Balance of Death Page 11

  Asta makes her way over to Daeva. As she closes in the guard he positions himself between Asta and Daeva. “No! no no, it is fine. This is Asta.” Daeva tells his guard. “Please, have a seat.” Daeva points to a spot on the couch next to him. Asta ignores his gesture and moves to sit on one of the two chairs behind the couch.

  The woman next to Daeva seems uncomfortable with the change of circumstances. “Well I imagine this is the person you were waiting for. I’m sure you won’t regret attending this research trial.” The woman says as she pats Daeva on the shoulder and makes her way to the door.

  Daeva stands up and joins Asta on one of the chairs.

  “I thought the only women you consorted with were whores.” Asta scoffs.

  Daeva seems slightly amused by Asta’s reaction; “Actually she is a very prominent master in the Amnekian university.” Daeva remarks hoping to surprise Asta. “I have a propensity for powerful women. You’re not jealous are you?”

  Asta does not enjoy being provoked, but chooses to side step the question; “You have the information then?” Asta asks seemingly ignoring Daeva.

  “Of course, I actually asked you here because I think you would enjoy some of the work they are doing. Granted I would be able to better assesment if you would give me some clue as to what you’re after.” Daeva retorts hoping to answer some of the questions surrounding Asta.

  Asta sensing his curiosity, and hers peaked slightly by the universities work. “What type of research could move you to such a conclusion?” Asta derides Daeva’s assumptions

  “Well ever since the Amnekian colleges got the okay to work outside of Pródesi their cleric had to fuck off. Of course due to the treaty between realm gods.” Daeva leans in. “Anyways, with my help they are able to procure certain artifacts that the clerics wouldn’t have them study.” Daeva pauses and observes Asta’s reaction. She doesn’t show much, but her narrowed stare suggests to him that she is paying attention. “Legends say it is a lesser demon, but the college thinks it is just another form of magic. Closely related to the Krishunder” As he finishes they notice the mages, in the arena below, begin moving and setting things in place.

  The mages gather in a circle. All of them wearing grandmaster robes notable by lapis blue crystalline seams, and thin alchemic metal following just the bone structure of their hand.

  The mages remove the covering. Exposing a sphere with two rings rotating in opposite directions and a rigid diamond shaped piece of stal baring some inscribings. The mages all find their place in a large circle around this artifact.

  All the mages raise their hands open palms towards the center, and begin chanting the same spell. Bright symbols are carved in the air just in front of their palms. The rings rotation slow and as they do loud thuds resound throughout the room. As if large gears are skipping notches, smashing against one another. Yet the rings still move smoothly as they slow to a halt.

  Once the rings stop moving the mages begin chanting again and an energy shield streams through the air around the artifact trapping it in the arena. The room falls silent in anticipation it feels like your ears popped and you are holding your breath. The diamond piece in the middle starts to drip this deep onyx blue liquid energy.

  It begins pooling up on the ground. As the liquid takes form on the ground smoke starts to bellow up. Clouding a clear view, but from inside the smoke a hand begins to reach out from the pool. A high-pitched screech breaks the silence in the room piercing everyone’s ears.

  A few mages drop to their knees the energy shield flickers a bit before returning. There is now a onyx colored humanoid in the center of the room.

  Mulac, a grandmaster walks out and raises both hands shouting a spell. His eyes and mouth emit a bright light. The creature at the center now a tall slender faceless beast. It hunches over menacingly tilting its head at the grand master. Before falling to its knees, in pain, letting out another piercing scream it digs its claws into the acarock marble below.

  The grandmaster raises off his feet and floats into the air with gusts of wind whirling around him. The grandmaster’s head begins twitching. The creature leaps at the grandmaster. Colliding with the energy shield around it. The creature’s claws stab through the energy field letting out a thunderous boom as they do.

  The mages seem worried, they raise their hands and chant once again. As they harmonize the creature convulses as if its bones are breaking.

  The grandmaster falls from the air and blacks out. The stal diamond still hovering at the center. The inscriptions on the rings around it light up.

