Tanisin was lost as to what to do next. He and Relf had returned to their previous night’s campsite and discussed a plan. As the day was still quite young and both agreed the remaining cultists had probably fled the area they decided the best approach was a direct one. They left the horses again at the top of the ridge and boldly made their way down to the site they’d spied on the night before.

  What they found there stymied them to no end. All signs of the prior events were gone other than the remains of a large fire, the ashes were still warm. Even the body of the unfortunate cult member who’d died at the Shadow Being’s hand was gone.

  “What now?” Consternation was clear on Relf’s face as he asked.

  “Good question.” Frustration rang from Tanisin as well. “We have to find the beast before it’s aware we’re here. Look around and let's see if we can find some trace.” He’d expected the creature to be there and having found it gone put him at odds. He didn’t want to traipse all over these wooded ruins looking only to be ambushed themselves. He also wondered at the feeling from before being now gone. His head seemed clearer than it had since the first night in the Dreadlands. It was connected to the Shadow Being he reasoned, given that it flared anew each time he was in the vicinity of the thing.

  The two of them began to search. Sweeping out from the remnants of the fire in a circular pattern with eyes to the ground, hopeful of some sign. When the immediate area presented no evidence they spread out further, then yet further still. By noon they’d found nothing and regrouped back where they’d started, both irate.

  “What do you suppose happened to the body? Relf queried.

  “I don’t care to dwell on it.” Tanisin stated, he was snappish. “I mean it’s gone so best not to think about it.”

  They sat for a time as the afternoon drew on. They’d either missed some sign or the Shadow Being was gone, possibly left the area entirely. Tanisin stood and began a second sweep of the immediate vicinity. Relf, having nothing better to do, did the same. The results of the second search presented no more clues than the first had.

  “Curse it, we’ve wasted the day.” Anger and frustration were still evident with Tanisin.

  “Not entirely.” Relf’s attempt at mollification. “We killed one of them and gave the other something to worry about.”

  “True, true.” Tanisin tried to calm down. Nothing good was accomplished with anger. “I’m done here though, the question is what to do now?” He looked to the sky judging the time to be well into the afternoon.

  “I wish I knew Tan. Let’s go back to the horses and we can figure it out.”

  The walk back took some time as it was much easier going down than back up. Tanisin took the opportunity to turn the problem over in his mind. They could continue searching these woods and ruins and with luck they’d find some indication that the being was either still around or where it had gone. It seemed a pointless exercise to him. One they’d undertaken twice already with no results. They could give up, head back to The Citadel to report on their failure and live with the knowledge they’d let Sayoshti down. This seemed the wrong choice though. Sayoshti had put them here for a reason. Presumably to confront and kill the Shadow being. Yet what if that wasn’t it? Another idea started to form.

  When they reached their horses Tanisin laid it out for Relf. “What if we weren’t meant to kill this creature or even confront it? What if instead we were brought here just to see and hear what we did last night?”

  “Okay.” Relf shrugged, his large shoulders exaggerated the motion. “To what end?”

  “So we can stop what’s going to happen in Dimabri City!” The more he thought about it the more sure Tanisin became. “Maybe we were supposed to find out what we did so we could warn someone there or help stop their plans. Maybe even take matters into our own hands and deal with it ourselves?”

  He could see he was convincing Relf. “The bigger threat is to Dimabri City. If it falls into cultist control and under Despair’s influence it would mean disaster for all of Dimabri. All of Etrusia even.”

  “That’s what I’m thinking!” Tanisin’s prior irritability fell away. “Come on, we have time to make the city before night. We can stop at Eastgate. Brother Mchale can help us. He’ll be wanting news anyway, plus it means a warm bed for the night. I’m done with sleeping rough.”

  They reached Dimabri City with a little light to spare. Night was just setting in when they rode up to Eastgate Parish. Brother Mchale was busy with some tasks in the yard behind the parish. He heard the approaching horses and stopped what he was doing, looking up to find two troops riding into his yard as if they owned the place. Tanisin noted he was wearing his sword belt, something he never did unless he was training with the boys.

  The man frowned at them before looking closer and recognition dawned on his face. “Tanisin, is that you?

