Here it is, the early next chapter. Hope you like it, now you get to see the Death Knight actually have a POV in this chapter, get to see what he thinks. Not much else, just enjoy.
The Hand of Suffering
Chapter 07: Man's Best Friend
It was not often that Celestine called for them this early, it was just barely past dawn when they had heard the summons. Claudia could see that the rest of the members of the Shields were tired, Maia was rubbing her eyes and her temple, both tired and hungover. That wasn't as bad as the Halfling Luu-Luu, who was passed out and being carried to the meeting hall on the back of the Mercenary Queen.
It appears that the two of them had gone out for drinks, following which they had been detained by her Templar after causing a public disturbance. She had not ordered it but she thought it would do them good to know how to properly behave and remember to do everything in moderation. Sadly their time in the stockades had been lifted because of the urgent message.
Not that it mattered, from what she had heard they were having fun with their incarceration.
Then there was Princess Prim, the young girl was being led by the arm by her cousin and seemed to be struggling to keep her eyes open. The young pink haired princess was being supported by her older and taller cousin, who giving the young princess most of her attention as they walked. An adorable sight, almost like a mother and child really, Claudia sometimes wondered what she would be like as a mother.
Not that such a thing was possible.
She fought down such emotions quickly, it had been heart wrenching to know she would never be a mother. In a way she tried to focus on the things that she could do now, her duty to the Dawn Templar and that of the Church came first. For even if she had a child with Clause she would be drawn away from her family on many occasions.
To not have their own mother around, that would be something she would never wish on a child. Especially if she never came back. Her mother didn't, and she knew the pain of that loss with every family that had lost a brave Templar to the enemy.
"What is this meeting about? And why is it so damn early in the morning?" Maia muttered aloud, adjusting the short woman on her back and then wincing as whatever agony happened within her skull was also jostled.
"Unknown, she only sent some servants to collect us." Claudia replied.
"To call so early though, the importance of what she wishes to discuss cannot be argued against." Alicia said, her eyes shifting between the hall ahead of them and the young girl by her side.
"Still, couldn't she have waited, I mean some of us are not morning people." Maia said.
"I have some tea that can help with the headaches, along with clear up any nausea." Kaguya said, standing beside Maia and offering some support.
"Thanks, if it gets rid of this hangover I'll drink a bowl of hot mud." Maia said.
"Knowing your drinking habits I would not be so surprised if you did do that while so intoxicated." Alicia said, for a moment Claudia thought an argument could break out.
"Hey, it's just an expression, and I would have said something a lot dirtier if your little cute cuddle cushion wasn't so close." Maia replied, she could practically feel the smirk on her lips as she spoke.
"Huh?" Prim said, waking slightly and not completely there to understand what was said.
"Nothing Prim, just keep walking." Alicia said, sweetly and if a little hurriedly.
Claudia glanced back and actually saw her protégée actually trading barb with the Mercenary Queen. Such an exchange would never have occurred a month ago, even during the time when they travelled from Feoh to Ken there was no love lost between the two of them. But to see them actually working together and acting like close friends was a surprise after such short a time.
It would greatly improve the relationship of each of the Shield Knights, but in turn she worried that some of Maia's less than stellar habits might influence her Knight. Alicia was young, and impressionable, last thing she wanted was for her star pupil to go out drinking and lay with men. Maia for all her skill and status was still someone to be cautious around, mostly because she didn't act the way someone should of their station.
Although perhaps in time maybe Alicia could influence the Mercenary Queen into changing, who is to say it is not possible. Celestine had plans for Ansur and the region, perhaps it is best she have a talk with Alicia about Maia in the future.
"This is odd." Claudia said, turning back down the hall, she had just noticed something amiss.
"What's wrong?" Kaguya inquired.
Claudia reached a hand to her sword, resting it on the handle instead of the pommel.
"All the guards are gone." Claudia replied, narrowing her eyes.
None of her Dawn Templar had been seen on this level of the palace, this place was meant to be the most heavily guarded floor because it was the Shield's personnel headquarters and Celestine's home. Claudia had always kept a third of her entire force on this floor, and not a single one of her Knights had been seen.
"Something is wrong here." Claudia stated, narrowing her eyes as she picked up the pace towards the Shield's Conference chamber.
