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Chapter 642 Trust
🕑 Added 2021-01-26 12:17:08 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hey all. New chapters up and more hopefully on Saturday :). Let me know what you think.
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Chapter 642 Trust
Donnavon wasn’t sure if she would bite but if he wanted to prevent what the Speaker had planned, Lilith’s involvement had to be minimal. And they had to make sure the crown was informed. If he was honest, it wasn’t just about Nathanael’s plans, it was a matter of pride.
“If we cannot purge our Order of corruption, what legitimacy do we have?” he asked, looking up at the calm Shadow.
“So I assume you don’t want me to break out of here and kill everyone?” the woman asked.
“As much as it would seem to delight you, no. You made a comment about the lacking space magic runes placed on this room. Am I right to assume you have a way to get out unnoticed?” he asked.
She smiled. “You still think me a monster. Oh well. Yes, and you’re a very very lucky one. I can get both of us out of here. Though my perception is cut off, at least that they managed. You will have to guide the teleport.”
“I know the area. There are plenty of houses, cover. Though the Inquisitors might detect us. How far can you move us?” he asked.
“Far enough,” she said and looked around. “I assume you have a plan beyond just getting out of here?”
“I have to find the Head Paladin. Bryce. With a High Cleric and the highest level Paladin on our side, we can at least make a convincing case. But most of all I want to prevent bloodshed. And for that we need to inform not just people in my Order, but the Kroll government as well,” he explained.
“Do you have a way for us to talk to royalty?” the woman asked.
“Not a concealed one. But Bryce might be able to help with that. I know he regularly trained with Joel Fiore, a member of the royal guard,” Donnavon explained.
“Alright, then let’s go find this Bryce character,” the woman said and stood up. “Close your eyes.”
Donnavon did as she asked without question. She was both his only chance to get out of this room alive and to prevent a potential war involving the remaining Corinth Order members, whoever they managed to get to their side in the government, and Ravenhall. He heard something rip into flesh and winced at the sound. “What are you doing?” he dared ask.
Lilith didn’t speak for a few seconds. “You can look again,” she said.
He staggered back, his eyes opening wide as he glared at the body parts in front of him. It was her, remains of the same clothes she had worn before still showing in places. In her place now stood two horned shadowy creatures. “Hella, receive this servant without prejudice, your name-” he stopped, seeing the same blue eyes stare at him. Only one has eyes… they’re… ash.
“Not going to finish your prayer?” Lilith asked. “I hope these traps are enough to burn away my skin at least.”
“You… cut them off? This kind of healing… do you not feel pain?” Donnavon asked.
The woman didn’t reply. “Another set of clothes gone… oh well. Think it’s believable that my limbs were separated?”
“They will know you didn’t die. If there’s a head… but that’s impo-” he said, seeing a mist of ash form in front of him, Lilith revealed a moment later with a head in her hand.
She casually placed the bleeding body part onto the pile. “Still a bit unsettling, after all this time,” she murmured. “I don’t suppose you want to add a few limbs?”
Donnavon touched the wall with his back, holding his breath. “No… I… I can’t… regenerate… my head,” he stammered out.
“Shame,” Lilith said and added some ash to the pile. “So where to?”
“What’s… that… one for?” Donnavon asked, pointing at the ash warrior standing next to her. He failed to identify the creature. Pure ash?
“It will activate the enchantments by attacking the walls if someone tries to open the entrance. Or in three hours if nothing happens, just in case,” she explained.
Donnavon gulped. “You’re very open about what you can do…,” he said. “I appreciate your trust.”
“Yeah, just don’t talk about it with everyone. Not that it would matter much,” she murmured. “So where to?”
“There is a large store about… sixty, maybe seventy meters to the west… the store rooms should be large enough to make teleportation possible,” he explained, the view in front of him shifting as he blinked his eyes.
“This the one?” Lilith asked, picking up a glass jar with a brown sludge inside.
“Y… yes,” he stuttered. She moved me instantly… I didn’t even feel the spell. How powerful exactly is this woman?
Space magic was incredibly rare and not well understood. Of the practitioners he heard, none could simply move people in the blink of an eye. Perhaps if they had more time. But even then, he should’ve been able to resist partially, same as when facing void or blood magic spells attacking the body or its integrity.
