Nazarick
Demiurge sat at one of the tables in the Nazarick bar. Opposite him sat the most peculiar creature he had ever seen. It was best described as a black worm but its form was more alien than any he had ever seen. Demiurge has perused and memorised almost every bit of literature in Nazaricks great library with the exception of the restricted sections. Nothing he has read even came close to describing a creature like this. He had a suspicion, the older texts mentioned that most of the creatures in the realms are considered Generation Three Entities. This implies there were two more Generations that predate the vast majority of life in creation.
Demiurge suspected this strange worm was one of those creatures of the past Generations. All other creatures have a certain design flair to it. Most sentient creatures have the basic same biological structure, legs for movement and hand like appendages for manipulation. While this creature possessed limbs for grasping the rest of its biology was completely alien. It's biological design seemed strangely primordial.
Demiurge heard footsteps, he turned to see Maeve and Albedo walk towards their table. Maeve had a rather warm expression on her usually stoic face as she looked at the strange creature. She walked over and took a seat next to Abathur not perturbed by the creature at all. Albedo as he expected was also looking at the strange creature as she took her seat.
"Organism Maeve, greetings." the creature said in a strange gravelly voice.
"Hello Abathur." Maeve replied warmly.
"You two know each other?" Albedo asked.
"Affirmative, I Organism Abathur. Assisted with creation of Organism Maeve. Assisted with Project 41." Abathur replied.
"Yes, Abathur helped make me." Maeve replied with a shrug.
"So what species of creature are you? I have never seen or heard of one such as you." Demiurge asked.
"Organism Abathur is Zerg, ancient life form design, Generation Two Entity. Zerg originates 45 million years in the past." Abathur replied.
"You are 45 Million years old?" Albedo asked, eyes going wide as saucers.
"Affirmative." Abathur replied
"What are the Zerg?" Demiurge asked, now very interested.
"Zerg are ancient life forms, predates Gen Three Organisms." Abathur replied showing no further inclination for elaboration.
"You will meet some strange individuals soon I suspect, most of the best experts in most fields are Gen Two Organisms." Maeve replied.
"I'm afraid I don't follow, Gen 2?" Demiurge asked.
"Generation Two are organisms that are of an older design, they use much more powerful and specific designs. The last Generation 2 organism was created approximately 42 Million years ago. What you understand as the majority creation is Generation 3 organisms." Maeve explained.
"Generation 3 organism, molded through evolutionary processes, crude, iterative, messy, yet hold great potential. Generation 2 organism, product of specific design, no evolutionary input, cannot change, static, unyielding but inflexible. Similar to Herald of Abyss." Abathur added.
"Yes, I am a lifeform that ignores the Bukubuku Chagama's core life directives. I am infertile, immune to ageing and mutations." Maeve said.
"But we are immune to ageing as well." Albedo said.
"You are still capable of ageing, the ageing process is born of the Telomere Degradation sequence in your DNA Sequence Code. It causes your DNA to degrade over time, that sequence can be deactivated, or in your case reactivated. Death is important to mortals, for it imparts fear and fear drives progress." Maeve explained.
"Organism Maeve, immune to environmental influences, all changes are of specific design and function. Sequences spun by Blue Planet and Bukubuku Chagama, elegant, specific, spun on micro scale. Beyond mortal abilities." Abathur said.
"Abathur is a Successor of the Weave, although created by Bukubuku Chagama sama his work now leans more heavily towards Blue Planet sama's domain. So he is a Successor of the Weave of life, the sequences of life are spun into a weave that gives our bodies form and function hence the..." Maeve explained.
It was then they heard a message in their minds, their lord has returned and the others he has gathered have arrived at the throne room. It was time to see what their lord has in store.
Nazarick Throne Room
All the guardians were gathered, they were curious to say the least at the four strange beings before them. Aura looked at the four and though her knowledge of creatures was the best in Nazarick by a large margin even she could not place the type of beings that now stood before them.
"Greetings all of you, I have gathered all of you today as we will be preparing for our trap to cage Jaldabaoth." Momonga said atop the throne.
At those words the eyes of the guardians lit up. Finally the end was in sight, the great sin was about to be righted. With this success at least some of their past shame would be washed away.
"For this task we will be utilising a Natural Dark Soul found on this realm. It is not an exaggeration to say this is the first of its kind. If there is anything to be said, this is an event of great importance. Although the Dark Soul is to be used at bait to capture Jaldabaoth, the Dark Soul is now the priority. Even if we must raze this world to ash, we must recover it safely and intact. The cage that we shall make for Jaldabaoth is just a convenient opportunity, nothing more." Momonga said.
At those words the guardians sobered, it appears that whatever this dark soul was, it was of great importance. It appears their redemption has been relegated as a side objective. On that thought the guardians couldn't help but feel dejected.
"Guardians of Nazarick, I know this may seem as if I am making light of your eagerness to atone. However, in my eyes and the eyes of my compatriots your atonement is already complete. You have worked tirelessly to right this wrong, now focus on the larger picture, Jaldabaoth is just an infinitesimal dot in the scope of creation. Yes he is the first to rebel, but an ant cannot fell a dragon. Your duty has been and always will be the preservation of the realms. The dark soul possesses both a benefit and a potential catastrophe the likes that Jaldabaoth will never be able to match. So continue to serve as you were meant to, think not of the past but look towards the future." Momonga said his regal baritone echoing across the throne room. Could he sense the guardian's emotions? Or is he just ancient and wise enough he knew exactly what any creature would think?
