Under the downing sun’s last embers, just before a moment of first moon rises. One could see a lanky black-haired man stepping sharply, leaning forward, head turning to look on shadows cast between overhangs of worn-out two-stores wood building.
In past bright red and yellow sides, now waded by age, where in now weathered by elements to same gray as stone walls that separated towns many cemeteries from its inhabitants.
Resided of these places have sulked away to their homes at first screens of darkness and promises of green gods stone’s light soon raising out of the sky beyond.
Uncaring and eternal on its unending challenges for mankind. They edicts ever-present. showing down upon the world once darkens cover the land.
Soon the sun would see the day to its end and twin moons would follow at its wake. Two archetypes of fate and ways. Promising both the highest height and heaviest burdens. for thous who travel night on their paths.
On the ground where Alex’s strut on. hand creasing, absentmindedly, vest front pocked. while his eyes probing the rod ahead.
Lookin out for both mundein moments, as well straining his eyes to pick any mana signatures. Any sudden sifts to gives always active skill use.
That way he could even spot sloppy mana masking that some awaken’d like using. Sure it was not true observation skill. but the frayed mana wave was noticeable if he was sharp enough and on the right time. His The mana he used remained unsupported by Skill.
Thankfully, as night approached, there were hardly any remaining personal mana traces on the street. Even chafed ones on street vendors old placed under protruding second floors where were not really there to throw him off.
Wind picking up caring taste of salt at its wake was enough to tug his clothes, catching both wool cape and conservation. Disturbing, forcing him to dial back the connection from face to head. Still, it was more than he’s bare eyes.
Straightening his grip on manas connection to the core inside, he forced outer layer over his eyes. He pushes it out more ache, bearing momentary prunt of pain.
His cages s sweeper over street and to his back, quickly before burst effects would fade back to nothings. no moments on watch’s kept nor the hill sides.
No new discovery present itself, over the dull thump of his body’s aching that came from over drawing it resources. It was like an over eager acquaintance that try to get his attentions.
“whit this much continued use before i see Reverend Orfeas. i will have pain directly on my eyeballs, well before midday bells sound reach home.”
Glancing on skylines up ahead, seeing the towers of old battlement up ahead roof tops. Its oval silhouette drawn ageist sky.
Moving between elongated shadows. He walks to over a crossing form of street right side. Well, outside it clows ranges should the street light be set aflame by unexpected skill use.
Still, he could not help cleanse unlit lamps as he headed deeper to the shadow of the building. They etch metal curving against darkening sky. They roaring blaze absent.
His hand gripping the hilt of extra dagger, he strapped under his clouts next to the jewel. His usual knife was still on his belt. Its clip tucked length wise on his belt front for easy access.
its weight reassuring on there. “most paths to square are open this time of year, surly no one dares to block them.”
just the echo of spirits presents so soon of last “rite of accessions heights” that pass just three nights ago would make people to circumvent, entire neighborhood to avoid energy emanating from cemetery’s especially the change of evening to night or morning.
Whits make thous three people, blocking shortest route twins square from his house all more odd. Certainly, veils swaying can be used as a training opportunity. But better locations existed surrounding the Pantheon’s main cathedral. Meant for just such occasions.
Coming to this part of town was more than suspicious. They might have been there by coincidence. Perhaps, they even have smaller sprite later on them for task. Like the one fasted on his hip, warped and stuffed with clothes. But it would not make sense for him to take a needless risk.
Not now, when they were a bit of open mark now after father’s passings. He's position as enforcer of sort had made people resent him. So long no one had taken potshots.
Hopefully that would last a little bit longer, until he had at least a opportunity grow so mutch that old mans deads wouldn cost them their lives.
Assuming that he’s coming gamble dint break his opportunities, twins were know their fairness not form mercy. thou some trebucket, even that, and with good reasons, “but what else can I do?”
