Fantasy The Sundering Star

[TheLoyalAcorn]

The closer the party got to the city the walls seemed to grow in size. The large wooden gate was left open, and buildings became more clustered to the city from stand alone structures to twos or threes. Near the city wall stakes with all matter of obscene displays. Passing by groups of fours or fives went about their business as if nothing had happened. All the while militiamen went about their buisness oblivious of the party.

The militiamen on guard details looked as if a stiff breeze may blow them over. All and all the city continued as the sounds of fires, flames and destruction rang out in the distance closer to the harbor.

 

[Verena]

Verena imagined that when, eventually, she took her own last breath, her soul would be left to the mercy of the vengeful ones. She didn’t want to dwell on that grim thought though. When one feared death, it only made sure to come at a faster rate. Still, that didn’t mean the mere thought of someone constantly watching her didn’t bother her. Verena would have to question Calista about getting rid of her tail further down the line. “Archery, huh? Interesting.”

Verena unbuckled a pack of five throwing knives from her belt and handed it to Marguerite. “Your aim with a bow will be enough to use these. Unless you hit the throat or head, they will not kill, rather maim and slow. Leave the killing to us unless you want your own pet ghosts.”

At that point, they were already passing the first few houses. Most were in a bad shape but not half as bad as the ones close to the harbor. Few of them were visible from their position, all damaged to different extents. Some were missing their roofs or sections of them. Others were blackened from the fire and dangerously leaning to one side, ready to collapse at the slightest breeze. Smoke was still rising from a lot of buildings and almost all of the windows were shattered. Verena could only hope that the Dragoon’s Bite was untouched by the flames.

The closer they got the wall, the more civilized the city appeared, if that was a way to even describe it. They passed the wide open gate unburdened as part of a larger group and slipped into the nearest alley Verena could see, her long black coat immediately showing its main purpose of blending in with the shadows. The sun was setting quickly now and turning these parts of the city into her domain. In a couple of minutes, she would almost completely fade into the darkness, becoming a ghost herself.

“The officer was right about one thing at least. We are indeed going to see Lord Seth, the mayor of this fine establishment. Now, stay close and quiet.”, she explained shortly and lead on towards the harbor through the cobweb of narrow streets and alleys, stopping at each corner to look around before moving on. One could see that she was enjoying this, as she was stepping lightly and silently, yet keeping up a reasonable pace.

 

[Felis]

Marguerite accepted the throwing knives with a look of surprise and uncertainty. Those weren't what Morinia had used to cut away part of the shirt Marguerite was now wearing. Aside from the sword, just how many more weapons did the woman carry? Marguerite wasn't sure she even wanted to think about it too deeply. Maybe it was perfectly normal in Savos to be armed to the teeth, after all - she wouldn't know. She also wasn't too sure whether archery skills would transfer to throwing knives at all, but she didn't want to argue.

"Thank you, I'll... try my best," she said as she clumsily fixed the pack to one of her trousers' belt loops, in lack of a belt. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it seemed to hold well enough for the moment and was both better than carrying it in her hand or stowing it in her bag, where she'd need far too long to fish it back out.

When they drew closer to the city, Marguerite couldn't help but notice the disparity between the strong, high walls and the fire-damaged houses. Most buildings were either missing part of their roof or looked like they could start missing their roof or walls at any moment. More jarring than that, however, was the contrast of people bustling along the street in small groups and the stakes near the walls. Marguerite looked away with a queasy feeling in her stomach and hurried after Morinia, asking herself just how many ghosts Calista must be seeing right now.

It was amazing how Morinia faded into the shadows once they reached an alley where the remaining sunlight didn't quite reach, and the way she moved spoke to her skill in keeping a low profile. Marguerite, with her beige-ish shirt and not much darker bag, didn't presume to try and become as invisible, but she made an effort to tread quietly and keep up. Even so, she could hear her own footfalls far more clearly than she felt comfortable with in the murky web of alleys that soon became little more than a maze to her. Morinia had to have spent a lot of time in Tyros to know the layout of all these streets and passageways, and recognize them even in their current state.

 

[Verena]

When the sun finally sunk over the horizon and the last bit of light was snuffed out, Verena slowed down to a normal walk. Her vision had adapted to the dark minutes ago but she didn’t know if that was the case with Calista and Marguerite. She didn’t want them tripping over each other and there was still a bit of rubble on the ground that could pose a problem for the untrained eye. It’s not like someone came to sweep these tiny alleys regularly.

