Remram
AchronumWith the immediate danger having passed, Karina and the rest of the group had found some strange new allies. The "Kharu-Natjer" and his slaves and Malkev. Between both, the one who called himself "Kharu-Natjer" was the most mysterious one. Not much was known about him. The only thing Karina knew, for now, was that he seemed to be against the cult as well and since "The enemy of my enemy is my friend", he would gain more by aiding them than betraying them. Not that it meant that Karina would trust him and his slaves, but at least she would have her rapier constantly pointed at him. Malkev on the other hand was someone they had a bit more information about and seemed to be more 'open' and not as secretive as the other one. According to his own words, Malkev was the head of the Watch, or at least of what remained of it after what the cultists did to the town. That said, despite the situation the Watch found itself, it still could move around the town drawing little to no suspicion as it was seen favourably by the population. With both the goal of knowing more about the situation around the town and the Watch itself, Karina tried volunteered herself to aid Malkev and his men to patrol some areas of the city. Disguising herself as a member of the watch would make it way less dangerous to walk around and it would draw little suspicion. It would also be a good way to earn Malkev's trust enough for him to tell what he knew about the city, the cult and any information he could give her.
After disguising herself with the Watch's uniform and getting a large backpack, which was used to carry food and other supplies that would be distributed around some communities in order to gather support and offer some well needed relief and hope to those that weren't pawns for the cult yet.
Ferris had a similar mentality when it came to the group’s new allies. While he by no means trusted Malkev and the Kharu-Natjer, he knew it’d be foolish not to at least give them a chance, considering the power they seemed to wield and what they’d already done for the group. Given that the group was taking a few days to rest, though, Ferris was taking up the opportunity to get to know their new allies, and only partially because he couldn’t manage to sit around for more than a few seconds. Committing to the group meant committing to saving the town in some way or another, but it also meant committing to staying in one place for as long as was necessary. The last time he’d stopped—fully stopped—in a city was more than a while ago, but that was the life of a mercenary, and in a way he was just currently on a long, relatively stagnant job.
Though he wasn’t one for uniforms, the guard in the patrol he’d volunteered to join had “strongly encouraged” wearing it, so Ferris had done so, even going so far as to leave his hat and scarf in his room. If he was going to don a disguise, he could at least make sure it was a good one.
Upon arriving at the gates where the patrol was to meet, Ferris was surprised to see Karina already present. While he wasn’t one to arrive late, he’d been urged out early today due to a general restlessness from being cooped up underground for so long, and he’d been impatiently counting down the hours until the patrol since he woke up. What surprised him, though, was that it seemed Karina had the same idea about picking up odd jobs around the place to learn more about Malkev and the Khar. Patrolling the town would give them an understanding of what they were dealing with: Who were their daily enemies, and how did their territory look? The patrol routes would lend an understanding of which parts of town were the busiest or most favored, and the reaction of the townsfolk would show how the guard, and by extension, Malkev, was favored around town. Plus there was an opportunity to talk with the guards, if they were the type to talk during patrols. Either way, patrolling was definitely one of the more efficient ways to gain information around here, and Ferris had no doubt that was why Karina chose to join the patrol as well.
He gave her a nod as he approached. “How are your injuries healing up?” he asked. As more members of the patrol arrived, Ferris noted that his face felt a bit bare without his scarf, but it was nothing new. His true enemies were too far away, too confident in his nothingness to care.
Despite her being wearing the Watch’s uniform, Karina still stuck out like a sore thumb among the other member who were also going to patrol around the area. Her delicate and small figure was far from what one would think it was ideal for that type of job. While some of the other members were looking at her with a clear thought of ‘what is this girl doing here’ in mind, few of them knew exactly what she was capable of.
”Oh Ferris. Didn’t expect to see anyone here.” Karina said, turning to Ferris as he called out to her.
“Oh thank you but I’m fine. Other than a few bruises and scratches I’m perfectly fine.” she said with a smile as she thanked Ferris for worrying about her.
”Despite my position in the army, I’m also a woman and I do take care of my appearance. Scars would ruin my skin.” Karina said with a discreet chuckle.
”Besides, I do have a talent for not getting hurt. Having a small body also have its advantages, doesn’t it? she said with a discreet smile as she finished checking her equipment before going patrolling.
”So… I assume you’re here for the same reason I am, right? Karina asked, her expression and tone suddenly changing to a serious one.
”Along with that ‘Kharu-Natjer’ person, the Watch is the only other ally we can count on while inside the city. I don’t think it will be easy to earn the former’s trust enough so he tells us more about him so instead I’m helping the Watch in their patrols. We need to know more about them if we’re going to be allies after all.” Karina finished. Despite her words though, Ferris would notice that there was a small hint of caution in her voice, almost as if she didn’t blindly trust neither the Watch nor the Kharu before knowing more about them.
”Are you coming along?” Karina asked, looking to Ferris.
