Canon Omake: Knight of the Mind Part 4: It Devours
- Location
- United Kingdom
Knight of the Mind
It Devours
Chapter 4
That night he had a lot of trouble getting to sleep. The weight of his failure gnawed at him. 'I should have known' he thought to himself. The clues had all been there, so why hadn't he seen it? The sewers were enormous. They had been part of the city since its original construction thousands of year ago and had been rebuilt countless times over the centuries. There was any number of places for the eggs to be hidden. Those three had just been the ones they had found. 'I should have insisted that they take the matter more seriously', he thought to himself. Hours later he finally fell asleep with his mind plagued by images of a floor filled with the bones of half-eaten victims. He awoke in the morning exhausted from the lack of sleep.
"For someone so clever, you're quite foolish, you know that right". A smooth feminine voice calls out in the darkness of the darkened room.
Groaning into his pillow, Cass says, "I've had a shit day Midnight, I'm not in the mood".
The flutter of wings can be heard, and then a sharp beak then presses insistently against his ear and that then quickly disappears. Shocked by the sudden sensation, Cass flailed about and then somehow managed to fall out of his bed in a tangle of his own limbs. The sensation of unbridled amusement flowed from the emotional connection they shared.
"Behold the slayer of monsters, brought low by the power of his own bedsheets". Her tone dripped with smugness.
Pulling himself up, he glared at the source of his misfortune. A raven perched atop a small roost. Her feathers were a glossy shade of black, interspaced with tiny dots of white. Which gave the impression of stars in the sky, hence her name, Midnight.
Suddenly angry, at her, at himself and at the entire situation, he shouted, "You think I don't know that?". Frustrated tears begin to well up in his eyes. "You think I don't know how much of a failure I am? Those people are dead because of me. Because I wasn't smart enough, because I wanted to prove how great I was. How… worthy. All I've done is shown how much of a fool I am. What was the point of all this power, this magic if I can't even— ". The flutter of wings can be heard once again and then the raven was looking down on him from his bed.
A sense of sympathy flowed across the bond. "You're too smart for this. You know that the blame for this doesn't lie with you. It lies with the thing that killed them. Staying here and wallowing in your own regret won't help them now. But you do know what will, monster slayer".
As he lay on the floor, Cass took a moment to gather himself, wiping his face and then with a renewed sense of conviction said. "I'm going to kill the things that did this and make them regret ever daring to come here".
"And I'll be right there with you", she added just as fervently.
After that, he picked himself off the floor and got ready for the long day ahead. He pulled the blinds allowing the pale morning light to pool in through the small window. Walking over to the small basin he poured out some water from the nearby pitcher and began to wash his face. Looking at his face in the small mirror, he saw the features that had marked his mother's family for generations. Hair the colour of wheat that loosely fell to his shoulders and eyes more grey than blue. Though after last night and the impromptu bit of crying he just had they were slightly red and swollen. Sighing, he poured out a bit soap from the container and prepared to do a more thorough wash.
Revitalised by his ablutions, he decides to head to the dining hall to break his fast. Knowing that he'd need to keep his strength for the trials ahead. Just before leaving he changes his attire to what he usually wears when on duty. Forgoing the robes worn by acolytes of the Citadel, he opted instead for well-made breeches with a padded shirt over which he wears a leather jerkin.
Tying his loose hair back to keep the strands out of his face he turns to Midnight and he asked her. "Are you coming?".
After a moment of indecision, she responded, "No, I'll meet you there. I need to spread my wings and hunt".
Reminding her to be careful, a warning the raven reacted to with amused annoyance, she took wing and flew out the window.
After his meal, Cass headed to the storeroom dedicated to housing Lantern-bearer equipment. As members were not allowed to simply carry their equipment when not on duty, they were stored here when not being used. He first equipped his weapons belt, which had a sheath for his dagger, extra pouches for his spell components and alchemical mixtures. He then selected some of the alchemical creations he's made when not on duty to take with him. Of special note are the salves that though moderately expensive and difficult to create, were very effective at healing open wounds if applied in time. Also, he had created a mixture that depending on the what additions were added to the main recipe, had all sorts of interesting and painful effects on whatever was in the vicinity.
