"Slithering Serpent"
Jacula remained standing on the edge of the mountain. He had doubted Mellas loyalty, yet given the confrontation he had been ensured that she was faithful. As his eyes wandered over the familiar buildings a calm exclaim escaped his disfigured lips "Where will you run Mogweh.. Where will you run when there is no one left to protect you?"
Jacula had sought himself to the ruins in the outskirts of Gurgontid. The ruins had always proven useful in magical study, a subject which had grown to be most interesting to him of late. He carefully examined the various samples and glypths he had brought, placing them on a table which he had earlier furnished one of the ruins annexes with. The obsession which consumed him regarding Mogweh had grown to be unbearable. The distinct craving of wishing him suffering knew no bounds, his study failing to distract him.
He was certain that Mogweh had imparted Jaida on where to find him, and thus having betrayed one of his own. A offence for which he would suffer a gruesome fate. Nearly all worthy of cleansing the temple of it's serpent had been informed, yet the biggest test remained in Rigwyn.
Jacula summoned a groffel with a flick of his wrist, he grabbed it by the neck as he hissed 'Find Rigwyn' being sure to place a note in it's collar which stated 'Meet me in the ruins located in the outskirts of Gurgontid' he signed the letter with the alias "Ebon" knowing that Rigwyn would recognize it.
Jacula turned his focus back to his study. The azure way of magic had always faczinated him due to it's devious spells. He had grown proficient in the various enchantments and attacks it held under the tutelage of Sysial Shillor. Loud magic sparks and illuminated shimmers could be heard and seen through the cracks in the ancient stone as he practiced. And soon enough Rigwyn peered in through the doorway.
Jacula was trying to keep a snowbud floating in mid air with gentle azure winds. Modifying the spells original purpose had proved to be exceedingly difficult. He usually grew frustrated by the long process that came with learning. As if his patience had been cut short. He noticed Rigwyn in the corner of his eye as he entered, rendering him unfocused for a split second.
Jacula snarled as the snowbud incinerated, the remaining dust caught in the gentle breeze which soon transcended into a fierce wind. The violent energy ripping away at him, his experiment failed.
Rigwyn watched the snowbud curiously, seemingly amused as it incinerated "Ya called me here ta see a flower? Hope ya got more than that" he chuckled. Jacula looked to Rigwyn as he clasped his hands behind his back 'Just a experiment.. This place is useful in that regard.' he muttered, pondering how he would approach Rigwyn about his suspicions. He approached Rigwyn with heavy steps as he exclaimed 'I've called you here for a purpose which cannot be overlooked'
Rigwyn responded "Oh ? This is regarding Jaida ? I haven't seen her so I put a contract on her head" Jacula turned his back to the diaboli as he answered 'No.. Jaida is just a tool. A tool used by a serpent slithering within our.. Enclave'
Rigwyn recoiled slightly at the mention of a serpent, "Serpents? Tell me more..
I had a dream about one .. I think its an omen .. perhaps a warning." he added. The first reaction that crossed Jaculas mind was to ensnare Rigwyn in a mind game. A action which would not only be difficult, but dangerous given the Diabolis violent nature. He walked over to the nearby table and inspected the various samples resting upon it 'You faith is strong Rigwyn. I am sure you will take my words to heart..'
Rigwyn looked at the table noticing a number of odd items, seemingly lacking focus "I trust my eh .. contacts will bring her to me. The reward is rather high"
Jacula turned again, letting a vague screech escape his lips 'Omens come to those who serve loyally.. I can't say that I'm surprised.' he said with a false hint of admiration in his voice, looking over his shoulder at the various glypths and samples 'It's just a few trinkets.. For my study'
He trailed his fingers over his metallic mask 'I know who informed Jaida where to find me.. This reckless whelp is an abomination. A traitor who will suffer in accordance with our faith'
Rigwyn tilted his head as he examined the various items, seemingly fascinated He quickly looked back at Jacula given his claim "Who? "
the Diabolis face wrinkled slightly as he seemed to ponder about the strange screeching quality of Jaculas voice.
