Putting An End To This

[Ioder]

Closed to Redout

The days had begun to blur together at this point in Ioder’s hectic life as everyone’s new Judgment. His time was best spent attending to the petty matters that pile up over the course of the Hierarchy’s operations. Mostly this meant he cooked, he cleaned, and he made sure to spend time with each and every member that walked the halls of the House of Cards. It was tasking but with the dedicated help of Stella and Vincent at his side they managed to cleanly plow through the work load.

Still in the back of the Seraphim’s mind he knew that the happiness he found within the Tarot was a farce. He knew that at any moment he would have to up root and run away, like he has so very many times before. This sad inevitable truth is what scared Ioder the most. It pained him to know he would one day leave everything he had worked so hard for behind, just to run away from him.

Ioder sat in silence at the foot of his bed, focused on the day’s tasks at hand. It had started to happen again, the premonitions, and Ioder was still trying to come into them fully. These were the burdens of Judgment, and also these were his greatest strengths. In a cosmic rush of enlightenment the all the secrets of the world would become like an open book to Ioder, one written in a language undistinguishable and illegible. Sometimes in a few choice cases these visions would appear to him like a movie on a screen. These mostly involved those destined to be awoken as a Major Arcana and what he needed to do to help guide these souls. But today something was different about his premonitions, he felt a heart shattering darkness wash over him, a feeling he had felt before.

“Yo Ioder,” the familiar uplifting voice of Vincent chimed in breaking Ioder’s hyper focused trance. “it’s about time we start headin down to the mess hall, you know it takes longer to cook for everyone now a days.” In his hand was a basket of large farm quality eggs and something he presumed to be cured pork. Ioder was very happy with Vincent’s progression into the competent leader he knew he would become; he had really started to become himself in a way.

“Vinnie I’m still feeling under the weather since Tobias’ cut. I don’t think I’m feeling up to helping out this morning. Grab Kyle and Lucia, they’ll help you and Stella this morning.” Ioder said as he stood and moved towards his closet. He wore only a loose pair of trousers and the bandages that had been keeping his wound free from infection. It was obvious that the mercenary left behind a painful mark from Ioder’s body language.

“Okay bud,” Vincent said sighing slightly. “I’ll bring you a plate when I’m done in there.” And with that he was gone.

Ioder walked up to the doors to his closet and gently pulled each open. Inside rested a fully armored mannequin decked out in all of Ioder’s belongings. This was privet armory so to speak, one he rarely open anymore since becoming Judgment. But today was different than any other day, it may be his last.

[redrout]

Joseph turned over in his bunk, fighting the urge to stay in bed for a few moments before swinging his feet over the edge of the bed, feeling the cool stone on his feet. His side was now completely healed, and he took the time to stretch a bit before donning a pair of pants and a shirt, feeling the scar his last encounter left in his side. Inside the rest of the House of Cards, there was a little commotion going on as some of the early risers began to stir. He opened the door to the main hallway connecting the rooms just in time to see two bodies disappear into the mess. Breakfast didn’t sound too bad at the moment. He scratched the itch that formed at his hip and wondered briefly why it persisted before walking down to where the smell of food emanated from, hopefully there would be eggs.

Joseph would have stayed with the half dozen people already eating, but there were still a few numbers that needed to be crunched before their first shipment of goods moved from Radasanth to Knife’s Edge. He sat back down at his table amidst his papers, setting a plate of eggs and biscuits down next to them, picking up a paper with one hand and a biscuit with another. There were a couple of prospects that still needed his attention. The beginning of any business was carefully balancing supply and demand while trying to make a name for oneself all at the same time. It was not unlike balancing on a tightrope, and it seemed with this plan it was an exceedingly thin wire that they were sitting atop, and with little netting below them should it fall. Vincent had given him a discretionary fund with which to conduct business, and it was by no means a significant portion of the Heirarchy’s total wealth, but should they fail, Joseph doubted there would be a second chance. If they succeeded, however, then the Raierian Restoration Initiative would likely become a trusted name in transportation and trade across the country, and likely beyond it as well. Joseph shook his head, clearing the thought from his mind. He had a tendency to get ahead of himself, especially with how profitable this venture seemed to be. But, the risk was high, and had to be managed carefully. He picked up a quill in his left hand and got to work.

