Chain Melody 11

Contrast. There was no better way to describe the man and the environment he occupied. While peacock could have perhaps described the man himself fairly well, as he was tall and gaunt despite appearing to possess a certain strength and was dressed rather gaudily, even then he still contrasted his environment. Deep underground in a cave wrought with cooled magma and crimson red ice in enormous crystalline arrangements, the man was garbed in black boots, pants, and button up shirt with upturned collar and undone cuffs. He wore a shoulder holster for the sidearm he carried but it was all hidden underneath an unholy conglomerate of a military coat, cape, and lab coat that was held in place by ornamental gold chains. His hair was both heavy and greasy yet spiky and unkempt, and he wore a pair of spectacles before his piercing silver eyes that were adorned with a number of additional adjustable and retractable lenses. Through those lenses he observed the temple that shared the cavern with him with its knotty architecture and flame and demon themed reliefs. In casual observation the temple itself might have resembled a mass of gnarled tree roots infected with some horrible fungus but the design was in fact very deliberate.

“Is it not truly delightful? A work of art that transcends the ages? Look at the way it is designed to invoke thoughts of the Builders’ Tree and how its roots entangle the gods and all who the builders once ruled. But instead of trapping the gods and man it instead represents the prison of the Demon Lord trapped within and the flames that deprive it of its power. There could be no greater temple to serve as the seat of power of my new empire.”

The green uniformed soldiers of Bright Rift who joined the man seemed uninterested in his marveling at the architecture of the temple. He seemed unconcerned by their lack of interest however and withdrew a green apple from within his coat that wore like a cape. Cleaning the fruit off on his coat his attention did at last legitimately settle on the soldiers who joined him as the radio that one of them carried went off. Taking a bite of his apple the man eyed the soldier curiously before finally inquiring about the communication.

“That was a very one directional conversation soldier. I do hope the news that was delivered from Condor Command will delight me however.”

“Perhaps not Professor Beaks. They are reporting portal activity drawing upon the First Well.”

“Really? How intriguing. It would seem that young Misthead has allied themselves with the Bandit King. A curious situation that will need to be investigated. That is for me to do however. Your orders from this point are to divide up the findings of this expedition and deliver them to the Condor Points. Upon delivering the data you will assist in preparing for extraction. I will relay additional orders by radio as I make my way to the heart of the temple where I suspect our guests will be arriving.”

“Understood Professor Beaks. Moving out!”

The soldier snapped Professor Plume Beaks a sharp salute before departing along with the other soldiers who joined them. Beaks watched them go and took another bite of his apple before pulling a specialized radio from his coat. Adjusting the dials on it he began issuing orders as he strolled through the temple with its vaulted corridors and elaborate columns and reliefs. Taking such a leisurely stroll through the temple he would not arrive at the heart of the temple in time to confront any coming through the portal but he was unconcerned. He was enjoying himself too much to want to hurry through the ornate temple and had every reason to believe he did not need to. As Roc the Bandit King, Finch Misthead, and Chain arrived at the heart of the temple they were immediately made privy to why Beaks was so unconcerned.

“I did not expect our next meeting to be by means of a portal Bandit King, but your forces seem much less impressive than you led me to believe you would have.”

“Hm, hm, hm, hm, hmmm. I didn’t think I’d find you here boy.”

“Talk about a surprise, but boy am I glad to see you Elliot.”

Straining to look over the bandit Kings shoulder from where she dangled Chain was assaulted by the Builders’ Song as she managed to get a glimpse of the young man who addressed the Bandit King.

♪~ Gentle prince with golden mane ~♪
♪~ Knight of crown and goddess loathed ~♪
♪~ In silver plate and azure cloth ~♪
♪~ With gifts of man, god, and Builder all ~♪
♪~ From emerald eyes he views a dream ~♪
♪~ With sword of hope he strides undaunted ~♪
♪~ Ever noble the vanquisher ~♪

Hearing Chain’s voice the young Hero, Elliot Silverlance, smiled gently and looked up from where he sat and past Roc’s shoulder. Smiling, he gently rose to his feet and took the sword he held into a battle stance. It was a peculiar sword, with a rapier-like blade yet a two handed grip more befitting a long sword with quillons that could have easily served as grips themselves. His wielding of the sword become even more curious as he wore an ornate silver long sword from his hip. Addressing Chain however he answered the why of him choosing that sword.

“I’m glad to hear you well as well Chain, though I hope you will find no offense to me making use of your sword.”

“Help yourself. Nothing would make me happier than my sword putting this grinning idiot down, asides from maybe doing the job myself. Though you’ll want to watch out for the Sentinel. There’s a Hero controlling that oversized doll.”

“A Hero is there.”

“Finch Misthead, Independent Operator of the Bright Rift Sentinel Corps. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you even if the circumstances could have been better. Even more so since I was originally supposed to recruit you to assist in directly slaying the Bandit King and now I’m working with him. But it’s for a good cause at least and I still plan to kill him later so …”

“You have nothing to worry about Lady Misthead of Bright Rift. We are all taking rather drastic action I am for certain for the same reason; to prevent the return of the Demon Lord sealed behind me by the Sacred Sword of Fire, Nyr’s Tear.”

“Considering that this grinning idiot wants to use me to replace the dragon that had been supporting the seal I kind of doubt that whatever you’re talking about is anywhere near as extreme.”

“On the contrary Chain, the plan that I have agreed to assist Master Beaks with will require that I confront you about your relationship with Sycamore.”

Copyright © 2018 Joshua D Tarwater