Afterwards, he also grabbed two scrolls he had scribed earlier. Both of which had the power to quickly conjure a shield to aid in defence. He then put on a hooded cloak and strapped a lighter version of the standard crossbow to his back along with adding a few bolts to a pouch on his belt, 'just in case'. Finally, Cass then carefully picked up the small hooded lantern which gave the group their name. This one had been filled with an alchemical oil of his own creation which increased the potency of the light it shed when lit. Almost reverently he attached the lamp to his belt, fully prepared, at last, he headed out of the room.
By the time he had gotten to the corridor that led back to Kennet's office. The sun had risen, and the morning chill had begun to fade. Cass then started to wonder about this team he was supposed to join. 'It was odd', he mused. Lantern bearers usually worked alone or in pairs as to not draw attention to our activities. The Archmaesters must be taking this truly seriously for them to enlist the aid of 'outside' forces to deal with this. Not that Cass disapproved.
The only issue was that he'd had months to get the others used to his powers, he was not looking forward to dealing with recriminations and accusations of consorting with demons, 'The last time was quite enough', he thought sullenly. It was one thing working with other lantern bearers who knew and understood what the stakes were, but these strangers most likely had no clue what they were about to face. 'I suppose they must think that the extra manpower must outweigh their need to act in secret', dismissing the errant thoughts at seeing the familiar door. He prepared himself for the uncertainty ahead. Once he was at Kennet's door he knocked and announced his presence. A second later he received permission and went in.
When he entered the room, he saw that there were three men there that he had not seen before. Two were armoured in breastplates, though each was adorned in different colours. The one that looked to be the oldest carried a shield painted with black and yellow, most likely the colours of House Beesbury and had a sword sheathed at his side. While the other's armour was painted in Hightower colours and carried a bastard sword. The last was dressed in lighter gear, with two short-swords at his sides and a crossbow strapped to his back.
The man with the shield looked not only to be the oldest but also the leader. He had dark hair that was going grey at the temples as well as a thick beard on his chin. This was most likely Ser Glendon Beesbury. He looked like he had been speaking with Kennet before he arrived. The one next to him looked younger than the first man. In fact, he looked only a few years older than Cass. He also had short, dark brown hair and was clean-shaven. The last member of the trio was also younger than the first man though he didn't look as young as the previous warrior. He had short, red hair and a bit of stubble covering his jaw and cheeks.
"Apologies for interrupting your meeting Maester Kennet, but we had an appointment at this time".
The Maester waved him inside the room as he responded. "That's fine acolyte, in fact, you're right on time. Allow me to introduce you. Ser Glendon Beesbury", he said. As he gestured to the older warrior as he unknowingly confirmed Cass's assumption. "His squire Hugh Flowers". He said as he indicated the younger man next to Ser Glendon. "And finally, this is Guardsman Tanner from the Hightower. Fellows, this is Acolyte Cassian, one of the brightest young minds here in the Citadel".
Taking a small bow at the unexpected praise, Cass said. "Thank you Maester Kennet. Ser knight", he said. Nodding to Ser Glendon, them nodding to towards the other two men, "I look forward to working with everyone here to bring an end to these troubles once and for all".
"I was just explaining to our guests what the plan will be once you arrive. But perhaps you would like to give an overview of what we know so far?".
Taking the hint, Cass began a short explanation of what was known about the creatures they were hunting for.
"And lastly, please always watch your footing, from what information we've managed to gather, it attacks its victims by surprise and then slowly crushes them to death. Are there any questions?". Silence fills the room. Breathing deeply, he continued. "Then there is only one final issue to cover". Cass looked over at Maester Kennet hoping for some direction that this part wouldn't be necessary, but he didn't intervene, so with no choice, he carried on.
