Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Lorenzo growls, "I will hold long enough to hear this out, but make no further guarantees. If this were purely between us and them, that would be one thing, but they have taken my family who have no part in this!"
The Cappadocian looks ready to pounce and kill another should that prove to be the direction this goes.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
Ranerius reclaims his blade, but does not hold it threateningly "Are we talking now? Excellent if so."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
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Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
What would you do if hunted and ambushed? Defend yourselves... that is what happened here. In life and in my current... state. I only sought to protect Venice.
Forces are tearing her apart. There are powers beyond your and my comprehension manipulating... us. You...
...and me. Them. All of us. He makes a gentle sweeping arc with his arm encompassing all present.
Do you think Dunstan has a mortal master? Truly? His master does not seek what's best for you. His master is your enemy, my enemy. They pit us against each other. They tell you that you are what? Cleansing Venice?
You your forces and ours have decimated one another, they will swoop in and destroy us all. We have a common enemy and for better or worse, my enemy's enemy is... my friend. I believe that is from some ancient Indian text. But, I digress. He pauses.
A family was taken as hostages, as bait... two men, a woman and two small children. They are innocent, they know nothing of the darkness in the world you have been made privy to.
Is it God's work to take these innocents? There will soon be a call to assault the Khadaji Manse. The people there are innocent, they know nothing and only wish to live peacefully, contribute to the community and worship freely. They too know nothing of what... we are.
How do you justify these actions? The span of a breath, as if he needed one.
Where is the family being kept? What will ease your conscience as you slaughter the innocent men, women and children at Khadaji Manse? Where do I find Dunstan, so that I can begin to unravel this... deception?
YOU and I are on the same side of this, for now. We are both pawns and until we get to the hand that controls your superiors and makes them work with Dunstan and who his master is, you will never be free.
You will fight for a false cause and your death will be... empty. I have opened your eyes, Heaven's Warriors. What you do now, with that knowledge is what you will be judged by. Ignorance is no longer and option. [/b]
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Alessandro's speech carries over to the other rooftops and to the canal below. The Knight climbing down the building pauses, he after all has nowhere to go but into the drink to drown in his armor. He cowers on a landing as the door to the business below is locked. Andrew looks at Geoffroi and he steers the Gondola to the landing where the Knight is located, he holds up his hands, away from the pommel of his blade.
"Parley as t'were tha' werds a' Alessandro".
Fear still has him so all the man can do is cower.
Lydia huffs.
The Knight alone on his own roof looks back at Alessandro and responds, "Do you all deny that your ilk are indeed bloodsucking night fiends?
Does your hunting of humanity for sustenance not justify some acts which would be necessary to eliminate your kind? You are of the Devil! Those who would provide you succor have been corrupted as well!" He pauses and sighs.
"And yet, something about what you say does indeed resonate. I have questioned whether these actions are the noblest of deeds? The answers I have received, for I have asked the question of Lord de Mendini, are that in war the ends justify the means.
God wills it!
But does he? Have we just fought to a stand still and you are using this parley to strike us down? It seems not? Are your words just trickery? Poison to my ears and mind?!
I think yes, but then I remember that we harbor one of your kind! He is not slain, but walking among us, an ally in this fight as he claims Knighthood himself. Evil battling Evil.
I think yes, but then I have heard rumors, dark rumors that those that lead us drink the blood of your kind to gain greater powers. All in the pretense of battling Evil!
If I am to aid you I betray my God to the Devil, after all, you must all fall for humanity to live free! If we, I, do not destroy you, how can I live with myself for the blood of the innocents that you will spill in the future? Even if what you say of our dark deeds these past few days are true"...
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
I shall put these plans we discuss in motion immediately. Thereafter, can I return here so we can discuss the nature of our relationship further or have you other tasks at hand to deal with this night?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
I am happy to discuss this in depth but, I only have time to tell you what I believe.
Anything that exists... even things such as what I am, are part of the pattern allowed by Him. And good and evil exist in us and mortals alike.
If you are a true believer, let the battle be between good and evil and not what we happen to be.
It is divisive. It's like pitting Jews against Christians against Moslems... it only benefits those who wish to be or remain in power. It gives them control. Fear-mongers, war-mongers... you are kept busy and spent while, they accumulate power and influence.
