For the Glory
At a table against the side wall of the inn sat two figures who stuck out despite their surroundings. At the table closer to the bar were several man sized insects speaking to one another in muted clicks. Behind the pair were several goat legged denizens whose meaty, three fingered hands were all closed around their wooden mugs. Despite this, the pair drew darting glasses from the varied occupants as they all attempted to not appear interested in the conversation.
It's torso covered in welts, bruises and cuts, a server of indeterminate gender approached the table. Pulling a notepad from its pocket as they asked, “What'll you be having?”
“Whatever white wine you've got that's older than you,” Snarked the man with violet hair. Running his long, soft fingers along his chin he added, “What's tonight's special?”
“Rotgut soup,” The server said flatly.
“Nah, that stuff gives me horrible gas.”
“And you, sir?” Demanded the server leveling its quill pen at the scaled man.
The second figure leaned back in his seat heaving a sigh causing his chair to screech in protest. As he shifted forward, the second figure asked, “Is there any chance you have anything non-alcoholic?”
“This is a bar.”
“Doesn't answer my question.”
“Probably pull some of the stuff we use to make the soup.”
“Better than nothing.”
With a sigh, the server spun on its heel and strode away with long steps. Leaning in the violet haired man chuckled, “So, I'll bet you ten silver its a guy.”
“Nah, not with that walk. Gotta be female. You're on. Either way, why'd I have to come the whole way to Pandaemonium to talk to you, Kalein?”
“Well, I've got an opportunity I can't pass up but need some extra muscle. So, here's my extra muscle. And it's not like you don't profit off this, Ru'Sala.”
“Okay, and what exactly is my profit?” Ru'Sala raised a skeptical eyebrow. Behind a wide grin of perfect teeth, Kalein held up four fingers. Ru'Sala snorted, “Bullshit.”
“Nope, triple checked my sources too. This one is purely legitimate.”
“And if it doesn't work out?”
“We fall on our swords?”
Ru'Sala heaved out a long sigh before nodding. A mirthful chuckle came before he bellowed, “Now, all of you who've been listening get to pick. Come with us or try to stop us.” The pair rose to stand to find every other table stand up in response. All eyes landed on them as neither side made a move.
Taking the table by one leg, Ru'Sala tossed the furniture at the horned men. The insects made a loud screech as bolts of energy cooked their organs. Kalein sneered as he sent more bolts of power lancing through the air. Ru'Sala tore through bone and muscle to retrieve a clump of muscle from the chest of the nearest demon. Dropping the heart at his taloned feet, the Dragon displayed his fangs that dripped with a black ichor. The display split the room between fight and flight.
After only a minute the few who stood their ground now lay slumped in undignified positions. Several corpses shuddered as the cruel currents were slow to dissipate while others bore large gouges from their bodies. Kalein nudged one of the insects with the tip of his boot, “It's sad I can't eat these. I mean, really. What a waste of good fodder.”
“You can eat them if you want.”
“Right,” Kalein scoffed stepping over a harpy on his way towards the door. He thick sarcasm filled the room, “It'll just result in me being in service to a Satan in these idiots place. That is completely worth the minor use any of these weaklings will bring.”
Ru'Sala finished wiping his hands on the shirt of the nearest clothed demon. Managing to get the majority of the sticky fluids off his hands, his path to the door was cut off. Kneeling before him was the server. It kept its gaze low as it asked, “Are you, Ru'Sala? The Dragon with the bounty on his head?”
“Depends, who is asking?” Ru'Sala clicked his tongue as an eyebrow ascended.
“Please, let me serve you!” The server pleaded, “I've heard you can make contracts like a Satan! Please make a contract and I'll serve you for eternity but just take me from here!”
“Who was your master?”
“Merchant Kishik under Lower Prince Seere.”
“You know you're condemning yourself to a fate worse than death if you come with us.”
Kalein chuckled, “She's probably dead anyway, actually. From that name, one of the bugs was your master, right?”
