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The Center Cannot Hold - Graveyard Shift (Updated 2/15/07)
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<blockquote data-quote="Ed Gentry" data-source="post: 3346074" data-attributes="member: 41901"><p>Book 1, Chapter 4.</p><p></p><p> The Cathedral’s expansive courtyard was green and bright even in the dull light of the early evening. The serenity of the place was a stark contrast to the suffering outside the Cathedral’s walls. Tall but wide and solid, the Cathedral was located in the heart of the City though not at its center. Smooth, unmarred granite and marble climbed several stories before them as they continued toward the front door of the massive structure. Passing another set of guardsman, the Watch Captain leading them did not slow for even a moment. The dwarf Ruthen ran her hand across the smooth stone of the Cathedral as they approached the door and Edward thought he saw the hint of a smile on her lips. The great oaken door closed behind them as they continued on into a grand hall surrounded on either side by tall, smooth arches that led to offices where administration of the city and the church buzzed at the pace of panic. </p><p></p><p> Moving so quickly as to barely get a look at the place, the group climbed three sets of stairs to finally come to a foyer where the Captain they’d been following motioned for them to sit in delicate chairs made of a dark, polished wood. Edward declined to sit, wary of the weight of his armored form in the seat. Lesarius also stood, an impatient countenance riding his face. Kelsen and Ruthen sat, a seat separating them but said nothing. Ruthen’s eyes never stopped taking in everything around her as though she were waiting for something to happen and she fidgeted ever so slightly. Kelsen seemed a statue amidst the white walls of the waiting room. Edward marveled that they had been allowed to keep their weapons. His enormous greataxe still hung on his back, obscured by his cloak but Lesarious wore his large sword openly and the guards had not removed it.</p><p></p><p> After what seemed like an hour’s time had passed, nearby doors of a dark, red wood glided open. Lesarius did not wait for an invitation and the others followed him in. Edward went in last. A brightly lit but still dark and somber chamber waited on the other side of the doors. Heavy red drapes covered stained-glass windows and gold braziers dotted the walls. From floor to ceiling nearly everywhere he looked Edward saw bookshelves, heavy with the burden of what looked to be the collected written works of the entire world. He could not even begin to guess how many tomes were in the room. He had spent time in libraries with smaller collections. The marble floor shone in the few spots light hit them but otherwise seemed to project back the dimness of the room. Though not cheerful, the room was peaceful. Edward felt relaxed and at ease until he noticed the Tzalite symbols adorning the long desk before him. He reminded himself that much was at stake and that he was hardly out of danger simply because he found himself in the office of a holy man.</p><p></p><p> Bishop Barnard sat behind his desk, a smile on his aged face. His years were hard to determine but wrinkles were starting to form at the edges of his mouth and eyes and his hair was certainly thinning and lightening to gray from what looked to once be a dark brown. He wore the black and red robes of the Tzalite church, the sleeves emblazoned with the crown and sword. Edward remained near the back of his companions and eyed the Bishop but offered a smile.</p><p></p><p> “Greetings to you all. First, let me introduce myself. I am Bishop Barnard,” the old man said.</p><p></p><p> Edward and each of his companions introduced themselves and the Bishop did not notice or care that neither Edward nor Ruthen offered surnames.</p><p></p><p> “Thank you all for coming and, much more importantly, thank you all for your excellent service to the city of Kingsbridge on this terrible day,” he said. He seemed to sink further into his chair as he spoke. “I’ve been told of your amazing defense of the wall today and cannot adequately express the gratitude I, and the city, feel for your efforts.”</p><p></p><p> Kelsen offered a bow but no one else reacted. Just as the elf straightened himself, a dwarf in black armor with a long rifle strapped to his back stomped into the room preceded by a puff of smoke from the cigar he was smoking. Behind him came a lithe man in crimson robes, an older, balding man in black robes and a young half-elf woman in armor similar to that of the Sisters Militant. They filed into the room, the latter two taking seats along the wall and the former two moving to stand on either side of the Bishop.