Balance of Death Read online

  Thromb with an exhale shakes his head. He doesn’t welcome the distractions from the up coming congress. Thromb feels he has already accounted for the things Korydon is broaching. “I guess I’ll have to kill him then.” Thromb jokes hiding his own grave concerns for such an outcome.

  Korydon realizing he is joking becomes frustrated by what he interprets as a lack of regard for the cleric discovering their ruse. “I will follow you sage, but I hope you take my council seriously.” Korydon expresses.

  They both stop before a large boulder. “Of course Korydon. But, we are in a perilous time, and risks will have to be taken. We have to be just as ready for the consequences as we are for the fruits of our actions.” Thromb councils before weaving a Soten then placing his hands on the boulder; before directing both his hands downward. The center of the boulder reshaping downward creating a doorway with stairs leading down. “Come now lets focus on what lies before us Korydon.”

  They both make their way down. After the flight of stairs, they enter a circular room similar to the congress room at Qilong city just more modest. At the center a large branch pokes out from the ground. Thromb kneels down on both legs in the lotus pose. He performs the same scendental Soten as before putting his hands on the branch. Thromb’s consciousness connects with the branch and all locations throughout it. Unlike other scendental sotens sending consciousness through a tree is only feasible if one has contact with the tree, and it is untraceable meaning the cleric won’t know anyone has used scendental Soten.

  Korydon performs a Ekten too then closes his eyes holding his hands out in front of him. He is linking his consciousness to the air particles in the vicinity. This makes him sensitive to any movement in them. He can feel the air particles move like they are a part of him. As deer moves into the area. Kodydon feels its’ body push the air around like a fish through water.

  They are communicating with Nanetta of the Vokhes clan, and Ka’eo. “I am dishonored by my failures Thromb I was unable to reach Koph.” Nanetta shares disappointed she must be here in place of Koph the sage of the Vokhes clan; given the urgency Thromb expressed for this meeting.

  “It is a thing I take issue with, but the failure would not be with you I am sure Nanetta.” Thromb soothes her while expressing his displeasure with Koph. “I will move straight to it. We will adhere to protocols for congress outside of the clerics knowledge. I will be inducting a stranger into the clan only as a ruse to allow us to share very basic Soten knowledge gaining full access to the circle of smierc. I wanted to get all of your blessings before moving forward.” Thromb shares.

  “It would seem you’re informing us not asking.” Ka’eo presses.

  “I see this as essential to ensure security for our clans with all the dangers surrounding us. Do not misunderstand me though; my brothers and sisters. I want to make decisions as I would have us live: together.” Thromb sure of his plan, but knows the clans must survive together.

  “I am sorry for my words brother, it is just this is a big move. If the cleric finds out; I don’t even know what would happen. Not even mentioning the fact that we are teaching an outsider Soten.” Ka’eo respects Thromb, but is worried by such a bold move.

  “I agree with Thromb we must act decisively and unexpectedly in these times. Brute force will not save us.” Nanetta knows this all too well. But is hopeful, seeing even the Shanshe clan sage acting outside of just force.

  “Do you have an answer brother.” Thromb questioning Ka’eo.

  “Yes, but we must not teach anything beyond knowledge of the Soten hand signs. No Soten, and I insist you bring Setgaith up to speed when he returns.” Ka’eo is willing to trust Thromb.

  “Very well brother. If there is nothing else from either of you..” Korydon throws Thromb to the otherside of the room: tearing his consciousness from the link. As he does the cleric flashes into the room like a powerful gust of wind. Victor studying both men with anger written on his face. Korydon frozen unsure of how to react, and Thromb still dazed from the rapid disconnection.

  “What is this.” In a deep voice that seems to shake the surroundings as it absorbs it.

  Thromb gets to his feet still dizzy. “Nothing just routine communication with my operatives.” Thromb insists.

