The clean up after Ezekiel, Riley, and the Mythics returned was fast. With the cult and Guild forces dead, it meant that the Fjorya had free reign to take back their territory. Of course, there was still the issue with the backup forces that needed to be dealt with, but Wolken decided to go for a fly by. Leaving the assembled elders and Hunters to wait things out for the moment.
Invera volunteered to go with the Mythic Hunter, but was shot down, and told to stay here and wait, or else.
As indignant as she was, Invera knew that she didn’t really have any choice but to obey. Much to the shock of the assembled Fjorya tribes, who had all come to learn of Invera’s power since she had ascended to Tier five.
To see her so restrained, to the point of meekly agreeing to all of Wolken’s demands, made them all realize just how weak they were on the global scale.
They were nothing more than a school of fish within a large lake. Wolken was the shark lurking in the ocean just beyond the coast.
“So, that’s the current situation.” Welt looked tired as he finished explaining the agreement that he had made with the Church of Ten. The elders were already aware, but the Hunters that had been knocked out had to be informed as well. They were all now gathered in the large meeting chamber of their main base.
It didn’t extend to Wolken, who had made his own arrangements with the Church. But the man would remain, for at least a few weeks, to ensure that the Fjorya held up their end of the agreement.
“How dare you!” One of the Hunters from a different tribe slammed his hands on the large table. “You had no right to grant a request that affects the entirety of the Fjorya!”
Judging by the looks on the various Hunters’ faces, not everyone agreed with this man’s opinion. Not even the other Hunters and Mages from his own tribe. Something that he noticed right away.
“You can’t be serious! We’re not actually going to accept this, are we?”
The elder that stood behind the man let out a sigh and rubbed his head in frustration. It was obvious to most that the Fjorya didn’t have a choice anymore. An agreement was made, and if they didn’t follow through with it, that would mean that Wolken would have free reign to do as he wished.
Such things were an uncommon thing, but allowing the wronged party to retaliate as they wished was sometimes used in desperate situations. Though, only when an official contract was used, so that the party that reacted could do so without tarnishing their reputation.
The documents that held Welts magical imprint on them would act as proof, should any other parties decide to stick their noses into things.
“Technically speaking, all they’re asking for is a building, and a place where they can legally protect themselves from outside forces without external interference.” Everyone’s heads swiveled to look at Ezekiel. “They are not requiring you, or any tribes, to do anything that would take away from your own resources. Other than some space and being an eyesore. Maybe receiving individual requests at times. Your lives wouldn’t change. Not noticeably, at least.”
The room fell silent as the Hunters and Mages all thought about Ezekiel’s words. It was a frustrating situation, but they couldn’t deny that his words were true. The Church was only making a presence for themselves. Nothing required them to interact with the Church beyond letting them create a Cathedral, and man it with those that wished to join the Church.
“... The Feathered Peaks will create the area dedicated to the Church of Ten’s Cathedral.” Elder Rosen’s statement drew confused looks his way. “It was an elder of my tribe that made this agreement. It is only right that we be the ones that ensure that the Church’s territory is provided. That way, none of your tribes need to interact with them, outside of official gatherings or meetings where representatives of our tribe accompany them. As all guests would be.”
Rosen’s words seemed to settle most of the worries that the other tribes had. But many were still worried. Now that an answer to their main issue was provided, it almost seemed too good a deal to be true.
“Void Hunter!” an elder from yet another tribe called out. “You were once a member of this Church, correct? What do they gain from this? Why do they ask for a Cathedral to be made, knowing that they will not be welcome, and that we will not be sharing our secrets?”
Sensing the hostility in the man’s posture, Riley and Evelyn moved to stand with Ezekiel. Who only felt exasperated at the situation.
He took a moment to close his eyes and think about it. He wasn’t sure if his thoughts were right, but he also knew that what he thought was the truth might seem insulting. Lying wasn’t an option, though, since they would be able to tell quite easily.
‘I think the truth would be best. They’ve seen the might that the Church of Ten can bring about, if they need to.’ Shine was referencing Wolken, and the ties between him and the Church. ‘Might as well just tell them what the Church probably wants.’
Sighing in frustration, Ezekiel looked at the waiting parties before answering. Placing a hand on both his mother and Riley’s shoulders to calm them down.
