**Kuro**
Using the shape-shifting abilities of the dwarf saint, we sneaked out of the city of Hemelin through Lady Martelle's knowledge of an ancient road network used by the giants during their heyday. While we thought that her transformation would attract the mighty crusading airship fleets docked above the holy city, as it turned out, we worried for nothing. The golem's body changed into Lady Helgath's and we breezed through the ancient roads, before reverting to her dwarf size just outside Temun.
Once we reached the limits of the dwarf border city, our group finally had a breath of fresh air. Celebrating our escape from the patrols of the temple guards, we proceeded to the surface of the city of Temun, where Her Holiness, the Lady Seirna, should be waiting for us. I think we're still well into our 'five-day deadline'; it was only four days since we entered Hemelin, after all.
Though, really…a lot has happened that it doesn't feel like it's only four days…
As expected of the dwarves, the border crossing at Temun was closed off. Tourists trying to cross to the other side waited in many hotels and taverns, frustrated of their delays because of the events between the city of Montserrant and Hemelin. Still, 'normal' life in the dwarf town continued, albeit there were noticeable tensions when we arrived.
"The Church of the Golden Hammer expects each one of the faithful to take up arms against the unholy in Montserrant!" a priest of the Church would call out volunteers from the streets occasionally. "Absolve your sins! Join the Crusade!"
Of course, we knew we were being hunted, so taking the necessary precautions to conceal our identities, we carefully walked past the church officials and warriors. Our goal was to reach the hotel we stayed in this place before. And Lady Martelle was looking for her 'guy,' Albrecht, in the crowd. She could use some information from him to know what we should do next.
"Down with your fake god!"
"!!!" the peaceful noise of Temun's town square was disturbed when a few dwarves approached the church officials, and threw stones and rotting food at them. Initially shocked, the priests and lay people soon realized the humiliation they were subjected to, and ordered their guards to run after the offenders. However, the opposing dwarves came prepared. As the temple guards neared the alleys, the offenders called out to their supporters, which appeared on the windows of the houses, and rained stones, spoiled food, and even feces on the warriors.
Those who were just watching were fascinated at first, with some of them recording the exchange of insults and stinking projectiles. But when the guards drew their war hammers and battleaxes, it became clear to the bystanders that they were not letting the offenders go unscathed. Panic soon set in, and chaos spread on the town square as the guards—avenging their 'soiled' reputation—hacked and smashed anyone they caught on the streets.
"Let's go!" I told Lily and Lady Martelle. "Head to the hotel!" I mean, we could fight off those dwarves, but as we were keeping our covers, creating a scene wasn't an option. The only choice we could take was to avoid fights and issues, before meeting Seirna.
The Church's guards followed the running residents, and coincidentally, we were in that crowd. The rushing bodies tackled and felled many unfortunate fellows who were slow to run, which were hacked to death by the warriors that caused the chaos. As for my group, I held unto Lily's hand as she led me to where our hotel was. On my other hand was Lady Martelle; I didn't want to lose her, even though she knew the streets of Temun well. Nevertheless, keeping together was difficult, especially that everyone's out to escape the murderous temple guards.
"!!!" At that point, however, the dwarf lady grabbed my hand and pulled me towards her. In the process, I also pulled Lily to where Lady Martelle pulled me. Then, much to our pleasant surprise and relief, we were at one of the hidden alleyways of Temun. And Albrecht, Lady Martelle's 'acquaintance,' was there with us, waiting with his dwarves. All of them were armed with their makeshift weapons.
"All in?" he asked his 'boss,' to which, the dwarf lady nodded. A dwarf quickly locked the gate, effectively sealing the crowd, as well as the rampaging temple guards, on the other side.
----------
Honestly, the presence of Albrecht and his dwarves was a welcome sight for us. The petty criminal signaled our group to follow him, but not to make any noise, as we navigated the narrow alleys of Temun. Even if his cohorts walked before and behind us, for some reason, I felt more secure than with those temple guards at the square earlier.
"Milady, what's going on in Hemelin?" was Albrecht's immediate question for our dwarf companion. "Why did Montserrant attack them? And where did the Golden Hammer go?"
"I don't know as well, bruh," Lady Martelle replied. "Actually, I was planning to ask you the same thing! You just beat me to it. As for the Golden Hammer, I have nothing to do with that guy, so it's useless to talk to me about him."
