The Throne Room of Re-Estise
"My Queen this is heresy! Those people are heretics, we have tolerated their existence because of your late father's policies and now you wish to exempt them from taxes and allow freedom of travel?" the priest of the water god shouted
"This policy is done as a favour to Maeve dono and her companions, as I am sure you are aware she and her companions contributed the most during the demonic incursion." Renner replied
"They are heretics too! The only favour we should be granting them is quick death!" the priest said face tomato red in rage
"And how do you propose we do that? The four of them killed five times more demons than the rest of the city combined. Tell me good priest have you ever seen Solanna dono fire her bow in earnest?" Renner asked
"No I was in the temple handling the wounded…" the priest said
"Well I have, her light arrows were so numerous some of the troops dropped their torches because the glow of her arrows provided enough light to fight." Renner said
"I… that's because she has sold herself to the false gods!" the priest retorted
"That still doesn't tell me how we are going to take their heads." Renner deadpanned
Renner sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose as she gazed at the sputtering priest. These fanatics were hopeless, she chided herself for not seeing the truth sooner. No the truth was always there she just didn't want to see it, it was like walking through a dark alley. Who knows what lies in the shadows but as long as you keep walking towards the light at the end of the alley you can ignore the thought. However the 41 has seen fit to shine a light in the dark alley that was the Re - Estise kingdom and it showed a truly bleak sight.
"Good priest what does the six gods stand for?" Renner asked
"Humans, your grace." the priest replied perplexed at the sudden question
"Then tell me good priest, knowing how powerful the four of them are would you rather they stand at your side or at your throat." Renner asked
"I…" the priest stammered at a loss for words
"They are powerful, absurdly so, it is in the best interest of the citizens of this country that we maintain a cordial and friendly relationship with them. Regardless of their chosen faith, I find steel speaks louder than words more often than not. Besides the followers of the 41 number just over two thousand. I don't see how two thousand destitute peasants can impact the kingdom significantly." Renner said
"Those heretics will dig their claws in and move the citizens away from the true gods!" the priest said
"Well you will just have to stop that from happening, it shouldn't be that hard considering there is already a stigma against them. Or is the priest hood so incompetent it can't even stop two thousand beggars from converting the population." Renner said eyes narrowed
"I… as you will your grace… " the priest said
"Also good priest one more thing, if I catch word that there is any premeditated and organised violence against them I will have it stamped out. I will not tolerate any unsanctioned military actions. " Renner said coldly
"Yes, your grace." the priest said with his head bowed not meeting Renner's eyes
As Renner watched the priest walk out the throne room she let out a sigh. She turned to her right and saw Climb taking furtive glances to her left.
"The court is dismissed, I wish to be alone." Renner said as she watched everyone except for Climb file out of the room.
"So how was that Custodian Barca?" Renner asked the empty space to her left
To her left the air shimmered revealing an olive skinned man with a head of curly black hair and a neatly trimmed beard.
"Lady Herald's assessment was correct, you are very shrewd your grace." Barca said
"Yes now let's see where the followers of the 41 will move, then we can have yourself and your agents help us with the false flag operation." Renner said
"Yes my friends from the Ordo Hereticus will be quite suited to this task. I believe they have located a local underworld that may prove useful, the eight fingers I believe." Barca said as he stroked his beard
"I trust you have the situation well in hand?" Renner asked eyebrows raised
"Of course, we will squeeze these criminals dry for all they are worth. We will use anything we can use as is the Custodian way…" Barca replied with a predatory smile
Eight Finger's headquarters (The Previous Night)
Hilma struggled as the strong hand pressed her head into the table. She saw the crossbow pointed at her head and stiffened. Her eyes wandered and she saw Coco Doll have a red hot dagger stabbed right through his hand nailing him to the table. He let out a scream as the smell of burning flesh perforated the room. Zero was lying against the wall a crossbow bolt buried in between his eyes.
"Good evening criminal scum, I have questions for the lot of you. I am Senior Judge Issac Parker, it is in your best interest if you listen well." a voice said
"First off are these gentlemen your bodyguards?" Issac said gesturing to the remaining members of the six arms who had blades at their throats.
The members of the inner circle stayed silent too afraid to utter a sound. Hilma felt the hand on her grasp her hair and yanked her head up.
"Ansssswer the Judge." a reptilian voice hissed as it yanked her face to face his
Hilma saw a pair of yellow reptilian pupils gaze at her, it's long narrow irises narrowed in malice.
"Yes they are the six arms, they are in charge of security for our organisation." Hilma stammered
"Six arms? I see only five or are you trying to lie to me." Issac said as he said so another man punched Hilma in the gut forcing her to expel her stomach contents all over the table.
"Urggh… no the leader is there on the floor, the one with the tattoos." Hilma sobbed
"Ah I see my apologies dear." Issac said not sounding at all sorry
"Please…" the smuggling division head whimpered
"You speak when you are spoken to scum." a woman said as she lifted his head up and slugged him across the face, knocking out several teeth and shattering his nose.
"Be gentle dear we need them conscious. Do it like this." Issac said as he hefted up Coco Dolls face and punched him knocking out a single teeth.
These people are insane… Hilma thought desperately to herself.
"Now then on to the next question so these five are only responsible for security, so in essence just brutes then?" Issac asked
"Yes, they are deterrents against any foul play" Hilma stammered
"Ah I see so they are considered strong then." Issac said as he turned to the members of the six arms.
"Ah an undead, what is your name?" Issac asked as he gazed at the lich before him
"I am Davernoch the Undead King." the lich said through gritted teeth
"Undead king you say... an arrogant title. False kings hide behind false crowns lesser lich, your crown won't save you here. I don't like his name… kill him." Issac said
There was the sound of steel and Davernoch crumbled to dust onto the floor.
"Now then who are you…" Issac said facing the smartly dressed man with scarlet hair
"Malmvist… " the man stammered
"No title?" Issac asked
"No… " Malmvist whimpered eyes wide in fear
"You lie… a coward then. How can a man dressed like you not be vain enough not to give himself a title. Kill him." Issac said as a blade was drawn over Malvist's throat and he collapsed to the ground twitching.
"You my lady your name." Issac said turning to the olive skinned woman wearing belly dancers apparel
"Edstrom, Dancing Scimitar." the woman replied trying her best to hold her voice steady
"I smell fear, but there is no courage without fear… Dancing Scimitar a peculiar name." Issac said
"My blades are enchanted with [Dance] I can manipulate them to fight independently." Edstrom said hesitantly
"Show me." Issac said
Edstrom looked to one of the soldiers as he handed her scimitars to her. She manipulated them to swivel around her and pretend to fight some unseen opponent. After her show she folded the scimitars neatly and handed them back to Issac hilt first.
"Sheath them and stand aside." Issac said
Edstrom willed the scimitars back to their sheaths and stepped to the side trying to make herself inconspicuous.
"Now then you are an older one." Issac said as he gazed at an older warrior in full plate armor
"I am Peshurian, Spatial Slash." Peshurian said evenly
"How old are you Peshurian." Issac asked
"I turn 38 in 3 months." Peshurian replied
"Ah I respect a man in a profession where most die young. Step aside." Issac said as he turned to the last one, a man dressed in a rogues armor.
"You're the one that tried to sneak out the moment we dropped your boss. You left an illusion behind to confuse us, smart… but not smart enough apparently. Your name? " Issac said
"Succulent, Phantom Devil." he said hesitantly
"We will have uses for you illusionist, step aside."
"Now then what about the rest of the gentleman standing by the side." Issac said as he turned towards Hilma
"They are our bodyguards." Hilma said
"Essential or Replaceable?" Issac asked
"Replaceable" Hilma repled
"Thank you for your honesty, dear lady, unfortunately for you gentleman what I am going to say next is on a need to know basis so… kill the spares." Issac said as the bodyguards around the room had their throats cut.
