Viliame Audica's Story

It was early morning when the young preacher had woken up from his sleep. He had put the blanket aside, drank some water and picked up the book from where he left off the night before. He crossed his legs while reading, his eyes going quickly over the pages of the centuries old scripture. The smell of the old paper was musty and Benedicto assumed he was the first one reading it in many years. He was having difficulty to concentrate, the carriage he sat in was luxurious, but the road was old and not kept up properly. I will talk to the next towns elders to make sure this is fixed soon.

The uncomfortable travel, the long distance and lack of any good food put him in a foul mood. He quickly made notes, but it was impossible to control the feather with this bumpy road. Taking another sip of water, he heard a loud crack. The carriage became unbalanced and Benedicto fell over, spilling the water over himself. ”BY IVELDA’S GRACE!” he swore, trying to help himself up. The door to the carriage opened from the outside and he stormed out. ”What incredible imbecile made me spill my water!?! he asked anyone who would answer.
When it stayed silent, he looked at the back of the carriage, seeing how a wheel had broken due to a massive hole in the road.
One of the riders came quickly, almost visibly shaking. ”We’ll fix it right away, Sir, we’ll be done in just a few minutes.”

Benedicto sighed. The whole caravan had come to a standstill. Aside from the carriage, pulled by 2 sturdy horses, there were about 20 riders in front and behind the carriage. All of them except for the carriage riders were dressed in monk robes, hood pulled far over their faces. These men were his most loyal fellow worshippers, each and everyone of them sworn into the servitude of Her Holiness. It was no coincidence that all the men were tall, muscled and aggressive. It was the kind of people Benedicto liked, not too smart and ready to lay down their lives for Ivelda as well as Benedicto himself.
He could not possibly remember all of their names and usually referred to them as ‘you’ or ‘hey there’. The men came from all over the continent and were not loyal to any one country more than the other. They acted as his bodyguard, and sometimes as his enforcers as well.

He towered over most of the men. He might not have muscles, but he had length and a brain. More useful than brute strength, although he knew many of the other servants of his Goddess would not agree with him. Looking at the wheel and the time the riders were taking, he could see this would be well beyond a few hours of delay. Standing with his arms crossed, he turned on his feet to take a look around him. The area was wide and it was easy to see over large distances. Some miles away he could see a settlement. The high peak of a church and the smoke coming from a fireplace.
”You there!” he shouted to one of the monks, ”Bring me a horse! We will wait in that village over there.”

Not a few seconds later the monk brought him another horse. The horse was black, only showing some white spots around its eyes. There was a small layer of fur around its ankles, indicating it would have come from the colder regions. The monk had been smart enough to anticipate Benedicto’s needs, as he would have refused a horse in any other color than black. He got up on the horse, now towering over the other travellers, now that he was sitting at their height.
”Five stay here with the carriage, the rest come with me.” he jolted his horse forward. The tempo was low and comfortable. The weather was warm and Benedicto rolled up his sleeves to reveal his under arms, still wearing the soft, black leather gloves on his hands.
He saw people working in the fields towards the settlement. Seeing the chains around their necks he could see they were slaves, and a slight smile played around his lips. They were in Angalais, and even though the lands looked nice, Benedicto knew the people might not be the same.

People stopped to look at the group riding towards town. Most of them kept their heads down when they saw the faceless men with their hoods tight over their faces. Benedicto’s hair was waving in the wind, the color of it as black as his clothes. People hurried out of the way, some of them receiving a push here and there as they entered the small town. He recognised the inn, but continued riding, only to stop at the small church. It was the newest building in town. The stones were still white and it would not be older than Ivelda’s rule.
”In name of the Goddess Ivelda, her most loyal servants have arrived. Show yourself and receive the mercy that only She can give.”

The words had barely left his mouth or the doors to the church flew open. An older, short, fat man came stumbling out. He clearly was not from this area, which made sense, as the churches usually send their own people to preach. The man was sweating profusely, it was literally running down his face.
”In name of the Goddess, I welcome you to Grainburough, my name is Antonio, the local preacher.” He bowed so deep, he was about to fall over in to the mud.
As Benedicto got off his horse, so did all of his men. One of the monks came over to take the reins of his horse.
Benedicto spoke to the monk, but so loud that the whole square could hear what he was saying. ”Bring us wine and food. Preacher Antonio and I have a lot to discuss. Our Goddess Ivelda is extremely displeased about the sorry state that this town is in, and I need answers.”
Benedicto walked past the preacher into the church, closely followed by 2 of the monks. From the corner of his eye, he could see how one of the other monks punched a small thin man hard in the stomach. ”You heard him. Bring food and wine for the true worshippers of Ivelda, you shit stain!”

Benedicto smiled as the monks closed the door behind him and the preacher. Maybe it’s a good thing the carriage broke down. This town looks like fun.

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Raiden was thrown on his back, the rocky surface made it feel like he was slammed down. He quickly rolled over and pushed himself up before the creature could attack him again. He had to jump back in order to parry the massive, sharp claws of the beast in front of him. The animal stayed close to the ground, getting ready to jump Raiden in a second if he saw his chance. He jumped from rock to rock, trying to stay one step ahead of the creature every time. He had it worked up, it had smelled his scent now and it would not let go until the 2 rows of teeth would disappear into Raiden’s flesh. Not today though Raiden thought.

