Day 25

Molly St Clair

Days passed and Molly was losing her patience. A melancholy air weighed heavy on everyone’s shoulders and no one was doing anything about it. They all kept busy, but it was lethargic listless efforts. Nothing real was being done. All avoided looking at the Doors at all.

Even Warner had been a surprising letdown. The once ambitious man was distracted and his thoughts were shaded from her. She expected a move for power, but nothing substantial came out of the big man. He had half-heartedly led a couple of raids to the Vile Fields. That was it. More maintenance than an attempt to pull them out of a nosedive.

That was fine with the cool-eyed woman even if it was frustrating. She didn’t think that Warner was up for that job. Malachi was their leading man. He had the right type of charisma the Sixty needed. It was just a simple hope that maybe some competition might have woken the sword acolyte. Instead, they continued to isolate themselves in training. Action was needed and Molly realized that waiting was no longer an option.

I’ll need to force the issue, she thought while gritting her teeth. Taking on an active role wasn’t pleasant for her, but more than a nudge was needed here. I am going to have to give Malachi a real push. The Sixty can’t afford to languish like this!

Once Molly took on the initiative, the plan quickly formed in her head. It would take a team, but she was sure to succeed when it came together. All the key elements to inspire Malachi were easily at hand. Reprimand was hers to command and a reminder of duty would be inherent to the process. Hope, respect, and triumph would need to come from outside sources. That made the first order of business to be recruitment.

Debating Julia’s involvement would be a waste of time, they were a necessary piece before there was a plan. The acolyte of curses went to the shieldmaiden first. As expected, the tiny woman was doing training bouts. Molly watched from the sidelines and was, as always, impressed by how they dominated the battlefield. Their dark blue aura surged around them, making the air heavy where they stood. A boulder against all winds one moment and the storm itself in the next. Whatever the battlefield called for, Julia filled it.

A versatile woman, mused Molly. Strange to see a mouse become a lion… though, for this plan I need the mouse, not the lioness. When there was a pause in the bout, she swiftly injected herself before another could start.

“Julia, I need you,” stated the cool-eyed woman.

Blinking at the sudden appearance, the shieldmaiden replied, “Uhh, what for?”

“We need to have a Council meeting,” replied Molly. “I have an agenda in mind.”

“And that is? Not that I would deny we need one...”

“The deaths need to be addressed,” agreed Molly mildly. “Primarily, my concern is Malachi. His leadership is essential and we can no longer wait for him. His brooding must come to an end.”

“Yeah, I’m right there with you,” said Julia with an edge of distress. “If you think you know a way, then I’m with you. He won’t… let me in. Just stares in the distance and blames himself.”

“I do, and it will work,” assured the cool-eyed woman. “Meet me at the lobby, we will need to acquire some tables and chairs. Do you know where Clarissa is?”

“Why do we need tables and chairs? Aren’t we going to meet at the same place?”

“Explaining would waste time when we can no longer afford. To quiet your concern let me end it at, we’ll be moving them and I ask again, where is Clarissa? The range?”

“Uh, yes, there. She’s doing a “death training” mini-session for the other archers.”

“Excellent,” offered Molly before departing for the range. Puzzled, Julia watched her depart, but didn’t follow to the cool-eyed woman’s relief. She fully expected to be burnt out on people before the end of the day. Maybe before her work was done if they gave her trouble. Of course, they would deserve her spell-wrought wrath in that case.

She entered the range and was greeted with a booming, “HEY! What did I say!? NO ONE GETS TO USE AN ARROW TODAY!” The voice added in a sleaze tone, “And not one of ya gets to leave until you hit a target! Then maybe not anyway if I don’t like the RESULTS! SHOW ME SOME POWER PEOPLE!”

Every person that had picked up a bow was there. Clarissa marched back and forth roaring. Sometimes encouragement, sometimes insults. The archers themselves seemed to be concentrating on calling forth an arrow of pure Mana. Molly’s sharp scan found that only the archer Amiyah was finding any success.

“Hey, spooky!” called out Clarissa. “Whatcha doing here? Thinking of picking up archery?”

“Do not call me that,” glared Molly. She paused to make sure the point was made, but the redhead’s grin didn’t flutter at all. My irritation is unfortunately her goal… she realized. “I am calling the Council together. Our lack of action is no longer tolerable.”

“So, you got some plan to knock Malachi out of his funk before everyone foolishly follows the next person to offer leadership?” asked Clarissa with a smirk. “Which would be Warner and then we’d all be damned.”