“In truth, they want three things. One, to snub the noses of those cultist bastards.” Ezekiel’s words were met with smiles and nods at the thought of tweaking the cult’s noses.
“Second, beyond the Spirit blessed enchanting that your guardians can do, there’s not much that you can provide for them.” Several tribesmen scowled, but Ezekiel continued before they could speak. “That’s not an insult, by the way. But simply the truth. The differences between your people are just too great for them to need the things that you value, and vice versa. At least for now.”
The Fjorya natives seemed placated but confused by Ezekiel’s explanation.
“What do you mean, ‘at least for now?’” the same elder asked.
“That would be the third thing. I mean that they hope to eventually convert some of your tribesmen to the Church of Ten, mostly through trade, and knowledge from beyond the Fjorya. Leading you to no longer be against their presence and becoming more welcoming.” Several disgruntled looks settled on the faces of the tribesmen. “Which would lead you to trading your secrets willingly, interchange for the Church’s own.”
“We would never betray the guardian Spirits!” a younger Mage yelled.
His voice was joined by several others. But they fell quiet at the scathing glares from their elders. Though there was still some soft and furious murmuring spreading through the room.
‘They really have no idea, do they?’ Shine almost chuckled, but Ezekiel could tell that they were holding back. Most likely out of pity.
“It will likely be your guardian Spirits that they strike a deal with.”
The young Mage who yelled nearly snarled in outrage at Ezekiel’s claim.
“What could your Church possibly have that our guardians need?”
“The secrets to Tier five, for one thing.”
A heavy pressure pushed down on the room, and everybody suddenly remembered that Invera was in the room. Perched on a shelf and covered in bandages to aid in her recovery.
Needless to say, the once heated emotions were immediately cooled. Though it was obvious that there were many who wanted to ask more questions. Luckily for them, Invera was willing to explain.
“The memories of Ezekiel’s encounter with Mythic Lightning Hunter to the north allowed me to break through to the Mythic Tier.” Invera hopped onto the table to face the naysayers directly. “Not only that, but the Church of Ten has recently acquired the means by which a Mage can reach Tier four, without the need for a bonded Spirit. If I’m not wrong, a couple of them will be coming to operate out of this new Cathedral. Now, tell me, Adept Mage, what would you trade for that information?”
Dead silence was all that answered her. The Mage in question was open mouthed as he silently gaped like a fish. Unable to answer, but everybody knew that such information was something that many would be willing to sell out for.
This was information that Ezekiel had given Invera when she had privately asked him what had happened, before this meeting had started, but after Wolken’s temporary departure.
“The Feathered Peaks will host the Church of Ten’s Cathedral. Others may come and go as they wish, but no more of this topic will be discussed.” Invera glared at the tribal Hunters and Mages. Few had the guts to lock eyes with her. “Now, get ready, the other Mythic is almost here.”
Ezekiel wasn’t sure just how close Wolken was, but he was amazed at just how fast he had apparently finished his work. The cult and Guilds' reinforcements were in entirely different regions of the Fjorya. It had only been an hour, but apparently, that was more than enough time for a Mythic to wipe out, or at least force back, Legendary forces and below.
Stepping out of the room with the rest of the Hunters from the Fjorya, Ezekiel, Evelyn, and Riley all moved off to the side. Separating themselves from the Fjorya, as they knew that any discussions and work pertaining to the Fjorya’s politics and dealings with the Church did not involve them.
They were merely guests in these mountains, and it wouldn’t be long before they left.
Although, where they would be going was still up for debate.
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Having wrapped up the conflict with the cult, the Fjorya began working with Wolken to hammer out the details that would be passed onto the Church of Ten at a later date. For the moment, this meant that Ezekiel and his group had little to do.
Thus, over the next few days, they started working on their own plans for what they would be doing next. As well as getting reacquainted with Wendy and Ellen. To ensure that they were aware of the situation and had a say in what was going to happen.
While they were still relatively young, Ezekiel knew full well that he and his friends had been through far more when they were the twin’s age.
He and Riley, in particular, had been through a significant number of life-threatening circumstances. While Ezekiel had no desire to see his sisters go through such things, he knew that it was already too late, and it was better to get them prepared, than to keep them away.
