The Burning Heretic (2 slots open 1 ally/ 1 opposed)

[Deleted]

"Father Severus?" The youthful priest looked at the wisend yet raggedy bishop before him. "I find myself worried for your health. You came here so suddenly and from such a long distance. Will you not rest a while and tell us of how you came to us in such distress?" The boy had new garbs in hand ready if he would accept them.

"I am sorry my son but I fear there is much darkness abound. I can not, nay, I must not linger here for long hours. There is a message that must be heard and I am hunted for it. To keep me silenced. Already so much blood has spilled forth over mine hands." He looked distressed and saddened. His wrinkled face tightening around his distant eyes. "I make for Lycia in the morning. From there... Saint Elimine have mercy I will deliver information to them about our prophet."

The boy looked scared and taken back. "What word could that possibly be father?"

The old man looked at him sternly and with a fire that made him shy back. "He is a false prophet!"

*



The border town was in a hustle and bustle. With the war effort there were many troops that would pass through off to fight the good fight and some injured that were brought back to the temples for healing and recovery. In better times it would be a center of land trade but now it was the rear line in war. As Vanna entered atop her large steed despite recent events she had gawkers. Seeing the tassels and emblem upon her armor the gate guard saluted the knight and ushered them into town.

Outside of the tavern the silver knight dismounted and seemed to look around, it was impossible to see their face or read body language through the armor. "You there," the knight spoke almost with a hiss. They were stern in tone and demanded an answer. "I'm looking for Father Severus. I have travelled far from the capital to find him."

[Willow]

All was still, and then a brief shock of noise hurtled by to the gates of the border town. A war-horse, Etrurian Magical Cavalry standard, had just barreled through the gates, barely stopping before being waved through by the guards. They were inwardly shaking their heads. First a Great Knight of the military, then one of the Inquisitional Valkyries? Certainly something was seriously amiss. Thankfully, it was not their role to question or become involved... Merely to open and close the gates. In games of intrigue and danger, it was easy to die. They were quite satisfied with the grunt role.

The rider, for her part, had taken the travel quite well. She was out of breath, which might have seemed odd for a military Valkyrie, but, considering her state as a relatively new mother, was understandable. Her child was being brought in a later convoy, but her presence had been immediately ordered. Apparently, there was some concern over a heretic spreading false news, trying to incite the people. Probably some damned Ilian supporter, or one of the lovers of the filthy nomads of Sacae. She was unhappy about the short notice and hard ride, but was perfectly happy to have a duty to fulfill, and even more glad to follow the will of Elimine and her beloved Etruria.

The Valkyrie's eyes alighted on a silver-armored knight who was busy ordering some commoners around. She was about to tell the Knight off when she recognized the banner and emblem... So this was the Silver Wall, one of the invincible knights of the Prophet? In person, she was much less intimidating than the reports. However, she was certain that the Terminal commander would likely feel the same way about her.

Bah. None of this mattered now. All that remained was the task.

"The Silver Wall, I take it. I would be pleased to know your name. I was not informed the identity of the other who would be participating in this search, simply that we were to associate and assist each other. I am pleased, however, that they have given me someone competent with whom to associate. I detest working with weaklings. You have my respect, Knight."

Willow, Valkyrie of the Inquisition, and honorary Subcommander of Nya's Pirates, extended her hand to Vanna. Truly, she was pleased to be working with the Silver Wall. That one would get the job done. No matter the difficulty.

"Are there any leads as to the location of the falsifier?"

[Deleted]

"I have no idea who Father Severus is I'm afraid. The church here is ran by Father Brutus." Vanna raised a brow to that name. She would snigger if she were younger. Father Brutus was it? She tried to imagine the cruel man she knew as a clergyman. It was, humorous. "But if he has come to visit then... Oh my! By The Saint! He's a heretic! That is why you are here!"

"Indeed. You are perceptive. If Father Brutus harbors him he too will be at fault." Vanna stated plainly but threateningly.

The young man held his head. "I pray he is not here!"

