The one acolyte that seemed disgusted with the uniforms the girls took went to each one of them and ripped the robe open from the neck down, stripping the girls to their undergarments and what strips remained around their bound arms and ankles he wouldn't free.<br/>"I quite fancy the elven one... but I think our Lord will want to question her as soon as possible." another said, giving Bremorel's breasts an appreciative squeeze before letting her slump over again.<br/>"Normally I'd say we knock them up before the beasts can breed them. Better to have a human's bastard than what those animals would give them. Still, being heretics and coldblooded murderers of Acolytes of Truth? I don't think they'll have to worry about nine months later."<br/><br/>The one acolyte that subdued Aleria shook his head. "We are above what those savages would do to their captives. Whatever punishment the Master sees fit for them I will carry out, but before that I'll only take them before him and nothing more. Their weapons seem like a fine bounty to me."<br/><br/>After putting the fire out and Samedi collecting the crow's bones, the group starts back to the Spire. On arrival, several acolytes and helpers leave to retrieve the bodies of the fallen and investigate the path further for any further hiding survivors. The girls are also stirring awake at this point, finding their arms and feet tied, their mouths gagged and possessions taken, whatever they were wearing stripped save for any underwear they had.<br/><br/>"Take them to the High Priest first. He shall decide their fates." one of Samedi's men suggested her. "He will surely be proud of your accomplishments, Sister. Especially bringing in an elf. I am sure you will be rewarded for such a deed."<br/>After that he excused himself to prepare rites for his fallen brethren while the others secured the prisoners. Their ankles were freed so they could walk, but that was about as much freedom as they got. They were lead, pulled along with a rope, as if dragged by leash, up the tower once more, together this time but with no hope of glory before them this time around.<br/><br/>The doors to the council chamber were open and Hagan was there, overlooking the work in the valley from the balcony. Sensing the approach of his servant he turned to face the girls, a smile appearing on his face. At this point the girls were all conscious enough to absorb the reality of the situation. The overwhelming presence of the High Priest washed over all of them again as he looked to each of them one by one, his gaze lingering on Bremorel for some time. Just like in the first encounter and in the vision, his presence was almost enthralling and even unwilling, the girls were following his every act and word with a disturbing sense of awe.<br/>Then, not yet seeming the need to address the visitors he moved to the crystal ball in the center or the chamber and activated the magic device that started to shimmer and glow, as if a gray haze was swirling within constantly.<br/>"I require your services." he spoke, but not to the girls. It was as if he was talking to the quietly humming orb embedded in the floor. "Soon. Two for now. Be ready."<br/><br/>Once he finished the most powerful man in the world turned to address the girls, but from his mannerisms and how he was carrying himself they might have been as well ants before him. With a look and a thought, Hagan released the spell he put on Samedi and waited for her to put everything together in her head.<br/>"You have done your work perfectly, little huntress. Your triumphant return honors me, as does your retrieval of such elusive prey. Tell me, how do you feel now, warrior? Not being led into hopeless battles, but embracing true power to find glory?" Samedi could tell there was honesty in that praise, and that she passed a test just now. The spell she was under was but a taste of power for her, and she gave herself up to that power. Now it seemed, she has proven herself to Hagan and could look forward to the rewards of joining the victor's side.<br/><br/>The graybeard walked in front of the prisoners and looked them each over one more time. Raising Hunter's face by the chin he gazed into her eyes, maybe her soul even.<br/>"How many of my acolytes have you murdered in this pointless endeavor? What was there to gain from this rebellion? You turned your blade on fellow humans, created division and chaos where there should have been unity and strength. Like your leader, you could have been part of humanity's greatest triumph since the forming of the First Empire, but instead you acted on a whim, out of a misplaced sense of freedom? Look what it brought you. The war will continue for many more years, the leaders of the nations are still not ready to work as one."<br/><br/>He stepped before Aleria, pulling her head back by her red hair, his old hand stern and strong, more as it should be, or humanly could be. He looked her in the eye and almost laughed at her.<br/>"A heretic and a witch, seeking power on her own. But look at you, do you really possess any power? In the end you are nothing but a frail little girl who can't even defend herself. It is women like you that the beastmen break first, though they prefer when they can put up a fight. I have yet to decide if I will give you to the inquisitors or the orcs. Neither treats your likes kindly, I can tell you that much."<br/><br/>Lastly, he walked before Bree and brushed some of her hair to the side, seemingly admiring her pointed ears and delicate features despite the dirt she was covered in.<br/>"Ah young half-elf, it has been some time before I met one of your kind. All I want to hear from you is everything you know of elves, as well as who your parents were. Your human blood may yet save you, so I ask you to cooperate."<br/><br/>The gags tied over the mouths of the prisoners were loosening then, and they came undone and fell to the stone floor by themselves at that point, as did all the ropes that bound them. Clearly, Hagan required the girls to talk for the next part and he didn't feel threatened in the least.<br/><br/>"Any of you who look within yourselves and pledge your eternal loyalty to me from the bottom of your hearts, will be absolved of your crimes and will be initiated into my order. Should you not make this choice or speak untrue, I cannot offer you mercy. Your former comrade also accomplished much under my guidance." he said, looking at Samedi "And she will be rewarded for her excellent service, with her hearts desire."