12. The Four Cardinals
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The double doors of the cathedral loomed over him. Drawing the gold and silver keys from his pocket, he placed them in their respective keyholes.
They didn't fit.
The man frowned in confusion and studied them again, certain they were a perfect match. He tried a second time, but the keys refused to work. He stood for a moment, perplexed, then decided to switch them.
This time, they slid in effortlessly. The gold key unlocked the silver door, and the silver key unlocked the gold door. With a heavy groan, the entrance to the cathedral opened on its own.
As the Lucid One stepped inside, an enormous statue of the Illuminator greeted him. The gold-wrought effigy stood over twenty feet tall, his seven angelic wings folded behind him. He had the body of a man, with bulging muscles bursting between his elaborate armor, but the head of a falcon, featuring a sharp hooked beak and a row of curled horns resembling a crown. A serpentine tail covered in feathers curled around his legs, which ended in a pair of reptilian claws.
To his relief, a lantern rested just before the statue. He sat beside its gentle glow and fell asleep almost immediately.
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The Well Maiden faced him as the shrine shimmered into view. "Welcome home, Lucid One. Please, kneel and claim thy legacy."
Once again, the man bowed before the ethereal maiden, and she touched her wrinkled fingers to his seal. The light flooded his mind and ears, building to a near intolerable pitch. In a moment, the ritual was over, and he rose with newfound power.
"Thy destiny awaits thee," the maiden continued. "Thou shalt soon stand before the Cardinals, exalted by the angels. Remember why thou must fight, why thou must persevere. The shards of the Lordbrandt must be retrieved at any cost. All our hopes rest upon thine shoulders.
"There is but little time. Rest for now, Lucid One, until the dream returneth thee to the waking world."
He nodded his thanks, then looked to the luminous white tree. Before he awoke, he wanted to learn what secrets the tomes held.
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The pale serpent was resting in its usual spot. Its violet eyes glistened as the man approached. "So, you're back again. What mysteries shall we unravel this time?"
The Lucid One showed it the first tome, recovered from the Inquisitors. As he raised it to the branches, Ryn suddenly hissed, making him recoil in shock. "Hss! Keep that atrocious thing away from me! I'd rather die a thousand times than touch an Inquisitor's teachings. Those blasphemers worship an ancient evil, meddled with knowledge no mortal should possess. I will never forgive their crimes against mine kin."
Taken aback, he placed the book down amidst the roots, then produced the tattered manuscript from the catacombs. This time, the snake's eyes sparkled eagerly.
"Ah, now this is something worth studying. I heard tales of a scholar who experimented in sound sorcery, but I've never had the honor of laying eyes upon his work. What a fascinating discovery."
Ryn flipped through the brittle pages with its tail. "We've not the time to indulge all its secrets, but I can certainly give you the basics. It will no doubt come in handy against the divine beings you must face. Forget your soul sorceries, manling, and listen close.
"Sound sorcery is unique, as it does not draw power from the soul. It is the actualization of your inner voice. All mortals have it, even one as silent as yourself. The saints would have you believe this voice is Nos speaking through you, but pay no mind to those fools. Your voice is your own, and once you accept this, you'll have taken the first step towards harnessing its potential..."
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His eyes blinked open as he awakened. He was back in the cathedral, resting beside the lantern as if he had never left. Of course, his refilled flasks proved otherwise, plus the arcane knowledge he gained. Though his new spell was elementary, the very concept of sound sorcery was foreign to him. He only hoped he could cast it properly when the time came.
Gathering his belongings, the man rose to his feet, then circled around the great golden statue. There he found an enormous archway full of swirling mist, the same fog that had trapped him before. He thought he could see twisted visages emerge briefly, but they dissipated before he could be certain. He gazed up at the arch's cornerstone, noting an inscription upon its marble surface—
MEMENTO NON MORI
Hesitantly, he reached a hand into the mist, which gave way without resistance. He knew that once he crossed through, it would not let him return so easily. He reminded himself of his promise, of his destiny, and with a steadying breath, he entered.
The chamber beyond was incredibly vast. Every surface shone of polished white marble. Soaring pillars surrounded an expansive platform, and four gilded thrones lay across from each other at equal distances. In the center sat a brazier filled with white flame. Before it, three imposing figures stood silently.
The Cardinals.
Slowly, they turned to face him. On the right was Cardinal Richter, clad in embellished plate mail, with a crowned helm concealing his face. Four hawkish wings grew from his back, and in one hand, he wielded a sturdy gemmed scepter containing a bell at the top. In the other was a complex crossbow, its multiple strings resembling a loom.