Lowering its gaze the server indicated one of the monstrous roaches, “Yes, him. So, if it's discovered I'm alive while my master is dead I will be devoured by the abyss. So, please, enslave me!”
Ru'Sala hooked a claw under the desperate figure's chin asking, “Are you male or female?”
“I am female, master.” Kalein stomped his foot while Ru'Sala shot him a grin.
“Since you just won me some silver, alright. What is your name?”
“I am Kish.” Introduced the woman holding her arms outright.
Ru'Sala placed his hand around her cropped hair. Closing his eyes he then muttered, “This soul is now oathed to me. Until she renders unto me a sum of three hundred pieces of gold, she shall be in my service.” Kish's body was coated with a sudden rush of water that left a puddle on the ground. Removing his hand, Ru'Sala looked down at the demonness' new form. She resembled Kalein by having pale, ashen skin and two protruding horns. Curves and muscle were more obvious on her reborn form.
Kalein grinned, “One more for the pack.”
“Now, Kish. Your first act is to help us get into Lord Seere's castle. That'll earn you roughly thirty silver towards your indentured servitude. Do you understand?” Ru'Sala kept his vision locked on Kish's red eyes. The woman nodded as she stood up. Examining her new body, she giggled excitedly groping herself. She continued to fondle her newfound form until she recalled both men leering at her show.
Coughing politely the former server bowed, “It shall be your loyal servant's pleasure.”
Marble cut to resemble bones lined the structure and supported the archway made to resemble scales perfectly in balance. Armed demons with large, swollen veins patrolled the front yard. A stone wall with an iron gate surrounded the mansion. Kish winced as she muttered under her breath, “This is going to end badly, isn't it?”
“Depends on who you're worried about. I'll be just fine,” Ru'Sala teased as he followed the wall with a hand pressed flat against it. After several steps, he halted. Twisting his arm to the right, the stone sunk into the floor. Hurrying both companions through the gap, it closed behind him once he was through.
“H-how did he do that?” Kish asked Kalein.
The tall man regarded her with a raised eyebrow, “You really don't know much about your own world, do you?”
“Don't need to know much but when to and not to listen to survive around here,” Kish snorted.
“Better toss that arrogance aside. You want to survive to see the end of your service? Question everything and learn. We're mercenaries, you weigh us down and we'll leave you behind,”Kalein made several long strides to catch up with Ru'Sala. Kish noticed one of the guards drawing closer and made several hurried steps to try and keep up.
The pair ahead of Kish halted and pressed themselves to the side of the building. Following suit Kish demanded, “What did you mean, earlier?”
“You know the name that sums up the entirety of where you live?” Kalein asked in a soft whisper. Two guards followed the main path past the trio.
“Hell.” Kish answered.
“What is the currency in Hell?”
“Souls.”
“Did you know that isn't a figurative but a literal thing?”
“What?”
“Your coins, buildings and almost everything in hell is made of souls. Did you know that?”
“What does that have to do with master opening a wall?”
“Souls have their own will. He asked the soul to let him in.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“I can't do it. He's the necromancer so it is easy for him. It's also why that bounty is on his head. He can 'cheat' the rules of hell,” Kalein snickered. The guards finally moved away as Ru'Sala inched towards a smaller door. Ducking under the low headboard, Ru'Sala crowded to one side to let the others in front of him.
“You take point, Kish. And, no matter what do not give them my name. Alright?” Ru'Sala explained. After turning a corner, Kish bumped into several guards.
Grabbing the slender servant by the arm the guard demanded, “What are you doing here?”
“U-um,” Kish muttered casting a glance over her shoulder. Nothing was present but an empty hallway. Looking from behind her to the guards, Kish could only mutter unintelligibly. With a grunt, the guards pulled the woman away. All moved in silence.
Their march brought Kish to a grand dining hall. While the other figures were obstructed by the large foods and candelabras, she immediately recognized Prince Seere. His blonde hair was held in tresses and his elegant, black satin outfit had jewels in place of buttons. The guard announced, “As per your orders, my prince. We're bringing you an intruder we discovered.”