“Any idea where we can find this Paladin of yours?” she asked, now wearing a different set of clothes and a hood covering most of her face. The ash creature she had conjured had remained within the temple cellar.
“They were… looking for a thief in the northern part of the city. That’s all I know… seeking him inside of his quarters may be difficult. I have a suspicion that he was kept away on purpose. Perhaps he is being watched,” Donnavon said.
“No tracking spells?” she asked.
He shook his head.
“Got anything of his in your possessions… stupid question, you’re wearing robes,” Lilith said.
“He… touched my shoulder before. A little more than an hour ago,” he said, nearly stumbling when the woman came closer and inspected his shoulder. Is she sniffing it? he wondered and looked away. Donnavon could feel her presence now, the power hardly contained in the close proximity. Are those just body enhancement spells? She’s not using any external spells.
He felt the hairs on his back stand up, instincts that he had forgotten about in the last decades pushing back to the surface. A monster had come to their city, and it stood right next to him.
“Hmm… faint aura. You can guide me to the northern part of the city to check it out. Maybe I can find a trace of him,” she said and stepped away.
Donnavon nodded. “Stairs are this way,” he said and pointed.
“My perception works again, don’t worry,” the woman said.
His view changed a few times, various damp cellars appearing and vanishing around him as he closed his eyes to not get nauseous. It was exactly how he imagined teleportation to be like.
“You okay? You seem a little off the rails,” Ilea said.
Donnavon felt his mind clear, magic flowing into him. “Stop using your spell… is it mind magic?”
“No, just healing,” she said. “We’re in the northern part now. Think you can dress up a bit so that your friends in the Order won’t notice you this easily?”
“I’m not sure if you noticed, but I don’t have a spare set of clothes with me, nor do I possess a storage item,” he answered.
Brown pants, a shirt, and vest appeared in the woman’s hands. “Should be about your size.”
He couldn’t help but smile at the ridiculous situation. He had known enough adventurers in his time to know that even for them, this would be confusing. “Do you just walk around with dozens of sets of clothes in case this happens?”
“No, there’s a clothing store on the street opposite this cellar,” she answered.
“Space magic… I see. Can’t say I approve of you stealing from the local population,” he said.
She laughed, shaking her head.
“What is there to laugh about?” he asked.
“Thought you wanted to prevent bloodshed and a war. Borrowing some clothes is hardly comparable. But if you insist,” she said and summoned a single gold coin, flicking it upwards before it vanished. “Right into the store owner’s pouch. Now you owe me a piece of gold.”
He looked at the clothes before he started putting on the pants below his robes. Hardly worth a piece of gold. The wealthy and their disregard for coin.
Lilith sat on a nearby crate, whistling a tune to herself as she waited for him to dress, jumping up when he was done. “Take this one too,” she said and handed him a cloak.
“Like I’m some kind of rogue…,” he murmured with a frown.
“Exciting, right?” she asked, a broad grin on her face.
____________________________
Ilea found a trace of the Paladin a few minutes later, the two shady companions walking through the northern part of the city as she kept her senses focused on the faint magic she had felt from inspecting the Cleric’s shoulder.
“They went down here it seems,” she said, pointing at a set of stairs leading into the sewers.
“The culprit must’ve tried to flee,” Donnavon said as he glanced back to see if someone was following them.
Ilea smiled, looking at the man until he glanced back at her.
“What?” he asked, obviously quite stressed about the whole situation.
“You know, I’m not the best at hiding, but you’re acting awfully suspicious,” she said and chuckled to herself, walking down towards the entrance.
A few teleports later, she held up her hand and watched a scene unfold through her dominion. Voices resounded from a few dozen meters away, dulled lightly by the bending tunnels in the way.
Two heavily armored warriors were standing in front of an enchanted wall, one of them crouched. “We have to get an inquisitor down here,” a male voice said.
“Not now. We should wait until the meeting with Lilith is concluded. More important than finding out whatever this is. Probably just a smuggler stash,” a woman replied.
“That’s Bryce,” Donnavon whispered.
