Balance of Death Read online

  In short order one of them stands addressing the room; “I am Cassius magistrate of Cirta a town under the Kingdom of Tyrinda operating under the direction of the region of Thoraza, and of course it's regent Ruvaen.” as he gestures open palmed towards Ruvaen his head bowed.

  Ruvaen closes his eyes for a moment and bows his head slightly. Not wanting a long pause, another one of the men stands and introduces himself. “I am Baka Katuma Magistrate of Aesis in the Kingdom of Doku in the region of Phalyados.”

  The last man anxiously stands; “I am Simon Ngobila Magistrate of Capena in the Kingdom of Nydas in the region of Thoraza.”

  “I am pleased to have you all here.” Ruvaen commands the rooms attention once again; “First I would like to establish that all the magistrates sitting here today are as of this moment lords.” the room lightly claps. Ruvaen allows a moment of celebration before resuming; “Your ceremonies will be held here in Thoraza throughout the coming weeks. Now to the task at hand.” he steps closer to the large terrain model at the center of the room and leans forward on it with both hands. His actions invite the group to the model. As they all settle around the terrain model he begins.

  Ruvaen; “Allow me to orientate you to the map. Towards me is north and towards the Zenith and his grandmasters is south where the tribunal men stand is the east, and of course where the lords are standing is the west. This is the great ocean at the center of Prósdesi; many of the local tribes and the clans call it Akardos sea. I believe it translates to heartless this is because of its violent and unpredictable nature. Just around two thousand miles east of it is Objective X. This will stand as the capitol kingdom of the region. And, it will be our first objective. The new region referred to as region X will begin just 7,000 miles east of the realm of Ahrahmsahn, and 1,500 miles east of the region of Lucabia. Region X will then span all the way to the border of Phalyados to the east.” Ruvaen pauses briefly to scan the room and ensure no one is lost before continuing.

  “Our greatest points of danger are the clans. Their knowledge of this operation is minimal and will remain that way until we have a stronger foothold. We don’t want to completely surprise them by our actions, but they mustn’t know the extent of our plans. Now we will begin by mass transport of our forces to Wrathbrook kingdom; this will place us around 14,000 miles south and about 5,000 miles east of objective X. Our military resources for this push will be a full combined regimental force. Our specific movements will become clear after we work it out with the tribunal. Anyone who is not attending that meeting will be fully debriefed of the decisions. However, after securing Objective X we will be looking to spread into four main initiatives. Initiative One will have the goal of surrounding the Erlong clan in the southwest and giving us direct access to the south east end of the Akardos sea. Initiative Two we’ll be heading northwest to surround the Shanshe clan, the most volatile and dangerous of the four main clans. Additionally, they will also be establishing a port on the northern side of the Akardos sea. Initiative Three heading northeast towards the Vokhes clan and the east side of a mineral rich environment. Perfect for setting up industry and securing the least concerning of the four main clans. Finally, Initiative Four will be heading north on the west side of the mineral rich region and gearing up to surround the Shanshe clan, again the most critical threat.” Ruvaen emphasizes Shanshe as one of the main barriers to the culmination. The clans being one of the main reasons the central lands have remained unincorporated with Amneka and what is the rest of Prósdesi. That and the Clerics have made it clear Thatos would be unpleased with meaningless conflict.

  “Allow me to breakdown each Initiative into their objectives. They will have an A and B objective to coordinate the timetables. Initiative One will have an A objective just south of objective X, which will establish an industrious kingdom near some mineral and resource rich areas to the south of objective X, Initiative One will then be moving 2,500 miles southwest this will place them on the edge of the Akardos sea and around 200 miles south of the main city of the Erlong Clan. Their main objective here will be to establish a strong port on the Akardos and develop one of three major mass transportation stations in region X. Initiative Two’s objective A will be 3,400 miles northwest bordering the Akardos on its northeast side. The main purpose of Two’s objective A will be to establish a port around 5,000 miles north east of One’s objective B and to prepare strong defenses and fortification for goods transport. Two’s objective B will be another 3,300 miles northeast where they will meet up with Four and establish the last of three mass transport systems in region X. The location is chosen to effectively surround the Shanshe clan whose history of openly attacking Amneka is a point of concern for our new region. The only great river large enough for significant travel ends just at the tip of the main city of the Shanshe clan around 3,000 miles directly north of the Akardos sea. Two’s objective B will be a critical and difficult one to plan. As at this point the clans will have realized we weren’t entirely forth coming with our plans, however, two will be supported by Four which will have a slightly elevated time table. Let us move to Initiative Four now. Four will have the task of heading 4,200 miles north and establishing their objective A this will be on the western side of a mineral rich environment in the mountains and provide a main hub for transport of goods. Soon after establishing some civilization there, they will quickly move west having to cross a great river and circumnavigate the Shanshe clan to meet up at objective B with Initiative Two. This will be a 4,200-mile journey west. Finally, Initiative Three will set up 1,500 miles east on objective A. They will be east of the Qilong Clan serving as a security measure and a main hub for goods from the north. They will then move-approximately-5,500 miles northeast where they will establish another main industry kingdom to pull from the mineral rich mountains just to their west. Additionally, they will have slightly elevated security with the Vokhes clan to their east, however, the clan poses the least threat and is of little concern overall. The Phalyados border will be just 12,000 miles east of Three’s objective B.

