Legend of the Dark Hero. ((Solo Quest))

[Mutant_Lorenor]

****I****


The realm of the Dark Mother was an interesting time period within the world of Althanas. Having a unique elemental signature, the darkness fell across the land where the Lord of the Light was forbidden to touch. During this time period, the night creatures emerged from the holes they hid in during the daylight hours. The hemisphere that Corone was situated in was currently subject to the rules of this dark realm. Bathed in a blanket of shadows the darkness tinted everything with its presence.

Things looked different during the dark time. Trees were gnarled and twisted, mountains took upon a slightly misshapen look and towns gathered a personality trait uniquely their own. One such town lurked near the Dagger Fall Mountains of Corone. From an overhead view, the town looked like a skeleton jutting out of the ground beneath it. Even now, after months of work, only the bare foundations of most of the buildings were being constructed. Only several buildings were completed.

These projects took priority over all others which explained the speed in which they were built. There was a huge smith-shop that stood out like a sore thumb. Unlike all other buildings in Althanas, this building was a monstrous construction of mortar and steel. Made possible by the technologically advanced Golems of Dressed Fished Town. The Golems of the Ark. A certain resident within the town was one of the Golems in disguise along with his crew of exiled others.

There were five Golems all together. They assisted the ghoul known as Lorenor and ultimately, the Gol'bron. During the realm of the Dark Mother even this town took on a different personality. Those that worked during the night hours came out to play. A different vibration filled the area. Nightly activities in the local tavern/pub area took on its own life. Buildings that didn't function during the daylight hours were in full swing during the night time hours.

There were those that never slept...work always needed doing in the rustic frontier town. Nothing but wild lands lurked near the town for miles on end making it a perfect place for fugitives fleeing the law and refugees fleeing Corone's Civil War. There were also adventure seekers of every sort, people looking for steady work and those that found some. The mines were alive with activity. They even begun turning a profit reminiscent of the days of the former Red Hand. The makings of a new Pandemonium's Fist.

Old legends of the Red Hand surrounded the new Red Hand as they worked to rebuild the legacy of the old. Lorenor currently worked heavily during this time of darkness. A pregnant moon lurked overhead bathing the land with her silver gaze. Stars shone brilliantly in the cloudless night sky. A time of winter was steadily approaching signifying the yearly climate changes. A hint of the Salvarn cold fronts touched the air. It was a chilly night, but not cold.

Those that did wander outside needed to wear jackets and coats unless they particularly liked the chilly weather. The wind bit with the slightest hint of a shiver or thrice. Couples kept themselves warm by wrapping themselves up in each other's embrace. This particularly nightly activity wore on as normal.

The Gol'bron's township provided its own security and system of checks and balances. The Gol'bron were in charged and rule with an iron fist, but all were welcome. There was work that needed doing. Many structures from the former Red Hand decorated the landscape in various stages of completion or lack there of. Somewhere on the ground was the still hidden secret entrance to the Pandemonium's Fist. Only a few individuals on Althanas knew the location to that and they weren't allowed to talk about it not yet anyways.

Lorenor awaited the day he could venture into that place and help to rediscover the old secrets of the original Red Hand. He knew that day would one day come and fully realize the rebirth of the Red Hand. Lorenor helped his brothers and sisters obtain that goal until then. For now, he worked at the smithy. When he wasn't at the smithy Lorenor trained. He trained to become a warrior worthy of the Red Hand. Lorenor stood up from his current project. A client came in earlier that week request a set of iron swords.

This, Lorenor worked on currently.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The realm of the Dark Mother wore on. With the supervision of his son, Number 5,325, the ghoul worked to quickly produce the weapons that were needed for the bulk order. Lorenor saw that the Golem's process of weapon forging was vastly superior to the current smithing process existing on Althanas. The Golems offered to do all the work themselves, but Lorenor decided against that knowing that he wanted to learn the process on his own.

Lorenor studied the craftsmanship of his swords and nodded their approval. They had subtle intricacies that were unique to the Gol'bron's smith shop and existed nowhere else on Althanas. Lorenor understood what this meant. He had something to offer the marketplace and could corner the weapons smith market almost completely on his own. The potential of making his fortune was too great for the ghoul to ignore. He knew that he had the opportunity to make a lot of money.

It rested right at his fingertips. Lorenor stood up from the work for a long moment and stared at his progress. He'd come a long way with his black smithing training virtually on his own. The knowledge of the Golems was an incredible resource but in the end, it came down to hard work. Locale smiths from Underwood assisted where ever they could. The ghoul found himself eager to learn everything about the trade that he could.

The well supported building surrounded Lorenor and his companions, the Golems. He worked the furnace of the smith-shop by himself using the methods of the Golems to further his goals. Once he'd stopped working he looked at his companions for a while. They stared back and nodded back.

"You've done well Father. Your instructions are progressing quickly. You are a natural at this. I figured that it would take you a lot longer to learn these matters but you are very quick to understand. It is a delight to teach you."

"My son you are too kind. No. I am eager to learn that's all it is. This can help make me more money and further the cause of my extended family, as well as our personal goals. Anything that can help to make me a richer man is a worthy pursuit. Besides, the way you do things is so superior to anything I've ever seen before. I've got to say, I'm impressed." The ghoul said calmly.

"We use logic and scientific methods. In a lot of ways the ways of your people are superior to ours. You've discovered techniques and energies that we have only begun to analyze."

"You mean magic? But that's native to Althanians. You can study and research that all around you. Magic is everywhere." Lorenor said and moved in a grand sweeping gesture.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The dark apprentice carefully observed his handiwork. They were indeed excellent swords and had a aesthetic touch to them that were uniquely his own. He'd had a lot of time to practice his crafting skills. Almost as much time as he'd devoted to his combat skills. When one had eternity, they could take their time and learn something the right way. Over and over. Steady as she went was the flow of the motion.

All things had a current to them. Lorenor was a part of the current somehow, though how much was a he part of the grand scheme of things? Only a certain number of people really knew. The ghoul finished his work on the swords and prepared himself to complete the package. His clients were local members of the Gol'bron's work-force and needed better protection against hostile bandits that were slowly creeping back into Concordia Forest. Everything seemed to be following the grand design.

Lorenor really had a moment to collect his thoughts and this was one of those times. In between his trips to Fallien, and Salvar, the mutant hardly had a chance to practice his craft. He was grateful for the Golems because they taught him things that he normally wouldn't have had access to. Even from a skilled Master Smith. He would've gotten far on his own, but the Golems allowed him to take his trade skill to brand new heights he never thought of.

He thought their ways of technology were incredible. At first he had no idea such concepts even existed, but when he found out about it, his greed escalated to new heights of hunger. He stood up once he finished working on the weapons and glanced at his work once more. The aesthetics of the swords were truly unique and practical in design as well. He was even able to refine the alloys so that they were much lighter than normal. That was a process that made his craft truly unique. With the Golems' help he'd been able to discover a method of mixing alloys and metals safely without placing himself in danger.

He'd been able to discover a stronger form of Iron bonded with Copper in the process. It was only logical once he'd discovered the process. Lorenor allowed his greed to guide him as he knew he could place the weapons on the market and produce newly found combinations of materials. The copper-iron mixture was much stronger than the two elements on their own making them a sturdier, more conducive material. Lorenor took a few practice swings with one of the small broadswords and felt proud at how light the weapon felt in his hand. He stared calmly at his companions afterwards with a small smile on his face and a nod.

"Now to make the scabbards."

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Working on the scabbards took a long time but he was able to get the manual labor for each of the swords done with reasonable time to spare. The hour was late in the evening when Lorenor finally completed the task. At some point in the waning portions of the realm of the Dark Mother, Lorenor completed the last of the scabbards. He sheathed the weapons and placed the bundle upon a makeshift counter. Lorenor looked at his companions and nodded to them as he prepared himself to retire.

However, Fate had other plans for the emerging dark Hero.

A knock on the closed door of the structure repeated itself four times. Knock knock knock knock! There was an urgency to the sound as the owner of the actions attempted to get the attention of the occupants in the room. Lorenor's son, Number 5,325 attempted to answer the door taking into consideration Lorenor's latent weakness to the sun. The ghoul waved his hand in a motion to stop his son from proceeding forward. Hearing more knocking sounds, the ghoul decided he would answer the door personally. It was early in the morning hours and the heat increased gradually as the sun rose. Lord Mitra's awakening gaze began to peak from behind the Dagger Fall Mountains.

"Who is it!?"

Lorenor asked the question as he walked towards the door. He kept an eye on the door using his Senses to try to ascertain the presence behind the door. He could see in such a fashion to a degree as long as the objects of his observation was within his sensory sphere. Lorenor had the senses of a bat almost but on a much more supernatural level. He placed his hands upon the closed door for a moment and tried to ascertain if the owner of the rapping posed a threat to his person or not. Lorenor was still not able to detect the intentions of those around him, but he knew that one day his senses would evolve in such a way.

The Endless were strangely quiet at the approach of the stranger. It took a long time for a response but finally one came. "I'm looking for the one they call Lorenor. I'm here to offer him work." The voice responded. Lorenor didn't sense a threat coming from the owner of the voice and it sound like a man. Lorenor decided it was all right to welcome him into the Smith-Shop and opened the door casually.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

A man that Lorenor never saw before awaited Lorenor's presence. The ghoul looked up and saw the glare of Lord Mitra's eyes upon him. He stared at it for a moment shielding his eyes from the intense glare. He retreated back into the room instinctively as the shafts of sunlight heading towards the ghoul mocking his anti-sunlight uniform. Lorenor knew that the Golem's technology made him impervious to the effects of the sun, but old habits died hard. He turned his gaze from the harsh sunlight as the skies changed colors, marking the rising of the sun. The man patiently waited. Lorenor smelled various scents native to the region known as Salvar. He also sensed that the man was very recently in Concordia Forest.

"Are you Lorenor?" Came that gruff Salvarian accent.

There was a long moment where Lorenor simply stared at the tall stranger. He immediately saw that the man was a powerful man as most Salvarns were, built to survive out in the harsh ice fields. Lorenor was slowly getting his own physique the longer he stayed out in the cold lands of Salvar. The Salvarn had a frosty air about him despite the temperatures in Corone due to the nearby tropical rain forest. The ghoul observed the man for a long moment and saw that he was adorned in thick, heavy, animal hides as was the typical custom in Salvar. One wore those thick hides to ward off the horrendous cold. The man had a thick Salvarn scent about him.

Lorenor could tell that he'd recently been through Concordia Forest as well. He must've surely traveled many leagues to get from Knife's Edge in Salvar over to this particular part of Corone. He knew that the man must've just had a lengthy journey. Guessing that the man could probably used a drink, the ghoul remembered his manners.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

"I am he."

Lorenor responded casually to the tall man. There were individuals of many sizes in the room, Lorenor himself being the shortest of the group. His son and his companions were disguised in their humanoid forms at various heights. His son being the tallest of the group of Golems in his humanoid form easily standing at a height of roughly six feet and six inches. The man from Salvar stood much taller than his son. Lorenor was the shortest member of the group standing at the small stature of height that he stood at. He looked at the stranger for a moment taking in the scents from the Northern Lands. These days, Lorenor found himself frequenting Salvar as he did his work for St. Denebriel's Cathedral. He wondered vaguely if this man had anything to do with the Church.

He guess that was the purpose for the visitation by the strange. Standing a good few paces away from the stranger, his hand went to John Mattis' sword instinctively. The Stranger looked upon Lorenor and lowered his dark gray hood. It was common practice for the people of Salvar to wear the colors of the land, gray and snow-white. These practices allowed the men from Salvar to hide out on the snow fields where various beasts of the wild lurked in hiding underneath hills of the white substance.

"There is no need for that. I'm not here to do you any harm. I'm from St. Denebriel's Cathedral!"

With those words, Lorenor relaxed his posture and offered the man a drink of the substance in the nearby pitcher. "Would you like something to drink then?" Lorenor offered. The man nodded and Lorenor attended to his guest. He poured himself and the man a drink. He handed the hot substance to the Salvarn man. In return, the man took it and took a sip. He sighed with relief at the warm drink even though he'd been in Corone for sometime now it seemed to the ghoul. Lorenor observed that when you ventured frequently in Salvar, somehow the cold stayed with you. It was a cold that bit you right to your bones.

Some would say that the Salvarn Winter affected the very Atma (Soul) of those that wandered through the fields. Even in this temperate climate of Corone, the man still wore his thick hides. Lorenor could see that and admired the thick strength that this person clearly possessed. Salvarns were made of strong stuff. "You can place your hides over on that work table over there. Forgive me for not having better accommodations we only recently opened up this Smith Shop. This is my home for the time being and you are welcomed to it as long as you're here. We haven't been able to set up very many buildings in this outpost yet. Only the ones that matter the most. As you know the Gol'bron is a military organization." Lorenor said for the sakes of keeping the conversation going.

The Stranger nodded and took off his hides placing them upon the designated area. The man had the classical appearance of a Salvarn man. Bulky physique, tall height, long, thick hair, a stately beard. His eyes were inset into the eye sockets and were a surprisingly piercing shade of emerald green. They reminded Lorenor of Concordia Forest. Somehow he knew what was going to happen next. He went over to the door and closed the door, locking it. The Salvarn man looked at Lorenor's fellows and nodded to them calmly. Number 5,325 stared at the Salvarn for a while and nodded in return after a long moment. "If you don't mind I would like to talk with Lorenor in private. These concerns are matters of the Church." The Salvarn said in a very serious sort of way.

"Father." Number 5,325 began. "What you have to say to him you can say to all of us. We're a family. We don't keep secrets from one another." The Golem said calmly. Lorenor shook his head at that and thought about what was being said. Ultimately, his allegiances was with the the Church and he hated having to exclude his stalwart companions from the proceedings. "Go outside for the time being my son. I'm afraid this is a personal matter. We'll discuss this later. For now I need to speak to this man alone. I need you to wait outside, or entertain yourselves with the many projects that need doing around the village. You understand what I'm talking about when I speak of such matters." Lorenor said appealing to the Golems' inherent desire to create and fix things.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor saw the look of displeasure in his son's eyes. He hated having to do this to them but there was little choice in the matter. Matters of the Church of Ethereal Sway were open for discussion to members only. And Lorenor still had yet to become a ranking member of any importance, he didn't want to insult the members of the Cathedral that already accepted him. He looked upon his son with an understanding gaze. A look that said please don't argue with me on this one. Lorenor could see a look of frustration upon his son's face but the other accepted what the Father wanted. So, he took his companions outside of the building to take care of many of the projects in the Gol'bron's town that needed taking care of.

Lorenor eyed his friends as they left. His son took one last look upon him and then to the stranger and then nodded briefly. Lorenor could only look on as they left and felt a sense of sadness in his heart. He didn't want to exclude them from the matters that were going to be discussed, but the ghoul knew there was no choice in these affairs. It had to be done in that way in order to protect the secrets of the Church. He only hoped that his dealings with the Church would never affect his loyalties to the Gol'bron. So far, his loyalties had never been tested in such a way and the Church didn't seem to mind that he was a member of such a Group.

"So what do you have for me?" Lorenor began.

The Salvarn man looked upon Lorenor with those piercing green eyes. He took a sip of the hot substance in the goblet and placed it on the counter after a long pull. Lorenor observed those actions quite carefully. The man seemed to be an errand boy for the Church much like he was. There were loyal peons of every sort working for the Cathedral and Lorenor was just one of many scrounging jobs for some respect. He'd never seen the Salvarn that stood before him up until that day. But it was quite possible that he was just one of many thousands of people working for the Cathedral. Lorenor sighed and took a sip of his own goblet for a moment waiting to hear what the man had to say. Time was slowly ticking away and Lorenor didn't like waiting for Cathedral jobs to get done.

The more work he completed, the higher up the ladder he went. It was that simple. The Cathedral offered Lorenor steady work versus having to scrounge up a living as an "Adventurer" like so many others did. Lorenor had great plans for the future and bumping into the Golems in the way he had only secured the prospects of building up his fortune. He wanted to become a force that demanded great respect on Althanas. So many dreamed, but very few followed their stars. A star would rise and a star would fall.

That thought suddenly entered the ghoul's head. He didn't know why at the time but somehow it seemed relevant. There was a long moment of silence as he studied the man before him. Finally, the man handed him a large parcel that was bundled up in some sort of brown paper. The parcel had markings of various members of the higher ranking Echelons of power. The parcel was marked "URGENT" in red. Lorenor nodded and understood what that meant. He was gaining some respect. Every time that he worked to complete one of the Cathedral missions, he earned respect and higher standings as one of its members. He took the parcel with his left hand and felt the weight of the package. He quickly moved his right hand (Which was the Aegis Bracer) and placed it 'neath his package.

