《A Promise of Eternity》


 Chapter 1: Its a Trap

    Tiberius waited patiently for the server to bring him the stew he ordered. The food in this place was delicious, making it worth the wait. He was sitting in an upscale establishment called ''The Discerning Gentlemen.'' Even though it was upscale, Tiberius still considered it a tavern. For some reason though, the proprietors and many of its more class-conscious patrons insisted it be categorized as something more, like a club or saloon.


    The owners referred to their place as a club to give off the air of exclusivity. It''s not that you needed a special invite to be allowed; anyone could walk in. All they had to do was meet one criterion, a criterion that was not unique to the type of people in the place tonight. That, of course, was money. If you could afford to eat or drink here, then you were welcome.


    In a world with different standards for what an upstanding citizen was, business owners could not judge beings by their attire, manners, or even cleanliness. A half-orc arena champion, for example, might smell like he just spent a week sleeping in a pigpen, yet had more money in his filthy satchel than anyone save the highest nobility. There weren''t enough people with the type of wealth to pay ten silver Royals for a flask of Teyonian wine to be too strict on that type of thing.


    Luckily for the man waiting for his food, coin was no longer something he worried about. Reaching the pinnacle of power had been lucrative. Although his most recent missions had not brought any wealth or unique items, not that he got to keep anyway. The professional Crusader looked over and saw the barmaid bringing him his dinner. She was a little sweet on the man, and he could see she added an extra piece of bread. His Master taught him years ago that they deserved the finer things in life. No one did more for the safety and security of the realm than a Crusader, and no one was rewarded less.


    Directly rewarded, what one finds at an evil lair is fair game. No one pays the Crusader a stipend for his trouble, unless he takes a bounty which is considered bad form. It didn''t hurt that Tiberius was good looking in the traditional sense. A 6 ''3 human, he had light brown hair and the bright gold eyes of one who''s mastered the magical arts of the same name. With an athletic build and a clean-cut appearance, the man was certainly easy on the eyes, just not strikingly attractive like so many of his power level.


    "Here hun, I got you extra bread," she said with a wink as she put his food down. Another reason for her to be kind to him was that, unlike many others here tonight, he was always respectful. While the man did not abstain from enjoying the pleasures of an attractive woman, he did not fawn after every one that batted an eyelash at him. He treated the buxom server the same way he would treat her if she was a man.


    On the other end of the spectrum, nor did he look down on people doing mundane jobs or those of lesser power. He never understood how a fellow Crusader, or an Elite Guards member could risk life and limb to protect the common people, then mistreat them for being common. He thanked her, smiled, and began to eat, hoping for a quiet night before his final trial in a day or two. He was only two bites in when he felt a presence he had not expected. Not unlike most other Master Crusaders, he could sense other beings through the magical matrix surrounding everything.


    Oddly enough, one of the only people that could block his power happened to be the same one that his senses picked up on now. Looking up, he saw Claus Von Hauser seemingly materialize standing over his table. Tiberius honestly just wanted to eat in peace, but it would be the height of rudeness to not offer a peer like Claus a seat.


    ¡°Hello Claus, to what do I owe the pleasure?¡±


    ¡°Believe it or not, but I was looking for you. May I sit?¡±


    ¡°By all means,¡± and he gestured for the man to take a seat.


    ¡°Looking for me, you say? What for?¡± Tiberius was more than a little surprised. He had no business that he could think of with Claus. Not to mention most of his peers knew to leave those involved in the trials alone, as it was mentally and spiritually draining. Claus looked around, as if worried someone was listening.


    ¡°We have to discuss your final quest, the one that will apparently carry you to transcendence and immortality.¡± Tiberius did not know Claus very well, but his tone seemed graver than he had ever experienced from the man.


    ¡°Apparently? Claus, this is the quest of a God, the final contest before being accepted into the pantheon of the immortals.¡± Tiberius spoke the words like a man that brooked no discussion. He continued, ¡°I know you turned down the opportunity, although no one knows why. I can understand having Fersian attachments, but I do not. Even if I did, this is a path I have worked towards my entire life.¡±


    The barmaid came over to the table, ¡°how''s your stew, hun?¡±


    ¡°Very good, Veronica, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Something for you, sir?¡± She asked the new member of the table. She was polite, but where Tiberius looked everything like the powerful and upstanding hero that he was, Claus would have fit in better at the dive bar across town. He was also a human, standing around 6¡¯ tall with black hair and brown eyes so dark that they appeared to be black. His hair always seemed to be matted down on his forehead from sweat even though he was dry as kindling on the fire.


