Topic: Anton and Kiril - Assassin's Honour (Read 45263 times)

Drakilian · « **on:** April 27, 2015, 10:12:15 pm »

1199, January 18th, 2:30 AM
Kronstadt,
Domain of the Ashen Knight Anton Petrov Veranin

Within Kronstadt's church lie many secrets. It's shadows hold eldritch creatures summoned by the dark lord that counts the city as his domain, the walls of its basement hide secret openings to his lair, it's priests are strong with his blood; within its walls one good man struggles to keep to his humanity while serving the dark lord, and fights constantly against the stain that has begun to form on his soul.

Tonight, another soul finds its way to the church...

---

In the secret haven of the church's basement Anton lies back, his eyes closed, surrounded in a shroud of darkness. He breathes in the essence of the Abyss, and breathes it out once more - each time exhaling more of the unnatural darkness. The room was filled completely, but through his abyssal sight Anton could still spot the spirits he'd summoned from the darkness in the air. He'd grown more attuned to the darkness beneath the world, his teacher would visit him from time to time and had judged him ready to begin summoning the creatures of the Abyss; now the essence of darkness was more his to command than it had ever been.

He hears a knock to the secret door that lead into his haven. His eyes shoot open and he takes a sudden breath, and the darkness of the room flows into him. He gets up and opens the door, reinforced with locks far too heavy for any mortal man to move. Brother Joseph waits for him.

"Brother Anton, a letter has arrived for you - there is no recognizable seal, but I believe you should read it."

Not Aman · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2015, 09:35:38 pm »

Anton nods, and silently takes the letter, and opens it to read.

Drakilian · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2015, 09:45:15 pm »

Anton quickly notes Kiril's nicely flowing script.

My Dearest Brother,

I have recently learned of a threat to our sire, Basilio is in great danger and I am afraid that I cannot save him myself. Come to Sofia at once, we must act before it is too late.

The letter is short, and ends abruptly - but the message is clear.

Not Aman · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2015, 10:06:48 pm »

Anton grimaces.
"Unfortunate. It seems we will be forced to leave Krondanst for Sofia, brother." Anton states.

"Summon the Fathers, brother. I must make arrangements for the duration of trip."

Drakilian · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2015, 10:11:14 pm »

Joseph nods and leaves, soon Father Thomas and Father Damien are at the door, where they both wait Anton's word bleary-eyed.

"What is it brother?" Father Damien asks.

Not Aman · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2015, 08:31:04 am »

"Brother Joseph and I are required to leave Kroneatchildrenast for the while. My shadows shall deal with those deserving of punishment. We should not be gone for long." Anton states.

Drakilian · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2015, 12:39:56 pm »

The fathers nod and go off to make preparations, Brother Joseph goes to Anton: "Brother, perhaps it would be best if I stayed here myself? The fathers don't know how to properly keep your plans in place, and we will be gone for some time - half a month at least, if the trip is short and we stay there only one day."

Not Aman · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2015, 01:02:42 pm »

OOC: holy shit that's long. XD

Anton looks at Brother Joseph.
"Are you capable of fulfilling my plans?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2015, 02:21:43 pm »

Joseph nods. His features do not betray the pain in his voice.

"Yes, unfortunately I am."

Not Aman · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2015, 03:05:20 pm »

Anton smiles in the darkness, pleased.
"Good. I trust you will do the Lord's work well."

"Procure for me a proper driver, brother. Truly should have already done so."

Drakilian · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2015, 03:31:49 pm »

Brother Joseph leaves. Anton has a driver before the end of that evening, and he leaves soon thereafter.

January 25th, 3:39 AM
Sofia, Serdica Castle
Domain of Basilio the Elder

Anton's trip was swift and uneventful, he arrived at Sofia within a week of his departure. He passed through the gates uncontested - the guards recognized him and none would dare halt his progress even if they hadn't.

