Dreadlords The Long Road

[Livia Quinnick]

"FUCK!" The man growled out as Livia pulsed a touch more of her magic upon him.

Her stare pierced him, focused yet not quite seeing him as her control remained on the power that only wished to unleash without restraint, but Livia would not give it such freedom. She was in control, she was in power here. Loosing a slow, deep breath, Livia closed her eyes and centered herself.

"The one that ordered you was not in that town... I think I see them... somewhere near Vel Hetren..." She lied.

The idea of Livia tracking his employer made him even more on edge. She could practically sense his pure unease before seeing it for herself when she opened her olive eyes again. Livia smiled. He believed her, knew what her magic could do for her, and searching for his boss meant that he feared them and their anger.

"No matter where we leave you, you cannot run from us. I will always know where you run to, and my friend here has ways of chasing to wherever it is. I may look like some noble girl, but I assure you, when push comes to shove, I do not hesitate choosing who can live or die."

As if to drive home her words, Livia's hand shot out to grip his ankle, and thus creating a conduit for her corrupting magic to course from her and inflict pain on all his organs as the blood vessels began to clog. She held him a few seconds before release, but the pains and damage lingered. "Tell me his name. Why you followed me."

 

[Cenric]

The girl had the streak in her.

Good.

He could foster that over the coming months. That was the benefit, without Erodin they would be moving slowly, even by ship. A few weeks together, and Livia wouldn't mind cutting a few throats if it was for the right reason.

Just had to be sure to be the right reason.

"FUCK! ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! HIS NAME IS DRACMIR! DRACMIR!"​

A long groan escaped the redhead, his plush coat shifting a little as he took a step backward and his head tipped the same way. Amber eyes flickered over towards his companion, and she shook his head. "He's a stooge."

"He probably thinks you're a Princess." Lips pressed together, and he raised his hand. "Dracmir is left over business, Livia. A mess from one of my bodies."

A vulnerability. "I'm sorry you had to see it." His index and thumb came together.

"Let me know if there's anything I can make it up to you." A loud snap rang out, and a scream echoed as the man's skull began to be consumed by flame. "A house in Sereno?

Cenric asked casually as he began to walk away. "Erodin gave me this apartment in Vel Anir, its near the elf-quarter, but honestly not bad. Keep this between us and it's yours."

 

[Livia Quinnick]

Her shoulders drooped, as if disappointed this had not been something more dangerous upon her life.

She should be grateful.

If this were a pawn of Gilram's, there would be more fight. Perhaps a harder catch at their pursuer, more fight to their interrogations.

But even as Cenric walked away with offered bribes, Liv did not follow him. She lingered several feet away, face turned back to watch their captive give in to the flames, until his screams ended in strained gargles. Until his body slumped to the side, his body no longer writhing, did Livia go to follow Cenric.

"How about we say you owe me a favour of any kind in the future? I want to take my time on such a kind offer." She was glad for the sea breeze that welcomed them back on deck. It blew her hair back, and the salt provided flavour on her tongue as she spoke. Livia did her best attempt at humour, even going as far and showing him a sly smile. "Once I get to know you and more of this thing we are searching for... maybe I will form a better idea of what I would like in exchange."

But truthfully, Livia had no clue what she wanted. She thought she had everything in life, that her future was secured enough to be content... and that was all before she agreed to go on this mission. Still, she could not bring herself to send any of the letters she had penned in her mind, the idea of seeing them on parchment made her nauseous.

Would he believe her, or would he think she agreed to this mission to get away from him? To run away... like she always had in the past.

"I am glad we cannot smell the docks from here." She added, crossing her arms and dropping her gaze to her boots. The distance from home was getting to her. The idea of being on this level of importance of a mission before she even saw graduation... she was glad for the excuse of being absent, but worried what her friends would say...

 

[Cenric]

Cenric let our a snort. ”You were followed, not bashed in the face.”

The older Dreadlords rebuked, but by the cantor of his tone it was obvious he was more amused by her negotiations than anything else. His head shaking as they embraced the fresh sea air. A hand raking through the ‘mess’ of his hair.

”A favor.” He agreed, glancing down at her. ”But let's keep it small, eh?”

Cenric grinned, and then looked out towards the growing distant Harrowsport. His head tilting in a nod at Livia’s words. ”Another lessons for you.”

He mused quietly.

”Always have a place to go where no one else wants to be.” It seemed a rather obvious notion for spycraft, but Cenric had always found it odd how often people forgot. ”We were always taught to rise to the heights, to claim our fortunes with the power we wrought, but the problem with a mansion is…everyone knows where it is.”

