Loyalty (Changeling: The Lost)

[Hydroplatypus]

Loyalty – Inquisitor​

"No! Please don't take me back! Please! There must be something – anything! – that I can give you. Wealth, power, magic, influence, anything you want. Anything! Just don't take me back…"

I ignored the man's insolent pleas as I dragged him behind me. I almost pitied the man – almost – but my task was a sacred one, and I refused to let myself feel anything but disgust for the unrepentant sinner who even now tried to turn me from my task.

Once, I had been like him – a sinner, doing what was right in my own eyes rather than those of God. My parents had tried to raise me to be a good catholic, but like so many I fell into the traps and snares that the world laid at my feet. A shudder passed briefly through my body. I hated remembering myself as I used to be.

While I started with simple drinking, and the occasional night in the company of a bought woman, but things quickly got worse. After a night of drinking I woke up to find blood on my hands, and a body at my feet. I washed away the blood, and hid the body, but whenever I closed his eyes I saw my hands still covered in the same blood. For months I tried to live as though nothing had happened, but eventually I couldn't take it anymore.

Late at night, I passed under the cross of the parish church, and the guilt finally became too much to bear. I might have gone into the church to lay my soul before the Lord - hoping that confession would grant me some measure of peace - but the church was closed for repairs, after a fire had broken out earlier that day. Not able to live with myself I had simply sat in front of the church, looking longingly at the bottle of whisky in my hand, intending to drink until I once forgot my sins. But they say that God works in mysterious ways. As I went for the bottle, a hand grabbed my arm, dragging me back to the present. Looking up I saw an unfamiliar man, dressed as one of the clergy, looking upon me with a passion I had seldom seen.

With a soft voice the man spoke to me, saying "Brother, I know not what struggles you face. I know not what sins and torments have driven you to this dark place. But this is not what the Lord would want. He welcomes all lost souls to himself, and has a place within his kingdom even for the least amongst men. "

With this the man stretched out his hand, and waited.

I sat looking back and forth between the offered hand, and the bottle. In that moment, I made my choice. Setting down the whisky, I took the offered hand, desperately hoping the man was right. That perhaps God still had a place for a sinner such as myself.

The man then led me away, along a path I didn't know existed despite passing the spot almost every day. The path we took was strange, and the thorns were painful, but he said unto me

"Fear not the thorns of Purgatory, of faithful son of God. They are tearing away only the unrighteousness in your soul, preparing you for your true purpose in the Kingdom of Heaven. If you wish the mercy of God, push through the valley of the shadow of death, until your mortal self is purified of all evil. Only then may you truly see the glory of our Lord"

It seemed like it took an eternity, but eventually the thorns ended, and my time in purgatory was over. And then I saw it, a land like no other. Forests of glass, deserts made of light, gardens of endless roses… I cannot even begin to describe the beauty of this world. It would be like describing color to a blind man. It was then that I knew who it truly was that I had met. This was no ordinary priest, but the Left Hand of God, the Archangel Gabriel; dispatched to save the immortal soul for God's kingdom. This land was not one of mortal hands, but the kingdom of heaven, where all serve the one true Ruler of All.

I fell down on my knees, knowing that I could not be worthy of this. But the Archangel said to me

"The blood on your hand had been washed away by the blood of Christ, shed in your name. By your passage through purgatory all unrighteousness had been drawn out of your soul. By the grace and mercy of our Lord, rise before me. Stand as a new and righteous saint of the Lord our God"

I stayed in the Kingdom of Heaven for countless years, never regretting my decision for even a second. Every moment was a joy to me, as I served the Archangel, and through him the Lord. But one day the Left Hand of God came back perturbed. I asked him what was the matter, and he told me a most horrendous thing. One of the souls judged as unworthy by our Lord had escaped his punishment in the pits of hell. I could not allow this heresy to stand. How dare anyone think that they knew better what they deserved than the Lord? How dare anyone think that they were above the Judgement of the Most High? Not willing to let him remain free, I offered to bring this cretin back to the justice he deserved.

Gabriel looked reluctant at first, but I persuaded him that this was the best way I could serve the Lord. So he taught me different lessons from then on. Instead of sermons on Scripture, I was taught how to handle a flaming sword. Instead of hymns, I learned how to call down the power of God onto his enemies. Eventually he declared me to be ready, and sent me after the man who escaped.

Despite the changes to the mortal world since I had left it, I still found the man easily enough. The unfaithful amongst the world could not see his true hideousness through the disguise he had cast around himself, but my faith was stronger than his spells, and he shone as the sun to my eyes. But I saw something else then. I watched as others gathered around him. More faces, warped by their unfaithfulness, their rejection of God's saving grace. More of the unworthy, come to spread their filth amongst the innocent people of Earth.