Ilea rolled her eyes, looking at him with an annoyed expression. She didn’t react when the Paladin appeared close by with his sword drawn.
“Hey there,” Ilea said with a wave.
“Identify yourself,” the man demanded, his eyes going wide.
The woman rushed to his side, her weapon drawn as well.
“Naomi, stay back,” he said immediately, his voice tense.
[Divine Paladin – lvl 305]
[Veteran Paladin – lvl 215]
“Bryce, it’s me,” Donnavon said, taking a step forward as he pulled back his hood.
Ilea kept her eyes on the woman, using space shift to prevent a teleport. Just in case.
“What’s the meaning of this,” Bryce demanded. “Are you being held captive?”
“Quite the contrary. Lilith may have saved my life, and many more in turn. But only if we can figure out what is happening,” Donnavon said. “Can you trust her?”
Naomi winced, taking a small step back.
“We trained and fought together for decades. I trust her more than the monster by your side,” Bryce said.
“My name is Lilith, and if you call me monster one more time, I’ll show you just how right that description is,” she said. Hey wait. Ah well, whatever.
“Bryce,” Donnavon said and walked a few steps closer to the man. “The High Clerics or even the Speaker put me in a room below the eastern temple… for the talk with her. They tried to poison us, and put enchantments in place to keep us locked in there. Coupled with traps that would kill us if we tried to escape.”
“Ridiculous,” Naomi said.
“Go on,” Bryce said, ignoring the woman by his side.
“I suspect it was a ploy to put the blame of my death on Lilith. To kill her too if possible and start a conflict with Ravenhall… or just the Sentinels,” he explained.
Ilea chuckled at the mention of her death. You’re being arrogant, Ilea, a part of her thought but she had a hard time listening to the voice. If anybody is being arrogant, it’s the Corinth Order.
Bryce seemed to agree, glaring at her with apprehension. He remained surprisingly calm. The Paladin was likely the only one here who knew she was a three mark after all.
“Did you meddle with his mind? Tell the truth, creature,” Bryce said to her. He didn’t sound condescending, merely stating what he thought she was.
Ilea wondered if he specifically didn’t call her a monster and smiled. “I’m not a mind mage. You identified me Bryce, right?”
He didn’t reply but the look in his eyes made it obvious.
“Then you know I have little reason to fear the inquisitors and paladins stationed near the temple. The High Cleric here is the only reason there wasn’t a massacre. Yet,” she explained. “We would both appreciate it if it stayed that way.”
“What does she mean?” Naomi asked. “Is she that much stronger than you?”
Bryce lowered his sword, sheathing the weapon a moment later. “I trust you Donnavon, you know that. I pray to Hella and Friede that I’m not wrong about this.”
“I’ve been wondering,” Ilea said. “The gods you pray to. Are they around?”
“What are you talking about?” Naomi asked.
“I’m not aware of physical manifestations,” the High Cleric answered.
“I see,” Ilea said, a little disappointed.
“Are you a god yourself?” Bryce asked, taking off his helmet to reveal his luscious blond hair.
Ilea smirked. “No. We’re trying to avoid that branding. But surely you’ve been mistaken for a god before, with your power.”
Bryce actually smiled at that. “You seem grounded, despite your incredible strength.”
“I mostly fight because it’s fun, not because I want to gain more power,” she said. It was mostly true, though to protect her friends and allies, she had good reasons to reach for more as well. It allowed her to talk to level three hundred paladins instead of getting cut up the instant she showed up too, which was nice.
Naomi glared at the other Paladin with a questioning look.
Donnavon didn’t seem to be quite as bothered by the whole conversation, either glad that Bryce listened or simply because he had seen some of her abilities before.
The Paladin gave Ilea a questioning look.
She shrugged.
He smiled. “Lilith is a three mark. She’s above level five hundred, and the strongest human I have ever seen.”
The other Paladin opened her eyes even wider, Donnavon saying another prayer to himself.
“Enough with the wanking, I thought you wanted to prevent a conflict?” Ilea said.
The High Cleric shook his head. “Your language could use some reform. But yes. Bryce, I believe we have to gather our allies, and speak to the royals before the responsible people present their own version of the story.”
