TVC II Chapter 3 - The Second Council

[The Dread King]

Morturion heard a mental scream from Defiance that sent a chill down his spine. Someone had attacked him - but who? Morturion had a nasty suspicion of who had, but he resolved that he was going to find out, instead of simply guessing and letting off the scumbag who'd done it scot free.

He flew the worm up to the great doors of Drakenhof. Despite their enormity, this entrance was going to be a difficult squeeze. The guards had the sense to step slightly aside, and Morturion dismounted. Inch by inch, the wyrm slowly pushed itself through the door, eventually removing itself from the entry doors of Drakenhof. After it, Morturion marched, and his army marched behind him. The wyrm twisted through the corridors of Drakenhof as if they were tunnels.

After spending a long time walking, Morturion found the entrance to the throne room. The doors were still in pieces after Graveclaw's attack, and the corridor widened out, allowing Morturion to step in front of the wyrm. He duly paid his respects to the mighty lords in the room. "Lord Rowhaine," he bowed, "lords Regent and Imperator," he bowed twice more in quick succession, still standing in the doorway. "Might I bring another guard in to replace..."

Morturion was about to say Defiance, and then he saw the lesser necromancer lying unconscious on the floor. Worse still, Nekhlior was standing nearby.

A small part of Morturion reflected that it might have been wiser to look around the room before stepping out from behind his wyrm.

 

[the hidden one]

Igor started at the approach of the giant worm, instantly recognizing it from the battle before. Waiting for the champion to respond to him had taken long enough, as he was obviously with others.

His first instinct was to go beneath his cloak, and start stabbing the necromancer multiple times, but he restrained himself...with difficulty. That idiot. He brings a "guard" with him that is actually a giant worm? He realizes that he will probably be attacked by Nekhilor anyway I guess, and seeing how efficiently he dealt with his pet necromancer, I might have brought backup too. Igor thought, all the while backing slowly into the shadows. I would rather watch the fireworks from safety then be caught in the crossfire.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Why have you not acted?

‘Politics.’

Before Rowhaine had the chance to properly reply to the various introductions arguments had ensued, and as he had hoped they seemed swiftly dissolved. Unlike last time the Carsteins had taken action, and as was their right in their home, Rowhaine had not interfered.

‘The Carsteins reign here. To attempt to take over and be as brash as some of those here would have only given the wrong impression.’

You learnt many things uniting the cities of Nehekhara my love

‘Indeed’ thought Rowhaine as he heard the Regent speak to him.

“I thank you for your courtesy Regent,” Rowhaine spoke, with the relevant courtesies provided, it was now time to call things into order. However once more before he could speak things took a turn for the worse, finally resulting in the presence of the Morturion with the newly resurrected corpse of the Wyrm he had defeated outside.

However it seems some of your kind do not learn so swiftly. That twisted one is rapidly earning the ire of all present

“I believe that is enough,” Rowhaine spoke, his rich tone effortlessly cutting across those that still spoke amongst themselves, “this meeting is dissolving as swiftly as the first did, and yes I am fully aware of the events that proceeded the unexpected battle outside. Either you are here through an invitation, or in some cases by interception or delegation. Whichever it may be, an invitation to such a Council warrants courtesies and respect, even if you not feel that some present have not earned it. In short, those who cannot control their tempers or their tongues should leave now.”

Rowhaine stepped forward, godly aura flowing gently around the room. To mortals it touch was of bliss, however to the undead it was decidedly less uncomfortable.

“I called together this Council because of a dire need. Ten years ago such a Council saved the Old World from utter annihilation, annihilation which it faces once more even though many do not realise it. However this time the power of the dead, our power, for the mortals and dead of Nehekhara are once more united, is severely waning. Thus I come to you with what information I have, in hope that once more a Council can resolve such issues.

However do not have any misconceptions. Whilst all on the Council have a choice, have a say, such events as today cannot and will not be permitted. There is a greater goal here that is bigger than all of us, despite what some may feel. If we fail, it is likely within a scarce few years Necromancy as we know it will cease to exist, the Lords of the Night will lose their strength.