But as much as I wished to remove all of their filth from the mortal realm, I could not forget my task before the Lord. I waited until they left, before taking my target by surprise. He is the one I drag behind me now, for whose recapture Gabriel is sure to be pleased. But this is not the end. The others around him must also face justice for their actions. And if no one else shall bring them to their rightful place, than I shall.

For I am the Inquisitor, and none shall escape God's judgement.

______________________________________________________________________
AN: While reading through The Laurent's Changeling Quest, the loyalists were vaguely mentioned. However, this got me thinking, what would it take to make a changeling loyal to their keeper? What sort of delusions must they be under? What must the world look like to their eyes? So, I ended up writing the above. Might write more later, if inspiration strikes.

I'm kinda new to writing stuff, so I'm not sure how good this is (I think I did a good job, but I also have terrible taste, so that means little). What does everyone else think?

 

[Hydroplatypus]

Loyalty – Prince​

It's always the waiting that's the worst part. Actually fighting and capturing them isn't too bad, but then I have to wait for Amaranth to bother showing up and claiming her prize. And today that's taking far longer than usual. You would think that she would be quick about it, given how much of a fuss she makes when someone runs away, but the Fae make their own timetables it seems. Still, it unnerves me, being alone with an escapee.

It's the way they look at you, as they sit there. When it's just fear in their eyes, I don't mind it too much, but this time I see more in his eyes. Oh there's fear alright, along with judgement, hatred, and a hundred other emotions. But it's the pleading look in his eyes that gets me. The look that asks "Why?"

It's been a long time since I thought about my past, and why I serve Amaranth. I usually try to force these thoughts away, but here there is nothing to distract myself with until she arrives for her prize.

Long ago, I was born the heir to a kingdom. My days were spent learning statecraft and warfare, with my every need handled by a small army of servants. I was a true prodigy with a spear, and no man could match me with a sword. Indeed, when some saw my skill they proclaimed me the reincarnation of Alexander himself. However this skill would prove to be my undoing.

One day when I was practicing, a beautiful woman came upon me, and told me that she was Amaranth, the Flower of the North. She told me that she had never before seen skill such as mine. She said that she had need of my service, and that I was to serve as her bodyguard. I laughed at her proposal, thinking it a joke. After all, I was heir to the throne, why would I ever throw that away, even for a woman as beautiful as her? Unfortunately I did not recognize what she was, and turned away to carry on with my training.

But as I turned my back to her, she struck me with magic most foul. My legs could no longer support my weight, and my arms twisted in unnatural ways. Then she took my sword in hand, and I watched as the beautiful bronze melted at the slightest touch of her hand. But the worst was yet to come, for from that melted remnant I saw her draw forth something terrible. The bronze took the shape of a man, and as it became more real, I realized that the face of this abomination was my own.

I remember trying to scream for help, but feeling as thought my throat was on fire. I then watched this monster take up my spear from the side of the room, and walk out into the life I had once thought was mine. I remember being dragged screaming through winding paths, as countless thorns tore at my flesh, and at my very soul.

From then on my service the Amaranth began. But a prince does not serve easily. For years I plotted, and schemed. I would kill the imposter that wore my face, reclaim the life that once was mine. After that was done, I would come for Amaranth with an army at my back. I had so many fantasies about what I would do to her once she was at my mercy – fantasies that seem so naïve now. But my vigilance eventually paid off, and I took my opportunity to flee from her abode, back to the world I once called home.

But the land I returned to was not the same one I had left. I found the people speaking an unfamiliar language, worshiping a foreign god, and ruled by barbarians. I wandered this strange land for a time, but it was only once I returned to the city of my birth that I realized that this land was my own. I saw the ruins of what had been great temples, sitting upon the ground, with my palace nowhere to be seen. But it was only when I saw my own tombstone – weathered with millennia of age – that I realized what had happened.

There was no kingdom to reclaim, for my kingdom had fallen generations ago. There was no fetch to kill, for he had already died of old age. I had been gone for thousands of years, and found myself in an unfamiliar world.

But even this did not break my resolve – though it hung by a thread. I swore that I would rebuild what had fallen. I would make a new life for myself in this world, until such time as I could have my revenge for my loss. I tried to start by getting myself a job, hoping to work my way up the chain, but this proved harder than I thought. I could not speak to anyone, for I did not know their language. I could not ask for aid, as no one understood my requests.

In this time of desperation, I turned to theft to keep myself alive. I told myself that it would be just a temporary measure, until things got better. But things didn't get better. Learning their barbarian tongue was harder than I thought, and work was scarce. And eventually the other criminals of the city noticed what I was doing, and were less than pleased that I had intruded on their territory. They found me one day, and left me an inch from death, bleeding in an alleyway.

Though I hated myself for doing so, at that moment I started wishing that Amaranth would come take me back to her world. There I at least I had a bed to sleep in, and food to eat. At least there I had a purpose – however warped it might have been. That was when she appeared before me, and offered me her hand once more. This time I did not resist, and accepted my place by her side.