They came to the door, and again no guard were posted at its entrance. Claudia pushed open the door and quickly stepped inside, the first thing she saw was Celestine. The goddess reborn was face down on the table, Claudia feared the worst and charged in and drew her sword. Looking for any assailants.
"Your Majesty!" Claudia called out, reaching out and touching her shoulder.
Celestine shot up, giving a snort and looked around wearily. She could even see a trail of drool from her mouth, Claudia may see the Goddess as she was and venerate her as any loyal subject of the land but even she was surprised at time of how bizarrely she sleeps at the best of times.
"Claudia? What's wrong… why am I here? I was sleeping so nice." Celestine replied tiredly, rubbing her eyes as if she was a child again.
"I apologise my lady." Claudia said, awkwardly the looked at the rest of the Shields, seeing their Holiness like this was not for the best. "Perhaps we should…"
"You look better." Maia said aloud. "Catching up on your beauty sleep?"
"You are right, she does seem well rested." Kaguya agreed, stepping into the chamber and towards her seat. "It is good to see you in better health, we were worried you were unwell."
"Thank you, the last week has been stressful, but as of last night things have changed." Celestine said, giving a small smile as she gestured for everyone to sit. "We have an important matter to discuss."
"My lady, where are all the Dawn Templar? Not a single guard remains on this floor, do you know where they are?" Claudia asked, standing at her side and remaining there until she was certain of the Goddesses safety.
"I sent them away." Celestine replied, and before Claudia could ask her why she explained. "I sent them away so that this meeting could be heard only by our ears, what I am about to tell you is important. It cannot be revealed to anyone."
The tone she used was oddly grave, as if she had discovered a very dark secret she was concerned to reveal. Claudia was worried now, anything that could give the Goddess Reborn pause was not to be underestimated. Claudia took her seat and waited patiently for Celestine to explain.
"I called this meeting so early and in secret to avoid unnecessary debate. If the nobility were to come they would argue as always, even with a solution they would argue over it. This is something that cannot be delayed possibly by months with senseless talk." Celestine stated, gazing to each of the members of the Alliance.
"What is it that is so important?" Alicia asked, her full attention on Celestine, the rest of the members of the Alliance were the same, even the weary Luu-Luu had turned her head around to face Celestine from where it lay on the table.
"There is a way to cross the Badlands to reach Garan."
The news was a shock to the system, she froze when she heard it. For a moment Claudia thought she had been mistaken, that it was not what she heard. That such good news did not come from nowhere, that such a thing was impossible to happen. Yet from the looks of shock from the other members of the Alliance they too had heard what she had.
"You… you have a way across the Badlands? How?" Maia asked, eyes widen and her hangover seemingly vanishing.
"Yes, the solution came to me last night. I am certain you are aware of the dangers the Badlands pose." Celestine state. "The land seeps life from those upon it, be it sentient beings, animals, even plants and insects. Nothing survives in the Badlands. At least nothing good."
That was an understatement, horrid creatures besides orcs and demons roam those foul lands. Giant worms and spiders, along with other horrid creatures surviving those foul place. In fact there were even rumours of undead in the land, actual living corpses if the myths were to be true. Lorain was said to be haunted by ghosts and roamed by corpses.
"But there is a way to survive." Celestine said. "While most would succumb to the magic within the Badlands there are ways to stave off its touch. This method does that, giving the person a protection that will allow them to withstand the siphoning effects of the Badlands and the magic that steals ones lifeforce."
That was fantastic, if they could cross the Badlands than they could send an army to defeat Olga Discordia. But a thought crossed her mind, why would the Goddess be so concerned about revealing this to the nobles. True that they would argue, specifically who would receive the honor of actually going to face Olga. Honestly only the six people were eligible to go, the first being herself, then her protégée Alicia with their Knights. Maia and Luu-Luu have some forces but not that could match the might of Olga Discordia and her armies.
Then there was Vault, in spite of himself being a Mercenary Commander, the Black Dogs were a premier fighting force and had a lot of combat experience against the forces of Garan. Vault has been fighting nearly thirty years, and most if his elite soldiers are the same. If she had to suspect he would be the most obvious choice, if not for skill of his soldiers, but actual numbers he can put towards the offensive.
