Lands of the Midwest - Months Ago
Winds whipped, freezing rain fell, malevolent clouds hung in the pitch-black sky. Another of the vicious storms held the normally calm city in its grip, lashing at it with remorseless fury. The Earth had been harmed greatly in the Atomic War of 2077, so much so that even one-hundred-fifty-years plus years later, the weather would heave into fits of darkness and danger. Usually, the storms were not so awful as to be truly harmful, nonetheless they had established themselves as nuisances.
Inside a veritable castle stood a robed, hooded figure, gazing coldly out into the winds. Through the grand, sturdy windows he could view the ferocity of it all clearly. The figure waited silently, the only noise in the entire room was the soft, comforting crackle of the blaze roaring in the fireplace. For but a moment longer the shadow continued his watch, then turned away from the sight and shuffled over to the flames to feel their warmth. Nearing the mantel, the figure stopped and grabbed the poker, stabbing it into the embers gently to see the sparks rise and to perhaps free some more heat. He was not even cold, for the building was never allowed to become chilly at all. Rather the state outside the walls had prompted the shadowy form to seek the amber glow.
A moment passed and a knock sounded at the door. The figure's head turned to it, pondering for but a second as the hood was taken down.
" Enter. "
With the simple command the door was pushed open to reveal two men. One looked rather happy, confident. The other simply did what he had been asked.
" High Inquisitor, my lord, the Governor of Kansas has arrived due to your request. " The secretary spoke dutifully.
The High Inquisitor, Nathaniel Burke, looked to the man beside his aide. The Governor was a young man, from an influential family within the Order that had done much for its nation. His face alone, the way he carried himself, it all told Burke more than he needed, that this man was utterly sure of himself. The Governor had received his position through shrewd maneuvering and a silver tongue, not to mention his dedication to his people. Though something went wrong along the way, now Kansas had been identified as the birthplace and stronghold of the pitiful rebellion trying to overthrow the Elder-Lord and Barnaky. It was the reason Burke had the boy summoned to him this day. Being who he was, second only to the Elder-Lord as speaker of the Holy General, the Governor could not weasel away from him, nobody could deny the High Inquisitor. His reputation alone demanded anyone pay heed to him.
Burke's characteristic charm enveloped him once more, an amiable, friendly air surrounded him. A pleasant smile formed on his face, though something about it seemed off, ever so slightly. " Indeed, welcome Governor Bradley, I've been expecting you. "
The young man grinned self-assuredly, " I apologize for my tardiness, the flight wasn't an easy one. I am truly honored by this summons, my lord. "
Burke motioned curtly, seriousness in his movement as he notified his aide to leave. " What matters is that you are here, for you and I have matters to discuss. "
" Yes my lord. " Bradley nodded.
" Please, have a seat Governor. "
A table had been set, between two large, luxurious chairs. On the table sat two silver goblets, half-full with fine wine. The High Inquisitor gestured toward it and watched as the young man made his way to the seat nearest him and sat, Burke did the same moments later.
" Governor, as you're surely aware, this ' rebellion ' has plagued our great nation for what has now become years. Time and time again, they've narrowly evaded the attempts of our valorous soldiers and even my Inquisitors. At the beginning, they were seen as an inevitability and a nuisance, merely an insect to be brushed away. Now, they've grown into an infection, a disease, one that disappears and reappears before our eyes. It can no longer be tolerated. "
Bradley nodded along as his superior spoke, grabbing his wine and sipping at it. Once Burke had stopped, the young Governor sat the goblet down with a a mildly concerned face. " Forgive me lord, but I must compliment this drink, it is nothing short of heavenly. " Clearing his throat, Bradley went on. " As for the rebels, I've been searching tirelessly for any sign of their filth, I've had men on their trail only to lose them at the last moment many times. I share in your displeasure at the state of affairs, my lord. Rest assured that no breaks are taken in this hunt, all my power is used to try to find this trash. "
The High Inquisitor smiled faintly, taking a drink from his own goblet. " That is quite good news, Governor, I'm pleased to hear it. Thankfully, your own reassurance comes at the best possible time. To add to your efforts, a breakthrough has been made against the rebellion. A suspected accomplice has been identified and is now held by our Order, " Burke said the words almost happily, in a gladdened tone.
