The sun shown brightly upon the pillars of Nosgoth as the circle of the nine gathered that day. The reason for their meeting was the knowledge that the vampire population was rapidly growing and it would only lead to the decay of Nosgoth. The Guardian of the Pillar of Balance first proposed the idea. She explained to the circle what would happen if the vampiric race continued to grow. As the number of vampires grew so would the number of human needed to feed them, but such a thing could not be possible. The vampires would feed on more humans and cause their race to be greatly reduced, and then the vampires would begin to die out as well. The end result would be the death of both races. The only possible course of action would be to remove the vampires before they would destroy Nosgoth. Several members of the circle accepted the proposal as they voiced their agreements. However the decision would not be unanimous.
        “Such a course of action would be unwise.” The circle quickly turned to Mortanius as he objected to the plan. “The vampires have committed no crime except for the simple fact that they exist.” The necromancer can see the other members look at him in disgust.
        “They are abominations of nature, they have no right to exist.” Proclaimed the guardian of nature. Mortanius showed no response to the attack on his position. “Just because they are creatures of the death gives you no grounds to protect them!”
        “My reasons for defending any creature living or dead are my own.” The necromancer’s voice sent shivers down the spines of a few of the members. He continued after they regained their composure. “Senselessly killing them is not the proper way of dealing with this situation.”
        “And what do you propose necromancer, that we allow them to kill the human race?” Questioned another member.
        “I propose no such thing, the vampires are as much a part of Nosgoth as the humans are. We slaughter them and we inflect a wound upon this land.” Argued the necromancer.
        “I must agree with Mortanius.” Mortanius looked over to Moebius who voiced his support. “If one race is crippled the other will become corrupted with power.” No one tried to argue with the time streamer. The other members knew it was hopeless to doubt someone who knew the past, present and future, or perhaps they didn’t know on whose behalf the time streamer spoke for.
        “And that is why the vampire race must be thinned out.” Proclaimed the guardian of balance. “From the way everyone is behaving I can assume that the majority of the circle agrees.” Mortanius stared coldly at the other guardian as she continued to discuss her plans. He could see how smug she was, knowing that she had won over the necromancer. “Now what we need is a method of performing this task.”
        “Leave that to me.” A younger voice cried out. The voice belonged to Malek, who was one of the younger and inexperienced members of the circle. While he may not be as wise of the other members there was no doubt about his combat abilities. Before he was anointed guardian of conflict Malek had fought in numerous battles. There were tales about his fierce fighting spirit and strategic genius. “I shall form an army that will put the vampires in their place.” And thus began the vampire purges.
        Soon after the meeting Malek formed the Sarafan, a group devoted to killing the vampiric race. This was the beginning of the vampire purges. In no time the vampires were killed in massive numbers. But as the killings continued the once righteous Sarafan became corrupted with the power they had. Malek continued the purges leaving him more desperate to continue his campaign against the vampires. What had once was a holy quest to save Nosgoth turned into genocide as the Sarafan turned from saviors to fanatics. 
        It wasn’t long before the entire populous grew to fear the Sarafan and the purges. As the fanatics faced more difficulties locating vampires they turned against the humans, killing anyone whom was believed to be sympathetic to the vampiric race. The fields of Nosgoth were covered with both humans and vampires impaled upon stakes, while others sat in a dark and damp dungeon waiting for public executions.
        While all of this occurred the members of the circle turned a blind eye. They were not concerned with the methods that Malek used, as long as he accomplished his quest. They also knew that their actions would cause others to bring them harmed. So the members of the circle, except for Mortanius and Moebius, went to Malek’s stronghold seeking shelter from anyone who would try to claim vengeance for the victims of the purges. It was at this time that Mortanius knew what was happening.
        The circle was slowly becoming corrupt as the vampire purges continued. Mortanius knew that to save the land of Nosgoth he would have to make a drastic decision. That is what has brought him to the cave of the oracle, to speak with the only other member of the circle who he knew would not have been corrupted as a result of the massacres. 
Instantly the cauldron in the center of the room was engulfed in flames. After a few moments the flames dies down and standing across from Mortanius was Moebius. “Ah, welcome Mortanius. The savior, and betrayer of the circle. The hero, and villain to the land of Nosgoth.” Apparently Moebius already knew the reason for the necromancers visit.
“I haven’t the time for riddles or poems Time Streamer. I have come here because of the future state of the circle.” This was one of the reasons why Mortanius hated to speak with the time streamer. He never knew why his companion felt the desire to speak the way he did. A normal person would be in awe as they listened to the riddles and poems, but the necromancer didn’t have any patience for it.
        “I am aware of the current state of Nosgoth as much as you are, perhaps even more than you are. That’s why you’re here isn’t it necromancer, because you know that despite the powers of the others I am the most superior.” Mortanius coldly stared at the time streamer. He refused to engage him in a petty battle of words as to who had more powers than the other did. “Quite today are we Mortanius? Some of the younger members are always quick to prove themselves after I challenge them the same way I just did. But unlike them, you know you have nothing to prove to anyone, not even to a member of the circle. The power over the dead is almost as great as the ability to manipulate time.
