Chapter 54: Twin Spears
Sound and light faded in and out…
Pain spiked and faded…
A booming voice echoed in his head…unintelligible words…
A sense of loss, tragedy…
No emotion…no understanding…only instinct and the most basic of stimuli…
Was this how the Gnoll felt?
The question came from nowhere and vanished a moment later, it made no sense…
What was a Gnoll?
What did feeling mean?
Such things meant nothing here; it was as close to contentment as one could be without…
Without?
Without what?
It didn't matter…
Nothing mattered there…
Eternal existence in a void with no cares or concerns…
It was nirvana, bliss…
It was wrong.
Something twisted (the universe?) and existence became more that what it was. Concepts, ideas, and knowledge slowly floated into existence from…somewhere? Names, places, relationships, identity, came flowing back like pieces of an incomplete puzzle fitting into place.
Aurelius…
The name was his but it meant nothing yet. Just a collection of letters and sounds to identify him from….what?
Others?
What others were there in this place? There was only him. No one else.
But there must be others because why else would he need a name? After all, a name implied distinction from something else.
So where were these others that must exist?
More names came now. Prometheus…Beowulf…Arianasa…Kyprioth…Elidar…Kynathia… Aurixiel…
These must be the others. But who and what were they? For that matter, what was he?
The concept of a body came to him but there was no such thing here so he discarded it. Perhaps he was a purely mental construct and these others were too? Did they exist in a realm of pure thought? It was worth looking into…
Suddenly a spike of pain shot through him with enough force to make him scream and he heard his voice for what seemed like the first time. Agony coursed through him and the booming voice echoed throughout though the words still did not make sense. Moments later he felt power flow through him and the agony slowly began to subside. Increment by increment the pain slowly dulled into a slow throb.
More time passed and the dull throbbing continued to ease bit by bit until it was almost gone. He could feel his mind becoming more active. Where before thinking had been a chore to be avoided, now his mind whirled like a dervish (dervish?) searching for….something.
Suddenly he felt a great urgency overtake him. Something needed to change but what? What needed to happen so badly? Memories, history, knowledge, and understanding suddenly coalesced as his mind finally came together into the cohesive whole it had once been.
I am Aurelius. I am a gold dragon. Prometheus is my master. Arianasa, Kyprioth, Elidar, Kynathia, Aurixiel, they are my brothers and sisters. I was sent….sent to…to…
CHENDL!
Light exploded in his vision and Aurelius awoke with a gasp, his eyes wide as he panted frantically.
"THROMMEL!" He shouted desperately, looking around on instinct though his eyes failed to take in his surroundings.
"Be at peace Aurelius!" A familiar deep voice stated with soft urgency.
Aurelius focused his eyes, his vision finally clearing. The Emperor stood nearby in his dragon form.
"Master!" Aurelius gasped, scrambling to try and kneel before him though his body was sluggish to respond. "I…I-"
Prometheus quickly reached out and grabbed Aurelius's shoulders with his paws. "Calm yourself Aurelius." He instructed firmly. "Be at peace, the battle is over. You are in Utopia."
"Utopia…?" The Dragon asked uncomprehendingly before finally noticing he was in his own room in the palace, laying upon the large cushion he used for a bed while in his normal form.
Recalling his training he took slow, deep breaths to calm himself while he let his thoughts flow freely. He was safe, he was in the palace. But where was Thrommel? No doubt the Emperor would tell him. Had he won the battle? He was sure he would be told that too. Finally, his racing hearts slowed and his breathing eased while his mind slowing down to more orderly thoughts. Recalling more of what had happened he looked down at his chest. The scales, once broken and shattered were once again pristine though there was a discolored spot on his chest where…where…
The spear…Fierna…the battle…Thrommel…
His eyes widened in dismay as he slowly looked up at the Emperor's weary face. "Thrommel?" He whispered hoarsely.
Prometheus closed his eyes sadly before opening them to look at the young Dragon. "Dead."
