Akrehdei Arc

General

The Akrehdei Arc is a storyline in the Iron Gate Saga. Its plot largely focuses on the development of the Akrehdei civilization which comes back from a thousand-years-long exile.

Plot Summary

The Akrehdei Arc is, chronologically speaking, the first storyline of the Iron Gate Saga and sets numerous developments in motion that will shape the course of history throughout Áváhé.

Background

More than a thousand years ago, a sect within the Kehdei split from the established faith. This led to a religious war across Kehda, in which the traditional Kehdei emerged victorious. The Kehdei who had broken away, now calling themselves the Akrehdei, were driven from the peninsula. They wandered through what was then the still-existing Old Empire and far into the south before reaching the Iíbor, where they settled and, through unknown means, adapted to the cold climate. While they were largely forgotten in Áváhé, the Akrehdei built a totalitarian and deeply religious society—the Monopolar—and made it their ultimate cultural goal to one day reclaim Kehda.

Conspiracy

More than a thousand years after their exile, the Akrehdei have yet to achieve their goal. Eventually, three individuals—Kijš, Biro, and Námtára—conspire, driven by both self-interest and ideological conviction, to influence the course of Akrehdei society. Námtára, a traditionalist in a broader sense, believes that the Akrehdei have strayed culturally and politically. She teaches Kijš and Biro the art of political maneuvering, intending to use them as pawns in her plans, as she prefers to operate from the shadows.

After a few years, Kijš becomes the Praetor of the Akrehdei, and Biro their High Priest. Together, they pursue a plan to restructure Akrehdei society. Eventually, Námtára reveals the foundation of her plan: she has discovered the location of the magical mechanism that continuously adapts the Akrehdei to the cold climate of the Iíbor. This discovery led her to believe that the Akrehdei should take control of their own fate instead of succumbing to superstition.

A dispute arises over the details of their shared vision, but in the end, Kijš and Biro, believing themselves powerful enough, exclude Námtára from the conspiracy. Having built their own power base, they are able to sideline her. Together, they develop a new idea—not merely to reform the Akrehdei, but to launch the long-awaited crusade against Kehda.

Biro seeks out the sacred Oracle of the Akrehdei and tries to persuade it to create a prophecy that declares the crusade. However, he miscalculates—the Oracle refuses. Without hesitation, Biro murders the Oracle and presents Kijš with a fait accompli.

Plot

Senate – Beginning of the Story

At a senate meeting, which the readers experience through the eyes of the Chief Librarian Chaco, Biro announces that the Oracle had such a powerful vision that it subsequently took its own life in a ritual suicide. He claims it was the will of the Akrehdei deity, Ananta-Shesha, that Kehda must be reclaimed—even though, after a thousand years, no Akrehdei even knows exactly where it lies. Kijš is well-prepared and effortlessly harnesses the patriotic fervor, presenting himself as the general who formally proclaims the crusade. A wave of excitement sweeps through Akrehdei society.

Main Road

Not long after the proclamation, a large part of the population of Serpa begins to leave the city. The Akrehdei have been planning and training for this moment for centuries, and though they have never acted on it before, they are now fully prepared. The army disperses to nearby settlements for logistical preparation, while civilians leave the city for training exercises. Only the poor and essential workers remain behind. Chaco watches the exodus from a tower on the city walls.

His assistant, Rhož, visits him there. They discuss the unrest in the city and how many Akrehdei are now engaged in the preparations, spending less time praying and engaging in religious practices. Rhož also informs Chaco that the generals have requested all archived information on the enslavement of native peoples. This deeply shocks Chaco. An old man by Akrehdei standards, Chaco is a free thinker. He was raised with the cultural values of the Akrehdei but is now beginning to have doubts.

The Cave

Recently, Chaco helped two humans take shelter from a snowstorm near the Akrehdei capital, Serpa. However, for decades, it has been Akrehdei military doctrine that, in the event of a crusade, humans must be captured and enslaved to facilitate their journey, as the entire Akrehdei people will be on the move. Torn between duty and conscience, Chaco warns the two humans before leaving them behind and returning to the city with his assistant, Rhož.

