Promising...
"Er, what? Oh, if you say so. I should go grab my jacket and a change of clothes..."
"You have been told not to tell us your name, but did you master tell you not to tell us which clan you represent?" asks Falla from cover.
July 8th, 2024 - Gao, Republic of Mali
The stranger smiles, a cruel and wicked thing. Slowly he reaches down and draws his katana from its sheath, the ringing sound that the blade makes as it slides free echoes across the street.
"I hail from no clan!" he says with excitement. "I am a spirit of revenge, a wraith to sent to haunt you damned souls - I claim no greater or lesser purpose. The time has come to collect past dues, starting with you."
He drops low into a fighting stance, holding his blade at eye level. The air around him is brimming with electricity and the surrounding sky is beginning to darken.
"Are you ready to die with honor?" he asks.
Furious, Roland turns to Charlemagne. "What arrogance! Come, let us punish this madman. If not for the King, than surely out of spite for such absurdity. Lead the way in Lord Saber. Falla, keep an eye on Victor. This will be over soon."
July 10th, 2024 - Novosibirsk, Russia - Sigil Manor
Maceo nods and dismisses you both.
With your train departing soon you both quickly gather whatever you feel will help you at the monastery. Outside, a car is already waiting to take you to the station. You notice it is the same car from the previous evening, though the driver is different.
You arrive at the station approximately ten minutes prior to the train departing. Fortunately it seems to be already there and people have begun boarding already. If you want to get any last minute supplies for the trip, now is the time to do so.
"The arrogant fool must learn his place," agrees Charlemange.
He will dash to the madman and engage him.
Aside from a rather messy snack bought from a street vendor, Paul doesn't bring anything significant, or that would raise any eyebrows. Well, unless you count a backpack full of spray-paint, pencils, and paper - places with spotty wifi freak him out a bit.
Knowing that it is likely useless, Falla begins firing anyway as Charlemagne begins his charge, hoping to get lucky if nothing else.
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia - Solovetsky Monastery
With the train departing soon you two decide to board without any further delays.
The trip is long, nearly six hours. There's not much to look at along the way. The train you are riding in is part of a super advanced railway system that was constructed as part of a concentrated effort on the part of the Russian government to modernize their infrastructure. Capable of rocketing along the track at several hundred miles per hour, there's barely even any scenery to look at - just a green blur. The only saving grace is that a trip that would have taken a day by plane is now done with in the matter of an afternoon.
You arrive in Solovetsky around four. From what you read, you know the museum at the monastery will be closing at 6 so you have a little time before then to get your bearings.
July 8th, 2024 - Gao, Republic of Mali
The stranger does not move to intercept the charging servants. Instead, he plants his feet and begins focusing his inner energy. Those of you who can see the flow of Ki witness a massive convergence of magical energy centering on the mysterious servant. The build-up is terrifying, it even begins to effect those in the area physically. The air becomes thick and oppressive and your spirits are assailed by a tidal wave of dread.
Both servants shrug off the aura easily while Falla feels slightly "off".
Fighting through the unease, Falla levels her "lucky" pistol at the samurai and pulls the trigger. In response his aura flairs and the bullet is destroyed instantly before it can reach him. He smirks...
You'll need something heavier to punch through this guys defenses. If they're anything like what Charlemagne has then mundane munitions are going to be bouncing off most the time. Even with your aura added to the mix your pistols don't seem to have the punch. Fortunately the MLF guys were nice enough to leave all manner of assault rifles and RPGs laying about after you drove them off...
Roland leaps over the makeshift barrier and swings Durandel at the samurai. With a flash the latter raises his Katana to intercept:
Charlemagne follows just after with a second strike from the Durandels sister blade. The samurai struggles to twist around and block this second hit.
The holy blade leaves a shallow cut along the samurais thigh, causing a mixture of blood and shadowy miasma to leak from the wound.
Avenger 112/144
"Was worth a shot." Falla begins sprinting back the direction she just came from.
Charlemagne frowns when he sees the result of his cut. A curse? Or a taint? He doesn't want to protract this fight longer then necessary and taps his reserves, putting extra heft and inner strength in his strikes.
"First things first - lets find ourselves a hotel. Sleeping on the street this far north would be a dumb idea." And Paul goes to do exactly that.
July 8th, 2024 - Gao, Republic of Mali
Ignoring Charlemagne and Falla, the samurai focuses on Roland. He takes a half step back and drives the tip of his sword into the earth. "FUKURYUZAN!" he shouts as he tears the blade free from the earth. Ki erupts forth in a wave, striking Roland who does his best to block the attack.
