Ask Vengeance at Last

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

It was night in the Rattataki city. Since it was a new moon, darkness covered the settlement completely. No one could see the lonely figure crouched in a building, holding a pair of macrobinoculars. He watched the building at the other side of the street, a place that was owned by the prime-minister of Annwfyn and was used by him during political visits to Rattatak.

Caerllion never imagined that his uncle would hide his dirty secrets in this place. After he discovered that the man was responsible for the death of his mother, the Annfyn had searched for evidence that could show it. The only thing that he had was the memories that he extracted from the pirate that the older Annfyn hired.

Among these memories, he discovered that his uncle was blackmailing the pirates through information that he maintained hidden somewhere. He had spent months telepathically assaulting the prime-minister’s servants, until he finally was able to discover this place.

According to what he found, the politician had a great data archive here in this mansion. It was strange. The prime–minister having it so far away from his homeworld, made Caerllion sure that what he wanted was in this place. To help enter here and copy the data, the Annfyn had enlisted the help of his ex apprentice, Trodai.

“I want to cause as little damage as possible during the infiltration.” he explained to Trodai. “We enter, copy everything in the archive and leave. Any questions?”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai had never actually seen to Rattataki but he knew it by reputation. Of its vast gladiator arenas and thus potentially a bounty of warriors just waiting to be plundered. Another design for the future, for now his focus lay elsewhere. The city in many ways reminded him of the city of Ur with its many pyramid like and circular structures. Structures built into the mountain and desert landscape.

He had been asked to assist Champion Caerllion, his former master on a personal endeavour. Although he wasn't entirely sure what it was he knew it would work in his favour in the end of he helped out with this. Besides he helped those who helped him, and Caerllion had been most helpful. He considered it in part a way to repay the debt he felt he owed for training him and leading him to Azar in the end.

He silently and quickly found Caerllion, joining him on the roof and observing himself through his own pair of binoculars.

From the position he looked about, trying to see for any patrols and patterns, any cameras that might be a problem. As he observed and was asked about any questions, Trodai smirked a little. He had quite a few.

"Seems simple enough, but it never is. I have to ask why me? What's so important that you would not ask anyone else to help in the Order. I know it's personal...the way you acted when you asked told me that much. But if I am to help you I must understand the reason for it. What is to be gained from this? My life is on the line here too and if I am to help I must know all the facts. You would expect the same no doubt in my position old friend. Who knows, I might be able to help elsewhere."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion smiled at Trodai’s question. “Good, always ask details about a mission. Never jump on it blind.” the Pureblood had learned much since the Annfyn had trained him. “Only be careful when formulating the questions. Some high level Sith can get annoyed easily.” it was interesting how members of the Order and nobles of his homeworld were similar. If the right words were said, they would be easily pleased.

If not, they would eat you alive.

The Annfyn turned to look at the building, a shadow crossing his face. “I recently discovered that the prime-minister of my homeworld, Daylor, caused the death of my mother, the sister of his wife. It happened during an attempt to kill me, so his son Elyon would replace me as royal heir. My mother was the first in the line of succession of my grandaunt’s throne. With her death, this right passed to me.”

“I searched for ways of denouncing him, but he was clever in covering all his tracks.” Caerllion wanted to laugh with frustration. Daylor was able to mislead everyone for years, passing the assassination as an animal attack. “The assassination ended up being considered as a simple animal attack, but I discovered that the animal was freed in the area where my mother died on purpose.”

“Last week, I discovered that the prime-minister has a great data archive in this building.” he pointed at it. “I think that the information that I need to expose him is deposited there. It’s located in his office, in that window.” extracting information through telepathy was proving to be crucial for this operation.

“Once with the evidence, I’ll present it to my grandaunt and convince her to remove the prime-minister, while also stepping down from the throne. After all, she let an assassin work with her for years. Her judgment is compromised.” with Gwendolyn out of the throne, Caerllion would be able to get crowned. Then he would need to find a way of disposing of her. “Later I plan to kill her, the prime-minister and his family under the excuse of accidents. They are my relatives. Does it trouble you?” he doubted, but only wanted to be sure.