Passing the church of St. Sofia on his way to the castle, Anton can't help but wonder what danger could be posed to his sire? Husayn - his most loyal friend and advisor - should be able enough to root out any potential spies or assassins; the shade that always hid within Basilio's shadow was a most fearsome creation, he sometimes believed it was impossible to best the abyssal creation unless one was already possessed of mastery over darkness, and then Anton's own mentor, the mystic Desiderio and another loyal friend of Basilio's, was counted amongst the most powerful priests of shadow.

For something to be able to threaten him, it would have to be great indeed.

At the gates of Serdica Castle he is once more let through - this time with deference. The castle guards recognize their master's childe.

---

A servant knocks at Kiril's door and quickly alerts him - Anton had arrived in Sofia and even now was making his way through the castle. Strange - he hadn't sent ahead to announce his arrival or anything of the like.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2015, 03:45:45 pm »

Kiril instructs the servant to find Carinus and request his presence, as well as sending someone to guide Anton to him. As a good seneschal, he'd like to know what the ashen knight is up to before basilio can be disturbed.

Drakilian · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2015, 03:56:37 pm »

The servant leaves to find Carinus, another is sent to find Anton.

---

Anton is soon found on entering the castle by a servant who tells him that his brother wishes to see him - the servant will guide him if he follows.

Not Aman · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2015, 05:50:50 pm »

Anton allows the servant to guide him to Kiril. Time can't be wasted, after all.

Drakilian · « **Reply #14 on:** May 03, 2015, 05:54:05 pm »

He finds his brother in his study - where he waits for him.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2015, 06:36:18 pm »

"A pleasure to see you, brother." Kiril greets him politely, just a hint of question in his voice. "I'm afraid we are unprepared for your visit, perhaps your letter went astray?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2015, 11:34:36 pm »

"I sent no letter brother, I came as soon as your word reached me." Anton says, furrowing his brow.

"What is the threat?"

Sethaniel · « **Reply #17 on:** May 04, 2015, 12:05:39 am »

"Threat?" Kiril sighs. "I'm afraid I have no idea what you mean."

Not Aman · « **Reply #18 on:** May 04, 2015, 06:08:14 am »

Anton furrows his brow.
"You sent me a letter claiming that our sire was in danger."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #19 on:** May 04, 2015, 07:21:00 am »

"I most certainly did no such thing.

Do you have this letter with you?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #20 on:** May 04, 2015, 10:10:34 am »

"It had your handwriting." Anton states, taking out the letter, and handing it to Kiril.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #21 on:** May 04, 2015, 10:59:56 am »

Kiril studies the letter, using both his own natural investigative skills, and spirit's touch to determine anything he can about this letter.

Drakilian · « **Reply #22 on:** May 04, 2015, 06:08:00 pm »

The copy is perfect - the handwriting is identical to his own, the paper is the same type Kiril uses for his own private letters, the ink even appears to be from the same inkwell Kiril has in his study right now; if Kiril didn't know any better he'd have said he'd written it himself.

Kiril tries reading the object using his vampiric abilities - but he finds himself having great difficulties. He learns very little but that strikes him as he reads the letter is the overwhelming sense of regret and shame that has seeped into the writing. It feels like the letter is an apology, almost.

His musings are interrupted by another knock at the door.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #23 on:** May 04, 2015, 06:41:49 pm »

Kiril looks towards the door. He's not expecting anyone other than Carinus.

"Enter."

Drakilian · « **Reply #24 on:** May 04, 2015, 06:58:24 pm »

Carinus is to be found behind the door, and enters.

"You asked to see me Kiril?"

Sethaniel · « **Reply #25 on:** May 04, 2015, 07:41:49 pm »

Kiril shows him the letter. "Something duplicitous is going on here." He quickly but concisely explains for Carinus the situation as he understands it.

Drakilian · « **Reply #26 on:** May 05, 2015, 05:14:48 pm »

"Hmph, perhaps that would explain this - a servant i've never seen before came up to me after the one you sent and gave me this - ", Carinus pulls an envelope out an inner pocket, this one has Kiril and Anton's names delicately scrawled over the top.

"She was very insistent on it getting to you."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #27 on:** May 05, 2015, 05:34:08 pm »

Kiril uses spirits touch again. he's not particularly hopeful of getting anything, but maybe it'll tell him
If the letter was sent by the same person.

He'll give it To Anton to actually open, just in case.

"Carinus, was there anything at all you might've noticed about this 'unknown' servant?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #28 on:** May 05, 2015, 06:49:51 pm »

"Not a thing, she was highly unremarkable, possessed no particular scent; it is very possible that what I saw was not who I saw."

Kiril's spirit touch reveals nothing - not from Carinus, who was the last to handle the letter, nor from whoever had handled it before him.

The letter possesses no poisons or othersuch things that Anton or Kiril can detect.

Childer of Basilio,

I apologize for the deception, but I needed you both here for what I need to tell you. There is a plot to assassinate your sire; this much is true, and it is with only the utmost secrecy that the matter can be handled. Meet me in the church of St. Sofia. It shall be empty for us.

Please, make great haste,
A friend

Not Aman · « **Reply #29 on:** May 05, 2015, 07:21:54 pm »

Anton looks to kiril.

"Should we inform Hakim? I don't know if this is anything, but it could become a problem."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #30 on:** May 05, 2015, 07:37:49 pm »

"Why Husayn? Why not tell Basilio himself?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #31 on:** May 05, 2015, 07:50:02 pm »

"It would be best to not bother our sire with a threat that may not exist, brother."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #32 on:** May 05, 2015, 07:58:58 pm »

"and yet you think we should bother Husayn." Kiril regards his brother skeptically. "Perhaps we should simply handle this on our own."

Not Aman · « **Reply #33 on:** May 05, 2015, 08:08:58 pm »

"It would certainly be better then to do so to Basillio." Anton states.

"But I suppose that dealing with it ourselves, at least until we identify the threat, would be best."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #34 on:** May 05, 2015, 08:10:39 pm »

"To the church, then?"

Not Aman · « **Reply #35 on:** May 05, 2015, 08:42:50 pm »

Anton nods.

Drakilian · « **Reply #36 on:** May 06, 2015, 03:47:33 pm »

The Church of St. Sofia, which stands near the eastern wall of the city, is a great show of the byzantine influence of Bulgaria's capital. Erected in the late sixth century during the rule of emperor Justini, St. Sofia (or "Blessed Wisdom") is a three knave basilica formed in the shape of a cross, with an elaborate dome to mark the intersection. Built from brown bricks laid in intricate patterns that give the church a sense of depth and richness of texture, the church rests on the foundations of an even older predecessor destroyed by the Huns in the fifth century. Near the church stands an elaborate, romanesque villa that is the residence of the Archbishop of Serdica, Brencis Vidor, a bitter cleric who aspires to restore the title of Patriarch to the position he occupies.

The church's old stone doors creak open with a loud grating sound, they swing open easily enough with Anton and Kiril's inhuman strength aiding them.

The place is empty, and from her altar a statue of St. Sofia rises proudly from the earth, carved from pure marble and likely imported from Constantinople. It looks beckoningly at the two vampires; Anton and Kiril feel slightly uncomfortable in the holy place.

Moving into the church, the two hear the stone doors behind them slam shut, as well as a heavy bar fall into place. Looking back, they see nothing and no one.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #37 on:** May 06, 2015, 03:52:07 pm »

Kiril immediately assumes he's dealing with someone whose Obfuscate outweighs his Auspex.
He summons dark steel tentacles as a protective measure.

Not Aman · « **Reply #38 on:** May 06, 2015, 04:08:32 pm »

Anton doesn't bother looking around.

"Show yourself." He demands.

Drakilian · « **Reply #39 on:** May 06, 2015, 04:39:09 pm »

6 Dark tendrils sprout from a location of Kiril's choosing.

Anton's demand is not met, though a voice does answer him - it resonates through the cathedral, the acoustics of the area make detecting the location of the voice far beyond Anton's legitimately pathetic perceptive abilities.