"Now then I assume you're the leader." Issac said to the man being held at knifepoint at the head of the table.
"Yes I am." the man said
"Very good, I believe a demonstration is in order." Issac said as he nodded at the soldier holding him down.
The soldier decapitated the head of the eight fingers as if his neck was a stalk of wheat.
"Now then my lady congratulations you have just been promoted to the head of this illustrious organisation." Issac said to Hilma with a smile
Hilma looked on stunned at Issac, at a loss for words.
"You are supposed to bow now." Issac said with a grin as the man holding Hilma shoved her back onto the table. Plastering her face onto the vomit covered table.
Hilma saw a shining blade stab into the table a few centimetres from her face. In the blade reflection she saw her terrified visage look back at her.
"Thank you very much for the promotion!" wailed a terrified Hilma
"Yes very good, now then." Issac said as he grabbed the decapitated head and replaced the dagger with the head. So that Hilma could gaze at the lifeless eyes of the former head of the eight fingers.
"Remember this well ladies and gentleman. As far as I am concerned everyone of you are dispensable. You are only alive because I deem I can get some use out of you. Serve me well and you just might survive. " Issac said
"Oh yes I just remembered do you have a slave black market?" Issac asked
"Yes… Coco doll is the head of the slave trade branch… " Hilma whimpered amongst her own vomit
"Which one of you is Coco Doll?" Issac asked
"I am…" Coco Doll said hesitantly
"My masters happen to abhore slavery, so we have no need of you. Kill him." Issac said as Coco Doll had a blade drawn across his throat.
"Now then, your small council here just got a lot smaller." Issac said as he grasped Hilma's head and began rubbing it back and forth on the table. Smearing her face in her own vomit.
"I feel this might make organisation easier don't you agree? After all everyone hates bureaucracy." Issac said cheerfully
"Yes thank you for reorganising the eight fingers Judge sama." Hilma whimpered as her face slid back and forth on the table
"Good I believe we are going to get along just fine…" Issac said as she lifted Hilma's head off the table and slammed it back down with a splat.
"Yes I agree Judge sama." Hilma wept
Now then this is what I need you to do...
Capital of Re-Estise (2 Months Later)
"Mika please wake Buku up it's almost time for lunch." the mother said
"Yes mom." said the boy named Mika, he was a skinny auburn haired boy of ten with green eyes and a pale parlour.
Mika was from a family of those that worshipped the 41, they had come to the capital with the rest of their village in hopes of a better life. They had heard that the laws on their persecution has been lifted due to the grace of the Golden Queen. They had also heard that there were champions of the 41 here in the capital. Rumors said one was a young girl with blonde hair and a glowing yellow eye, the other was towering warrior in full adamantite plate armor and flowing red cape wielding twin greatswords. The village elder of their village had said that they should come to the capital and show that that those who followed the 41 were just like the rest of the kingdom. The elder felt that it was a good opportunity to show the virtue of those who followed the 41, also the village felt they would be safe here seeing as there were two champions of the 41 who had the queen's favour.
The family sat down and ate their meagre breakfast of stale bread and marmalade made from the thrown out peels of a nearby fruit stand. The father worked at the nearby butchers shop earning a few coopers a day. He worked by disposing of the offal and carcasses from the shop. It wasn't much but it was honest work, strangely they had heard rumors that most of the illegitimate business have closed down a few weeks before they arrived in the capital. In fact crime has dropped down significantly, it used to be that there were on average two homicides a day it was now down to one a week. The underground organisation Eight Fingers have all but evaporated from the slums.
"Mom me and Buku are going out to play." Mika said
"Ok but stay safe dear and stay away from the temples." the mother said sternly
"Yes mom." the siblings chorused
The twin ran out laughing and giggling. They ran through the streets heading to a seemingly random street corner where there were two other kids sitting on some barrels.
"Hi Mika, Hi Buku." said a slim girl with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Hi Sena." Buku replied, she had auburn hair and green eyes just like her brother.
"Where should we go today?" Buku asked
"How about we go see the palace?" Mika suggested
"Ehhh but Mom said it's not safe to go too far." the other boy protested
"Don't be silly, the city get safer the closer we get to the palace." Mika replied
"Do you even know how to get there?" the blonde girl Sena asked
"Of course I do, just follow the main road it leads straight to the palace. I heard one of the merchants say they were making a delivery to the palace." Mika replied proudly
"Well I don't know…" Sena said hesitantly
"Come on Sena, it'll be fine, who knows we might even get to see the queen." Mika said
Sena's eyes lit up at those words, she had always wanted to be a princess but sadly fate had other plans. So she wanted to see what true royalty was.
"Ok sure…" Sena said trying to sound begrudging but not doing a very good job of it
"Alright it's settled then, lets go!" Mika declared
The kids ran through the streets until they reached the main road, there they followed the road all the way until they could see the gate of the palace. To these impoverished kids it the palace might as well as be made by the gods, they gazed in awe at it's towering spires and high walls.
They glanced at each other and giggled before sprinting up the road towards the palace.
"Wow it's so big… " Buku said in awe
"Yes I want to live there someday." Mika said
"Come on Mika only nobles get to visit the palace, you have to serve the queen to even get in." Sena said with a laugh
"Oi you kids what are you doing here." a voice said
The kids turned to see a guard walking towards them a scowl on his face.
"What the hell are you slum dogs doing here, get out of here! This is the palace not the slums." the guard spat
"What's going on here?" said another voice
"Sergeant Holt." the guard said standing at attention
"So what's going on with these kids?" Holt asked
"Sir I was telling them to step away from the palace, sir." the guard replied
"You can do that without calling them slumdogs can't you?" Holt said eyebrows raised
"I err yes, my apologies Sergeant." the guard said red faced
"Don't forget, your task is to serve the people and keep the peace, not only that their taxes pay you so treat the citizens with respect. All the citizens… am I clear?" Holt said sternly
"Yes sergeant." the guard replied
"Dismissed I'll take it from here." Holt said
"Thank you sir…" Buku said
"Not a problem child, where are you from?" Holt asked kindly
"We are from the northern district." Buku said shyly
"Ah I see, I am sorry for what my man said earlier." Holt said
"It's fine… we shouldn't be here anyway." Mika said
"You are free to go wherever you wish child, but keep in mind your safety." Holt said
"Yes sir." Mika said
Then they heard the gate behind them open and the group turned to see a certain pair appear. Mika looked and saw a young girl with blonde hair and glowing yellow eye...
"Sergeant Holt, whats going on here." Maeve said as she approached
"Lady Maeve, Sir Momon these kids came from the northern district. I was just speaking to them." Holt replied standing ramrod straight
"At ease Sergeant, the northern district you say." Maeve said as she looked at the awe struck eyes of the children as they looked at her.
"You're the hero…" Buku said awestruck
"Hero? Well I am called many things, so why do you call me a hero?" Maeve asked
"The rumors said that there are two champions of the 41 here, you are her aren't you the one with the glowing eye." Mika said
"I am a follower of the 41, and you are?" Maeve asked
"I am Mika, this is my sister Buku." Mika said gesturing to his sister.
The other kids introduced themselves one by one as Maeve and Momon listened patiently.
"Hmmm well nice to meet you all, Sergeant Holt I hope you weren't just going to send them off home alone are you?" Maeve asked
"Of course not Lady Maeve, I was planning to walk them back." Holt replied
"Yes very good, my brother and I will walk them back I'm interested in seeing the rebuilding progress." Maeve said
"As you wish Lady Maeve." Holt replied
The group began walking back drawing stares all along the way.