  The artifact starts pulling the creature back towards it. The creature stabs into the acarock marble ground tearing through it as it is drawn into the artifact once again.

  The rings resume their spinning from before. The room seems to exhale in relief; all except Asta and Daeva. As the mages below tend to the matter at hand, Daeva and Asta reflect on the events.

  “Your boast proves worth my time after all. I have seen creatures such as this and would be interested to know about any revelations the college comes upon.” Asta presses.

  “Treggin wasn’t interested in spending our resources on such things. He had a very short sighted view of the college’s studies. When he returns he’ll probably end our coordination with the Amnekian magic college.” Daeva asserts. Hoping to gleam information from Asta’s response.

  “And if Treggin never returns?” Asta retorts.

  “Then having the radian’s support is more important than ever.” Daeva says. From Asta’s reply Daeva surmises she must have killed Treggin. His natural reaction would be to get revenge, but perhaps there is a better path for the circle. One that doesn’t have to cross Asta’s. Yet, all of this is irrelevant until he can secure the circle’s territories.

  “If we wish to press university for further access we should probably stop weakening our positions elsewhere.” Daeva attempts to steer her interest towards his own.

  Asta stands with her purpose in mind. “It was you who invited me to such things don’t confuse idle curiosity with fucking leverage. Now give me the information I asked for.” Asta commands.

  “As you wish.” Daeva hands Asta a scroll with the intel on it. As they exchange one of Daeva’s men rushes in like a flash of light. Stopping before Daeva visibly distraught. “Tiaan?” Daeva questions not expecting to see anymore of his men at the university. Tiaan bows his head in respect as he greets Daeva.

  “I come with bitter news Kentro.” Tiaan says. He leans in determining if Daeva wants to discuss in private.

  “Well, let us hear it.” Daeva instructs as Asta seems preoccupied with the list.

  “Lucio and his men attacked Aeshma when they met.” Jerek shares.

  “Is Aeshma dead?” Daeva concerned for him.

  “It is unknown Kentro.” Jerek concludes bowing his head.

  Daeva stands up throwing the couch to the balcony railing. “Fucking, Mongrel Cunts!” Daeva shouts in anger; as he stands chest expanding and contracting from elevated breath. His teeth and fist are clenched tight. Asta calmly rolls the scroll up and stuffs it into a bag underneath her cloak.

  “This is not the place.” Asta shares glancing down at some of the mages who have taken notice of the commotion. “Do you have a place in this city?” Asta asks, hoping to reconvene.

  Daeva still in thought and overcoming his anger grips his beard tight. “Yes, lets go.”

  Earlier that day in a small village within the kingdom of Nidium just southwest of the kingdom of Egux in Phalyados region. Thromb meets with Aeshma in a makeshift hut. The hut smells strong of medicinal ingredients. The space clearly isn’t lived in. Rather it is expedient and set to purpose. A few shelves with various potions, a table to mix them, a cooking pot, and a bed where Aeshma recovers. No floor just the dirt below, and the wooden walls resemble the trees they were made from more than the traditional refined wood one might expect of a wall.

  Thromb storms into the hut with passionate intent. “Aeshma!” Thromb
exclaims as he moves towards the bed. “Are you alright brother?” Thromb as he assesses Aeshma’s condition.

  “I’m fine. I just want to kill that fuck Lucio.” Aeshma does not enjoy being pitied.

  “I should never have allowed you to do this. I fear I have become blinded by my concern for the impending culmination.” Thromb thinking out loud.

  “No, this is good master. Confusion and division within our enemies aids us in the coming challenges.” Aeshma on the strategic advantages.

  “I don’t follow you.” Thromb asks.

  “Not only will this cause problems within the circle of śmierć, but in the process strain their relationship with Amneka.” Aeshma connecting the dots for Thromb.

  “It would serve us well to know how the circle will handle this.” Thromb determining how to turn this to their advantage.

  “That is why I must return to Daeva.” Aeshma says leaning up slightly in bed.