"I don't think i'll do so just yet."

The voice is a woman's, calm, soothing, light but well projected.

"I doubt it would be to my advantage."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #40 on:** May 06, 2015, 05:13:55 pm »

Kiril's tentacles proceed from his own shadow. he wraps two of the tentacles protectively around himself, leaving the other four poised for potential action, should the need arise.

"I'm sure you're aware of who we are," he states to the general vicinity. "You requested this meeting; are you prepared to explain yourself?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #41 on:** May 06, 2015, 06:57:49 pm »

"Do you know Basilio sleeps in a secret haven near his villa by the House of the Red Eagle?"

Neither of the brothers knew this - as far as they were aware, Basilio dwelt within within a complex of secret apartments within Serdica castle. In fact, they'd even been there a few times. Perhaps the woman is lying.

Another voice speaks out this time - Kiril, whose senses had been busily working away at determining the source of the voice, are thrown off - it's clearly coming from somewhere else now.

It's the voice of a boy. Young, tender, soft.

"It's because he's afraid. He doesn't tell anyone, but he's terrified. It's why he keeps that shade with him all the time. He's not wanted here, he fears the assassins hiding in the darkness that not even he can control."

Not Aman · « **Reply #42 on:** May 06, 2015, 08:07:00 pm »

"And why would you be telling this to us?" Anton asks, as he searches the room, slowly heading nearer to the door.

Drakilian · « **Reply #43 on:** May 06, 2015, 08:16:25 pm »

From the shadows directly next to Anton, he hears an urgent whisper; this time it's a little girl.

"Because he's right to be afraid."

Turning his head rapidly to see the source of the voice, Anton sees nothing.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #44 on:** May 06, 2015, 08:46:51 pm »

"And you care because?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #45 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:14:50 pm »

Kiril would gasp if he was still mortal. The stake rips soundlessly through his back - it produces no sound despite the violent and sudden act - in fact, the air feels dead to his unusually sharp senses; the attacker moved faster than he could fathom. He can't even scream to warn Anton, who noticed nothing.

This time a man's voice, one that is familiar.

"Because I am bound by contract to kill him. I need make a single attempt on his blood and soul, to the best of my ability."

Not Aman · « **Reply #46 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:31:38 pm »

Anton looks around, recognizing the voice.

"Why are you telling us this, then?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #47 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:36:57 pm »

Husayn appears in front of Anton.

"It is good to know the face of the man who kills you."

Anton begins to feel dizzy - what... What was this?

Not Aman · « **Reply #48 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:51:08 pm »

"Husayn? What.. Why?" Anton asks, trying to boost his stammina, and summons shadow tendrils to try and grab husayn and surround Anton

Drakilian · « **Reply #49 on:** May 06, 2015, 10:09:18 pm »

"Basilio has many enemies, but he made one too many in Gabor, who even now waits in Constantinople to hear of Basilio's death."

Husayn lashes out at Anton's leg on seeing the knight was recovering instead of collapsing, Anton falls, and he feels more of the blood poison begin to seep through his armor as Husayn bleeds on him.

"Why you? Basilio is no match for me alone, had he your help he might have survived."

Anton begins to fade from consciousness - the dullness of the poison overtakes him, but he hears Husayn's last words.

"After years in this city, Basilio dies tonight. I am sorry it had to end this way."

Anton feels a stake being pushed through his chest before he fades to black.

---

Anton wakes up what feels like hours later. He feels sluggish and weak, but the poison fades rapidly.

Straining to move, Anton is astonished to find he is perfectly able, despite the wooden stake firmly stuck in his chest. Gently feeling and edging the thing about he feels a slight cut along the edge of his heart, but that the stake had not gone straight through - Anton could move just fine. Turning his head, he sees Kiril - legitimately staked and paralyzed - laying by the marble statue of St.Sofia.

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Author Topic: Anton and Kiril - Assassin's Honour (Read 45263 times)