"When did you arrive in the capital young man." Momon said
"We arrived about two weeks ago, with our whole village." Mika said
"Why did you decide to come to the capital?" Momon asked
"Father said there's good work to be had here, he's already earning more than he did in our old village." Mika said proudly
"Well that's good, it's a brave choice to leave the land of your home." Momon asked
"Erm Momon sama…" Mika asked hesitantly
"Yes young man." Momon said
"Is it fine if we went to see father and mother, I am sure they would love to meet you and Maeve sama." Mika said
"Haha of course young man." Momon said with a laugh
Maeve and Momon entered the slums and looked around. The houses were either damaged or hastily constructed. The construction was poor and the repairs even more so, many a family would have a cold winter here. It was fall now and they didn't see a single chimney on most of the houses. There were a few exceptions but those were taverns and inns. The other two kids bid the group farewell and returned to their homes.
"Genji! Come get this carcass you lazy bastard!." the butcher shouted
"Sorry boss, right away." Genji said as he hurried over
"What in the name of the six gods are you doing back there, does it take that long to dump some dead cows in a wheelbarrow?" the butcher spat
"Am sorry boss." Genji said with a bow
"Ah, that's what I get for hiring a gods be damned 41 worshipper. I should cut your pay you lazy bastard." the butcher spat
"Please boss I have a family… I'll do better, I promise…" Genji said with a bow
The butcher continued to berate the poor man heedless to his surroundings. Soon a tall shadow covered the butcher…
"Excuse me." a voice said
"WHAT DO YOU WANT!" the butcher spat as he turned around and was faced with a wall of admanatite. He looked up and instantly recognised the warrior before him, no one in the city did not know what Momon and Maeve looked like. Their appearance was common knowledge after the demonic incursion.
"I am here for Mister Genji." Momon said
"Ah… I… of course Momon sama." the butcher said with a bow
Genji looked on stunned at the towering warrior, the champion of the 41 was here to meet him?
"Dad!" he saw Mika jump up from the ground his head poking up from above the counter.
"Mika? What… erm boss may I be excused for a moment." Genji said with a bow
"Yes of course… " the butcher said suddenly being very civil in his speech
Genji walked out the side to see his children standing next to the champion of the 41. To Momon sama's right he saw Maeve sama gazing at him with her glowing yellow eye.
"My lords what brings you here? Has my children caused you any offense?" Genji said uncertainly.
"Worry not good sir, we are just here to see your children back safely." Maeve replied
"Please there is no need to refer to me as sir I am but a lowly peasant." Genji said with a bow
"Treat others the way you wish to be treated. The words of Touch Me." Maeve replied
"I… thank you Maeve sama…" Genji said bowing his head as low as he could manage
"Raise your head, we came to speak with as equals not as your lords." Momon said
"Thank you Momon sama, truly you do the 41 great justice." Genji said as he raised his head
"I accept your praise gratefully, now then I believe you are working now." Momon said as he turned to the butcher
"Ah yes he is on shift now…" the butcher said
"How much do you pay him?" Momon asked
"Err 10 coppers a day my lord." the butcher said
"That's hardly anything at all." Momon said
"Please Momon dono boss is kind enough to give me a job, I have no complaints about the wage." Genji said hurriedly
"You have an eager employee, you should treat him better." Momon said calmly
"Yes I shall my lord." the butcher said his voice going up a pitch
Momon took out a gold coin and place it on the counter.
"He is done for the day, I wish to speak with him." Momon said calmly
"Yes of course my lord." the butcher said as he snatched the coin off the table before stuffing into the pocket of his dirty stained trousers.
"Ah err boss do I get paid today?" Genji asked hesitantly
Initially the butcher's eyes narrowed as he looked at him, but realising the situation he begrudgingly reached into his pocket and counted out 10 coppers and handed it to Genji. Genji took it with a bow and walked off with the group.
"Miserly little grinch isn't he? You give him a gold coin and he struggles to part with 10 coppers." Maeve said in distaste.
"Yes his virtue is lacking." Momon replied
"Momon sama, Maeve sama may I know what brings here today." Genji asked
"We bumped into your kids and their friends today outside the palace, we wanted to make sure they got home safely." Momon said
"Yes and since we are here we wanted to see how this part of the city is doing, it was hit hardest during the demonic incursion." Maeve added
"Thank you my lords, for sending my children back I hope they didn't give you any trouble?" Genji said
"No, they are very well behaved children." Momon said with a laugh
"I am glad to hear it, so is there anything I can do to assist you?" Genji asked
"Actually I was hoping we could join you for chat we wish to understand how your lives are here." Maeve said
"Yes of course, I can offer my home if you wish. It's not much but my door is always open to you." Genji said fervently
"That would do fine… but I feel bad entering someone's home without a gift." Momon said as he cupped his chin.
"No please do not bother yourself, your presence is gift enough for us." Genji said
"Hmm how about we join you for dinner then, you like chicken?" Maeve asked
"I'm sorry but we don't have much at our home… " Genji said ashamed
"Worry not good sir, the food is on us. How about we take your family to a nearby diner?" Momon said with a laugh
The group walked over to the home and Genji rushed in the door.
"Lucy we have guests!" Genji shouted
"What is it dear?" Lucy said as she walked out from the kitchen
Lucy walked out of the kitchen and saw the champions of the 41 standing in her living room.
"Pardon the intrusion." Momon said with a slight bow
"My lords what brings you to our humble home." Lucy said shakily
"We wanted to invite you and your family to dinner, we wanted to speak on how your lives are in the district. The queen has expressed interest in the welfare of this area seeing as it was hit hardest during the demonic incursion. " Maeve said
"I see but I confess we don't have much money." Lucy said
"It's fine I'll pay for it, consider it a token of thanks for taking up your time." Maeve said with a smile
"I see well thank you, I will get ready then." Lucy said
The family washed up and changed into their best clothes. Which wasn't much considering the state of their finances. The group walked out of the slums and into a middle class district and entered a restaurant.
"Maeve sama what brings you to our humble establishment." the waiter asked surprised
"Do you have a private room for us?" Maeve asked
"Yes in fact we have one, a reservation was cancelled just last night actually. However forgive me to say this but our restaurant has a dress code and your companions are… some of our customers may be abit... " the waiter said hesitantly
Maeve looked at the waiter and saw that some of the customers were looking distastefully at the family at the door of the restaurant. It wasn't that surprising considering that they were wearing what amounted to peasant farm clothes.
"I am on business for the queen, since we are in a private room I don't think there will be an issue. I can pay for the rest of the tables bills if that will make things better." Maeve said
"Yes I think that will be fine Maeve sama." the waiter said with a bow and led them to a private room upstairs.
The family sat down awkwardly and looked around nervously. The two siblings were looking around in wonder as they gazed at the opulence around them. Buku was looking at the silverware with a mute fascination, gazing at her reflection through the chrome surface. The waiter handed on the menus to those seated before bowing and retreating and standing quietly in the corner of the room.
Genji opened the menu and saw the prices and blanched pale. The cost of a main course here would be more than he made in a year…
"Maeve sama these prices… " Genji said hesitantly
Maeve called the waiter over and handed him a few platinum coins.
"For the meal and the bill of those everyone downstairs. Also this is for you as a tip" Maeve said calmly as she handed the waiter one more platinum coin.
"Thank you Maeve sama." the waiter said eyes wide as saucers
A platinum coin was worth 100 gold coins, a gold coin is worth 100 silvers and a silver coin is worth a 100 coppers. A platinum coin could buy a decently sized residence in the middle class district.