"Open it as soon as you have a moment alone. You are not to share its contents with anyone. The job is of vital import. These matters should be looked into as soon as you have the chance to begin the job. I am grateful for your hospitality Lorenor. I've heard of your kindness towards other Church members in the past. Your name is rapidly spreading around." The man complimented Lorenor.

Lorenor felt flattered. "I appreciate your words of kindness but they are not needed. These are dark times. Dangerous days are rapidly approaching all of Althanas and all of us need to be ready. The dark days have yet to begin and the Church will need to rally all of its loyal members to fight the darkness." Lorenor said.

"That's very observant of you. Times are very dangerous indeed. Folks are scared and people are joining the Cathedral because they want solace. And its becoming more difficult to counsel them. Folks say the end times are coming." The man said. "What do you think?"

"I honestly don't know. The signs are too dangerous to ignore. I haven't thought much about St. Denebriel's teachings up until recently in my life. I thought there was no place for me but the Cathedral as well as the Gol'bron accept me as I am. It's nice to have a place where I can feel like I truly BELONG. Insofar as St. Denebriel's teachings go, I've been starting to take them more seriously and become a more devout follower all things considered. Well as devout as I could possibly be." Lorenor stared at his reflection in the cup. He studied the glowing purple energy that flowed from his eye sockets. He had the markings of the Spider Magi but wasn't a Spider Magi YET. He was a strange sort of oddity, this creature called Lorenor.

"I understand good Sir. Either way you have a priority mission to take care of so I'll leave you to it. I hope that our paths cross again under more pleasant circumstances." The man said.

"Wait, I didn't catch your name." Lorenor said as the Salvarn grabbed his hides and prepared to continue his journey elsewhere.

The Salvarn smiled.

"I never revealed it. Good luck on your journey Lorenor. Maybe next time we meet we can become friends after you've proven yourself further. May St. Denebriel's blessings guard you on your way."

Lorenor nodded deeply in return and the Salvarn was gone.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor placed his goblet upon the counter and then placed the package near the goblet. He'd been able to somehow balance the two items in both of his hands with some degree of care. All the training with the Monks of Ai'bron paid off. The package weighed a great deal. The ghoul knew that its contents were probably a big stack of files and information on the next hit job he needed to perform for the church. Lorenor didn't mind being a hitman for the Cathedral.

As time went on he started liking the random jobs that fell upon his lap. They paid great money which kept him going. Lorenor knew that was part of the contents of the package from past experience. He removed a small dagger he'd constructed for himself earlier in his blacksmith studies. The dagger was a simple little thing made of copper. It was more of a personal keepsake item than an any kind of weapon really. He used the small dagger as a letter opener and ripped through the mysterious brown paper.

He'd never seen such a type of paper before, it was clearly a new substance that the Cathedral was experimenting with. He'd never seen the word "URGENT" labeled upon the parcels he'd gotten before either. All of these experiences were knew to the ghoul and he carefully took everything in. Somehow, the scent of that Salvarn remained on the package. The ghoul longed for a taste of the Salvarn's blood but he knew such matters were forbidden. One didn't attack a member of the Church lest that actions bring down St. Denebriel's fury upon thee.

Lorenor was feeling in an odd mood as he opened up the package. These days he found himself thinking upon St. Denebriel's teachings more and more as an alternative to the devastation that N'Jal preached. Lorenor found himself wondering if he had a choice in the matter at all? N'Jal seemed like she was tied to his future somehow and the ghoul didn't like those prospects at all. Many would consider him an enemy. Even the Cathedral itself declared The Endless a heresy and the ghoul was forbidden to talk about them to other Cathedral members. So many rules and things to remember.

Yet the Cathedral had its perks and benefits. Lorenor now had steady work he could depend upon and steady pay. He belonged to something. Lorenor now had something extra he could contribute to the Gol'bron. Lorenor was glad that he invested time into the Gol'bron. Many Power Groups were in existence that he could've easily joined. However the cult of the Thaynes caught his attention the most because they could teach him something about the Lady of the Night. Lorenor's motives for joining the Cult were very personal to him. He saw the Thayne-hood as an enemy. He still retained the memories of his rape at the hands of Lord Draconus.

Some scars never healed. Lorenor opened his package as he was deep in thought. Placing the dagger on the table he took the goblet in his hand and took a deep pull of the hot liquid in it. It tasted sweet with a tangy flavor to it. The heat made the flavor more intense to the ghoul. He was glad he was able to eat and drink cooked foods and drinks. Though he still preferred fresh kills. Most importantly, he preferred the taste of the monsters to the taste of men.

Opening the package he saw several manila envelopes all marked Urgent in red. There was a total of ten such folders. In the package was also a letter sealed with the waxy seal of St. Denebrial herself. This meant that very high members of the Church's echelons sent the package and ensured that Lorenor himself got it.

At the bottom of the stack of folders was a small wooden box and a key on top of it. Wrapped up in a red cloth.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor broke the seal of the envelope first. Unraveling it, the ghoul read its contents carefully. He studied every detail understanding that the Cathedral oft used code and hidden messages. The ghoul had yet to learn the exact slang and code, but with time, he knew that he would soon be able to. For the time being he'd picked up a few of the Cathedral's phrases and hidden messages which were repeated in other such letters he's received in the past. Lorenor was sent on Cathedral missions thrice in the past. Once he had to attempt to rescue tortured members of a refugee camp called Milax. The second time was an assassination attempt at a certain Viceroy. The third time was the assassination attempt of a Necromancer in Salvar.

The times with the refugee camp and the Viceroy were both events that took place in Corones. Lorenor reflected upon the past for a long moment and saw that these incidents now weighed heavily on his future. His heart felt a million times heavier than it normally did considering the decisions he was about to undertake. He read the contents of the letter as his past started to catch up to him. Lorenor felt like shadows were chasing him.




"Dearest Lorenor,

Should you choose to accept or decline this job you will abide by the rules of the Cathedral at all times. Upon receipt of this parcel thou understands that thy leaders will disavow all knowledge of thy membership into the Church. If you are caught there shalt be no rescue attempt on thy behalf. Thou shalt be on thy own. As part of thy Assassin's commission we have sent thee a small amount of upfront gold pieces to see thee on thy way. The rest of the gold for the job shalt be paid when we have received the token we require from thy current mark. The dosier will explain the information you need. Take care Lorenor. This is an assassination attempt unlike any other and shalt have ongoing ramifications in Corone should thou succeed. Inside the parcel will also be thy second Cathedral Dagger to mark thy acceptances into the second rank of a Church Follower. Where though was a meager Lowman with no true allegiance to St. Denebrial, thou art now an Initiate within the Cathedral. There art many ranks for thou to obtain that bestow upon thee many privileges. Heed our words of caution, this dagger must remain concealed at all times. Thou art to use the dagger when thou cuts thy marks. Bring us the tokens we require and thou shalt be rewarded well."

Sincerely,
Cardinal Brody October 21st Year XXXX



Lorenor accepted the terms and conditions of the letter and placed it down upon the table. He took some more of the coffee knowing that this was possibly the last time for a while he might be allowed to drink such a thing for a long moment. There was a large stack of folders, five in all each stacked with papers on various hits that the ghoul was supposed to make under the cover of darkness. Lorenor removed the stack of folders from the bundle package and placed them further down the large counter top. He then took the key casually in his hand and felt the weight of the cold brass against his wrist. He unlocked the small decorative chest.

Sapphires and rubies were encrusted into the liviol wood case. Lorenor guessed that the chest itself must be worth a pretty gold piece. He thought about selling the chest but then figured that it was a memento of his service for the church. The Liviol alone was said to be priceless. I'll keep it for myself. Lorenor thought as he decided to keep the memento as a heirloom. He considered passing it down to future generations of his should he decided to one day have children.

He figured he might if he found someone to settle down with. Though he found that thought to be extremely doubtful. What kind of person would want to settle down with someone like he? Little did he know that he HAD illegitimate offspring wandering about Althanas from a past incarnation. The ghoul placed those thoughts aside as he opened the chest and saw a bright shining light emanating from within. His eyes opened widely as he saw all of the shiny gold within the chest. He guessed that there were easily a few hundred pieces. He took some of the pieces in his hand and let them fall slowly back into the chest as if it was water or sand. He heard the clink-clink sound of gold hitting gold and this caused him to smile. In that pile of gold he saw a small scabbard.

Lorenor removed the scabbard from the chest and felt how light the Initiation Dagger was. The handle was intricately encrusted with Ivory and rubies. It was black and white in alternating sections. The dagger felt very light in his hands. Lorenor pulled the weapon from its scabbard and saw an intricately carved Silver blade.

The blade was approximately seven inches long with a triangular edge at the tip. The edges of the weapon were serrated on both sides. An inset groove functioned as a filter to allow blood to flow down the blade easily and collect into a container within the handle. It was an ideal weapon for one such as he and it seemed that the Cathedral employed many like Lorenor. The fact that such a dagger existed within the fold of the Church made Lorenor feel even more accepted within the folds of the Cathedral.

He looked at the mysterious markings upon the blade seeing his reflection within the polished silver. He smiled at himself and placed the dagger away. That was the tool he would use to slay each one of his hits. He took his gold and placed the gold into his travel packs, all 500 pieces. After he was done the task of temporarily satiating his greed, Lorenor began to slowly study the dosiers. All five of them.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Now Lorenor was used to hunting one mark at a time. This was the first time that Lorenor was forced to hunt more than one mark at a time. This situation was special. After reading the entire dosier report the ghoul realized that he had to take out not just ANY group of targets. But once he understood the severity of the mission it was like a slap to the face. The Cathedral expected him to take out a gang in the Slum District calling themselves the Third Fist of Stone. From the intelligence the Church was able to gather, the group operated out of the Slums District in Radasanth. Deep in the bowels of the under city and worked a narcotics trafficking ring.

They also dealt with some of the Slavery markets exported and imported into Salvar. As Lorenor read the story got even more sordid. He saw that the particular types of slaves that they dealt with were the Children of the slums district in Radasanth. Strays as the group called them. They were caught and sold into the black market for huge profit to those dealers interested in such dark dealings. Lorenor felt disgusted at reading this information but knew he needed to understand as much of his targets as he possibly could.

The leader of the cult was man calling himself Luther Senchen. Senchen started the gang as an attempt to organize the people of the Slum District but it quickly grew into something much worse. Ever since the day Radasanth Sank, the Slum District was saturated by an influx of Refugees fleeing the ravages of the Corone Civil War. Everywhere one turned there were Refugees and the poor living on the street trying to scrounge up an extra gold piece for a meal. The poverty rate grew. Lorenor knew this first hand because people came in huge numbers to the Gol'brons town in order to get jobs and a decent meal. Lorenor was glad that they were able to provide the world with a humanitarian service.

This did not contradict his Evil inclinations at all. Philosophically speaking, when society prospered crime ran abundant and corruption reared its ugly head. It was in Lorenor's best interests to ensure the general "health" of the civilization around him. That was the reason taking out society's dregs appealed to the ghoul. It was the reason he swore allegiance to St. Denebrial to help purify the land of those that were corrupt and heathens.

Mostly, Lorenor wanted a legitimate excuse for killing people and earning money in the process. He was mostly in it for the pay as well as a chance to test his level of skill against tough enemies. However, as Lorenor read the dosier something jumped out at him like a punch to the face. The leader of the cult, Senchen, was rumored to be a member of the Cult of N'Jal. So they are pinning me against one of my own brethren. Interesting. This will truly be a test of loyalty. Lorenor thought to himself. Questions filled his mind. Could he really do it? Could he kill a fellow member of N'Jal's followers and live with himself afterwards?

Lorenor prided himself as one of the few who followed N'Jal. He knew that now he had to follow two distinct roads and the future was not yet written. A road with two bisected paths was placed before the ghoul and he had to decide between St. Denebrial and N'Jal's loyalties. Or was there a third fork in the road? Lorenor pondered what little he knew of the teachings of N'Jal. If the Magi was a false Magi and corrupted the teachings of N'Jal, couldn't he defeat him under that pretense? Lorenor brightened up to that idea. He just had to prove to himself that the Senchen had strayed his followers off the path of N'Jal.

Yes. That was a good a plan as any. Lorenor would infiltrate the cult as a member of the N'Jal's Spider Magi and obtain their trust. Using his cleverness and wits he'd take them all out one by one. Lorenor thought that the idea sounded brilliant. It was almost full proof. They wouldn't suspect a member of the N'Jal's cult as an enemy. Would they? Only time would tell Lorenor knew. He continued to study the dosiers and memorize the information that the Cathedral was able to provide for them. So that became the plan. He was going to acquire the trust of the gang and penetrate them from the inside out.

He took sometime to gather the dosiers and study them until he memorized them quite completely. He carefully read the information about the tokens that Lorenor needed to acquire from each of the five leaders of the Cult. A ring from one. A signet from another. A dagger from a third and a necklace from the fourth and the fifth item was an anklet. All these objects were always worn on the respective persons they belonged to. The ghoul hit the documents in and the chest in his personal travel packs and prepared himself for the long road ahead. The ghoul dressed up in all black gathered from the Gol'bron's supply room. All leather clothing and a Vlince cloak to protect from the weather marked with the sign of the Gol'bron.

By the time Lorenor prepared himself to begin his journey towards Radasanth, the afternoon was waning into an early evening.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

As Lorenor developed his plan, he made sure to memorize the information in the dosiers. There were five. Five critical members of the cult that he needed to break up. In the name of the Cathedral. These thoughts plagued the ghoul for a long time as he understood the severity of what he had to do. He was being forced to betray N'Jal in the name of a Saint. Not just any Saint. But St. Denebrial herself! Lorenor admitted he was only beginning to learn a bit of St. Denebrial's teachings for the Cathedral was much more open about information than the elusive Spider Magi were.

Lorenor knew that the Dark Mother watched all and kept a sharp vigil on all of her "loyal" servants. Lorenor pondered the weight of the situation at hand. He was clearly being tested of his loyalties. That realization bothered the ghoul greatly. He looked around the room for a moment pondering the next part of the plan. He knew he couldn't refuse the Cathedral at this point, they'd send people after him. Lorenor already already knew too much! Would they consider the ghoul a threat to their many dark secrets? It was at this point that Lorneor pondered which was the beter loyalty to have, N'Jal or Saint Denebriel herself.

Of N'Jal Lorenor knew only a few matters. He knew that she was trying to bring about a second age of Darkness scheming eternally from her prison. He knew that she hated the other Thaynes with as much vigor as Lorenor himself hated the Thaynes. Lorenor's eyes passed over the intricate grooves and insets located within the various sections of walls. Lorenor thought that the designs of the walls reminded him almost of an intricate web of spiders, much like a web that the Spider Magi would weave. Lorenor smiled at the comparison seeing an unknown future ahead of him now. The thoughts weighed heavily in his heart. The ghoul felt torn. He poured himself a hot mug of the nearby drink, the pitcher able to maintain the drink's hot warmth almost indefinitely.

Another Golem creation. His thoughts went back to the Golems and he almost wished they'd installed some windows now that he could be out in the Daylight hours. Lorenor took a break from memorizing the dosiers and took a pull of the hot coffee. He decided to go get a breath of fresh air.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Thoughts of the powerful decision that the ghoul needed to make cascaded through his troubled mind. Normally he would jump on the chance to make more money but this wasn't a normal situation. He knew that his future with the Cathedral was at stake. He could feel the weight of the Initiation Dagger in his personal packages. He'd received one other such Dagger before and that was during the adventure at Milax. They'd asked him to cut the Viceroy with that specific blade if they could in the method of the Assassins of St. Denebrial's Cathedral. Lorenor now belonged to something and he was ready to accept that he belonged to it.

He reviewed the teachings of St. Denebrial that he knew so far. They preached self value and virtue. Unlike the Dark Mother. Unlike N'Jal who only preached destruction. He was certain that N'Jal would not mind a small infraction like this if she knew it moved his own goals forward. He was certain that the Spider Queen watched at all times from her perch across the stars. She waited her chance to strike vengeance at the heart of the Thayne. Lorenor knew that he somehow played an intricate part in the role of things to come.

