The usual disclaimers. The story is mine. The characters are not. Batteries not included. Some restrictions may apply.
***
The characters belong to Top cow and TNT as do all their toys, accessories and appliances, including the Witchblade.
*warnings, apologies and excuses*
***
I've sedated the bathroom muse and am back on track with the story. Whew!
I think I just can't leave three certain characters in a room together, they do not get along.
On the downside, we now hit the documentary part of the story. Sorry.
*words typed within asterisks signify thoughts*
******************** in this chapter denotes change of time and perspective.
Tenebrous
Part 3
chapter 9
*****************************************
Cloaked in secrecy, the Sufult sect had survived for thousands of years, virtually undetected by the rest of society. Yet the history of the sect has had a profound effect on civilization. Their goal being to eliminate all magical and mystical references and objects of power. To cleanse the world of heretical objects and doctrines.
They had worked surreptitiously and diligently as an influence on the recording of anything mystical in history; destroying transcripts and replacing them with their own 'corrected' versions. Hunting down and decimating many mystically based doctrines; they would obtain the object of the congregation's beliefs and power. What enchanted relics they could not destroy, they banished to the deep catacombs beneath their ancient temples. It had been only a matter of time before they came for the blade.
Yet, the Sufult's direct attempts at capturing the Witchblade had all failed. Resultantly they had found a more devious route to achieve their goal. They had slain the Wielder's scribe and acquired her Tome in hopes of unearthing her weaknesses.
Her faithful servant, however, had sealed her memoirs inside a magical box. When they tore it from his lifeless hands, it was impregnable.
********************
Sufult present day, NY.
********************
Prime Consul Ralyn Damak leaned back in his chair and contemplated his predicament. His next actions may very well determine the future or demise of the Sufult. As Prime Consul of the sect, he enjoyed many luxuries and indulgences. At the moment however, he wished someone else was in his place.
Consul Damak had decided, as had many of his predecessors, to have the Sufult step back and bide their time where matters of the Witchblade were concerned.
When Iron's formidable assassin had paid the sect a clandestine visit, he'd left a dead guard in place of the Witchblade Tome. If it were anyone but Irons, the Sufult would have instantly and viciously retrieved the Tome. Even though it had sat uselessly for centuries.
The sect had certainly shed more than its share of blood over the years but Kenneth Irons was a formidable foe. Not only was Irons ruthless and powerful but clever and arrogant as well. It would not be unconscionable for him to expose the sect to the public.
Consul Damak had opted for merely monitoring Mr. Iron's actions regarding the Tome. When Irons sold it to an antique dealer the sect leader was confused. He sent his most deadly agents to retrieve it from the dealer but after three corpses were delivered to him with 'Vorschlag Industries' business cards clamped in their teeth, the Consul decided to desist.
When one of the sect's spies had reported that a young man acquired the Tome and was being tailed but unhindered by Kenneth Iron's assassin, Consul Damak was thoroughly bewildered. Not wanting to risk open war with Irons over a currently benign object, Consul Damak decided to monitor the dealings with the Tome discreetly. He'd ordered his agents and spies to give Mr. Iron's assassin a wide berth until he could figure out Iron's game. He already had enough Vorschlag business cards.
His agent's researched the current possessor. The young man who purchased the Tome from the antique dealer turned out to be a dealer in artifacts and talismans. It seemed odd for Irons to send it from dealer to dealer, his Assassin guarding each one in turn.
While it was possible that the second dealer, Gabriel Bowman, was Irons intended final recipient of the Tome, it seemed unlikely. The information he'd acquired on the young dealer did not imply that he specialized in Witchblade lore, even though he had researched it, nor was their any indication of him possessing the Blade. Rather his research and items seemed scattered over a wide gamut of peculiarities. Consul Damak eyed the dealer's website once again, wondering what Sid Vicious's comb could possibly have in common with a Myan fertility doll. He had decided to keep an eye on the young man's dealings just the same.
Now it appeared the Tome had been opened. Since the Tome was believed to be written in The Ancient language it would need to be translated. Access to Enochian translations were marked and monitored by the sect. When Brother Fohler Informed him that the young proprietor had paid a visit to the reclusive owner of an extensive set of Enochian translations he knew the young man must have managed to open the tome. Prime Consul Damak needed to retrieve the Tome immediately to foil Irons and accomplish his ancestor's goals. It would have been an easy task if Kenneth Irons and his minions weren't involved in the matter.