"Maeve sama we cannot possibly repay this… " Lucy said pale
"Tell me Lady Lucy how much do you think this capital is worth? While you ponder that I ask you how much does the life of the queen cost? Well I have saved both twice, this money is pittance to me it would not be an exaggeration to say I have been paid a king's ransom." Maeve said calmly
"I see… thank you for your generosity Maeve sama." Lucy said with bow
"Please just enjoy yourself, we have much to talk about later." Momon said
As the group enjoyed their meal, Maeve received a message.
"Maeve sama this is Custodian Barca are you enjoying your meal?" Barca said over the message
"I assume it was you that arranged the convenient cancellation of the reservation." Maeve replied mentally through the message
"Yes it was, as for the operation it is current underway. The fools at the temple have taken the bait, the mob is underway as we speak." Barca replied
"Good I have secured a family, how many guards are at the slums?" Maeve asked
"A small squad not nearly enough to stop the mob, I have ensured this one known as Sergeant Holt to be there. The death of one who so valorously defended the capital will be quite the card we can use against the temple." Barca replied
"A pity it has to be him, he is a good man." Maeve replied
"There are always sacrifices in war, as I am sure you are aware." Barca said
"Yes we just need to make his sacrifice worth it." Maeve replied
"I will send some of the roses once the mob has burned down enough of the slums." Barca said
"I'm guessing you will be helping with the burning?" Maeve asked
"Of course the more damage they do the better." Barca replied
"Very well update me when it's done." Maeve replied as she took another sip of wine
The Palace, The Room for the Roses
In the room the Roses sat in a circle and enjoyed a bottle of wine on the table. It was a 30 year old vintage brought back from Eden. The wine was a gift from the garrison of the Tottenkopf, it was apparently quite expensive. It was a red wine brewed on one of the vineyard worlds, it was a sweet tasting fragrant wine known as a Pinot Noir.
"I was wondering shorty why did you have that silver dagger?" Gagaran asked as she took another sip of the wine.
"Well… I had it in hand in case one day I decided that enough was enough and I was ready to depart this world." Evileye said softly
"Evileye…" Lakyus said softly as she took her hand
"It's nothing, don't worry I don't think like that anymore. If I am honest I was worried that when all of you found out about my vampiric nature you all would turn on me." Evileye said softly
"We would never Keno! You are our dearest sister now and always." Lakyus replied
"What devilishly leader said." Tia said with a firm nod
"Can I see that dagger?" Gagaran asked
"Huh, oh sure." Evileye said perplexed as she took it out and handed it to Gagaran
Gagaran took it and held it in her hand and gazed at the sharp finely crafted silver dagger. She ran a thumb over the sharp edge before grasping the blade barehanded and grabbing then handle with her other hand. She snapped the dagger at the hilt with a loud snap and tossed the two halves on the table. Her hand was bleeding from the blade and the blade was blood stained.
"Gagaran! What are you doing?" Lakyus exclaimed astonished by her sisters sudden actions
"Look at this Keeno." Gagaran said as she held up her bleeding hand
"Gagaran what?" Evileye asked at a loss for words
"We are sisters, when any of us get hurt we all bleed together. So don't ever think about ending your own life." Gagaran said sternly
"Gagaran…" Evileye said as she felt tears well up in her eyes.
"Come here shorty." Gagaran said extending her arms
Evileye gratefully walked over and fell into Gagaran's embrace. Just for a moment Evileye forgot about the wars to come, about all the troubles in the world. In that moment she allowed herself to forget...
The Slums
"Halt! Stop where you are!" Holt shouted at the mob of armed peasants.
"Get of our way, we are here to deliver God's justice upon the heretics here. They will pay for desecrating our lord's holy temple." the priest shouted brandishing a cudgel.
"Turn around good priest, if there has been a crime we will investigate. I will not have mob justice in my city. If you continue there will be violence." Holt replied
Next to him the squad of six men all drew their swords and pointed it at the mob.
"I choose violence." the priest said with a sneer
"Go home child, you shouldn't see what is to come." Holt said to the small blonde girl next to him
Sena looked up fearfully at the nice guard and back at the mob.
"Go child. NOW." Holt shouted
Sena turned and ran for her house, she turned to see the mob clash with the guards. She shut her eyes and ran as the sounds of battle resounded behind her.
Holt slashed at one of the peasants with his sword carving a deep wound in his neck, as the blood spurted and the peasant collapsed. He dodged a wooden board that was swung at his head and rolled away. He saw his men were still fine but they were being pushed back rapidly. It wouldn't be long before they ran out of room to retreat then it would be over. He could only pray that help would come in time...
The Palace, The Room for the Roses
"My Ladies! There is a riot in the slums! There's a mob armed with clubs and torches! Their burning it all down!" a guard said as he burst into the room
The roses were silent for a moment as they processed the information.
"Sisters ready your weapons, we need to go now!" Lakyus commanded as she stood up
"We have already sent word to Lord Stronoff, he should be headed there soon." the guard said
"I'll head out first I can get there faster with flight magic." Evileye said
"Please do sister, let's go everyone." Lakyus said grimly
Evileye stepped out of the window and activated a flight spell and looked out over the city. She could see fires burning to the northern district where the slums were. It struck her at that moment how stupid humanity could be, this city had just survived demonic fire and now they were burning it down them selves. She looked down and saw a group of cavalry riding full speed towards the slums no doubt those were Gazef's men. Evileye grit her teeth and poured more speed in to her spell propelling her towards the slums.
As she entered the airspace over the slums she saw there were a few bodies strewn along the street. She saw the mob has some heads on the tip of pikes, on closer inspection she realised the heads were wearing the standard issue helmet given to the guards. Evileye grit her teeth as she looked on at the chaos on the streets below. Then she noticed there were a group of men kicking something. She flew over and saw that the men were kicking a young girl around as if it was a game of kickball. At the sight Evileye's vision went red with rage…
"Oculus Target Assist." Evileye commanded as a display appeared over her vision. The Ordo Malleus had granted her use of a targeting AI due to her new rank. It allowed her to target her spells more precisely and accurately.
"Targets Locked, firing [Shard Buckshot]." the AI said
From her hands shards of crystals shot out and cut the men below to ribbons but left the girl untouched. She wouldn't be capable of this control normally, [Shard Buckshot] was an extremely inaccurate spell making it only useful in close range. However with this new targeting assists she could use it to precisely pick off groups of targets. Evileye floated down to the girl and bent over to try and pick her up. Once she did however she heard a cracking sound from her chest and the girl coughed up some blood. Evileye immediately took out a health potion and poured it on her, with that the girls laboured breathing calmed somewhat. She heard the sounds of footsteps behind her and she wheeled to see the mob approaching her.
"Step aside Evileye of the Golden Roses, you are protecting a heretic spawn." the priest said
"Not one step closer." Evileye growled
"You are defying the gods justice!" the priest shouted
"Then defy them I will, I will not stand by while you kill the innocent." Evileye said as she readied her spells
"You will strike me down? I am a priest of the six gods!" the priest exclaimed frothing at the mouth in rage
"No I won't kill you, I will drag you before the Queen to face judgement. You will live to see that I guarantee you." Evileye hissed
"Hmph if you stand by the heretics then you can die with them. KILL THEM! KILL THEM IN THE NAME OF THE GODS!" the priest shouted eyes bloodshot
"[Crystal Lance]" Evileye intoned as a lance made of crystal plowed into the mob killing dozens
"One step forward and I"ll start firing more of those." Evileye threatened
"Fear not death comrades, you shall receive your reward in the afterlife!" the priest said
However some of the mob started to get second thoughts as they gazed at the adamantite adventurer before them. The more normally dressed peasants started to retreat and leave the mob.
