//------------------------------// // Level 6: The Two Pillars of Silvermoon // Story: Equestria Was Merely a Setback! // by Thunderscourge //------------------------------// A/N: Special thanks to nioniosbbbb, God Of Physics, ChaoticLightning, refferee, Ketvirtas, Magestikus, Quixotic Enigma, Thegodhand, and Tinee_The_TinCan for your comments last chapter, and I hope to hear from you all again this chapter as well as from those of you who may not have commented before! Please leave your thoughts below, and I hope you enjoy! Kael was instantly taken aback by being addressed by his actual name. Despite being in Silvermoon City for only minutes, someone had seen through his disguise. Its lack of intricacy could be criticized, but the ones at Sunstrider Isle’s main area were all seemingly content with the thought that he was a lookalike. After all, his rags and limited magical ability separated him greatly from the man who ought to be their King but kept the title of Prince. As Kael fought his initial urge to take a step back in surprise, Trixie found herself intrigued by this as well. This man, unlike the guards, was not likely going to buy some lame excuse that he was Kel’Thuzad Lulamoon or whatever the fake name she came up with was. With this in mind, Trixie approached the two and stood directly to Kael’s side, waiting and seeing where he would lead the conversation. Still surprised, due in part to him being heavily frightened as a result of the dangerous local government and his dishonorable reputation, Kael tried a weak attempt at dismissing the man’s claim, “I am not quite sure you have the right man…” The man appeared to be perfectly fine with Kael’s denial, though his long face betrayed little of his actual feelings as it did not appear the most expressive. What little was revealed though was a small hint of a smile, with his differently glowing eyes hiding anything his eyes may have otherwise revealed, “Unlike you, I am quite sure.” To both Trixie and Kael’s surprise, the mysterious visitor’s next action was to bend down to one knee and begin kneeling in front of the man whom he claimed to be Kael’thas Sunstrider. The man continued to speak once his head bowed as well, his blue eye illuminating the floor beneath him to some degree, “Forgive my forwardness, my lord, but nothing you say can convince me that you are not the prince I served under after the fall of the Sunwell.” Uncomfortable partially with the fact that someone was showing royal respect to him and also not wanting to make the man act as some subservient being, Kael gestured over to the table the inn room offered. “Come, sit.” The man obliged gracefully, not rushing to his feet as he accepted the offer. Trixie took a seat at the table too, grumbling about not being paid any attention by their visitor, while both Kael and the man took seats opposite one another. Trixie moved her own to be beside her partner, whose face appeared curious to find out what this stranger had to offer and what his purpose was in being there. Once sitting, Trixie and Kael each began to look their visitor over more. He appeared to have a broader but not massive build unlike any of the Elves they had come across so far, with shoulders quite wide. His body was not otherwise burly, with a chest only marginally larger than Kael’s own slim frame, and his arms and legs did not appear giant beneath his midnight black armor. After a moment of silence between all three, the stranger introduced himself with a gesture to his body, “I am Captain Reuenthal of the Farstriders, and I come here seeking your aid.” Kael and Trixie looked to one another and each gave a look of worry. What could someone in the military possibly need of them that he could not have his forces do? To help explain himself, the Captain decided to explain some of his mindset, “I do not know why specifically you are ‘laying low’, but I can understand the need for doing so with the baseless rumors spreading around this region. I apologize if any of this may interfere with your reason for being here, and your reason for keeping a low profile.” With Trixie granting him nonverbal permission, Kael prodded further since he did not know what was actually being asked of them, “What is it that is troubling you? I cannot promise that I will help, but I can hear you out and see what I could do for you,” Kael’s green eyes looked directly into the mismatched pair of Reuenthal’s, the sight of which had made Kael curious about why this man had a unique coloration much like Trixie. Perhaps there was a connection, perhaps not, but the irregular coloration was interesting to take note of, “First though, may I ask a question of you?” The slight smile widened by a mere smidge at the question about asking a question, “My eyes, I assume. They are quite disconcerting for those unused to my presence,” Reuenthal brought a hand to cover his darker eye almost without