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[Isk]

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Chapter 5

Isk sat deep in contemplation, communing with the silent voice that swirled all about him. Tai had shown the newly reconstructed tavern to the alliance just minutes ago but now Isk sat alone. The dark spirit whispered to him like a lost friend, and he listened. It was such a simple thing, to listen, yet the others who possessed parts of the Hand of Evil found it impossible. Most were too busy dwelling upon what they thought was important that they failed to notice what was truly significant.

[Power]

Sometimes he wondered was that which he could sense that others could not, that which he imagined was important, also an illusion? Was there something higher, something greater? There must be. All roads simply led to another. His face, hidden behind an emotionless porcelain mask expressed deep concentration. A large black crow watched him patiently from a table at the edge of the Garden.

There was a sudden urgent sense of chaos, and all was silent. Isk opened his eyes, realizing someone was in the room with him. Reminiscence glanced around the tavern, a curious black cat following in her shadow. With delicate grace she approached the Magnate and sat down beside him, her midnight black hair settling on her shoulders as she gazed at the porcelain of Isk’s mask. With her cat prowling about the tavern Smogg’s wife began the conversation. Taking minutes to discuss non consequential things with Isk’s attention on his ally’s wife neither of them noticed the streak of blood flowing down from the table where a crow used to be. Reminiscence’s cat was having supper. As if fuelled by blood the idle conversation soon became darker. Reminiscence slid a series of notes along the table of the bar and Isk began to read them, his hands trembling slightly, a symptom of drug withdrawal.

“This is good” Isk stated as he read the woman’s plans. His eyes dilated as Isk absorbed the details of a ritual. It became evident that the ritual which the Cult of Infernal Necromancy had planned would lead towards a great deception. “I am blessed to have such dedicated allies” Reminiscence remained silent, she turned her head to find her cat, noticing it as the creature pulled a dead bird’s body towards her stool. “I wish to be present for this ritual”’

The necromancer’s wife nodded. She turned back to face Isk and presented a smile. “I have no doubt that the Leggings of Evil will come into the hands of the Cult when we put our plans into motion.”

Isk narrowed his eyes. “And from them it will come to me.”

Reminiscence tightened her lips, creating a pleasant appearance as she spoke in a softened voice “Of course, I have already discussed this with other members of the cult”

“Excellent. Though if I am betrayed there will be a price to pay” Isk lifted himself from his stool, a splash of blood landing on his boot from the bird’s carcass as the cat continued its meal. Sliding his foot Isk forced the cat to move out of the way. Reminiscence turned on the stool to give the Magnate a final response.

“I have no reason to betray anyone, Isk. Not even you”

Having finished the conversation Isk left the tavern. He would return home for a while, take his Utopia medication and with a clear mind he would visit Molly in the morning.

[Yes Isk, bate the trap.]

* * * * * *

Courage and honor are like a bridge. You never know their true strength until they are tested and then they either crumble or bear you across. Humanis belief states that the honor of elves is worthless, that they are creatures worse than rats, animals that can be trusted to do nothing but nibble on and wear down the foundations of society. But this particular elf had courage.

Isk glanced across the table at Molly, his body calmed by drugs. The dutches watched Isk cautiously as Ivy her defender stood nearby. Though his eyes were glazed Isk took charge of the conversation with absolute clarity. They conversed for a time concerning trivial things before the Magnate made his reason for the trip known. “Where are the leggings of evil?”

“Why would you need to know that?” Molly responded.

Isk decided against lies. He was going to be honest “It is my destiny to bring the pieces together. I know you have the leggings, I desire to see them” pausing for a moment Isk gave Ivy the once over before adding “I have no weapons with me and you have an armed guard. You need not be concerned.”

Molly agreed, her steel like expression did not show great concern for the prospect of showing off the artifact she claimed was hers to protect.

* * * * * *

The Leggings of Evil rested behind two nondescript chairs like a tossed article of clothing that had somehow escaped the wash bin. They were just as Kaigetsu had said, just as Isk remembered them to be. As a moth to a flame Isk hovered over the artifact. He knelt to touch it as Molly and her guard watched. It was a religious moment much like touching a god. Closing his eyes Isk took on the posture of prayer as the tranquility of the moment washed over him.

“You can not have them Isk” Molly said. “I will not let you”

[That dirty wench]

The moment was over, Isk lifted himself as the voice of Kaigetsu echoed in his mind for the second time.

[You should just kill her]




“I don’t intend to use violence” Isk stated to the voice only he could hear. Molly seemed surprised as if thinking that Isk spoke to her. The Magnate corrected himself “War is the tool of the unimaginative. I intend to use the Hand of Evil for the betterment of humanity”

[You are a killer Isk. Do not fool yourself]

Isk ignored the voice for now. “No matter what happens, Molly, destiny is at work. The artifacts will be in my possession sooner than you expect. Once I discover where the chest piece and the gorget are the time will come, none can stand against the will of prophecy.”

Molly who had previously been steel faced took on a worried appearance. The Magnate turned to her guard.

“You are not the only elf I have to speak with, Molly. There is another that claims to have a piece of the suit” giving Molly some time to digest this information Isk spoke to her guard “Guide me out of here, Ivy. I have seen and said my piece”

[Now we wait for the ritual]

[Angelique]

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Chapter 6


Angelique sits on the roof of Isk's private office. The twins sparring with thier old wooden shields and dull swords, Arella manipulating soap bubbles over Validus as he lays on his back, kicking and reaching for them with his chubby hands, tho she keeps them just out reach making him giggle and coo. Normally their mother would be much more attentive, but today as she sits in the garden with them her mind far away.

Her mind is wandering back in the past. Back when she was but a friend, perhaps even just a useful gypsy in Isk's mind. The threat of the curse she had laid over Artero for him and his wife, causing him to return Isk's helm. Oh, how proud she had been to have helped him, certain he would see her love for him.



But he didn't, he broke her heart by asking her to leave so he could be alone to celebrate with that damned helm.

She looks up over her children. That night had been so many years ago and yet it had set in motion all they had now. Life is good here, she has children she adores, a husband who will do anything for her, her grandfather and mother living near them. The four adults working together to raise the four children. Yet she had seen over the years the darkness of that damned helm, and now she was feeling it worm it's way into her family even more. The boys have been actively searching for it and the elven woman who stole it.

She makes her mind up, as she watches her children, she will not help Isk in his endevour, just the opposite. As she sits on the bench in the late morning sun, she devises a plan, the multitude of ways the gypsy will distract the Magnate and work to refocus his attention on her and the family and away from that evil helm. The helm is dark, and has no place in HER happy family.