Lorenor stepped outside of the smith-shop after opening the door. Standing on a well-crafted porch the man continued to ponder the situation as crowds of people wandered past the smith-shop. Some people waved towards Lorenor and a few simply nodded. Most minded their own business. Lorenor liked those people the best. He saw that more buildings were erected to compensate the current influx of refugees fleeing Corone's Civil War. The ghoul knew about a time that Radasanth was hit hard by a terrorist attack in recent months. The available work force rose quickly to the challenge and repaired what they could, salvaging what they could of Radasanth's elaborate history. Lorenor leaned against the side of the building.

He would have to remember to build a suitable bench on the porch for customers to sit down whilst they awaited manufacture of this or that item. Lorenor was suddenly approached by a small group of Refugees he never saw before. He blinked at the group's approach, there were for. A girl, a young lad, and a boy who could be no more than eight or nine. They all looked like they suffered the worse ravages of the wall, unable to get work because of their age bracket.

Lorenor pondered opening up an orphanage of sorts. That might be a good project to start. "Please sir, some donations for the poor? We can't get work because of the current laws about age. Please Sir. Any amount of gold will do, we just want some food to eat!" The child pleaded. it was a well rehearsed speech, the ghoul mentally applauded that little brat. He looked down from his position on the porch, they were a respectful several paces ahead of him. Weary eyes staring up from inside underneath cloth hoods. The could see their dirty, dingy faces. Lorenor felt sorry for the sad souls with so many ways to make a decent gold piece out there, even for the young.

Lorenor pondered giving them some work despite the fact that he wouldn't be around for very long. The child was about to continue, but Lorenor raised his left hand for the boy to stop. He did so. "That won't be necessary kid. Here are some gold pieces use that to buy some food at that restaurant nearby okay? Once you've all eaten properly come back and see me about work okay?" The group's eyes lit up all at once in complete synchronization.

Lorenor couldn't help but smile at his good deed. He could use some people to help maintain a tidy order for the smith-shop. Some run of the mill employees working on the clock to keep the place clean. Lorenor had no idea why he hadn't thought of that before. Just as suddenly, he felt really good about what he'd done. He had no idea why and the deed was contradictory to his usually dark demeanor. Lorenor knew he was changing, though he was a dark soul. That didn't mean that he couldn't help folks out if he wanted to. Smiling afterwards, he handed the kids their gold. Fifty GP in total.

"Take that money and go get yourselves cleaned up. That should be enough for some clean clothing for you as well. Cloth isn't that expensive, just a meager few gold pieces. You should be able to afford that quite easily with what I gave you. Consider that a down payment on an investment. Now go get yourself fed and cleaned up. See me when you're done about getting some work here." Lorenor said calmly. He saw an opportunity rising with the refugees. Most of them were just seeking employ. Lorenor could provide that for them for nearly limitless projects. All they'd need is upkeep.

The family of refugees went to go take care of their business. The oldest girl stopped and kissed Lorenor on the cheek. The ghoul nodded in response and watched them leaving. He took a pull of his drink and now knew what he had to do. Perhaps the Lady N'Jal wasn't the only path for him. Perhaps he wasn't locked intrinsically to the path of the Thaynes. Maybe, just maybe, the War didn't have to take place. Lorenor doubted that latter thought. He still remembered what that cursed Thayne Lord Draconus did to him so many moons ago. It hurt to think about it. It hurt to think about what he'd been forced to do against someone who was a friend. Zephyriah.

The name suddenly whispered itself in his subconscious mind and he felt a longing to be in his friend's presence once again. Lorenor had precious few allies but the list was steadily growing. His brothers and sisters of the Gol'bron simply added to the list. Lorenor took another sip of the hot drink and went inside of the building once more. He smiled as he went towards the pitcher and refilled his goblet calmly to give himself another drink. Yes, so far it was turning out to be a great day despite the painful choices he would have to make very soon.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

“He sure was daft.”

Mada said to her children. She knew that she was able to play on the confidence of others with a pretty stare from her intense blue eyes. Mada was the oldest of the group of refugees that just left from Lorenor’s presence. Mada hid her secrets with her femininity. She used her children to lure suckers in for a fall. More over she was a member of a cult somehow intrinsically connected to Lorenor’s fate. Mada was a member of a religious cult that followed the Prophet called Nenkulor.

She’d known of Lorenor’s residence within the Gol’bron’s town for sometime now. It was easy to spot the ghoul since she had an exact description of him now. Being followers of Nenkulor meant swearing absolute loyalty to the prophet. Even though they were being offered worked, the group of refugees already had employment.

Mada kept that secret from her family. Her two children were Fatherless bastards of one of the Prophet’s associates. Nenkulor had many allies. His cult grew powerful whilst others faded off as nothing more than overnight sects and fads. Mada got the information she needed the most; Lorenor’s current whereabouts. She knew now that he worked in the smith-shop. With that information, Mada would be able to use her guile to penetrate the ghoul’s sphere of influence and extract the information that Nenkulor saw.

She knew that the loyal puppet strayed from his true purpose. Nenkulor was trying to make sure that the road once again found the right foot forward. Mada figured that this might be a worthwhile mission. Though he was disgusting, the ghoul had his merits. She could see why the Prophet was so interested in him.

“Mom he gave us fifty gold! We can afford to stay at the Inn for a night and get a warm bath!” Said her daughter, Lidia. Mada looked at her for a moment and smiled. “We have to be careful how we use this money. It’s got to last after all.” She replied keeping the secrets of her true allegiances from her family. She’d left the safety of Nenkulor’s sanctuary to venture towards the Gol’bron’s budding town. She didn’t want to leave the Sanctuary, but the Prophet himself had decreed that she do so.

So there was no choice in the matter for Mada was an official of high rank within Nekulor’s cult. Mada really had some money to her name, but she couldn’t use it on mission. Nekulor taught the practices of surviving on one’s own. Nenkulor wanted all of his acolytes to be skilled at survival. Mada underwent a lot of training to achieve what she’d achieved so far.

“He offered us work Mother. Will you take it?”

“We have to keep an eye on him after all.” She smiled and held her children tight to her heart. Mada thanked the Thayne for their blessings. Nenkulor preached the study of many religions and many paths. Mada;s favorite in Althanas were the Thaynehood. She studied all of them whenever she could and even had her favorite in the form of Lady Y’edda.

She tried to live her life much like how Lady Y’edda did. The allure of her feminine scent combined with the mystery of her womanhood. The woman lived for the chase. And now her current target was Lorenor. She could take her time with his seduction and downfall. She now lurked right underneath his nose. Mada would wait for the perfect opportunity to spring her trap. In the meantime, she would play her chosen role as a refugee girl with no past and no future. Opting for a life of servitude to a disgusting ghoul named Lorenor. The carrier of the plague was a threat to them all.

********

Taking a long pull of his drink, Lorenor finished the contents of his goblet. He felt the warmth flowing down his stomach. The warmth penetrated deep to his atma filling him with a tingling sensation all over his body. Lorenor stood there for a moment pondering what to do next. In the stables of the town, local Gol’bron horsemen kept a horse ready for the ghoul at all times. He knew that the hour was rapidly growing late indeed. Yet, the ghoul waited before he started his journey towards Raadasanth. He wanted to take care of the business at hand with those refugees from earlier. For some reason, helping them lifted the ghoul’s selfish spirits. He’d done a kind-hearted thing without thought for reward. His only motivation had been the manipulation of the family to serve his benefit down the road.

Lorenor was in deep conflict with himself these nights. He knew he was changing rapidly. Into what, he had little idea. But he knew that the change was definitely there. He discovered that he liked to help people. Was that wrong? He didn’t know. He only thought about his recent actions as he worked alongside his fellows in the Gol’bron. Lorenor had more of the liquid in the nearby pitcher. He could smell its contents from his current position. The smell was delicious and had a powerful aroma of tanginess. It made his mouth water. Despite the desire to stay there and continue drinking, the ghoul decided he would leave the rest of it for the Golems to finish. The hour for his departure was rapidly approaching. Soon he would have to go to the stables and get his horse prepared for the journey ahead. Radasanth wasn’t very far from the Dagger Fall Mountains, just half a day’s ride on horseback.

Lorenor knew that the journey ahead was going to be difficult. He didn’t have just one mark this time there were FIVE all together. More importantly, he was expected to take them all down on his own. The documentation didn’t specify any sort of time limit for the mission. The ghoul however speculated that he had at least a few months time to take them all down. The dossiers suggested that his enemy was an especially powerful enemy and might require tremendous skill and concentration. He had the first part of the plan figured out while he drank his hot drink but the rest of the game of death would require a lot of improvisation. Lorenor briefly pondered not even taking the mission because there were too many loopholes and variables. It seemed like a suicide mission to him for a brief moment. Lorenor closed his eyes as he thought deeply about what the Church was asking him to do.

Five fully trained members of the Cult of N’Jal all against one small ghoul. Was he up for the task? Only time would tell.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The war of the Thayne landed upon the ghoul's lap once more. The realization of that wouldn't dawn upon the ghoul until after the fact. Lorenor wondered if he could possibly take on five fully trained members of a cult of N'Jal. He certainly hoped that they weren't spider Magi. Reviewing the information he'd just acquired from the dosier sheets, Lorenor suspected that they weren't true Spider Magi. Spider Magi wouldn't behave in such as fashion. He guessed these people were fanatics of N'Jal.

They posed a serious threat to the teaching of the Church. Lorenor was surprised to that such a group was allowed to flourish under the watchful eye of the Inquisition. Lorenor understood the stakes. This was a war of ideologies and he needed to show tact, skill and cleverness. He couldn't afford distractions of any sort. His life would depend on it. Knowing the stakes full well, Lorenor understood that the Church would disavow any knowledge of Lorenor's assistance within the Church's fold.

Assassins from St. Denebrial were caught in the past, but they'd all been abandoned by the Cathedral. Even ones of considerably high rank. Lorenor was just a low ranking peon. He'd barely obtained any initiation status. He sighed thinking about where he was better off. As a follower of N'Jal or a follower of St. Denebrial? His heart was weary as he thought of these matters.

He gathered up his supplies. He gathered up an extra set of clothing placing them up and over his special anti-sunlight uniform. Lorenor dressed in purple leather that day. The purple signified the need for change that the ghoul held in his heart as he prepared to face this incredible challenge. Five.

Against one. Many. Against the singular. This was a battle of ideologies Lorenor understood that much now. Forces would work against him to make his life even more miserable. The dosiers mentioned nothing about Spider Magi and that was a relief to the ghoul. He would have destroyed the documents if they were Spider Magi that the Church wanted him to kill. A bunch of fanatical cultists was something different all together.

So now Lorenor had to play the role of an Agent. Very well. He wondered if the refugees were fearing well with the gold that he'd given them? Fastening his cloak around his collarbone, the ghoul looked rather dashing for one as ugly as he. He walked over to a mirrored wall and looked upon himself for a long moment. This was the last moment of peace that he would have for a long time. The ghoul wanted to savor it. Many hours passed whilst the ghoul prepared himself by memorizing the dosiers. He wanted to leave only when he was certain that the refugees were set up with work.

That was the last task he would perform before he set out into the night.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Time passed.

Lorenor heard a knock on the door. Using his sensory array, the ghoul detected the refugees from earlier. They'd showed up the next day after a stay at a local structure that doubled up as an Inn. They certainly needed an Inn.

He would have to remember to ask for Sorahn's blessing for such a project as that. With some organization, teamwork, planning phases the ghoul was able to organize the readily available work force to help build the Smith Shop for the new Pandemonium's Fist. Lorenor wondered if they would ever be able to reclaim the old Pandemonium's Fist that the veteran members of the Red Hand oft spoke about. He wondered what mysteries lurked in the Dagger Fall mountains? Such thoughts excited him helping to keep his spirits up as he mentally tried to prepare himself for the task at hand.

Opening the door, he saw the refugees from earlier. Only now, he couldn't call them refugees. Lorenor wanted to ensure them a job and a place to stay at. There were many refugees. Lorenor knew he didn't have the resources on hand to help them all out immediately. But the ghoul could try. He knew that helping them would generate an available work force for the Gol'bron. It wasn't a matter of being a good person or not. Helping the refugees was a practical matter of greed.

At least that's how Lorenor saw it. He was greeted to Mada's pretty face along with her little ones. Lorenor nodded. He saw that in the times since he last saw them, the girl had picked up a new pair of clothing for all of her family. She'd also gotten a hot bath and a good meal for them all. This actually brought a smile to his face.

"Come on in." He said. She nodded and they all entered, single file, into the building.

"So what kind of work are you offering?" Lorenor heard Mada ask.

"Before any of that do you want a drink? There is some tea in the pitcher over there." Lorenor waved his hand towards the pitcher. "Feel free to take one of the empty goblets you find by the counter and help yourself."

Mada's kids looked at their Mother for a moment. She smiled at them and they knew what that meant. "I thank you for your hospitality. Very few treat our kind with such regards." Mada said. Lorenor looked upon her for a moment and saw that she was from Alerar. She was a Drowess. He didn't know how he'd missed such details earlier, but maybe she'd been hiding herself? Lorenor smiled at the Drowess for a moment. She had attractive dark grey skin and glowing amber eyes. They were intense, the ghoul almost lost himself staring into those eyes.

"I understand what its like to be misunderstood." Lorenor responded calmly. He nodded to her watching her two kids drinking the hot tea. This broadened his smile. He really was enjoying himself and almost forget the worry of his ensuing mission at hand. Lorenor put himself back on his personal level of professionalism. He couldn't afford distractions when he was about to disembark on a long personal journey.

"Right then well, straight to business. Here's what I'm offering. I'm going to be going for a while and I need some people to look after the smith-shop and keep her maintained for me. I need it clean at all times. This establishment is open to any black smith that wants work. What I need is people to maintain its cleanliness. I will pay you 100 gold a month out of my own pocket. Just enough for you to live on. That'll be to start. What do you say?"

"You would do all that for me?" Mada asked, her face showing elation."

Lorenor took 100 gold out of his own personal belongings. He placed the stack upon the counter and smiled at her. "Not that I would DO it for you, I've already done it. I expect this place to be clean at all times. I need someone to manage the counter while I'm gone. I'm sure you can adapt quickly enough. You're from a competent lineage." Lorenor complimented and she actually leaped upon the ghoul and wrapped her arms tightly around him. "It's been so long since anyone has shown us such kindness! Thank you Sir. My name is Mada by the way. I thought it would be good for my boss to know his employees' name." She said calmly.

Lorenor nodded. "I'm Lorenor. Lorenor V'halkulus." The ghoul said and she had a look of familiarity upon her face. Lorenor saw the expression quickly fade and wondered what that was about, he wasn't a mind reader after all. At least not yet. "I heard of a Lorenor working for the Black Sails Armada long ago. He was supposed to be some famous Captain. Helped out Alerar doing a lot of bad times she had. I wonder if you're the same person?" Mada suddenly asked. Lorenor frowned at that, he had no memories of ever being such a Pirate. "I don't know, I can't seem to remember." The ghoul said after thinking about it for a few moments.

"Very well, it must've been a different Lorenor then."

"It's possible. But I'll let you know if I remember something. Do whatever you need to with this month's pay. Keep the rest of the gold I gave you earlier. I'll have some people check in on you from time to time to ensure that everything is all right." Lorenor said to her. She nodded calmly. "When do I start to work?" She asked. "Take the rest of the week and start next Monday. Then we're even. I'll be gone for sometime, I don't know how long. I just need the shop maintained in good order in my absence. I trust you'll fair well without me watching over you?" He saw Mada nodding. "Good. I must be going. My son and his friends will watch over you. They will provide you with everything you need. He's quite a smart fellow you know."

With that, Lorenor hugged Mada once more. Then, he readied himself to take his leave.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

With that deed done, Lorenor stepped outside and saw that his son was waiting for him. Number 5,325. Lorenor wore a smile on his face. He walked up to his sun and hugged him tightly. There was an afternoon breeze flowing in from the Northwest by the time Lorenor started his journey. He looked up at the sky, still unused to the fact that he could walk out in the daylight hours. The sun still hurt his eyes forcing him to wince against that great disc in the sky.

He raised his hand to cover his eyes. When that didn't work he decided to raise the hood of his cloak. A shadow befell his face. Purple energy flowed from 'neath the hood creating a strange ambiance about the small creature's person. He looked up at his son for a long moment. There was a hesitation there. He still wasn't used to the idea of having Number 5,325 as his son. It still dawned on him at times that he even HAD a son. But he got used to having the useful boy around. The Golems were skilled technicians and had access to incredible vaults of technology.

