Here is another chapter, hope you like it, this one was fun to do actually. Most of it is talking but it is one that I feel has character.
Anyway, this chapter details the direction the story is going in, things are going to be different here. Very different, not like all the other stories. Where the hero comes along and he joins up and they become friends. Reggie is not the loveable type that gets tears with the ladies or charms them with his muscles.
Also at the bottom of the chapter I decided to explain a few things, because it seems that people are mistaking a few things in the story. So I plan to make small additions to the chapters at the end to explain some major events in this stories universe as well as other elements.
Now, enjoy the chapter.
The Hand of Suffering
Chapter 12: Stroking the Fire
Ken
It has been two months since the Black Dogs had departed from Ken, leaving behind Eostia to travel to the Black Fortress to finally end the war. No word had reached them of the Black Dogs success, or of their defeat, the silence was the worst thing for them. No not know what had happened, to fear that another attack may come and their proud defenders had been lost.
There was some hope.
Many were waiting for their glorious return, to be hailed as heroes that had ended the war with Olga Discordia. It would be marked with long celebrations and awards for the many that had seen to the end of this conflict. Many would be mourned, the hundreds and thousands of faces that had lost their lives in this two and half century long war. Given proper respects and rather than hastily buried and forgotten to time, they would be given their respectful rest in the tombs beneath the city.
Celestine looked over her city and wondered if her dream was about to come true. It felt so strange to consider the possibility that maybe after all these centuries the fruits of her labours were about to pay off.
But there were doubts that cast a shadow on her hopes.
Olga Discordia was a powerful foe, not one to be underestimated and certainly not a pushover as some might say. She was her equal, possibly even her better, for the Dark Queen of Garan possesses power that rivalled any Dark Elven Queen in the past. There was no telling how powerful she may have become over these long decades in seclusion within the Black Fortress of Garan.
Time would tell, whether the Black Dogs return over the Badlands or another wave of orcs. Celestine had already begun marshalling what forces she could. Maia, Alicia and Claudia were ready to march. But Kaguya had summoned her Samurai warriors and her General as well to aid in a possible offensive. Luu-Luu was ready to lend her support, having sent word back to Thorn to see about bringing her warriors to the front.
They had marshalled a forced of over four thousand. A paltry number, but they were the mightiest their nation could offer. Time would see more brought to bear, but they may not have time on their side for long.
"It has been some time since we have heard anything, I am concerned." Claudia said aloud, standing beside Celestine as they gazed out over the city.
"As am I, Maia too more than likely. We cannot know what is happening across the Badlands, if they have succeeded or not. We have no choice but to wait." Celestine said.
Maia had been anxious for the last few weeks, uncertain of how to deal with the situation and the idea that the man she loved might never be coming home. Celestine understood her worry, maybe not as intimately involved as she was, but she knew the concern of sending the Black Dogs off and not knowing if they would return.
"And if that creature returns and the Black Dogs are not here?" Claudia asked.
"Then we have been tricked." Celestine said.
In the days since the creature's departure with the Black Dogs she has had a chance to think clearly, having several nights of rest she has finally regained her wits. Sad to say it came too late to realize that perhaps she had made a hasty decision to trust the creature.
Her weakened mental state along with the desire to see this war end had made her latch onto some shred of hope that she could save this nation. Now she had no idea if she had doomed this nation and all its people to a being she had no idea of its intentions.
"I pray I have not been misled, that the creature will keep its word and that in time it will return with the Black Dogs and Olga Discordia in tow. That is my hope." Celestine thought, but even she had her doubts it would be returning with the Dark Queen.
Its request had been so simple, a single Tome from the Ansur Library – which had been confiscated from the city and brought back to Ken following the nations collapse. It wanted the tome, even specified which chapter it wished to read, how it had knowledge of this particular book she had not the faintest idea. But it seemed to be interested in Gateway Magic, for what reason she could not discern.
For it to come to her and ask for this, very specifically, and then to betray them seemed odd to her. He wanted the book, was willing to go to these lengths to gain it, there was no way this could be just some scheme. It could still be, a very elaborate one mind you, but she had a theory that it had ulterior motives. A scheme in the works, one that did not benefit this nation.
"If it is to turn up my Knights are ready to apprehend it, we will take it down and…"
"No, Maia has already told us of the dangers of facing it, if it could hold back so many and restrain itself in not killing any of them, I cannot risk your lives." Celestine said.
If it came down to it, she would need to face this creature herself, using all her power to stop it and give her allies a chance to destroy it. There was no other option, she would need to be the one that faced it, only she was the one that could defeat it.
"I cannot do that, it is too dangerous to let it roam free, even if Vault claims that he could tame the creature we do not know what would happen if it slipped off the leash." Claudia said.
"We will know soon enough." Celestine replied.
This had been an argument they have had for some time, with many others in fact. It had been difficult trying to douse the fires of conflict in the people's hearts, and while she had been successful in holding back their need for violence, there is still a desire to lash out.
The Untouched Valley is one such place of contention, many had wanted to step forward and cleanse the region.
Alicia, Maia, Kaguya, Claudia and Grissom had voiced their desires to invade and discern the nature of the cult and to wipe it out. Each had their own reasons, some were too personnel for her liking, and the others were driven by far darker motives. She had restrained them from taking action, but she knew that the Archbishop would still make a move whether she wished it or not.
What she feared most was Claudia leading the charge and slaughtering innocent villagers, for all her belief in the Church Celestine did not think her faithful protector could stomach killing people. It would be an experience that would haunt her. Not only that, it could spell the end of her days as a Knights and see her stripped of her status and honour.
Celestine hoped to not do such a thing to any of her Knights, not again.
Alice and Kaguya however seemed eager to move forward with some kind of offensive. The former to reap out justice on those that had turned their backs on the Alliance and Church. The latter wished to investigate the Cult and capture this imposter that has taken the name of her former Shrine Priestess and dishonoured her name.
But she had held off on doing anything. In fact, she had been planning something with the Valley since she learned of the Cults zealous devotion to the werewolf. It is possible that they could gain back the Valley's allegiance and support if they allowed them to remain as they are, to sort out their complaints and even promise to allow the werewolf to remain free.
If she could form an Alliance maybe she could slowly reintegrate them back into her nation, forgive them and then plan what to do with the werewolf. If she could resolve this peacefully, stop any conflict that had arisen and prevent further loss of life maybe relations could be repaired.
