited by our people for a long time. Do not be mistaken however....when I say our people, there are very many different species.....very many....and we all live in peace...but we live separate from all other creatures." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6bef7a7a-38ae-439b-b1b5-f21b90d36780/tuZI1MZSoXweEJJFaERb--0--s1qc2.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós "So here we are. Do not be afraid from our friend over there....many friendly dinosaurs live in Evrópi....they do not all look friendly though...not as friendly as Hodēgós...although I am a great warrior....hihihi" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/337b7844-e9da-41df-a92c-1a95b16653c2/uJ2ZMPrDp95jg3aJLrro--0--prr1p.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XI - Hodēgós "One last advice...do not fight, do not brutal be, everybody equal in Evrópi. Remember you....guests.....we friendly to guests." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/evropi monthly 0.5 2026-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a0acffd5-6b6c-4532-9881-240fb468f7c0/8L2QoYIDIP1X5y2v90eZ--0--apdvn.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XII - Evrópi "Welcome to Evrópi. This is a safe heaven for all those creatures who believe that reason and logic is the base of everything and not raw power." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ddaa3bfd-add3-4e5b-9dc7-a0209db2f645/g8bUtgn0bWZVrsni3NFA--0--ipf9w.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XII - Evrópi "All creatures here have sworn never to use any violence, unless in defense of our values or members of our community." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/faae3bbc-c8e0-4ff7-8266-12ccfb510ccf/wNQftRVZ6GOUZPozo2di--0--xgedt.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XII - Evrópi "We believe in free speech. As long as it does not hurt other members of our community. We believe that our freedom ends where the freedom of someone else starts." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-evening-land monthly 0.5 2026-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f176e9c2-b74b-4567-bd40-3ab0a853accd/MLUUUMSFvVDjXAs9PlHB--0--0hkgf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIII - The Evening Land "Diversity is highly valued in our community. We believe that we should not just accept diversity but actively seek for it, because the more diversity the stronger we become as a community....after all we value the clash of different ideas." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e8a73e6e-75c6-4c1a-9b92-6204719fd696/VroYHP5x41F1KzNNhJFI--0--m5v5u.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIII - The Evening Land "The clash of ideas is based on the old principles of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. No-one is allowed to raise their voice or show aggressive body language when we discuss. All ideas must get the chance to be voiced." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d42e5a9d-e394-4d21-a61e-ea270b3c1ddc/Wci7OL53hFSoGxZbPnS9--0--qz1uc.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIII - The Evening Land "Finally, we accept no rulers. Our community is run by a council, and the council is replaced every four years. No-one can be member of a council for a total period longer than eight years. Now let me guide you to our learned ones in the skills of medicine. Maybe they can help you with your quest." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/archimedes monthly 0.5 2026-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b3bc1efa-c10d-4b47-b927-1e4f2c5a4ecb/KVEHzO6sR0WOrxuFYweO-k6CZ8-adjusted.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIV - Archimedes Hodēgós went out to inform where the medicine faculty was. It took him some time to find out, but finally he succeeded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c84e93b4-6ec1-4016-89fc-cede847d6e73/FerwJABCx7irMoV4lwFZ--0--kojqp_1.5x-clty-upscale-e2cur.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIV - Archimedes When he returned the fellowship mounted a long stairway where on top someone was awaiting them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3466d956-ba98-40ff-9554-62cae708cb26/FerwJABCx7irMoV4lwFZ-dgjJx-adjusted_2x-clty-upscale-hvpbw.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIV - Archimedes "It is Archimedes of Syracuse", Hodēgós said in awe, "He is a very learned man, and the rector of all the wise man." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/caa33254-8075-48ea-8e52-198756f84a65/FerwJABCx7irMoV4lwFZ--0--flhn1.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIV - Archimedes When they reached the top of the stairs Archimedes addressed them: "Welcome. I heard about your quest. And we will try to help you. But let me make a few things clear. We are wise men, but we are not gods. It is well possible we will not be able to help you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/70c89a19-9b9d-47f3-9a27-7f594b1cc962/FerwJABCx7irMoV4lwFZ--0--bukk0.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIV - Archimedes "Remember what this society is about. If you look at our temples it is for a reason they are called this way. Like the temples of our head. It is the place where ratio and logic are held. So remember that at all times. I see you are warriors....leave your warrior side behind, and accept the outcome of the meeting that is ahead." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/74db7bf3-4a4e-4136-89c2-002a4123eca0/FerwJABCx7irMoV4lwFZ--0--5f5tr.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIV - Archimedes "If you are sure you can do that, then you will find our most learned man in his domain over there. Do not hope for potions or quackery. This man is a physician...how shall I say it....he is the father of all physicians. Good luck." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/hippocrates monthly 0.5 2026-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/af4d5ac0-9efd-4513-a3f4-817fee67020b/Rb7TR8cPaUTbqxgLeHk9--0--iiznk.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates Before they continued their way Tornassuk said he was staying behind because he was in need of a power nap: "It all becomes a bit too....intellectual for me. Too much gibberish. But you fellows go ahead....go on." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/64c9b0f3-1ba4-4db8-aff8-c9e33d81f6ed/exvqVbvVa0Wn6vOFVLCx--0--o724b_1.5x-clty-upscale-ko54o.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates When MacDonald and Hodēgós, or Hodgy as Mac started calling him, entered the temple there was no-one to be seen. Until they found a little room in the back, where they met someone busy at whatever it was he was doing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/09ccd6a7-2c2f-4c2d-8cff-7f8dc14f3d24/qL2idQVTRmGpsNNELLh4-y8W9S-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-boshv.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates "Hello you....my name is Hippocrates. How can I help you. But first let's get rid of this stick. No need for arms here....is there? You can give it to my assistant, Grok. He is a good fellow. Very helpful....a bit naughty sometimes. He will return your stick when we are finished." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1fff8f5e-5bb3-49c5-a380-7d8283e08948/qL2idQVTRmGpsNNELLh4--0--pq6dn.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates "You see. much better this way. I heard about your quest. But I have found no cure in all the books I have. And I have never heard about a medicine either. I fear it is all location based....in this place for instance, we have never heard about this disease." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1fbdb470-86e7-4584-ae1e-4a545820d51e/SQsttQSX1NpP0oosXnzc--0--ezpmy.