With those words, the guardians mood lifted and also inwardly felt shame. They were all obsessed with their personal redemption and that stain of betrayal has blinded them to their true purpose. Nazarick was created to guard a realm, now they were posted here, to guard this realm. That was why they were called guardians, they protected their charges and maintained the 41's great works.
"For the task ahead, I have assembled specialists to aid us. Due to the importance of this task, I have assembled the best creation has to offer. All of you will be working closely with each other from this point on." Momonga said.
With those words Abathur stepped forward.
"This one is named Organism Abathur. I, Successor of the Weave, specialise on gene sequences." Abathur said.
Another creature stepped forward, or perhaps more accurately it floated forward. It was a strange purple tentacled creature, it had a large glowing purple eye in the centre of the bony eye socket. It had three smaller eyes above the main eye and from behind the eye socket emerge three purple tentacles.
"I am Vel'Koz, researcher of the East Sector Outworld Citadel. I serve Tabula Smaragdina as a Successor of the Veil, I am a specialist in the field of Abyss Organic Matter Corruption." Vel'Koz said.
Next stepped forward a woman, wearing a cloak of pure darkness. Under the cloak she had pieces of silver armor covering her and the rest was made of a black oily leather. Her short shoulder length hair was unnaturally black, it seemed to drain the light from the air around her. That observation would not be completely off the mark as her form seems to shimmer with darkness as those watching her find it hard to focus on her form. At her waist were a pair of curved sabers that glowed faintly with an obsidian radiance.
"I am Lilith the Forlorn Owl, I am a Successor of Ash, I will be assisting Maeve with Abyss Soul Integration." Lilith said, her voice sounding strangely ethereal.
"I suppose that leaves me." the last figure said.
The last was a humanoid with digitigrade legs, its skin was grey and it's mouth was covered with purple cloth. It wore ancient ornate armor of gold and green gemstones. It's eyes glowed with an arcane light as it swept the room with it's gaze.
"I am Vorazun, I serve Nishikienrai sama as a Successor of the Stage. I am currently attached with the Officio Assasinorum of the Ordo Hereticus. I am a stealth and subterfuge expert, I believe I was called here to monitor our charge." Vorazun said as she glanced at Momonga who sat behind her.
Momonga nodded at the glance before rising from the throne. Those gathered knelt as he approached, even the airborne Vel'Koz floated down to the ground and lowered his gaze.
"You all will work together, Abathur for the first step I will need you to head the development of a living armor for the Dark Soul. I need it to integrate directly with her physiology." Momonga said.
"Will require sequence sample." Abathur replied.
"Vorazun can get you your sample." Momonga said as he looked to the kneeling Vorazun.
"It shall be as you command Lord Momonga." Vorazun replied.
Naturally...
Hoburns
Calca Bessarez sat on her throne, before her were the gathered nobles of the court. All those gathered had concerned expressions on their faces. For it has been a week since the fleet last reported in. They received one last message from the fleet stating that they would be changing their landing zone due to being spotted by fishing vessels. After that, silence, no word at all. It was as if the fleet had simply evaporated into thin air. This was of course troubling news, the worst case scenarios ran in her head as she wondered how the whole fleet just seemingly vanished into thin air. Even if they were defeated on land the fleet would have reported back. The Holy Kingdom's fleet was supreme on the open seas. To destroy her invasion forces and her fleet so utterly that no word got back was ludicrous.
"My queen, any word from the invasion forces?" one of the nobles asked.
"No, all is quiet. I know not what happened to our soldiers." Calca replied bitterly.
"Could they have been defeated?" another noble asked.
"We do not know yet. Do not jump to unwise conclusions." Calca replied.
"But they would have sent word, an armada does not simply evaporate." another noble countered.
"Have faith my good lords, the six will always deliver the faithful. The six will deliver us from this crisis and the six will reign…" Calca said but was cut off by the sound of shattering glass.
Calca looked up to see a spear had smashed through the stained glass window of the throne room. The beautiful artistry of the window depicting the six great gods smashed to pieces as shards of glass rained down on the nobles eliciting cries of fear and alarm. The spear stabbed down right at the foot of the stairs leading up to the throne.
The Court was stunned in silence for a moment as they gazed at the steel spear. It was only then did they realise the spear was made of mithril. Pavel and Remedios who has been recalled to the palace for this meeting acted first. They leapt up the throne and imposed themselves between Calca and the spear. Their weapons drawn steely gaze fixed on the mithril spear. The Royal Paladin guards snapped out of their shock and stepped forward. Most of the guards joined Pavel and Remedios as they shielded their queen from the spear. The remaining surrounded the spear, shields raised prepared for whatever this strange weapon has in store.
"By the six… how?" one of the nobles muttered as he turned and looked up at the smashed stained window.
Then there was a hissing sound and Remedios immediately casted buffs that protected the guards protecting the queen. Pavel drew his bow and took aim at the spear. Then there was a pop as the spear's shaft opened revealing a compartment.
Pavel and Remedios traded glances, the pair nodded and began advancing towards the spear. Although the two rarely agreed but in a situation like this they were professional enough to put aside their personal grievances.
Pavel looked at the strange spear, how it got there was beyond him.
"Sound the alarm, check the skies. Someone must have thrown this here." Pavel commanded.
The outrider scouts nearby all nodded and sprinted out the different doors of the throne room. Soon alarm bells were ringing across the palace and the guards were being mobilised. Pavel caught sight of angels taking off through the smashed window as the forces of the Holy Kingdom began the search.
"Your grace, it appears to be a strange artifact and a scroll of parchment within." Pavel said as he peered at the compartment.
