The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 51
General Yen'fay
It took a great deal of effort and a lot of patience in order for Marth to get close to Charlet's city gates. The soldiers that chased her down earlier in the day were more observant than she thought. Within hours, posters of her had been posted on walls around the city. Although the drawings were far from accurate. The descriptions of her ranged from tall and lanky, to short and very skinny. One poster even assumed she was a man. How they managed to do that, she did not know. But what they did manage to get right was her blue hair. Given how few people in this city possessed such a trait, it was safe to assume that she would be found out very quickly.
So she clung to the shadows. Did everything in her power to avoid curious glances. Passed through back alleys and slipped along dark roads in order to avoid guards that routinely patrolled the area. She managed to find some rather seedy areas of the city. Areas she wished she could have avoided. Especially since she was not near her full strength yet. Any criminal scum could have jumped her in the back alleys. But she was left with no choice but to brave the more dangerous sections of the city in order to reach the city gates.
Once she had the gates in sight, she waited until nightfall. And it was a dark night. Clouds lumbered in from the west. Some dim light from the full moon managed to filter through the thick canopy of clouds high above. But it was not enough to force the shadows in the city back into their dark corners and unseen places.
She studied the guards holding their position at the main gate. There were four. Two on either side. If she was healthy and properly armed, she would have been able to force her way through without much trouble.
She raised the stump of her right arm and frowned. Brute force was not a luxury she had anymore. A small curse fell from her lips. Barely a whisper on the night air. She was not meant for all of this sneaking around. She belonged on the battlefield. In the thick of the heaviest fighting. Not sneaking around in the shadows.
That was Kage's specialty.
Her heart ached in her chest. She could not think of him that way. Not anymore. The Kage she knew was long gone. Corrupted by the evil Maul. He was not the boy that always won at games like hide and seek. He had become a monster. Just like his master.
She returned her focus to the guards. Forcing her way through was not an option. As loathe as she was to admit it, she could use some advice from the Kage she knew. How was she supposed to slip by these guards and into the army encampment just beyond the city walls?
A distraction! But what could she use to distract these soldiers?
She cast a nervous glance at her right hand. The Force. It could help her right now. But if she used it, it could give away her presence. Her greatest advantage against Kage was that he had no idea she was coming. If she used the force too much, he would take notice. A brief use of it here and there, only when absolutely necessary, would not catch his attention. He'd likely think it to be a mage experimenting with some lost magic. But a constant force signature blinking in the ocean that was the Force, that would draw the Sith's attention. And Marth would lose any element of surprise she had.
Still, she did not have much of a choice. Even if the soldiers did not know her exact physical description, they knew her hair color. And that would be more than enough for them to arrest her. She could not allow that.
With a resigned sigh, she held out her hand. She focused all of her power on a group of crates in an alley across the main road. Her jaw clenched tight as she struggled to life the heavy crates.
What exactly is in these things? Bricks!?
A shaky breath left her lips. Followed by a small gasp of surprise as she finally managed to lift the top crate up from the others. She gently guided the crate higher into the air. Then, as her stamina faded, she let the crate come crashing down.
The crate slammed into the others beneath it with a loud crash. The guards at the gate all gave each other apprehensive glances. Marth bit back a curse when only two went to investigate the noise.
Screw stealth!
She stepped out from the shadows and bounded towards the gate. Before the first guard could even notice her, she jumped and planted her knee beneath his chin. One blow devastating blow, and the man slumped down the ground. Eyes rolling in his skull. The second guard heard his friend fall to the floor. Just before he could sound the alarm, Marth zipped over and leaped on top of him. She wrapped her legs around his head and propelled both of them to the ground. The guard's head snapped back against the stone road, and he went limp.
She rolled away from their fallen forms and sprinted into the shadows beyond the wall. Now her time was limited. The alarm would sound once the other two gate guards found their comrades unconscious. The entire sleeping camp would be roused in order to search for a possible intruder. She had to find General Yen'fay's tent. Fast.
