Black Sheep

New Eradonia was new in power and already Tyronis was imposing his authority as he always ended up doing, his natural leader personality was good in some manners but he was far too strict. It had been less than a week since New Eradonia had been officially founded and already he was forced to punish.

On one side of the large table sat Tyronis, although he bore no crown he now possessed more of a King like attitude to him, it was clear in his face that he was the man in charge. On the other side of the table, Medrius looking nervous standing beside Mal and Dominic that had more of an amused face, knowing full well they were in trouble although the cause was still unknown.

Leaning forward, elbows on table looking over them sternly, " I know you are the established war minister, and that you thought it wise to have sub-ministers which I also agreed to. We aren’t gods after all. But as leader I am to be informed of any and all military actions taken under your command!"

Pounding his fist to the desk Dominic chuckled at this, " Oh, my apologies your liege, I was not aware you wanted every single detail. But if you must know, I once ordered a patrol of sector five to eight of the..."

Venting even more anger he released a flurry of power upon the desk, catching fire which surprised Dominic mildly, " Don’t patronize me Dominic, I can see what this is. You’ll do anything to undermine me, why then did you even choose to..." Seeing in Medrius’ face that he had something to add he turned to him, " What?"

Dominic and Mal both turned and looked at him, Medrius looking back at them with a look in his eyes that people had when they were about to confess to a grave crime. And they knew exactly what was coming, Mal began, "You better not..."

Before he could stop himself he began, " This was supposed to be a great secret but it might be best if you were to know, we..."

Interrupting with an exaggerated Dominic said loudly, " Are planning a big surprise party, huge" joining in as though they were of the same mind Mal added, " For you, to show how much we admire the work you’ve done."

Nodding in agreement Dominic continued, "Aye, I mean, keeping your whole military here instead of gathering resources and Intel..." Finishing the sentence with an equally arrogant voice, " Genius, any of us dullards would go out and try to spread the kingdom, but you..."

Without warning Tyronis sent a jolt of intense lighting through both of them, looking more amused than hurt Tyronis returned his attention to Medrius, "we... we have been receiving information from outside New Eradonia, from Athens itself. An informant, and only Dominic has met this informant he refers to as... Wraith."

Finishing his statement as the rage began to grow even more in Tyronis, " do that." Now they were slightly nervous, Dominic had told him about wraith the assassin working for the council. Calming himself down he asked, " You told him of all people, a double agent? Why am I not surprised?"

Was this how it felt to be the leader, Medrius who looked like he was going to have a heart attack, Mal who now had a jittery nervous look mixed with arrogant amusement and Dominic who was grinning at some sort of humour that Tyronis had missed somehow. As he rose to his feet, walking out he said, " Maybe not, I got so many surprises up my sleeve its only a matter of time before some of them slip out into view."

***

The climate was dry as a bone, sand blowing across the dullard excuse of a town Masada. How could anyone live in such a hell hole, being accustomed to the milder habitat of Athens, drinking his day away in a bar.

It was one very clever way of keeping the curse at bay, contrary to popular belief he had no thirst for power or conquest. He was content with his life, but now all this power was laid on him, invading the very blood that flowed withing his veins. He hated the eyes, he’d never get a girl with those psycho looking eyes.

He’d always prided himself on his eyes, the only thing he actually benefited from his father. His father had been a clergy member of resistance, the Christian resistance trying to spread the gospel, and he’d heard all the sermons he felt he knew this place even without a map.

But who would be this woman that equalled him in greed, did the Emperor have any idea how greedy and selfish he really was. He’d sold out his own soul for crying out loud, sold his soul for a life of luxury and eternity, power was just a side bonus that was nice.

As he entered the town’s centre he was mildly surprised to find most of the population there, in front of them all spoke a bearded man in Jewish style robes, something to do with the resurrection and how they could all be saved.

Then he noticed who he was looking for, far away from the large crowd he spotted a woman in assassin’s garbs climbing into an expensive house. Grinning largely he said to himself as he began to walk to the house, " Still not up to tee, lets see how greedy you really are."

***

This was easy picking, she loved it when the apostles came into town, everyone gathered together and such opportunities may save many souls, but it also filled her wallet quite well which was fine by her. This was the rich man’s house, she didn’t know his name but she didn’t really socialise, she was more of the black sheep.