“I…,” Naomi started, looking at the ground. “I suspected… that something would happen to you… High Cleric.”
“What do you mean?” Bryce hissed.
“I heard… conversations, between high ranking members. Donnavon is not well liked. I thought it was possible they wanted to send you to the m… to Lilith. To die,” she explained.
“And you didn’t think to tell me about this?” Bryce asked, taking a step towards her.
“We all knew what was expected of me,” Donnavon interrupted. “But we were blinded by our fear of the unknown, that we missed the traitors among our own. Now let us not waste anymore time. We need to figure out who we can trust and how we can find those who have corrupted our Order from within.”
The Paladin turned towards the Cleric and sighed. “What’s your role in this?” he asked, looking at Ilea.
“Came here to see if any relationships could be established with the Corinth Order. Didn’t expect much but it’s shaping up to be quite interesting,” she answered and smirked. “They did technically try to kill me, so I’m happy to help with the cleanup.”
“Like you did in Yinnahall,” Donnavon whispered.
“Exactly,” she answered.
___________________________________
Emmanuel tapped his chair, looking at his advisors.
“She’s been in there for over two hours,” Julianna said. “With dozens of high level Inquisitors and Paladins surrounding their temple. Even our spies can’t get through.”
“Nothing suspicious so far,” he said. She wore her hair in a braid today, like she often had during their adventuring days. I wish we were alone right now, without this annoying business.
“I don’t know what they’re planning. The Speaker has been vague. His warnings about the Sentinels were dismissed but I’m worried about how far they would go,” the Queen answered.
“The Head Administrator wouldn’t want a conflict, nor would Ilea. Everything we learned about them suggests that,” he said.
“If they succeed in a brazen plan and civilians die, we won’t be able to deny assistance,” Katarina said.
“Not without an explanation,” Julianna answered.
“What do you think, Lady Veyer?” Emmanuel asked. Perhaps it had been a mistake, not to intervene in the meeting.
His mother in law smiled lightly, her inquisitive eyes looking at him with interest.
“The current Speaker of the Corinth Order is rather young. Inexperienced. He will make a blunder,” she said. “He thinks himself invulnerable. Lilith has faced armies, and creatures beyond our understanding. She will not be defeated by the Corinth Order.”
How strong is she really? The Paladins have a member at level three hundred. Powerful enough to challenge everyone in this very room, he thought with a sigh. If the Corinth Order can’t stop her, what can we do?
He already dreaded the negotiations with Ravenhall. The first letters have been sent, mundane trade suggestions so far but it wouldn’t remain that way forever. They had to be prepared. And they had to prevent a war at all costs. If the Shadows joined the field, their armies would be slaughtered.
Kyrie appeared next to him, on one knee. “Your majesty, Joel Fiore has sent an urgent request for an audience.”
“Who is it?” he asked.
“High Cleric Donnavon and Paladin Bryce of the Corinth Order, and Lilith,” the man whispered.
Lady Veyer smirked to herself, in an almost predatory manner.
“How did our spies miss them?” Julianna asked.
“My brother did warn us,” Katarina said. “She’s a space mage among other things. There is no reason to doubt his word anymore,” she added, gritting her teeth.
“Where are they now?” Emmanuel asked.
“They are waiting in the Kingsguard training dome,” Kyrie answered.
Julianna stood up. “That area is off limits for civilians. How did they get in there?”
“Your majesty, it doesn’t matter,” Kyrie said. “I identified Lady Lilith. She showed three marks.”
Emmanuel groaned and stood up. “Of course she did.”
“You don’t intend to meet her right there?” Katarina asked. “I implore you, invite her into the throne room.”
Emmanuel smiled. “I believe the time to feign strength has passed. Let’s meet her and find out if our extensive espionage funding has indeed paid off.”
If she really is the Ilea I read about, there should be no issues at all.
“Inform the cooks to prepare a feast,” he added as he walked out. “Anybody who would like to join me is welcome to do so.”
Comments
lenkite
Michael Elyse is Katarina's brother.
Chopper
Oh, LadyMcWomanPerson is his advisor.. Ok I guess descriptors are hard.