I am the same man now, as I was in life. I am a good man. I fight for Venice... and by Venice I mean the people of Venice and for justice.
He pauses.
Go back, put the pieces together... watch but do not speak or act prematurely. You will be eliminated by your own masters. I merely open your eyes, I do not cloud your thoughts not blur your vision. I do not dominate your will. You are not beholden to me, free will is yours. Honestly, do your leaders offer the same courtesy?
And know this, drinking the blood of one of us is... addictive, powerfully so. What do you know of addiction? Addicts will do anything to receive more of what they are addicted to. And, that tends to give the providers of such substances... power, control over the addict.
Something comes gentlemen or perhaps it is already here and infiltrated both our chains of command. Some faction that is a threat to both our kind. Perhaps you think of it as a greater evil. A threat to good to life. I will fight that thing and I give you the courtesy to not stand in my way... our way.
If you are good men help me, help us save an innocent family. Where are they or at least who took them?
My friends have been patient enough and, I have tested their limits. You may go in peace and trust no one for your own safety... or we can finish this. God's will is that we have free will, gentleman. Angels, not a one of us.
Each of you can make your own decision. No need to all decide the same thing. No peer pressure. You must live, however briefly with your decision after all.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
....
Geoffroi looks at Andrew and reluctantly draws his hand away from his pommel. Despite his enhanced strength, his hauberk is a heavy weight on his shoulders
"Aye. Parley. For now."
Geoffroi scans the surroundings thouroughly, searching for any signs of an ambuscade
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
Ranerius does not give his name, and lets Andrew most of the talking, but he does add, "Whether you believe it or not, I care for Venice. We all do I think. And we are trying to save it from Chaos and madness. If any of you love this city, you'll consider my ally's words. Have you never had a home you loved so much, you would not fight for it? Even at risk of your existence?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
The Knights faces remain grim and impassive, "This is not our city no city of this material world is more important than the Kingdom of God.
Your fight for family though, yes, that I can understand.
If this is about your love for those Mortals you still care about then perhaps you are not the monsters we believed you to be...
Still, you have mortally wounded Sir Kursk!"
Andrew speaks up from below, "In a show o' good faith ye bring him ta' me an ah'll heal tha' wounds. Then. Then, we enter tha Hour O' Tha' Giovanni an we parley. We need ta' have an understandin' afore we part. Err we tagether in common cause err enemies? Tha; shadows err thick on both sides as Il Corvo has stated."
The Knight narrows his eyes, "Heal him, with Blood!?"
Andrew shakes his head, "Nay".
Lydia turns to Lorenzo and peers at the crippled Knight, "Is he still alive? How the hell can he heal that damage?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Ranerius arches a brow at Andrew but says "Let us see what Andrew can do for him then."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
"Yes, he is still alive, but just barely. There are no mortal means for saving his life at this point." Lorenzo says to Lydia. "That being said, Andrew is of the Salubri and has access to powers that can heal, powers that I have begun to learn in order to retain some of my past self." the former doctor continues as he watches on, ready to finish off the knights should these negotiations go poorly.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Lydia shrugs and carries the shallowly breathing Mortal to the small landing on the building on the ground below. With all of you and a few of the Knights present, the fit is quite tight.
The Knights appear anxious. Two still have blades drawn but their blades are down.
Onfroi also appears quite anxious, as if he is ready to pounce but he honors the truce that Alessandro has brokered.
Geoffroi and Andrew paddle to the landing and the Scotsman exits. He kneels and begins to remove the badly dented plate armor from the Mortal. The contusions on his chest indeed seem, if not fatal, likely to cripple him.
Andrew then places his hand on the man's chest and on his forehead a third eye opens and glows with bright white light, shining directly on the man.
The event is shocking to all, the Knights tense until they see that the contusions heal and the chest returns to its normal pink! His breathing returns to normal, but the man passes out.
"Amazing," Ranerius actually crosses himself... and doesn't catch fire even a little!
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Lorenzo frowns, seeing the condition of the knight, knowing full and well that he was the cause of this man's dire condition.