    Where the one eating wore form-fitting armor of gold and white, this new customer had on a loose-fitting black robe down to his shins and black boots. One smelled of lavender and berries while the other had the aroma of dark incense, neither one objectionable, but Veronica knew which smell she would love to get a closer feel for.


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    The new customer looked at the one already eating, as if asking permission to order. After receiving a nod in the affirmative, he did just that, ¡°what he''s having, please.¡± Claus then went into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin.


    ¡°See that we are not disturbed after you bring the food and drinks, please.¡± What would have been taken offensively if requested without a coin was enthusiastically agreed to by the barmaid. Walking away, she looked and saw that it was a silver Drachma, rare in these parts but spends the same as the local variety, the Royal.


    Once the server was out of earshot, Claus lowered his tone and began speaking, ¡°It''s not about attachments, Tiberius; it''s a much more serious matter.¡± He unsnapped a pouch on his belt and took out what looked like a small children''s toy. It was about half a hand in length, featuring a wizard in robes holding a staff. The Crusader could feel the magic emanating off of it.


    The newcomer lowered his voice even more, ¡°something I received for this conversation specifically; I will tell you its purpose but I must activate it first. May I?¡±


    The two men at the table were known to each other, though not intimates. The power between them was sufficient to raise the town they were into the ground, and then some, until one or more of their peers could arrive, probably from the capital.


    Which meant that if Claus had ill intentions, he would not have to use some magical device; besides, anything strong enough to affect the other man would be well within his senses. This was probably some sort of privacy magic, or maybe if this conversation was extremely serious, a time totem.


    Realizing this soon after seeing the item, Tiberius nodded his ascent again. Claus said a short incantation and touched the item to infuse it with magic; an invisible aura surrounded them. Far stronger than the Crusader had suspected, ¡°this is serious then.¡±


    ¡°Very much so, you will not know the planning and research, not to mention the treasure spent, just so we could have the conversation we are about to have.¡±


    Tiberius knew Claus by name, every high-end Champion did. He was the first one to reject the transcendence quest. This was something only offered to those who reached the peak of mortal power. Until the Goddess Lasandra, also known as the Goddess of Heroes, announced rather suddenly that there was a path to immortality, everyone thought that the peak of mortal power was the peak of power overall.


    There was a period of absence from the Goddess, until her high priestess charged into the Hall of Champions in the capital. She spoke of a vision from her Goddess; in this vision, she said that those who were worthy would be given a series of tasks. If they completed them and proved their worth, then they would transcend into the heavens to either become a demi-God or to live on forever in a utopian pocket universe.


    No one knew what that was, and no one knows for sure now. We do know that those chosen receive a vision, and if they accept, they are sent a parchment which tells them their quest. Once completed, they must go into the Goddess''s main temple, leave all worldly positions behind, and climb what has come to be known as the mountain of the gods.


    From there, each and everyone ¡°transcends¡±. Tiberius had received the vision about 6 months ago. He didn''t know how he felt since unlike many who reach the height of power, he had accepted his mortality and was content to live out his life teaching or giving back. But how could one receive the call from a Goddess and refuse.


    The one man who did was sitting across from him, and he just activated a totem of such strong magic that he was pretty sure it blocked out the view of the Gods themselves. He was given an affirmative answer when he asked.


    Tiberius was the perfect candidate for this conversation, deemed Claus and his backers. He was good-hearted and believed in things like hope and the best of humanity, yet he was not naive. He also could see wickedness and corruption when it existed, but he was not cynical.


    He was a man of principle but who also could do what needed to be done for the greater good. Open to advice but independent, Claus felt that this was the person that could start the revolution. His backers told him to be careful using words like that; besides, it only affected the elite of the elite. There was no inciting the masses this time, still, it would take that type of fortitude if they were to put an end to this.


    Tiberius looked thoughtful, obviously this situation was to be taken seriously. Yet at that moment he had no reason to question what his path would be once he left. He would go to his room upstairs; he had left his home in the city to the head priest of Lasandra. They would see to his final wishes upon him leaving this realm for the next. He had thought it odd that his last will and testament was to be kept secret, but who was he to question the Gods, right.


    He was surprised that those thoughts distracted him, as he was saying he would rest up before doing his final recon on his last target. Then he would complete it and after handing over the rest of his possessions go to the Mountain of the Gods. This was the goal of everyone who shared the strength and power that he had. The Goddess was praised for giving those at the peak of humanity a path to ascension.


    Except of course the man sitting across from him. Tiberius liked to be sure of himself, and he had been for the majority of his career. Now that he thought about what was to come with Claus of all people across from him, he felt a very slight unease.