He lifted his head to gaze at the highest point of the sky where the moons would be in the depth of night. “Miseric, may your divine light illuminate my path forwards. Acerbitas, lay down your challenges to guild my steps, sympathize in fairness.”
only the creak of wooden shutters on the evening wind answers his silent plea.
“And may fortune dices lay as they will.” Alfred thought.
Refocusing flow of mana in his core. Soon, the raised steps would glow in the distance, distorting his vison. Here, only a few permanent runs etched into building doorways and window slits provided a tender glow in his mana clad eyes, distorting the surrounding air.
a distortion that was both real and not here same time. Pale blue mana glow casting no shadow unlike corutugsest smiles portraying to window self, by light heralding of Miseric lights clow peaking from distance Horizont. forming crisscrossing shadows that overlapped homes higher walls. combining whit passing sun’s light.
Before long Acerbitas, its twin would rise and they would paint streets grey unfeeling stones with a green and yellow. Spotted with silver patches on odd spots, that appear whit out rhyme or reasons.
A captivating yet ghastly display that trows both learned scholars and clergy’s to their wit’s end as they seeking reason for it. The outcome, regardless of intent, would always be the same. At least on thous corners where red and yellow flames dint throw the lights away.
One such Place was in front of the path up ahead. unlight and unoccupied still. Heading under the rightmost corner to keep away in case any remote skill use would light the flame. His well-worn boots touched down on the cobblestones, their soft leather meeting the worn out street.
There were no onlookers on sight. Even those whose windows were facing slanted’s upwards to catch day last sunlight and light of first moon pure rays, were only using the uppers part of window sunders open, know better than being seen looking outside if they could help it.
Alfred keep look out of his surroundings to keeping to right side houses, in to evening shadows. As houses start lost their height, this close city’s old center.
Some buildings were quite large, with stone bottoms and window slits. Near the clearings, there were even two-story buildings, with the top part still made of stones. Though most was wear down and replace most out newer wooden parts.
Well, that woodwork was the same roof hue like quality that was the norm around here. City council and lords my deferred to preach pantheons virtues, but no way they would use any more fundings to remake the city old quarters. Not so close twins church, whose three corner towers peaked over house closely built singeletd roofs.
Were it not the service Twins clergy offered to local guard garrison, on dispelling curse they get on their line of work to giving them acce to train near veil. where the main reason this neighborhood was a paroled every so often.
Not that they do it on an evening like this. When the harbor was getting rowdy, Wooden overhang cast long shadows in whits engulf Alfred from prying eyes, both and constant evening wind heralding the coming of Acerbitas. Winds still carried colder months bite in its wake.
He tightens his grip over the open vest, pushing it against the thick wool tunic under.
“mayday i should have to pick one thou hemps pun shahs as something to carry things around instead this of this vest,” he thought to himself as a small burst of wind tugged his vest laps.
“then I could use it as shawl around my head and shoulders.” that would help keep the bite of the wind. thought local gangs would beat him half death for it, no matter what color or shape he use.
They pay some other unaccession to mob him. Every year there were youngsters looking learn from various “Chalmen” organisations, and perhaps even land a spot, like he himself once was. To be beat up by a bunch of attention seeking teens now that humiliation. Better just endure wind’s bite ”not that it will bother me soon.” “hopefully,” he thought, looking to the sky.
They get way too riled if they see known locals using their self-claimed coat symbol. To the point they outright broken Daniel’s leg’s last summer, get him three months to get moving again. And that was his class reforging his recovery alongside both priests’ mana and meditations from the doctor.
“Nishi bloody breach”. he churched in he’s mind. That shash was clearly being Mekong silk Make across the sea. not cotton smoothen out by alchemy they used to strut around.
Stopping to Lisen. He preses he forms against stones, still warm form day’s rays.
“Dam the tradition, merchant fleet’s sailors used them all the time while on shore. And most off city used thous ratchet knife some gangs wear as marker. Like one on his belt for years and there hadn’t been any problem whit that. but one pice of colorful clothing and they get up to arms.”
