"Of course, there is incentive in this for you. Success would make you both heroes for the rest of your lives. You'll be treated as royalty, better than, no doubt." The vizier commented without much emphasis. It was obvious how unlikely that would be. "The Crusaders will equip and train you in the basics of demonic warfare."<br/><br/>Lady Meldine cut in, "We can also help you to learn your own gifts as a blessed. We've helped a few learn more about themselves here, through Guine's ability."<br/><br/>The fat man nodded, "Yes, and from there, your task will be to track down the demon lord. As much as we know about demons, the Lord Ba'lor himself remains utterly veiled to us. His location is masked by more powerful magic than can be undone by mortals, and few have lived through the task of exploring demon controlled lands. The Blessed can. Find his stronghold, and we can make plans to storm it. In order to facilitate this task, we will perform whatever rituals are required once a month to bring you back from whatever death might befall you. Do you understand? Are there any questions?"<br/><br/>______________________<br/><br/>Ava awoke in a dark room, the musty smell of water and dust the first sense that hit her, followed by a mild headache. She'd find herself strapped down to a bed, her hands contained by cloth wrappings that made her fingers useless. Oddly, her hip did not hurt from where she had stabbed herself. Her mouth was also gagged, preventing more than the most<br/><br/>It took a few moments of her struggling for anyone to notice she was awake, a guard opening a slat on the door to look inside. The slat closed again quickly and the heavy wooden door slid inwards. A bulky Crusader walked into the room, much wider than Guine , though almost as tall. He pulled off his huge helmet to reveal a Minotaur, his horns cut down to fit beneath his slightly larger than average helmet.<br/><br/>"It's not often we have prisoners as pretty as you." His voice was surprisingly human, for a race of subterranean beast men said to be savages capable of only the most basic thoughts. His words echoed with an almost charming bravado, and a deep, barely human base. "I was told to have a talk with you about your true intentions, maybe convince you to join our cause willingly. Are you in the mood for that chat, or should I come by later?" He pulled Ava's gag out of her mouth to give her a chance to respond.