We are prepared to do whatever is necessary. Ramon was chosen by the people of Nehekhara. He was chosen by the gods. I trained him, respected him, trusted him. Yet for the greater good we made the necessary sacrifice as many of you saw. That should make it clear to all our resolve and the importance of the task to come.

It should also make it abundantly clear that fools will not be suffered gladly.”

Rowhaine stopped in front Morturion, golden eyes staring into the deep sockets. By unseen command the Ushabti moved as one, drawing their weapons. Behind them Anya walked, chanting platitudes to Neru. For a brief moment it would have seemed as if the Necromancer had met his end, before the warriors carved into the twitching Wyrm with cold detachment. The enchanted blades combined with the dispelling of Neru made short work as Rowhaine held the Necromancer’s gaze.

“There will be no further interruptions of this kind. “ There was no threating tone, nothing to show that any further action would be taken. If he so wished Morturion was free to cast his magicks, commanded the Wyrm to attack back……..yet it was clear that such actions would not be taken lightly by the Champion.

“If anyone feels that they cannot work in such a fashion, then I thank you for your time and request you to leave. Those who wish to remain, do so under agreement that a level of civility is maintained and as such we can proceed with the meeting proper.”

 

[Mello]

Alastor smiled to himself. Morturion had finally been put in his place. The gratification was shortlived however as Rowhaine started speaking to them all. Not only was the speech itself, as all speaches are, mind-numbingly dull and over-done. Alastor never knew why people had to engage in such silly small talk. Not only that but Rowhaine gave out this.. air of.. life almost. It got under his skin and it felt like his body wanted to abandon his soul, and it was tearing at his insides. It wasn't painful as such, just discomforting to the extreme, he hopped from foot to foot trying to shake it. Maybe he could speed things on a little.

"Thankyou Rowhaine. Maybe you can get on to details, I can't see anything us lowly lot have to add here, other than assent, so please continue."

He shifted his feet again, and added half-guiltily.

"I have somewhere to be soon anyway.."

 

[Malochai]

To Shah, Rowhaine’s voice was deep and commanding, and instantly his respect for the Champion grew immeasurably. He didn’t lose his temper, as the Lion had been wont to do since once more entering the Hall of Drakenhof, but spoke eloquently and powerfully. However, the one thing that Markus didn’t appreciate was the aura that radiated from him; it made his skin crawl and whilst he couldn’t quite put his finger on what made him less than comfortable, there was definitely something.

The second demise of the Wyrm also pleased Shah; it’s presence was disconcerting given that not long ago they had been fighting it. An approving nod was given. Once the Champion stopped, Markus stepped forward gracefully, like his personas namesake, and as he opened his mouth to speak, he heard the voice of Alastor.

The arrogance he perceived grated on him; the man he spoke to was a member of the first Council, Champion of Asaph and a true power who had helped the living to return to Nehekhara, as well as unite them with the dead. ‘If only we were all so ... Skilled,’ he thought to himself. He did manage to keep himself contained, attempting to ensure that he retained his place and was not removed for speaking too bluntly to the young fool.

“Champion, your honesty speaks volumes,” he began slowly, “We did fight, and it is clear we would only undo ourselves if we continued on such a path. I shall attempt to reign myself in, in the hope others shall join me.”

The Lion strode forward again, until he was in the centre of the Hall, and turned slowly as he spoke. “As many of you must know, Rowhaine is right! Our powers - that which sustains us! - is failing; my own gets have told me they feel their necromantic power failing already. Here, I pledge that I will serve the Council to combat this threat. I shall serve no single man, be he mortal or vampire, but the interests we stand for here!”

With that, he stepped back to the side of the room, where Lukas joined him, stood slightly behind to show his support. ‘The man is loyal,’ he told himself, smiling slightly. ‘And he is more than competent ... He may well be ready.’

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl smiled looking pleased and leant back in the throne, crossing his arms across his chest.
The Regent's part was done and so he was content to sit back and watch the council's actions.

