Theft of Decks 4, CH 49

“This is it. With the camps active and running independently, I no longer have to worry about rebels. With the policies for cards properly embedded, there are no risks of anybody outgrowing the expected limits to pose a direct threat to me. The Keepers will catch any brewing unrest in the Blissful Lands. The second-to-last phase is done. Now, I merely have to properly expand my direct influence within Salvation, and then, the rest of Liberty. At long last, everything will be entirely secure, for everybody.” This was dated a few weeks ago. Even if I die in the next few days and the Lightborn take over the world, this paragraph is everything I need to read, in order to know that I’ve done something good with my life. (Book 4, Page 57.)

“What is going on?” Chase shouted. “I ran all the way out here as soon as I heard the horns!”

Liam shrugged. “I was only way out here to welcome a group of indebted who managed to sneak away from the army during the night when those horns started blowing. It can’t be the army yet, can it?”

“Nope. Sera insists they’ll arrive tomorrow around noon.”

“Then who the hell are they? They’re looking mighty pointy-eared for indebted Lightborn, and they’re dusty enough that they’ve clearly been on the road for a long time.” Liam squinted at the incoming mass of people in search for answers.

“No clue. Whoever they are, there’s a lot of them. And a good number of them are armed. That’s either a really good or really bad sign.” Chase tried to count the unwashed masses slowly making their way down the incline snaking its way down toward Salvation and failed. There were too many, without any sort of organization whatsoever.

They stood in silence for a while as the mass of people slowly ambled closer. Now, they started spotting some weird incongruencies in them.

“You know, that’s kind of weird. First you think something’s strange. Then you slowly get used to seeing it everywhere – and you don’t even notice it until it’s not there anymore.” Chase scratched his neck.

“What’s that?”

“The clothes, mate. The clothes. There’s almost nobody in those groups wearing that bloody Savior’s getup, but they’re nearly all Liberators.”

Liam gawked. “Oooh. Yeah that is bloody weird. Maybe-“

“Now, ain’t that a sight for sore eyes. I had my hopes up, but I sure wasn’t expecting a welcoming committee.” The coarse voice shouting from within the mass of people sounded like it would break right over into a coughing fit.

“I know that voice.” Chase said, blinking, eyes searching the marching, dust-covered people. “No gods-damned way. Toran! What the Pits are you doing here?” The last sentence was half shout, half laugh.

The large Liberator waved with his half-ruined right hand and spoke a few words to the people walking on either side of him. The huge procession slowed and, little by little, halted entirely, while Toran strode forward toward them. If possible, the strong man looked even more tired than the first time they’d seen him and strong-armed him into torching his own village. But there was something else in his eyes now, something vibrant. He looked Chase up and down, taking in his bare arms and the cards lining them. With a wide grin, he said. “I heard you folks have cards to spare?”

Fifteen minutes later, the soldiers rushing toward the gates had halted, and Liam and Chase were striding toward the center of the city, while local citizens rushed out with food, water and a helping hand for those following on their heels.

“About nine hundred of us in total. We’re actually doing better now than when we started out. We managed to snag ourselves some good provisions. I never thought it’d be possible to actually heal while on the march, but you should have seen some of them before. It was ugly.”

Liam looked back at some of the people following them and grimaced. They didn’t exactly look fighting fit, so picturing them worse off was an ugly look. “There were only about a hundred of you before. What happened, Toran? And how the Pits did you make it here unseen?”

He barked a laughter that sounded almost bear-like. “Long story. But… you know how I told you we have some contacts in the villages? A couple weeks ago, our contacts started spouting some weird nonsense about the Savior dying. Killed by a group with a rather specific getup. We didn’t believe it at first, but then we got to thinking and a dare-devil activated Devotion to Liberty, saw that it was inactive. And… well, then I got an idea.”

“This is where Cilia usually starts ragging on me, sounds like.” Chase smirked. “You know that you’re not supposed to think!” He scolded in a horrible imitation of her voice.

Raising an eyebrow, Toran shook with laughter. “Well, I figured, if this is actually true, what happens to the camps?”

“The camps?” Liam repeated, then his eyes widened. “Oh!”

“Exactly.” Toran grunted. “The camps where they send all the rebels and those who misbehave. What would they do with the Savior gone? So, we decided to send people to all the camps.”

“To all the camps?” Liam perked up.

