Slave to the Empire:
Rogue 4
Moonlight shone bright upon the balcony, illuminated the sole occupant.
Kieron stared at the moon, his arms wrapped around himself as the cool wind blew
across his nude form. A pair of arms encircled his body, and he leaned back
into the embrace of his Mistress. A month had passed since that night with her,
and he welcomed the changes in him. He felt more at peace with himself and the
world at large, and yet, there was something wrong. She was keeping something
from him, something that particularly related to him. The balcony became his
favorite place to think lately, overlooking the vast valleys below filled with
lush forests. The Motherhouse of the Inquisition, he found out, was carved into
a mountain, with very few ways of getting in or out, and all the visible
features disguised with spells. Still, it was good to get out and about as it
were. The one question that he pondered relentlessly was why him? Although he
has come to love and trust Hallia implicitly, there was always that nagging
question. Why him? She said that his blood was ancient and of a noble lineage.
"Come back to bed pet." She kissed his neck. She hooked a finger into
the ring in his collar and led him back to the bed they now shared. After that
night when she took his anal virginity she simply had him move in with her so
that she could keep a closer eye on him. He still went to his classes and
training, only now it took on a more urgent note as something was happening that
he was needed for. He slid under the sheets along with Hallia and he tried to
relax as she laid her head on his chest. He had been feeling odd as of late,
restless. Hallia only watched him during those times, never saying anything or
intervening, just watching, as if something inside him was happening.
"What are you thinking about?" Hallia asked, looking up at him. "Or
would you rather I just 'looked'?"
"Things seem different."
"How so?"
"I...I can't put my finger on it. Things just seem more colorful, more
open, and yet, muted, as if something inside is trying to get out. Like a
butterfly emerging from its cocoon."
"You have a butterfly in you?" She teased, then her expression turned
serious. "May I 'look'?"
Kieron swallowed. It wasn't often that she entered his mind. It wasn't
an unpleasant experience, but it reminded him how different they were. He
relented and closed his eyes. Eye contact wasn't required, but it helped in
some of the harder cases. He watched an Inquisitor interrogate a prisoner in
such a fashion not too long ago. It wasn't a pretty process. She took him
apart like a geometry problem. He felt her hands grip the sides of his head, her
lips touching his forehead, trailing down slowly until her forehead touched his.
It felt like a pressure behind his eyes, thick and heavy. He shuddered slightly
as her mind eased into his, and he fought down the initial panic and fear that
would have engaged his adrenalin glands.
"Easy pet." She gripped his head tighter. His body twitched and
spasmed.
"No..." He whispered.
"EASY!" She ordered. "Don't fight it." She straddled his body with
hers, pinning him in place. He felt the blood leak out his nose, the pressure
inside raging to explode, only his skull keeping things under wraps. Now Hallia
seemed determined to strip away those wrappings. Other beings were present,
both physically and mentally. They held him and took over from Hallia, and he
screamed as the pain in his head increased. Memories surfaced. His mother's
face swam into view, a distant memory of his youth, her words, talking to him in
a language he did not know, her hands on his forehead. The words still eluded
him, but the meanings were clear. She was protecting his mind from himself,
burying something so deep inside that even the most experienced sorcerer
wouldn't know where to look for it. Hands gripped his, and he held on as the
pain washed over him. Not even Hallia's more exotic tortures compared. The
pain reached a crescendo, then evaporated as so much mist at dawn.
Welcome childe. Welcome to your new life.
He turned in surprise to the welcome. At the foot of the bed stood the
hooded Inquisitor that he felt kinship to, seemed to know. The woman reached up
and lowered the hood, and he came face to face with his mother.
"No..." he whispered. "My mother is dead, you can't be her..." The
truth of Hallia's words came back to him. He was indeed born for this life.
"No, I am not your mother childe. I am Saphra's twin sister, Serena. I
am your aunt."
Hallia stood off to the side, worried, but did not interfere. He had
finally awoken to his power, now came the hardest part. Letting him go.
"I...I know you."
"Yes. I held you as a babe soon after you were born. I helped your
mother protect you and shield you." Her eyes were warm with love. "She would
have been so proud to see you here."