Taši - Outside the Main Story

Taši, Rhož’s friend, witnessed the murder of the Oracle, as she serves in the temple. Both she and Rhož are young, revolutionary-minded Akrehdei who dream of leaving the city. Without telling Rhož, Taši attempts to blackmail the Deputy High Priest, whom she knows to be complicit in the murder. She hopes to secure a comfortable position for herself and Rhož on the crusade.

However, Taši’s plan ultimately fails. She realizes that the conspirators now intend to eliminate her and goes into hiding. Námtára’s network is still active—even within Taši’s unconventional circle of friends—and manages to rescue her before she is captured. Námtára grants her refuge. Outside the City

Rhiaś, an introverted chemist, is wandering outside the city when he encounters a ghostly fox-like creature for the second time. Driven by curiosity, he begins to study the being, which appears to be capable of changing its size and teleporting. It becomes clear that Rhiaś is a quiet and withdrawn individual.

=== Khersz - Outside the Main Story

===

The Chief Physician of the Akrehdei, Khersz, notices irregularities while preparing the Oracle's body for display. Normally, he would never have seen the corpse, but in the chaos following the crusade's announcement, Serpa has become disorganized, and he impulsively decides to take charge of the embalming process himself. He discovers that the wrong ritual knife was used in the supposed suicide and that there are signs of a struggle. For now, he keeps this knowledge to himself.

The Library

Chaco prepares to receive the Oracle’s written prophecies. However, a group of children—whom he was supposed to teach—arrives as well. Having forgotten about the lesson, he assigns Rhož to handle it, offering readers a deeper look into Akrehdei culture and history.

Eventually, the procession delivering the prophecies arrives. Unexpectedly, Khersz, the Chief Physician, also appears, accompanied by his assistant, Scalo. Khersz claims he wants to review documents in the library after the ceremony. He and Chaco engage in a brief discussion. Importantly, Rhož and Scalo do not know each other and do not meet in this scene.

Later that day, celebrations take place, and Chaco sends Rhož outside following their earlier conversation. Rhož hesitates, reluctant to leave his master alone, as he sees Chaco as a father figure. Readers also get a glimpse into the deeper structure of the library.

=== Khersz - Outside the Main Story

===

Khersz secretly examines the Oracle’s prophecies, hoping to find evidence that the traditionally reclusive Oracle had been threatened or attacked. However, he finds nothing of the sort. This ultimately convinces him to seek out Deputy High Priest Yler. Scalo is also present at this meeting. When Khersz mentions having reviewed the prophecies, a misunderstanding occurs. Scalo and Yler assume there is something incriminating in the texts—though in reality, Khersz has not even had time to read them fully.

Both Scalo and Yler are allies of Praetor Kijš and High Priest Biro. Realizing that Khersz might be onto the Oracle’s murder, they panic. Scalo, in addition to being a physician, is a member of the Akrehdei intelligence agency, known as "the Veil." They agree that Scalo must eliminate his own master.

Khersz and Námtára - Outside the Main Story

Shortly before the murder, Khersz and Námtára, who are friends, meet at the city’s public baths. Khersz expresses his distrust of Deputy High Priest Yler and confides in Námtára, an experienced strategist, telling her everything he knows. They part ways late in the evening. Námtára, however, does not reveal that she already suspects the Oracle was murdered by the highest-ranking Akrehdei leaders. She sees an opportunity to uncover the truth without exposing herself directly.

On his way home, Khersz is assassinated by Scalo. Námtára soon learns of his death and is deeply alarmed. She decides to have Taši steal the prophecies from the library, convinced by Khersz’s suspicions that the texts might still contain something valuable.

Café

The following day, Rhož meets with friends in an empty tavern after a night of revelry. Everyone is tired and gathers to recover over tea. The reader learns that Rhož is worried about his beloved, Taši, who has disappeared; according to his friends, she likely boarded the train. In the end, the group realizes that the Senate is convening. News of Khersz’s murder spreads.