Vanna let the man go, surely he would inform her if he is seen. About to step to the chapel she heard an unfamiliar voice. With a clanking of metal Vanna turned to face the speaking woman. What is this about another on the same mission? She was not from the terminal and yet... "Lady Willow of the Inquisition?" There was a pause of strained silence. "I know not if I should be honored concerned or annoyed," she confessed."

"Father Severus must be more important or dangerous than I dated to imagine." Vanna accepted the extended arm. "My name is Vanna La Zer, and I see my Title precedes me." She grinned an unseen grin. "I heard tale of your child. Congratulations are in order but will you be alright? I am expecting opposition and he is said to command the light most fiercely."

*

Father Severus sat at a desk below the chapel as he gazed upon a mural of the ancient heroes and their battles he began to write.

'To Inquisitor Emily,

It seems that your dreams have proven true as ever. I sent you on a quest for truth so foolishly and am sorry. If you read this I am gone but you must not stop. You will be hunted by the inquisition but never forget you are one of them now.' Before he could write more he was interrupted by a knocking, it was Father Brutus.

"How may I help you old friend?"

"I... I am sorry."

"What for?"

"They are here and... I am sorry." The meaning was clear. He led his would be killers here, or intended not to stop them.

[Willow]

"Lady Willow of the Inquisition? I know not if I should be honored concerned or annoyed."

Willow let no cue betray the bit of annoyance she felt when the Great Knight began speaking. Of course each of them would have preferred to bring in the heretic by themselves, thereby garnering all of the glory. But the will of the Prophet and the State was the will of Elimine, and so the Valkyrie placed aside her jealous desire for recognition. It would be foolish to disobey the Will of the Saint.

"Father Severus must be more important or dangerous than I dated to imagine."

The Silver Wall shook her hand firmly, as any military commander would, and the two arms remained connected for a brief moment, an interesting portrait of service to one's country - the heavily armored arm of the Great Knight meeting the lightly robed arm of the Valkyrie. Though they could not be more different in their styles of life, combat, and devotion to their country, they were peculiarly similar, and drawn together by the unifying power of a shared cause.

"My name is Vanna La Zer, and I see my Title precedes me. I heard tale of your child. Congratulations are in order but will you be alright? I am expecting opposition and he is said to command the light most fiercely."

"I graciously accept your well-wishes, Commander La Zer. The babe is growing well, hearty and strong. My child's health and complexion brings great pride to my family, and that of my husband. We are most pleased. As for my own well-being...I am grateful for your concern, but I will see this mission through with you. Though I found the long ride to be a bit draining, I am perfectly well and prepared for combat, should it come to that. Additionally, my magic is quite effective at demoralizing enemies, and I do believe you fully comprehend the ramifications of having such power when we confront the falsifier."

[Deleted]

The introductions were now out of the way it would seem. Vanna held a small smile that remained hidden as Willow boasted of her child's health and her family in general. It was a nice sort of thing to hear even if it was not the sort of life for Vanna. Willow spoke of her power to demoralize an opponent. Oh how many times would that have been useful in battles. "Why yes, that is a power of appeal. Perhaps we can talk him down with it?"

Vanna was ready to kill Severus but if they could take him alive it would be even better. He would have knowledge they could take and perhaps he would reveal a larger scheme? This was to say nothing of Vanna's personal history with the old Bishop. After her father's death he was the one that tended to her recovery both physically and mentally. She knew he was a good man but if he was a heretic as well... So be it, there would be no mercy.

There was a sudden shout in their vicinity as a young man in priest robes nearly fell over himself getting to them. He looked almost fearful at Vanna before seeing Willow and his eyes shone. "I come with urgent word! The man you hunt has come seeking refuge in the chapel. I can lead you to him." The boy was honest as he spoke but it was still odd to Vanna that he knew to come to them when they had only just arrived.

"How did you know we were hunting him?"

"Isn't it obvious? Two commanders and no forces... I thought at least..." His voice trailed off becoming small under Vanna's pressure but then she suddenly laughed.

"You are perceptive if a touch too quick to make a call like that but yes. Take us to Father Severus."

[Willow]

"Why yes, that is a power of appeal. Perhaps we can talk him down with it?"