Aurelius's heart lurched at the pronouncement. "But…but…you can restore him!" Aurelius stammered in protest. "You can—"
"I cannot." Prometheus replied sadly. "His soul does not reside within any of the heavenly realms. I examined your memories of what took place and I believe I understand why. The weapon Fierna used was a powerful unholy blade. Such weapons often have the ability to drain a mortal soul and consume it to add to its power. Thrommel's soul…is beyond the reach of the gods now." He concluded dismally.
Aurelius stared at Prometheus in shocked disbelief.
"I failed." He whispered brokenly. "Chendl…I…swore that I would…and…"
"I know." Prometheus murmured softly, still holding onto the Dragon's shoulders gently. "I know."
Tears welled up in Aurelius's eyes before he let out a moan of anguish. Prometheus held him silently as the Dragon poured out his grief and shame, tears flowing from his eyes. Finally Aurelius looked up at Prometheus, his eyes red with despair.
"I failed." He whispered. "I failed him…I failed Chendl…I failed you…I…" He choked, unable to go on.
"You did everything that you could." Prometheus murmured softly. "No one could have done better."
"I could have saved him!" Aurelius cried angrily, furious at his own ineptitude.
Prometheus shook his head sadly. "You could not." He told Aurelius frankly. "Fierna is one of the Demon Lords of the Nine Hells. They are as close to gods as you will find in those hateful realms. They do not have divine powers to equal the gods, it is true, but at that level of power it hardly matters. No mortal could ever hope to stand against one such as them and win in single combat and you were already wounded. Even I did not expect the Demon Lords to take such a direct hand in this matter. Not in all the history of the world has one of them ever set foot on the mortal plane until now."
At Aurelius's dubious look he continued. "You fought as well as you could have." Prometheus assured him with gentle insistence. "You were willing to give your life to save him and the city. There is no greater sacrifice than to lay down one's life for others in need and you very nearly did so."
"The spear…" Aurelius murmured fretfully.
Prometheus nodded. "A weapon of terrible unholy power. A construct of dark magic yes, but Fierna's power was such that it made the shadow construct a reality. The physical damage was bad enough for it had pierced one of your hearts but the degenerate energies within it were destroying you from the inside out. Fortunately the nanites were able to help stabilize your condition somewhat while you were transported back here. I was able to remove the spear and heal your wounds but I will admit it was touch and go for a time. A few more hours and you would have been beyond even my healing powers."
Aurelius rubbed the discolored spot on his scales anxiously as Prometheus squeezed his shoulder bracingly.
"Fear not, the taint of the weapon is gone from you and the damage has been healed." Prometheus confirmed. "A few days of rest and you should be fully restored." The Emperor paused for a moment before looking Aurelius in the eyes. "I am proud of you Aurelius." He told him. "You have gone above and beyond what I could have expected from you given what happened. I know you your heart aches and mine does as well. This is a terrible loss but I do not lay the blame at your feet."
"I still carry the guilt of all those slain." Aurelius muttered wretchedly. "It does not matter what you say, the pain is still there!" He said, thumping his chest roughly in anguish.
Prometheus nodded. "I know Aurelius, I know. I cannot banish your guilt but I can be there for you when you need me. Do not think I wish to turn you away and do not think the others think less of you for what happened. They are here for you as am I." He said softly.
Aurelius nodded. "I know." He whispered before looking away. "I would be alone now, if it…pleases my Emperor."
Prometheus slowly released him with an understanding nod. "I will not be far." He promised the Dragon gently.
Aurelius nodded before resting his head on the cushion, closing his eyes in pain as tears began to fall slowly from them. Stepping silently out of the room he shut the door, allowing the Dragon to be alone in his grief. Looking down the hall, he saw Arianasa and Davis standing there silently a few yards away. The Dragoness walked up to Prometheus, the worry plain on her face.
"How is he?" She asked softly.
"He is recovering." Prometheus assured her gently. "Right now it is his heart that pains him the most. Sadly even I cannot heal such a wound easily."
"He may need counseling if his grief is so great." Arianasa suggested fretfully.
"What he needs is time to come to grips with what has happened." Prometheus insisted quietly. "The pain and anguish he feels is still fresh. To him it happened only moments ago."
"Did you tell him everything?" She asked.
