Godslayer Arc 1.11 Verra

“You’re holding back aren’t you,” mutters Drakvar as he stumbles backwards after taking another punch from Galamin.

“If I were to unleashed my best, you would not stand a chance,” replies Galamin as he swings another inhumanly quick and extremely accurate punch at Drakvar.

He barely sees it coming and Drakvar is just able to raises his arms to block it in time. But it matters little as the force of the punch is still strong enough to send Drakvar staggering backwards.

I’m certain he can punch harder and faster than that.

“I suppose it is for the best,” grumbles Drakvar as he balances himself again.

“Indeed,” agrees Galamin, “I seek to train you to be experienced against superior foes, not to simply be crushed by them. Regardless, there is another matter I would like you and Valen to assist me with.”

“What is that?” inquires Drakvar as he notices Galamin isn’t sending anymore attacks his way.

“An old friendly acquaintance of mine has requested my assistance in an extremely personal matter of great importance and delicacy,” answers Galamin, “While I am more than capable of completing the task on my own, I felt that you and Valen are more than able in helping me and both of you can do with the valuable experience.”

***

“So where exactly are we going?” asks Valen as he trails behind Galamin and Drakvar.

“To meet with Verra Baric,” replies Galamin without looking back at Valen.

While Valen clearly recognises the name and seems surprised by it, he accepts it without further comment. Drakvar, on the other hand, wishes to know more about the person they are going to meet.

“Who is Verra Baric?” inquires Drakvar.

“One of de most powerful Warlocks alive on Lyatar,” replies Valen, “Not dat I would expect someone like you to know such basic knowledge.”

“Verra Baric is an independent Warlock that serves the Seventh of Knowledge,” answers Galamin, being more helpful in his answer than Valen was, “While she specialises in fire magic, she is more than capable in all of the other magic elements. In fact, Verra is strong enough and skilled enough that she can hold her own against a Saint or Demigod.”

“Something she proved when she engaged de Soldier of Pain,” adds Valen.

“The Soldier of Pain?” inquires Drakvar.

“Idiot,” mutters Valen, “The Soldier of Pain is a Warlock and de Seventeenth Demigod of de Third of War. Very dangerous and known to singlehandedly wipe out entire armies. Hardly anyone would dare fight him willingly. And he’s old. Ancient even.”

“Anyway, we are now here,” declares Galamin as he comes to a halt outside a small bar.

“We’re meeting her in a bar?” asks Drakvar.

“In a private booth,” replies Galamin, “This building is owned and run by a Warlock Cabal. Not Verra’s, but she is respected highly by them.”

Drakvar nods and both he and Valen follow Galamin in as he enters the bar. Once inside, Drakvar notes that everybody is staring at them. Or rather, they are staring at Galamin.

Not at all surprising. This place is a shallow, shady and dull dump that is inhabited primarily by thugs and other criminals. And a Knight in Shining Armour has just stepped in.

“Sir Galamin of de Good Sword?” asks a slightly hunched Kith in black and red robes with several rings dangling from his flesh.

“Of course,” replies Galamin, “I have come with my Squire and a member of the Northern Church to meet Verra Baric.”

“Zhe didn’t mention de other two,” says the Kith, “But zhe iz waiting for you. I shall escort you to her.”

Despite the looks they are getting, the Kith leads the three of them to a small wooden room before standing by the door.

“The Great Verra Baric awaits you inside,” says the Kith with a bow before slinking off.

“Pathetic Warlock,” Drakvar hears Valen mutter under his breath.

Galamin steps inside the booth and with a glance between them, Valen and Drakvar both follow him.

“You brought guests?” says an aging female Kith once they are inside.

The Kith, whom Drakvar assumes is Verra Baric, has pale brown fur with long sleek black hair. Her eyes are hard and cold while her features are regal and aloof. She conceals her body with a pale aqua dress and a brown, black and red shawl around her neck and shoulders.

“They will be helping with this case Verra,” replies Galamin.

“Az long az dey don’t screw diz up,” mutters Verra with a disdainful look towards Drakvar, “My daughter’s very being iz on de line.”

“Oh? Please tell,” says Galamin.

“As you know, Fatimir waz part of de Cabal of Lasting Loyalty, servants of de Zixth of Emotion,” answers Verra, “Of two days ago, their leader, Paliyil Dibar, renounced hiz oaths of loyalty to de Zixth of Emotion and slaughtered hiz entire Cabal short of himzelf and Fatimir.”

Both Galamin and Valen look disgusted at hearing what this Paliyil has done. Even Drakvar feels repulsed by the actions, even if he doesn’t know why.

“But dat izn’t de worst of it,” continues Verra, “Rather dan slay my daughter, de vile filth instead uzed Soul Binding to trap my daughter’s zoul and mind in hiz spear whilst claiming her body for hiz own.”

“I see,” mutters Galamin as he looks thoughtful, “I assume you wish for me to find Paliyil and Fatimir and bring him to justice while restoring Fatimir.”

“Dat would be most welcome,” says Verra, “In fact, I already know dat Paliyil iz enroute to Kar’mire. He should be arriving tonight.”