thought, “I suffer from a rare condition that results in humans known as heterochromia. This condition caused by my human blood has bled through to my Elven features, and so my eyes are not what one might consider natural.” Still feeling ignored, Trixie spoke up in a similar pursuit of knowledge stemming from her experience looking at herself in the mirror, “My eyes are purple. Is that normal?” Reuenthal closed his eyes and shook his head, the small expression of amusement leaving and being replaced by a blank countenance, “No, but two matching eyes that glow purple are better than a dark grey and a blue set that result from a human flaw. I have heard of another who has purple eyes, though I must admit it is by no means common.” His response left a new silence, for a new question arose from his statement about human blood. He implied that he was at least part human, and given his larger appearance compared to other Blood Elves it was quite believable that he was not a pure Elf. Even so, with the current strained relationship between Humans and Elves there was quite the question hanging now about where he stood in this issue. If he had Human blood running through him, it could explain his own seeming lack of unity with the Silvermoon government which surely would have wanted him to haul Kael in either to act as a figure or as a prisoner if the city’s ruler was as ruthless as he seemed. Sensing what Trixie and Kael both must be thinking, Reuenthal gained his small smile again, the look contradicting the great gravity that came from his words, “But yes, I am a Half-Elf. Born of adultery on my mother’s behalf. When I was born she attempted to carve out my dark eye, to hide her infidelity, but in the end she turned the knife on herself.” His words left a deep pit in Trixie’s stomach, and in fact made her feel as if she was going to throw up. The idea of a mother harming a child resonated with her, but in the manner that it felt familiar and uncomfortable both. Reuenthal’s face tilted down partially to look at the table, its surface bare beside the candles similar to how his face was near expressionless outside of his masochistic smile, “Racial discrimination has left me with few friends, and I only have one whom I trust completely,” this said, the man looked up to lock eyes with Kael’thas with a renewed intensity, “He is a Captain like myself, and he is being wrongfully held by authorities outside of Silvermoon City at a nearby outpost.” So that was what he came to speak about, the two mages then recognized. He had come to seemingly oppose the government…though his willingness to ask the supposed Prince of the land for help rose further questions. Did he believe Kael could pardon the man, or did he expect Kael to help free the man through more brutish means? On the same wavelength as her partner, none of those questions mattered if the man imprisoned deserved it however, so Trixie inquired about the reason for this imprisonment, “What are the crimes he is charged with?” “Public disorder and dissent. Because of his higher than average stature in our society as a Captain, they cannot try and deal with him in public like they do some others.” Reuenthal paused to narrow his eyes and lose the smile, his already serious demeanor heightening as he recounted the events that led to his friend’s arrest. “In truth, he was arrested for a struggle between him and some members of the advisory council that began when the council members dared to spread the rumor of your majesty’s alleged wrong doing, as well as insult you personally and claim you to be a traitor to our people. Now he stands to be executed at an unknown time, in a quiet manner that will not be made public. The cowards who accuse him will have records show that he fell in battle to the Scourge, or at least they will if they have any sense of self-preservation. Even striking a superior officer would be let go in the instance of defending your majesty’s honor, so they know their actions are illicit and unacceptable, but their pride disallows them from acting otherwise.” The disgust the man held towards the government officials came forth even despite his even tone. His speech was stiff and his eyes gave the feeling of someone who was stressed out with how they narrowed at the mere mention of these people. That he was being so candid with his feelings gave Kael the impression that this was a man who most definitely was not among the crowd who supported the propaganda and manipulation evident in the city, where someone who held such views publically would be forcibly converted. That he was revealing them to someone he saw as separate and possibly opposed was also telling, as Kael could turn him in for his thoughts and seeming plan to release his friend. A friend…Kael did not think he could handle losing Trixie, who was his only friend and his only companion. Reuenthal spoke to the fact he had seemingly