"I have seen countless lives destroyed by the Dark One's corruption," Wilhelm began, "It makes me proud to be here on this day as the final piece holding his darkness bound to this world will be returned to its rightful realm. Tristan, you are the wisest of all Emperors and Kings before you. You have chosen to send the cursed blade into the depths of Hell's Gate." Wilhelm stood to Tristan Skragg's side, one hand on the young emperor's right shoulder. He looked upon his emperor's face with content. A smile spread wide across the ageless man's face, "Your father, Renuvian, would have been so very proud to see how much you have matured over the past few years. I am honored that you have chosen us for your Godsend Council, and kept us as your personal guides for the future days to come!"
Tristan decided that it was time to cast away the weapon that was corrupting his soul. He gathered his Godsend Generals, his wife Tynsei, and his new friend and fellow Gothic Lord Lucas Ironwing for the banishment ceremony. There, they stood in a half circle around a single focal point, a large waist-high stone pedestal where an abundance of ancient chains lay on the floor, cut by flame. Thousands of archaic inscriptions were etched into the stone, written in an language long since extinct. In his hands was the cursed sword, God's Bane.
"This sword has already claimed the lives of millions, and the souls of thousands. It is time for this obscene relic of the past to be locked away, and to never be disturbed again." Tristan stepped forward with God's Bane. "By my order as Emperor of Dephire and descendant of the Archangel of Light, I banish you back to the hellish depths from whence you came!" He held the sword in his hands as he approached the pedestal, blade to hilt. An aura of darkness pulsed from the blade itself. God's Bane had become an extension of Tristan, as if it were a part of his body. He grasped it by the hilt and lifted the massive sword above his head. "I banish you back to Hell!" Tristan thrust the blade deep into the pedestal.
A powerful, overwhelming flash of light exploded from the pedestal, forcing Tristan to retreat several steps back and causing everyone to protect their eyes. "You will come back for me, Emperor! You will come crawling back to me, begging for forgiveness! You will be desiring my power once more, craving it!" The voice came from the sword. It was no whisper as before, but boomed throughout the room. The voice of the Dark One. The voice of the Old Dephirian God, Serizül.
"I care not for your corrupting power!" Tristan shouted back at the voice, "You will have no Dephirian for a master!" He turned away, walking towards the exit for the chamber. The rest of the group proceeded to follow.
"You are wrong, Tristan. The time will come when all hope has been nearly lost. A time where you are surrounded by enemies and need my assistance... You will desire my power and call out to me. They always come back for me!" Serizül shouted as the doors shut behind them.
Wilhelm watched as two guardsmen sealed the thick blast doors, "What are your orders, Emperor?" He asked, but knew the answer already.
"Purge this world of that defile artifact's existence." Tristan commanded through barred teeth.
"Yes, my lord." He turned to the guards, "Flood the chamber!"
The guards immediately finished locking the doors, sealing them permanently. Once the task was done, they went to two separate consoles, one on either side of the door. Green lights above each console indicated that the door was completely sealed. They took out small keys and inserted them into their respected consoles, each give a firm twist. A button appeared at each console, which both guards pressed simultaneously. Inside the chamber, the stone pedestal was released from the pneumatic platform that had been built beneath it. It fell down a long cylindrical shaft several hundred feet down. The guards received one final indicator light and one last button revealed itself. They looked to the emperor for final confirmation.
"Do it," Tristan's words would have sounded cold if they were intended for a person. This execution was for a curse.
"So ends the chapter of God's Bane, Slayer and Prison of the Old God," Jane Romanov said under her breath. The guards nodded in unison and pressed the buttons before them. Within a matter of moments, the entire chamber they had all just been standing in a few minutes before flooded with molten metal. The metal splashed to and fro as it flowed from the foundries. It filled the shaft and then filled the chamber.
"Let this day be of celebration and not of mourning," Minera Volthe spoke sullenly and as if adding sarcasm to her words.
"I concur, Minera," Wilhelm smiled, though he judged that he was the only person in the entire group that was cheerful.
Darius was puzzled by the man's cheerful mood, "Please tell me you are sober."