  Tansin dismounted, Relf stayed a-horse holding the lead to the pack horse and looking around. In a few quick steps Tanisin had closed the gap between him and Mchale. The two caught each other in a great hug with much to do about Tanisin’s appearance from Mchale.

  “Sayoshti’s light, it is you boy. Look at you!” Mchale held Tanisin an arms length away, looking him up and down. “You’ve grown Tan, and they made you a sergeant!”

  “I was grown when we left.”

  “That's not what I meant. You're grown up. I hardly recognise you, and what’s this?” He reached up and playfully rubbed at Tanisin’s fledgling beard. It was a surprise as Tanisin was truly unaware that he had one. It’d been awhile since he had a mirror to look in or the means to shave. “And the size of you lad. You’re a beast. Soldiering agrees with you it seems”

  He had filled out since leaving the parish, months of rigorous training and life on the road with all the dangers had filled in his muscles. “Enough.” He told Mchale.

  “Alright don’t get uppity about it. It’s been over a year and I practically raised you. What are you doing here? Where’s Dav and Anthin?” He glanced towards Relf sitting on his horse. “And who’s that with you?”

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Tanisin motioned for Relf to join them before answering. “One thing at a time.” He laughed at Mchale’s rapid questioning. “I’ll fill you in soon. It’s a long story and tied to why I’m here now. This is Relf, a corporal in the Corps. Relf this is Brother Mchale. He’s practically an uncle to me and Dav.”

  “Well met sir.” Relf stepped up to shake hands with Mchale. If the Brother found Tanisin to be a beast he was truly impressed with Relf’s towering bulk.

  “Well met Relf.” Shaking his hand as well. “You’re a right big fellow aren't you. Bet you're pretty good to have in a fight.” Mchale smiled letting Relf know the comment was in jest. “Enough now. Tan, you know where the horses go. Get them settled and join me inside for some dinner. We can talk more. Are you staying for a while?”

  “A few days, maybe more. Depends on how long our business takes. Come-on Relf help me with these animals.”

  Soon they had the horses unladen and settled with saddles and tack stowed neatly in the parish’s small stable. They took some time brushing them down, inspecting hooves and shoes and ensuring they were in good shape then left the animals contentedly munching on fresh hay and joined Mchale in the parish.

  Like most small parishes in Etrusia, Eastgate had the worship space in front with an office behind and living quarters for the clergy. Eastgate had two stories in the rear with the top having rooms for guests and Anthin’s personal study. Brother Mchale was busy in the kitchen area preparing a meal for him and his newly arrived guests.

  “Come in and grab a seat.” He vaguely gestured to a small table with seats for four.

  Relf and Tanisin sat while Mchale finished up. He soon brought food to the table and the three dug in with gusto. Relf and Tanisin ate like starving men offered a feast! After so much time eating food on the road a sit down meal served hot and fresh was a treat.

  As they ate, Mchale plied them with questions. He was keen to know of their time away. Soon the tale unfolded for him. All the events from their departure to The Citadel, their time there and Dav’s pilgrimage. It made a grand tale in and of itself and Mchale asked pointed questions the whole time. Tanisin held nothing back. From the husks in the Westwood to the Shadow Being. Eventually they came back to the reason for Relf and Tanisin’s return to Dimabri City.

  “First we need to see the Enlightened. I’m worried about this cult activity in the city.” Tanisin told him.

  “I can arrange it I’m sure.” Mchale had been in contact with Enlightened Serivus a few times since they’d left him so he figured it wouldn’t be an issue.

  “I also need a message sent to Anthin. I hope that by now he is back at The Citadel and he’ll want to know where we are. I believe Dav should be with him. I pray so at least. Then together we need to stop whatever plans the cult has for Dimabri.”

  “I’ll send the message right away, we can meet with Enlightened Servius in the morning.”

  The afternoon had faded into evening and the evening wore on to night as they talked. True to his word, Mchale had sent a message to the cathedral asking for an audience with the Enlightened. He gave it to the city’s messenger service who had runners all over Dimabri City for just such things. He’d drafted a letter under Tanisin’s dictation to send on to The Citadel and promised to send it the next morning. Before they knew it the time had come to retire for the night. Tanisin slept in his old bed that night, content that they’d done all they could till the morrow.

