Chapter 29 – The Charter
Devon strode into the great hall of the emperor himself. The meeting was set, and everything was hanging on this going well. His friends' lives, his life, and the life of that strange boy were on the line. Devon’s emotions had been running wild since that first encounter with the death-touched boy and the subsequent betrayal by Merikh.
His inside grew cold from rage every time he thought about that so-called follower of Dawn. To be harboring such a vile creature and then unleashing it on his men. Devon knew the inquisitors were zealots in many ways than one, but this was too much. To force an abomination of Morkin on true believers just to kill one heretic. How many of them were equally corrupt he wondered?
The rage turned colder as he remembered the first interaction he had with the Watching One and his minions, just after getting back to the Capital.
The Heman Empire's capital was situated at the delta of the Stedbrooke River and Terrokar Lake. It formed a wide circle around the various islands of the delta. The lake and the river were profitable for trade by ship and the rich soil of the land gave high yields to the crops planted here. The city was large, with several million people living within, mostly unawakened but the pacified countryside kept them safe even though the zone was located in a silver-ranked zone.
Having used the emergency teleportation bead he had been given by his mentor. Devon appeared at the teleportation pad of the Palace of the Hallowed Sun. Startling a group of nobles waiting for their turn. The sensation was as alien as usual, the feeling of nothing then the crushing weight of the world settling on his shoulders again.
Devon heard someone gasp and a pair of soft slippers could be heard, quickly running away. He turned towards the leader of the Paladin guard. The three orders kept an honor guard in case of emergencies and for the occasion a high-ranking individual in need of an escort should arrive.
The Inquisitor guards were staring at Devon with hostility in their eyes, but their Judicator commander kept silent. Devon knew that word had already reached them, and he knew who they would side with if he couldn’t prove his claim.
The Priests and their Bishop stared at the proceeding with puzzled expressions. Perhaps they didn’t know what was going on Devon wondered.
“Captain Arthon. It's good to see you again. Please send word to the Highest One that I need to see him immediately. It’s a matter of life and Death.” He recognized the Paladin commander from his time serving under Wodan. He was a good man, Devon thought.
“Lord Chadwick. Welcome back.” He saluted at attention as did the other Paladins.
“I sent a runner as soon as we noticed your signature coming through. If we’re lucky, you’ll get a summons before...” The captain was interrupted by the sound of armored boots approaching, a lot of armored boots.
A contingent of twenty Inquisitors rounded the corner. Devon swore to himself, this would complicate things. The leader, an Apostle, took two steps forward.
“Lord Devon Chadwick III, you are hereby summoned for Interiatius before the Watching One himself. You are to come with us immediately. Failure to do so will see you Excomunicatus and banished from the Empire.” The man was staring daggers at Devon as he spoke.
Devon flinched at his full name. That made him much more uncomfortable than the threat. He knew they couldn’t enforce that threat, not yet at least. It was however unfortunate that the Watching One had called him so soon. Devon hoped it was because of the lies Merikh had told and not because of shared guilt.
“Sorry, I didn’t get your name, Apostle?” Devon spoke in his most annoying noble voice. Like the presence of the man before him was an insult to his very being. Which it in a kind of way was.
“I am Apostle Gareth and I insist you come with me. Your crimes are to be confessed before the highest authority. I have been authorized to bring you by force if I have to.” The man smugly said as he straightened even further.
The rasp of weapons being drawn, and the sound of plate armor moving, made the Apostle twitch as he looked from Devon to Captain Arthon.
“Speak like that again to the Highest One’s ward and I'll finally send you to the goddesses myself, Apostle.” Arthon spat his words and they were dripping with venom.
The paladins had moved and were standing across from the Inquisitors who had been joined by the guard force. Both groups were staring at each other, and the threat of violence lay heavily in the air. The two groups had never liked each other, and their mutual disgust was about to come to a head.
The priests were whispering and had moved away, clutching their weapons and talismans. No one wanted to interfere, even if several of the group shoot dirty looks toward the Inquisitors.
Devon was unsure of how he could defuse the situation without causing a fight that would level this part of the castle and send repercussions all the way up to the throne. As he opened his mouth to speak, a small whisper of air reached him and he immediately turned and kneeled.
The others hadn’t trained with a silver rank before and didn’t notice the arrival. A small cough and a throat clearing made both Arthon and Gareth turn towards the new arrival. Their faces were both shocked and expressive. Arthon kneeled with respect written across his face while Gareth hesitantly did the same but with fear written across his features.