An inconvenience, if you were being hunted. Cenric explained further, not the notion of a safehouse, for Liv would already know such simplicity. But rather the depth of the intricacies they held in Harrowsport, a system which mimicked, but differed from the village in which they'd only so recently stayed. Here in Harrowsport, it was not about control, but concealment.

Lessons such as those flowed over the coming days. Cenric teaching his new ward not only the tricks of Dreadlords, but those of his other craft. After all, he was a spy.

On the fourth day of their journey, a whistle echoed out as the two found themselves within the Captain's Cabin, which had been claimed by Cenric. The only elder Dreadlords turned his head, waiting for the signal to sound two more times before directing his attention towards Liv. ”We’re nearing Tel’Ketos.”

Cenric explained, not knowing if Livia had yet learned the signals.

”Interesting that your compass took us there.” The city, by all accounts, was ancient. Older than Vel Anir, Alliria, and Elbion put together. Its stark domed towers raising from its island home high into the sky, wrapped in colors even the greatest glass makers would be jealous of. The craftsmen of such magnamity were long gone of course, and what now remained was a rabble of Humans, Elves, and a smattering of others. ”Perhaps it will be our final stop.”

He mused. Tel’Ketos was no ally of Vel Anir, but nor were they an enemy. ”If any place has a deluge of artifacts, it's that place.”

 

[Livia Quinnick]

It seemed the closer they got to their destination, the more illness Livia took on. The only thing that kept her from being sick was the fresh air, and so the Initiate was found slump against the gunwale, eyes closed as she groaned lightly. Standing had been a bad idea, but keeping to the deck just like this allowed Liv to be coherent at least.

"I feel something alright." She sighed, leaning her head back as the waves gently rocked the vessel. "There is so much magic leaking from this place, it is messing with my compass."

It was as if it pointed her straight to it, but the needle kept jumping off course. It was disorientating, but Livia was able to memorise where it was leading them towards. "Do you think the artifact is here? That we could go home after this?"

She had grown homesick the day before. At one point, she even wished to see her mother whom she was not all too close with.

But she would stay if this stretched out over time. She would do this for the Republic, to put her name out there that she had been asked to be part of this, and perhaps once she became a Dreadlord, she could be given a nicer position.

 

[Cenric]

"It's certainly possible, even likely." The stories history of this city was one of legends and myths. Though thousands teemed within the streets, knowledge of what lay beneath their feet or even in the homes they now made was sorely lacking.

Despite attempts by scholars, academics, and even Wizards many of Tel'Ketos mysteries still remained as such.

"But." He said, glancing down towards Livia. "We will have to be careful, perhaps me more than you."

Cenric frowned, and then imparted a piece of knowledge that many did not know about the city which their ship was slowly flowing towards. The ancient bay chain lowering as the Galleon approached, two massive towers protecting either flank.

"At the center of this city, stands a tower, and at the tip of this tower is a statue named the Sisters. Three women, each holding a cup, you will see it later." For one could see it from nearly every point in the city.

"The Sisters are not a simple monument, it is an artifact of great power." He told Livia. "Capable of creating a field which renders all magic null."

Which, of course, could pose quite a problem. "From what I understand, activating the artifact takes some doing, but if things get out of hand..."

Cenric did not continued to explain.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

Despite her current condition, Livia knew what he said was to be true. There seemed to be a disconnect as she used her magic to scry for this monument's location, but there was an interference she had felt once before. She had been locked in a chamber with Ivan Skender and their magic stripped away as they had to fight without it. This time, Livia felt more ready for another situation similar if it came to it.

"This monument could come in handy... and it could hinder our search." A weapon and a curse.

Taking a deep breath, Livia gathered herself and began to stand. Her hand braced on the wooden edge and stabilised her ascent, standing on both feet. "I have never heard of this place." It felt nice to have the sea winds whip at her hair, cooling her body as it had risen in temperature with her nausea. "Are they... opposed to mages?"

Would they have to keep a low profile as Dreadlords while in Tel'Ketos?

 

[Cenric]

"Not necessarily." Cenric explained. Perhaps at one point the city had, but truth be told no one could really say for sure. The Sisters were ancient, older than most of the city. The original builders had long died out, and those who lived within Tel'Ketos now were naught but...squatters. "This is a trade city, ultimately."

He continued. "Vel Anir maintains friendly relations, and as long as we're careful there shouldn't be any trouble."

Though of course, that wouldn't be entirely within their control.

