- Part XXX: Dinner with the devil
- Part XXXI: Arrival
- Part XXXII: The way of the heretic
- Part XXXIII: Games of Men
- Part XXXIV: The White Tower
- Part XXXV: Assassin
- Part XXXVI: A lesson unlearned
- Part XXXVII: Harsh Reunions
- Part XXXVIII: Disease
- Part XXXIX: An apology, a warning, an offer
Continue to
Part XXX: Dinner with the devil
Luriel sniffed the strong smelling concoction Ian had poured into her glass, unsure of its nature. It smelled evil to her, with an acrid sent. He poured himself a glass and sipped at it, seeming to savor the flavor. He smiled at her, his eyes amused, and told her it was safe to drink.
She took a cautious sip, but the taste was strong and unpleasant. She tried to smile, not wanting to be rude, but Ian laughed at her obvious expression of dislike. She in turn laughed at his reaction. A sense of comfort was established between the two, and Luriel decided to start asking questions.
As Ian sliced the fowl between then, Luriel started by asking of Isabella of Cordova. Was she really in Vienna at the moment? Ian nodded, adding that the Church kept good intelligence. Luriel knew nothing of such, but wanted Ian's opinion on her purpose in Vienna.
"Well you have to understand where Isabella comes from to know her mind. She is the absolute ruler in her own dominion, and she is used to getting what she wants. Are you familiar with the story of her father, and how relations soured with the church?"
Luriel knew little of the Junklords and their histories, and told Ian she was interested to hear.
"Isabella at age fourteen located an enormous cache of pre-flood weapons. Serious weapons, not just guns but items of powerful destruction. Her father, Enrique, was near his death and grew superstitious as to the future of his soul. He made a generous offer of half of the weapons to the Pontifex of the Engelitic Church. Perhaps he felt doing such would grant him a place in heaven, if the other side was correct. Who knows?"
Luriel had never heard of this occurrence. Weapons of such power would surely help the Church against the evil of the Dreamseed. Ian sipped his wine, and continued.
"In return, on his deathbed, Enrique received a letter from Secundus himself. In no uncertain terms it declared he must turn over all of the heretical items immediately, threatened a renewed pogrom in Andalusia against technology, and warned that the dreaded fate of Lisbon might befall Cordova if they did not act soon. Well, as you might imagine, this neither made Enrique happy nor endeared his daughter to the Church and its methods."
Luriel was thunderstruck. Why would the Pontifex act in such a manner? Yes, this was a heretic Junklord he wrote to, but what of diplomacy and tact? Those weapons could have been of great benefit to the Templars and Engel. Of course, that was a heretical thought. And yet before their destruction the Raguelites were allowed to capture technology and take it to their Himmel. Was it any different than "the danger" of reading and writing?
"Now Isabella, she saw the Dreamseed as a greater threat, at least at first. She personally led a mobilized army equipped with items from that cache of pre-flood tech. She waged a private war in the lands around Cordova and successfully purged Dreamseed from the land she now controls, Andalusia."
Ian chewed, letting Luriel consider his words. He could tell her mind was working on the details. He enjoyed watching her internal gears spin. He'd rarely met anyone who cogitated in such detail while carrying on normal conversation and activity. Perhaps it was a trait of all Ramielites, though he preferred to think this one was special. Luriel swallowed, and asked him if Isabella ever complied with the order the Pontifex had given her father?
Ian dabbed at a corner of his mouth, and shook his head.
"No. In fact quite the opposite. As soon as she came to power after her father's death she issued a proclamation that any Engelitic Church member found within her lands in five days would die. Painfully. And believe me, she has not welched from that often. Those she does let live often would rather have died."
The grim thought soured their moment. Luriel imagined innocent missionaries in torture chambers, and then banished the thought. Was this woman a monster then, shaped by such in the cold treatment of her father by the masters of the church?
"Isabella was instrumental in forming the Urbanis League, bringing at first three Free Cities together, and the number has grown since then. Of course, they would never have been as successful this fast if it had not been for Thagiel's appearance on the scene. He was definitely, as you say, a rogue element."
Ian smirked at his pun, but Luriel did not seem to notice. The mention of Thagiel excited her. As dangerous as he was, he represented a mystery she would soon encounter in the flesh. What would he be like? Would he listen to Adolphus?
"So, at the risk of dominating our dinner conversation, I need to give you some background on Viktor so as to understand why Isabella is in Vienna today. Karl Constance, Viktor’s father and predecessor, was fairly ambivalent to the Church. This was before the Urbanis League, mind you. He even considered converting according some of our more infamous historians. Anyway, in a sad tale, Viktor's mother converts secretly and then confronts her husband, pressuring him to do the same. She became a zealot overnight, which many think was a sign of tampering."
Luriel asked Ian what he meant by tampering? He told her some believed the woman's mind had been altered by an agent of the church to try and force her husband's hand in converting. Luriel scoffed at the idea of the church having any ability to alter someone's mind. Even if they did, such would be a horrible crime. She refused to believe the church would ever consider such a thing.
Ian raised his hands in defense, sensing her offense at the idea.
"I understand. As I said, some believe this, not all. Regardless, when Karl refused to convert, his fanatic of a wife tried to lead a revolution against him and he was forced to banish her for her actions. This deprived Viktor of his mother, and did little to improve Karl's relationship with Roma Aeterna. Now, flash forward a few years. Again, it appears Karl is considering at least nominally coming to terms with the Church, and a highly gifted and very diplomatic Raguielite is sent to treat with him regarding turning over some of their heretical technology to his order as a sign of contrition."
Luriel saw where this was heading. Now Thagiuel, the thrice-tempted, would enter the story.
"Thagiel was sent from Trondheim by Ab Gundar to examine the technology used by the people of Austria and try to convince Karl of the need to cease in using it. Viktor was just a teenager at the time, and had never really recovered from the banishment of his mother. I believe Thagiel and Viktor established their relationship then, before the fall of the Himmel. After the Himmel fell, Thagiel vanished for several months, finally returning to the court of Karl Constance. He pledged fealty to the man, and in turn, to the new Urbanis League that the ruler had joined. I imagine you know the rest of the story."
Luriel knew parts of it. Thagiel had greatly strengthened the power of the Urbanis League, and had helped them advance their technology. He had come to be known as a great traitor by all Engel, one who had turned his back on the Church and had been tempted to the call of the Lord of the Flies.
"Viktor took power some years later after an accident killed his father. He has grown up close to Thagiel. Their relationship is hard to define. Unlike Isabella, Viktor is a kinder ruler. He tries to be just and fair, loves art and music, and is passionately entranced with technology. He has two aides at his side always. One is chief of all military matters, the other is the chief technician.
Due to the relationship Viktor has had with Thagiel even before he left the church, Vienna has always benefited the greatest of the aligned cities from his aid. The other cities of the Urbanis League do feel Thagiel's presence, but to a lesser degree, and never directly. In recent years he rarely leaves his tower.
Isabella wants him. Not just more aid, but physically. She wants him in Cordova."
Ian was nearly finished with his food, and realized how long they had been talking.
"Forgive me, I've probably bored you. You knew most of this already, I'm sure. Tell me more of yourself, Luriel. I admit I know a little of your order already, but not the impression of one who lives it herself."
Luriel wondered what she could say of herself. She told him she was proud to be a Ramielite, and of her great love for knowledge and history. She almost commented on her confusion that the Church would refuse gifts of such powerful technology, but decided it was wrong to openly decry the will of the Pontifex to a heretic.
Ian smiled, listening intently. He then asked her a question he regretted.
"So, Luriel, tell me. Were you born near Prague?"
She looked up at him, certain he was teasing her. She realized his face was serious, and dropped her utensils. How dare this man again confuse her with a mortal being. She was an Engel of the Lord, not some human being born of woman. She told Ian the conversation was over, and gathered her things. Ian tried to apologize, and she accepted it, but told him they would have to continue their conversation another time.
Still indignant, Luriel walked back to her room alone. He was a fascinating man, but she had trouble ignoring some of his attitudes and opinions. She hoped she would be able to speak with Jaciel again soon to discuss Thagiel and the matters of technology refused.
In her room, she wondered something else. What would happen to an army of Engel that faced an enemy that was armed with significant technological weapons? Would they be shot from the sky? The idea chilled her to her core.
Part XXXI: Arrival
At last, the Fellowship (with Ian Longwalke) arrived in Vienna. They had left Vant at first light, and traveled without incident along a well laid road into the city. Adolphus seemed alert, if anxious, and Rythe had appeared to make a full recovery. Mathiel still looked pale, but his missing signum had returned and he seemed to be making a slow return to normal health.
Luriel found the city breathtaking in its majesty. She had never explored the city in which her own Himmel had stood, and her visit to Roma Aeterna for her consecration had been brief. This was a city seen from a slow approach on foot, and she marveled at its size and beauty.
As they entered the external walls, she also began to cough. There was a haze of smoke, and an increasing cacophony of what Ian told her was the noise from the factories located on the north-west side of the city. Regardless, her first impression of the beauty of the city was marred somewhat at the thick smoke and noise.
Passing through the dirtier industrial area, she eagerly looked about, drinking in the detail of the exotic place. It was very crowded, people milling about in the day to day existence of their lives. Even though the sun was still in the clouded sky, she saw light from many windows. In some cases this was still the flickering light she was used to from fireplaces or lanterns. In other windows, though, she saw a steady light that seemed more to what she was used to from the Himmel’s interior. How could they have such false light here?
The people wore many layers of clothing, with some in extensive finery. Most also wore shoes. She was curious if all were affluent, and could afford such, or was clothing cheaper here than in small villages. It was different from Groten and the villages near Prague.
The architecture was a heady mixture of new wood buildings and edifices that had survived for centuries. Vienna felt odd to her eyes, as much of the old world survived in its streets and alleys. She wondered if Prague would have looked the same if she had explored it. She wondered why she had never considered exploring the world outside the Himmel, instead of spending all of her time reading.
Ahead was an area of the city surrounded by a great wall, blocking their passage with a massive gate. Armed guards stood ahead in a kind of ceremonial dress. Ian told them that the area of the city were the palace lay, the center of the Vienna, was walled off from the rest and required permission to enter. Luriel nodded, preparing herself for the introductions to the guards glaring at them as they approached. First impressions were so important.
