An air of confusion and alarm sprang throughout the cultists’ camp, as the Prince of Demons regarded his surroundings momentarily.
He and the Ishu woman sat opposite one another at a stubby, wooden table, which a pair of spined devils had dragged out from a nearby tent. Orcus thought about frightening them, but figured it wouldn't serve him any good to reveal himself before "negotiations" had even begun.
Behind where Orcus sat, Oriax stood laxly, bobbing back and forth on the end of his maul, though he was definitely keeping an eye out for everything going on around them.
What surprised Orcus the most, was that one of the stationary guards from the cave tunnel had been summoned to flank the Ishu woman. Orcus wasn’t sure what its deal was, since he couldn’t even see its face behind the helmet, but the warrior didn’t seem to be acting like most other mortals. He thought about expending a use of his Mystic Sight, to be sure that the warrior wasn't some kind of aberration, but he didn't want to risk upsetting the established balance. In any event, Orcus figured the person must be under some kind of charm effect, similar to how Darrien was perhaps, given their abnormal behavior. Regardless, that only left one armed warrior at the entrance to the delve, which was useful to know.
“I am called Nizsahsal.” The Ishu woman said plainly, “And what might I have the pleasure of calling you?”
“…Rex.” Orcus replied belatedly, making himself sound more uninterested than he really was. He glanced at Seku out of the corner of his eye to see if the name reveal did anything for her, but she didn’t react at all.
“I’m curious, Rex, to know how you came by her?” Nizsahsal woman asked with a peculiar smile, reaching out a pale finger to caress Seku’s chin. Seku winced at the touch, as Nizsahsal added, “She's someone of… moderate interest to me.”
“Don’t touch the merchandise unless you intend to buy it.” Orcus dismissed her nonchalantly, somewhat aware that he sounded just like the priestess for a second. He wasn’t sure that was a good thing, though perhaps it was in the interim?
Nizsahsal reeled her hand back quickly, and looked at Orcus, chuckling somewhat, “Of course, but now you really must sate my curiosity? You must have travelled far indeed, to not have a clue as to what’s going on here. Are you even aware that you’ve stumbled right into a private affair? Seku has much to answer for...”
“My companion and I were delayed on the road by several of your warriors, as it happens.” Orcus shrugged, then gesturing toward Seku, “Of course, this… killing thing had already brought them to the brink of death. Though she wasn’t much of a match for us. At any rate, I was told where we might bring her for a certain reward. From where I’m sitting, it looks like I’ve done you a favor.”
“So, it would seem…” She smiled back, tapping her nails on the tabletop, “I’m just surprised to find that adventuring types would come here willingly. The entire delve has been less than operational for some time now. Even if you aren't from around here, you must know something about the... shift in power across this region? Your adventurers' guild, or what have you, has abandoned this place.”
“I’m not an adventurer.” Orcus insisted, “And anyway, perhaps I did heard a rumor or two regarding your–was it Kingsnake Astlir–his plight against the people of this valley. Perhaps I thought to make it into my good fortune. You might call me an opportunist. I wonder if you're not the same as me?”
“Do not invoke that name.” She scowled somewhat, but smiled, “The Kingsnake has nothing to do with this, I can assure you of that. You are dealing with me, and you would be wise to remember that.”
Orcus feigned obedience with a nod. That at least confirmed one of their suspensions. Though it still didn’t explain how Garimor fit into all of this, but perhaps this woman was working with him after all? She had to be, given the abnormal circumstances.
“The Night Serpent has had its eye on little Seku here for quite some time.” Nizsahsal redirected her focus, “Indeed, many have. You did extremely well to bring her here, instead of… well, it doesn’t matter. I am in a gracious mood, as it happens.”
“I don’t really care who she is.” Orcus replied, “What interests me, is such a reward, and why I had to march all the way through the mountains just to get it? I’m sorry to say, but none of you look like adventurers to me either. I fail to see what reasons you could possibly have for squatting outside this hole in the ground? Didn't you just say there was nothing of value here?”
