Rhindeval

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18D10A

Raiden bit down on the arrow in his mouth, ready for the pain and subsequent healing to begin. He slightly pulled his arm back, not entirely looking to forward to what was coming. He didn’t get much chance to avoid as the girl in front of him pulled his arm straight and closer to her. Raiden tried desperately to concentrate his thoughts on the bird sitting in the window sill. Nice birdy, so happy to be free and flying away. he thought he sounded like a drunkard, but he needed to keep his mind happy, not just waiting for the pain. The wet cloth she used to rub his arm felt cold on his skin. He did not care much for the careful preparation. Oh birdy, oh birdy, why can’t she just hurry up…doesn’t she know I am being expec…. his thoughts halted abruptly.

The arm he was holding out started burning, but not burning like it had so far. It was as if she was holding his arm in the castle ovens. The anguish he felt warped his mind. Screw you little birdy, are you friggin’ mocking me! He turned his gaze from the window sill to Tempeste. This can’t possibly be how it’s supposed to heal! He tried his best to keep his thoughts inside. He felt like his eyes were turning hazy, his head light as he felt he was near passing out. As a last measure he bit down on the arrow in his mouth even harder, his teeth were digging into the hard wood the arrows were made of. He noticed his eyes getting sharper again, not sure if it was the arrow or the continuing pain.

His eyes shifted back to the bird. The sounds it was now making, it was as if…as if the bird was laughing at him. You must be kidding me, you unpleasant pheasant, you absolute shit show of a bird!, A sudden shooting spike of pain distracted him from the bird. He could no longer look away and stared at his arm and the cruel witch that was treating it. It was hard to see if the look on her face was one of concentration or one of joy. She picked and picked and picked at the wound, not stopping to give him a breather at any time. Fine, I don’t need to rest, just hurry up! he thought sharply. His gaze kept switching from looking at her, to his arm, to the ceiling, to the bird and then back at her again. It was a nervous twitch, hoping that every next time he looked at her she would finally be done.

He noticed how together with his forehead, his shirt also started getting wet. He was sweating on all sides, like a fever was breaking while she was treating him. Finally, after way too long he felt the pain slightly subside. The cold cloth over his arm still hurt more than it should, but this could only mean she was nearing the end of the treatment. As she put the bandages on, he breathed a sigh of relief. With his unoccupied hand he removed the arrow from his mouth, noticing his mouth was dry as hell.
When she offered him the vial of liquid he didn’t question what it was. He was pissed and he had no time to ask questions or even say a proper thank you. He slammed back the nectar, feeling the sweetness sooth his throat, his arm, but not his mind. As she had finally let go of his arm he pulled it closer, and covered it with his other arm. He started rubbing the bandage to get rid of that nasty itch that was plaguing him.
”If you'd like it to recover sooner, please stop scratching it.” Again annoyed and a little bit busted he stopped touching the bandages.
”As you're in a hurry, I'll have bandages delivered to your room in the event you'll be traveling again. No scar will be left behind.”
Raiden got up, quickly as he could. He gave everyone in the room the stink eye, and walked out of the ward with a steady pace, only mumbling a few words none of them would be able to decipher. As the door was nearly closed behind him, he just heard one more thing. ”If you need me, I'll be here.”

If the castle staff had been scared to confront him before, it was nothing compared to now. His mood could be read throughout the castle. He no longer cared about the noise his boots made when stepping through the stone echoing hallways. He went back down the stairs on the way to his room, when one guard had the courage to address him. ”Master Raiden, please, Ivelda has been asking for you. I’d advise you to come immediately.
The guard looked sweaty, he was dressed in heavy armour and had been running. Stupid, loss of mobility was a good reason for Raiden not to ever try on armour.
”There is something I need to do first. I’m sure it can wait just the 2 minutes I need. Tell her I am on the way.”
Even through the helmet, Raiden could see the face of the man turning red and green at the same time. No one could ever tell Ivelda to wait, she was not widely known for her patience. Still pissed off by his medical treatment, he kept on walking, closely followed by the guard. The man kept on insisting all the way to the door of Raiden’s room. As the hunter nearly kicked in the door, the man who was preparing his bath jumped 2 metres in the air. It looked like the tub was ready for use. It looked inviting and smelled like lavender.
”Old man, the bath will have to wait till I am done. Make sure it’s warm when I get back. I just need to do something outside before I go to the Empress.
The guard tried to protest again. ”Sir, there really is no time to be waisted. Please Sir, I beg of you to come with me.”
Raiden got sick of his whining. He grabbed the saddle bag with the Nexu head in it and pushed it in the arms of the guard. ”Carry this…and follow me.” Raiden grabbed his bow and one arrow and left the room, closely followed by the guard. ”I really doubt there is any time for this Master Raiden…”
Once outside the walked across the courtyard. The still pissed off hunter grabbed the guard by his armour and controlled his movements. He pushed him back against the wall, the saddle bag still in his hand. Raiden grabbed the bag and put it on the ground next to the guard. He also took the helmet from the guards head and threw it on the ground as well. ”Stay here, and don’t move!”

He walked back and turned when he created some distance between him and the guard. He rested the arrow on the bow as he took aim at the guard. ”CATCH! Raiden shouted across the courtyard. The guard was stumped and did not move a muscle.
As a deep breath calmed him down, Raiden pulled the string, feeling tempted as the arrow lined up perfectly with the head of the pushy guard. Ignoring the temptation he looked up at the 4th floor of the castle, his arrow following his gaze to the window of the medical ward. There it was, still sitting there, that stupid bird. He took a deep breath, and slowly released the string. The arrow flew through the air, the whizzing sounded like music to his ears.
A loud squawk was evidence the arrow met its target. The arrow bounced against the stone of the castle, a loud thump as the body of the bird hits the window itself. Both the arrow and the bird it now pierced fell down from the window sill, right into the arms of the perplexed guard.

Raiden walked back to the guard. ”That feels better, doesn’t it? He picked up the saddle bag himself and slung it over his shoulder. He handed the bow to the guard. ”Bring the bow to my room, and make sure the kitchen prepares the bird. I want it roasted perfectly for my dinner. The guard finally seemed to find his feet and sped towards the door. ”Remember what I said. Roasted PER-FECT-LY”he shouted after the guard.
Finally feeling a smile back on his face, he walked over to the Throne Room, waiting outside, awaiting to be called in.

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.”