God Rising: The Cult of Ainz
Written by: AtheistBasementDragon
Edited by: The Usual Gang of Drunken Perverted Idiots
Chapter 156: When It Rains
...Chasm City...
If there was one thing Queen Draudillon had developed a distaste for, it was the interminable 'waiting' that dominated her duties. Most of all within this city there lay the anxiety that came from it. Her soldiers tore through every public building and private business with the zeal of man hunters pursuing criminals, and that was how they saw themselves. The horrors of the City of Shame had not left their minds and if it lay here also, it would be found.
The Queen therefore, prevailed upon by her staff, waited in the governor's office that she had commandeered for her own use. "At least we've seen to the release of the slaves." General Musan said with an ache in his voice that told her he was aging even beyond his years. "They weren't even that badly off compared to some places, from what we've heard from Neia and from the operatives in Kami Miyako." His voice sounded weary, but at least it carried with it some sense of relief.
General Oma however, sounded harder, like a blade newly sharpened. "I would still have liked to give them over to General Baraja. Or call for that demon girl to come back and create nightmare stories to be handed down for an age." She shuddered, as the first to see the blood guilt of Yaksun, it had hit her hardest and she had not forgotten even a little.
Queen Draudillon rested her head in her hands. "God, I want a drink." She said tiredly, "No, don't even think of bringing me one. I want one, that doesn't mean I get one." She said without looking up, before either could move to carry out the wish she'd just expressed. "I don't disagree with either of you, but other than the two or three we're going to hang when we leave, we're leaving the rest in peace, their amnesty is granted. Are there any slaves willing to join the army to augment our numbers?" She asked hopefully.
"Around seven thousand from the surrounding estates and around a thousand from within the city itself." General Musan answered calmly, "If we leave four thousand of our more experienced soldiers here, we can take say... six thousand elves, and leave the rest to help support the garrison, I don't think we have to worry about rebellion after that little display with the chasm, and with the nearby fortress occupied, a minimal force can hold it as a fallback position." He answered calmly, speaking as if by rote as he looked straight into her eyes from where he stood opposite her desk.
"Workable, but what do we know about the fortress itself, that was strange, so few, and so hungry? Did we get anything else from the captives?" Draudillon asked optimistically as she sat back in her chair and drummed her fingers impatiently.
"My Queen, all we really know is that the Theocracy didn't seem to think they could hold this place, and from what we've seen in the city, hunger has started to be a real problem, honestly we could probably keep the peace most easily by just leaving sufficient extra food behind to augment diets. The Theocracy's central government is confiscating large food supplies now and hoarding it at or near the capital then distributing it out from there, it's created chaos in their ability to support the cities, which may be the point. Any place we take, we can't forage from, and we actually have to help support." General Oma put forth her theory with frustration and anger in her voice, she clenched her teeth and had to bite her tongue to keep from cursing.
"Well, we can't stay long then, but... maybe just maybe, we should stay another day or two." The Queen said thoughtfully.
Her Generals looked at her with doubtful faces. "My Queen, with all due respect, every delay keeps us here longer and draws this out for that much longer, I know there are those who would wish it so, but the sooner we end all this, the more lives we save from all sides." General Oma said unhappily, a small frown forming on her face.
"I agree with my colleague, my Queen. The longer we wait, the harder this will be." General Musan said with grave intensity, the luster in his eyes with which he'd begun the campaign was slowly starting to fade, and Queen Draudillon privately resolved that this was his last war before retirement.
"I would agree, save for this." The Queen said and took a letter from out of the top drawer of her desk. She placed it gently on the desk just beneath where their eyes could see.
"A new assembly? In Forton?" General Musan asked rhetorically, "To what end?"
"To settle the question of the postwar world, the Slane Theocracy is doomed, unless they have some way to kill His Majesty himself and render the entire matter moot, they are done for. Perhaps using this city as a headquarters until then would be wisest." The Queen proposed tentatively.
