Champions Vol. 02

Aeschylus had received the news with suspicion, and he now followed the newly promoted leader of the destroyers warily. Not a particularly large man, he was nonetheless a team leader. His unobtrusive nature and cunning mind made him quite effective at the more polite version of intimidation and extortion that was the majority of the work destroyers did. Burning down businesses and assaulting shop-owners that refused to pay for their 'protection' was effective on the small scale, as these actions served to convince others to pay. However, too much of such activity could get the guild noticed. Subtle threats and a courteous veneer earned more for the guild. He, Diocles, and Lykos had all been destroyer team leaders for the former Shadowmaster Whisper, but now he and Diocles served their recently promoted peer. Looking to his left, Aeschylus considered the brutish Diocles with a sneer.

Standing nearly six feet tall, with a strong build only recently beginning to show the extra fat of a man earning enough to waste his wages on abundant food, Diocles was the largest man in the group. The destroyer team leader with the most experience, he had been one of the first guild members recruited. The man was an idiot, but he knew how to follow orders. He was also the most sadistic member of the guild, and was usually only given punitive or retributive assignments. His team was the one chosen when shops were torched, or when business owners needed to be 'taught a lesson.' He was a vicious thug, who preferred it when the shops he set fire to were occupied, and would usually beat the occupants to death before burning them to the ground.

Given the violent and brutal nature of the large man's methods it had actually been quite lucky for the destroyers -- and the entire guild -- that the actions of the highwayman had been the first to gain the attention of the clergy. It had enabled them to kill the senile old priest Pelagios outside of the city. This event allowed the Shadow Guild to spin a narrative amongst the population that the real threat to the city was external.

Then that fool Sheriff Varus had begun to place the few members of their guild that had been caught and sentenced to servitude into positions of importance guarding the town against this 'external threat.' It had been a master-stroke of luck, which enabled these members to approach other convicts and recruit them into the guild as well. The joke within the guild was that Varus was not only an 'honorary' member of the Shadow Guild; he was also their head of recruiting.

However, no matter how fortunately the events had turned in their favor, the mistake of gaining the attention of the clergy had still resulted in a very painful and public 'retirement' for the previous Shadowmaster Hood. Secrecy would always be the most important value for their guild.

Diocles noticed Aeschylus sneer, and smirked in response. He had more seniority than the majority of the guild, and was used to being underestimated. He knew that he was not the smartest man amongst their ranks, and had decided long ago to turn that factor to his advantage. He intentionally spoke slowly, acted confused when given complicated instructions that he did not wish to follow, and pretended to take great pleasure in doing the simplest jobs. The last part was the easiest for him.

He had always been prone to violence, and had learned at an early age that there was a certain joy in dominating others. He had been labeled a bully early in his youth, but he preferred to think that he was teaching his peers the value of respecting their betters. He had never felt comfortable in Erosian society, which was far too restrictive in his mind. So when the first Shadow Lord had approached him he had leapt at the chance to finally live a life where he would be both valued, and free to act how he had always wanted.

Yet the large man was no stranger to keeping his thoughts to himself. He had been doing this his entire life. So where many of the early members had struggled with maintaining the secrecy required in the guild, he had not. This skill was the main reason that he was still around. However, because of his seniority he had believed that he was the best choice for replacing Shadowmaster Whisper. The selection of Lykos instead of him was an insult, and while he feared the Night Lord far too much to publicly criticize the decision he had become increasingly insubordinate towards the new Shadowmaster.

When he had been informed he was needed for a vital mission it had merely reinforced his belief that he was one of the most valuable members within the guild. Few had lasted as long as he had within the organization, and he had done so in one of the most visible and dangerous jobs.

After holding his smirk until the smaller Aeschylus looked away, Diocles then cast his gaze upon Photios. The young man was one of the new recruits. After the colossal failure of that buffoon Claudius the destroyers' ranks had been decimated. Lykos', Aeschylus', and Diocles' teams had been the only ones left. Photios was a recruit in Aeschylus mold. Small, frail looking, and with an annoyingly obsequious manner, the large man could barely stand to be in his presence.