--------

Dieter nodded at Rowhaines words, his expression serious.

"That seems fair." he agreed his gaze on the champion despite the revulsion he felt for the Divine Warrior.

He glared at Alastor for his impudence but said nothing, it was not his place besides the council hardly needed more arguing.

Instead he simply listened to Shah before nodding.
"Indeed. Whilst I have little sense for such things even I can sense the fading power of Necromancy. I am sure that everyone here realises the need for this council is significant. I will dutifully serve with this Council in the place of the Lord Regent."

---------

Nekhlior hissed quietly and passed a hand over his eyes as Rowhaine's aura visibly blazed with painful brightness to the Necrarch's witchsight, at the same time the aura washed over the Nekhlior's flesh paining the ancient vampire slightly.

The Champion's words caused Nekhlior to flinch as his deep voice grated on the Necrarch's senses for even they where tinged with the power of the hateful Gods.

However these discomforts paled in comparison to how annoyed Nekhlior felt as he watched Rowhaine reprimand Morturion.
"Now if I attempt to kill the Necromancer it will be I who appears unreasonable." he thought to himself miserably

"Although knowing Morturion he will likely do something to annoy everyone again soon and then perhaps I'll have my chance." he mused cheering himself up.

Listening to Alastor Nekhlior had to suppress a smile, Rowhaine did seem to grandiose the petty mortal slaves of the Gods. They where only humans despite whatever power they may wield.
Who cared about the death of this Ramon anyway? At least Rowhaine used to be a vampire, that made him interesting.

Also he had been important to Lesa and was still important to Katie.
It confused Nekhlior why that felt like it mattered but it did.

Nekhlior pulled his attention back to the others but as Shah spoke, some long-winded way of stating he agreed, he found himself bored again.

Nekhlior turned his gaze to look at Anya curious about the woman's purpose and position as she was clearly not one of Rowhaine's pious warriors. A priestess perhaps?

When Shah had finished Nekhlior nodded.
"I also shall commit to this endeavour." he rasped.

 

[The Dread King]

Morturion gritted his teeth as his wyrm was destroyed, but there was nothing he could do against Rowhaine here in Drakenhof. Not yet, anyway. But I intend for that to change. "I was going to use that," he muttered. Looking at Rowhaine, he said, "That could have been used as a prototype for a race of giant wyrm's to help the council. I assure you that there will be no further...actions like it's ressurection while I am here, but I hope you will appreciate that I needed it for protection from certain people. I didn't hear of any deaths occurring in meetings of the previous Vampire Council, but it seems someone has already taken the opportunity to harm my servant," he said, pointing at the dying form of Defiance. He used one hand to create a magical force that dragged it towards him.

"I hope that I may have the wyrm's remains when you and your servants are...done with it?" Morturion winced as it was sliced in half. "I want to investigate to see exactly what animated it, but I think I know what force corrupted it."

Morturion bent down and quickly lent a healing touch to Defiance. He wouldn't be getting up any time soon, but it would have to do for now. He stepped forward into the room, hoping against hope that Nekhlior wasn't going to attack him. "My lords and ladies of the night," he said loudly. "This problem with necromancy is most concerning. I, for one, have not been idle these last ten years. Many experiments - most of them on spirits - have been conducted in my tower, and, as I stated before, but only to some, the souls of the undead seem - withered, flaking somewhat. Like decaying pastries that have been left in the sun for too long."

Morturion started to pace around the room slowly. "It is clear to me that Nagash's death has brought about this wane in necromancy. But many would ask why this is. He was no the source of necromantic magic; the winds all flow from chaos. However, as one who knew him quite well, I can tell you that he seemed to be holding something back. A malevolent force that was and is tugging at necromancy, and now Nagash is truly dead, there is no-one to stop this force dragging necromancy from the world entirely."