"COWARDS! YOU WILL FACE DIVINE PUNISHMENT FOR THIS!" the priest screamed
Then from the mob emerged group of men wearing robes, they had the hexagram of the six gods carved into their foreheads and were wielding maces and axes. They were the faith militant a group that was in charge of the security of the temples. They were a small group that was tolerated by the government but were greatly restricted in their numbers due to the law. A few walked forward and started to cast spells. Evileye seeing this immediately began to cast her own spells.
[Holy Arrow][Crystal Wall] both sides intoned as wall of crystals appeared and blocked the hail of spells.
[Sand Field All] Evileye intoned as a sandstorm covered the area blinding all within in. This was problematic, she could withstand their weak spells with no issue but she couldn't take the chance that the girl would be hit. For a child even a first tier spell could be fatal.
"Oculus Infrared" Evileye commanded before her eyes she could see red figures stumbling around in the sand storm. She grabbed the girl and flew out of the sandstorm up into the air. She looked down and saw the rest of the Roses and Gazef's troops apprehending the mob in droves. She flew off and landed amongst her compatriots.
"Evileye are you alright." Lakyus said
"She's hurt." Evileye said gesturing to the girl in her arms.
[Lesser Healing] Lakyus intoned as the girl was covered in a soothing green light.
Evileye looked up and saw the guards and troops rounding up the members of the mob and tying them up.
"No need to be gentle, these are all criminals." Gazef said icily as he watched one of his men kick a rioter onto the ground before tying his arms.
Gagaran took the hail of spells in stride as the faith militant fired off their weak 1st tier spells. She banged on her chest with her gauntlet covered arm emitting a gonging sound as she shouted.
"Your fight is with me traitor!" Gagaran shouted livid with rage as she walked over the corpses of women and children.
A faith militant ran at her mace raised intent on crushing her skull. Gagaran grabbed the mace mid swing and ripped it out his hands before concaving his skull with his own mace. She swung her war pick and batted aside another faith militant by striking him in the chest probably shattering every rib he had. Her face contorted with wrath lit by the flickering flames of burning homes made her look like a demon from the ninth circle. She broke through the wall of faith militant as if they were sand castles.
Finally she was before the priest who was trembling like a leaf in the wind. The faith militant lay around the priest either dead or dying.
"I am a priest of the six gods… you can't touch me… an attack on me is an attack on the gods ACK" the priest said before Gagaran grabbed him by the neck of his robes and hoisted him off the ground.
"Unhand me this instant, you heretical brute!" the priest shrieked
Gagaran ignoring him carried him over to where the rest were gathered and threw him bodily into the centre of the group. The priest landed painfully scraping his hands in the dirt, he tried to rise but was kicked in the gut by one of the troops knocking the air out of him.
He raised his head and saw the demonic blade Kirineiram stab into the ground centimetres from his face. He yelped and leapt up before falling on his rear and gazed up at the glaring gazes of all those gathered. Then he saw it the hateful eyes of the champion of the 41, the girl with her glowing yellow eye. In a fit of fanatical fury he leapt to his feet and pulled out the ceremonial dagger he had in his robes and charged her. The others did nothing as they watched him charge at Maeve, the priest raised his dagger and stabbed it down at the base of her neck. The dagger reached her flesh and was stopped cold. It felt he was stabbing a stone wall, he raised his dagger and tried again and again… and again. Finally Maeve perhaps getting bored of this pathetic display caught his wrist that belonged to the hand that was holding the dagger. With barely any effort she crushed his wrist bones into powder and shoved him back into the dirt screaming.
"Get this thing back to the palace." Gazef said in disgust
"Maeve sama are we allowed to return home?" Genji asked hesitantly
"That may not be such a good idea at this time." Evileye said
"Yes are you by any chance a follower of the 41?" Gazef asked
"Yes we are… " Genji said suspiciously
"Well it's not safe here we should get you and the remaining who worship the old gods back to the palace for now." Gazef said as let out a tired sigh
"I see… " Genji said
"Don't worry Genji, brother and I will walk you back." Maeve said
"Thank you Maeve sama." Genji said gratefully
The Throne Room (The Next Day)
Queen Renner sat on her throne to her sides were flanked by the royal guards fully armed and armoured. Before her was a stand where the High Priest of the Water Temple stood bound in chains. To the sides there were seats where the court could sit and observe, there was a witness stand at the base of the stairs where the witness could testify. This was the layout of a trial that was conducted when an act of great treachery was committed.
"The trial of High Priest Belial of the Water Temple will now begin. I Queen Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself the first of my name, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Re-Estise will be presiding over this trial. High Priest Belial you are accused of treason to the crown by instigating an unsanctioned military action within the confines of the capital. How do you plead?" Renner said coldly
"This trial is a travesty I am the high priest!" Belial shouted
"How do you plead?" Renner repeated a clear edge in her voice
"I will not be party to… " Belial began
"If you refuse to participate in the trial I will pronounce you guilty and have you hung this afternoon." Renner said coldly as she watched the Belial open his mouth and stare blankly at her like a goldfish.
"I… plead not guilty your grace…" Belial said
"Captain of the guard, please tell me what your investigations have discovered." Renner said as the guard approached the witness stand
"My guards have done a tally of the damage done and… it is quite extensive. About half of the northern district has been damaged to a greater or lesser extent. A quarter of the district about a hundred homes have been burnt to the ground due to the fire spreading. Currently the death toll of the residents there amount to about 80 residents, most of which are the followers of the 41. I believe Maeve sama has been handling the survivors of the followers of the 41." the captain said as he paused and looked at Maeve
"Yes I have taken the household of Genji Aico and the girl Sena Crawman into the palace for their protection. As far as I am aware only these 5 survived last night's events." Maeve said as she stood up among the seats.
"Thank you Maeve sama as for the rest, there are about 150 residents who sustained injuries and it appears there were widespread looting in the district. The total cost of the damages is still being calculated but with the help of Marquis Raevan and Head Alchemist Nfriea Bareare we have estimated that the costs will amount to about 150 platinum coins. This includes the rebuilding materials, wages of the construction workers, costs of medical treatment for the injured and the burial rites for the dead. The cost does not include compensation for the victims as well if there is to be any." the guard said evenly although a more astute observer would see that his hand was shaking
"Your guard suffered losses during the incident, how many did you lose?" Renner asked
"We lost the squad that was patrolling the northern district at the time, the squad had six men and we sustained about 15 injured guards when we entered the district and battled the mob." the guard said
"So that is additional costs to be added to the bill." Renner replied
"Yes your grace, also if I may add one thing not related to the trial with your permission your grace." the captain said solemnly
"It is regarding?" Renner asked
"It is about the Sergeant that fell last night your grace." the captain said
"Very well." Renner said with a nod
"The Sergeant in charge of the squad that night was Sergeant Holt, some of you may know him some may not. He fought during the siege and the demonic incursion. He was on the wall when the demon's first attacked, he was at the 1st and 2nd line of defence. His bravery and valor had him promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Your grace he fought to protect this city, he risked his life for the city and to have him butchered by the very citizens he chose to protect is a travesty that no words can do justice. I say this because there is now unrest within my men, some have expressed their intention to leave the guard if justice is not carried out. They have told me they do not wish to defend a city that attacks its own protectors." the captain said
"I see, thank you captain. Lord Stronoff I believe you have been running an investigation on how this all started." Renner said
"Yes your grace, I have suggested and the captain agrees that a group with higher social standing and prestige would be more successful in obtaining information from witnesses. Thus far we have gathered that the reason for this incident was that someone had painted a symbol of the 41 on the door of the water temple in animal blood. The priest being enraged marshalled up a mob of his followers and went to northern district seeking retribution for the slight. Although we have not found any evidence that the act of vandalism was done by a resident in the northern district." Gazef said
"Who else could it be but these heretics!" Belial shouted
"Silence. You will speak when spoken to." Renner said icily
"Yes we have a witness testimony that they saw a man wearing leather armor and wearing a cloak was seen holding a bucket of some unknown liquid. He was seen walking away from the temple although there were no eyewitnesses for the act itself. I have conferred with Maeve dono, Momon dono, Marquis Raevan, Lakyus dono and Nfriea dono. We agree that it does not make much sense for a resident to commit this act. It would only be inviting trouble and there were no previous provocations from the temple itself. We suspect it might have been done by someone else to instigate the incident. " Gazef said
"Indeed it is a poor plan to incite such things, also if we assume that the perpetrator was the man in the cloak I don't think the residents in a slum could afford leather armor don't you think?" Renner said
"Yes your grace we came to a similar conclusion." Gazef affirmed
"Maeve dono I believe you were with a family of the 41 during the incident would you please inform us of what you were doing at that time." Renner asked Maeve walked over to the witness stand and began to speak
"Yes your grace, before the incident you mentioned an interest in the progress of the rebuilding in the northern district your grace. My brother and I were about to head to the district that day but we ran into some children from the district. They were Mika and Buku Aico from the family of the survivors and Sena Crawman the lone survivor from the district. They had wanted to see the palace so I decided to walk them home and speak to them about their lives. Later I invited them to dinner so we may speak more extensively on their lives here in the capital and the state of the district. However I suppose all that is moot now considering the circumstances." Maeve said
"Thank you Maeve, I believe you have witnesses to testify?" Renner asked
"Yes your grace I have brought Genji Aico and Sena Crawman here to testify today." Maeve replied
"Very well, Genji Aico step up to the witness stand." Renner said
Genji hesitantly stood up from the seats and slowly walked over to the witness stand. As he sat down and he looked to the rest of the room he was struck by the reality of the situation. When he was a boy his dream was to own a horse, because a horse allowed him to travel. He never thought he would actually leave his border village since horses were expensive. Now here he was in the presence of the lords and ladies of the court. He looked around at the faces of all the powerful men and women of the kingdom he couldn't help but feel some stage fright.
