Rise of the Champions - Chapter Ninety-Five
Author: Milady Dragon
"Loki did escape," Baron Nick concluded, "but I did contact the magistrates and they've put out watches on all the ports and border crossings. We'll find him." He sounded absolutely confident in that declaration.
Thor doubted that highly. Loki would only be found when he wished it, and not before. With his power of illusion, he could have simply taken on another aspect and moved past the magistrates easily. At this moment, he could have been literally anywhere in the world, and no one would know.
"So," one of the Barons drawled, "the first outing for your so-called Avengers was a failure."
The Council of Barons had been called two days after the events in the valley. Thor had been invited to attend by both Baroness Victoria and Baron Nick, although there was very little he could add to the conversation. As a visiting dignitary with a stake in what occurred, he would have been welcomed anyway, but Thor felt as if time was slipping away, and it was now growing too late to find his wayward brother.
It did nothing for his peace of mind that he could not even get a glance of any plan that Loki may have had. In his heart, he knew that Loki had been responsible for Ruby Hale's current condition; somehow, he had twisted her into touching the so-called Reality Stone. That contact had damaged her irreparably, from what he understood, and it was just one more black mark against the man who had once been as close to Thor as any brother of blood.
"If by failure," Baron Nick snorted, "you mean taking down the last of the Hydra cabal, locating about twenty magical children who'd been abandoned by their own parents because of the type of Wizard they are and assumed dead for the most part, confiscated a powerful magical Artifact, and stopped an actual, honest-to-Gods lich from building up a cult with those presumed dead children that could have caused a hells of a lot of problems for us all down the road, then yeah…massive failure."
The Baron did, indeed, have several valid points.
"We have given over the magical children into Guild custody," Baron Jeremy Bolt said, a slight stutter to his words.
"And the Guild is in the process of locating the children's Baronies of origin and the identities of the parents responsible for this horror," Grand Master Stephen Strange spoke up. He and Grand Master Phil Coulson were also in attendance; Grand Master Ianto Jones, not being a resident of the Western Lands, had deferred to his fellows the responsibility of attending the Council and adding to the reports being made about events.
"We will also be putting into place procedures that are meant to prevent this sort of outrage from ever happening again." Grand Master Phil's expression was bland and passive, but Thor could see the anger in his eyes. "The Grand Masters will be doing everything in our power to stop this prejudice against certain magicks from taking an even bigger hold on the people who don't have magic and are victims of this sort of propaganda. It's becoming a critical issue, endangering the lives of innocents, and it needs to cease before we lose anyone else to it."
Thor had heard from Baron Nick that the Grand Master, himself, had been a victim of such prejudice, as had two of his daughters – one of which had been amongst the children in the valley, newly adopted by Grand Master Phil and his lover, Clint Barton. If anyone could do battle against such insanity, then it would be someone who had such deep experience of the issue. He wondered if that had led him down the dark path he'd taken when younger.
There were nods about the room, Wizards and Barons and Knights all in accord with the Grand Master's proclamation. The Prince had no doubt that the Baronies with children involved in the cult of personality that Jiaying had set up would be doing their best for them, finding their families and bringing the full weight of both Wizard and Baronial justice against them. How a parent could so callously abandon a child simply because they were Cardinal or Void was something Thor did not believe he would ever understand.
"The Guild also has taken the Artifact recovered into custody," Grand Master Stephen added. "It has been locked away in the most secure of the Archives. However," his dark eyes scanned the table, "we have it on good authority that it, and others like it, will play into some future event that we must be ready for."
That caused murmurs to ripple around the table the Barons were seated at. "What do you mean?" It was Baroness Victoria who spoke. She looked concerned which, to Thor's point of view, was an excellent response to make.
He'd been explained to about the prophecy. There were such Seers in Asgard, and yet none had the perfect recall as had the mythical UnEarthly Child. When he had mentioned it to Mother, her face had turned grave, and she had cautioned Thor to believe everything that the odd child had to say… even if those words were steeped in shadowy riddles. The Prince had been surprised by her wholehearted support of such a Seer, especially one who was not of Asgard.
"There has been a prophecy given by the UnEarthly Child," the Great Grand Master replied.
That caused an even greater burst of murmuring, this sounding concerned. "Who else is familiar with this prophecy?" another Baron inquired; this one Thor believed was Baron Torando. Thor had not been officially introduced to the man, but understood he was a scientist, one who studied how things worked, and would look at anything such as a prophecy as logically as possible. His lady wife, who was also his Court Wizard, was nodding in agreement with his question.