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates At that moment MacDonald had had it.: "C'mon, Hodgy, we're out of here. They cannot help us....they are just stringing us along." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4727e404-c334-4ea8-a60d-4be99491a463/SQsttQSX1NpP0oosXnzc--0--70g44.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates And suddenly Grok appeared: "Master, Master, I have found a book with some references to the disease....they talk about the flowers of purity....maybe nothing, maybe it is something." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0043db03-bc7e-4784-8c8e-4f6dfdc51c8a/EndNgSsSFWpfSStfNKdu-wM47r-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-t0mre.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates Hippocrates took the book and opened it on the page with an edelweiss flower. "Thank you, Grok, but I am afraid this is just an old legend. The flower just stands for purity and as such is considered a cure for many diseases. Just some old superstition." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3666332d-0783-42e8-885b-5b37b626f999/5EqllpWygp6E6tg0fZvo--0--lxu3r.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates So MacDonald went back to wake up Tornassuk and both started their way back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/48eada91-8280-4354-8986-c7c199ce336f/DgTxzQj6gQhKk2X8MsBd--0--uinye.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XV - Hippocrates And suddenly there he was again...Barði: "I told you no-one has a cure....just me. And you know what to do to get it." MacDonald could barely control himself: "Get lost, you old piece of useless wizard....and what's with the kilt....you should know that not just anyone can wear it...." "Just a joke....or to get under your skin." Barði laughed and disappeared in thin air. Again. "This guy is getting on my nerves. We must find a way to get rid of him." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/time-for-a-break monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dff56329-cc95-4b5f-8e03-49cea15eba99/eaPowYQ3g7WJx9KO0ZXO--0--ljtqs.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVI - Time for a Break When MacDonald and Tornassuk were continuing their way Hodēgós joined them again. MacDonald was still in an angry mood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c43ba968-6a86-43ec-81b1-5f3c6a1abf98/5NA0q4ImdyLlqQERHoFL--0--gvwfa.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVI - Time for a Break "What was that all about, Hodgy? It was a pure waste of time." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e4f06c25-cd6f-4db8-af64-d06eb72990cb/86HDbAjqxH49l6FIt4Ub--0--5suh6.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVI - Time for a Break "Me know...me know. Me not responsible though.....big surprise for Hodgy too." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/debf9e61-94b1-4d6e-91b8-e77e1f5d4017/a07TKYVxkXSodhcjBQqX--0--nb5x9.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVI - Time for a Break "But I'll make up for it. Me help you to get out here and find way in other two parts." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f4c797fd-f87a-42a0-8ecd-887a19c1c083/llLHrS76by7ByoPJNvFc--0--xkylc.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVI - Time for a Break "But I'll have to tell a story...a love story." MacDonald sighed and sat down and Tornassuk lay himself on the ground: "A love story...oh, boy...." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ce52e9a1-d1fc-43b1-aa93-7295cdb520f6/pk3ZhSyHwk0wA2wzOkvK--0--ptu98.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVI - Time for a Break "Love story does not end well though", Hodēgós said...."but, no problem there.....just hear Hodgy when telling story." MacDonald leaned back and sighed deeply. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-story-of-pyramus-and-thisbe monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b1d8ad6a-28b1-4ea1-a812-a950bb71ca8a/hmKDsRu3NWEDGAUqu30L--0--pcfog.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "This is the story of Pyramus and Thisbe. Pyramus came from a long line of soldiers and at the age of 16 his father passed the light of their house to his son, as a token of his maturity." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b39a0b54-b666-4cff-92bc-4772a3461be7/w5LllDghrfAlma7QTjBv--0--hw18r.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "Pyramus joined the army and wandered around for years with his regiment. When he came back his parents had died." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/88cb7c1f-661f-433a-a896-9d9d971a882d/wYwbq9ULJV14ezYaJuV1--0--733vn.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "After Pyramus left the army he got devoted to writing novels and poetry, and as such he got into contact with Thisbe, a renowned poet in the four quarters of the Chahar Bagh." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3e2e3d53-89b1-4d8b-a59f-95af0a75054e/DE1tkzY4zoC5iCzNILrr--0--gi55c.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "Thisbe grew up in the idyllic part of the Chahar Bagh, whereas Pyramus' homeland was made of rocky coasts and enormous dark woods." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/57543686-6dde-49b8-8cd3-53f60da172e3/mxJmNh0630zpWcDLr2gf--0--n2893.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "Even the wild dinosaurs had an eye for beauty." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/52166a42-69b4-41e4-a21f-a87b018bb72d/5DBcjtGwdEycbFmO0Zq7--0--zwz34.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "And so Thisbe grew up writing, meditating and studying philosophy." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2951f572-c47f-4517-be4e-ea7f8398c893/MgtO49Y7ZwSfazfer08l--0--yyo0b.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "A few years after Pyramus left the army to become the ruler of his part of the Chahar Bagh, he asked Thisbe to become his wife." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a9e03099-8adc-4255-a9f5-a62adb983838/kE8A6e53oWBG54WwRXMJ--0--3mwyt.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "But Thisbe had a stepmother, whose name has been forgotten, who was also a witch. She was extremely jealous of Thisbe and hated Pyramus' family, as she was once denied a marriage into that clan." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c04a17a4-2ddd-47e0-8d60-b21f357df880/wYwbq9ULJV14ezYaJuV1-ZFoax-adjusted.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "Neither Pyramus, nor Thisbe, were aware of the feelings of Thisbe's stepmother, and both were looking forward to their marriage, which would join up two parts of the Chahar Bagh, and Pyramus filled his time with writing poetry." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c1ae2b85-fe2f-4e60-9be8-b5110921bcd2/tZlu9vJJZs5Eg8zGhzf9--0--p7x1w.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "One night however, Thisbe's stepmother went to the rocky coast of Pyramus' land and cast a spell." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4e1ab83c-0165-44e8-b1a6-a28bc40e034b/o4lPhWHbeg2Xy7U3oGhW--0--lc3au.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "She summoned the ocean to form a tsunami and wash away all the land, except for the estates of both families, which were elevated in the sky, separating both lovers forever." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8d0928f8-9c6c-4972-8a95-b802e632c0f4/4LQRWnYFvwudxf1uzG7a--0--5ylvu.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "As for the common people, hundreds of thousands of people died. Those who had boats were lucky and fled to the two other parts of the Chahar Bagh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3e24c65a-3440-4a10-b145-1703ccc28a71/12KB71hUWbVk9LqcTnKD--0--m5f1t_1.5x-clty-upscale-nj8pc.