Stopping in his tracks. He drew a deep breath, then expelled it deliberately. He had no need to revisit those memories, they served only to distraction him and offer escape from his difficulties. In, out, in steady rhythm, breath.
He would need to security him self and others options. a better future. His hand touched the moon stone inside he’s west poked, secured on core to neckband. Its eternal clow covered by wax processed clothes.
Soon he will finally have access to accession of his own, sure it would become with additional cost. But even that was better than waiting till the next four accessions night to pass or, worst yet, live classless rest of his life.
No, tonight would change it, but first he would need to get to twins’ church before the moons of Miseric and Acerbitas were to reach their zeniths. An offering on the altar to forge a new path ahead.
First, he should get there, in time. He takes in the empty street once more.
but now walking into the shadows, he was almost in disguise form in townhouse thanks to his clothing mess with old hoist stone. that why father was insisting in his use of muted colors or ones that mess with surroundings
“People, in general, but too much stock for sneaking and counter detections skill and forget simple non-magical muntein ways of bleeding in. Use that to your advances Al.” not that it saved him in the end.
But better not taking chances. He thought to himself, staring to scan his surroundings. While the, street itself was empty, he could hear some moments nearby houses making him stop to his track.
Retching his other senses whit mana catches smelled of supper, coming house on front “broadly miss Dobney” his husband or older sons much have to manage exceeded they monthly quotas or more likely for this time of year, help to take down some water monsters. It was challenging to prepare them, but the taste was quite something.
“hopefully, they are willing to banter for it later.” He thought, looking to the sky. No clouds on sights. It was shaping out to be a clear night. “Like before at father’s wake and at the day he died.”
Enough, he thought, scolding himself from needles superstitions, not that he could blame himself. moons moments where tied on environments manas variations.
This was the only path left forward for him of any chance of success. He thought, his right hand rising tho crap fest inner pocket through the thick leather of fest. Its content was comfortably warm against his hand through added layering.
Removing the wind’s cold bite, as the sky slowly changes into dusk, with the evening sun disappearing into new silvery light of first moon.
Staring to move again he stops in the middle of the step. Stirred in distant figure moving from right at the entrance to the square, near the end of the street. Where one could see raised walls of Twins church and steps leading to the groundkeepers’ gate.
That was fully closed now, as flickering light pushed ageist it metal frame. “that’s not good,” Alfred thought. Chappel front was almost always open on evenings, even veil sifts at moon’s zenith were not usually so violent as to push against outer wardings of burial grounds. Or twins forbid to manifest as green static. Now that he knows to look closer, he noted that all around walls spiked lines the stop portions of it where humming with static.
That was problematics. he would need to get main chappe’s altar before moons reach they heights, to indecetio ritual on time. If the gate looked he could still scale the walls, they were meant to keep things inside. so warding would propyl let him in. And his Laterns enchantments would let him move through the grounds even in the veil shift going. As for how guardians would react to him… that was a bigger question. Some of them where quit the egcmanctis on best of time. The lack of creeping frost and the absence of dread not leaking over wards, to open yards below was good singe. Though that glow over the gate means, its outer wardings were activated.
A worrisome sight that had also drawn attention off, three silhouettes could see moving right the middle of the rod. While they were too far away to make out details against the evening sun, he could see lines of shahs on two of their waist. One was about his height, if twice as wide shoulders. Second on was tall. Both were bare chested with out tunic, facing the third member, seeming to argue about something.
The tall man with no hair had a sash on top of his trousers with something dark sticking out of his left hip. While Alferd was to long away to make it shape by wading light but he didn’t need expand more mana to see farther. Both bald head and waving hand moments were clear signs, as he gestures to third persons on a long jacked.
“Joakim, so it was not an accident that shorts rod from home to chapel had people on it.” “Acerbitas spit!. When did he crown a brain? Opening skills aren’t meant to do that! Right?” he thought as he head to the closet window with hazing runes on air, shaking the air. Hopefully a combination of overhang shadows and mana disturbance would hide him from observation skill.