[Ioder]

Ioder moved with an almost sluggish limp from the pain coursing through his body from Tobias’ cursed blade. He knew it was going to happen, but as Judgment Ioder chose to take his strike for the better of everyone. Yet the pain that emanated in vibrant waves from his shoulder now complicated the situation. As he grabbed all his possessions from his side armory the Seraphim considered all that was about to transpire.

Since earlier in the week Ioder's been tormented by vague premonitions of that which he feared for so long. Like clockwork, images would flash before him, each far worse than the last. Some of these involving other members of the Tarot and in every one they lay dead on the floors of their headquarters. He had been hiding these terrifying glimpses from the others since he had first been getting them. This was his problem to fix, not anyone else. He was the bringer of devastation and always has been, but not anymore, never again.

After he was fully strapped Ioder stood and left his room. The halls were as riveting as always as new members of the hierarchy rose and began their days. He had grown fond of all the new faces decking their ranks and shivered at that which he may bring to them. This started to show in his stature yet he tried to push through his uncertainties.

Then it struck him like a wooden maul to the side of the head. The familiar sensation that someone near was showing signs of awakening into the role of a Major Arcana. This always elated the Seraphim and now was no different. Ioder turned to look at his at his next door neighbor’s room. It belonged to Joseph who was one of Vincent’s friends and business partner as well as a prideful member of their group. He noticed that his door was left open and he was happily eating inside. So like any reasonable person would he walked up to Joseph’s threshold and stared inside eyeing up his friend as he chowed down.

[redrout]

Ioder had been standing at Joseph’s doorway for several seconds, giving Joseph the distinct impression that the winged man was taking a keen interest in his bookkeeping. After spending a moment completing a sum, he looked up at Ioder.

“Ioder, how goes it?” Joseph asked smiling easily, picking up one of his biscuits and tossing it to him. “Biscuit?”

Ioder caught it, still giving Joseph that eerie look he’d been giving for the last twenty seconds before looking down at it, as if the biscuit were some object he did not understand. He looked back up at Joseph, walking with a slight limp toward his small table. He pointed down at Joseph’s figures, taking a bite of the biscuit.

“You forgot to multiply by the interest rate here, and this,” he pointed to another “Should be bushels, not barrels.”

Joseph would have opened his mouth in protest to anyone who questioned his arithmetic, but it seemed that Ioder was right. His figures were off, and if Ioder hadn’t caught them, then the RRI would be buying far more than Joseph intended, which made for bad business. Although he was a bit irked, the mistakes had been his, and if not for Ioder’s correction, he would have at the very least spent another hour refiguring the numbers after them doing them wrong the first time. He calmed himself and looked up again to Ioder, who had taken a sitting position across from him.

Joseph laid his paper down, crossing out the incorrect sums, placing new ones above them. “I don’t suppose you were staring at my math from way over there, were you?” he asked, placing his papers to the side.

Ioder set the biscuit down, unfinished. “I need you to come with me to Beinost, I have unfinished business with an old enemy of the Heirarchy.”

“So, you need me to kill someone?” Joseph asked, quite surprised. “Not to be rude, but I watched you and Tobias fight the other day. Why would I even need to come along?” Joseph was convinced that, even injured, Ioder was a considerably more adept fighter than himself.

“The man I’ll be going after is guarded by many skilled mercenaries,” Ioder said, locking eyes with him. “They are masquerading as vampire hunters in Beinost, and while I am fairly certain I can handle him, I would prefer not to deal with his entourage. That’s where you come in. I need you to keep any of his ‘distractoins’ from interfering in my business.”

Joseph had to admit that his ego was a little bruised to be given the task of running cleanup duty for Ioder’s mission, but after seeing a portion of his fight with Tobias, Joseph hesitated to give himself too much credit. But, if Ioder said he wanted Joseph’s help, then Joseph would give it.

“So, I assume you’re going to get rid of that limp before we depart, right?” Joseph said, already piecing together the affairs he would set in order before leaving with Ioder.

“Nope, we leave tomorrow morning, be ready,” Ioder said flatly, getting up slowly and turning to leave. He hesitated and turned back, scooping the half-eaten biscuit off the table. He left, quickly limping out of Joseph’s room.

Joseph looked down at his papers, wondering if he would be able to finish anything at all before leaving. He yelled after Ioder.

“Don’t you people have lives?”