The Annfyn’s eyes flashed red. A large nocturnal bird with red eyes passed flying over the two of them and circled around the building that they were going to invade. “There is few guards there, they don’t expect an invasion. The back entrance through the garden is the perfect route for us.” he put the helmet of his armor and prepared to move.

It was now or never.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened carefully as Caerllion explained his reasoning for bringing the Sith Warrior and what he hoped to achieve by it. He considered this was the first time he had ever heard anything related to the Annfyn, they had never actually discussed it before. It did intrigue him a little, to find out that perhaps they were very similar in some ways. As was the Annfyn culture with families all trying to kill or gain leverage over one another.

It reminded him of his own people.

He said nothing, only answering the question initially "Not at all. In many ways it reminds me of back home. Where such things as killing family members such as this, is common practice. Especially when trying to deal with rival claims, sometimes we must scrub away those in the way to our own rise."

Saying little more up In the particular subject, Trodai instead focused on the task ahead. With the datadisc containing the computer virus and another for the data they wished to collect firmly at his side in his belt. He listened as Caerllion indicated there would be few guards, although he would double check to make certain. They didn't need surprises afterall.

Looking through the binoculars, he focused upon the garden. And used Force Sight to attempt a scan of the area ahead of them. Once he was certain with his helmet masking him, he followed Caerllion, remaining silent and stealthily despite his size, due to his training. He stuck close to the walls, hugging them and moving only when he was the coast was clear to move. Quickly traversing to bushes and roofs as necessary until they were at the first hurdle of security. Here he silently executed the two guards, and placed the bodies into the nearby bushes, covering them up with loose foliage. They likely wouldn't be found for hours.

Trodai nodded, signalling Caerllion it was clear for him to follow.

He would allow him to lead the way next.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

A humorless laugh escaped Caerllion’s lips. “It seems that nobility is prone to backstabbing in any world.” sometimes he wondered how his life would have been if he was born as a commoner. Perhaps he would still have a mother, his father would not be living with depression and his insufferable step-mother wouldn’t exist. Unfortunately, he couldn’t change the past.

He could only focus on what was happening at the moment.

The Annfyn jumped through the roofs of the buildings, using the Force to increase his agility. He also had cast a spell on himself and Trodai, which allowed their form to become distorted among the shadows. It was nostalgic to hear the steps of his ex-apprentice coming after him, it was as if they were back to their first mission together.

It was impressive how they always ended up sneaking inside buildings during their times together. If they were successful, Caerllion would invite Trodai to eat something. They needed to catch up.

Trodai was the first to move. Like back in Ziost, he showed how fruitful the training to be stealth had been. Once again the Annfyn felt proud of the Pureblood. After the path had been cleaned, Caerllion used the Force to jump in the garden. Before he entered the building, the Sith ordered his bird to remain watching in a nearby tree.

The entrance had a large glass with an electronic lock. Using a bit of his magick, the Annfyn fried it without much effort. Caerllion opened the door and gestured for the Pureblood to follow him. They would enter in a large tv room, with architecture similar to residences of nobles in Annwfyn.

The lights were off, but he could hear steps in the distance. Focusing on his keen hearing, Caerllion gestured with his head to a corridor at the left side. ‘There is someone patrolling this side, but we only need to go through the stairs.’ he pointed to the stairway on the opposite side of the room. ‘Do you want to kill them or should we continue?’

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded agreeing, it certainly seemed a common theme. Though he supposed it was true of any culture, nobility or not there was always someone who wanted more. And willing to betray to get what they felt they were entitled too even if it didn't belong to them. He doubted even as a commoner life was much different. The strong would always prey on the weak and find a way to survive. It was the nature of the universe.

Trodai followed as Caerllion led him from roof to roof, keeping equal step. He also felt somewhat nostalgic, he sometimes did miss the old days. Simpler times as an Acolyte. But evolution was inevitable for they were apex predators.

