Chapter 14

The night was like the others that have happened since the night the treaty had been broken. The land was quiet and both sides had their people sitting around the campfires. Mikhael warmed his hands as he walked through the Hunter's delegation camp. He rotated his shoulders, trying to relax a little from the tension that happened and seemed to persist from earlier that day.

This is foolish, but old hatreds…

Mikhael shook his head slightly at the fact that they seemed to be chasing their tails like dogs did. Most didn't see the point but he understood the necessity to stop and look at the larger picture. Things weren't always so black and white; things could exist in layers and they did. It was how the world truly was. It was foolish to think it was simple. He sighed as he looked around the camp before coming to a swell.

From his position, he could see the camp belonging to the members of the Academy. He could see and recognize various beings. The ones considered monsters had pretty good humanoid forms to blend in. If you didn't know what you were looking for, they could walk amongst people like they were one of them. He didn't know about his wife until she told him. He never guessed. It was why he was glad that he wasn't heading this up.

As he looked over the campsite, he put his hands behind his back and took the time to look things over at the other camp and not seeming to be up to no good. There was nothing to expect like sneaking up from behind. He grinned but didn't turn around to look behind him. He merely said, "I was wondering when you'd be over."

"Considering I got lost on the way over here, it's a miracle I made it over at all and that was only because what the loa were telling me was that things could get dicey." Haley stepped out from the shadows where she had been hiding. She dusted herself off and continued, "Not to mention that I have a grouchy old hunter who is worried sick about his boys and a mutual acquaintance and friend of ours." She paused and looked at Mikhael and finished, "Not to mention that he received a phone call from someone I should be avoiding at all costs but I know him because I taught him a few tricks. Did I leave anything out?"

Mikhael chuckled at that as he turned and looked at Haley, "I don't think so. Sums it up." He sobered and asked, "So… how is the old man?"

"Like I said," Haley said as she walked up. "He's worried sick. Mostly about Angie and I don't blame him. She is like a daughter to him and to see her hurt…" She shook her head. "And he barely understands the whole thing between her and Sam."

"One thing on top of the other huh?" Mikhael nodded in sympathy. "Things are tough here but I can say that a curve ball was thrown in here with negotiations." He gestured in the direction of the Academy camp.

"So Angie is taking charge?"

"Not exactly."

Haley put a hand to her forehead and moaned. "Please tell me that at least the Winchesters are out of trouble."

"Well if you call being part of the arbiter guard being out of trouble…"

Haley moaned, "She had to do it didn't she?"

"I don't know what you mean by that," Mikhael replied with a slight chuckle. "But their position is least dangerous. All the troublesome work is actually Greg Hojem's job. He's the arbiter."

Haley looked up at Mikhael, "So… where's Angie then?"

"That… I have no clue," Mikhael replied with a shrug, "But I'm guessing it's one of those larger picture things."

Haley sighed and looked around. She put her hands on her hips and paced a little. At least this was better than no news. "Well at least it's not the obvious lethal death maneuvers now huh?" She gave a slight smile to show that she wasn't really mad. She was worried, yes, but not mad.

"Pretty much," Mikhael chuckled in agreement. He took a couple of steps forward. "So, how did normal life treat you the past year?"

"Pretty well normal as you can get it. Didn't give up the juju," Haley admitted, "But Dean and I had a pretty good life." She cleared her throat as she looked away. She cleared her throat and asked, "So how is your wife and daughter?"

"They are fine," Mikhael replied. "Gusta is actually expecting again. Just found out a week ago. She's over the moon."

"Gonna tell Angie?"

"I want to and she does but…" Mikhael looked over at the Academy and then at the Hunter camp. "Angie… she was willing to make them forget her entirely, as if she never existed in their lives. I told her no but that didn't encourage her to come along. Still, Gusta wants her to know. Just… not until this business is concluded."

