Parallel Vol.2 [Legacy Edition]

Chapter 30: The Rider

Second Under,

Merriheim.

"NOOOO!" Froy flung the report against the wall where it combusted to dust. "That damned Maggot! How did he survive the hydra!?" Sweaty hands futilely tried to wipe the sweat that lined his forehead. "No, no, more importantly, what is he doing? We cannot afford the attention!"

His eyes darted around the chamber in panicked rage then rested on Aygor's hammer. He screamed as he reached for it, "If you would only give me wh- ARGH!" He yelled as his arm was blasted away leaving it severely singed. Fire burned in his eyes as he glared at the hammer. "I will have you."

"I assume you mean Chaos will have it."

Froy whirled around in shock as he turned to the source of the voice. He paled as he retreated, unknowingly entering the hammers barrier field. A reverse shock, stronger this time flung him to the alter where the bowl was placed. He landed on his knees, shaking with fright and as a result of the barrier. "P-Prime!" Froy stammered, bowing his head immediately.

"What is happening Froy? You assured me the maggot was dead." The voice was calm, serene, but with a hollowness that chilled the bishop's veins.

"I-I swear, he fell into Suvron's abyss," Froy managed through chattering teeth. "My brother confirmed his fall personally. He should be dead!"

"Ah, yes, your... brother." The prime made the word sound like an infectious disease. "This is his second failure is it not?"

Froy paled as he realized the implication of that question. "Ye-yes sir, but I assure y-"

"Do not beg Froy," the prime interrupted. "It is beneath you." He paused, allowing his words to sink into the bishop's core. "Your brother's fate is sealed. He will be sacrificed to Chaos tomorrow."

Froy's breath caught in his throat. He could not beg. If he did, he would join his brother in damnation. His hands shook as he struggled to think of something, some way to remedy the situation.

"You can not save your brother." Short pause. "You can however seek vengeance against the man who caused his death."

Froy looked up as mist rose from the bowl. The mist condensed to mercury-looking liquid, which then solidified into a round mirror. An image formed, and Froy seethed with rage at the dark elf it depicted.

"His name is Kashi, a summoned from the dark elves. The guild leader for the Hopeful Maggots. His last known location was at Meilfour."

Tears welled up in Froy's reddened eyes as he glared at the image. "I will hand-"

"Do with him as you wish, however two accompany him of whom the brotherhood is interested."

"Yes?"

Images of a beautiful aqua-blue haired girl, and a silver haired high elf with mad eyes took form on either side of the dark elf. "We do not yet know the name of the elf, but the human is a songstress called Lunette Falsetto. Last night she helped defeat Monig Ocell in the mines. I have not heard a voice as pure as that even from the gods. She must be captured."

"And the elf?"

"He uses blood magic. He slew some of our cousins in Monoch, and stole the 'Blood Book'. Capture or kill him, but the book must be retrieved at all costs."

"Yes Sir."

"Contain your fury Froy, that you might unleash your wrath on our enemies."

Froy stiffly shook his head. "For the return of chaos."

"May we stand strong."

***

Kashi sat at the counter nursing his drink. His guild members, spurred on by the expansion notice had dispersed to complete his requests. They were not the only ones. The bar's patrons also fled when Muko announced the news, most likely to get their things in order.