"I told him as much as I thought he could bear." Prometheus replied. "No doubt he will realize the rest, he is no fool. I would appreciate it if you could tell the others that he is alright but he wishes to be alone for the time being."
She nodded. "I shall. Thank you for saving him Your Eminence."
Prometheus hugged her briefly. "I could not do otherwise my dear. Go now and tell the others, hmm?"
The female silver nodded and Prometheus began to walk down the hallway with Davis coming alongside him as he passed.
"I take it you have news?" Prometheus asked, shifting his mind to business.
"Furyondy is in chaos, as is to be expected." Davis replied grimly. "The rest of the royal family was killed as well and while we managed to destroy the remaining Demons the city was heavily damaged. At this point only Grabford remains intact but it hardly matters. They have no standing army, no central government, and no major urban centers. I fully expect the kingdom to be broken up into fiefdoms very soon as local leaders try to establish dominance. Furyondy as we knew it is dead."
Prometheus nodded with a sigh. "I expected as much. This is a horrible blow to the war, not to mention the horrific humanitarian implications. Furyondy was one of our strongest allies both in terms of trade and military might and now her people are at the mercy of the Demons should they decide to attack again."
"If that happens they'll be wiped out to a man." Davis agreed resignedly. "But I do have one piece of good news. That demonic information broker we first…interrogated had quite the contact list including the true names of various Demons. Crostrike was able to summon with them and I…convinced them to talk. Many of them were low level functionaries but I did get some gems."
"You mean Demons that were higher up in the pecking order?" Prometheus suggested.
Davis nodded. "Indeed. I got one that reported directly to one of Belial's Generals. It was more of an official courier than a powerful warrior so I was able to…persuade it to keep silent on the entire incident. It won't go running back to his superiors about this."
"You didn't kill it outright?" Prometheus asked in surprise.
Davis shook his head ruefully. "Demons at that level are notoriously hard to kill. An official agent of a major power like that is heavily protected to ensure it can't be killed before its message is delivered. Even with blessed torture implements and powerful spells I barely managed what I did. I am learning quite a lot but I'll leave that for later. The point is it knew where two of the portals are."
Prometheus looked at him in surprise. "Why am I only hearing about this now?"
"Because I only found out about 36 hours ago and you were in the middle of healing Aurelius at that time." Davis replied sharply, giving him a mild glare.
Prometheus grimaced slightly. "My apologies. Do continue."
Davis nodded. "The first one was where we suspected it to be, in the Temple of Elemental Evil south of what used to be Verbobonc. The other is in Dorakaa."
"How I wish that I had taken a team of clerics and cleansed that temple when I had the chance years ago!" Prometheus fumed. "But I had other priorities then and did not have the power and support I have now. Still, it has been a blight on this land for long enough. I will not make the same mistake again!"
"You're going to clear it then?" Davis asked.
Prometheus shook his head. "No, but I will be going to Dorakaa."
"What happened to letting others do your work for you?" Davis asked curiously. "I thought you said…"
Prometheus sighed. "It has become clear I cannot remain here and direct the war effort." He explained. "Aurelius's near death is proof of this. Had I been there or even within range of a teleport Chendl might have been saved."
"You've no way of knowing that." Davis replied firmly. "You know you can't be everywhere at once and you can't save everyone."
"I am very well aware of my limits but I am also aware this conflict is too big for me to remain here. I do not believe Bahamut would deny my reasoning. I will not manage every battle personally, I still intend to use my kin, but I will do more good out there then here. I swore to not hold back any asset in fighting this war and that includes myself. In any case Aurelius will not be battle ready for a time yet. I must replace him until then."
"So what are your plans?" Davis asked as they turned the corner and entered Prometheus's quarters.
"I will request that Veluna's army be split three ways." Prometheus explained as he made his way to the cushion set into the floor, sitting down a moment later. "I will have a larger force accompany me to Dorakaa to take out the portal there. What is the status of the Horned Society these days?"