Bradley perked a little, showing a smile that was not entirely sure what it was for. "Ah, excellent, I'm very happy to hear. My lord, what word is there of him? "
Burke smiled again, pleasantly, and nodded. " The man has worked together with them for some time. Some say he was even a cell amongst us, working to the Order's detriment. "
The young Governor's smile became more uneasy, though he maintained a sure attitude outwardly. " Incredible, how was he not discovered by your Inquisitors? They can pry secrets from any man, surely they would have spotted his treachery. "
The High Inquisitor shook his head slowly. " Therein laid his greatest advantage, he held office. "
Bradley looked dumbfounded. " No! Surely he could not have worked with the scum so closely, aiding them so greatly, while leading. "
Burke once more shook his head. " Indeed, this man became the first traitorous leader in our history. I've come up with a very fitting end for him, I assure you Governor. "
The Governor looked inquisitively down at his goblet, the dregs of wine. He ran its taste over his tongue once more. He nodded along though, careful not to offend the High Inquisitor. " I'd wish the worst for trash like him. A very long, painful end would be perfectly suited to that sort of scum.
The hooded Inquisitor smiled at the younger man, kindly. " Quite right. Barnaky himself has commanded his demise and so I shall deliver. "
Bradley coughed slightly, bringing his hand to his mouth to cover it. " Excuse me, my lord. "
" No matter Governor, one cannot help sickness. "
" That's precisely it, my lord, I've not been - " The Governor leaned ahead, coughing a deal more, his face slightly reddened. A fit took him, but he wrestled it away.
Burke watched calmly, waiting silently.
The Governor held up a finger, " Please excuse me, lord. A sudden chill, nothing to worry about. " The young man grasped his throat tightly and uttered a chest-wracking choking noise, a horrid chortling sound. He continued for a moment, and soon the fit caused Bradley to throw himself to the floor, knocking the table aside.
The High Inquisitor held his glass, taking a sip as the Governor writhed. His face showed disinterest. " It's something akin to liquid nitrogen, meant to slowly freeze and disable the internal organs of the victim. Creeping down into your body, it quickly spreads, shutting everything down entirely. You've been given a light dose, for a very slow, very painful end. " Burke looked down at the pitiful form, still struggling to overcome the agony. " For acts of treason in assisting the malicious actions of seditious citizens, and aggravating and arming a rebellion, you Governor Howard Bradley, have been sentenced to death. "
Gasping, the Governor grabbed the bottom of the High Inquisitor's pitch-black robe, clawing his way up. " For causing harm to the Order and thus the Holy General and the Elder-Lord, you have brought this upon yourself. To defy the Order, is to damn thyself. You, are a prime example. No need to worry of your family, they will obey and they will never speak of this. Right now, Governor, you do not exist. Your death, will be but a grain of sand in an hourglass. "
Bradley drug his body up past Burke's knees, eyes gripped with terror, mouth agape. Strained dark-blue lines crawled from the corners of his mouth, his eyes were becoming hazy. " Perhaps Barnaky will take pity on your wretched soul, that is all you are able wish for. "
The young man's eyes had become the color of ice, his lips a deep purple, his face resembling the tone of a rainy day's cloud. He had almost reached the High Inquisitor, his hand stuck out, grasping at Burke's face, just a few centimeters short. " One does not escape the Order, Governor. "
Bradley's hand went limp, his body slumped against the High Inquisitor. Burke peered down, a disgusted, annoyed look upon his face. He stood, pushing the Governor's form away, it fell almost soundlessly. Rising, the High Inquisitor put his hands behind his back, locking them at the wrist, and walked around the fallen table, toward the door of his personal chambers. He opened them and withdrew into their confines. Just as the door behind him was drawn open, the sound of sweeping filled the room.
» Sat May 04, 2013 3:56 am 