The only others person who would be a good choice, only in being able to face Olga herself, was Celestine. But the dangers of sending the Goddess to the north was too great, for Olga was said to have power that rivalled the Goddess herself. They could not risk her being captured, or her physical body lost. No, they must not allow that.
But still, the question remained, why keep this hidden.
"Why do you wish for this to remain hidden?" Claudia asked.
"You think someone is springing a leak?" Maia inquired, and Claudia had a mind to call her out on questioning the loyalty of the nobility. They may argue and be thick headed at times but they were loyal to the crown.
"No, I trust in the nobilities loyalty. It is that they would delay and possibly even halt this should they discover the means in which I discovered this breakthrough." Celestine replied.
That was cause for concern, what could have Celestine possibly done that could warrant her to hide this from others.
Just as that thought occurred the doors to the chamber opened, everyone turned to see the elven aid to Celestine. Phelorna stepped into the chamber and moved with purpose towards Celestine, her usual stoic features were creased with a frown. She leaned down and whispered something into the Goddesses ear, receiving a nod in turn.
"It is done then, the tests have been completed and he has agreed to guide us through to Garan." Celestine said.
"I would like to remind you that I do not agree with this course of action, I think you are making a mistake." Phelorna stated, it was her tone that irritated Claudia the most however.
"Do not speak so towards her Holiness, remember it is not your place to question her." Claudia said, turning to give a veiled glare to the elven woman.
"If you knew what I do you would argue as well, and as soon as it arrives you will." Phelorna stated, returning her look with one of disinterest.
"What do you mean?" Alicia asked.
Before Phelorna could answer her eyes drifted away, she tensed suddenly and looked guarded. Her hands falling to her side and her fingers were twitching, it was known that the woman was a powerful magic user similar to that of Celestine. But what caused her to stiffen in what appeared to be fright.
Claudia turned towards the door, and when she looked upon the black armoured being standing there did her heart clench in her chest.
The rest of the Shields did the same, eyes on the door as the creature stood there and regarded them with a cold icy stare. Prim shrank into her seat, her terrified eyes on the creature that would give nightmares even the to most stout of heart. Kaguya showed some emotion, eyes widened and her mouth parted as if to release a gasp.
Only herself, alongside Luu-Luu, Maia and Alicia did something, rising to their feat and reaching for their weapons. Or only herself, having been the only one armed.
"Shit! It's loose!" Maia barked, looking around frantically for anything that can be a weapon.
"Prim stay behind me!" Alicia cried, pulling her cousin from her seat and putting herself between Prim and the werewolf.
"How did that thing escape?" Claudia growled, it was sealed behind dozens of wards and hard steel, not to mention meter thick stone walls.
Then it moved, casually strolling into the chamber and moving for the edge of the table. Claudia readied her blade while the rest backed away and prepared for the worst. Then it did something unexpected, it pulled out the chair at the end of the table, took a seat and intertwined its claws and looked directly at Celestine.
"Please, everyone, be at ease. He will not harm us." Celestine said, her words carrying only a tinge of worry.
Claudia whirled on her Majesty, unable to fathom the words that had left her mouth. For a moment she thought her hearing had been lost, or that this was some horrid dream.
"Are you nuts! That big bastard will tear us to shreds if we don't do him in first." Luu-Luu yelled.
"Please I beg you, there is no need to be wary, if you will not sit than please, stand beside me." Celestine said, ushering the Shields to her side.
As they slowly backed away from the creature, who had not taken its eyes off Celestine, they came to her side and kept their guard up. Claudia had never faced a werewolf before, but based on accounts given to historians and from Maia and Vault, they were fast and deadly. This one was apparently more powerful, wielding a weapon with deadly skill and also having magical powers.
"Phelorna has told me that your claims are true, that you can negate the negative effects of the Badlands." Celestine said, addressing the creature directly.
It inclined its head towards her, could that thing actually understand them?
"Your magic is strange, powerful definitely, but beyond anything I have ever witnessed. With that power we could cross the Badlands with an army, defeat Olga and end the war in one fell swoop. While you have given me the means to do so, and even given a reason why you are helping us. I must know if you will truly aid us." Celestine said.