Nizsahsal squinted at him, “I didn't say that, and that’s not really any of your business, is it? You’re not an adventurer, as you say.”
“That is true.” Orcus echoed the sentiment, “But then, who wouldn’t be curious after hearing all that? And after all the running around I’ve done to help you out it would appear, don't tell me you're holding out on me now? Aren't you the one in charge here?”
Nizsahsal bit her lip slightly as if holding back a comment.
“Good move, mister Orcus.” Seku telepathed approvingly, “You should mention Endsmeet.”
“It's just a shame, I had been hoping to find someone to offload the girl with in Endsmeet, seeing that I intend to move on to other lands. This has all cost me dearly.” Orcus feigned, waiving his hand annoyingly, “But evidently, the information I received was wrong. You don’t have much of a presence there either. Those townspeople were really up-in-arms about it, I must say.”
A system prompt suddenly appeared in Orcus's overlay.
*************
--- Fate Roll initiated; Persuasion Check initiated; ---
--- Difficulty Class set to Moderately Easy (12), chance of success odds = 70% ---
--- Initialize Persuasion [Orcus] ---
--- Initialize Persuasion bonus; Charisma Score(3) + Proficiency Bonus(2) = +5 to fate roll ---
--- The die of fate is cast… d20(11) + 5 = 16 ---
--- 16 total [Orcus] ---
--- Fate Roll successful ---
*************
The passing comment shifted Nizsahsal’s expression completely; a poised and controlled look turned to one of momentary confusion, and perhaps a twinge of doubt.
“Just as we hoped, she doesn’t seem to know about what happened in town yet.” Seku replied telepathically, “Keep agitating her.”
Orcus held in a smirk, adding, “The trip was of little consequence to me, I jest. But you can understand how trying this has all been? So, if we might discuss the payment terms—”
“Hold on a moment, what did you just say?” Nizsahsal interjected hurriedly, shaking her head somewhat, “The townspeople? I-I don’t understand what you mean. How were they acting? Weren't there others—I mean, other people like the ones you see around here?”
“Unruly, in a word.” Orcus replied, “And no, I didn't see anyone that looked as hideously dressed. Apparently, a few adventures came into town and completely decimated some ne’er-do-wells by accident. I don’t know the specifics, but maybe that's who you're referring to? I was led to believe that your people had completely overrun this land, but I suppose not… I heard something about a cult on my way through town. That's not what this private affair is about, is it? Are you secretly a cult leader?”
Another system prompt in Orcus’s overlay had him on the edge of his seat. He was expending all of his subterfuge to make this woman uncomfortable, and she was pushing back.
*************
--- Fate Roll initiated; Persuasion Check initiated; ---
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
--- Difficulty Class set to Moderately Hard (16), chance of success odds = 45% ---
--- Initialize Persuasion [Orcus] ---
--- Initialize Persuasion bonus; Charisma Score(3) + Proficiency Bonus(2) = +5 to fate roll ---
--- The die of fate is cast… d20(12) + 5 = 17 ---
--- 17 total [Orcus] ---
--- Fate Roll successful ---
*************
Cutting it close with that one, don't you think, system! Orcus thought to himself. All things considered, his ability to play “The Game” of deadly conversation wasn’t half-bad.
Nizsahsal winced, and grunted slightly, “I’m certain you don’t know what you’re talking about. Regardless, the time for small talk is over. Tell me your asking price, and I will take your amicability under consideration. I am very keen to acquire your charge, so I'm willing to forgive your bluntness.”
Orcus shrugged, glancing up into his system overlay once again to regard the message. Twenty minutes was nearly up, so what was taking them so damned long? Terminus wouldn't have let her get off track, surely?
You’d better conclude your business, priestess. Orcus thought plainly, glancing past the Ishu woman toward the central tent, I don’t think this woman is going to entertain my derisive attitude for much longer!
