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Controlled chaos was the best they could hope for, under the circumstances. Ravana exerted as much control as she was able, of course, mindful that the limits of her grasp were defined not only by the forces at her disposal, but by the consequences of over-using them.
The square outside the cathedral teemed with activity, even more than during the paladins’ surprise attack; it had been enough time for rumor to spread throughout the city, and doubtless beyond. Fortunately that had also been enough time for her people to lay preparations. Barricades had been put up, each manned by armed soldiers of her household guard, delineating space for personnel and vehicles to approach the cathedral and then depart—not to mention securing a protective area around herself. Ravana’s position atop the cathedral steps was encircled by temporary barriers and troops blocking all approach to the stairs themselves, as well as the open church doors behind, and she was accompanied by Lord-Captain Arivani, Yancey, and Veilwin.
Ordinarily she tried not to expose Veilwin to the public, but for a presentation like this, the mage’s skills were a necessary precaution against snipers, magical attacks, and the unexpected in general. The surly elf had been rigorously instructed on the proper public demeanor of a Court Mage, and amply bribed and then threatened to ensure she adhered to these instructions.
The presence of troops was a bit heavier than best practices called for, but it was necessitated by her own presence, and hopefully justified by the situation. Imperial doctrine since Theasia’s day had been to avoid showing force to a hostile crowd unless necessary, as such provocative displays tended to turn protests into riots. So far, there had been no problems here—chiefly because those protesting around the cathedral had been opposed to the Church. Ravana herself was quite popular with this crowd. By far the most unruly onlookers so far had been reporters.
“And thus the matter stands,” she said into the arcane voice projector placed before her. Ravana’s own dress and coat were fully augmented with personal warming charms, as well as two layers of energy shields, not that this had stopped Iris from forcibly draping another heavy shawl around her shoulders. “I will reiterate that House Madouri has no ambitions here. I intervene in this way only with great reluctance, and only out of necessity for the defense of my people. I will not suffer Madouris to be left at the whims of a madman with dreams of omnipotence!”
The omnipresent noise of the crowd swelled into a roar—of approval, naturally. Ravana reflected that she ought to make more public addresses. This was extremely satisfying, as well as politically useful; no wonder Natchua had started making a habit of it.
“But my assurance means only so much,” she continued, raising her hands for quiet. “Just as Justinian has demonstrated his malignant intentions, I shall demonstrate my own: through actions, not words. Thus, I am grateful to the Sisterhood of Avei, and likewise the faiths of Omnu and Vidius, for stepping in. While the full resources of House Madouri labor to learn the truth of Justinian’s abhorrent plans from the personnel and assets we have seized today, the cults shall oversee these holy grounds. This cathedral, and its sister churches throughout the province, belong to the people—to you. They are built for the glory of the gods, not for any aristocrat. In the gods’ hands they shall remain, and once that megalomaniac has been removed from the papacy, to the stewardship of the Church they shall return.”
More cheering; less exuberant than previously, but that was to be expected. Anger was a more powerful motivator than righteousness, but a dangerous tool. A mob was the last thing she wanted here. What mattered was that they were on her side—accustomed to agreeing with her and expressing it loudly. She had been leading them along this way for several minutes now, since the three paladins had departed from the dais upon her arrival to be whisked away in one of her carriages.
Agreement and approval were habits: now was the time to offer them something they might otherwise not have liked so much.
“It was very recently that such an action would have been unthinkable,” Ravana continued in a more grave tone. “This crisis has forced me—forced us all—to reconsider much that we have long taken for granted. Some habits we must change because the threat posed demands it, while others… It may be time to change regardless. Justinian’s vile attacks have reshaped our whole understanding of the world, but perhaps not more so than what transpired at Ninkabi. That disaster I also lay at his feet, based upon the testimony of those who fought there, but I will not credit him with the historic surrender of Elilial to the Pantheon, at another cathedral not unlike this one. However…his actions have caused me to reconsider what else changed that day, and what we should do in response.”
She paused, keeping her face solemn, and deliberately letting the silence stretch out. The murmuring of the crowd was like the voice of a single, vast organism; the visible, audible, tangible anticipation under her control was like a drug.