"Why reveal yourself now? Why did you not come for me when my mother
died?"
"Had I come for you, our enemies would have been alerted to your
presence. You know that your Mother and Sire did not die in an accident."
"No, they were murdered." Kieron spoke softly, drawing himself up into
a ball. "I looked for their killer."
"And if you found her you would have died like they did." She was
blunt. "There will come a time when you will face the killer of your parents.
As much as I hate to admit it, that time may come sooner than you expect, and
before we can finish your training."
"It has all been leading to this, hasn't it." Kieron wiped the tears
away. "I am like you."
"In a way. Your abilities are a wild talent, more suited the warrior
lifestyle than the pure mental disciplines of the Inquisitor." She sat beside
him on the bed. "Your Mistress will not take part in any training from here on
out."
Hallia nodded. "I cannot interfere in this pet. You will have to
submit to a new set of Mistresses. This does not mean that I will relinquish
you as my pet. You belong to ME." She touched his face gently. "You are my
pet...My slave."
"Hallia," Serena spoke. "My Lady, it is time for us to take him."
"Take me?" Kieron spoke, startled.
"Pet, do not disappoint me. Obey Inquisitor Serena as if she were me.
Do you understand?"
"I understand Mistress. And I will obey." Kieron whispered.
One of the attendant Inquisitors produced a set of cuffs and straps,
similar to what he first experienced when he arrived. He submitted to the
restraints as they were locked quickly around his wrists and ankles. His wrists
were locked behind him, a blindfold and gag completed the ensemble, and he was
carried out of the room by four of the Inquisitors.
"I worry about him." Hallia spoke, pulling on a robe. She looked at
Kieron's aunt. "I know what he faces, what he must go through to survive what
is coming."
"As do I." Serena replaced her hood. "Though he is my blood, he will
receive no special favors or attention." She walked towards the door. "I
understand all of the Inquisitors he has bedded are pregnant." She turned to
face the Lady Inquisitor. "Perhaps you should have yourself examined." There
was a note of amusement in her tone.
Kieron took a deep breath when the gag was removed. His ankles were
attached to a bar, and he was hung upside down. He heard something drop near
his head. The room was chill, and he shivered slightly.
"You have one hour to free yourself." His aunt spoke. "If we return to
find you still hanging, you will be caned in place, one stroke for every minute,
and you will not be healed afterwards."
Kieron took a deep breath. This was something similar to what he had to
endure during his apprenticeship a long time ago. He began to swing himself,
until he had enough momentum to bend backwards and grab the bar that held his
ankles. He fumbled the best he could until he understood the nature of the
attachments. His ankles were not locked to the bar, only hanging on via
snaphooks. He released one hook, scrambling to keep his perch as one of his
legs swung free. His other leg was released moments later, and he dropped
silently to the floor. He folded himself into a ball and brought his wrists
from behind his back. He blinked at the dimness as he removed the blindfold.
By his feet lay a set of lockpicks. The cuffs he wore were basic models, with
simple locks instead of the masterwork cuffs that required magick to unlock.
Within moments he was free. He stood and examined the room, slowly working the
muscles limber again. He slowly felt his way around the seemingly sealed room.
A jet of air alerted him to a crack in the wall, and he probed it slowly to
ascertain the nature of the crack. He slid one of the lockpicks into the crack
and felt around. The click that accompanied the opening lock sounded like a
thunderclap in the enclosed space. The wall slid silently open and he emerged
to find his aunt and the assembled Inquisitors waiting for him.
"Less than one quarter of an hour. Very good." His aunt spoke. Now that
we have gauged the level of your present abilities, it is time to test your
combat skills." A longsword was slid across the floor to him. He stopped it
with a foot and picked it up, just in time to deflect a vicious overhand stroke.
The hall was barely wide enough to allow such a battle, but he dodged and
parried against the superior force until such time allowed for him to escape.
"HOLD!" Serena ordered. "Again you do well. Your abilities are not
suited for direct frontal assaults, and you escaped when the opportunity
presented itself. Now will focus on building your mental abilities. Come with
me."