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "Thisbe spent the rest of her life staring at the castle of Pyramus, weeping over her fate. When many years later she learned about the dead of Pyramus, she ended her own life, hoping to be reunited with Pyramus for once and for all." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/69bd2174-318d-4d10-b021-b79c5fe85ef4/5zf44t9M7C8hxY9UOiYG--0--prg2s_1.5x-clty-upscale-01lqa.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "Pyramus cursed the cruel fate that had happened to Thisbe and himself, and just as Thisbe he filled his days with staring at Thisbe's castle. After years, grief got the better of him and he died at the age of 40." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/32389c2b-585a-4a0c-9c9a-992622d1b965/DDolA8uCDRpEIsjSdWlX--0--idyt4_1.5x-clty-upscale-mnxs7.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVII - The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe "Until the day of today people who sail the vast ocean can still see the empty stronghold and castle floating in the air, as a silent reminder of this sad story." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-journey-continues monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fc1708fe-654e-44c9-8d80-9a7fbe1ba032/pk3ZhSyHwk0wA2wzOkvK--0--ozm97.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues When the story was finished MacDonald got up and addressed Hodēgós: "Beautiful and touching bedtime story, Hodgy. But how in the god's names is this going to help us any further in our quest, and even more to get out of this place?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/afddbec8-9cf3-4e9f-9fb9-bd30355e4276/LsWanwRe8N5UtED3WvdZ-SM1OU-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-g63uf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues "Can't you see? You don't, do you. Aha...Dodgy smarter than you now...hihihi..." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7c1f4a95-6aa8-4cc2-9d43-31c8528ec218/tZlu9vJJZs5Eg8zGhzf9--0--2jbih_1.5x-clty-upscale-qblpi.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues "When the stepmother witch had destroyed the lands of Pyramus and Thisbe, she went back....she wasn't standing on an island....there is a coast bordering the ocean that destroyed the lands....and that coast is part of our garden here...." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/63776b57-95db-41c2-9ca0-d34883a6e20c/qlM68fvNB53qEoqIKoNb--0--ofgr6_1.5x-clty-upscale-mh8p3.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues "And what is more, there is a hidden underwater cave somewhere in those black cliffs. And even better, there is a tunnel here leading to that cave....right here underneath the mountains behind us." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d27abad6-4964-4a54-be1a-becc224888ad/KAK5DSQ06Cls06OkbJoS--0--3a69h_1.5x-clty-upscale-0tf92.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues "And now follows the icing on the cake....in that tunnel is an underwater boat.....left behind by the creatures who used to raid this garden...it's been a while since they were here.....but they were also looking for your medicine. So if you take that boat....do I have to spell it out...maybe you can find medicine." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c4d65768-486e-4bf7-b117-434aa787b885/llLHrS76by7ByoPJNvFc--0--oi6je.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues When Tornassuk heard the word "boat" he woke up. I'm not going in an underwater boat. Too claustro for me and no way of escape." To which Hodēgós replied: "Then I have got news for you....if you get out of the cave and follow the coast swimming....you will find a way out of here." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d820e26d-191a-43e5-9165-b37169bb84d8/llLHrS76by7ByoPJNvFc--0--t1uhe.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues "I will not be going with the boat either...I will take you there...but then I'll come back here." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7bfb08b7-fc2e-4feb-8312-b97727d157fc/nrBVgM84feZIomJ3BFxC--0--35ku8_2x-clty-upscale-x5n6a.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues "Seems like I will have to look for a new crew.....time to look up my old shipmates again", MacDonald replied. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eaff0f0e-5f3e-4713-ad28-47ba3c2c0b0e/6imKSXTsdQ4MxzzzGZFc--0--1n0uf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XVIII - The Journey Continues And so the fellowship got up for the last part of their journey together. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-submarine monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/83ed2d35-3172-4b79-830e-3d53689c1873/dhiHWegPCa8GpL2Zg4HO--0--f8mki.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine When they arrived at the tunnel, MacDonald lit a torch and Tornassuk sat down: "I don't trust tunnels. They are too claustro for me and no way of escape." MacDonald interrupted: "C'mon Sook...this one is your way out....back to the ice, back to your old life..." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/09cacf06-31da-4982-82b8-08f789c57e7d/lN4WSxgE9QchECUiIgnG--0--ar6r9.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine So Tornassuk went along but kept grumbling, and MacDonald had to talk into him all the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ec576a28-a2cb-4955-a36b-57e62b6fa8e7/QRh8H6RNfGZo2Hh3dhjC--0--fa3vp.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine Until they arrived at the underground lake Hodēgós had been talking about. They stood perplex at the beauty of it and were stunned by the almost alien looking architecture and technique. They rested for a while after which MacDonald and Tornassuk said goodbye to Hodēgós. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c8674aeb-817f-44df-ad06-4e97bbb15c0e/Gh3BecWbG0ZIqIU7LfLr--0--2gub7.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine Not much later the two old friends decided to jump into the lake. In mid air MacDonald yelled: "I can't swim." To which Tornassuk replied: "Just move your arms and legs." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/55336260-e003-49e4-80af-7db987d79802/QRh8H6RNfGZo2Hh3dhjC--0--kitd5.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine With a big splash they landed into the cold water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/640e3920-623a-4c8a-b842-7a3fba8402e9/4IwZxBw9JJtTufmufmhR--0--zp5ma.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine In the water they noticed a light and a water surface which meant a way out for Tornassuk and another room with a glimpse of something big in metal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a163c7e7-5b60-4d8d-b2c3-3dc2411c3675/iqWfAqzopMAn4hXhX2uu--0--39651.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine When Tornassuk saw MacDonald swimming or something that should look like it to the other room he went for the light. Some goodbyes did not need words. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/215de773-b1cc-4bb8-8c70-a7bdfb46e644/zVleozB7aIfXq727kwtl--0--c0gy4.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine MacDonald used his last breath to search for an entrance and was lucky to find it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/03442805-ea21-4f06-a823-ccb42f6ca384/xFC6ZNe4M3r8ZjdQsZi4--0--6axuf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XIX - The Submarine After he closed the door the water of the lock was pushed out and MacDonald stood there feeling like a dead duck. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-deep-ocean monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2028a531-bdaf-44e8-be3c-00f63efde7f2/xFC6ZNe4M3r8ZjdQsZi4--0--6980t.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean After the lock opened MacDonald saw a staircase leading him deeper into the sub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3c35e066-b243-482a-a4e6-f47ce414bd25/k1eOBo1Dve3s34lmzYdo--0--3g480.