Small Square

The intelligence officer Rátánu is called to a murder case. The chief medic Khersz has been found stabbed in a small square. Rátánu examines the crime scene and observes the following:

• There are three sets of footprints in the old snow: one belonging to Khersz, one crossing the square over Khersz’s path, and one approaching Khersz head-on, curving around him before retreating into a side alley.
• It is likely that Khersz knew the attacker, as there are no signs of struggle, and the medic appears to have simply collapsed on the spot, having slowed his pace beforehand. Since the crime superficially resembles a mugging, this is peculiar—why would Khersz know a common thief?
• Khersz was killed with multiple stab wounds from a rather blunt blade, as evidenced by the frayed edges of the wounds.
• Khersz is missing one or two teeth, likely due to a “fugitive’s bite,” an instinctive reflex bite—probably against the attacker.
• Khersz’s coin pouch is missing.
• A valuable jar of salve from the baths was left behind.
• The presence of the jar suggests that Khersz was likely on his way home from the bathhouse.
• Khersz is still clutching a brooch in his outstretched right claw—a religious order’s insignia, which is widespread among the Akrehdei. However, it is highly unorthodox for a master to belong to an order, as it is a public office. Rátánu initially does not notice that the outstretched arm is pointing toward a historical plaque.
• A watchtower stands directly at the crime scene. Rátánu wonders why no one sounded the alarm hours ago.

Chaco happens to pass by the crime scene and is shocked. At first, Rátánu pays him little attention until Chaco mentions that he had met Khersz the day before. Rátánu questions Chaco and then lets him go. Finally, he orders his subordinates to secure the crime scene. Throughout the scene, Rátánu is characterized by his cold-blooded nature and keen observational skills.

Library

Chaco realizes that the oracle’s records have disappeared. He is highly alarmed, as this happened under his formal supervision. He informs Rhož, and they begin searching.

It is also noted that Rhož was about to announce a visitor when Chaco interrupted him in his excitement. It is not explicitly stated, but the visitor is Scalo. Scalo overhears the conversation and learns that the records are missing. Overcome by the commotion, Rhož forgets that Scalo was even there.

Námtára - Outside the Narrative

Meanwhile, Námtára studies the records. She realizes that there is nothing relevant to the murder in them and understands that great effort was wasted on nothing. She contemplates what to do next.

Alchemy Wing

Rhiaś assists in honoring a mountain Akrehdei named Brek. Through a chemical process, a marking is applied to his tool, signifying his years of service. This provides the reader with insight into the finesse of Akrehdei craftsmanship.

After the process, Rhiaś accompanies Brek outside, but no one is there to celebrate him. The city is nearly empty, and those who remain are busy working. Brek, undeterred, salutes the mountains behind the city, and Rhiaś claps in accordance with tradition, surprising the miner.

During the ensuing conversation, a female intelligence officer passes by. She is acquainted with the miner. Rhiaś learns about a clique of young Akrehdei to which both belong, a group that meets regularly. The miner invites Rhiaś to join them. Not wanting to seem suspicious in front of the intelligence officer, Rhiaś reluctantly agrees, though he is not particularly interested.

Khersz’s Apartment

Chaco hurriedly breaks into Khersz’s former apartment, fearing that the oracle’s records might be found there. To his knowledge, Khersz was the last person near them, making it plausible that he could have taken them. However, as he enters, he is seen by another Akrehdei. He searches everything but fails to find the texts—because Khersz had never stolen them in the first place.

Eventually, he is caught off guard by Rátánu, who has also come to search the apartment. A tense confrontation ensues, but Chaco confesses about the missing records, and Rátánu believes him.

The only thing Chaco didn’t touch was the safe, which is why he didn’t notice that it wasn’t even locked. Rátánu examines its contents, only to find that the oracle’s records are not inside either. He notices signs of tampering and compares the claw marks on the safe with Chaco’s hands, realizing they don’t match. Nevertheless, he searches Chaco but finds nothing.

It becomes clear that someone else has also been searching for the records and suspected Khersz of having them. This is not explicitly mentioned, but it was Scalo, who already knew about their disappearance.

Afterward, Rátánu inspects the rest of the apartment, seemingly taking something from the wall and pocketing it. They leave together, after which Rátánu visits a pitiful religious fanatic who serves as an informant for the Vorhang, his order. The fanatic provides cryptic messages, but one in particular catches Rátánu’s attention—it appears to be a location.