Marth sped from shadow to shadow. Just as she reached the center of the camp, men started shouting in alarm. A curse escaped her lips. Their search for an intruder had begun.
Naga she wished she had Falchion. She felt much safer when the divine blade was by her side. Marth felt so vulnerable with just a shard of her weapon. She could not use it to properly defend herself. It was only a last resort now. A desperate play that Marth would only use if she became cornered.
Armor clanked all around her. Fires burst to life throughout the camp. Officers barked orders as their soldiers began to comb through each row of tents. Marth sucked in a sharp breath as some torch light came too close for comfort. She pressed her back hard against the wall of an empty tent.
Where is the General!?
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him. A tall, lean man that carried himself with regal authority. He wore no armor. Just a simple, billowy tan shirt and equally bland pants. While the other officers in his company ran about barking orders, he remained standing in front of his own, large tent. Calm and composed in the face of his army's panic. She watched as he leaned over to one of his Captain's and whispered a quiet order. That same captain nodded and started barking new orders. Orders for an organized search pattern. The General would not have chaos in his encampment. Without another word, Marth saw him slip back into his tent and light a candle on the inside.
Good. He's remaining in one spot.
She crouched low to the ground and began to make her way towards his tent. She froze as Yen'fay's captains moved out away from the tent. Each one making their way towards their own company of soldiers. The torches from the search parties drew closer. Marth could not hesitate anymore.
She took a deep breath and dashed across the camp. Quiet as a mouse, she slipped into General Yen'fay's tent.
Kage never told her what his older brother actually looked like. She assumed he looked similar to their sister, Princess Say'ri. And there were some similarities. Moreso in aura than in appearance. He exuded power. But not in an overwhelming sense. His power was not fear inducing. It inspired confidence. The air around him was calm and controlled. Unlike his sister, he had very pale hair. Nearly grey in color. She could not see his face as his back was turned to her.
He sat straight and tall at his desk. The desk he sat at was as neat as any Marth had ever seen. Every document had its place. Each quill and inkwell sat in the exact spot it was supposed to be in. A map spread over the fine wood finish. Not a crease existed on that piece of paper. Every little thing was meticulously taken care of. And he was reading something. Marth did not get a good glimpse of the document in his hands. Not that it mattered. She was not here for espionage purposes. She did not care about the Valmese military and whatever secrets they possessed.
It suddenly occurred to Marth that, now that she was in his tent, she had no idea where to even begin if he were to discover her. How on earth was she going to explain that she was there to help find his little brother? She could not reveal her motivations. That was a risk that could end with catastrophic consequences.
Before she could even think of a solution to her current predicament, the general stiffened at his desk.
"So," He said. Voice still, firm, but quiet. "An assassin has managed to slip into my tent after all?"
Marth's eyes widened. He thought she was an assassin? She wanted to smack herself. Of course he thought that. The rumor she overheard at the tavern was that Prince Kage had been kidnapped and assassins had gone after Princess Say'ri and himself.
The General snorted, "To think, my captains set every precaution in place so that an assassin could never reach me. Even making sure that I limited the amount of addresses I gave to my own soldiers. I told them that if an assassin wished to kill me out here they would not fail. No amount of defenses would stop them. But did they listen to me?" He shook his head, "A waste of resources and time."
He rose from his seat and turned to face Marth. Marth was surprised. He looked terrible. Heavy bags sat under half closed eyes. His face seemed far paler than it was supposed to be. Lines ran along his forehead and near the corners of his mouth. For a man who was supposed to be young, he appeared old. Weathered and weary.
"I must say," Yen'fay continued, "I'm surprised my assassin is willing to show her face."
Marth drew back. Unable to hide her own surprise and uncertainty.
Yen'fay inclined his chin, "Or… perhaps I am wrong about you." He eyed the ratty scabbard at her hip, "I doubt that blade would be capable of doing the job."
A weak, pained laugh left Marth's lips. She unsheathed the shard of Falchion. Yen'fay frowned as she held the shattered blade in her hand.