"Genji Aico tell us how you came to be in the capital." Renner said
"I am from a village in the north, we decided to come to the capital in hopes of a better life once we heard the laws against us have been abolished. We also heard there were champions of the 41 here so we assumed it was safe." Genji replied softly
"How was your lives here in the capital?" Renner asked
"It was alright I suppose, I worked at a butchers shop disposing of carcasses…" Genji began
"IT WAS HIM! THAT'S WHERE HE GOT THE BLOOD!" Belial shrieked
"SILENCE! You think there is only one butcher in the entirety of the capital?" Renner retorted eyes livid
"Continue Genji Aico." Renner said as she glared at the priest
"Thank you… your grace. We lived simple lives it is quite hard to get a job here you see. Most won't hire a follower of the 41 and those that do get a reduced wage. After last night's events I have no idea what I am going to do now, we spent all our money buying that house. Now we have nothing..." Genji said his voice shaking
"Tell me about that girl Sena Crawman, are you familiar with her?" Renner asked
"Yes the Crawman family is… was from our village. My children are friends with her." Genji replied
"Yes unfortunately Sena is now an orphan, she will have to be put into an orphanage." Renner replied
"That won't be necessary your grace I will take her in, she won't enjoy her time in an orphanage. I can only imagine the amount of torment she would go through for being a follower of the 41. Although destitute as we are now… we will manage somehow…" Genji said softly
"Very well Genji Aico you may step down. Before I move on to Sena Crawman I wish for Evileye to take the stand since she was the one that rescued her." Renner said as Genji was replaced by Evileye
"Evileye please tell me what happened in the district with regards to Sena Crawman." Renner said
"Yes your grace, when I first saw Sena she was being kicked around by some of the mob like a game of kickball..." Evileye said
As Evileye recounted the events of that night there was a murmur or conversation around the hall. The ladies of the court covered their mouths with their hands in disgust. The lords had a hard look in their eyes, not all of the court was highly inclined towards the followers 41. However, this opinion has been changing as Maeve and Momon continued to contribute towards the kingdom. The opinion of the 41 in the court was improving greatly due to this fact. Most of the previous stigma was due to their apparent poverty and lack of education. In the past the nobles faction was highly hostile towards the religion but with them gone there was now no significant opposition towards the religion of the 41. The nobles that survived the demonic incursion were all hanged for treason last month in the city square before the people. Their lands and holding were distributed amongst the remaining nobles. In fact Nfriea Bareare was now a noble with the holding of E-Rantel and its surrounding territories. The previous noble was from the nobles faction, the late king Rampossa felt it was appropriate at the time seeing as the nobles faction was the most eager to fight the Baharuth Empire.
The lords and ladies were not always inclined to care about the welfare of the average citizen. However, that was not to say that they were cruel they simply felt they lived in different worlds. It's hard to care about what you rarely see. This time however as they gazed at the small blonde girl sitting quietly with her head down at one of the seats and pictured her being kicked around like a ball they couldn't help but feel disgust. There was no one here that enjoyed gratuitous cruelty on anyone let alone a child. The priests from the other temples were especially pale, it was a truly horrid thing to treat a child like a toy to be tormented. This would be a stain that forever marked the temples and there would be consequences for them all…
"I see thank you Evileye, you do the kingdom of Re-Estize great justice for your swift a decisive actions." Renner said with a nod
"I merely did what any self respecting person would do." Evileye replied as she shot a look at the priest through her mask.
"Indeed, thank you Evileye now I would like Sena Crawman to take the stand." Renner said
Sena continued to sit down on her chair after being called, she looked down at the floor head down and didn't move a muscle. The court looked at her with a mixture of pity and apprehension. Lucy put her hand on Sena's head and gently stroked her hair while whispering something into her ear. Sena looked up at Lucy tearfully before looking back down. Mika reached over and took Sena's hand and said.
"We'll go together." Mika said
Sena looked up at Mika and nodded hesitantly. The pair stood up and made their way to the witness stand. Usually only one person was allowed on the witness stand but this time it appears the queen was making an exception.
"Sena how are you dear." Renner said kindly
"I'm ok…" Sena said softly
"Can you please tell us what happened last night?" Renner asked gently
"I…" Sena said hesitantly
"Go on spout your lies you filthy heretic." Belial sneered
Sena visibly flinched at the words and shut her mouth looking back down at the ground.
"Guards silence him!" Renner commanded
One of the guards standing next to Belial grabbed his hair and punched him across the jaw with his mailed fist dislocating his jaw. He slumped onto the stand groaning. [Silence] Evileye intoned as Belial was rendered mute.
"Leave him like this, we will heal him when I need him to speak." Renner said icily
"Sena… you remember the game we used to play? The templar one?" Mika said
"Uh huh." Sena replied tearfully
"In the name of Momonga I charge you with this duty." Mika said as he used his hand and placed it over her shoulder mimicking a sword.
"In the name of… err… I don't remember how the rest of it goes… I'm sorry Sena it was so long ago..." Mika said tearfully
"Your grace may I approach the witness." Maeve said as she stood up
"You may." Renner said with a nod
Belial looked like he was about to say something again but the guard grabbed his hair and pulled hard. It was not necessary of course since the [Silence] spell was still in effect but it was clear the guard's patience was running very thin. Maeve approached Sena and laid a hand on hers.
"You want to know a secret?" Maeve asked
"I have knighted a few templars." Maeve said in a hushed whisper
Sena at those words looked up surprised at Maeve and looked into her mismatched eyes.
"Really?" Sena said
"Really." Maeve said with a grin
"You are a templar?" Sena asked her fear eclipsed by child like curiosity for just a moment.