  I am aware this is a lot to take in, but the main purpose of this is to establish an overall understanding of our endeavors. The next step for our planning is to meet with groups over the next fourteen days establishing specific plans. Then we will reconvene to get one more group consensus before finally executing. Our timetable is to have everything in order and to conduct mass transport in 40 days’ time.” Ruvaen finishes.

  He knows that a lot of this is based upon his ability to manipulate the clans, and coordinate the resources properly. There will have to be a more violent contingency in the event he is unable to handle the clans as intended. The lords will be an important asset in securing industry and precious minerals to bolster newly formed Kingdoms and their cities.

  Ihro Zamran, of the military tribunal, stands - a medium sized man with a large red beard that masks the bottom part of a scar running from his cheek up his nose ending between his eyes. “Just what are you basing your timetable on boy? Are you aware of the deployment of our military assets at current, or the amount of men and equipment you are talking about transferring in a mere 40 days?” Ihro remarks with a steady cadence. Ruvaen’s youth and rapid ascent through the political ranks makes him an easy target for such affronts.

  Ruvaen with the knowledge that this is coming straight from the high council would love nothing more than to shove that down this stupid old man’s throat. However, he also knows that cooperation from the tribunal is essential in making this smooth and successful.

  Given that a culmination is more-or-less a job the high council should be overseeing, Ruvaen figures that if he can pull this off it will go a long way in establishing himself as high council material. He cannot get stuck being the regent of this new territory past the culmination.

  Ruvaen must establish a good rapport. “I am well aware of the difficulties in meeting this timeline, not just for you men, but for every aspect of this; from Azriel, to the lords. Unfortunately, I have been given th
is timeline. It is my goal to do everything in my power to make it happen. If there is an inhibiting factor that we cannot brainstorm solutions to then we will be forced to reconcile the timeline. But, that should be a last resort as this is of the utmost importance for Amneka. I feel confident that we are up to the task.” Ruvaen politely replies.

  The old man nods his head slightly accepting his response for now, and sits back down folding his hands and resting them on his lap.

  A few days later at the border where the realm of Prósdesi meets the realm of Helvete on the southern end of the region Wrathbrook. Asta stands on top of a large cliff next to Treggin. As the sun sets the humidity in the air begins to turn cold. As if nature is absorbing the mood. “It’s funny how one has this notion of success that is childishly final.” Treggin shares taking a moment to inhale his cigar of rolled herbs. “Back in the early days of the circle I would go to some of the collections. Back before a Radian just took some off the top of the Syndicate leaders. Leaving the daily grind to the Syndicates.” Treggin laughs. Each breath out is accompanied by cigar smoke. Asta listens as her gaze is lost on the horizon. “Well Anyways I was collecting from a mining outfit. Mining Jacalyte I believe. Before there was much advancement with Jacalyte crystals; basic carriages and weapons is all. This had to be the third or fourth time I made this collection. As the bumbling manager rustles through his desk to get his safe key and pay our fee, I look out the window at the laborers. I see a man I have seen a couple times now; noteworthy for his age and decrepit look. I think what a fool he just comes day after day; laughing and joking with his fellows. No plan for his future or to elevate his position; the only end in sight for him is death.” Treggin’s mind wanders for a moment before continuing. “Those of us who achieve greatness seem to have a shared delusion that there is some place adjacent to struggle. Like a plateau we can reach to stand above the disarray. When the truth is that old fool found serenity in a truth that has taken me centuries to face.” Treggin inhales his cigar deep looking up. “Life is struggle. A battle to pull away from the universe and exist as something unique. Knowing why you want to get there is just as important as how.” Treggin exhales his smoke and the weight of his thoughts seem to follow.

  “Reality takes no heed of philosophy and well wishes. It only responds to force. For all his happiness he only knew struggle and failure in the end.” Asta lectures.

  “Things we are also well acquainted with minus any lasting happiness.” Treggin counters.

  “Well then I will secure a position in the mines for you. Back to the matter at hand. How can we ensure Daeva’s authority goes unquestioned?” Asta snaps back. Treggin’s attempt to reason with her fails. Her anger from grievances and atrocities burns too hot evaporating any chance for reason to settle.

  “A simple formula really. The Radian’s need to appear strong to the Syndicate leaders and the Kentro must appear strong to the Radians. How is it that one so young is so strong and well versed in magic?” Treggin questions at the end of his response in hopes of starting a quid pro quo.

  “What makes you think I am not older than you.” Asta asks.

  “When I was made linage was something one took honor in and learned. I know just about every vampire made before 2300 AD. The century I was made in. It wasn’t until late 2500 AD to mid-2600 AD when Drekavak disappeared that vampires began cropping up with no knowledge of their lineage.” Treggin says.

  "I don’t ever remember not being a vampire even as a kid. Yet my memories start in the early 2600s.” Asta indulges Treggin. “What are the key territories I should ensure remain?” Asta continues the quid pro quo.