He kept on moving, quickly. He made calculated errors in his stumbling backward steps, like the animal had him on the ropes. It was about 1.5 metres high and 4 metres long, excluding the rat-like tail trailing behind it. The sharp hairs on its back would have been enough to wound Raiden in such a way he would not be able to get up. Each of its 4 eyes was following Raiden’s every move, it’s reflexes far better than his. If it wasn’t planned out in every single detail, he would for sure not survive this encounter.
Even with the plan, it was still dangerous, proven by the fact that the Nexu just slashed through his pants, thankfully not hitting his leg. The creature did not suspect a thing, coming closer with each and every second, unaware of the trap it was being lead in to.

The Sun was working in Raiden’s favour. Since it was early morning it was shining bright. Thanks to the direction he was moving in, the light constantly shined into the Nexu’s eyes, making it effectively blind the longer they went on. Every minute they got closer and closer to the tree line, Raiden’s eventual goal. He sidestepped into the mud, almost slipping as the Nexu launched forward. ”SHIT!” In a reflex he moved his foot sharp forward hitting the bottom jaw of the beast in front of him, knocking it back for one moment. The creature looked taken aback. A low growl coming from deep down his throat. Oh no, now it’s really mad…
The Nexu came forward slowly, as if it saw the tree he was backing Raiden into. Raiden felt it too, the tree trunk was touching his back and there was nowhere to go.

”Any second now…” He grabbed his bow and put it in front of him. The animal was still closing in slowly. Raiden pulled an arrow from his quiver and laid it on his bow. The beast made the same stance it had done before, 2 seconds before it jumps. Raiden moved quickly, shooting the arrow almost straight up into the trees, leaving the Nexu a bit confused. It came closer, stepping onto the soft pile of leafs that separated the two. A small creak and snap was heard right above them. The Nexu looked up just in time to see a tree trunk falling down from all the way up the tree. It was not quick enough to evade it and as the trunk his the creature, the floor trembled and caved on the combined weight of the animal and the trunk. Right down into the hole Raiden had been digging throughout the night.

The hole was 3 meters deep. It might have been able to jump out, but the tree had pierced a part of its skin. Raiden walked over to the edge as he smiled. He pulled another arrow from his quiver, it was sharpened and had crooked teeth that would cause a lot of damage. He pulled the string of his bow at full strength, looking at the animal that was no longer able to move. He released his breath and let the arrow fly through the neck of the animal.

He waited till it bled dry and it was no longer moving. He then jumped down the hole, took out his hunting knife and cut through the skin in order to take the head off a few minutes later. He pulled himself and the head out of the hole and walked back to the camp he had set up 3 nights before. ”Strange that she only wants the head…. But then, Ivelda will is law…”
Back at his small encampment he put the large head in a leather sack. He bound the sack on the saddle of his horse, who had been waiting patiently for him to come back. The last necessities were quickly packed and he sat in the saddle to make his way back to Lostein.

A few minutes underway he traveled past the spot where he had just killed the creature. He could already see other carnivores coming forward to feast on something they won’t soon eat again. Travelling past the cave where he had spotted the animal first he heard a soft noise being echoed throughout the cave. ”That’s weird” he said more to himself than anything else.
He got down of his horse and took the bow of his back, walking into the cave slowly. The sound became louder and it sounded like a sort of crying. In the dark it was hard to make out, so against his better judgement he lit a torch with the tinderbox on his belt. The cave showed itself to him now that the flames were given of a soft glow.
In front of Raiden he saw a nest, in the middle he spotted 2 little Nexu’s who could not have been more than 2 weeks old. ”No wonder she put up a fair fight…”

The eyes of the little ones were still closed. Raiden could see 1 male and 1 female and he picked up both creatures. They were still furry and were about the size of a cat. As he walked out of the cave he thought it would be nice to bring one of them to Tyann, especially when it’s this young. He threw the female cub into the pit together with the mother, where he was sure it would be eaten very soon by the other predators in the forest. He put the male cub into one of the saddle bags and threw his leg over once again. He then rode over the nearest hill, to make his way back home…, to her.

6565D1

Benedicto was in his element. The atmosphere in the church was to his liking. It was mostly lit by candlelight. The only outside light coming in was through the stained glass windows high on the wall of the church. It depicted scenes from Ivelda’s rise to power, the scenes Benedicto had learned of, hardly a representation of what really happened.
The air inside was stale and represented the same smell as a cave. The dust was coated thick on the simple furniture inside the building. It was clear the building was hardly used. Certainly the day of worship was not celebrated as it should be. Benedicto had not said anything since he was inside the church. He had merely walked around the building, judging silently, while the preacher was almost constantly on his heels. He dragged his finger on the benches, silently looking at the dust he got even from the front bench.
Although the candles were burning, the chandelier was not, giving away that it had been done in haste. A clear panic move as soon as he had rode into town. Even a one day heads up would have made a huge difference.

The less Benedicto said, the more came out of the mouth of Preacher Antonio. It had started out as apologies, basically mentioning anything and everything the young man put his eyes on. After the apologies were done, the older man started his complaints, and not soon after came the accusations towards the other people in Grainburough. Although not responding with more than a soft mumble, Benedicto heard everything the man was saying.
”It’s the village elder, he is the reason no one sets foot in here. He cares nothing for his people, but only for the money he is making of the fields…. It’s not me, really, he doesn’t even let me do my work. And..and his son is turning out to be the same…, they don’t even thank Her Grace for the good life they have.”

The doors of the church flew open and with it sunlight lit up the space. The small gust of wind it caused saw the dust filling the air, Benedicto just being able to suppress the cough that was tickling his throat. In a hurried fashion a long table was being carried in by a number of slaves, clearly recognisable by the chains around their necks. With its entry, it was immediately the cleanest thing in the small church. Right after several dishes, pots, pans and pitchers were being brought in and placed on the table.
The smell was a welcome difference, but even though it smelled better, he could tell the food wasn’t much to write home about.