“Excellent,” cooed the Prince. Seere swung his chair around to flash Kish a wide smile. His mere presence sent shivers down her spine. However the corners of his mouth quickly drooped before he stated flatly, “This is one of my servants and a useless one at that!”
Practically leaping from his seat, Seere marched to the door. Taking the girl by the face he demanded, “Who brought you here, tonight?” Her first instinct to spew forth Ru'Sala's name to avoid pain was caught in her throat. The twitching of her face and silence caused the prince to pull back his hand. Slaps began to twist her neck so sharply, Kish feared she might die. To keep her upright, two guards held her by the arms.
“Who sent you?” Seere demanded once more. Despite the stinging in her cheeks, Kish remained silent. Nothing she would say would save her now, she realized. She was as good as dead. With a renewed smile, the Prince turned back to the table. Fetching a knife, he approached the helpless girl with long strides. Grasping Kish's jaw, Seere held her mouth open before inserting the knife.
Kish could do nothing but wait for the pain. She felt a jolt pass through the prince. She dared not look up until she saw Seere fall backwards. His head clattering against the floor alongside his knife. It took Kish and the guards a moment to notice the foot long shard of ice protruding from his right eye socket. Turning to look over her shoulder, both men were standing with their weapons drawn.
“Looks like you lose this bet too Kalein,” Ru'Sala snickered hefting his spear off of his shoulder. Both guards released Kish and began to stumble backwards. Giving a glance down to Kish he explained, “Kalein bet you'd spill my name. I know you wanted to. Still, you kept your word and helped us get inside. You've done your job. Now, get clear.”
Tears welled up in Kish's eyes, blocking her vision. A roar and shower of stone from the cieling forestalled any further sense of relief. With a body of swollen, veiny muscles Seere returned. His skin now covered in a white hide. Pulling back his fist, Seere launched a flurry of blows against the pair of attackers. Recalling Ru'Sala's orders, Kish began to flee.
Shouts came from ahead of Kish so she ducked into a corner to watch a flood of guards ignore her existence. She noticed that more than a few of the other servants were moving in the same direction. Hurrying to the main door, Kish continually checked over her shoulder. Her mind racing with the possibilities of what happened between her enraged Prince and her new master. How could he expect to fight Seere in his own domain? Why would he risk being caught for the bounty by marching into a mansion? Her mental gymnastics carried Kish out into the street.
An explosion ripped through the ceiling. Several figures were tossed out of the new renovation to land on the scales. Kish recognized Seere and assumed the others were his allies. All were piled into one pan of the scales. Ru'Sala and Kalein both appeared on the roof.
Both of the pair were laughing loudly as a pair of thrones appeared in unoccupied pan. One was made of ice with no back but high armrests. The other was metallic looking with a high back. Faces screaming in agony were embellished on the metal throne. Ru'Sala took the icy seat while Kalein took the other. All the while, their laughter drew the attention of everyone outside.
“Let all bear witness to the so-called Prince Seere's shame! He has been ousted from his own home and allowed guests to be defamed!” Ru'Sala announced.
Kalein bellowed out, “If you all value your lives, Prince Thurgoth should be your new master! He shall arrive shortly so you must make your choice wisely! Stay with the fallen or rise with a new, greater power!” Their message sent, both men leaped from their seats to drift to the courtyard. The guards now kept their distance.
Ru'Sala raised a hand causing a circular portal appear before him. Hooking a finger towards Kish, she joined the pair as they passed through. Rather than the dusty cool of the abyss, Kish was now assaulted with brilliant light. She let out a groan as no matter how much she pushed against the light it kept up its assault.
“Just give yourself a minute to get adjusted and then I'll see about getting you a bunk till we get you a permanent assignment,” Ru'Sala's wing stretched to shelter the woman. As her eyes adjust, Kish saw they stood on a sandy shore.
“D-did you two really disrupt Prince Seere just to send a message?” Kish blurted out.