Ferris received Karina’s comment about being a woman and taking care of her appearance with a delayed nod, not quite sure how to take that. Most of the women he was used to were either full warriors who’d given up counting their scars or the type to stay off the battlefield entirely. That scars would ruin skin was obvious, and Karina quoted her dexterity with such ease that Ferris would’ve believed it even if he hadn’t seen it firsthand. Her clear skin, then, was a testament to her skill. So far, the group the Being had gathered never ceased to impress.
“I’m here to learn more about the Watch. Anything else is a bonus,” he said when she asked about why he’d chosen to join the patrol. Encouraging Malkev to trust him hadn’t crossed his mind. Perhaps it was because of Malkev’s initial reaction to him, or perhaps he had an innate distrust of people with as much power as the Kharu, but he didn’t expect Malkev or the Kharu to ever trust the group, at least not fully. At best, the group was working toward the same goals as the Watch and the Kharu. At worst, well, that’s what Ferris was here to find out and safeguard against.
“Yes. Let’s go,” he said, adjusting his backpack as he followed the guards leading the patrol out the gate.
The sky outside was changing from the Distortion’s purple night sky to a pitch black signalling the coming of dawn, A green hue lit the north, where the sun was beginning to rise. Despite the darkened sky, the lighting on the ground appeared quite normal for dawn. It made for quite a bizarre contrast.
While the town seemed to be slowly waking, the patrol was on full alert as they filed down the designated path. Given that he didn’t know the patrol route, Ferris kept pace in the latter third of the group, allowing the guards in front of him to lead the way. Instead, he kept his attention split between the guards and the townsfolk they passed, listening for conversation from either. Talking on patrols wasn’t unheard of, but different groups had different rules. Malkev didn’t strike him as the type to let his soldiers slack, but then again commanders had many faces.
Karina stood mostly in the middle of the group, just in front of Ferris. Just like him, she had her eyes and ears on full alert to anything interesting she might hear from both the others who were patrolling with them or the townsfolk as well. Since the watch had more of a reputation around the town, the locals might open themselves in their presence much more than they would around a group of outsiders.
"I don't know what to think of that Kharu person yet, but Malkev... He can be a valuable ally for us. Earning his trust and knowing more about the Watch itself would certainly benefit us." Karina said in a low tone as she slowed her pace a bit to get near Ferris.
"At least until the military of touch sends someone to aid us... We're stuck with the hand we're given." Karina said with a rather annoyed tone in her voice.
Malkev had started the march at the center of the group, walking beside a draped cart presumably filled with cargo. As they progressed, he made a point to stop by each member of The Watch and thank them for their assistance in this venture. At length he made his way to Karina and Ferris. He eyed Ferris with a frown before settling his gaze on Karina.
“Thank you for volunteering to assist us today. Senses knows we needed the help.” The man said as he fell in line beside Karina. “I don’t believe we’ve had the chance for a proper introduction... Or rather, I don’t believe you’ve had the chance.”
Before Ferris could reply though, Malkev, who was personally thanking each member of The Watch for their assistance walked towards them, to thank both of them for the help, just like he did to the other members. Unlike them though, Malkev did stay in line near Karina, mentioning that they weren't properly introduced.
"Indeed, our meeting wasn't exactly calm, was it?" Karina said as she looked at Malkev.
"I'm Karina, pleased to meet you." she said, introducing herself with a nod. She didn't want to reveal her surname nor her position to him yet as she didn't know what Malkev would think of her if he knew who exactly she was.
“A pleasure.” Malkev said with his deep, rich voice. He gave the woman a minor bow of the head.
"The Watch is one of the few allies we can still trust to fight against the cult. If we want to survive, we should help ourselves." Karina finished, referring to the reason why she was helping The Watch.
“I just want them out of my home.” He replied. “But after that...” Malkev frowned. “The Nation of Touch’s army is coming… I don’t know what we’ll do...”
Ferris listened to the exchange with interest. From the sound of it, Malkev seemed to put the town first, even calling it his home. Suddenly it occurred to Ferris that the man could have a family in town, a wife and children he cared for and genuinely did not want to see hurt. If such were the case, trust could indeed be part of the equation because as much as they distrusted each other, Ferris could trust a man to protect his family.
He glanced at Karina. From what the Being had told him, she had ties to the Touch military. She was choosing not to share that for now, then, and Ferris respected that. Considering how much Malkev had disliked him for his magic, it wasn’t unreasonable to think Malkev would turn the same disdain on Karina if she revealed that she was affiliated with the Touch. A man would go to great lengths to protect his family, after all.
“One problem at a time works well,” Ferris noted. Keeping attention fixed on the cult was a good idea both because the cult was their biggest problem now and because it’d keep attention off the Touch and therefore Karina. Though, considering the Kharu and his penchant for secrecy, Ferris wouldn’t be surprised if Malkev already knew the truth about Karina. But that depended on how close he was to the Kharu, and giving away information was never a good idea in Ferris’ book.
Malkev paid the Crazed a contemptuous sidelong glance. “Is what I keep telling myself.” He said.
It seemed that Karina's decision to not tell Malkev about her ties to the military of touch was the right choice, judging by how he sounded about it. That said, there was not much choice regarding that matter. The cult already had turned the king into one of their puppets. In the state the town is right now, even if the cult disappeared, surrendering the city to the military of touch was the better option instead of keeping the current king or having no king at all.