no-one else other than the imprisoned man, and so the fact that he was taken and was in trouble was undoubtedly driving this otherwise calm and rational man to risky behavior. On these thoughts and merits alone Kael was personally decided on the issue. He would help if he could, though he was not yet sure if he could. He would consult with Trixie later on the issue, but he personally wanted to help release this man if at all possible. “Captain Reuenthal, I take you for someone who would prefer honesty over deceit. May I speak candidly with you?” “Of course, your Majesty.” Trixie shot a nervous look, though she did not speak. Was he going to possibly reveal their vulnerable status as amnesiac, beginner Mages? Would Reuenthal care about their current status? Would it drive him away? Kael touched his partner’s arm in an attempt to calm her, despite going along the path she feared, “I am suffering from amnesia currently. Despite this, I cannot deny who it seems I am. How I wound up in this place, I do not know, but it sounds as if there is someone who is taking my name in the region known as Outland and disgracing it.” Reuenthal revealed no emotional response to this, though he did nod, “I had figured that something was keeping you from just walking up to Lord Regent Lor’themar Theron and taking your place as rightful ruler.” The man smiled briefly before shaking his head and looking back to Kael and Trixie. “Do not worry. I can and will keep your secret. If you help me free my friend, I will forever be indebted to you, as will he.” Eternal loyalty could be quite useful, so Kael thought of it as quite just compensation for breaking laws, “I have another question.” Earlier, Trixie had said she didn’t want to be in Silvermoon anymore. They had been excited when they first arrived, but afterwards… It was dystopian, even if it was polished on top. Everything had the illusion of being great, even though things were bad. If so many issues cropped up at the first glance of the city, what other dark secrets was it hiding? Just what atrocities are those in charge of it doing? Kael narrowed his own eyes as he gave a qualifying test to the man before him, testing to see whether or not this was someone he could use against the administration at a later time when it was convenient to do so, “What do you think of the current state of affairs in Silvermoon?” The man’s response took a moment, as if he was carefully mulling over his words before he finally spoke up, “Silvermoon City is a place of unmatched arcane progress and the height of what we would call civilization in terms of structure, design, and potential.” He let out a small, amused snort as he finished, indicating that he found something funny about what he said even if his face remained stoic. As such Kael decided to let the man continue, as he obviously had more to say. Reuenthal gestured to the doorway, which was in the same direction as Silvermoon City, “This greatness is marred by the decadence of our court. Noble rank is abused by those who have it, and those who do not are tread upon like dirt. The officials take every action they commit as a necessary one for the survival of our people even if said actions are horribly misguided. While some control is to be expected by any government, especially in times of strife, it is inexcusable how the populace is not even allowed to think for itself at this point. Lastly, the hedonism we are prone to is causing us to waste time and resources on useless expenditures when we still are in dire need for supplies and materials on the frontlines.” Egotistical and wanting to remain relevant, Trixie spoke up again even though this conversation was mainly between Kael and the man who had sought him out for aid, “And what do you think of the manner in which some are baselessly criticizing your prince?” “If I am to be honest, I would be imprisoned as well had the situation not been ended so swiftly. I was just about to enter the fight when Mitter’meyer, my friend, was subdued,” Reuenthal explained, his voice almost bored in how routine this occurrence sounded for him to report. Had he possibly fought for the honor of his prince in the past along with his friend? That answer pleased Trixie though, who was not happy with how everyone seemed to believe her companion to be some monster. Or at least look like the person they believed to be a monster, who in fact she believed he really was. “Well Kael?” Kael nodded to Trixie and then turned to face Reuenthal with a smile, fully willing to partake in this endeavor even if there were possible repercussions. The idea of a jailbreak sounded fun, in addition to just in this instance, “I would like to hear more about your plan for releasing him, but I have no objection to the action itself. After seeing what the officials are capable of in the city, I have no love for them and would like to reverse some of their justice. My