Well, having watched a lot of movies when I was a child…especially that old space opera movie with three 'episodes' and flashy 'sabers' made of light, I couldn't help but think this was the part where Albrecht would open a door, and behind it was a church official waiting to arrest us. However, I trust that Lady Martelle was looking into the guy's mind, preventing any betrayal on his side.
I felt a light tap on my arm. It was Lady Martelle, silently asking me to keep my thoughts to myself. At least, that was reassuring…the saints' ability to read minds were really useful.
"What's the news on your side, Albrecht?"
"Milady, the church officials have been aggressive in recruiting people for their crusade," the petty criminal revealed. "Those damned crooks! They just wanted meat shields for their warriors! Of course, many in this city hated that; even before they introduced the new religion."
"New religion?" I entered their conversation.
"Oh? You don't know about it, Mister, uh…"
"Lawrence Beatty. The human lady with me is my lover, Charlotte Deakin." Good thing I remembered that this fellow doesn't know my real identity yet.
"Ah, yes, Mister Beatty," Albrecht paused for a bit, as if searching his memories. "You see, the city of Montserrant suddenly woke up one day and said, 'Let's drop that shitty Golden Hammer and establish a new religion!'"
"Oi, Albrecht, stop speaking in sarcasm!" Lady Martelle rebuked him.
"Yes, milady…well, the truth is, a messenger came from Montserrant a couple of days ago and talked to the city leaders about their new god."
"A new god?"
"Yes. That messenger claimed that they were being protected and blessed by a powerful saint named Lady Seirna Stephanie. And those who will drop the old guy in Hemelin in favor of their new faith would receive religious tax exemptions, along free stuff from Chersea. Heh, good thing I'm a guy of the streets; any sane dwarf can see through the scam!"
At that point, Lady Martelle, Lily and I exchanged bewildered stares. We just couldn't believe what we heard…but what's more outrageous was the next part, which one of Albrecht's dwarves added…
"Al, you forgot the part that the whacko who appeared at Montserrant claims to be serving a god called 'Lord Kuro!'"
"What the fuck?!" Everyone's eyes fell on me. Save for the dwarf and the Head Maid, the gangsters were surprised by my reaction.
"What's your problem, Beets?" a gangster asked. "You're the Lord Kuro, or something?"
"N-Nothing," was my answer. Of course, I was aware of his mockery; but telling him I'm that person they were laughing about was unthinkable. Not only would I appear before them as some person who had advanced delusional condition, they weren't even taking this seriously! What the hell is Seirna doing?
"A-Any case…" even Lady Martelle was shocked, though she tried to suppress her emotions. As an awkward atmosphere slowly descended in our group, she changed the topic when she had the chance. "To hell with new religions. Why are you in this place, Albrecht? This is…uh, this isn't your territory, if I remember correctly."
"It is, even to this day," Albrecht laughed. "It's a pity the owners won't sell it to me, but yeah, I'm here because I met an old acquaintance of yours. We were on our way out when that shit at the town square exploded, and good thing I saw your group running in the crowd. So, I pulled you guys over."
"An old acquaintance?" the dwarf lady asked, though judging from her face, she already knew who it was by reading the petty criminal's mind.
"Yep," Albrecht stopped at one of the worn-out doors in the alleyway, and knocked twice. The small peephole opened, revealing a suspicious pair of eyes behind. Nevertheless, once the person on the other side saw the petty criminal, the peephole closed and the door was unlocked. Albrecht gestured for us to enter.
"!!!"
And there, in one of the large tables, and sitting near a hearth clad in his usual mercenary armor, was the human, Ashren. Once we appeared in his sights, he stood up with a big friendly smile on his lips, and open arms. "Ah! It's been a long while, Big Sis! And I didn't expect to see you here, Your Grace! And Your Highness is with you, too?"
I froze when he said that. Deep in my chest, I was panicking; and I was sure, Lily and Lady Malvette too, for their eyes were unnaturally wide and pasted on the thug from Chersea.
"Your Grace?" Albrecht clearly heard his words. "What do you mean by that, Ashren?"
"Al, you're one stupid dwarf!" the thug rebuked him. "You're in the presence of not only one—but two legendary heroes from Chersea! This is the Princess of Nerfes, Lilyhaven Tamriel of House von Leese, and this man…this person whom I owe my life is the Lord Kuro of the Duchy of Maverny, and the favored of the Saints! You should pay your respects to them!"