Hallia waved for her council to be seated. Ever since Kieron was turned
over to the Mistress of Training she had been moody and irritable, and the rest
of the council sensed why. She listened to each report with her full attention,
gave the critiques and recommendations where needed, and dismissed them when it
was over. She remained behind, her fingernails rapping on the table.
"You wish to know of your pet, do you not?" Serena asked, taking the seat
opposite Hallia.
"Yes." Hallia replied simply.
"He is well, and his training continues. I would hope that he attains
some level of discipline before he is sent off."
"As do I." Hallia said.
"Have you heard of the others?"
"Each is being readied as we speak. Time is running out on us."
"Is there no way to delay what must happen?"
"No, not even our vaunted Dragonriders can help in this. I have received
word that the Empress will mobilize the Imperial Army next moon. Can he be
ready by then?"
"Perhaps. Sending him with only six months training seems risky."
"I have faith in him." Hallia stood. "In three weeks time we will leave
for the Aerie. The rest of the party will be sent out after being briefed.
Then we will report to the Empress and brief her."
Kieron floated down gently from his perch. The vast maze of underground
passages that served as the training hall for the Inquisitors was open before
him. The past six months were relentless. Each and every day he was worked
till he nearly dropped from exhaustion, both mentally and physically. Today was
no different. He woke up, ate a cold breakfast, then was escorted to one of the
halls where he was drilled and taught the Psychic Warrior's art. Not all of the
trainees present were Inquisitors. Many from other branches of Imperial service
took part as in training, however, only Inquisitors were taught the purely
Psionic disciplines. Oddly enough, he was never punished during training, but
was always reminded that he was nothing more than a pet, a slave.
He crawled though a small tunnel, making his way across the labyrinth to
his goal. Inquisitors roamed the maze, using both their powers and mundane
whips and canes to chastise any who was unfortunate enough to be captured. He
opened his mind and extended his senses, searching. He pinpointed several
Inquisitors by their psionic signatures, and carefully moved around them. He
was careful not to use too much power, for he was positive they could sense him
as well. A soft bludgeon was his weapon of choice in the maze. With it, he
could render unconscious an Inquisitor without any serious damage. In this
test, in reality, any weapon was allowable, however, his submission to the Lady
Inquisitor instilled a deep respect and reverence for his Mistress, as well as a
respect for all those whom he considered dominant. He koshed the first
Inquisitor on the back of the head, and caught her as she dropped. He dragged
the body into a side alcove and tied her up quickly.
"I'm really sorry about this." He whispered into her ear. Her eyes
snapped open a she frowned. He retreated quickly and leapt up onto a ledge
along the hall. He moved silently across the tops of the wall, keeping low and
to the shadows. After a short period of simply watching, he made his move. His
objective was a crystal on a pedestal in a rather well guarded room. He chose
his approach quickly, utilizing surprise to break through the defenders quickly
and smash the crystal with a light warhammer. The crystal exploded into a
thousand fragments, showering everyone with little cuts. He was tackled moments
later by several of the Inquisitors. The one he hit with the sap appeared in
his vision.
"Congratulations." She spoke. Then she punched him in the jaw. His
vision blurred under the punch. When it cleared, his aunt stared at him.
"You destroyed the objective, but did not escape." That is unacceptable.
"Every scenario we've played out left no opportunity to escape. They have
all been suicide missions."
"Suicide is not an option in any scenario." Her eyes were agates. "I am
sure your Mistress would agree."
Kieron closed his eyes. How did one complete such a mission? "There is
something I don't know yet, isn't there."
"You are getting stronger in your abilities. As you train, more you learn
more abilities, and strengthen those you know already." His aunt looked at the
others. "I think the time has come to see if he can walk 'between'."
Walking 'between' was a specialized talent. It allowed a person with
sufficient mental strength to open a 'door' to a nearby place. It was perfect
for quick escapes and evasions. Kieron worked on opening a portal for a solid
week along side his other studies. After a grueling combat training session it
happened. All he felt like doing was returning to his small chambers and
sleeping for a bit. Without even thinking consciously about it, a portal
opened, and he stepped through, much to the surprise of his instructors. He
fell on his bed and slept.
