#liern

For many centuries, young angels would have told you that the Oldest is more myth than a real person. No one, after all, has truly seen him. He dwells in the Hollow—a place from which none return, yet whose existence is beyond doubt.

They say that angels weary of life, yet not seeking death in battle with the Devil, find their rest in the Hollow, ever since Heaven shut its doors. Some believe it was the Oldest One's sorrow that birthed the Hollow itself.

If, of course, any of this is not mere invention.

Some angels, those who remember God, who vanished centuries ago—would say this Oldest One does exist and that he is a coward. Instead of fighting the Devil, he hid in the forest. A useless waste of power and time. A disgrace to their kind. (The angel who says this wears armor and fixes you with his one remaining eye.)

All in all, angels are contradictory witnesses.

However, should you somehow find yourself in the Order of Oleander and ask its leader—the alchemist in the mask—he would answer that Liern is their blessing. The angel was already living here when he and his companions settled in this half-ruined fortress. The man would tell you nothing of the Hollow, nor that this spirit is the Oldest One. He does not know it. No one has seen an angel for centuries, and the mere possibility of seeing him is already a miracle.

They all believe Liern is an ordinary angel, for that is how he introduced himself. Though, the man might note, this angel is perhaps far more understanding than others. After all, he did not drive them away, these unquestionable sinners. Moreover, he now helps them find faith in themselves and in God.

If, however, you meet an old man with scars around his eyes in the corridors of this order, you might risk asking him about the local angel. He would answer that sometimes ignorance is a blessing. It is better not to shatter these people's delusions. But you—you shouldn't believe a single word from that winged one.

The Devil never uses the angel's name, instead calling him the Liar.

Blasphemy, of course. But what else can one expect from that god?

Although, one knight would agree with the Devil: this angel is a great liar, not because he hides his power and age from everyone, but because he lies to himself. The Oldest is an angelic killer, not a sorrowful witness to thousands of deaths.

Perhaps he is right. Or perhaps he is merely projecting his own experience.

Nevertheless, should you somehow manage to approach Liern (a hint: he is practically blind in daylight; night is the best time for conversation) and ask him who he is, the answer will be brief. He is an angel.

That is all that matters.