Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Thraxas]

---

Magda Ruk, high priestess of Og' Garoth, peered intently into the shimmering orb lying on a small desk before her. She watched as the tall, flame-haired man approached her tower and entered. The humming of a teleporter announced the appearance of the visitor, who passed through the archway into the small chamber where she sat. She did not need to look at him to know who he was. "Long time it has been, Regent. Thought you had forgotten us, we did," she chided him.

"Not possible, Magda, even if it were a desirable thing. How have you been?"

"No need for small talk. What care you? Why have you come? Is there problem you cannot solve without us?" Without even looking at him, she knew he was grinning.

"In fact, there is. I..."

"Let me speak! You must listen and keep the temper controlled. My god would have these words with you before you ask of him!"

"Verywell," he replied calmly. "Speak."

"For too long you ignore him! Again and again you come like whining pup needing teat, then off to go with your own ways and doings. Sick of it he is! This thing you ask, no matter what... cost you much it will! If not pay up, then no more to aid you. This you can understand?"

Ordinarily, and in his much younger days, he would have burned her like a torch for talking to him like that. But he had grown and matured, and in most case could keep his temper at bay. This time, however, he knew she was right. "I understand," was all he said. "What will it cost me?"

"You give us a thousand heads and hearts! Must be elvish, and most not of those robber kinds you often give. Before this boon given, five hundred must be delivered here, to me."

"A thousand?!! Do you think it is easy finding, much less coralling, a thousand elves, or even humans for that matter, without hindrance or danger of discovery?! What you ask is impossible!" Thraxas snorted and turned as if to leave in a huff.

"Then five hundred. No less! And two hundred before I help you."

He turned around, paused, and sighed. "As you wish. But do not fail me in this!"

Magda grinned, still not looking his way. "Ever have I failed you?"

Thraxas knew she had not. "No, but this is important to me."

"What is it you ask of us?"

He knew by "us" she meant her god who worked through her. "Tell him I need a means for people to know when one is a criminal in need of arresting."

Magda laughed. "This is already a magick of this realm! Only need to tap into it. But it requires some work to do it right."

Thraxas looked puzzled. "You mean there is a way for people to know when someone is a criminal, and can be attacked without actually knowing who they are?"

"Yes. There is a way. Old magick it is. Simple. This we can do for you."

Thraxas smiled. Maybe he would not need her help after all if it was that easy.

"You will not be able to do this without us, so do not think it."

He was not surprised she was thinking ahead, but she could have been lying. He did not want to provoke her, however. "What do I need to do?"

"I need blood of that person. Few drops is all. No matter if fresh or not."

The villa was stained with the elf's blood, so that was no problem. "I have it."

"Then I need name."

"His name is Typernion, of Heartwood."

"Get me the two hundred sacrifices, and the blood... my god consents to your request."
_________________
"If a criminal has what you want, you do business with him."

[Thraxas]

---

The last of the elves and humans were crowded together on the burnt and bloodied abbattoir. Surrounding them were fields of paralysation, making escape impossible. A few pleaded uselessly for their lives, a few gritted their teeth and spat curses at their destroyers, while most simply bowed their heads in resignation of the death that was to come.

It came swiftly. A column of white-hot flame erupted from beneath them, engulfing them as individual pillars of fire but for a second. The smell of burnt flesh and hair filled the air. Particles of singed clothing floated from high above and then drifted slowly to the ground.

"It is done," Magda Ruk, the summoner of the flames, stated to her companion, Lord Thraxas. "Our god is pleased. Mostly these were elves. That is good."

Thraxas nodded. He, even more than she, was keenly aware of the god's lax standards. Often Og' Garoth would demand something, but when less was brought, he seemed not to care. Yet he was capricious; his demeanor could alter just as quickly. He seemed to tire quite fast of pure laxity and carelessness more than outright insubordination. Merely forcing his minions to do something, was enough for him, as long as they actually DID something he requested, and quickly enough to suit him. Still, the daemon-man was relieved. "I shall have the others soon," he replied.

Magda sat down on a bone dais. "I have begun the ritual already. It is nearly complete."

Thraxas approached her. "What form will it take? How will outsiders know that he can and should be apprehended?"

"My curse upon him will do it. He will glow to them, and that glow will signal them he is a malefactor much as the way it has worked within this realm all along. If that is not enough, they will receive a mental 'understanding' that he is an outlaw. Hide his face and alter his form as he may, by disguise, clothing, or spell, it will avail him nothing. He will not understand how this can be until it is too late. If he finds this out before his capture, he will no doubt go into hiding, having allies to bring him food and necessities, but that will not aid him either. The same curse will show me where he hides within a general area or region, and I will send word to you. His arrest is assured."

Thraxas smiled. "When will it begin... the curse?"

"It will begin one moon hence... upon the day of Saturn. I will send word where he will be and you may advise those you wish to seek him out."

"Good... good! Thank you, priestess. You have served me well."

Magda nodded. "Not without price, Regent. I require the rest of the sacrifices. You have a fortnight to deliver them."

"It shall be done." He bowed his head once out of respect, and took his leave of her.
_________________
"If a criminal has what you want, you do business with him."