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’
  

The heavy scent of blood hung in the air, mingling thickly with the dying moans of the victims of these monsters, these Vampires. Nuvola had never had such plagues, though rumors of them always came in with the traveling caravans. Lilliandra had been called from Nuvola for two months now, and in her time spent away from her city, she craved the normalcy of her home at times. God had called her, Holiness Relton the Second had needed her talents, and Lilli had faithfully followed. He taxed her though, for two months she had traveled stopping and seeing scenes similar to this. Monsters plaguing the land, killing the innocent, and leaving a bloody trail of destruction. This is what God demanded of her, saving His children from this horrible fate.

Despite the cool weather outside the halls of the Church, Lilli was sweltering, her simple white gown damp and streaked with blood and dirt, but these things mattered little to the priestess. She was more concerned with the man before her, though she thought him little more than a boy. One of the monsters had ripped open his chest, and without her, she knew he would die from these grievous wounds or some ghastly infection pick up from this hall. In the dimly lit room, she knelt by his low cot, murmuring prayers for the man. "Priestess, can he be saved?" the woman who sat huddled in the corner whispered, as if terrified of what the answer would be.

Lilli turned her gaze to the woman for a moment, studying her features. The woman was young, just as the man was, her face though was tanned from hours spent toiling in the sun. Her hands were ingrained with dirt and strewn with calluses. This family was not unaccustomed to hard work, and the fear in the woman's eyes was terror for her husband, no shadow of guilt there. "I believe with God's bountiful grace and mercy he may be yet saved, but I will require your help. What is is name, child?"

"Will, his name is William," the woman breathed, a sob choked back. "Please, anything I can do, Priestess, I will. I do not wish to lose my husband, not like I lost my child." The woman's voice broke, but the tears she held back showed Lilli her courage.

"Thank you, now please pray for me," Lilli said turning her eyes back the the groaning man, "Pray for God to give me the strength to save him." The woman nodded and dropped to her knees, her hands clasped the edge of Lilli's gown. She sobbed her prayers quietly, begging for God to show mercy and to help save her husband.

Lilli took a deep breath and leaned her head forward, so her hair covered her face. Serenity was the masked she so carefully cultivated to the people, but elation was the emotion so plainly written on her face as she laid her hands over the man's wounds. Faint traces of light illuminated her fingers, shimmered over the mans wounds. Lilli's heart raced as she felt the power surge through her; she felt it as it spread through the gashes, felt the sharp pains of the healing speed up as the damaged bone mended and the torn blood vessels knit themselves back together. The visible signs of healing were few, and nothing more than the slow seeping blood slowed further and stopped. The man's ragged breath grew lighter, less labored. With a gasp, Lilli pulled her hands away with the gashes still open and visible on the man's chest. The wife stopped her prayers at Lilli's movement, grabbing her elbow. With shaking fingers, Lilli patted the girl's hand.

"It is fine, child. He will be well again, very soon," Lilli smiled serenely at the woman as she felt the hand on her 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." Lilli looked back to the Priest smiling lightly at him.

"Thank you, I will attend to his Holiness immediately. Could you please see to it this man's wounds and cleaned and stitched? I've healed the deeper damage, but these will have to heal in God's time," she stood slowly, her heart still racing. Turning her false calm gaze to the woman, she smiled at the woman sobbing her thanks at Lilli's feet. "Child, dry your tears, see to your husband, and know though you've lost one child, you will have another." Healing opened her up to the feel of life and death flowing around her, and she could feel the new life growing, even as the last traces of her powers slipped back into sleep.

"I believe he wants you to me him and others in the cemetery behind the church." Lilli nodded and made her way out of the small side room and made her way slowly to the doors of the church, though she made paused to wash her hands and borrow a plain woolen cloak. Many stopped to beg her help, to thank her for her work, and to request her to pray for them and their loved ones. Once clean and outside, the cool air was a relief from the scent of blood and death, and with the heavy wooden doors between her and the sounds of death and dying, Lilli could take a moment to breath. She turned her face to sky and smile, thought the laughter that bubbled to her lips was bit back. She clutched the stone wall as she remember the rush of power, her heart race still as the traces of power stirred memories. With a shiver, she raked her fingers through her hair. Now was not the time to linger. His Holiness was awaiting her, and it would not due to keep him waiting. With sure steps and her peaceful smile, she moved around the church to the cemetery that lay beyond.