“That’s enough of that. Rise.” The voice was deep and commanding, carrying the absolute knowledge that he would be obeyed.
“Master. I have grave news. Merikh the Apostle has...” A hand gesture cut him off.
“Be silent boy. We will talk in my office.” Woden the Highest One of the Church of Dawn in the Heman Empire said with finality. His large frame towered over Devon as he crossed his heavily muscled arms. His aura pulsed and every person within fifty meters who already hadn’t done so, kneeled as the pressure sent them stumbling.
“Of course. I am sorry, Uncle.” Devon said. Wodan ignored him, instead focusing on the two leaders before him.
“Captain, get back to your duties, and you Apostle... Tell your master that he can come to speak with the boy in my office any time he wants. There will however be no such thing as an Excomunicato while I am still alive. Do I make myself clear?” It wasn’t a question as much as it was a statement written in stone.
“Ye...yes my lord. As you say.” The Apostle stammered and got to his feet, quickly retreating from the situation. His men followed him, cowed for now. The paladins were just as quick in getting back to their positions, respect, and fear warring on their features, they were glad for the helmets covering their faces.
Devon smirked at the retreating inquisitor's back. The smirk quickly disappeared as he saw the disapproving eyes of his mentor.
The two started walking, Wodan leading the way and Devon following like a cowed dog.
---
A few days later Devon walked into the great hall of the palace, and he took a moment to take in the grandeur of the hall. The marbled floor and walls were covered in depictions and murals of great victories during the empire's glorious reign and conquests. The simple design of it all made it hold a more serious tone than the pomp and opulence other nations or organizations may flaunt.
The walls held several large windows with painted glass, casting the room into a rainbow of colors as the rising sun shone down upon the meeting. It was tradition to hold the most important of meetings at dawn, to receive the blessing of the goddess. Devon felt like he was stepping into a holy place as the rays fell on him. Heads turned and watched him approach the right side of the room where his mentor was waiting. Next to him stood the Wisest One, a man so old his white beard almost reached the floor. He was still strong and sure in his ways, but he had lost much of his bulk these last couple of years. He was not long for this world and the others knew it, he would not ascend to gold and his time was running out.
On the other side of Wodan sat the Watching One, Gabriel Machevi. A thin man with sunk-in cheeks and hard eyes. His powers lay not in the physical for he was a mage of great strength. Rumors were that he would reach gold soon and move on from the empire. Devon met the man's eyes and they held contempt and a keen intelligence. Wodan always spoke of the threat the man posed toward any enemies of the faith or the throne.
The three men were the strongest silvers in the room but there were a few others mixed into the crowd, it seemed that this meeting was to be in front of the entire council of high nobles. Devon walked passed several groups of nobles, standing with their houses or allies. Devon ignored the cold stare from his father as he passed the house closest to the church leaders, his house. House Chadwick was a powerful house and they had many scions, none with as much potential as Devon though. The fact that he had chosen to leave the house and serve under Wodan was a smack to the face for his father, Chadwick Chadwick. Ridiculous name Devon thought for the millionth time.
As he approached the end of the great table pressure started to build around him, one not aimed at him but something not so easily ignored either. When he reached the end of the table he kneeled before the throne. The throne was carved out of a single block of stone taken from a gold zone, the material far stronger than anything this zone could produce. The thing was several meters high with steps leading up to it, allowing the person sitting in it to see everything going on in the room.
Upon the throne sat the Emperor, Augustini Hercul Heman. A strong man in the prime of his life, several hundred years old already and he looked no older than 25. The immortality of his golden rank showed clearly. He was a handsome man as many ascended where. The process of ascending chiseling away at the impurities and irregularities in their bodies.
His skin was glistening, and his tanned complexion accentuated his golden armor and golden hair. His steely blue eyes looked at Devon and gave away nothing.
Upon his head sat the crown of Heman. The suppression runes flared with a dim white light. The runes brought the emperor down to peak silver, helping him survive in the, to him, less dense mana of a silver zone. Something could not be suppressed, like his aura. It was pressing down upon all those assembled, and it would have forced everyone to their knees if he weren’t actively suppressing it as much as he could.
Devon had always held a deep respect for the emperors, they chose to suppress themselves until their heir was ready to take the throne, which could take many years as with Augustini who still hadn’t sired a child and who had been emperor far longer than his father. Emperor Augustini Harkan had left the empire to join a gold zone and rumors said he was still alive and even approaching titanium rank.
