Unforeseen interference

I still don’t understand. No matter what archives I search, nor what libraries I scour, there’s no information on the Burrows. It’s like they burned all the books and hid all the info! You’re telling me we have volumes on the mating habits of rabbits, but not a single page on the thing that crushed our army!? This is madness, and I will not stand for it! I don’t know what the Council is doing, and frankly I don’t care. History may be written by the victors, but that won’t stop this historian from sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong! Now to find myself a way to get thrown into the Burrows…

Might as well assault a noble while I’m at it.

- Jullianus Retan research notes.

The coachman closed the door with an audible click, locking me inside this place of luxury.

Smooth black wood reflected the red hue of the small crystal mounted in its painted ceiling, sunlight strangely absent as a wispy darkness covered all windows. I sat down on the thickly cushioned bench, enjoying the feeling as my head sank into the padded wall, the human chatter outside but a distant rumble. Gob took the opposite bench, laying flat out with his tail tucked between his leg, head resting on an embroidered pillow. Shortly after a sharp whipping sound was made, my body slightly lurching forward as horses neighed in defiance. Slowly, the room began to shake, Gob’s voice breaking the emerging clip-clops coming from outside. “I’ll give that Envy bitch one thing, Boss. She sure has a comfy coach.”

“That it is, Gob. That it is.”

Time ticked by as we enjoyed our ride of luxury in silence, the rhythmic bumps of the carriage dampened by some unknown means. I stifled an upcoming yawn as boredom took over, my mind wandering to the shadow covered windows. Maybe I can see Redgate again. I reached my hands towards the rolling darkness, surprised to find it cold and wet to the touch. I pushed inwards, fingers easily sliding in as if it were mere water. Icy cold and… furry!? I quickly pulled my hand backwards as something coarse brushed against my skin. The darkness didn’t even ripple at the sudden motion, it simply stood there undisturbed. My hand seemed fine, fingers still intact and dry, albeit lightly shaking from the experience.

“Be careful, Boss.” I turned to find Gob snuggled into his cushion, one blazing eye intensely focused on the rolling darkness. “I don’t know how many Sins that bitch has acquired, but I guess at the very least three.” I shivered at the information. “How else would she maintain such a darkness spell during the day. That requires some decent Pride, Boss.” I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable, maybe meeting Adeline Kendall wasn’t such a good idea? “Don’t worry, Boss.” Gob gave me his trademark grin. “She’s still shy of all six, let alone mastering them.” He began to tap his nose. “Besides, I can smell true Pride from miles away, Boss. Its rather distinctive.” That’s right, no need to panic. I’ve got mister eclipse the sun when grumpy on my side. What could go wrong?

…

Maybe I should go back.

Not that I was going to display my inner turmoil, Gob would pounce on my insecurities like a druggie finding a hidden stash of jolt. So I simply sat back, my tension slowly drifting away as I sank into the comfy interior once more, the distant sounds of human chatter calming my mind. I really want to see the outside again. “Any chance of removing this darkness, Gob?”

The demon lazily opened a single eye. “With the collar, Boss? No chance.” I made a deep sigh, only to find Gob sitting upright, his wings softly flapping. “But if you say the magic words… that’s a different story altogether, Boss.”

“It’s fine for now,” I said as I closed my eyes, hearing the sounds of the capital all around me. Merchants haggled whilst others shouted. People ran, cheered, celebrated, and much more. Kids screeched, horses neighed, and wagons creaked. The sounds didn’t differ from the Burrows main street, and yet it was worlds apart. That was there, and this is here. One my prison, the other my freedom. I wonder if Redgate still looks the same? I tried to pierce the darkness, hoping to catch a glimpse of the outside. The true outside. Ten long years…

“Boss?”

And an eternity with this guy. “What is it, Gob?”

“Is there a reason why you’ve been clutching that dagger and locket?” I opened my eyes, finding my right hand firmly clenching the steel dagger whilst my left softly held the locket. Old habits. “Don’t get me wrong, Boss,” the demon said as he waved his hands. “I’m all for stabbing that envious bitch. Though I suggest waiting till you’re a bit stronger.”

I raised my eyebrow. “A bit?”

Gob placed his hand below his chin as he briefly inspected me.“My mistake, Boss. Make that a lot. A lot, lot.”

