UNDEAD PARISH
Despite Lex's earlier breakdown, he seemed to have recovered quickly, saying something about not worrying about dying as a phantom. As soon as he got off the elevator, he scribbled his name on the ground with the soapstone and leaned against the wall idly. Oscar got the more menial task of collecting titanite. Round and round the church he went, stopping at the bonfire in the old church to roll back time with each completed rotation. It was slow, thankless work, but at the very least, it gave Oscar plenty of time to practice parrying and to get used to weapons other than his holy sword that "wasn't worth upgrading."
Eventually, they had both completed their tasks and split up to turn in the spoils. Lex entrusted his sword to Oscar and sprinted down the church stairs, past the hollows, and toward the Altar of Sunlight. Oscar simply returned to the old church for the umpteenth time and continued down to the blacksmith.
"Ah, Sir Knight," Andre said as he approached, "have you found what you were searching for? Souls are easier to come by than ore these days. If you're short some, I'd be willing to part with some of my own stock, for a fee."
"My partner was… exacting in the amount of titanite we needed. Unless I miscounted, this should be sufficient."
With that, he removed a clinking bag from his belt and set it down on the smith's table, opening it. Inside were dozens of the coin-sized titanite shards occasionally carried by Balder Knights.
"It may be selfish to say this, but I am glad the Kingdom of Balder is no more. I would surely be an enemy of the state by now."
Andre threw back his head and laughed.
"And here I thought the nobility had no sense of humor. I'm Andre, as I said before. We were not properly acquainted, Sir Knight."
"I am Oscar, first son of the Count of Hillund. Not that it matters anymore. I fear Astora will not last. Even if the Flame is linked, the people will not forget what was done to them. But it is a pleasure to meet another who might remember Astora, Andre."
"Now that's a sad thought," he said wistfully. "But you didn't come here to talk politics. What was it that you needed smithing?"
"My companion needs his sword reinforced and I, my armor."
"What about your own sword?"
"He insisted that it wasn't worth the rare titanite it would take."
"Give it here. I'll give you an appraisal, on the house."
Oscar nodded and unbuckled his sheath, handing the belt to Andre. The blacksmith slid the sword from the scabbard, his broad hand making the handle look tiny. He looked intently at the blade and waved it through the air to test its weight and balance. Nodding, he sheathed it again and passed the belt back to Oscar.
"As I thought, one of Astora's holy swords. That's been passed down through your family for generations, hasn't it?"
Oscar nodded.
"There's a certain type of forging that's used to make unique weapons like those. It focuses a belief to make a weapon, and that makes those weapons very powerful. It also makes them very pure. It's hard to reinforce them because they reject attempts to alter them, even with titanite. I've heard that it's still possible, but that the titanite must also be purified."
"I can collect more," Oscar said, restraining his interest. "Do you know how to purify it?"
Andre shook his head.
"Legend says that purified titanite was the afterbirth of the titanite demons. I'd heard that the mad Duke was researching how to create more artificially, but I wouldn't believe it if I were you. You see how rare purified titanite is, now. If you find some, think long and hard about how you want to use it."
Oscar nodded solemnly.
"Well, let's see about the rest of your equipment, then."
Oscar handed over the claymore and his helmet before he began to remove the rest of his armor. After taking the souls as payment, Andre mentioned that the reinforcement would take quite some time but that sitting at the bonfire would make it go faster. Having nothing better to do and feeling a little cold in only his waistcloth, Oscar headed back upstairs. Sure enough, he had hardly sat down when Lex returned and insisted they at least check.
"Good timing, you two," Andre said as they rounded the corner, "I was just putting the finishing touches on. Your embroidery was wearing a little, Knight Oscar, so I touched it up for you."
In the massive man's rough, blunt fingers was a tiny needle, golden thread trailing from the end. He snipped the thread with his teeth and put the needle in a yellow-orange pincushion on his workbench. Oscar was a little dumbfounded between the time distortion of the bonfire and the revelation that the gruff old blacksmith was apparently a master tailor as well.
"Thank you, Andre," he said slowly.
"Exemplary work as usual," Lex said, giving his claymore a few practice swings.
The smith nodded but gave the cleric a questioning look. Lex didn't notice.
"We'll be back again soon enough, Andre," he said. "Let's go, Oscar. I want to see if we can kick fate in the 'nads right here and now."
The prophet or player or reader or whatever he wanted to be called right now led the knight back up the stairs and out the doorway they had ignored until then. There was a long bridge heading out of the forest and toward an immense cliffside. At the base of the cliff was an aging castle with its gates closed tight. As he looked closer, Oscar saw some sort of bulbous creature. Only upon reaching the steps to the fortress did he realize that it was one of Catarina's so-called "onion knights."