But this plan relied on if the werewolf could be trusted in the end.
If the people were devoted to it as Maia and Alicia said, actively worshipping it and holding it in reverence similarly to herself, that meant any hostility directed to it could mean civil war. That was something best to be avoided, if not because of the ramifications of slaughtering tens of thousands of people, but the logistical and military expenditure would throw this country and Ansur into recession.
"I have several plans in the works, no matter what happens you do not…"
A series of knocks came from the door, rapid thumps that shook the frame, and without even waiting for permission a Knight charged in. She was breathing heavily and fighting to catch her breath to speak.
"What is the meaning of this? You entered without permission! Speak!" Claudia barked, stepping towards her Knight and looming over her.
"It is alright Claudia, give her a chance to catch her breath." Celestine said.
"No… I need to… tell you… now." The Knight said, straightening and speaking as quickly as she was able. "The werewolf… it's here… and it is not alone…"
It had been over a century since she last saw this city.
Riding through the streets were bringing back a lot of old memories, most of them were unpleasant. Especially given her current situation, she wrung her hands and grimaced at the rope that was starting to give her blisters.
Around her she could see people, humans most of all, looking on in shock and horror. But most of all they looked angry, seeing her and her charge ride into their city without so much as a guard to stop them likely was going to cause a stir. It was almost enjoyable to watch their expressions.
The guards at the gate, all thirty of them, had tried to stop them and take her captive while also trying to kill her captor. Didn't end well for them, they were alive, but they would not be getting back up to chase after them anytime soon.
Leaning back into the chest of her captor she looked towards the royal palace in the distance, her old rival certainly has risen up in the world. She wonders if she had to throw away all those morals and ethics she once preached about to get where she is now, High Queen to a nation filled with snakes and vipers.
"Is there no way I can change your mind?" Olga inquired, glancing up towards Reginald who did nothing but grunt.
That was enough to tell her she was not getting out of these bindings, it was time she faced the Goddess Reborn and her Shields. It was laughable, Goddess? Shields? They were fancy titles that were given without any truth behind them. Lies and deceptions. It seems that her bad influence had rubbed off on Celestine.
Soon they reached the steps, hundreds had gathered there. From the looks of it the people had come to see the Goddess, or pray to her, it was revolting to watch. The only joy she got was them backing away in fear from the undead steed they road upon. People shrieking and cursing up a storm, begging for help from anyone to save them from her and the beast she rose with.
"Halt!"
Looking to the top of the steps she could see a contingent of Dawn Templar, silver armour and swords. Led by a woman with pale blonde hair, she raised her sword and aimed it towards them.
"You! Creature! Surrender now, and hand over Olga Discordia to us!" She called out.
Reginald dismounted, lifting her from the stead and placing her back on the ground, and with a wave of his hand the horse rushed off and seemed to burst into green flames. As it disappeared, they walked up the steps, her being led by the arm towards the entrance.
"Stop! You will halt or we will not spare you!" The woman said.
Reginald did not bat an eye as he continued to walk upwards.
Eventually he was within arm's reach of the Knight, who lashed out with a swing. The sword didn't even leave a dent in the armour, it bounced off and didn't even break the werewolf's stride. She attempted again, but her weapon was grasped and ripped from her hands.
As Reginald tossed aside the blade he reached forward against and took the Knight by the throat. Pulling her close he leaned down towards her and snarled.
"You are in my way."
He tossed her aside, leaving her gasping on the ground and the rest of the Knights moving to encircle him and readying to attack. Organised and efficient, she was almost impressed, but had they any idea what they were dealing with they would not be willing to get so close.
With a single gesture the ground beneath them turned a dark oily substance, and before the Knights could react dark shadowy claws grasped at them. They were pulled to their knees, weapons lost and unable to fight back as they were immobilised. Without a word they marched forward and past the trapped Knights.
Olga had to admire the restraint of her captor, he had been holding back, he could have killed them with any number of spells if it so wished. Yet he didn't seem to desire to see them dead, she had seen him kill Black Dogs and orcs without any issue. Perhaps it was all about the person he was killing, maybe he only killed when you met a certain criteria.
Walking through the halls, looking at the murals depicting the history of the rise of Eostia, lies and deceptions. Making the humans out to be morally right and pure, guilty conscience she suspected, having realised their sins they now try to bury them. Olga wondered if it was Celestine who was the cause, having hidden these crimes from them so they did not have to face them.
"Liars, cheats, they think they can escape their own past." Olga mused aloud, scowling as she was led into the main chamber of the palace.
All around were nobles, lining each side of the hall, and at the far end of the chamber she could see the Seven Shields. Celestine sitting between the six upon her throne, at least she kept it humble. Reginald had drawn his Scythe, and with a casual swing buried it into the stone floor, causing a few to back away as the metal punched through the stone.
Walking forward she was brought before the very edge of dais they were seated, and then forced to her knees. A silence followed, only feint whispers could be heard, Celestine watching impassively.
"Where is Vault?"
The red-haired woman to Celestine's right said, rising from her seat and clenching her fists along with her teeth. That was Maia, of the Rose Company of Ansur, a mercenary band mostly composed of women. They were a relatively new force as she could recall, nothing too notable about them apart from that their commander was formally part of the Black Dogs.
"Where is he you bastard!?" She yelled, her hands resting on the handles of her blades and waiting to be drawn.
She would have continued, but a hand from Celestine stopped her from speaking any further. She returned to her seat, although her eyes were set on Reginald, who had not taken his eyes off Celestine.
"You have returned, and brought Olga Discordia as promised, I had my doubts on whether I could trust you. I am glad that I was proven wrong." Celestine said, her words light but carrying through the hall. "You have my thanks, and that of all of the people of Eostia, you have done a good thing bringing Olga here. With her capture it will mark the end of the war and peace to finally reign."
How wrong she was, the war that was coming to an end would become the steppingstone to the war that was about to start. Olga knew that Celestine would never see it coming, Eostia would be conquered in a matter of weeks.
She looked to Reginald, he had not moved or responded. He knew those words were hollow, they didn't respect or want to thank him, they wanted his head on a spike. It was galling to hear her say that to a person and know without a shadow of a doubt those words were false.
"Where are my Knights?" Claudia said, she was Celestine's fabled champion and protector. "I sent a contingent of Knights to take Olga Discordia into custody, where are they?"
