Deliberations
There were eight of us when the meeting had finally come underway. For reasons that are still unknown to me, Apollyon had allowed several days to pass between Elder Zulan's arrival, and the meeting we had demanded he return with us for. I could only assume it had something to do with the mounting and mobilizing force that had been assembling during the delay. It seemed that we were preparing for a siege, or at the very least a sizable expedition, yet Apollyon had said nothing to me about such a venture. I was her second, and yet I was no more informed than a common sellsword on my master's plans.

The only thing keeping me grounded was the presence of Captain Obadia, who was serving as my second for this meeting. Between Apollyon's secrecy, and my growing suspicions of both Mercy and Belial, Abel had become the only person I could truly trust, without any hint of skepticism. We were accompanied by the Elder and Siegemund, naturally. Apollyon stood across from them, the massive obsidian table seemingly untouched by torchlight. Belial stood at her right, while Mercy stood at her left. Our final member was a Warden by the name of Helia, though it was more accurate to say she had been one, before renouncing her oaths. She had long ago discarded their signature helmets, only a tattered orange and black hood that hid most of her features remained now.

Apollyon leaned forward, placing both of her palms squarely on the table. Neither Mercy nor Belial seemed to move.

"I will not waste our time here with idle chat." She said, addressing herself towards the elder.

"You are summoned here for one reason. Over the past several days, my warriors have caught word of your hamlet harboring legionless knights. Of them, a Conqueror adorned by a human skull, and a Warden, accompanied by a woman of song. Do you deny these findings?" She finished. It was a pointless question, everyone present was well aware of the answer, and the elder had made no effort to hide this from us during our questioning. Still, it was customary, and expected to allow an accused to understand the charges brought before him. It was something that separated us from other, more barbaric peoples. Elder Zulan breathed in deeply, and exhaled before he replied.

"I am familiar with your descriptions, my hamlet has indeed held these two you describe. I do not deny it." He confirmed. Siegemund stirred restlessly beside him, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. It was admirable, how protective he seemed of his elder. It was also a feeble show of force, I suspect any man or woman in here would prove his better in terms of combat and swordplay. The best outcome would be for him to realize this as well, and set aside his aggressions. I doubted such a thing would happen, however. Across the table, Apollyon nodded, pushing up slightly and relaxing a bit.

"Good. That speeds things along." She began, pausing a moment before she continued; "How familiar are you with these knights that you harbored? Did they speak of their past business? Any former legion or allegiances?" She asked. Another question she already knew the answer to. Part of me wondered why she seemed intent on dancing around the primary concern here, if they were aiding and abetting an attempt to overthrow the Blackstone Legion. If this were such an attempt, we needed to end it as soon as possible. When the elder delayed in responding, I decided to fill in what Apollyon had left out.

"Both the Conqueror and the Warden were once warriors of the Blackstone Legion. The Warden deserted shortly after our siege on the stronghold of Svengard. The Conqueror deserted shortly after he learned of his survival. Both are traitors, and both must be apprehended." I explained. Beside me, I could see Obadia startle out of the corner of my eye. He turned to face me.

"The hero of Svengard yet lives? Sir, is it really wise to-"

"That is enough, you two." Apollyon said coldly. Despite her gaze never shifting from the elder, I could tell that she was displeased, though I couldn't for the life of me imagine why. The severity of this threat could not be understated, let alone left out entirely. If the importance of this meeting was to be understood, all of the facts needed to be in the open. This turn of events did manage to stir more of a reaction from the elder, as his eyes widened, and he placed his own palms against the table. I could tell immediately that he had not known, nor had his companion, who took a step back as though to balance himself.

The elder remained silent for a time, enough so that Apollyon began to lift her hands from the obsidian. To be frank, I wasn't sure if she was becoming genuinely frustrated, or was simply playing up her presence for more information. Either way, it was enough to snap Siegemund's attention back from his stupor. With a shake of his head, he gave an answer.

"We were not informed of this, no. The only information they willingly surrendered was that they were of no legion. The Warden claimed he was only looking for a close friend. I suspected foul play, and so I dueled with him." He explained. Apollyon nodded in approval at his mention of the duel, as did Helia, while Belial tapped his poleaxe once against the ground. Myself, Obadia, and Mercy did not react to his claim.

"Initiative, a valuable trait in a warrior." Apollyon said, lifting her hands off the table and reaching for her sword. As if instructed, Siegemund took a step beside his elder, placing himself between him and Apollyon. My master did not immediately respond, staring down Siegemund for a time before tilting her head back. Beside me, Obadia seemed lost in thought. I suspected he was pondering Liam's survival, or recalling some of his stories from around the legion. Regardless, he seemed to break free of it when Apollyon spoke again.

"Are you aware that it is treason to harbor and associate with deserters of the legion? We have it on good authority that you hid information from my warriors. Information that would have led to their capture." The Herongale men seemed to fidget nervously now. I hoped that the gravity of what she was saying had begun to sink in.

