Chapter 18: + Map

Chapter 18: + Map



One of the worst aspects about calling down a gods wrath to smite your enemies was that you were never quite certain what to expect.

Zareth had known that it wouldnt be pretty, but the specifics of the matter were left for Cerebon to decide. He had definitely wanted to send a memorable message so that everyone in TalQamar would know that his cult wasnt to be taken lightly but the actual result had been a tad bit more gruesome than anticipated.

There were many consequences that had already come from this, some of which were quite positive.

His cult had actually received a sudden influx of willing recruits, as strength was a quality that was highly revered in a city like TalQamar, and there were many who wished to gain access to Cerebons power. Hed also noticed a sharp spike in devotion among many of those who had participated in his ritual.

However, there were also a few less than desirable consequences, one of which he was being forced to deal with now.

Im not really certain why this is necessary, Investigator Silnara, said Zareth as he leaned back in his seat, interrupting the tedious questions being asked of him by the female lizardkin in front of him. Its not as if High Command wasnt informed of our intended actions before we moved against the Conclave. I dont see why they felt the need to send someone to interrogate me for my actions.

Oh, I wouldnt refer to this as an interrogation, Cultist Zareth. This is simply the proper procedure that needs to be taken after any military operation, Investigator Silnara lied with an oily smile. The floating quill by her side suddenly paused its transcription as their not-an-interrogation momentarily halted. Its important that we verify all the details of what happened for our records. It wouldnt do to be careless during a war, after all. We went through a similar process with your guard.

Zareth glanced at Rizok, who was standing quietly in the corner of the room as he usually did and shared a mutual look of annoyance.

In truth, the lizardkin in front of him almost certainly had ties to one of the Great Houses and was here to gather information for her benefactors. House Vhelan had done a very good job keeping things under wraps, so his ritual must have come as quite a surprise to them.



While his actions against the Conclave had earned Zareth respect amongst his cult, it also meant the other factions in TalQamar were taking them much more seriously than they had before.

Very well, Investigator, Zareth said begrudgingly. Although, it would be best if we could hurry this along. Garrison-Commander Tholin ordered the Hierophant Council to gather for what is likely to be a very important discussion. I doubt he would appreciate it if I was late because I was detained by you asking questions.

He didnt actually know what the Garrison-Commander wanted or how he would react, but he wasnt technically lying when he said it would likely be important and that he doubted he would appreciate a delay.

Of course, sir. Ill be sure to do so, said Silnara, tensing only slightly as her Skill no doubt verified the authenticity of his statement. Are you certain that you cant be a bit more specific on how you were able to discover the location of the Conclaves operatives? There were many parties who were attempting to do so, yet you were the only one who had any success.

Zareth ignored the blatant suspicion in the womans expression and responded with an exasperated tone. As I said before, I was informed that the Conclave was hiding within the Silk Serpents territory by an information broker named Whitescale. It was only through Cerebons grace that I managed to narrow down their exact location.

He had to stop himself from snorting at Silnaras obvious frustration. Shed been asking questions like that for a while now, attempting to discover how hed found the Conclave and whether or not he could replicate the effects of the ritual.

Zareth had been giving her a variety of vague but truthful answers, such as I could only accomplish it thanks to Cerebon or Cerebons wrath is unpredictable. He had no intention of sharing more about his cults capabilities than strictly necessary.

This had been going on for a while now, and it was obvious that the Investigator was starting to lose her patience.

Just one more question, Cultist Zareth, said Investigator Silnara after a few more minutes of asking fruitless questions. Why did you choose to act in such a lethal manner? My interviews with the soldiers participating in the operation led me to believe that the goal was to capture the enemy operatives alive. Rhyssal Vhysaras mother is levying a complaint against you for the cruel and unnecessary murder of her son.

The Vhysara family is under investigation for treason, among many other crimes, and they arent the only ones, Zareth said incredulously before gesturing meaningfully toward his office window. They both had a perfect view of soldiers walking in and out of the spire belonging to Kassan and the Circle of Ghisara.