Reginald did not speak, his eyes never leaving Celestine as she returned his piercing gaze with her own impassive one. Although Olga could see the wariness in her bright green orbs, the well concealed fear, she understood just how terrifying he was.
"Speak creature! You will answer me!" Claudia yelled, hand on her sword, it was a baseless threat, Olga knew it and so did Reginald.
"Would you answer her question." Celestine asked, her words losing their strength as she was slowly being stared down by the creature.
"They got in the way and tried to take my prisoner. She remains with me and in my custody until you honour your word." Reginald replied, his words seemingly causing a murmur to erupt through the hall.
Shouts and curses were sent towards the creature, demanding that it be put down and that it should be punished for its insolence. It would seem that numbers gave these humans strength, how little that meant to something as powerful as Reginald. Every single person in this hall could be killed with ease, even Celestine was no match for this creature.
Who now was armed and protected. She had the aid of the best swordsman of her people and her own teacher to aid against Reginald. It didn't mean a thing in the end, he defeated them all soundly and, from the looks of it, with a handicap.
"You filthy mongrel!" Alicia yelled, rising from her seat, her swords halfway out of their sheaths.
"We going to kill the dog now?" Luu-Luu asked, jumping from her seat and reaching for a large crude battle axe at her side.
"Wait." Celestine said, raising her hand and stopping the violence from starting. "I did promise you something, I will bring it at once."
With a gesture she sent her advisor off to retrieve the item, Olga had to wonder what it was that the werewolf wanted. But that didn't matter, there was tension in the air as most of the Shield Knights looked ready to leap forward and take his head off. The few minutes they waited was torturous, and when the advisor had returned it brought with it a large tome. Worn and still coated in a thin layer of dust.
'It wanted a book?' Olga thought, why had it wanted something so trivial?
"This is the tome you seek, retrieved from the Library of Ken. It is yours. If you answer some questions." Celestine said.
"Speak." Reginald intoned, and the word incited some very hostile glares and gestures from those around. He had spoken as if giving a servant permission to talk, and directed it to their goddess, Olga was quite amused.
"Where is Vault?"
"The Black Fortress."
"Why did he not come back with you?"
"Because I left him there."
That certainly caused an uproar, people were shouting for blood. Now the Shields were on their feet and ready to lunge at him, in fact she could hear the quick heavy footfalls and several Knights charging through the crowd and out of nearby doorways. They surrounded them on all sides, layer upon layers of armoured warriors waiting to move in for the kill.
But Reginald did not bother to look at them, he didn't even care.
She could do nothing but kneel there and respect that he had not so much as flinched as he was surrounded by at least fifty Knights. Although she suspected they would need a hundred times that number to stand a fighting chance.
"Kill him!" Maia hissed, moving down the steps.
"Hold." Celestine intoned, firm in her words as she called out.
The Knights remained motionless, trained to obey obediently, although the Shield Knights seemed less inclined to obey. Some took a few more steps before they came to a halt, clearly wishing to face him. She would hope that they did, him defeating all the Princess Knights at once. That would be a show of force and a public humiliation all rolled into one.
"Why did you not return with Vault?" Celestine asked.
Surprising that she had not asks why he didn't kill him? Why did he betray them? But that was her way, she made friends by not accusing or demanding, never. It was her way to stand at the side of a person and see their side of the story and help them, while in truth it was simply to gain their trust. She was attempting that now, just like she had done centuries ago when they had first met.
"Because he is a traitor." Reginald replied.
Olga could see surprise and shock overtake the people, she herself shared that same surprise. Although hers was based on the fact he had revealed it so candidly and didn't even try to beat around the bush. She had no idea how this was going to go down, but she had a feeling it was going to get ugly real soon.
Looks like her execution would be happening a lot earlier than expected. Maybe after they kill him.
"How dare you!" Maia yelled, nearly rushing the werewolf, had it not been for two Knights keeping her back she likely would have gotten herself killed. "Don't you fucking dare deface him! That man is a hero, and you are a monster that left him to die!"
"I didn't leave him to die. I left him at the fortress. He is currently allied with an orc warlord known as Guzz'mag. I am certain what I tell you will be confirmed within a few short months." Reginald replied.
His gaze settled on Celestine, she had gone rigid the moment Reginald had revealed the news, and it looked like she had no idea how to respond. She licked her lips and swallowed, trying to find her resolve as she tried to salvage the situation and take back control.
"You left behind a renowned war hero, one that has defended this land for decades, and now you accuse him of treason. Allying with orcs, hinting that he would invade our nation. I am unable to accept this, what proof do you have to even substantiate this claim?" Celestine asked.
"Are you actually believing this?" Maia asked, turning to the Goddess in shock. "This thing is a demon, we should be killing it, not listening to whatever falls from its mouth!"
"I must agree, this creature has a silver tongue, and while one would hope it would choke on it the beast's words cannot be trusted. They are as revolting as they are factitious." Alicia said.
"Please, let us discuss this." Celestine asked, soothingly to the two woman that obviously had other things on their mind. "You have no proof?"
"Must we do this again? Your two Knights failed to press further when they discovered there was an irregularity in Zelindo. One was too busy trying to treat their wounded pride and the other was too blinded by affection to cast doubt on the one she loved and chose to ignore what was plain to see." Reginald replied.
Alicia and Maia became incensed by the comment.
"I have had no reason to investigate Zelindo, and I trust the word of my Knights." Celestine rebuffed.
"But not the people?" Reginald asked. "The people, who in the thousands, called out for help, send messages and pleas for aid only to be met with silence. Just like those two you ignore the truth because you do not wish to believe it to be so horrible."
"Shut up!" Maia yelled, pushing off the Knights and looking ready to attack. "You won't be tricking anyone again; we know who leads that damn cult of yours! We have names! When we are done with you we will hunt those traitors down and end them!"
Reginald gave her a look, and Olga could almost say it was amused.
"Traitors? How many of them had you abandoned, usurped, discarded? Who has betrayed whom here? Who betrayed who first? Is it no wonder they turn to me for help, when their protectors ignore them, when their Goddess abandons them?" Reginald mused aloud. "You have many enemies, as shocking as it may seem, they are not in the Valley. Instead, most of them are in this very room."
The entire hall was in an uproar, the people here wanted blood and it was only a few seconds away from happening. Last thing she wanted was to be torn apart by an angry mob, why the hell was he inciting them so much?