"Indeed. Things are already complicated enough with just the cult... If that wasn't enough, there is the issue about how they transformed even the king in their puppet." Karina said, agreeing with Ferris, thankful that he also tried to change the subject instead of further talking about the military.
"There is still a lot we don't know about the cult. Their powers, what exactly they can do... Even how far their influence has spread outside of this city. Right now, they are a potential threat for the entire world if they continue to get stronger, not only to this city. We can't give them a chance to recover themselves when we strike them. They need to be eliminated." Karina said with a serious tone as she looked at Malkev.
"And that is what the military of touch would do. This city, as the root of the cult, couldn't be left to its own devices, lest they wanted the cult to continue growing." she thought to herself as she looked at the sky, now warped due to the distortion. No matter if Malkev would call her a traitor later, but he would be thankful for her and the Military of Touch's interference later on, when this is all over.
Malkev frowned. “Good luck with that then.” He said. “I’m going to have my hands full just getting things back in order here, once we are done.”
The tall man sighed. Clasping his hands behind him, he stared ahead as if in thought. “I don’t buy it.” He said at last. “King Y’lleant would never let this happen! They must have tricked him somehow or taken his poor son hostage!” Malkev nodded to himself. “Yes… there has to be some other explanation here. Both King Y’lleant and my cousin… Their attitudes changed far too quickly for it to actually be them calling the shots.”
From what Ferris knew, Y’lleant was the reigning Sight king. The rest of Malkev’s statement, however, was lost on him since he was not aware of what was happening with the Sight military, but Malkev’s mention of a cousin caught his attention.
“Your cousin?” he asked, meeting the man’s eyes stonily. Malkev had his thoughts of Ferris clear, and Ferris didn’t mind them. In all honesty, it was a normal and rather common prejudice, and Ferris was more tired of it than anything. One could distrust whatever they wanted. It was when and how they acted on that distrust that Ferris could and would take offense.
Malkev furrowed his brow as if confused. “Yes... my cousin… Lord O’Kal...” He said as if this were common knowledge. “Did neither of you know who I am? What The Watch is?”
Karina heard what Malkev said regarding the king. Even though she didn't know the king, Malkev did seem to know him very well and did mention how he was acting strangely. Considering the strange things she saw the cultists doing, especially those Sightless, it wasn't that far fetched to think that they could have, somehow controlled the king using their powers or something... But that didn't change what she and the military should do. The king was unfit to rule, incapable. The fact that he allowed all this to happen, being controlled or not, already said a lot about his capabilities as a king. Such organization like the Cult doesn't just appear out of nowhere and simply starts controlling the city...
"Wait... Lord O'Kal is your cousin?!" Karina asked, raising an eyebrow and completely interrupting her own thoughts the second she heard Malkev saying that, after Ferris asked about it, confirming what Malkev had just asked. Neither of them seemed to know exactly what The Watch was.
“Of course he’s my cousin.” He said looking a tad bemused. “My reputation in this town might be overshadowed by my older brother’s, but I still have one.” Malkev paused for a moment. “You two aren’t from around here, are you?”
Ferris glanced at Malkev, surprised at the man’s question. He’d assumed that the Kharu had told Malkev about the group already, or at least enough to keep him informed on another possible Crazed in town, but apparently not. From Malkev’s question, then, it seemed that he’d deduced that Ferris and Karina weren’t locals, and perhaps that they weren’t Sight people altogether. Since it was better safe and sorry, Ferris figured his default cover, which was mostly true, worked fine.
“I’m a mercenary. Recently came into town,” Ferris said, then glanced at Karina. Did she need a cover too? Given that they honestly didn’t know each other that well, she could easily claim to be a mercenary as well, especially given that sellswords tended to get hired in groups for bigger missions. In a way, the Being had done exactly that: He’d hired Ferris, and maybe the rest of the group, with promises rather than gold.
"No. Had a delivery to make around these parts. Stopped by the city to rest for a bit and ended up in this situation." Karina replied when Malkev asked if they were from around the city, using the same cover story she had used when she first arrived in the city.
"It is one of the reasons why I'm trying to make some allies... We'll be stuck here for a while... It would be better if I knew a few people that I could rely on if things suddenly get ugly." she finished.
“A mercenary... and a lady out on a delivery...” Malkev’s started with a distasteful tone only to soften his attitude after the pause. “You two are quite an odd pair… Though I suppose the same can be said of my alliance with the Kheru-Natjer and… that woman...”
Though Malkev’s thoughts on Ferris were clear, Ferris had never let anyone’s opinions come before his job or goals, and currently his job was to patrol and his goal was to get more information. If Malkev didn’t want to answer questions, he need only walk away.
“Why have you allied with them then?” Ferris asked, keeping his tone even but firm.
Malkev pursed his lips. His brow furrowed. “Because…” He said. “I have no other choice.”
For a while, Malkev said nothing. He just stared straight ahead. His frustration clear on his face.
