June, week 3; 6 months after The Start of The End

The Golden Stag was hit by a cacophony as he opened the door. Bacchanalia. A haven for monsters, spirits and deities seeking the ultimate discretion. He shut the door behind him as he stepped inside, letting the neon pink lighting wash over him. The foyer was filled with dozens of beings gathered in small groups, and nymphs fluttered about the space serving drinks. Eyes from the crowd glanced secretly in his direction. Everything that happened in this place was a secret, but was still widely known.

The Stag walked carefully through the crowd, projecting an aura of danger. Approaching the back of the foyer he walked beneath a series of marble columns, before reaching the open inner structure. Before the catastrophe this was a skyscraper; offices of an elite financial institution. Now it was a den of inequity. A massive circular hole had been carved through the center of the building, creating a balcony that gave a glimpse into the other levels. The Stag leaned over the makeshift railings bolted around the chasm, and glanced upon the revelry. Several floors below him a mass of dancers moved; thunderous house music played over muffled speakers, though all that could be heard was vague bass and a beat. Above them the next levels contained bars filled with shadowy figures. Glancing up The Stag saw the silhouettes of a Casino, and through the missing ceiling he saw the trunks of great trees above them. No sky could be seen past their foliage; the lights in this space came from within.z

“Thousands of distractions, and still I catch you looking at trees.”

Power radiated through the air, static built, and The Stag’s sensations heightened. He turned around, finding Liber behind him. The god was in a suit of white and gold, and was accompanied by two nymphs of the wood. He had a wide grin on his face; the kind which looked friendly, but gave warnings of danger.

“Thousands of distractions, and yet none can offer me a drink?” The Stag responded. Liber looked to a nymph, and she hurried to the closest bar.

“It’s been a long time.” Liber turned back to The Stag as he spoke “Rumors were going around that you were dead.”

“The only thing dead is my realm.” The Stag reached out to accept the drink offered by the returning nymph. He sipped it, savoring the burning taste of whiskey in his throat.

“Then you truly have abandoned the Ashen Throne.”

“No need to abandon a throne guarded by Ghosts. Those who enter typically don’t leave.”

Liber paused for a moment, a calculating look in his eye. “You aren’t here for a drink and a round at the tables I presume.”

“We’ll see how the night goes.” The Stag swirled his drink absentmindedly “And what knowledge you have of some other rumors I’ve heard.”

“That would depend on the rumors, I’ve heard many lately.”

“Rumors of warriors in silver?”

Liber’s expression hardened, and he gestured away his nymphs. He stepped closer to The Stag and put an arm around his shoulder, guiding him to look over the railing at the dancers below.

“Your broken heart will be the death of you” Liber’s voice dropped to a low whisper “Especially here. Especially now.”

“She’s been seen then.” The Stag matched Liber’s tone “Her and the Does.”

Liber looked over the crowd wistfully for a moment, a look which confirmed The Stag’s suspicions.

“You know I always liked your realm.” Liber looked up at the upper floors, a hint of weariness seeping into his voice. “Straightforward. To the point. None of the politics of your neighbors. You knew exactly what you were, and never tried to expand past that. Something was lost when it fell.”

“I’ve never known a god to be sentimental.”

“And I’ve never known a king who outlived his subjects.” Liber looked at The Stag with concern. “Don’t chase this lead, or you might join them.”

“A king is nothing without his people. I must find them.”

“I think you’ll find much more than them.”

The Stag felt hands suddenly on both his shoulders, and he was pulled backwards. His drink fell, shattering the glass, spilling liquor into the plush carpet. The Stag shoved at the hands, fighting as they hooked under his arms. He looked over his shoulder and saw two dull, brass helmets behind him. The figures yanked him backwards again, and the Stag stumbled. His escape attempts were futile however, and he was dragged forcefully towards the front door.

“Be careful what questions you ask.” Liber called after him “Not everyone is as polite as me.”

The Stag opened his mouth to reply, but was dragged out of the entryway before he could. The sound of Bacchanalia faded rapidly in the night, swallowed by the surrounding trees. Reaching the curb the Stag was thrust into a dingy van, landing on his backside. Springing forward as soon as he landed he made one final attempt to escape, before the side door was slammed in his face. He pulled at the handle in vain, then sat back in his trap. The van lurched forward, struggling slowly through the remains of the street. The Stag swore under his breath, pledging violence against Liber for his betrayal, and prepared to meet his captors.

AUTHORS NOTE:

In the months since The Start of The End many factions have emerged from the chaos, vying for control of constantly shifting international borders. Of these one of the most powerful has been the Greco-Roman fortress state Nova Roma, which was has sought to capture and keep the former territories occupied during Pax Romana. Supported by the allied Roman and Greek Pantheons, this territory has a variety of international front organizations (such as Bacchanalia) which collect intelligence and funding for their continued territorial expansion. This nation has largely avoided the destruction caused by the roving Holy Forces of the world through its incredibly strong defense, as well as its current house arrest of the majority of the Holy See in Vatican City. While initial territorial gains were swift following the collapse of multiple European governments, Nova Roma has struggled to expand beyond the north eastern Mediterranean coastline.

Episode Three takes place 6 months after The Start of The End.