The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows
The Imperium Chronicles: Whispers of Lost
Background:
Since Medieval times the Imperium found itself opposed by a disorganised group calling themselves ‘The Hunters’ – individuals trained within small communities that grew tired of the Cultist group that the Imperium represented, the influencing of powerful Kings and Queens, the manipulation of governing bodies that benefited the landowners over the peasants, the rise of corruption wherever the Imperium would appear – despite being disorganised though, the ‘Hunters’ provided effective.
Using various methods they developed training systems to further their goals, despite being isolated in small groups the only thing that would provide them any form of cohesion was simply the name and a unique approach they developed into a non-lethal method of disabling an opponent that was so often seen as ‘magic’.
Introduction:
12th of June, 1673 A.D.
The Greek Heartland
Across the sun baked ground dust motes danced within the light of the sun across the ancient ruined city, swirling around fallen columns and fractured pediments; Bahaeddin an Ottoman Turk, his face covered by a thin layer of fabric emerged from olive groves that clung precariously to the mountainside, his dark eyes scanned the horizon, searching.
He was a ‘Hunter’, relatively inexperienced and thrust into a conflict he barely understood all he knew was the name ‘Imperium’ and how they were the enemy, his education on them didn’t go much beyond them being a shadowy organisation that could control Foreign Kings and Queens or even the Sultans of his homeland.
Wrapped within traditional Ottoman attire with a blend of light, distinctive robes that fluttered about from the easy breeze that made the heat a little more bearable; his hand rested in preparation against the hilt of his Kilij, it was a reassuring weight; a comfort in a land that was alien to him, this was his first time venturing beyond Anatolia.
Tucked beneath his top were ornate, fragile shells – the only real, and physical tangible link to the scattered network of ‘Hunters’ who worked in opposition to the Imperium, and his final hidden weapon, was his Yatagan Knife, a gift from his uncle.
As he rounded the crumbling wall he saw them; an Englishman, tall and imposing wearing travel-worn clothes, but, they held a distinctively English look that stood out; beside him was a woman, her long dark hair cascading down her back, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear an apprehension.
The Englishman’s hand rested against the pommel of a basket-hilted sword, his posture radiated vigilance, that wasn’t the only weapon Bahaeddin saw; he could make out two Flintlock pistols peaking from behind his waist, they looked relatively new even from the distance he was stood at, before Bahaeddin spoke, the Englishman drew his sword; it’s polished steel glinting within the harsh light of the sun “Halt!” he snapped “What business do you have in this place” his voice was sharp, laced with distrust
Chapter 1:
Raising his eyebrow; it took a moment for the Englishman’s words to process for Bahaeddin – it wasn’t a language he was use too, he decided to raise’s his hands slowly, his palms open and towards the Englishman “Guardian” he replied, his voice a low rumble, slowly, he eased one of the fragile shells from beneath his robe, holding it out for the Englishman to see it’s intricate design as it glinted from the sunlight
The Englishman studied the shell intently; he recognised it, despite the Turkish flare to it.
His gaze though was unwavering, but, the tension in his shoulders eased slightly, he sheathed the sword, his eyes remained fixed on Bahaeddin, after a moment though he finally looked to the woman by his side “This…, is unexpected” shifting his gaze back to the Turk, he and his companion slowly approached, Bahaeddin also moved, once they neared, the Englishman held his hand out “I am Nathaniel, and this is Agatha”
Agatha; a local of the Greek land, eyed Bahaeddin with suspicion as he shook hands with Nathaniel, her gaze darted back and forth, but she remained physically close to the Englishman, almost like a silent plea for protection within her stance and physical closeness
“Bahaeddin” the Turk replied as he accepted Nathaniel’s handshake his grip firm, slowly his gaze drifted across the ruins before returning back to Nathaniel “Uh…, what, brings you to forsaken lands like these?” he questioned, though each word carefully chosen as he gestured around the crumbling grandeur of a once proud city, now lost to ruination and time
Nathaniel’s gaze hardened “You know why” he said, his eyes assessing Bahaeddin “We represent the same thing you and I; we are ‘Hunters’ of the Imperium”
Agatha, her brow furrowed, looked towards Nathaniel “Hunters?” she questioned “What do you speak of Agápi”
Bahaeddin observed Agatha carefully, regarded her closeness to the Englishman – he shifted his gaze back to Nathaniel carefully.