The creature seemed to tip its head to the side, a gesture Claudia would suspect as curious.
"I do not know you, and truthfully I fear your very presence. You have haunted my visions for the last five years, and in spite of what has been said of what you have done and what people of the Untouched Valley do in honour of you, I cannot shake away my fears." Celestine said, but she seemed to steel herself and then spoke with a much more authoritative voice, one that even Claudia had never heard uttered from the Goddess.
"What reason do I have to trust you? None. So I ask you here and now, why should I put the lives of thousands of brave men and woman into your hands when I do not know if they will be safe in them."
There was silence for a moment, before all warmth left the room.
"You have no choice."
Claudia felt her blood turn to ice, it had spoken. A deep growl mixed with the reverberation of steel on steel that made the ears hurt and the spine tingle. This was no mere werewolf, just as her protégée and the Mercenary Queen had said, this was something else.
"You either end the war on your terms, of you end it on hers." The creature said. "Do you think that you can hold her back forever, you cannot, eventually your defences will crumble and what is left of your people will be crushed underfoot by Olga Discordia and her armies."
None dared speak up, the shock and terror its words instilled forced them to keep their mouths shut.
"This isn't a matter of if I will help you, it is a matter of if you are desperate enough to let me help you. Tell me, do you realise how dire your situation is?" The beast leaned forward as he made the declaration.
"Your obligations?" Celestine replied.
"I will lead any military force you have to Garan. I will capture Olga Discordia and any high ranking soldiers in her army to bring back for judgement." The werewolf stated.
"Hold on a fucking minute, there is no way anyone would be batshit crazy enough to have you near them! No way." Maia yelled, she turned to Celestine to try and plead her case. "It would kill us! No doubt about it, that thing is a monster!"
"Then why are you not dead?" The beast asked.
Maia turned, and froze as its eyes landed on her.
"Why did I not impale you on my scythe, lop off your arm, break your neck, or any number of ways I had you in reach?" The beast stated. "Do you not find it strange that not a single soldier of yours died at my hands. Is the answer not obvious?"
Kaguya now spoke. Her expression had returned to it's usual impassiveness, but there was still weariness in her words.
"You spared them, allowed them to live. If I am to suspect correctly, you wanted them to capture you." Kaguya said. "The Shrine Priestess, the one who claims to be Hinako, you told her to reveal your existence to anyone that came to her? You wanted them to find you. You planned this."
"Correct, I needed an audience with the Goddess Reborn, and if I was to offer this bargain it was best not to take anyone's life. For we are to be brothers in arms, and to slay ones brother is a heinous crime indeed. I have spoken with her and offered my terms, it is up to her now to decide the next course of this war." The creature finished, glancing back towards Celestine. "Now, do we have a deal? Or will you leave it up to fate."
Claudia watched on, unable to fathom what had just transpired in the few moments that had passed. She looked to Celestine, who furrowed her brow, thinking on what must be done.
"I will honour your request, and find what you seek. Once Olga Discordia is brought to me you will have what you ask for. Not before."
"Acceptable." The werewolf replied.
"Then we are both in agreement." Celestine replied.
Claudia felt her eyes widen, was she actually agreeing to let this creature aid them?
"Please leave us, I must confer with my Shields." Celestine request, and received a nod in return.
The werewolf rose from its seat, neatly tucking it in under the table and departing without saying another word. There was a tense silence in the chamber, it hung there for several minutes before someone finally exploded.
"Are you out of your mind?" Maia yelled, turning towards Celestine to speak that sacrileges words. "That monster tore through over two hundred men and woman, we cannot trust it! It will turn on us the moment it gets whiff of blood or a woman's quim."
"I agree, that beast cannot be trusted, it may speak and behave different than some wild beast but even a dog can learn a trick or two. We should retrieve our weapons and pursue, kill it before it causes any harm." Alicia backed Maia's statement.
"I understand your concerns, I have thought them over many times since the werewolf proposed this deal to me. But in the end it is right, we cannot hope to survive this war if it continues, we are facing the end of the war with ourselves being the conquered." Celestine said. "We must do something to change that, even if there is grave risk."