The energy sparks as it crosses Durandel and Roland winces is pain, a deep cut appearing along his cheek. Behind him a deep scar is left in the car that carries into the barricade, where the metal has been cleanly cut.
Falla takes the opportunity to run from cover, staying low to the ground. She sees several assault rifles one the ground - cheap AKs. There's also a RPG by a dead body but it isn't loaded, she'd have to get the extra rounds off the nearby operators web gear.
Meanwhile Roland pushes forward and brings Durandel down on the opposing servant.
The heavy European-style sword collides with the Japanese katana and practically batters it aside. The samurai is forced to put all his strength it to holding the weapon at bay and even then it starts to cut into his shoulder. As he sees Charlemagne approaching he glares. "I admire your persistence..."
Once again the samurai manages to slide away from the attack, using the base of his katana to quickly deflect the worst of the attack. He still earns a cut across his forearm for his trouble and blood and black mist ooze forth from the wound.
Avenger 100/144
Roland 259/295
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia
The Solovetsky Islands rely heavily on tourist traffic, especially during this season. There's plenty of hotels to choose from. Some nicer, higher-end places. Nothing like you'd see in a big city but they've got large suite rooms with lots of ammenities and great views of the water. For the more budget-concious travel there's all manner of inns and motels with varying levels of quality and cleanliness. Most places are barebones where the room has a toilet, shower, bed, old tv, phone, and maybe a mini-fridge. They're decently clean, if outdated, but the rates can't be beat and some even accept month-to-month payments.
Of course, the green clan has no shortage of funds available for their clansmen. They are, after all, masters of the digital landscape - including investments and digital currency exchanges. You could stay wherever you'd like. There's a Four Seasons in the main part of the town which is pretty much the best there is in the entire area It'd be about a two hour walk to the monastery from there but the hotel staff would be more than happy to arrange a shuttle. There's also some less nice places closer to the Monastery, 20-30 minute walks.
Figuring cheaper hotels meant fewer questions, Paul figured they could settle for one of the closer hotels. Hopefully, they wouldn't need to be here for long.
Charlemagne continues the assault striking with Joyeuse, trying to find the openings in enemy's defense.
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia - Shimmering Island Inn
Eventually you settle on a little place near the museum - the Shimmering Island Inn. It seems nice if a little outdated. The exterior is a charming off-white with blue accents and you can tell its about a dozen rooms at most. Even before going in Paul checks and it does have wifi at some kind.
There's a young woman working the desk, she smiles at the two of you when you enter. The reception area itself is compact with a counter, two chairs, and a table with a coffee machines and accompanying sugars and such.
"Welcome to the Shimmering Island Inn. How may I help you?"
Muerte notices the coffee setup immediately and gracefully floats over to it - completely ignoring the young woman. "I've always been a patient one, but I haven't had a cup all day." She says to Paul as she fills up a cup - notably adding much more sugar than actual coffee to the mixture.
July 8th, 2024 - Gao, Republic of Mali
"How long can you last?" asks the samurai with a smirk. He changes his stance quickly, putting his left foot forward and holding his sword level with his shoulder. With a sudden flash he pushes into your guard and delivers a set of deadly strikes.
The first slash pushes Roland back with a wince, giving the other servant the perfect opening to deliver a second blow to Charlemagne.
Falla moves to the fallen soldier and grabs the RPG and loads it with a warhead.
.
Avenger 100/144
Roland 235/295
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia - Shimmering Island Inn
"Of course, help yourself!" says the woman, though she is noticeably taken aback as Muerte drowns her coffee in sugar.
Taking aim, Falla shouts "Frag out!" as she fires the RPG at the hostile swordsman.
Patient one, yes...
"Hi, we're looking for two rooms please, for... a week? Adjoining, if that's possible."
"For as long as necessary." Charlemagne is ready to continue with the strikes when he hears Falla's shout and sees her shooting an RPG at them and backs away.
July 8th, 2024 - Gao, Republic of Mali
Roland dives out of the way just in time to avoid the grenade round as it screams over the barricade. The samurai only has time to grit his teeth before he is enveloped in a fiery explosion. Black smoke mixed with dust chokes the air. As it clears the enemy servant is no more, with only a crater lingering in the dirt as a memory. The aura flooding the area begins to slowly dissipate. Neither the servants or the Doctor are sensing any unusual magical energy signatures and Falla doesn't spot anything with her own senses.