  “Lucio’s, Kredulus’, Ataleo’s, Dave’s old territory and Zugarod Urul. Out of the fifteen Radian’s those would probably be the top five most powerful territories. Allowing some powerful death dealers to stand in as Kentro Enforcer’s to help him handle his business would go a long way. Lucio is ornery and unlikely to concede easily.” Treggin looks at Asta. “How did you get such a mastery of magic.” He restates his question. Assuming what she did to Daeva was a spell, and perhaps some of her physical prowess can be attributed to one as well. The fact that she could use magic without words means she has a level of mastery rarely seen.

  “It was not magic. It was a Soten that I have mastered.” Asta says matter-of-factly; not realizing vampires’ inability to produce their own chakra should prohibit the use of Soten.

  “How is that possible?” Treggin squints his eyes trying to wrap his head around a vampire using Soten. “Are you able to use other’s chakra for Soten?” Treggin asks.

  “I couldn’t tell you that no more than you could explain to me how your eyes share the world with you.” Asta honestly explains. The setting sun reminds her. “It is time.” Asta declares.

  “How easy it is to forget. One never knows when it will be one’s last?” Treggin appreciates the impending darkness of the setting sun.

  “And yet, even with all that significance, to another it is merely one of many.” Asta retorts.

  At the Śmierć hideout, in the southern part of Thoraza region thousands of miles away from the capitol city, where the culmination plans are underway. Daeva is sitting down across an oval dinner table from Kredulus Graves, the room is empty aside from a beautiful woman who is refilling their drinks. Daeva is casually chewing on meat attached to a bone while Kredulus is stabbing at slabs of cut meat potatoes with his fork. “You would think you’ve been too busy to enjoy a good meal.” Daeva jokes.

  Kredulus is a tall fair skinned man with a muscular physique. His short scraggly hair matches his short unkept facial hair. There is armor covering the lower half of his body and left arm that alchemically augments his physical ability with crystal technology. Kredulus is known for his obsession with alchemy, and he has been brought to new heights from its secrets. Feared throughout his territory for it. Kredulus pauses from his eating glances up in thought briefly “Partly, but more that I’m just too wise to pass one up.” Kredulus replies.

  Daeva not wanting to seem too eager to jump into business continues this line of conversation; “It is interesting how men of an unfortunate background never seem to forget how precious certain things are.” Daeva poses.

  “I’ve found it to be of advantage. Some Radians are always worried about losing certain luxuries because the absence of them is so foreign to their experiences, so I’m able to make more difficult decisions. And, be more decisive.” Kredulus as he waives his fork around animating his thoughts in the air as if he is conducting his speech.

  “Yes, I have found the decisiveness, misfortune brings, to be sobering to the toxicity of fear that so often blinds privileged men. ” Daeva responds.

  Kredulus laughs, some food falling out of his mouth; “That is a fancy way of putting it. Which reminds me, I’ve seen quite a bit more of Azriel lately. I’ll need approval for some of the things he is proposing.”

  Daeva wanting to move the conversation to his desired subject is sidetracked by his own curiosity. In the last couple years Azriel has all but halted his dealings in illegal goods transfer and has opted to work with Amneka in their very limited interaction with other Realms.

  “Interesting, it must be smuggling between realms if your reaching out for approval.” Daeva inquires. Daeva has been working closely with Treggin in their agreement with Ruvaen. Part of the agreement was to reduce all inter-realm smuggling. A big win for Ruvaen as it is something the clerics have been pushing for.

  Kredulus takes a drink washing down the majority of his food as if preparing for a more involved conversation; “Yes, he is offering exceptional rates for basic jobs. His biggest concern is anonymity and security.” Kredulus adds.

  “I trust you fully to work out the right price, but keep me informed as you figure out what he is smuggling and how often.” Daeva answers as he leans forward.

  “Well that is the thing. This is to be a high volume no questions asked transport with very little notice upon request. It obviously has
to do with spells or Soten forbidden by Thatos right?” Kredulus responds.

  “How lucrative are we talking?” Daeva considering the risk to his deal with Ruvaen. However, Daeva will not allow men of station to prevent him from furthering his own power.

  Kredulus picking some food from his mouth and tossing it aside replies; “Tens of millions of credits for less than a ton of goods.” Kredulus is aware of the danger involved in going against Amneka’s laws, and even worse Thatos’ decrees. Though he isn’t privy to the deal with Ruvaen.

  Daeva’s concern turns to the damning effects this could have on their operations in the Lisacus region of Prósdesi. It wasn’t that long ago that Thatos had intervened personally upon the desecration of his decrees. Nevertheless, an increase that large to operations in Kredulus’ territory is hard to turn down. With the other radian’s loyalty in question bolstering those who are known to be loyal is a clear win.

  Daeva tapping his fingers on the table as he thinks. “The reason I have called you here is to get your express support, in Treggin’s absence I need to ensure the Circle's grip is just as firm as ever. To that end I am taking twenty men from every radian’s operation as support for my travels. I will also be looking to build up my Kentro Enforcers.” Daeva says leaning back in his chair.