Interlude 4: The Sword, part 2

The camp was laid out in a simple straight line, with tents on either side of a long dirt road. Leo first led us to the armory to get outfitted. I picked out some heavy armor, a shield, and my favored weapon, a battleaxe. Harriett got her hands on some chainmail sized for her and an almost comedically small mace; I would’ve laughed at it, but I’d seen her in action enough times to know how capable with it she was. Ramazi took nothing; he had no need for armor or weapons, and already had himself a stout wooden staff.

We then were led to where we’d be staying. The three of us would be sharing a tent; it was surprisingly roomy, with separate chambers for each of us blocked off by curtains. As soon as we’d deposited our equipment, we heard a loud horn blare outside. The three of us rushed out of the tent. “What’s going on? Are we under attack?”

A nearby dwarf woman laughed. “Nah, just dinner!” I shrunk back, somewhat embarrassed, but Harriett ran right up to her and introduced us. She had a habit of doing that.

The dwarf’s name was Reem, and she was nice enough to lead us to the mess hall. As it turned out, she was the camp’s blacksmith. “Mighty fine axe you’ve got there, boy. I remember making that one! One of my favorite pieces. Take good care of it, y’hear?”

“I will,” I promised. I liked her; it seemed Leo wasn’t the only one here not blinded by prejudice. We soon arrived at the mess hall, the largest tent in the camp, situated at the far end of the road from the entrance. We walked in, and apparently we were late, because the place was already packed.

I started looking around for a place to sit, but I heard a voice call out, “Casimir! Over here!” Leo was waving us over to sit with him by the head of the table, and the three of us obliged. When we sat down, Leo stood up, and the hall fell silent. “Good evening. This is a special occasion. We have three brand new crusaders with us tonight; Casimir, Harriett, and Ramazi have joined our fine camp. They’re part of our family now, and I expect all of you to treat them all with the respect they deserve.” He glared a moment in Onesimus’s direction as he said it. “Thank you, and enjoy your meal.” He sat back down and started eating as the hall grew noisy again.

I was seated at the corner of the table, with Leo on my right and Ramazi on my left; Harriett was on Leo’s other side, right across from me. “So, Casimir,” said Leo between bites of mutton, “How’s Iris doing?”

“Quite well, thank you. She’s retired from field missions now and is mainly training fresh recruits, like the three of us.”

“Casimir’s mom is the coolest!” chipped in Harriett. “And she’s super badass! She’s slain a thousand demons and was never afraid for a moment!”

“Iris is Harriett’s idol,” said Ramazi. “She was her theology teacher and started her on the clerical path.”

“Fascinating,” replied Leo. “And what about you, Ramazi? We don’t get many arcane casters in the crusade, especially ones so young. How did you get started?

“I’m not from Mendev. My family came here from Ustalav as political refugees shortly after I was born. My father was a mage and he taught me the basics. I joined the crusade in order to make him proud.”

“I see. That’s wonderful; I’m sure he’s very proud of you already.” He looked at the three of us in turn. “Now, I don’t want you to think of me as your commander - at least, until we’re in the field. I want you to think of me as your friend.” It might have been my imagination, but I think he held my gaze as he said it.

The rest of the meal was quite pleasant, as we chatted with Leo about our pasts, about the camp, and about what to expect in the future. We would have another couple weeks of training before going into the Worldwound for the first time on a brief excursion. Ramazi and I were nervous, but Harriett seemed a bit too excited for her own good. At one point during the dinner I was glancing over the crowd, and I happened to lock eyes with Onesimus. I looked away quickly, but not before I saw him sneer and draw a line across his neck with his finger.

After dinner, Leo pulled me aside. “Casimir, can we talk a minute?”

“Of course,” I replied.

“I know what it’s like to be an outcast because of your blood, believe me. I was raised by elves, and being a half-blood among them is often incredibly difficult. But I’m sure it doesn’t compare to what you’ve faced. What I’m trying to say is, if you encounter any trouble with anyone, come to me. I’ll help you out however I can.”

“Thanks, Leo,” I said, “But I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.”