They always want to know why I stay in Arcadia, instead of running to the mortal world. I stay, because there is no longer any place left for me here.

 

[Hydroplatypus]

Loyalty – Hunter​

You know, I've always found the traditions of the runners fascinating. They play at royalty, with celebrations to match. Always thinking that they could control their little slice of the world, and impose order on the chaos. Take this trial for instance. Little more than a pretense, giving them the illusion of justice, as if there was any doubt as to the verdict they would reach. Still, I supposed I couldn't begrudge them their little amusements given what was coming. Hmm, perhaps I should fill the air with something a bit more interesting…

​

"Though you flee by sky and sea, though you run through earth and fire, none may escape when the hunter sounds his call"

The baton hurt when it smashed against the side of my head, but really, did he expect me to care about the introduction of Queen so-and-so, and her aides, Major Failure and General incompetent. I mean, seriously, they needed 4 to 1 odds to bring me in at all, and even then I had taken two of them down before they won. If that's the caliber of soldier the runners are working with, I wonder why the Fae even want them back in the first place.

Ah, but here comes the main event, the court has begun. Oh, what questions shall they ask me? Maybe "what kind of monster are you", or "how could you". I've heard those from lots of people, and they get boring after a while. Hopefully they would come up with something more interesting this time around.

"The accused – one John Brown"

"That's not my name!"

OK, maybe I overreacted a little bit to that, but can you really blame me? It reminds me too much of what I was before she found me. That sad man, spending his days behind a desk, signing useless papers. No, I was not that man any longer, and I refused to let them call me as such.

"In that case, what should we call you?"

"Hunter"

The man shrugged, clearly wanting to get on with things.

"The accused – Hunter – stand before us accused of a multitude of crimes against the people of the Freehold. He stands accused of three counts of cold-blooded murder, and four counts of recapturing citizens of the freehold for return to Arcadia. For crimes as foul as these, there can be only one acceptable sentence; death."

Ah, how the crowd cheers at that. They claim they're oh so civilized, but look at how they clamour for blood. Look at how they revel in the success of a hunt; in proving that they are the greater being. I think that perhaps they're not so different from me after all.

"Hunter, you stand accused of a multitude of crimes. Do you have anything to say in your own defense?"

"What exactly do you expect from me? Haven't you all made up your minds already? For all your claims to justice and honor, when the cards are down you show your true colors. No council for the defense, no opportunity for me to call witnesses, and the executioner has already entered the room if the man with the axe is any indication. The only way this court could be any less legitimate would be if you had an actual kangaroo sitting in the judge's seat."

Oh how the self-righteous pricks stare at that. They expected groveling, denials, maybe a claim that I've found the error of my ways. Such fun to watch their expectations shatter into so many pieces.

"Yet, since I've already been convicted in all but name, I may as well say my piece."

"You there" I say, pointing to a man in the gallery. "You work at a construction company. What is your life like day in and day out? You haul one load of bricks up, haul another one down, and go to bed, only to do the same the next day.

"And you, a simple secretary at an office. Surely the joy you feel when rearranging your boss' schedule can only by matched by that with which you meet his constant attempts to hit on you. And even you oh Queen, are little more than a simple baker once you leave these courts."

The gallery rises, and starts hurling abuse. Honestly, I thought it would take longer to whip them into a frenzy. Oh well, I suppose not every hunt can be a challenging one.

"The life of a construction worker, a secretary, and a baker. Is this really what we were meant for? A life of tedium, of obscurity, or mediocrity?" I spit the last word out with as much venom as I can muster. "We were not taken by the Fae because they were evil, but because they saw that we were destined for more than this. That we were to be heroes, villains, kings, and legends. They saw the potential inside of us, and could not let it go to waste."

"Are their methods sometimes cruel? Yes, but what else could truly reforge the nature of a man into something more? It would be more of a crime to leave that potential to waste and to let such men squander in obscurity, never knowing the true wonders they might create. And it is onto that generosity that you spit with every second of your existence"

Several members of the crowd jump forwards with that, drawing weapons. The queen begs for order, uselessly trying to shout over the cacophony. No one could be heard over the roar of the crowd now; well, no one but me. I'd have to thank Artemis for the contract when I got back. Oh, how they want me dead. But no, the queen must maintain order. She must maintain the pretence of justice, and so the guards try to hold back the crowd. What fun.

"How dare you scorn their kindness? You all were given a chance to be something greater. Something as far beyond mortality as mortals are above an ant. Instead you chose to be ordinary mortals lounging in obscurity for the rest of your short lives. You were handed eternity on a silver platter, and yet you chose to spurn those that only wanted to help you."

"This is why I hunt you. This is why I look upon you with contempt. Did I kill those you accuse me of? Yes, for they were squandering their gifts! Did I kidnap others? Yes, for their potential could not be allowed to languish where it would never develop. They would fulfill their destiny of die trying, as will you!"