To the left was Cardinal Lycian, the Grand Inquisitor. Crimson eyes peered from the base of his horse-helmet, replete with flowing red mane, and four raven wings hung from his shoulders like a cape. Tufts of black hair jutted between the lithe silver armor, and hoofed legs stood inverted beneath the leather and chainmail skirt. In his clawed hands were twin daggers, gold-red and silver-black, their blades warped and deformed.
The central figure was Cardinal Andros, the Holy Seer. His gold-and-white cassock was immaculate, as were his five colorless wings. Patterned lappets draped around his shoulders, and on his head rested the pointed mitre crowned by three tiaras. Twin strips of purple cloth covered his face, with six blinders down its length. Gripped in his gold-chain gloves was the infamous cross-spear, tipped by a gleaming yellow crystal that spiraled from the symbol of Nos.
For a moment, the man stood transfixed by their heavenly presence, wholly forgetting his reason for being there. Then, Andros tapped the butt of his spear against the floor, and the others charged.
The battle had begun.
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Lycian was the first to reach him, sweeping his twin blades in a horizontal arc. The Lucid One dived low, but before he could strike back, Richter brought his scepter crashing down. He leapt aside as the bell clanged against the decorative floor, echoing throughout the spacious chamber.
He lashed out with his cane, whipping Cardinal Richter over the helm, though it left barely a dent. The scepter swung again, missing him by a hair's width, then Lycian rushed in with daggers flailing. The man dodged the first swipe, but the next caught him in an upward stroke, sending him flying. He landed on his back as the gold blade stabbed down, and he barely rolled away in time.
As he clambered to his feet, a sharp crackle came from behind, then the crystal spearhead pierced through his abdomen. He writhed in agony as Andros lifted him off the ground, and with a deafening peal, lightning erupted through his body. In a single stroke, the Cardinal flung the charred figure across the room.
He struggled to stand as the angels circled him like birds of prey. Raising his staff, he cast a soul shower above their heads, and light rained over the divine beings. They twitched as soul arrows pummeled them, but seemed entirely unharmed. Richter barreled through the projectiles and swung his scepter, forcing the Lucid One to evade, then Lycian impaled both blades in his chest and tore to either side, rending through his ribcage.
Falling to the floor, the man dragged himself behind one of the towering thrones. He hastily drank from his sapphire flask, healing his gaping wounds, but Lycian flew around and slashed at him. He tumbled away as the silver dagger sparked against the throne, then thrust his staff into the angel's chest. The Grand Inquisitor jerked back, but instantly rushed him again without mercy.
The twin blades twirled about in a vicious dance, nearly slicing him to ribbons. As he desperately avoided death, he heard the crossbow click, and dove aside as Richter unleashed a volley of lightning bolts. The strings sprang in succession, forcing him to block, but three arrows embedded into his leg and hip. He winced in pain, then raised his shield high, determined to slow the Cardinals.
To his relief, the golden rings contracted around the angels, hindering their movements. As soon as they appeared, however, Richter rang his bell side to side, and shimmering auras encompassed each figure. The rings shattered, then Lycian instantly charged, freed from the binding miracle.
The Lucid One stared in disbelief as the twin blades crossed through his torso, splattering blood over the pristine tiles. He rolled away before they could strike again, then whipped his cane against the iron-cast horse head. The Grand Inquisitor ignored the blows, and the gold dagger flashed as it cut deep through his abdomen.
Richter soared in, his bell-scepter nearly crushing the man beneath its bulk. The Lucid One spun to the shimmering knight and prepared his new spell, praying it would work. The quartz pommel sang, then a bolt of invisible sound rippled through the air, piercing right through the Cardinal's aura. To his amazement, the stalwart giant doubled over in agony.
He had no time to celebrate the small victory. Andros thrust his crackling spear and launched a ray of lightning from its tip, blasting the Lucid One with deadly energy. He collapsed to his knees, skin smoldering, then Lycian spun his blades in a rising sweep, sending the man sprawling.
This time, he could not stand. He struggled just to draw his sapphire flask and chug again, healing most of his injuries. Only one more sip remained, while the Cardinals were barely harmed. Glancing over his shoulder, he dared to take another drink, this time from his Estus. The liquid fire flooded his veins, and the man leapt to his feet once more, refusing to surrender.