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean This sub did look completely different on the inside from the pristine condition on the outside. At least it did not stink of death or decay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7afa77ff-4c94-4e7e-a503-bc3bfd7a8a76/bla8slVffyZPCtV024BO--0--nas8c.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean Then he arrived at the cockpit...."Look at those seats....this thing must have been here for ages." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f53bf587-c46f-4760-bfaf-f79233870f2e/WUkmSGXAsGbvprONApSZ--0--c0hax.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean MacDonald sat behind the steering wheel and tried to get the sub started. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2f73bc41-974a-4cf7-bffa-5f36ce46320d/J3xuVaILrnOFuOVvgmaT--0--71y9r.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean He tried all the levers and buttons, but nothing seemed to work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d171bc30-e29c-455b-81e0-ab4e6c24d786/WUkmSGXAsGbvprONApSZ--0--xnmet.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean "C'mon, I have to get out of here...." So he punched on the small screen in front of him, and suddenly the sub shivered and the engines started to run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ba70cd3e-1e71-4116-ae21-bd77b3c8d86d/EwyoANiNuEz7sYtwEdL8--0--bjrpb.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean "Yes, that's it, baby....come to mama...." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/10da836d-f93a-49c7-9c7c-e82c9071b43a/7Tf8CWdgbv8SAOn3RIy2-w67ph-adjusted.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean MacDonald grabbed the steering wheel and steered the sub slowly out of the underwater cave, taking care that he was not hitting anything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/04cee944-849c-4346-b460-4ca4b98900cf/oqXJ63FRDylvsCTy0Nki--0--o1gos.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XX - The Deep Ocean "Now let's see how deep you can go..." So MacDonald grabbed the steering wheel and pushed it away from him, and the sub started diving, deep into the darkness, where only octopuses where witness of his presence. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-inconstant monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e00f7660-6fb9-4a0c-9f06-8ca0d2b2ce76/0pgKvR8A7BnPhCs75RKP--0--57jbl.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXI - The Inconstant After several days of roaming the ocean MacDonald noticed the keel of a ship on the surface. He pushed up the periscope for a further identification and was glad to see the ship was indeed the Inconstant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d6125473-9aa2-481a-9a1c-c2600f59e98d/J3xuVaILrnOFuOVvgmaT--0--fp09o.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXI - The Inconstant But there was a storm up there and docking with the Inconstant would be impossible, so he woud have to wait for the storm to calm down and stay in the neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b94be1eb-84be-40ee-aa48-1eb7369cb54d/4Syt4RZiQS4zxYIz5svD--0--7sspx.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXI - The Inconstant Finally when the sun was setting the storm was over. So MacDonald approached the Inconstant and made himself known. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d669e88d-2f31-4452-a5fa-6dde4c8c5d21/x4sYUzfWf70rHSmj0AyZ-WRtGL-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-1juuk.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXI - The Inconstant After the first disbelief of the Inconstant's crew the Fish as MacDonald called the submarine was docked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a15b1137-6566-457b-8e3d-3cfa9e7589ed/sOESo5olkzP5UtETE3s8--0--xxfpo.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXI - The Inconstant Both Murat and MacDonald were extremely glad to see one another again and they grabbed each other in a tight hug. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/53ed9fcc-3208-40a6-84b9-dbd865b6626c/w33yJLOmlWIUbolxv8Lk--0--t7sus.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXI - The Inconstant Somewhat later, in the captain's cabin, Murat asked MacDonald to tell him all of his adventures and especially why he wore trousers and where he got that metal construction he arrived in. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/tricked monthly 0.5 2026-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/7ce5932b-3958-4187-bfca-f0f382f3cf6b/w33yJLOmlWIUbolxv8Lk--0--j0gi0.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked When MacDonald had finished telling the story of his adventure in the Greek city and how he acquired The Fish, Murat asked him to also tell him about the trousers. So, in the end, MacDonald told him. To which Murat asked him if he could see the trousers more closely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/6cbf7046-f7ff-4fc7-b3ff-c3f7231ff654/w33yJLOmlWIUbolxv8Lk--0--1gw3i_1.5x-clty-upscale-a9uvg.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked After all, even when the magic disappeared then and there, MacDonald could not keep on wearing them.....they already started to smell....So MacDonald took them off and put them on the table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fa77cde5-34c6-4297-9516-762f50d7d0e4/lStYAMWUErlzSuw6eISv--0--iaket.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked At the same moment Murat and the trousers went out in smoke.....literally. Causing MacDonald almost a heart attack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bb32bd3b-477b-4b1b-9f2f-09b3a47dd29b/lStYAMWUErlzSuw6eISv--0--u5e3q.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked And then there he was again...Barði: "I told you I would get those trousers again. They have always been mine, you idiot!!!" "What do you mean", MacDonald asked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/604d4691-3989-49b7-b154-a58606809704/lStYAMWUErlzSuw6eISv--0--a0xkc.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked "It was Katla who stole my spell, and the trousers. I taught her everything she knows. But long ago she chased my away with the help of the snow elves. And she has always hoped that somebody like you would come along, and get in a fight with me, and then kill me." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ed5b536a-6979-4f05-9965-fc76f1d1a0c4/lStYAMWUErlzSuw6eISv--0--kthto.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked "Time to destroy this accessory and end this feud over it. Now remember, I created an illusion to get them pants....in a couple of minutes you will fall asleep, and probably wake up somewhere else. Hopefully in a not too dramatic environment. See you, youngster." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/115785c3-c459-4e3d-9731-67d8a8b6c651/8oLVy5eYWoUdKB4LPw3V-GAHjC-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-4b9pd.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked And indeed, MacDonald fell asleep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/36879001-e63b-46ad-b7c6-ade75674c16f/1nOiO30hCodKWyF5XArr--0--n3wds.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked And was still asleep when he got discovered by a T-Rex that was looking for an easy meal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/45ad1fa0-4f51-4680-8333-4bcc38834780/6241EKwFPgwiMVfC5r7H--0--q86ns.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXII - Tricked But soon it became clear it would have to go and look elsewhere, because the moment it approached MacDonald an amazon came out of the bushes waving a torch at the big beast. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/mana-whine monthly 0.5 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0809c420-0bb8-4831-b22e-681e8390c468/6241EKwFPgwiMVfC5r7H--0--zys3l.