A small number of seats were being dragged in as well, all of them wide and cushioned. They were of good quality and clearly expensive. Probably dragged in from the village elder’s residence in order to impress Benedicto. Benedicto spoke to one of the monks. ”Get the village elder in here.” The monk made his way out hurriedly, when Benedicto remembered what the preacher had said. ”Actually… get his son too, there is enough food for all of us.”
While waiting Benedicto looked over the food and drinks and poured himself a goblet of wine. Instead of sitting down, he kept standing and now walked around, sipping from the wine.

Not much later the two man appeared inside the church. ”Take a seat gentlemen, please make sure to dish yourself some food, it’s not here to go to waste….” Clearly uncomfortable both of them sat down on the other side of the table as the Preacher. They started dishing up, while Benedicto was bale to observe them. The father was visibly nervous, probably having a better idea of the reputation of the young man observing him. The young man did not look particularly smart, his parentage the only way to a position of power. He was dishing like his life depended on it, a greedy look in his eyes. Both men looked physically fit, muscular men not scared of helping out in the fields.

They seemed to be honest men, at least as far as Benedicto could recognise. His mood had gone from amused by the prospect to make these people suffer, to annoyed at how these hard working honest men had a total disregard for Ivelda. He got worked up and every movement of the other men in the church annoyed him more and more. ”Don’t let the food go to waste, like you have done with this church.” The last words had come out like a whisper and with clear contempt.
Benedicto laid it on so heavy, the older two man stopped moving. The son had not caught on and continued stuffing his mouth with the stew he had dished himself.
”The Preacher here tells me, that you are stopping people from worshipping Ivelda like she is supposed to be worshipped.”
The temperature in the church seemed to go a few degrees colder as the man prepared to answer for his mistakes.

In a surprise move it wasn’t the father that started talking, but the son. ”Father always says that building the church had cost us enough profits that it guarantees enough of Ivelda’s blessings to last us well into my sons time as village elder.” It was hard to watch the confession as food kept flying from his mouth. His father’s jaw had just dropped at this stupid confession. The answer had been the most honest words Benedicto had heard so far.
Anger replaced annoyance and as he stood behind the table his appearance seemed to grow even taller, towering over the three man sitting at the table. His nostrils were flaring as he was inches away from an outburst. He let the words from the young man once again sink into him and replied in a way the older man had not expected.
”So you say you have a son…”
The man nodded, not looking up from his food, the other two men still sitting silently, scared to move. ”So you must be married then.”
The young man nodded again, not seeing the trap he was falling in. ”But your wedding ceremony was not fulfilled in church?”
Finally swallowing the last bits of his food, the man was leaning back against the cushioned backrest. ”No, not in church, father insisted we got married in the fields as per the old traditions. It was a lovely day, sunny too!” The man smiled from ear to ear, clearly still remembering the ‘best day of his life’.

The room fell silent, just small sighs filling the air. As the son was finally done with his food, he could see the wide open eyes of his father. The eyes that told him to shut his mouth for the last 10 minutes now. Finally, he got the clue and stopped speaking all together. Benedicto’s mind was thinking rapidly, going through all the options laid down in front of him. The confession he just received would normally only be dragged from a suspect after days of torture.
The silence dragged on, and Benedicto could feel the eyes of all others were avoiding his.

Abruptly, there was banging on the door. Especially the Preacher jumped 2 metres in the air upon this unexpected sound. The door opened and one of Benedicto’s monks put his head inside. ”Sir, your carriage has been fixed. It is here in the village, stocked to leave again upon your say so, Sir.”
The tall young man urged the monk to wait outside. ”Well…., it seems our precious time together has been cut short…, shame. Please all join me to the village square.”

Knowing they would follow, he put a heavy step towards the door. As he opened them, he welcomed the clean air outside as the sunlight pierced his eyes. He kept a steady pass towards the square, where people seemed to have gathered to see him off. He noticed how a young, pretty woman was carrying a young baby in her arms. He saw how pale she looked, and how she tried to get a glimpse of her husband behind the young tall preacher walking in the way.