“And so,” she proclaimed, “I am issuing the following edicts. In light of Elilial’s changed status with regard to the Pantheon and its cults, and in particular the unprecedented threat posed by a mad Archpope and the urgent need to take any and all action necessary to protect my people from his depredations, I hereby nullify and rescind, throughout Madouris and Tiraan province, any laws and policies under the authority of House Madouri and the provincial government prohibiting the open activities of the Black Wreath, and the free exercise of their faith.”
The muttering swelled rapidly—not quite erupting into an outcry. She pressed on, raising her voice and not giving it a chance.
“Likewise, I hereby direct all Sheriffs and law enforcement officers answerable to my authority not to enforce any Imperial laws against the open operation of the Black Wreath within the domain of House Madouri. Infernomancy and demon-summoning shall remain as strictly controlled as the hazards to public safety they are. However, I now direct all relevant government offices under my authority to recognize membership in and authorization by the Black Wreath to practice infernomancy and demonology to be sufficient qualification; any person able to present these credentials shall be issued government certification immediately upon applying for it, providing no other factors disqualify them. In the same way the Silver Legions are permitted to operate within Imperial territory as an independent military, I authorize Black Wreath warlocks to act openly for the protection of the people against demonic or infernal threats, provided they seek certification by the relevant authorities and submit to the customary oversight.”
The stirring had grown to such an intensity that she paused. Not because she couldn’t make herself heard over the noise, given her arcane projector, but because she preferred the impression of control she would gain by not having to resort to it. Instead Ravana waited, sweeping her gaze impassively across the square as the crowd roiled.
They were not shouting, not protesting; they were not happy, but she had successfully dropped this charge in a way that did not provoke open resistance. This was confusion and uncertainty she was seeing.
After letting a few long seconds pass, Ravana raised both her hands, pressing her palms outward toward the crowd. On command, they began to calm, or at least to quiet, and inwardly she reveled in it even as she remained outwardly impassive.
They were still hers.
“I cannot say this gives me any satisfaction,” she said, making her tone grim. “Certainly no pleasure. It is not my intention to erase history, nor suggest that the actions of the past need not be grappled with. My duty as your Duchess is to deal with what is. To protect my people from whatever would harm them, using whatever means are necessary.
“Very recently, Justinian Darnay, the Archpope who would crown himself a god, had the absolute temerity to accuse our Emperor of responsibility for the demonic attacks upon Tiraas two years ago—a scheme in which Justinian was complicit and at least equally culpable. He has the gall to point fingers and castigate those who traffic in the infernal while he does the very same and worse. While he pries open hellgates inside a major city, and unleashes chaos monsters, all for no greater purpose than to deflect pressure from the growing awareness of his various other crimes.”
She raised her chin, staring down her nose at the world.
“Well, it was a warlock who destroyed the necro-drake which attacked Veilgrad. With, in fact, the aid of the Black Wreath themselves. It was with the aid of a red dragon that our own paladins vanquished the rest. Let him feel free to cast whatever aspersions he wishes upon my character. Let him call me another dabbler in the infernal if he wishes. To him I say this:”
She drew back her lips in an open snarl most unlike her normally composed public bearing, but the silence of the crowd told her she had them in the palm of her hand.
“So be it. House Madouri has protected this realm for a thousand years. If you come for my people, I will give you Hell.”
They roared along with her.
A specific chamber had been cleared—originally, a supply closet now emptied for the purpose—near the mission’s staging point, to spare Trissiny having to hike across the entire base from the normal teleportation platform. She and McGraw arrived on site and in seconds had traversed the hallway to the room where the strike force was assembled, where the Hand of Avei announced herself with customary panache.
“Kuriwa, what are you doing here?” Trissiny demanded, striding into the room with the amused-looking mage on her heels.
“Lending my assistance,” the elf in question replied, wearing a benign smile. “It seems my arrival was timely indeed.”
“Right, that’s my fault, I should have clarified that,” Trissiny said with an exasperated sigh. “No one is surprised to find you unilaterally intervening in…anything, honestly. The two things I wish to know are how you learned of this above top secret mission in time to get here in the first place, and then how you managed to insert yourself directly into the core of the mission past the layers of defenses that should surround this!”
“You needn’t worry, Trissiny, your security is quite intact. I was unaware of your plans until I arrived at the base this morning. In fact, I came here to offer my assistance on an unrelated matter. That offer was declined, but I could not be so close to what you are planning without my spirit guides whispering to me of the possibilities. Upon investigating further, Principia decided to request my aid rather than attempt to dissuade me.”