True there was the lost sheep, they just never mentioned the black sheep that was banished from the herd and forgotten by all. That’s how she seen herself, as she emptied a hanging purse filled with what passed for currency she heard a cough from behind.

Turning quickly, broad sword drawn she found herself facing a man that was evidently not from the region. Dressed in rugged battle armour that made him look more like a warrior, with a snake engraved upon his torso armour and eyes as yellow as candle lights.

Sword at her throat he showed not even an ounce of stress or fear, he simply smiled and said, " Fast draw, now the next step is to slit my throat, there’s no point just holding it at my throat and not doing anything, don’t you know anything woman?"

Looking straight into his fearless eyes, enduring his taunts she pressed the sword harder, " Press me harder and I just might do that, unless you think you can take the advantage, go ahead, try..." Before she could finish he had her by the throat, sword clanging to the ground she struggled in his grasp.

Not letting her go he said, " So, is that good enough for ya? You uste to being the dominant one I reckon, sorry, but I always in charge." Letting her go he pulled the sword into his hand, handing it over by the hilt she grabbed it and put it back in the scabbard.

Filling her pouch with money she asked, " What do you want from me then? Your not here to kill me or I would already be dead, or were you intending on rob..." She lost her train of thought as the house owner walked in, spotting her they both cursed as he ran out, yelling for the soldiers.

Signalling her to wait inside the Peddler walked out as five guards approached, dressed in light armour with broad swords as well the house owner pointed at him. " Guilty as charged, but I’m afraid I got way too many plans and I can’t do much from jail, so how about you all scram and pretend this never..."

Moving into action the first guard attacked, one thing they had in common with the Greek at least, no patience at all. Catching the blade in his hand he grinned as a trickle of blood came down, looking into his eyes e said, " Cute, now watch this."

Pulling the sword away from him he threw it away, quickly turning to fend off another attack he jumped over the attacker, as he landed he chopped one of the guards hard in the artery, breaking upon impact he collapsed into the remaining group.

Pounding to the ground he sent a shockwave, blowing all the guards away in an invisible force wave, as they landed hard to the ground he picked a spoon up from the ground. Turning he awaited as they struggled to gain their footage. Apparently not even a fight could get their attention away from the apostle, that was truly phenomenal.

Laughing at the site of the spoon they rushed in, swirling around their blades he two of them in a unbreakable head lock, snapping their necks he did a backflip. Landing behind them he snapped the spoon hard against his temple, the impact of the small metal spoon killed him instantly. One guard remaining he asked, " So, what will it be? Go and join them in the crowd or death by tea spoon? If your lucky he’ll raise you from the dead."

Cowering in fear he dropped his sword and ran away, heading for the desert. Signing the Peddler threw the spoon like a knife, swirling in a perfect circular motion it stabbed into the back of his head, falling dead to the ground the Peddler said to himself, " I didn’t say run away you bloody idiot, listen."

Turning he spotted the thief simply staring at him, asking with more of a curiosity than fear, " Why are you here? You get kicks off killing guards with spoons, there must be a reason you came to get..."

Walking right in front of her he said, " Have you noticed the dark figure looming within your mind as of late, its so full of power and it slowly invades your every thought, no matter how good of a person you are, it turns you."

She had felt this presence for quite a while, the reason in fact why she’d been banished from her family, possessed by a demon. " I’m like you, I have the same curse you do, and its about time you join your brethren of the curse, time to become a goddess of greed."

***

At least the Emperor no longer had need for him, alone once again with no work Wraith was forced into hiding. Security increased tenfold as of late, Athens was changing for the worse now, under the regiment of the Emperor the democracy had been taken down.

Fortunately he still managed to sneak around town, he knew all the back alleys and secret paths there was to know, no omnipotent Emperor could stop him. The only reason he had not fled was the little bit of hope that was Dominic, using his skills to give Dominic information as to where to plunder and how the Greeks were doing with tracking them down.

Feeling the communication stone rumble in his pocket he withdrew it, making certain he was alone. The face of Dominic appeared on the rock, looking amused as usual, " Looks like your mission has changed, your a clever... whatever you are, I’m sure you can find your way to New Eradonia without being followed."

Grinning at this he replied, " Evidently so, but one cannot help to wonder what would lead to such drastic change of plans, I was certain you’d have me playing this bloody game of little spy until my death."