Ian stopped her, and asked if she wanted him to speak with the guards for her. She considered it, and decided it might be best. While they were expected, these were simple guardsmen and Ian served the court of Constance. He would stand a better chance getting them in without any incidents. As Ian approached the guards, Luriel turned to Adolphus, asking him to give her the letters that granted their entry.
Adolphus glared down at her, unpleased she had let Ian Longwalke involve himself in this process. He was growing more distrustful of all of Vienna, and was worried constantly of dangers real and imaginary. With some regret, he told Luriel his opinion but gave her the letters bearing Constance's seal. Luriel gave them to Ian, and entry was granted without problem.
From his white tower, the renegade sensed the Engel. He had felt their arrival for some time, his being attuned to the presence of others such as him. He stepped into the darkness of his sanctum, questioning the sanity of his plans. Would he be strong enough? Time would tell.
As the group entered the walled inner city, Ian made his goodbyes to the group. He thanked them for their kindnesses, and promised he would meet them again. He stepped away in the shadows, leaving them to proceed with a city guard. Luriel missed his departure, her eyes noticing an odd white tower stretching to the sky. It was taller than any structure in the city, and seemed unmarred by doors or windows except for at its top. There seemed to be a large window and a long balcony there. It reminded her of a miniature Himmel. Luriel realized Ian had left them, and regretted not saying goodbye.
It was instantly clear they had entered a more affluent area of the city. The streets were cleaner, the people better dressed, and the lights had changed. Here she saw nothing but warm solid lights. Again, she knew not how lights such as these could be in mortal hands.
They way was uphill, and as the horses and Engel walked up the paved road Luriel caught sight of a strange group of men. Here, in the richer area of Vienna, were men wearing crude one-piece clothing that clasped over their shoulders. They were covered in a foul smelling black fluid and had dirty metal objects protruding from their pockets. She wished Ian had still been with them, for she eagerly wanted to know what these men were.
At last they came before an enormous building of beauty and elegance, surely dating from the pre-flood age. There were carvings all over the building and strange stone faces around its roof. The guard directed them in, and told them in German they barely understood that they were expected inside. Was this the palace?
Inside was a confluence of beauty and garish technology. The hall was carpeted in lush reds and golds, and a beautiful chandelier sparkled above. In contrast, strange colored lights flashed around the chamber, and flat mirror-like panels with changing images. Grating music poured from black boxes on the walls.
A tall old man dressed in great finery greeted the Fellowship, welcoming them to Vienna. He told them his name, Sebastian, and that he was to be their valet for all their needs. Their horses and items were being tended to, and fine chambers had been prepared for them upstairs here in one of Viktor’s many apartments. Each of them would have a room to him or her self.
Rythe surprised them by causing a small scene. He demanded in Latin that he must not have a chamber to himself in such a place. He would sleep in the servant's quarters or perhaps outside. He would not take such finery as it was not right for a Templar to sleep in the same luxury as an Engel and a respected monach. Sebastian did not understand, but looked concerned. Luriel tried to explain the problem to him in what German she knew, but Adolphus settled the problem before she could begin.
He told Rythe that he could sleep in the same chamber with him, helping to aid him in his mission. In such a way he would not be acting in a way unbecoming of a Templar. Rythe agreed, and Sebastian appeared greatly relieved that all was well. He told them they were expected in the palace in two hours, and they could freshen themselves from their long journey if they wished.
All agreed it was needed, and they were led up the stairs to the strange chambers prepared for them. As Luriel ascended, she turned to survey the hall again. The flashing lights did not make sense any to her. They hurt her eyes, and surely they would make reading difficult.
Part XXXII: The way of the heretic
Each went to the chamber prepared for them. It's been said to know your enemy, learn how he lives. Before the Engel (and humans) were rooms of great finery, the best a strange world could offer. These were rooms for foreign heads of state. Luriel nodded to Rythe, Mathiel, and Cassiel, and Sebastian ushered them forward into their separate chambers. Adolphus would be safe with Rythe, as the loyal Templar would die before allowing any harm to befall his charge.
Stepping into the plush room, Luriel marveled at the luxury. A great window opened onto the royal courtyards beyond, the city of Vienna sweeping out before her. The large chamber was well-furnished, and was a far cry from the simple cellae Engel were used to living in within the Himmel, or the dirty rooms found in country inns. This was no bed of earth and rain.
The bed, incidentally, was large and appeared quite plush. The room was dark, though, and Luriel's hand felt a set of switches on the wall. She was surprised to find a control for lights in the room. Again, the divine lights that only existed in the Himmel were on display. Was this the treachery of Thagiel, or something more? These lights clearly emanated from a fixture in the middle of the ceiling, while the lights of the Himmel's chambers seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere.
There were other switches on the wall. It seemed one could control the temperature of the room within some set range. Again, this was a marvel that only the great structures of the church was known to possess. Did they somehow mimic the work of the Lord in their technology? She adjusted the knob, and a loud blast of air came from vents in the walls. It was certainly not the same as the Himmel. The Lord's creations were not noisy and so jarring. The temperature in the cellae was always perfect.
Luriel walked around the room, her bare feet squishing in the soft carpet. A part of her found the luxury around so comforting. This childish part of her wanted to throw herself in the bed, and roll in the sheets. Her maturity denied such urged, noticing the dirt and filth on her robes. She was to clean and prepare, for her purpose was clear. The Satrap, Viktor Constance, was to be met and trucked with.
As for a bath, she found one. There was an enormous pit of a washing tub, rivaling again the great baths of the Himmel. Laughing at the comparison, she began to disrobe, and puzzled over the controls for the water flow. With success achieved, she allowed the warm water to fill as she looked over the room again. A strange black box, similar to the ones that had blared the discordant cacophony downstairs, sat near her on a wooden table. A wire ran from it back into the wall.
Luriel stepped near it, curious as to its function. There was a metal switch on its top, and no other apparent controls. Somewhat timidly, but still driven her as yet unexhausted curiosity, she flipped the switched. At the sound of a large crackle and pop she leapt back, expecting the device to explode after making such an unearthly sound. Instead, static gave way to words, and to her amazement a voice began to speak, seeming to tell of events in the city.
So transfixed was she at this device, she almost did not notice the water's level rapid increase. She quickly turned off the taps, and climbed into the warm waters. The weight of her long journey from Prague washed from her, and she listened to strange chatter of the noise-box.
The box with a woman’s voice began to speak of "the great and noble Isabella of Cordova, Great Lady of Andalusia, Warrior of Catalan, and friend to all free men and women." It appeared she most certainly was in town, and the locals appeared (from the noise-box at least) to be in all a flutter. According to the speaker, Isabella was present to cement new treaties between the Urbanis League cities.
Luriel waited to her mention of Thagiel… of the push for war that Ian had suggested was the mad woman’s real goal. The voice said nothing, spending more time on trivialities than speaking any harsh truths. Perhaps there were laws against the truth here in Vienna.
Then the noise-box went on to speak of some atrocity in the city. Four had been killed so far in the "Undercity", it seemed, and some witness had been said to describe a strange metal man to be the murderer. Perhaps there was no ban on the truth after all. Darkness struck here, but a strange evil. The voice cautioned any travel to the Undercity, as the area had been declared by Viktor a great danger to those unaware.
It was then the noise-box ceased in its narration, and began to play a sweet tune. Luriel wondered if the words and music alternated, or if there was some other pattern to the noises from the box. As interesting as the news of the city had been, the music was far more pleasing. It was a single string instrument, and it was played with great beauty and grace. Luriel sunk deeper into the warmth, her eyes shutting.
As Luriel soaked, the heat melting the stiffness from her thin limbs, the door opened. So enraptured by the heat and chatter of the noise-box, Luriel's great battle training and sharp awareness did not notice. The maid walked across the floor to the bed, and collected the torn foul robes she had shed. Luriel sensed the shadow fall over her, and opened her eyes to find the maid folding the clothes into a satchel.
The maid nodded to her, unsmiling, and told Luriel she was here to take her clothes to be laundered. She would return shortly. The woman did not seem concerned to see an Engel, her scriptum unshed in the boiling warmth. Luriel stood, nodding, curious as to the woman's reaction. Was there no fear in these lands of Engel? Perhaps they did not think of the heaven-born as enemies, as she had thought?
She asked the maid why she not seem to fear such strangers? The maid thought to herself, and then explained. It was not uncommon for the people of Vienna to see an Engel from time to time, what with lord Thagiel watching over them.
"You'd seem him in the skies above, sometimes. And sometimes he is on the Glotziste, though not often anymore."
The maid walked out then, carrying Luriel's only clothes. Luriel soaked for a moment more, and then decided she had washed away enough of the past days. Rising from the water, she dried herself on the cloths that had been provided. The luxuries of these heretic lords were great. Was their power equal to such? They had survived against the collective will of the Church in various forms and capacities for years. Perhaps it was an equal part cunning as strength.
Exploring the other wonder of her room after adorning a fuzzy white robe, she found what she thought a communication device. It had a piece to go to one's mouth and ear, and a long wire from such part into a box on the wall. There was a wheel with holes arounds its edge, perhaps for dialing some combination of numbers. Yes, with consideration, she could see the similarity to the relic she had found in the caves. Ian had said that small device would connect people from around the world. She wondered where this strange odd contraption would connect you to. With distaste, she decided she strongly preferred the more natural communications of her Order, from Engel to Engel via thoughts, as she often spoke to Jaciel.
The thought of him gave her pause. Her distaste turned into a frown. Was he still alive? Had he already ascended, passing on from the mortal plane? She hoped not, despite the obvious reward waiting for him in Heaven. How she hoped she would see his face once more. The things she would tell him of this place, if it was only to be.
With that thought, the door opened again. The maid had returned with such a short absence, and with her she brought Luriel's Engelic robe, cleaned and mended. How could such cleaning and repair be done in so little time? The maid smiled, sensing she was pleased. Luriel clad herself in the finery of her own world, and readied herself.
It was time to meet the rebel rulers of her world.