If Gilram caught wind of what they were doing, or if he somehow had his own lead, doubtless others would be sent. A fight between Dreadlords could quickly turn ugly, and if things went sour Tel'Ketos was not the battleground he would have chosen.

"First." Cenric continued as they slowly pulled into the docs. "Lets find ourself and Inn."

The Dreadlord told Livia "Then we're headed to the museum."

Good enough place to start as any.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

An inn. Livia tried her best not to look so relieved, but the past few days on this vessel had made the Initiate wish she had a room to sleep in that did not house others and their snores. To be near so many kept her magic alive, always searching, always finding. Perhaps it was her own inability to sleep, not when she was missing home.

"How amusing it would be if the very thing were were after was on display at a museum." She chuckled wryly, hoping their search was that easy, but the smile faltered as soon as it happened. "Unless what I am leading us to is the person that ran from Erodin on our first day."

They had no clue if he possessed the very artifact they were after, but Livia was confident Tel'Ketos would provide them with the right answers. Her magic pulsed strongly, as if beckoning her to the shores before them. "Oh gods, I cannot wait to have dinner that is not fish every night." For the menu these past nights were nothing adventurous while sailing through the sea.

 

[Cenric]

"I assume it is." Cenric explained. "If that person has the artifact, it is doubtful they would know what it is."

After all, the family had hardly been the sort to brandish items of magical power. Though from what he understood many of the keys already taken had been rather mundane. "My thought is perhaps he would try to have it identified...and then sold."

Which, would be somewhat of a small disaster. "Though, I would prefer a simple heist."

It would be a lot easier.

As the gangplank was thrown down onto the dock and their departure began, Cenric let out a small chuckle.

"I always enjoyed fish." He told his companion. "I grew up in Vel Acan, far away from the sea. My parents were not...in favor of variety when it came to meals."

A frown tugged at his lips for just a brief moment, as if some memory were tugging at his mind, but the expression melted away before even a second passed. "Come on, lets see if the Sister's Blessing is still open."

It was where he'd stayed the last time one of his bodies had been in town.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

Livia could not agree more in the idea of a heist being their luck. With her abilities, and the fact herself and her brothers grew up to play a game that stole each other's hidden treasure from one another, she would like to think that with her magic, she would be a fair player in a heist.

She turned to follow him to disembark the vessel, pausing a moment at the top to get a proper scope of the area and could have sighed in relief when her compass began to work, to settle, and most importantly, be rid of that nausea she had been feeling for days. Already, some of her colour began to return to her cheeks as they made their way to the Sister's Blessing. At least she had been dressed for the day, wearing her nice skirt and blouse purchased from the tailors. It made her feel more at ease, comfortable enough to blend in with the crowds... as much as her silver hair made her blend in.

"Everyone here seems... peaceful? Not in any rush?" Livia commented, looking around and trying not to give the people a funny look. She rarely had chances to leave the Anirian Territories, having only visited a bordering town in Amol-Kalit on a mission once... but this... was a different way of life she had never witnessed before. "Makes me doubt they are rarely threatened..."

 

[Cenric]

Cenric tilted his head in a nod, confirming Livia's observation. The people of Tel'Ketos were relaxed, calm, and for good reason too. The city had not faced a serious threat for some hundred years, and that attack had come at the hands of pirates.

"They aren't." Cenric said as they turned a corner towards one of the smaller thoroughfares. "Tel'Ketos has no army, but a few Marshalls decked out with half a dozen magical trinkets. They're usually more than enough to stop small stuff."

He explained. "And the big stuff?"

Cenric shrugged.

"Vel Anir doesn't have any interest invading this place, given what would happen to the likes of us." Briefly he glanced towards the central tower, frowning before he continued. "Most figure it's better to trade than to take."

The Dreadlord finished as they turned one more corner and came upon the tall structure of the Sister's Blessing. Livia and Cenric heading inside, where the latter quickly booked the two of them a suite with two rooms.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

Livia knew what it felt to not have her magic to fall back onto.

"Glad to know our nation knows when to pick their fights." She mused as they entered the Sister's Blessing.

It was not too lavish, but not too run down either. Perhaps it was one of the nicer lodgings available here in Tel'Ketos, but Liv was just happy for a bed to herself and a bath. Their rooms were adequate, miles better than the small cots on the ship. Was her privilege and upbringing showing in that moment?

"Right," Liv called out from her room, dumping her small pack she never left without onto her bed, "what is our plan first? Settle in for a while before be begin our search?"

Some reconnaissance could work, allow them to scout the areas that her compass directed them towards.