“Bigger movements! Your element is meant to be seen, unless specific spells are used to hide your actions. Even then, your offense and defense will be visible. Work with that when you’re fighting. Blinding others is something that you can easily do to those at the same or lower Tier!” Ezekiel shouted instructions and information at Ellen as she charged forward. Suddenly, the axes she was waving around flashed with light that nearly made Ezekiel flinch. “Good! That would’ve stunned any Apprentice, and maybe even an unprepared Adept.”
Waving Shine to intercept Ellen’s attack, he locked weapons with his sister for a brief moment, before knocking her back. Ellen flew through the air, rolling to a stop as Ezekiel leapt forward. Only to have to twist out of the way of an angry golden owl.
Given he wasn’t wearing his Spirit Armor, there was an infinitesimally small, but still present possibility that Kare might be able to damage him if she attacked something like his eyes.
Kare then let out a strobe light effect from her eyes, causing Ezekiel to feel a pressure on his soul. The mental abilities of the Radiant Spirit weren’t nearly enough to do much to him, but he felt that they would be enough to at least make an Adept flinch. So, he did, and Ellen took the opportunity to get herself out of the way while Ezekiel half-heartedly swung at Kare, knocking the little owl out of the air.
Ellen screamed in outrage at seeing her Spirit be injured like that.
“Not bad, but you do not need to get up close and personal when using such attacks.” Ezekiel stepped out of the way of his sister’s thrown ax. “It would’ve been better if you had aimed for my eyes with a laser, I would’ve had to defend my eyes more directly, giving you an opening due to making a blind spot on myself. At which point, you, Kare, would’ve had time to get out of range, and you, Ellen, would’ve had a chance at connecting with that throw.”
Ezekiel thought that his advice was somewhat helpful. It was clear and had provided possible solutions to the issues that he had pointed out.
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A second ax was thrown at his face for the trouble. So, he decided that he would pause the fight and lowered Shine to his side.
Sighing, Ezekiel allowed himself to relax, ever so slightly, and looked up at where his viewers were watching him spar with his sister. All while keeping Ellen and Kare in the corner of his vision.
Up on a roof not far from the sparring grounds, Callrond and Feynari were watching their daughter and niece. Originally, Ezekiel had worried that the golden bird was upset at him for training his sister and her Spirit. Especially when Callrond was a Legendary Radiant Spirit that could teach them magic.
Apparently, since Callrond knew nothing of fighting alongside a bonded Mage, he was curious as to what Ezekiel was going to teach. Same as Feynari. So, the twin Spirits decided to simply stay at a distance and be silent. They would speak up when Ezekiel was finished.
“Rah!”
Ezekiel stepped back to avoid the ax construct that Ellen tried to bring down on his head. Given his natural durability, it would’ve scraped and bruised him at worst, but he knew he couldn’t give too much of a handicap.
Only through adversity would his sister’s soul grow stronger, after all.
So, before she could recover, he kicked her in the stomach, sending her reeling, and making her gag as she tried to hold down her lunch.
Followed by a sword holding backhand that knocked Kare into Ellen. Bringing her to the ground once more.
“Alright. I think that’s enough for battle practice.” Ezekiel put Shine into their sheath. “Come on, we’ll meditate for a bit, regain your strength, and then practice your spell work. Okay?”
Ellen didn’t reply at first, but as Ezekiel held out a hand to help her, she took it without complaint after catching her breath. A frustrated and helpless look in her eyes as Ezekiel saw her holding back tears. A sense of guilt began gnawing at him.
“I know I’m not a Radiant user like dad, but I’m sure that I’ll be able to help you develop your spells.” Ezekiel pulled her to her feet. Bending down to pick up Kare as well. Who hopped over to Ellen’s shoulder. “If not, then I can at least act as a test dummy while Callrond instructs you.”
He looked over his shoulder at the Legendary chords watching them and received a nod in return. Which made him relax for a little bit.
‘They won’t be able to help when we leave. At this rate, Wendy will get much further along, and that might not be a good thing in the long run.’ Shine silently pointed out to Ezekiel. ‘Are we certain that bringing them with us to wherever we’re going is a good idea? Perhaps we can get them to Sanafalls, before heading west and entering the Morathi Alliance by sea?’
