Chapter 8.2. Siege of Slother.
The Mercenary Guild stood at the heart of Slother, a towering structure of dark stone that loomed over surrounding buildings like some brooding sentinel. As Lilith and her companions approached, they were met by an imposing mercenaries, who just exited the guild. They glanced at newcomers, but went by them. Lilith noticed a cloaked figure standing near a wall, who signaled to her. She ignored him, because she noticed priests robs under his cloak, and entered the guild.
Inside the Mercenary Guild, the air was thick with a heady mix of incense and sweat. Torches flickered from stone walls, casting dancing shadows across busy common room. Demons and humans alike mingled here – haggling over contracts, or simply drinking away cares.
Azael’s eyes widened, as they passed through crowd, taking in sights before him.
– Quite the gathering, – he murmured lowly to Lilith at his side – tone equal parts awe and disdain. Sharr nodded grimly, snakeman features set in hard line.
– Careful we don’t make enemies here.
The succubus behind reception desk looked up then, her crimson gaze raking over newcomers with appraising eye. She was lovely – all soft curves and enticing smiles that hinted at dark pleasures, waiting just beyond reach.
– Welcome to Slother, – she purred, voice like honey dripping from poisonous lips: – How may I serve?
Lilith stepped forward once more, parchment held out before her, like shield against seductive wiles on display.
– We seek payment for work completed in Ash Valley, – she said firmly – refusing to be drawn into clerk’s games.
– Any payments must be certified by Adamus, leader of Hawks.
– Well – he is dead.
– I know, – shrugged the clerk: – But Forronus and few dozen of Hawk band men managed to get back. They managed to escape with their lives, if little else. We will contact them, to get their approval.
Lilith’s jaw clenched in barely restrained frustration, but she forced herself to remain outwardly calm.
– I see, – she said finally – tone still guarded but containing hint of grudging respect for survivors, who had managed to make it back alive: – And how soon might we expect their approval?
– Impossible to say. Should be no more than few days. These things take time.
Lilith sighed then, glancing back at companions behind her. There was little choice, but to agree; without official certification from Hawk band’s remaining members, there would be no payment forthcoming any time soon.
– Fine. We will return then. Any news about Abaddon and his army?
– Sadly yes. They were defeated, by second fomorian army. Luckily lord Abaddon survived and was able to reach Sinngor, where he is fortifying town for defense. We are expecting our scouts to return soon, to find out about fomorian army movements.
– I see, – Lilith grimaced inside. Her opinion about Abaddon was low, after fallen archangel abandoned them, and dropped even lower, after he was not even able to return with his army intact.
-What do you plan to do now? – asked Cian, after they exited the guild.
– Take Kragor and buy all stamina, mana and anti-sleep potions, which you can find. But do not waste time, we may need to leave soon. Especially if fomorian army will be coming here, – Lilith gave him a pouch, filled with gold coins: – Sharr and Azael, you two get back to inn and stay inside. Demons seem to not appreciate our scaly friends presence here.
– What about you, mistress-s, – hissed Sharr.
– I will be fine. Now go.
Lilith watched them go and approached a man, who was standing near a wall. He was a demon, but only small horns revealed his demonic nature. Probably an oni – human half-breed.
– Lady Lilith, – he said softly and bowed, eyes meeting hers with open curiosity: – My master, someone, who is acquainted with your employer from Romanium, wants to talk to you. He promises great reward, and no consequences if you refuse.
– Where is this temple?
The oni-human hybrid explained that Zhen Wu’s temple lay inside Slother’s walls, in town’s south side. It was an ancient place, dedicated to martial arts and spiritual enlightenment. He offered to guide her there personally. Lilith hesitated only briefly before nodding, trusting instincts, which told her that this encounter was no mere coincidence.
The temple proved easier to find than expected – towering pagoda rising above surrounding buildings, like sentinel guarding sacred ground within. Inscriptions covering walls spoke of peace and harmony, achieved through mastery over body, mind and spirit. There was something undeniably awe-inspiring about this place, set aside solely for pursuit of martial excellence.
As Lilith stepped across threshold into Zhen Wu’s temple, a brilliant light engulfed her senses like warm embrace. For an instant, world faded away around her – replaced by swirling kaleidoscope of colors and sound.
When her vision cleared once more, she found herself standing upon shimmering cloud atop endless sky. A figure approached slowly from misty distance – tall man dressed in simple robes, face serene, yet eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom. Zhen Wu, patron deity of martial artists everywhere – had summoned her to his realm.
– Welcome, – the god said softly, voice carrying across void like gentle breeze through leaves: – You have traveled far and faced many challenges on path thus far. But greatest trials still lie ahead.
Zhen Wu’s smile faltered slightly, as Lilith made no move to kneel before him, the elf’s defiant stance speaking volumes about her true nature. The god’s eyes narrowed, taking in Mark of Cain, glimmering faintly in her eyes.
Lilith met his piercing gaze unflinchingly.
– I follow my own path, – she said simply – voice steady despite reverberations of power, thrumming through very air around them: – No god shall dictate my fate.
The deity nodded slowly, acknowledging bravery, if not wisdom, behind such words.
– Brave indeed, to speak so boldly before one such as I, – he allowed at last – tone almost approving now, instead of censuring: – But hear me well, young elf. A task of utmost importance lies ahead – one which may require sacrifices, greater even than you can imagine.
Lilith’s brow furrowed, curiosity piqued despite best efforts to remain aloof.
– What kind of task? – she asked cautiously – unsure whether to trust words spilling from divine lips, or heed cautionary voice, whispering at back of mind: – And why come seeking aid from mere mortal, like myself?
Zhen Wu’s smile returned then, warm as summer sun yet containing hints of shadowy depths beyond comprehension.
– Fomorians are approaching Slother. They are led by one of their thirteen general-gods. If not stopped, they will conquer Slother.
– So what? One less demon town.
– Ordinarily yes. But there is much you do not know. Fomorians have allied themselves with ancient gods. Gods, who ruled this universe alongside us, at the beginning of creation. But war broke out. Ancient ones were defeated and exiled to another realm. Empty void, from which they wish to escape. There is a small portal in the depths of an Ancient Dungeon, located in Ash Valley. Long ago Lucifer opened that portal. When other fallen archangels learned about it, they pretended to follow Lucifer, but betrayed and imprisoned him. But portal remained open. Now ancient god messengers contacted fomorians. If fomorians conquer Slother, they may get resources necessary to open a gateway for ancient ones armies.
– Sounds bad. For you.
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