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia - Shimmering Island Inn
The woman smiles and quickly types in a few things to her computer. "I'm sorry sir..." she starts, doing her best to seem sincere, "We don't have any adjoining rooms available for that length of time. I can get you rooms on seperate floors or something...together." She glances between Muerte and Paul as she says the last part.
Reflexively, Falla reloads the rocket launcher and moves towards Charlemagne. "Well, that worked out better than I thought it would. Score one for modern technology. We should probably get out of here though."
Of course not. Now, do I want the knife-wielding super-maniac to be locked in a room with me, or out of my supervision...
He smiles his best saccharine, understanding smile. "Together, then, but separate beds please."
Charlemagne slowly shakes his head.
"I doubt this killed him. Most likely he is just injured. But we do need the leave this place as soon as possible, with that I agree."
"Dispersed, dead; either way works for me."
July 8th, 2024 - Gao, Republic of Mali
Roland sheaths his sword with a disappointed scoff and heads back towards the Doctor. It appears the Silver Clans vehicle was destroyed in the scuffle but fortunately private Ross arrives in the remaining SUV.
The drivers side door opens and you hear Ross from inside "The Corporal is waiting to rendezvous just outside of the city, Charlemagne. We've intercepted reports that Republic of Mali troops have been dispatched and are on their way. HQ is ordering that we stay out of their way for now."
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia - Shimmering Island Inn
The woman smiles again and checks her computer. "Yes, sir...we do have a room available. I'll just need a credit card that we can place on file for payment and incidentals."
"Of course." He hands over one of his and, after she's done, goes to store his luggage in the room before throwing on another layer (it's cold up here) and making ready to go explore the town.
"May as well take the tour - if someone's willin' to show us around I see no reason not to take advantage."
Falla will make sure that Victor is safe, then say "We should probably get out of here. Rockets tend to bring the authorities, even in this part of the world."
"Miss Renal. Doctor. Roland, my friend," he gestures to the car. "We'll give you a ride."
"We thank you for your hospitality."
July 8th, 2024 - Republic of Mali
Everyone piles in to the SUV. Despite the interior being spacious, there's about one too many people along with all the gear so the ride isn't nearly as comfortable as it could be. Still, the interior is temperature controlled and free from the merciless heat of the sun.
Ross does a quick turn around and heads out of the area. Just as you hit the city limits you spot a few helicopters on the horizon heading towards Gao. Probably the response force from the local government.
A few minutes later you reach the other surviving Section 9 vehicle. Corporal Gheid is leaning against the rear bumper watching you all approach behind his dark sunglasses. Ross pulls your vehicle to the side of the road and puts it in park. Victor frowns at this and Roland tenses up. "Always so pushy, Yoh..." mutters the Silver King. Shaking his head he motions for his two companions to get out.
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia - Shimmering Island Inn
Your room is nice with a strong lodge asthetic. There's a bathroom with a large tub and shower and modern toilet. The linens on the double beds aren't high-end but they are comfortable. There's also a mini-fridge, TV, and microwave.
Charlemagne gets out of the car and holds the door for the others. When everyone is out, he approaches Gheid and stares at him silently for a few moments before speaking. "Any сasualties?"
"Thank you your highness. It was instructive watching you fight." says Falla as she climbs out of the vehicle.
July 8th, 2024 - Republic of Mali
"Yes, the men in the third car didn't survive the rocket attack" replies Gheid quickly. "What the hell was that back there?"
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia
You find yourself at the local post office which, oddly, offers guided audio tours. Apparently there was a movement some years ago from the town council to create these tours as a clever way to increase tourism. You can play the audio files on any smartphone or, for a small fee, you can rent a mp3 player.
You decide to go with the audio tour over a guided one. It's got pretty good reviews online and you figure that you can always pause it for later if something catches your eye.
The audio starts and a pleasent female voice starts giving you basic information about the area:
"The Solovetsky Islands (often referred to as Solovki) are six islands located in the waters of the White Sea in northern Russia. It is located just 165km from the Arctic Circle. Founded in the 15th century, Solovetsky Monastery was one of Russia's most famous and holy monasteries, and became a major pilgrimage destination.