To her surprise, both generals shook their heads. "Majesty," General Oma said emphatically, "with due respect, we can manage the Army for a time without you, let us march west, let us march tomorrow, when the assembly comes, let the Sorcerer King's magic call you away, and return you to us the same way, we will carry ourselves closer to Kami Miyako, and believe me, the other generals will not be stopping, if we appear indolent..."
She did not have to finish the sentence. Draudillon swallowed, "You're right, of course, I can trust the two of you to handle this without me, but there is no reason for me to stay behind. As you said, he can have me come or go as needed. I'll go with you, and entrust the management of our army to you both when he summons me away, then return to camp wherever you are, after we've finished discussing things in Forton. So if there is nothing more... have our soldiers make ready to go day after tomorrow then, we'll take an extra day, get the elf slaves armed with the weapons of the former Theocracy soldiers. Select a number of human guards to stay here as well, everyone else will go west as fast as possible." The Queen gave her instructions, and her generals rendered prompt salutes in response.
The next morning, that is exactly what happened, and for the first time in the history of the city, elves began to patrol the streets with swords and bows, clad in armor that 'had' borne the insignias of the Theocracy. Now they were painted over and the emblem of the Draconic Kingdom was painted large over the center. Each elf was assigned a human soldier to work with him to offer some measure of comfort to the human occupants, and other than ordering that prices be frozen, and moving all rations to military control in order to keep the population in check, little change occurred within the city walls. The population, too afraid of the demon being unleashed, and afraid of retribution lest they provide an excuse for it, focused on trying to live as normally as they could.
Thus on the second day after their discussion, Draudillon gave the order to march, the head of their dead messenger was raised at the head of the column, his vacant eyes facing toward Kami Miyako as they exited the city, behind them, three ropes snapped down and three abusive slave owners were hanged from the gate under the watchful eyes of her garrisoned soldiers.
The sound of marching feet as a long line of steel marched out, drowned out any pleas for mercy, and none were to be answered generously anyway, her eyes were fixed forward as her army began to move west. "I'm coming for you Dominic, you forgot that I bear dragon's blood, and there is little more wrathful in this world than a dragon under threat." She said quietly under her breath.
"I... can think of one thing." General Musan quipped with a shudder as he remembered watching the nobles literally crushed into paste by the Sorcerer King's aura, and the way he had a demon cut others to pieces for the entertainment of the crowd, and the wave of terror that swept through the borders of nations like the wind.
"Me too." General Oma added as she recalled the report of Neia exterminating a city and letting her body be ripped apart just for the 'chance' to slay a hundred thousand even if her life ended because of it. And of her master, and his wave of terror.
Queen Draudillon blushed slightly, "Point taken." She responded with a nervous shiver, remembering how the force of the wave had struck like a storm at sea.
...Fortress Alaf...Morning...
The fighting had gone on longer than anyone believed possible, even for this massive fortress, the burning ambush and the cast off corpses had slowed things to a crawl, briefly at least. As the Slane Theocracy was forced to spend time burying the dead with due honors to maintain morale, but the unwillingness of the elves to take aggressive action and the increasing supply problem was taking its toll.
Leinas walked the ramparts in front of the fortress with Aureole Omega beside her, it was a slow walk, behind them was a flag bearer holding aloft the banner of the Sorcerer King. It ensured that the Slane Theocracy knew she was there, it made them angry, and anger made them stupid.
"What do you think?" Leinas asked calmly as she looked over the side for the ten thousandth time.
"About what?" The shrine maiden asked coyly.
"The chance of a major attack today?" Leinas asked, also for the ten thousandth time, or so it felt like.
"Low, the same as every day, but diligence is still needed. But it won't matter for long." She said and touched Leinas's arm affectionately.
"Why is that?" Leinas asked, but even as the question was being asked, Aureole Omega was holding up a letter.
"This arrived this morning while you were visiting the infirmary. It is from Chindai Khan, he'll be here before nightfall." She said warmly as Leinas took and read the letter over several times.