"Certainly. If not, my magic will weaken his will and give him pause, making it easier for us to capture or kill him. In the end, it will be of benefit no matter the outcome. That is the appeal of Luce: widespread applicability to most combat situations. Much like you who fight with melee weapons, we adjust our magic to fit the situation, always seeking to alter our approach to defeat an opponent. And in particular, I consider myself quite the well-versed supporter. While I openly admit my lack of sheer power offensively, as compared to one such as yourself, I would not be boasting to claim greater defensive and supportive abilities."

"I come with urgent word! The man you hunt has come seeking refuge in the chapel. I can lead you to him."

The Valkyrie narrowed her eyes. This was too convenient, the way that this boy had come to alert them so soon after their arrival. It smelled to her of something suspicious, of a possible ruse, or snare. It tasted like a trap to the Inquisitional Valkyrie, and she was loath to accept the young one's words. She was watching him intently, trying to figure out his angle, what he stood to gain, what he could be doing. It was an intense few seconds before Vanna spoke.

"How did you know we were hunting him?"

The boy's explanation was apparently satisfactory, for the Great Knight asked the young man to lead them to the falsifier's location. Readying her power in case she would need to bring it forth, the Valkyrie fell in beside Vanna, her feet moving quietly and her robes swishing in contrast to the sound of the heavily-armored woman as she moved forward.

"This seems very convenient."

[Deleted]

The young lad led the women to the church that held the heretic deep underground. The chapel was large and well off, very well off. The stained glass windows refracted light into beautiful patterns and shapes within the halls. The carpets were crimson and the pews smooth oak. When the sunlight was not enough to illuminate the halls, which was often, candelabras lit the room.

"There is a path down below that will take you to the hidden chambers." The lad stepped aside and began to move the carpets to reveal a door down. "I... please forgive me for not going with you but I can hardly stand up to Father Brutus, let alone this Father Severus if it requires the likes of the two of you."

"Do not worry boy. I intend to end this mess with Elimines swift justice." Vanna turned to her comrade and with a heavily armored hand on her shoulder requested, "Please, I wish for you to stay here to guard the exit. Should anyone exit without me you have my permission to strike them down regardless of who they are. I have a history with Father Severus and even if it is useless I MUST give him a chance to explain himself before I pass judgement."

With a heavy heart the woman descended into the lower chambers. "Father Severus!" Vanna called out as she entered the deep chamber. The elderly bishop wearily looked to the woman who now stood beside Father Brutus.

"Oh, blessed be Saint Elimine, you are here!" Brutus looked at Vanna in relief.

"Yes, Father Brutus I presume? I am going to handle this from here but I will require you to stay by my side till the end."

"P-p-pardon? But I, I am not capable of standing in this battle!" Brutus stammered nervously sweating.

A moment of strained silence followed. If he was so fearful and weak to stand against a heretic, let alone with the aid of the like of herself and Willow of the inquisition he did not deserve to hold his place in the church. He would surely only degrade its purity and greatness. If he stayed she could forgive his cowardliness and even commend him for his bravery and faith to stand here, but if he left she knew Willow would strike him down without her. A true test of character. "You may leave if you wish to leave you may. But your lack of faith is troublesome."

"I-I," He seemed to hesitate, "I am sorry but I can not." Father Brutus would climb the stairs to a fate only Vanna was aware of.

"So be it." Vanna let the man go before planting her father's axe on he ground placing her hands over the hilt resting as she stared down Father Severus, 'The Burning Heretic.'

"Vanna, surely you do not believe the charges placed against me!" Severus pleaded. "Think, who took care of you after your father's passing. Who taught you all the scriptures and how to read? I have known you since you were a child and vise versa."

"Yes, you have. You were always so kind to me and loving of my family. When I was sick you took care of me, when I was sad you cheered me up. I adored you Father, but that is why it is all the more disturbing that you should stand against Etruria and our most holy Prophet Kraft! Tell me these accusations are false Father, I implore you!" Vanna was pleading but also warning. She truly loved the old man as a second father to her but she would not put anyone before her loyalties to country and god.