The closer they got the harbor, the varied the streets became. While one could be wide enough for two grown man to walk shoulder to shoulder, the next could be so narrow that one had to pass through sideways. As a child, Verena loved to “play” with guards that caught her stealing, luring them into the maze and watching as they struggled to follow and find a way around. She would laugh and let her tiny voice echo through. The mere thought of these more innocent times brought a smile to her face.

When they reached a small fork in their path, Verena abruptly stopped in her track and spun around, causing the tails of her coat to flutter. She was staring right past the shoulders of her two followers and into the darkness. “I got this.”, she spoke and waited for a reaction. The silhouette that was standing just a couple of feet behind them gave a small nod in return, stepped back and into the nearest side alley. “Common precaution with escorts. Nothing to worry about.”, she explained and went onward. There was finally a dim light at the end of the tunnel.

“There we are. This is Dragoon’s Bite, our temporary home. I hope you’re hungry because the barkeep makes the best beef stew in town. We’ll grab a quick bite and then we’re off to see Good Lord Seth. Wouldn’t want any rumbling tummies.”, she said in a cheerful voice as she stepped out into the wider street and towards the entrance to the two-story bar. Merry music and the sounds of happy patrons immediately flooded their ears as they passed through the entrance. It was a refreshing change from the gloomy outdoors.

Verena took a quick look around and headed for the bar, sitting at one of the free stool and patting the one next to it for the girls to sit and relax a bit. The silhouette from before had at least been kind enough to save them a spot. When the barkeep approached and leaned in, she muttered a quick “Veni per Ruber Porta.”, after which he smiled and returned to the mug he had been cleaning. Verena now finally got a chance to pull the somewhat damp scarf from her face. “Stew?”, the barkeep asked simply. “Stew.”, she responded and placed a few coins on the counter. A moment later, the trio each had a steaming bowl in front of them – tasty, filling and most importantly without a trace of poison, a common concern in Tyros.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

The bar keep leaned over casually cleaning a 'dirty' spot in front of the Serpent. He casually placed a coin in front of the woman flat showing the common local currency. An engraving cut deeply showed a 'smiling serpent' a casual scratch on his left forearm pushed up his long sleeved shirt far enough to reveal the glimmer of a tail.

"Most people are afraid of the stew, it's good seeing a regular return. I hope everything suits you of course if you need something else..." he continued wiping the counter he casually pocketed the coin and filled two drinks. "A drink for your companions?" The bar keep then filled another glass under the counter and made sure the mug was glass and within arms reach of Verena. The other two mugs were wooden and seemed slightly used.

Spoiler: Serpent Speak

Welcome home. What do you need arms, equipment or another contract. I can poison your two companions.

 

[Verena]

“Sage water with a tad bit of honey is fine. I want us to keep a clear head. We still have a lot of work ahead.”, she said and presented her own coin displaying a viper wrapped around a small bird in a way to form the shape of a skull. Verena had worked for weeks on that coin to perfect all of the details on it. She also thought of coloring it in but quickly found that the ink faded way too quickly. In her head, the bird was white to represent purity and life and the snake black to, of course, symbolize dread and death.

Spoiler: Coin

Just the centrepiece.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

The bar keep nodded while smiling and picked the three mugs up and placed them away. "You have some fine coins. I'm glad our traditions persist even with the youth. In fact, I think an important friend of mine would enjoy such a display of art. Would you like to show this fine piece to him?"

Two shadows seemed to emerge from nowhere. The pair wore no chain mail like the militia men. Instead they wore a thick leather armor piece on their chest and a left shoulder guard. Their legs were protected by fine leather boots to protect their shins. Short swords were strapped to their sides and the symbol of the mercenaries stood proud on their left pauldren. A knit cap sat on both their heads to ward against the cold or perhaps the wind.

The men didn't place a hand on their swords instead crossing their arms and calmly waiting for a response. On the sides of both of them. Long bleached bones sat of unknown orgin.