The guards are losing the battle to keep order, with several lying injured upon the ground, fallen before the riot. Oh, this was glorious. They fought amongst themselves, without having the slightest inkling of their approaching doom. They aren't paying even the slightest attention to me anymore, simply fighting in a great chaotic mass.

"And yet even after all the insults that you have given them, the Fae have decided that in their infinite mercy they will give you another chance. All you have to do is accept their offer when they arrive, and you can once again live a life of glory."

The Queen's eyes widen as I continue speaking. Ah, finally someone realizes that I'm not nearly as helpless as I appear. She tries to signal her guards, but they're too busy trying to hold back the riot, and can't even hear her over the crowd. I can actually see the panic growing in her eyes as she realizes that she is alone now. Such a shame that I cannot taste the fear of other changelings.

Despite the panic, there is steel in her gaze, and she draws her sword, and moves towards me, hoping that she can end me before my plans come to fruition. If she had realized a little bit earlier she might have succeeded. Instead a laugh as a bronze spear pierces her chest.

"Ah Artemis, I was wondering when you would show up" I said in a light tone. I looked over the room, and laughed. Even now the freehold fought amongst themselves, completely oblivious to the Fae standing over their queen.

"Hunters Forward!"

Fae of all shapes and sizes come from behind the goddess, carrying swords and spears of the finest bronze as they descended upon the freehold. Ah, the Wild Hunt was truly a sight to behold. But the goddess does not turn her attention to them, but walks towards me. I cannot help but get down on one knee before her glory.

"Ah Hunter, you are ever resourceful. You've truly outdone yourself this time. I had my doubts about your plan, but look at the bounty it has provided us. A queen and her freehold, ours for the taking."

"It was nothing. It took only a few words and a dash of glamour to turn them against each other. They didn't even notice when I called the Wild Hunt, thinking it merely nonsense. If this is the caliber of the opposition, it's truly a wonder that they've lasted this long"

"If it was truly that easy, then the time of your ascension must be near. I will be interesting to speak to you as an equal, rather than a servant. Just know that there will always be a spot for you in the Hunt, should you ever wish to join"

With that, looks down towards the injured queen, trying to get up.

"Such a shame that she wishes to waste her potential on such trivial mortal matters. She had such potential." Then she smiles as an idea comes to her "You know Hunter, you've done a truly exceptional job today. I think you deserve a reward. You've done well under my guidance, so perhaps it is time for you to guide others as well. When we get back to Arcadia, you will take this woman as your charge. Teach her our ways, as I have taught you. Guide her to her glory, as I have guided you to yours"

"Artemis, nothing would please me more"

 

[Hydroplatypus]

Loyalty – Merchant​

"How dare you! We trusted you, and then you go and sell us out to the Gentry?"

Well, this certainly wasn't how I had envisioned today going. It was supposed to be a few deals here and there, maybe a customer or two at the stall, and suddenly this brute comes out of nowhere and starts yelling at me. I mean, surely this is all a misunderstanding, I'm sure it'll be cleared up …

I barely manage do jump back as his blade slices through the air where I used to be standing. Unfortunately good reflexes only go so far, and before long the sword's held against my neck.
"Give me one reason that I shouldn't cut off your head right now."

"Because doing so will bring every goblin in the market down upon your head."

In other circumstances the look of shock in his eyes would have been rather amusing as he notices the thicket of spears pointed his way. It didn't take long for him to put his sword away, and be reduced to simply glaring at me. Still, as no blood had been drawn the goblins seem to have been satisfied at this, and went back to their bartering. Having a stall in a goblin market might not be the most reputable job around, it did have its perks.

"Whatever this is about, I'm sure it is all just a big misunderstanding Thomas."

"I know what I saw Damian. Don't try to deny it, I know one a Fae when I see one. And there you were wheeling and dealing with her, easy as can be just a few minutes ago. And for what? A few tokens to sell at your stall?" He paused for a moment before continuing in a more sarcastic tone "At least now we've solved the mystery of where the great Damian Spencer gets all of his wares. I'm sure the freehold will be very interested in your transactions"

Ah, so that's what this is about. I had thought I had been careful enough setting up that meeting, but apparently I hadn't been through enough. Taking a few moments to calm my rising panic, I carefully consider my next words. I couldn't risk him telling the freehold, but how to convince him to remain silent?

"You know what you saw yes, but hear me out. Yes, I deal with the Fae, but I have very good reasons for what I do."

"I don't care Damian. I'm not going to listen to a loyalist try and somehow talk his way out of his fate. You'll have the courts on your tail by nightfall."

My stomach dropped as he turned and walked back towards the market's exit. No no no, this could not be happening! There had to be something – anything – that I could offer to get him to stay. As I wracked my brain for the faintest hint of an idea, something hit me.