"I'm not sure if Maester Kennet has already told you but not only I will be bringing knowledge of this creature's abilities, I am also a sorcerer and I'll be using magic to bring about their end. I hope that won't be a problem".
Silence once again reigns within the room for about a minute until Ser Glendon broke it.
"I had heard the rumours that the Citadel had begun to make use of sorcery, though I had not met any 'till now". Glancing back at Maester Kennet, who then nods at him. "So long as you turn your powers only against our enemies you have nothing to fear from my blade… mage".
Taking the verbal token for what it was, Cass responds, "Then you'll have nothing to fear from me, my lord".
The other men seemed content to leave it at that so Maester Kennet picked up the rest of the conversation.
"As I was saying before you came in, the victim the Watch found was near the sewers and the cache of remains were found in the district east of that location. Our intention is to send teams into each of the entrances to the sewers to find these creatures and end their menace once and for all. Your team will investigate the sewer entrance in the eastern part of the city. There will be teams guarding the exits to ensure none of them manages to escape once you enter".
Taking a moment, to gather his thoughts, Kennet then sharpened his gaze at them all. "These creatures have stalked and killed the people of this city for months without our knowledge, we will not allow their deaths to go unavenged".
Cass had never seen the Maester like this before. 'I guess I'm not the only one upset by this' he thought. And with nothing left to say, the group headed out towards the eastern sewer.
As they made their way towards the sewer entrance, they did so in silence, whether this was due to his revelation of being a mage or the prospect of fighting some creature in the sewers Cass couldn't guess. Once they arrived at their destination the group met the Lantern bearers that would guard their exit. After a short round of introductions. A Maester Harlow and Novitiate Jon, respectively. The same Maester Harlow that Maester Kennet had spoken of before. Saying their farewells, they headed past the duo towards the open rusted gate which marked the entrance to their goal.
But before they entered, Cass stopped waiting for Midnight to make her appearance.
"May we wait a moment please". He said to the group.
"Why are we stopping?", the knight asked.
"We're waiting for our final member", Cass responded.
Irritated, the knight walked up to him. "What final member? Maester Kennet told me nothing of another member".
While the knight was talking Midnight took the opportunity to swoop past his head to perch on Cass's right shoulder, suitably satisfied with the dramatic tension to make her appearance.
Hands raised in apology, "I'm sorry, but unless I let her have her fun living with her becomes utterly unbearable". Bowing his head to Ser Glendon and then the other two he says, "I sincerely apologise".
Pinching the bridge of his nose, the knight said. "No more surprises, mage".
"Of course, my lord".
Snorting, the knight turns around and the rest of the group follow him into the darkness beyond.
After they went past the entrance, Cass warned the group about the spell he's about to cast on himself. Turning around the other men watched as he pulls out a bit of cured leather and begins to chant in high Valyrian, twisting his fingers in an arcane gesture as the spell takes effect around him and Midnight.
"Err…what did you do just now?", the squire asks, speaking to Cass for the first time.
"I cast a spell of protection on myself", Cass answered.
Quirking an eyebrow, he said, "Really?".
"Yes", Cass replied evenly, "Really".
Continuing with his preparations, Cass lit the hooded lantern enhanced with the alchemical oil he brought with him. And Tanner, the guardsman from the Hightower, lit two torches one for himself and the other for the squire. As they continued, Cass reminded the group that this creature will likely strike from ambush so be wary. As they walked, he used a piece of chalk to mark their progress on the walls.
As they turn the next corner Cass saw the flicker of a shadow out of the corner of his eye. He stopped the group waiting for more, but nothing happened. As the group made it further down the passage, Tanner sounded the alarm as a horde of beady, red eyes seem to appear out of nowhere to surround them. With an echoing snarl, they attacked.