As Lycian sped towards him, he twirled his staff overhead, dealing a powerful blow to a hoofed leg. Richter bore down, but he dodged the hammering scepter and jammed his cane between the layered armor. The brute grunted as it slid deep, then immediately retaliated with another swing. The Lucid One tried to block, but the heavy bell knocked his guard wide, crushing the shield like paper.
The man gaped in horror at the crumpled chimes. He threw the useless armament aside as he jumped back from a third swing. The twin blades swiped over his head, then another crackling bolt almost struck him head-on. He was exhausted from the constant evasion, surrounded on all sides, and fought back in a desperate frenzy. His silver cane flailed madly, whipping Lycian three times across the chest, then he tumbled away and lashed Richter across his thigh.
The crossbow came up. He rolled straight ahead as bolts flew past, landing behind the Cardinal, and slashed through the knight's golden-brown wings. A howl echoed from his visor, and the Lucid One felt emboldened. Even these divine creatures could feel pain.
Summoning all his strength, he swung again, but Richter caught the segmented staff in his armored fist. With a powerful tug, the silver thread snapped, and the cane flew from the man's grip as its broken pieces scattered across the floor.
He could only watch in despair as the bell slammed into his chest, hurling him against the wall and shattering his ribs. He landed in a heap, not even bothering to retrieve his flasks. He was without a weapon. He was defenseless.
He had failed.
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As the three Cardinals closed in, the fog behind them rippled, and another figure entered the chamber. The fallen man raised his head in surprise, immediately recognizing the leather coat and tricornered hat. In his most dire need, Morrow had come to his aid.
The warrior was armed with new weapons, which the Lucid One recalled from the painting in the Inquisitor's steeple — a greatshield sporting a noble hound's head, and an ornate sword, thick and rectangular, more like a club than a blade. As Morrow took a fighting stance, he called out to the Cardinals.
"So you're the fiends who cursed this land to ruin! Come, face me! You will not stand in the way of my destiny!"
As one, the angels flew at him, and the warrior valiantly stood his ground. When Lycian's blades collided with his greatshield, he shoved back, bashing into the Grand Inquisitor's chest. The Lucid One swore a primal roar echoed from the shield as the Cardinal stumbled. Richter's scepter slammed down, but Morrow dodged, swinging the square sword into his hip and marring the thick armor.
Andros jabbed twice with his spear, barely missing both times. The warrior struck back, though the angel flew away on sweeping wings, then surged forward and ran him through the midsection. The force of the attack sent the man sprawling, but he was on his feet again in an instant, shielding himself from another thrust. His sword came down on the Holy Seer's forearm with a crack, drawing a mixed cry of hurt and indignity. The other Cardinals leapt to their leader's defense, forcing Morrow back with a relentless assault.
While the battle raged, the Lucid One finished off his blessed water, then rushed to help his ally. Without a weapon, the best he could do was distract the enemies and buy Morrow some time. He hammered both fists against Lycian's wings, and the Grand Inquisitor immediately spun, twin daggers racing towards his neck. He somersaulted backwards as the dark angel pursued him, hooves clopping loudly across the marble floor.
Morrow squared off against Cardinal Richter, shielding himself from the scepter, boots slipping with each mighty blow. He countered with a thrust, ramming the flat blade into his opponent's stomach, but Richter barely flinched. As the scepter fell again, Morrow leapt aside, trying to regain his stamina, then the crossbow snapped up. The warrior went pale as a barrage of lightning streaked towards him. He sprinted sideways, bolts screeching past his ears, and at the same time, Andros launched a crackling electric ray. Morrow took a final tumble, miraculously unharmed, then noticed the other man desperately avoiding Lycian's slashing blades.
"Nameless One!" he shouted. "Catch!"
Morrow tossed a staff at him, and the Lucid One snatched it in midair. It was an Inquisitor's cane. No sooner had it touched his hand than he thrust it forward, shooting a sound bolt into Lycian's horse-head. The Cardinal wobbled as the metal reverberated painfully, and Morrow took the opening to strike him over the back, dropping him to one knee. The Lucid One drove his cane through the helmet's eyehole, and Lycian fell back with an inhuman shriek.
Before they could land a deathblow, Andros raised his cross-spear high. Thunder boomed through the chamber as pillars of lightning stormed all around them. The men dodged madly between the perilous bolts, but were eventually struck and paralyzed, their flesh searing.