"You are going, aren't you Father?" The Golem asked. "Why not take me with you for a change?"

And for a moment, Lorenor actually pondered that. Could he actually take his Son and his companions along for the ride? Would the Church allow him to do such a thing? Would it be considered a heresy? Lorenor didn't know but the dosier package said nothing about getting assistance. He assumed he had to work solo the entire time as an Assassin. Besides, he didn't want to get his son's hands dirty with the Church's darker works. Mada stood on the porch watching Lorenor interacting with his son. The Golem watched Mada for a moment and then watched Lorenor.

Lorenor stepped back a couple of paces so that he didn't block Mada's peripheral vision. "This is my son. Lihalkul." He introduced the Golem in his disguised form to the maiden. She nodded a greeting to the Golem. Then Lorenor returned to his discussion with his son. "I'm afraid I can't take you this time my boy. You'll have to wait until the next adventure. I know you are eager to start your own story as well." Lorenor said calmly. "Watch after Mada and the shop for me, can you do that?"

"I will do that Father. I will also help out with whatever jobs need helping. You have my word."

"Take care of yourself my son." He said and hugged his son. With a tear in his eye he took a long look at his son, then Mada, then the shop. He smiled at that trying to keep a warm thought in his heart. St. Denebrial preached virtue and self sacrifice. The ghoul was capable of both. He knew that despite his dark deeds there was good within his atma. Lorenor sighed at the thought. Taking one last look at the life he was leaving behind, the ghoul proceeded forward to the stables and his destiny.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

A short goodbye took place and Lorenor moved further ahead. He walked in silence trying to fight back the tears at leaving his son, his family, behind. He hadn't wanted to do it that way but he needed to be at least a little heartless in order to be able to proceed forward. Otherwise, he was never going to leave the Gol'bron's town. Pausing once, the ghoul felt an afternoon breeze touch his face. His heavy dreadlocks were picked up with the breeze to dance in the wind. Feeling the breeze, the ghoul closed his eyes calmly thinking about what lay ahead of him. He would have to be very clever to defeat his enemy.

Lorenor made his way to the stables hoping that he could get a ready horse that might suit his riding style. He stopped walking once he reached the stable as one of the stable masters approached him. "Good Day Lorenor. What will it be this time old friend?" Came the greeting. A rough man with Corone origins and a mixture of some other local districts. His cheekbones were unorthodox sloping rather than curving. Lorenor noticed that his eyes peered down a sharp nose. It looked rather stately. The man amused Lorenor and brought a smile to his face.

He was trying not to be a weary ghoul. But he couldn't help himself, he knew what challenges lay ahead of him. "I need a horse. Once that can clock good speed. I'm heading over to Radasanth on assignment. " Lorenor said plainly. "Very well. We can have you ready to travel within the hour."

*******************

"Hiyah!"

Lorenor had ridden horses plenty of times before. He was getting very familiar in their handling. He was riding a black stallion named Obsidian. He felt the wind rushing past his person as he made good ground covering already some yards once he left the Gol'bron's township. The beginnings of Concordia Forest sprung up at the foot of the Dagger Fall mountains.

Majestic peaks touched the sky above the ghoul. He knew that somewhere beyond the clouds, the Thaynehood observed the ghoul's every move. They wanted to be sure that his path didn't cross them again. Lorenor was certain that they would work to try to undo the small warrior's journey at every chance they got. In the past few months the Thaynehood was strangely silent when it came to whatever Lorenor did. He still remembered his treatment at the hands of Lord Draconus. He would never forget such a matter and that was the sole reason that the Thayne were his enemy.

Lorenor saw eye to eye with N'Jal's plight. That became one of the many reasons he followed her--or so he thought. He'd no idea that the Thaynes played a hand in his reincarnation. N'Jal smote him before he came back to Althanas in his current incarnation. Lorenor had no idea the truth of the past, if he had...he would view N'Jal in a completely different light. But for now, those were problems that he could do nothing about.

He had no idea why he'd awakened with the scars he'd had. They were simply there. Someone or something had marked him with the markings of a Spider Magi. The thoughts were dawning upon him for the first time as he questioned his loyalties to N'Jal. A Thayne that wanted to bring about the Second Coming. A Thayne that was betrayed by all of the other Thaynes combined. So much so that it was a heresy to find any of her temples about and her statues were desecrated on the spot.

For the first time, Lorenor questioned his very existance.

Why was he there? Why had he cheated death for the umpteenth time?

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Obsidian carried his master at a decent trot. Lorenor didn't want to wear the horse down early on in the trip. He found himself questioning every aspect of his existence. The afternoon sun swam across the daylight sky overhead. He could practically hear the stars laughing at him. Was there any redemption for one such as he? Lorenor wanted to know. He knew there was a purpose that he'd cheated death once more. As he rode his horse across the well trodden path Lorenor noticed something.

A steady stream of people fleeing the Civil War was parked upon the road heading this way and that. As Lorenor passed them, beggers reaching out for an extra piece of gold reached out for Lorenor. The ghoul saw that there was a fundamental problem there. Fleeing the war, these people were left without homes and without jobs. The system had fundamentally failed everyone.

And now they were calling themselves an Empire. Lorenor felt angry as he observed the long lines of the young and old. All without jobs, without a means to take care of themselves. Having people employed served the greater economy, it was as simple as that. Deciding he would take matters into his own hands, Lorenor cursed the Corone Rangers silently and the Coronoe Empire for letting a multitude of people suffer without a voice.

The new Empire would make it more difficult for these people to prosper. The Empire would cater mostly to the super wealthy. Lorenor decided on a plan and moved to the nearest able-bodied refugee. "You sir. From whence are you come?" Lorenor asked calmly. "Speak quickly lad for your future is at stake." Lorenor said calmly. A dingy haired boy looked up at the ghoul but kept his expression amazingly level. He had deep brown eyes. The man originated from Concordia most likely. "I'm heading up North, to Salvar." The lad responded.

"Are you looking for work?"

By now, a crowd had gathered. Lorenor saw that if a fight broke out he might be unable to contain it so he tried to keep some distance between himself and the crowd. At least a few paces by moving his horse. He kept eye contact with the lad. "Aye sir." He finally responded. "Listen up everyone! I have a proposition for you all." Lorenor called out suddenly, and people stopped what they were doing to listen to the madman. "The Corone Government has abandoned all of us and attempted to become the Corone Empire. There is no place for you in their Empire. I've heard the Rangers treat you with even less respect. So here's the proposal. If you want work head North to the Dagger Fall Mountains and head to where the Gol'bron have their town. You can't miss it! It's just a ways North of here. We need craftsmen and Soldiers of all kinds. If you want work, tell them LORENOR sent you!"

"Hail Lorenor!" One of the more able-bodied men said. "I'm an architect do ye need one fellow Lorenor?" Lorenor nodded. "There is a town near the Dagger Fall Mountains. They are in need of skilled workers to build and build, we are rebuilding the old Pandemonium's Fist. Some of you guys may know of the Red Hand! It is they who have become the Gol'bron!" He felt excitement coursing through his vein. A plague had grown right underneath the fist of the Corone Empire. Lorenor saw this as a chance to begin the process of redeeming himself.

Yes.

He would become the stuff of legends.

"All right Sir Lorenor, I've heard of the Red Hand. An Uncle of mine used to work in Pandemoniums' Fist working the Mines for Lord Ithermoss! Good labor, good pay. I'm definitely in."

And that snowball started to steam roll.

"Aye count me in."

"I'm in."

"I could use some shelter!" Said an older man. Lorenor nodded to the enthusiastic crowd. "You are not criminals you just need work. ALL are welcome to come and work in the Gol'bron. The storm is coming. We as proud Coronians must be ready to weather the storm!" Lorenor said, and the words came naturally. His rapidly emerging leadership skills were being tested and Lorenor saw this as a chance to repay Lord Sorahn and his kindness towards the ghoul. "HEAD NORTH MY BROTHERS!" Lorenor suddenly cried out. And the line of refugees slowly started to march towards the Gol'bron's town.

The Thayne had blessed his journey, for once.

Lorenor had a purpose. He was going to destroy the system.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Traveling down the line of Refugees, Lorenor noticed that several wagons and carriages headed TOWARD Radasanth. The riders nodded to Lorenor as they passed the ghoul but ignored the refugees. This made the ghoul upset. He cursed the Aristocracy but he needed to learn how to play their game if he was to survive. Lorenor passed a lad wearing a mysteriously marked set of robes he never saw before.

"You sir, why the moody air about you?" Lorenor asked the lad. He'd just announced that there was free room and board, and everyone but this one lad seemed to be happy about it. "Leave me alone 'savior'." Came the gruff response. The lad looked up at Lorenor. "I know about you. You're the one with purple eyes. The betrayer. The Dark Mother spoke about you to me in a dream. She said you would come bearing gifts of destruction." This news troubled the ghoul greatly. He stopped moving the horse. A crowd was surrounding the confrontation. "The Dark Mother you say? I commune with her oft. I'm sure what you say are the words of a False Prophet."

"She said you would bring words of heresy as well. Nonetheless I was instructed to assist you. So I made you this. Those that you seek are on the very edge of Radasanth's Slum district. You will bring tidings of destruction to the Followers of N'Jal." The lad said and handed Lorenor a small bundle, this Lorenor took into his possession. "Wear that garb to infiltrate the sect as you would call them. They are always looking for new followers. With that I must be on my way." The lad said and vanished off into the crowd. "Wait!" But the boy was already gone. Lorenor sighed and placed the bundle into his personal packages noting that it was the same type of robes that the lad wore.

He'd don it when the time come. Seeing that there was nothing else to do there, he continued on his journey towards Radasanth, and his destiny.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The rest of the journey towards Radasanth was uneventful. Lorenor had a long time to ponder his situation as he made his way to the city proper. The famous land sites of Radasanth, and various markers were passed at Lorenor made it to the city limits. He saw that the landscape of Radasanth seemed different from the last time that he'd been there. Being in Corone, one traveled to Radasanth often. He saw various sections of the city in vast disrepair. The ghoul realized that some major event must've taken place recently that he wasn't aware of. It was possible that in his time spent training as a black smith he missed out on some huge attack by the Inquisition or some other such event.

Lorenor slowed the horse down considerably. People were working of various projects attempting to repair the broken city. Lorenor started to wonder just what in the the name of Lord Draconus happened? He moved his stallion towards a lad that was busy making repairs where the Silver Pub used to be located. There was a group of people moving that edifice to a newer location. Somehow, the air of Radasanth was tainted by death. No mystical hero of legends came to save the city THIS time. When the Empire came into existence, everything that Radasanth stood for was for nothing.

At least that's how Lorenor viewed the situation. "You, lad. What happened here? Was there a siege?" Lorenor asked of the able bodied worker. The man stopped what he was doing, clearly annoyed by the apparent tourists' line of questioning. "There was a terrorist attack recently, at least that's what they are calling it these days. It's all the same thing to me anyway. A group of nobles defected from the Aristocracy and attacked Radasanth using the Under Dark. The Slum district was hit the hardest. They say that the guards were in on it." The man said.

"Who prevented it from getting worse?" The ghoul asked further. The man took a nearby jerkin filled with water. He pulled the cap and chugged a deep pull of the pure substance. He then wiped his forehead clean of sweat and put his jerkin down. "The House of Sora. They were there when the city needed its Heroes. They were the only ones. Thank Lord Seti for putting up such a huge work force so quickly. Many of the lads were eager to work they were already fleeing the Inquisition." Lorenor nodded in understanding knowing what he meant. The line of refugees fleeing from Radasanth seemed miles long. Many of them were nationals from other countries with their own problems.

It seemed like the whole world was going to hell fast. "Thank you for the time good sir. For your trouble." Lorenor took out ten gold pieces and handed it to the lad. The man nodded calmly and took the money without question. "You'll want to be speaking to Senchen. He's helping to clean up the Slums District. He's running a group over there. Couple of my mates were telling me about it. Some Goddess they are all nuts about. Saying that End TImes are coming. I think its all nonsense if you ask me. I just want to put bread to my table and a roof over my head." Lorenor nodded. "I understand full well what you mean sir. I'll go see this Senchen. Any idea whereabouts he's usually?" Lorenor saw that the man pointed towards the Radasanth's Slum District. "Just ask around there. His place is one of the few that isn't all messed up. You should be able to find it with little trouble he's very popular these days. You should try to join his group. They say Senchen works them miracles."

"I'm in need of a few miracles myself these days. Thanks for the information lad. It's nice to see Radasanth still has folk that keep their ears to the ground. Have a good day lad." Lorenor said and was on his way once more. This time, he was heading towards his target, Senchen. He was close now, so close that his nerves twisted themselves into knots. He felt like a dagger was piercing his intestines at what was about to happen. How could he betray a fellow member of the Cult of N'Jal? Did Lorenor have the heart? He would find out soon enough.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The slums district was hit the hardest from the recent terrorist attack. They were working endlessly to repair the damage done, but it would take many months at the rate they were going to repair all the damage. Lorenor didn't know how he hadn't heard any news about the terrorist attack, but apparently denizens from Underwood had arrived at the last minute to provide support. As he gathered information he found out that the local police force abandoned the civilians. Most of the police had been in on the operation.

This thought made Lorenor furious and provided a focused knife's edge to use for the upcoming battle. Lorenor was preparing himself to face what he needed to face. As he walked through the slums he saw the badly battle scarred area. Smells of death were everywhere. Bodies were still being pulled out of various structures that had collapsed. Apparently, the slums suffered the heaviest casualties during the recent explosions. Lorenor frowned as he walked through the area like a ghost.

Many people were working as they attempted to repair what they could. He saw buildings in various stages of being fixed. Lorenor saw the guts of various buildings as remains were pulled out from within. A particular building stood virtually untouched since the first time it was built during ancient Radasanth's rich history. This building predated the Demon War and had survived many atrocities. Lorenor saw a man standing upon the steps, speaking upon a podium.

A device he used amplified his voice. Despite all the work that needed doing, there was a gathered crowd listening to the words of a madman. Lorenor infiltrated the crowd, and quickly placed his robes on. He saw that several people wore the same exactly marked robes that he'd just obtained from that one lad. He wondered now what exactly a disciple was doing so far away from the den. Lorenor assessed the crowd gathered and saw people of every age class listening to the teachings of the Man at the podium.

A black wind howled.

"LISTEN TO ME MY CHILDREN! WE ARE HER LAST CRUSADERS! HER PEONS! IT IS UPON HER THAT WE MUST BESTOW OUR LOYALTY! THE DARK MOTHER IS OUR SALVATION! THE END IS NIGH! YOU MUST SHED ALL FEAR OF THE SECOND DARKNESS AND FACE IT WITH COURAGE! IS IS UPON US NOW! THE DARK MOTHER MANIPULATES ALL EVENTS ON ALTHANAS! EVEN NOW SHE SCHEMES FROM HER COSMIC PRISON! LISTEN TO ME WELL BROTHERS AND SISTERS! THE END TIMES ARE COMING! REPENT AND BE SAVED! JOIN THE CATHEDRAL OF THE DARK MOTHER! THESE ARE DANGEROUS DAYS THAT LURK AHEAD OF US! THIS ATTACK ON OUR FAIR CITY WAS BUT A TASTE OF THE CHAOS THAT IS COMING! DESTRUCTION IS UPON US!"

And on it went. Lorenor heard the man named Senchen preach the teachings of N'Jal. He had to admit it to the man. The lad knew what he was talking about. Was he really receiving visions from N'Jal herself? Lorenor eyed Senchen and saw that the man was a handsome lad in his mid thirties. He had tightly cropped, slicked back hair that was bunched up into a pony tail, his face was completely clean shaven. It was exactly like the face he'd memorized from the dosier pictures. Only the dosier photos showed his appearance as a slightly young Senchen. Lorenor saw the classical signs of Coronian heritage in that man. He had brown eyes suggesting roots in the Concordia Forest. Lorenor saw the four other religious fanatics by his side at all times. This would have to be planned carefully in order to work. And then, Senchen seemed to be staring right AT LORENOR. Lorenor could've sworn he saw the man winking. Did he already know? Was this mission a bust before it even started? When that happened, Lorenor felt several pairs of eyes upon his person.