From what hed been told by Lady Marilith, the Vhysara family was pretty much done for. While most of the people subject to Cerebons curse had been killed, a few of them had been captured alive and had their minds pilfered for information.

Zareth hadnt been briefed on everything that theyd found, but it was apparently enough that even a family of wealthy naga couldnt avoid having many of their more important members arrested and likely eventually executed. Unfortunately, very little evidence had been found to implicate anyone else in the matter.

The only reason Zareths colleague was being investigated was due to his marriage ties with the Vhysara, and it likely wouldnt amount to much.

Still, it annoyed him that the Investigator was pretending that the complaints against him were anything more than a desperate political maneuver.

Be that as it may, Investigator Silnara began. The official intent was to capture and interrogate the enemy. Your ritual led to an overwhelming majority of them being killed instead. While many understand that our citys security is paramount, there are some who are concerned about your cults actions. The manner of death was quite unpleasant and ignoble.

Zareth took a deep breath, his patience thinning. My intent was to incapacitate the Conclave and prevent them from escaping or retaliating. The precise form of Cerebons wrath was not mine to dictate. Gods do not operate on the whims of mortals.

He could only thank Cerebon that the gods fleshy abominations had died shortly after completing their tasks. Zareths life would be much more complicated right now if there was a giant man-eating house devouring pedestrians in the middle of TalQamar.

I see. Then I suppose its safe to assume that your cult lacks the ability to safely replicate such a feat? asked Investigator Silnara, a hint of interest creeping into her voice.

Zareth inwardly cursed himself for revealing more than hed intended, but kept his expression neutral as he responded. That is for Cerebon to decide. I hope nobody else decides to attack my cult as viciously as the Conclave. Otherwise, well discover just how predictable my gods wrath can be.

He could tell from the look in Silnaras eyes that the thinly veiled threat in his words had been received. He hoped that it would find its way back to the many people who would be reading the transcript of this conversation.

Silnara continued her attempts to probe him for information for several more minutes before Zareth decided that hed had enough.

Unfortunately, I think its time that I go prepare for my next meeting, Zareth said, making a show of looking at the suns position through the window. Id really rather not test the Garrison-Commanders temper by being late.

Investigator Silnara didnt seem pleased to be dismissed, but had little choice in the matter. The Garrison-Commander was technically the current highest authority in TalQamar, and he would remain as such while the rest of the military was off at war.

Zareth slumped in his chair with relief the moment Silnara exited his office. That conversation was more stressful than hed expected and had gone on for too long.

Are you alright, sir? Rizok asked with concern as he closed the office door behind the departing lizardkin.

Yes, Im fine, Zareth said as he used his flesh manipulation to forcefully relax his muscles and ease his impending headache. Im just not completely sure how much she managed to learn from me. I also started to feel strangely fatigued toward the end.

She likely learned more than she let on, Rizok said with surprising irritation in his voice. The keshsisk is an [Investigator] which means shes required by regulation to acquire [Intuitive Questioning] and [Trustworthy Presence]. That fatigue you feel is likely a result of your Willpower attempting to combat the influence of her various Skills. Still, I could tell from her expression that she didnt discover as much as her masters would have liked.

Zareth let out a huff as he considered Rizoks words and stood from his seat, intending to head toward his personal chambers and change into something more formal for his meeting. Hed have liked to spend a few minutes just relaxing, but hed need to walk and talk if he didnt want to be late.

It was somewhat annoying that the [Investigator] had used those kinds of Skills on him, but there was little he could have done about it. Military dictatorships didnt tend to have qualms about the privacy of their citizens.

I guess I should just be glad that Willpower is one of my higher Stats, Zareth said absentmindedly, feeling a bit flustered as one of his followers bowed to him with an embarrassing degree of reverence the moment he stepped out of his office. After acknowledging the follower with a nod and continuing his way up the spire, he turned to Rizok with a curious expression. By the way, what do you mean by keshsisk? Im not familiar with the word.

The most prevalent language throughout the Qahtani Desert was Nephalan, a language that had become the dominant tongue during the Nephala Dynastys long reign over the region. It tended towards deep throat sounds and emphatic consonants, which didnt really match keshsisk.