Noble Residential District

Rátánu tracks down an elegant house in an upscale neighborhood while discussing the ethics of intelligence work with Chaco. A soldier has moved into the house since it stood empty. Rátánu confronts the man—who happens to be the guard who was supposed to be on duty at the time of Khersz’s murder—and corners him.

However, the soldier takes a bold gamble, arguing that Rátánu has no authority to act against him without an official decree. Rátánu responds rhetorically, asking whether he should simply go and get one. In desperation, the soldier threatens to expose Chaco, who is still accompanying Rátánu. He claims to have seen Chaco breaking into Khersz’s apartment.

Rátánu cannot afford this disruption and, without hesitation, hands Chaco his own order’s insignia. This grants Chaco political immunity, as he is now under the protection of the Vorhang. The soldier gives up and confesses that he was not at his post because he was meeting with a lover instead. Rátánu has this alibi verified, effectively losing a lead. His next step is to report to the Senate. The two part ways, leaving Chaco stunned after witnessing Rátánu’s ruthless and efficient methods.

Senate

Rátánu arrives early at the Senate, where he meets with members of two different orders whom he has summoned. He treats them with relative disdain, a privilege he can afford as an intelligence officer, before confronting them with his findings: one order’s symbol was found on Khersz’s corpse, while the other was found in his apartment.

This is a highly improper situation, and both order leaders are desperate to keep it from becoming public, as it could cause significant unrest. With this leverage, Rátánu forces them to determine which symbol actually belonged to Khersz and to whom the other one belongs.

Senate

The Senate must elect a deputy praetor to govern the city and its remaining population in Kijš’s absence. The session begins when the presiding official is visited by Námtára. She tries to persuade her friend to run for the position—though this is not immediately clear to the reader—but ultimately fails. Though he would have a guaranteed victory, he is old and weary, refusing to be convinced. During their conversation, she also learns that Rátánu is leading the investigation into Khersz’s murder and hints at knowing him.

During the session, Námtára presents herself as a candidate. This is her first time stepping directly into the spotlight, but she is counting on the fact that her candidacy will force the remaining allies of her enemies, Biro and Kijš, in Serpa to reveal themselves. Her plan succeeds, as the order leader Zesha also steps forward as a candidate. A debate unfolds between the two, with both delivering strong speeches.

In the end, Námtára calls for a ritual duel, which will involve members of the Senate and serve as the deciding factor in the election. The Senate approves the duel, and the session is adjourned until the battle can take place.

In the end, Námtára turns to the young order leader and invites her to a private conversation.

Outside the Main Plot

Námtára reveals to Zesha that she possesses the oracle’s records. She is bluffing, claiming that the texts contain incriminating knowledge regarding the murder of the oracle. She demands that Zesha lose the upcoming duel, thus making a so-called honorable retreat and allowing Námtára to take the position of deputy praetor.

Shrine

Rátánu shadows the person whose symbol—the one found on Khersz’s body—he has identified with the help of the order leaders. The individual attends an impromptu gathering at a shrine. Disguising himself as a beggar, Rátánu approaches her and asks for money before grabbing and restraining her. He quickly intimidates her, only to realize that she did not kill Khersz. Instead, she had happened to pass by the crime scene after the murder. Due to personal grievances, she had despised the medicus and wanted to show her contempt to the dying man, during which he must have grabbed her and torn off her amulet. Rátánu takes her into custody to verify her story but grows increasingly frustrated, as he is running out of suspects.

Library

Chaco conducts research on the Vorhang and Rátánu, seeking to understand who he is dealing with.

Deputy High Priest Yler appears, demanding the oracle’s records. He pretends to be uninformed, attempting to use Chaco as a pawn to track down the texts for him. In a panic, Chaco admits that the records are missing but hastily presents the symbol Rátánu had given him, fearing that otherwise, he might be held responsible for their disappearance.

Yler now realizes that something larger is at play. Before leaving, he makes veiled threats that catch Chaco’s attention.

Old Town

Rhiaś attends a gathering of young Akrehdei in the Old Town, where Rhož is also present. Various topics are discussed, but Rhiaś feels uneasy and decides to take a nighttime walk.

At the city’s outskirts, he once again encounters the fox spirit, which had never previously appeared within the city walls. He follows the creature beyond the city limits.

