Headed by a Snake

Anger and disappointment surged in Tycon's heart. He marched up to Levi, ignoring the wails of the literal demons around him and grabbed him by the collar, "What the hells do you think you're doing, Mister Levi?!"

The weretouched boy held the symbol away as if trying to protect it from Tycon, "This is the only thing of worth in the whole sodding temple!"

Tycon narrowed his eyes. What was the point of the boy's incessant thievery? Even on the Saltspray island, he only endangered himself because he tried to steal some mundane items from the pirates. If the boy wanted to steal something, the payoff should be worthwhile! The burnished icon he held wasn't even worth 10 silver coins-- and maybe 2 for its base materials.

Comparatively, the halberd that Tycon had lent him for *free* cost 20 or 30 silver.

Wolfbanger's glare of defiance alerted Tycon that he would not be convinced in a short amount of time.

Tycon shoved the boy, releasing him from his grip, "Get to the demons."

"Aye aye, Boss," the boy muttered, adding a few more choice words underneath his breath.

Tycon turned to the crestfallen priest, his head bowed, his temple falling apart, and his prayers unanswered...

"You... what have you done?" The priest looked up tearfully, "The demons have come to destroy this world... starting with Brume."

Tycon shut his eyes and grasped the priest's shoulder tightly, "Forgive me, Priest, but now is not the time to give into despair."

Villiers looked up in confusion, "It-it's not?"

Tycon inwardly groaned. Villiers was in a state of shock. At least that would make him easier to convince... if he wasn't halted by fear, anyroad.

"Your faith has been tested." Tycon unsheathed his Saltspray pirate cutlass and offered the hilt, "Circumstances have dictated that you reinforce your faith, not with prayer, but with action."

The priest's eyes dilated as he stared down at the weapon, "But... I--"

Tycon frowned, "As it is, the temple is the battlefield--"

"Because YOU opened the RIFTS!!" Villiers was livid.

"That is beside the point, Priest Villiers-- this is your battlefield. Every sword counts. And I highly doubt you've taken an oath of nonviolence," Tycon pushed the hilt forward.

The priest pursed his trembling lips, "I've... never held a sword in my life."

"Paladins commonly use swords because of their versatility and ease of use. Take it. Defend your temple against the demon hordes."

Villiers gingerly took hold of the offered cutlass. Tycon stepped back, allowing him to swing it, feeling its weight. The priest stared as if he was dreaming... "With my own hands?"

"That's right, Priest." Tycon smirked, "Show the gods the strength of your faith."

Tycon ducked a wide swing from a black-horned demon's claws. Rotating his body, he hooked an arm around the demon's neck and shoulder. With his free hand, he snapped his fingers.

[Commander's Strike activated]

Mana filled the priest's form as he raged forward, "I will DEFEND this place with my LIFE!!"

The cutlass sank into the demon's chest and pierced its heart, its tip stopping at Tycon's chest armor. Tycon readjusted his grip on the demon and tossed it across the room, sending it tumbling into one of the open rifts.

Lulu winked at Tycon, who nodded back. With a wave of her hand, the bloodied temple walls clamped the rift closed, sealing the black-horned demon away.

Tycon nodded to Villiers, "Well done, Priest. We'll see this through, yet."

"I am the instrument of divine justice, born to this realm to PURGE the evils from MY LANDS!!" the priest screamed, charging towards the nearest stubby-legged demon.

Tycon pursed his lips and looked at his snapping hand. Had he influenced Villiers too strongly?

He turned to Sasha, who was watching warily from beside the priest, "Sasha, cast a blessing and... use a Cure spell on that fellow, if necessary."

The white-haired elf nodded, the standing clump of hair on her head bobbing as she did, "Ssss.... snake god. Guide our--- guide usssss..."

A light thrum of power boosted Tycon's senses. He turned to observe both Lone and Wolfbanger slaughtering with efficiency. Lulu continued to chant her sealing spells. Villiers screamed a holy chant as he charged at another single demon.

He activated his spatial ring to summon the Shatterspike into his hands. The battle was not yet over.

...

Several minutes later, the battle was over. The demons were killed or sent back to the hells whence they came. The interior of the temple was covered in guts and gore, its furniture smashed and smoldering. The battle had been won and without casualties.

Great success.

Villiers, a mess of cuts and claw marks, broke down sobbing in prayer. It seemed the excitement was too much for him. The man didn't seem to incur any threatening injuries, so Tycon kept his mana for Lone's and Wolfbanger's wounds.

Tycon did feel a semblance of guilt for putting the priest through so much trouble, "You can... keep the cutlass. It's now literally a demon-slaying sword."

The cutlass was worth more than the donation box and the stolen holy symbol combined. He would have rather kept it... and the priest would have rather not had his temple ruined.

Compromise was key to healthy relationships.

The priest continued to sob quietly. Tycon took the lack of response as an acceptance.

Tycon nodded politely to his demonic ally, "Miss Lulu, I have need of your help."

"What's up, Boss? Need to get off?" The woman extended a long tongue.

"No. No, I do not." Tycon frowned, "I need a Teleport Circle."

"Ohhhh! Sure thing, Boss. But you gottttaaaa payy the cooooOOoost~!!" Lulu winked.

Tycon narrowed his eyes, "Which... is?"

"Blue diamonds, usually. I need a consumable focus-- it's the only way I know how to cast it," she shrugged.

Tycon cradled his chin in thought. Though he had the money, he was loath to spend it. The trip to Beaurte would be another several suns unless another caravan stopped by Brume... and then he'd have to travel to a city with a Windwright's guild to book passage on an airship.

"If... if I may," Villiers had recovered somewhat. He swept back his sweat-matted hair back to see, worry and a tinge of fear still apparent.

"What have you, demon-slayer?" Tycon raised an eyebrow.

The priest wrung his hands, chuckling in his embarrassment. A deep look of pain was still set into his eyes, along with a single sparkly tear that Tycon prayed was hope or inner strength, "There is a magic tower some malms north. Perhaps they could assist you with your magical focus?"

Tycon nodded. He could use the tower to channel Wolfbanger's kleptomania. Once he was sated, then perhaps he would be more useful.

The priest continued, "A young woman had gone missing recently-- perhaps you could investigate that, as well?"

It was a reasonable request, "The half-elf you mentioned earlier? Agreed, Priest Villiers. Tell us what you know and we'll set off."