Lex approached casually and grunted. The knight, sitting on the ledge where the level of the interior floor continued before tuning to stairs, didn't notice. Or was dead. Either seemed likely. Lex stood there, waiting on a response that would never come, so Oscar stepped forward instead.
"Excuse us, Sir Knight of Catarina?"
"Mmm… Hrmmmmm…"
"Sir Knight? A moment of your time?"
"Mmm…mmm… Mm! Oh-hoh! Forgive me… I was absorbed in thought.
I am Siegmeyer of Catarina. Quite honestly, I have run flat up against a wall. Or, a gate, I should say. The thing just won't budge. No matter how long I wait.
And, oh, have I waited! So, here I sit, in quite a pickle. Weighing my options, so to speak! How can I help you, my friends?"
"What is it that you're after at Sen's Fortress, Knight Siegmeyer?" Lex asked.
"Ah, when I was a lad, I often read books of adventure. When I finally got old enough to venture out on my own, I had too many responsibilities. Unfortunate though it may have been, becoming Undead has given me the freedom to do so. I thought to tour the land of the Lords.
First on my list was the lost city of the gods. Legend has it that undead must first pass the tests of Sen's Fortress. How am I to be tested when the gates will not budge? The gods work in mysterious ways. You must already know that, Cleric…"
"Lex. Of Luthor. Prophet of Slaanesh. This is Oscar of Astora."
"Oh. Oh!" Siegmeyer said, rising to his feet. "A fellow knight! It is a pleasure to see a kindred spirit, though our homelands may differ!"
He shook Oscar's hand vigorously.
"And an honor to meet a Prophet! I am afraid I do not know your god, but this is a fine omen."
He clasped Lex's hand more formally.
"Knight Siegmeyer, it looks like you have the same problem I did," Oscar said casually. "We have only heard part of the legend. I did not know about the passage through this… Sen's Fortress. My family had often said that ringing the Bell of Awakening would reveal the Fate of the Undead. When I arrived here, I was disheartened to learn that there were two Bells. Lex, this is part of the… path… through the Prophecy, isn't it?"
"Yeah. Ring the two Bells, and one of the giants on the roof of the Fortress will pull the gates open. Siegmeyer, we're on our way to ring the first now. Why don't you come with us? The second's a pain in the ass, though. I wouldn't hold it against you if you decided not to go so far out of your way."
"Bells of Awakening, you say? If the gods require further testing, then Siegmeyer of Catarina shall not disappoint! Thank you, my friends! It would be my honor to assist you!"
Lex turned and led the pair of knights back across the bridge, up the stairs, and across the next bridge to the church. Between the three of them, the hollow soldiers standing guard in the side courtyard didn't stand a chance. As they'd done the first time, Oscar led the group up the stairs, using his shield to parry the Balder knight and fend off the pack of feral hollows. This time, instead of avoiding the ladder, Oscar went straight for it. At the top, he found himself on a narrow platform.
Across the ledge was a summon sign: Lautrec's. His lip curled into a snarl, and he continued up the next ladder. Here was a more familiar signature, shining golden like the sun. He knelt and traced the name with his finger. Siegmeyer was hefting his bulky armor over the ledge now.
"What a trying challenge indeed…"
He glanced down.
"Oh-hoh? Calling for additional aid? A wise decision. One can never have too many companions. A trial of the gods is a dangerous undertaking, indeed."
Lex came up last, just peeking his head over the edge.
"Oh, you've already tagged Solaire's sign. Grand. I'm going to try to speed things up a little, Oscar."
He reached into his bag and withdrew the basement key and the residence key, sliding them across the floor.
"There's an optional fight a short way through Darkroot Forest. I say optional, but it's really helpful for my type of bui- fighting style. And it'll help me get one of those magical rings I talked about earlier than I could otherwise. So I'm going to split for now."
"Leaving so soon?" Siegmeyer asked. "Could we not fight this other beast together as well?"
"Is this wise, Lex? You could barely stand a few hours ago," Oscar said sternly.
"It's fine. I'm not going to be doing the bulk of the fighting anyway. And I'm better now. Nothing to get your blood pumping like fighting a pair of giant, flying, stone monsters nine times in a row. Speaking of which: cut off the first one's tail to make it easier on you, and watch out for the second one's entrance so that you don't get boxed in.
When you finish with this, the entrance to the next area is where we me Solaire. There is a shortcut back to the Burg's bonfire once you're down the ladder. Be wary of ambushes at all times, and do not leave the first area until you've found that trapped idiot, Griggs of Vinheim. When you hit a fog wall, go right, and keep exploring until you've found the shortcut and the near-hollow merchant in the aqueduct. When you do return to the fog, you must rush out of the way of the demon's opening attack. Kill the dogs first, or the demon will kill you while they hold you down.