“Fair enough. But still, the offer stands. Since we’re close to the same age, I expect we’ll be getting along quite nicely. Come to my tent anytime you want to talk, day or night, about anything or nothing. You’re always welcome.”

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That night, in the tent before going to sleep, the three of us were chatting.

“So what do you think of Leo? Pretty great commander to have, right?” began Harriett.

“I don’t know… he’s a bit too laid-back for me,” responded Ramazi. “It’s a bit hard to know I can trust him in the middle of combat with such a chill attitude.”

“Well, I think he’s brilliant!” Harriett shot back. “And he wouldn’t have gotten to be captain of a whole war camp if he wasn’t totally competent. What do you think, Casimir?”

I had barely been paying attention, lost in thought. “Huh? Oh, yes, he seems nice.” I excused myself and went to bed.

The next few months had some of the hardest training we’d gone through in our preparation for the crusade. The three of us trainees had different training to do, so we didn’t see too much of each other except at dinner and in the evenings and mornings in our tent. Fortunately, the camp was big enough that I could steer clear of Onesimus. In lieu of time with Harriett and Ramazi, I started growing closer to Leo; we became fast friends almost immediately, spending all our limited free time together. It was amazing how much we had in common, both loners from childhood because of our race, and both paladins of Iomedae. We were often together late into the night, and I’d get back to my tent early in the morning to catch just a few hours of sleep before sunrise, making sure not to wake Harriett or Ramazi.

Three months after I’d arrived, I finally felt at home in the camp. After a few trips into the Worldwound, I was starting to be accepted. Even Onesimus had stopped his overt threats in favor of simple glares. How much of this was because of my actions versus because of the time I spent with Leo, I couldn’t be sure, but I didn’t much care. I was just glad to feel like I belonged.

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Four months after my arrival, Leo stood in front of the gathered crusaders. “This is the most important mission we’ve undergone in months. We’ve had reports of invidiak scouts just a few miles from the border, perhaps gathering information for a massive attack; as such, we’re taking only our most elite soldiers. That’s myself, Lyric, Harriett, Onesimus, Zinon, and Casimir.” I wasn’t sure how exactly Harriett and I ranked among the camp’s “most elite”, but we accepted the duty without question. “We leave at sunset. Be prepared for anything. Remember, this is a reconnaissance mission first and foremost; we can take one or two shadow demons, but any more and we retreat. Is that clear? Onesimus?”

The elf sneered. “Yeah, yeah. What’s clear to me is you’re bringing your little demon boytoy with you for some fun while we do all the work.” The crowd was silent, except for a few gasps and mutters of shock. For once I was glad I had red skin, so nobody could see how deeply I blushed.

Leo, to his credit, remained as calm as could be. “You’re off the mission, and no longer welcome in this camp. Pack your things and leave immediately.”

“Yeah? Or what? I’m the best damn soldier you’ve got; you can’t do without me!”

“I won’t say it again,” Leo said coldly as he unsheathed his greatsword from his back. Everything was silent and still for what seemed like an eternity. Then Onesimus spat on the ground, turned, and walked back to his tent. “Anyone else have a problem with who I choose for missions?” Nobody said a word. “Good. Onesimus will be replaced by Nazzareno. Be ready to leave in two hours.”

He walked over to me as the crowd dispersed. “I’m sorry about that, Casimir.”

“Thanks. But… why are you bringing me along? Harriett and I only just arrived; are you sure we’re ready for a mission like this?”

He put his hand on my shoulder and looked me square in the eye. “If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t be bringing either of you. You’re both incredibly capable, and you’re the right people for this job. I’m confident in that fact. Now go start putting your armor on.”

Chapter 6

After talking with Irabeth, I went to find the Queen to see how I could help the city post-battle. She was in her war tent, talking strategy with Arueshalae, Vincent, and Hulrun; the four of them grew silent as I approached. I greeted them, hoping to simply get back to business, but the Queen insisted on making sure I was in the right mental state to work. I assured her that I had no problem being here, so we got back to business. Galfrey sent Arueshalae and Hulrun to pick off demon stragglers who were still outside the city, and sent Vincent to round up paladins to assist with the healing effort. Which left me.