Jacula rambled in a seemingly obsessed way 'He has spoke truth to those meant to be misguided.. He will suffer for his sins. The serpent goes by.' he cackled as if a foul taste had sought itself onto his tongue 'Mogweh'. Rigwyn's eyes widened before narrowing quickly at the mention of the name "Mogweh ? "
Jacula observed Rigwyns reaction closely, his screeching breathing growing louder 'You see my brother.. We find ourselves in a predicament'
Much as he had anticipated Rigwyn would be hard to convince given his history with Mogweh. The Diaboli retorted quickly "This is a serious charge. We don't attack one another .. And he being higher in rank has earned a little more respect by the family then you have." Jacula frowned under his mask given his words. The Outlaws hierarchy meant nothing to him, his sole purpose of consorting with them being the need of personal protection.
"What makes you so sure it was him?" Rigwyn added, seemingly agitated. Jacula smacked his disfigured lips, as if to rid himself of the foul taste 'This is not about the family Rigwyn. .This is about your faith' he took two steps closer as he solemnly exclaimed 'The question remains.. Which comes first?'
Rigwyn countered viciously "This is about the family too in that he is well respected member. We protect our own. As for faith I have faith in my god, not necessarily faith in you or any other follower."
So stubborn, Jacula thought to himself. Yet the difficulty in convincing him was one of the traits which made Rigwyn such and excellent person to align with. Sadly he seemed determined to take Mogweh side in the matter, Jacula realized that he had to persuade him on a emotional level.
Rigwyn continued to counter his claim "I want to know what proof you have? I cannot act on such serious matters on hearsay or unfounded accusations." Jacula stared at Rigwyn briefly 'I am not asking for your involvement, I am but stating what I know.. Out of respect' he walked around the room, seemingly enraged 'Mogweh was asked to serve the bidding a long time ago. He was to infiltrate the trust of the enemy, yet he failed to do so.' He looked up at Rigwyn from time to time 'Jaida is the key to this matter.. And I am sure that Mogweh told her of my whereabouts. He is seeking to destroy me.. Why?' he paused for a bit as he snarled 'he tried to defile Mellas, and he wishes her for himself'
Jacula added to his argument as another furious claim escaped his lips 'He plots against his own, he enlightens those supposed to be misguided.' Rigwyn seemed to let his guard down for a split second "I need to see this for myself first. If this was just some pee-on nobody, then I wouldn't care much. I'll keep an eye on him and see if what you say about him is true."
Not good enough. Jacula thought to himself, he wanted to avoid making Rigwyn his enemy. But his obsession of Mogweh would permit no compromise.
"Im not concerned about him defiling Mellas as much as I am concerned about him being a traitor. That in my view is much more serious." the Diaboli stated coldly "How would Mogweh have known where you were?"
Jacula raised his voice, seemingly consumed by anger 'Others who serve our faith has been informed. And if Jaida supports my claim.. I wont rest until he begs for his life' he came to a stop, his anger fading as he took a few deep breaths. Knowing that he would have to make it appear that his faith came before his obsession 'All that matters to me is that the serpent is plucked from our midst'
He continued by answering Rigwyns question swiftly, as if having pondered it 'He must have been following me. His obsession of Mellas would be reason enough to wish me out of the way.. But this is not about me, nor is it about Mellas. This is about cleansing the enclave of those who may endanger it'
He noticed how Rigwyn's calculated expression began to fade. His mind game seemingly effective. He gestures to Rigwyn in a strange manner 'Seek your mind for answers Rigwyn, contemplate over the omen you have been given. This whelp plays a dangerous game, he needs to be punished for his betrayal!'
Rigwyn looked at Jacula while pondering his words. Soon he began to pace around the room. "I would feel better if I was convinced .. What you allege is quite serious. I'll certainly give it some thought."
The chink in his armor grew obvious to Jacula. His claims had no doubt troubled Rigwyns's mind and tested his reasoning.