I'll meet you again there or at the door that can only be opened with the key that demon carries. Good luck and godspeed. DOOMRIDER!"
Lex slid down the ladder before Oscar or Siegmeyer could say anything else. Oscar had half a mind to chase after him, but at that moment, gleaming hands began to rise from the ground. The spirit of Solaire of Astora rose from the rotten wood like a golden statue, his arms spreading wider and wider in the sunrise motion of the Warriors of Sunlight. Unconsciously, Oscar mirrored the gesture. Siegmeyer, feeling left out, followed suit.
"Oscar, my friend! It is wondrous to see you again! I see you have acquired a new companion since we last met. But where is the first?"
Solaire's voice sounded distant, as if he was speaking at the end of a long tunnel. Oscar shook his head as he picked up the keys and tucked them away in a belt pouch.
"The prophet just ran off. Something about finding a magic ring. This is Siegmeyer of Catarina. Siegmeyer, this is my former captain, Solaire of Astora."
"Hello, then! Any friend of Oscar's is a friend of mine."
"The pleasure is mine! I never thought a country knight such as myself would meet not just one of Astora's elite, but a knight-captain as well!"
The two laughed and shared a jolly handshake.
"Let's not dally, my friends!" Siegmeyer continued. "The gods are watching, and the prophet has faith that we shall complete this trial and slay a demon further before his return! He has even provided us with the beast's weakness! We have nothing to fear!"
Solaire nodded.
"Prophet Lex and I have fought these beasts many times today, in many worlds. They are not so fearful as they appear."
"Between Lex's knowledge and your arm, Captain… I think they are the ones who should be afraid."
"Oh, you flatter me!" Solaire said, patting Oscar on the shoulder. "We should go before we chat through my summoning time."
"Right."
Oscar walked past him and pushed through the fog. It felt terribly cold, even through his armor, but then it was over. He stood on the rooftop and looked around. Armed gargoyles lined the sides. Oscar recoiled in panic.
"Bell Gargoyles," Lex had said. There were only supposed to be two of them, but there was something like a dozen lying in wait on either side of him. He tried to relax and think it through. Perhaps only two of them retained the spell that animated them. Solaire came through the fog next.
"What is it, Oscar? Do not worry. The roof is sound footing."
He patted Oscar on the back and continued halfway across the roof as Siegmeyer entered the fog and looked about. There was a sound like cracking stone on the other side of the roof. Oscar looked up at the bell tower and saw four more gargoyles lying in wait.
"Oh… Those gargoyles."
He drew up his binoculars and looked closer. Two of them seemed to be purely stone, but two had metal armor. One of these broke off an outer shell of clay and howled. It leapt into the air and crashed down onto the roof, sending an explosion of shingles everywhere. Solaire, unperturbed, hurled a lighting spear directly at it, shattering its nose.
It roared again and charged the knight, but the other two had stopped observing their surroundings and were likewise charging ahead. The beast jumped, aided by a wingbeat, and brought its rusted but still massive halberd down. Solaire blocked it with his sturdy shield, the sun icon of the god of war smiling even in the face of danger. Oscar ran to Solaire.
"Captain, switch!"
As the gargoyle prepared to swing its poleaxe again, Oscar took Solaire's place, shield raised high. Solaire backpedaled, raising another bolt high just as the weapon fell. Oscar, still unaware about the rules regarding parrying, blasted the massive halberd sideways and dove forward, driving his sword into the monster's left armpit. The stone was sturdy, but his holy sword was sturdier and dug all the way through. With a twist, he freed it, ripping the arm off.
The monster cried out in rage and raised its wings to flee, but Solaire cast his bolt forward, striking it in the face once more and stunning it. By now, Siegmeyer had reached his destination. If the plan was to cut off the monster's tail, then by Gwyn, he was going to cut off its tail. Huffing and puffing, he raised his zweihander and gave an overhand swing with all his might (and considerable weight) behind it. One hit was all it took, and the axe-bladed tail fell away.
There was another roar and another crash. Across the roof, the other gargoyle, already bereft of its tail, moved toward Siegmeyer.
"Knight Siegmeyer, behind you!" Solaire cried, strafing as he pulled out another bolt.
The first gargoyle, seeing the knights distracted, dusted up and away, seeking shelter with its ally. The newcomer drew its head back and sprayed a wall of flame across the roof. Siegmeyer, with no other choice, fell to the ground and rolled over his bulbous armor. Solaire hurled his spear, and with a noise like vomiting, it passed directly into gargoyle's mouth as it exhaled. The monster spasmed briefly before erupting into souls.