  Victor clenches his jaw before stepping between the two of them. “Routine.” Victor threatens. He stares into Thrombs eyes waiting for any give, but he quickly sees there will be none in his. Victor turns to Korydon and weaves a Soten. Rock imbued with his chakra creeps up Korydons right leg past his knee.

  Korydon resists the urge to defend himself knowing Victor could easily kill both of them, and even if they could pull off the impossible and win it would certainly mean the death of their brothers.

  Victor opens his palm then quickly clutches his fist. The rock around Korydon’s leg crushes, mangling his leg. Korydon screams; grabbing at his leg.

  Thromb starts to move but stops himself. His intense anger is poorly hidden behind the blank expression on his face. “What was the meaning of this. Routine.” Victor with a mocking emphasis on routine. “Congress.” Victor has little patience left for Thromb.

  Thromb must think fast on one hand Korydon’s life hangs in the balance on the other the very existence of their clans. They would be no match for the full might of Thatos. “It was with the Kentro of the circle of smierc.” Thromb blurts out.

  Victor turns to Thromb. Korydon still panting holding the rock around his right leg. “You’re meeting with the circle of smierc now?” Victor says contemplating the notion. “For what purpose?” Victor questions.

  Thromb stands there contemplating his options the sounds of Korydon’s pain rattling through his head. After a moment Victor grows impatient and lifts his open hand; Thromb knows what this means; “To stop the culmination!” Thromb yells. Victor lowers his hand slightly.

  “Don’t play with me Thromb. I have had enough of these games.” Victor’s head is on the line if Thatos feels he failed to properly control the clans. “You will break words cleaned of any deception.” he says with his teeth. “Or I will kill everything you love.” Victor snarls.

  Thromb wants nothing more than to bring to bear every ounce of his power against Victor, but he knows the consequences of such actions will be felt by more than just him. “Anything, just let Korydon go. He knows nothing of this.” Thromb bargains.

  “How did you get in contact with the circle, and how will they be able to aid you in preventing the culmination.” Victor ignoring Thrombs requests.

  You can see the confliction on Thromb’s face continuing while Korydon is in pain. “It’s.” a brief pause. “I am speaking directly with the new Kentro Daeva. He has been able to get me actual culmination dates, and provide me with access to key individuals of the culmination.” Thromb reluctantly divulges. “I will share with you everything. But, I need you to let Korydon go.” Thromb presses.

  “Are you certain there is nothing else.” Victor snaps. “Think carefully before you answer boy.” Victor seems ready to make drastic decisions.

  “Nothing else that you don’t already know.” Thromb responds.

  “You will be waiting for me tomorrow at the congress hall.” Victor commands before leaving. As he does the rock around Korydon’s leg crumbles freeing him. Korydon falls to his good knee holding his now mangled right leg. “You will not leave Qilong city, and neither you or Korydon will discuss any of this; not even with the other sages.” Victor hoping to question the other sages without giving Thromb a chance to corroborate with them.

  Chapter 14

  As the sun rises on the next day. Thromb heads to the congress hall after checking on Korydon in the infirmary. Not wearing his traditional outfit he is wearing finely crafted taupe trousers covered at his calf by a finely woven gray material with bands. His robe an elegant carnelian red a very thinly woven cloth, biston hide, and jade material.

  Thromb is teaming with anger. His mind races between rage and consideration. He knows his attention should
be towards what is to come. As he enters the congress building. The building of his ancestors, his anger gives way to sadness, from what his brethren have fallen to, as he gazes at the statue of Lady Kutara. He feels ashamed. These emotions breathe new life into his resolve.

  He enters. Moving past the attendant in the entryway behind a desk straight to the large oval congress room; not as bright as it usually is when there is a meeting being held. Only a few torches around the outside of the oval lit and the roof which can be opened to let the sunlight in is shut. Victor is sitting in a dimly lit section.

  Thromb stands at the center they both stare at each other for a moment. Their stare is less to see something and more to project.

