MEANWHILE

“So let me get this straight,” said Captain Horax. “You had a level two child wearing Graded equipment in your grasp and you chose to… leave him in a dungeon. And now you want me to prepare a squad to capture him upon his arrival?”

“Not capture,” said Vidari. “Contain him. I don’t think a direct confrontation would be advisable.”

“And the reason you’re all worked up is because of a level two child?” The grey bearded captain shook his head in disbelief. “Am I the only one who thinks this might be a little bit of an over reaction?”

“I must admit,” said Brother Lecter, the tall, scarred man with a rash of tattoos that covered his neck and arms in the shape of coiling chain. “This does seem rather hysterical.”

“You didn’t see him. When we first targeted him, he was level one. I’ve never seen anything like it. Within a few minutes, he was able to hold his own against two level fives.”

“That does sound unusual,” said Brother Lecter. “But it still doesn’t sound like anything serious.”

“Then, he defeated a level eight shifter,” said Vidari. “He defeated her in a single hit.”

“Still,” said Captain Horax. “I’m sure there is nothing to be so concerned over. The conflict between a Frontier Rookie and a Sister of the Faith was unfortunate, but the matter has been resolved.”

“Yes, all is forgiven,” said Sister Franki. “It seems the Sister in question was acting on her own volition. We seek no dispute with The Frontier.”

“And there shall be no dispute,” said the captain.

“However,” said Sister Franki. “Perhaps, considering the significance of our departed Sister and the unusualness of the request from this rookie, perhaps we should listen to what she recommends?”

“Of course.” Brother Lecter bowed his head. “Please, Rookie, what is it you recommend exactly?”

Vidari looked at the captain and he nodded permission.

“I think we should try to recruit him. He’s dangerous, but that doesn’t mean we are without options. For now, we have leverage over him.” Vidari nodded towards the sleeping Riffy. “He is strangely attached to this creature.”

“You think we should threaten the squirrel if he doesn’t comply?” asked the captain.

“The squirrel is injured. If we promise to heal it, he may agree to whatever terms we suggest.”

“If you wanted to recruit him,” said Brother Lecter. “Why did you throw him into a dungeon? That hardly seems to be the ideal way to treat a potential ally.”

“We wanted time to give you forewarning, Captain,” Vidari said, addressing her response to The Frontier veteran. “If Imber hadn’t pushed him, we wouldn’t have been able to prepare a story with you.”

The captain nodded while he considered Vidari’s statement. “And you say he wears Graded armour?”

“On his legs, yes Captain.”

“That certainly will be valuable for the Smith division,” the captain acknowledged.

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“And I’m sure the expected value will be shared with The Faith?” asked Sister Franki.

“I don’t see what claim the Sister’s could have over the gear?”

“In your own agents report, it was clearly stated that the culprit attacked two of our Devoted Sisters.”

“One of those Devoted Sisters was a disguised monster,” Imber muttered before Vidari could hush him.

“You are all missing the point,” said Katri. “The blasphemer cannot be permitted to escape. His punishment must be execution. The All-Mother did not choose this target for my first clairvoyance by mere happenstance. My vision was a warning, and it is a warning we must heed. The violence committed against me cannot be so easily ignored, but if you must ignore such savagery, you simply cannot ignore his heretical nature. If faith alone does not force your hand, then The Frontier should take the Graded equipment, but for me, the course of order is simple.”

“Of course, Sister Katri,” said Sister Franki. “The All-Mother has chosen well. Such wise words from one so young.”

Brother Lecter chuckled. “He certainly made an impression.”

Imber raised his hand and the captain considered him for a moment.

“Speak.”

“I don’t think he’s as bad as all that, sir. He’s a quick learner, that’s for sure. And what he says is blasphemous, I’ll give her that. But he’s just a kid.”

“A kid you pushed into a dungeon,” said Brother Lecter. “Why are we even discussing this. We should just send a squad to clear out the dungeon and peel his armour of the corpse they find.”

“Oh, he’ll survive the dungeon, sir,” said Imber.

“He’ll be coming this way,” said Vidari. “And soon. We need to decide what to do with him. If we don’t act quickly, the decision will no longer be in our hands. He makes no attempt to hide his gear or hold his tongue. If The Frontier doesn’t get to him quickly, someone else will. We should help him. Ask him to join up. Heal his squirrel and send him on his way.”

“It is not his squirrel,” said Katri. “Squiffy is mine and he needs no healing. He is simply asleep. I cast Sacred Rest on him, he will awaken once the magic wears off. I have kept him sleeping to ensure the heretics compliance. Once this NULL is vanquished, Squiffy will come home with me. This is the All-Mother’s will and I will see it carried out.”

“Sister Katri is the All-Mother’s chosen. One day she will be head of the faith. Perhaps, we should listen to her,” said Sister Franki, her expression betrayed her uncertainty.

“I do not wish to insult the All-Mother’s chosen, Sister. But is not our practice to execute untried children.”

“Then hold a trial,” said Katri. “Summon the council and charge the heretic. You have a crime committed, you have witnesses, and soon you will have the perpetrator. What else do you need?”

A silence filled the room, broken only by Imber’s heavy sigh.

Finally the Captain spoke, “The crime of blasphemy hasn’t been punished in Pentamorel in half a century. However, the act of attacking a Sister of the Faith is punishable, in certain cases, by death. As the All-Mother’s chosen, you have every right to press such charges. I will issue a command to arrest the boy the moment he enters the city. You have until that time to change your mind.”

“My mind, like the All-Mother’s will, shall not be diverted from the true path. I hope Captain, that you will see to it that neither your agent nor her companion will have a crisis of loyalty and make the mistake of sending a message to the heretic, warning him of what awaits him?”

“These two are witnesses to a crime. They will remain in protective custody until their testimony can be received by the council,” said Captain Horax. “Now, Sisters, Brother, I must bid you fair well. I have other matters to attend to.”

The captain led Imber and Vidari out of the room while the clerics bid them goodbye.

Sister Katri stepped up to the window and looked to the gates of Pentamorel City. She lifted the sleeping squirrel up to her lips and kissed the soft fur on his head. As her eyes watched the darkening trail, the cruel smile on her plump lips turned fanatically vengeful.

From the corner of the room, Brother Lecter averted his gaze. He knew from past experience that the All-Mother’s chosen were a peculiar group of individuals, but he was always glad to be charged with their protection. The chosen always seemed to be where the action was greatest and Brother Lecter was itching for a fight.

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