He cleared his throat, while turning his body around to address the crowd. Any sound coming from them before seemed to disappear within seconds. ”Dear people of Grainburough, it seems our time together has been cut short already. For that I wish to apologise. Your work for this great continent and for the great Ivelda has been immense and worthy of such fine people.” He enjoyed their attention, the way they hang on his lips, waiting for every word.
”I also want to apologise for what has been done to you here. If only you were allowed to worship the great Ivelda as it is intended, her blessing upon you could have been that much greater. Instead, you have the rotten luck to live under the tyranny of a cruel and Godless man. He could not even stop his own quest for self-importance, so that his sons marriage could have been a blessed one.”
Benedicto could see the colourless tears streaming down the face of the village elder, almost as if an admission of guilt. They streamed into his beard as his nose started to water.
”It is my task to weed out the evil from this village. It must have been the will of Ivelda herself that my carriage broke down so close to your homes. She has been able to see the injustice that was thrown upon you, the evilness with which you have filled your homes. The lack of prayers causing you to live in sin, like you have. But… it is in Ivelda’s nature to forgive. It is upon her Grace that we are all forgiven, upon her Grace for us to live on, without sin, but with the sound believe that we can improve ourselves in front of her.
Ivelda will rid you of the disease that has been plaguing your lives. I, her most loyal disciple, will take your village elder to her, so she will be able to make her own judgement upon this vile man.” The people reacted, a soft noise from each one, culminating in one short uproar. As soon as the sound began, Benedicto’s monks came to action and punched some of the attendees to their knees. The sound was quickly muffled.
”Pray for Ivelda’s wisdom. Pray for your village elder as he should have prayed for you. I can only thank Preacher Antonio for the leading task that is now thrown upon him. My hearty well-wishes, my brother. May this town prosper under your guidance. I am sure that together with the village elder’s son you will be able to turn things around. I only wish that I would be in attendance when the wedding ceremony begins.”
The crowd looked confused, thinking of the festivities they had only a few months earlier. ”As your father has misguided you, your wedding has never received the blessing it should. As I mentioned, Ivelda’s forgiveness knows no equal, and she will accept a new ceremony, properly celebrated.
All of our hearts are touched by the love we can see on your faces…..” Benedicto turned to the mother with the baby.
”It is so sad that this child will never know the benefits of a blessed parentage. It will forever be a bastard in the eyes of the Almighty Ivelda. It is not a way for a young and vivacious couple you are to start your life together. I will accept the care of your son, albeit with a heavy heart. I will see to it, that it will repend for the sins of the father. I will see that his life is a life full of sacrifices to Ivelda, for him to be trained as a man of the cloth. ”
The young mother sank to her knees. Silent at first, but screeching as soon as her knees hit the ground. Benedicto snapped his fingers, pointing at the older man and the baby. His monks jumped into action, the first binding the older mans hands behind his back, while the second grabbed the baby away from the mother. Some villagers were about to rise up, but before they could do anything, the rest of Benedicto’s bodyguard was standing in between.
Not willing to stay behind for the show, he put himself back in the saddle, instead of stepping into the carriage. It was a good thing he was able to help out today. He would thank Ivelda in prayer later that evening for guiding his way so clearly.

Looking back after a few miles, he could see one horse with an old blind folded and bound man, and another with a monk carrying a baby. Looking forward again, he smiled. The young boy would make a fine monk in a few years. Seeing the size of his father, the little boy might be able to join his bodyguard and serve Ivelda in that way.
He spurred his horse forward and increased the speed of the small caravan of people, back to her Grace, back to Ivelda.

18D10A

His back was towards Korgan when the living bulldozer made his comment. Raiden just smiled and turned around to face the human monster. Whether he was baiting with traps or with words, it always seemed to work. He stared up at the man towering above him, a mischievous look in his eye. ”If Ivelda would let me…” Before he could finish his response he heard a familiar voice coming near them.

”My boys! You're home safe and sound! Raiden, I take it you've brought me what I've requested of you?”

As if being forced by an invisible hand, Raiden turned again and instantly bowed to show his recognition for the empress standing in front of him. ”Naturally my Empress, I will bring it to your throne room at the earliest opportunity. ” She seemed to be in a good mood, which was a good thing. If she wasn’t she would have told him the earliest opportunity had come and gone already, but instead he was lingering about. He never had a knack for the ‘civilities’ that came with life at the court, hence him being away from the castle as much as he could. Ivelda always made sure he was back every 2 weeks though.
He always looked forward to receiving his drink. If he was too long away from it he had trouble thinking of anything else. It was like a homing beacon where he just had to return in order to take his drink. He had asked Ivelda to take some with in a flask for his travels, but it was never allowed.

As he kept bowing down a bit longer he was thankful to hear he could clean himself up first. His hand was still itching like mad and he needed to make sure to stop by the infirmary first. When he came back up he saw the stable boy depart to take care of his horse. As long as he doesn’t open the bags… Before long, Ivelda took her departure again.

When she was at a save distance he looked back at Korgan. ”As I said, if Ivelda would let me I’d decorate the dining hall with a nice scary-looking rug made from your skin. In that case everyone is happy, you’d still look scary, Ivelda could order you cleaned at any time, and we’d finally be freed of your obnoxious commentary.” He directed his attention to the masked man instead. ”Tyann, I’m taking one saddle bag, the other one has your present. Be careful, it’s young, but has some nasty claws.” He held up his red looking arm to prove his point.

He turned on his heels and walked fast towards the stables. He saw the bags were already off his trusty steed, and he picked the one with the biggest bulge, knowing the moms head was much bigger than the cub was. ”Thanks pretty boy, but as I got you away from the smell of rotten fish on an oxes breath, I’d still say you owe me big time.” Raiden put the bag over his shoulder as he made his way into the castle.

He had his own room, albeit very small. He did not mind much. He didn’t spend much time here, and secondly, he hated the apparent luxury. It just didn’t feel like it fit …. him. He dropped the bag on his bed and took his gear off of him. He kept on his boots, as he still wanted to get his hand checked out first. In the 10 minutes he spend in the room he did not see a single servant coming by. They are avoiding me… these bastards He shouted: ”Who do I have to hunt around here to draw me a friggin’ bath?!?!”
A few seconds later he heard someone scurrying in. It was an old man in simple clothes. My apologies Sir, I will do so right away.
Raiden looked at the man, observing him from head to toe. The man was balding but was still showing a full beard.
”Fine, get it ready in 20 minutes, I’ll be in the infirmary but should be back soon.” He stepped out the door, only to appear in the door opening again a second later. He saw the man had his back to him, closing the windows in the fairly cold room. ”..And don’t touch my stuff!” He saw the man jump in the air when he’d thought Raiden had been gone already. How many times do I have to tell that to people today?