  Victor is wearing a gaudy display of wealth. A pure white robe tucked in at his abdomen. He wears stal armor on his legs and forearms. Lined with a greenish gold metal only the gods craft.

  “Take a seat this will be awhile.” Victor attempts to set the tone of this interaction.

  “As long as you wish cleric.” Thromb concedes. As he defiantly remains standing.

  “Explain to me your plan in teaming with the circle.” Victor questions.

  “Utilize them to get information and prolong the culmination.” Thromb replies concisely.

  “In detail.” Victor presses

  “There were no explicit plans made yet. I wanted to get approval from the other clan sages.” Thromb pauses as he wants to tread very lightly to avoid stepping on his previous assertions that the other sages were not involved in any deception, but he knows if he implies tactlessly it will serve to do the opposite. “Something I wrestled with knowing I would be deceiving you.” Thromb finishes.

  “Why would you feel the need for deception?” Victor has gotten orders to ensure the culmination is successful, but he is sure Thromb couldn’t know this.

  “I figured you would try to stop me or at least meddle.” Thromb hiding his true motive of dissent from not only the cleric but Thatos himself.

  Victor breathes in and shows discontent as he turns his head. “I am not your fucking mother!” Victor yells. Looking at Thromb his lack of fear only angers Victor more. “Boy do you understand that I work in your best interest protecting you from yourself!” Victor furiously lectures while viscerally displaying the aim of his aggressions by pointing at Thromb. “It would be much easier for me to give the word and have your clans wiped from existence!” Victor roars in the apogee of his speech before calming down a bit. “Yet, through the grace of Thatos, and my tireless devotion. Your clans have survived all this time.” After another brief pause. “Do you understand?” Victor slowly emphasizing each word.

  “That is not how I have always seen it.” Thromb answers quickly holding back any further defiance.

  “Well perhaps you should reconsider then.” Victor calmly counters before regaining himself and remembering what they were discussing. “What would give you the impression that I would stop your efforts?” Victor probing the depths of Thromb’s intell.

  “Would you have.” Thromb replies

  “Answer my question.” Victor snaps.

  “It was just my intuition. I also had a suspicion that it would be more effective if I handled it myself.” Thromb being coy diluting the explanation.

  “What did the other sages say?” Victor curious to know how such dissention sits with the other clans.

  “I didn’t get a chance to get to that before we were interrupted.” Thromb stops and notices Victor is not pleased with this answer. “I was only able to share my grievances about Setgaith, and my plan to have him step down, at least for the time being.” Thromb shares one of his real agendas with Victor in hopes of distracting from the overall ruse.

  Victor seems surprised but accepting of this response. “Very well, is there anything else you were keeping from me. Contemplate where we are, and what led us here. Before you answer.” Victor interrogates.

  Thromb’s mind races to Asta. “We have a clan member in the circle, and we are working to get one planted inside Amneka as well.” Thromb hoping that if he shares less sensitive information it will serve to further lower suspicions on more important points.

  “Why do you feel the need for all this? Have I not seen your clans prosper; do you think Amneka would challenge my authority?” Victor sees himself as their superior, but an advocate nonetheless. Victor fails to recognize how his position, and Thatos’ involvement, steps on the very nature of the clans.

  “I would imagine Thatos doesn’t concern himself with our mortal disputes, and whether the clans or Amneka survive, is of no interest to him.” Thromb conceals his true desire to find any leverage and separation from the cleric and Thatos that he can.

  “I suppose I cannot say that you are all wrong, but know that me being here tells you Thatos will have the clans survive.” Victor lets his words resonate before continuing. “I will have you report to me prior to giving any orders until further notice.” Victor coupling his kinder words with a harsh decree. Thromb fails to hold back his dismay wrinkling his brow and breaking his posture.

  “You can’t be serious.” Thromb riddled with thoughts of how this could severely damage everything he is working towards.

