Bab 20: Cattle's Herd
"So, you claim that they have their blood... why should the council believe anything from a man who tried to disassemble our very society on a bias".
"You may hate me but what I have found is extraordinary. This sample is from the deceased it is just one of the many things we have discovered". Cattle pointed to the body next to him on the table. "And what are we supposed to do with this information?"
"Smile of course" he told them. "We could use them to our advantage. The younger ones fled to the mountains leaving behind their precious cargo. I believe that if we can harness their blood, we can expand our powers even surpass the very creators it came from".
"You do realize that if they were able to acquire such power that it may have come with a price. The children of the forest are deadly creatures that we do not know the extent of. To interfere with their divine punishment would be catastrophic imbalance to us. The council has decided to disband your practice no one in Asshai shall ever again practice blood magic. Set the prisoners free and call for the others immediately have them leave this island".
Cattle could only bow as he watched them leave, the head of the church looked upon him grievously. He had nothing to his name anymore everything he had worked for was for the realization of a better world where they ruled. The idea wasn't even his own, before the valyrians came a man with a strange ability came before him. Claiming that all his desires would be at the tip of his fingertips if he just killed out an entire population and replace it with the valyrians breeding them with their own to make an army. He was promised power because why else would a man go to such crooked lengths, blooding his owns hands and staining his eyes with violence.
But nothing went Cattle's way because the little minx he brought to his home was smart and he was unable of prolonging her for long so he came up with a twist of lies spinning it around so that it would seem that they are the ones in danger. Now he was the one who stood at death's door.
Three days before the trial
"Can you believe how they cower?" old friend.
"Mere acquaintances... I wouldn't be so sure; we don't truly know if she's dead". Redworm sighed as he looked upon the mountain side. "Well regardless of the matter we can finally construct my idea. I want to know what makes them tick."
"I still can't believe you tricked them. An attack on the mages, they were truly gullible, and your acting couldn't have been more exquisite". Redworm kept his praises short for he wanted to know more.
"The galleys are combining for this effort are they not?" he asked. "Or should I call it the great reform".
Cattle smiled. "Call it whatever you like but one day you shall remember this old friend and know that it was I who started it all". Such games tend to leave one exposed on many fronts. He wondered hopefully for the safe return of Aerion. He would make a fine knight someday but for the others he could not say. Cattle had already departed when he began to write his letter.
Dear boy,
How the years have passed. I hope this letter finds you well for I bare bad news of your family. Some say they are hiding in the mountains away from Cattle who has kidnapped your elders. He plans to experiment on their dead corpses, to use their blood as an enhancer for mankind. During the capture Cattle was badly injured by Daemond firewyrm who died at the heel of his boots. I believe the venom in its bite has made him more delusional than ever or maybe I'm still getting to know the man. I think it is best you do not return I would hate to lose my prodigy. I fear I must also tell you this. Cattle never planned to attack the divisions only separate you. You were all gullible indeed but even I at this old age can tell when I am at a loss.
My Best Regards,
Redworm
"If what he says is true then we must return", Aerion demanded sword at the hip. "This letter was dated two months ago Aerion we may be too late". There was no time for quarrels as Vaemond hoisted the sails they were departing to Asshai hoping to get there in the cover of day.
On the third day of the New Year Aerion, Vaemond and our two unlikely heroes return to Asshai after receiving an urgent letter. Redworm claimed Cattle arrested the Valyrian elders in order to study their bodies contents. Disgusted and in need of vengeance. They made a detour back to the forsaken land earlier than planned on arriving. They found the port empty not a ship in sight. The place was deserted more than usual. It caused great suspicion and unease. Vaemond held back his crew asking them to sail out to the far end of the port while a small crew in six boats each waited for their return. Someone was whistling the sound became louder as they stepped toward the mountains their feet laid heavy on the concrete as they walked the stone path. Aerion took lead and divided the party one to the mountain and the other to Redworm cottage.
They could only hope.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone