The Legend of the Storm

EXORSA

The beginning of the end is only a moment in eternity.

The cool night air gently rustled across the orchard. Beneath the trees, the shadows danced with excitement, the moonlight shifting with the leaves. Concealed by the darkness, several figures stepped into the crisp breeze. There was no fanfare, not even a cracking of a twig, to indicate their arrival and the ensemble was eerily comfortable with the midnight tryst. Such people were used to the privacy of the night, as most Mercenaries were. Their Order was known for their secrecy and feared for their success in executing any task given to them.

"It is done, I presume," the speaker was tall and spoke with a deep voice, though his facial features were obscured by shadows.

"Sir," a younger voice replied, "it is done. You will have the Ornament tomorrow."

"Excellent." The bass paused for a moment, humming the quiet hum of deep musings. "I have," he continued, "something more difficult for you. Do you know the Library at Liew?"

"I have heard tell of the place"

"Then you will know of the Book of the Reliquary." The voice paused momentarily. "A client desires the Book. And you will retrieve it. The sum is substantial."

"So I would hope," the young man considered the proposition. "What is the timeline?"

"As long as necessary. This is a delicate mission."

The young man mulled it over, looking into the shifting shadows. The moon was behind a cloud, he noted. "I accept."

"It is appreciated. Here," the tall figure produced a cord of coins, "is compensation for the Ornament."

Silently the young man took the money and melted into the shadows, gone as hushed and mysteriously as his arrival.

"Liew."

"Sir?" The new speaker was female, one of the robed figures behind the man with the deep voice.

"Apologies, Virginia. I was..." he hesitated, "thinking."

Virginia tilted her head slightly, a motion obvious even with the hood. "If you don't mind me asking, what about?"

"Him." The y'all figure turned to face her. "Follow him. If he fails, succeed. If he is caught, terminate him. The recovery of the Book is a delicate matter. No one can know that our Order is involved. Do what must be done."

"Yes, Sir, understood." Virginia bowed slightly.

"Good."

Without another word, the orchard was empty again, leaving the haggard trees with nothing but the frigid wind to keep them company through the night.

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-Flynnigan Oliver Thawne