The word was too sibilant, sounding more like something hed expect to hear from the traditional naga language, Seshani. However, only the most pompous naga still used Seshani for anything other than ceremonial purposes, so it was strange to hear Rizok say it, especially with such disdain.

Ah, I suppose you wouldnt be familiar with it, Rizok said after a moment of hesitation. Its a term used by wealthy naga to describe certain families of lizardkin whove served their households for generations. It translates roughly as honored servants. Its intended to be a term of respect, and the keshsisk are meant to be treated as if they are members of the household. They embed specific types of gem in one of their scales to identify the family they represent. I saw one on the bottom of her tail belonging to one of House Khysars branch families.

That was interesting information, and actually quite useful. Zareth had noticed that the Great Houses tended to favor hiring lizardkin, though he hadnt known that there was an actual term for it.

It also told him a little bit more about Rizok, as hed noticed that the lizardkin had a ruby gem of his own embedded in his calf, implying that his family had been considered honored servants of House Vhelan. Zareth briefly thought about asking Rizok, but something told him that topic of conversation wouldnt be particularly welcome.

Then, I assume sending her is meant to be some kind of message? Zareth asked despite already knowing the answer, sighing as he entered his chambers and immediately went over to his wardrobe. Something along the lines of we saw what you did and were watching you?

That would be a safe assumption, said Rizok, politely looking away as Zareth began changing into a stylized sherwani hed been gifted by Onara. Its a message that I hope you take seriously. I told you once that your greatest protection was that you were too weak to be considered a genuine threat. That is clearly changing.



Not wanting to provoke any further confrontations in front of the Garrison-Command, Zareth turned his attention to the documents handed to him. To his surprise, each of them seemed to contain various pieces of information regarding the ongoing war and how it was progressing. One of the staff officers even unrolled a large map across the table that showed the Qahtani Desert before beginning to place various markers across its surface.

While you lot were busy scheming against each other, our soldiers were busy spilling blood trying to take FalAshar, said Tholin, gesturing toward a portion of the map west of TalQamar. The campaign was looking good for some time, but General Nasrith is now facing an enemy coalition that's being helped along by the Conclave. Thanks to Cultist Zareth, we dont need to worry about [Assassins] running around in our city anymore. That means its about time that you folk start making yourself more useful to the war effort.

Zareth listened carefully as the Garrison-Commander explained the current military situation and what was being asked of them. Apparently, the Conclaves operatives had been doing even more harm than hed known, often sabotaging the citys supply lines and causing various other problems for High Command.

Their absence meant that the Garrison-Commander had immediately and decisively started transitioning some of TalQamars defensive assets to the offensive fronts, doing what he could to help the front lines. While Zareth and his colleagues were generally too valuable to risk sending off to war, there were plenty of ways for their respective faiths to help out.

That was most evident by how the Conclaves influence was aiding TalQamars enemies on the battlefield.

Zareths mood darkened as he read through reports detailing how the worshipers of Sarqalim, God of the Twilight Moon, allowed squads of saboteurs to sneak into a heavily patrolled camp during the night. Meanwhile, Rayya, Goddess of Oases, dried up sources of water that the military had intended to rely on while Yaqin, Goddess of the Hearth, caused their encampments to become dangerously cold at night.

To his surprise, TalQamars military had actually held up against these schemes quite well. They were highly experienced at dealing with unusual situations, having fought across a variety of different terrains and adversaries across the years. Not only were their soldiers experienced veterans of war, but they were also notably higher leveled than those of their enemies on average.

All of this combined meant that TalQamar still held the edge in the war, despite being outnumbered and dealing with the Conclaves interference.

However, that advantage wouldnt last forever if something wasnt done. As he read through more of the reports and listened to the Garrison-Commander speak, it became evident that TalQamars advantage was being steadily eroded.

Ive never known the Conclaves gods to be this active before, Farida said, once Tholin finished his initial briefing of the situation.

Aye. Most wars dont involve so much meddling from the divine, Tholin said, his sharp eyes fixed on the map. Our [Strategists] expect it to intensify. The Conclaves gods are going to do everything they can to sink their claws back into TalQamar.