He took one of the stairs to go up to the medical ward. He took 2 steps at a time, wanting to hurry up before Ivelda’s patience and good mood would disappear. Plus, I want my drink, I’ve waited almost 2 weeks for it. His boots made an annoyingly hard sound on the stone floors. In the forest they were silent as could be, another reason why he did not like the castle. Like he was trying to draw attention to himself.
He stood still in front of the medical ward and heard a lot of voices inside. Asher’s having a tea party? it seemed unlikely, even more unlikely Ivelda would allow it.
He opened the door and stepped in, his boots again betraying someone new had arrived. He saw a few beds with patients and some people attending to them. The room smelled sweet, clearly a scent coming from the tea that was steaming in the corner. He didn’t like the smell, he never had.
He aimed his attention at the girl standing closest to the tea set. After the stable boy, she too was Sereinian. Did we turn into an orphanage for these people or something? He walked up to her. ”Where’s Asher? I need my hand to be looked at.” He held out his arm, and almost scared himself at the sight. It looked worse than what he had seen before. But Asher was a professional, he should be able to fix it quickly.
”I need him quick, Empress Ivelda is waiting for me…”

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6565D1

Days would pass on Benedicto’s way back to his Grace. Benedicto had grown to dislike his own decision to take the man and the baby back to the capital. He didn’t feel sorry for them, but he took them too far away, and he had to bare their company for such a distance. The man had complaint a lot and loudly, no matter the amount of times he was hit, kicked and thrown off the horse. He had been quiet for a while when they had dragged his body behind the carriage, but even that didn’t stop him from completely shutting up. Eike will be able to deal with that, I’m sure…

The man had especially cried and moaned whenever the baby had been crying. Viliame had found a solution to deal with the man as well as the baby. He had told one of the monks to remove the cap from the mans head. ”I told you I was done with your complaining, I only wonder how much complaining you will do when you lose a limb or two…” Benedicto added with a slight smile.
He turned his head to the monk holding the child: ”Take that kid and dump it in the nearest river. Maybe he’s complaining he does not appreciate that we are willing to raise it properly…well..then why raise it at all. Make sure yo sacrifice it as an offering to the great Ivelda.”
The mans cry turned into a howl and a load of curses in the direction of the young preacher. Benedicto made sure the man could see the monk riding away quickly. The cries of the baby died into the distance.
”Now put something in his mouth, I don’t want to hear him again. ” He watched as he saw a monk putting a piece of cloth in the mouth of the older man, just before pulling the cap back over his face. The soft mumbling sounded like music to Benedicto’s ears.

The baby was relatively safe. He had told the monk before to ride out to the capital at his signal. He didn’t care much for taking care of the new human himself. He had instructed for it to be taken to the orphanage, to eventually go into the church. Making sure there was no hope for family would only be a benefit. Benedicto did not know his parents, and he could only consider it a blessing. It gave him more time and energy to dedicate to Ivelda and praising her.

The trip had been a lot better since this. They passed a few more towns, but none of them as fun as Grainburough. At each of them they spend a minimal amount of time. Benedicto was ready to be home. He loved spreading the word, but he hated to be this far away. After the last town he got back into the carriage again. He had been reading at all opportunities, but knowing they would not pass any more towns on their way, he rather spend more time reading than presenting himself. The road was a lot better and it was a smooth ride. With a blanket over his legs his eyes once again went over the lines.

It was incredible how people could still doubt the true savior Ivelda was. The one to unite all kingdoms of old, to get rid of old rivalries and to steer the continent to a better time. He was baffled how people could not worship her like he did. Maybe it was just pure education. He had access to most of the holy texts. They might be copies in the capital, but the text had not changed from the original, whether they came from the Isles or from Emperia or from anywhere else for that matter.
Once you know the truth, it was so simple to recognise Ivelda was the prophecies come to fruition. He was dedicated to show the continent, to show them how they should be honouring her…, like he did. He thought back of Grainburough, to the older preacher. How awful must it be to know what is right, but not to be able to convince the people of this. With the treacherous village elder removed, he should have an easier job. Benedicto should have left two of the monks with him. Of course he did the town a favour, by placing the preacher as the head of the town, but his monks could have convinced the people more quickly.

Under the carriage Benedicto noticed the sandy road was exchanged to a stone road. They were close now, close to his Grace. My goodness, I have missed her. He moved the curtain and looked out the window. Home, this was his home, his only memories from childhood had all been from here. He knew the houses, the inhabitants, the traders. They were all coming to the church regularly. They did not have much choice in that.
The carriage stopped in front of the capitals house of worship. It was where Benedicto always stayed. Aside from the main building there was a small monastery. It was like an inn for preachers, but some rooms had more permanent occupants.

Despite his young age, after Ivelda the young man had the highest position in the church. He could see the fear in the eyes of the older men and women that had spend their lives worshipping. They were scared, since Benedicto had a nose for non-believers. He had snuffed out quite a few that were pretending to praise Ivelda, while secretly practicing the religion that existed before the savior had come.
Most of these people had died by hanging, a few of them had been brought to the dungeons underneath the castle, but Benedicto had not seen them come back from there. Even when at a later age he had been in the dungeons himself, he had not recognised anyone but Eike. Maybe the only person who could rival Benedicto in the love they felt for their Empress.

He stepped out of the carriage, stretching his legs and arms wide. He spoke to the nearest monk. ”You there, bring this man to the dungeon master…tell him…to enjoy this one.” People on the street hurried passed them, trying to avoid the gaze of the stretched young man.
The church doors were open, but there was no service at the moment. Benedicto walked in, right to the altar in the far end of the church. He looked up at the statue of Ivelda on the back wall. He looked at her smiling face, as always directly installing the feeling she is looking at him only. In the middle path on the hard stone floors, he drops to both knees. He silently bowes forward until his nose touched the floor before leaning back up. ”Your Grace has blessed my travel home, I can’t thank you enough.” For what is normally supposed to be a silent prayer, he cannot contain his appreciation. He continues his prayer out loud, his voice booming back echoes from the high walls.