Yep, all of that 'cover' got blown by a single blabbermouth.
----------
***The city of Montserrant***
Returning from their ill-fated expedition from Hemelin, the pilots of the miners' guild—the remnants—trudged silently across the streets of Montserrant, where an equally shocked crowd (appalled at the numbers of those who returned) watched them in solemn stillness. It only took one look to know what transpired in the holy city, though by that time, news coverage already reached the rebels. No one dared to speak, or even smile and wave at the battered warriors, and they were the same towards their people.
The final one to arrive at the main airstrip of Montserrant was Seirna. With her dress still intact and her rapier in her hands, it was obvious that she got out of the dogfight unscathed. However, the Overseer Saint knew what she did; though she was not one to be wracked by guilt, her final act in that battle brought them closer to the danger they wished to avoid than before. Like the pilots before her, Seirna was welcomed by silence. However, the miner queen and her ministers walked over to her spot.
"…" The Overseer Saint just gave the guild officials a blank stare. Deep in her heart, Seirna kept repeating that what she did was necessary. And she closed off her ability to read minds, for she dreaded the moment she hears the sentiments of those dwarves throwing fearful looks at her.
"Y-Your Holiness…" it was Queen Paula who broke the ice. However, Seirna interrupted her…
"Say what you want to say of me, miner queen, but my decision remains the same. It was a necessary evil; or your people won't wake up to the truth."
"Yes, Your Holiness, we understand."
The Overseer Saint was surprised at what she heard. She expected a completely different reaction; that of anger, of rage, of sadness. The dwarves that were lost in Hemelin were their loved ones; brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. Yet, the miner queen understands what she has done?
Seirna read everyone's minds, and she was even more shocked. While there was sadness in the hearts of the dwarves that gathered in Montserrant's airstrip, another emotion dominated them: that of fearful reverence. Everywhere she turned, the dwarves rationalized it was 'heavens' will' that their loved ones died in Hemelin. And the fear of angering Seirna was bigger than their mourning; the overwhelming god-power she displayed above the holy city was still fresh in their minds.
"No matter where you go, Your Holiness, we'll follow," the miner queen declared as the guild officials kneeled before her. The people followed them soon after, with a unanimous shout, "Lead us to victory!"
The Overseer Saint couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sentiments she witnessed. From silent mourning, the voices of the dwarves of Montserrant grew louder amidst their desire for vengeance for their loss. And Seirna, relieved that the faith in the otherworlder was stronger than before, seized the moment to galvanize their support for him.
"We will avenge this day, dwarves of Holy Montserrant! Glory to the saints! Glory to the Lord Kuro!"
----------
**Kuro**
The news of the raid on Hemelin, the declaration of a crusade against Montserrant, and the Golden Hammer's disappearance prompted the Church to close off the borders for an indefinite time. And with a new 'religion' trying to challenge the dominance of the old one, the land of the dwarves was in turmoil. Those who profess their undying loyalty for the Golden Hammer against the people who wanted to throw his yoke off their neck, particularly in the issue of religious taxes. The tension in the streets were so high that it would take only a slight argument to ignite a riot that could effectively shut down the economic activities of a city.
By the 14th hour, the trouble in Temun's streets had subsided, and the city's militia prevented the temple guards from further bloodshed. According to Albrecht, their city was one of the few who were still relatively 'untouched' by the conflict, so the leaders maintained their neutrality. As such, the Church supporters were confined to their part of Temun, while their opponents were not permitted on the streets. Again, Hemelin was way bigger than this place, so the chance of these warring factions meeting up was high.
In their efforts to bring in order, even people from other races—tourists—like me and Lily were also confined to places where we were staying. After the chaos earlier, we had to 'cross' houses and house blocks, using Albrecht's connections, to avoid city patrols and get to the safety of our hotel. Of course, Ashren came with us.
"Milord, it looks like you need some bodyguard contingent with you because of all that's happening here," he told me.
"Well, my cover as 'Lawrence Beatty' would be enough to keep me safe, if someone kept their mouth shut," I was joking, but it was filled with sarcasm.
Nevertheless, the thug brushed it aside with a laugh. "Can't help it milord! It's always nice to see friends and acquaintances; in my line of work, we never know if we'll see them next time."