Part XXXIII: Games of Men
The hall of the king was a thing of terror. Lights flashed, sounds echoed, and around her Luriel saw men and women awash in refuse of the past. Shiny discs, wire, and hard plastics were the attire of this court. Must they flaunt their heretical love for the pre-flood ways in the eyes of the Lord? Luriel calmed herself, sensing the more palpable concern of her Fellowship.
Adolphus had scolded her for the music. He did not approve of her incessant explorations. There were dangers here, he warned, vipers under every shiny stone. She must be on her guard, careful of those who would wish her harm. Still, what she had seen in the rooms through her investigation had helped prepare her for the court of Constance.
Upon a throne of steel and stone he sat, himself adorned in a great suit of shine and tech. This was no private audience before the Satrap, but instead a public appearance before the halls of power in Vienna. Luriel's eyes scanned the room, but no figure was winged. Thagiel was not present. Crestfallen, she stood firmly next to her old nonnus, as Viktor was alerted to the presence of the Church envoys.
The City Lord stood, bringing silence to the music of the court. He beckoned for the newcomers to come forward, and Luriel walked ahead of her Fellowship, Adolphus at her side. Rythe walked several feet behind the Engel, in respect of his place.
A sister sat to Viktor Constance's right, a brother to his left. They remained seated as Viktor stepped down before the Engel. He raised his hand to his face, extending it out as he lowered it. Adolphus returned with the sign of the Church.
"I visit you with greetings, envoys of Secundus. You have traveled far to be greeted with warmth in my court. Hold, though, for I do not understand. I see only Engel before me. Is it not customary for a Fellowship of Engel to hold with five winged warriors?"
Viktor could see the answer to his question in the frailest of the Engel before him, for Cassiel's eyes were downcast at his question. Luriel gave him a more certain response.
"We have had much adversity in our path, Satrap Constance. In battles with Dreamseed two of our number fell."
With the answer Luriel's throat threatened to constrict, but she resisted the pang of sadness for her fallen fellows. She met Viktor's gaze, strong and inquiring, for she was an Engel. She would bow not before any mortal ruler. Viktor met her returned gaze, and his face softened.
"I grieve for your loss. It is a hard thing to see ones you care for perish. I give you my welcome and greetings. You are here in my city with my blessing, and in my protection. Please, accept my most deep sorrow for your dear losses."
His words were heart-felt, no aphorisms of diplomacy. The Engel could see in him a caring heart that truly grieved for their pain. Perhaps there could be hope in a world with rulers who cared for the pain of others, even when those others were enemies. Mathiel stood forward, and uttered great thanks for the welcome of he and his fellows into the halls of Constance. Luriel was proud, for she knew Mathiel to be untrustful of the heretics. He had spoke well. Cassiel, in turn, stepped forward to give thanks. He stammered, his eyes darting to the many faces of the court around them, but finished well.
Adolphus then greeted Viktor, and immediately asked him when they could meet with Thagiel. Viktor seemed unfazed, but Luriel was upset. It would have been better, she thought, to not inform all in the court why they were here. Some might be uncertain of their purpose. Now there would be no question; the heralds of Prague had come for the renegade Raguelite. Adolphus was no diplomat.
Viktor, to his credit, smiled and reached out to Adolphus. He told the nonnus that Thagiel was no pet, dictated to when he should appear and present himself. They would meet with him soon enough, rest assured. He then looked about the group, and asked that some of them stay in court to take dinner with him. He would consider it an honor of such a wise scholar as Adolphus and great Engel as the Fellowship would sup with him and his closest. Luriel imagined Adolphus would stay and they would go, but Adolphus took her arm, telling her to send the others back, and that she would stay to dine with him at Constance's behest.
With an anxious heart, Luriel told the others they were to go back. Rythe did not want to leave Adolphus's side in such a place of danger, but Luriel would watch over him. She worried, though, for after the tone of dinner with Ian, feasting with heretics did not appeal. Regardless, duty ruled, and the others left as Viktor and his closest led the Engel and priest into the hall of dinning.
As they progressed from the throne chamber into the hall, a woman approached the two of them and made to speak with them. She was beautiful, of dark skin and raven black hair, and walked with a slight limp. She wore a strange black shiny armor that fit to her as a glove. A large heretic weapon hung from one hip, a sword from the other. She greeted them with a flourish, and in Latin with a strange accent made herself known.
"Greetings, Engel and monach. I am the Comtessa Isabella of Cordova, and I wish most strongly to speak with you, alone, at your most early of conveniences. Please consider visiting with me soon, for it might improve your future prospects."
Without waiting for either to react, Isabella stepped away, striding (with her limp) into the dinning chamber. It seemed the dinner might yet be a place of vipers, some hidden, some exposed.
The seating arrangements did little to relax Luriel. Constance sat at the head of a lengthy table, Luriel to his left, and Adolphus to his right. Many sat along the length of the table, all attention turned to the strange visitors and their Lord. Isabella sat down beside Luriel, and it was clear from her intake of breath and seeming temper that she was not pleased that the emissaries of the hated Church had been placed in a position of greater honor than her own. Luriel tried to sit back, searching for any hint of comfort in this uneasy place. Even the chair refused her this, as it was high backed and her wings had no place to go.
This was no place for her. She was a scholar, a historian. A Michaelite should be here, one skilled in diplomacy and negotiation. This was wrong. She crossed her arms, trying to calm herself. Even the chair was wrong.
Viktor called to one of his many aides, and ordered that a more appropriate chair be brought for his winged guest of honor. He apologized to Luriel that such an oversight had been made. Thagiel, he explained, never dined with the court. They were unused to the different attributes of the winged presence at the table.
A low backed chair was brought, not dissimilar to the chairs found in the cellae of the Himmel. A small thing had been changed in the equation of the evening, but somehow the slight kindness Viktor had showed in correcting Luriel's seat provided her with the strength and focus needed. She looked around the room, alert, now listening to the many conversations booming around the table. Her curiosity had resurfaced with the vigor to explore new worlds.
She watched the highly expressionate faces of those at the table, wondering what their lives were like. What did they believe and want for the world? Some watched her uncomfortably, perhaps seeing her as an ill omen of enemies both distant and close. A question entered her mind. How would they react if Thagiel was dining with them, or was that as rare as Viktor had intimated.
Isabella began to speak around her to Viktor, opening into discussion of wanting Thagiel in Cordova. Was this a lack of artifice, or the diplomacy of naked intent? She made it clear to the church visitors that she was telling Viktor that Cordova would have Thagiel for a time in its land. The hated Gabrielites and Urielites were a constant threat to her lands. If the expansionistic idiocy of the Church should come to Cordova, she would have her weapons and forces as prepared as possible. Thagiel was a key piece to her plans.
Luriel bristled. How could these people speak of Thagiel, even if a traitor, as a thing? He was no piece of any plan. He was an Engel, cast down or not. He should not be spoken of as such. Her pride expressed itself as she wondered how Thagiel could bring himself to serve such lower beings as these.
Looking at Adolphus, it was clear he was lost in such a forum as this. He was a creature of quiet contemplation and study, not debate and discussion. He ate at his food, picking more than feasting, and kept quiet. No fire seemed to lurk in his veins. His thoughts were his own.
Viktor, no friend to the Church, was certainly well informed on its doings. He spoke to Luriel and Adolphus of the "magician in the north" they had faced in Groten. He also seemed to already know of the fire at Saint Terrel's, and had suspected it was a Dreamseed attack when they confirmed as much. Luriel wondered where he got such information, as it was apparent little happened in the lands around him (including those ruled by the Church) that he did not know of.
He then spoke of a curious thing. He told Luriel there had been much rumor in the far north, west of Prague, of a strange prophet moving among the villages and peoples. It had come to his ears that this prophet, who had taken to calling him "the Jesus", after a figure from the pre-Engelitic religions, was spreading strange beliefs among the common people. It was said this odd figure preached of a philosophy of harmony with the Dreamseed, claiming that by fighting the Lord of the Flies one only made him stronger. The prophet was said to speak of fear being as sustenance before the might of the Tempter. This Jesus told the people, some who had begun to believe his words, that they could survive by accepting the Dreamseed.
What did it mean to accept the Dreamseed? Was that to accept death, destruction, flames and smoke? Still, something was true in this false prophet's words. Domenico had conjectured that the Dreamseed were formed by fear itself, so it was likely that the Lord of the Flies devoured fear. Yet accepting was madness.
Across from Luriel sat Viktor's sister, Victoria, an older but beautiful woman. Next to her sat the young Wilhelm, Viktor's young brother. They spoke to each other with conspiratorial tones, private jokes and smiles between them. Watching them, Luriel could see the lives of those who would be next to rule, but forever denied it. Monarchy?
Further from the table was a most beautiful woman who seemed to look Luriel's way repeatedly. She met the woman's stare, but realized only then it was not at the Engel she looked at, but the Satrap to her left. Isabella leaned to Luriel, and whispered the identity of the attractive woman. It was Elizabetha, the beloved and betrothed of Viktor's.
Viktor caught Luriel's attention then, extending his courtesy ever further. He granted permission to the Engel and delegation to explore the city and visit its great libraries, as long as they were to not travel alone. Sebastian or others of his valet would travel with them. He explained this as being as much for their own safety as for the safe-keeping of his own city. Luriel, greatly interested in seeing the city, and even more excited by the prospect of new libraries to raid, thanked him with great sincerity. He did seem a most generous host.
Dinner had ended, arguments over, discussion at a close. Viktor made his farewells, bidding his new guests a good rest. He made away, and Isabella did the same. She paused, though, seeming interested in Luriel's being able to read. With confirmation, she again repeated her interest in speaking with them privately, and emphasized it would need to be very soon. She bid them well, and left them to make their own way from the hall.
Luriel, holding Adolphus's arm, began to make her way out of the hall. An aide approached them, and asked if they would follow him. There was one more matter Viktor wished to speak with them about. Adolphus grew concerned, worry lines collecting on his face. He was afraid there was treachery before them, but Luriel reassured him. All was well. She had begun to have trust in Viktor Constance, and she held to it.
In a much smaller (and more private) chamber they were brought before Viktor and two of his chief aides. Viktor greeted them, his face seeming more open. Luriel wondered if he had not wanted to treat with them in so public a forum before. What would he say here, away form prying eyes and ears?
