by Tiger Hebert
Vichont roared as his frustration boiled over. He stepped forward and kicked the wooden pail that sat on the floor. The empty bucket shot across the room before smashing into the far wall. The pail exploded, the short wooden planks clattering against the wall and the floor.
Renlar said, “So, you’ve agreed to help us?”
Vichont turned toward him, his darkened face warlike. “I’m not doing a damned thing for you Hellborn.”
Renlar’s stone gaze was unflinching, but he nodded as he turned to depart. Vacinne’s heart sank. She shook her head in disappointment, then she turned and walked away.
12
Demonology
Jherenon walked into the training hall which doubled as an auditorium. It was one of the only rooms in the temple that was actually large enough to hold all the Wardens at one time. The large rectangular room was down on the fifteenth floor and took up the vast majority of the whole level, save the service passage. The rectangular room was lined with tiered seating, like an amphitheater, on three sides. The rest of the floor was a wide-open space that was used for every sort of training and sparring. A handful of small skylight window slits could be found on three of the four walls. The skylights were about three-quarters of the way up the walls and allowed for sunlight to spill into the chamber, but torches still hung from every wall.
Rift Wardens slowly filed into the room, making their way into the stands. Jherenon reached the center of the room and simply stood there in his brown robes, with his hands held behind his back. He studied the crowd.
A minute or two passed before everyone was seated, and Jherenon began. “Good morning fellow Wardens.”
The crowd roared, “Good Morning, Grand Master.”
The wizened old man smiled at the response. He always did. “Today’s discussion is something very new, very different, and no doubt controversial.”
He paused, allowing the elicited murmurs a moment to sweep through the auditorium.
“Long have we fought to keep the mortal realm free of demonic threat. Many lives have been lost, and even those that have survived often are left changed forever. But we may have a new answer for the demonic threat. The Light has granted me a vision of a powerful weapon that is not new, but old, which might be used against our foes.”
He paused and took a deep breath and a pair of small black rifts opened in the training hall. The black rifts were opened whenever they summoned the demons that the Warden’s had bound, and kept for training. And sure enough, two demons stepped through.
The first demon was a bear-demon, the second a minotaur. The black rifts closed behind them once they were clear. The crowd was quiet as the demons railed against their restraints. They’d seen these black rifts and the pair of bound demons hundreds of times before. It was what happened next that they’d never witnessed.
Jherenon turned toward the minotaur demon and uttered strange words. The minotaur’s dark eyes flared with fiery light and the demon ceased fighting against its restraints. The minotaur demon turned toward Jherenon and nodded. Its hulking figure moved with slowed and deliberate movements from the left side of the training arena, toward Jherenon with its massive axe held in its left hand. The crowd murmured.
The demon lifted the big axe up into the air as it reached Jherenon, then it strode right past him toward the other demon who simply stood there confused. The minotaur closed the distance to the other demon, then as it drew within a couple paces, it swung. The other demon was stunned at the turn of fates, confusion was written all over its face, even as its head toppled to the floor. Thick black ichor sprayed the training room floor and yet more spurted from the bear demon’s neck to the gasping and shouting of the crowd. The bear-demon’s body collapsed to the floor and the minotaur demon came to a stop and stood still.
The crowd had gone into a nervous frenzy of excitement and fear, and Jherenon could feel it all.
One of the War Masters on the front row shot to his feet, “What sorcery is this?”
Before Jherenon could even respond, the War Masters were standing on their feet next to the first. Jherenon turned toward them.
“Master Taegun, Demlin, Karus, and Nar, your surprise and concern is valid and warranted, but have no fear, this demon is completely bound,” said Jherenon with arrogance.
“You didn’t answer the question,” snapped Demlin.
“The Light is mysterious in all His ways, and he has given us a great boon, should we choose to use it,” replied Jherenon.
The crowd’s murmurs continued.
Karus’ eyes were wide, “This could turn the tide of the war forever.”
Taegun turned toward his fellow War Masters and snapped, “This is not a tool of the Light.”
“How can we be so sure?” retorted Nar. “Are we doubting the words of the Grand Master?”
The War Masters began to fight amongst themselves, and it took everything Jherenon had not to smile.
Perfect, he thought.
Jherenon let them argue in front of the packed, and raucous crowd for several moments, before he rejoined the conversation.
Jherenon raised his voice so the entire auditorium could hear, “War Masters, I understand the apprehension. As I stated before the demonstration, this is a very controversial discovery, and though I have ultimate authority as Grand Master, I wish not to proceed without the full support of the Masters’ Council.”
The crowd’s murmurs continued to run wild. The Masters shared concerned looks between themselves and the loud crowd around them. Then each of them reluctantly nodded. The whole crowd was uneasy and excited at the same time. They were right where Jherenon wanted them, he played them like a fiddle. This time he couldn’t suppress his smile.
Jherenon waved his arms, gesturing for the crowd to settle down. It took a minute before the volume inside the room lowered enough for him to speak again.