“Yeah. We went to the camp closest to Salvation first. The guards at the camps were still there, but confused and aimless. The moment they realized how many we were, they surrendered and let us free everybody. Then, I volunteered to take people here to check that this wasn’t some weird trap, while the others are moving for the rest of the camps. Now that we know, we’ll have people coming in over the next weeks. We’ll all be free. And it’s all your fault. You’ll have to tell us how you managed!” Slowly, his face fell, as he watched Chase and Liam exchange glances. “What?”

“I… damn.” Liam gulped. “Well, it’s all true. And we’re glad you guys made it, and freed all those poor bastards. But you haven’t exactly arrived at the safest of times.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Liam looked at Chase before shaking his head softly. “First, we’re letting you guys choose your new cards. Then we’re finding a place for you to rest. And then… we need a bloody drink. This is too much, and you need a win before we ruin everything.”

The next day went by in a haze of last-minute preparations. Suddenly, everything was urgent and should truly have been handled way earlier. They, along with the rest of the damn city, ran around, at the same time super busy, afraid and confused. The return of the Liberators from the camps, many of them believed long lost, didn’t help the confusion either.

As word spread, however, they did send a bolt of energy into the people of Liberty. These were actual sons and daughters of Liberty, many of which had been thought lost or dead long since, now returned to Salvation. There were tearful reunions, families reunited and old wounds torn back open, right in the middle of an already tense situation.

During those last twenty-four hours, the city saw hundreds of situations it had never before experienced. People in the southern district refusing to leave their homes, even if they were smack in the middle of where the Lightborn army were likely to invade. Looters. Single people and groups fleeing the city north in an ever-growing stream, forcing massive blockades on the otherwise wide paved roads.

Chase and the others did their part, but were all too aware that they were just a tiny part of a huge mass of people with far from enough control to do much about the overall direction of these thousands and thousands.

In the late hours of the evening, Chase took in the series of lingering notifications with a contemplative smile playing on his face. He would’ve preferred to go over everything, celebrate his new cards with his family. Only, they were all rushing around, too busy to make time for something like this. What should’ve been a celebration for the ages was reduced to just another task to check off on his mental checklist in preparation for the day after.

That being said, he wasn’t complaining about the results. He brought up his new cards again, one by one.

[Among the Raindrops

Legendary, Elemental rogue

Tier Two

Active, medium duration

Upon activation, this card will start summoning large quantities of puddles for the duration of the effect in a thirty-foot radius around the wearer. The puddles of water have a triple effect, all working only against enemies. First, they have an oily, slippery effect and will make it hard to keep your equilibrium. Second, they have an acidic effect, causing ongoing damage against any exposed skin or equipment. Third, the puddles have a viscous quality, clinging to anything and anybody unlucky enough to enter. Finally, the wielder may direct exactly where the puddles appear.

Long cooldown

“Your fancy power is to make me stand in a puddle of water? Hah. Wait. Why are you laughing?”]

His choice of Tier five upgrade had been easy. Among the Raindrops had saved his life several times over now, and the upgrade was solid. More water, placed exactly where he wanted it? Yes please!

[Sticky Shadows

Rare, Dark rogue

Tier Five

Active, medium duration

Upon activation, the wielder may continually summon sticky patches of cobwebs to be sent flying at targets within a distance of fifty feet. The cobwebs are extremely clingy and resilient, and enfold the target in a thin layer of blinding shadows.

Long cooldown

“What do you mean ‘you finally caught me’? The real fun starts now!” The Spinner of Shadows escapes again.]

Sticky Shadows should allow him to completely tie up smaller groups of enemies, blinding and catching them. It might not be all-powerful, but for sheer distraction and disruption, it would likely be wonderful.

[Warmth of Touch

Epic, Light rogue

Tier Five

Active, short/medium duration

When activated, the wielder has exactly thirty seconds. Any friend or ally touched within that time will have a powerful buff applied to them, that boosts all their attributes except Potential for a medium duration.

Long cooldown

“You get a boost. You get a boost. Everybody gets a boost!”]

Warmth of Touch should be amazing. Combined with his already high Agility and Fight Another Day, he estimated that he’d be able to buff at least fifty allies within those thirty seconds. More, if they lined up properly.