"I am disappointed, of all the Shields I expected you to be able to honour your word. Although I suppose it is to be expected, not being able to hold to your word seems to be a common occurrence for one such as yourself." Reginald stated, looking directly at Celestine when he said that.
Olga had to turn quickly just to see the effect, and she was not disappointed to see a sliver of hurt shone in her eyes. So she did remember, good. She deserved to remember all the pain and suffering that came with her failings.
"I understand that the people of the Valley have suffered, that they are in pain and still reeling from what has happened to them. Only by putting aside their grievances, whatever mistakes have been made on both sides, can we be forgiven and together we can look to securing peace." Celestine said, rising from her seat to speak as she looked around the room. "The war is over, after two and a half centuries of conflict we can finally say with certainty in our hearts that the battle is won and no more need to die."
Celestine looked upon all the faces around her, this was more than a message to Reginald, it was one to all the nobles. That was her way, to spin a situation into her favour, to work the crowd and make them think like she did. Never stuck for long, but in the short time she had control over people she could do miraculous things.
"This conflict with Garan has caused nothing but heartache, it is not glory and honour that made us fight this long war. It was our survival that we fought for, above all things we fought for our right to live. Every family in Eostia can look back from when this war began to now and name those of their family that have died in this centuries long conflict, be it on the battlefield or in their homes that were reduced to rubble by the rampaging armies. All have suffered through this conflict, lost sons, lost father, mother and daughter, from several generations ago to now we have all lost something and that pain has never left us." Celestine said, her words loud and clear. "Do we wish for more to be lost? For more to be slain in what is no longer the necessity to fight for survival but the desire simply to strike out at whomever they can? Even if the enemy be just a farmer?"
She looked back to Reginald now, looking at him with almost pleading eyes. Olga knew that look so well, it had been what made her make so many wrong choices. Her own affection for her long time friend had held her back for decades, preventing her from doing what needed to be done to stop the enslavement of her people. Now she was doing it again, a new victim this time, a new fool to be taken by her pleading eyes.
"The people of the Valley do not deserve to suffer as they have, I cannot imagine what they have gone through and how much pain they have endured. But can we now all see that the threat is over, that we no longer need to be at odds. The people are still our countrymen, and if you protect them so resolutely, then do you not wish to see them live peaceful lives?"
Olga never took her eyes off Reginald, wondering if he was being swayed by what she was saying. He had not spoken immediately, his gaze was upon Celestine and not a single emotion could be read from his lupine features.
"You would not believe the methods I have employed to try and restore the people of the Valley, the lengths I have gone to help them regain their lost selves." Reginald said. "So many had been broken, tormented by what happened to them and their loved one, unable to escape the recurring nightmare that is their life. Families torn apart, friends lost, communities destroyed, lives ruined. But in turn there has been unity like never before, all division had ceased to be. Race, faith, nations, and standing have evaporated."
"Then it is not time for them to be at peace, if they have a chance to rest and let go of this then why not let them?" Celestine asked, practically jumping into the debate as she tried to seize the moment. "We do not need to be at odds, if you guide them, we can have peace."
"Let go of the pain? Such a simple thing to ask, yet impossible to do." Reginald replied.
He looked up toward Celestine, teeth bared and looking very menacing. Her attempt of gaining his support had backfired. Olga knew it, he was not one to be charmed by appearances and fanciful words. It certainly had caught Celestine off guard, unable to respond before he continued.
"What a naïve girl you must be? Thinking that you can wash away tormenting memories and painful scars with but a command. I gave them a way to shed their pain, to unshackle themselves from suffering, I broke the divide and allowed these people to find harmony in the Shadows of their despair." Reginald bared his teeth. "Now you wish them to forget, to forgive, when it is impossible to do so? They will never forget, never forgive, not until retribution has been met."
Olga felt his hands seized her arm and pull her up. The action caused the Knights to ready their weapons. With a wave of his hand the Scythe that had once been near the entrance of the hall had flown back to him.
"Stop! What are you doing?" Celestine cried out.
"The deal has not been fulfilled, you broke your word." Reginald replied. "Olga goes free."
Now the Knights were closing in, only a hasty shout from Celestine stopped them from attacking. Although the other Shields had moved in, Iris Knights, Samurai and Halfling warriors moved to aid the Dawn Templar in surrounding them both. They were not taking any chances of them escaping, but Olga had no idea if that was what was going to happen.
"There is no reason for this, I have what you asked for. I give my assurances that any crimes that have been committed will be looked into. Amnesty can be given as well, to the people and yourself." Celestine stated, but she was slipping, losing control of this negotiation. "Do not do anything rash, let us discuss this, I gave me word to reward you for your aid. I will not forsake such a promise."
Olga felt her blood boil, how many times had she made a promise that was never fulfilled. How many times had people died and were enslaved because of promises she had no way of keeping. She speaks of being generous and doing right by him, but it was but a farce, words that held no truth to them. She was lying through her teeth now.
"A promise? You have already forsaken it. Now what flows from your mouth is a lie, like a child unwilling to accept they have done wrong. Desperate to try and make it true so she doesn't have to face the consequences of her deception. But that is not to be unexpected. Not from you." Reginald replied, releasing her as he strolled forward, much to the surrounding warrior's anxiety.
"I guided your Knights to Zelindo and they did nothing, ignored the issue in favour of personal matters that held no importance to the suffering of the people. They disregarded corruption and injustice, looked upon it clearly and shifted their gazes elsewhere and chose to ignore what was clear for all to see." Reginald replied. "I come here myself, offer a great reward, expecting you to follow a simple request, instead you back away and refuse to do anything. You preach about honour, justice and virtue, and yet they are but hollow words that fall from your mouth and have no substance to them."
A snarl escaped its throat. Celestine tried to speak, but Reginald beat her to the punch. He was tearing her apart, and Olga was eating it up, she wanted to see this, wanted to see her thrown off that high pedestal and finally see just how far she had fallen. Reginald could do it, he had done the same to her, in fewer words no less, if he was going this far, it meant he was going to utterly break her.
"Everything I have told you, everything I have guided you towards, had been for naught. You claim to not know the suffering they have endured, you do not know, and choose to ignore it to save yourself from the knowledge you have done nothing. Nothing to save them from their torment. Nothing to help them to overcome it. Nothing to punish those that have wronged them."Reginald said, baring his teeth. "But that has always been your way, pushing your vision of a eutopia this nation could be, to make it perfect in your eyes. It is a lie."