Richter blitzed forward and battered Morrow, knocking him against a throne. At the same time, Lycian rose and struck his blades together, igniting them with dark blue flames. He twirled after the Lucid One, who barely avoided the cyclone of steel and shadow. A final spin caught him across the shoulder, leaving cold poison seeping through his skin.
Morrow drank quickly from his sapphire flask as the knight closed in. With beating wings, Richter soared high before crashing down feet-first, but the warrior dove away and raced across the room. He took Lycian by surprise, bludgeoning him from behind. In a flash, the flaming daggers ripped twice through Morrow's body, inflicting their tainted wounds, and he gasped in numb shock.
As Lycian raised his blades again, the Lucid One cast a second sound bolt into his back, then another. The Grand Inquisitor whirled on him, slashing in a rabid frenzy, but somehow he avoided the flurry of blows. He saw a brief opening, and lunged forward with cane outstretched. It pierced through the other eyehole, and the angel screamed in agony.
Before he could press the offense, Richter's crossbow showered him in lightning. There was no time to dodge. As the projectiles pierced his body, Morrow dove in front of him, shield raised, and deflected the brunt of the attack. Bolts ricocheted off the canine head, then Cardinal Lycian screeched maniacally. His blades tore into the warrior, shredding him without remorse, and Morrow sagged as blood gushed from his countless wounds. The Lucid One knew the poison would overcome him, and hastily reached into his pockets.
He had a single clump of purple blossoms left. It was enough. Moving quick, he shoved the mossy flowers into his friend's hand and threw himself at Lycian. Fighting like a wild animal, he clubbed the Grand Inquisitor over the chest, then tumbled below the flaming daggers and fired a sound bolt at Richter. As the Cardinals raced after him, he charged straight at Andros, drawing all of their attention.
The cross-spear flew towards his head. He slid beneath the crackling crystal and stabbed the Holy Seer in the stomach, tearing his spotless gown. He immediately rolled, anticipating Richter's crashing scepter, then spun around to face them. Before he could act, Lycian thrust his golden dagger through his chest. He lifted the man off his feet, then slammed the blade into the ground, creating a burst of blue fire.
The Lucid One lay motionless, near death. His ring saved him from the poison, but the injuries were too severe. As the daggers rose again, he mustered the last of his strength and rammed the cane into Lycian's inverted kneecap, causing him to wobble and fall. The Grand Inquisitor roared furiously, then suddenly, Morrow's sword bashed him upside the head.
The horse-helm bent at a bizarre angle. With a strained cry, Morrow swung again, practically flattening Lycian's iron mask against his shoulder. There was a heavy snort from the crushed helmet, then the Cardinal crumpled. His twin blades extinguished and clattered to the floor as he faded to black soot.
Richter bellowed in outrage, charging furiously at the warrior. Morrow evaded the scepter, his wounds fully healed, and met the towering knight head-on. As they clashed, the Lucid One drank more Estus to restore his strength, then slid the staff between his cloak. He took up Lycian's curved daggers, which were the size of longswords in his hands, and tried striking them together. To his amazement, the cold, toxic flames burst back to life.
He raced after the skirmishing fighters, but only took a few steps before electricity crackled beside him. He dropped to the floor as lightning streaked overhead, followed by Andros lunging with his spear. The crystal tip flew just past his face, then he countered with twin slashes. The flaming blades cut deep, forcing the Cardinal to retreat with a flap of his wings.
Morrow tried to block Richter's swing, but the heavy bell knocked his greatshield aside. He barely avoided being crushed by the next hammering strike. As the scepter rose again, the Lucid One shredded through each armored leg, right above the ankles. The giant swayed, losing his balance, then Morrow bashed with the roaring greatshield and knocked him off his feet.
As the Cardinal toppled over, the Lucid One reached around his broad shoulders and drew the daggers across his throat. Richter gave a hollow gasp just as Morrow brought his sword crashing down, caving in the crowned helm. The knight finally collapsed onto his back.
Andros wailed wrathfully, raising his spear again as lightning exploded from above. Morrow ducked behind his shield for cover, while the Lucid One dodged frantically between the numerous bolts. By pure luck, he made it through unharmed, and retrieved his staff to cast a soul bolt at the Holy Seer. The invisible arrow penetrated the angel's torso, stunning him briefly, then Morrow charged forward and thrust his sword into the Cardinal's stomach, causing him to double over in pain.