"Thomas! I only ask that you hear me out. If you remain unconvinced, then I'll…" My voice catches in my throat, and I take a deep breath before continuing. "If you remain unconvinced then I'll come back with you, and accept the court's judgement for my actions"

That caught his attention, and he stopped walking. For a time it seemed like he might reject the offer, and continue walking away, but he turned to me instead. "Swear on your life that you will come back with me should I not be satisfied"

In for a penny, in for a pound I guess. It's not like the situation could get any worse.

"I Damian Spencer do hereby pledge that upon the conclusion of my talk with Thomas, that if he does not agree to remain silent about what he has seen, then I shall return with him, and accept the judgement of the courts. May the Wryd strike me down should I break my bond" As soon as I finished speaking I felt the the Wyrd pressing down upon me, as an almost tangible weight upon my shoulders.

"Alright then, speak your peace if you're so confident. I'll listen if it means getting your head on a pike that much sooner."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. It wasn't much, but now I had a chance. Maybe a good chance even. I'm Damian Spencer, best merchant in the market. I've dealt with Fae, Changeling and mortal alike, and always come out on top. Surely I could manage just one more talk right?

"I won't bother denying what you saw. Yes, I have occasional dealing with the Fae, but make no mistake, I would never betray the Freehold. On the contrary, these dealings are a large part of why it still stands."

He looks at me, with a disbelieving look. "I don't care what justifications you give yourself. Selling people to the Fae is treason of the highest order"

"Ah, but there's the thing, I have never helped a Fae recapture anyone, or helped them capture mortals. Everyone thinks that the Fae only want these things, but they would be wrong. Oh sure, some are that way, but there are plenty of others that go beyond that. The Fae are more complicated than that, and have as many desires as any mortal man.

Perhaps this one fancies itself a knight, deluding himself into thinking that he's a defender of those less fortunate than himself. But he looks at the knights of history and sees their armor and swords, and despairs that he will never be able to wield such fine iron weaponry himself. What is he to do? Well, he comes to someone like me, and asks me to find a solution to the problem.

Perhaps another fancies herself a tinker, playing at making machines. But she cannot come up with things to build, and so her skill goes to waste. So she comes to me, asking for drawings and plans to inspire her creations. Yet another fancies himself an angel of the lord, and commissions me to retrieve holy water from the Vatican itself. Or perhaps one just happened to have a craving for apple pie that particular day, and couldn't be bothered to seek it out themselves.

These are the sorts of things that I deal in, not in innocent victims."

Thomas responded strongly "Even if you aren't selling us out directly, you know how the Gentry think. Their plans have wheels within wheels. Giving them any aid – even seemingly trivial aid – will have the same result"

Was that a twinge of doubt in his voice? Did it quake just a bit near the end? I needed to press forwards, water that seed, and let it grow.

"Believe me, I've wondered about what they want many times over. When the first Fae approached me in the market, I spent hours trying to see what his angle was, to no avail. But it occurred to me that the solution was simpler than that. There was no need for me to comprehend the twists and turns of the Fae mind. I could simply require that they pledge the task they set before me will not harm any changeling or mortal. Whatever their motives may be, with such an oath I can be assured that my actions will bring no harm"

"Oh, so you're merely making a fortune by selling to our enemies" replied Thomas in a sarcastic tone. "Do you think the freehold will be placated when they hear that? Giving a Fae even the slightest bit of aid is criminal, regardless of the reason"

"Criminal? Perhaps, but what is legal and what is right are not one and the same. Up until a few years ago your marriage with John would have been illegal. If you had been born even a century earlier, you would probably have been hanged for such acts. The Civil War was fought because some thought the law should let one man own another. Sometimes the law gets things wrong. Sometimes what the law forbids is necessary.

I do not deal with the Fae for personal gain. No, I do so because if I did not the Freehold would have burned long ago. "

"You think us weak enough that we fall over at the slightest touch?" Thomas started yelling, the anger in his tone clear. "That your gentle touch is the only thing think standing between us and oblivion? I'll not stand here while you insult us." With that he turned away, and began walking. "Come Damian, I've heard you out, so it's time for you to face justice"

Shit, shit, shit! This wasn't how I had planned on this going.

"Do you remember seven years ago, when the Pale Lady and Moradin the Destroyer made a pact against the freehold?"

That caught his attention, and he turned to face me once more.

"How many died in the wake of the Fae lords, and those that followed them? And yet, when things looked bleakest, up came Jennifer with a spear powerful enough to fight the Fae lords on even terms, and force them back to Arcadia. Tell me, did anyone ever think to ask where that spear came from?"

Ah, the moment of realization in his eyes was sweet, but I couldn't stop now. I needed to strike while the iron was still hot.

"What about when Aaron got into that tussle with the vampires? Do you think flaming swords just materialize out of thin air? What about Robert's shield – capable of blocking spellfire from even the strongest mage? Natalie's Bow, Johnathon's helmet, Amanda's locket, and many more. Each of these tokens has saved their bearer's lives more than once, and everyone seems content not to delve too deeply into where they came from. Do you know why?

