Book 3: Chapter 51
Zayde
I shook my head. This was a bit much to see right now. I wasn’t out the loop… just surprised again that the Church’s Man King was a sovereign others could *actually* use as a good example...
That thought made me feel like a bigot child…
“Your highness…” Said Father Parez. “I can’t understand why you so casually accept terms like this…”
He was ignored; Lord Tyson continued.
“Blood for Blood demands compensation for the condition of Alteer. He would not be undead, and the boy, Hekki, and Zayde decrepit if not for a Hellsong. One will have the limb of their choosing removed, the other will be used as ingredients to heal Alteer, and you’re getting a good pop on the back of the head.”
“I volunteer myself to be slain.” Said Father Parez.
There was an uproar. The table was split between the bitter old men who wanted revenge for their nephew and brother, and the other Dark Witches, who *refused* to punish a non-guilty party.
They all got into a screaming match until grandfather raised his left hand. We of the Night Court, except Tyson, bowed our heads. I was still surprised he’d come here at all to be fair…
“You are invalid.” Said Gulteer. “The House of Yoltier refuses this Hellsong, as he saved the life of a Yoltier. It would be inhospitable. There is also the fact that we would waste blood for blood on a potential ally, and leave the vagabond breathing.”
“Then punish me to prevent more Hellsongs.” Said Father Parez.
“I agree with Gulteer Father. I will not punish innocent parties.” Said Lord Tyson. “I assume you attempt to save your brother’s life.”
“I do your majesty.” Bowed Father Parez. “If I cannot have my life taken, I would like to be castrated.”
We were all silent.
That made my balls hurt in solidarity.
“What the fuck mortal.” Said Tyson a little annoyed. “I won’t lay hands on you, invalid one.”
“I wish to be the last Hellsong proper. If I leave this room… even since I am unwilling, technology can force children I don’t want…. I don’t want to bring anymore Hellsongs into this world to Hate.”
“Then have a family. Mate a supernatural. It should invalidate all your line’s blessings.” Said Lord Tyson.
“I do not want that either…. I am walking punishment for your people… One lapse in concentration, and I will kill my wife, and slit her throat….My future babies too…Even if they are in their crib …”
“…. I’ve seen four Hellsongs do that in total, but none was more graphic than the one I witnessed my 4th life…,” Said Rodrick. “I had the displeasure of seeing it, but at the time as you can imagine, I was proud of all things.”
“I was raised and bred to be that very kind of weapon. The only reason how I figured out *how* to manage this curse, is through meditation that’s taken my entire life. It is a discipline none will ever know… Well maybe a behimoth user… I heard they must battle their mind regularly. I battle mine even in my sleep.”
“We do.” I confirmed. “Even now, my desire is to shift to regain my strength.”
That really wasn’t an exaggeration either. I was drained… letting go would alleviate so much affliction…
“The town below would not be *quite* enough, but it would be a fine first course.” Said Haru. “Maybe a snack proper if I eat the buildings too…” he was legitimately thinking about it.
“There’s also the fact that you will lose your priesthood… these are *serious* charges.” Said Rodrick.
“I stand by my voluntary punishment.” He said standing proudly. “I *want* this. I know many will hate me, and I will likely be assassinated, but if there is to be peace, I can’t have one of my children, or grandchildren succumbing to the warrior’s blessing, and harming innocents… That is what *must* happen… I see the real change that’s about to come. There is no room for a Hellsong, nor untrained Yoltier in this world.”
“Then I honor his decision.” Said King Tyson.
“I do as well. As the True Witch King, I respect his conviction, though I request he remain with his people as a priest.” Said grandfather.
“On what grounds?” Asked Rodrick. He was annoyed that he was questioned.
“Castration is punishment enough.” Said Gulteer. “He ends his line to keep the peace. That’s good enough for me.”
“Then he shall remain in the Church.” Siad Rodrick. “But know this; if you make a mistake and send wolves to our doors, I will let them rip you apart.”
Father Parez bowed.
“Nanemous, fetch a Jekel. Tell them to warm the anesthetic, and prep for operation. I will do this in the operating room myself AFTER I run blood tests and make sure you don’t have any infections or mortal afflictions. I will not allow one who aided my people to suffer.” Said Gulteer standing firmly. “I’ve had my medical license since 1985, and renewed since.” He said looking at John, the most skeptical looking.
I wondered what his opinion was… but he would not speak without his King’s order.
“He would not do the same for you. You broke your oath Hellsong.” Said Lord Tyson, looking Father Hellsong in the eyes. “I can hear him belittle and bash your honor. It seems Arlen did not learn the same discipline you did. He will be the one to die.”
“Then I, Rodrick the Man King Excommunicate Arlen A. Hellsong. May the master and his brother give forgiveness and mercy…. Would you mind Charred One?”
Rodrick pulled out an iron X brand… that was meant for Hellsong’s neck….