“...I can be reasonable.” Orcus stated belatedly. Despite how much he'd already pushed her, Orcus wanted to try something even bolder. He couldn't help it, it was his nature, and thus said, “But now that I’m here, it seems like a wasted opportunity not to ask after that delve. That's what this is, right? I’ve heard that loot in these kinds of places is top rate. I would assume you have something of that caliber to trade with. No? I didn’t see any adventurers among you, which leads me to believe that you have people on the inside already? Why else would you be waiting around? I’d be eager to see what they have to offer, in exchange for this young woman of course. You do have dealings in there, don't you?”
It was a risky maneuver by the Prince of Demons, and the system was gearing up to make him pay for it.
*************
--- Fate Roll initiated; Persuasion Check initiated; ---
--- Difficulty Class set to Hard (20), chance of success odds = 30% ---
--- Initialize Persuasion [Orcus] ---
--- Initialize Persuasion bonus; Charisma Score(3) + Proficiency Bonus(2) = +5 to fate roll ---
--- The die of fate is cast… d20(13) + 5 = 18 ---
--- 18 total [Orcus] ---
--- Fate Roll failed ---
*************
“Why are you so insistent about it?” Nizsahsal asked, her tone heightened by a sense of suspicion and growing anger, “For someone who claims not to be an adventurer, you sure seem to know a great deal about what they should look like. Looking for something specific, were we? Or someone? Just who are you really?”
“She’s not buying it.” Seku telepathed worriedly, “We should think about getting out of here soon. I'm ready to strike if we need to, just say the word.”
Curses! Orcus thought irritably to himself. He’d gotten greedy with his prying, and now it was time to cut their losses and bolt. However, something happened right at that moment.
Ba-boom! Boom!
B-b-b-boom!
A series of explosions resounded throughout the chasm abruptly, causing a cacophony of noise to fill the air. Shortly thereafter, an assortment of orange lights lit up along the chasm’s ridgeline.
“Fire!” One voice shouted.
“We’re under attack!” Another voice echoed from somewhere within the camp.
"On the ridgeline!" A third yelled.
And in a matter of seconds, the rest of the camp was in a mad scramble, running about like a pack of frightened animals.
What the hell? Orcus thought to himself, glancing up into the area.
Nizsahsal scowled, and rose onto her tail hastily, beaming at Orcus, “Who else is here with you? I know you’re not alone. My minions can smell the stench of hell on you. How many familiars do you boast? Did he send you to spy on me? Is that why you brought her? To see if I'd jump at the coveted prize? Well, I won't have it! Seize him!”
The silent, armored warrior suddenly shifted its stance and drew its sword, pointing it across the table at Orcus's neck.
“Hey, hey!” Oriax resounded, heaving his maul up in response, “Cool it. We’re just hear to make a deal, lady. Don’t want any trouble.”
“Silence!” She hissed, and two of her spined devils suddenly dropped into a flanking position on either side of Oriax, directing their forked tridents at him, as she said, “You think you can deceive me with this little trick? What are you playing at?”
The stalemate grew tense for a moment, and Orcus could tell that Seku was getting antsy. Nizsahsal was so close to her, and he knew both Seku and Oriax would pounce like hungry monsters if he didn’t alleviate the situation. There was one more opportunity here, and hell if he wasn’t going to take it.
Orcus put his hands up in protest, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, woman. I came here to sell this girl to you. Now I’m starting to wonder if this isn't a trick on your end, to get out of paying me. I won’t have it either. I thought you Ishu were a respectable people!”
*************
--- Fate Roll initiated; Persuasion Check initiated; ---
--- Difficulty Class set to Hard (21), chance of success odds = 25% ---
--- Initialize Persuasion [Orcus] ---
--- Initialize Persuasion bonus; Charisma Score(3) + Proficiency Bonus(2) = +5 to fate roll ---
--- The die of fate is cast… d20(19) + 5 = 24 ---
--- 24 total [Orcus] ---
--- Fate Roll successful ---
*************
Yes! Rot in hell, mongrel! Orcus reveled within the confines of his own mind. This woman had no idea who she was dealing with. He was the Ruler of Hades, after all. If he couldn’t manage to navigate a heated negotiation, just what kind of Demon Lord would he be?