only worry is that my companion and I will be unable to lend great strength to the cause.” Reuenthal shook his head no before offering a more genuine smile, although for the stoic man this amounted to the small turning up of the lips, “Strength is not necessary in this occasion. I have researched the location he is being held, and it is actually guarded by very few. Among those guards there is only one senior officer, and in total there are only three men there besides the prisoner.” “Why is the security force so lax?” Trixie balked, having previously worried that perhaps this would be difficult. With a one-to-one ratio though she was fully confident they could pull their weight, especially since they had someone who was reportedly a Captain with them. “Basic logistics. Forces cannot be wasted looking after a prisoner whose honor is well known in the area when they can be used to combat the undead Scourge that plagues the land. Mitter’meyer’s sense of honor and duty brought him to blows with those officials, but it is also what is keeping him from freeing himself,” Reuenthal noted, his smile fading. Trixie grinned smugly, amused by his seeming disapproval for his friend’s scrupulousness, “I take it you are not so honor bound then?” Reuenthal turned to her and engaged eye contact for the first time, “Honor is a useful tool for some to manipulate others with, but I must admit I have my own moral code not unlike Mitter’meyer. If I was accused of a crime I had committed I would not hide from the accusation. If, like in this instance, the accusation had some flaw, or was false, I would combat it to my dying breath. It would ruin my pride to do otherwise.” Kael nodded, actually agreeing with the viewpoint given. The idea of being accused of something wrongfully did not sit right with the man, even if he was otherwise gentle and flippant, “Three guards, which means there is one for each of us. How will your friend be safe after he is freed though? I find it hard to believe that he will be safe after escaping from imprisonment.” The Captain brought his hand down to a small bag hanging at his side off a belt and began to rummage through it with his unarmored hand, “I have made arrangements to publicize anonymously their treatment of a valued Captain. While they brainwash some, they cannot maintain a hold on every citizen’s mental activity, especially not all at once. They know that if they would further pursue this issue that they would bring undue criticism to themselves as rumors permeated throughout the land. Rank and status is paramount to our culture, so they will not blemish themselves further.” Ironically, the thing that caused this whole debacle also would aid in the solution, which brought a smile to Trixie’s face, “In this instance it seems that rumors are a positive thing.” “It all depends on how they are used,” came the cool response of Reuenthal, who again turned his attention to Kael. While not being rude in any spoken manner, he seemed to not give Trixie the same respect as the man he called his prince. The reason for this was not known to either Trixie or Kael, but they could ignore the seeming coldness in favor of his other traits. Even the prideful Trixie did not want to call him out on his behavior, since she was beginning to get the feeling he didn’t like women very much after what his mother did. Perhaps at a later time she could ask him about it, but in their first meeting she did not want to impose. Finally having found what he was looking for in his pocket, Reuenthal removed a vial with clear liquid in it to display to his cohorts, “To prevent repercussions on either of your behalves, I have also procured a potion to apply to the soldiers we dispatch. It will relieve them of their memories from the day, and make the culprits of this crime unknown.” “Is there anyone else who is willing to assist us?” Kael asked, all the while reaching for Trixie’s hand to squeeze. This was a serious matter, and he had a feeling that the boastful woman was feeling nervous. Kael could not recall if it was called an inferiority superiority complex or superiority inferiority complex, but she seemed to act tough and grand to hide her inner state of being, and he wanted to comfort her nerves however he could. In response to the question Reuenthal hung his head gently and shook it slowly, seeming sorrowful over his given response, “Given our current political climate, I have not had the luxury of testing those waters. I figured though that I would be able to gain the aid of the man whose honor my friend was defending though. We did not meet in person before even when I served under you, but I have long heard of your sense of duty and loyalty to your people and seen it demonstrated in your actions.” Kael shrugged as he realized someone just gave him the archetype of person he should probably aim to be, since that apparently was who he was, “At least