He woke up abruptly. He rose from his bed fully clothed, and made his
way through the training halls until he reached his aunt's chambers. He knocked
respectfully and entered as the door opened. His aunt stood there in conference
with two others. She looked up at him and waved him to her.
"Kieron, things have turned for the worst and we have to leave tonight
for Aerie."
"I don't understand." He frowned. "It has to do with my training,
doesn't it."
"It does, but I will leave that for your Mistress to discuss with you."
She nodded at the others. "Come with me."
He followed her out of her chambers, up the spiral stairs to the upper
floors of the Motherhouse. It felt odd returning to such places. Upstairs the
mood was grim, everywhere Inquisitors were readying for war. Part of him was
nervous, even frightened at the implication. She led him to the familiar
chambers of his Mistress, where even she was in the process of armoring up.
Black leaf pattern scale mail dominated her armor, with armored sleeves of
leather protecting her arms. A black helm rested on the bed that they once
shared. Hallia took one look at him and he felt her tense.
"I brought him as soon as he woke up." His aunt spoke. "Now if you
will excuse me I will return to begin my own preparations."
Hallia nodded. "Thank you Serena." And the two of them were left
alone.
"What is going on Mistress?"
"This morning scouts spotted a vanguard of Iceholme warriors approaching
the Pass of Kruck. The Imperial Army is in the process of mobilizing to meet
the threat. However, the army is only a small part of a larger problem. I had
hoped that you and the others would have time to be fully trained to deal with
the threat but time is a luxury we no longer have." She floated a chest over to
him. "Strip." She ordered. "Inside you will find more suitable attire."
"I'm not a warrior Mistress."
Conflicting emotions crossed her face. "After tomorrow, you will be."
Kieron slowly stripped off his clothes, confused. He opened the trunk
and pulled out a pair of woven leather breaches, followed by a linen shirt. He
quickly dressed under her watchful eye. A soft leather vest followed, then the
armor. It was mainly light armor, made of leather scales in a similar pattern
to what Hallia wore. She helped him buckle it on, a look of sadness in her
eyes. Once his boots were on she took up her arms and led him to the main hall.
Hundreds of armored Inquisitors waited grimly. On the platform that dominated
the main hall a gate opened. Hallia took Kieron by the hand and led him forward
into the swirl of magick. He stumbled against his Mistress, the alien power
washing across his skin as he blinked, trying to get his new bearings in the
strange place. It was a hall similar to the one he just left, with the most
glaring exception being the ornate carvings of dragons in the walls. A middle
aged human woman greeting Hallia warmly, glancing at him over her shoulder. She
broke the embrace, then placed her hands on her hips as she examined him fully.
"So this is the pet you have been hiding from us." Her voice was warm.
Her hair was braided into plaits, and coiled about her head. Her armor was of
the similar scales that his Mistress wore, and she had the bearing of one who
wore it regularly.
"He has turned out rather well, don't you think Syrena?" Hallia
preened.
"Almost as well as my own pet." Syrena countered.
"Pet, greet the Lady General of the Empire." Hallia said.
Kieron knelt down before the woman and kissed her armored boots. He was
conscious of the stares of the other warriors in the hall, but paid them no
heed. As far as he was concerned, his Mistress's opinion was the only one that
mattered. The woman raised his eyes to meet hers.
"I am General Syrena Kamasdotter, commander of the Armies of the Empire.
Do you know what faces us this day?"
"No, my Lady."
Syrena looked at Hallia. "You didn't tell him yet?"
Hallia shook her head. "I will tell him soon enough."
Tell me what? Kieron thought.
"Well," Syrena spoke. "I have chamber prepared for you and your
Inquisitors. How go your preparations?"
"I brought along three hundred of our core warriors. The rest will
rendezvous with the army on the march."
"Good, Lady Danae will be arriving with the Tower contingent shortly.
Lady Murelle...Lady Murelle will arrive when she arrives." There was something
about the last Lady, something that made Kieron shiver.