The former doctor knew of the healing powers possessed by the Salubri, and had even begun learning the art itself - wanting something akin to a vestige of his former life - but even he was not prepared to see the power in action. "Fascinating..." is all he manages to quietly utter, his mind allowing him just a glimmer of for what seemed like the first time in an eternity since Constancia's death.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Awed, himself... The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
One of the Knights kneels, placing his blade on the ground, to take the pule of his comrade and nods at his brethren.
The other sheathes his blade, as he does so, so does Onfroi.
"A miracle then", states the third, the one who was cowed by Ranerius but has gotten his bearings and is standing once more.
The first speaks, "Very well. Let us parley in the House of the Giovanni. We have three hours until we are relieved by our brethren. We shall hear what it is you have to say".
Using the Gondola, you all cross over to the landing of House Giovanni and you all enter.
The first knight carries the body of his wounded comrade within.
The place is familiar to Lorenzo, to his surprise, the ransacking that took place a few days ago was mostly cleaned up. Chairs in the "front offices" which once held the asses of distraught relatives now contain two groups which only several minutes, were battling to the death.
The second knight does the initial talking, "I am not sure how long a truce between us can last.
Even if we disagree with some of the methods of our colleagues, they walk in God's light. None of you deny that you feast upon the life force of those you once considered your fellow man, what long or even short term common ground can we find knowing that you embody death to any Mortals who cross your paths?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
This is a crucial moment. As you are, forgive the term... cat's paw to your leaders, they are pawns to dark powers.
Those same powers happen to threaten... us. So, in a manner we should be aligned, if for the nonce.
Also consider, the crimes you see against the living are aberrations and break the rules of our kind. Criminal is criminal, be they living or not.
We have coexisted for so long.
Something dark comes that does not care for coexistence, for balance for your laws or our ways. Simple a threat to both our existence.
After we deal with that threat, hunt me as you will. But, if you are honorable you'll leave my family manse be.
They know nothing of me, what I am or anything about my kind for that matter.
They are simply trying to lead good lives and worship freely, never causing a problem.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
The first knight speaks, "Perhaps you had better start from the beginning. Who among us are pawns to dark powers and who are these dark powers? Vague accusations will not suffice for me".
The other two Knights nod in agreement, the third, still rests unconscious.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
It looks as is Alessandro sighed, I do not mean to be vague. Our mission is to follow the trail and find out.
First, to the one called Dunstan. We need to question him.
Secondly, we have two urgent concerns... his family had been unjustly abducted. Their freedom is important to us. He indicates Lorenzo.
And, there seems to be a petition coming for an attack on the innocent folks at the Khadaji Manse. If these people are harmed... He shakes his head, slowly, sadly.
It's clear the violence that will be unleashed... from a man who is genuinely hospitable and peaceful, undead or no.
I'm merely repeating myself at this point. We can help each other or not, the choice is yours.
Have a care what you mention to whom. I can guarantee your own will turn on you. It's human nature.
And, the gift of healing, of life... he indicates Andrew. Has been generously bestowed upon one of yours who sought to destroy us.
I care little if you attack others of our kind. But, should you attack us or those mortals we love and hold dear. Nothing will save you.
So take a good look around and remember these faces, for we spared your lives. One and all.
Even if we disagree with some of the methods of our colleagues, they walk in God's light. None of you deny that you feast upon the life force of those you once considered your fellow man, what long or even short term common ground can we find knowing that you embody death to any Mortals who cross your paths?"
"The chief predator of living men is other living men, a situation so common they scarcely blink at it it seems. I have seen rich men work poor men to exhaustion, or even near death, all for the gain in coin... and this too is considered normal. So life force comes in many forms. My friend here," A look to Alessandro "Is right. There are innocents suffering NOW. We are trying to help them. Please, do assist."
Lorenzo remains silent, letting those more eloquent, particularly when dealing with matters of the Church speak on his behalf, nodding in agreement with Alessandro's statement particularly as it pertains to the mortal families of those present who are innocent of whatever atrocities the vampiric race have wrought.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
The Knight shakes his head, "I will need at least one name, if that name is familiar to me, then I can decide whether I believe you or whether I believe this to be a ploy.
The Devil is not above utilizing his servants for a short term good deed to accomplish long term tasks.
Still, I agree, begrudgingly, with your premises. Dragging in innocents does not sit well with my conscience. If I agree to nothing else, I will agree to locate your family members, Doctor Cappelli is it? And I will make sure they go free.