"I have my theories as to what this force is, but they are little more than speculations." Morturion smiled sinisterly, knowing what he was about to say was likely to shock Kraskor, if the fool had the sense to understand Morturion's upcoming question. "One event could prove to be supporting of my theories...the mysterious absence of Vekarin Banespike, who showed unexpectedly gargantuan prowess in the battle for Nagashizzar. Could you kindly tell us where he is, Lord Rowhaine, or are you not certain?" From the glint in Morturion's eye, it was clear that he thought he knew the answer; like a vulture waiting for a wounded animal to die, Morturion awaited confirmation of his suspicions from the Champion of the Nehekharan Gods.

 

[Count Darvaleth]

Kraskor snarled. He wasn't going to let Morturion bring him back down to his level, not again.

"If you mean to accuse my sire of something not one of you can prove, then you're too late. This vampire," Kraskor threw a derogatory hand in Kenshiro's direction, "Has already tried to spread that lie. Vekarin Banespike saved the entire Old World, something you seem to have quickly forgotten." Kraskor simmered down a little.

"We all owe him a great debt."

 

[Mello]

Alastor furrowed his brow and growled.

"Please, please, PLEASE stop bickering!!" he shouted suddenly.

"I know I'm probably being offensive again, but I hardly know when and when not to speak, so I apologise. Now can we discuss Necromancy? It is why we are here, not to argue about the fate of a great or not-so-great vampire, depending on your view.

Just.. lets get the facts we know about this waning of necromancy out into the open. Then, in my limited knowledge, that's how we can begin formulating a plan. If we encounter insults or political differences on the way, how about we ignore them for the sake of focussing on the task at hand?"

Alastor hurmphed, thousands of years old and still they bicker like 10 year olds.

 

[Malochai]

The Lion nodded at what Alastor had to say, and yet he couldn't help but feel for Kraskor; he was clearly suffering delusions about the invulnerability of Vekarin - 'Everything can be corrupted,' he thought resentfully, scowling slightly.

"Brother of my blood, there is no point denying the possible. Better to admit it could be a possibility now. Then, if it is true, you will not be so vulnerable. What could you gain by outright denying it, beyond some personal comfort." The vampire strode forward until he stood not two feet from the other Blood Dragon.
"Brother, when did you last speak to Vekarin? How do you know that he is still how you think of him? I do not wish to offend you, but ... You are Kraskor Banespike, get of Vekarin Banespike, student of Nekhlior - Live in this world!"

He shook his head and moved back slightly. "Accept the possibility." With a nod, the vampire stared back at him, waiting for an outburst and tensing slightly.

 

[the hidden one]

Igor, now sad that he had not gotten the chance to see Nekhilor and the necromancer duel, strode back out of the shadows.

"You must accept the fact that everything can be corrupted Kraskor. I was not on the first council, nor have I ever met Vekarin. I was in Tilea, and was payed to be there for certain...duties. I do know that your sire is probably the greatest warrior alive today, as I highly doubt that he has died, and that there is no good in denying a possibility, as terrible and unlikely as it may be. That would just be foolish."

 

[Bounce]

Elanor shivered as Rowhaine stepped forward, her flames extinguishing themselves. The so called champion of the gods had a strange aura about him and Elanor quickly stepped back towards the wall and watched with immense satisfaction as he chopped up Morturion s fleshworm. Hopefully he would learn his lesson. She then listened carefully as Kraskor and the others spoke about someone named vekarin. So many names she had not heard. It made her feel ignorant and she didn't like that. Kraskor was not taking it well that his sire could have sided with the dark gods. Elanor was more used to such betrayals, it was easy enough to believe but she said nothing. No point angering the blood dragon.

 

[Count Darvaleth]

Now Shah and Igor came forward too, both trying to fool Kraskor. Trying to deceive him.

Lies.

Something Shah said softened Kraskor's scowl, however. "I last spoke to my sire before the Great Battle... I haven't seen or heard from him since," said Kraskor, a little mournfully. But as the words of both vampires turned back to the subject of Vekarin's loyalty, any momentary weakness was hardened into unfeeling stone. Kraskor's jaw set again, his eyes smouldering.