“One of Svephraey’s goons came to us days before the day of madness. Warning us of the danger to come... The man had snuck into my brother’s home. Waited in his room in the shadows. Waited to speak to him alone… It’s fair to say, after an encounter like that, we didn’t listen.
Another pause. “He had been like the goons from the day before. The ones who sacrificed themselves to save you… I don’t like that woman… She makes my skin crawl. The thugs in this town appear to respect her… but those minions of her… What kind of thugs, employed by a woman like her, will risk their own lives for strangers like you? Its-”
Malkev shook his head. “But no, I’m getting off track...” Malkev gave the two a serious look. “We initially had been trying to convince my cousin to refuse the cultists entry, but after that first day, we’ve been refused entrance into his manor and he no longer responded to our inquiries. So… my brother came up with a plan. He made contact with someone who could send in help to remove the cult from the city. He refused to tell me who, but… Well I assume that it was someone within the King’s army… We were supposed to open the gates for them and…”
Malkev sighed. “None of that matters now.” Malkev said quietly. “My older brother died the day everyone went mad. Died from my own two hands… I killed him in a fit of madness.”
The tall man frowned. “Whatever his plan had been, it’s of no use to us now… With my brother gone, I took his place as the overseer of The Watch… Many of our members died that day… In any case, Svephraey’s goon came back for another visit the day after the madness. The same day you and your friends found the Kheru-Natjer… With no other means of fighting back… I listened that time.”
Karina stood silent as Malkev mentioned the Kheru-Natjer and the mysterious woman. They were an unknown variable that certainly worried Karina. She knew almost nothing about them and the extent and reason for their allegiance to the group was... hazy at best. Ferris also did seem to be searching for more information regarding them, including why Malkev, who didn't seem the type to ally himself with such people did so.
Malkev's reasoning was... plausible. In the situation he and The Watch was in, choice was one of the things they didn't have. Malkev also didn't like her that much. Her minions were indeed... strange. Karina had already noticed that before but hearing Malkev saying it only confirmed that. No one, no matter how loyal, would easily die for strangers like that. Throwing themselves into danger without much care for their own lives... What was even more surprising though was what Malkev said after that. Apparently, one of Svephraey's goons tried to warn him and his brother about the cult and everything that was about to happen, days before everything started. Svephraey and the Kheru knew much more than they were telling them...
"I share your views regarding Svephraey and the Kheru-Natjer... They know more than what they're telling us. We're not in a position to choose our allies, but I would be a bit cautious with them." Karina said after hearing Malkev.
"Regarding the plan you had of asking assistance to someone outside the city... It may not be that useless. I was able to contact someone outside the town. I only had time to send a single word with the aid of one of the members of our group before the cultists found our location but if he understood that word, help will surely come for me." Karina finished, carefully watching Malkev's reaction as she said that to him.
Malkev arched an eyebrow at her words. “Help? From who?”
"Help." Karina replied to Malkev's question with a firm tone.
"You- We aren't exactly in a position to choose who will help us." she said, still looking to Malkev with a fierce expression.
"The cult. It needs to be dealt with. Otherwise... Well... You saw what they did with this town and it's people." she completed, looking to Malkev and waiting for a reply.
Malkev frowned at her choice of words. “Why is it that I feel like everyone is pressing my back against a wall...” He muttered.
The man looked to Ferris and then Karina. With a nod he moved on to the front of the group. His head lowered as if deep in thought.
Ferris watched Malkev leave with a curious expression, then turned to Karina. “Why didn’t you tell him about your background?” There were numerous reasons why, and Ferris knew that, but he wanted to hear hers. Maybe it was privacy, or maybe it was so she could keep an ace up her sleeve. Or, maybe, there was a reason Ferris wasn’t aware of yet.
“The Being told me,” he said after a pause, figuring he should clarify where he was getting his information from. He was asking her something that could be personal, so he’d keep himself as transparent as possible. To show that he had no bad intentions, and that he was willing to answer additional questions, if she had any.
The moment Karina heard Ferris talking about her background, she looked at him, raising her eyebrow. How did he know about it? It wasn't like anyone other than Chres knew it. Did he told Ferris about it? Regarding his question, it would be easier to ask why would she tell someone of her background than otherwise. Keeping her identity hidden was the very definition of being undercover. After a moment, Ferris spoke again, interrupting her thoughts as he mentioned 'the being', the same thing that appeared to her and the others back when the city wasn't like... this.
"The being... It's really good it is just giving away my information to others." Karina said with an unsatisfied tone.
"I assume you know who I am already. I also assume that you know that the Nation of Touch and the Nation of Sight are currently on war... right? My reason to come here is because I am... or was... undercover. I had a sneaking suspicion that the cult was more than just a small religious group and that it could prove to be a problem... Unfortunately... I was right." Karina said in a grim tone.
So she’d been sent ahead as a spy. That was quite a piece of information the Being had left out of his explanation for Ferris, but it hadn’t done any harm. He wasn't the type to go spreading information, of course, but it was still good that he knew why he shouldn’t, if only for future reference.
“The cult is a problem for both sides, but only the Sight are fighting it right now,” Ferris said. “The Touch could use that to their advantage—though joining forces to defeat the cult first would be the more honorable move. I assume that’s what you want too?”