"The person who received the prophecy," Grand Master Phil answered, "and reported it immediately to Grand Master Ianto Jones. As of now, perhaps a dozen others are aware of it; mostly those who seem to be involved with events to come."
He sounded sincere; however, Thor had the distinct impression that there were more aware of this prophecy that simply a dozen. As one of those seemingly mentioned in the prophecy, the Prince of Asgard understood that those spoke of in the UnEarthly Child's cards had been informed of their place in things, but there were others peripherally involved that would also have known.
"The members of the Avengers were named," Grand Master Stephen added. "So, we know that the Initiative will be on the frontlines of whatever battle is coming."
"Just what are these Artifacts you mentioned, Grand Master?" It was Baroness of the Waves who spoke this time.
As Grand Master Stephen explained about the Stones – without seeming to actually explain much about them, causing Thor's respect of the man to rise even further – Thor watched the table, to catch the reactions of the Barons as the information was imparted upon them. Many of them were opening curious, while others seemed bored. Baron Tony, who was seated in his place at the table, had leaned forward, his chin in his hands and, if Thor had not been aware of the gemstone that was a part of him, he would never have known that there was a magical Artifact glowing softly under the velvet tunic he was wearing for the occasion.
Of course, Thor had gotten a far more detailed explanation of the Stones than the Barons were getting, which was understandable, as he was seemingly a part of what was to happen in the future. He had, of course, mentioned them to Mother, and she had promised to search through the histories for any mention of them. If they were as ancient as Grand Master Stephen believed, then there may be no record of them remaining; however, Asgard's Archives were extensive, and had not been lost or destroyed when magic had left the world, unlike other caches that were only now being discovered in other countries. If she did discover something then Thor would inform the Grand Masters.
T'was sometimes better to ask forgiveness later, than to seek permission beforehand.
Still, he was also aware that the Grand Masters were beginning their own investigations into the Stones. Already, they had tasked a rather singular group of children to research into the Archives at Gateway, which Thor understood was the greatest repository of magical knowledge outside of Asgard. There was also Torchwood Castle, and Grand Master Ianto – who, apparently, had once worked there before his discovery of being a powerful Wizard – had approached the Baroness there in order to gain permission to send a representative to make a search there, as well. Grand Master Ianto had explained that there had been tensions between Torchwood Castle and the Wizard's Guild dating back nearly a century, when the Guild was first formed and the Castle, which had once been chartered to seek out dangerous magical knowledge and keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Apparently, that particular Baroness then had taken umbrage at the Royal Decree on moving everything to Gateway, and had dug in her heels until the day she had passed. Grand Master Ianto, however, was on good terms with the current ruler, and permission had been quickly given.
Between all three Archives, there was yet a chance that knowledge of these Stones would be discovered.
"And when will these Avengers appear before the Council?"
Baron Bronze had spoken, once the debate about the Stones had petered out. A tall man, his skin the color of rich bronze – ironic, considering the name of his Barony – had a decidedly lack of any sort of curiosity in his mien, but then Thor had the distinct impression that this sort of expressionlessness was usual for the man.
"Some of them wish to remain anonymous," Baron Nick answered. Sitting behind him, Sir Steve did not move a single muscle. "However, there are seven currently serving as Avengers: a new iteration of the Paladin of the Western Lands –"
There was an uproar, and Thor barely refrained from rolling his eyes. Truly, did they not think that a new Paladin would not be found to serve? Although, he of course knew that the new Paladin was, indeed, the old Paladin from three hundred years ago. He had been sworn to secrecy as Sir Steve had no wish for anyone to know the truth. Thor understood the reasoning behind it, the man wishing to begin again, and he would keep the oath he'd made to not speak about the matter.
He had come to know the other Avengers in the two days since the fighting, and he was quite impressed with them. He had been a witness to their fighting prowess as well, and knew he could work with them very well indeed. He was disappointed that neither Grand Master Ianto or Captain Harkness would be joining them, but he did understand that, as they were from the United Kingdom, they could not officially join the Initiative, but he believed it to be a waste of two such formidable fighters.
Grand Master Stephen would also not be a part of the team, but Grand Master Phil would. Thor thought it amusing his reaction when Baron Nick had told him that he was, based on the UnEarthly Child's prophecy; the Grand Master had huffed as if he had been imposed upon, snarking back at the Baron about, how, "Getting your way in this instance doesn't mean it'll always happen," and the Baron's delighted laughter and denial that he'd ever try anything like that. Grand Master Phil had patently not believed him. And he would know not to, as they were the greatest of friends and, from what Thor had gathered, had once been shield brothers, their friendship forged in battle.