If he wanted to escape now was his chance. But strangely, Senchen's words were soothing to the ghoul and he wanted to listen.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Gazes from the gathered crowd made Lorenor feel uncomfortable. He felt the cobblestone beneath him and the wind, coming in from the south west, all around him. Lorenor felt ice in his intestines. The chill felt like a glacier iced over his insides. A cold shiver traveled up and down his spinal column. The eyes around him watched the ghoul with lecherous intent. Feeling the powerful gaze from Senchen, Lorenor met the stare with his own stare. A silenced hush fell afore the crowd.

Lorenor heard the footsteps from the man himself as he walked over to his person. The crowd parted allowing the leader of their cult to walk through the sea of gathered people. People moved that were close to Lorenor in order to allow Senchen through. Senchen was a man of average height, standing at only five feet and nine inches. He seemed to weigh at least 150lbs judging by his physique. The man wore the mask of a smile upon his face. Lorenor saw that the man had high cheekbones, a well defined nose, and a peculiar structure around the eyebrows. The muscles of that portion of the face were deformed in a way that Lorenor had never seen before. The cheekbones suggested a man of Coronian decent but he couldn't be sure. The rest of his face were mixtures of features that he'd never seen before.

He's a strange mixture of backgrounds, that's for sure. I've never seen a face like that before. He's got dark hair and matching eyes though. Maybe he's from Antioch? Lorenor thought to himself as he observed the man. This could be my last chance to take him out right now. Lorenor prepared himself for a confrontation with Senchen. If I take him out now, there will be the whole crowd of followers to deal with. Damn. The ghoul found himself in an uncomfortable position. He knew that he could take Senchen out right then, but the mob would be on his ass. I have to wait for a better opportunity. I've totally botched my one opportunity for a sneak attack on these guys. I'll have to be careful of how I proceed. Lorenor thought to himself.

The man smelled strangely of swamplands and bogs. Though it was obvious to the ghoul that he kept himself very clean at all times. Sometimes the scents of ones' habitats stayed with you. Lorenor was able to pick up all kinds of scents from the man's body. Blood. Death. Sex. All that good stuff wafted up into Lorenor's nostrils all at once. It brought a smile to the ghoul's face. This man brings suffering to many. I like him.

"I know about you. The Dark Mother spoke to me about you in a dream. You're the one they call Lorenor aren't you?" Senchen asked.

It was useless to try to lie to this person.

"Yes that's my name. I know about you as well. Your name is Senchen. And you're the leader of this cult." Lorenor said calmly despite himself, he'd emphasize the last word with deadly intent. He wanted to strike the first blow at least on the verbal front. I can't get him yet. I'll have to wait until a better opportunity presents itself. Lorenor thought to himself. "You're guiding all these people down a false path. You're not a true Priest of N'Jal. You're a heretic!" And the gathered crowd gasped in unison at Lorenor's incredible words.

The man's smile widened. Lorenor felt a tremendous danger flowing from Senchen as warning bells were triggered by The Endless. Senchen started to laugh right at Lorenor. "You claim I'm a false Priest? Yet I know all about you. The Dark Mother warned me about you. Listen to me my people. This child claims me a mere Charlatan!" He moved towards the crowd and gestured grandly. Somehow, a single shaft of sunlight focused itself around the man's body illuminating him further with a halo of light. He spread his arms widely and turned in a complete circle to encompass the gathered crowd.

"What say you sir?!" He pointed to a man.

"THE MAN WORKS MIRACLES FROM THE DARK MOTHER! I WAS BLIND AND NOW I CAN SEE AGAIN!"

Another.

"He healed my legs replacing them with new legs. I was injured during Corone's Civil War fighting for them Rangers. Now I worship N'Jal!"

And another yet.

"I was sick and he cured me of my blight!"

On and on it went. I got to hand it to this man. He's got these morons wrapped around his pinky. But who could blame them? Times are desperate and they are in need of a savior. They'll turn to anybody. Even a false Priest of N'Jal. Funny how quickly things turn around when the system lets you down. Funny how you have to take matters into your own hand to solve other people's problems. Lorenor was outnumbered and outclassed. He'd have to buy his time with this one. Once the crowd was done humiliating him, Senchen walked back to his perch before the ghoul.

"I know all about you Lorenor. I know why you're here. But I won't reveal that mystery to the crowd. Why don't you come inside with me? We can talk privately there. I'm sure I can make you a better offer than those idiots from Salvar can."

The jig was up.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Lorenor tried his best to protect the true nature of his visit. The man suddenly erupted in a loud, obnoxious laughter.

"Please. Do not pretend to insult my intelligence. Unlike YOU, the Dark Mother chooses me. I am her loyal servant. We are ALL her loyal servants, with me, the Dark Mother has an eternal ally. She doesn't have that with you when you're loyalties are lead so far astray. But come now friend, lets talk inside." Senchen said.

Lorenor simply nodded as he followed Senchen into the cathedral. I was right about one thing. This is going to be a suicide mission.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

I have him right in front of me. The arrogant son of bitch even turned his back to me knowing that I can't do a damned thing to him! Lorenor knew that if he attacked Senchen out in the open, the cultist would immediately involve the gathered mob. A lot of innocent people would die. The ghoul felt at a loss as to how to proceed next. With the breeze flowing all about him and the concrete steps beneath him, Lorenor walked casually several steps behind Senchen on purpose. I haven't seen the others yet. Maybe they are waiting inside the Cathedral. Lorenor thought to himself. That was yet ANOTHER problem.

Taking out one of them meant that the others would be on his ass. Lorenor looked at the decorated cathedral doors. They looked like they could be liviol or some other strong tree like that. Various symbols were engraved into the doors. These etchings were made of solid gold. I'm surprised that the robbers haven't looted this place. I guess Senchen's been around for a long time now. Strange I've never heard of him up until now. I guess with everything going on in Salvar I haven't really checked in with Radasanth ever since that terrorist attack occurred.

He would need to be systematic if he was to take them. A large gathering hall greeted them and Lorenor saw a sight that crushed his spirits. MORE people were inside the cathedral praying to N'Jal and dressed up in those strange robes he now wore. Funny I'm disguising myself as a false disciple in order to infiltrate a true disciples' cult. What sort of servant am I? Am I ultimately helping anyone out? Lorenor thought and he remembered the first arrival of the package from the Cathedral. They set me up but I'll figure this all out. The ghoul noticed statues of some local deity of war. He wasn't sure the name of it.

The common folk had their own deities. Lorenor's thoughts were upon the poor and suffering just then. Who am I to take away someone who brings them any kind of hope? However false? I will need a plan to get rid of this damned mob. Unless I am able to get close to him again. Lorenor followed Senchen through the central pathway within several aisles of hues.

The benches were all made of solid oak.

Hastily erected up at the front of the Church was an alter that should never have been there. It was an alter dedicated to the followers of N'Jal. Lorenor felt a cold shiver go up and down his spine. Seeing the statue of the spider queen in all of her glory was like a smack to the face. The statue was huge and made of entirely of marble. The spider features of the queen were emphasized in all their glory to form a truly horrific homage to the Dark Mother. Lorenor could feel the gaze of the Spider Queen somehow directly on his person.

The statue encompassed most of the alter area. Lorenor spotted a large, ancient organ and someone was playing ominous music upon the organ. A hidden choir preached to the dark mother in song form reminding Lorenor of The Endless. Lorenor searched for where the choir might be hidden, but couldn't find any sign of them. The con was good. I have to give him credit. The Dark Mother's statue in a house of war. There is something very ironic about that. Lorenor remembered why he hated The Thaynes. All of them except the Dark Mother.

After all, she's the only one that ever really tried to protect me. Senchen stopped as he finally made it to the alter. Senchen eyed the ghoul for a long moment and the real battle began.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor felt lecherous eyes from the gathered congress. He suddenly felt the weight of his mistakes. I shouldn't be here, this is going all wrong. The ghoul thought to himself as he pondered how he was going to take out hundreds of these peasant folks if the need came down to it. He knew that talking to the brain washed goons would solve nothing. Senchen's grip upon his followers was way too strong. The ghoul knew he would have to improvise and come up with a better plan. I'm here already. Direct conflict is not an option. There are way too many of them for me to handle alone. My mission is to take out Senchen and his cohorts. The church said I would have as much time as I needed and that's probably the reason that they chose to sent me. Maybe they knew I would fail.

Lorenor doubted his own abilities for the first time. He knew when it came down to it, he could kill Senchen. But after that task was done what next? How was he going to get away from the mob? Senchen's mob was Lorenor's biggest worry. The thoughts cascaded in his mind as he stared at Senchen for a long time. So close and yet so far.

"What do you think of my lovely cathedral?" He suddenly asked of Lorenor, shaking the ghoul out of his thoughts.

"I think it shouldn't belong here. There are dens where the Spider Magi worship. This isn't the right place for a statue of N'Jal. You know that you are wrong in desecrating another's religious belief systems."

"The Thaynes are the ones that isolated N'Jal."

"She tried to destroy everything. What's the point of having followers if one of your own siblings is attempting to destroy them all? Even her own followers she uses as nothing but mere pawns." Lorenor said, anger touching his voice now.

"BLASPHEMY!" Senchen suddenly yelled and the crowd stood up. Lorenor stole a glance at the gathered mob. Instinctively, he drew his sword moving into his preferred combat position. He turned in a small swirling movement to take a quick head count. There are too many. The smell of sweat flowed up into the slits on the ghoul's face where a nose should be. Marked with the markings of an N'Jal Spider Magi, he couldn't believe he was having his loyalty questioned by one like this Senchen bastard. "You speak of matters you don't understand. BEHOLD! IN MY POSSESSION I HAVE THE BOOKS OF N'JAL! SOMETHING THAT THIS CREATURE DESPERATELY SEEKS!"

The crowd chanted. "False follower! False follower!" Lorenor was feeling his fury engulfing his black heart. The ghoul remained in his combat stance even as his enemy approached him. Slyly, Senchen wrapped an arm about the ghouls' shoulder knowing that Lorenor was powerless. "So much anger and hatred yet you don't use it properly. Why don't you just join us instead? I know the hand that moves you against me. It is that whore St. Denebriel. You would betray the Dark Mother for a whore from Salvar. Yet you question my devotion to N'Jal? How silly of you. That is why you are naught more than a Derelict Ghoul. That is why you are but a shadow of your former self. They were never able to complete the ritual upon you."

Senchen just suddenly dropped a bomb shell on the ghoul.

"They who?"

"The Spider Magi that found you in Haidia. You resisted it to the very end. How noble, how quaint. It seems that The Endless has corrupted your heart."

Senchen knew about The Endless. And he also knew about Lorenor's past, just who was this guy? Lorenor was suddenly curious about the answers that were missing. Memories were fractured within the ghoul's mind. He had precious few true thoughts of the past and only vague recollections about his past incarnations. Individuals often showed up with more information than he had about the past. He suddenly felt the weight of his Data Cube.

Answers lurked there. Answers also lurked within Senchen that N'Jal would never give him.

"I see I have your attention now. Will you yield before a TRUE follower of N'Jal? Lorenor?" And now the final piece of the puzzle was revealed. Senchen spoke his name.

Lorenor did the only thing he could think of.

Dropping his sword to the ground, Lorenor knelt before the enemy.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The clang of Lorenor's sword resonated upon the concrete. Lorenor saw that the building was mostly made of a combination of concrete and marble. The architecture was ancient in nature. Large columns maintained a high roof fixed at a level of about forty five feet or so. There were a total of twenty columns in the large building in neat rows of fours. The hues were gathered in rows of about fifteen units. People sat randomly throughout the hues and most of them were brainwashed followers of Senchen.

"Now you shall know the powers of the Dark Mother."

Senchen said. He moved over to the alter area and took out a mysterious headband. The headband appeared as a visor that one wore on the forehead with locking devices. It seemed like a magitech device to Lorenor. He'd never seen such construction before. Senchen muttered some words casually in a language Lorenor did not know.

((Transled from N'Jalian text.))




"O Dark Mother give thy acolyte the strength to render this child of yours the powers to embrace another into your fold. Give me the strength to empower this device in thy name. May this device grant your child, Lorenor, the embrace of the Dark Mother. Give me thy strength O Dark Mother. The Spider Queen N'Jal. Queen of Queens."



Lorenor remained in his kneeling position. He observed Senchen as the other walked over to his position with the mysterious device. When he examined it in a closer proximity, the devices' miniscule details became ever so apparent. Like a sort of Gothic painting, filled with tiny details only a trained eye could detect. Lorenor saw panels and tubes. Within the tubes there was a green hued substance containing a strange set of creatures that he'd never seen before. They reminded him of deformed worms squirming inside the fluids. Lorenor gasped as Senchen, clasped the headband upon his forehead in the secret method of its activation.

Feeling pain piercing his cranium, the ghoul screamed in agony. He stared up at the ceiling, with its ancient paintings upon it, and howled in agony. The liquid, with the parasites flowing within them were injected directly into Lorenor's brain. The ghoul felt the worms bore their way into brain nestling directly into it. Burning agony caused the manifestation of deep reds, harsh, oranges and other colors of pain. Lorenor passed out from the pain.

"Give him the proper attire of a servant." Senchen whispered as the darkness consumed Lorenor.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor awoke sometime later. Days? Weeks? Months? There was no way for the ghoul to know. He only knew that time had passed. His head weighed a million tons and felt several sizes larger than it normally should feel. A sharp pain attacked it him from somewhere inside his brain. The ghoul was brought to tears. Only after crying for a few moments did the ghoul begin to take an assessment of where he was. With his memories fractured, there was no way of telling truth from lies.

Who was he? Who were his friends? Who were his enemies? What was he doing in this place? Had he always been in this place? Questions filled his mind now as he tried to figure out some sort of clue about where he was. What am I supposed to be doing? Lorenor thought to himself. The pain in his head eventually died down until it became a dull throbbing sensation. Lorenor found himself able to stand. Something heavy was at his wrists and ankles. The objects felt heavy and cold.

Lorenor found himself in a dark room with no window. Bars were before him strategically placed to prevent his escape. An individual lurked just beyond his field of vision sitting down at a table of some sort. The room felt like it had other such prison cells. Above and below him was a thick layer of earth suggesting to the ghoul that he was deep underground. Trying to move towards the bars, the apprentice felt something snap and prevent him from moving past a certain point in the cage. Chains. Chains were attached to the heavy weights he suddenly realized were shackles. The recoil of the chains snapping applied force against his body and knocked him on his ass.

WHAM!

Came the sound of Lorenor's person slamming against the ground. He felt an ache at his lower back where he'd impacted the ground. A moment later, the lone figure stood up and addressed the ghoul. "Oh you're finally awake. It's been sometime Lorenor since you were locked up for your own safety. How much time? Well does that really matter? But look at you now. You've found the true path of the Dark Mother." The stranger moved closer and stood near the bars. Lorenor didn't recognize the color of metal of the bars but guessed they must've been pretty powerful stuff. "I can't remember anything."

"Your memories were lost to you to begin with. You've been given more chances than any of us."

"Why can't I remember?"

"You choose not to remember." The man said. A door opened up in the distance. Several more scents touched the air. Lorenor saw movement in the deeper part of the room. Four other individuals entered the room. A moment later, the ghoul heard the single door being closed and locked. The group of individuals approached the ghoul in his cell. The leader of the group, moved with a certain grace and arrogance that the others lacked. Upon looking at the strangely configured brow of the man, Lorenor recognized the face. He saw a flash of broken memories in the darkness.

None of them made any sense but he was able to procure a name.

"Master Senchen." Lorenor said calmly in an instinctive whisper.

"Kneel before me my servant." Senchen said with a soft smile on his face and a wave of his hand.

Lorenor knelt before Senchen for the second time.

Senchen and his acolytes stood approximately a few feet away from Lorenor's person. Lorenor felt like there was something he was supposed to do, but those memories were lost to him. He looked down at the ground until Senchen addressed him once again.

"Rise."

Lorenor did as he was told to do.

"Is he the one that those bastards sent for us?" A woman asked.

"Aye he is. But he won't remember any of it. He is undergoing the change. The worms will be the catalyst." Senchen said.

"Is this not something that will be dangerous to us? What if he gets freed?" Asked the first man that Lorenor saw.

"Unlikely to happen. We have the artifacts of N'Jal to assist us and her gifts as well. We are well prepared for this one. I have the knowledge of Her Voice." Senchen said. "Together with our combined power, he shall be no match for us." Senchen said calmly. The man walked closely to the bars. "He can barely remember my face by now."