That was no surprise given TalQamars was one of the most important cities in the region. If it was allowed to fall to foreign gods, then the Conclave would always be at risk of being pushed out of the Qahtani Desert completely.

What exactly would you have us do, Garrison-Commander? said Borak, his deep voice resounding in the room for the first time since the meeting began.

Whatevers necessary to win this campaign, Tholin responded immediately, gaze sweeping through them before landing on Zareth. This one heres a good example. Aside from dealing with those gods damned traitors and [Assassins], hes been using those abilities of his to give an edge to any soldier we send him. More than a few of our new recruits managed to survive their first battles thanks to those hardened scales around their vital points. We need more of that."

Zareth felt a touch of pride at the acknowledgement. The augmentations that hed been offering High Command were relatively basic and far from what he now had at his disposal. Higher Stats, [Precise Flesh Perception], and Meldoraths Heart meant that there was so much more that he could accomplish.

Soldiers with heat-resistant skin, claws that discharge sparks of electricity, pack animals that could travel farther with less water. Hed even begun designing standardized templates of different augmentations, so that High Command could more easily incorporate enhanced soldiers into their strategies.

There would need to be some on-the-field testing, but he was particularly optimistic about his Quillhare Warrior design.

If High Command wanted him to focus more on improving their soldiers, he was more than willing to oblige. The more valuable he and his cult were to the city, the less pushback he would receive when attempting to consolidate power.

Besides, the military would be the perfect testing ground for some of his more exotic ideas. Hed spent some of his free time renovating the spires dungeon into a suitable laboratory for experiments, but nothing surpassed actual combat.

Im prepared to offer more advanced augmentations, Zareth said enthusiastically. While the initial changes I made were basic, designed for easy application to most soldiers, Im ready to begin making more individualized and potent changes. My cult has also welcomed several new [Cultists] who Ive been training, and will be ready to assist soon.

He saw no problem with offering the services of his followers. Having them assist the military would help them level much faster than normal.

Not all of our faiths have such obvious military applications, said Kinta, her voice soft and calm as she spoke. The Order of the Serene Guide can provide solace and mental healing for your soldiers, but Im afraid our Order has always viewed violence as a last resort. It is not our way to participate in a war.

Garrison-Commander Tholin let out a snort as he turned an unimpressed gaze toward the monk. If you have any wish to spread your Orders reach to this city, then I suggest you change your way sooner rather than later, lass. Your kind might not be from around here, but I know what youre capable of. Those who arent willing to fight for TalQamar dont deserve its protection.

Zareth turned a curious gaze toward Kinta. He didnt know much about the monk or her religion, aside from them being the only other new faith less established in TalQamar than his own. The Order of the Serene Guide seemed to specialize in influencing the mental and emotional states of others, which they primarily used as a means of healing.

However, he could very easily see how such abilities could be used for much darker means

That applies to the rest of you as well, said Garrison-Commander Tholin as his eyes swept through the room, momentarily turning flinty when they passed Kassan. TalQamar needs more from you lot than just your Boons if were to win this war, so I suggest you start thinking about what you have to offer. Especially if youve any plans to take part in the spoils of war when all is said and done.

Zareths mood had already been lifted after he realized that High Command seemed to have a good opinion of his cult compared to his colleagues, but that last part was the cherry on the top.

Spoils of war? Zareth repeated, leaning forward in his seat as excitement bubbled inside of him. What specifically are you referring to, Garrison-Commander?

Ah, now I have your full attention, dont I? Tholin said as his mouth twisted into a smirk. TalQamar rewards those who fight for her. Depending on your contributions to the war effort, we have several rewards in mind, such as gold, artifacts or even conquered land.

If Zareth was the most eager one before, that changed instantly once Tholin mentioned land. Both Farida and Borak perked up immediately, their eyes flashing with interest that was more intense than hed ever seen from them. Even Rizok, for some reason, seemed to be staring at Tholin with an extraordinary degree of focus.