Galfrey was apparently still upset with the way I had exercised my duty earlier, because she said I should get help with my “anger issues”. I responded that I did not lose my temper during the Saggaroth incident, and she mercifully dropped the issue. She suggested that I get some rest, but I did not want to feel useless after the battle, so she said I could go help repair the temple Saggaroth damaged. Then she left to go rally some more troops, and I headed over to the temple.

When I got there, Saggaroth was using his magic to make repairs - using his powers for something constructive for a change - and Fay, Felix, and Wynn were standing around. I hadn’t seen much of Fay in a while, so I made sure she was doing alright with her damaged ankle. Then I noticed a priest I hadn’t seen there earlier watching Saggaroth as well - I surmised that he was the one who was murdered, and I went up to speak with him. What was meant to be a simple greeting to make sure he was doing alright after coming back to life turned into a long conversation about a number of topics. Somehow I felt… comfortable talking with him. He struck me as a good man, if a bit awkward and socially unpracticed, and since he was complaining about never getting out of the temple, I offered him service in my personal retinue. He jumped at the opportunity, and went and fetched a strange device he called a “firearm” to show me. I had seen them before briefly, but never so close up. Fay was quite fascinated by it as well, so the priest - his name was Volley - went out back to demonstrate it to her.

After I finished helping repair the temple, I started walking around the city to see how things were going elsewhere. As I passed through the wrecked marketplace, I caught a glimpse of Vincent comforting a little girl. I’m afraid I watched a bit longer than I should’ve, admiring his compassion, and though I tried to leave before he saw me staring, he caught me nonetheless. I slightly awkwardly greeted him, a bit flustered at having been caught.

“Casimir, is there something you want to tell me?” he said with a wry smile.

“I, uh… n-no. I… have to go.” Blast my indecisiveness. Though feelings rise up in me every time I see Vincent, they’re complicated and strange; after these difficult few weeks, I’m not sure I can trust my emotions. I made a mental note to think on this further.

I got back to the palace where my companions and I were staying. Felix could tell something was up with me, unfortunately, but I excused myself to bed without explaining. If I were to talk about Vincent with anyone, it certainly wouldn’t be that chef.

The next morning, I received a summons to see the Queen. Apparently my companions - oddly including Saggaroth - as well as Vincent and Hulrun received the same letter. We were escorted to the Queen’s presence, where we were told we had been selected to lead a council to decide how to rebuild the city. It was a great honor, and though I am no civil engineer, Felix was oddly adept at allocating funds. It took eight hours, but we hatched out a six-week repair plan, leaving some funds for the military as well. At the end of the meeting, though, Hulrun insisted on building his own barracks for his demon-hunting inquisitor regiment. Although I couldn’t see the harm in it, Hulrun still strikes me as untrustworthy; I must make sure to keep an eye on him.

It was late at night by the time we were finished, so I went straight to bed after that exhausting day of business. The next morning, Felix made the most amazing pancakes I’d ever smelled, a welcome treat after the events of the past few days in our war-torn city. The heavenly breakfast inspired me to seek out Irabeth, since I hadn’t seen her in a couple days, not since our tense discussion. I found her not far outside the palace, still busy helping people. I’ve always admired her compassion. I invited her to breakfast with me, and she accepted, though she made sure to emphasize that it was only breakfast. Fine, I could deal with that.

Though our conversation started off somewhat awkwardly, the discussion quickly got easier. During breakfast, she mentioned that Vincent had asked her earlier about flowers; she’d given her personal opinion that lilies were the best. We also discussed Hulrun; Irabeth didn’t trust him either, and I asked her to help me keep tabs on him. We got back into our old rapport; I’ve always got along great with Irabeth, and she’s always made me feel at ease when I’m around her, like her empathy and understanding dispel any hardness in the air. Dammit, there are more important things going on than personal relationships; why must I be so distracted with sentimental feelings for not one, but two people? My relationships in the past have never been so… juvenile.

Just as I was thinking that, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and Irabeth’s eyes widened across from me. I turned around, and there was none other than Vincent - holding a handful of lilies. “Casimir. These are for you.”

“I… don’t know what to say,” I responded honestly.