“Today’s demonstration is over. This is not a call for action, rather me fulfilling my responsibility of sharing this revelation from the Light with you. I am merely His humble servant. Assembly dismissed,” with that Jherenon commanded the black portal to open once more, which devoured the surviving demon.
The crowd grew loud once more as Wardens began to make their way toward the exits. The agitated War Masters resumed their suddenly heated bickering, which then turned to Jherenon.
Taegun snapped, “Grand Master, you should have brought this to us first!”
Demlin turned to Vichont, who’d just joined them. “Did you know about this, Second?”
Vichont’s concern was clear. He shook his head, “I did not.”
Jherenon’s response was flat, “Brethren, we are running out of time.”
The expressions on their faces shifted.
Nar asked, “What do you mean?”
Jherenon lowered his voice, then said, “The Nine are moving. There have been rumblings of demonic activity in Drenamere and even now we are hearing reports of happenings in and around High Crown. Every sign suggests we are on the verge of a grand scale invasion, unlike anything we’ve seen before. We must be ready.”
Demlin asked, “Why haven’t we heard of this till now?”
“I’ve only just received the reports not even an hour ago from various agents in the field,” answered Jherenon.
“How reliable are these agents?” demanded Taegun.
“Very, all are Wardens,” replied Jherenon.
Demlin shook his head, “Using this new found magic over the demons is not something we can just step into lightly, regardless of the threat.”
The other Wardens nodded. Jherenon realized it wasn’t that they necessarily agreed with him, but rather they respected the process. The Master’s Council existed for a reason, and it was put in place to help advise the Grand Masters in delicate matters. This certainly qualified.
“Very well, we should convene tonight to discuss this in depth,” declared Jherenon.
Vichont and the four War Masters nodded. They didn’t have to like what
he proposed, but if he demanded they convene tonight, then that’s what was going to happen.
Jherenon said nothing more. He turned and left the auditorium.
13
Change of Heart
The assembly had been over for several minutes, maybe longer. Vichont lost track of time. He found himself to be the last one to leave the auditorium. He was left dumbfounded, shaking his head in disbelief as he walked from the auditorium. He couldn’t believe what he’d just witnessed. He was numb, as if his body, his mind, and his emotions had all just suddenly become disconnected. His legs carried him somewhere, but his mind was still locked on what he’d just witnessed.
The horrific vision of one demon decapitating the other, all while under the Grand Master’s control continued to replay in his mind.
Demonology, he knows better, he thought with a curse.
Vichont moved through the hall long after the crowd had dissipated. He nearly stumbled as the weight of the revelations crashed down upon him. Vacinne and that Hellborn had warned him, but he refused to believe them.
It’s impossible, he had thought.
He now realized he was wrong. Vichont staggered along as he made his way toward his chambers, like a drunkard. He shook his head as he tried to pull himself from this haze of shock and confusion.
Jherenon, how could you? You’re supposed to lead us!
He failed to pull himself free of his thoughts and the turmoil they carried. His hands groped about clumsily for the doorknob to his room. He fidgeted about for a moment, before he was able to disengage the lock and turn the knob. He pushed the door to his room open and stepped inside where two dark figures awaited him.
“Do you believe us now?” asked Vacinne.
“I... uh...”
“It’s a lot to take in, I know,” said Vacinne as she stepped into the light.
Vichont said, “I’ve known him, served under him for nearly thirty years...”
“I know,” said Vacinne in a soft voice.
“I just... I just need a moment,” said Vichont as he began to pace about the room.
Vacinne nodded.
He was quiet for a long moment in deep contemplation, then he looked up. “By the way, how’d you get in here? It locks when I leave.”
“Uncle, you really should have more confidence in our abilities,” said Vacinne with a faint smile.
“Right. Okay, what do we do now?” he asked.
Renlar, still standing in the dark of the room said, “We are going to break into Jherenon’s quarters, again, and we are going to end this.”
“How can I help?” asked Vichont.
Renlar replied, “We will eliminate Jherenon, but we can’t promise that it will be done quietly. If things get out of control, the entire temple could be put on high alert, or worse. We will need help, perhaps even a diversion if nothing else. Just something to give us a chance to escape.”
Vichont scratched at his beard. “After you kill him, how are you planning to escape from the top of the tower?”
Vacinne grinned. “We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.”
“What?”
Vacinne shook her head. “It’s a surprise.”
Renlar cut in, “We should be able to get clear of the temple, but there is the matter of the four War Masters.”
“They are the best of the best, and whether they agree with what happened today or not, they’ve all sworn oaths to protect the Grand Master. If his life is in danger, or if it’s been taken, you will feel their full wrath,” replied Vichont.
Vacinne said, “We know. That’s what we need your help with. If there is any way that you can distract them or draw them off, just to buy us time—”
Vichont cut her off, “I don’t see any way that will work. They will be so wound up and on alert after this, I don’t see a way of talking any sense into them, at least not until tonight’s council meeting.”
“Don’t you think that in light of this revelation, that they would be eager to discuss your new findings?” reasoned Renlar.
“You’d think,” said Vichont, “But I fear they are so on edge right now that they’d only become suspicious of me.”