And the ghoul knew he was right. Something ate away at him from the inside. Weakening him and changing him at the same time. Lorenor felt the pain from where the strange head device afflicted his head. He kept looking at Senchen and the rest of the group as if there was something he was supposed to do. There were two women and three men. Each one of them with distinctive features. Each one gave Lorenor the feeling that he'd seen them someplace before.

"Besides he is in Hell right now." Senchen said. "Let the boy sleep. When he awakens he will begin the maturation process."

"Understood."

"Sleep now boy." Senchen commanded.

The ghoul felt a wave of exhaustion hit his body and he had no choice but to do as he was commanded. He fainted once more.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

With creatures in his brain for the second time of his eternal existence the ghoul had a restless slumber. In his dreams ethereal entities from beyond took psychokinetic form. They manifested within Lorenor's subconscious mind and over took the rest of his mind. The process went on without any trouble. The creatures disguised themselves as appealing females dressed in revealing outfits. They found the subconscious version of Lorenor and easily subdued him with their power. Lorenor, in his weakened state was unable to put up a further battle against the Thaynes. He lost himself to dementia...

***********************

More time passed.

"There you go Lorenor. Steady as she goes man."

One of Senchen's acolytes, a man named Lex took on the arduous task of training the ghoul in N'Jals ways so he could make a great servant for Senchen. They were fixing the are near the Cathedral. The streets of Radasanth were still scarred with the markings of a terrorism attack. Lorenor had learned much about the ways of N'Jal. He'd learned that the destroyer is also a builder. Much like the beasts of nature destructive but with a balance all their own. Each of the acolytes had more knowledge about N'Jal to give to the ghoul. He eagerly completed his tasks that he was assigned so he could learn the deeper teachings of N'Jal. Lex spoke of secret teachings that were meant for the Spider Magi. Books of ancient powered scattered throughout Althanas locked in volumes of three.

For now, Lorenor was tasked with spreading the will of N'Jal to the common folk. Seemingly a simple task. Lorenor found that there were those who resisted the powers of N'Jal. They clung to other, more positive Thaynes, or they clung to their own false deities. This brick is heavy but the Dark Mother grants me her blessings. Lorenor lifted a block of concrete up towards a group of other men and heaved it at them. They caught the block easily and moved it along the line of people. Folks were just helping folk. In this setting, Lorenor could learn about how the spider web functioned. He'd woke up the second time with strange markings all over his person.

Senchen would later explain that they were markings of N'Jal's blessings.

The ghoul had passed his initiation. Lorenor was now a true disciple of the Dark Mother. He needed to train and focus in order to properly use the markings bestowed upon his person. Senchen revealed to him during private sermons that each of the markings had different powers associated with them. The markings that itched Lorenor the most were upon his wrists and followed an intricate pattern of webbing throughout his arms and other limbs. The same markings were upon his feet as well. He had no way of understanding what they meant but Senchen said it had something to do with the abilities of a Spider Magi. It was mid-afternoon. Lorenor wore his anti-sunlight uniform beneath the robes of the Spider Magi.

The people had gotten used to the presence of N'Jal as both destroyer and creator. The neighborhoods of Radasanth were slowly saturated with the priests of N'Jal as the cult spread. People looking for any sort of hope eagerly signed up to fill the ranks with numbers. Lorenor watched the process as it spread like wild fire and people became brainwashed with the blissful teachings of N'Jal.

O followers of the Dark Mother. We are thy hearts. We are thy arms. We
are thy eyes. We are thy legs. We are thy minds and atmas. As thou art in thy prison, unjustly so, we art thy servants in this land of Althanas. Guide us with thy teachings eternal. For without darkness there can be'eth no light.

Lorenor was learning all of the songs that a disciple was supposed to know. There were prayers and protocol associated with the Dark Mother that each new disciple studied in his time of peace. As a member of N'Jal's fold that had the markings of the Spider Magi, Lorenor was already advanced. He looked down towards his companions in the ladder of people that worked towards rebuilding Radasanth. Several more blocks of concrete and marble were making their way up the group of people and towards Lorenor's person.
The sun was hot but didn't bake him like it might in Fallien. His companion, Lex, hadn't yet gone through the Rites of N'Jal. So he still had his eyes and everything else that his face was supposed to have. Cheekbone structure suggested a human that wasn't native to Corone but rather, to Alerar.

Lorenor had gotten good at spotting the heritage of each of the persons he came across. Some bore similar skeletal structure, whilst others bore completely different structures. With some careful observations on Lorenor's part, the ghoul was able to learn the different skeletal structures and spot where people originated from. Lorenor grabbed the next cinder block, his muscles straining at the weight and passed it along to the individual above him. "When is our shift over Lex? I'd like to get back to my studies."

"Patience Lorenor. This too is the will of the Dark Mother."

Another cinder block. Lorenor passed it to the next person without complain and every time he passed one of the blocks along, his muscles strained and stretched. He was feeling the burn. But N'Jal preached strength through steady discipline. Her warriors were the most power of all of the Thaynes because of steady trials and tribulations. Constant tests against the forces of the light kept the Spider Magi ever strong. Darkness was constantly burned by the light and needed to struggle against the aggression of Lord Mitra's wrath. The chain of bricks continued on for another hour and the foreman came to relieve the current workers from their duties. Lorenor wiped sweat off his brow and drank some water from a jerkin in his travel packs.

"You did well Lorenor. You're getting much faster at it." Lex said as they walked back to the Cathedral. "Soon you will become much stronger and faster than ever before." He said to Lorenor.

"I thank you for your kind words my brother. I only do what is the will of the Dark Lady." Lorenor took another pull of water. He was hot. Very hot. Sweat poured down his body from the hard day's labor. Senchen insisted on training all of his disciples in physical labor. "The work is getting easier over time. She blesses us with her guidance." Lorenor said calmly. The cathedral lurked ahead. He'd walked over to where there was a clothing station and retrieved his robes from the man behind the counter. The hard physical labor of rebuilding Radasanth didn't require much in the ways of clothing as it did brute strength and endurance. Lorenor was subtly obtaining both as he worked his muscles.

"That she does. Come my friend there is more to learn."

[Mutant_Lorenor]

In this fashion, the weeks became months. Lorenor became more corrupted by the day unsure of his former mission with Senchen's lackeys. His original purpose became more and more distant as the hours passed. He scrapped for work with the cultists trying to gain their favor. He became one of the most fevered disciples as the worms in his head commandeered his will power. This was the second time in his life that the Thaynes placed tiny creatures in his skull to attempt to control him. At the hands of Lord Draconus was the previous ocasion.

During that time, Lord Draconus kidnapped himself and his best friend Zephyriah Alibrone. The Thayne pitted the two warriors against one another to attempt to eliminate the darkness from the land of Althanas forever. Lord Draconus failed. Lorenor discovered his destiny as a Prime Darkness Elemental and Zephyriah discovered his destiny as well. The two plotted a war against the Thaynehood. Lorenor continued his schemes to this day.

However, the worms were making him forget all that. At night, in his dreams, Lorenor was visited by the two women in his head. They tortured him for hours and hours. Lorenor was allowed a single room to rest in that had a bed and no windows. Senchen knew of Lorenor's racial weaknesses which made him a dangerous man to keep around. These nights, Lorenor thought of Senchen as an ally. Tonight was a night like any other. The two women came to play their games upon the ghoul. Lorenor's physical form was tied to the bed with powerful ropes made of hemp.

These manifested of their own accord. The two women appeared to the ghoul before him in his dreams. He slept without sleep. These sessions of torture occurred every day that the ghoul attempted to sleep. No rest would come for the wicked. Lorenor dreamed of being chained up in a single dungeon like chamber. Shackles attached to chains held his person up in an "X" like position attached to his wrists and ankles. The two women were dressed in full dominatrix leather. They had various devices resting on a nearby table. Lorenor's arms and legs were stretched to the fullest possible position without being ripped out of their appropriate sockets.

Lorenor's muscles strained against the chains and ached furiously. The shackles had spikes attached to the insides that dug into his wrists. The ghoul felt pain from both of his ankles and wrists. Black blood trickled down in small streams from the injuries. Lorenor's whole body shook with agony as he stared at what they were going to do to him next. One of the women was taller than the other by a foot. Lorenor guessed the taller woman to be at roughly six feet in height. The other woman was roughly five feet in height. Their faces were hidden behind leather gimp masks.

This too, was part of the training of becoming a disciple of N'Jal. The women explained to him that all such disciples had a worm implanted into the cerebral cortex. Whatever that meant. They were getting their disciples used to being able to handle extreme amounts of pain. One woman had blond hair and the other was a brunette. These torture sessions happened on a psychokinetic level. Making the experience a thousand times worse. The blond and the brunette both grabbed devices that resembled small whistles.

The ghoul already knew what these devices were first hand. They were Aegis Tools. All of the implements of torture on the table were. Lorenor already began to squirm in his chains despite the pain that caused him. They had him hanging on the chains, against a cold wall. The two women took their Aegis devices in their hands. The blond held it in her mouth. With the way the thing functioned, one would figure that she wouldn't do such a thing.

Moving towards Lorenor, the deadly women proceeded forward to sap the strength of the ghoul even more. The blond placed the Aegis device in her mouth and proceeded to kiss the ghoul placing the device in between her lips and his own. The ghoul immediately screamed at the deadly kiss. His body twitched and spasmed with pain. There were no words. They simply tortured him that particular session. Lorenor felt the brunette place her Aegis against his lower back. She dug it deeper against his spinal cord sending white hot pain flowing up and down his body. Lorenor screamed and screamed.

In the physical world, his body twisted and turned against the ropes as he yelled in agony. The guards placed outside of his room smiled at what they knew was happening to the ghoul.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

II

The next night, Lorenor awoke with a start. He was dreaming about being tortured once again and screamed in agony at the pain that pulsed through his physical vessel. He spotted some injuries at his wrists and ankles making him believe that he was starting to go insane. Crawling out of bed, the ghoul went over to a nearby table where fresh water waited. He looked upon the table and the patterns of the water pitcher. They were both typical Coronian objects, the table was made of sturdy oak.

Lorenor's room was a typical room like any other within the large cathedral's establishment. The space was approximately fifty feet by fifty feet. The ceiling was moderately high at roughly about thirty feet high. The ceiling in this side of the building was level at about the same height. Lorenor took the pitcher in his hand noting the shape of the pitcher and poured some water in a nearby goblet. The goblet was a simple cup made of wood, nothing extraordinary. It was the goblet of a servant. Lorenor looked at the injuries on his wrists, the dreams felt real to him. I can't discuss this with Lex or any of the others. If they found out I been having these sorts of visions, I can get in serious trouble.

Lorenor thought to himself as he took a deep pull of the refreshing water. He finished it in one big gulp and poured himself another drink. With the pain and agony he'd felt every night in his sleep, the ghoul's senses were getting sharper than ever. He could detect the guards talking outside about various uninteresting matters and could hear rats as well as other critters moving about in the walls of the room. Some cooked food was waiting for him as well. He ate this without complaint, despite the fact that he preferred his meals to be freshly killed.

Lorenor no longer needed to wear the mysterious headband that was placed upon his skull months earlier. There were no windows to the room. He slept by the Eastern most wall of the room. A single closet and bookshelf adorned the room, as well as a single table. Lorenor kept his personal notes and studies within the drawer of the table hidden from plain sight. Lorenor was given the various tomes and books to read that a typical disciple needed to study every night. Most importantly, he was given a text that was known as an N'Jalian bible.

From the passages of this work, he was allowed to read. This was a hand written copy of several other texts granted to every disciple of N'Jal. Lorenor studied the book every single day. He'd memorized its passages weeks ago but read them like a devout should. There were many texts along the separate sections of the bookshelves. All of them had to do with legends of the Thaynehood and history. Mostly they were also texts on N'Jal. For one to understand N'Jal fully, one needed to understand her enemies and the history of their ways.

Lorenor took a towel and wiped the fresh blood from his wrists and ankles, trying to keep the wounds from developing infections. That was standard protocol to self-mutilate ones' self if they were devout. Lorenor's thoughts these days were on pleasing N'Jal's Cathedral. He rubbed the injuries he'd received at the side of his skull so long ago. It felt like years ago now. The nightly torture sessions were brutal and made Lorenor feel somewhat more detached than normal.

A particular scent filled the air. Lorenor recognized the scent as that of Senchen. The ghoul immediately opened the door to allow Senchen in as if he were predicting what would happen next. "Its amazing that you always know its me." Senchen said as he walked into the room. "Truly, the ways of the Dark Mother are mysterious indeed. How are your studies?" Senchen asked of his latest acquisition.

"I study every night. But I am troubled. I am unable to sleep, I see things in my dreams. Terrible things. Is this natural for a disciple of N'Jal not to sleep? I have the markings of self correction." Lorenor showed Senchen the markings on his wrist. They were scars caused by the blades in his dreams.

"That's good you are developing a deep understanding of the workings of N'Jal. Walk with me Lorenor. There is something I want you to see." The ghoul nodded and followed Senchen in silence.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The Corridors of the ancient cathedral surrounded Lorenor and Senchen. They passed groups of disciples of N'Jal busy with this task or that. Lorenor glanced at them as they walked passed each of the groups. The ceiling of the building was high in this hallway. It was positioned at roughly thirty feet in height. The ghoul couldn't see it but could feel the length of the columns that supported the building at various positions in the long hallway. They were in the dormitory section of the cathedral. Lorenor guessed that the cathedral was part of the locales' theological belief system.

Lorenor knew from his time in Radasanth that there were several different religions actively engaging the populace in that great city. It was a melting pot of the world with various cultures rapidly engaged in assimilating one another with their various dogmas and doctrine. This cathedral was one the cathedral of some local patron war god. Popular with the soldiers of Radasanth, tribute was paid up until a recent terrorist attack heralded the totality of Corone's Civil War.

The old gods were all but abandoned. In this atmosphere of desolation and depression, the Thaynehood saw its chance to gain a steady foothold. With that came the benefits of the followers of the Thaynes as well as those who followed the Lady N'Jal. The Thayne that the Greater Thaynes abandoned to her cosmic prison. Lorenor understood the necessity for there to be a balance between all of the Thaynes and their followers. Each of the cults boldly declared all other deities a falsehood and a heresy.

Lorenor understood that they stared the future in the face now. With a new age of Darkness landing upon all of their shoulders, the Thaynehood was ready to make its presence known on Althanas. The Heavens help anybody that stood in their way. The ghoul walked in silence as he observed the progress that N'Jal was making through the confused masses. It made him shiver with pleasure and at the same time filled his heart with dread and fear.

The Dark Mother was a huge enigma to them all. Lorenor knew that Senchen was in position of three tomes that were critical to the ghoul's personal education. However, these volumes were forbidden to him as long as Senchen was in power. Lorenor did not doubt the man's power. He'd seen it first hand hundreds of times and experienced it himself just as much. The ghoul was lead to a private chamber that he'd never walked into before. He saw that Senchen took out a series of keys of and opened the double oak doors that stood before him now.

This part of the hallway was filled with considerably less people. It was an ante-chamber located at the Western most corner of the dormitory areas.

The door had strange markings in the N'Jallian text written upon them. The ghoul recognized some of the symbols from his studies...

[Mutant_Lorenor]

With a sound that filled the hallway, Lorenor followed Senchen in the room. His memories hazy and filled with confusion, the ghoul had a hard time separating reality from fantasy. Something powerful messed with his head daily and it was getting to a point where he was forgetting where he came from. His roots.

Who were his friends and family. The ghoul entered the room with a weary heart, many thoughts cascading about his troubled mind. As time passed, the ghoul was forgetting more. He couldn't remember what sapped his strength or what put him in this position to begin with. He couldn't remember. Why do I feel like there was something I was supposed to be doing? The ghoul thought to himself as he entered the room. He looked about and saw an ancient series of murals upon the walls. In the center of the room was a specialized altar made of obsidian stone.

There was a pedestal jutting up from a kiosk that formed the bulk of the alter area. The alter itself was a large pair of hands that faced outwards towards the walls. At the center of the pair of grotesque hands was a series of 3 books. Copies of the original works of N'Jal written by the first of N'Jal's Spider Magi aeons ago. Lorenor saw, at second glance, that a thin layer of spider silk strands covered the walls hiding the murals behind its epidermis.

