Necrosiac 28 (976 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: Necro
Rating: 1.87 on 29 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Snark << snarkk.at.gmail.com (View user info) at 2004-12-17 10:34:33 EST
The first 26 Chapters are here:
http://www.ubersite.com/u/snark
NECROSIAC 28
Trevor Norland looked questioningly at the worry creased face of his master and asked "What's wrong with her?"
"Something's gone dreadfully wrong" replied Hadrian "Something happened when she was in the Director's mind"
With one hand he gestured to a silver ring lying in a puddle of grayish fluid on the table in front of him.
"I severed the link as soon as she started seizing but I fear I was too late"
Trevor moved forward to peer into the vacant eyes of the slack jawed Goddess in waiting before him. When he found no sign of intelligence within, them he stood straight and wondered how such a vibrant regality could have so completely disappeared.
"She looks empty Pentate"
Hadrian nodded then joined the solid frame of his Prime Acolyte and slowly moved his hand over Lillith from head to knee.
"Her soul is still intact but it's in chaos. I sense something else as well but I can't put my finger on it. It's almost as if someone else is in there with her. She was burning up about 20 minutes ago but that has subsided at least."
"I heard a scream"
Hadrian gave his Prime another quick nod then grabbed him by the elbow and led him to the far side of the room.
"The scream came from her but it wasn't her. It was much too deep, as if she was channeling a beast of some sort. Regardless, I have no doubt she will recover in time"
Trevor glanced back in the direction of the hope of them all and fought back the nagging doubt that had begun to grow within him.
"How long do you think it will take?"
"I don't know" Hadrian replied "Day's... weeks... months perhaps. Keeping her safe is going to have to be our first priority"
Hadrian led Trevor to the bar at the far end of the room and filled two glasses with a thick red liquid. He paused for a second in contemplation then took one for himself and gave the other to his most trusted servant.
"Tell me" he said "How faired you in your mission today?"
Trevor took a sip from the glass and looked worriedly at the floor.
"There were agents at the shop Pentate. They surprised my men... there was a battle"
Hadrian frowned and looked sternly at the downcast eyes of the thick red haired Necromancer.
"Our losses?"
"Four Acolytes and eight pets"
"Two teams?"
Trevor balked at the anger in his master's voice, but knew enough not to show the weakness of outright fear and returned his gaze emotionlessly.
"Yes. There was a high level mage with them" he replied
"Their losses?"
"Two agents"
Hadrian took another drink from his glass "What of the book?"
Trevor retreated to the door, grabbed a small duffel bag and returned, laying it open on the bar to reveal the plain leather bound tome within.
"I entered the shop after they left. It was still hidden where you said it would be"
Hadrian reached into the bag and lovingly removed the book from within then turned to his apprentice and nodded.
"The mission wasn't a total loss then" he said half soothingly "We have the Necrosiad"
"Yes Pentate"
He held the book in his hand for a moment and ran one hand reverently along its rough creased cover, then placed it gingerly on the bar top and retrieved his drink.
"What of the other items?"
Trevor frowned and shook his head "They found the study. The jar and the portrait were gone. Everything else was intact. I did as you said and set it ablaze"
Hadrian frowned down at his glass and weighed the consequences of the day's events in his mind. He wasn't entirely happy with the way the mission had turned out but they had at least recovered the most important object. What they hadn't recovered was time. He understood the voracity of his enemy and knew that, regardless of the intensity of the fire in the shop, somehow evidence would be found that would eventually lead them to the Penance family's sanctuaries. After that it wouldn't be long before the trail lead to his doorstep. Part of him wondered if he might not be over exaggerating the danger but then he remembered the Portrait. Regardless of what his hopes might be, he knew that it was only a matter of time before the fatal connection was made.
"What of Agent Anaka's home?"
Trevor brought his chin up and stood a little straighter. "Burning" he replied almost proudly "Her partner's as well"
"Good good" he said then nodded softly towards Lillith "Any news of her brother?"
Trevor finished his drink and poured another before responding "My man watching the building says he must have been at least partially successful. He tells me he destroyed the front of it without flinching. He also tells me he was somehow able to kill every living being within a block and a half and send them into the agency like a flood"
Trevor took another sip and tried to calm the excitement of the news as it threatened to show itself on his proudly controlled face.
"He had no choice but to return here. The building is surrounded by Police, Ambulance and the Media. He said he saw at least two agency strike teams enter just prior to that..."
The Pentate put his drink on the bar and grabbed his Prime by the shoulder's, eyes wide and face etched with worry.
"Are you telling me he survived?"
"I don't know" replied Trevor.
"Was your man watching the back as I asked?"
"No Pentate. He had moved to the front despite my wishes. He is in the basement being disemboweled as we speak"
Hadrian let go of Trevor's shoulders then turned towards Lillith and nodded, more to himself than anyone else. He knew if Adrian had survived he would eventually find his way back. If Adrian were to return he would do so with the knowledge that no retrieval team had been sent for him. He would enter the Pentate's home and seek bloody retribution, while the only being with enough power to stop him sat slack jawed and drooling in the chair at the other side of the room. After a moment he decided on his only course of action and turned back to his Prime.