On the one hand, Consul Damak was excited about the possible possession of a tool that could help acquire the blade. On the other hand, he dreaded Iron's reaction to his ploy.
Consul Damak wondered how the assassin had found out about the sect's covert activities so quickly. He had hoped to surreptitiously grab the Tome and Gabriel before Irons found out but the assassin had already taken out the first retrieval crew and Consul Damak hadn't heard from the mercenary he had sent after the young man. He hoped the second team would have better luck.
The vibration of his cellphone brought him out of his thoughts. "Prime Consul," Brother Marolt greeted.
"Report," Consul Damak responded tersely.
"Brother Rason has recovered the Tome," Brother Marolt stated. "The rest were lost." Brother Rason had run quite far before realizing he'd lost his pursuer. He was halfway to the secret lair before he stopped to report his find.
"And the young man, Mr. Bowman?" Consul Damak queried. He knew Iron's assassin was very good at his job but Consul Damak hoped he wasn't that pertinacious. That one of his men managed to escape from the assassin with the Tome was remarkable. Perhaps he should give Brother Rason more privileges.
"No word as yet," Marolt replied. "Should I keep you posted or return with brother Rason?"
"What state is the Tome in, is it open?" Consul Damak demanded anxiously.
"I don't believe so," Brother Marolt replied. "Brother Rason says it looks the same. No openings or indication of pages."
Prime Consul Ramak took a deep breath and resisted the urge to yank his hair out. "Stay at your post, continue to monitor the place but do not make your presence known. Have Brother Bornost bring the Tome. Warn him not to be tailed. I do not want him bringing that assassin to me."
"Brother Bornost is not responding to his calls," Marolt responded.
Consul Damak pinched the bridge of his nose, "Fine, send Brother Rason then, but you stay, and get someone to do surveillance of the back entrance to the building. Find out what happened to Bornost," he ordered, even though he had a pretty good idea of what happened to Bornost.
"Yes, Prime Consul," Brother Marolt replied before doling out his orders.
Consul Damak breathed a heavy sigh. The Tome was sealed, he'd lost over a dozen men to get back a useless object and the sect would probably draw fire from Irons for his actions.
His men had better find Mr. Bowman. He had to have opened the tome, otherwise why would he go through so much trouble to examine those Enochian transcripts. A sudden fear hit Consul Ramak. *What if Irons has Gabriel?* It didn't appear Gabriel Bowman was working for Irons, but there was no doubt in Consul Ramak's mind that this machination had been orchestrated by the man. Kenneth Irons would definitely force the young man to expose the Key and send his assassin after the Witchblade Tome
The Consul was well aware of Iron's interest in the blade, although the Sufult had been careful not to interfere with his schemes up till now. If Irons somehow got his hands on the blade or discovered how to control the Wielder he might have even more ammunition to assault the sect.
They needed to get the Key. The Sufult had been unaware of the Key's existence when they had captured the Tome. Reference of the Key surfaced years afterwards, in lore that had survived the Sufult's cleansing.
Unbeknownst to the Sufult at the time, the scribe had carried it. What it looked like or how it worked was a mystery, as there appeared to be no openings or markings on the Tome. The lay said only that the scribe's daughter had kept it in remembrance of him.
Despite his misgivings the path was clear. He gestured one of his attendants to him.
"Alert the Enforcers. I want Gabriel Bowman, alive. Bring him to me." Consul Damak ordered. The war with Irons had begun.
*****************************************
Consul - the chief magistrate
pertinacious - resolute; tenacious; persistent; resourceful.
Lay - A simple song; ballad.
a/n You can destroy a manuscript but ya can't get those damn yokels to stop singing.
Oh, Ann : Whaaaa? *Looks through story* I did no' promise Gabriel bait. Potential is a variable, as any good Law student would - hmm, yup, doesn't look good. I'd hoped to save him from this. Gabe seems so nice, I'd hate to hurt him.
Thank you so much for reviewing, I am terrified that you will stop reviewing and abhor me for this chapter, yes it does get darker, sorry, events have been set in motion. But muses are capricious.
roguegal17, ann, pequenop, Riyallyn (you aren't the same Brynn that wrote the utterly hysrerical and brilliant LOTR fic 'Out of the frying pan' are you?), Spin, LaFemmeLurker, read a book, Divamercury, dragongrrl, magicks, kitsa76, Nanz. Thank you all for taking the time to review. I would like to take a break and read some great stories instead of wrestling with this evil monster. Nasty muses.
I appologize for ripping the story down and rewriting, I was hasty and am being so again. I apologize. Unprecedented holiday.