As much as Ezekiel wanted to agree with Shine, he knew that leaving them behind was completely different from keeping them from the front lines. Especially when they were planning on getting his father back from the Kindled family.
Warren had been captured for too long for Ezekiel’s tastes. So, it only made sense to him that they would begin making efforts to rescue him. Efforts that Ellen and Wendy would demand that they be a part of.
But as Shine mentioned Sanafalls, that gave Ezekiel an idea.
‘Perhaps we can take them on a few expeditions in the Archipelago. That way they can see how dangerous this will be for them.’ Ezekiel replied. ‘Of course, that’s assuming we can even get down there, what with the fact that cults control the ports in Tarquessa.’
Shine had no rebuttal for that and remained silent as Ezekiel fell into a meditative state alongside his sister. Both allowed the mana around them to slowly accumulate inside them, recovering their reserves for later.
For now, Ezekiel would hold back on his thoughts about their immediate plans.
The Church was sending some officials to start the construction of the Cathedral, which would take a couple months to complete.
Hopefully, Kris, George, and Fiana would all be there, and he would be able to get some advice from an outside perspective. They would also have news that neither he, nor his mother, were privy to, due to their isolation in the Fjorya.
Hopefully, their stalled plans would fall into place once they got more information. Then they could finally figure out where exactly they could go. Since both Tarquessa, the Willowbrush Empire, and the ocean were cut off from them.
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Ezekiel and his group sat silently as they waited for the Grand Scholar to arrive with Wolken. It hadn’t been more than a couple of days since the members of the Church of Ten had arrived. Construction had started right away, and the foundation had already been laid out.
For the most part, the continuing meetings and talks had become a great annoyance, and the family was growing impatient. Especially Ellen and Wendy, who were tired of being trained into the ground by Ezekiel and their mother.
This time around, the twins were also included in the meeting, as it would be something that determined their future too. Given they were fifteen years old at this point, they were more than old enough by this world’s standards to make that choice.
A knock on the door drew the attention of the five human occupants and their Spirits.
“Apologies for the delay. Given how quickly things have been progressing, we seem to have taken a bit too much of a leap when it comes to the construction efforts.” Kris entered the room in front of Wolken, who was followed by Fiana and George.
Ezekiel knew that they had come along with the Churches forces but hadn’t gotten a chance to speak with them. He was also aware that Marc and Cinder were here but hadn't gotten a chance to speak with them either.
Now, I believe that you were hoping for some updates regarding yours and the world’s situation, correct?”
Ezekiel and Evelyn nodded, while Riley and the twins just stayed silent. Though it was obvious that Wendy and Ellen were nervous and were moments away from saying something.
A hand on their shoulders from Riley kept them silent.
“That is, indeed, correct. Specifically, we were hoping that we might be able to make use of the Church of Ten’s network to get to the Morathi Alliance in a safe and swift manner.” Evelyn stood from her seat and moved to help Kris sit down after seeing that Wolken wasn’t doing anything.
Kris nodded in thanks, and Evelyn returned to her spot, while Fiana and George took their own seats next to Kris.
“Unfortunately, in this situation, getting help from the Church as a whole will be difficult.” The Grand Scholar proceeded to take several documents that Fiana removed from her Void Pouch and laid them out across the table.
Ezekiel felt his blood run cold at what he saw drawn and written on the papers in front of him.
They were wanted posters that depicted his, his mother’s, the twins, and Riley’s faces. Each one had a bounty written beneath them and were all stamped with the official mark of the Emperor of the Willowbrush Empire. Which would already be bad enough, but things were worse when he saw the mark next to it.
A gold seal depicting a man with his arms out accompanied the Emperor’s sigil. An altered symbol of the Church of Ten. One that was used for their publicly known official documents.
This was undisputed proof that the Cult had infiltrated the Empire and ensured that it was now just as dangerous for them as a kingdom as Tarquessa.
“How can this be!? The Emperor is an idiot, that’s well known, but how the hell have the Exalts allowed this to happen? “Ezekiel’s outraged yell made the twins rear back, while Riley leaned forward to get a better look.
Her eyes widened in shock at the familiar seal. Evelyn was no better off.