Arguile shouted orders as any other of his brothers to get his men into ranks. A tall man in stature he stood at the formation of his men with a regalness and command that his position warranted. He called them all to Parade rest, the men moved as one, standing with there legs shoulder length apart and their hands clasped at their lower backs. Dark eye looked out at his men, a rowdy loot. Many of them with a dark past. Harden criminals and mercenaries, but with skills that could not be denied. Arguile had hand picked his men, often taking them dungeons, some with the death sentence. Feeling as tho such skill shouldn't be wasted, he came to them with an ultimatum; Live out what little life they had left rotting in a cell, or come to him, their sins washed away and their crimes pardoned. In return living there life for the grace of God. Taking this lot he had turned them into quite the unit, though a dark cloud hangs over the black hand and his fingers, non could argue with their results.

He was walking across the first line, his eyes studying them "Back straight" he said to one, his voice was sharp speaking as one used to people fallowing his orders. Walking past a few more he would correct there posture and stature before standing at the side of the formation "First rank, One step forward, March" His voice cutting through the air as the first rank took a step forward in unison. He walked behind them now studding them, taking in the details of his men. Because of their past he kept them to a higher slandered then most, and surprisingly enough he had the lowest number of deserters of any unit, despite every one saying the opposite when he first started selecting them from the darkest pits of the kingdom. Once he was satisfied with the first rank he moved to the next, correcting them and inspecting them in much the same way. He called for the second rank to step forward and studied them some more. This went on through the next rank, then the next, until he was finished with his inspection. Returning to the head of his formation he faced his men giving them once lance quick look over, before he would report to his commander that his men were ready. That was when he felt the tapping on his shoulder. He slowly turned and looked down to Grand Inquisitor Siwrath. Though displeased by the man, his face showed no emotions towards any regard he may of had for him.

‘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.’

'I fear that my men are among the most well trained and disciplined we have, and though you may not agree with my methods they show a considerable more amount of results then yours. But by it is only God who can judge the degree of guilt in a man and by his will, and his will alone, I serve.'keeping the tone he used with his men 'So keep your tongue to yourself if you will, and if you are to suffer by my presence, then please, humbly suffer in silence. For I have no use for you prattle and fear I will be here for quite some time'

With that he turned back to his men ordering them to attention, which they would quickly snap to, the sound of boots moving thumping the ground in unison filling the air. "I expect you will not slack in my absence, training is to continue as scheduled." He said as he looked to a man on the far right "Sanders" He spoke as the man took a step out of the ranks "Yes Grand Inquisitor" he shouted with a trained response "The men are yours, see to it they behave." Arguile turned to and walked out of the great drill hall as his second took command, having the men about face and march to the training grounds.

Argule walked with his gloved hand holding the hilt of his sheathed sword to keep it from swinging as he walked at a brisk pace. Servants and acolytes parting for him as he walked bowing their head in respect of the Grand Inquisitor as he made his way through the halls. Guards snapped a crisp salute as he passed. Tho his eyes stayed straight he studied the architecture of the church with the corners of his vision. Normally he took time to pause at the many paintings and statues, but any business with His Holiness Adrian was to be urgent, so he took no time for such luxuries as he made his way to the cemetery. Only taking time to take his long black hair out of the pony tail he kept it in for Drill, letting the long black strands free as they went to just above his lower back.

The horse's breath lifted into the thin cold air as it galloped through the unpaved trail of dirt and rocks. It's balance was not questioned, nor was its stength for the man on the back that rode this horse knew it would not fault him. It would not compromise his mission, he could trust this animal in getting him from point A to point B any time of the day. It was what set certain species apart from the rest. Its spirit and drive would take him to who he wanted to see...Sylvia...oh how I've missed you.

Nathaniel Alucard Dethrone was making his way to the very location in which he knew he find his lost love. There was nothing that would get in his way, his balance could not be questioned, nor was his strength, for the horse knew the man on the back would fault in his mission to get where he wanted to go. It was what set certain men from the rest. The road less traveled was one to wary but it was the quickest way to get to his destination. Time was not on his side, time was never on his side. Either was the figure in the middle of the path, Nathaniel knew better than to stop, he knew he was alone out here and he knew suspicious figures standing upright in a road that usually has no activity meant that someone knew he would be out riding this night.