The aides at his sides were opposites of each other. One was thin and tall, blonde haired and fairly young and attractive. He was introduced as Lukas, Haupt (Chief) Tech. The other was older, scowling, and scarred. A fierce man in military dress, he was introduced as Gunter, Haupt (Chief) of the Armies. These were the two aides always at Viktor's side, one a learned technologist, the other a veteran of many battles. Luriel wandered if Dreamseed had given Gunter his many scars, but as he glared at her, she wondered if it was instead Church forces.
Viktor, who had been so warm before, now changed tone. He turned from them, and informed that he had passed on their request to see Thagiel immediately. He told them they would not have been allowed in his city if it had not been for Thagiel's desire for it to be so. He emphasized his suddenly hostile attitude, turning to look at them again. It was important they did not travel alone in the city, but only with Sebastian, or Lukas. He softened, and added that he recommended they avoid the Comtessa. There were great threats to them in his city. He emphasized that there were other visitors in Vienna at the moment. Some parties present might wish them harm. He seemed to truly be concerned for them. He then bid them farewell, and then retired with his aids.
Adolphus and Luriel at last were returning to their rooms. She wondered as to Viktor's seeming change in mood, and imagined this situation was strange to him. If he did not want them here, but only allowed them to be present at Thagiel's request, it proved what a role Thagiel played here in the court, what influence he could bring to bear. In the ride back to the royal apartments, she again found her eyes drawn to the White Tower. Could it be where he resided? It had not occurred to her before.
Was Thagiel chattel to be argued over by heads of state? Was he a revered protector? Was he an advisor to men? Was he a brother to Constance? Thoughts wheeled in her head, and Adolphus, who had said relatively little for the past few hours, broke the silence in his answer to her unspoken questions.
"He is lonely. No Engel, be he changed or not, could find solace in such a den of vanity and artifice. I know Thagiel of old, when he was but a postulant with nigh grown wings and no hair on his small form. He cried once, missing Heaven, in my arms. He is here because his home was lost to him, and in the mad of the lonely he found a false one."
Luriel was shocked, but could not speak. Tears came to her eyes, for Adolphus himself cried for what had happened to his lost Engel charge. He told her of the fall of Trondheim. It was no tale of noble sacrifice or glorious salvation. The Inferno had bore down on the Himmel with surprise, with little warning or time for preparation. The Ab, Gundar, was driven unsound by the approaching destruction. No Engel was sent away from that fire. The mad Ab sent all Engel present into the fray, destroying the hopes for the future of the order. All Engel a few days flight from the Himmel had been recalled, and they died in that conflagration, as flames and Dreamseed filled the air.
Adolphus told Luriel how Thagiel had come back from his mission here in Vienna, to find where he had left his brethren and family now a black cloud billowed. He had plunged into the darkness, searching for a tower that no longer stood, almost dying in the process. Before coming here, he had vanished for months. No one knew what had happened to him, though legends existed that he had been "thrice-tempted". Then, at last, he had come here, joining the cause of enemies of the church. He had begun making enemies stronger in defiance of all his teachings.
As they neared their rest, Luriel suggested to Adolphus they change rooms. There were many threats abound, and she even worried Viktor might turn on them. Her trust in him had been shaken. She wanted to be in the room any assassin expected to find Adolphus within. He refused, and further refused to discuss it any further. He was tired, and retired to his chamber to sleep. He suggested she do the same, for in the morning they would see the traitor.
She told the others some of what had happened, Cassiel fretting, Mathiel listening in cold silence. She warned them to be on guard, for dangers might present themselves at any time. Mathiel seemed aloof, strangely pale. Luriel asked after him, but he told her he was fine, only tired. They were all tired. To their rooms they went, to sleep; and to dream of safer harbors.
Luriel had but just begun to drift into slumber, her mind whirling with the events of the dinner, when the note slid under her door. She picked it up, opening it. On a parchment page in a fine script was written a note to her.
-
You are expected. Fly alone to the White Tower at once. No delay will be accepted.
-
Bring your hope and your desire to know.
-
T
Part XXXIV: The White Tower
Luriel held the note in her hands, rereading its words. What do I do? She imagined flying there, seeing him, and realizing it was a mistake. Some cruel prank, designed to upset the delicate balance necessary for their purpose.
Or, more chilling, it was no prank. He had called her there, but only to destroy her without anyone knowing how she had died. He had killed Engel before. He would murder her on high.
But...
Perhaps it was possible he did want to see her. His note, mentioning her �desire to know�� it was as if he knew of her curiosity. How could he know of her? Was he only guessing, playing at a game of chance that all Ramielites would react the same with "how does he know me so well?"
Indecision rife, she opened the window. The White Tower reflected light from the city below, and atop it the open chamber was lit from within. He was there. Waiting. Waiting for her?
Knowing she was making a mistake she would never be able to correct, Luriel flew into the sky through the window leaving the apartments and the world she knew behind her. Her friends slept in darkness. She escaped into the night, flying in the cool rain.
Landing on the platform of the tower, she steadied herself. She had left all weapons behind, wanting no risk of misperceived threat. It was daring, perhaps even foolhardy, but she would walk in hands open in a show of peace. Let the traitor see her as not an enemy. Not today.
The light from inside the chamber ahead was dim, and a smell of incense wafted into the night air. Luriel stepped forward, unsure, and began to enter. Then she heard his voice. Liquid silver, smooth and firm, it penetrated the silence and patter of the rain. It was the voice of a god.
"Luriel, it is time to come out of the rain."
Afraid, Luriel stepped into the chamber. Wind chimes tinkled above, and around her were shelves filled with books and oddities. Wires ran from devices to other machines. Strange metal contraptions hung suspended from the ceiling. The chamber was circular, and a peace she recognized permeated it. It was as stepping into a Himmel, except in this lair no man ever entered. This was a tower where entry was by wing and wind only.
Then she saw him, as he stepped forth form the shadows- Thagiel, thrice-tempted, traitor Engel, last of the Raguelites. Never had she seen such an old Engel. To human eyes he would appear nearly thirty, his form firm and strong. His wings! They were covered in Engelic scriptum, something Luriel found unnatural and yet alluring. He wore a black robe open at the chest. His skin was covered in thick markings, denser and more intricate than any she had ever seen. They glowed, by God, his markings glowed with gold light. His face, though, was the strangest of all. Despite the intricate Engelic script which covered him, even covering his white wings, none was on his face. A single marking adorned his fore-head, a marking she had never seen in any Engelic script before. This was the triple-circle... a triple-crown.
He looked at her, his eyes golden in the dark. This was an Engel, Luriel thought. More than any she had ever laid eyes on, this was truly a glorious figure of power and beauty. How could any believe this being before her was a dark and evil figure? His marks glowed with golden light, and Luriel stood speechless. These many days dreaming of meeting the figure of mystery, and now, before him, she was unable to think. What should she say to him? She was nothing before him, a shadow in his golden light.
The silence was broken by his sonorous voice. He stepped forward, his eyes flashing in the dim light reflected.
"Luriel, welcome. You were expected."
Expected? How could she have been expected? She was only a simple Ramielite on her first mission for the Church. Who even knew of her to expect her? Her eyes were filled with questions, and fear. He stepped toward her, his form that of a large man to her child-like Engelic body. He towered over her, imposing, a winged god. His eyes met hers, and Luriel began to panic. An animal instinct from the base of her being screamed for her to run, fly from the tower, never return!
"Child, you do not know what you are. You are lost."
Luriel spoke then, her pride fuel enough to shatter her speechlessness. All need for decorum or delicate balance gone, she declared to him she knew what she was. She was an Engel of the Lord!
He reached out and stroked her cheek gently.
"So sweet and young; so innocent you are. You are much more than a simple Ramielite. You are Luriel. You will learn what it means to be that. You may be lost, but you will find."
He then turned from her, walking to a set of chairs cut for Engel and their wings. He sat, and called to his side in a strange language Luriel did not recognize. A figure appeared from the recesses of the room, clanking as it walked. A metal man carrying a tray with a teapot and two small cups approached them. Luriel was stunned! A man made of metal!
Thagiel did not take a cup from the metal man, only sitting and watching Luriel with his golden eyes. She sat, and reached out for a cup from the tray the metal being offered. Unsure of how to respond, wanting to be courteous before her host, she offered a thank you to the lifeless form before her. To this, Thagiel reacted. He began to laugh, with a manic energy, tossing his head down and nearly doubling over. Was he not sane? Luriel watched him with alarm as his laugh ended as it had begun.
He raised his head, and smiled an inhuman smile at her. The emotion of his eyes was unreadable, making her think he suffered from some delirium. Unsure of what to do, she slowly sipped from her drink. Thagiel reached out and placed his large hand over her cup.
"This tea you drink has not been known since before the floods. The making of it was lost until I unearthed it some time past. Drink of time lost, Luriel. Drink it deeply."
His words unsettled her, but the gift of such a treasure eased her discomfort. One moment he laughed at her words, the next sharing a wonder from history. What was this being? Could it be an Engel? Had age unhinged him? He had lived near a decade past the age Engel must ascend. Had the mortal world corrupted him completely?
Luriel tried to speak again, asking him why he had expected her. She had not been part of the mission�s purpose. Adolphus was here for him, not her.
"I knew of your coming, as I know of you. I know what happened to you there on the platform in Prague, the dark fell beast nearly slaying you as you watched it approach. A friend Engel it was not, but death coming to claim you before your moment. And I know of what you see. Do you deny the visions?"
Luriel was shocked. He could not know such things of her. She denied the attack. She denied ever having visions. He knew too much about her. Before, when he said she was "no simple Ramielite", it was as if he had heard her thoughts. He was dangerous. So very dangerous!
He told her it was his gift from time that he could feel when other Engel approached.
"It was this sense that saved me when the fools were sent to kill me. No Engel can approach me without my knowing. I knew of you thus, but I know more than that alone. I ask you this, Luriel; do you have any older Engel who you confide in, who you consider as close as Engel can be to one another?"
Luriel nodded, answering Jaciel. Thagiel's eyes narrowed to slits, and his face twitched.