"You would be right." Marth admitted.
"An assassin with a broken weapon is no assassin at all." Yen'fay hummed.
Marth snorted, "I figured the lack of one arm would be what gave it away."
Yen'fay shook his head, "No. It would be the perfect cover. A crippled girl would never be suspected to have assassinated a general belonging to the Conqueror's army." A long sigh left Yen'fay's lips, "I consider myself very lucky that I misinterpreted your intentions." He narrowed his eyes at her, "A greater mystery now unfolds before me. If you are not an assassin sent to kill me, then who are you? And why are you here?"
Marth shifted her eyes over to the tent's entry. The search parties were directly outside now. Likely combing through all of the captain's tents. She was running out of time.
"I-" Marth gulped, "I cannot exactly explain to you who I am. But what I can tell you is that I am a friend. And I heard that your little brother has been kidnapped."
Yen'fay grimaced, "How did you come about this knowledge?"
"Loose lips sink ships, General." Marth replied, "I heard from your own men at a tavern."
Yen'fay nodded, "I need to keep some things," He grabbed a crumpled up note of his desk and shoved it into a leather satchel that hung on his chair, "much closer to the chest apparently." He returned his attention to her, "Do I at least have the privilege of learning your name?"
Marth hesitated. She really did not want to unviel her identity. But if she wanted to convince Yen'fay that she was indeed an ally, then she did not have much of a choice.
"Marth." She replied.
"That is not your real name." Yen'fay deduced, surprising the blue haired girl, "But at least I have a name to match with the face. So, Marth, as my potential ally, I assume you are here to offer your services?"
Marth shifted her feet. Kage forgot to mention how intelligent his brother was. He pegged her deception immediately. Did not even bother to play along like Chrom and the Shepherds.
"I don't know how much good you can do." Yen'fay continued, "You appear to be both ill equipped an ill fit."
"And if I was healthy I could defeat any man in your army!" Marth snapped back.
Yen'fay's lips parted into a small smirk, "I see there is some intense pride in you. A fire that burns bright every time you are faced with a challenge. I can admire that. But I cannot ask for your help. Nor allow you to do so. You are in no condition-"
Marth raised her hand, "Save your pity. I don't need or want it. I did not travel all the way here from Ylisse just to get stonewalled by a melancholy general."
"Ylisse?" Yen'fay arched an eyebrow. Marth, meanwhile, wanted to scream for letting such an important detail slip, "I don't recall having allies in Ylisse?" He studied Marth for a moment, "The puzzle grows more complicated." He folded his arms, "Technically I could imprison you as a foreign agent."
"Technically I am not here on behalf of Prince Chrom." Marth retorted, "I am here of my own accord."
Yen'fay frowned, "Why do you wish to help me rescue my little brother then? By your own admission, you are not here on behalf of Ylisse. Which means your motivations are not political. You are not a sellsword looking for gold. Otherwise you would not have bothered sneaking in here. You would have simply contacted me using much more practical means. So that must mean this is a personal mission for you. Yet, I do not know you. And if I do not know you, then my family does not know you."
Marth took a deep breath, "It is a very… complicated situation. One that I cannot fully explain to you. But I swear to you, General, I am able to help you. All I ask for is information. And for you to trust me."
Yen'fay furrowed his brow. He pressed his lips into a thin line and hummed to himself. He took a few paces back towards his desk and withdrew the crumpled letter from his satchel.
"This," Yen'fay began, "Is a threat." He held the note out to Marth.
The blue haired girl plucked the paper from his hand. She carefully read over the note. As she did, her blood began to go cold.
"I know exactly where my little brother is." Yen'fay breathed before slumping into his chair, "I even know who holds him captive. But I cannot do anything about it. Excellus is Emperor Walhart's right hand. He is his tactician. The man who helped him forge an Empire."
Marth gave Yen'fay a puzzled look.
"Why would he take Kage?" She asked him.
Yen'fay's eyes flicked over to his tent's entry. He leaned close to Marth and lowered his voice.