 

[Verena]

Verena hadn’t eaten in a full day already and the still lingering headache from the teleportation didn’t really help at all. So while the barkeep was speaking, she was enjoying her meal, already feeling its soothing effects on her mind and body. Verena noticed the way he glanced to the side and followed his gaze to the two mercenaries standing behind them. Instead of answering directly, she raised her index finger asking for a minute and quickly turned back to the barkeep, unbuckling the pouch containing the gemmed necklace from her belt and handing it over. “Half of what it’s worth.”, she said and rose from her seat, motioning to the two girls to do the same. Verena knew the pendant was going to be worth a lot of coin so she assumed that this was a good enough tip for the barkeep.

 

[Meme Machine]

Calista has stayed quiet, not even bothering to try and speak during any of the exchanges. She did stay close to her ‘noble’ in both an attempt to keep up the ruse and in case something went sour.

The girl had noticed she was getting some odd stares, mostly from the men in the city, and she realized she had never changed her outfit. This had happened halfway down to the bar they were in now, but Calista has let it be. It wasn’t worth it to buy something now.

At the bar, Calista has turned down a drink, and instead taken in her surroundings. When she noticed the mercenary’s, she immediately jumped. Not noticeably, but only because of the ghosts. They seemed to avoid them. Even the ones who were bound to their killers seemed anxious. Calista immediately searched for the Shades influencing them, if their were any.

When she was motioned to stand, Calista did exactly that, without hesitation. Her stance was not proud, but guarded and wary. She didn’t want a fight; not here. But the mercenary’s gave her bad vibes from all around.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

The mercenaries without a word led the party down the alley ways. Their ghosts trailing behind as if they were slaves led by their slave masters. They passed fellow mercenaries each one having their own bones attached to their belts and their own ghosts.

The party passed a few alleyways that revealed their secrets. Bodies burnt in raging man made fires with people pressed into service to scavenge the useful equipment and then toss the bodies in the flames. Mercenaries wearing masks crafted to look like skulls looked on and used magic to keep the infernos going. When a flame drifted too close and lit a house on fire they did nothing to stop it.

The pair didn't stop or hesitate leading them. Always knowing which homes to cross through, alleys to turn at. A more experienced eye would see this was done to confuse any pursuers. It didn't take long to reach their destination but by then the sky was void of light and only touches illuminated the way.

The party reached the docks. The docks were brightly lit with flames. The docks had piles still burning dead bodies, but the true spectacle was the wreckage of dock ships burning brightly. Their sails all differed belonging to various city merchants. The mercenaries had brought their men and equipment into the harbor by using smaller boats and avoiding the brightly burning flames.

At the center of it all was an older man dressed much like the mercenaries. The only difference was he wore no cap revealing a bald head and tired eyes. He sat on a stolen chair and a desk laid before him stolen from one of the nearby buildings. Stacks of bodies laid a meter from him reaching ones waist standing tall. They were stacked like firewood waiting to be scavenged and burned.

His desk held all manner of grisley trophies the one most notable being a head with what was seemingly random metal objects nailed into a mans head to form a parody of a crown. He gestured for the men to stand nearby and the party to sit on the heaps of bodies nearby.

 

[Felis]

Following Morinia in silence, Marguerite had ample time for various worries and misgivings to creep up on her, and that one time when Morinia abruptly turned and spoke to a figure behind the three of them (whom Marguerite hadn't even noticed was there) almost gave her a heart attack. Compared to what else they had seen of the city, the Dragoon's Bite looked downright welcoming, and at Morinia's good mood, Marguerite allowed herself to relax a little.

She was happy to stay silent this time throughout the exchanges, though whatever Morinia had muttered to the barkeep puzzled her. It hadn't been loud enough for Marguerite to hear it clearly, but it hadn't appeared to be English (or whatever language Raebyrn's spell was translating to it). In fact, she could have sworn it sounded like Latin, but surely that had to be her imagination, hadn't it? Most likely she was just trying to hear familiar meanings in a made-up code language.

Since Morinia was eating the stew, too, Marguerite assumed it was fine to try the food herself, but she had barely touched it when Calista tensed beside her. As she followed Calista's look and saw the two mercenaries who had moved behind them, her thoughts about food vanished. At Morinia's gesture, she too stood and followed.

If the battlefield outside the city had been a grisly sight, the scenes they passed now were a different kind of disturbing. Marguerite bit her lip and tried to focus only on not tripping in the dark or falling behind, supressing coughs and gags from the smoke and the smell it carried whenever they passed near one of the burning piled as well as she could.