"As Alastor here says, I do not believe throwing baseless and false accusations around the room are going to help us solve the problem," snarled Kraskor, "Nobody has come forward with any evidence, so far, to support this outlandish claim. I am sure the Lords Imperator and Regent would be equally disbelieving if they were told Lord Vashanesh had been a secret Chaos worshipper all along."

Kraskor looked first at Shah, then at Igor. "I feel no vulnerability from the knowledge that my sire is no traitor, only strength. Did either of you ever meet him? Did either of you see him fight Nagash...?" Banespike's voice trailed off a little as he remembered the Great Battle.

"Let's... let's just get on with solving Necromancy. Shall we?"

 

[Sweeney Todd]

Kenshiro chuckled inwardly, though one could not tell by looking at him. Those Blood Dragons could be such blinkered fools sometimes, and this one in particular...Kraskor definitely had some 'parental' issues that went well beyond the normal relationship between a get and his sire. Still, willful ignorance could be useful sometimes. Apparently, Kenshiro's concern about the effect Morturion's insinuations would have on Kraskor were unnecessary from the beginning. The respect he had lost in the Blood Dragon's eyes were by far a secondary concern though, and he was unperturbed by such a development.

"We should continue this conversation later, when some of your former comrades are around. So, Rowhaine, how do you propose we solve the problem you have mentioned?" Kenshiro said casually, focusing his gaze on Kraskor for a moment before switching his full attention to the Champion.

 

[The Dread King]

"Well, first," Morturion said, taking in Kenshiro's question, "We will need to isolate the cause of this problem with necromancy, to stop it escalating further. We will also need to try to reverse what damage has already been done to us, if this is possible. I have told you some of what I know; perhaps others could share their views with the rest of the Council, so we could compile our findings and draw a solution from it?" The words Morturion had just said were not rude, but his thoughts were still somewhat unpleasant: Tell me what you know, you base creatures of the night; I want to get something out of this meeting, otherwise the effort put into my journey and subsequent ordeal has all been made for naught.

 

[The Raven Lord]

The Champion of the Gods had managed to calm the Council. That was an impressive feat, thought Peter. How long the peace would last was another matter entirely. Meetings such as this tended to break down very quickly, unless the Lords and Ladies of the Night had a common enemy to face. So far, none had been presented...

"Yes Kenshiro, you raise a good point. What is draining the Necromancy from the world?" Peter asked Rowhaine, "I assume it has something to do with our defeating Nagash all those years ago..."

 

[the hidden one]

Dismissing Kraskor as a lost cause, Igor strode away from him. Fool...he can believe what he wants, I have tried to warn him of what could be, he thought.

 

[Count Krieger von Blutstein]

Precisely when the reformed worm was being hacked apart for the second time, a large swathe of clouds passed slowly the night sky over Castle Drakenhof, and two small bats flew down out of it and into the halls of the ancient keep. Of course, no one really noticed this, as the air was already full of bats. Two more hardly made a difference.

It was when the bats flew into the chamber which the Council occupied that things become, well, surreal.

One bat fluttered down through the shadows and hovered unobtrusively above Simon von Carstein's chair.

The second bat flitted near the prone form of the injured Necromancer.

The two harmless creatures stayed where they were, and with all the heated discussion in the room, no one really bothered to give them more than a cursory glance. Bats in Castle Drakenhof? Who knew?

Of course, one bat reforming into a flame-haired young man in simple but elegant clothing in the middle of an important conversation...

"Oi! Alroy! This wizard is almost dead! Too bad he is not a tender young lass, we might have had lunch!" the vampire cried, poking the man's body repeatedly with his foot.

"I wonder who he is, Aidan. Let us ask this gentleman below my knees. He looks in charge and important!" said the other bat, who was also now a vampire, who had decided to finish his sentence by leering upside-down-ways into Simon von Carstein's face from his perch atop the important and in charge vampire's chair.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Dieter's large blade was a blur as it slashed through the air and stopped only an inch from Alroy's throat.

"Permission to kill the intruders my lord?" Dieter requested calmly.

Karl held up a hand and shook his head.

Looking at Rowhaine, his expression cold.
"More of your 'guests' champion?" the Regent asked sounding displeased.