"Has Jaciel ever mentioned that he has seen fewer and fewer younger Engel being called? That the Abs seem ever more careful with the missions they send Engel on, worrying over loosing their champions greater than before?"
Luriel nodded, telling Thagiel of what Jaciel had told her in the quiet moments before the storm had broke at Groten. Oh Jaciel, she wondered, what have I got myself into? She felt as if the figure across from her would devour her in any moment.
"It is to be expected since Trondheim fell. The day of Engel is darkening, Luriel. I warn you this, if you care for Jaciel and he is an elder, do not let him ascend. Believe me, it would be a great wrong to let him go."
Thagiel stood up, and walked away from the chairs. He asked Luriel if she knew of the City Lords' plans to use technology against the Dreamseed. She said what she knew, and he nodded.
"There are few hopes left for humanity against the hordes of darkness, but if they abandon the power of thought we are all lost. I have advised Viktor that while Isabella is a fool, she is a cunning one. We must arm. We must fight. Man can beat back the darkness, but not through winged proxy and sharpened blade alone. He must harness the power of his mind."
Luriel stood up, unsure how to respond. She asked, was it not a danger for man to embrace technology? Had it not brought the floods and the plague? She ached to see his views as right, for it did seem a madness to ignore the power of science, but there was danger on that path. Was she wrong?
Thagiel stood in the center of his chamber, looking down. He raised his head, his face a mask of anger, and then calmed.
"Luriel, I tire of our discussion. We shall speak again, and soon. You should leave now so as to avoid being missed and causing repercussions. You will speak to no one of our meeting. Not even Adolphus. You will bring my old..."
He paused, a moment of recollection on his face. Nostalgia? Lament?
"Bring my old nonnus here promptly at first light. Leave him on the balcony without coming in. There are things the old man will have to say to me, uncomfortable things, and having you present will make it far worse. I am already lost. Loosing you would destroy him. The sins of the church would pull us all into hell if we allowed them."
With this said, he approached her with his hand extended. Luriel thought him to be making a gesture of farewell, but she glimpsed for only a moment the symbol from his forehead form on the palm of his outstretched hand. The triple-circles glowed brightly, and he moved quickly to place his hand on her forehead. Luriel was seized by a feeling of warmth running through her body, her skin prickling. It was ecstasy and agony intertwined. What was happening! She wanted to scream, to cry out, but she couldn't move. What dark magic was he working on her?
Images flashed in her mind. A river. A dark figure with hideous deformities speaking. Smoke and screams. What madness was this? What was he showing her in this blur of nightmares?
Then, Thagiel's face pained in agony, he pulled his hand from her head and stumbled away. Luriel, her forehead burning, ran from the room and fled into the sky. She flew, as fast as she could, horrified as to what had happened. What had he done to her? Her forehead was warm, and tingled. She kept thinking he had put something into her, but all he had done was touch her.
The images repeated, still insensible, as she made it to her window and collapsed to the floor. A man, who looked as Viktor did, but older. A boy, almost a man, with Viktor's eyes looking at her with admiration and awe. Were these memories? Had Thagiel inserted his memories into her mind?
Her forehead still itched and burned, and she rose to look in the mirror. Before her, in glowing majesty, burned Thagiel's triple-crown!
Part XXXV: Assassin
As Luriel looked into the mirror with horror at the mark on her forehead, something changed in her senses. Her hearing was affected first. She became aware of sounds she should not hear. She could hear the labored snoring of Adolphus as if he was beside her even though he was a thick wall away. Rythe's soft breathing echoed in her ears. Even the gentle breath of Cassiel and Mathiel was as thunder to her trembling auditory nerves.
She stood, hands covering her violated ears, uncertain as to what was happening. She could hear the servants in their night-chores in the floors beneath. The wet explosion of each raindrop on the roof above. There was another sound, though. One that made her skin tingle. She focused on it, trying to suppress the din of the others.
Yes, she heard something. The sound of scratching against stone, and in some way, she knew from where it came. She could feel the sound�s position beneath Adolphus's window against the wall of the building. Something came for him! She leaped out the window acting on instinct and adrenalin.
Landing on the exterior windowsill of his chamber, she scanned the darkness. The lights outside had been extinguished at some point before, plunging the wall and surrounding grounds into lightless black. What had happened to the exterior lights? Luriel had returned from Thagiel�s tower in such a state she had failed to notice the change.
Frustrated, she listened closer. In the dimmest of ways she heard breathing below her. She had no torch, was unarmed, and had only her wits and seemingly enhanced sense. With growing certainty, she felt the breathing become louder and came to know the source. Someone was on the ground at the foot of the wall hiding in the darkness.
With no fear and only the safety of her charge in mind Luriel flew down with speed hoping to catch her prey by surprise. Unfortunately, she was the one caught. The man she heard breathing was not on the ground, but on the wall halfway between the ground and Adolphus�s window. As Luriel flew by, he fired a weapon at her which deafened her. She was unhurt by the gun's discharge, but her head ached from the explosion of his gunfire. Luriel reached the ground, her ears ringing and then fading away into silence. She could not hear his breathing, or his movement.
She stared up into the darkness, and at once the darkness was burned away in white light. It was as if the sun had suddenly burst from cloudless skies pouring its brilliant light down on the world. Luriel could clearly see the large figure scaling the wall, his form shining in the day-night. Not sure what was happening, Luriel took the air again, racing to his form in hopes of pulling him from the wall and fighting him to the ground. Somewhere in the dim recesses of her mind she acknowledged that it was still pitch black, and yet she could see with great clarity. Her ears had ceased their amazing capture of the world, so perhaps her eyes were taking their turn?
The figure on the wall was clothed in a heavy thick suit, his feet clad in large metal boots somehow aiding him in scaling the wall. His hands were within metal gloves, and his face hidden by some hood and mask with round lenses for eyes. She realized he could see in the darkness by some unknown means, for he turned to her (suspended by one hand and two boots) holding a large gun aimed directly at her.
With grace, Luriel dodged to her left as her vision was filled with a bright muzzle-flash. Her surprise at the silence of the shot (when before it had been as thunder) was followed by a feeling of pain in her right shoulder where the shot had grazed her. She reached the figure, and with arms outstretched grabbed hold of him ripping him from the wall.
As he struggled, cursing her in a language she did know, she carried him into the air, planning to subdue him and learn his true purpose and who had sent him. She felt proud of herself at seizing him, but her new vision began to fade back into darkness and the dim lights of the city and night. Luriel was unprepared for such rapid ocular changes, and her prey took advantage of her bewilderment and struck back. Pulling forth a large rod, the masked figure jammed the sparking weapon into Luriel's hip.
Flames leapt up the Engel's nerves as the weapon shocked and burned her. Luriel in a state of agony, the two dropped from the air into a river which ran through the Palace gardens. The cold water drove Luriel from the system shock of her enemy's weapon, and she swam from the depths of the river to the surface. It was dark here in the garden, and the last vestiges of her seeming night-vision had passed. The assassin, if that had been his intent, was gone with no sign. Sure of her relative safety, Luriel touched her hip and grimaced. The skin was burned under her robe from the intensity of the shock. She had never felt a weapon such as that, and wondered if it was not unlike being struck by a small lightning bolt.
Taking to the air, Luriel flew the short distance back to the apartment. Flying near, she found all the lights to have been ignited, and guards running around the outside of the building. Landing, she heard Sebastian calling out orders. He looked worried and concerned until he caught sight of Luriel. He hurried over to her.
Her burned hip itching, Luriel quickly told Sebastian what had transpired. He grew pale at the mention of possible assassins, and began to apologize to Luriel for the lax attention of the guardsmen. Silent as the weapon of the enemy had been, it at least had been overheard as she struggled with the wall-climber. If she had not overheard him, though, he might not have been noticed at all.
With this grim realization in her head, Luriel knew there would be no safety for her and her fellows in Vienna. They would have to be vigilant and protect themselves, or death would be their only reward. It was then that Luriel overheard Rythe shouting from the inner reaches of the apartment. Pushing past Sebastian, she flew up the stairs and found Rythe and Cassiel armed and ready to fight a small force of guardsmen. Rythe was demanding Luriel be found and the guardsmen leave the floor, for he saw what was happening as a possible ruse for Vienna to eliminate Adolphus under the conceit of "protecting" him. Seeing Luriel approach, he calmed. Luriel reassured Rythe and Cassiel, and then entered Adolphus's room to check him herself.
The old nonnus sat on the edge of his bed pale and shivering. He held his journal in his hands, perhaps as a talisman to ward off hypothetical evils lurking beyond the four walls around him. He would need more that a book of writings, no matter how learned or introspective.
With frightened eyes Adolphus looked up at Luriel, the fear in his eyes palpable. He had realized that his death had been but feet from his window. A feeling of anger raged through Luriel. If only the old fool had listened to her when she suggested changing rooms. Viktor had all but told them there would be an attack, and he had not listened to her. Poor old men such as Adolphus must learn to listen to their Engel!
This prideful rage vanished as she saw his face soften and he asked in his caring voice if she was hurt? Unable to maintain her anger, Luriel went to him and reassured him she was alright but for a bruise and scratch. He wanted to know what had happened. As she began to tell him, some of the old strength returned to him. His eyes were alert.
She told him of the gloves and boots that seemed to let the assassin climb the sheer wall. At the mention of his goggles and gun Adolphus muttered to himself.
"Sadija. It must be the Machine. Damn technology will be the death of me yet."
Luriel paused, unsure of what he meant or the meaning of his words. It did seem that the assassin had been using items of forbidden technology, but she did not understand what he meant. Urging him to explain, he nodded and coughed.
"Luriel, I'm a threat to more than the Urbanis League. I was a Raguelite nonnus before I came to Prague. When our order fell, certain elements of it became twisted. And I do not mean Thagiel. There is a woman named Sadija, once a begine of my previous order, who founded a cult. This cult takes a certain interest in Thagiel and his relationship to the enemies of the church. They see me as a force that could disrupt that relationship. They openly explore and use technology. Worse yet, some of them use those secrets to aid them as assassins."
Sighing, Adolphus prepared to return to bed. He urged her to have Cassiel see to her wounds, minor though they may be, and get some additional rest herself.
