Softened noises of screams and roaring flame danced in Zelotes’ ears before becoming clearer, as though he were waking. His vision began to come into focus: it was night. The starlight was overshadowed by one thing as Zelotes turned to look: the walls of wooden planks and the supporting timber beams that held the two-story home together were engulfed in roaring flame, turning the wood black as the fire ate away at the house. He looked up, he was in the arm of a leothien man dressed in a shirt of plain linen, and leather overalls with a darkening mane. The man’s leonine face bore similarities shared between himself, Riole, and Mohak. Zelotes looked around again, Riole was held in the man’s other arm, nearly limp and half-conscious. The man knelt down and dropped the pair next to a young leothien man who bore a coat of cream-colored fur, and a nearly full, reddish mane. He held nearly the same face as the older man with eyes colored an orange-tinged amber. He seemed only to be wearing the same leather overalls as the man who just placed Zelotes and Riole at his feet. Zelotes stood up, next to the cream-colored leothien and saw the burning house before him as the man began running back towards the house.
“W-what’s happening, Lucias?” he asked, looking up at his brother.
“Those men… they did this-Dad wait!” The cream-colored leothien began running towards the flaming house as well. Zelotes took off after both of them.
The two followed their father into the entryway of their burning home, the infernal heat, and black smoke scolded them as they entered. Their former, comfortable surroundings were now swallowed by walls of flame.
“Get out of here!!!” Their father yelled as he came into view from the stinging darkness of the smoke. The cracking sounds of charred wood sounded off as a beam fell over the leothien.
“Dad!!!” Zelotes cried as he rushed over to his father. He tried lifting the beam off of him, but to no avail, even with the help of Lucias struggling to lift the beam off the leothien. "I-I-It's too heavy, Father, w-what do we do?" The young Zelotes asked, panicked that he and the young Lucias could do nothing to lift the burning timber off their father.
The father's expression turned solemn, as his face sank, and his eyes lowered to the floor. "Zelotes, Lucias, get as many of your siblings out of here as you can, my sons. Now go!"
The young Zelotes rushed to the nursery room at the back of the house while Lucias rushed to rescue his other half-siblings upstairs.The flames were only now starting on this part of the house, filling it with choking smoke, its planked floors, and blue stucco walls still mostly intact. Zelotes’ half siblings were gathered in a corner, out of their beds. Zelotes threw a chair at a window, breaking an exitway through it and helped three of his half-siblings escape out the shattered window. The timbers above audibly groaned as the flames began intruding further into the room. With the creaking of the wooden supports and the approaching frames, the boards above began to sag. Zelotes grabbed his remaining two brethren from the corner and bounded from the window. He ran from the burning house to meet his waking sister and escaped siblings. As he turned around to rescue more of his family, there was a sound of a loud crack. The roof above the second floor fell with a loud crashing sound of splintering wood and screams that silenced as the burning wall of the home’s east side fell over it. It was now silent. The only sound that could be heard was the roaring of flames. The young Zelotes stood facing the burning rubble, eyes wide and mouth gaping. He fell to his knees.
“Zelotes.” he heard a familiar, accented voice call for his name. “Zelotes.” He heard again, turning around to find the source of the sound. “Zelotes.”
He woke suddenly with a start, panting. He was bedded in clean, white sheets, and curtains of the same material surrounded him. He was stripped of his armor and clothing. He felt a burning pain all throughout his body, as though he was flaming from within.
“Whoa, Zelotes! What was it?” the same voice asked. Zelotes turned to his side. Jacqué sat next to him in a wooden chair.
“Nothing...” Zelotes answered. “Only a dream.”
“Well it must not have been a good one.” Jacqué noted, cocking her head to the side, her eyebrows raised.
“It was nothing. Where am I?” Zelotes asked.
“You're in an infirmary. After you collapsed, cracks formed on you and there was light coming out of them. The nurses and priests said you had a severe case of priestburn.”
Zelotes looked at himself. Surely enough, all over his body, there were what looked like cracks with yellow light pouring out of them. It was like he was a breaking statue of flesh with a lamp inside, shining through the cracks. He also noted his disheveled mane in a nearby mirror, shaking his head.