"What do you mean?" Celestine asked, her word coming out as a rasp of breath, her eyes wide and terrified. Yes, she was starting to see now, starting to feel the icy claws around her heart.
"For centuries you fought to make this country into a vision of perfection, to make it in your eyes the greatest it could be. But after everything you think you have accomplished, it has been for naught. This nation you pulled from the brink, saved from collapsing into anarchy, cleansed of corruption and evil. You have done nothing, but deluded yourself into thinking that you have changed anything."
Celestine fell into her chair, frozen in shock and with wide eyes listening to the beast that seemed to know more about her than it realized. Olga watched, feeling some sympathy for her, she had been in her place not so long ago. Although around her there was quiet, people were listening, but they sure as hell weren't as morose as the High Queen was.
"You have been fashioned into a High Queen, a Goddess, lies and deceptions you hold onto because like all the rest that you have built in this nation, is but an illusion. The truth is, you use that illusion to try and hide the fact that you are terrified. A scared child too afraid to admit the truth, because if she does than what else that exists in this perfect world of yours is also wrong? You sit upon that throne, locked in this fortress, unwilling to move out into the world beyond these walls and see for yourself if what you created is true or not, unwilling to face the possibility that it does not live up to the fantasy you created."
Olga watched on, the people were mad, hell they were going the way of a pack of wild dogs with the way they were baring their teeth. They were furious, utterly enraged, if so much as a glass shattered on the ground they would pounce.
"You fabricated this lie, this deception for all to see, but it was only to blind you to one horrifying truth that you cannot escape. Eostia is a lost cause. You have failed. Your dream will never come true. "
Now Olga knew he was just doing this to piss them off. But by the gods he did a bang-up job.
But his words had gotten Celestine's cool to slip, the sorrow was overwhelmed, a scowl appeared on her face and the way her fingers curled against her arm rest all but showed her frustration. This guy knew how to get under your skin, it was terrifying. He had done it to her, and as much as she did not want to admit it, he knew things about her that left Olga feeling like a weak child.
"Templar!" Claudia yelled, immediately the Knights raised their swords and prepared to attack. "Take Olga Discordia and kill-!"
"Hold!" Celestine said, rising from her throne and slowly moving forward.
She came close, brushing past her Shields and the Dawn Templar to stand before the werewolf. Olga had to admit she had some spirit to do that, because even she didn't have the strength to do the same. Olga looked on, daunted by what she was witnesses, she watched like some child looking up to her squabbling parents.
"I have protected this nation for the last two hundred and fifty years, overcome many obstacles that tried to hinder my progress. I will not be labelled a fool or a liar, this nation has suffered enough, lost too much. I will not allow more bloodshed and ruin to follow." Celestine said, with a wave of her hand she pulls the massive tome forward.
It slammed onto the ground before Reginald, she looked up at him and was defiant. Gone was all fear, she was strong now, holding her ground.
"Take the book and leave, return to that den of yours and trouble my people no longer. But I warn you now: if there is another attack on Zelindo or Diohart or anywhere in Ansur, I will dispatch forces immediately to deal with whoever is responsible. If it comes down to it, I will come personally." Celestine stated, glaring hatefully up at Reginald. "You will not be getting another chance."
There was actually silence, two very powerful forces were staring each other down and looking ready to tear at each other like animals. Olga was enraptured by the scene before her, it was like looking up towards to gods about to fight one another. Neither of them were anything of the sort, but it was what it felt like.
Then there was a reverberating chuckle that echoed through the deathly silent halls. Many flinched at the grating sounds, Olga among them, but Celestine did not buckle. Her anger and hate keeping her whits in check.
"Finally… you show your resolve. Good. You'll need it when the Black Dogs get here." Reginald said, raising his hand and pulling the book into his palm. "Olga is yours, do with her as you wish."
Reginald had turned around and moved off, walking past the surrounding warriors without a care. The Knights and Samurai moved to attack, but Celestine halted such action.
"Let him go." Celestine ordered, glaring at the werewolf's back.
"You're just going to let him leave? After all he has said?" Alicia asked.
"We know where he is going, he has nowhere else to go." Celestine replied, her words were icy cold. "If it comes down to it, I know exactly where to strike."
For the first time Olga could see some fire in the Light Elf's eyes, it was something she had never borne witness too in her entire life. It was impressive to say the least, and it gave her old friend strength she never knew she had. Finally, those eyes fell on her, and for a moment she was anxious.
"Take her to the dungeons."
Celestine took a sip of her tea.
The balance was perfect, the added honey gave it a little kick in flavour, one of the better teas she had tasted in some time. But her mood would not improve, it had become locked in a state of constant turmoil that prevented her from letting go of her rising frustration.
It had been a week since the werewolf had departed, and in that time her mood had only continued to worsen. At times she had made small jabs at people, trying to alleviate her annoyance so to try and deflate from her already tense state of mind. Some instances she looked back on and had to admire their effectiveness on stopping incessant prattling.
Other times she would be aghast with herself for how cruel she had sounded. Especially to those that did not deserve such treatment.
One occasion she had to go through another Council meeting, one of the Lords had spoken up on dealing with the Valley again. When he kept pressuring her she had in no short amount of words actually threatened to cut his head off to make him shut up, along with being an example for everyone else to be silent. It certainly caused a quiet to fall over the nobles, even given Claudia pause, but she had made her point. As much as she thought about it, she knew that it could have been handled better.
Threats shouldn't be how things were solved, it is through negotiation and words rather than violence or force. But what was she to do? She was unbalanced and her own aggression was getting the better of her.
All because of that damn werewolf.
His words had left their mark, somehow leaving behind a very cold and heartless person. The monster was certainly more than it seemed, for it had picked up on things she had not dared voice in fear of others, even herself, from hearing.
Failure.
She had buried that fear deep, hidden it behind so many locks and chains that she hoped to forget about it. Forget the many promises she had been unable to keep, the people she had been unable to help, those that she lost because she didn't do enough. For centuries she had buried these feelings, the pain of loss and defeat were bitter and painful. After she had finally succeeded in her long sought after goal, she had thought she could wash away those memories and the pain to move on with her life and bask in the warmth of her accomplishments.
