An Ancient Connection

Eventually, the group overcame one last slope, and the mountain plateaued. Rudmed gestured ahead of them, in the middle of the snowy plateau was a large temple, hidden from curious eyes by the previous slope. The temple was made of stone with a few windows that could be used to look outside and watch for enemies. The only visible entrance was the very large metal door. Two large statues stood beside the door each one holding a blade and pressing it into the ground. Each of the two statues were looking at the ground, almost as though they were waiting for something.

The one on the left was dressed in a similar apparel to Rudmed, his face was hidden by a hat and his weapon of choice appeared to be a saber, a flintlock pistol was holstered at his waist. The other statue may prove to be far more interesting to the Judicator. The other statue was wearing a long robe with its hood pulled up over its head, it too wielded a saber, but had no gone. However, the major difference between the two statues was that the robed one had a feathery wing jutting out from its back.

Rudmed turned to Kayle, a small grin was apparent on his face, "Welcome, Judicator, to Verum Templum. Let us move inside, I no doubt have much to explain about this connection." He said before approaching the large door, which opened as the he approached.

The inside of the temple was grander than the outside. The stone inside was polished and maintained on at least a weekly basis. Many candles brightened the halls and provided warmth to those within. The first large room, Kayle would see is a large room with many chairs and tables within. However, it was clearly not a dinning room as a single balcony about a floor higher gave a view of the entire room. Clearly it was meant more for a single individual to broadcast a message to the entire population of the table.

Rudmed gestured for Kayle to follow him and took her upstairs to what can be assumed is his room or study. There was a table from which he pulled out a chair for her to sit in. Whether she did or not, he would sit at the table across from her.

"I'm sure you have many questions, and now that we are some place private. I am more than happy to answer them, where would you like to begin?"

"Now that is the big question, one that I will attempt to explain." The Grandmaster replied before getting out of his chair and retrieving a certain book from a book shelf. He merely opened the book and read the text quickly before replying.

"Long ago, most likely before the first Rune War, the author and second Grandmaster, named Albert Winston of this order met one of your people. The angel's actual name is never mentioned, but he merely told the humans that he was to be addressed by Archon. Nothing more, nothing less." Rudmed explained, flipping the page before continuing.

"Archon claimed that his purpose here was to bring order to a world that may soon collapse into chaos. He was no doubt referring to the Rune Wars, he must have feared that these wars would leave our world in sin or chaos. Thus he brought a code to Albert and would help create the order that exists today as "The Final Truth"." The sound of page flipping could be heard as Rudmed turned to the next page.

"Of course this order remained rather small with a few followers, until the first Rune War began. Terrible sins and crimes were committed during this time and some people began to desire a group who would right the wrongs. Someone who would do what the kingdoms, who claimed to bring justice to their enemy, have failed to do. Thus, the Final Truth's numbers increased rapidly."

Rudmed paused before adding one last piece of information, "And it was unanimous the the first grandmaster of the Final Truth be the one who played such a critical role in it. Archon was named the first of the Final Truth." Rudmed paused before looking up at Kayle curious to see how she would take this revelation.

Rudmed took a moment to think before explaining. "Circumstances is all I can say, Judicator. We did not want to take you away from your important duties or left the information that this journal holds be heard by unwanted ears at the Institute. After all the less others know about us the better we can perform our justice."

Rudmed opened the journal again and flipped through a few pages, "I'm sure you wish to know how this "Archon" managed to travel here when the rest of your world was blissfully unaware of Runeterra. That I cannot answer, but as you are no doubt aware magic was not restricted then as it is now. A rift might have opened and "Archon" took the opportunity to investigate it. Upon arriving he may have discovered the chaos or war that threatened to erupt in this universe, thus he created an order based on your worlds laws to undue the harm that the evil in this world wished to do. Furthermore, this "Archon" character kept to himself a lot, or Albert did not write it down."

"So, are there any other questions that you have, Judicator? After all you have the right to be confused or wary of the current situation."