Baron Nick had a disgruntled expression upon his face as he raised a hand – and his voice – for silence. "No, you're not gonna know who this new Paladin is. It's under guarantee of anonymity that he's agreed to take on the position. It'll be up to him if he reveals himself."
"You went and picked a Paladin without informing us?" The Baron Santana, an older man with pockmarked features, stared at Baron Nick implacably.
Not that Baron Triskelia seemed all that affected by it.
"I knew about it," Baron Tony spoke up. "And I agreed with the secrecy."
That admission had every single Baron staring at him; Baron Tony seemed to weather the glares perfectly well. Thor was even more impressed by the man than he had been when he had discovered that he had managed to create the armor that had flown in the battle, and yet had not a scrap of magic within him. As matter of fact, had been able to utilize a powerful magical Artifact in that armor. The Prince understood that the Baron was searching for a way to remove the gemstone, but it was yet early days and had not been successful as yet.
Baron Tony rolled his own eyes at his fellows. "My many-times great-grandfather was responsible for locating the original Paladin. Please…there's no one on this Council more qualified than me to do it again."
That appeared to mollify the seated Barons, although a couple still appeared somewhat put out by the revealing of a new Paladin and the fact that they had had no say in the matter. Thor had to wonder how they would all react if they had known that the new Paladin was the original Paladin. That would be immensely entertaining he thought.
"As I was saying," the Baron of Triskelia continued, "there is a new iteration of the Paladin. We also have a couple of first-class fighters, the Widow and the Hawk –"
Those titles also caused some murmuring, and Thor was not certain how to interpret it this time. Some were approving, while others did not look very happy. He had fought with both, and had been impressed. However, he had understood that the pair had once been mercenaries, and that past might have been coloring the perceptions of many on the Council. They had both been employed by Baron Nick for many years, and had an excellent reputation amongst the residents of Triskelia.
"Don't forget Iron Man," Baron Tony prompted, his expression smug.
"Like I could, Stark," Baron Nick snarked back. "And yes, we also have a self-titled Iron Man, who fights in a suit of armor that's a combination of advanced science and equally advanced magic."
Thor knew, of course, that Baron Tony Stark was this Iron Man. The Baron had wanted to come out completely, claiming his place on the team outright; however, his lady, the Mistress Pepper Potts, had asked him to refrain, saying that if it became common knowledge that her beloved was the one to wear the armor, it may put his people into danger. He had demurred to her obvious concern, agreeing that he would do nothing to jeopardize those under his protection. There was also the matter of the Space Stone that powered the armor, as knowledge of such a powerful Artifact did not need to be generally known. There were many who would seek to take such an item, and it being connected so intimately to the Baron would not stand in their way.
Still, the Prince could certainly tell that it chafed him, not to be able to take the credit for the armor he had created, and the heroic acts he had committed. He had to wonder how long this secrecy would last, given the Baron's boisterous manner and lack of humility.
"There are two others," Baron Nick gave the Baron a glare. "One, is a magically-enhanced individual we're calling the Hulk, who will also remain nameless for now."
"And myself," Grand Master Phil spoke up. "On a team such as this, a powerful Wizard would be essential. And, in the event that I'm unable to assemble with the team, I will designate a replacement."
Now, that announcement received the credit it was due. Many of the Barons were nodding in agreement, others smiling, as if having such a presence on the Avengers would be the tipping point in any sort of melee. And, perhaps it would, although Thor knew there would be much other sorts of fighting to be had.
"Also, on a temporary basis," the Grand Master continued, "Prince Thor has agreed to work with the Initiative in its hunt for Loki."
"Aye." Thor inclined his head toward the Wizard. "Loki is Asgard's responsibility; we are the ones he had aid escaping from, and we hold that responsibility quite seriously indeed." Well, Thor himself did. Mother, as well. They would see to it that Loki was discovered and brought back to justice.
Although, he was beginning to wonder of taking him back to Asgard would be such a good idea. Perhaps he should speak to Grand Master Phil about a more permanent solution with the Wizard's Guild. Loki might not have been a member, but he did feel that Wizards would be best to handle other Wizards.
He would discuss this with his new friend, the Grand Master. Thor was certain they could come to some sort of arrangement. He was also certain his Mother would approve, as well.
As the Council Chamber devolved into much discussion of the Avengers and their duties, Thor was left to his own thoughts. There was still much to do. Thor knew that, with Loki still out in the world, that his brother could create much chaos on an unsuspecting world.
However, the Prince of Asgard felt that he and the Avengers would be up to the task of protecting those innocents who would find themselves caught between the forces of light and darkness.
It would be a task, indeed.
It would be glorious in its ending result. Of that, Thor had no doubt.