But in only a few words those once distant and forgotten memories had come rushing back, he broken through her defences and seen all her insecurities and used them again her. Thrown them in her face and reminded her of every single moment where she had lost.
"More tea?"
"Yes." Celestine muttered half-heartedly.
As much as she had tried to halt the conflict with the Valley, a part of her desired to face this problem and handle it personally.
Truthfully, she wanted to know what was going on, as much as she wanted to investigate the Valley herself she didn't want to start any unnecessary conflict. If the entire Valley was behind the werewolf, she best not to antagonise them, even if they were just farmers, they could do some damage.
For the moment at least.
Maintaining peace for the moment was more important, until Vault returned with his army. They could marshal his forces along with whatever could be scrounged up and sent to deal with the Valley. The Werewolf would be a problem, but she was confident in her own abilities to defeat it, and the cultists would fall to the blades of her…
She caught herself quickly there.
She considering attacking first. To go in and kill thousands of people and that werewolf? Not so long ago she had been disgusted by the noble's desire to cleanse the valley, she had threatened them with death to not do anything. Look at her now? One train of thought voiced the merits of keeping the peace, while the next proposed possible ways for her to murder thousands of people.
'He got to me.' Celestine mused, that werewolf had pushed her buttons and now she was angry and wanted to vent it somewhere.
So this was what it was like to be so angry that you wanted to lash out, it made her realise just how hard it is to contain such hate. Looking to the maid, she was calm and collected, seemingly unaffected by the foul mood of her master. She was of a stronger breed it seemed, being the head maid of the palace that was to be expected.
She has only had the job for a year, and the head-made for three of those months, she certainly has taken to her duties well. Even weathering the hostility of her master.
But Celestine could not say the same for the previous one.
The head-maid had only been at her side for two days, recently returning from a visit from her home in Ansur. She had taken over being Celestine's personal attendant after the other maid had to deal with her aggressive behaviour ever since the werewolf departed. The poor girl had been brought to tears by the end of it, and had to be sent off.
She was young too, having served on the staff for less than a year. Celestine had found her nice and carefree, and now she was likely sobbing somewhere thinking she had done wrong. It was even more shameful to admit that she had not even apologised to the girl, just dismissing her and requesting a new maid.
Celestine hoped she would not go down the same path, she had been part of the staff for only a few months and she was good at her job. More than that she actually spoke frankly with her, conversation such as that was something she enjoyed. But at the moment the advice being given was something that was only stirring to boiling furnace that had settled in her heart.
"You need to try and compose yourself, acting as you do now is having some detrimental effects." Jocasta said, calm and clipped.
"It is not that easy." Celestine brushed off.
"You did not seem to believe it so, having said as much to that werewolf when it appeared." The head-maid responded in turn, and that had only fanned the flames rather than doused them.
It was like having her own words thrown back in her face, saying that she was wrong and she didn't know what she was talking about. Nothing but a mouthpiece that spewed nonsense that no one understood and barely listened to because there was nothing worth hearing.
"Do not pester me with this." Celestine ordered. "I only need time."
"You need to find an outlet, something to show you that blind anger is not going to help you. Show you just how dangerous it can be." Jocasta replied, an odd bout of wisdom, perhaps she had some experience Celestine was not aware of.
Truthfully this had been the politest conversation either of them have had, in one instance when the Head-Maid had suggested she apologise to the other maid Celestine had lost her temper. She had actually raised a hand, as if with the intent to strike, but she had reigned herself in a the last moment before she did something she regretted.
Celestine had enough control over herself to make sure she didn't allow that to happen again. But a part of her thought she should have struck, done something to vent this frustration instead of bottling it up. To hurt someone. That had sobered her for a time. Now, that feeling was churning inside her, like an ache that needed o be alleviated.
The urge that had not be satiated. Becoming more intoxicating the longer it was held back.
"That will be all for today." Celestine said, once it had been a simple goodbye for her. Now she felt like she was ordering them out of her sight, only using less threatening words.
Jocasta slowly left the chamber, she didn't run or flee from it, she just departed as if nothing was wrong. Strong willed that one, being able to put up with her for as long as she did.
Celestine felt some relief knowing she had someone she can speak with that wouldn't be affected by her mood. Even Claudia seemed scarce now, likely thinking she needed time to be alone, and there certainly wasn't anyone else on their way to see her.
She would need to deal with this now, to try and clear her head once and for all. Lest she go mad from the loneliness of having everyone avoid her in fear of earning her divine wrath. Sometimes she forgets she is a goddess to these people.
Perhaps she could go somewhere that made it impossible for the person to escape. It might also be helpful to see if she could try and straighten out her thoughts and actually vent everything she was holding in.
There was only one person in this entire fortress that could do that for her.
The Dungeons were dark and dirty. In a way they were meant to be like that, this place was meant to reflect the filth that would be imprisoned here. But that was just herself trying to be poetic, the truth was that it was out of sight and out of mind, so no one cared if they were filthy cesspits.
It had been over fifty years since she last stepped into these depths, back then she had been imprisoned here. Having been thrown in one of these dingy cells waiting to be executed by the King of Ur, he had grown angry with her rising popularity with the people and sought to have her killed. She had spent nearly a year in these cells, waiting to either be executed or violated.
But it was her allies that saved her, coming to her aid and keeping her safe even when locked in this place. Bringing her food, giving her support, and waiting to free her when the chance came, and when it did she was ready to continue her work with new vigour. For in only a few years she would become High Queen, and rule over all of Eostia.
Not since her escape from these depths has she returned, It has been over half a century since then, they were just as dank and smelly as she remembered.
Coming to the cell she was looking for she found Olga Discordia, laying on her cot and staring up at the ceiling. The last week she had done nothing but remain silent, none had come to visit her and she had made no attempts to ask for an audience. Stubbornly silent, that was her way, to not appear weak or vulnerable, defiant to her very last breath.
"Leave us." Celestine ordered, immediately the Dawn Templar Knights moved off, giving her the privacy she wished. "You look well."
"And you seem to be wearing a very expensive perfume, although I doubt it can cover that angry stench that is wafting off you." Olga stated, turning only her head, an insufferable smirk on her face. "I have seen almost every side of you in the four hundred years we were friends, and this one before me is new. Have to admit, I am actually frightened of it."