[Sudden Breeze

Legendary, Elemental rogue

Tier Five

Active, very short duration

The wielder calls an extremely powerful gust of wind into being. For a very short while, he may direct a sustained force of air anywhere he chooses within close range.

Short cooldown

“Blow me? Funny you should say that.”]

Sudden Breeze was one of those choices that just felt right. He’d be able to switch to it, throw a powerful gust at his enemies, and swap back to another card again. Also, the short cooldown would allow him to use it often – and at Legendary rarity, he had high hopes for the efficiency.

[Temper Tantrum

Epic, Furyborn rogue

Tier Five

Active, short duration

Emotions are a powerful tool. When properly manipulated, they can take the reins entirely, superceding the mind and logic for brief bursts. This card multiplies and enhances the existing emotions of people in a fifty-foot radius around the wielder several times over. The higher the difference between the wielder’s Mental Power and that of the targets, the more pronounced the effect. With a high enough difference in Mental Power, the wielder may choose which emotion to instil to override the existing ones.

Medium cooldown

“Come, feeble minds. Show me what you truly feel. Let the world know!” Ghurstown, before the riots.]

Chase wasn’t fully sure what to make of Temper Tantrum. But he had an idea. Emotions on a battlefield already ran high. Amplified several times over? That would make for some very angry or afraid enemies.

[Mine Now!

Epic, Liberty rogue

Tier Five

Active, instant

Most often, proper preparation decides the outcome of a conflict. At times, those very preparations may turn against you. When activated, this card steals every positive buff from hostile wielders within a fifty-foot radius and applies them to the wielder, with their original effects and durations intact.

“Yoink!”]

This last one, Chase thought would be a good gamechanger, if he ever managed to be surrounded. Not only would it strip his enemies of their advantages, it could also, with enough buffs, make him virtually undefeatable for a while.

He smiled to himself. He had done what he could. Now, they would see this through.

That night, few people slept. In the morning, as an evil omen, above the rise overlooking Salvation, dust clouds indicated what was to come.

The Lightborn army had arrived.

Sera stood in Execution Plaza surrounded by people. Closest to her, were Liam, Cilia and the others. Then came the rest of what would likely become the new Liberty government in time. Nearly as one, they looked to her. Over the last few days, almost all detractors had either joined her side, or jumped ship entirely. Dante fled the city a day or two earlier.

You would think with the incoming army, that the people still remaining in the city, were either die-hard in denial, refusing to see the danger, hoping to weather the invasion in safety somewhere, or ready to fight. Yet, there was still a sensation of incredulity in the air, of indecision.

The open area was filled to the brim, crowd standing shoulder to shoulder, all of them looking toward the Wellsprings, looking for words, for hope or guidance.

Sera stepped up. With a step as light as a feather she leapt unto the knee, then the shoulder of Kith’s statue. There, she stood, as securely as if she was on the ground, looking over the crowd ahead of her while the burgeoning wave of sound slowly died down.

Her voice arrived clearly through the loudspeaker cube, sincere and firm. “There are times in our lives, where we are tested. Where we – deservedly or not - wind up in situations where we will have to prove our worth, to ourselves and to the world at large. Some of us are tested more than once. Yet, everybody here today is, through no fault of our own, faced with the same test.” She pointed straight south. “Within hours, the Lightborn army will be right outside Salvation. They are going to do their very best to do what the Lightborn nobility does best. Subdue those they think below them and take anything they want for personal gain.”

She shook her head. “I was a Lightborn noble myself. I had to fight, to run in order to evade that fate. I thought I had escaped it already. Yet now, they are back. And this time, I am not going to run!”

A mutter ran through the crowd.

“We came to Liberty with ill intentions - for personal gain. I readily admit as much. We decided to stay and tie our lot to that of Salvation when it became fully clear that there is so much worth fighting for here. A nation of people who are willing to toil and sacrifice for others before themselves. Selfless, strong fighters, who will aid even without being asked. Salvation. You are beautiful, and I wish I would have had the chance to meet you in better times!”

She shook her head sadly and her voice ditched the wistfulness and grew in intensity. “Yet, we are not allowed to choose when we are tested. Today, we will all face the ultimate test. Some of us will run. Some will not. Yet, where I should be afraid, I instead find myself optimistic, looking to the future with open eyes.”