someone knows how I am supposed to be,” with that Kael stood up and held his hand out across the table for the man, “We’ll help you.” Trixie stood up as well, only to cross her arms instead of offer her hand, “Trixie can decide whether or not she will help on her own.” As Reuenthal took Kael’s hand, the latter rolled his eyes at her stubbornness and pride. Could she ever make anything simple and easy for them? “Will you aid him in saving his friend?” Trixie closed her eyes and turned partially away from them, including turning her head just to be dramatic, “Of course I will, Trixie is not heartless.” The confused look on the Captain’s raven haired head appeared to be the most genuine of the night, with the man seeming to not understand Trixie’s idiosyncrasies. Kael laughed as he shook hands with the man, glad to have someone to share this with for once. “Don’t mind her. She’s…eccentric.” The plan was decided that later in the day, when it was completely dark out, the group would go to the location where Mitter’meyer was being held. It was at an open building in the forest nearby Silvermoon, starting right across from its gate and ending farther than the eye could see. This area, known as Eversong Woods, was known for having wild animals attack travelers, but Reuenthal granted Trixie and Kael a map to traverse the area’s basic roads so as to not travel too far into the woods. Also provided were details on the patrols of local guards searching for enemies who would creep on Silvermoon in the night, which gave Trixie and Kael a good way to avoid conflict on the way to the destination marked on their map. The map was actually one of the whole continent, but Trixie and Kael kept the giant map folded up to only display the region they were in, which was the top of the continent. Once at the location they would systematically confront the guards and do whatever necessary to render them unconscious before freeing the prisoner. Given the lack of security it would seemingly be a simple operation, and Trixie actually felt a little excited about it. The idea of acting in rebellion and saving a noble man who fought for his prince only to be wrongfully imprisoned made her quite giddy, as it would be a great story to tell later. Something she could perhaps use if she were to perform for an audience, which was something she was beginning to want to do more and more with each passing second. On the other hand, what was not effecting her every second was the supposed magic addiction she had displayed earlier. Trixie did not know how to explain it, but she didn’t feel any signs of withdrawal, but she was not going to complain either so long as it continued. Still, as Trixie and Kael both lounged about their room in wait for the “prison” break, Trixie could not help but feel slightly unnerved by their new ally. He seemed honest, and his cause was definitely genuine with how tense he had grown, but Trixie still could not help but feel uneasy. Was it his eyes? His cold personality? While not seemingly a bad man, Reuenthal did not seem to be the most welcoming of personalities. This Mitter’meyer must be quite the good man to befriend such a fellow, who seemed otherwise unapproachable on a personal level. Trixie had ordered as much alcohol as she could afford with her portion of their earnings, fully intending to lift as much money as she could off the guards that night. They were working willingly for people who were doing something wrong, so they would be punished, though not hurt in any permanent fashion. Perhaps they were only serving to support and protect their families after all, and Trixie could not fault them for that. Despite drinking down enough alcohol to knock a grown man out, Trixie could barely feel anything at all. Her constitution for such things appeared far greater than an Elf really should have, but she was not about to complain. She was quite enjoying wine, actually. With her final glass in hand, Trixie decided to voice some of her mind to the man standing across the room, “Do you think we can trust him?” When she asked him, Kael was reading his spellbook, having spent the time since Reuenthal’s departure reading up in comparison to Trixie’s more leisurely activities. “If he intended to betray us, he could have easily taken us by force or brought forces with him to apprehend us,” Kael looked up from his tome at Trixie, who had just finished her wine and was wiping some from her lips. Something about this all resonated with him positively, as Kael knew how desperate he would be if Trixie were taken from him, “I think he is a man who has had his only friend taken from him and he knows no-one who can help him save the man, only to come across by chance someone who he believes to be trustworthy based on previous reputation.” To that Trixie had no real counter argument. Reuenthal really had nothing to gain by lying to them, and he possibly had a lot