“Thank you, oh magnificent dispenser of knowledge. How would this lowly one ever get by without your continuous nuggets of indispensable wisdom? Surely, I would stumble within the darkness of stupidity, were it not for this shining beacon of intelligence before me.”

“Oh stop it, you,” Gob said with a girly voice as he covered his hands covered his cheeks. “Your making me blush, Boss.” He didn’t lie, his pale cheeks were actually flushing red. I contracted with a blushing male demon, maybe I should kill myself? “If-if it’s you, Boss,” Gob said as he squirmed in his seat, tail slowly coiling around himself. “I don’t mind giving you my first time…” Definitely killing myself.

Gob’s charade immediately vanished as I placed the knife’s point against my throat, a big toothy smile now plastered on his face. “So that’s what the knife was for, Boss. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

This guy. I sheathed the dagger as I answered his question, “Cause you were making stupid remarks.”

This luxurious carriage was beginning to feel suffocating with this nuisance. “You know that weapon I was holding int the closet?” I tapped the leather sheath. “This is it.”

Gob’s eyes began giving off a dangerous sparkle. “That’s quite a bit of history in one little dagger, Boss.” His gaze shifted towards the necklace. “Now I’m even more curious about that locket.”

“I’ll tell you, if you answer a question of mine.”

“Sure, Boss.”

I opened the locket, revealing the spinning needle within. “It’s a tracking device attuned to my mother’s mana.” Gob wanted to say something, but I stopped him. “And yes, I know it’s spinning wildly. That just means they managed to block the signal. But as long as it spins, I’ll know that she’s still alive.”

Gob slunk back into his own side of the cushions. “Handy little gadget, Boss.”

“Expensive little gadget,” I said, mirroring his actions. “But enough about that. Now it’s my turn.”

Gob giggled. “You do know I promised to answer a question, not the next question, Boss?”

“I know, I know.” I closed the locket again, tucking it back into my rags. “Not gonna pry into that Collar thing of yours. I know you like your secrets.”

Gob nodded. “Glad you understand, Boss.”

“Can you at least tell me why I still rapidly recover my mana?” Gob seemed confused. “You know, with me having to maintain your corporeal body, and all that?”

“You didn’t know, Boss?”

“Know what?”

“Our souls are linked through the Contract.” He waited a bit, but continued after I gave no reaction. “So that means our souls are bound to the same plane.” Gob poked through his skin, black blood slowly trickling through the opening. “See, Boss? Actual flesh and blood, not some construct made of mana. No need to maintain anything, Boss.”

“That does explain a lot,” I said as I immersed myself further into the thick cushions. So that’s why captains can have their demons out at all times…

Wait.

Doesn’t this mean that I’m a captain, not a lieutenant?

…

The next proving will be the end of me.

I contemplated possible ways to survive the inevitable, happy nonetheless. I had ample amounts of times to train and prepare, it would probably be decades before I returned to the Burrows. Or maybe I should forfeit all matches? I can always fight my way up later. I relaxed in this sea of time, enjoying the rhythmic bumps of the road as time passed me by.

A sharp nail poked my leg. “Boss.”

I turned towards the source of the irritation. “What is it now, Gob?”

“The carriage stopped moving, Boss,” Gob said as as an audible click came from the door. It swung open to reveal four hooded figures, armed with a simple sword and unmarked leather armor, their faces obscured by the same wispy darkness covering our windows.

“Marcus Ashwood?” a male voice asked.

“That’s me,” I replied, stepping out of the carriage. I found myself standing on cold stone, brick and mortar lining the floor of the massive enclosed courtyard around me. The monotony of flat ground broken up by the ornately sculpted fountain adorning its center. Buildings several stories high encompassed the square yard, their countless windows filled with precious glass. How did they pay for all this?

There was a sharp inhuman screech behind me as the figures grabbed the hilts of their swords. I dashed forward, before turning around. A lone Gob casually hopped out of the coach, his arm covered in black blood. He looked towards the shadows rolling around the carriage as the same substance began seeping from the windows. Gob made a satisfied grunt as he addressed me. “Told you, Boss. The next Envy demon I saw would be stabbed.” He lapped up some of the blood with his long black tongue, teeth stained black as he smiled at unknown party. “And so I did.”