After kneeling, Devon rose and took his place behind Wodan. No one spoke to the emperor unless spoken to.
Devon watched the backs of the three leaders of the church, their posture giving away nothing but calm confidence. Nervousness had been spreading from his stomach for the last twenty minutes. Already he felt that getting this meeting had taken too long. He didn’t know what was happening with his friends. He knew they were on the move, and he trusted Liara with his life as well as Korgan. Morgana was a wild card, but he trusted her nonetheless. He wondered if she had reached Dunhaven yet. The trip was long, but she excelled in crossing harsh terrain as fast as possible.
Stolen story; please report.
A slight clearing of a throat and all eyes turned toward the emperor, followed by various degrees of prostration depending on rank.
“Begin.” The voice of the emperor carried across the hall with only a whisper. To the lower-ranked members of his court, the pressure of his voice was suffocating. His voice was young and strong holding within it the utter knowledge that what he said would be obeyed.
“Your majesty. This council is a waste of your and our time. This is why we have the inquisition, to stamp out heretics within our borders. Send them and let us focus on more pressing matters. Like the Worenian threat from the north, or the Ebon Halls expansion in the south.” Lord Atwood took command as he usually did, Devon thought to himself.
The man was a brute of a man, large and wide with arms the size of tree trunks. A snakeskin coat adorned his shoulders like it always did. A kill from his youth.
“Rash as always Atwood. This new threat is bigger than you and your lacking intelligence gathering knows.” Count Asano, a lithe and thin man with dark hair and piercing eyes responded with derision.
“Do you want to sit back and search for a better option as always Asano? You and your house are rogues and assassins. No true warrior amongst you, or maybe you only lack courage?” The duke laughed as more and more voices joined the discussion.
Three sentences in and the council was already at each other's throats. Devon sighed as he leaned back. He wondered when Woden would speak up but the three order leaders just stood there silently, letting the nobles argue.
“He is just one man and a boy at that, we should just send a squad of Paladins and be done with it.” An unknown, to Devon, Baron said.
“Haven’t you heard? He has already defeated a bronze-ranked Apostle and a battalion of inquisitors! Slew them to the last man and raised their bodies for his growing horde.” A countess exclaimed loudly, cutting through the raised voices.
The woman probably didn’t mean to speak so loudly and she cast a fearful eye toward Gabriel, the Watching One. His stoic look turned into a slight frown and seeing the expression almost made the woman faint.
Rumors had flourished and the battle had certainly changed. None had mentioned the devourer though and Devon was certain that Gabriel was to blame for that.
“The heretic will be brought to justice under our Lady,” Gabriel spoke slowly, his anger simmering underneath his calm veneer.
“He will. True justice that is. The boy must be brought in to repent and learn of his foolish ways.” Woden suddenly spoke, waiting for this opportunity.
The two church leaders looked at each other and the court fell silent as they watched the exchange. Several people seemed cowed by the potential conflict between the two powerful men. Others like Duke Atwood and Count Asano watched with interest, secure in their standing and watching for weaknesses in their political opponents.
“That boy as you call him. Has bested a dungeon, alone. Then he killed a dozen of my children after turning the rest toward sin and corruption. He even managed to summon a Devourer that he foolishly couldn’t control. Showing that he is not just in league with the Carrior Lord but with Morking the Eternal Hunger as well!” Gabriel raised his voice and the manic glint in his eyes that so many knew so well flared to life.
A wave of whispers went through the court and several smaller discussions broke out. The countess did faint this time.
“Lies! It was Meri...” Devon suddenly stood, his anger flaring at the lies, he had been there and had seen what really happened. Before he could finish his sentence a flick of Woden's aura slapped his own and he fell silent with a shocked expression.
The Highest One looked at Devon and gave him a small shake of his head.
Anger burned within Devon, but he kept his mouth shut.
“Tales of the encounter have spread far and wide and have been twisted to be unrecognizable. Those that were there would speak and retell their story. Perhaps then we could get to the bottom of what really happened?” Woden's voice was smooth, he was a warrior of high renown, and many underestimated his prowess in the courts as well.
“Yes, I agree,” Gabriel said just as smoothly. Devon narrowed his eyes, there was something off with the man's tone. He found out why a second later.