Acting quickly, Cass channelled his magical energy at the incoming horde. Though the rodents that made up the swarm had the advantage of surprise, their sheer numbers meant that many of them were set aflame by the spell. But those same numbers also meant that many still survived his fiery assault and continued their attack.
Shocked by Cass's display of power, Ser Glendon was slow to react to the danger, though he managed to avoid any real harm as their claws and teeth failed to penetrate his armour. Turning his attention from the mage, he attacked the writhing throng, though it did little to halt the advance. Shaken from their sudden stupor the others drew their weapons and attacked though none of their efforts was rewarded.
Infuriated by the death brought upon their fellows, the wave of vermin washed over the men. Their chittering calls mixed with the foulness in the air as they scratched and clawed at the increasingly desperate fighters. As the swarm had gotten too close to use another conflagration without harming the rest of the group and now under attack himself, Cass shouted at them.
"Use the torches!" at the warriors, as he pulled out a vial and threw it at the furry mass.
A light blue mist then appeared where the vial landed and froze some of the mob in place but while it proved more effective than the others' weapons, much of the swarm remained still.
Heeding Cass's command, both Hugh and Tanner swung their torches at the mass, hitting and setting the vermin aflame. Though he lacked a torch, Ser Glendon simply began to use his shield and feet to crush the tiny enemies. This proved to be too much for the survivors and they finally fled back into the shadows.
Tanner spun around with his eyes wide and darting about as he looked to see if any more swarms would appear.
"But fuck me!!, every tale me mam used to tell me as a tyke started with the hero fighting giant rats". The guardsman shouted, "But she never mentioned how vicious the little shits could be, fuck".
"Is…is this common?", Hugh said. Gesturing to the crushed and smoking remains. His face had taken a decidedly green pallor in the combined light of his torch and the lantern.
Breathing through his mouth, he took a moment to conjure a bit of sweet-smelling air even though the spell was not powerful enough to fully affect the stench left behind by the rodents.
Then answering the squire's question, he said. "It's not uncommon. But, the presence of malefic influences can increase the likelihood of…", seeing the look of confusion on the young squire's face, he rephrased. "It isn't unknown for creatures to go mad for some reason or the other. And there can be many reasons noted that could be the cause, from disease to poison but here, I think it is fair to assume that the dark power here has driven them mad".
With a look of supreme distaste at Cass's explanation, Ser Glendon replied, "Wonderful. It would appear we are in the right place then, let us continue on before more of the cursed things arrive".
"I agree". Cass said, "If only to escape this horrid stench". Chuckling at that the group headed further into the dark passage, warier of what could attack them next.
The men had four more clashes with more rat swarms afterwards. With two being ended quite quickly due Cass's flames and the last falling prey to one his alchemical concoctions and Midnight's keen eyes. The group had decided to take a short rest in a small alcove to recover from their wounds before they continued their journey.
As they rested, Hugh kept sending glances at Cass.
After the fourth surreptitious look, Cass asked him. "Is there something I can do for you?".
Chastened but undeterred, he rallied. "So, it's really true. You're a mage then?".
Caught off guard by the question, Cass responded. "Yes, I do remember telling you that back when we first met".
He blushed a little at the reminder but continued. "Well yes, that's true, but I thought you were like those cunning women you hear about. You know?". Seeing that Cass had not yet responded, the young squire went on. "I mean you even make potions and a have a weird pet like some of them do".
Outraged at being called a pet, Midnight begins to squawk noisily.
Cass himself felt a sense of detachment at the comparison. He thought, 'At least he's not quoting the book of the father at me'. 'I'm not sure I could survive that experience again'. He thought as he shuddered at the memory.
Shaking his head, he dryly replied, "I can assure you that while my talents are many and varied, I cannot nor do I desire to predict your future bride in some animals' entrails or give you some charm that will cause legs to open for you all over the Seven Kingdoms".
Blinking at Cass's response, a huge grin breaks out over Hugh's handsome face as he laughed, which seems to set off the other two as they start laughing as well.