Nathaniel ordered the horse to speed faster than before, he could not find himself being an easy target for some low life individual who wanted to cross his path. He had no time for such quarrels, except that the man had planned on Nathaniel not stopping either. A long curved object was revealed from the suspicious characters back side. It was then placed in front of the man as he out stretched his hand and drew a long stick like object as well from his hip. In Nathaniel's mind all he could create as to what this object was the more he gained closer ground, it was a bow. The hands met the middle of the long curved object and a swift swoosh sound could be heard over the galloping of the horse.

It struck the front shoulder of the horse creating it to topple face first in the ground, sending Nathaniel over the top of the head and on to the left side of his back and shoulder. His side was scraped from the hard cold ground and rocks that resided there. He winced in some pain but his face quickly cleared it and he looked up placing himself in a push up position except his knees were supporting him. He gathered himself and placed on leg up and adjusted his weight to have the other leg follow so that he was standing up right at his foe. By the time he recovered, the suspicious figure multiplied in to seven figures.

"I take it, you all are not here to just say hello."

The men smirked as their crooked peasent like teeth showed their social status. Nothing but low life scums to Nathaniel,

"I take it fighting like men is also not one of your plans as well?"

Nathaniel smiled, he was in some pain, but in no way shape or form was he going to allow them to know this. He was whispered as the Prince of Darkness, stories said that a demon possessed him, these were all advantages to when men met him in battle. It was intimidation, the fear, the eyes would show the very feeling of a man no matter the words that came from the mouth. Nathaniel slid his foot back and drew his sword,

"Well, let us not linger here in the cold night, you shot my horse...you trespass on my mission, and you dare to challenge me with the lot of you...as if this was a grand plan that you thought would work. I will bath in your blood tonight, and smile while I do...then place your heads on the side of this very road with your bodies seperated....your last expression before decapitation will show everyone what you last saw here, the Prince of Darkness, the demon...Nathaniel Alucard Dethrone."

The men were cautious, they knew they had to take him at once for if they took their time they would all be slaughtered. One man was trembling but was in it for the long haul as the rest of them were. They charged at Nathaniel, with no regards of their own life, this would be okay with Nathaniel. He wasn't afraid to die, however Sylvia was trapped in the back of his head, and he needed to see this journey through. He could not let these men take his life tonight.

As they closed in, Nathaniel stood his ground. Parrying the first individual and thrusting his blade in the second that followed. Twisting the blade to the right and spinning his body so that it would rip from his enemies stomach and out just above the hip. He dropped his ass and weight which caused the third man to miss his horizontal swing leaving his guard open. Quickly Nathaniel turned his blade upright and stabbed upward piercing underneath the jaw of the third man and through the top of the skull. Nathaniel knew he wouldn't be able to pull his blade out and let go of it, bringing his knee up to his chest and snapping his leg in front of him to hit the man with the sword in his head away from him with his whole foot. The fourth hesitated just enough to where Nathaniel could turn toward him and draw his dagger. The man brought his sword down from above, and Nathaniel created a spear with both his hands and shot in toward the shoulder bringing himself inside the blade's range. His dagger slit the trapezoid of his enemy and he slammed the bottom of his fist down at the enemies jaw bone, dislocating it out of place, and then bringing his dagger to follow cutting the side of the man's throat at where the artery should be. Coming back up with a upper cut that drove his foe backward and to the ground.

Pain...it shot from out of nowhere, it was sharp followed by a burning sensation. He turned toward where it come from and a man stood there with nothing in his hand, a terrified look on his face, still trembling from earlier. A knife now wedged itself in the top right of Nathaniel's back. Nathaniel screamed in rage as he drove the dagger right at the soft spot of the chest, in the center where the neck and collarbone meet. Another pain shot in his leg which set him to his knees. Once again pain shot through his body, pain that allowed him to know he was still alive. Wet could be felt slipping down his back side, and no weight could be supported by the leg that was struck. Four men dead, thats all he could get too before both knees rested on the ground. He knew this was it...his love would never be seen again. The loss of her was what drove these men to hate Nathaniel, because Nathaniel acted the way he did because of her being taken from him. Hating the world, despising humanity, and ended by his own clouded judgement of acting out of passion in finding her. Should of waited until morning, but all here say for he bathed in their blood, and his own on this night.