[Ioder]

As Ioder left Joseph’s room he wondered if asking him to tag along was the right thing to do. This was not going to be the run of the mill brawl in the streets that one would assume. This was going to be a blood bath. Ioder knew this foe well and if they did manage to find him and rotten band of comrades Joseph would need to be at his best. But still he felt the presence of Judgment on his shoulder constantly indicating their merchant assassin was showing signs of greatness. And like a student fallowing their master’s orders he always listened to Judgment.

Ioder let out a worried sigh as he turned to head towards the mess hall. By now Vincent and Stella should be just about ready to start cleaning up after the breakfast crowd. He knew this would be the best time to tell the others he would be heading out for a while. Stella would worry about him, but Vincent would be irate if he found out he was gone. This was a sensitive time after all with the influx of new arcana arriving every day.

There were still a few souls eating in the mess hall but otherwise the seats were empty. Ioder nodded to the few still eating as he entered and walked towards the swinging doors to the kitchen. The other either noticed him or ignored him but he made sure to acknowledge everyone regardless. Pushing the door open Ioder saw everyone, Kyle and Lucia, wiping down the surfaces of the kitchen. He was surprised to see that the entire cleanup was about done. Kyle and Lucia must have been a big help, he thought.

“There he is,” Vincent said as he rose from putting the rest of the eggs away. “Was wondering when you were- “he stopped short, quizzically eyeing Ioder’s battle gear. “What’s with the get up?”

“Joseph and I heading towards Bienost, We’ll be back in a few days.” The others in the room quietly stood to the side listening to the both of them.

“What about your shoulder?” Vincent said gesturing at Ioder’s injury with his dish rag. “Why are you armed?”

“I have a little bit of business to wrap up, and then we’ll be home. Don’t worry about my shoulder, Joseph should be intimidating enough, this is all for show.” Ioder said as he walked over and grabbed a loose rag. He clenched it and suds seeped through his fingers. “Plus It’s not that bad.” He said as he started to wipe the now cooled stove top with his weak arm. Though it hurt him he dare not show that to Vincent.

“I know you’re not going to listen to me, we've been friends for to long to know that. But you should wait a few more days till your shoulder is better, and then go.” Vincent said as he went back to his clean up. “But do what you want, you’re gonna anyway.”

Whoa, that was eerie. Ioder thought as he helped the others finishing cleaning the kitchen. This may be his last time, seeing how adept the two medics were at it. They might just take over in here one day.

[redrout]

"You're joking, right?"

"No, this is a perfect place to spend the night,"

"Yeah, if you want to get robbed and murdered during the night, maybe,"

"Do you have a better idea?"

"Actually...." Joseph said, casting a wry look Ioder's way. He motioned in the direction of Anvil's tavern. "I know a guy."

Six blocks north, they passed the ruins of the pie shop he'd helped Vince take out of business. A man named Toby had killed over thirty people, and baked them into meat pies. Joseph's mouth curled slightly in disgust at his recollection of the mad butcher happily whistling away as he flayed corpses for their meat. He reached up to feel his scar instinctually. The mad butcher was dead, but Joseph had been seriously wounded.

Joseph wondered how the town was faring, now that the butcher was gone. He had been there the day after, and the entire town was celebrating, but Joseph knew those feelings of elation soon gave way to suspicion as to just who could and could not be trusted.

The pie shop itself was burned to the ground, the building's wooden bones sticking up, blackened spires jutting from the heap of stone and ash that was a building. There was no ash or smoke stain on either adjacent building, which meant the fire was carefully contained.

Likely that the entire town burned the shop down not long after he left. Even now, people walking along the shop's side of the street crossed to the opposite side when passing it. Even the location was a pariah to this town, people scarcely looked it's way, much less drew near to it.

They kept walking. When Ioder spoke, it was a few words and they were to the point. He seemed to be on edge, which Joseph didn't really understand because the man could shift into just about any form he damn well pleased, unless this 'unfinished business' could see through his disguise.

Soon, they came to a stop in front of one of the older buildings in Beinost. It was an unassuming thing, it seemed to be less of a tavern and more of a small warehouse. The building was lit from the inside in the slightly fading light of evening as Joseph stepped through the door, followed closely by Ioder. Inside was an upscale tavern, darkly stained pillars holding up a small balcony above the bar at the far end of the large room that served as restaurant and drinking hall. Small tapestries were hung where there was space, and the entire place would have had a mellow, welcoming atmosphere, if it had not been for the looks they received. The last time Joseph had been here, people were disappearing. They were afraid of monsters in the dark. Now that they knew who the killer had been, they were afraid of the monsters in other people. And it unnerved Jospeh that they no longer stared fearfully into their drinks, but stared suspiciously at them. Fortunately there was at least one merry soul in the establishment.