Arena

The following day, Rátánu visits the arena, where the battle for the position of Praetor is set to take place.

There, he meets Chaco, who had set out during the night to the headquarters of the Curtain to ask about Rátánu.

Rátánu is somewhat annoyed by the librarian, but this changes when he hears that Yler inquired about the records and made ominous threats in the process.

Rátánu puts two and two together and realizes the suspicious timing of Yler’s actions. He begins to suspect that an elite conspiracy is at play. Nevertheless, he is irritated that Chaco so casually reveales that he is under the protection of the intelligence service.

Battlefield

The fight begins. Senators and their respective champions battle on both sides.

In the end, however, Zesha is forced to concede defeat. Námtára is thus proclaimed Praetor.

Kijš and Biro - Outside the Narrative

The conspirators have now lost ground. However, they immediately send a messenger to warn Kijš and Biro.

Ancient Sanctuary

Rhiaś is led by the fox spirit to an isolated ancient site at the foot of the nearby mountains.

He realizes that it was likely built by ancient Akrehdei, but he is not the first to have discovered it.

For now, he cannot make sense of the structure.

Grand Temple

Rátánu visits the deputy First Priest. To his great astonishment, he discovers that Yler is now in possession of a Curtain brooch. Internally, Rátánu is seething, but his hands are tied. He is now certain that something is going on and that it is connected to the death of the Oracle and its records. Moreover, he must now fear that someone within his own order is involved in the conspiracy—someone who has granted the priest immunity. Once again, he seeks out Chaco and takes him along.

Morgue

Rátánu decides to examine the Oracle’s body himself. Chaco serves as his pretext for entry, claiming to be documenting the Oracle’s death for historical records.

Scalo—Kherz’s murderer—is present and continues his master’s medical duties. A clear but initially unexplained tension arises between him and Rátánu. Rátánu asks several questions regarding the Oracle, but there is little left to see of the corpse, as it has already been prepared for burial. Having gained nothing, Rátánu leaves and informs Chaco that Scalo himself belongs to the Curtain.

He then sets off to find out who gave Yler the brooch.

Námtára’s Residence

In her home, Námtára meets with Zesha. The two discuss the political situation. The atmosphere is highly hostile, but Námtára still attempts to win Zesha over as an ally. Zesha pretends to agree. Afterward, Námtára speaks with Taši. The readers have heard of her several times before, but now they meet her for the first time.

Headquarters of the Curtain

Rátánu encounters Scalo again, shortly after learning that Scalo had been asking who gave Yler the brooch. However, this is merely a diversion, an attempt by Scalo to make himself appear innocent: he claims to be deeply affected by his master’s death and to be trying to solve the case himself.

Supposedly, he has placed Yler under witness protection, as Rátánu did with Chaco. The two argue over jurisdiction. But since the Order’s master is away on the crusade, the matter remains unresolved.

Ancient Sanctuary

Rhiaś brings the mountain Akrehdei and Rhož to the site and shows them the structure. They are divided on how to proceed.

Small Square

Rátánu once again visits the square where Khersz was murdered. The body is still there, though now in a cordoned-off area.

Upon closer inspection, Rátánu notices for the first time that the position of the corpse could be interpreted as if Khersz had tried, in his final moment, to point at something with the hand that had also held the torn-off brooch. In that case, Khersz would have been pointing at a wall plaque depicting a historical scene. Rátánu calls Chaco over again to help interpret the image.

It depicts a historical betrayal—of a master by a servant. Rátánu now begins to fully suspect Scalo.

Library

Since Rátánu cannot formally take action against Scalo, he turns to Chaco. Chaco himself is not fit for surveillance, but his assistant Rhož is. Despite Chaco’s protests, they involve him and brief him. Rhož agrees to help. He also wants to tell Chaco about the newly discovered cult site, but Chaco dismisses the topic, as there are other priorities.

Outside the Narrative

The conspirators around Zesha and Yler learn that Kijš is unwilling to back down and intends to eliminate Námtára. They decide to carry out an assassination attempt. A unit of soldiers is secretly sent to Serpa.