Claudia did not for a moment believe that this thing could be trusted. It may have spoken, showing it was capable of reason and understanding, but it was a beast. Nothing so evil and twisted could be relied upon.
"I will need to gather a force to send to Garan, quickly. Please fetch for Vault, he will need to be alerted to this." Celestine said.
Claudia didn't want to leave, she wanted to remain here and try to convince Celestine to change her mind. But she knew it would be for naught, she had made up her mind, she knew that, if there was even a sliver of hope this war would be over she would take it. Even if it meant trusting this creature.
Claudia sucked in a breath and moved for the door, planning to find Vault and then discuss the matter in its entirety.
It had gone well.
Strangely enough.
Reginald had thought that he would need to negotiate further, even offer up more to the Goddess Reborn before she finally capitulated. Instead she simply opted to take a much more dangerous route to end the war. Foolish, but not without empathy, her actions were guided equally by wisdom and emotion.
Dangerous as that was it made her a good ruler, and it earned her the loyalty of many in a short time.
Reginald sat within his cell, having returned here following Celestine request he depart. Best not to rouse any suspicion, for if one were to discover that he was free then there would be casualties. Best keep things civil, lest he earn their ire and cause a rift that might lose for him what he desires.
He has learned much in his week here, traversing in the Shadows he has been able to discern the entirety of the castles interior as well as those that reside within. Interesting information he has come across, some of it treasonous, but in the long run it did not matter. Scheming nobles were a common thing, especially those who played second fiddle to the more important people in charge.
Although, he best consider dealing with this when the time comes, he already had plans for them. When Olga was dealt with he would need to see about cleaning up the trash that was left, not just in Zelindo, but everywhere else. Perhaps having an agent or two infiltrate several of the Nobles houses to uncover their secrets would be prudent.
Just because the war was over didn't mean Eostia was safe.
This plan had been in the works for some time, he had high hopes for its success.
"I heard you can talk."
Reginald looked up, opening his eyes and looking at the man that he considered a decent swordsman. Vault he recalled, the name was infamous through the land, and beyond it apparently. Based on what information he could get from the orcs it seems that they were genuinely afraid of the man and his forces.
For all the laurels that get thrown at the Black Dogs feet one would think that they are more capable than average conscripts and levies. Perhaps the standards here were quite poor, this man certainly didn't live up to his reputation.
Not compared to some others.
Garrosh Hellscream, Tirion Fordring, Ronin, Varian Wrynn, they inspired fear, mortal beings that had attained great notoriety be it by conquering and defeating great adversaries or through the sheer terror they could instil in others. Be they good or evil or not at all, they had earned their place as dangerous and terrifying men. Truly monstrous individuals, ones even Reginald would not face alone. But this man? Just a mercenary that thought himself a big shot. Competent with a sword, although it seems he tends to hit the drink and plough into woman more than keep his sword skills sharp.
His reputation hung on the drunken ramblings of the fools that served under him, who oddly enough served loyally. But given that they seemed to throw a damn celebration every time they have a sit down it was any wonder they thought the man great. Everyone loves a man that can put food in their mouths, fill their bellies with wine, and get woman to warm their beds. But it was a shallow loyalty, one that is easily bought and quickly lost when the man could no longer provide.
"Also heard you can get us up to Garan, that true?" Vault inquired, leaning on the bars of the cell.
"Easily." Reginald replied, taking no amusement when the man seemed to flinch at his words.
"Nasty bark you got there." Vault said, leaning away from the bars.
"You haven't even seen my bite." Reginald quipped in response, earning an uneasy smile from the man as if he was torn between laughing or giving a shudder.
Most were always daunted by a Death Knight, usually it was their very aura that made others tremble in fear. But if these mundane humans could not sense the sheer darkness that resided within him than they were blessed. For to just feel revulsion from his words was better than what most others would suffer through.
The Goddess for example, her fears were easily seen, and felt, she could feel the very void within his being. His own soul twisted and hidden within the darkest depths of the evil magic that made him into what he is. Feeling that was difficult, outright horrifying, and if one was not careful it can leave lasting scars on the mind.
"I will guide you across the Badlands, keep your men alive and aid you in the march to Garan. From there we will capture the Black Fortress and with it the Queen." Reginald stated. "Is that to your satisfaction?"