Anvil the dwarf was somehow immune to the gloom that had infested the town like an early morning fog. He bustled about behind the bar washing beer glasses until after a few moments, he spotted the two of them at the door. His face lit up with a broad, bearded smile, and he slapped the bar with an open hand, startling most of the people staring.

"Joseph!" He yelled, rounding the bar quick as he could and walking up to him with an open hand. Joseph clasped his forearm, smiling as well. "How are ya lad? You all healed up yes?" he asked, lifting Joseph's shirt to see his scar without bothering to wait for an answer. He ran his finger along the scar between ribs, then slapped it approvingly.

"Ha! Told ya! Vince said I couldn't sew if my life depended on it, and look at ye now!" He dropped Joseph's shirt down.

Joseph clapped the dwarf on the shoulder as they returned to the bar, Joseph wasn't sure what look Ioder wore, but confusion would have been his guess. They sat at two stools in front of the dark wood of the bar. Joseph couldn't help but smile. The infectious jolly nature of the dwarf may not have rubbed on to the townsfolk, but it surely rubbed off on him.

"It is good to see you, Anvil," He said as the dwarf slammed two large glasses in front of them both. If Anvil's memory was to be trusted, then he'd have mead. He too a sip, and the honeyed, fruity taste slid easily down his throat, warming him. Excellent.

Within a few seconds, two piles of steaming food were in front of both of them. Roast beef, vegetables, potatoes and bread were steaming on the plates. Ioder made a move to push his plate away.

"I'm actually not that hun-"

Anvil stopped him mid-sentence and mid-push with a hand on the other side of the plate. He fixed him with his gaze, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, that's just too bad then, ain't it?"

Joseph stifled a chuckle as he lifted his fork. Anvil smiled again.

"You get used to it, Ioder," he said.

Anvil looked back at Joseph. "So," he asked, "what's the trouble this time? Vampires?"

Joseph pointed a fork full of beef at Ioder. "He's the one calling the shots this time, gotta ask him."

[Ioder]

“For your information sir,” Ioder said as he pushed the plate of piping hot food away from his seat, “the last time I was here my life was saved by a Vampire.” He clenched his fist tight, piercing his palm with his fingernails fighting back the urge to really show the dwarf who he should be afraid of. But alas that would be rude and unwarranted.

“Calm down my friend, I meant no ill will with that statement.” Anvil said with a reassuring nudge of the plate back to Ioder. “It’s just that we have had some of the same Vampire Hunters patrolling the streets as a few years ago. It looks as if the same monsters may still be lurking around somewhere.”

“Joseph,” Ioder said in a hushed tone as he leaned into his comrade. “Can we trust this dwarf?”

“We’ve worked with him before, Vincent and I consider him an asset to the Hierarchy. He saved my life once, he is as sturdy and trustworthy as a hulking tree.” He replied through a mouth full of potatoes and meat. Just as he finished his words two familiar faces walk through the dark and dusty doors of this hole in the wall tavern. The two figures both dawned piercing orange cloaks with a phoenix bursting from the sides of their hoods. These men were members of Ioder’s Elite guard, The Risen. As two of Ioder’s most trusted soldiers these men watched him like a hawk, ever present throughout his journeys. Ioder noticed his subordinates as they entered and sat at a far table behind Joseph and himself. Alfe and Kyle from the looks of it, but with their faces covered he had no real way of knowing which had come to escort him though the city.

“Whenever you are finished we need to get moving,” he said once again in a hushed tone. And as he turned to engage the dwarf he noticed a sliver of unique beauty in the rough and tough expression of the dwarf whom he may have offended. “I apologize for my harsh words, but we are looking for those Vampire hunters you were speaking of, do you know where I can find their camp?” Anvil seemed puzzled by the query but not fazed, he guessed that any business that Joseph the assassin was getting into must be noteworthy and who was he to turn down another good story to tell his patron upon their return.

“I suppose that I’ve seen a few of them come up from the tunnel system underneath the collapsed chapel where the Vampire was hiding the last time they were here.” He answered before looking over to his more known acquaintance. “I have some other business to attend to, don’t go getting yourself killed messing around with these guys, they are armed tooth and nail looking for someone, or something.” And with his final words he hoped off the stool he had been planted on and went about attending to Ioder’s two subordinates who enter a few moments ago. From the corner of his eye Ioder saw that neither of them ordered anything as they were instructed to remain vigilant and undaunted by distractions. He trained them well like he did with all the rest of The Risen.