Ferris already knew too much about her thanks to that damn being, but when he began prodding what were her goals and asking more questions, Karina stopped and looked at him with a look of suspicion.
"You are asking too much, Ferris..." Karina said, looking at him with a serious stare.
"The Cult needs to be stopped and eliminated, no matter how. What I am trying to do is changing the priorities of the Military of Touch. Temporarily, at least." Karina replied. Her tone and expression as she said that were clear, almost a warning advising Ferris against keeping asking too much about her and things he shouldn't know about the military.
At Karina’s assertion, Ferris paused. “Right,” he said. “Apologies.” He’d set out to build rapport, not break it, though he supposed he had failed to estimate how much Karina’s assignment meant to her. The machinations of one person were essentially those of a nation, for now, and he remained an outside entity.
Looking around, he spotted a few guards conversing with each other, though joining their conversations didn’t seem wise with Malkev at the head of the patrol. The guards need only glance forward to remember whether they should hold their tongue.
"I hope you understand why I'm being cautious. As you know, I'm still a high ranking officer in the Military of Touch. I shouldn't be careless regarding what I say since most things I know are important information with critical value." Karina said after Ferris replied.
"When you are in a position such as mine, the things you say and the things you know can cause deaths or save lives. I do consider you allies, but certain things go beyond me... You understand?" she asked, trying to explain to Ferris why she said what she said. She didn't want him to think she simply didn't want to tell things to him and was doing it out of bad will.
"Let's go, we should at least try to pay some attention on the patrol." Karina said to Ferris as they continued walking.
Ferris nodded. “Of course.” He didn’t tend to rub shoulders with people in high places, but he understood the concepts. Secrecy over honesty since information trumped all. He didn’t fault her for not wanting to share, nor did he mind the words she’d chosen. As one who respected honesty, he didn’t mind when people didn’t mince words, and he’d been told off in worse ways.
“I doubt we’re the only patrol out,” he said as they walked. “Malkev is here too. They must have stepped up security.”
The group walked for some time longer, until finally reaching the market square. There, they halted their carts in an empty spot some distance away from where the usual food merchants were now soliciting people to the cult.
“Never have I known a merchant unwilling to accept money!” One of the civilians shouted. “Just what are they paying you people?”
“Does it matter?” One of the merchants said. “The Clan is handing out our merchandise for free. Never have I known a peasant unwilling to eat for free.”
“Peasant!?” Another man exclaimed angrily. “At least we aren’t greedy little pigs!”
“Greedy?” A second merchant spat. “Allowing our merchandise to be handed out for free is greedy now, is it?”
“It isn’t free when we are being forced to sit through a sermon just have a bite to eat!” The first civilian shouted back. “And don’t act like you are all saints. Just how much are they paying you people anyway?!”
The crowd there was growing increasingly angry. One person tried to shove past the other in order to get to a merchant. However, he was quickly intercepted by one of the many Cults thugs at the ready.
“Step back!” The Cultists shouted. “We do not wish to hurt any of you. These men, though greedy they may be, are simply following the guidelines we have provided for them. We are simply trying to bring order back from the chaos that started three days prior.”
“Nobody went mad until the Distortion arrived. How is that bringing order?” A woman shouted.
“The Distortion simply gifts knowledge, not chaos. We can teach you to use this knowledge. To wield it. We have food, supplies, whatever you need to to keep your families from starving. Lord O’Kal’s absence has dug you poor people into a hole. We simply wish to give you the means to climb your way out. Yes our food comes at the price of a sermon, but at the end of the day it’s still-”
Throughout all of this, Malkev and his men had set to work. The carts they brought had been built in such a way to convert into what appeared to be a stall. Its contents, however, had remained covered throughout all of this. As the guards busied about their work, it was then that Malkev began speaking...
“Ladies! Gentlemen! I… I am sorry.” Malkev began shouting. Oddly his voice seemed magnified. Magic perhaps?
A few of the townsfolk had turned away to look, but most were still busy arguing with the merchants and cultist.
“The Cultists are right!” Malkev continued. “Lord O’Kal has fail us! The town guard, who man the walls, have failed us. And I, Malkev, cousin to Lord O’Kal have also failed you. I failed to act. I failed to prevent this… I even failed my own brother.”
By this time much more of the crowd had turned to listened. Even the preaching cultist’s words had trailed off.
Malkev stared at the ground as if in pain. The death of his brother was still fresh. Slowly, the man raised his head. He looked to the crowd with resolve. “I refuse to fail you any longer.”
At that moment, the guards whipped off the cover to the stalls. Underneath lay all manner food and supplies.
“The cultists offer you food for free. Well, so do I. But the food I have here comes not at the cost of your time. It comes from my own good graces.”
The crowd began to mutter. Some even began to draw towards Malkev. The cultist began whispering amongst themselves. The one who had been preaching gave Malkev a dark stare.
“Unfortunately, I do not have enough food for all, but I will do my best to distribute the food fairly.”
One of the cultist thugs started moving towards Malkev, but was stopped by the cultist who had been preaching.