"The death of the High Lords by our men caused a power vacuum in Molag and the surrounding lands after we departed." Davis replied, sitting down in one of the normal chairs and crossing his legs with his hands interlaced in his lap. "Reports are sketchy but it seems like the Society has dissolved into anarchy with local warlords trying to vie for control of the former capital. Thankfully all this infighting works to our advantage; they've been slaughtering each other almost constantly all this time so what few forces they have are weakened at best. Any resistance you encounter on the way north to Dorakaa will be small and disorganized. You could probably kill off all the creatures there and take over if you chose." Davis suggested with a smile.
"That is not my priority at the moment." Prometheus replied. "Perhaps in the future I will consider it but for the time being I have other concerns, namely the portal. I should be able to locate it easily enough with my clerical powers."
Davis nodded. "Unfortunately I haven't been able to infiltrate Dorakaa itself. Humans are almost universally hated there unless they've specifically sworn allegiance to Iuz or whatever master is in residence at the moment so there's no telling what you'll find. What about the Temple in the south?" He asked.
Prometheus smirked slightly. "I think it is time for Beowulf to show us just what he is capable of now that he has returned to active duty. I have seen his stealth capabilities from his memories in the Fellreev catacombs but I wish to see how he handles himself in charge of a company of men."
"He's had practice with that already when Hextor's High Priest tried to invade." Davis countered. "Not to mention he was in charge of the men who rescued Thrommel from that temple several years ago."
"True but that was with citizens and warriors who had a very strong reason for following his orders." Prometheus replied. "I know he has been in command positions before but that was before his…injuries."
"You want to make sure he can still command." Davis observed. "You're testing him."
"Indeed." Prometheus replied with a sharp nod. "I do not doubt Darlana's work but actions speak louder than words. Plus I need to know how the Knights of the Gloaming will react to working with a non-human like him. They seem to tolerate me but I suspect that is only because of my connection to their lord Pholtus and our common goal of destroying these armies."
"And if they fail to work with him?" Davis asked.
"Then I must consider them unreliable allies at best." Prometheus stated. "They will be useful to me but ultimately untrustworthy. I will have a smaller contingent of Veluna's men attached to him along with the Knights. Beowulf will ensure the way is cleared to the portal and the Knights can deal with the portal itself. The third part of their force will remain behind in order to guard the realm."
Davis nodded, filing that away. "Lukosia may not be very happy about this." He suggested with a brief smile.
Prometheus shrugged. "That is his problem not my own; I am sure he will not resist too much."
"What about Furyondy?" The machine prompted, changing subjects.
Prometheus rubbed his eyes fretfully. "There is little we can do for them at the moment." He sighed. "If we had the time and resources I would attempt to help stabilize their kingdom, perhaps help put a new government in place but right now we have neither. I fear Veluna and the ArchCleric are the only ones that will help them at this moment. Keoland and the southern kingdoms may send some token aid but I fear it will be mere showmanship. Critwall and the Shield Lands may send help but we cannot rely on that. The people will have to govern themselves as best they are able for the time being."
Davis nodded. "As you say."
Prometheus reached out with his mind, activating his link to Beowulf. ~~I have need of you in the field Beowulf.~~ Prometheus informed him.
~~Tell me.~~ Beowulf replied immediately.
~~You will go to Wintershiven in the Theocracy of the Pale and speak to Knight Commander Lukosia.~~ Prometheus ordered him. ~~He is in charge of the Knights of the Gloaming. Have them head south to the Temple of Elemental Evil south of Verbobonc in Furyondy. I will have a contingent of Veluna's army meet them there. You must take command of both groups and clear the Temple of any evil you find there. The intention is to destroy the portal that allowed the Demons entry into our world. Lukosia's men will be able to destroy the portal themselves but they must be able to work unmolested while doing so. That is your task. Do you understand?~~
~~It shall be done.~~ Beowulf replied.
~~You may have some difficulty entering Winterhiven by the usual routes.~~ Prometheus cautioned him. ~~They do not look kindly on outsiders or creatures they consider evil. Be sure to take your medallion of St. Cuthbert as well as my token should you be confronted. If things still escalate from there I expect you to return with all haste so I can sort things out; we do not have time to let you rot in a prison while they dither.~~
~~Understood.~~ Beowulf replied.