"Whatever risk there is from Viktor, there are sufficient guards and lights outside to keep us safe for the moment. Sleep now, for tomorrow you see Thagiel for the first time."
Adolphus prayed it would not be the last time they saw him, for in his heart he feared using the weapon the Pontifex had ordered him to deliver as a last resort. It was a desperate measure they resorted to in a city of evil. And, Adolphus feared, it had a fool's hope of succeeding.
Closing her nonnus's door, Luriel felt the pangs of guilt for not telling him about Thagiel. How could she not? She risked so much by seeing him. The thought of the brand on her forehead returned, and she touched her forehead feeling for it. None of her Fellowship had reacted to the sight of it! Was it gone? Perhaps it was a figment of her imagination, some after-effect of what he had done to her.
Rythe did not wish to leave his charge alone, and entered the room they shared with no plans of sleeping. Cassiel walked into Luriel's room, worrying over her in his usual way. He healed her scratched shoulder where the bullet had done only small damage, and she told him of her burned hip. Raising her robe, she found the angry burn was gone. She looked in her mirror, Cassiel not yet seeing the wound's absence, and confirmed for herself the skin was clear and free of blackened flesh.
Had the vision and hearing now healed her? What had Thagiel done to her in his insane sanctum above the city? Now, with the thought of him and the incense scent of his chamber, her forehead warmed as his mark reappeared. Hoping to hide this from Cassiel was hopeless. He had seen it, and cocked his head to the side examining it.
"What is that? That is no burn. It looks like signum, but no markings I've ever seen before? Are you hurt?"
Luriel turned from him.
"I'm fine, Cassiel. Do not worry over it. It is merely a temporary memento of my struggle with the assassin. I'm... I'm well enough now to rest. Please leave me and get some rest yourself."
Cassiel looked at her. She hoped to hide the deceit in her eyes, but she was no master at deception. There, reflected in his eyes, her weak lie turned into distrust and hurt. Cassiel could tell she was lying, but he would not ask her why. He nodded to her, expressed his joy she had not been more seriously hurt, affirmed her as a most glorious Engel, and left her feeling small and wicked.
What would the future of her Fellowship be, she worried? She had betrayed Cassiel's trust in her just as it was blossoming. And something else bothered her... something that was missing. As she crossed her room it occurred to her.
In the shouting, arguing, running of guards, and the general chaos of the past half hour Mathiel had been silent, asleep in his chamber. Why had he not risen at the sound of battle?
Where was her strong right hand?
Part XXXVI: A lesson unlearned
Adolphus dreamed.
He was a younger man, a time when his bones did not ache and his heart was whole. He stood in a chamber where the Baptists had left their charges, and he waited with expectation and great interest. Before him were the new postulants, Engel fresh from their long descent from Heaven above. He had only been a nonnus for a year, and it was still new to him. He was eager to see the young hairless ones rise up and look about them with curiosity and divine love.
His father would have been proud of him, he thought. He had risen to such heights (both figuratively and literally) in the Raguelite Order. It was no small thing to be named a nonnus, entrusted with the rearing and teaching of the tender Engel. The world was growing dark outside, and the new Engel were much needed.
At last the tired Engel opened their child-like eyes and began to stand up. Their wings were not yet full grown, as they entered the world in forms no larger than a child of seven or eight. He had been taught the danger of seeing the Engel as only children, for their appearance at such a state could easily belie their true nature. Still, childless as he was himself, he felt a calling to these seeming children to reassure them and comfort them. Perhaps he wished to be father to them, if such was not heresy to dream.
He stepped into the chamber, listening to the murmured Latin of the confused Engel. Their journey was said to be arduous, and after being spoken to by the blessed Archangel, they were brought here to begin their long period of study and preparation for the world of war. The second crusade was enfolding outside the airy halls of the Himmel, and these Engelic child-like beings would be the deciding force in the ending of the war. Before him was the hope of all.
Adolphus stepped through the ranks of the Engel, ready to catch any that found themselves off-balance. They looked so weak to him, so fragile. It was a good thing the postulants would not leave the Himmel until they were stronger. Adolphus felt a tug on his robe, and he turned to find a very young Engel watching him.
The youthful appearing postulant, who appeared to Adolphus eye�s as a child not older than seven, stood up strong and tall. His hairless naked body and delicate underformed wings did not shiver or quake in the confusion of the hall. The Engel met Adolphus's eyes with calm and serenity, his face free of any signs of fear or alarm.
In simple Latin the boy-Engel spoke, an uncommon thing for postulants to be able to do so quickly after arriving.
"You are teacher. Please, teach me. Teach me all."
Adolphus's face broke into an uncontrolled grin at the raw curiosity and interest. Placing his cloaked arm around the boy-Engel, Adolphus walked with him out of the chamber. This uncommonly gifted Engel would be his chosen postulant, his selected student of choice. He asked the young Engel if he already knew his name, unsure if his Latin would be understood well enough to receive an answer.
"Yes, it is so. I am the one who was and is called Thagiel."
Adolphus dreamed.
Thagiel was unpleased with the answer he had received. He paced back and forth within the chamber, his wings unconsciously flexing with nervous energy.
"Adolphus, I do not understand. How could the battle of Jerusalem have been such a failure? We are the instruments of the lord. Why did not the archangels rise forth from each Himmel and smote the Dreamseed in utter ruin?"
Adolphus nodded, tapping his finger to his lips listening to his student's rant. How to best answer? It was an important lesson for any postulant, and perhaps most important for one so gifted as his dear Thagiel. He would be an Engel of great renown and importance, Adolphus felt, but he had to learn this lesson or his life would be short and brutal.
"Thagiel, it is true that the Engel are instruments of the Lord. The Lord of the Flies, however, is our enemy. The second crusade was called because after ten long years of peace the darkness rose from all around. The Dreamseed are varied and great in number. They are a match for even the mightiest of Engel. When you fight them, there is a very real risk you will die. Do you understand me? You are not so better than such mindless beasts if they gather an assault you from all around. The mightiest Gabrielites have fallen under their bite and claw. Without cunning, speed, luck and the realization that you are not impervious to harm, you will die in battle with them."
Thagiel, first ready to argue with Adolphus, turned and nodded to his nonnus. The human made an excellent point. He had felt his arrogance and pride grow in the past months, and he saw the same sign in many of his kin. Perhaps this was the great untold weakness of all Engel: pride.
"You speak words of wisdom and I do hear. I only feel the need to go forth and fight these monsters myself. How long must I be a postulant?"
Adolphus knew Thagiel to be his best student. In the years to come, he would always feel no Raguelite had come close to the potential of his great prodigy.
And still, Adolphus dreamed.
Why had it happened? The Himmel was burning behind them, the Brandlands stretched into the distance, and the Raguelite Order had been destroyed. Choking on the smoke and smell of burning flesh, Adolphus stumbled looking over his shoulder. He had left the Himmel with many others not long before the attack, but he had felt a coward and betrayer in doing so. The Engel were not leaving. They stayed in their Himmel and flew the sky preparing to fight the unfightable.
In his heart, Adolphus already knew they were dead. The moment may not have come yet when the black clouds of Dreamseed fell upon them and the burning Inferno roared into the Himmel's walls, but it would happen. Perhaps it had already happened. He could take comfort in the knowledge that Thagiel, his first Engel he had taught himself, and his brightest bravest prodigy, would survive the day. Thagiel had been sent away on distant matters far away from Trondheim.
Not all Engel were so lucky. The Ab, Gundar, had ordered all to stay at the Himmel. Many from parts distant had been recalled to do nothing but wait for the battle to come. It was madness. The old lesson he had always struggled to teach the most prideful Engel was now to be their death. Gundar himself ignored reality. Hell came for them in black wings and burning blaze. Death was the only reward for the poor Engels' loyalty to a deranged Ab.
As the long train of refuges and monachs walked south, unknowing of the fate of their Ab or Himmel, all Adolphus could do was pray and hope. Perhaps a miracle would come to save their fates.
Still, he reassured himself, all hope was not lost, for Thagiel had not been called home.
And with tears, Adolphus dreamed.
Part XXXVII: Harsh Reunions
The light of morning warmed Luriel's cold skin. For a moment, at the cusp of waking, she was home in the Himmel. Jaciel was waiting for her, pacing in the library in preparation for another expedition into the past. Adolphus, full of life, contemplated the past with reverence, remembering fallen Engel and lessons past. In the cusp of waking all was joyful, familiar, and home.
Luriel opened her eyes and the bright light of morning burned away her soft dreams. With a sharp pain in her stomach, recognition came of where she was and what had happened. Standing, she approached the mirror, certain to find Thagiel's harsh imprint in her reflection. Instead, she saw only a Ramielite Engel. She was unmolested and unmarked. Had it vanished? Had it even happened?
The knock at her door banished her thoughts for the moment, for her Fellowship awaited her. Cassiel and Mathiel were eager to make their presence known to the sole Church presence in the city, a small Raphaelite hospital/monastery allowed by the grace of Satrap Constance. Of all the orders, only the Raphaelites had the solitary privilege of a place in anti-Church lands. In turn, the doors of the hospital were open to any and all who sought aid or help in illness and injury.
Cassiel wished to make their safe arrival known to the Ab of the Monastery, and there was an ulterior motive to his request. Both Mathiel and Cassiel had been ill at ease since crossing into the lands of the heretic. The strangeness of the city held no fascination for them, for they did not possess the insatiable curiosity of their leader. These two Engel craved the peace and calm of the lands of the Church in any fashion they could have them.
Luriel told them they could go without her, for she was waiting for word of Adolphus's meeting with Thagiel. She thought it was certain she would need to fly him to the rebel Engel's tower. Before sending the two on their way, though, Luriel noticed Mathiel's color as more pale than the evening before. He looked ill, as if he had been without rest for some time. She began to question him, asking after his state of being, but was cut off when Rythe called for her from Adolphus's chamber. She sent them on their way, worries of Mathiel eclipsed by the call of duty.