The men had a sigh of relief,

"Your shit ends here!"

Nathaniel laughed,

"You cannot kill, what is already dead sir...good luck, for everytime you close your eyes...I will be haunting your very dreams turning them into nightmares."

The man wanted to listen to no more, because a side of him believed the words of what Nathaniel said, they all did. How do you kill a demon? you can't, was what they were killing go to set it free to find another soul to inhabit...these were questions the men did not want answered, they just hoped this was the end of it. With one final blow, Nathaniel's vision shot black and the pain subsided into a numb warm feeling. He could feel his cheek smack the surface, and a rush of images and thoughts. Then it ceased...

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"Nathaniel! Nathaniel! NATHANIEL!"

Nathaniel's eyes slowly worked their way open, the eye lids were heavy but rolled up from shading his vision. The brightness of the room he occupied made it that much more difficult too keep them open. His body ached a little, but he was alive? he didn't understand...he could of sworn he just had a nightmare that felt so real of him dying, was it not a nightmare?

"Welcome to judgement Nathaniel."

Judgement? What the hell was this voice speaking about?

"Judgement? What Judgement? Where the hell am I?"

"Oh, Nathaniel...so much to learn, so little time, I wonder what this new journey will have for you if you so accept it..."

Nathaniel wanted to get up and beat the crap out of this guy, he reached his feet and with a blurry vision saw a table with a figure sitting behind it and two books opened in front of him.

"Nathaniel, you are in a place of peace, with your deeds of destruction, despair, agony, and pain, you may not believe you belong in such a place...but those with higher powers believe you may still have a chance to be saved."

"Saved? Is this heaven?"

"Heaven?! Haha, oh god no! Your in Judgement, this is the place where I the Keeper get to explain to people like you a deal that Heaven would like to offer you. Do accept and think to be Heaven soon enough...reject, and well, you know whatever the opposite of Heaven is, is where you will sit for eternity, and my friend that is a long time, a forever kind of time."

"What is the deal?"

"You will find yourself to be resseructed, and brought back to the world in which you left, under a certain condition. You will be bound by the powers of God, and the church is our outlet, which means you are to be bound by the church. Break this chain you are to be leashed too and forever find yourself looking into Sylvia's eyes and then watching them grow cold, followed by seeing her very soul be tortured every day, and every night, that is hell my friend and its doing. If you break God's bond, we cannot keep you safe from hell's visions. Keep God's bond, follow the church, and help your lord, and forever be protected against such atrocities. You help us, we help you...savvy?"

Nathaniel thought for a moment, if he was resseructed he could have a chance to see Sylvia again, he could once again reunite with what he lost and continue what he started. The idea of following orders of something he did not believe was not something Nathaniel was fond of, but it would be a mutual understanding, he used them, and they used him.

"I'll accept..."

"Good! We figured you would, its a win-win so why wouldn't you right? One more thing....if you lay your hands on a innocent, the bond will also be broken, so I suggest be as calm and collect as you ever so possibly could when you encounter such people."

The man wrote down in the book, and scribbled, he then looked at Nathaniel and pointed the pen outward,

Nathaniel walked over, saw where his name needed to be placed, drawing his hancock, with immediate actions of black swooping over his vision.

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He now laid in a church, a church who already seemed to know who he was. They called him a "Condemned" and as the months passed he learned more and more about what happened. The man he was always at the side of went by the name of "Adrian", and tonight Adrian was to show Nathaniel Alucard Dethrone another individual who was said to be eager to meet him.

Nathaniel followed Andrian to a cemetery, in which a meeting between Adrian and a robed man took place, once the meeting came to the part where greetings of Nathaniel and this man were in order. The man came up and approached Nathaniel, he dressed in exactly what was expected of a man in the church would dress up in. Nathaniel thought their attire was stupid and a tad tacky, but he was technically a dead man walking, so he had no real say or opinions, just a single mission in the back of his mind...Sylvia.

