20. Special Circumstances
Night falls over the village. The inhabitants do not plan to go straight to sleep and are getting ready to celebrate Muspill's expedition's return.
From the slope of the immense sand dune overlooking the village, near a ruined structure, a man discreetly approaches. He is hidden by the vegetation because he does not want to be seen. He glances over his shoulder and spots his partner waiting behind one of the old stone walls.
He looks toward the village. He knows that young Muspill and his friends returned safe and sound. Everything went according to plan: his mission is complete. He is therefore preparing to leave the island in a few minutes.
He smiles, and his gaze instinctively turns toward the horizon, in the direction of northwest—Takkanor. He knows that he will probably have to return there soon. He thinks of his family. They are safe for now. Because he has a deep suspicion that something might be brewing in Staoslam city following Throlkad’s return. He will need to anticipate potential complications. And do everything possible to protect the one who, within a few weeks, will become the new Lostblood.
His youngest son.
Backstage
This final piece of the album is incredibly special to me. I wrote it in 2025, just a few weeks after losing my father. "Special Circumstances" is entirely dedicated to his memory.