Adolphus was dressed and prepared, a large bound book under his arm and determination in his eyes. A letter had been received, apparently from Thagiel, stating that Adolphus was to be flown to the tower at once. It stated explicitly that he was to be left at the landing alone and enter without accompaniment. Rythe's eyes were filled with worry, clearly unhappy that he would not be able to accompany his charge into the cloudy sky. Luriel, though, looked at the note and knew it to be the same writing as the one she had received the night before. The time had come.
As Luriel opened the window and helped Adolphus step out onto the ledge, she caught a glimpse of excitement in his eyes. She asked him if he had flown in the arms of an Engel before. As she lifted off he answered.
"Only once. When the great fire and smoke fell on my Himmel. I mean... on Trondheim. I was carried from the high walls to the running mob on the ground below. I remember the smell of the Inferno, its heat... it was still so far away..."
Luriel waited for him to finish, unable to see his face as she flew up towards the white tower. He said nothing more.
Landing at the tower's entrance, Adolphus straightened his robes. Luriel wished him safety and wisdom, but he stopped her from leaving. He told her that he wanted her to enter with him and meet Thagiel. Had he not read the letter? She tried to argue with him, reminding him of the nature of their instructions from that very morning! He would not listen, half-pulling her with him into the interior.
For the second time, Luriel entered the incense and shadow-laden lair of a being that was not meant to be. Adolphus seemed to be suffused with pride, eager to introduce his great Ramielite charge to his favorite Raguelite. The figure that stepped from the shadows was not the strong and balanced leader of Engel he remembered. Before him Thagiel stood, the thrice-tempted, cursed renegade, enemy of the Church. His countenance blazed in alien golden light, his eyes suffused with angry glow.
Both Luriel and Adolphus jumped at the sound of his anger. He demanded to know why his simple instructions had been ignored! This was unacceptable. Adolphus was to have come alone. How dare he bring such a child-cur of an Engel with him as a lap-dog! Stunned by his insults, Luriel was only dimly aware of the dawning horror on Adolphus's face. In his heart, he had resisted the rumors and stories of what his favorite son had become. Now, before him, he faced the brutal reality. Thagiel was a creature of darkness.
Before a response could be uttered by either, Thagiel's persona changed. It was as if a light had been switched on, the color of a filter exchanged. His hard face softened, and he approached them with a somber passiveness.
"Forgive me. I have grown rigid in my ways, and am not use to any defying my will when it comes to my sanctum. Please, allow me to introduce myself to your Engel protector."
Adolphus nodded, swallowing, still not speaking. Thagiel approached Luriel as if he had never seen her in his long life, certainly not meeting her the night before. He bowed to her, and took her hand. Luriel was prepared for the return of mad visions, the burning of her forehead, the reappearance of his mark. Nothing happened. He turned back to Adolphus, greeting him with some warmth.
Luriel had a sudden urge to demand explanation of what he had done her. She wanted to reveal his deviltry in the light of day before Adolphus, and not rest until the renegade explained himself. The urge passed, but it was strong. Dangerously strong.
Adolphus, his face a mask of hidden fear and worry, ordered Luriel to fly back to the apartments and wait for his call. Thagiel interrupted to assure her she would receive a message from the tower as soon as Adolphus was ready to return to the earth below. She was uneasy about leaving him here. Thagiel seemed so imbalanced, possibly violent. Still, she had no choice. She only hoped that her old nonnus could find a way through the past to find a common ground to work from with Thagiel. She did not know the exact nature of what the Church wanted from Thagiel, but she had faith Adolphus could gain it with time and luck.
Leaving the two with a final glance, she caught Thagiel's eye. He winked at her, and she heard his voice. He spoke to her without words.
"Do not fear for the old man. He is as a father to me. The only harm he will come to in my presence will be that which he causes to himself."
With such cryptic reassurance, Luriel took flight. Instead of returning to the apartments, she flew to the location of her fellowship. They would be eager to hear of the completion of their portion of the mission. In truth, she was also eager to be on familiar Church surroundings. Her great curiosity notwithstanding, Thagiel had placed a chill into her she hoped the healing ways of the Order of Raphael could warm.
Part XXXVIII: Disease
The gentle rain washed over Luriel as she landed inside the walled fortress/hospital in the western outskirts of Vienna. The people of the city were welcome here with their needs for cure from sickness and injury, but it was an outpost in a potentially hostile land. Templars watched its thick walls. She could see alarm on the faces of some of the guardsmen as she flew over until they knew from her form that she was not the betrayer come from his cursed tower.
She wiped the water from her face as she entered the single large edifice, leaving the wet strangeness of the city outside. Inside, she found a world of familiar scents and sights. Robed begines and monachs busied themselves in their tasks. The emblems and signs of the Church marked this as a place of sacredness.
Yet, as she walked into what should feel like home, something was not right. The candles and torchlights seemed crude, the humid air base, and the nature of the place too simple. Compared to the glamour in sound and sights in the court of Constance this outpost seemed backwards. She was ashamed to think such thoughts, but the comparison was invoked without wanting it. She felt comfort in one thing, though, despite her heretical reaction. As more sophisticated as she found the ways of these heretic lands, they did not feel like home either.
As Luriel realized she was a creature caught between two worlds, a begine approached and greeted her. Luriel greeted the servant of the church, and informed her that she was searching for her two companions from her Fellowship. She wondered if there were other Engel here. Would their presence be tolerated by Thagiel, if he could sense any heaven-sent who flew near? It appeared that no other Engel were present, for the begine immediately showed recognition at the mention of her fellow Engel.
The begine's face grew worried, and she told Luriel what had happened. One of her Engelic companions had fallen ill and had been carried into a chamber inside. Luriel did not let her finish, demanding to know where they were. The begine nodded, and led her through the halls. Luriel's mind flashed with terrible thoughts. Mathiel was dying, maybe already dead. The bite of that beast in the darkness beneath the earth had done this to him. She knew it. He was dead, and it was her fault. She had broken her promise.
As she followed the begine, she was dimly aware of the cots filled with the various sick and infirm the hospital cared for. Some mumbled incoherently, others coughed and spat. The house of healing was filled with the sick and dying, as is the way of things. At last, the begine led Luriel up a short curved stairwell and opened the single door at the end of the steps. Luriel could smell the sickly sweet scent of death as she entered, and her heart broke. Yes, he was dead. Brave Mathiel gone.
Stepping inside, she found Cassiel kneeling over him, Mathiel's drawn form laid out beneath the small stone chamber's sole window. She could barely speak, afraid to confirm her fears. At last she said Cassiel's name, gaining his attention. He turned, stood, and gave a look of relief at the sight of Luriel to melt her heart. The eyes that greeted her had no presence of anger or distrust from the events of the night before. Either he had forgiven her for lying to him, or he had forgotten in his worry over poor Mathiel.
Mathiel was breathing, but it was labored. He was incredibly pale and flushed, sweat glistening on his brow. Engel were not of a nature to sweat, and yet he lay before her sick and possibly dying. Luriel asked Cassiel what had happened, what did he think was wrong with Mathiel?
"He was weak this morning, but he told me he felt stronger. He made the flight here, but spoke little. He seemed so distracted, as if his attention was focused on something else entirely. He did not respond when I would try to speak with him. Then, after we landed, he had just stepped inside the hospital when he fell to his knees. I believe he has been suffering a raging fever all morning but refused to say anything of it. He, he just passed out before me."
Cassiel was upset, nearly in a panic. Luriel tried to reassure him, and adjusted the cooling cloths placed on Mathiel. Was it the creature's bite?
"When I use my gifts I can sense an infection. It is not anything I have felt before or heard of. Some Dreamseed are said to have infectious bites that can bring even a strong Engel to death. Still, whatever this is, it resists my efforts. I am powerless to heal him and the infection is getting stronger."
Luriel nodded, feeling powerless herself. She had brought this upon Mathiel in her search for the case. What if it resulted in nothing? Would Mathiel die for her dream fantasies? Surely there was some other more powerful Engel that could help. Older Raphaelites had healing powers able to pull back the dead, make the infertile pregnant, and cure even the gravest of injuries. Poor Cassiel was young, and his powers were as limited as her own.
A begine entered the chamber with fresh water and cloths to help tend the sick. She nodded with reverence to the Engel present and went to Mathiel. Luriel asked her if there were any Raphaelite Engel present in the hospital other than Cassiel. Surely such a place of healing would have one present. The begine told them that only two Raphaelite Engel were allowed at the hospital, and then only five days each month by order of the Diadoche. They were much needed, the begine said, but Viktor Constance was inflexible about the limitation.
Luriel sighed, her question as to other Engel being allowed in Vienna answered. Mathiel would die if not treated soon, his fever getting worse and they powerless to fight whatever was killing him. It was so strange. Engel rarely became ill, for their divine nature made them shrug off all but the worse toxins and poisons. She remembered the way Mathiel's signum had vanished where the creature had bit him. What had the night creature done to him?
The begine then told Luriel that they were in luck, for two Raphaelite Engel were expected tomorrow to spend their five days. Help would be coming, and surely such experienced healers could end the distemper upon their fellow. The begine asked Luriel if she was not part of the Fellowship that had met with Viktor and been welcomed by his court. When she found such was the case, the begine asked if she would not make a petition to Constance to allow at least one Raphaelite to stay continuously at the hospital.
Luriel told the begine she would consider it, and sent her on her way. Alone with Cassiel, Luriel shut the door to the chamber and sat down on the floor. At the moment when things seemed to have been going right darkness had intruded. Adolphus was at last at their goal, and still her fellows were falling.
Cassiel kneeled beside her, his face betraying the emotion he felt for Luriel. He told her it was not her fault. She could not have known the creature was there waiting to strike, and even then she had saved Mathiel fighting the beast with bravery and valor. Soon stronger healers would come, and Mathiel would be saved. He was weak and fading, but Cassiel was sure he would survive the night.
Luriel stood up, the guilt in her heart a heavy burden. Cassiel did not know what she had told Mathiel of the dark cave, what she had found, or of the visions she had had. Secrets. She did not wish to hold them, and yet she kept them still. She told Cassiel she was going to return to the apartments and wait for the signal to retrieve Adolphus from the tower. She did not want him to be trapped there waiting for her. She wanted Cassiel to return as well, leaving Mathiel in the care of the monachs and begines of his own order. He needed to rest, and by his own admission he could do no more for Mathiel.