" As for him being the cause, you assume that he followed you .. but you do not know for sure that he was .. do you?" he suddenly exclaimed suspiciously.
Jacula was quick to add to his claims 'I wouldn't had bothered you with mere suspicions, I do not take you for a fool Rigwyn. I called you here today not as a man thirsting for revenge, but as a concerned devotee' he lied through his teeth. His faith taking second place to his obsession.
"You were at first rather certain it was me. Now you are convinced that it was him." the Diaboli retorted, seemingly running low on arguments. "Being convinced is not enough .. however I AM very concerned about the possibility of a snake lurking in the grass."
Jacula parted his lips in a twisted smile under his lips as Rigwyns original attitude began to crumble.
"If he proves to be that snake then I assure you, it will be dealt with." Rigwyn added to his delight. Jacula narrowed his eyes under his mask 'Only three men could be cabale of rendering me this way. I had my reasons to be weary, but trust me on this.. I made a mistake in thinking that you were responsible.'
Rigwyn didn't seem affected by his discrete praise, Jacula began to grow inpatient, deciding to jump directly to the point. The unbearable urge that was his obsession 'I intend to deal with this as soon as I can find him. I ask not for your involvement given your ties in the family. I ask only of you to understand why I imparted you on this.'
"Know that Mogweh is protected too.." Rigwyn said, his previous attitude reappearing to Jaculas dismay. "There will be consequences if you harm him. He has made himself an asset to the family."
Jacula approaches Rigwyn as he exclaimed 'What I ask is that you look the other way, for the safety of the enclave. The family will not be tarnished.. I have taken steps to ensure this'
Rigwyn seemed reluctant at the idea, a demeanor which caused Jacula's reason to transcend in anger. "I suggest you wait and be certain that this is the case. I will not turn by back on a family member. As far as I can see so far this is not religious in nature. If he does prove to be a snake then I assure you he will be dealt with harshly." he said before adding "And if it IS a religious matter and he proves to be a snake.. Then he would be better off if he had not been born."
Jacula let his gaze wander over Rigwyn from under his mask, anger burning in his eyes 'I don't want you as an enemy Rigwyn, Don't stand in my way' he snarled vaguely 'Jaida is the key to his proven guilt. If you don't trust my judgment I suggest you find her'
"I do intend to find her now more than before." Rigwyn replied coldly. His intentions proving exceedingly difficult to grasp.
Jacula walked over to the nearby table to collect the various glypth and samples 'Make haste.. Mogwehs fate is to be sealed' he said with a hint of malevolence in his voice. He made sure to hide a glypth in his hand, uncertain if Rigwyn would decide to attack him given his cold mannerism.
"If I find that your the snake and not him then we will not be very happy." the Diaboli said. Jaculas fingers tightened around the glypth in his palm, his back still turned. Every joint and muscle in his body tensed given the malign urge that washed over him.
"I may consider raising the stake on Jaida's head. Like you say, her story may prove to be rather interesting." Rigwyn added, his previous statement soon fading into a seemingly hollow warning.
Jacula looked over his shoulder, his eyes exuding a violent glow 'Don't slander me Rigwyn. My patience grows slim given the circumstances'
"I never slanderd you, but given your accusing me without good reason and now Mogweh .. I am growing .. cautious." Rigwyn replied, seemingly uninterested in an violent confrontation. "Lets get this sister of yours and get to the bottom of this."
Jacula realized that he had to get to Jaida before Rigwyn found her. A small hint of doubt clouding his mind. If his accusations proved faulty he would be left in a state of peril. Leaving him a target for both the family and the Blackflame devotees. He tilted his head slightly before answering with a simple nod 'The truth is nigh'
"If there's nothing else, I have a few lives to rui... er eh .. things to do." Rigwyn said. Jacula placed his hand on shoulder 'Go do what you do best.. We are done here' and so it was that Rigwyn and Jacula parted ways. The latter knowing that he had to find Jaida and confirm his accusations.