The group didn’t stay long after Joseph was finished eating, Ioder did nibble a bit on his plate but the weight of the information he had just received was a tad overwhelming. His mark was playing him, letting his presence be known, it was obviously a ruse to get Ioder to make the first move. As Ioder, Joseph and the others left the dark tavern they walked the streets as the sun began to set.

“Sir,” one of the hooded figures said as they both removed their hoods. Ioder was completely right as Alfe and Kyle both revealed themselves. Alfe, Ioder’s friend from his last debacle in this city was a well-trained swordsman elf with long platinum hair, and Kyle the Risen’s most dependable field medic were both a pleasant sight for sore eyes. “You know this is a trap right?” Alfe finished.

“I do, but what Kratos doesn’t know is that I am not alone, we have grown in both strength and numbers since the last time we met on the field of battle.” With the rest of his men stationed in the caravan just outside town Ioder had back up. He was not afraid anymore, his strength rivaled that of his enemy and his army amassed in force which may even outnumber that of Kratos’.

“So, you must be after the leader of these hunters, I would at least assume.” Kyle said as he had been left out of the loop a bit of Ioder’s whole plan.

“Aye, he disguises himself as a benevolent leader of a righteous group of Vampire slayers, but in fact he uses that as a ruse to rally men and women to hunt down and kill all that is supernatural. He is a member of my species; he is a Serephim.” Ioder grew quite once more for a moment before looking back at his newest tag along. “If you aren’t ready for this tell me now, but before the morning there will be spilt blood, and I could use all the help I can get.”

[redrout]

Joseph smiled, listening to Ioder’s comments.

“Ioder, the Tarot pays me to kill people. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t prepared,” He said, patting his hip where his daggers were strapped. Ioder spoke.

“Good, I just wanted to make sure.”

Joseph swiveled to face the two other members of their party. The taller of the two was Alfe, the elf. He had twin swords at his back and hair so blonde it was nearly white, tied back in a ponytail. His features were classically, elfishly, angular. All this pinned him as a no-nonsense kind of man to Joseph. The assassin smirked.

“Alright,” he said quickly, coming down off the two steps that led to the porch of Anvil’s bar, quickly noticing how tall Alfe was in comparison to himself. “Alfe, right? Come with me, we’re gonna case the joint.” Joseph walked in the direction of the nearest scalable building, intent on at least trying to find out what and who they were up against. Had he looked back, he might have seen a sideways glance from Alfe to Ioder before he followed, quickly catching up.
-----------------------------------------------------------
The sun was beginning to cast long shadows as the day began to fade. The streets were empty, and Joseph supposed that they had been so for some time. All the better to do their business. Joseph crouched in the shadow of a chimney next to Alfe, counting the guards that made the rounds. The chimney shadow offered excellent cover; as Beinost’s inner streets were packed with two and three story buildings built close upon the streets. This particular building overlooked the church in question, one of the oldest in the region in fact, and the architecture reflected it. Joseph spotted another mercenary.

“There, that makes five in the greater area, and two close to the walls.”

Alfe snorted a little. “The beggar? You suspect too much,” he said.

Joseph looked up from his crouch at the larger elf, tying his hair back into a short pony tail. “Yes, the beggar. He doesn’t have the look of a beggar.” He looked back at the man dressed as a pauper. “And besides, the streets are empty. Ever seen a beggar where there’s nobody to beg from?”

The elf’s eyes narrowed as he looked back at the disguised mercenary. He spoke quickly. “No matter, with Ioder’s help, we will be victorious.”

“Ioder’s that great, eh?” Joseph asked, raising an eyebrow. The elf responded without hesitation.

“Yes, he is.”

Joseph hummed, cocking his head to the side. The depth of his conviction was definitely impressive. As if on cue, a group of five exited the church, all in light armor with swords at their hips. Joseph also noticed a set of three wooden stakes on each of them, either at waist or on a bandolier, both in easy reach. They turned down an alleyway in formation, marching down the narrow street beside the building they were on. Luck is on my side today, it seems, Joseph thought to himself, motioning for Alfe to follow as he approached the alley, looking down at the soldiers. Alfe spoke quietly.

“What do you think?”