Chopper
The last part of this chapter was a bit confusing. It would help if there were more descriptors to introduce these characters such as; GuyMcDudeMan the duke of Pooptown sat upon his most velvetie of velvet chairs and asked "Whats the deal yo?" LadyMcWomanPerson responded with a "Shit if I know holmes". Also present was Queen CrabbyMcBitchFace, who sipped her sippycup and said nothing. ..... Anywho if these people have been introduced before and I'm supposed to know them than just disregard this.
Ties
Had an idea for one of her class abilities to be upgraded so that she would need to use less stamina to move and effectively double her stamina or something
DustHurricane
That would actually be great!! Ilea going back and participating or just watching, hanging out with Dale and Co.
Ties
I am rereading now and just read the part of the competition in riverwatch every 10 years would be cool if we got to see it again. Because I think almost 10 years have past now right?
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter. Someone's clever, bringing good to the monster.
Vegetables
Thanks for the chapter! I was concerned things would get boring when Ilea hit 500, nice to see I was wrong. Your writing is definitely improving (:
Keith Rice
641 is half baked, this is one of the better chapters. Geez. How the hell did that happen. Amazing work here! I really like this Donnavon, and the dialogue flowed well. I really liked that Ilea remains completely impulsive, and gives up her her prethought approach because she gets offended, or just because "eh, fuck it, w/e." Cool to see the king lean into that aspect of her personality.
Mark
Donnavon appears to be able to detect falsehood, Bryce too I think.
K Hilliard
As a fun counterpoint, Donnavon only had Ilea's word that they were planning to blow him up, and what the rest of the runes did. And she's shown she could slip anything into his tea. And she left behind an ashen minion, which could easily explain the later basement explosion. All in all, he's very trusting. A more conniving individual at Ilea's power level could orchestrate the entire thing just to have a chance to dismantle the Corinth Order. Of course, it seems the royals have done their homework, so they at least have an idea of her personality, but still... Kinda funny.
Martin
That Bryce paladin was surprisingly nice guy, silently asking Ilea for approval before he disclosed her perceived level. King gets high marks for hospitality and food, hopefully he organized some spar afterwards to satisfy another favorite pastime of our battle junkie. I wonder if she will be asked for some kind of demonstration of her powers, statistically there should be still a lot of stupid people around
Lowe K. Lyesmith
A feast? Yeah, those talks will definitely go better now 😂
Jessy
They already have a large budget on spy's
Nate
I'm still in the camp of the Ilea/Donovan stuff still feels like too much a retread of the Order of Truth, but I really, *really* like the POV at the end. Can't wait to see a politician who actually knows what he's doing versus Ilea, haha. Also curious if we've seen Katarina's brother before, there were a lot of "Tyrian worrying about spies" chapters but I don't recall him ever catching any...
Alsia
Thanks for the chapters :) Can't wait for the next set on Saturday!
fbt
I thought the interpersonal interactions worked well in this chapter. In the prior one I think very, very minor tweaks, if carefully chosen, might help it seem as lifelike (timing and choice of mannerisms and reactions, or some more idiosyncratic dialog; Donnavon speaks like a very generic old cleric a little? maybe?). Ignore freely. :) Either way, I'm glad she's finally dealing w/ the healing cartels directly (and in a balanced way). And yeah, this order needs a mucking out, stat. Fortunately, look who's conveniently available! :)
Melting Sky
Knows her real name, and is preparing food for his meeting with her. This man needs to give his spy master a raise.
Milandaanza
Right?! Rather then arrogant fools the majority of rulers that’s we have seen (poor stupid slaver king) rely on intelligence and planning. I approve.
David
I'm not so sure Ilea would consider the Krakens good entertainment. We saw her reaction to the Leviathan....
Ryan Frank
Author has unlocked Sage of Torment!
Ryan Frank
This has always been my favorite thing, and it only gets better the more ridiculously powerful she gets.
Andrew
Thank you!
Dragonkinn
Thanks, this is torture. Waiting is torture. Patience is under leveled
David
I believe this is the first time Katarina has been mentioned. Hmmmm, she is a powerful person living in Kroll and has a brother who makes her grit her teeth and who apparently knows a lot about Ilea. Could it beeeeeeee Michael? (said in the Church Lady's voice)
Mark
Entertain Ilea: Step one, prepare the feast, step two release the Krakens, step three dessert.