Trissiny turned a baleful stare on Principia.
“It was a judgment call,” she acknowledged. “But in your absence, General, it was mine, and I stand by it. I do understand opsec, but Mary of all people is not going to betray us to the Archpope, and in fact her power would be an immense asset to this operation.”
“In fact, Captain Locke’s capitulation was at my request,” said Khadizroth the Green, inclining his head deeply to the paladin. “Rather than being a matter of magical firepower—which it must be said she possesses in abundance—at issue is that Kuriwa’s skills are specifically applicable to what we are trying to do. To be blunt, General, it would be madness to attempt this without her aid, if said aid is available.”
Trissiny frowned. “Oh?”
“Our chosen method of insertion into the Grand Cathedral is certain to work because no defense against it exists,” he explained. “This is because it is an absurd, impossibly dangerous action which no one attempts. Statistically no one, that is. Kuriwa is, to my knowledge, the only person in existence mad enough to do this with any regularity. She is thus the world’s leading expert on this extremely difficult and hazardous task. Delegating it to her will not only greatly increase the speed and safety of our travel between dimensions, but free up my own focus to considerably increase my protections over our demon companion. I am confident that if I am allowed to concentrate on this entirely, I will be able to completely obviate the danger normally involved by bringing a demon into the space between, at least for the short time we will be there.”
“My opinion may be academic,” Xyraadi said pleasantly, “but I am always in favor of anything which prevents me being torn apart by chaos monsters.”
“Aside from bein’ a boon to the lady,” McGraw added, “the monsters in question’ll go after anybody near the demon with the same fervor, way I understand it. I ain’t eager to see that up close, myself.”
“I did not realize that was possible,” Mary commented, studying Khadizroth with her head tilted.
He bowed to her. “It is beneficial for people like us to be periodically reminded that we don’t know everything. You are welcome.”
“Hm,” Trissiny murmured, still frowning, but then nodded once. “All right, I see the sense in it. Right call, Locke. I’m sorry, Kuriwa.”
“Command suits you, child,” the Crow said serenely. “There is nothing for which you need apologize.”
“Maybe don’t call her a child in front of her troops, then,” Principia said, scowling.
“I appreciate the thought, Locke, but considering that’s how she talks to everyone, there doesn’t seem much point,” Trissiny said with a sigh. “All right, will this change in plan introduce any other variables we need to account for? Anyone?”
“Shut me down if this is a stupid question,” said Joe, raising a hand, “but will this upset the magical, uh…team balance any? I notice we were bringin’ our strongest specialists in each o’ the four schools of magic, plus me as miscellaneous muscle. A green dragon an’ elder shaman is… I don’t wanna say ‘redundant’ but…”
“Not stupid, Joe, but shouldn’t be a problem,” said Principia. “We went for maximum possible coverage because we have no idea what you’ll be walking into. Considering the only certainty is you’ll be facing some form of divine craft, fae magic is the least useful in which to be overspecialized, but so long as the other quadrants remain covered I don’t see how it can hurt. And Kuriwa hasn’t survived to become an insufferable legend without being pretty versatile.”
“In fact,” said Mary, “I understand your primary occupation for most of yesterday was probing at Justinian’s defenses with every form of scrying and divination possible without triggering them, to discern the layout and contents of the secret chambers beneath the Grand Cathedral. I cannot imagine the results were anything close to conclusive.”
“They were not,” Xyraadi agreed. “My own methods proved the most effective; infernal information-gathering is evidently such a rarity upon this plane that reliable defenses against it have not been developed. Even so, we achieved only a cursory plan of attack.”
“You are an expert without peer in the manipulation of the dreamscape,” Mary said to Khadizroth. “I realize this is…an uncomfortable degree of intimacy, given the nature of our relationship, but if you are willing to link your memory to mine in this manner, it will be the fastest means by far of granting me this knowledge. The closer I can place us to a crucial target, the better.”
“I am willing to do so, given the need,” he replied, “but in the course of our investigations, I made a discovery I believe will be more useful than that. Observe.”
He made no gesture or outward sign of doing magic, but the light in the room shifted noticeably more green, and a strange tilting sensation overcame all those present.
“I never get used to this,” Joe muttered, grimacing.
Once the dimensional thinning effect was established, Khadizroth lifted one hand and made a plucking motion in midair.
As if the vibration itself brought them into visibility, the spider webs appeared. Intangible, thickly tangled, wrapped around every person present and extending off into all directions.