The acolyte of curses blinked in surprise and reminded herself not to underestimate the devil with a grin. “Yes, can you be pulled away and meet me in the lobby shortly?” asked Molly, doing her best to just move along despite the redhead grinning harder.

“O’ yeah,” smiled Clarissa. “Just let me put the fear of god in ‘em and I’ll be out there.” Without waiting for a response, the archer commander moved to her students with a wicked grin. “Alright, ya’ll, the Council duty calls me, but that doesn’t mean you get to slack it up. Keep going strong, Or, well you remember the last time you disappointed me…”

Shaking her head, Molly left the range before the world got any weirder. The redhead had some strange effect on reality and the cool-eyed woman wasn’t a fan of being under its influence. She didn’t exactly flee the scene, but her pace was a little faster.

The next few people were easier to pick up. Reuben was eager to scout more, Vincent was restless, Phelain was ever willing to help out, and Harken was worried about Malachi’s well-being. Each agreed to gather in the lobby for the next step. Of the formal Council members, only Warner was left, but Molly wanted to bring in another person before approaching him. She believed that Damian if he could be persuaded, would fit a needed role in their leadership. The friendship that the obsidian acolyte had with Malachi was a reason to bring him in now.

“You want me to join a council meeting?” asked Damian as he peered through the crack of his door.

“Yes, your expertise in Mana would have gained you a seat regardless, but today I am hoping for your aid with Malachi,” explained Molly. “You two have had friendly relations, and he must recover from his current mood. The Sixty rely on him.”

“O’ good, you have a plan to fix things,” smiled Damian with a hint of relief. “I knew something was wrong, but had no idea what to try. What should I do?”

Molly gave him a tiny smile for the eager desire to help. “I believe your presence alone will be enough.”

“Hmm, that seems really easy…” considered Damian with a tilt of his head. “Could it be that simple? Some movies and books have suggested that… so is that it?”

“Yes,” confirmed the cool-eyed woman. “Join the others in the lobby. I will be along shortly with the last of us.”

They parted with Damian assuring her he would head out soon. She decided not to press a sense of haste, as Warner’s invitation could be troublesome. Finding the brawler wouldn’t be hard as Molly knew exactly where the brash man spent his time. When not in the tunnels, he would be in the main training room offering advice and occasionally taking part. The position was already confirmed too. They had both noted each other when the acolyte came for Julia and Clarissa. It may have been a waste of time to put it off till last, but it was of her opinion that ignoring the big man would ignite his curiosity. That would make getting his agreement to the plan a lot easier.

The moment she returned to the training room, Molly felt Warner’s eyes find her. There was an expectant heat that deepened as they came closer together. Questions darted about deep dark eyes as he tried to understand her. She had the same trouble with him. A division between desire and ambition. For Molly, who sometimes worried about her coldness, picking ambition wasn’t a hard choice. The tension of attraction was just a distraction to step past. There was work to be done.

Warner’s attention on the bouts and training completely disappeared when she drew near. Stood there silently waiting for her. It seemed clear to Molly that he suspected something and was expecting to be informed. A spike of rebel bloomed strong enough that she twitched with the need to turn away and leave the brawler out of this.

Of course, I can not do that, she frowned. That would just be contrary and unproductive.

The walk was short, but each step felt too long. Ever since that voice had whispered in her ear, turmoil had risen in her thoughts. Warner stood as the cause of that division. A loss of focus for the purpose chosen by her. The normal debates rose and fell like a storm gathering power. She wanted to concentrate on the Sixty, but the big man was a pleasant distraction.

She watched the ripples of his face as they calculated and guessed at her purpose. It was an aspect about Warner that Molly liked, pretty and a pensive soul. The desire to see more of him was strong, but her sense of duty was stronger. By the time she arrived, her mind was as tranquil as the mask on her face. All was calm and cool.

“I am calling a meeting of the Council,” stated Molly, holding eye contact. “It is time to move forward.”

“Alright, how ya plan on doin’ that?” pushed Warner. There was a burr hidden in his tone. Sharp and restrained. “Folk seem pretty willin’ to lay low in this puddle.”

“Regardless of their intentions, we need to get moving again before all momentum is lost,” cut Molly. “Malachi is the key. The purpose of the meeting will be to remind him of his duty.”

“If he’s forgotten his “duty” then why ya still supportin’ him?” asked Warner, coldly. Then with slowly unfurling passion, he went on, “Do you not believe me capable? I’ve got what it takes… A little effort, I could take that bozo’s place... With you in my corner, the job's mine, no contest!”