"No, Stormsurge. I will be accompanying Lord Ironwing to Havensky territory later today. It is my hopes that I get to visit Lady Raven!" Wilhelm boasted it proudly, but found Ironwing's raised eyebrow to come as some disturbance. "To discuss some science hodge podge that no one here would be interested in hearing about." Wilhelm was smiling as he talked, but was slightly flushed in the face.
"You seem overly infatuated with this girl, Wilhelm. Do not try to push too hard, you may get hurt. I would hate to see your heart broken, again." Jane's tone seemed cold as ice as she warned the ageless man.
"Hurt?" Wilhelm laughed, "I can't be hurt by anyone who shares a mutual fascination with science! Besides, it's just to discuss more about this reaper tech..." He shied away, trying to hide his face from the group.
"Right... Remember that Taozian girl? You said the same thing, but you did not leave your bed for weeks, claiming that she crushed your heart!" Darius chuckled as he quickly moved around so that he could see Wilhelm's reaction.
"She said that my research into cybernetics was one step closer to playing God, and that we humans shouldn't mettle in such affairs!" Wilhelm said defensively.
"What of the time I turned you down when you asked to buy me a drink?" Jane's eyebrow raised, "We heard you weeping like a baby every time I walked passed you for weeks. It was quite pathetic."
"M-My eye implant was shorting out! Sending those static charges in my skull causes great pain! It was pure torture!" Wilhelm pleaded.
"Oh quit it," Tristan chimed in, "Let the man enjoy the ideas of having a symbolic companion. As always, though, do be careful not to try asking for her hand in marriage before buying her dinner. Just because she helps stimulate your mind does not mean she is wanting some sort of long term relationship outside being simply friends. Plus," He looked to Ironwing and winked, "I am sure she doesn't want a man holding her back. Being in a relationship can sometimes take time away from other things, especially in the case of Lady Raven."
"B-but... Oh come on, you told him about the dinner thing?" Wilhelm turned to Jane. He tried to say something to Tristan, but no words came. His emperor was right, that was definitely a silly plan. He's first ask Lady Raven to dinner...
"Normally, I'd threaten you with a cold and painful death if you broke the heart of one of my knights.. but - with all do respect - it's not you I'm worried about," Ironwing said with a sly smile. He had seen many a young man with their hearts broke. He could see the signs.
Wilhelm withdrew slightly at Ironwing's words, but Jane continued to poke fun at him."What? You just met me and were drunk off your ass." She laughed and quietly said to Ironwing, "This was twenty years ago, and yet I can still embarrass the man."
"Well, I have certainly seen a whole new side to all of you." Lucas Ironwing smiled, "It is like you are all some great big extended family!"
"That is right!" Minera beamed, "You see, Tristan and my older brother were best friends when they were kids. Jane and Wilhelm were in the Godsend Council that Tristan's dad was in way back. Darius over here," she grabbed Stormsurge's arm, "Is new to the bunch, but he is like a brother to myself and Tristan. The only person missing is Ki'lan!" She smiled, but then had an expression as if she had a sudden moment of realization, "Tristan, where is Ki'lan?"
Tristan also had a brief moment of confusion and looked at Wilhelm, who looked back at him, "I am not sure, Minera. I sent him to Galva for further training. I should of punished him for defying an order, but I could not do that. Now that you have mentioned it, I am afraid that I haven't heard from him in weeks, which really did not seem surprising to me as I am kind of used to it. Did you hear anything, Wilhelm?"
Wilhelm asked Colossus and was troubled with the response, "Colossus and his Slayer network have no trace on Godsend General Ki'lan. Perhaps he is underground somewhere?"
"Perhaps," Tristan pondered a moment, "Well, in any case, we should head away from this chamber. Starting to give me bad vibes."
"Wait," Minera stood still for a moment, "Tell me this was not the only reason you summoned your council here." She gestured to the sealed chamber.
Tristan sighed, "You are quite astute, I will give you that," Tristan turned to her as he spoke. "We have much to prepare over the next several months before the event begins."
"Event? What event? I didn't see any events posted on the Godsend calendar!" She produced a small tablet and looked over events for the next six months.
"Expansion," Darius spoke the single word, "It has been ages since Dephire has looked beyond its own borders for land and resources. Ours are not so plentiful anymore. Our people need more land or else we will eventually starve out. Colossus has been gathering data and has found the lands in Varathron to be mostly untouched. It is there that we are looking to start expanding."