"Because, contrary to the Conqueror's beliefs, I do not serve him willingly. I do not wish to see him rule over my people with an iron fist. But I am not foolish enough to engage in open rebellion." The General took a deep breath, "So, I decided to play the shadow game instead. Assassinations of key military figures. Funding rebellions like the one that got far too ambitious here in Rosanne. Sewing discord through underground channels among the other former nations of Valm." He turned his back to Marth and took his seat at his desk once again. As he sat, he began to roll up the pristine map on his desk, "No one knows about my actions. Not even my own sister. How Excellus came to know of them, I know not. But what I do know is that he took my little brother in response to my actions. And if he decides to inform the Conqueror of what I have done, then not only will I be destroyed, but my sister and little brother will be too. I cannot allow that to happen." He rose from his seat and held out the map to Marth, "I cannot take direct action against Excellus. I already have an ally attempting to rescue my little brother. Perhaps you can assist him. The last I heard, Excellus was holed up in Fort Stieger. Make haste there." He gave Marth a once over, "Maybe your crippled appearance will lower his guard."
Marth nodded, "We can hope."
She jumped at the tent flap opened. One of Yen'fay's captains stomped in. As soon as he saw Marth, the captain drew his sword and prepared to attack Marth.
The General raised a hand. The captain froze.
"This one is not an enemy." Yen'fay said with a small smile on his face, "She will need a horse, Captain."
"Sir?"
"She is to deliver an urgent message to General Pheros in Fort Steiger. The contents of which must remain secret. Am I understood, Captain?"
The man gave the General a hesitant nod. He slowly sheathed his blade. But his wary eyes never left Marth.
"Yes, General."
"Very good." Yen'fay nodded, "See to it that my orders are carried out. And call off the search. I have a feeling we scared off any would be assassins or rebels this night."
The Captain saluted and held the tent entry open for Marth. Marth gave the Captain a small nod of thanks, cast a worried glance back at Yen'fay then exited the tent.
That same Captain guided her over to where the army kept any spare horses. She gave the man a small thank you when he guided a reliable painted horse over to her. Marth struggled to get up into the saddle due to her having only one arm. Eventually, she managed to mount her steed. Just before she could snap the reins and race away from Charlet, the Captain stopped.
"I do not know who you are or why you are here, but the General trusts you." The man unbuckled his blade from his belt and handed it to Marth, "If the General trust you, then so will I. You cannot travel the countryside unarmed. It is much too dangerous."
Marth accepted the blade, "Thank you, sir."
"Thank me when your mission is completed and you return it to me." The Captain replied, "Now hurry. You carry the will of the General with you."
Marth nodded and snapped the reins. With a loud snort, her horse raced down the road and off into the night.
….
The crowd roared. Cheers rang out like trumpets. An endless rumble. Like thunder. It shook the very stones of the Plegian royal palace. The people all stood out in the palace courtyard. They stretched out before the great structure like a sea of ants. All of them waiting to catch a glimpse of their new King as they sat impatiently in the shadow of Grima's bones. A King that brought hope for peace. One that managed to unite the crown and the Grimleal for the first time in centuries.
The Hierophant smirked beneath his hood as he stood inside of the palace and watched Validar place golden robes over his thin shoulders. Everything was going according to his design. The loose canon, Gangrel, was no more. His corpse buried in an unmarked grave out in the desert. A name to be forgotten among the sands of time. General Mustafa stepped down as soon as he realized that he had lost control of the military council. The general opted for a quiet retirement along the western coast. A smart move for an intelligent man. If he actually had a shred of loyalty to Grima, then the Hierophant would have loved his allegiance. Sadly, he despised the Grimleal. And consequently, was against the crowning of Validar. If he had not stepped aside, then he would have been removed.
Validar took a deep breath as the golden crown was placed on his head. A jagged looking thing. Intimidating by design. Meant to stoke as much fear in an enemy as possible. Fear was how all rulers of Plegia held onto power. The desert demanded the strongest to rule. As soon as power left the ruler, a new, stronger king rose to take his place. Gangrel delayed that process by allying with the Grimleal.
