During his formative years, novice healer Laust was exploited by unscrupulous wanderers. Even after relentless training to hone his craft, he fell prey to the Blades of Lightning—the very squad he joined upon finishing his lessons—and was ultimately expelled by their commander, Margulus.
Ridiculed in the taverns under dim lanterns, Laust doubted his future. He felt abandoned and mockery lingered in his mind. Narsena abruptly offered partnership, which Laust accepted. Together they swiftly earned renown by charting unknown corridors of the maze. Though Narsena"s sudden offer hinted at hidden motives, Laust remained unaware of any ulterior purpose.
In the meantime, Margulus failed twice to vanquish a venomous hydra, even after summoning the master healer Lyra for assistance. Soon Laust was urged to return to Blades of Lightning, but leaving his old allies proved harder than he had anticipated. He weighed the loyalty of past comrades against the promise of new horizons, despite the path and companion he now shared. and forged enduring bonds together.