Her arm shot out, steady, pointing at Chase and the others. Kith froze mid-movement as he was scratching his head, a ridiculous caricature as he leaned up against his own statue. “These four. They were hard-boiled criminals, ready to rob you for coin, for a scrap of food, living in the worst slums of the Lightborn empire. Yet, now, they are here, putting themselves on the frontline, standing between you and the invaders.”

She moved her arm, indicating a group of Lightborn, decked out in armor and weaponry, standing in an uneasy group in the square. “Indebted. Those are supposed to be among the worst criminals among the Lightborn, enslaved, forced to fight in an attempt to redeem their crimes. Yet, now that they have been freed, have they run back home? No, they are right here, next to us, fighting your fight!”

That got more than just a low mutter. Scattered applause even broke out here and there.

Sera ignored them all. Her arm moved again. “Liberty rebels! A mixed group of those fleeing from regular Liberty society, those trying to work against rules they saw as unfair, and those trying to gather up in arms. Many of them have toiled in horrible camps for years, thought lost to us all. Only weeks ago, the Savior talked about them, naming them all criminals. Now, we can see that they were the ones who were brave enough to stand up for what they believed in.” She paused her impassioned speech and huffed. “My opinion doesn’t really matter here, though. I’m an outsider, and I have neither the experience or the right to judge them. What I do know is that, even with everything life has flung at them, they are still here, ready to stand up, in order to protect all of you. To protect the freedom for each and every one of us.”

“We have managed to secure a lot of things that would not have been possible just weeks ago. Right behind me, we have the united crafters of Salvation, ready to hand out their combined works, armor and weapons for anybody willing to fight. We even have crafted one-time-use items from Cilia, the Tier four crafter who helped slay the Savior.”

Her voice grew somber, even as she smiled. “For those of you who are still undecided: I cannot make the decision for you. I can only say, with absolute certainty, that this is the moment where you are being tested, like you have never been before. We have the tools needed to defend us all. We need willing hands to take us there. So, I need to ask, no, beg you all.” She paused, letting her earnest gaze slide over the entire convocation, before asking softly. “Salvation. Will you face your test head-on? Will you fight for Liberty?”

The roar that answered her rang to the heavens.

***

Liam and Chase stood side by side, facing the invading army. The Lightborn had taken their time, advancing slowly, scouts carefully moving first, looking for ambushes and traps.

Truth be told, they’d planned a good many different traps, especially for the path down the hillside. However, they’d eventually judged the decline to be too soft to create any truly efficient traps. If a trap failed, the army would be able to just go off the paved road and choose any way across the open ground down to Salvation.

Now, the Lightborn army was in place, and they looked the part. They might have arrived as part of different noble contingencies. Yet, Beforant had clearly imposed his own view of formations on them, because they were lined up outside the city in tight, impressive formations, armors shining, pennants waving.

There had been some changes from their marching order. Each and every large unit held both close combat fighters, ranged fighters at the back and, somewhere at their center, others who might be both summoners, casters or clerics. It looked like there were about twenty of these units in total, each of them sporting nearly a thousand soldiers.

There were no indebted.

They’d had rogues with movement powers surrounding the army for the past number of days with loudspeaking items, shouting to anybody with ears that all indebted would be welcomed in Liberty society if they jumped ship. Once they started getting the indebted sorted out in Salvation, they added names to the list, as proof that they were indeed accepting them and getting to know them. Chase had spent a good while finetuning the Guardian settings on the Wellspring to ensure they wouldn’t attack the indebted in the city.

It had been a costly decision for the Lightborn, but at some point, the army had simply left a few hundred soldiers along with the thousands of indebted that the nobles had brought along, to ensure they wouldn’t rebel or be instantly freed.

The inquisitors had arrived as well. In a brilliantly white unit, their loose formation stood out among the razor-straight ranks of the soldiers. Thankfully, their numbers had not been inflated from the original group. Whatever relationship allowed Lord Beforant to treat the archbishop as his personal valet apparently did not extend to the nobles, and only a few additional white-clad fanatics were now shooting hateful glances at Liam and Chase from afar.

Now, the ranks shuffled aside, allowing two persons to walk forward. Two very familiar faces.

“You ever wonder where it went wrong?” Liam asked. “I mean, one day, I was flirting with the staff on Kev-san’s raft, helping you escape from the city guard. The next, we’ve got entire Fire-scoured empires wanting to chase us down. It feels like I blinked and missed a few connections.”