These are the sort of fools Rowhaine invited for this mission? Perhaps his judgement had faded when his power grew. Karl wondered silently.

 

[Count Krieger von Blutstein]

Alroy simply grinned even more rogueishly, winking cheekily at Simon von Carstein, of all people, before he was a whir of shadows and finally a bat again. Near instantly, he was beside his brother and a vampire once more. The two laughed uproariously at something as they made eye contact, and bowed toward the three thrones.

"We are the Fanged Jesters, Aidan and Alroy, my Lords!"they said in unison, gesturing grandly and linking arms. "We heard how magnificent you were, Lords von Carstein, and how there was another council! So we wanted to help! What fun!" they explained.

"So here we are, to offer what aide we can, in endeavorsLARGEorSMALL, and only for the fun and games of it all in return!" they continued, Aidan growing into an over-sized, well-overmuscled beast of what somewhat resembled a Crypt Horror and Alroy becoming a diminutive Wraith no larger than a housecat. As they finished and returned to normal, or what passed for it, they pulled a large block of taffy each out from beneath their respective cloaks and began gnawing through it steadily. As they chewed, they looked expectantly toward the Von Carsteins for a reply.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"They test my temper with their disrespect, especially that one," Phahotep muttered to Lhomak as the Ushabti returned to their place. Lhomak agreed, the necromancer was singularly annoying, even moreso when he decided to answer a question directed at the Champion with the ramblings of his own about the nature of Necromancy.

"It is a wonder the Champion has retained his temper," Anya agreed, moving next to them. No longer hiding she now stood tall and proud in full view, as befitted her status.

"I would have wondered had he indeed lost his temper," Phahotep returned, "I have heard that no person has ever seen him angry, in fact many wonder whether his gifts allow him to feel emotion at all." For a moment they regarded the Chosen of their Gods, each wondering just how different or perhaps above them he really was.

The vampires started to bicker for a moment, however it swiftly ended when the two new vampires, appeared. As Rowhaine stirred the Ushabti stood ready to heed his words.

Firstly Rowhaine turned to the newcomers, eyes regarding them for the moment.

"I do not know you, nor did I invite you. It seems that this clandestine meeting has become anything but. As for your offer of assistance, whilst I have no objections you have trespassed on the lands of Carsteins without their leave. As such I leave it to them to decide your fates."

Rowhaine turned to the others,

"Firstly, I thank those who commit themselves to the cause. I have hopes that together we can indeed resolve this, however I will warn you that to say it will be difficult is an understatement.

For sometime now we have all noticed the decline in necromantic energies. Not only in the ability to draw and manipulate such energies, but also in those who are imbued with such power. I will not press the matter as I know to admit to such.....decay is not in the nature of many, however it is a simple fact.

There was no one who could pinpoint the cause, not even the Liche Priests of Khemri who have existed longer than the first of the vampire kind and are perhaps only second in the knowledge of death to Nagash. However in the end the truth was revealed.

Asaph, of whom I am her chosen, told me of much, although even some is beyond the sight of the Nehekharan gods, challenged as they are by the Dark Powers. Nagash, was more than just the creator of the art, he was in some way bound to it, and in turn so was the art to he. It was this connection that made his power so immense, connected in such a direct way to the arcane winds. It also explained many things, such as why the Undead stirred whenever his presence returned to this realm.

There was no way to know, but in permanently destroying Nagash the first Council in fact set in motion a turn of events that will eventually lead to the destruction of all those truly not alive.

Though for many this would be a cause for celebration, we do not wish this. The dead and the living now work in harmony in Nehekhara, and in truth the dead are needed to support our lands. However this is not the only reason for the urgency of our task.

The power was declining, however at a level that would still have taken many years to fully disappear. As such we at first decided to see what we could do on our own. That was until there was a......disturbance. The power seemed not to be disappearing any more, but being subverted. Still all of the Undead were loosing their strength and finally a discovery was made.

