This is a story I'm writing. It's not a fanfic of any sort, except in the actual look of certain characters. It's not a piece meant for publication, as i write only for fun. This is the prologue, but I have 12 chapters up on Storywrite.com. Mature themes in the later ones... just a warning. Feel free to ask questions or critique. Hope you enjoy it.

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The snow is slowing down our progress, Xander Blacke thought as he watched the workers stumble on the frozen ground. They were unloading bars of a metal called Mirrilium, a metal that was so strong and durable that only magic could forge it. Blacke thought himself fortunate that the Queen of Trystania, Queen Katrina, had loaned him the use of her mages.

Katrina's nothing like the former queen, Aria, Blacke thought. Under Aria's rule, Trystania was prosperous. The economy was at its best, the people were happy and education was at an all time high. Now that Katrina ruled, the economy was failing, the people were indifferent, and the only improvement was in education, which made her mages the envy of even the Westcross Mages' Guild.

Katrina was so desperate to save her weakened economy that when Xander Blacke suggested he might know of a way to do so, she gratefully allowed him free reign to do as he pleased. He asked that he be allowed the use of her mages, greedy and shady people who had grown disillusioned with their government and were looking out only for themselves. Xander Blacke was able to buy their silence easily enough. He had used a rifting spell to venture to another world and acquire the metal, the use of which was outlawed by the Empire. The metal was lightweight and could be used to forge weapons resistant to normal wear and tear, and armor made from it couldn't be pierced by normal weapons. This made it a favorite among criminals everywhere, especially those with magic skills.

"Lord Xander," High Mage Levine said, "the latest shipment is ready, but..."

"What is it?" Blacke asked impatiently. "Can't you see I'm busy?"

Levine, a young mage who had ascended through the ranks of Trystania's guild more by bribery and deceit than actual reputation, replied, "What is it that you're doing with this, anyway? If the Empress discovers we have this much Mirrillium, she'll have us executed."

"She's too softhearted for that. Besides, she doesn't know about our little venture." Blacke glared menacingly at the young blue-haired mage. "And she won't find out, will she?"

"It's not like I'm on speaking terms with our esteemed ruler. I've never even met her personally, but you're avoiding the question. You still haven't told me what you're using this for. Obviously, you're not selling this much on the black market all at once. It'll crush Valladia's entire economy, not just Trystania's." Levine commented. "There's never been this much Mirrilium in Valladia, ever."

"All you need to worry about, Levine, is doing what I tell you to do and keeping your mouth shut."

"Threats? I'm not afraid of threats, Lord Xander." Levine said. "Something just seems suspicious. We're here in the Xodia Mountains, freezing our asses off when we could be in any number of warmer climates. You've got something hidden here. I'd like to know what that something is."

"If you're that curious, why don't I show you?" Blacke smiled, then motioned for Levine to follow him. They came to a small wooden structure that was little bigger than a shack. Once inside, Levine saw that there was an elevator that was used to descend to a lower area. "Hop on."

Levine and Black stood on the tiny platform, and Blacke activated it. The descent was slow, and Levine wondered just how deep this place was, not to mention why he never knew about it before. Finally, the elevator stopped, and Levine took a good look at his surroundings.

What is this place? He thought. It's so much more advanced than Trystania. It's even more advanced than Lexford.

"Welcome," Blacke said. "This is the former headquarters of the Shadow Hunters."