How did I miss the spider's web before? Is he a Spider Magi? Lorenor wondered to himself despite the fact that Senchen didn't have the classic markings of a TRUE disciple of N'Jal. The ghoul always pondered these things as the other acolytes of the cathedral were made to go through the various rites of the Spider Magi. Senchen and his acolytes remained with beautiful faces, a shining hypocrisy to Lorenor. The ghoul already wore his markings of a follower of N'Jal and needed to prove nothing to the rest of them. Lorenor knew he was ready for more of the advanced teachings of N'jal. However he also knew that Senchen had his own agenda to take care of first. This included the teachings of his favored acolytes. Lorenor felt frustration at knowing that it was only after these many months passed that he was finally able to even see the sacred works.

I can't be too upset about this. Even though only a few are allowed to see the Sacred Works, I should have seen this chamber ages ago it seems. They are preventing my progress as a disciple. But what can I do? He is much more powerful than I am. Lorenor thought to himself as he moved over to the spider silks. Something about their intricate patterns was calling the ghoul to their location.

"See something you like Lorenor?"

Lorenor almost forgot that Senchen was even there. The ghoul simply nodded and walked over to the spider silk. He placed a hand upon the powerful substance carefully investigating the texture of the thick cords. Lorenor noticed how the silk reflected the light and as he studied the silk, patterns of artwork laced into the silk became visible to him. He leaned down and studied the intricate patterns within the webbing. It was much more evolved than typical spider webs' patterns were. Lorenor saw designs and artwork that jumped out before the alters of his energetic eyes.

"There are patterns in the silk. Scenes. Stories. Stories written by ancient hands. I'm not exactly sure what they mean." Lorenor said in a low voice tone knowing that his companion would hear him. The ghoul suddenly saw something that disturbed him greatly. It was an image that strangely resembled Lorenor himself. The scene showed several figures that were like spiders around the representation of Lorenor as they worked their horrible rites upon him. Lorenor stood up and gasped with surprise. He turned towards Senchen. "It's me! There's an image of me in there!"

"That's right Lorenor. You've been involved with the Spider Magi long than you know. You've been holding back your own potential. Its not about reading any texts or looking at any murals. You've had the secrets within you all along. And now my friend, it is time to beat it out of you." With that, Senchen drew his sword. On time, the rest of his acolytes entered the sacred room and drew there weapons.

"The time has come for you to decide Lorenor. You came here to kill us. The Church of that bitch Saint sent you here. You've merely forgotten all of this while the Thayne Borers worked to make you a placid dog. You disgust me Lorenor. You have to prove to us now where your loyalties now. Are you with that whore St. Denebriel, or are you with the Dark Mother?" There was acid in Senchen's voice.

Lorenor was stunned to hear these words. He set me up. This wasn't a chance to test my skills at all. He means to KILL ME.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Backing up against the complex series of webbing, the ghoul was quite literally placed against a corner. He means to kill me, now what do I do? He felt confused as to how to act next. A particular sadness lurked in his heart even as he climbed the webbing along the walls instinctively. Like an arachnid himself, the creature made his way up the cords and cables of the spider magi until he was at approximately six or seven feet off the ground. He looked from his position, perched on the comforting spider web that he himself had placed there so long ago. The revelations in the spider webbing only brought about more questions to the ghoul. It didn't help to solve anything.

Only that he'd been there before. Were these events started by my own design at some point long ago? Lorenor was at a loss. Instincts took over and he went over to his weapon, gasping when he realized it wasn't there. He'd allowed himself to somehow grow completely complacent about the situation at hand. "By the Thaynes!" Lorenor spat the curse out. He had no real weapon to use except for his claws and teeth. He felt his claws grow sharper as he stared at Senchen waiting to see what might happen next.

The most immediate impulse that Lorenor had was the desire to get himself out of there. His only escape route was blocked by the group of acolytes before him. Now Lorenor was screwed. He had no choice but to fight despite not wanting to. The ghoul carefully prepared his options as he stared from one point of the room to the other. He was alone. All alone. Facing the greatest threat he had ever faced in his entire life that he was aware of.

With so many memories robbed from him, the ghoul had a hard time dealing with what was real and what wasn't. He knew that this was one of those times where the situation at hand was very real. "Dorian. Draw your weapon." So the five acolytes were at last assembled. Lorenor rarely saw them all together except under specific circumstances. There was a code they followed that prevented them from being together longer than was necessary, for their own protection. The Followers of N'Jal had many enemies after all.

And Lorenor was one of them.

The ghoul looked over at Lex with his calm expression. Lex simply shook his head as he drew his weapon. They all did really. Lorenor saw that their weapons had metals he didn't know. The acolytes were Dorian, a woman with raven colored hair, Lex, Broger, a man with a physically stout build and cold green eyes, and Xana. These people were all beautiful compared to the grotesque ghoul. Lorenor wondered about how he got the scars on his face and who was responsible. He began to wonder if he was born with those markings? Its certainly a possibility but right now I have to figure out how I'm going to get out of this.

"I don't want to fight you. Please. It doesn't have to be this way!" He started, trying to plead with them.

Lex turned to look at Senchen. "He hasn't been a threat to us up until this point Senchen. Why should we destroy him without just cause?" Lex said. His grip on his weapon was slightly unsteady. There was a mad nervousness in the air. Dorian had her crossbow ready and prepared it with a bolt. She aimed it Lorenor waiting for the order to fire. All of them wore the trinkets that the church ordered. That's IT! The Church sent me to destroy the threat posed by a cult of N'Jal, that's why I'm here! He started to get a headache as the worms inside his thick skull started to release a substance within him that might work to keep the ghoul in check. Lorenor started to resist the power of the worms.

"The sad thing is, I would have stayed here willingly. I liked the time I spend learning about N'Jal and learning about my destiny. But I suppose that's never enough with you people is it? Very well then lets do this if there's no other way out!" Senchen waved his hand. Lorenor knew what was coming and leaped forward. I have to use everything at my disposal and keep them off their guard. Maybe I can spare a few of them...but no, highly unlikely. The Church wants them all dead. Lorenor jumped through the air and headed straight for Xana.

There was a resonating sound as the spring loaded mechanism of the crossbow and the bolt was launched through the air. Lorenor flipped forward but it was already too late...

[Mutant_Lorenor]

The old ones say that when you're facing death itself, your life flashes before your very eyes. When you're undead, fragmented images of the life before come in flashes. In the ghoul's case his memory came back tainted with the shadowy after effects of the Thayne's worms. Lorenor saw things that made no sense to him, but most importantly, he saw that Senchen's words rang of a certain truth to them. The ghoul saw his pact, despite the best efforts of the Thayne's worms to destroy his memories, with St. Denebriel's Cathedral and remembered his orders to kill these people. That's it, I remember now! I'm an Assassin working for the Cathedral and a member of the Gol'bron!

As the ghoul leaped through the air, everything became far away and slow. He felt the impact of the bolt launched directly at his person. He couldn't change directions in time and was thusly forced to take the hit. Almost as soon soon as the bolt took to the air, The Endless erupted forward and burst around the ghoul from beneath his skin. Thankfully, the bolt was made of iron and thusly, The Endless could protect him to some degree. The bolt managed to pierce through the outer layers of his secondary epidermis, impacting at his lower abdomanilis region. The force of the impact sent crushing pain through Lorenor's body causing him to loose considerable forward momentum.

The ghoul was tossed backwards like a rag doll and came crashing down several feet away from the group, an injured dog. Lorenor clutched at his side where the bolt still stuck out from The Endless and pulled it free from his person feeling a terrible pain coursing through his vessel. The pain originated from the impact point where a horrible bruise was developing, and a laceration from where the bolt managed to barely pierce flesh. Lorenor's face was filled with pain. He stopped himself from screaming in agony preferring not to show weakness before the enemy. They've already made up their minds and have been ordered by Senchen to kill me. I have to play this out right...just maybe can I get a couple of them.

Lorenor felt a seconary pain coursing through his body. One inside his skull, as The Endless appeared. Lorenor heard a loud scream in his mind as the pair of Lesser Thaynes occupying his brain. Lorenor clutched his head in agony and this time could not stop himself from screaming. He howled like a devil causing Senchen and his acolytes to stop their attack for a precious moment at the terrible scene before them. Darkness erupted out from around the ghoul's person and flowed upwards in stream as the Thayne worms dug too deeply into places they shouldn't. Tapping the ghoul's elemental powers, the worms reached a deep place within the ghoul's brain that was not meant to be tampered with.

A perpetual Pandora's Box. As the darkness streamed upwards from Lorenor's person the ghoul became drunk with the potential of power that he now knew he possessed. He clutched at the ground beneath himself as he screamed loudly feeling the cold rage burning through his black heart. His skull felt like it was going to explode. Nearby, the books of N'Jal glowed in synchronicity to the ghoul's presence. Particular symbols on various pages lit up with the distinct rites of passage that the ghoul was completing. Once again, the ghoul managed to defeat the power of a Lesser Thayne.

Blood sprayed from both of his ears. Lorenor continued to howl. Trickling down his ears, the blood sprayed causing Lorenor to fall to the ground beneath him. He looked up at the murals on the ceiling. Flowing from his person, the black blood continued to pour out and with it, came the two Thayne worms. Rejected from the ghouls' vessel. The things screeched with supernatural pain as they fled from the ghoul's vessel unable to achieve homeostasis with it. Lorenor felt the pain turn into a dull throbbing sensation and looked at the two worms on the ground, throbbing pitifully in despair. A part of him longed for the presence of the two women he'd seen in his dreams but the rational side took over.

In a moment, he'd raised his legs and stomped the shit out of the two worms, crushing them easily beneath his feet. Purple blood from the mysterious creatures burst outward staining the ground. Lorenor began to remember his past even as the three books reacted to his ordeal. Feeling a burning sensation he'd never felt before coursing through his veins, the ghoul adjusted to what the truth of becoming a spider magi. The potential was within his person all along. And suddenly, he felt yet another pain as a cable was launched from Senchen's hand. The cable pierced Lorenor's shoulder at the left side causing the ghoul to wince in pain. He instinctively grabbed as the spider cable with both of his hands. The Endless was unable to protect him against this power.

"That'll be quite enough of your glory, ghoul." Senchen said coldly.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Senchen stood there with an arm extended. From his hand was a white substance that flowed directly from it, all the way to the wall behind Lorenor's person. Lorenor saw the look of madness in Senchen's eyes. This made the ghoul angry. Pierced as he was with the strange white cable, the ghoul found the strength to pull himself forward. Blood poured from the wound even as The Endless attempted to protect him from the serious injury. Lorenor took the bolt at his side and tossed it to the ground with a small thud. The ghoul pulled himself forward, even as the substance attempted to infect him with its impurities and organic acids.

Lorenor's black blood was able to counteract the poisons somehow and protect his insides from serious damage. His blood flowed upward, the virus within him acting in a mysterious way to protect the ghoul. He didn't know how it all worked but the Golems' told him that there was a living machine inside his blood system. He made it all the way to Senchen's person, grimacing in agony the entire time. With his face twisted with the pain, the ghoul confronted his enemy. "If that's the best you can do, I would start praying to N'Jal if I were you for salvation. Because those types of attacks won't do anything." The ghoul taunted, even as blood trickled down from his mouth.

Staring at his opponent face to face, Lorenor suddenly let loose an a counter attack of his own. Since Senchen attempted to hold on to the cable and keep Lorenor in his place, the man was caught off guard. Lorenor's claws swiped quickly through the air aimed at the man's unprotected neck. Senchen attempted to maneuver around the counter strike, but it was already too late for the Spider Magi. Feeling a satisfying ripping of flesh, the ghoul saw that his claws tore through the man's neck. Red blood sprayed through the air, landing on the ghoul's face empowering a blood lust. Seeing the injury, Lorenor roared in triumph and lunged forward to complete the job.

Senchen's companions were horrified by what they saw next. They were expecting many things to happen, but none of them were like this. In a single moment everything that they'd planned for the apparently weak ghoul went straight to hell. Lorenor's jaws pierced flesh as he moved forward to finish Senchen off. The man screamed in a death howl, causing his acolytes to step back in horror. They looked at each other with dread. Then they looked upon Lorenor feeding upon the flesh of their former leader. They did the only thing they knew to do...they ran. Lorenor fed from the flesh of his enemy and saw the rest of his companions fleeing.

"No!" The ghoul yelled and leaped up towards the nearby person of Broger who was somewhat slower than the rest due to his size. Lorenor grabbed unto the man who attempted to struggle beneath his weight. The ghoul clasped onto Broger's person holding onto the man person. "He's on me! Get it off me!" Broger yelled, but it was already too late. Broger's face twisted with pain as the ghoul tore through the flesh at the man's trapezius region. Lorenor felt blood gushing through his mouth as he bit through the man's flesh. He saw the others were running, but not nearly fast enough to make a successful escape from the ghoul, they were too terrified.

Lorenor turned towards the boy of Senchen, and moved to grab the longsword that the man had used, effectively arming himself. Broger fell to the ground grabbing at his injury. The man knew he was done, because he was bleeding himself to death. Lorenor grabbed the sword and ran after the remaining acolytes. Several people in the hallway saw the bloodied up ghoul and screamed in terror. Lorenor took his weapon and stabbed the nearest of these self-proclaimed disciples. He needed flesh to recharge himself of his injuries and regain his power. His newly acquired sword easily pierced the shoulder of a nearby woman. He didn't know who she was, only that everyone in this cult of misfits was now an enemy. The world seemed to spin around the ghoul as he moved forward. He bit the flesh of this woman, tearing through her easily and spreading the virus forward. Others awaited in the hallways even as he heard the acolytes' terrified screams. Once he'd passed the infection onto the woman, he ran forward through the hallway, anger in his eyes. They'd let loosed a demon from the pits of Haidia that night.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Bodies of the fallen disciples littered the hallway as Lorenor bathed in blood. He heard the sounds of people screaming in a far away tone, as he became a killer once more. Normally a restrained individual, the ghoul had enough of the torture and manipulation by these false puppets of N'Jal. It was high time that the ghoul took care of these miscreants once and for all. Lorenor ran through the church in a mad sprint taking down anybody who got in his way. There were many of followers of the Dark Mother, but all of them were common folk and few had any real combat training. Those that came across Lorenor's terrifying person in his maddened state, were subdued quickly by the ghoul.

In this fashion, time moved quickly as the ghoul killed. Blood flowed down his person as his injuries healed themselves. The hallways of the church were decorated with the bodies of the fallen. Gore was everywhere. Lorenor killed without remorse now since he was pushed over the edge.

The Endless cried songs of bloody massacre. He made it now to the main gathering hall of the church, hues filled with those who were praying. People ran, screaming in terror, as the reanimated came to attack them. By now, there were around twenty infected. Reanimated by the ghoul's deadly nano-virus. They'd turned on the living and in turn, passed the infection onto others. In this climate of heat and confusion, the ghoul managed to make himself an army where once he was completely alone.

The Dark Mother blesses me with her divine secrets. The joy of the slaughter filled the ghoul's black heart. Overhead, chandeliers swung back and forth in a swaying fashion dancing along with the breeze. Black candles lit by church goers provided ample light, and in turn, provided fire. Where church goers had their flesh ripped apart by their friends, family, and neighbors, lit candles dropped in slow motion to the ground. Things caught fire. Oak benches were easily subdued by the flames as a consuming fire spread through the cathedral.

Ironically, that cathedral had survived many wars and many chaotic scenes, but it could not survive the fury of a single ghoul. The devil warrior named Lorenor. Lorenor had his eyes on a specific set of goals. His foxes ran through the church but were slowed down by their own fear. They heard the screams and felt the fires beginning to burn quickly through the ravaged cathedral. A small mob of infected people ran behind Lorenor screaming in rage and fury. The ghoul stopped to look behind himself. At his children, the children of the Dark Mother, N'Jal.

Standing on the steps of the burning church, Lorenor saw flames licking the sky as they burst through the various rooms of the huge building. People outside screamed in terror and attempted to put the flames out, rushing into the building to their sealed fates. Those that came too close were killed off by Lorenor's sire lings immediately. Lorenor commanded the mob behind him to a degree. He was able to control them with simple hand gestures and commands, and they followed him like a confused child.

Lex, Dorian, and Xana were at the bottom of the staircase having covered incredible ground in their mad sprint and avoid the mob. Lex stared at Lorenor with a sort of distant sadness in his eyes at having to do battle with a former companion. Lex turned to stare at his companions. "We can't win this, there's too many Infected!" Xana shook his head. "Senchen prepared us for this day, he knew this day would come Lex. Ready yourself for battle, we cannot escape this."