"For the best I think," Haley agreed. She sighed, "So… how is Hojem doing? I can only imagine how people reacted to an Alchemist presiding." At the look Mikhael was giving her, she smirked and added, "You're not the only one who knows about the ancient histories of the world."

Mikhael smirked in reply as a chuckle came out. "So, you heading up to the main house? Dean should be there."

"I'm not part of the arbiters," Haley pointed out. "I'll head back to the Academy. Best to keep things separated."

"I'll walk you over."

Haley nodded. It was probably a bad idea but it was better than nothing. Perhaps it would encourage both sides to play nice with each other. She fell in step beside Mikhael and they walked down the path towards the Academy camp. They chatted like the good friends they were, not letting the current situation disrupt their friendship. It was a casual stroll until disaster struck.

Mikhael had cracked a joke about something his daughter did and Haley was laughing with him when something struck her shoulder and she fell back with force. Mikhael was quick to look around and take a defensive posture while sounding out alarm. In the meantime, Haley was on her back and her hand was to her shoulder and wrapped around an arrow that was stuck in it. She shrieked when she spotted more arrows raining down and tried to make herself as small as possible, and called out for Dean.

"You got the target?"

"Yes, sir."

The hooded one stared out, looking out at the two camps. He was trying to think of how to make this situation ten times worse. It was then he spotted something that he didn't expect to see. He saw a witch approaching the Hunter. He couldn't tell what the conversation was about but it was clear that they knew each other. It was odd given the current situation but it started an idea that could be put to advantage since he knew for certain that the Hojem in charge wasn't going to tolerate the shenanigans.

An idea came to him and he summoned his best archer. This particular arch had a knack for procuring tools from others and making it look like they did the deed. It was all a part of working for the shadows. Sometimes you just didn't take credit for your work. It was a lot more fun to send two enemies on a collision course because in the end, it brought out the ones that he truly was pursuing. IN this case…

So now he had his archer positioned and looking out while he was figuring out what to do about it. He watched as the witch and the younger Marinos conversed. It certainly revealed how both sides operated. He was certain that it had nothing to do with friendship. It was all about having allies and what could benefit you. He doubted that the one he was searching for and trying to draw out ever had friends.

As he watched the witch and the Hunter, it became clear as to what he should do. He turned to his archer and said, "I want you to aim for the witch. Use the Morgan arrows."

"Do you want me to kill her?" The archer pulled out an arrow and made ready to get into position.

"No. But not too light either. We want to make sure that both sides will get at each other's throat."

The archer nodded and made to notch the arrow. He took aim and was going to release it when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He looked up and at the hooded one. His brow was raised in the silent question he asked.

"Wait until they are on the road," the hooded one said. "Making it look obvious that they were together will add fuel to the fire. Perhaps even give the idea that they were plotting against the peace talks. With a little help of course." He grinned as he straightened out. An idea was taking root and considering that his order was more or less neutral, they wouldn't be out of place. And it wasn't like she would say anything either, if she wanted to appear as neutral as she proclaimed herself to be like she did so long ago.

The archer nodded and adjusted his position. He took aim and watched the road. He commented, "I'd say right in between. It's out enough in the open."

"Excellent. Take the shot as soon as you have it." The hooded one had glanced at his archer and then turned to survey the road. "And remember, no killing. Wounding will be enough to cause a wildfire that they will have to run to keep up."

The archer hummed a chuckle as he smirked and eyed the road. He caught sight of the pair and drew back his arrow. He knew how to time it just right as he let his sense of touch tell him about the wind and all the little things that could affect his shot. He had done this for years and he was considered the best in his craft. His eye narrowed slightly as he aimed.

They came to the bend and the archer released the arrow. He watched as it sailed through the air with deadly precision. He almost wanted to laugh at the surprised look on the witch's face when she fell from the impact of the arrow in her shoulder. He was quick to draw more arrows and aim more to cause terror. If someone got hit, it was luck. This was more like making it look like it was a group than a single group.