When Photios had been informed of his selection for the mission he had been overjoyed. His training was not going well, and he had feared that his poor performance would soon result in his termination. The rumors of what happened to the rare member that failed training were nearly as unpleasant as the rumors of how leaders that failed were punished.

Yet, despite the difficulties he had been having, the Shadowmaster himself had selected him for a mission, and he would be working with the two most experienced destroyer team leaders! News of his assignment had been met with jealousy from his peers, but he did not care. His leaders recognized his value, and he would do everything he could to reward their faith in him.

Unknown to the three men following him, Lykos was actually quite nervous. Succeed or fail, two of his greatest rivals would be eliminated this night. He had also finally found some use for the most inept recruit he had ever seen. However, this test was the most ambitious project ever attempted by a Shadowmaster. If it succeeded, then his value within the organization would continue to grow. If it failed, then all of his hard work would not save him from the Night Lord's wrath.

Each lost in their own thoughts, the group paid little attention to their surroundings. Eventually their path ended in a roughhewn wooden door; which Lykos produced a key to and unlocked, motioning the group inside. Once everyone entered, he closed and locked the door behind them.

The underground room was minimally appointed, with a narrow table and six chairs the only furniture inside. There were a handful of torches on the walls which illuminated the small space and another door on the far wall from where they entered. Seated in the chair at the head of the table was the Shadow Lord.

"Good evening, Shadowmaster Whisper," Cassius greeted Lykos.

"Good evening, Shadow Lord," Lykos replied. "These are the men I have chosen to be tested. Is your man ready?"

Ignoring the question, the Shadow Lord surveyed the group. He did not seem surprised to find Diocles and Aeschylus there, even nodding in approval at the choices. He knew nothing of Photios, but was unimpressed with the young man's appearance.

"He is waiting in the next room," Cassius finally answered. "Your men will enter one at a time. They will leave through another door, so that they cannot share information about the testing. Once they have all completed the evaluation we will sit and discuss what we find, and decide how to proceed."

Lykos nodded. Turning to the three men with him, Lykos explained their assignment. "The Night Lord is concerned about an investigation by an Inquisitor, which is inevitable with the events of last month. He has chosen a sorcerer skilled in mental magic to ask you a series of questions similar to what an Inquisitor would ask. All that is required is for you to answer them exactly as you have been trained to do. This is not a test of your individual ability to obfuscate an investigation, but in the effectiveness of our training program overall.

"Enter the door when instructed, answer the questions in the manner you were trained, and wait in the assigned location after you have finished. Once testing has finished we will discuss what worked and what didn't," Lykos continued. "This is an extremely important task, and you were each chosen because you represented a spectrum of experience within the guild."

The men had initially shown nervousness being in the presence of the Shadow Lord, but now seemed relieved to know that their mission was such a simple one, with little risk. After all three affirmed their understanding of the instructions, Lykos motioned for Diocles to go first, and bade the other two to take seats at the table.

It would be a rather nerve wracking wait for the recently promoted Shadowmaster.

*** Chapter 14: Plans in Motion ***

241900APR13 DW

Wolfsvale, Erosius

Astinus lay back on the cushion in his temple and stretched his tired frame. He had just finished with the last of the faithful in his worship service group, having rendered a very enjoyable Blessing upon her. After he finished his stretch the two women he had been with joined him, snuggling in under his arms and resting their heads comfortably on either side of his chest. He lowered his hands and softly stroked their lower backs, easing the tightness in the muscles he found there.

Despite his sixty five winters he was still in excellent shape, due largely to the physical demands that the lovely women of Wolfsvale placed upon him every service. He had endured many troubling and difficult things in his life -- the loss of his one true love Ophelia at the top of that list -- but despite that he had found love and acceptance in this small community. He had spent the last fifteen winters working to return that love, and grow it among the simple, happy community.