I quickly interposed myself as swords were pulled from their scabbards. “He’s with me! He’s with me!” They seemed to hesitate, their weapons halted within their sheaths. “This would be Gob,” I hastily introduced. “The one I Contracted with.”

The front guard warily inspected the grinning demon, before giving a nod. “He fits the description.” I froze as weapons were sheathed, surprised by the cold chill running up my spine. I could feel their gazes on me, the front man’s tone promising death and retribution. “Though next time you harm the Lady’s vassals, we will not be so merciful.” They turned around, leaving a single command in their wake. “Follow.”

I quickly did as I was told, pulling Gob along by his ear. “Ouch, ow ow, not the ear, Boss. Not the ears!” I paid it no mind, and neither did our escorts, the demon’s complaints unanswered as we passed through empty hallways and corridors. Are we the only ones?

We went up several flights of stairs, the top floor lavishly decorated with statues and paintings depicting battles I’ve never even heard of. Not that I payed it too much attention, I was too busy enjoying the soft feeling beneath my feet. Whatever this red thing was, it was very pleasant to walk on. Sly’s father had a smaller one, he called it car… something, something. I need to get me one too.

The group stopped in front of a large, black double door, loudly knocking the wood three times. “Enter,” an aged voice replied. They opened them, ushering me in, before slamming it shut, leaving me and Gob alone in the room.

The chamber did not lose to the hallway in ornaments, what I presumed to be Cedian history adorned every aspect of its very being. Thick, red drapes were pulled aside, letting the sunlight stream in through the large glass window. The view of the courtyard obscured by a single figure, his back turned towards us as he gazed into the distance.

My vision swept across the room, till it settled on the person’s deep, blue cloak. I trembled, stitched on it’s back was the mark of the invader. A black battlement sporting an unadorned flag, stone walls surrounding it on both sides. A trap. My hand itched towards my hidden dagger as sweat began to drip down my neck. The door is guarded, and the window is blocked. I clenched the leather pommel as hard as I could, eyes darting around, looking for hidden enemies. I’ll run when Gob is Loose.

“So you gonna talk, or what?” Gob asked loudly. “At least hurry up, I need to take a piss.” My hand shot forward, slapping Gob in the back of the head. “Ow!” Gob rubbed the hit skin, pale skin slowly turning darker. He looked at me, eyebrows furrowed. “What you do that for, Boss?”

I tried to lower my voice as much as I could, though it came out louder than I wanted to. “That’s Hadrian fucking Blackwall, you idiot.” I pointed at the person wearing the Blackwall coat of arms. “The damned Archduke of Greed.”

“Former Archduke of Greed,” the aged voice said. “I’m just a Duke now.” He turned around. “And you must be our new Warlock.”

The man of our nightmares, the holder of the wall, the unbreakable fortress, seemed tired. His golden hair had lost its sheen, whilst his bloodline’s famous bronze skin was but a dull color. The curse of age had finally taken hold on his physical features, evident by the little crowfeet wrinkling besides his brown eyes. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “Ely asked me to test you in her stead, she’s been swamped with work.” He looked out of the window once more. “This whole eclipse thing got people running around like headless chickens.” A few seconds passed, before he refocused his gaze on me. “But enough blabbering. Let me see you up close.”

My legs slowly shuffled across the room, muscles tense, waiting for the hidden dagger. Hadrian chuckled. “Still wary of assassins, are you?” He softly clapped his hands. “Good. A true warrior can never be too cautious.” I stopped, giving Hardrian a look of surprise. “What is it, boy? Can’t I praise you?” It just feels awkward. “Look, boy. I don’t hate you for being a rat. You didn’t kill my daughter, your superiors did.” I remained silent. “Me hating you would be like me hating another country’s soldiers during a war. They didn’t ask to fight us, yet here they are, killing our men.” He pointed a finger at me, a strong fire burning in his eyes. “Their officers shoulder the burden of my hostility, and I’ve already enacted vengeance upon yours.”

Salamander. I nodded, before making my way towards the imposing man, hand still tightly clutching the dagger’s grip. My feet stopped in front of this living legend, neck slightly craning upwards to look him in the eye. Conquer your fear in small steps. Maintain eye contact. It was not easy, my legs trembled under his scrutinizing gaze, body flinching as he prodded and poked my physique. “You’ve got some good muscles on you, and the scars to go with it.” He grabbed my chin, turning my head left and right. “Still can’t believe your only sixteen.”