The hall rapidly filled with warriors. Kieron felt himself being
shuffled off to the side as the warriors intermingled. His arm was caught by a
half elf, who pulled him to the wall. He wore light leather armor and a light
cloak. Decorating his throat was a collar similar to his, with the exception of
the tag on it revealing it to be of House Draconis.
"You might want to stick over here for right now. It will be a while
before every one is settled in for the night."
"Thanks," Kieron leaned against the wall. "I'm Kieron."
"Aerick." The half elf replied. "You have the appearance of a man who
has just been handed a handful of snakes."
"I have no idea what is going on. All I know is that Iceholme is
preparing to invade."
"Invade is a minor word for it." Aerick snorted. "This is shaping up
to be a fight to the death."
Kieron swallowed loudly.
"Trust me kid. I've fought in wars all over this world. This fight is
going to be bloody."
Hallia appeared before them, followed by Syrena.
"Oh, good." Syrena spoke. "I'm glad you two have met. It will make
things easier." She looked at Aerick. "Commander Rochelle needs to pick your
brain on the southern holdings." She pulled him close, her hand squeezing his
ass. "And afterwards, my room." She released him and swatted him on the ass.
"Now scoot."
Hallia smiled at the exchange. "Pet, it is time for us to retire." She
kissed Syrena. "I bid you a good night sister. Let me know when it is time
for the others to meet."
The room provided by the General was just as lavish as Hallia's back at
the motherhouse. Kieron laid his equipment on one of the dressers provided,
then proceeded to assist his Mistress in removing hers. She stretched out in
the dim light of the room, her muscles flexing lightly as she turned to face
him.
"It has been a while, has it not pet?" She wrapped her arms around his
neck.
"It has Mistress." Kieron whispered. She led him across the room to a
wooden cross. He raised his hands obediently as she strapped him down, her hand
tickling lightly as they crossed his arms, down his sides, the nails raking
furrows on his ass. He felt her power flare lightly, his ankles restrained
quickly and snuggly. The warmth of her breath on the back of his neck. He
closed his eyes as she tugged the blindfold on, his mouth open to receive the
gag. No words were needed as her mind lightly touched his, her mental presence
just as close and reassuring as her physical presence. Her tongue lapped at his
ear.
"I have been waiting for this pet." She reached around to pinch his
nipples. "I am going to torture and tease you until you beg for release." Her
hand strayed down to his groin, to fondle the erection that stood out at full
attention. Her nails raked the tender flesh, making him moan into the gag. She
moved away from him moments later, but never far from his thoughts. The light
touch of the flogger made him arch his back slightly, the soft leather lapping
at his flesh. The blows alternated between light and heavy, the thud warming
him to accept more. His mind began to float, his body twitched slightly under
his Mistress's gentle hand. The whipping shifted, a more stingy sensation,
light, yet he could feel the marks forming as each strand impacted. The pain
was hazy, a constant companion on this journey. Just as suddenly as it started,
it ended, he shivered as his back cooled, only to feel the fingers of his
Mistress probe his ass. He tensed up under the cinnamon oil she used, the
burning making him pull and tense against his restraints. She laughed as he
struggled, trapping his hips in her hands as she steadied him. The dildo
penetrated deep on the first thrust. Kieron screamed into the gag as she slowly
withdrew, only to feel himself pressed into the cross as she began to rape his
ass. The tension inside him built, the pain transcending to pleasure as she
worked him over. He began to meet her thrusts towards the end, until his body
stiffened in sensory overload. He barely felt her teeth sink into his shoulder
as her own orgasm claimed her.
He came to on the bed, Hallia on her side next to him, watching him, her
head propped up with one of her hands. Her free hand rested on his stomach as
he turned to look at her.
"You are sending me away, aren't you." He asked.
She sighed. "I wish it were that way. Unfortunately, things are not so
simple. There is a task that is needing to be done. One that specifically
relates to you."
"To me?"
"Had your 'noble' in Orgues not sent you on your fool's errand, steps
would have been taken to assure that you were here with us when the time came."
"Okay, now you are starting to scare me."
She laughed and stroked his stomach. "It was not my intention to do
so." She sobered. "However, a healthy dose of fear will help you get through
this."
"Mistress, please tell me what is going on."