Not even flinching at this evident criticism he smiled, " Lets just say I was doing what was best for New Eradonia, but my boss was jealous he didn’t think of it first, so come back as soon as you can."

Stone returning to normal he frowned, he did know where New Eradonia was, he’d deduced it by the looks of the background. The tropical paradise, only one place like that in the world. But he’d lived here for most of his life, to leave suddenly seemed so alien a concept to him.

It was obvious there was more outside the gates of Athens, but it mise well have been a wasteland in his point of view. Walking out of town casually, guards not recognizing him he moved away in a black blur, certain no one would be able to track him.

***

He was now accustomed to this new life, life was hectic as he trained the soldiers into the way of Eradonia. Duelling with one of his guards he said, " Never give a second’s hesitation, if you even blink..." Without warning he tripped the young guard, sword tip at his throat, " Your dead."

Helping him to his feet Medrius came running behind him, a grave look of stress upon his face he picked up a sword and said, " Duel me as we talk." Getting into a defensive stance he moved forward with the attack two horizontal slices and one very tricky vertical one.

Dodging the attack easily enough he asked, " What troubles you so friend?" Moving in with a ferocious attack, Medrius parrying with equal ease, " Stress does not befit you." Swinging at his legs Medrius jumped up, simultaneously swinging at Adonis who blocked the attack with his wrist guard.

Both turning, blades impacting upon each other sending sparks flying with a loud clanging noise, " I was honest, Dominic was being deceitful and I told the truth. Now I’m war minister." Moving back he went with a diagonal slice, hitting his blade aside Adonis said with a frown, " Your stressed because you got promoted? You confuse me, please explain to me how..."

As Medrius parried his sword strike he punched him hard in the side with his other hand, gauntleted hand against his soft side sending him reeling in pain Adonis tackled him down. Quickly pulling a knife on him he held it at his throat, " you can be upset about such good news?"

Smiling playfully he kicked him off of himself, backing away he answered, " You know how it is to have Dominic and Mal under one’s command, they disobey me at every turn..." Moving forward with an aggressive strike only to be parried by Adonis’ dagger, " Pirates have no respect for me, and their practical jokes are insufferable."

Frowning at this he ended the fight by doing a turn around him, kicking him down to his knees he held the dagger to his neck, " What do you mean practical jokes?"

***

Everything was in position, they’d smuggled the fireworks very cleverly and covertly on a secret operation, being demoted to sub-ministers they now associated much more with the military. Medrius had the land troops well enough, but land troops would not gain them their victory in the long run. It was amazing however what one could do with a bit of magic and a lot of festival celebrating fireworks.

Tyronis would not suffer this foolery for long, sitting on the capital ship Dominic, adding a long pirate coat with a large pirate hat and strange, uncomfortable boots. Looking outside the window he said, " Ah, Tyro is on the move. Looks like nature calls."

Both running to the window Malcolm asked with his large grin, " So clarify again what exactly is going to happen when he opens the..." Without warning the loud noises of explosions got their attention, looking as the whole outhouse went up in a bright series of explosions forming beautiful colourful patterns.

Tyronis who was still sitting on the hole that was their toilet, skin all covered with a dark powder. Erupting in a fit of laughter they both fell hard on their asses on the floor, without warning Tyronis suddenly found himself in front of them.

Still smoldering with smoke Mal asked amusingly, " Think he’s steaming because he’s angry..." Smiling Dominic looked over Tyronis, " Or because his crap had more of an explosive effect that he predicted."

Not pleased in the least Tyronis glowered at them both, " You think this is funny, you do realise your little joke could have alerted anyone of our presence! What is wrong with you Dominic, do you not take anything serious!"

Sensing an oncoming magical attack Dominic warned him in a calm voice, " You try anything and I will fight back this time. And don’t worry, despite your lack of a sense of humour nothing will happen." Not even trying to calm himself Tyronis ordered, " Smarten up, one more of those stunts and you will be banished from New Eradonia, you hear me?"

Making a false salute they said in unison, " Aye aye capitanos" Leaving the ship he sat on his new throne. He would not tolerate Dominic and his little games much longer, walking out to the castle entrance, using a magic amplified voice he yelled, " Ministerial meeting right now!"