"Master, if I may?" Obadia chimed in. All eyes seemed to shift towards him in an instant, our attention focused all on him. Obadia, for his part, seemed unfazed by this, merely holding up a hand and waiting patiently for Apollyon's response. She gave me a look, as though to chastise me for bringing him along. I did not back down from her gaze, nor did I say anything in response. Obadia was trustworthy, and would likely have good insight, something I feared Blackstone was missing lately. Nevertheless, Apollyon eventually looked back to Obadia and gave a slow nod, permitting him to continue.

"If this Warden truly is the hero of Svengard, perhaps he offered his services to these men? It might explain why they were hesitant to speak of him, no one wants to harm a Good Samaritan after all." He theorized. I, of course, knew the answer to this. Liam had supposedly spared Siegemund's life, even after having him at his mercy and being rejected twice. I also knew that those circumstances weren't relevant to Apollyon's question.

"Good Samaritan or not, these two warriors are still deserters of the legion, the circumstances surrounding the elder's secrecy is irrelevant in this matter. Aiding them is still treason, a good deed does not negate that fact." I explained. Obadia nodded slowly as his shoulders slumped. I could admire his efforts to provide a peaceful solution, but that option had since passed, based on what I had seen. Attention quickly turned back to Zulan and Siegemund, both of whom seemed a bit more tense.

"Cross is right, and the Blackstone Legion does not tolerate treason." Belial added, adjusting his poleaxe to hold it with both hands. Helia likewise began to draw her sword, but was stopped when Apollyon began walking toward the elder's side of the table. Both she and Belial stepped back, allowing her passage, and watching her every movement. The gentle colliding of her armor was the only sound that resonated within the chamber, none of us dared move an inch. I think we had all realized that she'd already made her decision. I only wondered if this meeting had sealed it, or this was her plan all along.

Siegemund moved to take a step and draw his blade, but was stopped by the elder. Did he not realize the severity of the situation? True, the rest of Blackstone would be on him, but would he not at least try to flee? My heart sank a bit when Siegemund tried again to draw his weapon, only to be halted by Zulan's grip. His head jerked almost frantically towards the elder, frustration more than clear from his movements. Had he not realized? Or perhaps he had, and was desperate to avoid his fears from becoming true? I only hoped he could learn to forgive himself.

Apollyon's eye contact with the elder did not falter as she stepped slowly, and menacingly toward Zulan. I must commend him, for he too took short steps, both stopping when they were within arms reach of the other. Zulan's features had shifted, no longer could I see the wizened man that seemed so confident when I'd spoken with him. Now he only seemed resigned, his eyes a strange mix of fearfulness and calm. Was he coming to terms with the severity of this? Choosing to face the accusations head on?

"Master Apollyon, I can only give you my word that Herongale and her people bear no ill will to your legion, and would never willingly cross you." He said. There was a strange serenity to his voice as he spoke, even taking a moment to fold his hands behind his back. Whatever resolve within him that remained seemed to push him forward, and his stance straightened. It seemed hollow to me, and I could only wonder if it felt the same to him.

"I suspect that may not be enough for you. Alas, I am bound by my word as an elder not to surrender a charge into harm's way. But I-" He never finished his sentence. In one clean and rapid motion, Apollyon lifted her blade level with the elder's neck, grasped it with both hands, and swung with a ferocity that rivaled a mountain lion. The elder's expression never changed as his head slumped forward, sliding messily off the stump of his neck. Blood gushed from the body as it collapsed, falling to its knees before landing with a thud on the ground below.

"No!" Siegemund screamed, rushing forward and drawing his sword. His swing was heavy and powerful, but far too easy to predict. Apollyon needed only to lift up her weapon and bat it to the side, sending the blade crashing into the wall beside them. The strike was strong enough to shake loose a few stones, and Siegemund recovered quickly enough to prepare for a second blow.

"Demon! I'll cut you in half!" He shrieked. With a mighty yell he stepped forward and swung wildly, whiffing as Apollyon took a calculated step away from the mad knight. With one forward step, Apollyon thrust her own blade forward, piercing Siegemund through his gut, and driving upward until the sword reached resistance at the back of his armor. Siegemund choked out a cry as Apollyon kicked his legs out from under him, then pushed forward again. The conflicting forces were enough to push the blade through the armor, the tip of her warsword drenched in the warrior's blood. Siegemund's head dropped as his own sword clattered to the ground below him.

"No…" I could hear Obadia say beside me. His tone was somber, with equal parts regret and horror. I remembered that tone, I'd heard it come from another trusted ally, long ago. Apollyon slowly stood, letting her blade stay within Siegemund as he choked and coughed, twitching on the weapon as he seemingly tried to reach for it. He never had the chance, for Apollyon placed a palm on his chest, and with one mighty shove, pulled her weapon free of his body. Siegemund twitched on the ground for a time, desperately clinging to life as he gasped and gagged on the very air, before falling silent as his arms went limp at his side.