As they entered the tv room, Trodai admired the architecture. He sent a quick telepathic message.

"Very impressive. Reminds me of back home a bit."

Focusing his own excellent hearing, he also heard the footsteps. He replied, whispering in turn.

"Yes, I can hear them too. While it would be pleasurable, killing him would waste time we don't have. Let's continue and hope they don't become a problem. However if we are careful we should be able to avoid them."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

’It’s a watered down version of the royal palace.’ Caerllion said with disgust. The furniture and decoration were exactly of the halls where the Annfyn used to spend his childhood. The prime-minister was so ambitious that he had been sleeping in his own tiny version of the palace. As if he was the king.

This man didn’t even have the right to the throne, only his son. Although with how dumb his cousin was, Caerllion was pretty sure that the prime-minister would rule in his place.

Caerllion smiled with Trodai’s conclusion, his ex-apprentice really learned priorities. ‘Wise choice, my friend. We don’t need to kill every single being here to be successful.’ the Annfyn decided to use this mission to examine how the Pureblood had grown. It would be a good opportunity to see if the other Sith was prepared to become a Master in the future.

With their decision to avoid the guards, Caerllion guided Trodai through the stairs. When they reached the top, the Annfyn closed his eyes and reached his surroundings through the Force. He felt two guards approaching through the corridor, but there was still time for them to avoid meeting them by rushing through the open door that was in front of them.

‘Two are coming. We can fight or hide in that room while we wait for them to walk away. What do you think is the best option?’ Caerllion asked Trodai, while his eyes remained in the direction that the guards were coming. ‘Think fast, they’ll be here soon.’

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened as Caerllion aired his disgust, something was definitely off. He was clearly bothered by the decor for some reason although he couldn't quite out his finger on it. He decided not to ask, it was clearly something quite personal. Although if he decided to say why he was so disgusted was up to him. He listened, allowing a slight smile beneath his mask at the approval.

And so he continued to follow, silently weaving through the corridors. At least until they reached the top of the stairs and felt the two guards approaching. Trodai spoke his suggestion as he thought quickly up In the options available. As much as he had an urge to fight and to satisfy his cravings for combat, he decided it was not the time for it. Stealth was required here.

"I much as it would again please me, let's avoid combat for now. Leave them be unless they become a issue."

With that Trodai acted, not waiting around as he used the Force to head swiftly to the door and inside the room to wait out the guards. Preparing himself in case they got curious and decided to take a look, only then would he act. Disposing of them and hiding the bodies somewhere where they were hiding. He wasn't sure how, but he had a feeling in some way he was being tested.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

’Good.’ Caerllion said, while using the Force to enhance his agility. He immediately rushed inside the room, with Trodai coming soon after him. It was a library, with bookshelves and some old items. The Annfyn was surprised that his uncle had a collection of antiquities. He never seemed to be the type interested in culture.

Using the Force, Caerllion watched the guards moving. He felt their presence pass near the door, while the two Sith hid among the shadows. The Annfyn held his breath for a moment, fearing that they could hear him. However, it didn’t happen and they walked away, continuing to patrol the rest of the second floor.

Once they were away, the Sith would be able to leave the room. Caerllion would be the first to come out, expecting Trodai to be behind him. ‘The office is on this floor, but in the opposite corridor from where the guards came.’ he said, while walking toward the direction that he had pointed.

They would soon come in front of another door, this one seemed to be locked with some type of electronic lock. The Annfyn placed a finger on it and released a small bolt of red energy. It immediately fried the circuits and opened. ‘Now we can go inside.’

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded as he followed after Caerllion, nostalgia running through his mind as he was reminded of when they were master and apprentice doing this. How times had changed since and they both had. For better or worse time would tell. As they waited, the Pureblood looked upon the many bookshelves and at the books. Even as he used the Force to feel the presence of the two guards.

Allowing them to pass by with their lives, a privilege afforded by the Sith Warrior to few enemy combatants in his presence.