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* Being confronted with the fire on the torch, but most of all with something the amazon did with the beast's mind, made the giant carnivore decide that the risk was not worth the prey and made it turn around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd5081b2-3313-4fe9-a80d-f5226ab27031/6241EKwFPgwiMVfC5r7H--0--otubi.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* The amazon then turned to MacDonald: "Hey, you there, sleeping beauty....time to wake up." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b196a14c-9201-48b6-874c-d2c4bcf3292f/iNYzxPvNN60EzJeQrAL1--0--bkclf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* MacDonald woke up, dazed and confused: "What? Who are you? Where am I?" "You're back in Chahar Bagh, or should I say you never left. And as to who I am, my name is Mana Wāhine." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/04a6dac1-8e8f-48d9-b544-1fe9c240cec4/O5s9v1qxBLpV0qvh6CjQ--0--rewks.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* "What do you mean? Where are my buxur? What do you want from me?" "Let's start at the beginning. Everything that happened since you came here was an illusion created by Barði. He blocked out Tornassuk at the entrance and then transformed to Hodēgós, looking for a way to get the buxur." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/63f0bbe5-0976-4059-a865-20e7c407d150/USB0qkOYU0Q45uspZi6a--0--vwks4.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* "Barði? Where is he? I have to save my friends. And I need the submarine to go back to the Inconstant...to find a cure for the aging disease." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d67ac46c-2c1a-40c1-9963-c82032d5b44b/USB0qkOYU0Q45uspZi6a--0--8mzuz.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* "Listen to me! You have no friends here. Tornassuk was blocked out and Hodēgós was in fact the old wizard. You did not find an underwater boat....the mere thought that someone would leave such a thing behind, and you did not see your mates. It was all just a trick to get the buxur. And in the end you gave it to him. Good thing however is that he destroyed it. So no more of it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/35158ef9-a816-4aed-9cfd-1c7e88cb391c/8njiTKFtkPYKiOauxUo9--0--soywm.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* "We now first have to find you friend Tornassuk, because he is waiting at the entrance for your return. I you don't go back to him, he will die there waiting for you. Those bears are loyal, if anything." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d8383fe3-0a3c-4bb5-9280-09b39d2cac38/4Syt4RZiQS4zxYIz5svD--0--7sspx.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* "Then we will look for your ship and your mates. And even through there is no submarine like the one you saw....I do know of a kingdom under water, technologically very advanced. And me and my people may know a way how to get there. But not in that big boat of yours." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e4654405-1b09-4df8-b8b0-731a850ef988/hZQEctM6pgVDXDxlj8Z3--0--qbcra_1.5x-clty-upscale-br6oe.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIII - Mana Wāhine* "I can recruit my sisters with their smaller boats to meet with your people. And my sisters know ways to dive up hidden secrets from the bottom of the sea. Me and my people will help you find your cure there if it exists." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/ka-poe-holo-nalu monthly 0.5 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/190f9ed3-06b5-48e9-90ed-af5d065360c2/W8a4kW81jkCVX39vjdVf--0--azbdp.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* "There is one thing I still do not understand....I thought Hodēgós meant Guide in the old language....so that is why I trusted him." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/09add0d7-0894-4c8c-bece-eac33b8a0d1f/3Ko83VLJiURSpexdrnJO--0--2dcew.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* Mana Wāhine smiled; "It also means 'teacher of the inexperienced or ignorant'...and that last part refers to you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/16872d18-87a7-4a1a-836f-a8c061105902/3Ko83VLJiURSpexdrnJO--0--jlpkg.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* "So that old wizard did really trick me well....how could I have been such a fool." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/85fb8b2b-b868-4217-8e5f-2d5cf3e87b86/83Nrr4nWOwBuiUrn9tpk--0--h29hq.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* While talking the two arrived at the ruins of an old city. "These are the remains of Waipiʻo, the Valley of the Kings, before the aliʻi or chiefs had it destroyed by their hubris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/feb244b2-77e1-4936-94d5-3ede32892f4d/N9W4yG4iH0o1vTv52uSz--0--ubxbh.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* "Hubris?" "Yes, long time ago we were ruled by men. But in the end they got so arrogant they started a war with the carnivore dinosaurs. And this was the result." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4785e0e6-e984-44dd-940a-55489b51ca06/UkHRFlOSJRvSdPbaQN0Z--0--n3ush.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* "And so now this is the village I live in." "No men?" "No, they all died of what you call the aging disease." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/5050e557-5c12-4782-959f-1c36a465441c/M6w2KmmShrvNVBzYcP5k-Ye-op-adjusted_1.5x-clty-upscale-jy9b9.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* Soon the inhabitants of the village gathered around Mana Wāhine: "Just give me your hand....as if we were lovers. Normally they would not allow you here, being a man." "But let me give you a tour of the village." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c6f72849-d729-41c2-906b-f1b405489ca0/KF0pw0UY67bBbuhOgcjg--0--k0nn0_1.5x-clty-upscale-o9w3o.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* "These are our boats. People today call us 'ka poe holo nalu', riders of the waves. They serve us when we need an escape from massive attacks by the dinosaurs, but we also use them for our raids against them." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0a0fc56c-af3d-4e68-ada9-83e878cd1f27/5pBByWijNhCx1DAJTrI0-7rW-c-adjusted.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXIV - ka poe holo nalu* "But now let me invite you to my hut." When Mana Wāhine led MacDonald into her hut all the women started cheering again. "Don't mind them....they think you are my love catch and you are going to give me a child. It is tradition that the morning after they will kill you, but that is a problem for tomorrow", Mana Wāhine laughed. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/a-happy-reunion monthly 0.5 2026-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c4cd7239-f20d-467e-af14-e5e54a1e7c20/md0kbKv5FnB4aw7He584--0--9snho.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* The next day two chiefs of Pakal (see The Legend of Opal) stood in front of the hut of Mana Wāhine. Nobody knew where they came from but the message was clear to everyone in the village: "Leave the two alone!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d1e8070f-84de-4725-9235-677ea355bf41/LUMdL9dd0XtE7HmMKvEQ--0--lzduv.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* And so when Mana Wāhine and MacDonald got out of the hut in the morning they were welcomed by loud cheers again. Mana Wāhine said to MacDonald: "Let me take you away from here...you might find this interesting." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22a14e1e-ba3c-4f8b-992e-022e40299e13/6IMPEyZIl1dadj2qiyBw--0--yl7jk.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* So Mana Wāhine took MacDonald to the jungle and after a long walk she showed him the pyramid. "This is your way out of Chahar Bagh. Few people know about it. Give Tornassuk my regards, I will organize the salvage of a way into the deep. I will meet you again outside." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/fd7b8421-33c2-475d-b563-1fb4a3afdb34/jntMkR7D4AvDLouIX89D--0--nqqk9.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* Next thing MacDonald walked towards the pyramid... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/dc340764-bd30-49e0-8acb-5ede0e75f4b1/jntMkR7D4AvDLouIX89D--0--yil4l.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* ...and climbed its steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/972d08ed-3e0e-48cc-a3f5-98770b21bfaf/aS6VQM3OMUDDCiLx7gpf--0--8tiss.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* Inside he grasped a torch and followed the tunnels to the outside as Mana Wāhine had told him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3a28cdd2-2af7-4bdd-bd20-32358c852193/slPfZ79qxdrdr9WD3Tcy--0--rfwiy.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* Outside Tornassuk was still waiting at MacDonald..... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/93d2f36a-9289-4b79-b920-95d8ca38c359/KrMgi1q4aMe4pDGXlGPn--0--bwz2m.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* ....when the Inconstant appeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f7b9e9e9-6d63-4208-812f-83e9c1f2011c/8cywVzHk4RBq9S78PdUi--0--oi684.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXV - A Happy Reunion* Soon after that MacDonald walked out of the gate and embraced Tornassuk. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/salvaging-a-real-submarine monthly 0.5 2026-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0672d5f4-790c-4010-b764-1e4c39bd63e5/WdClosK2pNPEtXw1hbGv-7rSQt-adjusted_4x-clty-upscale-m8qzf.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVI - Salvaging a Real Submarine* One of the secrets in the deep Mana Wāhine had been talking about appeared to be a rusty old submarine lying at the bottom of the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2590a833-8fc8-4449-9fc0-4404262001dd/OTx0Krfq83vhVctOYVGx-v1tM8-adjusted.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVI - Salvaging a Real Submarine* As promised Mana Wāhine summoned her people to the place where they knew the submarine was lying, to salvage it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/351070b3-87d4-4e12-aca9-35d2198d9b98/eZaGLI88PqQqNqV5Mct2--0--qd8i0.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVI - Salvaging a Real Submarine* It took them several hours of rowing but by sunset they arrived at the place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8810a690-9399-4c86-8df3-437e24145741/eZaGLI88PqQqNqV5Mct2--0--quieb.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVI - Salvaging a Real Submarine* When they arrived at the spot, the Amazons glided into the water with large thick ropes and dived. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/murat-macdonald/the-salvaging monthly 0.5 2026-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2106ef63-d12e-4ee4-8b6d-8243ddfad932/9lsfk8KDN99WJd3KA9JP--0--fbmki.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVII - The Salvaging* https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4955e650-8c7f-448c-93a8-a77bce9929d4/eZaGLI88PqQqNqV5Mct2--0--4wz4n.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVII - The Salvaging* https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c2ab4961-b8e8-4cd4-80c6-6ac7f0b3b8fe/eZaGLI88PqQqNqV5Mct2--0--7dsm8_1.5x-clty-upscale-gti0l.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVII - The Salvaging* https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/75691ffd-82e3-499c-8ab1-25870204bdcf/W5mwSCZCD19UBia0qL77--0--294ef.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVII - The Salvaging* https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ecec2378-e582-46e8-8073-0d2290c77346/XDRnwY6CTKEevFFsTfEK--0--y9eah.jpg Murat & MacDonald - Page XXVII - The Salvaging* https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-life-and-death-of-queen-jade-ii-the-somber-queen daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-life-and-death-of-queen-jade-ii-the-somber-queen/youth monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3f800356-e373-40ff-b751-eca2140210d9/1LfcLAvEb1WVedAE5THy--0--7zxki_2x-clty-upscale-oxgil.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth Jade II was the eldest child of Elisheba of Opal and Jean-Guillaume de Winter, Inspector General of the Northern Coasts and a Count of the Empire during the Neo era. He played a major role in the division of the Empire among Maryam and Elisheba. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/89822de2-2011-4c4e-905f-0141c50989c5/eZeIRoTXaR7fQsv0XNoM--0--6yug9_1.5x-clty-upscale-mzz8c.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth In her early years Jade led a happy life, being a favorite of her mother as the future queen. She did not really get to know her father as he was one of the victims of the aging disease, and died at an early age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/c7c820c6-ce36-4991-b747-23a7afae45b5/BHsa0w4WjKQ8JwfOU9Qk--0--ww9qr_1.5x-clty-upscale-5wncm.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth Jade loved to read books, while her twin sisters liked to make fun. And even though the bond between the three was perceived as close, the two little ones liked to make jokes about Jade and her more withdrawn character. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2a489fb8-ac7d-472e-a42b-0cac23005fc9/URie6t6uI2qdqU5ZYhPE--0--fglyz_1.5x-clty-upscale-beatc.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth Jade never showed it, but sometimes the behavior of her sisters hurt. Like when she was reading in the garden, and they danced around in such an exaggerated way that it felt as if they only did it to mock Jade's way of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ff8e7cec-0710-49cb-81ce-99aa3dda2201/jB434c6JWQSLib8ccGMN--0--j7vpe_1.5x-clty-upscale-eq4am.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth In the end Jade stayed out of the gardens and retreated to her own kingdom, the library with all her beloved books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/675e7c0f-e641-44ff-a074-9486dd2f73b9/5sVbtA7oDmYhDfGXwBaH--0--ark7q_1.5x-clty-upscale-4llsd.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth Sometimes she also went to the small theater in town, preferably during the rehearsals when there were not that many people present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a7d54bae-84b2-4992-ad27-47cc0a9eee7e/AL3Y2uKkrXSSe1FzrhMM--0--xv962_1.5x-clty-upscale-51pnf.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth But if Jade was anything at all, it was curious. She wanted to learn all she could. At her eighteen she went to the university of Opal. At the faculty of philosophy she learned how to debate and unravel mysteries and problems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8079de50-8c9d-44f6-a933-a08e1fed09c4/02lnjyQUavNmh6jwidvs--0--7e47f_1.5x-clty-upscale-i96cj.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth At the faculty of mathematics she learned about the essence of life and the universe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a1463747-c056-43bf-bcae-98f84956775d/Vla5jFaYlgl0EFaypivC--0--6tlwy_1.5x-clty-upscale-smc72.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page I - Youth And at the history faculty she learned everything about the way her grandfather had built an empire. Jade had become a young woman with a high intellect, great curiosity and above all a joie-de-vivre that was contagious for everyone she met. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-life-and-death-of-queen-jade-ii-the-somber-queen/puppy-love monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/39b7ec5a-171b-44ff-b060-e4c6f3d622f3/FwMl2IXdj4GniMOzH5Yq--0--r5v3q_2x-clty-upscale-6u8yp.