"You are needed to perform a task for us. The one you met, Aerick, will
help, as will two others you will meet later. It is of vital importance that
this task be successfully accomplished. It is in no way a 'suicide mission'.
It is, however, one that is vital to the relatively peaceful removal of the
approaching army."
"If the mission fails?"
"Then it will be total war between the Empire and Iceholme."
Kieron digested her words. "I will do my best Mistress."
"I know you will pet."
"May your pet make a request?"
"You may pet."
"Make love to me."
Hallia's hand paused in its movement. "Once a Moon Elf mates, it is for
life." She stared into his eyes. "Are you prepared to accept the consequences
of being mate to a Moon Elf?"
Kieron never hesitated. "Yes."
She leaned over and kissed him deeply. "I can't. Not yet." Her hand
stroked his cheek. "You will understand why very soon. It is for your own
safety that I must refuse this request of yours." She sat up. "But that
doesn't mean I am not unwilling to give you a taste of what it means."
Her body covered his, and he trembled slightly as her nipples brushed
his own. He felt her tongue spear into his mouth, thrusting and tasting. Her
teeth caught his lower lip and she pulled lightly, nipping. Her mouth left a
trail down his throat, her tongue encircling each of his nipples, her teeth
pulling on the rings. His erection brushed her inner thigh as she slid lower.
She brushed the tip of his penis with her labia, sending shocks through his
body. It was a sensual torture, slow and deliberate. He looked down to see her
staring up at him, her breasts pressed around the skin of his penis, the stark
contrast of ebon skin surrounding pale flesh. Her eyes were smiling as she
rubbed his penis between her breasts. Without warning, she took him into her
mouth, her tongue working across his glans as she slid down, then up. She
teased him to the point of orgasm, finally removing all tactile sensation at his
very edge. His hips thrust the empty air as the denied orgasm raged through
him. Hallia returned to his side.
"That is but a taste of what it means to be my mate." She said. "Your
complete and total obedience is the price." Her expression was distant. "My
people are very sensual, yet, very, very private. To take you to mate, you will
loose all freedom. You will be my personal pet and toy until the end of your
days. Is this what you want?"
"Yes." Kieron said fiercely. "I've wanted you since that first time we
met at the Matron's house."
She laughed. "Matron? Is that what you thought she was? She runs a
stable of pretty boys for rent. Matron indeed. She is no true slaver. She
does favors for us on occasion. Perhaps before I take you to mate I will let
her have an hour with you so you can explain your error to her." She chuckled
at the thought, then grew serious. "Come, the others have arrived. It is
time."
She stood and retrieved her clothing and armor. Kieron assisted her in
armoring up, then stood patiently as she did the same to him. Before moving
towards the chamber door, she took his arm and let him to a huge chest that was
covered in strange runes. She used her power to unlock it, then opened the
chest to remove a large bundle wrapped in silk cloth. She reverently unwrapped
the hilt of the sword and presented it to Kieron.
"Take the blade pet."
The sword was large, much like a bastard sword; however, the blade was a
combination of crystal and steel. The hilt plainly decorated, with a large
clear crystal embedded in the pommel. To Kieron, the sword was light, yet cold.
Very cold.
"Open your thoughts, focus on the sword. Feel it."
There was something in the sword. Something dark and ancient. Primal.
Touching that core with his mind was like sticking his hand in a frozen ant bed.
The crystal in the pommel of the sword began to glow a light rose color.
"Excellent. You have successfully bonded with the spirit in the blade."
Hallia kissed him. "You can call this blade to you as I call mine to me,
however, I would advise that you keep your gifts a secret for now. Pretend to
be the man you were before you came to us."
She led him from the room to the main hall. For the most part, it was
empty for a few Dragonrider and Inquisition soldiers. There were a few new
uniforms present, operatives from both the Black Tower and the Nightfall Clan
stood with their respective leaders.
"It has been a long time," Lady Danae spoke, embracing Hallia. "You
should get out more often." The Arch Sorceress of the Empire was a plain
looking half-elf, dressed in a tight bodice and breeches, an ebon staff resting
in the crook of her arm.
