Seeking Help

All invaders are demons! And even if they arent, they will be dealt with like they are. Anyone who associates with them will be treated like their allies, tied up at the church and burnt at the stake! You How could you do such a thing? Kocat raged, his voice deliberately low in fear of being overheard.

Marvin was sitting comfortably on the sofa opposite him, sipping on fragrant black tea. He waited for Kocats anger to subside a little before saying, Father, Im already working with these demons. Come, have a look!

He reached out his hand as he spoke, and a crimson flame suddenly appeared upon it. The flame was as dark as centuries-old blood. Although the flame didnt last long, it still drained enough mana to leave Marvin pale, having him gasp for air.

Kocat was overwhelmed with shock. He took in a sharp breath, exclaiming, Dark flame! You, youve become a fallen priest?

Im only level 6, so I dont qualify to be called a full priest yet. For now, Im a fallen cleric, Marvin corrected his father calmly.

Who is the new god youve started to worship? the knight asked frantically, his gaze unwavering.

The Eternal Dragon, Marvin replied before adding, It isnt a god from our plane.

An unreadable expression overtook Kocats face, and he took a while to speak again, This Eternal Dragon definitely has to be a powerful force, if it can channel its energy across planes.

Marvin poured himself another cup of tea, My dear father, Im sure you understand now that Im bound to the demons henceforth, unable to separate myself from their camp. As for you, if its discovered that youre the father of a fallen cleric, you will be burnt at the stake as well. Instead of this anger, wouldnt it be better for you to think of a way to get me out of this?

These invaders evidently arent as weak as the priests made them out to be. Even though theyre young twenty years of age at most they have astonishing power. Think about this: a number of level 10 invaders, despite being ill-equipped, managed to completely annihilate an army led by Sir Menta and Sir Hubert! Thats two of the Barons titled knights!

Sir Kocat groaned heavily, not saying a word. Marvin was his son he naturally couldnt lie. These intruders were clearly of high status in their own plane, and likely had great powers backing them.

Kocat paced up and down the hall relentlessly, eventually reaching a conclusion. The Direwolf Duke might be able to help you solve the problem. His clan worships their ancestors, and is at odds with the God of Valour. Ill write you a letter of recommendation that you can bring to Baron Fontaine, the Dukes brother. He will be able to introduce you to the Duke.

But he paused and looked at Marvin with concern, The Direwolf Duke is notorious for his tyranny. You must be careful when dealing with him. If his mood grows bad, he might tear you to shreds!

Also, heres the map of Baron Forzas castle you wanted. I can only help you so much. When you leave, take extra precaution not to let others recognise you.

Marvin took the letter of recommendation from his father, carefully stowing the thick scroll away. He then bowed deeply, Father, I have a premonition that you wont regret your decision today.

Kocat could only let out a snort to that, not knowing what to say. Even level 6 wasnt much of a deal given his sons age, and divination and prophecy were arts that could only be performed by true priests at level 12 and above. Such priests also had to have great favour from their Lord to be able to adequately perform such spells. All this talk of premonitions was just nonsense.

Around the same time, a vase more valuable than any of Kocats possessions hit the wall in Baron Forzas study, shattering into a million pieces on the floor. The Baron was evidently dejected even after wrecking the vase he pounded his table without end until he was left huffing and puffing.

His butler had been hiding in a corner throughout this tantrum. My Lord, he finally managed once Forzas rage faded, Priest Essien has been waiting on you for the past half hour.

Forza grunted heavily, trying to fix his disheveled hair as he slowly followed the butler to the hall. Essien was a priest who was already at level 12, and was the person who had coordinated his territorys rise in the divine ranks. Even in secular influence the man wasnt far off from Forza himself, and with the barons army taking a significant blow that especially reduced his elites fighting strength by more than half, the priests own army of about thirty paladins had become a formidable force in the region.

Baron Forza had an alarmingly thin frame, and a head of white hair. Late nights for many days had left him with an ashen complexion, and with deep bags under his eyes. Upon entering the hall, the Baron saw Essien admiring an oil painting of the Goddess of Spring. He addressed the man, Priest Essien, if you are here to ask for help with the invaders, Im afraid there isnt much for us to talk about.

Essien managed a smile, seemingly unbothered by the Barons cold demeanour. My Lord, he responded, I indeed am here to discuss that very matter. You know the oracle

Dont talk to me about the oracle! Forza raised his voice. Only you know what it contains! If the intruders were as weak and insignificant as you made them out to be, and fewer than twenty in number, how is it that the last three knights and the hundreds of elite troops I sent out were all defeated by them?

Startled, Essien replied The oracle is never wrong. As a priest who serves the God of Valour, that is something I could never lie about. There is only one reason for the way the battles turned out. If I were to put it bluntly, my Lord, you should train your troops properly.

Forza grunted, looking uncomfortable, but he didnt say a word. Essien was criticising him for powerless leadership, but when hed received the battle report he himself could only conclude the same thing. But he was helpless now the remaining two knights werent good at military matters, having been given their position due to social connections and blood ties. It wouldnt be very useful to send them out to battle.

My Lord, you are in quite the plight at the moment. My humble suggestion is that you promptly seek the assistance of Earl Jayleon. If you send a messenger now, he should be able to reach the Earls castle within three days. We might still be able to catch the invaders. You might be losing some money and reputation, but that is much better than the incident at Joven occurring once more.

Forza replied coldly, Even if the Earl accedes to my request, his troops will need at least ten days to get here. What will the church do until then?

I have already sent out a messenger to ask for help from the bigger church in the duchy.

Essiens reply stunned Forza for a moment. Turning to a bigger authority for help meant that Essien conceded to not being able to handle the matters of his region by himself, which would make it even more difficult for him to be promoted or to be given divine grace.

While he felt that Essiens decision was a little peculiar as it would put himself in a disadvantaged situation, it made Forza feel a little more at ease. He called upon his personal attendant to write a letter on the spot, and gave orders for this letter to be delivered to the Earl within three days.