Snake Charmer Saga
House of Cards
Chapter One: Homecoming
By Richard LeBlanc
In an unknown city - far from Eco - Calloway found himself wandering through the familiar tunnels that led to Snake's inner sanctum. Every now and so often he would find himself privileged and honored - to be called home.
As he walked down the sandy floors of the stone tunnels - he would occasionally pass by one of Snake's elite temple guards in their ceremonial garb. More often than not they hid in shadows and avoided being seen - but in the odd event such as when he was called back they revealed themselves.
"The conquering hero returns," one guard stated.
"I'm no hero - just a soldier in his army," Calloway modestly replied.
"You always say that. Others would be far less modest," the guard stated shaking his hand. Calloway quietly laughed.
"We all serve in our own way," he replied as he continued on his way. As he neared the main chamber - he could hear the sounds of a celebration. He rounded the corner and saw the large iron door was down with three guards standing watch.
"Welcome home Calloway. We heard all about your latest victories," one stated.
"Take it from me - believe the lies - they are far more interesting," Calloway suggested. "Sounds like a party is going on in there. What's the occasion?" he asked.
"You can't be serious," One of the guards remarked.
"Snake said - Calloway - is coming home - damn it - there will be a party befitting when he gets here. He pulled out all the stops for this one," the guard stated with a smile.
"I do what I can," Calloway replied. The other guard present smiled as he lightly knocked on the door - slowly it began to open up. as it did - almost all activity stopped. When the door fully opened - the guards stepped aside. "Don't tell me I missed the party," he remarked. On the far side of the room - Snake - his mentor and high priest of the temple rose up and began to applaud. Everyone in the room began to do the same.
"Every time - there is a rumor - every time there is a quest. Not once - has he failed. Calloway - you are - an inspiration to our cause," Snake said proudly. With a wave of his hand - the party resumed. Calloway fished his way through the crowd to where Snake was. "Welcome home," he said.
"It is good to be back," Calloway said with a smile.
"I was worried for a spell - when you were mixed up with that Jest fellow. He is a dangerous one you know," Snake stated seriously. Calloway rolled his eyes as he took a chalice from a dancer that was serving drinks.
"You don't know the half of it," he said as he took a swig.
"Oh so? Then tell me everything," Snake said as he led him into the back room as the party continued in their absence.
A couple hours later - Calloway had told Snake of all the outlandish details he could remember from his encounter with Doctor Jest - as well as the happenings in his more recent mission.
"Squids and elephants? That boy must have lost his mind," Snake remarked. "But in spite of that - you succeeded," he added proudly. Calloway smiled and bowed his head.
"I do what I can," he replied.
"You do more than that. But - you say - you don't know for sure if Samuel is dead?" Snake asked curiously. Calloway sighed as he looked over at his mentor.
"Three of the four Giovani I know for certain will never see another night. But - the one you sent me there to kill - if he survived the fires and the collapse of the mansion - I couldn't say," he admitted.
"Fires?" Snake asked.
"Tanya - she busted in and saved me when that punk had me dead to rights. As an act of reprisal - he used a voice-activated bomb to level the place. Tanya said that when last she saw him - he was alive but was burning to death. A fitting fate for those that cross you," he replied.
"True - I had hoped for his death - but this might be more - beneficial. I will keep agents alert should Samuel resurface in the near to distant future. Perhaps he would be more willing to reason this time around," he rationalized.
"That was my thinking on the subject," Calloway added.
"But enough of that - was the weapon able to rid you of that ghost that bothers you so?' Snake asked curiously. Calloway lowered his eyes. "Oh dear - that would be no. What happened?" he asked.
"It was lost to the fires. When the building collapsed - it almost took me out. When Tanya carried me from the blaze - the weapon - it slipped from my pocket. I should have had it in a more secure place," he replied.
"Don't worry about it. Other - opportunities will arise," Snake reassured as he got up and walked over to where a portrait of Set was - or what one artists rendition of their god. Calloway studied his mentor and smirked.