"Beowulf is preparing to depart." Prometheus informed Davis. "Send a message to the ArchCleric letting him know my intentions. I doubt you will have any difficulty, he will no doubt see the logic behind my actions. While I am gone make sure things do not get out of control here and continue the…interrogations. We will need all the information we can get. Let me know immediately if any new situations develop."
"I will." Davis agreed as Prometheus stood, departing with a flick of his tail.
Shutting the door behind him he saw Arianasa standing near the opposite wall in her Dragon form.
"I did not want to intrude." She explained. "But I did want to speak with you."
Prometheus nodded. "If it is important you can always interrupt me."
The silver Dragon smiled quietly. "Thank you but it was not that urgent."
"Is it about Kynathia?" Prometheus prompted as he began walking down the hallway with Arianasa walking at his side.
"No, she is doing well with her studies and I am working on her apparent cognitive dissonance regarding her being human." Arianasa replied a bit hesitantly. "I…I actually wanted to speak about us!" She blurted out.
Prometheus stopped and looked at her quizzically. "Us?"
Arianasa gulped softly, suddenly having his full attention. "Yes…I…um…well I was hoping that we could…perhaps…spend some time together…when you're not busy of course!" She exclaimed nervously.
Prometheus blinked in surprise at the Dragon's nervous request before smiling gently. "I know what you wish to say my dear and I'm truly flattered. I would enjoy such a thing but as you yourself said, I am rather busy. Do not take this as a refusal, but rather an unfortunate delay. We shall make it a reality soon." He assured her, resting a paw gently on her shoulder.
Arianasa blushed slightly, casting her gaze downward. "My Emperor is too kind." She demurred. Almost unconsciously she found her eyes wandering over his body from his proud whiskered face to his wings, arms, and chest.
Prometheus smiled softly as he watched her eyes flick across him, her obvious interest in what she saw stoking a fire within him that he had not felt in many years. As her eyes met his, she blinked in the realization that he was aware of her raw interest before lowering her head in mortification. His eyes twinkling he raised her chin with a finger. "I am not so old that I have forgotten what it was like to be young my dear, for my youth was not so long ago, despite what you see before you with my formal tongue and courtly manners."
He stepped closer to her and cupped her cheek with a paw. "I was human once." He whispered to her in his deep voice. "And men's blood is easily stirred to passion. The blood of a Dragon flows in my veins now but I remember what it was like and I would like to experience it again." He told her, making her gasp in surprise at the jewels of knowledge he had just bestowed on her. The fact of his former humanity was most assuredly a state secret he had just divulged to her. The fact that his interest in her matched her own desires made her nearly breathless.
He smiled tenderly, stroking her jaw with a claw. "Do not fear to ask me about such things Ari." He said, deliberately using the short version of her name. "You may speak with me about anything. Anything at all." He stressed gently before releasing her chin and winking at her.
Arianasa felt one of her hearts flutter as Prometheus continued down the hallway. Smiling, she couldn't help but allow her eyes to wander to his powerful legs and his tail as it swished slowly, the small fire within her beginning to burn even hotter as she watched him depart.
Stay safe.
Wintershiven, The Theocracy of the Pale, the next day…
Knight Commander Lukosia shook hands with the Inquisitor he had been speaking to, inclining his head in respect to the man before turning about and walking down the street, glaring lightly at the overcast sky.
"This grey is a slight upon the great city that Pholtus has built." He muttered grumpily. "Why He does not allow the sun to shine brightly each day is beyond me."
"The Inquisitor you just spoke with might find such words blasphemous." A raspy baritone voice said in amusement from a nearby alleyway.
The Knight Commander stopped short, ready to flay the man with his tongue but paused at the sight that greeted him. In the shadows of the alley stood a figure dressed in custom black leather armor and a deep hood, a slim sword and short blade attached to his hip. The Commander reached for his hilt only to have the figure hold up a gloved hand in a peaceful gesture.
"I have come as an emissary from your ally, Knight Commander. I swear I offer you no harm."