There was the other big question, now that Kayle knew how she and her sister were connected to this place. Why bring Kayle here to tell her all this? Rudmed returned the journal to where it belonged in it's rather small place in the bookshelf before turning back to Kayle. He removed his hat allowing Kayle a clear view of his face, he was younger than what one might imagine for a man to be a leader of an order.

"As you aware of Runeterra is in a state of strife, with Swain's rise to power, and I do not doubt that The Master Tactician is planning something much bigger. Conflict exists in areas such as Ionia between the Kinkou and The Order of Shadows. A conflict that the Institute of War has done nothing about, but admitted Zed into the League of Legends. The conflict between the two orders will undoubtedly rage on and I believe the league will do little to punish the aggressor, who will most likely be Zed due to his attack on the Kinkou's temple. His order killed many that day, some of the able fighters, while others were not." Rudmed answered, exhaling a small breath before continuing.

"The League fails to punish those who have committed great crimes or destroy abominations that threaten this world. Ahri, for example took the lives of many for her selfish reasons, but she was not punished for her crimes. Instead she was offered an alternative way to gain her humanity. Nocturne is a monstrosity that had done harm to innocent human beings, and granted he was punished by forcing to serve those he once hunted. However, those shackles were too loose and now he has escaped and commenced his hunting once more. To think this all could have been avoided if he was permanently destroyed in his new form."

If that arguement failed to convience her perhaps another would. "Perhaps a more recent and terrifying force is those of the Void that we recently faced a mere week ago. Had they been destroyed, the moment they were captured, could not all of this been prevented? Could the lives lost by the Freljordian tribes been prevented? What about the Demacian lives or the lives of my brothers and sisters?" His tone grew loud at the mention of his fallen comrades, and this caused the Grandmaster to pause a moment.

"I understand the League needs a certain number of champions to maintain power and hopefully peace, but to allow certain abominations and sinners to escape their grasp or their failure to punish them....has shown their incompetence. In this time the League needs an oversight one who will strike against the sinners who they failed to punish or deal with those who have escaped their shackles. However, the Final Truth cannot handle this alone we need allies. You hold much sway with the summoners and you are a powerful warrior." Rudmed explained before simplifying what he was asking.

"What I am asking is will you be our powerful ally and give your blessings to our quest? We only seek to deliver justice and retribution to those who would do harm to the innocent. In return you can count on us to aid you in battles you may participate in or fight against your sister. I am also willing to give you a place in my order." Rudmed's eyes sought out Kayle's eyes as he waited for her response or criticisms or even her cries of hatred. Whatever she offered the Grandmaster would take without batting an eyebrow.

Rudmed waited in anticipation of her answer, hoping that he had done enough to persuade her. When she turned and said that she agreed, and would join him he took his hat off finally revealing his face. He was younger than most would assume for someone with the title Grandmaster, but someone like Kayle, who has judged evildoers, could see a tiredness in his eyes. Deep within in those dark brown eyes was a man beyond his years who has seen the darkness within the human heart, and that man has devoted himself to fighting that darkness...at no matter the cost.

However, Kayle had a very serious condition, she would be the last to judge on who the Order executes. Rudmed's eyes narrowed, and he looked at the floor thinking of the outcomes. She was named The Judicator for a reason, and Rudmed had no doubt that she lived much longer than he did. However, how far was she willing to go? Would those who hold redemption as their standard be saved? After a few minutes Rudmed looked back to The Judicator.

"You drive a hard bargain, I must say, but I believe your skill and experience would be handy for the order. I will give you the reasoning behind each of our targets, and evidence that we hold against them. But I must warn you that some of my brothers and sisters will not sit idly by should they witness a murder or an equivalent sin. Those sinners will be dealt with on the spot, before they endanger any more lives." Rudmed explained and then he stepped forward and offered The Judicator his hand.

"Welcome to the Final Truth, Kayle, on behalf of my brothers and sisters I must say it is an honor to have you here." Rudmed said, and after she accepted or declined the handshake, "I suppose you would like to get down to business as soon as possible. I already have a list of sinners, ready for your final judgement."