“I call upon Captain Christian Ventrell. Leader of the expedition sent to quell the dark threat to our east.” Devon flinched and looked toward the double doors that slowly opened.
Ventrell walked in but Devon didn’t recognize him at first. His head had been shaven and several tattoos adorned his head and face. He was skinnier than before, much skinnier considering it hadn’t been that many days since Devon last saw him.
The tattoos were a punishment by the Inquisition, symbols of his transactions and heretical faults. Even though they spoke of his guilt he was still armed and armored. He strode inside with a confident gaze and straight back. Devon knew the man since they were young and he had always been vain. Now he seemed to flaunt his baldness and tattoos.
Devon avoided looking toward the Ventrells who stood next to the Chadwicks, mostly because he didn’t want to meet his father's disappointed eyes.
Ventrell moved up before the three leaders, stopping to kneel before the throne. The emperor was silently watching, as usual, not acknowledging any of the proceedings so far.
“Captain Ventrell, you were sent to the east on the advice of a high-leveled Seer. Is that correct?” Gabriel said as he stood. He looked toward the gathered nobility as he spoke, not even giving the man before him a look.
“Hold there Gabriel. I think you as his superior should take a step back and let me question him. I suspect your Apostles and Interrogators have already had their turn?” Woden said with a friendly smile.
The two men stared at each other and turned toward the throne and the emperor. The man watched and his expression gave nothing away. With an almost imperceivable nod, he signaled Woden to continue. Gabriel frowned but sat back down.
“Christian my boy. You’ve looked better. Please tell the court how you came to be in the province of Linchester.” Woden smiled toward the tattooed man who frowned and fearfully glanced toward the Watching One. After getting silent permission he started to speak.
His voice was hoarse, and it sounded like he hadn’t had water in several days, his demeanor gave nothing away though and he acted like everything was fine. Devon wondered what he had endured. He also spared a thought wondering what had happened to the ones who had joined him in fleeing south.
Ventrell gave a quick summary of the events leading up to Bel’s emergence from the dungeon, after that, his retelling started to deviate. Devon had to bite his tongue many times as the man continued his retelling. He described how Bel had emerged and quickly killed two of his men and raised them into his growing horde, a horde which sounded much larger than what it was the last time Devon saw it.
He continued with the story, adding things that didn’t happen or exaggerating his own part in what had happened.
When he finally came to the part of the devourer Devon could not be silent anymore.
“Apparently the man had help from supposed true believers and misfits of this realm. The elven priestess Liara and the dwarven berserker Korgan joined Bel in a ritual to summon something, and that something turned out to be a Devourer of Morkin!” As Christian spoke the last part several murmurs and gasps could be heard in the otherwise silent room.
“That is a bald-faced lie, Christian! Don’t you dare slander my friends!” Devon rose and his hands hurt from clenching them too hard. He was to step forward and challenge the man when an arm came up to block him. Woden looked at him with silent admonish and Devon felt his face go red.
“Where is the lie, dear cousin? Your friends are with him even now as we speak are they not?”
“They are, to help him, to make him see what he has been forced into. Because he is just as much a victim of his situation as anyone caught in the net of the Carrion Lord.” No one said anything and Woden lowered his arm. Taking the act as a go-ahead, Devon continued.
“It was not him that summoned the creature, but a stasis necklace. A necklace that was worn by the Apostle Merikh! And only after he was defeated in single combat by Belmont.” Devon was hoping that using the boy's full name would somewhat humanize him.
Those words sent a bigger reaction throughout the room and Machevi got to his feet.
“I have personally spoken to Apostle Merikh, who was severely wounded in the conflict with the Devourer and the Heretic. He has corroborated the story of the Ventrell boy. Are you suggesting that I and those closest to me would consort with the Lord of Monsters, young Chadwick?” His voice was cool and collected but it held a loosely veiled threat.
“I... believe some people may use methods that are not conformed to the laws of the empire in the over-zealously toward what they deem unacceptable,” Devon said smoothly, he knew he was treading on dangerous grounds now.
“Then let me assure the court and the emperor that no such actions have been taken by me or my servants.” The man bowed slightly toward the throne.
The emperor watched silently, a small frown on his forehead. That frown made Devon sweat underneath his expensive clothing.
“There are many accusations and not a lot of proof being tossed around,” Woden spoke up, drawing the attention back to him, as the nobles stopped gossiping and whispering.
