Spawn of the Outworlder

Chapter 7-Now Is The Time of Blood

"Should Graham Blackwell learn of his origin," spoke the Domina, "even simply learn the history of Ethan Morningstar, the dormant psyche within him will Awaken. Abbadon will return to reign once again and all that we have fought for will be lost. As Umbrans, we cannot allow that to pass."

The Umbrans remained silent, allowing the man called Ram to process all that he just learned. The man called Mare stood in silence. Strange, Luna thought. I thought for sure he would make some pathetic attempt at condescension. Perhaps he sympathizes with Ram feeling the full impact of our mission.

The Umbral Hand had a vast network of official members, as well as various agents and liaisons who were of use to the organization. In all, Luna knew of 2000 or so Umbrans being active throughout the kingdom. Which is why it had struck Luna so that, of those 2000 Umbrans, the four here now were the only ones to know the truth of this mission.

While thinking, Luna could not help but take note of an odd sensation lingering along her body. Her skin felt hot and she took note of an uncomfortable heat surrounding her. The strange heat was accompanied by a cough hanging in the back of her throat. And a peculiar taste. Ash? It appears the two have started a fire. I suppose late nights out here can get rather chilly. I suppose I'll simply have to bear it until I've fulfilled my report to the Domina.

Then, with a sigh, Ram finally spoke. "I understand. If it's as you say, then we have no choice."

"Good," replied the Lady. "Now, let us continue. Madame Crow, you have called this council tonight. What news do you bring us of your operation?"

Luna took a moment to collect herself, her report needing to be concise while also conveying the gravity of the situation. "There appears to have been a mistake in regards to the intel we received regarding Graham Blackwell. In addition to having a surviving family member, it appears that he is no adventurer at all. He is a woodcutter of the village Brightshade. I've called this council in order to--

"Domina, this is madness!" interjected Mare, unwilling to let the implied accusation of his failure stand. "My officers have served the Hand for decades and have never failed--"

"So you accuse Crow of Deception, then?" asked Ram.

"Our reconnaissance showed no sign of any other living Blackwell member," continued Mare, hoping to avoid addressing Ram's query.

"Then I've met with an imposter?" asked Luna, refusing to allow Mare to speak over her.

"Domina, as your most senior agent, you must believe that--"

"ENOUGH!!" boomed the Domina, silencing all of them.

"I fail to see what possible advantage Crow has to gain by lying here. If our intel was incorrect, how that happened is irrelevant. Currently." The last word accompanied by a sharp look towards Mare. "We must now work to remedy the situation. First, let us examine our new obstacles."

"For one," began Luna. "It will be much harder to hide from the Emperor's enemies. A Herald guiding an adventurer would appear commonplace. But a woodcutter? It would be obvious that he is of some greater value. It would be sure to draw suspicion from those who work against us."

"May as well paint a target on the girl's back," added Ram. "Much harder time getting higher powers to help as well. Adventurer in need of aid woulda greased the wheels of their treasury a lot easier than an axman."

"Not to mention the likelihood this will reach the Emperor's ears," offered Mare, possibly hoping to atone for his failure. "If he learns of this, the Inquisitors are sure to hear of it and question him. And the damned Laws of Deception will implicate him in it. He will lose the throne and all of our work will be lost."