“Now then,” Malkev said. “Who’s first?”
The distorted green sun had risen high above by the time they finished distributing the food. Surprisingly the cultists had left Malkev alone. In fact, they had dispersed shortly after Malkev stole their crowd.
“I cannot do this again.” Malkev said after they had finished packing up and had begun to leave. “At least not like this. They will have their eye on me now.”
Arriving at the market square, Karina saw the entire scene unfolding, the cultists trying to do their brainwashing by using food to attract civilians. Fortunately, they didn't seem to like the preaching that much and some of them weren't as stupid as the others, knowing that the distortion and the cult were making people go mad. Karina really wanted to stop the cultist preachers and deal with that but seeing on how she was currently a part of Malkev's patrol and wasn't really the one responsible for such patrol, she held herself and simply waited for Malkev's orders.
Fortunately, when Malkev started speaking, most civilians turned their attention to him instead and showed themselves more than willing to accept his help other than being brainwashed by the cultists just for some food. As Malkev began distributing food, Karina watched with the corner of her eye as one of the cultist thugs began walking towards Malkev before being stopped by the preacher. Sending both of them a cold, threatening stare, Karina kept looking at them, watching their every move almost as a way to warn them that she was already doing too much simply tolerating their presence.
When it was all finished, with the green, distorted sun beginning to rise above the horizon, Malkev mentioned on how he couldn't do that and how the cult would have their eyes on him after today.
"Hopefully, you won't need to worry for too much longer, Malkev." Karina said. It wasn't hard for him to realize that what she felt for the cult and the cultists was complete and utter disgust and hate. For her, they were a threat and had to be eliminated at all costs.
“I would hope otherwise.” Malkev said. “For if I’m not there to worry about my people, then who will?”
"You did a good job, Malkev. But one person alone can't hope to deal with the cult. Not as they are right now. They became too strong for a local force to deal with." Karina continued with a firm voice.
"I will need your cooperation when the time comes. Remember that stopping the cult is more important than everything right now. If they get stronger... Then I hope no one will be able to stop them... Or there will be no one left to oppose them after being brainwashed." She completed with a grim tone.
Malkev said nothing for a time. He looked to the ground as if troubled. “My place is with my people. I don’t have the luxury to leave them for war. Heck, I already have one war coming straight to my doorstep. The Watch was made to be there for our people. I can’t make any promises until all invaders have been dealt with. Once the cult is gone, and once I’ve found a way to turn back our other invaders… Maybe then we can talk.”
Malkev looked to Ferris. “And what of you, Crazed?” He said, while emphasizing the word ‘Crazed’. “What is your angle in all of this?”
Though he’d spent the last few minutes listening in, Ferris hadn’t planned on speaking, if only because he figured it’d irritate Malkev more. There also wasn’t much he could add since he had limited understanding of both Malkev and Karina’s situations, but now that Malkev had addressed him directly, he supposed he’d share his thoughts.
“Same as her. I’m here to stop the cult,” Ferris said, and he wasn’t lying. His current goals aligned perfectly with theirs, and they’d be the same if worded differently. As for his angle, that came after the cult was brought down, and though it was equally important to him, he hadn’t suddenly lost his patience. There was no reason he had to explain any of that, though, much less to Malkev. If there was someone he wasn’t expecting to win out of this, it was Malkev and his deep-seated distaste for regulated magic users.
Malkev eyed Ferris. ”Sounds very un-mercenary like.” He said, skeptically.
“There are things more important than gold,” Ferris replied evenly. Whatever Malkev concluded of that, Ferris didn’t mind.
Karina heard Malkev's words quietly, looking at him with a serious stare. It was obvious to her who were the 'invaders' he was talking about but it wasn't time for her to reveal her identity yet. Despite that, even if Malkev wanted, it was highly unlikely he would be able to resist the Military of Touch all by himself and it was equally unlikely he would cooperate or ask for the help of the cult.
"Sooner or later, Malkev, you will have to make a choice. I hope that when the time comes, you will make the correct one. You, better than anyone else should know that aiding or asking for the cult's help isn't an option." Karina replied.
After that, Malkev turned to Ferris, asking what was his thought in all of that. If it wasn't clear that Malkev and Ferris didn't like each other that much, the fact that Malkev referred to him as 'crazed' was another indication of that. Ferris' reply was short but simple. He saw the need to stop the cult, just as Karina did.
"Mercenary or not, he sees the potential danger that the cult poses to the entire world. He is making the correct choice." Karina said, agreeing with Ferris as he replied to Malkev's comment of his actions not being expected from a mercenary.
“With all due respect,” Malkev started, his tone beginning to turn to irritation. “you speak as though choices are black and white when in truth they tend to be more situational than that.”
“The Cult is dangerous. That much is certain. However you can’t just expect that to be enough to convince me to go on a war campaign with you. For one, how do I even know you are capable of winning such a war? You speak as though you have the means to fight these people and yet here you are stuck in this mess with me.”