***
The characters belong to Top cow and TNT as do all their toys, accessories and appliances, including the Witchblade.
*warnings, apologies and excuses*
***
I've sedated the bathroom muse and am back on track with the story. Whew!
I think I just can't leave three certain characters in a room together, they do not get along.
On the downside, we now hit the documentary part of the story. Sorry.
*words typed within asterisks signify thoughts*
******************** in this chapter denotes change of time and perspective.
Tenebrous
Part 3
chapter 9
*****************************************
Cloaked in secrecy, the Sufult sect had survived for thousands of years, virtually undetected by the rest of society. Yet the history of the sect has had a profound effect on civilization. Their goal being to eliminate all magical and mystical references and objects of power. To cleanse the world of heretical objects and doctrines.
They had worked surreptitiously and diligently as an influence on the recording of anything mystical in history; destroying transcripts and replacing them with their own 'corrected' versions. Hunting down and decimating many mystically based doctrines; they would obtain the object of the congregation's beliefs and power. What enchanted relics they could not destroy, they banished to the deep catacombs beneath their ancient temples. It had been only a matter of time before they came for the blade.
Yet, the Sufult's direct attempts at capturing the Witchblade had all failed. Resultantly they had found a more devious route to achieve their goal. They had slain the Wielder's scribe and acquired her Tome in hopes of unearthing her weaknesses.
Her faithful servant, however, had sealed her memoirs inside a magical box. When they tore it from his lifeless hands, it was impregnable.
********************
Sufult present day, NY.
********************
Prime Consul Ralyn Damak leaned back in his chair and contemplated his predicament. His next actions may very well determine the future or demise of the Sufult. As Prime Consul of the sect, he enjoyed many luxuries and indulgences. At the moment however, he wished someone else was in his place.
Consul Damak had decided, as had many of his predecessors, to have the Sufult step back and bide their time where matters of the Witchblade were concerned.
When Iron's formidable assassin had paid the sect a clandestine visit, he'd left a dead guard in place of the Witchblade Tome. If it were anyone but Irons, the Sufult would have instantly and viciously retrieved the Tome. Even though it had sat uselessly for centuries.
The sect had certainly shed more than its share of blood over the years but Kenneth Irons was a formidable foe. Not only was Irons ruthless and powerful but clever and arrogant as well. It would not be unconscionable for him to expose the sect to the public.
Consul Damak had opted for merely monitoring Mr. Iron's actions regarding the Tome. When Irons sold it to an antique dealer the sect leader was confused. He sent his most deadly agents to retrieve it from the dealer but after three corpses were delivered to him with 'Vorschlag Industries' business cards clamped in their teeth, the Consul decided to desist.
When one of the sect's spies had reported that a young man acquired the Tome and was being tailed but unhindered by Kenneth Iron's assassin, Consul Damak was thoroughly bewildered. Not wanting to risk open war with Irons over a currently benign object, Consul Damak decided to monitor the dealings with the Tome discreetly. He'd ordered his agents and spies to give Mr. Iron's assassin a wide berth until he could figure out Iron's game. He already had enough Vorschlag business cards.
His agent's researched the current possessor. The young man who purchased the Tome from the antique dealer turned out to be a dealer in artifacts and talismans. It seemed odd for Irons to send it from dealer to dealer, his Assassin guarding each one in turn.
While it was possible that the second dealer, Gabriel Bowman, was Irons intended final recipient of the Tome, it seemed unlikely. The information he'd acquired on the young dealer did not imply that he specialized in Witchblade lore, even though he had researched it, nor was their any indication of him possessing the Blade. Rather his research and items seemed scattered over a wide gamut of peculiarities. Consul Damak eyed the dealer's website once again, wondering what Sid Vicious's comb could possibly have in common with a Myan fertility doll. He had decided to keep an eye on the young man's dealings just the same.
Now it appeared the Tome had been opened. Since the Tome was believed to be written in The Ancient language it would need to be translated. Access to Enochian translations were marked and monitored by the sect. When Brother Fohler Informed him that the young proprietor had paid a visit to the reclusive owner of an extensive set of Enochian translations he knew the young man must have managed to open the tome. Prime Consul Damak needed to retrieve the Tome immediately to foil Irons and accomplish his ancestor's goals. It would have been an easy task if Kenneth Irons and his minions weren't involved in the matter.
On the one hand, Consul Damak was excited about the possible possession of a tool that could help acquire the blade. On the other hand, he dreaded Iron's reaction to his ploy.