Even someone like Joakim is brith enough to have thous in he’s Skill set. thought how hard he was ready to use them was an open question. “but who are the other two? big own is most likely Ceal. He has been hanging around Josep ever since that fool awaked, his skill assessed less than moth a go,” “Unlike someone,” a taunting voice whispered from his mind. But he churches it out mercilessly. “But who the shifty ones that Joseph is arguing whit?” his form dint look even distally familiar.
He knows most young means of his age grouping around this part of town. One off he had at least seen most of them and their families while working in Twins the church supper line and at it grounds down the years. And there was no way Joakim would run his mouth to the senior Gutter Daggers member.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Plus, he would know waving of their the Mana signature from a far, sea coat or not. Boht Father and revalt where be demanding that he was able to distinguish off midnight mass.. participance signature as fast as possible should end of them have any ideas outside sprits gaze.. plus not that any of “tough” where that particular of hiding their pressed, if anything they were trying to show it off as a mark of pride.
Where these one presses, was muted, pearly existing form distance. If Joakim was not really listening to him, he would have dismissed him as unawakened like himself. So a man with a hood on, was not one of the older members, eighter… most likely. also way too short to be one sifters members among Gutters..
And since most of the slums’ resistance next to harbor visited church in supper days, he might not remember they mana signatures, but he at least could pick them out. Some even stayed to zenith height preaching ceremony. specialty once accession nights roll around… he would know being there himself last three years.
Not that full body jacket let much to go by, nor it carry any gangs symbol he could pick out of. Not this far a way with normal puls of mana sight. Plus, over there one would count them self lucky if they own a third pair of working clothes far less a good jacket. Madey his form better parts near the harbors merchant discrits ?
Somewhere in the Vegard area, then. “but then why is he here whit Josep? and is he newly awakened? His presence is mute, but it could be due to his class, which could be quite problematic.” Just Cellach would posses a problem, say nothing of Joakim himself. If rumors of him getting first class, merge were true.
He had rectally had had enough time to get one by now. And while it was frowned upon, awakened to press their strength ageist thous that accession has not blessed system aid upon them. Joakim had no problems of doing it before. Thought that has not carried him through last time, and while the look on his face when he learns Alfred had not awakened that cycle, yet getting his ass handed to him was still an endearing memory. That was more than a two years ago. And while Joakim was full of it, he know how but in efforts.
Although the law against accessions on harassing unawakened existed, it was enforced haphazardly around town. Still, such actions were disliked. Even the most destitute would shun such actions, whit out proper cause to act. There were persistent rumors of the system itself acting against it. While the incident was brushed away as new awakens getting excuparelant. and he’s… new mentors punishment him over it, but little else come from it, if you discount veiled insults and some shoving.
“He’s properly here to trough his weight around, now that father’s passing is official.” “could not wait till morning.. wait how they know I’m out house?” He had slipped away undetected, using mana power runes array, tuned for his home surroundings, to make sure no one was near. And outside the main rods, the old town’s twisted streets offered no clear view.
Were they here by confidences? if their body langues were any indication, they dint want to be here. both Cellach and newcomer were keeping glazing burial ground raised stoning walls, as mana discharge through the pikes. “Well, at least wards are still containing it effects fully or even that morn would run.” Alfred think to himself while weighting his options.
Instead of moving towards the street, there were still about three houses’ length before squares. He could leave now and circled around left side of square… thought that would take time and ritual need to be prepared before moons rise their zenith.
Stone was welling like burning in he’s chest though he knew it was sealed on a container. “If i get to square, then Twins guardian sprits would know of my presses, more so if of burial grounds wave is waning,they would not dear to follow, so long as i get through, I’m clear.”
He take moment to look out beast way to get closer, while they where arguing. if he is lucky, he gets two more houses closer using overhangs and shadows before they would see. He could circle back and come in through the main gate, but if the door wards next to the groundkeeper’s gate were activated, depict sour face lantern flames still burning over his house. Then the front gate wouldn’t be any better.