"Fair enough," I nodded. But then, I asked, "What brings you here anyway?"
"Ah, Big Sis' business in Stadtsberg was closed down, see?"
"What?!" Lady Martelle blurted out. "It got closed down?"
"Sorry, but it's your uncle's orders," Ashren replied. "I think it's because the Human Saint pressured him to do it."
"Oh…" Lily chimed in. "Well, I guess Her Holiness won't tolerate such sinful place."
"No, Your Highness," the thug countered. "Actually, she had it closed down to keep the Lord Kuro from going back there."
"Pfft!" Lady Martelle and Lily spat on their drinks, while I nearly choked on my food. Yep, that's really Maddie-like…
"So, what happened to your brothers in Stadtsberg?" the dwarf lady asked after composing herself.
"They are here with me, Big Sis!" Ashren revealed. "Though they were held back at the border a few days ago; I think it's before that war or whatever it is in one of the dwarf cities? Anyway, when the brothel closed and we learned that you are here, we crossed to deliver the news. However, that conflict erupted, so we decided to let ourselves be hired for extra work. Mercenary stuff is what we do best, after all."
"Isn't it that you're the only mercenary in the group? And what about your weapons? It's being confiscated at the border!"
"Ah, I trained my brothers in mercenary warfare, Big Sis! You know, just to pass time; I didn't expect that it'll become useful someday," the thug admitted. "And well, uh…about our weapons, it's one of the reasons I approached Albrecht in the first place. He knows how to smuggle stuff."
"Ugh…" Lady Martelle could only sigh in resignation. The brothel in Stadtsberg was one of her biggest 'income generators,' and Maddie shut it down in a flash. But it was the least of her problems…
"Well," it was Lily. "At least we're still on schedule. Her Holiness the Lady Seirna is a day late compared to us."
Reminded about our most important goal, I told her, "I hope all is going well on her side." I just couldn't tell Lily that Gaius warned me about something that the Overseer Saint did. At that moment, I noticed Lady Martelle was looking at my direction, too. I don't know if she saw through my mind, but as it was related to Gaius, I guess she was kept in the dark by the former god's magic.
I'm not sure about it, though if the dwarf lady won't ask me, so will I say nothing.
----------
Ashren finally stood up and was about to leave when Albrecht came rushing in our hotel room. His face was pale, and it was obvious he ran all the way from the building entrance, up to our floor, which was three level high. While there were functioning elevators, he opted to take the stairs, as the dwarf wanted to tell us the information he gathered immediately.
"M-My…apologies…for d-disturbing you, milady, Your Grace and Your Highness," the petty criminal greeted us; his tone was polite than before. He tried to get his message across in-between his gasps for air. "H-Have you been watching…the news?"
Saying nothing, Lily reached for the nearby television and turned it on. True enough, it was an emergency news broadcast, as shown by the red background of the news ticker. It says, 'Hemelin population wiped out. No one was left alive.'
"Emergency workers are now scouring the holy city for any survivors, but so far there are none," was the line of the reporter. "Corpses upon corpses were found, however, along with many wrecks of airships and fighter planes…most of the canvas burned by a strange black flame."
Ashren, Lily, and I exchanged worried looks. The 'black flame' was already a giveaway, and what confirmed us of Seirna's participation in what we're watching was the death toll. It was awfully reminiscent of what happened to Chersea years ago…
"Rumors going around of a huge battle over Hemelin when that happened," Albrecht added context. "The other crusading cities said the Church commander at the holy city was desperately asking for reinforcements, and then they were cut off. Perhaps the rebels in Montserrant used a powerful new weapon against them?"
"It was no 'powerful new weapon,' Al," Ashren muttered; his face was grim.
"If so, then what is it? Those corpses don't look like they got shot!" the petty criminal argued.
"I agree with Ashren," it was Lady Martelle. "It really is not a new weapon." Then, she turned to me, "Kuro, what is the meaning of this? I thought we're fighting against this monster called the 'Seductress'? Why would Seirna do that?"
----------
Seirna arrived at our hotel in Temun sometime before dinner. By then, I was the only one left in bed; Lily and Lady Martelle were both out, maybe looking for something to eat. Having fallen asleep, I wouldn't even wake up if I didn't feel someone else's presence in the room…
"Rise and shine, Lord Kuro!"