        “That is what sets us apart. While I go about my business manipulating others with words and prophecies you decide to bring the ultimate end to a crisis. I can never think of a more suitable guardian of death than you. But I digress, you’re not here to be flattered or insulted, you have come to consult the only uncorrupted member of the circle as to what to do.
        “As you may know the vampire purges have began a chain of events that will lead to the end of Nosgoth.” The cauldron flared up as an image of the pillars appeared. Mortanius kept his face motionless as he looked at the vision of the pillars cracking and fading in color. “It is death that will bring both corruption and order to the circle, but the true instrument will be brought from within the circle.” The images shifted again to show a set of bloodstained scales that were unbalanced. The necromancer quickly pondered the words before the time streamer continued. “A great irony will occur as the creature that the circle once wanted to destroy will be that which will bring balance to the land.” The image shifted once again showing a curved blade cutting into an unknown figure. Mortanius’ eyes widened as he instantly recognized the blade as being the Soul Reaver. He pondered how the Soul Reaver would ever fall into anyone hands. The circle had taken measures to prevent this powerful weapon from being unleashed on Nosgoth. However there was one possible explanation for this image.
        “Vorador,” was the only thing Mortanius could say as he looked at the image. Even though he couldn’t see the person wielding the weapon he knew it had the be the ancient vampire. While the Soul Reaver was safely hidden there existed a powerless replica that belonged to Vorador. He had once seen the blade and it’s power and was inspired to make his weapon a choice similar to the most powerful weapon in existence.
        The image quickly shifted again showing a figure clouded in darkness. Mortanius studied the creature as its shape quickly move across a barren field. The shape turned and the necromancer had a clear view of it. The creature was well built as he saw the muscles on its legs and the arms that had a set of deadly talons. The creature leapt high over a small river as two torn flaps of skin flowed behind it. Despite its display of power the necromancer wondered about the creature as he noticed how thin it was, in fact the creature had a gap where his stomach and abdomens should be. He studied its head as it quickly turned again. Its hair was finely styled, almost as if it was some sort of noble. The face was hidden behind a shroud. But if there was one thing the necromancer would never forget about the creature was its eyes that glowed an eerie light blue.
        Mortanius looked up at his companion to see something that he would never expect to see in his life. Moebius’ eyes widened with surprise as he looked at the vision. The necromancer wondered if the time streamer was surprised at the vision itself or the fact that it may have been something he was not ment to see.
        Moebius quickly moved his hand and the flamed died down causing the vision to fade into nothingness. “Revealed is the instrument that will bring choas and order to the land of Nosgoth. You now know all that you have come to see. Now if you mind I have other matters that I have to attend to.”
        “One last question, when we were gathered at the pillars on whose behalf were you speaking for?” Asked the necromancer. He would have inquired about the creature in the vision but decided instead that question would have to be answered another time.
        “Much like you, my reasons are my own. Now I must leave you.” With that the room was filled with darkness again.
        Mortanius slowly walked out of the cave knowing full well what he had to do. His conversation with the time streamer, while confusing, was what he needed to confirm his plan. What he wasn’t aware of what it was that the time streamer had showed him. Moebius did show the necromancer the future of the circle and how the balance would be restored, but what he neglected to reveal was when the events of the images would occur.

        Almost instantly after walking out of the cave Mortanius transported himself to the next location of his plans. He looked around the torch lit room he could smell the familiar scent of blood and death. As the guardian of death such things did not bother him, it was a part of his task, one that often required a great weight to be placed upon his shoulders. He looked over his shoulder as a nearby door opened.
        “Fiend! Have you come to mock me in this time of grief and sorrow.” Mortanius turned to see the vampire Vorador rushed him, seeking to end his life. Before the vampire could make his attack Mortanius had quickly vanished, reappearing at the other side of the room.
        “Fear me not Vorador, for I have not come to hunt.” Said the necromancer as his voice filled the room. “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Mortanius the Necromancer.”
        “I know who you are!” Screamed the vampire. “I know you are a member of that accursed circle that has brought the Serafan upon my race. Your blood will avenge the destruction of my loved ones” Vorador moved in for another attack. But he was thrown against the wall as the necromancer displayed his magical might.
        “If it is vengeance you seek, I shall give it to you.” Said the necromancer as he kept the vampire pressed against the wall. “If you’ll calm down I shall tell you how you can achieve it.” The vampire pondered the words for a few moments. Mortanius knew what the vampire’s answer would be. He knew that vengeance was a powerful force that he could easily use to manipulate anyone.
        “Very well necromancer. I shall listen to your plan.” The vampire fell to the floor after his answer.
        “Good. As you know it is was of the circle of the nine that created the sarafan. While the circle had a noble purpose they have long since turned a blind eye to the methods that Malek and the sarafan use. By doing this they are slowly becoming corrupt and will eventual condemn Nosgoth to destruction. The only way stop the purges and save Nosgoth is to restore the circle.” 