"What did you tell it?" Celestine asked, wondering how much Olga had told the werewolf about herself. "Did you tell it all my secrets? About my past? About my history? It knew too much, too much to be a random guess, what did you tell it?"
It had been able to find her weak points so easily, Olga knew some of them and could have revealed it to him. But even she was certain that the Queen of Garan had no idea about her one fatal flaw, something that drove her on and on desperately to make sure it never happened. So how was it that the beast discovered it? How did it figure out her deepest darkest fear.
"Not a word, didn't even tell him much about me, and yet he somehow knew how to get under my skin after just a few words." Olga replied, going silent for a moment as she stared up at the roof of the chamber. "He is quite intelligent, able to deduce all your flaws and insecurities, I would say however you got the worst of it out of the both of us."
Celestine didn't want to hear this, she wanted answers. What was this thing? Where did it come from? It was not a creation of Olga's, it wouldn't have turned on her so easily. Or maybe it was. She had no idea what to think right now. She was so long and frustrated that she needed some answers just to stop herself from ripping her own hair out.
"What can you tell me about it?" Celestine asked. "This beast is dangerous, if it could bring you down than I don't need to explain it to you. But I must know what it can do, I need to know what kind of threat it is."
Olga turned to look at her, furrowing her brow for a moment, seemingly deep in thought before a revelation shone in her eye. Then amusement blossomed over her face, actual mirth escaping her throat as she found something immensely funny.
"Why are you laughing? I want to know what this beast is! Tell me everything you know about it!" Celestine said, frustration starting to bleed through, it wouldn't be long before she boiled over.
"He never told you did he?" Olga asked, smirking, the amusement in her eyes felt like she was part of some inside joke. "By the gods, I was his enemy and yet he told me, I suppose he didn't have that much respect for you. Kind of obvious considering."
"Told you what?" Celestine hissed.
"His name."
Celestine blinked, that thing had a name? Of course it had a name, the beast was intelligent, so it had to have a name. Orcs had names, the smart and monstrous ones anyway, and even a few demons did as well, so an intelligent werewolf shouldn't be so surprising. That would be useful, to know what it was called, to know who it was and maybe learn something. A name held power, depending on that power it could resonate anywhere in the world. With it she could begin to understand what she was dealing with.
"What is it?"
"Not telling." Olga replied, smirking as she leaned back onto her cot.
"Do not test my patience, I am in no mood for games." Celestine warned, she felt her nails dig into her palms. "I am looking at possible rebellion, attack from the Badlands on three fortresses that are undermanned, and the possibility that the Black Dogs have been lost to this nation. So do the smart thing and try to not be so frustrating."
"You would be frustrated, wouldn't you? Having that all thrown back into your face." Olga finally stood up, getting off her cot and walking towards the bars, looking Celestine right in the eye. "All that time and energy you put into trying to save this nation and all that you have to accomplish from it was giving it a nice coat of paint to cover up all the rot and corruption that still remains."
Celestine felt her anger boil to bursting, again she was accused of failing this nation. For the last forty years she had been at the head of great change in Eostia, turning what was once a corrupt and warring nation into one that valued peace, honour, wisdom and humility. For so long she had been set back by scheming nobles and corrupt rulers, but when it came to lead the people, she had been successful.
The will of the nation is what allowed her to become the High Queen of the Alliance. That will also allowed her to guide the people and lead them down the better path.
She saw to the reformation of the noble court and honour of Ur, rekindling its roots of chivalry and knighthood. Feoh had been in turmoil from the death of Apollo Arcturus, which nearly led to ruin before she was able to put upon the throne a worthy monarch that reunited a slowly crumbling nation. And finally, Ansur, a nation rife with civil unrest and corruption had been rooted out with the aid of those that shared her views and wished to stabilise the chaotic region, supplanting false kings and queens and unifying it under a single banner.
After so many years, all the struggling and misery that had come about she can say she had succeeded in ending the way of life that was of the old Eostia.
"This nation is not without its faults, but it is not as it was, it has changed, it is better. You fail to see that, holding onto your grudges and believing that you are right to seek vengeance. But the people you seek to harm are all gone, dead and buried, only bones in the dirt." Celestine said. "Why couldn't you have just let go. Why did you have to keep fighting? Why did you have to start this war?"
"Because I needed to." Olga replied. "Without me you never would have achieved anything, I dethroned kings, wiped out armies, tore down entire nations. I ripped this nation apart, and then watched as it turned on itself in the chaos."
"It should have ended with Lorain, it should have stopped there, peace could have been made. But you made it worse, creating demons, sending them to rape and pillage what was left of Eostia. The Badlands was worse enough, but you outdid yourself in spite of that." Celestine said, there were so many opportunities for her to try and redeem Olga, to make peace and try to step the hatred humanity had for the other races.
"They deserved it, they still deserve it. You think for a moment that these people you surround yourself with deserve to be looked upon with anything but contempt?" Olga asked. "But given the fact that you are willing to wipe out anyone that goes against you or this religion you fashioned to flaunt yourself, I am not surprised you have become blinded by your own importance."
Celestine never made the church, she never intended to be what she is now, she only wanted to guide the humans down the better path. Instead they venerated her, made her into something she was not, and it helped her spread the message she desired and make it easier for her to make people listen.
"How many are you going to kill? How many people? Men, woman, children?" Olga asked. "How many people will you have murdered, to hide the sins of the nobility, that you now stand a part of?"
Celestine glared at her, there would be no bloodshed unless she ordered it, she had made sure that the Church, Nobles, and all others were aware of her stance. She would not tolerate any insubordination; she would punish them accordingly and made it clear that even a whiff of subterfuge and heads would roll.
"Now you know." Olga said, giving a satisfied nod as if seeing something she approve of. "Now you know what it takes, what has to be done to get what you want. You have to resort to violence, threats, and flaunting your power to make them understand. Yes, that is the only way, the only way that works for these humans. You are going down the right path now, becoming what you should have been. Just like me."
Celestine felt herself go cold.
Those words were the truth she needed to hear, to shake her from her anger and bring herself back into focus. She could see things more clearly now, the horrifying realization of how dangerously close she had come to going down the wrong path.
"You will be executed tomorrow at noon, try to make peace with your final moments." Celestine said, turning and walking away.
She had gotten what she needed, a wakeup call to how she was acting and what she was becoming. But now she was back to how she was, no longer blinded by her frustration and anger, she was certain again and no longer had to defend herself. Everything that had been done, everything she had to do, it has not been in vain.