to gain by turning them in. Instead he approached them alone and confronted them while revealing himself to be honest. He could possibly be the tool of someone else, Trixie reckoned, but the man’s mannerisms and speech indicated he was not some simple pawn. To further his case on why he trusted the man Kael explored the theoretical mentality of the Captain, “Besides, if he believed the rumors about me, he would be the kind who would be more supportive of this regime. Instead, he likely thinks me here on some secret business, which would imply I do not want anyone to know I am here despite technically being the lord. That then implies I am actively avoiding those in charge, who are currently known to be spreading rumors about my loyalties.” Trixie sighed before shrugging and getting up from the table, idly placing the wine glass down while stretching her lithe limbs out, “I suppose that I will do this as a favor to you, to pay you back for helping me in my tasks earlier.” “Think though, earning the loyalty of two members of Silvermoon with some rank behind them can be quite useful. I mean, you were the one who was speaking of treason. We will need allies to do that.” There was no natural light that lit the room, so by blowing out the candles one could make it appear like it was nighttime. Since they would need to be up late that night, Trixie decided to get some sleep while she could and so she stumbled over to the bed they shared, “Yeah, yeah. It ruffles my fur that these jerks in the city are so downright authoritarian. Forcing people to think their way, threatening them with giant robots…” Kael placed his book down and blew out the candles nearby him as Trixie did the same on her way to bed. He couldn’t read in the dark after all, or at least do so as well, “You do know that, as a supposed Prince, I am an authoritarian figure as well?” Once on the bed, Trixie happily chirped back, “Benevolent dictatorship. Something that’s slipping my mind says I am used to those, and in favor of them.” “Just about every nation I can think of on Azeroth is a Kingdom or something of the sort, so that is not that surprising.” “You had better not become some tyrant. Though, I suppose if you do I can always go on another epic quest and defeat you,” Trixie warned at first, before it became a fit of laughter. Kael took his side of the bed and blew out the last light while letting a laugh escape his own mouth, as he really didn’t think things would come to that dramatic conclusion, “I’m doing this right now out of obligation and a lack of direction. I highly doubt I will ever reach that point.” “Good. Now, let us get some rest while we can. He will be back in the middle of the night, will he not?” Kael realized in the darkness that in the brief time he took to get to the bed that Trixie had stripped herself of the clothing she seemed to think extraneous, namely everything but her underwear, and the Elf groaned. Did she come from a culture that did not have the same modesty standards? He could think of no other reason for her exposure, though no matter the cause it still made him uncomfortable. In a veiled attempt to get her to put her clothes back on so he wouldn’t have to sleep next to her bare skin, Kael decided to address another issue, “Aren’t you cold?” Trixie gestured to their shared blanket while pulling it to be mostly over her rather than him, “That’s what the blanket is for. What? It’s not as if Trixie just likes feeling fuzzy things…” Kael was right before. Eccentric was definitely the word for her Well, that or insane. Kael would rather she be considered the former, as it would say a lot about him if his only friend was an insane woman who seemed to have the mentality of an animal on occasion. Later that night in the Eversong was a much less comfortable Elf in a far less friendly situation. “Why are you not eating? Afraid of being poisoned?” A blonde man in a set of black dress clothing sat in his designated jail cell, which in reality was just a large open building of the same architecture found all around the area, especially those in Sunstrider Isle. The circular building had no real door and was completely open, even with the two guards posted outside. Inside the singular room was an assortment of things that would make it appear well furnished and hospitable. In reality it was anything but. It was the place of an illegitimate sentencing and imprisonment, and if not for the man’s sense of right and wrong he would just walk out. The guards had brought Mitter’meyer food multiple times, but each of them was met with no response. The food was later shared amongst the guards, but the fact was that a few days had gone by. Mitter’meyer was needed alive for when he was to be executed, so letting him die of malnourishment was something the guard leader was worried about. It would reflect poorly upon him if the prisoner died before those who wished to