Chapter 2…Meeting at the Cabal's
Cabal Patriarch sat in his throne, wondering how he was going to obtain the mirari. The interference of Ixidor and Kamahl was not helping his cause. He had summoned numerous adversaries to try and help him. Their services were great, although some he had only called for because of their reputation, while others were only known as rumors.
For example, Jrax, a supposed thief, was rumored to be the best thief in all of Dominaria. He had called him for a…unique mission. Rika, a ninja shinobi, was supposedly in likeness to Phage. If this were even close to being accurate, her talents would be useful.
Along with them, he had summoned two necromancers in hope of raising an army of undead. With such an army, he would be unstoppable. He could have the potential of a never-ending army. Toroque, a slightly portly necromancer, was known for his army of skeletons. He was also known for his unhealthy price for his services. Kane, on the other hand, was more skilled, yet often came close to killing himself when raising larger creatures from the dead.
Another rumored guest was Alucard, prince of the vampires. Although he didn't know exactly where his loyalties lied, he could be a powerful ally. And the worst that could happen was Alucard being neutral in the matter. He wouldn't dare attack the Cabal Patriarch. But an accompaniment of vampires along with the undead…there would be no chance of stopping him.
At last, a mythical man was also invited. Brakken, a swamp warrior who was possessed by a demon, was said to be quite nasty when fighting opponents. It was believed he had never lost a battle to anyone, even the champions from the pits…however, he fought for himself. And it was also rumored that he had a mixed parentage, something that could become quite unhealthy for the patriarch.
A messenger entered the Cabal's throne room, walking the long distance of the dark hall at a brisk pace. He held a single, scribbled message from his protégé, Braids. It read, "The god has fallen. Beware the man with ancient armor. Kamahl has met his doom." He smiled evilly, dismissing the messenger. However, his thoughts soon turned to the second part of the message. "Beware the man with ancient armor." That could only mean one of two things. Either the warrior was old, or he wore armor that looked so outdate that it could only have been stolen from a museum. He turned over the separate possibilities in his mind for several hours, allowing his guests to arrive without disruption.
When the clock struck midnight, the invitees were sitting in their seats at the long table. He instantly noticed Kane and Toroque sitting across the table from each other, eyeing the other guests nervously. It was rather ironic seeing the two. Kane was thin, skimpy, frail, keeping a drink in his hand. Toroque, on the other hand, was sweating slightly, keeping his glass of tonic on the table. Rika sat next to Kane, and had completely surprised Cabal Patriarch. She was small and thin, although her body was well toned, hardened by her long hours of training. She kept a scowl on her face, daring any to challenge her. Braids sat on one end of Toroque, yet on the other sat Brakken. He looked oddly curious. Honestly, the patriarch was surprised he had come.
Alucard sat on one end, by himself, staring at the floor. He kept his arms crossed, motionless. The others seemed to not have noticed him. All save Jrax, the thief. He leaned against the wall, fingering a particularly long knife. Out of all of them, he was the most wary.
"Welcome all," the Cabal said, his voice breaking the silence. Most acknowledged his presence. Alucard continued to stare at the ground. "I imagine you are all wondering why I have sent for you. If you are not aware, that pestering druid, Kamahl, is no longer with us, as is the false god." All eyes were on him now, all were still. Even the vampire prince was looking towards him.
"Can you confirm this?" asked Jrax. He sheathed his knife, his voice filled with suspision.
"I saw it myself," answered Braids. "And I also saw the one who destroyed the god."
"Oh really," said Kane. "And how do we know this wonderful person?"
"We don't," interrupted Cabal Patriarch, "which is a partial reason of why I summoned you all. I am still after the mirari, and will grant you all you're wishes after it is seized. The pestering druid is dead, and my sources tell me there is no one significant left to protect it. With you're help, we can take over Dominaria and restructure it to our liking."
Alucard stood up. "Why should I trust you?" His deep voice split through the air like an elven arrow. The group noticed him for the first time. Some where wary, others, or rather, Toroque, seemed dumbfounded. The patriarch assumed some didn't actually know who he was.
"Why don't we all introduce ourselves, as to better clarify who we are."
"I am Alucard, prince of vampires." He only said it once before going back to a motionless position. The others didn't seem to matter to him.
"Rika, ninja shinobi. I come from a land very far from here. I have only heard rumors about this…mirari." The others stared at her, unbelieving or intrigued by her statement.
