Story entry 23 - Archbishop of the Second Order

Decimus was immovable in his stance, and as the Archbishop of all of the Second Order, he was not inclined to to take any risks. It was decided that Mr. Needle be the one to bring the Shadows to Baltimore, despite the hesitation from the elders. The Shadows had been called by many names and seen all over the world throughout time, but they had always been referred to as the Shadows to those that lived (and had once lived) in the Inmost - beneath the surface of the earth.

Mr. Needle never failed when he was given a task and this task was quite important to the elders of the Inmost. The Suvians that left the Inmost centuries ago, and chose to live among the humans, had become far too greedy with their position with the humans, and failed to see their proper place. They bartered for necessities from the Inmost, and hid among the humans, while they enjoyed the luxuries of both worlds. The beasts and fiends that held high positions had become displeased with the state of things for some time now, and took it upon themselves to shake things up and Decimus knew that the one best suited for the job at hand would be Mr. Needle, even if some of his piers did not agree.

Mr. Needle had a way of making his intentions clear and the Shadows were easy for him to control. He could fold in and out of reality with easy and his gaze just like the mystics, and if someone was ever so unlucky enough to meet his gaze directly, they would fall under his spell and loose track of time. They would do whatever was his will. This was why he always wore a hat with a full brim. His eye would be shielded until they were need for such tasks.
“All is done.” Mr. Needle reported.

The Archbishop smiled and all of his numerous eyes squinted with pleasure. “Wonderful. The council is so naive. They will bend without even knowing what they are doing. Frightened little fools. They have grown weak with all of their trust of rules and barter.”
“The Shadows will watch them all. They are eager to make you happy.”
“This is good. Very good indeed.”
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“I warn you though, there are those that suspect. The princess is not so easily entranced. I believe she could cause trouble.” Mr. Needle hovered and wringed his hands.
“I’ve dealt with her before and don’t think she will cross me again.” Decimus grinned. “It is also a good sign that we have a Wolf moon this evening. All will go as planned.”

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