“Why?” asked Vacinne.
“Because I’m not one of them. I am not an Arms Master, I am the Second, next in line for the seat of Grand Master. Think of the implications! It would look like a coup.”
Renlar nodded, “He’s right, Vacinne. I think we are on our own.”
Vacinne’s expression showed the disappointment, but she just nodded.
“By the Light!” roared Vichont in anger.
Renlar said, “There’s the matter of Warden Marcellus. He’s somewhere in High Crown prepared to open numerous rifts. He’s just waiting for the command. We need to stop Jherenon, or we won’t be able to reach him in time.”
“Don’t worry about Marcellus, I’ve got a guy that will handle it,” said Vichont.
Renlar and Vacinne turned away from him and started to walk away.
“Where are you two going?” he asked.
“You already know,” said Renlar, before pulling the door open and departing.
He watched as Vacinne and the Black Blade left the room. He sighed loudly.
“Light help them.”
14
Misdirection & Mayhem
Vacinne and Renlar made their way from Vichont’s room back to her own quarters. She didn’t know if they would be able to pick anything up over the sound stone, but things were about to start happening fast and the more information they had, the quicker they could react.
It didn’t take long before Vacinne and Renlar were back in her room, listening to a brand-new conversation taking place. Vacinne immediately recognized Jherenon’s voice but it took her a second to realize that the second voice was his attendant.
“I don’t care about coordination at this point, Tolem. Time is running out and we’ve got to be swift in carrying out our plans,” said Jherenon.
“Understood.”
Jherenon said, “Good, now no more talking. It’s time to move forward with the plan. I’ve got a few last-minute preparations to make before we open the rifts. The Immortal Hearts and the sealing stones are in my study. Make sure we have all of them before we proceed.”
“Yes, Warlock Supreme.”
Vacinne’s wide eyes met Renlar’s. “It’s time to go!”
He nodded, and with that, the discussion ended abruptly.
Vacinne led Renlar through the busy halls. She hated moving so openly like this, but they had no other choice at the moment. Fortunately, everyone was so caught up in the demonology demonstration that had taken place, no one was paying them any mind. They weaved their way around several different groups discussing the morning’s events, completely oblivious to anything else. Still, Vacinne didn’t waste any time finding her way to the service passage.
In no time they were stepping out into the servant’s hallway. The stairwell was less crowded than the main halls, but were not without people. It would have to do.
Vacinne whispered, “Just act like we belong here. I’ll handle anything that comes up.”
She realized he already knew the drill by now, but it was better to be safe than sorry. She’d just tell anyone that stopped her that they were performing an errand or better yet, an inspection for the Grand Master. That alone should end just about any line of questioning, since most would quickly scurry out of her way, like cockroaches under a light, lest they become part of said investigation—and no one wanted that kind of scrutiny.
Vacinne was confident that they wouldn’t have any problems, at least not yet. She took to the stairs as a woman on a mission. Today it was Renlar’s turn to try and keep up. Flight after flight passed, with only the occasional servant passing by the grim-faced Warden. One look at her steel expression, and no questions were asked.
They reached the twenty-second floor. Vacinne turned to Renlar.
“Are you okay?”
He was breathing heav
ily, but not as bad as the day before. “I think I’m getting used to this.”
She gave him a half-smile, then she turned and pulled the door open. They stepped through into the main hallway. Like before, they would have to take the main halls the rest of the way. It was a smart design, but she still had half a mind to curse the person who thought of it.
The twenty-second floor wasn’t too busy and the few passersby didn’t seem inclined to offer anything more than a simple greeting. They only saw a few, and they were all servants who worked for the War Masters who lived on that floor. Much to their disappointment, the twenty-third floor was an entirely different matter. As Vacinne and Renlar reached the floor that opened up into one large hallway before the Grand Master’s door, they saw over a dozen fully armed Wardens milling about. Most of them stood around talking in smaller groups.
This isn’t good, she realized.
Vacinne held her chin high though. Confidence and demeanor would be everything here. The more you acted like you belonged, the less people questioned you. She led Renlar toward the groups of chatting Wardens. A few of them shot her a curious glance, then the Wardens shifted into a formation, blocking the entrance.
“Halt right there,” commanded the lead Warden.
Vacinne and Renlar complied, stopping about ten feet away from the guards.
“What’s this all about?” snapped Vacinne imperiously.
“In light of today’s demonstration, the Grand Master has requested additional security to turn away protestors,” answered one of the Wardens.
“So, I’m sure he at least notified you of our meeting then? It’s been scheduled for two days,” replied Vacinne.
“No Warden, I can’t say he did,” he answered.
“We don’t have time for this, Warden...”
“Tellrect, Warden Tellrect,” he answered.
Vacinne blustered, “Warden Tellrect, we’ve got demonic activity in Drenamere and we’re about to have some in High Crown as well, we need to speak with the Grand Master right away.”
The guard’s eyes shifted from her to Renlar, who was clearly not a Warden. His eyes then shifted to Renlar’s swords.