“No... I will not back any “play” that undercuts Malachi,” said Molly, unfazed. “He is the leader. You are not.”

“You’ll back me on the battlefield, but not in the political arena, huh?” accused Warner.

Molly sighed inside, but decided it was a long time coming. That it was mixed with frustrations between the two of them was only a small addition. Barely affected her calculation. “That you feel the two are alike is reason enough for me to withhold my support,” she replied in a bored tone. “Do not carry resentment from your personal war here. Such a grudge does not apply anymore. We changed worlds, don’t be left behind.”

A growl was only his response at first. Warner wrestled with his reaction, seething clear in the line of his jaw. When he found control there was a splash of hurt in the brawler's eyes. “If it's Malachi you want, then what do ya need me for?”

“You are a necessary ingredient to my plan,” stated Molly frankly. “Besides, you would not willingly miss a Council meeting. Now, you may sulk here until we pass through and pick you up then… but your brawn would be useful carrying the necessaries. Follow if you would.” On the last syllable, the acolyte of curses spun away to meet the others.

It felt good to turn away from Warner. She didn’t feel that hiding the ache in her heart would have been possible much longer. Free from direct looks, Molly’s face crumbled. I do not like being mean to him, she thought tiredly. And yet, I can not afford the distraction. It would be too easy to float in his wake. The cool-eyed woman didn’t get too far before a frowning Warner followed after.

The next part went smoothly. They were all there waiting and ready to end their idleness. With a couple of quick words, the usual oval table and chairs were picked up. Warner and Rueben handled the table while the rest of them followed Molly with chairs. Several of the Sixty called out asking their purpose, but the cool-eyed woman answered plainly. “We’re having a meeting of the Council.” The reactions were mostly that of confusion, though there was also relief. An easing of pressure to hear someone was making an effort.

They marched behind the acolyte of curses through the training area to the private room that was known to be used by Malachi. And is currently in use by him, thought Molly. Everything is in order, there will be no escape. She gestured for everyone to be silent and wait for her signal. Lightly, they all placed their furniture down as the cool-eyed woman cracked the door before entering.

Molly’s eyes found the scene unfolding before her to be a combination of foolish and impressive. Malachi danced, exhaustion showing in every movement, but still pushing himself. A shadowy beast loomed over the one-handed man. A duet of violence, the man desperately reaching for victory over the monstrous shade that was a second of weakness away from overwhelming.

Her eyes opened wide in surprise as she caught sight of a spray of blood from Malachi. It wasn’t the only tear bleeding. A quick look at the simulation controls showed that their leader had turned off safety proctors and raised the power to a higher rank than Molly had seen before. Empty glass bottles scattered as she brushed past them to the panel. It came together for her that it was worse than she had thought. The sword acolyte had locked himself in the training room to train nonstop on the edge alone. The remains of dozens of restoration potions told her the number of wounds he had experienced in the reckless pursuit.

She was prepared to turn the illusion off, but her attention got caught on the fight. The plan was forgotten as sword and sorcery actually battered the shadow beast back. Unrelenting Malachi was controlling the battle as if nothing came as a surprise. Mana exploded and burned. Molly forgot about the plan and the off switch. She only watched.

His sword swished, the blade gleaming and the shade dissipated by decapitation. The cool-eyed woman woke from the trance with an indrawn breath. She watched Malachi shake himself and set up for the next round. A copy was taking form when Molly remembered herself and turned the switch. The hum in the air died and their leader flinched at the change.

He turned to her, unwieldy on his own feet. The frustration and question clear on his face. Before Malachi could ask, Molly said, “It’s time for the Council meeting.” Putting actions to words, propped open the door to let everyone through. Quickly, quietly, and professionally, the table was set up on the training room floor. Julia twitched at the sight of the potions and Malachi, but the cool-eyed woman caught her attention. There was no hand signal for ignore yet, but “Hold” and “move forward” got the point across.

They all sat down at the table and waited while Malachi stood perplexed. His normal calm control completely gone in the face of everything. It revolved through shame, anger, and confusion. Warner frowned and Clarissa grinned with mischief. Julia did her best to not look at their leader with worry, but the force of her effort was apparent to all. The rest just held their breath, giving him time to acclimate to the sudden change.

