Arcana Series - Hierophant

Sanctum

“Astarte.”

“Zephyr.” The high juror said as he looked at the wizard hired by Ezekiel. A tall man wearing a green robe matched with nobility seeming clothes mixed with brown. His eyes are crystal-like emerald and, his hair is oak in color.

There is a lazy look to him, as if suggesting that he could not be bothered. But that is only under normal circumstances. When there is money involved, the wizard is more than willing to do anything. Making him a weird case among his fellow wizards and to his witch counterparts.

“What brings you here at this hour?” Astarte asked, sitting at his chair.

“Nothing much.” The wizard didn’t show any guard in front of Astarte. In fact, he was as lax as could be. Sitting down lazily on the chair, with one arm rested over the back rest as he folded one leg over the other.

“I thought I should share a bit of conversation with the infamous Astarte Daemon before we march out tomorrow.” He added, helping himself to the drink that was on the head juror’s table. As if they were close friends.

“Infamous?” The head juror chuckled. “I think you have your meanings mixed up.”

“Oh believe me, my words are perfectly fine.” Zephyr said, making the mood a bit unpleasant as Astarte gave him a devilish look.

“If you are here to forfeit your life, I’d be more than willing to help you out.”

“As tempting as that may sound, I do believe that it is not my time just yet.” Zephyr jokingly replied. “Like I said, I’m just here to have a bit of a conversation with you Astarte.”

At this, the air of seriousness was dispelled. With the head juror breathing a deep sigh as he rested his elbows on the table, locking his fingers with the spaces in between as he rested his chin on it.

“What is it that you really want?” Astarte asked.

The wizard watched the liquor from the bottle flow to his glass. “The money of course.”

“No. We both know that’s not true.” Astarte’s lips curved to a grin. “I hate to admit it but, I can’t read you Zephyr. There’s nothing about your behavior and your words that indicate anything and, a man I can’t read is certainly a man I can’t give my full trust.”

“Yet you still hired me.”

“Because you are a wizard nonetheless.” Astarte commented. “A wizard who accepts money of common men though it has no benefit to you.”

“I’m hurt. Are you saying that you would employ just about any wizard who would come into terms with your conditions?”

Astarte sighed again. “Why don’t you just retreat to your chambers Zephyr? I don’t see any point in this talk of yours and, I would rather have my time alone.”

“Why? So you can talk to your demon again?” At the mention of this, Astarte’s eyes widened for a split second before returning to normal. But, it was a speed which Zephyr caught. Making him smile at the head juror.

“This may not be as fruitless as you thought Astarte.” The wizard said as he stood up and took his leave. Leaving Astarte whose lips widened to a devilish grin again.

“That’s not good. I may need to dispose of you soon.”

...

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...

Sanctum has been turned into a complete ghost town. That is how it seems with how quiet the whole place is. Devoid of the normal clamor of the acolytes who go out every morning in order to train. Devoid of the shouting of the jurors who punish these very same kids and, devoid of any loud noise or ruckus at that.

It was almost as if all life has ceased to exist within its four walls. But not for that day. On that day, the acolytes have finally lined up in the training grounds. Prepared for the higher calling which Astarte Daemon has introduced to them.

All the acolytes wore black cloaks over their bodies. They each held a real weapon as well. With swords and shields being the primary things that they carried with them and, with others using bows slung over their bodies that has a quiver full of arrows as well.

Apart from this, they still maintained the same buzz cut and, their bodies are as muscular as ever. But, their eyes have been devoid of all emotion. Almost as if they weren’t there anymore. Replaced by some form of creature which they housed inside of their bodies.

This isn’t the only oddity. Even the acolytes who have recently arrived inside Sanctum are already looking like proper warriors. Growing, almost to the same height as Damian while the builds of their bodies exponentially got beefier and well defined.

As for Astarte, he stood in front of these acolytes. On his left is Ezekiel, the only juror who remained from the five that stayed behind. On his right is Zephyr, still looking as lazy as when he invaded Astarte’s study last night. Then there are the three senior acolytes. The strongest among those who were present. Philip. Gregory. Zack.

The sun was just about to rise over the horizon. The air was chilly and, the only thing which could be noticed with the group that gathered are the seemingly gleaming eyes of the acolytes. All of these crimson in color. And, as another cold wind blew over them, Astarte finally began speaking.

“My dear acolytes, a lot of things have happened in the past months. All of it starting with the escape of Damian and his two lackeys.” Astarte’s tone was deep and authoritative as always. “Little did they know that, even their escape has helped us further out plans.”

At his back, Zephyr yawned. Making Ezekiel give him a sharp stare which made the wizard make a zipping motion on his lips.

“We’re going to continue on this road that’s been paved for us. Our other ally is already doing good work and, is continuing to do good work as we speak.” There was no response from the lifeless looking acolytes. “All that we need to do now is to follow in the path that has been prepared for us. We’re going to take control of Arcana but, before that happens, we need to make a certain kingdom bow down to us.”

The silence in the crowd was still there. None of the acolytes dared make any unnecessary movement. This pleased the eyes of Astarte who allowed Ezekiel to take center stage as, the assistant juror screamed:

“We will conquer Arcana! Now, show me your resolve!”

At this Philip, Gregory, and Zack gave out a scream. Raising their hands in the air as the other acolytes followed suit. Screaming in unison, as the sun finally began showing itself. Signaling the beginning of Astarte’s long awaited day. Where darkness would be spread in Arcana.