"Oh, do we mean to declare war?" Minera asked kindly.
"No, we will not wage war against the protectorate of Gholgoth. There are millions of square miles left untouched and unclaimed by any nation. The amount of untapped resources in that region of the world is outstanding. It would be in the best interest of Dephire and her allies to extend an arm into those lands so that we could claim them for our own." Jane tried to explain it from a political perspective.
"Why was I not informed? I am part of the council, am I not?" Minera was sounded as if her feelings had been hurt.
"You did not need to know until now, Minera. There were things that I had to verify through the other branches before consulting you. All landing zones would be uninhabited. There will be no conflicts brought about. No native populations that we know of would be present. I apologize if I have upset you, but I wanted to be absolutely sure before details were produced and orders given." Tristan had moved his way towards Minera, and now stood directly in front of her.
She glared into his eyes as hurt turned to anger, "I am not my brother, Tristan. As I am no longer a kid you have to babysit. I am your General of the Army. Use me... Nay, order me as you wish!" She stood erect, but still six inches shorter than Tristan while wearing the armored suit.
Tynsei gingerly placed her hand on the girl's shoulder, "Tristan did not mean anything by what he said, nor did the other members of the council. We are aware of your experiences and differences between yourself and Menias. It is because of these differences that Tristan would rather have all of the facts and details put together before presenting the orders to you. This was to ensure we could make the move without fault."
Minera's eyes lowered to the floor, "I am sorry. Thank you all for considering my feelings in the matter."
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Minera. For now, please let us have some lunch." Wilhelm smiled and lead the party towards the dining halls.
Lunch was served in one of the many great dining halls of the old citadel. Seared ash boar, seasoned with spices from the southeast coastlines, gave off a euphoric aroma throughout the room. When one would take a bite of the meat, they would taste a savory mixture of mild heat and earthy flavors. Alongside the main dish were many trays of roasted vegetables and freshly picked fruits. Placed sparingly were smaller trays of desserts. The entire display was breathtaking to say the least. Lucas Ironwing's eyes seemed to dart from one tray of food to the next, unsure of which to try first, looking up to his hosts for some guidance.
Wilhelm noticed the man's seemingly overwhelmed expression, "Please help yourself, Lord Ironwing. Yes, the amount may seem excessive, but most of it will be given to those in need. Though, I know second-hand food is never the same and can be selfish, we try not to over indulge when those who are hungry could also have a meal..."
Ironwing, feeling a bit more informal amongst the group took a small bite of ash boar. "No need to explain. I am just taken back by how the size of this feast. And I thought Texans were the only ones who laid out a big spread. I try to cook different kinds of meals at home, but I've never seen some of these dishes. Some of these are downright inspiring."
"We have much to still learn from one another. Your new lands in Gholgoth will be an exciting new chapter for Havensky." Tynsei took a moment to sip on some water. "Dephire is willing to go through leaps and bounds to assist in any way possible in establishing a safe home here in Gholgoth. I am sure once we have helped create a seaport in your new coast, a more permanent trade route can open up between us and more doors open."
"That would make the Skyan people very happy indeed. We think the Citadel Port will be ready in a few weeks. Then the matter of establishing safe passage routes and all that. But first, tell me what this dish is.. It's a little like pork, but more... more.. gamey? But in a good way!" Ironwing asked politely. Admittedly, he wished to discuss the matters of state at a later time. The recent activities and the sheer sight of a demon's soul has left him exhausted.
"This meal is of ash boar, which gets its namesake from its ash colored skin. Our ancestors believed that when Mount Viruzeal erupted for the final time, all life was covered in a thick layer of ash. This layer of ash was carried on through generations and the people, animals, and plants were born as if from the ash. What is fascinating is that our people gained a recessive trait in our genetics that can give those born from the northern tribes' ancestory a similar color." Tristan provided the small excerpt of information. "Those 'blessed' with this trait, but not born of the color, tend to have markings on their body. Both Tynsei and myself have such marks, though you cannot see them on me with this blackened flesh..." He chuckled lightly.
"Ah," Ironwing glanced to the black flesh that Tristan referred to. "Forgive me, but can I ask how your skin changed?"