Cassiel refused. He wanted to stay watching over Mathiel, and there were many in the hospital that desperately needed assistance. Some would not survive the night waiting for other Engel to come. He would do what he could for them, putting himself at service to the hospital until he was needed elsewhere. Luriel knew him well enough to see danger in that. He would nearly kill himself, trying to help all he could. His powers would drain him to the point of collapse just as had occurred in the attack on St. Terrels. Still, she could tell he was fixed in his mind. Sighing, she relented and told him she would return to him when she could.
She left him in Mathiel's chamber, looking back one last time at the two remaining Engel of her fellowship. One dying, the other lost in worry. Shutting the door to the chamber, she cursed herself as a fool of a leader. Unsure of the route back to the entrance to the hospital, she turned down a corridor she had not passed through on the way in. The hall was filled with sleeping patients, all who appeared to be quite ill. One in particular had a red stained bandage around his head and mumbled in his sleep. Luriel considered turning back and going a different route when a mumbled word caught her attention.
"Maetoth."
Luriel turned to the patient with the head-wound, and listened. Again, softly muttered, was the word "Maetoth". Luriel approached his bed, and looked at his bruised face. He was muttering incoherent sounds, and seemed to be speaking in his sleep. Drool dripped from the corner of his mouth in a long strand.
A begine approached and greeted Luriel. As she tended to the mumbling patient, the begine told her how tragic his case was. He had suffered a terrible head-wound when a large object fell from a construction site onto him. His brain had been injured in the impact, and he was in a comatose state. He would never wakeup again. Luriel listened to the begine, and then leaned in close to the patient.
"Did you say the word 'Maetoth' before?"
The begine was unsure of why the Engel asked a question of the patient, for he was unaware of his surroundings. No thoughts existed in his head, nor would they ever again. Luriel felt foolish, and started to pull away. The patients hand flew out and clasped onto her forearm. He pulled her close with incredible strength that she could not resist. His eyes opened, but they were empty whites.
"Must listen! You must fight what hurts him. He will die if you do not. The injury comes from an old sorcery and must be fought with sorcery. Even then, sorcery will not succeed alone."
Luriel struggled with the vise grip the man had on her arm, and the begine covered her mouth in fear. The voice was slurred, but sounded familiar to Luriel's ears.
"Listen to me. To defeat the sickness you must use both technology and sorcery together. You must combine the two into one force. It is the only way to win against the darkness... both inside and out."
The begine let out a scream stumbling over the bed of another patient. The eyes of speaker closed, the grip loosened, and he fell back again asleep. Luriel had red marks on her arm where the fingers had griped so tightly. Had this been a message from Maetoth? Rubbing her arm, she met the stare of the begine. She nodded to the woman, stepping away. She left the questions of the young woman behind as she found the exit.
How could she fight the disease with sorcery and technology? It was madness. The Raphaelite Engel who would come tomorrow would resolve this with ease. As she stepped into the outside air and took flight, she reassured herself the power of Engel would save Mathiel.
Part XXXIX: An apology, a warning, an offer
Luriel's eyes were on the white tower as her body flew to the apartments. What was happening there above the city? Was Adolphus succeeding at his secretive goals? Would erratic Thagiel agree to the requests of the Church?
Landing in her room, she went to her nonnus�s chamber to inform Rythe of Mathiel's health and to see if any word had been received from Adolphus as yet. Rythe was very concerned for the Urielite, but was solid in his faith that the Engel coming would return him to health. His faith in the power of Engel was unshakable and deep. No enemy could eclipse the perfect light of God's warriors.
No word had come from Adolphus as yet, but Rythe was just as anxious as Luriel. Was he safe? The concept of a traitor Engel was abhorrent to the Templar. There was a knock at the door, and Luriel opened it eagerly. Sebastian nodded with respect and informed her that Viktor Constance had requested to speak with her immediately. If any word came from the tower regarding her charge, she would be informed at the palace. She agreed to come with him despite Rythe�s concerns, and left with the envoy of the Satrap.
Once at the palace, Luriel was led into the smaller chamber she had met with Viktor in after the dinner the night before. As she was led in, she found Viktor with a map of Europe spread before him. Gunter, the scarred military commander at Viktor's side, quickly rolled up and removed the map as she entered. She wondered if they were planning something? Why remove the map?
Viktor greeted her, and immediately expressed what appeared honest concern over the attack on Adolphus. He was upset that anyone had made such an attempt with them under his protection and hospitality. He asked her to tell him what she saw of the assassin, though Luriel was certain he already knew the details. She had told Sebastian the night before, but again she repeated the description of the strange gloves and boots that appeared to let the man climb a sheer wall, of the silent gun, and lastly of the painful shock stick. Viktor listened, nodding. He turned to his other aid, the Haupt Tech, and asked him to tell Luriel about the Cult of the Machine.
Lukas, the Haupt (Chief) Tech, nodded and stepped forward. He explained to Luriel that the Cult of the Machine had a strong presence among the �tek-keeps� of the city, the technicians and engineers who maintained the technology and infrastructure of Vienna. Not all tek-keeps were members, but many were. The Cult was begun by a Raguelite begine who had been highly skilled in the arts of technology. They prized order and cold reason as their highest virtues, and had a pantheon that happened to include a local figure. The members of this order viewed Thagiel, an Engel who had come to help the enemies of the anti-technology Church, as a kind of saint. The Cult was strong in many free cities where it could flourish.
Some of this Luriel had heard before from Adolphus and other sources. She had learned both firsthand and from Adolphus that some members of the Cult used the arts of technology to aid them in assassination. They were killers who served both the purposes of the Cult and open bidders.
Viktor stopped Lucas here, and paused before speaking. After a moment, he told Luriel that he had feared that assassins would make an attempt on Adolphus life while he was here. Luriel glared back at him. He had known that these killers were present?! Viktor continued by telling her there was nothing he could do to entirely expel such threats from his city. He had never imagined they would so openly defy his authority and try to kill Adolphus under his protection. They defied his rule and he was displeased.
Luriel wondered if the Cult was not a constant threat to his power. What role did Lukas play between court and the Cult. Viktor told her his plan. He would ask Thagiel to make a proclamation to the members of the Cult in the city. They worshiped him as a god, and would listen to his request. Thagiel would tell them that Adolphus was present at his request and was under his protection, and that the man was not to be harmed. Viktor was convinced this action would effectively end the threat of future assassination attempts from the Cult of the Machine.
It was strange to Luriel to think of men worshiping Thagiel as a god. And she also was confused as to what exactly the relationship was between Viktor and the rebel Engel. He said he would "ask" Thagiel to do this, not order him. The Cult would defy Viktor's rule but bow before Thagiel�s request?
Viktor softened in mood, and made an impassioned plea to Luriel for her and the others of her Fellowship to not travel the city alone. He worried that even with the proclamation there would be other risks to them if they were unprotected by his men. She agreed. He nodded, relieved, and again offered her free exploration of the city as long as it was with chaperone. He did have a request, though.
She asked what his request was to gain access to the city. He told her he was extremely curious to hear what she thought. His only request for the privilege was for her to tell him the entire truth of what she thought of the ways and places of Vienna. Luriel could sense the truth in his voice. She gained insight into Constance then, a glimpse of why he was a successful ruler. He would listen to the wise opinions of those he found worthy, and was truly interested in what others thought. His mind was open to good counsel.
Luriel thanked him for the offer, promising to take advantage of it when she could. She would be glad to speak her mind to the subject of the city and its nature. With that said, Luriel told him she should return to the apartments provided to them to wait for Adolphus�s call. Viktor wished her well, and Luriel left.
Back in her room, still no word from the tower, she found herself looking at the case. This was the source of the illness of her close friend. Was it truly something of worth? Could anything be worth the potential death of Mathiel? Steeling herself against the pangs of guilt, she opened the case and examined the contents absently. She pulled the shiny mirror out of its indentation and held it, wondering if it had more purpose that simple reflection. Holding it, she felt her forehead tingle. Something vibrated down her arms, and she saw something overlain above the image of the disc. She could feel information flowing on its surface!
Unsure what was happening, she rode out the experience, trying to understand. She sensed light shining against the object and words flowing out. Somehow she was discerning what the disc was. It was a storage device of knowledge. She put the disc down and stared at her hands. What was happening? Was this a result of Thagiel's touching her?
It occurred to her she could try the same trick on the vials. She picked up one of the cold metal containers and tried to feel what she could from it. At first there was nothing but the smooth metal, but then she felt the tingle. An image of small bugs swimming in fluid. The bugs were shiny and moved in patterns. She could feel the vials were loaded into the gun and injected into... into people. Still, she could not deign what happened when this was done. It was all too confusing, images of bugs and red circles.
Her reverie was broken when there was a knock at the door. She replaced the vial and shut the case. Sebastian was at the door with word that Adolphus was ready to return. She thanked him, and hid the case in her room. She would deal with the mystery of it soon enough. Now Adolphus needed her.
Luriel hurried in flight to the tower, eager to see Adolphus. Sight of him she hoped would re-center her. She realized how shaken she had become, for Viktor�s promise of being allowed to explore the city had not even excited her. Her thoughts were of Mathiel, the cryptic words of the patient, and of dangerous Thagiel.
Landing at the tower, she entered the chamber. Adolphus and Thagiel sat over a square table with black and white spheres placed across its surface. It seemed they were playing some kind of game. She greeted them, and Adolphus seemed pleased to see her. There was a sign of relief on his face, but the mood of the room seemed comfortable. Thagiel stood, nodding to her in respect. Adolphus quietly told Luriel that Thagiel had made a request to see her alone after she took him back to his rooms. Adolphus was uncomfortable in complying, but thought it would show trust to agree. He warned Luriel that Thagiel was prone to mood swings (as she already knew) but seemed stable enough if one was careful in what one said.
Luriel agreed loud enough for Thagiel to hear. She told Adolphus there were a few things she wished to speak with Thagiel about, so the private meeting was ideal. Adolphus looked perplexed at this, but remained silent. Luriel told Thagiel she would return soon, and flew forth with Adolphus into the darkening evening sky.
She would return. And if at all possible, she would retrieve answers from the rebel to her growing list of questions.
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