He was intrigued and curious about the collection, what knowledge might they hold. Telepathically he went a message "A interesting collection. One can only wonder the knowledge some of these books might contain. Perhaps if we have time on the way back we can take a closer look. We shall just have to see." he smirked. He hoped they did, Trodai was a warrior but he also had a great passion for knowledge both ancient and new among other things. If he could add to it he would if given a chance.

He followed after Caerllion, as he pointed and stood ready as his ally opened the door. His magic fascinating Trodai as it always had. "You need a show me that trick one day." he said before following inside, cautiously moving towards whatever awaited them on the other side as he silently went in. Waiting for Caerllion to lead the way.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

When Trodai mentioned the books, Caerllion turned to look at the shelves. They didn’t seem to be that much impressive, most of them were about the history and politics of his homeworld. There were even some Annfyn classical poems. The Annfyn simply shrugged. ‘If we have time, we can pick some for you.’

‘I don’t know if I’ll be able to teach you that trick. It was only possible because my Master taught me her sorcery secrets after a ritual. However, it was lost when she disappeared.’ it was sad that he couldn’t teach all that he knew due to Vex never having passed the details about the ceremonies and rituals. ‘But I think that you can do it with Force lightning. We’ll see it later.’

Caerllion carefully opened the door, revealing the prime-minister's office. There was a large table, where the man worked. A large computer was also there and the Annfyn thought that it could be connected to the archive where the data that he wanted would be. ‘Guard the door.’ he said to Trodai, while walking toward his target.

He sat in the chair and turned the computer on. As he had expected, there was a password. The Annfyn smirked before picking a device that, once connected, started to break the code to liberate his access. In a matter of minutes, Caerllion was able to access every single secret that was there.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

While Caerllion saw little in the books, Trodai knew better. Within such books they could learn the secrets of the homework and find a way to further help Caerllion ascend. That and he remembered how Azar was gone of poems, particularly childhood nursery rhymes and so thought about possibly finding some here to acquire for him. Although first they needed to get the task done.

He gave a nod at the comment, happy if they had the chance.

He was a little disappointed that the trick was lost to time, but it was not unexpected. Many such rituals and techniques had been lost to time in one way or another. He hoped someday though they might rediscover it. A small smile gripped his mojo thing at being told it might be possible to replicate with lightning. He could already see the possibilities.

Trodai took note of the surroundings. By all accounts the room was ornate but barren, all except the table, chairs and computer and a few other minor personal adjustments that had been made. As Caerllion requested him of guard the door, Trodai nodded before taking position. He stopped briefly whispering as he took out the datachip to store the stolen data and another datachip. Created by the underground highly rated and expert hacker they had hired to construct the computer virus they would use to cover their tracks.

"Here, your going to need these."

With that he allowed Caerllion to get in with his work and attempt to steal the data he was after. In the meantime Trodai kept a watchful eye, ever careful of any that might approach. Using the Force to sense any presence approaching and Force Sight occasionally to see if any were near.

After half hour he spoke "How are we doing? You found what you need?.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

’Thank you.’ Caerllion said to Trodai, while picking the datachips that were offered to him. While he previously thought about simply collecting the data, the Pureblood idea of leaving a virus in the computer pleased him. The prime-minister deserved to have all his work and archives destroyed.

The Annfyn started by transferring the data to the empty datachip. While he looked through the archives, Caerllion saw that the prime-ministers had files about his allies and enemies, shady transactions that he made and his dealings with the pirates. Inside the last one, the Sith discovered the details of how the assassination had been arranged and that his uncle was still using it to blackmail the pirates.

He got furious when he saw that there were archives about himself and his father. There was even one about the queen.

‘I found it.’ he said to Trodai, while downloading all the data. ‘It’ll finish in a few minutes.’ the numbers started to grow and Caerllion felt relieved when it reached 100%. He carefully removed the datachip, placing it in his pocket, before inserting the one with the virus. An evil smile appeared on his lips, his uncle was going to have a terrible surprise.