“Well, say something, please.”

I turned around to Irabeth. “Can you give us a moment?”

“Take all the time you want,” she said, and got up and left.

I turned back around to Vincent and stood up. This was going to be difficult. “Vincent… thank you. I’ve had a very stressful few weeks, and I’m not sure how I feel about anything at the moment. I’m not saying no… but I can’t say yes right now, either.”

“If it’s not yes, than it’s no. I’m not going to wait around.” He was acting like he was unfazed, but I could see the hurt in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

He left the lilies on the table and walked away without a word. I stood there a moment, feeling awful about myself, then I went to go find Irabeth.

Before I could, however, Fay ran up to me, shouting something about Saggaroth being dead and Felix being catatonic and something about Nocticula’s mark. I followed her with haste back to the small temple of Shelyn, where I found Saggaroth’s body, as well as Felix, who had been the victim of what some call “Charisma drain”. I calmed Fay down and reminded her that she could cure Felix, though there was likely nothing we could do for poor Saggaroth. Perhaps I was wrong about him… though he was impulsive, trigger-happy, vain, selfish, and somewhat dangerous, he did die trying to help someone, trying to do good. Perhaps he truly redeemed himself in his final moments. I never thought I’d say this, but… I’m going to miss him.

Chapter 5

Well… I’ve learned a lot today. About the world, about my friends, but mostly about myself.

The beginning of the battle for the western wall went fairly well. With the aid of Ragathel, our trumpet archon ally, we allowed our small army the opportunity to advance, and we even finally destroyed that advanced shadow demon who had been plaguing us - the one who had possessed Admiral Thrune in Cheliax. The demons did break through the gate, however, but I met a lieutenant in the army, a cleric of Sarenrae by the name of Mishra, who came forward and helped fight. Just then, we saw a red dragon flying overhead due east - the Red Rasper. I could not let him reach the city, so I handed command of the army to Mishra and we teleported after him.

The Red Rasper tried taunting us before attacking. I tried getting a spell off at him that should’ve done some major damage, but I could not overcome his resistances. Unfortunately, I had moved up in a position that placed me closest to him, so he came straight for me… again. After a couple of spells cast on me, I was plummeting to the ground. I believe my last thoughts were “Ugh… not again.”

I awoke in a most peculiar place - the outpost in Cheliax, with Saggaroth and Vincent. I demanded an explanation. Saggaroth said that after they finally killed the Red Rasper, he took my body to a priest in Mendev for healing. Unfortunately, Saggaroth had taken the form of a bat to be able to fly, and since he didn’t bother changing back to actually talk to the priest, the priest assumed that this was some demon, and attacked Saggaroth with magic. Still not turning back into a person capable of communication, Saggaroth responded with a fireball spell, damaging the church and instantly slaying the poor priest.

I was appalled at his actions and demanded that he take us back to Mendev at once. Vincent came too, saying that he had permission from his queen to join the battle, but that he could not, sadly, bring any other troops; something about the slave rebellion costing too many resources. When we got back to Mendev, I immediately placed Saggaroth under arrest and called for a man who could deal with him - the witch-hunting Inquisitor Hulrun, known for being ruthless and dogged in his persecution of wicked mages. I also talked with Irabeth, but she seemed a bit upset at the situation and left, after continually reminding me that Saggaroth was my friend. Mishra showed up as well, saying that the battle had gone well, especially after Galfrey and her cavalry arrived.

When Hulrun arrived, he surprised us all by being rather lenient with Saggaroth. He kept looking for excuses to pardon him or reduce his punishment for murder. I simply argued that the punishment should fit the crime, that nobody was above the law no matter how powerful; we decided to hear what the Queen had to say about it. Saggaroth had very little to say in his defense, even supporting my own position at times. After Hulrun left, however, I followed him and confronted him about his strange behavior. He claimed that the stories about his ruthlessness were blown out of proportion, that he was really a man of compassion at heart. He also kept saying that we were at war and Saggaroth’s power could be a useful tool. After he brought up my race to try to sway me, I bid him good day and went back in the church.