Nathaniel, shifted his attention for a moment towards Agatha “It is difficult to explain; we represent so many different aspects in a fight against the Imperium and their Dark Master; warriors, soldiers even scholars, we are a…., disorganised group trying to prevent the return of an Ancient being from returning”
Nathaniel thought for a moment “While we share a common goal, so often does human nature interfere; Religious indifferences, distrusts due to differences in ones place of origin, perhaps even more simplistic as ones political views on being loyal to our lord and master or the land itself; we are so often divided when we should stand together”
Bahaeddin nods in agreement “We…, tend to be isolated in our own communities, forbidden from sharing our knowledge”
“Well.., not entirely true; one tool we use marks us” reaching with into a pouch along his hip, he draws out a small object safely wrapped within some fabric, drawing out a similar fragile shell that was almost identical to the one Bahaeddin was holding; thought, its decoration was much more distinctively English with a subtle blend of Celtic roots present – kneeling down, he placed it on the ground, Bahaeddin copying – Agatha curious moved a little closer, kneeling to get a better look
As Agatha examined the two egg-shaped shells with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, she finally moved her gaze back to Nathaniel “What are they…, are they magikós?”
Nathaniel chuckled shaking his head “Not Magic, no” he answered “They are just egg shells with a powdered substance inside them; designed to blind an opponent, but they also serve as a way to identify our own, to tell friend from foe”
“Each of our own has its it method and design” Nathaniel added; indicating to the different design between his English decoration to the Turkish decorations “We use things available that we can grind down into a fine powder, I have heard that some new discoveries in the New World can create a powerful burning sensation if it gets into the eyes, I hope acquire some of these one day”
Chapter 2:
Bahaeddin retrieved the shell from the floor returning it back within the same spot hidden beneath his robes “This place….” He said gesturing towards the ruined temple; it’s marble bleached white “The Imperium seeks something inside” there was a pause as he thought carefully on his next words “We work together?”
Nathaniel collected the shell from the ground; Agatha moving back to his side.
His eyes shifting momentarily towards the ruined façade “Are you prepared for what we may find inside there Bahaeddin; this could be a Celestial’s prison, a place of immense and ancient power; it will be guarded…” his gaze returned back to Bahaeddin
Bahaeddin met his gaze with a flicker of resolve that hardened his features “I’m ready” he said as he nodded, his eyes though softened as he looked towards Agatha “Perhaps the woman should stay here; less dangerous out here”
Nathaniel shook his head “No; if left alone out here, she would be vulnerable; she is a guide, not a fighter, and should the Imperium happen upon this ruin, she would have no means to defend herself”
Agatha quickly laced her arms around Nathaniel’s drawing herself physically against him – she looked at Bahaeddin with distrust, as if sensing a darkness within him.
Bahaeddin conceded “I did not think of that”
A palpable tension hung within the air as the trio approached the temple entrance; the threshold was marked by crumbling columns and a shattered lintel – a silent testament to the ravages of time, pausing, there was a collective hesitation before they crossed the line from the known into the unknown.
As they entered, there was a drastic shift as the air grew cold, very cold – a considerable difference to the warmth outside, there was an oppressive, heavy silence that descended, broken only by the sounds of their own breathing.
Agatha shivered, pulling closer to Nathaniel “I don’t like this place” she whispered, her voice was barely audible
Nathaniel squeezed her hand reassuringly “Stay close” he told her, his eyes scanning the shadows that clung to the walls, they finally began to walk, their footsteps echoing eerily in the vast, empty halls – Bahaeddin looked towards the very things providing them with light, a question at the back of his head had begun to form, but it didn’t yet quite click; the wall scones that lit their way were an oddity, yet he couldn’t work out why he had become suspicious of them
Eventually though that question would finally reach the front of his mind ‘How were they already lit?’ his eyes scanned the hallways carefully, it felt as though they were on a downwards direction, yet the halls themselves looked no different from when they first came in – despite the ‘normalcy’ something just felt wrong.
Chapter 3:
Deeper and deeper they ventured into the heart of the temple; the oppressive atmosphere seemed to intensify, it grew heavier each step taken; force to improvise; Nathaniel lights a torch up, its dancing flames however struggled to penetrate the darkness they also noticed how less and less the scones adorning the walls had become, becoming increasingly scares the deeper they had travelled, they were being led into an icy darkness that pressed on them in all directions.