Confused at suddenly being the butt of the joke, Cass asked, "What is it? What is so amusing?".
Gasping for air, Hugh then said, "Your face. I've never seen someone look so indignant".
Rolling his eyes, Cass replied, "I'm glad my annoyance was a source of some amusement for you at least". Releasing a sigh, he added, "But in all honesty, I can't do those things. While I don't have healing spells, I do have these". Taking out the small ceramic pot from his bag that contained the smelly paste, he instructs the others how to apply it. "If you're wounded it will help keep you alive, but it isn't a miracle cure so be careful".
Still smiling, Hugh nods in understanding. "I guess we should keep going then". No one disagreed.
An hour or so later, judging from how much oil was left in the lantern. Ser Glendon asked Cass. "Are you sure the monsters are down here?".
"Yes, Ser knight", Cass replied. "These tunnels run all the way across the city, it is the only method that could feasibly allow them to move freely and unnoticed". Grimacing, as he went on, "Unfortunately there are miles of tunnels to cover not to mention they have been built and rebuilt many times over the centuries. So, while I do have a map, I wouldn't suggest relying too much on its accuracy, hence the marks I've made on the walls. As it stands, we could be down here for days".
As the group mulled on that piece of information, they came across a set of stairs leading down. Unable to see to the end, Cass halted the group. He then picked up a pebble, grasping it tightly he enchanted the stone with light. Realising his intent, Ser Glendon took the brightly glowing pebble and threw it down the stairs. Where it landed at the bottom and revealed nothing obviously dangerous. The group then arranged themselves in a single line and began their descent.
Just as Ser Glendon was about to reach the bottom, Cass felt a heavy weight fall on top of him from above, the strength of which forced him to his knees. Shouting in pain and surprise, he felt something tightly wrap itself around his neck cutting off his air and his spells. Taken completely by surprise, none of the men reacted in time as the creature snarled and then lashed out with its other tentacle at the crossbowman who was then viciously knocked into the wall, dropping his weapon in the process.
Hugh tried to launch a counter-attack but faltered as he couldn't get to it without injuring Cass. Ser Glendon tried to get closer, but the narrow shape of the staircase prevented him from getting close enough. The creature then attacked Hugh the same way it had Tanner. Roaring as it slammed its thick appendage against the young squire, causing him to cry out in pain as he was knocked back into the knight.
It almost seemed as if all hope was lost but then the creature cried out in pain as Midnight emerged from the folds of Cass's cloak, screeching loudly as she pecked and clawed at the thing before taking to the air out of range of its retaliation cawing all the while.
Still unable to breathe, Cass drew the dagger from his belt and stabbed the limb around his neck. Shrieking in pain the creature retaliated by wrapping its other tentacle around his arms preventing him from attacking.
"No!", Hugh shouted, furious, he untangled himself from Ser Glendon and attacked the creature.
With a single stroke, his blade bit deep into the monster's body, nearly bisecting it. Defeated, it released the hold it had on Cass and fell to the floor below. Wheezing as he tried to catch his breath, Cass remained prone on the floor. Hugh then knelt beside him as he steadied the young mage with a hand on his shoulder. Ser Glendon, then hurriedly stepped past the two as he went to check on Tanner.
Groaning, Tanner says, "Aye, don't tell me that was one of the blighters we're down in this shithole to kill".
Not trusting himself to speak, Cass merely nods in affirmation.
"And there're at least two more of the piss buckets down here?".
Once again, he nods.
At his confirmation, the crossbowman begins to swear quietly under his breath.
"My lord", Hugh starts. "I think we should withdraw for now. We are in no position to face whatever else may lie down these steps".
Looking at the current state of the group. The knight gave his assent to the plan, as he hauled Tanner to his feet and helped him back up the stairs. Hugh then offered a shoulder to Cass as he stood slowly on weakened legs. Sombrely they made their way back up the tunnel to find safety.
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