Consul Damak wondered how the assassin had found out about the sect's covert activities so quickly. He had hoped to surreptitiously grab the Tome and Gabriel before Irons found out but the assassin had already taken out the first retrieval crew and Consul Damak hadn't heard from the mercenary he had sent after the young man. He hoped the second team would have better luck.
The vibration of his cellphone brought him out of his thoughts. "Prime Consul," Brother Marolt greeted.
"Report," Consul Damak responded tersely.
"Brother Rason has recovered the Tome," Brother Marolt stated. "The rest were lost." Brother Rason had run quite far before realizing he'd lost his pursuer. He was halfway to the secret lair before he stopped to report his find.
"And the young man, Mr. Bowman?" Consul Damak queried. He knew Iron's assassin was very good at his job but Consul Damak hoped he wasn't that pertinacious. That one of his men managed to escape from the assassin with the Tome was remarkable. Perhaps he should give Brother Rason more privileges.
"No word as yet," Marolt replied. "Should I keep you posted or return with brother Rason?"
"What state is the Tome in, is it open?" Consul Damak demanded anxiously.
"I don't believe so," Brother Marolt replied. "Brother Rason says it looks the same. No openings or indication of pages."
Prime Consul Ramak took a deep breath and resisted the urge to yank his hair out. "Stay at your post, continue to monitor the place but do not make your presence known. Have Brother Bornost bring the Tome. Warn him not to be tailed. I do not want him bringing that assassin to me."
"Brother Bornost is not responding to his calls," Marolt responded.
Consul Damak pinched the bridge of his nose, "Fine, send Brother Rason then, but you stay, and get someone to do surveillance of the back entrance to the building. Find out what happened to Bornost," he ordered, even though he had a pretty good idea of what happened to Bornost.
"Yes, Prime Consul," Brother Marolt replied before doling out his orders.
Consul Damak breathed a heavy sigh. The Tome was sealed, he'd lost over a dozen men to get back a useless object and the sect would probably draw fire from Irons for his actions.
His men had better find Mr. Bowman. He had to have opened the tome, otherwise why would he go through so much trouble to examine those Enochian transcripts. A sudden fear hit Consul Ramak. *What if Irons has Gabriel?* It didn't appear Gabriel Bowman was working for Irons, but there was no doubt in Consul Ramak's mind that this machination had been orchestrated by the man. Kenneth Irons would definitely force the young man to expose the Key and send his assassin after the Witchblade Tome
The Consul was well aware of Iron's interest in the blade, although the Sufult had been careful not to interfere with his schemes up till now. If Irons somehow got his hands on the blade or discovered how to control the Wielder he might have even more ammunition to assault the sect.
They needed to get the Key. The Sufult had been unaware of the Key's existence when they had captured the Tome. Reference of the Key surfaced years afterwards, in lore that had survived the Sufult's cleansing.
Unbeknownst to the Sufult at the time, the scribe had carried it. What it looked like or how it worked was a mystery, as there appeared to be no openings or markings on the Tome. The lay said only that the scribe's daughter had kept it in remembrance of him.
Despite his misgivings the path was clear. He gestured one of his attendants to him.
"Alert the Enforcers. I want Gabriel Bowman, alive. Bring him to me." Consul Damak ordered. The war with Irons had begun.
*****************************************
Consul - the chief magistrate
pertinacious - resolute; tenacious; persistent; resourceful.
Lay - A simple song; ballad.
a/n You can destroy a manuscript but ya can't get those damn yokels to stop singing.
Oh, Ann : Whaaaa? *Looks through story* I did no' promise Gabriel bait. Potential is a variable, as any good Law student would - hmm, yup, doesn't look good. I'd hoped to save him from this. Gabe seems so nice, I'd hate to hurt him.
Thank you so much for reviewing, I am terrified that you will stop reviewing and abhor me for this chapter, yes it does get darker, sorry, events have been set in motion. But muses are capricious.
roguegal17, ann, pequenop, Riyallyn (you aren't the same Brynn that wrote the utterly hysrerical and brilliant LOTR fic 'Out of the frying pan' are you?), Spin, LaFemmeLurker, read a book, Divamercury, dragongrrl, magicks, kitsa76, Nanz. Thank you all for taking the time to review. I would like to take a break and read some great stories instead of wrestling with this evil monster. Nasty muses.
I appologize for ripping the story down and rewriting, I was hasty and am being so again. I apologize. Unprecedented holiday.