"Someone has to keep an eye on our enemies Esmerelda." Hallia stepped
back. "Perhaps a visit would be in order when this passes."
"Agreed."
Mists began to coalesce around the two, finally merging to form the
outline of a woman, then solidifying into the form of the head of the Nightfall
Clan. Hallia embraced the woman warmly. Kieron noted with slight alarm at her
unnaturally alabaster skin and red eyes. His suspicions were confirmed when she
laughed at one of the remarks made. The elongated incisors were a dead
giveaway. She was a vampire, the Lady Murelle deCalaise duBranee, once a mortal
necromancer and assassin who fought in the Great War alongside his Mistress, now
an immortal necromancer and assassin vampire.
"Now that we are all here," Syrena spoke. "We can get down to
business." Aerick stood behind her in his armor, a pack at his feet. He saw
that there were two other men along side the two newcomers.
"This is the mission that you have all been prepared for." Syrena looked
them over. "Successful completion of this mission will mean that the threat of
Iceholme will be neutralized for a long time. Failure will mean a long, drawn
out war. Each of you are masters of your chosen fields, and we have added to
your training the best we have been able. I know it will be difficult on you
all having to work together in this, but it has been for the best that you were
all trained separately. Aerick, former mercenary commander, will lead you to
your destination." She nodded at Aerick. "Kieron, former thief, yours it to
get the party into the heavily guarded Castile Torment. Savren, sorcerer born,
you are to provide magickal support. And finally, Sir Toril, Paladin of Sioban
Morning Star, to you will fall the harsh task of warrior to guard and protect
your fellows." Kieron looked at the two new men, and then at the half-elf. He
wondered what their stories were.
Hallia looked at the assembled four. "There is a crystal inside that
castle. It must be destroyed."
"What does it do?" Inquired Savren.
"It has the power to detect and render Inquisitors incapable of using
their gifts. Had such a crystal not been created, we would not have needed your
assistance in this matter."
Esmerelda leaned on her staff. "The castle is shielded from hostile
magicks. It is relatively open to the mental disciplines of the Inquisition. A
team of sorceresses, Inquisitors, and Assassins was sent in when we first
learned of the possible existence of the crystal, but they were killed. Their
deaths must be avenged."
Finally, Murelle turned her gaze on the four. "They were killed by
Cymra the Black, once Lady Cymra, second daughter of Empress Corrine IV. As per
Imperial law, the daughters of the Empress are to be trained in all of the main
houses. She was a brilliant student, but flawed with ambition and pride. She
sought to master skills and knowledge that had been forbidden since the first
Empress. She was exiled four hundred and seventy two years ago. She traveled
far, and learned much, including the dark rites of resurrection. She cannot be
killed by mortal means. She has aligned with the Lich King of Iceholme and
seeks to avenger herself upon us. She must be destroyed. She is an abomination
to everything we hold dear and sacred."
"Now you know." Syrena leaned on her spear. "You are to penetrate the
interior of Iceholme, steal into the Castle, destroy the Dark Crystal, and
escape. With the crystal destroyed, the Lich King will not support Cymra, and
we will be able to restore peace to the border. The appropriate gear has been
prepared for you all, and you will all leave immediately. Are there any
questions?"
Hundreds of questions flashed through Kieron's mind, but he remained
silent.
Syrena nodded slowly. "Then may the Goddess keep you all safe."
Kieron took the pack of gear he was assigned. He stole a glance at
Hallia, who appeared to be in deep conversation with the Arch Sorceress and the
Lady of the Silent Knife. Aerick nodded to him as he strapped on his gear. He
carried a great composite bow and a quiver of arrows, followed by a scimitar and
a long knife. Kieron took up a bastard sword and a brace of throwing daggers,
stowing them in secret places that he might access them quickly. Sir Toril wore
tarnished scale mail; a longsword and tower shield his companions, and finally
Savren, who carried nothing but a staff. All four bowed formally to their
respective owners, then filed out silently to the portal that would take them to
a special site along the border.
"Remember," Syrena said in parting. "You have till the next full moon
to complete your task."
And the four stepped through into the unknown.