“Two, I fail to see how going straight into another war will help my people. Look at the dead bodies piled up over there!” He said nodding toward a fly ridden alleyway covered with rotting corpses. “Dead from the day of madness. So many have already died just from that day alone and we still have yet to determine the damage it has done due to the chaos that’s followed. Factor in another war… well just imagine just how much worse things will get.”
“And three,” Malkev continued. He hesitated a moment, his hands balling up into fists. This last point seemed to have him troubled. The man looked ahead and took a deep breath to calm himself. “Even if I were to agree to help. If I were to agree to a campaign against the cult, you’re still ignoring the army at my doorstep.” He said. “With Lork O’Kal likely dead and my brother dead as well, I may be in line to be the next lord of Shimmer Town… However, none of that matters once the army of touch arrives.”
Malkev shook his head. “They will not keep me in charge once they take this town. They will make someone else Lord instead. Someone who will be more sympathetic to their cause. For me, it will be the gallows… Either that or chains. Given the choice, I would choose the former.”
When Malkev began, saying that he didn't even know if Karina had the means to go on a war campaign, he could only see a smug smirk coming from Karina. She was rather curious to see how he would react if he knew who she was...
"Do I have the means to do it? You would be surprised if you knew. Besides... The time to consider possible choices has passed, Malkev. You waited for too long. There are only two options now." she said with a chuckle.
"If you want for more bodies to keep piling up, then continue doing nothing. Waiting will only raise the body count and make things even harder when you finally understand that the cult needs to be dealt with. You saw how this town became with the cult. The kingdom itself is soon to follow with this administration..." Karina continued.
"You know why I'm coming to you to speak this to you even though I don't need to? Exactly due the position you're in right now. You are the only one who can make a difference and there's no better situation for that than now. When a bigger threat arises, people tend to forget things such as rivalries... and opportunities to prove one's skill and discernment are plenty. No matter where, a man with talent and discernment to make the right choices is always sought after and maybe... If you do the right choice, there might be someone important watching you..." Karina said that, looking at Malkev as she raised an eyebrow, analyzing the man's reactions.
"Now... I gave you enough information for you to start thinking about what you'll do. Of course, I still need to keep some secrets or else it would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it? That said... remember this: The world won't wait for you to decide yourself. Wait for too long and you might lose your one opportunity." Karina finished with a smile and a piercing stare.
"Oh, but don't take me too seriously. Those were just advice. What do I know? As you said, I'm just a helpless girl that got caught up in this mess, am I not? The least I can do is help you to patrol the town." she said with a smirk.
Malkev looked to Karina and frowned. “I never called you helpless, lass. I merely was emphasizing that you talk big without providing the substance needed to reassure me.”
Malkev looked back ahead. Their destination was approaching. “When the Kharu-Natjer came to me, he provided food, shelter, and the knowledge to hide from the cult. As far as I can tell, you only offer a collar and promises that something nice will happen if I am a ‘good boy’.”
Ferris watched the scene unfold quietly. Though the Being had briefed him on Karina’s family, they had said nothing of her goals. What she was hinting at now aligned with what he’d assumed of her goals before, and however much he disliked the veiled statements she taunted Malkev with, he accepted it as part of a political background. He’d heard many stories of the pompous life of those in power, and most of them had woven lies and intrigue in at some point. As such, he figured such things normal, endemic to those who regularly embroiled in politics.
Malkev’s reaction, though, told him that while the man was used to such politicking, he had no love for it. In another world, Ferris may have sympathized, or even gotten along with him. They were both soldiers at their core, more eager to fight than attempt to mince words. In this world, however, he had been judged as a Crazed, and he could not protest the label. It was as much Malkev’s right to judge him as it was his to judge Malkev for subscribing to such prejudices.
The group came to a stop as they reached their destination. Malkev sighed as he pulled out pay and handed it to Karina and Ferris. He looked to Karina as he handed the woman her share. “I may not know which important person you might be, but the fact that you are keeping your identity a secret from me gives alarm. I told you who I am, why won’t you tell me who you are?”
Karina looked at Malkev, raising an eyebrow as he spoke. They had finished the patrol and the man was already handing out the promised pay but not before speaking a bit of his mind. Which wasn't all that comforting, especially when he talked about the Kharu-Natjer.
"You should know more than anyone exactly the type of person the Kharu-Natjer is. Not exactly someone that you should be able to trust blindly, especially seeing the position you're in." Karina said, rolling her eyes. While it was true that the Kharu helped them, it was also true that their entire trust was based solely on the precarious situation they were in and it might as well end completely the second the situation changes too.
"Regarding who I am... I do have much more to lose than you do by revealing my identity, Malkev But I guess that could be a token of trust... If I'm trying to make you trust me, the least I could do is trusting you back." Karina spoke.
"That said... I will assume you will keep it a secret. Don't make a mistake breaking the trust I am putting in you, Malkev. I do have high expectations for you." Karina said, looking straight to his eyes.
"Karina Frost. Lieutenant Colonel Karina Frost." she said as she took the money from his hand.
"It is a pleasure to know you." Karina said with a smirk as she took the money from him.
Malkev’s eyes widened. “Karina Frost… As in General Frost’s daughter?” His surprise quickly vanished as the implications sank in. His eyes darted to Ferris and back, his expression quickly darkening.