When they stopped at the port, it was lit brightly from the ships on fire. Even from the distance, Marguerite could feel the heat on her face. Despite his age, the man at the center would have been intimidating enough even without the spiked head on his desk. Marguerite couldn't help but wonder if it belonged to the unfortunate Lord Arisen the militia officer had mentioned, with the "special place" it took.

In any case, the officer had not understated his descriptions of these mercenaries. In hindsight, Marguerite thought, it might not have been such a bad idea to avoid this place and go with the militiamen. Then again, as the mercenaries had apparently won the conflict here, perhaps their little group safer siding with the victors, especially since Morinia seemed to have some sort of connection to them. The thought did little to quell Marguerite's unease, though.

She glanced at Morinia for confirmation as the mercenaries' leader (what Marguerite assumed the man to be) motioned for them to sit on a nearby pile of corpses. Touching the dead again was one of the last things Marguerite wanted to do right now, but at least she wouldn't have to undress them. Morinia's earlier advice on pants in mind, she reluctantly took a seat.

 

[Verena]

Verena immediately regretted eating once they went out into the night once more and were led through the few alleys that were left leading to the dock. Her nose picked up the stench of burning corpses long before she actually saw them, preparing her for what was about to present itself. Verena knew of these practices, as did almost any other local, but actually coming this close was something new entirely. It certainly sent a powerful message to all whoever dared oppose the Khopesh. Even though they all shared a common leader in the face of Good Lord Seth, Verena didn’t know much about each organization.

When they went out into the open, Verena pulled her hood lower over her face to shield her from the heat of the nearby piles and the ships in the distance. Even the air itself was distorted and the smoke was threatening to choke her. The constant wind from the sea was offering the only relief that made the circumstances somewhat bearable. She wondered what exactly these merchants had done to deserve such a gruesome fate. The image of her own family house burning down flooded her mind but she shoved it aside. This was way too long ago to have anything to do with the Khopesh.

The trio was lead to the center of the dock to stand in front of a man Verena, unfortunately, didn’t recognize at all. He could have been Good Lord Seth for all she knew, because, even after years of service, she had never come close to meeting him in person. If it wasn’t for his occasional appearances before the public, which could have been decoys for all she knew, one might think of him as a legend, a myth that never actually existed.

The mysterious man obviously being an important figure, Verena bowed down before him before obediently taking a seat on one of the piles, all without a single word. She didn’t fail to notice the severed head, most certainly belonging to Lord Arisen, and the faded tattoo of a green snake biting its tail on his forearm. The serpent as a symbol in of itself was self explanatory, the shape and color of it meant nothing to her though.

 

[Meme Machine]

Calista was silent, as she usually was in the open, and followed them. The body’s and ghosts were overwhelming, and she saw a few shades around the area. They didn’t have much pull, however, as the men here were already corrupt. The stench of burning, rotting flesh was enough to make Calista want to throw up then and there, but she kept it down.

Keeping close to the others, as they approached the man, Calista resisted the urge to glare at him. The head with the make shift crown had horror and vibes all over it. The dead here were probably furious that their body’s were treated like this, but to scared to actually do anything about it. The tattoo didn’t apeal to her either.

After seeing a bow given by the other members of her party, Calista followed in suite, bowing but not taking a seat. She was not about to sit down in this flesh surrounded place of death. Quietly, she stood, right next to them. She waited for the conversation of what the heck was going on to begin.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

The man ignored the trio continuing to stab violently at the table. After a few moments his work finished he held up a flayed skin with only a few words stabbed into it. A shadow emerged from seemingly nowhere as the leader spoke. "Send this to the loyalists. If they cared so much for their leader they can come get him. Isn't that right my lord?" the man roughly grabbed the severed head and spoke before spitting on it and giving a final nod for his courier to disappear with the written message.

Mercenaries seemed to remain purposely away in nearby shadows, alleys and other hiding areas around their leader for some unknown purpose. The sounds of the night were only that of tears and the burning fires that seemed to show where Khopesh ruled. If one used that logic, the trio had seen much of what little area the loyalist had controlled. A fortnight and the mercenaries would no doubt rule the city after suppressing any free thinking locals.

The leader leaned closer, ignoring the blood covering his arms as they pressed against the blood slicked wood, his face illuminated fully in the night to display scars and a beard slowly losing its color. His eyes were a bright blue that seemed to permanently look as he just woke. his most distinguishing feature was an old wound that had severed his lips leaving a mark that made it appear as his mouth was four separate entities rather than two.