“It's what we were paid to do,” Ru'Sala said bluntly. Lowering his wing, her eyes now could handle the scorching light.
Kalein chuckled, “Plus, it was fun.”
It's torso covered in welts, bruises and cuts, a server of indeterminate gender approached the table. Pulling a notepad from its pocket as they asked, “What'll you be having?”
“Whatever white wine you've got that's older than you,” Snarked the man with violet hair. Running his long, soft fingers along his chin he added, “What's tonight's special?”
“Rotgut soup,” The server said flatly.
“Nah, that stuff gives me horrible gas.”
“And you, sir?” Demanded the server leveling its quill pen at the scaled man.
The second figure leaned back in his seat heaving a sigh causing his chair to screech in protest. As he shifted forward, the second figure asked, “Is there any chance you have anything non-alcoholic?”
“This is a bar.”
“Doesn't answer my question.”
“Probably pull some of the stuff we use to make the soup.”
“Better than nothing.”
With a sigh, the server spun on its heel and strode away with long steps. Leaning in the violet haired man chuckled, “So, I'll bet you ten silver its a guy.”
“Nah, not with that walk. Gotta be female. You're on. Either way, why'd I have to come the whole way to Pandaemonium to talk to you, Kalein?”
“Well, I've got an opportunity I can't pass up but need some extra muscle. So, here's my extra muscle. And it's not like you don't profit off this, Ru'Sala.”
“Okay, and what exactly is my profit?” Ru'Sala raised a skeptical eyebrow. Behind a wide grin of perfect teeth, Kalein held up four fingers. Ru'Sala snorted, “Bullshit.”
“Nope, triple checked my sources too. This one is purely legitimate.”
“And if it doesn't work out?”
“We fall on our swords?”
Ru'Sala heaved out a long sigh before nodding. A mirthful chuckle came before he bellowed, “Now, all of you who've been listening get to pick. Come with us or try to stop us.” The pair rose to stand to find every other table stand up in response. All eyes landed on them as neither side made a move.
Taking the table by one leg, Ru'Sala tossed the furniture at the horned men. The insects made a loud screech as bolts of energy cooked their organs. Kalein sneered as he sent more bolts of power lancing through the air. Ru'Sala tore through bone and muscle to retrieve a clump of muscle from the chest of the nearest demon. Dropping the heart at his taloned feet, the Dragon displayed his fangs that dripped with a black ichor. The display split the room between fight and flight.
After only a minute the few who stood their ground now lay slumped in undignified positions. Several corpses shuddered as the cruel currents were slow to dissipate while others bore large gouges from their bodies. Kalein nudged one of the insects with the tip of his boot, “It's sad I can't eat these. I mean, really. What a waste of good fodder.”
“You can eat them if you want.”
“Right,” Kalein scoffed stepping over a harpy on his way towards the door. He thick sarcasm filled the room, “It'll just result in me being in service to a Satan in these idiots place. That is completely worth the minor use any of these weaklings will bring.”
Ru'Sala finished wiping his hands on the shirt of the nearest clothed demon. Managing to get the majority of the sticky fluids off his hands, his path to the door was cut off. Kneeling before him was the server. It kept its gaze low as it asked, “Are you, Ru'Sala? The Dragon with the bounty on his head?”
“Depends, who is asking?” Ru'Sala clicked his tongue as an eyebrow ascended.
“Please, let me serve you!” The server pleaded, “I've heard you can make contracts like a Satan! Please make a contract and I'll serve you for eternity but just take me from here!”
“Who was your master?”
“Merchant Kishik under Lower Prince Seere.”
“You know you're condemning yourself to a fate worse than death if you come with us.”
Kalein chuckled, “She's probably dead anyway, actually. From that name, one of the bugs was your master, right?”
Lowering its gaze the server indicated one of the monstrous roaches, “Yes, him. So, if it's discovered I'm alive while my master is dead I will be devoured by the abyss. So, please, enslave me!”