‘Finished. We can go pick your books.’ he said, while getting up from the chair. ‘I have some suggestions that you can like.’

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded as he handed over the datachips, being sure to inform Casrllion just what the virus would do. It wouldn't destroy his work and the archives, when Trodai had suggested it he thought that a waste. Not when it could be used for additional benefit. The virus was designed to act like a kind of worm and keylogger. It would not just help them steal the data and cover their tracks but also stay hidden on the machine. Completely hidden from sight and acting like a program that belonged.

It would allow them to continue to monitor the man, and see what other dealings in the future he did to further help incriminate him by making a copy that would be sent to them. It would be a sword to help bring him down. Trodai noted the changed demeanour as Caerllio n came across some things about him. It was understandable, finding such information was never pleasant.

As he he finished, Tricia turned and spoke "Excellent, now we can continue to keep an eye on him and expose him. I look forward to these suggestions. Perhaps we can help find something for Darth Arcanos too, I found he does love a good nursery rhyme, he seemed to enjoy looking at them in the palace of Ur."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

’Does he? Interesting.’ Caerllion said, trying to not show much interest in Trodai’s comment. He didn’t know that Azar liked that type of poetry, but it made the Annfyn smile behind his helmet. It made him think that the King of Korriban was lovely for liking it. Obviously, he would never say it out loud. However, knowing that he was so sensible made the Sith Master fall a bit more in love.

He wondered if Azar would like Annfyn poetry.

It occurred to him that, if Trodai knew such personal detail, it meant that the rumors about him being one of Azar’s lovers had great chances of being real. He wondered what the Pureblood would think of Caerllion’s feelings for the King of Korriban.

Caerllion guided Trodai through the corridor, until they once again reached the library. They didn’t meet the guards from early on, but the Annfyn was sure that they could return at any time soon. ‘We need to be fast. Staying here longer can make us get caught.’ he said, while rushing to one of the bookshelves.

He ran his eyes through the books, looking at them with little interest. Caerllion had copies of these books in the library of his castle. ‘I think that Lord Arcanos will like these.’ he pointed to a particular shelf. ‘These are good authors of poetry. Does he like something else?’ the Annfyn asked casually, expecting that the Pureblood would tell more.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai observed as Caerllion replied, seeming not to be too interested. Although he knew he probably was to some extent. He said no more, knowing he shouldn't reveal too much and allowing his ally to lead the way back to the library, being careful not to run into any guards that might have been lurking around. He nodded as Caerllion indicated they needed to be fast, a fact he agreed with.

Looking at the bookshelves again he was somewhat in awe of some of what he saw. Picking a few for himself, he went to the shelf Caerllion had pointed too, keeping an eye in the Force for any unexpected patrols. He nodded at the suggestion, knowing Caerllion knew more about what was here than him, so left him to pick some that would be suitable.

He listened as Caerllion attempted so far as he could make out to gain some additional information but decided for now it was best not to say too much more beyond confirmating a fact which was was hardly a secret anymore. "Not that I saw, I'm sure he will appreciate it though. I suppose you might have found out sooner or later about those rumours though one way or another, and would have seen it. Yes the rumour is true. I am seeing Darth Arcanos. I suppose I am quite obvious aren't I" he said, half joking "I would gladly admit it though, Darth Arcanos is...a truly remarkable man."

After taking the books and replying he spoke once more "I won't say more, I'm sure you understand why. Best we get going though. I don't want to attract too much attention." he said as he placed the books in a sack he saw in the room and slowly edged around the door to see if the coast was clear before proceeding.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

’Yes, it really is.’ Caerllion said, thinking that Trodai was for being Azar’s love. Surprisingly, the Annfyn didn’t feel exactly jealous, only envy for not being in the same position. If his ex-apprentice was capable of making Arcanos happy, then it would suffice for him. ‘He really is.’ the King of Korriban was beyond remarkable, he was amazing. However, the black-haired man wasn’t going to say it to the other Sith. Perhaps in the future.