"Were it so simple my dear Vanna, I would. I am no traitor to our country, nor am I a traitor to Saint Elimine." He leaned on his staff and began to approach her. "However, by the false prophet Krafts perversion of her words I am heretic! I am to be vilified and cast down! Look at me dear Vanna. I am but an old man now. I have lived thrice as long as the pretender and know Elimine's words far better. And the dreams-"

Vanna could stand no more of his lies. "SILENCE! Dreams!? What dreams!? You consort with mediums!? The bearers of the nether? Spirit speakers!?" Vanna changed her stance raising her axe to her shoulder and her shield out front of her. "I had prayed for the best Father but you are clearly lost. It is with a heavy heart I must strike you down."

"... ... ... Do what you must." Severus removed the half written letter and gingerly placed it on the table. "But do not believe my old age will stop me from fighting back!" With a sudden vigor he raised his staff letting loose a mighty beam of bright divine light. "I do not wish to fight you Vanna but I can not allow you to interfere! You must see the truth!"

Vanna was quick to respond. Holding out her axe the divine magic struck the blade splitting apart striking all around her but not harming her in the slightest. Stepping forward she pushed back until the spell ended. "Your casting is quick for your age, and rather powerful. You well earned the name Burning Bishop." Rushing forward she struck down Father Severus to find it was merely an illusory copy. "You!" Turning to frantically find him she was struck on her flank by another blast of divine light.

"Vanna, please stand down. There are truths that you MUST learn!"

"I will not be influenced by your lies! I fight with the divine guidance and will of the Prophet!" Rushing Severus he cast a teleport spell appearing across the room from her.

"If I so wished it I could flee and you know it! That young woman up stairs can not hope to contend with me!"

"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" Vanna refused to listen to his words rushing Father Severus. With a cast of barrier Vanna was slowed but not stopped. The shield was ruptured and reformed as she pounded away at it causing Severus to expend magic as she did so. "If you refuse to flee then you have accepted your fate!"

"ENOUGH YOU FOOLISH GIRL!!!" Letting down his barrier Vanna was thrown off balance and with a fearsome technique he cracked his staff across Vanna's face shattering her helm and tossing her across the room. [Strength and Smite] "If I wished it you would be dead!" Severus stepped forward and kicked away her axe looming over the woman's crumpled body before gently kneeling beside her and proceeding to gently heal her. Without his quick use of healing she would surely perish.

"You... why?" Vanna felt rage, confusion, and ... sadness? She slowly supported herself tossing off her helm to look at Father Severus. Age had been kind to the man for so long, but in this moment she saw just how truly fragile he had become.

"Vanna," He began gently with a light finger tap to her nose. "My vows have kept me from a family of my own but you are as a daughter to me. I know you can find the right path and the truth. Believe in me as I believe in you and Saint Elimine's true word." He smiled softly at her. He overwhelmed her so easily and yet he refused to kill.

"I am so sorry!" Vanna felt her hardened self melt away to feeling as she once did when she was younger, and tears began to stream from her unrelentingly. "I.. I am so... so sorry." She pulled Father Severus into an embrace. "I know what I must do."

"Thank you Vanna." As she released him from her embrace he smiled at her but found no such look reflected back. Her tears gave away her inner turmoils but her face was darkly stern. "Vanna?" Concern washed over him.

"I love you Severus. But I must fulfill my duties and oaths. I will not dishonor my father or my men." With a swift rush forward she fell upon the exhausted Severus plunging her blade into his chest. Into his ear she whispered a barely audible apology as she choked upon her own tears.

As he crumpled to the floor she caught him and gently brought him to the ground. "Father... forgive me."

Vanna closed his eyes and wrapped him within blankets. He would not be buried but she would give him a send off worthy of his name. Grasping a torch she said her final goodbyes to the man she once thought of as a second father before setting the flame. The stones would allow the fire not to spread and the oils would enure there would be no body left.

There was one final business to tend to however and that was this note he was writing. Looking it over she wondered, who was this Emily? Whoever she was she was dangerous and employed by Father Severus. She would deploy forces to investigate and remove her from the equation.

Ascending the stairway she could not bear to look back again. "It is done. He is gone for good." The young lad looked on nervously only relaxing as Vanna departed.

[End Thread]