Keeping his hand distrustfully on the hilt of his short sword the man slowly walked over to the figure. "And what ally might that be?" He asked with quiet challenge.
The figure yanked off his glove, revealing a furred hand ending in sharp claws. On his finger sat a gold ring embossed with the motif of a dragon within a sunburst.
"Trust in this device if you do not trust me." The figure rasped. "It is a holy object which cannot be worn by one who has not sworn service to the Dragon Emperor of Utopia. You need not even touch it to confirm this, if you still doubt."
Focusing his arcane sight on the ring he saw it glow with bright golden light, a sense of divine power emanating from it. Nodding he looked back at the figures hood.
"Show me your face." Lukosia ordered quietly.
The figure pulled back the hood slightly, releasing the enchantment on it and revealing Beowulf's face.
Hissing in anger, Lukosia took a reflective step back, partially pulling his sword from his sheath.
Beowulf glared at him mildly in annoyance. "How quickly you lose faith in your own senses, not to mention the gifts your Lord bestows upon you. Shameful!" He said caustically.
Pausing, Lukosia took a moment to consider the figure before him before slowly returning the sword to its scabbard and stepping closer once again. "You speak the truth creature. Never did I believe such words could come from a Gnoll's throat." He said derisively.
Beowulf smirked at the man. "Never have you been in the presence of a Gnoll that speaks proper Common." He said teasingly. "There are more things in the heavens and Oerth than ever dreamed of in your philosophy."
Lukosia eyebrows rose slightly at this. "So it seems, Gnoll. I wonder how you entered the city dressed as you are. The guards would not allow one such as you through even with that ring."
"My name is Beowulf, not 'Gnoll'," Beowulf replied with a light glare, "and your city is not as secure as you might think. Even in broad daylight there are places one can enter without being seen. As I said, I come as an emissary from the Dragon Emperor. Allow me to deliver my message and I will leave you in peace."
"Fine." The man sighed. "What does the Dragon want now?"
Beowulf scowled at the man's impertinence but held his tongue. "Another portal has been located to the south of Verbobonc. It lies in the heart of the Temple of Elemental Evil."
The Knight Commander frowned slightly in consideration at this. "It is no surprise that such a vile place would be the location of such an unholy thing. I suppose he wants our help in destroying it?"
"He does indeed." Beowulf confirmed. "Part of Veluna's army will march south to help aid you in this. My master requests that you meet up with the contingent and its Commander there. They will help clear the temple of any remaining foulness and you shall destroy the portal itself. It is also my master's will that you follow the Commander's judgment and orders while in that place except for when the time comes to destroy the portal. I hope you have no objection to this plan?" Beowulf inquired with a hint of amusement in his golden eyes.
Lukosia mulled over Beowulf's words for a moment before nodding. "The ArchCleric, though young, is not known to send raw recruits on such a mission as this. No doubt the men and their Commander will be competent enough so I shall submit to their orders so long as they do not endanger myself, my men, or the mission. We shall move out within the next few days."
"Excellent." Beowulf replied with a wry smile. "My master did say you were a reasonable and astute man. I am glad to see he was right."
Lukosia snorted at this. "Your master thinks far too highly of himself. A Dragon has no right to rule men, especially one that follows false gods."
"The day will come when all will bow to him." Beowulf assured him with quiet confidence. "Do not consider that a tragedy but the dawning of a new and bright age. Until then, may Pholtus bless you with His light and may you never stray from the path He has laid before your feet." Beowulf said, giving Lukosia the Theocracy's traditional departure benediction before pulling forward his hood and jogging down the alleyway, disappearing from sight.
Lukosia watched the warrior go, a mix of emotions plain on his face. "A more puzzling and strange creature I have never met." The man mused in vague bewilderment.
Shaking his head to clear it he strode down the street, intending to speak with his men as soon as possible.