The hooded one watched as the hunter and witch tried to make themselves small from the barrage of arrows. He heard the shouts and looked at the camps and the stir both sides were getting into. He looked at his archer who was firing at both camps but with different arrows. He didn't ask for that but his man knew how to make things embellished and add finesse. He gave a nod of approval as he turned to observe the scramble. His gaze then shifted to the main house.

It's been a long time Shifa' and still you don't want to come out to play.

"They are moving sir," the archer said.

The hooded one looked at the main house and took a deep breath. "Alright. Let's go. Make sure you hide what is left."

"I know."

The hooded one nodded and turned to head down the road. He came to the camp his men had set up. Some were taking care of their weapons. Others were taking care of the camp and various chores when they moved about doing what the Hunters did but on their side of the world. Going to a large tent, the hooded one stepped inside to see a large man kneeling on the ground and he looked to be in prayer or just finishing it. The hooded one waited until he was done and said, "It's time to make our move, Salim."

Salim opened his eyes even though his hands were held up in prayer. He glanced at his superior and replied, "As you wish Raj, but is it worth all the chaos?"

"The world is delicate, Salim," Raj replied as he lowered his hood. "When a nation becomes too secure in its prosperity, it loses its edge, the very reason that makes it formidable." He looked at Salim and paced, not at all minding that his right hand was on the ground still. There were some things that you didn't interfere with. "Sometimes you need to stir the pot in order to bring the good stuff to the surface."

Salim gave a hum of acknowledgement and a nod. "Are you certain this isn't about her? The one whose name is healer?"

Raj looked at his right hand man but didn't answer directly. Instead he said, "Things have already been stirred up with the weakening and near tearing of the veil. Then the opening of the gates to release someone from the other side… These Hunters have been too complacent."

"That doesn't answer the question." Salim got to his feet in a fluid motion. He went to where his equipment was and started strapping it back on. "I know what the savants have said about the events of the past year and a half and the events leading to this. And I know the conclusions you have made from all this and what they said. So really… what is the purpose of all this? Why now?"

Raj looked at his lieutenant with a raised brow and retorted in a controlled tone, "The savants said what they have said and I know from experience what they mean. It has never been wrong. You know that as well as I do. The entire order does."

"Can we even call it an order?"

"I claimed the right to lead. I am the grand master of our order. Even the Centurion dogs know this and act accordingly."

"Rivers of blood don't make peace, even in our line of work," Salim replied calmly as he took a sip of water from the goblet he had poured. He didn't look at Raj as he said it but rather contemplated the actions they were taken. "Only obedience and you have that from us. But it is not something that holds for long."

"It does suffice and long enough to get things done," Raj pointed out. He started towards the tent exit and added, "Now come on. There is bound to be a kerfuffle now considering a Hunter may have shot a witch."

Salim looked up in alarm. He was going to say something but Raj had left. He grabbed the last of his gear and left the tent to follow his superior. He knew that he couldn't say anything out loud lest the rest of the men heard but he had to get this out. He hissed in a low tone, "What have you done?"

Raj kept going but managed to reply in an equally low tone, "Just pushing both parties into the right direction."

"If you blamed one side for one thing…" Salim paused as he realized a few things. He then jogged to catch up and asked, "Were you the one that killed that Hunter?"

"He tried to kill me."

"That is not the truth and you know it. Because you are human, he felt no threat," Salim pointed out as he eyes narrowed. His eyes flickered slightly to reveal that he wasn't exactly what he appeared to be. "You used something that could be led back to the Academy."

"Some techniques are the same across the groups."

"You are mad."

"It is the rule in hunting, Salim," Raj replied as he gestured to his archer who had appeared at the entrance to their camp. "If you want to get a good yield, you have to flush out what you are hunting."

Salim narrowed his eyes. He couldn't believe what had been done. He shook his head in disapproval. "This is not going to go well."

