The Soothsayer - Servants

In the french province of Nivernais, Vvael managed his tiny bar tucked secludedly in a corner of the street edge.

Country flags remained proudly from the remnant celebrations of occupying the romans. Vvael shook his head at the flags of invasion, for he knew only too well the illusion of possession. As the skies turned for the worse, Vvael had other things on his mind, far more critical than mortal wars.

With a build like the mountain, Vvael was a dominating presence in the neighborhood. But Vvael was a man of few words and guarded with many secrets of his own. The neighbourhood didn't even knew that Vvael was his real name, they called him Uncle Bou. With a keen eye to the horizon where the sun appeared to be melting quickly, Vvael swept the porch. For some reasons undetected by him, Vvael loved to sweep floors. With almost every patronisation, people would often find him sweeping away or wiping the glasses attentively, leaving the tending of his business to his mute hire.

Vvael flipped a close sign to his parlour which was contrary early. He pulled up a chair outside his business, struck a match on his pipe and admired the setting rays. Vvael was expecting important guests.

The nurse arrived first just before the sun completely drowned. Oriares was still wearing her nursing uniform and looked vastly tired. Vvael sat her down and poured the nurse a strong drink. They made a small conversation about the worst outbreak of Cholera in London and Oriares was already asking for another drink.

Kepharel in his black coat and poor man's gloves joined them as they waited for the last kinsman. Kepharel was young and handsome looking. He dug graves for a living. A keen conversationalist, Kepharel gave his two cents worth about disposing infectious corpses. Young Kepharel always possess a taste for gory details.

A carriage drawn by horses halted nearby. The secret agents surveyed the environment before allowing their mistress to come to Vvael's bar. With the guest list filled, Vvael ushered his three kinsmen into his parlour. They sat down in a corner as Vvael's mute maid poured them malt whiskey. The late mistress of important statue unveiled herself and tasted her whiskey. Pancia the envoy from the Pussian Empire smiled at the oak suggestion of her wheat cure and claimed that it had been a long time since she drank.

Vvael began the conversation, 'The rumors are like the wild of his fire, everywhere now to children in different versions.'

'The Denmark government tried to intervene, they speak of newer abilities of the monster.' Provided Pancia, 'They say he could read minds and burn souls even without contact with the body.'

'Maybe it's time we should meet him for ourselves. Look at the omens in the skies, the fire beast is planning something.' Said Kepharel.

'I agree.' Supported Pancia. 'He's taking lives and Father would never allow his children to condone such acts of treason against his creation.'

Vvael slipped his malt and sighed, 'We're what we are. We are not permitted to engage. I know that something horrid is going riot but I say we leave it to Father's decision.'

'Come on, Vvael. Father...' Kepharel hesitated for a while before saying his mind, 'Father have left his throne for years. Without a message, nor a herald. If the fire monster is planning to take His Silver City, wouldn't it be too late to allow that abomination to master enough trickery?'

'Kep is right. We should show ourselves to the fire devil at least, to let him know the power of our Father's stretched beyond worlds.The last I heard, cults are worshipping him.' Argued Pancia, 'We don't have to take him out, but least warn him of the consequences. Think of the innocent lives burnt!'

They looked at the quiet Oriares.

Oriares spoke tiredly, 'I'm not with you on this one. London is sick and it needs me. That's my decision.'

Vvael turned to Kepharel and Pancia, 'What if I say no? Would you still go?'

The young grave digger and the bored diplomat nodded their heads.

Vvael downed his malt and sighed, 'Then I shall chaperon.'



To be continued...