Most in the room had no reaction to his death, nor the death of Zulan. Belial and Helia simply relaxed their stances, while Mercy simply looked away. Apollyon wiped her weapon of his viscera, then turned to face us. Only Obadia showed respect to the dead, performing the sign of the cross slowly as he observed the bodies. I wished I could do the same, but it would be a hollow blessing, I doubted the Creator had any reason to care about prayers.

"Now that that's settled, let us discuss what we're truly here for." Apollyon said, setting her sword atop the table. I should have known there was another purpose to this gathering, how foolish I had been to assume the matters of Herongale would take up an entire discussion. Most of us leaned forward on the table, but Obadia blinked and shook his head.

"Truly here? Was the fate of those men not the purpose?" He asked. Belial glared at him and raised his head.

"Was there truly any doubt about their treachery? Their fate was sealed long before we brought them here. All that matters now is what to do about their followers." He growled. Obadia's stance stiffened for a moment, fury written across what little of his features his armor permitted. I'd seen how that would end, and I wouldn't let him share that fate. Gently, I placed a hand on his shoulder, holding it in an attempt to reassure him. He remained still and breathed deeply, taking a step back as he placed his hands on his forehead. I released him, and looked at the rest of my band.

"The people of Herongale had no choice but to follow the word of their elder, we cannot condemn them for their actions." I stated. Regardless of my thoughts on Zulan and Siegemund's fate, I had to turn to what could be changed, what could matter going forward.

"Herongale will serve as a beacon of defiance if we leave them, they will not take the loss of their elder sitting down, nor their greatest warrior." Helia said, crossing her arms as she did so.

"How much damage can one hamlet do? They are not soldiers and they are not mercenaries. These are farmers and lumbermen, attacking them would only serve to anger and frighten the people of Ashfeld." I argued. As I finished speaking, Belial took a step forward, accentuating each step with the clacking of his poleaxe.

"They are co-conspirators with the Warden and his Conqueror, are we to just ignore their influence on the people?" He posed.

"They cared only for their survival, at the time. I doubt they were receptive to talk of rebellion, if it was even mentioned." Said Mercy. I was surprised that she seemed to be on my side, or at least shared a similar view. Looking over to her, I could see her hand brought to her chin, seeming lost in thought.

"You are all of you, correct." Apollyon said, looking between each of us as she spoke. Each of us fell silent, allowing her to take the floor.

"Herongale likely held no collusion with O'Carrick, nor Stone. But it is not them we must consider." She explained. There was a methodical thought behind her words, something I was more than familiar with by now. I was even familiar with the almost instructional tone she used, as though she were teaching all of us the truth of life. Unlike those times before, however, I found myself dreading whatever she had deemed worthy of instructing.

"O'Carrick and Stone have made it clear that they stand to oppose us, if not by direct force, then by reputation. Both are matters of grave duplicity." She said steadily, walking almost leisurely around the table. All eyes followed her as she moved, enrapturing us as she continued periodically contemplating each of us.

"If those two wish to oppose the Blackstone Legion, then let them. But they must know the price. Of. Defiance." She declared, turning back slowly as she punctuated the tail end of her sentence with calculated pauses. I felt my heart sink into my stomach more and more with each delay, until it felt as though my armor resided there. Belial took a step forward, facing towards our master with a poised stance.

"We've fifty horses ready to ride, and two-hundred men ready to march on Herongale at your command, master." He proclaimed. Obadia seemed to finally break free of his stupor, rushing forward and slamming his hands on the table with a loud smack.

"This is madness! What authority do we have to put an entire town to the sword? Should the Warden and Conqueror not be judged on their own? Are we now butchers and tyrants?!" He yelled, fire and passion burning in every word. I found myself agreeing with him, this was wrong, on more levels than just our oaths. But I had no way of opposing Apollyon, not here. She did not turn to face him when she responded.

"Your opposition is noted, Captain. But the matter is decided. You need not partake, if that is your concern." Obadia shook his head and backed away. I'm sure he was disgusted by Apollyon's words. She turned to look at Mercy now.

"O'Carrick?" Mercy lowered her hand from her chin, letting both arms fall to her side, still tense and ready.

"He did not return to Morrowgale as expected. I'm still searching for him." She explained. I raised my head at this. She was tracking him? In hindsight, I suppose I should have expected that. For better or worse, O'Carrick had captured Apollyon's attention, I should have known better than to think she'd leave him to his own devices. Still, it only served to deepen that dishonesty I'd felt. What purpose was it to be a second if your master kept you in the dark? Apollyon simply nodded in response.

"You will find him. When he learns of Herongale's fate, burned and reduced to rubble, he will understand the fate he risks for his beloved flock. Then, he will come into the open." She said, throughout the room there were soft jeers and jabs at him, I paid them no mind. For so many days I felt I had been stumbling blind, and now that I knew what was coming, I wished it had stayed that way. This wasn't what our oaths stood for, and it certainly wasn't what we were originally founded for, was it? At this point, I wasn't even sure anymore…

And I wasn't even sure I wanted to…