Ryan Frank
I'm really enjoying this plotline - thanks!
StarWolf
Thanks for the chapters, I enjoyed them!
Aaron Hardin
I am glad that kings are generally competent here. After all, tot only takes one pissed off high level adventurer to kill an incompetent king, so there are more forces in place promoting competence than in our world for kings.
Alexander Dupree
Food is the best way to disarm her
White Neko Knight
I really want to see how the assassin/baker (I forgot her name) reacts when she gets to see Ilea's 3 marks.
Null
Fellow readers.... Today we are here to read and comment our thoughts in this lovely community.... called The Comment Sect!!!
Gavriel
ILLEA FLEX!
Michael Hughes
She may not have taken the dragon class but everyone knows to placate her with food and treasure. This is certainly leverage for future trade negotiations. Great chapter. See you Thursday.
ShadeByTheSea
yeah, personally I've read so many fight scenes that the interactions interest me more.
D. Hymas
These 3rd party PoVs have been killing it. I really enjoy the portrayal of competent rulers. It's easy as modern people to assume every King is an incompetent and corrupt hedonist. Given how weak humanity is portrayed it also makes Ilea an out of context problem for most, so I also don't feel the Corinth Order's response is surprising , but I'm glad not everyone is holding an idiotball .
Shaoraka
Also has a strong tendency to dismember herself for little to no reasons, and is fond of making friends with eldritch creatures.
Daba
i have been expecting you... Llea!!
Dominic French
I wonder how that spy report read, I hereby report that the subject Lilth is extremely heavy and has a excessive fondness for food. There is the possibility that she formed an entire healer order just to protect a cook
Luciaron
Thanks for the chapters!
Dominic French
Lol all the spies know her secret weakness, she likes to eat
Adam Roundfield
Sometimes the only way out is food...
Ben Waschuk
Ahhh so good! I love this book :D
Deinos
Nice, more
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
Oh yeah, those spies are paying for themselves already.
Jaya Flower
“Inform the cooks to prepare a feast,” haha I love it, finally soneone who know how to deal with Lilith
Hahaha, that ending made me cackle out loud and then I had to re-read it just to make sure I was getting it all correct. Thanks for the chapter and the laugh!
I LIKE HIM! Emanuel, he is smart king. Is good.
Right now he is one of my favorite people just because of that, so I'm really hoping he is actually a decent human being and good leader *fingers crossed*
Joel Bullock
Yay someone who knows her this is so freaking good
Ricky Kukowski
Man these were some good chapters. Loving this arc!!
GuyWhoReadsALot
Sometimes I enjoy the two chapters and move on with my day. Other times I finish and stare at the screen for a while hoping another chapter magically shows up. Today is the latter.
Eyes wide
Love seeing this can't wait for the library of glass and Kings and Queens fearing her wanting to rule only to find she's not interested in ruling only moving them forward this is so cool . The world building is the best part
Hamed Al-Ghamdi
And that's how it should be from now on in the plains. Now ,it's time to focus on raising humanity in this story instead of fighting it.
MountainFox
When Ilea has so much power everyone gives up before the fight starts.
Forrest Minter
Ah good, they are learning the ways of Lilith. Finally someone who bothers to do genuine research on potential threats rather than listening to half-baked rumors.
Sakul A.
There are people that complain about slow progress or to few fighting scenes. But these chapters are what I really enjoy about this story. Keep up the good work :)
Arnon Parenti
I love this king, at least he knows what's up and who he can't mess with. City could still be saved.
That's what i love in this story, nearly as much world building than fighting monster outside. All the other people view are nice. 4 more days to wait... :)
HereComesTheBoom
There is nothing more fun than seeing people react to Ilea being Ilea.
sese hang
Having 3 marks certainly gives credibility doesn’t it.
Hauke Winter
:D
Rick White
Fun chapter
IWannaBeATiger
Ha I love seeing non-suicidal side characters
Qrystof
Preparing a feast. Good move my dude. I like this guy, though I'm sure he'd be a dick to weaker people.