"I am not but I am something similar, I can make templars if they are shown to be brave enough. You have been so brave to come up here, I think you'll make a good templar." Maeve said kindly
"Really? But I'm not strong like you Maeve sama, I'm not brave like you I'm so afraid..." Sena said softly
"Do you know what is the most important thing a templar must be?" Maeve asked
"Be brave?" Sena replied
"Smart one aren't you, do you know what bravery is?" Maeve asked
"It's to not be afraid…" Sena replied
"No silly, bravery is the strength to do what needs to be done even though you are afraid. There is no bravery without fear Sena. Even I am sometimes afraid." Maeve replied
"Really you are afraid sometimes?" Sena asked
"Yes I am afraid a lot of the time actually. I've done some pretty scary stuff." Maeve said with a smile
"How do you be brave?" Sena asked
"You remember what's important, you see that man there?" Maeve said as she pointed at Belial
"Uh huh…" Sena said with a hesitant nod
"He did wrong by you and your family. He wronged your village, he wronged this country and it's queen. We want to punish him, but we need evidence to do so. We are better than him, that's why we are doing it this way. We do things the hard way even if it may be scary." Maeve said gently
"But I'm not a templar I'm not brave..." Sena said shaking her head
"You can be, anyone can be a templar and you are brave the fact you are sitting here proves that." Maeve said
"Really?" Sena asked
"Your brave Sena, you are the bravest person I know. You get scared easily but you still do everything you need to do." Mika added
"Yes I think you'll make a fine templar, here I'll show you." Maeve said as he took her hand and helped her off the witness stand. From thin air she produced an ornate gold sword encrusted with blood red rubies.
"How did you do that?" Sena asked
"A templar trick, do you know what this is." Maeve said as she showed Sena the beautiful blade
"It's a sword… " Sena replied confused
"Yes it's a sword, it is the sword we use to make new templars." Maeve said
"Wow…" Sena said in awe as she gazed at the beautiful blade
"I make templars with this, here let me show you." Maeve said
"Kneel Sena Crawman." Maeve said gently in a regal tone
Sena kneeled just like how they used to play.
In the name of Momonga I charge you with this sacred duty
In the name of Touch Me I charge you to be just
In the name of Bukubuku Chagama I charge you to be kind
In the name of Perorocino I charge your heart to be true
In the name of Warrior Takemikazuchi I charge you to be brave
In the name of Ulbert Alain Odle I charge you to deliver retribution
Arise Sena Crawman templar of the 41 Supreme Beings
Maeve said as she helped Sena to her feet.
"Templar Crawman will you help me deliver the crowns justice to this man?" Maeve asked
"Yes." Sena said eyes filled with a new conviction
"Can she do that?" Lakyus asked Evileye
"It's an abridged version… the full ceremony covers all the 41 gods. It shouldn't be binding." Evileye said as Sena retook the stand and began to speak.
As Sena recounted what happened that night, the hostility of the court started to rise. Murderous glares started to be directed at the priest. The guards especially gripped their weapons harder as they heard how their fellows fell in defense of the citizens.
"Thank you Sena Crawman." Renner said as Maeve and Mika led her back to the seats
"I will pronounce my verdict, but before that Maeve dono I ask you this. Since it is clear that this was a hate crime directed at the followers of the 41 how would your nation handle this matter?" Renner asked
"In my nation unauthorised military action is seen as an insurrection and the penalty is death. Single death sentences are carried out by beheading, we have a saying in my home nation. The one that passes the sentence should swing the sword. If you sentence a man to die you have the duty to listen to his last words and look into his eyes as you commit the deed. If you can't bear to do so, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die. We like to impart the responsibility to the one making the sentence, to symbolically increase the weight of the decision. " Maeve replied
"I admire the sentiment and I feel the punishment is appropriate. Belial Bellwin high priest of the water temple for the charge of treason against the crown I find you guilty and sentence you to death. For your crimes against the state and the people of this nation you have forfeited the right to live. You are stripped of your titles and privileges your name will be penned into the history books as an example of the consequences of your great folly. By sunset today you shall be hung until dead at the gallows before the city that you have wronged. I will personally cut the rope of the trapdoor holding you in this life, let no one say I am a queen that hides behind my crown." Renner said as she stood up eyes filled with fury
"Hear hear!" the court shouted as the rose and applauded
"Do you have anything to say?" Renner said to Belial as the [Silence] spell was lifted and his jaw was healed.
"I AM THE HIGH PRIEST YOU CANNOT DO THIS! YOU ARE A FALSE QUEEN WHO HAS FORSAKEN THE GODS!" Belial shrieked frothing at the mouth
"I warned you before against this, heedless to my warning you killed dozens of my citizens and burned down half a district that we have just started rebuilding over a drawing on your door. You WILL face the consequences. Get this thing out of my sight." Renner commanded as the guards dragging the screaming priest out of the throne room.
"Genji Aico, my administration has failed you and your village, I will not be a Queen that will allow you to wallow in destitution. I will grant you a sum of gold for you to start over, we will discuss how to best handle your future plans at a later time." Renner said
"I… thank you your grace." Genji said as he fell to his knees and prostrated himself followed by the remainder of his household
In the corner of the throne room Custodian Baraca stood invisible and smiled…
The Gallows
Renner stood at the base of the platform and listened to the angry mob of citizens that were chanting at the base of the gallows. News had gotten out that the entire incident in the northern district was due to some vandalism on a door. A year ago the people would have not even blinked when the followers of the 41 were killed. They were viewed as superstitious, crass and evil only slightly better than demi humans. This perception was not surprising of course considering the followers of the 41 in the kingdom were without exception destitute. However for the first time the populace had seen what the old gods could offer in the form of the four champions that have defended the capital. It was then in the mind of the populace a question was was coined, what can the old gods offer if given a chance? It was common knowledge that the old gods once held sway throughout the entire continent, there were old ancinect sites scattered around the known world from the ancient past. One example was the water temple, no one expected one such place to be so close to home, the populace although not the most well educated were not stupid. Why would the temple simply cover up the structures of the old gods instead of destroying them? The answer was simple, they couldn't destroy it. It was all the faith of the six could do to cover up the true face of this world, they couldn't erase it merely cover it up. It was needless to say that the stigma against the worshipper of the 41 was waning within the capital. Most citizens idolised Maeve and her compatriots, seeing them as heroes of myth and legend. It appears that steel truly does speak louder than words.
"My queen there is no need to do this yourself." one of the guards said hesitantly
"No I feel the sentiment is correct, if I can sentence him to die I can do the deed myself" Renner replied
"As you wish your grace." the guard said
Renner nodded as she walked up the steps followed by Climb and the guard. As Renner stood before the people of the capital she was met with cheers, it was strange… Renner expected herself to be scorned for what she has done. Instead she was being cheered… she wondered why…
Renner stood before the priest who has standing above the trap door a noose around his neck. For this she wasn't wearing one of her court dresses, she was wearing a set of dark coloured clothes along with a black cloak. She felt it wasn't appropriate for her to take someones life in a pretty dress. It was a side of the crown the people had never seen before, it showed the Queen as one who stood on the same earth that the rest of them stood on. Draped in dark colours she extended her hand and pulled the offered sword from the guard. It was a medium sized blade with an onyx handle. It was a gift from Maeve made of some unknown material it was very light, light enough for someone like her to wield it. She drew the sword and placed it tip first on the ground and held the handle with both hands.
"If you have any last words now is the time." Renner said calmly
"Six damn you witch, you are no queen. You have forsaken the gods and the six will not watch in silence." Belial hissed hatefully
"I should hope not, they have a lot to answer for." Renner said quietly so only the priest could hear
"Damn you witch I will celebrate as you fall into the pits of hell!" Belial shouted as Renner walked towards the rope that was holding the trapdoor closed.