Pavel ran through the possibilities in his mind, it shouldn't be a trap. If it was a spell of some sort designed to kill the queen it would have gone off on impact. There was no reason for it to sit still and expose its contents. It must be a message then, whoever sent this wanted to make an impression. If that was their intent then they succeeded quite handily, that window has been there ever since the palace was built over 500 years ago.
"Your grace I remove the contents?" Pavel asked.
"There doesn't seem to be a spell in play here, I'm not detecting any mana." one of the nearby priests said as he scanned the spear.
"My lords and ladies please depart the throne room. I wish to examine this development in private first." Calca commanded.
The nobles not exactly keen to risk their hides were eager to leave and immediately began to quickly flee the throne room. However, when one of the nobles reached the door of the throne room, there was a pulse from the spear and pulled all leaving nobles back forcefully. The force threw all nobles back into the hall and the landed head over heels in piles on the throne room floor.
Pavel flinched at the pulse but felt no force on his body. He looked around the throne room and saw the guards and priests were also unaffected only the nobles it seems were seemingly sucked back into the throne room. So was it a barrier trapping them in? But he sent his scouts out to sound the alarm, why didn't it affect them?
"You guard, walk out the door." Pavel commanded
Remedios shot Pavel a look, dim witted as she was, even she knew he was trying to test the limitation of this spear. She nodded at the paladin giving him her consent. Pavel watched as the guard approached the door cautiously, weapons raised, body tense in anticipation for him to be chucked back into the throne room. However, surprisingly he just walked through the door and turned around looking very perplexed.
"You, go out the door." Pavel said as he pointed at one of the younger nobles.
"What? What if that force happens again?" the young noble blustered.
"You're young, you can take it." Pavel replied gruffly.
"But…" the noble began.
"Just go!" Remedios roared angrily at the noble.
"Go my lord, your queen commands it." Calca said coldly.
The noble hesitated for a moment but sensing the glares from the guards, he began to slowly walk towards the door of the throne room. The moment he reached the threshold there another pulse and he was thrown back into the middle of the throne room slamming right into a group of nobles toppling them onto the floor.
"It wants to keep specific people in here." Pavel said unfazed by the groans from the nobles.
"Is that even possible? There is no spell that exists that has this level of fidelity." one of the priests replied going pale.
"Well take a good look, because you're looking at one." Pavel replied.
"Baraja." Calca commanded
"Yes my queen?" Pavel replied as he turned his head but he kept his body facing the spear.
"Remove the contents." Calca said.
"My queen is that wise?" one of the nobles asked fearfully.
"Unless you want to spend the rest of your life here I don't see another alternative." Calca replied coldly.
Pavel nodded as he approached the spear, he felt the thrill of fear at the advanced spell but as usual he crushed the cold grip on his heart and reached for the contents. The moment he touched the compartment there was a flash of light and a projection emerged above the spear. The image showed an elf with blonde hair, porcelain white skin, longer ears than he had ever seen on an elf, she wore a red garb with the symbol of that old ancient order the Ordo Malleus and she had the coldest eyes she had ever seen. Pavel was sure the Ice Gate Valley had warmer winds than her eyes. He could tell she was a vetaran soldier, even through the projections he could tell she held the poise of a distinguished warrior.
"Greeting Calca Bessarez." the elf woman said coldly.
"Who are you?" Calca replied.
"I am Field Marshall Elwing Rommel, leader of the Ordo Malleus. I believe we have something of yours." Elwing replied.
The projection swapped to a scene showing the Holy Kingdom fleet burning in the water. Burning sailors were jumping off the ships and Naga were slaughtering the crew. The Great Galleon Bessarez whose decks were made of fine birch wood was now littered with corpses. The white wood was now stained red, there was so much blood it was flowing off the deck and dribbling down the sides of the ship in long crimson streaks. On the deck were piles of bodies and they could see the Naga dragging sailors out from the lower decks and killing them.
Pavel felt his mouth go dry as he looked at the horrifying sight before him. The jewel of the Holy Kingdom, their great fleet burning and destroyed for the court to see. He heard the cries of horror from some of the noble ladies. Many of the nobles sign up for military duty in the hopes of career progression, no doubt some of the courtiers in the room have kin that served aboard those ships.
Then projections then cut to what remains of the invasion army, the once proud paladins now stripped of their arms and armor knelt in the sand in neat rows. One paladin caught Pavel's eye, it was an older paladin with a great grey board. He recognised him as Senior Paladin Abridal, an old soldier in his fifth decade upon this world. He was a good man, an honourable man, a paladin all those that came after would aspire to be. For all his blessings he was an old proud soldier and Pavel felt his blood go cold when he saw the look on his face. His eyes were narrowed in fury, his teeth clenched and the hands that were placed on his head were balled into fists and shaking with rage. Pavel had a bad premonition and he prayed he was wrong.
When one of the Ordo Malleus soldiers walked up to him he sprang to his feet and grappled the green dressed soldier. The soldier shouted in alarm but Abridal grasped the soldiers strange spear tipped staff trying to wrest it from his grasp. Abridal ripped the staff free and was about to plunge the blade into the soldiers chest when a red dressed soldier flew down from above. The Ordo Malleus soldier stabbed Abridal in the back with its staff, a spray of blood flew from Abridals mouth as he slumped forward. The soldier ripped its blade free and bodily threw him off the other soldier into the sand. The court watched helplessly as Abridal choked on his own blood, he rolled onto his knees and tried to rise. The soldier approached and viciously kicked Abridal in the belly with its oversized boots, knocking him onto his back.
The court shouted and screamed as they watched the soldier point its staff right at the splayed Abridals head. There was a flash of light, then a bang and Abridal's head was blown apart, his life's blood spraying onto the sand.