The timer in her head counted down until they were still waiting. Molly turned to Malachi infused as much normalcy into her voice as possible when she invited him to sit down. The bearded man looked over her, questing for an answer. Awkwardness stole into his stance under her patient stare until he shrugged and moved towards the seat left for him at the head of the table. Pausing only to sheath the stone sword before collapsing into the chair.

“So, what do we need to talk about?” asked Malachi in a stormy tone. There was a suggestion of accusation and dare in his voice.

Molly wasn’t bothered by the anger, if anything she was pleased with it. Anger was a more active emotion than despair. “The only thing to talk about,” she replied honestly. “The next raid.” There was a flinch around the table as everyone seemed to expect a more direct conversation about the deaths. Inside her head, the cool-eyed woman grinned as everything moved to her tune.

“The next raid,” Malachi echoed flatly.

No one had been prepared for this conversation. Molly felt in her bones that it needed to be natural and without even the hint of a script. She waited and hoped the dominoes would continue to fall as expected. The silence lasted long enough for her to grow nervous, but Warner spoke up. A hidden smile for the brash man who always needed to have a say.

“Yeah, what are we gonna do, hide down here?” scoffed the brawler. “Time to get back up there.”

The look Malachi that turned to his rival was not the usual, a mix of diplomatic and boredom. It was replaced by one that was cloudy and threatening to storm scornfully. “I’m not surprised to hear you suggest something aggressive,” said their leader with derision. A little more open with honest curiosity he added, “Molly must support this ins-… this madn-... Ah well… Does anyone else feel the same?”

“Heh, maybe I am mad, but I’d like to finish mapping the upper tunnels,” answered Rueben immediately. “Doesn’t feel right leaving it unfinished.”

Spreading his arms in both a shrug and praise, Harken said, “I believe in us! We can’t let a setback fracture our resolve.”

“You know me,” smirked Vincent. “The cut of my sword is a sweet breath taken. I’m all for charging back up there... If you give the word, that is.” Swordsman’s eyes were eager, but there was a reserve of respect too.

“I ain’t telling you about the cards I got up my sleeve…” grinned Clarissa, exuding excitement. “But! My gaggle and I have worked out somethin’ reeaal sweet! We’re gonna slay a whole bunch of rats, my man!”

“It would be nice to return to the tunnels,” nodded Damian. Molly guessed he was missing the undercurrents by the affable tone. “They offer a great deal of research opportunities, and it is my experience that our Mana affinity raises better under the conditions out there. Did you hear? Analia and Allen were able to do some kind of dual casting spell together! I am very jealous! We should go back soon.”

Malachi had sat there listening to the responses, shifting with unease. Wincing as he tried to maintain his dignity and good manners while listening to their willingness to pass through the Doors again. His fingers bent into claws that attacked their own flesh. Molly felt the pangs of sympathy, but she wouldn’t relent. The man needed to break through his shroud of shame. Pressure was direly needed, though it hurt the acolyte of curses to watch her plan grind at him.

A sneer, unsteady and pained, broke across their leader’s face. “Such recklessness… I expected it from a few of you. A few are a surprise… Did they bring you here, Damian, so that you could innocently support their cause? No, no, don’t defend them. Let them be fools. Julia, Phelain… Forgive me for asking you, how do you weigh in on this?”

Phelain smiled awkwardly and scratched at the side of his head. “I agree with them. We need to go back out before the fear of it builds up too much. Death sucked, but I am alive again.” The cool-eyed woman watched as Malachi’s head rocked back like a physical blow had been struck. Horror and exhaustion tainted his movements as he turned to Julia for the final word.

Shyly, Julia looked up to meet Malachi’s gaze. They held each other's eyes as a whole other conversation happened there. The shieldmaiden’s eyes darted away as she spoke, only touching again for an instant at a time. “We need to go. It was terrifying. I’m not unfazed like Phelain somehow seems to be, but I won’t let my fear hold me back. Not anymore, Malachi. We need to go back and we all want you to lead us. That’s why we're here!” The whole table nodded in agreement. Even Warner did, though while looking away.

“So, willing… so eager… To risk our lives again...” questioned Malachi in a whisper. “Those deaths… I was at fault. Me… I gave the orders and that damn thing cut through us like wheat in the field… you ask me?! You ask me… to lead the SIxty out there again?”

Julia smiled sadly, “It wasn’t your fault, just wasn’t. That thing was something no one could have expected. A monster beyond the Pale. Please Malachi, we need you.”

The silence became palpable as the Council waited for their leader to come to a decision. Molly was sure of the answer and felt content.