‘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 Dethrone’

Nathaniel scanned his new buddy up and down, sizing up the individual before greeting. Nathaniel wasn't sure if he wanted to shake this mans hand or punch him in the face. Just something about him, didn't sit right, could be because he was a Warlock, something about them and belonging to the church just seemed out of place. Once again though, Nathaniel wasn't a man of the church and yet he was here under their control, so I guess everyone had a role. Nathaniel raised his hand to meet the warlock's, shaking it with a stern grip, releasing, he looked over at Adrian and back to Redox.

"Well, I am glad one of us knows who the other is."

• ‘As a Warlock with my special gifts, I can’t see your life until your supposed death. I can know everything of you up until you died… Including your dear Sylvia.’
  
  The man looked right into Nathaniel’s eyes, with that small smile on his face. Redox wanted to play a game, to see the man would react. It was a dangerous field, but he needed to know for something quite important. Whatever happened, he turned to face Adrian as he heard footsteps not too far. Adrian nodded and pointed to Redox with a serious look.
  
  ‘You do not have to wear priestly attires; no one will harm you Redox, even if you are a follower of Death.’
  
  Redox simply nodded and removed the light robes from his shoulders, revealing a much darker, sinister outfit. A long black leather coat, with a steel breastplate covered his front, encrusted with a ruby gem in the middle of the chest. Long trench pants and black boots, colors not exactly church like, but then Adrian knew a few others who didn’t really follow the church colors. It, to Adrian’s surprise, he had weapons hidden under the robes, which had slipped his view. A mace to his left, a dagger behind his back, quite surprising. Adrian turned his attention back to the footsteps, which he could see two people arriving. With a light smile, he awaited for the two to come forth, bowing pleasantly to the High Priestess and exchanging a firm handshake with the Grand Inquisitor. They had not have any time to discuss in the last few weeks, Arguile being busy with the Inquisition and Adrian running the churches of the region.
  
  ‘It’s good to see you my friend.’
  
  Then standing back, he proceeded to present Redox to the others.
  
  ‘Redox, I present you High Priestess Lilliandra, one of our most praised healers in the Region. And this is Grand Inquisitor Arguile, one of my top men in the church for any military related task. They will be joining you about the inquiry that the church of Lord Odus has asked us to help out on.’
  
  And with this, Adrian looked towards the woods with a slightly odd stare. He then turned to the group, that look in his face saying that he was about to say something really important. He waved the group closer together, and tried to not talk too loud.
  
  ‘I have hired one of the best hunters around, but he seems to lack the knowledge of any of the mythical creatures… He has never encountered any. I hope you will be able to… keep him calm if anything were to come up’
  

‘As a Warlock with my special gifts, I can’t see your life until your supposed death. I can know everything of you up until you died… Including your dear Sylvia.’

Nathaniel listened intently to what the warlock had to say, but could taste the bitterness that reached the tip of his tongue when the individual spoke of Sylvia. Who the *uck does he think he is using her name whenever he wanted. He knew nothing, even if he claimed he knew everything, the poor soul had no idea of the bond that Nathaniel and Sylvia had, hell all he knew was whatever his little precious gift allowed him to see, but not truly know, truly understand...how dare he...if it was up to him in his past life this priestly impostor would be put to the ground and his throat from ear to ear would have a gaping gash so that Nathaniel could hear the life escape. Unfortunately this was his new life, although Nathaniel were to bet that this Warlock was not of innocence, in fact he was probably very much the opposite, so it technically wouldn't go agains the promise he made with the book keeper, but the warlock was still tied to Adrian and Adrian was tied to the church, by association Nathaniel knew the best course of action would be to grit his teeth and not say a word.

Nathaniel chose to say nothing and just stare into the Warlock's eyes as the warlock stared into his. He would not break his glare until the Warlock chose to look away. If the Warlock wanted to play games, then so be it, but Nathaniel was not going to play along. He was no brought back into this world to have his emotions tugged on by some guy in a fancy black get up, with a corny smile that always seemed to stick to his face.

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"Prince Dethrone...what do you want to do today?"

A sweet, youthful, girl asked the question as she turned her head to the side facing Nathaniel. They were both laying in the courtyard of the castle, without a care in the world they gazed up into the bright blue sky that had full, puffy, clouds dot the various areas. It was a beautiful sight, the one in the sky and the one next to him. His attention stayed focus on the sky itself even though he could feel Sylvia's gaze on his cheek.

"Please, call me Nathaniel..."