The only way in was through here before the moon rose. The idea of them attempting anything beyond glowing to him in such proximity of burial grounds, on a veil night like this, would be pure madness, when it danger drawing the attention of soul remnants. Securing stone in his pocked firmly, memorising pattern of stone on ground “i rather not hear him pumping his chest one last time. If need i run the last leg.” he starts moving again, keeping his footwalls as soundless a possible.
moving closer to the wall while walking in shadow, making sure go slower and below the windows so no sudden light insides the houses would frame him.
He had not needed to worry for only Cellach lumber around to look on street and he too was soon drawn to follow their argument. He near the end of the fort building stomping in near last door’s outer frame. stoping to watch the argument unfold. they seem to have come some kind of compromise as two shirtless men turn look on the street as third one start to gather structured mana around his eyes and head “well definitely a awaken one.” ”not bad wave… is he still going!?” Alfred thought as mana keep gathering around his head. Just to be in safe side, he chose to step between outer door recess, hopefully its frames runes would cover him, if it was dectection type skill.
“Hope he won’t spot me.” he would need to get as close as possible before bolting briefly to second last house at least. Whatever it was, this newcomer was doing it dint lead to his discovery. After saying something, both Joakim and Cellach, start eyeing the rod along the square.
Joakim spiting to ground and shaking his head, straddling towards one end of squad, turning around the corner soon Cellach following afterwards, his cate ponderous as he keeps looking back to mana discharge on the wall.
“well that takes care of them now just to wait still they get far away encoh and then run past this lone watch.” whoever he was, only mad man or desperate would draw notice of twins’ guardian sprits on veil night, willingly.
After a while Alfred step out of recess, leading to its runes released small puls on that would usually go unnotice where he not so on edge.
“a visitor rune since miss Dobney have use for thous?” Alfred thought. Taking steps to place himself under window slits. He dint want to mix her family with this. they probably would help him, but there was no need to mix with Chalmen gangs anymore.
he stilled him to see if watchers had noticed the disburdens. First, it seems like he got out of it. Until he sees his eyes flash blue monetary “fuck!” he may not be close enough to see any unstructured magic pattern put he know that clow intimately. if there was any doubt he was spotted, that was dispelled
by him shouting something towards the street two men had go while pointing his direction. “Twins boiled blood!” Alfred cursed.Seeing he’s cover was blown, he started to jogging trough the street. He almost made it before Joakims came running through the corner and used heavily mana boosted print to charge between him and the squad blocking the rod. “fell that’s a charge, mana warping. Did he take some strength or warrior class? Eighter is bad.. not mention out running him is out of picture.
“Hey there, just the man I was hoping to find this evening.” He says in a jovial tone. His hand resting in ornamented rachets knife holder in he’s left hip, while he’s other had weight cord already warped around his right. Round ball hanging end bouncing against cuff Bracers, as he mock waved, looking deceitfully soft. Alfred have saw does things break off stone on right hands.
“What you're doing here blocking the street in the middle of evening, the midnight mass is still five nights away.” Alfred ask angling to walk to pass buff up fool before Cel would get here. so long he can get
Wait up, Joakim say sticking he’s left hand forward, blocking his path. “This is not gang bussings but personal. You see, you hurt one of my boy’s brothers and i here get some pay back form.” “are on drugs? There is more pressing maters on hand.“ Alfred says pointing to forwards gates that were bathed in wardings light, as runes engraved to metal flashed in rhythm of veils tidings.
“maters not, old goats will keep that contained.” Joakim say waving it away. “More importantly, you have dues to pay” "What! you claim your bull shit is more important than, most violent veil cracks on last nine years!?” something of his outburst much get trough, for that cocky smile wavered as he peek over to piked walls. Alfred used a moment to use mana still on his legs to speed walk around him.