When he gets back up, he turns and sees most of his monks following his example. On his way back to the door he touches their heads in appreciation. They showed him time and time again why they were his most trusted disciples. He felt his throat itching, he was ready to visit Ivelda in her castle. He felt giggly as he made his way out the church. He was excited, almost feeling a tickle in his stomach with every step he took towards Her.

While on his way he saw a welcome sight. He saw two other loyal Ivelda believers, although one just got on his horse to ride away from him. Keeping the same pace, he approached the other man, the leader of the royal guard. ”Brother Rock, praise to Ivelda for meeting you on this wonderful day. I was just on my way to seek Her presence.” He looked down on the muscled man. Benedicto was not as muscular, or more like the polar opposite of it. He placed his arms on his back as a relaxed stance. He didn’t notice it, but traffic stopped coming past the two young man, most people rather staying away from either one of them.

18D10A

"I'm afraid you just missed him. He's already left at Empress Ivelda's request.”
He looked down at the healer. He had half a mind to start shouting at her to then get him as soon as possible. But it would cost time, and if unlucky, Asher would have been send on assignment. He kept his eyes on her, even though hers seemed to wonder around the room. "I am Tempeste Ponce, his assigned head of medical staff. If you can entrust yourself to my care in his stead, please take a seat while I prepare.”
He didn’t much trust strangers. They all had an agenda, and usually it did not match his. As he tried to weigh his options in his mind, he felt it was hard to concentrate. The stinging and itching in his arm was now constantly there. He scratched it roughly as he walked over to one of the open seats.

As he sat down he looked at the other people in the room. All of them seemed to be busy with their own thing. Played… Raiden knew. He might not be the head of the guard or the preacher, but he was well known by the people in the castle and the surroundings. So either, they had forgotten who he was, or they wanted to show they were busy so they did not have to interact with him. He was fine with either. He could forget about all of these peasants the moment he left. He watched the girl who had introduced herself as Tempeste.

He saw her busy with instruments he had never seen. He wasn’t a healer, so he couldn’t claim he knew any better. He knew enough to fix himself up while out on assignment, the simple stuff. The shade of color on his arm could no longer be classified as simple stuff. He extended his arm when she indicated she wanted to take a closer look. ”Pain… or painless?”
He looked into her eyes. ”I don’t care, whatever’s faster… like I said, I am in a hurry.” He had a feeling which of the options he would end up with. Regardless, it had to be done. From his boot he pulled a spare arrow, always there as a precaution. He broke it in half with his other hand and put one of the pieces between his teeth, ready to bite down. He looked the other way before she would start any cut. He could handle the pain, but he hated the sight. ”Go wahed, Iwm weady” he said through biting on the arrow.

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6565D1

Benedicto was happy to speak to the Royal Guard Leader. The city was as immaculate as it could be, no doubt the result of Thaddeus’ hard regime. He took a deep breath in through his nose. ”Yes, I just got back, but no place looks and smells better than this city, Brother Rock. It is unfortunate that not all of the continent can have such a close eye as this place.”
Benedicto looked around and could only agree on the quietness around them. ”It is indeed quiet. Let us trust that it is prayer that keeps the citizens busy at this time. I’d be honoured if you join me in visiting our Great Ivelda. I have missed her close guidance while being out on the road. It is sad that most intelligent conversation is no longer an option whenever your cross the bridge out of here. He laughed broadly at his own attempt of a joke.

He took a few steps towards the castle, hoping for the Royal Guard to join him in his walk. ”Even the other day, out on my travels I stumbled upon the most heinous of heathens. This man, if you’d believe it, had his entire village following the old religions. Even when a prayer house was built by us right there in his village. He had his son marry in the fields, and not even by a priest.” Benedicto shook his head thinking back about the ordeal he had had to go through.
”The poor priest in the village was at the end of his rope. I had to leave two of my monks behind to make sure the villagers will turn it around. Of course, I had the village leader taken back here, to earn mercy at the hands of our dungeon keeper. Now that I think about it, maybe I should pay him a visit. I need to make sure this man will be treated in the only way he deserves.”

He had always been known as a talker. As such, preaching came easy to him, the words laid in his mouth as if it was Ivelda herself. He felt a sincere pride to do her work, to spread her love and knowledge over the lands as she had done over his mind. His hands were still on his back as he passed through the castle gates. The guards seemed to salute their leader and Benedicto did not return the salute, as he himself was not very army-trained. ”I believe we might get our regular doses as well today. I can tell you I am famished for one of those. Being out on the road truly is a discomfort. If only it was as easy to keep an eye on things from here, but we can’t make these non-believers go rampant.”

6565D1


The two men did not have to wait long for the doors of Ivelda’s throne room to open in front of them. A serious looking Asher stepped out of the room. Even though the healer was wearing a high heel, he was tiny compared to the size of Benedicto. As Asher nodded, Benedicto made a small bow to acknowledge his respect. ”Nice to see you, brother Bolton.”
It may have been overdoing it, but he would be a fool not to show proper respect to another of Ivelda’s servants while standing inches away from the room she was in. His bow was a short one, coming straight up to look into the room for the first glimpse of the Empress.

As Asher’s steps echoed through the hallway, Benedicto stepped forward, immediately greeted by his favourite person in the world.
"Benedicto, welcome home. I trust you're travels were safe? And how are things in town, Sir Roderick? I am done with Asher so you'll both have my undivided attention. Let me get you two something to drink first. I'll be right back."
Her voice was like the beautiful song of a rare bird. It stroke his eardrum, enticing him with the sound as well as the words she chose. Her smile was radiant and welcoming. Every moment with her was worth a painting to make it everlasting.