Deep down, I say they all know where I got them from. Sure, they'll never admit it, but deep down they know that these are Fae creations. After all, what else could muster the power they possess? But yet, where would they be without them? The freehold would be in flames without that spear. Aaron would have been drained and left for dead. Robert incinerated, Natalie shot, Johnathon eaten, and Amanda on a government dissection table.

You wonder what possible reason I could have for dealing with the Fae? It is because every time I do so, I gain the tools to save another member of the freehold from death, or worse."

Thomas opened his mouth to raise an objection, but nothing came out. He saw the truth in my words, and realized any objection he could raise would ring hollow. All I needed now was a little incentive to seal the deal.

"You yourself were coming to me for a similar reason were you not? After all, with your keeper being spotted in the area, surely you would need a weapon capable of standing against him."

The shock on his face was priceless. It's times like this that I regret that changelings cannot harvest emotions from other changelings.

"How could you possibly know that!" stammered Thomas.

"I know just about everything that goes on in the freehold. How else would I always have just what the customer needs? But back to you. You know full well that you cannot stand against your Keeper on your own. After all, only the strongest amongst us have a chance of standing up to even the weakest Fae on our own."

"Perhaps not, but I have friends that stand with me" replied Thomas, as he failed to keep the nervousness out of his voice.

"Oh, I don't doubt the loyalty of your friends, or their ability. But you know your keeper well. Tell me, does he seem the type to strike at you when your friends are around? No, he'll wait until your friends are gone, and come only when you stand alone. No matter how hard you try, there will always be times where you will stand alone. And in times like those do you really think you stand a chance? Even as you try to deny it, you know all of this deep down. Why else would you come to me?

And I happen to have just the thing for you. You remember that deal you witnessed? It happens to have netted me an axe of tremendous power. Powerful enough to even the odds, and give you a chance should your keeper find you alone."

I go over to my stall, and pull out the axe from below the counter. It truly is a magnificent piece of work, made of polished bronze etched with scenes of battles between heroes and monsters.

"I can give you the power to fight your keeper on your own terms, and all I ask in return is that you pledge to keep silent about what you witnessed today. Tell me, is that not worth the cost?"

 

[Hydroplatypus]

Loyalty – Elder
​

"Please, you don't understand, I didn't mean any…"

I plow my fist into the man's face, silencing any further protest. I know I'm not supposed to enjoy my work this much, but even after all these years I could never take my own advice when it came to loyalists. Especially with ones like this, who somehow think that they're somehow in the right. Unfortunately this one caught on rather quickly, and ceased his struggling after the first hit.

"You only speak when spoken to, or God help me I'll kill you right this second"

A shaky nod shows his assent. I'm not surprised.

Of course, his silence doesn't last long. In just a few minutes a whimper escapes his lips, shortly followed by another. I turn around and watch as tears stream down the man's face.

"Oh for the love of God, pull yourself together. At least face your death with some dignity…"

He seems to try for a moment, before his shoulders slump in defeat. After a moment, I hear his voice, almost too quiet to make out.

"You don't understand. You cannot understand. You look out on your life and see a bright future, a full life waiting to be lived. How can you know what it's like, to look at your future and see naught but dust?"

He raises his face towards me, and for the first time I see a bit of strength in his eyes. The change intrigued me. I had not expected to find any strength left in this wreck of a man.

"I was like you once, with my whole life ahead of me. Young, full of dreams, and free of all cares. Do you know what happened to that man?"

"A stranger came along and carried him away to a strange land." I answered almost automatically. Arcadia's memory was burned into all of our minds too deeply to mistake the implication. But instead of agreeing with me, the man laughed in my face.

"What, you think the Fae are the only thing that can ruin a man? No." He directed a piercing stare at me. "That man got old."

"As time passed he watched all of his dreams crumble to ash, as he traded them for stability; for convenience. He settled for less than he deserved, but convinced himself that it would be enough. As he watched his youth pass into the sunset he told himself that he wasn't giving it away for nothing, but that he was getting a family in return. And as the weight of the world pressed down on him, he told himself that this was just a part of living."

"Bullshit," I interjected "You speak as though you're an old man, but there's no way you're a day over 21 you stupid punk." More laughter followed from the delusional man.

"After all you've seen of Fae magic, you still cling to the petty rules, your silly ideas of how the world works." His tone quickly lost all amusement as he continued "You know nothing of my life. Do not presume to tell me about my own past. Now where was I?" The man's eyes take on a vacant expression as he once again remembers his supposed past.