Land? Borak murmured, gaze locked firmly on the Garrison-Command. Then does that mean High Command intends to change TalQamars structure of governance? The [Merchant Lords] never allowed anyone other than themselves to own territory. It was my assumption that General Nasrith would continue that tradition.

He will not, Tholin said decisively. The Conclave never had any reason to push for TalQamars expansion, given that their gods are already worshiped from here to the Western Divide, and none of the [Merchant Lords] wanted to suffer the disruption to trade that would come from a war. We arent so weak-willed. We intend to keep every inch of land weve bled for, and we will need trusted people to administer those lands.

A stunned silence immediately filled the room, with Borak and Farida the most affected by Tholins words. It wasnt difficult to see why, as both the Desharin and the ogres in particular stood to benefit immensely if TalQamar rose from being a city-state to a more feudal nation where they could potentially govern their own lands.

Zareth turned his attention to the map and began to study the land TalQamar stood to conquer during this war.

While the larger city-states like FalAshar, Jalasa, and Anket would almost certainly be administered directly by High Command or distributed to one of the Great Houses, there were also several smaller settlements in TalQamars path. That was especially true the farther south you traveled, with water sources more common the closer you drew to the Sapphire Sea.

If the war went well, then High Command would have more than enough territory that they could afford to distribute some of it to Zareth and his colleagues. For them, land meant people to convert, steady revenue streams in the form of natural resources, and increased influence in TalQamars politics. They could even potentially gain access to new Classes, as there were some like [Count] or [Duke] that required authority over populated land before they could be acquired!

Not only did this serve as motivation for them to help the war effort as much as possible, but it could also potentially lessen some of the tensions that existed in the city. It was honestly a rather good move for General Nasrith to make this offer, instead of attempting to keep everything for himself.

The adherents of Silvaris know this desert better than anyone, said Farida, her typical poor temper overshadowed by her enthusiasm. I have several high leveled individuals who could easily assist your soldiers in bypassing the Living Sands and attacking from unexpected directions. They could even travel deep behind enemy lines.

Those who follow the precepts of Gendal are more than capable of holding their own on a battlefield, Borak said confidently, his expression thoughtful as he studied the map. I would normally hesitate to summon the spirits of the ancestors for war, but this is too great an opportunity to ignore.

Kinta hesitated for a moment before releasing a resigned sigh and speaking. Though we prefer peace, our Order understands the need for self-defense. There are few among those who have joined our temple in this city who are capable of much but I could perhaps ask for aid from the more established monasteries. While they would have little interest in direct combat, they could raise the morale of your troops and diminish those of your enemies.

There are few better than Ghisaras chosen who are better at hiding secrets, or discovering them, Kassan said with a slight smile, eyes briefly locking with Zareths before turning back to the Garrison-Commander. Your [Strategists] would benefit greatly from the information we can provide. We can also secure your camps against any spies or saboteurs.

I wonder how you, an expert at uncovering secrets, failed to find the Conclaves operatives in the city, Zareth couldnt help but say, shooting Kassan a disdainful glare. Its a shame Ghisaras chosen cant be trusted with those secrets.



Kassans expression turned frosty, his eyes narrowing in Zareths direction. I suggest that you cease your unwarranted accusations before you regret them, Cultist Zareth. If you believe that the small successes youve had since gaining a position of power by pure luck mean anything, youre deeply mistaken.

Garrison-Commander Tholin slammed a fist down on the table, causing many of the marks of the map to go flying. Enough! I might not be able to stop you fools from burrowing knives in each other's backs on your own time, but Ill have none of it here.

Zareth and Kassan glowered at each other for several more moments, but eventually relented under Garrison-Commanders glare. Zareth had no doubt that he would need to continue keeping a close eye on the naga, but right now he had other things to focus on.

Good. Now if youre done bickering, there are still many details to discuss, Tholin said, his stern gaze settling back on the map.

After one of the adjutants set the displaced markers back into their proper position, Garrison-Commander Tholin spent the next hour discussing the logistics of the upcoming campaign. All the while, Zareths mind raced with thoughts of how he could further cement his position in TalQamar and the potential rewards that awaited him if he played his cards right.