Devon glanced toward his father for a moment and saw that the fat bastard was watching him intently. He was probably more worried about the ramification to house Chadwick than anything else, even if it cost an innocent man his life. Devon frowned and looked away.
“Then we shall bring back evidence, allow me to send a battalion of inquisitors and we shall have the heretic in custody within a week.” Gabriel smoothly interjected.
“That is foolish, we already know what happens to your untrained meat shields Gabriel. Allow me to send a group of Paladins to bring the boy here. Devon has told me of the innocence and how lost the boy is. They will bring him in without bloodshed.” Woden spoke confidently and many murmured their ascent, he was much more popular amongst nobility than the zealous Machevi.
He opened his mouth to speak again when a notification appeared to everyone present, including or perhaps solely for the emperor's eyes.
Gorban Je’Klaz conquered the charter of Linchester. Claim disputed by defending forces. The Heman Empire will lose control of the Zone at the next sunrise.
Many nobles stared at the words; their mouths slightly agape. Devon paled as he read it and looked toward his master. The man was surprised, Devon could tell. How had this happened, what was happening back in Linchester he wondered.
With a wave of his hands, the emperor sent forth a text only he could see.
Defending forces disputing the charter of Linchester (Tin Zone)
Mayor Kenneth Young and the City Guard
Priest of Dawn Conrad Gillroy and The Clergy of Dawn
Bel – Bringer of the Apocalypse and The Company of the Undying
Devon's stomach fell. That last part didn’t look good, neither the name nor the fact that he was there, fighting for control of Linchester.
Gabriel Machevi gave Woden and Devon a triumphant smile before turning toward the crowd with a more subdued expression.
“The man has already spread his filth toward a zone capital. Even if it is only a smaller recently settled zone it proves that the man is a danger to us and our ways. The doctrine of Dawn tells us that heretics are to be hunted down. This is the law.” People were listening half-heartedly as some were still arguing over the news and its consequences.
Linchester was a small zone and newly settled but it was still an important trading hub. It brought quality lumber and pelts to the empire as well as new hunting grounds for newly ascended. The more settled areas had fewer opportunities for advancement and much of the areas were owned by nobles who favored their own houses or people that paid well.
“What do you think is going on, Master?” Devon whispered to Woden.
“I do not know. I recognized that name, Gorban is a champion of Morkin. A vile orc from the desert tribes to the northwest. If he is there, something big is happening. The other gods are moving just as Dawn commands us to as well.” He seemed to be in deep thought and was speaking more to himself than Devon.
“My friends are there, I must help them however I can.” Devon fought the urge to leave the throne room and take the teleporter as close to Linchester as he could. He knew he couldn’t leave and he could help the most from here. The inaction was killing him though. He was not a man for politics but fighting.
“We’ll help them, don’t worry Devon.” Devon only nodded at his master's words.
The discussion in the room went on for several more minutes. Machevi kept silent after his proclamation. It seemed that the court had split into two groups, those close to the Order of Paladins favored Woden and the other group was those loyal to the Inquisition. A few houses seemed to stay neutral and not many houses had tied themselves to the clergy.
When the discussion seemed to be stalling and words turned to angry expressions and hostile intent the emperor banged on his armrest, bringing the room back into silence. He was about to speak when another message appeared before their eyes.
A few seconds of silence and then raised voices could be heard, shouting in anger and disbelief. Devon started to sweat even more as he read the message again. Cursing under his breath he wondered if everything he had argued for had gone to waste by a single system message.
The emperor stood suddenly. Anger rolled off of him like a mist and the room quickly kneeled.
“You will send the Inquisitors Hand. They will bring the boy to me. They will be led by Dorzin Duran of the Paladins. Do you understand me?” The emperor knew the answer but both Woden and Gabriel answered in the affirmative.
Devon paled. The Hand was the Inquisition's most skilled troop, a team of killers and trackers. They hunted those that were off the highest threat to the empire. And Dorzin, he was a Paladin yes, and a good man in a way. But his nickname was earned from countless battles. Duran the Destroyer.
Devon cursed in his head again. This would complicate things a hell of a lot more. He just hoped his Master could get some sense into Duran before the troop had to set off. With a look at the message, he wondered once again what was going on in Linchester.
Bel–Bringer of the Apocalypse has burned the Charter of Linchester. The zone has been abandoned and will be reclaimed by the system in seven days. Anyone left in the zone at the end of this time will be repurposed by the System.
“Fuck” Devon whispered.