</p><p></p><p> “Your holiness,” the thin man in red said in a sibilant voice.</p><p></p><p> “Aye, how are ye, yer grace?” the dwarf echoed.</p><p></p><p> “Gentlemen, thank you for attending me. Please allow me to introduce Father Arrogance of the Order of St. Ignatius,” Barnard said, pointing to the thin man in red who nodded but said nothing. “And Jeremiah Hardheart of the Malleus. They are two of my most trusted advisors. We would like to request that you tell of us what transpired on the wall today.”</p><p></p><p>“The Wardstones flickered off during the defense of the city from Mayfair’s attacks – but it was perfectly timed with the magical explosion targeted at the walls,” Kelsen stated flatly. “Then they attacked. We held the line until the Order was able to turn the tide of battle.”</p><p></p><p>“I see.” The old man stared down at his desk. “This is terrible. The Wardstones can only be controlled that precisely by someone who knows their secrets.”</p><p></p><p>Jeremiah and Father Arrogance exchanged a hard glance. “Then I suggest the Malleus begin investigating how northern witches were able to control the Wardstones,” Arrogance suggested neutrally.</p><p></p><p>Jeremiah snorted. “Not every flinger of spells is a witch, Arrogance – you know that. I suggest you keep your own house in order.”</p><p></p><p>“Gentlemen, please. We must discern what this could mean,” the Bishop said.</p><p></p><p>Before he realized he was speaking, Edward heard himself say, “You have a traitor, your holiness. That much is clear. Someone who could access the Wardstones.”</p><p></p><p>Arrogance snarled at the remark but Barnard simply nodded. “I fear you are right, son.”</p><p></p><p>“I’ll begin an investigation right away, your grace,” Jeremiah said.</p><p></p><p>“As will I,” Arrogance replied.</p><p></p><p>Barnard stood and looked at the companions. He stared at Edward’s belt and nodded. “Son, I see you have the badge of the Watch there. The Third Watch if I’m not mistaken.”</p><p></p><p> “Aye, that’s Graveyard Shift’s symbol there,” Jeremiah said.</p><p></p><p> “Oh. Oh, yes, sir. I saw it on the body of a dead Watchman who was helping us and…” Edward said, not sure what to say.</p><p></p><p> “You’ve shown the courage of a Watchman, all of you, today. Therefore, by the power vested in me, I hereby induct all of you, Kelsen, Lesarius, Ruthen and Edward, into the Third Watch. May you carry out your duties with honor,” Barnard said.</p><p></p><p> “What?” Ruthen said, backing toward the door.</p><p></p><p> “I don’t think…” Lesarius began.</p><p></p><p> “He’s right. We need all the people we can get and ye volunteered yerselves when ye helped the city, like it or not,” Jeremiah said. He stepped toward Ruthen. “Ruthen, I’ve known ye a long time. I know you want to help. Please…the city needs ye.”</p><p></p><p> Ruthen held the other dwarf’s gaze for a moment before nodding and moving back into the room. Lesarius watched her and after a moment gave his nod as well. Kelsen gave another bow as his agreement and all eyes turned to Edward.</p><p></p><p> “What do ye say, lad?” Jeremiah said. “Graveyard shift are the roughest, toughest sons of bitches around!”</p><p></p><p> Edward look at each person in the room and settled on the sad face of Bishop Barnard. He thought about what his people would say and how shocked they would be at what he was about to do. Edward pulled the badge onto his upper arm and gave a nod. “Then we’ve got a lot to learn.”</p><p></p><p> Jeremiah banged him on the hip so hard Edward stumbled. The dwarf loosed a rumbling laugh and took another puff from his cigar. Barnard smiled and offered his thanks while Arrogance sat and said nothing.</p><p></p><p> “Excellent,” Barnard said. “Please report to Chretian LaVif, constable of the Watch. He will have some important work for you to do. Please accept two of our own for your important mission. Let me introduce Brother Comolaan and Sister Idril Surion of the Sisters Militant.”</p><p></p><p> The bald, aging man in black and the young woman in armor rose from their seats and introduced themselves to the companions.</p><p></p><p> “Well, then. Be on your way. Do tell the constable I send him my regards,” Barnard said.