The outskirts of the Temple of Elemental Evil, 2 weeks later…
The column of men nearly 300 strong slowly marched south of the decimated remains of what had once been Verbobonc, the scent of charred ash and wood still clinging to the air. Among the ranks were clerics and knights of the various holy orders including Rao, Pelor, and Heironeous. The few remaining Knights of the Hart that had not fallen at Chendl had fled west to seek the aid of the ArchCleric and had been included in that company. At the very least they would have justice for the ravaging of their country and if they happened to take some pleasure in the destruction of such foul monsters, that would be even better. At the head of the column the Commander rode silently, communing with his god as he asked for strength and courage in the coming battle, his hood drawn over his pensive face. As the temple neared he saw a group of about 30 men in black armor with rows of tents and a cooking fire nearby. Halting the column the Commander dismounted and walked towards the men.
"Hail to the Knights of the Gloaming!" He called out, raising a hand. "Where is Knight Commander Lukosia that I might speak with him?"
The crowd parted and Lukosia walked forward, a look of amused arrogance on his face. "At last you have come. We have been waiting for your arrival for several days."
"How did you manage to arrive here when we are closer to the temple?" The Commander asked.
"Unlike the petty governments that hang on to what power they can, our Lord provides us with the tools we need to achieve our objectives, whatever and wherever they may be." The man boasted calmly, displaying a ring on his gloved hand. "In this case, rings that allow for teleportation."
"How lovely." The Commander remarked stiffly.
Lukosia frowned slightly as he looked closer at the figure in silvery ring mail and blue pants, a deep hooded cloak hiding his face. "I know that voice."
"As well you should." The figure teased before lowering his hood, revealing Beowulf's smirking face.
Lukosia's eyes widened. "You're the-" The man exclaimed before growling and covering his face with a gloved hand before glaring at Beowulf. "Two weeks ago you made me promise…You knew even then didn't you?" He demanded.
"I may have left out a detail or two but the message was accurate even still." Beowulf purred slyly, his eyes slightly narrowed.
Lukosia cursed quietly for several moments, glaring at the Gnoll spitefully before taking in a deep breath and releasing it, his eyes sullen.
"You intend to lead this company then?" He grumbled. "Have you ever led a company of men into battle?"
Beowulf crossed his arms with an unimpressed look. "Do you think the ArchCleric would be so foolish as to assign nearly 300 men to my personal command if he were not confident in my ability to lead them to victory? I seem to recall from our conversation you considered him competent. Would you like to call that into question in front of his most devoted followers?" He asked snidely, gesturing with a hand to the men behind him.
"Fine." Lukosia fumed, glaring pointedly at the Gnoll.
The Gnoll broke out into a wide cheeky grin. "Wonderful! I'm sure we'll get along famously." He said.
Lukosia snorted. "Your humor is just as strange as it was before, if I am any judge." The man muttered. "So what is your plan for this place?"
Beowulf turned to look at the foreboding temple. The years had not been kind to the massive structure, the leering gargoyles and demonic statues that inhabited the walls cracked and fractured. The stone wall surrounding that large structure was broken open in several places with its massive iron gate lying flat and rusting in the grass before the entrance it had once guarded. Even still, the temple was an imposing sight as it towered above them, casting a permanent shadow, an aura of uneasiness and fear coiling about all who came near it.
"Stealth and trickery are no use here." Beowulf replied in a subdued tone, his golden eyes fastened on the large stone double doors that led into the darkness beyond. "Only overwhelming shock and awe will do. I would see it razed to the ground so that not even one stone lay atop another!" He hissed.
"A sentiment I share." Lukosia affirmed quietly, scowling at the temple as if it had personally offended him.
Beowulf checked his katana to ensure it was loose in its scabbard before looking to Lukosia with a gleam in his eye. "Let's finish this then. May Pholtus guide us and bring our foes down with His searing light."
Lukosia snorted quietly at this. "Do not think that spouting our words like some parrot will endear you to us. It is only because of the ArchCleric's men that we do not chase you out of here and cleanse the temple ourselves."
Beowulf smirked. "Then it is fortunate I do have them."
Turning to the men he gestured with his hand. "Force these gates open men!" He called to them. "Let us tear this temple down!"
The men let out a shout as they began to march forward with the Knights and Beowulf off to the side, watching them pass.
"None escape the Emperor's wrath." Beowulf stated with quiet firmness and a cold smile.