The Lucid One prepared his spell again when he heard a mechanical snap from behind. Without looking, he leapt aside as Richter's crossbow sprayed electric bolts after him, missing by mere inches. The giant struggled to stand, using his scepter for support, but threw himself after the man without regard for his injuries.
The bell flailed madly, keeping the Lucid One on the move. Though the Estus fueled his body, his wounds were still numerous. A single strike from the knight would spell his doom. He weaved dangerously between the heavy blows, until he saw an opening. Rolling behind the armored angel, he stabbed both blades into the base of his wings, and Richter roared as he swung the scepter around. The man tumbled away, barely avoiding certain death.
He backpedaled as the Cardinal chased him, trying to stay out of melee range. Even with his helmet crushed, the giant was deceptively swift, using his powerful wings to propel himself forward. As the Lucid One constantly evaded, Morrow kept Andros occupied, deflecting the shimmering spearhead with his sturdy shield. He struck back, but the angel was too nimble, flittering about while keeping the warrior at length with his golden lance.
The scepter came dangerously close, and the Lucid One began to panic. His endurance was waning. It was only a matter of time before Richter landed a blow and finished him for good. He could not afford to counterattack or cast a spell, requiring all his energy just to stay alive. The bell clanged repeatedly as it crashed down, and he rolled as far away as he could.
As the man came to his feet, the crossbow aimed for him. He froze with dread, knowing he would not be able to avoid the coming onslaught, and prepared for the end. To his surprise, the giant wavered, then lowered his bow. Gray ash seeped from the cracks in his armor, and the bell tolled once more as it hit the ground. At last, the knight collapsed into empty pieces, undone by Lycian's deadly poison.
Morrow leapt aside as a ray of lightning burst from the spearhead. He backed away with shield raised, then spotted the other man standing over the pile of armor. "The crossbow!" he shouted. "Quickly! Throw it to me!"
The Lucid One lifted the heavy weapon in both arms, and with all his might, he heaved it through the air. Morrow swung the greatshield onto his back, caught the crossbow in his left hand, and spun towards Andros in a single motion. The strings snapped as a torrent of electric bolts pummeled the Holy Seer, who screamed as his celestial body was impaled a dozen times over.
The Lucid One snatched up the Inquisitor's curved blades and hurried to his companion's side. Morrow cranked the loading mechanism, and together, they faced the last Cardinal.
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Appendix
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Divine Barrier — A miracle of Cardinal Richter, the "Bastion." Provides an impenetrable defense against nearly all forms of magic. Saint Richter was tasked with building the defenses of the Basilica, most notably the great wall that withstood the floods. It still stands strongly to this day.
Dominic's Shield of Valor — The greatshield once wielded by Dominic the Inquisitor, emblazoned with the head of a canine. During the Nephel wars, Dominic fought bravely alongside his companion, Saint Karine the archer. She mysteriously vanished one fateful mission, and Dominic was loathed to reveal her fate.
Dominic's Sword of Mercy — The greatsword once wielded by Dominic the Inquisitor, with a square blade that can crush enemies like a club. The tale of Saint Dominic ended in tragedy, as he became corrupted by the Nephel and put down by Neron, the Judicator.
Escalon — A repeating crossbow loaded with lightning bolts. It was designed by Cardinal Richter, whose brutish appearance overshadowed his ingenuity. The Cardinal of the South oversaw the defenses of the Basilica, including the powerful ballistae that lined the walls. These were crucial in fending off the Paradrake, with whom he held a personal grudge.
Fax & Fel — Twin daggers wielded by Cardinal Lycian, with blades of gold-red and silver-black. Strike together to reinforce with Darklight. During the Nephel wars, the Cardinal of the West devised increasingly inventive means of dispatching the abominations, but his discovery of the Darklight miracle became known as his crowning achievement.
Heaven's Storm — A miracle of Cardinal Andros, commander of the Radiant Legion. Summons numerous lightning bolts that fall from the skies. When the Illuminator sacrificed his immortal soul to save humanity, its shattered pieces rained down from the heavens. This miracle is a recounting of this fateful moment.
Sound Bolt — A simple sorcery created by the eccentric Quintus of Falmour. Casts an invisible arrow that bypasses all defenses. Though nearly identical to soul sorcery, there is something unique to sound that bolsters this spell's effectiveness.
Tinnabulum — A heavy scepter wielded by Cardinal Richter. It is topped with a bell, and is capable of casting miracles. Once, the twin bells welcomed pilgrims to the Basilica. After the fall of the Watchers, they served as an alarm for intruders.