“The Exalts are only there to ensure that the Emperor doesn't do anything that could endanger the Empire, and to ensure that the Empire itself remains safe from external forces.” Kris clasped her hands in front of her face. “In this situation, the cult had made no overt or threatening moves toward the Empire. Regardless of the so-called ‘rumors’ that the Emperor is writing off. It doesn’t help that most, if not all, of the upper echelons of the Empire have been converted to the Cult of Light. It’s actually gotten so bad that the Church has begun removing and relocating the more important documents and secrets kept within the Cathedrals spread throughout the Empire.”
Ezekiel started seeing red. The thought that the cult could have gotten so far ingrained into the Empire was infuriating. It solidified the idea in his mind that the nobles of the Empire were the least deserving of life at the moment.
“At this point, it has been successfully argued that the removal of the cult would, in fact, be detrimental to the Empire’s well-being. So, the Exalts have been forced to let them continue operating.”
“But what about all the actions they took against the Empire? The cult was directly responsible for the uprising in Harkem ten years ago. As well as causing unrest and working against the Exalt, and the Empire, when the Cruor invaded last year.”
“Oaths were sworn, and the cult has been cleared of all prior crimes after paying reparations for their actions.”
“Reparations that the cult no-doubt took from Tarquessa after conquering it.”
Kris and Ezekiel’s back and forth statements were growing louder. Neither was happy with the situation, and it was obvious that Ezekiel was on the verge of lashing out. Rising from his seat, he was about to let Kris have a piece of his mind.
“Sit down.”
Ezekiel felt a force push down on his shoulders as Wolken spoke. His voice was dull and quiet, but still deep, and rumbled with power.
The moment he found himself in his chair once more, Ezekiel realized that he had been slowly releasing more and more mana as he spoke. Clarity returned to him like a splash of ice water poured onto his head. He immediately realized that he had crossed a line.
Worse yet, he saw his sisters gasping for breath where they were hunched over the table.
But no one else said anything. Neither Riley nor his mother were calm. Both were just as outraged as Ezekiel. Though, Evelyn did move to comfort his sisters.
“If this is what’s been happening, then what the hell can we do?” Ezekiel hated the way his voice nearly cracked from the sudden helplessness he was feeling. “Our entire family is wanted in two major world factions, and my father has been taken, and is being tortured and turned by the cult as we speak!”
Kris' eyes changed from the hardened and emotionless gaze she held when she spoke about the cult in the Empire. Her demeanor became gentler as she took in Ezekiel’s feelings regarding the situation.
“Believe it or not, I do care about your situation, and I do wish that you didn’t have to go through this. You, in particular, deserve to be called a hero, and a pioneer.” Kris presented several more documents, this time from George. “Which is why, after your theories were proven by the Church, we have decided to throw our full support in keeping you safe. Including hiring a Mythical Hunter to get you far from the influence of the Empire and Tarquessa.”
The new forms Kris had provided were transcripts detailing the agreements made by the majority of the Churches. They noted the achievements and merits that Ezekiel had made. Including the study and determination of the factors necessary for reaching Tier four, without a Spirit.
However, the major focus of these documents was the contract, signed by Exalt Wolken, agreeing to take Ezekiel and his family to anywhere else in the world. Ensuring that they would have access and support from whatever Cathedral was in the area.
“We can’t do anything about your father right now,” Kris continued. “As it is, the Empire’s support for the Kindled family is making the Morathi Alliance a dangerous place, and it seems like war is once more on the horizon. Though, we can confirm a few things.”
Ezekiel and his family leaned in to listen.
“First, your father won’t be killed. He’s very important as a main branch family member. Especially as a Legendary Radiant Hunter.” This helped keep Ezekiel and Evelyn calm, but the worry was still there. “Second, the Kindled family has not handed his over to the cult and is unlikely to turn him into a weapon or a tool any time soon. We expect that you should have a year, maybe two, before things take a turn for the worse.”
Ezekiel saw his mother sag into her chair. Relief flooded through her as she nearly slumped over. He wanted to join her, but he knew that his father being alive meant that he would suffer all the longer.
They had already gotten confirmation from the Church that the Kindled family had extracted information from Warren not long ago, after all.