Chase chuckled. “Honestly, I’d say it means we’re doing something right. I mean, you don’t get the higher-ups all riled up unless you’re succeeding in whatever you’re doing!” He grimaced. “It does feel like we’re succeeding a bit too hard, though. I swear. If we make it through this, we’re taking a break for a year!”

“I’m with you there. It feels like it’s been ages since I had a break. Also, there’s a Tier three potter who says she really wants my input on her technique.”

Chase blinked, looking away from the arriving Lightborn. “A potter? Like, somebody who makes pots and jars? Just how are you able to help her?”

Liam’s gaze softened. “That was what I asked, too. She said that her technique was very hands-on and she would have to show me in person. Then she winked. She winked, Chase!”

Chase couldn’t help it. He doubled over with laughter. “I guess we have a reason to survive today, then. We can’t have you growing old without an education, can we?”

For a few seconds, the two were silent. Then Chase said softly. “Honestly. It’s been a good run. Thank you for everything.”

“Don’t make me all maudlin. We need our wits about us. Especially with… this.” He indicated the backpack placed on the ground between the two.

“I agree. I can’t believe Cil actually spoke in favor of this. She must be truly desperate.”

“Her and me both.” Liam eyed the backpack with a frown. “If things do go sideways, you know the drill. I’ll keep us both safe.”

“As you have ever done, brother.” Chase reached out and clasped him around the neck.

“Am I interrupting? That looks like a truly touching moment.” Euronimous Beforant had dressed for the occasion. His uniform was white and gold, pristine except for the long ranks of medals, ribbons and badges on the left breast. His shoulders carried golden epaulettes, polished to a near-blinding shine. It was all outdone by his glorious smile, though, self-satisfaction mixed with sheer joy of living. Beside him, the archbishop limped, shooting hateful glances at them, using a large, ornate staff with golden runes to carry him forward.

“The more the merrier, we usually say.” Chase shot. “I think, just this once, we could do without adding to the company, though.”

Euronimous slapped a hand over his heart, making his decorations jump. “I am hurt. Am I not wanted here? How sad.” His voice shifted in a split second. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe it, when I recognized you. I was dead sure you’d run away. I nearly had you last time.”

“That’s not how I remember it.” Chase grinned.

He washed away Chase’s comment with a wave of his hand. “Okay. Daylight is wasting, and I’m sure that you’ve got your Wellspring producing Dark Guardians-“

“Abominations.” The archbishop barked.

“Yes, yes, Archbishop. Now, do be silent for a while. I’ll let you know if you’re allowed to speak.” Beforant’s voice was playful, but held a dangerous edge.

“Why do you just take his abuse?” Liam asked. “Okay, I get that this guy’s somebody important and we’re supposed to be, like, the epic tome of evil-“

Euronimous burst into laughter. He managed in a strained voice. “Epic. Tome?”

“Sure. Saw it on one of your wanted scrolls back in lands of Light. Epic tome of evil. Means we’re supposed to be the worst, I think.”

The noble’s eyes glinted. “Yes. Of course. Please continue. This is wonderful.”

“What I mean is, you’re supposed to be the leader of the Church. That makes you important, too. If I had so-called friends who treated me like that, I’d do something about it. Why don’t you leave?”

“Oh, do answer that. This should be fun.” Euronimous said.

The archbishop spoke, his voice sounding every bit as tired as he looked. “It is not as simple as you would make it. You are, basically, kids and cannot be expected to understand. Sometimes, you are forced to deal with forces you would rather avoid, in order to obtain the results you desire.”

“Oh. Cilia’s talked about that. It’s like how you guys talk about how the Church of the Dark was consorting with demons and sacrifices to get what they wanted.” Liam nodded.

“What? No. That is not what this is like at all, you simpleton!” The archbishop erupted.

“No? Ah. I guess not. I mean, that was a lie the Church made up back then as an excuse to attack them and steal their cards.” Liam blinked. “Wait. Wouldn’t that make this twice as similar to back then?”

The archbishop’s face contorted as he tried to follow Liam’s logic.

Euronimous’ giggling laughter interrupted their stilted discussion. “As much as I am enjoying this titillating back-and-forth, we should likely get moving. Now. This is an official parley between the Lightborn and Liberty. You are, apparently, the chosen representatives for Liberty. Hence, it falls to you to provide the stance of the wonderful city spread out before us. Are we in agreement so far?”