  “How could you possibly return after our clansmen aided you?” Thromb questions.

  “I have been thinking about that. And, it is likely that Daeva will not know the specifics of what happened. Certainly Lucio will not report on it.” Aeshma hopes to continue his efforts and see them bear fruit for the clans and his brothers. A part of him that he keeps suppressed also wants to see Daeva succeed.

  “I’ll have to think about this. I have a mind to just move on Lucio myself.” Thromb asserts as he breaths with anger.

  “Daeva will see that Lucio falls saving us the effort. We must concern ourselves with leveraging unfortunate events.” Aeshma attempts to persuade Thromb. Unknowingly he appeals to Thromb’s sense to protect the clans and villages. Thromb tightens eyes and lips to purpose.

  “Very well, let us discuss how to turn this to our advantage.” Thromb agrees.

  “I must return to Daeva as soon as possible to avoid further complicating the required explanation.” Aeshma makes his argument.

  “Very well. You will also be accompanied by a reinforced squad. They will stand as a method of communication for you as well as protection.” Thromb insists to prevent further harm to Aeshma from his orders. “If we cannot manage this then the risk is too great, and I would just as soon return you to our ranks.” Thromb concludes.

  “I can make it work sage.” Aeshma consents. Just outside the hut a man with a ragged robe and hood draped over him stands and walks away. As he stands his robe gives way to the marking of a moon with an eye at the center. Oenopain one of Thromb’s men sees this and the symbol mirrors one from a memory, but he cannot place the origin.

  “Halt!” Oenopain yells at the robbed man. As he does the robed man points towards the ground and chants a magic phrase after which the smoke bellows from his hand and clouds the entire area. “A mage! Just outside Thromb’s hut!” Oenopain yells orientating all his brethren as to what is going on. They use Soten outstretching their arms sending small powerful veins of kinetic energy through the air flurrying the smoke in all directions. After the smoke clears there is no mage in sight.

  Thromb runs out; “what happened?”.

  “I saw a robed man with a medallion on his waist connecting his garments that bore the symbol of a moon with an eye. It seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place it so I was going to speak with him. Before I got the chance he used magic to flee.” Oenopain explains

  Anger builds subtly on Thrombs face. “That was an Amnekian opsman.” Thromb now conflicted once again as he sees problems, requiring his attention, mount.

  The following day back in Wrathbrook’s capital city; at a spot newly purchased by Daeva. He doesn’t share Treggin’s reservations about living conspicuously. In one of the upper echelons of this tiered city a large mansion takes over the top portion of a building. With balconies on all sides offering an esoteric view of the active city. Inside his office within the complex a cathedral roof with large arced pane windows on one side, and old paintings cover the walls; only parted by moldings expertly crafted in the stone. The affluent area and aesthetic pleases Daeva. He takes pleasure in seizing the world of the elite forcing them to contend with him - a common man made great.

  A piano exposed to the day light by the windows; more inward a decadent red leather couch in front of it a table with a few chairs, and finally at the end of the room a huge wood desk - carved by hand; the likeness of prominent warriors from history etched into it. Daeva stands on the other side of his desk. The beauty of his new location falls on eyes blinded by the challenges that lay in front of him. With a glass of expensive alcohol in his hand. Tiaan walks in wearing boem leather armor held together by various buckles; a blade tucked under a tunic top meant to conceal the brutality. Not as conspicuous as traditional armor, but just as strong and effective.

  “All the other radians have pledge support. Their men will be ready in Deca in two days time.” Tiaan hopeful that some news of progress will sate his relentless efforts.

  “Good.” Daeva says before he finishes his drink setting his glass back down on the table reaching for another bottle to refill it.

  “There is a syndicate leader from the Vathon kingdom who has traveled all this way to discuss something with you. Shall I let him in?” Tiaan reluctantly asks as he doesn’t want to incur Daeva’s wrath, but knows it must be of importance for the syndicate leader to make such a journey, and Daeva has yet to appoint his replacement for the Thoraza radian position since he became Kentro.