"Ah yes, but as that man continued to get older he began to see things more clearly. The job he accepted to make ends meet was taken from him, shipped to some moron in China who probably couldn't spell his own name. And so, his abandoned dreams came back to haunt him. Then his wife slept with his best friend, and tore the marriage apart, and his daughter who he treasured above all else couldn't take the stress. He came home one night to find her sitting in the bathtub, her wrists slit. It was too late to do anything about it. And so his delusions of trading his youth for something better faded too. And as this bitter old man lay in a hospital bed, waiting for the end to come, he looked back on his life and felt the weight of the past press down upon him."

"Do you know what it is to look back on your life, and be filled with nothing but regret? Regret at wasted opportunities, wasted dreams, wasted youth, and to know that there was nothing to look forwards to except maybe a few more weeks in a hospital bed? To sit there knowing that the legacy you had hoped to leave behind was nothing but ash? I do."

"It then became clear to him, that this was the fate of every man. Regardless of how he lived his life – rich or poor, good or evil – they would all face the same oblivion, and have to look back as all of their accomplishments faded to nothing more than dust, blown away with the wind. What purpose is there in life, when everything we are, everything we have ever done perishes along with us? When thought, every word, every action fades with the dying light?"

With this his eyes focus back onto me "You know, you'll be facing the same soon enough. Summer might be keeping you fit and healthy, but even their magic cannot cease the march of time forever. You've got what, another couple of years before even Summer decides to retires you?"

I punch the man in the face once again. At the smug look on his face I punch him again.

"Ah, hit a little" the man briefly stops and spits out some blood "A little too close to the mark didn't I? Even after all of your great deeds, you'll still end up like all the others; a wooden box under the dirt with no more than a stone to mark his passing. Worm food, that's the fate of all of mankind, our deeds washed away by the endless march of history. You know this just as well as I. I see it in your eyes."

"Now long ago that old man lay in his bed, and raged against the cruel world that had taken everything from him in life, and would now take everything in death. But to this old man a single ray of hope was offered. A small child clothed in starlight arrived at his bedside, and told the man that there was another way. That this needn't be the end. He then told this man of a land where time could stand still, or even run backwards. Where he could taste youth once more, and live the life eternal. All he asked in return was that the man serve him in gratitude for such a magnificent gift. He accepted without delay, and all that was promised came true"

"You face the same oblivion I faced all those years ago, feel the same fear, the same regret flow through your veins. Tell me, if the child comes to you, wouldn't you take the offer?"


AN: Not as happy with this as I like, but good enough I think.

 

[Hydroplatypus]

Loyalty: Soldier​

Frederick held his breath as he peeked around the corner of the wall. He didn't see any sign of his pursuers, but with enemies like his he could never truly be sure. Still, he couldn't stay here forever. He may have lost their trail for now, but he wasn't taking any chances.

He thought back to his friends, how high and mighty they had all thought they were. Thought they'd outsmarted a monster. Thought they knew all about the vampire's weaknesses, knew to set it ablaze, and watch it burn. Knew what sort of power it could draw from the blood of others. They'd even managed to find its lair, where it slept during the day. And so, full to the brim with self-righteousness they had stormed the doors like knights against a castle of old. And then they had all watched a bullet pierce Mary's neck, and they all froze in horror at the sight.

They had thought that the vampire was a solitary monster. That it would be alone and vulnerable during the daylight hours. They had been fools. So overconfident, thinking that they knew all the answers, they had missed that there was not one vampire, but four. What followed was a bloodbath. He had watched Jonathan and Charles get ripped to pieces, and had caught a glimpse of one of the monsters drinking its fill from James' neck. He'd barely managed to get out of there himself, and had no doubt that had it not been the middle of the daylight hours he would have been killed along with his group.

Pushing his memories to the back of his mind, he got on the move again. Thoughts of home drove him to run faster than he could ever remember running. The monsters had seen his face, it wouldn't take them long to figure out where he lived. He knew that they would have no problems killing his family to get to him. He couldn't bear the thought of his wife, his daughter, at the mercy of those parasites. But that wouldn't happen. He would get home before nightfall, and he would get his family out of town. Yes, that sounded like a plan. Just a little farther, and everything would be fine…

His fears rose once more, as he came closer to home, and saw the door had been broken open. His heart pounded as he rushed into his home, only to see a flash of fire from the windows. Rushing through the open door, the sight that greeted him was not what he expected. His wife was holding his daughter, both of the perfectly fine, as an unfamiliar man stood above a burning corpse. He quickly pointing his gun at the man, who quickly put his arms up in the air.

"Don't shoot, I'm on your side!"

"You say that, yet you're standing in my home with my family, with a corpse on the floor."

"You would think you'd be a little more grateful given that I just saved your family's life."

That gave him a bit of pause.

"That man on the ground, he was a drug-dealer. Low-level, but he works for the vampires you were hunting. Did you honestly think that they wouldn't have minions who could operate in daylight?"

He looked to his traumatized wife, still shaken from what had happened. But she managed a quick nod when she noticed his look. Evidently this man was telling the truth. He slowly lowered his weapon.