“A bit more highbrow than I’m used to, but unless I misunderstand you, the answer is yes. We’re speaking for Liberty right now.” Chase said.

“Wonderful. Wonderful.” He rubbed his hands together. “In that case, I request the instant and abject surrender of the entirety of Liberty. Would you be so kind as to agree? It would allow me to skip all this tedious slaughter and go straight to my well-deserved payout. I do so look forward to seeing what I can do with Elemental cards. I have a feeling I would have a natural aptitude for Fire. What do you think?”

”I think you’re a lunatic, and the worst possible thing that could happen to any nation would be for you to land in a position of power.” Chase met the eye of the archbishop, who’d caught himself nodding along with the assessment. “But no. We do not agree.”

“Ah. How very sad.” Beforant clapped his hands together with a bright smile. “In that case-“

“Wait. Wait just a damned moment.” Chase held up his hand. “There is one thing that we need to discuss before you start attacking us. Well, two things really. We’ll start with the most overhanging. Last time we met, you tried attacking us. There is one good reason why you shouldn’t do that.”

Euronimous laughed, a dangerous light in his eyes. “In my defense, you were right there in front of me. Just like this time, except I have prepared for any surprises. But do go ahead. Why should I not try to kill you right away?”

“Except for this being a parley? Aren’t we supposed to all be nice about these things?” Liam shot.

“Please.” Chase snorted. “People like him only care about rules when they work in their favor.”

Lord Beforant smiled brilliantly, not gainsaying him in the least.

“The reason you should not attack us is that the backpack right here at our feet contains a large container of very, very volatile materials. Materials that, if jostled, are going to leave us all pasted across a large area of these so-very-well-made paving stones. And I swear, in the name of my mother, whoever she may be, if you attack us, the last thing I’ll do is kick that container right in your pretty face.” Chase snarled that last part, eyes locked with the noble.

Euronimous’ smile did not waver in the least. “Where have you been all my life? Usually, enemies are so dull!” He tapped his lip. “Desahl. You would be able to shield me from some large explosion, would you not?”

The archbishop looked at Liam, then gulped. “I… cannot be sure, without knowing what the substance is, Lord. My shield works best against aspected damage.”

“…Shame. Okay then, Chase. You have earned another few moments. What is your other reason we should not attack?”

“Honestly? Because it’s not going to end well for you.” Chase shrugged and pointed south. “What I didn’t tell you last time? We’ve long been in talks with both the Furyborn Elders and the high Elementalist about building a safe place for all. They know what’s going on right now, and are sending forces in this direction. Even if you succeed today, they’re going to find and end you. It’s going to end in tears for you.”

Euronimous’ eyes widened. Then he flung back his head and laughed. “Oh, that is just wonderful. You all surprise me at every turn. Again, I am so sorry I will have to slaughter you.”

“But not sorry enough to stop.” Liam frowned.

“Now you’re catching up, young man.” Euronimous shook his head, eyes filled with mirth. “I am impressed. Unless you are lying, you managing to make deals with the two powers on Ordei who have been able to challenge the might of the Lightborn empire? It’s laudable. However, there is something you are not seeing. First off, you just made this reward even more tantalizing. Your Wellspring will have all five decks waiting for me? How could I not?”

Halting, he considered something, then pressed on. “Ah, but I forget myself. The odds are good that this is just a bluff and a diversionary tactic. A good bluff, and a believable one, but I cannot know. Regardless, it truly doesn’t matter. I think I’ll be pressing on ahead regardless.”

“Why?” Chase growled. “Why the Pits would you go ahead with something as costly as an invasion, if you actually believe that I’m right.”

“Ah. It’s simple. Once I’ve won and have my decks, I don’t need to win. I simply need to make it back home. Even if you aren’t lying. Why would I need to stay with the army? My dear archbishop and I should have no trouble escaping an army who has no clue where we are, am I right? Once I’m home, having Fury and Elemental armies marching about in Liberty lands, far away from home, would just make my life easier for me.” He beamed with the satisfaction of a child who just got a difficult question right.

Chase looked at Liam and then at the archbishop. Both returned his stare with their own, both showing nothing but abject terror. This insane bastard would not balk at sacrificing thousands of lives, as long as he got what he wanted.