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page II - Puppy Love During her second year at university, at a royal ball, Jade met a prince who was following his training at the Royal Military School of Opal. He was the grandson of Bernadotte and crown prince of Scandza. After the death of Jade I the houses of Opal and Scandza had become closer again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a3f32407-8abe-4727-87f5-d47c3709bfd0/t54iw2asrh1yuTSeGvIM--0--ebaf8.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page II - Puppy Love Charles, as his name was, started seeing Jade on a regular basis, and sometimes attended some of her classes together with her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/2e779f2d-726c-44ef-b0f1-8e7aaa031f94/NBrRHNzgVrGIxWUw2mRH--0--7d9zm.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page II - Puppy Love Both of them were also regularly seen behind the rose bushes in the palace gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/06259ff4-bfde-4042-bb5a-3741aab828ed/PWwHD9xFpo9ogBKVVzxP--0--uxct6.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page II - Puppy Love During another ball, a masked one this time, the two became a couple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/a927f70f-ac79-4c1f-ac5d-9c7e463b36a3/EYD9gRTXjfu2M06n04f8--0--2lqes.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page II - Puppy Love They were inseparable and everybody knew that this was the future of a great realm, both kingdoms of Opal & Neopolis and Scandza united. And who knows what the future would bring with this match for Babylon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/47f713ae-ee4f-4aac-b16a-c0f4273d498a/n87Jve25Dq1djY6BZ3xi--0--veigq_1.5x-clty-upscale-2k0gb.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page II - Puppy Love Jade and Charles became the legend of their time and soon paintings and pictures of the couple were the thing to have. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-life-and-death-of-queen-jade-ii-the-somber-queen/private-moments monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/467dc248-4bd8-439a-8f09-510c4423dada/zRuGj1ePI16uYAEklk67--0--p1kt4.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page III - Private Moments This was still the moment in their lives when the young couple had enough privacy to foster what they had. So had lots of activities on their own like rowing a boat on a lake,... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/181488cf-5adf-40a7-87f2-e92c68c0455e/EBeSs7dDI5nyepuhiBVJ--0--k3lgq_1.5x-clty-upscale-nodbs.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page III - Private Moments ...enjoying an evening in Elisheba's salons when she was on the move for official business,.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/26fd123c-365a-403b-8b2c-f80b9fdb54e7/8xzSRhbX2bsWbn6AQf4t--0--2c6o2_1.5x-clty-upscale-gb97o.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page III - Private Moments Riding horse together in the plains,.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/07c47bc3-e448-4cbb-9c73-5b6a88b72ba2/eu6cljJXVzgcXj3NN54m--0--8sknh_1.5x-clty-upscale-c319l.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page III - Private Moments ....hunting... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/bb8436f8-5c6e-4343-94e5-d1e50229c880/FOOJVETPCKdvlxEuqXBh--0--obi1j_1.5x-clty-upscale-u8x39.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page III - Private Moments ....wandering on horseback in the woods,.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/204dde3a-e58c-4268-a274-ace619bbc115/rlx8PqUfQuLzFU9p1qfA--0--3v0hm_1.5x-clty-upscale-0c93a.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page III - Private Moments ...or just steal an official coach for a day and take it out for a ride in the plains. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-life-and-death-of-queen-jade-ii-the-somber-queen/official-duties monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/f2aaad9f-a85a-4ed4-9cd4-7af90d459b27/IEaaNpleS5o0qCtTI740--0--8kt9h_1.5x-clty-upscale-lb9mv.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page IV - Official Duties But at the end of the academic year a vacation was waiting, and the moment was getting nearer for Charles to return home for the summer months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/9af611f3-68a2-4496-a484-304e0c4f019d/jRMNUrC9cisHv2WRo5CA--0--4cyaw_1.5x-clty-upscale-3wcjg.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page IV - Official Duties So a quick agenda was put together, since being princes also involves official duties, and as everybody was already talking about a royal marriage, the couple urgently needed to socialize and mingle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/08560839-1ac3-48b6-9e1f-806309693968/Be4j6yzEbC2ar07ihUXs--0--4p03a.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page IV - Official Duties They spent several evenings in the theaters and at the opera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/773e0da9-568d-4289-a3ab-d2b834875250/KpF8sMa6f6gmtqtwhiGv--0--32lzs.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page IV - Official Duties Had a day at the races in the royal box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/29c53939-39c3-433d-b69c-aed3f2736e2b/jiu2iZdLvuKQm8cidvkW--0--w7bf1.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page IV - Official Duties Even went to Babylon to network with Jade's aunt and her entourage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/67cb5562-e175-4ded-8ba6-7b6f197d4f06/dAdLjlyumXRgK2cSVSRp--0--ehcva.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page IV - Official Duties And spent another day at the races, where they were invited to present a trophy at the winner. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-life-and-death-of-queen-jade-ii-the-somber-queen/a-broken-heart monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/12057fcd-0268-4e90-86f3-e933eab2103f/eHV3DJHJFUJdxn4LOwV0--0--kbhc9.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart When the time was there for Charles to leave for Scandza the couple vowed to write each other every day until Charles would return for the new academic year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/3bfc9625-6906-4cb9-9677-308827671819/tG9hEU8aZRPogfRKv8JV--0--d45z6_1.5x-clty-upscale-nxut5.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart After not having received any letter for a week, Jade ran to the postman for news from Charles. The postman looked in his bag and did not find any letter addressed to her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ad5a47f2-9228-4bbe-b600-75b1690957f7/Vh9unnM1NnfvmTHZcsF2--0--5ksp5_1.5x-clty-upscale-7wcls.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart The next day the same process repeated itself. Jade ran to the postman, he looked in his bag, but no letter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/e04f3004-707d-4009-ac63-1195f24d8e0a/k9v2jNAhjHyS2NMM7rsw--0--ecnmo_1.5x-clty-upscale-1opm8.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart It took weeks before Jade changed her runs to the postman into walks. And the postman did not look into his bag anymore. He just shook his head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/85bd1d30-f1e3-4c11-b85b-259fbc1fba7e/jyrLYWWSGQhzCxL5K3Yz--0--vduzb_1.5x-clty-upscale-r8qdj.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart Jade went desperate. She pleaded in her own letters for Charles to let her at least know what was going on, but she did not receive any answer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/81f203fd-ef8d-44c6-b8a1-af0ec2f95959/bKCyy8rUfqPo5BgxtF9B--0--ux5bn_1.5x-clty-upscale-ust79.