    "Claus, speak plainly, what is the nature of this meeting?" He said this not forcefully but also not in the same polite way he had been speaking. Holding up a hand as the other man looked like he was offended, "I mean no disrespect, but as I sit here and weigh all of the factors around this meeting, I can''t help but feel some discomfort. I will give you the time you need to fully explain your position but give me the courtesy of knowing your conclusions beforehand."


    They both looked over as there was a commotion at the door. This was a large building they were in but both men seated had the benefit of enhanced hearing. They could see the large guard, or security as the owner preferred, holding back three people in light brown robes.


    Also over there was the barmaid, "I was given instructions that they were to be left alone, please wait here and I will ask them to see you. If not, you will have to leave."


    The women with gold trim around the hood of her robe spoke up, "you do not tell me what to do, I am a priestess of Lasandra, and you are nothing but a serving girl. Now get out of my way, both of you or I swear I''ll have you both fired!"


    Tiberius started to get up so he could correct the behavior of that Priestess when Claus grabbed his arm keeping him seated. He looked at the man, the gravity of his words was evident in the look, "Tiberius, the quest is a trap. Immortality is a myth."

 Chapter 2: A Divine Interruption

    The revelation hit Tiberius pretty hard. In his long life he had heard many things, some profound, some strange and some unbelievable. Most of the time he was either inclined to disbelieve something outlandish or he was in a position to verify. This time though he was all too aware of the fact that he could not possibly verify but he also did not think that Claus was lying.


    It''s not that he could read him per se, but a combination of knowing the man''s reputation with what he could glean from his aura gave him a sense that it was the truth. An old mentor of his used to have a phrase, ''trust but verify''. The man was a bit of a reactionary so Tiberius didn''t often lean on his teachings, but that was good advice.


    This is on top of the fact that Claus was one of the very few known to have rejected the path, which was reasonable to suppose that he had a reason why. The Crusader could not posit being a doubt that he was not being led astray for some nefarious reason or another, though his intuition told him that was not the case. As stated earlier Tiberius was not naive, although some of the more ignorant among this planet may have thought so. That would be mistake and to press the man based off of that misinformation would be to their peril.


    The fact that the disciples of Lasandra walked exactly as he was about to learn information potentially unfavorable to their God was suspicious to say the least. Of course there were explanations, of which he was sure would be offered very soon. Regardless, this situation smelled worse than an Osterian border guard.


    Claus looked very nervous, though his aura read more like frustration. Either his magic item had not worked, or the Goddess somehow knew both men were talking and wagered that it was about said Goddess. Tiberius looked around the room at that thought, he didn''t expect to see much but there was one woman staring at them who turned away at his gaze. She was dressed in dark red robes and had a cloak over her head obscuring her face. He reached out to try and get a read, but she was either too far away or had strong aura defenses.


    The Crusader told Claus to wait, and gave him a firm look, which would have scared lesser men. He walked to the front of the tavern, "what seems to be the problem?"


    The barmaid had been overtaken by the establishments manager, but he wasn''t taking any crap from these newcomers either. One of the mundane priests looked at him and with a tone between threatening and disgusted said, "what are you doing with that blasphemer and heretic?".


    "Excuse me priestess, I am no more a member of your church as I am an owner of this tavern. It is of no mind to me what you label anybody, I will make my own judgement. Do not forget that my order represents all churches of the light but serves none.", he fixed her with a stare somewhere between intimidating and dismissive.


    With that the head priestess gave her subordinate an ice-cold look, softening it she turned to the Gold Wizard and Master Crusader, "forgive her Master Tiberius, her zeal has apparently overtaken her manners and good sense. We merely wish to speak to you about your quest tomorrow, it was a surprise for us to see that man in your company."


    Tiberius doubted it but he had little cause to question her word. Their explanation was plausible and sometimes odd coincidences did occur. He always disliked when someone thought they were clever by saying ''I don''t believe in coincidences'', because regardless of what someone believed in, they most certainly happened.


    "The quest is known to me and unless you have vital information that will alter my chances of success, I will go back to my table to continue my conversation." he spoke the words and then starred at the head priestess with a neutral look. He was an impossible person to read, and since the priestess was not here for the reason she said this method was quite effective.


    "Of course, no there is nothing groundbreaking about your quest...", she paused. She appeared to be listening to something although no one was speaking to her. It was not unknown for a God to speak directly to one of her followers, but it was very rare.


    "Forgive me but information has just come into my possession that would change the very essence of your quest, we must move to a more private place and speak on it. Our church is not far, will you follow me, Master Tiberius." The woman was a talented and accomplished woman but had little talent for lying or changing tact on the spot. Her skill was in shepherding the flock and making sure none of her sheep strayed too far.