"Took him long enough, so much for 'three days'." Leinas responded with a roll of her eyes.
"Perhaps, but it is perfect timing, the Theocracy is weakened by increasing problems with their supplies, they're tired from this long and fruitless struggle, Chindai will arrive with his dwarven allies and we will have them outnumbered badly." Aureole Omega said in the distant voice that told Leinas that her friend was beset by another vision.
"Not really, there are still the elves." Leinas responded. "They may not be enthusiastic allies, but... they are allies of the Theocracy still."
"Not after tonight they won't be." Aureole Omega replied. "By noon tomorrow that entire army will be captured, dead, or fled."
Leinas savored the feeling of both eyes going wide, even after all that time since her curse was removed, the feeling of having her eye back and working properly was still as sweet as honey cake. "I..." She began, only to stop when Aureole Omega raised her hand to interrupt.
"Only watch and listen. If all my calculations are correct, then the Elf King will cease to be a factor very soon." Aureole Omega said with a joyful expression, "After this, we move east toward C'Teon, unless His Majesty demands our immediate presence." She sighed happily, "Such a brilliant lord is a joy to serve."
"He's always been right so far, I'm not going to start doubting him now." Leinas said as they reached the end of the ramparts and began to descend the stairs.
"That is very wise of you, my friend." Aureole Omega took slow, deliberate steps, there was no rush so Leinas matched her pace. The fortress was alive, her soldiers' faces looked enthusiastic and flush with health, the victories they'd won kept them motivated, vigorous exercise every morning and Leinas's habit of eating the same food they did, and physically outperforming them to show that her reputation was well earned, filled them with confidence.
"After this is all over, what's next for you?" Leinas asked idly.
"Return to my normal duties within Nazarick, to my home, to my sisters." Aureole Omega said with a glowing smile that lit up her face.
"Well, after this is over and done, I expect I'll return to E-Rantel, and spend my days running the city for His Majesty, assuming he has nothing else for me to do. After I've settled in, you're welcome to come visit me any time you like." Leinas proposed with a neutral expression that disguised the underlying optimism for Aureole Omega's acceptance.
"I'd like that, it has been satisfying and pleasant to work with you." Aureole Omega said with the warmth Leinas did not have the wherewithal to reveal herself.
...Crossroads...
The prediction turned out to be correct. The city fell handily into Enri's hands over the next few hours, by dawn, her soldiers were the only ones patrolling the streets. Blood, bodies, and fire were everywhere, but the flames were being put out steadily.
Enri got up early as was her habit and threw on her armor quickly, not out of fear of battle or threat, but because she 'knew' that if she was getting dressed when Lupu entered, there would be another lewd joke. She looked around the room now that light streamed into the place through a window and she was no longer exhausted. The presence of a number of bloodstains was an uncomfortable sight, but she shrugged it off as she cinched her sword belt on and swept her long blonde hair back. Then it was downstairs to where she was sure Lupusregina would be waiting with breakfast and some absurd joke.
It was for that reason that she was surprised to find a third option. Lupusregina… with breakfast on the table, sitting on top of a wiggling and pleading peasant girl.
"Lupu, don't play with your food." Enri remarked with a laugh as she walked to a table and sat down in front of the plate that was set there.
Lupusregina's smile was big and broad, the peasant under her, hearing the joke and not recognizing it for what it was, wailed, kicked, and thrashed all the more desperately and with equal futility. "Nah, not this one, she says she owned the place, figured her for a killer at first, one come to getcha -su."
She giggled and pinched the woman's cheeks, "But if she's an assassin then I'm Cardinal Dominic. She didn't bring any knives or anything -su. So I thought I'd leave her up to you, and she makes a comfortable seat. Want me to get rid of her -su?" Lupusregina asked and darted her hand under the woman's throat, a sharp claw on the left side of her jugular, one quick motion and it would be over.
Enri thought it over, the woman was frozen but looked up at Enri with pleading eyes. The Grand Matriarch thought it over, "Tell me what your liquor stock is." She said.