“They said you used far too much power than what you should’ve been able to handle.” Jacqué continued.
“They would be right about that. The power of the gods is not meant to be wielded by mortal hands.” Zelotes noted. “My master always compared the use of divine magic to exercise, that you could only achieve more power by practicing and earning the favor of your god.”
“If your power is determined by how close you are to your god, then how were you able to call upon that much power?” Jacqué asked. “I can tell you are only starting out as a paladin.”
Zelotes continued to explain, “Well, I’ve been in training for ten years, firstly. Second, users of holy power have a degree of flexibility when it comes to using power greater than what you have. I can call upon the same power as my master, despite not being as close to the Sunfather as him, its hard for me to explain how, but it means I will contract priestburn.”
“A condition where the overflow of holy magic into the soul begins to consume it and the body of the user.” A human priestess interjected, emerging from the curtain. She wore yellow robes and the image of a gold sunburst surrounded by a wreath on a small chain around her neck. “We’re in your debt, Devil-Breaker.” She said to the leothien.
“No need to pay.” Zelotes looked around. “Do you have my armor or clothes around anywhere?” he asked.
“It’s just outside the curtain, However, I’d recommend not using magic for a couple weeks or until the priestburn cracks are healed, we were barely able to stabilize your condition.” The priestess answered.
“I see…” Zelotes said, sitting up.
“Also, the general would like to speak to you.” The priestess continued. “She’s just outside the door.”
“Well, I should get myself dressed then.” Zelotes responded. The priestess nodded and left. Zelotes examined his lack of clothing and turned to Jacqué. “Um… may I ask if you can leave?”
Jacqué simply looked at him with a coy smile and a raised eyebrow, and gave him a teasing wink.
“Please.” Zelotes stated.
Jacqué left through the curtains, before helping the priestess with moving the armor stand through the curtains. Zelotes winced from the sharp pain of the priestburn as he attempted to stand on his feet, nearly stumbling. Within the span of thirty minutes, Zelotes emerged from the curtains dressed in his armor once more with his mane brushed back into its flaming glory. The infirmary was constructed of dark wood, with lanterns lighting the hall he was in. Curtained chambers isolated those in the care of the facility. The scents of medicines trickled into his nose.
“Looking good as ever, Zelotes!” Jacqué said with a smile.
“Not so bad yourself.” Zelotes commented the two proceeded towards the doorway to the infirmary.
They were met by an armored woman, with a series of medals embroidered on a navy-blue shoulder belt, and a left arm of mechanical construction. She had raven, shoulder-length hair and a series of scars on her left cheek like burns. She had a sheathed sword at her hip. “Salutations, Zelotes Nemean I am general Natalia Remnirant. You’re a recent graduate of your master, I see.” she said.
“How did you know?” Zelotes asked.
“I saw you at the Solarifest parade in Heliora.” General Remnirant answered. “I know you were supposed to report this information back to a different patron, but Mr. Naizter seems to have vacated Theltstown’s limits, if the accounts are correct.”
“He has?” Zelotes inquired.
“Yes. Now, can you report to me what you saw on your excursion?” the general asked, taking out a journal and pen.
Zelotes began to explain what he saw. “Well, we went inside some abandoned mine, and then my dwarven friend, Tulbrik blasted us a way into a cave. We then had an encounter with undead bats and found a dwarven vault. We entered it and it was like we were in a maze until we saw a chamber that held a memory.”
“Excuse me?” General Remnirant asked, looking up from her journal.
“We saw a memory in that chamber and that’s where we had a fight with some followers, two black paladins and an armored woman with an axe and a helm that looked like a skull.”
The general looked back up from her notebook. “You had an encounter with Hanea?”
“Wait, isn’t she the fallen paladin of the Stormwield?” Zelotes asked.
“There’s a heavy bounty on her head right now. I’m surprised you lived to tell the tale.” The general confirmed with Zelotes. “Continue.”
“One of the two paladins was referred to as Lord Tharnak.” Jacqué added.
Remnirant looked up from her journal again. “Excuse me, Lord Tharnak?”
