Preview of a Future story, Part 16 (Patreon)

High in a tower, over the city of Ofusca, Queen Ursulax paced back and forth, occasionally looking out the stained glass window in the direction of the Cowl, the great Cathedral of Occultia. Her reign-name, “the Peacemaker” was unfairly applied and no one used the title to her face. The peace had been through no action of hers, but a situation that had stifled the kingdom since before her birth. And like her predecessor, she had spent no small amount of time and resources in an attempt to understand the Wardshells. If she could interrupt their magic long enough to strike a blow to one of the realm’s major cities, she’d be remembered as one of the greatest rulers of Bleakmorne. If she could not, her dynasty would pass with her. Her train of reflection was interrupted by the sound of footsteps, and the clanking of armor. She smiled as she turned to face the door to see her guards escort in a woman in elaborate black armor.

“Welcome, Archdeaconess Cafrune. May Occultia be with you.”

The armored figure bowed, her dark mane obscuring her face for a moment, before she rose with a smile. “Thank you, your highness. But, as you know, she always is. May she continue to bless you with her counsel and power.”

Ursulax smiled at the sting so carefully concealed in the cleric’s greeting. She simultaneously wanted to punish the insubordination and congratulate her for demonstrating how Occultia’s games should be played. Instead, the Queen consoled herself with the knowledge that she had picked one of the sharpest minds at the Cathedral for her task.

She walked over to a statue, made of black stone, of the goddess herself, a dagger in her right hand, and a darkened lantern in her left. The queen gestured to it as she spoke.

“Remind me, how many Archdeaconesses are there in her Holy Shadow?”

“Three, your highness, but I’m certain you knew that.”

“And how many Priestesses stand higher in the hierarchy than those three?”

“Only her Most Holy Concealer, the Avatar Incarnate of Occultia,” Cafrune responded, an anticipatory expression crossing her features.

“Well, then, how does one become the most favored of the three?”

“We grow in the favor of Occultia, only she will pick her next Incarnate. Her plans are hidden to us…” Cafrune recited a rote answer that every novice had to master without hesitation. But then, she added, “And the favor of other…influential personages is perhaps not to be overlooked.”

“Ah, you’re the bright one,” Ursulax smiled, enjoying a riposte for the Cleric’s greeting. “What I tell you is for your ears only. Our spies in the Realm have unraveled the secret (Occultia forgive us!) of the accursed Wardshells.”

Cafrune nodded, “Ah, hence the rumors from Oniridge.”

“So, as you see, our early experiments have confirmed that our methods of manipulating their power source are effectual.”