Nizsahsal looked visibly flustered at that point, as she glanced around the chasm in search of some alternative solution. Several of the cultists were already making their way up and out of the chasm, as more explosions continued to resound throughout, and more lights continue to set off. In fact, several of the smaller tents appeared to have been set ablaze too, including the central tent!
A third spined devil suddenly dropped to Nizsahsal’s shoulder, and whispered something in her ear.
“Uhm... is this the sign?” Seku telepathed worriedly.
“I have no idea anymore.” Orcus grumbled, silently cursing himself for not making the priestess explain herself in further detail.
“You two over there, come stay with these three and keep them in your sights.” Nizsahsal said to a pair of nearby cultists who had just coming running around the corner frantically. She then snapped her finger at the armored warrior and the two remaining spined devils, “The rest of you, come with me. Now. We'll secure the mages.”
“Where are you going?” Orcus called after her, rising from his chair to stall the woman further. She was heading straight in the direction of the central tent! Quickly, he added, “We’ve not concluded our business.”
“We will conclude our business shortly.” Nizsahsal hissed over her shoulder in a fluster, “See that your prisoner remains unharmed until then.”
“What’s going on, boss man?” Oriax whispered, getting in close to say, “We breaking or what? Swindler could still be in there, but we’re going to have to fuck these guys up sooner or later.”
“Give me a moment to think—” Orcus groaned, looking across the chasm himself.
The explosion sounds were faint, and there were only a few fires dotting the camp. Otherwise, Orcus couldn’t see any signs of a fight. All of the cultists had spread out, some tending to fires while others investigated the ridgeline up above. Though as far as Orcus could tell, there was no actual danger. Was there?
“Closer…Closer…Closer…”
What do you want from me! Orcus growled internally, unable it seemed to get that incessant voice out of his head. Did he risk trying to go in after the priestess, or did they make for the cave tunnel instead?
“Well then, if you’ll please follow me.” An all-too familiar voice said behind Orcus, “It’ll be much safer for you and the prisoner over there.”
Turning around, the Prince of Demons studied the two cultists momentarily. They were robed, but he found it odd that they both had their hoods up, and in the middle of a supposed attack? Furthermore, within the confines of the cultists’ hood on his left, a black braid dangled out, and her pale face bore a tricksy grin.
“Priestess…?” Orcus asked perplexedly.
“No time for that, Your Eminence.” Arlette replied quietly, “A little illusion magic goes a long way. But we need to get to the delve entrance, and quickly. Don’t mind this fellow, I’ll explain that later.”
“Trust her, Your Highness.” The muffled voice of Terminus resounded from within the priestess’s robes.
Orcus furrowed his brow, and it was at that point that he regarded the second of the “cultists” who appeared to be a middle-aged man, deeply tanned and sporting a head of dark, bedraggled hair and beard. Furthermore, he seemed incapable of speaking. And it was only with brief flash that Orcus noticed his mouth capped in gold.
Nevertheless, there was no time to think about it, thus Orcus shouted over his shoulder, “We move! To the delve entrance, now!”
And just like that, the party was fleeing toward the cave tunnel amidst the mass confusion. However, as Orcus glanced back over his shoulder, he spotted the Ishu woman reappearing from the central tent with a scowl on her face. Her gaze darted from one side to the other, before settling on the party as they made their escape.
The Prince of Demons laughed manically. Regardless of what happened next, he was willing to bet money on that woman trying to kill them soon. Even still, she'd have to chase them into the Glimmering Caves for that delectable dish.
Vengeance was a delicious morsel, if you could suffer the prep work.