After the sounds of the other faithful still engaged in their own Blessings drifted into silence, he rose and donned his ceremonial robe once more. Turning to address the assembly, he thanked them for attending and once again praised them for their sharing of love and community with one another.

Moving to the temple entrance, he and two volunteers helped the assembled faithful gather their clothes, return their robes, and bid them good night. Finally, all those that had gathered that evening had left, and he was alone with just his two volunteers, and a young couple that had begun attending worship more regularly since the Champion and acolyte had visited.

"Timothy, Dawn, it was wonderful to have you with us again tonight," Astinus proclaimed, smiling at the young couple. The pair returned his smile with beaming grins of their own.

Looking to Dawn, Astinus waited for the request that he knew was the reason that they had attended this evening. He had seen it in her when he read the pair earlier that evening.

"Thank you, Priest Astinus," she said nervously, "we had not planned to attend again this week, but we wanted to ask for your help with something."

"I understand what you want to know my dear," Astinus replied, "and I have wonderful news for you. You are pregnant, as you suspected."

Timothy whooped excitedly as Dawn began to cry happy tears. After spending her first few married winters worrying nervously about her ability to bear children, Astinus had taken her aside and explained her difficulty. Initially she was relieved, and had followed his instructions every night. Timothy had noticed the sudden increase in affection his wife was showing him, and had eventually asked about the cause. Sharing her fears with her husband had been the hardest conversation that she had ever had, but the wonderful man had accepted everything and professed his absolute love and commitment for her again that night, and every night since.

Yet, as the weeks continued without any sign of pregnancy, she had become more and more nervous. Could Astinus have been wrong about her? Despite her mistakes with the cleansing rituals she again began to wonder if she simply could not have children. She knew it was ridiculous; it had not even been a month! But the worry still remained. Then this morning she had awoken with a powerful nausea, rushing to find a pail to retch into, and she had convinced Timothy that they should travel into the village to talk to Priest Astinus about it. Understanding her fears, her husband required little convincing.

Her prayers had finally been answered! She was pregnant with their first child. Lost in thought, she was surprised when her husband scooped her up and twirled her around happily. Blinking away her tears of joy, she saw the rapture in his face, and her heart leapt at the sight. Timothy would be as wonderful and caring a father as he was a husband. Eros had truly blessed her life, and she hoped that this child would be one of many to come.

The happy gathering was disturbed by the sound of a horse galloping towards the front of the temple. Turning to look outside, they could see a rider, covered in dust, riding hard on an exhausted horse. The man brought his mount to a halt at the base of the steps leading to the temple, and leapt down quickly. Turning to face them, he surveyed the group quickly, his eyes latching onto Astinus almost immediately. Moving toward them he reached into a satchel that bore the mark of Eros, and pulled forth a scroll, presenting it to Astinus with solemnity.

"Priest Astinus, High Priest Gennadios has sent word from the Great Temple," the man explained.

Taking the scroll with a curious expression, Astinus broke the seal on it and unfurled the message, reading quickly. His calm expression turned to a frown before he finished the first third of the scroll, and it was nearly a scowl by the time he finished it. Re-rolling the missive tightly, after he had read it a second time, Astinus turned to the rider and asked, "Do you know what it says?"

"Not the specifics of your note, Priest Astinus, but I have already posted three calls to arms in towns along the way here, and I can guess at its contents," the rider replied.

Unsurprised by his answer, Astinus then asked the man, "What is your name young man?"

"Damocles, Priest Astinus."

"Where do you go from here Damocles?"

"I am to make my way to Lexia, sir. Another rider is alerting the northern towns, and will deliver similar messages to Exitibus, Calavius and the towns in between," Damocles replied.

"You will spend the night here. I have guest quarters that you can rest in, and I will provide you with a fresh horse for your ride south in the morning." Turning to the two volunteers, who were the pair of women he had lain with during the Blessing that evening, Astinus requested of them, "Ladies, can you escort Damocles to the kitchen, and make sure that he has a good meal this evening?"