Anyone else?
The soldier asked, looking around at the prisoners. Most looked down, others looked at the soldier hatefully. The soldier with its black mask and red helm, looked on impassively. All emotion and pity hidden behind the visage of that black mask. It betrayed no pity, no remorse, only the cold cruelty of a seasoned soldier.
You cruel beast!
One of the younger paladins cried tears of rage in his eyes.
No beast lives that knows no touch of pity
But I know none, so I am no beast
Throw the body into the water
Let his flesh feed Naga and his bones rest on the sea bed
The soldier commanded as the court watched helplessly as green dressed soldiers carried Paladin Abridal's mutilated corpse towards the water.
Then the projection switched again this time it revealed Kelart Custodio, in rags and in chains. She sat in a room chained against the wall, her body was badly burnt and most of her hair was burnt off. What remains appears to have been haphazardly cut off. Her once beautiful visage was now reduced to a beaten and broken body.
"No it must be an illusion." Remedios whispered in horror.
"You really think so?" the voice of Elwing said as the projection snapped back to her face.
"You the one with the bow, there's a pouch in the spear, it has all the proof you need." Elwing said.
Pavel looked to the spear and saw there was indeed a brown pouch within. He picked up the pouch and opened it. As he saw its contents, he felt a chill run down his spine. He reached in and pulled out a fist full of brown hair.
Remedios walked unsteadily over to Pavel and took the hair with shaking hands. Pavel looked down into the pouch and looked back at Remedios's brown hair. It was identical. What's worse is when he looked down into the pouch and noticed some of the hair was half burnt.
"Your army is gone, I come to bring news to you Calca Bessarez. Within the spear is a declaration of war signed by the Re-Estise Kingdom, the Baharuth Empire, the Draconic Kingdom, the Dwarven Kingdom, the Saurus Defenders of the Great Plan, the Elves of the Crescent Lake and the Naga of the Serpents Coast. War is coming to your lands Calca Bessarez, we will crush your nation and trample your false gods. The time of the six is drawing to a close, we come to pay the score of centuries past." Elwing said.
"I am queen of the Roble Holy Kingdom of the house Bessarez, my kingdom will stand, my kingdom will endure. The six will endure, monster." Calca said as she shot to her feet rage in her eyes.
"Many have called me a monster in the past, I wonder what you will call me when I succeed? We knew your fleet was coming before it left port, so we sent those fishing boats knowing it would push you to land right where we wanted. Your own commander Alahan surrendered before our might, you will stand no chance. The 41 decrees that your faith burns and burn it shall." Elwing replied.
"How did you know?" Calca asked.
"A false faith held up by false gods is like a castle built on quicksand. There are many traitors in your midst Calca Bessarez, beware the knives in shadows. The most dangerous blade is one you cannot see." Elwing replied with a cold smirk.
Calca paused and cast a gaze across her court. Yes the only possible reason would be traitors, so why tell her this? Well that is the one possible answer, the hearts of the weak willed are easily tempted. So it is to gloat then, to demoralise her, but she is the queen. Such petty blows do nothing to her.
"Please, if Alahan is alive return him to me please!" a young noble lady cried out in desperation from the side.
Pavel looked at the tearful woman and recognised her as Alahan's young wife. They were wed not more than two years ago and judging by her belly she is with child.
"Have mercy please! Return my child's father!" the woman wept.
"We are at war, do not forget it." Elwing snapped in response as the projection rotated to face the woman. The young bride of Alahan wilted before the merciless gaze of the ancient high elf.
"You cry for mercy, but pity stays the hand of the merciful, but not mine. For I have no pity." Elwing replied coldly, no touch of warmth in her eyes.
Pavel watched as the woman's face seemingly collapsed into grief, her knees wavered as she fell to her knees clutching her belly and sobbing.
"You truly are a monster." Calca hissed.
"Call me what you will Calca Bessarez, your faith is false, your gods are false. Heresy is like a tree, you may cut it to the ground but if the roots remain it will rise again. So I will burn it all, nothing shall remain. All that shall remain of your kingdom, your people, your faith, will be ashes and whispers. Vestiges and echoes whispering across time as a cautionary tale and a promise to all those who would turn from the 41's light." Elwing said with such certainty in her voice that few could muster the will to deny her words in their minds.
Calca looked around the room and saw that her court was wavering. This elf was a warrior of words, every syllable that leaves her lips is like a dagger, aimed at weaknesses in their armor. This cannot continue, if her court's will is shattered they would not be able to oppose this threat effectively.
"I am the queen of the Holy Kingdom, we will defeat you. The 41's time is past, here the six hold sway." Calca declared putting as much force as she could into her voice, but even to her it sounded hollow.
"You can wear a crown, but that doesn't make you a ruler. It just means you have a head. Destiny marches like any army and it comes for you. All of you." Elwing said as the projections turned and her gaze swept the trembling nobles.
"You point a blade at our throats but your hands quiver. Weak of body, weak of mind, weak of virtue. You who are born of privilege rarely realize its curse, until it is too late. Enjoy what little time you have left… my lords and ladies." Elwing said ominously and all in the throne room trembled at her harrowing words.
"The difference between me and you, Calca Bessarez is that you are a girl playing with power." Elwing said as she turned back to face Calca.
"You know not its burdens, its sacrifices. You are new to this game and it shows. I see it in your eyes, that fear, like a rabbit staring down the shaft of an arrow. When fear shines in your eyes it reveals to me your secrets. I have killed more with words than any mortal has with blades but I do not ask of anyone what I would not do myself. I have already walked the halls of death, been forged in the fires of war, shaped in that cruel crucible. I know that burden of power, I know what it costs, what it continues to cost and you Calca Bessarez. Know nothing." Elwing said.