”My travels were very safe my Queen, I thank you for your concern to such a humble servant. ”
Ivelda left the room quickly. There was no doubt in his mind that she would return with the drink. He silently licked his lips, feeling that the drink was way overdue, something he would never tell Ivelda, of course.
”We were correct brother Rock, it does seem we can enjoy the brew we so desire. And I don’t just mean meeting our beloved Majesty.” He scampered a laugh, getting as close to humor as he ever would.
After less than a minute the door opened again, and they once again were in the presence of the highest, most intelligent and most beautiful presence in all the lands.

She handed Benedicto one of the cups in her hand, which he accepted with the deepest of bows. ”I am honoured once again, glorious Empress, with your presence and your gift.”
She had given the cup to Thaddeus and moved back to face the both of them before he got up from his bow. He put his lips carefully on the edge of the cup. He took the drink as he always had, with small sips, trying to savour the moment, savour the taste. At the same time he wished he could gulp it up in an instant. He could not forget the exciting, tickling, stinging feeling it left in the back of his throat if he would drink it quickly.
But no, he had learned to appreciate it as a fine wine. He stuck in his nose, smelling each of the separate herbs in the drink, although he had never been able to distinguish them. Even if I would be so unwise to try and recreate it, it will never be the same as hers.

"Now, tell me Benedicto, did your trip to Angalais prove fruitful?"
He didn’t know if it was the drink or because she was talking to him directly. His body filled up with warmth, a feeling like none other. His eyes closed for a second, savouring the moment.
”Your Highness, I must thank you again for your everlasting wisdom in sending me to Angalais. Your exemplary guidance is a gift straight from heaven. It is with the utmost humility a distinguished honour to do the work of a true Goddess.” Benedicto halted for a moment, making another bow and again taking a sip from the royal goblet in his hand.
”My trip commenced in a very pleasurable way. I made my way to the utmost South of Angalais. I can report that the main cities are thriving under your rule. I’ve held lectures to masses of people. All of the attendees felt compelled to make a financial donation to your Empire. The monks joining me in my travels were able to collect and bring it back here. I can only express the extreme gratitude I feel in spreading your word. The main focus of my lectures was on the creation myths. Many people seemed to interpret the holy texts differently and needed to be enlightened on the role you played in creating our existence. I must speak my heart, your Majesty, it is still a shock that I was one of the first to realise the true meaning of the holy texts and prophesies.”

Benedicto took another sip, trying not to show disappointment in his face when he realised he drank it till the last drop.
”Although I greatly miss being by your side, especially for these extended amount of times, it truly is valuable for me to travel the lands to educate the people.
Where the cities are thriving, I passed small communities where your word is not at all followed. I am ashamed and disgusted by this fact, but we went through a village where your superior state of being was not properly acknowledged. By your grace I have tried to remedy the situation best I could. The village elder has been arrested, and the village priest has been elevated and recognised as the one true leader of the community.
A sin had been committed which has produced an offspring. I had to take the infant. It will need to live a life in servitude of you in order to try and remedy the sin of the parents. My monks would have taken it to the orphanage. In a few years I might be able to adopt it into the church for proper education.”

He was truly disgusted by the parents and the village elder. The burden and guilt they had put on the infant was immense. Eventually the child would be blessed in servitude, but it would never be able to reach his level, due to the condition in which it was born. The injustice and stupidity made Benedicto mad all over again, his eyes getting watery in rage. He pinched his own hands in order to find an outlet for his anger, fighting back the tears.
”I weep for the non-believers, my immortal Empress. I weep for their soul.”

6565D1

The tears in Benedicto’s eyes dried quickly as Ivelda praised him for his work. He felt her heartfelt humility towards her subjects. He was convinced by her wish not to be feared and for everyone to be happy.
”Your words only underline how lucky we are with your guidance and everlasting wisdom. I will send for the Dungeon Master. With your permission, my lady, I’d also like to hear Master Rock’s progress in the capital. And any moment I can spend further in your presence is a gift from the heavens.” He emphasised his words with another deep bow.

As Thaddeus started, Benedicto walked over to the guard waiting outside. He whispered as not to disturb the report of the leader of the Royal Guard. ”The Queen would like you to call up the Dungeon Master to the Throne Room. Do not delay, the Queen insist at his immediate presence.” he urged the guard. The man looked with wide open eyes, and a small droplet of sweat started forming on his forehead.
I Will inform the guards in the Dungeon, Preacher Carama. the man tried to shove his duties to others.
”Do what you must, but I’m holding you responsible for the Dungeon Master’s imminent arrival. I pray for you that it will not be long” Benedicto said threatening.

The man rushed away, and before Benedicto went back inside to close the door he saw the hunter. ”I assume you have been summoned as well.” He asked with his head high up in the air, trying to emphasise how much better he was than a guy who preferred to sleep in a forrest and roll in the dirt.
”For once you assume correctly. Just please tell me you have given your report, so you’re done talking…” the Hunter said irritatingly. Before Benedicto could answer however, the man continued.
”Who am I kidding…. You’re never done talking, are you?” As the man finished he pushed Benedicto out the way and stepped into the Throne Room. He closed the door and took his spot in the room to listen on to Thaddeus’ report.

”..and I can assure you, my men and I will be vigilant and dutiful to ensure your everlasting reign,” The guard had just finished his interesting and enlightening report when the doors to the room opened once again. Looking over his shoulder, Benedicto could see the Dungeon Master walking straight to the queen. The man child fell on his knees, bowed his head and did not utter a word. A few metres to the right the Preacher could hear an audible sigh coming from the pink-haired man.