When Queen Galfrey arrived, she had Saggaroth explain the situation. I had assumed that she would be on my side, but I was mistaken. She, too, saw Saggaroth’s good deeds in the past as excusing this action, and insisted that he give a monetary fine to the church of 20,000 gold pieces, as well as undergo an additional punishment as selected by me. I decided to have Saggaroth help us reclaim the Sword of Valor - a sacred banner that could ward a whole city against demonic invasions - from a nearby citadel, then he could go on his way.

Additionally, I tried to talk to the Queen about Mishra’s role in the battle. I commended her for her bravery and good job leading the troops after I went for the Red Rasper, but Galfrey shocked me by saying that we had lost more than half my force of 800 men in the battle, and that they all would have been killed had the Queen not arrived. What’s more, she placed the blame for this tragedy on my shoulders, which was probably deserved. Perhaps I should have stayed and led the battle at the front, but I felt I had to go after the Red Rasper to prevent him from wreaking more disaster on the city, and for justice for those tens of thousands killed in Cheliax. Galfrey also said that I “needed to stop upsetting Irabeth”, and suggested that I go talk to her.

I asked around and found out from Vincent that Irabeth said she was going to go scout out the perimeter. Vincent also said that he was getting dirty looks from the other crusaders for his Hellknight armor; I assured him that once they knew him like I did they’d see that he was a good man. I went looking for Irabeth, but first I found Inquisitor Hulrun. He tried to chat with me about the Queen’s verdict in Saggaroth’s case, which I found irritating - he seemed smug that the Queen had taken his side. He then shocked me by inviting me back to his home for dinner, which I declined with an excuse about having to help rebuild the city. As if I’d ever be interested in that smug, slimy Inquisitor… something about him really puts me on edge.

I found Irabeth shortly thereafter. She was sitting alone on the remnants of the battlefield. I tried talking to her, but she blew up at me. “For five years I saw the way you looked at Arueshalae, but ever since you got back from Cheliax you’ve only had anger and frustration in your eyes. And now this business with Saggaroth… is this the way you treat your friends? Am I next?” I won’t reprint our conversation in full, but she really tore me a new one… and it only hurts more because she was absolutely right. I couldn’t find the right words to respond, so I thanked her and left. I made myself busy with the aftermath of the battle so I didn’t have to think about what had transpired. Nonetheless, I have a lot to think about. I just hope Irabeth knows that I’m trying the best I can, even though I continue to make mistakes.

Chapter 4

We were preparing to chase after the Rasper when we noticed that our companion Fay was missing. In her place was a shifting demonic portal. Thinking quickly, not wanting to abandon our friend to whatever horrible fate awaited her, the three of us leapt into the portal after her. We found ourselves in a DESCRIPTION REDACTED island surrounded by demons; the demons seemed quite surprised at our arrival and oddly not hostile. I marched up to one and demanded to know where Fay was, but it didn’t have any clue what I was talking about. That’s when we heard a voice from a ways off - “No, no, no, I know them!”

Approaching us was a woman dressed in elaborate colorful silks. I had never seen her before, but my two allies seemed to recognize her. “Remember me?” she said to them; apparently her name was Ula. We demanded that she explain herself immediately and take us to Fay, and she said she had to take us to the one in charge of this place. After following her for a while, we got to a large stone structure like a castle. Inside, sitting on a throne, was a woman with phoenix-like wings, who immediately knelt down before Ula. The mysterious woman laughed and dismissed her, before transforming into the shape of a demon mistress; I recognized her from my readings on the demons as none other than Nocticula, the first succubus and the ruler of the Midnight Isles.

We had a brief chat with her about why we were here. Nocticula apparently wanted to help us against Baphomet and Deskari because of some grudge, but we were quite against the idea of accepting aid from a demon lord. Nonetheless, she exerted her will on us anyway, placing a burning fiendish mark on Felix’s neck. Then she shifted us out of her plane back to Golarion.