It is an odd thing to see creatures of the night possess more humanity than those of us who are still mortal. This is not the first time I have seen knights behave in such a fashion where ends justify means...
As far as the Khadaji Household, of this danger, I was not privy. I would recommend that you warn them and have them vacate the premises for a time.
Finally, as to the beast that aids us, I believe he lairs within the bowels of the same Church from which some of you were set free by the guile Andrew and Geoffroi, the Knights turned bloodsuckers.
I commend you in a way, you were able to free your companions and not slay Father Cardinale. I have thought a great deal about that and your actions here show me that there is still some humanity within you.
Still. How can I stomach that you remain active to hunt your former kin? How can you stomach such a curse? Even if I slay every other one of your kind, but let all of you remain, are you still not creatures seeking to slay mortals for your own continued existences!?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Lorenzo nods, confirming his name. "If we accomplish nothing else by this meeting, thank you for that."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Fabrizio Ulfila. Is the name known to you?
Speak it in public at your own peril. I'm certain he has agents, minions and informants... in addition to those under his direct and official command.
May you and yours... live long and prosper.
Alessandro takes a half-step back, not leaving, but ready to disengage.
The Toreador does not speak... letting others handle this.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
The Knight grimaces, "Indeed, his name is known to me". He takes a look at his still standing companions who appear baffled.
"I ask then a pledge from each of you, before the One God of the three. You know him as Allah, the Jews as Yahweh, and for us the Lord Jesus Christ and his own Father. I ask that each of you, pledge to take only the sustenance you need from Mortals and to slay those of your kind who exude wickedness or malice towards mankind".
He pulls out his holy symbol, "Place your hand upon the cross and so swear. Do so and I and my companions shall do what we can to aid the Cappelli family. Do not, and there shall be blood shed between us here and now".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
I cannot speak for the others but, for me... what you ask is to ask nothing. It is already so. Perhaps my Soul is already damned, perhaps it is only held and awaiting judgement somewhere, as I hope.
But, know this, I will also slay those... mortals who exude wickedness or malice towards mankind. And, if that malice affect my Venice, that is to say its people, there shall be extreme prejudice.
A pause, the space of a would be breath. Bi'ism... al-Rahman, al-Raheem. Alessandro reaches for the holy symbol.
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Lorenzo thinks to himself, A oath before a god that has forsaken me twice already seems laughable, but if this is what it takes to ensure Dominic, Antonia, and the children's safety, so be it...
"Your ask is not a difficult one. Unless pushed by those who sought to harm me or mine, I preferred to take my sustenance from those that no longer required their blood." he says, sweeping his hand around the current surroundings of the Mausoleum. "I would just as soon return to that if you and yours would leave this place."
Before placing a hand on the cross Lorenzo pauses, remembering the effects of faith wielded by some of these knights. It is just a piece of metal, Lorenzo, it will not hurt you...
Placing his hand on the knight's symbol Lorenzo pledges, "I, Lorenzo Cappelli, so do swear to take only the sustenance I require from innocent mortals and seek to end those among my kind who exude undue wickedness to mankind."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
I am not what I was, and yet? Perhaps some part of me... believes still? And did I not seek to find harmony between Cainites and mortals? I shall make my oath then, though I resent the insistence
He puts his hand on the symbol and swears
"By the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," [B] Ranerius says [B]"I swear to seize the blood of the sons of Adam and the Daughters of eve for sustenance needed only; I too will seek to foil and end those among my kind who exude undue wickedness to mankind. May God and his angels end me should I ever fall to a mere beast."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Geoffroi and Andrew draw their swords, take a knee, place a hand upon the cross and also so swear. Lydia does so is the most sensual erotic fashion she can.
Onfroi does not move one inch towards the cross.
The lead Knight frowns, "Were you not a Knight in life?"
Onfroi nods in agreement with the assertion.
"Then why are you defiant of the request?"
Onfroi frowns, "I have been in existence long enough to know that the false whispers that you hear are not the Lord speaking through you but your own desires manifest. Your rationalizations bring you false faith in what you believe is right through a self fulfilling prophecy. All actions justified through the lens of your point of view.