“I can prove it, sir,” I managed to squeak out. “The ink doesn’t lie.”

He let go. “No need to show me that barbaric custom. Good waste of skin, if you ask me.” He pointed at a nearby desk. “Grab yourself a chair, we have some things to discuss.”

Something pulled my rags, I looked to see Gob covering his lower regions, balancing from one leg onto another. “I really need to go, Boss. I can’t hold it much longer.”

“Guards!” Hadrian shouted. The doors promptly opened, four figures stepping in with swords in hand. Hadrian scoffed. “Put down your weapons, fools” He nudged at the skipping Gob. “And get this demon out of here, I don’t want him urinating all over the floor.” The guards quickly did as they were told, escorting Gob outside as they softly closed the door. Hadrian gave me a smile “Ely’s bunch are usually like that. A bit too paranoid.” He began moving towards the wooden desk. “Then again, she is the current spymaster.” I stumbled. “Haha, didn’t see that coming, now did you, boy?” This is bad. I sat down on the opposite site of the desk, the luxurious padding doing nothing to easy my distress. I’m being surrounded by all kinds of monsters.

Hadrian slid into his chair with a groan. “I’m getting too old for this.” As he settled in, an empty arm sleeve slid out of his cloak. Why no replacement? “Armless Hadrian that interesting?” I quickly straightened up, gaze fixated forwards. A predatory grin spread on his face. “Don’t worry, pup. I wear it as a mark of pride.” He removed the cloak, the missing right arm now glaringly obvious. “Is see your burning with curiosity. Spit it out, boy”

I swallowed, my voice feeling dry as I spoke, “Why not replace it?”

"See this?” Hadrian asked, pointing at the emerging wrinkles on his face. “The aging has finally begun. I’ll be lucky to get another twenty years of life.” He sat back in his chair. “Though I should consider myself lucky for having reached the ripe age of one hundred and thirty.” He picked up the armless sleeve. “Learning to manifest my affinities as an arm is no easy task, kid. Chances are, I’ll be dead by then.” I opened my mouth. “And no. No regrowing with Life magic, nor grafting with Death magic.” He patted the stump beneath his clothing. “This is both a mark of shame, and a mark of victory.” He gazed into the distance. “For letting my ego kill countless of men.” Only to fixate on me. “And for killing the strongest warrior I’ve ever faced.”

“How did he die?” I asked, the words slipping past my lips without hesitation.

Hadrian’s face scrunched up. “Miserably.” His eyes grew distant once more. “Through no fault of his own.” I waited in silence, letting Hadrian do the talking. “I was surrounded, my guards were dead, and my hope for revenge crushed. Then out comes Salamander, calling back his troops. That cock sure attitude of his as he challenged me to a one on one fight .” Hadrian made a deep sigh. “I was overjoyed, the chance to avenge my daughter was within reach. So I took it, and took it I did.” His hands slowly edges towards the armless sleeve. “We fought a brutal battle, Salamder’s strength and skill clearly outmatching my own. All I could do was avoid dying, not able to get a single good strike in.” He clutched the stump on his arm. “When I lost my arm, I though it was all over. I could only wait for the final blow.” His voice began to tremble with rage. “And then Salamander froze. Coughing up blood by the mouthful. I took my chance and cut of his head, using your laws to escape that death trap.”

“Poison…” I murmured, my voice lingering. Salamander was done in by fucking poison!

“Whatever it was, it saved my life and gave me my revenge,” Hadrian said. “Is what I like to say. But the truth is but a hollow victory, and a dead daughter buried in my crypt.” Hadrian shook his head. “No matter, this concerns you as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“With Salamander gone, a war between the four gangs is inevitable. We’ll let them slug it out, and sweep up what’s left of them.” His voice was now resolute. “And no more peasant soldiers. This time we will bring our full strength to bear. Let us see how they fare against Cedia’s finest.” Hadrian gave me a knowing smile. “Be glad you jumped ship when you did, kid. Had you waited another year, you, and the Burrows, would be nothing more than a bad memory.”

Well shit.