Ru'Sala hooked a claw under the desperate figure's chin asking, “Are you male or female?”
“I am female, master.” Kalein stomped his foot while Ru'Sala shot him a grin.
“Since you just won me some silver, alright. What is your name?”
“I am Kish.” Introduced the woman holding her arms outright.
Ru'Sala placed his hand around her cropped hair. Closing his eyes he then muttered, “This soul is now oathed to me. Until she renders unto me a sum of three hundred pieces of gold, she shall be in my service.” Kish's body was coated with a sudden rush of water that left a puddle on the ground. Removing his hand, Ru'Sala looked down at the demonness' new form. She resembled Kalein by having pale, ashen skin and two protruding horns. Curves and muscle were more obvious on her reborn form.
Kalein grinned, “One more for the pack.”
“Now, Kish. Your first act is to help us get into Lord Seere's castle. That'll earn you roughly thirty silver towards your indentured servitude. Do you understand?” Ru'Sala kept his vision locked on Kish's red eyes. The woman nodded as she stood up. Examining her new body, she giggled excitedly groping herself. She continued to fondle her newfound form until she recalled both men leering at her show.
Coughing politely the former server bowed, “It shall be your loyal servant's pleasure.”
Marble cut to resemble bones lined the structure and supported the archway made to resemble scales perfectly in balance. Armed demons with large, swollen veins patrolled the front yard. A stone wall with an iron gate surrounded the mansion. Kish winced as she muttered under her breath, “This is going to end badly, isn't it?”
“Depends on who you're worried about. I'll be just fine,” Ru'Sala teased as he followed the wall with a hand pressed flat against it. After several steps, he halted. Twisting his arm to the right, the stone sunk into the floor. Hurrying both companions through the gap, it closed behind him once he was through.
“H-how did he do that?” Kish asked Kalein.
The tall man regarded her with a raised eyebrow, “You really don't know much about your own world, do you?”
“Don't need to know much but when to and not to listen to survive around here,” Kish snorted.
“Better toss that arrogance aside. You want to survive to see the end of your service? Question everything and learn. We're mercenaries, you weigh us down and we'll leave you behind,”Kalein made several long strides to catch up with Ru'Sala. Kish noticed one of the guards drawing closer and made several hurried steps to try and keep up.
The pair ahead of Kish halted and pressed themselves to the side of the building. Following suit Kish demanded, “What did you mean, earlier?”
“You know the name that sums up the entirety of where you live?” Kalein asked in a soft whisper. Two guards followed the main path past the trio.
“Hell.” Kish answered.
“What is the currency in Hell?”
“Souls.”
“Did you know that isn't a figurative but a literal thing?”
“What?”
“Your coins, buildings and almost everything in hell is made of souls. Did you know that?”
“What does that have to do with master opening a wall?”
“Souls have their own will. He asked the soul to let him in.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“I can't do it. He's the necromancer so it is easy for him. It's also why that bounty is on his head. He can 'cheat' the rules of hell,” Kalein snickered. The guards finally moved away as Ru'Sala inched towards a smaller door. Ducking under the low headboard, Ru'Sala crowded to one side to let the others in front of him.
“You take point, Kish. And, no matter what do not give them my name. Alright?” Ru'Sala explained. After turning a corner, Kish bumped into several guards.
Grabbing the slender servant by the arm the guard demanded, “What are you doing here?”
“U-um,” Kish muttered casting a glance over her shoulder. Nothing was present but an empty hallway. Looking from behind her to the guards, Kish could only mutter unintelligibly. With a grunt, the guards pulled the woman away. All moved in silence.
Their march brought Kish to a grand dining hall. While the other figures were obstructed by the large foods and candelabras, she immediately recognized Prince Seere. His blonde hair was held in tresses and his elegant, black satin outfit had jewels in place of buttons. The guard announced, “As per your orders, my prince. We're bringing you an intruder we discovered.”
