345 Nine Voices
Present time…
“Have all responsible parties been awarded for the provided intel?” a solemn voice spoke.
“We are processing it as fast as we can. The young man who spearheaded the ordeal is in good books with the Purity and is as devout as even our inner members. We want to make sure he and his team are compensated sufficiently.”
“Good. A young Tamer with a good record for communion and assistance to the local temples. He is deserving indeed. Now that we know the Neolists and the Evenfall are in cahoots, we can have this talk that most of you have wanted to dodge all this time,” another voice, much like the first, a bit muffled, spoke.
A rather triangular space could be seen, three walls ascending high up to reach the ceiling where a luxurious glass with representations of the olden leaders of the Purity was immaculately placed also being visible.
The walls that reached that point were as beautiful as could be, an expensive garnish making them glisten with their starry design spelling out the central belief of this faction – three point stars.
Seven small netted doors with neat frames were attached to the three walls at different heights, this arrangement depicting the various levels of authority, as only a single one was above the rest.
Dark and unclear silhouettes could be made out behind the nets – no more than mere smudges of shapes that could not be discerned with most trained eyes to make them out – bringing a rather ominous visual, especially considering that the light from the glass ceiling streamed down to illuminate the figure of a male Paladin Champion who stood in the midst of the room, answering the raining questions and reacting to the words spoken.
“What is there to talk about?” a raspy and aged feminine voice echoed from one of the netted doors. “Tis but another conflict we have to deal with in our imperfect history. Everyone here knows of the undead and everyone here knows of the Traitorous Deity, Boron. Is it that surprising that these two groups would finally choose to collude against us after being thwarted for so long?”
“There is much to talk about, actually. I have studied these heathens in detail,” a younger, male voice was heard. “While these two parties came millenia after we had established our organisation, they are the pioneers of certain events as you already know.”
“The Neolists’ appearance brought the sudden descent of powerful undead armies that raided our Sacred Forests for Nitros, while the Evenfall brought chaos to our societies. Even after all this, they have failed to prevail against the strength of our Champions and we have attained victory for the most part. But…”
This young man’s sudden pause brought an eerie silence to the large space as a sense of suspense was built up.
“Am I the only one who has felt the differences in intent behind these two groups? It is as if, someone new has taken the reigns. We have lost a Paladin Champion to this man whom Valis spoke about who claims to be the leader of the Neolists and now, the Evenfall has caused a great disturbance with the Cluster incident. I feel we need to work together with the Capital Service to stop this problem before it goes beyond our control.”
An uncomfortable tension and insufferable silence swarmed the room as the Champion who listened took in a sharp breath to maintain his cool.
Working together with the Capital Service?
This was something that the second speaker had hinted at only for it to be spelled out without riddle.
“Elder Peilin. The Capital Service and the Purity remain as separate entities for a reason. In terms of efficiency, we are vastly superior and muddling us with those fools will only sully our strength. Surely no one else sees this absurd claim as valid …” the aged and raspy voice sounded.
“I also disagree. The Purity has many duties that require us to remain separated from the Capital Service. If that facet was a good enough help, we would have them assist us with the Retention. Because they are unreliable, we’ve had to secretly rely on the Sif to help make sure that no ships or individuals wander beyond the Central Boundary. This should give you some idea of what I mean, should it not?”
The Central Boundary was a position on the map of Aigas that marked the halfway point between the North and South.
Up North was the land of Edagon where the Giants had come from but it was a great distance away from even Opungale which was a few miles to the North East of Feinheath.
The Purity, seemingly unbeknownst to all the other nations, was cooperating with the High Family of the Sif to ensure that NO ONE travelled beyond the Central Boundary.
There were those bold enough to want to explore further and discover where the Giants had come from and many an expedition had been crafted.
Such was the mind of humanity.
But it could not be allowed.
Many reasons spawned this.
Those found to venture up to the forbidden point would either be killed or have their memories altered before being sent back home depending on where they came from – largely no one from Maqi or Opungale would be killed.
The one who oversaw this continuous operation known as the Retention was the strongest Paladin Champion, Boldstar, and under his watch, none had ever crossed the Boundary.
“I second what Peilin says,” the voice of a middle aged woman defended the younger male who had suggested getting the Purity to work with the Capital Service. “Unless you want to lose another Champion in the top 5, I suggest that we work with them. It’s not a matter of pride anymore, lives are on the line. If our Champions can at least inhabit major cities, our response to the potential threats of the future will be minimised. We have even lost a second Champion because of you lots’ stubbornness!”
A short pause grew after this new voice spoke, making the Paladin Champion in the midst sigh.
This was another cause of debate.
The fate of Elita.
“Any word of Elita since that day, Ruhrees?” the young man whose name was Peilin asked from behind his netted door which was near the very bottom.
“Unfortunately there is none. She seems to have just vanished and there is no way for us to track her down. Even our best Diviners were not able to find anything,” the Paladin Champion, Ruhrees answered.
“We can’t be sure why she disappeared? For all we know ’tis the fulfilment of the ministration I received from the Deities! Her blunder in Eofel was the perfect opportunity for us to put an end to her line before it was too late and yet the lot of you refused. Hmph! You thought merely imprisoning her would do, but now, perhaps someone finished the job for us!”
“Ministration? Fool! Admit it! No such thing was said from the Deities! Her family line should not dictate her fate to death. Imprisoning her and confiscating her title was not a biased decision on our part. She did not deserve death!”
“That does not matter now, does it?! The deed has been done! You’ll thank me when the stench of her line no longer haunts your sleep!”
“ENOUGH!” a voice boomed from the highest netted door, causing the debate to end.
The individual behind this door had remained silent throughout the entire discussion and debate, taking in all the information for a final decision.
Now, with his powerful voice and intent that demanded silence, everyone spoke no further and listened to what he would declare.
“I want to here no more about the Champion Elita. Her fate cannot dictate our direction in terms of how we shall handle the current evils we face. Peilin’s words hold some truth. Will we only discard our pride when Pelian is in flames? The Second Grand War taught us to set aside differences in dire times. We shall coordinate with the Capital Service, nomatter how foolish they tend to be. That is MY decision.”
The Highest Elder had spoken and his words needed no affirmation for it was final.
Those who wished otherwise could only grumble inwardly while those who had supported this from the beginning rejoiced silently.
This matter was done.
Or so everyone thought.
THRUM!
The melody of a lute danced from the strings that were strummed at this moment, as a certain man appeared in all his youthful and blonde glory.
He sat on the floor a distance from the Paladin Champion who instantly turned with the ferocious powers he possessed gushing out with immense hostility.
The tension instantly rose but the man who had mysteriously appeared, strumming his musical instrument charmed it with a soothing ballad that quelled all with haste.
“Shall I, the Holder of Mysteries,
Give you counsel O foolish seven,
For you know naught, the truth of the gods,
For you know naught, the minds of the divine….”