Benedicto smiled upon seeing him. The Dungeon Master was but a tool, but a highly effective one. He himself was not a great fan of inflicting torture personally, although he did so when needed. Eike had turned it into an art. A great knowledge of the human body and its pain points, most probably rivalling Asher’s knowledge, albeit in a vastly different way.
Although definitely a favourite of the Queen, Benedicto believed she only saw him as the tool he was, regardless of how she acted toward him. If the Queen was looking for leaders she could turn to anyone of her Royal subjects. All young man had a way of influencing people and leading them to something better. Not Eike…, as skilled as he was in his Dungeon, he would be nothing outside these castle walls. A pity, that someone so devoted is so stunted in mental growth. I could teach him…, if only our Goddess would let me.

Benedicto cleared his throat, ready to great the young man when he heard the footsteps. His eyes rolled back in his head so hard, it nearly made him dizzy. Not this one…not now he thought a second before the door slammed open again.
Of course he has to be announced by a herald. Putting your own importance over she who most deserves it… BLASPHEMY! He was ready to shout it out, but he would not be dragged down to the same level of civility as the beast man and his unlucky companions.
”Roderick. Thaddeus. Benny.” The pig said confidently. He continued in a small whisper as he walked past Benedicto.
”Strung up any poor children, lately?”
Benedicto answered through his gritted teeth: ”Only those that have been irreversibly taken over by demons, in order to thwart the ruling of the one and only true Empress and Goddess this world has ever seen. ”

The Healer and Beast Master were following in his wake. The smell coming from the three was unmistakably laden with alcohol. This must be enough reason for our Queen to refuse them the drink… the drink that is as nectar for me.
Before long a bottle flew through the air in the direction of Thaddeus. Benedicto held his breath as he saw it fly past the guard and smashed to a thousand pieces against the pillar behind him.
”You absolute monster…” Benedicto started before being shushed by Thaddeus speaking up.

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18D10A

Raiden was still rubbing his shoulder when he saw the bottle flying through the room. Fish breath had bumped into him as he came in, sloshed as they come. A soft whistle escaped Raiden’s lips as he was impressed with the aim, even though the beast would not be able to keep his eyes from getting crossed, drunk as he was.
Unless he didn’t aim to miss poor Thaddeus.
He noticed how the Dungeon Master had still not moved, and was still sitting bowed down at Ivelda’s feet, as if he was a well trained pet.
Not even the Beast Master would be able to train something that well, especially not in his current state.
Raiden got a bit upset. After he had given Tyann a very rare and interesting present, Raiden had had to deal with a level of incompetency amongst the staff as well as heaving surgery on his arm. And here he shows up…, drunk as a skunk.

Ivelda would be pissed. Not only showing such a level of disregard, but then also doing it in front of her other servants is reaching a new level of stupidity. As Raiden could have guessed, it was Thaddeus who spoke up, acting as if he was all-that.
”"I apologize, My Queen, but I feel compelled to say this.” The pompous ass continued with his pomp-assery, although Raiden had to admit, the man wasn’t wrong.
He stepped forward, his saddle bag with the adult Nexu head still in his hands. ”Dear Thaddeus…, it may walk like a man and talk like a man…” Standing next to Eike, in front of Ivelda, he let go of the bag. The bag fell to the floor and as the flap opened a little, the Nexu head came rolling out, it’s empty eyes looking at Eike directly.
Raiden bowed in front of his Queen. ”It was an honour to retrieve this for you, my Queen, I can only hope it pleases you.” he said well rehearsed.

He turned around again to walk back to where he had been standing. ”… but never forget, he is not a man. He is not more than the filth that comes out of his mouth.”
He had a grin on his face, knowing the lashing that would follow for Korgan’s behaviour. The hunter lifted his hand to scratch his arm, while he remembered the Serein woman that had helped him. His grin quickly gone he lowered his hands.

”RUDE, USELESS, KNIGHT! What did ANY OF US EVER DO TO DESERVE THAT IRE?! Hm!? Where do YOU get off being all HIGH AND MIGHTY! HMM!?”
Soon after the Beast Master fell and leaned on the wall he was standing close to. Raiden walked over to him, feeling sorry for his friend.
”Calm down Tyann, it’s better not to speak in your current state.” He held his shoulders, trying to make him stand up straight. Trying to preserve any dignity still left in the boy. This is all Korgan’s fault. It’s bad enough he is allowed to come here at all, but even worse that he is dragging others down with him.
He sniffed as he smelled something strange. Looking at Tyann’s hair he saw little branches of green and rose petals sticking out. ”Unless you have a sudden fondness for gardening, I believe you fell over in the rose garden, my friend.”

Asher did not seem to be doing any better. ”This, I think I need more drink if I'm going to be here with a few of you. Yooooou of All people” he aimed at the Dungeon Master. As the Healer drank another bottle, Benedicto could no longer contain himself.
”You ungrateful lot. Can you not see all of the abundance in your life is thanks to our Empress? Our lands and lives are blessed by her Grace. We are privileged over so many servants, that we are allowed to be in the same room and breath the same air as our Goddess. She guides us, she rewards us… and this is how you choose to pay your respects. I urge you to seek forgiveness. I urge you to seek repentance for your misdeeds.”
He turned to Ivelda herself, finding himself kneeling in front of her again.
”Your Grace, we can only humbly ask for your forgiveness towards us. The fact we disappoint you is a punishment in itself. Your deeds and actions have brought so much prosperity to the people in these lands. I will pray for them, I will pray for their repentance and I will pray that we may enjoy your teachings for the rest of our lives until the end of time.”