All new type of Necromancy has come forth. It somehow uses the same arcane winds as Nagash's Necromancy, and whilst it is weak it grows ever stronger. As it grows stronger, so it drains power from the Necromancy created by Nagash. This new type cannot be used by mortal, vampire or liche. In fact we have only ever seen one who can use this new strength.

The followers of Tzeentch."

Rowhaine stopped for a moment to allow all to digest what he had just said, before he continued.

"I know this may be hard to believe, however for those gifted enough, instruction can be provided to sense the changes in the winds and confirm for yourselves. We do not know how, but we believe the Changer of Ways is somehow in the process of taking over the connection to Necromancy, and as such making it only usable to his followers.

This....transfer for wont of a better word, is speeding up the decay of Nagash's Necromancy, and we believe that the time we have left to fix this problem has been much reduced.

All of you are also aware of the new incursion by the Chaotic powers. It is said that a Champion of Tzeentch leads them, and it is of no doubt that with this new strength the follows of the Dark Gods feel they finally have the power to destroy all who oppose them."

Rowhaine stopped once more, silent as he allowed those around him to muster their thoughts.

 

[The Dread King]

The new arrivals were fools, but at least they were a different kind of fools, Morturion reflected. He hoped the Ushabti's whisperings that he had just seen were not about him: I want some of the dammed fools on my side, at least.

Morturion paled as Rowhaine told the Council his knowledge. It was as the necromancer had feared. Tzeentch's power was on the rise, and on a scale so terrifying to Morturion that perspiration beaded on his brow.

"Tell me, Rowhaine...may I have these instructions? And who...who is this new champion...of Tzeentch?" Morturion said, voice wavering with fear.

 

[Malochai]

It was with difficulty that Markus stopped himself from arguing with Kraskor further; the fool clearly had issues with Vekarin's disappearance. His last words, after being silent for Rowhaine's speech, were - "And you present no evidence to suggest it is impossible!"

Ignoring the mutterings of the Ushabti - 'They will follow Rowhaine's command to the death,' - and only waiting for the moment that Morturion finished his question, Shah stepped forwards and spoke once more to the Champion. "I am no wizard nor sorceror, and am not adept at the minor manipulation of the Aethyr I can manage. I do, however, know that my Coven are affected, and it grieves me to see."

Turning the face the others once more, he continued. "I am a ruler, and a warrior. I will aid this Council however I can ensure that our powers are restored - Nagash was defeated by the hands of ourbrethren! If Rowhaine is correct - and I believe there are none here who can present evidence to disprove that - then we fight a deadly foe, one who will test us to the limits, and beyond. I am willing to endure this for our peoples. I hope the rest of us can put aside our differences to allow us to work together ... Although of course, I hold no authority here beyond that of a guest."

With that, he turned and bowed slightly to both Rowhaine and Karl as Regent, and made his way back to Lukas at the side of the Hall. He was staggered when he heard the mortal say:- "Lord ... I think I am ready," None of his other gets had been so presumptuous, but then it was of common knowledge that Lukas was higher in his esteem than nearly all others in his seven hundred year life. Turning slightly to look at the mortal, the vampire nodded slightly, surprising himself. The mortal nodded grimly, and then turned his stoney face towards the centre of the room, looking impassive as the Council proceeded. The vampire was pleased; he had chosen well.

 

[the hidden one]

"Tzeench...that is most...troubling. It makes sense in a fashion, but still, that makes the knowledge no easier to know." Igor said, to no one in particular.

 

[Dark_Wolfen]

Nimrais groaned as the two new vampires had entered the room. "Are all these fools actively trying to kill themselves? Atleast I had the sense to not draw any unwanted attention," she thought to herself.

As Rowhaine finished speaking, Nimrais wasn't sure what would happen. She hardly understood any of it all, it made so little sense to her.

"What does Tzeentch want with necromancy that he doesn't already have?" she asked the Champion.

"And more importantly, what do we do to stop it? I can't really see us all marching against chaos or challenging the dark gods themselves! And from what I understand, bringing back Nagash to bring stability to the Necromantic powers isn't an option either."