A Devils' Prayer Chp. 1: The New Menace
‘God blessed us with his touch; now let’s give this blessing to thy others’
- This cold autumn night would seem to be like any other to the kingdom of Shy-Helm. The townsfolk were getting ready for a cold winter to come. The farms had cultivated the necessary wheat and butchered the animals for meat. Very little impressive or unnatural things were happening these times, as almost any other time. Yet, there were the people of the church of God, always active, helping out those in need and giving aid to the sick. In the land of Lord Relidon, the churches were heavily crowded of injured being and fearful worshippers. The people were screaming for aid as their village were supposedly attacked by beings of the night, or more known as Vampires. They were well known to strike small villages from time to time, but never had they cause so much harm and destruction. The priests had their hands filled and soldiers were sent to the nearest villages to rescue any other survivors of the attacks. The Lord had also set off some troops to see if they could catch up with the invaders and get rid of them.
Within the confine of the Church, in the medicinal quarters, many of the priests were tending to the grievously wounded. Most were cut open by what seemed to be claws or their necks ripped off on one side, either way wouldn’t live it through, even with the help of the priests. The moans and screams of pain echoed through the halls of the stone church, even in the halls of prayer. It disturbed most of those who were still fit, although one old man was walking into the medicinal halls, seemingly looking for someone. The once bright white robes of the clergy the man wore were stained with blood, although it did not seem to faze him at all. Instread his eyes were wondering around, trying to spot High Priestess Lilliandra, but she didn’t seem to be there. He kept walking around, stopped once in a while to offer a pray to those who asked… He kept wondering around until a small smile light up on his face. He had finally found the priestess helping an injured man with his deadly gashes. Three severe open wounds at his left rib section, but he would be able to recuperate after a few days. The old man marched forth and laid a hand on the ladies shoulder.
‘It is fine work you are doing Priestess Lilliandra. Yet another man will survive because of your holy greatness… Let me take over from here. His Holiness Adrian wishes to see you, it seemed quite important.’
High Priest of the Church of Lord Redilon, Adrian was the head of this church’s’ clergy. He had been assigned by the King and the Holiness Relton the Second, head of all the Churches and speaker of God. Many townsfolk would say that this is beyond what a human being could hold, the power to speak for God, but the priest were taught this is true and respected. Adrian was well respected and known to be realistic with the matters at hand. The old man was checking over the man, seeing if the wounds were healing up nice and then turned to Lilliandra.
‘I believe he wants you to me him and others in the cemetery behind the church.’
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Inquisitors were being instructed and put into ranks for them to walk off towards the attacked villages, a lot of yelling and rushed orders being passed on. Most were wearing the old fashion suit of steel armor with blades and war hammers. There were a few exceptions, as they were either mercenaries hired to help out or be one of the few who decided to be a little different. Grand Inquisitor Bartholomew Florence Arguile Jr. was one of these men, a faithful follower of the church. He was known for his gruesome methods, but he would always come back with the task done. Many despised him for his brutal tactics and merciless killings, but none argued, not even Adrian himself. Although he had higher status within the Clergy, he treated Arguile as an equal for his years of services and for his loss. He was someone in which Adrian could trust.
Grand Inquisitor Siwrath was giving the last directions to his troops before he turned to see Arguile doing the same. He hated his ways, one of the few Inquisitors who would wish to get rid of him, but knew they didn’t have the power or the will to do it. The tall, broad man walked towards him with a hateful look and taped his back. He stayed a few seconds to watch him, the dark dressed man.
‘His Holiness Adrian wished to speak with you in the cemetery. I don’t know what in the Abyss he wants with you, but praise God that he makes you disappear from these lands.’
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‘I am happy that you accepted to aid us Redox. Your services will be greatly appreciated.’
Adrian spoke strongly and sternly, as he had asked for the help of Redox, a warlock of Death. He was dressed in a proper light clerical robe, the one of the head of the church. He carried neither weapon nor armor. He wasn’t going to go out there as he was needed elsewhere, but he had already expressed his desire to help. He pointed towards the forest behind the church. They were both standing in the cemetery, a place only a selected few were allowed to enter. Not everyone could be allowed access into these parts for unsaid purposes. It was quite obvious they didn’t want grave robbers, but a selected few said it was for magical purposes, although no one is sure. Redox smiled lightly and bowed before coming to shake his hand.
‘It is my pleasure to help… Especially since you have someone I really want to meet.’
Adrian returned that smile and nodded, as they walked towards a specific grave. Someone was asked to wait there for the return of Adrian. They discussed about this man Redox wanted to meet: Nathaniel Alucard Dethrone. He was one of the very few of his type; a Condemned. The Church have been trying to figure out why they were allowed a second chance to live, God not wanting to say anything to his Holiness Relton the Second. Many wondered is God was being spontaneous or if he had a purpose behind it. In any case, Adrian had taken care that this Revenant was in check. He had just recently come out from his ‘Death Bed’ only a few months in, and so he was keeping him close to the church. Although now, he needed him to do something else. They stopped talking once the man was in view and Adrian arrived and greeted Redox to Nathaniel.
‘Nathaniel, I present to you Redox Everglade.’
Redox approached and put his hand forth with a light smile.
‘It is a pleasure to meet you…’ He stopped for a moment and seemed to be seeking something. ‘… Prince Desthrone’