“As in Tharnak the Dragonslayer.” Zelotes answered the question. “I doubt it would actually be him though. My hero died over a century ago.”
“I’ve seen a lot of things. I wouldn’t rule it out.” The general said, putting away her journal and pen. “Now, in case you are not already aware, the Flags Alliance is working to integrate other factions that may have an interest in standing against the Elder Council’s aggressions. Can you confirm with me if that is the case for the Church of the Sunfather?”
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
“I do not speak for the church, I’m only a graduate, an Awakened.” Zelotes answered.
“Well then, can you tell me if you have any personal interests in maybe joining the Flags Alliance as maybe a mercenary?” The general pressed.
“With all due respect, ma’am, I work for my god, not for generals. I’m afraid I will have to say no to that.” Zelotes said, leaving with Jacqué at his side.
“With tensions as they are, Devil-Breaker, you may not have a choice. Word is that the Dragon Kings are gathering their forces in preparation to storm the Izenese Wall. We’ll resort to drafts should it be necessary.” General Remnirant announced.
“To my knowledge, neither the church or Letharis are part of the alliance yet.” Zelotes responded, pacing away.
“Finally, we got away from her.” Jacqué sighed.
“Where’s everyone at?” Zelotes asked.
“The Yawning Goat was still standing, surprisingly enough. So we were all gathered over there waiting for you to recover.”
“How long was I out for?” Zelotes asked.
“Trois jours!” Jacqué answered
“Excuse me?”
“Oh, sorry, three days.” Jacqué answered
“Three days?” Zelotes asked, surprised.
“Oui! You should’ve seen the extent of your priestburn three days ago.” Jacqué answered.
The two walked beside each other among the still smoking ruins of the town. It was evening, the townspeople had brought in new timbers and other construction materials as they began to rebuild. Eventually, the two found themselves at the entrance of the tavern. Its timbers had a minor degree of charred blackness, but it wasn’t bad enough to compromise the structure. Jacqué opened the tavern door in front of them, entering behind Zelotes.
“We had a little surprise for you!” Jacqué exclaimed, holding the door open.
Zelotes entered. The scents of meaty roasts and ale filled his nostrils as he viewed the sight before him. Tables were conjoined to make up a single long table with members of the town guard and Traelendian Military gathered around. Xiyloos, bearing an open book before their masked face; and Tulbrik, turning a screwdriver on his gauntlet; sat at the last two seats of the table. The head of the table was left open. For a moment, Zelotes glared at Xiyloos before looking at the rest of the room. All except Xiyloos looked towards Zelotes.
Zelotes stood looking at the table, then turned to Jacqué. “You know that I’m hardly dressed for the occasion. My armor needs buffing right now! Oh and my cape is ruined too! Just look at it!” Zelotes exclaimed, gesturing to the burnt portion of his cape.
Jacqué looked at it, then at him, maintaining her smile. She pulled out a box, presenting it to Zelotes. “Well, something told me that you would detest the sight of your cape like that so I got you this:” she opened the box. Zelotes pulled a cape from the box, it was yellow with pink flowering patterns and a ruff of yellow and pink feathers around the collar. Zelotes examined it meticulously. The soldiers and guards at the table mumbled amongst themselves at the sight of the cape, some chuckled under their breath.
“It reminds me of my best tunic…” Zelotes said. He discarded the tattered and burnt cape, donning the new one proudly. He then turned back to Jacqué. “Thank you, Jacqué.”
Tulbrik looked up from his handiwork to Zelotes. “You’re the hero here, Zelotes. You get the head seat.”
Zelotes then turned to take his seat at the table. With the roasts and ales served by the barmaids, followed by a raising of everyone’s glass, the feasting began for the night. Laughter and conversation filled the room as evening faded to night and the meat was gleefully consumed and the ales started running dry.
As the feast concluded, Zelotes made his way to his room, passing Xiyloos. Zelotes turned to Xiyloos. “Xiyloos, I have some words for you.”
“About what?” Xiyloos inquired, turning to face Zelotes.
“About the other night.” Zelotes stated.
Xiyloos just stood, facing Zelotes, expectantly.
