It was only when they were filed into the great hall that the Kindred initiates began to worry. This was an unheard of break of routine—seeing other initiates, their white, hooded cloaks concealing their bodies entirely. Each one could feel the uncertainty of others. What was happening? An attack? Have the wolves finally rallied together?
…Chervengora, a mountain keep in his desolate country, in the Western outskirts of the Carpathians. For a long time it stood abandoned, dilapidated ruin of the glory of some Magyar noble, whose line ended in the turmoils of the early 20th century.
A place abandoned no longer. For it was here that the mysterious Ancient who called himself “Judas” took up residence after his defeat in the ravines of the Balkans over a decade ago. The human kine heard of the events as the Yugoslav wars, but they were not aware of their true significance. The arrival of Judas, an ancient Kindred of great power, leading cohorts of mercenaries, composed of Quei-Jin, as well as the vampires of the Ebony Knigdoms was such a threat to the games the Kindred played in Europe that ld rivalries were forgotten. Giovani, Tremere and Tzimizce—the three clan of hreatest Kindred mages have joined arms to crush the ancient upstart. His army was destroyed, but they have failed to kill him, as the alliance crumbled. Battered, defeated, but not broken, Lord Judas retreated here, into the centre of the untamed land between the Camarilla-held West and the Sabbat strongholds in the East—a land untamed due to the large number of werewolves.
It was here that he declared for the Anarch movement, claiming domain, offering shelter to all Kindred, and swearing to reclaim the land from the wolves. It was here he formed the White Fangs…
Great Hall felt hot, the lamps shone brightly in a place impenetrable by Sunlight, just like the rest of the keep. Novices stood still—each one of them with a story to tell, otherwise they’d never have made it past the cordons set up by both Sabbat and the Camarilla—neither sect wished to see Anarch strength grow. The White Fangs welcomed everyone, and there was always a place amongs the wolf hunters—provided you could prove your worth.
In a hushed silence, the footsteps of Lord Judas’ steel-heeled boots sounded especially ominous. As he entered the chamber, flanked as always by three of his best Quei-Jin bodyguards, each novice felt his dead heart shrinking inside. The lord stood still, eyeing the row of 20 or so fledglings in front of him. It was a while before he spoke.
“Treason”.
“For over a decade, my doors were open to any Kindred who sought refuge here. I have left the sects to their petty politicking, and I turned against our ancient foe. I had hoped, that they would see the sense in leaving me be. And so, it would seem, they have.
Until now”
Despite the discipline that was beaten into them, the novices cannot help but start murmuring, their sense of wonder evident.
“Several days ago, my guards have discovered a few curious items in close proximity to the keep. I believe them to be of interest to all of you.
A piece of paper are thrown on the ground. It looks like a letter, and certain parts are blacked out. But not the stamp at the bottom.
“The black hand.’ The phrase is repeated in fear. The most ruthless part of the Sabbat.
The letter reads
Brother
We have received your last report. This new advance in our Art will undoubtedly prove most useful—we finally have found the way to draw the sheep of the Camarilla onto the true path of Kaine. The designs you weave will leave the sheep no choice but to follow.
That is why I turn to you with regards to this next assignment. We have tracked down a pair of the accursed Baali.The demon-worshippers have attempted to establish themselves in Budapest, but we have driven them out. The coven was destroyed, exept for 2 Kindred. We chased them, but they broke through the cordon into the White fangs free ground.
Your task is simple. You nad your cell will infiltrate the keep as novices. You will then use your new craft to eliminate the demon-worshippers, as well as that nest of discontent.
Signed
As if this was not enough, the Lord then produces a second letter—this one with the unmistakable sceptre insignia of the Camarilla Ventrue.
Dear
Your previous services to the Camarilla have been invaluable, and it is your reputation that is the reason behind this summon. Our agent reported the existence of a new Baali cell in Budapest. Before we could carry out a proper operation, however, the Sabbat struck, and through their usual incompetence, the ringleaders broke free.we have reason to believe that a pair of them has sough refuge in the so-called “Free zone” in the domain of that malcontent Judas. As our best agent in the area, you are tasked with hunting down the demonic spawns and eradicating them. There are no doubts that once Judas finds out about their presence, the cordon will be closed, thus it is impossible to say if we will be able to provide additional assistance. Once the heinous Baali are eliminated, you are to eliminate the malcontents inside the keep. Bear in mind, the heretics are likely to be effective at disguising themselves, being able to mimic any Kindred they encounter. The have been on the Camarilla most wanted list for a while and their elimination is essential to the protection of the Masquerade.
We have full faith in your abilities
As the both letters were read, and the implications sunk in, the novices began to eye each other in a new light. Traitors were inside he keep, and they were among them. Lord Judas spoke again.
“I believe you now appreciate the problem. I will not tolerate the intrusion of the demon-worshippers. Nor will I stand for the meddling of the Sects”
As he speaks, the great entrance doors to the hall begin to close.
“For 14 years, the doors of my home were open to all. It is with great sadness I must break this tradition. The doors will remain closed until all traitors are dead. Which is how long you will stay here. Your sustenance will be provided, and each night, one of you will suffer Final Death. I will leave it up to you to decide who it will be”
The lord leaves, as do his guards. The doors close, leaving the true novices along with the traitors. The nights ahead will be full of blood, and no one knows how many will survive this trial.[/size]
This post has been edited by Path-Shaper: 16 April 2009 - 07:49 PM