"The day has not been without it's trials but you have done as I've asked... Trevor, let's drop formality and speak as we do when were alone. Let me address you as a father to a son"
Trevor relaxed as the fear that the day's events might be seen as a failure on his part faded.
"Yes Hadrian" he replied warmly.
"How long have you been with me Trevor? Twelve Years is it?"
"Thirteen" he replied "Since you took me from your predecessor's house and began my tutelage"
"Thirteen... yet it seems like I've had the pleasure of your company my entire life. Tell me. Are you still in contact with him? My forbearer... your biological father?"
Trevor frowned slightly and nodded. He never liked speaking of his father. The Necromantic community had banished him as a heretic and stripped him of everything in the process. Despite his rise to power to the side of the Pentate, he still felt like he wore his father's shame like a badge.
"He sends me letters occasionally" he replied slowly "I don't respond"
"So you have his address?"
"I may have it but Hadrian I..."
Hadrian interrupted him and continued despite Trevor's obvious discomfort.
"Find it" he commanded "Find it and take Lillith and the book. Go to him and ask for refuge"
Trevor took a step back despite himself and shook his head.
"Hadrian No. I couldn't. He's not one of us. He's a lunatic and a traitor. I could never go back to him. Taking the Necrosiac to him would be sacrilege!"
"It's not sacrilege my son. It's survival."
Trevor shook his head again and responded louder than he really wanted to.
"I cannot! Even if I could get past my loathing we both know he wouldn't allow a Necrosiac into his home!"
Hadrian took a step forward and placed a steadying hand on his apprentices shoulder.
"Calm yourself son. I know this is not a simple thing I ask of you but you must trust me as you always have. You must count on my judgment as I count on your hatred for your father. No one would ever suspect you have taken her there so that is exactly where you must go. Swallow your pride and act as a son if need be. Tell him whatever he needs to hear to accept you both. Tell him she's your bride. Once she's recovered he won't pose a threat to either of you and you can return to me if opportunity allows"
"I could disappear with her! I could take her someplace new and secluded. We don't need him!"
Hadrian shook his head patiently "No. He was powerful once and she may need guidance back from wherever she's gone. I don't have time to help mend her and you are not yet fully trained in the Necromantic arts. You may find you need him"
Trevor shook his head defiantly and searched his mind for a hole in the Pentate's logic but found none.
"Do you order this of me Pentate?"
Hadrian frowned sadly and shook his head "No Trevor I ask it. I ask it of my son and the man who will one day succeed me"
The words ran through the young Necromancer like an electric shock. He'd never in his time with Hadrian assumed he would be more than Prime Acolyte. He'd always privately considered that one day he might find a place among the Pact, his own spot among the elite, but he'd never fathomed he might succeed the Pentate himself.
"Father..."
Hadrian took his hand from Trevor's broad shoulder and hardened his gaze.
"Enough" he commanded "Will you do as I ask?"
Trevor knelt before his master and bowed his head.
"Yes Pentate. As you will it, so shall it be done"
Hadrian reached down and pulled him up by the shoulders.
"You will make a great leader one day" He said proudly.
Trevor forced himself back into his typically controlled demeanor and glanced towards the unmoving woman across the room.
"When shall I leave?"
"Now" came the reply "Go now and speak to no one. I will help you get her into the car. I will give you money and anything I can provide from my home, but you have to leave this instant"
"How will I know to contact you?"
Hadrian smiled and produced a long blade from the sleeve of his robe.
"Listen for my call" he said then deftly sliced Trevor's ear off with one skilled swipe of his blade. Ignoring the pained yelp of his apprentice, he bent down to pick up the ear and held it in his hand. He paused and looked at it as if searching his mind for what to do next, then weaved his magic into it with a few quick chants. A second later he did the same to his own ear then motioned Trevor close and placed it to the side of his head and used the same spell to bind it in place.
Confident that it was securely in place he stood back and admired his handiwork.
"It's a little smaller than yours" he observed "but I think it won't draw too much attention"
Trevor placed one hand to his ear tentatively then smiled.
"Will you teach me how to do that one day?" he asked.
The Pentate nodded then spoke seriously "A word of warning regarding the book. Keep it safe. Its value is indescribable. There were only ever three made. One was destroyed during the Crusades and the other was lost an age before that. It is a book of immense power. It holds the truth of our destiny within a web of incantations, most of which are traps. I have read that it will reveal the truth of the future of the world while devouring your soul if you lack the knowledge to use it. It is for the Necrosiac alone to study"
Trevor nodded solemnly then replaced it in the bag at his side and gave Hadrian an embrace.
"Father, one thing before I go... I received word from the houses of Mute and Madeline. They both request an audience with you tomorrow evening"
Hadrian took a step back and smiled.
"So soon" he mused "I expected their visit later than this"
"What is it they want?"