 

[Cenric]

Cenric threw himself into the only plush chair in the suite. It wasn't exactly made of silk, but at least had enough padding that it made his bottom hurt less. He sprawled himself out for just a moment, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

"Lets settle in." He said finally, his gaze flickering open to fall upon his companion.

"I don't have any other bodies in this place." Rare, for him, but Tel'Ketos was not exactly the type of place he could walk around safely. If the Sister's were activated once, even as a test...he had absolutely no idea what would happen. "So, we'll start with taking one."

Cenric continued. "Preferably someone that works at the museum."

At least that would get them some information, and from there they could begin their search.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

Finding someone new for Cenric to add to his repertoire of faces greatly amused Livia.

"Never thought I would go shopping in a museum, but I guess with talents as unique as yours, the whole of Arethil is your market." She exited from her room, now inspecting the shared space to their suite. Settling by the window, Liv peered out and thought the view, however obscured of a view, was decent enough with the slight glimpse of the water.

"How... do you come to obtain a new body?" She did not turn when she asked, preferring to look nonchalant in case he did not feel like explaining to her this moment.

 

[Cenric]

"Ya know, five years ago that question would have seen your throat cut." Cenric said as he lounged in the chair shifting his gaze away from Livia and towards the ceiling.

It never ceased to amaze him just how quickly things had changed.

Once upon a time, Dreadlord's kept more secrets between one another than a married couple where both sides were engaged in an affair. Ones magic was nearly sacred, a thing to be kept utterly and totally hidden. Every trick and talent something to hold over others in the never ending competition.

All of which had changed when the Guard had staged their Revolution. Now, if they did not teach each other, every talent would be lost. Thrown away by the fools who'd rather see the Academy reduced to another Elbion.

"A simple touch is enough." He told her finally. "A mark is made, a throat is cut."

He pulled himself up in the chair slightly. "And then they are mine."

A shrug sailed over his shoulders.

"More than that, I don't know." Cenric explained, displaying a remarkable openness. "It's as innate as your own magics, and the Proctors never could figure it out."

He continued. "My parents might have figured it out, but they never had the chance."

Cenric mused, almost seeming to smile at the comment.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

She turned to face him as he mentioned the punishment she would have gotten if times had not changed. It did not alarm her, nor did she smile ruefully.

Livia met his gaze with her own curiosity, her eyes widening after his mention of the Proctors failing to understand much of his own magic. "The Proctors did not know what to do with me for four years... makes me feel better I was not the only one they failed." She sighed, leaning against the window sill. Her arms moved to cross at her chest, and she pondered on his words some more.

She wanted to talk about her own father understanding her corruption magic, but did not feel like talking about the first person she killed, never learning anything of it. Everything came to light under Zana's tutelage, and Henk's guidance.

"Right," She cleared her throat, "so the next body should be someone very useful at the Musuem. While you go find your target, I might spend some time somewhere quiet, try and scry for a better location on what we are searching for." It was worth a try seeing as they were brought here by her magic. Her compass read stronger now that they came here, and Livia was sure it would lead her blindly somewhere.

 

[Cenric]

Cenric scoffed, his head shaking as he showed his complete lack of surprise. "The Proctors don't know what to do with anyone who isn't a brick."

Though the Academy excelled at producing monsters and murderers, it was hardly proven itself exceptional at making anything else. Most of Cenric's tutelage had been how to use his stolen magics in the field of combat. It had not been until Erodin had taken him under his wing that he'd come to understand just how useful he could be.

"Remember the old phrase. Those who can't do, teach, and usually not very well." Cenric offered with a grin. The pointed words an echo of what he wished he could have told his parents so long ago. Before he'd killed them.

"A good thought." He told her. "I will try to find the curator perhaps, or one of his assistance."

That would net them more than enough information. "Be careful who sees you."

Cenric reminded.

"We have the Corsair's on the ship." The Dreadlord said. "But that's the only backup we have here."

And if the Sister's were activated, Livia wouldn't even have him.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

There were only a few Proctors Livia would commend for their patience with her, namely Proctor Urahil. Her own appointment had been to keep an eye on her cousins, but even then, she was a seasoned Dreadlord already and still in service. It was her hardwork and dedication Livia hoped to achieve one day...

But she knew some time in the reserves would be best. There were things Liv needed to take the time and sort, dealing with a life she had constantly pushed away.

Liv could only do that if she survives this.

"I will be careful." She assured him, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "Trust me, I have perfected the art of seeming interested in something while my mind is searching, always searching." If anything, she hoped her scrying would not alarm anyone that grew suspicious of what she would be doing. Anything to keep that activation from happening.