After a long period of silence though; it was Agatha that spoke first, her eyes drifting across the darkness as she remained close to Nathaniel “I feel like we’re being watched” she whispered, her eyes wide, a hint of terror present
Nathaniel swept the torch across, barely illuminating the walls it revealed grotesque carvings which adorned them, carvings that seemed to writhe within shadow “Don’t touch anything” Nathaniel commanded, his voice sharp and urgent
Bahaeddin frowned, shifting his gaze “Perhaps the ‘Guardians’ are still present within this temple,…”
“Or perhaps we’re being observed by the imprisoned inhabitants” Nathaniel countered “Celestial power always leaves a mark” he added, continuing forwards “Keep moving, and do not touch anything”
Finally though; there was a glimmer of light that appeared ahead; a beacon within the oppressive darkness, but, Nathaniel was sceptical, Bahaeddin rushed forwards emerging into a large chamber, its walls were bathed in an eerie glow, luminescent crystals littered the floor, a strange mist floated above them making the walkways very distinguishable, narrow, almost as if purposely designed to ensure that people had to move in a single-filed line, the light cast strange shadows that played tricks on the eye and at the very centre was a pedestal with intricately carved symbols that looked inhuman, further solidifying it as otherworldly, atop of the pedestal was a chest, its surface adorned with the same intricate symbols carved carefully into its surface.
Without thinking, Bahaeddin surged forwards, drawn by an irresistible force; Nathaniel quickly grabbed his arm, yanking him back roughly “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he hissed, his voice tight with anger
Bahaeddin looked to Nathaniel, his expression confused, gesturing towards the chest “It is there; we should examine it”
Nathaniel shook his head vehemently “No!, touch anything in this place and it will bring death on us; our role is to safeguard, to ensure it does not fall into the hands of the Imperium; we do not interact with it!”
Bahaeddin stared towards the chest; a strange allure pulling at him whispers echoed within his head, urging him to open it, to unlock its secrets, shifting his gaze to Nathaniel, he could see the warning in his eyes, the threat of violence if he disobeyed “Turn back Bahaeddin” Nathaniel commanded, his voice low and dangerous “I shall finish what we came to do; I no longer trust you to approach this safely”
Insulted and compelled by the voices within his head, Bahaeddin drew his kilij, it’s still blade flashing in the eerie light.
Nathaniel, anticipating the betrayal reacted immediately, his hand pulling free one of the fragile shells, breaking it in his grip as he threw his hand forwards; a cloud of finely grounded ash and mustard powder, engulfed Bahaeddin’s face, blinding him, causing him to drop the sword and react with his hands clawing at his eyes in desperation.
Nathaniel seized the moment; shoving Bahaeddin back out into the hallway with a brutal shoulder barge – Nathaniel then turned, gently grabbing Agatha’s wrist and pulling her with him as he retreated out of the chamber.
Escaping the chamber; the temperature seemed to plummet further; their breath misting as things began to feel icy, the oppressive atmosphere intensified, the sense of dread grew priming the senses with a desire to run, Nathaniel’s eyes fell onto Bahaeddin, realising he was being driven by the unseen, and he was now nothing more than a risk; the Temple, or the force within, was exploiting his inexperience, his desire to prove himself, his weaknesses
Nathaniel was torn; he needed to protect Agatha, but he couldn’t just leave Bahaeddin to whatever malevolent influence had taken hold; though, a chill crept up his spine at distant sound, a guttural growl that echoed from the depths of the temple, it was getting closer, the situation escalating, spiralling
Turning his eyes to Agatha then back to Bahaeddin he held the fiery torch out for her, she quicky realised what he was doing, taking it with her gently grip to hold it for him as he helped Bahaeddin up to his feet slowly, they began to move, they needed to escape, with the distant growls and that increasing sense of dread, Nathaniel also knew of another possible threat to their escape; the temple acted like a labyrinth its walls were known to move, it was designed to entrap powerful beings beyond human comprehension, if such a design could hold them, then it would certainly hold an ordinary person without much issue.
Nathaniel clung to a sliver of hope that he could get them out but, the worry they could be trapped was equally overwhelming, the response had come from Bahaeddin’s inner desire to prove himself, and Nathaniel was blind to the possibility he may have to leave him behind to ensure escape.
Written By: Westley H.
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