"Don't know if I can trust you."
"I would be surprised if you did." Reginald replied. "Let us just say that if you fail I will have too answer to the Alliance, and that is something I do not wish. I have better things to do than murder helpless soldiers and Knights."
Whether the Black Dogs succeeded or failed was not his concern, they had failed their duty to many times in protecting the valley so it was time they made up for it. They were going to pay with blood for the suffering they had not stopped, all that mattered was settling this business with Garan and then securing peace in the Valley and removing any possible threats to the people.
Last thing he needed was the Archbishop sending Dawn Templar to teach the people the right god to worship. Best be sure that someone is near that fat brownnosed bigot to make sure he doesn't do anything incredible moronic. But he made sure that Celestine kept that Archbishop on a tight leash, as well as direct her to find the corruption the Shields overlooked within Zelindo.
"Doesn't exactly make it clear if you won't sink your teeth into my neck." Vault said.
"What I will gain from bringing Olga back here is worth more than killing you or any of your minions, besides… I could have killed you and a lot of others back in Ulfraden. I chose not to because it benefits me for you to be alive." Reginald replied.
Vault was guilty of negligence, incompetence mostly, but also being an accomplice. Reginald knew that the Black Dogs were heavily involved with the Noble of Zelindo, Vault was close with the upper echelon and was covering for them and aiding in their illegal activities.
He lied about the quarterly quotas and made sure blame was pushed towards the people.
It was suspected that they were behind the entire orc invasion, using the orcs to wipe out the population to cover up the Nobles greed. Although it was idiotic, if they had destroyed the valley it would cause a mass famine that would likely spell the end of Ansur in its entirety. But stupidity was not something that could be rationalised.
"So, when do we leave?"
"Tomorrow, from there it is up to Diohart." Vault replied, pushing off the bars and turning. "Will send someone around to collect you."
"No need."
Reginald would imagine that Vault had a very stupid look on his face as he turned back to see the cage was empty. But the truth is he was so dead too all things that even the pleasant feeling of making a fool of another man did not bring any joy. Most of any emotion he displayed was feigned, truly a depressing life to have if that emotion in turn wasn't gone as well.
But it had its benefits.
For now he rose up and traversed the Shadows, moving through the bowls of this palace and making his way for the outside world. He would wait for Vault there, and would march with him back to Diohart. He wondered idly if they would go along the Tower Road for Ivo, or along the path through the Untouched Valley. Would be good to make sure everything had been settled there before he departed, although given the tension there Vault would likely circumvent it to avoid conflict.
But he had another course in mind, he would need to pick up his weapon. Best not leave it in the hands of fools, they would go mad, Saronite was never something a mortal mind was meant to hold.
Dawn had come and gone, along with several days, and already they were within arms reach of Diohart. As expected they had travelled along the Tower Road, it was a longer route but it was impossible to avoid.
He was astride his Deathcharger, his personnel stead that was bound to him through the Shadows. Thankfully even through the vast distance of the Greater Dark he could call upon his faithful companion, sad to say he couldn't do the same with the rest of his order. But regardless his trusty stead was with him.
Most had balked at the undead animal, its hooves set alight with ghostly flames and the dark armour that adorned its decaying body. But he did not care, and if any fool got to close they lose a few fingers or even an entire hands to the maws of his stead. When asked what its name was Reginald had given no answer, for in truth he had not given it a name.
But in a moment of whimsy he thought of calling the stallion Fal'amare, it was Thalassian, it meant 'Death's Stead'. Quite fitting, after all he was once chosen to be one of the Four Horsemen.
Although the march had been uneventful, aside from watching a man or two lose a few digits to his horse, the beginning had been quite humorous. When he had met with Vault outside the city he was joined by another, Maia, it would seem that the Mercenary Queen has a few choice words for him. Ranging from if he betrays them he would suffer, if anything happened to her lover he would die screaming. The typical nonsense given out to someone you saw as a threat to your yet unborn children and soon to be baby-father.
His response was curt and polite, somewhat.
Apart from the threats on his life he had yet to square things away in the Untouched Valley, although he had made sure that he had relayed some orders to the people there before his capture. As well as after, he had a few people in the Palace already, sent ahead of time for his future schemes. Best to plan ahead, if things went wrong up north or even after his return it was best he had ears close to those in charge. If all else fails he would be in a perfect position to take charge.