  “Yes. yes.” Daeva replies, taking a seat.

  Tiaan brings his fist to his heart and bows in response to the Kentro’s command, then exits to retrieve the syndicate leader.

  Before long the syndicate leader Liam Wells enters. An older distinguished man with slicked back hair and streaks of gray in it; Liam is accompanied by one of his men. Liam is wearing dire wolf hide armor. His shoulder and collar piece less softened to make rigid form around his neck and shoulders. A long trench coat with gorgeous adamantine buckles only done above his waist below the coat hangs open exposing expensive leather trousers and dire hide boots. His henchmen are just wearing a leather overcoat with leather armor beneath. A hand cannon holstered on his lower back.

  “Kentro.” Liam bows his head. “Thank you for meeting with me.” expresses his obedience.

  “I assume it must be pressing to request such a meeting. What can I do for you?” Daeva has had much experience with Liam he is the richest and most powerful syndicate leader in his territory- all of Thoraza region. In fact, he has proven himself quite resourceful and shrewd which makes him a candidate for the open radian position over Thoraza.

  “All the restrictions of late have given cause for concern. Not only have they drained my resources, but so has squelching rebellious criminal organizations that would act without regard for the restrictions the circle has placed.” Liam respectfully pleads.

  “I can understand your worries, but we must look to the long-term lest we be slaves to our circumstances. I am sure you understand.” Daeva needs Thoraza to be free of any major issues until after the culmination takes hold.

  “We must be given some kind of compensation. Our men are dying to uphold restrictions you’ve placed, that are..” Caius Liam’s man speaks out of turn. Daeva’s anger mounts. Before Caius can finish his sentence. Daeva drops his glass and in an instant, like a blur of light, he smashes Caius against the concrete wall. Holding his head up against it as he bites at his neck blood squirting and pouring down. After a moment of feeding on Caius he lets go of him, and Caius drops to his knees. Daeva speeds over to Liam standing directly in front of him.

  “I will NOT have my subordinates lecture me!” Daeva yells at Liam. As Daeva yells some of Caius’s blood spits out hitting Liam and his expensive outfit. A pause as Daeva stares into Liam’s eyes. Liam feels the weight of Daeva’s anger and understands his actions. Daeva turns and walks at a normal pace back to his desk. “Yet, I understand your concerns I wouldn’t have your territory suffer as others profit from deals you work to secure.” Daeva not only concedes to L
iam a bit, but also refers to the territory, something only held by radians, as Liam’s.

  Something that would surely not go unnoticed by Liam. “I will see that compensation for loss of profits make their way from territories benefitted to yours.” Daeva finishes as he points to the exit. Liam takes notice and heads his command grabbing his henchman slinging his arm over his shoulder as he carries him out.

  Tiaan steps forward. “Is there anything else you need from me Kentro.” Tiaan eager to get some other preparations secured for the movement against Lucio. Daeva’s mood is only made worse by Caius’s insubordination; he downs another glass of his alcohol. “Yes, I want all syndicate leaders in Lucio’s territory to be commanded to halt all operations as of tomorrow. I want to know who remains loyal to the circle as we retake the territory.” Daeva hopes to retain a good portion of the profits from Lucio’s territory after Lucio is dead. Knowing it is advantageous for him to keep the current syndicates as whole as possible during the transition.

  “Kentro with all due respect; I question how wise it is to strain already weak relationships?” Tiaan appeals worried that such an unpopular decision would lead those undecided to Lucio’s side.

  Daeva slams his fist to his desk splintering the wood. “I do not have time to concern myself with their feelings!” Daeva shouts.

  “Of course Kentro.” Tiaan says; with a bow.

  Hours later, Jerek rushes into Daeva’s office. “Kentro, Aeshma is here to speak with you.” Davea rustles up from his impromptu nap on an elegant couch made more for looks than comfort. As he wakes up the first thing he sees is Aeshma standing in the doorway. The newly constructed office now stands mangled from the past two nights of restless planning.