"I will kill you monster, I will have my sister back." Remedios raged as she pointed her sword at Elwing.
"Which is the greater tragedy for young beautiful Kelart Custodio? That she fell in battle? Or that she fell in line? When your people become carrion the ravens will feast. Then the rains will weep on your halls for naught a soul to hear." Elwing replied with those words the projection changed.
It now revealed the faces of the leaders of the nations that have declared war. Jircniv sat resting his head lazily on the table gazing at the nobles in contempt. Renner held her head high looking at the trembling court, a faint disgust shimmering in her eyes. Draudillon in her childlike form glared up at the projection, white hate brimming on her visage. The Dwarven king, nostrils flared, the mountains rage personified. The Elf king looked at the court and snorted as he watched the fat lumps quiver. Sharyushu looked at the court indifferent as if they were just another pile of sand to be toppled. The Naga Queen looked at the court and licked her lips in anticipation…
"The age of reckoning is at hand filth." the dwarf king growled.
"I will relish burning your cities as you have my people's home." the elf king sneered.
"I wonder how well you will hold up, honestly I don't expect much." Jircniv said with a smirk.
"The elder days will return, your people will be a pyre, an offering to the 41." Draudillon hissed.
"We will build the biggest fire this world has ever seen. When your lands are ash only then will my father be avenged. You will know my pain, you will know what it's like to have your happiness turn to ashes in your mouth. When that day comes then you will know the debt is paid." Renner said an uncharacteristic amount of bloodlust in her voice.
"Enjoy what time you have left, children of the Holy Kingdom. I could have killed all of you with this spear but it would be far crueler to prove I am right. The 41 comes for you and you… you are not prepared." Elwing said as the projection cut.
Calca stood there gazing numbly at where the projection was a few seconds ago. She was snapped out of her revelry when one of the nobles bolted for the door. Calca could only look on mutely as the rest of the nobles without waiting for her leave fled the throne room and no doubt to distant lands. Leaving but a scant few with the courage remaining to stay and defend the land of their birth.
Still kneeling on the floor was Alahan's young bride, her eyes now had no more tears to give. She merely looked at the spear embedded into the floor and looked helplessly at the embodiment of her misery. The other remaining nobles were mostly the old guard. All of them late in their years, all of them veterans of many battles. So it would seem the old adage that steel speaks louder than words still holds true.
Calca looked to what remained of her court and now felt so very alone. That high elf spoke of traitors, when those words were first uttered she felt it would have been easy to root out the traitors. Now however, as she looked to what remained she really didn't know. So many had fled any one of them could be a traitor. Yet they lived in comfort, in safety, why would they forsake the gods? What did any of them have to gain by betraying the gods?
Something to gain by betraying the gods…
Calca looked to the man standing next to the spear, bow in hand gazing at the spear with a troubled expression on his face. The only one staring at the spear and not at her. The one with the daughter on death row.
Pavel Baraja…
Nazarick
Elwing sat back down from her seat at the circular table, she frowned as leaned back into her chair.
"Field Marshall?" Jircniv asked, curious about her troubled demeanour. In his eyes they had struck a great blow against their morale. A discordant leadership leaves a nation on borrowed time.
"It's nothing, I just wouldn't have done "that" just yet." Elwing replied as she gestured to where the projection was moments ago.
"Why is that?" Renner asked.
"It's too soon, I would have left them guessing, made a few leaders disappear, forged some defection documents, caused unrest and infighting more subtly before coming in and breaking their morale utterly." Elwing replied.
"Then why did we do what we just did?" Draudillon asked, her brows raised.
"This." Elwing said as an envelope appeared in her hands. It was an envelope that had a black seal with a silver skull pasted on the back.
"Orders from Momonga sama." Elwing added.
"If what we did was ordered from the gods, then how can we question it?" Belegar said.
"Because blind obedience is death of wisdom, I am charged to lead the Ordo Malleus and all it's millions of trillions of soldiers. All who wear the red of the Ordo Malleus is my responsibility. In the name of Momonga I am charged with this duty, in the name of Punito Moe I am charged to be wise, so I must see their intentions lest I hinder their plans." Elwing replied through gritted teeth.
"I am sure our lord Momonga has his reasons." Renner said kindly.
"Oh he most definitely does, have you ever heard of dimensional chess?" Elwing asked.
"I know of chess but not dimensional chess." Renner replied.
"It's the same as chess mostly but there are three boards, the land, the air and nether. Think of it as playing three games of chess simultaneously with the pieces of the different board affecting the other boards. I have seen Momonga and Punito Moe play it, it is a surreal thing. For hours the pieces dance across the board, no piece is taken, it is a dance as they probe and threaten. Then suddenly before either of them has lost any pieces, one of them concedes. It is a bloodless affair, but as I ponder their actions I wonder how far into the future can they see with their matchless intellect." Elwing said thoughtfully..
"You are five steps from seeing I am twenty steps ahead. I believe those are the words of Punito Moe." Belegar said.
"Indeed." Elwing said
Ice Gate Valley
Noah sat in darkness, the darkness was quiet. It has been weeks since the Lord of Oblivion has visited. Idly he wonders if the dark god has abandoned him, has he just taken what he needed from him and left? No that doesn't make sense, a dragon has no reason to lie to a sheep. The strong can do what they will and weak suffer what they must.