</p><p></p><p> “Hold a moment,” Jeremiah said. He walked to Ruthen and spoke quietly to her. She nodded and thanked the man. “Aye, alright. Be on your ways.”</p><p></p><p> Edward looked to Barnard. “Thank you for your faith in our abilities, I hope we…” he started before realizing his companions were already filing out of the office. He offered a bow and fell in behind him.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ed Gentry, post: 3346074, member: 41901"] Book 1, Chapter 4. The Cathedral’s expansive courtyard was green and bright even in the dull light of the early evening. The serenity of the place was a stark contrast to the suffering outside the Cathedral’s walls. Tall but wide and solid, the Cathedral was located in the heart of the City though not at its center. Smooth, unmarred granite and marble climbed several stories before them as they continued toward the front door of the massive structure. Passing another set of guardsman, the Watch Captain leading them did not slow for even a moment. The dwarf Ruthen ran her hand across the smooth stone of the Cathedral as they approached the door and Edward thought he saw the hint of a smile on her lips. The great oaken door closed behind them as they continued on into a grand hall surrounded on either side by tall, smooth arches that led to offices where administration of the city and the church buzzed at the pace of panic. Moving so quickly as to barely get a look at the place, the group climbed three sets of stairs to finally come to a foyer where the Captain they’d been following motioned for them to sit in delicate chairs made of a dark, polished wood. Edward declined to sit, wary of the weight of his armored form in the seat. Lesarius also stood, an impatient countenance riding his face. Kelsen and Ruthen sat, a seat separating them but said nothing. Ruthen’s eyes never stopped taking in everything around her as though she were waiting for something to happen and she fidgeted ever so slightly. Kelsen seemed a statue amidst the white walls of the waiting room. Edward marveled that they had been allowed to keep their weapons. His enormous greataxe still hung on his back, obscured by his cloak but Lesarious wore his large sword openly and the guards had not removed it. After what seemed like an hour’s time had passed, nearby doors of a dark, red wood glided open. Lesarius did not wait for an invitation and the others followed him in. Edward went in last. A brightly lit but still dark and somber chamber waited on the other side of the doors. Heavy red drapes covered stained-glass windows and gold braziers dotted the walls. From floor to ceiling nearly everywhere he looked Edward saw bookshelves, heavy with the burden of what looked to be the collected written works of the entire world. He could not even begin to guess how many tomes were in the room. He had spent time in libraries with smaller collections. The marble floor shone in the few spots light hit them but otherwise seemed to project back the dimness of the room. Though not cheerful, the room was peaceful. Edward felt relaxed and at ease until he noticed the Tzalite symbols adorning the long desk before him. He reminded himself that much was at stake and that he was hardly out of danger simply because he found himself in the office of a holy man. Bishop Barnard sat behind his desk, a smile on his aged face. His years were hard to determine but wrinkles were starting to form at the edges of his mouth and eyes and his hair was certainly thinning and lightening to gray from what looked to once be a dark brown. He wore the black and red robes of the Tzalite church, the sleeves emblazoned with the crown and sword. Edward remained near the back of his companions and eyed the Bishop but offered a smile. “Greetings to you all. First, let me introduce myself. I am Bishop Barnard,” the old man said. Edward and each of his companions introduced themselves and the Bishop did not notice or care that neither Edward nor Ruthen offered surnames. “Thank you all for coming and, much more importantly, thank you all for your excellent service to the city of Kingsbridge on this terrible day,” he said. He seemed to sink further into his chair as he spoke. “I’ve been told of your amazing defense of the wall today and cannot adequately express the gratitude I, and the city, feel for your efforts.” Kelsen offered a bow but no one else reacted. Just as the elf straightened himself, a dwarf in black armor with a long rifle strapped to his back stomped into the room preceded by a puff of smoke from the cigar he was smoking. Behind him came a lithe man