"How ironic that the foolish boy king never realized we were the ones making him weak." His more manipulative side chuckled inside his mind.
The Hierophant said nothing in return. He simply observed as Validar turned and walked towards the balcony that overlooked the palace courtyard. It was time for the people to gaze upon their new king.
At first, the Hierophant did worry about placing Validar on the throne. He was well known as a High Priest of the Grimleal. And it was rumored that he led the assassination attempt on Exalt Emmeryn when the war first broke out. An assassination attempt that was foiled and ended with every assassin dying save for the traitorous Gaius and the equally traitorous Kage. Thankfully, the people accepted the rumors as just that, rumors. Not facts. The misinformation spread by the Grimleal was key in making the people believe Validar never died. That he was powerful enough to survive such failures and rise up to lead them.
A small chuckle left his lips. The people were mindless fools.
Validar stepped into the bright light of Plegia's sun. The crowd roared as he raised his hands to behold all of them. A large, friendly grin spread over his face.
"My friends!" Validar's powerful voice boomed out, "Today marks the dawn of a new age for our nation! For too long, we have been victims of our own failures. Too long we have allowed our own blood lust to consume our way of life. My rule will be one of peace! My rule, one of justice! My rule, one of order! And under this new order, we shall rise to be the envy of nations!"
The roar of the crowd grew louder. The Hierophant felt some approval bubble inside of him. Validar was a wonderful mouthpiece. His skills as an orator were honed leading the Grimleal. And the fruit of his labors blossomed before him as the people adored him.
Wisely, Validar did not say anything else to the people. Instead, he waved to them. And then he returned to the shady confines of the palace.
Two Grimleal mages closed the doors to the balcony, muffling the roars of the masses.
"How did I do?" Validar asked the Hierophant.
The hooded man inclined his head.
"My morsel needs approval?"
"Of course he does. The man is not capable of an independent thought."
"Well." The Hierophant nodded to Validar.
The thin king bowed to the hooded man.
"I am glad I pleased you, my lord." Validar crowed.
"He's pathetic." The demon snarled.
"I admit, the brown nosing is a little much."
"You will please me by carrying out my wishes, Validar." The Hierophant hissed, "Not by showering me with pleasantries."
Validar cleared his throat, "Of course, my lord. I was simply-"
"Attempting to enter my good graces." The Hierophant finished for him. He began to walk towards his own personal quarters in the palace. Validar fell into step with him, "Words will not accomplish such a thing."
Validar gulped but did not reply. As they reached the Hierophant's wing of the palace, a messenger came running up.
"Your grace!" The young mage gasped. He bowed to Validar. And then he bowed lower to the Hierophant. This boy belonged the Grimleal. He knew who the true power was in Plegia, "I have two messages to deliver."
The Hierophant motioned for the boy to follow into his personal suit. Validar entered as well and took a seat on velvet couch. The Hierophant, moved towards the balcony. He did not step out into the sun, but he did bask in the ever so slight breeze that drifted through the desert. The messenger stayed near the door.
"The boy is afraid."
"Of course he is. We are us after all. Even if he doesn't know our power, he knows Validar fears us. And that is more than enough to force the Grimleal to their knees."
"Pathetic leaders breed pathetic followers."
"What are the messages?" The Hierophant asked as he closed his eyes and attempted to ignore the voices in his head.
The young boy at the door let out a startled yelp.
"We… we may have located Aversa, milords."
Validar rose from his seat, "You have?"
"The disappointment finally shows her face."
"Hush now, don't convince our host to kill her. She still has her uses."
"I'm hungry. And her power will be delicious."
"I'm sure we can find a proper mage for you to eat later."
"Speak already boy!" Validar snapped, "Where is she?"
The Hierophant cracked an eye open and glanced over at Validar. His concern for the girl was rather strange. He was very eager to find her. Perhaps the new King was closer to the Witch than he previously thought?