"Kane, otherwise know as lord of the undead. I'm sure all of you are somewhat aware of my numerous…accomplishments."
"I am the lord of demise," said Toroque. He spoke and appeared confidently for the first time all night. It had taken some time for him to act like himself. Or, at least, what the cabal thought was the true Toroque.
Brakken stood up. "Brakken," he said shortly. He sat back done, saying nothing else. The patriarch frowned. The character seemed to isolate himself from the group, looking indifferently at one another. This might not bode well for the patriarch.
"I am Braids." She needed no other explanation. Jrax stood up to his full height, revealing a built, lanky man who was rather tall.
"I am Jrax, master thief." He leaned back against the wall, keeping his eyes moving. Cabal Patriarch smiled.
"Well, now let's begin. I came here to let you in on my little plan. And I am happy to tell you that there will be no one to stop us, not even the great Urza…"
Far away, in the Krosan forest, Seton bowed his head. The centaur felt his friend's death within the sigh of the trees. He crossed his arms, blocking out all sounds for a moment of silent thought. He never suspected his companion to die. They had gone through much together.
"So what will you do now, Seton?" The centaur opened his eyes and saw a single elf up in the trees. He seemed to be like any other elf, except for the fact that he was alone. Even if he could not hear everything around him, the elf was alone. This was peculiar in the sense that elves traveled together.
Then again, it was a marvel to see such an elf visiting him. "Who are you to visit one such as I? Do you realize who I am?"
The elf smiled and nodded, as if it were treating a child. Seton frowned, scowling at the elf in the rudest way he knew possible. "Well, Seton, I have come to inform of you of things. I give pity for your loss. He was a great fight." Seton scowled even more, if such a thing were possible. He was not in the best of moods. The elf continued, "As you know, the krosan protector is dead. But what you don't know is that Karona is also dead. And it wasn't Kamahl who killed her."
Kamahl stared down the elf, to see if he was telling the truth. He appeared to be trustful. But who would have such strength as to kill off the supposed god? It was very peculiar. But at least Krosa would be safe.
"Oh, and one more thing. This man, who killed Karona. He is coming right this way at this very moment." Seton's eyes widened in amusement as a chuckle rumbled in his throat. He stopped instantly when he found that the elf was being serious.
"Who are you?" he demanded. "Who are you to say such things?"
The elf smiled. "I am Ajerha, heir to Kamahl, the Krosan protector." Seton laughed.
"You, the heir of Kamahl? Impossible. You wouldn't even last an instant in the pits."
"Is that so? Well, then, since I've nothing better to do, maybe you could spar with me." Ajerha jumped from the tree, landing on the ground without a sound. For an elf, he was actually a little on the short side, only reaching to Seton's shoulders. He carried no bow, only a long curved blade. Actually, it reached from the top of his back to his knees. It was almost intimidating.
Seton drew his bow and latched it, but decided not to attack. It wasn't necessarily his place to do so. "I have never heard of you before, Ajerha. I do not understand why you make such claims."
"Well, then, allow me to instruct you. I am the lone child in a single line of Eladamari's bloodline. By theory, I am commander over the entire elven nation."
"In theory, yes. Many do not accept my claim, saying Eladamari never had children. Yet here I am to prove them wrong."
"And how do you propose to do that? Any such elf could make that claim."
"But what of the mirari, my dear centaur?" Seton shook his head. Why did everything have to center around the blasted thing? They would be better off destroying it.
"If you don't mind, I must leave. The man I talked of earlier is about to enter the clearing. I advise you don't provoke him. Goodbye, Seton. We'll be seeing each other soon, I guarantee it."
Seton was speechless as a man came walking towards him. He wore what looked to be very old armor. He was very short, but bore a cross-shaped scar on his left cheek, a sign from one unlucky battle experience. He strode up to him in a manner that declared him superior to all who were about him. He immediately disgusted Seton.
"Are you the one who is called Seton?" he asked. Seton nodded his head. "Well, I am sorry to say that your friend is dead. He died trying to destroy someone he was not able to. It was I who finished the job for him. But now, I must go. I hear battle calling me."
As suddenly as he came, Trukero left without another word. Seton watched him with curious eyes until he was gone.
Seton gazed around him. Perhaps it would be time for peace. But the fight for survival would never end. He must confront Thriss with such news.