"Last I checked, Tyros was declared Interfectis. What is a red serpent doing here? Are you so young you don't even know the Serpent's Creed?" emphasis was thrown when the man violently grabbed his knife and shoved it into Lord Arisen's skull. His face was barely containing the rage he no doubt felt his lips created an unsettling view as they seemed to be unable to press together and created an odd formation. "You also bring foreigners under your protect? Explain yourself before I swear before the fallen. I will follow the Serpent's Creed and see you punished for such disregard for our traditions"

 

[Verena]

Verena felt a cold shiver run down her back when the man finally paid attention to them. This wasn’t the reception she had hoped for at all but she was determined not to show fear, even in the face of death incarnate. After all, snakes could smell terror better than any other beast. “I swore an oath, same as any other serpent. I brought myself and these strangers before you not to disrespect the sacred Creed but seeking guidance and, if possible, assistance.”, she explained in as much of a humble and respectful manner as she could muster. “As I’m sure you can tell already, these foreigners aren’t simply from another province but from another spacetime entirely. They have been summoned to us with a task I felt important enough to bring to your and Good Lord Seth’s immediate attention.”

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

Kekogaard sneered at Verena's words. "I see a tribal and a poorly dressed woman before me. I care little for this... task! Unlike yourself we do the work our lord has provided for us and not search for work from a new master. Who are you to deem yourself worthy of a second of Lord Seth's time!?"

Kekogaard's face was split in anger. He grabbed his knife and threw it into the pile of bodies that sat on before standing upright. Inches taller than the tallest mercenary nearby. While he was old he casted a large shadow on those who wished to stand near him.

"I'll kindly guide you outside this city like Seth ordered! You young hatchlings know nothing of respect and tradition. I will also assist you on continuing to serve Seth by killing your friends and bring you back into the light!"

From the shadows dozens of mercenaries emerged. The closest fires burned but not the raging infernos as before. No doubt it was because they were pulled to serve their master at this pivotal point. Kekogaard slunk back down in his seat and drew his short sword and laid it on the table.

"You know what I acted rashly. Why don't we ask Seth himself? I would love to see him enlighten us on the matter of breaking the creed that binds us. Kjerd! Request Seth's presence if you would."

At the last order every mercenary stood straighter. The messanger all but bowed as he slunk away to awaken their lord. Kekogaard stared at the hatchling searching for a response to their judge, leader and possible executioner coming to judge her.

 

[Meme Machine]

Calista had to hold back several remarks and threats as he continued to disrespect the dead. This man thought that he was so strong and powerful. She had no idea what his power level was, but she didn’t honestly care. In her mind she was screaming.

‘Respect? He burns the dead in piles, and throws knifes on their skulls, yet he speaks of respect? How dare he! He knows nothing of what he’s speaks.’ Her mind was radiating anger, but her outward appearance and posture was calm and collected.

As the men appeared form the shadows, and threatened them, Calista’s hand went to her weapon. She was not about to go down without a fight. Her other hand stayed where it was by her side. She didn’t like the sound of this Seth character. She looked to the others, questioning what they were supposed to do. Even as the mercenary’s were called off, Calista kept one hand on her weapon.

 

[Verena]

He was right. Of course he was right! Who was she to decide a mission for herself? Such ignorance would be punishable by death only. The knife thrown at them sunk into the flesh of one of the dead mere inches from her but Verena didn’t twitch. She would be given a second chance. Verena pulled the bloodied weapon out of the corpse and held it with both hands, watching as the flames made the wet blade shimmer. She stood up from the pile and grasped the handle so hard that her knuckles whitened.

As she focused on the knife in her hand and the decision she had to make, voices began flooding her mind. Verena immediately recognized them – the bird and the serpent. ‘You hardly know them!’, the snake hissed. ‘Yet you’ll always regret it.’, chirped the bird. ‘They would kill you if given the same choice!’ ‘The world will burn without them.’ Her hand trembled as if about to drop the sacrilegious dagger but then the man spoke again, thankfully disturbing her thoughts before she went completely mental. Good Lord Seth was coming? For this seemingly minor matter? He wasn’t a myth after all? Verena would feel honored by his presence alone if the lives of two chosen world-saving heroes weren’t at stake. His words would alter the fate of this world.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

For two decades Seth was an urban legend. The assassin who killed the most elusive targets using daring and a cleverness unseen before. His life starting with suspected first kills. His legend grew to a roaring torrent as he slayed and purged a city of Isca of gangs until they reformed in his image.