We found ourselves in the outpost, where Vincent and Arueshalae had been directing troops and killing demons and apocalypse locusts. We were informed that somehow we had been missing for two days, and the battle wasn’t going too well without us. Vincent took us into the war room to help with a tactical decision. They didn’t have enough men to protect both the wealthy of the city and the poor of the lower dock districts, so he needed to figure out where to send his soldiers. I wanted to send them to the impoverished lower districts who couldn’t protect themselves as well, but Felix had the idea to escort the poor across the city to the upper districts to protect them all. It was a risky move, but it had the potential to save many lives, so we decided to go for it.

Then it came time for our really risky play: taking the fight directly to the Red Rasper and his dragon. Fay was still in bad shape from her time in the Abyss, so we took Vincent with us instead. The Rasper was out on top of a citadel northwest of the city; on our way there we were ambushed by two apocalypse locusts. The fight went less well than expected; Felix and I were grabbed in their pincers, and they managed to kill Felix before we took them down. Saggaroth and Vincent teleported back to the outpost to get a Hellknight Signifier to raise Felix, then teleported back to where I was keeping watch at the site of the battle; then we kept going.

We arrived at the citadel a while later. The Red Rasper was perched on his dragon 200 feet up; rather than climbing the inside of the building, we decided to simply fly up to him. That would reveal itself to be a mistake shortly, as the dragon charged us and knocked me out of the sky, where I plummeted to the ground and crashed upon the rocks below.

I awoke on a bed in a white room. For a moment I thought I was in a hospital somewhere, but I had a strange sense of peace in my soul. I exited the room and went exploring. I went down a white hallway that opened into a large dining room. Sitting at the table was a Chelish human woman with black hair, wearing armor; I immediately recognized her from religious art as none other than Iomedae herself. I knelt before her, too stunned to speak, and she bid me rise. I was a bit shellshocked at being brought before my goddess in person, so my memory of the conversation isn’t perfect, but she showed me a vision of myself in a general’s regalia and told me that I would be leading the Fifth Crusade of Mendev, that I was to be an important figure in the events of the near future. She also said that my allies would be visited by their gods as well, and that we would all receive gifts.

I then awoke in my bed at the outpost. By the bed was a golden chalice; when I touched it, I knew that drinking from it would invigorate the drinker permanently, but when it was used a few times it would return to Iomedae. I went downstairs, where Arueshalae was shocked to see me. I explained my death and my vision of Iomedae to her, and she told me to drink from the chalice and see what happened. I did so, and I felt like my vigor and health had been boosted quite a bit. I gave some to Fay too, then I waited for my companions to return. The battle outside had ended, as all of the remaining demons and locusts had left; we took this as a sign that the Red Rasper had been defeated, but in reality he had escaped.

I then found out that our plan to evacuate the poor of the city had failed, and that over 20,000 people had been killed by the locusts. This was a great blow to my heart; I can’t help but feel that it was partially my fault. Now I am even more determined to wreak revenge in those people’s name against the Red Rasper and all of demonkind.

It was then that Felix’s slaves were delivered. One of them in particular, a halfling girl named Wynn, took quite a liking to Felix after he explained that she was free now, and decided to stay close by his side. The rest of his slaves did the same.

The next morning, I went downstairs planning to get ready to go to Mendev, when I was greeted by none other than my old friend and fellow crusader Irabeth! I was glad to see her, but she was urgently speaking with Vincent and the others; she explained that she was sent a few days ago because the demons, led by the Storm King himself, had broken through the wardstones and were attacking Kenabres! Our presence was needed immediately, so we decided that Saggaroth would teleport there with myself, Felix, and Wynn; Irabeth would escort the rest of Felix’s slaves and the still-recovering Fay.

When we arrived in Kenabres, the Queen greeted us by immediately granting me the rank of General. I was quite honored to receive this title, but it was no time for ceremony; there was a war to fight. Galfrey took her paladins to the front lines, while I was left to direct other troop movements. I sent Arueshalae with a group of forces to secure the southern border of the city, while I and my companions took the rest towards the western gate where the demons had broken through the wall.

On our way there, a light shined upon us from above. Floating down to us was a beautiful figure with resplendent white clothing, carrying a golden trumpet. This was a Trumpet Archon, a being of pure Law and Good, and it had been sent by the goddess Shelyn to assist us in our quest. We welcomed its presence gladly, and made our way over to the western gate to fortify it against the demon horde.