Nathaniel then drew his attention toward her and turned her way after he posted one leg up and propped his arm to the side to hold him up.

"And Syliva, its not what I want to do today, what would you like to do."

Her eyes were a deep green, big, and beautiful. Her hair draped down the back of her body with brown natural curls and soft skin to compliment the rest of her perfection. She was not of royalty which made no difference to Nathaniel, her beauty alone, and great personality captivated his mind every day, and every moment not spent with her was one more moment he could do without.

"Nathaniel...we should play a game!"

She sounded so excited which caused Nathaniel to smile, she didn't have to be here, but she always wanted to do something with Nathaniel whenever her mom came to watch him. Her mother being the intuitive hard worker she was, sensed that her little girl was interested in the young boy, and she would not be the one to intervene with chemistry even if they were young, and even if Sylvia's chores were never finished. Her mother just picked up the slack and worked harder for the both of them.

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Nathaniel's day dreaming broke as he saw that others were arriving from out of the cemetery limits, the first one was a man of stature that spoke military experienced, and probably has seen combat quite a few times. The second was a woman who was presented as High Priestess, and if Nathaniel could recall how the whole religious pecking order worked, that meant she was not to be trifled with, she must of had some gift to be placed in that spot and being female in a high position in a world where females are not usually symbols of power it was quite refreshing to see a woman being able to take care of herself.

‘Redox, I present you High Priestess Lilliandra, one of our most praised healers in the Region. And this is Grand Inquisitor Arguile, one of my top men in the church for any military related task. They will be joining you about the inquiry that the church of Lord Odus has asked us to help out on.’


The individuals were introduced and Nathaniel felt more out of place than ever, they were all servants to the church, they wanted to be here, and he knew that with this he would be the odd ball. The one to most likely never see eye to eye with any of them, he'd do his best to just keep silent, unless spoken to, it'd be the best course of action his sake. Adrian had them all draw closer so that he could say something of what Nathaniel thought would be important, unfortunately it was just another bit of information that just sealed the icing on the cake that obviously the church was in some dire need of help.

‘I have hired one of the best hunters around, but he seems to lack the knowledge of any of the mythical creatures… He has never encountered any. I hope you will be able to… keep him calm if anything were to come up’

Really? He is the best hunter around? yet he never encountered a creature of myth? What the hell kind of hunter is the best around when they've only encountered normal things? There had to of been another hunter out there somewhere who had encountered something supernatural, and there for forfeiting the right over to that hunter being the best around. This is literally what the church scrounged up for help? All their resources and it lead them to this...the worst part...Nathaniel would have to endure everything the church said, no matter how much nonsense was coated on the bullsh*t, because thats why he is here, to redeem his actions and use this second life to do what he failed to do in his first one.

The cool autumn air had Lilliandra glad for the cloak she had borrowed from one of the priests of the church. Her customary garb from the southern mountains was light and airy meant for warmer sunny weather, but as she had traveled northward at the call of the church, she had learned to supplement her favored garb for items that would keep her from freezing. Her boots crunched softly in the dried leaves that stirred slightly beneath her feet. The light shed from various torches that were held by guards, placed in the earth and shone from the windows, she was able to make her way around the church and into the cemetery. It seemed like an odd place to have a meeting, but as she came upon Adrian and the other men gathered, she understood why the cemetery was chosen. The two men that stood with Adrian had the thick cold feeling of death clinging to their forms.

Lilliandra gave a serene smile to Adrian as he stepped forward and bowed. "Your Holiness," she murmured before following him toward the others. Another gentleman had arrived at the same time she had, and he was one that she recognized vaguely.

"Redox, I present you High Priestess Lilliandra, one of our most praised healers in the Region. And this is Grand Inquisitor Arguile, one of my top men in the church for any military related task. They will be joining you about the inquiry that the church of Lord Odus has asked us to help out on."

Lilli curtsied slightly to the man called Redox, "Good evening, sir." She met the man's curious gaze with her own calm one and noted with concealed disdain as the man's gaze changed, looking at her as if something was missing. Her silvery green eyes flickered down his form and back before she stepped away to stand beside Adrian. From the feel of the man he was not one of the clergy and neither was the white haired man who was standing nearby, though he seemed lost in thought and no introduction had been offered. She was glad enough for the company of an Inquisitor which said something about the company she was now present with. She sighed inwardly and gave care to make sure none of her discomfort of the men around her was visible.