Never have only one plan, if it fails you are scrambling with no idea what to do next.
For now he would need to consider how best to deal with Olga Discordia. A powerful sorcerer and with centuries of experience, not to be underestimated, also he had no idea what kind of defences he will be dealing with once he arrives.
"Alright, listen up doggy." Vault said, it was his pet name for him.
Reginald suspected he should be insulted, but truthfully he knew it was this man's poor attempt to show off his authority and bravery in front of his men. Let him keep it, after all if he felt at ease with him nearby and thought him a loyal comrade it was in his benefit. After all, the moron was quick to forget he could tear his throat out with a single sideways swing of his claw.
Given how close they were riding next to one another, he could do it right now.
How quickly people forget how dangerous someone is, when their own ego gets the better of them. Smart men never let their guard down around their minions, because in this world, to gain power and authority all it takes is time, motive and opportunity. And most of the men here would kill the man they adore just to take his position.
"When we get into Diohart you are to be on your best behaviour, I don't want you doing anything, just sit where I tell you and don't move." Vault said, he looked serious and truthfully Reginald had only the courtesy to give a singe glance before facing forward again.
Thankfully he wasn't inflating his ego any further, the rest of the journey forward was silent. But unexpectedly when the city came into sight he would have thought Vault would have tied him to a tree. But instead he gave no word, and even as they moved for the gates Reginald looked to Vault and wondered if he even recalled his presence.
But he said nothing. Odd that Vault would allow him into the city, in full view of everyone. That oddity earned him some stares and gawking from the people, even a few screamed and ran off thinking something horrible was about to transpire. Even other Mercenaries came running over with blades drawn, but Vault called them to a halt and said not to cause any harm.
Eventually they arrived at the town square, the criers and upper class here were all present. Most were merchants who travelled city to city, and others were scribes of the church and from the cities nobility. What counted as nobles anyway, most were mercenaries risen up to ranks of prestige earned through lot of money and plunder.
How quick those barterers and scribes went silent at the sight of him, at least at first. Cries of demon and monster soon resounded through the square, some even calling for Vault to kill the beast. Instead he just put on a typical smirk and strolled up to the main stage in the centre of the square.
"People! I have returned! And with good tidings!" Vaulted called out. "Two months have gone by, two moons and I have missed you all! My good merchants and the welcoming masses! Along with the eager dames!"
A laugh resounded through the square. Although not a dame was in sight.
"But the news I bring will see to great change! I behold to you! This werewolf!" Vault said, gesturing to him from the stage, his smirk seemed to widen. "Do not fear it! For it is the pet of the Goddess, who now seems to command and consort with monsters!"
Reginald narrowed his eyes slightly, that was a very demeaning statement, and one that seems to have an affect on the people. Something was amiss here. For he ignored the words directed at him, he cared not for any slight on towards himself, but towards the Goddess herself spoke more about this man than anything.
"Yes, she has consorted with this creature, if only to help bring about the end of Olga Discordia herself!" There was a murmur from the crowd, some shouting to know what he means. "For this beast has a way to the Black Fortress, to finally reach that bitch and put her in her place!"
A cry of surprise came from the people, some cheering at the news.
"Yes! We are finally going to end this war, all the pain and misery we have suffered through will be over! No longer will be be downtrodden by beasts and arrogant upstarts who think us as nothing! Instead, we will live like kings!" Vault called out, raising his fist to the sky.
A cheer erupted, they were eating it up. He was charismatic it seemed, although his choice of words were of some concern. For a moment Reginald suspected he wasn't speaking just about Olga Discordia. His words were short and seemed to hold secret meaning that only those here understood. He was reminding the people of something, something that was best to be kept hidden.
But he pushed it from his mind for the moment, he would need to wait for whatever game Vault was playing to be over.
"Now dog, stay here, do not start a fuss." Vault said, stepping from the stage, before he addressed the people around him. "Now treat this one with deference, it is the Goddesses personnel pet after all."