“With this information, my suggestion to you, for now, is to run. Find sanctuary in either the Archipelago or make your way to Quintessa. There, you need to get stronger, while we continue our own efforts against the cult in our own way.”
Ezekiel wanted to disagree. He wanted to say that he needed to go and rescue his father now. It was something he had determined when he first found out his father was taken.
But he also knew that taking on the Kindled family alone was a death wish. The only way they might have a chance at winning was if they could get aid from the Shrouded family.
“Fine.” Ezekiel turned to Evelyn, who had apparently made the decision for them. “We’ll accept the Church's protection, but no matter what happens, we will not be restricted from getting my husband back, when the opportunity presents itself.”
Turning to the twins, he saw that they were in no state to answer but seemed to agree with their mother.
“That’s fine. Now, if you are packed and ready, I would suggest leaving soon. Archipelago, or Quintessa. Where will you go?”
Originally, the family had wanted to get more information before taking their time to make the decision. But it was apparent that they needed to make a choice soon. Or else they might miss their ride with Wolken.
“Ezekiel, which would you suggest? I’ve never been to either, but you’ve at least been to the Archipelago.” Eelyn asked her son.
‘Going back to the Archipelago to see everybody would be nice. But there might be some bad blood due to how we left.’ Shine chimed in as Ezekiel thought about it. ‘We’d probably have to restart our power base no matter what.’
‘Agreed. But I don’t trust that the cult hasn’t infiltrated Quintessa. The Archipelago, at least, has a general distaste for outside forces, as well as an established hatred for the cult.’
Ezekiel focused on Wolken, the only person there that had come from Quintessa.
“Exalt Wolken,” Ezekiel decided to be direct, “Can you guarantee that the cult has no presence in Quintessa?”
Wolken smiled viciously. Amusement danced in his eyes.
“I was hoping you would ask that. Yes, the cult has been caught operating in Quintessa. But they’ve failed to get too much of a foothold. My Guild and I have ensured that. Alongside the Church of Ten, which operates primarily out of the only human controlled Temple of the Void.”
That was another thing that Ezekiel had to take into consideration. Quintessa had more possible opportunities that the Archipelago just didn’t.
Turning to his family, he saw that, even with this information, they were waiting for his decision. There was no chance that they could rescue Warren at this time, so a different path needed to be laid out.
“I’m sorry, but can you please leave us alone for a few minutes to discuss things privately?”
Kris nodded, and the Scholars and Wolken stepped outside.
Ezekiel turned to his family and Riley. He knew that the next few minutes were going to be tough.
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A week later, Ezekiel and Riley were seated on the back of Wolken’s Spirit. After a short discussion with his mother and sisters, they had decided to spit up.
Evelyn would take the twins and go to the Archipelago. Where the twins would be able to get more training, and develop their skills by working with the Church, and possibly with the Island Hoppers Guild. This would help them make progress toward the higher Tiers, where they would have the power to affect the outcome when they eventually met up to rescue their father.
Meanwhile, Ezekiel and Riley had made an agreement of their own with Wolken.
In exchange for making the stop over at Sanafalls, the two would officially join the Prime Guild. Where they would go to Quintessa and spend some time fighting on the front lines of the Desolate Lands, as well as making efforts to purge the cult directly.
“I hope the both of you are ready.” Wolken didn’t bother turning around as he addressed the two Hunters that now bore his Guild’s emblem. “You might’ve thought that things have been hard for you, given your experiences over the past year, but I assure you, things will get worse.”
Neither Riley nor Ezekiel looked concerned by Wolken’s words. If anything, Ezekiel felt excited. He would be getting a distraction from his failures, and additional training to boot.
“Will we get stronger?” Ezekiel asked.
“If you don’t, you’ll die.” Was Wolken’s reply.
Now, for most, Wolken’s words would be daunting, but Riley and Ezekiel had already been through so much, all they felt was their determination growing stronger. So, Ezekiel just smiled. Happy that he wouldn’t be growing stagnant as he continued his training. Shine seemed to share these sentiments, if the anticipation Ezekiel felt through their bond was any indication.
“Good.”
The rest of the journey was silent, with Ezekiel and Riley meditating, hoping to make even the smallest bit of progress before they landed.
The were going to need it.