Joseph smiled a little, the curl at the corner of his mouth lifting as he looked back. The assassin spoke, already climbing down quietly.

“I just love meeting new people, don’t you? Drop down on the other side of them.”

The assassin dropped in front of the quintet of soldiers just as the elf dropped behind them. The lead man took note of them with surprise that quickly turned to determination.

“Fiend! Foul creature of the night! Feel our wrath!” All five rushed him, drawing swords in one hand and stakes in the other. Joseph saw through them to Alfe, who was already drawing his twin swords. The assassin drew his blades quickly, dodging the first sword strike, blocking a second as he stepped forward between them, and let a dagger slide by the inner thigh of the last man in the group. They turned quickly as Joseph stepped past Alfe, already rushing with his swords drawn. As the last man dropped to one knee, already losing too much blood from his femoral artery. Another tried to slash at the elf, but he parried easily and sent his other sword through his attacker’s throat. Joseph stepped from behind him to the left, blocking a sword aimed at Alfe as he swung at the man. It nearly cleaved his neck in two, and the man dropped to the ground. Another lunged at Joseph, but he sidestepped quickly, putting a foot out and tripping him. Down he went, and the assassin followed, straddling his back and putting an arm around his throat. He flailed, and Joseph heard the ring of metal and grunting from behind him. As the man he was choking passed into unconsciousness, Joseph looked back just in time to see Alfe extract his sword from the final soldier’s chest, leaving him lifeless on the ground.

Joseph nodded, standing. “Good stuff, let’s get him into one of these buildings, see if we can get some info.”

Twenty minutes later, Joseph had him trussed up in a chair in the middle of a small warehouse. Boxes stood ten feet high throughout the building, visible only due to the lamp the assassin had lit earlier. Alfe had gone off to fetch Ioder, which left Joseph with some time with his friend, as he tended to affectionately refer to his interrogatees. His captive snorted once, and opened his eyes, struggling violently at first, then simply stared at Joseph. There was anger and determination there, yes, but there was also a hint of fear, which the assassin smiled at. His captive swallowed hard as Joseph spoke easily, drawing a dagger, still blood-stained.

“You got a name, buddy?”

The man’s eyes narrowed and he bared his teeth. “Screw you, vamp.”

Joseph stood from his chair, twirling the knife in his hand as he walked around his captive. “What an odd name you have. Too hard for me to remember I think. I think I’ll go with….Todd. You look like a Todd to me.” the tied man simply stared, pulling at his bonds. “Let’s talk about that church you got. Nice hideout, really it is; I’m impressed.” Joseph leaned in, pulling his chair closer. “You know, I would absolutely love to get a look inside the place, but you know with so many people already coming and going, I just think it might be a hassle.” Joseph’s eyes narrowed as he brought his dagger up to the man’s thigh, spinning it on its point above his knee. “Now, you wouldn’t be able to help me with that, would you?”

Saliva coated Joseph’s face as the man mustered up what little defiance he could to spit at him.

“I said, screw you,”

Joseph sighed. He liked these games he played with his targets, and disliked when they didn’t play along. His eyes narrowed as he tightened his grip on his knife, pulling it up to the man’s abdomen, speaking low and soft.

“Listen here, fucker, what I’m gonna do now is cut a little tiny hole in your stomach, right about…” He placed the tip of the blade just below his navel. “...here. And then I’m gonna start pulling out your intestines until you tell me what I want to know. Deal?”

His captive’s gaze shifted. He was no longer looking into Joseph’s eyes, he was looking at the knife. As if to punctuate the shift in demeanor, Joseph pressed a little, drawing a bead of red from his skin. Joseph taunted again. It was a delicate game, threaten too much, and you close off your mark entirely. Joseph usually opted for the descriptive approach, the more vivid the better.

“It makes an interesting sound, you know, almost like you’re sucking on that last noodle of spaghetti on your fork,” Joseph stated, smirking. “I’m guessing you make it, hmmm, ten feet, before you break down. The door latch clicked behind him, and Joseph called back at Ioder, who had just entered with the others.

“Taking all bets, Ioder! How much of his intestines do you think we get out of him before we start getting information instead?”