Lord Tyson sighed. “I’m not a damn barbeque pit, but give it here.”
With his grip it was red hot in seconds.
“Could we *not* do this over my fucking marble floors?” Rasped Alteer….I was shocked he’d say it so boldly.
“Fuck.” Said Tyson with a grunt, “You went with *marble*?”
“It was Velimier’s choice.” He countered.
“Marble is *classy*, you big lizard.” Said Velimier, and there were chuckles.
“Classy my ass.” Said Alteer. “You *look* at white marble, and you’ll NEVER get the stain out.”
“I joke and warn people not to hurt its feelings.” Said Grandfather. “The Realm King’s castle is *white Calcutta* marble.” He said ‘Realm King’ not ‘young master’ because there are multiple masters of different generations. Human languages don’t have their titles, so most say little in front of it if the brother, grandson, or otherwise is known.
“The Palace of the Holy Seat… top to bottom, even the ceilings is veinless white marble.” Said the Man King.
The three groaned.
Hellsong sat there boldly. He said nothing, upholding his vow of silence.
“Since I need to process Arlen in the basement, we may as well take him there.” Said father, slightly changing the subject.
“And we can walk the long way to the medical wing after Father Parez reads rights to his brother.” Said Grandfather. “You have until that time to change your mind. After that, you may lose a good portion of your strength, and lose your vitality. Hunters and Quality priests rarely get sick. Should you wish, you may live within the town, or return home.”
Gulteer rang a small table bell, and all of us stood.
“A moment of silence for the fallen.” Said Gulteer. “A moment of respect for Blood for Blood. An Eye for and Eye… a limb for a limb. That the oldest of *all* laws be held in reverence…. That this is carried with compassion, not hatred. Hatred and anger is easy my sons, daughters, and demons… but justice in its purity is a holy thing.”
We did as we were told, and in groups of three we walked, with the three kings silently walking in front of us. Each step, Gulteer rang a large bell. Its pang hit and bounced off the walls. In silence many made their way to the Ritual Room yet again.
Though now with the mood so somber… this didn’t feel as sweet…
I didn’t feel as confident, nor angered… A brother is about to witness the death of his blood, and the ruin of his body, that he may never know what I have…
He will never hold his first child in his arms. He will never know what it’s like to be a father. I hate the Hellsongs for killing so many of my people, yet, I could not hate him. Honor to the future fallen was given, and had anyone gotten out of line, I think I’d have personally punished if they were from my coven.
My witches saw that.
My mate sat with her family, however, those injured were silently motioned to go to the center.
Arlen Hellsong was made to kneel, and bend his head forward. He defiantly stretched his neck out to be branded. The hatred in his eyes did not yield.
Rodrick scoffed. “Please hand me the Brand of Banishment.”
It was given, red hot.
“Brother, plead your case… I know you did wrong, but maybe-” Parez was cut off. His brother spat on his shoes.
“You have already been sentenced, but I must say something to your people.” Rodrick stood next to Gulteer, still shorter than him by a full head and shoulders. “The Church of the Light is of the Light, though some of his children behave as darkly as the monsters we hunt…. Death will come to those who disrupt the Treaty. I will not have my people persecuted for *your lack of self-control* and bigotry.” Rodrick hissed.
The moment the iron touched his skin he screamed. Rodrick dipped the iron in some water, and put it away.
“In life, you were addicted to your power. You made no effort to control what you possess; now you will have none…Dark Witches, I have done my duty. I hope we do not meet again; do with him as you see fit. You two aren’t the *only* ones who receive such a vicious blessing.” Rodrick said this coldly… He took his time leaving.
“I curse you.” Arlen spat, glaring Father Parez in the eyes with all the hate he had. “You are a disgrace. May you NEVER wear the name Hellsong ever again! May you ROT.”
Arlen began to cough black blood…. It seemed *he* was the one affected by his own curse….
“We will return Parez once he heals.” Said Gulteer. “Now…” He summoned and tapped his cane once. “Now my children, you may feast. I take my leave with Father Mario Parez; may none touch a hair upon his head, or I will remove yours from your shoulders.”
“You tried to curse a priest. How’s that working out for you?” Asked Father Rodrick casually, but coldly at the top of the stairs. “It seems the Lord of Light removes his grace off you. Enjoy feeling the full brunt of a witch den’s aura.”
That was the last time Arlen would see his king. Rodrick has no magic, so he just went up the long flight, probably already headed to the medical wing. I silently motioned Tinzaa to fetch Typhen as an escort.
Tensions are high and people are bitter… I don’t want idiots ruining the peace.
Arlen however, was grabbed by Alteer, and sucked dry well before his self-curse ruined his blood. He was a husk, while father looked alive. He shared the excess with us, mother first of course. I wasn’t fully renewed, but Father and Micael were.
I didn’t mind. With my reserves kickstarted, I should be fine come moonrise.
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