"This was my price paid to the Dark One in order to free Dephire from Vega's rule. It is unusual the circumstances for my corrupted body. Vega was fully possessed by Serizül and forced to serve under his will. In order to defeat Vega, however, I had to literally take God's Bane from his cold dead hands and use it to finally release Vega from its hold on his soul. The blade was used by my ancestor, Scythis, to kill the Dark One. It is the Dark One's soul that is imprisoned in the blade. With Vega slain, I became the new slave to God's Bane. You asked me long ago if I kept God's Bane by my side as a means to protect my family. Your words stuck in my mind that day. I realized that my personal image to the world must have been that of a boy using a crutch as a means to get respect. Your harsh words opened my eyes to what the outside world saw of me, and how the world may truly feel about Dephire. It was your bold question which lead me to a new path of redemption." Tristan sipped at the cold wine before him.
Ironwing looked down to his plate. "Tell me, Tristan, what all have you really done to redeem yourself to the world? Locking away that sword is one thing, but people have long memories and short tempers. Textbook history, much of which you revealed to me that day in the study. At first I thought you were a misunderstood young man, but recent events has caused me to wonder... who are you really?"
"I understand your reservations, Lucas. If I were in your position, I would question every move I make." Tristan took a small bite of boar, chewing it thoroughly before swallowing it softly.
Ironwing sighed, "This campaign of yours. What is its true purpose? Why must you seek lands beyond your region's borders? From an outside perspective, it makes no sense. And while I don't have my wife's skill at diplomacy, my insitinct is the international community isn't going to understand it either. For one wanting to patch up your nation's poor reputation, this would do to the opposite."
"Those were the thoughts I once had myself. 'Why?' Such a simple question and yet the answer can never be further from the truth. My nation needs to expand. This is a non-negotiable term of contract for any large nation. The land we currently control has been ravaged by war for so long that it will soon be unable to sustain a growing population as large as Dephire's for too much longer. We must either expand or die. The lands of Varathron prove fitting for expansion as much of it would be free for the taking. Uninhabited, virgin land." Tristan spoke with confidence, though in a quite voice.
"Virgin lands that need a large military to settle?", asked Ironwing raising an eyebrow. "I mean, you're not even trying to hide it. I'm not even sure you could, I don't even need the satellites to see it's bigger than anything you've done before. Trust me, I had people checking the record books. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're building quite the force." Ironwing's tone was calm, but the tension in the room thickened.
"I want my people to be protected when we make the move to colonize Varathron, Lucas. If there are any threats to my people, then I will be prepared to unleash Hell. Furthermore, the Reich may make a move on the land. We know full well how they treat the lands they invade or the natives they come across. I want to be sure that Milograd was the last time they commit genocide." Tristan's eyes flared with intensity and his hands clenched into fists.
"Oh, I trust you.. I wasn't trying to accuse you of any wrong doing... just pointing it out how it looks. " Lucas sipped at his drink. "So, Wilhelm, I have not had the moment to thank you for your involvement with Operation Heartbreak. Jessica will want to thank you in person, but other matters have come up requiring her intention these days."
Wilhelm frowned as he remembered that day, "How is Lady Jessica?"
"Better. She's is the strongest person I know. When you visit Glitch..erm.. Lady Raven, you may have a chance running into her."
"I... I would not know what to say. I owe your wife my life." Wilhelm's eyes filled with sorrow and his gaze lowered to his plate. He had not ate anything, despite his overselling of the food.
"As she owes you hers. I owe you quite a debt for going deep into Norska to save my wife, Wilhelm. I know that spy craft is a dangerous role," Tristan's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened, eating another bite while watching Ironwing closely. Lucas turned his attention to Tristan, "We were greatly relieved to receive his information. It's alarming that we don't know what exactly the Reich wanted or what they were trying to accomplish. I... I am not sure that I would even want to know. I am just happy that my she's safe. I am thankful not to have to have any more worries on that front. Again, I thank you."
Tristan looked to Tynsei, who in return smiled, then he returned his eyes back to Lucas, "What was done is a crime against nature and humanity itself. I would think any just human being would have done the same were they in our position." He stood, but had to hold on to the table for support as a wave of dizziness swept over him. "I- !" He leaned forward, placing more of his weight against the table as he grapped at his chest, grimacing in pain.
"Tristan?!" Tynsei's eyes shot open and scrambled to her husband's side. The rest of the Godsend Council rose at once and came to his aid. "What is it?"