Then he felt a spell being cast on Neia, he felt her consciousness instantly suppressed into deep sleep. Noah immediately moved to gain control of Neia's body and when he snapped his eyes open he saw a pair of glowing green eyes gaze at him. Instantly he felt a hand cover his mouth.
"I serve the Lord Momonga young dark soul. I require a lock of your hair for my master's designs." the figure said in an odd feminine voice.
Noah calmed as he heard this strange creature's words, so the dark god has not abandoned him. He felt the creature remove her hand and he kept his mouth shut. The creature nodded and took out a small black dagger. With a deft slice it removed a lock of hair just behind her neck.
"Too little to be noticeable." the creature said.
"When will we be free?" Noah asked.
"Soon, trust in the 41 young one. The lords always reward faith and loyalty in good time." the creature replied.
"May we speak for a while?" Noah asked, he was curious of this creature, of the 41. He struck a bargain with a god but knew nothing of the god or its followers. Now before him was a creature of shadow, who served the god which he had struck a bargain with. He wanted to know, he needed to know.
"Very well, meet me outside." the creature said as she vanished into a cloud of black smoke.
Noah stood up and quietly walked towards the door. None of the other prisoners had noticed and he slipped out into the freezing night unnoticed. He sensed a slight movement to his right and he turned to walk in between the gap of two barracks. As he turned the corner he saw the creature kneeling in the snow.
"Your senses are sharp young one, I revealed my presence for but a moment." the creature said.
Noah walked over and sat down in front of the creature.
"My sister and I trained a lot as a ranger in the past." Noah said as he sat down.
"You must have had a good teacher." the creature said.
"Yes my father, he was the best." Noah replied softly.
"The best ranger or the best father?" the creature asked.
"Ranger." Noah replied softly.
"I sense turmoil young one. Your heart is twisted." the creature replied.
"My father… put me in here." Noah said.
"Ah, so that's what it is. I sense hatred, sorrow… guilt." the creature said.
At those words Noah let out a small laugh, truly this creature is a servant of a god. To read someone as clearly as this one could would make her a force to be reckoned in any noble court. Yet, court politics was the affairs of the mortals not the divine.
"What are you? If you don't mind me asking." Noah asked.
"I am Nerazim, Dark Templar. My race is the Khalai, we are the preservers of the realms. We defended the realms in the name of the 41… or at least we did." the creature replied.
"Did?" Noah asked.
"We handed the mantle to the younger races, the ones that came after us. We, the Daelaam, the Templars, once guarded the realms. But the realms grew too many, we could not do it alone. We lost many to fulfill that purpose, so from our failing hands we threw the torch… and you young one and all that came before you took that torch from our failing hands. You have carried it ever since." the creature replied her voice wistful.
"What are the gods like? I have only heard of slander thus far." Noah asked.
"Blasphemy is the domain of the blind, the truth is there but they do not see. For the truth is blinding, demanding, an impossible standard to hold. So many shy their eyes away, preferring the silence of darkness. I can see the allure, the darkness is quiet, soothing even. Our lord Momonga is the god of the dark, but it is a lonely place in the darkness. The abyss isolates as much as it empowers. You and I, we walk in the shadows, lonely isn't it?" the creature said, catching Noah 's eye.
"Yes it is, my sister is all that I have, my mother hates me for what I am, my father is powerless to resist the powers above him. I have no body for myself, this body is my sisters, I'm just an uninvited stowaway. I have brought nothing but misery to my sister, yet she still loves me. My sister has so much more, she has friends, people she wishes to protect, but for me? For me, she is all I have." Noah replied.
"Tell me about her. I had wished to put you both to sleep, but my spell only worked on her." the creature said.
"Neia, that's her name. She always puts others before herself, with every fight she's at the front. All she wants is to protect, to make our parents proud, make them proud that she is their daughter… and she fails because of me. Monster, demon, heretic, so many words, sharp as arrows pierces her. Yet she endures, so I must endure." Noah replied.
"She sounds brave. A warrior's heart. Akhundelar" the creature said.
"Akhundelar?" Noah asked.
"Akhundelar, the tip of the spear. That is what we call warriors that always stand at the fore. Does it describe her?" the creature asked.
"Yes, the tip of the spear. That's a perfect description." Noah said.
"Do not fear young one, the 41 protects. The 41 will deliver you. Both of you." the creature said with a surety rarely found in words.
"I will try to believe that, in the meantime, I'll do as I always have guard her... alone." Noah said.
"We who walk in shadow are always alone young one. For countless eons I have walked this path and for countless more I shall continue. Until our lord Ulbert Alain Odle, keeper of the book of destiny, decrees I am to depart this mortal coil. So young dark soul, we stand alone, together." the creature said as she stood up.
"Thank you, for your time. I have but one last question if you don't mind." Noah said as he rose to his feet.
"Speak your mind young one." the creature said.
"May I know your name?" Noah asked.
"I am Vorazun, Matriarch of Nerazim and you young dark soul?" Vorazun asked.
"I am Noah Baraja." Noah replied.
"Who gave you that name?" Vorazun asked.
"My father." Noah replied with a grimace.
"He did more for you than you know young Noah. Names have power…" Vorazun said cryptically.
"What do you mean?" Noah asked as he furrowed his brow in confusion.
"A topic for another time, young Noah. Farewell." Vorazun said as she vanished in a cloud of black smoke.
"Bye…" Noah said to the now vacant spot where Vorazun was standing moments ago. He looked down and noticed the snow was not displaced at all, there was no evidence she was ever there.