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    He just looked at her for a moment, trying to get a read on her aura. It would be rude to push but if her or any of her followers gave something up that would be fair game. He could tell by the body language of the priestess to the right of him that she was beginning to break. It was like condensation leaking from a miniscule crack before the water started to drip. Very slow at first but certain, he needed to draw out the conversation a little.


    "Is that the Goddess who speaks directly to you Matriarch?", he feigned surprise and amazement. It was quite impressive, there was no question about it, but he was becoming more cynical every minute during this exchange. Why would the Goddess not want him to speak to Claus unless what he had to say had merit. A lot of times it wasn''t what happened that set important events in motion, it was how people reacted to it.


    The Matriarch could not help but beam with pride at her sudden message from a divine being. Not her first time but most Godly discussions with mortals were had during worship or times of turmoil and want.


    "Yes, the Goddess Lasandra has spoken to me. She knows your quest is sacrosanct being that it will be one of your last steps before blessed immortality. I am but her humble servant here to serve her and by extension you Master Crusader. Please let us leave this place and move to a more, Godly setting."


    At that moment Tiberius could start to get the faintest hint of emotion from the weakest priestess. Thinking fast he decided to use an old trick, one thought below the usage of such an esteemed person as he. Not thinking he would be seen as false, especially considering the circumstances he looked at each woman in a row, until he reached the one to the right.


    Holding her gaze, he held out his hand for her to take. She was startled but also flattered. The sudden surge of resentment came from the Matriarch and that''s when he knew this ploy would succeed. The reason he attempted it at all was due to the stunning beauty of this particular women. With the bright green eyes that are common amongst the magical population of her people, they contrasted perfectly with her auburn hair.


    No one would accuse Tiberius of being a charmer, but decades of experience had taught him how to press certain buttons. "Forgive me, I know this is an important conversation, but it just registered to my senses just how magnificent of a specimen you are, what is your name my dear?"


    Auras were now firing off in all directions like matter from an exploding star. He was unconcerned with most of it until he caught a glimpse into the soul of the women to the right. She had said her name, but he didn''t notice it. What stuck out was a tiny thread he noticed within her, she felt bad that they were not being honest. At first, she would never question the directions of her Matriarch, no less her God, but now that she had been flattered a natural sense of guilt pervaded her thoughts. Guilt at what, he just had to press a bit more.


    There had only been a few seconds between the compliment and the head priestess realizing that things were getting away from her, "Rosalina!", she said the girls name louder then she intended which drew looks from the patrons of the tavern.


    She blushed a little but remained composed, "do not entice this honest man with your charms." She laughed trying to appear magnanimous. "We have overstayed our welcome in this establishment anyway, can I expect you to accompany us Tiberius. Or are you unconcerned the monumental quest before you?"


    This was more her wheelhouse now, forceful and confident in her instructions from the Goddess and diligent in her will to enact them. Daring him to turn down this opportunity for more information when the risk of missing out is eventual death.


    Tiberius knew he had to make a decision, he couldn''t just ignore what she was saying based off of one sentence by a man he was not particularly close with. Thinking fast he tried to hedge his bets.


    "Of course not, your Goddess and church know of my dedication. Allow me to see off a fellow peer and then I will make my way straight to you. I will be on my way before you even arrive." He added on a little flourish at the end because if she refused, he again would be faced with a brutal choice, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "let me speak plainly, I know the man is troubled and has made grave mistakes for Gods know what reason. That only requires more from me when departing, probably forever, from such a person. I will simply say my good-byes and since you will have left the premises he cannot be offended thinking I abandoned him at your urging."


    With that he used his most subtle power of aura projection; and even with divine protections a Master Golden Wizard, one who had survived the Halls of Solitude not only sane but stronger than before he entered, one who in order to crest the very peak of his wizardry had traveled the world using nothing but his powers of projection comfort. A person of that skill and stature if properly motivated could persuade even the most steadfast without them being made aware.


    After what seemed like an eternity but was only a few seconds, against her better judgement but for some reason feeling accommodating, the Matriarch of Lasandra the Goddess of Heroes relented.


    "If you are not there soon Master Crusader, we will be moving on. I trust we will see you before that unfortunate event takes place."


    Tiberius thanked her for being understanding and laid it on just thick enough to make it plausible. He then walked slowly back to the table making sure not appear in a hurry.


    Pulling out his 100-year-old pocket watch and checking the time, he then looked up at Claus, "you have five minutes, tell me everything."