in crimson robes, an older, balding man in black robes and a young half-elf woman in armor similar to that of the Sisters Militant. They filed into the room, the latter two taking seats along the wall and the former two moving to stand on either side of the Bishop. “Your holiness,” the thin man in red said in a sibilant voice. “Aye, how are ye, yer grace?” the dwarf echoed. “Gentlemen, thank you for attending me. Please allow me to introduce Father Arrogance of the Order of St. Ignatius,” Barnard said, pointing to the thin man in red who nodded but said nothing. “And Jeremiah Hardheart of the Malleus. They are two of my most trusted advisors. We would like to request that you tell of us what transpired on the wall today.” “The Wardstones flickered off during the defense of the city from Mayfair’s attacks – but it was perfectly timed with the magical explosion targeted at the walls,” Kelsen stated flatly. “Then they attacked. We held the line until the Order was able to turn the tide of battle.” “I see.” The old man stared down at his desk. “This is terrible. The Wardstones can only be controlled that precisely by someone who knows their secrets.” Jeremiah and Father Arrogance exchanged a hard glance. “Then I suggest the Malleus begin investigating how northern witches were able to control the Wardstones,” Arrogance suggested neutrally. Jeremiah snorted. “Not every flinger of spells is a witch, Arrogance – you know that. I suggest you keep your own house in order.” “Gentlemen, please. We must discern what this could mean,” the Bishop said. Before he realized he was speaking, Edward heard himself say, “You have a traitor, your holiness. That much is clear. Someone who could access the Wardstones.” Arrogance snarled at the remark but Barnard simply nodded. “I fear you are right, son.” “I’ll begin an investigation right away, your grace,” Jeremiah said. “As will I,” Arrogance replied. Barnard stood and looked at the companions. He stared at Edward’s belt and nodded. “Son, I see you have the badge of the Watch there. The Third Watch if I’m not mistaken.” “Aye, that’s Graveyard Shift’s symbol there,” Jeremiah said. “Oh. Oh, yes, sir. I saw it on the body of a dead Watchman who was helping us and…” Edward said, not sure what to say. “You’ve shown the courage of a Watchman, all of you, today. Therefore, by the power vested in me, I hereby induct all of you, Kelsen, Lesarius, Ruthen and Edward, into the Third Watch. May you carry out your duties with honor,” Barnard said. “What?” Ruthen said, backing toward the door. “I don’t think…” Lesarius began. “He’s right. We need all the people we can get and ye volunteered yerselves when ye helped the city, like it or not,” Jeremiah said. He stepped toward Ruthen. “Ruthen, I’ve known ye a long time. I know you want to help. Please…the city needs ye.” Ruthen held the other dwarf’s gaze for a moment before nodding and moving back into the room. Lesarius watched her and after a moment gave his nod as well. Kelsen gave another bow as his agreement and all eyes turned to Edward. “What do ye say, lad?” Jeremiah said. “Graveyard shift are the roughest, toughest sons of bitches around!” Edward look at each person in the room and settled on the sad face of Bishop Barnard. He thought about what his people would say and how shocked they would be at what he was about to do. Edward pulled the badge onto his upper arm and gave a nod. “Then we’ve got a lot to learn.” Jeremiah banged him on the hip so hard Edward stumbled. The dwarf loosed a rumbling laugh and took another puff from his cigar. Barnard smiled and offered his thanks while Arrogance sat and said nothing. “Excellent,” Barnard said. “Please report to Chretian LaVif, constable of the Watch. He will have some important work for you to do. Please accept two of our own for your important mission. Let me introduce Brother Comolaan and Sister Idril Surion of the Sisters Militant.” The bald, aging man in black and the young woman in armor rose from their seats and introduced themselves to the companions. “Well, then. Be on your way. Do tell the constable I send him my regards,” Barnard said. “Hold a moment,” Jeremiah said. He walked to Ruthen and spoke quietly to her. She nodded and thanked the man. “Aye, alright. Be on your ways.” Edward looked to Barnard. “Thank you for your faith in our abilities, I hope we…” he started before realizing his companions were already filing out of the office. He offered a bow and fell in behind him. [/QUOTE]
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