Oscar threw his sword into its scabbard quickly and grabbed the gargoyle's severed tail up off the rooftop. The cornered monster flailed wildly with its halberd. As he had thought, it was difficult to get close and difficult to time the parry. With the long tail, though, he had options. He whipped it underhanded, striking a glancing blow on the gargoyle's chin as it swung again.
The shaft of the halberd struck the armored plates of the tail and shuddered. Before the creature could recover, Oscar whirled the tail sideways and directly into the gargoyle's knuckles. With its grip already loosened by the vibrating weapon, it now dropped the weapon and one of its fingers as well. To say that a giant stone beast was defenseless might be a stretch, but it was close enough, so Solaire and Siegmeyer rushed toward it as well. Satisfied, Oscar dropped the tail and let his companions strike the final blows on the wounded monster.
It too erupted into souls and was gone. Solaire made his sunlight gesture once more as his golden phantom faded.
"Until we meet again!"
"What an amicable fellow," Siegmeyer commented, wheezing a little bit from the last sprint. "Now let's see about that Bell."
Oscar nodded, and the two knights approached the Bell tower. Inside was only a long ladder, stretching several storeys to the Bell itself. Siegmeyer took a hard look at the ladder.
"You may have the honor, Knight Oscar," he said. "I will watch our return path in case more of the creatures come to life."
Oscar grinned a little inside his helmet.
"Thank you, Knight Siegmeyer. I will graciously accept."
With that, he began the long climb to the top. Once he had, he found a way outside to a balcony. The view was stunning. In the distance was Sen's Fortress and the mysterious Darkroot. Behind him was another ladder to the Bell itself.
The view from here was even better, and he could see the whole of Lordran, much like when the crow had carried him. The Bell itself was at least impressively huge – as tall as he was, certainly. He took hold of the tassel affixed to the clapper and rung it once. Strangely, the noise didn't threaten to shred his inner ears. It almost felt as if the Bell was ringing inside him.
He shrugged and made his way down the first ladder and then the second. When he reached the bottom, he found Siegmeyer avoiding a masked man dressed all in black.
"Greetings. I am Oswald of Carim, the Pardoner. Thou art a friend. For thee, a warm welcome. Cometh thou to confess? Or to accuse? For indeed all sin is my domain."
As Oscar climbed off the ladder and faced him, Oswald was taken aback.
"Thou hast committed a grave sin, truly. Where is the Chosen Undead?"
"I'm afraid that prophecy is ruined," Oscar said sharply. "The prophet of Slaanesh says that it was my fate to die in the Undead Asylum. I do not fear sin."
"I shall accept thy confession, but…"
In a flash, the Pardoner's hand was within his robe and out again, having drawn a long, thin blade that had been nearly impossible to see pressed against his long stocking. The rapier whipped up and slashed through Oscar's newly-repaired tunic as he threw himself backward. He had no time to recover from the sudden movement, as the dark cleric slashed down across his chest.
"Oscar!" Siegmeyer cried, readying his own blade.
The Pardoner struck like wicked lightning the tip of his blade repeatedly piercing through Catarina's rounded armor. Siegmeyer fell, but Oscar roared and rushed forward with his own sword drawn. The Pardoner leapt back, floating in the air like a god before touching down gracefully. Oscar rushed him again but slammed his foot into the floor at the last moment and pushed backward, avoiding the Pardoner's thrust and countering with one of his own. The holy sword glinted with white light as it lanced through the dark cleric's robe and drew dark blood.
The Pardoner roared as he swung again, but this attack was sloppy, panic driving him. Oscar deflected the blade and struck once more, running the sacred Astoran weapon through the Pardoner's black heart. Oswald gasped, grabbing hold of Oscar.
"Thou shalt regret this… Fear thine indelible wrongdoings…"
With that, he faded into souls, and Oscar rushed to the wounded Siegmeyer.
"Siegmeyer, are you-!"
The older knight groaned.
"Forgive me. I was caught entirely off-guard. I was waiting for the right moment to get back in the thick of it, but when the time came, you had already finished it."
He sat up.
"What could have possessed the Pardoner to do that? Hmmmm…"
Oscar extended a hand to him, pulling him up. The weight was almost worse than the Taurus Demon's axe.
"It sounds like the gods aren't testing us. They're testing the Chosen Undead. Lex."
"Oh. Then what are we to do?"
"Lex's prophecies haven't been wrong until now. The way he told me they worked, this isn't possible. He told me that he wanted to change fate… Now, fate is changing on its own. Let's hurry to that next demon. He may be in more danger than he realizes."