He was only half past the man, before Joakim's hand grip his shoulder, monkey’s paw weighted head thumping against his back, “no lite rat, you are coming whit us.” Alfred spin around to face him. Did this fool think he would follow him to gang territory? “It maters not what your problem is whit me, that veil preach needs to be contained or are cone explained to Gutters leadership why there are remnants and monsters popping around their part of neighborhood?”
“Heh, whatever, your precious runes can’t hold back can be training folder to our newcomers.” Despite his buster, Joakim was keeping his eyes out towards the burial ground. evens as Cellach's running foot step came closer to their position. “precious? how much, clows have you taken? Master level grafters that are specialised to use divine warding made thous. Anything that slip trough is enough to slaughter anyone, not a second merger. And event that is the best scenario.”
“pah you’re bluffing. There’s no way someone hasn’t handled this before the night sermons are held.”
“The Zenith mass has be called off.” Not that their where held this close the to accesions due wave ripples on veil, but he dint think that Joakim was a wear of that. “This is groundkeepers gate, right next to where his covering flame is held.” Alfred say pointing to raised steps that still show Peder Laterns’s flame flint in distances over the blazing mana discards of gate. “If this pathway is closed under its protection, then you can be sure that the front gate is the same.”
Trowing his arm out with his own, he start walk away again, only to be grasped from his arm. Stopping his movement on its tracks, “yep a warrior merge or very least heavy emphasis on physical strength.” Alfred thought as he measured the distance to the open square. “still bit far away” and Cellach's coming stop on his left was not helping eighter.
“Are you truly preventing me from renting aid on Veil preach?” Alfred asks. felling genius startled, on the matter “because your subordinates felling got hurt? Have your class merge drive last capability of thoughts out of you?” “there’s no point of some on like you going there. Pries Orfeas has left his post. Me and boys just see hes carriage take the eastern rod. on full sprint.” Joakim says.
“Good.” he nod trying to hear self assurance. It was proudly just one of revalts acquaintances artifacts going haywire. it happens sometimes, though usually he goes through them on time or after twins moons zenith. and even later, one didn’t usually get this bad. “getting more members help to handle veil drift is essential one night like this,” Alfred says, trying to tug his hand free, whit out success.
“Now unhand me, unless you and your new friend here are willing to dangers remnants attack, I would recommend that you all get behind fourth line.” He says pointing towards the street line where he came. Joakim still had that same stubborn look on his face. But Cellach seems to be ready to bolt again. And the third man was nowhere to be seen.
With was worrisome, but no sane person would danger the possibility of inquisitions visit over veil wave. Sure sour face that man this gate would give him stern talking for coming, but with moons stone ritual over him, even old Peder would have a hard time finding vault of his entering the grounds. One more push and he could walk away from this.
“and keep clear off mains street, guards will want to know what is going around here. Better have Chalmens groups ready to patrol trough night than have you three stand around as conscripts.”
“Do you take me a fool? Guard keep have better things to do than coming look around here.” “veils breach are Chalmens business.”Joakim say whit deception, pushing his chest out. “indeed, that is in way main reasons existence of Chalens groups like Gutter daggers.” Alfred confirms while tilting his head, and waving his hand towards walls “and yet here our are blocking me going too my part of that defence.”
“There is nothing someone like you could do there.” Joakim. “You are still not ascendent. If anything, I’m doing my duty by blocking you going there to be death weight.” almost physical pain hit his shoulders form thous words, but he made sure to not show it on his face. Gods know he had have practise on it down the years. saying calmy “You're mistaken, I know burial grounds runes and can manipulate them to coordinate the defence.” “And that is a skill sorely need if carries out picking more clergy members to pacifist graveyard.”
“Pah, one can only access thous runes under of a beholder of the site and father Orfeas. has leave.” “I have my access carved to thous runes beforehand.” “As janitors bucked boy!” “so what? it alongside my knowledge is needed right now and it’s your duty -alongside Chelms groups whose mark you branches on your hip- to secure that knowledge for protections of city.”