  “I want you to look me in the eye as a sage of the Shanshe clan and tell me will you obey my command.” Victor hoping to manipulate the clans deep sense of honor.

  Thromb boils up inside at Victor’s mockery of his clan honor. “You may have this day.” Thromb warns.

  “You watch your fucking tone! My mercy ends here.” Victor commands.

  “As you command my Cleric.” Thromb bows and uses this fit of anger to take his leave before Victor can conjure up more questions.

  ”Wait!” Victor yells stopping Thromb just at the doorway. “You will also inform me if you plan on leaving Qilong City.” Victor finishes

  “Understood.” Thromb nods. Before exiting. Victor would’ve kept him longer, but Thromb’s actions have made him unsure. Worried his authoritative stance will force the clans at odds. Thatos has trusted him with keeping the clans in line, and it would reflect poorly on him if he is unable to do so.

  Meanwhile, a great distance northeast in the region of Phalyados, which the kingdom of Poetovio resides in. At the western portion in the village of Rigton; one of the larger mining cities of Poetovio. Rigton conisist mostly of a strip of fifteen or so buildings. Most notably a few inns, some plants to process the mining material being brought back, and some taverns. One of the taverns is home to the circle of śmierć; once a syndicate leader under Lucio, but after all the chaos that becomes less clear. The tavern is longer than it is tall, and the whole building is very open aside from a room to the back. The roof is rounded and the beams visible from the inside; several adjustable openings in the ceiling above the many fire pits throughout the building each with a table and barrel accompanying them. There is no traditional area for a tavern keep; instead the individual areas are waited on.

  The tables pushed to the side making room for a larger oval table that occupies most of the space in the center of the room. Two guards stand at the entrance door and the door to the back; the rest of the four men in the room are wearing ornate vests and overcoats a few wearing top hats.

  “It seems you’re doing pretty well. The fighting hasn’t cost you too much then?” Teofil a heftier man with a cigar stuffed in his mouth and a top hat resting upon his head.

  “I’ve managed to keep things going, but I’m not sure things can go on like this much longer .” Mal James a syndicate leader from Nidium. He has a normal build with mutton chops, and a vest with a v line that opens up exposing thick chest hair. Both men standing next to a wooden beam Teofil leaning on the beam with one arm; using the other to drag his cigar.

  As they continue Derek Teague, in similar clothes, makes his way over to Teofil. Derek is a clean cut thinner and younger man. Derek runs most of the drugs through the northern half of the Poetovio kingdom. His rival, Celso Paro, is sitting down drinking. Celso runs the drugs f
or the southern half’s drug trade including the kingdom’s capital. He is the more influential of the two, and the biggest presence in the kingdom of Poetovio.

  “Well as far as I’m concerned the circle is what connects us all.” Teofil subtly indicating that he will support Daeva and not Lucio: without seeming like a kiss ass.

  “If this Daeva is such a fearsome warrior why has he locked down this city a day before his journey.” Derek interjects into Teofil and Rigton’s conversation. “I mean I seen over thirty to forty of the circle’s men at least just on my way here. Not that they were even attempting to hide their affiliations from anyone.” Derek continues prodding at Daeva’s reputation.

  “Discretion is of little concern the Amnekian officials here have long since been paid off. I just wonder why secure this small town? What could he want?” Mal concludes.

  “Perhaps, repay us for the profits we’ve lost during his witch hunt.” Derek scoffs.

  “You do realize you are talking about the Kentro right? Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on those are dangerous words.” Teofil warns Derek reminding him of the dangers of their organization.

  “Well…” Derek is interrupted as Daeva enters ignoring the guards at the door. The guards look to Mal; with a simple head shake they go back to casually standing by the door. Daeva is accompanied by Kredulus.

  As they walk in Daeva surveys the area looking around; “Nice little place.” Before making his way to a seat at the end of the table. “I assume everyone is here.”