"There was more to my being called home than my recent missions," he stated.
"That obvious?" Snake humorously asked.
"Why do I get the feeling that I won't like this one?" Calloway hesitantly asked.
"Why do you say that?' Snake rebutted.
"Because you wanted to tell me this one face to face. Normally you send a messenger. The only times you tell me a mission face to face is when the odds are near impossible," he answered.
"Yes - well - this is a - unique - sort of situation. Tell me - what do you know of the history of Eco?" he asked seriously. Calloway slowly got up and closed his eyes.
"How far back?" he rebutted.
"Two princes," Snake stated.
"I don't like the direction this is going," Calloway muttered.
"You know?" Snake asked.
"The clan that ruled the city before Man Basher of Brujah - was a man named Banks of Ventrue. Rumor had it that he did a hostile take over to steal power away from Axis - I think his name was and that a prank from Jest returned the city to Brujah rule," Calloway stated casually.
"Too true. Since that time - no Ventrue has been aloud to have dealings in Eco," Snake stated. Calloway groaned as he sat down.
"Please do not ask what I think you are asking of me," he requested.
"I need someone to open the eyes of the Brujah. I need someone to remind them that all clans need a say for a city that size to survive," he began.
"I am no diplomat," Calloway interrupted.
"I know that. But - the situation here - is unique. You see - a diplomat would be turned away or killed for trying to accomplish this - task," Snake stated. Calloway groaned and shook his head.
"He won't ask - he won't ask," he muttered to himself.
"I need someone like you," he continued.
"OH god - he's going to ask," Calloway moaned. Snake quietly laughed as he walked over and sat down beside him.
"I need someone that will be able to talk to the Brujah in a language they can understand. I need someone adept in the art of survival and success. This being said - tell me - who would be better suited to entertain such a venture?" Snake asked.
"Put me in a fight - I will be able to endure - put me in that sea of politics and red tape?" Calloway explained.
"You sell yourself short. You have had hands in the courts of princes on many occasions," Snake reminded.
"But - this is not where I excel. This is not where my abilities will best serve you or the cause. Every mission I have been sent on - I have come through - but ones where I danced amidst the social climbers - those I came dangerously close to failing," he reminded.
"Dangerously close - does not a failure make," Snake stated. Calloway sighed and shook his head. "If you don't think you can do this," he offered.
"What is the mission?" Calloway reluctantly asked.
"Two parts - one - you will be meeting up with a prodigy from the Ventrue clan. The kid is supposed to be a rising star on the level of Bill Gates if you follow my meaning. Protect this person with your life," Snake began.
"Will this person be using me as a human shield?" Calloway asked.
"No - it was well explained how this would be played out. You do the talking until the window opens," Snake explained.
"If Ventrue aren't welcome - and I am supposed to be talking with the prince - exactly how is A going to get to B?" he asked.
"Until set time - your escort will be a Caitiff. If it becomes public knowledge deal with it as best you can. If - worst case scenario - it comes down to you or set Ventrue - exit stage left. If you can get Man Basher to reason - by whatever means you have at your disposal - assist the Ventrue in building a power base. This mission is very important. Three Primogens from reputable cities desire a Ventrue presence in Eco - and will back our cause if such a thing can happen," Snake stated.
"Primogens - that brings up another problem," Calloway stated.
"How so?" Snake asked.
"In my short time in that area - I have had dealings with two Primogens - both less than friendly," Calloway replied.
"Which clans?" he asked.
"Malkavian - and Nosforatu," he answered.
"The rats could be problematic - the Mooks could blow either way. Tread with caution and you will do fine," he reassured.
"When would I leave for this - mission?" he asked.
"I promised the people a party that would run till dawn. Besides - you are nothing short of a legend to some of the newer initiates," Snake mused as he led Calloway back towards the party. "So for now - enjoy - tomorrow - your new quest will begin," he concluded as they reentered the party.
To Be Continued...
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1