"We can use that to our advantage if necessary."
"Carrion Isle." The messenger answered.
"Mmmm…. Carrion."
"I will send a group of mages to apprehend her." King Validar ordered, "I want her brought before me alive. Unharmed if at all possible."
The Hierophant said nothing in reply. Aversa may still have her uses. But she was just another pawn in the great game he was playing. A plaything in the end. Once her uses ran out, he would have her cast aside. A punishment for her failures during the war. A punishment that would be delayed for now.
"Interesting. Letting the King think he has some control by giving him Aversa's leash, hm? Now you are just playing with your food."
"Food…"
"And the other message?" Validar asked the boy.
"Um… It is from our agent in Valm. Regarding the special assignment."
Validar narrowed his eyes.
"Lord Excellus has captured Prince Kage. And he is ready to send the boy here for safekeeping."
"Excellent!" Validar smiled, "Everything really is going well. You are dismissed. Make sure my orders regarding Aversa are carried out."
The messenger bowed and turned to leave.
"Did… Did he just say Prince Kage?"
"Hehehehe, I might get food after all."
The Hierophant snapped his fingers. The messenger froze at the door.
"M-milord?"
The Hierophant took a deep breath, "Prince Kage?"
Validar gave the leader of the Grimleal a puzzled expression.
"Y-yes, milord." The messenger stammered, "The boy was easily captured according to Lord Excellus's account."
The Heirophant turned and narrowed his burning eyes at the messenger.
"How was a person of Kage's power so easily captured? Did Excellus mention his methods?"
The messenger began to sweat a little. He also seemed very confused.
"Um… the boy was captured while playing in the woods outside of Chon'sin's capitol. He-"
The boy shot into the air by an invisible force. He hovered for a split second. A fearful whimper left his lips. His eyes widened. He grasped at his throat. Unable to catch his breath.
Validar took a few steps back. His own eyes flicked over at the Hierophant. The hooded man had not moved a muscle. He simply glared at the boy. And as he glared, the air became cold. Validar saw his breath misting in front of his face.
The poor messenger shuddered for a minute. A sickening crunch echoed through the Hierophant's suite. And the boy's head went limp on his shoulders. Eyes glazed over. Face forever twisted with terror.
What happened next, Validar could hardly describe. It sewed nothing short of pure terror in him. Horror shot through his heart. A great shadow leaked from the Hierophant's feet. Without form or shape. With it, a noise like a lion's hungry growl sounded. It rumbled in Validar's ears. As the formless shadow crept along the floor towards the floating body, Validar swore he heard breathing in his ear. The breath felt cold. So cold that it felt like his skin was beginning to freeze. But there was nothing beside him.
The thing reached the space beneath the body. A low rumbling laugh echoed in Validar's ears. To his horror, the body began to shrivel up. The skin lost it's color. Blood floated in crimson ribbons around the body then sank into the shadow's maw. The shadow reached for the body and ripped a strange, glowing energy from it. And it too was consumed. Then the body fell to the floor. Nothing more than an empty husk. A shell that once held life.
Validar's chest rose up and down as heavy, fear filled breathes rushed in and out of his lungs. The shadow receded back to the Hierophant. And the desert heat returned to the room.
Validar swallowed hard. His mouth felt as dry as the sand outside.
"My lord? What is-"
"What were my explicit instructions, Validar?" The Hierophant growled, his burning irises falling on a now pale King.
"To-to locate the boy named Kage and bring him before you."
"The one trained by Maul, correct?"
"Y-yes."
Validar let out a loud gasp as an invisible force grabbed him by the ankles. He clawed for the couch as he was dragged across the room towards the Hierophant. A loud, pain filled cry rushed from his lungs as the Hierophant gripped him with his strange powers and twirled him around so that Validar faced him.
"Then why did Excellus grab the wrong one?" The Hierophant asked.
Validar's mouth opened and closed rapidly, "Per-perhaps he misinterpreted my orders?"