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart In the end she could not bear it anymore to go to the postman. She just sat on the stairway and the both of them just exchanged a look. The postman felt really sorry for her, but there wasn't any news. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/20d77589-9418-4476-85b1-f863170287f7/GHRQ67Z63XMdjPFb0BjR--0--eqzfx_1.5x-clty-upscale-iskzh.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart After a month Jade heard the postman arrive when she was in her room. She stepped to the window, but the postman had already passed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/10253eb3-7dbf-4631-9a94-22edeb5809fd/NK31gfBR4QhMRE1MIAMh--0--92mtu_1.5x-clty-upscale-bc4ve.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart Jade sunk into a deep depression. She did not want to eat, did not want to do anything and did not want to see anybody. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/40a253f8-915c-4d47-8c2a-d59f5510be92/4a3LhbY9fyIleflWEVR7--0--at01o_1.5x-clty-upscale-20khj.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page V - A Broken Heart At the end of the holidays, when the academic year was about to start again, and Charles was due in, she decided to get out of bed. Nobody would keep her away from her studies. But for the next five years she would be wearing mourning clothes, because her love had died. https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-life-and-death-of-queen-jade-ii-the-somber-queen/sent-abroad monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/cf947941-3def-470c-8edc-7f47408bc007/GYYCpJSmqjTXD6DPCcde--0--x12ky_2x-clty-upscale-82kcr_1.5x-clty-upscale-mqalb.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad At the other side of the desert queen Maryam had been worrying for succession lately. Having no children of her own she had invited her sister Elisheba to discuss the problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/4cf149af-53d9-4bc1-a6ba-423cd479730b/qtllx6aLSxcZPTfLTaBK--0--9a20w.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad Elisheba, who was on the road most of the time, made a slight detour when she was in the neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/56be7c5a-d141-48ff-ac67-f06ddcf389fc/zKZvK1gRvQ3JpvoJClxx--0--f91v8_1.5x-clty-upscale-a0plw.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad It felt strange when both sisters met after twenty years without any contact. But after a warm hug, memories and ancient feelings of sisterhood overrode the first awkwardness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/22ffa043-2f67-4b08-ac4d-5ed444168ab1/GYYCpJSmqjTXD6DPCcde--0--dbmt8_1.5x-clty-upscale-by6ge.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad When Maryam shared her worries, Elisheba smiled. But before she could say anything Maryam interrupted her: "I cannot appoint one of the twins queen. The nobility and military here will never accept it. For them it would look like an annexation by Opal. But I can have both of them marry to two of the crown pretenders. That way our house will keep its influence and can also help maintain the long standing peace we have today." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8ed3ec99-740f-497a-ae8c-90b0378f851e/GYYCpJSmqjTXD6DPCcde--0--0otio_1.5x-clty-upscale-48pok.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad Elisheba replied: "I love it. And so will the girls. Now I have a favor of you to ask. You probably heard of the affair with Jade. She is completely heart broken, and with the new academic year, I fear she will run into Charles again. If that happens I do not know what will happen. I think that a new environment and challenge would help her. She is highly educated, and she reminds me of you....could you use her as your assistant for some time? I would really appreciate it." "Consider it done. I would love to help her." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1bd1f9c2-1444-40a8-b8fc-5d5049876e4d/ho6AXYMHyDkgHOWaBUty--0--og157.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad When Elisheba left in the evening, she had a warm feeling. Her twins would be delighted with the news and Jade, well, it was the best she could do to help her over this dark period. She just hoped that Jade would see it the same way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ee1e8814-cde1-4423-8460-f3827eddcdb6/XJ8iQwpSG680y41gSIV5--0--17fm2.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad But she didn't. "I don't want a new challenge. I want to finish my studies here. And I don't like Babylon. Furthermore, with me away, what happens to the crown if you suddenly die? The twins hate me. They mock me. Who says they won't steal the throne before I will even know you are not there anymore? And who will keep them from stealing it anyway....you are always on the road." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/428122cb-df61-42b9-9c1c-9a1c87536a0f/XJ8iQwpSG680y41gSIV5--0--2zy9r.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad "Now, now...it would do you good to think a bit more positive of your sisters. And to counter your arguments they will join you to Babylon to get married with some crown pretenders. So, no, your heritage is not in danger. And as for your studies, you can do them in Babylon, too....and I also think you can learn a lot of your aunt on how to rule a kingdom. My decision is made. You better start to get used to the thought." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1d67e52f-b8c5-4966-86b6-9118daa0fffe/FeW6RTdZovTKMCoDMzEH--0--slccb.jpg Life and Death of Queen Jade II, the Somber - Page VI - Sent Abroad As for the twins....they were thrilled with the thought of going to Babylon, and thrilled with the idea of getting married, with princes above all...and maybe have the chance for one of them to become queen. They couldn't stop cheering, not even after Elisheba had left the room. "Can you imagine Jade? The look on her face when she hears that one of us might become queen too? This is going to be so much fun." https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/pages daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/12b78168-2315-4f98-a8bd-b10249afd78e/imgg-demo-pjdSe5Ti.png https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/pages/project-two-ky966-yw48r monthly 0.5 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/215bce02-c8ef-4ad9-a437-ecb167268a22/34d65e59-72d0-4d09-be93-72387988d15e.jpg Pages - Project 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/b63ca55e-9c4a-47ad-8715-f39f0b48d37a/Untitled+design-8.png Pages - Project 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/eee1dd18-71c3-4725-880e-dc08b582a2d7/Green+and+Blue+Neutral+Natural+Landscape+Photo+Collage-6.png Pages - Project 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/8a3de4cb-2a28-45a1-b501-79b9b2986a9e/Green+and+Blue+Neutral+Natural+Landscape+Photo+Collage-7.png Pages - 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Project 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/db652f71-386f-437e-8716-dc3fde88d7e0/0fc50d83-30a1-407d-ba4c-85a62f3ac764.png Pages - Project 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/0aecc894-95d8-4f6d-86e7-db945b21df92/1.png Pages - Project 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/ee2c79ac-2d61-46c6-a2fd-664c9184b8c7/Photo+Collage+-+Nature%27s+Serenity-3.png Pages - Project 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/d35c7ce9-df44-4be0-92bb-e58d9cc0f64f/RAzil2xMsL81Mpj21QAZ-VEQVi-adjusted.jpg Pages - Project 1 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-continuum-series daily 0.75 2026-04-04 https://www.fouquiersgraphicnovels.eu/the-continuum-series/20-decibels monthly 0.5 2026-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68444df9b1c22a7680b34159/1f5e1c84-1d83-414d-9af3-f699b39878cc/ChatGPT+Image+4+apr+2026%2C+14_37_48.png