"Fourteen bottles of red, seventeen of white, and twenty casks of ale in the basement, no fewer than twelve total varieties and three bottles each of the remaining varieties." Enri took a closer look at her, red hair, pale skin, common clothing with an apron the sort you'd expect a barmaid to or tavern keeper to wear, and she had lots of bits of straw caught in her hair and on her clothing.
"Let her up, Lupu, she's honest." Enri said and took a bite of biscuit.
Lupusregina got up off the woman and moved to the side of her friend.
"So, want to tell us why you were sneaking in here?" Enri asked.
The woman didn't look up, she shook fearfully with every word, she was barely able to stand up at all. "I… I got hungry an, well, I ran out and hid'n a stable. But I can't eat straw and I can't drink horse piss, soooo… I came back here, thinkin nobody was home, since it's mine and all, thought I could sneak in, get some food an drink an hide again." Her eyes snapped up, "Please don't kill me! Please don't throw me to the soldiers! Please don't sacrifice me! Please don't…!" The litany of horrors she was begging Enri not to subject her to grew more and more bizarre, it would have been utterly laughable if the woman hadn't shot her hands together and gone to her knees sobbing as she lost control. "I just want to live… I just want to live…" The woman went on until she was blubbering so much her sounds no longer formed words.
Lupusregina and Enri traded a look of cocked eyes and and cocked heads. 'The hell is this crazy bitch going on about -su?' Lupusregina thought, and read the same thought in her companion.
Enri propped her arms up on her elbows, resting them on the table, and brought her hands together so that one fist was in the palm of her hand. She looked at the sobbing mess of a woman from over the triangle she'd formed with her arms, and finally spoke after a tense minute.
Her eyes were very hard as she spoke. "We. Do. Not. Do. Those. Things." Enri said one word at a time, barely keeping her outrage at bay.
"But General Enri is an undead worshipper, the priests tell us that the leaders of the undead armies take baths in virgin blood and eat the flesh of young women, that human women are the night time playthings of her goblins, and that her prisoners are often kept alive to be harvested for blood to give to her vampire soldiers! They're priests! Servants of the gods! They wouldn't lie to us!" She said with wide eyes that said very clearly that she did not believe the denial she'd just heard.
"Have you ever 'met' General Enri miss… sorry what is your name?" Enri asked.
"Eire, the name is Eire, and no but… they're priests of the true gods!" She said piously, Enri could see the glassy eyed look of the devout of the six, and sighed heavily. "Please… please don't turn me over to her! I'll bet she's bathed in so much blood now that she's grown demon horns and has a long pointed demon tail, I can barely keep it together now… please… I'm scared… please… I just don't want to die like… like that." She whimpered and broke down crying again. "You caught me, alright, didn't mean any harm, just wanted some food but… I'll leave, let me go hide in the stable or somethin, please… I don't… don't want to get thrown to the goblins or anythin like that…" She stammered out and prostrated herself as subserviently as she could.
Enri looked up and over at Lupusregina. "See anything back there?" She asked and jerked her thumb to her lower back.
"Asking me to check out your ass, you know you're getting more bold all the time -su!" Lupusregina giggled uncontrollably.
Enri felt around the top of her head, the curious question brought Eire's eyes up, and she saw Enri touching the top of her head.
"Huh, nothing." Enri said in a half disappointed tone of voice. She then looked down at the terrified and now confused peasant woman. "Well I've got neither horns nor tail apparently, maybe those come with a promotion?" Enri said with a chuckle.
"I… don't understand?" Eire gave a tone of hesitation to her question.
"Well, I'm General Enri Emmot-Bareare, commander of the Army of Carne under His Majesty the Sorcerer King, conqueror of Ikari and of Crossroads, and leader of the Northern Offensive." Enri said in serene voice, then she added, "And you are safe, nothing the priests have said is true."
Enri did not for the life of her understand why that made Eire start to cry even harder, nor why she was asking hysterically to particularly no one, "What have I done?! What have I done?! What have I done?!"