It was also a place of exile, and in the 20th century it was used as a brutal Soviet prison camp at which over a million prisoners died. Soviet leaders of the 1920's saw the advantage of the islands' isolation and stark climate differently and transformed the archipelago into one of the country's first gulags. It is still haunted by the shadows of the victims who suffered for their political views in both Imperial and Soviet times, yet its ancient monastery gives the place a unique air of spirituality. The monastery was rehabilitated after the fall of the Soviet Union, and today the islands' natural beauty, spiritual significance and weighty history draw tourists of all kinds to their shores.
During World War II, the Solovetsky Islands were used as a naval base. The monastery reopened in the early 1990s and is once again home to a few monks. Many of the churches and other monastery buildings remain under renovation.
Today, Solovetsky Monastery is a World Heritage Site, museum, and home to a handful of monks. The setting itself is still one of breathtaking natural beauty – wild northern bays and headlands, calm lakes, and deep, thick forests. Situated in the chilly waters of the Onega Bay in the far north of Russia, Solovetsky is off the beaten track, but those who make the effort will not forget their trip.
The most intact building is the Annunciation Church, built at the end of the 16th century and containing the tombs of the saintly founders of the monastery. A climb to the top of the majestic St. Nicholas Church, with an adjoining bell tower, provides a breathtaking overview of the island."
There are additional audio files as well as GPS directions to the relevant locations:
>Lovozero Tundra
>Monchegorsk Suburbs
>Monche Tundra
>Saami Settlement
>Karelian Kinerma Village
>Valaam
>Kizhi
>History of Solovetsky Archipelago
>Monasteries of Solovetsky Archipelago
>Big Zayatsky Island
"We'll tour the monasteries first, I reckon - if somethin' interestin' is here it'll be underground. Given how much of a pain it is to dig graves here, they'll be the ones with catacombs." Paul says, half to himself, as he checks the GPS coords of the 'Monasteries of Solovetsky Archipelago'.
"'What that was' was an assassination attempt by a servant against my king. Were it not for Charlemagne, his compatriot, and myself, it would have been a closer thing than I care for by a longshot, which means that someone intercepted the details of our meeting. This, I do not care for at all. I'm sure we'll eventually ferret out who betrayed us, but the most important thing is getting out of this country."
Turning to Charlemagne and Roland, she would add "Do either of you know whose servant that was?"
Charlemagne lets out a deep sigh after hearing Gheid's answer. "That is most regrettable."
He frowns and shakes his head at Falla's question. "I am afraid I do not. All I can tell, is that he is one of the eastern warriors, Captain Youh's countryman. Samurai, are they? He also claimed that he has no master."
"We do need to leave the country as soon as possible." He turns to Roland and Doctor. "We can give you a lift to your airplane, if you do not have a spare vehicle."
"I had several set up, but I do not trust that they haven't been compromised. If you are willing to give us a ride to the airport, I'm sure we could give you a ride to a location of your choosing."
July 8th, 2024 - Republic of Mali
Roland shakes his head and Victor speaks up instead. "That servant's aura was strange too. I've never seen anything like it. Could he have been the result of some kind of unregistered summoning? But if that was the case why did he come after me in the first place?"
Gheid interjects and cuts off Charlemagne.
"Don't worry about your plane for now. Section 9 is working to secure our exit route, we'll be returning to HQ as soon as it's ready - that includes you all" he says, looking at Falla, Roland, and Victor.
July 10th, 2024 - Solovetsky Islands, Russia
The trip takes you to the northern portion of Big Solovetsky island where it turns out there are three separate Monasteries.
"For hundreds of years these sites have been silent witnesses of human behavior and aspirations. Solovetsky monks measured the way here by versts*, prisoners of GULAG – by tears, and Sea cadets (whose school was on Solovki) – by cross-country race in morning. The monks built the famous Solovetsky monasteries: the Holy Ascension monastery on Mount Sekirnaya, Savvatevsky and Isakovsky monasteries. The Bolsheviks turned these holy places in the prison camp. All this will tell you the Solovetsky monasteries - witness the history of Solovki, anxiously keeping traces of human activity."
>Lovozero Tundra
>Monchegorsk Suburbs
>Monche Tundra
>Saami Settlement
>Karelian Kinerma Village
>Valaam
>Kizhi
>History of Solovetsky Archipelago
>Big Zayatsky Island
Charlemagne glares at Gheid and wants to say something, probably unpleasant, but takes a moment to calm and shows him a cold predatory smile of a man who does not like to be interrupted, before turning to Silver King. "I apologize for Gheid's lack of respect and manners. But you will have an opportunity to discuss everything directly with Captain Yoh, Doctor."
Picking one at random, Paul decides to make for Savvatevsky Monastary to have a look around.