  Daybreak found him and Relf awake and with nothing demanding their time the two had gone into the parish’s yard to practise their sword work. Shirtless they traded blows back and forth for a good hour, sweating and testing each other. It felt good for both of them. There’d been no time to train the past few weeks and it was a respite to be able to swing a sword without the threat of death or the need to kill your opponent.

  They were at breakfast in the yard with Brother Mchale when the messenger returned with word from the cathedral. He handed Tanisin a rolled parchment sealed with Enlightened Serivus’ seal and took payment before departing. Tanisin broke the seal, unrolled the parchment and read the return message.

  Tanisin.

  It does my heart good to hear of your arrival in Diambri City, though with trepidation as to the meaning behind your return. I of course will grant you an audience. I don’t think we need to be so formal as to call it that but you are welcome nonetheless. Come see me at your earliest convenience today. I look forward to seeing you and learning of your recent activities and to hearing of Dav’s pilgrimage as I’m sure you have tales to tell and news to impart.

  Yours in service to Sayoshti Most Holy.

  Enlightened Serivus.

  Relf read over his shoulder and Tanisin informed Mchale of the accepted visit. All was ready so they wasted no time in making themselves presentable and heading out.

  The Enlightened of Dimabri City was worried. He was concerned with the reason for Tanisin's return to Dimabri and with the fact that Dav was not present with him. He fretted over the haste with which Tanisin wanted to see him. He received his guests in his study, the same room he’d met them in last time. Now as then Sister Mariaa escorted them. Serivus was shrewd enough to know this was no casual visit.

  Once they arrived and were seated he’d sent for some refreshments and set straight to business. He wasn’t one for beating around the bush or delaying something because it might be unpleasant. “So lad, you’re looking well. A bit rough perhaps but well. What brings you back to Dimabri?”

  “Thank you, Your Grace. You look well yourself.” The Enlightened had looked the same to Tanisin since boyhood, though old he never appeared to age. “I’m afraid Your Grace, that I have some concerning news. We have learned of a plot within the city.” Tanisin explained the situation of their discovery and the forces behind it.

  “Concerning news indeed, young man. Can you tell me more as to the nature of this plan?”

  “I’m afraid not much more is known. There’s at least one cultist within the city and the cult's facilitator here is Stabber Rollins. Beyond that not much more to tell of. I suspect from what we heard that the cult intends to somehow take the city and install Rollins as some sort of de facto ruler.”

  “They promised him men Your Grace.” Relf added. “Rollins doesn’t have the support he’d need on his own.”

  “Enough to cause some damage but yes he’d need more to take the city for himself.” Serivus mused on the problem.

  That there were cultists and those sympathetic to them was no real secret. Every city in Etrusia had them to some extent. They’d always been quiet and unassuming on the surface. With no real leadership or organisation to speak of. The city watch numbered around one-hundred and twenty men and the local Corps contingent was smaller at only twenty or so. The numbers for both were a bit fluid at any given time. If the cult was willing to back a gang leader and supply men for a takeover then things were dire and action urgent.

  “First I’ll put the local detachment on alert and ask The Citadel for additional troops. If they can spare any. There's unrest in Wayra right now.” Serivus told them. “When I contact the council we will put an alert out on Rollins and any of his crew. Hopefully we can round them up to delay these plans for a time. We can’t hold them without charges and for charges we’d need proof beyond word of mouth.”

  “Relf used to run with Rollins.” Tanisin interjected.

  “I did, not proud of it but it’s true.” Relf’s face reddened at the admission. He’d grown since then in many ways and his past actions were shameful.

  “I wonder. Do you think he’d take you back in?” The beginnings of an idea was stirring in Tanisin.

  “Not sure. He’d be suspicious at the best, hostile at the worst. I’d have to prove myself to him somehow.”

  “It’s something anyway, hear me out on this.” Tanisin outlined his idea for those assembled. It was risky and counted on luck as much as deception but the idea was sound and he managed to convince them it would work. They ironed it out some more, detailing some what ifs and such. By that afternoon they had laid the groundwork for a plan to stop the Followers cold and deal with Stabber Rollins and his hopes for absolute power in Dimabri.