        “And how do you plan on doing that.” Growled the vampire.
        “You’ll enjoy the next part. I need you to kill several members of the circle. Do this and the purges will come to an end.” Said the necromancer in a tone that made him sound as inhuman as his appearance.
        “So you’re willing to betray the circle?” The vampire laughed. “And to just how is that supposed to restore order?”
        “I’ll agree that the manner may seem irrational, and there will be a period of unrest until the slain members can be replace. But to allow the circle to continue down their dark path will only complicate things. If their lives do not come to an end now they will be eventually be ended. And if you’re not the instrument of their demise then someone else can easily be found.” As the necromancer finished explaining his reasons the vampire pondered his words.
        “Why should I concern myself with the affairs of mere mortals?” Vorador demanded as his fist slammed a nearby table. The force of the blow was enough to cause the table to fall apart as it crumbled to the floor. “The sarafan have made it their goal to destroy my race because of the circle. I have witnessed all of my loved ones killed by those righteous pigs simply because they feel our race is evil when in fact they are as evil as they see us as being. My race has only killed so that we can continue to live; we don’t use a false pretense such as righteousness like they do. You stand here and tell me that the Nosgoth will be killed if the circle isn’t saved from its own corruption. Very well let everyone know the pain and sorrow I felt as they watch this realm come to an end.”
        “I know you feel angry at the world for what has happened to your race. Like I said, if you won’t do this I can easily find anyone who can fulfill this deed. All I have to offer you is revenge against those who have taken everything away from you. I will take my leave of you now. Good day, or should I say night.” The necromancer turned to leave.
        “Wait, I will do this, but you must make me a promise Mortanius.” Pleaded the vampire.
        If he still had enough skin on his face the necromancer would have frowned. He didn’t expect to bargain with the vampire for the murder of the circle. The offer of vengeance should have been enough to put Vorador into a blood rage against the circle. But as it would seem Vorador wouldn’t be satisfied with that. “Make your demand quickly, I haven’t the time to waste with your pleads.” He said without turning to face the vampire. He didn’t to face the vampire lest he should lose whatever power between their transaction. He didn’t want to admit it but the vampire was the only creature in all of Nosgoth that would return the circle to the way it was.
        “I want you to promise me that the vampire race will never die. I want to know that should the day come where I perish that my race will continue to thrive.” Stated the vampire in a dark tone. Mortanius was unsure if this request was for the noble act of preserving his race, or a request that would doom all of Nosgoth.
        “You’re still strong Vorador, I’m sure the vampiric race will be thriving again in no time after the circle is restored.” Mortanius tried to worm his way out of having to make a promise with the would-be killer of the circle.
        “Do you take me as a fool necromancer!” Yelled the vampire. Mortanius turned and looked at Vorador with his cold empty eyes. The vampire tried to return with a vicious stare, but he sighed as he calmed himself to explain his position. “If our numbers grow strong again the so will the purges. I can not bear to see all of my loved ones murdered because the circle felt that our numbers should be thinned out again.”
        “So you ask me this because you have lost the desire to build a race?” Mortanius would have grinned as he realized he still had power over the vampire. “Very well Vorador, when the time comes I will create a new vampire that will have the passion of rebuilding your race. But I won’t do this until I am sure that your race is indeed on the verge of extinction.” As Mortanius agreed he pondered the thought of re-creating the vampire race. To have an entire race call him their creator, but he quickly let the thoughts pass away unless he should be as corrupt of the other members were slowing becoming.
        “Very well necromancer. I am in your service. Give me the task and I will assure you that every member will have their lives taken from them.” Spoke the vampire as he walked to the mantel to retrieve the curved sword that hanged over it. Mortanius watched as Vorador examined the sword. It was a near duplicate of the powerful Soul Reaver, this helped to confirm some of the visions he saw in the oracle’s cave.
        “You do not have to kill every member Vorador. You may spare Moebius and myself from your blade. We are the only members who are not becoming corrupt because of the purges.” Mortanius paused before finishing, knowing that Vorador would not like what he had to say next. “And you must also spare the life of Malek.”
        The vampire quickly turned and brought the curved blade to the necromancer’s throat. “What! You dare come offering me vengeance and then tell me I can’t kill the very person who is to blame.” Yelled the vampire as he held the curved blade close to Mortanius.
        The necromancer continued, ignoring the blade. “I will personally deal with Malek myself. He has served the circle well as its protector during his life, and so in death he will continue to do so. He will know what eternity feels like without having the mortal shell to experience the world with. But rest assured, should the need ever arise you will easily be able to defeat Malek in his life after death.”
        Vorador slowly moved the blade away from Mortanius. “Very well, I will play your game Mortanius. But should you betray me no force in Nosgoth will stop me from taking your head as a trophy to place upon my mantel.”
        “You have made a wise choice Vorador. When the time is right I will give you passage to the other members and allow you to end the purges.” The necromancer slowly vanished as he finished the sentence under the belief that soon the land of Nosgoth would be at peace again.