It is not my point of view and I will not subject myself to your vision.
I shall agree to assist you, but we are all saints and sinners. None are truly innocent and none truly guilty.
If my lack of participation in your ritual is a problem, I am happy to send you on the way to ultimate salvation, or damnation".
The Knights look to one another and then to the rest of you, the lead Knight speaks once more, "And this is the dilemma. This troubled alliance is made more troublesome as I know so many of your kind would say the same and believe the same.
Unless, this one is in league with the Devil, why will he not rest his hand upon the cross?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
I shall do whatever is needed.
I shall take my leave and get t bed, I sense tomorrow shall be a day where I will need to be well rested as the Doge will no doubt challenge me and much rests on convincing him that our Uncle and his son are the rotten apple of our bunch".
Assault on the Knights - Lorenzo, Ranerius, Alessandro, and Geoffroi - NPCs: Andrew, Onfroi, & Lydia
Ranerius, having put his own hand on it, wonders how much hypocrisy HE has committed. Well, no man is perfect, no cainite either.
Ranerius has an answer, and quotes a verse, "Is it not written in Matthew, “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King."?" He looks at the knight, "Some might say he IS obeying the good book by refusing."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
I counsel humility. For all I know, he may be older than the... thought of that cross.
It is enough for me that a warrior had the presence of mind to hold their blade and mindful consider an alliance in the face of a greater common enemy.
Shall we please move on?
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
The lead Knight grimaces and nods to Alessandro, "I recommend you all move on from this one. A Crusader Knight who will not lay his hand upon the cross is troubling.
Regardless, we shall endure. We shall free the Cappelli family and flee to Genoa. I have contacts there. We shall wait word from you and keep them safe until we hear from you. Seek me out at a coffee shop across from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo Doctor, there I will reunite you with your family. Nowhere here in Venice is safe.
Know that Fabrizio, as I understand it, dwells in the city of Ravenna. If he is indeed the dark monster you proclaim him to be, the news is troubling indeed as he has great influence among the Knight caste and many Bishops.
We take our leave now. Though we are gone away form this place, know that your oaths to God shall not be taken lightly!"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
"One more thing." Lorenzo says. "A friend of mine, one who will be of great aid to us in this matter, was taken from my home. I wish to have him back."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
The lead Knight cocks his head, "Can you describe this man?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
"He is a rather tall Moorish man called Moses."
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
"He is not familiar to me, perhaps he is being kept with your family. If so, we will free him.
May the Lord have mercy upon your souls and may his mercy be reflected in the oaths you have made this night".
As he speaks a soft white light ever so briefly emanates form his eyes, or perhaps it was a flicker of the candles in Giovanni manse...
The Knights take their leave, apprehension on their faces, but they withdraw in peace all the same taken their fallen, but now healed companion with them.
As the doors close you are all left in silent contemplation until Onfroi speaks, "We should have just finished them off Alessandro. Who is to say they will not simply move Lorenzo's family and report on our numbers and strength.
What is our next move now? Hunt them further elsewhere?"
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
You could be right, my friend. I'm not infallible. But, I felt... we needed allies, even unlikely ones. Fighting them would have cost is more precious resources.
Perhaps lastly, there is the cycle of violence and hatred. It only prostitutes more of the same.
It's Venice that suffers and it's people. Lorenzo's family our closest example.
I fear those at my manse are next.
He pauses, thinking. At to where next? Wherever we would have gone had we slain them. What clues gleaned if any, should we consider?
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309
Assault on the Knights -
Andrew sighs, "Ah know that they're watchin' yer new warehouse as we saw 'em yesterday. Ah also know that Geoffroi an ah had escaped a few watchin' tha' Way o' Kings Inn.
Tha' first, well we c'ld fight 'em there, tha' latter, lotsa folk milling aboot that place.
Ah figured, an ah bey tha' Onfroi figured, we'd get better clues out o' tha' Knights once we defeated em..."
Onfroi nods in agreement.
Lydia adds, "Narses Elysium, they were watching there too and of course, their power center, the Basilica but that might be a mistake to attack directly".
Geoffroi grunts, "If Sir Baldemar indeed did not flee the city, then the Teutons stronghold is yet another target".
Venice by Night - Saturday - April 5, 1309