Tristan coughed violently into his napkin, then turned to his wife slowly, "Do not worry, my darling." He smiled to her, black liquid slowly gliding from the corner of his mouth and down along his chin before collapsing into her outstretched arms. She could feel his heart racing and tears welled in her eyes as she held her husband.
"Tristan..." Minera ran to his side, with Darius and Wilhelm just behind her. Jane and Ironwing rushed over, but could not assist the young man with the others in the way.
"Colossus, we need immediate medical assistance! The emperor is in trouble!" Wilhelm shouted.
"I sensed Tristan was in distress. Medical team is already en route. Tristan's vital signs do not indicate an immediate danger, but he may go into shock." The AI spoke through Wilhelm's power armor, a gift from Lady Raven.
"Is it poison, Colossus?" Ironwing asked as he examined Tristan's glass of wine.
"No..." His voice was faint, but Tristan managed to squeeze it out. "Withdrawal from... him..." The doors burst open as one of Wilhelm's medical units arrived with a stretcher. They were quick to get the emperor secured and left within moments of arriving.
"We will keep by his side," Tynsei informed the group, "He said this might happen. Come, Minera." Minera followed Tynsei as they followed the medical team. Wilhelm started to follow, but Jane placed her hand on his shoulder.
"We have this taken care of, Wilhelm. Go on to your rendezvous with Lady Raven." Jane spoke quietly to the emperor's second in command. "He would want you to protect our fellow brother." She gestured to Lucas.
Ironwing and Wilhelm both protested, but gave into her request. Wilhelm waved at Darius. "Come, Darius, let us escort Ironwing back to Havensky." He turned to Jane, "Keep me informed of Tristan's health."
"I will." She turned and began to try catching up to Tynsei, "Oh, and by the way... Give Lady Raven my best regards." She smiled wide and laughed as Wilhelm growled.
With the party now split, Wilhelm and Darius walked with Ironwing through the gloom that was Citadel Prime, one of the main keeps of Hell's Gate. Lucas was still mesmerized by the structures in the massive fortress city. It had the appearance of being built by purely black stone and metal. The citadel was ancient, but there was no signs of just how old it could truly be. From the perspective of an outsider, the citadel would be intimidating and fill them with dread. However, Lucas was more than a mere tourist. Lucas had seen his fair share of disturbing sights in his lifetime. He took a moment and reached out to feel one of the stone walls as they walked. It was cold as ice to the touch.
"Long ago, this citadel was home to Dephire's most feared and dreadful ruler of all time, the true Black King, Delthar. This citadel was carved from the remnants of the extinct volcano that Tristan spoke about during lunch, who's rock was blacker than darkness itself. I know how cliche that sounds. Evil usually is associated with black or darkness, but this held true when talking about Delthar. He was one piece of work. This whole city has been standing since his reign of terror ages ago. Many stories have been passed down saying that the city itself was reinforced by his black magic, to forever stand until his eventual return. Fascinating story, yes?" Darius saw Ironwing's fascination with the structures surrounding him. Wilhelm turned his head briefly to see that everyone was still keeping pace.
"Interesting... I'm surprised no one has tried to tear it all down after all of these years in order to rebuild it anew. It is a huge contrast between this city and the Temple, that is for sure!" Ironwing noticed Wilhelm slow his pace.
Wilhelm stopped mid-step, "We tried to once..." He pointed to the west. Ironwing walked over the the window and looked towards the horizon. At first, it was difficult to see anything as all he saw was what appeared to be a mountain range, but then he realized that it was not a mountain range at all, but the city's massive wall. His eyes then found the area Wilhelm was pointing to where a section was demolished. "That is the last scar from the war between Jonathan Vega and the Templar Order. There were dozens of similarly destroyed sections throughout that wall, but they have almost all been rebuilt by this city's people."
"Why would they do that?" Ironwing looked back to the Godsend.
"Even though a great evil came from this place long ago, the people have a new perspective for Hell's Gate since that war. Tristan saved the city from complete destruction. Since that fateful day, the people now feel this place to be a holy city as if it had been blessed by the Archangel's presence." Darius explained.
"I am sorry... Archangel?" Lucas sounded puzzled.
"Perhaps another time," Wilhelm smiled, "Our transportation to your airship is right this way."