"They are lovers" replied the Pentate "They come to destroy me"
An hour later Hadrian retired to his study, drink in hand, and turned on his television to watch his war unfold. He smiled with grim satisfaction as station after station across the country reported incidents of attacks on agency personnel. After a short while his curiosity was satiated and he remembered the word he'd sent over seas. He'd made the intentions of his pact known to the Necromantic communities of three other nations, using the links they'd re-established under Father Penance's guidance. He'd known it was foolish to think the mere mention of the Necrosiacs would have an effect beyond the sphere of his influence, but he'd sent word anyways.
With a flick of a finger he switched the television to the World News and sat back in awe at the picture unfolding before him.
After a moment he sat forward, turned up the volume, and listened intently to the excited newscaster.
"Oh Luis. If only you'd lived to see this" he whispered.
Hadrian Pasteur sat smiling like a child on Christmas Day and watched Paris burn.
User Reviews
Submitted by YourNameHere (user info) at 2009-06-04 11:25:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
No Comment
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2009-06-04 11:03:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Am I the only person who sometimes get's a little confused between Adrian Penance and Hadrian Pastuer the Pentate? Names are VERY similar.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2005-06-16 19:24:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I find myself liking the Pentate Hadrian.
Submitted by Revolutionman (user info) at 2005-05-06 20:31:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Charred (user info) at 2005-03-31 16:47:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Seriously?
Find a publisher.
Submitted by Malificent (user info) at 2005-03-28 04:01:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by wazzawazzayo (user info) at 2004-12-21 19:35:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Finally gota round to reading this. I wanna join the pact.
I can't wait for the book.
Merry Christmas y'all!
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2004-12-17 21:33:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Ok, kids. All of you stop bickering.
I'm the proud owner of LadyPlural, and she will not be doing ANYTHING with lettuce or either of you without my say-so.
Snark, you're a drunken whore.
AshK, behave yourself ot I won't beg you to do that thing with the car battery anymore.
Good. Glad that's settled. Don't we all feel better?
Guys?
Guys?
*crickets*
........damn.
Submitted by firefly (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:47:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Xena (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:32:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
superb!
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:31:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
AshK, you weren't supposed to mention that. Jeebus. And I needed to make a salad, ok?
STOP JUDGING ME!
By the way, when is that lettuce getting here?
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:30:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh god I love the reviews left on these posts.
AshK,
I will make my own midwork bathroom trip in tribute to your activities.
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:26:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
WOOOOOOOOOOO happy dance!
Hey, and watch out for Lady Plural. She said she would be my sex slave for a month in excange for a head of lettuce. I suspect she is simply angling to be someones toy.
Ok, she didn't really.
I still stand by my assessment.
You have to love a girl that wants to be your slave.
I'm just jealous.
I think I will go stroke myself in sadness.
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:25:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
YES!
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:22:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
LadyPlural,
DEAL!
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:18:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2004-12-17 10:52:22 (#)
Ranking: 2
It's starting to read like the endgame... all the threads are coming together. You've done a masterful job with this, Snark. I'm in awe of your ability to create something so complex and yet keep it all under control - no motive unturned, no subplot unaccounted for.
Sincere congratulations.
-----------------------------------------------------
You drunken whore. Oh, and I'll be your sex slave for a month if I can get a signed copy of this once it's published. How's THAT for an offer, huh?
Yeah, didn't think so.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:16:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Ashk,
Once it's done on Uber I'll email you the real deal.
It's completely different in alot of ways.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:09:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2004-12-17 10:52:22 (#)
Ranking: 2
It's starting to read like the endgame... all the threads are coming together. You've done a masterful job with this, Snark. I'm in awe of your ability to create something so complex and yet keep it all under control - no motive unturned, no subplot unaccounted for.
Sincere congratulations.
===================
What an awesome thing to say. Thank you so much.
I kind of like it better when you call me a drunken whore though for some reason.
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-12-17 12:00:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
There are no words for how amazing this is.
Truly.
I'll send you my corruptable child for an extra month if you let me read the full version. Please.
Submitted by wookie (user info) at 2004-12-17 11:33:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I expect to see this in my local bookstore someday.
And I will pay dearly for a signed first edition.
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2004-12-17 11:30:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Do you know what I am doing? I am printing
this series out so that I can read it on
my flight to cali!
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-12-17 11:22:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Munkey,
This is the short form, which is why the stories appear so intermittently.
The real deal is much fuller and I am talking with an editor about it now.
I wasn't going to say anything because is next to impossible to get published the first time.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2004-12-17 11:14:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I fucking love this series!!!
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2004-12-17 11:11:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
i wish this was in book form.
you really won't consider submitting this to a publisher?
Submitted by Kre8rix (user info) at 2004-12-17 11:01:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Again, you never cease to amaze.
Great work
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2004-12-17 10:54:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2004-12-17 10:52:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
It's starting to read like the endgame... all the threads are coming together. You've done a masterful job with this, Snark. I'm in awe of your ability to create something so complex and yet keep it all under control - no motive unturned, no subplot unaccounted for.
Sincere congratulations.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-12-17 10:40:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh I should say that I will try to get one more chapter out next week before I go on vacation...
No promises though. This is kind of the last thing I want to be writing right now. It's not exactly in tune with the holiday spirit.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-12-17 10:39:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Hey it's a Christmas story!
At least... it's got the word Christmas in it...