Lingering grief remained.
Olga was someone she knew deep down could never be saved, not after all she had suffered through and what she had done in her quest for vengeance. It still hurt to know that she would be dead, to see her childhood friend losing her life and leaving this world still angry and unable to let go.
But she had to bury that sorrow.
The future now was much brighter. She hoped to see to the final restoration of Eostia and finally allow this nation to heal after so many centuries of conflict. After everything that she had done, all that had to be done, and all that she has fought through, that finally her vision for this nation was about to come to fruition.
Olga watched as Celestine disappeared down the hallway.
She shook her head.
The poor girl had nearly been consumed by her rage, something she never thought was possible with such a virtuous and patient woman like Celestine. But it seems that she was not as tolerable and strong willed as many believed. Or in this case, not as thick skinned when it came to admitting she was wrong.
Olga lamented on knowing this single titbit of information sooner. Had she been aware of this glaring flaw in Celestine's character, her fear of failure and utter frustration of her lack of results that still lingered to this day she could have used it.
But it brought up a single glaring issue, one that Reginald had voiced on their trip here.
Celestine and her cabinet, the Shields, were utterly blind to the corruption that swelled in their ranks. Admitting that it was there, seeing it for what it is, was something they could not freely admit without tainting the very image they have created for this nation. At first, she did not believe it, thinking that Celestine would be so foolish to believe that humans could change.
How wrong she was. And unlike Celestine she was humble enough to admit it.
'You were right, she has become blinded by her ideals, seeing her goal so close and fearing it will be dashed away if you so much as poke at her delicate little empire.' Olga mused.
Not a few minutes later someone was standing before her cell, it wasn't her guards or some human coming to laugh at her. No, it was a maid, raven haired and with dark green eyes. Her expression was plain as she looked within the cell. Olga recognised that type of face, she had seen it so many times already that it had almost become a trademark of the Untouched Valley.
"I would recommend the potato before anything else, I don't think it best you travel on with a full stomach." She said, leaving the tray of food on the ground and departing.
Olga looked at the tray, finding a bowl of broth and some bread, oddly enough it looked scrumptious. But it was the potato she focused on, reaching for it she felt the weight and hardness of the golden nugget.
Tearing at the golden skin she removed the thin layer and exposed what was hidden within, a pale white stone with a curling runic symbol on its surface. Olga examined it for a moment before she focused what little magical power she had and began to focus her mind.
It was instantaneous, although she did feel her stomach rumble in disagreement, and she was no longer within her cell but a dark open house with no walls or upper floors. Looking around she laughed, never in her life had she ever come across an artefact such as this, capable of instantly teleporting someone from one place to another.
"I take it you had no difficulties?"
Olga turned, and in spite of the blood chilling words she couldn't help but smile. Reginald sat in the light that bled through the massive windows behind him, his scythe lay in front of him, looking content. In truth, she was starting to like this werewolf, never before had she had such fun making fools of the Alliance.
"None whatsoever, I was locked up as expected and escaped just as we planned, as you can see, your agent brought me the stone right on time." Olga said, revealing the Hearthstone and tossing it back to its owner.
"Good, then we can move onto the next phase of our plan." Reginald replied, catching it in his hand and pocketing it.
"You really think you can do it?" Olga asked, even after being brought up to speed on Reginalds plan, she had her doubts.
Even so, she still joined, if not out of having no other options left to her, but because he was probably the only one she knew who could actually back up his own words. However, to achieve what he wanted, she had no idea on the specifics of how he was going to accomplish them. It felt like he was simply going about without a plan, reacting rather than planning out the long drawn out game.
"Of course."
It was then that Olga realised that they were not alone, looking around she could see the shadowy silhouettes of two dozen individuals. All hooded and watching their conversation within the darkness of this empty mansion.
Acolytes he had called them, but they were only a handful of the many that served him. She had seen only a fraction of the host he had mustered, and it was a glorious one. Smirking she looked to Reginald, she may have been Queen of the Dark Elves, but here she knew she was second to him. She was fine with that, so long as she saw this war to the end and made those humans pay, she didn't care where she stood.
"So this is all of them? This is the Wolf Cult they spoke of?" Olga asked, looking at the many 'leaders' of his army.
"No."
With a wave of his hand the world was bathed in an oily darkness, one that no light seemed to permeate. All around her she could see were the hooded warriors of his army, thousands of them, packed shoulder to shoulder in this hollowed out mansion.
But this was not even close to the numbers that were boasted about, not even close to what he could bring to bear that could overwhelm the Black Dogs, the Demons and Eostia simultaneously. Truly they were a glorious force, and she could not wait to see them lay waste to everything in their path.
"This is the Hand of Suffering."
There you have it, hope you liked it. As you can see the story is going in a vastly different direction, alliances are not going to be made easy here.
The Badlands – Formation of the Cursed Land
The Badlands were formed forty years ago following the Alliance conquest of the fortress city of Lorain – a former fortress to the Nation of Ur that had been lost to the Dark Elves early in the two and a half century long war. The City was captured by King Apollo Arcturus – Uncle of Alicia Arcturus – and King Gregor Levantine – Brother of Grave Levantine – who led a combined army of sixty thousand men in a six week siege. Most of the cities populace was killed and those that survived either fled or were enslaved.
The capture of the city led to the complete destruction of Olga Discordia's army, leaving her without any soldiers.
Following this event Olga saw that her defences had been breached. With no other alternative she used the Black Crystal to siphon all the life energy from the land. Within a few days hundreds of kilometres between Garan and Lorain had been stripped of all life. The armies of Apollo Arcturus and Gregor Levantine were all but annihilated, with only a few hundred surviving the calamity as they had fled back to Eostia.
The creation of the Badlands led to the deaths of two kings, resulting in the near collapse of their houses, and the complete destruction of the combines armies of Feoh and Ur. Leaving both nations devoid of troops and protection.
This proved to be a dire time as within a few months of the Badlands creation strange demonic entities and beasts began to roam the Badlands and regularly pillage and raid the regions of Eostia close to the border.
Amongst the survivors were:
Humans: Grave Levantine, Nathan Walsh, and Kibral Mesk,
Dark Elves: Grace Campbell, Fayanna Smythe, and Lacene Crowder.
I will be including more segments likes these in future chapters to give you an idea down the line of the story and how it works.