The older of the two nodded, she moved forward and wove her arm into Damocles. "Right this way young man, Mara and I will sort you out."

Thanking her, Damocles allowed her to lead him to the kitchens, while Astinus took charge of the man's horse and led it to the stables with the help of Dawn and Timothy. An unexpected pall had fallen over what had only moments ago been the happiest moment of the young couple's lives, and they were worried what horrible news could have so affected the steadfast priest.

Gathering her courage, Dawn asked the aging priest what message the letter had contained.

When Priest Astinus turned to respond, both Dawn and her husband were shocked to see the beginning of tears in his eyes, and a mask of mixed grief, pain, and simmering rage on his aged face. This was a side of Astinus they had never seen before, and it scared them; but not nearly as much as his reply.

"War."

* * *

Hours later it was only Lykos and Cassius remaining in the underground chamber. They had heard and seen nothing as each successive man entered the room for testing, and the wait had steadily frayed the newly appointed Shadowmaster's nerves. In contrast to the man's increasingly agitated behavior, the Shadow Lord sat calmly, reading from a worn book as though without a care in the world.

Finally, they heard a knock on the door, signaling them to enter the testing chamber to receive the results. Placing a mark in the book before closing it, Cassius rose calmly and walked to the door. Concerned with how his behavior may affect the decisions that would follow, Lykos struggled to calm himself and followed his superior to discover the fate of those tested, as well as his own.

Stepping into the room Lykos was surprised to see that it had only one occupant. Sitting in one of the three chairs was the Night Lord. The leader of the Shadow Guild motioned for his subordinates to be seated.

"Shadowmaster Whisper, your men's performances were interesting," emanated the chthonic voice from beneath the Night Lord's concealing cowl once the pair sat.

Gulping in dismay, Lykos tried to stutter out an apologetic reply, but was immediately interrupted.

"They performed exactly as you suggested they would, and I have discovered that the current training is insufficient. Diocles did better than most, but that was more due to his belief that his actions in our organization were not wrong, rather than any skill at obfuscating his feelings. I imagine that Aeschylus' performance was representative of the average member that has been with us for a time, while Photios' performance was just as abysmal as I suspected it would be.

"However, I have learned a few valuable lessons from this endeavor that I think will assist out members in resisting a cursory investigation from an Inquisitor."

Both Cassius and Lykos nodded in understanding, although Lykos' movements were more relieved that enthusiastic.

"What do you wish us to do now my Lord," Cassius asked respectfully.

"I shall instruct you how to change our training, and you will ensure that all of the Shadowmasters implement these changes immediately. I do not know how long we have until an Inquisitor comes to investigate, but I cannot imagine it will be much longer. We must be ready."

"What of my men?" Lykos asked hesitantly.

"Continue your current recruiting efforts, Whisper; and you will need to select two new team leaders immediately," the Night Lord answered coldly.

Lykos did well to mask his happiness at this command. This idea had succeeded and he had eliminated two of his most dangerous rivals in a single night. A few more ventures such as this and he might just be the next Shadow Lord.

*** Chapter 15: Questions...and Answers? ***

271500APR13 DW

Exitibus, Erosius

"Welcome to Exitibus, Inquisitor," a man called out.

Turning in his saddle, Themistokles saw a guard wearing leather armor with the livery of the Temple over it; in addition a sword was belted on his hip.

"Thank you," the Inquisitor replied. "I have not been to Exitibus in some time. I recently heard some disturbing news about the goings on here, and came immediately."

Nodding, the guard seemed relieved. "There have been a few unfortunate events in recent months. Priestess Phoebe and Sheriff Varus will be very pleased to have you here."

Themistokles nodded, he had heard of the strange position of sheriff from Sapphire and David. He was interested to learn more about it.

"Please send word that I would like to speak to both of them at the temple as soon as possible," he bade the guard.

"Certainly, Inquisitor. The priestess should already be at the temple, but Sheriff Varus is most likely at his office. I will personally give him the message," the guard replied, nodding politely.