Not the Place to Pick a Fight - The Order: Part 1

Not the Place to Pick a Fight
The Order: Part 1

   The Chaser was rudely tossed next to the other two topsiders, who the Order guards had caught trespassing in their territory. Vazghar was definitely up to no good as he was clearly sneaking around, looking for something or someone while Eshin walked straight up to them, hoping to have a civil conversation as so far the other clans seemed to be at least a little bit polite. To his great surprise, he was treated like a criminal the moment he was spotted and forced to head in front of the main gates, where the already apprehended and anxious Vazghar was. And now, they were joined by a small blue Chaser, who landed on his stomach with a displeased oomph escaping his lips. He slowly got up, eyes throwing daggers at the armored Haedians who treated him in such a barbaric roughness. The stern guards remained surrounding them, while one of them turned towards the enormous intimidating stone gate, probably to summon a higher-up to consult them regarding the topsider’s fate.

“What is happening?”

   Eshin had lowered his head right between the two Vayrons, whispering this question in hopes to get some explanations or ideas. Both could tell from his voice that he was rather scared.

“I don’t know, I was simply looking for a species of shrub for the Druids that was supposed to grow in this region of the Beneath, then I was suddenly grabbed by my scruff and dragged here without an explanation.”

   The Chaser brushed the dirt and dust off his pelt while grumbling from annoyance, then he turned to look at Eshin and smiled weakly.

“Hello, I am Ruga. What brings you two to this corner of our world?”

“Eshin. Adventuring.”

   Eshin’s response was just that brief before the two turned to look at Vaz, whose cogs were turning hastily as he was generating a cover story.

“Oh, me? I’m Vazghar and… uhh… I got a bit lost and was just looking for my ma- I mean, my friend. Yes, and I somehow wandered here when I was attacked by these two.”

   He sent a quick judging glare towards the two towering Haedians standing next to him, before he turned back to observe the reaction of his new companions. They seemed to accept this explanation, and before Ruga could inquire more about how this friend of his looked like, all of their attention shifted to the group of heavily armored cave-dwellers approaching them, a few of them even wearing blackened iron chains that added even more eerie clinking to their steps. One of the elder ones, eyes sunken and hazy locked on the three intruders, stepped forth and spoke with a crackling yet strong voice of an authority.

“My, what do we have here? More filthy topsiders with the stench of the light in their fur.”

   Ruga frowned at the elder’s comment while Vaz and Eshin held their breaths in anticipation of what was going to happen. Ruga cleared his throat and spoke up when none of their guards reacted to the question.

“My apologies if we were trespassing, I was merely looking for a remedy for the issue the Druids are currently facing. It’s paramount that I find it and-”

“Silence, pup. I know your kind. You bring nothing but trouble to us with your eyes blinded by the light and determination to undermine our faith.”

“We are here for no such thing!”

   Ruga exclaimed in disbelief, was this old man even listening to what he was saying? The elder’s ears slightly perked up to this statement.

“Oh? Then tell me, do you walk in the shadow of the great Oris?”

   While Eshin and Ruga were baffled on how this has anything to do with their current situation, something clicked in Vazghar’s mind. He eagerly stepped forward, looking at the elderly Hae with newfound confidence.

“That’s why I’m here, sir. I’m a loyal follower of Oris and I wish to learn your ways. The topside world has grown too lax when it comes to following the guidance Oris has provided us, I wish to follow the true ways.”

   The Haedians around them showed signs of uneasiness or surprise, while the elder’s expression and stance remained the same. Ruga’s eyes narrowed at the Runner’s story while Eshin remained still as he didn’t know what he should say or do. Then, the elder smiled, but definitely not in a friendly or happy way as this sight made poor Eshin’s heart nearly skip a beat.

“Ah, a man of culture. In that case, Oris will decide if you’re worthy or not.”

   Before Vaz could ask for clarifications, the elder’s head snapped towards Eshin and Ruga, the creepy smile now brushed off his face as the previous stern look returned, which seemed actually better to the intimidated Empyrian.

“And you two? What is your answer?”

   Eshin squeaked at the forceful demand, while Ruga sighed and shook his head.

“The number of Oris followers has diminished for a reason, we’ve learned at the topside to know better than to worship the power hungry embodiment of chaos. Please, just let me go and never bother you again.”

   The Haedians violently hissed at Ruga’s response, to which Eshin curled up even more, eyes widened from fear. Ruga’s ears dropped but he seemed more certain of his stance than the Empyrian, while Vaz tried to figure out why the other two weren’t clever enough just to play along. Having read “no” out from Eshin’s body language, the elder growled deeply before turning to Vaz.

“You! Follow one of the guards inside, your faith will be tested. As for the pesky heretics soiling our sacred ground…”

   The elder’s creepy smile returned, this time reeking of malicious intents as his glistening eyes measured the two who had most likely doomed themselves. One of the guards nudged Vaz to move, which startled him but he had no other option but to go along and see what happens next. He followed the Haedian towards the gates, when he heard the elder finish his sentence.

“... heh, well, you’ll be purged as a meager sacrifice to Oris.”