He emerged from the shadows wreathed in a dirty robe its hood obscuring his face. The messanger behind him looked pitiful as he all but worshiped the ground Seth tread. The surrounded mercenaries simply knelt and bowed. Kekogaard pulled the chair back to allow Seth to sit and all but bowed in one of the puddles of blood.

For the Sons of the Serpent he was a religious figurehead, he was called the protector of the faith by The Talls Ones and hailed by those in Isca and New Isca as the true redeemer of the faith.

His presence alone caused men to mutter new vows of loyalty. His first words were simple. "Kekogaard stand. You were the first and therefore are an equal. I see it's true one of my Serpents has lost her way. What does she say for breaking creed?"

He pulled his hood back revealing strong patrician features. His eyes were bright green and his hair cut short to make him look like a hero of old. His body was slim in figure opposed to Kekogaard's brutal figure. His right hand was covered in ink and dried wax. His left was covered in dried blood. The ghosts around him wept at being forced to endure his presence.

"What does she speak of? A great task more important than creating a shadow nation? Speak plainly before Kekogaard breaks his chains and enacts his justice. Who are you two? Traveling companions? Or agents sent to discover what happened to Tyros?"

 

[Felis]

What in the world had she gotten into? Marguerite clenched one hand in the other as the man at the table stabbed a message into a piece of skin. Apparently it was Lord Arisen's head. Well, surely Marugerite would walk away with nightmares from this, but as time was supposed to heal all wounds and at least they were on the mercenaries' good side-

She flinched when the man shouted at Morinia, and again when he stabbed the skull. Her heart sped up. So much for good terms, then. Marguerite couldn't do much but stare wide-eyed and listen to the exchange, though she drew in a sharp breath when the knife flew at the three of them, followed by the mention of "by killing your friends".

Marguerite barely even smelled the smoke at this point, preoccupied with her rising panic. She should be back at her dorm room, browsing through some sources for her thesis or reading a novel. No, actually, she had had an appointment - she should be having dinner with her boyfriend now. She shouldn't have been summoned to another world and thrown into a conflict of mercenaries, mages and murderers, only to die at the first or second opportunity. It wasn't fair! She wasn't even cut out to be a part of such a quest. How could anyone have expected she could do well? And why, just why couldn't she simply wake up now?

The mention of the slightly familiar name Seth snapped Marguerite back to the scene enough to notice Morinia standing with the knife from a moment ago in her hand and Calista with a hand on her weapon as well. She almost let out a low, desperate laugh. If they did have to fight for their lives, Marguerite gave herself about three seconds at the most before someone killed her.

"Good Lord Seth" certainly knew how to make an entrance, though at this point it wouldn't have taken much to intimidate Marguerite, and she could gauge his actual importance better by the mercenaries' reactions. The look of his right hand was odd, though, part of her noted. The blood on his left was unsettling yet unsurprising, but were those black spots ink? For all Marguerite knew, it could have been anything, including the mark of a curse.

As everyone around her had bowed, Marguerite hurried to do so as well, feeling dizzy when she straightened up. If they still had a chance to get out of this alive, she couldn't say anything wrong now and ruin that. But once again, it was a situation where remaining silent was equally problematic, she felt.

"... name ... Mar... rite," she finally croaked, then had to break off and try again. "My name is Marguerite, my lord." She could barely raise her voice above a whisper. Their encounter with the militiamen earlier had been one thing, but this was a man of a very different sort. It took all the courage Maguerite had to not curl up into a ball and cry, which would likely make matters even worse - as far as that was still possible. "I... Traveling companion describes it best. ...I am no agent, at the least. More of... an aspiring scholar, perhaps," she said weakly, remembering how Raeybyrn had addressed her. Morinia would have to give the proper explanations of their purpose.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

Kekogaard stood up red hot fury etched on his face. "How dare you-" Seth raised a hand to wars out his friend. Genuine curiosity etched on his face, he looked at the scholar drinking the sight of her in before proudly stating.

"I'm something of a scholar myself" Seth casual stated. He pulled his right arm up displaying ink stains and wax burns. He started to massage his right hand smiling weakly. "I write so much my hand has gone stiff. I apologize for such a rude introduction master scholar. If I had known I would've had the traditional gifts arranged."

