Chapter 201: Leash

Chapter 201: Leash

Mother Justina lowered her head, supporting it with her arms. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh. In the past three years, she felt like she had aged thirty. When she opened her eyes, she saw a strand of silver hair dangling down, and she let out another sigh as she calmly combed it into place.

Mother Justina wasn’t exactly young by any means, but it was concerning for her to look as old as she did at her age. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a steaming cup of tea on her desk, and a small smile curled her lips as she glanced at Junie.

She was such a sweet girl. In the back of her mind, Justina wished girls like Junie were born into a kinder and gentler world. But alas, that was not to be. The Empress had tried her best to make the world seem good and hopeful. Justina was not nearly so naive. She could see the patterns unfolding. With her position of power, she could see the pieces moving on the board.

The Ancients return to Terra and vie for power. The abrupt end of the Ostayans was probably what nailed the coffin shut as far as Justina was concerned. The Naga just butchered them, all of them. As if some invisible hand was removing a pesky uncoperative pawn.

At first, Justina thought there would be relative peace after the end of the war with Averlon. Then the Mugummans arrived, followed by the Vampires and the Zarimans. After that, the Angels themselves arrived at the Empire.

And as for now? The Syndicate has reared their heads, butchering her brothers and sisters in this holy place. The Empress has sent a letter to express her condolences and promising additional security for places of worship. In her benevolence, she has also promised funds to help with the temple repairs.

Then Mother Justina heard a knock on the door, and she suppressed another sigh before asking whoever it was to come in.

When she looked up she wearily got to her feet. Once, she would have sprung to her feet at the sight of these two, but now... well, they just meant more headaches and sleepless nights.

“You seem tired Mother Justina.” Ariel said as she approached, and Justina just nodded in response.

“Yes, having your place of worship attacked, and the faithful under your charge butchered does tend to wear you down.” Justina replied dryly.

“Perhaps you should rest.” Aruian said in response to her slight disrespect.

“No, there is much to be done, rites to carry out.” Justina replied as she tried to centre herself.

“Rest, you are in no condition to help anyone as it stands. Take a break at least for a few hours. We will return tomorrow, we have other affairs to set in order.” Ariel said as the two High Angels left without another word.

Justina stared at the door for a moment before taking a seat again.

“They are right you know, you should rest. You have been overworking yourself.” Junie said hesitantly.

“If the work is not done, people suffer sister. I do not have the luxury.” Justina replied as she rubbed her eyes.

“At least take a short nap Mother, you didn’t get much sleep the past week.” Junie said kindly as she gently rubbed Justina’s shoulder.

Justina hesitated for a moment before conceding with a nod.

“Wake me up in an hour.” Justina said before putting her head on the desk. Her eyelids felt like weights were attached to them. She has gotten maybe two hours of sleep a day for the past week and it was finally catching up to her.

Justina shut her eyes for a moment and then opened them. She sighed as she shifted her posture but she got a glimpse of red and gold sitting right infront of her.

She sprang up and saw none other than the Empress smiling at her.

“If you are hard pressed for a bed, I can provide funds to get your something.” Cecilia said with a smirk.

Justina looked at the clock and saw that she has been asleep for five hours. As she did so she noticed the blanket draped over her shoulders.

“I’m sorry your grace, I...” Justina began as she desperately tried to blink the sleep from her eyes.

“Calm down, I am sure it has been a trying time but do make sure to take care of your health. You are no good to anyone exhausted.” Cecilia said and Justina nodded.

“Take the next two days off, I am sure your assistant here should be able to handle things in your stead.” Cecilia said and Justina instinctively shook her head.

“No Sister Junie...” Justina began, but Cecilia swiftly cut her off.

“Has given me a rather comprehensive update on the situation, she has also given me some good solutions to the current problems.” Cecilia said as she cast an approving glance at Junie who blushed slightly at the praise.

“What better time to? The church will struggle from here on out, the last thing we want is for them get desperate. Better to offer them a life line, they won’t take it of course, but its good to let them know its an option. A leash is better than noose afterall.” her friend said with a wide malicious smile.

Cecilia smirked at those words. Yes the Angels would never willingly put on the leash but as it stands if they lose the Empire, they are in alot of trouble. They might even lose everything, they might still claw back success somehow of course. But why would they take the risk? Her friend will just offer them a safer alternative, my friend will feed them and in exchange the Empire is free from their meddling.

It won’t sit right with the Angels, of course, and they will not know that her friend is slowly pushing them to depend more on him. Most think her friend’s power is brute force, but those are just charades. His real methods are devious and subtle, like a slow cancer eating at them from within until he is all that remains.

“Hmmm, yes the dangled fruit will give them pause. Let us see how they react.” Cecilia said, and she returned to waiting.

Soon enough the two Angels entered. Ariel watched her friend warily as she entered, the other one Aruian was more steady in her gaze.

“You said you wanted to speak.” Cecilia stated and the two Angels shifted their wary gazes to her.

“Yes, these attacks will change things...” Ariel began and her friend just laughed.

“Your church will fade after this and you come crawling here with threats.” her friend said with a low laugh as he approached. The air changed to one of cold tension. Cecilia saw their fingers twitch as if they were about to reach for their weapons.

“We offer no threats.” Ariel replied in as steady of a voice as she could manage.

“Oh yes you do. Without worshippers, without prayers, the Empire stops being a partner, we become a rival.” her friend said as he loomed over the two angels.

“And then you Angels will do what you do best. Then you will break your teeth on us.” her friend said and Cecilia saw Aruian’s gaze harden.

“Yes, so I suggest you highly encourage the continued piety of your Empire. They are just slaves no? Toys for you to play with, its a small price to pay to keep your toys.” Aruian replied and Cecilia raised a brow in response. It seems this warrior lacks the appropriate negotiation skills.

“Ah, but I have many toys. Like this one for example.” her friend said cheekily as he pointed at the Devotee.

Cecilia watched her freind closely and saw the barest hint of a widened smile. She shifted her gaze back to the pair of Angels and saw them stare at the creature in confusion.

“Do you know what this is?” her friend said as he gestured to the Devotee.

“No.” Aruian replied.

“Really? Your friend here never mentioned another power source?” her friend said as he grinned.

“I don’t...” Aruian began confused.

“Ah secrets among friends?” her friend said as he approached.

Ariel and Aruian took a step back. Cecilia could see Aruian’s gaze harden as if preparing for battle. In Ariel’s eyes, Cecilia only saw fear but there was also guilt.

“Ah, you mortals never change. With all your chest banging on family and trust, and yet? You stand here clueless. Your friend here knew, I know she did. But regardless what do you think this is?” her friend said as he turned away from Aruian and gazed at the Devotee.

“I don’t know...” Aruian muttered in response.

“Hmm, you know, without prayers my Empire is threat to you. So how would I resolve this issue without a war?” her friend prompted.

“You rekindle the faith.” Aruian replied.

“Which is exactly why we are here to speak to you. The situation is...” Ariel began but her friend just held up a finger and silenced them.

“Your answer is right here.” her friend said as he gestured to the Devotee and gave it a simple command.

Pray...