"As you misinterpreted mine?" The Hierophant snarled.
Terror shot through the newly crowned King as the shadow began to form beneath the Hierophant's feet. Was he about to be consumed as well? Did Grima's designs mean he was fated to become a husk of flesh and bones? He trembled before the Hierophant's silent rage. Then, as quickly as he angered, the Hierophant calmed down.
"Prince Kage," The Hierophant continued, "Is a two year old child. Adopted by the Chon'sin royal family." The Hierophant loosened his grip on Validar and the shadow dissapeared, "A younger version of the one we seek."
Validar gave the Hierophant a surprised look, "Y-younger?"
The hooded man gave him an evil smirk, "Yes, younger. Prince Kage will grow up to be our enemy. But not for some time. And he will not be a threat until Maul does arrive on this world." He clicked his tongue, "You disappoint me, Validar. I was just recently beginning to approve of you. Then you managed to bungle one of my more simple requests."
The Hierophant walked over to the dead husk near the door. With a flick of his wrist, he raised the body upright. A strange, purple and black mist poured out of the Hierophant's right hand. Before Validar's eyes, the husk began to morph. It grew taller, lankier. Age rapidly rushed over the body's features. The King's breath got caught in his throat as he watched life return to the husk.
Even the clothing on its body changed. Instead of Grimleal robes, it wore simple, black long sleeved shirt and pants. A black belt wrapped around its waste. The spellbook most Grimleal possessed had been replaced by a strange, cylindrical device. A weapon similar to Maul's dangerous red blade. But more elegant and refined in design and construction. There was a curious curve to it as well.
"Equus." The Hierophant breathed, "Rise."
The monster's eyes opened. They glowed red for a moment, then faded to a normal human's color.
"Behold, one of my Deadlords, Validar." The Hierophant smirked back at the King, "A rather effective one as well."
"What is thy bidding, my master?" Equus asked the Hierophant as Validar watched in awe.
The Deadlord's voice was rich and low. A clipped aristocratic accent laced his tone.
"There is a loose end that could unravel my plans. A young man named Kage. He may be going under an alias. He is a blonde boy with yellow eyes. Much like mine in fact. You are to capture him and bring him before me. Alive, and if possible, unharmed." The Hierophant snickered, "Also, pay a visit to Excellus. Let that worm know of his failure. Do not kill him. But… well… have fun with him."
The Hierophant turned away. Validar's eyes widened as the floor glowed beneath the Deadlord. In a flash of light, the Deadlord disappeared.
"My-my lord." Validar breathed, "That was incredible."
"CAN I PLEASE EAT HIM ALREADY!?"
"You cannot possibly still be hungry?"
"Validar." The Hierophant began, his voice sharp but calm. Forcing Validar to take a fearful step back, "This will be the last time you fail me. Understand?"
Validar swallowed hard.
"Because if you do fail me again; well, I can just as easily create a deadlord out of you as I did that messenger."
The Hierophant strode back to his spot near the balcony door. Validar rose to leave. He knew he better not stay. Not with the Hierophant's fury kindled.
"Oh before you go, your majesty." The Hierophant said with a hint of mockery in his voice. Validar froze as he reached for the door, "You may use Draco's services in your hunt for Aversa. I'm sure he will be much more efficient than a petty group of mages."
Validar swallowed hard.
"Y-yes, my lord."
The door shut behind him. The Hierophant closed his eyes and let out a long exhale. Validar and Excellus's failure was a small snag in his plans. But it would be dealt with. He was very confident in his Deadlord's ability to hunt down his true prey.
All he had to do now was sit and wait.
And chapter! Marth is moving fast towards Baby Kage's position! We get a little development for Yen'fay, which I really enjoyed writing. And one of our major villains bares his teeth. The Hierophant is so much fun to write! I love making these terrifying villains that just scare the piss out of the other villains without even having to raise their voice. It is too much fun. Also, a Deadlord is now after Kage. He is going to have his hands full between that, Say'ri, and our lovable Cynthia.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!