[Ioder]

With an instant Joseph the merchant assassin and Alfe, Ioder’s second, disappeared up the scaffolding and out of sight. A soft sigh came from Ioder’s other subordinate as he watched them until he couldn’t see them anymore. It was just like Kyle to worry, that was simply in his nature. He was Ioder’s personal physician and close friend of the Seraphim. With his face still up in the clouds he picked up his feet catching up to Ioder whom had walked off from him. He lifted his veiled hood as he caught up to the winged general showing his chestnut brown hair and eyes as green as the saltiest ocean. He couldn’t have been older than twenty; it was the perfectly childish freckles on his cheeks that gave him away.

“You think they will be fine?” he asked keeping up pace.

“Yeah, I do.” Ioder answered as he too lifted his hood. They were heading back to the caravan that was parked just outside the gate near the largest of three lakes outside. He had about fifteen men stationed throughout the city and about thirty more back at camp. Until they have gathered enough information to make a move on Kratos he would stay there. “Ive got a feeling that Joseph is going to be more than enough for any think Kratos can throw at him. Besides Alfe is with him, there isn’t a man alive that can stop that elf.”

“Okay, I guess you’re right. I’ve seen that elf bench two initiates at once.” Kyle said as a look of relief encroached on his mug. “And that Joseph has some mean stories I’ve heard. He seems a little sick even.”


They didn’t say much after that until they both got to the Caravan. Ioder was deep into thought and Kyle knew better than to bother the Seraphim. Ioder had a mean glare when he was in intense thought, like he was looking into your soul. There was a bright glow from the ceremonial fire that roared in the center of the tent encampment. The flames illuminated the tightly netted tent city, yet were not close enough to catch flame to their mobile home. The Risen were a bright bunch, ingenious really in the way they think. Ioder and Kyle quickly separated and went on about his business.

Hours had passed as Ioder awaited any news from his spies in the city. He spent most of his time in his quarters quietly thinking about what was to come. Not about what was to immediately transpire, but more of the long run of today’s events. After today Ioder would be in the most ideal position to move forward with his agenda. Once Kratos is out of the way there would be nobody to stop Ioder from bringing her back.

In an almost trance like concentration Ioder sat and focused until from outside he could hear it. The sound of his second in command yelling his name pierced Ioder’s ears. Alfe was backand it sounded like he had some news for him. He stood and quickly made for the exit to great Alfe. As he lifted the shroud that made the door of his tent he saw Alfe standing hunched out of breath just outside. Blood speckeled his body but it was clearly not his own. He must have gotten into something with someone from the looks of it.

“Friend, are you alright?” a crowd had started to form as Ioder rushed to his friend’s side giving him his shoulder to lean on. “Where is Joseph?”

Alfe immediately shrugged off Ioder’s shoulder and stood at attention, “Joseph and I have one of them tied up in a warehouse just a few blocks away, please come with me.”

“Sure, let’s move.” Ioder said with a confident grin letting his wings stretch out from his orange cloak. He clenched tight to his friends arm and began to flap his mighty wings. In an instant Ioder and Alfe were gone with the wind soaring through the midnight sky, out of sight among the clouds. It wasn’t long before they were there, this unsuspicious barn of a building. From outside there was no sign of life in the building at all, no light or sound could be detected. Alfe fallowed as Ioder lead the way inside.

As he opened the a large metal door Ioder heard him, Joseph calling out to him. “Taking all bets, Ioder! How much of his intestines do you think we get out of him before we start getting information instead?” He sounded to be playing a part of a story he must have read once upon a time. He was being as intimidating as possible it seemed. Was this truly the he was or just a show. It took Ioder by surprise but from the looks of things it appeared that the situation was under control.

Plus if this man died Ioder would get everything he neads anyway.

“I say just pull it all the fuck out.” He growled back at the assassin, teeth exposed by a savage snarl. “But I’m betting he spills what we want before you even cut his gut open.”

Ioder gave Joseph the ceremonial nod of approval and stood to the side of the room in the shadow of a tall stack of crates. Alfe stood at the entrance and kept watch for any unwanted guests.

[redrout]

Joseph responded quickly, not wishing to break the facade of insanity and psychosis he'd forced on his captive. Painting his face with exasperation, he slammed his dagger down, point first, into the chair between the captive's legs, pinning the cloth between his legs to the wood. His captive, 'Todd', tried to shift away from the blade.

"Oh, come ON, Ioder! Have a little faith, eh?"

The enterprising assassin stood quickly, walking around the bound man, clapping the tops of his shoulders. His captive started, barely remaining silent. Joseph looked down at him for a moment. He was panicking, good. Rather he looks for a way out than be angry at his captors. Joseph returned his gaze to Ioder.