“Merde alors,” Xyraadi hissed, brushing at herself as if she could dislodge them.
“This effect is quite harmless,” Khadizroth explained. “Think of it as…a visual metaphor, for a magical reality which has been active for some time. I will be able to bring it to visibility at need—in fact, I believe it will be easier in the space between. Kuriwa, are you able to follow these threads?”
“To an extent,” she said warily, “if I know a destination.”
He nodded. “The destination is their source. Though I have been monitoring this…convergence for some time, I did not stumble upon its point of origin until last night’s endeavor. What we seek is at the center of this web. Take us there, and we will find… Well, it might be premature to declare it will be whatever we seek, but I believe that will be the target of most crucial relevance to us, out of all the unknown contents of those vaults.”
“Justinian did this?” Mary said in open alarm.
Slowly, Khadizroth shook his head. “Given what we know he has been meddling with, I suppose nothing can be conclusively ruled out, but…I think not. Rather, I suspect we are seeing the effects of another force taking advantage of the disturbances he has created in the substance of magic itself. I have discerned that these threads connect across time as well as space, and that is a form of travel we are unable to perform, nor should we. But at their source we will find some mechanism which enables them to spread thus, and connected to that…”
“Whatever he’s using to manipulate the gods themselves,” Trissiny murmured. “It stands to reason… All right. This is sounding increasingly like something that will urgently need to be faced next, but the reality is we can’t spare any effort or attention for it until Justinian is dealt with one way or another. For now, if we can use it, I don’t think we can afford not to. And right now, we do not have time for any further delays. After the production we made in Madouris minutes ago, he will believe I am currently there, along with Gabe and Toby. Ravana should be putting on a performance as we speak that will keep his attention and assets directed there. This is my one opportunity to hit him from behind.”
“You expect your own presence to be the deciding factor, then?” Mary asked.
“We can’t be certain of that,” Trissiny admitted. “We’re operating more on theory than I’m comfortable with, but that’s the best we can do. Based on what we understand about the nature of magic and divinity, we strongly suspect that whatever method Justinian is using to countermand the very will of the gods must require his personal focus to use, and possibly his physical presence. If we’re wrong about that then it doesn’t matter, but the theory is sound, and it means dropping a paladin in a vulnerable spot where he doesn’t expect one is our likeliest counter to the effect.”
The Crow nodded, as did the others.
“Our primary mission,” Trissiny continued, addressing herself mostly to Mary, “is to locate and capture or destroy whatever mechanism Justinian is using to exert his will upon the gods. We’re considering success to be a remote possibility; we will likely be detected and probably come under attack as soon as we arrive, and will have a very short window before resistance becomes too extreme to withstand. There is simply not going to be enough time to carry out the necessary search—not to mention that given the nature of Elder God technology, there may not be any physical apparatus. We can’t even count on the gods to aid us this time, so true success will be a very great stroke of luck. Therefore, unless we immediately locate our primary target and quickly discern a means of securing or destroying it, we will shift ASAP to the secondary objective.”
“Makin’ a mess,” Joe said with a grin.
Trissiny nodded. “Maximum disruption of as many of Justinian’s assets as possible. This is no time for quick, clean, or precise: if we don’t land right on top of that god-bending machine, we will seize anything in the vicinity that looks promising and portable, and demolish everything else. Any and all resistance is to be met with maximum force. Once we’ve moved to the secondary objective, you are all to regard yourselves as crucial assets and of primary importance. Kuriwa, whatever else you do, be ready to create our exit on minimum notice. As soon as we start facing more opposition than we can decisively dispatch, we will pull out. Unless we identify the primary target and a means of securing it, in which case, that goal will trump all others. Clear?”
“Understood,” Mary said, nodding.
“Good.” Trissiny drew in a breath and let it out sharply. “Then that’s all the time we have for briefing. Move fast but think defensively, and watch each other’s backs. Let’s move out, people. Kuriwa, you’re on point.”
Mary nodded once more, and then with no further fanfare, gestured with one hand.
The rip which appeared in midair was barely perceptible, leading to a space that was nearly identical to this room. This far underground, the crucial differences were mostly not visible.
“Get it done, and come back,” Principia said, staring intensely at Trissiny. “All of you.”
Trissiny gave her only a terse nod before following Mary into chaos space.
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The Gods are Bastards 