Renner reached the rope and turned to face the priest and looked him in the eye. Peering unflinchingly into his hateful gaze.
Maeve watched from the side as Renner swung the sword and easily severed the rope. Of course the sword would cut easily, it was a blade forged in the forge city of Mars. It would cut through stone as easily as it would paper. It also had the added benefit of having the enchantment of not being able to harm the user, perfect for its uses in this case. As Maeve watched the priest drop and the rope snap taut with a crack she could almost see the dominos falling. This was the first in many steps to dismantle this false religion…
Renner's Room (Later that Night)
Renner sat in the room sipping tea opposite her sat Custodian Barca and Maeve. Except for the three of them no one else was in this room.
"You are a good actor your grace." Barca said with a wry smile
"A useful talent for a royal." Renner said calmly
"Well with this you have an excuse to start some of the measures we have discussed." Barca said
"Solanna has gotten back to me she says all the pieces are in place in the empire." Maeve said evenly
"Yes with the excuse I need, I can finally start uprooting this accursed religion up root and stem." Renner said as she closed her hand into a fist as if crushing something
"Take it slow your grace, we don't want to draw any more attention than we need to." Maeve said
"Of course, let's begin the closing act on this era of history. Oh how I am going to enjoy this… " Renner said as she sipped her tea
"It's your show your grace." Barca said with a grin
"Although one thing still bothers me…" Renner said her mouth turning to a grimace
"What is it your grace?" Maeve asked
"Isn't this a little too easy? We draw on his door and he burns down a district… we haven't even gotten to the part where we kill some of his priests." Renner said
"Yes well in my experience fanaticism is like a stack of dry hay it doesn't take much of a spark to ignite it." Barca said
"Yes your growing favour towards brother and I might also be a contributing factor. We are afterall in their eyes heretics to be burned at the stake." Maeve replied
"Yes I suppose it pains me to see the poor state of my kingdom on display." Renner said with a sigh
"That's what we are here for your grace, it is the will of the 41 that we save this world. What the 41 desires they will have, no matter what." Barca said
"Yes thank you for your support, both of you. I will come to rely on you more and more as time goes on." Renner said
"Of course your grace." Barca said with a slight incline of his head
Arwintar the Capital of the Empire
Hekkeran the leader of the adventurer group Foresight sat in a private room along with his companions Roberdyck and Imina. They were waiting for their past party member who was now the star pupil of the head court mage Fluder Paradyne. They saw the door room open and their old friend Arche entered the room.
"Arche it's so good to see you." Imina said as she rose and embraced Arche
"Good to see you too Imina." Arche said
"How have you been? It's been almost a year since we last met." Imina said
"You've gotten taller Arche." Rober said with a laugh
"I know I've changed my robes twice this year." Arche said with a giggle
"It's good to see you growing up healthy and strong." Rober said with a nod
"Come sit down." Imina said as she pulled up a chair
"What have you been doing this past year." Hekkeran asked
"Quite a bit… but I'm not allowed to say what exactly." Arche said hesitantly
"Come on Arche we haven't seen each other in a year and you say you can't talk about it?" Imina said with a pout
"It's kind of like on the pain of death." Arche said with a nervous laugh
"Come on, we won't tell anyone, you know us Arche." Imina said
"We will always hold your confidence Arche." Rober said
"Ok fine fine. Remember not a word" Arche said with a sigh
"Ok ok lets go spit it out." Imina said excitedly
"Master and I have been visiting this place underground, it's right below the palace actually…" Arche began before noticing Imina's raised eyebrow
"It's not "That" kind of place Imina, it's a place where I go to study magic." Arche said exasperatedly
"Oh ok you had me worried there for a moment." Imina said with a laugh
"What kind of magic are you studying?" Hekkeran asked curious
"Old magic, very old and powerful magic. We believe it is the providence of the old gods." Arche said with slight shudder
"The old gods? I have heard there are ancient sites scattered around the continent that hold immense power." Rober said
"I'm surprised Rober, most priests feel the old gods as a heretical entities." Arche said brows raised
"Ideology aside, the power of the old gods cannot be understated. You don't spread to every corner of the continent by being weak." Rober replied sagely
"True, if you see what I have seen you will never doubt those words again." Arche said seriously
"What did you see Arche?" Hekkeran asked
"There's this catacombs or mausoleum down there below the palace, it's from a time before the six gods. You guys know how negative energy can damage you if there's too much right? Well that place gives off negative energy on a scale I could have never imagined." Arche said
"So it's worse than the Katse Plains?" Hekkeran asked
"Yes, master developed a special device to measure negative energy, the Katse Plains have a reading of about 500 to 700 units. That room has a reading that goes up to 25 000." Arche said with a shudder
"25 000? That's insane what does that do a living being?" Rober asked as gripped his talisman
"It turns us to dust instantly, it's not just our bodies, it turns our robes and equipment to dust as well. Even objects die in there. What's worse is we sent some skeletons in to see what happens. You know what happened?" Arche asked
"What?" Imina asked
"The skeletons stopped moving a few metres into the room, you see the negative energy gets stronger the closer you get to the middle of the room. The skeletons refused to obey the commands of the summoner. So what we did was we hurled some skeletons into the centre of the room and the skeletons too turned to dust." Arche said
"A place where even the undead go to die." Rober said with a shudder
"Exactly, in the centre of the room is a pedestal surrounding it is 100 coffins. From the coffins leaks this white mist that floods the room. We feel that the pedestal is the source of the negative energy. There are strange inscriptions on it, master feels it might be the key to understanding this old and ancient magic." Arche said
"That sounds amazing, I had no idea such a place existed right below our feet." Imina said
"Yes what's more when you get too close you start to hear voices in your head." Arche said grimly
"Voices?" Rober asked
"Yes, dark whispers in your head, it's enough to give me conniptions. Voices with dark tidings and foul portents. If you aren't careful the voices will consume your mind, your sanity they will shatter your hopes and dreams they will destroy." Arche said with shudder going pale
"What are those voices?" Rober asked
"Some of the mages have speculated, with negative energy in such high quantities the walls between worlds start to weaken, allowing the voices of those in the outer dark to leak through. We suspect we are hearing the voices of the beyond." Arche said
"Why don't they destroy that place? Surely such knowledge however useful must be cursed." Rober said disapprovingly
"We can't destroy it… master said they tried… " Arche said softly
"I have heard there are sites made with a strange indestructible black stone… " Rober said
"Yes I did some research I believe it is the same stone. If I'm honest I am glad we can't damage that place." Arche said
"Why? Surely such an accursed place has no place in this world?" Hekkeran asked
"You see Hekkeran most people feel that the indestructible walls are to keep us out, I feel it is to lock away whatever is in there. If whatever is inside those coffins ever wake up may the gods preserve us." Arche said with a shudder
"Then it's good isn't it that you are studying it? If you learn about it maybe you can learn how to keep whatever is in there asleep." Rober said
"You know Rober, I don't mean any offense… after going down there a few times I'm starting to feel that the six gods are not nearly as powerful as the old gods." Arche said
"What do you mean?" Rober asked
"The six gods care about humanity but I feel that is proof that they are weaker, if the old gods are as powerful as I think they are, why would they even bother with our pathetic speck of a race?" Arche asked
There are ancient and eldritch powers in this world and beyond it
There is an endless dark, an outer rim
Primordial powers we can't even begin to understand
If the old gods ever decide to revisit this world
I pray we are not found wanting…
Authors Notes:
Another week another chapter, hope you guys enjoyed this one. Once again feel free to leave a review if you want. Reviews always give me motivation to write more. :D (Even the negative ones :3)
So see you guys in the next chapter!