"I think you're underestimating Todd here, I think he could go five, perhaps even ten feet if we coach him right!"

A voice broke Joseph's next thought. He recognized it as the voice of his friend Todd, but with a few modifications. His voice cracked, like old glass, and no longer held the weight of anger, but filled with a new emotion: fear.

"I didn't sign up for this! I swear! All I wanted was a good paycheck for guard duty!"

"Well," Joseph said, "Looks like I shouldn't've bet on that horse, eh?"

The assassin snatched his blade from between the hostage's legs.

"Alright, now who's in there?"

"I don't know, I never saw him, All I did was stay on the ground floor and the basement, he's gotta be under there..." His voice was a plea more than anything.

"Bottom floor then," Joseph said, looking up at Ioder, who nodded.

"Well then Todd, you have my thanks," Joseph said, lifting his knife from behind the hostage.

"Wait, you'll let me go?"

Joseph's faint grin turned somber.

"Afraid that wasn't part of the agreement, Todd," Joseph muttered, and as the man opened his mouth to speak, all that came out was a gurgling as the assassin slid his knife across the captive's neck. A few desperate spasms and he expired, red coating his shirt and Joseph's blade. He sighed.

Well, it was your time to go I suppose.

But Joseph only dwelt on thoughts of death briefly. Death was more about life than anything in his mind anyways. He met Ioder's stony gaze.

"Well, what say we go down there and give'm what-fer, eh?"

[Ioder]

He watched as the life drained from the man, Joseph was a fiend that was for sure. May perhaps he would be the one truly destined to rule. On each coin there is the side graced by light and the parallel, engulfed in shadow. One cannot exists without the other and neither is stronger than the other. This was one of the tenants Ioder lived his life by, reinforced only by the path he was destined.

As the crimson water stopped its cascade from Todd's neck Ioder stood motionless. Entranced in his own world it would seem, to him everything began to move at a snails pace. While he could see Joseph and Alfe clearly neither could reach him. He instead could only focus on the spectral apparition before him.

Like a mist Todd stood with one hand on his corpse's shoulder. Some might find it strange to be alone with a spirit but for Ioder,... Israfil the Seraphim of Judgment it was second nature. Since his creation in a time long forgotten by this modern world he served as the envoy for souls transporting them from the realm of man and beast to the afterlife. It was his burden to bare while also his greatest strength.

He could see the apparition as clearly as he can see his still warm corpse. He wore a sad smile on his face contemplating his life and his deeds. Ioder moved towards him past Joseph whom appeared at this point to be frozen in time. Nothing other than Ioder and Todd's spirit were present in this space between realities.

"Tell me your tale young one, as I lead you to the end." He said offering the spirit his hand. Todd didn't understand this but seeing how he was now a ghost he had little choice. "You have done many things my friend, that is clear. Some tattered in glory the others in filth, let me hear your story before I judge the." Todd was like an open book spilling the details of his youth and all his transgressions before divulging yet more information about Kratos.

"I knew what we were doing was wrong, I knew it was a lie. But the fame and glory for being supernatural hunters was alluring. Even a spector like yourself must feel the need for recognition. It felt good to fallow under his banner despite the gruesome things we did on his behalf." Todd grew silent for a moment before continuing.

"You knew this would have to end like this someday. Didn't you?"

"Sure I did, life in this wretched world is pain. You are either at hilt or the tip of it."

"Its time..." Ioder motioned for Todd to come close and embrace him. He hesitated for a moment before slowly floating over. His solemn face showed he was ready for what was to happen. The moment he made contact with the Seraphim a torrent sucked and engulfed him inside Ioder. Flashing blue and gold streaks danced like ribbons around them. And just like that it was done, another soul was added and assimilated into his nebula.

Just as the lights subside time began to flow again. Ioder still stoic stood calmly as Joseph spoke up. It to the seraphim a moment for it to register as he was still coming back to reality. "Yeah let's get moving, the longer we wait now the worst its gonna get. Joseph, you and Alfe take the men and begin the assault on the church. Keep Kyle present on site but out of harms way. Be will provide medical assistance to any wounded. The others need to focus on taking out the peons."

"What about you?" He asked as he tossed his dagger up and catching it in his sheath. "Your gonna give me all the fun so you can come in at the last moment?"

"I'm heading in now," and just then he flashes with a radiant light and transforms into the now deceased Todd. "I'll be attacking from the inside out." And just like that be vanished with hastened feet.