Adrian waved them closer, and she did step closer reluctantly. "I have hired one of the best hunters around, but he seems to lack the knowledge of any of the mythical creatures… He has never encountered any. I hope you will be able to… keep him calm if anything were to come up."

Lilliandra looked toward the woods wondering why the man hadn't joined them yet, but she looked to Adrian with a simple nod. "Do not fear there, Your Holiness. While my healing talents do not extent beyond the physical, I do believe that I can keep the man calm. I am unsure of my role in this hunt since I am no warrior, and fear I would not be helpful in the direct hunt," she gave a demure smile, "So I must support these fine men where ever possible."

Adrian turned to her, "Your renowned healing is one of the reasons why you were selected, but as well, you are to assist with negotiations is the situation warrants." He shifted closer and lower his voice, "I also need to beg a favor of you. I need you to seek out Grand Inquisitor Elrik. Inform him that I requested you speak to him."

Lilliandra bowed her head, "Of course, milord." She wondered at the High Priests request but knew better than to question. With the present company, she could understand the priest's need for secrecy. Redox shot her another glass with an expression almost as if he were trying to piece together some puzzle, and she was not fitting anywhere.

His steps echoed through the halls as he walked with purpose. He opened the door to the cemetery, his boots crunching on the ground beneath him as he felt the brisk Autumn air hit his skin. He loved the cold, as it washed over him he stepped forward walking to the three men as the healer, Priestess Lilliandra, stepped up at the same time as he. Returning the firm shake of Adrian he ‘It’s good to see you my friend.’ "yes it has been to long" he replied, surprisingly with some warmth to his voice. He spared but glance to the one being introduced as Redox, and then to the one known as Nethanial. He knew little of the condemned .

‘Redox, I present you High Priestess Lilliandra, one of our most praised healers in the Region. And this is Grand Inquisitor Arguile, one of my top men in the church for any military related task. They will be joining you about the inquiry that the church of Lord Odus has asked us to help out on.’

"A pleasure to meet you Redox, I'm sure" he said his tone back to it's normal icy chill. He could smell the death on him, he held spite for this man, though his face showed nothing but contempt.

‘I have hired one of the best hunters around, but he seems to lack the knowledge of any of the mythical creatures… He has never encountered any. I hope you will be able to… keep him calm if anything were to come up’

"Adrian, I am sure my own men would be far more suited then some Hunters who have not a clue what they are in for." He spoke very factually looking to Adrian as he spoke "My men are both skilled and disciplined in such matters, a far Superior choice."

The presence of the priestess did un-nerve him a bit, he had gone on countless hunts and never did they take a healer of such renown and caliber. She was a symbol, the church wouldn't risk her for something unless they felt they would truly need her. This made him want his own men even more. "I do say I must insist on using my men." He looked to the condemned and then the stranger. "And I do not see the need for a condemned, or an outsider." He stated looking to each respectfully as he spoke of them.

• After having asked the request from Lady Lilliandra about his brother, Adrian stepped back and turned his head to Nathaniel who had just spoke out about the hunter. Although he did agree that he wasn’t the best one suited for this kind of hunting, he certainly was better than any of those specialized hunters who could only track down one type of creature at a time. It was the reason he took him, since all those mythical creatures still left some kind of track for those hunters who knew how to track down anything. Even Grand Inquisitor Arguile had put his word up for taking one of his men instead of the one he had hired. Shaking his head in denial, he spoke firmly about the matter.
  
  ‘Although it is true that I could have found a more suitable choice, that man has more skills than you would imagine. Although it is true your men, Arguile, are much better trained to defeat them, they do not have this man’s experience in various types of terrains. And more people need to be informed of this anyway… I think the Church should let the people know about this menace.’
  
  Oddly, it was the first time that Adrian had talked about making this subject open. He used to say to hide it definitively from the people of the kingdoms. It was quite clear that something changed his mind, but what would remain a mystery. It had even taken Redox’s gaze away from Lilliandra to suspiciously eye Adrian. Redox’s smile dropped, become stern and cold.
  
  ‘The consequences of making this public would be tragic… Why do you consider it?.’
  