“Well, it certainly seems like you started a war under false pretenses... but we all knew that, didn’t we?” Malkev said coolly. “If you’ll excuse me, I need time to think.” The man strode off moments later, leaving Ferris and Karina behind.
Malkev’s reaction was along what Ferris had expected, though he also wouldn’t have been surprised if the man stuck around to ask Karina more questions. Leaving, however, was the smarter decision since it’d give him time to cool off and come up with a proper response. It was the political move for someone not greatly versed in politics, and Ferris respected that.
“He’ll probably still like you more than me,” Ferris remarked when Malkev was properly out of earshot. Prejudices tended to run deep, and no matter what happened, it remained that a lieutenant colonel was more respectable than a mercenary.
Karina simply let Malkev walk away without saying anything more. She had already gave him the information she needed, now she just had to wait and see if he would make the correct choice... or not. He would need time to think but he honestly didn't have that many options... And Karina was sure to tell that to him.
"He might hate me even more than you when this all is over. He has no other choices and he knows this. He knows that I know it too. That's why I'm pressing him against the wall like this. He only needs time to think and realize that I am his best option if he wants to clean this mess." Karina said as Ferris mentioned him still liking her more than him, with a half smile and a confident expression.
"Assuming he won’t do anything foolish, of course.” Karina finished. It was unlikely that Malkev would make a choice based on his emotions or a foolish choice. From what she saw from him, he was a wise man. It was the reason why she said she had high expectations of him.
Ferris nodded at her words. In the grand scheme of things, Malkev was a mere town commander trying to protect his town in a war between countries. Getting aid from Karina, be it in the form of her army’s assistance in combat or a mere word in his favor, was already more than he could hope for.
As for her remark that Malkev shouldn’t do anything foolish, Ferris paused for a second, reading the harmless remark for what it was from her calm tone and continued confidence. He agreed that Malkev seemed unlike the type to make hasty actions, but they also didn’t know Malkev that well. If there was any immediately recognizable flaw the general had, it was his prejudice and his tendency to allow it to show on his face and in his tone, which only went to show his lack of political expertise.
“As long as he doesn’t spread the information, he’ll likely play right into your palm,” Ferris commented as they started cleaning up the empty bags, the supplies already distributed. “I’m surprised the Kharu didn’t mention it to him, though. He seemed like he knew more than he was letting on.”
Karina didn't want to consider the idea that Malkev might spread the information, after all it was indeed quite a foolish thing to do since he would turn her, a potential ally, into an enemy but if he indeed did that, it could cause a lot of problems for her. It was still too soon for her identity to be discovered...
"It was a gamble. I won't say it's impossible but Malkev is smart. Too smart to do something that might turn me, a potential ally into an enemy... Or so I hope... If he indeed does that, it would cause problems for us both..." Karina replied.
"I don't trust the Kharu... Their support is but momentary and they seem to be exactly the type of person that would backstab someone if they saw benefit on it." she said with a worried expression.
Ferris nodded at her words. If Malkev turned on them, it would definitely cause problems, but he also agreed that Malkev didn’t seem the type to. As for the Kharu, Ferris agreed as well. Trusting someone at their word was rarely a good idea, and the Kharu had given them no indication of why he was helping them. Whether he seemed the type to backstab someone, though, Ferris couldn’t say. In his experience, anyone could backstab their allies, given enough of a reason to do so, and the people used to backstabbing others didn’t always have obvious tells.
“Whatever’s encouraging him to lend us aid for the moment, it doesn’t seem to have changed yet, so we can likely count on his help for a bit longer.” Ferris glanced at Malkev up ahead, frowning. “Whether or not we trust him, the Kharu is helping us right now, housing and connecting us to Malkev and the guard. I wouldn’t stake my life on him, but in a way we’re indebted to him.”
"Indebted... Not a word I like to use. He's not doing it for free. He has his own interests in mind, even if we don't know what they are right now." Karina replied.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend, for now. I wouldn't stake my life on them either." Karina sair as she looked at ferris nodding towards him as she agreed with his words.
It was true that the Kharu was aiding them but as she said before, he had his motivations to do so. Even if they didn't know exactly what those motivations were.
"We should probably go as well. We're done aiding the patrol and it's not like there's anything left for us to do here." she finished.
When Karina pointed out that the Kharu was likely operating for his own benefit, Ferris wondered whether he should’ve clarified his point, but he decided against it. At the end of the day, he’d merely been stating the obvious, and she had a point too: They had no way of knowing how and to what extent the Kharu was benefiting from helping them. Perhaps they were merely additional chess pieces in the fight against the cult, or perhaps it was something more.
At her suggestion that they get going, he nodded. “Agreed. They look about done,” he said, looking to Malkev, who appeared to be dismissing soldiers up ahead. “I suppose we achieved our original goals for wanting to join this patrol, at least. I’ll see you around then.”
With that, they dispersed with the patrol, Ferris heading to his quarters to retrieve his hat and scarf. The wind on his face and hair wasn’t something familiar at this point, and he’d had enough of that for one morning.