Noah sighed and turned back towards the barracks, he had to let Neia's body rest…
Re-Estise Kingdom, Carne POW Camp
Alahan sat at a plain wooden table, in a room made of steel. Opposite him sat an angel, her skin white as parchment, her eyes devoid of irises glowed with an ethereal white light. Above her head was a halo of blazing orange flame and from her back sprouted a pair of flaming wings. She is Executor Eralah of the Second Sphere, serving in the Bastion Core under the Ordo Iustitia. The Bastion Core are preservers of order in war torn areas of creation, they guard prisoners of war and guard against insurgencies. They are also tasked to handle the affairs of military court, absolving the innocent and punishing the guilty. Due to the nature of their responsibilities they are tied closely with the Ordo Hereticus.
"You wished to speak with me Commander Alahan?" Eralah said her gaze piercing and unwavering as she stared at the defeated commander.
"Yes I wish to speak about the escape last night." Alahan replied.
"Attempt, it was an attempt to escape Commander, they did not get far." Eralah replied stoically.
"Yes, the escape attempt. Those men, what is to become of them." Alahan asked his heart twisted with anxiety.
"They are to be tried in the court of the Ordo Iustitia, if found guilty they will be executed." Eralah replied.
"Their charges?" Alahan asked.
"Violation of the Wormbane Accords Page 12, Clause 9. Clause 9 to be stated as, all prisoners at the moment of capitulation must obey the commands of the holding authority or its equivalents, both in spirit and in letter. The command previously given by me was that all prisoners are to remain within the borders of this camp as denoted by the exterior fence. Those men violated the command and by extension the Wormbane Accords. Wormbane Accords, Page 19, Clause 13 to be stated as, violation of any of the requirements demanded of the detained party by the holding authority or its equivalents is to be deemed as grounds of termination of protection and rights granted by the Wormbane Accords and appropriate punishment is to be dealt at the discretion of the holding authority or its equivalents. Ordo Iustitia Codex Justicar, Chapter 14, Punishment of Prisoners of War, Page 246, in times of conflict if manpower is limited, violation of the Wormbane Accords should be handled in accordance with Tsun Conservation of Resource principles. All potential dissidents are to be summarily executed lest dissent and potential insurrection is fostered. Possibility of dissent and insurrection must be kept to a minimum to minimise loss of combat effectiveness of the operating army. Does this answer your question?" Eralah replied.
"Please, I know those boys, they are young, all of them have not even seen twenty summers. I will take responsibility for their actions, so please spare them." Alahan pleaded in response.
"The law is blind, it does not recognise age, race or background to be a factor in judgement in the Court of Law. You cannot take responsibility for a crime you did not commit." Eralah replied.
"Are they allowed a defendant? I know the courts of the 41 have defendant speakers." Alahan pressed.
"They are allowed, but the Ordo Iustitia is under no obligation to provide one for prisoners of war." Eralah replied.
"Then what about me? May I speak for my men?" Alahan asked
"You may, but you must be familiar with the laws of the 41 to speak in our courts." Eralah replied.
"Then could you provide a copy of your laws, I would study them and defend my men. It is my duty to protect them and I will not fail for lack of effort." Alahan pleaded.
"You can be provided one but be warned, it is a large text, it takes years for anyone to fully understand them." Eralah replied.
"How long until the trial?" Alahan asked.
"Two weeks from today." Eralah replied.
"Two weeks…" Alahan muttered, his face going pale.
"Do you wish to be provided a copy of our laws?" Eralah asked.
"Yes… please, if you don't mind." Alahan replied softly.
"Do your duty Commander Alahan and I shall do mine." Eralah said.
"Thank you Executor, when may I expect the copy of your laws?" Alahan asked.
"Effective immediately." Eralah said as she conjured a book from thin air and placed it on the table. The book was decorated with gold embroidery on its cover, on the cover in gold were the words Amicus Curiae. The book was easily ten centimetres thick and judging by its appearance had over a thousand pages.
"Amicus Curiae, the friend of the court." Eralah said
"Thank you Executor, now if you excuse me I have a code of laws to peruse." Alahan said as he rose from the table.
"I wish you luck Commander Alahan." Eralah said
"Thank you for your time Executor." Alahan replied with a nod as he took the massive tome in his hands.
Alahan left, book of laws under his arm and lost in thought. He walked through the camp towards his personal quarters. Due to his status as commanding officer of the army he was given a set of personal quarters. It wasn't anything lavish, where the rest of the prisoners had to share accommodations with eight people per barracks. Alahan was given the luxury of having an entire barracks to himself. It was furnished with a large bed and a desk for him to work. He was offered these benefits as long as he helped to control his army during their imprisonment.
Alahan opened the door and strode over to the table. He placed the heavy tome on it and paused to look at it's ornate cover. It was the most ornate book he had ever seen, it's gold embroidery was exquisite in its craftsmanship and artistry. He let out a sigh and steeled himself for the work to come, he opened the book and flipped to the last page. He peered at the tiny letters at the corner of the page.
1329
"By the six…" Alahan whispered as he gazed at the four tiny characters on the page. That's almost a hundred pages a day…
He steeled himself for the labors to come but right as he flipped to this first page he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in." Alahan said, slightly annoyed.
"Pardon the intrusion commander." a voice said.
Alahan turned to see his young Lieutenant Asaph Hal. He just saw his sixteenth summer last year, his skin was pale and on his head was a crown of golden hair. His dark blue eyes and handsome features made many a noble lady swoon. His name was of the six great god Sapherie the Red, the god that the Church of Fire worships. He was born to a low noble house and joined the paladins to advance his family's standing.
Generally he was a kind and just man. However, he could be zealous and dogmatic in his beliefs, this can be dangerous when you command troops as blind zeal is just as dangerous as your enemies' blades. He had the mind for tactics and the personality to lead. Alahan has been grooming him for the officer core of the paladins and now he serves as one of his lieutenants.