"Yes it will."

Salim narrowed his eyes at Raj and retorted, "It won't because I know that the one you really want will not fall for it so easily. That much was clear when it was revealed that an Alchemist was made the arbiter of negotiations."

"A minor setback," Raj replied, "And one that will right itself." He adjusted his equipment as they walked along the road. "And it will teach a much needed lesson."

"Teach who? Her?"

Raj paused. He stood there on the road. In the distance he could see the crowd and could imagine them shouting at each other. His attention though was focused on Salim. He closed his eyes but didn't say anything.

Salim though knew he had hit a nerve. This was way beyond what it should be. He pursed his lips and stopped. He gave a signal to the archer to stop. At least there was still a chain of command in the order and they wouldn't question him unless Raj gave them the order to. He didn't like this particular archer since he seemed to have no loyalty to anyone though he seemed to ascribe to what Raj wanted to do. This was going to go too far though. He continued, "I know what happened in Karnak and what happened. This is hardly the time to be settling scores."

Raj turned around and said, "This is the perfect time to settle it since what happened there is only part of a pattern of the same thing that has occurred in the last few years." He looked at Salim and noted the narrowed eyes. "Not everything is as people make it to be Salim. It's time they saw that of her."

Salim narrowed his eyes as Raj turned to continue towards the path where all the commotion was. He knew that what happened in Karnak was only because of disagreement and the truth about the incident that arose there nearly a hundred or so years ago. Memories ran long especially when one had a sort of immortality running through their veins. Salim knew that Raj carried a deep grudge because of the circumstances that led to their order becoming what it was. Sometimes he wondered if he had chosen the wrong side.

Raj ignored his lieutenant as he continued down to the commotion. Once he got there, it was clear that the two sides were about to come to blows. The witch was on the ground and two men were kneeling, trying to help. One of the creatures, probably a shifter breed was gesturing at the Hunter that had been walking with the witch and he was standing there, trying not to make himself look more of a target than he already was.

Raj had to give that man kudos for responding to the situation as he did. He looked at the situation and put on a smile that spoke of being there not to fight but to help. He said, "Won't everyone just calm down. I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation for everything."

"Reasonable? This murderer led one of our own into a trap!"

"Are you daft? You think we'd risk the consequences for that!"

Raj looked at both sides argued. The only ones that seemed calm were Christian and Marinos. Both were looking at the situation with a non-expressive demeanor and their arms crossed over their chests and it seemed that it was that was keeping the two sides from breaking out into a fist fight. That and the fact that they were on warded land. Being polite he held up his hand, "Come now I know that which is why I suggest that everyone cool down."

"Which is why I am here," Greg's voice entered as he approached.

Raj looked at him and noted that the man was not going to be easily swayed. Then what did you expect from an Alchemist? He smiled politely and replied, "Of course, Arbiter. I am merely offering help since it is clear that things seem worse than what they are."

"I highly doubt it," Greg replied. He stared at Raj and held it while he said, "Sam, Dean, take her to the house. Both sides go back to their territory for now and we will resolve this in the morning."

"And let that murderer have a good night sleep? I think not," one of the Academy members shouted but not taking a step forward.

Raj looked at Greg, waiting to see what he would do. He was surprised when Greg said that the Hunter would be held in the barn for the time being. He resumed a polite expression when Greg turned to him and said, "Thank you for coming. You are welcome to remain on the grounds and observe proceedings but not interfere since you have not been wronged. Are we clear?"

Raj didn't like being ordered about but he acknowledged the authority and nodded. He watched as both sides grumbled and walked away. The last were the respected leaders. He watched them leave before turning to leave. He was disappointed that she didn't show up but he knew she was there. He had to flush her out and settled this.

Come out, come out, wherever you are.

A/N: Haley arrives to talk with Mikhael and they are ambushed. Looks like someone wants a fight. Stay tuned for next time on Orion's Legacy...