I knew Seirna's voice. But what I didn't expect was the way she addressed me. Though we had been working together for some time now, she never referred to me with such 'respect' and 'dignity.' If anything, the Overseer Saint would throw a disgusted stare, or a sardonic one, on me for most of the time. So, when I heard that, I nearly jumped off the bed.
"Seirna!" I blurted out the moment I saw her. "We need to talk."
"Yes, we really need to talk right now, otherworlder," the Overseer Saint replied. She had a strange 'dead fish's eyes' expression on her face, it creeped me out a bit.
However…
"What's going on?" I asked, noting the several figures behind Seirna, who sat beside my bed. They were dwarves, armed to the teeth, and immaculately dressed in their intricate armor.
"Well, I was asked by your loyal servants to allow them to stand in your presence," she answered, though by then, I could tell Seirna was in her usual self. The sarcastic smile was on her face, after all.
"Servants?" I cast a look of disbelief on the dwarves. "I don't remember getting one, let alone a group!"
"Milord!" one of them suddenly kneeled before me; she was soon followed by her companions. "It's been a blessing to meet you, the legendary human hero and future god, the Lord Kuro of Maverny!"
"Future what?!"
"I told them about you and your purpose here, otherworlder," Seirna explained. "Needless to say, these are our allies—friends, no, worshippers, if you will. These dwarves have abandoned their sinful ways to worship the upcoming one and true god of Chersea, you."
Honestly, I had a clear idea on Seirna's words. Still, I wished I was wrong, so I turned to the dwarf who first kneeled. "I'm sorry to ask, but who are you, milady?"
"I apologize for the late introductions, Your Holiness," she replied, never bothering to stand up. "I am the queen of the Cole Miners' Guild, Paula Cole. I rule Montserrant, and the first of your faithful, holy one. And these are my ministers. Your holy representative, the Saint Seirna Stephanie, has led us to victory over Hemelin today."
Piecing together the events that happened, I exclaimed, "So, you are the ones who attacked the city while we're there?"
The dwarf queen nodded, and was about to say something, but Seirna quickly pulled me aside. "Listen, otherworlder, these dwarves have already pledged loyalty and faithfulness to you. I worked really hard and invested a lot of my time to get them to consider you as their god, so you have to act like someone of dignity, you get what I mean?"
"Hey, wait? I'm really lost as to what's happening!" I countered. "Care to explain to me why are they here? And why did you do that to Hemelin?"
"I founded a faith that is based on you. And as for that sinful city, they had it coming, so they died."
"You what?" My eyes nearly popped out of its sockets upon hearing that. "You founded—h-how?"
"I'm a saint," Seirna smirked. "A few 'miracles' and 'flashy spectacles,' sprinkled with veiled threats, and these idiots will come kneeling to us. Of course, since we want you to ascend as a deity, so I directed their 'faith' and 'reverence' from me to you. No need to thank me!"
"So, meaning, you coerced them?!"
"Do you think I have other options, otherworlder?" the Overseer Saint replied, even lowering her voice to her softest whisper to keep the dwarves from hearing her. "We're running out of time; gathering worshippers via the usual, 'gentle,' way of evangelizing will get us killed by that Seductress soon! So, play along!"
"You already got us into a pinch by massacring the 'sinners' of Hemelin! You still plan to add more to the negativity by having me lie to them?"
"What choice do we have? At least your god-powers from the Dwarf Saint is strengthened once again!"
Filled with disbelief on what I just learned, I ignored Seirna and told the dwarves, "I'm sorry, but please stand up!"
Naturally, they were confused as to what I wanted. The dwarves exchanged glances, yet they remained kneeling.
"Please stand up," I repeated, going as far as pulling them. "As long as I'm alive, I'll treat you as my equals!"
"M-Milord?" said the dwarf queen, unsure if she heard me right. And I could see Seirna, from the corner of my eye, shaking her head.
"Yes, you heard me, Your Majesty," I reiterated. "While the part of me trying to ascend as a god is true, I don't plan to act like one, nor remain in such capacity in the future! I'll just destroy what I have to destroy, then give back to the saints their authori—!!!"
At that point, Seirna didn't let me finish my words. Catching hold of my collar, the Overseer Saint teleported me away from the dwarves and into some high place somewhere in Temun.