“Excellent,” cooed the Prince. Seere swung his chair around to flash Kish a wide smile. His mere presence sent shivers down her spine. However the corners of his mouth quickly drooped before he stated flatly, “This is one of my servants and a useless one at that!”
Practically leaping from his seat, Seere marched to the door. Taking the girl by the face he demanded, “Who brought you here, tonight?” Her first instinct to spew forth Ru'Sala's name to avoid pain was caught in her throat. The twitching of her face and silence caused the prince to pull back his hand. Slaps began to twist her neck so sharply, Kish feared she might die. To keep her upright, two guards held her by the arms.
“Who sent you?” Seere demanded once more. Despite the stinging in her cheeks, Kish remained silent. Nothing she would say would save her now, she realized. She was as good as dead. With a renewed smile, the Prince turned back to the table. Fetching a knife, he approached the helpless girl with long strides. Grasping Kish's jaw, Seere held her mouth open before inserting the knife.
Kish could do nothing but wait for the pain. She felt a jolt pass through the prince. She dared not look up until she saw Seere fall backwards. His head clattering against the floor alongside his knife. It took Kish and the guards a moment to notice the foot long shard of ice protruding from his right eye socket. Turning to look over her shoulder, both men were standing with their weapons drawn.
“Looks like you lose this bet too Kalein,” Ru'Sala snickered hefting his spear off of his shoulder. Both guards released Kish and began to stumble backwards. Giving a glance down to Kish he explained, “Kalein bet you'd spill my name. I know you wanted to. Still, you kept your word and helped us get inside. You've done your job. Now, get clear.”
Tears welled up in Kish's eyes, blocking her vision. A roar and shower of stone from the cieling forestalled any further sense of relief. With a body of swollen, veiny muscles Seere returned. His skin now covered in a white hide. Pulling back his fist, Seere launched a flurry of blows against the pair of attackers. Recalling Ru'Sala's orders, Kish began to flee.
Shouts came from ahead of Kish so she ducked into a corner to watch a flood of guards ignore her existence. She noticed that more than a few of the other servants were moving in the same direction. Hurrying to the main door, Kish continually checked over her shoulder. Her mind racing with the possibilities of what happened between her enraged Prince and her new master. How could he expect to fight Seere in his own domain? Why would he risk being caught for the bounty by marching into a mansion? Her mental gymnastics carried Kish out into the street.
An explosion ripped through the ceiling. Several figures were tossed out of the new renovation to land on the scales. Kish recognized Seere and assumed the others were his allies. All were piled into one pan of the scales. Ru'Sala and Kalein both appeared on the roof.
Both of the pair were laughing loudly as a pair of thrones appeared in unoccupied pan. One was made of ice with no back but high armrests. The other was metallic looking with a high back. Faces screaming in agony were embellished on the metal throne. Ru'Sala took the icy seat while Kalein took the other. All the while, their laughter drew the attention of everyone outside.
“Let all bear witness to the so-called Prince Seere's shame! He has been ousted from his own home and allowed guests to be defamed!” Ru'Sala announced.
Kalein bellowed out, “If you all value your lives, Prince Thurgoth should be your new master! He shall arrive shortly so you must make your choice wisely! Stay with the fallen or rise with a new, greater power!” Their message sent, both men leaped from their seats to drift to the courtyard. The guards now kept their distance.
Ru'Sala raised a hand causing a circular portal appear before him. Hooking a finger towards Kish, she joined the pair as they passed through. Rather than the dusty cool of the abyss, Kish was now assaulted with brilliant light. She let out a groan as no matter how much she pushed against the light it kept up its assault.
“Just give yourself a minute to get adjusted and then I'll see about getting you a bunk till we get you a permanent assignment,” Ru'Sala's wing stretched to shelter the woman. As her eyes adjust, Kish saw they stood on a sandy shore.
“D-did you two really disrupt Prince Seere just to send a message?” Kish blurted out.
“It's what we were paid to do,” Ru'Sala said bluntly. Lowering his wing, her eyes now could handle the scorching light.
Kalein chuckled, “Plus, it was fun.”