Reginald noticed several sneers reach the lips of the people, scoffs and even a few people spitting to the ground. It would seem that the Goddess is not popular here, and from the words released from Vault's mouth he shared that sentiment. Quite interesting, it seems that he was not as loyal to her as first suspected, perhaps it was only the money.
"Excellent speech Vault, nicely done."
Reginald turned to the speaker, finding a rounded man with thick robes that made it difficult to determine just how obese he was. Those gaudy colours made it near impossible to not feel revulsion at the horrid designs and how bright they were. But Reginald was more inclined to his face, recognising the man as a Noble of Zelindo.
"Undercroft, glad you could make it, those shipments here?" Vault asked.
"Indeed." The large man smiled jovially, before he seemed to be terrified when he glanced towards him. "Is that…"
"Don't mind him, lets discuss this up in the palace, over some wine and woman, and since you confirmed it we have few new girls from my buddy Morgan." Vault said, taking the man by the shoulder and leading him away.
As the two walked away Reginald turned and regarded the square, he was still receiving several looks and most were terrified. With an exhale he turned and moved for the stage, leaning against it and waiting for this escapade to end.
"My Lord."
Reginald's ear twitched as he heard the utterance, glancing to his right and seeing a hooded woman standing next to him. Her form was shrouded in darkness, both of the cloak and the dark energies that it was saturated in. She was not in the material plane, but the Shadows. Hidden from sight of these people and for only his eyes to see and ears to hear.
"There has been a development, we are being invaded."
Reginald narrowed his eyes.
Vault enjoyed the simple things in life, they were women, wine and money. Many times he could have risen up to become a noble or even Lord, but the position came with too many strings attached and you had to tend with the bore that was politics.
He preferred to be a mercenary, here you could do almost whatever the hell you wanted and get rich doing it. The last thirty years have been like that for him, going from one fight to the next and enjoying the spoils of every victory. Ever since he was twelve he has done nothing but fight and claw his way to the top of this company to make it what it is.
"I forgot to mention, you man, Hicks, has returned." Undercroft said.
"Really? And he didn't even come to welcome me home, ungrateful jackass." Vault said, smiling all the same, he had a good idea what Hicks was up to.
"Yes, he apologises but he was busy, he wanted to make sure the latest shipment from Morgan is up to standard." Undercroft said, confirming his suspicions.
"I take it from that smile they are just as good as promised?" Vault asked, and received a devilish smile in return.
Entering his private palace he could already smell the sweat and hear the sounds of debauchery waft through the hall. Walking further in he could see one of his boys pinning a Dark Elf to the wall and rutting her for all his worth.
As he moved into the main throne room her found similar acts occurring all around, even on his so called chair he could see Hicks leaning back and enjoying the warm mouth of some white haired elf. Her head bobbed up and down from his lap, and the man in question gave a casual wave to greet them.
"Welcome back Vault, how was the trip down south?" Hicks asked, hand on top of the elf girls head and controlling the motions of each bob.
"Didn't do as much killing or fucking as I would have hoped, that Goddess of ours is a real pain in the ass. But I got some good news." Vault said. "I'll give you the scoop, just get off my throne already."
"Give me a second." Hick replied, smirking as he forced the girls head down against his lap, and let out a content sigh. "Okay, chairs all yours, and you can have this one too, nice and tight. No matter what hole you use."
"Good to know." Vault replied, taking his seat and not bothering to look at the pale elf next to his seat, her chin stained with Hick's seed.
All around the room he could see the latest batch of woman being taken to by some of his Sergeants. Most of them were Dark Elves, taken from the streets of Zelindo and Ansur, but they were not the only ones here. Most of the woman brought in were slaves taken from all corners of Eostia.
The one beside him, was a Light elf, rare to have around these parts and probably the closest any man could come to fucking someone like their Goddess. They fetched a hefty price, and it was always worth it, they live long and they never lose their tightness, they're a life long investment.
"So, what's the good news?" Hicks asked, pulling up his slacks as he asked.
"We got a way to Garan, just got a new pet that can help us." Vault said.
"Really? So we can finally stick it to that Olga bitch then?" Hicks asked.
"That and more, I think it is finally time we start discussing the plans for the new empire." Vault replied, leaning back into his throne and smiling.
How did you like it? Let me know what you think?