“Then mady it best that i protected that knowledge by bringing you too our training halls? in there your safe form this scary veil break.” “Do he ready think he get the rope me in to Chalmes territory?” Alfred thought, taken aback. “form this close to Twins church? Did classing takes out last of bit of sanity in that head his?“
“if you're so worried about my protection, you're welcome to escort me to burial grounds.” Alfred says with a tight smile on his lips. Grasping in turn, Joakim hand and dragging other man forwards. revers leave other man stunned before he fould he’s bearing stopping them on tracks. “No, that is unwise. Chalmes are mend to be protecting residences from beast and monster attack” “oh all sudden you care about that.” Alferd ”not mention without flame protections veil breach would engulf us.” “no worry,” Joakim say he untie lantern from he’s hip, taking of it warpings. and rising it on eye level. “I have one right here.”"
“That unlit.” “yes it is and…”Alfred say, holding back rolling his eyes as he uses mana form his core to connect lanterns runes, lighting it up. “now it lighten” he says in forced cheer. Trying to move again in vain. “why are you stopping me, Gutter? there is task to fulfill.” “its daggers,” Joakim says, pulling him back. “And did you not hear me revalt has left thous defence won’t let no one in!”
“No, you saw a carriage leaving the grounds.” Alfred. retorted. doubting if he speak truth. “Are now you claiming to see through the rune warden carriage of twins’ church?” rising his eye prows. “Not me, but my friend here has a different Skillset.” Joakim says, pointing to a man on fishers jacked that had somehow come to Joakim's left side un-notice. Man had pearly any presence, even hi look at him directly on Laterns light “a sneak then! and classed one for that.”
Using he’s upmost consecration to get handle mans mana signature as he turns he’s head to look at him. “And you can see through wood and stinted class then?” Alfred ask masking how disturbed he fell as his effort just… slide off mans presence. “No. but that was, a mana of signature of clergy inside it a powerful one on at that.” man says whit low voice it.
“And priest Orfeas is the only person on this church worthy of that.” Cellach pips up form side. “Plus, Alda, Ingalill or Jenson. Or any of the number of our guest priest,” Alfred says “heck, if it is just a powerful clergy signature, even Peder would match that.”
“The groundkeeper!” Joakim snorts, “that old fool hardy can see, let around drive a carriage.” Joakim protest “Then it is good that a possessed horse statues, can drive them self!.” Alfred retorts, his patience, wearing thin.
Perhaps it would be better using mana burst and lanterns enchantments to get away. Repositioning his hand while tugging it, he says. “now un hade me. There is work to be done. And you’re hindering it.” “your lying there. No way that they use lowly denied, one like you, for something of worth.” Joakim spit. “How local Twins, chapter see as worth, is not your to decide.” Alferd retorts in kind.
Stepping to the side while realising burst off mana on contact point, using it to tear his hand free. While taking steps back while storing mana to lanterns runes, he declared. “I have to be in front of blazing reflection before it to late to bolster outer defences. Move or face pantheon wrath for of hindering their work.“ all, technically true.
”your prayers can wait, janitor boy!” Joakim all but spit, taking out his ratchet dagger on his hand, but keeping it still unopened. While gestures to him. Saying “your dues will be payed, one way or other.” stepping forwards as Alfred raises his lantern high, backing up. while Cellach was circling to side and Man in jacked was fading out in plain sight.
He prepared to direct lanterns light forwards when an ear piercing sound behind him break trough air. making them all freeze. They know that sound, but it should only come out muffled inside burial ground. Not clear, and crisp form the walls, taking more steps back. And seeing the other stared to up behind him inted react, Alfred turns side way to look on open squares.
Sight treating his eyes was outright ridiculous. As rune wards reflections raised over the wall’s height, to be seen on naked eyes, all they’re usually camouflaged and obtrusions nowhere to be seen.