"So then, who are you, and why did you help us?"

"I don't deal with names, in my line of work they get people killed. But you can call me General. As for why I helped? Well, you're not the only one who sees the vampires for the parasites they are, and I'm more than willing to help those whose goals align with mine. Now, since I don't want the house to burn down while we talk..." With a wave of his hand the flames on the corpse extinguished themselves. "I'm sure you have questions, not least about what I just did, so ask your questions, and I'll answer what I can."

"How did you… The fire, how did you do that?"

"The short answer is that there are more mysteries in the world than just vampires, and not all are hostile to humans. You have heard the stories of the fairy godmother that grants a young woman her wish, the man who grants the power to spin straw to gold, all of these and more are tales of my people, the Fae. Most of the stories about us are highly distorted - especially in this day and age - but we do have magics of our own. Amongst others, I can breath fire into existence. Command it and have my orders followed."

"But the Fae in these stories are not always as… helpful as you make them out to be. What about the stories about elves kidnapping people and killing them for sport. What about stories of people waking up 30 years older because one of your people thought it amusing?"

"You speak of the stories of the old days, and would hold it against me?" A touch of anger enters his voice at that. "Yet, look at the actions of your own people at the time." The man says, the anger building in his tone "When Rip Van Winkle was sent forward 20 years, your people were fighting a civil war over whether black people were human. Tell me, which of those is the worse sin? At the time of the wyld hunt, your people were killing in their hundreds of thousands over which slightly different version of Christianity was correct, or slaughtering entire towns because they were the wrong religion. Tell me, which of our peoples was worse?" His anger fades as he managed to calm himself down. "Do not hold me to the old stories of my people, unless you are content with me holding you to those of yours."

Frederick thought about it for a while. If Humanity could change as much as it had in the past few centuries, maybe the Fae could too. For saving his family's life, he was willing to extend the creature the benefit of the doubt.

"Alright, you have a point there. So Mr. General, you hunt vampires. Why?"

The General sighs.

"A long time ago, a vampire took someone of great value to me. She was a… lover of mine. Beautiful, kind, everything I might have wanted in a companion. But she wandered from my household, and I became worried about what had happened to her. I went to make sure she was alright, and to bring her back to safety. Instead I found her bright face marred with blood. Oh so much blood. A vampire had come across her in her travels, and killed her for nothing more than a snack. How dare he! How dare they!"

Frederick could hear the venom in the man's voice as he spat out the last few sentences. The sheer hatred in his voice spoke volumes about his thoughts on the so called "Lords of the Night"

"On that day, I knew exactly what sort of monsters they were, and swore that I would have my vengeance upon them. That I would not rest until they had been removed from this world. But, powerful though I may be, I cannot be everywhere at once. For every vampire I killed, two more rose to take its place. And so as the years passed by, I found that I needed help. And so we come to my offer to you."

Frederick could see where this was going.

"So, you want me to work with you, to rid the world of this menace?"

"Yes. I have access to vast resources, and know more about vampires than any mortal in this world does. And even more than that, I could give you magic of your own. Imagine how much damage you could do if fire would obey your every command as it does mine. If you could wield it as easily as breathing. All of your friends would be avenged with little more than a wave of your hand."

A few moments passed as Frederick thought it over.

"It's tempting, it really is, but I need to think of my family. Like I should have done before I charged face-first into a monster's lair. I can't put them in danger. Not again."

Was it just his imagination, or did he detect a hint of malice in those eyes as he refused that offer. No, it had to be his imagination. No one can cover up their feelings that fast.

"Do you honestly think that they'll leave you alone? Killing their pawn may have bought you a little time, but they'll send someone else. They always do."

"We'll leave town, head out of the country soon after. I have relatives in Germany, who could help us get set up there. Surely they wouldn't follow us across two whole continents?"

"You're right, in that they won't go themselves. But there are other vampires in Germany too. All it would take would be a quick phone call and one of them might be breathing down your neck instead."

Frederick's stomach dropped as he realized just how much shit he was in. He had thought his plan was a good idea, and the holes in it were only now apparent.

"But, I might be able to offer you another solution." The man said in a gentle voice, sparking hope in Frederick once more.

"The realm of my people cannot be accessed by vampires. The thorns surrounding the entrances will not let the dead pass by. Your family would be safe there. And more than that, I would teach them how to wield this power as well. They need never be helpless against your enemies if only you accept my offer. All I ask in return is that you agree to aid me in my fight against the monsters of the world. Truly it cannot be such a terrible bargain, can it, the safety of your family for a task you already wished to perform on your own?"

Frederick stayed silent a moment, running things through his head. He still didn't truly trust this Fae, but if it would keep his family safe...

"Your bargain is more than fair General. I accept." As he said the words, he felt the weight of his oath settling down on his shoulders. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew that there was more to this oath than mere words.

"Excellent. Then gather your family and follow me, for Arcadia awaits."