"Commander I heard you went to speak with the warden." Asaph said.
"Yes I have, I went to speak about the escape attempt." Alahan replied
"What is to become of our brothers?" Asaph asked.
"They are to stand trial and if found guilty they will be executed." Alahan replied curtly.
"Trial?" Asaph asked bewildered.
In the Holy Kingdom, if you rebelled against prison staff, the penalty would be death. There was no trial for existing prisoners, if you defied the prison guards you would die. There was little to no protections for prisoners as well, their rights were rarely respected, once you were thrown into prison you would be treated like an animal. The Ice Gate Valley was one of the most infamous prisons, it was basically a death camp designed to work the prisoners to death. Of course few in the kingdom knew that it was designed to be a death camp, most just thought it was a prison built in harsh conditions. People knew it had a bad survival rate but few knew it was designed to have a bad survival rate. This fact was privy only to the Justicar courts. It was a place for free labour and letting undesirables simply disappear.
Prisoners in the Holy Kingdom when found guilty will be saddled with "Moral Debt" this debt was to be repaid by service in prison camps. Functionally this turns the prison population into a productive member of the workforce. It was a good idea in theory but in reality often this just ends up as a way to get free labour. "Moral Debt" operated in much of the same way as normal financial debt. Like financial debt, moral debt has interest, this means that depending on the severity of the debt, it can be impossible to outwork the interest. Dooming the prisoner to a lifetime of forced labour. The debt can also be passed onto your children, this leads to what is known as Moral Debt families which are families that are born, live and die in the Holy Kingdom's prison system.
"They have a trial to assess if each individual has committed the crime of the escape attempt. Only when their guilt has been confirmed will they be executed." Alahan replied.
"And this, is their book of laws, I need to fully understand this in two weeks." Alahan added with a sigh as he gestured to the book.
"Commander are you really going to participate in this farce of a court?" Asaph asked.
"Do you propose I just let my men die?" Alahan asked.
"No commander, we must escape, we must return to the Holy Kingdom to continue the fight!" Asaph urged.
"And how do you propose we do that? We have no idea where we are in the Re-Estise Kingdom. Our wardens are sentient angels that can fly, the Ordo Malleus have iron chariots that can run faster than a horse. We wouldn't get a kilometer away before we are all caught and summarily executed." Alahan replied coldly.
"Have you given up commander?" Asaph challenged his face going red.
"No, but I will not order my men to a senseless death." Alahan snapped back as he rose from his chair.
"I can't believe you've given up, we never should have surrendered!" Asaph retorted.
Alahan grabbed Asaph by the collar and brought his nose to his and looked him in the eye.
"Listen to me boy and listen well. You are no good to anyone dead. Your nation demands your service not your death. I have no use for a corpse, the Holy Kingdom has no use for a corpse. A corpse is just a chore to bury and a hit to morale. That's all, it is a detriment nothing more. So let me ask you again, are you a soldier of the Holy Kingdom? Will you serve the Holy Kingdom in life or will you fail it in death? If you want to die for nothing go ahead. Try and escape, when you get caught I will still defend you in their court. I will not shirk my responsibility to my men just because you shirk yours to the nation. You are no use to anyone dead Asaph Hal, live to fight another day." Alahan said.
Asaph's eyes softened and he looked down. Alahan released his collar and took a step back.
"Then what do we do commander?" Asaph asked bitterly.
"Survive, if our brethren put up a good fight, the followers of the 41 will eventually have to send the soldiers here to the front. These angels are nothing to scoff at, if the fighting grows fierce every bit of fighting strength will be needed to break the Holy Kingdom. That will be our moment." Alahan replied.
"And if that moment doesn't come?" Asaph asked, tears of rage in his eyes.
"Then that means the armies of the 41 can smash our nation with strength to spare, our interference would have done nothing." Alahan replied.
"So you would have us do nothing? Do nothing while they slaughter our brethren and burn our cities? Do nothing as they tear down our gods and install the 41 in six's place?" Asaph cried in response.
"No, I would have you live to serve the people. When this war ends, some of the people will still be alive. They won't kill all of them, if that was the case why would they bother taking prisoners? The very fact that we are still breathing is proof they aren't mindless butchers. If that dark day comes and this word recedes back into the darkness of the 41, the people of the Holy Kingdom will need men like you more than ever. It is our duty to serve the people, to protect the innocent. They will need warriors to defend them in the new dark world. I am asking you, all of you to prepare for that possible eventuality. Dying is easy, fighting on is hard, so I ask you again Asaph of house Hal will you abandon your house, your family, your people with a needless death? Or will you endure whatever trials a spiteful fate decides to throw at you and continue to serve in life? There won't be many men like you left by the end of this war, I need as many as I can get if I am to do my duty. Will you do yours?" Alahan said.
"I… I will Commander Alahan… I apologise for my past behaviour…" Asaph replied softly.
"It has been a hard two weeks for all of us. Now go tell the others of my words. I have a book of laws to study if I am to save as many of our brothers as I can." Alahan said with a nod.
"Thank you Commander." Asaph replied with a salute.
Good, now get to it Paladin Asaph…
Authors Notes:
Hey guys well this chapter is pretty late, not that surprising considering the Uni workload. Unfortunately the next one may be late as well, but the semester ends somewhere in october so you can expect the release schedule to return to normal from then until the new year.
Once again hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, if you liked it you can leave a review. I appreciate every review I get and its additional motivation for my work saddled self to write more. So see you guys in the next chapter!