Even where they stood. Alfred could well at a touch of beyonds mana came through wards, alongside dread dead mana. Crashing over wards, through the air and almost ripping his unstructured mana from his grasp. Forcing him to pull back tread forms eyes. Others fared little better. Joakim was starlet to action as his wrist bracers start to smoke, waving and cursing. While Cellach jumped back. Yelling, “What on blood aches,was that?”
“that’s bad. That’s really bad,” Alfred thought. griping his ratchet knife. While trying to keep the rest of his mana under control on his body. Bearley noticing third jacked men as his stealth came undone, ust two steps of his lefts.
“That is quite worrisome.” He says aloud, turning to fully face them all again. all thoughts of getting to moons stone ceremony on time gone from his head. “Our disagreement mutch wait, Joakim.” he says, looking man directly on eyes. “unless your willingly have whole Gutter dagger Chalmens slaughter to last, for you actions today.”
“what on Merks Honor are you talking about uncleanse!“ Joakim roared, stoping waving his arm, around taking steps towards him
“that was veil break alarm! you fool!”Afred yelled feed up with, hes bull shit. “I know that,” Joakim yell back, stomping closer. “but so what? gate is close, there is no way in to slay the remnants!” he said, waving his ratchet knife, its steel blade now fully folded beard.
“That was not calling horn but a signal of outer walls being breached.” “what!” Twins blood! Cellach exclaimed, looking around wide eyed as remnants would pop out any moment now. Both other men look as taken aback. There had not been a full veil breach in years.
He continued, “that sound alongside thous warding on air means beyond is leaking trough.” “ So go tell the gutters get ready. Full weapons layout, including range and any amplifiers they have.” Alfred said waving down Joakim braced that had cone inert. “both legal and illegal. If this goes badly, the watch will hardly have the energy or time to ask about them.
Is it truly that bad? Joakim asked, looking genuinely worried. That was the first time in a years than Alfred's hand seem anything other than scorn on his face. “Yes, yes it is.” Alfred say softly. gesture towards burial ground wall where glowing warding runes glow in air holding back veil break from beyond.
“The outer wards are holding strong for now, but they haven’t been fully tested in years.” “and get out of my way while you’re at it.” he add on his mind. he’s lantern was fine work but whiteout skill and class to boost light it flame would only cover him, at least still main cathedral.
“Did you not hear? Carriage has left! There is no getting in now. thous wards will lock the whole place down at least to sunrise.” Joakim insisted. But Alfred could hear his doubt. Nothing good came hindering any pantheon’s works, far less twins that were known for their handling of punishment. Any other time, He would be almost impress of how determined Joakim was. but this was just going stupid.
“Too you loot it is blocked off. But i can get in.” Alferd says. “hopefully” he adds at his mind. “and what is your reason for stopping me going to aid in veils defence? You have seen church carries leaving to get more clergy members? And this lung of man has his feelings hurt? So what?” “if thous rune wardings wane at night, like this, then entire neighborhood is in danger.” As to emphasize he’s words, wardings chose this moment to elevated pressure from inside. Lowering their hold on veils mana for a moment. It came crashing over an open space of square, covering smooth stones surfers with frost before a stopping line shining of wardings on the month of the street.
its effect was enough to finally silence, Joakim. “that was forced discards, and judging by runes markings on air, it will do so again! You three get to Gutters and spikes, heck get bloods if you can,” Alfred says, all thoughts of coming accessions, flew off his mind.
“Acerb ass, we will, speak thous bootlickers. Guards will cover this.”. Joakim retorted, but hes voice hold no heat on it. As he folded he ratcheted dagger back to itself. While it mechanised teeth produce it signature sound.
“Only if this on only veil breach in city for the night! And even so they will need help to contain it, if thighs get bad,” Alfred barked as he turns fully to streets end. "a help every Chalmen guild is contrary obligated to offer. Gutter daggers include!”
"Now go! Alarm them! we need full patrols around the surrounding city blocks."