Ever since The Day Radasanth Sank, security in Radasanth was lax. The guards were still recovering from the betrayal of the Aristocracy in that recent terrorist attack. Scattered groups of Corone Rangers formed a resistance against those who fought for the Empire. And the Slums District was completely up for grabs. Lorenor ran forward, and the mob ran forward behind him to prepare to attack the three enemies of N'Jal that remained before him. Lorenor lead the squadron, and took Senchen's sword with him to battle. Inside the cathedral, the rafters of the building were beginning to fall apart thanks to the corrosive flames.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

"Wait Lorenor, it doesn't have to be this way!" Lex said out of fear as the mob descended upon them.

Xana looked at him with disgust, her fearsome eyes showing the fearlessness that she held her heart. She readied her weapons, two short swords, whilst Dorian fired off her arrows willingly. She was making head shots, and thusly those few individuals she managed to pick off were instantly felled by her arrows. She had no problem attacking former allies. The teachings of N'Jal gave her every right to defend herself as she saw fit. The trio were avenging the death two former acolytes of N'Jal. They would see to it that Lorenor fell.

"Now you want to negotiate? It's far too late for that! Nobody told you morons to try to kill me. Now look at you, two of your companions dead with the rest of you about to die also!"

Lorenor said talking to the trio. Xana prepared her swords and started to lunge at the ghoul, but Lorenor saw it coming. He evaded off to the side and a swarm of ghouls ran towards the woman. She managed to cut off a few limbs in her blind fury and cut one ghoul woman in half, but the screaming mob was too much for her. She cried out in horror. "Help me! Help meeeeeeeee--*" As she was consumed by the mob. Sounds of flesh being torn apart filled the air as Xana's blood was sprayed. Angry ghouls followed closely behind Lorenor as he walked towards Lex and Dorian. Lorenor pointed to Dorian. The mob behind him acknowledged the order and ran past Lorenor even as Lex attempted to sell his companions out.

"Lorenor please! Spare us, I'll follow you as a disciple! I accept that Senchen was a false Magi, please spare me! I thought we were friends!"

Lex played that card. Lorenor turned towards the acolyte and shook his head in the negative. He waved his hands so as to prevent the mob from finishing Lex off. Instead, they went towards Dorian, the entire lot of them running at the woman. She picked off what few ghouls she could but there were hundreds by now. The church had been busy that day and many people provided a slaughter house for Lorenor's unique form of Necromancy. At the end of the mob, one particular form caught Dorian's eyes even as she was bit hard by the people coming at her. It was the forms Senchen. Senchen moved towards her ever so slowly with his face distorted. "Dorian!" He yelled at her, somehow able to communicate even after Infection.

Lorenor moved to the side to allow Senchen to do as he pleased. Senchen managed to escape the flames unharmed in his ghoul form. Lorenor nodded towards the ghoul version of Senchen and the ghoul nodded back. "Dorian!" It said again and the girl screamed in horror. The other ghouls that were feeding from her moved away as Senchen approached. "No--please!" Dorian's lips quivered with fear as she stared at the ghoul-version of Senchen. There would be no one that would come save them. No Knight in shining armor. No agents of N'Jal. They were screwed.

Lorenor was going to take his revenge.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

"Dorian--"

Came the low calling from the ghoul version of Senchen. Lorenor felt another familiar presence and saw that the form of Broger was in the back most portion of the crowd, dangerously near to the falling building. The building was collapsing on itself as the flames spread quickly through it without anything to prevent it from moving forward. Suddenly, Lorenor felt sad that the room with the secrets of N'Jal was vanishing quickly before his eyes. Also, his things that were stolen by Senchen were now gone except for his personal artifacts. He'd been allowed to retain those once he was out of that prison room.

The ghoul stole a glance back to the solitary burning building. He returned his gaze back towards Senchen and Dorian. The girl was weakly attempting to fight her former companion off, but she'd already been bit multiple times already. Lorenor looked in the general direction of where he saw Xana's mutilated corpse. She would not rise again. Nearby ghouls had torn her once beautiful body completely apart.

Lorenor grimaced for a moment at the savage beauty of it all. He turned his sights back upon Lex who looked at the hungry eyes around him with absolute terror. How did everything so quickly turn to my favor? The skills of my necromancy seem to be that powerful now. It spreads quickly through ranks of people, I will have to remember that fact. Lorenor looked up at the night sky looking upon the N'Jal's prison for comfort. He gripped Senchen's sword tightly in his hand and walked towards Lex. The ghouls hissed and snarled at the general direction of the warrior, but Lex was Lorenor's kill. He waved his hand to call off the crowd and they backed away from the ghoul.

"Don't do this Lorenor, I'll follow you if you want me to!" Lex pleaded.

This only made Lorenor angry.

"You were ready to kill me when the five of you had me surrounded back there. Now you're ready to claim obedience to me. That's unacceptable." Lorenor said angrily. Then he had an idea. A terrible, awful idea. I'll spare you and make you my pet. That's the way this is going to go down. It's either eternal servitude or death. "This is how its going to work Lex. You have something I want, I have something you want. We'll trade and call it even. Then I might let you live." Lorenor said calmly, hiding his disgust the best that he could. The weapon felt good against his hand and flowed with his arm. It was made of a material called Damascus, powerful stuff.

Lorenor eyed the blade for a moment and then eyed Lex. "What do you want Lorenor, I'll give you anything!" He proclaimed. "Your N'Jalian artifact, give it to me. That is what I desire." Lex looked absolutely stunned for a moment when he heard that command, but the man did exactly as he was told. With nervous hand, he removed his amulet from his person. Just for the taking, all five of the N'Jalian objects were at Lorenor's presence. He only needed to remove them from their owners. Lorenor reached forward and took the amulet from the man's shaking hands. "Does this mean?"

Lorenor nodded.

"IT MEANS YOU DIE!" The ghoul yelled.

It was a fitting end.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Holding up Lex's head, Lorenor turned towards Senchen and Dorian. Senchen was busy eating his former lover. This brought a smile to the ghoul's lips. They would all suffer for this outrage. He lifted up Lex's head towards N'Jal's prison in the night sky. He saw the red star that signified the location of the Dark Mother lifting up Lex's head as a sacrifice to her. He then spun around quickly and threw the head into the burning building, letting it melt along with the rest of the contents of the building. All its secrets. Gone.

Lorenor thought of the burning books of N'Jal in there with their secret teachings waiting for the ghoul. Now they would be lost forever. But I am not without hope. Senchen said there were many copies of the original works. Perhaps I can still find them, hidden throughout Althanas. The ghoul thought to himself and walked over to Senchen. Whilst the ghoul was feeding, Lorenor moved quickly and decapitated the man without a second thought. He'd served his purposes already.

Moving towards the ghoul version of Broger, the other ghouls got of his way once they saw what he'd done. Lorenor dragged his sword against the ground moving towards Broger's diseased person. With a quick swing of his newly acquired weapon, Lorenor decapitated Broger. He saw other bite marks upon his person which signified that it had not been Lorenor who brought this person back up. But another ghoul. Lorenor wore a smile on his face now as Broger's head spun through the air and fell with a sickening thud against the ground, rolling down the stairs.

Lorenor moved to take the rest of the five N'Jalian objects he needed to take back to the Cathedral. Once they were in his possession, the ghoul looked upon his horde and walked with them. What Lorenor hadn't noticed was that a solitary boot stepped on Broger's lopped off head. There was a new group of strangers now staring down Lorenor and his crowd of reanimated monsters, not meant for the lands of the living. Lorenor turned towards the new scents even as the man cried out...

"ENOUGH!"

Before Lorenor and his crowd stood a man wearing golden armor. His person radiated a tremendous glow that hurt Lorenor's eyes forcing him to take a few steps back. The rest of the ghouls hissed in anticipation. Lorenor saw a squadron of about twenty men standing behind the leader of the group. They were all armed with deadly weapons made of various materials. The ghoul prepared himself for a potential battle with these ruffians. But they had another agenda.

"I am Magistrate Ugor Thalaxian. A Knight Captain of the Knights of Dawn. Now normally you and your cohorts there would be dead already but I've come to understand that you've done Radasanth a major service tonight. That is why you will be allowed to leave with your life intact. But only you. I am afraid that these fellows you're with are too dangerous to be kept alive. After all they are remnants of a cult that we've declared war upon. What say you LORENOR?"

The Magistrate said.

Lorenor looked upon the mob, having comfort with their presence. For but a moment, he pondered sending the mob down upon the Magistrate and his cohorts but the armor they wore made the ghoul think twice about it. Enough lives were lost on that night for the ghoul to add more to his death count. They are going to let me walk away from this? I sense another hand working here. N'Jal blesses me yet again. Lorenor thought to himself. There was no real choice here. "You say you will spare me if I walk away. By the Thaynes this is the most luck I've had in as many moons since I've come to this blasted place. All right Magistrate, I'll lay down my sword and you can do as you please afterwards with these ruffians. I am through with them." But Lorenor was clever.

As he sheathed his weapon and walked down the staircase, he gave one last hand signal towards his mob of ghouls. He would not let them go down without a fair fight. It would've been a mass-slaughter either way. The mob suddenly acted up seemingly on its own and ran towards the Magistrate and his fellows. Lorenor looked at the Magistrate and nodded towards him as he passed the handsome fellow. Pity. Such a waste. Lorenor thought to himself as he walked away from the scene of the carnage. Sounds of screams and the battle behind him filled the night wind as the ghoul walked away into the darkness of eternity.

The day was his.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Epilogue

Many weeks later, the ghoul regained his strength quickly. He was also recovering his memory from the tampering done to him by the Thaynes' worms. Another encounter with the Thaynes. Another war. The ghoul walked with a sense of pride, a vigor in his step. The cold winds of Salvar surrounded him now and he looked upon the steps of the Cathedral. There had been no other word or contact from the Church in many moons. The ghoul suspected something terrible was amiss with the Cathedral. He knew what he'd signed up for. The Cathedral would disavow any knowledge of his existence if he were caught or failed in his mission.

In the end, Lorenor had won. He kept the N'Jalian artifacts in his possession, ready for the Magistrates of the Cathedral. Lorenor looked upon the church in Knife's Edge calmly as his thick hide cloak flowed in the arctic breeze. Sucking up his personal fear, the ghoul walked up the steps of yet another cathedral moving from one church to the next. He sighed as he walked. Several guards standing at the front gates of the building greeted the ghoul as he walked past them. They were apparently waiting for him. Lorenor soon entered the house of St. Denebriel walking into the gathering hall.

There, many people were gathered. Agents he'd never seen before and men wearing intricate patterns of robes. Whites, reds, navy blues, all the colors of the rainbow. Lorenor looked upon the gathered throng of men and women as they stood up and looked upon Lorenor. One of the men was the Justice of the Cathedral himself. Lev Testhan. He wore his ornate robes and crown atop his head as he looked upon Lorenor's returning person.

"Do you have proof of your success Agent?" Came the single question.

Lorenor moved himself so that he gathered the five objects of N'Jal. A part of him hated himself for doing this, but the task needed closure. He'd gone through hell to retrieve those objects and now he was handing them to the church. Lorenor hated having to do that, but there would be another time for him. Another place. He took the five objects in a sack and tossed them upon a grand liviol table that sat at the center of the room. Lorenor could feel tension in the air as if there was turmoil all about. The gathered agents all wore stress on their eyes.

Something big was in the air. Lorenor knew this to be true now. His artifacts clanked on the table as they were tossed towards the Justice of the Cathedral. Lev grabbed the sack when it clanked audibly towards his person and pressed down upon it with a large hand. He wore a calm expression on his face. His cold eyes staring at the sack before him with a certain foreboding visible in them. Lev quickly undid the sack and emptied the contents onto the table. All five treasures were in the sack as he initially ordered the ghoul to retrieve through the Cathedral Runners.

An intricate network of information passage and gathering was in place. Lev gasped as he saw the dangerous artifacts on his table, in his very moment. He then looked upon Lorenor with a deadly gaze. "You've done well. I can tell by the length of time that it took for you to complete this mission that you've gone through some considerable trouble to get these for me. We all but lost hope that you had succeeded after the first month passed. I am glad that St. Denebriel has offered us this blessing of you." Lev said calmly. "You are a skilled Agent to get these objects into our possession. You will be well compensated for your effort." Lorenor nodded. He was tired, but he was ready for his next mission to begin.

"Are you ready for your next task?"

"Yes I am. Let me have it mi'lord." Lorenor said calmly. Now he was getting jobs directly from the Justice himself.

"Very well. Agents, compensate him for his job. He will receive a payment of 5,000 gold." The other agents nodded and procured for Lorenor, a small chest containing his prize. Lorenor was handed the chest and he quickly took it into his possession. The turmoil he'd gone through was worth way MORE than five grand, but he'd worked hard and earned his reward well. He expected more somehow. "One other thing. You are now a full fledged Agent of the Cathedral. Give him his blade." One of the nearby Agents walked towards Lorenor with a weapon inside of a scabbard. It was the classic item that all Agents of the Cathedral carried. Lorenor looked upon the intricate handle of the weapon. It was clearly meant more for decoration than for use in battle, the thing was just too ornate. The handle was well encrusted with rubies, sapphires and other precious gems. The leather was from some beast that Lorenor didn't recognize for it had a strange pattern about it. The blade was made of Damascus and resembled a small dagger.

Upon the blade were the symbols and markings of a full fledged agents. All of the gathered Agents clapped as Lorenor completed his initiation into the Cathedral ranks. Lorenor took the object into his possessions and nodded with respect towards the fellow Agent.

"Now in the Halls of St. Denebriel herself, we can begin your career. Keep the teachings of Virtue and Strength into your heart always, Lorenor. And remember, should you accept this mission you agree that you are bound to the laws of the Church." Lev began. "If you are caught or incapacitated in anyway the Church will disavow knowledge of your existence and there will be no one that comes for you. You will be left on your own. Do you understand this Agent Lorenor?" The ghoul nodded. "I do and I accept the terms therein." The ghoul said and now his ties to St. Denebriel were formalized. The ghoul listened to the rest of the speech and prepared for his next job.

"Your mission should you choose to accept it..."

And so began the legend of the dark hero.

The End.

************Spoils Request******************

001--5,000 Gold. Awarded by the Cathedral for the completion of such a dangerous mission. (Note: I'll take any necessary exp deduction for this gold reward, I just want my gold I'm saving up for something big later on)

002--Ornate Cathedral Dagger. Decoration. Not Sellable. Blade is made of Damascus but the Dagger is not suitable for combat. It is an item of prestige and influence. All official Agents of the Cathedral bare such a Dagger in their possessions.

003--Senchen's Sword. A Masterwork Damascus Longsword. The handle is also of Masterwork quality. Not sellable. This weapon was lifted off of Senchen's body. Comes with an ornate Scabbard and is worn at Lorenor's back. (The same as my gold reward. I'll take any necessary EXP reduction for the Masterwork quality of this weapon)

[Call me J]

Total Score- 60

Lorenor, I liked this thread a great deal. It had its flaws, but even so, I really enjoyed it.

• STORY ~ 18/30

Continuity (8) ~ This was very strong for you. Every thread of yours seems like another chapter in a grand plot. Well done.

Setting (6) ~ I liked the way you worked in the Corone Civil War, but your character seemed to be really unaffected by the violence.

Pacing (4) ~ You need to find a happy medium between providing information and progressing the plot.

• CHARACTER ~ 17/30

Dialogue (6) ~ Try to make spoken dialogue sound more like speech.

Action (4) ~ You tell me a lot of great things about your character, but you rarely show them. If you’d let the readers catch up on Lorenor’s conflicts through his actions, this would read much smoother and make the reader love your thread that much more.

Persona (7) ~ I really liked the conflict that you created here between Lorenor’s two deities.

• WRITING STYLE ~ 19/30

Mechanics (5) ~ There were a few silly errors in here I know you can fix.

Technique (7) ~ Great imagery.

Clarity (7) ~ This was much better than some of the group quests I’ve seen you in as far as clarity is concerned.

• Wild Card (6) ~ This was mostly a strong thread, and I was impressed with your hardwork and dedication.

Spoils

Lorenor, I like this thread, but unfortunately, I cannot award as much GP as you want. I have given you a severe cut in EXP as it is, and even then, I only feel justified in giving you half the GP you asked.

Mutant_Lorenor receives 900 EXP, 2500 GP, the dagger and the masterwork sword.

[Karuka]

EXP/GP added! Mutant Lorenor levels up!