Besides, he had no idea if Azar told his lovers about his confession. Maybe they already even know about his feelings and anything that he says about it would be redundant.

After Trodai collected the books that he wanted, the two Sith left the library. They rushed down the stairs, right when Caerllion felt through the Force that the guards were approaching. He had to enhance the agility of his movements with his power to walk down the stairs and avoid being seen. He expected his ex-apprentice to have done the same.

When they were close to the end of the stair, Caerllion felt his bird sent a message through the. ‘There are two guards protecting the exit. Stay hidden, I’ll deal with them.’ the Annfyn said, before moving carefully through the rest of the steps and entering the room. Hiding in the shadows, he could see the guards standing behind the glass door.

Stretching his hands at them, Caerllion muttered a spell and the Dark side gripped their minds. They would not see the two Sith passing between them, being completely confused by the Force. ‘We can go now.’ he said to Trodai, before walking between the two. ‘My control over their minds will last long enough for us to escape.’

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened, curious as what the Annwyn might think about what he had just said in a way, and soon enough he got an answer. Although he didn't say much, Trodai was curious somewhat when he heard the tone as he said it. It sounded different...familiar in a way. Like there may have been something more there but he didn't pry. He put the thought aside, instead following as Caerllion enhanced his speed, and Trodai likewise followed suit to avoid the guards as they walked down the stairs.

He stayed hidden as requested, the sack held to his back as he waited, yet he made sure to not damage what was inside. As Caerllion weaved his unique Sith magic and confused the guards, Trodai then moved, being quick just in case. He went forwards, checking ahead as he advanced back the way they had entered originally. Remembering the previous guard and so used Force Sight to track ahead and see if he was still around the area. And hopefully not where they were going.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

With the guards under his spell, Caerllion escaped in front of them without being disturbed. He disappeared behind some bushes and waited for Trodai to do the same. This was his favorite way of working on a mission, using his powers to confuse other people. It allowed him to fulfill his plans while avoiding the mess of needing to kill them.

Once he was hiding, Caerllion waited for Trodai. He watched the Pureblood sneak between them and cross the garden toward his position, the bag with books moving around on his back. While pleasing Azar was worth any effort, the Annfyn wondered if the other Sith were aware that he could have asked his Ex-Masters for some copies of these same books and even others that were rarer.

Honestly, Caerllion was happy that Trodai didn’t remember that little detail. This meant that the Annfyn could be the one to give some rare poems to Azar.

Rather than stay thinking about these plans, Caerllion turned to look at the wall on his back. Gathering the Force, he jumped over it, landing in the street at the other side. When Trodai did the same, the Annfyn would lead him to a nearby alley. “It was a success! I'm going to my ship to read these files more carefully. Do you want to come? We can eat something.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As they moved Trodai considered what he had told Caerllion and potential repurcussions. But he knew he was the only one he had told about it so far and believed he was one of the very few, he could consider a real ally and could be trusted with it. He hoped so, that the two had a understanding as they always had. Time would tell.

Following Caerllion lead he shadowed his former master and ally, curious as to what just might be found in the files when they took a look at them. The two are as shadows itself moving around as they traversed area back to the wall. Looking up in the wall himself, Trodai followed suit and used the Force to jump over, lowering his knees ready for the landing especially with the additional weight. It was necessary. Once safely over he followed to the alleys he listened.

"Excellent, I can't wait to see what we dig up. It should be interesting." the He heard the suggestion of food, which caught him by surprise. He hadn't expected it. He saw no reason why he shouldn't, and he was getting a little peckish due to the exertion of the Force they had used. So he agreed, curious as too what culinary delights Casrllion might spruce up for them. He had not had Annfyn food before so he knew it would be a enjoyable experience perhaps. He wondered how it might compare to that of other places in the galaxy and Korriban. He would see soon enough.

"Sure I would love too, both to see the files for the food and thank you for the offer. I hear Annfyn cuisine is most exquisite, yet I have never had the pleasure just yet. I'll let you lead the way."

@LouJoVi