Serpa’s Streets

Rhož has been following Scalo for two days when Scalo sets out at night toward Námtára’s house, while she is away. Scalo manages to overpower the guards and break in. Rhož intends to follow but notices that Taši appears to be fleeing from the house. Surprised, he begins to pursue her. He catches up with her. After a brief explanation, Taši hands him an object she’s carrying—the Oracle’s records—before fleeing once again.

Rhož is left bewildered, which gives Scalo enough time to spot him, recognize him, and give chase. However, Rhož also manages to escape.

Ancient Sanctuary

Rhiaś investigates the site on his own after the fox spirit reappears and encourages him. Soldiers from Kijš join in and a fight ensues. During the struggle, Rhiaś triggers a mechanism that generates an energy field, causing severe pain to the Akrehdei soldiers and killing the rest. The cave partially collapses. What happens to Rhiaś remains unclear.

Library

The explosion is visible all the way to Serpa. Chaco and Rátánu observe it and narrowly survive an attack by the conspirators just before Rhož returns. Rátánu reacts almost in shock that they were in Námtára’s house and immediately sets out without explanation. He organizes a guard for the library from his circle of trusted allies. Chaco begins reading the Oracle’s records but finds that there is nothing of importance in them. Rhož sets out with a few friends to search for Rhiaś after the explosion.

Námtára’s House

It is the night before Námtára is officially elected by the Senate. Rátánu visits her and is immediately let in. It turns out that Rátánu is none other than Námtára’s son. Until now, he had hoped she had nothing to do with all of this, so he could keep her out of it.

Since Námtára now sees herself on the verge of success, she reveals the entire story to her son, which is also presented to the reader for the first time.

Námtára reveals that she and her husband—Rátánu’s father—had stumbled upon the old site some time ago and discovered that it apparently ensures the Akrehdei adapt to the cold. Her husband could not bear this break with his religion and committed suicide. Námtára was more pragmatic and stayed behind, determined to make use of this knowledge. She had learned that the Akrehdei can decide their own fate. She was initially opposed to the Crusade but concluded from the explosion at the old site that the Akrehdei would no longer be able to adapt to the cold climate and would soon have to leave the Iíbor.

Rátánu now faces a conflict between his mother and his order. He should expose the whole matter, but he also realizes that she is the most realistic chance of eliminating Kijš and Biro, who have little regard for the well-being of the Akrehdei.

Rhož and Zesha - Outside the Narrative

The next morning, a group of soldiers arrives in Serpa. They bring Rhož and his friends with them, who were caught leaving the city. The soldiers initially only wanted to prevent anyone from investigating the cult site or leaving the city. However, Scalo recognizes Rhož and agrees with Zesha and Yler that he must be killed.

Scalo’s Apartment

Rátánu casually waits for Scalo at night and kills him, but not before exposing bite marks on his arm from Khersz, which clearly identify him as the perpetrator. It then becomes clear that Chaco is also present and helps to subdue Scalo at the decisive moment. They discuss what their next steps should be. Rátánu decides to eliminate Yler and Zesha, choosing to help his mother.

Senate Square

Early in the morning, Zesha makes unfounded accusations against Námtára and uses the soldiers sent by Kijš to storm the ceremony. She then declares that all the accused should be executed. Taši emerges from hiding and tries to intervene but is quickly overwhelmed and killed immediately.

Chaco and Rátánu observe the events from the edge of the square, where they had retreated when the soldiers arrived, with Rátánu preventing Chaco from intervening. Chaco must watch as his assistant is executed.

Námtára reveals the truth but is attacked by the soldiers. This provokes a revolt, leading to street battles. The story ends here.

Suvivors - Outside the Narrative

The remaining population of Serpa plunges into a civil war. Reinforcements from Kijš kill refugees trying to leave the city but cannot stabilize the situation. Kijš and Biro eventually spread the story among the majority population on the Crusade, claiming that Serpa was ravaged and destroyed by demons. The conflict lasts for several years, during which the Akrehdei move further and further away from the Iíbor.

Chaco, Rátánu, and Námtára survive the civil war, along with a few acquaintances from their circle, such as Brek. Serpa is devastated and empty, so the survivors decide to follow the Crusade and hold Kijš and Biro accountable.