  Adrian met the warlock’s eyes and said nothing for a few seconds. He then turned back to face Nathaniel once more, just to make things clear.
  
  ‘Now, Nathaniel. I hope I don’t need to remind you of your ‘restrictions’. I’ll have the Inquisitor keep an eye on you.’ Turning his eyes back to Arguile. ‘You are not to harm him unless he has been acting in a disorderly fashion. Whenever he starts ‘suffering’, let him be. I leave the rest to your discretion…’
  
  Adrian turned towards the woods, sensing that something wasn’t right. His stare seemed to go beyond the woods, to somewhere else. Redox turned away, disappointed from the lack of answer. He knew where to go from there, not wanting to wait any longer. He walked off passed the two clergy members, but not before saying a few words to the Priestess and the Inquisitor.
  
  ‘Let’s get moving, we shouldn’t wait for the hunter. It will be quite a travel to be with the Lady who cured the plague of her land.’ And then he suddenly stopped, turned towards the woods for a second then turned back, going towards the left of the church. ‘The hunter is dead. I just felt his life essence be drained away…’ And then walked away.
  
  Adrian didn’t seem pleased at all of what he heard, but did nothing but sigh. ‘Follow him; he knows everything you need to know for this expedition. Don’t worry; he won’t be like that during your travels. He knows what an Inquisitor and a Priestess can do to him if he transgresses our codes and values.’ With one brief look in the forest again, he turned to his friends with a small smile.
  
  ‘May God bless thy soul and protect you.’
  

Lilli was unnerved by the man's words, though her ever calm demeanor never changed. She assumed that Adrian had told the man of her past, or perhaps word of her deeds had spread past her home land. Neither of the options were likely since Adrian didn't seem to fond of the outsider, nor had she come across many who knew of her in her travels which was a blessing from God in her mind. With an ever patient smile, she curtsied to Adrian, "May God keep thee, Adrian. I will also be leaving those who traveled with me here at the church. Please make certain they are sent home as soon as their work here is complete."

"Of course, Priestess," Adrian replied with a slight bow of his head.

Lilliandra nodded once then turn and picked her way through the dark cemetery, but she did not follow Reddox's path immediately. She made her way to the church and beckoned one of the guards who stood at the back entrance to the towering stone building. "Please, child, quickly find Priestess Morgana. She will be with the other priestess assisting with the dying. Tell her to collect my things and to make haste here. I must leave now, child, so be quick," she gave the order softly.

The young man nodded, "Of course Priestess."

"God bless you," Lilli murmured as he jogged off with clinking armor.

Not more then two of three minutes later a gasping young priestess in blood splattered robes appeared. Her brown hair escaping its ties and her cheeks red, she thrust a long linen wrapped object at Lilli, who excepted it with a nod. "I thought you would be needing this soon, so I was waiting."

"Thank you, Morgana," she said as she pulled the linen from the long shaft of her glaive. It wasn't a purely ceremonial piece, but most would scoff at the idea of the petite High Priestess actually wielding the weapon. "Morgana, I will be leaving here to hunt the monsters that did all of that," she stated as she exchanged her borrowed cloak for her own warmer brown one, "You will not be accompanying me from here. Now, you will stay here until all of the injured are taken care of, and should the High Priest Adrian tell you to travel elsewhere you will do so." She embraced the young girl with a sad smile, "God go with you, my child."

"Please stay safe, your Holiness," the girl cried with tears on her cheeks. Lilli had brought her and three others from Nuvola even though she had known that they would have to be sent home at some point. This girl had been with church since birth, and Lilli had always thought of her as a daughter, since she was barred from seeing her own child. It was hard now to know that she would be soon sent back to Nuvola, where men would control her fate.

Lilli turned then without another word and set off into the forest to follow Redox and the others. Perhaps the warlock's concerns were valid since she was used to temples and churches and had never traveled before this, but Lilli was determined to keep pace with these men. She had been chosen for this expedition for a reason, and even if it wasn't quite clear, she would make certain to follow through as her station demanded. As for Adrain's request, she had not forgotten that she needed to seek out his brother the Grand Inquisitor Elrick, but since Redox seemed to want to be off now, she couldn't break away now to find the man. She would have to figure what their plans of action were before she determined when and how she was going to find this man.