handle him had their chance after all. Sitting quietly in the corner on the floor, willingly refusing to take a seat in the provided chairs and the like, was Mitter’meyer. His food remained on the table across the room, and he had not moved to touch it at all. He was handcuffed, but he was capable of walking around. The blonde captive shook his head, “I am not that weak hearted, and I know they wouldn’t go to all of this trouble just to poison me. They could do that in court without anyone being any wiser, all they would have to do is blame it on some suspected rebels or the Humans.” The guard narrowed his eyes at Mitter’meyer while picking the tray of food up, not understanding then what was the man’s issue, “Then why are you leaving your meal untouched?” Mitter’meyer smiled to himself, not even looking up at the man whose duty was to keep him there. “If I got fat, my wife would hate me.” The man looked over Mitter’meyer and found the idea preposterous, even though Mitter’meyer was quite stocky for an Elf as well as slightly below average in height. This only was really noticeable when placed next to his friend Reuenthal though, who’s above average height for an Elf and wide but thin frame opposed his friend’s more blocky one. With nothing more to say, the guard left Mitter’meyer to his solitude. There was only one entrance to the structure, and there was no real threat to be faced. After all, who would dare oppose the nobles and leaders who imprisoned him to begin with? Once alone Mitter’meyer sighed to himself, opening his eyes as he considered the possibility of seeing his loving wife again. He fully intended to, but that would hinge on the actions of his friend. “Since Reuenthal told me to leave it to him, I have no doubt he’s making his best possible effort to get me out of here.” Still, the work of a single Captain might not be enough…at least, Mitter’meyer worried that much. “But…” Someone entering through the drapes that served as the only kind of “door” to the structure stopped Mitter’meyer from finishing his thought. The man who entered was wearing red and black cloth robes and had orange-red hair, and was in fact the same man who earlier that day quelled the public rally that Kael and Trixie witnessed and where Reuenthal had noticed the two. The man entering approached Mitter’meyer before bowing to the man, a mocking smirk on the clothed man’s face, “How do you do, Captain Mitter’meyer? I am Priest Kath’mar. Normally, I interrogate and turn those who commit the crime of lese majesty.” Mitter’meyer remained stoic, simply staring at the Priest with contempt. In an act of perceived superiority, the Priest leaned over Mitter’meyer and looked down at the sitting man, “And when I say interrogate, I mean things like flaying someone's mind, and the ever lovely turning them against their friends and family. I serve our beloved country with such skills, just as I’m sure you once served with your own.” The lack of response was a continued effort on Mitter’meyer’s part to not give this man any satisfaction. As a Paladin, Mitter’meyer knew of the Light that granted him strength, the same Light that powered Priests and their abilities…which included the mentioned mind control and mind flaying, things only the less savory Priests would ever resort to. Usually sadists. To further prove himself to be the latter, Kath’mar stood back up while laughing darkly at the prisoner before him, “Now, of course, I pride myself upon such skills as a type of art. There are many people who value such an art, and there are many occasions where I'm asked to demonstrate my skills in places other than in my employment.” The Priest brought a hand to stroke Mitter’meyer’s face, only to then pat him on the cheek and take a step back, “So many people these days who need some good, old mind alteration. What’s a Priest to do but oblige his superiors and correct society of its blemishes?” “Serve the Light and not anyone who would subvert it?” Mitter’meyer snarked back, not caring about what the ignoble Priest may do in retaliation. He could whether some pain for the sake of his own pride. The Priest did not seem wholly offended, rather appearing amused by the quip, “Coming from a Paladin of the Blood Knights? Those who are stealing the power of the Light from a being who was captured by Sunstrider instead of actually adhering to its tenants and rules?” Mitter’meyer lowered his head and closed his eyes. After a moment he laughed softly to himself, amused by something the Priest said. “You really should call him by his first name…” Kath’mar snorted, “Oh? What part? The Kael or the thas?” Mitter’meyer looked back up and glared at the man with fury, “You meant to say ‘Lord’. He is the superior of each of us, and I will not hear you disgrace him by referring to him so disrespectfully!” With that outburst he incited the fury of the Priest, and the session of “interrogation” began.