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<![CDATA[Disclaimer: I do not own these guys, nor am I making any money
off of this. The concept of the confessor is from Terry
Goodkind's Sword of Truth novels. Also, I am drawing from Simon
R Green's book Blue Moon Rising for various magics too. (What a
combination)
Pairings: 1+2 3+4
Warnings: AU; none for this one, necessary evil of setting up
the plot
Archive: Yup, go ahead, let me know and I'll visit your site.
Note. Any and all spelling and grammatical errors are mine.
The Confessor Series
Prologue
General Treize Krushenada, Dictator of the eastern kingdom of Oz,
stared in consternation at the reports in his hand. The campaign
to conquer the neighboring kingdoms in the Midlands to the west
had been going smoothly for several years now and he had almost
accomplished his objective, total domination. After the initial
token resistance, each kingdom had been thoroughly crushed. His
army was unbeatable by anything the individual kingdoms could
offer. Treize had made sure of that.
Though wild magic occurred widely throughout the midlands, high
magic was prevalent in the east. So, in order to remove the
threat wild magic might have to his army, Treize had sent special
squads of soldiers to hunt down and kill those that had anything
to do with it. He had done so secretly about three years before
he began his invasion. Because of the destruction caused by
Treize's wizards to other magical beings, the midland kingdoms
were almost helpless to defend themselves. Each individual
kingdom did have it's own army, but without the support of the
beings of power, not one of the kingdoms could stand up to
Treize's army. And their own petty jealousies kept them from
uniting and fighting Treize as one unit. Thus they were doomed
when Treize turned his sights to them.
But now, even though he was one step away from total domination
of the midlands, he still felt trepidation. He had to conquer
each individual country as quickly as possible. The reports
coming in from the south were rife with warning. His predecessor
who had begun the campaign had died unexpectedly of heart
failure, and the investigators were unable to determine if it had
been natural or assassination of a magical nature. Treize had
doubled his security and magical wards.
Up until now, things were going as smoothly as possible. Then
two reports appeared on his desk, each one of them heralding a
change, though not even Treize could predict the far-reaching
affects they would have on the upcoming events.
The first one was the most concerning to the General. A battalion
of foot soldiers patrolling the southwestern border between Oz
and Golgatha near Chaska, led by General Padua, an old friend of
Treize had been attacked an wiped out to a man. Subsequent
investigations couldn't find a damned conclusive thing. It may
have been magic, or it may have been an exceptionally well
thought out attack.
The second report was less concerning, but still demanded
attention. A sighting of a powerful creature in the kingdom of
Chaska needed to be dealt with. He had thought they had
successfully wiped them out. But apparently they had missed one.
Well, he could solve this problem easily.
He called to his aide. "Please tell Captain Yuy to report to me
as soon as possible."
The aide saluted as left, reappearing some fifteen minutes later
with the slender dark-haired captain in tow.
The young man known as Captain Yuy, or Heero to those few that
knew him well, was an exceptional soldier. He never failed his
missions. He never failed period. He ate, breathed and slept
his duty. He was one of the few people Treize held with genuine
respect, and a little fear, though he would never show it.
"Have you heard about General Padua's battalion?" Treize starting
without preamble was not surprised by the affirmative nod.
Gossip spread faster than dust in a summer windstorm in any army.
"What do you make of it?"
Heero's cobalt eyes narrowed in thought. He knew he was being
tested, albeit gently. "It appears Golgatha might be making a
move."
Treize nodded in agreement. He knew they weren't ready, but if
this were the case they would have no choice but to fight. But
Treize hadn't called Heero in to discuss General Padua's demise.
The captain had another specialty.
"Have you seen the reports from Chaska?"
Heero shook his head. Trieze handed him the report and waited
while Heero skimmed the pages.
"It appears a creature has been spotted in several villages in
the area of the Korona Plains. There is no confirmation but we
can't take any chances that it may have anything to do with
Padua. I need you to investigate this. Be careful, but if you
can, bring it back alive for questioning." Treize hadn't even
planned that last part, usual standard of operation was to kill
it by any means necessary, but as soon as the words were out of
his mouth, he liked the idea. But most amusing was watching
Heero trying to keep his jaw clamped shut so it wouldn't scrape
the floor. Treize knew that he had gotten all the reaction he
could out of Heero for one session, but it was worth it.
Sometimes he said things just to see how far he could push
Heero's self control.
"Good luck Captain. Dismissed." Treize watched the young man
execute a perfect salute and turn and stride from the room.
After the door closed, he murmured, "You're going to need it."
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