Her head fell to the side, thinking. "No way to leave a discrete boundary spell to stop someone from going to activate the Sisters' is there?" She asked hopefully.

 

[Cenric]

"Not unless you want them to know we're here." Cenric said with a shrug.

"Unfortunately, not everyone in this life is incompetent." The Dreadlord seemed to say the words disdainfully, as though he'd much prefer everyone else to be complete morons. "Tel'Ketos are very well aware of how important The Sisters are."

He explained. "The Artifact is guarded, warded, and protected in a dozen other different ways."

Cenric shrugged.

"But if you figure out a way passed all that, let me know, because I'm pretty sure if we can break it The Republic would throw us a bunch of favors." Not that he thought such a thing at all possible, not that anyone thought it possible.

He doubted even Gilram's magic would do it. "Don't worry about the Sisters."

Cenric said, his voice turning more serious.

"Our job is the whatever the Archon wants." A brief glance towards the window. "The faster and quieter we get it, the better."

 

[Livia Quinnick]

Livia gave a soft sigh, her shoulders slouching. So close to their target, and yet she could not shake the feeling that this was easier than it was meant to be. Her magic was supposed to be more direct, more powerful and articulate than this.

"Well," she thought aloud, "my corruption magic creates a murmur, and... if given time to learn, perhaps I could do more than that. It could be possible to corrupt a magical flow... just like I can do a person's heart." Liv shrugged at Cenric, thinking on it. "That is if we are truly close to finding this artifact..."

Obtaining it now... would that make them turn back to Vel Anir as quickly... or would they have time to study it, test it? After all this effort, days of travel, Livia would at least like to know what it is truly that she had been tracking.

She moved, now looking around their shared room, finding tea, cups, and a kettle. Liv went to the trouble of filling and boiling the kettle, preparing the black tea into their cups. She lifted the tin and gave it a sniff. "Hmm... At least it is fresh."

 

[Cenric]

"Ah, but therein lies the problem." Cenric said, finally pushing himself up in the chair and looking at Livia.

"Your corruption magic." The Dreadlord said, not meaning to admonish Livia, but simply explain the truth of it. Tel'Ketos was a difficult nut to crack. It wasn't as though Vel Anir hadn't tried before, but the barrier had simply been too great. "It would not work upon the Sisters, and the wards your magics break would alert those inside."

He shrugged. "Perhaps with the curators eye, we might get close."

Though there was no telling really.

"But, our focus is the artifact Gilram wants." Cenric reiterated, more to himself than Livia. The temptation of going after another prize difficult to ignore. "If it's here, we grab it, if it's not. We keep going."

Because they had no other choice.

Just as he shifted to stand, a knock echoed at the door.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

He.. he was right.

Livia pursed her lips.

The redirection back to their task at hand came at a relieving point. She loosed a small sigh and dragged a wooden stool from one corner and sat on it to think. "Right, and so we should scout the museum. Look for places we would like to investigate, find a curator for you to embody... and in the cover of night, we search."

Quick, easy, in and out operation.

"I think I will take up scrying in my room... see if I cannot get a better read on it's location..."

 

[Cenric]

The knock at the door came as Livia spoke, his lips pressing to a thin line as he stood and motioned for her to move towards the other wall.

Without much hesitation, he made his way towards the door and pulled it open. One arm folded behind his back, a slight trickle of flame running over his fingers as he greeted their guest. "Hello, Sir."

One of the Porters of the Inn stood there, well dressed though with a look in his eye that seemed...emptier than it should have. Cenric frowned for a moment, looking the man up and down as he suddenly extended a card.

"A message, Sir." He said simply as Cenric looked down, lips turning slightly as he plucked the small piece of cardboard from the man. Turning it over to read.

Erodin let you down, Cen. You should have stayed on the winning side.
~V​

"Fuck." Cenric said, slamming the door shut.

"They're here." He said, pinching the bridge of his nose as he turned around. "Well, one of them anyway."

The Dreadlord corrected himself, rubbing a hand over his face.

 

[Livia Quinnick]

As soon as that knock came, she was ready and alert. She took her tea cup with her as she hid away as Cenric asked of her, waiting and watching the older Dreadlord see to the person at their door.

Her brows quirked upwards hearing him curse, and once that door was closed and the footsteps on the other side moving down the hall, she moved towards him with serious concern on her expression. "Who is?"

She placed her cup back onto the table, suddenly not in the mood for something so calming when panic began to raise inside her, causing her heart to beat faster. Livia looked ready to bolt, fearing a man and his visions she never met or properly heard and understood. "He is here?" Her voice was above a whisper, her eyes wide.