"Tell me master scholar, what do you study? I myself find the ancient histories and such impossible to not be drawn into. You no doubt have a field of study you enjoy?"before hearing her answer he directed his next questions to the others. "what about you mage? Why do I find such a beauty fallen in a pit of snakes. Where do you hail from?" His eyes flickered to Verena unflinching as he searched her up and down waiting.

 

[Meme Machine]

Calista continued to remain silent, honestly so afraid she would say the wrong thing in front of these people. Her mind ran wild with everything bad that might happen. The ghosts following this man were terrified, trapped and weeping by his side. The other ghosts, those not bound to him, got as far away as they possibly could, and even the few lesser shades that Calista could see shrunk back.

Her hand still lay on her weapon, ready to fight for her life, but not ready to cause an unnecessary squabble. Even over the disrespect of these dead. She let out a quiet sigh of relief when the man did not address her, but instead went to Verena and Marguerite. She would not speak unless spoken to, as was the most important rule of her past coven.

Her mark meaning ‘Set to Die’ seemed itchy, as if it was more prominent. She prayed to whatever God was up there that they did not see it, and if they did, then they did not know what it meant.

She was eternally grateful for her ability to see the ghosts in that moment, as well as her ability to take her weapons and fight. If the guards had noticed she was different, then she knew not what these men would see.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

Seth drew a exaggerated breath as he looked at the mage. "Will you not answer my innocent question mage? Why has such a beauty like yourself fallen into the snake den? Where do you hail from? I only ask the questions all should ask when they meet a new face" Seth tried to gave a charming smile, but the darkness and situation did little to make the smile look remotely charming.

He noticed Calista's wandering eyes. His teeth drew into an animalistic smile. "Ah you see the ghosts don't you? I cannot see them, but many have told me many spirits have tried to... make my life miserable. I of course decided one must learn to enjoy each other's company." The ghosts around him seemed even more solemn flinching every time he moved. The ghosts were all manner of individuals of matronly ladies to downtrodden nobles. "I have been meaning to find one like yourself. One of these damned ghosts doesn't seem quite broken. I would very much like to break them into submission to help him understand the gift I have bestowed upon him."

The ghost of Lord Arisen openly wept at the sight of his skull trying to take it away from its place of desecration. "Then again I waste both of our times don't I mage? I would of course pay a hefty price if you help me chain this ghost into this undead life"

 

[Meme Machine]

Calista’s eyes widened slightly as he repeated his statement. She gestured to herself, and seemed skeptical of his words.

“Do you speak to me?” She asked hesitantly, before her asked her another question. Her eyes narrowed, and she took a strong stance. Not a defensive or attacking stance, but a firm one. “I am Calista. And yes, I see your dead. Though I am surprised they have tried to harm you. They seem terrified.” She said the last part of her sentence with a quieter tone, and relaxed her stance in slight pity.

The ghost of the lord seemed desperate, and Calista slightly flinched. She wished she could help him, but alas, she had no power over that. “I’m afraid you do waste our time, Lord Seth. Taming an ‘unruly soul’ would sap my strength. I..... do not posses that level of power yet. As for where I hail from, I know not what you call my home. But I know that it is called a coven. The people there were less than inviting.” She spoke with her accent, but something about her words to those around her seemed off. She spoke like a public speaker or priest, not a regular person, and even different from a noble.

 

[TheLoyalAcorn]

"Its a pity. Even in death, I must deal with them. They haven't tried to harm me. They sometimes beg me to help their families in my dreams. Fortunately, the Tall Ones take care of those ones for me. The ones like Lord Arisen. I enjoy breaking him. No man is above the shadows." he leaned back firm in his resolve content to listen to a new exotic person in front of him.

"Tell me about this coven" the word was unfamiliar to Seth as he struggled to even say the word letting slip an unrecognizable accent as the translation spell worked over his slip. "Do they train good warriors and mages? What dark arts do they hide beneath their robes" Seth let out a weak laugh at his joke.

As Seth relaxed so did his men, warriors found seats of their own on the bodies of the dead. a large fire was being started and fresh food was being brough in from the shadows no doubt looted and stolen. A plate of exquisite looking food was placed before Seth. Meanwhile the men ate chunks of meat and torn pieces of bread. A hand motion and Calista was given a bottle of fine wine and her own piece of bread if she desired it.