“You were going to get the Traelendian Military to destroy the town and everyone in it.” Zelotes stated.
Xiyloos sighed. “Must I reiterate this? Theltstown was infested with many demons erupting from a portal within the settlement. The sheer amount of demons would make it impossible to deal with by conventional means, thus a culling would be the only solution to a problem of that extent-”
“You didn’t even think to save anyone first?” Zelotes inquired angrily.
“Zelotes, there were too many people for us or even the military to rescue.” Xiyloos answered. “In addition, these were demons we were dealing with, you know that. They wouldn’t stop with Theltstown. In fact, they were starting to spread to the countryside and so it was that one little town or more towns with more people.”
“Except what bothers me is that you didn’t have to save the whole town! It could’ve been one person!” Zelotes shouted. “Instead of just boiling things down to numbers, you could’ve made an effort to save at least someone first!”
“Zelotes, you don’t understand. With you and your religion’s idealism of valor and selflessness, you fail to see the bigger picture.” Xiyloos stated.
“And from what I can see, you don’t see the value of the life of a sapient being!” Zelotes shouted. “In fact, I’d go so far as to say that despite your power of electromancy, you’re a coward. You had to get the attention of an entire organization to deal with hellspawn instead of facing the horde head-on! You’re nothing more than a coward who hides behind a mask.”
“Excusez-moi, what is going on ici?” Jacqué asked, passing the corner to view the situation.
“A disagreement in ideals, nothing more.” Xiyloos stated, leaving the hallway.
Zelotes resumed his path, entering his room, gathering his things in a backpack.
“Ahem…” A voice sounded from behind Zelotes. He turned to look. Jacqué was standing behind him in his room’s doorway. “What are you doing, Zelotes?” she asked.
Zelotes turned to face her. “I was originally sent here to protect a caravan while my master decided to do some investigating on an encounter we had. After that encounter in the vault, I think it’s time I did some of my own. I’m leaving.”
“One of those black paladins knew you.” Jacqué noted.
Zelotes was silent.
“Well, if you’re leaving, I’m coming with!” Jacqué announced, walking over to Zelotes’ side.
Zelotes looked down at her. “Jacqué, from everything I can tell, the path I am taking will lead to extreme danger. I won’t let you be put in harm’s way. I’m doing this alone.”
Jacqué crossed her arms and held her face in a thoughtful manner. “You know, there would be people who would abide by that, mais moi? Non!”
Zelotes shook his head. “Jacqué, please-”
Jacqué spun around in front of him. “You are not getting away from me that easily, think of all the things we could do together! We’ll be the Bladesingers! Jacqué and Zelotes! Or Zelotes and Jacqué! Which do you prefer, Z?”
Zelotes sighed. “Firstly, after all this, you’re willing to go on what could be a suicide mission? And second, only my sister calls me Z.”
“Well firstly, it beats my usual routine. Second, if you don’t like Z, would you prefer that I call you ZZ?” Jacqué inquired.
“Dear gods, that’s worse.” Zelotes commented uninthusiastically.
“Ah, tres mal, ZZ. I’m going with you and there’s nothing you can do to shake your oldest friend.” Jacqué announced, with her brightest smile.
“Did someone say somethin’ about a suicide mission?” Tulbrik asked, stumbling into the room. “Now I’m willing to bet that I could go on one and do just fine, and don’t tell me that you’d like to see me prove it, Zelotes! Because-” Tulbrik burped loudly, “I’m goin’ with ya!”
Xiyloos followed behind Tulbrik. “Despite our… disagreements, Zelotes, I’m rather curious about what may lie ahead in your journey. From what I can already tell, it will involve things outside of the mundane.”
Zelotes faced Xiyloos. “Despite my misgivings with you, Xiyloos, I’ve already got two people who refuse to let me journey alone. You can at least help me protect them.”
“And with your priestburn, the task will be hard enough without me.” Xiyloos commented.
Zelotes turned to face the other two. “We embark tomorrow at noon. Until then, get whatever supplies you all need.” All except Zelotes left the room. Zelotes placed his holy symbol on the post of his bed. He lit a candle below it and began to pray.